Efficacy and safety of different anti-osteoporotic drugs for the spinal fusion surgery: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Administering anti-osteoporotic agents to patients perioperatively is a widely accepted approach for improving bone fusion rates and reducing the risk of complications.The best anti-osteoporotic agents for spinal fusion surgery remain unclear.AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of different anti-osteoporotic agents in spinal fusion surgery via network meta-analysis.METHODS Searches were conducted in four electronic databases(PubMed,EMBASE),Web of Science,the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)from inception to November 2022.Any studies that compared antiosteoporotic agents vs placebo for spinal fusion surgery were included in this network meta-analysis.Outcomes included fusion rate,Oswestry disability index(ODI),and adverse events.Network meta-analysis was performed by R software with the gemtc package.RESULTS In total,13 randomized controlled trials were included in this network metaanalysis.Only teriparatide(OR 3.2,95%CI:1.4 to 7.8)was more effective than placebo in increasing the fusion rate.The surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)of teriparatide combined with denosumab was the highest(SUCRA,90.9%),followed by teriparatide(SUCRA,74.0%),zoledronic acid(SUCRA,43.7%),alendronate(SUCRA,41.1%)and risedronate(SUCRA,35.0%).Teriparatide(MD-15,95%CI:-28 to-2.7)and teriparatide combined with denosumab(MD-20,95%CI:-40 to-0.43)were more effective than placebo in decreasing the ODI.The SUCRA of teriparatide combined with denosumab was highest(SUCRA,90.8%),followed by teriparatide(SUCRA,74.5%),alendronate(SURCA,52.7),risedronate(SURCA,52.1%),zoledronic acid(SURCA,24.2%)and placebo(SURCA,5.6%)for ODI.The adverse events were not different between groups.CONCLUSION This network meta-analysis suggests that teriparatide combined with denosumab and teriparatide alone significantly increase the fusion rate and decrease the ODI without increasing adverse events.Based on current evidence,teriparatide combined with denosumab or teriparatide alone is recommended to increase the fusion rate and to reduce ODI in spinal fusion patients.

The Outcome of Posterior Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis without Wound Suction Drainage

Background: In spine surgery postoperative closed suction drainage is used to decrease the potential risks of wound hematoma formation, and reduces the risk of infection, cord compression and neurologic deficit. However, the efficacy of drains used for this purpose in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of patients after posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without wound suction drainage. Methods: A total of 66 Patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation for the correction of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without the use of drain from January 2012 to January 2021 were included. Wound dehiscence, wound hematoma, infection, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels and need for transfusion were described as frequency and mean values. Results: The average age was 15.06 years. Hospital stay was 2.2 days. Patients were followed-up over 50.21 months. There was no deep infection, wound hematoma. The difference between just postoperative and three days after operation hemoglobin levels was not significant and no need for transfusion. Only 3 (4.5%) cases with superficial skin infection and 4 (6%) cases with skin and Wound dehiscence were treated with dressing and antibiotics with full recovery. Conclusion: Without using drain for patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation, no increase in blood loss, transfusion requirements, wound infection, skin dehiscence, and wound hematoma was observed.

Spinal fusion is an aerosol generating procedure

BACKGROUND Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 can occur during aerosol generating procedures.Several steps in spinal fusion may aerosolize blood but little data exists to quantify the risk this may confer upon surgeons.Aerosolized particles containing infectious coronavirus are typically 0.5-8.0μm.AIM To measure the generation of aerosols during spinal fusion using a handheld optical particle sizer(OPS).METHODS We quantified airborne particle counts during five posterior spinal instrumentation and fusions(9/22/2020-10/15/2020)using an OPS near the surgical field.Data were analyzed by 3 particle size groups:0.3-0.5μm/m^(3),1.0-5.0μm/m^(3),and 10.0μm/m^(3).We used hierarchical logistic regression to model the odds of a spike in aerosolized particle counts based on the step in progress.A spike was defined as a>3 standard deviation increase from average baseline levels.RESULTS Upon univariate analysis,bovie(P<0.0001),high speed pneumatic burring(P=0.009),and ultrasonic bone scalpel(P=0.002)were associated with increased 0.3-0.5μm/m^(3)particle counts relative to baseline.Bovie(P<0.0001)and burring(P<0.0001)were also associated with increased 1-5μm/m^(3)and 10μm/m^(3)particle counts.Pedicle drilling was not associated with increased particle counts in any of the size ranges measured.Our logistic regression model demonstrated that bovie(OR=10.2,P<0.001),burring(OR=10.9,P<0.001),and bone scalpel(OR=5.9,P<0.001)had higher odds of a spike in 0.3-0.5μm/m^(3)particle counts.Bovie(OR=2.6,P<0.001),burring(OR=5.8,P<0.001),and bone scalpel(OR=4.3,P=0.005)had higher odds of a spike in 1-5μm/m^(3)particle counts.Bovie(OR=0.3,P<0.001)and drilling(OR=0.2,P=0.011)had significantly lower odds of a spike in 10μm/m^(3)particle counts relative to baseline.CONCLUSION Several steps in spinal fusion are associated with increased airborne particle counts in the aerosol size range.Further research is warranted to determine if such particles have the potential to contain infectious viruses.Previous research has shown that electrocautery smoke may be an inhalation hazard for surgeons but here we show that usage of the bone scalpel and high-speed burr also have the potential to aerosolize blood.

