Gemma S Krautzel, Steve Balsis, Alexandra Foote, Mark S Eskander
{"title":"Higher Incidence of Thrombotic Complications in Thoracic Spine Surgery.","authors":"Gemma S Krautzel, Steve Balsis, Alexandra Foote, Mark S Eskander","doi":"10.14444/8762","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8762","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Past studies have examined individual complication rates for cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine surgery but have typically focused on just 1 region of the spine, making comparisons across spine regions difficult. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the incidence of 5 thrombotic complications, including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and stroke/cerebrovascular accident, across surgical procedures that target different regions of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional clinical analysis of these 5 thrombotic complications in a relatively large sample. Archival records from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were retrieved and analyzed. We identified 7160 patients in the clinic population who underwent elective cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine surgery. The records contained diagnoses of each of the 5 thrombotic complications made by a board-certified physician applying American Medical Association assessment procedures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicated that the incidence of overall thrombotic complications was relatively low, with only 0.92% of patients (66 of 7160) having any complication. The complication rates differed by type and surgical region of the spine, such that thoracic procedures resulted in a greater percentage of complications (<i>χ</i> <sup>2</sup>(1) = 14.83, <i>P</i> < 0.001) than cervical or lumbar procedures. Pulmonary embolism in particular occurred with greater likelihood in thoracic procedures and relatively lower likelihood in cervical and lumbar procedures (<i>χ</i> <sup>2</sup>(1) = 16.43, <i>P</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Thoracic surgeries pose the greatest risk for thrombotic complications. Of the thrombotic complications that may occur during thoracic surgeries, pulmonary embolism is the most common.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>These findings highlight the need for surgeons to pay particular attention to the risk of certain complications when performing surgeries in specific regions of the spine.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"269-272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12268637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144181425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Morgan P Lorio, Benedikt W Burkhardt, Alexander R Vaccaro
{"title":"High-Value Procedures in Endoscopic Spine Surgery: An Analysis of Clinical Outcomes Based on Surgeon Experience, Skill, and Training.","authors":"Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Morgan P Lorio, Benedikt W Burkhardt, Alexander R Vaccaro","doi":"10.14444/8705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14444/8705","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
James S Harrop, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Oscar L Alves, Albert E Telfeian, Isaac L Moss
{"title":"A New Chapter for the <i>International Journal of Spine Surgery</i>: Global Perspective, Rapid Publishing, and Author-Centered Innovation.","authors":"James S Harrop, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Oscar L Alves, Albert E Telfeian, Isaac L Moss","doi":"10.14444/8758","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8758","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":"19 2","pages":"129-130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12230302/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143988508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Postoperative Brace Prescription Practices for Elective Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Questionnaire-Based Study of Spine Surgeons in Japan.","authors":"Michita Noma, Yujiro Takeshita, Kota Miyoshi, Fumiko Saiki, Naohiro Kawamura, Akiro Higashikawa, Nobuhiro Hara, Takashi Ono, So Kato, Yoshitaka Matsubayashi, Yuki Taniguchi, Sakae Tanaka, Yasushi Oshima","doi":"10.14444/8719","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8719","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The efficacy of postoperative braces for degenerative lumbar disorders has long been debated, with conflicting reports regarding the promotion of bone fusion and pain relief. The current aspects of postoperative brace prescriptions have been previously reported in Western countries but not in Asia. This study aimed to elucidate prescription practices in Japan and identify factors influencing prescription decisions.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The survey was conducted at a spine group research meeting comprising spine surgeons from multiple institutions. The questionnaire assessed aspects of postoperative brace prescription, including the type, purpose, and duration of usage, categorized by surgical procedures for degenerative lumbar disorders: endoscopic decompression, open surgery decompression, and fusion involving 1 or more than 3 levels. The respondents' backgrounds, scientific knowledge of postoperative braces, nonscientific reasons, and basis for prescription decisions were also investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 63 valid responses. The overall postoperative brace prescription rate was 83%, with 66% for decompression and 98% for fusion procedures, surpassing the rates reported in Western studies. The primary prescription purpose was to slow down patient activity (83%, double the previously reported