Presentation of the multicentric collection spine surgery database / Apresentação do banco de dados de coleta multicêntrica de cirurgia da coluna / Presentación de la base de datos de recopilación multicéntrica de cirugía de la columna vertebral

ABSTRACT Objectives: To present the Spine Surgery Database developed by the Brazilian Spine Study Group and the methodology involved in its creation, in addition to presenting initial informationabout the use of the database. Methods: Description of the steps for selecting the questionnaires and variables to be included in the database, initial expansion of the use of the database tophysicians close to the BSSG, a brief exploration of quality control and methods for the inclusion ofnew centers, and training on the database, in addition to a brief descriptionof some of the data included in the database. Results: Currently, the database includes 428 patients who already underwent spine surgery and 9 collection centers with at least one patient collected. Conclusion: The Brazilian Spine Study Group's Multicentric Collection Database is a viable tool that allows patients from different sourcesto be included within a common flow. Level of Evidence V; Expert opinion.

RESUMO Objetivos: Apresentar o Banco de Dados de Cirurgia da Coluna, desenvolvido pelo Brazilian Spine StudyGroupe a metodologia envolvida em suacriação, além de apresentar dados iniciais da utilização do banco de dados. Métodos: Descrição das etapas deseleção dos questionários e variáveis a serem incluídos no banco de dados, expansão inicial do uso do banco para médicos próximos do BSSG, breve exploração do controle de qualidade e métodos de inclusão de novos centros e treinamento no banco de dados, além de breve exposição de alguns dados incluídos no banco. Resultados: Atualmente, o banco de dados conta com 428 pacientes incluídos que já realizaram a cirurgia na coluna e novecentros coletores com ao menos um paciente coletado. Conclusão: O Banco de Dados de coleta multicêntrica do Brazilian Spine StudyGroup é uma ferramenta viável que permite a inclusão de pacientes de diversas origens dentro de um fluxo comum. Nível de Evidência V; Opinião de Especialista.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Presentar la Base de Datos de Cirugía de la Columna Vertebral desarrollada por el Brazilian Spine Study Groupy lametodología utilizada ensucreación, además de presentardatosiniciales sobre el uso de la base de datos. Métodos: Descripción de las etapasde selección de cuestionarios y variables a incluir enla base de datos, ampliación inicial del uso de la base de datos a los médicos cercanos al BSSG, breve exploracióndelcontrol de calidad y de los métodos deinclusión de nuevos centros y formaciónenla base de datos, y breve exposición de algunosdatosincluidosenla base de datos. Resultados: Actualmente,la base de datoscuentacon 428 pacientes incluidos algunos que se han sometido a cirugía de columna vertebral y 9 centros de recopilacióncon al menos un paciente recogido. Conclusión: La base de datos de recopilaciónmulticéntricadel Brazilian Spine Study Group es una herramientaviable que permitelainclusión de pacientes de diferentes orígenes dentro de unflujocomún. Nivel de Evidencia V; Opinión experta.

Comparison between start back screening tool and dram for detection of psychosocial factors in low back pain / Comparação entre start back screening tool e dram na detecção de fatores psicossociais em dor lombar / Comparación entre start back screening tool y dram en la detección de factores psicosociales en dolor lumbar

