GREGORY P. GRAZIANO, MD

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This study looked at how injecting cement into the disks of the spine affects their movement after a procedure called kyphoplasty, which is used to relieve pain from compression fractures. It found that after injecting 1 mL of cement, the stiffness of the spinal segment during rotation increased by 13.4%, but didn’t change significantly in other movements. Understanding these effects helps improve treatment approaches for spine-related pain and injuries. Who this helps: Patients with spinal compression fractures.

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This study looked at three patients with cancer that had spread to the sacrum, a part of the spine. They were treated with a specific type of surgery that helped relieve pain and allowed two of them to walk without help, while one needed a walker. This is important because it shows that surgery can improve quality of life for patients with painful and unstable sacral metastases. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer-related sacral issues and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether the thickness of fat under the skin is a better predictor of infection risk after spine surgery than the more commonly used measurement, body mass index (BMI). Researchers examined 149 patients and found that 15 of them (about 10%) developed infections after their surgery. They discovered that for every additional millimeter of fat thickness, the chance of infection increased by 6%, and patients with fat thickness over 50 mm had four times the risk of infection compared to those with less fat. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and healthcare providers to assess patient risk before spinal surgery.

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The study looked at how patients view the payment that orthopedic spine surgeons receive for their work. It found that most patients believe surgeons get paid much more than they actually do, but still think surgeons are paid fairly for their efforts. Many patients also don’t understand the overall billing process related to these medical services. Who this helps: This helps patients gain a clearer understanding of surgeon payments and the billing process.

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This study looked at a case of persistent difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) in a woman who had neck surgery three years earlier. It was found that she had a rare but serious condition called pharyngeal erosion caused by her spinal surgery, which required additional surgery to correct. The research emphasizes the importance of closely examining ongoing swallowing issues after neck surgery, as they can indicate serious complications that may not show up right away. Who this helps: This information is crucial for doctors treating patients recovering from cervical spine surgery.

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This study looked at 32 patients with multiple myeloma who had painful vertebral compression fractures treated with a procedure called kyphoplasty. The results showed that the procedure significantly improved the shape of the spine, with an average improvement score moving from 1.9 to 1.53, and patients reported a 29.6% improvement in their daily function after about two years. This is important because kyphoplasty can help relieve pain and restore spinal height, making daily activities easier for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with multiple myeloma experiencing spinal fractures.

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This study looked at two patients who experienced persistent leaks of cerebrospinal fluid after neck surgery, a common complication. Surgeons used a piece of muscle from the neck (the sternocleidomastoid muscle) to help repair the leak, and both patients ended up free of leaks afterward without needing more surgery. This matters because successful repairs can prevent further complications, making recovery safer and more effective. Who this helps: Patients recovering from anterior cervical spine surgery.

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This research focused on how often children and teens suffer from cervical vascular injury (CVI) after experiencing blunt trauma in the neck, such as from car accidents. Among the 61 patients studied, 7 were found to have CVI, giving an overall rate of 11.5%. Additionally, certain types of neck fractures increased the risk of having CVI, which highlights the need for advanced imaging tests to better detect these injuries and guide treatment. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and their doctors by improving diagnosis and management of potential neck injuries after trauma.

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This study looked at how well noninvasive imaging techniques like computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) work for diagnosing blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) in patients with neck trauma. Researchers analyzed records from 2,025 patients and found that 19.4% had BCVI, with a screening yield of 48.8% for those showing symptoms. The study demonstrated that using CTA is not only safer but also saves money compared to the traditional method, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), while delivering similar results. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neck injuries by improving diagnosis and reducing healthcare costs.

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This study examined how often a specific type of spine surgery, called percutaneous pedicle screw placement, accidentally damages a part of the spine known as the facet joint. Out of 48 screws placed in cadaver specimens, 28 (about 58%) caused some level of damage, with 8 of those actually entering the joint. This is important because such injuries can lead to pain and instability after surgery, so understanding this risk could help improve surgical techniques. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spine surgery and their doctors by highlighting risks and improving surgical practices.

