Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of the data of 10 elite athletes who underwent spinal surgery for symptomatic degenerative disorder of the spine. Eight patients underwent lumbar spine surgery (two patients of microdiscectomy and six patients of fusion), and the remaining two patients underwent cervical spine surgery (one each anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and anterior cervical disc replacement). Outcome measures were investigated using return-to-training and return-to-sports criteria, as indicated by the length of time between surgery and return to competitive sports as parameters. Results: Of the 10 patients, eight were males and two were females. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 32.4 years (range, 25–41 years). All patients returned to active participation of their sports. The average time for return to training was 7.3 weeks (range, 3–12 weeks). The average time for return to sports was 45.6 weeks (range, 36–72 weeks), and the average follow-up period was 59 months (range, 27–120 months). Conclusions Spine surgery in an elite athlete involved in contact sports is safe and effective. Currently, there is a lack of standardized guidelines for return to sports after spine injuries. An athlete needs to be symptom-free, with full range of motion and full strength before returning to sports.

Methods: Five consecutive patients undergoing revision deformity correction with sublaminar wires in situ were included in this study. Patients were divided in two groups based on the technique of PA insertion. A total of 91 PAs were inserted using either a freehand technique (group A) or 3D printed templates (group B) (34 vs. 57). The placement of PAs was classified according to a postoperative computed tomography scan using Neo’s classification. Perforation beyond class 2 (>2 mm) was termed as a misplaced screw. The average time required for the insertion of screws was also noted. Results: Mean age, surgical time, and blood loss were recorded. The change in mean Cobb’s angle in both groups was also recorded. The difference in rates of misplaced screws was noted in group A and group B (36.21% vs. 2.56%); however, the mean number of misplaced PAs per patient in group A and group B was statistically insignificant (6.5±3.54 vs. 4.67±1.53, p =0.4641). The mean time required to insert a single PA was also statistically insignificant (120±28.28 vs. 90±30 seconds, p =0.3456). Conclusions Although 3D printed PSTs help to avoid the misplacement of PAs in revision deformity correction surgeries with sublaminar wires in situ, the mean number of misplaced screws per patient using this technique was found to be statistically insignificant when compared with the freehand technique in this study.

Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of the data of 10 elite athletes who underwent spinal surgery for symptomatic degenerative disorder of the spine. Eight patients underwent lumbar spine surgery (two patients of microdiscectomy and six patients of fusion), and the remaining two patients underwent cervical spine surgery (one each anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and anterior cervical disc replacement). Outcome measures were investigated using return-to-training and return-to-sports criteria, as indicated by the length of time between surgery and return to competitive sports as parameters. Results: Of the 10 patients, eight were males and two were females. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 32.4 years (range, 25–41 years). All patients returned to active participation of their sports. The average time for return to training was 7.3 weeks (range, 3–12 weeks). The average time for return to sports was 45.6 weeks (range, 36–72 weeks), and the average follow-up period was 59 months (range, 27–120 months). Conclusions Spine surgery in an elite athlete involved in contact sports is safe and effective. Currently, there is a lack of standardized guidelines for return to sports after spine injuries. An athlete needs to be symptom-free, with full range of motion and full strength before returning to sports.

Methods: A total of 30 sets of images, including plain radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans, were randomly selected from our hospital patient database. All patients had undergone deformity correction surgery for kyphosis. Twelve spine surgeons from the Asia-Pacific region (six different countries) independently evaluated and classified the deformity types and proposed their surgical recommendations. This information was then compared with standard deformity classification and surgical recommendations. Results: The kappa coefficients for the classification were as follows: 0.88 for type 1A, 0.78 for type 1B, 0.50 for type 2B, 0.40 for type 3A, 0.63 for type 3B, and 0.86 for type 3C deformities. The overall kappa coefficient for the classification was 0.68. Regarding the repeatability of osteotomy recommendations, kappa values were the highest for Ponte’s (Schwab type 2) osteotomy (kappa 0.8). Kappa values for other osteotomy recommendations were 0.52 for pedicle subtraction/disc-bone osteotomy (Schwab type 3/4), 0.42 for vertebral column resection (VCR, type 5), and 0.30 for multilevel VCRs (type 6). Conclusions Excellent accuracy was found for types 1A, 1B, and 3C deformities (ends of spectrum). There was more variation among surgeons in differentiating between one-column (types 2A and 2B) and two-column (types 3A and 3B) deficiencies, as surgeons often failed to recognize the radiological signs of posterior column failure. This failure to identify column deficiencies can potentially alter kyphosis management. There was excellent consensus among surgeons in the recommendation of type 2 osteotomy; however, some variation was observed in their choice for other osteotomies.

