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 investigate the differences between imaging features of spinal tuberculosis (TB) and metastatic cancer measured by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). The presentation of TB on convention MRI may not show the typical TB signs, and they may be mis-diagnosed as malignant diseases. DCE-MRI may provide additional information to help making differential diagnosis. ⋯ DCE-MRI may provide additional information for differentiation between spinal TB and metastasis, when their manifestations on conventional imaging were similar.
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To make a preliminary classification of double-layer sign according to the morphological characteristics of the ossified and central hypodense mass and clarify implications of different patterns of "double-layer sign". ⋯ OPLL patients with double-layer sign of type C is almost inevitably followed by CSF leakage after anterior decompression. For type A and B, occurrence of CSF leakage is not as high as we thought before. Pattern of double-layer sign should be a considered factor when anterior or posterior approach is chosen.
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In the scientific community, a scientist's productivity is usually measured by his scientific output. The productivity of a group, an institution or, on a larger scale, a country can be assessed in similar manner. This study aims to show the contribution of Chinese authors to orthopedics research, from three major regions, namely Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. ⋯ The total number of orthopedics articles in China increased markedly from 2003 to 2012. Of the three regions, Mainland China published the most articles, clinical trials, randomized controlled trails, and case reports. In general, Spine was the most popular journal to choose in the three regions.
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Observational Study
Cervical canal stenosis and adjacent segment degeneration after anterior cervical arthrodesis.
Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) is known to occur after anterior cervical arthrodesis. However, it is not known whether cervical canal stenosis enhances the risk of ASD. The purpose of this study was to explore whether congenital stenosis could be used as a predictor of ASD after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). ⋯ Congenital stenosis can increase the rate of radiographic ASD after initial ACDF. The cutoff value of 13.0 mm for preoperative AP diameter of cervical canal had the highest validity for predicting radiographic ASD.
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The aim of this research was to evaluate the long-term results of extensive laminectomy for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy due to multilevel cervical stenosis (MCS) with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (LFH). ⋯ A series of clinical results were obtained after the extensive laminectomy for a long-term follow-up period exceeding 10 years. The extensive laminectomy may be an option for an alternative procedure for treatment of MCS with LFH.