Sagittal Alignment Concepts and Spinopelvic Parameters / Conceitos de alinhamento sagital e parâmetros espinopélvicos

Abstract Spinal surgery continues to expand its horizons to care for disabled patients presenting pain and deformities. Over the past decade, our knowledge of spinal alignment, from the skull to the pelvis, has increased considerably. Such knowledge must expand to reach general orthopedists and improve the care required for so many people. Global spinal alignment is a critical concept in understanding the impact of pathological conditions (degenerative diseases, traumas, deformities) and their treatment, including spinal instrumentation and arthrodesis. Therefore, the treatment of any spinal disease must include the knowledge of the complexity of the spinopelvic alignment. At first, all parameters seem like pure mathematics, hardly applicable to the everyday life of the inattentive reader. However, it gradually becomes clear that, like everything else in orthopedics, biomechanics is an essential part of the knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, revealing the logic behind the physiology of movements. The knowledge of the sagittal alignment concepts and spinopelvic parameteres provide a better comprehension of the axial and appendicular skeletons, increasing the understanding of the physiological and adaptive spinal processes in the face of the degenerative process that increases throughout life.

Resumo A cirurgia da coluna continua a expandir seus horizontes para cuidar dos pacientes incapacitados com dor e deformidades. Desde a última década, nosso conhecimento sobre o alinhamento espinal, do crânio à pelve, aumentou consideravelmente. Portanto, faz-se necessária a expansão de tal conhecimento para o ortopedista geral, para que possamos proporcionar melhores cuidados para essa população. O alinhamento espinal global é um conceito crítico no entendimento do impacto ocasionado pela condição patológica (doença degenerativa, trauma, deformidade) e mesmo do seu tratamento, como na instrumentação e artrodese da coluna. O tratamento de qualquer doença na coluna deve incluir o entendimento da complexidade do alinhamento espinopélvico. A princípio, todos os parâmetros parecem puramente matemáticos e pouco aplicáveis à realidade do leitor mais desatento. Mas, aos poucos, fica claro que, como tudo em ortopedia, a biomecânica faz parte essencial do conhecimento do sistema musculoesquelético, tornando mais claras as lógicas da fisiologia do movimento. O conhecimento dos conceitos de alinhamento sagital e dos parâmetros espinopélvicos proporcionam uma melhor compreensão dos esqueletos axial e apendicular, além de um melhor entendimento dos processos fisiológicos e adaptativos da coluna frente ao processo degenerativo crescente que ocorre ao longo da vida.

Analysis of major adverse cardiac events and risk factors during perioperative period of cervical spine surgery / 中国综合临床

Objective:To understand the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during the perioperative period of cervical spine surgery and analyze its risk factors.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 426 cervical spine surgery patients admitted to the from March 2017 to March 2021. The basic information of the patients, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), underlying diseases, and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was calculated based on the underlying diseases.The preoperative serum cardiac troponin I(cTnI) level and the operation-related indicators were collected,including the type of cervical spine surgery, surgical procedure, approach, duration of surgery, duration of anesthesia, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and electrolyte disturbances. Count data were expressed as cases (%), and comparisons between groups were made using the χ 2 test; logistic regression models were applied to perform a multifactorial analysis of the factors influencing the perioperative occurrence of MACE in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. Results:Among the 426 patients, 54 (12.68%) experienced MACE during the perioperative period, including 4 cases of unstable angina (7.41%), 4 cases of acute myocardial infarction (7.41%), 33 cases of severe arrhythmia (61.11%), and 13 cases of acute heart failure (24.07%). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the older the age group (50-59 years old: odds ratio=1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.78; 60-69 years old: odds ratio=1.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-1.86; 70-79 years old: odds ratio=1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.34-2.57; 80-89 years old: odds ratio=1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.46-2.85), as well as females, CCI scores>3, and preoperative cTnI>0.04 μg/L, postoperative VAS score>5, and electrolyte disorders are all influencing factors for the occurrence of MACE in cervical spine surgery patients during the perioperative period (odds ratios of 1.84, 2.12, 2.34, 2.57, 2.20, 95% confidence intervals of 1.34-2.68, 1.50-3.41, 1.63-3.72, 1.53-4.01, 1.43-3.69, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The incidence of MACE in the perioperative period of cervical spine surgery is relatively high. Elderly age, female, high CCI score, high preoperative serum cTnI, postoperative pain and electrolyte disturbance are independent risk factors for the perioperative period of cervical spine surgery.

Study on the application effects of the mode of "Multidisciplinary integration, Doctors & patients co-teaching, Simulated practice" in the teaching of spinal surgery / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the application effects of the mode of "Multidisciplinary integration, Doctors & patients co-teaching, Simulated practice" in the teaching of spinal surgery.Methods:A total of 64 eight-year program clinical medical students who practiced in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in 2021 were taken as research objects and randomly divided into experimental group ( n=33) and control group ( n=31). The experimental group received the new teaching mode of "Multidisciplinary integration, Doctors & patients co-teaching, Simulated practice", and the control group received regular teaching mode. At the end of teaching, the teaching effects were evaluated from several aspects, including the scores of theoretical examinations, anatomical marks identification tests, and anonymous questionnaires. SPSS 22.0 software was used for paired t-test and two independent-samples t-test. Results:The theoretical test scores [(51.25±6.99) points] and anatomical structure identification scores [(37.56±1.83) points] of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group [(42.46±6.13) points and (30.37±3.46) points], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001). The effective recovery rate of the questionnaire was 100%. The results of the questionnaire showed that the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group in terms of teaching attractiveness, attention, learning interest, learning efficiency, anatomical identification ability, problem-finding and problem-solving ability and overall teaching method satisfaction ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The teaching mode of "Multidisciplinary integration, Doctors & patients co-teaching, Simulated practice" can effectively improve students' theoretical knowledge, learning interest, learning efficiency, operation proficiency and problem-finding and problem-solving ability, which is worth promoting.

