From the Editor-in-Chief: Featured Articles in the December 2024 Issue

Inbo Han

doi:10.14245/ns.2449368.684

In this editorial, we highlight exemplary research articles published in the December 2024 issue of Neurospine. These selected works represent significant advances in spine research, offering crucial insights into spinal pathology, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes.

Article 1: “Predicting Neck Dysfunction After Open-Door Cervical Laminoplasty — A Prospective Cohort Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Study”

Hsu et al. [1] conducted a sophisticated analysis of predictive factors for postlaminoplasty outcomes in degenerative cervical myelopathy using K-means longitudinal data analysis. Their prospective investigation of 69 patients revealed central canal stenosis (odds ratio [OR], 17.93) and preoperative neck pain (OR, 1.49) as significant negative predictors, while identifying a positive K-line during flexion (OR, 0.11) as a favorable prognostic indicator. These findings provide valuable guidance for surgical decision-making in degenerative cervical myelopathy patients.

Article 2: “National Trends in Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis With Stenosis Treated With Fusion Versus Decompression”

Ball et al. [2] conducted a comprehensive analysis of surgical trends in degenerative spondylolisthesis with stenosis, examining outcomes from 162,868 patients over a 12-year period. Their findings revealed a paradigm shift toward decompression with fusion post-2016, despite inconclusive evidence of superiority. While fusion procedures demonstrated reduced revision rates and early complications, the study illuminates the complex interplay of factors influencing surgical decision-making.

Article 3: “Proximal Junctional Failure Development Despite Achieving Ideal Sagittal Correction According to Age-Adjusted Alignment Target in Patients With Adult Spinal Deformity: Risk Factor Analysis of 196 Cases Undergoing Low Thoracic to Pelvic Fusion”

Park et al. [3] performed a meticulous investigation of proximal junctional failure in adult spinal deformity patients achieving optimal sagittal correction. Their analysis of 196 cases revealed a 21.9% proximal junctional failure incidence over 45.9 months, identifying key risk factors including advanced age, pronounced preoperative sagittal vertical axis, absence of transverse process hooks, and elevated lumbar distribution index. These findings contribute substantially to prevention strategies for this challenging complication.

Article 4: “Full-Endoscopic Resection of a Lumbar Intradural Tumor (Schwannoma): Video Case Report and Description of the Surgical Technique”

Hagel and Van Isseldyk [4] documented a groundbreaking fullendoscopic resection of an intradural schwannoma. This technical report, enhanced by detailed surgical video documentation, demonstrates sustained success with no recurrence at 2.5-year follow-up, establishing a potential framework for minimally invasive approaches to select intradural spinal tumors.

Article 5: “Practical Guidance of Full-Endoscopic Technique for Incidental Durotomy Repair: A Surgical Video Demonstration”

Trathitephun et al. [5] present an instructional surgical video demonstrating full-endoscopic repair of a 10-mm incidental durotomy during lumbar decompression. Through a case of successful repair in a 50-year-old man with lumbar stenosis, they illustrate a systematic technique using endoscopic suturing and provide practical guidance for managing this challenging complication, though noting the need for further validation of long-term outcomes.