ABSTRACT Objective: To correlate the results of the STarT Back Screening Tool and DRAM questionnaires, applied simultaneously, in a population with low back pain. Methods: Comparative cross-sectional study with 84 participants with low back pain assessed by both STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST) and DRAM questionnaires. The degree of correlation between the two questionnaires was analyzed through the evaluation of individualized data and using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: According to the DRAM, 19% of the patients were classified as "normal", 32.1% as "at risk" and 48.8% as "distressed". According to SBST, 59.5% of patients were classified as "low risk", 31% as "medium risk" and 9.5% as "high risk". Applying the Spearman's coefficient to evaluate the degree of correlation between the two questionnaires, a value of 0.4 was obtained. This shows that there is a positive, but weak, correlation (p <0.001) between the two questionnaires. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between the two questionnaires, but the DRAM showed a greater tendency to classify patients with some degree of psychological distress when compared to the SBST. Both questionnaires are effective in identifying these factors, but the data suggest that the DRAM may be more effective as a screening tool in patients with low back pain, in view of the higher number of patients identified. Level of evidence III; Diagnostic test study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Correlacionar os resultados dos questionários STarT Back Tool e DRAM, aplicados em um único tempo, a uma população com dor lombar. Métodos: Estudo transversal comparativo com 84 participantes portadores de dor lombar baixa submetidos aos questionários STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST) e DRAM. O grau de correlação entre os dois questionários foi analisado pela avaliação dos dados individualizados e do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Resultados: De acordo com o DRAM, 19% dos pacientes foram classificados como "normais", 32,1% "em risco" e 48,8% se enquadraram no subgrupo "distressed". De acordo com o SBST, 59,5% dos pacientes foram classificados como "baixo risco", 31% "risco médio" e 9,5% "alto risco". Ao aplicar o coeficiente de Spearman para avaliar o grau de correlação entre os dois questionários, foi obtido o valor de 0,4. Isso mostra que há uma correlação positiva entre os dois questionários, embora seja considerada correlação fraca (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Há uma correlação positiva entre os dois questionários, porém o DRAM mostrou tendência maior a identificar pacientes com algum grau de transtorno psíquico quando comparado com o SBST. Ambos os questionários são efetivos para identificar esses fatores, mas os dados sugerem que o DRAM talvez seja mais efetivo como ferramenta de triagem em pacientes com dor lombar baixa, em virtude do maior número de doentes identificados. Nível de evidência III; Estudo diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Correlacionar los resultados de los cuestionarios STarT Back Tool y DRAM, aplicados de una sola vez, en una población con dolor lumbar. Métodos: Estudio transversal comparativo con 84 participantes con dolor lumbar evaluados por los cuestionarios STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST) y DRAM. El grado de correlación entre los dos cuestionarios se analizó mediante la evaluación de datos individualizados y del coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: Según DRAM, el 19% de los pacientes fue clasificado como "normal", el 32,1% como " en riesgo" y el 48,8% se encuadró en el subgrupo "distressed". Según SBST, el 59,5% de los pacientes fue considerado como de "bajo riesgo", el 31% de "riesgo medio" y el 9,5% de "alto riesgo". Al aplicar el coeficiente de Spearman para evaluar el grado de correlación entre los dos cuestionarios, se obtuvo un valor de 0,4. Ello demuestra que existe una correlación positiva, pero débil (p <0,001) entre los dos cuestionarios. Conclusión: Existe una correlación positiva entre los dos cuestionarios, pero DRAM mostró una mayor tendencia a identificar pacientes con algún grado de trastorno psicológico en comparación con SBST. Ambos cuestionarios son eficaces para identificar estos factores, pero los datos sugieren que DRAM puede ser más eficaz como herramienta de detección en pacientes con dolor lumbar, debido al mayor número de pacientes identificados. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio diagnóstico.

Segurança da fusão seletiva na escoliose idiopática e evolução pós-operatória / Safety of selective fusion and postoperative evolution in idiopathic scoliosis / Seguridad de la fusión selectiva en la escoliosis idiopática y evolución postoperatoria

