KEVIN T. FOLEY, MD

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This study looked at a new way to create spine fusion devices using a special form of plastic called PEEK that has been designed to mimic the structure of bone. Researchers found that these new porous PEEK implants helped bone-forming cells (MSCs) grow better and reduced inflammation compared to traditional solid PEEK implants. Specifically, the porous PEEK coated with a substance that helps bone growth (HA) led to a significant increase in growth-related protein production and reduced inflammation indicators in surrounding cells. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery, as it may lead to better healing and fewer complications.

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This study looked at how much improvement is needed in certain questionnaires to show meaningful change for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) after surgery. The researchers analyzed data from 1,141 patients and found that a 30% improvement was the best measure for two pain and disability assessments, while specific numerical values were better for another quality of life measure. These findings are important because they help set clear benchmarks for what counts as a significant improvement, which can improve patient care and treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

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This study looked at the use of blood-thinning medications called antithrombotics in patients who had surgery on the front of their necks and how it affected their ability to swallow afterward, known as dysphagia. Researchers found that out of 1661 patients, those who took antithrombotic medications had lower rates of dysphagia at 1 month (48% vs 58%), 3 months (21% vs 28%), and 12 months (19% vs 26%) after surgery. This matters because it suggests that using these medications might help improve recovery in patients who are at risk of swallowing problems after neck surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery.

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This study looked at older patients (65 and up) who had surgery for a specific type of back problem called grade I degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Researchers found that patients who had additional fusion surgery had significantly better outcomes, with 87% of those in this group reporting meaningful improvements in their pain and mobility after two years, compared to only 49% in a group with less favorable outcomes. These results are important because they can help doctors decide whether to include fusion in surgery for older patients, ultimately improving patient recovery and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how body mass index (BMI) affects recovery outcomes after two types of back surgery for a condition called spondylolisthesis. Researchers followed 608 patients over two years and found that obese patients (BMI of 30 or higher) had better recovery results when they underwent minimally invasive (MI) surgery compared to open surgery, with 73.3% of them showing meaningful improvement in disability scores after MI versus 56.3% after open surgery. In contrast, there was no significant difference in outcomes for non-obese patients regardless of the type of surgery. Who this helps: This helps obese patients needing back surgery by providing them with information on the best surgical options for recovery.

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This study looked at how a new type of bone adhesive, called TTCP-PS, compares to traditional titanium plates and screws (TPS) for fixing skull flaps in sheep. Researchers found that the adhesive did not cause any more harm to the underlying brain tissue than the standard method, with both methods showing minimal tissue changes. This is important because it suggests that TTCP-PS can be a safe alternative to TPS for fixing skulls, possibly reducing complications associated with metal hardware. Who this helps: Patients undergoing cranial surgery.

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This study looked at how patients improve after surgery for a condition called cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) over two years. It found that 73.5% of patients saw lasting improvement soon after surgery, while 87.8% reported being satisfied with the results two years later. Historically, improvement can vary widely among patients, so these results help set expectations for what many can experience after surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

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This study looked at how smoking affects the severity of symptoms and satisfaction levels in patients with cervical myelopathy, a condition caused by spinal cord compression in the neck. Among 1,141 patients, smokers reported worse initial pain and disability compared to nonsmokers, but after 24 months, there was no significant difference in overall satisfaction or improvements achieved after surgery. This matters because it shows that even smokers can have meaningful improvements in their condition after treatment, despite starting with more severe symptoms. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with cervical myelopathy and their doctors by providing insights into treatment outcomes regardless of smoking status.

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This study looked at how urinary problems in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) improve after surgery. Out of 249 patients with urinary issues before surgery, 77.5% reported better urinary function two years later, with more women experiencing improvements compared to men (54.9% vs 45.1%). This is important because it shows that a significant majority of patients can regain control over their bladder after surgery, which greatly impacts their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with cervical myelopathy who experience urinary dysfunction.

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This study looked into whether the day of the week affects recovery after neck surgery called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Researchers found that while patients who had surgery earlier in the week experienced slightly higher rates of swallowing difficulties (0.6% vs. 0.3%) and vocal cord issues (0.5% vs. 0.3%), overall outcomes regarding readmissions and recovery were similar, regardless of when the surgery was done. Knowing that the day of surgery does not significantly impact recovery can help doctors choose scheduling that works best for their patients' needs. Who this helps: Patients considering ACDF surgery.

