A Comparison Between Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Microscopy and Culture for the Detection of Post-COVID-19 Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis.

Background and objective Mucormycosis is an emerging and serious angioinvasive infection caused by filamentous fungi related to the order of Mucorales and the class of Mucormycetes. There was a marked increase in the number of cases of mucormycosis in India following the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the year 2021. In this study, we aimed to compare potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy with culture for the detection of post-COVID-19 rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Materials and methods The KOH microscopy was performed with a 10% or 20% KOH-mounted slide with specimens collected from suspected cases of post-COVID-19 ROCM. Simultaneously, the culture was done on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). These were incubated at 37 ℃ and 25 â„ƒ for 28 days. Diagnostic parameters were calculated by comparing KOH with gold standard culture. Results KOH mount was positive for broad aseptate fungal hyphae in 322 (54.1%) cases, while it was negative in 244 (41.0%) cases. KOH mount was positive for other fungi in 29 (4.8%) samples. The diagnostic accuracy of the KOH mount for Mucorales was 70.3%. KOH mount had a sensitivity of 84.9%, specificity of 61.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.9%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 87.2%. Conclusions Based on our findings, the KOH microscopy positivity rate was higher in tissue samples compared to nasal swabs, with a sensitivity of 84.9%, specificity of 61.5%, PPV of 56.9%, and NPV of 87.2%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the KOH mount for Mucorales was 70.3%.

AOSpine Consensus Paper on Nomenclature for Working-Channel Endoscopic Spinal Procedures.

STUDY DESIGN: International consensus paper on a unified nomenclature for full-endoscopic spine surgery. OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive endoscopic spinal procedures have undergone rapid development during the past decade. Evolution of working-channel endoscopes and surgical instruments as well as innovation in surgical techniques have expanded the types of spinal pathology that can be addressed. However, there is in the literature a heterogeneous nomenclature defining approach corridors and procedures, and this lack of common language has hampered communication between endoscopic spine surgeons, patients, hospitals, and insurance providers. METHODS: The current report summarizes the nomenclature reported for working-channel endoscopic procedures that address cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal pathology. RESULTS: We propose a uniform system that defines the working-channel endoscope (full-endoscopic), approach corridor (anterior, posterior, interlaminar, transforaminal), spinal segment (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), and procedure performed (eg, discectomy, foraminotomy). We suggest the following nomenclature for the most common full-endoscopic procedures: posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy (PECF), transforaminal endoscopic thoracic discectomy (TETD), transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD), transforaminal lumbar foraminotomy (TELF), interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy (IELD), interlaminar endoscopic lateral recess decompression (IE-LRD), and lumbar endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (LE-ULBD). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that it is critical to delineate a consensus nomenclature to facilitate uniformity of working-channel endoscopic procedures within academic scholarship. This will hopefully facilitate development, standardization of procedures, teaching, and widespread acceptance of full-endoscopic spinal procedures.

The Endoscopic Trans-Superior Articular Process Approach: A Novel Minimally Invasive Surgical Corridor to the Lateral Recess.

BACKGROUND: Transforaminal approaches to the lumbar spine are typically performed utilizing Kambin's triangle as approach corridor; however, degenerative changes can distort anatomy and expose the exiting nerve root to inadvertent injury. OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique of a novel full-endoscopic approach to access the lateral recess and report clinical outcomes. METHODS: The trans-superior articular process (SAP) approach involves partial resection of the SAP, allowing access to the lateral recess both ventral and dorsal to the traversing nerve root. A retrospective review of 40 patients who had undergone a trans-SAP approach for decompression of lateral recess pathology was conducted. Outcomes were measured using visual analog scores (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 2 wk, 3 mo, and at last follow-up. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 24 mo, patients experienced statistically significant improvement of the VAS for ipsilateral leg pain, VAS for back pain, and ODI when comparing preoperative values to all postoperative time points. The percentage of patients reaching a minimally clinically important difference for VAS leg pain and ODI was approximately 90% and 88%, respectively. The complication profile was favorable with no dural tears and no postoperative motor or sensory deficits. One patient required revision, with a total reoperation rate of 3%. CONCLUSION: The trans-SAP approach is a novel approach that utilizes a safe surgical corridor via the SAP to access lateral recess pathology. Our initial clinical experience suggests that the trans-SAP approach allows for treatment of lateral recess and foraminal pathology with low complication rates.

Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy.

