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Alabdallat YJ, Schroeder GD, Siddiqui S, Åkerstedt J, Aly MM. How reliable is the distinction between thoracolumbar AO type A3 and A4 fractures? A systematic literature review. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024:10.1007/s00586-024-08381-9. [PMID: 39030322 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The AOSpine classification divides thoracolumbar burst fractures into A3 and A4 fractures; nevertheless, past research has found inconsistent interobserver reliability in detecting those two fracture patterns. This systematic analysis aims to synthesize data on the reliability of discriminating between A3 and A4 fractures. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science for studies reporting the inter- and intra-observer reliability of detecting thoracolumbar AO A3 and A4 fractures using computed tomography (CT). The search spanned 2013 to 2023 and included both primarily reliability and observational comparative studies. We followed the PRISMA guidelines and used the modified COSMIN checklist to assess the studies' quality. Kappa coefficient (k) values were categorized according to Landis and Koch, from slight to excellent. RESULTS Of the 396 identified studies, nine met the eligibility criteria; all were primarily reliability studies except one observational study. Interobserver k values for A3/A4 fractures varied widely among studies (0.19-86). The interobserver reliability was poor in two studies, fair in one study, moderate in four studies, and excellent in two studies. Only two studies reported intra-observer reliability, showing fair and excellent agreement. The included studies revealed significant heterogeneity in study design, sample size, and interpretation methods. CONCLUSION Considerable variability exists in interobserver reliability for distinguishing A3 and A4 fractures from slight to excellent agreement. This variability might be attributed to methodological heterogeneity among studies, limitations of reliability analysis, or diagnostic pitfalls in differentiating between A3 and A4. Most observational studies comparing the outcome of A3 and A4 fractures do not report interobserver agreement, and this should be considered when interpreting their results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory D Schroeder
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Josefin Åkerstedt
- Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Orthopedics and Spine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mohamed M Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, P.O Box 54146, 11514, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Aly MM, Soliman Y, Elemam RA, Pizones J, Alzahrani A, Elwatidy S. How frequently MRI modifies thoracolumbar fractures' classification or decision-making? A systematic review and meta-analysis. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:1540-1549. [PMID: 38342842 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-08087-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide the first meta-analysis of the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on thoracolumbar fractures (TLFs) classification and decision-making. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science from inception to June 30, 2023 for studies evaluating the change in TLFs classification and treatment decisions after MRI. The studies extracted key findings, objectives, and patient population. A meta-analysis was performed for the pooled frequency of change in AO fracture classification or treatment decisions from surgical to conservative or vice versa after MRI. RESULTS This meta-analysis included four studies comprising 554 patients. The pooled frequency of change in TLFs classification was 17% (95% CI 9-31%), and treatment decision was 22% (95% CI 11-40%). An upgrade from type A to type B was reported in 15.7% (95% CI 7.2-30.6%), and downgrading type B to type A in 1.2% (95% CI 0.17-8.3%). A change from conservative to surgery recommendation of 17% (95% CI 5.0-43%) was higher than a change from surgery to conservative 2% (95% CI 1-34%). CONCLUSIONS MRI can significantly change the thoracolumbar classification and decision-making, primarily due to upgrading type A to type B fractures and changing from conservative to surgery, respectively. These findings suggest that MRI could change decision-making sufficiently to justify its use for TLFs. Type A subtypes, indeterminate PLC status, and spine regions might help to predict a change in TLFs' classification. However, more studies are needed to confirm the association of these variables with changes in treatment decisions to set the indications of MRI in neurologically intact patients with TLFs. An interactive version of our analysis can be accessed from here: https://databoard.shinyapps.io/mri_spine/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, P.O Box 54146, 11514, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Javier Pizones
- Unidad de Columna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ahmed Alzahrani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif Elwatidy
