Importance of gap evaluation in the ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament lesions using three-dimensional computed tomography.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Evaluating the gaps within the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) lesions, which may contribute to neurological symptoms, using conventional imaging techniques is challenging. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the importance of evaluating gaps using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and their association with the occurrence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 high intensity in the spinal cord. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Retrospective analysis of 116 patients diagnosed with cervical OPLL. OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of gaps in OPLL, presence of T2 high intensity in the cervical spinal cord, and OPLL thickness were evaluated. METHODS: Lateral X-ray, CT, and reconstructed 3D-CT images were reviewed to assess lesion characteristics and the presence of gaps. MRI was used to evaluate the change in spinal cord signal intensity. The relationship among gap presence, lesion morphology, and MRI T2 high intensity in the spinal cord was examined. RESULTS: A significant difference in gap detection accuracy was observed between CT and 3D-CT (p = 0.0054). CT demonstrated false-positive results in the detection of gaps as compared with 3D-CT. The presence of gaps was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of MRI T2 high intensity in the spinal cord (p = 0.037). Patients with thicker lesions and smaller space available for the spinal cord (SAC) were more likely to exhibit T2 high intensity. Meanwhile, patients with gaps co-occurring with T2 high intensity exhibited significantly thinner lesions (p = 0.011) and larger SACs (p = 0.0002). Patients with gaps had a significantly lower JOA scores (p = 0.0035), which indicates that patient with gaps are likely to exhibit more severe clinical neurological symptoms. CONCLUSION: 3D-CT showed superiority in accurately identifying gaps within OPLL lesions, while CT demonstrated false-positive results in the detection of gaps. Furthermore, the gap presence was a risk factor for MRI T2 high intensity in the spinal cord, independent of lesion thickness. In addition, gaps are related to more severe clinical symptoms. This study highlighted the importance of evaluating gaps within OPLL lesions using 3D-CT to clarify neurological pathogenesis.

Impact of surgical treatment on patient reported outcome in patients with spinal metastases from prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate postoperative outcomes in patients with spinal metastases of prostate cancer, with a focus on patient-oriented assessments. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter registry study involving 35 centers. A total of 413 patients enrolled in the Japanese Association for Spine Surgery and Oncology Multicenter Prospective Study of Surgery for Metastatic Spinal Tumors were evaluated for inclusion. The eligible patients were followed for at least 1 year after surgery. The Frankel Classification, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status, visual analog scale for pain, face scale, Barthel Index, vitality index, indications for oral pain medication, and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire were used for evaluating functional status, activities of daily living, and patient motivation. RESULTS: Of the 413 eligible patients, 41 with primary prostate cancer were included in the study. The patient-oriented assessments indicated that the patients experienced postoperative improvements in quality of life and motivation in most items, with the improvements extending for up to 6 months. More than half of the patients with Frankel classifications B or C showed improved neurological function at 1 month after surgery, and most patients presented maintained or improved their classification at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention for spinal metastases of prostate cancer significantly improved neurological function, quality of life, and motivation of the patients. Consequently, our results support the validity of surgical intervention for improving the neurological function and overall well-being of patients with spinal metastases of prostate cancer.

Impact of the SIK3 pathway inhibition on osteoclast differentiation via oxidative phosphorylation.

Maintenance of bone homeostasis and the balance between bone resorption and formation are crucial for maintaining skeletal integrity. This study sought to investigate the role of salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3), a key regulator in cellular energy metabolism, during the differentiation of osteoclasts. Despite osteoclasts being high energy-consuming cells essential for breaking down mineralized bone tissue, the specific function of SIK3 in this process remains unclear. To address this issue, we generated osteoclast-specific SIK3 conditional knockout mice and assessed the impact of SIK3 deletion on bone homeostasis. Our findings revealed that SIK3 conditional knockout mice exhibited increased bone mass and an osteopetrosis phenotype, suggesting a pivotal role for SIK3 in bone resorption. Moreover, we assessed the impact of pterosin B, a SIK3 inhibitor, on osteoclast differentiation. The treatment with pterosin B inhibited osteoclast differentiation, reduced the numbers of multinucleated osteoclasts, and suppressed resorption activity in vitro. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that SIK3 deletion and pterosin B treatment influence a common set of genes involved in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Furthermore, pterosin B treatment altered intracellular metabolism, particularly affecting key metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. These results provide valuable insights into the involvement of SIK3 in osteoclast differentiation and the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoclast function and bone diseases.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures especially in elderly. It is caused by an imbalance between the formation of new bone and the destruction of old bone. Cells called osteoclasts are responsible for breaking down old bone. Excessive osteoclast activity results in bone loss and osteoporosis. Our research has identified a LKB1-SIK3 pathway, which acts as an energy sensor in osteoclasts. We found that this pathway is activated when osteoclast activity is increased, and we were able to reduce osteoclast activity by genetically removing or inhibiting SIK3. These findings suggest that targeting the LKB1-SIK3 pathway may be a promising new approach for the treatment of osteoporosis. Developing drugs that inhibit SIK3 may slow bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures in osteoporotic patients.

