Predicting the Occurrence of New Vertebral Fractures Using the Vertebral Bone Quality Score: A Prospective Cohort Study Using 11-Year MRI Follow-up Data from the Minami-Aizu Study.

Background: Previous studies have recognized the potential of the Vertebral Bone Quality (VBQ) score for predicting fractures. However, these studies often have lacked longitudinal perspectives and have not focused on community populations. Our study aimed to enhance the predictive capacity of the VBQ score by investigating its correlation with new vertebral fractures (NVFs) that were detected 11 years later in a community-based cohort and by developing a comprehensive prediction model. Methods: This study was a population-based study conducted in the Minami-Aizu area in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. One hundred and thirty participants voluntarily underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine in 2004 and 2015. VBQ scores were ascertained from the 2004 scans. NVFs that occurred between 2004 and 2015 were detected based on a ≥20% reduction in vertebral height on the midsagittal sections of the MRI. Other predictors that were considered included age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, and existing vertebral fractures (EVFs). A logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: The logistic regression analysis indicated that the VBQ score, age, sex, and EVFs were significant predictors of NVFs. The prediction model showed an area under the curve of 0.84, suggesting excellent discriminatory power. The calibration capacity was confirmed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Conclusions: The VBQ score was significantly correlated with the long-term incidence of NVFs in a community population. The prediction model exhibited satisfactory discrimination and calibration capacities, highlighting the use of the VBQ score as a potential tool for long-term prediction of NVFs. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis Is a Risk Factor for the Development of Dementia: Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcomes in the Aizu Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis is linked to dementia, but no longitudinal studies have established this connection. This prospective cohort study from the Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcome in Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS) aimed to determine if knee osteoarthritis (KOA) independently predicts dementia in adults aged 65 and above. METHODS: Participants were classified by the Kellgren-Laurence scale into no/minimal KOA (grades 0 and I) and definitive KOA (grade II or higher). We analyzed dementia incidence from 2009 to 2015 using long-term care insurance data, adjusting for age, sex, vascular risks, depressive symptoms, and activity levels. RESULTS: Out of 1089 participants (58.9% female, average age 72.5), 72.0% had definitive KOA. Dementia occurrence was significantly higher in the definitive group (8.4%) compared to the no/minimal group (3.0%) (p < 0.001). A log-rank test and Cox regression analysis confirmed these findings, showing an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.29 (confidence interval: 1.12-4.68) for dementia in those with definitive KOA. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that KOA is a significant risk factor for dementia, highlighting the importance of addressing contributing factors in KOA patients to potentially slow the progression of dementia.

Foot Tapping Test as a Simple Quantitative Index of Motor Function for Lumbosacral Radiculopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective review of data from patients who underwent surgical treatment for lumbosacral radiculopathy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the foot tapping test (FTT) in evaluating lower limb motor function in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy pre- and post-surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lumbosacral radiculopathy is becoming increasingly common in aging populations. Despite standard treatments, paralysis often leads to incomplete postoperative recovery, necessitating early detection and interventions. METHODS: We enrolled individuals who underwent surgery for lumbosacral radiculopathy at our facility between 2009 and 2020. Patients with a history of lumbar surgeries, dialysis, rheumatoid arthritis, and transitional vertebrae were excluded. The FTT score was measured by having the sole of the foot tap as many times as possible for 10 s while keeping the heel in contact with the floor. The L4, L5, and S1 groups were assigned using the scores on the side of the radiculopathy, and the control group was assigned using the scores on the intact side. Data were analyzed using Dunnett's test for group comparisons and paired t-tests for pre-post-surgery comparisons. RESULTS: Of the 522 eligible patients, 80 (159 nerve roots, one patient with hemi-prosthetic leg) were analyzed. The preoperative FTT scores in the L4 and L5 groups were significantly lower than those in the control group, indicating functional impairment. One year post-surgery, all groups showed improvements in FTT scores, with the L5 group exhibiting significant improvements compared to the control; this was supported by the results of sensitivity analyses considering the effects of paralysis and pain. CONCLUSION: The FTT is a valuable tool for the early detection of lower limb motor dysfunction in lumbosacral radiculopathy, particularly for L5 nerve root impairment, where it aids in timely surgical intervention and may improve postoperative outcomes and quality of life.

Time Course of Asymptomatic Stenosis in Multiple Lumbar Spinal Stenosis-Five-Year Results of Selective Decompression of Symptomatic Levels.

