Surgical outcomes in rigid versus flexible cervical deformities

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.

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Comparison of Best Versus Worst Clinical Outcomes for Adult Cervical Deformity Surgery

Global Spine Journal ◽

10.1177/2192568218794164 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 303-314 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Justin S. Smith ◽

Christopher I. Shaffrey ◽

Han Jo Kim ◽

Peter Passias ◽

Themistocles Protopsaltis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Neck Disability Index ◽

Major Complication ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Numeric Rating Scale ◽

Spine Deformity ◽

Patient Counseling ◽

Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽

A Minor

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.

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

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04678-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhibin Lan ◽

Zhiqiang Wu ◽

Yuming Huang ◽

Weihong Xu

Keyword(s):

Cobb Angle ◽

Neck Disability Index ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Preoperative Imaging ◽

Sacral Slope ◽

Cervical Kyphosis ◽

Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽

Clinical Prognosis ◽

T1 Slope ◽

Radiographic Measurements

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.

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Laminoplasty versus laminectomy with fusion for treatment of multilevel cervical compressive myelopathy: an updated meta-analysis

Postgraduate Medical Journal ◽

10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139667 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. postgradmedj-2020-139667

Author(s):

Jing Wang ◽

Jin Wo ◽

Jun Wen ◽

Liu Zhang ◽

Weiwei Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Neck Disability Index ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽

C5 Palsy ◽

Cervical Compressive Myelopathy ◽

Neck Disability

BackgroundMultilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and ossiﬁcation of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) are debilitating degenerative diseases. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical options for multilevel CSM and OPLL include laminoplasty (LP) and laminectomy with fusion (LF). In this updated meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications of both approaches.MethodsWe searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase datasets from their inception to 31 March 2020, to identify all eligible studies comparing LP versus LF for multilevel CSM and OPLL. Data were extracted according to predefined endpoints. We summarised data by the random-effects or fixed-effect models, as necessary.ResultsOf 533 eligible studies, 16 were identified, which included 638 patients who underwent LP and 671 patients who underwent LF. No significant differences were observed between preoperative and postoperative scores of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (p=1.0 and 0.20, respectively); Visual Analogue Scale (p=0.24 and 0.89, respectively); sagittal vertical axis ((p=0.16 and 0.87, respectively); Nurick Scale (p=0.59 and 0.17, respectively); and range of motion (p=0.67 and 0.63, respectively). However, total complications were higher for LF compared with LP (p=0.006). A significantly higher incidence of C5 palsy was observed in the LF group (p=0.004). The postoperative Neck Disability Index (NDI) was also higher in the LF group (p<0.001).ConclusionsAlthough LP and LF shared similar clinical improvement, LP had fewer complications, a lower incidence of C5 palsy, and better NDI scores and recovery outcomes than LF. Randomised studies are warranted to validate these findings.

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Differences in Demographic and Radiographic Characteristics between Patients with Visible and Invisible T1 Slopes on Lateral Cervical Radiographic Images

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm11020411 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 411

Author(s):

Sadayuki Ito ◽

Hiroaki Nakashima ◽

Akiyuki Matsumoto ◽

Kei Ando ◽

Masaaki Machino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Surgical Planning ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽

Radiographic Images ◽

T1 Slope ◽

Group I ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Flexion And Extension

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.

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Does Obesity Correlate With Worse Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Elective Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0000000000001252 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

pp. 69-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

John A. Sielatycki ◽

Chotai Silky ◽

Kay Harrison ◽

David Stonko ◽

Matthew McGirt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scale Score ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Minimal Clinically Important Difference ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Neck Disability Index ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score ◽

Association Score ◽

Clinically Important Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Neck Disability

Abstract BACKGROUND Studies have investigated the impact of obesity in thoracolumbar surgery; however, the effect of obesity on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between obesity and PROs following elective ACDF. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing ACDF for degenerative conditions were evaluated. Patients were divided into groups with a body mass index ≥35. The EuroQol-5D, Short-Form 12 (SF-12), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and Neck Disability Index were used. Correlations between PROs and obesity were calculated at baseline and 1 year. RESULTS A total of 299 patients were included, with 80 obese (27%) and 219 nonobese (73%). patients At baseline, obesity was associated with worse myelopathy (modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score: 10.7 vs 12.2, P = .01), general physical health (SF-12 physical component scale score: 28.7 vs 31.8, P = .02), and general mental health (SF-12 mental component scale score: 38.9 vs 42.3, P = .04). All PROs improved significantly following surgery in both groups. There was no difference in absolute scores and change scores for any PRO at 12 months following surgery. Furthermore, there was no difference in the percentage of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference for the Neck Disability Index (52% vs 56%, P = .51) and no difference in patient satisfaction (85% vs 85%, P = .85) between groups. CONCLUSION Obesity was not associated with less improvement in PROs following ACDF. There was no difference in the proportion of patients satisfied with surgery and those achieving a minimal clinically important difference across all PROs. Obese patients may therefore achieve meaningful improvement following elective ACDF.