Prospective Registration Study for Establishing Minimal Clinically Important Differences in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Spinal Metastases.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective registry study. OBJECTIVE: To clarify minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for surgical interventions for spinal metastases, thereby enhancing patient care by integrating quality of life (QoL) assessments with clinical outcomes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite its proven usefulness in degenerative spinal diseases and deformities, the MCID remains unexplored regarding surgery for spinal metastases. METHODS: This study included 171 (out of 413) patients from the multicenter "Prospective Registration Study on Surgery for Metastatic Spinal Tumors" by the Japan Association of Spine Surgeons. These were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively using the Face scale, EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L), including the visual analog scale (VAS), and performance status. The MCIDs were calculated using an anchor-based method, classifying participants into the improved, unchanged, and deteriorated groups based on the Face scale scores. Focusing on the improved and unchanged groups, the change in the EQ-5D-5L values from before to after treatment was analyzed, and the cutoff value with the highest sensitivity and specificity was determined as the MCID through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The validity of the MCIDs was evaluated using a distribution-based calculation method for patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: The improved, unchanged, and deteriorated groups comprised 121, 28, and 22 participants, respectively. The anchor-based MCIDs for the EQ-5D-5L index, EQ-VAS, and domains of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were 0.21, 15.50, 1.50, 0.50, 0.50, 0.50, and 0.50, respectively; the corresponding distribution-based MCIDs were 0.17, 15,99, 0.77, 0.80, 0.78, 0.60, and 0.70, respectively. CONCLUSION: We identified MCIDs for surgical treatment of spinal metastases, providing benchmarks for future clinical research. By retrospectively examining whether the MCIDs are achieved, factors favoring their achievement and risks affecting them can be explored. This could aid in decisions on surgical candidacy and patient counseling.

Early Versus Delayed Surgery for Elderly Traumatic Cervical Spinal Injury: A Nationwide Multicenter Study in Japan.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter study. OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of early surgery for cervical spinal injury (CSI) has been demonstrated. However, whether early surgery improves outcomes in the elderly remains unclear. This study investigated whether early surgery for CSI in elderly affects complication rates and neurological outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included 462 patients. We included patients with traumatic acute cervical spinal cord injury aged ≥65 years who were treated surgically, whereas patients with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale E, those with unknown operative procedures, and those waiting for surgery for >1 month were excluded. The minimum follow-up period was 6 months. Sixty-five patients (early group, 14.1%) underwent surgical treatment within 24 hours, whereas the remaining 397 patients (85.9%) underwent surgery on a standby basis (delayed group). The propensity score-matched cohorts of 63 cases were compared. RESULTS: Patients in the early group were significantly younger, had significantly more subaxial dislocations (and fractures), tetraplegia, significantly lower ASIA motor scores, and ambulatory abilities 6 months after injury. However, no significant differences in the rate of complications, ambulatory abilities, or ASIA Impairment Scale scores 6 months after injury were observed between the matched cohorts. At 6 months after injury, 61% of the patients in the early group (25% unsupported and 36% supported) and 53% of the patients in the delayed group (34% unsupported and 19% supported) were ambulatory. CONCLUSIONS: Early surgery is possible for CSI in elderly patients as the matched cohort reveals no significant difference in complication rates and neurological or ambulatory recovery between the early and delayed surgery groups.