Background: In the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), finding stenosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not always correlate with symptoms such as sciatica or intermittent claudication. We perform decompression surgery only for cases where the levels diagnosed from neurological findings are symptomatic, even if multiple stenoses are observed on MRI. The objective of this study was to examine the time course of asymptomatic stenosis in patients with LSS after they underwent decompression surgery for symptomatic stenosis. Materials and Methods: The participants in this study comprised 137 LSS patients who underwent single-level L4-5 decompression surgery from 2003 to 2013. The dural sac cross-sectional area at the L3-4 disc level was calculated based on preoperative MRI. A cross-sectional area less than 50 mm2 was defined as stenosis. The patients were grouped, according to additional spinal stenosis at the L3-4 level, into a double group (16 cases) with L3-4 stenosis, and a single group (121 cases) without L3-4 stenosis. Incidences of new-onset symptoms originating from L3-4 and additional L3-4-level surgery were examined. Results: Five years after surgery, 98 cases (72%) completed follow-up. During follow-up, 2 of 12 patients in the double group (16.7%) and 9 of 86 patients in the single group (10.5%) presented with new-onset symptoms originating from L3-4, showing no significant difference between groups. Additional L3-4 surgery was performed for one patient (8.3%) in the double group and three patients (3.5%) in the single group; again, no significant difference was shown. Conclusion: Patients with asymptomatic L3-4 stenosis on preoperative MRI were not prone to develop new symptoms or need additional L3-4-level surgery within 5 years after surgery when compared to patients without preoperative L3-4 stenosis. These results indicate that prophylactic decompression for asymptomatic levels is unnecessary.

A reduction method for anterior opening displacement in thoracolumbarvertebral fractures with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis using the skull clamp-assisted position.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) frequently occurs in the spine, resulting in unstable fractures. Treating thoracolumbar fractures in patients with DISH is often difficult because the anterior opening of the vertebral body is exacerbated by dislocation in the prone position, making reduction difficult. In this study, we introduced a novel skull clamp-assisted positioning (SAP) technique. The patient is placed in a supine position with a skull clamp used in cervical spine surgery before surgery to prevent the progression of dislocation and to restore the patient's position. Using this method, the mean difference in local kyphosis angle improved from -2.9 (±8.4)° preoperatively to 10.9 (±7.7)° postoperatively. Furthermore, posterior displacement decreased from a preoperative mean of 5.5 (±4.3) mm to 0.3 (±0.7) mm postoperatively. Complications such as neurological sequelae, implant fracture, and surgical site infection were not observed through one year of postoperative follow-up. SAP may decrease invasiveness and complications. Longer-term studies and larger sample sizes are needed to establish long-term efficacy and benefits.

Assessment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis as a Risk Factor for Development of Sleep Disorder: The Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcome in Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS).

Purpose: Insomnia has been reported to coexist with various musculoskeletal disorders. Although lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most frequently operated on spinal disease, the causal relationship between LSS and development of sleep disorders remains unclear due to lack of longitudinal studies. This study aimed to determine whether LSS was a risk factor for developing new sleep disorders, primarily insomnia, using a prospective cohort of community residents. Patients and Methods: This study was a prospective cohort study. Participants aged ≥65 years from the "Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcomes in Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS)" conducted in 2008 formed our study population. LSS was diagnosed using the self-administered, self-reported history questionnaire, a validated diagnostic support tool for LSS. Sleep disorder was investigated using a questionnaire during the 2-year follow-up. The impact of LSS on sleep disorder onset was analyzed after adjusting for potential confounders, such as age, sex, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and smoking habits, using propensity score matching. Results: Of the 489 participants who were followed up for two years, 38 (7.8%) had newly developed a sleep disorder in 2010. After adjusting for confounding factors, a comparison of 133 participants each in the control and LSS groups showed significantly higher frequency of new-onset sleep disorders (19 [14.3%] in the LSS group versus 6 [4.5%] in the control group). Conclusion: LSS was found to be an independent risk factor for sleep disorders.

Relationship between dysphagia and motor function in community-dwelling older people.

