Severity Of Myelopathy Research Articles

The Severity of Myelopathy as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicator in the Treatment of Patients with Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis is accompanied by dysfunction of the spinal cord, leading to numerous complications and disability of patients. These issues are well known to radiologists, vertebrologists, and neurosurgeons, however, not all of multiple diagnostic problems and issues of surgical treatment can be considered resolved.Purpose of the study. Justification of the possibilities and necessity of qualitative and quantitative MRI study of the severity of myelopathy in cervical spinal stenosis.Materials and methods. The results of an MRI examination of 82 patients with cervical spinal stenosis due to degenerative processes were carried out with the use of osteoplastic bilateral laminoplasty technique with simultaneous foraminotomy under neurophysiological control. The examination was conducted before and after the treatment. The study was carried out using standard programs, such as T2 haste localizer, t2_tse_cor_p2, t2_tse_sag_p2, t1_tse_sag_p2.Results. The focus of myelopathy was detected by MRI in 74.4 % of cases, which confirmed the severity of the pathology. 28 out of 60 patients with myelopathy displayed a clearly defined «snakeeyes» sign, also knows as «owl-eyes» or «fried-eggs» appearance. In some patients, one zone was identified in the form of a rounded focus of increased signal intensity on the axial section.The average value of the signal intensity coefficient in patients before treatment was 1.89 ± 0.31, after treatment — 1.63 ± 0.21. Significant differences in MRI before and after treatment occurred in 45 % of patients.Conclusion. The results of the work showed that quantitative assessment of the signal intensity from the spinal cord in stenosis can be used to assess the severity of myelopathy and compare data before and after treatment. In order to identify the source of the most intense signal more accurately and increase the overall measurement accuracy, it is advisable to carry out color mapping of images.

Tract-specific magnetization transfer ratio provides insights into the severity of degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Cross-sectional study. This study's goal is to report whether Magnetization Transfer Ratio (MTR) can evaluate the severity of white matter (WM) injury in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Laureate Institute of Brain Research, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA. 27 DCM patients were aged-matched with 20 healthy controls (HC) and categorized into treatment groups based on modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) severity (11 mild and 16 moderate/severe). Regional and tract MTRs were extracted from the two vertebral levels containing maximum compression within magnetization transfer images. MTR differences between groups were assessed using a one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test. The association between MTR and mJOA measures was evaluated using Spearman's correlation. Significant decreases in MTR were found between HC and moderate/severe groups in the overall (p = 0.0065) and ventral (p = 0.0009) WM regions; and ventral corticospinal (p = 0.0101), ventral reticulospinal (p = 0.0084), spinal lemniscus (p = 0.0079), and fasciculus cuneatus (p = 0.0219) tracts. The spinal lemniscus MTR also significantly decreased between HC and mild groups (p = 0.038). Ventral reticulospinal tract MTR correlated with upper (r = 0.439; p = 0.022) and lower (r = 0.386; p = 0.047) limb motor mJOA scores. Significant tract-based MTR changes and correlations align with known DCM symptoms, are demonstrated to be lost at the regional level, and display the inhomogeneous compressive damage occurring within DCM spinal cords.

Neuromonitoring Signal Changes in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Analysis of Risk Factors for Signal Drops During Posterior Cervical Decompression

