Normal Range of Movement During Rotation Stress Testing for the Alar Ligaments: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the normal range of rotation occurring during rotation stress testing for alar ligament integrity and to ascertain whether rotation range on testing is affected by an individual's age. METHOD: In this observational study, 88 people aged 18 to 86 years old with no current neck problems or known risk factors for craniocervical instability underwent rotation stress testing for the alar ligaments. The test was performed in each direction in neutral, flexion, and extension, with the participant both sitting and supine. Rotation range was recorded using an electromagnetic movement tracking system. Range was assessed overall and then compared by 10-year age groups using analysis of variance. Reliability of measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient(2,1) and standard error of measurement. RESULTS: Mean angles of upper cervical rotation ranged between 10.91° (standard deviation 3.38°) to 16.12° (standard deviation 5.13°). Overall measured rotation ranged from 1.37° to 33.22°. Participants in older age groups generally displayed reduced rotation; however, the reduction was less than 4°. Reliability of rotation measurements was good to excellent, with the intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.80 to 0.99. CONCLUSIONS: Normal range of rotation measured during stress testing for the alar ligament varied widely but did not exceed 33o. All values measured in this study fell below recommendations for ligament integrity. Age-related change was not clinically significant in the interpretation of this test in this asymptomatic population.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation of Cervical-Spine Meniscoid Composition: A Validation Study.

OBJECTIVE: The composition of cervical-spine meniscoids may have clinical significance in neck-pain conditions, but the accuracy of assessment of meniscoid composition in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging has not been established. The aim of this study was to compare cervical-spine meniscoid composition by magnetic resonance imaging with histologic composition. METHODS: Four embalmed cadaveric cervical spines (mean [standard deviation] age, 79.5 [3.7] years; 1 female, 3 male) underwent magnetic resonance imaging, allowing radiologic classification of lateral atlantoaxial- and zygapophyseal-joint (C2-3 to C6-7) meniscoids as either mostly fatty, mixed tissue, or mostly connective tissue. Subsequently, each joint was dissected and disarticulated to allow excision of meniscoids for histologic processing. Each meniscoid was sectioned sagittally, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, examined using light microscopy, and classified as adipose, fibroadipose, or fibrous in composition. Data were analyzed using the kappa statistic with linear weighting. RESULTS: From dissection, 62 meniscoids were identified, excised, and processed; 46 of these 62 were visualized with magnetic resonance imaging. For single-rater identifying structures, agreement between assessment of meniscoid composition by magnetic resonance imaging and by microscopy was fair (κ = 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.46; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that the accuracy of this method of magnetic resonance imaging assessment of cervical-spine meniscoid composition may be limited. This should be considered when planning or interpreting research investigating meniscoid composition using magnetic resonance imaging.

Clinical observation of tuina manipulations for tic disorders in kids / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of tuina manipulations in treating different types of tic disorders (TD). Methods: Eligible TD patients were classified into three types, transient tic disorders (TTD), chronic multiple tic disorders (CMTD) and Tourette syndrome (TS), according to their disease duration and severity. The three types of children were treated with the same tuina manipulations. Changes in the Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) score, effective rate for tic, and cervical spine imaging examination results (including asymmetry of the lateral atlanto-dental interval, broadened anterior atlanto-dental interval, C2 spinous process deviation, occipito-atlanto-axial flexion/ extension instability) were observed after 1-month and 3-month treatments respectively. Results: The YGTSS score changed significantly after 1-month and 3-month treatments compared with that before treatment (both P<0.01); the effective rate for TD was 46.6％ and 86.7％ respectively after 1-month and 3-month treatments; there were significant differences comparing the effective rate for tic between different types of TD after 1-month and 3-month treatments (all P<0.05); comparing the effective rate for tic after 1-month treatment with that after 3-month treatment for the same type, the intra-group differences were statistically significant [TTD group (P<0.01), CMTD group (P<0.01), TS group (P<0.05)]; the abnormal parameter rates in neck imaging examination after 3-month treatment were significantly different from those before treatment (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Tuina manipulation is effective for TTD, CMTD and TS. It can correct the abnormal alterations of patients' cervical vertebrae, and its efficacy for TTD is most significant.