Effects of bilateral erector spinae plane block for posterior lumbar spine surgery in elderly patients / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#With the rapid development of aging population, the number of elderly patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery continues to increase. Lumbar spine surgery could cause moderate to severe postoperative pain, and the conventional opioid-based analgesia techniques have many side effects, which are barriers to the recovery after surgery of the elderly. Previous studies have demonstrated that erector spinae plane block (ESPB) could bring about favorable analgesia in spinal surgery. As far as the elderly are concerned, the analgesic and recovery effects of ESPB on posterior lumbar spine surgery are not completely clear. This study aims to observe the effects of bilateral ESPB on elderly patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery, and to improve the anesthesia techniques.@*METHODS@#A total of 70 elderly patients of both sex, who were selected from May 2020 to November 2021, scheduled for elective posterior lumbar spine surgery, and in the age of 60-79 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists class Ⅱ-Ⅲ, were divided into a ESPB group and a control (C) group using a random number table method, with 35 patients each. Before general anesthesia induction, 20 mL 0.4% ropivacaine was injected to the transverse process of L3 or L4 bilaterally in the ESPB group and only saline in the C group. The score of Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) indicating pain at rest and on movement within 48 h after operation, time of first patient control analgesia (PCA), cumulative consumptions of sufentanil within 48 hours, Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ) scores on the morning of day 1 and day 2 after operation, Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores at 24 and 48 h after operation, full diet intake times, perioperative adverse reactions such as intraoperative hypotension, postoperative dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation were compared between the 2 groups.@*RESULTS@#A total of 70 patients were enrolled and 62 subjects completed the study, including 32 in the ESPB group and 30 in the C group. Compared with the C group, the postoperative NRS scores at rest at 2, 4, 6, and 12 h and on movementat at 2, 4, and 6 h were lower, time of first PCA was later, sufentanil consumptions were significantly decreased during 0-12 h and 12-24 h after operation, LSEQ scores on the morning of day 1 and QoR-15 scores at 24 and 48 h after operation were higher, full diet intakes achieved earlier in the ESPB group (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidences of intraoperative hypotension, postoperative dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation between the 2 groups (all P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Providing favorable analgesic effects with reduced opioids consumption, bilateral ESPB for posterior lumbar spine surgery in the elderly patients could also improve postoperative sleep quality, promote gastrointestinal functional restoration, and enhance recovery with few adverse reactions.

Study on the effect of ultrasound intermediate frequency acupoint drug guiding technology on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of ultrasound intermediate frequency acupoint targeted drug guiding technology on the recovery of gastrointestinal function and serum gastrin levels in elderly patients after lumbar spine surgery under general anesthesia.Methods:This study used prospective research methods.A total of 90 elderly patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery after general anesthesia in the orthopaedic ward of Beijing Geriatrics Hospital from June 2019 to June 2021 were randomly divided into blank control group, drug control group, and drug-guided treatment group, with 30 cases each group. After the operation, no intervention was given to the blank control group, the drug control group received oral mosapride citrate tablets, the drug-guided treatment group used the D patch to guide the medicine at the two acupoints of Zusanli and Zhongwan with ultrasound medium frequency guided medicine instrument for 1 week each. The serum gastrin levels of the patients in each group were detected 1 d before operation, 3 d after operation, and 1 week after operation, and the time of first exhaust and first defecation after operation were recorded.Results:The results showed that the level of serum gastrin preoperativein the three groups was not significantly different ( P>0.05). On the third day after operation, the levelof serum gastrin in the drug guide treatment group, drug control group and blank control group were lower than those at 1 d before operation: (66.51 ± 5.34) ng/L vs. (69.36 ± 6.50) ng/L, (58.34 ± 5.71) ng/L vs. (68.75 ± 5.13) ng/L, (55.76 ± 6.23) ng/L vs. (70.20 ± 6.71) ng/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05), and showed a decreasing trend in turn. Among them, the level of serum gastrin in the drug guide treatment group was higher than that in the drug control group and blank control group, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). One week after operation, the level of serum gastrin in the three groups increased compared with the third day after operation ( P<0.05), and the drug guiding treatment group was higher than the drug control group and the blank control group: (72.38 ± 6.78) ng/L vs. (67.15 ± 6.27) ng/L, (63.52 ± 5.38) ng/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The time of first exhaust and defecation after the operation of the three groups of patients, the drug-guided treatment group was significantly shorter than the drug control group and the blank control group: (15.25 ± 3.10) h vs. (20.38 ± 4.21) h and (28.52 ± 3.69) h, (24.14 ± 3.53) h vs. (36.15 ± 3.54) h and (49.51 ± 4.37) h, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasound intermediate frequency acupoint drug guiding technology can increase the patient′s serum gastrin level and promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function in elderly patients with lumbar spine surgery after general anesthesia.

What is the degree of variability in formal training for pediatric orthopedic surgeons performing scoliosis surgery? / ¿Cuál es el grado de variabilidad en la educación formal de los cirujanos ortopédicos pediátricos que realizan intervenciones quirúrgicas de escoliosis?

Abstract: Introduction: although pediatric orthopedic surgeons worldwide perform scoliosis surgery, the training received is variable and poorly understood. By surveying the European Pediatric Orthopedic Society (EPOS) and the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Ortopedia (SLAOTI), we aim to characterize this variability. Material and methods: in 2021, we distributed an anonymous online questionnaire to EPOS and SLAOTI. Results: 43% EPOS and 22% SLAOTI perform scoliosis procedures (p < 0.05). 18% EPOS and 2% SLAOTI performed > 35 procedures annually (p < 0.05). 70% EPOS and 27% SLAOTI received formal training in spinal deformity surgery (p < 0.005). Conclusions: results show significant differences in training and performance of scoliosis procedures between societies.

