Occult Andersson lesions in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: undetectable destructive lesions on plain radiographs / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Andersson lesions (ALs) are not uncommon in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Plain radiography (PR) is widely used for the diagnosis of ALs. However, in our practice, there were some ALs in AS patients that could not be detected on plain radiographs. This study aimed to propose the concept of occult ALs and evaluate the prevalence and radiographic characteristics of the occult ALs in AS patients.@*METHODS@#A total of 496 consecutive AS patients were admitted in the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University between April 2003 and November 2019 and they were retrospectively reviewed. The AS patients with ALs who met the following criteria were included for the investigation of occult ALs: (1) with pre-operative plain radiographs of the whole-spine and (2) availability of pre-operative computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the whole-spine. The occult ALs were defined as the ALs which were undetectable on plain radiographs but could be detected by CT and/or MRI. The extensive ALs involved the whole discovertebral junction or manifested as destructive lesions throughout the vertebral body. Independent-samples t test was used to compare the age between the patients with only occult ALs and those with only detectable ALs. Chi-square or Fisher exact test was applied to compare the types, distribution, and radiographic characteristics between detectable and occult ALs as appropriate.@*RESULTS@#Ninety-two AS patients with a mean age of 44.4 ± 10.1 years were included for the investigation of occult ALs. Twenty-three patients had occult ALs and the incidence was 25% (23/92). Fifteen extensive ALs were occult, and the proportion of extensive ALs was significantly higher in detectable ALs (97% vs. 44%, χ2 = 43.66, P < 0.001). As assessed by PR, the proportions of osteolytic destruction with reactive sclerosis (0 vs. 100%, χ2 = 111.00, P < 0.001), angular kyphosis of the affected discovertebral units or vertebral body (0 vs. 22%, χ2 = 8.86, P = 0.003), formation of an osseous bridge at the intervertebral space adjacent to ALs caused by the ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (38% vs. 86%, χ2 = 25.91, P < 0.001), and an abnormal height of the affected intervertebral space were all significantly lower in occult ALs (9% vs. 84%, χ2 = 60.41, P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Occult ALs presented with more subtle radiographic changes. Occult ALs should not be neglected, especially in the case of extensive occult ALs, because the stability of the spine might be severely impaired by these lesions.

Four-rod Technique Stabilization after Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO) for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Hyperkyphosis Secondary to Pott Disease: A Two-Year Follow-Up Case Report

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a powerful tool for themanagement of sagittal misalignment. However, this procedure has a high rate of implant failure, particularly rod breakages. The four-rod technique diminishes this complication in the lumbar spine. The aim of the present study is to provide a case report regarding PSO and fourrod technique stabilization in the treatment of short-angle hyperkyphosis in the thoracolumbar (TL) junction. The authors describe the case of a patient with TL hyperkyphosis secondary to spinal tuberculosis treated with L1 PSO and fixation with a four-rod technique. There were no major surgical complications. The self-reported quality of life questionnaires (the Short-Form Health Survey 36 [SF-36] and the Oswestry disability index) and radiological parameters were assessed preoperatively, as well as 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, and they showed considerable and sustained improvements in pain control and quality of life. No hardware failure was observed at the two-year follow-up.