OBJETIVOS: Analisar as correções obtidas através da instrumentação segmentar seletiva torácica, utilizando parafusos pediculares, em pacientes portadores de escoliose idiopática com modificador lombar B ou C; verificar a segurança da técnica e a descompensação das curvas compensatórias não instrumentadas; observar a perda de correção das curvas instrumentadas e não instrumentadas com o tempo. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes portadores de escoliose idiopática com curvas 1B, 1C, 2B e 2C submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico por via posterior utilizando parafusos pediculares. As variáveis analisadas foram: sexo, idade, níveis acometidos pela escoliose, níveis instrumentados, número de parafusos pediculares utilizados, classificação segundo Lenke, ângulos de Cobb pré-operatórios coronal e sagital (incluindo inclinações), ângulos de Cobb no pós-operatório imediato e tardio e perda da correção das curvas com o tempo. Foram submetidos 20 pacientes portadores de escoliose idiopática à tratamento cirúrgico seletivo de agosto/2004 a outubro/2007. Destes, 18 permanecem em acompanhamento e foram incluídos no trabalho porque satisfizeram os critérios de inclusão. RESULTADOS: A média do ângulo de Cobb no pré-operatório foi de 52,61º, no pós-operatório imediato foi de 17,89º e no pós-operatório tardio, 22,15º, com média de correção imediata de 34,72° e perda de correção média 4,26º em 39,78 meses. Obteve-se uma correção espontânea média imediata de 22,62° nas curvas compensatórias não instrumentadas e perda média de 2,72º dessa correção em 39,78 meses. Não ocorreram complicações neurológicas, infecciosas ou descompensações das curvas lombares. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora substancial em termos estéticos, clínicos e radiológicos. Ocorreram perdas parciais da correção com o tempo, porém sem culminarem em descompensação das curvas não instrumentadas. Este trabalho mostra indícios de eficácia e segurança do tratamento cirúrgico seletivo da escoliose idiopática utilizando-se parafusos pediculares a médio/longo prazo.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the corrections obtained by selective thoracic segmental instrumentation using pedicle screws in patients with idiopathic scoliosis with lumbar B or C modificators. Determine the safety of the technique and decompensation of non-instrumented and instrumented compensatory curves. Observe the loss of the correction of instrumented and non-instrumented curves over the time. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with idiopathic scoliosis curves types 1B, 1C, 2B and 2C who underwent surgical treatment via posterior approach using pedicle screws. The variables analyzed were: sex, age, levels affected by scoliosis, instrumented levels, number of inserted pedicle screws, classification according to Lenke, pre-surgical coronal and sagital Cobb angles (inclination included), immediate and late postoperative Cobb angles and the loss of the curve correction over the time. Twenty patients with idiopathic scoliosis underwent surgical selective treatment from August 2004 to October 2007. Eighteen of these patients were followed up and were included in this study they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The average Cobb angle preoperatively was 52,61º, in the immediate postoperative, it was 17,89º and in the later postoperative, the Cobb angle was 22,15º, with an immediate mean correction of 34,72º and average correction loss of 4,26º at 39,78 months. An immediate average spontaneous correction of 22,62° was obtained in the non-instrumented compensatory curves and an average loss of 2,72º of this correction occurred at 39,78 months. There were no neurological complications, infections or decompensation of the lumbar curves. CONCLUSION: All patients showed substantial improvement in aesthetic terms, as well as in clinical and radiological aspects. Partial loss of correction occurred with time, but they did not lead to decompesation of non-instrumented curves. This study shows evidence of efficacy and safety of selective surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis using pedicle screws in the medium and long term.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar las correcciones obtenidas a través de la instrumentación segmentar selectiva torácica, utilizando tornillos pediculares, en pacientes portadores de escoliosis idiopática con modificador lumbar B o C; verificar la seguridad de la técnica y la descompensación de las curvas compensatorias no instrumentadas; observar la pérdida de corrección de las curvas instrumentadas y no instrumentadas con el tiempo. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes portadores de escoliosis idiopática con curvas 1B, 1C, 2B y 2C sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico por vía posterior utilizando tornillos pediculares. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, edad, niveles acometidos por la escoliosis, niveles instrumentados, número de tornillos pediculares utilizados, clasificación según Lenke, ángulos de Cobb preoperatorios coronal y sagital (incluyendo inclinaciones), ángulos de Cobb en el postoperatorio inmediato y tardío y pérdida de la corrección de las curvas con el tiempo. Fueron sometidos 20 pacientes portadores de escoliosis idiopática a tratamiento quirúrgico selectivo desde agosto/2004 a octubre/2007. De éstos, 18 permanecen en acompañamiento y fueron incluidos en el trabajo porque satisficieron los criterios de inclusión. RESULTADOS: El promedio del ángulo de Cobb en el preoperatorio fue de 52,61º, en el postoperatorio inmediato fue de 17,89º y en el postoperatorio tardío, 22,15º, con promedio de corrección inmediata de 34,72° y pérdida de corrección media de 4,26º en 39,78 meses. Se obtuvo una corrección espontánea media inmediata de 22,62° en las curvas compensatorias no instrumentadas y pérdida media de 2,72º de esa corrección en 39,78 meses. No ocurrieron complicaciones neurológicas, infecciosas o descompensaciones de las curvas lumbares. CONCLUSIÓN: Todos los pacientes presentaron mejora sustancial en términos estéticos, clínicos y radiológicos. Ocurrieron pérdidas parciales de la corrección con el tiempo, aunque sin culminar en descompensación de las curvas no instrumentadas. Este trabajo muestra indicios de eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento quirúrgico selectivo de la escoliosis idiopática utilizándose tornillos pediculares a mediano/largo plazo.