AIM: Dysphagia is a problem typically associated with aging. The aim was to investigate the relationship between dysphagia and motor function using a simple assessment method that can be performed in the community setting, and to promote the early detection and prevention of dysphagia. METHODS: Data from the Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcome in Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS) were used. Those aged ≥65 years were included. Motor function was assessed using a grip strength test, single limb standing test (SLS), and timed up and go test (TUG). Swallowing function was assessed using the Japanese version of the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). The association between motor function and swallowing function was analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 1732 participants were included. In logistic regression modes in which grip strength, SLS, and TUG results were included separately, the odds ratio for dysphagia increased by 1.08 (P = 0.001) for each 1-kg decrease in grip strength, and increased by 1.15 (P < 0.001) for each 1-s increase in TUG time. No association was found for SLS. In the model in which grip strength and TUG were included simultaneously, the odds ratio for dysphagia increased by 1.06 (P = 0.01) in grip strength, and increased by 1.11 (P = 0.009) in TUG time. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that skeletal muscle strength and dynamic balance function are associated with dysphagia in community-dwelling older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 603-608.

Relationship between lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis and comorbidities: A cross-sectional study in the Japanese community.

BACKGROUND: Few epidemiological studies have evaluated associations between lumbar facet joint (LFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) and comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LFJ OA in a Japanese community population and associations between LFJ OA and underlying diseases, including lower extremity OA. METHODS: This epidemiological cross-sectional study evaluated LFJ OA in 225 Japanese community residents (81 males, 144 females; median age, 66 years) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). LFJ OA from L1-L2 to L5-S1 was evaluated using a 4-grade classification. Associations between LFJ OA and comorbidities were examined using multiple logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. RESULTS: Prevalences of LFJ OA were 28.6% at L1-L2, 36.4% at L2-L3, 48.0% at L3-L4, 57.3% at L4-L5, and 44.2% at L5-S1. Males were significantly more likely to have LFJ OA at several spinal levels (L1-L2 45.7% vs 18.9%, p < 0.001; L2-L3 46.9% vs 30.6%, p < 0.05; L4-L5 67.9% vs 51.4%, p < 0.05). LFJ OA was present in 50.0% of residents <50 years old, 68.4% at 50-59 years old, 86.3% at 60-69 years old, and 85.1% at ≥70 years old. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed no associations between LFJ OA and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LFJ OA as evaluated by MRI was >85% at ≥60 years old and highest at the L4-L5 spinal level. Males were significantly more likely to have LFJ OA at several spinal levels. Comorbidities were not associated with LFJ OA.

Age-Related Differences in the Limited Range of Motion of the Lower Extremity and Their Relation to Low Back Pain in Young Baseball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1215 Players.

BACKGROUND: Age-related differences in the limited range of motion of the lower extremities and their relationship with low back pain in juvenile athletes have not been well assessed. This study investigated the relationship between low back pain and limited range of motion of the hip and knee in young baseball players during the baseball season. RESULTS: Participants comprised 1215 baseball players (216 pitchers, 999 fielders) aged 6-16 years who underwent medical checkups (self-completed questionnaire and physical examination). Of the 1215 players, 255 (21.0%) experienced seasonal low back pain requiring rest during the previous year. The prevalence of low back pain and a positive Thomas test, straight-leg-raising test, and heel-to-buttock test increased with age. Univariate analysis revealed that a positive heel-to-buttock test in both the throwing and non-throwing arm sides in the 11-12 age group and a positive Thomas test in the throwing arm side in the 13-14 age group were associated with seasonal low back pain (P = 0.0051, P = 0.021, and P = 0.048, respectively). Multivariate analysis, adjusted for factors associated with low back pain, showed significant associations between the positive heel-to-buttock test (odds ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.11-2.79; P = 0.016) and low back pain in players aged 11-14 years. CONCLUSIONS: A positive heel-to-buttock test is potentially associated with low back pain among juvenile baseball players. Particular attention should be paid to the limited range of motion of the knee joint and tightness of the quadriceps femoris muscle among baseball players with low back pain aged 11-14 years.

A muscle-preserving, spinous process-splitting approach for ossification of the ligamentum flavum in the thoracic spine in professional athletes: a report of three cases.

A muscle-preserving, spinous process-splitting approach may be a less invasive approach to conventional laminectomy in patients with thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum. Few reports have discussed the usefulness of this procedure for thoracic lesions in professional athletes who need highly active thoracic spinal function after surgery. The treatment of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum using a spinous process-splitting approach in 3 professional athletes is presented. In all three cases the patients could return to play within 3 months after surgery without complications, and in two of the cases, there was no spinal deformity or local recurrence of ossification of the ligamentum flavum at the final follow-up at least 8 years after surgery. The spinous process-splitting approach could be a safe procedure for multi-level and all other forms of ossification of the ligamentum flavum and is less invasive to the paraspinal muscles, relieves back symptoms, and restores function for athletes.