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This study looked at two different surgical procedures, two-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus single-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), to see how they affect patients with cervical myelopathy over two years. They found that both procedures led to similar improvements in patient-reported outcomes by the two-year follow-up, with about 82% of patients reporting on their progress. However, patients undergoing ACCF had more blood loss and stayed in the hospital longer compared to those who had ACDF. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with cervical myelopathy by providing insight into their treatment options.

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This study looked at how age affects recovery from neck pain after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a condition causing neck discomfort and other issues. Researchers tracked 1,141 patients, finding that those aged 65 and older had similar improvements in neck disability scores (around -14.7 points for those 65+ and -13.0 for those under 65) over two years. This matters because it shows that older patients can expect significant benefits from surgery just like younger patients, making surgical options more accessible for them. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially older adults dealing with neck pain.

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This study looked at how surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) affects patients' ability to care for themselves. Out of 1,137 patients, 15% were dependent on others for help before surgery, but more than 80% of those patients became independent in their self-care by the two-year follow-up. This matters because it shows that surgery can significantly improve patients' quality of life and overall satisfaction with their recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

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This study looked at patients undergoing surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and how having multiple health conditions (like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease) affected their outcomes. Researchers found that one-third of the 1,141 patients had two or more additional conditions, which made them older and slightly more disabled at the start, but surprisingly, their recovery from surgery was similar to those with fewer health issues. Identifying different health condition patterns (like high burden or diabetes) helps understand variations in patients' disabilities, but didn’t affect how well surgery worked. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with CSM and their doctors by highlighting how multiple health issues impact recovery.

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This study looked at how pre-surgery depression affects swallowing problems (dysphagia) after cervical spine surgery. Out of 2,002 patients, 524 (26%) had depression before surgery. Those with depression were more likely to experience difficulties swallowing during the year after surgery, with 62% reporting issues at one month and 36% at one year, compared to lower rates in patients without depression. Although patients with depression reported more swallowing problems, their depression itself isn’t a direct cause of these issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing cervical spine surgery, particularly those struggling with depression.

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This study looked at how patients' initial health assessments can predict swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) after cervical spine surgery. Researchers analyzed data from 1,706 patients and found that those with worse scores on a neck disability assessment had a higher chance of experiencing dysphagia a year later; specifically, 65% of patients with severe disability developed new swallowing issues compared to 50% of those without severe disability at one month post-surgery. This information is important as it helps identify patients at higher risk for swallowing problems after surgery, allowing for better planning and care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons in treating and monitoring patients after spinal surgery.

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This study examined the effects of where patients are discharged after surgery for a neck condition called cervical spondylotic myelopathy. It found that patients sent to subacute rehabilitation stayed in the hospital longer—an average of 2.7 extra days—leading to more costs (about $8,168). In contrast, those sent home with health services had a shorter stay of just 0.9 extra days and incurred $2,723 more in expenses. These results highlight the importance of better discharge planning to save money and improve patient satisfaction. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by optimizing recovery processes and reducing costs.

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This study explored a new ultrasound-guided system for placing external ventricular drains (EVDs), a common procedure in neurosurgery. The results showed that the ultrasound method was far more accurate, with 86% of placements hitting the correct target, compared to just 8% with the free-hand technique. Additionally, the average distance from the target was only 0.43 mm with ultrasound, versus 7.9 mm with free-hand placement, highlighting a significant improvement that can lead to fewer complications for patients. Who this helps: This benefits neurosurgeons and patients by improving the safety and effectiveness of EVD placements.

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This study looked at how swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) change after neck surgery and identified specific score changes that indicate important improvements or dissatisfaction in patients. They found that for patients who didn't have swallowing issues before surgery, a 4-point increase in a swallowing assessment score indicated significant dissatisfaction, while those with existing issues needed even larger improvements to feel satisfied. For example, a patient whose score went up to 8 needed to improve by 9 to 15 points within a year to report being satisfied. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who undergo neck surgery by providing clearer benchmarks for managing swallowing difficulties post-surgery.

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This study looked at 436 patients who had surgery for a specific spinal condition called low-grade spondylolisthesis. The researchers found that while 73% of patients showed significant improvement in their disability scores within three months, about 21% experienced a delay in their improvement but eventually caught up by 12 months. Understanding who might have a slower recovery, such as those with trouble walking before surgery or who still had leg pain at three months, is important for managing patient expectations and care. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors by identifying who might need extra support during recovery.

