Predictive effect of cervical spinal cord compression and corresponding segmental paravertebral muscle degeneration on the severity of symptoms in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Background ContextPrevious studies have found that cervical sagittal parameters and spinal cord compression are important risk factors for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). An increasing number of scholars believe that cervical muscle condition is also one of the factors affecting the severity of symptoms in affected patients.PurposeTo determine whether: the degree of corresponding segmental paravertebral muscle degeneration is related to the severity of symptoms in patients with CSM; the degree of cervical spinal cord compression can predict the severity of symptoms in patients with CSM.Study DesignA retrospective study.Patient SampleFrom January 2015 to January 2019, 121 patients with CSM were enrolled.Outcome MeasuresThe visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI) and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) were used to assess cervical spinal function and quality of life.MethodsFrom January 2015 to January 2019, 121 patients with CSM were enrolled. The inclusion criterion was the presence of complete cervical lateral radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The following radiographic parameters were measured: (1) C0-C2 Cobb angle; (2) C2-C7 Cobb angle (CL); (3) T1 slope (T1S); (4) neck tilt (NT); (5) C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA); and (6) T1S-CL. The following MRI parameters were measured: (1) up(low)-fat/muscle; (2) up(low)-fat/centrum; (3) up(low)-muscle/centrum; (4) cervical cord compression index (CCI); (5) S-index; and (6) cervical spinal cord compression area ratio (S0/S1). The VAS, NDI and mJOA were used to assess cervical spinal function and quality of life. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the mJOA score: group A (mild-moderate symptom group, mJOA score≥12 points) and group B (severe symptom group, mJOA score<12 points). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlations between cervical sagittal parameters, MRI parameters and functional scores. Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors and critical values.Results.In patients with CSM, the VAS score is positively correlated with NT, up-fat/centrum, S-index and S0/S1. The NDI is positively correlated with NT, up-fat/muscle, up-fat/centrum, S-index, and S0/S1 and negatively correlated with C0-2N and CL. The mJOA score is positively correlated with CL and negatively correlated with C2-7 SVA, CCI, S-index, and S0/S1. Thus, corresponding segmental paravertebral muscle degeneration has relevance to neck pain, but it is not related to limb weakness, neurological dysfunction, gait impairment, sensation or bladder/bowel function dysfunction. Through mJOA score grouping and binary logistic regression analysis, we found that S0/S1 is the only independent risk factor for severe symptoms in patients with CSM. When S0/S1>0.295, the clinical symptoms of patients are more severe. Thus, in clinical practice, when the degree of spinal cord compression exceeds 30%, the clinical symptoms are more severe.ConclusionsIn patients with CSM, corresponding segmental paravertebral muscle degeneration has relevance to neck pain, but it does not relate to limb weakness, neurological dysfunction, gait impairment, sensation or bladder/bowel function dysfunction. Cervical spinal cord compression is the only independent risk factor;when the degree of spinal cord compression exceeds 30%, the clinical symptoms are more severe.     

The relationship between preoperative cervical alignment and postoperative spinal cord drift after decompressive laminectomy and arthrodesis for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BackgroundCervical spondylotic myelopathy represents a debilitating disorder, often resulting in significant neurological impairment over time. Cervical laminectomy has enjoyed a successful track record in the surgical management of these patients. Little is understood regarding the significance of postdecompressive migration of the spinal cord in relation to patient outcome.MethodsPreoperative and postoperative cervical spine MRIs of 28 patients who underwent cervical laminectomy and fusion for the treatment of CSM were reviewed. Radiographic parameters including preoperative cervical alignment, LDI, space available at the level cepahlad/caudad to the decompression, percent spinal cord expansion at the radiographically most compressed level, and spinal cord drift to the midpoint of the spinal cord were measured and subsequently analyzed for statistical correlation. The recovery rate based on the mJOA score was calculated for each patient and analyzed for correlation with spinal cord drift.ResultsThe Cobb angle C2-7, cervical spinal angle, and CCI represented tightly correlated measures of cervical alignment. The preoperative cervical alignment did not statistically correlate with postoperative spinal cord drift. No statistical correlation was revealed between postdecompressive spinal cord drift and recovery rate.ConclusionsPreoperative cervical alignment does not statistically correlate with postoperative spinal cord drift in patients undergoing multisegmental decompressive laminectomy and fusion for CSM. The observation of significant posterior shifting of the spinal cord in the context of straight or kyphotic preoperative alignment suggests that posterior decompression and arthrodesis represent a viable option in the surgical management of patients with CSM with nonlordotic preoperative alignment.     

