Anti-osteoporotic drug efficacy for periprosthetic bone loss after total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic bone loss following total hip arthroplasty (THA) threatens prosthesis stability. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic drugs for measures of hip function according to functional outcomes, periprosthetic femoral bone mineral density loss in each Gruen zone, and revision surgery after THA. METHODS: The systematic search of six literature databases was conducted in December 2021 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Adult participants who underwent primary THA were included. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework, and the confidence in the evidence for each outcome was evaluated using the CINeMA tool, which assessed the credibility of results from the network meta-analysis. We included 22 randomized controlled trials (1243 participants) comparing the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates (including etidronate, clodronate, alendronate, risedronate, pamidronate, and zoledronate), denosumab, selective estrogen receptor modulator, teriparatide, calcium + vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin D. We defined the period for revision surgery as the final follow-up period. RESULTS: Raloxifene, bisphosphonate, calcium + vitamin D, and denosumab for prosthetic hip function might have minimal differences when compared with placebos. The magnitude of the anti-osteoporotic drug effect on periprosthetic femoral bone loss varied across different Gruen zones. Bisphosphonate, denosumab, teriparatide might be more effective than placebo in Gruen zone 1 at 12 months after THA. Additionally, bisphosphonate might be more effective than placebo in Gruen zones 2, 5, 6, and 7 at 12 months after THA. Denosumab was efficacious in preventing bone loss in Gruen zones 6 and 7 at 12 months after THA. Teriparatide was likely to be efficacious in preventing bone loss in Gruen zone 7 at 12 months after THA. Raloxifene was slightly efficacious in preventing bone loss in Gruen zones 2 and 3 at 12 months after THA. Calcium was slightly efficacious in preventing bone loss in Gruen zone 5 at 12 months after THA. None of the studies reported revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Bisphosphonate and denosumab may be effective anti-osteoporotic drugs for preventing periprosthetic proximal femoral bone loss due to stress shielding after THA, particularly in cementless proximal fixation stems, which are the most commonly used prostheses worldwide.

A Novel Grading System of Destructive Lumbar Spondyloarthropathy Based on Evaluation of the Facet Joints.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a new grading system for destructive lumbar spondyloarthropathy (DLSA) by assessing bony destruction of the facet joints; to evaluate interrater reliability; and to determine the association between anteroposterior (AP) dural sac diameter at the lumbar level and the new grading. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The characteristics of DLSA are unknown, hindering clinical care and research. Imaging to determine the cause of DLSA may positively contribute to patient outcome or well-being by providing prognostic information. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the magnetic resonance images (MRIs), we measured an axial midline AP dural sac diameter and evaluated bone destruction caused by amyloidosis at the level of the center of each lumbar disk of the lumbar spine. Two orthopedic surgeons independently evaluated each case at two-month intervals and assigned the grade by rating bone destruction at each lumbar level. Weighted κ and intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were calculated. In addition, the correlation between the AP diameter of the spinal dural sac at the lumbar level and the new MRI-based DLSA grade was examined. RESULTS: The sample size of 82 patients was reached by examining records of 118 consecutive patients. The mean (SD) age of the included patients was 65 (7.2) years, and 36 (43.9%) were women. The grading of DLSA showed moderate to good interrater reliability at both assessments (κ, 0.59-0.78). Intraclass correlation coefficient showed substantial to excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.63-0.86). The AP diameter of the spinal dural sac at the lumbar level showed a significant correlation with the new grading ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The new MRI-based grading system for DLSA has good interrater reliability, although the strength of agreement varies somewhat. The new grading system correlates with AP dural sac diameter. Thus, this classification focused on facet erosion, which leads to functional incompetence may be helpful in surgical decision-making.