Asymmetric Load Transmission Induces Facet Joint Subchondral Sclerosis and Hypertrophy in Patients with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis: Evaluation Using Finite Element Model and Surgical Specimen.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with thoracic curvature primarily progresses from the thoracolumbar region, causing abnormal twisting and rotation of the spinal column. This results in unbalanced, asymmetric loads on each vertebrae and increased demands on the thoracic facet joints to withstand rotational stress from adjacent vertebrae. However, no studies have focused on the stress distribution on the facet joints of the thoracic spine in patients with AIS. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical loading and its distribution on the thoracic facet joints of AIS patients using finite element (FE) analysis and surgical specimens. FE models of the thoracic spine were created from a total of 13 female AIS patients (Lenke type 1, n = 4; Lenke type 2, n = 4; Lenke type 3, n = 5). A load of 200 N on the T3 vertebrae and 30 N each on the bilateral superior articular processes were applied vertically to quantify the contact force on the facet joints from T3 to T11. In addition, morphological and histological analyses were performed on the inferior articular processes obtained during surgery. FE analysis demonstrated that contact forces of the facet joint progressively increased from the mid to lower thoracic spine of the concave side, reaching a maximum around the apex. More than 91% of the load was transmitted by the facet joints at the concave side, resulting in facet joint subchondral sclerosis and hypertrophy. The apical facet joint in AIS helps counteract rotational stress between vertebrae and transfers most stress through the concave side. In conclusion, this study found that asymmetric load transfer in the facet joints leads to subchondral sclerosis and hypertrophy. These findings can enhance our understanding of the stress loading on facet joints and the resulting biological changes and help clarify the mechanisms involved in scoliosis progression. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Rod Rotation with Outrigger Is Substantial for Correcting Apical Hypokyphosis in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Novel Outrigger Device for Concave Rod Rotation.

The apical hypokyphosis of scoliotic patients is thought to lead to decreased lung capacity and cause shortness of breath. Additionally, concave rod curve reduction is a problem in the correction of apical hypokyphosis in posterior spinal fusion surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We investigated the contributions of rod rotation (RR) with an outrigger device, followed by differential rod contouring (DRC) with the outrigger attached to the concave rod, designed to prevent concave rod curve-flattening. We analyzed and compared the results of segmental pedicle screw fixation without the outrigger in 41 AIS patients with thoracic curves (Lenke type I, 25; type II, 16) to those corrected using the outrigger in 36 patients (Lenke type I, 24; type II,12). The changes in the Cobb angle, apical kyphosis of five vertebrae, thoracic kyphosis (TK, T4-12), correction rate, correction angle of apical vertebral rotation, spinal penetration index (SPi), and rib hump index (RHi) before and after surgery were measured, and the contribution of the outrigger was analyzed. The mean scoliosis correction rates without and with the outrigger were 72.1° and 75.6°, respectively (p = 0.03). Kyphosis of the five apical vertebrae and TK were significantly greater in the surgery with the outrigger (p = 0.002). Significantly greater improvements in SPi and RHi were also noted in the surgery with the outrigger (p < 0.05). The use of concave RR and convex DRC with the outrigger appear to be advantageous for correcting apical hypokyphosis, followed by the subsequent formation of TK. As a result, breathing problems are less likely to occur during daily life because of improvements in SPi and RHi.

Association between serum interleukin-17 levels and ectopic bone formation in OPLL patients with DISH.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the severity and morphology of heterotopic ossification in the spinal ligaments including sacroiliac (SI) joints, and serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with or without diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), as well as a non-OPLL group. METHODS: A total of 103 patients with OPLL (DISH (-), n = 50; DISH (+), n = 53) and 53 age- and gender-matched controls were included. The serum levels of IL-17 were analyzed, and the severity of ectopic ossification and the morphology of ectopic bone formation were evaluated. The SI joint morphological variations were categorized into four types. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in serum IL-17 levels between the OPLL and control groups. However, the DISH (+) group showed higher IL-17 levels than the DISH (-) group, especially in female patients (p = 0.003). Additionally, IL-17 levels were positively correlated with the number of Flat vertebral units, meaning one of the characteristics of DISH ossification type (R2 = 0.199, p = 0.012). IL-17 levels in type 4 were significantly higher in the DISH (+) group than in the DISH (-) group. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological characteristics of paravertebral bone formation in the entire spine, including the SI joint, are likely associated with serum IL-17 levels in OPLL. These findings provide pathological and serological evidence of local inflammation contributing to paravertebral ossification of OPLL patients.

Assessment of Cervical Myelopathy Risk in Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Patients With Spinal Cord Compression Based on Segmental Dynamic Versus Static Factors.