To analyze intraoperative neuromonitoring data of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy undergoing cervical laminectomy and assess the incidence of signal drops and their risk factors. This retrospective observational study included patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy who underwent cervical laminectomy with intraoperative neuromonitoring between July 2018 and March 2023. We analyzed the signal changes for any correlation with the type of pathology (ossified posterior longitudinal ligament vs. cervical spondylotic myelopathy [CSM]) and clinical (severity of myelopathy, duration of symptoms) and radiological (length of cord signal changes and K-line) parameters. Of 100 degenerative cervical myelopathy cases, 55 were diagnosed as OPLL and 45 as CSM. Signal drops were recorded in 26 patients-14 persistent drops and 12 transient drops. True positive drops were seen in 4 patients (2 OPLL and 2 CSM), 3 of whom had sustained bimodal drops (both somatosensory evoked potentials and motor evoked potentials). Signal drops were significantly more frequent with OPLL compared with CSM (P < 0.01). Ten of 14 persistent signal drops and 9 of 12 transient drops were seen in patients in OPLL. Continuous OPLL, negative K-line, hill type OPLL, severity of myelopathy, and longer duration of symptoms were risk factors for signal drops. Patients with cervical OPLL have a higher incidence of false positive and transient signal drops after decompression compared with patients with CSM. Longer duration of symptoms, high-grade myelopathy, continuous OPLL, hill type OPLL, and negative K-line were risk factors for signal drops.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Diagnosing and Evaluating Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Systematic review. Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a common spinal cord disorder necessitating surgery. We aim to explore how effectively diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can distinguish DCM from healthy individuals and assess the relationship between DTI metrics and symptom severity. We included studies with adult DCM patients who had not undergone decompressive surgery and implemented correlation analyses between DTI parameters and severity, or compared healthy controls and DCM patients. 57 studies were included in our meta-analysis. At the maximal compression (MC) level, fractional anisotropy (FA) exhibited lower values in DCM patients, while apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were notably higher in the DCM group. Moreover, our investigation into the diagnostic utility of DTI parameters disclosed high sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for FA (.84, .80, .83 respectively) and ADC (.74, .84, .88 respectively). Additionally, we explored the correlation between DTI parameters and myelopathy severity, revealing a significant correlation of FA (.53, 95% CI:0.40 to .65) at MC level with JOA/mJOA scores. Current guidelines for DCM suggest decompressive surgery for both mild and severe cases. However, they lack clear recommendations on which mild DCM patients might benefit from conservative treatment vs immediate surgery. ADC's role here could be pivotal, potentially differentiating between healthy individuals and DCM. While it may not correlate with symptom severity, it might predict surgical outcomes, making it a valuable imaging biomarker for clearer management decisions in mild DCM.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF AUTONOMIC AND RESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENTS IN CERVICAL COMPRESSIVE MYELOPATHY

Background: Cervical myelopathies are progressive conditions caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord due to degenerative changes or other structural factors. While motor impairments are the predominant symptoms, disruption of autonomic and respiratory pathways in the spinal cord can lead to dysfunction in these systems as well. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the evidence on autonomic and pulmonary dysfunction occurring in patients with cervical compressive myelopathies. Methods: We systematically searched major electronic databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL for studies reporting on autonomic or pulmonary impairments in adults with degenerative cervical myelopathy, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, or other cervical compressive myelopathies. Screening, data extraction and quality assessments were conducted in duplicate. Findings were synthesized narratively. Results: 28 studies (n=1,642 patients) met eligibility criteria. Autonomic dysfunctions identified included abnormal heart rate variability parameters, altered sweating/temperature regulation, neurogenic bladder, and erectile dysfunction. The pooled prevalence of neurogenic bladder among 8 studies was 48% (95% CI 33-62%). For pulmonary dysfunction, diaphragmatic paralysis and respiratory failure requiring ventilator support was relatively uncommon (&lt;10%) but sleep disordered breathing and decreased respiratory muscle strength were more prevalent (20-50% range). Both autonomic and pulmonary impairments correlated with increased myelopathy severity, particularly among patients with lesions involving the lower cervical cord. Conclusions: Autonomic and pulmonary deficits occur in a substantial subset of patients with cervical myelopathies, frequently correlating with lesion severity. Screening and management of these non-motor impairments is important for optimizing functional status and quality of life. Additional high-quality research on the epidemiology, mechanisms, and clinical implications of these complications is needed.

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (CDA) versus Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) for Two-Level Cervical Disc Degenerative Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) are both considered to be efficacious surgical procedures for treating cervical spondylosis in patients with or without compression myelopathy. This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of these procedures for the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) at two contiguous levels. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched up to 1 May 2023. Studies comparing the outcomes between CDA and ACDF in patients with two-level cervical DDD were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes were surgical success rates and secondary surgery rates. Secondary outcomes were scores on the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for neck and arm pain, as well as the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for the severity of cervical compression myelopathy and complication rates. Results: In total, eight studies (two RCTs, four retrospective studies, and two prospective studies) with a total of 1155 patients (CDA: 598; ACDF: 557) were included. Pooled results revealed that CDA was associated with a significantly higher overall success rate (OR, 2.710, 95% CI: 1.949-3.770) and lower secondary surgery rate (OR, 0.254, 95% CI: 0.169-0.382) compared to ACDF. In addition, complication rates were significantly lower in the CDA group than in the ACDF group (OR, 0.548, 95% CI: 0.326 to 0.919). CDA was also associated with significantly greater improvements in neck pain VAS than ACDF. No significant differences were found in improvements in the arm VAS, NDI, and JOA scores between the two procedures. Conclusions: CDA may provide better postoperative outcomes for surgical success, secondary surgery, pain reduction, and postoperative complications than ACDF for treating patients with two-level cervical DDD.