Full-endoscopic spine surgery has been developed to decrease approach-related morbidity and provide superior visualization. Using a working channel endoscope, lumbar disc herniations can be approached via two complementary corridors: the transforaminal approach and the interlaminar approach. Indications, contraindications, surgical technique, complications, and outcomes are discussed in this article. Multiple published studies have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of full-endoscopic lumbar discectomies. Emerging evidence suggests that full-endoscopic discectomies result in similar functional outcomes compared with microsurgical technique and are associated with shorter hospital stays, less opioid consumption, and fewer perioperative complications.

Congenital Etiology Is an Independent Risk Factor for Complications in Adolescents Undergoing Corrective Scoliosis Surgery: Comparison of In-hospital Comorbidities Using Nationwide KID's Inpatient Database.

BACKGROUND: Congenital scoliosis (CS) is associated with more rigid, complex deformities relative to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) which theoretically increases surgical complications. Despite extensive literature studying AIS patients, few studies have been performed on CS patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate complications associated with spinal fusions for CS and AIS. METHODS: A retrospective review of the Kid's Inpatient Database (KID) years 2000 to 2009 was performed. Inclusion: patients under 20 years with ICD-9 diagnosis codes for idiopathic scoliosis (IS-without concomitant congenital anomalies) and CS, undergoing spinal fusion from the KID years 2000 to 2009. Two analyses were performed according to age below 10 years and 10 years and above. Univariate analysis described differences in demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative complications, and clinical values between groups. Binary logistic regression controlling for age, sex, race, and invasiveness predicted complications risk in CS (odds ratios; 95% confidence interval). RESULTS: In total, 25,131 patients included (IS, n=22443; CS, n=2688). For patients under age 10, CS patients underwent 1 level shorter fusions (P<0.001), had fewer comorbidities (P<0.001), and sustained similar complication incidence. In the 10 and over age analysis, CS patients similarly had shorter fusions, but greater comorbidities, and significantly more complications (odds ratio, 1.6; confidence interval, 1.4-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: CS patients have higher in-hospital complication rates. With more comorbidities, these patients have increased risk of sustaining procedure-related complications such as shock, infection, and Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. These data help to counsel patients and their families before spinal fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective review of a prospectively collected database.

Incidence of Congenital Spinal Abnormalities Among Pediatric Patients and Their Association With Scoliosis and Systemic Anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Congenital abnormalities when present, according to VACTERL theory, occur nonrandomly with other congenital anomalies. This study estimates the prevalence of congenital spinal anomalies, and their concurrence with other systemic anomalies. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis on Health care Cost and Utilization Project's Kids Inpatient Database (KID), years 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009 was performed. ICD-9 coding identified congenital anomalies of the spine and other body systems. OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall incidence of congenital spinal abnormalities in pediatric patients, and the concurrence of spinal anomaly diagnoses with other organ system anomalies. Frequencies of congenital spine anomalies were estimated using KID hospital-and-year-adjusted weights. Poisson distribution in contingency tables tabulated concurrence of other congenital anomalies, grouped by body system. RESULTS: Of 12,039,432 patients, rates per 100,000 cases were: 9.1 hemivertebra, 4.3 Klippel-Fiel, 56.3 Chiari malformation, 52.6 tethered cord, 83.4 spina bifida, 1.2 absence of vertebra, and 6.2 diastematomyelia. Diastematomyelia had the highest concurrence of other anomalies: 70.1% of diastematomyelia patients had at least one other congenital anomaly. Next, 63.2% of hemivertebra, and 35.2% of Klippel-Fiel patients had concurrent anomalies. Of the other systems deformities cooccuring, cardiac system had the highest concurrent incidence (6.5% overall). In light of VACTERL's definition of a patient being diagnosed with at least 3 VACTERL anomalies, hemivertebra patients had the highest cooccurrence of ≥3 anomalies (31.3%). With detailed analysis of hemivertebra patients, secundum ASD (14.49%), atresia of large intestine (10.2%), renal agenesis (7.43%) frequently cooccured. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital abnormalities of the spine are associated with serious systemic anomalies that may have delayed presentations. These patients continue to be at a very high, and maybe higher than previously thought, risk for comorbidities that can cause devastating perioperative complications if not detected preoperatively, and full MRI workups should be considered in all patients with spinal abnormalities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The benefit zone of full-endoscopic spine surgery.

