Predisposing Factors for Intraoperative Endplate Injury of Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion

Study DesignRetrospective study.PurposeTo compare intraoperative endplate injury cases and no injury cases in consecutive series and to identify predisposing factors for intraoperative endplate injury.Overview of LiteratureUnintended endplate violation and subsequent cage subsidence is an intraoperative complication of extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF). It is still unknown whether it is derived from inexperienced surgical technique or patients' inherent problems.MethodsConsecutive patients (n=102; mean age, 69.0±0.8 years) underwent XLIF at 201 levels at a single institute. Preoperative and immediately postoperative radiographs were compared and cases with intraoperative endplate injury were identified. Various parameters were reviewed in each patient and compared between the injury and no injury groups.ResultsTwenty one levels (10.4%) had signs of intraoperative endplate injury. The injury group had a significantly higher rate of females (p=0.002), lower bone mineral density (BMD) (p=0.02), higher rate of polyetheretherketone as cage material (p=0.04), and taller cage height (p=0.03) compared with the no injury group. Multivariate analysis indicated that a T-score of BMD as a negative (odds ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.93; p=0.03) and cage height as a positive (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.17; p=0.03) were predisposing factors for intraoperative endplate injury.ConclusionsIntraoperative endplate injury is correlated significantly with reduced BMD and taller cage height. Precise evaluation of bone quality and treatment for osteoporosis might be important and care should be taken not to choose excessively taller cage

Cage subsidence in lateral interbody fusion with transpsoas approach: intraoperative endplate injury or late-onset settling

Introduction: Few studies have investigated the influence of cage subsidence patterns (intraoperative endplate injury or late-onset cage settling) on bony fusion and clinical outcomes in lateral interbody fusion (LIF). This retrospective study was performed to compare the fusion rate and clinical outcomes of cage subsidence patterns in LIF at one year after surgery. Methods: Participants included 93 patients (aged 69.0±0.8 years; 184 segments) who underwent LIF with bilateral pedicle screw fixation. All segments were evaluated by computed tomography and classified into three groups: Segment E (intraoperative endplate injury, identified immediately postoperatively); Segment S (late-onset settling, identified at 3 months or later); or Segment N (no subsidence). We compared patient characteristics, surgical parameters and fusion status at 1 year for the three subsidence groups. Patients were classified into four groups: Group E (at least one Segment E), Group S (at least one Segment S), Group ES (both Segments E and S), or Group N (Segment N alone). Visual analog scales (VASs) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) were compared for the four patient groups. Results: 184 segments were classified: 31 as Segment E (16.8%), 21 as Segment S (11.4%), and 132 as Segment N (71.7%). Segment E demonstrated significantly lower bone mineral density (-1.7 SD of T-score, p=0.003). Segment S demonstrated a significantly higher rate of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages (100%, p=0.03) and a significantly lower fusion rate (23.8%, p=0.01). There were no significant differences in VAS or in any of the JOABPEQ domains among the four patient groups. Conclusions: Intraoperative endplate injury was significantly related to bone quality, and late-onset settling was related to PEEK cages. Late-onset settling demonstrated a worse fusion rate. However, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes among the subsidence patterns

Nonunion of Transpsoas Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using an Allograft: Clinical Assessment and Risk Factors

Introduction: This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical influence of - and to identify the risk factors for nonunion of transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) with use of allograft. Methods: Sixty-three patients who underwent transpsoas LLIF (69.8 ± 8.9 years, 21 males and 42 females, 125 segments) were followed for a minimum 2 years postoperatively. For all LLIF segments, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages packed with allogenic bone were applied with supplemental bilateral pedicle screws (PSs). Bone bridge formation was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) 2 years postoperative, and a segment without any bridge formation was determined to be a nonunion. Sixty-one participants (96.8%) were classified into two groups for clinical evacuation: Group N that contained one or more nonunion segments and Group F that contained no nonunion segment. Visual analogue scales (VAS) scores and the effective rates of the five domains of the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) were compared between Groups N and F. The risk factors for nonunion were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Twenty segments (16%) were diagnosed as nonunion. There were no significant differences in all VAS scores, and the ratio of effective cases in all domains of JOABPEQ between Group N (n = 14) and F (n = 47). Multivariate analysis identified percutaneous PS (PPS) usage (odds ratio [OR]: 3.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-8.68, p = 0.028) as a positive risk factor for nonunion. Conclusions: We should be aware of the higher nonunion rate in the LLIF segments supplemented with PPS, though nonunion does not affect significantly clinical outcomes at 2 years postoperative

Understanding Retroperitoneal Anatomy for Lateral Approach Spine Surgery

Lateral approach spine surgery provides effective interbody stabilization, and correction and indirect neural decompression with minimal-incision and less invasive surgery compared with conventional open anterior lumbar fusion. It may also avoid the trauma to paraspinal muscles or facet joints found with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion. However, because lateral approach surgery is fundamentally retroperitoneal approach surgery, it carries potential risk to intra- and retroperitoneal structures, as seen in a conventional open anterior approach. There is an innovative lateral approach technique that reveals different anatomical views; however, it requires reconsideration of the traditional surgical anatomy in more detail than a traditional open anterior approach. The retroperitoneum is the compartmentalized space bounded anteriorly by the posterior parietal peritoneum and posteriorly by the transversalis fascia. The retroperitoneum is divided into three compartments by fascial planes: anterior and posterior pararenal spaces and the perirenal space. Lateral approach surgery requires mobilization of the peritoneum and its content and accurate exposure to the posterior pararenal space. The posterior pararenal space is confined anteriorly by the posterior renal fascia, anteromedially by the lateroconal fascia, and posteriorly by the transversalis fascia. The posterior renal fascia, the lateroconal fascia or the peritoneum should be detached from the transversalis fascia and the psoas fascia to allow exposure to the posterior pararenal space. The posterior pararenal space, however, does not allow a clear view and identification of these fasciae as this relationship is variable and the medial extent of the posterior pararenal space varies among patients. Correct anatomical recognition of the retroperitoneum is essential to success in lateral approach surgery. Spine surgeons must be aware that the retroperitoneal membrane and fascia is multilayered and more complex than is commonly understood. Preoperative abdominal images would facilitate more efficient surgical considerations of retroperitoneal membrane and fascia in lateral approach surgery

