Aims. Open discectomy (OD) is the standard operation for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD), however, has shown similar outcomes to OD and there is increasing interest in this procedure. However despite improved surgical techniques and instrumentation, reoperation and infection rates continue and are reported to be between 6% and 24% and 0.7% and 16%, respectively. The objective of this study was to compare the rate of reoperation and infection within six months of patients being treated for LDH either by OD or PELD. Methods. In this retrospective, nationwide cohort study, the Korean National Health Insurance database from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2018 was reviewed. Data were extracted for patients who underwent OD or PELD for LDH without a history of having undergone either procedure during the preceding year. Individual patients were followed for six months through their encrypted unique resident registration number. The primary endpoints were rates of reoperation and infection during the follow-up period. Other risk factors for reoperation and infection were also evalulated. Results. Out of 549,531 patients, 522,640 had undergone OD (95.11%) and 26,891 patients had undergone PELD (4.89%). Reoperation rates within six months were 2.28% in the OD group, and 5.38% in the PELD group. Infection rates were 1.18% in OD group and 0.83% in PELD group. The risk of reoperation was lower for patients with OD than for patients with PELD (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.38). The risk of infection was higher for patients with OD than for patients undergoing PELD (HR, 1.325). Conclusion. Compared with the OD group, the PELD group showed higher reoperation rates and lower infection rates. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1392–1399

Percutaneous placement of pedicle screws is a well-established technique, however, no studies have compared percutaneous and open placement of screws in the thoracic spine. The aim of this cadaveric study was to compare the accuracy and safety of these techniques at the thoracic spinal level. A total of 288 screws were inserted in 16 (eight cadavers, 144 screws in percutaneous and eight cadavers, 144 screws in open). Pedicle perforations and fractures were documented subsequent to wide laminectomy followed by skeletalisation of the vertebrae. The perforations were classified as grade 0: no perforation, grade 1: < 2 mm perforation, grade 2: 2 mm to 4 mm perforation and grade 3: > 4 mm perforation. In the percutaneous group, the perforation rate was 11.1% with 15 (10.4%) grade 1 and one (0.7%) grade 2 perforations. In the open group, the perforation rate was 8.3% (12 screws) and all were grade 1. This difference was not significant (p = 0.45). There were 19 (13.2%) pedicle fractures in the percutaneous group and 21 (14.6%) in the open group (p = 0.73). In summary, the safety of percutaneous fluoroscopy-guided pedicle screw placement in the thoracic spine between T4 and T12 is similar to that of the conventional open technique. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1555–61

This article has been retracted, an editorial will follow.

Aims. Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a non-fusion technique to correct scoliosis. It allows correction of scoliosis through growth modulation (GM) by tethering the convex side to allow concave unrestricted growth similar to the hemiepiphysiodesis concept. The other modality is anterior scoliosis correction (ASC) where the tether is able to perform most of the correction immediately where limited growth is expected. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data of 20 patients aged between 9 and 17 years old, (with a 19 female: 1 male ratio) between January 2014 to December 2016 with a mean five-year follow-up (4 to 7). Results. There were ten patients in each group with a total of 23 curves operated on. VBT-GM mean age was 12.5 years (9 to 14) with a mean Risser classification of 0.63 (0 to 2) and VBT-ASC was 14.9 years (13 to 17) with a mean Risser classification of 3.66 (3 to 5). Mean preoperative VBT-GM Cobb was 47.4° (40° to 58°) with a Fulcrum unbend of 17.4 (1° to 41°), compared to VBT-ASC 56.5° (40° to 79°) with 30.6 (2° to 69°)unbend. Postoperative VBT-GM was 20.3° and VBT-ASC Cobb angle was 11.2°. The early postoperative correction rate was 54.3% versus 81% whereas Fulcrum Bending Correction Index (FBCI) was 93.1% vs 146.6%. The last Cobb angle on radiograph at mean five years’ follow-up was 19.4° (VBT-GM) and 16.5° (VBT-ASC). Patients with open triradiate cartilage (TRC) had three over-corrections. Overall, 5% of patients required fusion. This one patient alone had a over-correction, a second-stage tether release, and final conversion to fusion. Conclusion. We show a high success rate (95%) in helping children avoid fusion at five years post-surgery. VBT is a safe technique for correction of scoliosis in the skeletally immature patient. This is the first report at five years that shows two methods of VBT can be employed depending on the skeletal maturity of the patient: GM and ASC. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):123–129

