Do key measurement parameters derived from specific cervical vertebral segments differ between lordotic and non-lordotic cervical spine alignments? A study of asymptomatic young adults.

BACKGROUND: Measurement parameters derived from specific cervical vertebral segments (e.g., C2 slope) can provide clinicians with important information on cervical sagittal balance and guide pre- and post-surgical decision-making processes. It is unclear however, what constitutes typical values for these types of measurements in an asymptomatic population of young adults, whether values change depending upon the classification of the cervical spine's global alignment, and if any non-lordotic cervical subtypes display values that are comparable to those reported for pre-surgery patients. METHODS: Neutral lateral cervical radiographs of 150 asymptomatic participants (18-30 years) were taken. Global cervical alignment was classified as lordotic or one of four non-lordotic subtypes using a multi-method subtyping protocol. Four key measurement parameters - the anterior translation of the head measure (ATHM), C0-C2 angle, C2 slope, and C7 slope - were derived from specific cervical segments. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare lordotic and non-lordotic groups. RESULTS: There was considerable variation in the four key measurement parameters amongst this asymptomatic population of young adults. Thirty-four percent of the sample were classified as lordotic and 66% were classified as non-lordotic. There was a significant difference (p ≤ 0.0125) between lordotic and non-lordotic groups for the C0-C2 angle, C2 slope and C7 slope. There was no difference between groups for the ATHM (p ≥ 0.0125). Within the non-lordotic group, the global-kyphotic (GK) subtype had the largest mean C2 slope, largest mean C0-C2 angle, and smallest mean C7 slope. CONCLUSIONS: Long term prospective investigations are required to determine whether possible biomarkers (alignment parameters/radiological measurements) for spinal degenerative changes can be identified so that early interventions can be put in place to try and reduce the impact of neck pain on society.

Different cervical vertebral bone quality scores for bone mineral density assessment for the patients with cervical degenerative disease undergoing ACCF/ACDF: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging-based study.

BACKGROUND: Bone mineral density (BMD) is important for the outcome of cervical spine surgery. As the gold standard of assessing BMD, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans are often not ordered or go unreviewed in patients' charts. As the supplement, MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) was found to accurately predict osteopenia/osteoporosis and postoperative complications in lumbar spine. However, discussion of the efficiency of VBQ in cervical spine is lacking. And measurement methods of VBQ in cervical spine are diverse and not universally acknowledged like lumbar spine. We aimed to compare the predictive performance of three kinds of different Cervical-VBQ (C-VBQ) scores for bone mineral density assessment in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. HU value of cervical spine was set as a reference. METHODS: Adult patients receiving cervical spine surgery for degenerative diseases were retrospectively included between Jan 2015 and Dec 2022 in our hospital. The VBQ scores and HU value were measured from preoperative MRI and CT. The correlation between HU value/C-VBQs (named C-VBQ1/2/3 according to different calculating methods) and DEXA T-score was analyzed using univariate linear correlation and Pearson's correlation. We evaluated the predictive performance of those two parameters and achieved the most appropriate cutoff value by comparing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: 106 patients (34 patients with T ≥ - 1.0 vs 72 patients with T < - 1.0) were included (mean age: 51.95 ± 10.94, 48 men). According to Pearson correlation analysis, C-VBQ1/2/3 and HU value were all significantly correlated to DEXA T-score (Correlation Coefficient (r): C-VBQ1: - 0.393, C-VBQ2: - 0.368, C-VBQ3: - 0.395, HU value: 0.417, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated (C-VBQ1: 0.717, C-VBQ2: 0.717, C-VBQ3: 0.727, HU value: 0.746). The AUC of the combination of C-VBQ3 and HU value was 0.786. At last, the most appropriate cutoff value was determined (C-VBQ1: 3.175, C-VBQ2: 3.005, C-VBQ3: 2.99, HU value: 299.85 HU). CONCLUSIONS: Different MRI-based C-VBQ scores could all be potential and alternative tools for opportunistically screening patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis before cervical spine surgery. Among them, C-VBQ calculated in ASIC2-C7/SIT1-CSF performed better. We advised patients with C-VBQ higher than cutoff value to accept further BMD examination.

