Neurological impairment score in lumbar spinal stenosis

Determining Differences in Perioperative Functional Mobility Patterns in Lumbar Decompression Versus Fusion Patients Using Smartphone Activity Data

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Smartphone activity data recorded through high-fidelity accelerometry can provide accurate postoperative assessments of patient mobility. The "big data" available through smartphones allows for advanced analyses, yielding insight into patient well-being. This study compared rate of change in functional activity data between lumbar fusion (LF) and lumbar decompression (LD) patients to determine preoperative and postoperative course differences.

METHODS

Twenty-three LF and 18 LD patients were retrospectively included. Activity data (steps per day) recorded in Apple Health, encompassing over 70 000 perioperative data points, was classified into 6 temporal epochs representing distinct functional states, including acute preoperative decline, immediate postoperative recovery, and postoperative decline. The daily rate of change of each patient's step counts was calculated for each perioperative epoch.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing LF demonstrated steeper preoperative declines than LD patients based on the first derivative of step count data (P = .045). In the surgical recovery phase, LF patients had slower recoveries (P = .041), and LF patients experienced steeper postoperative secondary declines than LD patients did (P = .010). The rate of change of steps per day demonstrated varying perioperative trajectories that were not explained by differences in age, comorbidities, or levels operated.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing LF and LD have distinct perioperative activity profiles characterized by the rate of change in the patient daily steps. Daily steps and their rate of change is thus a valuable metric in phenotyping patients and understanding their postsurgical outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to expand upon these data and establish causal links between preoperative patient mobility, patient characteristics, and postoperative functional outcomes.

Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) clinical practice guidelines on the management of lumbar spinal stenosis, 2021 - Secondary publication

BACKGROUND

The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) guideline for the management of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) was first published in 2011. Since then, the medical care system for LSS has changed and many new articles regarding the epidemiology and diagnostics of LSS, conservative treatments such as new pharmacotherapy and physical therapy, and surgical treatments including minimally invasive surgery have been published. In addition, various issues need to be examined, such as verification of patient-reported outcome measures, and the economic effect of revised medical management of patients with lumbar spinal disorders. Accordingly, in 2019 the JOA clinical guidelines committee decided to update the guideline and consequently established a formulation committee. The purpose of this study was to describe the formulation we implemented for the revision of the guideline, incorporating the recent advances of evidence-based medicine.

METHODS

The JOA LSS guideline formulation committee revised the previous guideline based on the method for preparing clinical guidelines in Japan proposed by the Medical Information Network Distribution Service in 2017. Background and clinical questions were determined followed by a literature search related to each question. Appropriate articles based on keywords were selected from all the searched literature. Using prepared structured abstracts, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were performed. The strength of evidence and recommendations for each clinical question was decided by the committee members.

RESULTS

Eight background and 15 clinical questions were determined. Answers and explanations were described for the background questions. For each clinical question, the strength of evidence and the recommendation were both decided, and an explanation was provided.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2021 clinical practice guideline for the management of LSS was completed according to the latest evidence-based medicine. We expect that this guideline will be useful for all medical providers as an index in daily medical care, as well as for patients with LSS.

Is there a Correlation Between Degree of Radiologic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and its Clinical Manifestation?

STUDY DESIGN

This was an observational cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the degree of stenosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relates to the severity of clinical symptoms, disability, or neurological deficit in patients with symptomatic central lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The relationship between radiologic findings and the clinical manifestations of LSS remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 84 patients (42 men, median age 70 y) with neurogenic claudication and central degenerative LSS were included in the study. The MRI parameters describing severity (anteroposterior diameter of dural sac, cross-sectional area of the dural sac, stenosis ratio, and Schizas qualitative morphologic classification were evaluated at maximum stenotic level) and the extent of stenosis (the number of central stenotic levels) were correlated to symptoms (pain intensity, walking capacity), functional disability (measured in terms of the Oswestry Disability Index), and neurological signs of LSS (neurological status was evaluated and scored by Neurological Impairment Score in LSS).

