[Clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine(2023)].

The "Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine" were formulated by the Orthopedic and Traumatology Professional Committee of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine and expert consensus, and provide clinicians with academic guidance on clinical diagnosis and treatment of CSM. The main content includes diagnostic points, disease grading assessment, TCM syndrome differentiation, surgical indications and timing, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, and postoperative rehabilitation. This guideline proposes for the first time that the treatment of CSM should follow the principle of grading, clarify the timing and methods of surgical treatment, establish common TCM syndrome differentiation and classification, attach importance to postoperative integrated rehabilitation of Chinese and Western medicine, and strengthen daily follow-up management. It hopes to promote the standardization, effectiveness, and safety of clinical treatment of CSM.

Cervical arterial dissection and traumatic myelopathy following yoga: surgical case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical spondylosis can predispose patients to central canal stenosis. In this setting, myelopathy through further flattening of the cord from extrinsic compression can be precipitated by relatively minor traumas. Arterial dissection is similarly considered a result of high velocity or momentum during trauma, commonly associated with fractures, cervical hyperflexion, or direct blunt force to the neck. Overall, precautions for both arterial dissection and myelopathy are rarely considered in low-velocity, static activities such as yoga. CASE PRESENTATION: The authors report the case of a 63-year-old man who suffered concurrent cervical myelopathy from multilevel spondylopathy, right vertebral artery dissection, and left cervical carotid artery dissection following a yoga session. Symptomatology consisted of acute onset neck pain, upper extremity sensory paresthesia, worsening gait and balance, and impaired dexterity for several weeks. Cervical MRI was obtained given myelopathic symptoms and revealed spondylosis with compression and T2 signal change at C3-C4. CT angiography of the neck revealed aforementioned dissections without flow limiting stenosis or occlusion. A therapeutic heparin infusion was started preoperatively until the patient underwent C3-C4 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Aspirin and Plavix were then started without incidence and the patient had significant but gradual improvement in myelopathic symptoms at 6-week follow-up. DISCUSSION: The static yet intensive poses associated with yoga present a rare etiology for arterial dissection and myelopathy, but patients with persistent and progressive symptoms should be screened with the appropriate imaging modality. Cervical decompression should be expedited before initiating an antiplatelet medication.

[Manual therapy combined with posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical decompression for the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of manual therapy combined with posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical decompression(PECD) in the treatment of intractable cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. METHODS: From May 2016 to May 2018, 23 CSR patients who responded poorly to conservative treatment for at least 6 weeks underwent the combination management. Firstly, the patients received the posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical decompression routine care for the following 4 weeks and manual therapy for another 4 weeks. A total of 23 patients were followed up, including 14 males and 9 females, the age ranged from 29 to 78 years old with an average of (50.30±12.28) years, the course of disease was 3 to 24 months with an average of (9.74±5.76) months. The lesion segment involved C4,5 in 4 cases, C5,6 in 13 cases, C6,7 in 6 cases. The visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), changes of cervical physiological curvature and interbody stability, adverse events were observed before and after operation. The follow-up time points were before operation, 1 day after operation and 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. RESULTS: All patients successfully completed the operation and manual treatment for 4 to 8 times. Among the 29 cases, 23 patients were followed up for more than 6 months. There was no spinal cord and nerve root injury during the treatment and follow-up. Operation time was from 80 to 120 min with a median of 90 min;intraoperative blood loss was from 35 to 80 ml with a median of 50 ml. NDI, VAS of neck, shoulder and arm each period after operation were significantly lower than those before PECD(P<0.05), while there were no significant improvement in cervical physiological curvature and target segment intervertebral space height(P>0.05);there was no significant change in interbody stability (P>0.05). After received the manual therapy, NDI significantly decreased (P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference in VAS of neck, shoulder and arm, physiological curvature of cervical spine and intervertebral space height of target segment compared with that before manual treatment (P>0.05);there was no significant change in interbody stability (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Manual therapy combined with PECD in the treatment of intractable cervical spondylotic radiculopathy can not only quickly improve the symptoms, but also alleviate the residual symptoms after PECD safely and effectively, and can not cause obvious signs of accelerated instability of cervical adjacent segments in the short term.

