AGREEMENT ON MRI DIAGNOSIS IN COMPRESSIVE MALIGNANT VERTEBRAL FRACTURES

ABSTRACT Objective: Verify interobserver and intraobserver agreement of malignant compressive vertebral fractures (MCVF) diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: We retrospectively included a lumbar spine MRI of 63 patients with non-traumatic compressive vertebral fracture diagnoses. Each lumbar vertebra was classified as: without fracture, with fracture of benign characteristics, or with fracture of malignant characteristics. Two medical residents in radiology, one musculoskeletal radiologist fellow, one musculoskeletal radiologist, and two spine surgeons evaluated MRI exams, independently and blindly. Each observer performed two readings, with a 15-day interval between evaluations. A simple Kappa coefficient was used to calculate the intra and interobserver agreement. The reference standard classification was based on bone biopsy or clinical, and imaging follow-up of at least two years, for diagnostic performance analysis. Diagnostic performance was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: We observed substantial to perfect intraobserver agreement (kappa: 0.80 to 1.00) and substantial interobserver agreement (kappa 0.64 to 0.77). In general, the sensitivity for the detection of MCVF was moderate, except for the second-year radiology resident that achieved a lower sensitivity. The specificity, accuracy, and negative predictive value were high for all observers. Conclusion: MCVF diagnosis using MRI showed substantial interobserver agreement. The second-year medical resident achieved lower sensitivity but high specificity for MCVF. Regarding the seniors, there was no statistical significance between spine surgeons and the musculoskeletal radiologist. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic

Assessment of interobserver reproducibility of a new scale for management guidance in spinal metastasis: SINS score

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact on the management and quantify the inter-observer reproducibility of SINS Score. Also, determine its applicability to our milieu. METHODS: A presentation of 20 cases of secondary spine lesions was compiled, which was examined by 10 observers. They defined the stability of each injury and, after the presentation of SINS Score, the same cases were presented to the same observers and again they were asked to determine the stability of the lesion. The collected data were analyzed by the Fleiss' Kappa Calculation and Intra-class Correlation. RESULTS: Inter-observer moderate agreement was obtained by using SINS classification. CONCLUSIONS: The classification is applicable to our milieu. There was a change of opinion about the stability of the lesions after the presentation of the classification to the observers.OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto na conduta e quantificar a reprodutibilidade interobservador do escore SINS. Além disso, determinar sua aplicabilidade em nosso meio. MÉTODOS: Compilou-se uma apresentação com 20 casos de lesões secundárias da coluna, que foi analisada por 10 observadores. Estes definiram a estabilidade de cada lesão e, após a apresentação do sistema SINS, os mesmos casos foram apresentados aos mesmos observadores para que novamente determinassem a estabilidade da lesão. Os dados colhidos foram analisados por meio do cálculo do Kappa de Fleiss e da correlação intraclasse. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos concordância moderada interobservador com o uso do escore SINS. CONCLUSÕES: O sistema é aplicável em nosso meio. Houve mudança de opinião quanto à estabilidade da lesão após a apresentação do escore aos observadores.OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto en la conducta y cuantificar la reproducibilidad interobservador de la escala SINS. Además de eso, determinar la aplicabilidad de la clasificación en nuestro medio. MÉTODOS: Se compiló una presentación de 20 casos de lesiones secundarias de la columna vertebral que fue examinada por 10 observadores. Estos definieron la estabilidad de cada lesión y después de la presentación de la puntuación SINS, los mismos casos fueron presentados a los mismos observadores para que de nuevo determinasen la estabilidad de la lesión. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados mediante el cálculo de Kappa de Fleiss y de la correlación intraclasse. RESULTADOS: Obtuvimos concordancia moderada interobservador con el uso de la puntuación SINS. CONCLUSIONES: La puntuación es aplicable en nuestro medio. Hubo un cambio de opinión en cuanto a la estabilidad de la lesión después de la presentación de la puntuación a los observadores.28728