Interbody Cage Placement Without Plate Supplementation Adjacent to Plated Segments in Multilevel Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of hybrid anterior cervical fixation, focusing on stand-alone segments. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In the treatment of multilevel cervical stenosis, the number of segments fixed using a plate is limited by placing an interbody cage without plate supplementation at one end of the surgical segment to reduce long plate-related problems. However, the stand-alone segment may experience cage extrusion, subsidence, cervical alignment deterioration, and nonunion. METHODS: Patients who underwent three-segment or four-segment fixation for cervical degenerative disease and completed one-year follow-up were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: a cranial group, with stand-alone segments located at the cranial end adjacent to plated segments, and a caudal group, with stand-alone segments located at the caudal end. Differences in radiographic outcomes between the groups were evaluated. Fusion was defined using dynamic radiographs or computed tomography. To identify factors associated with nonunion in stand-alone segments, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. To identify factors associated with cage subsidence, multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients (mean age, 59±11 y; 72% male; mean fixed segments, 3.7±0.5 segments) were included in this study. No case showed cage extrusion or plate dislodgement. In stand-alone segments, the fusion rate was significantly lower in the caudal group than in the cranial group (76% vs. 93%, P =0.019). Change in the cervical sagittal vertical axis was worse in the caudal group than in the cranial group (2.7±12.3 mm vs. -2.7±8.1 mm, P =0.006). One caudal group patient required additional surgery because of nonunion at the stand-alone segment. Multivariable logistic regression indicated factors associated with nonunion included the location of the stand-alone segment (caudal end: OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.29-16.90), larger pre-disk space range of motion (OR 1.15, 95% CI, 1.04-1.27), and lower preoperative disk space height (OR 0.57, 95% CI, 0.37-0.87). Multiple regression analysis indicated that higher cage height and lower pre-disk space height were associated with cage subsidence. CONCLUSION: Hybrid anterior cervical fixation with stand-alone interbody cage placement adjacent to plated segments may avoid long plate-related problems. Our results suggest that the cranial end of the construct may be more suitable for the stand-alone segment than the caudal end.

[Study on the correlation between the thickness of superficial fascia at Dazhui(GV14) and cervical spondylosis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the correlation between the thickness of superficial fascia at Dazhui (GV14) acupoint and cervical spondylosis, so as to explore the essence of its morphological and structural changes of acupoint sensitivity. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. According to the diagnostic criteria of "Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Cervical Spondylosis" (2017), 344 cases of cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were included and divided into control group (73 cases) and observation group (271 cases). The control group was healthy population, and the observation group was patients with cervical spondylosis conforming to the diagnostic criteria, including cervical spondylosis of neck type, cervical spondylosis radiculopathy, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type, and sympathetic cervical spondylosis. According to MRI images of cervical spine, the structure of GV14 acupoint including skin, superficial fascia layer and aponeurosis ligament layer were measured. RESULTS: The acupoint depth and the superficial fascia thickness at GV14 in the observation group were (56.6±8.8) mm and (22.8±7.6) mm, the acupoint depth and the superficial fascia thickness at GV14 were (49.8±7.0) mm and (16.6±6.6)mm in the control group, which were significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). The superficial fascia thickness at GV14 of cervical spondylotic mye-lopathy, cervical spondylosis of neck type and cervical spondylosis radiculopathy in the observation group was (23.8±8.1)mm, (23.0±7.3)mm and (22.6±6.5)mm, the acupoint depth of GV14 was (58.7±8.8)mm, (56.2±9.1)mm and (55.8±6.4)mm, which were significantly thicker than the superficial fascia thickness and the acupoint depth in the control group (P<0.01). In the observation group，the superficial fascia thickness of GV14 of cervical spondylosis myelopathy was significantly thicker than those of sympathetic cervical spondylosis (17.8±8.1) mm and cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type (19.9±5.9) mm (P<0.01, P<0.05). In the observation group, the depth of GV14 of cervical spondylosis myelopathy was thicker than that of cervical spondylosis of neck type, cervical spondylosis radiculopathy, sympathetic cervical spondylosis and cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type(P<0.05，P<0.01)； the depth of GV14 of sympathetic cervical spondylosis was thinner than that of cervical spondylosis of neck type and cervical spondylosis radiculopathy (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The superficial fascia thickness at GV14 was correlated with cervical spondylosis, and it is also related to cervical spondylotic myelopathy, cervical spondylosis of neck type and cervical spondylosis radiculopathy. The morphological and structural changes of GV14 in the state of cervical spondylosis were mainly the thickness of the superficial fascia.

