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
-
Anterior cervical disectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a highly effective and safe method for spinal cord and cervical root decompression. However, vocal cord paralysis (VCP) remains an important cause of postoperative morbidity. The true incidence and recovery course of postoperative VCP is still uncertain. This study is a report on VCP after ACDF to evaluate the incidence, recovery course, and possible risk factors. ⋯ In our study, only 0.47% documented prolonged postoperative VCP, while most patients recovered within 9 months. However, if symptoms last longer, there could be almost permanent VCP (0.16%). In our study, choking and dysphagia subsided mostly within 6 months, but hoarseness remained. The exposure of the C67 level obviously was a risk factor for postoperative VCP.
-
To assess the correction effect of hemivertebra resection for unbalanced multiple hemivertebrae by measuring corresponding parameters in both coronal and sagittal planes on series posteroanterior and lateral radiographs and report the related complications. ⋯ In the patients with unbalanced multiple hemivertebrae, hemivertebra resection allows for excellent correction in both the coronal and sagittal planes, and great care should be taken to reduce the rate of complications.
-
Imaging study of thoracic spine. ⋯ Thoracic spine showed ROM in sagittal plane, despite being considered a stable region. These findings offer useful information in the diagnosis and selection of surgical intervention in thoracic spinal disease.
-
To evaluate the natural course of end plate marrow (Modic) changes (MC) in the cervical spine on MRI scans of patients with neck pain. A few longitudinal studies have assessed the development of MC over time in the lumbar spine but only two recent studies evaluated MC in the cervical spine in asymptomatic volunteers and those with whiplash. Thus, this study now reports on the natural course of MC in the cervical spine in symptomatic patients. ⋯ MC in the cervical spine are a dynamic phenomenon similar to the lumbar spine.
-
Currently, the diagnosis of pedicle screw (PS) loosening is based on a subjectively assessed halo sign, that is, a radiolucent line around the implant wider than 1 mm in plain radiographs. We aimed at development and validation of a quantitative method to diagnose PS loosening on radiographs. ⋯ The angle between the PS axis and the cranial endplate showed good ability to change in PS loosening. A change of this angle of at least 2° had a relatively high sensitivity and specificity to diagnose screw loosening.