The Effect of Concomitant Spinal Cord Injury on Postoperative Health-related Quality of Life After Traumatic Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries: A Nationwide Registry Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients surgically treated for traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries and investigate the agreement between objective neurologic outcomes and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in that context. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study on prospectively collected multi-institutional registry data. SETTING: Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with traumatic subaxial spine injuries identified in the Swedish Spine Registry (Swespine) between 2006 and 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Anterior, posterior, or anteroposterior cervical fixation surgery. MAIN OUTCOMES: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) consisting of EQ-5D-3Lindex and Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS: Among the 418 identified patients, 93 (22%) had a concomitant SCI. In this group, 30 (32%) had a complete SCI (Frankel A), and the remainder had incomplete SCIs (17%) Frankel B; 25 (27%) Frankel C; 22 (24%) Frankel D. PROMs significantly correlated with the Frankel grade (P<.001). However, post hoc analysis revealed that the differences between adjacent Frankel grades failed to reach both statistical and clinical significance. On univariable linear regression, the Frankel grade was a significant predictor of a specific index derived from the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire (EQ-5D-3Lindex) at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively as well as the NDI at 1 and 2 years postoperatively (P<.001). Changes of PROMs over time from 1, to 2, and 5 years postoperatively did not reach statistical significance, regardless of the presence and degree of SCI (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, the Frankel grade significantly correlated with the EQ-5D-3Lindex and NDI and was a significant predictor of PROMs at 1, 2, and 5 years. PROMs were stable beyond 1 year postoperatively regardless of the severity of the SCI.

The epidemiology of odontoid fractures: a study from the Swedish fracture register.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to characterize the occurrence of odontoid fractures within a Swedish population. METHODS: Prospective data of adults diagnosed with an odontoid fracture between 2015 and 2021 were retrieved from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). Epidemiologic data including age, sex, injury mechanism, injury type, fracture type (Anderson and D'Alonzo classification), neurological status and treatment type were requested from the SFR. Data pertinent to osteoporosis was retrieved from the Swedish National Patient Register. RESULTS: A total of 1,154 odontoid fractures were identified, of which 30 were type I fractures, 583 type II fractures, and 541 type III fractures. The mean (Standard Deviation [SD]) age was 77.2 (13.8) years. The prevalence of osteoporosis and neurological deficits did not differ between the fracture types. The majority of patients were treated non-surgically (81%). Male sex and patient age 18-30 years were commonly associated with a high-injury mechanism, especially motor vehicle accidents. In the type II fracture group, significantly more patients had fallen from standing height or less than in the type III group (66% vs. 58%, p = 0.01) while in contrast, motor vehicle accidents were more common in the type III fracture group (12% vs. type II: 8%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Based on the SFR, the typical odontoid fracture patient is older and suffers a type II fracture. Most injuries were caused by low-energy trauma although in younger patients and males, they were associated with motor vehicle accidents. Across the patient population, odontoid fractures were usually treated non-surgically.

Long-term outcomes after surgery for subaxial cervical spine injuries in octogenarians, a matched population-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate surgical outcomes in octogenarians with subaxial cervical spine injuries and determine the predictors of complications and mortality. METHODS: Eligible for inclusion were all patients surgically treated between 2006 and 2018, with either anterior or posterior fixation for subaxial spine injuries. A cohort of octogenarians was identified and matched 1:1 to a corresponding cohort of younger adults. Primary outcomes were perioperative complications and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were included in each of the octogenarian and younger groups (median age: 84.0 vs. 38.5). While the risks for surgical complications, including dural tears and wound infections, were similar between groups, the risks of postoperative medical complications, including respiratory or urinary tract infections, were significantly higher among the elderly (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences in operative time (p = 0.625) or estimated blood loss (p = 0.403) between groups. The 30 and 90-day mortality rates were significantly higher among the elderly (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001). These differences were due to comorbidities in the octogenarian cohort as they were revoked when propensity score matching was performed to account for the differences in American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade. Multivariable logistic regression revealed age and ASA score to be independent predictors of complications and the 90-day mortality, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians with comorbidities were more susceptible to postoperative complications, explaining the increased short-term mortality in this group. However, octogenarians without comorbidities had similar outcomes compared to the younger patients, indicating that overall health, including comorbidities, rather than chronological age should be considered in surgical decision-making.