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Treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation using one-stage retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2309499019870465 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 230949901987046 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Xianfeng Ren ◽

Feng Gao ◽

Siyuan Li ◽

Jiankun Yang ◽

Yongming Xi

Keyword(s):

Blood Loss ◽

Operative Time ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Operation Time ◽

Atlantoaxial Dislocation ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Estimated Blood Loss ◽

Irreducible Atlantoaxial Dislocation ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD) has been challenging for spine surgeons. Various methods have been used to treat IAAD, but no consensus has been reached. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction and fixation for IAAD. Methods: From March 2007 to May 2015, 13 patients diagnosed with IAAD underwent anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and sequential posterior reduction and fixation. The operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were retrospectively recorded. Results: The surgeries were accomplished successfully. The mean operative time was about 3.8 h. The mean estimated blood loss was about 130 mL. The patients experienced postoperative pharyngeal pain. Only one patient had a vague voice and increased oral discharge postoperatively. At the final follow-up, JOA scores had significantly increased ( p < 0.05), and all the patients had solid bony fusion. Conclusion: The present study reinforces the efficacy and safety of anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction and fixation for IAAD. It can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes and is safe for experienced spine surgeons.

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Cervical disc arthroplasty for less-mobile discs

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2019.2.spine181472 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 310-316 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tsung-Hsi Tu ◽

Chu-Yi Lee ◽

Chao-Hung Kuo ◽

Jau-Ching Wu ◽

Hsuan-Kan Chang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Neck Disability Index ◽

Cervical Radiculopathy ◽

Cervical Disc ◽

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty ◽

Segmental Mobility ◽

Disc Arthroplasty ◽

Flexion Extension ◽

Index Level

OBJECTIVEThe published clinical trials of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) have unanimously demonstrated the success of preservation of motion (average 7°–9°) at the index level for up to 10 years postoperatively. The inclusion criteria in these trials usually required patients to have evident mobility at the level to be treated (≥ 2° on lateral flexion-extension radiographs) prior to the surgery. Although the mean range of motion (ROM) remained similar after CDA, it was unclear in these trials if patients with less preoperative ROM would have different outcomes than patients with more ROM.METHODSA series of consecutive patients who underwent CDA at the level of C5–6 were followed up and retrospectively reviewed. The indications for surgery were medically refractory cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, or both, caused by cervical disc herniation or spondylosis. All patients were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a less-mobile group, which consisted of those patients who had an ROM of ≤ 5° at C5–6 preoperatively, or a more-mobile group, which consisted of patients whose ROM at C5–6 was > 5° preoperatively. Clinical outcomes, including visual analog scale, Neck Disability Index, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores, were evaluated at each time point. Radiological outcomes were also assessed.RESULTSA total of 60 patients who had follow-up for more than 2 years were analyzed. There were 27 patients in the less-mobile group (mean preoperative ROM 3.0°) and 33 in the more-mobile group (mean ROM 11.7°). The 2 groups were similar in demographics, including age, sex, diabetes, and cigarette smoking. Both groups had significant improvements in clinical outcomes, with no significant differences between the 2 groups. However, the radiological evaluations demonstrated remarkable differences. The less-mobile group had a greater increase in ΔROM than the more-mobile group (ΔROM 5.5° vs 0.1°, p = 0.001), though the less-mobile group still had less segmental mobility (ROM 8.5° vs 11.7°, p = 0.04). The rates of complications were similar in both groups.CONCLUSIONSPreoperative segmental mobility did not alter the clinical outcomes of CDA. The preoperatively less-mobile (ROM ≤ 5°) discs had similar clinical improvements and greater increase of segmental mobility (ΔROM), but remained less mobile, than the preoperatively more-mobile (ROM > 5°) discs at 2 years postoperatively.

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Association of findings on preoperative extension lateral cervical radiography with osteotomy type, approach, and postoperative cervical alignment after cervical deformity surgery

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2021.3.spine202156 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Hai V. Le ◽

Joseph B. Wick ◽

Renaud Lafage ◽

Gregory M. Mundis ◽

Robert K. Eastlack ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Surgical Approach ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Spine Deformity ◽

Lower Grade ◽

Cervical Lordosis ◽

Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽

T1 Slope ◽

Radiographic Parameters ◽

Cervical Spine Radiography

OBJECTIVE The authors’ objective was to determine whether preoperative lateral extension cervical spine radiography can be used to predict osteotomy type and postoperative alignment parameters after cervical spine deformity surgery. METHODS A total of 106 patients with cervical spine deformity were reviewed. Radiographic parameters on preoperative cervical neutral and extension lateral radiography were compared with 3-month postoperative radiographic alignment parameters. The parameters included T1 slope, C2 slope, C2–7 cervical lordosis, cervical sagittal vertical axis, and T1 slope minus cervical lordosis. Associations of radiographic parameters with osteotomy type and surgical approach were also assessed. RESULTS On extension lateral radiography, patients who underwent lower grade osteotomy had significantly lower T1 slope, T1 slope minus cervical lordosis, cervical sagittal vertical axis, and C2 slope. Patients who achieved more normal parameters on extension lateral radiography were more likely to undergo surgery via an anterior approach. Although baseline parameters were significantly different between neutral lateral and extension lateral radiographs, 3-month postoperative lateral and preoperative extension lateral radiographs were statistically similar for T1 slope minus cervical lordosis and C2 slope. CONCLUSIONS Radiographic parameters on preoperative extension lateral radiography were significantly associated with surgical approach and osteotomy grade and were similar to those on 3-month postoperative lateral radiography. These results demonstrated that extension lateral radiography is useful for preoperative planning and predicting postoperative alignment.