Manual therapy combined with posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical decompression for the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of manual therapy combined with posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical decompression(PECD) in the treatment of intractable cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.@*METHODS@#From May 2016 to May 2018, 23 CSR patients who responded poorly to conservative treatment for at least 6 weeks underwent the combination management. Firstly, the patients received the posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical decompression routine care for the following 4 weeks and manual therapy for another 4 weeks. A total of 23 patients were followed up, including 14 males and 9 females, the age ranged from 29 to 78 years old with an average of (50.30±12.28) years, the course of disease was 3 to 24 months with an average of (9.74±5.76) months. The lesion segment involved C4,5 in 4 cases, C5,6 in 13 cases, C6,7 in 6 cases. The visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), changes of cervical physiological curvature and interbody stability, adverse events were observed before and after operation. The follow-up time points were before operation, 1 day after operation and 1, 3 and 6 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#All patients successfully completed the operation and manual treatment for 4 to 8 times. Among the 29 cases, 23 patients were followed up for more than 6 months. There was no spinal cord and nerve root injury during the treatment and follow-up. Operation time was from 80 to 120 min with a median of 90 min;intraoperative blood loss was from 35 to 80 ml with a median of 50 ml. NDI, VAS of neck, shoulder and arm each period after operation were significantly lower than those before PECD(P<0.05), while there were no significant improvement in cervical physiological curvature and target segment intervertebral space height(P>0.05);there was no significant change in interbody stability (P>0.05). After received the manual therapy, NDI significantly decreased (P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference in VAS of neck, shoulder and arm, physiological curvature of cervical spine and intervertebral space height of target segment compared with that before manual treatment (P>0.05);there was no significant change in interbody stability (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Manual therapy combined with PECD in the treatment of intractable cervical spondylotic radiculopathy can not only quickly improve the symptoms, but also alleviate the residual symptoms after PECD safely and effectively, and can not cause obvious signs of accelerated instability of cervical adjacent segments in the short term.

Severe complications and management of a patient with myasthenia gravis undergoing anterior cervical spinal surgery: a case report.

Surgical management of patients with comorbid long-term myasthenia gravis (MG) is particularly challenging and MG thus represents an independent risk factor for perioperative complications. However, few studies have reported on the perioperative assessment, prevention measures, and risks in MG patients undergoing major surgery, especially for anterior cervical spine surgery. We herein report the rare case of a 62-year-old man with a 20-year history of MG, who was admitted to our hospital with diagnosis of degenerative cervical spondylosis. He safely underwent anterior cervical corpectomy of C4, discectomy of C5-6, and fusion of C3-6. Intraoperative motor evoked potential was recorded to detect significant improvement after decompression. However, the patient suffered from progressive dysphagia, bucking, and hyperpyrexia 20 days after the initial operation. Imaging revealed titanium cage sliding and graft dislodgement. Secondary surgery was performed for posterior internal fixation from C2-7 and anterior revision from C3-6 after Halo-Vest traction, antibiotic treatment, and immunoglobulin therapy. He underwent a series of postoperative treatments, including cervicothoracolumbosacral orthosis, atomization inhalation, chest physiotherapy, antibiotics, and nutritional support. His condition improved markedly and he had no recurrence of symptoms during the 6-month follow-up. It is the rare reported case of anterior cervical spinal surgery in a patient with MG. This rare case indicates a relative contraindication to anterior-only approaches especially with multiple levels for MG patients with cervical spondylosis. Posterior approach, intraoperative monitoring, osteoporosis, postoperative strong brace protection, and supportive management should be considered for patients who were on large doses of steroids for long duration of time, given the lack of sufficient bone mineral density.

