Connection of discontinuous segments in early functional recovery from thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament treated with posterior instrumented surgery

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
Kei Ando ◽  
Kazuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Masaaki Machino ◽  
Kyotaro Ota ◽  
Satoshi Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Multislice Ct ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
Rigid Fixation ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Fusion Surgery ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between morphological changes in thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) and postoperative neurological recovery after thoracic posterior fusion surgery. Changes of OPLL morphology and postoperative recovery in cases with T-OPLL have not been examined.METHODSIn this prospective study, the authors evaluated data from 44 patients (23 male and 21 female) who underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery with instrumentation for the treatment of T-OPLL at our hospital. The patients’ mean age at surgery was 50.7 years (range 38–68 years). The minimum duration of follow-up was 2 years. The location of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (T-OLF), T-OLF at the OPLL level, OPLL morphology, fusion range, estimated blood loss, operative time, pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and JOA recovery rate were investigated. Reconstructed sagittal multislice CT images were obtained before and at 3 and 6 months and 1 and 2 years after surgery. The basic fusion area was 3 vertebrae above and below the OPLL lesion. All parameters were compared between patients with and without continuity across the disc space at the OPLL at 3 and 6 months after surgery.RESULTSThe preoperative morphology of OPLL was discontinuous across the disc space between the rostral and caudal ossification regions on sagittal CT images in all but one of the patients. Postoperatively, these segments became continuous in 42 patients (97.7%; occurring by 6.6 months on average) without progression of OPLL thickness. Patients with continuity at 3 months had significantly lower rates of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05) and motor palsy in the lower extremities (p < 0.01). The group with continuity also had significantly higher mean postoperative JOA scores at 3 (p < 0.01) and 6 (p < 0.05) months and mean JOA recovery rates at 3 and 6 months (both p < 0.01) after surgery.CONCLUSIONSPreoperatively, discontinuity of rostral and caudal ossified lesions was found on CT in all patients but one of this group of 44 patients who needed surgery for T-OPLL. Rigid fixation with instrumentation may have allowed these segments to connect at the OPLL. Such OPLL continuity at an early stage after surgery may accelerate spinal cord recovery.

Postoperative progression of ligamentum flavum ossification after posterior instrumented surgery for thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament ossification: long-term outcomes during a minimum 10-year follow-up

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Keyword(s):  
Ligamentum Flavum ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Vertebral Compression Fractures ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Fusion Surgery ◽  
Fusion Level ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss

OBJECTIVE The authors sought to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes after thoracic posterior fusion surgery during a minimum of 10 years of follow-up, including postoperative progression of ossification, in patients with thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL). METHODS The study participants were 34 consecutive patients (15 men, 19 women) with an average age at surgery of 53.6 years (range 36–80 years) who underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery with instrumentation at the authors’ hospital. The minimum follow-up period was 10 years. Estimated blood loss, operative time, pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and JOA score recovery rates were investigated. Dekyphotic changes were evaluated on plain radiographs of thoracic kyphotic angles and fusion levels pre- and postoperatively and 10 years after surgery. The distal junctional angle (DJA) was measured preoperatively and at 10 years after surgery to evaluate distal junctional kyphosis (DJK). Ossification progression at distal intervertebrae was investigated on CT. RESULTS The Cobb angles at T1–12 were 46.8°, 38.7°, and 42.6°, and those at the fusion level were 39.6°, 31.1°, and 34.1° pre- and postoperatively and at 10 years after surgery, respectively. The changes in the kyphotic angles from pre- to postoperatively and to 10 years after surgery were 8.0° and 7.2° at T1–12 and 8.4° and 7.9° at the fusion level, respectively. The DJA changed from 4.5° postoperatively to 10.9° at 10 years after surgery. There were 11 patients (32.3%) with DJK during follow-up, including 4 (11.8%) with vertebral compression fractures at lower instrumented vertebrae or adjacent vertebrae. Progression of ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) on the caudal side occurred in 8 cases (23.6%), but none had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) progression. Cases with OLF progression had a significantly lower rate of DJK (0% vs 38.5%, p < 0.01), a lower DJA (3.4° vs 13.2°, p < 0.01), and a smaller change in DJA at 10 years after surgery (0.8° vs 8.1°, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Posterior decompression and fusion surgery with instrumentation for T-OPLL was found to be a relatively safe and stable surgical procedure based on the long-term outcomes. Progression of OLF on the caudal side occurred in 23.6% of cases, but cases with OLF progression did not have DJK. Progression of DJK shifts the load in the spinal canal forward and the load on the ligamentum flavum is decreased. This may explain the lack of ossification in cases with DJK.