Diffusion tensor imaging predicts functional impairment in mild-to-moderate cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Background contextMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard imaging modality for the assessment of cervical spinal cord; however, MRI assessment of the spinal cord in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients has not demonstrated a consistent association with neurologic function or outcome after surgical or medical intervention. Thus, there is a need for sensitive imaging biomarkers that can predict functional impairment in patients with advanced cervical spondylosis.PurposeTo implement diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as an imaging biomarker for microstructural integrity and functional impairment in patients with cervical spondylosis.Study designNonrandomized, single institution study.Patient sampleForty-eight cervical spondylosis patients with or without spinal cord signal change underwent DTI of the spinal cord along with functional assessment.Outcome measuresFunctional measures of neurologic function via modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score.MethodsA zoomed-echoplanar imaging technique and two-dimensional spatially selective radiofrequency excitation pulse were used for DTI measurement. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial and axial diffusion (AD) coefficient, AD anisotropy, ψ, defined as AD-MD, and the standard deviation (SD) of primary eigenvector orientation were evaluated at the site of compression.ResultsResults suggest average FA, transverse apparent diffusion coefficient, ψ, and SD of primary eigenvector orientation at the spinal level of highest compression were linearly correlated with mJOA score. Receiver-operator characteristic analysis suggested FA and ψ could identify stenosis patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms with a relatively high sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionsThe results of this study support the potential use of DTI as a biomarker for predicting functional impairment in patients with cervical spondylosis.     

Correlation between operative outcomes of cervical compression myelopathy and mri of the spinal cord

STUDY DESIGN: Magnetic resonance images of cervical compression myelopathy were retrospectively analyzed in comparison with surgical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To investigate which magnetic resonance findings in patients with cervical compression myelopathy reflect the clinical symptoms and prognosis, and to determine the radiographic and clinical factors that correlate with the prognosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Signal intensity changes of the spinal cord on magnetic resonance imaging in chronic cervical myelopathy are thought to be indicative of the prognosis. However, the prognostic significance of signal intensity change remains controversial. METHODS: The participants in this study were 73 patients who underwent cervical expansive laminoplasty for cervical compression myelopathy. Their mean age was 64 years, and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 3.4 years. The pathologic conditions were cervical spondylotic myelopathy in 42 patients and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in 31 patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (spin-echo sequence) was performed in all the patients. The transverse area of the spinal cord at the site of maximal compression was computed, and spinal cord signal intensity changes were evaluated before and after surgery. Three patterns of spinal cord signal intensity changes on T1-weighted sequences/T2-weighted sequences were detected as follows: normal/normal, normal/high-signal intensity changes, and low-signal/high-signal intensity changes. Surgical outcomes were compared among these three groups. The most useful combination of parameters for predicting prognosis was determined using a stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: The findings showed 2 patients with normal/normal, 67 patients with normal/high-signal, and 4 patients with low-signal/high-signal change patterns before surgery. Regarding postoperative recovery, the preoperative low-signal/high-signal group was significantly inferior to the preoperative normal/high-signal group. There was no significant difference between the transverse area of the spinal cord at the site of maximal compression in the normal/high-signal group and the low-signal/high-signal group. A stepwise regression analysis showed that the best combination of surgical outcome predictors included age (correlation coefficient R = -0.348), preoperative signal pattern, and duration of symptoms (correlation coefficient R = -0.231). CONCLUSIONS: The low-signal intensity changes on T1-weighted sequences indicated a poor prognosis. The authors speculate that high-signal intensity changes on T2 weighted images include a broad spectrum of compressive myelomalacic pathologies and reflect a broad spectrum of spinal cord recuperative potentials. Predictors of surgical outcomes are preoperative signal intensity change pattern of the spinal cord on radiologic evaluations, age at the time of surgery, and chronicity of the disease.     

