Spinal sagittal imbalance in patients with lumbar disc herniation: its spinopelvic characteristics, strength changes of the spinal musculature and natural history after lumbar discectomy

3D-CT reconstruction for pedicle outer width assessment in patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures: a comparative analysis between age groups <60 years and ≥60 years

Objective

This study aims to compare the utilization of 3D-CT reconstruction in measuring pedicle outer width (POW) between younger/middle-aged patients (<60 years) and older patients (≥60 years) with thoracolumbar spine fractures (TSF).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study from January 2021 to December 2022, involving a total of 108 patients with TSF. The study population consisted of 62 patients aged ≥60 years (observation group) and 46 patients aged <60 years (control group). We compared the POW on both the right and left sides of the thoracolumbar spine between the two groups. Additionally, we analyzed the POW by gender within each group and calculated the incidence of patients falling below the critical values for arch root puncture (5 mm) and arch root nailing (7 mm) in both groups.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences observed in the POW between the two groups on both the left and right sides of each corresponding vertebra (P > 0.05). In the observation group, both male and female patients had significantly smaller POW compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in POW was observed between the same-sex groups in the L4 to L5 vertebrae (P > 0.05). In the observation group, the POW was less than 5 mm in 9.33% (81/868) of cases and less than 7 mm in 49.88% (433/868) of cases, primarily observed from T11 to L3. In the control group, 4.81% (31/644) of cases had a POW of less than 5 mm, and 13.81% (88/644) had a POW of less than 7 mm.

Conclusion

Utilizing preoperative 3D-CT reconstruction to measure POW in patients with TSF not only facilitates the assessment of surgical feasibility but also aids in surgical pathway planning, thus potentially reducing the incidence of postoperative complications.

Characteristics of Sciatic Scoliotic List in Lumbar Disc Herniation

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective radiological study.

OBJECTIVES

Physical examination reveals sciatic scoliotic list (SSL) in some patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). We aimed to evaluate the coronal and sagittal parameters of the SSL curve, describe their characteristics, and establish a new classification system.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 230 patients (SSL group = 96; non-SSL group = 134) diagnosed with single-segment LDH from January 2018 to December 2020. The control group comprised 70 healthy volunteers. Radiographic parameters were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

In the SSL group, the Cobb's angle was 12.5 ± 5.3° (4.2-31.2), trunk shift 26.2 ± 17.9 mm (.0-88.2 mm), and apical vertebral translation 31.7 ± 16.0 mm (1.18-8.58 mm). Further, 62.5% of patients had L4/5 disc herniation, 76.0% had disc herniation at the convex side of the lumbosacral scoliosis, and 81.3% had disc herniation at the opposite side of the trunk shift. Compared to the control group, lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis decreased, pelvic tilt increased, and the sagittal vertical axis moved forward in the other patients. The sagittal imbalance in the SSL group exacerbated. Using the positional relationship between vertebrae and the central sacral vertical line (CSVL), we identified two main SSL patterns with which 95.8% of the patients were defined as Type 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The SSL curve is characterized by a long thoracic or thoracolumbar curve, with a relatively straight sagittal profile and little rotation. Further, the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae shifts are on the same side as the CSVL. These features of the SSL curve differentiate it from other types of structural scoliosis.

Relationships between lumbar lordosis correction and the change in global tilt (GT) in adult spinal deformity

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the relationships between lumbar lordosis (LL) correction and improvement of postoperative global sagittal alignment and to establish corresponding linear regressions to predict the change in global tilt (GT) based on the corrected LL following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

METHODS

A total of 240 ASD patients who underwent lumbar correction were enrolled in this multicentre study. The following sagittal parameters were measured pre- and postoperatively: thoracic kyphosis (TK), LL, upper and lower LL (ULL and LLL), pelvic tilt (PT), sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and GT. The correlations among the changes in GT (△GT), SVA (△SVA), PT (△PT), TK (△TK), LL (△LL), ULL (△ULL) and LLL (△LLL) were assessed, and linear regressions were conducted to predict △GT, △SVA, △PT and △TK from △LL, △ULL and △LLL.