Presence of Cerebrospinal Fluid on Preoperative Imaging and the Associated Cervical Myelopathy Diagnosis and Outcome.

Retrospective chart review. The objective of this study is to determine whether the presence of cerebrospinal fluid is associated with the severity of degenerative cervical myelopathy or postoperative outcomes. Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a clinical diagnosis characterized as neurologic dysfunction. Preoperative imaging is used to determine the source of cord compression. In clinical practice, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the cord is often used as an indicator to determine whether stenosis is relevant. It is unclear if the presence of CSF around the cord can serve as a metric for clinically relevant cord compression. Patients undergoing single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy were identified from our institution's surgical database. Pre- and postoperative patient-reported health outcomes visual analog scale for neck pain (VAS-NP) and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) were collected. The level of ACDF plus one level above and below were assessed for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid, as well as measuring the area of the spinal canal and spinal cord on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Two hundred forty-nine patients were included. Spearman correlation test comparing cord/canal ratios at the level of compression and preoperative mJOA shows a significant negative correlation (Rho = -0.206, P= 0.043). There was no significant correlation with postoperative change in mJOA scores (Rho = -0.002, P= 0.986). The presence of CSF around the cord was weakly correlated with the severity of myelopathy; however, it had no correlation with postoperative outcomes. The presence of CSF around the cord should not in isolation be used to rule in or rule out operative levels in cervical myelopathy.

Preoperative expectations of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy: an observational study from the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network

BACKGROUNDDespite an abundance of literature on degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), little is known about preoperative expectations of these patients. PURPOSEThe primary objective was to describe patient preoperative expectations. Secondary objectives included identifying patient characteristics associated with high preoperative expectations and to determine if expectations varied depending on myelopathy severity. STUDY DESIGNThis was a retrospective study of a prospective multicenter, observational cohort of patients with DCM. PATIENT SAMPLEPatients who consented to undergo surgical treatment between January 2019 and September 2022 were included. OUTCOMES MEASURESAn 11-domain expectation questionnaire was completed preoperatively whereby patients quantified the expected change in each domain. METHODSThe most important expected change was captured. A standardized expectation score was calculated as the sum of each expectation divided by the maximal possible score. The high expectation group was defined by patients who had an expectation score above the 75th percentile. Predictors of patients with high expectations were determined using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTSThere were 262 patients included. The most important patient expectation was preventing neurological worsening (40.8%) followed by improving balance when standing or walking (14.5%), improving independence in everyday activities (10.3%), and relieving arm tingling, burning and numbness (10%). Patients with mild myelopathy were more likely to select no worsening as the most important expected change compared to patients with severe myelopathy (p<.01). Predictors of high patient expectations were: having fewer comorbidities (OR -0.30 for every added comorbidity, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.10, p=.01), a shorter duration of symptoms (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.35–1.19, p=.02), no contribution from “failure of other treatments” on the decision to undergo surgery (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.56–2.71, p=.02) and more severe neck pain (OR 0.19 for 1 point increase, 95% CI 0.05–0.37, p=.01). CONCLUSIONSMost patients undergoing surgery for DCM expect prevention of neurological decline, better functional status, and improvement in their myelopathic symptoms. Stopping neurological deterioration is the most important expected outcomes by patients.

