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 build a mathematical model which could calculate the desired laminoplasty opening size (LOS) based on the target sagittal canal diameter (SCD) before single-door cervical laminoplasty (SDCL) when taking the effects of surgery drill into consideration. ⋯ Applying the mathematical model and derived formula, the desired LOS could be calculated according to the target SCD which could help the surgeon select an optimum mini-plate before SDCL. At the same time, a new measuring device named Lei's ruler is designed for the convenience of the derived formula. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) is characterized by upper limb muscle weakness and atrophy, without sensory deficits. The pathophysiology of CSA has been attributed to selective injury to the ventral nerve root and/or anterior horn of the spinal cord. This review aimed to delineate the history of CSA and to describe the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, classification, clinical features, radiological and electrophysiological assessment, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, natural history and treatment of CSA. ⋯ Although the disease process of CSA is self-limited, treatment remains challenging, leaving scope for future studies. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The positive association between low back pain and MRI evidence of vertebral endplate bone marrow lesions, often called Modic changes (MC), offers the exciting prospect of diagnosing a specific phenotype of chronic low back pain (LBP). However, imprecision in the reporting of MC has introduced substantial challenges, as variations in both imaging equipment and scanning parameters can impact conspicuity of MC. This review discusses key methodological factors that impact MC classification and recommends guidelines for more consistent MC reporting that will allow for better integration of research into this LBP phenotype. ⋯ Comparison of MC data between studies can be problematic. Various methodological factors impact detection and classification of MC, and the lack of reporting guidelines hinders interpretation and comparison of findings. Thus, it is critical to adopt imaging and reporting standards that codify acceptable methodological criteria. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of a novel anterior-only approach and the conventional posterior-anterior approach for cervical facet dislocation: a retrospective study.
The surgical treatment of lower cervical facet dislocation is controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the surgical trauma and clinical results of a novel anterior-only approach and with those of the conventional posterior-anterior approach to obtain an optimal method to treat lower cervical facet dislocation. ⋯ Compared with the conventional posterior-anterior approach, the novel anterior-only approach with two reduction techniques, including Caspar pins kyphotic paramedian distraction and anterior facetectomy, achieved a 100% reduction success rate and induced less surgical trauma, indicating that this method can be recommended as an alternative for lower cervical facet dislocation. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as a potential parameter of spinal cord damage in cervical spine instability at the atlanto-axial level in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. ⋯ The conducted study demonstrates the applicability of the ADC maps in the identification of spinal cord compression due to anterior AAS in RA patients. The results encourage the practical use of the ADC as an additional parameter in the qualification for surgical treatment. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.