Predictors for quality of life improvement after acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture: results of post hoc analysis of a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: No study has investigated the clinical and radiographic risk factors for the deterioration of quality of life (QOL) beyond 6 months after osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF). The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors associated with poor QOL improvement after OVF. METHODS: This post hoc analysis included 166 women aged 65-85 years with acute 1-level OVFs. For the patient-reported outcome measures, scores on the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back pain were used. Lateral radiography at 0, 12, and 48 weeks and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at enrollment and at 48 weeks were performed. The associations between baseline variables with change scores for EQ-5D were investigated using a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that time since fracture, EQ-5D score, and VAS for low back pain at 0 week showed significant association with increased EQ-5D score from 0 to 48 weeks. According to the multiple regression analysis, the following equation was obtained: increased EQ-5D score from 0 to 48 weeks = 1.305 - 0.978 × EQ-5D at 0 week - 0.021 × VAS for low back pain at 0 week - 0.006 × age + (fluid-intensity T2-weighted MR image patterns: - 0.037, except for fluid-intensity T2-weighted MR image patterns: + 0.037). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, older patients with severe low back pain and fluid-intensity T2-weighted MR image patterns were more likely to have lower QOL improvements after OVFs and may therefore need extra support to improve QOL.

Risk factors for subsequent vertebral fracture after acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and characteristics of subsequent vertebral fracture after osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) and identify risk factors for subsequent vertebral fractures. METHODS: This post-hoc analysis from a prospective randomized multicenter trial included 225 patients with a 48-week follow-up period. Differences between the subsequent and non-subsequent fracture groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 225 patients, 15 (6.7%) had a subsequent fracture during the 48-week follow-up. The annual incidence of subsequent vertebral fracture after fresh OVFs in women aged 65-85 years was 68.8 per 1000 person-years. Most patients (73.3%) experienced subsequent vertebral fractures within 6 months. At 48 weeks, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire pain-related disorder, walking ability, social life function, and lumbar function scores were significantly lower, while the visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain was higher in patients with subsequent fracture. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that a VAS score ≥ 70 at 0 weeks was an independent predictor of subsequent vertebral fracture. After adjustment for history of previous fracture, there was a ~ 67% reduction in the risk of subsequent vertebral fracture at the rigid-brace treatment. CONCLUSION: Women with a fresh OVF were at higher risk for subsequent vertebral fracture within the next year. Severe low back pain and use of soft braces were associated with higher risk of subsequent vertebral fractures. Therefore, when treating patients after OVFs with these risk factors, more attention may be needed for the occurrence of subsequent vertebral fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Predictors of residual low back pain after acute osteoporotic compression fracture.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the clinical and radiographic risk factors for the residual low back pain beyond 6 months after osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are lacking. Hence, this study aimed to characterize a patient population with residual low back pain 48 weeks after acute OVFs and to identify the risk factors associated with residual low back pain. METHODS: This prospective multicenter study included 166 female patients aged 65-85 years with acute one-level OVFs. We defined the residual low back pain as visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain ≥3.5 at 48 weeks in this study, as VAS score ≥3.5 is used to describe moderate or severe pain. Thus, outcome and risk factor analyses were performed by comparing patients with VAS scores <3.5 and ≥ 3.5. In the radiographic analysis, the anterior vertebral body compression percentage was measured at 0, 12, and 48 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at enrollment and 48 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 166 patients analyzed, 58 complained of residual low back pain at 48 weeks after OVFs. At 0 weeks, the VAS score was significantly higher, and the JOABPEQ mental health score and anterior vertebral body compression percentage were significantly lower in patients with persistent pain 48 weeks after OVFs. The independent risk factors in the acute phase for persistent pain 48 weeks after OVFs were a high VAS score, MRI T2 fluid-intensity image pattern, and a lower anterior vertebral body compression percentage. CONCLUSIONS: Severe low back pain, MRI T2 fluid-intensity image pattern, and severe vertebral body collapse in the acute phase were significant risk factors for residual low back pain 48 weeks after OVFs. Patients with acute OVFs who have these risk factors should be carefully monitored for the possible development of residual chronic low back pain.

