-
European Spine Journal : Official... Jun 2018To update findings of the 2000-2010 Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders (Neck Pain Task Force) on the validity and reliability of...
Validity and reliability of clinical prediction rules used to screen for cervical spine injury in alert low-risk patients with blunt trauma to the neck: part 2. A systematic review from the Cervical Assessment and Diagnosis Research Evaluation (CADRE) Collaboration.
PURPOSE
To update findings of the 2000-2010 Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders (Neck Pain Task Force) on the validity and reliability of clinical prediction rules used to screen for cervical spine injury in alert low-risk adult patients with blunt trauma to the neck.
METHODS
We searched four databases from 2005 to 2015. Pairs of independent reviewers critically appraised eligible studies using the modified QUADAS-2 and QAREL criteria. We synthesized low risk of bias studies following best evidence synthesis principles.
RESULTS
We screened 679 citations; five had a low risk of bias and were included in our synthesis. The sensitivity of the Canadian C-spine rule ranged from 0.90 to 1.00 with negative predictive values ranging from 99 to 100%. Inter-rater reliability of the Canadian C-spine rule varied from k = 0.60 between nurses and physicians to k = 0.93 among paramedics. The inter-rater reliability of the Nexus Low-Risk Criteria was k = 0.53 between resident physicians and faculty physicians.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review adds new evidence to the Neck Pain Task Force and supports the use of clinical prediction rules in emergency care settings to screen for cervical spine injury in alert low-risk adult patients with blunt trauma to the neck. The Canadian C-spine rule consistently demonstrated excellent sensitivity and negative predictive values. Our review, however, suggests that the reproducibility of the clinical predictions rules varies depending on the examiners level of training and experience.
Topics: Adult; Canada; Cervical Vertebrae; Decision Support Techniques; Humans; Mass Screening; Neck Injuries; Neck Pain; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spinal Injuries; Wounds, Nonpenetrating
PubMed: 28940048
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-017-5301-6 -
Archives of Academic Emergency Medicine 2023Clinical decision tools have been shown to reduce imaging rates for clearance of suspected cervical spine injury (CSI). This review provides more comprehensive evidence... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Clinical decision tools have been shown to reduce imaging rates for clearance of suspected cervical spine injury (CSI). This review provides more comprehensive evidence on the diagnostic capabilities of National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) and Canadian C-spine rule (CCR) in this regard.
METHOD
A systematic review of the current literature was performed on studies published until Jan 26, 2023, in databases of Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, investigating the performance of NEXUS and CCR in blunt trauma patients. QUADAS-2 and GRADE guidelines were used to assess the quality and certainty of evidence. All analyses were performed using the STATA 14.0 statistical analysis software.
RESULTS
35 articles comprising 70000 patients for NEXUS and 33000 patients for CCR were included in this review. NEXUS and CCR were evaluated to have a sensitivity of 0.94 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88 to 0.98) and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98 to 1.00) in the detection of any CSI and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89 to 0.98) and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.95 to 1.00) in the detection of clinically important CSI. The area under the curve (AUC) of NEXUS and CCR was 0.85 and 0.97 for any CSI and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74 to 0.81) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.96) for clinically important CSI.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrates that both NEXUS and CCR can be used in ruling out patients with low risk of CSI, and CCR was shown to have superior performance. Even though these tools have low specificity, their application can still greatly reduce the number of radiographic imaging performed in emergency departments.
PubMed: 37840870
DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v11i1.2143 -
Practical Radiation Oncology 2022To determine safety and efficacy of postoperative spine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the published literature, and to present practice recommendations... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To determine safety and efficacy of postoperative spine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the published literature, and to present practice recommendations on behalf of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A systematic review of the literature was performed, specific to postoperative spine SBRT, using PubMed and Embase databases. A meta-analysis for 1-year local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and vertebral compression fracture probability was conducted.
RESULTS
The literature search revealed 251 potentially relevant articles after duplicates were removed. Of these 56 were reviewed in-depth for eligibility and 12 met all the inclusion criteria for analysis. 7 studies were retrospective, 2 prospective observational and 3 were prospective phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Outcomes for a total of 461 patients and 499 spinal segments were reported. Ten studies used a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan fused to computed tomography (CT) simulation for treatment planning, and 2 investigations reported on all patients receiving a CT-myelogram at the time of planning. Meta-analysis for 1 year LC and OS was 88.9% and 57%, respectively. The crude reported vertebral compression fracture rate was 5.6%. One case of myelopathy was described in a patient with a previously irradiated spinal segment. One patient developed an esophageal fistula requiring surgical repair.
CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative spine SBRT delivers a high 1-year LC with acceptably low toxicity. Patients who may benefit from this include those with oligometastatic disease, radioresistant histology, paraspinal masses, or those with a history of prior irradiation to the affected spinal segment. The International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society recommends a minimum interval of 8 to 14 days after invasive surgery before simulation for SBRT, with initiation of radiation therapy within 4 weeks of surgery. An MRI fused to the planning CT, or the use of a CT-myelogram, are necessary for target and organ-at-risk delineation. A planning organ-at-risk volume (PRV) of 1.5 to 2 mm for the spinal cord is advised.
Topics: Fractures, Compression; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prospective Studies; Radiosurgery; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fractures; Spinal Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34673275
DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2021.10.004 -
Neurosurgery Jan 2019Are there classification systems for fractures of the thoracolumbar spine that have been shown to be internally valid and reliable (ie, do these instruments provide...
Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma: Classification of Injury.
QUESTION 1
Are there classification systems for fractures of the thoracolumbar spine that have been shown to be internally valid and reliable (ie, do these instruments provide consistent information between different care providers)?
RECOMMENDATION 1
A classification scheme that uses readily available clinical data (eg, computed tomography scans with or without magnetic resonance imaging) to convey injury morphology, such as Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Scale or the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Classification System, should be used to improve characterization of traumatic thoracolumbar injuries and communication among treating physicians. Strength of Recommendation: Grade B.
QUESTION 2
In treating patients with thoracolumbar fractures, does employing a formally tested classification system for treatment decision-making affect clinical outcomes?
RECOMMENDATION 2
There is insufficient evidence to recommend a universal classification system or severity score that will readily guide treatment of all injury types and thereby affect outcomes. Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient The full version of the guideline can be reviewed at: https://www.cns.org/guideline-chapters/congress-neurological-surgeons-systematic-review-evidence-based-guidelines/chapter_2.
Topics: Evidence-Based Medicine; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Neurosurgeons; Neurosurgery; Neurosurgical Procedures; Spinal Fractures; Spinal Injuries; Thoracic Vertebrae; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30202904
DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy372 -
ANZ Journal of Surgery Mar 2023After trauma, clearance of the cervical spine refers to the exclusion of underlying serious injuries. Accurate assessment of computed tomography (CT) is commonly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
After trauma, clearance of the cervical spine refers to the exclusion of underlying serious injuries. Accurate assessment of computed tomography (CT) is commonly required prior to clearance of the cervical spine. Delays to clearance can lead to prolonged immobilization with associated patient discomfort and adverse effects. This systematic review aimed to determine performance of non-radiologists to evaluate cervical spine CT.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library with sources of grey literature and reference lists of selected articles were appraised from inception to April 2021. We included manuscripts that reported discordance in CT cervical spine interpretation between non-radiologists and radiologists. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess quality of included studies and statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic.
RESULTS
There were 43 studies identified for eligibility and 4 manuscripts included in the final analysis. There were two studies that reported on the performance of radiology residents, one study on the performance of surgical residents and one on emergency physicians. The pooled discordance was 0.25 (95%CI 0.21-0.28) but was lower for radiology residents (range 0.007-0.05). There was significant statistical heterogeneity (I = 99.6%, P < 0.001) among studies.
CONCLUSION
There is a paucity of evidence documenting the ability of non-radiologists in accurately interpreting CT of the cervical spine. A number of discordant findings suggest that studies with larger sample sizes are indicated to accurately ascertain the ability of non-radiologists in this area.
