Validity, reliability and responsiveness of the Japanese version of the Neck Disability Index

Background

The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is one of the most widely used questionnaires for neck pain. The purpose of this study was to validate the Japanese NDI.

Methods

We performed two surveys with an 8-week interval in 130 patients with neck pain, radiculopathy and myelopathy. We asked patients to answer two versions of the Japanese NDI: the original NDI, which had been completed by a forward–backward translation procedure, and the modified NDI, which has the phrase “because of neck pain” to the phase “because of neck pain or numbness in the arm.” The other parameters examined were the strength of pain and numbness, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Short Form 36. Attending surgeons judged the symptom severity. Patients were asked to report the patient global impression of change (PGIC) at the second survey. The internal consistency, criterion-related and discriminative validity, and reliability were evaluated.

Results

The original NDI and the modified NDI were 26.9 ± 17.1 and 29.9 ± 15.5, respectively. The Cronbach α values of the original NDI and the modified NDI were 0.92 and 0.89, respectively. Both versions of the NDI had good to excellent correlative coefficients with the related domains. The modified NDI had a higher validity for numbness and mental health-related QOL. The symptom severity was significantly correlated with the modified NDI. The intraclass correlation coefficients of the two surveys of the modified and original NDI were comparable. The effect sizes of the modified and the original NDI were 0.64 and 0.55, respectively. Spearman’s ρ between the change of the NDI and the PGIC was 0.47 in the original NDI and 0.59 in the modified NDI.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the validity, reliability and responsiveness of the Japanese NDI. The modified NDI was more strongly correlated with numbness and mental health-related QOL.     

Endurance and fatigue characteristics in the neck muscles during sub-maximal isometric test in patients with cervical radiculopathy

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare myoelectric manifestation in neck muscle endurance and fatigue characteristics during sub-maximal isometric endurance test in patients with cervical radiculopathy and asymptomatic subjects. An additional aim was to explore associations between primary neck muscle endurance, myoelectric fatigability, and self-rated levels of fatigue, pain and subjective health measurements in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Methods

Muscle fatigue in the ventral and dorsal neck muscles was assessed in patients with cervical radiculopathy and in an asymptomatic group during an isometric neck muscle endurance test in prone and supine. 46 patients and 34 asymptomatic subjects participated. Surface electromyography signals were recorded from the sternocleidomastoid, cervical paraspinal muscles and upper and middle trapezius bilaterally during the endurance test. Subjective health measurements were assessed with questionnaires.

Results

The results showed altered neck muscle endurance in several of the muscles investigated with greater negative median frequency slope, greater variability, side imbalance, lower endurance time and higher experience of fatigue among the cervical radiculopathy patients compared with healthy subjects. Endurance times were significantly lower in both prone and in supine positions between the patients compared to asymptomatic subjects. During the neck muscle endurance test, fatigues in the upper trapezius muscles during the prone test and in the sternocleidomastoid muscles during the supine test were of more importance than self-perceived pain, fatigue, disability and kinesiophobia in predicting neck muscle endurance (NME).

Conclusion

NME testing in the primary neck muscles seems to be an important factor to take into consideration in rehabilitation.     

Cervical arthroplasty with Discover prosthesis: clinical outcomes and analysis of factors that may influence postoperative range of motion

Purpose

The aim of this current study was to analyze the clinical outcomes after Discover cervical disc replacement and its effects on maintaining cervical lordosis and range of motion (ROM). The possible factors influencing postoperative ROM were analyzed.

Method

27 men and 28 women with a mean age of 46.4 ± 8.7 years were prospectively followed up for 2 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analog scale (VAS) and Odom’s criteria. Radiographic information including segment and overall alignment, functional spinal unit (FSU) and overall ROM, and disc heights were prospectively collected during the follow-up. The correlations between the postoperative FSU ROM at last follow-up and influencing factors were analyzed.