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Aly MM, Abdelwahab OA, Atteya MME, Al-Shoaibi AM. How does vertical laminar fracture impact the decision-making in thoracolumbar fractures? A systematic scoping review and meta-analysis. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:1556-1573. [PMID: 38430400 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08140-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although vertical laminar fracture (VLF) is generally considered a severity marker for thoracolumbar fractures (TLFs), its exact role in decision-making has never been established. This scoping review aims to synthesize the research on VLF's role in the decision-making of TLFs. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to June 11, 2023, for studies examining the association of VLF in thoracolumbar fractures with dural lacerations, neurological deficits, radiographic parameters, or treatment outcomes. Additionally, experimental studies that analyze the biomechanics of burst fractures with VLF were included. The studies extracted key findings, objectives, and patient population. A meta-analysis was performed for the association of VLF with dural laceration and neurological deficit, and ORs were pooled with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Twenty-eight studies were included in this systematic review, encompassing 2021 patients, and twelve were included in the meta-analysis. According to the main subject of the study, the association of VLF with a dural laceration (n = 14), neurological deficit (n = 4), radiographic parameters (n = 3), thoracolumbar fracture classification (n = 2), and treatment outcome (n = 2). Seven studies with a total of 1010 patients reported a significant association between VLF and neurological deficit (OR = 7.35, 95% CI [3.97, 14.25]; P < 0.001). The pooled OR estimates for VLF predicting dural lacerations were 7.75, 95% CI [2.41, 24.87]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION VLF may have several important diagnostic and therapeutic implications in managing TLFs. VLF may help to distinguish AO type A3 from A4 fractures. VLF may help to predict preoperatively the occurrence of dural laceration, thereby choosing the optimal surgical strategy. Clinical and biomechanical data suggest VLF may be a valuable modifier to guide the decision-making in burst fractures; however, more studies are needed to confirm its prognostic importance regarding treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohamed Ben Abdulaziz Hospital, P.O Box 54146, 11514, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Abdulbaset M Al-Shoaibi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Aly MM, Dandurand C, Dvorak MF, Öner CF, Schnake K, Mujis S, Benneker LM, Vialle E, Rajasekaran S, El-Skarkawi M, Kanna RM, Holas M, Popescu EC, Tee JW, Camino-Willhuber G, Joaquim AF, Kenyan O, Chhabra HS, Bigdon S, Spiegel U, Schroeder GD, Canseco JA, Vaccaro AR, Bransford RJ. The Influence of Comminution and Posterior Ligamentous Complex Integrity on Treatment Decision Making in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurologic Deficit? Global Spine J 2024; 14:41S-48S. [PMID: 38324603 PMCID: PMC10867527 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231196452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A prospective study. OBJECTIVE to evaluate the impact of vertebral body comminution and Posterior Ligamentous Complex (PLC) integrity on the treatment recommendations of thoracolumbar fractures among an expert panel of 22 spine surgeons. METHODS A review of 183 prospectively collected thoracolumbar burst fracture computed tomography (CT) scans by an expert panel of 22 trauma spine surgeons to assess vertebral body comminution and PLC integrity. This study is a sub-study of a prospective observational study of thoracolumbar burst fractures (Spine TL A3/A4). Each expert was asked to grade the degree of comminution and certainty about the PLC disruption from 0 to 100, with 0 representing the intact vertebral body or intact PLC and 100 representing complete comminution or complete PLC disruption, respectively. RESULTS ≥45% comminution had a 74% chance of having surgery recommended, while <25% comminution had an 86.3% chance of non-surgical treatment. A comminution from 25 to 45% had a 57% chance of non-surgical management. ≥55% PLC injury certainity had a 97% chance of having surgery, and ≥45-55% PLC injury certainty had a 65%. <20% PLC injury had a 64% chance of having non-operative treatment. A 20 to 45% PLC injury certainity had a 56% chance of non-surgical management. There was fair inter-rater agreement on the degree of comminution (ICC .57 [95% CI 0.52-.63]) and the PLC integrity (ICC .42 [95% CI 0.37-.48]). CONCLUSION The study concludes that vetebral comminution and PLC integrity are major dterminant in decision making of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological deficit. However, more objective, reliable, and accurate methods of assessment of these variables are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdelaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Charlotte Dandurand
- Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marcel F Dvorak
- Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cumhur F Öner
