Correlation of Sagittal Imbalance and Recollapse after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Multivariate Study of Risk Factors

Methods@#Ambulatory patients who underwent single-level PVP for thoracolumbar OVF with a follow-up of at least 24 months were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of symptomatic recollapse at the cemented vertebra: (1) recollapsed (RC) group and (2) noncollapsed (NC) group. The patient characteristics and radiographic measurements associated with sagittal imbalance were analyzed at each follow-up visit. @*Results@#Overall, 134 patients (RC group, n=28; NC group, n=106) were enrolled. The mean fracture-free interval was 3.2 months (range, 1.2–25.1 months). The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified low bone mineral density (p =0.047), degree of dynamic mobility within the vertebra (p =0.025), and sagittal imbalance as significant risk factors for recollapse (p =0.013; odds ratio, 5.405). The progression of sagittal imbalance and thoracolumbar kyphosis (T10–L2) was more significant in the RC and sagittal imbalance groups than in the NC group (both p =0.000). @*Conclusions@#Sagittal imbalance, lower bone mineral density, and dynamic mobility within the vertebra are associated with the recollapse of cemented vertebrae following PVP. Sagittal imbalance, rather than local kyphosis or thoracolumbar kyphosis, is particularly significant in that it results in more progressive collapse and sagittal deformity and is accompanied by substantial back pain and neurological deficits. Therefore, a stricter and more active management, including anti-osteoporosis medication, is required for the treatment of OVF with sagittal imbalance of the spine.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Primary and Revision Surgery Using a Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach in Patients with Adult Spinal Deformity and Sagittal Imbalance

Background@#The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and complications of primary and revision surgery in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) accompanied by sagittal imbalance. Revision surgery has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased risk of complications. Previous studies comparing primary versus revision surgery included data for a wide variety of diseases and ages, but few investigated patients with ASD with sagittal imbalance undergoing anterior and posterior combined surgery. @*Methods@#Retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data. We identified 60 consecutive patients with ASD combined with sagittal imbalance who underwent primary or revision surgery; of these, 6 patients were excluded for lack of a minimal 2-year follow-up. Patients’ surgical and radiological data, clinical outcomes, and complications were reviewed. @*Results@#There were 30 patients in the primary group and 24 patients in the revision group. Patient characteristics, including the prevalence of sarcopenia, were similar between the two groups. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy was performed more frequently in the revision group although there was no statistically significant difference between groups. The primary group had more proximal junctional problems, whereas the revision group had more rod breakage (p < 0.05). There were significant improvements in clinical outcomes in both groups when the preoperative and 2-year postoperative values were compared. The Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale score were similar in both groups 2 years postoperatively. @*Conclusions@#Considering the greater pain and disability at the time of the revision procedure, revision patients benefited more from surgery at the 2-year follow-up than the primary surgery patients. Complication rates were similar between the groups except for proximal junctional problems and rod breakage. Therefore, revision surgery should not be avoided in the treatment of ASD patients with sagittal imbalance.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Primary and Revision Surgery Using a Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach in Patients with Adult Spinal Deformity and Sagittal Imbalance

Background@#The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and complications of primary and revision surgery in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) accompanied by sagittal imbalance. Revision surgery has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased risk of complications. Previous studies comparing primary versus revision surgery included data for a wide variety of diseases and ages, but few investigated patients with ASD with sagittal imbalance undergoing anterior and posterior combined surgery. @*Methods@#Retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data. We identified 60 consecutive patients with ASD combined with sagittal imbalance who underwent primary or revision surgery; of these, 6 patients were excluded for lack of a minimal 2-year follow-up. Patients’ surgical and radiological data, clinical outcomes, and complications were reviewed. @*Results@#There were 30 patients in the primary group and 24 patients in the revision group. Patient characteristics, including the prevalence of sarcopenia, were similar between the two groups. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy was performed more frequently in the revision group although there was no statistically significant difference between groups. The primary group had more proximal junctional problems, whereas the revision group had more rod breakage (p < 0.05). There were significant improvements in clinical outcomes in both groups when the preoperative and 2-year postoperative values were compared. The Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale score were similar in both groups 2 years postoperatively. @*Conclusions@#Considering the greater pain and disability at the time of the revision procedure, revision patients benefited more from surgery at the 2-year follow-up than the primary surgery patients. Complication rates were similar between the groups except for proximal junctional problems and rod breakage. Therefore, revision surgery should not be avoided in the treatment of ASD patients with sagittal imbalance.

Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity with Sagittal Imbalance Using Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Can We Predict How Much Lordosis Correction Is Possible?