Results

Mean NDI, JOA and VAS scores showed statistical improvements at last follow-up. Anterior migration of the prosthesis was detected in six cases. Heterotopic ossification was observed in ten patients. Mean FSU angle, endplate angle of the treated level and mean overall cervical alignment were all improved significantly at last follow-up (P < 0.001). However, mean FSU ROM of the treated segment significantly decreased postoperatively (P = 0.008), while mean overall ROM showed no significant differences. A significant correlation was found between preoperative FSU ROM and postoperative FSU ROM by the Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.325, P = 0.034). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that preoperative FSU ROM contributed independently to a model with a coefficient of determination of 0.37 (P = 0.034).

Conclusions

In the 2 years follow-up, the Discover cervical disc arthroplasty has provided satisfactory clinical outcomes. It was able to substantially restore segment and overall cervical alignment while partially maintaining segment and overall cervical ROM. Additionally, we found that postoperative FSU ROM positively correlated with preoperative FSU ROM.     

Clinical and radiological results of total disc replacement in the cervical spine with preoperative reducible kyphosis

Purpose

To investigate the clinical and radiological results of total disc replacement (TDR) in the cervical spine with preoperative reducible kyphosis, and discuss when TDR is indicated for the patients with preoperative kyphosis.

Methods

Fifty-two patients who underwent single-level cervical TDR from June 2008 to May 2010 were included in this study. TDR was indicated for patients with preoperative lordosis or reducible kyphosis, and the patients were divided into a lordotic group (preoperative global angle of ≥0°) and kyphotic group (preoperative global angle of <0°). Clinical results were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score and Neck Disablity Index (NDI). For radiological evaluation, the global and functional spinal unit (FSU) angles and the global and FSU range of motion were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

The mean NDI in the kyphotic group was significantly higher than that in the lordotic group preoperatively and at six months postoperatively, but the groups showed no significant differences in JOA score, VAS score and NDI at the two year follow-up. The mean global and FSU angles in the kyphotic group were significantly lower than those in the lordotic group preoperatively and at six months postoperatively, but they gradually improved postoperatively. The differences lost significance at the two year follow-up.

Conclusions

Postoperative cervical kyphosis had adverse effects on the NDI after TDR. Artificial discs, symptom relief, and neck functional exercises may contribute to correction of preoperative reducible kyphosis at different stages after cervical TDR. Preoperative reducible kyphosis should not be an independent contraindication for cervical TDR.     

What are the associative factors of adjacent segment degeneration after anterior cervical spine surgery? Comparative study between anterior cervical fusion and arthroplasty with 5-year follow-up MRI and CT

Purpose

It is well known that arthrodesis is associated with adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). However, previous studies were performed with simple radiography or CT. MRI is most sensitive in assessing the degenerative change of a disc, and this is the first study about ASD by radiography, CT and MRI. We sought to factors related to ASD at cervical spine by an MRI and CT, after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of cervical disc herniation. Patients of cervical disc herniation with only radiculopathy were treated with either arthroplasty (22 patients) or ACDF with cage alone (21 patients). These patients were required to undergo MRI, CT and radiography preoperatively, as well as radiography follow-up for 3 months and 1 year, and we conducted a cross-sectional study by MRI, CT and radiography including clinical evaluations 5 years after. Clinical outcomes were assessed using VAS and NDI. The fusion rate and ASD rate, and radiologic parameters (cervical lordosis, operated segmental height, C2-7 ROM, operated segmental ROM, upper segmental ROM and lower segmental ROM) were measured.

Results

The study groups were demographically similar, and substantial improvements in VAS (for arm) and NDI (for neck) scores were noted, and there were no significant differences between groups. Fusion rates were 95.2 % in the fusion group and 4.5 % in the arthroplasty group. ASD rates of the fusion and arthroplasty groups were 42.9 and 50 %, respectively. Among the radiologic parameters, operated segmental height and operated segmental ROM significantly decreased, while the upper segmental ROM significantly increased in the fusion group. In a comparative study between patients with ASD and without ASD, the clinical results were found to be similar, although preexisting ASD and other segment degeneration were significantly higher in the ASD group. C2-7 ROM was significantly decreased in ASD group, and other radiologic parameters have no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

The ASD rate of 46.5 % after ACDF or arthroplasty, and arthroplasty did not significantly lower the rate of ASD. ASD occurred in patients who had preexisting ASD and in patients who also had other segment degeneration. ASD may be associated with a natural history of cervical spondylosis rather than arthrodesis.     

