Spine
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Review Comparative Study
Comparison of anterior surgical options for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a systematic review.
Systematic review. ⋯ Strong. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: There is no evidence to guide choice of ancillary external immobilization techniques following multilevel anterior decompression and fusion procedures for CSM.
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Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), including cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, presents a heterogeneous set of variables reflecting its complex nature. Multiple studies in the past have attempted to elucidate an ideal surgical algorithm that surgeons may use when treating these patients, unfortunately all studies to date, including the rigorous systematic review used in this focus issue, have fallen short in identifying a superior approach when addressing DCM. Likely because of a superior approach being nonexistent because there are multiple pathoanatomical considerations. ⋯ Therefore, synthesizing a treatment algorithm remains difficult, however, the articles in this focus issue use the GRADE system to assess the overall quality (strength) of available evidence and, where appropriate, formulate evidence-based recommendations. Factors that should be included in surgical decision making are the sagittal alignment, anatomical location of the compressive pathology, number of levels of compression, presence of absence or instability or subluxation, the type compressive pathology (e.g., spondylosis vs. ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament), neck anatomy, bone quality, and surgeon experience or preference. Fortunately, as reviewed in the accompanying articles, a number of excellent surgical options exist that can be selected on the basis of the aforementioned pathoanatomical considerations.
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This section of the cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) Spine focus issue collates evidence related to diagnosis, outcome assessment, and genetics. Given that a variety of different disease states can present similarly, a guide for diagnosing and differentiating CSM from other neurological conditions is initially presented. Although the value of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing CSM is cemented, its value as a tool to predict future outcome is less well established. ⋯ At present, we recommend that clinicians acquire the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score and the Neck Disability Index on all patients with CSM at presentation and follow-up. Finally, in regard to genetics, the existing evidence seems to support the principle of an inherited predisposition to both CSM and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Although several genetic polymorphisms have been consistently associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, no specific polymorphisms were consistently associated with CSM.
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Review Meta Analysis
Gabapentin and pregabalin in the management of postoperative pain after lumbar spinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis. ⋯ 1.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effectiveness of rocker sole shoes in the management of chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.
Multicenter, assessor-blind, randomized, clinical trial. ⋯ N/A.