Radiologic Features and Surgical Outcome of Juxtafacet Cyst Associated with Degenerative Lumbar Disease / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic features of juxtafacet cyst and determine the correlation between these features and clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a total of 23 patients. The degree of facet joint degeneration was classified using the Fujiwara method. The facet joint angles were measured with an magnetic resonance imaging to determine whether there was a difference between the cystic lesion that was occupied and the cystic lesion that was not occupied. Disc degeneration was measured by the Pfirrmann classification method. The clinical result was evaluated using the Oswestry disability index score and visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The L4–5 level of juxtafacet cyst was mostly affected, as found in previous studies. Facet joint arthritis was more severe within the side with the cystic lesion. Significant correlation was found between disc degeneration and juxtafacet joint cyst. All patients underwent wide decompression and fusion. Clinical result was excellent. No patients had signs of recurrence during the follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: Juxtafacet cyst has a significant correlation with facet joint degeneration. Therefore, aggressive surgical treatment—not just simple cyst excision—should be considered as the treatment option for juxtafacet cyst associated with degenerative lumbar disease.

Changes of Spinopelvic Parameter using Iliac Screw In Surgical Correction of Sagittal Imbalance Patients

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective-based study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of iliac screws in the surgical correction of sagittal imbalance by changes of spinopelvic parameters. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Although reports exist regarding the fusion rates on lumbosacral fusion by iliac screws, no previous studies address the issue of changes of spinopelvic parameters on surgical correction of sagittal imbalance by iliac screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a total of 23 patients who were operated on by pedicle subtraction osteotomy and posterior fusion on sagittal imbalance. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) non-iliac screw fixation and; 2) iliac screw fixation. The two groups were compared during the preoperative and postoperative stages, and the last follow-up spinopelvic parameters of two groups. RESULTS: Spinopelvic parameters, except for pelvic incidence, were corrected after surgery; some corrected values of spinopelvic parameters were lost during follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference in the last follow-up period between lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt. Values of postoperative lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt was similar to each other; however, during the follow-up period corrected values of spinopelvic parameters of non-iliac screw fixation group were more lost. There were no statistically significant changes in postoperative and last follow-up sacral slope and pelvic incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal imbalance could be corrected by pedicle subtraction osteotomy, and corrected values of lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt of iliac screw fixation group could be maintained well compared to non-iliac screw fixation. Iliac screw fixation could be useful for maintenance of corrected values of spinopelvic parameters in surgical correction of sagittal imbalance.

Necessity of Whole Spine Standing Lateral Radiograph in Adults over 50 Years Old Who Have Degenerative Lumbar Disease: Comparison with Supine Lumbar Lateral Radiograph

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: Sagittal imbalance cannot be predicted depending on the degree of lumbar lordosis. Thus, we tried to evaluate the necessity of whole spine standing lateral radiograph through comparison of the spinal and pelvic parameter between supine lumbar lateral radiograph and whole spine standing lateral radiograph. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: No studies in the literature compare supine lumbar lateral radiograph and whole spine standing lateral radiograph. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly selected 50 males and 50 females among the patients over the age of 50 who visited our hospital for outpatient due to degenerative lumbar disease. Lumbar lordosis (sLL/wLL), sacral slope (sSS/wSS), and pelvic tilt (sPT/wPT) were measured and compared respectively by supine lumbar lateral radiograph and whole spine standing lateral radiograph. We categorized as group AI (sLL or =30degrees) by supine lumbar lateral radiograph and analyzed them. We also categorized as group BI (SVA5 cm) by whole spine standing lateral radiograph and analyzed them. RESULTS: There were no statistical difference in lumbar lordosis (sLL/wLL: 35.1degrees/37.7degrees) and pelvic parameter (sSS/wSS: 32degrees/31.7degrees, sPT/wPT: 24.3degrees/24.2degrees. sPI/wPI: 56.3degrees/58.2degrees) between supine lumbar lateral radiograph and whole spine standing lateral radiograph, and there were also no statistical difference between two groups (group AI & AII) in SVA, lumbar lordosis and pelvic parameter. Pelvic parameter compared by supine lumbar lateral radiograph and whole spine standing lateral radiograph based on sagittal balance was no significant difference, but lumbar lordosis appeared statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Sagittal imbalance appears quite a lot in patients with degenerative lumbar disease and supine lateral radiograph can't reflect the whole sagittal imbalance. So, whole spine standing lateral radiograph should be performed routinely to analyze the sagittal alignment.