Outcomes of fusion surgery for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the thoracic spine: a multicenter retrospective survey

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 380-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morio Matsumoto ◽  
Yoshiaki Toyama ◽  
Hirotaka Chikuda ◽  
Katsushi Takeshita ◽  
Tsuyoshi Kato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Anterior Decompression ◽  
Fusion Surgery ◽  
Surgical Methods

Object The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of fusion surgery in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine (T-OPLL) and to identify factors significantly related to surgical outcomes. Methods The study included 76 patients (34 men and 42 women with a mean age of 56.3 years) who underwent fusion surgery for T-OPLL at 7 spine centers during the 5-year period from 2003 to 2007. The authors evaluated the patient demographic data, underlying disease, preoperative comorbidities, history of spinal surgery, radiological findings, surgical methods, surgical outcomes, and complications. Surgical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale score for thoracic myelopathy (11 points) and the recovery rate. Results The mean JOA scale score was 4.6 ± 2.1 points preoperatively and 7.7 ± 2.5 points at the time of the final follow-up examination, yielding a mean recovery rate of 45.4% ± 39.1%. The recovery rates by surgical method were 38.5% ± 37.8% for posterior decompression and fusion, 65.0% ± 35.6% for anterior decompression and fusion via an anterior approach, 28.8% ± 41.2% for anterior decompression via a posterior approach, and 57.5% ± 41.1% for circumferential decompression and fusion. The recovery rate was significantly higher in patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) than in those with DM. One or more complications were experienced by 31 patients (40.8%), including 20 patients with postoperative neurological deterioration, 7 with dural tears, 5 with epidural hematomas, 4 with respiratory complications, and 10 with other complications. Conclusions The outcomes of fusion surgery for T-OPLL were favorable. The absence of DM correlated with better outcomes. However, a high rate of complications was associated with the fusion surgery.

scholarly journals Resection of Beak-Type Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament from a Posterior Approach under Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring for Paralysis after Posterior Decompression and Fusion Surgery

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 812-821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiro Imagama ◽  
Kei Ando ◽  
Zenya Ito ◽  
Kazuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Tetsuro Hida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring ◽  
Neurophysiological Monitoring ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Fusion Surgery ◽  
Additional Surgery ◽  
Clinical Records

Study Design Prospective clinical study. Objective Posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) generally has a favorable outcome. However, some patients require additional surgery for postoperative severe paralysis, a condition that is inadequately discussed in the literature. The objective of this study was to describe the efficacy of a procedure we refer to as “resection at an anterior site of the spinal cord from a posterior approach” (RASPA) for severely paralyzed patients after posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type T-OPLL. Methods Among 58 consecutive patients who underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type T-OPLL since 1999, 3 with postoperative paralysis (5%) underwent RASPA in our institute. Clinical records, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, gait status, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) findings, and complications were evaluated in these cases. Results All three patients experienced a postoperative decline in Manual Muscle Test (MMT) scores of 0 to 2 after the first surgery. RASPA was performed 3 weeks after the first surgery. All patients showed gradual improvements in MMT scores for the lower extremity and in ambulatory status; all could walk with a cane at an average of 4 months following RASPA surgery. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusions RASPA surgery for beak-type T-OPLL after posterior decompression and fusion surgery resulted in good functional outcomes as a salvage surgery for patients with severe paralysis. Advantages of RASPA include a wide working space, no spinal cord retraction, and additional decompression at levels without T-OPLL resection and spinal cord shortening after additional dekyphosis and compression maneuvers. When used with IONM, this procedure may help avoid permanent postoperative paralysis.