- University Medical Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Schnake
- Center for Spinal and Scoliosis Surgery, Malteser Waldkrankenhaus St. Marien, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Paracelsus Private Medical University Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Sanders Mujis
- University Medical Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lorin M Benneker
- Spine Unit, Sonnenhof Spital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emiliano Vialle
- Cajuru Hospital, Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Mohammad El-Skarkawi
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Rishi M Kanna
- Department of Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, India
| | - Martin Holas
- Klinika Úrazovej Chirurgie SZU a FNsP F.D. Roosevelta, Banská Bystrica, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
| | | | - Jin W Tee
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Trauma Research Institute (NTRI), The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gaston Camino-Willhuber
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Institute of Orthopedics "Carlos E. Ottolenghi" Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrei Fernandes Joaquim
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Neurology, State University of Campinas, Campinas-Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ory Kenyan
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Sebastian Bigdon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Spiegel
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gregory D Schroeder
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jose A Canseco
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard J Bransford
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Canseco JA, Paziuk T, Schroeder GD, Dvorak MF, Öner CF, Benneker LM, Vialle E, Rajasekaran S, El-Sharkawi M, Bransford RJ, Kanna RM, Holas M, Muijs S, Popescu EC, Dandurand C, Tee JW, Camino-Willhuber G, Aly MM, Joaquim AF, Keynan O, Chhabra HS, Bigdon S, Spiegl UJ, Schnake K, Vaccaro AR. Interobserver Reliability in the Classification of Thoracolumbar Fractures Using the AO Spine TL Injury Classification System Among 22 Clinical Experts in Spine Trauma Care. Global Spine J 2024; 14:17S-24S. [PMID: 38324600 PMCID: PMC10867533 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231202371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Reliability study utilizing 183 injury CT scans by 22 spine trauma experts with assessment of radiographic features, classification of injuries and treatment recommendations. OBJECTIVES To assess the reliability of the AOSpine TL Injury Classification System (TLICS) including the categories within the classification and the M1 modifier. METHODS Kappa and Intraclass correlation coefficients were produced. Associations of various imaging characteristics (comminution, PLC status) and treatment recommendations were analyzed through regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used for making predictive algorithms. RESULTS Reliability of the AO Spine TLICS at differentiating A3 and A4 injuries (N = 71) (K = .466; 95% CI .458 - .474; P < .001) demonstrated moderate agreement. Similarly, the average intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) amongst A3 and A4 injuries was excellent (ICC = .934; 95% CI .919 - .947; P < .001) and the ICC between individual measures was moderate (ICC = .403; 95% CI .351 - .461; P < .001). The overall agreement on the utilization of the M1 modifier amongst A3 and A4 injuries was fair (K = .161; 95% CI .151 - .171; P < .001). The ICC for PLC status in A3 and A4 injuries averaged across all measures was excellent (ICC = .936; 95% CI .922 - .949; P < .001). The M1 modifier suggests respondents are nearly 40% more confident that the PLC is injured amongst all injuries. The M1 modifier was employed at a higher frequency as injuries were classified higher in the classification system. CONCLUSIONS The reliability of surgeons differentiating between A3 and A4 injuries in the AOSpine TLICS is substantial and the utilization of the M1 modifier occurs more frequently with higher grades in the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Canseco
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Taylor Paziuk
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gregory D Schroeder
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcel F Dvorak
- Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cumhur F Öner
- University Medical Centers, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lorin M Benneker
- Spine Unit, Sonnenhof Spital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emiliano Vialle
- Cajuru Hospital, Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Mohammad El-Sharkawi
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University Medical School, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Richard J Bransford
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rishi M Kanna
- Department of Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, India
| | - Martin Holas
- Klinika Úrazovej Chirurgie SZU a FNsP F.D.Roosevelta, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - Sander Muijs
