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. Methods. A prospective observational study was conducted from eight spinal centres for the first month of operating following restoration of elective spine surgery in each individual unit. Primary outcome measure was the 30-day postoperative COVID-19 infection rate. Secondary outcomes analyzed were the 30-day mortality rate, surgical adverse events, medical complications, and length of inpatient stay. Results. In all, 257 patients (128 males) with a median age of 54 years (2 to 88) formed the study cohort. The mean number of procedures performed from each unit was 32 (16 to 101), with 118 procedures (46%) done as category three prioritization level. The majority of patients (87%) were low-medium “risk stratification” category and the mean length of hospital stay was 5.2 days. None of the patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, nor was there any mortality related to COVID-19 during the 30-day follow-up period, with 25 patients (10%) having been tested for symptoms. Overall, 32 patients (12%) developed a total of 34 complications, with the majority (19/34) being grade 1 to 2 Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications. No patient required postoperative care in an intensive care setting for any unexpected complication. Conclusion. This study shows that safe and effective planned spinal surgical services can be restored avoiding viral transmission, with diligent adherence to national guidelines and COVID-19-secure pathways tailored according to the resources of the individual spinal units. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1096–1101

Aims

This study aimed to determine the relationship between pedicle-lengthening distance and bulge-canal volume ratio in cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, to provide a theoretical basis for the extent of lengthening in pedicle-lengthening osteotomies.

Aims. To compare the rates of sagittal and coronal correction for all-pedicle screw instrumentation and hybrid instrumentation using sublaminar bands in the treatment of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 124 patients who had undergone surgery in two centres for the correction of Lenke 1 or 2 AIS. Radiological evaluation was carried out preoperatively, in the early postoperative phase, and at two-year follow-up. Parameters measured included coronal Cobb angles and thoracic kyphosis. Postoperative alignment was compared after matching the cohorts by preoperative coronal Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic incidence. Results. A total of 179 patients were available for analysis. After matching, 124 patients remained (62 in each cohort). Restoration of thoracic kyphosis was significantly better in the sublaminar band group than in the pedicle screw group (from 23.7° to 27.5° to 34.0° versus 23.9° to 18.7° to 21.5°; all p < 0.001). When the preoperative thoracic kyphosis was less than 20°, sublaminar bands achieved a normal postoperative thoracic kyphosis, whereas pedicle screws did not. In the coronal plane, pedicle screws resulted in a significantly better correction than sublaminar bands at final follow-up (73.0% versus 59.7%; p < 0.001). Conclusion. This is the first study to compare sublaminar bands and pedicle screws for the correction of a thoracic AIS. We have shown that pedicle screws give a good coronal correction which is maintained at two-year follow-up. Conversely, sublaminar bands restore the thoracic kyphosis better while pedicle screws are associated with a flattening of the thoracic spine. In patients with preoperative hypokyphosis, sublaminar bands should be used to restore a proper sagittal profile. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):376–382

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

This study addressed two questions: first, does surgical correction of an idiopathic scoliosis increase the volume of the rib cage, and second, is it possible to evaluate the change in lung function after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using biplanar radiographs of the ribcage with 3D reconstruction?

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

High-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis is a disabling disorder for which many different operative techniques have been described. The aim of this study is to evaluate Scoliosis Research Society 22-item (SRS-22r) scores, global balance, and regional spino-pelvic alignment from two to 25 years after surgery for high-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis using an all-posterior partial reduction, transfixation technique.

Aims

To determine the effectiveness of prone traction radiographs in predicting postoperative slip distance, slip angle, changes in disc height, and lordosis after surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine.

Aims

Significant correction of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the coronal plane through a posterior approach is associated with hypokyphosis. Factors such as the magnitude of the preoperative coronal curve, the use of hooks, number of levels fused, preoperative kyphosis, screw density, and rod type have all been implicated. Maintaining the normal thoracic kyphosis is important as hypokyphosis is associated with proximal junctional failure (PJF) and early onset degeneration of the spine. The aim of this study was to determine if coronal correction per se was the most relevant factor in generating hypokyphosis.

Aims

Whether a combined anteroposterior fusion or a posterior-only fusion is more effective in the management of patients with Scheuermann’s kyphosis remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of these surgical approaches, and to evaluate the postoperative complications with the hypothesis that proximal junctional kyphosis would be more common in one-stage posterior-only fusion.

Aims

Chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease is sometimes treated with fusion. We compared the outcome of three different fusion techniques in the Swedish Spine Register: noninstrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF), instrumented posterolateral fusion (IPLF), and interbody fusion (IBF).

