scholarly journals iPhone-Based Teleradiology for the Diagnosis of Acute Cervico-Dorsal Spine Trauma

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 849-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayesh Modi ◽  
Pranshu Sharma ◽  
Alex Earl ◽  
Mark Simpson ◽  
J. Ross Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Medical Images ◽  
Patient Data ◽  
Dorsal Spine ◽  
Spine Trauma ◽  
Rater Agreement ◽  
Body Fracture ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Posterior Elements

AbstractObjective:To assess the feasibility of iPhone-based teleradiology as a potential solution for the diagnosis of acute cervico-dorsal spine trauma.Materials and Methods:We have developed a solution that allows visualization of images on the iPhone. Our system allows rapid, remote, secure, visualization of medical images without storing patient data on the iPhone. This retrospective study is comprised of cervico-dorsal computed tomogram (CT) scan examination of 75 consecutive patients having clinically suspected cervico-dorsal spine fracture. Two radiologists reviewed CT scan images on the iPhone. Computed tomogram spine scans were analyzed for vertebral body fracture and posterior elements fractures, any associated subluxation-dislocation and cord lesion. The total time taken from the launch of viewing application on the iPhone until interpretation was recorded. The results were compared with that of a diagnostic workstation monitor. Inter-rater agreement was assessed.Results:The sensitivity and accuracy of detecting vertebral body fractures was 80% and 97% by both readers using the iPhone system with a perfect inter-rater agreement (kappa:1). The sensitivity and accuracy of detecting posterior elements fracture was 75% and 98% for Reader 1 and 50% and 97% for Reader 2 using the iPhone. There was good inter-rater agreement (kappa: 0.66) between both readers. No statistically significant difference was noted between time on the workstation and the iPhone system.Conclusion:iPhone-based teleradiology system is accurate in the diagnosis of acute cervico-dorsal spinal trauma. It allows rapid, remote, secure, visualization of medical images without storing patient data on the iPhone.

scholarly journals Comparison of Dorsal-to-Ventral Ratios of the Cervical Paraspinal Musculature in French Bulldogs With and Without Cervical Intervertebral Disk Disease and Two Other Breeds Based on CT Scan Measurements

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Hart ◽  
Stefan Rupp ◽  
Katinka Hartmann ◽  
Carolin Fischer ◽  
Pia Düver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Body Length ◽  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Height Ratio ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Major Factors

Objective: To objectively assess the cervical paraspinal musculature of French bulldogs (FBs) using computed tomography (CT) scan-based measurements, outline differences in other breeds published in the literature, and investigate the potential influence of its cervical paraspinal musculature on predisposed sites for intervertebral disk disease.Animals: Thirty FBs that underwent CT scans of the cervical spine from the skull to C7/T1 were enrolled. Fifteen dogs were patients suffering from intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH group), and 15 dogs underwent CT scans due to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS group).Methods: At the level of each cervical intervertebral disk from C2/C3 to C7/T1, measurements were performed and statistically analyzed. On the sagittal CT scan reconstruction, the height ratio of the dorsal to ventral paraspinal musculature and the angle of the disk axis to vertebral body length were assessed. On the transverse plane, the area ratio of the dorsal and ventral paraspinal musculature and the ratio of force moments were determined at each intervertebral disk level. Finally, ratios were compared to the values of Labrador retrievers and dachshunds published by Hartmann et al. (1).Results: Comparing the two FB groups, one significant difference was detected in the mean height ratio of the dorsal to ventral paraspinal musculature at the level of C5/C6 (P = 0.0092) and C6/C7 (P = 0.0076), with IVDH FBs having the more prominent dorsal paraspinal musculature. At the level of C3/C4, a significantly less prominent dorsal paraspinal musculature in FBs than in dachshunds (P = 0.0058) and a significantly steeper disk to vertebral body angulation were observed (P = 0.0005).Conclusion: Although some incidental differences were found, most parameters did not significantly differ between the BOAS and IVDH FBs. Significant conformational differences in the cervical paraspinal musculature and disk to vertebral body length angulation were found between FBs and two other breeds (chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic). This study's findings suggest that the paraspinal musculature is an additional biomechanical influencing factor on the preferential sites of IVDH in the cervical spine and that other major factors exist in IVDH development, especially in FBs.

