scholarly journals Increased Neck Tilt/T1 slope ratio may play an important role in patients with cervical kyphosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhibin Lan ◽  
Zhiqiang Wu ◽  
Yuming Huang ◽  
Weihong Xu

Abstract Background In previous studies, we demonstrated that the T1 slope (T1s) is associated with clinical outcomes, but the results were not specific for individuals. A recent study suggested that an increased pelvic tilt (PT)/sacral slope (SS) ratio may play an important role in the degeneration of lumbar scoliosis and pathogenesis of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of neck tilt (NT)/T1s in patients with cervical kyphosis. Methods In total, the data of 36 kyphosis patients who underwent anterior cervical hybrid decompression and fusion (ACHDF) for multilevel (3 levels) cervical spondylotic myelopathy were retrospectively analyzed. The radiographic measurements included the T1s, NT, C2–7 Cobb angle, and C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA). The visual analog scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) scores were used to determine the clinical prognosis. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the relationships among preoperative imaging examination parameters. Results The mean C2–7 Cobb angle was − 5.93 ± 3.00° before surgery, 9.67 ± 6.61° after surgery, and 7.91 ± 8.73° at the follow-up. The preoperative NT/T1s ratio was positively correlated with the ΔC2–7 Cobb angle (r = 0.358, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the preoperative C2–7 Cobb angle (r = -0.515, p < 0.01) and preoperative C2–7 SVA (r = -0.461, p < 0.01). The linear regression model indicated a positive correlation between the preoperative NT/T1s ratio and the ΔC2–7 Cobb angle (R2 = 0.122). Conclusions The preoperative NT/T1s ratio may be positively correlated with changes in postoperative cervical spine curvature (Cobb angle). The NT/T1s ratio may be worthy of increased attention among sagittal parameters.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Scaramuzzo ◽  
Antonino Zagra ◽  
Giuseppe Barone ◽  
Stefano Muzzi ◽  
Leone Minoia ◽  
...  

