Clinical and Imaging Features of Longus Colli Calcific Tendinitis: An Analysis of Ten Cases.

BACKGROUND: Longus colli calcific tendinitis (LCCT) exhibits characteristic clinical features; thus, misidentification can be avoided once it is learned. There is a lack of reports on this disease. In this study, we analyzed the imaging and clinical features of LCCT in 10 patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiolographic findings, laboratory data and clinical features of 10 patients diagnosed with LCCT between January 2015 and June 2017. All patients were treated with medical treatment consisting of intravenous methylprednisolone 125 mg twice and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration. RESULTS: On clinical findings, all 10 patients complained of severe posterior neck pain and cervical motion limitation. Odynophagia was present in nine patients. The mean time from symptom onset to hospital visit was 2.9 days. The mean time to symptom relief was 4.6 days. Of the 10 patients, three patients were admitted through the emergency room. There were five patients in the medical records who were transferred from another hospital. On the laboratory data, the mean value of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were 2.08 mg/dL (reference range, < 0.30 mg/dL) and 36.9 mm/hr (reference range, < 20 mm/hr), respectively. Leukocytosis was found in only two patients and fever was not present all patients. On radiographic findings, calcification was present on computed tomography images of all patients. The calcification was located at the lower part of the C1 arch, except for one case where calcification occurred in the anterolateral aspect of the C4-5 disc space. The mean value of the retropharyngeal space was 7.2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: LCCT, a rare disease, has characteristic radiographic findings and clinical features. Understanding such characteristics of this disease can prevent unnecessary testing and misdiagnosis.

Impact of wedge-shaped resection of the posterior bony arch on postoperative outcomes after open door laminoplasty in the cervical spine: a 2-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Open door laminoplasty (ODLP) can also lead to significant postoperative motion restriction that further increases over time, for which one of the possible factors is the bony impingement between neighboring posterior bony arches. Previously, we reported this phenomenon and modified technique of ODLP, wedge-shaped resection of the posterior bony arch that produced greater range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine and less posterior neck pain compared with conventional ODLP (cODLP) in 1-year follow-up time, but no longer follow-up outcomes of the surgical technique has been reported. PURPOSE: The study aimed to thoroughly evaluate the impact of posterior bony impingement following ODLP on postoperative cervical motion and related outcomes, and to compare postoperative outcomes of conventional ODLP (cODLP with those of modified ODLP (mODLP) in 2-year follow-up times. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective comparative study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 145 patients who underwent cODLP or mODLP and were followed up for at least 2 years were classified into two groups: Group A (cODLP, 79 patients) and Group B (mODLP, 66 patients). OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was ROM of the cervical spine. Secondary outcome measures included (1) patient satisfaction, (2) radiological outcomes, including the rate of bony impingement and spontaneous fusion, and bone regrowth of the resection site, (3) clinical outcomes based on pain intensity and scores on the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) and neck disability index (NDI), (4) surgical outcomes, and (5) surgery-related complications. METHODS: We compared baseline data in both groups. To evaluate the impact of our surgical modification on postoperative outcome after ODLP, we compared the outcome measures in 2-year follow-up times. No funds were received in support of this work. No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript. RESULTS: The ROM of the cervical spine was significantly greater in Group B 2 years after surgery than in Group A (p=.001). Patient satisfaction (p=.02) at 2 years after surgery and pain intensity of the posterior neck at 1 (p=.01) and 2 years (p<.01) after surgery were better in Group B than in Group A. Radiological evidence of posterior bony impingement and spontaneous fusion between ODLPsegments were definitely fewer less in Group B than in Group A (p<.001 and<0.001, respectively). The mean value of bone regrowth was 1.2 mm (range, 0-3 mm). The NDI and SF-12 scores did not differ significantly between groups. Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that posterior bony impingement can be a factor in ROM restriction after cODLP surgery and that wedge-shaped resection during ODLP can be a reliable option for preserving cervical ROM and improving postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes.