Predictors of failure after primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for subaxial traumatic spine injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic subaxial fractures account for more than half of all cervical spine injuries. The optimal surgical approach is a matter of debate and may include anterior, posterior or a combined anteroposterior (360º) approach. Analyzing a cohort of patients initially treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for traumatic subaxial injuries, the study aimed to identify predictors for treatment failure and the subsequent need for supplementary posterior fusion (PF). METHODS: A retrospective, single center, consecutive cohort study of all adult patients undergoing primary ACDF for traumatic subaxial cervical spine fractures between 2006 and 2018 was undertaken and 341 patients were included. Baseline clinical and radiological data for all included patients were analyzed and 11 cases of supplementary posterior fixation were identified. RESULTS: Patients were operated at a median of 2.0 days from the trauma, undergoing 1-level (78%), 2-levels (16%) and ≥ 3-levels (6.2%) ACDF. A delayed supplementary PF was performed in 11 cases, due to ACDF failure. On univariable regression analysis, older age (p = 0.017), shorter stature (p = 0.031), posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) injury (p = 0.004), injury to ligamentum flavum (p = 0.005), bilateral facet joint dislocation (p < 0.001) and traumatic cervical spondylolisthesis (p = 0.003) predicted ACDF failure. On the multivariable regression model, older age (p = 0.015), PLL injury (p = 0.048), and bilateral facet joint dislocation (p = 0.010) remained as independent predictors of ACDF failure. CONCLUSIONS: ACDF is safe and effective for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine fractures. High age, bilateral facet joint dislocation and traumatic PLL disruption are independent predictors of failure. We suggest increased vigilance regarding these cases.

Reliability of thoracolumbar burst fracture classification in the Swedish Fracture Register.

BACKGROUND: The Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) is a national quality register for all types of fractures in Sweden. Spine fractures have been included since 2015 and are classified using a modified AOSpine classification. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the classification of thoracolumbar burst fractures in the SFR. METHODS: Assessments of medical images were conducted in 277 consecutive patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture (T10-L3) identified in the SFR. Two independent reviewers classified the fractures according to the AOSpine classification, with a third reviewer resolving disagreement. The combined results of the reviewers were considered the gold standard. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the reviewers was determined with Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. The SFR classification was compared with the gold standard using positive predictive values (PPV), Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. RESULTS: The reliability between reviewers was  high (Cohen's kappa 0.70-0.97). The PPV for correctly classifying burst fractures in the SFR was high irrespective of physician experience (76-89%), treatment (82% non-operative, 95% operative) and hospital type (83% county, 95% university). The inter-rater reliability of B-type injuries and the overall SFR classification compared with the gold standard was low (Cohen's kappa 0.16 and 0.17 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The SFR demonstrates a high PPV for accurately classifying burst fractures, regardless of physician experience, treatment and hospital type. However, the reliability of B-type injuries and overall classification in the SFR was found to be low. Future studies on burst fractures using SFR data where classification is important should include a review of medical images to verify the diagnosis.

