Predictive Value of the Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technique for the Postoperative Outcome of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion magnetic resonsance imaging (dMRI) can potentially predict the postoperative outcome of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). PURPOSE: To explore preoperative dMRI parameters to predict the postoperative outcome of CSM through multifactor correlation analysis. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: Post-surgery CSM patients; 102 total, 73 male (52.42 ± 10.60 years old) and 29 female (52.0 ± 11.45 years old). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0 T/Turbo spin echo T1/T2-weighted, T2*-weighted multiecho gradient echo and dMRI. ASSESSMENT: Spinal cord function was evaluated using modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scoring at different time points: preoperative and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative. Single-factor correlation and t test analyses were conducted based on fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity, intracellular volume fraction, isotropic volume fraction, orientation division index, increased signal intensity, compression ratio, age, sex, symptom duration and operation method, and multicollinearity was calculated. The linear quantile mixed model (LQMM) and the linear mixed-effects regression model (LMER) were used for multifactor correlation analysis using the combinations of the above variables. STATISTICAL TESTS: Distance correlation, Pearson's correlation, multiscale graph correlation and t tests were used for the single-factor correlation analyses. The variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to calculate multicollinearity. LQMM and LMER were used for multifactor correlation analyses. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The single-factor correlation between all variables and the postoperative mJOA score was weak (all r < 0.3). The linear relationship was stronger than the nonlinear relationship, and there was no significant multicollinearity (VIF = 1.10-1.94). FA values in the LQMM and LMER models had a significant positive correlation with the mJOA score (r = 5.27-6.04), which was stronger than the other variables. DATA CONCLUSION: The FA value based on dMRI significantly positively correlated with CSM patient postoperative outcomes, helping to predict the surgical outcome and formulate a treatment plan before surgery. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation alterations in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a resting-state fMRI study.

PURPOSE: We sought to use the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) method to investigate the changes in spontaneous brain activity in CSM patients and their relationships with clinical features. METHODS: We recruited 20 patients with CSM, and 20 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, and education status. The fALFF method was used to evaluate the altered spontaneous brain activities. The Pearson correlation analysis of fALFF and the clinical features were carried out. RESULTS: Compared with HC, CSM group showed increased fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and right angular gyrus. Decreased fALFF values were found in the right lingual gyrus, cuneus (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis shows that the fALFF values of all CSM were positively correlated with JOA score in the right angular gyrus (r = 0.518, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CSM patients have abnormal fALFF distribution in multiple brain regions and might be an appealing alternative approach for further exploration of the pathological and neuropsychological states in CSM.

Comparative effectiveness and functional outcome of C3 & C7 dome-hybrid open-door laminoplasty with traditional unilateral open-door laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The C3 & C7 dome-hybrid open-door laminoplasty was proven to be an effective treatment for multi-levels cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, its superiority over traditional unilateral open-door laminoplasty (UOLP) remains questionable, and no studies have compared the efficacy of this technique with traditional UOLP. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of C3 & C7 dome-hybrid open-door laminoplasty with traditional UOLP in treating multi-levels CSM. METHODS: A retrospective study of multi-levels CSM with laminoplasty was performed, including 35 cases of traditional UOLP and 27 cases of C3 & C7 dome-hybrid open-door laminoplasty. Radiographic evaluation parameters and clinical outcomes were recorded to evaluate the surgical effectiveness. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic baseline parameters. At the final follow-up, the C2-C7 Cobb angle of the modified group was significantly greater than that of the traditional group (p = 0.026). Meanwhile, the C2-C7 SVA of the modified group was significantly smaller than that of the traditional group (p = 0.009). Clinical outcomes such as VAS, NDI, and SF-12 scores, improved significantly in the modified group compared to the traditional group, while the JOA scores had no significant difference in both groups. There was no significant difference in the overall rate of complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both techniques have satisfactory outcomes in treating multi-levels CSM. Comparing with traditional UOLP, C3 & C7 dome-hybrid open-door laminoplasty has a greater superiority in reducing postoperative neck pain and maintaining the cervical sagittal alignment. It is proven to be a feasible management for patients with multi-levels CSM.

