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Study Design: A retrospective cohort study.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for S2 alar-iliac (SAI) screw loosening following lumbosacral fixation, with a minimum 2-year follow-up.Overview of Literature: Although SAI screws allow surgeons to perform lumbosacral fixation with a low profile and enhanced biomechanical strength, screw loosening following surgery can occur in some cases. However, few studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors for SAI screw loosening.Methods: This retrospective study included 35 patients (mean age, 72.8±8.0 years; male, 10; female, 25) who underwent lumbosacral fixation using SAI screws with at least 2 years of follow-up. SAI screw loosening and L5–S bony fusion were assessed using computed tomography. The period for which the screws appeared loose and the risk factors for SAI screw loosening were investigated 2 years after surgery.Results: A total of 70 SAI screws and 70 S1 pedicle screws were inserted. Loosening was observed 0.5, 1, and 2 years after surgery in 17 (24.3%), 35 (50.0%), and 35 (50.0%) SAI screws, respectively. Bony fusion rate at L5–S was significantly lower in patients with SAI screw loosening than in those without screw loosening (65.0% vs. 93.3%, p =0.048). The score for SAI screw contact with the iliac cortical bone and the bony fusion rate at L5–S were significantly lower in the loosening group than in the non-loosening group (1.8±0.5 vs. 2.2±0.3, p

Study Design Retrospective case-control study. Purpose We aimed to compare radiologic outcomes between posterior (PLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in short-level spinal fusion surgeries. Overview of Literature Although LLIF enables surgeons to insert large lordotic cages, it is unknown whether LLIF more effectively corrects local and global sagittal alignments compared with PLIF in short-level spinal fusion surgeries. Methods Radiographic data acquired from patients with lumbar interbody fusion (≤3 levels) using PLIF or LLIF for degenerative lumbar diseases were analyzed. The following radiographic parameters were evaluated preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively: segmental lordotic angle, disk height, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), C7 sagittal vertical axis, and thoracic kyphosis (TK). Results In total, 144 patients with PLIF (193 fused levels) and 101 with LLIF (159 fused levels) were included. Patients’ backgrounds and preoperative radiographic parameters for any level of fusion did not differ significantly between PLIF and LLIF procedures. The LLIF group exhibited significantly greater changes at 1-level fusion compared to the PLIF group in the parameters of segmental lordotic angle (5.1°±5.8° vs. 2.1°±5.0°, p

Study Design Retrospective case–control study. Purpose To compare surgical invasiveness and radiological outcomes between posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for degenerative lumbar kyphosis. Overview of Literature LLIF is a minimally invasive interbody fusion technique; however, few reports compared the clinical outcomes of conventional PLIF and LLIF for degenerative lumbar kyphosis. Methods Radiographic data for patients who have undergone lumbar interbody fusion (≥3 levels) using PLIF or LLIF for degenerative lumbar kyphosis (lumbar lordosis [LL]

Study Design Prospective cohort study. Purpose To identify factors that affect sagittal alignment correction in lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) and to investigate the degree of correction in each condition. Overview of Literature LIF is a useful procedure for ASD, but the degree of correction can be affected by posterior osteotomy, intraoperative endplate injury, or anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) rupture. Methods Radiographical data for 30 patients who underwent LIF for ASD were examined prospectively. All underwent two-stage surgery (LIF followed by posterior fixation). Radiographical parameters were measured preoperatively, after LIF, and after posterior fixation; these included the segmental lordotic angle, lumbar lordosis (LL), and other sagittal alignment factors. Results LL was corrected from 16.5°±16.7° preoperatively to 33.4°±13.8° after LIF (p

Study Design: The efficacy of use of a drain tip culture for early detection of surgical-site infection (SSI) was investigated in 329 patients after spinal surgery. Objective: To examine the efficacy of a wound drain tip culture for detection of SSI in spinal surgery. Summary of Background Data: A complication of SSI after spinal surgery has high associated morbidity and mortality, and is often difficult to treat. Materials and Methods: The subjects were patients who underwent spinal surgery at our institution between January 2010 and March 2013. All subjects were treated with antimicrobial prophylaxis based on evidence-based guidelines and were followed for at least 6 months after surgery. Data from culture studies using the distal tip of the wound drain were used for analysis. Results: Drain tip cultures were positive in 34 cases and there were 19 SSIs. Ten of the 34-tip culture-positive wounds developed SSI. Drain tip cultures had a sensitivity of 52%, specificity of 92%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 29%, and negative predictive value of 97% for predicting a wound infection. The association between a positive suction tip culture and wound infection was significant (P, ファイル公開：2018/10/01