Factors Affecting Clinical Results after Corrective Osteotomy for Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis

STUDY DESIGN: This study is a prospective, clinical study for lumbar degenerative kyphosis. PURPOSE: To determine the factors affecting postoperative clinical outcomes in patients who undergo corrective osteotomy for lumbar degenerative kyphosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Only a small number of studies have reported clinical results for surgery for lumbar degenerative kyphosis. There are almost no studies about prognostic factors that predict postoperative clinical results. METHODS: This study involved 25 patients who were diagnosed with lumbar degenerative kyphosis and who underwent corrective osteotomy following gait analysis. A pedicle subtraction osteotomy was done at the third lumbar vertebra (L 3). Regarding the fusion level, surgery was done within a range from T10 proximally to S1 distally. Of these, for rigid fixation of a distal part, an iliac screw was used. Pain was evaluated using a 10-point pain scale and a questionnaire about activities. We also evaluated cosmesis and subjective satisfaction using a modified version of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcome-22 (SRS-22) instrument. This assessment was done using a 5-point scale which was designed by us. We assigned patients to group A (good clinical outcomes) if their postoperative pain score was lower than 4 (of 10 points) and if scores indicating activity, cosmesis and subjective satisfaction were higher than 11 (of 15 points). All other patients were assigned to group B (poor clinical outcomes). RESULTS: Clinical outcomes were good in 64% of patients (16/25) and poor in 36% (9/25). Regarding cosmesis and subjective satisfaction, there were significant differences between the two groups. There were also significant differences in physical factors of individual patients such as body mass index (BMI): 23.78 +/- 2.79 in group A and 26.44 +/- 2.75 in group B. On gait analysis, there was a significant difference in the dynamic pelvic tilt: 7.5 +/- 3.3degrees in group A and 11.72 +/- 1.89degrees in group B. CONCLUSIONS: There is no correlation between preoperative degree of kyphotic deformity and clinical outcomes. The degree of anterior rotation of pelvic tilt does not change significantly; rather, compensatory mechanisms of the pelvis and BMI were found to have more influence. Because neither the degree of satisfaction with clinical outcomes nor the increased activity was relatively higher, a more sincere decision should be made before recommending corrective osteotomy for degenerative lumbar kyphosis.

Analysis of Risk Factors and Surgical Results of Lumbar Adjacent Segment Disease

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the risk factors and the surgical results for adjacent segment disease after lumbar fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Many studies have been performed about the risk factors for adjacent segment disease, but the findings are still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 35 (13 men, 22 women) of 50 patients who underwent lumbar fusion due to adjacent segment disease with a minimum of 2 year follow-up period from July 1999 to July 2006. The differences of the interval to revision (IR) were statistically analyzed by the examining preexisting degenerative change in the adjacent segments on MRI, the number of fused segments, the lumbar lordosis and the sagittal balance. The surgical outcomes of reoperation were assessed by Brodsky's criteria. RESULTS: Junctional stenosis as adjacent segment disease was seen in 21 cases (60%) and instability was seen in 14 cases (40%), including 2 iatrogenic flat backs and 2 cases of lumbar degenerative kyphosis. The average IR was 93 months for the cases that had less than 2 segment fusion (20 cases) and 62 months in those with more than 3 segment fusion (15 cases). As for lumbar lordosis, 25 cases (71%) had a normal range of angle as well as 101 months until the IR and 10 cases (29%) had an abnormal range of angle as well as 64 months until IR. Six cases were beyond the normal range of sagittal balance (17%) and their average IR value was 59 months. Otherwise, the cases with a normal range of sagittal balance had 109 months for the IR. The clinical outcome was excellent in 6 cases (17%) and good in 15 cases (43%). CONCLUSION: To decrease the adjacent segment disease, we should seriously consider the extent of lumbar fusion and we should restore the angle in lumbar lordosis to the physiological range and the sagittal balance during the initial operation.