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of maturity status at the time of surgery on final spinal height in patients with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using the spine-pelvic index (SPI). The SPI is a self-control ratio that is independent of age and maturity status.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the peak pull-out force (PPF) of pedicle-lengthening screws (PLS) and traditional pedicle screws (TPS) using instant and cyclic fatigue testing.

Aims

We present the results of correcting a double or triple curve adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a convex segmental pedicle screw technique.

Objectives

Although vertebroplasty is very effective for relieving acute pain from an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, not all patients who undergo vertebroplasty receive the same degree of benefit from the procedure. In order to identify the ideal candidate for vertebroplasty, pre-operative prognostic demographic or clinico-radiological factors need to be identified. The objective of this study was to identify the pre-operative prognostic factors related to the effect of vertebroplasty on acute pain control using a cohort of surgically and non-surgically managed patients.

This is a prospective randomised study comparing the clinical and radiological outcomes of uni- and bipedicular balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. A total of 44 patients were randomised to undergo either uni- or bipedicular balloon kyphoplasty. Self-reported clinical assessment using the Oswestry Disability Index, the Roland-Morris Disability questionnaire and a visual analogue score for pain was undertaken pre-operatively, and at three and twelve months post-operatively. The vertebral height and kyphotic angle were measured from pre- and post-operative radiographs. Total operating time and the incidence of cement leakage was recorded for each group.

Both uni- and bipedicular kyphoplasty groups showed significant within-group improvements in all clinical outcomes at three months and twelve months after surgery. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in all clinical and radiological outcomes. Operating time was longer in the bipedicular group (p < 0.001). The incidence of cement leakage was not significantly different in the two groups (p = 0.09).

A unipedicular technique yielded similar clinical and radiological outcomes as bipedicular balloon kyphoplasty, while reducing the length of the operation. We therefore encourage the use of a unipedicular approach as the preferred surgical technique for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:401–6.

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.

This study prospectively compared the efficacy of kyphoplasty using a Jack vertebral dilator and balloon kyphoplasty to treat osteoporotic compression fractures between T10 and L5. Between 2004 and 2009, two groups of 55 patients each underwent vertebral dilator kyphoplasty and balloon kyphoplasty, respectively. Pain, function, the Cobb angle, and the anterior and middle height of the vertebral body were assessed before and after operation. Leakage of bone cement was recorded. The post-operative change in the Cobb angle was significantly greater in the dilator kyphoplasty group than in the balloon kyphoplasty group (−9.51° (sd 2.56) vs −7.78° (sd 1.19), p < 0.001)). Leakage of cement was less in the dilator kyphoplasty group. No other significant differences were found in the two groups after operation, and both procedures gave equally satisfactory results in terms of all other variables assessed. No serious complications occurred in either group.

These findings suggest that vertebral dilator kyphoplasty can facilitate better correction of kyphotic deformity and may ultimately be a safer procedure in reducing leakage of bone cement.

This prospective multicentre study was undertaken to determine segmental movement, disc height and sagittal alignment after total disc replacement (TDR) in the lumbosacral spine and to assess the correlation of biomechanical properties to clinical outcomes.

A total of 173 patients with degenerative disc disease and low back pain for more than one year were randomised to receive either TDR or multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MDR). Segmental movement in the sagittal plane and disc height were measured using distortion compensated roentgen analysis (DCRA) comparing radiographs in active flexion and extension. Correlation analysis between the range of movement or disc height and patient-reported outcomes was performed in both groups. After two years, no significant change in movement in the sagittal plane was found in segments with TDR or between the two treatment groups. It remained the same or increased slightly in untreated segments in the TDR group and in this group there was a significant increase in disc height in the operated segments. There was no correlation between segmental movement or disc height and patient-reported outcomes in either group.

In this study, insertion of an intervertebral disc prosthesis TDR did not increase movement in the sagittal plane and segmental movement did not correlate with patient-reported outcomes. This suggests that in the lumbar spine the movement preserving properties of TDR are not major determinants of clinical outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:81–9.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of short segment pedicle screw instrumentation and an intermediate screw (SSPI+IS) on the radiological outcome of type A thoracolumbar fractures, as judged by the load-sharing classification, percentage canal area reduction and remodelling.

