Trends in Survival and Surgical Methods in Patients Surgically Treated for Metastatic Spinal Tumors: 25-Year Experience in a Single Institution

Background@#This study aimed to examine trends in postoperative survival and surgical methods over a 25-year period in patients surgically treated for metastatic spinal tumors. @*Methods@#We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent surgical treatment for metastatic spinal tumors between 1996 and 2020. For trend analysis, the study cohort was divided into three groups according to the year of surgery: 1996– 2004, 2005–2012, and 2013–2020. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to examine survival, and the log-rank test was used to compare the survival of the top six common cancers among the periods. The surgical methods were grouped and examined as follows: fixation only, palliative decompression and fixation, gross total removal and fixation, and total en bloc spondylectomy. @*Results@#This study included a total of 608 patients. There were 78 patients in 1996–2004, 236 in 2005–2012, and 294 in 2013– 2020. Regarding the overall survival trend, the group 2013–2020 had a significantly improved survival as compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). According to specific cancer sites, significant survival improvement was observed in patients with lung, kidney, and breast cancers (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.022, respectively). There were no significant changes in the primary sites of the liver, colorectum, or prostate. Regarding surgical methods, the proportion of gross total tumor removal declined, whereas the proportion of palliative decompression and fixation and fixation only procedures increased. @*Conclusions@#During the past 25 years, significant survival improvement was observed in patients with lung, kidney, and breast cancers. There was no improvement in survival in patients with liver, colorectal, and prostate cancers. In terms of surgical techniques, palliative decompression and fixation only procedures increased, while gross total tumor removal declined

Proximal Junctional Failure after Corrective Surgery: Focusing on Elderly Patients with Severe Sagittal Imbalance

Background@#Previous reports with proximal junctional failure (PJF) included relatively young patients or deformity without sagittal imbalance. The present study focused on the two well-known risk factors for PJF, old age and severe sagittal imbalance. With these high-risk patients, the present study aimed to identify a strategy that could prevent PJF and to investigate whether the degree of correction would really affect the PJF occurrence. @*Methods@#Patients who were ≥ 60 years of age and underwent long fusion (≥ 4) to the sacrum for severe sagittal imbalance (defined as pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis [PI–LL] ≥ 30°) were included. PJF was defined as a vertebral fracture at the uppermost instrumented vertebra (UIV) or UIV+1, failure of UIV fixation, myelopathy, or any need for proximal extension of fusion. Presumed risk factors were compared between the patients with and without PJF. @*Results@#Total 146 patients (mean age, 68.4 years) with preoperative mean PI–LL of 46.8° were included. PJF developed in 39 patients (26.7%) at a mean of 18.1 months after surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that osteoporosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.812; p = 0.019) and UIV located below T10 (OR, 3.773; p = 0.010) were significant risk factors for developing PJF. However, the degree of correction did not affect PJF occurrence. @*Conclusions@#The present study indicates that osteoporosis should be well corrected preoperatively and extending the fusion above T10 should be considered for severe imbalance in old patients. However, the amount of correction was not associated with PJF development.

Radiographic Factors of Proximal Junctional Failure According to Age Groups in Adult Spinal Deformity

