Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Objectives

To compare the effect of posterolateral fusion (PLF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) on sagittal radiographic parameters in patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. Additionally, to explore the correlation between changes in these parameters and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Forty-six consecutive patients with single-level low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis were initially enrolled. They were randomly assigned to undergo either PLF or PLIF. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months. Radiographic outcomes included pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle, slip angle, slip degree and disc height. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

Four participants were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 42 patients, 29 were …

Purpose

To evaluate feasibility, internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and prospective validity of AO Spine CROST (Clinician Reported Outcome Spine Trauma) in the clinical setting.

Methods

Patients were included from four trauma centers. Two surgeons with substantial amount of experience in spine trauma care were included from each center. Two separate questionnaires were administered at baseline, 6-months and 1-year: one to surgeons (mainly CROST) and another to patients (AO Spine PROST—Patient Reported Outcome Spine Trauma). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patient characteristics and feasibility, Cronbach’s α for internal consistency. Inter-rater reliability through exact agreement, Kappa statistics and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Prospective analysis, and relationships between CROST and PROST were explored through descriptive statistics and Spearman correlations …

Study design

Guideline

Objectives

To develop an international guideline (AOGO) about the use of osteobiologics in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for treating degenerative spine conditions.

Methods

The guideline development process was guided by AO Spine Knowledge Forum Degenerative (KF Degen) and followed the Guideline International Network McMaster Guideline Development Checklist. The process involved 73 participants with expertise in degenerative spine diseases and surgery from 22 countries. Fifteen systematic reviews were conducted addressing respective key topics and evidence was collected. The methodologist compiled the evidence into GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks. Guideline panel members judged the outcomes and other criteria and made the final recommendations through consensus.

Results

Five conditional recommendations were created. A conditional …

Study design

Systematic Review of the Literature.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review describing fusion rates for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using autograft vs various interbody devices augmented with different osteobiologic materials.

Methods

A systematic review limited to the English language was performed in Medline, Embase and Cochrane library using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Studies that evaluated fusion after ACDF using autografts and osteobiologics combined with PEEK, carbon fibre, or metal cages were searched for. Articles in full text that met the criteria were included in the review. The main outcomes evaluated were the time taken to merge, the definition of the fusion assessment, and the modality of the fusion assessment. The risk of bias of each article was assessed by the MINORS score or ROB 2.0 depending on the randomisation …

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 = .466; 95% CI .458 – .474; P < .001) demonstrated moderate agreement. Similarly, the average intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) amongst A3 and A4 injuries was excellent (ICC …

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 gold master key for each case was determined by approval of at least 5 out of 7 members of the DGOU.

Results

A total of 1386 ratings (21 raters) were performed. The overall inter-rater agreement was moderate with a combined …

Objective

This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the translated Arabic version of EQ-5D-5 L.

Methods

The study was conducted on 100 patients operated upon for degenerative spine diseases coming for follow up in the outpatient clinic of a Tertiary care hospital. Test-retest reliability was assessed by completing the self-administered tool in two follow up visits, one week apart, by 50 patients. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha. Intra-class correlation coefficients and kappa statistics were performed to test for the agreement between the two ratings. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the responses of 100 patients to the EQ-5D-5 L with scores of two validated questionnaires; the Arabic version of the Oswestry disability index and the Arabic version of short-form health survey-36. The construct validity was assessed using known-groups comparison to test for hypothesized …

Study Design

Literature review with clinical recommendations.

Objective

To highlight important studies about osteoporotic spinal fractures (OF) that may be integrated into clinical practice based on the assessment of the AO Spine KF Trauma and Infection group key opinion leaders.

Methods

4 important studies about OF that may affect current clinical practice of spinal surgeons were selected and reviewed with the aim of providing clinical recommendations to streamline the journey of research into clinical practice. Recommendations were graded as strong or conditional following the GRADE methodology.

Results

4 studies were selected. Article 1: a validation of the Osteoporotic Fracture (OF)-score to treat OF fractures. Conditional recommendation to incorporate the OF score in the management of fractures to improve clinical results. Article 2: a randomized multicenter study comparing romosozumab/alendronate vs …

Study Design

Broad narrative review.

Objectives

To review and summarize the evolution of spinopelvic fixation (SPF) and its implications on clinical care.

Methods

A thorough review of peer-reviewed literature was performed on the historical evolution of sacropelvic fixation techniques and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Results

The sacropelvic junction has been a long-standing challenge due to a combination of anatomic idiosyncrasies and very high biomechanical forces. While first approaches of fusion were determinated by many material and surgical technique-related limitations, the modern idea of stabilization of the lumbosacral junction was largely initiated by the inclusion of the ilium into lumbosacral fusion. While there is a wide spectrum of indications for SPF the chosen technique remains is defined by the individual pathology and surgeons’ preference.

Conclusion

By a constant evolution of …