We retrospectively evaluated 39 patients who had undergone hyperlordotic SSPI+IS for an AO-Magerl Type-A thoracolumbar fracture. Their mean age was 35.1 (16 to 60) and the mean follow-up was 22.9 months (12 to 36). There were 26 men and 13 women in the study group. In total, 18 patients had a load-sharing classification score of seven and 21 a score of six. All radiographs and CT scans were evaluated for sagittal index, anterior body height compression (%ABC), spinal canal area and encroachment. There were no significant differences between the low and high score groups with respect to age, duration of follow-up, pre-operative sagittal index or pre-operative anterior body height compression (p = 0.217, 0.104, 0.104, and 0.109 respectively). The mean pre-operative sagittal index was 19.6° (12° to 28°) which was corrected to -1.8° (-5° to 3°) post-operatively and 2.4° (0° to 8°) at final follow-up (p = 0.835 for sagittal deformity). No patient needed revision for loss of correction or failure of instrumentation.

Hyperlordotic reduction and short segment pedicle screw instrumentation and an intermediate screw is a safe and effective method of treating burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. It gives excellent radiological results with a very low rate of failure regardless of whether the fractures have a high or low load-sharing classification score.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:541–7.

We describe 13 patients with cerebral palsy and lordoscoliosis/hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine who underwent a posterior spinal fusion at a mean age of 14.5 years (10.8 to 17.4) to improve sitting posture and relieve pain. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years (2.2 to 6.2).

The mean pre-operative lumbar lordosis was 108^° (80 to 150^°) and was corrected to 62^° (43^° to 85^°); the mean thoracic kyphosis from 17^° (-23^° to 35^°) to 47^° (25^° to 65^°); the mean scoliosis from 82^° (0^° to 125^°) to 22^° (0^° to 40^°); the mean pelvic obliquity from 21^° (0^° to 38^°) to 3^° (0^° to 15^°); the mean sacral slope from 79^° (54^° to 90^°) to 50^° (31^° to 66^°). The mean pre-operative coronal imbalance was 5 cm (0 cm to 8.9 cm) and was corrected to 0.6 cm (0 to 3.2). The mean sagittal imbalance of -8 cm (-16 cm to 7.8 cm) was corrected to -1.6 cm (-4 cm to 2.5 cm). The mean operating time was 250 minutes (180 to 360 minutes) and intra-operative blood loss 0.8 of estimated blood volume (0.3 to 2 estimated blood volume). The mean intensive care and hospital stay were 3.5 days (2 to 8) and 14.5 days (10 to 27), respectively. Three patients lost a significant amount of blood intra-operatively and subsequently developed chest or urinary infections and superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

An increased pre-operative lumbar lordosis and sacral slope were associated with increased peri-operative morbidity: scoliosis and pelvic obliquity were not. A reduced lumbar lordosis and increased thoracic kyphosis correlated with better global sagittal balance at follow-up. All patients and their parents reported excellent surgical outcomes.

Lordoscoliosis and hyperlordosis are associated with significant morbidity in quadriplegic patients. They are rare deformities and their treatment is challenging. Sagittal imbalance is the major component: it can be corrected by posterior fusion of the spine with excellent functional results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:800–6.

We investigated the safety and efficacy of treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with an intravertebral cleft by balloon kyphoplasty. Our study included 27 patients who were treated in this way. The mean follow-up was 38.2 months (24 to 54). The anterior and middle heights of the vertebral body and the kyphotic angle were measured on standing lateral radiographs before surgery, one day after surgery, and at final follow-up. Leakage of cement was determined by CT scans. A visual analogue scale and the Oswestry disability index were chosen to evaluate pain and functional activity. Statistically significant improvements were found between the pre- and post-operative assessments (p < 0.05) but not between the post-operative and final follow-up assessments (p > 0.05). Asymptomatic leakage of cement into the paravertebral vein occurred in one patient, as did leakage into the intervertebral disc in another patient.

We suggest that balloon kyphoplasty is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with an intravertebral cleft.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical predictors of surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). We reviewed a consecutive series of 248 patients (71 women and 177 men) with CSM who had undergone surgery at our institution between January 2000 and October 2010. Their mean age was 59.0 years (16 to 86). Medical records, office notes, and operative reports were reviewed for data collection. Special attention was focused on pre-operative duration and severity as well as post-operative persistence of myelopathic symptoms. Disease severity was graded according to the Nurick classification.

Our multivariate logistic regression model indicated that Nurick grade 2 CSM patients have the highest chance of complete symptom resolution (p < 0.001) and improvement to normal gait (p = 0.004) following surgery. Patients who did not improve after surgery had longer duration of myelopathic symptoms than those who did improve post-operatively (17.85 months (1 to 101) vs 11.21 months (1 to 69); p = 0.002). More advanced Nurick grades were not associated with a longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.906).