Does increased signal intensity of the spinal cord on MR images due to cervical myelopathy predict prognosis?

We examined whether or not high signal intensity change on magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord of patients with cervical myelopathy is related to the clinical symptoms and prognosis. Twenty-five patients with cervical myelopathy were treated by decompressive surgery which involved laminoplasty or decompressive anterior interbody fusion. The pathological conditions were cervical disc herniation (n = 8), ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine (n = 7), and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (n = 10). The spinal cord compression and the intramedullary signal intensity at the site of maximum compression were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using T1- and T2-weighted images. There was no significant relationship between spinal cord compressive change and clinical symptoms. Patients in whom the high signal change of the spinal cord on T2-weighted sequence recovered after decompressive surgery had better recovery from clinical symptoms, but a statistical significance was not found. We suggest that signal changes on T2-weighted images may reflect pathological changes but cannot be used to predict prognosis at present.     

Role of diffusion kurtosis imaging in evaluating microstructural changes in spinal cord of patients with cervical spondylosis

Study design

Analytical cross-sectional study.

Purpose

To study the role of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in evaluating microstructural changes in patients with cervical spondylosis.

Overview of literature

Cervical spondylosis is a common progressive degenerative disorder of the spine. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can only detect the changes in the spinal cord once there are visual signal changes; hence, it underestimates the extent of the injury. Newer imaging techniques like Diffusion Tensor and Kurtosis Imaging can evaluate the microstructural changes in cervical spinal cord before the obvious signal changes appear.

Methods

Conventional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and DKI scans were performed for 90 cervical spondylosis patients on 1.5-T MR Siemens Magnetom aera after obtaining informed consent. Eight patients were excluded due to poor image quality. Fractional anisotropy (FA) colour maps and diffusion kurtosis (DK) maps corresponding to spinal cord cross sections at C2–C3 intervertebral disc level (control) and at the most stenotic levels were obtained. Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring was used for clinical assessment of the spinal cord function. The changes in DTI and DKI parameters and their correlation with mJOA scores were analysed by SPSS 23 software.

Results

In our study, mean FA and mean kurtosis (MK) values at the stenotic level (0.54, 1.02) were significantly lower than values at the non-stenotic segment (0.70, 1.27). The mean diffusivity (MD) value at the stenotic segment (1.25) was significantly higher than in the non-stenotic segment (1.09). We also observed a strong positive correlation between mJOA score and FA and MK values and a negative correlation between mJOA score and MD values, suggesting a correlation of FA, MK, and MD with the clinical severity of the disease.

Conclusion

Addition of DTI and DKI sequences helps in early identification of the disease without any additional cost incurred by the patient.

     

颈后路减压术后效果不佳原因分析及防治体会

目的:探讨颈后路减压术后效果不佳的原因、翻修策略和预防措施。方法 :回顾性分析2012年1月至2014年12月收治的行颈后路减压术后因各种原因导致的疗效不佳而行翻修手术者14例,分析其翻修原因并针对性采用不同的翻修术式,初次术前、翻修术前和末次随访时采用改良JOA 17分法评定脊髓神经功能,采用Nurick分级评价行走功能。计算初次手术前后和翻修前后神经功能改善率。采用SPSS 16.0统计软件对上述数据进行统计分析。结果:再手术原因包括:椎板切除减压宽度不够2例,单开门纵向减压节段不够2例,门轴侧骨折塌陷压迫神经根和脊髓2例,椎板再关门4例,开门角度过小1例,后纵韧带骨化进展2例(其中1例伴关门),颈椎后凸畸形加重2例(其中1例伴关门),钩椎关节增生致神经根管狭窄1例。初次术前、翻修前和末次随访时改良JOA评分分别是11.89±1.67,13.11±1.09和15.61±0.59,Nurick分级分别是4.21±0.58,3.57±0.51和1.71±0.47。末次随访时与初次术前、翻修前比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。初次手术前后和翻修前后神经功能改善率分别为差(22.33±9.49)%和良(64.60±9.88)%,两者比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 :针对颈后路减压术后效果不佳的各种原因采用个体化原则进行翻修,可进一步改善脊髓功能,术前仔细分析致病因素,术中减压彻底,降低翻修率。     

