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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Abnormal leptin bioavailability has play key roles in the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Both leptin and its receptor levels may be modulated by the presence of genetic polymorphisms. This study aimed to evaluate the role of polymorphisms in the leptin (LEP) and its main receptor (LEPR) genes in the AIS susceptibility in girls. ⋯ The LEPR rs2767485 was associated with the genetic susceptibility of AIS and LEP rs2167270 with low BMI. These data can contribute to the identification of genetic biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and treatment.
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Changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) and functional cross-sectional area (FCSA) of the lumbar multifidus (MF) and erector spinae muscles (ES) are factors that can contribute to low back pain. For the assessment of muscle CSA and composition there are various software and threshold methods used for tissue segmentation in quantitative analysis. However, there is currently no gold standard for software as well as muscle segmentation. This study aims to analyze the measurement error between different image processing software and different threshold methods for muscle segmentation. ⋯ The present study showed a high degree of reliability with very good agreement between the two software programs. However, study results based on different threshold methods should not be directly compared.
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Since childhood exposure to radiation has been demonstrated to increase cancer risk with increase in radiation dose, reduced radiation exposure during computed tomography (CT) evaluation is desired for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to investigate the radiation dose of dual-source CT using a spectral shaping technique and the accuracy of the thoracic pedicle screw (TPS) placement for posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with AIS. ⋯ Spectral shaping DSCT with a tube-based tin filter allowed a 75% radiation dose reduction while achieving TPS insertion accuracy similar to procedures based on conventional CT without spectral shaping.
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Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a common complication following corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with a Lenke 5 curve. Previous studies have suggested that PJK may be associated with osteopenia, which is prevalent in AIS patients. MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scores have been proposed as a valuable tool to assess preoperative bone quality. However, accurately measuring VBQ scores in Lenke 5 AIS patients with a structural lumbar curve can be challenging. Recently, a simplified S1 VBQ score has been proposed as an alternative method when the traditional VBQ score is not applicable. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of the simplified S1 VBQ score in predicting the occurrence of PJK after corrective surgery for Lenke 5 AIS. ⋯ This study provided evidence that higher S1 VBQ scores were independently associated with PJK occurrence following corrective surgery for Lenke 5 AIS. Preoperative measurement of the S1 VBQ score on MRI may serve as a valuable tool in planning surgical correction for Lenke 5 AIS.
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People who seek more care for low back pain (LBP) tend to experience poorer recovery (e.g. higher pain and disability levels). Understanding the factors associated with care-seeking for LBP might improve patient outcomes and potentially alleviate the burden of LBP on global health systems. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between different intensities, volumes, and domains of physical activity and care-seeking behaviours, in people with a history of LBP. ⋯ People who engage in higher baseline volumes of sedentary behaviour or physical activity in the household setting (e.g. housework, gardening, yard work, general household maintenance) utilise 1.6 times more care for LBP over 1 year. Findings suggest that higher volumes of these behaviours may be harmful for LBP. No intensities, volumes, or domains of physical activity demonstrated clear benefits for LBP. Where feasible, patients and clinicians should collaborate to screen and develop strategies to reduce engagement in sedentary behaviour or physical activity in the household setting. Contextual factors (e.g. patient symptom severity, sociocultural roles, occupational demands) should be considered when devising appropriate behaviour change strategies.