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Purpose Globally, spine disorders are the leading cause of disability, affecting more than half a billion individuals. However, less than 50% of G20 countries specifically identify spine health within their public policy priorities. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among policy makers of the disabling effect of spine disorders and their impact on the economic welfare of G20 nations. In 2019, SPINE20 was established as the leading advocacy group to bring global attention to spine disorders. Methods Recommendations were developed through two Delphi methods with international and multi-professional panels. Results In 2022, seven recommendations were delivered to the leaders of G20 countries, urging them to: Develop action plans to provide universal access to evidence-based spine care that incorporates the needs of minorities and vulnerable populations. Invest in the development of sustainable human resource capacity, through multisectoral and inter-professional competency-based education and training to promote evidence-based approaches to spine care, and to build an appropriate healthcare working environment that optimizes the delivery of safe health services. Develop policies using the best available evidence to properly manage spine disorders and to prolong functional healthy life expectancy in the era of an aging population. Create a competent workforce and improve the healthcare infrastructure/facilities including equipment to provide evidence-based inter-professional rehabilitation services to patients with spinal cord injury throughout their continuum of care. Build collaborative and innovative translational research capacity within national, regional, and global healthcare systems for state-of-the-art and cost-effective spine care across the healthcare continuum ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion of all stakeholders. Develop international consensus statements on patient outcomes and how they can be used to define and develop pathways for value-based care. Recognize that intervening on determinants of health including physical activity, nutrition, physical and psychosocial workplace environment, and smoking-free lifestyle can reduce the burden of spine disabilities and improve the health status and wellness of the population. At the third SPINE20 summit 2022 which took place in Bali, Indonesia, in August 2022, 17 associations endorsed its recommendations. Conclusion SPINE20 advocacy efforts focus on developing public policy recommendations to improve the health, welfare, and wellness of all who suffer from spinal pain and disability. We propose that focusing on facilitating access to systems that prioritize value-based care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce will reduce disability and improve the productivity of the G20 nations.

Purpose The focus of SPINE20 is to develop evidence-based policy recommendations for the G20 countries to work with governments to reduce the burden of spine disease, and disability. Methods On September 17–18, 2021, SPINE20 held its annual meeting in Rome, Italy. Prior to the meeting, the SPINE20 created six proposed recommendations. These recommendations were uploaded to the SPINE20 website 10 days before the meeting and opened to the public for comments. The recommendations were discussed at the meeting allowing the participants to object and provide comments. Results In total, 27 societies endorsed the following recommendations. SPINE20 calls upon the G20 countries: (1) to expand telehealth for the access to spine care, especially in light of the current situation with COVID-19. (2) To adopt value-based interprofessional spine care as an approach to improve patient outcomes and reduce disability. (3) To facilitate access and invest in the development of a competent rehabilitation workforce to reduce the burden of disability related to spine disorders. (4) To adopt a strategy to promote daily physical activity and exercises among the elderly population to maintain an active and independent life with a healthy spine, particularly after COVID-19 pandemic. (5) To engage in capacity building with emerging countries and underserved communities for the benefit of spine patients. (6) To promote strategies to transfer evidence-based advances into patient benefit through effective implementation processes. Conclusions SPINE20’s initiatives will make governments and decision makers aware of efforts to reduce needless suffering from disabling spine pain through education that can be instituted across the globe.

Two main surgical approaches are available for fusing the sacroiliac joint (SIJ): an open or minimally invasive (MIS) approach. The purpose of this study was to analyze the associated total hospital charges and postoperative complications of the MIS and open approach. Using the 2016 and 2017 National Readmission Database, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 2521 patients who received a SIJ fusion with an open (N = 1990) or MIS (N = 531) approach for diagnosed sacrum pain, sacroiliitis, sacral instability, or spondylosis. Each cohort was analyzed for postoperative complications. We identified 604 patients diagnosed with sacrum pain, 1142 with sacroiliitis, 315 with spondylosis, and 288 with sacral instability. Patients who received the open approach for sacrum pain had significantly higher rates of novel post-procedural pain (p = 0.045) and novel lumbar pathology (p = 0.015) within 30 days. On 30-day follow-up, patients with sacroiliitis treated with open SIJ fusion had significantly higher rates of novel postprocedural pain compared to those treated with MIS fusion (p = 0.045). Patients who received the open approach for spondylosis resulted in significantly higher rates of non-elective readmission within 30 days compared to the MIS approach (p

