Relative mobility of the pelvis and spine during trunk axial rotation in chronic low back pain patients: A case-control study

Background

Trunk axial rotation is a risk factor for chronic low back pain (CLBP). The characteristics of rotational mobility in the pelvis and spine among CLBP patients are not fully understood.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine three-dimensional kinematic changes, and to compare the differences of rotational mobility and coupled motion, in patients with and without CLBP.

Methods

Fifteen patients with CLBP and 15 age and sex matched healthy subjects participated in this study. Each subject performed trunk rotation to maximum range of motion (ROM) in a standing position. The kinematics data was collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The outcomes measured were the rotational ROM and the spine/pelvis ratio (SPR) in transvers plane at both maximum and 50% rotation position. The coupled angles in sagittal and frontal planes were also measured.

Results

No significant differences in rotational ROM of the thorax, pelvis, and spine were observed between two groups at maximum rotation position. However, there was a significant interaction between groups and rotational ROM of pelvis and spine (F = 4.57, p = 0.04), and the SPR in CLBP patients was significantly greater than that of the healthy subjects (CLBP; 0.50 ± 0.10 Control; 0.41 ± 0.12, p = 0.04). The results at 50% rotation position were similar to that at maximum rotation. This indicates a relative increase in spinal rotation in the CLBP patients during trunk rotation. Moreover, the CLBP patients exhibited a significantly higher anterior tilt of the pelvis and extension of the spine in the sagittal plane coupled with rotation.

Conclusions

CLBP patients had relative hyper rotational mobility of the spine as well as excessive spinal extension coupled with trunk rotation. These results suggest that uncoordinated trunk rotation might be a functional failure associated with CLBP.

Targeted spine strengthening exercise and posture training program to reduce hyperkyphosis in older adults: results from the study of hyperkyphosis, exercise, and function (SHEAF) randomized controlled trial

A 6-month randomized controlled trial of spine-strengthening exercise and posture training reduced both radiographic and clinical measures of kyphosis. Participants receiving the intervention improved self-image and satisfaction with their appearance. Results suggest that spine-strengthening exercise and postural training may be an effective treatment option for older adults with hyperkyphosis.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the present study is to determine in a randomized controlled trial whether spine-strengthening exercises improve Cobb angle of kyphosis in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

We recruited adults ≥60 years with kyphosis ≥40° and enrolled 99 participants (71 women, 28 men), mean age 70.6 ± 0.6 years, range 60-88, with baseline Cobb angle 57.4 ± 12.5°. The intervention included group spine-strengthening exercise and postural training, delivered by a physical therapist, 1-h, three times weekly for 6 months. Controls received four group health education meetings. The primary outcome was change in the gold standard Cobb angle of kyphosis measured from standing lateral spine radiographs. Secondary outcomes included change in kyphometer-measured kyphosis, physical function (modified Physical Performance Test, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, Timed Loaded Standing, 6-Min Walk), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (PROMIS global health and physical function indexes, SRS-30 self-image domain). ANCOVA was used to assess treatment effects on change from baseline to 6 months in all outcomes.

RESULTS

There was a -3.0° (95% CI -5.2, -0.8) between-group difference in change in Cobb angle, p = 0.009, favoring the intervention and approximating the magnitude of change from an incident vertebral fracture. Kyphometer-measured kyphosis (p = 0.03) and SRS-30 self-esteem (p < 0.001) showed favorable between-group differences in change, with no group differences in physical function or additional HRQoL outcomes, p > 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Spine-strengthening exercise and posture training over 6 months reduced kyphosis compared to control. Our randomized controlled trial results suggest that a targeted kyphosis-specific exercise program may be an effective treatment option for older adults with hyperkyphosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND NAME OF TRIAL REGISTER

ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier NCT01751685.

Trunk kinetic effort during step ascent and descent in patients with transtibial amputation using angular momentum separation

BACKGROUND

Patients with transtibial amputation adopt trunk movement compensations that alter effort and increase the risk of developing low back pain. However, the effort required to achieve high-demand tasks, such as step ascent and descent, remains unknown.

METHODS

Kinematics were collected during bilateral step ascent and descent tasks from two groups: 1) seven patients with unilateral transtibial amputation and 2) seven healthy control subjects. Trunk kinetic effort was quantified using translational and rotational segmental moments (time rate of change of segmental angular momentum). Peak moments during the loading period were compared across limbs and across groups.

FINDINGS

During step ascent, patients with transtibial amputation generated larger sagittal trunk translational moments when leading with the amputated limb compared to the intact limb (P=0.01). The amputation group also generated larger trunk rotational moments in the frontal and transverse planes when leading with either limb compared to the healthy group (P=0.01, P<0.01, respectively). During step descent, the amputation group generated larger trunk translational and rotational moments in all three planes when leading with the intact limb compared to the healthy group (P<0.017).