RESULTS

△LL was statistically correlated with △GT (r = 0.798, P < 0.001), △SVA (r = 0.678, P < 0.001), △PT (r = 0.662, P < 0.001) and △TK (r = - 0.545, P < 0.001), and the outcomes of the linear regressions are: △GT = 3.18 + 0.69 × △LL (R2 = 0.636), △SVA = 4.78 + 2.57 × △LL (R2 = 0.459), △PT = 2.57 + 0.34 × △LL (R2 = 0.439), △TK = 7.06-0.43 × △LL (R2 = 0.297). In addition, △LLL had more correlations with △GT, △SVA and △PT, while △ULL had more correlations with △TK.

CONCLUSION

Surgical correction of LL could contribute to the restoration of global sagittal morphology following ASD surgery. These models were established to predict the changes in sagittal parameters, in particular △GT, determined by △LL, which has not been previously done and may help to customize a more precise correction plan for ASD patients.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for single and double segment lumbar disc herniation with sciatic scoliosis in adults: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Sciatic scoliosis can be seen in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a common surgical method for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. The difference between single-segment lumbar disc herniation and double-segment lumbar disc herniation with Sciatic Scoliosis in adults after PELD needs further study. The aim of this study was to compare the imaging features of single-segment and double-segment lumbar disc herniation with Sciatic Scoliosis in adults and to further explore the clinical outcomes of functional improvement and scoliosis imaging parameters of the two groups after PELD.

METHODS

Adult patients with lumbar disc herniation with sciatic scoliosis who received PELD from January 2019 to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the number of operative segments, the patients were divided into a single-segment group and a double-segment group. Perioperative parameters were observed and compared between the two groups. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA) and imaging parameters of the two groups were recorded and compared before the operation and during the follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients with single segments and 21 patients with double segments were included in this study. During the follow-up, the VAS score, ODI index and JOA score of the two groups were significantly improved as compared with those before the operation(P < 0. 05). Ninety-two point five percent of single-segment patients and 90.5% of double segment patients returned to normal scoliosis within 12 months after the operation. The operation time, number of intraoperative fluoroscopy times and the amount of intraoperative blood loss in single-segment patients were better than those in double-segment group(P < 0. 05). At the last follow-up, the AVT, CBD and SVA in the double-segment group were 5.2 ± 2.3, 5.1 ± 1.0 and 12.2 ± 3.0 mm, respectively, which were higher than those in the single-segment group (1.9 ± 0.4, 1.1 ± 1.6 and 3.9 ± 2.1 mm) (P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSION

PELD is an effective treatment for single-segment and double-segment lumbar disc herniation with Sciatic scoliosis. Double-segment patients can enjoy similar clinical efficacy to single-segment patients, avoiding complications caused by decompression, fusion, and internal fixation. Scoliosis was corrected spontaneously within 12 months after operation, and the sagittal curve was significantly improved in both groups. The improvement of coronal and sagittal balance in double -segment patients may take longer.

A Change in Global Sagittal Alignment after Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Patients' functional adaptation to pain can affect global sagittal alignment. This study evaluated the short-term spinal sagittal alignment change after transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) in lumbar spinal stenosis patients. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent TFESI were retrospectively examined. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Before and two weeks after the intervention, whole-spine lateral standing view radiographs were taken. Radiographic parameters including the Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA), C2C7 Cobb, Thoracic Kyphosis (TK), Lumbar Lordosis (LL), Pelvic Incidence (PI), Pelvic Tilt (PT), Sacral Slope (SS), and Lumbopelvic Mismatch (PI-LL) were measured. Ninety-nine patients (mean age 64.3 ± 9.2 years) were included in this study. Both VAS and ODI outcomes were statistically improved after two weeks of intervention. Radiographic parameters showed that SVA, PT, and PI-LL mismatch were significantly decreased, while C2C7 Cobb, TK, SS, and LL were significantly increased after the intervention. SVA was improved by 29.81% (52.76 ± 52.22 mm to 37.03 ± 41.07 mm, p < 0.001). PT also decreased significantly from 28.71° ± 10.22° to 23.84° ± 9.96° (p < 0.001). Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) significantly improves VAS, ODI, and global sagittal parameters in lumbar spinal stenosis patients.