Cervical balance and clinical outcomes in cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated by three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and hybrid cervical surgery: A CONSORT-compliant study with minimum follow-up period of 5 years.

ABSTRACT: As the technology of combining with fusion and nonfusion procedure, cervical hybrid surgery (HS) is an efficacious alternative for treatment with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. While studies on cervical alignment between 3-level HS and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) were seldom reported. The effects of cervical imbalance on its related clinical outcomes are yet undetermined as well.Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, who underwent 3-level ACDF or HS, were included to compare cervical alignment parameters after surgery and then explore the relationship between cervical balance and clinical outcomes.Forty-one patients with HS (HS group) and 32 patients who with ACDF (ACDF group) were reviewed from February 2007 to September 2013 with the mean follow-up of 90.3 ±â€Š25.5 (m) and 86.3 ±â€Š28.9 (m), respectively. Cervical alignments parameters including the C2 to C7 cervical lordosis (CL), C2 to C7 sagittal vertical axis, T1 slope. and T1SCL (T1 slope minus CL), and the clinical outcomes like neck disability index (NDI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score were measured and recorded preoperatively (PreOP), intraoperatively, and on the first preoperative day and the last follow-up (FFU). The balance and imbalance groupings were sorted based on the T1SCL: T1SCL≤20°,balance; T1SCL > 20°, imbalance.We found significant improvements (P < .001) in NDI and JOA at intraoperatively and FFU after ACDF and HS, and no difference on cervical alignment and clinical outcomes between the 2 procedures on the basis of intergroup comparisons. By between-subgroups comparisons, however, we found significant differences in CL and T1SCL at PreOP (P < .05). Nonetheless, there was no significant difference on the clinical outcomes between balance and imbalance subgroups at FFU at PreOP (P > .05), indicating that the change of T1SCL was not correlated to NDI and JOA at FFU.Both HS and ACDF groups showed significant clinical improvements after surgery. There was no correlation between cervical balance and clinical symptoms.

Vitamin D status in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: comparison of fusion rates and patient outcome measures.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing elective spinal fusion have an alarming rate of vitamin D deficiency, but its impact on bone fusion and patient outcomes is unclear. We investigated the association of perioperative vitamin D levels, fusion rates, and patient-reported outcome in patients undergoing spinal fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: In this one-year, prospective, single-center observational study, serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were measured perioperatively in adult patients. Serum vitamin D levels <30 ng/mL were considered abnormal. The primary outcome measures were postoperative patient-reported outcomes (Neck Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale, EuroQol EQ-5D-3L, EQ-VAS). Secondary outcome measures were the presence of and time to solid bony fusion, controlling for Body Mass Index (BMI), age, and number of motion segments. RESULTS: Forty-one of 58 patients (71%) had laboratory-confirmed abnormal vitamin D levels. Patients with low vitamin D were younger (P<0.05) and had a higher BMI (P<0.05) than patients with adequate vitamin D, but the groups were otherwise similar. There were no differences in mean time to fusion between the two groups, but patients with low vitamin D reported more postoperative disability (P<0.05). Multivariate model analysis demonstrated an independent, significant association between normal vitamin D and lower postoperative neck disability index (P=0.05) and EQ-5D-3L (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency (<30 ng/mL) is highly prevalent in patients undergoing elective spinal fusion for cervical myelopathy. Low vitamin D levels were associated with worse patient-reported outcomes and were an independent predictor of greater disability, which suggests vitamin D supplementation may offer some benefit in these patients.

