Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a rare connective tissue disorder often associated with severe, brace-resistant scoliosis. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) with pedicle screws can achieve up to 60

Objectives: This study investigates whether the intra-operative administration of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA), known for its hemostatic and potential anti-inflammatory properties, affects the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) following surgery for elbow fracture-dislocations. Methods: Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Setting: Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Unit. Patient Selection Criteria: Patients aged 18 to 75 years with acute traumatic elbow fracture-dislocations requiring surgical management from June 1, 2016, to October 31, 2022, were eligible. Inclusion criteria included traumatic non-pathological elbow fracture-dislocations. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either intraoperative TXA or no additional treatment. Outcome Measures and Comparisons: The primary outcome was the occurrence of heterotopic ossification (HO), defined by new bone formation observed in radiographic exams during postoperative follow-ups. Secondary outcomes included the presence of clinically relevant HO, reoperation rate due to symptomatic HO, and time to HO reoperation. Compared were patients who received TXA with controls.

Background: The contribution of vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO) weakness or dysfunction to patellofemoral pain syndrome is well recognized, yet its role in lateral patellar instability and recurrent patellar dislocations remains unclear. This study investigates the association between VMO characteristics and patellar instability. Hypothesis: Altered VMO structure, characterized by differences in muscle elevation and cross-sectional area (CSA), is associated with patellar instability. Study Design: A case-control study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: The study included 204 participants, matched on a 1:1 ratio by age and sex, from a local hospital registry from 2005 to 2020. VMO measurements were taken via magnetic resonance imaging, and included muscle elevation, CSA, fiber angulation, and CSA-to-thigh circumference ratio. Univariate analysis, and multivariable regression model with adjustment for potential confounders were constructed. In addition, a secondary analysis was performed to evaluate the variations in VMO characteristics and mass across primary and recurrent patellar instability groups. Results: Patients with patellar instability demonstrated significant differences in VMO characteristics compared with controls, including increased muscle elevation (13 mm vs 5.9 mm; P < 0.01), increased muscle fiber angulation (42.5° vs 35.3°; P < 0.01), reduced CSA (716 mm2 vs 902 mm2; P < 0.01), and a lower CSA-to-thigh circumference ratio (0.05 vs 0.07; P < 0.01). These findings remained significant in the multivariable adjusted model. Moreover, the secondary analysis revealed that both primary and recurrent instability patients had similar VMO characteristics alterations compared with controls, with slightly more pronounced reductions in VMO CSA in those sustaining recurrent instability episodes. Conclusion: This study confirms a statistically significant association between altered VMO characteristics and patellar instability, emphasizing the importance of considering VMO characteristics in the evaluation and management of patients with patellar instability.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Diabetic foot ulcers of the first ray result from several distinct biomechanical mechanisms related to anatomical deformities, which must be addressed if surgical offloading is contemplated. The objective of this study was to create a classification of the anatomical deformities of first-ray ulcers that could lead to better standardization of treatment and reporting. METHODS The authors performed a file review of patients with diabetic neuropathy diagnosed with first-ray ulcers over a period of 3 years in an outpatient setting. Anatomical deformities were diagnosed clinically and reported with ulcer location. The primary classification was the metatarsophalangeal joint, the interphalangeal joint, and the distal phalanx. RESULTS Records for 59 patients (mean age, 62 years) with University of Texas A1 and A2 ulcers were reviewed. Mean ulcer duration was 2 months. The more common deformities were hallux valgus (41%), hallux valgus interphalangeus (14%), and hallux malleus (20%), and these were primarily associated with metatarsophalangeal, interphalangeal joint, and tip-of-toe ulcers, respectively ( P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS By classifying ulcer locations, the relevant corrective surgery may be chosen. Although some prophylactic procedures may be safe and effective, prophylactic hallux valgus correction in the diabetic foot requires further study.

To evaluate the outcomes of scoliosis corrective surgery in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) patients with primarily pedicles screw fixation in terms of correcting and maintaining the correction of the spinal deformity, and to assess for several peri-operative parameters and complications associated with this surgical treatment. Retrospective case series of 39 consecutive patients with OI treated surgically for scoliosis. The surgeries were performed between 2002 and 2020 by three different surgeons. All patients’ medical peri-operative and post-operative charts were evaluated. Radiological assessment was performed by evaluation of the pre-operative, immediate post-operative and last follow-up plain radiographs. There were 20 females and 19 males included in this review with a mean age of 14 years (range, 6–20 years) at the time of surgery. The median follow-up time was 7.9 years. The mean pre-operative cobb angle (CA) of the major curve was 76.5 degrees (SD ± 18.9), decreasing to 42.6 (SD ± 17.4) in the long-term post-operative follow-up (P < 0.001). A total of 21 adverse events in 16 patients were noted. Only 4 patients required subsequent invasive surgical treatment or prolonged hospital stay. All other patients were treated conservatively with no lasting complication. Scoliosis surgical correction in OI patients seems to yield acceptable results, with maintained coronal plane surgical correction in the long-term follow-up. Even though a high peri-operative complications rate is observed in this series, there were no long-term sequelae or lasting complications. Level IV, Case series.

