Surgery Commons^™

Robotic-Assisted Pedicle Screw Placement Achieves High Accuracy And Narrows The Experience Gap: A Preclinical Evaluation, Anna T. Reza, Matthias Walper, Mitchell K. Ng, Paul G. Mastrokostas, Andrew S. Lee, Rafael G. Rafael, Kornelis A. Poelstra, Ratliff K. John, Rajiv K. Sethi, Michael A. Mont

Rothman Institute Papers

To assess a robotic-assisted system versus open manual techniques to: (1) compare pedicle screw accuracy between fellows and attendings with and without robotic assistance, and (2) evaluate executed versus planned trajectory fidelity relative to prior reports. Robotic-assisted spine systems aim to improve the accuracy, reproducibility, and safety of pedicle screw placement. Limited evidence compares outcomes across differing surgeon experience levels. A total of 255 thoracolumbar pedicle screws were placed in synthetic torsos simulating adult degenerative anatomy. Four surgeons (two fellows, two attendings) each placed half their screws using open fluoroscopy-guided techniques and half using a minimally invasive percutaneous approach with …

Examining The Relationship Between Academic Excellence And Clinical Productivity In Orthopedic Surgery, Mohamad Y. Fares, Xiaoran Zhang, Harry H. Liu, Ana Paula Beck Da Silva Etges, Krishna Chopra, Brian Zhou, Ira Sivaram, Chrishaun Alexander, Peter Boufadel, Porter Jones, Derek A. Haas, Adam Z. Khan, Eric Wagner, Joseph A. Abboud

Rothman Institute Papers

Background/Objectives: The relationship between clinical volume and academic performance in orthopedic surgery remains understudied. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of high-achieving academic orthopedic surgeons in an attempt to extrapolate patterns and trends that govern the relationship between clinical performance and academia in orthopedic surgery. Methods: The 2023 National Plan and Provider Enumeration System and Medicare claims data (2021–2022) databases were used to include all active orthopedic surgeons of different subspecialties. A publication score, based on publication volume, journal impact, and authorship position, was calculated for each included surgeon, and surgeons who scored in the top …

Elixhauser Comorbidity Index To Predict Perioperative Bleeding And Adverse Spine Surgery Outcomes, Mitchell K. Ng, Michael A. Mont, Mosadoluwa Afolabi, Prathiksha N V, Amitha Kumar, Stephen S. Johnston

Rothman Institute Papers

Introduction: As spine surgery volume continues to grow, ensuring patient safety and minimizing complications are increasingly critical. Disruptive bleeding—defined as hemorrhagic events requiring clinical intervention—is a significant perioperative challenge. This study aimed to: (1) quantify disruptive bleeding incidence; (2) evaluate associations between patient demographics, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and bleeding risk; and (3) assess the impact of disruptive bleeding on mortality, ventilator use, length of inpatient stay, 90-day readmissions, and inpatient costs. Methods: A nationwide healthcare database was used to identify patients who underwent spine surgery in 2019. Patients were subdivided by the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) from 0 to …

Regional Anesthesia Utilizing Liposomal Bupivacaine, With Or Without Dexamethasone, Provides Excellent Pain Control And Minimizes Opioid Consumption Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, William L. Johns, Armen Voskeridjian, Benjamin Miltenberg, Rahul Muchintala, Christopher C. Dodson, Steven B. Cohen, John Salvo, Matthew Sherman, Michael G. Ciccotti, Sommer Hammoud

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Perioperative nerve blocks are commonly used for regional analgesia with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is a long-acting anesthetic agent providing up to 72 hours of nerve blockade. It is theorized that the addition of dexamethasone to LB (LB+dex) may prolong the analgesic duration.