Clinical and radiological follow-up of single-level Prestige LP cervical disc replacement

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiographic results of patients who underwent single-level cervical arthroplasty using the Prestige LP.

Method

Thirty-one patients with single-level cervical disc disease received the Prestige LP disc replacement from June 2008 to December 2009. The neck disability index (NDI), Japanese Orthopedic Association score (JOA) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assessed clinical outcomes pre-operatively and post-operatively at 24 months. The overall cervical alignment (C2–7 Cobb angle), the functional segmental unit (FSU) curvature, the range of motion (ROM) of treated and adjacent levels were measured, and the evidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) was observed from static and dynamic radiographs.

Results

There was a statistically significant improvement in the NDI from 20.2 ± 7.5 to 6.4 ± 3.5 (P < 0.000), JOA from 12.8 ± 2.2 to 16.6 ± 0.6 (P < 0.000), the neck VAS score from 4.1 ± 2.5 to 1.4 ± 1.1 (P < 0.000), the arm VAS score from 4.6 ± 2.5 to 0.7 ± 1.1 (P < 0.000). The post-operative overall cervical alignment (9.3° ± 7.2°), ROM of treated level (7.6°) and adjacent level (upper level 9.4° ± 3.1°, lower level 9.1° ± 3.5°) are well maintained. The FSU were 0.2° ± 5.4° and 1.9° ± 5.5° at pre-operation and final follow-up with statistical significance (P = 0.011). Heterotopic ossification was evidenced in five operated segment (16 %).

Conclusions

The Prestige LP disc arthroplasty maintains favorable clinical outcomes, preserves the overall cervical alignment, FSU curvature, ROM of treated level and adjacent levels.     

Total cervical disc replacement with the Discocerv® (Cervidisc Evolution) cervical prosthesis: early results of a second generation

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the early clinical and radiographic outcome in patients operated with Discocerv^® Cervidisc Evolution semi-constrained cervical mobile prosthesis (Discocerv^®), made of ceramic materials (Zirconia & Alumina).

Study design

This is a monocentric prospective noncomparative study.

Patient sample

Seventeen consecutive patients (8 men/9 women) were enrolled in the study so far. Mean age was 46.1 ± 7.9 years (33–62).

Methods

Patients in this series underwent one or two level total cervical disc replacement (TCDR) with Discocerv for disc herniation (n = 13), stenosis (n = 2) or discopathy (n = 1). Mean follow up was 4.8 ± 1.8 months (0–7.2).

Outcome measures

Clinical evaluation criteria included: VAS 1–100 mm self-reported cervical and radicular pain, neck disability index (NDI), symptoms evolution (ODOM score), work status, patient satisfaction index (PSI), mobility preservation. Prior to surgery VAS self-reported cervical and radicular pain were 62 mm (4–95) and 67 mm (2–96) respectively. NDI was 25/50 (9/50–37/50). Out of the active population (88%) 66% of patients were in sick leave for cervical symptoms. Radiographic criteria such as intervertebral mobility of the operated level were also assessed.

Results

Sixteen patients had a one level total cervical disc replacement (C3C4 n = 1, C4C5 n = 3, C5C6 n = 9, C6C7 n = 3. One patient had C5C6 and C6C7 total cervical disc replacement. Surgery duration was 67.1 ± 20.2 min (35–120). Hospital stay was 3.6 ± 1.5 days (2–7). No pre-operative or post-operative complications were reported in this series, except for excessive bleeding in one patient without any further consequences. About 47% of active patients resumed their previous work within the first 3 months after surgery. The ODOM score showed 100% excellent and good results. Three months post-operatively, mean VAS self-reported cervical and radicular pain decreased to 13 mm (0–60) and 5 mm (0–20) respectively and NDI decreased to 11/50 (0–24). All patients were satisfied with the results so far. Quantitative radiographic analysis showed satisfactory restoration of cervical mobility at the operated levels, with mean intervertebral mobility of 4.9° ± 5.6° (0 to 19.0°) in flexion-extension and 8.4° ± 4.1° (2.7°–16.9°) in lateral bending.

