Is neck pain a marker for something serious? Like myelopathy.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is a chronic progressive condition of the cervical spine that leads to compression of the spinal cord. It is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults, and it occurs due to age-related changes or genetically associated pathologies. DCM is a clinical and radiological diagnosis and presents with a spectrum of symptoms ranging from neck pain and stiffness to paralysis. While neck pain is prevalent amongst patients attending specialist clinics, its predictive value for DCM is limited. This paper focuses on elucidating the relationship between DCM and chronic neck pain, and we discuss the underlying aetiology and broader neurological implications in the context of the literature. The progression of DCM can be slow and insidious with symptoms worsening gradually over time. Neck pain should not be discounted in the evaluation of DCM.

The shoulder microbiome: a systematic review and meta analysis.

Background: The shoulder microbiome is an emerging field in orthopedic research. Large synovial joints which were typically considered to be sterile now have strong evidence demonstrating the presence of native organisms colonizing the joint. Many of the conditions that surgeons see and treat in the shoulder, including osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, and adhesive capsulitis, have unclear etiology. The shoulder microbiome is a potential source of pathology in dysbiosis states, or source of protection against pathology in normobiosis states. The purpose of this review is to characterize the published research detailing the microbiome of the native shoulder joint. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of data searches on Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SCOPUS. The following search terms were used with various permutations; shoulder, skin, microbiome, infection, colonization, commensal, microbiota, flora. The terms 'shoulder' and 'shoulder AND skin' were combined with the other 6 terms for a total of 12 searches per database. Two independent reviewers conducted the review with a third reviewer available to resolve differences of interpretation. Studies were eligible if they were human studies of patients undergoing shoulder surgery (or surgical preparation therapy) with a shoulder that had not previously been operated on, where microbial samples were reported. Studies were excluded if they were systematic reviews and meta-analyses, animal studies, cadaveric studies, studies of patients under the age of 18 and studies including postoperative shoulders. Results: The search methodology yielded 47 eligible studies for analysis, with a total of 3283 patients. Native shoulder sampling yielded positive organisms in 50.8% of all samples (95% confidence interval [CI] = 41.8%-59.8%, I 2  = 97.9%, P = .000). The predominate organism reported was C. acnes, with 29% of studies specific for C. acnes, and a total of 52 other organisms detected in the native shoulder. Skin preparation solutions reduced the skin colonization rate of 55.7% (95% CI = 32.7%-78.6%, I 2  = 98.2%, P = .000) to 43.5% (95% CI = 29.5%-57.5%, I 2  = 98.2%, P = .000). Despite the high rates of colonization detected under sterile conditions, of 42 studies and 3083 patients reporting postoperative outcomes, the infection rate was 1.8% (95% CI = 0.5%-3.2%, I 2  = 0.0%, P = .612). Conclusion: There is strong evidence to support the existence of a native shoulder microbiome. Further research is required to characterize this microbiome and correlate it to disease and health states.

Establishing a comprehensive care paradigm: Insights from a specialised combined scoliosis clinic in Australia.

Orthopaedic spine surgery, particularly for adult spinal deformity, demands extensive expertise due to its complex pathologies. Surgical success hinges on precise planning, multidisciplinary collaboration, and advanced techniques to correct deformities and restore spinal alignment. This study investigates the efficacy of a Combined Monthly Scoliosis Clinic initiated in April 2022 at Spine Service, St George Private Hospital. The clinic integrates adult and paediatric spine surgeons from Sydney, aiming to provide specialized care and educational opportunities. Patient assessments include physical evaluations and tailored imaging, with treatment strategies discussed collaboratively amongst surgeons, fellows, registrars and students. Over an 18-month period, the clinic assessed 41 patients (average age 50.4 years; 61.0 % female) with diverse spinal conditions. Treatment approaches varied, encompassing spinal fusion, decompression, and conservative management tailored to individual pathologies. The Combined Monthly Scoliosis Clinic exemplifies a comprehensive model for managing complex spinal deformities. It emphasizes collaborative diagnostics, personalized treatment planning, and continuous educational enhancement for trainees and fellows. Patient outcomes underscore the clinic's effectiveness in improving quality of life through tailored interventions. This integrated approach sets a benchmark for global spine care centres, ensuring optimal patient-centric care and advancing clinical standards through ongoing feedback and adaptation.

