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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The revised Tokuhashi score has been widely used to evaluate indications for surgery and predict survival in patients with metastatic spinal disease. Our aim was to analyse the actual survival time of patients treated for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) in comparison with the predicted survival based on the revised Tokuhashi score. This would thereby allow us to determine the overall predictive value of this scoring system. ⋯ We would conclude that although the predictive value of the Tokuhashi score in terms of survival time is at best modest (66 %), the fact that there were statistically significant differences in survival between the groups looked at in this paper indicates that the scoring system, and the components which it consists of, are important in the evaluation of these patients when considering surgery.
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Percutaneous spine procedures may occasionally be difficult and subject to complications. Navigation using a dynamic reference base (DRB) may ease the procedure. Yet, besides other shortcomings, its fixation demands additional incisions and thereby defies the percutaneous character of the procedure. ⋯ Percutaneous spine interventions can be safely and accurately navigated using epiDRB with minimal trauma or radiation exposure and without additional skin incisions.
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Comparative Study
Pre- and post-operative sagittal balance in idiopathic scoliosis: a comparison over the ages of two cohorts of 132 adolescents and 52 adults.
Retrospective study of a prospective clinical and radiological database of subjects with adolescent (AIS) and adult (AS) idiopathic scoliosis undergoing surgical correction by posterior approach. ⋯ A decrease of cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis is commonly associated with AIS. The anterior unbalance frequently found in AIS does not seem to have the same significance of severity as in AS. In AIS PI does not change the balance criterions, while in AS the severity of unbalance is increased with higher PI. TLK seems to be a way of worsening the balance in elderly, mainly in lumbar and thoraco-lumbar scoliosis with low PI. Surgical correction of the thoracic and lumbar spine in AIS induces significant changes in the sagittal spino-pelvic profile. Changes in the cervical sagittal profile vary according to the pre-op sagittal profile of the thoracic kyphosis. Cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis are improved by surgical correction in subjects with pre-operative hypokyphosis, but a reverse effect is noted in those with normal pre-operative kyphosis. The clinical significance of these changes in sagittal shape remains to be determined. In AS, it appears easier to restore a good balance in the lower PI population than in those with less pre-operative unbalance.
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Comparative Study
Computer tomography assessment of pedicle screw placement in thoracic spine: comparison between free hand and a generic 3D-based navigation techniques.
Although pedicle screw fixation is a well-established technique for the lumbar spine, screw placement in the thoracic spine is more challenging because of the smaller pedicle size and more complex 3D anatomy. The intraoperative use of image guidance devices may allow surgeons a safer, more accurate method for placing thoracic pedicle screws while limiting radiation exposure. This generic 3D imaging technique is a new generation intraoperative CT imaging system designed without compromise to address the needs of a modern OR. ⋯ In conclusion, 3D navigation-assisted pedicle screw placement is superior to free hand technique in the thoracic spine.
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Posterior pedicle screw instrumented correction and fusion have become the gold standard in the surgical treatment of thoracic scoliosis. However, in thoracic Lenke type C curves selective posterior fusion of the thoracic curve may lead to spinal imbalance. The aim of the study was to analyse the radiological results of selective anterior thoracic fusion using a standard open dual rod technique with special respect to spontaneous lumbar curve correction (SLCC). ⋯ Selective anterior correction and fusion in primary thoracic curves with lumbar modifier type Lenke C resulted in a reliable and satisfactory SLCC. Advantages of anterior versus posterior techniques are the true segmental derotation with excellent rib hump correction and a superior restoration of thoracic kyphosis.