Study design:Systematic review.Objective:To investigate the clinical presentation, mechanism of injury, patients' characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of traumatic posterior atlantoaxial dislocation with fracture (TPAD).Background:TPAD is an extremely rare entity, with a limited number of cases reported in the literature. Although rare, a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis and management of such cases is required due to the high risk of spinal cord compression and the severity of neurological deficits. We conducted a systematic review of all cases of TPAD with fractures reported in the literature.Methods:This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Relevant literature was retrieved from the Pubmed database. All published English-written studies involving human subjects with relevant data regarding TPAD were included.Results:Two case series and 20 case reports published between 1924 and 2021 describing 28 patients with TPAD were included. The median age at presentation was 51.5 years, with male predominance (83%). The most common fracture pattern was Anderson and D'alonzo type II odontoid fracture (78%). Neurological exam at presentation was intact in 52% of patients. The primary diagnostic imaging was computed tomography employed in 96% of cases. The management consisted of 2 stages protocol, initially, a temporary axial traction was employed (54%), and later definitive surgical treatment was employed (93%). The posterior surgical approach was favored in 82% of cases.Conclusion:TPAD with fracture occurred in the majority of cases with Anderson and D'alonzo type II odontoid fracture, predominantly in males. Diagnosis is usually established based on computed tomography imaging; further imaging may not be indicated as it does not seem to alternate the patient's management course. Surgical intervention was employed in almost all cases, with favored results through posterior C1-C2 fusion.Level of evidence:Level-IV

Transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) has gained increased popularity over recent decades and is being employed as an established surgical treatment for several lumbar spine pathologies, including degenerative spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, infection, tumor and some cases of recurrent disc herniation. Despite the seemingly acceptable fusion rates after TLIF (up to 94%), the literature is still limited regarding the specific location and quality of fusion inside the fixated segment. In this single-institution, retrospective population-based study, we evaluated all post-operative computed tomography (CT) of patients who underwent TLIF surgery at a medium-sized medical center between 2010 and 2020. All CT studies were performed at a minimum of 1 year following the surgery, with a median of 2 years. Each CT study was evaluated for post-operative fusion, specifically in the posterolateral and intervertebral body areas. The fusion’s quality was determined and classified in each area according to Lee’s criteria, as follows: (1) definitive fusion: definitive bony trabecular bridging across the graft host interface; (2) probable fusion: no definitive bony trabecular crossing but with no gap at the graft host interface; (3) possible arthrosis: no bony trabecular crossing with identifiable gap at the graft host interface; (4) definite pseudarthrosis: no traversing trabecular bone with definitive gap. A total of 48 patients were included in this study. The median age was 55.6 years (SD ± 15.4). The median time from surgery to post-operative CT was 2 years (range: 1–10). Full definitive fusion in both posterolateral and intervertebral areas was observed in 48% of patients, and 92% showed definitive fusion in at least one area (either posterolateral or intervertebral body area). When comparing the posterolateral and the intervertebral area fusion rates, a significantly higher definitive fusion rate was observed in the posterolateral area as compared to the intervertebral body area in the long term follow-up (92% vs. 52%, p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, accounting for several confounding factors, including the number of fixated segments and cage size, the results remained statistically significant (p = 0.048). In conclusion, a significantly higher definitive fusion rate at the posterolateral area compared to the intervertebral body area following TLIF surgery was found. Surgeons are encouraged to employ bone augmentation material in the posterolateral area (as the primary site of fusion) when performing TLIF surgery.

