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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There is a lack of strong evidence for use of expensive bone substitutes. This study compares perioperative data and patient reported quality-of-life outcomes across the varied types of bone graft extenders. The study analyzes the existing Quality and Outcomes Database and evaluates patient reported outcomes for 1-3 level lumbar fusion procedures comparing across different types of biologics bone graft. ⋯ Bone graft extenders are a significant contributor to the cost of lumbar fusion. This study demonstrates no difference in preoperative, and 1 year patient reported outcomes between the three groups. There was no significant difference in rate of reoperations across the three groups.
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Short-segment minimally invasive percutaneous spinal osteosynthesis has now become one of the treatments of choice to treat thoracolumbar fractures. The question of implant removal once the fracture has healed is still a matter of debate since this procedure can be associated with loss of sagittal correction. Therefore, we analyzed risk factors for kyphosis recurrence after spinal implants removal in patients treated with short-segment minimally invasive percutaneous spinal instrumentation for a thoracolumbar fracture. ⋯ Despite correction of the fracture after stabilization, we observed a progressive loss of correction over time appearing even before implant removal. Particular attention should be paid to post-traumatic disk damage or canal invasion, to young patients and to surgical overcorrection of the traumatic kyphosis.
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We aimed to evaluate the effect of cervical disc herniation (CDH) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) on female sexual functioning before and after surgical intervention. ⋯ Female sexual dysfunctions caused by CDH and LDH improved considerably after surgery.
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The following study aimed to determine the existence of blood biomarkers in symptomatic patients with or without lumbar Modic changes (MC). ⋯ This "proof-of-concept" study is the first to identify specific and significantly circulating blood biomarkers associated with symptomatic patients with lumbar MC, independent of disc alterations of degeneration and/or bulges/herniations. Specifically, differences in CCL5 and MIF protein levels were significantly noted in MC patients compared to those without MC.
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Although studies have suggested that gut microbiota may be associated with intervertebral disk disease, their causal relationship is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and its metabolic pathways with the risk of intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD), low back pain (LBP), and sciatica. ⋯ Some microbial taxa and their metabolic pathways are causally related to IVDD, LBP, and sciatica and may serve as potential intervention targets. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of gut microbiota-mediated development of intervertebral disk disease.