- University Medical Centers, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Charlotte Dandurand
- Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jin W Tee
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Trauma Research Institute (NTRI), The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gaston Camino-Willhuber
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Institute of Orthopedics "Carlos E. Ottolenghi" Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mohamed M Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Andrei Fernandes Joaquim
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Neurology, State University of Campinas, Campinas-Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ory Keynan
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Sebastian Bigdon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich J Spiegl
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Schnake
- Center for Spinal and Scoliosis Surgery, Malteser Waldkrankenhaus St. Marien Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Paracelsus Private Medical University Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Aly MM, Al-Shoaibi AM, Abduraba Ali S, Al Fattani A, Eldawoody H. How Often Would MRI Change the Thoracolumbar Fracture Classification or Decision-Making Compared to CT Alone? Global Spine J 2024; 14:11-24. [PMID: 35382642 PMCID: PMC10676184 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221089579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN retrospective study of consecutive patients. OBJECTIVE to analyze the frequency of change in Thoracolumbar fractures (TLFs) classification or decision-making after MRI compared by CT alone. METHODS A retrospective review of 244 consecutive patients with acute TLFs (T1-L5) presented to a single level 1 trauma center between 2014 and 2021. Three and 4 reviewers independently classified all fractures according to AOSpine and AOSpine injury severity score (TLAOSIS) by CT then MRI, respectively. Posterior ligamentous complex Injury (PLC) was diagnosed on CT and MRI by ≥ 2 positive CT findings and Black stripe discontinuity. RESULTS MRI changed AO classification in 25/244 patients (10.2%, P < .0001) due to an 8.2% upgrade from type A to type B and a 2% downgrade from type B to type A. The addition of MRI changed TL AOSIS among the 3 treatment recommendation groups in 35/244 (19.7%, 95% CI [14.9%-25.2%]. The best predictor of upgrade from type A to type B and downgrade from type B to type A was a single positive CT finding and the presence of only 2 CT signs as opposed to ≥3 signs, respectively (P < .0001 P = .03, respectively). Thoracic fractures showed a significantly higher reclassification rate than thoracolumbar and low lumbar (20% vs 10% and 0%, respectively, P = .07). CONCLUSION using appropriate CT/MRI criteria for PLC injury, MRI changed the AOSpine classification by 10% and TLAOSIS based treatment by 19.7%. The best predictors of fracture reclassification by MRI were the number of positive CT findings and fracture level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M. Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Abdulbaset M. Al-Shoaibi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Abduraba Ali
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej Al Fattani
- Department of Biostatistics Epidemiology and Scientific computing, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hany Eldawoody
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Aly MM, Al-Shoaibi AM, Aljuzair AH, Issa TZ, Vaccaro AR. A Proposal for a Standardized Imaging Algorithm to Improve the Accuracy and Reliability for the Diagnosis of Thoracolumbar Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injury in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Global Spine J 2023; 13:873-896. [PMID: 36222735 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221129220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic Literature Review. OBJECTIVE To propose a systematic imaging algorithm for diagnosing posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve the reliability of PLC assessment. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The Scopus database was searched from its inception until July 21, 2022, for studies evaluating CT or MRI assessment of the PLC injury following thoracolumbar trauma. The studies extracted key findings, objectives, injury definitions, and radiographic modalities. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were included in this systematic review, encompassing 2021 patients. Five studies evaluated the accuracy of MRI in detecting thoracolumbar PLC injury using intraoperative findings as a reference. These studies indicate that black stripe discontinuity due to supraspinous or ligamentum flavum rupture is a more specific criterion of PLC injury than high-signal intensity. Thirteen papers evaluated the accuracy or reliability of CT in detecting thoracolumbar PLC injury using MRI or intraoperative findings as a reference. The overall accuracy rate of CT in detecting PLC injury was 68-90%. Two studies evaluate the accuracy of combined CT findings, showing that ≥2 CT findings are associated with a positive predictive value of 88-91 %. Vertebral translation, facet joint malalignment, spinous process fracture, horizontal laminar fracture, and interspinous widening were independent predictors of PLC injury. CONCLUSION We provided a comprehensive imaging algorithm for diagnosing PLC in CT and MRI based on available literature and our experience. The algorithm will potentially improve the accuracy and reliability of PLC assessment, however it needs multicentre prospective validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Abdulbaset M Al-Shoaibi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H Aljuzair