DOSage of Exercise for chronic low back pain disorders (DOSE): protocol for a systematic review with dose-response network meta-analysis.

Chronic low back disorders are the leading cause of direct and indirect healthcare burden globally. Exercise training improves pain intensity, mental health and physical function. However, the optimal prescription variables are unknown. We aim to compare the efficacy of various exercise dosages for chronic low back disorders to identify the optimal prescription variables. Six databases (Medline, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CENTRAL), trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) and reference lists of prior systematic reviews will be searched, and we will conduct forward and backward citation tracking. We will include peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (individual, cluster or cross-over trials) published in English or German language comparing exercise training to other exercise training or non-exercise training interventions (conservative, non-surgical, non-pharmacological, non-invasive treatments, placebo, sham, usual/standard care, no-treatment control, waitlist control) in adults with chronic low back disorders. Outcomes will include pain intensity, disability, mental health, adverse events, adherence rate, dropout rate and work capacity. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool will be employed. The dose will be categorised as cumulative dose (total and weekly minutes of exercise training) and individual dose prescription variables (intervention duration, session duration, frequency and intensity). Dose-response model-based network meta-analysis will be used to assess the comparative efficacy of different exercise doses to determine a dose-response relationship. The certainty of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Information about optimal exercise training dosage will help in enhancing treatment outcomes.

Association Between Non-spinal Comorbid Medical Conditions and Neuropathic Low Back Pain. - A Further Unravelling of Pain Complexities in the Context of Back Pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Understanding the complex nature of low back pain (LBP) is crucial for effective management. The PainDETECT questionnaire is a tool that distinguishes between neuropathic (NeP) and nociceptive (NoP) low back pain. Traditionally NeP and NoP have been primarily attributed to patho-anatomical abnormalities within the lumbar spine. However, increasing evidence points to multifaceted involvement, encompassing a range of physical, biomechanical, chemical, and psychosocial factors. The study aimed to determine the independent relationship between NeP as assessed by the PainDETECT questionnaire and non-spinal comorbid medical conditions. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 400 patients suffering from chronic LBP (>6months), aged >18 years, who complete the PainDETECT questionnaire and provided responses regarding the presence of any comorbid conditions. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyse the confounding status of comorbid medical conditions and pain severity measured by NRS to determine independent relationships between specific conditions and neuropathic pain. RESULTS: The study included 143 and 257 patients suffering from NeP and NoP, respectively. The NeP group had a 38% higher mean numerical rating scale score compared to the NoP group (8.10 ± 1.55 vs 5.86± 2.26, P < 0.001). The odds of developing NeP were 2.9 Exp(B) = 2.844, 95%C.I. [1.426-5.670], P < 0.01), 2.7 (Exp(B) = 2.726, 95%C.I. [1.183-6.283], P < 0.05) and 2.8 (Exp(B) = 2.847, 95%C.I. [1.473-5.503], P < 0.05) times higher in patients suffering from gastrointestinal conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression, respectively. CONCLUSION: NeP as determined by the PainDETECT questionnaire, is associated with gastrointestinal conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. This pioneering study has shed light on the potential involvement of the gut microbiome as a common factor connecting non-spinal comorbidities and NeP. These findings underscore the importance of formulating personalized management plans tailored to individual pain and medical profiles, rather than relying on a blanket approach to pain management.

