Surgery for Spinal Deformities in Patients with Osteoporosis

Objectives@#This review aims to present relevant considerations for the surgical treatment of spinal deformities accompanied by osteoporosis, how surgeons are trying to overcome the challenges posed by osteoporosis in patients with spinal deformities, and directions of further development.Summary of literature Review: Various trials have been done to overcome the short- and long-term complications associated with osteoporosis in order to achieve successful clinical results in the surgical treatment of spinal deformities. @*Materials and Methods@#Review of the relevant articles. @*Results@#The surgical goal of treating spinal deformities is to reverse neurological compromise and to restore balanced spine alignment. To achieve these goals, several surgical considerations should be kept in mind. Osteoporosis is an important issue related to early and long-term complications following surgery. As ways of overcoming the challenges posed by osteoporosis, rigid fixation techniques, proper selection of the fusion level, perioperative medical treatment, and effective bone grafting materials are described herein; however, further development in these domains is also necessary. @*Conclusions@#Osteoporosis may be a major obstacle in spinal deformity surgery. Although several effective attempts have been made to overcome these limitations, further research and trials are needed to obtain better results.

Surgical Extent of Metastatic Spine Tumor Excision and Its Effects on Postoperative Ambulatory Function: Comparison of Extensive Wide versus Palliative Excision Surgery

OBJECTIVES@#To compare surgical outcomes such as the ambulatory period and survival according to different surgical excision tactics for metastatic spine tumors (MSTs).SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Surgical outcomes, such as pain relief and survival, in patients with MSTs have been reported in several studies, but the effects of differences in surgical extent on the ambulatory period have rarely been reported.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#Ninety-six patients with MSTs who underwent palliative (n=60) or extensive wide excision (n=36) were included. Palliative excision was defined as partial removal of the tumor as an intralesional piecemeal procedure for decompression. Extensive wide excision was defined as a surgical attempt to remove the whole tumor at the index level as completely as possible. The primary outcome was the ambulatory period following surgery. Other demographic and radiographic parameters were analyzed to identify the risk factors for loss of ambulatory ability and survival. Perioperative complications were also assessed.@*RESULTS@#The mean postoperative ambulatory period was longer in the extensive wide excision group (average 14.8 months) than in the palliative excision group (average 11.7 months) (p=0.021). The survival rates were not significantly different between the two surgical excision groups (p=0.680). However, postoperative ambulatory status and major complications within 30 days postoperatively were significant prognostic factors for survival (p=0.003 and p=0.032, respectively).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The extent of surgical excision affected the ambulatory period, and the complication rates were similar, regardless of surgical excision tactics. A proper surgical strategy to achieve postoperative ambulatory ability and to reduce perioperative complications would have a favorable effect on survival.

Surgical Extent of Metastatic Spine Tumor Excision and Its Effects on Postoperative Ambulatory Function: Comparison of Extensive Wide versus Palliative Excision Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To compare surgical outcomes such as the ambulatory period and survival according to different surgical excision tactics for metastatic spine tumors (MSTs). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Surgical outcomes, such as pain relief and survival, in patients with MSTs have been reported in several studies, but the effects of differences in surgical extent on the ambulatory period have rarely been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients with MSTs who underwent palliative (n=60) or extensive wide excision (n=36) were included. Palliative excision was defined as partial removal of the tumor as an intralesional piecemeal procedure for decompression. Extensive wide excision was defined as a surgical attempt to remove the whole tumor at the index level as completely as possible. The primary outcome was the ambulatory period following surgery. Other demographic and radiographic parameters were analyzed to identify the risk factors for loss of ambulatory ability and survival. Perioperative complications were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean postoperative ambulatory period was longer in the extensive wide excision group (average 14.8 months) than in the palliative excision group (average 11.7 months) (p=0.021). The survival rates were not significantly different between the two surgical excision groups (p=0.680). However, postoperative ambulatory status and major complications within 30 days postoperatively were significant prognostic factors for survival (p=0.003 and p=0.032, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of surgical excision affected the ambulatory period, and the complication rates were similar, regardless of surgical excision tactics. A proper surgical strategy to achieve postoperative ambulatory ability and to reduce perioperative complications would have a favorable effect on survival.