Activation of microglia in the spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury is critical for the development of long-lasting pain hypersensitivity. However, it remains unclear whether distinct microglia subpopulations or states contribute to different stages of pain development and maintenance. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we show that peripheral nerve injury induces the generation of a male-specific inflammatory microglia subtype, and demonstrate increased proliferation of microglia in male as compared to female mice. We also show time- and sex-specific transcriptional changes in different microglial subpopulations following peripheral nerve injury. Apolipoprotein E ( Apoe ) is the top upregulated gene in spinal cord microglia at chronic time points after peripheral nerve injury in mice. Furthermore, polymorphisms in the APOE gene in humans are associated with chronic pain. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of human spinal cord microglia reveals a subpopulation with a disease-related transcriptional signature. Our data provide a detailed analysis of transcriptional states of mouse and human spinal cord microglia, and identify a link between ApoE and chronic pain in humans.

In this study, we used single-cell transcriptomic analysis to identify new specific biomarkers for nucleus pulposus (NP) and inner annulus fibrosis (iAF) cells, and to define cell populations within non-degenerating (nD) and degenerating (D) human intervertebral discs (IVD) of the same individual. Cluster analysis based on differential gene expression delineated 14 cell clusters. Gene expression profiles at single-cell resolution revealed the potential functional differences linked to degeneration, and among NP and iAF subpopulations. GO and KEGG analyses discovered molecular functions, biological processes, and transcription factors linked to cell type and degeneration state. We propose two lists of biomarkers, one as specific cell type, including C2orf40, MGP, MSMP, CD44, EIF1, LGALS1, RGCC, EPYC, HILPDA, ACAN, MT1F, CHI3L1, ID1, ID3 and TMED2. The second list proposes predictive IVD degeneration genes, including MT1G, SPP1, HMGA1, FN1, FBXO2, SPARC, VIM, CTGF, MGST1, TAF1D, CAPS, SPTSSB, S100A1, CHI3L2, PLA2G2A, TNRSF11B, FGFBP2, MGP, SLPI, DCN, MT-ND2, MTCYB, ADIRF, FRZB, CLEC3A, UPP1, S100A2, PRG4, COL2A1, SOD2 and MT2A. Protein and mRNA expression of MGST1, vimentin, SOD2 and SYF2 (p29) genes validated our scRNA-seq findings. Our data provide new insights into disc cells phenotypes and biomarkers of IVD degeneration that could improve diagnostic and therapeutic options.

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and functional outcomes of excessive sagittal alignment in the unrestricted kinematic alignment technique for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A retrospective, single-center study was conducted between 2018 and 2020, including patients undergoing primary TKA with a minimum 2-year follow-up. EOS imaging conducted before and after surgery was reviewed for overall alignment, and a number of measurements were taken, including sagittal tibial slope and other tibia and femur component positioning. Patients were interviewed and asked to fill out several questionnaires including a visual analog scale, the Oxford Knee Score, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Overall, 225 patients (66.7%) had a sagittal tibial slope angle above 5° (excessive) and 112 (33.3%) patients had an angle under 5° (moderate). A significant improvement in pain and function scores was observed in both groups following the surgery (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the moderate and excessive groups in the average VAS, OKS or the various subtypes of the KOOS score. However, there was a slight but significant difference in the number of patients achieving MCID in KOOS symptoms. There were no cases of early failure or loosening. Unrestricted KA and the excessive sagittal alignment of the tibial component seem to be reliable and safe in terms of restoring daily function and alleviating pain after a minimum of 2 years following the surgery.

Background: The purpose of the study was to identify preoperative parameters which are associated with height gain after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and their use to preoperatively quantify the potential for height gain after AIS correction. Methods: Our study included 87 consecutive patients with AIS who underwent posterior fusion. Patients' height was measured the day before surgery and before their discharge. Demographic and radiologic variables were analyzed for predictability of height gain. Results: The mean height gain was 3.85 cm. We have found a statistically significant correlation between height gain and the following measures: preoperative thoracic curve, preoperative thoracolumbar curve, preoperative thoracic kyphosis, flexibility of the main thoracic and thoracolumbar curves, and number of fused levels (all P<0.05). Patients with Lenke type 1 and 2 had statistically less height gain compared with patients with Lenke type 3, 4, 6. Conclusion: Most of the scoliosis patients with Lenke type 1 and 2 will gain up to 3 cm after surgery while most of the patients with Lenke type 3, 4, 6 will gain more than 3 cm. Most patients with Lenke type 3, 4, 6 with a major curve of less than 60 degrees will gain up to 4 cm, while most of those with a major curve of more than 60 degrees will gain more than 4 cm. Patient with a positive thoracic sagittal modifier tend to have more height gain after surgery.