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Ziad Issa
- Orthopaedic Surgery, 387400Rothman Orthopedic Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Orthopaedic Surgery, 387400Rothman Orthopedic Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Aly MM, Al-Shoaibi AM, Abduraba Ali S, Almutairi HM, Kormi YH, Abdelaziz M, Eldawoody H. Which Morphological Features of Facet Diastasis Predict Thoracolumbar Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injury as Defined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging? World Neurosurg 2023; 171:e276-e285. [PMID: 36521759 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of various morphological features of facet diastasis with posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury has not been previously described. This study aims to determine the diagnostic value of facet diastasis subtypes for diagnosing thoracolumbar PLC injury. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 337 consecutive patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures who had computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 10 days of injury. Three and 5 reviewers evaluated MRI and CT images, respectively. Facet diastasis was subclassified as follows: Dislocated, no articular surface apposition; subluxed, incomplete articular surface apposition; and facet fracture articular process fractures which may be displaced ≥2 mm or otherwise undisplaced, facet joint widening (FJW) ≥ 3 mm. We examined the diagnostic accuracy and the multivariate associations of facet diastasis subtypes with PLC injury in MRI. RESULTS Facet dislocation, subluxation, and displaced facet fracture yielded a high positive predictive value (PPV) for PLC injury (96%, 88%, and 94%, respectively). In contrast, undisplaced facet fracture and FJW yielded a moderate PPV for PLC injury (78%, and 45%, respectively). Facet dislocation, subluxation, and displaced facet fracture showed independent associations with PLC injury (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 38.4, 17.1, 13.4, respectively; P < 0.05). Undisplaced facet fracture and FJW were not associated with PLC injury (AOR = 3.9 [95% confidence interval, 0.49-38.4], P = 0.20) and (AOR = 1.94 [95% confidence interval, 0.48-7.13]; P = 0.20; P = 0.33), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Facet dislocation, subluxation, and displaced facet fracture, but not undisplaced facet fracture or FJW, were independently associated with PLC injury. Therefore, we propose to define facet diastasis as a surrogate marker of PLC injury in MRI based on these morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Abdulbaset M Al-Shoaibi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Abduraba Ali
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem Mashan Almutairi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya H Kormi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hany Eldawoody
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Li H, Chen Q, Hu J, Yu J, Xiang J, Li K, Weng J, Tian N. The association between vertical laminar fracture and recurrent kyphosis after implant removal of Thoracolumbar burst fracture: a retrospective study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:53. [PMID: 36681796 PMCID: PMC9863275 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06139-w] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgeons often encounter recurrent kyphosis of Cobb angle following thoracolumbar burst fracture surgery. Some factors affecting postoperative correction loss have been studied in previous studies, but few have examined the relationship between laminar fractures and postoperative loss of correction. METHODS The clinical data of 86 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to our Department of Spine Surgery between 2013 and 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. To examine the association between laminar fracturs and postoperative correction loss, demographic and radiographic characteristics of the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS The presence or absence of laminar fractures was statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that laminar fractures and preoperative Cobb were statistically significant in the two groups. There were statistically significant differences in the degree of injury of laminar fractures in the coronal plane between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study investigated that the presence or absence of laminar fractures and preoperative Cobb contribute to loss of correction after thoracolumbar burst fracture surgery. There was a statistically significant difference between full-length and partial-length laminar fractures on the loss of postoperative correction of thoracolumbar burst fractures with laminar fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Li
