Methods. In this study of patients who underwent internal fixation without fusion for a burst thoracolumbar or lumbar fracture, we compared the serial changes in the injured disc height (DH), and the fractured vertebral body height (VBH) and kyphotic angle between patients in whom the implants were removed and those in whom they were not. Radiological parameters such as injured DH, fractured VBH and kyphotic angle were measured. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Greenough low back outcome scale and a VAS scale for pain. Results. Between June 1996 and May 2012, 69 patients were analysed retrospectively; 47 were included in the implant removal group and 22 in the implant retention group. After a mean follow-up of 66 months (48 to 107), eight patients (36.3%) in the implant retention group had screw breakage. There was no screw breakage in the implant removal group. All radiological and functional outcomes were similar between these two groups. Although solid union of the fractured vertebrae was achieved, the kyphotic angle and the anterior third of the injured DH changed significantly with time (p < 0.05). . Discussion. The radiological and functional outcomes of both implant removal and retention were similar. Although screw breakage may occur, the implants may not need to be removed. Take home message: Implant removal may not be needed for patients with burst fractures of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine after fixation without fusion. However, information should be provided beforehand regarding the possibility of screw breakage. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:109–16

Background. Pleural drains are routinely used following anterior approaches to the spine for the correction of spinal deformities, to prevent the accumulation of blood, fluids and air in the pleural cavity. Following their removal it is routine practise in our Trust to obtain chest radiographs to look out for a pneumothorax or a residual fluid collection. Our hypothesis is that unless clinically indicated the use of a CXR does not affect patient management and should not therefore be routine practice. Methods. A retrospective audit of 122 consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for the correction of spinal deformity using an anterior approach to the spine, over the course of a year, was undertaken. CXRs were performed in all patients following drain removal. We have reviewed those images and in cases were abnormalities were detected we have examined the case notes to assess the impact of those findings with regards to management. Results. 122 patients (92F,30M) were included in our study. Mean age was 20.1 yyears. There were records of pre existing lung pathology in 4 cases. The right and left pleura were opened in 99 and 23 cases respectively and a chest drain was inserted in all cases peri operatively. The average time for removal was 4.2 days. There were 27 cases were an insignificant abnormality was detected. There were 2 cases were a large pneumothorax (>2cm) was detected. On reviewing these case notes there were abnormalities in clinical parameters and abnormal findings on clinical examination that would alert the clinician to the possibility of underlying pathology and the need for further evaluation. In all cases there was no further intervention in the form of chest drain re insertion. Conclusion. There is a very low incidence of pneumothorax following pleural drain removal. Those cases can be identified by means of clinical evaluation. The use of routine CXR is not necessary. This is a safe cost effective intervention that will also serve to reduce the radiation patients are subjected to. Ethics approval Audit/service standard in trust. Interest StatementNone

Introduction

It has previously been reported ^(1,2,3) that EMG signals from the lumbar spine are highly prone to contamination by ECG artefacts. It has also been reported that Independent Component Analysis is a suitable method for extracting this contamination (4).

Aims. To report the development of the technique for minimally invasive lumbar decompression using robotic-assisted navigation. Methods. Robotic planning software was used to map out bone removal for a laminar decompression after registration of CT scan images of one cadaveric specimen. A specialized acorn-shaped bone removal robotic drill was used to complete a robotic lumbar laminectomy. Post-procedure advanced imaging was obtained to compare actual bony decompression to the surgical plan. After confirming accuracy of the technique, a minimally invasive robotic-assisted laminectomy was performed on one 72-year-old female patient with lumbar spinal stenosis. Postoperative advanced imaging was obtained to confirm the decompression. Results. A workflow for robotic-assisted lumbar laminectomy was successfully developed in a human cadaveric specimen, as excellent decompression was confirmed by postoperative CT imaging. Subsequently, the workflow was applied clinically in a patient with severe spinal stenosis. Excellent decompression was achieved intraoperatively and preservation of the dorsal midline structures was confirmed on postoperative MRI. The patient experienced improvement in symptoms postoperatively and was discharged within 24 hours. Conclusion. Minimally invasive robotic-assisted lumbar decompression utilizing a specialized robotic bone removal instrument was shown to be accurate and effective both in vitro and in vivo. The robotic bone removal technique has the potential for less invasive removal of laminar bone for spinal decompression, all the while preserving the spinous process and the posterior ligamentous complex. Spinal robotic surgery has previously been limited to the insertion of screws and, more recently, cages; however, recent innovations have expanded robotic capabilities to decompression of neurological structures. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):809–817