Resumen: Introducción: aunque muchos cirujanos ortopédicos pediátricos alrededor del mundo realizan cirugías para la escoliosis, el entrenamiento es variable y poco conocido. A través de encuestar a la Sociedad Europea de Ortopedia Pediátrica (EPOS) y a la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Ortopedia (SLAOTI) queremos caracterizar esta variabilidad. Material y métodos: distribuimos un cuestionario anónimo en 2021 a los miembros de EPOS y SLAOTI. Resultados: realizan las cirugías de escoliosis 43% de EPOS, en comparación con 22% de SLAOTI (p < 0.05); 18% de EPOS realizó > 35 cirugías al año, en comparación con 2% de SLAOTI (p < 0.05); 70% de EPOS y 27% de SLAOTI recibieron capacitación formal en cirugía de deformidades de la columna (p < 0.005). Conclusiones: los resultados de este estudio subrayan las diferencias en el entrenamiento de las cirugías de escoliosis entre diferentes sociedades.

Effect of continuous intra-incisional bupivacaine on postoperative pain in non-traumatic spinal fixation surgeries: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Continuous injection of local anesthetics by using surgical wound catheters for postoperative pain relief has gained acceptance in recent years. However, whether this method can be alternatively used instead of systemic opioids in different surgical procedures has not yet been elucidated. Objectives The aim was to investigate the effect of continuous injection of bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound on reducing the postoperative pain of lumbar spine fusion surgeries. Methods In this clinical trial, 31 patients undergoing non-traumatic lumbar spine stabilization surgery were randomly assigned to receive (n = 15) or do not receive (n = 16) bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound, postoperatively. Pain intensity (NRS), dose of required morphine, and drug-related complications within 24 hours of intervention were assessed and compared by the Mann-Whitney and independent t-test. Results Mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the case group over the first postoperative hour in the recovery room (p < 0.001), which continued for the first 2 hours after entering the ward. The mean morphine intake was lower in the bupivacaine group during the first postoperative 24 hours (16 ± 0.88 vs. 7.33 ± 0.93 mg, p < 0.001). The two groups were not significantly different regarding drug-related complications. Conclusion Continuous intra-incisional infusion of bupivacaine helped better pain reduction during the early postoperative hours while sparing morphine consumption in the first postoperative day.

Estudio bibliométrico de las publicaciones en cirugía de columna en México / Publications on spine surgery in Mexico: a bibliometric study

Resumen: Introducción: el análisis bi-bliométrico es una forma útil de evaluar el pasado, el pre-sente y el futuro de las publicaciones relacionadas con un área determinada de forma cualitativa y cuantitativa. Objetivo: determinar las características de la productividad nacional en investigación escrita por autores mexicanos en el campo de cirugía de columna a través del tiempo. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en línea en Octubre de 2021 utilizando la base de datos Scopus desarrollada por Elsevier. La información de las publicaciones recolectadas fue la siguiente: año, título, acceso, idioma, revista, tipo de artículo, tema, objetivo, citas, autores e instituciones de afiliación. Resultados: se identificó un total de 404 publicaciones entre 1973 y 2021. El número de publicaciones entre la década 1991-2000 y 2011-2021 incrementó 68.28 veces. La mayoría de las publicaciones se realizaron en instituciones de la región centro-sur de México (66.16%), seguida de la región occidente (15.03%) y noreste (8.27%). El índice H más alto encontrado fue de revistas de origen estadounidense (102). La mayor parte de las publicaciones se realizó en la revista Coluna/Columna (15.53%), seguida de Cirugía y Cirujanos (10.52%) y de Acta Ortopédica Mexicana (8.52%). La institución con la más alta productividad fue el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación «Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra¼ (17.57%), seguida del Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente del IMSS (6.67%) y del Centro Médico ABC (5.44%). Conclusiones: el número de artículos publicados en el campo de cirugía de columna ha incrementado rápidamente en los últimos 15 años. Las publicaciones escritas en inglés son las más citadas. La distribución geográfica de la investigación en este campo en México está centralizada, realizándose la mayor parte de las publicaciones en la región centro-sur del país (66.16%).

Abstract: Introduction: bibliometric analysis is a useful way of assessing the past, present and future publications related to a given area in a qualitative and quantitative way. Objective: to determine characteristics of national authors productivity in the field of spine surgery research across the time. Material and methods: an online research was performed using the Elsevier´s database Scopus in October, 2021. All studies were assessed for the following parameters: year, title, access, language, journal, type of article, focus of research, objective of research, cites, authors and institutions. Results: a total of 404 publications were identified between 1973 and 2021. Between 1991-2000 decade to 2011-2021 decade the number of published articles tended to increase by 68.28 times. The largest number of articles was from South-Central Region (66.16%), followed by Western (15.03%) and Northwest (8.27%). The highest h-index was found for USA journals (102). The highest number of articles was published in Coluna/Columna (15.53%), followed by Cirugía y Cirujanos (10.52%) and Acta Ortopédica Mexicana (8.52%). Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación published the largest number of articles (17.57%), followed by Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente del IMSS (6.67%) and Centro Médico ABC (5.44%). Conclusions: the number of articles published in the field of spine surgery in Mexico has increased rapidly in the past 15 years. In terms of quality, publications written in English are the most cited. The geographical distribution of research in Mexico is centralized, the largest number of publications was from South-Central Region of Mexico.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion: results over 47 months of follow-up / Artrodese lombar intersomática endoscópica percutânea: resultados depois de 47 meses de acompanhamento

ABSTRACT Introduction This study aims to investigate the clinical-functional results of a new surgical technique, Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PELIF), in patients with a clinical diagnosis of low back or sciatic pain and segmental instability who were submitted to surgery using this technique assisted by the attending physician. Materials and methods Patients completed a consent form and were clinically and radiographically re-assessed by independent evaluators using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the SF-36 Quality of Life Score in the pre- and postoperative periods. Their medical records were also reviewed for surgical time, length of hospital stay, need for blood transfusion, return to work, and radiographic fusion evaluation. Results In the group of 19 patients with 33 levels operated, VAS and ODI decreased from 10.0 and 64% to 2.0 and 28%, respectively. The SF-36 showed significantly higher scores in 5 of its 7 domains at the end of the follow-up as compared to the preoperative period scores. Only 1 case of pseudoarthrosis was diagnosed radiographically. Conclusions Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PELIF) has been shown to be a safe and efficient technique for the treatment of patients with segmental instability associated with low back or sciatic pain. Level of Evidence VI; Therapeutic Study; Case Series.

