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International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022Spinal stenosis (SS) is a multifactorial polyetiological condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition is a common source of pain among... (Review)
Review
Spinal stenosis (SS) is a multifactorial polyetiological condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition is a common source of pain among people over 50 years old. We perform a systematic review of molecular and genetic mechanisms that cause SS. The five main mechanisms of SS were found to be ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), hypertrophy and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (HLF/OLF), facet joint (FJ) osteoarthritis, herniation of the intervertebral disc (IVD), and achondroplasia. FJ osteoarthritis, OPLL, and HLF/OLFLF/OLF have all been associated with an over-abundance of transforming growth factor beta and genes related to this phenomenon. OPLL has also been associated with increased bone morphogenetic protein 2. FJ osteoarthritis is additionally associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling and genes. IVD herniation is associated with collagen type I alpha 1 and 2 gene mutations and subsequent protein dysregulation. Finally, achondroplasia is associated with fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene mutations and fibroblast growth factor signaling. Although most publications lack data on a direct relationship between the mutation and SS formation, it is clear that genetics has a direct impact on the formation of any pathology, including SS. Further studies are necessary to understand the genetic and molecular changes associated with SS.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Spinal Stenosis; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament; Ligamentum Flavum; Achondroplasia; Osteoarthritis
PubMed: 36362274
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113479 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Nov 2023Unilateral laminotomy with bilateral spinal canal decompression has gained popularity recently.
BACKGROUND
Unilateral laminotomy with bilateral spinal canal decompression has gained popularity recently.
AIM
To systematically review the literature of unilateral laminotomy with bilateral spinal canal decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) aiming to assess outcomes and complications of the different techniques described in literature.
METHODS
On August 7, 2022, Pubmed and EMBASE were searched by 2 reviewers independently, and all the relevant studies published up to date were considered based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subject headings "unilateral laminotomy", "bilateral decompression" and their related key terms were used. The Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was used to screen the articles.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies including 371 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 69.0 years (range: 55-83 years). The follow up duration ranged from 1 to 3 years. Rate of postoperative pain and functional improvement was favorable based on VAS, JOA, JOABPEQ, RMDW, ODI and SF-36, for example improved from a range of 4.2-7.5 preoperatively on the VAS score to a range of 1.4-3.0 postoperatively at the final follow up. Insufficient decompression was noted in 3% of the reported cases. The overall complication rate was reported at 18-20%, with dural tear at 3.6-9% and hematoma at 0-4%.
CONCLUSION
Unilateral laminotomy with bilateral decompression has favorable short- and mid-term pain and functional outcomes with low recurrence and complication rates. This, however, needs to be further confirmed in larger, long-term follow-up, prospective, comparative studies between open, and minimally invasive techniques.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Humans; Middle Aged; Decompression, Surgical; Laminectomy; Lumbar Vertebrae; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Canal; Spinal Stenosis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37990183
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-07033-1 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2021Chronic Low Back Pain (LBP) is a symptom that may be caused by several diseases, and it is currently the leading cause of disability worldwide. The increased amount of... (Review)
Review
Chronic Low Back Pain (LBP) is a symptom that may be caused by several diseases, and it is currently the leading cause of disability worldwide. The increased amount of digital images in orthopaedics has led to the development of methods related to artificial intelligence, and to computer vision in particular, which aim to improve diagnosis and treatment of LBP. In this manuscript, we have systematically reviewed the available literature on the use of computer vision in the diagnosis and treatment of LBP. A systematic research of PubMed electronic database was performed. The search strategy was set as the combinations of the following keywords: "Artificial Intelligence", "Feature Extraction", "Segmentation", "Computer Vision", "Machine Learning", "Deep Learning", "Neural Network", "Low Back Pain", "Lumbar". Results: The search returned a total of 558 articles. After careful evaluation of the abstracts, 358 were excluded, whereas 124 papers were excluded after full-text examination, taking the number of eligible articles to 76. The main applications of computer vision in LBP include feature extraction and segmentation, which are usually followed by further tasks. Most recent methods use deep learning models rather than digital image processing techniques. The best performing methods for segmentation of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal canal and lumbar muscles achieve Sørensen-Dice scores greater than 90%, whereas studies focusing on localization and identification of structures collectively showed an accuracy greater than 80%. Future advances in artificial intelligence are expected to increase systems' autonomy and reliability, thus providing even more effective tools for the diagnosis and treatment of LBP.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Computers; Humans; Intervertebral Disc; Low Back Pain; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34682647
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010909 -
Global Spine Journal Jul 2022Systematic review and meta-analysis.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
Indications for surgical decompression of gunshot wounds to the lumbosacral spine are controversial and based on limited data.
