Asian Spine Journal最新文献

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a significant spinal condition that can lead to severe neurological deficits. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) have led to the development of promising tools for the early detection and diagnosis of OPLL. This systematic review evaluated the diagnostic performance of ML and DL models and clinical implications in OPLL detection. A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were searched for studies published between January 2000 and September 2024. Eligible studies included those utilizing ML or DL models for OPLL detection using imaging data. All studies were assessed for the risk of bias using appropriate tools. The key performance metrics, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC), were analyzed. Eleven studies, comprising a total of 6,031 patients, were included. The ML and DL models demonstrated high diagnostic performance, with accuracy rates ranging from 69.6% to 98.9% and AUC values up to 0.99. Convolutional neural networks and random forest models were the most used approaches. The overall risk of bias was moderate, and concerns were primarily related to participant selection and missing data. In conclusion, ML and DL models show great potential for accurate detection of OPLL, particularly when integrated with imaging techniques. However, to ensure clinical applicability, further research is warranted to validate these findings in more extensive and diverse populations.

Study design: This was a retrospective study.

Purpose: The current study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of atlantodentoplasty using the anterior retropharyngeal approach against irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation with atlantodental bony obstruction.

Overview of literature: In cases of atlantoaxial dislocation with atlantodental bony obstruction, owing to the presence of an osteogenic mass between the atlas and odontoid process, reduction is challenging to complete using the posterior approach. Transoral odontoidectomy is technically demanding and is associated with several risks.

Methods: The clinical data of 26 patients diagnosed with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation complicated by atlantodental bony obstruction were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent anterior retropharyngeal atlantodentoplasty, followed by posterior occipitocervical fusion. Details including surgical duration and blood loss volume were recorded. Radiographic data such as the anterior atlantodental interval, O-C2 angle, space available for the cord, clivus-canal angle, and cervical medullary angle, and clinical data including the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score were assessed. The fusion time of the grafted bone and the development of complications were examined.

Results: In patients undergoing anterior retropharyngeal atlantodentoplasty, the surgical duration and blood loss volume were 120.1±16.4 minutes and 100.6±33.5 mL, respectively. The anterior atlantodental interval decreased significantly after the surgery (p <0.001). The O-C2 angle, space available for the cord, clivus-canal angle, and cervical medullary angle increased significantly after the surgery (p <0.001). The JOA score during the latest follow-up significantly increased compared with that before the surgery (p <0.001). The improvement rate of the JOA score was 80.8%±18.1%. The fusion time of the grafted bone was 3-8 months, with an average of 5.7±1.5 months. In total, 11 patients presented with postoperative dysphagia and three with irritating cough. However, none of them exhibited other major complications.

Conclusions: Anterior retropharyngeal atlantodentoplasty can anatomically reduce the atlantoaxial joint with a satisfactory clinical outcome in patients with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation with atlantodental bony obstruction.

Selecting the optimal surgical treatment for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy significantly affects symptom improvement, postoperative prognosis, and quality of life. Proper patient selection and precise surgical execution are crucial for achieving successful outcomes, considering the favorable natural course of cervical radiculopathy. Several factors must be considered, including the number of affected segments, spinal alignment, kyphosis degree, stiffness, and surgeon expertise, when determining the surgical approach for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. An anterior approach is commonly used in cases that involve fewer than three segments with mild kyphosis, whereas posterior laminoplasty or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are effective for cases with more than three segments with maintained lordosis. Both the degree of stiffness and spinal cord compression need to be considered for cases with kyphotic deformity. ACDF may be suitable when anterior structures are the primary source of compression and mild kyphosis is present. The decision between laminoplasty or laminectomy and fusion depends on the kyphosis degree for multilevel compression with kyphosis. An evaluation of cervical rigidity is required for severe kyphosis, and posterior laminectomy and fusion may be effective for flexible kyphosis, whereas a staged posterior-anterior-posterior approach may be required for rigid kyphosis to address both deformity and neural compression. This review summarizes recent research and presents illustrative cases of optimal surgical decision-making for various cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy presentations.

Study design: A retrospective study.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the impact of increased Hounsfield unit (HU) values for metastatic spinal lesions measured via computed tomography on the overall survival of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and identify factors associated with increased HU values in metastatic spinal lesions.

Overview of literature: Previous studies have underscored the utility of the HU as a marker of treatment response in metastatic bone lesions. However, no prior studies have explored the relationship between HU changes in response to treatment and overall survival in patients with NSCLC.

Methods: This study included a total of 85 patients between 2016 and 2021. Nonsurgical treatments were provided by the respiratory medicine department. HU values for metastatic spinal lesions were evaluated upon diagnosis of spinal metastasis (baseline) and at 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. Patients were then divided into two groups based on the median HU increase from baseline to 3 months. Overall survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: Based on the median change in HU value (124), 42 and 43 patients were categorized into the HU responder and non-responder groups, respectively. The median overall survival was significantly longer in the HU responder group than in the HU non-responder group (13.7 months vs. 6.4 months, p <0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the use of antiresorptive agents and molecularly targeted therapies were factors significantly associated with an increase in HU.

