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Goh BC, Lightsey HM, Lopez WY, Tobert DG, Fogel HA, Cha TD, Schwab JH, Bono CM, Hershman SH. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Inadequate to Assess Cervical Sagittal Alignment Parameters. Clin Spine Surg 2023; 36:E70-E74. [PMID: 35969678 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective radiographic study. OBJECTIVE To evaluate cervical sagittal alignment measurement reliability and correlation between upright radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Cervical sagittal alignment (CSA) helps determine the surgical technique employed to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Traditionally, upright lateral radiographs are used to measure CSA, but obtaining adequate imaging can be challenging. Utilizing MRI to evaluate sagittal parameters has been explored; however, the impact of positional change on these parameters has not been determined. METHODS One hundred seventeen adult patients were identified who underwent laminoplasty or laminectomy and fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy from 2017 to 2019. Two clinicians independently measured the C2-C7 sagittal angle, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and the T1 tilt. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities were highly correlated, with correlations greater than 0.85 across all permutations; intraclass correlation coefficients were highest with MRI measurements. The C2-C7 sagittal angle was highly correlated between x-ray and MRI at 0.76 with no significant difference ( P =0.46). There was a weaker correlation with regard to C2-C7 SVA (0.48) and T1 tilt (0.62) with significant differences observed in the mean values between the 2 modalities ( P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS The C2-C7 sagittal angle is highly correlated and not significantly different between upright x-ray and supine MRIs. However, cervical SVA and T1 tilt change with patient position. Since MRI does not accurately reflect the CSA in the upright position, upright lateral radiographs should be obtained to assess global sagittal alignment when planning a posterior-based cervical procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Goh
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program
| | | | | | - Daniel G Tobert
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Harold A Fogel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas D Cha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Christopher M Bono
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Stuart H Hershman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Tempest-Mitchell J, Hilton B, Davies BM, Nouri A, Hutchinson PJ, Scoffings DJ, Mannion RJ, Trivedi R, Timofeev I, Crawford JR, Hay D, Laing RJ, Kotter MRN. A comparison of radiological descriptions of spinal cord compression with quantitative measures, and their role in non-specialist clinical management. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219380. [PMID: 31329621 PMCID: PMC6645712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is gold-standard for investigating Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM), a disabling disease triggered by compression of the spinal cord following degenerative changes of adjacent structures. Quantifiable compression correlates poorly with disease and language describing compression in radiological reports is un-standardised. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES 1) Identify terminology in radiological reporting of cord compression and elucidate relationships between language and quantitative measures 2) Evaluate language's ability to distinguish myelopathic from asymptomatic compression 3) Explore correlations between quantitative or qualitative features and symptom severity 4) Investigate the influence of quantitative and qualitative measures on surgical referrals. METHODS From all cervical spine MRIs conducted during one year at a tertiary centre (N = 1123), 166 patients had reported cord compression. For each spinal level deemed compressed by radiologists (N = 218), four quantitative measurements were calculated: 'Maximum Canal Compromise (MCC); 'Maximum Spinal Cord Compression' (MSCC); 'Spinal Canal Occupation Ratio' (SCOR) and 'Compression Ratio' (CR). These were compared to associated radiological reporting terminology. RESULTS 1) Terminology in radiological reports was varied. Objective measures of compromise correlated poorly with language. "Compressed" was used for more severe cord compromise as measured by MCC (p<0.001), MSCC (p<0.001), and CR (p = 0.002). 2) Greater compromise was seen in cords with a myelopathy diagnosis across MCC (p<0.001); MSCC (p = 0.002) and CR (p<0.001). "Compress" (p<0.001) and "Flatten" (p<0.001) were used more commonly for myelopathy-diagnosis levels. 3) Measurements of cord compromise (MCC: p = 0.304; MSCC: p = 0.217; SCOR: p = 0.503; CR: p = 0.256) and descriptive terms (p = 0.591) did not correlate with i-mJOA score. 4) The only variables affecting spinal surgery referral were increased MSCC (p = 0.001) and use of 'Compressed' (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS Radiological reporting in DCM is variable and language is not fully predictive of the degree of quantitative cord compression. Additionally, terminology may influence surgical referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bryn Hilton
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin M. Davies
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aria Nouri
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter J. Hutchinson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. Scoffings
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Mannion
