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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The aim of the study was to compare total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) and separation surgery with postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) for isolated metastatic patients with spinal cord compression by assessing recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), postoperative complications, and quality of life scores (QoL). ⋯ TES and SSRS were efficient methods for treating solitary spinal metastasis patients with metastatic spinal cord compression. Better local tumor control and mental health were found in the TES group, and most patients felt as if they were free of spinal tumors. Compared with TES, the SSRS caused less operation-related trauma. However, there was no significant difference in OS between the two groups.
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To analyze T2 relaxation times of the facet joint by MRI T2-mapping in patients with degenerative lumbar disorders (DLD), and to determine the correlation with lumbar instability in radiographs. ⋯ The T2 relaxation times were positively correlated with lumbar instability. This new quantitative evaluation of lumbar facet joint using MRI T2-mapping might be useful to determine lumbar instability.
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To investigate normal curvature ratios of the cervicothoracic spine and to establish radiographic thresholds for severe myelopathy and disability, within the context of shape. ⋯ Cervical deformity patients with an increased CL:TK ratio had higher rates of moderate neck disability at baseline, while patients with a negative ratio had higher rates of moderate myelopathy clinically. Specific thresholds for cSVA and TS-CL predicted severe myelopathy or neck disability scores, regardless of baseline neck shape. A thorough evaluation of the cervical spine should include exploration of relationships with the thoracic spine and may better allow spine surgeons to characterize shapes and curves in cervical deformity patients.