Safety of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine injuries, a single center comparative matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF) are both common surgical procedures in the management of pathologies of the subaxial cervical spine. While recent reviews have demonstrated ACCF to provide better decompression results compared to ACDF, the procedure has been associated with increased surgical risks. Nonetheless, the use of ACCF in a traumatic context has been poorly described. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of ACCF as compared to the more commonly performed ACDF. METHODS: All patients undergoing ACCF or ACDF for subaxial cervical spine injuries spanning over 2 disc-spaces and 3 vertebral-levels, between 2006 and 2018, at the study center, were eligible for inclusion. Patients were matched based on age and preoperative ASIA score. RESULTS: After matching, 60 patients were included in the matched analysis, where 30 underwent ACDF and ACCF, respectively. Vertebral body injury was significantly more common in the ACCF group (p = 0.002), while traumatic disc rupture was more frequent in the ACDF group (p = 0.032). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of surgical complications, including implant failure, wound infection, dysphagia, CSF leakage between the groups (p ≥ 0.05). The rates of revision surgeries (p > 0.999), mortality (p = 0.222), and long-term ASIA scores (p = 0.081) were also similar. CONCLUSION: Results of both unmatched and matched analyses indicate that ACCF has comparable outcomes and no additional risks compared to ACDF. It is thus a safe approach and should be considered for patients with extensive anterior column injury.

Extended reality in cranial and spinal neurosurgery - a bibliometric analysis.

PURPOSE: This bibliometric analysis of the top 100 cited articles on extended reality (XR) in neurosurgery aimed to reveal trends in this research field. Gender differences in authorship and global distribution of the most-cited articles were also addressed. METHODS: A Web of Science electronic database search was conducted. The top 100 most-cited articles related to the scope of this review were retrieved and analyzed for trends in publications, journal characteristics, authorship, global distribution, study design, and focus areas. After a brief description of the top 100 publications, a comparative analysis between spinal and cranial publications was performed. RESULTS: From 2005, there was a significant increase in spinal neurosurgery publications with a focus on pedicle screw placement. Most articles were original research studies, with an emphasis on augmented reality (AR). In cranial neurosurgery, there was no notable increase in publications. There was an increase in studies assessing both AR and virtual reality (VR) research, with a notable emphasis on VR compared to AR. Education, surgical skills assessment, and surgical planning were more common themes in cranial studies compared to spinal studies. Female authorship was notably low in both groups, with no significant increase over time. The USA and Canada contributed most of the publications in the research field. CONCLUSIONS: Research regarding the use of XR in neurosurgery increased significantly from 2005. Cranial research focused on VR and resident education while spinal research focused on AR and neuronavigation. Female authorship was underrepresented. North America provides most of the high-impact research in this area.

Dysphagia, health-related quality of life, and return to work after occipitocervical fixation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) on dysphagia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and return to work after occipitocervical fixation (OCF). Postoperative radiographic measurements were evaluated to identify possible predictors of dysphagia. METHODS: All individuals (≥ 18 years) who underwent an OCF at the study center or were registered in the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) between 2005 and 2019, and were still alive when the study was conducted, were eligible for inclusion. There was no overlap between the cohorts. Prospectively collected data on dysphagia (Dysphagia Short Questionnaire DSQ), HRQoL (EQ5D-3L) and return to work were used. Radiological and baseline patient data were retrospectively collected. In addition, HRQoL data of a matched sample of individuals was elicited from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006. RESULTS: In total, 54 individuals were included. At long-term follow-up, 26 individuals (51%) had no dysphagia, and 25 (49%) reported some degree of dysphagia: 11 (22%) had mild dysphagia, and 14 (27%) had moderate to severe dysphagia. On a group level, the OCF sample scored significantly lower EQVAS and EQ-5Dindex values compared to the general population (60.0 vs. 80.0, p = 0.016; 0.43 vs. 0.80, p < 0.001). Individuals working preoperatively returned to work after surgery. Of those responding, 88% stated that they would undergo the OCF operation if it was offered today. No predictors of dysphagia based on radiographic measurements were identified. CONCLUSION: Occipitocervical fixation results in a high frequency of long-term dysphagia. The HRQoL of OCF patients is significantly reduced compared to matched controls. However, most patients are satisfied with their surgery. No radiographic predictors of long-term dysphagia could be identified. Future prospective and systematic studies with larger samples and more objective outcome measures are needed to elucidate the causes of dysphagia in OCF.

