Intraspinal Clear Cell Meningioma -A Case Report-

Meningioma is one of the most common tumors of the spinal canal. Spinal meningiomas are usually found in the thoracic spine and intradural extramedullary space. Intraspinal clear cell meningiomas are a rare histological variant. Fewer than 20 intraspinal cases have been reported in the literature and only two cases have been reported in the Korean literature, but there is no report available in the Korean orthopedic literature. We report here on a case of an intraspinal clear cell meningioma that was found in the thoracic region and it was completely resected. The nonspecific MR imaging characteristics make the diagnosis of this tumor difficult. Histological examination must be used to differentiate clear cell meningiomas from other tumors. Clear cell meningioma represents an aggressive variant of meningiomas, and surgical reatment and adjuvant radiotherapy are though to be essential. Further more, long term follow-up observation will be needed for detecting recurrence of clear cell meningioma.ope

Subsequent Vertebral Compression Fracture after Balloon Kyphoplasty in Osteoporotic Patients

Background: Osteoporosis is very important social health problem and osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is life-threatening disease in the advanced age. Until now it has been treated conservatively. Now conservative treatment were replaced by percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures, especially balloon kyphoplasty. But many physicians wonder the mechanical adverse effect of cement in vertebral body on the adjacent vertebra. The purpose of this study is to know the fracture pattern and the frequency of adjacent vertebra after balloon kyphoplasty. Methods: We performed the retrospective study about 120 vertebrae in 96 patients. Mean time interval between the onset of symptom and the date of procedure was 29.6 days (range, 1~365 days). Mean follow up period after balloon kyphoplasty was 12 months (range, 6~25 months). Radiographic examination was performed every 2 month after procedure for evaluation of additional vertebral fracture. Results: All of the patients experienced pain relief following the procedure (average improvement in VAS=7, p<0.01). Incidence of new vertebral compression fracture was 10% (10 new VCF in 96 patients). Among them there were only 5 adjacent fractures (5%). When we analyzed the cases, all adjacent fractures except one were located cephalad direction of previous fracture and fractured within 2 month after procedure. Adjacent fractures were occurred in the group which end plates were not completely reduced after kyphoplasty. Conclusion: The additional fracture incidence of adjacent body after kyphoplasty is not higher than the incidence of natural osteoporotic fracture.ope

Cervical Foraminal and Discal Height after Dynamic Rotational Plating in the Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the dynamic rotational plate to the intervertebral foraminal and discal height after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There is no report regarding the changes of foraminal and discal height following cervical dynamic rotational plating. METHODS: We reviewed the outcomes of 30 patients (36 levels), who were followed-up for an average of 15 months (range, 12-57 months) after undergoing fusions with anterior cervical dynamic rotational plating for cervical radiculopathy, from March 2005 to February 2009. The changes of foraminal and intervertebral discal height of the operated levels were observed on oblique and lateral radiographs obtained at the preoperative, postoperative and follow-up examinations. RESULTS: The foraminal and discal height increased sufficiently, immediately following the operation. However, follow-up results showed gradual decrease in the foraminal and discal height. After 6 months of the surgery, they showed little difference compared with the preoperative heights. However, clinically, patients showed improvements in radiating pain during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior cervical dynamic rotational plating was an effective treatment modality for cervical radiculopathy without the deterioration of the foraminal and intervertebral discal height.ope

Should We Recommend Ultrasonography for an Incidental Thyroid Nodule on Additional Cervicothoracic Sagittal T2-Weighted Image of Lumbar Spine MRI?

Purpose: To determine whether we should recommend ultrasonography (US) for an incidental thyroid nodule identified by additional cervicothoracic sagittal T2-weighted image (C-T sag T2WI) of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 61 patients who underwent both lumbar spine MRI and thyroid US between December 2011 and April 2015 was conducted. For all US-found thyroid nodules > 1 cm, investigators evaluated whether there was any correlation between thyroid nodule detectability by C-T sag T2WI and US features such as echogenicity, composition, or suspicion of malignancy. Results: Solid hypoechoic (2/4; 50%) or mixed echoic nodules (4/8; 50%) appeared to be found relatively more easily by C-T sag T2WI than more benign-looking solid isoechoic (1/4; 25%) or spongiform nodules (0/6; 0%). Among six nodules with ultrasonographic suspicion for malignancy, only one nodule was detected by C-T sag T2WI. Conclusion: If an incidental thyroid nodule is seen by C-T sag T2WI, it would be better to recommend thyroid US for identifying malignancy.ope