Cervical Spondylosis Managed With Homoeopathy: A Case Report.

Context: Cervical spondylosis (CS) is a chronic degenerative condition that presents with chronic neck pain and stiffness with radiation of pain to the occiput or upper limbs and a sensation of numbness or tingling. Conservative treatment only provides short term relief. Objective: This case was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of individualised homoeopathy in the management of CS. Methods: A 39-year-old female patient was treated in the outpatient dept at Dr. D. Y. Patil homoeopathic medical college and research centre with the complaint of neck pain with stiffness. Radiological findings revealed the diagnosis of cervical spondylosis. Individualised homoeopathic medicine was selected after detailed case taking. 'Modified naranjo criteria' were used to assess the effect of homoeopathic medicine. Result: Homoeopathic medicine silicea terra was prescribed and found to be effective in this case. Conclusion: Further studies can be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of individualised homoeopathic medicine in the management of cervical spondylosis.

Inter-rater Accuracy and Reliability of a Palpation Protocol of the C7 Spinous Process Comprising a Combination of 3 Traditional Palpation Techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and intrarater reliability of a palpatory protocol based on a combination of 3 palpatory methods to identify both the C7 spinous process (C7 SP) and the factors that affect the errors and inaccuracy of palpation. METHODS: Twenty-five women between the ages of 18 and 60 years were submitted to a palpation protocol of the C7 SP, and a radiopaque marker was fixed on the skin at the possible location of the vertebrae. A radiograph and a photograph of the cervical spine were obtained in the same posture by a first rater. A second rater performed the same palpation protocol and took a second photograph. The accuracy and measurement error of the palpation protocol of C7 SP were assessed through radiographic images. The inter-rater reliability was estimated by the interclass correlation coefficient and assessed using photographs of each rater. The Pearson's correlation coefficients (r), the Fisher exact test, and the χ2 test were used to identify the factors associated with the error and inaccuracy of palpation. RESULTS: Accuracy of the C7 palpation was 76% with excellent reliability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). There was a moderate correlation between weight and the measurement of palpation error (r = -0.6; P = .003). One hundred percent of inaccuracy palpation was related to the increased soft-tissue thickness (P = .005) in the cervical region. CONCLUSION: The palpation protocol described in this study was accurate and presented excellent reliability in identifying the C7 SP. Increased weight and dorsocervical fat pad were associated to error and palpation inaccuracy, respectively.

Ordering of computed tomography scans for head and cervical spine: a qualitative study exploring influences on doctors' decision-making.

BACKGROUND: Ordering of computed tomography (CT) scans needs to consideration of diagnostic utility as well as resource utilisation and radiation exposure. Several factors influence ordering decisions, including evidence-based clinical decision support tools to rule out serious disease. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore factors influencing Emergency Department (ED) doctors' decisions to order CT of the head or cervical spine. METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected ED doctors from two affiliated public hospitals. An interview tool with 10 questions, including three hypothetical scenarios, was developed and validated to guide discussions. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and compared with field notes. Transcribed data were imported into NVivo Release 1.3 to facilitate coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS: In total 21 doctors participated in semi-structured interviews between February and December 2020; mean interview duration was 35 min. Data saturation was reached. Participants ranged from first-year interns to experienced consultants. Five overarching emerging themes were: 1) health system and local context, 2) work structure and support, 3) professional practices and responsibility, 4) reliable patient information, and 5) holistic patient-centred care. Mapping of themes and sub-themes against a behaviour change model provided a basis for future interventions. CONCLUSIONS: CT ordering is complex and multifaceted. Multiple factors are considered by ED doctors during decisions to order CT scans for head or c-spine injuries. Increased education on the use of clinical decision support tools and an overall strategy to improve awareness of low-value care is needed. Strategies to reduce low-yield CT ordering will need to be sustainable, sophisticated and supportive to achieve lasting change.