Pre-operative spinal cord perfusion quantified by DSC MRI as a predictor of post-operative prognosis in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the potential of preoperative blood supply condition measured by dynamic susceptibility contract (DSC) MRI in prediction of postoperative outcomes for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty-nine patients (Age: 61 ± 7, male: 23, female: 16) with CSM who underwent laminoplasty were enrolled. All patients received DSC MRI before the operation. Five parameters include Enhance, rEnhance, full width at half maxima (FWHM), Slope1 and Slope2 in DSC MRI, were calculated at all the compressed spinal cord segments. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores. Patients were divided into two groups based on mJOA recovery rate of 5 years: good recovery (> 50%) or poor recovery (≤ 50%). The difference between two groups were compared. The value of DSC MRI to CSM was evaluated by logistic and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: There were 26 patients in good recovery group and 13 patients in poor recovery group. The baseline characteristics, including age, gender, preoperative mJOA score, and smoking status showed no significant difference between the two groups (all p > 0.05). The FWHM was significantly higher in the poor recovery group (9.77 ± 2.78) compared to the good recovery group (6.64 ± 1.65) (p = 0.002). Logistic regression analysis indicated that an increased FWHM was a significant risk factor for poor prognosis recovery (p = 0.013, OR = 0.392, 95%CI: 0.187-0.822). The AUC of FWHM for ROC was 0.843 (95% CI: 0.710-0.975) with a p value of 0.001. In addition, an FWHM greater than 5.87, with a sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 69.2%, was found to be an independent risk factor for poor postoperative recovery in patients with CSM. CONCLUSION: In this study, we successfully quantified the spinal cord blood supply condition by DSC MRI technique. We found that an increase in FWHM was an independent risk factor for poor postoperative recovery in CSM patients. Specifically, patients with FWHM > 5.87 have a poor postoperative recovery.

Diagnostic value of cervical spine ZOOM-DWI in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical application value of the non-shared incentive diffusion imaging technique (ZOOM-DWI) diagnoses of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: 49 CSM patients who presented from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected as the patient group, and 50 healthy volunteers are recruited as the control group. All subjects underwent conventional MRI and ZOOM-DWI of the cervical spine and neurologic mJOA scores in patients with CSM. The spinal ADC values of segments C2-3, C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 are measured and analyzed in all subjects, with C5-6 being the most severe level of spinal canal compression in the patient group. In addition, the study also analyzes and compares the relationship between the C5-6 ADC value and mJOA score in the patient group. RESULTS: The mean ADC shows no significantly different levels in the control group. Among the ADC values at each measurement level in the patient group, except for C4-5 and C6-7 segments are not statistically significant, the remaining pair-wise comparisons all show statistically significant differences (F = 24.368, p < 0.001). And these individuals have the highest ADC value at C5-6. The C5-6 ADC value in the patient group is significantly higher compared with the ADC value in the control group (t = 9.414, p < 0.001), with statistical significance. The ADC value at the patient stenosis shows a significant negative correlation with the mJOA score (r = -0.493, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cervical ZOOM-DWI can be applied to diagnose CSM, and spinal ADC value can use as reliable imaging data for diagnosing cervical myelopathy.

Validating the preoperative Japanese Core Outcome Measures Index for the Neck and comparing quality of life in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament by the patient-reported outcome measures.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study serves two main purposes. Firstly, it aims to validate the preoperative Japanese Core Outcome Measures Index for the Neck (COMI-Neck) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Secondly, it seeks to elucidate differences in preoperative quality of life (QOL) between these two cervical pathologies using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHODS: A total of 103 preoperative patients (86 with CSM and 17 with OPLL) scheduled for cervical spine surgery were included in the study. Validated PROMs, including the Japanese COMI-Neck, Neck Disability Index (NDI), EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 level (EQ-5D-3L), and SF-12v2, were used to assess QOL. Baseline demographic and clinical data were collected, and statistical analyses were performed to compare the PROMs between CSM and OPLL groups. RESULTS: The Japanese COMI-Neck demonstrated good construct validity, with positive correlations with NDI and negative correlations with EQ-5D-3L and SF-12v2. Comparison of preoperative PROMs between CSM and OPLL groups revealed differences in age, body mass index, and EQ-5D-3L scores. The CSM group had higher NDI scores for concentration and lower EQ-5D-3L scores for self-care compared to the OPLL group. CONCLUSIONS: This study validated the preoperative Japanese COMI-Neck in CSM and OPLL patients and identified specific QOL issues associated with each condition. The findings highlight the importance of considering disease-specific QOL and tailoring treatment plans accordingly. Further research should include postoperative assessments and a more diverse population to enhance generalizability.