Radiologic Analysis of Postoperative Sagittal Plane Correction in Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis (LDK) / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study OBJECTIVES: We radiologically analyzed the correction of the sagittal imbalance and the proximal fusion level to prevent correction loss and the usefulness of iliac screws in LDK. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: Complications can be encountered during fixation and fusion as most of the LDK patients are aged, and the osteoporosis that causes fixation loss is known to affect the loss of correction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the cause of correction loss among 35 patients who underwent surgery and who were followed up for at least 1 year. All the patients had performed gait analysis before operation. The operative techniques were pedicle subtraction osteotomy and fixation to S1. For analyzing causes of correction loss, we analyzed the degrees of lumbar lordosis for the sagittal correction and the degrees of the preoperative thoracolumbar kyphosis for the proximal fusion range. For analyzing the usefulness of iliac screws, the subjects were divided into two groups: 1) the -iliac screw (23cases) group for the patients who were fixed without iliac screws and 2) the +iliac screw (12cases) group for the patients who were fixed with iliac screws. RESULTS: There were no patients who had marked anterior pelvic tilt. It is important to correct the lumbar lordosis over 20degrees compared with the preoperative thoracic kyphosis. There are 10 cases of preoperative thoracolumbar kyphosis > or = 10degrees and 25 cases of preoperative thoracolumbar kyphosis or = 10degrees, 4 cases that were fixed to T10 had no sagittal correction loss, and 2 of the 6 cases that were fixed to T11 or T12 had sagittal correction loss. For the 25 cases of preoperative thoracolumbar kyphosis < 10degrees, 5 cases that were fixed to T10 had no sagittal correction loss and 1 of the 20 cases that were fixed to T11 or T12 had sagittal correction loss (p<0.05). 6 cases (26%) in the -iliac screw group (23 cases total) and 1 case (8%) in the +iliac screw (12 cases total) showed sagittal correction loss (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to make the postoperative lumbar lordosis over 20degrees compared with the preoperative thoracic kyphosis for correcting sagittal imbalance, to decide on the proximal fixation level according to the preoperative thoracolumbar kyphosis and to fix with iliac screws.

Change of Pelvic Tilt before and after Gait in Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We wanted to verify the value of radiography and gait analysis to analyze the changes of the pelvic tilt before and after gait in the patients with LDK. Summary of Literature Review: Patients with lumbar degenerative kyphosis show dynamic changes that are closely associated with the motion of pelvis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 18 lumbar degenerative kyphosis patients who didn't have multiple vertebral compressio fractures, a past history of spinal surgery or surgery for degenerative arthritis of the knee or hip, and obesity which causes marker errors on the gait analysis. Pelvic tilt was statistically evaluated by utilizing radiographs and dynamically utilizing the gait analysis. The linear parameters of the gait cycle and the kinematic data were obtained from the gait analysis. RESULTS: The LDK patients'mean walking velocity was 80.7 cm/s, and it was largely decreased to 65% of the normal value. The cause of the decreased walking velocity was a decrease of stride length, and not a decrease of cadence. The mean static pelvic tilt in the gait analysis was -1.3+/-8.0degrees , and there were 8 cases of anterior tilt and 10 cases of posterior tilt. The mean pelvic tilt during gait was 12.5+/-8.2degrees , and there were 17 cases of anterior tilt and 1 case of posterior tilt. It was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the mean static pelvic tilt in gait analysis and the mean pelvic tilt during gait and the Pearson's correlation coefficient was -0.88. CONCLUSIONS: Though there was no statistical significance, we observed anterior pelvic rotation after gait on the radiographs. As fatigue of the pelvic extensor muscles increases during gait, anterior pelvis tilt increases with statistical significance on the gait analysis. Therefore, we feel gait analysis is useful for evaluating the dynamic change of the pelvic tilt in patients with LDK.

Degenerative Changes of Adjacent Segment after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective radiologic analysis of 34 patients OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the factors influencing the radiographic degenerative changes in the adjacent segments in one-level ACDF SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There is a 25% incidence of adjacent segment degeneration after 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHOD: From 2002 to 2005, 34 patients (male 23, female 11) underwent anterior cervical spine fusion using a cage or bone block for degenerative cervical spine. The mean age of the patients was 51 years and the mean follow-up period was 24 months. The degenerative findings of the upper and lower adjacent segment were measured from the pre-operative MRI. The fused segment curvature, disc heights of the adjacent segments, displacement of the vertebral bodies and angular mobility in the adjacent segments were measured from the pre-operative and final follow-up lateral views in the neutral position, in both flexion and extension. RESULTS: Degenerative changes in the adjacent segments were observed in 19 of the 34 patients. The group with degenerative changes showed significantly more lordotic angular loss of the fusion segments (11.9+/-3.1degrees) at the follow-up observation than the group with no degenerative changes (9.0+/-1.1degrees) (p=0.04). The group with degenerative change showed a significantly larger increase in disc height of the fusion segments (2.8+/-0.2 mm) at the follow-up observation than the group with no degenerative changes (2.2+/-0.3 mm) (p=0.02).The group with a Grade IV or higher level of pre-operative disc degeneration showed more degenerative changes in the adjacent segments than those with Grade III or lower. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to preserve the lordotic angle of fused segments and avoid excessive increases in disc height. The recurrence of the neurological is not associated with the preoperative adjacent segmental degenerative changes in ACDF.