Conclusion

Early results with Discocerv^® Cervidisc Evolution cervical prosthesis are encouraging. However, further follow-up on a larger group is necessary to confirm these findings.     

The association between psychiatric factors and the development of chronic dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery

Purpose

Little data are available regarding the influence of psychiatric factors on chronic dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify associations between psychiatric factors and the development of chronic dysphagia in patients after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Methods

The authors prospectively examined 72 patients with degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine who were treated by single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Demographic data including age, gender, body mass index, and smoking status were collected. Short form-36, mental component scores (MCS), physical component scores (PCS), Neck Disability Indices (NDI), and the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) were assessed before surgery and at final follow-up. Psychiatric conditions were evaluated using the Zung depression scale and the Zung anxiety scale. At 1 year postoperatively, patients were contacted by telephone to determine the presence and severity of dysphagia. For statistical analyses, patients were divided into two groups: group I, those with No or Mild dysphagia; and group II, those with Moderate or Severe dysphagia at 1 year after surgery. Potential risk factors of chronic dysphagia were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The patients included 22 women and 50 men of overall average age 47.1 ± 7.8 years. The prevalences of No/Mild (group I) and Moderate/Severe (group II) dysphagia were 69.4 % (50 patients) and 30.6 % (22 patients), respectively. Mean preoperative NDI, NPDS, PCS, and MCS scores of 34.2, 44.8, 33.7, and 46.2 in the 72 study subject improved to 9.9, 16.1, 55.1, and 56.2, respectively, at 1 year after surgery. The mean preoperative ZDS and ZAS scores were 35.2 and 34.2, respectively. The two study groups were significantly different in terms of the presence of a psychiatric problem, preoperative NDIs, and MCS scores. However, multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of a psychiatric problem prior to surgery (P = 0.005) was the only significant predictor of chronic dysphagia.

Conclusions

The presence of a psychiatric problem seems to be an important risk factor of chronic dysphagia in patients with cervical disc herniation. The study shows that psychiatric factors should be evaluated prior to surgery to determine the risk of chronic dysphagia.     

Clinical relevance of neuroforaminal patency after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Background

We sought to investigate the clinical relevance of neuroforaminal patency and facet degeneration one year after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Previous studies were characterized by imprecise techniques and fragmentary measurements, and most lacked reliable clinical data and correlation analyses.

Methods

Patients with cervical mono- or bi-level degenerative pathology were prospectively included. Neuroforaminal size and segmental height were determined quantitatively, and the degree of facet degeneration was assessed qualitatively before and one year after the operation, by computed tomography. Clinical data, such as the severity of neck and arm pain, were assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 10, and neck disability index (NDI) was recorded before and one year after the operation. Their correlation with radiological data was investigated.

Results

Seventy-nine patients aged 53.3?±?11.3 years were included. One year after surgery, median VAS pain intensity was still significantly improved (neck, from 5 to 1; right arm, from 2 to 1; left arm, from 4 to 1) as was NDI (from 40 to 20). Neuroforaminal size showed a reduction on both sides (left, 0.0289?±?0.09 cm²; right, 0.0149?±?0.08 cm²). One year after the operation, segmental height decreased and facet degeneration increased from measures taken before the operation. No correlations were found between neuroforaminal stenosis or the degree of facet degeneration and various clinical outcome parameters.

Conclusions

The decrease in segmental height one year after ACDF leads in turn to secondary neuroforaminal stenosis and progressive facet degeneration. Of the various neuroforaminal variables used, none revealed a threshold value indicative of the presence or severity of radicular arm pain. This absence of correlation between imaging and clinical information is important and should be considered when allocating patients for surgical interventions.     