RESUMO Introdução Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar os resultados clínico-funcionais de uma nova técnica cirúrgica, artrodese lombar endoscópica percutânea (PELIF) em pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de dor lombar ou ciática e instabilidade segmentar, submetidos à referida técnica pelo médico responsável. Materiais e métodos Os pacientes preencheram um termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e foram reavaliados clínica e radiograficamente por avaliadores independentes que usaram a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) para dor, Índice de Incapacidade de Oswestry (ODI) e o Short Form Health Questionnaire SF-36 nos períodos pré e pós-operatório. Foram também pesquisados nos prontuários médicos tempo de cirurgia, tempo de internação hospitalar, necessidade de transfusão de sangue, retorno ao trabalho e avaliação radiográfica da fusão. Resultados Na amostra final de 19 pacientes com 33 níveis operados, EVA e ODI diminuíram de 10,0% e 64% para 2,0% e 28%, respectivamente. O SF-36 mostrou escores significativamente maiores em 5 de seus 7 domínios no final do acompanhamento, em comparação com o período pré-operatório. Somente 1 caso de pseudoartrose foi diagnosticado por radiografia. Conclusões A artrodese lombar endoscópica percutânea (PELIF) tem se mostrado uma técnica segura e eficiente para o tratamento dos pacientes com instabilidade segmentar associada a lombalgia ou ciatalgia. Nível de Evidência IV; Estudos Terapêuticos; Série de Casos.

Minimally invasive swine spine surgery training: technical aspects, benefits, and anatomical limitations

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the technical specificities and feasibility of simulation of minimally invasive spine surgery in live pigs, as well as similarities and differences in comparison to surgery in humans. Methods A total of 22 Large White class swine models, weighing between 60 and 80kg, were submitted to surgical simulations, performed during theoretical-practical courses for training surgical techniques (microsurgical and endoscopic lumbar decompression; percutaneous pedicular instrumentation; lateral access to the thoracic spine, and anterior and retroperitoneal to the lumbar spine, and management of complications) by 86 spine surgeons. For each surgical technique, porcine anatomy (similarities and differences in relation to human anatomy), access route, and dimensions of the instruments and implants used were evaluated. Thus, the authors describe the feasibility of each operative simulation, as well as suggestions to optimize training. Study results are descriptive, with figures and drawings. Results Neural decompression surgeries (microsurgeries and endoscopic) and pedicular instrumentation presented higher similarities to surgery on humans. On the other hand, intradiscal procedures had limitations due to the narrow disc space in swines. We were able to simulate situations of surgical trauma in surgical complication scenarios, such as cerebrospinal fluid fistulas and excessive bleeding, with comparable realism to surgery on humans. Conclusion A porcine model for simulation of minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques had similarities with surgery on humans, and is therefore feasible for surgeon training.

Near-miss Thoracic Spine Solitary Plasmacytoma with Neurological Deficit during Pregnancy: A Case Report

@#Solitary plasmacytoma (SPC) account for only 5% of plasma cell neoplasms, and the literature hardly reports spinal SPC with a neurological deficit. Furthermore, spinal surgical intervention during pregnancy is rarely encountered and often requires multidisciplinary collaboration and management. The objective of this case report is to highlight this near-miss diagnosis and spinal surgical intervention during pregnancy. A 31-year-old woman with 24 weeks gestation presented with sudden paralysis and incontinence, with an underlying history of chronic backpain over a twomonth period. Initially, she was treated for musculoskeletal back pain by obstetric colleagues during an antenatal visit, and no radiograph was performed. A non-contrasted spinal MRI was eventually requested when she started to show bilateral lower limb weakness, numbness and incontinence. The MRI highlighted thoracic vertebrae T11 vertebra plana with kyphotic deformity and a paraspinal soft tissue mass compressing the spinal cord causing spinal cord oedema. Our initial working diagnosis was spinal tuberculosis (TB), considering TB is highly endemic in Malaysia. However, TB workup was negative, and we proceeded with spinal surgery and transpedicular biopsy. Neurology improved significantly after surgery. Eventually, serum protein electrophoresis reported plasma dyscrasia, and HPE confirmed plasmacytoma. The patient was referred to a haematologist for steroidal and chemotherapy treatment.

Vertebral metastasis of renal carcinoma at diagnosis: mechanical and clinical evaluation: surgical management / Metástasis vertebral de carcinoma renal en el momento del diagnóstico: evaluación mecánica y clínica: manejo quirúrgico

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2-3% of all malignant neoplasms. Metastatic disease of the spine is common and 50% of bone metastases are already present at the time of primary diagnosis. Bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma are difficult to manage, especially vertebral localization.A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in the context of low back pain. The patient presented two skeleton metastases at diagnosis (T11 and 5th rib). The patient received neoadjuvant treatment with cabozantinib, followed by removal of the renal tumor. Radiotherapy was administered for the lumbar lesion. In spite of the radiotherapy treatment, increased low back pain limiting mobility and ambulation. MRI showed an occupation of the spinal canal, without neurological lesion. The SINS scale revealed a score of 14 (vertebral instability). The patient's prognosis was greater than 12 months according to the Tokuhashi score. Based on clinical and mechanical criteria, surgical treatment of the vertebral lesion was decided. T11 vertebrectomy was performed, the reconstruction was made with an expandable cage, and T8 a L2 posterior spinal arthrodesis. A partial resection of the fifth rib was performed in order to remove the whole macroscopic tumor. After 3 months, she was diagnosed with a local infection, treated by irrigation, debridement and antibiotherapy, with good evolution. At 1-year follow-up, she has no low back pain or functional limitation. Follow-up chest-abdomen-pelvis computed CT scan showed absence of disease progression, furthermore, the vertebral arthrodesis shows fusion signs. At the time of this report, there are no clinical or radiological data of infection