AbstractAim of the study was to evaluate sagittal parameters modifications, with particular interest in thoracic kyphosis, in patients affected by adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) comparing hybrid and all-screws technique. From June 2010 to September 2018, 145 patients were enrolled. Evaluation included: Lenke classification, Risser scale, coronal Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS). Patients were divided in two groups (1 all-screws and 2 hybrid); a further division, in both groups, was done considering preoperative TK values. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted. 99 patients were in group 1, 46 in group 2 (mean follow-up 3.7 years). Patients with a normo-kyphotic profile developed a little variation in TK (Δ pre–post = 2.4° versus − 2.0° respectively). Hyper-kyphotic subgroups had a tendency of restoring a good sagittal alignment. Hypo-kyphotic subgroups, patients treated with all-screw implants developed a higher increase in TK mean Cobb angle (Δ pre–post = 10°) than the hybrid subgroup (Δ pre–post = 5.4°) (p = 0.01). All-screws group showed better results in restoring sagittal alignment in all subgroups compared to hybrid groups, especially in hypo-TK subgroup, with the important advantage to give better correction on coronal plane.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 248-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank J. Yuk ◽  
Jonathan J. Rasouli ◽  
Marc S. Arginteanu ◽  
Alfred A. Steinberger ◽  
Frank M. Moore ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVERigid cervicothoracic kyphotic deformity (CTKD) remains a difficult pathology to treat, especially in the setting of prior cervical instrumentation and fusion. CTKD may result in chronic neck pain, difficulty maintaining horizontal gaze, and myelopathy. Prior studies have advocated for the use of C7 or T1 pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSOs). However, these surgeries are fraught with danger and, most significantly, place the C7, C8, and/or T1 nerve roots at risk.METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed their experience with performing T2 PSO for the correction of rigid CTKD. Demographics collected included age, sex, details of prior cervical surgery, and coexisting conditions. Perioperative variables included levels decompressed, levels instrumented, estimated blood loss, length of surgery, length of stay, complications from surgery, and length of follow-up. Radiographic measurements included C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) correction, and changes in the cervicothoracic Cobb angle, lumbar lordosis, and C2–S1 SVA.RESULTSFour male patients were identified (age range 55–72 years). Three patients had undergone prior posterior cervical laminectomy and instrumented fusion and developed postsurgical kyphosis. All patients underwent T2 PSO: 2 patients received instrumentation at C2–T4, and 2 patients received instrumentation at C2–T5. The median C2–7 SVA correction was 3.85 cm (range 2.9–5.3 cm). The sagittal Cobb angle correction ranged from 27.8° to 37.6°. Notably, there were no neurological complications.CONCLUSIONST2 PSO is a powerful correction technique for the treatment of rigid CTKD. Compared with C7 or T1 PSO, there is decreased risk of injury to intrinsic hand muscle innervators, and there is virtually no risk of vertebral artery injury. Laminectomy may also be safer, as there is less (or no) scar tissue from prior surgeries. Correction at this distal level may allow for a greater sagittal correction. The authors are optimistic that these findings will be corroborated in larger cohorts examining this challenging clinical entity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haijun Jiang ◽  
Junrui Jonathan Hai ◽  
Peng Yin ◽  
Qingjun Su ◽  
Shiqi Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Children with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) living in high-altitude areas have serious deformities and poor nutritional status. There are no reports on the treatment of EOS with traditional growing rods (TGRs)in children in high-altitude areas. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients in high-altitude areas treated with TGRs and compare their results according to whether altitude had an effect on therapy.Methods: Between September 2007 and December 2017, 59 consecutive patients with EOS underwent systematic surgical correction using TGRs. Patients were divided into the high-altitude group(H-A group) and low-altitude group(L-A group), and differences in surgical efficacy and complications between the groups were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. Radiographic measurements included the Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis, T1–S1range,T1–T12 range, sagittal balance, coronal balance, distance between the C7PL and sagittal vertical axis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt, assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Paired or independent Student’s t-tests were used to analyze continuous data. The χ2 test was used to analyze enumeration data. Repeated measurement analysis of variance was used to compare continuous data preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up.Results: Mean age of all patients at the initial surgery was 8.9±2.4(5–14) years; mean duration of follow-up was 51.91±25.23months.The number of surgical procedures for all patients was 234.The average interval between operations was 11.4±3.0months.The average Cobb angle was similar in both groups preoperatively and at the last follow-up(P>0.05),although it was significantly different postoperatively (P<0.05). TK was significantly different preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up(P<0.05).T1-S1and T1-T12lengths were significantly different preoperatively (P<0.05) but not postoperatively and at the last follow-up(P>0.05). The overall rates of complications and implant-related complications did not differ significantly between the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion: Deformity in patients with EOS in high-altitude areas was more serious, and treatment using TGRs yielded a satisfactory therapeutic effect.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Themistocles S. Protopsaltis ◽  
Nicholas Stekas ◽  
Justin S. Smith ◽  
Alexandra Soroceanu ◽  
Renaud Lafage ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVECervical deformity (CD) patients have severe disability and poor health status. However, little is known about how patients with rigid CD compare with those with flexible CD. The main objectives of this study were to 1) assess whether patients with rigid CD have worse baseline alignment and therefore require more aggressive surgical corrections and 2) determine whether patients with rigid CD have similar postoperative outcomes as those with flexible CD.METHODSThis is a retrospective review of a prospective, multicenter CD database. Rigid CD was defined as cervical lordosis (CL) change < 10° between flexion and extension radiographs, and flexible CD was defined as a CL change ≥ 10°. Patients with rigid CD were compared with those with flexible CD in terms of cervical alignment and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at baseline and at multiple postoperative time points. The patients were also compared in terms of surgical and intraoperative factors such as operative time, blood loss, and number of levels fused.RESULTSA total of 127 patients met inclusion criteria (32 with rigid and 95 with flexible CD, 63.4% of whom were females; mean age 60.8 years; mean BMI 27.4); 47.2% of cases were revisions. Rigid CD was associated with worse preoperative alignment in terms of T1 slope minus CL, T1 slope, C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), and C2 slope (C2S; all p < 0.05). Postoperatively, patients with rigid CD had an increased mean C2S (29.1° vs 22.2°) at 3 months and increased cSVA (47.1 mm vs 37.5 mm) at 1 year (p < 0.05) compared with those with flexible CD. Patients with rigid CD had more posterior levels fused (9.5 vs 6.3), fewer anterior levels fused (1 vs 2.0), greater blood loss (1036.7 mL vs 698.5 mL), more 3-column osteotomies (40.6% vs 12.6%), greater total osteotomy grade (6.5 vs 4.5), and mean osteotomy grade per level (3.3 vs 2.1) (p < 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in baseline HRQOL scores, the rate of distal junctional kyphosis, or major/minor complications between patients with rigid and flexible CD. Both rigid and flexible CD patients reported significant improvements from baseline to 1 year according to the numeric rating scale for the neck (−2.4 and −2.7, respectively), Neck Disability Index (−8.4 and −13.3, respectively), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (0.1 and 0.6), and EQ-5D (0.01 and 0.05) (p < 0.05). However, HRQOL changes from baseline to 1 year did not differ between rigid and flexible CD patients.CONCLUSIONSPatients with rigid CD have worse baseline cervical malalignment compared with those with flexible CD but do not significantly differ in terms of baseline disability. Rigid CD was associated with more invasive surgery and more aggressive corrections, resulting in increased operative time and blood loss. Despite more extensive surgeries, rigid CD patients had equivalent improvements in HRQOL compared with flexible CD patients. This study quantifies the importance of analyzing flexion-extension images, creating a prognostic tool for surgeons planning CD correction, and counseling patients who are considering CD surgery.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 709-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Iorio ◽  
Virginie Lafage ◽  
Renaud Lafage ◽  
Jensen K. Henry ◽  
Dan Stein ◽  
...  