Evaluating tissue injury in cervical spondylotic myelopathy with spinal cord MRI: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative condition that leads to loss of cervical spinal cord (CSC) integrity. Various spinal cord Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods can identify and characterize the extent of this damage. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the diagnostic, biomarker, and predictive utilities of different spinal cord MRI methods in clinical research studies of CSM. The aim was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress in this direction for future studies and effective diagnosis and management of CSM. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE from 2010 to 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies with non-human subjects, less than 3T magnetic field strength, non-clinical design, or not quantitatively focusing on the structural integrity of CSC were excluded. The extracted data from each study included demographics, disease severity, MRI machine characteristics, quantitative metrics, and key findings in terms of diagnostic, biomarker, and predictive utilities of each MRI method. The risk of bias was performed using the guide from AHRQ. The quality of evidence was assessed separately for each type of utility for different MRI methods using GRADE. RESULTS: Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, utilizing diffusion-weighted imaging (DTI) (n = 39), magnetization transfer (MT) (n = 6), MR spectroscopy (n = 3), and myelin water imaging (n = 1), as well as a combination of MRI methods (n = 12). The metric fractional anisotropy (FA) showed the highest potential in all facets of utilities, followed by mean diffusivity. Other promising metrics included MT ratio and intracellular volume fraction, especially in multimodal studies. However, the level of evidence for these promising metrics was low due to a small number of studies. Some studies, mainly DTI, also reported the usefulness of spinal cord MRI in mild CSM. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord MRI methods can potentially facilitate the diagnosis and management of CSM by quantitatively interrogating the structural integrity of CSC. DTI is the most promising MRI method, and other techniques have also shown promise, especially in multimodal configurations. However, this field is in its early stages, and more studies are needed to establish the usefulness of spinal cord MRI in CSM.

Correlation between axial symptoms and cervical sagittal alignment parameters in patients with two-level or three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy: anterior cervcial discectomy and fusion versus hybird surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively analyze the correlation between axial symptoms (AS) and cervical sagittal alignment parameters after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and hybrid surgery (HS). METHODS: From January 2018 to June 2023, 74 patients who underwent ACDF (n = 36) or HS (n = 38) for two-level or three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy were retrospectively analyzed. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI) were recorded to assess clinical outcomes. Cervical sagittal alignment parameters (Cobb's angle C2-7, C7 slope [C7S], and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis [C2-7 SVA]) were measured preoperatively, 3 days postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. The range of motion (ROM) of C2-7 and ROM of surgical segment were measured. The occurrence of AS was observed at the last follow-up. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between postoperative AS and cervical sagittal alignment parameters. RESULTS: Both in ACDF group and HS group, VAS, JOA and NDI scores showed significant improvements at 3-day postoperation and at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The Cobb's angle C2-7 and C7S were significantly increased at 3 days postoperation compared with pre-operatively in both groups (P < 0.05). C2-7SVA was increased in both groups 3 days after surgery compared with pre-operatively, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). At the last follow-up, the ROM of C2-7 in ACDF group was significantly smaller than HS group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of postoperative AS in the ACDF group and HS group was 41.7 and 18.4%, respectively, with statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). When simple Logistic regression analysis was used, the last Cobb's angle C2-7 (ß = -0.088), the last C2-7SVA (ß = 0.099) in ACDF group and the last C2-7SVA (ß = 0.222) in HS group were all correlated with the occurrence of postoperative AS. When multiple Logistic regression analysis was used, only the last C2-7SVA (ß = 0.181) in the HS group was positively correlated with the occurrence of postoperative AS. CONCLUSIONS: Both ACDF and HS can achieve satisfied clinical outcomes. ACDF and HS can improve cervical sagittal balance to a certain extent, and HS is superior to ACDF in maintaining ROM. The decrease of the last Cobb's angle C2-7 and the increase of the last C2-7SVA may be related to the occurrence of AS after ACDF. The increase of the last C2-7SVA was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of AS after HS.