Conclusions: An increase in HU values for metastatic spinal lesions after 3 months of treatment was correlated with a significantly longer overall survival in patients with NSCLC. Thus, HU measurements may not only serve as an easy and quantitative approach for evaluating treatment response in metastatic spinal lesions but also predict overall survival.

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) has shown promising results, and endoscopic spine surgery has emerged as a less invasive approach. Although studies have examined the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery for spinal stenosis, no meta-analyses have focused on multilevel cases. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of uniportal and biportal endoscopy in patients with multilevel spinal stenosis. The patient, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study criteria were established to guide study selection. Four databases were searched. The outcome measures included patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiological and analytical data, complications, surgery time, length of hospital stay, and blood loss. Review Manager ver. 5.4 software (RevMan; Cochrane, UK) was used for the analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-square and I2 tests. Ten studies (n=686) were included. PROMs showed significant improvements in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for back pain (mean difference [MD], 4.07; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 3.72-4.42), leg pain (MD, 5.49; 95% CI, 5.17-5.80), and Oswestry Disability Index (MD, 35.97; 95% CI, 32.46-39.47). MacNab scale results were as follows: excellent (55.37%), good (34.93%), fair (7.58%), and poor (4.06%). C-reactive protein levels did not change significantly; however, hemoglobin levels decreased postoperatively (MD, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.91-1.65). Complications included dural tears (5.46%), hematoma (4.30%), incomplete decompression (3.12%), root injury (2.90%), reoperations/revisions (2.22%), conversion to open or microscopic surgery (1.97%), and transfusions (8.50%). Analysis by levels showed worse VAS leg pain in studies analyzing >30% multilevel stenosis (MD, 4.99; 95% CI, 4.47-5.51 vs. MD, 5.82; 95% CI, 5.63-6.01). Uniportal and biportal endoscopy had similar outcomes, except for a higher incidence of dural tears on biportal endoscopy (uniportal, 3.33%; biportal, 7.05%). This meta-analysis supports endoscopy as an effective and safe option for multilevel lumbar stenoses. It improves long-term pain and functionality, with no significant radiological changes or postoperative inflammation. Complications are few; however, dural tears are more common in biportal endoscopy. Higher multilevel stenosis rates were associated with increased leg pain and a lower likelihood of achieving incomplete decompression.

Study design: A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: To evaluate whether using antibiotic-impregnated bone graft (AIBG) enhances infection control and shortens the postoperative course of pyogenic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis (PDVO).

Overview of literature: Surgical treatment of PDVO is indicated for neurological deficit, instability, unknown pathogen, or poorly controlled infection. The posterior-only approach is effective but requires 4-6 weeks of antibiotic treatment postoperatively. We hypothesized that AIBG used in an all-posterior approach could enhance infection control and shorten the postoperative course of PDVO.

Methods: Thirty patients with PDVO of the lumbar or thoracic spine treated with transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion (TIDF) with AIBG between March 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed (AIBG group). For comparative analysis, 28 PDVO patients who underwent TIDF without AIBG between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled (non-AIBG group). The minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. Clinical characteristics and surgical indications were comparable in the two groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the postoperative antibiotics course were compared between the two groups.

Results: Surgical treatment for PDVO resulted in clinical improvement and adequate infection control. Despite the shorter postoperative intravenous antibiotic duration (mean: 19.0 days vs. 39.8 days), the AIBG group had significantly lower CRP levels at postoperative 4 and 6 weeks. The mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores improved from 7.3 preoperatively to 2.2 at 6 weeks postoperatively. The average angle correction at the last follow-up was 7.9°.

Conclusions: TIDF with AIBG for PDVO can achieve local infection control with a faster reduction in CRP levels, leading to a shorter antibiotic duration.

Study design: A randomized controlled trial using a pretest-posttest control group design.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of core stabilization exercises (CSEs) on cervical sagittal vertical alignment (cSVA), Cobb's angle, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores in patients with forward head posture (FHP).

Overview of literature: FHP is a local poor neck posture. However, it is frequently caused by sagittal lumbopelvic malalignment. Therefore, an alternative view by which we can begin proximal neuromuscular control is necessary.

Methods: This study included 36 patients with FHP with a mean age of 27±2.63 years. These patients were randomly assigned to the two following groups: experimental group A (n=19), which received CSEs and postural correctional exercises (PCEs), , and control group B (n=17), which received only the PCE program. Randomization was performed using the computer-generated block randomization method. Training was applied 3 times per week and lasted for 6 weeks. Data were collected before and after training using lateral view cervical X-ray and NDI.

