1
|
Wang S, Shi J. Three Stages on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Lumbar Degenerative Spine. World Neurosurg 2024; 187:e598-e609. [PMID: 38679375 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.04.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSES To propose a new lumbar degenerative staging system using the current radiological classification system. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of retrospective databases between January 2018 and December 2022 was performed. Total of 410 patients for Modic changes, paravertebral muscle fat infiltration, disc degeneration, articular process degeneration, vertebral endplate degeneration and other structures, and disc displacement, Spondylolisthesis, and stenosis, and grouped patients according to stage were assessed. Visual analog scale, Japanese Orthopaedic Association, and Oswestry Disability Index scores were used to assess low back pain strength, neurological function, and quality of life, respectively. RESULTS The lumbar degeneration staging system consists of 8 variables, which can be divided into 3 steps: early, middle and late, and the correlation between each variable is strong (P < 0.05). The later the staging, the worse the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, visual analog scale, and Oswestry Disability Index scores. CONCLUSIONS Patients with later stages have worse clinical scores. This staging system recommends a uniform classification to assess lumbar degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunmin Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; 910 Hospital of China Joint Logistics Support Force, Quanzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangang Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saremi A, Goyal KK, Benzel EC, Orr RD. Evolution of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with key radiographic features. Spine J 2024; 24:989-1000. [PMID: 38199449 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Spondylolisthesis is a common finding in middle-aged and older adults with back pain. The pathophysiology of degenerative spondylolisthesis is a subject of controversy regarding not only its etiology but also the mechanisms of its progression. It is theorized that degeneration of the facets and discs can lead to segmental instability, leading to displacement over time. Kirkaldy-Willis divided degenerative spondylolisthesis into three phases: dysfunction, instability, and finally, restabilization. There is a paucity of literature on the unification of the radiological hallmarks seen in spondylolisthesis within these phases. The radiographic features include (1) facet morphology/arthropathy, (2) facet effusion, (3) facet vacuum, (4) synovial cyst, (5) interspinous ligament bursitis, and (6) vacuum disc as markers of dysfunction, instability, and/or restabilization. We discuss these features, which can be seen on X-ray, CT, and MRI, with the intention of establishing a timeline upon which they present clinically. Spondylolisthesis is initiated as either degeneration of the intervertebral disc or facet joints. Early degeneration can be seen as facet vacuum without considerable arthropathy. As the vertebral segment becomes increasingly dynamic, fluid accumulates within the facet joint space. Further degeneration will lead to the advancement of facet arthropathy, degenerative disc disease, and posterior ligamentous complex pathology. Facet effusion can eventually be replaced with a vacuum in severe facet osteoarthritis. Intervertebral disc vacuum continues to accumulate with further cleft formation and degeneration. Ultimately, autofusion of the vertebra at the facets and endplates can be observed. With this review, we hope to increase awareness of these radiographical markers and their timeline, thus placing them within the framework of the currently accepted model of degenerative spondylolisthesis, to help guide future research and to help refine management guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arvin Saremi
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Kush K Goyal
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Edward C Benzel
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - R Douglas Orr
- Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee Y, Heard JC, Lambrechts MJ, Kern N, Wiafe B, Goodman P, Mangan JJ, Canseco JA, Kurd MF, Kaye ID, Hilibrand AS, Vaccaro AR, Kepler CK, Schroeder GD, Rihn JA. Significance of Facet Fluid Index in Anterior Cervical Degenerative Spondylolisthesis. Asian Spine J 2024; 18:94-100. [PMID: 38287666 PMCID: PMC10910141 DOI: 10.31616/asj.2023.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE To correlate cervical facet fluid characteristics to radiographic spondylolisthesis, determine if facet fluid is associated with instability in cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis, and examine whether vertebral levels with certain facet fluid characteristics and spondylolisthesis are more likely to be operated on. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE The relationship between facet fluid and lumbar spondylolisthesis is well-documented; however, there is a paucity of literature investigating facet fluid in degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis. METHODS Patients diagnosed with cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis were identified from a hospital's medical records. Demographic and surgical characteristics were collected through a structured query language search and manual chart review. Radiographic measurements were made on preoperative MRIs for all vertebral levels diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and adjacent undiagnosed levels between C3 and C6. The facet fluid index was calculated by dividing the facet fluid measurement by the width of the facet. Bivariate analysis was conducted to compare facet characteristics based on radiographic spondylolisthesis and spondylolisthesis stability. RESULTS We included 154 patients, for whom 149 levels were classified as having spondylolisthesis and 206 levels did not. The average facet fluid index was significantly higher in patients with spondylolisthesis (0.26±0.07 vs. 0.23±0.08, p <0.001). In addition, both fluid width and facet width were significantly larger in patients with spondylolisthesis (p <0.001 each). Cervical levels in the fusion construct demonstrated a greater facet fluid index and were more likely to have unstable spondylolisthesis than stable spondylolisthesis (p <0.001 each). CONCLUSIONS Facet fluid index is associated with cervical spondylolisthesis and an increased facet size and fluid width are associated with unstable spondylolisthesis. While cervical spondylolisthesis continues to be an inconclusive finding, vertebral levels with spondylolisthesis, especially the unstable ones, were more likely to be included in the fusion procedure than those without spondylolisthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunsoo Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Jeremy C. Heard
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Mark J. Lambrechts
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO,
USA
| | - Nathaniel Kern
- Sydney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Bright Wiafe
- Sydney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Perry Goodman
- Sydney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - John J. Mangan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Jose A. Canseco
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Mark F. Kurd
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Ian D. Kaye
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Alan S. Hilibrand
