GREGORY MICHAEL MUNDIS JR., M.D.

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This study looked at patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) who had a type of surgery called lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) to see how many developed coronal malalignment after the procedure. Out of 43 patients, 12 (about 28%) experienced coronal malalignment two years later, which was linked to poorer physical health scores and functional abilities. This matters because it highlights the risk of malalignment even in patients who initially seem to have a good alignment, and it can impact their recovery and quality of life. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients and doctors managing adult spinal deformities.

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This study looked at how self-image affects the treatment choices of adults with spinal deformities, specifically whether they choose surgery or not and how satisfied they are after treatment. Out of 735 patients, those who opted for surgery were generally older and had a poorer self-image at the start, which made them 4.5 times more likely to choose the surgical option. After at least two years, surgical patients reported significant improvements in their self-image and overall satisfaction, whereas non-surgical patients experienced a decline in self-image and were less satisfied with their treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with spinal deformities by highlighting the importance of self-image in treatment decisions and outcomes.

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This study looked at adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients who undergo corrective surgery and found that some of them use far more medical resources than others. Specifically, they found that patients who had higher depression rates (34.2% compared to 25.7% in non-super-utilizers) and more complicated surgeries ended up costing significantly more, with their overall medical costs being 65% higher than other patients. Understanding who these super-utilizers are can help doctors plan better and reduce unnecessary expenses while also improving patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving surgical outcomes and managing costs.

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This study looked at how disability, frailty, and having multiple health issues overlap in adults with spinal deformities. Researchers found that among 861 patients, only 6% were classified as frail, suggesting that frailty is less common than expected. They discovered that disability and frailty are interconnected and should not be treated as separate issues, highlighting the need for more flexible ways to assess these conditions for better patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving how they understand and address health challenges together.

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This study looked at the level of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) before they had surgery. Out of 735 patients, 7.2% reported significant SIJ pain based on self-assessments and tests. The findings showed that patients with higher body mass index (BMI) were more likely to have SIJ pain, but importantly, over 90% of those with SIJ pain experienced no pain one year after their surgery, indicating that the surgery effectively relieved this type of pain. Who this helps: This benefits patients with adult spinal deformity who are considering surgery to alleviate their pain.

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This study compared two types of surgery for correcting spinal deformities: minimally-invasive surgery (cMIS) and open surgery. The researchers found that more patients who had cMIS surgery returned to work within a year—21.5% compared to 10.5% for those who had open surgery. This is important because quicker returns to work can significantly improve patients' quality of life and overall recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from spinal surgery.

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This study compared two surgical methods for treating lower back issues: using one screw per side (unilateral) versus two screws per side (bilateral) in a specific type of spine surgery called lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). Researchers looked at data from 101 patients and found that using one screw per side was 27.7% cheaper and resulted in similar patient outcomes and radiation exposure, while the group with two screws reported slightly better back pain improvement after a year. These findings help doctors choose the more cost-effective and equally safe option for patients undergoing this surgery. Who this helps: Patients needing lower back surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how adult patients with spine deformities (ASD) felt about their health before and after surgery, using both traditional methods and a newer tool called PROMIS CAT. It found that after an average of 2.3 years post-surgery, patients showed significant improvements: their spine alignment was better and a large portion of them reported normal or only mild issues in their health scores, with 52% to 88% moving from moderate to normal health levels. This matters because it shows that using PROMIS CAT is effective in capturing patients' quality of life improvements after spine surgery, highlighting the positive impact of the treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spine surgery and their doctors in assessing recovery and treatment effectiveness.

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This study looked at two different approaches for correcting the curve in the lower back (lumbar lordosis) during surgery for adult spinal deformities (ASD). It found that patients whose lordosis was corrected using a "caudal" method had better outcomes two years later, including greater improvement in spine shape, higher scores on measures of daily activity and pain, and fewer complications like nerve damage and the need for further surgery. These findings highlight that the caudal method may be safer and more effective than the "cephalad" approach. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery.

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This study looked at how different types of lower limb compensation appear in adults with spinal deformities. Researchers found four patterns: "No compensators," "Recliners" (who mainly use hip extension), "Squatters" (who primarily rely on knee flexion), and "Mixed compensators" (who use both methods). They discovered that "Squatters" had a higher rate of knee osteoarthritis, while "Recliners" had the least severe hip arthritis and were mostly women. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors by helping them understand patients' movement patterns and potential joint issues.