Differences between arthroplasty and anterior cervical fusion in two-level cervical degenerative disc disease

Purpose

Although arthroplasty is an accepted option for two-level disease, there is a paucity of data regarding outcomes of two-level cervical arthroplasty. The current study was designed to determine differences between two-level cervical arthroplasty and anterior fusion.

Methods

Seventy-seven consecutive patients who underwent two-level anterior cervical operations for degenerative disc disease were divided into the arthroplasty (37 patients) and fusion (40 patients) groups. Clinical outcomes were measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of neck and arm pain, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Every patient was evaluated by radiography and computed tomography for fusion or detection of heterotopic ossification.

Results

Thirty-seven patients (with 74 levels of Bryan discs) were compared with 40 patients who had two-level anterior fusion (mean follow-up of 39.6 ± 6.7 months). There was no difference in sex, but the mean age of the arthroplasty group was significantly younger (52.1 ± 9.1 vs. 63.0 ± 10.6 years, p < 0.001). The mean estimated blood loss was similar (p = 0.135), but the mean operation time was longer in the arthroplasty group (315.5 ± 82.0 versus 224.9 ± 61.8 min, p < 0.001). At 24 months post-operation, the arthroplasty group had increased their range of motion than pre-operation (23.5° versus 20.1°, p = 0.018). There were significant improvements in neck or arm VAS, JOA scores, and NDI in both groups. However, there were no differences in clinical outcomes or adverse events between the two groups.

Conclusions

Clinical outcomes of two-level arthroplasty and anterior cervical fusion are similar 39.6 months after surgery. Cervical arthroplasty preserves mobility at the index levels without increased adverse effects.     

Comparison of neck movement smoothness between patients with mechanical neck disorder and healthy volunteers using the spectral entropy method

Purpose

Mechanical neck disorder is one of the most common health issues. No related observations have applied spectral entropy to explore the smoothness of cervical movement. Therefore, the objectives were to ascertain whether the spectral entropy of time-series linear acceleration could extend to estimate the smoothness of cervical movement and compare the characteristics of the smoothness of cervical movement in patients with mechanical neck pain (MND) with healthy volunteers.

Methods

The smoothness of cervical movement during cervical circumduction from 36 subjects (MND: n = 18, asymptomatic: n = 18) was quantified by the spectral entropy of time-series linear acceleration and other speed-dependent parameters, respectively.

Results

Patients with MND showed significantly longer movement time, higher value in the spectral entropy and wider band response in frequency spectrum than healthy volunteers (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The spectral entropy would be suitable to discriminate the smoothness of cervical movement between patients with MND with healthy volunteers and demonstrated patients with MND had significantly less smooth cervical movement.     

A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging with electrodiagnostic findings in the evaluation of clinical radiculopathy: a cross-sectional study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement of magnetic resonance imaging and electrodiagnostic studies by comparing their findings in patients with clinically suspected radiculopathy. The agreements between these two procedures and clinical findings were also examined.

Methods

In a 2-year cross-sectional study, a total of 114 patients with clinically suspected cervical or lumbosacral radiculopathy were included.

Results

The total agreements between clinical with MRI and EDX findings were 72 and 52 %, respectively while their agreements were similar in group definite (89 vs. 82 %). The agreement between EDX and MRI was 59.6 in total and 49 % with respect to clinical findings.

Conclusion

This study further supports that these two methods are complementary in general. It is reasonable to add EDX when there is discrepancy between MRI and clinical findings or when MRI neurologic findings are not visible.     

Long-term outcomes following anterior foraminotomy for one- or two-level cervical radiculopathy

Purpose

Anterior foraminotomy (AF) is a surgical treatment for unilateral cervical radiculopathy that avoids fusion-related complications, but its long-term outcome has yet to be investigated. To clarify the efficacy of AF, the author retrospectively collected long-term data regarding the results of this technique.

Methods

Of 50 patients who underwent AF between November 1999 and June 2005, those who were followed for more than 6 years (n = 44) were enrolled in this study. The parameters studied included the number of revisions, additional surgeries, VAS/NDI, and Odom’s criteria. Plain radiographs were also obtained pre- and postoperatively.