Cervical kyphosis is a rare condition that can cause significant functional disability and myelopathy. Deciding the appropriate treatment for such deformities is challenging for the surgeon. Patients often present with axial neck pain, and it is not uncommon to find coexisting radiculopathy or myelopathy. The optimal approach for addressing this complex issue remains controversial. A comprehensive surgical plan based on knowledge of the pathology and biomechanics is important for kyphosis correction. Here we reviewed diagnoses of the cervical spine along with the literature pertaining to various approaches and management of cervical spine.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; Neck Pain ; Pathology ; Radiculopathy ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; Spine

In the last decade, spine surgery has advanced tremendously. Tissue engineering and three-dimensional (3D) printing/additive manufacturing have provided promising new research avenues in the fields of medicine and orthopedics in recent literature, and their emergent role in spine surgery is encouraging. We reviewed recent articles that highlighted the role of 3D printing in medicine, orthopedics, and spine surgery and summarized the utility of 3D printing. 3D printing has shown promising results in various aspects of spine surgery and can be a useful tool for spine surgeons. The growing research on tissue bioengineering and its application in conjunction with additive manufacturing has revealed great potential for tissue bioengineering in the treatment of spinal ailments.
Bioengineering ; Orthopedics ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Spine ; Surgeons ; Tissue Engineering

Lumbar spinal injuries are common in elite athletes, who can present with a spectrum of ailments ranging from lumbar strain to prolapsed intervertebral discs. Sequelae can include neurological impairment and lumbar instability among other possible outcomes. This group of patients is unique in terms of their clinicoradiological presentation and treatment modalities. The primary goals of treatment are a rapid return to play and prevention of recurrence, thus prolonging the athlete's professional career. Treatment modalities can range from activity restriction to nerve root blocks and surgery. A successful treatment outcome is based on timely diagnosis, treatment suiting the demands of the particular sport, and early rehabilitation. A multidisciplinary team approach involving the coach, rehabilitation specialist, pain management specialist, and spine surgeon helps in planning appropriate treatment. In this article, we review special considerations in the elite athletic population with lumbar spinal ailments as well as the outcomes of various treatment modalities.
Athletes ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; Low Back Pain ; Pain Management ; Recurrence ; Rehabilitation ; Return to Sport ; Specialization ; Spinal Injuries ; Spine ; Sports ; Treatment Outcome

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.
Aged* ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Decision Making ; Decompression ; Discitis* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care)* ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Tuberculosis ; Walking

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors affecting immediate postoperative mortality in elderly patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Treatment of spinal tuberculosis in the elderly involves consideration of age and co-morbidities, and often leads to an extended conservative management. Surgical intervention in these patients becomes a complex decision. There are no studies on risk factors of mortality in surgically treated elderly with tuberculous spondylodiscitis. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-six patients with spondylodiscitis were operated between 2005 and 2015. 20 consecutive patients over 70 years of age with and proven tuberculosis who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included. Demographic, clinical and radiological profile data with operative details of instrumentation, blood loss, surgical duration, and mortality were noted. There were 20 patients (6 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 73.5 years. The patients were divided into those with mortality (M) and those who survived (non-mortality, NM). Various variables were statistically tested for immediate postoperative medical complications and mortality. RESULTS: There were four mortalities (20%). Age, sex, number of medical co-morbidities, American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade, Frankel grade C or worse, number of vertebrae involved, number of levels fused, blood loss and operative time did not have statistically significant impact on immediate postoperative mortality. Only preoperative immobility duration was statistically higher in the M group (p=0.016) than in the NM group. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative immobility is associated with immediate postoperative mortality in elderly patients with spinal tuberculosis undergoing surgery. The findings identify preoperative immobility as a risk factor for mortality, which could contribute to a more detailed prognostic discussion between surgeon and patient before surgery.
Aged* ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Discitis* ; Humans ; Male ; Mortality* ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Spine ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Spinal

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To highlight risk factors, recurrence patterns and multimodal treatment in management of recurrent giant cell tumors (GCTs). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: GCTs of the spine are rare and challenging entities. Recurrences are very common and warrant complex management to prevent multiple recurrences. Gross total resection is preferred over subtotal procedures to prevent recurrences. However, resection is associated with morbidity and mortality. Proper understanding of risk factors and a high index of suspicion helps to spot recurrences early and aids in subsequent management. METHODS: Ten patients (six females, four males) with recurrent GCTs underwent 17 interventions. There were six lesions in the thoracic spine, two in the cervical spine and two in the lumbar spine. Recurrences were managed with preoperative digital subtraction embolization, intralesional curettage and postoperative radiotherapy. RESULTS: The average age at intervention was 31.3 years. The average duration of recurrence in patients following index surgery in a tertiary care hospital and surgery elsewhere was 7.3 years and was 40 months, respectively. The minimum recurrence-free interval after the last recurrent surgery was 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports the largest recurrence-free interval for GCTs. Recurrent GCTs are challenging entities. Understanding of risk factors and meticulous planning is required to prevent recurrences. Intralesional surgery could be a safer and effective modality in managing recurrences.
Combined Modality Therapy ; Curettage ; Female ; Giant Cell Tumors* ; Giant Cells* ; Humans ; Mortality ; Radiotherapy ; Recurrence* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Spine ; Tertiary Healthcare