PURPOSE: To characterize pain control and opioid consumption with adductor canal block (ACB), interspace between the popliteal artery and capsule of the posterior knee (iPACK), and suprasartorial infiltration (SSI) regional anesthetic techniques utilizing LB after ACLR and to compare LB versus LB+dex.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. …

Thoracolumbar Fractures: Historical Systems And Advancements With The Ao Spine Classification, Barry Ting Sheen Kweh, Alex R. Vaccaro, Gregory D. Schroeder, Jose A. Canseco, Maximilian Reinhold, Mohamed M. Aly, Sebastian Bigdon, Mohammad El-Skarkawi, Richard J. Bransford, Andrei Fernandes Joaquim, Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Emiliano Vialle, Rishi M. Kanna, Charlotte Dandurand, Cumhur Öner, Jin Wee Tee

Rothman Institute Papers

Study Design: Systematic Review. Objective: To describe the historical classifications of thoracolumbar injuries and their evolution into the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System. Methods: A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases was performed in keeping with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: 445 articles were crystallized to 14 included studies. Simple categorization systems offered by Bohler or Watson-Jones merely identify fracture morphology. Holdsworth and Denis conveyed a sense of the stability of injuries by noting columns of stability, but still failed to take into consideration important factors such as neurological status or …

Patient Preferences When Selecting Their Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgeon: A Multicenter Survey Study, Jake Laverdiere, Danielle Lonati, Swaroopa Vaidya, Gregory Panza, Antonia Chen, Mary Morcos, Yale Fillingham, Jessica Leipman, Molly Hartzler, Jenna Bernstein

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Surgeon selection can influence patient satisfaction, outcomes, and access in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Awareness of patient preferences enables practices to enhance trust, optimize communication, and improve adherence. While referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations often outweigh online marketing, prospective multicenter research exploring how patients choose their TJA surgeon is limited. The aim of this study was to identify key decision-making factors and how they vary by demographics.

METHODS: This prospective, multicenter cross-sectional survey study included patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty at 4 high-volume institutions from January 2024 to 2025. Participants completed a survey on surgeon selection, including how they …

Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction And Repair In Nonthrowing Athletes, William L. Johns, Neel K. Patel, Benjamin Miltenberg, Ryan W. Paul, Adeeb J. Hanna, Michael C. Ciccotti, Steven B. Cohen, Michael G. Ciccotti, Christopher C. Dodson

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in nonthrowing athletes is less commonly performed, and the outcomes of that management have not been thoroughly described.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcomes of surgical management of UCL injury in nonthrowing athletes.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent UCL reconstruction or repair across a 10-year period (2010-2020), with nonthrowing athletes who had >2-year follow-up being specifically identified. Demographic variables such as age, sport participation, concomitant procedures, and graft type, as well as postoperative outcomes such as complications, …

Does Preoperative Arthritis Affect The Outcomes Of Superior Capsular Reconstruction? A Systematic Review, Tae-Hoon Park, Hyungsuk Kim, Sukil Kim, Jongin Lee, Gerald R. Williams, Hyun Seok Song

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: The optimal indications for superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) in cases of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs) accompanied by degenerative arthritis remain controversial.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they documented Hamada grade and reported clinical and radiographic outcomes after SCR for irreparable RCTs. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale for pain (pVAS), active range of motion, and acromiohumeral distance (AHD) were analyzed.

RESULTS: In all 7 studies, there was no consistent …

Are Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons At Risk Of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?, Vincent W. Lau, Stephanie A. Kwan, Jack Graham, Gregory K. Deirmengian

Rothman Institute Papers

OBJECTIVES: Orthopaedic surgeons are at risk of occupational, noise-induced hearing loss due to exposure to instruments in the operating room. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether orthopaedic trauma procedures exceed recommended decibel (dB) limits. The secondary objective was to demonstrate which actions during a case create the highest sound levels.

METHODS: Intraoperative recordings were taken during orthopaedic trauma surgeries and classified into open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), intramedullary nailing, closed reduction percutaneous pinning, external fixation, soft tissue procedures, or a combination thereof. Recordings were taken of drilling, screw insertion, suctioning, saw use, and mallet striking. Decibel …

Effect Of A Digital Health Exercise Program On The Intention For Spinal Surgery In Adult Spinal Deformity: Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey, Marsalis Christian Brown, Christopher Quincy Lin, Christopher Jin, Matthew Rohde, Brett Rocos, Jonathan Belding, Barrett I. Woods, Stacey J. Ackerman

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a prevalent condition estimated at 38%. Symptomatic ASD is associated with substantial health care costs. The role of nonoperative interventions in the management of ASD remains elusive. The National Scoliosis Clinic's (NSC) scoliosis realignment therapy (SRT) is a personalized digital health exercise program for the nonoperative management of ASD.

OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study had two objectives: (1) to evaluate the effect of the SRT program on users' intention of having spinal fusion; and (2) from a US payer perspective, to estimate the annual cost savings per 100,000 beneficiaries by averting spinal surgery.

METHODS: Individuals …

Two-Dimensional Preoperative Digital Templating Is Less Accurate When Using A Collared Triple Taper Stem Versus A Single Taper Design, Claudio Diaz-Ledezma, Angel X. Xiao, Juan David Lizcano, Erik N. Hansen, Camilo Restrepo, William J. Hozack

Rothman Institute Papers

Background

Collared triple taper stems (CTTS) and single taper stems (STS) have an excellent performance in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). While 2-dimensional radiographic templating is accurate for STS, data are lacking for CTTS. We hypothesize that CTTS’ more anatomical design in the anteroposterior dimension may lead to inaccurate templating sizing. This study compared templating accuracy of CTTS to a predecessor STS in THA patients.

Methods

106 THA performed with CTTS were compared to 106 THA performed with STS by 2 high-volume surgeons. The stems chosen for comparison were manufactured by the same company, use the same templating software, shared …

Combined Single-Shot Intra-Articular Injection Of Ropivacaine And Contrast Media For Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Surgical Decision Making For Hip Arthroscopy In Young Patients, Neil Sarna, Gabriel I. Onor, Kathleen E. Schenker, Alvin W. Su

Rothman Institute Papers

Introduction:

Hip impingement syndrome with labral tear is debilitating for young patients. When magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) is equivocal for surgical decision making, an additional intra-articular diagnostic injection (IA) can further confirm the diagnosis. We assessed the effectiveness on surgical decision making by combining hip MRA + IA in one single procedure.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients with hip impingement syndrome who underwent a combined MRA + IA procedure. A 10-mL cocktail containing 0.2% ropivacaine and Omnipaque 300 contrast media was injected into the hip joint, followed by magnetic resonance scanning, in …

Radiographic Outcomes And Subsidence Rate In Hyperlordotic Versus Standard Lordotic Interbody Spacers In Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion, Rajkishen Narayanan, Nicholas Pohl, Jonathan Dalton, Yunsoo Lee, Anthony Labarbiera, Meryem Guler, Emilie Sawicki, Sebastian Fras, Mark Kurd, John Mangan, I David Kaye, Jose Canseco, Alan Hilibrand, Alex Vaccaro, Christopher Kepler, Gregory Schroeder, Joseph Lee

Rothman Institute Papers

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common surgery for patients with degenerative cervical disease and current interbody spacers utilized vary based on material composition, structure, and angle of lordosis. Currently, there is a lack of literature comparing subsidence rates or long-term radiographic outcomes with hyperlordotic and standard lordotic spacers. This study compares long-term radiographic outcomes, subsidence rate, and rate of fusion in patients who underwent ACDF with hyperlordotic or standard interbody placement. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent 1-3-level ACDF with either a standard lordosis or hyperlordotic interbody were included. Standard radiographs were evaluated for C2-7 lordosis …

Ao Spine-Dgou Osteoporotic Fracture Classification System: Internal Validation By The Ao Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma, Julian Scherer, Andrei Joaquim, Alex Vaccaro, Rishi Kanna, Mohammad El-Sharkawi, Masahiko Takahata, Mohamed M. Aly, Gaston Camino-Willhuber, Ulrich Spiegl, Cumhur Oner, Jose A. Canseco, Ratko Yurac, Lorin Michael Benneker, Eugen Cezar Popescu, Richard Bransford, Harvinder Cezar Chhabra, Frank Kandziora, Marko H. Neva, Klaus John Schnake

Rothman Institute Papers

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Objectives: Injury classifications are important tools to identify fracture patterns, guide treatment-decisions and aid to identify optimal treatment plans. The AO Spine-DGOU Osteoporotic Fracture (OF) classification system was developed, and the aim of this study was to assess the reliability of this new classification system.