Results

At discharge, 98 % of patients reported improvement, although 20 % temporarily experienced some residual symptoms. There were no other major postoperative complications. At final follow-up (FU, mean of 8.8 years), an excellent or good outcome was achieved in 39 patients (89 %). There was no index level reoperation required, but two additional operations for symptomatic adjacent-segment degeneration were needed (4.5 %). Six patients suffered from shoulder pain on the same side after surgery (mean onset: 3.6 years). At final FU, significant degeneration at the operated level was demonstrated on plain radiographs, resulting in a decreased range of motion. However, loss of lordosis of the segment was minimal. Radiographically, adjacent segment degeneration was noted in only 6 and 11 % at the cranial and caudal segments, respectively.

Conclusions

In this retrospective study, patients who underwent AF for one- or two- level cervical radiculopathy showed a good long-term outcome with minimal adjacent segment degeneration. However, more data should be collected to clarify possible associations with these findings, such as delayed shoulder problems and aggravation of degeneration at the operated level.     

Usefulness of QuickDASH in patients with cervical laminoplasty

Purpose

Clumsiness and numbness of the upper extremity is one of the most common complaints of patients with cervical myelopathy. However, most previous evaluations after cervical laminoplasty have only been based on physicians’ points of view. We used Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) self-report questionnaire, which was designed to measure physical function and symptoms in people with upper-limb disorders to evaluate functional outcomes after laminoplasty.

Methods

Ninety-four patients who underwent laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy and replied to the questionnaire were included in this study. The average age was 62 years, and mean follow-up period was 61 months. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Short-Form Health Questionnaire of 36 questions (physical component score, PCS), upper-extremity pain (Numerical Rating Scale), and QuickDASH (0–100, 0 being least severe) were used to evaluate surgical outcomes. Satisfaction with treatment was also investigated, and internal consistency and criterion-related validity were evaluated. The QuickDASH cutoff value for patient satisfaction was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.

Results

The mean total JOA scores were 10 before and 13 after surgery, and average postoperative QuickDASH score was 30. Cronbach α of the QuickDASH was 0.94. QuickDASH was significantly correlated with JOA score for upper-extremity motor and sensation, NDI, PCS, and pain. Cutoff value of the QuickDASH was 34.0 by ROC analysis. Significantly better QuickDASH scores were found for patients who were satisfied with treatment than for those who were not, whereas JOA score for upper-extremity motor function did not show a significant difference.

Discussion

QuickDASH had significant correlations with disease-specific JOA scores and other generic outcome measures. Moreover, QuickDASH significantly reflected patients’ satisfaction with treatment, whereas the JOA score for upper-extremity motor function did not.

Conclusion

QuickDASH was useful in evaluating upper-extremity functional outcomes after cervical laminoplasty.     

Prevalence of neuropathic pain in cases with chronic pain related to spinal disorders

Background

The incidence and characteristics of neuropathic pain associated with spinal disorders have not yet been fully clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of neuropathic pain and the degree of deterioration of quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic pain associated with spinal disorders who visited orthopedic outpatient clinics.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1,857 patients recruited from 137 medical institutions nationwide. Participants were men and women aged 20–79 years with a history of spine-related pain for at least 3 months and a visual analog scale (VAS) score of at least 30 in the previous week. Patients were screened using a neuropathic pain screening questionnaire. The degree of QOL deterioration and its correlation with the presence of neuropathic pain were assessed using the Short Form Health Survey with 36 questions (SF-36).

Results

Overall prevalence of neuropathic pain was 53.3 %. It was relatively high in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (77.3 %) and ligament ossification (75.7 %) and relatively low in those with low back pain (29.4 %) and spondylolysis (40.4 %). Only 56.9 % of patients with radiculopathy were diagnosed with neuropathic pain. Logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors, including advanced age, severe pain, disease duration of at least 6 months, and cervical lesions. In QOL assessment, physical functioning, role-physical, role-emotional, and social functioning were severely affected, and this trend was more pronounced in patients who were more likely to have neuropathic pain.