rates). Prescription rates for endoscopic and open surgical decompression were significantly correlated with facility attributes and annual number of surgeries. Scientific knowledge of postoperative braces was lacking in 56% of respondents, with scientific evidence being the least frequent decision for brace prescription (14%). Nonscientific reasons influenced the prescription decisions of 84% of participants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The postoperative brace prescription rate among spine surgeons in Japan was significantly higher than that in Western studies, largely due to nonscientific factors such as physician reassurance and the intention to slow down patient activity. Comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines are needed regarding consistent brace usage to optimize patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>This study highlights the high postoperative brace prescription rates among spine surgeons in Japan, which are significantly influenced by nonscientific factors, such as tradition, physician reassurance, and patient satisfaction, rather than scientific evidence. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based guidelines to improve consistency in postoperative brace usage. The results are particularly relevant in regions with aging populations and a high prevalence of osteoporosis, providing insights for improving postoperative management strategies and patient outcomes in Japan as well as in similar demographic settings globally.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"237-245"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12230311/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143068479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Patient Satisfaction Following Lumbar Fusion Is Associated With Functional Status and Pain More Than the Attainment of Minimal Clinically Important Difference: Implications for Value-Based Medicine.","authors":"Matthew J Solomito, Heeren Makanji","doi":"10.14444/8757","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8757","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In an era of value-based medicine, patient-perceived benefit and satisfaction are of paramount importance. However, current metrics of success such as the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) do not always correlate with overall patient satisfaction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the relationships between self-reported pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, reaching the MCID, and overall patient satisfaction in patients undergoing elective lumbar fusions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study including patients between the ages of 18 and 89 years old who underwent a 1- or 2-level elective lumbar fusion between June 2021 and June 2023. Patients were stratified using this overall level of satisfaction with their procedure. Differences in clinical metrics and patient-reported outcome scores among satisfaction levels were assessed, and predictive analytics were used to determine whether clinical metrics were associated with satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 343 patients were included in this study; 81% indicated they were satisfied with their overall outcomes. There were differences in both clinical metrics and patient-reported outcomes based on satisfaction level. Current pain and function were found to be independent predictors of satisfaction, while ODI scores and reaching MCID were not.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Relying on meeting statistically defined benchmarks of success, such as the MCID, may not provide an accurate depiction of procedural success or patient satisfaction, and additional clinically relevant benchmarks should also be assessed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pain and current function were significantly associated with patient satisfaction; therefore, these metrics may play a larger role in patient satisfaction and perceived benefit than assessment through the ODI alone.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 3: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":"19 2","pages":"200-206"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12230298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Key Considerations in Surgical Decision-Making on the Side of Approach for Lumbar Lateral Transpsoas Interbody Fusion Techniques.","authors":"Brian Owler, Vijidha Shree Rajkumar, Yi Yuen Wang","doi":"10.14444/8721","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Lumbar lateral transpsoas interbody fusion is a powerful technique for addressing various spinal pathologies, enabling effective anterior column reconstruction. A critical decision in performing this procedure is selecting the appropriate side for the approach to the lumbar spine, whether in the prone or lateral decubitus position. This article outlines a decision-making framework to assist surgeons in deciding the optimal approach for direct lateral surgery to achieve the desired surgical outcome.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Technical note for lateral spinal fusion approaches.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The article explores anatomical considerations, surgical indications, and patient-specific factors relevant to the choice of approach in lateral lumbar transpsoas fusions. Through case examples, various factors influencing side selection are discussed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While many traditionally learn and perform direct transpsoas fusions through left-sided approaches, it is essential to consider pertinent anatomical features or variations, surgical pathologies, and patient-specific symptoms. The optimal side of the approach may vary based on these factors and remain key considerations for a holistic decision.