1
|
Lockey SD, Jauregui JJ, Cavanaugh DL, Koh EY, Shen FHT, Ludwig SC, Ratanpal AS, Chiu AK. Diagnosis and Management of Thoracic Myelopathy. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2024; 32:815-822. [PMID: 38739870 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-23-00984] [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: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Thoracic myelopathy can be a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. Successful outcomes depend on early recondition of the pathology and appropriate surgical referral in cases of progressive neurologic deterioration. The thoracic cord is tethered in kyphosis by the dentate ligaments and contains a tenuous blood supply. These conditions make the thoracic cord particularly susceptible to external compression and ischemic damage. Careful preoperative planning with specific attention to the location and source of thoracic stenosis is critical to successful decompression and complication avoidance. The purpose of this discussion is to outline the common sources of thoracic myelopathy and current recommendations regarding diagnosis and management. The review concludes with an overview of the most up-to-date literature regarding clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Lockey
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA (Lockey and Shen); Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD (Jauregui, Cavanaugh, Koh, Ludwig, Ratanpal, and Chiu)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bagga RS, Shetty AP, Viswanathan VK, Reddy GJ, Kanna RM, Rajasekaran S. Thoracic Myelopathy in Ossified Ligamentum Flavum: Surgical Management and Long-Term Outcome Following 2 Different Techniques of Surgical Decompression. Global Spine J 2023; 13:659-667. [PMID: 33840238 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211003061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE Thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum (TOLF) has been reported to present with varying degrees of neuro-deficit and multiple factors have been purported to affect its outcome. Purpose of study was to analyze factors affecting outcome and impact of ultrasonic osteotome (UO). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed patients treated for thoracic myelopathy secondary to OLF between 2010 and 2017. 77 patients with complete clinico-radiological records and 2 years follow-up were included. Initial 45 patients, conventional high-speed burr (HSB-group A) was used for decompression. In others, UO was used in combination with HSB (group B). Myelopathy was graded using modified Japanese orthopaedic association grading pre-operatively and each postoperative visit. At final follow-up, recovery rate was calculated. Radiological details including location, morphology, dural ossification, signal change and spinal ossifications were recorded. RESULTS Mean mJOA at presentation and final follow-up were 4.3±1.8 and 7.6±1.9 respectively (p = 0.001). HRR was 49.9±23 at final follow-up. A significant reduction in dural tear (12.5%; 29%) and surgical time (125.8±49.5; 189.4±52.5) were observed in group B (p = 0.00). However, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.18) in recovery rates between groups A (44.8±26.1) and B (52.8±24.3). Symptom duration (p = 0.00), severity of myelopathy (p = 0.04) and cord signal changes on MRI (p = 0.02) were important predictors of outcome. CONCLUSION Use of UO significantly reduced operative time and dural tears, although resulted in similar recovery rate as compared with HSB. Pre-operative severity of myelopathy, symptom duration and presence of cord signal change were the most significant predictors of outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ajoy P Shetty
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, India
| | | | | | | | - S Rajasekaran
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Y, Xiang Q, Jiang S, Wang L, Lin J, Sun C, Li W. Prevalence, diagnosis, and impact on clinical outcomes of dural ossification in the thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum: a systematic 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 2023; 32:1245-1253. [PMID: 36877368 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07625-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. BACKGROUND CONTEXT Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) has become the principal cause of thoracic spinal stenosis. Dural ossification (DO) was a common clinical feature accompanying with TOLF. However, on account of the rarity, we know little about the DO in TOLF so far. PURPOSE This study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence, diagnostic measures, and impact on the clinical outcomes of DO in TOLF by integrating the existing evidence. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database were comprehensively searched for studies relevant to the prevalence, diagnostic measures, or impact on the clinical outcomes of DO in TOLF. All retrieved studies meeting the inclusion and criterion were included into this systematic review. RESULTS The prevalence of DO in TOLF treated surgically was 27% (281/1046), ranging from 11 to 67%. Eight diagnostic measures have been put forward to predict the DO in TOLF using the CT or MRI modalities, including "tram track sign", "comma sign", "bridge sign", "banner cloud sign", "T2 ring sign", TOLF-DO grading system, CSAOR grading system, and CCAR grading system. DO did not affect the neurological recovery of TOLF patients treated with the laminectomy. The rate of dural tear or CSF leakage in TOLF patients with DO was approximately 83% (149/180). CONCLUSION The prevalence of DO in TOLF treated surgically was 27%. Eight diagnostic measures have been put forward to predict the DO in TOLF. DO did not affect the neurological recovery of TOLF treated with laminectomy but was associated with high risk of complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhao Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 NorthGarden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, 100191, China.,Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 NorthGarden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, 100191, China.,Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 NorthGarden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, 100191, China.,Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Longjie Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 NorthGarden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, 100191, China.,Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jialiang Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 NorthGarden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, 100191, China.,Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chuiguo Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 NorthGarden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, 100191, China.,Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Weishi Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 NorthGarden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of ossification of the ligamentum flavum associated with dural ossification. 