Study Design: Prospective study. Objective: Investigate factors associated with preoperative motor paresis, recovery, ambulatory status, and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) among patients with no preoperative paresis (N group), complete preoperative motor recovery (CR group), and no complete recovery (NCR group) in patients with intramedullary spinal cavernous hemangioma to determine the optimal timing of surgery. Methods: The study evaluated 41 surgical cases in our institute. Disease duration, tumor lesion, manual muscle testing (MMT), and gait at onset, just before surgery, and final follow-up (FU), tumor and lesion volume, IONM, extent of tumor resection, and tumor recurrence were evaluated among N, CR, and NCR groups. Results: Motor paresis at onset was found in 26 patients (63%), with 42% of those in CR group. Disease duration from onset negatively affected stable gait just before surgery and FU as well as lower preoperative MMT ( P < .05). Thoracic tumors were associated with patients with unstable gait before surgery ( P < .05). Tumor volume was larger in NCR group ( P < .05). IONM significantly decreased in NCR and CR groups than in N group ( P < .05). The NCR group had residual mild motor paresis at FU ( P < .05). Stable gait at FU was similar in N group and CR group, though lower in NCR group ( P < .05). Conclusions: Early surgery is generally recommended for thoracic tumors and large tumors during stable gait without motor paresis before long disease duration. Surgery may be postponed until patients recover from preoperative motor paresis to allow optimal surgical outcome. IONM should be carefully monitored in patients with a history of preoperative paresis even with preoperative complete motor recovery.

Study Design: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database. Objective: To compare preoperative symptoms, ambulatory ability, intraoperative spinal cord monitoring, and pathologic cell proliferation activity between intramedullary only and intramedullary plus extramedullary hemangioblastomas, with the goal of determining the optimal timing for surgery. Methods: The subjects were 28 patients (intramedullary only in 23 cases [group I] and intramedullary plus extramedullary in 5 cases [group IE]) who underwent surgery for spinal hemangioblastoma. Preoperative symptoms, ambulatory ability on the McCormick scale, intraoperative spinal cord monitoring, and pathologic findings using Ki67 were compared between the groups. Results: In group IE, preoperative motor paralysis was significantly higher (100 versus 26%, p < 0.005), the mean period from initial symptoms to motor paralysis was significantly shorter (3.5 versus 11.9 months, p < 0.05), and intraoperative spinal cord monitoring aggravation was higher (65 versus 6%, p < 0.05). All 5 patients without total resection in group I underwent reoperation. Ki67 activity was higher in group IE (15% versus 1%, p < 0.05). Preoperative ambulatory ability was significantly poorer in group IE (p < 0.05), but all cases in this group improved after surgery, and postoperative ambulatory ability did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: Intramedullary plus extramedullary spinal hemangioblastoma is characterized by rapid preoperative progression of symptoms over a short period, severe spinal cord damage including preoperative motor paralysis, and poor gait ability compared with an intramedullary tumor only. Earlier surgery with intraoperative spinal cord monitoring is recommended for total resection and good surgical outcome especially for an IE tumor compared with an intramedullary tumor.