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Improvement in cervical lordosis and sagittal alignment after vertebral body sliding osteotomy in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and kyphosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2020.3.spine2089 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 307-315 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dong-Ho Lee ◽

Choon Sung Lee ◽

Chang Ju Hwang ◽

Jae Hwan Cho ◽

Jae-Woo Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vertebral Body ◽

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽

Sagittal Alignment ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Sacral Slope ◽

Cervical Lordosis ◽

Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽

Segmental Lordosis

OBJECTIVEVertebral body sliding osteotomy (VBSO) is a safe, novel technique for anterior decompression in patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Another advantage of VBSO may be the restoration of cervical lordosis through multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) above and below the osteotomy level. This study aimed to evaluate the improvement and maintenance of cervical lordosis and sagittal alignment after VBSO.METHODSA total of 65 patients were included; 34 patients had undergone VBSO, and 31 had undergone anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs were used to evaluate the improvements in cervical lordosis and sagittal alignment after VBSO. C0–2 lordosis, C2–7 lordosis, segmental lordosis, C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were measured. Subgroup analysis was performed between 15 patients with 1-level VBSO and 19 patients with 2-level VBSO. Patients with 1-level VBSO were compared to patients who had undergone 1-level ACCF.RESULTSC0–2 lordosis (41.3° ± 7.1°), C2–7 lordosis (7.1° ± 12.8°), segmental lordosis (3.1° ± 9.2°), and C2–7 SVA (21.5 ± 11.7 mm) showed significant improvements at the final follow-up (39.3° ± 7.2°, 13° ± 9.9°, 15.2° ± 8.5°, and 18.4 ± 7.9 mm, respectively) after VBSO (p = 0.049, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.038, respectively). The postoperative segmental lordosis was significantly larger in 2-level VBSO (18.8° ± 11.6°) than 1-level VBSO (10.3° ± 5.5°, p = 0.014). The final segmental lordosis was larger in the 1-level VBSO (12.5° ± 6.2°) than the 1-level ACCF (7.2° ± 7.6°, p = 0.023). Segmental lordosis increased postoperatively (p < 0.001) and was maintained until the final follow-up (p = 0.062) after VBSO. However, the postoperatively improved segmental lordosis (p < 0.001) decreased at the final follow-up (p = 0.045) after ACCF.CONCLUSIONSNot only C2–7 lordosis and segmental lordosis, but also C0–2 lordosis and C2–7 SVA improved at the final follow-up after VBSO. VBSO improves segmental cervical lordosis markedly through multiple ACDFs above and below the VBSO level, and a preserved vertebral body may provide more structural support.

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Influence of complete uncinate process removal on 2-year assessment of radiologic outcomes: subsidence and sagittal balance in patients receiving one-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

10.21203/rs.2.12547/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sung Hyun Noh ◽

Jeong Yoon Park ◽

Sung Uk Kuh ◽

Dong Kyu Chin ◽

Keun Su Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vertical Axis ◽

Cervical Radiculopathy ◽

Uncinate Process ◽

Foraminal Stenosis ◽

Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽

Arm Pain ◽

T1 Slope ◽

Cervical Sagittal Alignment ◽

Post Operation

Abstract Background: Many patients who appealed cervical radiculopathy have stenosis of neural foramens because of cumulative osteophyte or uncovertebral joint hypertrophy. For cervical foraminal stenosis, complete UPR conducted concurrently with ACDF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological consequences of complete uncinate process resection (UPR) during anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus those seen with ACDF without UPR. Methods: In total, 105 patients who underwent one-level ACDF with a cage-and-plate construct between 2011 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 37 underwent ACDF with complete UPR, and 68 underwent ACDF without UPR. Radiographic parameters of disc height, C2–C7 lordosis, T1 slope, C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), center of the sellar turcica–C7 SVA (St-SVA), spinocranial angle (SCA), and fusion rate were measured on plain radiographs at pre-operation, immediately post-operation, and during the follow-up period (median follow-up duration: 37.7 ± 10.5 months). Results: Improvement in Visual analogue scale (VAS) score for arm pain was significantly better in the ACDF with complete UPR group immediately post-operation. Fusion rates, C2–C7 lordosis, T1 slope, and C2–C7 SVA after single-level ACDF were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). Subsidence occurred in 23 patients (ACDF with complete UPR: 14 cases [37%] versus ACDF without UPR: 9 cases [13%]; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Cervical sagittal alignment after ACDF with complete UPR is not significantly different from that achieved with ACDF without UPR. However, subsidence occurred more frequently after ACDF with complete UPR than after ACDF without UPR, although there was no clinical impact. More precise and careful selection of patients is needed when deciding on additional complete UPR.

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