Anterior spine surgery for the treatment of complex spine pathology: a state-of-the-art review

Analysis of influencing factors for complications of anterior thoracolumbar tuberculosis surgery in adults

This study analyzes the risk factors related to the complications of anterior thoracolumbar tuberculosis in adults and to provide clinical reference. A total of 98 adult patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis undergoing anterior surgery in our hospital from February 2020 to December 2023 were selected, and the clinical data and postoperative complications were collected. The clinical characteristics were analyzed, and the risk factors related to surgical complications were analyzed by univariate analysis and multi-factor logistic regression model. A total of 54 patients had 75 postoperative complications of different degrees. Univariate analysis showed that patient age, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level, bone graft fusion method, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative neurological function [Asian neurological function classification] were correlated with the occurrence of postoperative complications (P < .05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age over 60 years old, preoperative Hb < 100 g/L, blood loss ≥ 800 mL, bone graft fusion method were independent risk factors for anterior postoperative complications of thoracolumbar tuberculosis (P < .05). The independent risk factors for surgical complications of anterior thoracolumbar tuberculosis were age over 60 years old, preoperative Hb < 100 g/L, blood loss ≥ 800 mL, titanium cage by bone graft fusion. Controlling these variable factors before operation can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

Less Is More: Evaluating the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

This review aims to explore the evolution, techniques, and outcomes of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) within the field of neurosurgery. We sought to address the increasing burden of spine degeneration in a rapidly aging population and the need for optimizing surgical management. This review explores various techniques in MISS, drawing upon evidence from retrospective studies, case series, systematic reviews, and technological advancements in neurosurgical spine treatment. Various approaches, including endonasal cervical, transoral cervical, transcervical, mini-open/percutaneous, tubular, and endoscopic techniques, provide alternatives for current approaches to a range of spinal pathologies. The main findings of this review highlight potential advantages of MISS over traditional open surgery, including reduced complications, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient outcomes. Our research underscores the importance of adopting MISS techniques to optimize patient care in neurosurgical spine treatment.

Prospective Analysis of Incisional Morbidity Associated With Anterior Surgical Approaches to the Lumbar Spine

OBJECTIVE

Anterior approaches to the lumbar spine have been used extensively for various indications but they are also associated with unique complications and have been linked with higher incisional morbidity.This study aimsto evaluate incisional morbidity related to anterior lumbar surgeries and to assess how incisional outcomes correlate with patient and surgery-related factors.

METHODS

Patients ≥18 years old and with planned anterior lumbar fusions from L1 to S1 were prospectively enrolled. Follow-up ended at two years, and patients who did not complete the follow-up were excluded. Incision was assessed for general appearance, width, color, cross-hatching, hypertrophy, and pain by using a validated scoring system and a visual analog scale (VAS). Patient and surgery-related factors were analyzed for possible correlations with complications or wound-related parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 205 patients with a mean age of 54.4 ± 11.5 were included. Significant improvements were seen in color, hypertrophy, pain, and appearance of the incision. At two years, the mean patient-based VAS for appearance was 8.6 while surgeon-based VAS was 8.8. The total rate of complications was 9%, with no incisional hernia or bulging. No significant relation was found between incision-related parameters and the demographic and surgical variables.

CONCLUSION

This study reports acceptable cosmetic results and no chronic pain after anterior lumbar surgery, which is contrary to previous reports. Together with a low total rate of complications, anterior approaches are safe when carefully executed, and have low morbidity.

Addressing the Impact of Race and Ethnicity on Musculoskeletal Spine Care in the United States

➤ Despite being a social construct, race has an impact on outcomes in musculoskeletal spine care.➤ Race is associated with other social determinants of health that may predispose patients to worse outcomes.➤ The musculoskeletal spine literature is limited in its understanding of the causes of race-related outcome trends.➤ Efforts to mitigate race-related disparities in spine care require individual, institutional, and national initiatives.

The Role of Anterior Spine Surgery in Deformity Correction

There are a range of anterior-based approaches to address flexible adult spinal deformity from the thoracic spine to the sacrum, with each approach offering access to a range of vertebral levels. It includes the transperitoneal (L5-S1), paramedian anterior retroperitoneal (L3-S1), oblique retroperitoneal (L1-2 to L5-S1), the thoracolumbar transdiaphragmatic approach (T9-10 to L4-5), and thoracotomy approach (T4-T12). The lumbar and lumbosacral spine is especially favorable for anterior-based approaches given the relative mobility of the peritoneal organs and position of the vasculature.