Minimally invasive spine procedures have undergone rapid development during the last decade. Efforts to decrease muscle crush injuries during prolonged retraction, avoid significant soft tissue stripping and minimize bony resection are surgical principles that are employed to prevent iatrogenic instability and provide patients with decreased post-operative pain and disability. Full-endoscopic spine surgery represents a tool for the spine surgeon to provide targeted access to spinal pathology utilizing these principles. Endoscopic techniques have seen over 30 years of evolution and innovation, however, early iterations of these techniques largely focused on transforaminal lumbar microdiscectomies. Currently, endoscopic techniques are utilized for approaching pathology in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. There has been a growing body of literature that not only confirms the efficacy of these procedures but also underscores the advantages these procedures offer with respect to less morbidity and safer complication profiles. Endoscopic decompressions have been utilized in the settings of degenerative spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, previous fusion, tumor and infection. Furthermore, endoscopic interbody fusion has also been utilized in the lumbar spine as technology continues to advance. As technological innovation continues to facilitate reproducible surgical technique and expand the indications for use, we believe that endoscopic spine surgical techniques will provide surgeons with a more powerful and less morbid approach to spinal pathology that ultimately elevates the standard of care when treating our patients. We present a brief review of the history of endoscopic spine surgery, an overview of current techniques and review current outcomes of endoscopic spine surgical procedures in the context of an invasiveness/complexity index to elucidate the benefit zone of these newer techniques.

Comparison of full-endoscopic and minimally invasive decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis in the setting of degenerative scoliosis and spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVEThe management of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with concurrent scoliosis and/or spondylolisthesis remains controversial. Full-endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) facilitates neural decompression while preserving stabilizing osseoligamentous structures and may be uniquely suited for the treatment of LSS with concurrent mild to moderate degenerative deformity. The safety and efficacy of full-endoscopic versus minimally invasive surgery (MIS) ULBD in this patient population is studied here for the first time.METHODSA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted on 45 consecutive LSS patients with concurrent scoliosis (≥ 10° coronal Cobb angle) and/or spondylolisthesis (≥ 3 mm). Patient demographics, operative details, complications, and imaging characteristics were reviewed. Outcomes were quantified using back and leg visual analog scale (VAS) scores and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year.RESULTSA total of 26 patients underwent full-endoscopic and 19 underwent MIS-ULBD with an average follow-up period of 12 months. The endoscopic cohort experienced a significantly shorter hospital length of stay (p = 0.014) and fewer adverse events (p = 0.010). Both cohorts experienced significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores at all time points (p < 0.001), but the endoscopic cohort demonstrated significantly better early ODI scores (p = 0.024).CONCLUSIONSEndoscopic and MIS-ULBD result in similar functional outcomes for LSS with mild to moderate deformity, while the endoscopic approach demonstrates a favorable rate of complications. Further studies are required to better delineate the characteristics of spinal deformities amenable to this approach and the durability of functional results.

Arm Pain Versus Neck Pain: A Novel Ratio as a Predictor of Post-Operative Clinical Outcomes in Cervical Radiculopathy Patients.

BACKGROUND: Informed patient selection and counseling is key in improving surgical outcomes. Understanding the impact that certain baseline variables can have on postoperative outcomes is essential in optimizing treatment for certain symptoms, such as radiculopathy from cervical spine pathologies. The aim was to identify baseline characteristics that were related to improved or worsened postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for cervical spine radiculopathic pain. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Patient Sample: Surgical cervical spine patients with a diagnosis classification of "degenerative." Diagnoses included in the "degenerative" category were those that caused radiculopathy: cervical disc herniation, cervical stenosis, and cervical spondylosis without myelopathy. Baseline variables considered as predictors were: (1) age, (2) body mass index (BMI), (3) gender, (4) history of cervical spine surgery, (5) baseline Neck Disability Index (NDI) score, (6) baseline SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores, (7) baseline SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores, (8) Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Arm score, and (9) VAS Neck. Outcome Measures: Improvement in NDI (≥50%), VAS Arm/Neck (≥50%), SF-36 PCS/MCS (≥10%) scores at 2-years postoperative. An arm-to-neck ratio (ANR) was also generated from baseline VAS scores. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated predictors for 2-year postoperative outcome improvements, controlling for surgical complications and technique. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-eight patients were included. Patients with ANR ≤ 1 (n = 214) were less likely to reach improvements in 2-year NDI (30.0% vs 39.2%, P = .050) and SF-36 PCS (42.4% vs 53.5%, P = .025). Multivariate analysis for neck disability revealed higher baseline SF-36 PCS (odds ratio [OR] 1.053) and MCS (OR 1.028) were associated with over 50% improvements. Higher baseline NDI were reduced odds of postoperative neck pain improvement (OR 0.958). Arm pain greater than neck pain at baseline was associated with both increased odds of postoperative arm pain improvement (OR 1.707) and SF36 PCS improvement (OR 1.495). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified specific symptom locations and health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores, which were associated with postoperative pain and disability improvement. In particular, baseline arm pain greater than neck pain was determined to have the greatest impact on whether patients met at least 50% improvement in their upper body pain score. These findings are important for clinicians to optimize patient outcomes through effective preoperative counseling.