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, single-center study.PURPOSE: The current trend of operative treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD) is combined anterior-posterior staged surgery. When anterior surgery was first performed, oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) was employed; this method became increasing popular. This study aimed to determine the lordosis correction that can be achieved using OLIF and assess whether we can preoperatively predict the lordosis correction angle achieved using OLIF.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Many previous studies on OLIF have shown improved clinical and radiologic outcomes. With the increase in the popularity of OLIF, several surgeons have started using larger cages to attain greater lordosis correction. Moreover, some studies have reported complications of OLIF because of immoderate cage insertion. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study that attempted to determine whether it is possible to predict the lordosis correction angle achieved with OLIF preoperatively, using fullextension lateral view (FELV).METHODS: Forty-six patients with ASD were enrolled. All the operations were performed by a single surgeon in two stages (first, anterior and second, posterior) with a 1-week interval. Radiological evaluation was performed by comparing the Cobb’s angle of the segmental and regional lordosis obtained using preoperative and postoperative simple radiography (including the FELV) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).RESULTS: Regional lordosis (L1–S1) in the whole-spine standing lateral radiograph was −3.03°; however, in the supine lateral MRI, it was 20.92°. The regional lordosis of whole-spine standing lateral and supine lateral (MRI) was significantly different. In the FELV, regional lordosis was 25.72° and that in the postoperative supine lateral (MRI) was 25.02°; these values were not significantly different.CONCLUSIONS: Although OLIF offers many advantages, it alone plays a limited role in ASD treatment. Lordosis correction using OLIF as well as lordosis determined in the FELV was possible. Hence, our results suggest that FELV can help predict the lordosis correction angle preoperatively and thus aid the selection of the appropriate technique in the second staged operation.

The Effects of Sagittal Spino-Pelvic Alignment on the Clinical Symptoms of Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Osteoporotic Patients

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sagittal spino-pelvic alignment on the clinical symptoms of thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK; T10-L2 Cobb's angle >20°) in osteoporotic patients. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Few studies have investigated the clinical symptoms and radiological features of TLK caused by degenerative changes. There is also controversy over whether clinical symptoms will deteriorate in patients with TLK or which treatment should be chosen according to the degree of TLK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2005 to May 2016, we reviewed 75 patients who were diagnosed with TLK (T10-L2 Cobb's angle >20°) and osteoporosis. Patients were excluded from the study if they had neurological symptoms, underlying spinal disorders, or unstable vertebral fractures. Fifty patients with TLK due to an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (group F) and 25 patients with senile TLK (group S) were assessed by clinical symptoms and radiological parameters. Thoracolumbar kyphosis angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were also analyzed. Clinical symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical symptoms (VAS, ODI) and radiological parameters between groups F and S, or according to the degree of TLK(20°–30°, 30°–40°, >40°). Clinical symptoms were significantly more severe in patients with sagittal imbalance (SVA >5 cm) than in those with sagittal balance. CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal imbalance is a more important factor affecting clinical symptoms than the cause or the degree of TLK. Therefore, sagittal imbalance should be considered in the management of TLK in osteoporotic patients.

Precautions for Combined Anterior and Posterior Long-Level Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity: Perioperative Surgical Complications Related to the Anterior Procedure (Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study. PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the perioperative complications of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) as a first-stage procedure in combined anterior and posterior operation for adult spinal deformity (ASD) along with sagittal imbalance. Specifically, we aimed to identify the radiological and clinical types of perioperative surgical complications and the factors affecting these complications. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: OLIF has recently gained popularity, and there are several reports of good outcomes and only a few of complications with OLIF; however, a few studies have focused on the perioperative surgical complications of ASD along with sagittal imbalance. METHODS: The perioperative period was a 1-week interval between the anterior and posterior procedures. All patients underwent simple radiography and magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and postoperatively. Cage placement was evaluated for displacement (i.e., subsidence and migration) and vertebral body fracture. Clinical patient complaints were evaluated perioperatively. Student t-test was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were included, totaling 138 fusion segments. A week after OLIF, 14 patients/33 segments (30.4%/23.9%) demonstrated endplate injury-associated cage placement change. Subsidence was the most common cage placement-related complication. As compared with patients without endplate injury, those with endplate injuries showed significantly larger correction angles and a higher proportion of them had larger height cages than the disk height in the full-extension lateral view. Although 32.6% of the patients experienced perioperative clinical complications, they were relatively minor and transient. The most common complication was severe postoperative pain (Visual Analog Scale score of >7), and hip flexor weakness spontaneously resolved within 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: OLIF yielded more than expected endplate injuries from treatment modalities for ASD along with sagittal imbalance. Therefore, surgeons should be cautious about endplate injury during OLIF procedures. It is difficult to accomplish lordosis correction via OLIF alone; therefore, surgeons should not attempt this impractical correction goal and insert an immoderate cage.