The relationship between atlas hypoplasia and os odontoideum in children with Down syndrome: a preliminary case report.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of os odontoideum and the size of atlas among children with Down syndrome. Understanding the risk of developing myelopathy in asymptomatic cases is important in children with Down syndrome. Children with os odontoideum are considered to be at high risk of developing myelopathy because of instability; however, in cases that are complicated by atlas hypoplasia, the risk remains the same, regardless of instability. This retrospective case-control study assessed atlas hypoplasia in children with Down syndrome with or without os odontoideum. We retrospectively assessed the records of 59 patients (36 males and 23 females) with Down syndrome who underwent spinal X-ray evaluations at our hospital. The average age at examination was 5.0 years (range, 4-7). We evaluated the following radiologically: the presence of os odontoideum; atlas-dens interval; space available for the spinal cord at the atlas level (C1SAC); instability index; sagittal atlas diameter (SAD) as an index of atlas hypoplasia and C5 level SAC (C5SAC), adjusted for child growth. Os odontoideum was present in seven cases (12%). Between the groups with and without os odontoideum, there was no significant difference in age (mean, 5.2 vs. 5.0 years) or male/female ratio (57 vs. 62% males). The SAD/C5SAC (mean, 1.6 vs. 1.9) was significantly smaller in the group with os odontoideum than in those without os odontoideum. The instability index was not significantly different between the two groups. Children with Down syndrome and os odontoideum have small SAD. Evaluations for atlas hypoplasia are necessary.

Risk factors for deep surgical site infection after posterior cervical spine surgery in adults: a multicentre observational cohort study.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a serious complication following spine surgery and is correlated with significant morbidities, poor clinical outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. Accurately identifying risk factors can help develop strategies to reduce this devastating consequence; however, few multicentre studies have investigated risk factors for SSI following posterior cervical spine surgeries. Between July 2010 and June 2015, we performed an observational cohort study on deep SSI in adult patients who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery at 10 research hospitals. Detailed patient- and procedure-specific potential risk variables were prospectively recorded using a standardised data collection chart and were reviewed retrospectively. Among the 2184 consecutive adult patients enrolled, 28 (1.3%) developed postoperative deep SSI. Multivariable regression analysis revealed 2 statistically significant independent risk factors: occipitocervical surgery (P < 0.001) and male sex (P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that occipitocervical surgery (P = 0.001) was the sole independent risk factor for deep SSI in patients with instrumented fusion. Occipitocervical surgery is a relatively rare procedure; therefore, our findings were based on a large cohort acquired using a multicentre study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify occipitocervical procedure as an independent risk variable for deep SSI after spinal surgery.

Determining C5, C6 and C7 myotomes through comparative analyses of clinical, MRI and EMG findings in cervical radiculopathy.

OBJECTIVE: There are many myotome charts in the literature, but few studies have presented actual data to support their identification. We aimed to determine C5/C6/C7 myotomes based on clinical and EMG data of patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) having a single-root lesion confirmed by MRI. METHODS: Medical Research Council (MRC) scores and EMG findings were retrospectively reviewed for patients enrolled from our EMG database. RESULTS: Enrolled were 25 patients (10 C5, 6 C6, and 9 C7 CSR). In C5 CSR, weakness or denervation potentials in EMG, or both, were observed in the deltoid (Del) and infraspinatus (Isp) muscles for all patients, and in the biceps brachii (BB) and brachioradialis (BR) muscles for 9/10 and 8/9 patients, respectively. In C6 CSR, weakness of the wrist extensor and/or denervation of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL)/extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), and those of the pronator teres (PT) were observed for all patients. Weakness was not observed for any other muscle in C6 CSR. Denervation potentials of ECRL were found in 5/8 and 3/5 patients with C5 and C6 CSR, respectively, whereas those of ECRB were found in 1/5, 6/6, and 2/5 patients with C5, C6 and C7 CSR, respectively. In C7 CSR, weakness/denervation of the triceps brachii (TB) and denervation potentials of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) were observed for all patients. Denervation potentials in PT and weakness/denervation of the extensor digitorum (ED) were observed in 2/9 and 4/9 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Suggested dominant myotomes are: C5 for the Del, Isp, BB, and BR, C5/6 for the ECRL, C6 > C7 for the ECRB and PT, and C7 for the TB and FCR. SIGNIFICANCE: The current study identified dominant myotomes that differ from the existing literature.

