European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), often found incidentally on lateral lumbar radiographs, is increasingly recognized for its association with adverse outcomes in spine surgery. As a marker of advanced atherosclerosis affecting cardiovascular dynamics, this study evaluates AAC's impact on perioperative blood loss in posterior spinal fusion (PSF). ⋯ This is the first study to identify AAC as an independent predictor of perioperative blood loss in PSF. In addition to its link to degenerative spinal conditions and adverse postoperative outcomes, the relationship between AAC and increased blood loss warrants attention in patients undergoing PSF.
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To test equivalency of deep-learning 3D lumbar spine MRI with "CT-like" contrast to CT for virtual pedicle screw planning and geometric measurements in robotic-navigated spinal surgery. ⋯ Deep-learning 3D MRI facilitates equivalent virtual pedicle screw placements and geometric assessments for most lumbar vertebrae, with the exception of vertebral body length at L1, L2, and L4, compared to CT for pre-operative planning in patients considered for robotic-navigated spine surgery.
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Open heart surgery is the most common treatment for congenital heart disease. Thoracotomy, sternotomy, or a combination of both are the main approaches used in open heart surgeries. In cardiac surgery, there have been concerns that these surgeries increase the likelihood of spinal deformities. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis provided updated evidence on the prevalence of spinal deformities following congenital heart surgery. ⋯ This review suggests that the prevalence of spinal deformities was high among patients who underwent sternotomy or thoracotomy.
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Different strategies have been described in order to reduce spine deep surgical site infection (SSI); however, non-intervenable items such as environmental factors remain as one of the main concerns for spine surgeons. ⋯ Our study revealed a 60% increase in spine SSI during warmer seasons. There was a significant correlation between air pollution and the rate of infection. These may suggest the necessity to reduce the number of elective spine surgeries during warmer seasons and when the level of air pollutant is high.