[Clinical study on spinal cord decompression combined with traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect between spinal card decompression combined with traditional Chinese medicine and simple spinal card decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: From June 2012 to June 2015, 73 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated, including 42 males and 31 females, aged from 29 to 73 years old with a mean of 50.9 years old. The patients were divided into the simple operation group (34 cases) and the operation combined with traditional Chinese medicine group(39 cases) according to the idea of themselves. The anterior discectomy or subtotal corpectomy with internal fixation or posterior simple open-door decompression with lateral mass screw fixation were performed in the patients. Among them, 39 cases were treated with traditional Chinese medicine after surgery. The Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score of spinal cord function, the improvement rate of neural function, the neck dysfunction index (NDI) score and the governor vessel stasis syndrome score were compared between two groups preoperative and postoperative 1 week, 1 month and the final follow-up respectively. The internal fixation and the condition of spinal cord decompression were observed by CT, MRI and X-rays before and after operation. RESULTS: All the operations were successful, no injuries such as dura mater, spinal cord and nerve root were found. All the wounds were healed without infection except one patient had a superficial infection. It was solved after intermittent debridement and anti-infective therapy. Hematoma occurred in 1 case, complicated with spinal cord compression, caused incomplete paralysis, and promptly performed the re-operation to remove the hematoma without any obvious sequelae. All the patients were followed up from 12 to 24 months, (14.6±0.8) months for simple operation group and (13.5±0.7) months for operation combined with traditional Chinese medicine group, and there was no significant difference(P>0.05). The scores of JOA, NDI and the governor's vessel stasis syndrome in simple operation group were 8.31±3.15, 29.91±4.52, 6.58±1.31 before operation, and 10.21±2.58, 18.67±4.31, 8.24±1.18 one week after operation, and 11.38±2.85, 16.11±3.18, 8.91±2.11 one month after operation, and 12.21±3.12, 14.61±3.28, 9.12±1.56 at final follow-up, respectively; and in operation combined with traditional Chinese medicine group were 8.29±3.47, 30.83±4.14, 6.38±1.81before operation, and 10.48±2.39, 17.59±5.14, 8.33±1.57 one week after operation, and 12.14±3.12, 13.14±3.21, 9.55±2.49 one month after operation, and 13.85±3.34, 12.11±2.51, 10.33±1.95 at final follow-up, respectively. Postoperative JOA , NDI, and the governor vessel stasis syndrome score of two groups were significantly higher than preoperativee(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in JOA, NDI, and the governor vessel stasis syndrome score between two groups one week after operation (P>0.05). The above items in operation combined with traditional Chinese medicine group was better than that of simple operation group one month and final follow-up after operation (P<0.05). The improvement rate of neural function in simple operation group was (67.59±10.78)%, and in operation combined traditional Chinese medicine group was (66.88±12.15)%, there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05). There were no complications such as internal fixation failure or re-dislocation of atlas by postoperative CT, MRI and X-rays examination. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal card decompression for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy can extend the spinal canal, relieve the compression of nerve, achieve the deoppilation of governor vessel, the regulation of qi and blood, the restore of Yangqi, combined with traditional Chinese medicine of activating blood removing stasis, warming yang and activating meridians, reinforcing liver benefiting kidney, which may obtain better clinical effect.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Instrumented Allograft Fusion: Lordosis Restoration and Comparison of Functional Outcomes among Patients of Different Age Groups.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical parameters of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) treatment and outcomes using osseous allografts in different age groups, study the postoperative results of restoration of lordosis, and evaluate the utility of bone allografts for ACDF, including graft subsidence. METHODS: We reviewed data from 154 patients with clinical symptoms and radiologic signs of disc herniation and/or cervical spondylosis. Decompression was achieved through discectomy, osteophyte ablation, endplate drilling, and foraminotomy. Fusion was achieved with allografts, demineralized bone matrix, and cervical plates/screws. The relationships between preoperative and postoperative cervical spine configuration (ie, Benzel's criteria), pain intensity, and neurologic status were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 51 years, and the median duration of symptoms was 6 months. The mean age differed significantly between the patients with diabetes and those without diabetes. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.36. Fifty-two patients had disc herniation, and 102 had spondylosis. Surgery was performed on a total of 313 levels. The median duration of follow-up was 24 months. Marked improvements in postoperative spine configuration or preservation of lordosis were recorded. Overall, 122 patients were neurologically intact, and 32 patients experienced residual postsurgery neurologic deficits (minor, n = 22; moderate, n = 9; severe, n = 1). Postoperative pain intensity and neurologic status were significantly improved. Outcomes were excellent in 66 patients, good in 61, fair in 24, and poor in 3 (no mortality). No significant differences in patient age, smoking habits, diabetes, or BMI were seen among outcomes, or between patients with soft disc herniation or spondylosis. CONCLUSIONS: Osseous allografting can excellently restore cervical lordosis regardless of age and is an excellent graft choice for ACDF. Patients of advanced age with comorbidities should not be denied surgery.