This study aimed to analyse the trends and patterns of IVD degeneration in different age groups at each level of the thoracic spine. This cross-sectional MRI study included 1000 symptomatic patients who had undergone upright thoracic spine MRI. A total of 13,000 thoracic IVDs from C7/T1 to T12/L1 were classified into five grades using Pfirrmann classification. Patients were divided according to their ages into five groups (n = 200/group). The severity and pattern of IVD degeneration were analysed in each age group. A predictive model of the severity and pattern of IVD degeneration in each age group was proposed. The total grade of IVD degeneration and the number of degenerated levels increased with increasing age (P

Anterior thoracolumbar (TL) surgical approaches provide more direct trajectories compared to posterior approaches. Proper patient selection is key in identifying populations that may benefit from anterior TL fusion. Here, we utilize predictive analytics to identify risk factors in anterior TL fusion in patients with trauma and deformity. In this retrospective cohort study of patients receiving anterior TL fusion (between and including T12/L1), population-based regression models were developed to identify risk factors using the National Readmission Database 2016–2017. Readmissions were analyzed at 30- and 90-day intervals. Risk factors included hypertension, obesity, malnutrition, smoking, alcohol use, long-term opioid use, and frailty. Multivariate regression models were developed to determine the influence of each risk factor on complication rates. A total of 265 and 375 patients were identified for the scoliosis and burst fracture cohorts, respectively. In patients with scoliosis, alcohol use was found to increase the length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.00061) and all-payer inpatient cost following surgery (p = 0.014), and frailty was found to increase the inpatient LOS (p = 0.0045). In patients with burst fractures, malnutrition was found to increase the LOS (p

To elucidate the effects of bisphosphonates on complications following posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) with a large database study. The PearlDiver Patient Record Database was queried to identify adult patients who had undergone posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). Those patient cohorts were divided based on a diagnosis of osteoporosis prior to surgery and bisphosphonate usage. This yielded three groups: Osteo+Bisph+, Osteo+Bisph−, and Osteo−Bisph−. The primary outcome of the present study was revision rates at 6 months and 1 year following surgery. Incidence of postoperative complications was analyzed, and statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson chi-square analysis. Patients taking bisphosphonates did not have significantly different rates of revision surgery at 6 months and 1 year, instrumentation complications, or post-vertebral fractures than patients not taking bisphosphonates. Additionally, osteoporotic patients did not have significantly different rates of these complications than patients without osteoporosis. Bisphosphonate usage did not significantly affect the rates of postoperative complications following posterior lumbar fusion. Further research is required to fully elucidate the effects of bisphosphonates on outcomes and complications following spine surgery.

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the multi-positional magnetic resonance imaging in measuring occipitocervical parameters using the standard cervical dynamic radiographs as a reference. Patients were included if they underwent both dynamic radiograph and cervical multi-positional MRI within a 2-week interval from January 2013 to December 2016. Twelve occipitocervical parameters were measured on both image modalities in all positions (neutral, flexion and extension): Posterior Atlanto-Dental Interval, Anterior Atlanto-Dental Interval (AADI), Dens-to-McRae distance, Dens-to-McGregor distance, Occipito-atlantal Cobb angle (C01 angle), Occipito-axis Cobb angle (C02 Cobb angle), Atlas-axis Cobb angle (C12 angle), Redlund-Johnell, Modified Ranawat, Clivus canal angle, Occiput inclination, and Occiput cervical distance. Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the correlation of both modalities for each parameter. A p value of 0.4) for Modified Ranawat, Clivus canal angle, C02 Cobb angle and C02 distance in all neck position. The intra-class correlation (ICC) of intra- and inter-observer showed good to excellent reliability, and ICCs were 0.67–0.98. Multi-positional MRI can be a reliable imaging option for diagnosis of occipitocervical instability or basilar invagination compared to standard dynamic radiographs.