Risk factors for deep surgical site infection following posterior instrumented fusion for degenerative diseases in the thoracic and/or lumbar spine: a multicenter, observational cohort study of 2913 consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most devastating complications following spinal instrumented fusion surgeries because it may lead to a significant increase in morbidity, mortality, and poor clinical outcomes. Identifying the risk factors for SSI can help in developing strategies to reduce its occurrence. However, data on the risk factors for SSI in degenerative diseases are limited. This study aimed to identify risk factors for deep SSI following posterior instrumented fusion for degenerative diseases in the thoracic and/or lumbar spine in adult patients. METHODS: This was a multicenter, observational cohort study conducted at 10 study hospitals between July 2010 and June 2015. The subjects were consecutive adult patients who underwent posterior instrumented fusion surgery for degenerative diseases in the thoracic and/or lumbar spine and developed SSI. Detailed patient-specific and procedure-specific potential risk variables were prospectively recorded using a standardized data collection chart and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 2913 enrolled patients, 35 developed postoperative deep SSI (1.2%). Multivariable regression analysis identified three independent risk factors: male sex (P = 0.002) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of ≥ 3 (P = 0.003) as patient-specific risk factors, and operation including the thoracic spine (P = 0.018) as a procedure-specific risk factor. CONCLUSION: Thoracic spinal surgery, an ASA score of ≥ 3, and male sex were risk factors for deep SSI after routine thoracolumbar instrumented fusion surgeries for degenerative diseases. Awareness of these risk factors can enable surgeons to develop a more appropriate management plan and provide better patient counseling.

Risk Factor Analysis of Deep Surgical Site Infection After Posterior Instrumented Fusion Surgery for Spinal Trauma: A Multicenter Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a dire complication in spinal surgeries, resulting in reoperation, prolonged hospitalization, and increased expenses. Patients with traumatized spine have been reported to have a high risk of postoperative SSI. Precise identification of risk factors associated with SSI can be helpful in its prevention. However, there are only a limited number of studies investigating risk factors of SSI after posterior instrumented fusion for traumatized spine. METHODS: From July 2010 to June 2015, we conducted an observational study on deep SSI after posterior instrumented fusion surgery for spinal trauma in adult patients at 10 research hospitals. Detailed clinical data were prospectively collected using a standardized data collection chart and were retrospectively analyzed. SSI was diagnosed based on the definition by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: A total of 623 consecutive adult patients were enrolled in this study, of which 20 (3.2%) developed deep SSI. According to multivariate regression analysis, surgery at academic hospitals (P = 0.004) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3 (P = 0.017) were independent predictors of deep SSI after posterior instrumented fusion surgery for spinal trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The complexity of patients and resident involvement in surgeries may be greater at academic than at nonacademic hospitals. ASA score can be considered as an accessible and comprehensive tool for surgeons to preoperatively gauge the potential risk of SSI, a complex clinical entity. The results of this study can improve clinicians' risk perception in those undergoing posterior fusion for spinal trauma.

[Dissociation of Anatomical (Neurological) Diagnosis and Imaging Diagnosis].

Identification of various spine and spinal cord disordes using anatomical diagnosis (neurological diagnosis) and imaging diagnosis is essential for effective caring of patients with these disorders; however, sometimes, dissociation of the two diagnoses is encountered. There is a risk of a diagnosis error if the causative pathophysiology of this dissociation is not understood. To avoid this error, it is necessary to fully understand the related pathophysiology of these disorders, including deviation of spinal cord segment from the spine, central cord syndrome, sensory disturbance of cervical radiculopathy, epiconus syndrome and conus medullaris syndrome, tethered spinal cord syndrome and lumbar intraforaminal and extraforaminal nerve root disturbance.