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A thoughtful assessment of the factors highlighted here can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful prone or lateral transpsoas fusions. Although comprehensive studies are needed to better guide decisions between right- and left-sided approaches, surgeons currently rely on their clinical judgment and expertise to navigate these choices to maximize safety and efficacy for each patient.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>This study highlights minimizing surgical risk through holistic patient-centered decision-making.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"145-155"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12230307/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143574191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Miguel Relvas-Silva, José Maria Matos Sousa, Daniel Dias, Bernardo Sousa Pinto, António Sousa, José Fonseca, Miguel Loureiro, André Rodrigues Pinho, Vitorino Veludo, António Serdoura, Maria Dulce Madeira, Pedro Alberto Pereira
{"title":"Prone Position for Preoperative Planning in Lumbar Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Fusion Procedures: Insights From a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.","authors":"Miguel Relvas-Silva, José Maria Matos Sousa, Daniel Dias, Bernardo Sousa Pinto, António Sousa, José Fonseca, Miguel Loureiro, André Rodrigues Pinho, Vitorino Veludo, António Serdoura, Maria Dulce Madeira, Pedro Alberto Pereira","doi":"10.14444/8731","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8731","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Differences in lumbar morphology and nerve root positioning between supine and prone decubitus are poorly analyzed. This study aimed to perform a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study to describe lumbar morphology, nerve root, and related structures positioning in the prone position, while comparing with conventional supine MRI, in patients with lumbar symptoms. The second aim was to define safe working zones for lumbar surgical procedures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was a prospective, single-center, observational study. Fifty patients with persistent low back and/or radicular pain that was unresponsive to conservative treatment were consecutively selected. Supine and prone 3 Tesla MRIs were performed. Two independent researchers performed an imaging analysis of predefined variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Lumbar lordosis significantly changed from 49.3° in the supine position to 52.1° in the prone position (<i>P</i> = 0.005), without a statistically significant difference in lower lumbar lordosis. No consistent changes were found regarding foraminal height, root-to-pedicle or root-to-superior articular process distances. The exiting nerve root was found between 42% and 49% of the foraminal height (as measured from the upper border of the lower pedicle). The left retroperitoneal lateral corridor showed no significant size variation from the supine to the prone position (<i>P</i> = 0.196 and <i>P</i> = 0.600, for L3-L4 and L4-L5 levels, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests prone positioning may increase global lumbar lordosis, without changing the position of other major anatomical structures. The exiting nerve root positioning can be estimated in relation to foraminal height. These finding may help optimizing planning and minimizing iatrogenic lesions.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 3: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"179-187"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12230306/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143774432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Randy Randy, Khandar Yosua, Aswin Guntara, Nicko P Hardiansyah
{"title":"Stem Cells Therapy as a Treatment for Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Randy Randy, Khandar Yosua, Aswin Guntara, Nicko P Hardiansyah","doi":"10.14444/86717","DOIUrl":"10.14444/86717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Low back pain (LBP) is 1 of the most common problems that present in 80% of people. LBP can be caused by some pathologies, with discogenic pain being 1 source. Pain from LBP can become chronic and also cause disability. Treatment options for LBP varied from conservative to operative, and a novel treatment nowadays is using stem cells therapy to treat with pain from LBP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Database searches from Pubmed and ScienceDirect from inception to 13 September 2023. A total of 283 discogenic LBP cases from 8 articles. This study measured clinical outcomes using a visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) obtained from each study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Functional outcomes in patients treated with stem cell therapy showed significant improvement ODI and VAS (<i>P</i> < 0.00001). Improvement also showed in Pfirrmann grade before and after treatment with stem cells (<i>P</i> = 0.005). Subgroup analyses using bone marrow aspirate concentrate also showed significant differences in both ODI and VAS (<i>P</i> < 0.00001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Stem cells therapy could be beneficial as an option of treatment for discogenic LBP in improving pain and activity of daily living.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Intradiscal stem cell therapy is a promising alternative for managing discogenic low back pain, offering improvements in pain and function.