Focusing on the amount of immediate changes in spinopelvic radiographic parameters to predict the amount of mid-term improvement of quality of life in adult degenerative scoliosis patients with surgery

INTRODUCTION

Surgery is still an effective treatment option for adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS), but how to predict patients' significant amount of the improvement in quality of life remains unclear. The previous studies included an inhomogeneous population. This study aimed to report the results about concentrating on the amount of immediate changes in spinopelvic radiographic parameters to predict the amount of mid-term improvement in quality of life in ADS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pre-operative and immediately post-operative radiographic parameters included Cobb angle, coronal vertical axis (CVA), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI) and LL/PI matching (PI-LL). Quality of life scores were evaluated pre-operatively and at the final follow-up using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). The amount of immediate changes in spinopelvic radiographic parameters (Δ) and the amount of mid-term improvement in quality of life (Δ) were defined, respectively.

RESULTS

Patients showed significant change in radiographic parameters, ODI and VAS pre- and post-surgery, except CVA and PI. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between ΔTK, ΔLL, ΔCVA and the amount of mid-term improvement in quality of life, but multivariate analysis did not get a significant result. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that ΔSVA was still a significant predictor of ΔVAS and ΔODI. The changes in the other radiographic parameters were not significant. The equations were developed by linear regression: ΔODI = 0.162 × ΔSVA - 21.592, ΔVAS = 0.034 × ΔSVA - 2.828. In the ROC curve for ΔSVA in the detection of a strong ΔODI or ΔVAS, the cut-off value of ΔSVA was - 19.855 mm and - 15.405 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that ΔSVA can predict the amount of mid-term improvement in quality of life in ADS patients. The changes in the other radiographic parameters were not significant. Two equations were yielded to estimate ΔODI and ΔVAS. ΔSVA has respective cut-off value to predict ΔODI and ΔVAS.

Alignment of the Sternum and Sacrum as a Marker of Sitting Body Posture in Children

An analysis of literature on the methods of assuming a sitting position and the results of our own research indicated the need to search for biomechanical parameters and existing relationships that would enable a description of sitting body posture. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between the alignment of the body of sternum and sacrum and the changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine curvatures in children. The study involved 113 subjects aged 9-13 years. A planned simultaneous measurement of the angle parameters of the alignment of the body of sternum and sacrum relative to the body's sagittal axis and the angle parameters of the thoracic and lumbar spine curvatures was performed during a single examination session. The proposed markers of alignment in the corrected sitting body posture are characterized by homogeneous results. A high measurement repeatability was observed when determining the corrected body posture in the study setting. It was noted that changes in the alignment of the body of sternum and sacrum resulted in changes in the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angle values, which may be an important component of clinical observations of sitting body posture in children. Implementing the body of sternum alignment angle of about 64° relative to the body's sagittal axis in clinical practice as one of the objectives of postural education may be the target solution for sitting body posture correction in children.

Sciatica-Related Spinal Imbalance in Lumbar Disc Herniation Patients: Radiological Characteristics and Recovery Following Endoscopic Discectomy

Background

Sciatica-related spinal imbalance could be observed in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients. However, their characteristics and recovery process remained unclear. The purpose was to analyze the radiological characteristics of spinal imbalance related to sciatica and recovery following endoscopic discectomy.

Methods

The records of LDH patients with sciatica and spinal imbalance receiving endoscopic discectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided to Group A (sagittal imbalance), Group B (coronal imbalance) and Group C (sagittal and coronal imbalance). The whole-spine x-ray was performed at pre-operation, immediately post-operation, 3-month and 6-month follow-up and related radiological parameters were measured.