As the population continues to age, the number of lumbar spine surgeries continues to increase. While there are many complications associated with lumbar surgeries, a myocardial infarction (MI) is a particularly devastating one. This complication is of considerable importance with mortality rates of postoperative MI documented between 26.5 and 70%. This study aimed to determine the relationship between lumbar surgeries, preoperative diagnoses (risk factors), and myocardial infarction.Data from the Humana database (PearlDiver) were analyzed from 2007 to 2016. Patients undergoing lumbar spine surgeries were identified and stratified based on procedural approach, patient demographics, and preoperative risk factors. Each group was analyzed to determine the incidence and relative risk. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the significance.A total of 105,505 patients who fit inclusion criteria were identified in the PearlDiver database between 2007 and 2016. A total of 644 patients (0.63%) experienced a postoperative myocardial infarction within 30 days of surgery. Patients undergoing fusion and non-fusion procedures showed significantly different rates of postoperative myocardial infarction (0.08% vs. 0.05%, p 0.01). Male patients, older patients, and patients with a Charlson comorbidity index 3 showed a considerable increase in incidence (p 0.01). Furthermore, patients with preoperative risk factors (high cholesterol, obesity, depression, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and hypotension) exhibited risk ratios from 0.01 to 1.85 (p 0.01).Preoperative risk factors, patient demographics, and procedure type had a significant effect on the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

To evaluate which cervical level is the most appropriate level to measure occipitocervical inclination (OCI). Sixty-two patients with multi-positional MRI: 24 males and 38 females, who had cervical lordosis and had a disk degeneration grade of 3 or less were included. We measured patient’s OCI at C3, C4, and C5, occipitocervical angle (OCA), occipitocervical distance (OCD), C2–7 angle, and cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) in neutral, flexion, and extension position. The correlation between OCI and OCA, OCD, C2–7 angle, and cSVA on each cervical level in all three positions was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. The difference between OCIs at each cervical level was tested by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. p value of less than 0.05 was set as a statistically significant level. C5 OCI showed statistically significant correlation with OCA, OCD, C2–7 angle, and cSVA in all three positions (p

It is a retrospective analysis of 1806 consecutive cervical magnetic resonance images taken in weight-bearing flexion, neutral, and extension positions.The aim was to identify the kinematic characteristics of patients with cervical imbalance. Additionally, factors were analysed in the neutral position that could predict the characteristics. Little is known about the kinematic characteristics during cervical flexion and extension positions of the patient with cervical imbalance (cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) in neutral position ≥ 40 mm).After evaluating the whole images, cervical imbalance group (cSVA ≥ 40 mm, n = 43) and matched control group ( 40 mm, n = 43) were created using propensity score adjusting for age, gender, and cervical alignment. They were compared for cervical motion, changes in disc bulge, and ligamentum flavum (LF) bulge from flexion to extension. Multinomial logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were calculated to verify the predictive factors and cut-off value of the identified characteristics.There were no significant differences in range of motion and the change in bulged discs. There was significant difference in the presence of LF bulge from flexion to extension (p = 0.023); the incidence of LF bulge increased sharply from neutral to extension in imbalance group, while there was linear increase in control group. The canal diameter (odds ratio = 0.61, p = 0.002) and disc height (odds ratio = 1.60, p = 0.041) showed significant relationship with the segments with LF bulge observed in extension but not in neutral position in the imbalance group; the cut-off values were 10.7 mm for canal diameter (sensitivity 82.5%, specificity 66.7%) and 7.1 mm for disc height (70.8%, 58.5%).Patients with cervical imbalance had a stark increase in LF bulge from the neutral to extension position. Canal diameter 10.7 mm and disc height 7.1 mm on neutral images may predict the segments with LF bulge observed in extension, but not in the neutral position.II (Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding). These slides can be retrieved from Electronic Supplementary Material.