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: To investigate age-based changes in cervical alignment parameters in an asymptomatic population. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospective study of 118 asymptomatic subjects who underwent biplanar imaging with 3-dimensional capabilities. Demographic and health-related quality of life data was collected prior to imaging. Patients were stratified into 5 age groups: <35 years, 35-44 years, 45-54 years, 55-64 years, and ≥65 years. Radiographic measurements of the cervical spine and spinopelvic parameters were compared between age groups. The normal distribution of parameters was assessed followed by analysis of variance for comparison of variance between age groups. Results: C2-C7 lordosis, C0-C7 lordosis, and T1 slope demonstrated significant increases with age. C0-C7 lordosis was significantly less in subjects <35 years compared with ≥55 years. Significant differences in T1 slope were identified in patients <35 versus ≥65, 35-44 versus ≥65, and 45-54 versus ≥65 years. T1 slope demonstrated a positive correlation with age. Horizontal gaze parameters did not change linearly with age and mean averages of all age groups were within 10° of one another. Cervical kyphosis was present in approximately half of subjects who were <55 compared with approximately 10% of subjects ≥55 years. Differences in pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis, and C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis were identified with age. Conclusions: C0-C7 lordosis, C2-C7 lordosis, and T1 slope demonstrate age-based changes while other cervical and horizontal gaze parameters remain relatively constant with age.


2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822110325
Author(s):  
Athan G. Zavras ◽  
T. Barrett Sullivan ◽  
Navya Dandu ◽  
Howard S. An ◽  
Christopher J. DeWald ◽  
...  