Safety and Efficacy Study of an Ozone Laser Combined Therapy Using Puncture Needle in the Treatment of Patients With Cervical Spondylosis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with cervical spondylosis (CS) were treated with patented technology of ozone laser combined therapy using puncture needle between August 2008 and February 2010. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score changes before and 6 months after surgery and MacNab score criteria 6 months after surgery were analyzed. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: CS normally occurs over the age of 50 and broadly presents as either myelopathy or radiculopathy. Complementary treatment strategies have long been envisaged as a possible alternative in alleviating neck pain associated with CS; however, it is still in moderate use due to lack of adequate and convincing evidence of its safety and efficacy. The current study was to define and understand the therapeutic effects and safety of a newly developed patented technology, ozone, and laser via puncture needle, in the treatment of CS. RESULTS: The VAS score of preoperative neck and shoulder pain was (6.57±1.34) scores, which decreased to 1.80±0.65 at 1-week postsurgery, and was completely alleviated by the end of 1 month (VAS score 0-2 after 1, 3, and 6 mo after surgery) (Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, H=1.680, P=0.000). VAS scores did not exhibit any significant rebound within 6 months after surgery (29 patients were excellent; 23 good; and 6 were fair, overall excellent, and good rate of 89.6%). CONCLUSION: Ozone and laser combined therapy via puncture needle for the treatment of CS is safe and effective.

Remote motor system metabolic profile and surgery outcome in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), the motor system may undergo progressive functional/structural changes rostral to the lesion, and these changes may be associated with clinical disability. The extent to which these changes have a prognostic value in the clinical recovery after surgical treatment is not yet known. In this study, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to test 2 primary hypotheses. 1) Based on evidence of corticospinal and spinocerebellar, rubro-, or reticulospinal tract degeneration/dysfunction during chronic spinal cord compression, the authors hypothesized that the metabolic profile of the primary motor cortices (M1s) and cerebellum, respectively, would be altered in patients with CSM, and these alterations would be associated with the extent of the neurological disabilities. 2) Considering that damage and/or plasticity in the remote motor system may contribute to clinical recovery, they hypothesized that M1 and cerebellar metabolic profiles would predict, at least in part, surgical outcome. METHODS The metabolic profile, consisting of N-acetylaspartate (NAA; marker of neuronal integrity), myoinositol (glial marker), choline (cell membrane synthesis and turnover), and glutamate-glutamine (glutamatergic system), of the M1 hand/arm territory in each hemisphere and the cerebellum vermis was investigated prior to surgery in 21 patients exhibiting weakness of the upper extremities and/or gait abnormalities. Age- and sex-matched controls (n = 16) were also evaluated to estimate the pre-CSM metabolic profile of these areas. Correlation and regression analyses were performed between preoperative metabolite levels and clinical status 6 months after surgery. RESULTS Relative to controls, patients exhibited significantly higher levels of choline but no difference in the levels of other metabolites across M1s. Cerebellar metabolite levels were indistinguishable from control levels. Certain metabolites-myo-inositol and choline across M1s, NAA and glutamate-glutamine in the left M1, and myo-inositol and glutamate-glutamine in the cerebellum-were significantly associated with postoperative clinical status. These associations were greatly improved by including preoperative clinical metrics into the models. Likewise, these models improved the predictive value of preoperative clinical metrics alone. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings demonstrate relationships between the preoperative metabolic profiles of two remote motor areas and surgical outcome in CSM patients. Including preoperative clinical metrics in the models significantly strengthened the predictive value. Although further studies are needed, this investigation provides an important starting point to understand how the changes upstream from the injury may influence the effect of spinal cord decompression.