A Sternum-Disk Distance Method to Identify the Skin Level for Approaching a Surgical Segment without Fluoroscopy Guidance during Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data. PURPOSE: To introduce the sternum-disk distance (SDD) method for approaching the exact surgical level without C-arm guidance during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery and to evaluate its accuracy and reliability. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Although spine surgeons have tried to optimize methods for identifying the skin level for accessing the operative disk level without C-arm guidance during ACDF, success has rarely been reported. METHODS: In total, 103 patients who underwent single-level ACDF surgery with the SDD method were enrolled. The primary outcome measure was the accuracy of the SDD method. The secondary outcome measures were the mean SDD value at each cervical level from the cranial margin of the sternum in the neutral and extension positions of the cervical spine and the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the SDD outcome determined using repeated measurements by three orthopedic spine surgeons. RESULTS: The SDD accuracy (primary outcome measure) was indicated in 99% of the patients (102/103). The mean SDD values in the neutral-position magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were 108.8 mm at C3-C4, 85.3 mm at C4-C5, 64.4 mm at C5-C6, 44.3 mm at C6-C7, and 24.1 mm at C7-T1; and those in the extension-position MRI were 112.9 mm at C3-C4, 88.7 mm at C4-C5, 67.3 mm at C5-C6, 46.5 mm at C6-C7, and 24.3 mm at C7-T1. The Cohen kappa coefficient value for intra-observer reliability was 0.88 (excellent reliability), and the Fleiss kappa coefficient value for inter-observer reliability as reported by three surgeons was 0.89 (excellent reliability). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the present study, we recommend performing ACDF surgery using the SDD method to determine the skin level for approaching the surgical cervical segment without fluoroscopic guidance.

Wedge-Shaped Resection of the Posterior Bony Arch During Open Door Laminoplasty to Prevent Postoperative Motion Limitation.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized double-arm noninferiority study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an additional surgical procedure (wedge-shaped resection of the cranial portion of the posterior bony arch) during open-door laminoplasty (ODLP), and to compare the outcomes with those of conventional ODLP surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In clinical practice, spine surgeons sometimes encounter patients who show bony impingement on lateral radiographs after ODLP; bony impingement may lead to reduced motion of the cervical spine and posterior neck pain. However, this problem has not been well studied, and no methods have been developed to prevent it. METHODS: Of total 79 patients, 75 were enrolled and randomly assigned to either group A (additional procedure in ODLP, n = 38) or group B (ODLP alone, n = 37). The primary outcome measure was range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine. Secondary endpoints included clinical outcomes based on pain intensity, 12-item short form health survey (SF-12), and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale; presence of bony impingement on dynamic lateral radiographs; surgical outcomes; and surgery-related complications. RESULTS: ROM of the cervical spine was significantly greater at 6 months (P = 0.04) and 1 year (P = 0.02) postoperative in group A than in group B. Pain intensity at the posterior neck was significantly lower 1 year after surgery in group A than in group B (P = 0.03). In lateral radiographs 1 year after surgery, the presence of posterior bony impingement was 0% in group A and 32.4% in group B (P <0.01). Clinical outcomes and surgery-related complications were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Performing wedge-shaped resection of the cranial portion of the posterior bony arch in ODLP surgery can lead to better outcomes than ODLP alone in terms of preservation of cervical ROM, prevention of posterior bony impingement, and amelioration of posterior neck pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Feasibility Study of Free-Hand Technique for Pedicle Screw Insertion at C7 without Fluoroscopy-Guidance.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective interventional study. PURPOSE: To introduce a free-hand pedicle screw (PS) insertion technique without fluoroscopic guidance in the C7 vertebra and evaluate the procedure's feasibility and radiologic outcomes. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Although PS insertion at C7 has been recognized as a critical procedure in posterior cervical fusion surgery, conventional techniques for C7 PS have several limitations. METHODS: Thirty two patients (64 screws) who underwent PS insertion in C7 with the novel technique were included in this study. Postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. Special attention was paid to the presence of any problems in the screw position including cortical breaches of the PS and encroachment of the PS into the spinal canal or the vertebral foramen. This novel technique for PS insertion in C7 without fluoroscopy guidance had three key elements. First, the ideal PS entry point was chosen near the C6-7 facet joint using preoperative images. Second, the convergent angle distance was measured at axial computed tomography (CT) imaging, which defined the distance between the tip of C7 spinous process and the extended line passing through the pedicle axis from the ideal entry point. Third, the cranial-caudal angle distance was measured in sagittal CT images, which defined the distance between the tip of the C7 spinous process and the extended line passing through the pedicle axis. RESULTS: Cortical breach on postoperative CT images was observed in three screws. All violated only the lateral wall of the affected pedicle. The breached screws occurred in the initial five cases. Postoperative neurologic deterioration was not observed in any patient, regardless of cortical breaching. CONCLUSIONS: The novel technique successfully allows for C7 PS to be placed and is associated with a low rate of cortical breach.