Results: Two-way mixed-design multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant improvements in mean cSVA and NDI values after training (p <0.05) in experimental group (A) compared with pre-training values, whereas no significant differences in these values were observed after training in the control group. In contrast, no significant difference in the mean Cobb angle values after training was observed between the groups.

Conclusions: Adding CSEs to PCEs is more effective than performing PCEs alone for managing FHP. The trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials. gov registry under the registration number NCT06160245.

Study design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Purpose: To investigate the size and local anatomy of the right and the left-sided oblique corridors between L1-L5 levels and identify the potential impact of increasing age and sex on corridor size.

Overview of literature: The oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) was introduced by Silvestre and his colleagues as a solution to the approach-related complications associated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion and lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Limited data were available describing the local anatomy and morphology of this approach.

Methods: Imaging data of 300 patients (150 males and 150 females) who underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the lumbar spine at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, India between January 2023 and January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. The cohort was stratified into six age groups (21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, and >70 years) with 25 patients in each age group for both sexes. T2 weighted axial MRI images were analyzed from the L1-L5 level at the mid-disc level to calculate the corridor size. The local anatomical differences were recorded.

Results: At L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 levels, the mean corridor sizes in males were 17.48, 15.50, 13.41, and 9.32 mm on the left side, and 11.48, 7.12, 4.34, and 1.64 mm on the right side, respectively. The corresponding mean corridor sizes in females were 10.34, 12.94, 12.64, and 7.22 mm on the left side and 2.66, 3.52, 3.69, and 1.64 mm on the right side, respectively. For both sides, the corridor size was significantly affected by sex, increased with age, and decreased at the lower lumbar disc levels.

Conclusions: A left-sided OLIF approach is more feasible for both sexes. The right-sided approach is less likely to be performed effectively.

Traumatic posterior atlantoaxial dislocation (TPAD) without an associated fracture is a rare and challenging spinal injury. This PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)-compliant case-based systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively explore TPAD, covering clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical and radiological outcomes. Following the presentation of a case of TPAD without an associated fracture, we conducted a systematic search of electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, from inception through October 2023, without language restrictions. Cases involving dislocations due to congenital anomalies or inflammatory processes were excluded. The search yielded 31 eligible cases of TPAD without an associated fracture. The majority (81%) of the cases were males, with traffic accidents being the leading cause (87%). Notably, 52% of the cases presented without any neurological deficits. Regarding treatment approaches, 23% of the cases were managed through closed reduction alone, 32% required fusion following closed reduction, and 45% underwent open reduction and fusion. A time delay exceeding 7.5 days was associated with a significantly higher risk of closed reduction failure (odds ratio, 56.463; p =0.011). This review identified key management strategies for TRAD without fracture, informed by the available evidence. Optimal management entails prompt closed reduction under C-arm while monitoring neurological status once hemodynamic stability is achieved. Surgical fusion is indicated for cases with magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed transverse ligament rupture or residual instability. If closed reduction fails, open reduction and fusion should be carried out. Posterior C1-C2 screws fixation is the preferred fusion technique, providing high levels of safety and biomechanical stability.

Study design: Matched case-control study.

Purpose: To evaluate the midterm outcomes of unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF) versus bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure, ascertain efficacy of UPSF in adequately decompressing contralateral foramen+spinal canal and reducing rate of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) at 4-8-year follow-up (FU).

Overview of literature: Previous meta-analyses found no significant differences between UPSF and BPSF regarding fusion rates, clinical and radiological outcomes; however, few studies have reported higher rates of cage migration/subsidence and pseudoarthrosis in the UPSF. No study has evaluated the impact of UPSF on indirect decompression and ASD.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 319 patients treated with UPSF vs. 331 patients treated with BPSF between 2012 to 2020. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years postoperatively. X-rays were used to assess fusion+ASD and computed tomography scans in doubtful cases. Magnetic resonance imaging was used at last FU to determine cross-sectional area of cord (CSA), foraminal height (FH), and width (FW) restoration.

Results: The mean FU duration was 50 months (range, 44-140 months). In UPSF, CSA increased by 2.3 times from preoperative values; FH and FW increased by 25% and 17.5%, respectively, at last FU (p<0.001); fusion rate was 94.3%, comparable to BPSF (similar CSA, FW, FH, 96.4% fusion rate). In UPSF, adjacent disc height remained stable, from preoperative 11.39±2.03 to 10.97±1.93 postoperatively at 4 years and 10.03±1.88 at 8 years. BPSF showed ASD in 14 (4.47%) vs. three patients (1.06%) in UPSF (p<0.04). Complication rates were similar (6.58% UPSF vs. 6.04% BPSF, p>0.05).

Conclusions: UPSF-TLIF is comparable to BPSF in terms of patient-reported clinical outcomes, fusion rates, and complication rates while being superior in terms of lesser ASD. UPSF enables radiologically and clinically significant contralateral indirect neural foraminal decompression and canal decompression without disturbing the contralateral side anatomy, unlike BPSF.