Changes in Trends of Spondylitis in Korea Based on a Nationwide Database

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Natural history and aggravating factors of sagittal imbalance in marked sagittal deformity compared with mild to moderate sagittal deformity: A prospective cohort study

Sagittal imbalance is a multifactorial complex deformity that can arise from a variety of causes such as spinal stenosis, sarcopenia, vertebral fracture, and neuromuscular diseases. Furthermore, there is lack of research regarding spinal and general conditions that precede the development of sagittal imbalance. Our aim was to evaluate aggravating factors, such as natural history, for sagittal imbalance in a cohort comprising elderly individuals by conducting various examinations.We recruited 96 participants who had a sagittal vertical axis (SVA) larger than 50 mm in a sagittal imbalance study. Finally, 69 participants were followed up and enrolled this study after 2 years. We evaluated full spine radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone mineral density, and health-related quality of life from patients survey and analyzed factors associated with aggravation of sagittal imbalance. Aggravation was defined by an SVA > 30 mm and T1 pelvic angle (T1PA) > 3° in the third year compared to SVA and T1PA values of the first year.Eighteen participants of the follow-up group had a sagittal imbalance aggravation. According to the deformity severity in the first-year evaluations, the marked deformity group (38 participants) defined as Schwab classification had 11 (28.9%) participants presenting with sagittal imbalance aggravation. These participants had larger mean values of Schwab sagittal modifiers and T1PA compared with the nonaggravation participants. Logistic regression analysis showed a higher pelvic incidence (PI) (OR = 1.201, 95% CI = 1.015-1.422, P = .033) and a small multifidus (MF) volume (OR = 0.991, 95% CI = 0.983-1.000, P = .043) correlated with sagittal imbalance aggravation.From the follow-up group, 18 (26%) subjects of total 69 participants presented a deteriorated sagittal imbalance. A higher PI and smaller MF volume correlated with the aggravation of sagittal imbalance. We should consider that high PI and small MF volume are associated with aggravation of sagittal imbalance.ope

Three-Dimensional Printed Mesh-Cage Replacement for a Metastatic Spinal Tumor and a Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Report of Two Cases

Harms mesh cages are commonly used in the treatment of metastatic spinal tumors by spondylectomy with cage insertion and posterior screw fixation. These cages are even useful for the surgical reconstruction of spinal deformities with mesh-cage replacement after vertebral column resection (VCR). Mesh cages can be customized by 3-dimensional (3D) printing based on the angle between the endplates for the requisite weight-bearing capacity and fit. This study reports two cases wherein a 75-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman were treated with reconstructive spondylectomy and mesh-cage replacement, followed by posterior screw fixation. The 75-year-old man was initially diagnosed with an L4 metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma accompanied by a pathologic fracture and severe paralysis. The 63-year-old woman had slipped 13 years before and sustained a T11-L1 compression fracture that was aggravated 6 months before this admission, with back pain and numbness in both soles. Herein, we describe the treatment approach with instrumentation using a customized 3D-printed mesh cage after total spondylectomy for the metastatic spinal tumor and after VCR for deformity repair surgery in the respective cases. Our application of a 3D-printed mesh cage in surgery for a metastatic tumor is the first report of such treatment in Korea. Although the use of customized 3D-printed cages for a metastatic spinal tumor and a severe compression fracture was effective, challenges remain regarding fitting, manufacturing time, and costs.ope

Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis' Is Not Byword for Degenerative Sagittal Imbalance: Time to Replace a Misconception

Lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LDK) is a subgroup of the flat-back syndrome and is most commonly caused by unique life styles, such as a prolonged crouched posture during agricultural work and performing activities of daily living on the floor. Unfortunately, LDK has been used as a byword for degenerative sagittal imbalance, and this sometimes causes confusion. The aim of this review was to evaluate the exact territory of LDK, and to introduce another appropriate term for degenerative sagittal deformity. Unlike what its name suggests, LDK does not only include sagittal balance disorder of the lumbar spine and kyphosis, but also sagittal balance disorder of the whole spine and little lordosis of the lumbar spine. Moreover, this disease is closely related to the occupation of female farmers and an outdated Asian life style. These reasons necessitate a change in the nomenclature of this disorder to prevent misunderstanding. We suggest the name "primary degenerative sagittal imbalance" (PDSI), which encompasses degenerative sagittal misalignments of unknown origin in the whole spine in older-age patients, and is associated with back muscle wasting. LDK may be regarded as a subgroup of PDSI related to an occupation in agriculture. Conservative treatments such as exercise and physiotherapy are recommended as first-line treatments for patients with PDSI, and surgical treatment is considered only if conservative treatments failed. The measurement of spinopelvic parameters for sagittal balance is important prior to deformity corrective surgery. LDK can be considered a subtype of PDSI that is more likely to occur in female farmers, and hence the use of LDK as a global term for all degenerative sagittal imbalance disorders is better avoided. To avoid confusion, we recommend PDSI as a newer, more accurate diagnostic term instead of LDK.ope