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This study looked into a new robotic device designed to improve the surgery used to correct spinal deformities. Researchers found that their new 3D coupler could accurately adjust vertebrae in multiple directions, achieving precise movements in 4 out of 6 possible ways. This matters because it could lead to better surgical outcomes and fewer complications by allowing for more precise corrections than current methods. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal deformities who need surgery.

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This study looked at factors that can help predict whether patients will see significant improvements in neck function after surgery for cervical spinal deformities. Out of 122 patients, 72 (or 59%) reported meaningful gains in their Neck Disability Index score after one year, specifically an improvement of at least 7 points. Key predictors for achieving these improvements included having fewer overall health issues (measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index) and reporting depression, along with certain changes in spinal alignment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing surgery for neck issues by identifying who is likely to improve after treatment.

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This study examined how a patient's height and weight relate to the risk of developing a condition called proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) after surgery for spine deformities. Researchers looked at data from 904 patients and found that 14% of them developed PJK. They discovered that taller patients were more likely to experience PJK, while weight did not appear to influence the risk. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand patient risks during spine surgery and tailor their surgical plans accordingly.

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This study looked at whether a common complication called incidental durotomy affects long-term recovery in patients who had surgery for spinal deformities. After analyzing data from 1,452 patients, researchers found that 8.3% experienced a durotomy during surgery, but this did not lead to differences in long-term movement ability or neurological problems compared to those who did not have this complication. The findings indicate that while durotomy is a complex issue during surgery, it does not have serious long-term effects on recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery for spinal deformities.

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This study looked at how prior neck surgeries (cervical fusions) affect patients undergoing surgery to correct problems in the lower back (thoracolumbar deformity). Researchers analyzed data from 542 patients and found that those with prior cervical fusions tended to have more severe spinal issues before their surgery and scored lower on quality-of-life measures. However, even though they started with worse conditions, these patients still showed significant improvement in spine alignment and quality of life two years after their surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spinal surgeries, especially those with a history of cervical fusion.

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This study looked at how different hospitals manage intravenous fluids during adult spinal deformity surgeries and its impact on patient outcomes. Researchers found that fluid management practices varied significantly between centers, with some practices more than four times different in terms of total fluid given. Complications occurred in 36.6% of patients, and higher fluid administration was linked to longer hospital stays and more intensive care needs. Who this helps: This research helps doctors improve fluid management in spinal surgery to enhance patient recovery.

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This study looked at how knee osteoarthritis (OA) and knee replacement surgery affect the spinal alignment and overall health of patients who have spinal deformities. Researchers found that patients with severe knee OA had worse spinal alignment, but knee OA did not negatively impact their self-reported health measurements. In fact, patients who had knee replacements showed similar spinal alignment and health outcomes as those with mild knee OA. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with knee issues and spinal deformities, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at adults with complex spinal deformities to see if they benefit more from surgeries done in stages rather than all at once. Among 439 patients, those who had staged surgeries were generally frailer and reported worse back pain. Although both groups had similar surgical outcomes, patients undergoing staged surgeries had fewer complications and better social activity scores after six weeks, especially if they had higher levels of frailty or more complex conditions. Who this helps: This research helps patients with complex spinal deformities and their doctors decide on the best surgical approach.

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This study examined the amount of blood loss in adults undergoing complex spine surgery and how it relates to complications after surgery. Researchers analyzed data from 552 patients and found that losing more than 2.3 liters of blood or 42% of their blood volume increased the chances of experiencing complications significantly, with complication rates hitting 36% for those exceeding these thresholds, compared to 21% for those who didn't. Understanding these blood loss limits is important because it helps doctors assess risks and improve patient care during spine surgeries. Who this helps: Patients undergoing complex spine surgery.

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This study looked at how well surgeons are able to meet their alignment goals during surgery for adults with cervical spine deformities. It found that surgeons missed their pre-surgery goals by an average of 17.2 mm for one alignment measurement and up to 34.2 mm for another, indicating a significant gap in achieving desired outcomes. The results show that more severe deformities made it harder for surgeons to reach their goals, which highlights the need for better methods to ensure successful surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing cervical spine surgery and their doctors.

