Individualized C1-2 intra-articular three-dimensional printed porous titanium alloy cage for craniovertebral deformity.

BACKGROUND: Congenital craniovertebral deformity, including basilar invagination (BI) and atlantoaxial instability (AAI), are often associated with three-dimensional (3D) deformity, such as C1-2 rotational deformity, craniocervical kyphosis, C1 lateral inclination, among other abnormalities. Effective management of these conditions requires the restoration of the 3D alignment to achieve optimal reduction. Recently, 3D printing technology has emerged as a valuable tool in spine surgery, offering the significant advantage of allowing surgeons to customize the prosthesis design. This innovation provides an ideal solution for precise 3D reduction in the treatment of craniovertebral deformities. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe our approach to individualized computer-simulated reduction and the design of C1-2 intra-articular 3D printed porous titanium alloy cages for the quantitative correction of craniovertebral junction deformities. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with craniovertebral deformities treated at our institution using individualized 3D-printed porous titanium alloy cages. Preoperative CT data were used to construct models for 3D realignment simulations. Cage designs were tailored to the simulated joint morphology following computer-assisted realignment. Preoperative and postoperative parameters were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included in the study, with a total of 28 3D-printed porous titanium alloy cages implanted. There were no cases of C2 nerve root resection or vertebral artery injury. All patients experienced symptom relief and stable implant fixation achieved in all cases. No implant-related complications were reported. CONCLUSION: The use of individualized computer-simulated reduction and the design of C1-2 intra-articular 3D printed porous titanium alloy cage facilitates precise 3D realignment in patients with craniovertebral deformities, demonstrating effectiveness in symptom relief and stability.

Evaluation of the feasibility of equine in-vivo ultrasound technique for the medial branch of the dorsal ramus of the cervical spinal nerves.

Ultrasound-guided local anaesthesia is commonly used in veterinary orthopaedics for horses. This study aimed to assess an in vivo ultrasound technique for the medial branch of the dorsal branch of the cervical spinal nerves (MB-DBCSNs) in horses and compare the performance of clinicians with different experience levels. Ten healthy, skeletally mature horses were examined using radiographic and ultrasound (US) techniques in the cervical area (C3-C7). Four operators with varying experience conducted US examinations using a 10 MHz linear and 6 MHz curvilinear transducer over ten training sessions. The number of cervical nerves visualized was recorded. A chi-square test was used to analyse the impact of training, anatomical location, and operator experience on the identification of facet joints. Operator agreement was evaluated with Cohen's K test. The operators assessed 80 MB-DBCSNs, with radiographs and identified 70 healthy and 10 pathological facet joints. Training significantly improved visualization success, reaching 90% in later sessions. Cranial facet joints (C3-C5) were more frequently visualized (81%) than caudal ones (C5-C7) were (59%). US performance was influenced by the operator's skill, and agreement among operators ranged from slight to fair. Overall, practice improved cervical nerve visualization in vivo, particularly for cranial nerves, but the technique requires a long learning curve because of low levels of operator agreement.

Selective ultrasound-guided nerve root block improves outcomes for discectomy in patients with cervical disc disease: a randomized, controlled, single-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block could play a role in the prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with multilevel cervical disease following selective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided selected nerve root block as a diagnostic tool (study group) or not (control group), but both groups had surgery. Pain evaluation for arm and neck pain was recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Neck Disability Index, and MRI results were compared between groups. They were assessed every two weeks for three months, postoperatively. The percentage of patients who showed ≥ 50% reduction in their pain levels and a VAS rating of ≤2 was deemed an acceptable surgical outcome. RESULTS: Patients in the study group had significantly lower VAS scores for pain intensity than control patients at nearly all periods. This baseline pain improved significantly in the study group. A more significant proportion of patients in the study group showed a ≥50% reduction in their pain scores from baseline at weeks four, eight, and 12, and this difference was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). The study group improved significantly over baseline in Neck Disability Index scores compared to control patients. Patients were highly satisfied with no significant adverse events in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with multilevel cervical disease, ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block is an excellent, safe, non-radiating, and reliable test to determine the appropriate level for operation.

