Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “LORDOSIS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,063 records · Page 59Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Is the sagittal configuration of the cervical spine changed in women with chronic whiplash syndrome? A comparative computer-assisted radiographic assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal whether women with chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) symptoms, grade I-II, demonstrate regional and/or segmental radiographic signs of altered cervical lordosis. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Radiography department at a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Three age-balanced groups comprising 120 women. The case group included women with chronic whiplash syndrome (n = 41), and the control group included women with chronic insidious onset neck pain (n = 39) and an asymptomatic group (n = 40), who were given baseline data. The sample was referred from informed doctors and physiotherapists. INTERVENTION: The women sat in a standardized sitting position and radiographs were taken in a lateral position with fluoroscopic control for alignment. OUTCOME MEASURES: Two distinct measurements were taken; 1 of the angles of the upper and lower cervical curvatures, respectively, and 1 of the angles between the inferior borders of each pair of vertebrae in the lower cervical spine. The 3 groups were compared on the ratio of the lower to upper cervical spine angles and on the mean angular values for each segment in the cervical spine. RESULTS: The whiplash group showed a decreased ratio between the lower versus upper cervical spine but comparisons between groups were not statistically significant. The whiplash group was in a significantly more flexed position at the C4-C5 level compared with the asymptomatic group (P =.007). The reliability measures have to be strengthened to render these results definitely conclusive. CONCLUSION: The whiplash group exhibited a different configuration of cervical lordosis. This is clinically important and needs to be studied more closely.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The longitudinal axis rotation of the apical vertebra, the vertebral, spinal, and rib cage deformity in idiopathic scoliosis studied by computer tomography.

The correlation between the lateral curve, the location and the length of the curve, and the longitudinal axis rotation of the apical vertebra has been studied in 65 patients with idiopathic scoliosis using computer-assisted tomography. This method provides the opportunity to describe the relationship between the rib hump, the longitudinal axis rotation, the lateral curve, and the kyphosis-lordosis with exceedingly small radiation doses. The vertebral rotation was found to be correlated to the lateral curve but not to the location of the length of the curve. The longitudinal axis rotation of the vertebrae is the most important factor for the development of the rib hump which is further accentuated by increased lordosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

The relationship between anthropometric, postural, muscular, and mobility characteristics of males ages 18-55.

Three hundred twenty-one males, ages 18-55, had standardized tests to determine height, weight, Davenport Index, leg length inequality, determination of flexion and extension torques, flexion/extension balance, range of motion, straight leg raising, and lumbar lordosis. A total of 106 (33.0%) had never experienced low-back symptoms; 144 (44.9%) had or were having moderate low-back pain (LBP); and 71 (22.1%) had or were having severe low-back symptoms. These three subgroups showed no significant differences in height, weight, Davenport Index, lumbar lordosis, or leg length inequalities. LBP patients had less flexor and extensor strength and were flexor overpowered, had diminished range of motion for spinal extension and axial rotation (P = 0.003, P = 0.0005), and diminished straight leg raising capacity (P = 0.04). A multivariate correlation matrix demonstrated no typical pattern of associated abnormalities except a diminished spinal range of motion in one plane was associated with the anticipated diminishment in all other planes of motion, and often with greater restrictions of straight leg raising tests.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Roentgenographic findings of the cervical spine in asymptomatic people.

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of degenerative changes seen on lateral roentgenograms in 200 asymptomatic men and women in five age groups with an age range of 20-65 years and to determine the normal values of cervical lordosis and spinal canal sagittal diameters and their relationship to degenerative changes. It was found that by age 60-65, 95% of the men and 70% of the women had at least one degenerative change on their roentgenograms. A small sagittal diameter correlated with the presence of degenerative changes at the same disc level, and the strongest correlation was with the size of the posterior osteophytes at C5-6 (r = 0.52). Cervical lordosis measurements did not relate to degenerative changes except for subjects over age 50 with moderate or severe intervertebral narrowing. It is important to realize that although roentgenographic abnormalities represent structural changes in the spine, they do not necessarily cause symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Correlations of spinal mobility with degree of chronic low back pain after correction for age and anthropometric factors.