Impact of low back pain experience on future occurrence of shoulder pain in adolescent baseball players: A 1-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain can affect musculoskeletal problems of the upper limb in adolescent overhead athletes. However, few epidemiological studies have examined this causal relationship. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between baseline low back pain experience and the occurrence of future shoulder and elbow pain among high school baseball players. METHODS: Participants comprised 383 high school baseball players from 43 high school baseball teams who had undergone baseline medical evaluations (a self-completed questionnaire and physical examination). The occurrence of shoulder and elbow pain during a 1-year follow-up and associations with baseline low back pain (positive subjective symptom during the last year at baseline) adjusted for flexibility of the scapulo-thoracic region, shoulder, and lower extremities, such as straight-leg raise angle (hamstring tightness), Thomas test (iliopsoas tightness), heel-buttock-distance (quadriceps tightness) and passive range of motion of the hip were investigated using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: A total of 307 players (80.2%) participated in the 1-year follow-up survey, with shoulder and elbow pain reported in 75 players (24.4%) and 119 players (38.8%), respectively, during follow-up. After adjusting for factors associated with shoulder pain using logistic regression modeling, significant associations between LBP experienced during the last year at baseline (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-3.87; P = 0.0078) and new-onset of shoulder pain were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline low back pain impacted future shoulder pain in high school baseball players during the 1-year follow-up. Management of shoulder pain warrants careful attention to low back pain.

Chopart amputation with tendon balancing.

BACKGROUND: When foot necrosis occurs due to lower limb blood flow disorder caused by diabetes or peripheral arterial occlusion, many patients require lower limb amputation. The functional prognosis after lower limb amputation largely depends on whether the heel can be preserved. However, there are many reports that Chopart amputation causes varus and equinus deformity, and is functionally unfavorable. We herein report a case of Chopart amputation performed with muscle balancing. Postoperatively, the foot was not deformed and the patient was able to walk independently with a foot prosthesis. CASE: A 78-year-old man presented with ischemic necrosis of his right forefoot. The range of necrosis extended to the central part of the sole, so Chopart amputation was performed. In the operation, to prevent varus and equinus deformity, the Achilles tendon was lengthened, the tibialis anterior tendon was transferred through a tunnel created in the neck of talus, and the peroneus brevis tendon was transferred through a tunnel created in the anterior part of the calcaneus. At the final follow-up 7 years after the operation, no varus or equinus deformity was observed. The patient became able to stand up and walk on his heel without a prosthesis. In addition, step motion was possible by wearing a foot prosthesis.

Total Talar Replacement for Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Talus: Investigation of Clinical Outcomes, Pain, ADL, QOL.

Background: Treatment of osteonecrosis of the talus is challenging. Nonoperative management includes nonweightbearing treatment. Various types of hindfoot fusion procedures have been performed, but delayed union and shortening of the operated leg have reportedly occurred. In contrast, talar body prosthesis is a surgical procedure with potential that relieves pain, restores ankle joint function, and is not associated with leg-length discrepancy. The aim of this study was to investigate postoperative pain, clinical outcomes, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL) after total talar replacement in patients with osteonecrosis of the talus. Methods: Ten ankles in 10 patients with idiopathic osteonecrosis of the talus who were treated with a total talar replacement between 2007 and 2015 were included in the investigation. Scores according to the visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle-hindfoot scale, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) were assessed. Results: The VAS score significantly improved from a mean of 80 ± 8 points before surgery to 18 ± 22 points after surgery (P < .01). The JSSF ankle-hindfoot scale score significantly improved from a mean of 53 ± 12 points before surgery to 89 ± 7 points after surgery (P < .01). The FIM score significantly improved from a mean of 122 ± 1 points before surgery to 125 ± 1 points after surgery (P < .01). The mean postoperative SAFE-Q scores were as follows: 81 ± 10.3 points for pain, 78 ± 14.7 points for physical function, 90 ± 12.4 points for social function, and 83 ± 15.4 points for shoe-related. Conclusion: Total talar replacement is a useful treatment for patients with osteonecrosis of the talus. This replacement surgery preserves the function of the ankle and subtalar joints, and improves pain, ADL, and QOL. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a risk factor for the development of dementia: locomotive syndrome and health outcomes in the Aizu cohort study.