Assessment of the sacroiliac joint with computed tomography motion analysis: a diagnostic study of 12 patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pain in the sacroiliac joint may be caused by abnormal joint motion. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical tests. The aims of this study were to examine whether low-dose computed tomography with provocation of the hip could detect sacroiliac joint motion, and to study whether provocation of the hip results in greater sacroiliac joint motion in the ipsilateral than in the contralateral sacroiliac joint. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 12 patients with sacroiliac joint pain were examined with low-dose computed tomography scans of the sacroiliac joint, one with the hips in the neutral position, and one each in provocation with the left or the right hip in a figure-of-4 position. Accuracy was tested by comparing internal rotation of the sacrum with internal rotation in the sacroiliac joint. Motion in the sacroiliac joint was assessed by comparing the position of each of the ilia with the reference, the sacrum. Data is shown as mean with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: We observed greater motion in the sacroiliac joint than internally in the sacrum, i.e., 0.57° (CI 0.43-0.71) vs. 0.20° (CI 0.11-0.28). The motion of the geometric center of the moving object for the sacroiliac joint was larger on the provoked side; mean difference 0.17 mm (CI 0.01-0.33), P = 0.04. Corresponding figures for rotation were mean difference 0.19° (CI 0.10-0.28), P < 0.001. Compared with the sacrum, the largest motion was seen at the anterior superior iliac spine; mean difference 0.38 mm (CI 0.10-0.66), P = 0.001. CONCLUSION: Provocation in the figure-of-4 position of the hip results in sacroiliac joint motion measurable with computed tomography motion analysis. Provocation of the hip induces larger motion on the ipsilateral than on the contralateral sacroiliac joint.

Spinal surgery and the risk of reoperation after total hip arthroplasty: a cohort study based on Swedish spine and hip arthroplasty registers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies suggest increased revision risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in individuals with lumbar spinal fusion, but studies including non-fused individuals are lacking. We aimed to investigate whether individuals undergoing lumbar spinal stenosis surgery with or without fusion are at an increased risk of reoperation before or after THA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Swedish Spine Register and the Swedish arthroplasty register were searched from 2000 through 2021. Chi-square, Kaplan-Meier and binary multivariate logistic regression were used to compare reoperation rates up to 10 years after THA surgery. RESULTS: 7,908 individuals had undergone lumbar spinal stenosis surgery (LSSS) (fusion n = 1,281) and THA. LSSS before THA compared with THA-only controls was associated with a higher risk of THA reoperations: 87 (2%) out of 3,892 vs. 123 (1%) out of 11,662 (P < 0.001). LSSS after THA compared with THA-only controls was not associated with a higher risk of reoperation, confirmed by Kaplan- Meier analyses and binary multivariate logistic regression. Mortality was lower in individuals undergoing both LSSS and THA, regardless of procedure order. There was no difference in THA reoperations in individuals who had undergone LSSS before THA without fusion or with fusion. The individuals who had undergone LSSS after THA with fusion had an increased risk of THA reoperation compared with those without fusion. CONCLUSION: LSSS with or without fusion before THA is associated with an increased risk of THA reoperation. Spinal fusion increased the risk of reoperation of THA when performed after THA.

Lumbar degeneration and quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation: a case-control long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Adults treated surgically for lumbar disc herniation in adolescence have a higher degree of lumbar disc degeneration than controls. We aimed to establish whether the degree of lumbar degeneration differs at diagnosis or at follow-up between surgically and non-surgically treated individuals. METHODS: We identified individuals with a lumbar disc herniation in adolescence diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contacted them for follow-up MRI. Lumbar degeneration was assessed according to Pfirrmann, Modic, and total end plate score (TEP score). Patient-reported outcome measures at follow-up comprised the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D-3-level version, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain. Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon tests, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: MRIs were available at diagnosis and after a mean of 11.9 years in 17 surgically treated individuals and 14 non-surgically treated individuals. Lumbar degeneration was similar at diagnosis (P = 0.2) and at follow-up, with the exception of higher TEP scores in surgically treated individuals at levels L4-L5 and L5-S1 at follow-up (P ≤ 0.03), but this difference did not remain after adjustment for age and sex (P ≥ 0.8). There were no significant differences in patient-reported outcome measures between the groups at follow-up (all P ≥ 0.2). CONCLUSION: Adolescents with a lumbar disc herniation have, irrespective of treatment, a similar degree of lumbar degeneration at the time of diagnosis, and similar lumbar degeneration and patient-reported outcomes at long-term follow-up.