Correlations of age, height, weight, lordosis, and kyphosis with noninvasive spinal mobility measurements were studied in 301 men and 175 women, aged 35-55 years, who suffered from chronic or recurrent low back pain (LBP). Correlations of the different spinal movements with the degree of LBP were analyzed, with corrections for these relationships. Age had significant indirect correlations with most of the mobility measurements, but the effect of height was minor. Weight had considerable negative correlations with the mobility measurements, except lateral flexion. Lordosis and kyphosis had significant relationships with mobility in the sagittal and frontal planes. Correction for the factors analyzed only slightly reduced the correlations between spinal mobility and LPB. Thoracolumbar mobility had higher correlations with LBP than mobility of the lumbar spine. Thoracal spinal mobility alone also correlated with LBP. Lateral flexion and rotation, except for rotation in women, had stronger relationships than forward flexion and extension with LBP.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The natural history of the cervical foramen in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals aged 20-60 years as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. A descriptive approach.

STUDY DESIGN: This study was intended to identify normal degenerative morphologic evolution in the bony foramen in asymptomatic subjects by decade in comparison with symptomatic subjects of like decades. OBJECTIVES: To determine normal degenerative changes in the cervical spine caused by the aging process that predispose a person to foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical radiculopathy is a common problem caused by degenerative changes as people age. The characteristics of the foramen that result in stenosis are not known. METHODS: Five to six symptomatic and asymptomatic people in each decade volunteered for magnetic resonance imaging. Lordosis, disc heights, and ratio of spinal cord diameter to spinal canal diameter were measured at C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7 from sagittal magnetic resonance images. Foraminal heights, widths, and areas were measured at the isthmus of the same foramen from oblique images. RESULTS: Foraminal heights, widths, and areas were larger in asymptomatic patients than in symptomatic patients. Morphologic analysis showed that inferior facet hypertrophy tended to decrease the width of the foramen in aging people. Disc heights, lordosis, and ratio of spinal cord diameter to spinal canal diameter showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Foraminal height affects overall foraminal area but tends to change little with age. Width also affects overall area and not only decreases in older people but also significantly affects the available area for the exiting nerve root.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Stability of myelomeningocele spines treated with the mayfield two-stage anterior and posterior fusion technique.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of the results of operative treatment for paralytic thoracolumbar lordoscoliosis in six consecutive myelomeningocele patients treated with the Mayfield two-stage combined anterior and posterior fusion and instrumentation technique. OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term stability of myelomeningocele spines treated with the Mayfield technique. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: An initial description of the technique by Mayfield and an early study of the evolution of the two-stage combined anterior and posterior instrumented fusion of paralytic lordoscoliosis in myelomeningocele spines are available. METHODS: Study of the six individual patients showed that the mean age at the time of surgery was 13 years and 8 months (range, 9 years 9 months to 15 years 10 months). At the time of surgery, the major lumbosacral curve averaged 81 degrees (range, 52-137 degrees ), pelvic obliquity was 28 degrees (range, 1-48 degrees ), torso decompensation was 2.8 cm (range, 0-6.0 cm), thoracic kyphosis was 60 degrees (range, 25-93 degrees ), lumbar lordosis was 106 degrees (range, 55-151 degrees ), and sacral anteflexion was 78 degrees (range, 22-117 degrees ). The mean duration of follow-up evaluation was 13 years 5 months (range, 8 years 10 months to 16 years 11 months). RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic evaluation showed that immediately after surgery, the lumbosacral curve was corrected to an average of 25 degrees and at last follow-up evaluation was 25 degrees, for a final correction of 69%. Pelvic obliquity was corrected to 7 degrees, 5 degrees at last follow-up evaluation, for a 82% correction. Torso decompensation was corrected to 1.4 cm initially and finally to 0.3 cm, for an 89% correction. Kyphosis was corrected to 52 degrees, finally to 50 degrees (17% decrease); lordosis to 73 degrees and finally to 67 degrees (37 degrees decrease); and sacral anteflexion corrected to 51 degrees and finally to 56 degrees (28% decrease). In one patient, the tip of the longest rod displaced from the uppermost hook and was replaced with maintenance of correction. Another patient had dehiscence of the pelvic portion of the posterior wound, with secondary bacterial contamination, and healed by secondary intention. CONCLUSIONS: The Mayfield technique effectively corrected and stabilized these difficult myelomeningocele spinal deformities, using distraction against square-holed hooks seated on the sacral alae, which contain the best-quality bone in these hypoplastic pelves.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

T-Saw laminoplasty for the management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy: clinical and radiographic outcome.