Treatment Outcomes of Intradiscal Steroid Injection/Selective Nerve Root Block for 161 Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy

Patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR) were treated with intradiscal injection of steroids (IDIS) and/ or selective nerve root block (SNRB) at our hospital. We retrospectively report the outcomes of these nonsurgical treatments for CR. 161 patients who were followed up for >2months were enrolled in this study. Patients’ clinical manifestations were classified as arm pain, arm numbness, neck and/or scapular pain, and arm paralysis. Improvement in each manifestation was classified as “disappeared,” “improved,” “poor,” or “worsened.” Responses of “disappeared” or “improved” manifestations suggested treatment effectiveness. Final clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Odom criteria. Changes in herniated disc size were evaluated by comparing the initial and final MRI scans. On the basis of these changes, the patients were divided into regression, no-change, or progression groups. We investigated the relationship between the Odom criteria and changes observed on MRI. Effectiveness rates were 89% for arm pain, 77% for arm numbness, 82% for neck and/or scapular pain, and 76% for arm paralysis. In total, 91 patients underwent repeated MRI. In 56 patients (62%), the size of the herniated disc decreased, but 31 patients (34%) exhibited no change in disc size. The regression group showed significantly better Odom criteria results than the no-change group. In conclusion, IDIS and SNRB for CR are not widely performed. However, other extremely effective therapies that can rapidly improve neuralgia should be considered before surgery

Wedge-Shaped Deformity of the First Sacral Vertebra Associated with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Comparison of Cases with and without Scoliosis

Introduction: Scoliosis is the three-dimensional (3D) deformity of the spine. Scoliosis curvatures, such as the lower lumbar curve and the angle of the upper endplate of the sacrum observable on radiographs, are associated with postoperative outcomes; however, the relationship between postoperative outcomes and sacral morphology remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate sacral morphology in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to clarify its relationship with wedge-shaped deformity of the first sacral vertebra and radiographic parameters. Methods: This study included 94 patients who underwent fusion surgery for AIS (scoliosis group). As the control group, 25 patients without scoliosis (<10°) under 50 years of age were also investigated. S1 wedging angle (S1WA) using 3D Computed tomography (CT) and Cobb angle, L4 tilt, and sacral slanting using radiography were measured. The relationship between S1WA and other radiographic parameters was analyzed using correlation coefficients. Differences in sacral morphology between the Lenke lumbar modifier types A and C were also investigated. Results: S1WA was significantly larger in the scoliosis group than the control group (scoliosis: 1.7°±2.5°, control: 0.1°±1.5°, p=0.002). Furthermore, the number of patients with S1WA >3° or >5° was significantly higher in the scoliosis group (>3°: 33%, 8%, p=0.012; >5°: 16%, 0%, p=0.039). S1WA correlated with sacral slanting (r=0.45, p<0.001) and L4 tilt (r=0.35, p<0.001) and was significantly greater with Lenke lumbar modifier C than A (2.4°±2.6°, 0.8°±2.0°; p<0.001). Conclusions: The S1 vertebra was deformed and wedge-shaped in AIS, especially in cases with a large lumbar curve. Additionally, S1WA is associated with sacral slanting and L4 tilt on radiography in AIS

Treatment for the Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum

The T-OPLL natural course has not been extensively reported, and evidence to support the timing of surgery is also lacking [...

A Longitudinal Study on the Effect of Exercise Habits on Locomotive Syndrome and Quality of Life during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigated the potential of exercise habits to improve quality of life (QOL) and prevent locomotive syndrome (LS) in residents of Yakumo-cho, Hokkaido, Japan. Participants from the 2018 health checkup were surveyed in February 2022, focusing on 200 respondents. These individuals were divided based on their 2018 exercise habits (at least 1 h per week): the exercise group (E group) and the non-exercise group (N group), further categorized in 2022 into the 2022E and 2022N groups. QOL was measured using the SF-36 (physical functioning, general health, physical role, physical pain, vitality, social functioning, emotional role, and mental health) and EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level questionnaires (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression), and LS was assessed with the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale. These showed no significant change in exercise habits from 2018 to 2022. In the non-LS group, the 2022E group had higher vitality and emotional role functioning scores compared to the 2022N group. For those with LS, the 2022E group reported less physical pain. Notably, the LS incidence was significantly lower in the 2022E group. This study concludes that consistent exercise habits positively impact QOL and reduce the LS risk, underscoring the importance of regular physical activity, especially during challenging times like a pandemic. These findings highlight the broader benefits of maintaining exercise routines for public health, particularly in periods of global health crises. Based on our findings, we recommend that people continue to exercise at least one hour per week to prevent LS