Cobalt chromium-Titanium rods versus Titanium-Titanium rods for treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; which type of rod has better postoperative outcomes?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE; Compare the outcome of spinal deformity correction between Ti-Ti and CrCo-Ti rods for the treatment of spinal Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) using rods mentioned with all pedicle screws and translation technique. METHOD; 59 patients operated for spinal deformity (Lenke 1 or 2) AIS. The patients were divided into two groups by random allocation using Ti-Ti rods (n = 29) and CrCo-Ti rods (n = 30) and the alone difference among them in the surgical procedure was rod material (Ti-Ti or CrCo-Ti rods) and finally, radiological outcomes were compared preoperatively, postoperatively and at last follow-up for 12 months. RESULTS; Patients' main curve correction after surgical procedure regardless type of rod was 48.95±11.04 (13-75) degree. Success rate of spinal deformity correction following surgical procedure regardless of type of administered rod was 86.76 ± 11.30 percent (62.5-100%). Mean of deformity correction rate was 91.49±10.67% using CrCo-Ti rods versus 81.86±9.88% using Ti-Ti rods (P-value=0.01). Angle change was 3.29±6.60 for kyphosis angle and 0.59±7.76 for lordosis angle. Rate of main curve correction was not significantly different considering patients' gender (P-value0.657). Main curve correction success rate was in association with patients' age and type of rod (P-value=0.054, r=-1.863 and P-value=0.001, r=8.865 respectively). CONCLUSION; CrCo-Ti rods have the ability to produce higher correction rates in AIS compared to Ti-Ti rod of the same diameter. CrCo-Ti rods provide significant and stable spinal correction, especially in correction of main curve. This rate was associated with patients' age and type of rod administered but not gender.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Comparar o resultado da correção da deformidade da coluna vertebral com ligas de Ti-Ti e CrCo-Ti para o tratamento da Escoliose Idiopática do Adolescente (EIA) na coluna usando as ligas mencionadas com todos os parafusos pediculares e técnica de tradução. MÉTODO: 59 pacientes operados por EIA com deformidade da coluna vertebral (Lenke 1 ou 2). Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos por alocação aleatória usando ligas de Ti-Ti (n = 29) e ligas de CrCo-Ti (n = 30) e a única diferença entre eles no procedimento cirúrgico foi o material da liga (ligas de Ti-Ti ou CrCo-Ti) e, finalmente, resultados radiológicos foram comparados no pré-operatório, pós-operatório e no último retorno por 12 meses. RESULTADOS: A correção da curva principal do paciente após o procedimento cirúrgico, independentemente do tipo de liga, foi de 48,95±11,04 (13-75) graus. A taxa de sucesso da correção da deformidade da coluna vertebral após o procedimento cirúrgico, independentemente do tipo de liga administrada, foi de 86,76 ± 11,30% (62,5-100%). A média da taxa de correção da deformidade foi de 91,49±10,67% usando ligas de CrCo-Ti e 81,86±9,88% usando ligas de Ti-Ti (valor de P = 0,01). A mudança de ângulo foi de 3,29±6,60 para o ângulo de cifose e de 0,59±7,76 para o ângulo de lordose. A taxa de correção da curva principal não foi significativamente diferente considerando o sexo dos pacientes (Valor de P 0,657). A taxa de sucesso da correção da curva principal foi associada à idade do paciente e ao tipo de liga (valor de P=0,054, r=-1,863 e valor de P=0,001, r=8,865, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: As ligas de CrCo-Ti têm a capacidade de produzir taxas de correção mais altas em EIA em comparação com a liga de Ti-Ti do mesmo diâmetro. As ligas de CrCo-Ti fornecem uma correção espinhal significativa e estável, especialmente na correção da curva principal. Essa taxa foi associada à idade e ao tipo de liga administrada, mas não ao sexo.

