Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scoring System Research Articles

Management of mild Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Introduction: Most of the elderly individuals with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) suffer from a progressive, and irreversible spinal cord dysfunction and pain. The incidence is rising in tandem with the ageing population. Due to its debilitating effects on a person's physical, mental, and social aspects, it is quickly becoming a public health issue. Therefore, the primary objective is to diagnose the condition in its milder form, prevent its progression, and treat the symptoms aggressively. This article discusses the management of mild CSM, including our experiences, difficulties, current state of knowledge, and potential future developments. Methodology: From the patients presenting with neck pain in the OPD, those with mild CSM according to modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scoring system were selected. Their disabilities were studies with commonly used scoring systems like Nurick grading, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and quality of life with SF-36v2. Only the degenerative cases were included, and other pathologies were excluded. Classical cervical disc prolapse with radiculopathy was also not included. Conservative management was initiated in all these patients and followed up for the improvement or deterioration. Results: With the above selection criteria, 235 patients with mild CSM were included in the studies. There were 186 males and 49 females with ages ranging from 42 to 78 years. The clinical profiles were studied. The major signs and symptoms were neck pain, disturbed dexterity of hands, imbalance on walking and exaggerated reflexes. The impairments were stratified and found that the average mJOA score was 16.2, Nurick score was 2.8 and NDI was 33.6. The quality of life was judged using SF-36v2 and was 39.7. The patients were monitored for three, six, twelve, and twenty-four months with conservative care. The follow up was very poor and only 46 out of the total 235 patients could be followed up to two years. Thus the result obtained could not derive any significant information. The symptoms like pain significantly reduced and there was improvement in overall scores including the quality of life. There were no case of deterioration during the conservative treatment. Thus, there was no discernible advancement that called for surgery. Conclusion: Mild CSM is a common, under diagnosed and usually ignored entity which affects big portion of elderly population. It specifically impacts the mental and social aspects that impairs one's quality of life, as well as the functional and emotional aspects. They are initially being treated conservatively and closely monitored for signs of worsening and advancement. Most of the patients respond to conservative treatment but those having risk factors for progression and bad prognosis, should remain vigilant of any features of deterioration. The treatment plan must be timely modified if a patient's clinical condition deteriorates preventing life-long sufferings.

Safety and Efficacy of Combined Imbrication Axle Reconstruction and Z-Type Titanium Plate Fixation for Hinge Fracture Displacement During Open-Door Laminoplasty.

Open-door laminoplasty is a classical decompression method used to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, hinge fracture displacement (HFD) is a common occurrence during this procedure. The current study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of a combined imbrication axle reconstruction and Z-type titanium plate fixation method for HFD during open-door laminoplasty. In total, 617 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent C3-C7 open-door laminoplasty from March 2015 to October 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Overall, 73 patients developed HFD during surgery. Of these, 43 underwent combined imbrication axle reconstruction and Z-type titanium plate fixation (IRZF group) and 30 underwent traditional titanium plate fixation (TF group). Data such as the operative time, intraoperative blood loss volume, and distribution of fractured hinges were recorded. Both groups were compared in terms of improvement in neurologic function, cervical curvature index, hinge fusion rate, incidence of C5 palsy, severity of axial symptoms, and development of complications. The operative time and intraoperative blood loss were slightly higher in the IRZF group than in the TF group; however, the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the number of fractured segments and the distribution of fractured hinges (p > 0.05). The cervical curvature index did not decline in the two groups (p > 0.05). The IRZF group had a higher hinge fusion rate than the TF group at 3 (79.6 vs. 57.1%) and 12 (93.9 vs. 74.3%) months postoperatively (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of C5 palsy between the two groups (9.3 vs. 6.7%; p > 0.05). However, the TF group had more severe axial symptoms than the IRZF group (p < 0.05). The neurologic function of the two groups increased postoperatively as per the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in terms of neurologic function at any observational time point (p > 0.05). One patient in the TF group with hinge nonunion underwent laminectomy due to lamina displacement into the spinal canal and nerve root compression. In patients with HFD, IRZF facilitates a more intimate contact between the lamina and the lateral mass and, therefore, achieves fractured hinge fusion without additional surgical trauma. This technical improvement can significantly promote neurologic recovery, decrease the severity of axial symptoms, and prevent the development of spinal cord or nerve root recompression.