Background@#Patient age has been associated with the development of proximal junctional failure (PJF). The characteristics of adult spinal deformity (ASD) are considered different between younger and older age groups. We hypothesized that the radiographic risk factors of PJF would be different according to age groups. This study aimed to evaluate different radiographic risk factors of PJF between two age groups undergoing thoracolumbar fusion for ASD. @*Methods@#ASD patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent thoracolumbar fusion from the low thoracic level (T9–T12) to the sacrum were included. The minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. PJF was defined as proximal junctional angle (PJA) ≥ 20°, fixation failure, fracture, myelopathy, or necessity of revision surgery. Using various radiographic risk factors including age-adjusted ideal pelvic incidence (PI)-lumbar lordosis (LL), univariate and multivariate analyses were performed separately in two age groups: < 70 years and ≥ 70 years. @*Results@#A total of 186 patients (90.3% women) with a mean age of 69 years were enrolled. The mean follow-up duration was 67.4 months. PJF developed in 97 patients (52.2%). There were fractures in 53 patients, PJA ≥ 20° in 26, fixation failure in 12, and myelopathy in 6. PJF developed more frequently in patients 70 years or older than in those younger than 70 years. In patients aged less than 70 years, preoperative LL, PI-LL, and a change in LL were significant risk factors in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed only a change in LL was significant for PJF development (odds ratio [OR], 1.025; p = 0.021). On the other hand, in patients 70 years or older, postoperative LL, postoperative PI-LL, and overcorrection relative to the conventional PI-LL target (within ± 10°) and age-adjusted ideal PI-LL target were significant risk factors. On multivariate analysis, only overcorrection of PI-LL relative to the age-adjusted ideal target was a single significant risk factor of PJF (OR, 5.250; p = 0.024). @*Conclusions@#In patients younger than 70 years, a greater change in LL was associated with PJF development regardless of PIrelated values. However, in older patients, overcorrection of PI-LL relative to the age-adjusted PI-LL target was a significant risk factor of PJF.

Is Scapular Stabilization Exercise Effective for Managing Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain?: A Systematic Review

Scapular stabilization is thought to have an important role in improving pain and dysfunction around the neck and shoulders, but evidence of this is lacking. We aim to systematically review the effect of a scapular stabilization exercise (SSE) on pain and dysfunction in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain (NP). We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases using the terms (NP [MeSH] OR NP OR cervical pain OR neck ache OR cervicalgia) AND (scapular exercise OR periscapular exercise OR SSEs). We included suitable studies that met the study’s inclusion criteria. Among the 227 studies identified by our search strategy, a total of four (three randomized controlled studies and one prospective study) met the inclusion criteria. The SSE was intense. It included three sets of 10 repetitions. In most of the studies, the exercises were conducted 3 times per week. Most studies reported that the SSE improved pain and dysfunction in patients with nonspecific chronic NP; however, the reviewed articles did not use the same variables for measurement. Additionally, the sample size was small. Although several studies show that SSE might improve NP and dysfunction, the effects of SSE on pain and dysfunction in the neck region remain unclear because the number of studies was small. Further high-quality studies are necessary to identify the detailed effects of SSE in patients with NP.

Anterolateral and Posterior versus Posterior-Only Approaches for the Correction of Degenerative Adult Spinal Deformity

Objectives@#This study was conducted to demonstrate the reliability of mini-open anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) combined with lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) followed by 2-stage posterior fixation in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD).Summary of Literature Review: Although the correction of ASD using LLIF has become more widespread, the amount of sagittal plane correction has been reported to be suboptimal.Materials and Method: Thirty ASD patients who underwent ALIF with LLIF followed by 2-stage posterior fixation (AP group) were compared to 60 patients who underwent posterior-only surgery (PO group) and were matched according to age, sex, diagnosis, fusion level, pelvic incidence, and follow-up duration. Spinopelvic parameters, hospitalization data, clinical outcomes, and complications were compared between the 2 groups. @*Results@#Postoperative lumbar lordosis was greater in the AP group than in the PO group (p<0.001). The reduction in the sagittal vertical axis was also greater in the AP group than in the PO group (p=0.005). Postoperatively, 90.0% of the AP group had a pelvic incidence– lumbar lordosis value within 9°, whereas only 50.0% of the PO group met that criterion (p<0.001). The operation time of the AP group was longer than that of the PO group, while estimated blood loss and red cell transfusion were lower in the AP group. Postoperative medical complications and delayed surgical complications developed more frequently in the PO group. @*Conclusions@#Mini-open ALIF with LLIF followed by 2-stage posterior fixation can restore sagittal balance more appropriately, with a lower rate of complications, than posterior-only surgery for the correction of ASD.

