1
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis Affecting the Upper Cervical Spine: Biomechanical Assessment of the Stabilizing Ligaments. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:6131703. [PMID: 29181398 PMCID: PMC5664273 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6131703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Diameters of anterior and posterior atlantodental intervals (AADI and PADI) are diagnostically conclusive regarding ongoing neurological disorders in rheumatoid arthritis. MRI and X-ray are mostly used for patients' follow-up. This investigation aimed at analyzing these intervals during motion of cervical spine, when transverse and alar ligaments are damaged. AADI and PADI of 10 native, human cervical spines were measured using lateral fluoroscopy, while the spines were assessed in neutral position first, in maximal inclination second, and in maximal extension at last. First, specimens were evaluated under intact conditions, followed by analysis after transverse and alar ligaments were destroyed. Damage of the transverse ligament leads to an increase of the AADI's diameter about 0.65 mm in flexion and damage of alar ligaments results in significant enhancement of 3.59 mm at mean. In extension, the AADI rises 0.60 mm after the transverse ligament was cut and 0.90 mm when the alar ligaments are damaged. After all ligaments are destroyed, AADI assessed in extension closely resembles AADI at neutral position. Ligamentous damage showed an average significant decrease of the PADI of 1.37 mm in the first step and of 3.57 mm in the second step in flexion, while it is reduced about 1.61 mm and 0.41 mm in the extended and similarly in the neutrally positioned spine. Alar and transverse ligaments are both of obvious importance in order to prevent AAS and movement-related spinal cord compression. Functional imaging is necessary at follow-up in order to identify patients having an advanced risk of neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bhatia R, Haliasos N, Vergara P, Anderson C, Casey A. The surgical management of the rheumatoid spine: Has the evolution of surgical intervention changed outcomes? JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE 2014; 5:38-43. [PMID: 25013346 PMCID: PMC4085910 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8237.135221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Surgery for the rheumatoid cervical spine has been shown to stabilize the unstable spine; arrest/improve the progression of neurological deficit, help neck pain, and possibly decelerate the degenerative disease process. Operative intervention for the rheumatoid spine has significantly changed over the last 30 years. Aims: The purpose of this study was to review all cases of cervical rheumatoid spine requiring surgical intervention in a single unit over the last 30 years. Materials and Methods: A prospectively-maintained spine database was retrospectively searched for all cases of rheumatoid spine, leading to a review of indications, imaging, Ranawat and Myelopathy Disability Index measures, surgical morbidity, and survival curve analysis. Results: A total of 224 cases were identified between 1981 and 2011. Dividing the data into three time-epochs, there has been a significant increase in the ratio of segment-saving Goel-Harms C1-C2: Occipitocervical fixation (OCF) surgery and survival has increased between 1981 and 2011 from 30% to 51%. Patients undergoing C1-C2 fixation were comparatively less myelopathic and in a better Ranawat class preoperatively, but postoperative outcome measures were well-preserved with favorable mortality rates over mean 39.6 months of follow-up. However, 11% of cases required OCF at mean 28 months post-C1-C2 fixation, largely due to instrumentation failure (80%). Conclusion: We present the largest series of surgically managed rheumatoid spines, revealing comparative data on OCF and C1-C2 fixation. Although survival has improved over the last 30 years, there have been changes in medical, surgical and perioperative management over that period of time too confounding the interpretation; however, the analysis presented suggests that rheumatoid patients presenting early in the disease process may benefit from C1 to C2 fixation, albeit with a proportion requiring OCF at a later time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Bhatia
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK ; Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Nikolas Haliasos
- Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Pierluigi Vergara
- Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | | | - Adrian Casey
- Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wolfs JFC, Arts MP, Peul WC. Juvenile chronic arthritis and the craniovertebral junction in the paediatric patient: review of the literature and management considerations. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2014; 41:143-156. [PMID: 24309924 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-01830-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is a systemic disease of childhood affecting particularly joints. JCA is a heterogeneous group of inflammatory joint disorders with onset before the age of 16 years and is comprised of 7 subtype groups. The pathogenesis of JCA seen in the cervical spine is synovial inflammation, hyperaemia, and pannus formation at the occipitoatlantoaxial joints resulting in characteristic craniovertebral junction findings. Treatment of craniovertebral junction instability as a result of JCA is a challenge. The best treatment strategy may be difficult because of various radiological and clinical severities. A review of the literature and management considerations is presented. REVIEW No randomised controlled trial or systematic review on this subject has been published. Only experts' opinions, case reports, and case series have been described. Thirty-four studies have been reviewed in this study. Involvement of the cervical spine in patients with JCA can lead to pain and functional disability. The subtypes that usually affect the cervical spine are the polyarticular type and systemic onset type and rarely the pauciarticular type. The most common cervical spine changes related to JCA are as follows: (1) apophyseal joint ankylosis at C2-C3, (2) atlantoaxial subluxation, (3) atlantoaxial impaction, (4) atlantoaxial rotatory fixation, and (5) growth disturbances of the cervical spine. The incidence of severe subluxations has decreased in the last decade as result of antirheumatoid drugs and biologicals. However, neurological compromise still occurs in JCA patients necessitating surgical treatment. CONCLUSION Whenever the cervical spine is involved in rheumatoid arthritis patients without neurological deficits, conservative treatment is legitimate. Once patients develop neurological signs and symptoms, surgical treatment should be considered with particular focus to age, severity of the disease, and general health condition. Skilled anaesthesia is crucial and the surgical procedure should only be carried out in centres with experience in craniovertebral junction abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasper F C Wolfs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center Haaglanden, Lijnbaan 32, 2512VA, The Hague, The Netherlands,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
da Côrte FC, Neves N. Cervical spine instability in rheumatoid arthritis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2013; 24 Suppl 1:S83-91. [PMID: 23807394 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-013-1258-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory disease of the cervical spine (CS). After hands and feet, CS is the most commonly involved segment, being present in more than half of the patients with RA. Especially in the CS, RA may cause degeneration of ligaments, leading to laxity, instability and subluxation of the vertebral bodies. This is often asymptomatic or symptoms are erroneously attributed to peripheral manifestations. Otherwise, this may cause compression of spinal cord (SC) and medulla oblongata leading to severe neurologic deficits and even sudden death. Owing to its potentially debilitating and life-threatening sequelae, inevitable progression once neurologic deficits occur and the poor medical condition of afflicted patients, CS involvement remains a priority in the diagnosis and its treatment will remain a challenge. The surgical approach aims a solid fixation of the upper cervical spine, giving stability, preventing neurologic deterioration and injury to the SC, leading to improved neurologic function, vascular integrity and maintenance of sagittal balance. The recent advances in surgical techniques, complete understanding of the anatomy and precise preoperative evaluation led to safer and more effective procedures that have decreased complication rates. Based on the fact that when a patient becomes myelopathic the rate of long-term mortality increases and the chance of neurologic recovery decreases, many authors agree that early surgical intervention, before the onset of neurologic deficits, gives a more satisfactory outcome. However, the timing when a prophylactic stabilization should occur is poorly defined, and so, patients with radiographic instability but without evidence of neurologic deficit are still the most difficult to manage.