Study of the reliability of a dynamic magnetic resonance imaging technique for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Como fatores dinâmicos podem contribuir para a etiologia e gravidade da mielopatia espondilótica cervical (MEC), ressonância magnética dinâmica (RMD), com imagem obtida em flexão e extensão, pode ser útil para a melhor avaliação da estenose cervical e compressão medular. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar variações morfométricas da coluna vertebral cervical em pacientes com MEC utilizando uma técnica padronizada de RMD, acessar a reprodutibilidade intra e interobservador das medidas dos parâmetros morfométricos baseadas nas imagens obtidas por RMD e comparar as medidas resultantes com dados previamente publicados na literatura. RMD foi obtida utilizando-se um protocolo padronizado com o pescoço nas posições neutra, em flexão e em extensão. Os parâmetros morfométricos considerados foram o comprimento anterior da medula espinhal (CAME), comprimento posterior da medula espinhal (CPME), diâmetro do canal vertebral (DCV) e diâmetro da medula espinhal (DME). Dois observadores avaliaram os parâmetros independentemente e as reprodutibilidades intra e interobservador foram avaliadas pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI). Dezoito pacientes foram incluídos no estudo e todos completaram o protocolo para aquisição da RMD. A reprodutibilidade intra e interobservador demonstrou concordância quase perfeita para o CAME e CPME (CCI > 0,9; p 0.9; p < 0.001) for ALSC and PLSC in all positions. The SCD had inter- and intra-observer reliability classified as \"almost perfect agreement\" (ICC: 0.83-0.98; p < 0.001 and ICC: 0.90-0.99; p < 0.001, respectively) in all positions. The SCW had inter- and intra-observer reliability classified as \"substantial agreement\" (ICC: 0.73-0.94; p < 0.001 and ICC: 0.79-0.96; p < 0.001, respectively) in all positions. ALSC and PLSC in neutral, flexion and extension positions from the present study were significantly different compared to the measurements previously published (p < 0.001). As conclusion, the dynamic MRI protocol presented was safe and may allow a more complete evaluation of variations in the cervical spine in patients with CSM than traditional MRI protocols. The morphometric parameters based on this protocol demonstrated excellent interand intra-observer reliabilities

CORRELATION BETWEEN CERVICAL SAGITTAL ALIGNMENT AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

ABSTRACT Objective: To correlate the radiographic parameters of sagittal cervical alignment with quality of life and functional capacity in patients with cervical spondylosis under conservative treatment. Methods: This is an observational and prospective study in patients with cervical spondylosis under conservative treatment and without indication for surgery. The 52 patients included were divided into three groups: axial pain, radiculopathy, and cervical myelopathy. The radiographic parameters considered were cervical lordosis (CL), cervical sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), T1 slope (TS) and the discrepancy between TS and CL (TS-CL). Quality of life and functional capacity were evaluated by the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire. Pain was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The correlation between the radiographic parameters and the clinical scores was evaluated by the Pearson correlations coefficient. Results: There was no difference in cervical radiographic parameters between the three groups. In the total of the sample, the mean value of the CSVA was 17.8o (±8.3o), CL, 22.4° (± 8.8°); TS, 29.3° (±6.6°), and TS-CL, 7.0° (±7.4°). Significant inverse correlation (r= -0.3, p=0.039) was observed between NDI and CL, but there was no significant correlation between CL and VAS. CSVA (p=0.541), TS (p=0.287) and TS-CL (p=0.287) had no significantly correlated with NDI or VAS. Conclusion: Considering patients with cervical spondylosis not candidates for surgery, the only sagittal parameter that correlated with functional capacity was LC. In these patients, the correlation between cervical alignment and quality of life needs to be better characterized