The presence of Propionibacterium acnes in a substantial component of resected disc specimens obtained from patients undergoing discectomy or microdiscectomy has led to the suggestion that this prominent human skin and oral commensal may exacerbate the pathology of degenerative disc disease. This hypothesis, therefore, raises the exciting possibility that antibiotics could play an important role in treating this debilitating condition. To date, however, little information about antibiotic penetration into the intervertebral disc is available.Intervertebral disc tissue obtained from 54 microdiscectomy patients given prophylactic cefazolin (n = 25), clindamycin (n = 17) or vancomycin (n = 12) was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography, with cefaclor as an internal standard, to determine the concentration of antibiotic penetrating into the disc tissue.Intervertebral disc tissues from patients receiving the positively charged antibiotic clindamycin contained a significantly greater percentage of the antibacterial dose than the tissue from patients receiving negatively charged cefazolin (P 0.0001) and vancomycin, which has a slight positive charge (P 0.0001).Positively charged antibiotics appear more appropriate for future studies investigating potential options for the treatment of low-virulence disc infections. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

The cross-sectional area and fat infiltration are accepted as standard parameters for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of muscle degeneration. However, they are time-consuming, which prevents them from being used in a clinical setting. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between lumbar muscle degeneration and spinal degenerative disorders, using lumbar indentation value (LIV) as quantitative and Goutallier classification as qualitative measures. This is a retrospective analysis of kinematic magnetic resonance images (kMRI). Two-hundred and thirty patients with kMRIs taken in weight-bearing positions were selected randomly. The LIV and Goutallier classification were evaluated at L4–5. The correlation of these two parameters with patients’ age, gender, lumbar lordosis (LL), range of motion, disc degeneration, disc height, and Modic change were analyzed. There was no significant trend of LIV among the different grades of Goutallier classification (p = 0.943). There was a significant increase in age with higher grades of Goutallier classification (p

To review the current understanding and data of sagittal balance and alignment considerations in paraplegic patients. A PubMed literature search was conducted to identify all relevant articles relating to sagittal alignment and sagittal balance considerations in paraplegic and spinal cord injury patients. While there are numerous studies and publications on sagittal balance in the ambulatory patient with spinal deformity or complex spine disorders, there is paucity of the literature on “normal” sagittal balance in the paraplegic patients. Studies have reported significantly alterations of the sagittal alignment parameters in the non-ambulatory paraplegic patients compared to ambulatory patients. The variability of the alignment changes is related to the differences in the level of the spinal cord injury and their differences in the activations of truncal muscles to allow functional movements in those patients, particularly in optimizing sitting and transferring. Surgical goal in treating paraplegic patients with complex pathologies should not be solely directed to achieve the “normal” radiographic parameters of sagittal alignment in the ambulatory patients. The goal should be to maintain good coronal balance to allow ideal sitting position and to preserve motion segment to optimize functions of paraplegia patients. Current available literature data have not defined normal sagittal parameters for paraplegic patients. There are significant differences in postural sagittal parameters and muscle activations in paraplegic and non-spinal cord injury patients that can lead to differences in sagittal alignment and balance. Treatment goal in spine surgery for paraplegic patients should address their global function, sitting balance, and ability to perform self-care rather than the accepted radiographic parameters for adult spinal deformity in ambulatory patients.

Although the T1 vertebra is considered as an important factor of cervical balance, little is known about its motion between flexion and extension. The purpose of present study was to analyze the T1 sagittal motion using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI), and to identify factors that relate to T1 sagittal motion. We retrospectively analyzed 145 kMR images taken in weight-bearing neutral, flexion and extension positions. Cervical balance parameters were evaluated in each position. The degree of T1 sagittal motion was defined as [(T1 slope at extension) − (T1 slope at flexion)]. All patients were divided into three groups: Positive group (T1 followed the head motion, T1 sagittal motion > 5°), Stable group (5 ≥, ≥ − 5) and Negative group (T1 moved in the opposite direction from the head motion, > − 5). The groups were compared and multivariate logistic regression analysis was calculated. There were 57 (40%) patients in the positive, 56 (39%) in the stable and 32 (22%) in the negative group. The positive group had the largest C2–7 sagittal vertical axis in flexion (p