Impact of adult spinal deformity corrective surgery in patients with the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a 5-year follow-up report.

PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is reported as one of the symptoms of adult spinal deformity (ASD). Little is known about the mid- to long-term improvement in GERD symptoms after ASD surgery. Therefore, this retrospective study from prospectively collected database aimed to investigate GERD symptoms in patients for a minimum of 2 years after ASD corrective surgery. METHODS: Records from 230 patients (mean age: 64 years) who underwent ASD surgery were examined using the frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG) questionnaires for the diagnosis of GERD. FSSG scores and radiographic parameters were investigated preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months and 1, 2, and 5 years. RESULTS: In total, 90 (39%) patients were preoperatively diagnosed with GERD defined by FSSG score ≥ 8 points. Radiographic results showed that the corrective surgeries improved local and global alignments. In the GERD patients, preoperative FSSG scores (16.1 ± 7.3 points) significantly improved to 7.7 ± 7.4 points within 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001), and postoperative FSSG scores maintained at 1 year (9.9 ± 8.2 points, p = 0.061), 2 years (9.7 ± 8.2 points, p = 0.086), and 5 years (9.4 ± 8.0 points, p = 0.177). Among the GERD group, 62 patients (69%; improvement cases) showed improvement in GERD symptoms defined by FSSG score < 8 points within 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Among ASD patients, 39% were diagnosed with GERD. In 69% of these patients, GERD symptoms improved within 6 months of corrective surgery and maintained up to 5 years postoperatively. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Deterioration of sagittal spinal alignment with age originates from the pelvis not the lumbar spine: a 4-year longitudinal cohort study.

PURPOSE: There is controversy regarding age-related deterioration of spinal sagittal alignment in cross-sectional study. Although we reported that deterioration in spinal alignment originated at the cervical spine in males and the pelvis in females, others studies have indicated that the lumbar spine is initially implicated in both sexes. The purpose of this study was to clarify these differences in a longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Our analysis was based on 237 individuals aged 60-89 years who participated in our health screening study in 2014 and 2018. They were classified into six groups by birth year and sex: 60-69 years (26 males, 49 females); 70-79 years (35 males, 88 females); and 80-89 years (19 males, 20 females). The following parameters were measured from standing radiographs: pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis, T1 slope, cervical lordosis, C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), and C2-7 SVA. RESULTS: In males, the first significant change was an increase in the PT angle (19°, in 2014, to 21°, in 2018) in the 80-89 years age group (P < 0.05), with no significant deterioration in cervical parameters. In females, spinal deterioration included a change in the SS (32°-30°), PT (18°-20°), and SVA (- 8 to 6 mm) in the 60-69 years age group (P < 0.05), with no change in the LL. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to prior studies, our longitudinal data indicated that deterioration in spinal alignment originates in the pelvis for both sex but develops earlier in females than males.

Correction to: Deterioration of sagittal spinal alignment with age originates from the pelvis not the lumbar spine: a 4-year longitudinal cohort study.

Unfortunately, figure 3 was incorrectly published in the original publication. The complete correct figure 3 is given below.