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This study compared the effects of using the lower thoracic region (LT) versus the upper lumbar region (UL) as the starting point for surgery to correct spinal deformities in adults. Researchers examined 114 patients and found that those using the UL region had lower reoperation rates (17.4% compared to 36.8% for LT) and fewer problems with their surgery, although those in the LT group did see slightly better improvements in spinal shape. Choosing the UL region for surgery not only leads to better outcomes but is also safer, making it an important option for doctors to consider. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery by reducing the need for additional operations and potential complications.

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This study examined how movement of the uppermost vertebrae, called posterior translation, affects complications after spinal surgery. Researchers found that patients with more displacement (averaging -56.1 mm) after surgery had a significantly higher risk of issues, such as curvature and the need for additional surgeries, compared to those with less displacement (averaging -10.4 mm). Specifically, patients with the most displacement had 11.7 times greater odds of complications and were up to 5.8 times more likely to need further operations. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spinal surgery by identifying risk factors for complications, allowing for better surgical planning.

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This study looked at a surgical technique called lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), which is used to fix back problems. Researchers analyzed data from 658 patients and found that sticking to a 20-minute limit for a specific surgical tool did not actually prevent leg nerve injuries after surgery; injuries occurred regardless of whether the tool was used for over or under 20 minutes. Specifically, the injury rate was 1.8%, and they found that setting a time limit was not an effective way to predict these injuries. Who this helps: This helps doctors improve surgical practices and patient safety during back surgeries.

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This study looked at how certain preventive techniques used during spinal surgery can help reduce complications, specifically proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF), while also being cost-effective. Researchers found that using preventive measures led to a 60% lower chance of developing these complications in patients who achieved proper alignment after surgery, and even in those who didn’t, the costs associated with these techniques remained lower due to reduced need for follow-up surgeries. This matters because it means that patients can have better surgical outcomes at a lower overall cost, improving their health and saving money on additional treatments. Who this helps: Patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery.

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This study looked at how the position of a specific point in the spine, known as the thoracolumbar inflection point, affects outcomes after surgery for adult spinal deformities. Researchers found that patients whose inflection point was lower in the spine before surgery had a 25% higher chance of developing problems with their spine after two years. This information is important because it can help doctors better understand which patients are more at risk for complications after surgery and how to manage their treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with spinal deformities and their doctors by improving surgical planning and outcomes.

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This study looked at how a specific neck movement ability, called upper cervical extension reserve, affects recovery after surgery for neck deformities in adults. Researchers found that before surgery, patients had an average extension reserve of about 8.7 degrees, which improved to 10.3 degrees two years later. Post-surgery, 60% of patients had a better extension reserve, and those who improved were six times more likely to have significant relief from neck-related disabilities. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with cervical deformities and their doctors, helping them understand the factors that can improve surgical outcomes.

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This study looked at how well an AI tool called GPT-4o can explain MRI reports for patients with spinal fractures, which are often confusing and can cause unnecessary worry. Out of 20 MRI reports analyzed, doctors found GPT-4o's explanations helpful in 17 cases, and the AI's explanations were rated as accurate 55% of the time. This matters because better explanations can help patients understand their conditions and reduce anxiety about their injuries. Who this helps: Patients dealing with spinal injuries.

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This study looked at how the spine adjusts after surgery to repair a specific area in the lower back. Researchers found that after surgery, the angle of the spine improved at the surgery site by about 11 degrees and also helped the overall curvature of the spine increase. However, the levels above and below the surgery site showed some decrease in curvature, suggesting the spine is trying to compensate for the changes—this could lead to problems in nearby discs later on. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing lower back surgery by highlighting the need to monitor adjacent spinal segments for potential issues after surgery.

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This study looked at why some patients decide to have spine surgery while others choose not to. Researchers found that older patients and those with higher pain levels were more likely to opt for surgery. Specifically, patients who had surgery were, on average, 65 years old and reported a pain score of 6.57, while those who did not have surgery were about 59 years old with a score of 5.13. Patients with a greater belief in their ability to manage pain were less likely to choose surgery, showing that how patients view their own pain management plays a crucial role in their decision. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing insights into factors that influence the decision to undergo spine surgery.

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This study looked at how complications during adult spinal deformity surgeries affect hospital billing categories, specifically using the ISSG-AO classification system. They found that 71% of patients experienced complications that impacted billing, leading to higher reimbursement amounts: hospitals could get paid between $49,500 and $70,000 based on the severity of complications. Understanding these patterns is important because it helps hospitals accurately report complications and receive appropriate payments for the care they provide. Who this helps: This helps hospitals and healthcare providers manage costs and improve patient care.