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This study looked at how cervical spine injuries are treated in both children and adults, focusing on the important steps needed before, during, and after surgery. It highlighted that effective treatment involves understanding the spine's structure, managing the patient's airway, and ensuring proper positioning during surgery—particularly since children are more at risk for serious injuries. These insights are crucial for improving patient outcomes and making sure that both adult and pediatric patients receive the best care possible. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical teams treating patients with cervical spine injuries.

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This study looked at three patients with a serious condition called cervical hyperextension, where the neck is severely bent backward. The researchers found that, unlike previous reports saying operations for this condition generally went well, all three patients faced serious problems: one needed a tracheotomy because doctors couldn't put a breathing tube in, and tragically, that patient died two weeks after surgery. The other two patients suffered spinal cord injuries during their operations, showing that surgeries for severe cervical hyperextension come with high risks. Who this helps: This information helps doctors understanding the risks involved for patients with severe cervical hyperextension when considering surgical treatment.

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This study focused on a rare condition called aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) that can affect the spine, particularly in young children. Researchers reported on a 6-year-old who had an ABC in the second cervical vertebrae, which caused instability in the neck but was successfully treated with surgery. After this treatment, the child experienced no permanent nerve damage and remained healthy three years later, demonstrating the importance of quick diagnosis and effective treatment to avoid serious complications. Who this helps: This helps children with aneurysmal bone cysts and their families.

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This study looked at different types of thoracolumbar fractures (spine fractures in the lower back) to figure out the best ways to treat them. Researchers found that most stable fractures can be treated without surgery, but unstable fractures with significant deformities (like a forward bend greater than 25 degrees or over 50% loss of vertebral height) usually need surgery for stabilization. Understanding these fractures helps doctors provide better treatments, leading to quicker recovery times for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe spine injuries and their doctors.

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In this study, researchers explored how the height of screws used in spinal surgery affects the strength of the screw-rod systems. They found that shorter screws made the system significantly stiffer, increasing stiffness by 232% when bending forward and 231% when bending backward, compared to taller screws. This is important because using lower-profile screws can lead to smaller and lighter implants that are still strong, improving outcomes in spinal surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spinal surgeries by potentially reducing the size of implants used.

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This study looked at five patients with severe neck deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers used traction methods along with surgery, resulting in excellent improvements in neck shape for all the patients, with one person experiencing a slight setback but remaining stable afterward. This is important because it shows that this combined approach can successfully treat a condition that significantly affects the quality of life for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with severe neck deformities from rheumatoid arthritis.

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This study looked at two types of anesthesia—remifentanil and fentanyl—to see how they affect brain responses during spinal surgery and how quickly patients recover after anesthesia. Researchers found that patients given remifentanil recovered significantly faster, taking just over 5 minutes to wake up and follow commands, compared to about 15 minutes for those given fentanyl. Additionally, remifentanil patients had more consistent brain response measurements than those receiving fentanyl. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spinal surgery by ensuring a quicker recovery from anesthesia.

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Researchers studied a new surgical method called transpedicular eggshell osteotomy to correct complex spinal curves in children with congenital scoliosis. They treated three older patients and found an average correction of 28.7 degrees in their major spinal curve and a reduction in lateral displacement from the center of the trunk by 4.8 cm. This technique is important because it offers significant corrections that traditional methods struggle to achieve, improving the patients' spinal alignment and overall health. Who this helps: This benefits children with congenital scoliosis and their families.

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This study looked at the results of two types of surgery for spinal fusion: laparoscopic and open surgery. Researchers found that while laparoscopic surgery took longer, patients who had this surgery experienced less blood loss and shorter recovery times related to digestion. In 1999, laparoscopic surgeries had better outcomes with fewer complications compared to earlier procedures. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing spinal surgery by offering a procedure with improved recovery outcomes.