Low back pain classifications and their associations with disability, quality-of-life, and sociodemographic factors: a comprehensive examination using the PainDETECT questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a debilitating phenomenon that significantly impacts quality-of-life (QoL). The PainDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) is a screening tool aimed at distinguishing nociceptive pain (NoP) and neuropathic pain (NeP) classifications. Associations between these classifications and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and sociodemographic parameters are yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the relationship between NeP as assessed by the PD-Q and pain, disability, QoL, and sociodemographic factors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of an ongoing prospectively collected database was conducted involving 512 patients aged >18 years who presented to a tertiary spine clinic for LBP having completed the PainDETECT questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol Five-Dimensional (EQ-5D) questionnaire, or answered questions regarding sociodemographic status. RESULTS: The NeP group had a higher mean numerical rating scale (NRS) score (7.96±1.54 vs. 5.76±2.27, p <.001) and lower age (55±15.6 vs. 59±17.8, p <.05) compared to the NoP group. When confounded for NRS, analysis of covariance demonstrated an 89.5% higher total ODI score (p <.001) and 50.5% lower EQ-5D utility score (p <.001) in the NeP compared to NoP group. Smokers and individuals with a no partner marital status were 2.373 (OR = 2.373, 95% CI = 1.319-4.266, p <.01) and 2.384 times (OR = 2.384, 95% CI = 1.390-4.092, p <.01) more likely to have NeP compared to NoP, respectively. Patients with NeP were also of lower income class compared to patients with NoP (Z = -2.45, p <.05). CONCLUSION: NeP was associated with higher levels of disability and lower QoL. Smokers, individuals with a no partner marital status, and individuals with a lower income class were more likely to suffer NeP rather than NoP. These findings have illuminated a crucial notion: in patients with elevated NRS, the detrimental impact of NeP on patient wellbeing underscores the fundamental need to represent pain on a nociceptive-neuropathic continuum, permitting more accurate differentiation of pain components.

Spinal column radiological factors associated with increased spinal cord intramedullary signal intensity - A study evaluating aging spinal cord's relation to spinal disc degeneration.

PURPOSE: Increased intramedullary signal intensity (IISI) on T2 weighted MRI scan (T2WI) can be a radiological feature of spinal cord degeneration. However, the association of IISI to degeneration of the spinal column that protects the spinal cord remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of IISI and analyze the independent relationship between IISI and cervical degenerative parameters on X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A retrospective review of MRI, X-ray, and radiology data (n = 144) adult patients with both cervical MRI and X-ray scans was conducted. A total of 39 (27 %) patients with IISI was identified. The remaining 105 patients without IISI made up the control group. RESULTS: IISI was most frequent in C6-C7 cervical levels. The likelihood of having IISI was 1.947 (Exp(B) 1.947, 95 %CI [1.004-3.776]) times higher in segmental levels with facet joint degeneration. There was an increased likelihood of IISI within the spinal cord with increasing age (Exp(B) 1.034, 95 %CI [1.008-1.060]), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) (Exp(B) 1.038, 95 %CI [1.003-1.075]), rotational angle (Exp(B) 1.082, 95 %CI [1.020-1.148]) and posterior disc herniation width (Exp(B) 1.333, 95 %CI [1.017-1.747]) and decreasing Torg-Pavlov ratio (Exp(B) 0.010, 95 %CI [0.001-0.068]). CONCLUSION: IISI was independently associated with increased age, facet joint degeneration, MSCC, rotational angle, posterior herniation width and decreasing Torg-Pavlov angle. Radiologicaldegenerative changesassociated with IISI indicates a potential for identifying predictors of age related spinal cord morphological changes in DCM, which may allow for early intervention strategies in the future.