Dilatation of Hemashield prostheses – a new method for measuring the true prosthetic diameter based on ECG-gated multislice CT images

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hamiko ◽  
M Endlich ◽  
C Krämer ◽  
C Probst ◽  
A Welz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multislice Ct ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
New Method

scholarly journals Does Diabetes Affect the Surgical Outcomes in Cases With Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament? A Multicenter Study From Asia Pacific Spine Study Group

2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822199630
Author(s):  
Narihito Nagoshi ◽  
Kota Watanabe ◽  
Masaya Nakamura ◽  
Morio Matsumoto ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multicenter Study ◽  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Hemoglobin A1c ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
C5 Palsy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Study Design: Retrospective multicenter study. Objectives: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Methods: Approximately 253 cervical OPLL patients who underwent surgical decompression with or without fixation were registered at 4 institutions in 3 Asian countries. They were followed up for at least 2 years. Demographics, imaging, and surgical information were collected, and cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and the visual analog scale (VAS) for the neck were used for evaluation. Results: Forty-seven patients had DM, showing higher hypertension and cardiovascular disease prevalence. Although they presented worse preoperative JOA scores than non-DM patients (10.5 ± 3.1 vs. 11.8 ± 3.2; P = 0.01), the former showed comparable neurologic recovery at the final follow-up (13.9 ± 2.9 vs. 14.2 ± 2.6; P = 0.41). No correlation was noted between the hemoglobin A1c level in the DM group and the pre- and postoperative JOA scores. No significant difference was noted in VAS scores between the groups at pre- and postsurgery. Regarding perioperative complications, DM patients presented a higher C5 palsy frequency (14.9% vs. 5.8%; P = 0.04). A similar trend was observed when surgical procedure was limited to laminoplasty. Conclusions: This is the first multicenter Asian study to evaluate the impact of DM on cervical OPLL patients. Surgical results were favorable even in DM cases, regardless of preoperative hemoglobin A1c levels or operative procedures. However, caution is warranted for the occurrence of C5 palsy after surgery.

scholarly journals Management of post-operative discitis following discectomy in a tertiary-level hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902098821
Author(s):  
Md Kamrul Ahsan ◽  
Md Sariful Hasan ◽  
Md Shahidul Islam Khan ◽  
Najmus Sakeb
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Level Hospital

Purpose: To perform retrospective analysis of 75 post-operative disc space infections after open lumbar discectomy (OLD) and to assess the outcome of their medical and surgical management in a tertiary-level hospital. Methods: Records of 50 men and 25 women aged 26–65 (mean, 42.53) years who underwent treatment for post-operative discitis (POD) after single level OLD at L3–4 (n = 8), L4–5 (n = 42), L5–S1 (n = 25) level. The POD was diagnosed according to specific clinical signs, laboratory and radiographic investigations and all of them received initial intravenous antibiotics (IVA) for at least 4–6 weeks followed by oral ones. Successful responders (n = 55) were considered in Group-C and remainder [Group-S (n = 20)] were operated at least after 4 weeks of failure. Demographic data, clinical variables, hospital stay, duration of antibiotic treatment and post-treatment complications were collected from the hospital record and assessment before and after treatment were done by using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Comprehensive outcome was evaluated by modified criteria of Kirkaldy-Willis. Results: The mean follows up was 36.38 months. Significant improvement of mean VAS and JOA score was achieved in both conservative (76.36% satisfactory) and operative (90% satisfactory) groups although the difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Although insignificant, early surgical intervention provided better results (e.g. functional outcomes, length of hospital stay and duration of antibiotic treatment therapy) than conventional conservative treatment in post-operative discitis.