Topics: Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Cervical Vertebrae; Radiography; Spinal Injuries; Wounds, Nonpenetrating
PubMed: 36129439
DOI: 10.1111/ans.18055 -
Cureus Apr 2024This review article explores spinal injuries in athletes participating in various sporting activities. It also highlights the various mechanisms of injuries that... (Review)
Review
This review article explores spinal injuries in athletes participating in various sporting activities. It also highlights the various mechanisms of injuries that contribute to spinal injuries in each sport. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE Ovid, and Google Scholar were searched for articles from 2000 to 2022 on spine injuries in sports and radiological studies discussing the various injury patterns among athletes. Studies were scoured in accordance with the inclusion criteria, and relevant data such as the number of participants, sporting activities, spine injuries, and outcomes were retrieved. Fifteen articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Cervical spine injuries are common in athletes who participate in contact sports such as football. Similarly, athletes in collision sports such as football, rugby, and hockey are likely to suffer stingers due to traction and compression injuries. Players engaged in such as soccer, baseball, and swimming, are likely to suffer from spondylolysis. Soccer players are more prone to multiple lesions compared to athletes in sports such as baseball because the sport involves training exercises such as jogging and running without kicking any ball. In swimmers, spondylolysis is common in breaststroke and butterfly styles since they involve repeated flexion and hyperextension of the lumbar spine. CT is essential for diagnosing spondylolysis as it demonstrates the lesions more accurately. Ice hockey is associated with a significant incidence of cervical spine injuries, mostly due to players being constantly checked/pushed from behind. Spine injuries are common in elite athletes across several sports. About 10% of spinal injuries in the United States result from sports activities. In diagnosing spine injuries, imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, or plain radiographs are essential. From a radiologist's perspective, these tests help immensely in deciding which treatment is required for a particular athlete or how the injury can be optimally managed. Achieving recovery from a specific spine injury usually depends on the kind of injury and the rehabilitation process the athletes undergo before returning to play.
PubMed: 38784300
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58780 -
Spine Feb 2016A systematic literature review. (Review)
Review
Toward the Development of a Universal Outcome Instrument for Spine Trauma: A Systematic Review and Content Comparison of Outcome Measures Used in Spine Trauma Research Using the ICF as Reference.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic literature review.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was (1) to identify patient-reported and clinician-based outcome measures most frequently used to evaluate the function and health of spine trauma patients, (2) to identify and quantify the concepts of these measures using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as reference, and (3) to describe their clinimetric properties.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
There is a real need for a disease-specific outcome instrument to measure the effect size of various treatment options in a variety of traumatic spinal column injuries.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in several databases. From the included studies, outcome measures were extracted. The items and underlying concepts of the identified outcome measures were specified and linked to the ICF categories. Finally, as far as available in literature, the clinimetric properties of the obtained measures were analyzed.
RESULTS
Out of 5117 screened references, 245 were included, and 17 different frequently used outcome measures were identified. Meaningful concepts of the items and response options of the retrieved outcome measures were linked to a total of 105 different ICF categories, aggregated to 57 first- or second-level categories. The categories were linked to the components activities and participation (n = 31), body functions (n = 17), environmental factors (n = 8), and body structures (n = 1). Overall, there is only limited evidence on the measurement properties, except for some disease-specific questionnaires, such as Oswestry Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Neck Disability Index, and Cervical Spine Outcome Questionnaire.
CONCLUSION
The current systematic literature review revealed great diversity in the use and content of outcome measures to evaluate the functioning and health of spine trauma patients, with 17 different outcome measures linked to 57 unique ICF categories. This study creates an evidence base for a consensus meeting during which a core set of ICF categories for outcome measurement in spine trauma will be decided.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
2.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Humans; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Spinal Injuries; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26555824
DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001207 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Spine Apr 2022Secondary health conditions (SHCs) are long-term complications that frequently occur due to traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) and can negatively affect quality of life...
OBJECTIVE
Secondary health conditions (SHCs) are long-term complications that frequently occur due to traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) and can negatively affect quality of life in this patient population. This study provides an overview of the associations between the severity and level of injury and the occurrence of SHCs in tSCI.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase that retrieved 44 studies on the influence of severity and/or level of injury on the occurrence of SHCs in the subacute and chronic phase of tSCI (from 3 months after trauma). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.
RESULTS
In the majority of studies, patients with motor-complete tSCI (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale [AIS] grade A or B) had a significantly increased occurrence of SHCs in comparison to patients with motor-incomplete tSCI (AIS grade C or D), such as respiratory and urogenital complications, musculoskeletal disorders, pressure ulcers, and autonomic dysreflexia. In contrast, an increased prevalence of pain was seen in patients with motor-incomplete injuries. In addition, higher rates of pulmonary infections, spasticity, and autonomic dysreflexia were observed in patients with tetraplegia. Patients with paraplegia more commonly suffered from hypertension, venous thromboembolism, and pain.