PURPOSE: It remains unclear whether musculoskeletal diseases are risk factors for dementia development. This prospective cohort study of community-dwelling residents aimed to clarify the impact of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) on dementia development. METHODS: We included participants aged ≥ 65 years from the Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcomes in the Aizu cohort study. LSS was diagnosed using the validated LSS diagnostic support tool. Dementia development between 2008 and 2015 was investigated using official long-term care insurance certification data. We analysed the effects of LSS on dementia development after adjusting for potential confounders, like age, sex, diabetes, depressive symptoms, hip and knee joint osteoarthritis, daily activity, and smoking habit. RESULTS: We included 1220 patients in the final analysis. The incidence of dementia was significantly higher in the LSS group [48 of 444 (10.8%)] than in the control group [34 of 776 (4.4%)]. Multivariable analysis using multiple imputations revealed that the confidence interval for the adjusted odds ratio of LSS for dementia development was 1.87 (95% confidence interval; 1.14-3.07). CONCLUSION: We clarified that LSS is an independent risk factor for dementia development. Our findings suggest the importance of considering the risk of dementia in the decision-making process for the treatment of LSS.

Generalization of a clinical diagnosis support tool for lumbar spinal stenosis: Can the ankle brachial pressure index be replaced by palpation of the posterior tibial artery in the lumbar spinal stenosis diagnostic support tool? (DISTO project).

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research previously developed a diagnostic support tool for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS-DST). Using the LSS-DST, general physicians can identify potential cases of LSS. However, in the LSS-DST, measurement of the ankle brachial pressure index (ABI) is required to exclude peripheral artery lesions in the lower limbs. We can expect further application of the LSS-DST if we can identify a simpler and easier method than ABI measurement. Therefore, in this large-scale, multicenter, cross-sectional study, we verified whether palpation of the posterior tibial (PT) artery could be used instead of ABI in the LSS-DST. METHODS: This survey was conducted at 2177 hospitals and included 28,883 participants. The sensitivity and specificity of the original LSS-DST method using the ABI and that of the LSS-DST ver2.0 with PT artery palpation were assessed to screen their ability for diagnosing LSS, using the physicians' final diagnosis based on the patients' history, physical examination and radiographic findings as the gold standard. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity [95%CI] of the LSS-DST were 88.2% [87.5, 88.8] and 83.9% [83.4, 84.5], respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of the LSS-DST ver2.0 were 87.7% [87.0, 88.3] and 78.3% [77.7, 78.9], respectively, indicating that LSS-DST ver2.0 is a useful screening tool for LSS with good sensitivity. CONCLUSION: When the item of ABI in the LSS-DST is replaced by palpation of the PT artery (LSS-DST ver2.0), its sensitivity is maintained as a screening tool for LSS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Clinical characteristics of early-stage lumbar spondylolysis detected by magnetic resonance imaging in male adolescent baseball players.

BACKGROUND: Many adolescent athletes experience low back pain; the most common cause is lumbar spondylolysis. Although early identification of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent athletes is critical, few studies have focused on identifying the early stages of spondylolysis in baseball players. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of early-stage spondylolysis in male adolescent baseball players. METHODS: The participants comprised male junior and high school baseball players. Before magnetic resonance imaging, we recorded their demographic data, low back pain characteristics, and physical findings (lumbar flexion, extension, Kemp's test and the provocative tenderness of a spinous process). After the imaging evaluation, the association among low back pain characteristics, physical findings and the final diagnosis (early-stage spondylolysis or not) were investigated using univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: A total of 171 players were included in this study. Univariate analyses indicated that the characteristics associated with early-stage spondylolysis were longer duration of low back pain (P = 0.0085), low back pain-related interference while running (P = 0.0022), low back pain starting with laterality (P = 0.0001), lumbar extension (P = 0.022), positive Kemp's test (P = 0.020), and the tenderness of a spinous process (P = 0.0003). After adjusting for confounding factors (age and position), we found that early-stage spondylolysis was significantly associated with low back pain duration ≥4 weeks (odds ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.42-6.92; P = 0.0048), low back pain-related interference while running (odds ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.30-6.46; P = 0.0094), low back pain starting with laterality (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.24-6.27; P = 0.0133), and the tenderness of a spinous process (odds ratio 3.00, 95% confidence interval 1.36-6.57; P = 0.0062). CONCLUSIONS: Male adolescent baseball players with early-stage spondylolysis might have low back pain duration of more than four weeks, low back pain-related interference while running, and a history of low back pain starting with laterality. The tenderness of a spinous process might be helpful in the diagnosis of early-stage spondylolysis in male adolescent baseball players.