The effect of the 'One Stretch' exercise on the improvement of low back pain in Japanese nurses: A large-scale, randomized, controlled trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the 'One Stretch' exercise's effect on improvements in low back pain (LBP), psychological factors, and fear avoidance in a large number of nurses. Methods: Between July 2015 and June 2016, we performed a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, multi-center study with central evaluations. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1 ratio) to either the control group (Group A) or an intervention group (Group B: 30-min seminar about the 'One Stretch' exercise, Group C: B + physical and psychological approaches to LBP treatment). The primary outcome was subjective improvement from baseline to 6 months (improved/unchanged/worsened) and overall exercise habits (good/poor). Results: There were 4767 participants: 1799, 1430, and 1548 in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. We collected data on 3439 participants (949, 706, and 751 in Groups A, B, and C, respectively) at the 6-month follow-up. The improvement rates in Groups A, B, and C were 13.3%, 23.5%, and 22.6%, respectively. The worsened pain rates were 13.0%, 9.6%, and 8.1%, which decreased as the intervention degree increased (the Cochran-Armitage trend test: p < .0001). In Groups A, B, and C, 15.6%, 64.9%, 48.8% of the patients, respectively, exhibited exercise habits. Conclusion: The 'One Stretch' exercise is useful for improving LBP.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after lumbar laminectomy and/or discectomy for degenerative diseases in adults: A prospective multicenter surveillance study with registry of 4027 cases.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant complication after spinal surgery and is associated with increased hospital length of stay, high healthcare costs, and poor patient outcomes. Accurate identification of risk factors is essential to develop strategies to prevent wound infections. The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to determine the independent factors associated with SSI in posterior lumbar surgeries without fusion (laminectomy and/or herniotomy) for degenerative diseases in adult patients. From July 2010 to June 2014, we conducted a prospective multicenter surveillance study in adult patients who developed SSI after undergoing lumbar laminectomy and/or discectomy in ten participating hospitals. Detailed patient and operative characteristics were prospectively recorded using a standardized data collection format. SSI was based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition. A total of 4027 consecutive adult patients were enrolled, of which 26 (0.65%) developed postoperative SSI. Multivariate regression analysis indicated two independent factors. An operating time >2 h (P = 0.0095) was a statistically significant independent risk factor, whereas endoscopic tubular surgery (P = 0.040) was a significant independent protective factor. Identification of these associated factors may contribute to surgeons' awareness of the risk factors for SSI and could help counsel the patients on the risks associated with lumbar laminectomy and/or discectomy. Furthermore, this study's findings could be used to develop protocols to decrease SSI risk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prospective multicenter study that identified endoscopic tubular surgery as an independent protective factor against SSI after lumbar posterior surgery without fusion.

Risk factors for incidental durotomy during posterior open spine surgery for degenerative diseases in adults: A multicenter observational study.

Incidental durotomy (ID) is a common intraoperative complication of spine surgery. It can lead to persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which may cause serious complications, including severe headache, pseudomeningocele formation, nerve root entrapment, and intracranial hemorrhage. As a result, it contributes to higher healthcare costs and poor patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to clarify the independent risk factors that can cause ID during posterior open spine surgery for degenerative diseases in adults. We conducted a prospective multicenter study of adult patients who underwent posterior open spine surgery for degenerative diseases at 10 participating hospitals from July 2010 to June 2013. A total of 4,652 consecutive patients were enrolled. We evaluated potential risk factors, including age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, the presence of diabetes mellitus, the use of hemodialysis, smoking status, steroid intake, location of the surgery, type of operative procedure, and past surgical history in the operated area. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors associated with ID. The incidence of ID was 8.2% (380/4,652). Corrective vertebral osteotomy and revision surgery were identified as independent risk factors for ID, while cervical surgery and discectomy were identified as factors that independently protected against ID during posterior open spine surgery for degenerative diseases in adults. Therefore, we identified 2 independent risk factors for and 2 protective factors against ID. These results may contribute to making surgeons aware of the risk factors for ID and can be used to counsel patients on the risks and complications associated with open spine surgery.