Metal Failure in patients with Short-segmental Pedicle Screw Fixation and Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Disease: Comparison Monoaxial with Polyaxial Screw / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors affecting metal failure and screw loosening of short-segmental (1- or 2-segmental) monoaxial or polyaxial screw fixation for degenerative lumbar disease. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There was a report on metal failure and screw loosening in short-segmental monoaxial and polyaxial screw fixation in degenerative lumbar disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined 227 cases who underwent short-segmental transpedicular screw fixation and vertebral fusion for a degenerative lumbar. RESULTS: Metal failure of transpedicular screws was detected in 6 cases, 3 each in groups A and B. Screw loosening occurred in 16 and 43 cases in group A and B, respectively. Both groups had a similar incidence of spinal stenosis with instability and spondylolisthesis. The failure rate and screw loosening according to the fusion level was also similar. The failure and screw loosening rates was higher in the cases who did not undergo PLIF than in the cases who underwent PLIF but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The metal failure and screw loosening rates after transpedicular screw fixation and spinal fusion procedures for degenerative lumbar diseases using monoaxial screws and polyaxial screws were similar.

Analysis for Etiology of Correction Loss after Surgical Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture with Neurologic Deficits / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective radiologic study of 23 cases OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the etiology of correction loss after surgical treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with neurologic deficits SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: osteoporotic vertebral fractures with neurologic deficits were treated with anterior decompression with posterior instrumentation or an Egg shell operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We experienced 23 cases treated surgically for osteoporotic vertebral fracture with neurologic deficits. In group A (16 cases), anterior decompression with posterior instrumentation were performed, with group B (7 cases) receiving an Egg shell operation. The kyphotic angle using Cobb's method and endplate injury were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at last follow up. Group A was subdivided into A1 and A2 according to preoperative and postoperative kyphotic angle, as well as being divided by endplate injury into subgroup a and b. Overcorrection of preoperative kyphotic angles were performed in A1, and undercorrection in A2 group, with endplate injury in subgroup a. RESULTS: Postoperative correction was 13.4 degrees+/-3.4degrees and correction loss was 9.68degrees+/-8.05degrees in group A, and 21.5degrees+/-5.0degrees and 8.0degrees+/-1.73degrees in group B, respectively. Correction loss of group A1 (13.4degrees +/-8.8degrees ) was significantly larger than A2 (4.71degrees +/-3.14degrees ) (p=0.011). The correction loss of group A1a (18.0degrees +/-9.3degrees ) was significantly larger than group A2 (8.5degrees +/-3.1degrees ) (p=0.050) and A2a (p=0.036). The correction loss of group A1b was significantly larger than group A2b (p=0.029), and correction losses were not significantly different in A2a (6.0degrees +/-4.0degrees ) and A2b (3.25degrees +/-1.7degrees ) (p=0.289). CONCLUSIONS: Less Correction loss was found in the undercorrection and non-endplate injury group

Effect of Posterior Femoral Clearance on Knee Flexion in Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of clearing the protruding posterior femoral condyle from the femoral component (PFC: Posterior femoral clearance) on knee flexion in patients who underwent LCS(R) rotating platform TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients were male and one hundred seventy-eight patients were female. The patients were divided into the following two groups: Group A (62 patients 84 knees), TKA without PFC; and Group B (128 patients 182 knees), TKA with PFC. The clinical and radiology follow-up were carried out using the HSS score and tibiofemoral angle, and the possibility of squatting was evaluated in each group, respectively. RESULTS: The mean flexion contracture improved 10.8degrees in group A, and 10.3degrees in group B. The mean further flexion improved 13degrees in group A, and 24degrees in group B. The improvement of knee flexion with PFC showed statistical significance. The mean HSS knee scores improved 30.5 points in group A, and 36.3 points in group B. The improvement in the HSS knee score with PFC showed statistical significance. Squatting was possible 50.0% of group A, and 67.4% of group B. CONCLUSION: PFC is effective in increasing the level of knee flexion and improving the HSS score. PFC can be a good solution for high demand patients, particularly those from Asian countries.