471 Using the QOD to Identify Minimum Clinically Important Differences for Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

INTRODUCTION: Minimum clinically important differences (MCID) for quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and arm pain patient-reported outcome metrics (PROMs) in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) have yet to be determined, while data for myelopathy severity, impairment, and neck pain remain limited by small series and low rates of follow-up. METHODS: The CSM database of the QOD Study Group was utilized for this analysis. Patients were prospectively enrolled and followed for 24 months, with a follow-up rate of 85.2%. The MCIDs were computed for five standardized instruments: Neck Disability Index (NDI), five-dimension Euro-QoL (EQ-5D) in QALYs, neck and arm pain numeric rating scale (NRS), and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA) at both 3 and 24-month follow-up. Seven previously validated measures of MCID were compared using the area-under-the-curve (AUC). The North American Spine Society (NASS) satisfaction scale was the anchor, with scores of 1-2 meeting criteria for satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 1,141 patients underwent surgery for CSM. Improvement of =30% from baseline was the optimal MCID across time points for NDI and neck/arm NRS. At 24 months, 30% improvement for these three instruments resulted in AUCs of 0.73, 0.71, and 0.67, respectively. Numeric cut-offs (0.065 at 3 months and 0.149 at 24 months) were the superior MCIDs for EQ-5D-derived QALYs. For mJOA, a severity-adjusted MCID outperformed the other methods, yielding an AUC of 0.67 at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: We used the QOD dataset to define previously unknown MCIDs for several outcome measures. A =30% improvement from baseline was a consistent, high-performing MCID in NDI and arm/neck NRS. However, an absolute numeric cut-off (0.149) was the superior MCID for EQ-5D QALYs. mJOA exhibited the lowest predictive capacity for patient satisfaction.

Feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging in cervical spondylotic myelopathy using MUSE sequence

The most frequent type of spinal cord injury is cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Conventional structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold diagnosis standard for CSM. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) could reflect microstructural changes in the spinal cord by tracing water molecular diffusion in early stages of CSM. However, due to the complex local anatomical structure and small field of view of the spinal cord, the imaging effect of traditional DTI imaging on the spinal cord is limited. MUSE (MUltiplexed Sensitivity-Encoding) -DTI is a novel diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence that achieves higher signal intensity through multiple excitation acquisition. MUSE sequence may improve the quality of spinal cord DTI imaging. Prospective study. This study aimed to investigate the clinical diagnosis value of a novel protocol of MUSE-DTI in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). From August 2021 to March 2022, a total of 60 subjects (22-71 years) were enrolled, including 51 CSM patients (22 males, 29 females) and 9 healthy subjects (4 males and 5 females). Each subject underwent a MUSE-DTI examination and a clinical Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale. We measured values of FA (Fractional Anisotropy), MD (Mean Diffusivity), AD (Axial Diffusivity), and RD (Radial Diffusivity), and collected the clinical JOA scores of each subject before the MR examination. A 3.0T MR scanner (Signa Architect, GE Healthcare) performed the MUSE-DTI sequence on each subject. The cervical canal stenosis of subjects was classified from grade 0 to grade Ⅲ according to the method of an MRI grading system. FA, MD, AD, and RD maps were generated by postprocessing MUSE-DTI data on the GE workstation. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn at the C2 vertebral body level and C2/3-C6/7 intervertebral disc levels by covering the whole spinal cord. The clinical severity of myelopathy of subjects was assessed by the clinical Japanese Orthopedic Association scale (JOA). MUSE-DTI can acquire a high-resolution diffusion image compared to traditional DTI. The FAMCL values showed a decreasing trend from grade 0 to grade Ⅲ, while the MDMCL, ADMCL, and RDMCL values showed an overall increasing trend. Significant differences in MDMCL, ADMCL, and RDMCL values were found between adjacent groups among grades Ⅰ-Ⅲ (p<.05). The ADC2 values in CSM patients (grade I-Ⅲ) were significantly lower than in healthy individuals (grade 0) (p=.019). The clinical JOA score has a significant correlation with FAMCL (p=.035), MDMCL (p<.001), ADMCL (p<.001), and RDMCL (p<.001) values. MUSE-DTI displayed a better image quality compared to traditional DTI. MUSE-DTI parameters displayed a grade-dependent trend. All the MUSE-DTI parameters at MCL were correlated with the clinical JOA scores. The ADC2 values can reflect the secondary damage of distal spinal cord. Therefore, MUSE-DTI could be a reliable biomarker for clinical auxiliary diagnosis of spinal cord injury severity in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Peripheral blood RNA biomarkers can predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202506000-00027/figure1/v/2024-08-05T133530Z/r/image-tiff Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a common cause of spinal cord injury, with longer symptom duration and higher myelopathy severity indicating a worse prognosis. While numerous studies have investigated serological biomarkers for acute spinal cord injury, few studies have explored such biomarkers for diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy. This study involved 30 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (51.3 ± 7.3 years old, 12 women and 18 men), seven healthy controls (25.7 ± 1.7 years old, one woman and six men), and nine patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (51.9 ± 8.6 years old, three women and six men). Analysis of blood samples from the three groups showed clear differences in transcriptomic characteristics. Enrichment analysis identified 128 differentially expressed genes that were enriched in patients with neurological disabilities. Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis, we constructed a five-gene model (TBCD, TPM2, PNKD, EIF4G2, and AP5Z1) to diagnose degenerative cervical myelopathy with an accuracy of 93.5%. One-gene models (TCAP and SDHA) identified mild and severe degenerative cervical myelopathy with accuracies of 83.3% and 76.7%, respectively. Signatures of two immune cell types (memory B cells and memory-activated CD4+ T cells) predicted levels of lesions in degenerative cervical myelopathy with 80% accuracy. Our results suggest that peripheral blood RNA biomarkers could be used to predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

