This week in Spine

Jul 20–26, 2026 · 9 new studies, 6 reviews · Spine archive · All weeks

The new Spine research The Reduction sent the week of Jul 20–26, 2026, with the week’s most recent reviews, each with a one-line summary.

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New research

  1. Radiograph-based intervertebral sagittal translation-to-canal diameter ratio as a quantitative imaging marker for suspected lower cervical instability.

    European Spine Journal · Sep 2026 · PubMed

    The radiograph-based translation-to-canal diameter ratio accurately identifies lower cervical instability with 91% sensitivity and 72% specificity, outperforming absolute translation measurements.

  2. STAC3D Against the Odds: Characterizing the Musculoskeletal Phenotype of STAC3 Gene Disorder.

    Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics · Jul 24 2026 · PubMed

    STAC3 Disorder causes widespread musculoskeletal problems including scoliosis (83%), contractures (61%), and congenital foot deformities (61%), requiring early diagnosis and expectation management.

  3. Complication Profiles of Corpectomy-Containing Versus Non-Corpectomy Anterior Cervical Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Multicenter Study of 1,024 Cases.

    Spine · Jul 20 2026 · PubMed

    Corpectomy-containing anterior cervical procedures showed higher perioperative morbidity than non-corpectomy procedures for myelopathy; much of difference reflects ossified posterior longitudinal ligament pathology.

  4. What Is the Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Examination and Dynamic Radiographs for Acute Vertebral Compression Fractures in Older Adults? A Prospective Study.

    Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research · Jul 20 2026 · PubMed

    Closed-fist percussion test screens for acute vertebral compression fractures with high sensitivity, while sitting radiographs provide strong rule-in capability with excellent specificity.

  5. Percutaneous fixation as definitive care for AO spine type B thoracolumbar fractures in polytrauma patients.

    Injury · Jul 16 2026 · PubMed

    Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation appears safe and effective as definitive treatment for AO Spine Type B thoracolumbar fractures in polytrauma patients, with favorable mid-term outcomes.

  6. Revisiting Survival in the Treatment of Spinal Metastases From Lung Cancer in the Modern Era of Immunotherapy and Molecular Targeted Treatment (2017-2022).

    Spine · Jul 15 2026 · PubMed

    Spinal metastases from lung cancer carry higher one-year mortality; surgical intervention and good nutritional status improve survival, while immunotherapy shows only short-term benefit.

  7. Evaluating differences in the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) tilt angle between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with Lenke 1-ve (flexible) and Lenke 1 +ve (stiff) curves.

    European Spine Journal · Jul 04 2026 · PubMed

    Retrospective study finds optimal upper instrumented vertebra tilt angles differ significantly by level and curve flexibility in Lenke 1 adolescent scoliosis, guiding UIV selection.

  8. Osteoporosis-related knowledge in a German adult population: determinants and translational implications for fragility fracture prevention.

    European Spine Journal · Jul 04 2026 · PubMed

    Educational attainment, not personal or familial osteoporosis history, predicted osteoporosis knowledge in German adult population, highlighting need for targeted educational interventions.

  9. A novel inflammatory-nutritional nomogram for predicting survival after minimally invasive surgery for spinal metastases: a comparison with the Katagiri and SORG systems.

    European Spine Journal · Jul 01 2026 · PubMed

    A novel nomogram integrating inflammatory-nutritional markers outperforms traditional anatomical scoring systems for predicting survival in spinal metastases treated with minimally invasive surgery.

Recent reviews

  1. An evidence-based review of the current surgical treatments for chronic low-back pain: rationale, indications, and novel therapies.

    Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine · Apr 01 2025 · PubMed

    Comprehensive surgical and multimodal approaches for chronic low-back pain should include fusion, stabilization, rehabilitation, and cognitive behavioral therapy based on anatomic findings.

  2. Knee Pain Is Not Always the Knee.

    JBJS Reviews · Jan 01 2025 · PubMed

    Lumbar spine pathology, particularly L3-4 stenosis or disc herniation, commonly causes referred knee pain and should be investigated when knee imaging doesn't correlate with symptoms.

  3. Examining the Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Presentation of Lower Extremity Neurologic Deficits: A Spine Surgeon's Guide to Foot Drop.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Dec 27 2024 · PubMed

    Foot drop etiology extends along the neuraxis from cerebral cortex to leg musculature; systematic anatomy understanding and physical examination guide accurate localization and treatment.

  4. Surgical Level Selection in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Evidence-Based Approach.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Apr 15 2023 · PubMed

    Surgical level selection in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis balances minimizing progression risk and optimizing spinal balance while fusing the fewest necessary levels.

  5. Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Sep 01 2022 · PubMed

    Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament causes cervical myelopathy with higher prevalence in East Asian populations; surgical decompression via anterior, posterior, or combined approach provides symptom improvement.

  6. Neurophysiological monitoring of spinal cord function during spinal deformity surgery: 2020 SRS neuromonitoring information statement.

    Spine Deformity · Aug 2020 · PubMed

    Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of spinal cord function using somatosensory and motor-evoked potentials is standard of care during spinal deformity surgery when cord is at risk.

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