METHODS
A systematic review of literature was conducted to identify studies that directly compare neurologic outcomes following operative and non-operative management of gunshot wounds to the lumbosacral spine. Studies were evaluated for degree of neurologic improvement, complications, and antibiotic usage. An odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated for dichotomous outcomes which were then pooled by random-effects model meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Five studies were included that met inclusion criteria. The total rate of neurologic improvement was 72.3% following surgical intervention and 61.7% following non-operative intervention. A random-effects model meta-analysis was carried out which failed to show a statistically significant difference in the rate of neurologic improvement between surgical and non-operative intervention (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.45, 2.53; = 0.88). In civilian only studies, a random-effects model meta-analysis failed to show a statistically significant difference in the rate of neurologic improvement between surgical and non-operative intervention (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.21, 2.72; = 0.66). Meta-analysis further failed to show a statistically significant difference in the rate of neurologic improvement between patients with either complete (OR 4.13; 95% CI 0.55, 30.80; = 0.17) or incomplete (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.10, 1.52; = 0.17) neurologic injuries who underwent surgical and non-operative intervention. There were no significant differences in the number of infections and other complications between patients who underwent surgical and non-operative intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of neurologic improvement between those who underwent surgical or non-operative intervention. Further research is necessary to determine if surgical intervention for gunshot wounds to the lumbosacral spine, including in the case of retained bullet within the spinal canal, is efficacious.
PubMed: 34275384
DOI: 10.1177/21925682211030873 -
Neurospine Sep 2023Cervical myelopathy (CM) describes the compressive cervical spinal cord state, often accompanied by serious clinical condition, by herniated disc or hypertrophied spurs...
Clinical Effectiveness of Artificial Disc Replacement in Comparison With Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Patients With Cervical Myelopathy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Cervical myelopathy (CM) describes the compressive cervical spinal cord state, often accompanied by serious clinical condition, by herniated disc or hypertrophied spurs or ligament. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been frequently employed as conventional surgical solution for this CM despite its inherent biomechanical handicap. Alternatively, an artificial disc replacement (ADR) preserves cervical motion while still decompressing the spinal canal and neural foramen. This analysis elaborated to clarify the potential benefits of ADR application to CM over ACDF from the conglomerated results of the past references.
METHODS
A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane review, and KMbase databases from the studies published until March 2023. Six studies (3 randomized controlled study [RCTs] and 3 non-RCTs) were included in a qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Data were extracted and analyzed using a random effects model to obtain effect size and its statistical significance. Quality assessment and evidence level were established in accordance with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology.
RESULTS
Among 6 studies, 2 studies showed that ADR group achieved significantly better clinical improvement than the ACDF group, while the rest 4 studies revealed no significant difference. A meta-analysis showed better clinical outcomes with or without statistical significance. The level of evidence was low because of inconsistency and imprecision.
CONCLUSION
ADR was superior or at least, not inferior to ACDF in terms of functional recovery. However, its application to the CM patients is merely empowered with weak strength due to low level of evidence.
PubMed: 37798997
DOI: 10.14245/ns.2346498.249 -
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal... Jul 2019To assess complications after minimally invasive spinal surgeries including transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) by reviewing the most recent literature. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To assess complications after minimally invasive spinal surgeries including transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) by reviewing the most recent literature.
RECENT FINDINGS
Current literature demonstrates that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in spine has improved clinical outcomes and reduced complications when compared with open spinal procedures. Recent studies describing MI-TLIF primarily for degenerative disk disease, spondylolisthesis, and vertebral canal stenosis cite over 89 discrete complications, with the most common being radiculitis (ranging from 2.8 to 57.1%), screw malposition (0.3-12.7%), and incidental durotomy (0.3-8.6%). Minimally invasive spine surgery has a distinct set of complications in comparison with other spinal procedures. These complications vary based on the exact MIS procedure and indication. The most frequently documented MI-TLIF complications in current published literature were radiculitis, screw malposition, and incidental durotomy.