Diagnostic efficacy of tract-specific diffusion tensor imaging in cervical spondylotic myelopathy with electrophysiological examination validation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of tract-specific diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in identifying the responsible segments for neurological dysfunction in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: The study encompassed nineteen participants diagnosed with CSM, including 10 males and 9 females. Additionally, a control group consisting of ten healthy caregivers (5 males and 5 females) were recruited with no symptoms and no compressions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All participants underwent a comprehensive physical examination, MRI assessment, and DTI examination conducted by a senior chief physician. Several parameters were collected from the MR images, including the aspect ratio (defined as the anteroposterior diameter / the transverse diameter of the corresponding segment's spinal cord), transverse ratio (defined as the transverse diameter of the corresponding segment's spinal cord / the transverse diameter of the spinal cord at C2/3), and T2 high signal of the spinal cord. Furthermore, quantitative DTI metrics, such as axial diffusivity (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and fractional anisotropy (FA), were calculated using automatic region-of-interest (ROI) analysis for both whole spinal cord column and dorsal column. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the aspect ratio, transverse ratio, and DTI parameters. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Intraoperative spinal cord electrophysiological examination was performed as the objective measure of spinal cord function during surgery. RESULTS: As determined by electrophysiological examination, neurological dysfunction was found in 2 patients due to C3/4 compression, in 10 patients due to C4/5 compression, in 6 patients due to C5/6 compression, and in 1 patient due to C6/7 compression. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale (mJOA) was 12.71 ± 1.55 in the CSM group, with 4.87 ± 0.72 for sensory nerve function and 5.05 ± 1.35 for motor nerve function. For the control group, none of the volunteers had neurological dysfunction. T2 high signal was found at the most stenotic segment in 13 patients of the CSM group. Considering all the cervical segments, the aspect ratio (AUC = 0.823, P = 0.001, Sensitivity = 68.42%, Specificity = 82.47%) was more capable of determining the responsible segment than transverse ratio (AUC = 0.661, P = 0.027, Sensitivity = 68.42%, Specificity = 67.01%). AD, MD, and RD were significantly higher while FA was significantly lower in the responsible segment than in the irresponsible segment (P < 0.05). The AUC of DTI-Dorsal column parameters (AD, MD, RD, FA) was larger than the corresponding parameters of the DTI (Whole spinal cord). AD of DTI-Dorsal Column possessed the greatest efficacy (AUC = 0.823, sensitivity = 84.21%, specificity = 77.32%) to determine the responsible segment, larger than AD of DTI-Whole spinal cord (AUC = 0.822, P = 0.001, Sensitivity = 89.47%, Specificity = 77.32%), aspect ratio (AUC = 0.823, P = 0.001, Sensitivity = 68.42%, Specificity = 82.47%) and transverse ratio (AUC = 0.661, P = 0.027, Sensitivity = 68.42%, Specificity = 67.01%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the diagnostic efficacy of DTI and MRI parameters was influenced by cervical spine segment. CONCLUSIONS: When considering all cervical segments, AD from the DTI-Dorsal Column exhibited the most significant potential in identifying responsible segments. This potential was found to be superior to that of DTI-Whole spinal cord, aspect ratio, the most stenotic segment, T2 high signals, transverse ratio, motor nerve dysfunction, and sensory nerve dysfunction. The diagnostic effectiveness of both DTI and MRI parameters was notably influenced by the specific cervical spine segment.

Resting-state brain plasticity is associated with the severity in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the brain mechanism of non-correspondence between imaging presentations and clinical symptoms in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients and to test the utility of brain imaging biomarkers for predicting prognosis of CSM. METHODS: Forty patients with CSM (22 mild-moderate CSM, 18 severe CSM) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for rs-fMRI and cervical spinal cord diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans. DTI at the spinal cord (level C2/3) with fractional anisotropy (FA) and degree centrality (DC) were recorded. Then one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to detect the group differences in the DC and FA values across the three groups. Pearson correlation analysis was then separately performed between JOA with FA and DC. RESULTS: Among them, degree centrality value of left middle temporal gyrus exhibited a progressive increase in CSM groups compared with HCs, the DC value in severe CSM group was higher compared with mild-moderate CSM group. (P < 0.05), and the DC values of the right superior temporal gyrus and precuneus showed a decrease after increase. Among them, DC values in the area of precuneus in severe CSM group were significantly lower than those in mild-moderate CSM and HCs. (P < 0.05). The fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the level C2/3 showed a progressive decrease in different clinical stages, that severe CSM group was the lowest, significantly lower than those in mild-moderate CSM and HCs (P < 0.05). There was negative correlation between DC value of left middle temporal gyrus and JOA scores (P < 0.001), and the FA values of dorsal column in the level C2/3 positively correlated with the JOA scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Structural and functional changes have taken place in the cervical spinal cord and brain of CSM patients. The Brain reorganization plays an important role in maintaining the symptoms and signs of CSM, aberrant DC values in the left middle temporal gyrus may be the possible mechanism of inconsistency between imaging findings and clinical symptoms. Degree centrality is a potentially useful prognostic functional biomarker in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Myth or fact: 3D-printed off-the-shelf prosthesis is superior to titanium mesh cage in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion?