Patient-reported outcomes after minimally invasive sacro-iliac joint surgery: a cohort study based on the Swedish Spine Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is conflicting evidence regarding treatment outcomes after minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion for long-lasting severe sacroiliac joint pain. The primary aim of our cohort study was to investigate change in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after minimally invasive sacroiliac joint surgery in daily practice in the Swedish Spine Registry. Secondary aims were to explore the proportion of patients reaching a patient acceptable symptom score (PASS) and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pain scores, physical function, and health-related quality of life outcomes; furthermore, to evaluate self-reported satisfaction, walking distance, and changes in proportions of patients on full sick leave/disability leave and report complications and reoperations. METHODS: Data from the Swedish Spine Registry was collected for patients with first-time sacroiliac joint fusion, aged 21 to 70 years, with PROMs available preoperatively, at 1 or 2 years after last surgery. PROMs included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for low back pain (LBP) and leg pain, and EQ-VAS, in addition to demographic variables. We calculated mean change from pre- to postoperative and the proportion of patients achieving MCID and PASS. RESULTS: 68 patients had available pre- and postoperative data, with a mean age of 45 years (range 25-70) and 59 (87%) were female. At follow-up the mean reduction was 2.3 NRS points (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-2.9; P < 0.001) for LBP and 14.8 points (CI 10.6-18.9; P < 0.001) for ODI. EQ-VAS improved by 22 points (CI 15.4-30.3, P < 0.001) at follow-up. Approximately half of the patients achieved MCID and PASS for pain (MCID NRS LBP: 38/65 [59%] and PASS NRS LBP: 32/66 [49%]) and physical function (MCID ODI: 27/67 [40%] and PASS ODI: 24/67 [36%]). The odds for increasing the patient's walking distance to over 1 km at follow-up were 3.5 (CI 1.8-7.0; P < 0.0001), and of getting off full sick leave or full disability leave was 0.57 (CI 0.4-0.8; P = 0.001). In the first 3 months after surgery 3 complications were reported, and in the follow-up period 2 reoperations. CONCLUSION: We found moderate treatment outcomes after minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion when applied in daily practice with moderate pain relief and small improvements in physical function.

Prognostic model development for risk of curve progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective cohort study of 127 patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:  The study's purpose was to develop and internally validate a prognostic survival model exploring baseline variables for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve progression. METHODS:  A longitudinal prognostic cohort analysis was performed on trial data (n = 135) including girls and boys, Cobb angle 25-40°, aged 9-17 years, remaining growth > 1 year, and previously untreated. Prognostic outcome was defined as curve progression of Cobb angle of > 6° prior to skeletal maturity. 34 candidate prognostic variables were tested. Time-to-event was measured with 6-month intervals. Cox proportional hazards regression survival model (CoxPH) was used for model development and validation in comparison with machine learning models (66.6/33.3 train/test data set). The models were adjusted for treatment exposure. RESULTS:  The final primary prognostic model included 127 patients, predicting progress with acceptable discriminative ability (concordance = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.86). Significant prognostic risk factors were Risser stage of 0 (HR 4.6, CI 2.1-10.1, P < 0.001), larger major curve Cobb angle (HRstandardized 1.5, CI 1.1-2.0, P = 0.005), and higher score on patient-reported pictorial Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (pSAQ) (HRstandardized 1.4, CI 1.0-1.9, P = 0.04). Treatment exposure, entered as a covariate adjustment, contributed significantly to the final model (HR 3.1, CI 1.5-6.0, P = 0.001). Sensitivity analysis displayed that CoxPH maintained acceptable discriminative ability (AUC 0.79, CI 0.65-0.93) in comparison with machine learning algorithms. CONCLUSION:  The prognostic model (Risser stage, Cobb angle, pSAQ, and menarche) predicted curve progression of > 6° Cobb angle with acceptable discriminative ability. Adding patient report of the pSAQ may be of clinical importance for the prognosis of curve progression.

