Asian spine journal
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Asian spine journal · Aug 2020
Principles for Managing Patients with Spinal Ailments in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era: What Do We Know So Far? An Evidence-Based, Narrative Review.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected all specialty practices in medicine, including the field of spinal surgery. Spinal surgery is unique in that the procedures include not only fully elective and fully emergent interventions, but also involve a separate group of semi-emergent surgeries, where delayed intervention may lead to permanent neurological deficits. Here, we present an evidence-based review on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on spinal surgery and our current knowledge about this issue. ⋯ Outpatient care has been gradually shifted from physical visits to tele-health and online consultations. General recommendations have favored the conservative approach over surgeries, although no patient should be deprived of standard care owing to concerns about COVID. The general principles followed by spine surgeons should include early detection of COVID symptomatology; triaging of patients based on underlying spinal pathology; prescription of appropriate investigations to confirm the COVID status; isolation, as needed; selection of optimal management method as per the guidelines; adherence to best intraoperative practices; and ensuring protective measures for non-infected patients, family members, fellow heath care providers, and themselves against the disease.
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Asian spine journal · Jun 2020
The Sagittal Balance of the Cervical Spine: Radiographic Analysis of Interdependence between the Occipitocervical and Spinopelvic Alignment.
This was a prospective clinical study. ⋯ Our results indicate significant interdependence between the spinopelvic and cervical alignment, especially in cervical symptomatic patients. In addition, strong correlation was found between the C7 SVA and C2C7 Cobb angle. Overall, the results of this study could help to better understand the cervical sagittal alignment and serve as preliminary data for planning surgical reconstruction procedures.
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Asian spine journal · Jun 2020
Spine Surgical Procedures during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Is It Still Possible to Take Care of Patients? Results of an Observational Study in the First Month of Confinement.
Observational study. ⋯ During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible to maintain spine surgical activity. Each surgical procedure must be discussed and organized with all the caregivers involved. Indications for surgery must be in line with the scientific guidelines and adapted to each healthcare facility.
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Asian spine journal · Apr 2020
Advice on Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment for Spinal Diseases during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak started in December 2019 that caused difficulties for clinical work. Practical work experience in our spinal outpatient and emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic is summarized in this article, with combined evidence-based medical evidence to explore a standardized process of diagnosis and treatment for spinal diseases. ⋯ We hope that our experience in prevention and control of COVID-19 can help spine surgeons globally in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Spine surgeons should collaborate with infection control specialists to avoid cross-infection in hospitals and optimize treatment.
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Asian spine journal · Feb 2020
Does the Application of Topical Intrawound Vancomycin Powder Affect Deep Surgical Site Infection and the Responsible Organisms after Spinal Surgery?: A Retrospective Case Series with a Historical Control Group.
Retrospective case series with a historical control group. ⋯ Although the difference in the SSI rates was not statistically significant, the present results suggest that TIVP administration could not reduce the risk of deep SSIs after spinal surgery. Moreover, TIVP administration might also affect the underlying pathogens by increasing the propensity for gram-negative species.