ANTERIOR SPINAL FUSION WITH TSRH INSTRUMENTATION FOR SCOLIOSIS

Objective. To introduce a new spinal internal fixation system, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital (TSRH), and to investigate its early clinical outcomes.Methods. The preliminary clinical outcomes of 15 patients with thoracolumbar or lumbar scoliosis treated by anterior spinal fusion with TSRH instrumentation were studied retrospectively. Fourteen patients were diagnosed as idiopathic scoliosis and 1 as neuromuscular scoliosis.Results. Preoperatively, the Cobb's angle on the coronal plane was 55. 8° (range 35° - 78°), and 14° postoperatively, with an average correction of 74. 8 %. The average unfused thoracical curve was 35. 9 ° preoperatively (range 26° - 51°) and 21. 8° (10°-42° ) postoperatively, with 40% correction. The sagittal curve of lumbar was kept physiologically, preoperative 27. 9° and postoperative 25. 7° respectively. The trunk shift was 13.4 mm (5 - 28mm) preoperatively and 3. 5 mm (0-7 mm) postoperatively. The averaged apic vertebra derivation was 47. 8 mm (21 - 69 mm) before operation and 10. 8 mm (3-20 mm) after operation. The distance of C7 to center sacrum vertical line (CSVL) was 19. 5 mm(16 - 42)preoperatively and 11. 3 mm (0-32 mm) postoperatively. The apical vertebra rotation was 3 degree in 15 patients preoperatively, and were improved to normal in 10 patients, 1 degree in 4 patients, and 2 degree in 1 patients postoperatively. None had neurological injury and infection. Only 1 patient complained a cool feeling in the low extremity of concave side, and the symptom vanished at 3-month followed up.Conclusion. If used appropriately, TSRH anterior spinal system is a good treatment for low thoracic or thoracic lumbar scoliosis.

Use of demineralized bone matrix in spinal fusion

Spinal fusion remains the gold-standard treatment for several pathological spine conditions. Although, autologous Iliac Crest Bone Grafting is considered the goldstandard graft choice to promote spinal fusion; however, it is associated with significant donor site morbidity and a limited graft quantity. Therefore, several bone graft alternatives have been developed, to augment arthrodesis. The purpose of this review is to present the results of clinical studies concerning the use of demineralized bone matrix(DBM), alone or as a composite graft, in the spinal fusion. A critical review of the English-language literature was conducted on Pubmed, using key word "demineralized bone matrix", "DBM", "spinal fusion", and "scoliosis". Results had been restricted to clinical studies. The majority of clinical trials demonstrate satisfactory fusion rates when DBM is employed as a graft extender or a graft enhancer.Limited number of prospective randomized controlled trials(4 studies), have been performed comparing DBM to autologous iliac crest bone graft in spine fusion. The majority of the clinical trials demonstrate comparable efficacy of DBM when it used as a graft extender in combination with autograft, but there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a standalone graft material. Additionally, high level of evidence studies are required, in order to optimize and clarify the indications of its use and the appropriate patient population that will benefit from DBM in spine arthrodesis.