Study on the angle of needling Yamen (GV 15) in atlanto-axial dislocation patients / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To compare the risk angle and safety angle of needling Yamen (GV 15) between the atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD) patients and healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 177 AAD patients diagnosed and treated at the Center of Upper Cervical Vertebra of Beijing China-Japan Friendship Hospital between January 2010 and January 2018 were included in the AAD group. Another 207 healthy subjects were included in the normal group. There were totally 191 males and 193 females. The MRI scan was performed for the cervical vertebrae to measure the risk angle and safety angle of acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) on the sagittal image. Results: In the AAD group, the risk angle was (13.14±3.99)° and the relative safety angle was (10.31±3.23)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (9.09±3.09)° for the male; the risk angle was (12.12±2.74)° and the relative safety angle was (10.56±2.09)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (9.70±2.95)° for the female. In the normal group, the risk angle was (7.89±1.59)° and the relative safety angle was (10.21±3.55)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (16.07±1.77)° for the male; the risk angle was (6.93±1.45)° and the relative safety angle was (10.70±2.94)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (14.89±2.18)° for the female. The perpendicular needling risk angles for the males and females in the AAD group were larger than those in the normal group, and the differences were statistically significant (bothP<0.01); for the inner-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the perpendicular needling risk angle between the male and the female in the AAD group (P>0.05); however, the perpendicular needling risk angle for the male was larger than the female, and the difference was statistically significant in the normal group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the relative safety angle for both the male and the female between the AAD group and the normal group (bothP>0.05). For the inner-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the relative safety angle between the male and the female (P>0.05). The oblique needling risk angles for both the males and females were smaller in the AAD group than those in the normal group, and the differences were statistically significant (bothP<0.01); the oblique needling risk angle for the male was not significantly different from that for the female in the AAD group (P>0.05); in the normal group, the oblique needling risk angle for the male was larger than that for the female, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Under the AAD condition, the risk angle and safety angle of acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) change significantly, perpendicular needling should be better if performed slightly lower than the horizontal direction, and the oblique needling should be safer across the occipital foramen toward the occipital bone.

Guidance value of TOI classification for treatment of traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To investigate the guidance value of TOI classification in treating traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation (ADD).Methods A retrospective case series study was made on 32 cases of traumatic TOI T-type ADD treated between January 2012 and December 2015.There were 19 males and 13 females,aged (38.4 ± 14.7) years.Fifteen cases of T1-type underwent external fixation or internal fixation without fusion,while 17 cases of T2-type underwent internal fixation with fusion.Symon-Lavender clinical standard,Japanese orthopedic association score (JOA),visual analogue scale (VAS),atlas-dens interval (ADI) and space available for the cord (SAC) were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.Results Patients were followed up for 6-54 months (mean,32.4 months).At final follow-up,ADI was decreased to (2.3 ± 1.4) mm from preoperative (5.6 ± 1.6) mm,but SAC was increased to (15.4 ± 1.9) mm from preoperative (12.0 ± 2.9) mm(P ＜ 0.01).At final follow-up,cervical axial rotation range of motion was 102°-154° in T1-type cases and 57°-93° in T2-type cases.Range of motion for atlantoaxial joint was preserved in T1-type cases,but lost in T2-type cases.According to the Symon-Lavender clinical standard,there were 14 cases of mild disability,nine moderate disability,eight severe disability and one extremely severe disability before operation;there were 21 cases of mild disability,nine moderate disability and two severe disability at last follow-up.Significant difference was observed in the grades according to the Symon-Lavender clinical standard before operation and at last follow-up (P ＜0.05).At last follow-up,JOA score was increased to (14.6 ± 2.9) points from preoperative (9.9± 3.2) points,and VAS was decreased to (2.7 ± 1.3)points from preoperative (6.0 ± 1.6)points (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions By using TOI classification,reconstruction of stability and improved neurological function can be achieved in treatment of traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation.Non-fusion treatment of T1-type atlantoaxial dislocation can preserve range of motion for atlantoaxial joint.

A Case of Atlanto-Axial Joint Subluxation Following Tonsillectomy in Patient of Tonsillar Cancer with Preoperative Radiotherapy: Grisel's Syndrome / 대한이비인후과학회지

Grisel's syndrome, defined as the atlanto-axial joint subluxation not associated with a trauma or bone disease, is a rare complication following operative procedure and/or infections of the upper aerodigestive tract. Pathogenetically, it may occur in association with any condition that results in hyperemia and pathological relaxation of the transverse ligament of the atlanto-axial joint. When an inflammation heals, Grisel's syndrome can probably result in a fixation in the rotated position. It is diagnosed by physical and radiological findings. Early management, consisting of cervical immobilization and medical treatment, is considered a key factor for satisfactory outcome. Inappropriate treatment can result in a catastrophic consequence. Recently, we experienced a case of Grisel's syndrome following tonsillectomy in a patient with left palatine tonsillar cancer with preoperative radiotherapy. We report this case with a literature review.