Conclusions

The frequency of neuropathic pain tended to be higher in patients with diseases associated with spinal cord damage and lower in patients with diseases that primarily manifested as somatic pain. A bias toward allodynia symptoms in the screening questionnaire may have resulted in the failure to diagnose neuropathic pain in some patients with radiculopathy. Poor QOL, primarily from the aspect of physical functioning, was demonstrated in patients with neuropathic pain associated with spinal disorders.     

Peri-implant and systemic effects of high-/low-affinity bisphosphonate-hydroxyapatite composite coatings in a rabbit model with peri-implant high bone turnover

Background

Cervical radiculopathy is a common form of neck pain and has been shown to lead to severe disability. Clinical rehabilitation approaches for cervical radiculopathies commonly include exercise and manual therapy interventions targeting the opening of intervertebral foramen, but evidence regarding their effectiveness is scarce. The primary objective of this randomised clinical trial is to compare, in terms of pain and disability, a rehabilitation program targeting the opening of intervertebral foramen to a conventional rehabilitation program, for patients presenting acute or subacute cervical radiculopathies. The hypothesis is that the rehabilitation program targeting the opening of intervertebral foramen will be significantly more effective in reducing pain and disability than the conventional rehabilitation program.

Methods/Design

This study is a double-blind (participants and evaluators blinded) randomised clinical trial that will allow the comparison of patients with a cervical radiculopathy randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive a 4-week rehabilitation program targeting the opening of intervertebral foramen, and the second group will receive a 4-week conventional rehabilitation program. Thirty-six subjects with cervical radiculopathy will be recruited from participating medical and physiotherapy clinics and will be evaluated at baseline, at the end of the 4-week program and four weeks following the end of the program. The primary outcome measure will be the validated Neck Disability Index questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures will include the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, a numerical pain rating scale, cervicothoracic mobility and patients' perceived global rating of change. During the 4-week rehabilitation program, each participant will take part in eight physiotherapy treatment sessions (2 session/week) and will perform a home exercise program. A mixed-model, 2-way ANOVA will be used to analyze the effects of the rehabilitation programs.

Discussion

Control trials are needed to define ideal intervention approaches in rehabilitation for this population. This randomised clinical trial will be the first study that directly compares a rehabilitation program targeting the opening of intervertebral foramen to a conventional rehabilitation program for patients with cervical radiculopathy. The results of this study may help to establish best clinical practice guidelines for this patient population.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01500044     

Long-term surgical outcomes of cervical myelopathy with athetoid cerebral palsy

Purpose

To understand the long-term surgical outcomes and prognostic factors for the operative treatment of cervical myelopathy (CM) in patients with athetoid cerebral palsy (ACP).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with ACP who underwent surgery for CM at our hospital between March 2002 and June 2008. All patients had more than 5 years follow-up. Anterior fusion (11 patients), posterior fusion (1 patient), or combined anterior and posterior (AP) fusion (7 patients) and C1-2 fusion (5 patients) surgeries were performed. Surgical outcomes (average follow-up 102 months), as assessed using modified JOA (mJOA) scores, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and a visual analog scale (VAS) were compared between the preoperative and postoperative states.

Results

Preoperatvie cervical kyphosis decreased mJOA scores significantly. Long-term follow-up clinical outcomes demonstrated that 10 patients showed favorable (excellent and good) outcomes and 11 patients had non-favorable (fair and worse) outcomes. According to the mJOA scores, patients showed postoperative improvement (7.10–10.45). NDI decreased from 68.46 to 31.66. A second operation was done in seven cases due to instrument failure, progressive kyphotic deformities and adjacent segment degeneration. A preoperative botulinum toxin injection significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the incidence of a second operation.

Conclusions

Patients with ACP have high incidence of instrument failure. Strong surgical fixation, bone fusion and perioperative immobilizations using botulinum toxin injection should be carefully planned preoperatively.     

Spinal cord cross-sectional area during flexion and extension in the patients with cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament

Purpose

The pathomechanism of cervical myelopathy due to cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL) remains unclear. No previous literature has quantified the influence of dynamic factors on cervical myelopathy due to C-OPLL. The purpose was to investigate the influence of dynamic factors on the spinal column in the patients with C-OPLL using CT scan after myelography (MCT).