Results

A total of 110 LDH patients (18.3%) presented with spinal imbalance were included and there were 31 patients in Group A, 38 patients in Group B and 41 patients in Group C. In this study, 77.2% of the coronal imbalance patients present with trunk shifted to contralateral side of disc herniation and 65.3% of the sagittal imbalance patients present with forward trunk. Most patients present mild and moderate sagittal and coronal imbalance. The magnitude of sagittal and coronal imbalance in Group C was significantly more severe than that of Group A and Group B. Most patients (≥75%) acquired spinal balance immediately after surgery. The sagittal imbalance improved better than coronal imbalance and single plane imbalance improved better than biplane imbalance. At the postoperative 6-month follow-up, all patients recovered to normal sagittal and coronal balance.

Conclusion

Sciatica-related spinal imbalance occurs in 18.3% of the LDH patients receiving endoscopic discectomy. Different subgroups of spinal imbalance present different characteristics. Spontaneous correction of the spinal imbalance could be achieved when sciatica was relieved immediately after surgery and well maintained during follow-up.

Effects of the difference between lumbar lordosis in the supine and standing positions on the clinical outcomes of decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to evaluate the relationship between the difference in lumbar lordosis (DiLL) in the preoperative supine and standing positions and spinal sagittal alignment in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and to determine whether this difference affects the clinical outcome of laminectomy.

METHODS

Sixty patients who underwent single-level unilateral laminectomy for bilateral decompression of LSS were evaluated. Spinopelvic parameters in the supine and standing positions were measured preoperatively and at 3 months and 2 years postoperatively. DiLL between the supine and standing positions was determined as follows: DiLL = supine LL - standing LL. On the basis of this determination patients were then categorized into DiLL(+) and DiLL(-) groups. The relationship between DiLL and preoperative spinopelvic parameters was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. In addition, clinical outcomes such as visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores between the two groups were measured, and their relationship to DiLL was evaluated using two-group comparison and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

There were 31 patients in the DiLL(+) group and 29 in the DiLL(-) group. DiLL was not associated with supine LL but was strongly correlated with standing LL and pelvic incidence (PI) - LL (PI - LL). In the preoperative spinopelvic alignment, LL and SS in the standing position were significantly smaller in the DiLL(+) group than in the DiLL(-) group, and PI - LL was significantly higher in the DiLL(+) group than in the DiLL(-) group. There was no difference in the clinical outcomes 3 months postoperatively, but low-back pain, especially in the sitting position, was significantly higher in the DiLL(+) group 2 years postoperatively. DiLL was associated with low-back pain in the sitting position, which was likely to persist in the DiLL(+) group postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

We evaluated the relationship between DiLL and spinal sagittal alignment and the influence of DiLL on postoperative outcomes in patients with LSS. DiLL was strongly correlated with PI - LL, and in the DiLL(+) group, postoperative low-back pain relapsed. DiLL can be useful as a new spinal alignment evaluation method that supports the conventional spinal sagittal alignment evaluation.

The Comparison of Spinopelvic Parameters, Complications, and Clinical Outcomes After Spinal Fusion to S1 with or without Additional Sacropelvic Fixation for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to compare the outcomes and after spinal fusion with or without iliac screw (IS) insertion for patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The number of patients undergoing multilevel spinal stabilization for the treatment of ASD is growing. However, the selection of spinopelvic fixation for ASD patients with long fusion is controversial.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed without time restriction according to the guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration in May 2020 using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The comparison of the two types of fixation was evaluated by spinopelvic parameters, incidence rate of complications, rate of revision, and clinical outcomes at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 422 records, of which eight studies were included for meta-analysis with a total of 439 patients. All the included studies provided level III evidence. There was no significant difference in the sagittal vertical axis, pelvic incidence, the proximal junctional kyphosis rates, the pseudarthrosis rates, the revision rates, and the clinical outcomes at the last follow-up between those who receive sacrum fixation and sacropelvic fixation. Nevertheless, greater lumbar lordosis (LL) (weighted mean difference [WMD], 4.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.46-5.84, P < 0.01), greater sacral slope (SS) (WMD, 2.32; 95% CI 1.21-3.43, P < 0.01), and lower rate of the distal instrumentation instability (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% CI 0.10-0.61, P = 0.002) were observed in IS group between the comparison.