Spinal fusion-hardware construct: Basic concepts and imaging review

The interpretation of spinal images fixed with metallic hardware forms an increasing bulk of daily practice in a busy imaging department. Radiologists are required to be familiar with the instrumentation and operative options used in spinal fixation and fusion procedures, especially in his or her institute. This is critical in evaluating the position of implants and potential complications associated with the operative approaches and spinal fixation devices used. Thus, the radiologist can play an important role in patient care and outcome. This review outlines the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used imaging methods and reports on the best yield for each modality and how to overcome the problematic issues associated with the presence of metallic hardware during imaging. Baseline radiographs are essential as they are the baseline point for evaluation of future studies should patients develop symptoms suggesting possible complications. They may justify further imaging workup with computed tomography, magnetic resonance and/or nuclear medicine studies as the evaluation of a patient with a spinal implant involves a multi-modality approach. This review describes imaging features of potential complications associated with spinal fusion surgery as well as the instrumentation used. This basic knowledge aims to help radiologists approach everyday practice in clinical imaging.

Evaluation of current surgeon practice for patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery in the United Kingdom

AIM: To ascertain current surgeon practice in the United Kingdom National Health Service for the management of patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery. METHODS: Descriptive survey methodology utilised an online questionnaire administered through SurveyMonkey. Eligible participants were all surgeons currently carrying out lumbar spinal fusion surgery in the National Health Service. Two previous surveys and a recent systematic review informed questions. Statistical analyses included responder characteristics and pre-planned descriptive analyses. Open question data were interpreted using thematic analysis.RESULTS: The response rate was 73.8%. Most surgeons(84%) were orthopaedic surgeons. Range of surgeon experience(1-15 years), number of operations performed in the previous 12 mo(4-250), and range of information used to predict outcome was broad. There was some consistency of practice: most patients were seen preoperatively; all surgeons ensured patients are mobile within 3 d of surgery; and there was agreement for the value of post-operative physiotherapy. However, there was considerable variability of practice: variability of protocols, duration of hospital stay, use of discharge criteria, frequency and timing of outpatient follow up, use of written patient information and outcome measures. Much variability was explained through patient-centred care, for example, 62% surgeons tailored functional advice to individual patients. CONCLUSION: Current United Kingdom surgeon practice for lumbar spinal fusion is described. The surgical procedure and patient population is diverse, and it is therefore understandable that management varies. It is evident that care should be patient-centred. However with high costs and documented patient dissatisfactionit is important that further research evaluates optimal management.

Investigational growth factors utilized in animal models of spinal fusion: Systematic review

BACKGROUND Over 400000 Americans annually undergo spinal fusion surgeries, yet up to 40%of these procedures result in pseudoarthrosis even with iliac crest autograft, the current "gold standard" treatment. Tissue engineering has the potential to solve this problem via the creation of bone grafts involving bone-promoting growth factors(e.g., bone morphogenetic protein 2). A broad assessment of experimental growth factors is important to inform future work and clinical potential in this area. To date, however, no study has systematically reviewed the investigational growth factors utilized in preclinical animal models of spinal fusion.AIM To review all published studies assessing investigational growth factors for spinal fusion in animal models and identify promising agents for translation.METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the literature using PubMed, Embase,Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases with searches run on May 29 th,2018. The search query was designed to include all non-human, preclinical animal models of spinal fusion reported in the literature without a timespan limit. Extracted data for each model included surgical approach, level of fusion,animal species and breed, animal age and sex, and any other relevant characteristics. The dosages/sizes of all implant materials, spinal fusion rates,and follow-up time points were recorded. The data were analyzed and the results reported in tables and text. PRISMA guidelines were followed for this systematic review.RESULTS Twenty-six articles were included in this study, comprising 14 experimental growth factors: AB204(n = 1); angiopoietin 1(n = 1); calcitonin(n = 3);erythropoietin(n = 1); basic fibroblast growth factor(n = 1); growth differentiation factor 5(n = 4), combined insulin-like growth factor 1 +transforming growth factor beta(n = 4); insulin(n = 1); NELL-1(n = 5); noggin(n= 1); P-15(n = 1); peptide B2 A(n = 2); and secreted phosphoprotein 24(n = 1).The fusion rates of the current gold standard treatment(autologous iliac crest bone graft, ICBG) and the leading clinically used growth factor(BMP-2) ranged widely in the included studies, from 0-100% for ICBG and from 13%-100% for BMP-2. Among the identified growth factors, calcitonin, GDF-5, NELL-1, and P-15 resulted in fusion rates of 100% in some cases. In addition, six growth factors-AB204, angiopoietin 1, GDF-5, insulin, NELL-1, and peptide B2 A-resulted in significantly enhanced fusion rates compared to ICBG, BMP-2, or other internal control in some studies. Large heterogeneity in animal species, fusion method,and experimental groups and time points was observed across the included studies, limiting the direct comparison of the growth factors identified herein.CONCLUSION Several promising investigational growth factors for spinal fusion have been identified herein; directly comparing the fusion efficacy and safety of these agents may inform clinical translation.