10-year Longitudinal MRI Study of Intervertebral Disk Degeneration in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis After Posterior Lumbar Decompression Surgery.

A prospective longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. The objective of this study was to describe the progression of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration in patients who underwent posterior decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS). IVD degeneration contributes to the pathogenesis of LSS; however, the long-term consequences of degenerative changes after decompression surgery remain unknown. Of 258 consecutive patients who underwent posterior lumbar decompression surgery for LSS, 62 who underwent MRI at their 10-year follow-up were included; 17 age-matched asymptomatic volunteers were analyzed as controls. Three MRI findings representing IVD degeneration were graded on their severity: decrease in signal intensity, posterior disk protrusion (PDP), and disk space narrowing (DSN). Clinical outcome was assessed using the low back pain (LBP) score from the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system. We examined the association between the progression of degenerative changes on MRI and LBP/associated factors using logistic regression adjusting for age at baseline and sex. The severity of IVD degeneration tended to be higher in patients with LSS than asymptomatic volunteers at both baseline and follow-up. IVD degeneration progressed in all patients during the 10-year follow-up period. Progression of decrease in signal intensity and PDP was observed at L1/2 in 73% and at L2/3 in 34%, respectively (the highest frequencies in the lumbar spine). Progression of DSN was highest at L4/5 in 42%. The rates of PDP and DSN progression during the 10-year follow-up period tended to be greater in patients with LSS than in asymptomatic volunteers. No significant difference in the proportion of LBP deterioration was evident for individuals with and without MRI findings of progression. Our study reveals a natural history of the long-term postoperative course of IVD degeneration after posterior decompression surgery for LSS. Compared with healthy controls, patients with LSS seemed to be predisposed to IVD degeneration. Lumbar decompression surgery may promote the progression of DSN; however, progression of IVD degeneration after lumbar decompression surgery was not associated with worsening LBP scores.

Does Laminectomy Affect Spino-Pelvic Balance in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? A Study Based on the EOS X-Ray Imaging System.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative disorder causing the forward bending of the trunk and pelvic retroversion with the consequent loss of lumbar lordosis; surgical treatment is intended to enlarge the canal and foramina and decompress the nerve roots. The purpose of our study is to determine whether and to what extent facet-sparing laminectomy affects the spino-pelvic balance. The spino-pelvic balance of 26 patients was analysed before and after surgery through the EOS X-ray Imaging System. The following parameters were considered: thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS). Clinical data were expressed in numeric values according to the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system. Significant SS decreases and PT increases were noticed after surgery, without modification in LL, axial vertebral rotation (AVR) and the general alignment. Pain and disability had a significant improvement, as represented by a decrease in scores on the VAS and ODI scales and an increase in scores on the mJOA functional scale. The most important parameter seems to be a congruence between pelvic and spinal parameters, which achieves an economic posture with the physiologic position of the axis of gravity. According to the literature, a standard sagittal balance (SB) has not been defined.

Effect of C1 Single-door Laminoplasty on Symptomatic Atlas Canal Stenosis.