CONCLUSION

The clinical outcomes in the IS group were similar to those in the non-IS group, but the application of the IS significantly restored LL, prevented decompensation, and reduced the occurrence of the distal instrumentation instability. Therefore, the IS may be a good choice for the operative treatment of ASD patients with sagittal malalignment and other risks of lumbosacral fracture, metal breakage, and screw pullout.Level of Evidence: 3.

Effect of lumbar laminectomy on spinal sagittal alignment: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Positive spinal sagittal alignment is known to correlate with pain and disability. The association between lumbar spinal stenosis and spinal sagittal alignment is less known, as is the effect of lumbar decompressive surgery on the change in that alignment. The objective was to study the evidence on the effect of lumbar decompressive surgery on sagittal spinopelvic alignment.

METHODS

The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL), Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched in October 2019, unrestricted by date of publication. The study selection was performed by two independent reviewers. The risk of systematic bias was assessed according to the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. The data were extracted using a pre-defined standardized form.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 807 records. Of these, 18 were considered relevant for the qualitative analysis and 15 for the meta-synthesis. The sample size varied from 21 to 89 and the average age was around 70 years. Decompression was mostly performed on one or two levels and the surgical techniques varied widely. The pooled effect sizes were most statistically significant but small. For lumbar lordosis, the effect size was 3.0 (95% CI 2.2 to 3.7) degrees. Respectively, for pelvic tilt and sagittal vertical axis, the effect sizes were - 1.6 (95% CI .2.6 to - 0.5) degrees and - 9.6 (95% CI - 16.0 to - 3.3) mm.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that decompression may have a small, statistically significant but probably clinically insignificant effect on lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis and pelvic tilt.

Sarcopenia and Back Muscle Degeneration as Risk Factors for Degenerative Adult Spinal Deformity with Sagittal Imbalance and Degenerative Spinal Disease: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Many factors affect spinal alignment in adult spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance. However, although the importance of the paravertebral muscle and ligamentum complex in proper spinal alignment is well recognized, little information is available regarding the role of the paravertebral muscles in maintaining sagittal spinal alignment.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients who had visited our institution from January 2016 to June 2018 were included in the present study. The patients were categorized as follows: degenerative adult spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance group and degenerative spinal disease group. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength of each patient were measured to evaluate for sarcopenia. Computed tomography was used to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration rate to evaluate paravertebral muscle morphology. The paravertebral muscle function was assessed by measuring the lumbar flexor strength and lumbar extensor strength using a lumbar isokinetic dynamometer.

RESULTS

The degenerative adult spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance group had a lower CSA index and lumbar extensor strength index and higher fat infiltration rate than the degenerative spinal disease group. No statistically significant differences in the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength were found between the 2 groups. Only the CSA showed a correlation with the radiological parameters, such as pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Degeneration of the paravertebral muscle is a risk factor for degenerative adult spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance but not for sarcopenia. Thus, spinal sagittal imbalance is affected by isolated paravertebral muscle degeneration rather than by systemic muscle degeneration.

C7 sacral tilt (C7ST): a novel spinopelvic parameter reveals the relationship between pelvic parameters and global spinal sagittal balance and converts pelvic parameters into spinal parameters

PURPOSE

The aim is to propose a novel spinopelvic parameter C7 sacral tilt (C7ST), of which its sum with global tilt (GT) is equal to pelvic incidence (PI), from a geometrical point of view.