Is there a difference in range of motion, neck pain, and outcomes in patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament versus those with cervical spondylosis, treated with plated laminoplasty?

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. E9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahito Fujimori ◽  
Hai Le ◽  
John E. Ziewacz ◽  
Dean Chou ◽  
Praveen V. Mummaneni
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Minimum Clinically Important Difference ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Flexion Angle ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
The Mean

Object There are little data on the effects of plated, or plate-only, open-door laminoplasty on cervical range of motion (ROM), neck pain, and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare ROM after a plated laminoplasty in patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) versus those with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and to correlate ROM with postoperative neck pain and neurological outcomes. Methods The authors retrospectively compared patients with a diagnosis of cervical stenosis due to either OPLL or CSM who had been treated with plated laminoplasty in the period from 2007 to 2012 at the University of California, San Francisco. Clinical outcomes were measured using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale and neck visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographic outcomes included assessment of changes in the C2–7 Cobb angle at flexion and extension, ROM at C2–7, and ROM of proximal and distal segments adjacent to the plated lamina. Results Sixty patients (40 men and 20 women) with an average age of 63.1 ± 10.9 years were included in the study. Forty-one patients had degenerative CSM and 19 patients had OPLL. The mean follow-up period was 20.9 ± 13.1 months. The mean mJOA score significantly improved in both the CSM and the OPLL groups (12.8 to 14.5, p < 0.01; and 13.2 to 14.2, respectively; p = 0.04). In the CSM group, the mean VAS neck score significantly improved from 4.2 to 2.6 after surgery (p = 0.01), but this improvement did not reach the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Neither was there significant improvement in the VAS neck score in the OPLL group (3.6 to 3.1, p = 0.17). In the CSM group, ROM at C2–7 significantly decreased from 32.7° before surgery to 24.4° after surgery (p < 0.01). In the OPLL group, ROM at C2–7 significantly decreased from 34.4° to 20.8° (p < 0.01). In the CSM group, the change in the VAS neck score significantly correlated with the change in the flexion angle (r = − 0.31) and the extension angle (r = − 0.37); however, it did not correlate with the change in ROM at C2–7 (r = − 0.1). In the OPLL group, the change in the VAS neck score did not correlate with the change in the flexion angle (r = 0.03), the extension angle (r = − 0.17), or the ROM at C2–7 (r = − 0.28). The OPLL group had a significantly greater loss of ROM after surgery than did the CSM group (p = 0.04). There was no significant correlation between the change in ROM and the mJOA score in either group. Conclusions Plated laminoplasty in patients with either OPLL or CSM decreases cervical ROM, especially in the extension angle. Among patients who have undergone laminoplasty, those with OPLL lose more ROM than do those with CSM. No correlation was observed between neck pain and ROM in either group. Neither group had a change in neck pain that reached the MCID following laminoplasty. Both groups improved in neurological function and outcomes.

Factors for a Good Surgical Outcome in Posterior Decompression and Dekyphotic Corrective Fusion with Instrumentation for Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Prospective Single-Center Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiro Imagama ◽  
Kei Ando ◽  
Kazuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Tetsuro Hida ◽  
Kenyu Ito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Ligamentum Flavum ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Neurophysiological Monitoring ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Thoracic Spinal Cord ◽  
Thoracic Spinal ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss ◽  
Significant Factors