Validity of the short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire in patients with a spine fracture.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to validate the use of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire in patients with a spine fracture. METHODS: Cross-sectional cohort of individuals that had sustained a spine fracture (C1-L5) one year earlier. Patients were asked to fill out SMFA, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess convergent validity for each patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Bland-Altman plots were used to assess PROM agreement. RESULTS: 82 patients completed all questionnaires. The correlations between SMFA Dysfunction and Bother indices and ODI were 0.89 and 0.86, with EQ-5D-3L index 0.89 and 0.80, and with EQ-VAS 0.80 and 0.73, respectively. The correlation for separate categories of the SMFA dysfunction index (daily activities, emotional status, arm and hand function, mobility) ranged between 0.71-0.87 for ODI, 0.72-0.84 for EQ-5D-3L index, and 0.67-0.77 for EQ-VAS. A selection of the ten items of SMFA that had the highest correlations with ODI resulted in a correlation of 0.91. The agreements between SMFA indices and ODI in Bland-Altman plots were good with small differential biases and minimal proportional biases, but worse for SMFA and EQ-5D-3L index and EQ-VAS. CONCLUSION: The SMFA indices are highly correlated with ODI in patients with a spine fracture. The Dysfunction index and Bother index, or selected SMFA items, may be used to assess outcome in patients with spine fractures as an alternative to ODI.

Surgical and Health-related Quality of life Outcomes in Children With Congenital Scoliosis During 5-year Follow-up. Comparison to Age and Sex-matched Healthy Controls.

BACKGROUND: Congenital spinal anomalies represent a heterogeneous group of spinal deformities, of which only progressive or severe curves warrant surgical management. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the impact of surgery on the health-related quality of life and very limited data exists comparing these outcomes to healthy controls. METHODS: A single surgeon series of 67 consecutive children with congenital scoliosis (mean age at surgery 8.0 y, range: 1.0 to 18.3 y, 28 girls) undergoing hemivertebrectomy (n = 34), instrumented spinal fusion (n = 20), or vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib procedure (n = 13) with a mean follow-up of 5.8 years (range: 2 to 13 y). The comparison was made to age and sex-matched healthy controls. Outcome measures included the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire both pre and postoperatively, radiographic outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: The average major curve correction was significantly better in the hemivertebrectomy (60%) and instrumented spinal fusion (51%) than in the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib group (24%), respectively ( P < 0.001). Complications were noted in 8 of 67 (12%) children, but all patients recovered fully during follow-up. Pain, self-image, and function domains improved numerically from preoperative to final follow-up, but the pain score was the only one with a statistically significant change ( P = 0.033). The Scoliosis Research Society pain, self-image, and function domain scores remained at a significantly lower level at the final follow-up than in the healthy controls ( P ≤ 0.05), while activity scores improved to a similar level. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for congenital scoliosis improved angular spinal deformities with a reasonable risk of complications. Health-related quality of life outcomes improved from preoperative to final follow-up, but especially pain and function domains remained at a significantly lower level than in the age and sex-matched healthy controls. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic.

Bone Turnover Marker Profiling and Fracture Risk in Older Women: Fracture Risk from Age 75 to 90.