Nocturnal Leg Cramps and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Community.

Purpose: Nocturnal leg cramps are considered to be a symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). However, the relationship between LSS and nocturnal leg cramps in the general population remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of nocturnal leg cramps in LSS in the community. Patients and Methods: 328 voluntary participants were enrolled in this study. The presence of LSS was assessed by a validated and self-administered diagnostic support tool. The presence of nocturnal leg cramps and neurological findings were evaluated by one experienced spine surgeon. To investigate the relationship between leg cramps and anatomical factors, the participants underwent an MRI scan, and the dural sac cross-sectional area (DCSA) at each lumbar intervertebral disc level was measured. Results: A total of 214 participants (65.2%) had nocturnal leg cramps, and 94 of 328 participants (28.7%) showed typical LSS symptoms. In the typical LSS symptom group, 31 participants (33.0%) had nocturnal leg cramps. In the atypical LSS symptom group, 83 participants (35.5%) had nocturnal leg cramps. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of nocturnal leg cramps between the two groups. The narrowest DCSA (<25 mm2 and 25-49.4mm2) was statistically related to the presence of nocturnal leg cramp. Statistically significant differences in sensory disturbance and motor weakness were not observed between the subjects with and those without nocturnal leg cramps. Moreover, impaired PTR was statistically related to the presence of nocturnal leg cramp. Conclusion: The prevalence of nocturnal leg cramps did not differ with or without typical LSS symptoms in the community. The degree of dural tube compression that is determined by DCSA had a direct effect on the presence of nocturnal leg cramps. Neurological impairment, such as PTR abnormalities, was associated with the presence of nocturnal leg cramps.

Epidemiological Study of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: 10-Year Follow-Up in the Community.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is one of the important health problems in an aging society because it can significantly impair quality of life (QOL) and active daily living (ADL). However, the natural history or long-term change of LSS symptoms is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the 10-year course of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) symptoms in community-dwelling residents of more than 1000 people with prospective data collection. METHODS: A total of 1149 subjects were analyzed for the time course of LSS symptoms for ten years. LSS symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire specially designed and validated to detect LSS symptoms without image information such as magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The prevalence of positive LSS symptoms was about 16% in the initial survey and 10-year follow-up. Of the subjects who were LSS positive at the initial survey, 40% showed positive LSS symptoms at follow-up and 60% switched to negative LSS symptoms. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, severe depression and positive LSS symptoms were extracted as predictors of the presence of LSS symptoms after a 10-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The statistical predictor of the presence of LSS symptoms at 10 years was the presence of LSS symptoms at the initial survey; however, 60% of those who were positive for LSS symptoms at the initial survey were not determined to have LSS symptoms at the 10-year follow-up. This was the same result as at the 1-year and 6-year follow-up.

Development of a Novel Diagnostic Support Tool for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Combining 10-s Grip and Release Test and Grip Strength: A Pilot Study.

Early diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is desirable, as delayed treatment can cause irreversible spinal cord injury and subsequent activity of daily living (ADL) impairment. We attempted to develop a straightforward and accurate diagnostic tool for DCM by combining the grip and release test (GRT) and grip strength. As a pilot study, we measured the GRT and grip strength of patients with DCM (n = 247) and a control group (n = 721). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed using the lower left and right. The Youden index was used to set cutoff values by sex and age group. The diagnostic performance of each test varied by sex and age, and a diagnostic support tool was created to determine any abnormal results in a test. The calculated M/F cutoff values for GRT were as follows: 40-59 years, 21/18; 60-69 years, 17/17; 70-79 years, 15/15; and 80-89 years, 11/12. The calculated M/F cutoff values for grip strength 32/20, 29/13, 21/15, and 19/10. When either GRT or grip strength was judged as positive, the overall sensitivity was 88.2%, specificity was 78.1%, positive likelihood ratio was 4.03, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.15. This novel diagnostic support tool was superior to using GRT and grip strength alone in the early DCM diagnosis. Future research to obtain age- and sex-specific data is necessary to validate and further improve the tool.