Abstract BACKGROUND Surgery for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) is still challenging, and factors for good surgical outcomes are unknown. OBJECTIVE To identify factors for good surgical outcomes with prospective and comparative study. METHODS Seventy-one consecutive patients who underwent posterior decompression and instrumented fusion were divided into good or poor outcome groups based on ≥50% and &lt;50% recovery rates for the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative findings were compared in the 2 groups, and significant factors for a good outcome were analyzed. RESULTS Patients with a good outcome (76%) had significantly lower nonambulatory rate and positive prone and supine position tests preoperatively; lower rates of T-OPLL, ossification of the ligamentum flavum, high-intensity area at the same level, thoracic spinal cord alignment difference, and spinal canal stenosis on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging; lower estimated blood loss; higher rates of intraoperative spinal cord floating and absence of deterioration of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring; and lower rates of postoperative complications (P &lt; .0005). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, negative prone and supine position test (odds ratio [OR]: 17.00), preoperative ambulatory status (OR: 6.05), absence of T-OPLL, ossification of the ligamentum flavum, high-intensity area at the same level (OR: 5.84), intraoperative spinal cord floating (OR: 4.98), and lower estimated blood loss (OR: 1.01) were significant factors for a good surgical outcome. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that early surgery is recommended during these positive factors. Appropriate surgical planning based on preoperative thoracic spinal cord alignment difference, as well as sufficient spinal cord decompression and reduction of complications using intraoperative ultrasonography and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, may improve surgical outcomes.

Analysis of demographics, risk factors, clinical presentation, and surgical treatment modalities for the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. E11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Kalb ◽  
Nikolay L. Martirosyan ◽  
Luis Perez-Orribo ◽  
M. Yashar S. Kalani ◽  
Nicholas Theodore
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Surgical Procedure ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Anterior Corpectomy ◽  
High Intensity Signal ◽  
Posterior Laminectomy ◽  
White Patients

Object Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a rare disease that results in progressive myeloradiculopathy related to pathological ossification of the ligament from unknown causes. Although it has long been considered a disease of Asian origin, this disorder is increasingly being recognized in European and North American populations. Herein the authors present demographic, radiographic, and comorbidity data from white patients with diagnosed OPLL as well as the outcomes of surgically treated patients. Methods Between 1999 and 2010, OPLL was diagnosed in 36 white patients at Barrow Neurological Institute. Patients were divided into 2 groups: a group of 33 patients with cervical OPLL and a group of 3 patients with thoracic or lumbar OPLL. Fifteen of these patients who had received operative treatment were analyzed separately. Imaging analysis focused on signal changes in the spinal cord, mass occupying ratio, signs of dural penetration, spinal levels involved, and subtype of OPLL. Surgical techniques included anterior cervical decompression and fusion with corpectomy, posterior laminectomy with fusion, posterior open-door laminoplasty, and anterior corpectomy combined with posterior laminectomy and fusion. Comorbidities, cigarette smoking, and previous spine surgeries were considered. Neurological function was assessed using a modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOAS). Results A high-intensity signal on T2-weighted MR imaging and a history of cervical spine surgery correlated with worse mJOAS scores. Furthermore, mJOAS scores decreased as the occupying rate of the OPLL mass in the spinal canal increased. On radiographic analysis, the proportion of signs of dural penetration correlated with the OPLL subtype. A high mass occupying ratio of the OPLL was directly associated with the presence of dural penetration and high-intensity signal. In the surgical group, the rate of neurological improvement associated with an anterior approach was 58% compared with 31% for a posterior laminectomy. No complications were associated with any of the 4 types of surgical procedures. In 3 cases, symptoms had worsened at the last follow-up, with only a single case of disease progression. Laminoplasty was the only technique associated with a worse clinical outcome. There were no statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the type of surgical procedure or radiographic presentation and postoperative outcome. There was also no difference between the choice of surgical procedure performed and the number of spinal levels involved with OPLL. Conclusions Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament can no longer be viewed as a disease of the Asian population exclusively. Since OPLL among white populations is being diagnosed more frequently, surgeons must be aware of the most appropriate surgical option. The outcomes of the various surgical treatments among the different populations with OPLL appear similar. Compared with other procedures, however, anterior decompression led to the best neurological outcomes.

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