Methods: 23 Members of the AO Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma participated in the validation process. Participants were asked to rate 33 cases according to the OF classification at 2 time points, 4 weeks apart (assessment 1 and 2). The kappa statistic(κ) was calculated to assess inter-observer reliability and intra-rater reproducibility. The …

Evidence-Based Approach For Prevention Of Surgical Site Infection, Mehmet Kursat Yilmaz, Nursanem Celik, Saad Tarabichi, Ahmad Abbaszadeh, Javad Parvizi

Rothman Institute Papers

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is regarded as a critical factor contributing to the failure of primary and revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA). With the increasing prevalence of TJA, a significant increase in the incidence of PJI is expected. The escalating number of cases, along with the significant economic strain imposed on healthcare systems, place emphasis on the pressing need for development of effective strategies for prevention. PJI not only affects patient outcomes but also increases mortality rates, thus its prevention is a matter of vital importance. The longer-term survival rates for PJI after total hip and knee arthroplasty correspond with …

Analysis Of Patients Who Undergo Index Arthroscopy With Biopsy But Not Implantation For Staged Chondrocyte Cell Transplantation, Bryson R. Kemler, Emma E. Johnson, Brad M. Evert, Azra N. Dees, Alec M. Giakas, Adeeb Jacob Hanna, Taylor D'Amore, Kevin B. Freedman, Sommer Hammoud

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) are 2-stage procedures requiring an index full-thickness cartilage biopsy. Only a portion of patients ultimately undergo second-stage ACI/MACI.

PURPOSE: To identify patients with articular cartilage defects who underwent arthroscopic debridement with biopsy for ACI/MACI and compare those who did with those who did not proceed with implantation within 2 years after biopsy. Additionally, the authors sought to identify why patients did not proceed with implantation.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopy and autologous chondrocyte biopsy from January 1, 2015, to December 31, …

Local Antibiotic Infusion In Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty, Atthakorn Jarusriwanna, Wenbo Mu, Javad Parvizi

Rothman Institute Papers

Local antibiotic infusion has emerged as a promising adjunctive therapy, delivering high concentrations of antibiotics directly to the infection site. This approach aims to enhance eradication of pathogens while minimizing systemic side effects associated with prolonged antibiotic use. This narrative review encompassed 10 articles focused on all three procedures of surgical intervention for periprosthetic joint injection (PJI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA): debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), single-stage revision arthroplasty, and two-stage revision arthroplasty. Recent studies report success rates ranging from 90 to 100% in patients undergoing DAIR, 82 to 100% in single-stage revision arthroplasty, and 80% in two-stage …

The Attainment Of A Patient Acceptable Symptom State In Patients Undergoing Revision Spine Fusion, Tariq Z. Issa, Omar H. Tarawneh, Teeto Ezeonu, Ameer A. Haider, Rajkishen Narayanan, Jose A. Canseco, Alan S. Hilibrand, Alexander R. Vaccaro, Gregory D. Schroeder, Christopher K. Kepler

Rothman Institute Papers

INTRODUCTION: Revision lumbar fusion is most commonly due to nonunion, adjacent segment disease (ASD), or recurrent stenosis, but it is unclear if diagnosis affects patient outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patients achieved the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) or minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after revision lumbar fusion and assess whether this was influenced by the indication for revision.

METHODS: We retrospectively identified all 1-3 level revision lumbar fusions at a single institution. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was collected at preoperative, three-month postoperative, and one-year postoperative time points. The MCID was calculated using a …

Which North American Spine Society Disc Herniation Morphology Descriptors Are Most Associated With Improvements In Clinical Outcomes After Microdiscectomy?, Rajkishen Narayanan, Teeto Ezeonu, Jeremy C. Heard, Yunsoo A. Lee, Caleb M. Yeung, Tyler Henry, Alec Kellish, Meera Kohli, Jose A. Canseco, Mark F. Kurd, Alan S. Hilibrand, Alex R. Vaccaro, Gregory Schroeder, Christopher Kepler, Ian David Kaye

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: The North American Spine Society (NASS) assembled the first ever comprehensive naming system for describing lumbar disc disease, including lumbar disc herniation. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine which NASS descriptors are most predictive of independent patient-reported outcomes after microdiscectomy and (2) to identify the inter-rater reliability of each NASS descriptor.