Identification and impact of failure of pelvic compensation in patients with adult spinal deformity.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Previous research has identified a specific subtype known as failure of pelvic compensation (FPC) in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). However, the criteria for assessing FPC remain inconsistent, and its impacts on spinal sagittal alignment and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) scores remain unclear. PURPOSE: To propose a novel criterion for identifying FPC based on variations in spinopelvic alignment during the transition from the supine to upright position and to evaluate the effects of FPC on patients' spinal sagittal alignment and HRQoL scores. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients with ASD from a monocenter database. OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiographic measures, including thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence (PI), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA), were measured on lateral whole-spine radiographs. LL and SS were also measured on reconstructed lumbar computed tomography images in the sagittal view taken in the supine position. The relative functional cross-sectional area (rFCSA) of paraspinal muscles was evaluated via lumbar magnetic resonance imaging. HRQoL measures, encompassing visual analog scale for back pain (VAS-BP), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Scoliosis Research Society-22R (SRS-22R), were collected. METHODS: A total of 154 patients were enrolled. Based on the calculated minimum detectable change of SS, FPC was defined as the change in SS of less than 3.4° between supine and upright positions. Patients were divided into 3 groups: sagittal balance with pelvic compensation (SI-PC), sagittal imbalance with pelvic compensation (SI-PC), and sagittal imbalance with failure of pelvic compensation (SI-FPC). Radiographic parameters and HRQoL scores were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were categorized into the SB-PC group, 87 into the SI-PC group, and 31 into the SI-FPC group. Patients with low PI and small paraspinal muscles rFCSA were more prone to experiencing FPC accompanied by severe sagittal imbalance. The SI-FPC group exhibited less TK and a larger SS than the SI-PC group exhibited and had a similar SVA as that of the SI-PC group. Additionally, they displayed worse VAS-BP, ODI, SRS-function, and SRS-22 total scores than the SB-PC group displayed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ASD, an inherently low pelvic compensatory reserve and a high fatty infiltration in paraspinal muscles are pivotal factors contributing to FPC. Compared with SI-PC patients, SI-FPC patients demonstrate a thoracic-dominant compensatory pattern for sagittal malalignment. In addition, these patients experienced more severe pain and functional decline than the SB-PC patients experienced.

Validation and Estimation of Obesity-Induced Intervertebral Disc Degeneration through Subject-Specific Finite Element Modelling of Functional Spinal Units.

(1) Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration has been linked to obesity; its potential mechanical effects on the intervertebral disc remain unknown. This study aimed to develop and validate a patient-specific model of L3-L4 vertebrae and then use the model to estimate the impact of increasing body weight on disc degeneration. (2) Methods: A three-dimensional model of the functional spinal unit of L3-L4 vertebrae and its components were developed and validated. Validation was achieved by comparing the range of motions (RoM) and intradiscal pressures with the previous literature. Subsequently, the validated model was loaded according to the body mass index and estimated stress, deformation, and RoM to assess disc degeneration. (3) Results: During validation, L3-L4 RoM and intradiscal pressures: flexion 5.17° and 1.04 MPa, extension 1.54° and 0.22 MPa, lateral bending 3.36° and 0.54 MPa, axial rotation 1.14° and 0.52 MPa, respectively. When investigating the impact of weight on disc degeneration, escalating from normal weight to obesity reveals an increased RoM, by 3.44% during flexion, 22.7% during extension, 29.71% during lateral bending, and 33.2% during axial rotation, respectively. Also, stress and disc deformation elevated with increasing weight across all RoM. (4) Conclusions: The predicted mechanical responses of the developed model closely matched the validation dataset. The validated model predicts disc degeneration under increased weight and could lay the foundation for future recommendations aimed at identifying predictors of lower back pain due to disc degeneration.

The association between inflammatory biomarkers and low back disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Low back disorder (LBD) is a major cause of disability worldwide. Inflammation results in proliferation of cytokines or consequent degradation products (collectively known as inflammatory biomarkers) that activate pain pathways which can result in non-specific LBD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes in patients with LBD. METHODS: The PRISMA guideline was followed for the systematic reivew. Three online databases were searched. Four RCTs and sixteen observational studies with 1142 LBD patients were analysed. The primary outcomes were back and leg pain scores, back-specific disability scores and expression of inflammatory biomarkers. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to summarize the strength of evidence. RESULTS: Four RCTs and sixteen observational studies were included in the analysis of 1142 patients with LBD. There was a statistically significant reduction in back pain score and IL-1 beta and increase in the expression of CTX-1 and IL-10 levels post treatment. There was a significant relationship between increase in the expression of MCP- and reduction in the expression of hsCRP with increase in back pain. Significant relationship was also observed between increase in the expression of MCP-1 and reduction in the expression of IL-6 with increase in leg pain. Increase in the expression of IL-8 and reduction in the expression of hsCRP was also associated with increased disability score. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory biomarkers play a significant role in the pathogenesis of LBD. CTX-1, IL-10 and IL-1 beta may be responsible for the decrease in back pain scores post treatment. There is a relationship between MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8 and hsCRP with clinical and functional assessments for LBD. Further studies will improve understanding of the pathogenesis of LBD and aid in targeted management strategies.

Imaging predictors of progression of lumbar spondylolysis to spondylolisthesis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) is defined as the anterior translation of one lumbar vertebra relative to the next caudal segment as a result of a unilateral or bilateral fracture of the pars interarticularis. These fractures are interchangeably known as "pars defects" or "spondylolysis." Many risk factors have been proposed to explain the progression of a spondylolytic defect to IS, however, none are validated. PURPOSE: This systematic review provides an overview of various radiological and imaging parameters that can help predict the risk of progression of a spondylolytic defect into IS. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Medline, Embase and Cochrane online database were searched. The various correlations between imaging features with observed spondylolisthesis prevalence or severity or spondylolysis rates of spondylolisthesis were evaluated to provide a list of imaging risk factors to predict IS. Significance of the correlations in the original article was recorded to enable comparison of the collected evidence of separate image features. RESULTS: All searches combined generated a total of 431 results of which 26 articles were included into this study. Of the 22 potential risk factors identified, 5 were found to be statistically insignificant, 8 were found to be significant and 9 had mixed results. The following features were found to be significant risk factors in at least on study: disc degeneration, transverse process width, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, lumbar index, thoracic kyphosis, facet joint angle above the level of defect, facet joint degeneration, facet tropism, multifidus size, lateral erector spinae size, mesenteric fat thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness and soft tissue calcification. CONCLUSION: Our research suggests that only disc degeneration had moderately strong evidence with consistent significant associations with development of IS in patients with spondylolysis. Transverse process width, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, lumbar index, thoracic kyphosis, facet joint angle above the level of defect, facet joint degeneration, facet tropism, multifidus size, lateral erector spinae size, mesenteric fat thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness and soft tissue calcification had some evidence. All other radiological factors had weak evidence. The results of this study can be used to improve early clinical decision making for patients with spondylolysis.

In subjects with chronic low back pain, does neuropathia exclusively correlated to neuronal compression? A correlation study of PainDETECT questionnaire and corresponding MRI and X-ray findings.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the complex nature of low back pain (LBP) is crucial for effective management. The PainDETECT questionnaire is a tool that distinguishes between neuropathic (NeP), nociceptive (NoP), and ambiguous pain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain classification and lumbar intervertebral degenerative parameters obtained from imaging. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted involving 279 patients, aged 18 years and above, who completed PainDETECT questionnaires and underwent lumbar MRI and/or X-ray scans. RESULTS: The study included 102 patients with NoP, 78 with ambiguous pain, and 99 with NeP. The NeP group had lower mean age (58.21 vs. 53.63, p < 0.05) and higher mean numerical rating scale score (7.9 vs. 5.9, p < 0.001) compared to the NoP group. A negative correlation was found between PainDETECT scores and pelvic incidence (τ = - 0.177, p = 0.043). The NeP group exhibited significantly higher severity of foraminal stenosis (U = 18.962, p = 0.002), spinal stenosis (U = 14.481, p = 0.005), and Pfirrmann grade (U = 14.221, p = 0.028) compared to the NoP group. A higher proportion of NeP patients had intervertebral disk bulge (96% vs. 78% vs. 78%, p = 0.002) and high-intensity zones (51% vs. 41% vs. 19%, p < 0.001) compared to those with NoP and ambiguous pain. CONCLUSION: NeP, as determined by the PainDETECT questionnaire, is associated with more severe neural compression, increased presence of discogenic disease and inflammatory disk severity, and decreased pelvic incidence. This pioneering study establishes a connection between pathological findings and pain categorization, providing clinicians with valuable guidance for formulating tailored management plans and reducing the need for unnecessary pharmacotherapy, imaging, and non-targeted surgical interventions.