颈髓挥鞭样损伤的回顾性研究

目的通过对临床资料的回顾性分析,探讨颈髓挥鞭样损伤病例手术的必要性。方法根据治疗方式和损伤后MR I所示脊髓受压程度的不同,将2004年4月～2006年4月收治的36例过伸性颈椎损伤患者分成3组：非手术治疗组（8例）、受压不明显者手术组（10例）、受压明显者手术组（18例）;比较3组间治疗前后的ASIA评分及Frankel分级改变。结果所有患者获得12～24个月随访,神经功能行ASIA评分及Frankel分级,手术组均高于非手术治疗组（P〈0.05）。结论过伸性颈脊髓损伤尽早手术减压是最大限度恢复神经功能的关键。凡存在明显神经功能障碍、MR I提示有颈髓损伤,无论是否有明显脊髓受压者都应早期手术。手术可避免因颈椎管高压和颈椎不稳造成的继发性脊髓损伤,保证其远期疗效。     

Prognostic relevance of the postoperative evolution of intramedullary spinal cord changes in signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging after anterior decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

OBJECT: Areas of intramedullary signal intensity changes (hypointensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance [MR] images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) have been described by several investigators. The role of postoperative evolution of these alterations is still not well known. METHODS: A total of 47 patients underwent MR imaging before and at the end of the surgical procedure (intraoperative MR imaging [iMRI]) for cervical spine decompression and fusion using an anterior approach. Imaging was performed with a 1.5-tesla scanner integrated with the operative room (BrainSuite). Patients were followed clinically and evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Nurick scales and also underwent MR imaging 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative MR imaging showed an alteration (from the normal) of the intramedullary signal in 37 (78.7%) of 47 cases. In 23 cases, signal changes were altered on both T1- and T2-weighted images, and in 14 cases only on T2-weighted images. In 12 (52.2%) of the 23 cases, regression of hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging was observed postoperatively. In 4 (17.4%) of these 23 cases, regression of hyperintensity was observed during the iMRI at the end of surgery. Residual compression on postoperative iMRI was not detected in any patients. A nonsignificant correlation was observed between postoperative expansion of the transverse diameter of the spinal cord at the level of maximal compression and the postoperative JOA score and Nurick grade. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the surgical result and the length of a patient's clinical history. A significant correlation was also observed according to the preoperative presence of intramedullary signal alteration. The best results were found in patients without spinal cord changes of signal, acceptable results were observed in the presence of changes on T2-weighted imaging only, and the worst results were observed in patients with spinal cord signal changes on both Tl- and T2-weighted imaging. Finally, a statistically significant correlation was observed between patients with postoperative spinal cord signal change regression and better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary spinal cord changes in signal intensity in patients with CSM can be reversible (hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging) or nonreversible (hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging). The regression of areas of hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging is associated with a better prognosis, whereas the T1-weighted hypointensity is an expression of irreversible damage and, therefore, the worst prognosis. The preliminary experience with this patient series appears to exclude a relationship between the time of signal intensity recovery and outcome of CSM.     

Stress analysis of the cervical spinal cord: Impact of the morphology of spinal cord segments on stress

Objective: Although there are several classifications for cervical myelopathy, these do not take differences between spinal cord segments into account. Moreover, there has been no report of stress analyses for individual segments to date.