METHODS

A cohort of 198 patients was recruited and the whole lateral spine and pelvic radiographs were performed. The following sagittal parameters were measured: sagittal vertical axis (SVA), C7 vertical tilt (C7VT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), PI, GT and C7ST. The correlations between them were analyzed using the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient, and simple linear regressions were simultaneously conducted. P < 0.05 was set as the level of significance.

RESULTS

Geometric construction by complementary angles revealed that PI = C7ST + GT, GT = PT + C7VT, and C7ST = SS - C7VT. Both C7ST and GT were moderately correlated with PI (R = 0.52 and 0.596, respectively), strongly correlated with SS and PT, respectively (SS = 0.9 * C7ST + 1.15, R = 0.955; PT = 0.87 * GT + 3.86, R = 0.96). The correlation coefficients of the SVA and C7VT, SVA and SS - C7ST, and SVA and GT - PT were 0.935, 0.925 and 0.863, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The novel proposed spinopelvic parameter C7ST has the advantages of convenient measurement, reduced error, and extrapolation of other parameters. The greatest significance of proposing C7ST is that pelvic parameters (PI, PT and SS) are converted into spinal parameters (C7ST and GT), which is very helpful for a more intuitive understanding of the progression of spinal sagittal imbalance.

THE NATURAL HISTORY OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE DISC HERNIATION: A SERIES OF 150 CASES

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to analyze the characteristics of patients with acute lumbar/sciatic disc herniation who underwent conservative, pain block procedures and surgical treatment, in order to better understand the natural history of herniations and their surgical indications, as well as the impact of hernia volume. Methods We analyzed 150 patients with a diagnosis of acute lumbar disc herniation. The treatments considered were: conservative, infiltration/pain block procedures and microdiscectomy. For seven patients who were surgically treated, the lumbar sequestrectomy volume was submitted to pathological analysis. Results Of the 150 patients, 80% were treated conservatively; 15.31% were treated with pain block procedures and 4.66% underwent microdiscectomy. The mean age of the surgical group was 42.5 years, and 57.1% of the patients were men. Most of the hernias were at L5-S1 (55.5%), and 77.7% were on the left side. All patients had presented significant lumbar pain or sciatica for a long period prior to the surgery. The Lasègue sign was present in all patients. Of the total number of patients, 85.7% presented hypoesthesia and 42.8% presented focal motor deficits, among other findings. The mean hernia volume was 9.6 cm3. Conclusions Unresponsiveness to conservative treatment is an important indication for surgery. The clinical manifestations in patients with a lumbar/sciatic hernia can be very diverse, as can the disc herniation volume, so these are not good indicators for surgery. Level of evidence IV; Case series

Low lordosis is a common finding in young lumbar disc herniation patients

Purpose

The sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine and pelvis can be classified into several subtypes. It has been suggested that the risk of developing certain pathologies, such as a lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is affected by spinal sagittal profiles. The main aim of this study was to investigate the sagittal profile in young patients surgically treated for a lumbar disc herniation and if a discectomy would alter the sagittal parameters.

Methods

Sixteen active young patients (mean age 18.3 ± 3.2 SD) with a lumbar disc herniation having a discectomy were included. A classification according to Roussouly of the sagittal parameters was made by two senior spinal surgeons, both pre-operatively and post-operatively on radiographs. The distribution of sagittal parameters and spinopelvic profiles were analysed and compared to a previous established healthy normal population.

Results

This series of active young patients with LDH exhibited a low lumbar lordosis dominance, with Roussouly sagittal profiles type 1 and type 2 accounting for more than 75% of the examined patients. An analysis of the erect radiographs revealed no significant changes in the post-operative sagittal profile.

Conclusions

This study showed that sagittal spinal alignment according to Roussouly in a young population with LDH is skewed compared with a normal population cohort. Furthermore, the lack of post-operative correction is suggestive of a non-ephemeral response to a LDH. Roussouly type 2 spinal sagittal profile may be a risk factor in young individuals suffering a disc herniation.

