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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To review the current literature on methods of accurate numeration of vertebral segments in patients with Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTVs). LSTVs are a common congenital anomaly of the L5-S1 junction. While their clinical significance has been debated, unquestionable is the need for their identification prior to spinal surgery. We hypothesize that there are no reliable landmarks by which we can accurately number transitional vertebrae, and thus a full spinal radiograph is required. ⋯ A sagittal whole spine view should be added as a scout view when patients obtain lumbar MRI to standardize the vertebral numbering technique. To date, there has been no other method for accurate numeration of a transitional vertebral segment, other than counting caudally from C2. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Low back pain is a significant problem for school-aged athletes. Although some risk factors relating to sports activities have been reported, the effect of lifestyles on low back pain in school-aged athletes is not clear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between lifestyles, such as wake-up time, bedtime, sleeping time, and TV-viewing or video-game-playing time per day and low back pain of school-aged athletes. ⋯ Unhealthy life-style choices, such as late bedtimes, short sleeping time, and longtime video-game playing, were associated with low back pain in school-aged athletes.
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Even though phenotypes of disc degeneration vary on different sagittal magnetic resonance images (MRI), measurements typically are acquired on the mid-sagittal MRI. This study investigated the appropriateness of using the mid-sagittal MRI to measure various phenotypes of age-related disc degeneration. ⋯ Disc signal measurements acquired on the mid-sagittal MRI were reliable and had strong correlations with age and thus can be used as an appropriate measure of disc degeneration. Disc bulging had better be measured on para-sagittal MRIs. Although severe disc narrowing clearly is a sign of severe disc degeneration, disc height was not linearly associated with age.
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Stereoradiography imaging (SRI) is an accurate and reliable low-dose radiographic method. However, patients must remain motionless during image acquisition. Motion artifacts are frequently noted. The aims of the study were to determine the incidence of the SRI motion artifact and assess if motion during SRI acquisition affects radiographic measurements. ⋯ Level IV.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best diagnostic imaging method for low back pain. However, the technique is currently not utilized in its full capacity, often failing to depict painful intervertebral discs (IVDs), potentially due to the rough degeneration classification system used clinically today. MR image histograms, which reflect the IVD heterogeneity, may offer sensitive imaging biomarkers for IVD degeneration classification. This study investigates the feasibility of using histogram analysis as means of objective and continuous grading of IVD degeneration. ⋯ Histogram features correlated well with IVD degeneration, suggesting that IVD histogram analysis is a suitable tool for objective and continuous IVD degeneration classification. As histogram analysis revealed IVD heterogeneity, it may be a clinical tool for characterization of regional IVD degeneration effects. To elucidate the usefulness of histogram analysis in patient management, IVD histogram features between asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals needs to be compared.