The Y-shaped trabecular bone structure in the odontoid process of the axis: a CT scan study in 54 healthy subjects and biomechanical considerations

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 585-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Montemurro ◽  
Paolo Perrini ◽  
Vittoriano Mangini ◽  
Massimo Galli ◽  
Andrea Papini
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Bone Structure ◽  
Cone Beam Ct ◽  
Odontoid Process ◽  
Trabecular Structure ◽  
Anatomical Entity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Axial Ct ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVEOdontoid process fractures are very common in both young and geriatric patients. The axial trabecular architecture of the dens appears to be crucial for physiological and biomechanical function of the C1–2 joint. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the presence of a Y-shaped trabecular structure of the dens on axial CT and to describe its anatomical and biomechanical implications.METHODSFifty-four C2 odontoid processes in healthy subjects were prospectively examined for the presence of a Y-shaped trabecular structure at the odontocentral synchondrosis level with a dental cone beam CT scan. Length, width, and axial area of the odontoid process were measured in all subjects. In addition, measurements of the one-third right anterior area of the Y-shaped structure were taken.RESULTSThe Y-shaped trabecular structure was found in 79.6% of cases. Length and width of the odontoid process were 13.5 ± 0.6 mm and 11.2 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. The mean area of the odontoid process at the odontocentral synchondrosis was 93.5 ± 4.3 mm2, whereas the mean one-third right anterior area of the odontoid process at the same level was 29.3 ± 2.5 mm2. The mean area of the odontoid process and its length and width were similar in men and women (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in the mean area of the odontoid process in people older than 65 years (94 ± 4.2 mm2) compared to people younger than 65 years (93.3 ± 4.4 mm2; p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONSThe authors identified a new anatomical entity, named the Y-shaped trabecular structure of the odontoid process, on axial CT scans. This structure appears to be the result of bone transformation induced by the elevated dynamic loading at the C1–2 level. The presence of the Y-shaped structure provides new insights into biomechanical responses of C2 under physiological loading and traumatic conditions.

scholarly journals Inter-rater Variability in Malaria Microscopy at the LEKMA Hospital, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Andrew Nii Adzei Bekoe ◽  
Emmanuel Alote Allotey ◽  
Elliot Elikplim Akorsu ◽  
Albert Abaka-Yawson ◽  
Samuel Adusei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Medical Laboratory ◽  
Rater Agreement ◽  
Laboratory Personnel ◽  
Parasite Count ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Expected Outcome ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Group B

Background. Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it is endemic. As such, it is important that a proper diagnosis is made before treatment is initiated. Malaria parasite count plays a key role in the diagnosis and management of malaria. Variations in ratings by laboratory personnel can impact negatively on the treatment regimen for malaria-infected patients. The study is thus aimed at evaluating and comparing the proficiency and parasitaemia counts by two different categories of laboratory staff at the LEKMA Hospital, Ghana. Materials and Methods. A total of 200 confirmed malaria-positive samples were used in the study. Six thick and thin films were prepared from each sample and uniquely labelled. Two of the six slides were given to two WHO-accredited malaria microscopists to examine and report their respective parasite count/μl ( parasite   count / WBC × 8000 ). These were used as the reference for the two categories of laboratory staffs: rater A being diploma holders (Technical Officers referred to as untrained rater) and rater B being degree holders (Medical Laboratory Scientist referred to as trained rater) at the LEKMA Hospital. Results. In comparison to the expected outcome, the parasite count by the rater group A (190 (151-239)]) and the rater group B (177 (140-224)) demonstrated significant positive correlation ( r = 0.995 , p < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.995 , p < 0.0001 , respectively) with the expected outcome in the cases of heavy parasitaemia. A statistically significant difference ( p < 0.05 ) between counts by the different raters in low parasitemia was observed in this study. A persistent nosedive inter-rater agreement from k = 0.82 to k = 0.40 with increasing density cutoff was observed in this study. Conclusion. The study observed that the degree of inter-rater agreement of parasite density count by various categories of laboratory personnel is almost perfect. However, the parasite count between raters varied significantly with very low levels of parasitemia but better correlated with heavy parasitemia.