PubMed: 31302861
DOI: 10.1007/s12178-019-09574-2 -
Medicine Aug 2019Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is caused by neural compression due to narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal or neural foramen. Surgical intervention is a standard treatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is caused by neural compression due to narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal or neural foramen. Surgical intervention is a standard treatment for LSS; however, the steep increase in the surgical rate, post-operative complications, and comparatively low long-term satisfaction are considered to be limitations of this surgical approach. Conversely, acupotomy is a minimally invasive technique that combines the effects of conventional acupuncture with micro-incision, which may offer an alternative to surgery for the treatment of LSS. This review was conducted to investigate and critically review the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupotomy for LSS.
METHODS
Eleven databases were searched from their respective inception dates to December 28, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupotomy and wait-list, sham treatment, or active controls were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using risk-of-bias tool.
RESULTS
Seven RCTs were included in this review and meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the included studies was generally poor. The acupotomy treatment group was associated with significantly lower visual analogue scale scores (range 0∼10) (5 RCTs; mean difference [MD] -1.55, 95% confidence interval [CIs] -2.60 to -0.50; I = 94%) and higher Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (3 RCTs; MD 4.70, 95% CI 3.73 to 5.68; I = 0%) compared to the active control group. In subgroup analysis based on the type of active controls, acupotomy retained significant benefits over lumbar traction and acupuncture, as well as over lumbar traction, spinal decompression, and acupuncture. Safety data were reported in only 1 study, and no adverse events occurred in either the acupotomy or the acupuncture control group.
CONCLUSION
According to current evidence, acupotomy might be beneficial for treating LSS. Acupotomy showed consistent superiority over lumbar traction, but the results were mixed in comparisons with other interventions, such as spinal decompression and acupuncture. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously, given the poor methodological quality of the included studies, and potential small-study effects. Further larger, high-quality, rigorous RCTs should be conducted on this topic and rigorous reporting of acupotomy procedures and safety data should be encouraged.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Humans; Lumbosacral Region; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Spinal Stenosis
PubMed: 31393365
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000016662 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2022Primary sporadic intradural malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) in the spinal canal is a type of rare neoplasm with challenging diagnosis and therapy. The...
Epidemiology, Characteristic, and Prognostic Factors of Primary Sporadic Intradural Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in the Spinal Canal: A Systematic Literature Review.
PURPOSE
Primary sporadic intradural malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) in the spinal canal is a type of rare neoplasm with challenging diagnosis and therapy. The overall prognosis of this tumor is markedly different from that of the usual spinal intradural tumors. The purpose of this systematic review is to reduce the misdiagnosis and enhance the prognosis of the disease by reviewing the literature.
METHODS
PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases were searched for articles in English language published from 1980 to May 2021, yielding 500 potentially relevant articles. The keywords were as follows: "spinal", "malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor", "neurosarcoma", "malignant schwannoma", and "malignant neurofibroma". Thirteen papers met the eligibility criteria, including 55 cases with spinal intradural primary sporadic MPNSTs, which were confirmed by post-operation pathology. We further analyzed the clinical manifestations, radiological manifestations, pathological features, comprehensive treatment strategies, and prognosis.
RESULTS
Fifty-five spinal intradural primary sporadic MPNSTs from 30 (54.5%) male and 25 (45.5%) female patients with an average age at diagnosis of 40 years (range, 3-70 years) were included in the study. The most common clinical manifestations were local or radicular pain and motor disturbance. All tumors had significant enhancement and heterogeneous enhancement was more common. Out of 18 lesions, 14 were diagnosed as high grade and the remaining 4 were diagnosed as low grade. The ki-67 labeling index ranged from 5% to 60%. The median recurrence and survival time were 36 and 72 months, respectively. The log-rank tests indicated that significant predictors of OS were patient age (≤30 vs. >30 years) at the time of diagnosis and the presence of metastatic disease, and similar analyses for RFS demonstrated that the presence of metastatic disease was the only significant predictor (60 vs. 10 months). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that absence of metastasis was an independent factor for predicting a favorable prognosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Spinal intradural primary sporadic MPNSTs are challenging malignant tumors without a systematic treatment plan. The factors affecting its prognosis are not clear. Even after surgical treatment and adjuvant treatment, the recurrence rate and mortality rate are still high. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of this disease and achieve early detection and treatment.