BACKGROUND: To find out if three-dimensional printing (3DP) off-the-shelf (OTS) prosthesis is superior to titanium mesh cages in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) when treating single-segment degenerative cervical spondylotic myelopathy (DCSM). METHODS: DCSM patients underwent ACCF from January 2016 to January 2019 in a single center were included. Patients were divided into the 3DP group (28) and the TMC group (23). The hospital stays, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and the cost of hospitalization were compared. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were recorded pre-operatively, 1 day, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-operatively. Radiological data was measured to evaluate fusion, subsidence, and cervical lordosis. Patients were sent with SF-36 to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS: The differences in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay were not statistically significant between groups (p > 0.05). Postoperative dysphagia occurred in 2 cases in the 3DP group and 3 cases in the TMC group, which all relieved one week later. The difference in improvement of JOA and NDI between the two groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No hardware failure was found and bony fusion was achieved in all cases except one in the 3DP group. The difference in cervical lordosis (CL), fused segmental angle (FSA), mean vertebral height (MVH), and subsidence rates between groups at each follow-up time point was not statistically significant and the results of the SF-36 were similar (p > 0.05). The total cost was higher in the 3DP group with its higher graft cost (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In treating single-segment DCSM with ACCF, both 3DP OTS prosthesis and TMC achieved satisfactory outcomes. However, the more costly 3DP OTS prosthesis was not able to reduce subsidence as it claimed.

Hoffmann's sign in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients: pathological insights from neuroimaging.

OBJECTIVE: Hoffmann's sign testing is a commonly used physical examination in clinical practice for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying its occurrence and development have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore whether a positive Hoffmann's sign (PHS) in CSM patients is associated with spinal cord and brain remodeling and to identify potential neuroimaging biomarkers with diagnostic value. METHODS: Seventy-six patients with CSM and 40 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent multimodal MRI. Based on the results of the Hoffmann's sign examination, patients were divided into two groups: those with a PHS (n = 38) and those with a negative Hoffmann's sign (NHS; n = 38). Quantification of spinal cord and brain structural and functional parameters of the participants was performed using various methods, including functional connectivity analysis, voxel-based morphometry, and atlas-based analysis based on functional MRI and structural MRI data. Furthermore, this study conducted a correlation analysis between neuroimaging metrics and neurological function and utilized a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for the classification of PHS and NHS. RESULTS: In comparison with the NHS and HC groups, PHS patients exhibited significant reductions in the cross-sectional area and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the lateral corticospinal tract (CST), reticulospinal tract (RST), and fasciculus cuneatus, concomitant with bilateral reductions in the volume of the lateral pallidum. The functional connectivity analysis indicated a reduction in functional connectivity between the left lateral pallidum and the right angular gyrus in the PHS group. The correlation analysis indicated a significant positive association between the CST and RST FA and the volume of the left lateral pallidum in PHS patients. Furthermore, all three variables exhibited a positive correlation with the patients' motor function. Finally, using multimodal neuroimaging metrics in conjunction with the SVM algorithm, PHS and NHS were classified with an accuracy rate of 85.53%. CONCLUSIONS: This research revealed a correlation between structural damage to the pallidum and RST and the presence of Hoffmann's sign as well as the motor function in patients with CSM. Features based on neuroimaging indicators have the potential to serve as biomarkers for assessing the extent of neuronal damage in CSM patients.