Our data suggest that patients with Nurick grade 2 CSM are most likely to improve from surgery. The duration of myelopathic symptoms does not have an association with disease severity but is an independent prognostic indicator of surgical outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:966–71.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with a burst fracture of the thoracolumbar spine treated by short segment pedicle screw fixation fared better clinically and radiologically if the affected segment was fused at the same time. A total of 50 patients were enrolled in a prospective study and assigned to one of two groups. After the exclusion of three patients, there were 23 patients in the fusion group and 24 in the non-fusion group. Follow-up was at a mean of 23.9 months (18 to 30). Functional outcome was evaluated using the Greenough Low Back Outcome Score. Neurological function was graded using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale. Radiological outcome was assessed on the basis of the angle of kyphosis.

Peri-operative blood transfusion requirements and duration of surgery were significantly higher in the fusion group (p = 0.029 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no clinical or radiological differences in outcome between the groups (all outcomes p > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that adjunctive fusion is unnecessary when managing patients with a burst fracture of the thoracolumbar spine with short segment pedicle screw fixation.

Vertebral haemangiomas are usually asymptomatic and discovered fortuitously during imaging. A small proportion may develop variable degrees of pain and neurological deficit. We prospectively studied six patients who underwent eight surgical procedures on 11 vertebral bodies. There were 11 balloon kyphoplasties, six lumbar and five thoracic. The mean follow-up was 22.3 months (12 to 36). The indications for operation were pain in four patients, severe back pain with Frankel grade C paraplegia from cord compression caused by soft-tissue extension from a thoracic vertebral haemangioma in one patient, and acute bleeding causing Frankel grade B paraplegia from an asymptomatic vascular haemangioma in one patient. In four patients the exhibited aggressive vascular features, and two showed lipomatous, non-aggressive, characteristics. One patient who underwent a unilateral balloon kyphoplasty developed a recurrence of symptoms from the non-treated side of the vertebral body which was managed by a further similar procedure.

Balloon kyphoplasty was carried out successfully and safely in all patients; four became asymptomatic and two showed considerable improvement. Neurological recovery occurred in all cases but bleeding was greater than normal. To avoid recurrence, complete obliteration of the lesion with bone cement is indicated. For acute bleeding balloon kyphoplasty should be combined with emergency decompressive laminectomy. For intraspinal extension with serious neurological deficit, a combination of balloon kyphoplasty with intralesional alcohol injection is effective.

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is indicated for many patients with pain and/or instability of the lumbar spine. We performed 36 PLIF procedures using the patient’s lumbar spinous process and laminae, which were inserted as a bone graft between two vertebral bodies without using a cage. The mean lumbar lordosis and mean disc height to vertebral body ratio were restored and preserved after surgery. There were no serious complications.

These results suggest that this procedure is safe and effective.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are an increasing public health problem. Recently, randomised controlled trials on the use of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the treatment of these fractures have been published, but no definitive conclusions have been reached on the role of these interventions. The major problem encountered when trying to perform a meta-analysis of the available studies for the use of cementoplasty in patients with a VCF is that conservative management has not been standardised. Forms of conservative treatment commonly used in these patients include bed rest, analgesic medication, physiotherapy and bracing.

In this review, we report the best evidence available on the conservative care of patients with osteoporotic VCFs and associated back pain, focusing on the role of the most commonly used spinal orthoses. Although orthoses are used for the management of these patients, to date, there has been only one randomised controlled trial published evaluating their value. Until the best conservative management for patients with VCFs is defined and standardised, no conclusions can be drawn on the superiority or otherwise of cementoplasty techniques over conservative management.

The optimal timing of percutaneous vertebroplasty as treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) is still unclear. With the position of vertebroplasty having been challenged by recent placebo-controlled studies, appropriate timing gains importance.

We investigated the relationship between the onset of symptoms – the time from fracture – and the efficacy of vertebroplasty in 115 patients with 216 painful subacute or chronic OVCFs (mean time from fracture 6.0 months (sd 2.9)). These patients were followed prospectively in the first post-operative year to assess the level of back pain and by means of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We also investigated whether greater time from fracture resulted in a higher risk of complications or worse pre-operative condition, increased vertebral deformity or the development of nonunion of the fracture as demonstrated by the presence of an intravertebral cleft.

It was found that there was an immediate and sustainable improvement in the level of back pain and HRQoL after vertebroplasty, which was independent of the time from fracture. Greater time from fracture was associated with neither worse pre-operative conditions nor increased vertebral deformity, nor with the presence of an intravertebral cleft.

We conclude that vertebroplasty can be safely undertaken at an appropriate moment between two and 12 months following the onset of symptoms of an OVCF.

Vertebral compression fractures are the most prevalent complication of osteoporosis and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) has emerged as a promising addition to the methods of treating the debilitating pain they may cause.

