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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Review Meta Analysis
Unexpected positive culture (UPC) in adults revision spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence, risk factors, and management.
Without clear signs of infection, spinal implant failure is attributed to mechanical overloads and aseptic loosening. However, how low-grade infections contribute to seemingly aseptic implant failure is unclear. ⋯ IV.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Cervical kyphosis after posterior cervical laminectomy with and without fusion.
Cervical posterior instrumentation and fusion is often performed to avoid post-laminectomy kyphosis. However, larger comparative analyses of cervical laminectomy with or without fusion are sparse. ⋯ Posterior cervical laminectomy without fusion is associated with mild loss of cervical lordosis of around 6° in the mid-term after approximately five years, however without any clinical relevance regarding NDI or mJOA in well-selected patients (particularly in shorter segment laminectomies of < 3 levels).
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Cost-effectiveness of posterior versus anterior surgery for cervical radiculopathy: results from a multicentre randomised non-inferiority trial (FACET).
For cervical nerve root compression, anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (anterior surgery) or posterior foraminotomy (posterior surgery) are safe and effective options. Posterior surgery might have a more beneficial economic profile compared to anterior surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyse if posterior surgery is cost-effective compared to anterior surgery. ⋯ In patients with cervical radiculopathy, arm pain and QALYs were similar between posterior and anterior surgery. Posterior surgery was associated with lower costs and is therefore likely to be cost-effective compared with anterior surgery.
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Cervical total disc replacement (cTDR) has been established as an alternative treatment for degenerative cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. While the rate of complications for cTDR is reasonably low, recent studies have focused on bone loss after cTDR. The purpose of this work is to develop a clinical management plan for cTDR patients with evidence of bone loss. To guide our recommendations, we undertook a review of the literature and aimed to determine: (1) how bone loss was identified/imaged, (2) whether pre- or intraoperative assessments of infection or histology were performed, and (3) what decision-making and revision strategies were employed. ⋯ Our findings demonstrate a critical gap in the literature regarding the optimal management of patients with bone loss following cTDR, and treatment recommendations based on our review are impractical given the limited amount and quality evidence available. However, based on the authors' extensive clinical experience, close follow-up of specific radiographic observations and serial radiographs to assess the progression/severity of bone loss and implant changes are recommended. CT findings can be used for clinical decision-making and further follow-up care. The pattern and rate of progression of bone loss, in concert with patient symptomatology, should determine whether non-operative or surgical intervention is indicated. Future studies involving implant retrieval, histopathological, and microbiological analysis for patients undergoing cTDR revision for bone loss are needed.