Degeneration of three or more lumbar discs significantly decreases lumbar spine/hip ROM ratio during position change from standing to sitting in AVN patients before THA

Background

Limitations in the lumbar spine movement reduce lumbar vertebral motion and affect spinopelvic kinematics. We studied the influence of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration on spinofemoral movement, from standing to sitting, in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

Of 138 consecutive patients scheduled for THA due to unilateral avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, those with ≥3 discs with University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) disc degeneration score > 1 were defined as the lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDD) group, and the remaining patients constituted d the control group. Full body anteroposterior and lateral EOS images in the standing and sitting positions were obtained. Pelvic incidence (PI), L1 slope (L1 s), lumbar lordosis angle (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), femoral slope (Fs), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), hip flexion, lumbar spine flexion, and total spinofemoral flexion were measured on the images and compared between groups.

Results

No significant between-group differences were observed in the height, weight, body mass index, AVN staging, or PI, SS, and Fs on standing. The LDD group included more females and older patients, had 5° lesser LL, 5° greater PT, and larger SVA. From standing to sitting, the PI remained constant in both groups. Total spinofemoral flexion was 7° less, lumbar spine flexion 16° less, L1 slope change 6° less, and SS change 8° less, and hip flexion was 7° more in the LDD than in the control group. The spine/hip flexion ratio was significantly lower in the LDD group (0.3 versus 0.7; p < 0.001). On regression analysis, the LDD group (p < 0.001) and older age (p = 0.048) but not sex, weight, or height were significant univariate predictors of decreased spine/hip ratio.

Conclusions

Patients with LDD leant more forward and had a larger pelvis posterior tilt angle on standing and a decreased lumbar spine/hip flexion ratio, with more hip joint flexion, on sitting, to compensate for reduced lumbar spine flexion. Surgeons should be aware that elderly patients with multiple LDD have significantly different spinofemoral movements and increased risk of posterior dislocation post-THA. Preoperative patient identification, intraoperative surgical technique modification, and individualized rehabilitation protocols are necessary.

Comparison of long fusion terminating at L5 versus the sacrum in treating adult spinal deformity: a meta-analysis

Purpose

Choosing an optimal distal fusion level for adult spinal deformity (ASD) is still controversial. To compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of distal fusion to L5 versus the sacrum in ASD, we conducted a meta-analysis.

Methods

Relevant studies on long fusion terminating at L5 or the sacrum in ASD were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases. Then, studies were manually selected for inclusion based on predefined criteria. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3.

Results

Eleven retrospective studies with 1211 patients were included in meta-analysis. No significant difference was found in overall complication rate (95% CI 0.60 to 1.30) and revision rate (95% CI 0.59 to 1.99) between fusion to L5 group (L group) and fusion to the sacrum group (S group). Significant lower rate of pseudarthrosis and implant-related complications (95% CI 0.29 to 0.64) as well as proximal adjacent segment disease (95% CI 0.35 to 0.92) was found in L group. Patients in S group obtained a better correction of lumbar lordosis (95% CI − 7.85 to − 0.38) and less loss of sagittal balance (95% CI − 1.80 to − 0.50).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggested that long fusion terminating at L5 or the sacrum was similar in scoliosis correction, overall complication rate, revision rate, and improvement in pain and disability. However, fusion to L5 had advantages in lower rate of pseudarthrosis, implant-related complications, and proximal adjacent segment disease, while fusion to the sacrum had advantages in the restoration of lumbar lordosis, maintenance of sagittal balance, and absence of distal adjacent segment disease.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Coronal and sagittal spinal alignment in lumbar disc herniation with scoliosis and trunk shift

Background

To investigate the incidence of scoliosis and trunk shift in patients with LDH (lumbar disc herniation) and analyze the differences in spinopelvic alignment among patients with or without trunk shift and non-symptom controls.