OBJECTIVE: Using segmental dynamic and static factors, we aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis and relationship between ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and the severity of cervical myelopathy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 163 OPLL patients' 815 segments. Imaging was used to evaluate each segmental space available for the spinal cord (SAC), OPLL diameter, type, bone space, K-line, the C2-7 Cobb angle, each segmental range of motion (ROM), and total ROM. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate spinal cord signal intensity. Patients were divided into the myelopathy group (M group) and the without myelopathy group (WM group). RESULTS: Minimal SAC (p = 0.043), (C2-7) Cobb angle (p = 0.004), total ROM (p = 0.013), and local ROM (p = 0.022) were evaluated as an independent predictor of myelopathy in OPLL. Different from the previous report, the M group had a straighter whole cervical spine (p < 0.001) and poorer cervical mobility (p < 0.001) compared to the WM group. Total ROM was not always a risk factor for myelopathy, as its impact depended on SAC, when SAC > 5 mm, the incidence rate of myelopathy decreased with the increase of total ROM. Lower cervical spine (C5-6, C6-7) showing increased "Bridge-Formation," along with spinal canal stenosis and segmental instability (C2-3, C3-4) in the upper cervical spine, could cause myelopathy in M group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical myelopathy is linked to the OPLL's narrowest segment and its segmental motion. The hypermobility of the C2-3 and C3-4, contributes significantly to the development of myelopathy in OPLL.

What Types of Strategies Are Effective in Lumbar Spine Surgery? Considering the Etiology, Imaging Findings, and Risk of Complications.

Lumbar spine surgery is commonly performed worldwide for the treatment of lumbar spinal disorder, and the surgery saves many patients with lower back and lower extremity pain [...].

Worsening ambulation in elderly patients with cervical odontoid fractures: A nationwide multicenter study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing prevalence of cervical odontoid fractures in older adults, the treatment strategy is controversial. The objectives of the current study are to investigate the prognosis and complications of cervical odontoid fractures in elderly patients and to identify factors associated with worsening of ambulation after 6 months. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study included 167 patients aged 65 years or older with odontoid fractures. Patient demographic and treatment data were investigated and compared according to the treatment strategy. To determine associations with worsening ambulation after 6 months, we focused on the treatment strategies (nonsurgical treatment [collar immobilization or halo vest], conversion to surgery, or initial surgery) and patients' background. RESULTS: Patients who received nonsurgical treatment were significantly older, and patients who underwent surgery had more Anderson-D'Alonzo type 2 fractures. Of the patients initially treated nonsurgically, 26% later underwent surgery. Numbers of complications, including death, and degrees of ambulation after 6 months did not differ significantly among treatment strategies. Patients who had worsened ambulation after 6 months were significantly more likely to be older than 80 years, to have needed assistance with walking before injury, and to have cerebrovascular disease. Multivariable analysis showed that a score of ≥2 on the 5-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) was significantly associated with worsening ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Preinjury mFI-5 scores of ≥2 were significantly associated with worsening ambulation 6 months after treatment of cervical odontoid fractures in older adults.

Association of Inflammation, Ectopic Bone Formation, and Sacroiliac Joint Variation in Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is considered a multifactorial condition characterized by ectopic new bone formation in the spinal ligament. Recently, its connections with inflammation as well as sacroiliac (SI) joint ankylosis have been discussed. Nevertheless, whether inflammation, spinal ligament ossification, and SI joint changes are linked in OPLL has never been investigated. In this study, whole-spinal computed tomography and serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were obtained in 162 patients with cervical OPLL. Ossification lesions were categorized as plateau and hill shapes. Accordingly, patients were divided into plateau-shaped (51 males and 33 females; mean age: 67.7 years) and hill-shaped (50 males and 28 females; mean age: 67.2 years) groups. SI joint changes were classified into four types and three subtypes, as previously described. Interactions among ossification shapes, hs-CRP levels, and morphological changes in the SI joint were investigated. The plateau shape was more common in the vertebral segments (59.5%), compared to the hill shape, which was predominant in the intervertebral regions (65.4%). Serum hs-CRP levels in the plateau-shaped group (0.11 ± 0.10 mg/dL) were significantly higher than those in the hill-shaped group (0.07 ± 0.08 mg/dL). SI joint intra-articular fusion was the main finding in the plateau-shaped group and showed significantly higher hs-CRP levels compared to the anterior para-articular bridging, which more frequently occurred in the hill-shaped group. Our findings suggested a possible inflammation mechanism that might contribute to the new bone formation in OPLL, particularly the plateau shape.