The surgical outcome of multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in myelopathic elderly and younger patients.

The elderly population has an increased risk of degenerative cervical myelopathy due to multilevel disease, causing motor and sensory dysfunctions and a poor quality of life. Multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an alternative surgical treatment option, but has a perceived higher risk of complications. The goal of this study is to report the outcome. We retrospectively reviewed patients from 2006 to 2019 undergoing multilevel ACDF for degenerative cervical myelopathy and compared outcomes and complications between elder patients (aged 70 and above) and younger patients (below 70). The patients' comorbidities, and postoperative complications, radiographic parameters such as C2-C7 Cobb angle, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis, inter-body height of surgical levels and fusion rate were recorded. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and modified Odom's score were collected. Included were 18 elderly (mean age 74, range 70-87) and 45 young patients (mean age 56, range 43-65) with a follow-up of 43.8 and 55.5 months respectively. Three-level ACDF was the most common. The ratios of ASA class III patients were 94.4% and 48.9% (p < 0.001). The Charlson comorbidity indexes were 4.3 ± 1.03 and 2.1 ± 1.11 (p < 0.001). The average lengths of hospital stays were 4.9 and 4.6 days. Eleven patients (61.1%) in the elderly group experienced at least one short-term complication, compared with 16 patients (35.6%) in the younger group (p < 0.05). The middle-term complications were comparable (22.2% and 20.0%). The JOA score, recovery rate and modified Odom score showed comparable result between groups. Despite its extensiveness, multilevel ACDF is feasible for the elder patients with good clinical outcome and fusion rate. When compared to younger cohort, there is a trend of lower preoperative JOA score and recovery rate. The short-term complication rate is higher in the elderly group.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression system traction combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of multi-segmental cervical disc herniation: A case report.

RATIONALE: With the spread of computers and mobile phones, cervical spondylosis has become a common occupational disease in clinics, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. We used a nonsurgical spinal decompression system (SDS) combined with physical therapy electroacupuncture (EA) to treat a case of mixed cervical spondylosis caused by multi-level cervical disc herniation, and we achieved satisfactory results. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 44-year-old Caucasian Asian woman presented with neck pain and numbness on the left side of the limb. MRI showed the patient's C3-C7 segment cervical disc herniation, and the flexion arch of the cervical spine was reversed. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with a mixed cervical spondylosis. INTERVENTIONS: The patient received a month of physical therapy (SDS traction combined with EA). OUTCOMES: Before and after treatment: VAS score of neck pain decreased from 8 to 0; Cervical spine mobility returned to normal; The grip strength of left hand increased from 7.5 kg to 19.2 kg; Cervical curvature index changed from -16.04% to -3.50%; the physiological curvature of the cervical spine was significantly restored. There was no dizziness or neck discomfort at 6 month and 1 year follow-up. LESSONS SUBSETIONS: SDS traction combined with EA is effective for the treatment of cervical disc herniation and can help restore and rebuild the biomechanical balance of the cervical spine.

Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Changes in Cervical Motion Segment Interactions in Patients With Neck Pain: An Observational Study With Matched Asymptomatic Controls.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine (1) if maximal intervertebral range of motion (IV-RoMmax) and laxity interactions exist in the cervical spine during flexion, (2) if there are differences in IV-RoMmax or laxity parameters between baseline and follow-up in both patients with neck pain and asymptomatic controls, and (3) if there is an effect on IV-RoMmax/laxity relationships in patients with neck pain after spinal manipulative therapy. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with subacute or chronic neck pain and 33 asymptomatic controls were imaged during flexion and extension, pre and post a course of cervical chiropractic manipulation (patient group only), using a standardized quantitative fluoroscopy acquisition protocol. RESULTS: Significant correlations between IV-RoMs were found in both neck pain and neck pain-free populations at baseline and follow-up. Positive relationships were found between C2-C3 and C3-C4 and C4-C5 and C5-C6 IV-RoM in both populations. A negative correlation was found in the patient group at baseline between C1-C2 and C5-C6, but not at follow-up. Significant relationships were also found for segmental laxity, with a negative correlation found at C1-C2 and C5-C6 in the patient group only and at baseline only. CONCLUSION: Distinct relationships were found between both intraregional IV-RoM and laxity, many of which were present in both groups at baseline and follow-up, suggestive of normal kinematic behaviors. Changes in correlations unique to the patient group may be indicative of a change in regional kinematics resulting from the manipulation intervention. Spinal manipulative therapy may have a therapeutic effect by influencing cervical kinematics at the regional level.