Methods: By using the finite element method, we constructed 3-dimensional spinal cord models comprised of gray matter, white matter, and pia mater of the second to eighth cervical vertebrae (C2–C8). We placed compression components (disc and yellow ligament) at the front and back of these models, and applied compression to the posterior section covering 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of the anteroposterior diameter of each cervical spinal cord segment.

Results: Our results revealed that, under compression applied to an area covering 10%, 20%, or 30% of the anteroposterior diameter of the cervical spinal cord segment, sites of increased stress varied depending on the morphology of each cervical spinal cord segment. Under 40% compression, stress was increased in the gray matter, lateral funiculus, and posterior funiculus of all spinal cord segments, and stress differences between the segments were smaller.

Conclusion: These results indicate that, under moderate compression, sites of increased stress vary depending on the morphology of each spinal cord segment or the shape of compression components, and also that the variability of symptoms may depend on the direction of compression. However, under severe compression, the differences among the cervical spinal segments are smaller, which may facilitate diagnosis.     

颈脊髓压迫症影像与症状相关性分析及其对治疗方案制定的影响

目的通过对颈脊髓压迫症患者的临床观察,选择合适的评价指标,以探讨临床"影症"之间的关系,寻找手术治疗的危险因素。方法以133例符合纳入标准的颈脊髓压迫症患者的临床资料为研究对象,包括一般信息、临床症状、体格状况、影像学资料,整理数据后进行回顾性分析。结果 Nagata分级、MRI T2加权像髓内信号、颈椎管Pavlov值均与颈椎功能障碍指数(NDI)两两成正相关,不同颈椎管Pavlov值患者的NDI差异具有统计学意义(P0.01)。用Logistic回归方程对影响手术治疗的危险因素进行预测,其中MRI T2加权像髓内高信号、颈椎管Pavlov值0.75以及二便异常是手术治疗的危险因素。结论影像学Nagata分级、NDI可用来评估患者颈脊髓压迫症严重程度;MRI T2加权像髓内信号、颈椎管Pavlov值以及二便情况可用来指导治疗方案选择。     

Autonomic dysreflexia-induced reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in patients with spinal cord injury: Two case reports

Abstract

Background/objectives

To report two cases of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.

Design

Case report.

Setting

Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit, Pusan National University Hospital, Yangsan-si, Korea.

Results

Two men with spastic tetraplegia developed autonomic dysreflexia. Use of antihypertensive medication and Foley catheter insertion prevented further episodes of acute arterial hypertension and development of new symptoms.

Conclusion

RPLS can occur in the setting of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with traumatic cervical cord injury. The prompt recognition of this syndrome is of importance to prevent further morbidity and mortality in patients with spinal cord injury.     

肺癌转移瘤脊髓压迫症术后行走功能转归及其相关因素

目的探讨肺癌脊柱转移瘤脊髓压迫症(MSCC)术后运动功能转归及其相关影响因素。方法回顾性分析2010年1月—2015年5月于本院接受后路椎板切除椎管减压钉棒系统内固定术治疗的56例肺癌MSCC患者的临床资料。疼痛评估采用视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分,脊髓功能评估采用Frankel分级,体力状态评估采用卡氏功能状态(KPS)量表。采用Logistic回归法分析肺癌组织学类型、术前行走状态(Frankel分级)、责任椎体有无病理性骨折、脊柱转移灶数目、发生运动功能损伤与手术间隔期、压迫节段、手术方式与术后行走状态的相关性。结果 VAS评分由术前(6.4±1.2)分降至术后1周(2.3±1.1)分,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。KPS评分由术前平均62分上升至术后70分,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。56例患者术前可行走率(Frankel分级D级及以上)为46%(26/56),术后可行走率为75%(42/56)。术后4周31例患者Frankel分级提高,22例Frankel分级维持不变,3例Frankel分级下降。术后Frankel分级较术前明显提高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。回归分析示术后行走状态与术前行走状态和发生运动功能损伤与手术间隔期存在相关性。结论术前行走状态好、发生运动功能损伤与手术间隔期短的肺癌MSCC患者术后行走状态好,有症状的肺癌MSCC患者应当在减少并发症的前提下尽早接受手术治疗。     