METHODS: Adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy from 2014-2021 were retrospectively identified. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected at preoperative, 3-month, and 1-year postoperative time points. Lumbar disc herniations were evaluated and classified on preoperative MRI using the NASS lumbar disc nomenclature …

Construct Length Analysis Of Type B And C Cervical And Thoracolumbar Fractures, Jeremy C. Heard, Mark J. Lambrechts, Yunsoo Lee, Teeto Ezeonu, Delano R. Trenchfield, Nicholas D. D'Antonio, Azra N. Dees, Bright M. Wiafe, John J. Mangan, Jose A. Canseco, Barrett I. Woods, Ian David Kaye, Alan S. Hilibrand, Alex R. Vaccaro, Christopher K. Kepler, Gregory D. Schroeder

Rothman Institute Papers

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to identify if construct length affects the rate of surgical complications and instrumentation revision following surgical fixation of subaxial and thoracolumbar Type B and C fractures. This study evaluates the effect of ankylosing spondylitis/diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (AS/DISH) within this population on outcomes.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 91 cervical and 89 thoracolumbar Type B and C fractures. Groups were divided by construct length for analysis: short-segment (constructs spanning two or less segments adjacent to the fracture) and long-segment (constructs spanning more than two segments adjacent to the vertebral fracture).

Results:

For cervical fractures, …

Comprehensive Guidance For The Prevention Of Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Joint Arthroplasty And Pitfalls In The Prevention, Javad Parvizi, Yonghan Cha, Emanuele Chisari, Kangbaek Kim, Kyung-Hoi Koo

Rothman Institute Papers

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a surgical procedure, in which parts of damaged joints are removed and replaced with a prosthesis. The main indication of TJA is osteoarthritis, and the volume of TJA is rising annually along with the increase of aged population. Hip and knee are the most common joints, in which TJAs are performed. The TJA prosthesis is composed of metal, plastic, or ceramic device. Even though TJA is the most successful treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis, it is associated with various complications, and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most serious complication after TJA. With the increasing volume …

Relating Preoperative Mcs-12 To Microdiscectomy Outcomes, Jeremy C. Heard, Yunsoo Lee, Teeto Ezeonu, Mark J. Lambrechts, Rajkishen Narayanan, Caleb Yeung, Justin Wright, John Paulik, Caroline Purtill, John J. Mangan, Mark F. Kurd, Ian D. Kaye, Jose A. Canseco, Alan S. Hilibrand, Alex R. Vaccaro, Gregory D. Schroeder, Christopher K. Kepler

Rothman Institute Papers

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of poor mental health on patient-reported and surgical outcomes after microdiscectomy.

METHODS: Patients ≥ 18 years who underwent a single-level lumbar microdiscectomy from 2014 to 2021 at a single academic institution were retrospectively identified. Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were collected at preoperative, three-month, and one-year postoperative time points. PROMs included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale Back and Leg (VAS Back and VAS Leg, respectively), and the mental and physical component of the short form-12 survey (MCS and PCS). The minimum clinically important differences (MCID) were employed to compare scores for each PROM. Patients …

Risk Factors Associated With Poor Outcomes After Quadriceps Tendon Repair, Carlo Coadonato, Neel K. Patel, John Hayden Sonnier, Gregory Connors, Matthew Sabitsky, Emma Johnson, Donald W. Mazur, Shyam Brahmabhatt, Kevin Freedman

Rothman Institute Papers

Background:

Ruptures of the quadriceps tendon present most frequently in older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions.

Purpose:

To examine the relationship between patient-specific factors and tear characteristics with outcomes after quadriceps tendon repair.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent quadriceps tendon repair between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2021, at a single institution. Patients <18 years and those with chronic quadriceps tendon tears (>6 weeks to surgery) were excluded. Information was collected regarding patient characteristics, presenting symptoms, tear characteristics, physical examination findings, and postoperative outcomes. Poor outcome was defined as a need for …

Chatgpt Can Offer Satisfactory Responses To Common Patient Questions Regarding Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, William Johns, Alec Kellish, Dominic Farronato, Michael G. Ciccotti, Sommer Hammoud

Rothman Institute Papers

PURPOSE: To determine whether ChatGPT effectively responds to 10 commonly asked questions concerning ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction.