Study Design: Prospective clinical study. Objective: Many oral surgeons use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for bone defects, but the efficacy of PRP for spinal arthrodesis remains uncertain. The objective was to compare the efficacy of autologous local bone graft and PRP with local bone graft alone for promotion of bony union in posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) surgery, with investigation of the safety of PRP over 10 years. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 29 consecutive patients who underwent one-level PLF at L4/5 for degenerative lumbar disease. Local bone on the left (control) side and local bone with PRP on the right side were grafted. The fusion area and absorption of grafted bone at 58 regions were determined using computed tomography at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Average bone fusion areas on the PRP side were significantly wider at 3 and 6 months after surgery ( P < .05). Average absorption values were significantly lower on the PRP side than on the control side at 3 and 6 months after surgery ( P < .05). The PRP/control ratio was significantly different at 3 and 6 months compared to that at 2 weeks ( P < .005). No adverse events related to PRP occurred with good clinical outcome over 10 years follow-up. Conclusions: Local application of PRP combined with autologous local bone graft has a positive impact on early fusion for lumbar arthrodesis with no adverse events over 10 years, and thus is a safe and low cost autologous option in spinal fusion.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to examine the relationship of the proliferation potency based on the MIB-1 index and motor status with features of T2-weighted images (T2WI) and contrast T1-weighted images (T1WI) of spinal schwannoma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Spinal schwannomas account for 55% of spinal tumors, but the relationship of cellular proliferation with MRI findings for spinal schwannoma is unknown. METHODS The subjects were 48 patients (22 males and 26 females) with spinal schwannoma who were classified into three subgroups: iso/homo, high/rim, and hetero/hetero, based on T2WI/contrast T1WI. A retrospective analysis of tumor size and MIB-1 index was performed in the context of these MRI findings. Intraoperative findings and pre- and postoperative motor performance were also examined. RESULTS The average tumor size was 32.4 mm (range 10-130 mm) and the average MIB-1 index was 3.8% (range 1-12). In the three subgroups, there were no significant differences in sex, age, duration of disease, tumor lesion, and dumbbell type. In the hetero/hetero group, the tumor size was significantly greater and the MIB-1 index was significantly higher (both P

OBJECTIVE Corrective surgery for spinal deformities can lead to neurological complications. Several reports have described spinal cord monitoring in surgery for spinal deformity, but only a few have included patients younger than 20 years with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The goal of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of cases with intraoperative transcranial motor evoked potential (Tc-MEP) waveform deterioration during posterior corrective fusion for AIS. METHODS A prospective database was reviewed, comprising 68 patients with AIS who were treated with posterior corrective fusion in a prospective database. A total of 864 muscles in the lower extremities were chosen for monitoring, and acceptable baseline responses were obtained from 819 muscles (95%). Intraoperative Tc-MEP waveform deterioration was defined as a decrease in intraoperative amplitude of ≥ 70% of the control waveform. Age, Cobb angle, flexibility, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), intraoperative body temperature, blood pressure, number of levels fused, and correction rate were examined in patients with and without waveform deterioration. RESULTS The patients (3 males and 65 females) had an average age of 14.4 years (range 11–19 years). The mean Cobb angles before and after surgery were 52.9° and 11.9°, respectively, giving a correction rate of 77.4%. Fourteen patients (20%) exhibited an intraoperative waveform change, and these occurred during incision (14%), after screw fixation (7%), during the rotation maneuver (64%), during placement of the second rod after the rotation maneuver (7%), and after intervertebral compression (7%). Most waveform changes recovered after decreased correction or rest. No patient had a motor deficit postoperatively. In multivariate analysis, EBL (OR 1.001, p = 0.085) and number of levels fused (OR 1.535, p = 0.045) were associated with waveform deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Waveform deterioration commonly occurred during rotation maneuvers and more frequently in patients with a larger preoperative Cobb angle. The significant relationships of EBL and number of levels fused with waveform deterioration suggest that these surgical invasions may be involved in waveform deterioration.

STUDY DESIGN Self-assembling peptide gel (SPG-178) provides new evidence for the role of a scaffold for treatment of the spinal cord through induction of neuroprotective factors. OBJECTIVE To verify the reproducibility of SPG-178 as scaffold after spinal cord injury, we examine the characteristics of SPG-178 and protective effect on neural cells in vitro and in vivo. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The central nervous system extracellular matrix may play a role in maintenance of the neuronal network by inhibiting axonal growth and suppressing formation of additional inadequate synapses. In this study, we show increased expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), and tropomyosin receptor kinase (TrkA and TrkB) in SPG-178-promoted neurite outgrowth of motor neurons in vitro, and decreased inflammation and glial scar with use of SPG-178 in vivo. METHODS We examined the effect of a self-assembling peptide, SPG-178, as a scaffold for neurite outgrowth of spinal motor neurons in vitro. An in vivo analysis was performed to evaluate if the SPG-178 scaffold attenuated or enhanced expression of various genes after spinal cord injury model rats. RESULTS Expression of NGF, BDNF, NT-4, TrkA, and TrkB increased in SPG-178-promoted neurite outgrowth of motor neurons in vitro. In vivo, SPG-178 increased expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and NGF, and decreased glial scar. CONCLUSION This study provides new evidence for the role of SPG-178 as a scaffold in the spinal cord and suggests that this peptide is a neuroprotective factor that may serve as an alternative treatment for neuronal injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5.