El carcinoma de células renales representa el 2-3% de todas las neoplasias malignas. La enfermedad metastásica de la columna vertebral es frecuente y el 50% de las metástasis óseas ya están presentes en el momento del diagnóstico. Las metástasis óseas del carcinoma de células renales son difíciles de manejar, especialmente en localización vertebral.Una mujer de 48 años fue diagnosticada de carcinoma de células renales en el contexto de un dolor lumbar. La paciente presentaba dos metástasis óseas en el momento del diagnóstico (T11 y 5ª costilla). Inicialmente recibió tratamiento neoadyuvante con cabozantinib, seguido de la extirpación quirúrgica del tumor renal. Se administró radioterapia para la lesión lumbar. A pesar del tratamiento radioterápico, aumentó el dolor lumbar con limitación para la movilidad y la deambulación. La RM mostró una ocupación del canal espinal, sin lesión neurológica. La escala SINS reveló una puntuación de 14 (inestabilidad vertebral). El pronóstico de la paciente era superior a 12 meses según la puntuación de Tokuhashi. Basándose en criterios clínicos y mecánicos, se decidió el tratamiento quirúrgico de la lesión vertebral. Se realizó una vertebrectomía de T11, para la reconstrucción se usó una caja extensible, junto con una artrodesis vertebral T8-L2. Se realizó una resección parcial de la quinta costilla para eliminar todo el tumor macroscópico. A los 3 meses de la cirugía la paciente fue diagnosticada de infección local, tratada mediante irrigación, desbridamiento y antibioterapia, con buena evolución. Al año de seguimiento, no presenta dolor lumbar ni limitación funcional. La tomografía computarizada de tórax-abdomen-pelvis de seguimiento mostró ausencia de progresión de la enfermedad, además, la artrodesis vertebral muestra signos de fusión. En el momento de este informe, no hay datos clínicos ni radiológicos de infección.

Colgajo muscular de esternocleidomastoídeo para el manejo de perforación esofágica tardía: reporte de dos casos / Muscle flap of sternocleidomastoid for the management of late esophageal perforation: report of two cases

Resumen Introducción: La perforación esofágica es una complicación poco frecuente en la cirugía de columna cervical por vía anterior, sin embargo, puede tener graves consecuencias cuando hay demoras en diagnóstico y tratamiento. Casos Clínicos: Presentamos dos casos clínicos de pacientes con perforación esofágica secundaria a cirugía de columna cervical por vía anterior. Se usaron para su reparación colgajo muscular de esternocleidomastoideo (ECM). Conclusión: La perforación esofágica secundaria a cirugía de columna cervical es poco frecuente, variable desde el punto de vista clínico, el TC y estudio radiológico contrastado son fundamentales en el diagnóstico de esta patología. El colgajo muscular ECM en estos casos es una herramienta fiable y extremadamente útil debido a sus características anatómicas, fácil disección quirúrgica y baja morbilidad asociada.

Introduction: Esophageal perforation is a rare complication in cervical spine surgery by anterior way, however it can have serious consequences when there are delays in diagnosis and treatment. Cases Report: We present two clinical cases of patients with esophageal perforation secondary to cervical spine surgery by anterior way. Sternocleido-mastoid muscle flaps were used for repair. Conclusion: Esophageal perforation secondary to cervical spine surgery is rare, clinically variable, CT and radiologic study are fundamental in the diagnosis of this pathology. The Sternocleidomastoid muscle flap in these cases is a reliable and extremely useful tool due to its anatomical characteristics, easy surgical dissection and low associated morbidity.

Manejo quirúrgico de ependimomas en médula cervical: A propósito de un caso clínico / Surgical management of ependymomas in the cervical spine: Apropos of a clinical case

Introducción: los ependimomas son tumores cerebrales que surgen de células ependimarias, células de soporte en el cerebro y la médula espinal. Representan entre el 2 y el 3% de todos los tumores cerebrales primarios. Son el cuarto tumor cerebral más común en los niños, donde el 90% de los mismos se localizan en la fosa posterior. En adultos, el 60% de estos tumores se encuentran en la médula espinal pudiendo presentarse a cualquier nivel de ésta; el caso a continuación reporta un ependimoma cervical. Objetivo: reportar un caso de ependimoma medular de ubicación poco frecuente, con resección total, sin recidiva porterior a 2 años de seguimiento.Descripción del caso: se reporta el caso de un paciente adulto, 44 años, masculino, con un síndrome medular cervical completo, progresivo, provocado por un ependimoma cervical. Intervención: se realizó laminectomía de dos espacios [C7 a T1], apertura dural, mielotomía posterior logrando exéresis total de la lesión con durorrafia a sello de agua y posterior cierre por planos sin complicaciones, con seguimiento de 2 años de sobrevida. Conclusiones: la resección total macroscópica de este tipo de tumores es muy importante para poder evitar residiva. El ependimoma cervical puede recidivar, sobre todo cuando existen residuales de la lesión. El manejo oportuno depende de gran manera de que los pacientes acudan tempranamente a valoración especializada; la resección guiada con monitorización neurofisiológica transoperatoria provee mayor oportunidad a los pacientes a no presentar secuelas permanentes y permite asimismo, mejores resultados de la rehabilitación neurológica postoperatoria