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate whether including the stages of ulnar physeal closure in Sanders stage 7 aids in a more accurate assessment for brace weaning in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of patients who were weaned from their brace and reviewed between June 2016 and December 2018. Patients who weaned from their brace at Risser stage ≥ 4, had static standing height and arm span for at least six months, and were ≥ two years post-menarche were included. Skeletal maturity at weaning was assessed using Sanders staging with stage 7 subclassified into 7a, in which all phalangeal physes are fused and only the distal radial physis is open, with narrowing of the medial physeal plate of the distal ulna, and 7b, in which fusion of > 50% of the medial growth plate of distal ulna exists, as well as the distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification, an established skeletal maturity index which assesses skeletal maturation using finer stages of the distal radial and ulnar physes, from open to complete fusion. The grade of maturity at the time of weaning and any progression of the curve were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, with Cramer’s V, and Goodman and Kruskal’s tau. Results. We studied a total of 179 patients with AIS, of whom 149 (83.2%) were female. Their mean age was 14.8 years (SD 1.1) and the mean Cobb angle was 34.6° (SD 7.7°) at the time of weaning. The mean follow-up was 3.4 years (SD 1.8). At six months after weaning, the rates of progression of the curve for patients weaning at Sanders stage 7a and 7b were 11.4% and 0%, respectively for those with curves of < 40°. Similarly, the rates of progression of the curve for those being weaned at ulnar grade 7 and 8 using the DRU classification were 13.5% and 0%, respectively. The use of Sanders stages 6, 7a, 7b, and 8 for the assessment of maturity at the time of weaning were strongly and significantly associated (Cramer’s V 0.326; p = 0.016) with whether the curve progressed at six months after weaning. Weaning at Sanders stage 7 with subclassification allowed 10.6% reduction of error in predicting the progression of the curve. Conclusion. The use of Sanders stages 7a and 7b allows the accurate assessment of skeletal maturity for guiding brace weaning in patients with AIS. Weaning at Sanders stage 7b, or at ulnar grade 8 with the DRU classification, is more appropriate as the curve did not progress in any patient with a curve of < 40° immediately post-weaning. Thus, reaching full fusion in both distal radial and ulnar physes (as at Sanders stage 8) is not necessary and this allows weaning from a brace to be initiated about nine months earlier. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):141–147

Aims. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) have been gaining popularity in the management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) over the past decade. We present our experience with the first 44 MCGR consecutive cases treated at our institution. Methods. This is a retrospective review of consecutive cases of MCGR performed in our institution between 2012 and 2018. This cohort consisted of 44 children (25 females and 19 males), with a mean age of 7.9 years (3.7 to 13.6). There were 41 primary cases and three revisions from other rod systems. The majority (38 children) had dual rods. The group represents a mixed aetiology including idiopathic (20), neuromuscular (13), syndromic (9), and congenital (2). The mean follow-up was 4.1 years, with a minimum of two years. Nine children graduated to definitive fusion. We evaluated radiological parameters of deformity correction (Cobb angle), and spinal growth (T1-T12 and T1-S1 heights), as well as complications during the course of treatment. Results. The mean Cobb angles pre-operatively, postoperatively, and at last follow-up were 70° (53 to 103), 35° (15 to 71) and 39° (15 to 65) respectively (p < 0.001). Further, there was a mean of 14° (-6 to 27) of additional Cobb angle correction upon graduation from MCGR to definitive fusion. Both T1-T12 and T1-S1 showed significant increase in heights of 27 mm and 45 mm respectively at last follow-up (p < 0.001). Ten children (23%) developed 18 complications requiring 21 unplanned operations. Independent risk factors for developing a complication were single rod constructs and previous revision surgery. Conclusion. MCGR has the benefit of avoiding multiple surgeries, and is an effective tool in treatment of early-onset scoliosis. It also maintains the flexibility of the spine, allowing further correction at the time of definitive fusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:405–414

Aims. The British Spine Registry (BSR) was introduced in May 2012 to be used as a web-based database for spinal surgeries carried out across the UK. Use of this database has been encouraged but not compulsory, which has led to a variable level of engagement in the UK. In 2019 NHS England and NHS Improvement introduced a new Best Practice Tariff (BPT) to encourage input of spinal surgical data on the BSR. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the spinal BPT on compliance with the recording of surgical data on the BSR. Methods. A retrospective review of data was performed at a tertiary spinal centre between 2018 to 2020. Data were collated from electronic patient records, theatre operating lists, and trust-specific BSR data. Information from the BSR included operative procedures (mandatory), patient consent, email addresses, and demographic details. We also identified Healthcare Resource Groups (HRGs) which qualified for BPT. Results. A total of 3,587 patients were included in our study. Of these, 1,684 patients were eligible for BPT. Between 2018 and 2019 269/974 (28%) records were complete on the BSR for those that would be eligible for BPT. Following introduction of BPT in 2019, 671/710 (95%) records were complete having filled in the mandatory data (p < 0.001). Patient consent to data collection also improved from 62% to 93%. Email details were present in 43% of patients compared with 68% following BPT introduction. Conclusion. Our study found that following the introduction of a BPT, there was a statistically significant improvement in BSR record completion compliance in our unit. The BPT offers a financial incentive which can help generate further income for trusts. National data input into the BSR is important to assess patient outcome following spinal surgery. The BSR can also aid future research in spinal surgery. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2-3:198–201

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To report the development of the technique for minimally invasive lumbar decompression using robotic-assisted navigation.