Prevention of Adjacent Segmental Disease after Fusion in Degenerative Spinal Disorder: Correlation between Segmental Lumbar Lordosis Ratio and Pelvic Incidence–Lumbar Lordosis Mismatch for a Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: Associations among risk factors related to adjacent segmental disease (ASD) remain unclear. We evaluated the risk factors and segmental lordosis ratio to prevent ASD developing after lumbar spinal fusion. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Risk factors related to ASD development are age, sex, obesity, pre-existing degeneration, number of fusion segments, and decreased postoperative lumbar lordosis (LL). However, the associations among these factors are still unclear and should be clearly identified. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on 274 patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion of three segments or below for lumbar degenerative disease from January 2010 to December 2012, with over 5 years of follow-up. Patients with preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) >5 cm were excluded due to sagittal imbalance. A total of 37 patients with ASD and 40 control patients (CTRL) were randomly selected in a similar distribution of matching variables: age, sex, and preoperative degenerative changes. Sex, age, number of fusion segments, radiologic measurements, L4–5–S1/L1–S1 LL ratio, and spinopelvic parameters (pelvic incidence [PI], pelvic tilt [PT], sacral slope [SS], and SVA) were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between PI–LL mismatch and L4–5–S1 segmental lordosis rate. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between ASDs and CTRL groups regarding age, sex, number of fusion segments, fusion method, and preoperative and postoperative spinopelvic parameters (PI, SS, PT, and LL). However, regarding the L4–5–S1/L1–S1 lordosis ratio, 50% (p=0.045), 60% (p=0.031), 70% (p=0.042), 80% (p=0.023), and 90% (p=0.023) were statistically significant; 10 group, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a postoperative L4–5–S1/L1–S1 lordosis ratio >50% had less occurrence of ASD. Correcting LL according to PI and physiologic segmental lordosis ratio is important in preventing ASD.

The Effects of Sagittal Spino-Pelvic Alignment on the Clinical Symptoms of Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Osteoporotic Patients

OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sagittal spino-pelvic alignment on the clinical symptoms of thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK; T10-L2 Cobb's angle >20°) in osteoporotic patients.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Few studies have investigated the clinical symptoms and radiological features of TLK caused by degenerative changes. There is also controversy over whether clinical symptoms will deteriorate in patients with TLK or which treatment should be chosen according to the degree of TLK.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#From May 2005 to May 2016, we reviewed 75 patients who were diagnosed with TLK (T10-L2 Cobb's angle >20°) and osteoporosis. Patients were excluded from the study if they had neurological symptoms, underlying spinal disorders, or unstable vertebral fractures. Fifty patients with TLK due to an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (group F) and 25 patients with senile TLK (group S) were assessed by clinical symptoms and radiological parameters. Thoracolumbar kyphosis angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were also analyzed. Clinical symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in clinical symptoms (VAS, ODI) and radiological parameters between groups F and S, or according to the degree of TLK(20°–30°, 30°–40°, >40°). Clinical symptoms were significantly more severe in patients with sagittal imbalance (SVA >5 cm) than in those with sagittal balance.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Sagittal imbalance is a more important factor affecting clinical symptoms than the cause or the degree of TLK. Therefore, sagittal imbalance should be considered in the management of TLK in osteoporotic patients.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in the Lumbar and Sacral Spine

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound-guided injections are a common clinical treatment for lower lumbosacral pain that are usually performed before surgical treatment if conservative treatment fails. The aim of this article was to review ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Ultrasound-guided injections, unlike conventional interventions using computed tomography or C-arm fluoroscopy, can be performed under simultaneous observation of muscles, ligaments, vessels, and nerves. Additionally, they have no radiation exposure and do not require a large space for the installation of equipment, so they are increasingly selected as an alternative method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched for and reviewed studies related to the use of ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine. RESULTS: In order to perform accurate ultrasound-guided injections, it is necessary to understand the patient's posture during the intervention, the relevant anatomy, and normal and abnormal ultrasonographic findings. Facet joint intra-articular injections, medial branch block, epidural block, selective nerve root block, and sacroiliac joint injections can be effectively performed under ultrasound guidance. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine are an efficient method for treating lumbosacral pain.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in the Lumbar and Sacral Spine