Periradicular compound betamethasone injection therapy for lumbar radicular pain performed under CT guidance / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of periradicular compound betamethasone injections into the periganglionic space in the treatment of radicular pain.Methods Periganglionic compound betamethasone infiltrations were performed in 76 patients with lumbar radicular pain under MSCT guidance.All patients were divided into two groups including group 1(31 cases of lumbar disc herniation)and group 2(45 cases of lumbar degenerative disorders).The total and two groups scores of VAS were compared after the therapeutic procedure with evaluation of the efficacy.Results 88%(69/76)of patients showed significant pain reduction,with the score of VAS 6.5?2.0(before therapy)dropping to 3.4?1.8(after 1 week)and 3.8?1.9(after 3 month).Differences in improvements before and after the therapy were statistically significant.Differences between one-week and three-month follow-up were not statistically significant.Differences between the two groups demonstrated no statistical significance.Conclusion Periradicular compound betamethasone injection under CT guidance is safe and useful in the treatment of lumbar radicular pain.

Lumbar Internal Disc Derangement in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Diagnostic Value of the MR Imaging Findings as Compared with Provoked Discography as the Standard

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the MR Imaging findings with provoked discography used as the standard for painful lumbar disc derangement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients (412 discs), (age range: 21-77 years), with chronic low back pain underwent MRI and provoked discography. We evaluated the MRI T2-WI findings such as disc degeneration, high-Intensity zones and endplate abnormalities. Subsequently, provocative discography was independently performed with using MR imaging, and a painful disc was defined when moderate to severe and concordant pain was provoked. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the MRI findings with using provoked discography as the standard. RESULTS: 400 discs showed abnormal findings such as disc degeneration, HIZ and endplate abnormalities on the T2-WI images. 12 discs showed normal findings. HIZ or endplate abnormalities were always combined with disc degeneration. The prevalence of each findings were disc degeneration (400 discs: 97.1%), HIZ (111 discs: 26.9%), type I endplate abnormalities (34 discs: 8.3%), type II endplate abnormalities (75 discs: 18.2%), the combined findings of HIZ and type I endplate abnormalities (2 discs: 0.5%) and the combined findings of HIZ and type II endplate abnormalities (7 discs: 1.7%). The disc degeneration showed high sensitivity (99.5%) and low specificity (5.0%), so only the NPV (91.7%) was significant, and not the PPV (47.8%). Each findings of HIZ (sensitivity, 36.5%; specificity, 81.4%; PPV, 63.18%; NPV, 59.5%), type I endplate abnormalities (11.0%, 94.1%, 61.8% and 54.8%, respectively), type II endplate abnormalities (19.8%, 83.2%, 50.7% and 54.3%, respectively), the combined findings of HIZ and type I endplate abnormalities (0.5%, 99.6%, 50.0% and 53.4%, respectively) and the combined findings of HIZ and type II endplate abnormalities (26.0%, 99.1%, 71.4% and 53.8%, respectively) show high specificity, but low sensitivity, so the PPV and NPV were also not significant. CONCLUSION: For diagnosing painful lumbar disc derangement, the MR imaging findings seem to be inadequate as predictive factors when provoked discography was used as the standard.

Posterior Epidural Fat on Sagittal MR Images: Can it Help in Distinguishing Between Isthmic and Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