- grid.417384.d0000 0004 1764 2632The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi Chen
- The Third People’s Hospttal Of Qingdao, Qingdao Province, China
| | - Jiasen Hu
- grid.417384.d0000 0004 1764 2632The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiapei Yu
- grid.417384.d0000 0004 1764 2632The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jianwei Xiang
- grid.417384.d0000 0004 1764 2632The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kaiyu Li
- grid.417384.d0000 0004 1764 2632The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junjie Weng
- grid.417384.d0000 0004 1764 2632The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Naifeng Tian
- grid.417384.d0000 0004 1764 2632The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, China
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Aly MM. Letter: Load-Sharing Classification Score as Supplemental Grading System in the Decision-Making Process for Patients With Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity 4. Neurosurgery 2022; 90:e78. [PMID: 35006123 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Aly
- Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Injury of the thoracolumbar posterior ligamentous complex : a bibliometric literature review. World Neurosurg 2022; 161:21-33. [PMID: 35051636 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This bibliometric review of literature on posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury in thoracolumbar (TL) trauma aims to guide future research. METHODS We conducted a keyword-based search from January 2000 to September 2021 using the Scopus database. Relevant publications were analyzed for the year of publication, authorship, publishing journals, institution and country of origin, subject matter, and article type. In addition, content analysis of clinical articles was performed, analyzing for sample size, study design (retrospective vs. prospective), single vs. multicenter, and level of evidence. RESULTS 262 publications have been published in 61 journals by 537 authors, 162 institutions, and 29 countries. Thomas Jefferson University, the University of Calgary, and the University of Toronto have the largest number of publications related to PLC injury. The United States, Canada, and China were the most frequent contributors in terms of the number of publications. Spine was the most prolific and top-cited Journal, while Vaccaro A.R. was the most prolific author. The most cited publication was the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) classification by Vaccaro et al. in 2005. Most of the publications have been case studies, with diagnostic accuracy being the most frequently discussed topic. The sample size for a large portion of the case series was less than 50. The majority of case series were retrospective studies conducted at a single center. CONCLUSION Our review provides an extensive list of the most historically significant spinal imaging articles, acknowledging the key contributions made to the advancement of this research area.
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Traumatic low lumbar fractures: How often MRI changes the fracture classification or clinical decision-making compared to CT alone? EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2021; 31:37-45. [PMID: 34625851 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-06987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on fracture classification for low lumbar fractures (LLFs) compared to CT alone. METHODS This study was a retrospective review of 41 consecutive patients with LLFs who underwent CT and MRI within 10 days of injury. Three reviewers classified all fractures according to AOSpine Classification and the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification (TLISS). Posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury in MRI was defined by black stripe discontinuity and in CT by the presence of: vertebral body translation, facet joint malalignment, horizontal laminar or spinous process fracture, and interspinous widening. The proportion of patients with AO type A/B/C and with TLISS < 5 and ≥ 5 was compared between CT and MRI. We examined the overall accuracy and individual CT findings for PLC injury. RESULTS AO classification using CT was: AO type A in 26 patients (61%), type B in 7 patients (17%), and type C in 8 patients (22%). Seventeen patients (41%) had a TLISS ≥ 5 while 24 (59%) had TLISS < 5. The addition of MRI after CT changed the AO classification in only 2 patients (4.9%, 95% CI (0.6-16.5%) due to upgrade of type A to type B or vice versa, but did not change TLISS from < 5 to ≥ 5 [p< 0.0001; 95% CI (0.59, 0.77)]. CONCLUSIONS CT was highly accurate (95%) for diagnosis of PLC injury in LLFs. Addition of MRI after CT did not change the AO classification or TLISS, compared to CT alone, thus suggesting limited additional value of MRI for PLC assessment or fracture classification.
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