Collapse
|
5
|
Coleman P, Nicholl J. Consensus methods to identify a set of potential performance indicators for systems of emergency and urgent care. J Health Serv Res Policy 2010; 15 Suppl 2:12-8. [PMID: 20354114 DOI: 10.1258/jhsrp.2009.009096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify a comprehensive set of indicators to enable Primary Care Trust (PCT) commissioners in England and other NHS decision-makers to monitor the performance of systems of emergency and urgent care for which they are responsible. METHODS Using a combination of Delphi RAND methods in three successive rounds of consultation and nominal group review, we canvassed expert opinion on 70 potential indicators as good measures of system performance. The two Delphi panels consisted of senior clinicians and researchers, and urgent care leads and commissioners in PCTs and Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs). The indicators were formatted into a questionnaire according to whether they were outcome, process, structure, or equity-based measures. Participants scored each indicator on a Likert scale of 1-9 and had the opportunity to consider their scores informed by the group scores and feedback. The questionnaire was refined after each round. To ensure that the indicators rated most highly by the Delphi panels covered all dimensions of performance, the results of the Delphi were reviewed by a nominal group consisting of two researchers and three clinicians from the local health services research network (LHSR). RESULTS Overall, the process yielded 16 candidate indicators. It also produced a core set of serious, emergency and urgent care-sensitive conditions (defined as conditions whose exacerbations should be managed by a well-performing system without admission to an inpatient bed), for use with the indicators. CONCLUSIONS System-wide measures to monitor performance across multiple services should encourage providers to work for patient benefit in an integrated way. They will also assist commissioners to monitor and improve emergency and urgent care for their local populations. The indicators are now being calculated using routinely available data, and tested for their responsiveness to capture change over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Coleman
- Medical Care Research Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wolfs JFC, Kloppenburg M, Fehlings MG, van Tulder MW, Boers M, Peul WC. Neurologic outcome of surgical and conservative treatment of rheumatoid cervical spine subluxation: a systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 61:1743-52. [PMID: 19950322 DOI: 10.1002/art.25011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis commonly involves the upper cervical spine and can cause significant neurologic morbidity and mortality. However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing for surgical intervention: whether surgery should be performed prophylactically or once neurologic deficits have become apparent. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed to analyze neurologic outcome (Ranawat) and survival time (Kaplan-Meier) after surgical or conservative treatment using the MOOSE (Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system) criteria. RESULTS Twenty-five observational studies were selected. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) could be found. All of the studies had a high risk of bias. Twenty-three studies reported the neurologic outcome after surgery for 752 patients. Neurologic deterioration rarely occurred in Ranawat I and II patients. Ranawat III patients did not fully recover. The 10-year survival rates were 77%, 63%, 47%, and 30% for Ranawat I, II, IIIA, and IIIB, respectively. The Ranawat IIIB patients had a significantly worse outcome. Another 185 patients treated conservatively were described in 7 studies. Neurologic deterioration rarely occurred in Ranawat I patients, but was almost inevitable in Ranawat II, IIIA, and IIIB patients. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 10-year overall survival rate of 40%. CONCLUSION There are no RCTs that compared surgery with conservative treatment. In observational studies, surgical neurologic outcomes were better than conservative treatment in all patients with cervical spine involvement, and in asymptomatic patients with no neurologic impairment (Ranawat I) the outcomes were similar; however, the evidence is weak. Survival time of surgical and conservative treatment could not be compared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasper F C Wolfs
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Hague, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation for atlantoaxial instability due to rheumatoid arthritis: a seven-year analysis of outcome. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2009; 34:2880-5. [PMID: 20010395 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3181b4e218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN.: Observational study. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE.: The purpose of this article was to report long-term (minimum 7 years) clinical and radiologic outcome of our series of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis who underwent transarticular screw fixation to treat atlantoaxial subluxation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: The indications for intervention in patients with atlantoaxial instability are pain, myelopathy, and progressive neurologic deficit. The various treatment options available for these patients are isolated C1-C2 fusion, occipitocervical fusion with or without transoral surgery. Review of current literature suggests that C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation has significant functional benefits, although there is discrepancy in this literature regarding improvement in function following surgery. METHODS.: Myelopathy was assessed using Ranawat myelopathy score and Myelopathy Disability Index. Pain scores were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale. The radiologic imaging was assessed and the following data were extracted; atlanto-dens interval, space available for cord, presence of signal change on T2 weighted image, and fusion rates. RESULTS.: Thirty-seven patients, median age 56, were included in the study. Average duration of neck symptoms was 15.8 months. Average duration of rheumatoid arthritis before surgery was 20.6 years. Preoperative symptoms: suboccipital pain in 26 patients; neck pain, 32; myelopathy, 22; and 5 were asymptomatic. After surgery: suboccipital pain, 2; neck pain, 3; and myelopathy, 10. Ninety percent patients with neck and suboccipital pain improved after surgery in their Visual Analogue pain scores, with all of them having >50% improvement in VAS scores (6.94-2.12 [P < 0.05]).Preoperative Ranawat grade was as follows: grade 1 in 15 patients, grade 2 in 7, and grade 3a in 14, grade 3b in 1.After surgery: grade 1 in 27 patients, grade 2 in 7, grade 3a in 1, and grade 3b in 2. The mean myelopathy score improved after surgery (59.62-32.75, P < 0.05).The space available for the cord was improved in 63%, unchanged in 33%, and worse in 4%.Twenty-seven percent had T2 signal change and 18% had cervicomedullary compression; 97% had bony fusion. BILATERAL SCREWS WERE USED IN 33 PATIENTS AND UNILATERAL SCREWS IN 4 PATIENTS (ABERRANT VERTEBRAL ARTERY).: Computer image guidance was used in 73%. CONCLUSION.: C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation is a safe technique for atlantoaxial subluxation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This study clearly demonstrates improvement in Visual Analogue Scale, Ranawat grading and the Myelopathy Disability Index even at long-term follow up.
Collapse
|
8
|
Harding JH, Duffy DM, Sushko ML, Rodger PM, Quigley D, Elliott JA. Computational Techniques at the Organic−Inorganic Interface in Biomineralization. Chem Rev 2008; 108:4823-54. [DOI: 10.1021/cr078278y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John H. Harding
- Department of Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K
| | | | | | | | | | - James A. Elliott
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bussières AE, Peterson C, Taylor JAM. Diagnostic imaging guideline for musculoskeletal complaints in adults-an evidence-based approach-part 2: upper extremity disorders. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2008; 31:2-32. [PMID: 18308152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2007.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2007] [Revised: 09/27/2007] [Accepted: 10/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop evidence-based diagnostic imaging practice guidelines to assist chiropractors and other primary care providers in decision making for the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging for upper extremity disorders. METHODS A comprehensive search of the English and French language literature was conducted using a combination of subject headings and keywords. The quality of the citations was assessed using the Quality of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS), the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE), and the Stroke Prevention and Educational Awareness Diffusion (SPREAD) evaluation tools. The Referral Guidelines for Imaging (radiation protection 118) coordinated by the European Commission served as the initial template. The first draft was sent for an external review. A Delphi panel composed of international experts on the topic of musculoskeletal disorders in chiropractic radiology, clinical sciences, and research was invited to review and propose recommendations on the indications for diagnostic imaging. The guidelines were pilot tested and peer-reviewed by practicing chiropractors and by chiropractic and medical specialists. Recommendations were graded according to the strength of the evidence. Dissemination and implementation strategies are discussed. RESULTS Recommendations for diagnostic imaging guidelines of adult upper extremity disorders are provided, supported by over 126 primary and secondary citations. The overall quality of available literature is low, however. On average, 44 Delphi panelists completed 1 of 2 rounds, reaching over 88% agreement on all 32 recommendations. Peer review by specialists reflected high levels of agreement and perceived ease of use of guidelines and implementation feasibility. CONCLUSIONS The guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with sound clinical judgment and experience and should be updated regularly. Future research is needed to validate their content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André E Bussières
- Chiropractic Department, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bussières AE, Taylor JA, Peterson C. Diagnostic Imaging Practice Guidelines for Musculoskeletal Complaints in Adults—An Evidence-Based Approach—Part 3: Spinal Disorders. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2008; 31:33-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2007.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2007] [Revised: 09/28/2007] [Accepted: 10/14/2007] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
|