Metabolite and functional profile of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to compare the recovery of neuronal metabolism and functional reorganization in the primary motor cortex (M1) between mild and moderate cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) following surgical intervention. METHODS Twenty-eight patients with CSM underwent 3-T MRI scans that included spectroscopy and functional MRI, before surgery and 6 months postsurgery. The classification of severity was based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association questionnaire. Mild and moderate myelopathy were defined by modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores > 12 of 18 (n = 15) and 9-12 (n = 13), respectively. Ten healthy control subjects underwent 2 MRI scans 6 months apart. Metabolite levels were measured in the M1 contralateral to the greater deficit side in patients with CSM and on both sides in the controls. Motor function was assessed using a right finger-tapping paradigm and analyzed with BrainVoyager QX. RESULTS Patients with mild CSM had a lower preoperative N-acetylaspartate to creatine (NAA/Cr) ratio compared with moderate CSM, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. Postsurgery, NAA/Cr in moderate CSM decreased to the levels observed in mild CSM. Preoperatively, patients with mild CSM had a larger volume of activation (VOA) in the M1 than those with moderate CSM. Postoperatively, the VOAs were comparable between the mild and moderate CSM groups and had shifted toward the primary sensory cortex. CONCLUSIONS The NAA/Cr ratio and VOA size in the M1 can be used to discriminate between mild and moderate CSM. Postsurgery, the metabolite profile of the M1 did not recover in either group, despite significant clinical improvement. The authors proposed that metabolic impairment in the M1 may trigger the recruitment of adjacent healthy cortex to achieve functional recovery.

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Metabolite Changes in the Primary Motor Cortex after Surgery.

Purpose To characterize longitudinal metabolite alterations in the motor cortex of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) by using proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and to evaluate white matter integrity with diffusion-tensor imaging in patients who are recovering neurologic function after decompression surgery. Materials and Methods Informed written consent was obtained for all procedures and the study was approved by Western University's Health Sciences Research Ethics Board. Twenty-eight patients with CSM and 10 healthy control subjects were prospectively recruited and underwent two separate 3-T MR imaging examinations 6 months apart. Patients with CSM underwent surgery after the first examination. N-acetylaspartate (NAA), an indicator of neuronal mitochondrial function, normalized to creatine (Cr) levels were measured from the motor cortex contralateral to the greater functional deficit side in the patient group and on both sides in the control group. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were measured by means of diffusion-tensor imaging in the white matter adjacent to the motor and sensory cortices of the hand and the entire cerebral white matter. Clinical data were analyzed by using Student t tests. Results In patients with CSM, NAA normalized to Cr (NAA/Cr) levels were significantly lower 6 months after surgery (1.48 ± 0.08; P < .03) compared with preoperative levels (1.73 ± 0.09), despite significant improvement in clinical questionnaire scores. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were the same (P > .05) between the patient and control groups in all measured regions at all time points. Conclusion NAA/Cr levels decreased in the motor cortex in patients with CSM 6 months after successful surgery. Intact white matter integrity with decreased NAA/Cr levels suggests that mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction persists after surgery. © RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Risk of spinal cord injury in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament: a national cohort study.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the risk of spinal cord injury (SCI) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with and without ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Also, the study compared the incidence rates of SCI in patients who were managed surgically and conservatively. METHODS This retrospective cohort study covering 15 years analyzed the incidence of SCI in patients with CSM. All patients, identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database, were hospitalized with the diagnosis of CSM and followed up during the study period. These patients with CSM were categorized into 4 groups according to whether they had OPLL or not and whether they received surgery or not: 1) surgically managed CSM without OPLL; 2) conservatively managed CSM without OPLL; 3) surgically managed CSM with OPLL; and 4) conservatively managed CSM with OPLL. The incidence rates of subsequent SCI in each group during follow-up were then compared. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to compare the risk of SCI between the groups. RESULTS Between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2013, there were 17,258 patients with CSM who were followed up for 89,003.78 person-years. The overall incidence of SCI in these patients with CSM was 2.022 per 1000 person-years. Patients who had CSM with OPLL and were conservatively managed had the highest incidence of SCI, at 4.11 per 1000 person-years. Patients who had CSM with OPLL and were surgically managed had a lower incidence of SCI, at 3.69 per 1000 person-years. Patients who had CSM without OPLL and were conservatively managed had an even lower incidence of SCI, at 2.41 per 1000 person-years. Patients who had CSM without OPLL and were surgically managed had the lowest incidence of SCI, at 1.31 per 1000 person-years. The Cox regression model demonstrated that SCIs are significantly more likely to happen in male patients and in those with OPLL (HR 2.00 and 2.24, p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). Surgery could significantly lower the risk for approximately 50% of patients (HR 0.52, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with CSM had an overall incidence rate of SCI at approximately 0.2% per year. Male sex, the coexistence of OPLL, and conservative management are twice as likely to be associated with subsequent SCI. Surgery is therefore suggested for male patients with CSM who also have OPLL.