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis : report of two cases and review of the literature

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by hypertrophic inflammation of the dura mater and various clinical courses that are from myelopathy. Although many associated diseases have been suggested, the etiology of IHSP is not well understood. The ideal treatment is controversial. In the first case, a 55-year-old woman presented back pain, progressive paraparesis, both leg numbness, and voiding difficulty. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an anterior epidural mass lesion involving from C6 to mid-thoracic spine area with low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images. We performed decompressive laminectomy and lesional biopsy. After operation, she was subsequently treated with steroid and could walk unaided. In the second case, a 45-year-old woman presented with fever and quadriplegia after a spine fusion operation due to lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative herniated lumbar disc. Initial MRI showed anterior and posterior epidural mass lesion from foramen magnum to C4 level. She underwent decompressive laminectomy and durotomy followed by steroid therapy. However, her conditions deteriorated gradually and medical complications occurred. In our cases, etiology was not found despite through investigations. Initial MRI showed dural thickening with mixed signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Pathologic examination revealed chronic nonspecific inflammation in both patients. Although one patient developed several complications, the other showed slow improvement of neurological symptoms with decompressive surgery and steroid therapy. In case of chronic compressive myelopathy due to the dural hypertrophic change, decompressive surgery such as laminectomy or laminoplasty may be helpful as well as postoperative steroid therapy.ope

Delayed Spinal Cord Compression after Vertebroplasty in Osteopporotic Compression Fracture: A Case Report

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a popular and minimally invasive procedure with injection of polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA) into a collapsed vertebral body under fluoroscopic guidance. Several complications have been reported including leakage into the spinal canal, intravascular leakage, pulmonary embolism, subcutaneous hematoma and infection. But most of these compli- cations are happened in the early period after operation. We report a rare case of delayed spinal cord compression after vertebroplsty with polymethyl methacrylate cement and it's treatment. A 55-year-old female presented with progressive low back pain and radiating pain on both legs for 1 month and suddenly developed paraparesis for 1 day. She was already performed percutaneous vertebroplasty 6 months ago due to osteoporotic compression fracture at the first lumbar vertebra(L1). During 5 months after vertebropalsty she didn't have any neurologic deterioration or pain, but on the serial radiologic examinations after vertebroplasty, progressive compression fracture of the previously operated site was seen. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a dislodgement of solid PMMA mass compressing spinal cord severely. So she was performed the operation, that is total laminectomy L1 and pedicle screw fixation T11-T12-L2-L3 and posterolateral fusion. After the surgery, her symptoms were improved and neurologic deficit was recovered.ope

Technical Strategies and Surgical Results of C1 Lateral Mass-C2 Pedicular Screw Fixation in Atlantoaxial Disorders

OBJECTIVE: There are various posterior fusion techniques in managing C1-2 instability. The aim of this study is to evaluate surgical techniques and clinical results including complications of the C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw fixation (C1-2 LMPSF) in atlantoaxial disorders. METHODS: From February 1997 to July 2008, 24 patients were performed C1-2 LMPSF due to C1-2 instability. Pathway of vertebral artery was classified into three groups by 3D-angiogram. Diameter of C1 lateral mass and C2 isthmus on the plain X-ray and CT was measured before operation. Surgical method was divided into four groups according to fixation site (bilateral or unilateral) and bone graft (with or without graft). Stability of C1-2 fixation was postoperatively evaluated by flexion and extension cervical lateral films. We reviewed clinical data, imaging studies and old chart retrospectively as sources for analysis. RESULTS: Among 24 patients, os odontoideum was the most common cause (16 out of 24). Four patients had anomalous vertebral artery. Mean diameters of C1 lateral mass was 9.9(range 4.2~16.4) mm at right side, 10.3 (range 3.4~14.2) mm at left side. Mean diameter of C2 isthmus was 5.8 (range 1.0~10.1) mm at right side and 5.8(range 2.1~8.2) mm at left side. Two patients showed very narrow C2 isthmus. As a result, unilateral C1-2 LMPSF was performed on 6 patients (4 for anomalous vertebral arteries and 2 for narrow C2 isthmus). 12 of 18 patients were with C1-2 interlaminar bone graft and 6 patients without bone graft. All patients showed stable C1-2 fixation by flexion and extension cervical lateral X-ray films taken at least 6 months after surgery. Five out of 8 patients who had preoperative radiculopathy only showed improved symptoms. However, Seven out of 8 patients who had myelopathy showed little neurological improvement . CONCLUSION: For C1-2 LMPSF, preoperative 3D CT-angiogram study is mandatory to identify abnormal vertebral artery and narrow C2 isthmus. Bilateral C1-2 LMPSF without bone graft is enough to obtain stable C1-2 fixation. If there is an abnormal vertebral artery or narrow C2 isthmus, unilateral C1-2 LMPSF with bone graft and wiring is alternative successful methodope