OBJECTIVE@#Ultrasound-guided injections are a common clinical treatment for lower lumbosacral pain that are usually performed before surgical treatment if conservative treatment fails. The aim of this article was to review ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Ultrasound-guided injections, unlike conventional interventions using computed tomography or C-arm fluoroscopy, can be performed under simultaneous observation of muscles, ligaments, vessels, and nerves. Additionally, they have no radiation exposure and do not require a large space for the installation of equipment, so they are increasingly selected as an alternative method.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#We searched for and reviewed studies related to the use of ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine.@*RESULTS@#In order to perform accurate ultrasound-guided injections, it is necessary to understand the patient's posture during the intervention, the relevant anatomy, and normal and abnormal ultrasonographic findings. Facet joint intra-articular injections, medial branch block, epidural block, selective nerve root block, and sacroiliac joint injections can be effectively performed under ultrasound guidance.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Ultrasound-guided injections in the lumbar and sacral spine are an efficient method for treating lumbosacral pain.

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.

Natural History of Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis with Conservative Treatment

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the natural history of conservatively treated lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LDK). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The correlations between the clinical and radiologic parameters of general adult spinal deformity (ASD) are widely known. However, in LDK, dynamic sagittal imbalance is present during ambulation, meaning that its pathogenesis and natural history are different and not widely recognized compared to those of other forms of ASD, resulting in many controversies regarding treatment. To elucidate the natural history of LDK, we analyzed the clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients, comparing their first and final follow-up visits, and evaluated correlations among clinical and radiologic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2006 to January 2014, 31 patients diagnosed with LDK who underwent conservative treatment were studied. The mean age of the patients was 72.5 years, and the mean follow-up period was 59.2 months. Clinical and radiologic evaluations were conducted on the first and final follow-up visits. Clinical evaluations were done using a visual analog scale and the Oswestry disability index, and radiologic evaluations were performed using spinal and pelvic parameters over a follow-up period of at least 24 months. RESULTS: Patients who were diagnosed with LDK and underwent conservative treatment showed no significant differences in their clinical outcomes between the first and final follow-up. Some radiologic parameters significantly progressed. There were no significant differences between clinical and radiologic parameters at the initial and final follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: During the follow-up period of patients diagnosed with LDK, some radiologic parameters progressed. However, the progress of LDK and the clinical symptoms reported by the patients did not significantly change. Decisions regarding the treatment of LDK should not be made according to radiologic parameters showing the degree of deformity, but by carefully determining the patients' clinical symptoms and disability level.

Complications and Risk Factors of Surgery for Adult Spine Deformity / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Demand for surgical management of adult spine deformity has increased due to a recent increase in the elder population, development of surgical techniques, and increased desire for a better quality of life. More surgeries led to more and various complications. Complications of surgery for adult spine deformity have been reported from 37% to 53% depending on the types of disease, cause, and patient. This rate is higher than complications from general spine surgeries. Complications of surgery for adult spine deformity include; infection, excessive bleeding, nerve injury, pseudarthrosis, adjacent segment disease, and iliac screw complication. Factors influencing these complications include; old age, diabetes, steroid use, and osteoporosis. Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is an abnormal kyphosis at the proximal level of the instrument after spine deformity surgery. Risk factors for PJK include; injury of paravertebral muscles and posterior ligament complex, over- and under-correction of coronal sagittal imbalance, age older than 55 years, and osteoporosis. There is a high risk of unexpected complications during surgery for adult spine deformity. Patients with degenerative spine sagittal imbalance are more prevalent in Korea than in Western countries. They tend to be old, have underlying diseases and osteoporosis, making them susceptible to complications related to instrumentation. Postoperative satisfaction tends to be low thus surgeons need to take care when selecting surgical methods and fusion level.

Lumbopelvic Fixation with Iliac Screw in Spinopelvic Dissociation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Spinopelvic dissociation which occurs by high energy trauma with associated fractures is rare. Treatment is difficult and only a few studies on treatment of spinopelvic dissociation have been reported. Therefore we evaluated spinopelvic dissociation patients treated with iliac screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed patients who underwent surgery using an iliac screw from 2005 to 2010. Preoperative radiologic classification was performed using the level of the transverse fracture line of the sacrum, shape of the fracture, and Roy-Camille classification. Neurologic evaluation was performed using Gibbons classification. Eleven patients underwent surgery with a pedicle screw in 1 level (L5 to S1) and bilateral iliac screws were added. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were included in this study. The level of the transverse fracture line of the sacrum was mainly at S2, and there were mostly type 3 or 4 in Roy-Camille classification. Bony union was checked in 11 patients without metal failure. Six of 7 patients were treated by posterior decompression. Among them, 5 patients recovered from neurological deficit and 1 patient still had a sensory disorder on both lower legs. CONCLUSION: The more displacement of fracture, the more neurologic deficit occurred. In addition, we think that aggressive surgical treatment for spinopelvic dissociation should be considered, because a good clinical result was achieved with 1 level (L5 to S1) fixation and bilateral iliac screw fixation.