Review of Literatures for Development of Clinical Trial Guideline for Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop guidelines for clinical trial of the total ankle replacement system for premarket approval. Materials and Methods: We selected and analyzed nine peer-reviewed articles whose quality had been proven in a previous phase. Two investigators extracted parameters for guideline criteria, including number of cases, patient age, follow-up period, failure rate, radiographic osteolysis rate, residual pain rate, and percentage of satisfaction. In addition, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed and developed. Results: Eight level IV studies and one level II study were included. The average number of cases was 159 cases and the mean patient age was 63.5 years. The mean follow-up period was 4.2 years, ranging from two to nine. The average failure rate of total ankle replacement in mid- to long-term follow-up was approximately 13% (2%∼32.3%). The rate of osteolysis was approximately 18%. Residual pain was common (21.4%∼46%), but overall patient satisfaction was approximately 85.6% (67.5%∼97%). Conclusion: The results could be used as criteria for designing the clinical studies, such as number of cases, patient age (over 60 years), and follow-up period (minimum two years). The clinical scoring system and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) was the most commonly used method for clinical evaluation for total ankle arthroplasty. In addition, the overall results, including failure rate, osteolysis rate, and patient satisfaction, could be used as a parameter of guidelines for premarket approval.ope

Analysis of the Factors Influencing on the Postoperative Results of Radial Head Fractures Combined with Elbow Dislocation

Purpose: Radial head fractures are the most common elbow fractures in adults, and are often accompanied with elbow dislocation resulting in various complications. This study examined the outcome of surgical treatment of a radial head fracture and its prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: From January 1997 to February 2004, a retrospective analysis was performed on 25 radial head fracture patients with an elbow dislocation, also including elbow fracture, whose follow-up data could be obtained for more than 12 months. The surgical results were evaluated according to the prognostic factors and the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, which assessed the elbow joint function and pain. Results: According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 5 cases, and poor in 4 cases. Cases with post-surgical elbow joint instability showed statistically meaningful poor outcomes. However, there were good in the groups without an accompanied fracture, with no open fracture, type Ⅱ and Ⅲ Mason classification, and fixation period 4 weeks or less. Correlation analysis revealed a younger age and shorter immobilization period to have better results, and the immobilization period showed the strongest correlations with the Mayo Elbow Performance index. Conclusion: In conclusion, younger age, less severe injury in the initial event and a shorter immobilization period are good prognostic factors in radial head fractures combined elbow dislocations.ope

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and its Relationship with Pain

BACKGROUND: Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) are at a great risk of a fall and fracture, which vitamin D protects against. Vitamin D deficiency is expected to be highly prevalent in LSS patient, and pain is thought to have a profound effect on vitamin D status by limiting activity and sunlight exposure. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-OHD] < 20ng/mL) and its relationship with pain. STUDY DESIGN: Nonblinded, cross-sectional clinical study. SETTING: University-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea. METHODS: Consecutive patients who visited the orthopedic outpatient clinic for chronic low back pain and leg pain and were diagnosed as LSS between May 2012 and October 2012 were included. Pain was categorized into 4 groups based on location and severity: 1) mild to moderate back or leg pain; 2) severe back pain; 3) severe leg pain; and 4) severe back and leg pain. Covariates for vitamin D deficiency included age, sex, body mass index, level of education, medical history, season, region of residence, sunlight exposure score and functional disability. 25-OHD level was measured by radioimmunoassay, and bone metabolic status including bone mineral density and bone turnover markers was also measured. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to adjust all risk estimates for covariates. RESULTS: The study had 350 patients enrolled. Mean serum 25-OHD level was 15.9 ± 7.1 ng/mL (range, 2.5 ~ 36.6). of the 350 patients, 260 patients out of 350 (74.3%) were vitamin D deficient. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed a significantly higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the following patients: 1) medical comorbidity; 2) urban residence rather than rural; 3) lower score for sunlight exposure; and 4) severe leg pain, or severe back and leg pain rather than mild to moderate pain. Pain category was significantly associated with lower sunlight exposure; however, the association between pain category and vitamin D deficiency remained significant even after adjustment for the sunlight exposure. Furthermore, severe back pain, and severe back and leg pain were also associated with higher incidence of osteoporosis and higher level of bone resorption marker (serum CTx). LIMITATIONS: The limitation of our study is that due to its cross-sectional design, causal relationships between pain and vitamin D deficiency could not be established. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in LSS patients (74.3%), and severe pain was associated with higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis which could be potential risk factors or a fall and fracture. As evidenced by the present study, assessment of serum 25-OHD and bone mineral density are recommended in LSS patients with severe pain, and active treatment combining vitamin D, calcium, or bisphosphonate should be considered according to the status of the bone metabolism.ope

At least one cyclic teriparatide administration can be helpful to delay initial onset of a new osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture

PURPOSE: Teriparatide markedly increases bone formation and strength, while reducing the incidence of new-onset osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). In some countries, expenses for teriparatide use are covered by medical insurance for up to 6 months; however, the national medical insurance of the authors' country does not cover these expenses. This retrospective cohort study compared the therapeutic effects of teriparatide on the initial onset of a new OVCF after treatment of osteoporosis and/or related OVCFs with regard to therapeutic durations of longer than 3 months (LT3M) or shorter than 3 months (ST3M). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2007 to February 2012, 404 patients who were prescribed and administered teriparatide and who could be followed-up for longer than 12 months were enrolled. They were divided into two groups depending on teriparatide duration: LT3M (n=132) and ST3M (n=272). RESULTS: The group with the teriparatide duration of LT3M showed significantly less development of an initial OVCF within 1 year (p=0.004, chi-square). Duration of teriparatide use, body mass index, pre-teriparatide lowest spinal bone mineral density, and severity of osteoporosis significantly affected multiple regression analysis results (p<0.05). Survival analysis of first new-onset OVCFs demonstrated a significantly better survival rate for the LT3M group (log rank, p=0.005). Also, the ST3M group showed a higher odds ratio of 54.00 for development of an initial OVCF during follow-up than the LT3M group (Mantel-Haenzel common odds ratio, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: At least one cyclic teriparatide administration is recommended to provide a protective effect against the initial onset of a new OVCF for up to one year after therapy.ope