Clinical Significance of Resection Type and Margin following Surgical Treatment for Primary Sarcoma of the Spine: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective multi-center study.OBJECTIVES: To analyze oncological outcomes according to the resection type and surgical margin following surgical treatment for primary spinal sarcoma.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Previous studies using registry databases have shown that surgery and negative margins were associated with improved survival for primary spinal sarcoma. However, few studies have comprehensively analyzed the clinical significance of the resection type and surgical margin for the oncological outcomes of this rare malignancy.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for primary spinal sarcoma between 1997 and 2016 at two tertiary medical centers. Overall survival and the occurrence of local recurrence and distant metastasis were compared between the groups using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and the log-rank test.RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (21 males,12 females) with a mean age of 45.1 years and a median follow-up of 36 months were included. There were 13 (39.4%) chondrosarcomas, 12 (36.4%) osteosarcomas, and eight different histological diagnoses. The cohort was categorized into four groups: 1) total en bloc resection with a negative margin (n=12; 36.4%), 2) total en bloc resection with a positive margin: (n=5; 15.2%), 3) total piecemeal resection (n=12; 36.4%), and 4) subtotal resection (n=4; 12.1%). Total en bloc resection with a negative margin was associated with improved overall survival (p=0.030) and less distant metastasis (p=0.025) and local recurrence (p=0.004).CONCLUSIONS: Achieving a negative margin through total en bloc resection, although technically demanding, improves oncological outcomes in primary spinal sarcoma.

Withdrawn: Spinal Abnormalities Associated with Marfan Syndrome

This article was withdrawn by the authors' request.

Clinical Significance of Resection Type and Margin following Surgical Treatment for Primary Sarcoma of the Spine: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES@#To analyze oncological outcomes according to the resection type and surgical margin following surgical treatment for primary spinal sarcoma.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Previous studies using registry databases have shown that surgery and negative margins were associated with improved survival for primary spinal sarcoma. However, few studies have comprehensively analyzed the clinical significance of the resection type and surgical margin for the oncological outcomes of this rare malignancy.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for primary spinal sarcoma between 1997 and 2016 at two tertiary medical centers. Overall survival and the occurrence of local recurrence and distant metastasis were compared between the groups using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and the log-rank test.@*RESULTS@#Thirty-three patients (21 males,12 females) with a mean age of 45.1 years and a median follow-up of 36 months were included. There were 13 (39.4%) chondrosarcomas, 12 (36.4%) osteosarcomas, and eight different histological diagnoses. The cohort was categorized into four groups: 1) total en bloc resection with a negative margin (n=12; 36.4%), 2) total en bloc resection with a positive margin: (n=5; 15.2%), 3) total piecemeal resection (n=12; 36.4%), and 4) subtotal resection (n=4; 12.1%). Total en bloc resection with a negative margin was associated with improved overall survival (p=0.030) and less distant metastasis (p=0.025) and local recurrence (p=0.004).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Achieving a negative margin through total en bloc resection, although technically demanding, improves oncological outcomes in primary spinal sarcoma.

Withdrawn: Spinal Abnormalities Associated with Marfan Syndrome

This article was withdrawn by the authors' request.

Lumbar Extensor Muscle Size and Isometric Muscle Strength in Women with Symptomatic Lumbar Degenerative Diseases