Multilevel Thoracolumbar Spondylolysis with Spondylolisthesis at L4 on L5

A 24-year-old male patient was initially evaluated for persistent back pain. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7 points. Physical examination revealed a decreased range of lumbar spinal motion, which caused pain. Simple X-ray revealed Meyerding grade 1 spondylolisthesis at L4 on L5, with mild dome-shaped superior endplate and consecutive multilevel spondylolysis at T12-L5. Standing anteroposterior and lateral views of the entire spine revealed normal balance of sagittal and coronal alignment. A computed tomography scan revealed bilateral spondylolysis at T12-L4, left unilateral spondylolysis at L5, and spina bifida at L5 to sacral region. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild dural ectasia at the lumbar region. Due to the absence of any neurological symptoms, the patient was managed conservatively. He was rested a few weeks with corset brace and physiotherapy. After treatment, his back pain improved, VAS score changed from 7 to 2, and he was able to return to normal activity.

Risk Factors and Postoperative Prognostic Factors of Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To explore the risk factors and the factors associated with the neurological improvement after operation in the spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The cause of the spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is unknown. The objective risk and prognostic factors are still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2014, a total of 12 patients with spontaneous epidural hematoma were evaluated. The risk and prognostic factors analyzed were sex, age, underlying diseases, medications, neurologic status, level and extent of hematoma, cord edema, and interval from onset to surgery. We analyzed the correlation between each factor and neurologic recovery. The neurologic status was analyzed using the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) at the first and the last neurologic examination. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 68.6 years. Seven patients were treated with anticoagulation therapy, and two were advised to switch to a healthier diet. The initial neurologic status of the patients was AIS A in 2 cases, B in 5 cases, C in 4 cases, D in 1 case, and in two patients, cord edema was revealed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The interval of time from onset to surgery was less than 24 hours in 6 cases, 24-48 hours in 4 cases, and more than 48 hours in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic factors associated with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma were found to be initial neurologic status, cord edema on MRI, and interval from onset to surgery. We found no correlation between anticoagulation therapy or healthy diet and spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma, but anticoagulation therapy cannot be excluded as a risk factor.

Surgical Treatment of Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cyst: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of spinal extradural arachnoid cyst. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Extradural arachonid cysts of the spine are a rare cause of spinal cord and nerve root compression. There are few reports about it, and the etiology remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed a clinical and radiographic case review. RESULTS: A 56-year-old male patient presented with both lower extremity radiating pain and tingling sensation in both feet for four years. His MRI revealed a large, well-demarcated extradural lesion, isointense to cerebrospinal fluid from L1 to L3. We performed dural repair and laminectomy for partial resection of the cyst. The outcome was good in the immediate postoperative period, and the patient made a full recovery without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment should be considered for large spinal extradural arachnoid cysts with neurologic symptoms when conservative treatment does not work.

Clinical Results And Prognostic Factors for Thoracic Myelopathy Caused by Ossification of Yellow Ligament after Surgical Treatment

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the clinical results of thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of yellow ligament (OYL) and to explore prognostic factors after surgical treatment. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Thoracic myelopathy due to OYL is difficult to treat; surgery is considered as treatment of choice. However, studies of the clinical results and prognostic factors are few due to its rare presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty six patients who had surgery for thoracic myelopathy caused by OYL were evaluated from February 2002 to April 2012. We describe the analysis of the clinical results after surgery and prognostic factors. RESULTS: Modified Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score was recorded in all patients by 5.7+/-1.3 points (range, 2-9 points) preoperatively, 7.8+/-1.7 points (range, 4-10 points) postoperatively, and 8.4+/-2.1 points (range, 5-11 points) at final follow-up. Hirabayashi recovery rate was recorded by 60.2+/-20.2% (range, 45.5-72.0%) postoperatively, 64.5+/-17.3% (range, 50.2-75.1%) at final follow-up. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was also improved by 7.6+/-1.8 points (range, 7-10 points) preoperatively, 4.5+/-1.3 points (range, 3-6 points) postoperatively, and 3.8+/-1.6 points (range, 2-5 points) at final follow-up. Both modified JOA score and VAS score improved significantly (p<0.05). In prognostic factor analysis, OYL type on CT axial image, duration of symptom, and preoperative severity of myelopathy was significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We showed the effectiveness of surgery on patients who suffer from thoracic myelopathy caused by OYL and that OYL type identified by CT axial image, duration of symptom, and preoperative severity of myelopathy were significant prognostic factors.

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.