European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Observational Study
Description of the sagittal alignment of the degenerative human spine.
To present the description of sagittal alignment of the degenerative human spine and its possible evolution. ⋯ Level IV cross sectional observational study.
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Cervical spine malalignment can develop as a consequence of degenerative disc disease or following spinal surgery. When normal sagittal alignment of the spine is disrupted, further degeneration may occur adjacent to the deformity. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in lordosis and sagittal alignment in the cervical spine after insertion of supraphysiologic lordotic implants. ⋯ Reciprocal compensation was observed in the axial and sub-axial cervical spine, with the Occ-C2 segment undergoing the largest compensation. Adding more implant lordosis led to larger reciprocal changes and changes in SVA. Implants with supraphysiologic lordosis may allow for additional capabilities in correcting cervical sagittal plane deformity, following further clinical evaluation.
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Multicenter Study
Selective thoracic fusion of a left decompensated main thoracic curve: proceed with caution?
Previous research has shown that with certain idiopathic scoliosis curve types, performing a selective thoracic fusion (STF) is associated with an increased risk of coronal decompensation post-operatively. The purpose of the current study was to determine the influence of curve correction and fusion level on post-operative balance in STF for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with pre-operative coronal decompensation. ⋯ There was a high rate of post-operative decompensation in patients with pre-operative coronal decompensation undergoing STF. Fusion to or past the stable or neutral vertebra did not affect the risk of persistent decompensation. Attempts to improve SLCC could reduce post-operative decompensation.
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Most patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit alterations in the posture, which can in several cases give rise to spine deformities, both in the sagittal and the coronal plane. In addition, degenerative disorders of the spine frequently associated to PD, such as spinal stenosis and sagittal instability, can further impact the quality of life of the patient. In recent years, spine surgery has been increasingly performed, with mixed results. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze the spinal disorders associated to PD, and the current evidence about their surgical treatment. ⋯ Disorders of the posture and spinal alignment, both in the sagittal and in the coronal planes, are common in PD patients, and have a major impact on the quality of life. Outcomes of spine surgery are generally not satisfactory, likely mostly due to muscle dystonia and poor bone quality. Knowledge in this field needs to be consolidated by further clinical and basic science studies. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.