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. PURPOSE: To determine the characteristics of lumbar extensor muscle (LEM) size and isometric muscle strength and examine their correlations in women with lumbar degenerative diseases (LDDs). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Many studies have evaluated the relationship between muscle size and strength, but the results have been controversial. METHODS: Seventy-four female patients (mean age, 66 years) who consecutively underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (L1–S1) were recruited. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the back extensor muscles was measured between L1–2 to L5–S1, and the total sum of the CSAs at each disc level was calculated. Back extensor muscle strength was evaluated using a MedX lumbar extension machine. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0–100) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0–10) of lower back pain were determined. RESULTS: The mean CSAs of the LEM at each level (L1/2–L5/S1) and the total sum were 34.3, 36.3, 35.1, 31.4, 21.9, and 156.2 cm2, respectively. The mean isometric strength at each angle (range, 0°–72°) was 32.5, 50.1, 72.0, 88.7, 100.7, 112.2, and 126.2 ft-lb, respectively. The mean ODI and VAS scores were 54.6 and 6.6, and the mean body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 59.9 kg and 24.9 kg/m2, respectively. The CSAs of the upper lumbar level (L1–4) and the total sum of the CSAs were associated with isometric strength, which was negatively correlated with patients’ age and ODI and positively associated with body weight and BMI, mainly at higher lumbar flexion angles (48°–72°). CONCLUSIONS: In women with LDD, LEM sizes of the upper lumbar levels (L1–4) were larger than those of the lower levels (L4–S1) and were positively associated with muscle strength. The upper lumbar levels in patients with LDDs appear to play a compensatory role when degenerative lesions are present in the lower lumbar levels.

Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Korean Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain Resulting from Neuropathic Low Back Pain

STUDY DESIGN: A noninterventional, multicenter, cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of the quality of life (QoL) and functional disability in Korean adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Among patients with CLBP, 20%–55% had NP. METHODS: Patients older than 20 years with CLBP lasting for longer than three months, with a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score higher than four, and with pain medications being used for at least four weeks before enrollment were recruited from 27 general hospitals between December 2014 and May 2015. Medical chart reviews were performed to collect demographic/clinical features and diagnosis of NP (douleur neuropathique 4, DN4). The QoL (EuroQoL 5-dimension, EQ-5D; EQ-VAS) and functional disability (Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, QBPDS) were determined through patient surveys. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to compare PROs between the NP (DN4≥4) and non-NP (DN4 < 4) groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,200 patients (females: 65.7%; mean age: 63.4±13.0 years) were enrolled. The mean scores of EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, and QBPDS were 0.5±0.3, 55.7±19.4, and 40.4±21.1, respectively. Among all patients, 492 (41.0%; 95% confidence interval, 38.2%–43.8%) suffered from NP. The prevalence of NP was higher in male patients (46.8%; p < 0.01), in patients who had pain based on radiological and neurological findings (59.0%; p < 0.01), and in patients who had severe pain (49.0%; p < 0.01). There were significant mean differences in EQ-5D (NP group vs. non-NP group: 0.4±0.3 vs. 0.5±0.3; p < 0.01) and QBPDS (NP group vs. non-NP group: 45.8±21.2 vs. 36.3±20.2; p < 0.01) scores. In the multiple linear regression, patients with NP showed lower EQ-5D (β=−0.1; p < 0.01) and higher QBPDS (β=7.0; p < 0.01) scores than those without NP. CONCLUSIONS: NP was highly prevalent in Korean patients with CLBP. Patients with CLBP having NP had a lower QoL and more severe dysfunction than those without NP. To enhance the QoL and functional status of patients with CLBP, this study highlights the importance of appropriately diagnosing and treating NP.

Spino-Pelvic Parameters in Adult Spinal Deformities / 대한정형외과학회잡지

In the recent 10 to 15 years, the most popular issue in the spine field is evaluation and treatment of the sagittal alignment and sagittal balance of the spine. Adult spine deformity (ASD) includes not only coronal deformity, such as degenerative scoliosis, but also sagittal deformity. Degenerative scoliosis is also associated with sagittal deformity of the spine. Even in degenerative scoliosis, accompanying sagittal deformity is more important to clinical symptoms than coronal deformity. Sagittal deformity of the spine is significantly correlated with health-related quality of life score, such as visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index, short form-36 health survey. For the appropriate evaluation and treatment of ASD, understanding the normal and abnormal sagittal alignment and sagittal balance of the spine is very important. Various compensatory mechanisms should be applied in order to maintain the balanced upright posture. Assessment of the compensatory mechanism is also mandatory for proper surgical planning. Some spinopelvic parameters show particularly high correlation with clinical symptoms in case of sagittal imbalance. Therefore, assessment of these parameters is necessary for evaluation of surgical outcomes.

Mini-Open Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Combined with Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Corrective Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PURPOSE: To introduce the techniques and present the surgical outcomes of mini-open anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) at the most caudal segments of the spine combined with lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for the correction of adult spinal deformity OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Although LLIF is increasingly used to correct adult spinal deformity, the correction of sagittal plane deformity with LLIF alone is reportedly suboptimal. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients with adult spinal deformity underwent LLIF combined with mini-open ALIF at the L5–S1 or L4–S1 levels followed by 2-stage posterior fixation. ALIF was performed for a mean 1.3 levels and LLIF for a mean 2.7 levels. Then, percutaneous fixation was performed in 11 patients (percutaneous group), open correction with facetectomy with or without laminectomy in 16 (open group), and additional pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) in 5 (PSO group). Spinopelvic parameters were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Hospitalization data and clinical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: No major medical complications developed, and clinical outcomes improved postoperatively in all groups. The mean postoperative segmental lordosis was greater after ALIF (17.5°±5.5°) than after LLIF (8.1°±5.3°, p <0.001). Four patients (12.5%) had lumbar lordosis with a pelvic incidence of ±9° preoperatively, whereas this outcome was achieved postoperatively in 30 patients (93.8%). The total increase in lumbar lordosis was 14.7° in the percutaneous group, 35.3° in the open group, and 57.0° in the PSO group. The ranges of potential lumbar lordosis increase were estimated as 4°–25°, 23°–42°, and 45°–65°, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-open ALIF combined with LLIF followed by posterior fixation may be a feasible technique for achieving optimal sagittal balance and reducing the necessity of more extensive surgery.

Diagnostic yield of computed tomography-guided bone biopsy and clinical outcomes of tuberculous and pyogenic spondylitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided bone biopsy for the diagnosis of spinal infection and compared the clinical outcomes between tuberculous and pyogenic spinal infections. METHODS: The retrospective cohort study included patients who received CT-guided bone biopsy at a tertiary hospital over the 13 years. RESULTS: Among 100 patients, 67 had pyogenic spondylitis and 33 had tuberculous spondylitis. Pathogens were isolated from bone specimens obtained by CT-guided biopsy in 42 cases, with diagnostic yields of 61% (20/33) for tuberculous spondylitis and 33% (22/67) for pyogenic spondylitis. For 36 culture-proven pyogenic cases, Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated organism. Patients with pyogenic spondylitis more frequently presented with fever accompanied by an increase in inflammatory markers than did those with tuberculosis. Among all patients who underwent surgery, the incidence of late surgery performed one month after diagnosis was higher in patients with tuberculous infection (56.3%) than in those with pyogenic disease (23.3%, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained by CT-guided bone biopsy contributed to prompt diagnoses of spinal infections, especially those caused by tuberculosis. Despite administration of anti-tuberculous agents, patients with tuberculous spondylitis showed an increased tendency to undergo late surgery.

Minimally Invasive Option Using Percutaneous Pedicle Screw for Instability of Metastasis Involving Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spine : A Case Series in a Single Center