The footprint mismatch of cervical disc arthroplasty comes from degenerative factor besides ethnic factor.

A mismatch in footprints of cervical total disc arthroplasty (CTDA) implants occasionally occurred in Asian population and it had been attributed solely to ethnic factor. Yet, cervical degeneration process may play a role. Our purpose was to compare the cervical vertebra morphometric data with and without degeneration. The study included patients with CT scans of cervical spine from our hospital between January, 2019, and September, 2021. The total cervical degenerative index (TCDI) of each patient were collected by adding CDI score for 5 disc-levels. Patients were categorized into normal (TCDI 0-5) and degeneration groups (TCDI 6-60). Various measurements of the C3-C7 vertebral body and endplate were taken. Forty-nine patients in the normal group and 55 in the degeneration group were included. No significant difference was noted in gender, BH, BW, or BMI except age and TCDI (p < .001). During degeneration, disproportional endplate size changes were observed, with an increment ratio of 12-20% in the anteroposterior and 5-17% in the mediolateral plane throughout C3-C7, while vertebral body height remained constant. In conclusion, degeneration process, besides ethnic factor, causes the endplate size and shape mismatch. This information can help spine surgeon choose appropriate implants in CTDA surgery.

Sacroiliac and spine imaging in spondyloarthritis: Does phenotype or sex matter?

BACKGROUND: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) encompasses a spectrum of immune-mediated inflammatory conditions primarily affecting the axial skeleton, including sacroiliitis and spondylitis, each with distinct features. This study aimed to investigate imaging disparities, focusing on sacroiliac magnetic resonance and spine radiography, across phenotypes and between males and females in axial SpA. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess clinical data, laboratory findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores of sacroiliac joints using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) and Sacroiliac Joint Structural Score (SSS), and cervical and lumbar spine radiographs utilizing the Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). The study aimed to compare these parameters between two groups: axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA, radiographic and non-radiographic) and axial psoriatic arthritis (axPsA), as well as between males and females. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included, with 62 patients in the axSpA group and 32 patients in the axPsA group. There were no differences in disease activity, mobility, radiographic damage in the spine (Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score- mSASSS), or sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores (Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Magnetic Resonance Imaging Index - SPARCC and Sacroiliac Joint Structural Score - SSS) between the two phenotypes. Regarding sex, in imaging exams, men had higher mSASSS (p = 0.008), SSS (p = 0.001), and fat metaplasia (MG) score based on SSS (p = 0.001), while women had significantly higher SPARCC scores (p = 0.039). In the male group, the presence of HLA-B27 allele had an impact on more structural lesions on MRI (SSS), p = 0.013. CONCLUSION: In this study, imaging of sacroiliac joints and spine in patients with axial SpA did not show differences in phenotypes but did reveal differences based on sex, which may have an impact on future diagnostic recommendations. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

MRI-based assessment paraspinal extensor muscle fatty infiltration in acute cervical spinal cord injury patients - a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of fat infiltration in the paraspinal muscles on cervical degenerative disease has been confirmed by multiple studies. However, little is known about fat infiltration in the paraspinal extensors in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to investigate the difference in paraspinal extensor fatty infiltration between patients with acute cervical SCI and healthy controls, and to further explore the protective role of the paravertebral extensor muscles in patients with cervical SCI. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with acute cervical SCI admitted to the emergency department from January 2019 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 26 males and 24 females, with an average age of 59.60 ± 10.81 years. A control group of 50 healthy middle-aged and elderly individuals was also included, comprising 28 males and 22 females, with an average age of 55.00 ± 8.21 years. Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure the cross-sectional areas of the superficial and deep cervical extensor muscles, the corresponding vertebral body cross-sectional areas, and the fat area within the superficial and deep extensor muscle groups using Image J software. Differences between the two groups were compared, and the cervical SCI patients were further analyzed based on the severity of the spinal cord injury and gender differences. RESULTS: The deep fatty infiltration ratio (DFIR) and superficial fatty infiltration ratio (SFIR) at C4-C7 in the cervical SCI group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001). The cross-sectional area of the functional deep extensor area (FDEA) relative to the vertebral body area (VBA) and the cross-sectional area of the functional superficial extensor area (FSEA) relative to the VBA at the C5 and C6 levels in the cervical SCI group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.034, P = 0.004 respectively). Among the cervical SCI patients, the cross-sectional areas of the deep extensor area (DEA) and the superficial extensor area (SEA) in males were significantly higher than those in females (P < 0.001). At the C6 and C7 levels, the FDEA/VBA and FSEA/VBA ratios in the male group were higher than those in the female group (P = 0.009, P = 0.022, P = 0.019, P = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients with acute cervical SCI exhibit significantly higher fatty infiltration and a greater degree of paravertebral extensor muscle degeneration compared to healthy controls. This finding underscores the importance of the paravertebral extensor muscles in the context of cervical SCI and may guide future therapeutic strategies.

