Outcome of single level instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion using corticocancellous laminectomy bone chips

Prediction of Primary Admission Total Charges Following Single-Level Lumbar Arthrodesis Utilizing Machine Learning

Study DesignRetrospective analysis utilizing machine learning.ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the key factors influencing total charges during the primary admission period following single-level lumbar arthrodesis, using machine learning models to enhance predictive accuracy.MethodsData were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database and analyzed using various machine learning models, including random forest, gradient boosting trees, and logistic regression. A total of 78,022 unweighted cases of patients who underwent single-level lumbar arthrodesis were identified using the NIS database from 2016 to 2020. Variables included hospital size, region, patient-specific factors, and procedural details. Multivariate linear regression was also used to identify charge-related variables.ResultsThe average total charge for single-level lumbar arthrodesis was $145,600 ± $102,500. Significant predictors of charge included length of stay, hospital size, hospital ownership, and region. Private investor-owned hospitals and procedures performed in the Western U.S. were associated with higher charges. Random forest models demonstrated superior predictive accuracy with an AUC of .866, outperforming other models.ConclusionsHospital characteristics, regional factors, and patient-specific variables significantly influence the charges of single-level lumbar arthrodesis. Machine learning models, particularly random forest, provide robust tools for predicting healthcare costs, enabling better resource allocation and decision-making. Future research should explore these dynamics further to optimize cost management and improve care quality.

Unilateral Limited Laminectomy for Debridement to Treat Localized Short-Segment Lumbosacral Spinal Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Case Series

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of surgically treating lumbosacral tuberculosis with a modified posterior unilateral limited laminectomy method for debridement.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled a total of 26 patients who were administered in our institution from January 2010 to December 2016, diagnosed with lumbosacral tuberculosis at the L5/S1 level, and underwent one‐stage posterior unilateral limited laminectomy as surgical treatment for debridement, allograft of cortical bone grafting, and fixation. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and lumbosacral angle (LA, Cobb's method) were statistically compared, and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment (ASIA) Scale was compared between the preoperative and postoperative time points to evaluate the clinical outcomes.

Results

All 26 patients were observed during the follow‐up period, and the mean follow‐up time was 1.3 ± 0.42 years. The mean age was 56 ± 7.4 years old. The average operation time was 118.1 ± 17.5 min, and the mean bleeding volume was 513.0 ± 79.6 mL. There were no intraoperative complications or tuberculous sinus, and two cases experienced hypostatic pneumonia during hospitalization, which resolved with responsive antibiotics and symptomatic supportive treatment. At the final follow‐up, there was no recurrence of tuberculosis, and the ESR (11.8 ± 1.8 mm/h) and CRP (3.0 ± 1.0 mg/L) levels in all patients had returned to normal. The patients with neurologic deficits had improved, and the mean ODI was 79.9 ± 10.6 (87–62) preoperatively and significantly decreased to 20.5 ± 5.7 (11–29) at the final follow‐up (P < 0.01). ASIA scale scores were improved by 1~2 grades at the last follow‐up. The patients' pain levels were significantly alleviated; the mean VAS score declined to 1.2 ± 0.4 (0–2.5) at the final follow‐up compared to 7.5 ± 1.6 (6.5–8.5) preoperatively (P < 0.01). All patients achieved bony graft fusion at an average time of 6.8 ± 1.2 months. Physiological lumbar lordosis was significantly improved, and the mean LA before operation was 17.6° ± 2.1°, which was significantly different from the postoperative LA (29.3° ± 7.4°, P < 0.01) at the final follow up. The LA (27.1° ± 5.5°, P = 0.15) slightly rebounded but without significance compared to the postoperative level.

Conclusion

Only posterior approach by unilateral limited laminectomy for debridement could be served as an effective and safe method to treat short‐segment lumbosacral tuberculosis without extensive anterior sacral and gravitation abscesses.

Is the Cage an Additional Hardware in Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Low Grade Spondylolisthesis? A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar interbody fusion has become the standard of care for the management of lumbar instability, where fusion is achieved using bone grafts, cages, etc.

AIM

The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of the interbody fusion using interbody cage technique and stand alone local bone graft technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 patients, operated for single level instability with low grade lytic and degenerative spondylolisthesis of L4-5/L5-S1, were selected and grouped into two groups: Group I (stand alone grafts) and Group II (interbody cage and graft) based on computer generated random numbers. All patients who underwent interbody fusion through conventional open posterior approach were included in the study. Data regarding the time taken for interbody fusion, formaninal height maintenance, disc height restoration, translation, functional scores (VAS,ODI) and operative complications were analysed using in both the groups was collected and a student's-t test was performed to evaluate the difference.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients in Group I was 46.7 years whereas, the mean age of patients in Group II was 43.5 years with mean age of 46.7 years and 43.5 years respectively. Interbody fusion, was achieved in seven and eight months in Group I and II respectively (p>0.05). The clinical results of both groups were comparable and there was no significant difference between the two groups in VAS score (p-0.147) and ODI score (p-0.983). Radiological parameters were also comparable and there was no significant difference between the postoperative measurements of the two groups (p=0.348 for translation, p=0.310 for intervertebral disc height and p=0.135 for foraminal height). One patient in Group I had transient foot drop which recovered, while one in Group II had infection, wound was managed with wound wash and antibiotics and another patient in Group II had pseudoarthrosis.