STUDY DESIGN: Independent evaluation of 18 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent threadwire T-saw laminoplasty. OBJECTIVES: Assess the efficacy of midline T-saw laminoplasty in non-Japanese patients based on clinical and radiographic criteria. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinous process-splitting laminoplasty has been well accepted in Japan. The results in non-Japanese patients are unknown. METHODS: A single physician performed independent clinical and radiographic evaluations at latest follow-up (mean, 24 months). In addition to a patient self-assessment questionnaire, objective measures included physical examination, Pavlov's ratio, sagittal canal diameter (by computed tomography), cord compression index, cervical lordosis, range of motion, and complications. RESULTS: Progression of myelopathy was arrested in all patients. Patients reported improvement in strength (78%), dexterity (67%), numbness (83%), pain (83%), and gait (67%). Bowel and bladder compromise resolved in five of six patients. The mean Nurick score improved from 2.7 to 0.9 (P < 0.001), and the mean Robinson pain score improved from 2.0 to 0.89 (P = 0.002). No patient required narcotic analgesics at latest follow-up compared with eight before laminoplasty. Objectively, 68% of patients with motor weakness regained normal strength (P = 0.001), whereas 50% regained normal sensation (P = 0.003). Radiographic canal expansion was verified by a statistically significant increase in the mean Pavlov ratio and osseous sagittal computed tomographic measurements. The mean cord compression index improved from 0.49 to 0.61 (P = 0.01). There was no significant change in mean cervical lordosis. Graft dislodgment or segmental instability did not occur. Complications included: infection (n = 1) and persistent postoperative motor root lesion at C5 (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: T-saw laminoplasty appears to be a safe and effective method of arresting the progression of myelopathy and allowing marked functional improvement in most patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. [Key Words: cervical spine, decompression, laminoplasty, myelopathy, spondylosis]

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Relationship between functional evaluation measures and self-assessment in nonacute low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: The correlations between objective biomechanical indicators of function and self-assessment scores were examined retrospectively for 91 subjects with nonacute low back pain. OBJECTIVES: To examine the correlation between self-assessment, trunk range of motion (ROM), velocity, and complex mechanical coordination patterns of the spine in nonacute low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In low back pain, there is often little concordance between pain, physical impairment, and disability. Use of range of motion and velocity to enhance objectivity in impairment evaluations has been ineffectual. In this study, two hypotheses were examined: range of motion and velocity are controllable and inherently correlated with self-assessment; complex spinal coordination patterns such as range of lordosis cannot be controlled and are independent of self-assessment. METHODS: Self-assessment questionnaires were administered, and indexes of spinal motion and coordination were measured through skin marker kinematics. The correlation between self-assessments and biomechanical measures was determined. RESULTS: Self-assessments of function were significantly correlated with parameters prone to regulation: range of motion, velocity, and load lifted. In contrast, little correlation was found with measures of complex spinal coordination less susceptible to conscious or affective regulation, namely, range of lordosis and estimated segmental mobility. This effect was magnified with increased load. Self-assessment scores were significantly poorer among insurance referrals, regardless of functional status. CONCLUSIONS: Simple parameters of the functional examination, such as range of motion and velocity, are strongly correlated with cognitive state, and thus the information they supply is less than ideal. Complex spinal coordination is a better indicator of the degree of spinal dysfunction and enhances the process of differentiating between pain, disability, and functional impairment.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Radiographic spinal profile changes induced by cage design after posterior lumbar interbody fusion preliminary report of a study with wedged implants.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective comparative radiographic study between two geometrically varying implants utilized in single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) was performed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of 4 degrees wedged cages on postoperative lateral lumbar spinal profile. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The biomechanical and clinical importance of realigning the sagittal lumbar profile in surgical management of spinal instabilities is known. Wedged cages are therefore increasingly attaining popularity in PLIF. As yet the significance of wedged implants on postoperative sagittal spinal profile has not been assessed. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly assigned to two equal-sized groups. In one group rectangular cages and in the second group cages with a wedged design and an inclination of 4 degrees were implanted. Quantitative assessment of the lumbar spinal profile on standing neutral lateral radiographs was performed before surgery as well as 6 weeks and 12 months after surgery. Results were statistically compared. RESULTS: A significant improvement of lumbar sagittal profile after use of 4 degrees wedged compared with nonwedged cages was not found. The greatest effect on lumbar profile and segmental lordosis was observed in fusion of segment L4-L5 with 4 degrees wedged cages. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that normal sagittal alignment after single-level lumbar fusion can be achieved with rectangular and 4 degrees wedged cages. Although results after utilization of 4 degrees wedged cages do not significantly differ, these implants offer the surgeon one more sizing variation with which physiologic lumbar lordosis may be attained. The biomechanical implications of wedged implants on the rigidity of a fused segment remain to be analyzed.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Adult scoliosis: a quantitative radiographic and clinical analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective analysis of a consecutive series of adult patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis of the adult and de novo degenerative scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: To clinically and radiographically study two populations of adult patients with either adolescent idiopathic scoliosis of the adult or de novo degenerative scoliosis in a quantitative manner to identify reliable radiographic parameters that correlate with clinical symptoms. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: Although there are many causes of spinal deformity in the adult, there are two main categories of adult scoliosis: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis of the adult and de novo degenerative scoliosis. Unlike pediatric scoliosis, in adults there are no established radiographic parameters or classification systems that reliably provide a clinical correlation or offer a useful language for communication among specialists. This study gathered complete clinical and radiographic information on 95 patients with adult scoliosis and established several radiographic parameters that correlated with clinical symptoms. METHODS: Each of the 95 patients completed a clinical questionnaire that included a self-reported visual analog scale and underwent full-length standing anteroposterior and lateral radiography. Radiographic analysis was performed by use of digital analysis and included measurement of the Cobb angle, the number of vertebrae in each curve, plumbline offset from T1 to the midsacral line, the upper endplate obliquities of L3 and L4, and maximal lateral olisthy between two adjacent lumbar vertebrae. Sagittal plane measurements included lumbar lordosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis, and the Sagittal Pelvic Tilt Index. Statistical analysis of both radiographic and clinical parameters of pain was performed to determine any significant correlations between the two. RESULTS: This study showed that lateral vertebral olisthy, L3 and L4 endplate obliquity angles, lumbar lordosis, and thoracolumbar kyphosis were significantly correlated with pain. CONCLUSION: This quantitative analysis identified several clinically relevant radiographic parameters in adult scoliosis patients. Additionally, excellent predictive formulas for self-reported pain levels were obtained.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Clinical outcome results of pedicle subtraction osteotomy in ankylosing spondylitis with kyphotic deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was performed in 45 patients with ankylosing spondylitis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcomes of decancellation pedicle subtraction extension osteotomy in ankylosing spondylitis patients with severe fixed kyphotic deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There have been several studies regarding correction of kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis. However, most of them concern surgical technique. There have been no reports concerning clinical results of decancellation pedicle subtraction osteotomy in ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: The kyphotic deformity was corrected by a one-stage pedicle subtraction extension osteotomy. Radiographic assessment for sagittal balance was performed by measuring thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, distance between the vertical line on