Reconsidering high intensity zones: its role in intervertebral disk degeneration and low back pain.

PURPOSE: High intensity zones (HIZ) in the lumbar intervertebral disk (IVD) can be associated with degenerative changes which may ultimately manifest as low back pain (LBP). However, the relationship between the prevalence of HIZ and lumbar degenerative parameters is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIZ in the lumbar spine, analyze the independent relationship between HIZ and lumbar degenerative parameters measured on MRI and X-ray and determine the association between HIZ and the presence of LBP. METHODS: A retrospective review of MRI data, X-ray data, and radiology reports for 136 consecutively recruited patients, above 18-years-age and with both lumbar MRI and X-ray scans was conducted. 57 patients with HIZ were identified. Patients without HIZ (n = 79) made up the control group. RESULTS: HIZ was prevalent in 41.9% of patients and in 11.0% of all lumbar IVDs. The odds of developing HIZ were 6.4 (Exp(B) 6.4, 95%CI [3.157-12.988]) and 3.0 (Exp(B) 3.0, 95%CI [1.603, 5.674]) times higher in IVDs with disk bulge/protrusion and nucleus degeneration, respectively. Odds of HIZ was also increased in disks with larger IVD angle (Exp(B) 1.1, 95%CI [1.034, 1.169]). The odds of patients presenting to imaging with LBP was 3.0 (OR 3.0, 95%CI [1.478-6.338]) times higher in the HIZ compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: HIZ was prevalent in 41.9% of participants that were recruited in this study. Nucleus degeneration, disk bulge/protrusion and increased IVD angle were found to be independently associated with HIZ and since there is an increased likelihood of LBP, we posit that HIZ is likely a symptomatic and clinically meaningful diagnostic tool in the assessment of LBP.

How often do we alter constitutional limb alignment, joint line obliquity, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) phenotype when performing mechanically aligned TKA?

Aims: While mechanical alignment (MA) is the traditional technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), its potential for altering constitutional alignment remains poorly understood. This study aimed to quantify unintentional changes to constitutional coronal alignment and joint line obliquity (JLO) resulting from MA. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of 700 primary MA TKAs (643 patients) performed between 2014 and 2017. Lateral distal femoral and medial proximal tibial angles were measured pre- and postoperatively to calculate the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA), JLO, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) phenotypes. The primary outcome was the magnitude and direction of aHKA, JLO, and CPAK alterations. Results: The mean aHKA and JLO increased by 0.1° (SD 3.4°) and 5.8° (SD 3.5°), respectively, from pre- to postoperatively. The most common phenotypes shifted from 76.3% CPAK Types I, II, or III (apex distal JLO) preoperatively to 85.0% IV, V, or VI (apex horizontal JLO) postoperatively. The proportion of knees with apex proximal JLO increased from 0.7% preoperatively to 11.1% postoperatively. Among all MA TKAs, 60.0% (420 knees) were changed from their constitutional alignments into CPAK Type V, while 40.0% (280 knees) either remained in constitutional Type V (5.0%, 35 knees) or were unintentionally aligned into other CPAK types (35.0%; 245 knees). Conclusion: Fixed MA targets in TKA lead to substantial changes from constitutional alignment, primarily a significant increase in JLO. These findings enhance our understanding of alignment alterations resulting from both unintended changes to knee phenotypes and surgical resection imprecision.

Nociceptive pain assessed by the PainDETECT questionnaire may predict response to opioid treatment for chronic low back pain.

