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 evaluate the effect of K-line on posterior single-door decompression with fusion fixation (PFF) and posterior single-door decompression with non-fusion fixation (PNF) for patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). ⋯ In the K ( +) group, the improvement rate of JOA score was higher and the incidence of axial pain was lesser in the PNF group than in the PFF group. In the K (-) group, the improvement rate of JOA score was higher in the PFF group than in the PNF group, and there was significant loss of C2-C7 Cobb angle in the PNF group.
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Review
The prevalence and clinical characteristics of thoracic spinal stenosis: a systematic review.
Thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) is a rare disease secondary to multiple pathological changes that differ in prevalence and clinical characteristics. The epidemiological characteristics of these pathologies are largely unknown due to the limited case samples and regional differences. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to elucidate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of TSS. ⋯ There are significant differences in the age, sex and segment distribution characteristics of different pathologies leading to TSS. Tandem spinal stenosis is not uncommon and should be considered when diagnosing TSS. Our findings provide new insights into the prevalence and clinical characteristics of TSS and can help reduce misdiagnosis.
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Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of the validity and reliability of rasterstereographic measurements of spinal posture.
We provide a meta-analysis for clinicians and researchers regarding reliability and validity of rasterstereographic measurement of the spinal posture. ⋯ The first meta-analysis on reliability and validity of rasterstereography shows satisfactory results. Rasterstereography thus presents a reliable and valid alternative to classic radiological imaging technique to assess and evaluate spinal posture in patients with spinal pathologies. Further studies are needed, focusing on the measurement properties of both static and dynamic rasterstereographic measurements.
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Reach a consensus on which diagnostic tests are most important in confirming the clinical diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). ⋯ This is the first study to reach an international consensus on which diagnostic tests should be used in the clinical diagnosis of LSS. The final recommendation includes three core diagnostic items: neurological examination, MRI/CT and walking test with gait observation. The Taskforce also recommends 3 'rule out' tests: foot pulses/ABI, hip examination and test for cervical myelopathy. If applied, this core set of diagnostic tests can standardize outcomes and improve clinical care of LSS globally.
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To investigate GAP scores in an asymptomatic cohort of adults, including older adults with age-expected changes in spinal alignment. ⋯ Most patients in this asymptomatic, nonoperative cohort were normally proportioned. However, a large percentage of asymptomatic volunteers were moderately or severely disproportioned. Older patients had higher scores, indicating some disproportion. There was also a small number of severely sagittally misaligned and poorly proportioned, yet asymptomatic, volunteers. Further refinement of individualized targets is needed to determine the effect on mechanical complications and quality of life given the divergent recommendations of age-adjusted targets and GAP targets.