anterosuperior point of T1 and that of S1, and sacral inclination. Chin brow-vertical angle was measured on the preoperative and postoperative clinical photograph of patients. Clinical outcomes were assessed by questionnaire measuring changes in physical function, indoor activity, outdoor activity, psychosocial activity, pain, and patient satisfaction with surgery. RESULTS: Final follow-up radiograph showed an increase in lumbar lordosis from 10 degrees to 44 degrees (an increase of 34 degrees), whereas thoracic kyphosis remained stable from 50 degrees to 54 degrees. Sagittal imbalance significantly improved from 94 to 8 mm, whereas sacral inclination increased from 8 degrees to 24 degrees. The chin brow-vertical angle was 32.0 degrees before surgery and 0.9 degrees after surgery. Satisfactory clinical outcome was achieved; however, clinical improvements did not correlate with changes in radiologic measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients maintained good correction and had good clinical results. Based on the results of this study, pedicle subtraction extension osteotomy is effective for correction of kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Natural History of Untreated Scoliosis in beta-Thalassemia.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was performed. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the natural history of untreated scoliosis in beta-thalassemia patients in a 10-year period. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Several previous studies have demonstrated the bone deformities, particularly the high incidence of scoliosis, that is associated with beta-thalassemia. However, little is known about the evolution of scoliosis curvatures, and almost nothing is known about the natural history of this type of scoliosis and its associated lateral spinal curvatures. METHODS: From a group of 115 patients with beta-thalassemia who were evaluated for scoliosis 10 years ago, 43 patients (37%) were re-evaluated 10 years later to study the evolution of the untreated scoliosis and lateral spinal curvatures. Scoliosis, thoracic kyphosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis were measured both in the initial and last observation and were compared with each other. All changes in scoliosis curve location, direction, and rate of resolving, as well as the changes in the magnitude of the lateral spine curves, were recorded. RESULTS: Scoliosis curves of more than 5 degrees were present in 34 (79%) of the 43 patients who were followed. Scoliosis progressed but was not statistically significant in 12% of the patients with thalassemia in a 10-year span. Ten years ago, 12 patients (28%) showed scoliosis of 10 degrees to 14 degrees, whereas in the last evaluation, 15 patients (35%) had scoliosis of 10 degrees to 19 degrees. The S-shaped scoliosis curve pattern was the most common (29%). In 10 years, the scoliosis curve pattern remained unchanged in 38% of the patients, and it changed in 38%, whereas 24% of the minor curves (5-9 degrees ) showed spontaneous "self-resolving" character. In the last evaluation, there were seven patients (16%) with new cases of scoliosis de novo. There was no sex-related predominance in prevalence of scoliosis in this series. There was a significant skeletal mature retardation in the patients with beta-thalassemia. There was a significant increase of thoracic and thoracolumbar kyphosis and a decrease of lumbar lordosis. The changes in the sagittal profile were not correlated to scoliosis in this group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Scoliosis in beta-thalassemia appeared with increased prevalence but with small curves of 5 degrees to 19 degrees that did not need active orthopedic treatment. However, a few cases progressed to curves less than 20 degrees, and only one patient (2.9%) showed a severe curve that showed much progression. The behavior of scoliosis in beta-thalassemia differs significantly from that in idiopathic scoliosis. The skeletal disorders that are caused by this hematologic dysfunction seem to be responsible for the spinal deformities and their evolution.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

C1-C2 posterior fusion in growing patients: long-term follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients undergoing C1-C2 posterior fusion during childhood was undertaken. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the change in the sagittal curvature of the cervical spine in children after C1-C2 posterior fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There have been only a few reports on postoperative changes in the sagittal curvature of the cervical spine after C1-C2 posterior fusion in children. However, they have all described the onset of sagittal postoperative cervical deformities. METHODS: Between January 1977 and December 1992, a total of 12 children underwent C1-C2 posterior fusion for atlantoaxial instability resulting from congenital malformation in eight, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in one, and rotatory subluxation in three. The average age at the time of surgery was 10.9 years (range 7-12 years). All children underwent a similar treatment program with gradual preoperative reduction in halo cast, followed by C1-C2 posterior fusion with Mersilene loops in two cases, wiring in eight (Gallie's or Brooks' techniques), and interlaminar clamps in the remaining two. The halo cast made it possible to avoid a hyperextended or hyperflexed C1-C2 position while performing the atlantoaxial fusion, thus ensuring a more anatomic position during C1-C2 fusion. In the postoperative period, the halo cast was maintained for 7 to 9 weeks. RESULTS Follow-up ranged from 7 years to 13 years. Preoperative alignment of the cervical spine was classified into two groups: lordosis (eight patients) and straight (four patients). Postoperative subaxial malalignment (kyphosis) occurred in four cases (33%): these patients showed evidence of spontaneous and gradual sagittal improvement and presented either a straight (two cases) or a lordotic (two cases) cervical spine at follow-up. Immediately after surgery, the cervical spine was normally aligned in the remaining eight patients (lordosis and straight alignment in six and two cases, respectively) and was unchanged at follow-up. At follow-up, none of the 12 patients had a cervical deformity on sagittal plane. CONCLUSION: In children, a spontaneous realignment of the subaxial kyphosis observed after C1-C2 posterior fusion can be noted at follow-up, when a postoperative deformity occurs (33% in the present series). According to the present findings, it is not always mandatory to perform occipitocervical fusion in children with atlantoaxial instability just to prevent subaxial deformity in the cervical spine.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Palsy of the C5 nerve root after midsagittal-splitting laminoplasty of the cervical spine.

STUDY DESIGN: The imaging characteristics of postoperative C5 nerve root palsy after midsagittal-splitting laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy, including those observed on plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, were analyzed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the imaging findings that predict occurrence of C5 nerve root palsy after midsagittal-splitting laminoplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There have been several reports on imaging findings for postoperative nerve root palsy after open-door laminoplasty. However, there have been no detailed reports on imaging characteristics that predict the occurrence of nerve root palsy after midsagittal-splitting laminoplasty. METHODS: The study included 45 consecutive patients undergoing midsagittal-splitting laminoplasty with sufficient pre- and postoperative imaging examinations: 27 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), 14 patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), and 4 patients with cervical disc herniation. Characteristics of pre- and postoperative plain radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images were compared between the patients with and those without C5 nerve root palsy. RESULTS: Palsy of the C5 nerve root developed in 4 patients, and did not develop in 41 patients. Of the four patients with C5 nerve root palsy, one had CSM and the other three had OPLL. The incidence of C5 nerve root palsy involved 3 of 14 patients with OPLL patients (21.4%) and 1 of 31 patients without OPLL (3.2%) (P = 0.08). For both diseases, the patients with palsy tended to have increased postoperative cervical lordosis (P = 0.21). As for anterior compression on the spinal cord at C3, the P value for the comparison between the group with and the group without palsy was 0.07 for preoperative compression and 0.01 for postoperative compression. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary data suggest that patients who have OPLL with marked anterior compression on spinal cord at C3 can be at risk for postoperative C5 nerve root palsy after midsagittal-splitting laminoplasty. Also, a postoperative increase in cervical lordosis may be the cause of postoperative nerve root palsy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Sagittal plane deformity in the thoracic spine: a clue to the presence of syringomyelia as a cause of scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of scoliosis radiographs of 93 patients with either idiopathic scoliosis or syringomyelia-associated scoliosis were assessed, defining their sagittal alignment. OBJECTIVE: To validate an observation regarding the absence of Dickson's sagittal deformity of the thoracic spine in patients with syringomyelia-associated scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have a classic sagittal deformity. Dickson described that patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have an associated lordotic deformity at the apex of their coronal deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective reviews of standard scoliosis series