Comparison of Nurick grading system and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system in evaluation of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between Nurick grade and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores in the preoperative and postoperative follow-up evaluation of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). This retrospective study included 93 patients with CSM who underwent central corpectomy (CC) between 1998 and 2008. Preoperative and postoperative Nurick grade and total mJOA (tmJOA) and lower limb mJOA (llmJOA) score of each patient was documented and the correlation between the Nurick grades and the mJOA scores was studied. At presentation and follow-up, correlation between Nurick grade and llmJOA (Spearman’s ρ 0.901 and 0.886) was better than with tmJOA (0.846 and 0.862). The Nurick grade recovery rate (NGRR) correlated better with the llmJOARR than with tmJOARR (Spearman’s ρ 0.840 and 0.793, respectively). Overall, the correlation of preoperative and follow-up scores and recovery rates was better in patients with moderate myelopathy than in those with mild or severe myelopathy. At follow-up, 78/93 (83.9%) patients had improved in their Nurick grades, whereas 88/93 (94.6%) had improved in their tmJOA scores and 73/93 (78.5%) in their llmJOA scores. Although Nurick grade and llmJOA had good correlation preoperatively, at follow-up evaluation after surgery, there was disagreement in 11.8% (11/93) patients. One of the major reasons for the discrepancy between the Nurick scale and the llmJOA at follow-up evaluation was the ability of patients to regain employment without an improvement in the llmJOA score. As disease-specific scales, both Nurick scale and mJOA score should be utilized in the evaluation of patients with CSM.     

Prognostic value of changes in spinal cord signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy

Background contextSignal intensity on preoperative cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord has been shown to be a potential predictor of outcome of surgery for cervical compressive myelopathy. However, the prognostic value of such signal remains controversial. One reason for the controversy is the lack of proper quantitative methods to assess MRI signal intensity.PurposeTo quantify signal intensity and to correlate intramedullary signal changes on MRI T1- and T2-weighted images (WIs) with clinical outcome and prognosis.Study designRetrospective case study.Patient samplePatients (n=148; cervical spondylotic myelopathy, n=102 and ossified posterior longitudinal ligament, n=46) who underwent surgery for cervical compressive myelopathy and had high signal intensity change on sagittal T2-WI MRI before surgery between 2006 and 2010.Outcome measureNeurologic assessment was conducted with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system for cervical myelopathy. The rate of neurologic improvement was calculated with the use of preoperative and postoperative JOA scores.MethodsQuantitative analysis of MRI signal on both T1- and T2-WIs via use of the signal intensity ratio (SIR; signal intensity of lesion relative to that at C7-T1 disc level) was performed. Correlations between SIR on T1- and T2-WIs and preoperative JOA score, JOA improvement rate, disease duration, and MRI morphologic classification (cystic or diffuse type) were analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis for JOA improvement rate was also analyzed. In a substudy, 25 patients underwent follow-up MRI starting from 6 months after surgery to analyze the relationship between changes in SIR on follow-up MRI and clinical outcome.ResultsSIR on T1-WIs, but not SIR on T2-WIs, correlated with postoperative neurologic improvement. The disease duration correlated negatively with SIR on T1-WIs and JOA improvement rate but not with SIR on T2-WIs. SIR on T2-WIs of “cystic type” was significantly greater than of “diffuse type,” but SIR on T1-WI and JOA improvement rate were not different in the two types. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis indicated that SIR on T1-WIs and long disease duration were significant predictors of postoperative neurologic outcome. SIR on follow-up T1-WI and changes in SIR on T1-WI after surgery correlated positively with postoperative improvement rate. SIR on follow-up T2-WI and changes on T2-WI correlated negatively with postoperative neurologic improvement.ConclusionsOur results suggest that low intensity signal on preoperative T1-WIs but not T2-WIs correlated with poor postoperative neurologic outcome. Furthermore, decreased signal intensity on postoperative T1-WIs and increased signal intensity on postoperative T2-WIs are predictors of poor neurologic outcome.     