METHODS: A comprehensive list of 90 UCL reconstruction questions was initially created, with a final set of 10 "most commonly asked" questions ultimately selected. Questions were presented to ChatGPT and its response was documented. Responses were evaluated independently by 3 authors using an evidence-based methodology, resulting in a grading system categorized as follows: (1) excellent response not requiring clarification; (2) satisfactory requiring minimal clarification; (3) satisfactory requiring moderate clarification; and (4) unsatisfactory requiring substantial clarification.

RESULTS: Six of 10 ten responses were …

Understanding Decision Making As It Influences Treatment In Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurological Deficit: Conceptual Framework And Methodology, Charlotte Dandurand, Cumhur F. Öner, Olesja Hazenbiller, Richard J. Bransford, Klaus Schnake, Alexander R. Vaccaro, Lorin M. Benneker, Emiliano Vialle, Gregory D. Schroeder, Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Mohammad El-Skarkawi, Rishi M. Kanna, Mohamed Aly, Martin Holas, Jose A. Canseco, Sander Muijs, Eugen Cezar Popescu, Jin Wee Tee, Gaston Camino-Willhuber, Andrei Fernandes Joaquim, Ory Keynan, Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Sebastian Bigdon, Ulrich Spiegel, Marcel F. Dvorak

Rothman Institute Papers

STUDY DESIGN: This paper presents a description of a conceptual framework and methodology that is applicable to the manuscripts that comprise this focus issue.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to present a conceptual framework which is relied upon to better understand the processes through which surgeons make therapeutic decisions around how to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures (TL) fractures.

METHODS: We will describe the methodology used in the AO Spine TL A3/4 Study prospective observational study and how the radiographs collected for this study were utilized to study the relationships between various variables that factor into surgeon decision making.

RESULTS: With 22 …

Interobserver Reliability In The Classification Of Thoracolumbar Fractures Using The Ao Spine Tl Injury Classification System Among 22 Clinical Experts In Spine Trauma Care, Jose A. Canseco, Taylor Paziuk, Gregory D. Schroeder, Marcel F. Dvorak, Cumhur F. Öner, Lorin M. Benneker, Emiliano Vialle, Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Mohammad El-Sharkawi, Richard J. Bransford, Rishi M. Kanna, Martin Holas, Sander Muijs, Eugen Cezar Popescu, Charlotte Dandurand, Jin W. Tee, Gaston Camino-Willhuber, Mohamed M. Aly, Andrei Fernandes Joaquim, Ory Keynan, Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Sebastian Bigdon, Ulrich J. Spiegl, Klaus Schnake, Alexander R. Vaccaro

Rothman Institute Papers

STUDY DESIGN: Reliability study utilizing 183 injury CT scans by 22 spine trauma experts with assessment of radiographic features, classification of injuries and treatment recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability of the AOSpine TL Injury Classification System (TLICS) including the categories within the classification and the M1 modifier.

METHODS: Kappa and Intraclass correlation coefficients were produced. Associations of various imaging characteristics (comminution, PLC status) and treatment recommendations were analyzed through regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used for making predictive algorithms.

RESULTS: Reliability of the AO Spine TLICS at differentiating A3 and A4 injuries (N = 71) (K = …

The Ao Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System And Treatment Algorithm In Decision Making For Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurologic Deficit, Barry T.S. Kweh, Jin Wee Tee, Charlotte Dandurand, Alexander R. Vaccaro, Benneker M. Lorin, Klaus Schnake, Emiliano Vialle, Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Mohammad El-Skarkawi, Richard J. Bransford, Rishi M. Kanna, Mohamed M. Aly, Martin Holas, Jose A. Canseco, Sander Muijs, Eugen C. Popescu, Gaston Camino-Willhuber, Andrei F. Joaquim, Harvinder S. Chhabra, Sebastian Frederick Bigdon, Ulrich Spiegel, Marcel Dvorak, Cumhur F. Öner, Gregory Schroeder

Rothman Institute Papers

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the alignment of the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification system and treatment algorithm with contemporary surgical decision making.