Introduction: ependymomas are brain tumors that arise from ependymal cells, supporting cells in the brain and spinal cord. They represent between 2 and 3% of all primary brain tumors. They are the fourth most common brain tumor in children, where 90% of them are located in the posterior fossa. In adults, 60% of these tumors are found in the spinal cord and can occur at any level of the spinal cord; the case below reports a cervical ependymoma. Objective: to report a case of medullary ependymoma of rare location, with total resection, without recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. Case description: a 44-year-old male adult patient with a progressive, complete cervical spinal cord syndrome, caused by a cervical ependymoma, is reported.Intervention: two-space laminectomy [C7 to T1], dural opening and posterior myelotomy were performed, achieving total excision of the lesion with water-seal durorrhaphy and subsequent closure by planes without complications, with a 2-year survival follow-up. Conclusions: macroscopic total resection of this type of tumor is very important to avoid residual. Cervical ependymoma can recur, especially when there is residual lesion. Timely management depends to a great extent on the patients attending early for a specialized evaluation; guided resection with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring provides a greater opportunity for patients to not present permanent sequelae and also allows better results of postoperative neurological rehabilitation.

Minimally invasive spine surgery techniques in the ambulatory setting: Are they safe and effective?

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Minimally invasive spine surgical techniques (MISST) are associated with less intraoperative blood loss, shorter duration of surgery, and less post-operative pain. In the last two decades, MISST have been performed on an outpatient basis in developed countries but it is still performed primarily on an inpatient basis in the Philippines. This study aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of performing MISST in an ambulatory surgical center in the Philippines.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent MISST in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) in Manila, Philippines, from January 2014 to December 2018 was done. The different types of MISST were identified and analyzed as to patient demographic characteristics, anesthetic perioperative management, outcomes and complications.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 337 patients included in the review, 8 types of MISST were identified. The average patient age was 55.61 years. Majority (98.2%) of the patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II. All patients had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in pain scores. ASC length of stay varied based on the complexity of the procedure ranging from 2.1 to 12.9 hours. There was a 0.89% incidence of surgery-related complications. Majority (94.4%) of the patients were discharged to home. There was no mortality.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Even in a developing country, transitioning MISST from inpatient to the ambulatory setting can be performed with minimal complications and unplanned hospital admissions while still achieving significant pain reduction. The key elements include careful patient selection, close coordination between the anesthesia and spine surgical teams, and provision of multimodal analgesia.</p>

Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Surgery Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Computer Navigation

@#OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of computer minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (CNMIS TLIF). METHODS: Blood loss, operating time, complications, and hospital stay were identified through chart review. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for pain were taken during recent follow-ups, and these were compared to the pre-operative scores. Three different examiners assessed the pre-operative lumbosacral spine radiographs. At a 2-years follow-up, the patients were evaluated with NRS and the radiographs reassessed by three other examiners. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients with a mean age of 54 years underwent CNMIS TLIF. Average blood loss was 300 mL, operative time was 4.5 hours, and the average length of hospital stay was 8.5 days. A total of four complications were noted in our study. There was an improvement of mean local lordosis and regional lordosis. The paired-sample t-test showed that the anterior, middle, and posterior disc heights at the cage level were significantly increased compared to the pre-operative values. CONCLUSION: CNMIS TLIF is a safe and efficient method to achieve spinal fusion. There was a significant improvement in clinical outcomes in terms of pain relief. Radiologic parameters such as local lordosis, regional lordosis, and anterior, middle, and posterior disc heights showed significant improvements at 2-years follow-up.

Impacto psicosocial de la pandemia por COVID-19 en cirujanos de columna argentinos / Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Argentine spinal surgeons

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto psicosocial de la pandemia por COVID-19 en los cirujanos de columna de Argentina. Material y métodos: Se envió un cuestionario diseñado específicamente a los cirujanos de columna de Argentina entre el 4-6 de abril del 2020. Las preguntas incluyeron variables demográficas, económicas, laborales y la escala de depresión PHQ-9. Las variables fueron comparadas y analizadas y las diferencias estadísticamente significativas remarcadas. Resultados: Respondieron en forma completa la encuesta 122 cirujanos de columna de Argentina, la mayoría hombres (97%), la edad promedio fue de 44 años; la mitad (n: 61) eran traumatólogos y la otra mitad neurocirujanos. La mayoría respondieron estar solo haciendo cirugías de emergencia (84%, n: 102). La preocupación promedio respecto a la situación financiera fue de 7.8 en una escala de 1 al 10. El 20% (n: 24) tenía un score superior a 10 en la escala de PHQ-9. Los cirujanos más jóvenes y los neurocirujanos tenían estadísticamente scores de PHQ-9 más altos. Conclusión: Se evaluó el impacto durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en la situación laboral y financiera de los cirujanos de columna encuestados. El impacto psicológico en el largo plazo debe ser considerado, para evitar secuelas en este grupo de profesionales de la salud.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the psycho-social impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in spine surgeons in Argentina. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to Argentina spine surgeons from April 4-6th, 2020. Questions regarding demographics, economic, working status and the PHQ-9 score were included. All variables were compared, analyzed and statistically significant differences were recorded. Results: 122 surgeons from Argentina answered the complete survey, most of them were male (97 %), the average age was 44 years; half (n: 61) of them were orthopedic surgeons and half neurosurgeons. Most of the surgeons reported performing emergency procedures only during the pandemic (84 %, n: 102). The average concern about the financial situation due to the pandemic was 7.8 in a scale of 1 to 10. Twenty percent (n: 24) of the surgeons had a score over 10 in the PHQ-9. Young age and neurosurgery as a specialty were statistically related with higher PHQ-9 scores. Conclusions: COVID-19 impact ́s in working practice and financial situation of Argentina ́s spine surgeons that answered this survey was evaluated. The long-term psychological impact should be taken into consideration to avoid a heavier burden for health care providers.