Materials and methods

All included subjects had standard upright antero-posterior and lateral radiographs of the whole spine taken. Evidence of disc herniation was confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The parameters measured included trunk shift and Cobb angle, TK (thoracic kyphosis), TLK (thoraco-lumbar junction kyphosis), LL (lumbar lordosis), PI (pelvic incidence), SS (sacral slope), PT (pelvic tilt) and SVA (sagittal vertical axis).

Results

Sixty-eight patients with LDH and 61 controls were included. There were significantly more male patients with trunk shift than the patients without trunk shift. Forty-two patients had curve magnitudes ranging from 5 to 38°. The trunk shift ranged from 0.5 to 7.3 cm. A total of 54.76% of patients had a disc herniation on the concave side of the main curve. Fifty percent of patients showed a trunk shift towards the opposite side of disc herniation. There were significant differences in spinopelvic parameters among groups. Significant correlations were also observed between several spinopelvic parameters in the three groups. However, the degrees of correlations among the spinopelvic parameters differed among the three groups.

Conclusion

Spinal sagittal morphology in LDH patients with trunk shift exhibits a more anterior shift of the C7 plumb line, less LL, and a more horizontal sacrum. Correlation analysis indicated a disharmonious spinopelvic interaction and a change in the compensatory model in patients with LDH.

Cervical Cord Compression and Whole-Spine Sagittal Balance: Retrospective Study Using Whole-Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cervical Cord Compression Index

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the relationship between cervical cord compression and factors related to whole-spine sagittal balance.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study included patients who visited our clinic for the evaluation of lumbar pathology including trauma and degeneration. Patients aged 60-89 years who underwent whole-spine sagittal T2 scout magnetic resonance imaging and whole-spine radiograph between 2014 and 2018 were included in our study. We consecutively enrolled 100 patients for our study without any prejudice. We collected data on patient characteristics, diagnosis, cervical cord compression index (CCI), sagittal vertical axis (C7-S1, C2-7), and other parameters related to sagittal balance such as pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to compare CCI with each whole-spine sagittal balance parameter.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients, 44 were men. The mean age was 74.21 years. On the basis of Pearson correlation coefficients, CCI showed the strongest positive linear correlation with C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis (r = 0.688; P < 0.01), followed by the C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (r = 0.563; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical cord compression is more likely to develop in patients with sagittal imbalance. It is important to use whole-spine radiograph and whole-spine T2 scout magnetic resonance imaging to analyze CCI in these patients.

Focal disorders of the spine with compensatory deformities: how to define them

PURPOSE

In this paper, the authors propose classifying the epiphenomenon of spinal deformity in two different categories: structural deformity, when the main driver of the observed deformity is a fixed and stiff alteration of the spinal segments, and compensatory deformity, which includes cases where the observed deformity is due to focal abnormalities. This last category comprises, but is not limited to, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, infection or tumor, hip disease or neurological disease (such as Parkinson's disease).

METHOD

Narrative review article.

RESULTS

We analyzed the focal diseases of the spine that may cause a compensatory deformity inducing adaptation in the unaffected part of the spine.

CONCLUSION

The compensatory mechanisms involved in adaptive deformity represent an attempt to maintain a global alignment, to escape from pain or to control body posture. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary material.

Correlations between low back pain and functional capacity among the elderly

Abstract Objective: To investigate the association between low back pain and functional capacity among non-institutionalized elderly persons. Method: A cross-sectional observational study of non-institutionalized elderly persons was performed. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) functional tests were used, together with the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Result: A total of 99 elderly persons of both genders were included. Kendall’s Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the RMDQ and the SRT scores for the act of sitting (p=0.001) and the act of lifting (p=0.028). Despite the statistical significance, these two variables were weakly correlated (r=-239;r=-163). The results also identified a statistically significant correlation between the TUG and SRT tests for the act of sitting (r=-222; p=0.003) and the act of lifting (r=-206; p=0.006). Conclusion: It was observed that most of the non-institutionalized elderly persons had good functional capacity. It is also possible to affirm that there is an association between low back pain and functional capacity.