Direct Damage to a Vertebral Artery Better Predicts a Vertebral Artery Injury than Elongation in Cervical Spine Dislocation.

Cervical spine dislocation and fracture of a transverse process are isolated risk factors for vertebral artery injuries (VAIs), which can cause a life-threatening ischemic stroke. Since in vivo experiments are not possible, it has not been unclear whether damage to or extension of vertebral arteries is more predictive of a VAI. To identify the imaging characteristics associated with VAI, we analyzed 36 vertebral arteries from 22 cervical spine dislocation patients who underwent computed tomography angiography (Aug. 2008-Dec. 2014). We evaluated (1) the posttraumatic elongation of the vertebral artery and (2) the presence of fracture involving the transverse foramen. VAI was found in 20 (56%) of the 36 vertebral arteries. The rate of residual shift (vertebral artery elongation) was not markedly different between the VAI and no-VAI groups. However, the rate of >1 mm displacement into the foramen and that of fracture with gross displacement (≥2 mm) differed significantly between the groups. We found that greater displacement of fractured transverse processes with cervical spine dislocation was a risk factor for VAI. These results suggest that direct damage to the vertebral arteries by transverse process fragments is more likely to predict a VAI compared to elongation, even in cervical spine dislocation.

Anterior cage dislodgement in posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a review of 12 patients.

OBJECTIVE Interbody fusion cages are widely used to achieve initial fixation and secure spinal fusion; however, there are certain technique-related complications. Although anterior cage dislodgement can cause major vascular injury, the incidence is extremely rare. Here, the authors performed a review of anterior cage dislodgement following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 4625 patients who had undergone PLIF at 6 institutions between December 2007 and March 2015. They investigated the incidence and causes of surgery-related anterior cage dislodgement, salvage mechanisms, and postoperative courses. RESULTS Anterior cage dislodgement occurred in 12 cases (0.26%), all of which were caused by technical errors. In 9 cases, excessive cage impaction resulted in dislodgement. In 2 cases, when the cage on the ipsilateral side was inserted, it interacted and pushed out the other cage on the opposite side. In 1 case, the cage was positioned in an extreme lateral and anterior part of the intervertebral disc space, and it postoperatively dislodged. In 3 cases, the cage was removed in the same operative field. In the remaining 9 cases, CT angiography was performed postoperatively to assess the relationship between the dislodged cage and large vessels. Dislodged cages were conservatively observed in 2 cases. In 7 cases, the cage was removed because it was touching or compressing large vessels, and an additional anterior approach was selected. In 2 patients, there was significant bleeding from an injured inferior vena cava. There were no further complications or sequelae associated with the dislodged cages during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Although rare, iatrogenic anterior cage dislodgement following a PLIF can occur. The authors found that technical errors made by experienced spine surgeons were the main causes of this complication. To prevent dislodgement, the surgeon should be cautious when inserting the cage, avoiding excessive cage impaction and ensuring cage control. Once dislodgement occurs, the surgeons must immediately address this difficult complication. First, the possibility of a large vessel injury should be considered. If the patient's vital signs are stable, the surgeon should continue with the surgery without cage removal and perform CT angiography postoperatively to assess the cage location. Blind maneuvers should be avoided when the surgical site cannot be clearly viewed. When the cage compresses or touches the aortic artery or vena cava, it is better to remove the cage to avoid late-onset injury to major vessels. When the cage does not compress or touch vessels, its removal is controversial. The risk factors associated with performing another surgery should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Early versus delayed reduction of cervical spine dislocation with complete motor paralysis: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Reduction of cervical facet dislocation should be performed as soon as possible to depressurize neuron cells although some randomized control studies defined early reduction as over 24 h after trauma. The purpose of this study was to define the actual time limit for early reduction in patients with complete motor paralysis. METHODS: Cervical spine dislocation patients with complete motor paralysis admitted between April 2007 and December 2014 were analyzed as retrospective cohort study. We separated the patients into three groups according to the number of hours lapsed between the trauma and reduction, within 4 h (very early group), >4-6 h (early group), and >6 h (delayed group). We compared the neurological outcomes, patient injury patterns, the arrival time at the hospital, and the injury severity score (ISS). RESULTS: Of 30 patients who enrolled, 8 (27%) were recovered to American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Grades C-E. The delayed group had poorer neurological outcomes than the very early group and early group, although no significant differences were noted in the recovery rate between the very early group and early groups. The injury pattern, arrival time, and ISS were not found to be associated with the neurological outcome. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that early (<6 h) reduction of cervical spine dislocation is associated with favorable neurological outcome as compared with those performed after 6 h.