PURPOSE: We tried to assess the value of posterior epidural fat for distinguishing isthmic spondylolisthesis from degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis on midline sagittal MR images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The midline sagittal MR images of the lumbar spines were retrospectively studied for 50 patients without spondylolisthesis, for 78 patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis and for 43 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. The anteroposterior diameter of the posterior epidural fat (ADEF) was measured at each intervertebral disc level by two radiologists and these values were then compared between each group. To normalize for difference of body size, the posterior epidural fat ratio (PEFR) at each level of spondylolisthesis and at L1-2 were also determined for each level of spondylolisthesis, and the PERF was compared between each group. Statistical analysis was performed by the chi-square method. RESULTS:For the patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis, the ADEFs at the spinal levels with spondylolisthesis were significantly greater than those ADEFs in the control group that were measured at the corresponding disc levels (p<0.05). For the patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, the ADEFs at the spinal level with spondylolisthesis were significantly less than the ADEFs in the control group that were measured at the corresponding disc levels (p<0.05). The PEFRs obtained at L4-5 were 1.37+/-0.12 for the control group, 2.61+/-1.31 for the patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis, and 0.60+/-0.05 for the patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. The PEFRs obtained at L5-S1 were 2.25+/-1.32 for the control group, 3.47+/-1.69 for the patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis and 1.65+/-0.18 for the patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. At both levels, the PEFRs were greatest for the isthmic spondylolisthesis group and smallest for the degenerative spondylolisthesis group, and all the differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The posterior epidural fat, which is easily seen structure on the midline sagittal MR image, is significantly increased in isthmic spondylolisthesis, but it is decreased in degenerative spondylolisthesis, and this could be useful in distinguishing isthmic spondylolisthesis from degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Application of Spatial Modulation of Magnetization to Cervical Spinal Stenosis for Evaluation of the Hydrodynamic Changes Occurring in Cerebrospinal Fluid

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hydrodynamic changes occurring in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in cervical spinal stenosis using the spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the SPAMM technique, 44 patients with cervical spinal stenosis and ten healthy volunteers were investigated. The degree of cervical spinal stenosis was rated as low-, intermediate-, or high-grade. Low-grade stenosis was defined as involving no effacement of the subarachnoid space, intermediate-grade as involving effacement of this space, and high-grade as involving effacement of this space, together with compressive myelopathy. The patterns of SPAMM stripes and CSF velocity were evaluated and compared between each type of spinal stenosis and normal spine. RESULTS: Low-grade stenosis (n = 23) revealed displacement or discontinuity of stripes, while intermediate- (n = 10) and high-grade (n = 11) showed a continuous straight band at the stenotic segment. Among low-grade cases, 12 showed wave separation during the systolic phase. Peak systolic CSF velocity at C4 -5 level in these cases was lower than in volunteers (p .05). In high-grade stenosis, both diastolic and systolic velocities were significantly lower (p <.05). CONCLUSION: Various hydrodynamic changes occurring in CSF flow in cervical spinal stenosis were demonstrated by the SPAMM technique, and this may be a useful method for evaluating CSF hydrodynamic change in cervical spinal stenosis.

Acute spinal epidural hematoma: MR imaging study / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To study the pathogenesis of acute spinal epidural hematomas (ASEHs), MRI features, and its value on diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods Fifteen patients with ASEHs (8 males, 7 females, mean age 37.8 years) were reviewed. Seven of the patients were secondary to spinal injuries(5 spinal trauma, 1 post-spinal operation, and 1 post-lumbar puncture)and 8 were spontaneous. Eleven patients were confirmed by operation. MRI was performed in all patients in sagittal SE T 1WI and SE or FSE T 2WI, 12 in axial FSE T 2WI, 8 in axial SE T 1WI, and 4 in contrast-enhanced SE T 1WI. Results Fifteen ASEHs involved 18 spinal segments, 6 of the segments (6/18) in cervical spine, 9 segments (9/18) in thoracic spine, and 3 segments (3/18) in lumbar spine. The hematomas located at pre-epidural space in 7 segments (7/18) and at posterolateral epidural space in 11 segments (11/18). The craniocaudal extent of the hematomas varied from 1 to 13 vertebral levels (average 4.87 vertebral level). There were low signal intensity lines between hematomas and spinal cord in all of the cases on T 1WI. The low signal intensity line between hematoma and subarachnoid space was demonstrated in 8 cases (8/12) and 4 cases (4/15) on axial T 2WI and sagittal T 2WI, respectively. The figure of hematomas was biconvex on axial imaging in all of the cases, and long lentiform on sagittal imaging in 13 cases (13/15). The hematomas showed variable signal intensity. On T 1WI, 5 showed isointensity to cord, 6 with hyperintensity, and 4 with inhomogeneous iso-hyperintensity. On T 2WI, 5 showed hypointensity, 10 with inhomogeneous hypo-hyperintensity. There was no special MR manifestation after contrast administration. Conclusion ASEHs is a rare disorder, and MRI features are characteristic for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Radiologic Assessment of Spinal CSF Leakage in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of imaging modalities in the detection of spinal CSF leakage in spontaneous intracranial hypotension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who complained of postural headache without any preceding cause showed typical brain MR findings of intracranial hypotension, including radiologically confirmed CSF leakage. All fifteen underwent brain MRI and radionuclide cisternography. CT myelography was performed in eight patients and spinal MRI in six. Medical records, imaging findings and the incidence of spinal CSF leakage during each modality were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: CSF leakage was most common at the cervicothoracic junction, where in seven of 15 cases it was seen on radionuclide cisternography as increased focal paraspinal activity. Leakage was noted at the mid-thoracic level in three patients, at the upper thoracic level in two, and at the cervical and lumbar levels in the remaining two. In two patients multiple CSF leaks were noted, and in all, early radioactive accumulation in the bladder was visualized. CT myelography revealed extrathecal and paraspinal contrast leakage in three of eight patients, and among those who underwent spinal MRI, dural enhancement was observed at the site of CSF leakage in all six, abnormal CSF signal in the neural foramen in one, and epidural CSF collection in one. CONCLUSION: Radionuclide cisternography is a useful method for the detection of CSF leakage in spontaneous intracranial hypotension. CT myelography and spinal MRI help determine the precise location of leakage.