Does Graft Position Affect Subsidence After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: Implant subsidence is an important prognostic factor after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Our purpose in this study was to investigate whether graft position affects subsidence after ACDF and to determine if there is a difference in clinical results based on allograft subsidence and position. Methods: We reviewed 92 patients who underwent single-level ACDF with allograft and plate between January 2012 and October 2018. Treatment levels were divided based on allograft position within 2 mm of the posterior margin of the augmented plate (Anterior group) or at greater than 2 mm (Center group). Subsidence was defined as segmental vertebral body height decrease of 2 mm or more at 1 year compared to 1 week after surgery. Results: Overall subsidence prevalence was 15 (16%) cases. Subsidence was 11% in the Anterior group (8/73) and 39% in the Center group (7/19; P = .012). The subsidence group showed smaller graft footprint size (graft/endplate ratio) compared with the nonsubsidence group, and pseudarthrosis occurred frequently in the subsidence. There was no significant difference in clinical results according to graft position. These findings indicate that anterior graft position reduces risk of subsidence (95% confidence interval = 0.085-0.949). Conclusion: To minimize risk of subsidence, the graft should be positioned on the anterior position of the surgical-level endplate. In addition, using a graft appropriate for endplate size will further reduce subsidence.ope

Management of Wound Infection after Lumbar Spine Fusion with Instruments

Objective :This study is performed to evaluate the risk factors, clinical manifestations, treatments, and prognostic factors among patients with postoperative wound infection after spinal instrumentation. Methods :The records and radiologic data of 28 patients diagnosed as postoperative wound infection from Jan. 1991 to Oct. 2002 who had underwent spinal instrumentation initially were retrospectively evaluated. Results :All patients(mean age, 50.4 yrs) diagnosed as postoperative wound infection and subsequently received IV antibiotics and continuous irrigation system. The 13 among 28 cases had significant preoperative risk factors(for example, diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcoholism, long-term corticosteroid usage, and chronic renal failure). Infection was diagnosed at an average of 15.9 days after operation. The most common presenting features were local heating, fever, and wound discharge. All patients could be discharged after infection control. At follow up evaluation, 21 case(75%) have not shown recurrence but, the recurrence was developed among 7 cases. The C-reactive protein(CRP) was more correlated with clinical outcomes than other laboratory findings and the recurred group exhibited sign ificant(p<0.05) higher CRP level, compared with the non-recurred group, from 7 days to 21 days after operation. Conclusion :Without removal of instruments, surgical removal of infective tissues and continuous irrigation with susceptible antibiotics can be effective in the treatment of postoperative wound infection after spinal instrumentation. CRP level can be an effective parameter of infection treatment and prognosis.ope

Clinical and Radiological Outcome of an Interspinous Dynamic Stabilization System in Degenerative Lumbar Disease:24 Cases with Over 24 Months of Follow-up

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of dynamic stabilization with DIAM implants. METHODS: We evaluated 24 cases in which lumbar decompressive surgery was performed with dynamic stabilization using DIAM and having more than 24 months of follow up. Indications consisted of spinal stenosis with or without a herniated disc and transition level stenosis of the instrumented fusion segment. Operative data, clinical outcome, and plain and flexion/extension radiographs were obtained and compared to preoperative and postoperative data. RESULTS: The mean age at operation was 56.2 years(range 47-68); the mean follow-up duration was 28.4 months(range 24-37 months).The mean pain and function scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up, as follows: back pain VAS score from 6.2 to 2.5, leg pain VAS score from 7.2 to 2.4, and Prolo's economic and functional rating score from 5.8 to 8.2. Radiological data demonstrated that the heights of the intervertebral foramen and the posterior disc increased significantly after the procedure. There were no implant-associated complications except for two spinous process fractures which occurred during DIAM insertion, and one case of wound infection. Flexion instability and spondylolisthesis occurred in two cases during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: These mid-term results suggest that DIAM is a safe and effective alternative surgical option in the treatment of degenerative lumbar stenosis without flexion instability. Careful follow-up is needed to watch for the development of flexion instability and spondylolisthesis.ope