Localised manual therapy treatment has a preferential effect on the kinematics of the targeted motion segment.

AIM: An observational cohort study to determine whether localised manual therapy results in a preferential increase in mobility of the targeted motion segment. METHOD: Eighteen participants with mechanical neck pain had three MRIs of their cervical spine. The first two were taken prior to treatment in neutral and at the end of active rotation in their more limited rotation. Participants received localised manual therapy targeting a motion segment deemed to be relevant to their presentation until either their range increased by > 10° or 8 min, whichever came first. A third MRI was performed immediately after treatment with their head in the same rotated position as pre-treatment. In the images, each vertebra was segmented using a semi-automated process. Movement between neutral and rotated positions was calculated as Euler angles and distance of facet translations for each motion segment. RESULTS: Rotation and lateral flexion at the targeted location increased by 40% (mean 0.86° (CI: 0.24-1.48) and 15% (mean 0.52° (CI: 0.17-1.21) respectively with only the CIs for rotation not containing zero. The mean changes for the non-targeted locations were less than 0.1° for each axis and all CIs contained zero. Facet translations at the targeted location increased by 25% (0.419 mm) and decreased by >4% (>0.01 mm) at the untreated locations but the wide CIs both contained zero. CONCLUSION: Localised manual therapy seems to have a preferential effect on mobility of the targeted motion segment. The findings support considering segmental dysfunction in clinical reasoning and the use of specifically targeted manual therapy interventions.

The reliability in determining the deep fascia displacement of the upper trapezius during cervical movement: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Restricted shoulder fascia displacement may be an etiological factor for myofascial pain syndrome. A diagnostic ultrasound video can follow deep fascia displacement during active cervical movements. Trackers can be applied to videos to convert deep fascia displacement into data points. This study reports on assessors' reliability in evaluating direction and quantifying upper trapezius' deep fascia displacement during active cervical movements. METHODS: PT-Sonographer 1 recorded deep fascia displacement of upper trapezius for three sets using HS1 Konica Minolta diagnostic ultrasound. The recording sequence used was cervical flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, left lateral flexion, right rotation, and left rotation. The three assessors used the tracker to determine direction of deep fascia displacement. PT-Sonographer 1 used the tracker three times in quantifying deep fascia displacement. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa determined the assessors' intra-tester and inter-tester reliability. RESULTS: Ten participants were included in the study with a mean±(SD) age of 37±(6). All the assessors had acceptable intra-tester reliability in determining deep fascia displacement on tracker (ICC≥0.40). All assessors had clinically unacceptable inter-tester reliability in determining deep fascia displacement when tracking right rotation (ICC < 0.40). PT-Sonographer 1 had clinically unacceptable intra-tester reliability in determining deep fascia displacement when tracking left rotation (ICC<0.40). CONCLUSION: We report clinically acceptable assessors' reliability in determining direction and total deep fascia displacement when tracking diagnostic ultrasound videos of cervical flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. Checking for reliable deep fascia displacements may distinguish MPS from non-MPS individuals increasing the utility of diagnostic ultrasound machine and tracker in clinical practice.

Physical therapy treatment of a pediatric patient with symptoms consistent with a spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality: A retrospective case report.