To test the reliability and validity of the multi-positional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in measuring cervical angular parameter using the standard dynamic cervical X-ray as a reference. All patients who underwent both cervical dynamic plain radiograph and multi-positional MRI on the same day between 2010 and 2016 were included in this study. The C2–7 angle and the segmental angles of the C2–3 to C6–7 segments were measured in all three positions (neutral, flexion, and extension) using multi-positional MRI and dynamic radiograph. The Pearson’s correlation coefficients and linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. 46 patients were enrolled in this study. All angular parameters showed significant positive correlation between multi-positional MRI and dynamic X-ray (p

This study defined the incidence and trends of surgeries performed for patients with cervical disc degeneration with and without tobacco use disorder (TUD). This study utilized the Humana Inc. database between 2007 and 2013 to identify patients with cervical disc degeneration with or without myelopathy. International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes determined the initial diagnosis of disc degeneration, myelopathy status and TUD, whether patients received surgery, and TUD status at surgery. The prevalence of disc degeneration with myelopathy increased by 32.8% between 2007 and 2013, while disc disease with myelopathy and TUD increased by 91.6%. For patients without myelopathy, the prevalence of disc degeneration alone increased by 65.4%, and disc degeneration with myelopathy increased by 148.7%. Of myelopathy patients, 1717 (6.4%) had TUD and 1024 (59.6%) received surgery, compared to 6508 patients without TUD (26.1%). For patients without myelopathy, 11,337 (3.5%) had TUD and 787 (6.9%) underwent surgery, compared to 9716 patients (3%) without TUD. Of surgical patients, 781 (76.3%) with myelopathy and TUD still had a TUD diagnosis at surgery, and 542 (68.9%) of patients without myelopathy still had a TUD diagnosis at surgery. The prevalence of degenerative disc disease and TUD has increased more than disc disease alone. Patients with TUD were more likely to get surgery, and to have surgeries earlier than patients without TUD. Patients with TUD at the time of the diagnosis of their disc degeneration likely still had a TUD diagnosis at the time of surgery.

Retrospective analysis of kinetic magnetic resonance images (kMRI). To analyse the kinematics of cervical spine inpatients without significant spondylosis and to understand the normal movement of the cervical spine as reference for future comparison. Although some studies have been conducted to describe the normal mobility of the cervical spine, prior studies did not establish a relationship between the kinematics of cervical spine and disc degeneration. Only a few studies of the kinematics of the non-degenerated cervical spine have been reported; however, they focused on single level and not all the levels of cervical spine. 468 symptomatic patients underwent upright cervical kMRI, and cervical disc degeneration was evaluated with a new grading system. This grading system consists of four grades (0–III), and the cervical spines with grade 0 and grade I discs were included in this study. Finally, 61 symptomatic patients were studied 34 male and 27 female with an average age of 41.9 years. kMRI was used to define the normal mobility of the cervical spine by calculating the translation motion, angular variation and percentage angular contribution to the total cervical spine. The translation motion of the cervical spine at each level was 0.85 ± 1.22 mm at C2/3, 1.05 ± 1.19 mm at C3/4, 0.63 ± 1.19 mm at C4/5, 0.57 ± 0.91 mm at C5/6, 0.16 ± 0.86 mm at C6/7 and −0.11 ± 0.81 at C7/T1. In general, the translation motion decreased from proximal segment to distal segment. The angular variation of the cervical spine at each level was 5.58 ± 3.86° at C2/3, 8.26 ± 4.81° at C3/4, 9.11 ± 4.87° at C4/5, 10.05 ± 5.26° at C5/6, 8.31 ± 4.30° at C6/7 and 4.87 ± 3.28 ° at C7/T1. The angular variation at C2/3 and C7/T1 was significantly lower compared to other levels (P