Whether the potential degree of cervical instability and cervical muscle degeneration in patients with cervical spondylosis radicular affect the efficacy of cervical traction.

To explore whether the potential instability of the cervical spine and cervical muscle degeneration in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) affect the efficacy of cervical traction, and whether cervical traction can aggravate the potential instability of the cervical spine. We divided the 113 recruited CRS patients into three groups based on the differences in horizontal displacement and abnormal angle, and measured the degree of cervical muscle degeneration in the patients through MRI. Considering functional scores, VAS, NDI and PCS scores of the three groups post-treatment were significantly improved. Through the intergroup analysis, we found that the improvement in functional scores in the mild and moderate instability trend groups was better than that in the severe group. Through MRI measurements, we found that the degree of cervical muscle degeneration was significantly increased in the severe instability trend group. Regarding the changes in X-Ray imaging parameters pre- and post-treatment, no significant differences were observed pre- and post-treatment. For patients with CSR, the more serious their predisposition for cervical instability was, the more severe the degree of cervical muscle degeneration was, which means the worse the curative effect was, but cervical traction did not aggravate the potential degree of cervical instability.

Inverse kinematics in cervical spine models: Effects of scaling and model degrees of freedom for extension and flexion movements.

Intervertebral kinematics can affect model-predicted loads and strains in the spine; therefore knowledge of expected vertebral kinematics error is important for understanding the limitations of model predictions. This study addressed how different kinematic models of the neck affect the prediction of intervertebral kinematics from markers on the head and trunk. Eight subjects executed head and neck extension-flexion motion with simultaneous motion capture and biplanar dynamic stereo-radiography (DSX) of vertebrae C1-C7. A generic head and neck model in OpenSim was scaled by marker data, and three versions of the model were used with an inverse kinematics solver. The models differed according to the number of independent degrees of freedom (DOF) between the head and trunk: 3 rotational DOF with constraints defining intervertebral kinematics as a function of overall head-trunk motion; 24DOF with 3 independent rotational DOF at each level, skull-T1; 48DOF with 3 rotational and 3 translational DOF at each level. Marker tracking error was lower for scaled models compared to generic models and decreased as model DOF increased. The largest mean absolute error (MAE) was found in extension-flexion angle and anterior-posterior translation at C1-C2, and superior-inferior translation at C2-C3. Model scaling and complexity did not have a statistically significant effect on most error metrics when corrected for multiple comparisons, but ranges of motion were significantly different from DSX in some cases. This study evaluated model kinematics in comparison to gold standard radiographic data and provides important information about intervertebral kinematics error that are foundational to model validity.

Safety and efficacy of the new modified technique for c2 nerve root resection in 3d fluoroscopy navigated instrumentation in the cranio-cervical junction.