INTERPRETATION

This investigation identifies how differing trunk movement compensations, identified using the separation of angular momentum, require higher kinetic effort during stepping tasks in patients with transtibial amputation compared to healthy individuals. Compensations that produce identified increased and asymmetric trunk segmental moments, may increase the risk of the development of low back pain in patients with amputation.

In the spine or in the brain? Recent advances in pain neuroscience applied in the intervention for low back pain

Conservative, surgical and pharmacological strategies for chronic low back pain (CLBP) management offer at best modest effect sizes in reducing pain and related disability, indicating a need for improvement. Such improvement may be derived from applying contemporary pain neuroscience to the management of CLBP. Current interventions for people with CLBP are often based entirely on a "biomedical" or "psychological" model without consideration of information concerning underlying pain mechanisms and contemporary pain neuroscience. Here we update readers with our current understanding of pain in people with CLBP, showing that CLBP is not limited to spinal impairments, but is also characterised by brain changes, including functional connectivity reorganisation in several brain regions and increased activation in brain regions of the so-called 'pain matrix' (or 'pain connectome'). Indeed, in a subgroup of the CLBP population brain changes associated with the presence of central sensitisation are seen. Understanding the role of these brain changes in CLBP improves our understanding not only of pain symptoms, but also of prevalent CLBP associated comorbidities such as sleep disturbances and fear avoidance behaviour. Applying contemporary pain neuroscience to improve care for people with CLBP includes identifying relevant pain mechanisms to steer intervention, addressing sleep problems and optimising exercise and activity interventions. This approach includes cognitively preparing patients for exercise therapy using (therapeutic) pain neuroscience education, followed by cognition-targeted functional exercise therapy.

Correlation of Somatic Dysfunction With Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Findings: An Observational Study

CONTEXT

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy provides a novel means of correlating visceral abnormalities with somatic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation of palpatory findings of somatic dysfunction with GI abnormalities determined by endoscopy and to identify which types of somatic dysfunction were most commonly correlated with GI abnormalities.

METHODS

In this observational, cross-sectional study, participants who were scheduled to receive an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, or both were examined by 2 osteopathic physicians immediately prior to endoscopy for the presence of vertebral tenderness, asymmetry, restricted range of motion, and tissue texture abnormalities (TART findings); tenderness of anterior Chapman reflex points; and tenderness of visceral sphincters. Each type of somatic dysfunction and the somatic dysfunction burden (sum of findings) were compared with the type of endoscopic procedure and abnormal endoscopic findings.

RESULTS

Sixty-six adults participated: 43 received an EGD, 40 received a colonoscopy, and 17 received both. The incidence of vertebral TART findings ranged from 70% at T12 to 98% at the sacrum. Participants who received only EGD had a higher somatic dysfunction burden than those who received only colonoscopy and those who received both procedures (P=.002). The incidence of abnormal endoscopic findings ranged from 98% in the stomach to 0% at the ileocecal valve. Statistically significant positive associations were found between specific vertebral TART findings and abnormalities of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, pylorus, ascending colon, and sigmoid colon; specific Chapman reflex point tenderness and abnormalities of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, pylorus, ascending colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum; and specific visceral sphincter tenderness and abnormalities of the duodenum, ascending colon, and sigmoid colon.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study found numerous associations between somatic dysfunction and abnormal endoscopic findings. However, the high incidence of vertebral TART findings and the lack of normal controls for many GI regions made establishing meaningful relationships between specific somatic dysfunction and specific GI abnormalities challenging. Future investigations should include more participants to ensure a higher number of normal endoscopic findings and limit the physical examination to elements of somatic dysfunction with a high level of variability between vertebrae within an individual participant and between participants, such as tenderness and tissue texture abnormalities. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01394198).

A.T. Still's Osteopathic Lesion Theory and Evidence-Based Models Supporting the Emerged Concept of Somatic Dysfunction

Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, coined the original idea of lesion based on the obstruction of flow of body fluids, but primarily referring to bony structures and more precisely to the spine. Throughout the 20th century, this idea was shaped and developed into the concept of somatic dysfunction, a term that is familiar to both US-trained osteopathic physicians and foreign-trained osteopaths and has been an essential cornerstone of osteopathic practice and teaching. The present historical narrative review offers an overview of the evolution of Still's original lesion concept, major evidence-based models of somatic dysfunction that attempt to explain the clinical findings, and a critique of the concept.

A Comparative Study of Sagittal Balance in Patients with Neuromuscular Scoliosis

OBJECTIVES:

Spinopelvic alignment has been associated with improved quality of life in patients with vertebral deformities, and it helps to compensate for imbalances in gait. Although surgical treatment of scoliosis in patients with neuromuscular spinal deformities promotes correction of coronal scoliotic deformities, it remains poorly established whether this results in large changes in sagittal balance parameters in this specific population. The objective of this study is to compare these parameters before and after the current procedure under the hypothesis is that there is no significant modification.