A Diagnostic Algorithm for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Initially Diagnosed as Lumbar Disc Hernia or Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Personal Experience and Review of the Literature.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, Churg-Strauss syndrome) is a rare systemic vasculitis and is difficult to diagnose. EGPA has a number of symptoms including peripheral dysesthesia caused by mononeuropathy multiplex, which is similar to radiculopathy due to lumbar disc hernia or lumbar spinal stenosis. Therefore, EGPA patients with mononeuropathy multiplex often visit orthopedic clinics, but orthopedic doctors and spine neurosurgeons have limited experience in diagnosing EGPA because of its rarity. We report a consecutive series of patients who were initially diagnosed as having lumbar disc hernia or lumbar spinal stenosis by at least 2 medical institutions from March 2006 to April 2013 but whose final diagnosis was EGPA. All patients had past histories of asthma or eosinophilic pneumonia, and four out of five had peripheral edema. Laboratory data showed abnormally increased eosinophil counts, and nerve conduction studies of all patients revealed axonal damage patterns. All patients recovered from paralysis to a functional level after high-dose steroid treatment. We shortened the duration of diagnosis from 49 days to one day by adopting a diagnostic algorithm after experiencing the first case.

Long-Term Outcomes of Cervical Laminoplasty in the Elderly.

Incidences of cervical laminoplasty in the elderly are increasing; the influence of other age-related complications and neurological status must be considered for justifying surgery. This study identified the aforementioned influence on long-term outcomes of cervical laminoplasty in patients aged ≥75 years. Thirty-seven of 38 consecutive patients aged ≥75 years who underwent cervical laminoplasty were retrospectively evaluated. Minimum 5-year follow-up was acceptable if patients were complication-free. Follow-up was terminated when neurological evaluation was not possible, owing to death or other serious complications affecting activities of daily living (ADL). Postoperative neurological changes and newly developed severe complications were investigated. Postoperatively, one patient died of acute pneumonia, one remained nonambulatory owing to cerebral infarction, and 35 were ambulatory and were discharged. At a mean follow-up of 78 months, three patients died and nine developed serious complications severely affecting ADL. Of the 25 remaining patients, 23 remained ambulatory at mean follow-up of 105 months. Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that postoperative motor upper and lower extremities JOA scores of ≤2 and ≤1, respectively, were risk factors for mortality or other severe complications. Postoperative neurological status can be maintained in the elderly if they remain complication-free. Poorer neurological status significantly affected their ADL and mortality.

Combined Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery and Posterior Spinal Surgery for the Treatment of Dumbbell Tumor of the First Thoracic Nerve Root.