Comparison of diaphragmatic mobility between COPD patients with and without thoracic hyperkyphosis: a cross-sectional study / Comparação da mobilidade diafragmática em pacientes com DPOC com e sem hipercifose torácica: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare diaphragmatic mobility, lung function, and respiratory muscle strength between COPD patients with and without thoracic hyperkyphosis; to determine the relationship of thoracic kyphosis angle with diaphragmatic mobility, lung function, and respiratory muscle strength in COPD patients; and to compare diaphragmatic mobility and thoracic kyphosis between male and female patients with COPD. Methods: Participants underwent anthropometry, spirometry, thoracic kyphosis measurement, and evaluation of diaphragmatic mobility. Results: A total of 34 patients with COPD participated in the study. Diaphragmatic mobility was significantly lower in the group of COPD patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis than in that of those without it (p = 0.002). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of COPD patients regarding lung function or respiratory muscle strength variables. There was a significant negative correlation between thoracic kyphosis angle and diaphragmatic mobility (r = −0.47; p = 0.005). In the sample as a whole, there were statistically significant differences between males and females regarding body weight (p = 0.011), height (p < 0.001), and thoracic kyphosis angle (p = 0.036); however, there were no significant differences in diaphragmatic mobility between males and females (p = 0.210). Conclusions: Diaphragmatic mobility is lower in COPD patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis than in those without it. There is a negative correlation between thoracic kyphosis angle and diaphragmatic mobility. In comparison with male patients with COPD, female patients with COPD have a significantly increased thoracic kyphosis angle.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a mobilidade diafragmática, a função pulmonar e a força muscular respiratória em pacientes que apresentam DPOC com e sem hipercifose torácica; verificar a relação do ângulo da curvatura torácica com a mobilidade diafragmática, variáveis da função pulmonar e de força muscular respiratória dos pacientes com DPOC; e comparar a mobilidade diafragmática e a cifose torácica entre os gêneros nesses pacientes. Métodos: Foram realizadas as seguintes avaliações: antropometria, espirometria, mensuração do ângulo da curvatura torácica e mobilidade diafragmática. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 34 pacientes com DPOC. No grupo de pacientes com DPOC e hipercifose torácica, a mobilidade diafragmática foi estatisticamente menor quando comparada à do grupo DPOC sem hipercifose torácica (p = 0,002). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre esses grupos em relação a variáveis de função pulmonar e de força muscular respiratória. Houve uma correlação negativa significante entre o ângulo da curvatura torácica e a mobilidade diafragmática (r = −0,47; p = 0,005). Quando comparados homens e mulheres da amostra geral, houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes em relação à massa corpórea (p = 0,011), estatura (p < 0,001) e ângulo da curvatura da cifose torácica (p = 0,036), mas não em relação à mobilidade diafragmática (p = 0,210). Conclusões: Os pacientes com DPOC e hipercifose torácica apresentaram menor mobilidade diafragmática quando comparados com os pacientes com DPOC sem hipercifose torácica. O ângulo da curvatura torácica se correlacionou negativamente com a mobilidade diafragmática. O grupo feminino apresentou um aumento significante no ângulo da curvatura torácica quando comparado ao grupo masculino.

Kyphosis index obtained in X-ray and with flexicurve assessment in children and young people / Índice de cifose obtido em radiografia e com o flexicurva na avaliação de crianças e jovens