METHODS:

Sampling included all records of patients with neuromuscular scoliosis with adequate radiographic records treated at Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Clinics Hospital of University of São Paulo (IOT-HCFMUSP) from January 2009 to December 2013. Parameters analyzed were incidence, sacral inclination, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, spinosacral angle, spinal inclination and spinopelvic inclination obtained using the iSite-Philips digital display system with Surgimap and a validated method for digital measurements of scoliosis radiographs. Comparison between the pre- and post-operative conditions involved means and standard deviations and the t-test.

RESULTS:

Based on 101 medical records only, 16 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study, including 7 males and 9 females, with an age range of 9-20 and a mean age of 12.9±3.06; 14 were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. No significant differences were found between pre and postoperative parameters.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite correction of coronal scoliotic deformity in patients with neuromuscular deformities, there were no changes in spinopelvic alignment parameters in the group studied.

Associations of anthropometry since birth with sagittal posture at age 7 in a prospective birth cohort: the Generation XXI Study

OBJECTIVES

Adult sagittal posture is established during childhood and adolescence. A flattened or hypercurved spine is associated with poorer musculoskeletal health in adulthood. Although anthropometry from birth onwards is expected to be a key influence on sagittal posture design, this has never been assessed during childhood. Our aim was to estimate the association between body size throughout childhood with sagittal postural patterns at age 7.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A subsample of 1029 girls and 1101 boys taking part in the 7-year-old follow-up of the birth cohort Generation XXI (Porto, Portugal) was included. We assessed the associations between anthropometric measurements (weight, height and body mass index) at birth, 4 and 7 years of age and postural patterns at age 7. Postural patterns were defined using latent profile analysis, a probabilistic model-based technique which allows for simultaneously including anthropometrics as predictors of latent profiles by means of logistic regression.

RESULTS

Postural patterns identified were sway, flat and "neutral to hyperlordotic"in girls, and "sway to neutral", flat and hyperlordotic in boys; with flat and hyperlordotic postures representing a straightened and a rounded spine, respectively. In both girls and boys, higher weight was associated with lower odds of a flat pattern compared with a sway/"sway to neutral"pattern, with stronger associations at older ages: for example, ORs were 0.68 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.88) per SD increase in birth weight and 0.36 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.68) per SD increase in weight at age 7 in girls, with similar findings in boys. Boys with higher ponderal index at birth were more frequently assigned to the hyperlordotic pattern (OR=1.44 per SD; p=0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support a prospective sculpting role of body size and therefore of load on musculoskeletal spinopelvic structures, with stronger associations as children get older.

Sagittal spino-pelvic alignment in adults: The Wakayama Spine Study

OBJECTIVES

To establish the normal values of spino-pelvic alignment and to clarify the effect of age-related changes using large, community-based cohorts.

METHODS

In this study, data from 1461 participants (466 men, 995 women) were analyzed. On lateral standing radiographs, the following parameters were measured: thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), and C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA). All values are expressed as the mean±standard deviation. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to examine correlations between variables of spino-pelvic parameters. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between age and spino-pelvic parameters. Therefore, we entered values for the body mass index (BMI), SVA, TK, and PI-LL into a multiple regression model to adjust for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

The SVA, TK, and PT increased with age, and LL decreased with age. Regarding sex differences, the TK was statistically significantly larger in men than in women, and LL, PT, and PI were statistically significantly smaller in men than in women. Correlation coefficients between the SVA and TK, between the SVA and PI-LL, and between TK and PI-LL were none, strong, and weak, respectively. Results of multiple regression analysis between age and spino-pelvic parameters showed that the standardized partial regression coefficients for the SVA, TK, and PI-LL were 0.17, 0.30, and 0.23, respectively, in men and 0.29, 0.32, and 0.23, respectively, in women.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that all parameters were significantly associated with age in men and women. The SVA, TK, and PT increased with age, and LL decreased with age. Results of multiple regression analysis also demonstrated that the SVA, TK, and PI-LL are related to age. Indeed, the PI-LL value increased with age. In this study, a more excessive PI-LL mismatch was shown, indicating an increased risk of spinal malalignment. Differences in the absolute values of spino-pelvic parameters in each sex were small yet statistically significant. Thus, further study should be performed to corroborate this finding.

The influence of spine-hip relations on total hip replacement: A systematic review

Sagittal pelvic kinematics along with spino-pelvic angular parameters have recently been studied by numerous investigators for their effect on total hip replacement (THR) clinical outcomes, but many issue of spine-hip relations (SHR) are currently unexplored. Therefore, our review aims at clarifying the following questions: is there any evidence of a relationship between articular impingement/dislocation risk in primary THR and (1) certain sagittal pelvic kinematics patterns, (2) pelvic incidence, and (3) types of SHRs? A systematic review of the existing literature utilising PubMed and Google search engines was performed in January 2017. Only clinical or computational studies published in peer-reviewed journals over the last five years in either English or French were reviewed. We identified 769 reports, of which 12 met our eligibility criteria. A review of literature shows that sagittal pelvic kinematics, but not the pelvic incidence, influences the risk of prosthetic impingement/dislocation. We found no study having assessed the relationship between this risk and the types of SHRs. Sagittal pelvic kinematics is highly variable among individuals and certain kinematic patterns substantially influences the risk of prosthetic impingement/dislocation. Recommendations for cup positioning are therefore switching from a systematic to a patient-specific approach, with the standing cup orientation Lewinneck safe zone progressively giving way to a new parameter of interest: the functional orientation of the cup. Based on a recently published classification for SHRs, We propose a new concept of "kinematically aligned THR" for the purposes of THR planning. Further studies are needed to investigate the relevance of such a classification towards the assumptions and hypothesis we have made. Level of evidence,- Level IV, systematic review of level III and IV studies.