RESULTS

A statistically significant correlation emerged only between the Neurological Impairment Score in LSS and Schizas morphologic classification (P=0.006). Pain intensity, walking capacity, and functional disability displayed no correlation with the MRI parameters of LSS.

CONCLUSIONS

LSS is a clinicoradiologic syndrome with complex relationships between degree of radiologic stenosis disclosed by MRI and clinical manifestations. Neurological impairment in the lower extremities reflects the degree of morphologic LSS on MRI. This study did not identify any association between the degree of stenosis and functional disability, pain intensity, or walking capacity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Modified Masquelet technique using allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for infected non-union femoral shaft fracture with a 12 cm bone defect: A case report

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A case of infected non-union fracture with critical-sized bone defect.

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Modified Masquelet technique was used to overcome the defect.

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The addition of allogenic UC-MSCs, BMP-2 and hydroxyapatite encourages healing.

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This technique may serve as an effective way to overcome large defects.

Introduction

Non-union due to large bone loss often causes significant long-term morbidity. We incorporate the use of allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) as part of the diamond concept of regenerative medicine in a case of infected non-union fracture.

Presentation of case

We reported a 54-year-old female patient presenting with pain on the right thigh. She was previously diagnosed with a closed fracture of the right femoral shaft and underwent four surgeries before finally being referred to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital with infected non-union of the right femoral shaft. The patient was treated with a combination of UC-MSCs, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), Hydroxyapatite (HA), and mechanical stabilization using Masquelet Technique. The combination of allogeneic MSCs, BMP2, HA, and Masquelet Technique was successful in creating new bone with no apparent side effects.

Discussion

Bone loss might be caused by external factors (true defects), or structural loss of the existing bone. The combination of allogeneic UC-MSCs, BMP-2, HA and an induced membrane technique pioneered by Masquelet allowed for faster regeneration process and more optimal bone healing. This paper aims to assess and compare the result of such procedures with the previous four surgeries done to the patient, which did not yield satisfactory results.

Conclusion

The application of allogeneic UC-MSC, BMP-2, HA and Masquelet technique as proposed in the diamond concept is a viable method in treating critical-sized bone defect and provides an effective way to overcome non-union caused by large defect.

The spinal stenosis pedometer and nutrition lifestyle intervention (SSPANLI) randomized controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Because of symptoms, people with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) are often inactive, and this sedentary behaviour implies risk for diseases including obesity. Research has identified body mass index as the most powerful predictor of function in LSS. This suggests that function may be improved by targeting weight as a modifiable factor. An e-health lifestyle intervention was developed aimed at reducing fat mass and increasing physical activity in people with LSS. The main components of this intervention include pedometer-based physical activity promotion and nutrition education.

METHODS/DESIGN

The Spinal Stenosis Pedometer and Nutrition Lifestyle INTERVENTION (SSPANLI) was developed and piloted with 10 individuals. The protocol for a randomized controlled trail comparing the SSPANLI intervention to usual non-surgical care follows. One hundred six (106) overweight or obese individuals with LSS will be recruited. Baseline and follow-up testing includes dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, blood draw, 3-day food record, 7-day accelerometry, questionnaire, maximal oxygen consumption, neurological exam, balance testing and a Self-Paced Walking Test.

INTERVENTION

During Week 1, the intervention group will receive a pedometer, and a personalized consultation with both a Dietitian and an exercise specialist. For 12 weeks participants will log on to the e-health website to access personal step goals, walking maps, nutrition videos, and motivational quotes. Participants will also have access to in-person Coffee Talk meetings every 3 weeks, and meet with the Dietitian and exercise specialist at week 6. The control group will proceed with usual care for the 12-week period. Follow-up testing will occur at Weeks 13 and 24.

DISCUSSION

This lifestyle intervention has the potential to provide a unique, non-surgical management option for people with LSS. Through decreased fat mass and increased function, we may reduce risk for obesity, chronic diseases of inactivity, and pain. The use of e-health interventions provides an opportunity for patients to become more involved in managing their own health. Behaviour changes including increased physical activity, and improved dietary habits promote overall health and quality of life, and may decrease future health care needs in this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01902979.