ObjectiveTo verify the effect of single‐door laminoplasty combined with atlantoaxial fusion in the treatment of symptomatic atlas canal stenosis.MethodsThis is a single‐center retrospective analysis. From February 2014 to January 2019, 16 patients (five were females) with an average age of 63.4 years (56–71 years) were enrolled in this study. Patients with compressive cervical myelopathy with CT scan showed an inner sagittal diameter (ISD) of C1 less than 29 mm or C1 canal space available for cord (SAC) of <12 mm were included, while isolated C1 stenosis without myelopathy or isolated C1 stenosis without atlantoaxial subluxation were excluded in this study. All patients underwent continuous heavy‐weight skull traction, atlas single‐door laminoplasty and atlantoaxial fusion. The differences in the pre‐ and post‐operative inner sagittal diameter, space available for cord, atlas‐dens interval (ADI) and compression of the spinal cord were analyzed by using CT and MRI. Functional evaluation was performed by using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system and the Neck Disability Index scoring system.ResultsSingle‐door laminoplasty provided a full decompression for the spinal cord while retaining the whole posterior arch. No complications were encountered except a superficial wound infection in one patient. At final follow‐up, The ADI was significantly reduced from 5.2 ± 1.8 mm to 1.7 ± 0.6 mm after surgery on average (P < 0.05). Average inner sagittal diameter of C1 was increased from 26.3 ± 2.6 mm to 34.9 ± 2.9 mm and the space available for cord was increased from 6 ± 1.7 mm to 17.8 ± 3.6 mm (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of the 16 cases was improved from 11.4 ± 1.8 to 14.1 ± 1.4 on average (P < 0.05). The postoperative neck pain VAS score decreased significantly, from 2.6 ± 1.0 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 0.9 postoperatively (P < 0.05). The influence of neck pain on patient's life was improved from 17.8 ± 3.9 to 13.9 ± 3.3 after surgery (P < 0.05). At the last follow‐up, the healing of the hinge fracture and the fusion between atlas and axis were observed in all patients.ConclusionsSingle‐door laminoplasty combined with atlantoaxial fusion not only provides enough space for decompression but also offers intact arch for bone grafting, suggesting that it might provide a more feasible method for the correction of symptomatic atlas canal stenosis.

Analysis of treatment effect with teriparatide on device-related vertebral osteopenia after lumbar spinal interbody fusion using Hounsfield unit values: A retrospective cohort study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of teriparatide on device-related vertebral osteopenia after single lumbar spinal interbody fusion and compare osteopenia in fused and nonfused spinal segments using Hounsfield unit (HU) values. The present study was a retrospective cohort study. We reviewed 68 consecutive patients (28 men and 40 women) who underwent single-segment (L4-5) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with cage and pedicle screw fixation. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they were treated with teriparatide (teriparatide and nonmedication groups). The primary outcome measure was HU values measured on computed tomography images from each L1 to S1 vertebral body12-month postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures were femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), T-score, osseous union, and clinical outcomes using the Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system 12-month postoperatively. There were significant decreases in HU values of lumbar vertebral bodies at all levels and BMD and T-score values obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the femur between preoperative and postoperative 12-month computed tomography in the nonmedication group (P < .05). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between properative and postoperative 12-month HU values of each lumbar vertebral body and BMD values of the femur in the teriparatide group. Osseous fusion scores in the teriparatide group were significantly better than those in the nonmedication group. There were no significant differences in postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association scores between the 2 groups. Administration of teriparatide during the perioperative period may prevent bone loss associated with spinal fusion surgery.

Application of Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging to Evaluate and Predict the Surgical Outcome for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

ObjectivesAlthough the neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) has been shown useful to evaluate the spinal cord dysfunction, there are few prospective studies on analyzing the operation recovery of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) disease using NODDI. This study aims to investigate the preoperative evaluation and predictive ability of NODDI in DCM patients who received posterior cervical laminoplasty.MethodsThis prospective study included 55 patients with DCM from January to December 2017. NODDI metrics, including intracellular volume fraction (Vic), isotropic volume fraction (Viso), and orientation dispersion index (ODI) were measured at the maximally compressed (MC) level and the non‐compressed C2 level in each patient at the preoperative and the 3‐ and 6‐month postoperative follow‐up stages. Neurological function was assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system at each stage. Spearman's correlation and Kendall's tau‐b correlation were used to analyze the relationship between NODDI metrics and mJOA scores. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to examine the changes in the NODDI and mJOA scores between the preoperative and 6‐month follow‐up stages. ROC analysis was used to further evaluate the predictive capability.ResultsPreoperative Vic at the level of C2 has a significant correlation with the preoperative mJOA score (r = 0.278, p = 0.048). Vic and Viso at the MC level were significantly different between the preoperative period and 6‐month follow‐up. Viso at the MC level was correlated with the mJOA score at 6‐month follow‐up (r = −0.302, p = 0.044). Vic and ODI at the C2 level predicted the surgical prognosis, with areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve of 0.663 (p = 0.042) and 0.716 (p = 0.014).ConclusionsThe preoperative NODDI metrics at the C2 level are capable of evaluating the severity of spinal cord dysfunction and predict the surgical outcome.