INVESTIGATION OF BONE MINERALIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE COMPLICATED BY CHRONIC HEART FAILURE, STAGE II-A

The majority of the studies have shown that individuals with cardiovascular diseases have a higher risk of experiencing bone loss and thus greater predisposition to risk of fracture. On the other hand there is growing evidence that individuals with low bone mass have higher mortality for cardiovascular events compared to patients with cardiovascular disease with normal bone mass. This research aims to investigate bone mineralization in patients with coronary heart disease complicated by stage II-A chronic heart failure. The study involved 33 men with coronary heart disease complicated by Stage II-A chronic heart failure. Bone mineral density was measured using dual energy x-ray densitometry of lumbar region of spine. Structural and functional changes of bone tissue of the lumbar spine have been found in 49,2% patients with coronary heart disease complicated by Stage II-A chronic heart failure, in particular, I stage of osteopenia - in 44,6%, II stage of osteopenia - in 27,7%, III stage of osteopenia - in 10,8% and osteoporosis - in 16,9%. It was established the same type of downward trend for BMD decreasing in L1 of patients with different stages of osteopenia, but in case of osteoporosis mineralization decreased equally in all vertebrae.

Evaluation of a semi-automated software program for the identification of vertebral fractures in children

AIM

To assess observer reliability and diagnostic accuracy in children, of a semi-automated six-point technique developed for vertebral fracture (VF) diagnosis in adults, which records percentage loss of vertebral body height.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a semi-automated software program, five observers independently assessed T4 to L4 from the lateral spine radiographs of 137 children and adolescents for VF. A previous consensus read by three paediatric radiologists using a simplified algorithm-based qualitative technique (i.e., no software involved) served as the reference standard.

RESULTS

Of a total of 1,781 vertebrae, 1,187 (67%) were adequately visualised according to three or more observers. Interobserver agreement in vertebral readability for each vertebral level for five observers ranged from 0.05 to 0.47 (95% CI: -0.19, 0.76). Intra-observer agreement using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.25 to 0.61. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 18% (95% CI: 14-22) and 97% (95% CI: 97-98), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to adults, the six-point technique assessing anterior, middle, and posterior vertebral height ratios is neither satisfactorily reliable nor sensitive for VF diagnosis in children. Training of the software on paediatric images is required in order to develop a paediatric standard that incorporates not only specific vertebral body height ratios but also the age-related physiological changes in vertebral shape that occur throughout childhood.

Neurological Complications after Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Tumours of the Spine

[b]Background.[/b] Postoperative impairment of neurological function is a rare but serious complication of surgical treatment of metastatic tumours located in the spine. This paper presents an analysis of the causes, symptoms and methods of treatment of spinal cord function impairment in the postoperative period.[b]Materials and methods. [/b]The study retrospectively analysed the treatment of 525 patients diagnosed with compression of neural structures and neurological deficits in the course of metastatic disease who were operated on in 2012-2015. The baseline degree of spinal cord damage was assessed with the Frankel scale. Surgical treatment methods were selected based on the results obtained with the Tomita system as well as the Tokuhashi and Bauer scores.[b]Results. [/b]A total of 8 (1.5%) cases of impaired neurological function were identified in the postoperative period. The spinal cord damage had no discernible cause in 6 cases. Symptoms of neurological function impairment occurred with a delay in 6 patients. In 2 cases, the symptoms were observed immediately after the end of the surgery. One patient demonstrated improved neurological status after revision surgery.[b]Conclusions.[/b] 1. Surgical decompression of the spinal cord in the course of neoplastic disease is rarely complicated by neurological function impairment. 2. Neurological complications occurred mainly after treatment of tumours located in the thoracic section of the spine. 3. Prognostic scores used for qualifying patients for appropriate surgical treatment focus mainly on patient survival and do not account for potential complications.

Biomechanics of the osteoporotic spine, pain, and principles of training

INTRODUCTION

A fracture is a clinical manifestation of osteoporosis and is one of the main causes of functional limitations and chronic pain in patients with osteoporosis. Muscle and coordination training are recommended to the patients as general measures. We inquired whether sling training is better than traditional physiotherapy in relieving pain and improving abilities of daily living.

METHODS

Fifty patients with osteoporosis were divided into two groups. Group A performed conventional physiotherapy, while Group B performed sling training exercises. Data were collected before and after the intervention and after 3 months. The registered parameters were stamina, posture, and pain. Posture, torques, and the associated strength of spinal muscles were studied in a biomechanical model in order to estimate the forces acting on the spine. Furthermore, the factors that exerted a positive impact on the success of therapy were registered.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (88%) completed the study. Positive effects of the training were noted in both groups, but significantly better effects were observed in the group that performed sling training. A reduction of pain independent of the number of fractures, significantly reduced torques, and reduced muscle strength were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific training programs helped to increase muscle strength and straightening the back thereby reducing the force needed on a permanent basis and decreasing torque in the spine. Sling training was more effective in that than traditional physiotherapy.

Vertebral bone marrow fat, bone mineral density and diabetes: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study

Elevated vertebral bone marrow fat (BMF) among individuals with osteoporosis has been established in histomorphometric studies. Several studies have found a negative correlation between BMF and bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine in men and women across different age groups. Animal studies have also observed bone loss with increased BMF in mice with induced diabetes. Our study objective was to test the hypothesis that the association between BMF and BMD varies by diabetic status. We performed a cross-sectional study of 156 men aged 74-96years from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study at the Pittsburgh clinical site. All men had spine BMF scans using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and spine and hip BMD scans by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMF was expressed as lipid to "lipid+water" ratio (%). Men were considered diabetic if they self-reported a physician diagnosis of diabetes, diabetes medication or had a fasting glucose ≥126mg/dl. Men with diabetes (n=38) had a significantly higher spine BMF (58.9 vs. 54.6%, p=0.0035), spine BMD (1.20 vs. 1.10g/cm², P=0.007) and total hip BMD (1.00 vs. 0.94g/cm², p=0.04) than those without, while no differences were observed for body weight, body mass index or waist circumference. Pearson correlation tests showed no significant correlation of spine BMF with age or BMD in non-diabetics. Significant inverse correlations were observed between BMF and BMD (-0.30 for femoral neck and -0.39 for total hip) among diabetic men. In conclusion, men with diabetes had a higher BMF compared to non-diabetic men. The correlation between BMF and BMD differed by diabetes status. Further investigation of the association of diabetes with BMF and BMD may provide a better understanding of the high fracture rates among individuals with diabetes despite their higher BMD.

Application of Compound Action Potential of Facial Muscles Evoked by Transcranial Stimulation as a Reference Waveform of Motor-evoked Potential in Spinal Surgery

Transcranial electrical stimulation motor-evoked potential (TES-MEP) has been widely used to monitor major motor pathways in cranial and spinal surgeries. However, the results of TES-MEP might be strongly influenced by anesthetic agents and muscle relaxants. To compensate for this effect, a technique using compound muscle action potentials of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB-CMAP) evoked by median nerve stimulation has recently been reported. In this article, we adopted the transcranial electrical stimulation motor-evoked potential of facial muscles (TES-FMEP) instead of APB-CMAP as a reference waveform for compensation. Intraoperative monitoring in spinal surgeries using TES-MEP, TES-FMEP and APB-CMAP was performed in 64 patients. We compared with and without compensation methods using TES-FMEP and APB-CMAP to evaluate TES-MEP. The cases which demonstrated postoperative motor disturbance, including transient symptoms, were judged to be positive cases. Postoperative transient paraplegia was shown in one intramedullary tumor case among those 64 cases. Compensation by TES-FMEP exhibited the highest specificity (90.5%) and lowest false-positive rate (9.5%) among the three compensation modalities when evaluated at 80% amplitude decrease. TES-FMEP, being derived from motor cortex stimulation, is not influenced by the original spinal lesion or surgical manipulation of the spine. Therefore, compensation using TES-FMEP is suitable for intraoperative monitoring during spinal surgery. The authors advocate TES-FMEP as a reference waveform for the compensation of intraoperative TES-MEP.

Flare in axial spondyloarthritis: investigation of meaningful changes in symptomatic outcome measures

OBJECTIVES

To assess symptomatic outcomes associated with flare after discontinuation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

METHODS

Patients with NSAID-refractory axSpA discontinued NSAIDs, restarted if symptoms recurred, and self-recorded Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). 75th percentiles were calculated for changes in BASDAI total and components from NSAID discontinuation to resumption.

RESULTS

75th percentiles for absolute/relative changes: BASDAI total (0-10)=1.5/28%; fatigue=2.0/25%; spinal pain=2.0/33%; joint pain/swelling=2.0/50%; enthesitis=2.0/43%; morning stiffness=1.5/27%.

CONCLUSIONS

No single score threshold applied but absolute change ≥2 or relative change ≥30% indicated symptomatic deterioration for most BASDAI components.

Assessment of semaphorin 3A and its role in bone remodelling in a group of ankylosing spondylitis patients

OBJECTIVES

Several molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum levels of semaphoring 3A in AS and to investigate any correlations with radiographic damage, disease activity, function and treatment.

METHODS

AS patients who fulfilled the modified New York criteria were enrolled for this study. Healthy subjects were also enrolled as control group. BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, BASMI, BASFI, patients and physician VAS, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were evaluated at baseline visit. Radiographs of the spine and pelvis performed within six months from the enrolment in the study were collected in all patients. Spinal damage was assessed using the mSASSS. Serum concentrations of semaphorin3A were assessed at baseline and after four months of therapy in patients who started an anti-TNF.

RESULTS

Twenty healthy subjects and forty AS patients were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 15 started anti-TNF therapy the day of baseline visit. Semaphorin3A serum concentrations [median (25th-75th)] were similar in AS patients [0.26 (0.20-0.31) ng/ml] and controls [0.28 (0.26-0.3) ng/ml; p=ns). No significant correlation was found between semaphorin 3A serum levels and radiographic damage index. Semaphorin 3A serum levels positively correlated with ESR values (rho=0.37, p=0.049) and with disease activity assessed by the physician VAS (rho=0.47, p<0.01). No differences were found in the semaphorin3A serum levels after 4 months, compared to baseline values.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study could contribute to the intriguing topic of bone remodelling in AS.

Genetic diagnostic profiling in axial spondyloarthritis: a real world study

OBJECTIVES

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is often diagnosed late in the course of the disease and improved methods for early diagnosis are required. We have tested the ability of genetic profiling to diagnose axial SpA (axSpA) as a whole group, or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) alone, in a cohort of chronic back pain patients.

METHODS

282 patients were recruited from centres in the United Kingdom, Germany, Taiwan, Canada, Columbia and Turkey as part of the ASAS classification criteria for axSpA study (ASAS cohort). Subjects were classified according to the ASAS axSpA criteria, and the modified New York Criteria for AS. Patients were genotyped for ~200,000 immune-mediated disease SNPs using the Illumina Immunochip.

RESULTS

We first established the predictive accuracy of genetic data comparing 9,638 healthy controls and 4,428 AS cases from the homogenous International Genetics of AS (IGAS) Consortium Immunochip study which showed excellent predictive power (AUC=0.91). Genetic risk scores had lower predictive power (AUC=0.83) comparing ASAS cohort axSpA cases meeting the ASAS imaging criteria with IGAS controls. Comparing genetic risk scores showed moderate discriminatory capacity between IGAS AS and ASAS imaging positive cases (AUC 0.67±0.05), indicating that significant differences in genetic makeup exist between the cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

In a clinical setting of referred back pain patients suspected to have axial SpA we were unable to use genetic data to construct a predictive model better than that based on existing clinical data. Potential confounding factors include significant heterogeneity in the ASAS cohort, possibly reflecting the disease heterogeneity of axSpA, or differences between centres in ascertainment or classification performance.

Effects of whole spine alignment patterns on neck responses in rear end impact

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the whole spine alignment in automotive seated postures for both genders and the effects of the spinal alignment patterns on cervical vertebral motion in rear impact using a human finite element (FE) model.

METHODS

Image data for 8 female and 7 male subjects in a seated posture acquired by an upright open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system were utilized. Spinal alignment was determined from the centers of the vertebrae and average spinal alignment patterns for both genders were estimated by multidimensional scaling (MDS). An occupant FE model of female average size (162 cm, 62 kg; the AF 50 size model) was developed by scaling THUMS AF 05. The average spinal alignment pattern for females was implemented in the model, and model validation was made with respect to female volunteer sled test data from rear end impacts. Thereafter, the average spinal alignment pattern for males and representative spinal alignments for all subjects were implemented in the validated female model, and additional FE simulations of the sled test were conducted to investigate effects of spinal alignment patterns on cervical vertebral motion.

RESULTS

The estimated average spinal alignment pattern was slight kyphotic, or almost straight cervical and less-kyphotic thoracic spine for the females and lordotic cervical and more pronounced kyphotic thoracic spine for the males. The AF 50 size model with the female average spinal alignment exhibited spine straightening from upper thoracic vertebra level and showed larger intervertebral angular displacements in the cervical spine than the one with the male average spinal alignment.

CONCLUSIONS

The cervical spine alignment is continuous with the thoracic spine, and a trend of the relationship between cervical spine and thoracic spinal alignment was shown in this study. Simulation results suggested that variations in thoracic spinal alignment had a potential impact on cervical spine motion as well as cervical spinal alignment in rear end impact condition.

Tacrolimus in the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes and diabetes-associated embryopathies in obese and diabetic mice

BACKGROUND

T2DM is a high-risk pregnancy with adverse fetal and maternal outcomes including repeated miscarriages and fetal malformations. Despite the established association between placental insufficiency and poor maternal Th1-adaptability to the development of pregnancy complications in T2DM, there have been no established data to assess benefits of pre-pregnancy immunosuppression relative to gestational outcomes in T2DM. We hypothesized that pre-pregnancy macrolide immune suppression can re-establish normal placental development and uterine vascular adaptation in a mouse model of obesity-associated T2DM.

