Personalized care models are dominating modern medicine. These models are rooted in teaching future physicians the skill set to keep up with innovation. In orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, education is increasingly influenced by augmented reality, simulation, navigation, robotics, and in some cases, artificial intelligence. The postpandemic learning environment has also changed, emphasizing online learning and skill- and competency-based teaching models incorporating clinical and bench-top research. Attempts to improve work–life balance and minimize physician burnout have led to work-hour restrictions in postgraduate training programs. These restrictions have made it particularly challenging for orthopedic and neurosurgery residents to acquire the knowledge and skill set to meet the requirements for certification. The fast-paced flow of information and the rapid implementation of innovation require higher efficiencies in the modern postgraduate training environment. However, what is taught typically lags several years behind. Examples include minimally invasive tissue-sparing techniques through tubular small-bladed retractor systems, robotic and navigation, endoscopic, patient-specific implants made possible by advances in imaging technology and 3D printing, and regenerative strategies. Currently, the traditional roles of mentee and mentor are being redefined. The future orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons involved in personalized surgical pain management will need to be versed in several disciplines ranging from bioengineering, basic research, computer, social and health sciences, clinical study, trial design, public health policy development, and economic accountability. Solutions to the fast-paced innovation cycle in orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery include adaptive learning skills to seize opportunities for innovation with execution and implementation by facilitating translational research and clinical program development across traditional boundaries between clinical and nonclinical specialties. Preparing the future generation of surgeons to have the aptitude to keep up with the rapid technological advances is challenging for postgraduate residency programs and accreditation agencies. However, implementing clinical protocol change when the entrepreneur–investigator surgeon substantiates it with high-grade clinical evidence is at the heart of personalized surgical pain management.

OBJECTIVE: Infection of the cervical spine is a rare disease but is associated with significant risk of neurological deterioration, morbidity, and a poor response to nonsurgical management. The ideal treatment for cervical spondylodiscitis (CSD) remains unclear. METHODS: Hospital records of patients who underwent acute surgical management for CSD were reviewed. Information about preoperative neurological status, surgical treatment, peri- and postoperative processes, antibiotic treatment, repeated procedure, and neurological status at follow-up examination were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 30 consecutive patients (17 male and 13 female) were included in this retrospective study. The mean age at procedures was 68.1 years (range 50–82 years), with mean of 6 coexisting comorbidities. Preoperatively neck pain was noted in 21 patients (70.0%), arm pain in 12 (40.0%), a paresis in 12 (40.0%), sensory deficit in 8 (26.7%), tetraparesis in 6 (20%), a septicemia in 4 (13.3%). Preoperative MRI scan revealed a CSD in one-level fusion in 21 patients (70.0%), in two-level fusions in 7 patients (23.3%), and in three-level fusions in 2 patients (6.7%). In 16 patients an antibiotic treatment was initiated prior to surgical treatment. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with cervical plating (ACDF+CP) was performed in 17 patients and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) in 12 patients. Additional posterior decompression was performed in one case of ACDF+CP and additional posterior fixation in ten cases of ACCF procedures. Three patients died due to multiple organ failure (10%). Revision surgery was performed in 6 patients (20.7%) within the first 2 weeks postoperatively. All patients received antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks. At the first follow-up (mean 3 month) no recurrent infection was detected on blood workup and MRI scans. At final follow-up (mean 18 month), all patients reported improvement of neck pain, all but one patients were free of radicular pain and had no sensory deficits, and all patients showed improvement of motor strength. One patient with preoperative tetraparesis was able to ambulate. CONCLUSIONS: CSD is a disease that is associated with severe neurological deterioration. Anterior cervical surgery with radical debridement and appropriate antibiotic treatment achieves complete healing. Anterior cervical plating with the use of polyetheretherketone cages has no negative effect of the healing process. Posterior fixation is recommended following ACCF procedures.

Background: Congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebra of the cervicodorsal spine is a rare disorder. It might be accompanied by impaired cosmetic appearances such as head tilt and trunk shift. Little is known about the effect of correction of the major curve on head tilt and trunk shift in children. The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic changes of head tilt and trunk shift following posterior hemivertebra resection (PHVR). Methods: Retrospectively, all children who underwent PHVR at the cervicodorsal spine (C6-Th6) with pedicle screw fixation with a minimum radiographic follow-up of 1 year were identified for further assessment. A total of 5 radiographic parameters were assessed on preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs. (1) Head tilt was defined as the angle between the horizontal line and the line through both molars of the maxillary, (2) trunk shift as the angle between the line of the center of C7 to the sacrum and the central sacral vertical line, (3) Cobb angle was used to assess the major curve, (4) cranial, and (5) caudal compensatory curvature. Results: Seven boys and 10 girls with a mean age of 9.0 years at surgery were evaluated. The mean radiographic follow-up was 89.5 months (range: 12 to 166 mo). The mean head tilt reoriented from 6.9 to 1.9 degrees (P<0.001); trunk shift improved from 4.3 to 2.5 degrees after surgery (P=0.100). There was a significant correlation between head tilt and trunk shift on preoperative and postoperative radiographs (P=0.030/0.031). The major curve, and compensatory curvatures were all significantly corrected (P<0.001). Head reorientation was significantly influenced by patient age at surgery. Repeated procedures due to decompensation of the compensatory curvature were performed in 2 cases. Conclusions: PHVR and pedicle screw fixation is an effective treatment for patients with congenital scoliosis. Surgery achieves a significant correction of the major curve and reorientation of the head postoperatively, and till the last follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV.