atients.Level of Evidence 3.Baseline pain duration would appear to be of clinical importance. Patients with shorter baseline pain duration demonstrated better outcomes. Those with ≥12 month's duration of pain may need additional support during their management to achieve clinically relevant functional improvements in the medium-to-long term. These findings raise questions about the decision by NICE to move away from duration of pain to differentiate management of LBP patients.Level of Evidence 3. A retrospective study. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thoracic morphology (TM) and pulmonary function (PF) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and the feasibility of the "apical vertebra deviation ratio (AVDR)" as a predictor of PF impairment. The PF of AIS is one of the key focuses of clinicians' attention. Early identification of AIS patients who are at risk of developing impaired PF is important for improving patient management. Preoperative PF and radiographic examination data of 108 patients with thoracic AIS were collected. GSK2110183 The following TM data were collected the costophrenic angle distance (CAD), distance between T1 and mean diaphragm height (T1-diaphragm), T1-T12 height, and AVDR. The correlation coefficient between PF and TM measurements was analyzed, and univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used to determine whether the TM measurements could predict PF. The CAD, T1-diaphragm, and T1-T12 height were significantly positient may suffer from moderate or severe PF damage.Level of Evidence 4. Retrospective study. To elucidate an association between preoperative lumbar epidural corticosteroid injections (ESI) and infection after lumbar spine surgery. ESI may provide diagnostic and therapeutic benefit; however, concern exists regarding whether preoperative ESI may increase risk of postoperative infection. Patients who underwent lumbar decompression alone or fusion procedures for radiculopathy or stenosis between 2000 and 2017 with 90 days follow-up were identified by ICD/CPT codes. Each cohort was categorized as no preoperative ESI, less than 30 days, 30 to 90 days, and greater than 90 days before surgery. The primary outcome measure was postoperative infection requiring reoperation within 90 days of index procedure. Demographic information including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was determined. Comparison and regression analysis was performed to determine an association between preoperative ESI exposure, demographics/comorbidities, and postoperative infecf infection was found in patients with preoperative ESI undergoing fusion procedures, but no increased risk with decompression only. Fusion, BMI, and CCI were predictors of postoperative infection.Level of Evidence 3.An increased risk of infection was found in patients with preoperative ESI undergoing fusion procedures, but no increased risk with decompression only. Fusion, BMI, and CCI were predictors of postoperative infection.Level of Evidence 3. Retrospective chart review. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the presence of structural thoracic deformities affects outcomes of permanent SCS placement. Neural modulation via spinal cord stimulators (SCSs) has become an accepted treatment option for various chronic pain syndromes. In most cases, the surgeon desires accurate midline positioning of the paddle lead, allowing for flexibility of unilateral or bilateral coverage of pain patterns. Structural spinal deformities (scoliosis or kyphosis) often result from coronal, sagittal, and rotatory deformity that can make midline placement more difficult. Between 2013 and 2017, two-hundred forty-one charts of patients who underwent permanent SCS placement at our suburban hospital were reviewed. Demographic information, numerical rating system (NRS) pain scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and opioid medication usage were recorded at baseline and after permanent stimulator placement. Thoracic scoliosis and kyphosis angles were measCS placement and as such should not preclude this population from benefiting from such therapies.Level of Evidence 4.SCSs can be effective options for treating lumbar back pain and radiculopathy. Our study suggests that the presence of mild structural deformities does not adversely affect outcomes of permanent SCS placement and as such should not preclude this population from benefiting from such therapies.Level of Evidence 4. A retrospective cohort study. The aim of this study was to identify an association between preoperative opioid use and reoperations rates. Chronic opioid use is a public health crisis in the United States and has been linked to worse outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. However, no studies have identified an association between preoperative opioid use and reoperations rates. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using patients from one private insurance database who underwent primary lumbar decompression/discectomy (LDD) or posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF/TLIF). Preoperative use of five specific opioid medications (tramadol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and extended-release oxycodone) was categorized as acute (within 3 months), subacute (acute use and use between 3 and 6 months), or chronic (subacute use and use before 6 months). Multivariate regression, controlling for multilevel surgery, age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, was used to determine the assocchronic use; P < 0.05). Preoperative use of the higher-potency opioid medications is associated with increased reoperations after LDD and PLIF/TLIF in a dose-dependent manner. Surgeons should use this data for preoperative opioid cessation counseling and individualized risk stratification.Level of Evidence 3.Preoperative use of the higher-potency opioid medications is associated with increased reoperations after LDD and PLIF/TLIF in a dose-dependent manner. Surgeons should use this data for preoperative opioid cessation counseling and individualized risk stratification.Level of Evidence 3.