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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.

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Symptomatic spinal stenosis is a very common problem, and decompression surgery has been shown to be superior to nonoperative treatment in selected patient groups. However, performing an instrumented fusion in addition to decompression may avoid revision and improve outcomes. The aim of the SpInOuT feasibility study was to establish whether a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) that accounted for the spectrum of pathology contributing to spinal stenosis, including pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch and mobile spondylolisthesis, could be conducted.

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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.

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The aim of this study was to report the long-term prognosis of patients with multiple Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the spine, and to analyze the risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS).

Aims. We aimed to establish the short- and long-term efficacy of corticosteroid injection for coccydynia, and to determine if betamethasone or triamcinolone has the best effect. Methods. During 2009 to 2016, we treated 277 patients with chronic coccydynia with either one 6 mg betamethasone or one 20 mg triamcinolone cortisone injection. A susequent injection was given to 62 (26%) of the patients. All were reviewed three to four months after injection, and 241 replied to a questionnaire a mean of 36 months (12 to 88) after the last injection. No pain at the early review was considered early success. When the patient had not been subsequently operated on, and indicated on the questionnaire that they were either well or much better, it was considered a long-term success. Results. At the three- to four-month review, 22 (9%) reported that they had no pain. The long-term success of one injection was 15% and rose to 29% after a second injection. Logistic regression tests showed that both early success (odds ratio (OR) 5.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1 to 14.4; p = 0.001) and late success (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 8.3; p = 0.001) was greater with triamcinolone than with betamethasone. Late success was greater for patients with symptoms for less than 12 months (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.4 to 6.7; p = 0.006). We saw no complications of the injections. Conclusion. We conclude that the effect of corticosteroid injection for coccygodynia is moderate, possibly because we used modest doses of the drugs. Even so, they seem worthwhile as they are easily and quickly performed, and complications are rare. If the choice is between injections of betamethasone or triamcinolone, the latter should be selected. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-11:709–714

Aims. The direct posterior approach with subperiosteal dissection of the paraspinal muscles from the vertebrae is considered to be the standard approach for the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We investigated whether or not a minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) technique could offer improved results. Methods. Consecutive AIS patients treated with an MIS technique at two tertiary centres from June 2013 to March 2016 were retrospectively included. Preoperative patient deformity characteristics, perioperative parameters, power of deformity correction, and complications were studied. A total of 93 patients were included. The outcome of the first 25 patients and the latter 68 were compared as part of our safety analysis to examine the effect of the learning curve. Results. In the first 25 cases, with a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (standard deviation (SD) 0.4), the mean preoperative major Cobb angle was 57.6° (SD 9.8°) and significantly corrected to mean 15.4° (SD 5.6°, 73% curve correction). The mean preoperative T5-T12 was 26.2 (SD 12.8) and significantly increased to mean 32.9 (SD 8.3). Both frontal and sagittal plane correction was conserved two years after surgery. The rate of perioperative complications was 12% and three further complications occurred (three deep delayed infection). In the latter cases, 68 patients were included with a mean follow-up time of three years (SD 0.6). The mean preoperative major Cobb angle was 58.4° (SD 9.2°) and significantly corrected to mean 20.4° (SD 7.3°).The mean preoperative T5-T12 kyphosis was 26.6° (SD 12.8°) and was significantly increased to mean 31.4° (SD 8.3°). Both frontal and sagittal correction was conserved two years after surgery. The perioperative (30 day) complication rate was 1.4%. Two (2.9%) additional complications occurred in two patients. Conclusion. MIS for AIS is associated with a significant correction of spine deformity in the frontal and sagittal planes, together with low estimated blood loss and short length of stay. The perioperative complication rate seems to be lower compared with the standard open technique based on the literature data. The longer-term safety of MIS for AIS needs to be documented with a larger cohort and compared with the standard posterior approach. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):506–512

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The aim of this study was to reassess the rate of neurological, psoas-related, and abdominal complications associated with L4-L5 lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) undertaken using a standardized preoperative assessment and surgical technique.

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Postoperative complication rates remain relatively high after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The extent to which modifiable patient-related factors influence complication rates in patients with ASD has not been effectively evaluated. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between modifiable patient-related factors and complications after corrective surgery for ASD.

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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).

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The aims of this study were first, to determine if adding fusion to a decompression of the lumbar spine for spinal stenosis decreases the rate of radiological restenosis and/or proximal adjacent level stenosis two years after surgery, and second, to evaluate the change in vertebral slip two years after surgery with and without fusion.

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Repeated lumbar spine surgery has been associated with inferior clinical outcomes. This study aimed to examine and quantify the impact of this association in a national clinical register cohort.

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This study aimed, through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiment validation, to identify the key extracellular proteins of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).