Evaluation of Spinal Alignment and Clinical Findings for the Efficacy of One-Stage Surgery in Tandem Spinal Stenosis.

IntroductionWe compared preoperative skeletal muscle, pre-and post-operative spinal alignment or clinical symptoms between tandem spinal stenosis (TSS) patients who underwent simultaneous cervical and lumbar decompression and lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients who underwent only lumbar decompression and the efficacy of one-stage surgery was examined.MethodsThis study included 82 patients, identifying 13 patients for the TSS group (mean age 77.2 years) and 69 patients for the LSS group (mean age 72.2 years). One-stage decompression surgery was performed on both groups. The spinal alignments were evaluated using Lumbar scoliosis (LS), Sagittal vertical axis (SVA), Lumbar lordosis (LL), Pelvic tilt (PT), Pelvic incidence (PI), and Sacral slope (SS). The clinical symptoms were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for low back pain (LBP), the Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system (JOA score), the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).ResultsThe amount of bleeding was not significantly different between the two groups (p > .05). SVA, LL, PT, and SS were significantly improved in the LSS group (p < 0.05). In the TSS group, SVA, LL, PT, and SS tended to improve, but without significant differences. The proportion of JOABPEQ gait dysfunction that was difficult to climb stairs was 83% in the TSS group, and social life disturbance that was difficult to engage in ordinary activities was 67% in the TSS group, which was significantly higher than that in the LSS group (p < .05). Although clinical symptoms improved by surgery in both groups (p < .05), there was no significant difference in the degree of clinical symptom improvement before and after surgery (p > .05).ConclusionsOne-stage surgery for TSS is effective because it has the same intraoperative bleeding volume as LSS alone and is minimally invasive. It also improves forward-leaning posture and clinical symptoms equivalent to LSS alone.

Functional outcome assessment for surgical decompression of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is one of the most common dysfunctions of spinal cord occurs due to degenerative changes in cervical spine disc and facet joints. It is a form of progressive spine disease including herniated disc and spinal cord stenosis which manifests as changes in gait, skilled hand movements, muscle strength, bladder dysfunction etc. Recent studies and trials have established that surgical decompression of cervical spinal is a cost-effective treatment modality which provide satisfactory functional recovery. This study aimed at the functional outcome of surgical decompression of CSM.Methods: The prospective study of 100 cases of cervical myelopathy for which decompressive surgery was done from August 2020 to August 2021. Results were analysed according to Nuricks and modified Japanese orthopedic association scoring system (MJOA).Results: Seventy one males and 29 females were included in this study with average age was 53 and average hospital stay was 3.55 days. Average pre-op Nurick score was 1.93, while score after 6 months and 1year were 1.44 and 1.15respectively. Average pre-op MJOA score was 13.63, while score after 6 months and 1 year were 14.58 and 15.74 respectively.Conclusions: The functional results of decompressive surgeries for cervical myelopathy are satisfactory. Both anterior and posterior approaches are recommended for multiple cervical myelopathy with comparable outcomes. DM and age was observed as the independent predictor for functional outcome, while, gender and level of disease got less significant predictive value.

Spinal Angiolipomas : Clinical Characteristics, Surgical Strategies and Prognosis.

ObjectiveAngiolipomas are usually found in the subcutaneous tissue of the trunk and limbs. Spinal angiolipomas (SALs) are uncommon and have rarely been reported. We report a series of nine SALs patients who received surgical treatment in our department. To summarize the clinical characteristics of SALs, propose our surgical strategies, and evaluate the effects of the operation. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of nine SALs patients who received surgical treatment from August 2015 to March 2020. Total or subtotal resection was determined by the axial localization (dorsal or ventral) and the extent of intervertebral foramen involvement. The outcomes were assessed based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system utilized before surgery and at various follow-up points. ResultsAmong the nine patients, the mean mJOA score before surgery was 6.6±2.3, compared with 10.1±1.1 at the last follow-up time point (33.4±11.8 months). All patients achieved good outcomes, even in cases of subtotal resection. ConclusionEarly surgical resection of SALs is recommended, and the specific procedures should be determined by the axial localization (dorsal or ventral) and the extent of intervertebral foramen involvement. Most of the patients had a good prognosis, even in cases of subtotal resection.