To assess the association between 4, 5, or 6 lumbar spine vertebrae and the presence of lumbar spinal pathologies. We reviewed all MRI reports and images performed between August 1st, 2018 and July 31st, 2019. Lumbar spine pathologies such as disc herniation, lytic spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis were recorded. The reviewer studied the T2 sagittal screening of the entire spine and counted down manually from C2 to T12 on the assumption that there are seven cervical and twelve dorsal vertebrae. We then recorded whether there were four, five, or six lumbar vertebrae. Our work incorporated a total of 1985 patients for whom T2-weighted entire spine sagittal MR images were obtainable. The study cohort’s average age was 52.2 ± 15.9 years, comprising 944 males and 1041 females. One hundred and thirty-three patients (6.7%) had 4 lumbar-type vertebrae; 1799 (90.6%) had 5 lumbar-type vertebrae; and 53 (2.7%) had 6 lumbar-type vertebrae. There was a statistically significant difference between the rates of 6 lumbar-type vertebrae in males versus females (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference with more spinal stenosis patients in the 6 lumbar-type vertebrae compared to the 4 or 5 lumbar-type vertebrae groups (p < 0.001). Our study shows that spinal stenosis is significantly more common in patients with 6 lumbar-type vertebrae.

Background With the growing incidence of patients receiving surgical treatment for spinal metastatic tumours, there is a need for developing cost-efficient and radiation-free alternatives for spinal interventions. In this paper, we evaluate the capabilities and limitations of an image-guided neurosurgery (IGNS) system that uses intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) imaging for guidance. Methods Using a lumbosacral section of a porcine cadaver, we explored the impact of CT image resolution, ultrasound depth and ultrasound frequency on system accuracy, robustness and effectiveness. Preoperative CT images with an isotropic resolution of , and were acquired. During surgery, vertebrae L1 to L6 were exposed. For each vertebra, five iUS scans were acquired using two depth parameters (5 cm and 7 cm) and two frequencies (6 MHz and 12 MHz). A total of 120 acquisition trials were evaluated. Ultrasound-based registration performance is compared to the standard alignment procedure using intraoperative CT. We report target registration error (TRE) and computation time. In addition, the scans’ trajectories were analyzed to identify vertebral regions that provide the most relevant features for the alignment. Results For all acquisitions, the median TRE ranged from 1.42 mm to 1.58 mm and the overall computation time was 9.04 s ± 1.58 s. Fourteen out of 120 iUS acquisitions (11.66%) yielded a level-to-level mismatch (and these are included in the accuracy measurements reported). No significant effect on accuracy was found with CT resolution (F (2,10) = 1.70, p = 0.232), depth (F (1,5) = 0.22, p= 0.659) nor frequency (F (1,5) = 1.02, p = 0.359). While misalignment increases linearly with the distance from the imaged vertebra, accuracy was satisfactory for directly adjacent levels. A significant relationship was found between iUS scan coverage of laminae and articular processes, and accuracy. Conclusion Intraoperative ultrasound can be used for spine surgery neuronavigation. We demonstrated that the IGNS system yield acceptable accuracy and high efficiency compared to the standard CT-based navigation procedure. The flexibility of the iUS acquisitions can have repercussions on the system performance, which are not fully identified. Further investigation is needed to understand the relationship between iUS acquisition and alignment performance.

Background Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been associated with diminished postural stability and a greater prevalence of back pain. Currently, the literature is lacking information on the effect of spinal fusion on both postural stability and its association with back pain. Our objectives were to evaluate the postsurgical effect of spinal morphological changes on static standing balance and assess the influence of these alterations on reported pain throughout the perioperative period. Methods Twenty consecutive AIS patients schedule to undergo spinal fusion surgery were recruited and followed prospectively at the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Canada. Data was collected at the preoperative, 6 weeks and 6 months postoperative visits. Spinal morphology data was collected through 3D reconstructed simultaneous standing biplanar radiographs using the SterEOS software. Postural balance was assessed through Moticon© sensor insoles and analyzed through their software. The data was simultaneously collected as part of the Global Biomechanical and morphological Assessment. Pain was evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. Results Morphological curve parameters were significantly reduced after surgery. Balance parameters did not change significantly throughout the perioperative period with the exception of the Center of Pressure of the left foot medial/lateral transient shift ( P = 0.017) at 6 weeks. Of note, preoperative balance parameters were associated with the degree of right thoracic Cobb angles ( P = 0.029 R = 0.528). Pain scores significantly improved 6 weeks and 6 months after the surgery. Pain intensity diminished in the thoracic and lumbar spine but worsen in the neck region at the 6 weeks and 6 months postoperative time points ( P = 0.044). Greater residual Cobb angle difference between Mid thoracic and Thoracolumbar/Lumbar curves was associated with greater pain severity at 6 weeks postop ( P < 0.005). In addition, greater residual thoracic deformity was associated with significant pain severity 6 months after surgery ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Improved spinal morphology of postsurgical AIS patients has no significant impact on their static standing balance. Suggesting that other factors apart from the spinal morphology may contribute to AIS patients’ balance during stance. Although balance did not influence pain severity, spinal morphology and its correction appear to have influenced the intensity and location of back pain.

