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
-
To compare instrumentation configurations consisting of bilateral single or double rods and additional interbody cages (IBCs) at different levels in terms of Range of Motion (ROM) and distribution of von Mises stress in rods. ⋯ Double rods and IBCs reduced global and segmental ROM as well as von Mises stress in rods. The results suggest a possible benefit in using both strategies to minimize pseudarthrosis and instrumentation failure. However, increased ROM in adjacent levels and the shift of maximal von Mises stress to adjacent areas might cause complications elsewhere.
-
Correction surgeries for spinal malalignment showed good clinical outcomes; however, there were concerns including increased invasiveness, complications, and impact on medico-economics. Ideally, an early intervention is needed. To better understand the patho-mechanism and natural course of spinal alignment, the effect of factors such as muscle mass and strength on spinal sagittal imbalance were determined in a multicenter cross-sectional study. ⋯ Aging, obesity, low TM, and low GS are potential risk factors for spinal sagittal malalignment. Especially, low TM and low GS are potentially associated with more progressed spinal sagittal malalignment. Thus, early intervention for muscles, such as exercise therapy, is needed, while the spinal sagittal alignment is normal or mildly affected.
-
This study analyzes anatomical variations of the thoracic cage (TC) according to spinopelvic alignment, age and gender using stereoradiography in erect position. ⋯ This study demonstrates the correlation between TC anatomy and spinopelvic parameters, confirming its part of the spinopelvic chain of balance. Indeed, higher spinal curvatures were associated with lower SPI and higher TC thickness, TC volume and rib absolute sagittal angles.
-
To assess the responsiveness of the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), the Oswestry Disability Index, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire, the visual analog scale (VAS), the 8-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-8), and the EuroQol 5 dimensions 5 level as methods of assessing outcomes of surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. ⋯ Because of its high responsiveness, "symptom severity" on the ZCQ is recommended as a primary tool for assessing outcome when designing prospective studies for lumbar spinal stenosis.
-
Disc degenerative disease is regarded as the primary cause of low back pain. The purpose of this study was to clarify the fate of Intervertebral disc (IVD) following the traumatic event through long-term follow-up and to identify the risk factors for irrevocable degeneration. ⋯ Injured PLC and EPI type III were independent risk factors for ADD in patients with traumatic thoracic or lumbar fracture. For such patients without risk factors for ADD, the non-intervertebral fusion should be given a priority if surgery is necessary.