[Introduction][1] We describe the surgical technique and the pitfalls of French-door laminoplasty. [Step 1: Patient Positioning][2] Position the patient to keep the cervical spine “parallel to the floor” or in the “reverse Trendelenburg position” with only a slight incline and place intraoperative neurological monitors to prevent intraoperative neurological deterioration. [Step 2: Surgical Approach][3] Use the common cervical posterior approach to expose the lamina and ligamentum flavum. [Step 3: Create Grooves][4] Cut the center of each lamina and create bilateral grooves using a high-speed burr. [Step 4: Open the Lamina][5] Open the lamina bilaterally and create a small hole in each one using a high-speed burr. [Step 5: Create Bone Struts][6] Create bone struts from the spinous processes and tie them to each lamina. [Step 6: Wound Closure][7] Perform meticulous closure of the wound to avoid wound-healing complications. [Results][8] In our original study[12][9], we treated forty-six patients with French-door laminoplasty and compared the surgical results of this procedure with those of open-door laminoplasty in a prospective, randomized controlled manner. [Indications][10] [Contraindications][11] [Pitfalls & Challenges][12] [Introduction][1] We describe the surgical technique and the pitfalls of French-door laminoplasty. [Step 1: Patient Positioning][2] Position the patient to keep the cervical spine “parallel to the floor” or in the “reverse Trendelenburg position” with only a slight incline and place intraoperative neurological monitors to prevent intraoperative neurological deterioration. [Step 2: Surgical Approach][3] Use the common cervical posterior approach to expose the lamina and ligamentum flavum. [Step 3: Create Grooves][4] Cut the center of each lamina and create bilateral grooves using a high-speed burr. [Step 4: Open the Lamina][5] Open the lamina bilaterally and create a small hole in each one using a high-speed burr. [Step 5: Create Bone Struts][6] Create bone struts from the spinous processes and tie them to each lamina. [Step 6: Wound Closure][7] Perform meticulous closure of the wound to avoid wound-healing complications. [Results][8] In our original study[12][9], we treated forty-six patients with French-door laminoplasty and compared the surgical results of this procedure with those of open-door laminoplasty in a prospective, randomized controlled manner. [Indications][10] [Contraindications][11] [Pitfalls & Challenges][12] [1]: #sec-10 [2]: #sec-11 [3]: #sec-12 [4]: #sec-13 [5]: #sec-14 [6]: #sec-15 [7]: #sec-16 [8]: #sec-17 [9]: #ref-12 [10]: #sec-19 [11]: #sec-20 [12]: #sec-21

Study Design Prospective clinical study. Objective Posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) generally has a favorable outcome. However, some patients require additional surgery for postoperative severe paralysis, a condition that is inadequately discussed in the literature. The objective of this study was to describe the efficacy of a procedure we refer to as “resection at an anterior site of the spinal cord from a posterior approach” (RASPA) for severely paralyzed patients after posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type T-OPLL. Methods Among 58 consecutive patients who underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type T-OPLL since 1999, 3 with postoperative paralysis (5%) underwent RASPA in our institute. Clinical records, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, gait status, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) findings, and complications were evaluated in these cases. Results All three patients experienced a postoperative decline in Manual Muscle Test (MMT) scores of 0 to 2 after the first surgery. RASPA was performed 3 weeks after the first surgery. All patients showed gradual improvements in MMT scores for the lower extremity and in ambulatory status; all could walk with a cane at an average of 4 months following RASPA surgery. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusions RASPA surgery for beak-type T-OPLL after posterior decompression and fusion surgery resulted in good functional outcomes as a salvage surgery for patients with severe paralysis. Advantages of RASPA include a wide working space, no spinal cord retraction, and additional decompression at levels without T-OPLL resection and spinal cord shortening after additional dekyphosis and compression maneuvers. When used with IONM, this procedure may help avoid permanent postoperative paralysis.