CONCLUSION

Lumbar interbody fusion with standalone local bone grafts is sufficient in single level low grade spondylolisthesis treated by conventional open surgery.

Comparing the early efficacies of autologous bone grafting and interbody fusion cages for treating degenerative lumbar instability in patients of different ages

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the early efficacies of interbody fusion using autologous bone graft or an interbody fusion cage in a modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients of different ages with degenerative lumbar instability.

METHODS

Data from 33 patients with double-segment degenerative lumbar instability treated with a modified TLIF combined with a posterior fixation system from December 2008 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The two segments separately received an interbody bone graft fusion and an interbody fusion cage. Patients were divided by age into group A (middle-aged and elderly group, age ≥ 55 years, n = 13) and group B (young adult group, age < 55 years, n = 20). The clinical efficacy of the modified TLIF combined with a posterior fixation system was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores obtained before and after surgery, and at final follow-up. We measured the mean intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, lumbar lordosis angle, and inter-technique differences in the mean intervertebral space height and intervertebral foramen height. Interbody fusion was evaluated using the Suk standard.

RESULTS

Patients in group A followed-up for 19.15 ± 8.01 months. Patients in group B followed-up for 14.80 ± 5.47 months. The post-operative JOA, ODI, VAS, and lumbar lordosis angle were improved significantly. Moreover, the early clinical follow-up effect was good. In group A, significant differences in the intervertebral foramen height post-surgery and at final follow-up, and the mean intervertebral space height at final follow-up were noted. The intervertebral foramen and space heights were increased in the interbody cage group. In group B, a significant difference in the intervertebral foramen height at final follow-up was noted. The mean intervertebral space height post-surgery and at final follow-up was significantly increased between the two fusion methods. Bony fusion was achieved in all cases. The fusion time of autologous bone graft and interbody fusion cage was 5.46 ± 1.20 months and 6.77 ± 1.01 months respectively in group A, and 5.50 ± 1.28 months and 6.35 ± 1.76 months respectively in group B, the difference in fusion time between techniques was significant.

CONCLUSION

At different ages, the interbody fusion cages can better preserve the intervertebral space and the intervertebral foramen height. However, autologous bone graft can rapidly achieve a bony fusion. Interbody fusion cages are therefore ideal for young adults, while autologous bone grafting is ideal for middle-aged and elderly patients who receive a modified TLIF.

Radiological Evaluation of the Initial Fixation between Cortical Bone Trajectory and Conventional Pedicle Screw Technique for Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Purpose

To compare initial fixation using the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) technique versus conventional pedicle screws (PS) in radiographs of postsurgical lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Overview of Literature

Few reports have documented the holding strength of CBT technique for spondylolisthesis cases.

Methods

From October 2009 to June 2014, 21 cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis were surgically treated in our institution. Ten were treated with conventional PS technique and 11 of with CBT technique. Mean lumbar lordosis and percent slippage were evaluated preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively using radiographs. We also investigated percent loss of slip reduction.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between preoperative percent slippage and postoperative slippage in both PS and CBT procedures over 1 year, and both techniques showed good slip reduction. On the other hand, lumbar lordosis did not change significantly in either the PS or CBT groups over 1 year.

Conclusions

CBT technique showed similarly good initial fixation compared with the PS procedure in the treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Short to Mid-Term Term Surgical Outcome Study with Posterior Only Approach on Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis in an Elderly Population

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Purpose

To study short to mid-term outcome of surgically managed elderly patients of tuberculous spondylodiscitis with posterior only approach in terms of decision making and challenges in treatment, choice of implants and outcomes.

Overview of Literature

Tuberculous spondylodiscitis in the elderly is increasing due to longer survival rates. It presents with varied clinical manifestations needing surgical management. Management in tuberculous spondylodiscitis has been scarcely reported in the elderly, with a paucity of data on the choice of implants and approach.

Methods

Sixteen patients (five males, 11 females) older than 70-years-of-age culture and/or histopathology proven tuberculous spondylodiscitis were included in the study. All patients were operated using a single posterior approach. Pedicle screw with rods (PS/rods) or spinal loop with sublaminar wires (SL/SLW) were used for fixation. Clinical and surgical details were recorded. Sagittal correction achieved postoperatively and loss of correction at follow-up were noted.

