Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) was first approved in 2002 for use in single-level anterior lumbar fusions as an alternative to iliac crest grafts. Subsequent studies have concluded that BMP provides superior fusions rates and therefore reduces reoperations for nonunions. The purpose of this study was to determine the reoperation rates for symptomatic nonunions in posterior cervical (subaxial) spinal fusions with and without the use of BMP and to determine if the nonunion rates are statistically significantly different between the two groups. ⋯ This study presents the largest series of patients using BMP in posterior cervical (subaxial) spinal fusions. Reoperation rates for symptomatic nonunions with more than 1 year of follow-up were found to be 1.1% with BMP and 0.7% without BMP. There was no significant difference in the reoperation rates for symptomatic nonunions with or without BMP.
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The authors performed a pattern-of-failure analysis, with a focus on epidural disease progression, in patients treated with postoperative spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). ⋯ Reviewing the extent of epidural disease on preoperative MRI is imperative when planning postoperative SBRT. When epidural disease is confined to the anterior epidural sectors pre- and postoperatively, covering the entire epidural space circumferentially with a prophylactic "donut" distribution may not be needed.
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The use of conventional uniportal spinal endoscopic decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis can be limited by technical difficulties and a restricted field of vision. The purpose of this study is to describe the technique for percutaneous biportal endoscopic decompression (PBED) for lumbar spinal stenosis and analysis of clinical postoperative results. ⋯ From a surgical point of view, percutaneous biportal endoscopy is very similar to microscopic spinal surgery, permitting good visualization of the contralateral sublaminar and medial foraminal areas. The authors suggest that the PBED, which is a minimally invasive procedure, is an alternative treatment option for degenerative lumbar stenosis.
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Biography Historical Article
Isadore Max Tarlov (1905-1977) and the controversial Tarlov cyst: historical perspective.
Isadore Max Tarlov, an early neurosurgeon, made several important contributions to the field of spine surgery. He described sacral perineural cysts, now known as Tarlov cysts. Dr. ⋯ In addition, he developed the use of fibrin glue in nerve repair. His book on mechanisms of spinal compression was published in 1957. He published a book of essays titled Principles of Parsimony in Medical Practice that remains highly relevant in today's medical world.
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Meta Analysis
Exploratory meta-analysis on dose-related efficacy and morbidity of bone morphogenetic protein in spinal arthrodesis surgery.
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is frequently used for spinal arthrodesis procedures in an "off-label" fashion. Whereas complications related to BMP usage are well recognized, the role of dosage is less clear. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess dose-dependent effectiveness (i.e., bone fusion) and morbidity of BMP used in common spinal arthrodesis procedures. A quantitative exploratory meta-analysis was conducted on studies reporting fusion and complication rates following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), posterior cervical fusion (PCF), anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), and posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) supplemented with BMP. ⋯ The BMP doses used for various spinal arthrodesis procedures differed greatly between studies. This study provides BMP dosing recommendations for the most common spine procedures.