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 2023; 32:1068-1076. [PMID: 36717400 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07549-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the imaging characteristics of thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) combined with dural ossification (DO) and the clinical efficacy of zoning laminectomy. METHOD The clinical data of 48 patients with thoracic OLF combined with DO who underwent zoning laminectomy between June 2016 and May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score was used to evaluate neurological function before and after surgery, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the improvement rate. RESULTS The symptoms of all patients significantly improved after the operation, and the average follow-up time was 27.8 (10-47) months. In addition, the average mJOA score had increased from 5.0 (2-8) preoperatively to 8.7 (6-11) postoperatively (t = 18.880, P < 0.05). The average improvement rate was 62.6% (25-100%), with 16 patients graded as excellent, 21 as good, and 11 as fair. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 12 cases (25.0%), and all of them healed well after treatment. No postoperative aggravation of neurological dysfunction, wound infection or hematoma occurred. At the last follow-up, there was no recurrence of symptoms and kyphosis. CONCLUSION The Zoning laminectomy described here is both safe and effective.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao Y, Xiang Q, Jiang S, Lin J, Wang L, Sun C, Li W. Incidence and risk factors of dural ossification in patients with thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum. J Neurosurg Spine 2023; 38:131-138. [PMID: 36057125 DOI: 10.3171/2022.7.spine22645] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dural ossification (DO) is a common clinical feature in patients with thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) and associated with the increased risk of perioperative complications. However, few studies have been conducted to determine the incidence and independent risk factors of DO in patients with thoracic OLF. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence and independent risk factors of DO in patients with thoracic OLF. METHODS A total of 107 patients with thoracic OLF who were admitted to the authors' hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were included in this study. The independent risk factors of DO in patients with thoracic OLF were determined through univariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis with p < 0.05. The diagnostic efficacy of the DO in OLF (DO-OLF) risk classification model was determined on the basis of independent risk factors and evaluated on the basis of sensitivity, specificity, and agreement rate. RESULTS The incidence of DO in patients with thoracic OLF was 35% (37/107 patients). The tuberous type according to the Sato classification (OR 9.75, p < 0.01) and larger (≥ 9°) supine local kyphosis angle (LKA) (OR 8.13, p < 0.01) were two independent risk factors of DO in thoracic OLF. The DO-OLF risk classification, a novel approach for the diagnosis of DO in patients with thoracic OLF, was established on the basis of the combination of the tuberous type according to the Sato classification and larger supine LKA. The sensitivity, specificity, and agreement rate of this approach for distinguishing between patients with thoracic OLF at high and low risk of DO were 87%, 93%, and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of DO in patients with thoracic OLF was 35%. The tuberous type according to the Sato classification and larger supine LKA (≥ 9°) were independent risk factors of DO in patients with thoracic OLF. The novel DO-OLF risk classification approach could serve as an efficient method for predicting DO in patients with thoracic OLF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhao Zhao
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
- 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing; and
- 3Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Xiang
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
- 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing; and
- 3Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
- 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing; and
- 3Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jialiang Lin
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
- 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing; and
- 3Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Longjie Wang
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
- 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing; and
- 3Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Chuiguo Sun
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
- 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing; and
- 3Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Weishi Li
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
- 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing; and
- 3Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ossified Ligamentum Flavum: Epidemiology, Treatment, and Outcomes. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2022; 30:e842-e851. [PMID: 35298441 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-21-01253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is an uncommon but potentially serious spinal condition which can cause progressive compression of the spinal canal with associated devastating neurologic compromise. Although debate exists regarding the exact etiology of OLF, overexpression of genes and transcription factors centered around the Notch and Wnt signaling pathways because of increased mechanical stress seems to be related. There are many clinical and radiographic presentations of OLF; however, progressive myelopathy is the most commonly encountered. Radiographic analysis may reveal isolated OLF or OLF combined with ossification of other areas of the spine, such as disk, posterior longitudinal ligament, and dura. When surgery is necessary for OLF, several surgical strategies exist including open laminectomy with excision, endoscopic decompression, Bridge Crane resection, en block resection, and combined anterior and posterior approaches. Resection may be complicated by dural adhesion or dural ossification, and postoperative neurologic deficits are not uncommon.
