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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Review Meta Analysis
Systematic review of imaging comparisons of spinal alignment among standing positions in healthy adolescents or adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: SOSORT 2023 award winner.
Clinicians detect scoliosis worsening over time using frequent radiographs during growth. Arms must be elevated when capturing sagittal radiographs to visualize the vertebrae, and this may affect the sagittal angles. The aim was to systematically review the published evidence of the effect of arm positions used during radiography on spinal alignment parameters in healthy participants and those with AIS. ⋯ Meta-analysis evidence showed elevated arm positions modify sagittal measurements compared to standing. Most studies did not report on all relevant parameters. It is unclear which position best represent habitual standing.
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Review Meta Analysis
Are current machine learning applications comparable to radiologist classification of degenerate and herniated discs and Modic change? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Low back pain is the leading contributor to disability burden globally. It is commonly due to degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral discs (LDD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the current best tool to visualize and diagnose LDD, but places high time demands on clinical radiologists. Automated reading of spine MRIs could improve speed, accuracy, reliability and cost effectiveness in radiology departments. The aim of this review and meta-analysis was to determine if current machine learning algorithms perform well identifying disc degeneration, herniation, bulge and Modic change compared to radiologists. ⋯ This review highlights several shortcomings of current approaches, including few validation attempts or use of large sample sizes. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first systematic review to explore this topic. We suggest the utilization of deep learning coupled with semi- or unsupervised learning approaches. Use of all information contained in MRI data will improve accuracy. Clear and complete reporting of study design, statistics and results will improve the reliability and quality of published literature.
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Review Meta Analysis
Incidence of genitourinary anomalies in congenital scoliosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.
The main objective of this study was to assess the overall incidence of genitourinary anomalies in patients with congenital scoliosis by providing the highest level of evidence. The secondary objective was to look for associations and trends influencing the incidence. ⋯ The incidence of genitourinary anomalies associated with congenital scoliosis was 22.91%, and 13.92% were surgically treated. Unilateral kidney was the most common genitourinary abnormality. There were no differences between genders and deformity types. It is important to consider the association between genitourinary anomalies and intraspinal or musculoskeletal anomalies.
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This paper presents a comparison of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in osteoporosis with vertebral fracture and osteoporosis without fracture. It has been proved that the volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) measured by QCT exhibits a stronger correlation with fracture risk than areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measured by DXA. ⋯ Both vBMD detected by QCT and aBMD detected by DXA could discriminate fracture status in the spine, and vBMD performed a stronger correlation with fracture risk.