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Researchers studied how well different materials help secure screws used in spinal surgery by testing two types of cement: polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which is currently used, and a new in situ-setting calcium phosphate cement. They found that both cements significantly improved the screws' grip on the bone, with PMMA increasing the grip by an average of 147% and calcium phosphate cement by 102%. This is important because it could lead to safer and more effective options for patients, especially older individuals with weakened bones. Who this helps: Patients undergoing spinal surgery, particularly older adults with fragile bones.

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This study looked at whether a special substance called perflubron, given to patients during surgery, could change the amount of oxygen in their blood returning to the heart. Researchers found that after giving perflubron to seven patients, the mixed venous oxygen levels increased significantly, from an average of 39.1 mmHg to 49.5 mmHg. This is important because it shows that perflubron can help maintain oxygen levels even when patients lose blood during surgery. Who this helps: This benefits surgical patients who experience significant blood loss during procedures.

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This study looked at how a special type of support, called pediculolaminar fixation, affects the strength of screws used in the spine when the surrounding bone is weak or damaged. It found that this method can help screws hold much better—restoring 89% of the strength in weak bone compared to just 19% for regular screws. This matters because stronger screw fixation can improve stability and reduce the risk of complications for patients with weakened bones. Who this helps: This helps patients with osteoporosis or previous spinal surgeries.

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This study compared two ways to treat spinal fractures in the lower back using two different types of surgical devices. Researchers looked at 26 patients and found that both treatments were effective, with improvements in spinal alignment and body structure after surgery. However, the ACE Fixator was faster to use, taking an average of 269 minutes compared to 357 minutes for the Cotrel-Dubousset method. Who this helps: This helps patients with thoracolumbar fractures by offering effective treatment options that might reduce surgery time.

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This study looked at the neck and back alignment in 38 teenagers with scoliosis before and after their surgery. Before surgery, the average neck curve was slightly bent forward by about 6 degrees. After surgery, the neck curve increased to an average of 11 degrees after one year, especially in patients whose upper backs had normal or excessive curvature. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating adolescents with scoliosis.

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Researchers studied five patients who developed a serious spine condition (where one vertebra slips forward on another) after major trauma, tracking whether their condition worsened and if they developed nerve damage. Most patients treated conservatively (without surgery) experienced progression of their deformity, with one developing severe nerve damage that required emergency surgery, while patients treated with immediate surgery remained stable. The findings show that spine slippage caused by high-impact trauma is fundamentally different from the common form of this condition and carries a much higher risk of getting worse and causing permanent nerve damage.

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This study looked at the personality profiles of 105 patients who had previously undergone back surgeries to see if their personality traits affected their outcomes. The results showed that while all patients had a similar personality profile, there was no difference in their profiles based on how many surgeries they had, suggesting that personality does not predict how well patients will do after multiple surgeries. This finding is important because it indicates that previous surgeries should not be used to judge a patient's chances of success with further surgical treatments. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by providing insight into the limitations of using personality assessments in surgical planning.

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This study reports on a unique and serious spinal injury where the spine completely detached from the pelvis due to multiple fractures. The patient had several major fractures, including an open dislocation of the sacroiliac joint and a notable spinal break, but after surgery to fix these injuries, they are now able to live independently and walk with the help of a cane, two years later. This is important because it shows that even severe injuries can lead to recovery with proper medical intervention. Who this helps: This helps patients with similar severe spinal injuries.

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This study looked at 19 children with cancer that had spread to their spine. On average, they were diagnosed with the original tumor when they were about 11 years old, and most of them received treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Of the children, 10 died within about 13 months, while 9 lived for an average of 6 years after their initial diagnosis; however, many who survived developed spinal deformities, suggesting that better support for their spine during treatment is needed. Who this helps: This research benefits children with metastatic cancer and their doctors by highlighting the need for better treatment strategies.

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This study examined nine patients who had surgery for severe infections in their lower spine. After surgery, all patients showed no signs of infection returning, and seven out of nine experienced less back pain after the procedure. Using a part of the fibula (a bone in the leg) for the surgery was effective because it is strong enough to support the spine and can be used in multiple pieces. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe spine infections by providing a safe and effective treatment option.