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This study looked at how often patients with grade 1 spondylolisthesis needed a second surgery within five years of their first surgery, and how that affected their reported outcomes. Out of 608 patients, 13.3% who had decompression only and 9.8% who had decompression and fusion needed revision surgery. Those who required revision generally reported worse outcomes, with an Oswestry Disability Index score of 27.4 compared to 19.4 for those who did not need additional surgery, highlighting the impact of needing a second operation. Who this helps: This benefits patients with grade 1 spondylolisthesis, as well as their doctors, by providing insight into the risks and outcomes of revision surgery.

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This study looked at how anticipating severe back pain affects patients' recovery after surgery for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, a condition causing back and leg pain. The researchers found that out of 608 patients, 42.8% were classified as "catastrophizing," meaning they expected high levels of pain, but they still showed significant improvement in their pain levels after surgery, achieving better outcomes than those with lower initial pain expectations. This matters because it suggests that fear and anxiety about pain shouldn't stop patients from getting surgery, and emphasizes the importance of clear communication between patients and doctors about what to expect. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with chronic back pain and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the long-term results of two surgical treatments for grade 1 spondylolisthesis: minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) and decompression alone. After five years, both groups showed significant improvements in pain and disability, but the MIS TLIF group had a much lower reoperation rate of 2.8%, compared to 15.5% for decompression. This is important because it suggests that patients undergoing MIS TLIF are less likely to need additional surgery and report higher satisfaction overall. Who this helps: Patients with grade 1 spondylolisthesis undergoing spinal surgery.

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This study looked at how some patients' back pain changes after surgery for a specific spinal condition called low-grade spondylolisthesis. Out of 608 patients assessed, most (about 88%) experienced improved or stable back pain two years after surgery, while 12% had worse pain; notably, those who started with lower pain scores were more likely to report worsening pain later on. These findings are important because they help identify which patients might not benefit as much from surgery, particularly those with less severe symptoms or ongoing leg pain. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better decisions about who should undergo surgery for back issues.

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This study looked at what influences surgeons' choices to perform anterior (front) versus posterior (back) surgery for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, a condition that affects the spinal cord. Out of 841 patients, 492 (58.5%) had anterior surgery and 349 (41.5%) had posterior surgery. The research found that older patients and those with more severe symptoms were more likely to have posterior surgery, while employed patients and those with disc issues were more often treated with anterior surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by clarifying how patient characteristics influence surgical decisions.

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This study looked at how a patient's educational background affects their health before and after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a condition that affects the spine. Among 1,141 patients, those with high school education or less reported longer-lasting symptoms and more pain compared to those with higher education levels. Specifically, lower educational attainment was linked to greater disability and poorer quality of life two years after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with lower educational backgrounds by highlighting the need for tailored support and resources.

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This study looked at what factors help predict how well patients will do 24 months after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a condition that affects the neck and spine. Researchers analyzed data from 1,141 patients and found that those who had symptoms for less than 12 months and underwent specific types of surgery had better outcomes. For example, only 17.9% of patients showed the best improvement in neck disability, and those with arm pain only had better quality of life scores. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different social factors, such as race, education, employment, and insurance type, affect recovery and satisfaction for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) after surgery. Out of 1,141 patients, those with at least one social factor were less likely to show improvement or satisfaction post-surgery; for instance, patients with two or three social factors were around 14-16% less likely to improve in neck and arm pain compared to those with no social factors. This is important because it highlights that social circumstances can affect medical outcomes, indicating a need for better support for affected patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with cervical myelopathy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at why many doctors who are trained in geriatric medicine don’t keep their certification, with only 62.6% maintaining it, the lowest of all specialties. Researchers found that the main reasons for not maintaining certification were the time commitment (56%), the cost (45%), and low payment rates for geriatric services (32%). It's important to address these issues because keeping certified geriatricians is crucial to providing better care for older adults. Who this helps: This helps older patients who need specialized care and their families.