METHODS

Fetal live birth rate, postnatal variability, mid-gestational uterine and umbilical flow dynamics and certain morphological features of spiral artery modification were examined in the New Zealand Obese (NONcNZO10/Ltj) female mice (n = 56) weaned to ages of 32 weeks on a 60% calories/g high-fat diet (also referred to as HFD-dNONcNZO), and which received either tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg s.c. q2d) , its vehicle (castor oil and ethanol) or metformin (in drinking water 200 mg/dL p.o. ad libitum). HFD-BALBc-Rag2/IL2-gc female mice (n = 24) were used as HFD-immunodeficient controls.

RESULTS

Treatment of the HFD-dNONcNZO female mice with tacrolimus improved live birth rates and postnatal viability scores (p < 0.01), normalized OGTT (p < 0.001), inhibited fetal malformation rates, restored morphology of spiral arterial modification; and improved uterine arterial and umbilical blood flow (p < 0.01). Placental production of TNFαand IL16 in the tacrolimus-treated HFD-dNONcNZO dams were restored to non-diabetic levels and the treatment resulted in the inhibition of aberrant monocyte/macrophage activation during pregnancy in the HFD-dNONcNZO dams.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present data suggest a casual association between chronic maternal overnutrition and aberrancy in the maternal Th1-immune maladaptation to pregnancy and defective spiral artery modification, placental insufficiency and adverse fetal outcomes in the T2DM subjects. Further safety studies into the use of tacrolimus in the pre-pregnancy glycemic control may be beneficial.

Relationship between bone turnover and density with teriparatide, denosumab or both in women in the DATA study

BACKGROUND

While changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover (BTM) have been reported to predict changes in bone mineral density (BMD), the relationship between changes in BMD and BTMs with combined antiresorptive/anabolic therapy is unknown.

METHODS

In the DATA study, 94 postmenopausal osteoporotic women (ages 51-91) received either teriparatide 20-mcg SC daily, denosumab 60-mg SC every 6months, or both for 2years. Pearson's correlation coefficients (R) were calculated to determine the relationship between baseline and early changes in BTMs (as well as serum sclerostin) and 2-year changes in BMD.

RESULTS

In women receiving teriparatide, baseline BTMs did not correlate with 2-year BMD changes though 12-month increases in osteocalcin and P1NP were associated with 2-year increases in spine BMD. In women receiving denosumab, spine and hip BMD gains correlated with both baseline and changes in P1NP and C-telopeptide. In women receiving combined teriparatide/denosumab, while both baseline and decreases in P1NP were associated with spine BMD gains, distal radius increases were associated with less CTX suppression. Neither baseline nor changes in serum sclerostin correlated with BMD in any treatment group.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

In women treated with teriparatide or denosumab, early BTM changes (increases and decreases, respectively) predict 2-year BMD gains, especially at the spine. In women treated with combined teriparatide/denosumab therapy, BMD increases at the distal radius were associated with less suppression of bone turnover. These results suggest that efficacy of combination therapy at cortical sites such as the radius may depend on residual bone remodeling despite RANKL inhibition.

Vertebral Volumetric Bone Density and Strength Are Impaired in Women With Low-Weight and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa

CONTEXT

Areal bone mineral density (BMD) is lower, particularly at the spine, in low-weight women with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, little is known about vertebral integral volumetric BMD (Int.vBMD) or vertebral strength across the AN weight spectrum, including "atypical" AN [body mass index (BMI) ≥18.5 kg/m2].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate Int.vBMD and vertebral strength, and their determinants, across the AN weight spectrum.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

SETTING

Clinical research center.

PARTICIPANTS

153 women (age 18 to 45): 64 with low-weight AN (BMI <18.5 kg/m2; 58% amenorrheic), 44 with atypical AN (18.5≤BMI<23 kg/m2; 30% amenorrheic), 45 eumenorrheic controls (19.2≤BMI<25 kg/m2).

MEASURES

Int.vBMD and cross-sectional area (CSA) by quantitative computed tomography of L4; estimated vertebral strength (derived from Int.vBMD and CSA).

RESULTS

Int.vBMD and estimated vertebral strength were lowest in low-weight AN, intermediate in atypical AN, and highest in controls. CSA did not differ between groups; thus, vertebral strength (calculated using Int.vBMD and CSA) was driven by Int.vBMD. In AN, Int.vBMD and vertebral strength were associated positively with current BMI and nadir lifetime BMI (independent of current BMI). Int.vBMD and vertebral strength were lower in AN with current amenorrhea and longer lifetime amenorrhea duration. Among amenorrheic AN, Int.vBMD and vertebral strength were associated positively with testosterone.

CONCLUSIONS

Int.vBMD and estimated vertebral strength (driven by Int.vBMD) are impaired across the AN weight spectrum and are associated with low BMI and endocrine dysfunction, both current and previous. Women with atypical AN experience diminished vertebral strength, partially due to prior low-weight and/or amenorrhea. Lack of current low-weight or amenorrhea in atypical AN does not preclude compromise of vertebral strength.