Epidural Blood Patch for Treatment of Postdural Puncture Headache in a Patient with Spinal Fusion and Recent Implantation of Intrathecal Pain Pump

We present an interesting case report of a 49-year-old female who presented with symptoms of post-dural puncture headache following implantation of an intrathecal pain pump. Her history was complicated by previous multi-level spinal fusion with hardware. The patient was evaluated and felt to be a candidate for epidural blood patch, which she elected to proceed with. Under fluoroscopic guidance epidural blood patch was successfully performed. Immediately following the procedure the patient noted significant improvement in the headache and six hours following the procedure was headache free and remained so at follow up three weeks later.

Adjacent Segment Disease after Long Spinal Fusion Ending at L5 for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the adult spinal deformity (ASD) database of a single institution. Purpose: To investigate the incidence of proximal junctional failure and distal junctional failure (DJF) after ASD surgery with a lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) at L5. Overview of Literature: Spinopelvic fixation from the lower thoracic vertebra to the pelvis is the current gold standard treatment for ASD. However, the LIV at L5 is acceptable in some cases. Methods: Fifty-six patients who underwent corrective surgery for ASD with LIV at L5 were included. The upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) was T7 in one patient, T9 in 14, T10 in three, T11 in four, T12 in eight, L1 in 10, and L2 in 16. Regarding clinical parameters, age, sex, curve types of Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab classification, number of levels fused, follow-up period, hip bone mallow density, revision surgery rate, and radiographic measurements were compared between the T (UIV: T7 - 10) and TL (UIV: T11 - L2) groups. Results: The revision surgery rate was 19.6% overall. In the T and TL groups, it was 27.8%, and 15.8%, respectively (p = 0.305). The rate of DJF in the T group (33.3%) was significantly higher than in the TL group (5.3%). The rate of proximal junctional kyphosis in the T group (55.6%) was higher than in the TL group (28.9%), with no significant difference. The mean global alignment, sagittal vertical axis, and C7 plumb line-central sacral vertical line were not different between both groups. Conclusions: ASD surgery with LIV set at L5 and UIV set at the thoracic vertebrae (T7 - T10) has a risk of adjacent segment disease.

Co-delivery of rhBMP-2 and zoledronic acid using calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite carrier as a bioactive bone substitute to enhance and accelerate spinal fusion

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(rhBMP-2)has been FDA-approved for lumbar fusion,but supraphysiologic initial burst release due to suboptimal carrier and late excess bone resorption caused by osteoclast activation have limited its clinical usage.One strategy to mitigate the pro-osteoclast side effect of rhBMP-2 is to give systemic bisphosphonates,but it presents challenges with systemic side effects and low local bioavailability.The aim of this in vivo study was to analyze if posterolateral spinal fusion(PLF)could be improved by utilizing a calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite(CaS/HA)carrier co-delivering rhBMP-2 and zoledronic acid(ZA).Six groups were allocated(CaS/HA,CaS/HA+BMP-2,CaS/HA+systemic ZA,CaS/HA+local ZA,CaS/HA+BMP-2+systemic ZA,and CaS/HA+BMP-2+local ZA).10-week-old male Wistar rats,were randomly assigned to undergo L4-L5 PLF with implantation of group-dependent scaffolds.At 3 and 6 weeks,the animals were euthanized for radiography,μCT,histological staining,or biomechanical testing to evaluate spinal fusion.The results demonstrated that the CaS/HA biomaterial alone or in combination with local or systemic ZA didn’t support PLF.However,the delivery of rhBMP-2 significantly promoted PLF.Combining systemic ZA with rhBMP-2 didn’t enhance spinal fusion.Notably,the co-delivery of rhBMP-2 and ZA using the CaS/HA carrier significantly enhanced and accelerated PLF,without inhibiting systemic bone turnover,and potentially reduced the dose of rhBMP-2.Together,the treatment regimen of CaS/HA biomaterial co-delivering rhBMP-2 and ZA could potentially be a safe and cost-effective off-the-shelf bioactive bone substitute to enhance spinal fusion.

