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
-
This study aimed to analyse the trends and patterns of IVD degeneration in different age groups at each level of the thoracic spine. ⋯ The severity of thoracic IVD degeneration and the number of degenerated levels increased with age. Disc degeneration was more accelerated in the mid-thoracic spine. Adjacent-level degeneration was more common than skip-level degenerations.
-
Case Reports Meta Analysis
Clinical features and treatment strategy of paraspinal arteriovenous shunt (PAVS): a systematic review with individual participants data meta-analysis.
Because of the rarity of the disease, paraspinal arteriovenous shunt (PAVS) is not well recognized, and therapeutic options remain controversial. To introduce a rare disease of PAVS and demonstrate its etiology, clinical features, treatment options, and outcomes, we presented a case report and conducted a systematic review and individual participants data (IPD) meta-analysis. ⋯ General as well as location-specific characteristics of PAVS is successfully demonstrated. Approximately 20% of the incomplete obliteration is noted, and three potential poor prognostic factors are identified, namely, 'etiology of systematic genetic dysplasia (positive) and trauma (negative)', 'combined approach (negative), and 'multiple feeders'.
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate and determine whether there are differences in L5 pedicles morphology between isthmic and degenerative L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. ⋯ The L5 pedicles morphology in L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis shows abduction, shortness, and width, while that in the degenerative spondylolisthesis shows adduction, lengthening, and thinning compared with the normal populations. The morphology changes may be the result of pedicle stress remodelling in the development of spondylolisthesis, which should be taken into consideration when placing at the insertion of pedicle screws.
-
Apart from patients with severe neurological deficits, it is not clear whether surgical or conservative treatment of lumbar disc herniations is superior for the individual patient. We investigated whether deep learning techniques can predict the outcome of patients with lumbar disc herniation after 6 months of treatment. ⋯ Deep learning in the supervised form applied here can identify patients at an early stage who would benefit from conservative therapy, and on the contrary avoid painful and unnecessary delays for patients who would profit from surgical therapy. In addition, this approach can be used in many other areas of medicine as an effective tool for decision-making when choosing between opposing treatment options, despite small patient groups.
-
Visualization of annular fissures on MRI is becoming increasingly important but remains challenging. Our purpose was to test whether an image processing algorithm could improve detection of annular fissures. ⋯ Image processing improved CNR of annular fissures and detection rate of annular fissures. However, further studies with a more stringent reference standard are needed to assess its effect on sensitivity and specificity.