PURPOSE: Instrumentation of the C1 vertebra requires either mobilization or transection of the C2 nerve root. This study investigates clinical and radiological outcomes and incidences of C2 neuropathic pain after posterior instrumented fusion in the cranio-cervical junction with or without division of the C2 nerve roots. METHODS: This retrospective study compared two cohorts of patients who underwent instrumented fusion in the cranio-cervical junction. Fifty patients (22 males and 28 females) were operated with complete resection of C2 nerve root ganglion (Ex group), and fifty-one patients (30 men, 21 women) with C2 nerve roots preservation (No group). RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative C2 neuropathy was eight times lower in the Ex group compared to the No group that was statistical significant, p = 0.039. Surgical time was significantly shorter in the No group (p = 0.001). The fusion rates were very high for both groups, without difference between groups (p = 1.0). Autografting from the iliac crest (p = 0.001) as well as postoperative immobilisation with a hard collar (p < 0.001) were required in fewer patients in the Ex group. Also, patients in the Ex group were mobilised faster after surgery (p = 0.49). Overall, complication rates were similar between groups, but the Ex group demonstrated fewer major medical complications (16% vs 31%). Male sex and iliac bone harvesting demonstrated significantly higher OR for development of postoperative complications (p = 0.023 and p = 0.034 respectively) and postoperative mobilization demonstrated significant higher OR for development of postoperative major complications (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Resection of the C2 nerve root ganglion during posterior instrumented fusion of the cranio-cervical junction is safe and rarely leads to C2 neuropathy. The technique tends to mitigate the odds of developing postoperative complications.

Comparison of fusion, arthroplasty and hybrid surgery outcomes in patients with two-level cervical disc disease.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to explore the management of two-level cervical disc disease and to compare outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), and hybrid surgery (HS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2011 and December 2021, a total of 120 patients (76 males, 44 females; mean age: 44.8±8.1 years; range, 18 to 68 years) who were diagnosed as two-level cervical disc disease and underwent anterior cervical surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were randomly divided into three groups as ACDF, CDA, and HS each consisting of 40 patients. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), clinical and radiological findings, and range of motion (ROM) data were evaluated. RESULTS: All of the groups showed a significant improvement according to clinical and radiological outcomes (p=0.01). The mean follow-up was 27.5±6.1 months for ACDF, 20.0±4.7 months for CDA, and 21.1±5.0 months for HS, showing consistency in monitoring post-surgery outcomes. The mean postoperative NDI scores were 13.4±5.6, 14.8±5.2 and 15.0±5.5 in the ACDF, CDA and HS groups, respectively (p=0.056). The mean postoperative ROM values were 20.82±5.66, 32.45±11.21 and 27.18±10.89, respectively (p=0.045). CONCLUSION: All three surgical techniques, ACDF, CDA, and HS, are safe and successful in the treatment of two-level cervical disc disease. However, HS and CDA may be more preferable over ACDF attributed to their motion-preserving benefits and effectively combining fusion and motion preservation techniques, with comparable clinical and radiological outcomes.

Are triage tools effective for detecting cervical spine injury in paediatric trauma patients? - A Cochrane Review summary with commentary.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSIs) from blunt trauma carry a high risk of neurological damage. Accurate diagnosis is vital for preventing harm and aiding recovery, yet the diagnostic accuracy of clinical decision rules (CDRs) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of triage tools for detecting CSI in pediatric trauma patients. METHODS: A summary of the Cochrane Review by Tavender et al. (2024), with comments from a rehabilitation perspective. RESULTS: Five studies with 21,379 participants assessed seven CDRs. Direct comparisons showed high sensitivity but low specificity across different CDRs. Indirect comparison studies also demonstrated varying sensitivities and specificities. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient evidence exists to determine the best tools for deciding if imaging is necessary for diagnosing potential CSI in children. Better quality studies are needed to assess the accuracy of CDRs for cervical spine clearance in this population.