Few studies have reported the characteristics of Modic changes (MCs) in the cervical spine in contrast to the lumbar spine. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of MCs in the cervical spine and to elucidate the relationship of MCs with spinal canal stenosis and angular motion. 437 consecutive, symptomatic patients with neck pain with or without neurogenic symptoms were included in this study. MRI in multiple positions was performed with dynamic motion of the cervical spine in upright, weight-bearing neutral, flexion and extension positions. Type of MC, intervertebral disc degeneration grade, spinal cord compression grade and sagittal angular motion between flexion and extension for each segment from C2–3 to C6–7 were evaluated. MCs were observed in 84 out of 437 patients (19.2 %) and in 109 out of 2,185 motion segments (5.0 %) with type 2 changes predominating. Disc degeneration grades and spinal cord compression grades of segments with MCs were significantly higher than those without MCs. Sagittal angular motion of segments with MCs were significantly lower than those without MCs. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that significantly elevated odds ratios for MCs were observed in segments with severe disc degeneration, severe spinal canal compression and less angular motion. The cervical segments with MCs were significantly more likely to have disc degeneration and spinal canal stenosis. In addition, the segments with MCs had significantly less angular motion, which suggests MCs may correlate with loss of mobility.

To analyze the effects of mobility of degenerated disc in the lower lumbar discs (L4–5 and L5–S1) on both whole lumbar motion and adjacent segment ROM. The kMRIs with disc degeneration at L4–5 or L5–S1 were classified into three groups: the normal group, the motion-preserved (MP) group and the motion-lost (ML) group based on range of motion (ROM) of 5° in the degenerated segment. Each segmental ROM, whole lumbar motion, and the contribution % of the upper lumbar spine (ULS: L1–2–3) and the lower lumbar spine (LLS: L4–5–S1) motion to whole lumbar motion were measured and compared with each of the other groups. There were 94, 99 and 66 patients in the normal group, MP group and ML group, respectively. The normal group showed no significant difference compared to the MP group in all ROM parameters. The ML group showed significantly less whole lumbar motion, more contribution % in the ULS and less in the LLS than the normal and the MP groups. The ROM in the superior adjacent segment in the ML group was not significantly different between that in the normal and MP group. Degenerated lumbar discs did not show hypermobility within functional ROM. Loss of segmental ROM from advanced disc degeneration did not cause an increase in the ROM of the superior adjacent segment in vivo. When the LLS had motion-lost, advanced disc degeneration, whole lumbar motion was significantly decreased and compensatory increase in ROM was accomplished by the ULS.

Spontaneous chronic epidural hematomas are extremely rare and can be extremely challenging to diagnose and differentiate. The clinical findings, computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging does not always enough to complete differentiate this condition. Our purpose is to report a case of a spontaneous chronic epidural hematoma presenting as an extradural mass leading to compressive radicular symptoms with images of bony scalloping which are sparsely reported in the literature.We describe a 61-year-old woman who was evaluated after 18-month history of pain, disestesias and mild weakness in both lower extremities with significant radicular symptoms on the right side associated to neurogenic claudication.CT scans revealed a nodular image of soft tissue density located in the right anterolateral epidural space at the L4-L5 level demonstrating resorption of the bony margins. MRI studies revealed a round mass in the vertebral canal displacing the dural sac and scalloping the posterior wall of the L4 vertebral body. Diagnosis was established between a degenerative cyst versus an atypical neurinoma. Surgical findings demonstrated an isolated well-formed chronic hematoma.Spontaneous chronic epidural hematomas are rare, even more when they produce scalloping of bony structures becoming a diagnostic challenge. Therefore they should be always considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with extradural chronic compressions taking into account that also chronic epidural hematomas can cause bone involvement.