Introduction: The pharmacological management of chronic low back pain (LBP) is complex. The World Health Organisation recommends a laddered approach to pain medication usage. The PainDETECT questionnaire distinguishes between neuropathic pain (NeP), nociceptive pain (NoP), and ambiguous pain. By elucidating the difference in medication efficacy between these groups, clinicians can provide a tailored treatment plan to manage patient's pain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pharmacological treatments, pain categorizations, and medication efficacy as reported by patients. Methods: A secondary retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was conducted involving 318 consecutively recruited patients, aged 18 years and above, who completed PainDETECT, medication history and patient reported medication efficacy questionnaires. Medication history was categorized into four lines of treatment: first line (paracetamol ± non-prescribed anti-inflammatories), second line (prescribed anti-inflammatories), third line (anticonvulsants/neuromodulators) and fourth line (opioids). Medication efficacy was measured using a three-point Likert scale: effective (+2), somewhat effective (+1), no effect (0). Findings: The study included 120, 50, 54 and 94 patients on first line, second line, third line and fourth line treatment, respectively. The NeP group had higher mean numerical rating scale (NRS) compared to NoP group in all four lines of treatment (8.10 ± 1.59 vs. 5.47± 2.27, p < 0.001, 8.64± 1.43 vs. 5.52± 1.86, p < 0.001, 8.00± 1.07 vs. 6.37± 2.39, p < 0.01, and 8.05± 1.73 vs. 7.2± 1.29, p < 0.05). When confounding for severity of LBP as measured by NRS, the distribution of medication efficacy significantly differed amongst the NeP, ambiguous and NoP groups in patients undergoing fourth line pharmacological treatment (r2 = 8.623, p < 0.05). The NoP group exhibited significantly higher medication efficacy compared to the NeP group (U = 14.038, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in medication efficacy across the pain classifications for first, second- and third-line treatment. Interpretation: Opioids was the only line of treatment more effective in targeting NoP, as determined by the PainDETECT questionnaire, compared to NeP. This pioneering study illustrates the complex nature of pharmacological management for chronic LBP. It underscores the importance of tailoring pharmacological treatment plans to fit individual pain profiles and expectations instead of adopting a blanket approach to pain management.

A confirmatory factor analysis of an electronic format painDETECT questionnaire for patients with low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The substantial burden of low back pain on patients and healthcare systems is exacerbated by unclear pathology and ineffective diagnostic methods, hindering effective management. The painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) has been used to facilitate the evaluation and categorization of low back pain. While preliminary validation and translations of the paper-based format of PD-Q into languages such as Spanish and Dutch have been accomplished, the underlying factor model inherent to the electronic format of the PD-Q remains to be established. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to utilise confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to investigate the factor structure of an electronic format PD-Q among patients with neuropathic low back pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a Spinal Clinic in Sydney between November 2020 and October 2022. Eligible participants were adults over 18 with low back pain and no history of lumbar surgery or systemic co-morbidities. Participants completed the electronic format of the PD-Q, and CFA was employed to assess the validity of the suggested two-factor, nine-item structure. Recommended cut-offs for goodness-of-fit indices were used to evaluate the model fit. RESULTS: Of the 236 patients that visited the clinic during the data collection period, 142 (71, 50% female, mean age 51.26 ± 15.28 years) participated in the study. Median pain severity was 9/10 over 4 weeks. CFA indicated strong model fit, with goodness-of-fit and comparative fit indices over 0.9, and overall internal consistency was 0.77. Construct validity analysis demonstrated the PD-Q's effectiveness in distinguishing neuropathic, mixed, and nociceptive LBP, aiding neuropathic pain evaluation in low back pain patients. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the reliability and two-factor structure of the electronic PD-Q for neuropathic pain assessment in low back pain patients. To enhance comprehension of the clinical applicability of the electronic format PD-Q, future research should conduct clinimetric evaluations.