BACKGROUND: A spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) is a relatively uncommon event that occurs in children following cervical trauma primarily due to sports-related injuries or physical abuse. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report describes an 11-year-old wrestler that developed signs and symptoms consistent with a SCIWORA following neck trauma during competition. Despite all diagnostic tests being inconclusive, the patient demonstrated increased cervical, thoracic, and lumbar paraspinal tone along with pain, loss of sensation, loss of mobility, and weakness of the lower extremities. As a result, the patient was confined to a wheelchair and required maximum assistance to transfer and ambulate with a walker. The patient was referred to physical therapy nine days after the traumatic event, where he received interferential current with moist heat, myofascial release of paraspinal muscles, functional exercise, gait training, and spinal manipulative therapy targeting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. OUTCOME: After 13 physical therapy treatments over 5-weeks, the patient was able to ambulate independently and perform all activities of daily living without pain or functional limitation. The following case report outlines this patient's successful journey toward recovery. CONCLUSION: This case report suggests that spinal manipulative therapy may be a safe and effective intervention when used within a multi-modal treatment strategy for patients with signs and symptoms consistent with SCIWORA. Moreover, spinal manipulative therapy may be considered a beneficial treatment in some pediatric patients. However, this report describes a single patient, and further research is required on the use of spinal manipulation in this patient population.

Predictors of Superior Recovery Kinetics in Adult Cervical Deformity Correction: An Analysis Using a Novel Area Under the Curve Methodology.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of a prospective database. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify demographic, surgical, and radiographic factors that predict superior recovery kinetics following cervical deformity (CD) corrective surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Analyses of CD corrective surgery use area under the curve (AUC) to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) metrics throughout recovery. METHODS: Outcome measures were baseline (BL) to 1-year (1Y) health-related quality of life (HRQL) (Neck Disability Index [NDI]). CD criteria were C2-7 Cobb angle >10°, coronal Cobb angle >10°, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) >4 cm, TS-CL >10°, or chin-brow vertical angle >25°. AUC normalization divided BL and postoperative outcomes by BL. Normalized scores (y axis) were plotted against follow-up (x axis). AUC was calculated and divided by cumulative follow-up length to determine overall, time-adjusted recovery (Integrated Health State [IHS]). IHS NDI was stratified by quartile, uppermost 25% being "Superior" Recovery Kinetics (SRK) versus "Normal" Recovery Kinetics (NRK). BL demographic, clinical, and surgical information predicted SRK using generalized linear modeling. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients included (62 ±â€Š10 years, 28 ±â€Š6 kg/m2, 65% females, Charlson Comorbidity Index: 0.95), 6% smokers, 31% smoking history. Surgical approach was: combined (33%), posterior (49%), anterior (18%). Posterior levels fused: 8.7, anterior: 3.6, estimated blood loss: 915.9ccs, operative time: 495 minutes. Ames BL classification: cSVA (53.2% minor deformity, 46.8% moderate), TS-CL (9.8% minor, 4.3% moderate, 85.9% marked), horizontal gaze (27.4% minor, 46.6% moderate, 26% marked). Relative to BL NDI (Mean: 47), normalized NDI decreased at 3 months (0.9 ±â€Š0.5, P = 0.260) and 1Y (0.78 ±â€Š0.41, P < 0.001). NDI IHS correlated with age (P = 0.011), sex (P = 0.042), anterior approach (P = 0.042), posterior approach (P = 0.042). Greater BL pelvic tilt (PT) (SRK: 25.6°, NRK: 17°, P = 0.002), pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) (SRK: 8.4°, NRK: -2.8°, P = 0.009), and anterior approach (SRK: 34.8%, NRK: 13.3%; P = 0.020) correlated with SRK. 69.4% met MCID for NDI (<Δ-15) and 63.3% met substantial clinical benefit for NDI (<Δ-10); 100% of SRK met both MCID and substantial clinical benefit. The predictive model for SRK included (AUC = 88.1%): BL visual analog scale (VAS) EuroQol five-dimensional descriptive system (EQ5D) (odds rario [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-0.99), BL swallow sleep score (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06), BL PT (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.22), BL modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale (mJOA) (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.07-2.16), BL T4-T12, BL T10-L2, BL T12-S1, and BL L1-S1. CONCLUSION: Superior recovery kinetics following CD surgery was predicted with high accuracy using BL patient-reported (VAS EQ5D, swallow sleep, mJOA) and radiographic factors (PT, TK, T10-L2, T12-S1, L1-S1). Awareness of these factors can improve decision-making and reduce postoperative neck disability.Level of Evidence: 3.