Anatomical and Radiological Findings of Abnormal Calcified Structures within and around the Foramen Transversarium and Its Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: The foramen transversarium is a vital anatomical structure found in the cervical vertebrae of the spine. Typically, it serves as a passageway for important neurovascular structures, including the vertebral artery and vein, as well as the vertebral nerve. However, abnormal calcification or ossification of soft tissues in and around this area can lead to various clinical implications. Understanding the presence and implications of abnormal ossified structures in and around the foramen transversarium is crucial for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of cervical spine disorders. AIMS: Accordingly, this present study was designed to evaluate the abnormal ossified structures anatomically and radiologically within and around the foramen transversarium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 182 (26 sets of cervical vertebrae) dried human cervical vertebrae obtained from the respective departments of anatomy and on 190 (95 males and 95 females) adult patients who visited the radiology department for neck-related problems such as stiff neck, neck/shoulder pain, dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, visual disturbances, and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Among 182 examined cervical vertebrae, unilateral complete accessory foramen transversarium was found in 23 vertebrae (12.63%), bilateral complete in 19 (10.44%), bilateral incomplete in 6 (3.29%), unilateral complete double in 4 (2.19%), and unilateral complete absence of foramen transversarium in 3 (1.64%). Stenosis due to aberrant osteophytes was noted in 9 vertebrae (4.9%). Out of 190 patients, three males presented with cervical kyphosis, severe spinal canal stenosis, and spinal cord compression due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and osteophyte complexes at C3-C6, with the most significant compression at C5-C6. CONCLUSION: A thorough understanding of abnormal ossifications in and around the foramen transversarium is crucial for the management of cervical spine disorders; imaging modalities such as X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are crucial for recognizing and intervening in these cases, which is essential to prevent adverse neurological outcomes associated with vertebral artery involvement.

Résumé Contexte:Le foramen transversarium est une structure anatomique vitale trouvée dans les vertèbres cervicales de la colonne vertébrale. Généralement, il sert de passage pour d'importantes structures neurovasculaires, notamment l'artère et la veine vertébrale, ainsi que le nerf vertébral. Cependant, anormal la calcification ou l'ossification des tissus mous dans et autour de cette zone peut entraîner diverses implications cliniques. Comprendre la présence et Les implications des structures ossifiées anormales dans et autour du foramen transversarium sont cruciales pour les cliniciens impliqués dans le diagnostic et prise en charge des troubles de la colonne cervicale.Objectifs:En conséquence, cette présente étude a été conçue pour évaluer les structures ossifiées anormales anatomiquement et radiologiquement à l'intérieur et autour du foramen transversarium.Matériels et méthodes:Cette étude a été menée sur 182 (26 ensembles de vertèbres cervicales) vertèbres cervicales humaines séchées obtenues auprès des départements d'anatomie respectifs et sur 190 (95 hommes et 95 femmes) patients adultes qui ont consulté le service de radiologie pour des problèmes liés au cou tels qu'une raideur de la nuque, des douleurs au cou/à l'épaule, des étourdissements, vertiges, déséquilibre, troubles visuels et troubles cognitifs.Résultats:Parmi 182 vertèbres cervicales examinées, unilatérales completes un foramen transversarium accessoire a été trouvé dans 23 vertèbres (12,63%), bilatéral complet dans 19 (10,44%), bilatéral incomplet dans 6 (3,29%), double complet unilatéral chez 4 (2,19 %) et absence complète unilatérale de foramen transversarium chez 3 (1,64 %). Sténose due à une aberration des ostéophytes ont été notés dans 9 vertèbres (4,9 %). Sur 190 patients, trois hommes présentaient une cyphose cervicale, une sténose sévère du canal rachidien, et compression de la moelle épinière due à l'ossification du ligament longitudinal postérieur et des complexes ostéophytes en C3­C6, le plus compression importante en C5­C6.Conclusion:Une compréhension approfondie des ossifications anormales dans et autour du foramen transversarium est crucial pour la gestion des troubles de la colonne cervicale; modalités d'imagerie telles que les rayons X, la tomodensitométrie et la résonance magnétique l'imagerie est cruciale pour reconnaître et intervenir dans ces cas, ce qui est essentiel pour prévenir les conséquences neurologiques indésirables associées avec atteinte de l'artère vertébrale.

DC-YOLOv5-based target detection algorithm for cervical vertebral maturation.

The cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method is essential to determine the timing of orthodontic and orthopedic treatment. In this paper, a target detection model called DC-YOLOv5 is proposed to achieve fully automated detection and staging of CVM. A total of 1800 cephalometric radiographs were labeled and categorized based on the CVM stages. We introduced a model named DC-YOLOv5, optimized for the specific characteristics of CVM based on YOLOv5. This optimization includes replacing the original bounding box regression loss calculation method with Wise-IOU to address the issue of mutual interference between vertical and horizontal losses in Complete-IOU (CIOU), which made model convergence challenging. We incorporated the Res-dcn-head module structure to enhance the focus on small target features, improving the model's sensitivity to subtle sample differences. Additionally, we introduced the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) dual-channel attention mechanism to enhance focus and understanding of critical features, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of target detection. Loss functions, precision, recall, mean average precision (mAP), and F1 scores were used as the main algorithm evaluation metrics to assess the performance of these models. Furthermore, we attempted to analyze regions important for model predictions using gradient Class Activation Mapping (CAM) techniques. The final F1 scores of the DC-YOLOv5 model for CVM identification were 0.993, 0.994 for mAp0.5 and 0.943 for mAp0.5:0.95, with faster convergence, more accurate and more robust detection than the other four models. The DC-YOLOv5 algorithm shows high accuracy and robustness in CVM identification, which provides strong support for fast and accurate CVM identification and has a positive effect on the development of medical field and clinical diagnosis.

A patient with cervical ligamentum flavum haematoma: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Ligamentum flavum haematoma (LFH) is an extremely rare entity, found mostly in the lumbar and thoracic ligamentum flavum and seldom in the cervical ligamentum flavum. Cervical LFH can cause paralysis in patients. We describe a case of LFH in the cervical spine that accepted surgical treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old man with incomplete spinal cord injury presented with sudden paralysis of his left limbs for 10 days and hemi-hypaesthesia below the level of the right clavicle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space-occupying lesion in the left ligamentum flavum between the C4 and C5 laminae. The preliminary diagnoses were concluded to be incomplete spinal cord injury, spinal epidural lesions, and cervical spinal stenosis. After a posterior C3-C6 laminectomy with lateral mass screw instrumentation, the muscle strength and sensation recovered partially. The lesion was greyish black and located in the ligamentum flavum. A pathological examination identified it as a haematoma of the ligamentum flavum. The patient was discharged 15 days after the operation and commenced rehabilitation. DISCUSSION: The LFH was mainly caused by slight trauma during gentle activities and contributed by many factors. MRI is an essential tool but pathological diagnosis is the gold standard. Most LFH patients can be treated surgically.

Acute Neck Pain from Crowned Dens Syndrome: A Case Report and Clinical Insights.

BACKGROUND Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a rare condition characterized by deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals on the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra, forming a calcified 'crown', with neck pain being a common symptom. The disorder exhibits unique clinical and radiological features, resembling manifestations of meningitis, such as acute headaches and cervical stiffness. There are few case reports and case series related to CDS. Patients generally respond well to treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), although there is a certain rate of recurrence. Since there are few reports of CDS, we sought to publish this case report, aiming of increasing clinicians' awareness and reducing misdiagnosis rates. CASE REPORT A 62-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with "cutting-like" headaches and neck pain for 2 days, and was subsequently diagnosed with CDS by cervical computed tomography (CT) scan, and hematological tests revealed inflammatory manifestations. He was advised to take oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and to rest; his symptoms improved after 3 days and his neck pain had almost resolved after 2 months. CONCLUSIONS In older patients experiencing new headaches and neck pain, along with increased inflammatory markers, particularly those with a history of pseudogout, the possibility of CDS should be considered. Case reports suggest that oral NSAIDs and short courses of corticosteroids can generally alleviate symptoms. Further research is needed on CDS diagnosis and treatment.

The prevalence of complicated cervical injuries in near-hanging patients without abnormal levels of consciousness or neck signs.