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: The current evidence regarding how level of lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) influences correction of sagittal alignment is limited. This study sought to investigate the relationship of lumbar level and segmental angular change (SAC) of PSO with the magnitude of global sagittal alignment correction. Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 53 consecutive patients with adult spinal deformity who underwent lumbar PSO at a single institution. Radiographs were evaluated to quantify the effect of PSO on lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), T1-spinopelvic inclination (T1SPI), T1-pelvic alignment (TPA), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Results: Significant correlations were found between PSO SAC and the postoperative increase in LL ( r = 0.316, P = .021) and PT ( r = 0.352, P = .010), and a decrease in TPA ( r = −0.324, P = .018). PSO level significantly correlated with change in T1SPI ( r = −0.305, P = .026) and SVA ( r = −0.406, P = .002), with more caudal PSO corresponding to a greater correction in sagittal balance. On multivariate analysis, more caudal PSO level independently predicted a greater reduction in T1SPI (β = −3.138, P = .009) and SVA (β = −29.030, P = .001), while larger PSO SAC (β = −0.375, P = .045) and a greater number of fusion levels (β = −1.427, P = .036) predicted a greater reduction in TPA. Conclusion: This study identified a gain of approximately 3 degrees and 3 cm of correction for each level of PSO more caudal to L1. Additionally, a larger PSO SAC predicted greater improvement in TPA. While further investigation of these relationships is warranted, these findings may help guide preoperative PSO level selection.


2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 411
Author(s):  
Sadayuki Ito ◽  
Hiroaki Nakashima ◽  
Akiyuki Matsumoto ◽  
Kei Ando ◽  
Masaaki Machino ◽  
...  

Introduction: The T1 slope is important for cervical surgical planning, and it may be invisible on radiographic images. The prevalence of T1 invisible cases and the differences in demographic and radiographic characteristics between patients whose T1 slopes are visible or invisible remains unexplored. Methods: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the differences in these characteristics between outpatients whose T1 slopes were visible or invisible on radiographic images. Patients (n = 60) who underwent cervical radiography, whose T1 slope was confirmed clearly, were divided into the visible (V) group and invisible (I) group. The following radiographic parameters were measured: (1) C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), (2) C2-7 angle in neutral, flexion, and extension positions. Results: Based on the T1 slope visibility, 46.7% of patients were included in group I. The I group had significantly larger C2-7 SVA than the V group for males (p < 0.05). The C2-7 SVA tended to be larger in the I group, without significant difference for females (p = 0.362). Discussion: The mean C2-7 angle in neutral and flexion positions was not significantly different between the V and I groups for either sex. The mean C2-7 angle in the extension position was greater in the V group. The T1 slope was invisible in males with high C2-7 SVA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Ren ◽  
Xiangpeng Kong ◽  
Wei Chai ◽  
Yan Wang

Abstract Background The impact of high dislocated dysplastic hips on spinal-pelvic alignment has not been well described. This study aims to evaluate compensatory spinal radiographic changes and presence of back pain in patients with Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods An observational study was conducted from July 2016 to December 2017, and 49 consecutive patients with Crowe IV DDH were enrolled. Forty-nine sex- and age-matched asymptomatic healthy adults were recruited as the controls. The sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), spino-sacral angle (SSA), C7 tilt (C7T), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA [C7]) were measured on lateral whole spine radiographs. The presence of low back pain and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded. Results The patients with Crowe IV DDH showed significantly greater SS (47.5 ± 7.5° vs. 40.4 ± 6.7°, p < 0.05), LL (− 63.7 ± 9.2° vs. − 53.3 ± 11.5°, P < 0.05), SSA (141.8° ± 7.2° vs. 130.6 ± 7.9°, p < 0.05), C7T (93.9 ± 3.6° vs. 91.1 ± 3.7°, P < 0.05), and lower SVA(C7) (− 16 mm[− 95–45] vs. 6.4 mm[− 52–47], p < 0.05) compared to the controls. The patients with bilateral Crowe IV DDH also exhibited larger SS, LL, SSA, and C7T and a smaller SVA (C7) than those with unilateral Crowe IV DDH. Sixty-three percent of the patients with Crowe IV DDH reported low back pain. Conclusion The patients with Crowe IV DDH exhibited abnormal spinal-pelvic alignment characterized by anterior pelvic tilt, lumbar hyperlordosis, and a backward-leaning trunk. Bilateral Crowe IV DDH had a greater impact on spinal-pelvic alignment than unilateral Crowe IV DDH.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin S. Smith ◽  
Christopher I. Shaffrey ◽  
Han Jo Kim ◽  
Peter Passias ◽  
Themistocles Protopsaltis ◽  
...  