Introduction. Nucleus replacement surgery has the potential to be an early treatment option for chronic lower back pain. The surgery involves removal (nuclectomy) and replacement of the native degenerated nucleus with a material designed to restore the disc's physiological properties. Multiple techniques have been considered to perform a nuclectomy, however the advantages and disadvantages of each are not well understood. The aim of this study was to quantitatively compare three nuclectomy techniques: automated-shaver, rongeurs, and laser. Methods and results. Fifteen human vertebra-disc-vertebra lumbar specimens were split into three groups. Before and after nuclectomy axial mechanical tests were performed and T2-weighted 9.4T MRIs were acquired for each specimen. Using the automated-shaver and rongeur similar volumes of disc material were removed (2.51±1.10% and 2.76±1.39% of the total disc volume, respectively), whilst considerably less material was removed when using the laser (0.12±0.07%). Using the automated-shaver and rongeur significantly reduced the toe-region stiffness, while the linear region stiffness was significantly reduced only in the rongeur group. From the MRIs, more homogeneous cavities were seen in the center of the disc when using the automated shaver compared to rongeur, whilst laser ablation resulted in small, localized cavities. Conclusion. Results suggest that the current laser parameters are not suitable for removal of large volumes of material unless the technique is optimised for this application. Both rongeurs and automated-shavers can be used to remove large volumes of material but the reduced risk of collateral damage to surrounding tissues suggests that an automated-shaver may be more suitable. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: Part of this work was funded by an Imperial College Research Fellowship for NN and an EPSRC DTP CASE Conversion Studentship for TR (EP/R513052/1)

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of morphological spinal parameters to predict the outcome of bracing in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to establish a novel supine correction index (SCI) for guiding bracing treatment. Methods. Patients with AIS to be treated by bracing were prospectively recruited between December 2016 and 2018, and were followed until brace removal. In all, 207 patients with a mean age at recruitment of 12.8 years (SD 1.2) were enrolled. Cobb angles, supine flexibility, and the rate of in-brace correction were measured and used to predict curve progression at the end of follow-up. The SCI was defined as the ratio between correction rate and flexibility. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to assess the optimal thresholds for flexibility, correction rate, and SCI in predicting a higher risk of progression, defined by a change in Cobb angle of ≥ 5° or the need for surgery. Results. The baseline Cobb angles were similar (p = 0.374) in patients whose curves progressed (32.7° (SD 10.7)) and in those whose curves remained stable (31.4° (SD 6.1)). High supine flexibility (odds ratio (OR) 0.947 (95% CI 0.910 to 0.984); p = 0.006) and correction rate (OR 0.926 (95% CI 0.890 to 0.964); p < 0.001) predicted a lower incidence of progression after adjusting for Cobb angle, Risser sign, curve type, menarche status, distal radius and ulna grading, and brace compliance. ROC curve analysis identified a cut-off of 18.1% for flexibility (sensitivity 0.682, specificity 0.704) and a cut-off of 28.8% for correction rate (sensitivity 0.773, specificity 0.691) in predicting a lower risk of curve progression. A SCI of greater than 1.21 predicted a lower risk of progression (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.251 to 0.955); sensitivity 0.583, specificity 0.591; p = 0.036). Conclusion. A higher supine flexibility (18.1%) and correction rate (28.8%), and a SCI of greater than 1.21 predicted a lower risk of progression. These novel parameters can be used as a guide to optimize the outcome of bracing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(4):495–503