Sacroiliac Joint Variation in Patients With Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study. OBJECTIVES: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) reveals heterotopic ossification in the spinal ligament. OPLL also tends to ossify ligaments and entheses throughout the body. However, hallmarks of sacroiliac (SI) joint ossification and its variation in OPLL have not been clarified. Here, we investigated the morphological changes in SI joints in individuals with and without OPLL. METHODS: We included 240 age- and sex-matched patients (OPLL+, 120; OPLL-, 120) in the study. SI joint variations were classified into 4 types: Type 1, normal or small peripheral bone irregularity; Type 2, subchondral bone sclerosis and osteophyte formation; Type 3, vacuum phenomenon; and Type 4, bridging osteophyte and bony fusion. Type 4 was further divided into 3 subgroups as previously described. Interactions between the ossified spinal region in OPLL and morphological changes in the SI joint were evaluated. RESULTS: SI joint ankylosis occurs more frequently in patients with OPLL (51.7%) than in those without (non-OPLL) (33.3%). The SI joint vacuum phenomenon (49.2%) was the main finding in non-OPLL. SI joint ankylosis in OPLL was characterized by anterior bridging and intra-articular fusion. OPLL patients with multilevel ossification tend to develop degeneration and ankylosis of the SI joints. CONCLUSIONS: OPLL conferred a high risk of SI joint ossification compared with non-OPLL, and patients with extensive ossification had a higher rate of SI joint ankylosis. Understanding SI joint variation could help elucidate OPLL etiology and clarify the phenotypic differences in the SI joint between OPLL and other spinal disorders.

Usefulness of modified S-line for upper instrumented vertebra selection in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis Lenke type 2 curves.

No validated systems exist for selecting the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) for optimal postoperative shoulder balance in Lenke type 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This study evaluated a new method for shoulder balance prediction using the modified Shinshu line (MSL) for UIV selection in AIS Lenke type 2 curves. Fifty-five consecutive AIS patients receiving posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for a Lenke type 2 AIS curve were retrospectively analyzed according to several UIV determination models. Shoulder imbalance was judged as absolute radiographic shoulder height ≥ 10 mm at the 2-year observational endpoint. The MSL was the line between the center of the spinous process of C7 and that of the lowest instrumented vertebra. The vertebral body first touched proximally by the MSL was defined as the MSL vertebra (MSLV) and recommended as the UIV. The group with the UIV matching the MSLV had a significantly lower prevalence of shoulder imbalance of 23% (odds ratio 4.08, 95% CI 1.22-13.7, P = 0.02). Setting the MSLV as the UIV in PSF for AIS Lenke type 2 may reduce the prevalence of postoperative shoulder imbalance.

Exome Sequencing Reveals De Novo Variants in Congenital Scoliosis.

Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a lateral curvature of the spine characterized by the presence of vertebral anomalies. Pathogenic genetic variants in the TBX6 gene are one of the causes of CS. However, since many clinically diagnosed cases of CS are without known TBX6 gene variations, this study aims to uncover new genes related to disease susceptibility of CS by exome sequencing (ES). This study employed ES in a cohort of 5 Japanese patients with CS and their healthy parents or a sister for a total of 16 samples among 5 families. Variant interpretation was performed using SIFT, PolyPhen-2, Mutation Taster, and CADD. Four de novo variants were identified by ES and confirmed by Sanger sequencing: 1 frameshift variant ( SHISA3 ) and 3 missense variants ( AGBL5 , HDAC4 , and PDE2A ). ES also uncovered 1 homozygous variant in the MOCOS gene. All of these variants were predicted to be deleterious by SIFT, PolyPhen-2, Mutation Taster, and/or CADD. The number of de novo variants identified in this study was exactly what would be expected by chance. Additional functional studies or gathering matched patients using Gene Matcher are needed.

A multicenter study of 1-year mortality and walking capacity after spinal fusion surgery for cervical fracture in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: The 1-year mortality and functional prognoses of patients who received surgery for cervical trauma in the elderly remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the rates of, and factors associated with mortality and the deterioration in walking capacity occurring 1 year after spinal fusion surgery for cervical fractures in patients 65 years of age or older. METHODS: Three hundred thirteen patients aged 65 years or more with a traumatic cervical fracture who received spinal fusion surgery were enrolled. The patients were divided into a survival group and a mortality group, or a maintained walking capacity group and a deteriorated walking capacity group. We compared patients' backgrounds, trauma, and surgical parameters between the two groups. To identify factors associated with mortality or a deteriorated walking capacity 1 year postoperatively, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS: One year postoperatively, the rate of mortality was 8%. A higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score, a more severe the American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale (AIS), and longer surgical time were identified as independent factors associated with an increase in 1-year mortality. The rate of deterioration in walking capacity between pre-trauma and 1 year postoperatively was 33%. A more severe AIS, lower albumin (Alb) and hemoglobin (Hb) values, and a larger number of fused segments were identified as independent factors associated with the increased risk of deteriorated walking capacity 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-year rate of mortality after spinal fusion surgery for cervical fracture in patients 65 years of age or older was 8%, and its associated factors were a higher CCI score, a more severe AIS, and a longer surgical time. The rate of deterioration in walking capacity was 33%, and its associated factors were a more severe AIS, lower Alb, lower Hb values, and a larger number of fused segments.