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rikin Trivedi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan Timofeev
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John R. Crawford
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas Hay
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rodney J. Laing
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Anne McLaren Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Welcome Trust MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Lee JB, Kim IS, Kwon JY, Lee JJ, Park JH, Cho CB, Yang SH, Sung JH, Hong JT. Difference of Dynamic Morphometric Changes Between in Patients with Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Patients with Cervical Spondylosis: Assessment by Cervical Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging. World Neurosurg 2018; 123:e566-e573. [PMID: 30528528 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.11.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate differences between thicknesses of the ligamentum flavum (LF) and diameter of the spinal canal in different neck positions in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and patients with cervical degenerative spondylosis (CDS) using cervical dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS Eighty-eight patients (66 CDS and 22 OPLL) who underwent neutral and dynamic MRI at our institute from February 2014 to July 2017 were the subjects of this retrospective study. Canal diameters and LF thicknesses were measured and Muhle's grades were determined in neutral and dynamic MRI from C2-C3 to C7-T1. Patients with CDS and OPLL were compared with respect to changes in morphometric parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and statistical significance was accepted for P values < 0.05. RESULTS Mean ages in the CDS and OPLL groups were 68.2 ± 12.27 and 63.1 ± 9.36 years, respectively. Mean canal diameters were smaller in extension than in neutral at all measured levels, especially between C3-C4 and C6-C7 in patients with CDS. LF thickness in extension was significantly greater than in neutral and flexion positions in the CDS group, but not in the OPLL group. In addition, positional changes in Muhle's grades in the CDS group were significantly greater than in the OPLL group (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS Dynamic morphometric changes were found to be significantly greater in the CDS group than in the OPLL group. The study shows dynamic MRI may provide additional information in CDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Beom Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent`s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Il Sup Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent`s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jae Yoel Kwon
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Mary`s Will Hospital, Sungnam, South Korea
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gangneung Asan Hospital, Asan Medical Center, Gangneung, South Korea
| | - Jong-Hyeok Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent`s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Chul Bum Cho
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent`s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Seung Ho Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent`s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Sung
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent`s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jae Taek Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
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Suleiman LI, Weber KA, Rosenthal BD, Bhatt SA, Savage JW, Hsu WK, Patel AA, Parrish TB. High-resolution magnetization transfer MRI in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. J Clin Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29530383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Magnetization transfer (MT) contrast has been established as a marker of myelin integrity, and cervical spondylotic myelopathy is known to cause demyelination. Ten patients with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) were compared to the MRIs of seven historic healthy controls, using the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and Nurick scores as the primary metrics. Transverse slices through the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine were acquired using a gradient echo sequence (MEDIC) with and without an MT saturation pulse on a 3 Tesla Siemens Prisma scanner (TR = 300 ms, TEeff = 17 ms, flip angle = 30°, in-plane resolution = 0.47 × 0.47 mm2). The CSM patients tended to have a lower mean MTR (30.4 ± 6.5) than the controls (34.8 ± 3.8), but the difference was not significant (independent samples t-test, p = 0.110, Cohen's d = 0.80). The mean MTR across all intervertebral disc levels was not significantly correlated to the Nurick score (Spearman's ρ = -0.489, p = 0.151). The intervertebral level with the lowest MTR in each cohort was not significantly different between groups (equal variances not assumed, t = 1.965, dof = 14.8, p = 0.068, Cohen's d = 0.88), but the CSM patients tended to have a lower MTR. The mean MTR at this level was negatively correlated to the Nurick score among CSM patients (Spearman's ρ = -0.725, p = 0.018). CSM patients tended to have decreased MTR indicating myelin degradation compared to our healthy subjects, and MTR was negatively correlated with the severity of CSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda I Suleiman
- Northwestern University, 676 N. Saint Clair, Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kenneth A Weber
- Northwestern University, 676 N. Saint Clair, Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, USA.