A comparative study of surgical outcomes between anterior cervical discectomy with fusion and selective laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BackgroundFew studies have directly compared anterior and posterior surgical approaches in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients with short-segment disease. We aimed to examine and compare surgical outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) and selective laminoplasty (S-LAMP) in CSM patients with 1- or 2-level disease. MethodsForty-six patients, who received surgeries for CSM, were prospectively investigated; 24 underwent ACDF and 22 underwent S-LAMP. Average follow-up was 3.5 years. The following pre- and postoperative radiographic measurements were recorded: (1) C2-7 angle, (2) local angle (lordotic Cobb angle at operative level), (3) cervical sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (center of gravity of the head-C7 SVA), and (4) C7 slope. Outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system for cervical myelopathy (C-JOA score), neck pain visual analog scale, and neck disability index (NDI). ResultsThere were no significant differences in patient demographics between the two groups. Postoperatively, C2-7 angle, local angle, cervical SVA, C7 slope, C-JOA score, and neck pain and NDI scores were not significantly different between the two groups; however, the recovery rate of the C-JOA score was superior in the ACDF group (57.5%) compared to the S-LAMP group (42.1%). The recovery rate of the C-JOA score in the local lordosis subgroup (local angle ≥ 0°) showed no significant difference between the two surgical groups. However, in the local kyphosis subgroup (local angle < 0°), C-JOA score recovery rate was worse after S-LAMP (20.4%) than ACDF (57.9%); local angle also worsened postoperatively after S-LAMP. ConclusionsIn patients with local lordosis at the segments of cervical spondylosis and spinal cord compression, S-LAMP showed equivalent surgical outcomes (neurological recovery, neck pain and NDI scores, and cervical alignment) to ACDF. However, in patients with local kyphosis, S-LAMP worsened the kyphosis and resulted in worse neurological recovery.

Relieved Low Back Pain after Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Both Hip Osteoarthritis and Lumbar Degenerative Disease.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relief of low back pain after hip arthroplasty in patients with hip joint and spinal degenerative diseases, and to discuss the effects of unilateral and bilateral hip surgery on the relief of low back pain.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we followed 153 patients (69 males and 84 females, age: 43–88 years) who had undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) via a posterolateral approach and also suffered from lumbar degenerative diseases in the period of 2009 to 2019. The inclusion criteria were: (i) patients who had been diagnosed with severe hip degenerative disease and also been diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disease; (ii) patients who had undergone THA surgery; and (iii) patients who were retrospectively recruited. The exclusion criteria were: (i) patients who had undergone lumbar fusion or internal fixation surgery; or (ii) patients who had vascular claudication, history of major trauma, diabetic polyneuropathy, lumbar and pelvic infections, tumor diseases; (iii) or patients who had undergone THA because of femoral neck fracture or ankylosing spondylitis. The improvement of hip joint function and the relief of low back pain (LBP) were studied, and the effect of unilateral and bilateral THA on the relief of LBP were discussed. Hip pain and function were evaluated by the Harris Hip Score (HHS), LBP was evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and lumbar function was evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system.ResultsThe average follow‐up time was 44.3 months (24–108 months). All patients recovered smoothly without complications. The LBP VAS of 153 patients decreased from 4.13 ± 1.37 preoperatively to 1.90 ± 1.44 postoperatively. The average HHS increased from 45.33 ± 13.23 preoperatively to 86.44 ± 7.59 postoperatively at the latest follow‐up. According to Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system, the proportion of patients with good response to treatment in these 153 patients reached 93.46%. LBP VAS decreased from 4.18 ± 1.38 preoperatively to 1.95 ± 1.49 postoperatively in unilateral group and from 3.94 ± 1.32 preoperatively to 1.73 ± 1.23 postoperatively in bilateral group, respectively. There were only nine patients with persistent or aggravated LBP after operation. Among them, six patients underwent subsequent lumbar surgery (five patients had pain relieved after reoperation and one patient had not) and the other three patients chose conservative treatment for pain.ConclusionTHA can relieve LBP while relieving hip pain and restoring hip function in patients with both hip and lumbar degenerative disease, thus possibly avoiding further spinal surgery.

Multisegmental versus monosegmental intramedullary spinal cord ependymomas: perioperative neurological functions and surgical outcomes.