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This study examined the lumbar spine facet joints from 16 adults who had various back problems. Researchers found that all the joints showed signs of degeneration, such as damaged cartilage, and importantly, they identified nerve fibers that produce a substance called substance P, which is linked to pain, within the damaged areas. This finding suggests that these damaged joints may contribute to low back pain, highlighting their role in why people experience discomfort in their lower backs. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from low back pain.

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In this study, researchers explored a method called the halo-Ilizarov distraction cast to help correct severe neck deformities in six patients with various conditions. The treatment involved gradually adjusting a special cast that allowed patients to sit and walk while the deformity was corrected. Overall, all deformities were initially corrected, but three patients experienced partial recurrence of their issues, and some complications arose, including infections and pressure sores. Who this helps: This method benefits patients with complex cervical spine deformities, allowing them to maintain mobility during treatment.

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This study looked at 14 patients with spinal fractures treated using a specific combination of surgical techniques, called Cotrel-Dubousset fixation. The results showed that this method worked well, with only one case of increased spinal curvature and one broken screw reported, both of which did not cause any symptoms. This is important because it offers a safe and effective option for fixing spine fractures, particularly in areas where traditional methods are risky due to the small size of the vertebrae. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal fractures and their doctors.

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This study looked at 11 patients with spinal osteoid osteomas and 6 patients with spinal osteoblastomas to understand how these tumors behave in the spine and how they differ from each other. The researchers found that all patients with osteoid osteomas had neck pain and limited movement, often accompanied by a condition called torticollis. In contrast, osteoblastomas sometimes invaded surrounding tissues, which means doctors need to be careful when removing them. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating patients with these specific spinal tumors.

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This study looked at a unique case of a spinal fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that can affect the spine. The fracture happened in the S1 vertebra and appeared similar to a type of injury caused by trauma. The researchers found that early surgery was crucial for treating these fractures effectively, especially since such injuries can be hard to diagnose in patients with this condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with ankylosing spondylitis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that causes spinal deformity, affects muscle health in nine patients who needed surgery for severe curvature of the spine. The researchers found significant muscle damage in all patients through muscle biopsies, noting issues like small, misshapen muscle fibers and wasting of critical muscle types. This information is important because it suggests that muscle disease is common in people with this condition, which could help improve their treatment and management. Who this helps: This helps patients with ankylosing spondylitis and their doctors in understanding and treating muscle-related issues linked to their condition.

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This study looked at the serious problem of blocked airways caused by bleeding behind the throat (called a retropharyngeal hematoma) after a neck injury. Researchers analyzed 21 cases, including eight new ones and 13 from earlier reports. They found that this issue can occur even when patients don’t have immediate symptoms, and it’s important to monitor all neck injury patients for possible airway obstruction, regardless of the injury's severity or location in the neck. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating patients with neck injuries.

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This study looked at a patient who had a femoral neck fracture even after they received treatment with a sliding screw and side plate to stabilize the bone. Despite the prior surgery, the fracture occurred due to the patient's underlying health condition called alcoholic osteomalacia, which weakens bones. This finding is important because it shows that certain bone diseases can still lead to fractures even after surgery. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand the risks for patients with conditions that weaken bones.

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This study looked at a new surgical technique used to correct a condition called cubitus varus, commonly known as "gunstock deformity," in 11 patients from 1974 to 1986. The surgery successfully straightened the elbow on average by 28.4 degrees, with eight patients reporting excellent results and no serious complications like nerve damage or infections. This matters because it shows that this procedure is effective and safe for correcting this deformity, helping patients maintain elbow movement and improving their arm function. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cubitus varus.

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This study examined three cases of children who had both Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis. The researchers found that while these conditions are generally not related, a child with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in one hip can also develop a slipped capital femoral epiphysis in the opposite hip. This matters because it highlights the need for careful monitoring of children with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease for potential complications in the other hip. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers who treat children with these conditions.