The demographic, clinical, and management differences between traumatic dens fracture patients with and without simultaneous atlas fractures.

Atlas fractures often accompany traumatic dens fractures, but existing literature on the management of simultaneous atlantoaxial fractures is limited. We examined all patients with traumatic dens fractures at our institution between 2008 and 2018. We used multivariable logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with presentation with a simultaneous atlas fracture, as well myelopathy severity, fracture nonunion, and selection for surgery. Two hundred and eighty-two patients with traumatic dens fractures without subaxial fractures were identified, including 65 (22.8%) with simultaneous atlas fractures. The distribution of injury mechanisms differed between groups (χ2 P = 0.0360). On multivariable logistic regression, dens nonunion was positively associated with type II fractures (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, P = 0.038) and negatively associated with having surgery (OR = 0.52, P = 0.049), but not with having a C1 fracture (P = 0.3673). Worse myelopathy severity on presentation was associated with having a severe injury severity score (OR = 102.3, P < 0.001) and older age (OR = 1.28, P = 0.002), but not with having an atlas fracture (P = 0.2446). Having a simultaneous atlas fracture was associated with older age (OR = 1.29, P = 0.024) and dens fracture angulation (OR = 2.62, P = 0.004). Among patients who underwent surgery, C1/C2 posterior fusion was the most common procedure, and having a simultaneous atlas fracture was associated with selection for occipitocervical fusion (OCF) (OR = 14.35, P = 0.010). Among patients with traumatic dens, patients who have simultaneous atlas fractures are a distinct subpopulation with respect to age, mechanism of injury, fracture morphology, and management. Traumatic dens fractures with simultaneous atlas fractures are independently associated with selection for OCF rather than posterior cervical fusion alone.

Development of the cervical myelopathy severity index: a new patient reported outcome measure to quantify impairments and functional limitations

Background ContextExisting degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) severity scales have significant shortcomings, creating a strong impetus for the development of a practical measurement tool with sound psychometric properties. PurposeThis work reports the item generation and reduction of the Cervical Myelopathy Severity Index (CMSI), a new DCM patient-reported outcome measure of symptoms and functional limitations. DesignProspective observational study. Patient SampleAdult DCM patients belonging to one of three distinct treatment groups: (1) observation cohort, (2) preoperative surgical cohort, (3) 6 to 12 months postoperative cohort. Outcome MeasuresPatient-reported outcome measure of symptoms and functional limitations. MethodsItem generation was performed using semi-structured patient focus groups emphasizing symptoms experienced and functional limitations. Readability was assessed through think-aloud patient interviews. Item reduction involved surveys of DCM patients with a spectrum of disease severity and board-certified spine surgeons experienced in the treatment of DCM. A priori criteria for item removal included: patient median importance/severity <2 (of 4), 30% or more no severity (response of zero), item severity correlations ≤ 0.80 (Spearman), item severity reliability (weighted kappa <0.60) based on a 2-week interval and clinician median importance <2 with retention of items with very high clinical importance. ResultsThere were 42 items generated from a combination of specialist input and patient focus groups. Items captured sensorimotor symptoms and limitations related to upper and lower extremities as well as sphincter dysfunction. Ninety-eight patients (43, 30, 25 observation, pre- and postsurgery respectively) and 51 surgeons completed the assessment. Twenty-three items remained after application of median importance and severity thresholds and weighted kappa cutoffs. After elimination of highly correlated (>0.80) items and combining two similar items, the final CMSI questionnaire list included 14 items. ConclusionsThe CMSI is a new DCM patient-reported clinical measurement tool developed using patient and clinician input to inform item generation and reduction. Future work will evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CMSI in relation to existing myelopathy measurement indices.

Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging in evaluation of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BackgroundRadiological diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy should be made as early as possible to obtain favourable clinical outcomes when compared with later stages. Diffusion tensor imaging can reveal early structural changes of the cord in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy.AimThis study aimed to assess the role of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging in the accurate evaluation of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Patients and methodsThis prospective study included a group of 60 patients with neurological symptoms suggestive for cervical spondylotic myelopathy and a control group of 30 healthy subjects. The clinical severity of compressive myelopathy was assessed based on the European myelopathy score. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and tractography were done for all patients and controls.ResultsFractional anisotropy values at the most compressed segments of spinal cord are lower while apparent diffusion coefficient values of the same segments are higher than healthy segments in controls. Fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient parameters had higher sensitivity (97.0% and 88.1%, respectively) than conventional T2 WIs (13.4%) and fibre tractography (10%) for the detection of early compressive myelopathy with cutoff values ≤ 0.56 and > 1.23, respectively, in differentiating between patients and control groups.ConclusionDiffusion tensor imaging indices are valuable tools for quantitative assessment of degenerative cervical spondylotic myelopathy in addition to routine cervical spine magnetic resonance.

Prevalence of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Among Patients with Cervical Spondylosis

Purpose: To calculate the prevalence of cervical spondylotic myelopathy among patients with cervical spondylosis.&#x0D; Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted in district Gujrat and Gujranwala on patients with cervical spondylosis in order to evaluate the prevalence of cervical spondylotic myelopathy among them. Data (n=186) was collected through non-probability convenient sampling using a Japanese orthopedic association cervical myelopathy evaluation questionnaire with the reliability of 0.89–0.96 by making a personal visit to different clinics and hospitals in Gujrat.&#x0D; Findings: The prevalence of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in patients with cervical spondylosis was 62.37%. The prevalence among different age group varied with the highest prevalence among age group 61-65 years old (30.2%). Moreover, it was higher in males than in females (52.6% vs 47.4%). The study also observed significant association between age and prevalence of cervical spondylotic myelopathy as they have p-value (0.000). This study concluded that the prevalence of cervical spondylotic myelopathy is high in cervical spondylosis patients. It appears that advance age may be the factor responsible for cervical spondylotic myelopathy, as cervical spondylosis is more prevalent in older individuals.&#x0D; Recommendations: There is a need to investigate the impact of lifestyle factors such as physical activity and posture on the frequency and severity of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Both clinical assessment and imaging techniques should be considered to accurately diagnose and evaluate the severity of CSM. To explore potential correlation between the duration and progression of cervical spondylosis and development of CSM further studies should be conducted.

Diagnostic and prognostic significance of preoperative evoked potential tests in degenerative cervical myelopathy