Although several cases of a dumbbell tumor of thoracic nerve roots have been reported, reports on the surgical procedures for a dumbbell tumor of the first thoracic (T1) nerve root are rare. Surgeons should be cautious, especially when performing a surgical procedure for a dumbbell tumor of the T1 nerve root because the tumor is anatomically located adjacent to important organs and because the T1 nerve root composes the lower trunk of the brachial plexus with the eighth cervical nerve root. We present cases with dumbbell tumors of the T1 nerve root that were treated with combined surgical treatment to remove the tumor. We first performed video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to release the organs anteriorly and then performed posterior spinal surgery in the prone position. The combined VATS and posterior spinal surgery may become a standard surgical procedure for the treatment of dumbbell tumors of the T1 nerve root.

Assessment of psychosocial risk factors for the development of non-specific chronic disabling low back pain in Japanese workers-findings from the Japan Epidemiological Research of Occupation-related Back Pain (JOB) study.

To investigate the associations between psychosocial factors and the development of chronic disabling low back pain (LBP) in Japanese workers. A 1 yr prospective cohort of the Japan Epidemiological Research of Occupation-related Back Pain (JOB) study was used. The participants were office workers, nurses, sales/marketing personnel, and manufacturing engineers. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed twice: at baseline and 1 yr after baseline. The outcome of interest was the development of chronic disabling LBP during the 1 yr follow-up period. Incidence was calculated for the participants who experienced disabling LBP during the month prior to baseline. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for chronic disabling LBP. Of 5,310 participants responding at baseline (response rate: 86.5%), 3,811 completed the questionnaire at follow-up. Among 171 eligible participants who experienced disabling back pain during the month prior to baseline, 29 (17.0%) developed chronic disabling LBP during the follow-up period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis implied reward to work (not feeling rewarded, OR: 3.62, 95%CI: 1.17-11.19), anxiety (anxious, OR: 2.89, 95%CI: 0.97-8.57), and daily-life satisfaction (not satisfied, ORs: 4.14, 95%CI: 1.18-14.58) were significant. Psychosocial factors are key to the development of chronic disabling LBP in Japanese workers. Psychosocial interventions may reduce the impact of LBP in the workplace.

Comparison of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and modified JOA (mJOA) score for the assessment of cervical myelopathy: a multicenter observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score is widely used to assess the severity of clinical symptoms in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy, particularly in East Asian countries. In contrast, modified versions of the JOA score are currently accepted as the standard tool for assessment in Western countries. The objective of the present study is to compare these scales and clarify their differences and interchangeability and verify their validity by comparing them to other outcome measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five institutions participated in this prospective multicenter observational study. The JOA and modified JOA (mJOA) proposed by Benzel were recorded preoperatively and at three months postoperatively in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy who underwent decompression surgery. Patient reported outcome (PRO) measures, including Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ), the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), were also recorded. The preoperative JOA score and mJOA score were compared to each other and the PRO values. A Bland-Altman analysis was performed to investigate their limits of agreement. RESULTS: A total of ninety-two patients were included. The correlation coefficient (Spearman's rho) between the JOA and mJOA was 0.87. In contrast, the correlations between JOA/mJOA and the other PRO values were moderate (|rho| = 0.03 - 0.51). The correlation coefficient of the recovery rate between the JOA and mJOA was 0.75. The Bland-Altman analyses showed that limits of agreement were 3.6 to -1.2 for the total score, and 55.1% to -68.8% for the recovery rates. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the JOA score and the mJOA score showed good correlation with each other in terms of their total scores and recovery rates. Previous studies using the JOA can be interpreted based on the mJOA; however it is not ideal to use them interchangeably. The validity of both scores was demonstrated by comparing these values to the PRO values.

Accessible protocol for asymmetric hydroformylation of vinylarenes using formaldehyde.

We report herein on an accessible protocol for the asymmetric hydroformylation of vinylarenes using formaldehyde as a substitute for syngas. The regioselectivity (branched/linear = up to 96/4) and enantioselectivity (up to 95% ee) can be attributed to the use of chiral Ph-bpe as a ligand.