scholarly journals Clinicoradiologic Evaluation of Eagle’s Syndrome and its Management

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Pokharel ◽  
S Karki ◽  
I Shrestha ◽  
BL Shrestha ◽  
K Khanal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Styloid Process ◽  
History Taking ◽  
3D Ct ◽  
Ct Reconstruction ◽  
Eagle’S Syndrome ◽  
Elongated Styloid Process ◽  
Intraoral Approach ◽  
3D Ct Scan ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Eagle’s syndrome (Elongated styloid process) is often misdiagnosed due to its vague symptomatology. The diagnosis relies on detail history taking, palpation of styloid process in tonsillar fossa and imaging modalities.Objective To assess the length and medial angulation of elongated styloid process with the help of three dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) scan and to describe our clinical and surgical experience with patients suffering from Eagle’s syndrome.Method Prospective, analytical study conducted from August 2011 to August 2012 among 39 patients with Eagle’s syndrome. Detailed history taking, clinical examination and 3D CT scan was performed. Length and medial angulation was calculated. Patients with styloid process length longer than 2.50 cm underwent surgical excision via intraoral approach. Medial angulation of styloid process on both sides was correlated with each other using rank correlation coefficient. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was applied to test significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative symptoms scores.Result Significant positive correlation was found between the medial angulation of styloid process on right side and left side (? =0.81, p<0.001). Significant difference was also observed between pre and post-operative symptoms scores (z=-5.16, p<0.001) .Conclusion Possibility of Eagle’s syndrome should always be considered while examining patients with vague neck pain. 3D CT reconstruction is a gold standard investigation which helps in studying the relation of styloid process with surrounding structures along with accurate measurement of its length and medial angulation.Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 11(4): 305-309

Role of Including the Index level in Short Segment Pedicular Fixation in Traumatic Thoraco-Lumbar Fractures

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Abd-El-Ra’ouf EL-Shazly ◽  
Salah Mostafa Hamada ◽  
Ahmed Maged Nagaty ◽  
Ahmed Adel Nabih
Keyword(s):  
Pedicle Screw ◽  
Thoracolumbar Fractures ◽  
Spine Trauma ◽  
Kyphosis Angle ◽  
Short Segment ◽  
Loss Of Correction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Index Level ◽  
Short Segment Fixation ◽  
Fracture Level

Abstract Background It is generally acknowledged that short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation is the preferred surgical method for thoracolumbar fractures. However, the use of short-segment instrumentation with or without intermediate screws at the fracture level remains controversial. This review will evaluate the evidence available to date regarding the efficacy of including the fracture level in trans-pedicular screw short segment fixation, to assess clinical and radiological outcome. Objectives Our primary objective is evaluating the efficacy and outcome of including the fractured level vertebra in short segment fixation. And concerns regarding the use of pedicle screws into the fractured vertebra as to whether it is safe to insert a screw through a broken bone. Our secondary objective analyzing the importance of posterior pedicle screw fixation in unstable thoracolumbar fractures. Methods The following electronic databases will be searched from 1992 to 2018: PubMed, Google scholar search engine. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, EMBASE and science Direct, using the keywords “TLICS”, "index screw", “short segment fixation”, "Thoracolumbar spine trauma", "traumatic spine injury", "spinal cord injury", "spine trauma", "role", “reliability”.Studies will be eligible if they contain the target keywords in title or abstract, addressing our age group. Afterwards the full text of the articles will be reviewed to exclude full texts not fulfilling the criteria or deviating from the initial impression taken from the title/abstract reviewing. References/bibliography of the selected articles will be examined to evaluate potential for further research and possible inclusion in the analysis. Any differences will be sorted by discussion between study team (student, director, and co-directors). Results A total of 3010 studies were screened for eligibility , 8 studies were included in our systematic review for comparing the short segment fixation “including” the fracture level with “conventional” methods whether short or long segment fixation. Overall study population reached 512 patients. Analysis showed comparable results regarding clinical picture and radiography, showing highly statistically significant difference in favor of “including” index level in fixation in post operative kyphosis angle correction, loss of correction of kyphosis angle through follow up until 2 years and loss of correction of AVH, also statistically significant difference in rate of implant failure in favor for “including” group, and with no significant difference in operative time , blood loss and VAS for post-operative pain. Conclusion We conclude that Short segment fixation including the fracture level is a promising surgical option when it comes to thoraco-lumbar unstable fractures. In conclusion, inclusion of the fracture level into the construct offers a better kyphosis correction, in addition to fewer instrument failures, without additional complications, and with a comparable-if not better-clinical outcome, the radiologic correction achieved is maintained even at the end of 2 years and reflected in good functional outcomes. We recommend insertion of screws into pedicles of the fractured thoracolumbar vertebra when considering a short segment posterior fixation, especially in Magerl type C fractures. Large population prospective randomized controlled studies and clinical trials are recommended for more high level evidence data.