[FEATURES OF THE TREATMENT OF THE SPINE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refers to the most common inflammatory joint disease, which can lead to persistent disability and early mortality of patients, and one of the manifestations of RA is a frequent lesion of the spine, which significantly affects the quality of life of these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate spine lesion in patients with different types of current RA and factors that determine it.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Under the supervision of the RA patient 131 was aged 18 to 79 years (mean 45 years) among them was 18% male and 82% female. Duration of disease was 10 years, I radiographic arthritis stage is set to 8% of cases, II - 38%, III - 35%, IV - 19%, by rheumatoid factor seropositivity was observed in 77% of patients studied, and by the presence of antibodies against cyclic citrullin peptide - y ¾. Extra-articular (systemic) form of the disease occurred in 43% of cases, systemic osteoporosis - 67%.

RESULTS

lesions of the spine in the form of osteochondrosis and spondyloarthrosis observed at ½ of the number of RA patients, and clinically overt occurs in 35% of cases, which is directly related to patient age, involving in the process of wrist, elbow and hip joints, the presence of systemic osteoporosis and tendovaginitis, sensory and motor disorders due to peripheral neuropathy. Frequency ratio of mechanical, disfixtional, disgemic and inflammatory pain in the spine in RA is a 1: 2: 6: 14. Radiographs revealed ossification of the outer layers of the intervertebral discs and the formation sindesmofitov and spondylodiscitis. Involvement of joints is characterized by vagueness of the articular surfaces and narrowing gaps. Vertebral pathology affects heart disease symptoms (changes in electrical conductivity, the size of cameras, the left ventricular diastolic function), autonomic changes and severity of neuropathy and predictors are blood levels of rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein. Due to the nature of spinal lesions in rheumatoid arthritis has been proposed a scheme of treatment with Actemra, Orcerin, Zoledro-Denk.

CONCLUSIONS

Spondylopathies is a frequent manifestation of RA, is interconnected with many clinical and laboratory signs of the disease, and in the future early detection of spondylopathies in the patients with active RA will be useful for timely rehabilitation.

When Can I Drive After Orthopaedic Surgery? A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Patients often ask their doctors when they can safely return to driving after orthopaedic injuries and procedures, but the data regarding this topic are diverse and sometimes conflicting. Some studies provide observer-reported outcome measures, such as brake response time or simulators, to estimate when patients can safely resume driving after surgery, and patient survey data describing when patients report a return to driving, but they do not all agree. We performed a systematic review and quality appraisal for available data regarding when patients are safe to resume driving after common orthopaedic surgeries and injuries affecting the ability to drive.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Based on the available evidence, we sought to determine when patients can safely return to driving after (1) lower extremity orthopaedic surgery and injuries; (2) upper extremity orthopaedic surgery and injuries; and (3) spine surgery.

METHODS

A search was performed using PubMed and EMBASE^®, with a list of 20 common orthopaedic procedures and the words "driving" and "brake". Selection criteria included any article that evaluated driver safety or time to driving after major orthopaedic surgery or immobilization using observer-reported outcome measures or survey data. A total of 446 articles were identified from the initial search, 48 of which met inclusion criteria; abstract-only publications and non-English-language articles were not included. The evidence base includes data for driving safety on foot, ankle, spine, and leg injuries, knee and shoulder arthroscopy, hip and knee arthroplasty, carpal tunnel surgery, and extremity immobilization. Thirty-four of the articles used observer-reported outcome measures such as total brake time, brake response time, driving simulator, and standardized driving track results, whereas the remaining 14 used survey data.

RESULTS

Observer-reported outcome measures of total brake time, brake response time, and brake force postoperatively suggested patients reached presurgical norms 4 weeks after right-sided procedures such as TKA, THA, and ACL reconstruction and approximately 1 week after left-sided TKA and THA. The collected survey data suggest patients resumed driving 1 month after right-sided and left-sided TKAs. Patients who had THA reported returning to driving between 6 days and 3 months postoperatively. Observer-reported outcome measures showed that patients' driving abilities often are impaired when wearing an immobilizing cast above or below the elbow or a shoulder sling on their dominant arm. Patients reported a return to driving on average 2 months after rotator cuff repair procedures and approximately 1-3 months postoperatively for total shoulder arthroplasties. Most patients with spine surgery had normal brake response times at the time of hospital discharge. Patients reported driving 6 weeks after total disc arthroplasty and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence provides a best-case scenario for when patients can return to driving. It is important for observer-reported outcome measures to have normalized before a patient can consider driving, but other factors such as strength, ROM, and use of opioid analgesics need to be considered. This review can provide a guideline for when physicians can begin to consider evaluating these other factors and discussing a return to driving with patients. Survey data suggest that patients are returning to driving before observer-reported outcome measures have normalized, indicating that physicians should tell patients to wait longer before driving. Further research is needed to correlate observer-reported outcome measures with adverse events, such as motor vehicle accidents, and clinical tests that can be performed in the office.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.