Multiple factors, such as tumor size, lateralization, tumor location, accompanying syringomyelia, and regional spinal cord atrophy, may affect the resectability and clinical prognosis of intramedullary spinal cord ependymomas. However, whether long-segmental involvement of the spinal cord may impair functional outcomes remains unclear. This study was aimed to compare perioperative neurological functions and long-term surgical outcomes between multisegmental ependymomas and their monosegmental counterparts. A total of 62 patients with intramedullary spinal cord ependymoma (WHO grade II) were enrolled, and all of them underwent surgical resection. The patients were classified into the multisegmental group (n = 43) and the monosegmental group (n = 19). Perioperative and long-term (average follow-up period, 47.3 ± 21.4months) neurological functions were evaluated using the modified McCormick (mMC) scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system. Preoperative neurological functions in the multisegmental group were significantly worse than those in the monosegmental group (P < 0.05). However, postoperative short-term neurological functions, as well as long-term functional outcomes, were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative mMC and mJOA scores were significantly correlated with neurological improvement during the follow-up period (P < 0.05). Multisegmental involvement of the spinal cord is associated with worse neurological functions in patients with intramedullary spinal cord ependymoma, while the long-term prognosis is not affected. The preoperative neurological status of the patient is the only predictor of long-term functional improvement.

K-Line Tilt is a Predictor of Postoperative Kyphotic Deformity After Laminoplasty for Cervical Myelopathy Caused by Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

Retrospective single-center study. K-line is a decision-making tool to determine the appropriate surgical procedures for patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL). Laminoplasty (LAMP) is one of the standard surgical procedures indicated on the basis of K-line measurements (+: OPLL does not cross the K-line). We investigated the impact of K-line tilt, a radiographic parameter of cervical sagittal balance measured using the K-line, on surgical outcomes after LAMP. The study included 62 consecutive patients with K-line (+) C-OPLL who underwent LAMP. The following preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements were evaluated: (1) the K-line, (2) K-line tilt (an angle between the K-line and vertical line), (3) center of gravity of the head-C7 sagittal vertical axis, (4) C2-C7 lordotic angle, (5) C7 slope, and (6) C2-C7 range of motion. Clinical results were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system for cervical myelopathy (C-JOA score). All the patients had non-kyphotic cervical alignment (CL ≥ 0°) preoperatively; however, kyphotic deformity (CL < 0°) was observed in 6 patients (9.7%) postoperatively. The recovery rate of the C-JOA scores was poor in the kyphotic deformity (+) group (7.8%) than in the kyphotic deformity (-) group (47.5%). The K-line tilt was identified to be a preoperative risk factor in the multivariate analysis, and the cutoff K-line tilt for predicting the postoperative kyphotic deformity was 20°. LAMP is not suitable for K-line (+) C-OPLL patients with K-line tilts >20°.

The Small Incision Fenestration for Lumbar Disc Herniation Complicated with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The paper aims to assess clinical effect of small incision fenestration for lumbar disc herniation complicated with lumbar spinal stenosis and provide more adequate scientific guiding basis for clinical treatment. In this paper, clinical data of 1200 lumbar disc herniation patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who were hospitalized during June 2014 and June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Depending on their different treatment options, the patients were divided into two groups: 550 cases of control group patients underwent conventional surgery, 650 cases of observation group patients received small incision fenestration. The two groups of patient’s operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were recorded in detail. Clinical results of the two groups of surgical treatment were evaluated and compared with visual analog scale pain grade score and lower back pain Japanese orthopaedic association scoring system. The treatment results showed that operation time, postoperative hospital stay and intraoperative blood loss of observation group were significantly less than those of control group. Comparison between groups, p<0.05, statistically significant; visual analog scale score and Japanese orthopaedic association score result showed significant superiority of observation group therapy compared to control group. Statistical difference of p<0.05 is statistically significant. It can thus be known that small incision fenestration enjoys significant clinical effect for lumbar disc herniation complicated with lumbar spinal stenosis is with important clinical promotion value.