Methods

The study included 41 patients with cervical myelopathy due to C-OPLL. An MCT was done during neck flexion and extension, and spinal cord cross-sectional areas (SCCSA) were measured at each disc level between C2/3 and C7/T1. Ossification morphology at each segment was divided into three groups, connection department, coating part, and non-connection department of OPLL group. Dynamic changes of SCCSA in each group of ossification morphology were calculated. The relationship between clinical results and SCCSA at the narrowest level was investigated.

Results

MCT showed SCCSA changes during neck extension; 7.4 ± 5.1 mm² in the connection department, 5.8 ± 6.0 mm² in the coating part, and 6.7 ± 6.4 mm² in the non-connection department of OPLL group. There difference was not statistically significant. There was a weak correlation between the JOA score and SCCSA at the narrowest level (R = 0.49). There was no significant correlation between the recovery rate of JOA score and SCCSA at the narrowest level (R = 0.37).

Conclusion

Dynamic factors are seen both in cervical myelopathy patients with the continuous type of OPLL and others. Deterioration of myelopathy could be induced by motion effects even in the connection department of OPLL.     

Cervical radiculopathy combined with cervical myelopathy: prevalence and characteristics

Patients with cervical myelopathy may experience symptoms of radiculopathy, and it is not easy to determine whether these symptoms are caused by the myelopathy itself or by a radiculopathy accompanied by root compression. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of radiculopathy combined with cervical myelopathy and to evaluate the characteristics of cervical myelopathy with or without radiculopathy. We enrolled 127 patients with cervical myelopathy in this retrospective study and reviewed their medical records and magnetic resonance imaging findings. They were divided into two groups according to the presence of cervical radiculopathy, and their age, sex, involved spinal segment, cord signal change, surgical method, clinical status were compared, and postsurgical recovery was compared using four clinical questionnaires. The incidence and level of radiculopathy combined with myelopathy were investigated. Combined cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy was diagnosed in 66 patients (51.9%, group 1), whereas 61 patients did not have radiculopathy (group 2). There was no difference in sex, age, cord signal change, preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association score, neck disability index, and neck visual analogue scale (VAS) between the two groups, but group 1 showed higher preoperative arm VAS score (p = 0.001). Postoperative arm and neck VAS scores were significantly improved in group 1 (p = 0.001 and 0.009). Half of the patients had combined cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. A high preoperative arm VAS score was a characteristic of radiculopathy combined with myelopathy.     

Clinical and radiological analysis of Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty: eight-year follow-up results compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Purpose

Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty has been reported with satisfactory short- and medium-term clinical results. However, the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes are seldom reported. The purpose of this study was to compare the eight-year follow-up results in patients who underwent Bryan disc arthroplasty with patients received ACDF, and assess the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) and its effect on clinical outcome and mobility of the device.

Methods

Thirty-one patients underwent Bryan disc arthroplasty, and 35 patients underwent ACDF were included in the study. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, neck disability index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) of neck and arm pain, and the radiographs were used to evaluate the outcomes. The heterotopic ossification (HO) was determined by CT scan and was classified into three subgroups to compare the related effect. Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) was also observed.

Results

At final follow-up, there were no significant differences in JOA scores between two groups, but the improvement in NDI and neck or arm VAS were significantly greater in the Bryan disc cohort. The range of motion at the index level was 7.0° in Bryan group, while 100 % bone fusion were achieved in ACDF group. HO was observed in 18 (51.4 %) levels. There were more restricted movement of the prosthesis and slight higher rate of axial pain in patients with severe-HO (grade III and IV). Fourteen (28.6 %) levels developed ASD in Bryan group, which was significantly lower than that (58.6 %) in ACDF group.

Conclusions

At eight year follow-up, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty compared favorably to those of ACDF. It avoided accelerated adjacent segment degeneration by preserving motion. However, severe HO restricted the ROM of the index levels and maybe associated with post-operative axial pain.