A biomimetic gradient porous cage with a micro-structure for enhancing mechanical properties and accelerating osseointegration in spinal fusion

Objectives:Spinal fusion is a widely employed treatment of patients with degenerative disc disease,in which a cage is used to replace the disc for spinal fusion.But it often fails for insufficient mechanical strength and poor osseointegration.Here,we designed a polyether-ether-ketone(PEEK)/tantalum(Ta)composite cage with a biomimetic gradient porous micro-structure,simultaneously enhancing mechanical properties and accelerating osseointegration in spinal fusion.Materials and methods:In the study,based on the mechanical performances of PEEK and osteogenic potential of Ta,and the three-dimensional(3D)structures of cuttlebone and vertebra,the cages were respectively 3D printed by pure PEEK,PEEK with 5 wt%Ta(PEEK/Ta-5),PEEK with 10 wt%Ta(PEEK/Ta-10)and PEEK with 15 wt%Ta(PEEK/Ta-15),then verifiedin vitroand in sheep cervical fusion model systematically.Results:Vertebral Gyroid structure PEEK/Ta-15 cage exhibited superior mechanical properties than Cuttlebone-like structure PEEK/Ta-15 cage,closer to the cervical vertebra.Furthermore,PEEK/Ta-15 cage with higher Ta microparticles in PEEK provided a biomimetic gradient porous micro-structure with higher surface energy,guiding cell biological behavior,promoting new bone penetration,and accelerating osseointegrationin vivo.Conclusion:In conclusion,the study designed a biomimetic gradient porous cage with a micro-structure for enhancing mechanical properties,accelerating osseointegration and forming an anatomical lock in the fusion segment through composites,mechanical efficiency,surface extension,and pores.

Acute spinal subdural haematoma complicating a posterior spinal instrumented fusion for congenital scoliosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute spinal subdural haematoma(ASSH)is a rare and potentially devastating condition with a variable prognosis.Previously described subdural haematomas were thought to have occurred spontaneously or be related to major or minor iatrogenic or traumatic injuries caused by surgery,spinal puncture or epidural anaesthesia.Other contributing pathologies have been described,such as intradural tumours or spinal arteriovenous malformations.ASSH has also been associated with anticoagulation therapy,haemostatic abnormalities and risk factors such as pregnancy.To the best of our knowledge,this case study described the first reported occurrence of an ASSH during spinal surgery in a paediatric patient.The patient was not known to have any coagulopathies,and no obvious vascular lesions were documented.The surgical procedure did not directly involve the dura mater,and no evident intraoperative dural tears were found.CASE SUMMARY We reported and discussed a case of ASSH complicating a posterior spinal instrumented fusion during surgery for paediatric congenital scoliosis.This condition has not been previously described.We made recommendations for facing such an occurrence,explored its aetiology in the context of malformation and discussed the benefits of neuromonitoring during scoliosis correction and the management protocol.We conducted a PubMed literature review for cases of paediatric ASSH and other closely related disorders.We reviewed recommendations regarding neuromonitoring and treatment management in such cases.CONCLUSION ASSH is a rare complication of posterior spinal instrumented fusion.Published cases are more often associated with anticoagulation therapy or coagulopathy.Neuromonitoring is strongly recommended to detect and assess neurological status,thus enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment and facilitating early spinal decompression and a return to a normal neurological status.

Alendronate treatment does not inhibit bone formation within biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics in posterolateral spinal fusion： an experimental study in porcine model

Background Biphasic calcium phosphate （BCP） ceramics has a potential advantage as an osteoconductive matrix and has an optimal resorption rate for bone formation. Using BCP ceramics as a bone graft during spinal fusion requires osteogenesis within the material and subsequent bridging between adjacent vertebraes to provide long-term support. Bisphosphonates have been reported to prolong the process of bone healing. The influence of bisphosphonate treatment on bone formation within BCP ceramics in spinal fusion remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of alendronate on BCP osteoaenesis in Dosterolateral spinal fusion.Methods Posterolateral spinal fusion with pedicle screw fixation was performed at the lumbar spine in twenty-two pigs. BCP ceramics were applied as a bone graft to obtain bone fusion between adjacent transverse processes. Eleven pigs in the treatment group received oral alendronate 10 mg/d for three months postoperatively. Eleven pigs in the control group did not receive treatment with alendronate. All animals underwent posterolateral spinal fusion with BCP ceramics. The fusion rate was evaluated three months after the operation.Results The fusion rates evaluated by X-ray were 27.3% in the treatment group and 20% in the control group. The fusion rates using histological evaluation were 18.2% in the treatment group and 20% in the control group. The mean volumes of fusion mass were （3.64±0.86） cm^3 in the treatment group and （4.26±0.63） cm^3 in the control group. No significant differences were found in either trabecular bone volume or residual BCP volume between treatment and control groups using histological evaluation. The new bone formation within BCP ceramics was greater in the area adjacent to transverse process （P 〈0.01）.Conclusion Oral alendronate with a dose of 10 mg daily do not inhibit bone formation within BCP ceramics or affect the fusion rate in posterolateral spinal fusion from porcine models.