The purpose of this study was to examine lumbar segmental mobility using kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with minimal lumbar spondylosis.Mid-sagittal images of patients who underwent weight-bearing, multi-position kinetic MRI for symptomatic low back pain or radiculopathy were reviewed. Only patients with a Pfirrmann grade of I or II, indicating minimal disc disease, in all lumbar discs from L1-2 to L5-S1 were included for further analysis. Translational and angular motion was measured at each motion segment.The mean translational motion of the lumbar spine at each level was 1.38 mm at L1-L2, 1.41 mm at L2-L3, 1.14 mm at L3-L4, 1.10 mm at L4-L5 and 1.01 mm at L5-S1. Translational motion at L1-L2 and L2-L3 was significantly greater than L3-4, L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels (P0.007). The mean angular motion at each level was 7.34° at L1-L2, 8.56° at L2-L3, 8.34° at L3-L4, 8.87° at L4-L5, and 5.87° at L5-S1. The L5-S1 segment had significantly less angular motion when compared to all other levels (P0.006). The mean percentage contribution of each level to the total angular mobility of the lumbar spine was highest at L2-L3 (22.45 %) and least at L5/S1 (14.71 %) (P0.001).In the current study, we evaluated lumbar segmental mobility in patients without significant degenerative disc disease and found that translational motion was greatest in the proximal lumbar levels whereas angular motion was similar in the mid-lumbar levels but decreased at L1-L2 and L5-S1.

Few studies have specifically examined the outcomes following rhBMP-2 usage in patients 65 years and older. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of rhBMP-2 with allograft versus autograft for posterolateral lumbar fusion in patients 65 years and older. One hundred twenty-seven patients were divided into three groups based on fusion material and age. Subjects in group A (n = 34) consisted of patients 65 years and older who received rhBMP-2 and allograft. Group B (n = 52) was composed of patients under 65 years of age with rhBMP-2 and allograft. Subjects in group C (n = 41) were 65 years and older with autograft use. A comparison was made of fusion rate, fusion time (noticed, solid), clinical outcome, VAS, perioperative complications and revision rate between each group. The fusion rate and fusion time were similar in groups A and C; however, these were lower than that observed in group B. Clinical outcomes were similar amongst the groups. There were no significant differences in VAS and perioperative complication rate between groups A and C. In patients 65 years and older, rhBMP-2 with allograft may lead to acceptable fusion rates and fusion times, good clinical outcomes and reduced perioperative complications. The combination of rhBMP-2 with allograft yields equivalent outcomes as autograft in elderly patients undergoing instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion. Additionally, when compared to patients under 65 years of age undergoing posterolateral lumbar fusion, the use of rhBMP-2 was not sufficient to overcome all aspects of the age-related weakened osteoinductive capacity encountered in elderly patients.

A congenitally narrow cervical spinal canal has been established as an important risk factor for the development of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, few reports have described the mechanism underlying this risk. In this study, we investigate the relationship between cervical spinal canal narrowing and pathological changes in the cervical spine using positional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two hundred and ninety-five symptomatic patients underwent cervical MRI in the weight-bearing position with dynamic motion (flexion, neutral, and extension) of the cervical spine. The sagittal cervical spinal canal diameter and cervical segmental angular motion were measured and calculated. Each segment was assessed for the extent of intervertebral disc degeneration and cervical cord compression. Based on the sagittal canal diameter, the subjects were classified into three groups: A, subjects with a congenitally narrow canal, diameter of less than 13 mm; B, subjects with a normal canal, diameter of 13–15 mm; C, subjects with a wide canal, diameter of more than 15 mm. When compared with Groups A and B, the disc degeneration grades at the C3-4, C5-6, and C6-7 segments and the cervical cord compression scores at the C3-4 and C5-6 segments showed significant differences. Additionally, when compare with Groups A and C, the disc degeneration grades at all segments, except C2-3, and the cervical cord compression scores at all segments, except C2-3, showed significant differences. With respect to the cervical kinematics, few differences in the kinematics were observed between Groups B and C, however, the kinematics in Group A was different with other two groups. In Group A, the segmental mobility at the C4-5 and C6-7 segments were significantly higher than those observed in Group B, and the segmental mobility at the C3-4 segment was significantly lower than that observed in Groups B or C. We demonstrated the unique pathological and kinematic traits of cervical spine that exist in a congenitally narrow canal. We hypothesize that kinematic trait associated with a congenitally narrow canal may greatly contribute to pathological changes in the cervical spine. Our results suggest that cervical spinal canal diameter of less than 13 mm may be associated with an increased risk for development of pathological changes in cervical intervertebral discs. Subsequently, the presence of a congenitally narrow canal can expose individuals to a greater risk of developing cervical spinal stenosis.