CORRELATION BETWEEN CERVICAL SAGITTAL ALIGNMENT AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

<div><p>ABSTRACT Objective: To correlate the radiographic parameters of sagittal cervical alignment with quality of life and functional capacity in patients with cervical spondylosis under conservative treatment. Methods: This is an observational and prospective study in patients with cervical spondylosis under conservative treatment and without indication for surgery. The 52 patients included were divided into three groups: axial pain, radiculopathy, and cervical myelopathy. The radiographic parameters considered were cervical lordosis (CL), cervical sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), T1 slope (TS) and the discrepancy between TS and CL (TS-CL). Quality of life and functional capacity were evaluated by the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire. Pain was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The correlation between the radiographic parameters and the clinical scores was evaluated by the Pearson correlations coefficient. Results: There was no difference in cervical radiographic parameters between the three groups. In the total of the sample, the mean value of the CSVA was 17.8o (±8.3o), CL, 22.4° (± 8.8°); TS, 29.3° (±6.6°), and TS-CL, 7.0° (±7.4°). Significant inverse correlation (r= -0.3, p=0.039) was observed between NDI and CL, but there was no significant correlation between CL and VAS. CSVA (p=0.541), TS (p=0.287) and TS-CL (p=0.287) had no significantly correlated with NDI or VAS. Conclusion: Considering patients with cervical spondylosis not candidates for surgery, the only sagittal parameter that correlated with functional capacity was LC. In these patients, the correlation between cervical alignment and quality of life needs to be better characterized.</p></div

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CASUISTRY OF A SAMPLE OF METASTATIC DISEASE IN THE SPINE

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study is to present demographic data on the occurrence of spinal metastases in the service where the work was performed and to investigate the reliability of the modified Tokuhashi score in the decision making in patients with metastatic spinal cancer. Methods: We conducted a review of medical records of all cases of vertebral bone metastasis, confirmed by anatomopathological examination, from January 2009 to June 2012. Data review included demographic details, origin of the primary cancer, duration of symptoms, localization of metastases, Karnofsky performance scale and survival based on modified Tokuhashi score. We divided patients into three groups. Group A included patients with life expectancy of less than six months, group B included patients with life expectancy of between six and 12 months, and group C included patients with a life expectancy of more than 12 months. We compared the calculated survival with the current survival in the three groups with all patients followed-up to a minimum of 1 year or until death. Results: The predict survival in group A was 63.6% according to the modified Tokuhashi score, albeit group B had only 30% agreement. Conclusions: For patients in group A, the agreement rate of patient survival was better (63.4%) than that observed in patients in group B (30%). Our sample had no patient classified as group C

Analysis of sagittal balance and spinopelvic parameters in a brazilian population sample

Objective: To define the sagittal balance and spinopelvic parameters in a Brazilian population sample composed of asymptomatic volunteers. Methods: Fifty healthy adult individuals volunteered to participate in this study. The exclusion criteria included spinal deformity or improper radiograph study. In each radiograph exam in profile view, the sagittal balance and spinopelvic parameters were evaluated, including vertical sagittal axis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence. Results: The data obtained in this study are according to the values presented in the worldwide literature. None of the radiographic parameters showed any differences between the genders. Comparing the values presented in this study with those of other reports, with different populations, it was observed that: there was no significant difference in any of the pelvic parameters between Brazilian and Korean populations; there was a significant difference in pelvic incidence between Brazilian and European populations in a total sample (p=0.0001), in males (p=0.02), and in females (p=0.0007); there was a difference in sacral slope between Brazilian and European populations in a total sample (p=0.0140), and in females (p=0.005). Conclusion: There were no differences in any parameter in terms of gender. There were no differences in pelvic incidence between Brazilian and Korean populations. There was a difference in pelvic incidence between Brazilian and European populations, in the total sample and in males and females. There was a difference in sacral slope between Brazilian and European populations in a total sample, and in females