Results

The mean age was 73.6 years (range, 70 to 80 years). The mean follow up was 44.5 months (range, 24 to 84 months). The mean immediate postoperative correction of sagittal deformity was 11.3 degrees; this correction was lost by a mean of 3.1 degrees at last follow-up. All 10 patients with deficit showed neurological recovery and all but one of the seven non-walkers were capable of independent ambulation at follow-up. Patients with SL/SLW and PS/rods had similar radiological outcome at final follow up.

Conclusions

Operative management gives satisfactory results in elderly patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis. The posterior approach provides adequate exposure for decompression and rigid fixation, providing satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. SSL/SLW and pedicle screw rod construct both give similar radiological results if used appropriately in patients.

Comparative effectiveness of two different interbody fusion methods for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: cage versus morselized impacted bone grafts

Background

The use of an interbody fusion device (cage) to assist fusion and increase intervertebral stability is widely supported. We applied the morselized impacted bone graft method without using a cage in a single level interbody fusion with encouraging medium-term clinical results. The purpose of this paper is to compare the clinical and radiological results of local bone grafts with a cage to morselized impacted bone grafts without cage, in patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery.

Methods

One hundred eighty-nine consecutive patients who underwent TLIF in our hospital were evaluated from July 2009 to July 2012. Eighty-four patients received TLIF and local bone graft with one polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage, while 96 patients received the TLIF with local morselized impacted bone grafts without a cage. The clinical data and perioperative parameters of the patients in the two groups were recorded and compared.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 35 months. There were no significant differences in operation time and blood loss between the two groups. Single-level fusion was performed in all patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, according to the preoperative or postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. No statistically significant differences in fusion rate were observed between the two groups. At the final follow-up, the ratio of the disc height to vertebral height (HR) was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Morselized impacted bone graft is as beneficial as local bone grafts with a cage for TLIF. Since the no cage procedure is less expensive, the morselized impacted bone graft is an affordable choice for single level TLIF, especially in less developed regions.

Outcome of posterior lumbar interbody fusion for L4-L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis

BACKGROUND

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) has become the standard in the treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis since improvement of spinal instrumentation However, few published studies have reported long term outcomes of PLIF using a same surgical procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a long term outcome of PLIF using a same surgical procedure for L4-L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Out of 45 patients who underwent L4-L5 PLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis between 1995 and 2003, 37 patients (16 males and 21 females) were evaluated in this study. Mean age was 61.8 years. The average followup period was 121 months. We evaluated % slip, lordosis at L4/L5, lumbar lordosis, Japanese Orthopedic Association's (JOA) score and adjacent segment degeneration.

RESULTS

The % slip significantly improved from an average of 17.0% before surgery to 9.7% at the last followup. Lordosis at L4/L5 averaged 3.6° before surgery, 8.2° after surgery and 6.9° at the last followup. Although patients experienced some loss of correction at last followup, their lordosis at L4/L5 at last followup still was significantly different from their lordosis at L4/L5 before surgery. Lumbar lordosis did not significantly change. Mean JOA score was 13.4 before surgery and 24.5 at the last followup; mean recovery ratio was 71.2%. Adjacent segment degeneration occurred in 40.5% of patients, almost all of which occurred in the cranial adjacent segment. Three patients (8.1%) required reoperation due to adjacent segment degeneration, at an average of 76 months after their initial surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

With more than 10-year followup after L4-L5 PLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis, the adjacent segment degeneration occurred in 40.5% and reoperation was required in 8.1%.

A comparative study between local bone graft with a cage and with no cage in single posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF): a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

A retrospective study was performed to compare the clinical and radiological results between local bone graft with a cage and without using a cage in patients treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

METHODS

A total of 115 consecutive patients who underwent PLIF in three institutions were evaluated from December 2005 to December 2010. 53 patients received PLIF with local bone graft combined with using one PEEK cage, and 62 patients received the PLIF with local bone graft without using a cage. The clinical data and perioperative complications of the patients in the two groups were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were taken to calculate the disc height and the interbody bony fusion rate. Functional outcome was assessed using the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria at the follow-up time. The results between the cage group and no cage group were compared.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 19 months in no cage group and 18.5 months in cage group (P = 0.716). 20.9 % of patients (13 cases) in no cage group and 20.7 % of patients (11 cases) in cage group developed surgical complications perioperatively (P = 0.978). 51.6 % patients in no cage group got excellent functional outcome at the final follow-up while 54.7 % patients in cage group (P = 0.944). The mean interbody bony fusion time was 7.5 ± 4.5 months in no cage group and 8 ± 3.5 months in cage group (P = 0.841). According to the radiographs measurement, no significant difference was found for the disc height at each level between the two groups at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Local bone graft without a cage is as beneficial as that with a cage for PLIF. Comparing with local bone graft using a single cage, we believe that the purely local bone graft is a more ideal way in single PLIF.