Letter to the Editor concerning & quot;Virtual reality is effective in the management of chronic low back ache in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials & quot; by V. Kumar et al. (Eur Spine J [2023]: doi: 10.1007/s00586-023-08040-5)
(Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 4, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Announcements
(Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 4, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Adult versus adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a meta-analysis of clinical and radiographic outcomes
ConclusionAIS patients had better radiographic correction compared to AdIS. Though no difference was found in perioperative outcomes and complications, these findings emphasize the importance of counseling patients regarding the optimal timing of surgical correction. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 4, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Quantitative evaluation of disc degeneration using dual-energy CT: advantages of R-VH, D-VH values and the IVNCa  + CT model
ConclusionThe new quantitative indices R-VH value and D-VH value of DECT have advantages over VNCA value and HU value in evaluating early-stage disc degeneration ( ≥2 grades, ≥3 grades). The multivariate model IVNCa + CT has the best AUC values for evaluating disc degeneration at all stages. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 3, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Sarcopenia and its effects on outcome of lumbar spine surgeries
ConclusionWe conclude that sarcopenic patients have poor outcome in lumbar spine surgery compared to those without. So, by diagnosing sarcopenia using tests routinely done as pre-operative requirement, one can reduce radiation exposure and cost of treatment. The management can be revolutionised by predicting those who are at high risk of developing post-operative complications and poor surgical outcomes by mere diagnosis of sarcopenia. This knowledge will benefit both the patients and the surgeons. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 3, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

How does vertical laminar fracture impact the decision-making in thoracolumbar fractures? A systematic scoping review and meta-analysis
ConclusionVLF may have several important diagnostic and therapeutic implications in managing TLFs. VLF may help to distinguish AO type A3 from A4 fractures. VLF may help to predict preoperatively the occurrence of dural laceration, thereby choosing the optimal surgical strategy. Clinical and biomechanical data suggest VLF may be a valuable modifier to guide the decision-making in burst fractures; however, more studies are needed to confirm its prognostic importance regarding treatment outcomes. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 2, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

The effect of Providence night-time bracing on the sagittal profile in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
ConclusionThis is the first study to indicate that night-time bracing of AIS does not induce hypokyphosis. We found a small increase in TK, with a substantially lower risk of developing flat back deformity compared to full-time bracing. The coronal curve progression was not coupled to a change in TK. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 2, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

History of pain around the lumbopelvic region during perinatal period: a prospective cohort study
ConclusionEach type of pain had a different incidence rate and a different time of onset and aggravation. These results help women and health professionals to manage, and prevent these harmful symptoms. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 1, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Answer to the Letter to the Editor of MJ Bolland, et al. concerning “Characteristics of baseline frequency data in spinal RCTs do not suggest widespread non-random allocation” by MMS Levayer, et al. (Eur Spine J [2023]32:3009–3014)
(Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - March 1, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Predicting adequate segmental lordosis correction in lumbar spinal stenosis patients undergoing oblique lumbar interbody fusion: a focus on the discontinuous segment
ConclusionPreoperative kyphotic SA and facet effusion can predict SA correction  >10 ° following MIS-OLIF. For patients with lordotic SA and no preoperative facet effusion, supplemental procedures, such as anterior column release or posterior osteotomy, should be prepared for additional lumbar lordosis correction required for remnant global sagittal imbalance after MIS-OLIF. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - February 29, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Two-step osteotomy/discectomy through cannulated screw (TOCS) technique for en bloc resection of spine tumor: surgical technique and preliminary results
ConclusionUsing TOCS technique can facilitate a precise, complete and safe osteotomy/discectomy procedure during en bloc resection for spine tumor without the aid of intra-operative navigation. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - February 28, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Evaluation of “appropriate use criteria” for surgical decision-making in lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. A controlled, multicentre, prospective observational study
ConclusionsA/U patients receiving surgery had the highest chances of achieving MCIC, but the AUC were not able to identify which patients had a greater treatment effect of surgery relative to non-surgical care. The identification of other characteristics that predict a greater treatment effect of surgery, in addition to baseline COMI, is required to improve decision-making. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - February 28, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

ISSLS PRIZE in Basic Science 2024: superiority of nucleus pulposus cell- versus mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles in attenuating disc degeneration and alleviating pain
ConclusionOur results underscore the regenerative potential of young NPC-derived EVs, particularly NPCTie2+-EVs, surpassing MSC-derived counterparts. These findings raise questions about the validity of MSCs as both EV sources and cellular therapeutics against IDD. The study emphasizes the critical influence of cell type, source, and culture conditions in EV-based therapeutics. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - February 28, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Intradiscal vacuum phenomenon matches lumbar spine degeneration patterns in an ageing population
ConclusionsThis study identified the prevalence and severity of IDVP in an aging population.  Sagittal patterns that influence the pattern of IVDP, such as pelvic incidence and degenerative pathologies, provide novel insights into the function of aging spines. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - February 28, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Surgically treated degenerative disk disease in twins
ConclusionsOur findings suggest that genetic factors are probably not a major etiologic component in most cases of DDD requiring surgery. The findings of this study can be used for counseling patients about the risk for requiring DDD surgery. (Source: European Spine Journal)
Source: European Spine Journal - February 28, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research