Interobserver Reliability between MRI, CT-myelogram and Myelogram in the Evaluation of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We designed this study to evaluate the interobserver reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), post-myelographic computed tomography (CT-myelogram) and myelography for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were evaluated preoperatively by MRI, CT-myelography, and myelography by four observers. For each set of scans, the examiners assessed the presence or absence of; 1) intervertebral disk protrusion, 2) facet arthrosis, 3) ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and 4) nerve root impingement. The severities of 1) central, 2) lateral, 3) foraminal and 4) entire spinal stenosis were graded using a four-point scale range from 1 (no stenosis) to 4 (severe stenosis). RESULTS: Kappa statistical analysis revealed moderate interobserver agreement in terms of disk protrusion (0.49), nerve root impingement (0.42) and lateral stenosis grade based on MRI. Low levels of agreement were found for facet arthrosis and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Relatively higher levels of agreement were found for nerve root impingement, lateral stenosis and entire stenosis, graded by MRI and for central stenosis graded by myelography. CONCLUSION: The results of this study reflect that MRI showed relatively higher levels of interobserver reliability than the other diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Cem entless Revision of total hip arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Forty-six patients (fifty hips) underwent revisions of a total hip arthroplasty that had failed but was not associated with infection, Three of these patients had a third revision. The mean length of follow-up was approximately two years. Thirty patients reported that their condition was improved. On final roentgenographic examination showed, two loosening of the acetabular components and five of the femoral components in which there was one sympto matic loosening (moderate severe pain and probable roentgengraphic loosening) noted. The extralong stems are not necessary in all revision cases, cortical defects at the tip of standard stem obviously should require bypass the stress riser with a longer stem. If the stability can be achieved with host bone, Revision may be carried out with a relatively short stem. Significant postoperative complications as subsidence and progressive loosening were noted in seven out of the forty-six patients. We consider that extensive porocoated cementless stem or standard flute stem seem to be a better outcome in revision arthroplasty.