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: Factors that predict outcomes for adult cervical spine deformity (ACSD) have not been well defined. To compare ACSD patients with best versus worst outcomes. Methods: This study was based on a prospective, multicenter observational ACSD cohort. Best versus worst outcomes were compared based on Neck Disability Index (NDI), Neck Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NP-NRS), and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores. Results: Of 111 patients, 80 (72%) had minimum 1-year follow-up. For NDI, compared with best outcome patients (n = 28), worst outcome patients (n = 32) were more likely to have had a major complication ( P = .004) and to have undergone a posterior-only procedure ( P = .039), had greater Charlson Comorbidity Index ( P = .009), and had worse postoperative C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis (SVA; P = .027). For NP-NRS, compared with best outcome patients (n = 26), worst outcome patients (n = 18) were younger ( P = .045), had worse baseline NP-NRS ( P = .034), and were more likely to have had a minor complication ( P = .030). For the mJOA, compared with best outcome patients (n = 16), worst outcome patients (n = 18) were more likely to have had a major complication ( P = .007) and to have a better baseline mJOA ( P = .030). Multivariate models for NDI included posterior-only surgery ( P = .006), major complication ( P = .002), and postoperative C7-S1 SVA ( P = .012); models for NP-NRS included baseline NP-NRS ( P = .009), age ( P = .017), and posterior-only surgery ( P = .038); and models for mJOA included major complication ( P = .008). Conclusions: Factors distinguishing best and worst ACSD surgery outcomes included patient, surgical, and radiographic factors. These findings suggest areas that may warrant greater awareness to optimize patient counseling and outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brice Ilharreborde ◽  
Adrien de Saint Etienne ◽  
Ana Presedo ◽  
Anne-Laure Simon

Purpose Spinal sagittal alignment restoration has been associated with improved functional outcomes and with reduced complications rates. Several limitations exist for radiological analysis in cerebral palsy (CP) patients. The goal of this study was to summarize the existing literature and report the important considerations to evaluate in a CP patient undergoing spinal surgery. Methods A retrospective radiological analysis was performed, including non-ambulant CP children with progressive scoliosis. Full-spine sitting radiographs performed pre-and postoperatively were required to measure spino-pelvic sagittal parameters. Result A total of 23 non-ambulating CP patients were included, mean age 16.0 years (standard error of the mean 0.5). Two distinct groups of patients were identified. Group 1 (61%) were patients with less trunk control (lumbar lordosis (LL) < 50°), retroverted and vertical pelvis (mean sacral slope (SS) 11.4° and pelvic tilt (PT) 38.1°) and anterior imbalance (mean sagittal vertical axis (SVA) 5.9 cm) and Group 2 (39%) were patients with better trunk control (LL > 60°, anteverted and horizontal pelvis (mean SS 49.3°, PT 9.7°) and posterior imbalance (mean SVA 5.8 cm). Postoperative measures showed significant impact of surgery with a PT reduction of 19° (p = 0.007), a mean SS increase of 15° (p = 0.04) and a LL gained of 10° (p = 0.2). Conclusion Sagittal spino-pelvic alignment in non-ambulating CP patients remains difficult to assess. The current literature is poor but our radiological study was able to define two distinct groups among Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V patients, based on the quality of their trunk control. All possible factors that may influence head and trunk posture should be systematically considered and optimized. Level of evidence Level IV


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