Characteristics of radiographic morphometries of the lower leg in subjects with progression of knee osteoarthritis in the TOEI cohort.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common orthopedic diseases. However, few studies have reported the morphometric characteristics of the lower leg related to the progression of knee osteoarthritis in regional populations. This study aimed to determine the radiographic morphometries of the lower leg in subjects who showed progression of osteoarthritis of the knee in the TOEI cohort. METHODS: Data were collected from the TOEI study cohort, during the period from 2014 to 2016, to assess osteoarthritis of the knee and radiographic morphometries of the lower leg. The joints were divided into three groups according to osteoarthritis progression over 2 years. There were 323 legs of females and 163 legs of males. Knees which did not exhibit osteoarthritis were in group 1; knees with osteoarthritis that remained stable for 2 years were in group 2; knees that worsened osteoarthritis over 2 years were in group 3. Morphometric parameters in the lower leg were measured by radiographs taken in 2014. RESULTS: In female subjects, group 2 had higher age, lower lever arm ratio and lower hip-knee-ankle angle, and higher height of the hip center compared with group (1). Group 3 had higher age compared with group 1 and lower height of the hip center compared with group (2). In male subjects, group 2 had lower height of the hip center and lower hip-knee-ankle angle compared with group 1. Group 3 had higher patellar shift index compared with group 1, higher height of the hip center and higher femoral neck length compared with group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Higher age was the risk of osteoarthritis progression of the knee in female subjects but not significant risk in male subjects. Hip morphometries such as height of the hip center and femoral neck length in which showed a sex difference might be associated with the progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Impact of shift to the concave side of the C7-center sacral vertical line on de novo degenerative lumbar scoliosis progression in elderly volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) is one of the most frequent spinal deformities of the aging spine. The purpose of our study was to clarify the independent predictors of pre-existing DLS progression and their influence on the health related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: This study included 356 volunteers (127 men and 229 women; mean age, 72.2 years; follow-up period, 4 years) who underwent musculoskeletal screening. Standing whole-spine radiographic measurements included the Cobb angle of DLS and C7-center sacral vertical line (C7-CSVL; shift to the concave side of the DLS curve indicated a positive value). A baseline Cobb angle ≥10° indicated pre-existing DLS, and Cobb angle deterioration of ≥4° was considered DLS progression. For HRQOL assessment, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used. Pre-existing DLS cases were divided into progression and non-progression groups. RESULTS: Among 93 cases (26.1%) with pre-existing DLS at baseline, 23 cases (pre-existing DLS progression group) showed DLS progression. The mean C7-CSVLs were 10.5 and -3.1 mm in the pre-existing progression and non-progression groups, respectively (p < 0.01). The optimal cutoff C7-CSVL length was 5 mm, with high sensitivity and specificity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a C7-CSVL ≥5 mm (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% CI: 1.42-10.34; p < 0.01) was independently associated with pre-existing DLS progression. ODI scores deteriorated significantly more in the pre-existing progression group than the non-progression group (+9.8% versus +3.9%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing DLS progression is associated with a shift to the concave side of C7-CSVL and influences HRQOL deterioration. It is important to assess coronal global alignment for prediction of a DLS progression.

Differences in the geometrical spinal shape in the sagittal plane according to age and magnitude of pelvic incidence in healthy elderly individuals.

BACKGROUND: Several studies indicated the influence of age and sex on spinal alignment using spino-pelvic radiographic parameters. However, information regarding the geometrical assessment of the sagittal spinal plane in the elderly population remains limited. This study aimed to determine the apices of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis, and spinal inflection point in elderly individuals and clarify the effect of age, sex, and pelvic incidence (PI) on sagittal geometry. METHODS: In total, 440 volunteers (193 men; 247 women) were enrolled. The spino-pelvic radiographic parameters were measured. The apices of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and the inflection point where the vertebral curvature changes from kyphosis to lordosis were investigated. We analyzed the differences in the sagittal curve shape according to the sex, age, and PI magnitude. RESULTS: On average, the apices of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and the inflection point were located at the levels of the T8/9 intervertebral disc, L3/4 disc, and L1 vertebra, respectively. Significant differences between men and women were observed with respect to the spino-pelvic parameters; however, the positions of the apices were significantly different only with respect to the lumbar apex offsets among individuals in their 70s. The inflectional point and apex of thoracic kyphosis among individuals aged >80 years were located significantly anteriorly and caudally in comparison to those among individuals aged <69 years. The apex of lumbar lordosis and the inflection point in individuals with high PI were located significantly anteriorly and cranially in comparison to those in individuals with low PI. CONCLUSIONS: The apices of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and the inflection point were located at the T8/9 intervertebral disc, L3/4 disc, and L1 vertebra, respectively. The shape of the sagittal spinal curve varied according to age and the magnitude of PI, and these findings cannot be evaluated using the conventional spino-pelvic parameters. Knowledge of standard geometrical spine shape could be useful for spinal deformity treatment in elderly patients.