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This study examined whether improvements in arm (upper extremity) or leg (lower extremity) function after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (a spinal condition) were more important for patients' satisfaction over two years. The results showed that while patients improved in both areas, the improvement in arm function was more closely tied to satisfaction: specifically, a greater increase was seen in arm scores (1.1 points) compared to leg scores (0.6 points). This matters because understanding the impact of these improvements can help doctors prepare patients for surgery and manage their expectations better. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

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This study looked at a new treatment for back pain caused by worn-out discs in the spine. It involved 60 patients who received either a high dose of special cells or a placebo, and after one year, those receiving the high dose reported over 62% reduction in pain, meeting the goal of at least a 30% improvement. Additionally, these patients saw an average increase in disc size, indicating recovery, and the benefits lasted for two years. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with painful degenerative disc disease seeking relief from back pain and improved quality of life.

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This study looked at factors that influence how satisfied patients are after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a condition that affects the spine and can lead to serious nerve problems. Out of 1,140 patients, 84% reported they were satisfied with their results two years after surgery. Key findings showed that patients with less severe initial symptoms and lower neck pain were more likely to be satisfied, indicating that earlier treatment might lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy and their doctors by highlighting the importance of timely surgery for improved satisfaction.

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This study looked at how well patients with neck problems (myelopathy) did after surgery, comparing those with only myelopathy against those with both myelopathy and arm pain (myeloradiculopathy). Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 patients and found that both groups showed significant improvement in pain and quality of life after one and two years, regardless of the type of surgery they received. This information is important because it helps doctors understand that patients with different symptoms can expect similar positive outcomes from their surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients with neck conditions and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether patients with severe obesity (class III) after surgery for cervical myelopathy had the same recovery outcomes and satisfaction levels as non-obese patients. Out of 1,141 patients studied, 230 were obese, and despite starting with worse symptoms, both groups had similar improvements in pain, disability, and overall satisfaction 24 months after surgery. This finding is important because it shows that severe obesity should not prevent patients from getting necessary surgery, as they can still achieve good results. Who this helps: Patients with severe obesity who need surgery for cervical myelopathy.

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This study looked at how diabetes affects the outcomes of lumbar spinal surgeries, specifically decompression and arthrodesis. Researchers found that while patients with diabetes had similar outcomes after decompression surgery, those undergoing arthrodesis had significantly higher issues, such as a 15.7% nonroutine discharge rate compared to 13.4% for non-diabetic patients, and a higher reoperation rate of 4.3% versus 3.2%. This matters because it highlights the need for better management of diabetes before surgery to help improve patient outcomes, especially for those having arthrodesis. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes who need spinal surgery, especially those undergoing arthrodesis.

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This study looked at how cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a condition that can cause problems with driving, affects patients and how surgery can improve driving abilities over time. They found that 31.4% of the 1,128 patients had issues with driving before surgery, but 72% of those patients reported improvements in their driving ability within 24 months after surgery. This is important because better driving ability can lead to a better quality of life for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

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This study compared two types of surgery for patients suffering from neck and arm pain caused by nerve issues: posterior cervical foraminotomy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Researchers found that while the foraminotomy surgery led to shorter hospital stays (0.5 days compared to 0.9 days) and similar improvements in quality of life and pain after one year, it also had a higher reoperation rate (4.2% vs. 1.9%) and lower satisfaction rates (65.2% vs. 74.6%) compared to ACDF. This information is important because it helps guide doctors in choosing the right surgical approach for patients based on their specific conditions. Who this helps: Patients with cervical radiculopathy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a patient's level of education affects their health before and after surgery for a spine condition called lumbar spondylolisthesis. Researchers found that people with lower educational levels reported worse disease severity and higher disability scores before surgery; for instance, those with only a high school education scored 27.1 on the disability index, while graduates did much better. Even though surgery outcomes were similar for all education levels, patients with lower education had worse overall health ratings afterward, highlighting the need for better patient education to improve health results. Who this helps: This helps patients with lower educational backgrounds who may not be getting the best possible health outcomes.

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This study looked at the long-term cost-effectiveness of two types of back surgery, PLIF and TLIF, for patients with a specific condition called grade 1 lumbar spondylolisthesis. Researchers analyzed data from 385 patients over five years and found that the average cost of surgery was $31,634, leading to a gain of about 1.07 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a cost of $29,511 per QALY. This is significantly lower than the $100,000 threshold typically considered cost-effective, showing that these surgeries are a good investment in improving patients' lives. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from lumbar spondylolisthesis and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at 573 patients who had surgery for a specific back condition called grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis and tracked their satisfaction five years later. They found that 83.7% of patients were satisfied with their outcomes, and those who could walk independently before surgery were more likely to be happy after the surgery. This is important because it highlights that certain patient characteristics, such as independence and health status, can predict long-term satisfaction after back surgery, helping doctors better understand who might benefit most from the procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors make informed decisions about surgical options for back pain.