Outcomes of extended transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar spondylosis.

This study aims to assess the results of extended transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for a two surgeon, single institution series. In total, extended TLIF with bilateral decompression was performed in 57 patients. Pain, American Spinal Injury Association scores, patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), perioperative indices and radiographic measurements were recorded and analysed. The surgeries were performed between February 2011 and January 2014 on 38 women and 19 men. The mean patient age was 62.86 years, and the mean BMI was 30.31 kg/m(2). In 49 patients, spondylolisthesis was the primary indication. The mean intraoperative time was 284.65 min, and this decreased as the series progressed. The median length of stay was 5 days (range: 2-9). The surgical complication rate was 19.3%. Two patients died from cardiopulmonary complications. Single level TLIF was performed in 78.9% of the cohort, with L4/5 the most commonly fused level. Significant pain reduction was achieved from a mean (± standard deviation) preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) of 8.28 ± 1.39 to 1.50 ± 1.05 at 12 months postoperatively. No patients deteriorated neurologically. Spondylolisthesis was significantly corrected from a preoperative mean of 6.82 mm to 2.80 mm postoperatively. Although there is a learning curve associated with the procedure, extended TLIF with bilateral facet joint removal and decompression appeared to be a safe and effective alternative to other fusion techniques, and our results were comparable to other published case series. The stabilisation and correction of spinal deformity reduces pain, aids neurologic recovery and improves quality of life.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients Undergoing Elective Spine Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Decreased bone density secondary to osteoporosis and osteomalacia represents a significant risk factor for bony fracture and spinal instrumentation failure. We evaluated the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients undergoing elective spinal instrumentation to investigate which patient-level risk factors are associated with deficient vitamin D levels. METHODS: Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were evaluated postoperatively (<72 hours) in patients undergoing elective spinal fusion from 2011 through 2012. Patients >18 years with a diagnosis of degenerative spinal spondylosis or spinal instability treated with spinal fusion were included. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression to identify independent predictors of deficiency. RESULTS: The mean preoperative neck and Oswestry disability indexes of the 230 consecutive patients (mean, 57 ± 13.9 years) were 21.0 ± 9.8 and 22.2 ± 8.5, respectively. Mean 25-OH vitamin D level was 25.9 ± 12.4 ng/mL (range, 6-77 ng/mL). Sixty-nine (30.0%) patients had laboratory-confirmed vitamin D deficiency and 89 (38.9%) had laboratory-confirmed vitamin D insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL). The risk of vitamin D deficiency was greater in men (odds ratio [OR] 2.53; P = 0.009), patients aged 40-60 years (OR 2.45; P = 0.018), and those who had body mass index >40 (OR 7.55; P = 0.004), an existing diagnosis of diabetes (OR 3.29; P = 0.019), or no vitamin D supplementation (OR 4.96; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency was common in patients with degenerative spondylosis undergoing spinal fusion. Middle-aged patients, men, the morbidly obese, those with a history of diabetes, and those with no history of supplementation had a higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency.