Cut-off values of and factors associated with a negative influence on Neck Disability Index.

PURPOSE: The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is used to evaluate patients with cervical spine disease. However, few reports have defined the cut-off values of the NDI. The purpose of this study was to identify the cut-off values of and factors with a negative impact on NDI. METHODS: A total of 487 volunteers were divided into three groups based on disability: none, mild, and disabled. The cut-off values of the NDI were determined using receiver-operating characteristic curves. After these groups were divided based on sex and age adjustment was performed, the factors with a negative impact on NDI were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Groups none, mild, and disabled included 207, 186, and 94 volunteers, respectively. The cut-off values of the NDI in each group were 0-5, 6-17, and ≥ 18%, respectively. After adjusting for age, groups none, mild, and disabled had 65, 56, and 23 males, respectively, and 92, 103, and 56 females, respectively. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors with a negative impact on NDI in males were manual work (odds ratio [OR] 1.924), higher T1 slope minus cervical lordosis (OR 1.043), and higher C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (OR 1.029, P < 0.05). Among females, the factors were hand-grip strength (OR 0.936), body fat percentage (OR 0.942), and sporting activity (OR 0.456, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Deterioration in NDI was associated with cervical spinal malalignment and manual labor in males and lack of physical activity and sarcopenia in females. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Effects of mirror placement on sagittal alignment of the spine during acquisition of full-spine standing X-Rays.

PURPOSE: The line of sight when whole-spine radiographs are taken has not been defined. In our 2012 health screening study (TOEI study), whole-spine radiographs were taken with the volunteers in the most relaxed position and with a horizontal gaze. However, in the TOEI 2014 study, a mirror was placed in front of their faces to unify their line of sight. To our knowledge, there are no reports on how the sagittal alignment changes when radiographs are taken using a mirror. The purpose of this study was to investigate how mirror placement impacted sagittal spinal alignment in whole-spine radiographs taken while standing. METHODS: Volunteers who participated in both the TOEI 2012 and 2014 studies were recruited. Pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), cervical lordosis (CL), slope of McGregor's line (McGS), and C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA) were examined using software. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-four volunteers (142 males, 212 females, average age in 2012: 72 years) whose radiographs were evaluated in both previous studies were enrolled. The average parameters of 2012 and 2014 were: PT: 18° and 21° (P < 0.01), LL: 40° and 40°, TK: 34° and 34°, CL: 13° and 23° (P < 0.01), McGS: 2° ± 11° and - 9° ± 8° (P < 0.01), and C7 SVA: 46 and 23 mm (P < 0.01), respectively. In the Levene test, the McGS variation in 2014 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9-3.4] was significantly smaller than that in 2012 (95% CI - 9.7 to - 8.0, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The smaller McGS variation in the TOEI 2014 study suggested that mirror placement could standardize the head's position. These results showed that the mirror placement retroflexed cervical alignment and caused the head to lean backward. It is important that a mirror is placed to unify the line of sight.

The controlled study of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis for the assessment of physical function in elderly populations.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is associated with increasing age, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. However, little is known about the clinical impacts of DISH on physical function and spinal deformity in elderly populations. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the influence of DISH on physical function, spinal deformity, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly populations. METHODS: We enrolled 504 volunteers (203 men and 301 women, mean age 74.0 years). Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, grip strength, one-leg standing time, sit-and-reach, functional reach, and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured. Using whole spine standing X-rays, the prevalence, location, and numbers of fused vertebra of DISH and spinopelvic parameters were measured. HRQOL measures, including the Oswestry Disability Index and the EuroQuol-5D were also obtained. We compared DISH subjects with control subjects of age and sex matching. We compared DISH subjects in the thoracic spine (T-DISH) to those in the thoraco-lumbar spine (TL-DISH). RESULTS: DISH occurred more frequently in men (14.3%) than in women (4.3%). The mean age was significantly higher of subjects with DISH than of those without DISH. The mean number of fused vertebra by DISH was 5.5 ± 1.5, and T-DISH was observed in 57% cases. DISH group showed greater body weights, BMIs, blood pressures, and BMD in the lumbar spine compared to the control group. No inter-group differences were observed in physical function, HRQOL and spinopelvic parameters. Subjects with TL-DISH had significantly lower values of sit-and-reach and functional reach than those with T-DISH. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with DISH showed greater body weights, BMIs, blood pressures, and BMD compared to age- and sex-matched controls, while physical function, spinal alignment, and HRQOL were comparable between groups.