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDecompression surgery is a treatment option for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Surgical decisions primarily depend on clinical symptoms and radiological examinations. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of evoked potential tests for surgical outcomes in patients with DCM has not been thoroughly examined. PURPOSETo identify the diagnostic and prognostic significance of preoperative evoked potential tests in patients with DCM who underwent decompression surgery. STUDY DESIGNThis was a retrospective observational study. PATIENT SAMPLEOne hundred two consecutive patients who underwent evoked potential tests and surgical treatment between January 2016 and December 2020 in a single spine center and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months. OUTCOME MEASURESJapanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores obtained preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. METHODSThis study evaluated the preoperative central motor conduction time (CMCT), somatosensory evoked potentials, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores obtained preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. RESULTSAbnormal CMCT findings were observed in 94 patients (92.2%). Abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials were observed in 77 patients (75.5%). There was a statistically significant correlation between preoperative JOA score and abductor pollicis brevis (APB)-CMCT (r=−0.546, p=.001), tibialis anterior (TA)-CMCT (r=−0.517, p<.001), median nerve (MN)-SSEP (r=−0.353, p=.001), and tibial nerve (TN)-SSEP (r=−0.349, p=.003). There were significant differences in recovery rates associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), preoperative severity of myelopathy, TA-CMCT, MN-SSEP, and TN-SSEP. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the major factors affecting the clinical outcomes were TN-SSEP (β=0.327, p=.004), preoperative JOA score (β=0.278, p=.012), and DM (β=0.241, p=.025). CONCLUSIONSEvoked potential testing is a functional diagnostic tool that can indicate the severity of myelopathic symptoms in patients with DCM. Additionally, preoperative TN-SSEP may have significant prognostic value in predicting postoperative clinical outcomes. Thus, preoperative evoked potential tests could be helpful for determining suitable surgical treatment candidates and forecasting postoperative prognosis.

Assessment of Cervical Myelopathy Risk in Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Patients With Spinal Cord Compression Based on Segmental Dynamic Versus Static Factors.

Using segmental dynamic and static factors, we aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis and relationship between ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and the severity of cervical myelopathy. Retrospective analysis of 163 OPLL patients' 815 segments. Imaging was used to evaluate each segmental space available for the spinal cord (SAC), OPLL diameter, type, bone space, K-line, the C2-7 Cobb angle, each segmental range of motion (ROM), and total ROM. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate spinal cord signal intensity. Patients were divided into the myelopathy group (M group) and the without myelopathy group (WM group). Minimal SAC (p = 0.043), (C2-7) Cobb angle (p = 0.004), total ROM (p = 0.013), and local ROM (p = 0.022) were evaluated as an independent predictor of myelopathy in OPLL. Different from the previous report, the M group had a straighter whole cervical spine (p < 0.001) and poorer cervical mobility (p < 0.001) compared to the WM group. Total ROM was not always a risk factor for myelopathy, as its impact depended on SAC, when SAC > 5 mm, the incidence rate of myelopathy decreased with the increase of total ROM. Lower cervical spine (C5-6, C6-7) showing increased "Bridge-Formation," along with spinal canal stenosis and segmental instability (C2-3, C3-4) in the upper cervical spine, could cause myelopathy in M group (p < 0.05). Cervical myelopathy is linked to the OPLL's narrowest segment and its segmental motion. The hypermobility of the C2-3 and C3-4, contributes significantly to the development of myelopathy in OPLL.

The Impact of Multidisciplinary Approaches to Social Functioning on Surgical Outcomes After Surgery for Cervical Myelopathy.

Prospective cohort study. To identify the effects of multidisciplinary approaches (MAs) to improve social functioning (SF) on 1-year surgical outcomes in patients with cervical myelopathy. Despite significant improvement in cervical myelopathy, a patient's quality of life (QOL) sometimes does not improve postoperatively. A previous study revealed that SF, rather than myelopathy severity, correlated with QOL improvement after decompression surgery for cervical myelopathy. This study compared two prospective cohorts in Japan. Patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy from 2018 to 2020 were enrolled in the control cohort. Patients who underwent the same surgery with the same indications between 2020 and 2021 were enrolled in the MA cohort. Patients in the control cohort were treated with a standard care protocol, and those in the MA cohort were treated with a multidisciplinary protocol that focused on SF improvement. The changes in the total Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and in the domains of the JOA scores (upper limb function, lower limb function, upper limb sensory, and lower limb sensory) from preoperatively to 1 year postoperatively were compared between the control and MA cohorts using a mixed-effect model. The control and MA cohorts comprised 140 and 31 patients, respectively. The improvement in the JOA score was significantly better in the MA cohort than in the control cohort ( P = 0.040). In analyses of each JOA score domain, the improvement of upper limb function was significantly better in the MA cohort than in the control cohort ( P = 0.033). Similarly, the MA cohort demonstrated significantly higher patient-reported outcomes for upper extremity function than the control cohort ( P < 0.001). In addition, the self-care domain of QOL score at 1 year postoperatively was significantly higher in the MA cohort than in the control cohort ( P = 0.047). MAs to improve/rebuild a patient's SF were effective in improving cervical myelopathy and the self-care domain of QOL. This study is the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of postoperative MAs in patients with cervical myelopathy. Level 3.