PubMed: 35898898
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.911043 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Aug 2022For some patients, local anesthesia (LA) in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED), especially during canal shaping and discectomy, is insufficient for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
For some patients, local anesthesia (LA) in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED), especially during canal shaping and discectomy, is insufficient for analgesia. Epidural anesthesia (EA) is infrequently applied in PTED but reports satisfactory results. Previous studies present conflicting results in analgesia satisfactory and adverse events. Differences in surgery details and small sample size might explain conflicting results. Meta-analysis pools the results from individual studies to create a larger sample size and provides a more reliable conclusion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA in PTED.
METHODS
The search terms "percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy" and "anesthesia" are used to search Cochrane, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, and Wanfang from inception to 2021-08. Inclusion criteria is defined according to PICOS principals: P (patients): patients are diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis. I (intervention): patients undergo PTED under EA. C (comparisons): patients undergo PTED under LA. O (outcomes): primary outcomes: intraoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), anesthesia satisfactory, sufentanil usage. Secondary outcomes: adverse events, surgery exit, bleed volume, X-ray radiation. S (study design): randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane RoB 2.0 is used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Authors perform meta-analysis through Review Manager 5.4.
RESULTS
A total of 6 studies representing 529 patients are included: EA group includes 261 patients, and LA group includes 268 patients. All studies lack design of allocation concealment and blinding of participants and personnel. Only Luo reports blinding of outcome assessment in 2019. Meta analysis concludes that EA is superior in intraoperative analgesic [mean difference (MD) =-4.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.52 to -4.09; P<0.00001], anesthesia satisfactory [odds ratio (OR) =10.06; 95% CI: 2.41 to 41.98; P=0.002], sufentanil usage (MD =-9.12; 95% CI: -10.34 to -7.90; P<0.00001), adverse events (OR =0.19; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.52; P=0.001). There is no difference in bleed volume (MD =-2.61; 95% CI: -5.45 to 0.23; P=0.07), exit rate (OR =0.23; 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.35; P=0.10) and future effects (MD =-0.23; 95% CI: -0.50 to 0.03; P=0.08).
DISCUSSION
EA is an effective and safe anesthesia method for PTED and might achieve better clinical results than LA. More high-quality research is needed to provide high-quality evidence for efficacy and safety.
Topics: Anesthesia, Epidural; Anesthesia, Local; Diskectomy; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Sufentanil; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35871273
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-3413 -
Spine Surgery and Related Research Jan 2023Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a potential tool for the objective assessment of spinal cord injury (SCI) because it correlates well with the spatial and temporal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a potential tool for the objective assessment of spinal cord injury (SCI) because it correlates well with the spatial and temporal extension of spinal cord pathology. This study aimed to systematically identify currently available scoring system based on MRI parameters, including measurement of the spinal cord lesion length in sagittal view (intramedullary lesion length (IMLL)) and morphology of the lesion in axial view (Brain and Spinal Injury Center (BASIC) score).
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE database for English-language studies with the keywords "cervical," "spinal cord injury," "scoring system," "scoring," "classification," and "magnetic resonance imaging" to systematically identify the scoring system based on MRI parameters. The main outcomes of interest are the scoring system's inter- and intraobserver reliabilities and its predictive accuracy of neurological outcome.
RESULTS
After assessing the full text and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 articles were found to be eligible. The inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were rated as good until perfect for increased signal intensity (ISI), maximum canal compromise (MCC), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC), BASIC score, cord-canal-area ratio, space available for the cord, and the compression ratio. The weighted mean difference of IML between the group with converted ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade and the group without conversion is 31.79 ( =93%, =0.008). The percentage of agreement between the initial BASIC score of 4 with AIS grade of A at follow-up is 100%.
CONCLUSIONS
Certain MRI parameters, including IML and BASIC score, have good reliability and correlate well with neurological outcome, making them candidates for building simple and objective scoring system for cervical SCI. Level of Evidence: 2A.
PubMed: 36819628
DOI: 10.22603/ssrr.2021-0255