Craniocervical Posture Assessed With Photogrammetry and the Accuracy of Palpation Methods for Locating the Seventh Cervical Spinous Process: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare craniocervical posture assessed by photogrammetry using 2 distinct palpation methods for locating the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7SP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 phases. In phase I (n = 42), the assessor's accuracy in locating the C7SP using the flexion-extension and the modified thorax-rib static methods was compared to radiography. In phase II (n = 68), the craniocervical posture was analyzed with photogrammetry after palpation using the 2 methods. Neck pain intensity and disability were also determined. RESULTS: The accuracy in locating the C7SP was higher using the modified thorax-rib static method (67%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 55-79) compared to the flexion-extension method (38%, 95% CI, 26-50, P = .016). Lower values of the craniocervical angle were obtained with the flexion-extension method than the modified thorax-rib static method (mean difference = -1.1°, 95% CI, -1.6 to -0.6, P < .001). However, both palpation methods resulted in similar classifications of participants as with or without forward head posture (P = .096). Weak correlations were observed between the craniocervical angle and neck pain intensity (ρ = -0.088 and -0.099, respectively) and disability (ρ = -0.231 and -0.249, respectively). CONCLUSION: Craniocervical angles obtained using palpation methods with different accuracies were different, although the magnitude of the difference was insufficient to lead to different classifications of a forward head posture in adults with mild neck pain and disability. Craniocervical posture was weakly correlated with neck-pain intensity and disability.

Vertebral pneumaticity is correlated with serial variation in vertebral shape in storks.

Birds and their ornithodiran ancestors are unique among vertebrates in exhibiting air-filled sinuses in their postcranial bones, a phenomenon called postcranial skeletal pneumaticity. The factors that account for serial and interspecific variation in postcranial skeletal pneumaticity are poorly understood, although body size, ecology, and bone biomechanics have all been implicated as influencing the extent to which pneumatizing epithelia invade the skeleton and induce bone resorption. Here, I use high-resolution computed-tomography to holistically quantify vertebral pneumaticity in members of the neognath family Ciconiidae (storks), with pneumaticity measured as the relative volume of internal air space. These data are used to describe serial variation in extent of pneumaticity and to assess whether and how pneumaticity varies with the size and shape of a vertebra. Pneumaticity increases dramatically from the middle of the neck onwards, contrary to previous predictions that cervical pneumaticity should decrease toward the thorax to maintain structural integrity as the mass and bending moments of the neck increase. Although the largest vertebrae sampled are also the most pneumatic, vertebral size cannot on its own account for serial or interspecific variation in extent of pneumaticity. Vertebral shape, as quantified by three-dimensional geometric morphometrics, is found to be significantly correlated with extent of pneumaticity, with elongate vertebrae being less pneumatic than craniocaudally short and dorsoventrally tall vertebrae. Considered together, the results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that shape- and position-specific biomechanics influence the amount of bone loss that can be safely tolerated. These results have potentially important implications for the evolution of vertebral morphology in birds and their extinct relatives.

Asymmetry of Cervical Multifidus and Longus Colli Muscles Size in Participants With and Without Cervical Radicular Pain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the asymmetry of cervical multifidus (MF) and longus colli (LC) muscles in patients with unilateral chronic radicular neck pain (CRNP) and healthy subjects using ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety five individuals (50 patients with unilateral CRNP and 45 healthy subjects) participated in this study. The size of the cervical MF and LC muscles; anterior posterior dimension (APD) and lateral dimension (LD); were bilaterally measured in a relaxed state using ultrasonography. RESULTS: Patients with CRNP showed greater asymmetry in the cervical MF and LC muscles size than the healthy subjects. The mean percentages differences between sides for MF and LC muscles size was higher in patients than that of healthy subjects (for both APD and LD; P<0.05). The ratio of smaller to larger dimensions of the cervical MF and LC muscles for patients were significantly less than that of healthy controls (for both APD and LD; P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that cervical MF and LC muscles showed higher asymmetry between sides and lesser ratio of smaller size to larger size in patients with CRNP as compared with healthy subjects. Current results confirmed the presence of MF and LC muscles atrophy in subjects with CRNP.