Repair using conventional implant for ruptured annulus fibrosus after lumbar discectomy: surgical technique and case series.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of annulus fibrosus repair (AR) using a novel technique with a conventional implant. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present the feasibility and clinico-radiological outcomes of a novel AR technique using a conventional implant to minimize recurrence following a lumbar discectomy (LD). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Conventional repair techniques to prevent recurrence following LD have several drawbacks. The AR surgical technique has received little attention as an adjunct to LD. METHODS: A total of 19 patients who underwent novel AR following LD, and who were available for follow-up for at least three years, were enrolled in this study. Several variables, including the type and size of disc herniation, and the degree of disc degeneration, were evaluated preoperatively. Postoperatively, the presence of clinical and radiological recurrence of disc herniation was evaluated from pain intensity and functional statuses, as well as an enhanced L-spine magnetic resonance imaging at the final follow-up. The presence of a peripheral hollow rim and inserted anchor mobilization were also evaluated during the follow-up. RESULTS: During follow-ups, there were no recurrences of disc herniation or complications, including neurovascular complications. Pain and functional disability improved significantly after surgery, and the improvement was maintained throughout the three-year follow-up period. No mobilization or implant peripheral hollow rim was observed during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study examined the feasibility of a novel and easily available annulus implant technique following LD. These results suggest performing AR with this technique may be a valuable alternative for optimizing outcomes, if the procedure is performed in proper candidates.

Direct repair surgery with screw fixation for young patients with lumbar spondylolysis: patient-reported outcomes and fusion rate in a prospective interventional study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective interventional study. OBJECTIVES: To thoroughly investigate the therapeutic outcomes of direct repair (DR) for young patients with lumbar spondylolysis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: DR surgery with screw fixation for a pars defect of lumbar spondylolysis is considered a notable surgical option. However, prior studies do not provide clear information on the significance of DR and its outcomes in young patients with lumbar spondylolysis because most previous studies in this area were conducted with spondylolysis patients of all ages and with low-quality study designs that were retrospective in design and had a small sample size and short follow-up time. METHODS: A total of 47 young patients with lumbar spine spondylolysis who were surgically treated with DR surgery and followed up for 1 year after surgery were enrolled in this study. The primary outcome was degree of pain assessed by visual analogue scale, which separately recorded pain intensity and pain frequency. Secondary outcomes included (1) patient satisfaction, (2) clinical outcomes based on Oswestry Disability Index score and a 12-item short form health survey, (3) fusion rate of pars defect based on computed tomographic scans, and (4) surgery-related complications. RESULTS: The degree of lower back pain (intensity and frequency) significantly improved at final follow-up compared with preoperative level. However, 6 patients (13%) had no significant improvement, and pain frequency tended to worsen 6 months after the operation. Only 25 patients (53%) were satisfied with DR surgery. One-year postoperative clinical outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index and 12-item short form health survey) significantly improved compared with preoperative levels, but the 2 scores also tended to decrease after 6 months. The union rate of the pars defect was 55% (26/47). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between fusion group and nonunion group of the pars defect at the final follow-up. Two patients (4%) experienced surgery-related complications. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that DR surgery in young patients with lumbar spondylolysis may produce unsatisfactory outcomes at 1 year after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