Change of cervical flexion range of motion influences postoperative sagittal alignment of the cervical spine after laminoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The relationships between preoperative cervical spine range of motion (ROM) and postoperative cervical sagittal alignment (CSA), and clinical outcomes after laminoplasty (LMP) have been widely studied. However, the impact of ROM changes on postoperative CSA and clinical outcomes after LMP remains unclear. Herein, patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) were retrospectively analyzed to explore the association between postoperative cervical ROM changes and CSA and surgical outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent cervical LMP at our hospital between January 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. CSA parameters were measured before the surgery and at the final follow-up. Loss of cervical lordosis (LCL) was defined as preoperative cervical lordosis (CL) - postoperative CL. An increase in the cervical sagittal vertical axis (I-cSVA) was defined as postoperative cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) - preoperative cSVA. We defined the changes in cervical flexion range of motion (△Flex ROM, preoperative Flex ROM minus postoperative Flex ROM) > 10° as L- Flex ROM group, and △Flex ROM ≤ 10° as S- Flex ROM group. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and visual analog score (VAS) were used to assess the surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The study comprised 74 patients and the average follow-up period was 31.83 months. CL, total ROM, and Flex ROM decreased and cSVA increased after cervical LMP. LCL and I-cSVA were positively correlated with △Flex. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a decrease in the Flex ROM was a risk factor for LCL and I-cSVA after LMP. LCL and I-cSVA were higher in the L-Flex ROM group than in the S-Flex ROM group. Postoperative JOA and the JOA recovery rate were worse in the L-Flex ROM group than in the S-Flex ROM group. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical total and Flex ROM decreased after cervical LMP. The reduction of Flex ROM was associated with LCL and I-cSVA after surgery. The preservation of cervical Flex ROM helps maintain CSA after LMP. Therefore, more attention should be paid to maintaining cervical ROM to obtain good CSA and surgical effects after cervical LMP.

The efficacy and safety of mini-open (air/water medium) endoscopy-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical efficacy of mini-open (air/water medium) endoscopy-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (MOEA-ACDF) and anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: This study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of CSM patients who received surgical treatment from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical method: the MOEA-ACDF group and the ACDF group. The preoperative and postoperative imaging results at one week and the last follow-up examination were compared between the two groups. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score and neck disability index (NDI) score were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes preoperatively, one week postoperatively and at the last follow-up examination. The minimum follow-up duration was 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 131 CSM patients who underwent surgery at our institution were included, including 61 patients in the MOEA-ACDF group and 70 patients in the ACDF group. In the MOEA-ACDF group, the postoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle and HAVB were significantly greater than the preoperative values (P < 0.05). In the ACDF group, the postoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle was also significantly greater than the preoperative value, and the C2-C7 ROM and HAVB significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The postoperative neurological function of the patients in both groups improved, and the postoperative VAS score and NDI score significantly decreased. Compared with ACDF, MOEA-ACDF is associated with a significantly larger postoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle and significantly better C2-C7 ROM and HAVB, as well as better clinical efficacy (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MOEA-ACDF combines endoscopic systems with ACDF technology to treat CSM, but its clinical efficacy is not inferior to that of ACDF in the short- to intermediate-term. It can effectively and safely restore the cervical intervertebral height, physiological curvature, and range of motion.

[Clinical outcomes of 3D-printing stand-alone artificial vertebral body in anterior cervical surgeries].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the short-term outcomes of 3D-printing stand-alone artificial vertebral body (AVB) in the surgical procedure of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). METHODS: Following the proposal of IDEAL (idea, development, exploration, assessment, and long-term follow-up) framework, we designed and conducted this single-armed, retrospective cohort study. The patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were recruited, and these patients exclusively received the surgical procedure of single-level ACCF in our single center. After the process of corpectomy, the size was tailored using different trials and the most suitable stand-alone AVB was then implanted. This AVB was manufactured by the fashion of 3D-printing. Two pairs of screws were inserted in an inclined way into the adjacent vertebral bodies, to stabilize the AVB. The participants were regularly followed-up after the operation. Their clinical data were thoroughly reviewed. We assessed the neurological status according to Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale. We determined the fusion based on imaging examination six months after the operation. The recorded clinical data were analyzed using specific software and they presented in suitable styles. Paired t test was employed in comparison analysis. RESULTS: In total, there were eleven patients being recruited eventually. The patients were all followed up over six months after the operation. The mean age of the cohort was (57.2±10.2) years. The mean operation time was (76.1±23.1) min and the median bleeding volume was 150 (100, 200) mL. The postoperative course was uneventful for all the cases. Dysphagia, emergent hematoma, and deterioration of neurological function did not occur. Mean JOA scores were 13.2±2.2 before the operation and 16.3±0.8 at the final follow-up, which were significantly different (P < 0.001). The mean recovery rate of neurological function was 85.9%. By comparing the imaging examinations postoperatively and six months after the operation, we found that the average subsidence length was (1.2±1.1) mm, and that there was only one cases (9.1%) of the severe subsidence (>3 mm). We observed significant improvement of cervical lordosis after the operation (P=0.013). All the cases obtained solid fusion. CONCLUSION: 3D-printing stand-alone AVB presented favorable short-term outcome in one-level ACCF in this study. The fusion rate of this zero-profile prosthesis was satisfactory and the complication rate was relatively low.