Promoting lumbar spinal fusion by adenovirus-mediated bone morphogenetic protein-4 gene therapy

Objective： To determine whether an adenoviral construct containing bone morphogenetic protein-4 （BMP4） gene can be used for lumbar spinal fusion. Methods： Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, 8 in the experimental group and 4 in the control group. Recombinant, replication-defective type 5 adenovirus with the cytomegalovirus （CMV） promoter and BMP-4 gene （Ad- BMP4） was used. Another adenovirus constructed with the CMV promoter and β-galactosidase gene （Ad-β-gul） was used as control. Using collagen sponge as a carrier, Ad-BMP-4 （2.9 × 10^8 pfu/ml ） was directly implanted on the surface of L5-L6 lamina in the experimental group, while Ad-β-gal was implanted simultaneously in the control group. X-ray was obtained at 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively to observe new bone formation. When newbone formation was identified, CT scans and three- dimensional reconstruction were obtained. After that, the animals were killed and underwent histological inspection. Results： In 12 weeks after operation, new bone formation and fusion were observed on CT scans in the experimental group, without the evidence of ectopic calcification in the canal. Negative results were found in the control group. Histological analysis demonstrated endochondral bone formation at the operative site and fusion at early stage was testified. Conclusions： In vivo gene therapy using Ad-BMP-4 for lumbar posterolateral spinal fusion is practicable and effective.

Enhanced bone regenerative properties of calcium phosphate ceramic granules in rabbit posterolateral spinal fusion through a reduction of grain size

Osteoinductivity is a crucial factor to determine the success and efficiency of posterolateral spinal fusion(PLF)by employing calcium phosphate(Ca-P)bioceramics.In this study,three kinds of Ca-P ceramics with microscale to nanoscale gain size(BCP-control,BCP-micro and BCP-nano)were prepared and their physicochemical properties were characterized.BCP-nano had the spherical shape and nanoscale gain size,BCP-micro had the spherical shape and microscale gain size,and BCP-control(BAM®)had the irregular shape and microscale gain size.The obtained BCP-nano with specific nanotopography could well regulate in vitro protein adsorption and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3 cells.In vivo rabbit PLF procedures further confirmed that nanotopography of BCP-nano might be responsible for the stronger bone regenerative ability comparing with BCP-micro and BCP-control.Collectedly,due to nanocrystal similarity with natural bone apatite,BCP-nano has excellent efficacy in guiding bone regeneration of PLF,and holds great potentials to become an alternative to standard bone grafts for future clinical applications.

Crossed Intralaminar Screws for Fusion of the Cervicothoracic Junction and the Thoracic Spine: The Experience in an Iberic Service with Case Series and Review of the Current Literature with Technique Description

The treatment of pathologies in the thoracic spine is a challenge. The periodic failure of pedicle screw insertion and anatomical variations make the search for an alternative to pedicle screws in thoracic spine surgery necessary. The interlaminar crossed screws is a well-known and secure method for fusion in cervical spine, and in thoracic spine there used to be insufficient clinical data to support this technique, until now. We demonstrate in an initial series of 10 cases treated with interlaminar fusion in association of other fusion techniques in the thoracic spine with good results. Objective: Intralaminar screws have been shown to be a biomechanical salvage technique in the thoracic spine, especially in long cervicothoracic, thoracic and thoracolumbar fixation. The goals of this article are to demonstrate our initial experience and the range of indications for thoracic crossed intralaminar screws. Methods: In this article we describe our initial series performed at S&#227o Teot&#243nio Hospital in Viseu, Portugal, and our results, and also provide a comprehensive review of the recent literature in the use of intralaminar crossed fixation.