Clinical observation on acupuncture plus chiropractic treatment for cervical spondylosis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of Governor Vessel-unblocking and yang-regulating acupuncture plus chiropractic treatment on upper cervical spondylosis. Methods:A total of 64 eligible cases were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=32) and a control group (n=32) according to the random digital table. Cases in the observation group were treated with Governor Vessel-unblocking and Yang-regulating needling method, fine adjustment of the upper cervical spine and lumbosacral Ban-pulling manipulation; cases in the control group were treated with routine acupuncture and same spinal adjustment as the observation group. The treatment was done once a day in both groups. The therapeutic efficacies were observed after 10 times of treatment. Results:The total effective rate was 78.1% in the observation group and 67.5% in the control group. The difference in the total effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion:Governor Vessel-unblocking and yang-regulating acupuncture and regulate yang plus chiropractic therapy is better than routine acupuncture plus chiropractic therapy in the therapeutic effect in the treatment of upper cervical spondylosis.

Chronic neck pain: making the connection between capsular ligament laxity and cervical instability.

The use of conventional modalities for chronic neck pain remains debatable, primarily because most treatments have had limited success. We conducted a review of the literature published up to December 2013 on the diagnostic and treatment modalities of disorders related to chronic neck pain and concluded that, despite providing temporary relief of symptoms, these treatments do not address the specific problems of healing and are not likely to offer long-term cures. The objectives of this narrative review are to provide an overview of chronic neck pain as it relates to cervical instability, to describe the anatomical features of the cervical spine and the impact of capsular ligament laxity, to discuss the disorders causing chronic neck pain and their current treatments, and lastly, to present prolotherapy as a viable treatment option that heals injured ligaments, restores stability to the spine, and resolves chronic neck pain. The capsular ligaments are the main stabilizing structures of the facet joints in the cervical spine and have been implicated as a major source of chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain often reflects a state of instability in the cervical spine and is a symptom common to a number of conditions described herein, including disc herniation, cervical spondylosis, whiplash injury and whiplash associated disorder, postconcussion syndrome, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and Barré-Liéou syndrome. When the capsular ligaments are injured, they become elongated and exhibit laxity, which causes excessive movement of the cervical vertebrae. In the upper cervical spine (C0-C2), this can cause a number of other symptoms including, but not limited to, nerve irritation and vertebrobasilar insufficiency with associated vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, facial pain, arm pain, and migraine headaches. In the lower cervical spine (C3-C7), this can cause muscle spasms, crepitation, and/or paresthesia in addition to chronic neck pain. In either case, the presence of excessive motion between two adjacent cervical vertebrae and these associated symptoms is described as cervical instability. Therefore, we propose that in many cases of chronic neck pain, the cause may be underlying joint instability due to capsular ligament laxity. Currently, curative treatment options for this type of cervical instability are inconclusive and inadequate. Based on clinical studies and experience with patients who have visited our chronic pain clinic with complaints of chronic neck pain, we contend that prolotherapy offers a potentially curative treatment option for chronic neck pain related to capsular ligament laxity and underlying cervical instability.

Correlation study between the efficacy of sympathetic cervical spondylosis and the changes of imaging / 中国医师进修杂志

ObjectiveTo analyze the changes of imaging and the efficacy of sympathetic cervical spondylosis before and after treatment and discuss the correlation of them.Methods Seventy-one sympathetic cervical spondylosis inpatients who examined by X-ray,CT,transcranial Doppler (TCD) or color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI) were collected.After comprehensive treatment,the efficacy was evaluated according to the recovery of patients' symptoms,and the cases with imaging abnormalities were examined again.Then the correlation between the changes of imaging and the efficacy was analyzed.ResultsAfter treatment,all 71 cases,including 45 cases with excellent efficacy,18 cases with good effect and 8 cases turned effective,showed a fine rate 88.7％ (63/71) and an effective rate 100.0％ (71/71).The rechecked imaging results showed:in 36 lantoaxial subluxation cases by CT scanning,26 cases turned to be normal,6 cases were improved and 4 cases had finally no change; in 68 cases with abnormal X-ray imaging,67 cases were improved and 1 case had finally no change; in 38 cases with abnormal TCD results,24 cases turned to be normal,2 cases were improved,10 cases showed changes and 2 cases had finally no change;in 36 cases with abnormal cervical CDFI results,9 cases turned to be normal,10 cases were improved,15 cases showed changes and 2 cases had finally no change.The analysis of correlation between the changes of imaging and the efficacy showed:changes count by the value 0,r =0.388,t =3.500,P＜ 0.01 ; changes count by the value 0.5,t =0.361,t =3.211,P ＜0.01.ConclusionsThe efficacy of sympathetic cervicalspondylosis has positive correlation with the changes of imaging and the causes of this disease are complex.So complete and well inspection can help the syndrome differentiation treatment and confirm the efficacy.