伴颈神经根病的无症状颈椎退变性脊髓压迫的治疗

目的探讨伴颈神经根病的无症状颈椎退变性脊髓压迫(asymptomatic spondylotic cervical cord compression,A-SCCC)的治疗。方法回顾分析本院2009年6月~2012年6月收治的34例伴颈神经根病的A-SCCC患者病例资料,患者入院后先接受系统的非手术治疗,如果神经功能无缓解或加重,则行手术治疗,收集患者一般情况及影像学资料,于治疗前后不同时间点通过日本骨科学会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分评价临床治疗效果。结果34例患者平均随访4个月,其中23例经非手术治疗获得不同程度的改善;11例改善不明显,其中8例改手术治疗,3例患者继续非手术治疗(2例症状逐渐缓解,1例出现脊髓病临床表现)。治疗后及随访期间非手术组与手术组患者JOA评分均较治疗前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论多数伴颈神经根病的A-SCCC患者经过系统非手术治疗后病情可以缓解,部分仍需手术治疗,伴颈神经根病或脊髓高信号的A-SCCC不必预防性手术,但需密切观察病情变化。     

Mild diabetes is not a contraindication for surgical decompression in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: results of the AOSpine North America multicenter prospective study (CSM)

Background contextCervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a chronic spinal cord disease and can lead to progressive or stepwise neurologic decline. Several factors may influence this process, including extent of spinal cord compression, duration of symptoms, and medical comorbidities. Diabetes is a systemic disease that can impact multiple organ systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. There has been little information regarding the effect of diabetes on patients with coexistent CSM.PurposeTo provide empirical data regarding the effect of diabetes on treatment outcomes in patients who underwent surgical decompression for coexistent CSM.Study design/settingLarge prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with and without diabetes who underwent decompressive surgery for CSM.Patient sampleTwo hundred thirty-six patients without and 42 patients with diabetes were enrolled. Of these, 37 were mild cases and five were moderate cases. Four required insulin. There were no severe cases associated with end-organ damage.Outcome measuresSelf-report measures include Neck Disability Index and version 2 of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2), and functional measures include modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score and Nurick grade.MethodsWe compared presurgery symptoms and treatment outcomes between patients with and without diabetes using univariate and multivariate models, adjusting for demographics and comorbidities.ResultsDiabetic patients were older, less likely to smoke, and more likely to be on social security disability insurance. Patients with diabetes presented with a worse Nurick grade, but there were no differences in mJOA and SF-36v2 at presentation. Overall, there was a significant improvement in all outcome parameters at 12 and 24 months. There was no difference in the level of improvement between the patients with and without diabetes, except in the SF-36v2 Physical Functioning, in which diabetic patients experienced significantly less improvement. There were no differences in surgical complication rates between diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients.ConclusionsExcept for a worse Nurick grade, diabetes does not seem to affect severity of symptoms at presentation for surgery. More importantly, with the exception of the SF-36v2 Physical Functioning scores, outcomes of surgical treatment are similar in patients with diabetes and without diabetes. Surgical decompression is effective and should be offered to patients with diabetes who have symptomatic CSM and are appropriate surgical candidates.     