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Alexander R. Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Christopher K. Kepler
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Gregory D. Schroeder
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Rihn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A superior articular process morphology of 5th lumbar vertebra prone to screws placement failure: an anatomical study of 299 patients. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:505. [PMID: 36434721 PMCID: PMC9694565 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03403-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSES This study aimed to investigate whether the morphology of the superior articular processes of L5 vertebra affected the accuracy of pedicle screw placement by reviewing 299 patients who had undergone L5 pedicle screw fixation over the past 12 months and measuring relevant parameters. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent L5 vertebra fixation at our spine surgery department from October 20, 2020 to October 20, 2021. Patients with spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, and scoliosis were excluded. Parameters associated with the superior articular process were analyzed, including Mammillary process-Spinal canal Distance (MCD), Inter-Facet Distance (IFD), Inter-Pedicle Distance (IPD), Zygapophysial Joints Angle (ZJA), Superior Articular Width, and Lateral Recess Transverse Diameter. The L5 vertebral body was reconstructed by Mimics 21.0, and the simulated L5 screws were inserted at multiple entry points to measure the Maximum Safe Transverse Angle (STAmax). RESULTS A total of 299 patients who underwent L5 vertebra fixation with 556 pedicle screws were analyzed. An MCD < 6 mm was associated with a significant increase in screw placement failure rate and decrease in ZJA. The MCD was positively correlated with IFD. No significant change in IPD was observed. Mimics software analysis showed that the STAmax decreased with a decrease of MCD. When WBV < 6 mm, 93% of the trans-mammillary vertical line was located within 50% of the pedicle. CONCLUSIONS The superior articular process tended to narrow the spinal canal and exhibit a steep and a "cloverleaf" morphology when the MCD was < 6 mm. This morphology increased the risk of operator mis-judgement resulting in screw placement failure. Assessment of the relationship between the trans-mammillary vertical line and the pedicle represents a simple method to predict abnormal morphology of the superior articular process before surgery.
Collapse
|
5
|
Emerging innovations for lumbar spondylolisthesis management: a systematic review of active and prospective clinical trials. Neurosurg Rev 2022; 45:3629-3640. [DOI: 10.1007/s10143-022-01889-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
6
|
Lin F, Zhou X, Zhang B, Shan B, Niu Y, Sun Y. Utility of Flexion-Extension Radiographs with Brackets and Magnetic Resonance Facet Fluid for the Assessment of Lumbar Instability in Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis. World Neurosurg 2022; 167:e940-e947. [PMID: 36055619 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.08.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To propose a new standardized technique for evaluating lumbar stability in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis using lumbar lateral flexion-extension radiographs with brackets and magnetic resonance facet fluid. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 57 patients diagnosed with lumbar (L4-5) spondylolisthesis was performed. We analyzed lateral flexion-extension radiographs obtained with a bracket (LFEB) and without a bracket (LFE). Sagittal translation, segmental angulation, posterior opening, lumbar instability, and changes in lumbar lordosis were compared using functional radiographs. The mean width and maximum width of the facet fluid, mean facet joint length, and facet fluid index (FFI) of the 2 groups were compared using sagittal translation. RESULTS The average value of sagittal translation was 1.68 ± 0.96 mm in LFE and 3.07 ± 1.29 mm in LFEB, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Segmental angulation, posterior opening, and changes in lumbar lordosis were significantly greater in LFEB than in LFE. The instability detection rate was 14.0% in LFE and 35.1% in LFEB. The FFI, maximum width, and mean width were significantly increased in the unstable lumbar spondylolisthesis group compared with the stable group in LFEB. The FFI and maximum width of the facet fluid were significantly increased in the unstable lumbar spondylolisthesis group compared with the stable group in LFE. CONCLUSIONS Lumbar lateral flexion-extension radiographs with brackets can standardize the operation process and provide sufficient hyperflexion and hyperextension images. The width of the facet fluid and FFI are significant factors in the evaluation of lumbar stability in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanguo Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhong Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingchen Shan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanping Niu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongming Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang A, Wang T, Zang L, Yuan S, Fan N, Du P, Wu Q. Quantitative Radiological Characteristics of the Facet Joints in Patients with Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis. J Pain Res 2022; 15:2363-2371. [PMID: 36003291 PMCID: PMC9393112 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s374720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the degeneration patterns of the facet joints (FJs) in patients with lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS) and investigate the correlation between quantitative parameters and FJ osteoarthritis (FJ OA). Patients and Methods A total of 171 patients with LFS at the L4/5 level and 146 control patients were enrolled in this study. The severity of FJ OA was graded according to the Weishaupt classification. The FJ orientation, FJ tropism, superior articular process cross-sectional area (SAPA), and FJ area were measured at the L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 spinal levels. Associations among the parameters were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Independent sample t-tests and Pearson's chi-square tests were used for univariate analyses. The association between LFS and the quantitative parameters was also analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index. Results Patients with LFS had more sagittal FJ orientation (37.9 vs 45.0, p < 0.001), more FJ tropism (5.6 vs 3.8, p < 0.001), larger SAPA (129.0 vs 97.8, p < 0.001), and less FJ area (21.7 vs 23.3, p = 0.016). Logistic regression analysis showed that LFS was significantly associated with FJ tropism (odds ratio [OR]: 1.153; p = 0.003) and SAPA (OR: 1.113; p < 0.001). The SAPA showed the largest area under the curve (0.908, 95% confidence interval: 0.875-0.942) for the diagnosis of LFS. The optimal cutoff value was 114.75 mm2 with 85.4% sensitivity and 87.0% specificity. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between FJ OA and SAPA and FJ area at each studied spinal level. Conclusion This study confirmed that LFS is significantly associated with FJ hypertrophy and tropism. FJ hypertrophy and joint space narrowing correlated with the severity of FJ OA. These results are helpful in understanding the morphology and pathology of FJs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aobo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Du
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qichao Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|