Bone Forming Gene Therapy (Immune Animal Model in Ex Vivo Gene Therapy for Spinal Fusion with Type 5 Adenoviral Delivery of the LIM Mineralization Protein-1 cDNA)

Study-Design: In vivo study to determine the immune effects to adenoviral encoding LMP-1 cDNA in rabbit. Objective: To quantify the immune effect of Ad5-LMP-1 in the rabbit during the therapeutic gene transfer. Summary-of-Literature-Review: One of the major limitations in the use of adenoviral vector for gene therapy is the immune response and it made the poor transduction efficiency when re-administrated. Adenoviral antigen plus those derived from transgene expression in transduced cell contribute to cellular, humoral and non-specific immune resonse constitutes barriers to successful gene therapy. Therefore, the animal immune model will be mandatory to study the immune impact. Materials-and-Method: We i.v. injected Ad5-βGal to total 24 adult NZW rabbits; 1x108, 1x109, 1x1010, 1x1011v.p. to each 6 rabbits allowed them to develop immune response. Six non-immunized animals were used as control Adenovirus antibodies were measured at 0, 4, 8, 16, 20 weeks. Group Ⅰ. 6 control rabbit underwent spinal arthrodesis at 4 weeks (n=3) and 16 weeks (n=3) with 4 million cells and MOI of 4. Group Ⅱ. 6 rabbit underwent spinal arthrodesis at 4 weeks after injection of 108 p.f.u virus (n=3) and 16 weeks (n=3). Group Ⅲ. six 109 immunized rabbits. Group Ⅳ. six 1010 immunized rabbits. Group Ⅴ. six 1011 immunized rabbits, underwent spinal arthrodesis at 4 and 16 weeks after injection. Total anti-Ad Ig and neutralizing antibody titer was measured on the 0, 4, 8, 16, 20 weeks after injection. Results: Group Ⅰ. All 6 non-immunized rabbits had solid spine fusions at 4 and 16 weeks. Group Ⅱ. All 3 immunized rabbits had not spine fusions at 4 weeks and all three had solid spine fusion at 16 weeks. Group Ⅲ. None of them (n=6) immunized rabbits had spine fusion at 4 and 16 weeks, but some bone formation was observed at 16 weeks. Group Ⅳ,Ⅴ. None of them imunized rabbits had bone formation. The anti-Ad5 Ig and neutralizing Ab were detected and peaked at the 4 weeks and significnatly dropped off 16 weeks after injection. Conclusion: This experiment revealed that a small dose of adenovirus elicited an enough immune response that inhibited the bone formation. Because majority of huan posses the Ab against adenovirus, it will be mandatory to overcome immune response in adenoviral vector gene therapy.ope

Effect of Sagittal Balance on Risk of Falling after Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery Combined with Posterior Surgery.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the impact of correcting sagittal balance (SB) on functional outcomes of surgical treatment for degenerative spinal disease and actual falls via utilization of new minimally invasive lumbar fusion techniques via a lateral approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2011 to March 2015, we enrolled 56 patients who underwent minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and matched 112 patients receiving decompression/postero-lateral fusion (PLF) surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. According to SB status using C7-plumb line-distance (C7PL) and surgery type, patients were divided into three groups: SB PLF, sagittal imbalance (SI) PLF, and LLIF groups. We then compared their outcomes. RESULTS: The mean C7PL was 6.2±13.6 mm in the SB PLF group, 72.9±33.8 mm in the SI PLF group, and 74.8±38.2 mm in the LLIF group preoperatively. Postoperatively, C7PL in only the LLIF group improved significantly (p=0.000). Patients in the LLIF group showed greater improvement in fall-related functional test scores than the SI PLF group (p=0.007 for Alternate-Step test, p=0.032 for Sit-to-Stand test). The average number of postoperative falls was 0.4±0.7 in the SB PLF group, 1.1±1.4 in the SI PLF group, and 0.8±1.0 in the LLIF group (p=0.041). Oswestry Disability Index and the Euro-QoL 5 dimension visual analogue scale scores also showed greater improvements in the LLIF group than in the SI PLF group at postoperative 1 year (p=0.003, 0.016). CONCLUSION: Surgical correction of SI in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis using a combination of minimal invasive LLIF and posterior surgery achieved better surgical outcomes and a lower incidence of actual falls than PLF surgery.ope