Altered disc pressure profile after an osteoporotic vertebral fracture is a risk factor for adjacent vertebral body fracture

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Μιχαήλ Τζερμιαδιανός
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Vertebral Fracture ◽  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Pressure Profile ◽  
Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture ◽  
Adjacent Vertebral Body ◽  
Vertebral Body Fracture ◽  
Body Fracture

Η κύφωση από ένα οστεοπορωτικό σπονδυλικό κάταγμα θεωρείται παράγοντας κίνδυνου για νέα κατάγματα, ιδιαίτερα στους παρακείμενους σπονδύλους. Όμως, ο ρόλος της παραμόρφωσης της τελικής πλάκας δεν έχει εκτιμηθεί. Η παρούσα μελέτη ελέγχει την υπόθεση ότι η αλλαγή στις μηχανικές ιδιότητες του μεσοσπονδύλιου δίσκου μετά από κάταγμα της τελικής του πλάκας, ακόμη και επί απουσίας κύφωσης, αλλάζει την μεταφορά φορτίων και προδιαθέτει σε παρακείμενα σπονδυλικά κάταγμα. Χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οκτώ ανθρώπινα θωρακοσφυϊκά παρασκευάσματα, αποτελούμενα από πέντε σπονδύλους. Για την επιλεκτική θραύση της μίας τελικής πλάκας του μεσαίου σπονδύλου δημιουργήθηκε κενό στο σπογγώδες οστό κάτω από την τυχαία επιλεγμένη πλάκα και το παρασκεύασμα συμπιέστηκε σε θέση κάμψης. Στη συνέχεια εφαρμόστηκε ροπή έκτασης υπό συμπιεστικό φορτίο 150 Ν, η οποία αποκατέστησε το ύψους του πρόσθιου τοιχώματος και την κυφωτική παραμόρφωση του σπονδυλικού σώματος, ενώ η τελική πλάκα παρέμεινε σημαντικά παραμορφωμένη. Το σπονδυλικό σώμα πληρώθηκε στην αναταγμένη θέση με πολυμεθακρυλικό τσιμέντο μετά τον προσεκτικό καθαρισμό του από τις οστικές δοκίδες ώστε να διασφαλιστεί η ομοιόμορφη κατανομή του τσιμέντου κάτω από τις τελικές πλάκες. Κάθε παρασκεύασμα ελέγχθηκε σε κάμψη και έκταση (ροπή ±6 Nm) υπό φορτίο 400 Ν, ενώ γινόταν καταγραφή της πίεση στους δίσκους άνω και κάτω του μεσαίου σπονδύλου και της τάσης (strain) στο πρόσθιο τοίχωμα των παρακείμενων σπονδύλων. Η πίεση των δίσκων στα άθικτα παρασκευάσματα αυξήθηκε κατά την κάμψη κατά 26 ± 14%. Μετά την ενίσχυση με τσιμέντο η πίεση των δίσκων κατά την κάμψη αυξήθηκε κατά 15 ± 11% στους δίσκους με άθικτη τελική πλάκα, ενώ μειώθηκε κατά 19,0 ± 26,8% στους δίσκους με παραμορφωμένη τελική πλάκα. Κατά την κάμψη, η συμπιεστική φόρτιση στο πρόσθιο τοίχωμα του σπονδύλου που βρισκόταν δίπλα από την παραμορφωμένη πλάκα αυξήθηκε κατά 94,2 ± 22,8% σε σχέση με τα άθικτα παρασκευάσματα (p<0,05), ενώ δεν άλλαξε σημαντικά στο σπόνδυλο δίπλα στην μη παραμορφωμένη πλάκα (18,2 ± 7,1%, p>0,05). Επακόλουθη κάμψη με συμπίεση προκάλεσε παρακείμενα κατάγματα δίπλα από την παραμορφωμένη πλάκα σε έξι παρασκευάσματα και μη παρακείμενο κάταγμα σε ένα, ενώ σε άλλο ένα παρασκεύασμα δεν παρατηρήθηκε νέο κάταγμα.Στους δίσκους με ακέραιες τελικές πλάκες η πίεση του πυρήνα αυξάνεται κατά την κάμψη αποτρέποντας την υπερβολική συγκέντρωση φορτίου στο πρόσθιο τοίχωμα. Ο αυξημένος χώρος που διατίθεται στον πυρήνα μετά από ένα οστεοπορωτικό κάταγμα επηρεάζει την ικανότητά του να κατανέμει το φορτίο και αναγκάζει τον ινώδη δακτύλιο να μεταφέρει περισσότερο φορτίο κατά την κάμψη, με αποτέλεσμα την υπέρμετρη καταπόνηση του πρόσθιου τμήματος του παρακείμενου σπονδύλου που προδιαθέτει σε κάταγμα ακόμη και μετά από διόρθωση της κύφωσης. Η παρούσα μελέτη υποδεικνύει ότι η διόρθωση της παραμόρφωσης της τελικής πλάκας μπορεί να έχει ρόλο στη μείωση του κινδύνου παρακείμενων καταγμάτων.