Evaluation of posterior decompressive lumbar surgery for multilevel lumbar spinal canal stenosis with and without fusion

BackgroundThere is no consensus regarding the best treatment of patients with multilevel lumbar stenosis. Surgical and invasive procedures are widely used in adults with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis when conservative treatments fail. However, little is known about the comparative efficacy and safety of these interventions.Aim and objectiveThe aim was to study and evaluate the outcome of surgery for degenerative lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) on a clinical, radiological, and functional basis and to identify whether spinal decompression with fusion has a better effect than decompression alone for patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis or not.Patients and methodsA prospective study of 50 patients was carried out at the Department of Neurosurgery, Matarya Teaching Hospital, in whom the lumbar canal stenosis was confirmed. The functional assessment preoperatively and postoperatively was calculated according to the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score.ResultsSuccessful outcomes were significantly associated with posterior decompression and fusion. Clinical outcome assessed according to the JOA score was excellent or good in 68% of the patients who underwent posterior decompression alone and in 84% of patients who underwent posterior decompression with posterolateral fusion.ConclusionSurgical treatment of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis with posterior decompression and spinal fusion yields excellent results as observed on the basis of JOA scoring system.

Predictive Risk Factors of Poor Preliminary Postoperative Outcome for Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to ascertain the independent risk factors of poor preliminary outcome and to reveal the value of these factors in predicting the postoperative prognosis.MethodsA total of 165 patients diagnosed with thoracic myelopathy because of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) were enrolled in this retrospective study. All of them underwent posterior decompressive laminectomy surgery in our hospital from May 2016 to June 2019. The postoperative improvement of symptoms was evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system. Clinical data, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), duration of symptoms, history of hypertension and diabetes, tobacco use, history of drinking, symptoms of incontinence, number of compressed segments, and preoperative mJOA score, were respectively recorded. Radiologic features data included sagittal maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC), axial spinal canal occupation ratio (SCOR), grades and extension of increased signal on sagittal T2‐weighted images (ISST2I), types of increased signal on axial T2‐weighted images (ISAT2I), and the classification of ossification on axial CT scan and sagittal MRI. The t‐test, the χ2‐test, Fisher's exact test, binary logistic regression analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and subgroup analyses were used to evaluate the effects of individual risk predictors on surgical outcomes.ResultsA total of 76 men and 89 women were enrolled in this study. The mean age of all patients was 58.53 years. After comparison between two groups, we found some risk factors that may be associated with postoperative outcomes, such as age, preoperative mJOA score, BMI, history of hypertension, MSCC, SCOR, grade and extension of ISST2I, type of ISAT2I, axial type of ossification, and sagittal type of ossification (P < 0.05, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.062, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.006–1.121, P = 0.030), number of compressed segments (OR = 1.916, 95% CI = 1.250–2.937, P = 0.003), bilateral and bridged types of ossification (OR = 4 314, 95% CI = 1.454–8.657, P = 0.019; OR = 6.630, 95% CI = 2.580–17.530, P = 0.004), and grade 1 and 2 ISST2I (OR = 8.986, 95% CI =3.056–20.294, P < 0.001; OR = 7.552, 95% CI = 3.529–16.004, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for a poor preliminary postoperative outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that the grade of ISST2I had an excellent discriminative power (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.817). In addition, risk factors have different values for predicting the clinical outcome in each subgroup.ConclusionAge, duration of symptoms, number of compressed segments, SCOR, grade, and extension of ISST2I and classification of ossification were associated with the preliminary prognosis, and the intramedullary increased signal on sagittal T2‐weighted MRI was highly predictive of poor postoperative outcome.

Exclusion of Ossified Ligaments Behind C2 Vertebra Combined with Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion for Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Extending to C2 Segment