OBJECT Little is known about the progression of spinal schwannomas. The aim of this study was to determine the natural progression of spinal schwannomas and establish the risk of tumor growth. METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed data from 23 patients (12 men and 11 women, 40–89 years old) with schwannomas detected by MRI. The mean follow-up period was 5 years (range 2–10 years). The absolute and relative growth rates of the tumors were calculated. RESULTS The average tumor size was 1495 mm3 at the initial visit and 2224 mm3 at the final follow-up. The average absolute growth rate was 139 mm3 per year, and the average relative growth rate was 5.3% per year. Tumors were classified into 3 groups based on enhancement patterns: isointense/hyperintense (iso/high; 11 cases), rim enhancement when enhancement was peripheral (high/rim; 5 cases), and heterogeneous/heterogeneous (hetero/hetero; 7 cases) based on Gd-enhanced T2-weighted MRI. The average absolute growth rates of the 3 lesion groups were 588 mm3, 957 mm3, and 3379 mm3, respectively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Although the tumors classified as iso/high and high/rim on T2-weighted Gd-enhanced MR images were small and grew very little, most tumors with hetero/hetero classification increased in size. Hetero/hetero-type tumors should be followed closely and may require surgery.

Study Design: Animal study. Purpose: To review the present warning point criteria of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and investigate new criteria for spinal surgery safety using an animal model. Overview of Literature: Little is known about correlation palesis and amplitude of spinal cord monitoring. Methods: After laminectomy of the tenth thoracic spinal lamina, 2-140 g force was delivered to the spinal cord with a tension gage to create a bilateral contusion injury. The study morphology change of the CMAP wave and locomotor scale were evaluated for one month. Results: Four different types of wave morphology changes were observed: no change, amplitude decrease only, morphology change only, and amplitude and morphology change. Amplitude and morphology changed simultaneously and significantly as the injury force increased (p

Background: Postoperative pancreatitis has primarily been reported as a complication of abdominal surgery, but there are some case reports of postoperative pancreatitis after spinal surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate a case series of hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis following posterior spinal surgery. Methods: The serum amylase level was measured following posterior spinal surgery in the prone position. Patients were divided into groups with a normal serum amylase level (0–125 IU/L) and with hyperamylasemia (>125 IU/L), based on the upper limit of normal of 125 IU/L in our institution. Relationships among preoperative factors, perioperative factors, and the serum amylase level were investigated. Results: Hyperamylasemia (serum amylase >125 IU/L) following posterior spinal surgery was found in 92 cases (35 %). Among perioperative factors, intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) and operating time were significantly higher in patients with high serum amylase than in patients with normal serum amylase (P < 0.01). In a multivariate regression model, intraoperative EBL (OR 1.001, 95 % CI 1.000–1.002; P = 0.001) and operation time (OR 1.006, 95 % CI 1.003–1.009; P = 0.006) were significantly associated with postoperative pancreatitis. Serum amylase levels of ≥5 times the upper limit of normal were found in six cases. Five of these cases were asymptomatic and one was caused by severe pancreatitis. Conclusions: In our case series, intraoperative blood loss caused a rise in the serum amylase level following posterior spinal surgery. Thus, this level should be carefully monitored after spinal surgery with significant blood loss. Clinical symptoms of pancreatitis, such as abdominal pain and vomiting, should also be monitored following spinal surgery.

Study DesignCase report.ObjectivesTo describe a case of delayed-onset spinal hematoma following the breakage of a spinal epidural catheter.MethodsThe authors describe the clinical case review.ResultsA 64-year-old woman had undergone epidural anesthesia 18 years before she was referred to our hospital because of lower-back pain and lower neurologic deficit with leg pain. The clinical examination showed the presence of a fragment of an epidural catheter in the thoracolumbar canal, as assessed by computed tomography, and a spinal hematoma that compressed the spinal cord at the same spinal level, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical removal of the epidural catheter and decompression surgery were performed. The patient exhibited substantial clinical improvement 1 month after surgery; she achieved a steady gait without the need for a cane and had no leg pain.ConclusionThis is the first report of delayed onset of spinal hematoma following the breakage of an epidural catheter. Generally, when the breakage of an epidural catheter occurs without symptoms, follow-up alone is recommended. However, because spinal hematoma might exhibit a late onset, the possibility of this complication should be considered when deciding whether to remove the catheter fragment. We believe that in our patient, there could be a relationship between the catheter fragment and subdural hematoma, and catheter breakage could have been a risk factor for the spinal hematoma.