radiographs of 93 patients with idiopathic or syringomyelia-associated scoliosis from two institutions were compared. Particular attention was given to the lateral radiograph of the spine assessing presence or absence of Dickson's apical lordosis. Nine patients had to be excluded because of inadequate imaging. The study group consisted of 30 patients with scoliosis from TSRH with documented syringomyelia identified between 1985 and 1997. The demographic and radiographic features of this group were compared with those of a control group consisting of a consecutive series of 54 patients from HSS with adolescent idiopathic and normal MRI. The groups were comparable for age (mean age: control 13 y; syrinx 12 y) and curve pattern but differed in curve magnitude (mean Cobb: control 50 degrees; syrinx 40 degrees ). RESULTS: Apical lordosis was present in 97% of patient with AIS and a normal MRI but was absent in 75% of patients with syringomyelia-associated scoliosis (P < 0.0001). The results also confirmed that male patients with scoliosis and left-side curves have a predisposition to having a syringomyelia (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal plane deformity in scoliosis can be an indicator of the presence of a syringomyelia. Our results reinforce the necessity of assessing sagittal plane deformity when treating scoliosis. If apical lordotic deformity is absent, a diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis should be made with caution.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Backpacks, back pain, sagittal spinal curves and trunk alignment in adolescents: a logistic and multinomial logistic analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using logistic and multinomial logistic analysis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of backpack carrying on spinal profile shoulder and trunk. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: No similar investigations. METHODS: A randomly selected sample of 1263 students aged 12-18 years were asked for dorsal (DP) and low back pain (LBP) during the school period and holidays. Debrunner's Kyphometer and Scoliometer were used to measure craniocervical angle (CCA), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and shoulder shift (BL). Upper trunk shift from plumbline were recorded. RESULTS: Girls suffer from DP more often and of much more intensity pain than boys in school period and in holidays. Backpack carrying decreased CCA and changed shoulder and upper trunk shift. Asymmetrically backpack carrying increased DP and LBP. BL-shift increased DP. DP and LBP increased with coronal trunk shift. Sagittal trunk shift increased LBP. Asymmetrically carrying of backpacks increased back pain and shoulder shift in holidays. Coronal trunk shift while carrying backpacks asymmetrically increased back pain in holidays. Asymmetric backpack carrying is associated with high intensity pain. Frontal trunk shift is associated with high intensity pain. CONCLUSION: Backpack carrying, particularly asymmetrically, results in shift of upper trunk and shoulder and cervical lordosis, which furthermore seem to increase back pain in school period and holidays. Symmetric backpack carrying is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Complete bilateral agenesis of the ilium in a 7-year-old ambulatory girl: case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A 7-year-old ambulatory girl with complete bilateral agenesis of the ilium is reported. OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical evolution and the spino-pelvic balance of a girl with bilateral agenesis of the ilium. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Scapuloiliac dysostosis is a rare focal skeletal dysplasia consisting in hypoplasia of ilium and scapula. METHODS: A 7-year-old girl with a short stature was referred to our clinic at 35 months of age for an asymptomatic lumbar hyperlordosis. She presented a waddling gait, and normal range of motion of her upper and lower limbs. The neurologic examination was within normal limits. RESULTS: Initial radiographs at 35 months of age showed complete bilateral agenesis of the ilium with preservation of the pubis, ischium, and sacrum, associated with a bilateral high hip dislocation. The lumbar lordosis and sacral slope were 89 degrees and 84 degrees, respectively. A radiographic skeletal survey also showed hypoplasia of both scapulae. At 7 years old, the girl was fully ambulatory, with a waddling gait and had no pain. The sacral slope and lumbar lordosis have increased to 97 degrees and 97 degrees, respectively. There was no evidence of spondylolisthesis. So far, the patient has required no treatment for her condition. CONCLUSION: This article reports a unique case of scapuloiliac dysostosis with complete bilateral agenesis of the ilium in an ambulatory girl. This case indicates that a functional gait is possible with bilateral congenital absence of the ilium, provided that there is adequate muscular support and normal neurologic function.

Child↗