Spinal cord injury in cervical spinal stenosis by minor trauma

BackgroundThe size of the spinal canal is a factor that contributes to the neurologic deficits associated with cervical OPLL and CSM. We investigate the development of neurologic deterioration after minor trauma and the clinical results of decompressive surgery in cervical spinal stenosis retrospectively.MethodWe treated 200 cases (98 cervical OPLLs and 102 CSMs) of cervical spinal stenosis for 8 years. There were 63 (33.5%) minor trauma cases to the cervical spine in 200 patients. Of these 63 patients, 18 developed myelopathy, 13 showed deterioration of preexisting myelopathy, and no neurologic change was observed in 32 patients. The neurologic status was assessed by the JOA score. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the residual cervical spinal canal diameter: group I (<10 mm cervical spinal canal) and group II (≥10 mm cervical spinal canal).ResultsNeurologic outcome depended on the diameter of the residual spinal canal; 22 of the 25 patients in group I developed neurologic deterioration, whereas that occurred in 8 of the 38 patients in group II (P < .05). After surgical decompression, 8 patients in group I and 30 patients in group II came out with an improved JOA score of more than 50% (P < .05).ConclusionEven indirect minor trauma to the neck can cause irreversible changes in the spinal cord if there is marked stenosis of the cervical spinal canal. It may be beneficial to check lateral radiograph of the cervical spine as a screening tool for early detection of cervical spinal stenosis especially in Asian people older than 40 years.     

非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的多因素分析

目的 :探讨影响非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的因素。方法 :回顾性分析2009年1月至2012年12月接受非手术治疗的122例无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤患者的临床资料,其中男84例,女38例;平均年龄(52.37±13.27)岁(18~83岁)。选择年龄、性别、受伤原因、受伤至治疗时间、脊髓损伤ASIA分级、MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、椎间盘突出节段、椎间盘韧带复合体损伤、大剂量甲基强的松龙冲击治疗12个可能对非手术治疗预后产生影响的因素,应用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析,研究其对预后的影响。结果:单因素分析显示MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、椎间盘突出节段及脊髓损伤ASIA分级均对预后有显著影响(P均0.05)。进一步行多因素分析,按照其作用强度,影响预后的主要因素依次为:MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、脊髓损伤ASIA分级(P均0.05)。结论 :影响非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的主要因素是MRI脊髓损伤类型及范围,同时与有效椎管率、椎间盘突出程度及脊髓损伤ASIA分级相关。对于选择非手术治疗需谨慎,仅适用MRI检查提示脊髓信号无改变或水肿程度轻且范围局限者,其余则建议积极手术治疗。     

颈前路手术治疗双节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效及预后因素分析

目的：探讨双节段脊髓型颈椎病的前路手术疗效及可能的预后因素。方法：回顾性分析2007年6月至2009年9月手术治疗并获得随访的双节段脊髓型颈椎病患者44例,其中男24例,女20例;年龄39～80岁,平均（60.07±10.77）岁;病程1～120个月,平均（27.14±38.97）个月;病变累及椎间隙为C3,4-C6,7。分别测量颈椎弧度改善值和融合节段椎体高度的增加值,以及术前颈髓最大受压部位的矢径和T2加权像的信号强度改变。按JOA评分（17分制）法评定患者术前及术后随访时的神经功能状况。手术方式采用颈前路椎体次全切钛网植骨融合内固定术与颈前路椎体次全切植骨融合内固定术。对JOA评分改善率与可能的预后因素进行统计学分析。结果：颈椎弧度改善值为-9.1°～16.6°,平均（1.30±5.77）°。融合节段椎体高度增加值为-0.3～12.3mm,平均（4.23±3.08）mm。术前颈髓最大受压部位的矢径为1.6～7.2mm,平均（4.01±1.25）mm。T2加权像出现高信号改变者29例,无变化者15例。手术出血量50～700ml,平均（242.05±148.22）ml。手术时间90～250min,平均（153.75±34.54）min。44例患者均获得随访,平均（17.18±7.41）个月（6～31个月）。JOA评分术前（12.73±2.23）分,末次随访（15.09±1.91）分,术后平均改善率（60.01±26.98）%,优16例,良12例,可15例,差1例。经统计学分析,手术疗效与患者年龄、病程、术前JOA评分、颈髓最大受压部位矢径和T2加权像颈髓信号强度改变密切相关,而与手术出血量、手术时间、颈椎弧度改善值及融合节段椎体高度增加值无关。结论：双节段脊髓型颈椎病可通过前路手术得到良好的治疗效果,颈髓受压程度可作为脊柱外科医师预判手术疗效最为直观可靠的因素。