Operative Treatment of Medial Epicondylitis: A Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Outcomes between the Suture Anchor Group and the Non-suture Anchor Group

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to make a comparative analysis of the clinical outcomes after the operative treatment of refractory medial epicondylitis between the suture anchor group and the non-suture anchor group. METHODS: We enrolled 20 patients (7 men and 13 women) with recalcitrant medial epicondylitis who were able to receive operative treatment in a minimum of an 18-month follow-up. The mean age was 48.6 years (range, 36-59 years). The patients were allocated into either the suture anchor group (7 patients) or the non-suture anchor group (13 patients). We evaluated clinical outcomes using the visual analog scale (VAS), the pain grading system of Nirschl and Pettrone, and postoperative grip strength. RESULTS: The VAS score decreased from 8.8 to 2.0 for the suture anchor group and from 8.6 to 1.3 for the non-suture anchor group (p=0.16). The postoperative grip strength was 95%, 93% of the non-treated arm in both groups (p=0.32). The postoperative satisfaction level was good in 5 patients and fair in 2 for the suture anchor group and excellent in 5 patients, good, in 4, and fair, in 4 for the nonsuture anchor group (p=0.43). The clinical outcomes did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients with recalcitrant medial epicondylitis were treated reliably with satisfactory clinical outcomes whether or not suture anchors were used. We believe the use of suture anchors when more than 50% of the tendon origin is affected provides an effective and favorable treatment modality.

Lunate Excision and Tendon Ball Implantation in Lichtman Stage IIIB Kienbock's Disease in Middle-Aged Patients

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to assess the results of lunate excision and tendon ball implantation with temporary scaphocapitate fixation for Lichtman stage IIIB Kienbockos disease in middle-aged patients. METHODS: Ten patients with Lichtman stage IIIB Kienbock's disease who underwent lunate excision and tendon ball implantation and followed up at least 24 months were analyzed. There were 4 males and 6 females. The mean age at the time of surgery was 55.4 years (range, 48-67 years), and follow-up period ranged from 24 to 68 months (mean, 46 months). Radiocarpal joint pain, grip strength, return to daily living activity, range of motion were evaluated and radiologic findings of preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients returned to daily living activity after 6 months of surgery. At the last follow up, 8 patients had no pain and 2 patients experienced mild pain occasionally. The mean improvement of extension arc was 14.5degrees, and the mean flexion arc improved 8.5degrees. The mean grip strength was 88% of unaffected side. The mean carpal height ratio was 0.49 preoperatively, 0.47 at final follow-up. No patients showed osteoarthritis change at the last follow-up. The mean Cooney's wrist function were 83, 4 patients had excellent, 4 had good, and 2 had fair. CONCLUSION: Lunate excision and tendon ball implantation with temporary scaphocapitate fixation for Lichtman stage IIIB Kienbock's disease in middle-aged patients showed satisfactory clinical, functional and radiological results. So this can be a reasonable treatment option.

Operative Treatment of Medial Epicondylitis: A Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Outcomes between the Suture Anchor Group and the Non-suture Anchor Group

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to make a comparative analysis of the clinical outcomes after the operative treatment of refractory medial epicondylitis between the suture anchor group and the non-suture anchor group. METHODS: We enrolled 20 patients (7 men and 13 women) with recalcitrant medial epicondylitis who were able to receive operative treatment in a minimum of an 18-month follow-up. The mean age was 48.6 years (range, 36-59 years). The patients were allocated into either the suture anchor group (7 patients) or the non-suture anchor group (13 patients). We evaluated clinical outcomes using the visual analog scale (VAS), the pain grading system of Nirschl and Pettrone, and postoperative grip strength. RESULTS: The VAS score decreased from 8.8 to 2.0 for the suture anchor group and from 8.6 to 1.3 for the non-suture anchor group (p=0.16). The postoperative grip strength was 95%, 93% of the non-treated arm in both groups (p=0.32). The postoperative satisfaction level was good in 5 patients and fair in 2 for the suture anchor group and excellent in 5 patients, good, in 4, and fair, in 4 for the nonsuture anchor group (p=0.43). The clinical outcomes did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients with recalcitrant medial epicondylitis were treated reliably with satisfactory clinical outcomes whether or not suture anchors were used. We believe the use of suture anchors when more than 50% of the tendon origin is affected provides an effective and favorable treatment modality.