A deep convolutional neural network to predict the curve progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that predominantly occurs in girls. While skeletal growth and maturation influence the development of AIS, accurate prediction of curve progression remains difficult because the prognosis for deformity differs among individuals. The purpose of this study is to develop a new diagnostic platform using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) that can predict the risk of scoliosis progression in patients with AIS. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with AIS (49 females and 9 males; mean age: 12.5 ± 1.4 years) and a Cobb angle between 10 and 25 degrees (mean angle: 18.7 ± 4.5) were divided into two groups: those whose Cobb angle increased by more than 10 degrees within two years (progression group, 28 patients) and those whose Cobb angle changed by less than 5 degrees (non-progression group, 30 patients). The X-ray images of three regions of interest (ROIs) (lung [ROI1], abdomen [ROI2], and total spine [ROI3]), were used as the source data for learning and prediction. Five spine surgeons also predicted the progression of scoliosis by reading the X-rays in a blinded manner. RESULTS: The prediction performance of the DCNN for AIS curve progression showed an accuracy of 69% and an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.70 using ROI3 images, whereas the diagnostic performance of the spine surgeons showed inferior at 47%. Transfer learning with a pretrained DCNN contributed to improved prediction accuracy. CONCLUSION: Our developed method to predict the risk of scoliosis progression in AIS by using a DCNN could be a valuable tool in decision-making for therapeutic interventions for AIS.

Association of Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Progression-Comparative Microarray Gene Expression Analysis.

The role of the ligamentum flavum (LF) in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is not well understood. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we investigated the degrees of LF hypertrophy in 18 patients without scoliosis and on the convex and concave sides of the apex of the curvature in 22 patients with AIS. Next, gene expression was compared among neutral vertebral LF and LF on the convex and concave sides of the apex of the curvature in patients with AIS. Histological and microarray analyses of the LF were compared among neutral vertebrae (control) and the LF on the apex of the curvatures. The mean area of LF in the without scoliosis, apical concave, and convex with scoliosis groups was 10.5, 13.5, and 20.3 mm2, respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that the ratio of fibers (Collagen/Elastic) was significantly increased on the convex side compared to the concave side (p < 0.05). Microarray analysis showed that ERC2 and MAFB showed significantly increased gene expression on the convex side compared with those of the concave side and the neutral vertebral LF cells. These genes were significantly associated with increased expression of collagen by LF cells (p < 0.05). LF hypertrophy was identified in scoliosis patients, and the convex side was significantly more hypertrophic than that of the concave side. ERC2 and MAFB genes were associated with LF hypertrophy in patients with AIS. These phenomena are likely to be associated with the progression of scoliosis.

Factors contributing to neck pain in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy: A prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Although the understanding of the mechanisms of low back pain due to spinopelvic sagittal imbalance has strengthened, the understanding of the mechanisms of neck pain remains insufficient. Thus, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with preoperative and postoperative neck pain in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy who underwent laminoplasty. METHODS: In this prospective multicenter study, we prospectively enrolled patients who were scheduled for laminoplasty for degenerative cervical myelopathy. The associations between different variables and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS) scores for neck pain were investigated using univariate and multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: In total, 92 patients were included in the current study. The univariate analysis showed that age, sex, cervical lordosis in neutral and extension, and thoracic kyphosis were significantly associated with the preoperative NRS score for neck pain; moreover, preoperative cervical lordosis in extension and range of motion and postoperative cervical lordosis in neutral, flexion, and extension were significantly associated with the postoperative NRS Scale score for neck pain. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the independent factors contributing to preoperative neck pain were preoperative cervical lordosis in extension, sex, and age. The independent preoperative predictor and contributor to postoperative neck pain were preoperative cervical lordosis in extension and postoperative cervical lordosis in extension, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical lordosis in extension showed significant association with neck pain in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy. Therefore, when performing laminoplasty for patients with a low cervical lordosis in extension, attention should be paid to residual postoperative neck pain.