The impact of generalized joint laxity on the occurrence and disease course of primary lumbar disc herniation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Generalized joint laxity (GJL) has been associated with spine-related disorders such as low back pain, accelerated disc degeneration, and recurrence after discectomy surgery for primary lumbar disc herniation (p-LDH). Generalized joint laxity might be a causative factor of p-LDH, but this relationship is poorly understood. In addition, the impact of GJL on outcomes after the treatment for p-LDH has not been reported. PURPOSE: To explore relationship between GJL and p-LDH and to compare clinical and radiological outcomes post-therapy in p-LDH patients with or without GJL. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective comparative study. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study group included 203 males, and the control group included 362 males who were matched for age, race, and body mass index with the study group. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the presence or absence of GJL according to the Beighton scale. The secondary outcome measures included the clinical outcome according to a visual analog scale and the Oswestry disability index and the radiological outcome. METHODS: We compared baseline data between groups, and we evaluated the impact of GJL on outcomes after different types of several treatment for LDH. RESULTS: The prevalence of GJL was significantly higher in the study group (10.8%) than in the matched control group (4.4%) (p=.003). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, GJL was the only significant predictor (p=.012). For all treatment methods, patients with GJL had worse clinical outcomes than did patients without GJL. In the patients treated with lumbar discectomy surgery, the differential Cobb value at the last follow-up was higher in the GJL patients than in the non-GJL patients (p=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Generalized joint laxity was closely related to p-LDH and may be a causative factor. In addition, patients with GJL had worse clinical and radiological outcomes than patients without GJL. Consequently, GJL should be evaluated preoperatively, and this information should be communicated to p-LDH patients with GJL.

Gender difference of symptom severity in lumbar spinal stenosis: role of pain sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Given that there are gender differences in pain perception, it is likely that there are differences in pain responses between men and women with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Furthermore, these differences may lead to different degrees of impairment in both daily activities and quality of life between men and women. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the difference of LSS symptom severity between genders in relation to pain sensitivity. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. METHODS: A total of 160 patients who had symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis completed a series of questionnaires on their first visit in the outpatient clinic, including a pain sensitivity questionnaire (PSQ) (total PSQ and PSQ-minor), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain, and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Using magnetic resonance images, the degree of canal stenosis and disc degeneration were graded based on the method by Schizas and the Pfirrmann classification, respectively. Symptom severity, pain sensitivity, and radiologic findings were compared between men and women. In each gender group analysis, the correlation between pain sensitivity and symptom severity was analyzed. RESULTS: After adjustment for age and the grade of disc degeneration, the pain sensitivity represented by total PSQ and PSQ-minor was significantly higher in women than in men. Moreover, there was a higher VAS for back pain/leg pain and ODI in women compared to men after adjustment for body mass index (BMI), age, and the grades of canal stenosis and disc degeneration. After additional adjustment for pain sensitivity including total PSQ and PSQ-minor, there was no difference in VAS for back pain/leg pain between genders. On the SF-36 women demonstrated a lower quality of life than men in terms of Physical Function, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, and Physical Component Summary. Each gender group analysis showed that pain sensitivity was associated with symptom severity and disability caused by LSS in both women and men. LIMITATIONS: The present study did not evaluate psychological factors including catastrophizing and/or undiagnosed personal traits which possibly can influence the severity of symptoms from LSS. CONCLUSIONS: Women showed increased low back pain and leg pain due to degenerative LSS compared to men. The current study demonstrates that this difference in symptom severity may be partly mediated by pain sensitivity.

A new technique for reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation using a simple tool during posterior segmental screw fixation: clinical article.

OBJECT: The authors introduce a simple technique and tool to facilitate reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation during posterior segmental screw fixation. METHODS: Two types of reduction tool have been designed: T-type and L-type. A T-shaped levering tool was used when a pedicle or pars screw was used for C-2, and an L-shaped tool was used when a laminar screw was used for C-2. Twenty-two patients who underwent atlantoaxial segmental screw fixation and fusion for the treatment of anteroposterior instability or subluxation, using either of these new types of reduction tool, were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data, which had been prospectively collected in a database, were analyzed. The atlantodens interval was measured on lateral radiographs, and the space available for the spinal cord was measured on CT scans. RESULTS: The authors could attain reduction of the atlantoaxial subluxation without difficulty using either type of tool. The preoperative atlantodens interval ranged from -16.9 to 10.9 mm in a neutral position, and the postoperative interval ranged from -2.8 to 3.0 mm, with negative values due to extension-type or mixed-type instability. The mean space available for the spinal cord significantly increased, from 9.5 mm preoperatively to 15.4 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This technique allowed for controlled manipulation and reduction of the atlantoaxial subluxation without difficulty.