BACKGROUND: Cervical injuries are important complications of near-hanging, which is defined as self-injury by hanging if the patient survives at admission. Previous studies have reported that complicated cervical injuries due to near-hanging are uncommon. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether cervical imaging can be safely omitted for near-hanging patients who are alert and have no abnormal neck symptoms or signs. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study to investigate the prevalence of cervical injuries among hospitalized near-hanging patients between April 2014 and June 2023. The primary outcome was the prevalence of any complicated cervical injuries, which included laryngeal fractures, laryngeal deviations, spinal cord injuries, cervical spine fractures, and blunt cerebrovascular injuries. The primary aim of this study was to determine the primary outcome among near-hanging patients with normal levels of consciousness and no abnormal neck symptoms or signs. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 63 near-hanging patients were hospitalized. Of these, 11 patients (18%) with normal levels of consciousness and no neck symptoms or signs at admission were included. The median age of the patients was 37 years (IQR 27 to 53); 5 (45%) were women, and none had cardiac arrest at the scene. For the primary outcome, no complicated cervical injuries (0%; 95% CI, 0% to 27%) occurred among the small number of near-hanging patients who had normal levels of consciousness and no abnormal neck symptoms or signs at admission. CONCLUSIONS: There were no cases of complicated cervical injuries among near-hanging patients with normal levels of consciousness and no abnormal neck symptoms or signs. Further prospective multicenter studies are warranted to investigate whether cervical imaging can be safely omitted in assessments of these patients.

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Role of Computed Tomography-guided Cervical Epidural Blood Patch.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar epidural blood patch (EBP) is not successful in all cases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, particularly in the cervicothoracic region. The present study is a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients who had undergone computed tomography (CT)-guided cervical EBP for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) due to CSF leak in the cervical region. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from March 2009 to 2020. Our inclusion criteria were (1) clinical syndrome associated with CSF leak, (2) headache coming on shortly after assuming the erect position and relief achieved by lying down, (3) CT myelography evidence of CSF leak in the cervical region, and (4) patient not responding to conservative management for 7 days. Exclusion criteria were patients with bleeding diathesis and infection. There were six females and four males. Ages ranged from 32 to 57, with an average of 42 years. On presentation, all patients underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT myelography. Cervical EBP was done under CT scan guidance. Assessment of headache was done on a 10-point numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after the procedure. Results are categorized into complete relief, partial relief, and no relief categories. RESULTS: Nine out of 10 patients were completely recovered. One patient was partially recovered. The average NRS scale was 9.6 before treatment, which became 0.4 after EBP. No neurological or vascular complications were seen. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography-guided cervical EBP is an optimum and effective way of treating SIH due to a leak in the cervical region. It has a higher success rate than lumbar EBP. However, prospective randomized controlled trials of cervical vs lumbar EBP will further validate our observation.

Digital anatomical features of morphological development in C2-C7 neurocentral synchondrosis in children aged 1-6 years: a retrospective study of CT images.

BACKGROUND: With the continuous improvement of diagnosis and treatment technology for cervical spine-related diseases in children at home and abroad, the demand for exploring the developmental anatomy and function of children's cervical spine of different ages is increasing. So the aim of this study was to investigate the changes of anatomical indicators in neurocentral synchondrosis (NCS) of C2-C7 with age and the developmental characteristics of different vertebrae in children aged 1-6 years old. METHOD: A retrospective collection of 160 cases of normal cervical spine CT images of children aged 1-6 years old in provincial tertiary hospitals, according to the age group of 1-year-old into 6 groups. The original data of continuously scanned cervical spine tomography images were imported into Mimics16.0 software, under the two-dimensional image window, selected the measurement tool under the Measurements toolbar to measure and statistically analyzed the anatomical indicators such as cross diameter, sagittal diameter, height, perimeter and area of NCS in the C2-C7 segment of the cervical spine on the coronal plane and cross-section. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the anatomical indexes of cervical spine NCS in children compared with the left and right sides of the same vertebrae (P > 0.05). The same cervical spine generally had differences between the age groups of 1-4 years old and 5-6 years old (P < 0.05).The transverse diameter and circumference gradually decreased with age; the sagittal diameter and height showed a slight increase trend; there was a maximum area at 2 years of age. In different cervical vertebrae of the same age group, the NCS values of C3, C4, and C5 varied greatly, which showed that the ossification process of cervical cartilage was faster than that at the upper and lower ends. There were obvious differences between C2 and the rest of the cervical vertebral segments' NCS ossification process. C7 was also very different from the rest of the cervical vertebrae segments, presumably more similar to the thoracic spine. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical indexes of C2-C7 NCS in children have obvious developmental regularities at different ages, and there are also regularities between cervical segments.