PURPOSE: A major challenge in osteoporosis is to identify individuals at high fracture risk. We investigated six bone turnover markers (BTMs) to determine association with specific fracture types; the time-frame for risk prediction and whether these are influenced by age at assessment. METHODS: Population-based OPRA cohort (n = 1044) was assessed at ages 75, 80, 85 and fractures documented for up to 15 years. Six BTMs were analyzed at each time-point (N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen, PINP; total osteocalcin, OC; bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, BALP; C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX; tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, TRAcP5b; urinary osteocalcin). Hazard ratios (HR) for any, major osteoporotic, vertebral and hip fractures were calculated as short (1, 2, 3 years) and long-term risk (5, 10, 15 years). RESULTS: At 75 year, high CTX levels were associated with an increased risk of all fractures, including major osteoporotic fractures, across most time-frames (HRs ranging: 1.28 to 2.28). PINP was not consistently associated. Urinary osteocalcin was consistently associated with elevated short-term risk (HRs ranging: 1.83-2.72). Other BTMs were directionally in accordance, though not all statistically significant. BTMs were not predictive for hip fractures. Association of all BTMs attenuated over time; at 80 year none were associated with an increased fracture risk. CONCLUSION: CTX, urinary OC and TRAcP5b are predictive for fracture in a 1 to 3 year, perspective, whereas in the long-term or above age 80 years, BTMs appear less valuable. Resorption markers, particularly CTX, were more consistently associated with fracture risk than formation markers in the very elderly.

Parathyroid Hormone Disturbances in Postmenopausal Women with Distal Forearm Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder with a wide range of adverse effects, such as osteoporosis. Many women are not diagnosed due to asymptomatic disease or vague symptoms but are still at risk of severe adverse effects. Early identification of patients with PHPT is therefore of importance. The aim of this study was to determine PHPT prevalence among postmenopausal women with a distal forearm fracture. METHODS: Recruitment was conducted in conjunction with the occurrence of a distal forearm fracture at Karolinska University Hospital. In total, 161 postmenopausal women were included in a cross-sectional study with repeated evaluations. Analyzes of serum calcium, ionized calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D were performed. Diagnosis of PHPT was based on clinical evaluations and biochemical definitions of serum calcium and PTH in coherence with previous population prevalence reports. RESULTS: Mean age was 64.7 (9.5) years, serum calcium 2.33 (0.10) mmol/L, ionized calcium 1.25 (0.05) mmol/L and PTH 54 (26) ng/L. PTH was elevated in 32 (20%) women. In total, 11 (6.8%) women were diagnosed with PHPT; 6 with classical PHPT and 5 with mild PHPT. The prevalence of PHPT was significantly increased compared to the population prevalence of 3.4% (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Screening postmenopausal women in conjunction with low-energy distal forearm fracture revealed a large number of women with parathyroid disturbance. Evaluation of parathyroid hormone and calcium status in this group of patients seems beneficial.

Serum metal ion levels following spinal deformity surgery: a case-control study of 182 individuals.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and titanium (Ti) after instrumented fusion for scoliosis. METHODS: Serum samples were collected at median 2.24 (range 0.1-38.8) years after fusion surgery for scoliosis in 91 individuals, of which 71 had been treated with steel implants and 20 with titanium implants. 91 sex and age-matched non-surgically treated individuals with scoliosis were used as controls. Levels of Cr, Co, and Ti were measured. RESULTS: In the 91 surgically treated individuals median levels of Cr were 0.54 µg/l vs 0 µg/l in the 91 controls, p < 0.001. Corresponding results for Co were 0.29 µg/l vs. 0.24 µg/l, p = 0.19, and for Ti were 0 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l, p < 0.001. In the individuals with steel implants and their corresponding controls median Cr levels were 0.63 µg/l vs. 0.00 µg/l, p < 0.001 and Co levels 0.27 µg/l vs. 0.23 µg/l, p = 0.36. No Ti was detected. In the individuals with titanium implants, median Cr levels were 0 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l in their corresponding controls, p = 0.38. Corresponding results for Co was 0.39 µg/l vs. 0.31 µg/l, p = 0.27 and for Ti 4.31 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l, p < 0.001. In the individuals with steel implants a negative correlation between implant time in situ and levels of Cr was found ([Formula: see text] = - 0.52, p < 0.001) but not with Co ([Formula: see text] = - 0.14, p = 0.23). Ti was not detected. In the individuals with titanium implants, there was no correlation between implant time in situ and levels of Cr ([Formula: see text] = 0.36, p = 0.12), Co ([Formula: see text] = - 0.12, p = 0.60) or Ti ([Formula: see text] = 0.22, p = 0.35). CONCLUSION: The use of stainless steel and titanium implants in spinal fusion surgery is associated with elevated metal ion concentrations several years after surgery.