GRADING SCALE OF LUMBAR DEGENERATIVE DISEASE IN FULL SPINE X-RAY

ABSTRACT Objective: To present a new lumbar degenerative disease grading scale considering full spine radiography and to evaluate its inter- and intraobserver reproducibility. Methods: A total of 132 full spine radiographies in the anterior and lateral views were analyzed. The cases were independently graded by two examiners. The radiographic parameters observed were osteophytosis, loss of disc height, sclerosis and subchondral cysts, number of affected segments, deformities, and signs of instability. The grading scale was proposed as follows: Degree zero corresponded to the absence of signs of degenerative disease in the lumbar spine; Grade I – presence of signs of degenerative disease up to two segments; Grade II – involvement of three or more segments; Grade III – associated deformity or signs of instability. The intra- and interobserver reproducibility was determined by the Kappa coefficient (κ) in general and according to the age group. Results: Kappa coefficient obtained for interobserver and intraobserver analysis showed excellent overall correlation (0.855 and 0.902, respectively). When analyzed according to age, results obtained in intraobserver correlation remained excellent (κ >0.8) in all age groups. The interobserver correlation remained excellent, except in the age range of 40-59 years (κ = 0.773), although maintaining a substantial reproducibility. Conclusion: The grading scale of lumbar degenerative disease observed in full spine x-rays showed excellent inter- and intraobserver reproducibility. Level of Evidence I; Diagnostic study

CORRELATION BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND CLINICAL RESULTS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING SPINAL SURGERY

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the relationship between preoperative vitamin D and albumin levels and postoperative quality of life in patients undergoing spinal surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing thoracic and lumbar spine surgery were evaluated in this prospective study. Their vitamin D and albumin levels were assessed before surgery and quality of life was measured by two questionnaires, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Scoliosis Research Society - 22 (SRS-22), one year after the procedure. Data on infection occurrence and healing time were collected. Preoperative nutritional values and patients’ quality of life were analyzed using the chi-square test and ANOVA for albumin and vitamin D, respectively. The relationship among nutritional status, healing time, and the occurrence of infection was evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Forty-six patients were included and their mean nutritional values were 19.1 (6.6) ng/mL for vitamin D and 3.9 (0.6) g/dL for albumin [mean (standard deviation)]. No association was found between vitamin D and quality of life of patients measured by ODI (p=0.534) and SRS-22 (p=0.739) questionnaires. There was also no association between albumin levels and quality of life measured by ODI (p=0.259) and SRS-22 (p=0.076) questionnaires. No correlation was found between the healing time or occurrence of infection and nutritional values. Conclusions: There was no association between vitamin D and albumin levels and the surgical result, according to the patient’s perception, besides the occurrence of complications with the surgical wound

RADIOGRAPHIC ALIGNMENT OF CERVICAL SPINE ON A SAMPLE OF ASYMPTOMATIC SUBJECTS

ABSTRACT Objective: To present normality parameters for the cervical spine in a sample of the Brazilian population and its distribution by sex and age. Methods: This was a prospective study considering 94 asymptomatic individuals evaluated by panoramic radiograph of the spine for the analysis of the following parameters: cervical lordosis (CL), C2 sagittal vertical axis (SVA-C2), cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), and T1 Slope (TA-T1). The parameter values were compared according to sex and age of individuals. Results: The mean CL was -16.5° (SD: ± 10.8°), SVA-C2 was -3.9 mm (SD: ± 29.2 mm), cSVA was 16.9 mm (SD: ± 10.6 mm) and TA-T1 was 24.8° (SD: ± 7.0°). There was no significant difference between the radiographic parameters when considered with respect to sex and age of individuals (P>0.05). The analysis of correlation among the radiographic parameters showed that the TA-T1 presented the highest correlation with the other parameters, including CL (r= 0.367, P<0.01), SVA-C2 (r= 0.434, P<0.001) and cSVA (r= 0.441, P<0.001). There was also a correlation between SVA-C2 and cSVA (r= 0.32, P= 0.001) and inverse correlation between CL and the cSVA (r= -0.242, P= 0.019). Conclusio: We introduced normality data of the cervical spine alignment in a Brazilian population sample. There was significant correlation among the analyzed parameters, especially considering TA-T1 in relation to the other parameters