Cellular senescence is a contributor to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and low back pain. Here, we found that RG-7112, a potent mouse double-minute two protein inhibitor, selectively kills senescent IVD cells through apoptosis. Gene expression pathway analysis was used to compare the functional networks of genes affected by RG-7112, a pure synthetic senolytic with o-Vanillin a natural and anti-inflammatory senolytic. Both affected a functional gene network related to cell death and survival. O-Vanillin also affected networks related to cell cycle progression as well as connective tissue development and function. Both senolytics effectively decreased the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of IVD cells. Furthermore, bioavailability and efficacy were verified ex vivo in the physiological environment of degenerating intact human discs where a single dose improved disc matrix homeostasis. Matrix improvement correlated with a reduction in senescent cells and SASP, supporting a translational potential of targeting senescent cells as a therapeutic intervention.

Degenerative lumbar spine disease (DLSD) is a heterogenous group of conditions that can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is one of the treatment modalities for DLSD that has been increasing in popularity over the past decade. The treatment of DLSD should be individualized based on patients' symptoms and characteristics to maximize outcomes. Methods: Literature review, invited review. Results: In this article, we will (1) review the use of the LLIF technique in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease, (2) review the current concepts of LLIF, and (3) explore the evidence to date that will allow the reader to maximize the benefits of this technique. Conclusions: LLIF is an alternative for the treatment of degenerative pathologies of the lumbar spine via indirect decompression.

Abstract Purpose To explore safe delays for the treatment of common paediatric orthopaedic conditions when faced with a life-threatening pandemic, COVID-19, and to propose a categorization system to address this question. Methods Review of the literature related to acceptable delays for treatment of common orthopaedic conditions, experience of healthcare professionals from low resource communities and expertise of experienced surgeons. Results Guidelines for the management of cancellations of elective surgeries during a period of resource reallocation are proposed. Elective cases must not be postponed indefinitely as adverse outcomes may result. Triage of waiting lists should include continuous monitoring of the patient and close communication with families despite social distancing and travel restrictions. Telehealth becomes a necessity. Common orthopaedic conditions are triaged into four groups according to urgency and safe and acceptable delay. Categories proposed are Emergent (life and limb threatening conditions), Urgent (within seven days), Semi-elective (postponed for three months) and Elective (postponed for three to 12 months). In total, 25 common orthopaedic conditions are reviewed and categorized. Conclusion Given the uncertainty within healthcare during a pandemic, it is necessary to determine acceptable delays for elective conditions. We report our experience in developing guidelines and propose categorizing elective cases into four categories, based on the length of delay. Telemedicine plays a key role in determining the gravity of each situation and hence the amount of delay. These guidelines will assist others dealing with elective cases in the midst of a crisis. This paper initiates a coordinated effort to develop a consensus statement on safe delays. Published without peer review.

Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) correction techniques have evolved slowly over the past 40 years and still remain a challenge for the spine surgeon. Avoiding spinal fusion in these patients is key to decreasing morbidity and mortality in this population. Current treatments for EOS include both conservative and surgical options. The authors present the modified Luqué technique that has been performed at their institution for the past decade. This modified technique relies on Luqué's principle, but with newer "gliding" implants through a less disruptive approach. The goal of this technique is to delay fusion as long as possible, with the intent to prevent deformity progression while preserving maximal growth. Normally, these patients will have definitive fusion surgery once they have reached skeletal maturity or as close as possible. Out of 23 patients until present (close to 4-year follow-up), the authors have not performed any revision due to implant failure. Three patients have undergone final fusion as the curve progressed (one patient, 4 years out, had final fusion at age 12 years; two other patients had final fusion at 3 years). These implants, which have the CE mark in Europe, are available in Canada via a special access process with Health Canada. The implants have not yet been submitted to the FDA, as they are waiting on clinical data out of Europe and Canada. In the following video the authors describe the modified Luqué technique step-by-step. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/k0AuFa9lYXY.