Effectiveness of laminectomy with fusion and laminectomy alone in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of laminectomy with fusion and laminectomy alone in degenerative cervical myelopathy was compared. METHODS: Individuals treated with laminectomy with fusion or laminectomy alone at or below the second cervical vertebra were identified in the Swedish spine registry. 66 individuals treated with laminectomy and instrumented fusion were age matched to 132 individuals treated with laminectomy alone. The European Myelopathy Scale (EMS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for neck pain and the EQ-5D index were available at baseline, and at 1 and 2 year follow-ups. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann-Whitney U tests and paired T tests. Effect sizes were described with Cohen's D. RESULTS: Data at baseline did not differ significantly between the groups with the exception of a longer laminectomy in the fusion group (4.2 vs 3.4 vertebras; p < 0.001). Both groups improved EMS, NDI, NRS and EQ-5D from baseline to 1 year (p ≤ 0.011), with no additional improvement between 1 and 2 years (all p ≥ 0.09). Effect sizes for change from baseline were small to medium in both groups. At 2 years the laminectomy with fusion group and the laminectomy alone group had a median (25th;75th percentile) EMS of 13 (11;13) and 13 (11;15) (p = 0.77), NDI of 39 (24;54) and 27 (10;41) (p = 0.045), NRS of 4 (1;2) and 2 (0;5) (p = 0.048), and EQ-5D index of 0.67 (0.25;0.73) and 0.66 (0.17;0.76) (p = 0.96). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest similar effectiveness of laminectomy with instrumented fusion and laminectomy alone in degenerative cervical myelopathy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

A "snap-shot" visual estimation of health and objectively measured frailty: capturing general health in aging older women.

BACKGROUND: In clinic, a subjective visual estimation of a patient's general health often guides interventions, yet little is known of how this assessment relates to objectively measured frailty. AIMS: To characterize the relationship between these two assessments and explore the implication of discordance. METHODS: The study was performed in the OPRA cohort of 75-year old community-dwelling women (n = 1044). Visual perception of health (VPH) was estimated within 15 s from first sight and stratified into tertiles (poor/intermediate/good health). Frailty was measured using a frailty index (FI) (scored 0.0-1.0) and stratified into tertiles: 'frail' (≥ 0.22), 'pre-frail' (0.13-0-21) and 'non-frail' (≤ 0.12). Association between VPH and FI and with 10-year mortality was evaluated using Kaplan Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: VPH and FI correlated, but was strongest in those perceived to be in poor health (rs = 0.424, p < 0.001). Approximately half of these women were also objectively frail (53.7%). Similarly, 50.7% perceived to be in good health were also objectively non-frail. However, for one in ten, perceived health was discordant with measured frailty. Subjective and objective measures were associated with mortality, but VPH lacked discrimination in healthier looking women (p = 0.372) compared to FI (p = 0.002). DISCUSSION: Detecting pre-frailty is important to prevent or slow the transition into a frail state. The frailest can be identified with a visual estimation, but only objective frailty assessments can reliably identity pre-frailty. CONCLUSIONS: A visual estimation of health provides valuable complementary information on health, whereas objective assessment of frailty has a broader applicability for health in aging.