Short-term Results of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Ceramic on Ceramic Articulation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The authors evaluated the clinical and radiological short-term results of ceramic on ceramic articulation of cementless total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fourteen patients, with a total of 130 hips were followed for more than 2 years after cementless total hip arthroplasty using ceramic on ceramic articulation (Lima. SPH-C2). The mean age was 58 years, and the mean follow-up period was 3.0 years. The Harris hip score and postoperative hip pain were analyzed clinically. The radiological results were assessed using various radiological indices such as subsidence, cup inclination angle, radiolucent line, endosteal new bone formation and osteolysis. RESULTS: At last follow-up, the average Harris hip score improved from 57.5 points preoperatively to 93 points postoperatively. There were 4 cases (3.0%) of significant hip pain. Radiologically, all stems demonstrated stable fixation. The inclination of the acetabular cup was significantly changed in 4 cases (3%), and was diagnosed as loosened. A radiolucent line was observed around the stem in 5 cases (3.8%), and around the cup in 7 cases (5.4%). Endosteal new bone formation was observed around the stem in 47 cases (36.2%), and around the cup in 52 cases (40.0%). Osteolysis was not observed around the stem and the cup. CONCLUSION: With a minimum follow-up of 2 years, ceramic on ceramic articulation hip arthroplasty demonstrated excellent results on the stem side. However, 4 cases (3.0%) of cup loosening suggest that there is a fixation problem due to the design of the cup.

Surgical Outcome of Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Patients over 70 years old: A Comparative Analysis according to Surgical Method / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze and compare the clinical results of different surgical methods for spinal stenosis, without lumbar instability, in patients over 70 years-old. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Much controversy exists as to the best operative method for spinal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty eight patients that had undergone surgical treatment for spinal stenosis, without lumbar spinal instability, with a mean age of 75.1 years(70 to 91 years) and follow up period was 44 months(24 to 52 months), were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: * Group A (n=23): posterior decompression alone * Group B (n=15): posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion Clinical outcome and satisfaction were assessed using Bohlman's measurements, on a 10 point pain rating scale, and the clinical outcomes were further analyzed according to the co-morbidity and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Clinically excellent and good outcomes were achieved in 86.9 and 80.0% in groups A and B, respectively. The 10-points pain scale for low back pain showed improvements in both groups. The co-morbidity did not influence the clinical outcome in either group. There were no serious postoperative complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior decompression alone was an effective surgical method, and was found to be equivalent to posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion in patients over 70 years-old with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and without lumbar spinal instability.

Radiological and Clinical Analysis of Degenerative Lumbar Retrolisthesis: Comparative Study of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We wanted to analyze the radiological features of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and retrolisthesis, and we wanted to verify what radiological factors are related to the development of the retrolisthesis. We also wanted to determine these radiological factors' clinical significance. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: There is little information about the pathological mechanism and the clinical and radiological aspects of degenerative lumbar retrolisthsis. MATERIALS & METHODS: Sixty patients were reviewed and divided into three groups. The degenerative lumbar retrolisthesis patients were in group A. The degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients were in group B. Group C patients had no vertebral shift in any direction. The factors we measured were the facet joint angle, the disc height of L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1, and the lordosis of the lumbar spine. The evaluation of the clinical results was then quantified. RESULTS: The facet joint angle showed no statistical significance between the two groups. The disc height of group A at L4-5 and L5-S1 was more decreased in group A than in group B (p<0.05). Lumbar lordosis was decreased significantly in group A (p<0.05). The preoperative pain was improved at the final follow up, but preoperative pain was significantly higher in group A than in group B (p<0.05). The clinical results were improved in each group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The disc height and lumbar lordosis were considerably reduced in the patients with retrolisthesis, especially compared to those patients with spondylolisthesis. Preoperative pain was higher for the retrolisthesis patients than for the spondylolithesis patients, but there was no significant difference.