Abstract Objectives: to assess the concurrent validity of kyphosis index measured in the flexicurve from the correlation of X-rays exams, identifying its accuracy and to assess the thoracic spine in children and young people. Methods: 31 young people at an average age of 11.1±3.4 years were evaluated by digital x-rays: (1) Cobb angle (ÂngCobb), (2) Kyphosis index (KIX), and (3) KIX angle (ÂngKIX). These were measured from the flexicurve design on the millimetric graph paper: (1) Kyphosis index (KIFint), obtained from C7 the intersection of kyphosis-lordosis, (2) Kyphosis index (KIFT12), obtained between C7 and T12, and (3) Kyphosis angle (ÂngKIFint and ÂngKIFT12). Statistical analysis: Correlation to Pearson Moment-Product and t test (α<0.05). Results: the angular values (ÂngKIFint, ÂngKIFT12, ÂngKIX) were underestimated in relation to Cobb angle (p<0.05), correlating only to KIX angle and Cobb angle [r=0.698, p<0.001]. The linear values (KIFint, KIFT12, KIX) were similar ( p>0.05) among themselves, correlating only to KIX and Cobb angle [r=0.698, p<0.001] and KIX angle and KIX [r=1; p<0.001]. Conclusions: the KIX and KIX angle presented as an accurate method and valid to be used in the thoracic kyphosis assessment, although KIFint, KIFT12, KIFint angle and KIFT12 angle showed no correlation to the gold standard and not being indicated to assess the thoracic kyphosis in children and young people.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a validade concorrente do índice de cifose mensurado no flexicurva a partir da correlação com exames de Raios-X, identificando sua acurácia, para avaliação da coluna torácica de crianças e jovens. Métodos: 31 jovens com idade média de 11,1±3,4 anos foram avaliados em radiografias digitais: (1) ângulo Cobb (ÂngCobb), (2) índice de cifose (KIX), e (3) ângulo do KIX (ÂngKIX). Foram mensurados a partir do desenho do flexicurva no papel milimetrado: (1) índice de cifose (KIFint), obtido de C7 à intersecção cifose-lordose, (2) índice de cifose (KIFT12), obtido entre C7 e T12, e (3) ângulo dos índices de cifose (ÂngKIFint e ÂngKIFT12). Análise estatística: Correlação Produto-Momento de Pearson e Teste t (α<0,05). Resultados: os valores angulares (ÂngKIFint, ÂngKIFT12, ÂngKIX) foram subestimados em relação ao ÂngCobb (p<0,05), sendo correlacionados apenas o ÂngKIX e ÂngCobb [r=0,698; p<0,001]. Os valores lineares (KIFint, KIFT12, KIX) foram semelhantes (p>0,05) entre si, sendo correlacionados apenas KIX e ÂngCobb [r=0,698; p<0,001] e ÂngKIX e KIX [r=1; p <0,001]. Conclusões: o KIX e ÂngKIX apresentaram-se como um método acurado e válido para ser utilizado na avaliação da cifose torácica, embora os KIFint, KIFT12, ÂngKIFint e ÂngKIFT12 não apresentaram correlação com o padrão ouro, não sendo indicados para a avaliação da cifose torácica de crianças e jovens.

Changes in Level of the Conus after Corrective Surgery for Scoliosis: MRI-Based Preliminary Study in 31 Patients

BACKGROUND: Detection of postoperative spinal cord level change can provide basic information about the spinal cord status, and electrophysiological studies regarding this point should be conducted in the future. METHODS: To determine the changes in the spinal cord level postoperatively and the possible associated factors, we prospectively studied 31 patients with scoliosis. All the patients underwent correction and posterior fusion using pedicle screws and rods between January 2008 and March 2009. The pre- and postoperative conus medullaris levels were determined by matching the axial magnetic resonance image to the sagittal scout image. The patients were divided according to the change in the postoperative conus medullaris level. The change group was defined as the patients who showed a change of more than one divided section in the vertebral column postoperatively, and the parameters of the change and non-change groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean pre- and postoperative Cobb's angle of the coronal curve was 76.80degrees +/- 17.19degrees and 33.23degrees +/- 14.39degrees, respectively. Eleven of 31 patients showed a lower conus medullaris level postoperatively. There were no differences in the pre- and postoperative magnitude of the coronal curve, lordosis and kyphosis between the groups. However, the postoperative degrees of correction of the coronal curve and lumbar lordosis were higher in the change group. There were also differences in the disease entities between the groups. A higher percentage of patients with Duchene muscular dystrophy had a change in level compared to that of the patients with cerebral palsy (83.3% vs. 45.5%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The conus medullaris level changed postoperatively in the patients with severe scoliosis. Overall, the postoperative degree of correction of the coronal curve was higher in the change group than that in the non-change group. The degrees of correction of the coronal curve and lumbar lordosis were related to the spinal cord level change after scoliosis correction.

Two staged surgical correction of Scheuermann's disease

Twelve patients with Scheuermann's disease had a two-staged surgical procedure for the correction of their deformity. The age at surgery averaged 18 years + 5 months. The deformity measured an average of 86 degrees. All patients had an anterior release and fusion followed one week later by posterior correction, instrumentation and fusion. The average curve immediately after surgery was 43 degrees. The patients were followed up for an average of 3.5 years, with an average loss of correction of 4 degrees. Generally, there was no postoperative neurological deficit and no metal failure