METHODS: 183 cases of thoracolumbar burst fractures were reviewed by 22 AO Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma experts. These experienced clinicians classified the fracture morphology, integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex and degree of comminution. Management recommendations were collected.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant stepwise increase in rates of operative management with escalating category of injury (P < .001). An excellent correlation existed between recommended expert management and the actual treatment of each injury category: A0/A1/A2 (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.70-1.69, P = .71), A3/4 (OR 1.62, 95% CI 0.98-2.66, P = .58) and B1/B2/C (1.00, 95% …

Expert Opinion, Real-World Classification, And Decision-Making In Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurologic Deficits?, Gaston Camino-Willhuber, Sebastian Bigdon, Charlotte Dandurand, Marcel F. Dvorak, Cumhur F. Öner, Klaus Schnake, Sander Muijs, Lorin M. Benneker, Emiliano Vialle, Jin W. Tee, Ory Keynan, Harvinder S. Chhabra, Andrei F. Joaquim, Eugen C. Popescu, Jose A Canseco, Martin Holas, Rishi M. Kanna, Mohamed M. Aly, Nader Fallah, Gregory D. Schroeder, Ulrich Spiegl, Mohammad El-Skarkawi, Richard J. Bransford, Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Alexander R. Vaccaro

Rothman Institute Papers

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVES: To compare decision-making between an expert panel and real-world spine surgeons in thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBFs) without neurological deficits and analyze which factors influence surgical decision-making.

METHODS: This study is a sub-analysis of a prospective observational study in TL fractures. Twenty two experts were asked to review 183 CT scans and recommend treatment for each fracture. The expert recommendation was based on radiographic review.

RESULTS: Overall agreement between the expert panel and real-world surgeons regarding surgery was 63.2%. In 36.8% of cases, the expert panel recommended surgery that was not performed …

A Novel Multimodal Postoperative Pain Protocol For 1- To 2-Level Open Lumbar Fusions: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Michael Markowitz, Barrett I. Woods, Gregory D. Schroeder, Christopher K Kepler, David Kaye, Mark Kurd, Joshua Armstrong, Alex R. Vaccaro, Kris Radcliff

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: There has been increased interest in exploring methods to reduce postoperative pain without opioid medications. In 2015, a multimodal analgesia protocol was used involving the perioperative use of celecoxib, gabapentin, intravenous acetaminophen, lidocaine, and liposomal bupivacaine. Overall, the goal was to reduce the utilization of scheduled opioids in favor of nonopioid pain management.

METHODS: The results of a consecutive series of 1- to 2-level open primary lumbar fusions were compared to a cohort of patients after the implementation the perioperative multimodal pain management protocol. Primary endpoints included patient-reported pain scores and secondary endpoints included length of stay.

RESULTS: There …

Correction Of Spinal Sagittal Alignment After Posterior Lumbar Decompression: Does Severity Of Central Canal Stenosis Matter?, Delano Trenchfield, Yunsoo Lee, Mark J. Lambrechts, Nicholas D'Antonio, Jeremy Heard, John Paulik, Sydney Somers, Jeffrey Rihn, Mark Kurd, David Kaye, Jose Canseco, Alan Hilibrand, Alex Vaccaro, Christopher K Kepler, Gregory Schroeder

Rothman Institute Papers

STUDY DESIGN: This study adopted a retrospective study design.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to investigate the impact of central canal stenosis severity on surgical outcomes and lumbar sagittal correction after lumbar decompression.

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Studies have evaluated sagittal correction in patients with central canal stenosis after lumbar decompression and the association of stenosis severity with worse preoperative sagittal alignment. However, none have evaluated the impact of spinal stenosis severity on sagittal correction.

METHODS: Patients undergoing posterior lumbar decompression (PLD) of ≤4 levels were divided into severe and non-severe central canal stenosis groups based on the Lee magnetic resonance imaging …