A prospective randomized comparison of PEEK cage containing calcium sulphate or demineralized bone matrix with autograft in anterior cervical interbody fusion.

PURPOSE: A variety of bone substitutes have been successfully used to fill PEEK cages in cervical interbody fusion in order to avoid the complications related to bone harvesting from the donor site. However, no controlled study has previously been conducted to compare the effectiveness of PEEK interbody cages containing calcium sulphate/ demineralized bone matrix (CS/DBM) with autogenous cancellous bone for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. The objective of this prospective, randomized clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of implanting PEEK cages containing CS/DBM for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy were randomly assigned to receive one- or two-level discectomy and fusion with PEEK interbody cages containing CS/DBM or autogenous iliac cancellous bone (AIB). The patients were followed up for two years postoperatively. The radiological and clinical outcomes were assessed during a two-year follow-up. RESULTS: The mean blood loss was 75 ± 18.5 ml in the CS/DBM group and 100 ± 19.6 ml (P < 0.01) in the AIB group. The fusion rate was 94.3 % in the CS/DBM group and 100 % in the AIB group at 12-month follow-up. The fusion rate was 100 % at final follow-up in both groups. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found regarding improvement of JOA score and segmental lordosis as well as neck and arm pain at all time intervals between the two groups. The total complication rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the AIB group than in the CS/DBM group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05) when comparing the complications in the neck. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the PEEK interbody fusion cage containing CS/DBM or AIB following one- or two-level discectomy had a similar outcome for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. The rate of fusion and the recovery rate of JOA score between the two groups were the same. The filling of CS/DBM in the PEEK cage instead of AIB has the advantage of less operative blood loss and fewer complications at the donor site.

Use of autologous bone graft in anterior cervical decompression: morbidity & quality of life analysis.

BACKGROUND: Autologous iliac crest graft has long been the gold standard graft material used in cervical fusion. However its harvest has significant associated morbidity, including protracted postoperative pain scores at the harvest site. Thus its continued practice warrants scrutiny, particularly now that alternatives are available. Our aims were to assess incidence and nature of complications associated with iliac crest harvest when performed in the setting of Anterior Cervical Decompression (ACD). Also, to perform a comparative analysis of patient satisfaction and quality of life scores after ACD surgeries, when performed with and without iliac graft harvest. METHODS: All patients who underwent consecutive ACD procedures, with and without the use of autologous iliac crest graft, over a 48 month period were included (n = 53). Patients were assessed clinically at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively and administered 2 validated quality of life questionnaires: the SF-36 and Cervical Spine Outcomes Questionnaires (Response rate 96%). Primary composite endpoints included incidence of bone graft donor site morbidity, pain scores, operative duration, and quality of life scores. RESULTS: Patients who underwent iliac graft harvest experienced significant peri-operative donor site specific morbidity, including a high incidence of pain at the iliac crest (90%), iliac wound infection (7%), a jejunal perforation, and longer operative duration (285 minutes vs. 238 minutes, p = 0.026). Longer term follow-up demonstrated protracted postoperative pain at the harvest site and significantly lower mental health scores on both quality of life instruments, for those patients who underwent autologous graft harvest CONCLUSION: ACD with iliac crest graft harvest is associated with significant iliac crest donor site morbidity and lower quality of life at greater than 12 months post operatively. This is now avoidable by using alternatives to autologous bone without compromising clinical or technical outcome.