Introduction. Missile injuries are very serious injuries particularly in the cervical region. They are classified into high and low missile injuries when it involves the cervical spine. In modern guerrilla warfare, one must be aware of ballistic pathology with bullets as well as from explosives. In particular, improvised explosive devices commonly known as IED's play a new and important pathophysiology whether they are suicided vests or roadside bombs. They usually produce severe or lethal injuries and serious neurovascular deficit is frequent. We present the details of 40 patients with local experience on how to handle serious penetrating cervical missile injuries. Methods. All cases were collected from the record of Basrah University Hospital, Iraq. Healthy military gentlemen with ages ranging between 20–35 years were included. Results. 11 patients had bullet injuries and 29patients had fragments of shell injuries. The sites of injuries were 9: C2–C3, 12: C5–C6, 12: C4–C5 and 7: C7-T1. Bullet entrance was anterior in 23 patients, posterior in 7 patients and lateral in 10 patients. The cervical vertebrae were injured in 37 patients at body or lamina level while in 3 patients it was only neural tissue injuries. Missiles were retained in 13 patients. All injuries showed some degree of neurological deficit with quadriplegia in 26 patients. 9 patients presented with very serious injuries. No relation was found between the size of the missile and the extent of damage. Outcome of treatment in all patients was poor. Conclusion. Gunshot wounds only account for approximately one third of penetrating missile injuries in patients who survive and are well enough to receive medical treatment. 62% of patients' cohort were from explosive devices, consistent with data from 2010, where 58% of fatalities were from IED's occurring in foreign soldiers in Afghanistan. We discuss the importance of general supportive measures, generous wound excision, removal of the retained missiles and heavy cover of antibiotics

Aims

Implant-related postoperative spondylodiscitis (IPOS) is a severe complication in spine surgery and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. With growing knowledge in the field of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), equivalent investigations towards the management of implant-related infections of the spine are indispensable. To our knowledge, this study provides the largest description of cases of IPOS to date.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of pedicle screw placement, as well as intraoperative factors, radiation exposure, and complication rates in adult patients with degenerative disorders of the thoracic and lumbar spines who have undergone robotic-navigated spinal surgery using a contemporary system.

Aims

The optimal procedure for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection (ACOE) with posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PTLF) for the surgical management of patients with this condition.

Aims

Surgical approaches to cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remain controversial. The purpose of the present study was to analyze and compare the long-term neurological recovery following anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PLF) based on > ten-year follow-up outcomes in a single centre.

Aims

To systematically evaluate whether bracing can effectively achieve curve regression in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to identify any predictors of curve regression after bracing.

Aims

People with severe, persistent low back pain (LBP) may be offered lumbar spine fusion surgery if they have had insufficient benefit from recommended non-surgical treatments. However, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2016 guidelines recommended not offering spinal fusion surgery for adults with LBP, except as part of a randomized clinical trial. This survey aims to describe UK clinicians’ views about the suitability of patients for such a future trial, along with their views regarding equipoise for randomizing patients in a future clinical trial comparing lumbar spine fusion surgery to best conservative care (BCC; the FORENSIC-UK trial).

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether, after correction of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), leaving out the subfascial drain gives results that are no worse than using a drain in terms of total blood loss, drop in haemoglobin level, and opioid consumption.

This review provides a concise outline of the advances made in the care of patients and to the quality of life after a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) over the last century. Despite these improvements reversal of the neurological injury is not yet possible. Instead, current treatment is limited to providing symptomatic relief, avoiding secondary insults and preventing additional sequelae. However, with an ever-advancing technology and deeper understanding of the damaged spinal cord, this appears increasingly conceivable. A brief synopsis of the most prominent challenges facing both clinicians and research scientists in developing functional treatments for a progressively complex injury are presented. Moreover, the multiple mechanisms by which damage propagates many months after the original injury requires a multifaceted approach to ameliorate the human spinal cord. We discuss potential methods to protect the spinal cord from damage, and to manipulate the inherent inhibition of the spinal cord to regeneration and repair. Although acute and chronic SCI share common final pathways resulting in cell death and neurological deficits, the underlying putative mechanisms of chronic SCI and the treatments are not covered in this review.

Aims

The outcome following the development of neurological complications after corrective surgery for scoliosis varies from full recovery to a permanent deficit. This study aimed to assess the prognosis and recovery of major neurological deficits in these patients, and to determine the risk factors for non-recovery, at a minimum follow-up of two years.

Aims

Lumbar disc prolapse is a frequent indication for surgery. The few available long-term follow-up studies focus mainly on repeated surgery for recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to analyze all reasons for additional surgery for patients operated on for a primary lumbar disc prolapse.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS), who had undergone spinal fusion after distraction-based spinal growth modulation using either traditional growing rods (TGRs) or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs).

Aims

To develop and internally validate a preoperative clinical prediction model for acute adjacent vertebral fracture (AVF) after vertebral augmentation to support preoperative decision-making, named the after vertebral augmentation (AVA) score.

Aims

With resumption of elective spine surgery services in the UK following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a multicentre British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) collaborative study to examine the complications and deaths due to COVID-19 at the recovery phase of the pandemic. The aim was to analyze the safety of elective spinal surgery during the pandemic.