CONCLUSIONS
This review suggests that patients with a motor-complete tSCI have an increased risk of developing SHCs during the subacute and chronic stage of tSCI in comparison with patients with motor-incomplete tSCI. Future studies should examine whether systematic monitoring during rehabilitation and the subacute and chronic phase in patients with motor-complete tSCI could lead to early detection and potential prevention of SHCs in this population.
Topics: Humans; Paraplegia; Quadriplegia; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Cord Injuries; Spinal Injuries
PubMed: 34767527
DOI: 10.3171/2021.7.SPINE21537 -
World Neurosurgery Apr 2022To analyze cervical spine injuries resulting from recreational activity in shallow ocean water amid high-energy breaking waves.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze cervical spine injuries resulting from recreational activity in shallow ocean water amid high-energy breaking waves.
METHODS
Single-center 10-year review of patients who sustained cervical injuries at the beach in Long Island, New York, USA. A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was also performed.
RESULTS
Nineteen patients (age 17-79 years) sustained cervical injury from high-energy breaking waves while in shallow beach water. Six patients dived into a wave; 6 patients were struck by a large wave while standing upright; and 7 tumbled in the waves while engaged in nonspecified recreational activity. All 7 patients with subaxial cervical AO Spine Injury Score (AO-SIS) >10 had cervical spine injury with cord signal change and required operative management. Diving mechanism, AO-SIS >10, and cord signal change all predicted significant disability or death at 12 months (P < 0.01). The present study and 7 additional studies reporting on 534 patients (mean age, 45.4 years) were analyzed. Within the reported literature, most patients (94.2%) sustained a spinal cord injury. On long-term follow-up, an estimated 64.8% of patients had permanent neurologic injury and 12.5% had permanent quadriplegia.
CONCLUSIONS
We offer the first description of cervical injuries sustained in water-related recreational activity using the AO-SIS. The morphology of injuries varied significantly and seemed to depend on body position and wave kinetic energy. Patients presenting with cervical injury in this setting and yielding AO-SIS >10 are likely to have poor functional recovery.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cervical Vertebrae; Humans; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Cord Injuries; Spinal Fractures; Spinal Injuries; Trauma Centers; Young Adult
PubMed: 35074543
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.01.055 -
The American Journal of Medicine Jan 2020Very little evidence is available on the prevalence of serious spinal pathologies and the diagnostic accuracy of red flags in patients presenting to the emergency...
BACKGROUND
Very little evidence is available on the prevalence of serious spinal pathologies and the diagnostic accuracy of red flags in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). This systematic review aims to investigate the prevalence of serious spinal pathologies and the diagnostic accuracy of red flags in patients presenting with low back pain to the ED.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS from inception to January 2019. Two reviewers independently reviewed the references and evaluated methodological quality.
RESULTS
We analyzed 22 studies with a total of 41,320 patients. The prevalence of any requiring immediate/urgent treatment was 2.5%-5.1% in prospective and 0.7%-7.4% in retrospective studies (0.0%-7.2% for vertebral fractures, 0.0%-2.1% for spinal cancer, 0.0%-1.9% for infectious disorders, 0.1%-1.9% for pathologies with spinal cord/cauda equina compression, 0.0%-0.9% for vascular pathologies). Examples of red flags which increased the likelihood for a serious condition were suspicion or history of cancer (spinal cancer); intravenous drug use, indwelling vascular catheter, and other infection site (epidural abscess).
CONCLUSION
We found a higher prevalence of serious spinal pathologies in the ED compared to the reported prevalence in primary care settings. As the diagnostic accuracy of most red flags was reported only by a single study, further validation in high-quality prospective studies is needed.
Topics: Catheters, Indwelling; Cauda Equina Syndrome; Emergency Service, Hospital; Epidural Abscess; Humans; Low Back Pain; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Spinal Cord Compression; Spinal Fractures; Spinal Neoplasms; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; Vascular Access Devices
PubMed: 31278933
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.06.005