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This study looked at how different types of cervical deformities affect patients' quality of life. Researchers analyzed data from 134 patients and found four distinct groups based on their symptoms: one group had sleep issues, another had less neck disability, a third group struggled with swallowing and neck problems, and the last group had myelopathy. Notably, 66.7% of the most disabled patients with severe deformities had specific types of neck issues, indicating that the severity of physical deformities is linked to how much patients suffer in daily life. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand how to better classify cervical deformities and tailor treatments for their patients.

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This study looked at how a special imaging technique called SPECT-CT can help doctors find the causes of neck and back pain in 110 patients. The results showed that SPECT-CT was effective in pinpointing pain sources in 78.1% of cases, which led to a change in diagnosis for 68.1% of patients and a new treatment plan for 62.7% of them. This matters because it can make treatments more precise and effective, particularly for those needing surgery, as it helped adjust surgical plans in 57.7% of cases. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from neck and back pain.

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This study looked at how personalized spine surgery affects the need for follow-up surgeries due to mechanical issues in adults with spinal deformities. Researchers found that patients who had 3D planning and custom implants had a much lower rate of needing additional surgeries, with only 4.3% (5 out of 115 patients) needing revisions compared to 16.6% (166 out of 997) in those who used standard implants. This is important because it suggests that personalized surgical approaches can lead to better outcomes for patients and lower healthcare costs. Who this helps: Patients with spinal deformities who require surgery.

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This study looked at how often patients developed new sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP) after undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity. Out of 346 patients, only 1% experienced true SIJP at one and two years after their surgery, even though a significant number reported pain in that area. This is important because it shows that while many patients may feel pain after surgery, only a small fraction have an actual diagnosis of SIJP, suggesting other sources of pain need to be investigated. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from spinal surgery and their doctors understand the true incidence of sacroiliac joint pain.

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This study looked at the effects of preoperative depression on recovery outcomes for patients with adult spinal deformities who underwent minimally invasive surgery. Out of 147 patients, 27 (18.4%) screened positive for depression before surgery. A year after surgery, while both groups improved, non-depressed patients had better outcomes in terms of quality of life scores, and those who were depressed still reported more severe leg pain. Who this helps: This information benefits both patients and doctors by highlighting the need for mental health support before surgery.

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The study looked at how hip and knee osteoarthritis affects the alignment of the spine in adults with spinal deformities. Researchers examined 527 patients and found that those with more severe hip arthritis showed worse overall body alignment and had to bend their knees more to deal with their deformities. Specifically, patients with severe hip arthritis had a pelvic tilt that was lower and a spinal alignment that was more off-balance, highlighting the impact of these conditions on both posture and movement. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis and spinal deformities.

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This study looked at the long-term value of surgery for adults with spinal deformities by tracking 327 patients over five years. Researchers found that while the average surgical cost was about $91,095, the cost-effectiveness improved significantly over time, with 56% of patients meeting cost-effectiveness standards by five years, compared to just 19% after two years. Key factors affecting success included a higher burden of existing health problems and specific spinal positioning, which can influence the likelihood of patients benefiting from the surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal deformities and their doctors understand the long-term value of surgical options.

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This study looked at how loss of balance affects recovery after surgery for adult spinal deformity. Researchers found that patients who reported balance issues had worse physical and mental well-being before surgery and experienced more complications afterward, including higher rates of problems related to their spine surgery (e.g., 26.4% of patients with balance issues had problematic curvature of the spine compared to 14.2% without). This matters because it highlights the need for extra care and monitoring for patients who struggle with balance to improve their surgery outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal deformities and their doctors.

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This study looked at two types of minimally invasive surgeries for adult spinal deformity: staged surgery (done in multiple steps) and same-day surgery (done in one go). Researchers found that while both groups of patients had similar overall results after two years, those who had staged surgery were able to correct more severe deformities, but they also stayed in the hospital longer. The findings highlight that staged surgery could be a better option for patients with more complex conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe spinal deformities and their doctors in making informed surgical decisions.

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This study examined three surgical methods—anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)—for correcting severe spinal deformities where the lower back loses its natural curve. Researchers found that ALIF effectively restored spinal alignment just as well as PSO, with fewer complications like excessive blood loss and nerve issues. This is important because it suggests that ALIF may be a safer option for patients needing this type of surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery for severe spinal deformities.