Diagnostic Usefulness of CT-guided Pe rcutaneous Biopsy of the Spine

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of inflammatory and tumorous lesions of the spine and paraspinal soft tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients underwent CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of the spine and paraspinal soft tissue. Tentative clinical diagnoses determined before biopsy were tuberculous spondylitis (n=5), pyogenic spondylitis (n=4), butterfly vertebra (n=1), old compression fracture (n=3), discitis (n=1), hemangioma (n=1), metastasis (n=7) and multiple myeloma (n=1). Biopsy was performed at the following levels: cervical-(n=1), thoracic-(n=9), and lumbar-spine(n=13). The approach to biopsy of the spine and paraspinal soft tissue lesions was posterolateral (n=11), posterior (n=2), or transpedicular (n=10). RESULTS: Tissue considered adequate by the pathologist involved was obtained in 21 (91%) of the 23 cases. In 19 cases, pathologic findings supported the clinical diagnoses determined before biopsy. In two cases, pathologic and clinical diagnoses differed. Complications such as severe pain, bleeding, infection, neurologic deficit or damage to internal organs were detected neither during or after the procedure. CONCLUSION: CT-guided percutaneous biopsy is a safe and reliable method of obtaining a diagnosis in many cases involving different spinal and paraspinal lesions.

Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy between CT Scan and MRI on Degenerative Lumbar Spine Diseases

Both CT scan and MRI were taken on 200 randomly chosen patients of degenerative lumbar spine diseases for the double blind comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of these studies. While osseous changes such as canal stenosis, lateral recess stenosis and facet hypertrophy were graded more severe on CT scan than on MRI, facet joint laxity was graded more severe on MRI than on CT scan. MRI could not detect 44% of ligament ossifications and 45.3% of vertebral osteoplytes which were diagnosed on CT scan. MRI gave more valuable information about the direction of the disc herniation than CT scan.

Graf Soft Fixation in Degenerative Lumbar Spine Instability: Preliminary Report

Although various kinds of spine stabilizing instruments have been developed over the past years, the subject is still controversial and contradictory reports are seen in the literature. Among such instruments, Graf instrument has attracted much interest because of the originality of the idea as a soft stabilizer. We have performed Graf instrumentation on 34 cases of degenerative lumbar spine diseases from September 1993 to March 1994, and after more than 3 months of postoperative follow-up, we conclude as follows: 1) Out of the 34 operated cases, the short term postoperative follow-up results for low back pain was excellent in 15 cases(44.1%), good in 5 cases(44.1%), fair in 3 cases(8.8%), and poor in 1 case(2.9%). 2) As a soft fixator developed on the basis of physiological mechanism, Graf instrumentation can avoid unwanted effects of hard fixation and is thought to be less destructive and more effective physiologically.