Lack of Consensus in Physician Recommendations Regarding Return to Driving After Cervical Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to investigate how surgeons differ in collar and narcotic use, as well as return to driving recommendations following cervical spine surgeries and the associated medico-legal ramifications of these conditions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Restoration of quality of life is one of the main goals of cervical spine surgery. Patients frequently inquire when they may safely resume driving after cervical spine surgery. There is no consensus regarding postoperative driving restrictions. This study addresses how surgeons differ in their recommendations concerning cervical immobilization, narcotic analgesia, and suggested timeline of return to driving following cervical spine surgery. METHODS: Surgeons at the Cervical Spine Research Society annual meeting completed anonymous surveys assessing postoperative patient management following fusion and nonfusion cervical spine surgeries. RESULTS: Seventy percent of surgeons returned completed surveys (n = 71). About 80.3% were orthopedic surgeons and 94.2% completed a spine fellowship. Experienced surgeons (>15 years in practice) were more likely to let patients return to driving within 2 weeks than less experienced surgeons (47.1% vs. 24.3%, P = 0.013) for multilevel anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and laminectomy with fusion procedures. There were no differences between surgeons practicing inside and outside the USA for prescribing collars or return to driving time. Cervical collars were used more for fusions than nonfusions (57.7% vs. 31.0%, P = 0.001). Surgeons reported 75.3% of patients ask when they may resume driving. For cervical fusions, 31.4% of surgeons allowed their patients to resume driving while restricting them with collars for longer durations. Furthermore, 27.5% of surgeons allowed their patients to resume driving while taking narcotics postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This survey-based study highlights the lack of consensus regarding patient "fitness to drive" following cervical spine surgery. The importance of establishing evidence-based guidelines is critical, as recommendations for driving in the postoperative period may have significant medical, legal, and financial implications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Predictors of Hospital Length of Stay and 30-Day Readmission in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Patients: An Analysis of 3057 Patients Using the ACS-NSQIP Database.

BACKGROUND: Hospital length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rate, and other metrics are increasingly being used to evaluate quality of surgical care. The factors most relevant to cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) are not yet established. OBJECTIVE: To identify perioperative factors associated with extended LOS and 30-day readmission following elective surgery for CSM. METHODS: Surgical CSM patients at institutions represented by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) during 2010-2012 were included. Patients with fracture, 9 or more levels fused, or cancer were excluded. Extended LOS was defined as 75th percentile of the cohort. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors for extended LOS, 30-day readmission, and reoperation. Linear regression modeling was used to evaluate variables. RESULTS: Three thousand fifty-seven surgical CSM cases were isolated. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.496), diabetes (OR, 1.691), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (OR, 2.081), posterior surgical approach (OR, 2.695), and operative time (OR, 1.008) were all positive predictors (P < 0.05) for extended LOS (≥4 days). Thirty-two percent of the cohort (976 patients) had 30-day readmission data. Among these, 915 patients were not readmitted (93.8%), while 61 (6.2%) were readmitted. Diabetes (OR, 1.460) and ASA class (OR, 2.539) were significant positive predictors for hospital readmission. Age (OR, 0.918) was a negative predictor of re-operation in readmitted patients, and pulmonary comorbidities (OR, 4.584) were a positive predictor (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes and higher ASA class were at increased risk for extended LOS and readmission within 30-days. Patients with increased operative time have greater risk for extended LOS. Preoperative pulmonary comorbidities increased reoperation risk, whereas increased age reduced the risk. Attention to these factors may benefit CSM patients.

Oesophageal cancer presenting as Lemierre's syndrome caused by Streptococcus anginosus.