In an effort to augment the available grafting material as well as to increase spinal fusion rates, the utilization of a demineralized bone matrix (DBM) as a graft extender or replacement is common. There are several commercially available DBM substances available for use in spinal surgery, each with different amounts of DBM containing osteoinductive proteins. Each product may have different osteoinductivity potential due to different methods of preparation, storage, and donor specifications. The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare the osteoinductive potential of three different commercially available DBM substances in an athymic rodent spinal fusion model and to discuss the reasons of the variability in osteoinductivity. A posterolateral fusion was performed in 72 mature athymic nude female rats. Three groups of 18 rats were implanted with 1 of 3 DBMs (Osteofil, Grafton, and Dynagraft). A fourth group was implanted with rodent autogenous iliac crest bone graft. The rats were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. A dose of 0.3 cm(3) per side (0.6 cm(3)per animal) was used for each substance. Radiographs were taken at 2 weeks intervals until sacrifice. Fusion was determined by radiographs, manual palpation, and histological analysis. The Osteofil substance had the highest overall fusion rate (14/18), and the highest early 4 weeks fusion rate of (4/5). Grafton produced slightly lower fusion rates of (11/17) overall, and lower early 4 weeks fusion rate of (2/5). There was no statistically significant difference between the rate of fusion after implantation of Osteofil and Grafton. None of the sites implanted with Dynagraft fused at any time point (0/17), and there was a significantly lower fusion rate between the Dynagraft and the other two substances at the six-week-time point and for final fusion rate (P = 0.0001, Fischer's exact test). None of the autogenous iliac crest animals fused at any time point. Non-decalcified histology confirmed the presence of a pseudarthrosis or the presence of a solid fusion, and the results were highly correlated with the manual testing. Although all products claim to have significant osteoinductive capabilities, this study demonstrates that there are significant differences between some of the tested products.

Posterior spinal ligament pathology is becoming increasingly recognized as a significant cause of low back pain. Despite the growing clinical importance of interspinous ligament degeneration in low back pain patients, formal reliability studies for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of interspinous ligaments have not been performed. We proposed an MRI classification system for interspinous ligament degeneration and conducted a comprehensive reliability and reproducibility assessment. Fifty patients who had low back pain with or without leg discomfort (26 males and 24 females) with a mean age of 48.8 years (range 23–85 years) were studied. The classification for lumbar interspinous ligament degeneration was developed on the basis of the literature using mid-sagittal T1- and T2-weighted images. Three spine surgeons independently graded a total of 200 interspinous ligament levels. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were assessed by kappa statistics. The frequency of disagreement was also identified. The intraobserver agreement was excellent in all readers (kappa range 0.840–0.901). The interobserver agreement was lower as expected, and was substantial to excellent (kappa range 0.726–0.818). Overall complete agreement was obtained in 87.8% of all interspinous ligament levels. A difference of 1, 2, and 3 grades occurred in 8.1, 3.0, and 1.1% of readings, respectively. This proposed MRI classification of interspinous ligament degeneration was simple, reliable, and reproducible. Its use as a standardized nomenclature in clinical and radiographic research may be recommended.

Facet tropism has been investigated as a predisposing factor for degenerative changes in the lumbar spine; however, no prior study has evaluated the relationship between disc bulge and facet tropism. In this study, we used kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) to investigate the association between degree of facet tropism and amount of disc bulge in the lumbar spine in relation to age. kMRIs in the flexion, neutral, and extension positions were performed on 410 consecutive patients with low back pain. T2-weighted midsagittal and axial mid-disc cuts were analyzed to measure disc bulge and facet angle. Facet asymmetry was calculated and classified as: no facet tropism