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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Dural ossification (DO) is common in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The existence of DO makes surgery challenging and increases the risk of complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, distribution and radiological characteristics of DO associated with OPLL. ⋯ DO was relatively common in cervical OPLL. DLS might be misdiagnosed. PS and HS can vividly and intuitively describe the imaging features of DO and have high diagnostic accuracy.
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Anterior trans-articular C1-C2 screw placement can be considered as a surgical alternative in different conditions affecting the atlantoaxial region. While its rigidity is similar to posterior Magerl and Harms techniques, it also provides some surgical advantages. However, the literature lacks papers exhaustively describing indication criteria, surgical steps, and pitfalls. ⋯ We can conclude that, as much as the C1-C2 articular rim is tending to the horizontal line, and as deeper is the entry point of the screw on the anterior profile of C2, as easier the anterior C1-C2 trans-articular screw placement will result.
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To investigate the risk factors for thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF), especially the relationship between BMI and TOLF. ⋯ BMI is a crucial risk factor for TOLF. It highlights the necessity of close follow-up of asymptomatic TOLF patients with high BMI to detect and treat their TOLF progression promptly.
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To identify the ideal entry point for pediatric C2 pedicle screw and to obtain parameters of it for the indication of pediatric atlantoaxial fusion arthrodesis. ⋯ In this study, we found that the measurement results of C2 pedicle screw varied based on sex, laterality, and ages for children younger than 18 years. The entry point of the screws facilitating ideal trajectory tends to change in a linear way as a function of age. This information helps the surgeon to establish the specific anatomy related to C2 pedicle screw placement to facilitate fixation in the pediatric patients.
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The diagnosis and classification of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can be difficult with radiography alone; therefore, computed tomography (CT) is also usually performed. There are many reports on the usefulness of digital tomosynthesis (DTS) for image analysis in orthopedics. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of DTS with radiography and CT for the diagnosis and classification of cervical OPLL (C-OPLL). ⋯ This study revealed that DTS may be an alternative to CT for the diagnosis and classification of C-OPLL by specialists. Caution should be exercised in diagnosing and classifying C-OPLL using radiography and DTS by residents, and the use of CT is recommended.