Melatonin restores endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis to protect injured neurons in a rat model of chronic cervical cord compression.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) refers to a chronic injury of the cervical cord caused by cervical intervertebral disc degeneration. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is essential to counteract neuronal apoptosis. ER stress, an integral part of ER homeostasis, was observed in a rat model of chronic cervical cord compression in our previous study. However, the correlation between ER homeostasis and CSM remains unknown. The antioxidant melatonin is known to exert therapeutic effects in acute spinal cord injury, but the specific effects and their potential mechanisms in the pathological processes of CSM require further exploration. The present study hypothesized that ER homeostasis is essential for neuronal apoptosis in the CSM and that melatonin maintains this homeostasis. The results showed that ER stress led to neuronal apoptosis in rats with chronic cervical cord compression. Conversely, melatonin attenuates protein kinase R-like ER kinase-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α-C/EBP-homologous protein, inositol-requiring enzyme 1, and transcription factor 6 signaling pathways to release ER stress and prevents Bax translocation to the mitochondrion, thereby promoting motor recovery and protecting neurons in vivo. It also rescued primary rat cortical neurons from ER stress-induced glutamate toxicity in vitro. Moreover, melatonin remodels the ER morphology and restores homeostasis via ER-phagy in injured neurons. FAM134B, CCPG1, RTN3, and Sec. 62 are four known ER-phagy receptors. In this study, Sec. 62 was identified as a key melatonin factor in promoting ER-phagy and restoring ER homeostasis in damaged neurons in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, melatonin suppresses neuronal apoptosis by reducing ER stress and promoting ER-phagy to restore ER morphology and homeostasis. The current results suggested that melatonin is a promising treatment for CSM owing to its restorative effect on ER homeostasis; however, well-designed randomized controlled trials must be carried out to further investigate its clinical effects.

Shikonin inhibits neuronal apoptosis via regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in the rat model of double-level chronic cervical cord compression.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a clinically symptomatic entity arising from the spinal cord compression by degenerative diseases. Although endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been commonly observed in several neurodegenerative diseases, the relationship between ER stress and CSM remains unknown. Shikonin is known to protect PC12 by inhibiting apoptosis in vitro. This study hypothesised that ER stress was vital in neuronal apoptosis in CSM. Shikonin might inhibit such responses by regulating ER stress through the protein kinase-like ER kinase-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α-subunit-C/EBP homologous protein (PERK-eIF2α-CHOP) signalling pathway. Thus, the aim of this study was evaluating the neuroprotective effect of shikonin in rats with double-level chronic cervical cord compression, as well as primary rat cortical neurons with glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. The result showed that ER stress-related upregulation of PERK-eIF2α-CHOP resulted in rat neuronal apoptosis after chronic cervical cord compression; then, shikonin promoted motor recovery and inhibited neuronal apoptosis by attenuating PERK-eIF2α-CHOP and prevented Bax translocation from cytoplasm to mitochondrion induced by CHOP of neurons in rats with chronic compression. Also, it was found that shikonin could protect rat primary cortical neuron against glutamate toxicity by regulating ER stress through the PERK-eIF2α-CHOP pathway in vitro. In conclusion, shikonin might inhibit neuronal apoptosis by regulating ER stress through attenuating the activation of PERK-eIF2α-CHOP.