Age - Does it really count? A study of the Perioperative Morbidity and Long-Term Outcome in Patients Above 70 Years of Age Undergoing Spine surgery for Lumbar Degenerative Disorders / Idade - Deve ser levada em conta? Estudo da morbidade perioperatória e a evolução no longo prazo dos pacientes acima de 70 anos submetidos à cirurgia da coluna vertebral, devido a doenças degenerativas lombares

Abstract Objective To assess the long-term outcome and perioperative morbidity in spine surgeries for lumbar degenerative disorders and, thereby, to evaluate the safety of surgery in the aging population. Methods Retrospective study of patients aged > 70 years, operated for degenerative lumbar disorders between 2011 and 2015. We evaluated patient demographic, clinical and surgical data; comorbidities, perioperative complications, pre & postoperative pain scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, patient satisfaction and overall mortality. Results A total of 103 patients (Males: Females55:48) with mean age 74.6 years (70-85yrs) were studied. 60 patients (58.2%) had decompression alone, while 43 (41.8%) had decompression & fusion. Mean hospital stay was 5.7days. Mean follow-up was 47.6months (24-73mnths). Patients reported significant improvement in backpain (Numerical pain score 7.7 vs 1.6; p < 0.001), leg pain (Numerical pain score 7.4 vs 1.7; p < 0.001), disability (ODI 82.3 vs 19.1; p < 0.001) and walking distance (p < 0.001). 76% patients were satisfied with the results at the time of final follow-up. 26 patients (25.24%) had perioperative complications which were all minor, without mortality. Most common intraoperative & postoperative complications were dural tear (6.79%) & urinary tract infection (6.79%) respectively. Conclusions With meticulous perioperative care lumbar spine surgery is safe and effective in elderly population. Patients had longer mean hospital stay in view of the gradual and comprehensive rehabilitation program. Presence of comorbidities or minor perioperative complications did not increase the overall morbidity or affect the clinical outcomes of surgery in our study.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar o resultado no longo prazo e a morbidade perioperatória em cirurgias da coluna vertebral, devido a doenças lombares degenerativas e, assim, avaliar a segurança da cirurgia na população idosa. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com idade superior a 70 anos, submetidos à cirurgia em virtude de distúrbios lombares degenerativos, entre 2011 e 2015. Foram avaliados os dados demográficos, clínicos e cirúrgicos dos pacientes; comorbidades; complicações perioperatórias; escores de dor no pré e no pós-operatório; índice de incapacidade de Oswestry (ODI, na sigla em inglês); satisfação do paciente e a mortalidade geral. Resultados Foram estudados 103 pacientes (homens:mulheres, 55:48) com idade média de 74,6 anos (70 a 85 anos). 60 pacientes (58,2%) apresentaram somente descompressão, enquanto 43 (41,8%) apresentaram descompressão e fusão. O tempo médio de internação foi de 5,7 dias. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 47,6 meses (24-73 meses). Os pacientes relataram melhora significativa da dor nas costas (pontuação numérica da dor 7,7 versus 1,6; p < 0,001), dor nas pernas (pontuação numérica da dor 7,4 versus 1,7; p < 0,001), incapacidade (ODI 82,3 versus 19,1; p < 0,001) e distância percorrida a pé (p < 0,001). Um total de 76% dos pacientes estavam satisfeitos com os resultados no momento do acompanhamento final. 26 pacientes (25,24%) apresentaram complicações perioperatórias, todas sem relevância e sem mortalidade. As complicações intra e pós-operatórias mais comuns foram ruptura dural (6,79%) e infecção do trato urinário (6,79%), respectivamente. Conclusões Com meticulosos cuidados perioperatórios, a cirurgia da coluna lombar é segura e eficaz na população idosa. Os pacientes tiveram um maior tempo médio de internação hospitalar, em virtude do programa de reabilitação gradual e abrangente. A presença de comorbidades ou complicações perioperatórias sem relevância, não aumentou a morbidade geral, nem afetou os resultados clínicos da cirurgia em nosso estudo.

Morphometry of the positioning of cortical trajectory pedicle screws in brazilians / Morfometria do posicionamento de parafusos pediculares de trajeto cortical em brasileiros / Morfometría del posicionamiento de tornillos pediculares de trayecto cortical en brasileños

ABSTRACT Objective Morphometric study of the positioning of the cortical trajectory pedicle screw in the lumbar spine of Brazilian patients of different sexes and ages, through the use of computed tomography images, in order to obtain more reliable data about cortical screw insertion and the variations observed, providing assistance for a safer, more effective approach with fewer complications. Methods Selection of 100 patients from a database, alternating by sex, measuring the length, diameter, cephalic angulation, and lateral angulation of the vertebrae from L1 to L5. Results Statistically significant measurements were obtained for the four different parameters in relation to sex. The mean age was 56, with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 87 years. The L4 and L5 screws showed a reduction in relation to the other levels, while the width showed a progressive increase starting at L3. Lateral angulation was the parameter with the least variation among the levels, while there was greater variation and a reduction from L4 to L5 in cephalic angulation. Conclusion Statistically significant results were obtained for length, diameter, lateral and cephalic angulation. Sex was a significant factor in spine surgery instrumentation using the cortical trajectory pedicle screw technique. Level of evidence I; Diagnostic study (investigation of an examination for diagnosis).