Age variation in the minimum clinically important difference in SRS-22r after surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity - A single institution analysis in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) has been shown to be reliable, valid and responsive to change in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) undergoing surgery. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) quantifies a threshold value of improvement that is clinically relevant to the patient. Health-related quality of life scores depend on age. The purpose of this study was to assess MCID threshold values stratified by age for SRS-22r domains in patients with ASD undergoing surgical correction. METHODS: We identified a consecutive series of 184 Japanese ASD patients who completed the SRS-22r and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Effectiveness as measured on the JOABPEQ was used as the anchor to determine MCID for the Function, Pain, and Mental health domains using receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We performed MCID analysis stratified by age (<70 or ≥70). RESULTS: Mean preoperative SRS-22r Function score was 2.69 improving to 3.23 at postoperatively (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative SRS-22r Pain score was 3.04 improving to 3.78 at postoperatively (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative SRS-22r Mental health score was 2.72 improving to 3.25 at postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was a statistically difference in change in domain score between "not effective" and "effective" (p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis methods yielded MCID values of 0.58 for Function, 0.55 for Pain, and 0.70 for Mental health domains. There was difference of MCID value for Function and Mental health domain between aged <70 and ≥70; 0.78 and 0.55 for Function; 0.70 and 0.48 for Mental health. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that MCID threshold values for SRS-22 Function and Mental health domains in older than 70 was lower than in younger than 70, potentially implying that older patients have lower expectation.

Repeated posterior dislocation of total hip arthroplasty after spinal corrective long fusion with pelvic fixation.

PURPOSE: Several reports have indicated that anterior dislocation of total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be caused by spinal degenerative changes with excessive pelvic retroversion. However, no reports have indicated that posterior dislocation can be caused by fixed pelvic anteversion after corrective spine surgery. We describe a rare case experiencing repeated posterior THA dislocation that occurred at 5 months after corrective spinal long fusion with pelvic fixation. METHODS: A 64-year-old woman had undergone bilateral THA at 13 years before presenting to our institution. She had been diagnosed with kyphoscoliosis and underwent three subsequent spinal surgeries after the THA. We finally performed spinal corrective long fusion from T5 to ilium with pelvic fixation (with iliac screws). Five months later, she experienced severe hip pain when she tried to stand up from the toilet, and was unable to move, due to posterior THA dislocation. Therefore, we performed closed reduction under sedation, and her left hip was easily reduced. After the reduction, she started to walk with a hip abduction brace. However, she had experienced 5 subsequent dislocations. RESULTS: Based on our findings and previous reports, we have hypothesized that posterior dislocation could be occurred after spinal corrective long fusion with pelvic fixation due to three mechanisms: (1) a change in the THA cup alignment before and after spinal corrective long fusion surgery, (2) decreased and fixed pelvic posterior tilt in the sitting position, or (3) the trunk's forward tilting during standing-up motion after spinopelvic fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal long fusion with pelvic fixation could be a risk factor for posterior THA dislocation.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound is effective for progressive-stage lumbar spondylolysis with MRI high-signal change.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the treatment effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on progressive-stage spondylolysis. Spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis. Based on the results of computed tomography, spondylolysis was classified into three categories: early, progressive, and terminal. Bone healing was prolonged or not obtained in progressive-stage spondylolysis. The progression of spondylolysis to nonunion has been associated with an increased incidence of spondylolisthesis. To prevent these clinical conditions, achieving bony healing of the spondylolysis site should be the goal of treatment. METHODS: 15 consecutive pediatric patients with progressive-stage spondylolysis (defects) with MRI high-signal change were analyzed. Nine patients were treated conservative treatment including avoidance of any sport activity and the use of a brace during treatment (conventional). Six patients were treated using LIPUS everyday during treatment in addition to conservative treatment. Approximately every 1.5 months, bone healing was evaluated via CT. Cases that retained defects after 4.5 months were defined as nonunion. RESULTS: Two patients dropped out during the study period. A total of 13 patients (mean 14.6 ± 2.5 years) from the database met with 19 interarticularis defects. The bone union rate in LIPUS group was significantly higher than that in conventional group (66.7 vs. 10.0%, p = 0.020). The treatment period to bone union was 3.8 months and 2.7 ± 0.3 months in conventional and LIPUS groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that LIPUS treatment might be effective for bone union in patients with progressive-stage spondylolysis with MRI high-signal change. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Effect of corrective long spinal fusion to the ilium on physical function in patients with adult spinal deformity.

