European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Spine surgery entails a wide spectrum of complicated pathologies. Over the years, numerous assistive tools have been introduced to the modern neurosurgeon's armamentarium including neuronavigation and visualization technologies. In this review, we aimed to summarize the available data on 3D printing applications in spine surgery as well as an assessment of the future implications of 3D printing. ⋯ Despite promising preliminary results, the applications of 3D printing are so recent that the available data regarding these new technologies in spine surgery remains scarce, especially data related to long-term outcomes.
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Spondylodiscitis is a severe condition where standalone antibiotic therapy resolves most cases. In refractory infections, open surgery may aid with infection debulking. However, significant morbidity can occur. Nowadays, endoscopic approaches are emerging as an alternative. However, until now, only small-scale studies exist. Being so, we carried the first systematic review on spondylodiscitis endoscopic debridement indications, technique details, and outcomes. ⋯ The endoscopic debridement of spondylodiscitis seems to be an effective and safe approach for refractory spondylodiscitis. A novel approach with initial endoscopic infection debulking and antibiotic therapy could improve the success of spondylodiscitis treatment.
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A single-centre retrospective study. ⋯ Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.
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The application of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) to diagnose acute traumatic cervical SCI has not been studied. This study explores the role of MRI with DTI-DTT in the diagnosis of acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). ⋯ The combination of conventional MRI with DTI-DTT is a valid diagnostic approach for SCI. Lower IMLL and IMHL, and higher FA value and CRFT are linked to better neurological outcomes.