Adult Congenital Lumbar Kyphosis Requiring Anteroposterior Correction and Fusion: A Case Report with 32-Year Follow-Up

Congenital pure kyphosis due to failure of vertebral body segmentation is a relatively rare entity, and surgical intervention is infrequent compared to that for failure of vertebral body formation [1] [2]. There are very few reports of long-term follow-up of surgical treatment in patients with congenital pure kyphosis, and all the reported cases were diagnosed as failure of formation and had an age at the time of surgery of less than 18 years. It is important for orthopedic surgeons to follow the postoperative course of rare cases over 30 years. Here, we present a surgically treated case with ultra-long term follow-up of a 50-year-old patient with congenital pure kyphosis of the lumbar spine. Imaging of the lumbar spine showed six vertebrae and an unsegmented bar at L3-4 causing a pure kyphosis of 54°. The wedge-shaped block vertebra had 4 pedicles with the neural foramen between the pedicles without concomitant disc space, with compensatory thoracic hypokyphosis and lower lumbar hyperlordosis. One-stage correction and fusion surgery using anterior opening and posterior closing osteotomy was successfully performed. Both clinical and radiographic results were excellent and have been maintained for over 30 years postoperatively. The basic principle in the surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity is to achieve and maintain a good global sagittal balance over time. This case reaffirms the importance of spinopelvic harmony.

Spinal Decompression with 360&deg;Instrumented Fusion for Unstable Tuberculous Quadriplegia in a Young Adult—A Case Report

Background: Tuberculosis of the spine is common in Nigeria. It commonly causes neurological deficit especially when the lesions are higher up in the spine. Objective: To report a case of a young man who had C4 quadriplegia from tuberculous destruction of C3 to C5 vertebral bodies and their intervening discs, aretropharyngeal prevertebral abscess and associated segmental kyphosis. He had received prior antituberculous therapy with no improvement. Results: He recovered completely neurologically when he had adequate decompression and 360°;instrumented fusiondone in a 3-stage surgery that involved drainage and debridement of the retropharyngeal prevertebral abscess, anterior corpectomy of C3 and C4 with fusion using a titanium mesh cage, and posterior fusion of C3 to C6 using titanium rods and lateral mass screws. Surgical treatment was supported with skull traction and antituberculous therapy. Conclusion: This case shows that complete neurologic recovery is feasible in spinal quadriplegia that fails to respond to antituber-culous therapy when adequate decompression and fusion are done.

椎间植骨面积对单节段腰椎后路减压椎间植骨融合效果的影响

目的:研究椎间植骨面积对单节段腰椎后路减压植骨融合效果的影响。方法:回顾性分析2020年1月至2022年12月行单节段腰椎后路减压椎弓根内固定+植骨融合术52例患者临床资料。通过电子计算机断层扫描(computed tomography,CT)对术后1周椎间植骨面积进行测量,依据测量结果中椎间植骨面积/平均终板面积进而得到植骨面积占比分为3组:椎间植骨面积不超过一侧椎弓根区域为A组17例,男9例,女8例,年龄(56.0±11.5)岁;椎间植骨面积超过一侧椎弓根但未达到对侧椎弓根为B组15例,男10例,女5例,年龄(52.0±14.0)岁;椎间植骨面积超过对侧椎弓根为C组20例,男12例,女8例,年龄(49.5±12.8)岁。术后3、6、12个月及末次随访均行X线及CT检查,记录每次随访时椎间融合Brantigan评分、疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)与Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)。结果:3组性别、年龄、手术节段比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术前VAS与ODI,3组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。3组患者获得随访,时间12~36个月。与术前比较,3组术后1周、末次随访时VAS、ODI均显著改善(P<0.05)。与术前比较,3组术后1周椎间隙高度均有所恢复;末次随访时,B、C两组椎间隙高度丢失量较少,两组椎间隙高度明显高于A组(P<0.05)。术后3、6个月,C组改良Brantigan评分明显高于A、B组(P<0.05);术后12个月,B、C组改良Brantigan评分明显高于A组(P<0.05);末次随访时,3组改良Brantigan评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后3个月,C组植骨融合率明显高于A、B两组(P<0.05);术后6、12个月,B、C组植骨融合率明显高于A组(P<0.05);末次随访时,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:单节段后路腰椎减压椎间植骨融合手术可显著改善患有腰椎退行性相关疾病患者的临床症状,但随着植骨面积的占比增加,患者早期植骨融合率及融合评分均明显提高。