Introduction This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical influence of - and to identify the risk factors for nonunion of transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) with use of allograft. Methods Sixty-three patients who underwent transpsoas LLIF (69.8 ± 8.9 years, 21 males and 42 females, 125 segments) were followed for a minimum 2 years postoperatively. For all LLIF segments, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages packed with allogenic bone were applied with supplemental bilateral pedicle screws (PSs). Bone bridge formation was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) 2 years postoperative, and a segment without any bridge formation was determined to be a nonunion. Sixty-one participants (96.8%) were classified into two groups for clinical evacuation: Group N that contained one or more nonunion segments and Group F that contained no nonunion segment. Visual analogue scales (VAS) scores and the effective rates of the five domains of the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) were compared between Groups N and F. The risk factors for nonunion were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Twenty segments (16%) were diagnosed as nonunion. There were no significant differences in all VAS scores, and the ratio of effective cases in all domains of JOABPEQ between Group N (n = 14) and F (n = 47). Multivariate analysis identified percutaneous PS (PPS) usage (odds ratio [OR]: 3.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-8.68, p = 0.028) as a positive risk factor for nonunion. Conclusions We should be aware of the higher nonunion rate in the LLIF segments supplemented with PPS, though nonunion does not affect significantly clinical outcomes at 2 years postoperative.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known as an important risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI) in spine surgery. It is still unclear however which DM-related parameters have stronger influence on SSI. The purpose of this study is to determine predisposing factors for SSI following spinal instrumentation surgery for patients with DM.110 DM patients (66 males and 44 females) who underwent spinal instrumentation surgery in one institute were enrolled in this study. For each patient, various preoperative or intraoperative parameters were reviewed from medical records. Patients were divided into two groups (SSI or non-SSI) based on the postoperative course. Each parameter between these two groups was compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predisposing factor for SSI.The SSI group consisted of 11 patients (10%), and the non-SSI group of 99 patients (90%). Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative proteinuria (p = 0.01), operation time (p = 0.04) and estimated blood loss (p = 0.02) were significantly higher in the SSI group compared to the non-SSI group. Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative proteinuria as a statistically significant predictor of SSI (OR 6.28, 95% CI 1.58-25.0, p = 0.009).Proteinuria is a significant predisposing factor for SSI in spinal instrumentation surgery for DM patients. DM patients with proteinuria who are likely to suffer latent nephropathy have a potential risk for SSI. For them less invasive surgery is recommended for spinal instrumentation. In this retrospective study, there was no significant difference of preoperative condition in glycemic control between the two groups.

Surgical treatment of a hangman's fractures is technically demanding, even when using the standard open procedure. In this case report, a type II hangman's fracture was treated by percutaneous posterior screw fixation, without a midline incision, using intraoperative, full rotation, three-dimensional (3D) image (O-arm)-based navigation. A 48-year-old woman was injured in a motor vehicle accident and diagnosed with a unilateral hangman's fracture associated with subluxation of the C2 vertebral body on C3. After attaching the reference arc of the 3D-imaging system to the headholder, the cervical spine was screened using an O-arm without anatomical registration. Drilling and screw fixation were performed using a guide tube while referring to the reconstructed 3D-anatomical views. The operation was successfully completed without technical difficulties or neurovascular complications. This percutaneous procedure requires less dissection of normal tissue, which may allow earlier recovery. However, further validation of this procedure for its effectiveness and safety is required.