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"156-167"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12230310/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142956416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A French National Survey on Practices, Motivations, and Challenges.","authors":"Xavier Castel, Marc Szadkowski, Henri d'Astorg","doi":"10.14444/8722","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8722","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive approach that offers several advantages over the traditional open approach, including less tissue trauma, faster recovery, and lower rates of complications. However, the learning curve and the requirement of separate equipment limits the acceptability of this technique for many spine surgeons. Using a short survey, the authors sought to report the current status regarding the use of endoscopy among French spine surgeons and to identify the barriers faced by spine surgeons to adopting endoscopy into their practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which a predefined questionnaire was sent as a Google form to 522 members of the Societe Francaise de Chirurgie du Rachisspine. Respondents were asked to respond within 3 months, with reminders sent regularly to nonresponders. Responses were collected and analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among all 123 survey respondents, 39 practiced endoscopy and 84 did not practice endoscopy. Most of the surgeons acquired skills by visiting other surgeons (74.4%) or attending cadaver-based workshops (56.4%). A substantial portion of respondents were in between 1 and 3 years of experience (48.7%) and performed 5 to 10 endoscopic procedures per month(30.8%). Although 92.1% of respondents observed better outcomes in their patients with endoscopy, lack of training (26%) and high equipment cost (13.8%) were the most limiting factors reported by surgeons.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this survey contribute to the existing literature and highlight the current trends of endoscopic spine surgery in France. Although the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery are well documented and were confirmed by surgeons in this survey, lack of training and cost of equipment are major barriers that need to be controlled to expand the adoption of this technique.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Understanding the factors influencing the adoption of endoscopic spine surgery in France provides valuable insights for surgeons and educators. By identifying key barriers and motivations, this study may help guide strategies for improving training, accessibility, and implementation of endoscopic techniques in spinal surgery.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"173-178"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12230308/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143400302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sumedh S Shah, Malek Bashti, Manav Daftari, James Boddu, Nathaniel B Dusseau, Jason Liounakos, Timur Urakov
{"title":"Circumferential Correction of Severe Thoracolumbar Kyphosis by Utilizing an Articulating Rod and Lateral Interbody Device: A Technical Note.","authors":"Sumedh S Shah, Malek Bashti, Manav Daftari, James Boddu, Nathaniel B Dusseau, Jason Liounakos, Timur Urakov","doi":"10.14444/8723","DOIUrl":"10.14444/8723","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Surgical management of severe thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) is challenging due to the necessity of achieving adequate sagittal realignment without increasing operative risk or compromising hardware integrity. Performing large corrective maneuvers during deformity correction may increase the risk of neurological complications, especially when correcting hyperkyphosis in the distal thoracolumbar spine. The present article describes the first use of a custom-made articulating rod to manipulate a patient's severe TLK into extension in combination with the expandable lateral interbody device to achieve circumferential deformity correction.</p><p><strong>Clinical presentation: </strong>A 38-year-old woman with a history of spinal trauma 10 years ago developed severe TLK (<70° angulation) after failed posterior spinal stabilization. Due to her debilitating neurological symptoms and profound sagittal deformity, we performed a T9 to L2 navigation-assisted posterolateral fusion followed by a circumferential kyphotic correction utilizing a custom-made articulating rod (Globus Medical, Inc., Audubon, PA) with an expandable device placed in prone-lateral position at T11 to T12. The use of an articulating rod enabled us to safely manipulate the thoracolumbar spine into extension prior to permanent rod fixation. We were able to achieve approximately 40° of thoracolumbar correction. No immediate or late (at 2-year follow-up) postoperative medical or hardware-related complications were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The use of an articulating rod with prone-lateral placement of an expandable interbody device allowed for a high degree of circumferential thoracolumbar deformity correction in a patient with severe post-traumatic TLK. Our results indicated the technical feasibility and success of utilizing this treatment strategy for high-grade TLK without medical- or hardware-related failure.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>The use of an articulating rod for correction of complex TLKs may benefit patient outcomes and improve safety.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":38486,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Spine Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"168-172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12230304/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143657916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}