Since PVP was first reported in the literature in 1987, more than 600 clinical papers have been published on the subject. Most report excellent improvements in pain relief and quality of life. However, these papers have been based mostly on uncontrolled cohort studies with a wide variety of inclusion and exclusion criteria. In 2009, two high-profile randomised controlled trials were published in the New England Journal of Medicine which led care providers throughout the world to question the value of PVP. After more than two decades a number of important questions about the mechanism and the effectiveness of this procedure remain unanswered.

This prospective study of 136 children with progressive infantile scoliosis treated under the age of four years, and followed up for nine years, shows that the scoliosis can be reversed by harnessing the vigorous growth of the infant to early treatment by serial corrective plaster jackets.

In 94 children (group 1), who were referred and treated in the early stages of progression, at a mean age of one year seven months (6 to 48 months) and with a mean Cobb angle of 32° (11° to 65°), the scoliosis resolved by a mean age of three years and six months. They needed no further treatment and went on to lead a normal life. At the last follow-up, their mean age was 11 years and two months (1 year 10 months to 25 years 2 months), 23 (24.5%) were at Risser stages 4 and 5 and 13 girls were post-menarchal.

In 42 children (group 2), who were referred late at a mean age of two years and six months (11 to 48 months) and with a mean Cobb angle of 52° (23° to 92°), treatment could only reduce but not reverse the deformity. At the last follow-up, at a mean age of ten years and four months (1 year 9 months to 22 years 1 month), eight children (19%) were at Risser stages 4 and 5 and five girls were post-menarchal. Fifteen children (35.7%) had undergone spinal fusion, as may all the rest eventually.

Fracture of a pedicle is a rare complication of spinal instrumentation using pedicular screws, but it can lead to instability and pain and may necessitate extension of the fusion. Osteosynthesis of the fractured pedicle by cerclage-wire fixation and augmentation of the screw fixation by vertebroplasty or temporary elongation of the fixation, allows stabilisation without sacrifice of the adjacent healthy segment. We describe three patients who developed a fracture of the pedicle in the most caudal instrumented vertebra early after lumbar spinal fusion.

During revision surgery the pedicles were reduced and secured by a soft cerclage wire bilaterally. Fusion was obtained at the site of the primary instrumentation and healing of the pedicles was achieved. Cerclage wiring of the fractured pedicle seems to be safe and avoids permanent extension of the fusion without the sacrifice of an otherwise healthy segment.

Between March 2000 and February 2006, we carried out a prospective study of 100 patients with a low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade II or below), who were randomised to receive a single-level and instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion with either one or two cages. The minimum follow-up was for two years. At this stage 91 patients were available for review. A total of 47 patients received one cage (group 1) and 44 two cages (group 2). The clinical and radiological outcomes of the two groups were compared.

There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of post-operative pain, Oswestry Disability Score, clinical results, complication rate, percentage of post-operative slip, anterior fusion rate or posterior fusion rate. On the other hand, the mean operating time was 144 minutes (100 to 240) for patients in group 1 and 167 minutes (110 to 270) for those in group 2 (p = 0.0002). The mean blood loss up to the end of the first post-operative day was 756 ml (510 to 1440) in group 1 and 817 ml (620 to 1730) in group 2 (p < 0.0001).

Our results suggest that an instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion performed with either one or two cages in addition to a bone graft around the cage has a low rate of complications and a high fusion rate. The clinical outcomes were good in most cases, regardless of whether one or two cages had been used.

Anterior debridement, grafting of the defect and posterior instrumentation as a single-stage procedure is a controversial method of managing pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis. Between 1994 and 2005, 37 patients underwent this procedure at our hospital, of which two died and three had inadequate follow-up. The remaining 32 were reviewed for a mean of 36 months (12 to 66). Their mean age was 48 years (17 to 68). A significant pre-operative neurological deficit was present in 13 patients (41%). The mean duration of surgery was 285 minutes (240 to 360) and the mean blood loss was 900 ml (300 to 1600). Pyogenic organisms were isolated in 21 patients (66%). All patients began to mobilise on the second post-operative day. The mean hospital stay was 13.6 days (10 to 20). Appropriate antibiotics were administered for 10 to 12 weeks. Early wound infection occurred in four patients (12.5%), and late infection in two (6.3%).

At final follow-up, the infection had resolved in all patients, neurological recovery was seen in ten of 13 (76.9%) and interbody fusion had occurred in 30 (94%). The clinical outcome was excellent or good in 30 patients according to Macnab’s criteria.

This surgical protocol can be used to good effect in patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis when combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy.