Preoperative Performance Status Threshold for Favorable Surgical Outcome in Metastatic Spine Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical treatment is an integral component of multimodality management of metastatic spine disease but must be balanced against the risk of surgery-related morbidity and mortality, making tailored surgical counseling a clinical challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential predictive value of the preoperative performance status for surgical outcome in patients with spinal metastases. METHODS: Performance status was determined using the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), and surgical outcome was classified as "favorable" or "unfavorable" based on postoperative changes in neurological function and perioperative complications. The correlation between preoperative performance status and surgical outcome was assessed to determine a KPS-related performance threshold. RESULTS: A total of 463 patients were included. The mean age was 63 years (range: 22-87), and the mean preoperative KPS was 70 (range: 30-100). Analysis of clinical outcome in relation to the preoperative performance status revealed a KPS threshold between 40% and 50% with a relative risk of an unfavorable outcome of 65.7% in KPS ≤40% compared with the relative chance for a favorable outcome of 77.1% in KPS ≥50%. Accordingly, we found significantly higher rates of preserved or restored ambulatory function in KPS ≥50% (85.7%) than in KPS ≤40% (48.6%; P < .001) as opposed to a significantly higher risk of perioperative mortality in KPS ≤40% (11.4%) than in KPS ≥50% (2.1%, P = .012). CONCLUSION: Our results underline the predictive value of the KPS in metastatic spine patients for counseling and decision-making. The study suggests an overall clinical benefit of surgical treatment of spinal metastases in patients with a preoperative KPS score ≥50%, while a high risk of unfavorable outcome outweighing the potential clinical benefit from surgery is encountered in patients with a KPS score ≤40%.

Torque forces of expandable titanium vertebral body replacement cages during expansion and subsidence in the osteoporotic lumbar spine.

BACKGROUND: The application of expandable titanium-cages has gained widespread use in vertebral body replacement for indications such as burst fractures, tumors and infectious destruction. However, torque forces necessary for a satisfactory expansion of these implants and for subsidence of them into the adjacent vertebrae are unknown within the osteoporotic spine. METHODS: Six fresh-frozen human, osteoporotic, lumbar spines were dorsally instrumented with titanium implants (L2-L4) and a partial corpectomy of L3 was performed. An expandable titanium-cage was inserted ventrally and expanded by both residents and senior surgeons until fixation was deemed sufficient, based on haptic feedback. Torque forces for expansion were measured in Nm. Expansion was then continued until cage subsidence occurred. Torque forces necessary for subsidence were recorded. Strain of the dorsal rods during expansion was measured with strain gauges. FINDINGS: The mean torque force for fixation of cages was 1.17 Nm (0.9 Nm for residents, 1.4 Nm for senior surgeons, p = .06). The mean torque force for subsidence of cages was 3.1 Nm (p = .005). Mean peak strain of the dorsal rods was 970 µm/m during expansion and 1792 µm/m at subsidence of cages (p = .004). INTERPRETATION: The use of expandable titanium-cages for vertebral body replacement seems to be a primarily safe procedure even within the osteoporotic spine as torque forces required for subsidence of cages are nearly three times higher than those needed for fixation. Most of the expansion load is absorbed by straining of the dorsal instrumentation. Rod materials other than titanium may alter the torque forces found in this study.

Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Kinematics and Elongation of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine if the sphericity of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint influences the joint's rotational axis (RA) and elongation patterns of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). METHODS: Ulnar collateral ligament origins and attachments of 28 fresh-frozen cadaveric thumbs were marked with a radiopaque marker. Lateral radiographs were obtained in neutral and 20°, 40°, and 60° of flexion. The dorsal and palmar joint gap and the length of four different UCL portions were digitally measured in all flexion states. The RA was determined by the intersection of the midshaft axis of the proximal phalanx in neutral and flexion states. Sphericity of the MCP joint was assessed using morphometric parameters. Joints were grouped as round or flat. Differences in all measured parameters between groups were analyzed. RESULTS: During flexion, the dorsal joint gap increased by 322% in flat joints and 163% in round joints. The palmar joint gap decreased to 45% in flat joints and to 87% in round joints. The RA was at 29% of metacarpal height and 96% of metacarpal length in flat joints and at 40% of height and 86% of length in round joints. Maximum UCL elongation (111%) was noted at 40° flexion in the dorsal proper UCL in flat joints and at 60° flexion in the accessory UCL (117%) in round joints. CONCLUSIONS: In flat MCP joints, the RA is more dorsal and distal in the metacarpal head compared to round joints, resulting in a hinged flexion motion. Elongation of the UCL is highest at end flexion in round joints and highest at midflexion in flat joints. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The different kinematics of flat and round MCP joints may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of UCL ruptures. The propensity of this injury and the position in which they occur may be affected by the MCP joint morphology.

Surgery for Vertebral Osteomyelitis Lowers 1-Year Mortality and Failure Rates Compared with Nonsurgical Treatment: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine differences between patients who underwent surgical treatment and those who underwent nonsurgical treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) and to identify potential factors influencing treatment failure (death and/or recurrence within 1 year). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data prospectively collected from patients treated for VO between 2008 and 2020. The decision between surgical and nonsurgical treatment was made for each patient based on defined criteria. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to exclude confounders between the 2 treatments. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for death and/or recurrence within the first year after VO diagnosis. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (11.8%) were treated nonsurgically and 313 patients (88.2%) underwent surgery. A higher percentage of the surgically treated patients than the nonsurgically treated patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of >2 (69.0% versus 47.5%; p = 0.007), and the thoracic spine was affected more often in the surgical group (30.4% versus 11.9%; p = 0.013). Endocarditis was detected significantly more often in the nonsurgically treated patients (14.3% versus 4.2%; p = 0.018). The recurrence rate was 3 times higher in the nonsurgically treated patients (16.7% versus 5.4%; p = 0.017), but this difference was no longer detectable after propensity matching. After matching, the nonsurgically treated patients showed an almost 7-fold higher 1-year mortality rate (25.0% versus 3.7%; p = 0.018) and an almost 3-fold higher rate of treatment failure (42.9% versus 14.8%; p = 0.022). Multivariable analysis revealed nonsurgical treatment and bacteremia to be independent risk factors for treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: In our matched cohort of patients with VO, surgical intervention resulted in a significantly lower rate of treatment failure (death and/or recurrence within 1 year) compared with nonsurgical intervention. Furthermore, nonsurgical treatment was an independent risk factor for treatment failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Morphometrics of the coronoid process and the radial notch of the ulna: implications for fracture assessment.

PURPOSE: A comprehensive analysis of the morphology of fractures of the coronoid process (CP) can aid diagnosis and guide treatment. The involvement of the radial notch of the ulna (RN)-e.g., in anterolateral facet fractures and transverse fractures of the CP-may influence the biomechanical conditions of the proximal radioulnar joint. However, the morphometric relation between the CP and the RN and the extent to what the proximal radioulnar joint can be affected in these types of fractures is unknown. METHODS: A total of 113 embalmed, cadaveric ulnae were dissected. All soft tissue was removed. Strictly lateral, high-resolution photographs were taken and digitally analyzed. The height of the CP and its relation to the RN was measured. Sex differences and correlations between measured parameters were calculated. RESULTS: Mean height of the CP was 16 mm (range: 12-23 mm; SD: 2). Mean height of the RN was 16 mm (11-25 mm; 2.2). The 50% mark of the CP corresponded to 18% (0-56%; 11.2) of the height of the RN. No significant differences were found between male and female specimens. CONCLUSION: The RN of the ulna extends only to a small part to the CP. Transverse or anterolateral fractures of less than 50% of the coronoid process may involve only a small portion of the proximal radioulnar joint.

Risk Factors for Neurologic Deficits in Patients With Spinal Epidural Abscess: An Analysis of One-Hundred-Forty Cases.

STUDY DESIGN: retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: In addition to surgical treatment of spinal epidural abscesses (SEA), a conservative, medical treatment for patients without acute neurologic deficits has been proposed. However, the risk factors for neurologic deficits are unclear. This study aims to identify factors predisposing patients with SEA to neurological impairment. METHODS: All patients treated for SEA between 2008 and 2021 were identified from a prospective vertebral-osteomyelitis registry of a tertiary referral centre. Patient demographics, comorbidities, pathogens, degree of osseous destruction, location of SEA and preoperative neurologic status were retrospectively collected. Differences between patients with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) pretreatment neurologic deficits were assessed by univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients with SEA were included. Forty-three patients (31%) had a neurologic deficit and 97 patients (69%) had no neurologic deficit prior to therapy. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (35% vs 19%, P = .03), median visual analogue scale leg pain (8 vs 5, P = .01), median American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Score (3 vs 2.6, P = .003) and mean Body-Mass-Index (29 vs 26, P = .02) differed between Group 1 and 2 in univariate analysis. In multivariable analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 2.7), female sex (odds ratio = 2.5) and ASA-Score (odds ratio = 2.4) were significant contributors for neurologic deficits. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a SEA without neurologic deficits, the ASA score and diabetes mellitus should be considered, especially in female patients. These patients may be at a higher risk for developing a neurologic deficit and may benefit from an early surgical treatment.

Does index-level pedicle screw instrumentation affect cage subsidence after vertebral body replacement? - A biomechanical study in human cadaveric osteoporotic specimens.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral body replacement is a common surgical procedure for treatment of disorders associated with spinal instability. Therefore, pedicle screws are usually inserted in adjacent vertebrae for stabilization of the posterior column, however, there is lack of evidence whether implantation of index-level pedicle screws is beneficial or not. This biomechanical study aims to investigate the effect of pedicle screw instrumentation on axial stability following vertebral body replacement. METHODS: Unstable fracture at L3 level was simulated in lumbar spines from six human cadaveric specimens. Then instrumentation was performed one level above / one level below index level in three specimens and further, three specimens were instrumented at index-level (L3) additionaly. Then we used a testing protocol for biomechanical evaluation of axial loading on human cadaveric lumbar spines until cage subsidence occurred. FINDINGS: Our results show that index-level instrumented spines endured significantly higher load until cage subsidence occurred compared to non-index-level instrumented specimens (p = 0.05). INTERPRETATION: Our results demonstrate pedicle screw instrumentation at index-level vertebra should be considered when possbile as it may have a protective effect against cage subsidence in patients undergoing vertebral body replacement surgery.

Determining threshold values for success after surgical treatment of lumbar spondylodiscitis using quality of life scores.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine threshold values of validated quality of life (QoL) scores, including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI), for predicting a successful outcome following surgical treatment of lumbar spondylodiscitis (LS). METHODS: Patients with lumbar spondylodiscitis (LS) undergoing surgery in a tertiary referral hospital were included prospectively from 2008-2019. Data were collected both before surgery (T0) and one year after surgery (T1). QoL was measured using ODI and COMI. The successful clinical outcome was defined by the combination of the following four criteria: no recurrence of spondylodiscitis, back pain ≤4 on visual analogue scale or relief of ≥3 points, absence of LS-related neurological deficit, and radiological fusion of the affected segment. For subgroup analysis, group 1 consisted of patients with a favorable treatment outcome (meeting all four criteria), while group 2 included patients with unfavorable treatment outcome (meeting ≤3 criteria). RESULTS: Ninety-two LS patients (median age = 66 years; age range = 57-74) were analyzed. QoL scores improved significantly. Threshold values for the ODI and COMI were calculated at 35 and 4.2 points, respectively. The area under curve for the ODI was 0.856 (95%-CI 0.767- 0.945; P<0.001) and 0.839 (95% CI-0.749-0.928; P<0.001) for the COMI score. Eighty percent of patients achieved a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Objective measurement and evaluation of successful surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis require defined thresholds of quality of life scores. We were able to define such thresholds for Oswestry Disability Index and Core Outcome Measures Index. These can be useful to assess clinically relevant changes and therefore allow a more precise estimation of the post-surgical outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prognostic study.

Thumb metacarpophalangeal joint morphology and reconstruction of the ruptured ulnar collateral ligament.

Studies on graft reconstruction techniques for ruptured thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) ulnar collateral ligaments (UCL) do not consider the variety of MCP joint morphology. Optimal reconstruction method for flat MCP joints is therefore unclear. Twenty-four fresh-frozen, human thumbs were tested for flexion, extension and valgus stability of the MCP joint. After resection of the UCL, four reconstruction methods, differing in the metacarpal origin and phalangeal attachment, were performed on each specimen, which were then tested again in the same way. Specimens were grouped as 'round' or 'flat' depending on morphometric parameters and group differences were analysed. In flat joints, only the non-anatomical Glickel reconstruction and a modified Fairhurst reconstruction maintained normal mobility and stability. In round joints, only the Glickel reconstruction maintained normal mobility and stability. The original Fairhurst method and a modification with the origin palmar in the metacarpus were disadvantageous in both flat and round joints.

Evaluation of Classification Systems and Their Correlation With Clinical and Quality-of-life Parameters in Patients With Surgically Treated Spondylodiskitis.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical classifications for spondylodiscitis (SD) typically include radiologic features and the status of neurologic impairment. Clinical factors such as preoperative pain, function/disability, overall quality of life (QoL), and risk of recurrence and mortality, which are necessary for a comprehensive assessment of SD and measurement of treatment success, are not considered. There is a lack of external validation of SD classifications. The aim of this study was to validate classifications of SD and to correlate these classifications with the above clinical factors. METHODS: One hundred fourteen patients from a prospective SD register (2008-2020) with available imaging, preoperative neurologic status, backpain, function/disability data (Oswestry Disability Index and Core Outcome Measures Index), QoL data (Short Form 36, European Quality-of-life Questionnaire), and a 1-year follow-up were retrospectively classified according to Akbar, Homagk, and Pola classifications. Interrater reliability, correlation among classifications, and correlation between classifications and QoL were calculated. RESULTS: Interrater reliability was κ = 0.83 for Akbar, κ = 0.94 for Homagk, and κ = 0.99 for Pola. The correlation of Akbar with Pola and Homagk was moderate (ρ s = 0.47; ρ s = 0.46) and high between Pola and Homagk (ρ s = 0.7). No notable correlation was observed between any of the classifications and preoperative Oswestry Disability Index, Core Outcome Measures Index, QoL, mortality, and recurrence within 1 year. Only a weak correlation was observed between Homagk and preoperative leg pain and back pain. CONCLUSION: Available SD classifications have a very good interrater reliability and moderate-to-high correlation with each other but lack correlation with preoperative pain, function/disability, and overall QoL. Because these factors are important for a comprehensive assessment of SD in severity, decision making, and prognosis, they should be included in future SD classifications. This could allow for more comprehensive treatment algorithms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II. Diagnostic study = prospective cohort study; development of diagnostic criteria. DATA AVAILABILITY: The data sets used and analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Complications associated to wound drainages in tumor spine surgery: a multicenter surveillance study from the German Spine Registry (DWG-Register).

There is an ongoing debate whether a surgical drainage is beneficial to prevent local accumulation of hematoma and to reduce the rate of wound infections, and neurological deficits. Data from the German Spine Society (DWG) registry were filtered for surgically treated spine tumor cases between 2017 and 2021. Cases were categorized into with (Group I) and without (Group II) placement of a surgical drainage. Subgroups were compared for demographic data, type of surgery, experience of the surgeon and postoperative surgical complications. 10,029 cases were included into final analysis (Group I: 3007; Group II: 7022). There was no significant difference between both groups regarding age or gender distribution. Average morbidity of patients was significantly elevated in Group I (p < 0.05) and the rates of invasive surgery were significantly increased in this group (p < 0.001). Overall complication rates were reported with 12.0% (Group I) and 8.5% (Group II). There were significantly more epidural hematoma (p < 0.001) and motor dysfunction (p = 0.049) as well as deep wound infections (p < 0.001) and implant failures (p = 0.02) in Group I. A surgical wound drainage cannot prevent epidural hematoma.

The influence of orthopedic surgery on the incidence of post-operative delirium in geriatric patients: results of a prospective observational study.

Background: Postoperative delirium (PD) is a major concern in geriatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. This prospective observational study aims to examine the incidence of PD, to identify intervention-specific risk factors and to investigate the influence of orthopedic surgery on delirium. Methods: From 2019 to 2020, 132 patients ≥70 years of age with endoprosthetic (Group E) or spinal surgery (Group S) were included. Upon admission, the ISAR score, the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale, potential risk factors, the ASA score, duration of surgery, type of anesthesia, blood loss, and hemoglobin drop were recorded. For risk factor analysis patients were grouped into Group D (delirium) and Group ND (no delirium). Primary endpoint was the occurrence of PD. Results: Of 132 patients, 50 were included in Group E and 82 in Group S. Mean age and ISAR score were not significantly different between groups. Delirium rate in Group E and S was 12% vs. 18% (p = 0.3). Differences could be observed between Group D and ND in duration of surgery (173 min vs. 112 min, p = 0.02), postoperative hemoglobin drop (3.2 g/dl vs. 2.3 g/dl; p = 0.026), history of PD (23% vs. 11%, p = 0.039) and use of isoflurane (6 vs. 2). Type of surgery was not an independent risk factor (p = 0.26). Conclusion: Specific type of orthopedic surgery is not an independent risk factor for PD. Prevention of PD should focus on duration of surgery and blood loss, particularly in patients with a history of PD. A possible delirogenic potential of isoflurane should be further studied.

Quality of life and mortality after surgical treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis (VO): a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) has a high mortality and leads to chronic pain and functional disability. Surgical treatment is often necessary. To date, little is known about the consequences of surgery on patient outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life (QoL) and mortality rates of surgically treated VO patients for a period of 2 years. METHODS: Patients with VO undergoing surgical treatment in a tertiary referral hospital from 2008 to 2015 were included prospectively. Data were collected before (T0) as well as 1 year (T1) and 2 years (T2) post-surgery. Within the European Spine Tango registry, prospective patient and QoL data were collected using validated outcome scores: Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form 36/EuroQol, Visual Analog Scale, and Core Outcome Measures Index. RESULTS: From 195 patients surgically treated for VO, QoL data were available from 136 patients at T0, 100 patients at T1, and 82 patients at T2, respectively. The 1- and 2-year mortality rates were 20% and 23%. Mainly all QoL outcome scores showed significant improvement at T1 and did not change significantly from T1 to T2. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of VO patients leads to significantly improved QoL. Nevertheless, QoL levels were below those of the general population. Our results underscore that spine disability questionnaires measuring QoL are mandatory to demonstrate comprehensively the severity of this entity. Our study confirms a high mortality and points out the role of VO as a potentially life-threatening condition.

Probe versus drill: A biomechanical evaluation of two different pedicle preparation techniques for pedicle screw fixation in human cadaveric osteoporotic spine.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this biomechanical study was to investigate the anchorage of pedicle screws in osteoporotic vertebrae using two different preparation techniques (probe versus drill-assisted). METHODS: Twelve thoracic vertebrae were used for the study. The right and left pedicles of the vertebra were prepared with a thoracic probe or a 3.2 mm drill bit and divided into two groups. A standard titanium (diameter: 5.5 mm, length: 45 mm) pedicle screw was then inserted. All pedicle screws were initially loaded with -25 N to +25 N in the cranio-caudal direction. The load was increased by 5 N every 500 cycles up to a maximum load of 10,000 cycles. Loosening was defined as a displacement of the pedicle screw head of >5 mm. The two groups were compared in terms of maximum number of cycles and maximum force until loosening. FINDINGS: The pedicle screws prepared with the thoracic probe failed on average after 3819 cycles (SD 3281) and the pedicle screws prepared with the 3.2 mm drill after 3335 cycles (SD 3477). There was no significant difference between the two preparation techniques (P = .797). With regard to the maximum force until loosening, there was also no significant difference between the two techniques (thoracic probe: 61 N (SD 33), 3.2 mm drill bit: 56 N (SD 34), P = .791). INTERPRETATION: Preparation of the pedicle screw hole either with a probe or drill bit doesn't seem to have an influence on pedicle screw loosening rates in the osteoporotic spine.

