Association of TaqI (rs731236) Polymorphism of Vitamin D Receptor Gene with Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD) significantly contributes to low back pain, with a complicated etiology involving genetic and environmental facts. The aim of study was to investigate the association between the TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene with LDDD. METHODS: In total, 248 patients with symptomatic LDDD and 146 control subjects were examined. The evaluation of clinical features of patients with LDDD comprised radiodiagnostic magnetic resonance imaging, neurologic examinations, pain scores including the visual analog scale (VAS), and disability investigation with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Genotyping of the VDR gene polymorphism was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. RESULTS: Individuals of the LDDD group who were VDR TaqI AA genotype carriers were significantly greater than the other group (P = 0.014), whereas those with GG genotype were significantly lower (P = 0.028) in the patient group. In addition, VAS and ODI scores were significantly lower in the GG genotype carrier group, whereas AA genotype carriers had the greatest scores (P = 0.004). Carrying the G allele decreased the risk of LDDD 1.7 times (P = 0.014) and carrying the A allele enhanced the risk 1.8 times (P = 0.028). Moreover, G-allele carriers had significantly lower VAS (P = 0.002) and ODI scores (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: VDR TaqI (rs731236) GG genotype and G allele have protective potential, whereas the AA genotype and A allele are risk factors for LDDD. The findings reveal a statistically significant association of the TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism of VDR gene polymorphism with LDDD. This result highlights the potential role of genetic factors in developing LDDD and suggests avenues for future research in genetic screening and personalized treatment strategies.

Transforaminal Epidural Injection for Far Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniations: An Alternative to Surgery or Just a Delay?

OBJECTIVE:  Far lateral lumbar disc herniations (FLLDH) are known for causing severe and persistent radicular pain due to direct nerve root and dorsal root ganglion compression. This study evaluates the effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFSI) in patients with FLLDH, assessing its role as a potential alternative to surgery. METHODS:  The study retrospectively analyzed 42 patients with radicular pain caused by FLDH, confirmed via lumbar magnetic resonance imaging, who had not benefited from conservative treatment. All patients underwent TFSI, and their pre-treatment Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were compared with scores at one, two, and three months post-procedure. RESULTS:  The study group comprised 19 males (45.23%) and 23 females (54.77%), with a mean age of 51.9 ± 11.63 years (range 29-76 years). The most common herniation levels were L4-L5 (22 patients), followed by L5-S1 (15 patients) and L3-L4 (five patients). The mean VAS score decreased significantly from 8.58 ± 0.63 to 2.89 ± 1.87 over three months (p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean ODI score significantly reduced from 61.29 ± 6.72 to 16.88 ± 11.25 (p = 0.001). However, eight of the 42 patients (19.04%) underwent surgery within three months due to lack of benefit from TFSI. CONCLUSION: Our study sheds light on the significant potential of TFSI as a treatment option for FLLDH. The marked improvement in pain and functional capacity, as evidenced by the substantial decrease in VAS and ODI scores, suggests that TFSI can be an effective non-surgical intervention for a majority of patients suffering from FLLDH. However, a notable proportion of patients may still require surgery, indicating that TFSI might not be a definitive alternative but can be an effective interim treatment in managing FLLDH.

Prospective Investigation of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Disc Complex after Posterior Stabilization and Decompression Surgery in Patients With Non-OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a prevalent cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults, primarily from degenerative changes. The efficacy of treatment strategies, especially surgical approaches, remains debated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the long-term impact of posterior fusion laminectomy on the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) thickness, disc complex, and myelomalacia signal changes in CSM patients. METHODS: A single-centre, prospective study from January 2020 to December 2021 included CSM patients without ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from baseline, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were collected. Measurements on the MRI were performed using the Osirix MD software, focusing on the PLL width, myelopathic foci dimensions, and canal diameter. RESULTS: Out of the 82 initially enrolled patients, 64 were considered for analysis. Postoperatively, a significant reduction in PLL width and myelopathic foci dimensions was observed, alongside a considerable increase in the canal diameter. Clinical outcomes based on the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale also showcased marked improvements post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior fusion laminectomy effectively reduces anterior pressure in CSM patients. This treatment may represent an optimal surgical approach for selected CSM cases. Furthermore, more extensive studies with extended follow-up are advocated.

Spinal Schwannomas: A Proposal for a New Classification to Aid Surgical Planning.

Background The treatment of spinal schwannomas, which is the most common nerve sheath tumor, is total microsurgical resection. The localization, size and relationship with the surrounding structures of these tumors are crucial in terms of preoperative planning. A new classification method is presented in this study for the surgical planning of spinal schwannoma. Methods All patients who underwent surgery for spinal schwannoma between 2008 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively, along with radiological images, clinical presentation, surgical approach, and postoperative neurological status. Results A total of 114 patients, 57 male, and 57 females were included in the study. Tumor localizations were cervical in 24 patients, cervicothoracic in one patient, thoracic in 15 patients, thoracolumbar in eight patients, lumbar in 56 patients, lumbosacral in two patients, and sacral in eight patients. All tumors were divided into seven types according to the classification method. Type 1 and Type 2 groups were operated on with a posterior midline approach only, Type 3 tumors were operated on with a posterior midline approach and extraforaminal approach, and Type 4 tumors were operated on with only an extraforaminal approach. While the extraforaminal approach was sufficient in type 5 patients, partial facetectomy was required in 2 patients. Combined surgery including hemilaminectomy and extraforaminal approach was performed in the type 6 group. A posterior midline approach with partial sacrectomy/corpectomy was performed in Type 7 group. Conclusion Effective treatment of spinal schwannoma depends on preoperative planning, which includes correctly classifying tumors. In this study, we present a categorization scheme that covers bone erosion and tumor volume for all spinal localizations.

Anatomical and morphometrical evaluation of the jugular tubercle.

BACKGROUND: The jugular tubercle (JT) is an important part of the craniovertebral junction. The removal of the JT in the far-lateral approach provides a significant increase in the operative space. The purpose of this morphometrical study was to define the anatomical variations of the JT. METHODS: Thirty-eight dry skulls were included in this study. Seven anatomical parameters were defined and analyzed. The JT, hypoglossal canal (HC), jugular bulb, condylar fossa, occipital condyle (OC), internal jugular foramen, and condylar canal were selected as landmarks. The measurements were made separately for the right and the left sides. RESULTS: Significant morphological variations in the JT were noted. A protuberance was apparent on the JT and classified according to its shape, size, and number. Morphological differences of protuberance of JT were described and classified into seven different types as follows: flat (Type I), sharp (Type II), circular (Type III), pin-point (Type IV), large (Type V), double (Type VI), and unclassified (Type VII). The HC was observed in all specimens. To define the relationship between the JT and the intracranial orifice of the HC, four localizations were identified. To define the relationship between the JT and the intracranial orifice of the HC. CONCLUSIONS: Variations of the JT and the relationship of the JT to the neighboring bone and neural structures are important for modifications of the far-lateral approach. This study presents a detailed anatomical analysis of the shape, size, and orientation of the JT with a new description of protuberance of JT classified into seven types.