Pedicle screw fixation in the thoracic spine presents certain challenges due to the critical regional neurovascular anatomy as well as the narrow pedicular corridor that typically exists. With increased awareness of the dangers of intraoperative radiation, the ability to place pedicle screws with anatomic landmarks alone is paramount. In this study, we reviewed the literature from 1990 to 2015 for studies that included freehand pedicle screw placement in the thoracic spine with special emphasis on entry points and the trajectories of the screws. We excluded studies that used fluoroscopy guidance, navigation techniques, cadaveric and biomechanical articles, case reports, and experimental studies on animals. The search retrieved 40 articles, and after careful selection, seven articles were analyzed. Over 8,000 screws were placed in the different studies. The mean accuracy for placement of the thoracic screws was 93.3%. However, there is little consensus between studies in entry points, sagittal, and axial trajectories of the screws.We complete this review by presenting our step-by-step technique for the placement of freehand pedicle screws in the thoracic spine.

Currently medical information flows at great speed, bombarding medical students. Students are unfamiliar with fundamental aspects of biomedical literature appraisal. We assert that research performed during medical school will help to reduce the gap between the information available and comprehension by the student. The goal of the present review is to expound the importance of performing research during the undergraduate medical years and the relevance of research in other fields of medicine. We performed a literature review searching MEDLINE with terms consistent with our objective. We discuss the conduct of research projects during medical school training. The analysis of the articles retrieved proves that research is feasible and that it is a critical process during the undergraduate period for medical students.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of dysphagia for Parkinson disease (PD) patients undergoing cervical spine surgery for cervical myelopathy.Summary of Background Data: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is an increasingly common problem in the aging population. Several surgical options exist to treat this condition including anterior, posterior and combined surgical approaches. Each approach carries its own set of postoperative complications. Little is known of the of outcomes after cervical spine surgery in PD. Materials and Methods:The National Inpatient sample was queried 1998 to 2016, all elective admissions with CSM were identified. Surgical treatments were identified as either: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), posterior laminectomies, posterior cervical fusion or combined anterior/posterior surgery. Preexisting PD was identified. Endpoints included mortality, length of stay (LOS), swallowing dysfunction measured by placement of feeding tube (NGT), and postprocedure pneumonia.Results: A total of 73,088 patients underwent surgical procedures for CSM during the study period. Of those, 552 patients (7.5%) had concomitant PD. The most common procedure was ACDF. Patients with PD had a higher rate of dysphagia (NGT placement) after surgery compared with those without PD (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that PD patients had a higher risk of having NGT placement or developing pneumonia [odds ratio 2.98 (1.7-5.2), P < 0.001] after surgery. Patients with PD who underwent ACDF, posterior laminectomies or posterior cervical fusion had a longer LOS compared with those who did not have PD (P < 0.001). There was no difference in LOS for patients who underwent combined anterior/posterior surgery. Inpatient mortality was higher in patients with PD who underwent ACDF or combined surgery (P < 0.001).Conclusions: While ACDF is the most commonly performed procedure for CSM in patients with PD, it is associated with longer LOS, higher incidence of postoperative dysphagia, and postprocedural pneumonia, as well as higher inpatient mortality compared with posterior cervical procedures.

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Background: Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is uncommon and involves severe weakness of neck-extensor muscles resulting in a progressive reducible cervical kyphosis. The first-line management consists of medical treatment targeted at diagnosing underlying pathologies. However, the surgical management of DHS has not been well studied. Methods: Here, we systematically reviewed the PubMed and Cochrane databases for DHS using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All relevant articles up to March 31, 2022, were analyzed. The patient had to be ≥18 years with DHS and had to have undergone surgery with outcomes data available. Outcomes measurements included neurological status, rate of failure (RF), horizontal gaze, and complications. Results: A total of 22 articles selected for this study identified 54 patients who averaged 68.9 years of age. Cervical arthrodesis without thoracic extension was performed in seven patients with a RF of 71%. Cervicothoracic arthrodesis was performed in 46 patients with an RF of 13%. The most chosen upper level of fusion was C2 in 63% of cases, and the occiput was included only in 13% of patients. All patients neurologically stabilized or improved, while 75% of undergoing anterior procedures exhibited postoperative dysphagia and/or airway-related complications. Conclusion: The early surgery for patients with DHS who demonstrate neurological compromise or progressive deformity is safe and effective and leads to excellent outcomes.