Early-stage TB meningitis has no specific symptoms in patients, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis and consequently worsening prognosis. The authors present the fatal case with a delayed diagnosis of tuberculous (TB) meningitis with dementia as the presenting symptom after intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection. The medical records, operative reports, and radiographical imaging studies of a single patient were retrospectively reviewed. A 77-year-old man who underwent thoracic intramedullary hemangioblastoma resection for 2 times. The postoperative course was uneventful, but 1.5 months after surgery, the patient suffered from dementia with memory loss and diminished motivation and speech in the absence of a fever. No abnormalities were detected on blood test, brain computed tomography and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. A sputum sample was negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT-G) In-Tube Test and the tuberculin skin test was also negative. The patient was diagnosed with senile dementia by a psychiatrist. However, the patient’s symptoms progressively worsened. Despite the absence of TB meningitis findings, we suspected TB meningitis from the patient’s history, and administered a four-drug regimen. However the patient died 29 days after admission, subsequently M. tuberculosis was detected in the CSF sample. This case is a rare case of TB meningitis initially mistaken for dementia after intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection. Symptoms of dementia after intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection should first be suspected as one of TB meningitis, even if the tests for meningitis are negative. We propose that anti-tuberculosis therapy should be immediately initiated in cases of suspected TB meningitis prior to positive identification on culture.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of surgery on locomotor ability in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and compare the results between elderly and younger patients.A total of 369 consecutive patients who underwent expansive laminoplasty for CSM were prospectively analysed. Patients were divided into two age groups of ≥ 75 years (elderly group, 76 patients) and75 years (younger group, 293 patients). Locomotor ability was estimated using part of the functional independence measure (FIM). The sum of gait and stairs items [functional independence measure (locomotion), FIM-L; possible scores, 2-14] and neurological status were estimated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score (possible score, 0-17). Pre-operative neurological anamnesis was reviewed, and the surgical results of elderly patients with or without co-existing neurological history were evaluated to determine the origin of locomotor disability.Peri-operative FIM-L and JOA scores were significantly lower in the elderly group than in the younger group, and the opposite was true for improved FIM score. Cerebral infarction and previous lumbar surgery were identified as neurological co-morbidities in the elderly group. However, there was no significant difference in surgical results between elderly patients with and without co-existing neurological disorders.Decompression surgery can improve locomotor ability and decrease nursing care requirements among elderly patients with CSM. However, other neurological diseases can co-exist in elderly patients, making it difficult to diagnose the origin of locomotor disability. Therefore, detailed peri-operative work-up and timely decompression should be given priority to avoid progression towards fixed locomotor disability.

The purpose of this study is to quantify the change in the volume of the interbody bone graft after the PLIF and monitor the change over time for subsequent analysis.The 114 cases were selected as the subjects of this study. The observation period was for 5 years following the surgery. The volume of the bone graft in the interbody space was calculated by summing up the cross-sectional area of the bone graft on each axial image multiplied by the height (2 mm) (the volume of the two cages was excluded). The volume ratio (%) = (bone graft volume)/(total volume of the interbody space - cage volume) was used for the purpose of evaluation.The volumetric change of the bone graft was 51 % (3 months), 53 % (6 months), 54 % (1 year), 55 % (2 years), 59 % (3 years), 62 % (4 years), and 72 % (5 years), indicating a continued increase up to the 5-year mark. In particular, a significant increase was observed from the second year as compared with the previous years' result. Additionally, the volumetric increase from the second year to the fifth year was significantly higher than that before the second year.The post-PLIF volumes of interbody bone grafts exhibited increases particularly from the second to fifth years after the procedure. Even the elderly and those with poor bone qualities can expect to have volumetric increases over time. Sufficient interbody space should be secured for accommodating bone grafts by intraoperative reduction, wherever possible.

Most elderly patients have cardiopulmonary diseases anamnesis and a perceived risk of perioperative complications. The responsible lesion may be located more cranially in elderly patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) compared with that in younger patients. The study aimed at evaluating cardiopulmonary dysfunction of CSM and effects of surgery on cardiopulmonary function and perioperative complications.Thirty-one consecutive patients (75 years of age) who underwent expansive laminoplasty for CSM were compared with 30 age-matched controls who underwent lumbar decompression. The ejection fraction (EF), percent vital capacity (%VC), and forced expiratory volume percent in 1 s (FEV(1)%) before and 6 months after surgery were analyzed by cardiac ultrasonography and spirometry. Furthermore, neurological status, lesion level, and perioperative complications were evaluated.The mean %VC significantly decreased in the study group compared with that in the control group before surgery (89.4 ± 12.4 vs. 96.5 ± 12.7, P = 0.032). EF, %VC, and FEV(1)% showed no significant differences after surgery. The mean %VC was significantly lower in the cranial group with lesions above C4 compared with that in the caudal group before (81.8 ± 10.0 vs. 95.0 ± 11.2, P = 0.0021) and after (83.8 ± 9.7 vs. 92.1 ± 11.8, P = 0.047) surgery. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score significantly improved after surgery (P0.001), and the mean recovery rate was 48.3%. The occurrence of perioperative complications was significantly higher in the study group compared with that in the control group (P = 0.018).Elderly CSM patients with cranial lesions have a decreased %VC and high risk of perioperative cardiopulmonary complications. Therefore, detailed perioperative workup and timely decompression should be performed to avoid progression toward fixed neurological deficits and cardiopulmonary dysfunction whether or not they result from myelopathy itself.