Anterior cervical tunnectomy and fusion (ACTF): a novel technique for cervical canal decompression.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel surgical technique note coined as anterior cervical tunnectomy and fusion (ACTF) which applying on removal of posterior vertebral bony protrusions or soft extrusions. METHODS: Total twenty-three patients from January 2016 to January 2021 who experienced with spinal cord compression and performed by ACTF were retrospectively reviewed. Herein, relevant information including patient's gender, age, BMI, intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications and postoperative hospitalized stay were collected. Furthermore, JOA and VAS score were both collected. Moreover, imaging parameters were measured and calculated on radiographs. Correlated data were analyzed by t test. Significance was considered when P < 0.05. RESULTS: All patients in this study were validated with favorable outcomes and none of postoperative complications. The Nurick grade of patients dramatically deceased postoperation (P < 0.001). And postoperative VAS score of patients (P < 0.001), as well as JOA score (P < 0.001), was given dramatical significance comparing to preoperation. Furthermore, occupying rate (OR) (P < 0.001) was obviously reduced while space available cord (SAC) (P < 0.001) and diameter of spinal cord (P < 0.001) was significantly increased postoperation. Meanwhile, disc height of involved segment, C2-7 SVA, and C2-C7 Cobb angle were measured on sagittal plane of lateral radiograph. Postoperative disc height of involved segment (P < 0.001) significantly elevated comparing to preoperation. However, there were no significance on C2-7 SVA (P = 0.460) and C2-C7 Cobb angle (P = 0.097). CONCLUSIONS: The novel surgical technique coined by ACTF is a practicable approach during taking charge of bony and soft narrowing behind vertebral space.

Role of diffusion kurtosis imaging in evaluating microstructural changes in spinal cord of patients with cervical spondylosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To study the role of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in evaluating microstructural changes in patients with cervical spondylosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Cervical spondylosis is a common progressive degenerative disorder of the spine. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can only detect the changes in the spinal cord once there are visual signal changes; hence, it underestimates the extent of the injury. Newer imaging techniques like Diffusion Tensor and Kurtosis Imaging can evaluate the microstructural changes in cervical spinal cord before the obvious signal changes appear. METHODS: Conventional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and DKI scans were performed for 90 cervical spondylosis patients on 1.5-T MR Siemens Magnetom aera after obtaining informed consent. Eight patients were excluded due to poor image quality. Fractional anisotropy (FA) colour maps and diffusion kurtosis (DK) maps corresponding to spinal cord cross sections at C2-C3 intervertebral disc level (control) and at the most stenotic levels were obtained. Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring was used for clinical assessment of the spinal cord function. The changes in DTI and DKI parameters and their correlation with mJOA scores were analysed by SPSS 23 software. RESULTS: In our study, mean FA and mean kurtosis (MK) values at the stenotic level (0.54, 1.02) were significantly lower than values at the non-stenotic segment (0.70, 1.27). The mean diffusivity (MD) value at the stenotic segment (1.25) was significantly higher than in the non-stenotic segment (1.09). We also observed a strong positive correlation between mJOA score and FA and MK values and a negative correlation between mJOA score and MD values, suggesting a correlation of FA, MK, and MD with the clinical severity of the disease. CONCLUSION: Addition of DTI and DKI sequences helps in early identification of the disease without any additional cost incurred by the patient.

Comparing two surgical approaches for treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of anterior versus posterior surgical approaches for multisegment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM). METHODS: Eligible studies published between the period of January 2001 and April 2022 and comparing the anterior and posterior surgical approaches for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy were retrieved from the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases. RESULTS: A total of 17 articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This meta-analysis failed to show any significant difference in the duration of surgery, the hospitalization time, or the improvement in the Japanese Orthopedic Association score between the anterior and posterior approaches. The anterior approach, however, exhibited increased efficacy in the improvement of the neck disability index, reduction in the visual analog scale for cervical pain, and improvement in the cervical curvature compared with the posterior approach. CONCLUSION: Bleeding was also less with the anterior surgical approach. The posterior approach provided a significantly higher range of motion of the cervical spine and showed fewer postoperative complications compared with the anterior approach. While both the surgical approaches have good clinical outcomes and show postoperative neurological function improvement, the meta-analysis shows that both anterior and posterior approaches have certain merits and shortcomings. A meta-analysis of a larger number of randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up can conclusively determine which of the surgical approaches is more beneficial in the treatment of MCSM.