Clinical effectiveness of reduction and fusion versus in situ fusion in the management of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical effectiveness of reduction and fusion with in situ fusion in the management of patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). METHODS: The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were identified from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were: (1) comparative studies of reduction and fusion versus in situ fusion for DLS patients, (2) outcomes reported as VAS/NRS, ODI, JOA score, operating time, blood loss, complication rate, fusion rate, or reoperation rate, (3) randomized controlled trials and observational studies published in English from the inception of the databases to January 2023. The exclusion criteria included: (1) reviews, case series, case reports, letters, and conference reports, (2) in vitro biomechanical studies and computational modeling studies, (3) no report on study outcomes. The risk of bias 2 (RoB2) tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale was conducted to assess the risk of bias of RCTs and observational studies, respectively. RESULTS: Five studies with a total of 704 patients were included (375 reduction and fusion, 329 in situ fusion). Operating time was significantly longer in the reduction and fusion group compared to in situ fusion group (weighted mean difference 7.20; 95% confidence interval 0.19, 14.21; P = 0.04). No additional significant intergroup differences were noted in terms of other outcomes analyzed. CONCLUSION: While the reduction and fusion group demonstrated a statistically longer operating time compared to the in situ fusion group, the clinical significance of this difference was minimal. The findings suggest no substantial superiority of lumbar fusion with reduction over without reduction for the management of DLS.

Early outcomes of oblique lateral interbody fusion with posterior fixation versus posterior interbody fusion with fixation for treating adult degenerative scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical trauma and outcomes between oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) and posterior fixation and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with fixation for adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS). METHODS: We included ADS patients who underwent OLIF with fixation or PLIF with fixation treatment from June 2020 to December 2022. The preoperative and postoperative spinal pelvic parameters were measured using X-rays. Clinical symptoms were measured using the Oswestry Disability Index and a visual analog scale. We recorded operation time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, albumin infusion, surgical fixation segment, surgical osteotomy segment, time, and drainage volume. RESULTS: Forty patients with ADS were included: 20 with OLIF with posterior fixation and 20 with PLIF matched for age, sex, pelvic incidence, and Cobb angle with the OLIF group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, BMI, preoperative spinal parameters, or preoperative clinical symptoms between the groups (p > 0.05). There were no statistical differences in postoperative spinal parameters or clinical symptoms (p > 0.05). Patients in the OLIF group had less intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.01) and fewer intraoperative blood transfusions (p < 0.001) than the posterior surgery group. The number of fixed segments was fewer (p < 0.01), and there were fewer total osteotomy segments (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: OLIF with posterior fixation surgery can achieve the same corrective effect and efficacy as a posterior internal fusion with fixation surgery for treating ADS. OLIF with posterior fixation surgery causes less trauma and reduces the number of fixation segments.

Intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers in cricket: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spine injuries in fast bowlers account for the greatest missed playing time in cricket. A range of extrinsic and intrinsic variables are hypothesised to be associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers, and an improved understanding of intrinsic variables is necessary as these may alter load tolerance and injury risk associated with fast bowling. This review critically evaluated studies reporting intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers and identified areas for future investigation. METHODS: OVID Medline, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases were last searched on 3 June 2022 to identify studies investigating intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in cricket fast bowlers. Terms relevant to cricket fast bowling, and intrinsic variables associated with lumbar spine injury and low back pain in fast bowlers were searched. 1,503 abstracts were screened, and 118 full-text articles were appraised to determine whether they met inclusion criteria. Two authors independently screened search results and assessed risk of bias using a modified version of the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, no included studies demonstrated a low risk of bias, two studies were identified as moderate risk, and twenty-three studies were identified as high risk. Conflicting results were reported amongst studies investigating associations of fast bowling kinematics and kinetics, trunk and lumbar anatomical features, anthropometric traits, age, and neuromuscular characteristics with low back pain and lumbar spine injury. CONCLUSION: Inconsistencies in results may be related to differences in study design, injury definitions, participant characteristics, measurement parameters, and statistical analyses. Low back pain and lumbar spine injury occurrence in fast bowlers remain high, and this may be due to an absence of low bias studies that have informed recommendations for their prevention. Future research should employ clearly defined injury outcomes, analyse continuous datasets, utilise models that better represent lumbar kinematics and kinetics during fast bowling, and better quantify previous injury, lumbar anatomical features and lumbar maturation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ERKZ2 .