OBJECTIVE: To report a minimally invasive treatment option using percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with adjuvant treatment for metastatic thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spinal tumors. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of charts of patients with spinal metastases. All were older than 18 years of age and were considered to have more than 3 months of life expectancy. The patients had single or two level lesions, and compression fracture or impending fracture. Exclusion criterion was metastasis showing severe epidural compression with definite neurological symptoms. Usually spinal segments from one level above to below pathology were stabilized. Visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain assessment and Frankel scale for neurological deficit were used, while pre- and post-operative performance status was evaluated using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). RESULTS: Twelve patients (nine men, three women; median age 54.29 years) underwent surgery. All patients presented with back pain with/without radicular pain. There were no early complications and perioperative mortalities. Following surgery, a significant difference between average pre- and post-operative VAS scores was found (p=0.003). Overall, 91.8% of patients (11/12) experienced improvement in their ECOG score post-operatively. The mean ambulation time was 196.9 days [95% confidence interval (CI), 86.2-307.6 days; median, 97 days]. During follow-up, nine patients died and the mean overall survival time in enrolled twelve patients was 249.9 days (95% CI, 145.3-354.4 days; median, 176 days). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive treatment using percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with adjuvant treatment is a good alternative treatment option for potential instability of the thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spinal metastasis.

Survival-Related Factors of Spinal Metastasis with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Current Surgical Treatment Modalities : A Single Institute Experience

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been prolonged with improvements in various diagnostic tools and medical treatment modalities. Consequently, spine metastases from HCC are being diagnosed more frequently. The accurate prediction of prognosis plays a critical role in determining a patient's treatment plan, including surgery for patients with spinal metastases of HCC. We investigated the clinical features, surgical outcomes, and prognostic factors of HCC presenting with spine metastases, in patients who underwent surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 33 HCC patients who underwent 36 operations (three patients underwent surgical treatment twice) from February 2006 to December 2013. The median age of the patients was 56 years old (range, 28 to 71; male : female=30 : 3). RESULTS: Overall survival was not correlated with age, sex, level of metastases, preoperative Child-Pugh classification, preoperative ambulatory function, preoperative radiotherapy, type of operation, administration of Sorafenib, or the Tokuhashi scoring system. Only the Tomita scoring system was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Comparing the Child-Pugh classification and ambulatory ability, there were no statistically differences between patients pre- and post-operatively. CONCLUSION: The Tomita scoring system represents a practicable and highly predictive prognostic tool. Even though surgical intervention may not restore ambulatory function, it should be considered to prevent deterioration of the patient's overall condition. Additionally, aggressive management may be needed if there is any ambulatory ability remaining.

Surgical Management with Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Spinal Tumors Located on Cervicothoracic Junction : A Single Center Study

OBJECTIVE: The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is a biomechanically and anatomically complex region that has traditionally posed problems for surgical access. In this retrospective study, we describe our clinical experiences of the treatment of metastatic spinal tumors at the CTJ and the results. METHODS: From June 2006 to December 2011, 23 patients who underwent surgery for spinal tumors involving the CTJ were enrolled in our study. All of the patients were operated on through the posterior approach, and extent of resection was classified as radical, debulking, and simple neural decompression. Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) was also considered. Visual analog scale score for pain assessment and Medical Research Council (MRC) grade for motor weakness were used, while pre- and post-operative performance status was evaluated using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). RESULTS: Almost all of the patients were operated using palliative surgical methods (91.3%, 21/23). Ten complications following surgery occurred and revision was performed in four patients. Of the 23 patients of this study, 22 showed significant pain relief according to their visual analogue scale scores. Concerning the aspect of neurological and functional recovery, mean MRC grade and ECOG score was significantly improved after surgery (p<0.05). In terms of survival, radiation therapy had a significant role. Median overall survival was 124 days after surgery, and the adjuvant-RT group (median 214 days) had longer survival times than prior-RT (63 days) group. CONCLUSION: Although surgical procedure in CTJ may be difficult, we expect good clinical results by adopting a palliative posterior surgical method with appropriate preoperative preparation and postoperative treatment.