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen G, Chen Z, Li W, Jiang Y, Guo X, Zhang B, Tao L, Song C, Sun C. Banner cloud sign: a novel method for the diagnosis of dural ossification in patients with thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum. 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 2022; 31:1719-1727. [PMID: 35624356 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07267-y] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dural ossification (DO) is common in patients with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) and is the leading cause of dural tears. However, the methods used for DO diagnosis are limited. The purpose of this study was to propose a novel CT-based imaging sign, Banner cloud sign (BCs), and clarify its clinical characteristics and correlations with DO. METHODS 57 OLF patients who underwent thoracic spine decompression surgery in our single-center between January- and October-2018 were recruited and divided into two groups based on the presence of DO. Patient demographics and radiographic data were analyzed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and micro-CT were used to detect the micro-morphological changes of DO. The diagnostic value of BCs for DO was assessed by sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS 12 patients with a total of 19 segments were diagnosed as DO. The incidence of DO was 21.1% (12/57) in OLF patients and 9.5% (19/200) in OLF segments. Patients with DO had a shorter disease duration and a higher incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage than those without DO. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and micro-CT showed that the dura mater was ossified and fused with ossified ligamentum flavum, and diffusion along the dura mater, like a banner cloud flying on the mountain. The sensitivity and specificity of BCs in DO diagnosis were 78.9 and 90.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION BCs can vividly and intuitively describe the imaging features of DO and has high diagnostic accuracy. It could be a promising and valuable method for the diagnosis of DO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, No. 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongqiang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, No. 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Weishi Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, No. 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, No. 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhu Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, No. 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Baoliang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, No. 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Tao
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunli Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, No. 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Chuiguo Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, No. 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhai J, Guo S, Zhao Y, Li C, Niu T. The role of cerebrospinal fluid cross-section area ratio in the prediction of dural ossification and clinical outcomes in patients with thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:701. [PMID: 34404364 PMCID: PMC8369786 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is imperative to preoperatively distinguish dural ossification (DO) and thus anticipate the risks and outcome of the surgery for patients with ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF). However, studies have disagreed as to the efficacy of the radiographic signs or factors to predict DO and surgical outcome. In additon, the association between the cerebrospinal fluid cross-section area ratio (CCAR) and DO or clinical outcome had not been reported. The purpose of this study was to analyse CCAR and its role in prediction of DO and neurological function recovery rate in patients with OLF. Methods Fifty-two consecutive patients with OLF, who underwent posterior thoracic decompression and fusion between September 2012 and March 2019 at a single institution, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, radiographic signs of DO, CCAR, pre- and postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score were recorded. Results There were 27 patients in the DO group and 25 patients in the non-DO group, with a mean age at surgery of 57.4 years and 53.9 years, respectively. No significant differences were found in sex, age, segment of maximum compression and preoperative mJOA score between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the value of CCAR had a relatively high value for diagnosis of DO and prediction of neurological function recovery rate (P = .000). According to the value of CCAR, three zones were defined as DO zone (≤14.3%), non-DO zone (≥44.5%), and gray zone (14.3 to 44.5%). When the value of CCAR≤14.3%, the recovery rate was poor or fair, while it had good or excellent recovery when CCAR≥45.2%. Conclusion The value of CCAR had a high diagnostic value for prediction of DO and neurological function recovery rate in patients with OLF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Zhai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, shuaifuyuan 1#, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China
| | - Shigong Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, shuaifuyuan 1#, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Chunxu Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, shuaifuyuan 1#, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Niu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, shuaifuyuan 1#, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen G, Zhang B, Tao L, Chen Z, Sun C. The diagnostic accuracy of CT-based "Banner cloud sign" for dural ossification in patients with thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum: a prospective, blinded, diagnostic accuracy study protocol. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1606. [PMID: 33437805 PMCID: PMC7791266 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is the most common cause of thoracic spinal stenosis, which responds poorly to conservative treatment. Thus, surgery is the only effective treatment for OLF. The existence of dural ossification (DO) makes surgery challenging and increases the risk of intra-/post-operative complications. To date, several methods have been proposed to identify DO, but either the diagnostic accuracy is low or the feasibility is poor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to propose a new imaging sign (Banner cloud sign, BCs), evaluate the accuracy of BCs in the diagnosis of DO, and provide reliable evidence-based data for its application in clinical practice. Methods A prospective, blinded, diagnostic accuracy study will be conducted to assess and compare the accuracy of BCs in the diagnosis of DO with other radiological signs [Tram track sign (TTs) and Comma sign (Cs)]. A total of 120 patients diagnosed with OLF who underwent decompression at the Peking University Third Hospital between January 2018 and June 2019 will be enrolled. Patients' medical records and imaging data will be retrieved from the hospital database server. An observational group consisting of six spine surgeons (with different seniority levels) and two epidemiological researchers will read the patients' images to identify typical imaging signs and determine the presence of DO. Surgical records will be reviewed to confirm the presence of DO, and the results will serve as the reference standard for estimating accuracy. The primary outcome of the study is to determine the accuracy of BCs for DO diagnosis, and the secondary outcome is to compare the sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and inter-observer reliability of each imaging sign. The time taken and level of confidence in DO diagnosis of each observer will also be compared. Discussion This study represents the first large-scale investigation of the diagnostic value of BCs, TTs and Cs in the diagnosis of DO, and will provide convincing evidence about their clinical application. Trial registration Registered on 29 February 2020. Trial number is ChiCTR2000030380.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Baoliang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Tao
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongqiang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Chuiguo Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease Research, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|