Analysis of seven prognostic scores in patients with surgically treated epidural metastatic spine disease.

BACKGROUND: Prognostic scores have been proposed to guide the treatment of patients with metastatic spine disease (MSD), but their accuracy and usefulness are controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate seven such prognostic scoring systems. The following prognostic scores were compared: Tomita, Van der Linden (VDL), Bauer modified (BM), Oswestry Spinal Risk Index (OSRI), Tokuhashi original (T90), Tokuhashi revised (TR05), and modified Tokuhashi revised (TR17). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all our patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastases, February 2008-January 2015. We classified all 223 patients into the predicted survival-time categories of each of the 7 scoring systems and then tallied how often this was correct vis-à-vis the actual survival time. Accuracy was also assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis at 1, 3, and 12 months. RESULTS: The median (95% CI) survival of the 223 patients was 13.6 (7.9-19.3) months. A groupwise ROC analysis showed sufficient accuracy for 3-month survival only for TR17 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.71) and for 1-year survival for T90 (AUC 0.73), TR05 (AUC 0.76), TR17 (AUC 0.76), Tomita (AUC 0.77), and OSRI (AUC 0.71). A pointwise ROC score analysis showed poor prognostic ability for short-term survival (1 and 3 months) with sufficient accuracy for T90 (AUC 0.71), TR05 (AUC 0.71), TR17 (AUC 0.71), and the Tomita score (AUC 0.77) for 1-year survival. CONCLUSION: The TR17 was the only prognostic system with acceptable performance here. More sophisticated assessment tools are required to keep up with present and future changes in tumor diagnostics and treatment.

Accelerated MRI of the Lumbar Spine Using Compressed Sensing: Quality and Efficiency.

BACKGROUND: Decreasing MRI scan time is a key factor to increase patient comfort and compliance as well as the productivity of MRI scanners. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: Compressed sensing (CS) should significantly accelerate 3D scans. This study evaluated the clinical application and cost effectiveness of accelerated 3D T2 sequences of the lumbar spine. STUDY TYPE: Prospective, cross-sectional, observational. POPULATION: Twenty healthy volunteers and 10 patients. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3D T2 TSE sequence, identical 3D sequences with three different parallel imaging and CS accelerating factors, and 2D TSE sequences as a clinical reference were obtained on a 3T scanner. ASSESSMENT: Three readers evaluated the sequences for delineation of anatomical structures and image quality. A quantitative analysis consisting of root mean square error, structural similarity index, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were performed. The scan times were used to calculate cost differences for each sequence. STATISTICAL TESTS: An analysis of variance with repeated measurements and the Friedman test were used to test for potential differences between the sequences. Post-hoc analysis was made with the chi-squared and Tukey-Kramer test. RESULTS: CS with factor 4.5 results in unchanged image quality compared to the T2 TSE for volunteers and patients (overall image impression: 4.75 vs. 4.20 [P = 0.73] and 4.90 vs. 4.47 [P = 0.44]). The CS 4.5 scan is 167 seconds (-39%) faster than the 3D and 216.5 seconds (-45%) faster than the 2D sequences. No significant differences was found for the diagnostic certainty in the volunteers and patients between 2D TSE and 3D CS 4.5 (P = 0.89 and P = 0.43). A reduction of scan time to 148 seconds (CS 8) was still rated acceptable for most diagnosis. DATA CONCLUSION: CS accelerates the 3D T2 without compromising image quality. The 3D sequences offer comparable diagnostic quality to the clinical 2D standard with less scan time (-45%), potentially increasing the productivity of MRI scanners. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 6 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e164-e175.