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This study looked at how well AI tools, ChatGPT and Bard, can write scientific abstracts in spine surgery compared to those written by humans. Researchers examined 174 abstracts and found that ChatGPT's abstracts followed journal formatting rules better (56.6%) than Bard's (11.1%), but Bard's had a higher rate of meeting word count requirements (90.7% vs. 50%). Both AI-generated abstracts raised concerns about plagiarism and ethics, highlighting the need for caution when using such technology in research. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and journal editors who need to ensure the quality and integrity of scientific publications.

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This study looked at three different surgical methods for fixing adult spinal deformities in 138 patients over at least two years. The researchers found that the anterior-posterior (AP) approach took longer to perform, averaging 547.5 minutes, compared to about 385 minutes for the posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and 370 minutes for the PSF with interbody (PSF-IB). While all methods led to similar recovery results and alignment changes, the AP approach had a much higher rate of complications at 31.6%, compared to only 5.4% for PSF and 9.1% for PSF-IB. Who this helps: This information benefits patients considering spinal surgery by highlighting the risks and recovery aspects of different surgical methods.

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This study looked at hip osteoarthritis in patients who have severe spinal deformities and are undergoing surgery. Researchers found that 34% of the 520 patients studied had severe bilateral hip osteoarthritis, which negatively affected their spinal alignment and recovery outcomes after surgery. Specifically, patients with severe hip issues had worse measurements related to spine alignment and reported poorer physical health both before and one year after surgery. Who this helps: This information helps doctors treat patients with spinal deformities and hip osteoarthritis by understanding their unique challenges.

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This study looked at how different setups of medical devices used in spine surgeries affect the likelihood that children with early onset scoliosis (EOS) will need to go back into surgery unexpectedly. Researchers found that the most effective configuration, which involved using six screws across three levels of the spine with the top anchor at the second thoracic vertebra (T2), had a 0% chance of requiring an unplanned return to the operating room. In contrast, other configurations had rates of 9.9% to 31.4% for needing additional surgery, showing that the choice of device setup is crucial for reducing complications. Who this helps: This information benefits children with scoliosis and their surgeons by improving surgical strategies and outcomes.

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This research looked at a surgical method called Anterior Column Realignment (ACR), which is used to correct spinal deformities in adults through minimally invasive techniques. It found that ACR has a decent success rate, improving the spinal angle by an average of 20 degrees, but it also comes with some risks; about 27% of patients experienced complications, and 9.5% needed additional surgeries. Understanding both the effectiveness and risks of ACR is important for ensuring better surgical outcomes for patients with spinal issues. Who this helps: Patients undergoing spinal surgery and their surgeons.

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This study looked at whether a new type of titanium spinal implant could help patients heal better and reduce costs compared to traditional biologic materials used in spinal surgeries. Researchers tracked 55 patients who received the titanium implant with only bone graft and local blood for one year after surgery. They found that all treated areas fused successfully, and patients reported significant improvements in pain and disability scores, with the average reduction in pain levels being around 3.75 points for back pain and 3.73 points for leg pain. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery by providing a more effective and cost-efficient treatment option.

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This study looked at how well personalized 3D-printed implants can help align the spine after surgery in patients with spine deformities. Out of 365 implant placements, the researchers found that 82% of the time the alignment was within 5 degrees of what was planned, which is a good result. This matters because proper spinal alignment can lead to improved long-term recovery and overall spine health for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing spinal surgery.

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This study looked at how aligning certain parts of the spine during surgery can affect recovery and avoid complications for patients with severe spinal deformities. Researchers found that maintaining a specific angle for the spine (called the L1-pelvic angle) and ensuring the T4-L1 angle are close to normal can significantly reduce the chances of mechanical issues after surgery, with the ideal targets for these angles noted as L1PA of approximately PI x 0.5 - 19° ± 2° and a T4-L1 mismatch between -3° and +1°. Achieving these targets during surgery could lead to better outcomes and less pain for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spinal surgery for deformities.

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This study looked at how well patients with spinal disorders respond to different types of surgeries, focusing on those who had prior surgeries versus those who hadn't. It found that nearly half (45%) of the patients were undergoing revision surgeries, and many of these patients experienced issues with their spine alignment due to previous surgeries, with 93% being undercorrected in one specific area of the spine. This matters because these misalignments can lead to more complicated and costly surgeries, highlighting the need for better alignment strategies in spine operations. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal deformities and doctors treating them.