RESUMO Objetivo Estudo morfométrico do posicionamento de parafuso pedicular com trajeto cortical na coluna lombar de pacientes brasileiros de diferentes sexos e idades, por meio da utilização de imagens de tomografia computadorizada, com o intuito de se obter dados mais fidedignos em relação à inserção do parafuso cortical e às variações observadas, proporcionando assim subsídios para uma abordagem mais segura, eficaz e com menos complicações. Métodos Seleção de 100 pacientes em bases de dados, com alternância de sexo, auferindo o comprimento, diâmetro, angulação cefálica e angulação lateral das vértebras de L1 à L5. Resultados Foram obtidas medições com significância estatística em relação ao sexo nos quatro diferentes parâmetros mensurados. A média de idade foi de 56 anos, com mínima de 20 e máxima de 87 anos. Os parafusos de L4 e L5 mostraram redução em relação aos outros níveis, enquanto a largura se mostrou progressiva a partir de L3. A angulação lateral foi o parâmetro que apresentou a menor variância entre eles, ao contrário da angulação cefálica com maior variação e diminuição de L4 e L5. Conclusões Foram obtidos resultados de comprimento, largura, angulação lateral e cefálica estatisticamente significativos. O sexo apresentou-se como fator significativo na instrumentação da cirurgia da coluna pela técnica do parafuso pedicular de trajeto cortical. Nível de evidência I; Estudo diagnóstico (investigação de um exame para diagnóstico).

RESUMEN Objetivo Estudio morfométrico del posicionamiento de tornillo pedicular con trayecto cortical en la columna lumbar de pacientes brasileños de diferentes sexos y edades, mediante el uso de imágenes de tomografía computarizada, con el objetivo de obtener datos más fidedignos con relación a la inserción del tornillo cortical y a las variaciones observadas, proporcionando así subsidios para un abordaje más seguro, eficaz y con menos complicaciones. Métodos Selección de 100 pacientes en bases de datos, con alternancia de sexo, midiendo la longitud, diámetro, angulación cefálica y angulación lateral de las vértebras desde L1 hacia L5. Resultados Fueron obtenidas medidas con significancia estadística con relación al sexo en los cuatro diferentes parámetros medidos. El promedio de edad fue de 56 años, con edad mínima de 20 y máxima de 87 años. Los tornillos de L4 y L5 mostraron reducción con relación a los otros niveles, mientras que el ancho se mostró progresivo a partir de L3. La angulación lateral fue el parámetro que presentó la menor variancia entre ellos, al contrario de la angulación cefálica, con mayor variación y disminución de L4 y L5. Conclusiones Fueron obtenidos parámetros de longitud, ancho, angulación lateral y cefálica estadísticamente significativos. El sexo se presentó como factor en la instrumentación de la cirugía de la columna por la técnica del tornillo pedicular de trayecto cortical. Nivel de evidencia I; Estudio Diagnóstico (investigación de un examen para diagnóstico).

Epidemiology and mortality of thoracolumbosacral spinal arthrodesis in Brazil: the last 10 years / Epidemiologia e mortalidade da artrodese toraco-lombo-sacra no Brasil: os últimos 10 anos / Epidemiología y mortalidad de la artrodesis toracolumbosacral en Brasil: los ultimos 10 años

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the epidemiology and mortality of thoracolumbosacral arthrodesis surgery in Brazil in the last 10 years. Methods Study conducted using data from the SIH of the Unified Health System (SUS) covering the time period from 2008 to 2018 for all regions of Brazil. The data obtained were analyzed using the BioStat 5.3 program, using Chi-square statistical tests, observing a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. Results A total of 66,631 anterior or posterior approach TLS surgeries were registered. The overall mortality rate was 9.37 deaths per thousand procedures. There are regions with mortality much higher than the national average. The mortality rate increases proportionally with the number of levels involved in posterior arthrodesis. Conclusions The study of the epidemiological profile of thoracolumbosacral arthrodesis is important, especially in a country whose population is heterogeneous but has different mortality rates among regions. Therefore, it is necessary to create measures that identify and prevent the factors that lead to the death of patients undergoing such a procedure. Level of evidence II; Retrospective, analytical, quantitative and descriptive study.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever a epidemiologia e a mortalidade da cirurgia de artrodese toraco-lombo-sacra no Brasil nos últimos 10 anos. Métodos Estudo realizado a partir do SIH do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), abrangendo uma série temporal de 2008 até 2018, de todas as regiões do Brasil. Os dados obtidos foram analisados com o programa BioStat 5.3, através de testes estatísticos Qui-quadrado, observando o p-valor < 0,05 e o intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados Foram registradas 66.631 cirurgias com abordagem TLS por via anterior ou posterior. A razão de mortalidade geral foi de 9,37 óbitos por mil procedimentos. Há regiões com mortalidade muito superior que a média nacional. A taxa de mortalidade aumenta proporcionalmente com o número de níveis envolvidos na artrodese posterior. Conclusões O estudo do perfil epidemiológico da artrodese toraco-lombo-sacra mostra-se importante, sobretudo em um país cuja população é heterogênea e possui diferentes taxas de mortalidade entre as regiões. Portanto, torna-se necessária a criação de medidas que identifiquem e previnam os fatores que levam os pacientes submetidos a tal procedimento ao óbito . Nível de evidência II; Estudo analítico, retrospectivo, quantitativo e descritivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir la epidemiología y la mortalidad de la cirugía de artrodesis toracolumbosacral en Brasil en los últimos 10 años. Métodos Estudio realizado a partir del SIH del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), abarcando una serie temporal de 2008 a 2018, de todas las regiones de Brasil. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados con el programa BioStat 5.3, a través de tests estadísticos de Chi-cuadrado, observando el valor de p <0,05 y el intervalo de confianza de 95%. Resultados Fueron registradas 66.631 cirugías de abordaje TLS por vía anterior o posterior. La razón de mortalidad general fue de 9,37 decesos por mil procedimientos. Hay regiones con mortalidad muy superior al promedio nacional. La tasa de mortalidad aumenta proporcionalmente con el número de niveles involucrados en la artrodesis posterior. Conclusiones El estudio del perfil epidemiológico de la artrodesis toracolumbosacral es importante, especialmente en un país cuya población es heterogénea y posee diferentes tasas de mortalidad entre las regiones. Por lo tanto, es necesario crear medidas que identifiquen y prevengan los factores que llevan a los pacientes sometidos a tal procedimiento al deceso. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio analítico, retrospectivo, cuantitativo y descriptivo.