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This study looked at how having both depression and anxiety affects patients' long-term recovery after spine surgery for a condition called lumbar spondylolisthesis. Researchers analyzed 608 patients and found that, although those with both conditions had lower quality of life scores before surgery, they experienced similar improvements and satisfaction rates after 5 years as those without these mental health issues. Specifically, over 80% of all patients were satisfied with their surgery results, regardless of whether they had depression or anxiety. Who this helps: This information benefits patients dealing with lumbar spondylolisthesis, especially those with depression and anxiety, by showing they can still expect good outcomes from surgery.

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This study looked at the long-term outcomes (five years) of obese and non-obese patients who had surgery for a specific spine condition called grade 1 spondylolisthesis. They found that while obese patients (those with a BMI of 35 or more) reported worse pain and disability before surgery, at the five-year mark, both obese and non-obese patients had similar rates of needing more surgery and were satisfied with their results. However, obese patients struggled more to improve their leg pain after surgery compared to non-obese patients. Who this helps: This research helps both patients and doctors by showing that surgery can be effective for all patients, regardless of obesity, while also highlighting areas for improvement in leg pain management for obese patients.

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This study looked at how well surgeons' specific diagnoses matched the hospital's recorded codes for lumbar spine surgeries, focusing on two types of procedures: decompression and fusion. Researchers found that for decompression surgeries, there was 89% agreement for spinal stenosis and 78% for herniated discs, while for fusion surgeries, the match was only 76% for spondylolisthesis and poor for other reasons. This matters because the current coding system may not accurately capture the reasons for surgery, which can affect treatment decisions and patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by improving the accuracy of diagnoses in spine surgery.

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This study looked at how well different machine learning tools could predict whether patients with neck pain from cervical myelopathy would see significant improvement after surgery. They found that nearly half of the patients improved enough to be considered as having benefited: 46.9% did so at three months and 49.9% at 24 months post-surgery. The logistic regression model was the most accurate tool for predicting these outcomes, with an accuracy of around 76% to 77% over both time periods. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients by providing better methods to predict recovery from neck pain after surgery.

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This study compared two types of neck surgery for treating a condition called multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM): anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion (PCF). Researchers followed 199 patients and found that after two years, both surgeries led to similar improvements in pain and quality of life, with ACDF patients experiencing shorter hospital stays (1.6 days vs. 3.9 days) and higher satisfaction (69.4% vs. 53.7%) despite a higher rate of swallowing difficulties (13.5% vs. 3.5%). Understanding these outcomes helps patients make informed choices about their treatment options. Who this helps: Patients facing surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

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This study looked at two surgical methods, cervical laminoplasty (CL) and posterior cervical fusion (PCF), for treating cervical myelopathy, a condition caused by spinal cord compression in the neck. Researchers found that after 24 months, patients who had laminoplasty experienced significantly less blood loss (about 99 mL versus 187 mL) and shorter hospital stays (about 3 days compared to 4.5 days). Additionally, 47% of laminoplasty patients returned to their normal activities after 3 months, compared to only 21% of those who had PCF, and they had greater improvements in neck disability scores. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with cervical myelopathy by providing insight into more favorable surgical options.

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This study examined how gender affects recovery after surgery for cervical myelopathy, a condition affecting the spinal cord in the neck. Researchers reviewed data from 1,152 patients and found that women experienced greater improvement in their Neck Disability Index scores one year after surgery compared to men, with a significant difference (p = 0.036). Understanding these differences is important for providing better, personalized care for patients undergoing this type of surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially women with cervical myelopathy.

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This study focused on figuring out which patients are at higher risk of staying longer in the hospital after spine surgery, specifically for a condition called spondylolisthesis. Researchers developed two machine learning models using data from 544 patients, finding that the models were extremely accurate: one model correctly identified high-risk patients 98.1% of the time, while the other was even better at 99.1%. These results are crucial because they can help doctors predict patient outcomes more effectively, guiding better care and resource allocation. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spine surgery and their doctors.