Surgery Decreases Nonunion, Myelopathy, and Mortality for Patients With Traumatic Odontoid Fractures: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Existing literature suggests that surgical intervention for odontoid fractures is beneficial but often does not control for known confounding factors. To examine the effect of surgical fixation on myelopathy, fracture nonunion, and mortality after traumatic odontoid fractures. We analyzed all traumatic odontoid fractures managed at our institution between 2010 and 2020. Ordinal multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with myelopathy severity at follow-up. Propensity score analysis was used to test the treatment effect of surgery on nonunion and mortality. Three hundred and three patients with traumatic odontoid fracture were identified, of whom 21.6% underwent surgical stabilization. After propensity score matching, populations were well balanced across all analyses (Rubin's B < 25.0, 0.5 < Rubin's R < 2.0). Controlling for age and fracture angulation, type, comminution, and displacement, the overall rate of nonunion was lower in the surgical group (39.7% vs 57.3%, average treatment effect [ATE] = -0.153 [-0.279, -0.028], P = .017). Controlling for age, sex, Nurick score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Injury Severity Score, and selection for intensive care unit admission, the mortality rate was lower for the surgical group at 30 days (1.7% vs 13.8%, ATE = -0.101 [-0.172, -0.030], P = .005) and at 1 year was 7.0% vs 23.7%, ATE = -0.099 [-0.181, -0.017], P = .018. Cox proportional hazards analysis also demonstrated a mortality benefit for surgery (hazard ratio = 0.587 [0.426, 0.799], P = .0009). Patients who underwent surgery were less likely to have worse myelopathy scores at follow-up (odds ratio = 0.48 [0.25, 0.93], P = .029). Surgical stabilization is associated with better myelopathy scores at follow-up and causes lower rates of fracture nonunion, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality.

A Comparison Between Somatosensory Evoked Potentials and Spine MRI in the Diagnosis of Non-compressive Myelopathy: Which Is More Accurate?

Non-compressive myelopathy is a neurological disorder due to pathological processes affecting the spinal cord in the absence of clinical and radiological evidence of spinal cord compression. Two commonly used diagnostic tools for non-compressive myelopathy are somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SSEPs are a neurophysiological tool used to assess the functional integrity of the spinal cord. MRI, on the other hand, is the mainstay imaging modality used for identifying compressive lesions and other structural abnormalities in the spinal cord.The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of SSEPs versus spine MRI in the diagnosis and assessment of the severity of non-compressive myelopathy using the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) clinical severity score. Our study included 63 subjects. Whole spine MRI and SSEPs (median and tibial SSEP bilaterally) were done for all subjects; their results were compared according to their relation to the mJOAscore and classified into mild, moderate, and severe. The control group was examined to establish normative data for SSEPresults and compared with cases. Blood investigations such as complete blood count, thyroid function test, A1C, HIVtests, venereal disease research laboratory test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and antinuclear antibodytests were done. Blood tests for vitamin B12 levels were done for patients who were suspected of sub-acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was done for patients suspected of multiple sclerosis (MS), acute transverse myelitis (ATM), or other inflammatory/infectious diseases. CSF was analyzed for cell count, cytology, protein, and oligoclonal bands (if indicated). No mild categories were registered in this study; 30%of patients were moderateand 70%were severe. Causes for non-compressive myelopathy in this study werehereditary degenerative ataxias in 12 (38.71%), ATM in 8 (25.81%), and MS in 5 (16.13%); other causes included vitamin B12 deficiency in 2 (6.45%), ischemia in 2 (6.45%), and an unknown cause in 2 (6.45%). SSEPs showed abnormal results in all patients (31; 100%) whereas MRI showed abnormality in only seven patients (22.6%). SSEPsensitivity for detecting severe cases was around 63.6% while that for MRI was 27.3%. The study concluded that SSEPs were more reliable for the detection of non-compressive myelopathies rather than MRI and correlated better with clinical severity. Performing SSEPs is recommended for all patients with non-compressive myelopathy, especially those with negative imaging.