| | - Brett D Rosenthal
- Northwestern University, 676 N. Saint Clair, Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Surabhi A Bhatt
- Northwestern University, 676 N. Saint Clair, Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Jason W Savage
- Cleveland Clinic, Mail Code S40, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Wellington K Hsu
- Northwestern University, 676 N. Saint Clair, Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alpesh A Patel
- Northwestern University, 676 N. Saint Clair, Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Todd B Parrish
- Northwestern University, 676 N. Saint Clair, Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Nouri A, Martin AR, Mikulis D, Fehlings MG. Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of degenerative cervical myelopathy: a review of structural changes and measurement techniques. Neurosurg Focus 2017; 40:E5. [PMID: 27246488 DOI: 10.3171/2016.3.focus1667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy encompasses a spectrum of age-related structural changes of the cervical spine that result in static and dynamic injury to the spinal cord and collectively represent the most common cause of myelopathy in adults. Although cervical myelopathy is determined clinically, the diagnosis requires confirmation via imaging, and MRI is the preferred modality. Because of the heterogeneity of the condition and evolution of MRI technology, multiple techniques have been developed over the years in an attempt to quantify the degree of baseline severity and potential for neurological recovery. In this review, these techniques are categorized anatomically into those that focus on bone, ligaments, discs, and the spinal cord. In addition, measurements for the cervical spine canal size and sagittal alignment are also described briefly. These tools have resulted collectively in the identification of numerous useful parameters. However, the development of multiple techniques for assessing the same feature, such as cord compression, has also resulted in a number of challenges, including introducing ambiguity in terms of which methods to use and hindering effective comparisons of analysis in the literature. In addition, newer techniques that use advanced MRI are emerging and providing exciting new tools for assessing the spinal cord in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Nouri
- Divisions of 1 Neurosurgery and Spine Program and.,Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allan R Martin
- Divisions of 1 Neurosurgery and Spine Program and.,Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Mikulis
- Brain Imaging & Behaviour Systems, University of Toronto; and.,Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Divisions of 1 Neurosurgery and Spine Program and.,Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Nouri A, Tetreault L, Dalzell K, Zamorano JJ, Fehlings MG. The Relationship Between Preoperative Clinical Presentation and Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Neurosurgery 2016; 80:121-128. [DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Degenerative cervical myelopathy encompasses a group of conditions resulting in progressive spinal cord injury through static and dynamic compression. Although a constellation of changes can present on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the clinical significance of these findings remains a subject of controversy and discussion.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between clinical presentation and quantitative MRI features in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.
METHODS: A secondary analysis of MRI and clinical data from 114 patients enrolled in a prospective, multicenter study was conducted. MRIs were assessed for maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC), maximum canal compromise (MCC), signal changes, and a signal change ratio (SCR). MRI features were compared between patients with and those without myelopathy symptoms with the use of t tests. Correlations between MRI features and duration of symptoms were assessed with the Spearman ρ.
RESULTS: Numb hands and Hoffmann sign were associated with greater MSCC (P < .05); broad-based, unstable gait, impairment of gait, and Hoffmann sign were associated with greater MCC (P < .05); and numb hands, Hoffmann sign, Babinski sign, lower limb spasticity, hyperreflexia, and T1 hypointensity were associated with greater SCR (P < .05). Patients with a T2 signal hyperintensity had greater MSCC and MCC (P < .001).
CONCLUSION: MSCC was associated with upper limb manifestations, and SCR was associated with upper limb, lower limb, and general neurological deficits. Hoffmann sign occurred more commonly in patients with a greater MSCC, MCC and SCR. The Lhermitte phenomenon presented more commonly in patients with a lower SCR and may be an early indicator of mild spinal cord involvement. Research to validate these findings is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Nouri
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay Tetreault
- Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristian Dalzell
- Christchurch Public Hospital & Burwood Spinal Unit, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Juan J. Zamorano
- Department of Orthopedics, Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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