scholarly journals Incidental abnormal CT scan findings during transcatheter aortic valve implantation assessment: incidence and implications

Open Heart ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e000855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshay Patel ◽  
Kajan Mahendran ◽  
Michael Collins ◽  
Mahmoud Abdelaziz ◽  
Saib Khogali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation ◽  
Incidental Findings ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Transcatheter Aortic Valve ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Aortic Valve Implantation ◽  
Valve Implantation

ObjectivesThe aim of this retrospective series is to describe the prevalence and clinical significance of the incidental findings found during pre–transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) work-up and to ascertain the clinical course of such patients.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing TAVI from 2013 to 2015 where a TAVI CT assessment was performed (n=138) were included in the study. All incidental findings that were not expected from the patient’s history were discussed at the TAVI multidisciplinary meeting in order to ascertain the clinical significance of said findings and whether they would alter the proposed course of treatment. Mortality data were determined by careful retrospective case note and follow-up appointment analysis.ResultsSeventy-eight patients (57%) were found to have incidental findings on pre-TAVI CT scan. The majority of patients had benign pathology with high incidence in particular of diverticular disease, pleural effusions, gallstones, hiatus hernia and degenerative spinal disease. Vascular pathology such as superior mesenteric, renal and iliac artery stenoses and abdominal aortic aneurysm was detected in seven patients. In terms of long-term mortality data, we found no significant difference between those with incidental findings and those without (p=0.48). Survival as assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference between those with and without incidental abnormal CT scan findings (p=0.98).ConclusionsIncidental findings with potential for malignancy are common in an elderly, comorbid population. Ultimately, clinical correlation and prognosis must be swiftly ascertained in order to streamline the patients down the appropriate management pathway while avoiding unnecessary delay for treatment of their aortic stenosis.

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