We sought to introduce an anterior surgical technique for cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) extending to C2. A total of 29 patients with multilevel OPLL extending to C2 underwent surgery from January 2016 to January 2019. The rationale of our surgical technique is to transect the ossified ligament at the level of C2/3, dividing OPLL into 2 parts. OPLL behind the C2 vertebra is reserved as "focus exclusion," and OPLL below C2 is performed anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion. Neurologic condition was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system and its improvement ratio. Radiologic assessment included type and extent of OPLL, occupying rate, thickness and length of ossified mass, and curvature of spinal cord. Surgery- and implant-related complications were recorded. The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from 9.4 to 15.8 points at last follow-up, with a significant improvement (P < 0.01). The mean preoperative length of the ossified mass behind C2 was 15.4 mm, and its thickness was 2.2 mm, with no significant progression at last follow-up (15.3 mm and 2.2 mm, P > 0.05). There was also no statistical difference in OPLL thickness at the largest occupying rate level between preoperation and last follow-up (7.4 mm vs. 7.3 mm, P > 0.05). Four patients presented with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 with screw displacement, and 1 with dysphagia. For patients with cervical OPLL extending to C2, exclusion of ossified ligaments behind C2 combined with anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion below C2 is an effective and alternative technique.

Postoperative Resolution of MR T2 Increased Signal Intensity in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: The Impact of Signal Change Resolution on the Outcomes.

A prospective comparative imaging study. This study investigated whether postoperative resolution of spinal cord increased signal intensity (ISI) reflected symptom improvement and surgical outcomes in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients. Although some CSM patients exhibit magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ISI, its alteration and resolution have not been investigated. The association between postoperative ISI resolution and surgical outcomes in CSM patients remains controversial. A total of 505 consecutive CSM patients (311 males; 194 females) aged a mean of 66.6 years (range, 41-91) were enrolled. All were treated with laminoplasty and underwent MRI scans preoperatively and after an average of 26.5 months postoperatively (range 12-66 months). ISI was classified pre- and postoperatively based on sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance images into Grade 0, none; Grade 1, light (obscure); and Grade 2, intense (bright). The patients' pre- and postoperative neurological statuses were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system for cervical myelopathy [Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score] and other quantifiable tests, including the 10-s grip and release (10-s G&R) test and 10-s step test. A total of 337 patients showed preoperative ISI. Among these, 42 (12.5%) showed postoperative ISI resolution, associated with better postoperative JOA score and recovery rate, 10-s G&R and 10-s step test scores than those who retained it. Patients with preoperative Grade 2 ISI had no postoperative ISI resolution. Patients with ISI improvement from Grade 1 to Grade 0 had better outcomes than those with ISI worsening from Grade 1 to Grade 2. Postoperative ISI resolution in CSM patients reflects postoperative symptoms and surgical outcomes. Patients who exhibit ISI resolution have better clinical outcomes. 3.

MRI evidence of brain atrophy, white matter damage, and functional adaptive changes in patients with cervical spondylosis and prolonged spinal cord compression.

To investigate the effect of cervical spondylosis (CS) in the brain with a combination of advanced neuroimaging techniques. Twenty-seven patients with CS and 24 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were studied. Disease severity was quantified using the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scoring System (mJOHA). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain and spinal cord, functional MR imaging (fMRI) with a bilateral rest/finger-tapping paradigm, brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and MR spectroscopy of the sensorimotor cortex were performed. A total of 92.3% of patients had more than one herniated disc. In the MRI, 33.33% presented signs of myelopathy. The mJOHA score was 13.03 ± 2.83. Compared with controls, DTI results showed significant lower FA values in Corpus callosum, both corticospinal tracts and middle cerebellar peduncles (p < 0.05 corrected). Only in CS patients fMRI results showed activation in both globus pallidi, caudate nucleus, and left thalamus (p < 0.001). Subject-specific activation of the BOLD signal showed in CS patients lower activation in the sensorimotor cortex and increased activation in both cerebellum hemispheres (p < 0.05 corrected). VBM showed bilateral clusters of gray matter loss in the sensorimotor cortex and pulvinar nucleus (p < 0.05 corrected) of CS patients. NAA/Cr was reduced in the sensorimotor cortex of CS patients (p < 0.05). Linear discriminant and support vector machine analyses were able to classify > 97% of CS patients with parameters obtained from the fMRI, DTI, and MRS results. CS may lead to distal brain damage affecting the white and gray matter of the sensorimotor cortex causing brain atrophy and functional adaptive changes. • This study suggests that patients with cervical spondylosis may present anatomical and functional adaptive changes in the brain. • Cervical spondylosis may lead to white matter damage, gray matter volume loss, and functional adaptive changes in the sensorimotor cortex. • The results reported in this work may be of value to better understand the effect of prolonged cervical spine compression in the brain.