Unmasking Pott Disease: A Diagnostic Challenge Mimicking Metastatic Lung Cancer - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis spondylitis, also known as Pott disease, is a rare form of the ancient infectious disease tuberculosis. It bears a complex clinical and radiological profile, often necessitating an extensive differential diagnostic approach for accurate identification. The disease was named in honor of the first diagnosed patient, highlighting its historical significance. CASE REPORT We report a case involving a 69-year-old male initially admitted to the Pulmonology Department under the suspicion of a left lung tumor, as indicated by a chest X-ray. A subsequent CT scan revealed a tumor-hilar mass, enlarged subcarineal lymph nodes, and a pathological mass at the C6/C7 vertebral level. Despite negative tuberculosis tests, the patient was misdiagnosed with disseminated lung cancer with spinal metastases. Following radiotherapy targeting the cervical and thoracic spine, the definitive diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis was confirmed via histopathological examination from an open biopsy of the C6 and C7 vertebrae. CONCLUSIONS Tuberculosis can present with an insidious and misleading clinical picture, often mimicking other diseases such as cancer. Early and accurate diagnostic processes are crucial for effective treatment. This case underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis, especially when clinical presentations are ambiguous.

Feasibility of a Novel Surface-Guided Setup Technique to Reproduce Neck Curvature Using two Regions of Interest.

PURPOSE: To improve the setup reproducibility of neck curvature using real-time optical surface imaging (OSI) guidance on 2 regions of interest (ROIs) to infer cervical spine (c-spine) curvature for surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT) of head-and-neck (HN) and c-spine cancer. METHODS: A novel SGRT setup approach was designed to reproduce neck curvature with 2 ROIs: upper-chest ROI and open-face ROI. It was hypothesized that the neck curvature could be reproduced if both ROIs were aligned within ±3 mm/2˚ tolerance. This was tested prospectively in 7 volunteers using real-time 3D-OSI guidance and lateral 2D-photography verification after the 3D and 2D references were captured from the initial conventional setup. Real-time SGRT was performed to align chest-ROI and face-ROI, and the longitudinal distance between them was adjustable using a head-support slider. Verification of neck curvature anteriorly and posteriorly was achieved by overlaying edge-extracted lateral pictures. Retrospectively, the relationship between anterior surface and spinal canal alignment was checked in 11 patients using their simulation CT (simCT) and setup cone-beam CT (CBCT). After the anterior surface was rigidly aligned, the spinal canal alignment was checked and quantified using the mean-distance-to-agreement (MDA) and DICE similarity index, and surface-to-spine correlation was calculated. RESULTS: The reproducibility of neck curvatures using the 2xROI SGRT setup is verified and the mean neck-outline-matching difference is within ±2 mm in lateral photographic overlays. The chest-ROI alignment takes 110 ± 58 s and the face-ROI takes 60 ± 35 s. When the anterior body surface is aligned (MDA = 1.1 ± 0.6 mm, DICE = 0.96 ± 0.02,) the internal spinal canal is also aligned (MDA = 1.0 ± 0.3 mm, DICE = 0.84 ± 0.04) in 11 patients. The surface-to-spine correlation is c = 0.90 (MDA) and c = 0.85 (DICE). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of the novel 2-ROI SGRT setup technique to achieve reproducible neck and c-spine curvature regardless of neck visibility and availability as ROI. Staff training is needed to adopt this unconventional SGRT technique to improve patient setup.