Mini-Open Approach for Direct Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. PURPOSES: To introduce the mini-open lateral approach for the anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), and to investigate the advantages, technical pitfalls and complications by providing basic knowledge on extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) or direct lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Recently, minimally invasive lateral approach for the lumbar spine is revived and receiving popularity under the name of XLIF or DLIF by modification of mini-open method when using the sequential tubular dilator and special expandable retractor system. METHODS: Seventy-four patients who underwent surgery by the mini-open lateral approach from September 2000 to April 2008 with various disease entities were included. Blood losses, operation times, incision sizes, postoperative time to mobilization, length of hospital stays, technical problems and complications were all analyzed. RESULTS: The blood losses and operation times of patients who underwent simple ALIF were 61.2 mL and 86 minutes for one level, 107 mL and 106 minutes for two levels, 250 mL and 142.8 minutes for three levels, and 400 mL and 190 minutes for four levels of fusion. The incision sizes were on average 4.5 cm for one level, 6.3 cm for two levels, 8.5 cm for three levels and 10.0 cm for four levels of fusion. The complications were retroperitoneal hematoma (2 cases), pneumonia (1 case) and transient lumbosacral plexus palsy (3 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Trials of mini-open lateral approach would be helpful before the trial of XLIF or DLIF. However, special attention is required for complications such as transient lumbosacral plexus palsy.

Change of Lumbar Isometric Extensor Strengths after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Disease

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to examine changes in lumbar isometric extensor strength after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In most reports, the patients that have undergone PLIF surgery have been shown to have muscle weakness and atrophy. However, the research conducted regarding the changes in muscle strength throughout a follow up period is insufficient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients (mean age, 65 years (range, 45 to 77)), scheduled for posterior lumbar interbody fusion due to symptomatic degenerative diseases, were enrolled. Preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 month after surgery, lumbar isometric extensor strength was assessed using a MedX instrument in 7 angular positions (0-72degrees). The mean isometric strength and rate of increase were calculated. Isometric strengths were compared according to patients' age ( or =70 years) and fusion level (short: or =3) and the respective relationships were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean isometric strength changed from 89.0 preoperatively to 85.3, 110.4, and 120.8 ft-lb at each follow-up, respectively. The rate of increase of strength was significantly greater at 0degrees(36.1 %) than at 72degrees(24.2 %) (p=0.019). Preoperative isometric strengths were similar in each age and fusion level group, but isometric strengths at the final follow-up were significantly lower in older patients and in the long level fusion group (p=0.002 and 0.043, respectively). Mean isometric strength at the last follow-up showed significant associations with age and fusion level (r=-0.431 and -0.317, p=0.002 and 0.030, respectively). CONCLUSION: After lumbar fusion surgery, back muscle strength slightly decreased until 3 months and then significantly increased. However, postoperative strength increases were lower in older patients and those in the long level (>3) fusion group. These results could be basic data for a rehabilitation program after lumbar fusion.

Characteristics of Back Muscle Strength in Patients with Scheduled for Lumbar Fusion Surgery due to Symptomatic Lumbar Degenerative Diseases

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study. PURPOSE: To evaluate characteristics of back muscle strength in patients scheduled for lumbar fusion surgery. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Little is known regarding muscle strength in patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative diseases who require fusion surgery. METHODS: Consecutive 354 patients scheduled for posterior lumbar interbody fusion due to symptomatic degenerative diseases were approached for participation. 316 patients were enrolled. Before surgery, muscle strength was assessed by measuring maximal isometric extension strength at seven angular positions (0degrees, 12degrees, 24degrees, 36degrees, 48degrees, 60degrees, and 72degrees) and mean isometric strength was calculated. The Oswestry Disability Index (0-100) and visual analogue scale (0-100) for back pain were recorded. Muscle strength was compared according to gender, age ( or =70 years) and scheduled fusion level (short, or =3). RESULTS: Isometric strength was significantly decreased compared with previously reported results of healthy individuals, particularly at extension positions (0degrees-48degrees, p0.05). Isometric strengths showed significant, but weak, inverse correlations with age and Oswestry Disability Index (r<0.4, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative diseases, back muscle strength significantly decreased, particularly at lumbar extension positions, and in females and older patients.