The influence of pain sensitivity on the symptom severity in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The symptom severity of back pain/leg pain is not correlated with the severity of degenerative changes and canal stenosis in lumbar stenosis. Considering the individual pain sensitivity might play an important role in pain perception, this discordance between the radiologic findings and clinical symptoms in degenerative lumbar stenosis might originate from the individual difference of pain sensitivity for back pain and/or leg pain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship among the clinical symptoms, radiologic findings, and the individual pain sensitivity in the patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTING: A spine center in the department of orthopedic surgery. METHODS: In 94 patients who had chronic back pain and/or leg pain caused by degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, a medical history, a physical examination, and completion of a series of questionnaires, including pain sensitivity questionnaire (PSQ) [total PSQ and PSQ-minor], Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) for back pain, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were recorded on the first visit. Radiologic analysis was performed using the MRI findings. The grading of canal stenosis was based on the method by Schizas, and the degree of disc degeneration was graded from T2-weighted images with the Pfirrmann classification. The correlations among variables were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Total PSQ and PSQ-minor were not dependent on the grade of canal stenosis after gender adjustment. VAS for leg pain and back pain was highly associated with the total PSQ and the PSQ-minor. Total PSQ and PSQ-minor were also significantly associated with ODI. Among SF-36 scales, the PSQ minor had significant correlations with SF-36 such as bodily pain (BP), Role-emotional (RE), and Mental Component Summary (MCS) after control of confounding variables such as body mass index (BMI), age, and the grade of canal stenosis/disc degeneration. Total PSQ was significantly associated with the SF-36 RP, BP, and RE. Furthermore, after adjustment for gender and pain sensitivity, there was no significant association between the grade of canal stenosis and VAS for back pain/leg pain and ODI, and no correlation was found between the grade of disc degeneration and VAS for back pain/leg pain and ODI, either. LIMITATIONS: The multiple lesions of canal stenosis and/or disc degeneration and the grade of facet degeneration were not considered as a variable. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that the pain sensitivity could be a determining factor for symptom severity in the degenerative spinal disease.

A therapeutic efficacy of the transpedicular intracorporeal bone graft with short-segmental posterior instrumentation in osteonecrosis of vertebral body: a minimum 5-year follow-up study.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of clinical and radiological parameters. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of transpedicular intracorporeal bone graft (IBG) in osteonecrosis of vertebral body (ONV) for 5-years follow-up period. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although a broad spectrum of surgical options has been described for the treatment of ONV without neurological deficits, no effective treatment has been definitely established. Limited previous work has reported favorable outcomes with IBG; however, these studies were limited by short-term follow-up and small sample sizes. This study is the first to report the clinical and radiological results of IBG with short-segmental posterior instrumentation in ONV with a 5-year follow-up period. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were followed for at least 5 years after transpedicular IBG with short-segmental posterior instrumentation. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes, including visual analogue scale score, the Oswestry Disability Index score, compression ratio, and kyphotic angle. RESULTS: There were 11 complications, including pneumonia in 4 patients, screw loosening in 5 patients, mild hematoma at the subcutaneous tissue in 1 case, and pseudarthrosis in 1 case. The mean visual analogue scale score was exhibiting V-shaped upward trend after postoperative 6 months that ended with the almost similar score obtained with preoperative status. The mean Oswestry Disability Index score was also shown with similar trend. In functional score, there was a statistical significant improvement until only 6 months after surgery. In radiological evaluation, the mean kyphotic angle and compression ratio was significantly corrected after surgery (P < 0.05). However, these improved radiological parameters were maximal at the immediate postoperative time with gradual loss over time. CONCLUSION: Transpedicular IBG with short-segmental posterior instrumentation may lead to complications such as prolonged back pain and recurrence of kyphotic deformity in the 5 years after the procedure. Therefore, we do not recommend short-segmental posterior instrumentation concurrently with transpedicular IBG for treating ONV. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.