PURPOSE: To identify the effects of corrective long spinal fusion to the ilium on physical function in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent corrective long spinal fusion to the ilium were prospectively analysed. Patients were divided into the ++ group [sagittal vertical axis (SVA) ≥ 95 mm and pelvic tilt (PT) ≥ 30°, 14 patients] and 0+ group (SVA <95 mm or PT <30°, 16 patients). Subjects' low back pain [visual analogue scale (VAS) (pain with motion)], muscle strength (knee extensors and hip flexors), balance [timed up and go (TUG)], gait performance [10-metre walking test (10MWT, maximum speed), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT)] were assessed before surgery, at discharge, and 6 and 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: All study patients had a significant improvement in the VAS score between baseline and at discharge, 6 months postoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively. The values of the TUG and 6MWT significantly improved 12 months postoperatively. The values of the TUG, 10MWT, and 6MWT improved significantly more in the ++ group than in the 0+ group at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Corrective long spinal fusion contributed to improving back pain at discharge and gait ability at 12 months in patients with ASD.

The cohort study for the determination of reference values for spinopelvic parameters (T1 pelvic angle and global tilt) in elderly volunteers.

PURPOSE: T1 pelvic angle (TPA) and global tilt (GT) are spinopelvic parameters that account for trunk anteversion and pelvic retroversion. To investigate spinopelvic parameters, especially TPA and GT, in Japanese adults and determine norms for each parameter related to health-related quality of life (HRQOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred and fifty-six volunteers (262 men and 394 women) aged 50-92 years (mean, 72.8 years) were enrolled in this study. The incidence of vertebral fracture, spondylolisthesis and coronal malalignment were measured. Five spinopelvic parameters (TPA, GT, sagittal vertical axis [SVA], pelvic tilt [PT], and pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis [PI-LL]) were measured using whole spine standing radiographs. The mean values for each parameter were estimated by sex and decade of life. HRQOL measures, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQuol-5D (EQ-5D), were also obtained. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined between each parameter and HRQOL measure. Moreover, the factors contributing to the QOL score were calculated using logistic regression with age, sex, the existence of vertebral fracture and spondylolisthesis, coronal malalignment (coronal curve >30°) and sagittal malalignment (SVA >95 mm) as explanatory variables and the presence of disability (ODI >40) as a free variable. RESULTS: The mean values for the spinopelvic parameters were as follows: TPA, 17.9°; GT, 23.2°; SVA, 50.2 mm; PT, 18.6°; and PI-LL, 7.5°. TPA and GT strongly correlated with each other (r = 0.990) and with the other spinopelvic parameters. TPA and GT correlated with ODI (r = 0.339, r = 0.348, respectively) and EQ-5D (r = -0.285, r = -0.288, respectively), similar to those for SVA. TPA, GT, PT, and PI-LL were significantly higher in women than in men. PT and PI-LL gradually increased with age, while TPA, GT, and SVA tended to deteriorate after the 7th decade. Based on a logistic regression analysis, the deterioration of ODI was mostly affected by the sagittal malalignment. The TPA and GT cut-off values for severe disability (ODI >40) based on linear regression modeling were 26.0° and 33.7°, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We determined reference values for spinopelvic parameters in elderly volunteers. Similar to SVA, TPA and GT correlated with HRQOL. TPA, GT, PT, and PI-LL were worse in women and progressed with age.

Improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Japanese patients with spinal kyphotic deformity who underwent surgical spinal correction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Spinal kyphotic deformity occasionally results in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The effects of acid reflux on the esophagus in kyphotic patients are unclear, however, and it is unknown whether acid reflux, endoscopic GERD, and reflux-related symptoms improve following surgical spinal correction in these patients. Herein, we investigated the characteristics of GERD in kyphotic patients and the improvement in GERD following surgical correction. METHODS: In 48 patients with severe kyphotic deformity scheduled for surgical spinal correction, we conducted esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 24-h pH monitoring and three questionnaire surveys, including the frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG). We repeated these measurements after surgical correction and compared pre- and post-surgery values. RESULTS: Of 48 patients, 70.8% [95% CI: 55.9-83.0%, 34/48] had endoscopically evaluated esophageal mucosal injury. Regarding pH before surgery, 64.9% (CI: 47.5-79.8%, 24/37) had abnormal acid reflux (intraesophageal pH < 4 more than 5% of the time). FSSG score was significantly associated with the severity of GERD, and the positive rate was 52.6% (CI: 35.8-69.0%, 20/38). Following surgical correction, esophageal mucosal injury improved endoscopically in 90% of patients, and median total FSSG score significantly decreased from 8 (0-30) to 5 (0-19) (P = 0.005). Regarding pH after surgery, prevalence of abnormal acid reflux decreased from 66.7% (95% CI: 41.0-86.7%) to 33.3% (95% CI: 13.3-59.0%) (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Surgical spinal correction in kyphosis patients improves not only kyphotic deformity-related disorders but also esophageal mucosal injury, abnormal acid reflux, and reflux-related symptoms.

Justification criteria for vertebral fractures: year 2012 revision.

Justification Criteria for Vertebral Fractures 2012 version was made based on new clinical findings. Major differences in this version compared to the 1996 version are inclusion of the semiquantitative method (SQ), statements to improve considerations during radiographic analysis, and the need for more detailed evaluation by MRI.

The Medial Tibial Plateau Can Be Used as a Direct Anatomical Reference for the Posterior Tibial Slope in Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

There has been no consensus about how to determine the individual posterior tibial slope (PTS) intraoperatively. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the tibial plateau could be used as a reference for reproducing individual PTS during medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Preoperative computed tomography (CT) data from 48 lower limbs for medial UKA were imported into a three-dimensional planning software. Digitally reconstructed radiographs were created from the CT data as the lateral knee plain radiographs and the radiographic PTS angle was measured. Then, the PTS angles on the medial one-quarter and the center of the MTP (» and ½ MTP, respectively), and that on the medial tibial eminence (TE) were measured on the sagittal multiplanar reconstruction image. Finally, 20 lateral knee radiographs with an arthroscopic probe placed on the » and the ½ MTP were obtained intraoperatively, and the angle between the axis of the probe and the tangent line of the plateau was measured. The mean radiographic PTS angle was 7.9 ± 3.0 degrees (range: 1.7-13.6 degrees). The mean PTS angles on the » MTP, the ½ MTP, and the TE were 8.1 ± 3.0 degrees (1.2-13.4 degrees), 9.1 ± 3.0 degrees (1.4-14.7 degrees), and 9.9 ± 3.1 degrees (3.1-15.7 degrees), respectively. The PTS angles on the » MTP and the ½ MTP were strongly correlated with the radiographic PTS angle (r =0.87 and 0.80, respectively, p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean angle of the radiographic PTS and the PTS on the TE (p < 0.01). The mean angle between the axis of the probe and the tangent line of the tibial plateau was -0.4 ± 0.9 degrees (-2.3-1.3 degrees) on the » MTP and -0.1 ± 0.7 degrees (-1.5-1.2 degrees) on the ½ MTP, respectively. An area from the medial one-quarter to the center of the MTP could be used as an anatomical reference for the individual PTS.