A 59-year-old man presented to the emergency department with complaints of dysphagia, right-sided neck swelling, fever and chills. Physical examination was remarkable for fever and tender swelling over the right side of the neck. Laboratory investigations revealed leucocytosis with neutrophilia. CT of the neck showed right internal jugular vein thrombosis with an overlying abscess and a nodular opacity in the right lung apex with air locules. He underwent surgical drainage of the neck abscess. Aerobic cultures from the drainage and blood cultures grew Streptococcus anginosus Given his initial complaint of dysphagia, upper endoscopy was performed which showed a mass in the upper oesophagus. Histopathology confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. The patient received 6 weeks of antibiotics therapy.

Distal femoral varus osteotomy for unloading valgus knee malalignment: a biomechanical analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biomechanical properties of the load shifting following opening-wedge distal femoral varus osteotomies (DFVOs) and determine the osteotomy correction needed to unload the lateral compartment. METHODS: Five human cadaveric knees were tested with a load of 500 N of axial compression. Medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartment contact area and pressure were assessed utilizing a modified F-scan pressure-sensitive sensor. The knees were tested in their baseline anatomic alignment, 10° valgus malalignment and following corrective DFVOs of 5°, 10° and 15°. The load shifting effect of the various DFVO correction angles was analysed using a one-way ANOVA to determine the correction angle necessary to unload the lateral compartment. RESULTS: Gradually shifting the loading vector medially with increasing DFVO angles resulted in a decrease in the mean contact area and mean contact pressures in the lateral compartment with progressive increases in the medial compartment. The largest reduction in lateral compartment pressure and contact area was seen with the 15° osteotomy with a 25 % decrease in mean contact pressure and 20 % decrease in mean maximum contact pressure and mean contact area when compared to the 10° valgus-malaligned knee. For the 10° valgus knee, a 15° correction resulted in near-normal contact pressures and areas compared with the knee in normal anatomic alignment. CONCLUSION: Progressive unloading of the lateral tibiofemoral compartment occurred with increasing DFVO correction angles. Clinically, when performing a DFVO for valgus malalignment, surgeons should consider overcorrecting the osteotomy by 5° to restore near-normal contact pressures and contact areas in the lateral compartment rather than the traditional teaching of correcting to neutral alignment.

Changes in Driving Performance Following Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: With this study, we sought to quantify perioperative changes in driving performance among patients who underwent anatomic or reverse shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Using a driving simulator, 30 patients (20 anatomic and 10 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties) were tested preoperatively and at 2 weeks (PO2), 6 weeks (PO6), and 12 weeks (PO12) postoperatively. The total number of collisions, centerline crossings, and off-road excursions (when the vehicle traversed the lateral road edge), and scores on a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were recorded at each driving trial. RESULTS: The mean number of collisions increased from 5.9 preoperatively to 7.4 at PO2 and subsequently decreased to 5.6 at PO6 and 4.0 at PO12 (p = 0.0149). In addition, the number of centerline crossings decreased from 21.4 preoperatively to 16.3 at PO12 (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis of the data demonstrated that increased VAS for pain scores, older age, and less driving experience had a negative impact on driving performance. CONCLUSIONS: Driving performance returned to preoperative levels at 6 weeks after shoulder arthroplasty. By 12 weeks postoperatively, patients demonstrated improved driving performance compared with preoperative performance. On the basis of our findings, clinicians can suggest a window of 6 to 12 weeks postoperatively for the gradual return to driving. However, for patients of older age, with less driving experience, or with greater pain, a return to driving at closer to 12 weeks postoperatively should be recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

"Reverse Bohlman" technique for the treatment of high grade spondylolisthesis in an adult population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical techniques for effective high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) remain controversial. This study aims to evaluate radiographic/clinical outcomes in HGS patients treated using modified "Reverse Bohlman" (RB) technique. METHODS: Review of consecutive HGS patients undergoing RB at a single university-center from 2006 to 2013. Clinical, surgical, radiographic parameters collected. RESULTS: Six patients identified: five with L5-S1 HGS with L4-L5 instability and one had an L4-5 isthmic spondylolisthesis and grade 1 L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis. Two interbody graft failures and one L5-S1 pseudoarthrosis. Postoperative improvement of anterolisthesis (62.3% vs. 49.6%, p = 0.003), slip angle (10 vs. 5°, p = 0.005), and lumbar lordosis (49 vs. 57.5°, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: RB technique for HGS recommended when addressing adjacent level instability/slip.

Risk Factors for Developing Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization in Spine and Arthroplasty Surgery.

Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is a risk factor for surgical site infection. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of 1,708 consecutively enrolled patients to identify criteria that places orthopaedic surgery patients undergoing spine and total joint arthroplasty surgery at risk for nasal colonization by MRSA and MSSA. Multivariate analysis showed obesity and asthma as significant risk factors for MRSA colonization. The identification of these two risk factors for MRSA colonization may help decolonization programs target patients with these factors for treatment prior to surgery, which could potentially lead to reductions in the rates of surgical site infections.

Selective versus nonselective thoracic fusion in Lenke 1C curves: a meta-analysis of baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes.

OBJECT: Lenke 1C curves are challenging to manage surgically due to the structural thoracic deformity and nonstructural lumbar curve. Selective thoracic fusion (STF) is considered the standard of care because it preserves motion of the lumbar segment, yet nonselective STF (NSTF) remains prevalent. This study aims to identify baseline patient characteristics that drive treatment and to compare postoperative outcomes for both procedures. METHODS: Studies that compared baseline and postoperative demographic data, health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaires, and radiographic parameters of patients with Lenke 1C curves undergoing STF or NSTF were identified for meta-analysis. The effect measure is expressed as a mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. A positive MD signifies a greater STF value, or a mean increase within the group. RESULTS: One prospective and 6 retrospective case-control studies with sample size of 488 patients (344 STF and 144 NSTF) were identified. Baseline age, sex, and HRQLs were equivalent, except for better scores in the STF group for the Scoliosis Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ): Unrelated to Deformity item (3.47 vs 3.88, p = 0.01) and the Spine Research Society questionnaire, Item 22: Pain (4.13 vs 3.92, p = 0.04). Radiographic findings were significantly worse in NSTF, as measured by the thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) Cobb angle (MD: -4.29°, p < 0.01) and TL/L apical vertebral translation (AVT) (MD: -6.08, p < 0.01). Radiographic findings significantly improved in STF, as measured in the main thoracic (MT) Cobb angle (MD: -27.78°, p < 0.01), TL/L Cobb angle (MD: -16.24°, p < 0.01), MT:TL/L Cobb ratio (MD: -0.21, p < 0.01), coronal balance (MD: 0.47, p = 0.02), and thoracic kyphosis (MD: 7.87°, p < 0.01); and in NSTF in proximal thoracic (PT) Cobb angle (24° vs 14.1°, p < 0.01), MT Cobb angle (53.5° vs 20.5°, p < 0.01), and TL/L Cobb angle (41.6° vs 16.6°, p < 0.01). Postoperative TL/L Cobb angle (23.1° vs 16.6°, p < 0.01) was significantly higher in STF; but PT Cobb angle, MT Cobb angle, and MT:TL/L Cobb ratio are equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with larger lumbar compensatory curves displaying a larger degree of coronal translation, as measured by the TL/L AVT, are more likely to undergo an NSTF. Contrary to established guidelines, larger MT curve magnitudes and MT:TL/L Cobb angle ratios have not been found to influence the decision to pursue a selective thoracic fusion. Although overall both STF and NSTF groups are found to have effective postoperative coronal balance, the STF group has only modest improvements in the lumbar curve position as determined by a relatively unchanged TL/L AVT. Furthermore, surgeons may prefer NSTF in patients who may have a worse overall perception of their spinal deformity as measured by HRQL measures of pain and desire for appearance change.

The effect of shoulder immobilization on driving performance.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sling immobilization on driving performance with use of a driving simulator. METHODS: This is a prospective trial with a cohort of 21 healthy volunteers comparing their driving ability with and without sling immobilization on their dominant (driving) extremity. Multiple variables, including number of collisions, off-road excursions, and centerline crossings, were measured with a validated driving simulator. Trials were separated by 2 weeks to control for "adaptations" to the simulator. Statistical significance was found in collisions between sling and no-sling tests. RESULTS: The total number of collisions for trial 1 (no sling) was 36 (mean, 1.7 ± 1.2) compared with 73 (3.7 ± 1.6) (P < .01) for trial 2 (sling immobilization). Approximately 70% of participants with upper extremity immobilization were involved in ≥3 collisions; approximately 70% of no-sling participants were involved in ≤2 collisions. There was no statistically significant difference between groups with respect to overall vehicle road position and control. CONCLUSION: Sling immobilization of the dominant driving arm results in a decrease in driving performance and safety with respect to the number of collisions in a simulated driving circuit (P < .01). There were no significant differences in driving parameters that are indicative of overall vehicle position and control. The decrease in driving performance with respect to the number of collisions is likely to be related to the effect the immobilized arm has on effectively performing evasive maneuvers during hazardous driving conditions.