Hypertension Is Related to Positive Global Sagittal Alignment: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

Hideyuki Arima,Daisuke Togawa,Tomohiko Hasegawa,Yu Yamato,Go Yoshida,Sho Kobayashi,Tatsuya Yasuda,Tomohiro Banno,Shin Oe,Yuki Mihara,Hiroki Ushirozako,Hironobu Hoshino,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2019 Asian Spine Journal Vol.13 No.6

Study Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension and spino-pelvic sagittal alignment in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Overview of Literature: Positive global sagittal alignment is associated with poor health-related quality of life. Hypertension is associated with tissue microcirculation disorders of the skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that hypertension may be involved in positive global sagittal alignment. Methods: In this institutional review board-approved study, 655 participants (262 men and 393 women; mean age, 72.9 years; range, 50–92 years) who underwent musculoskeletal screening in Toei town, Aichi, Japan were included. Whole spine and pelvic radiographs were taken, and radiographic parameters (thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence, and sagittal vertical axis [SVA]) were measured using an image-analysis software. Hypertension was assessed using the standard criteria. The study participants were divided into three subgroups as per age (50–64 years, 65–74 years, and ≥75 years). We examined the differences in the radiographic parameters of those with and without hypertension in each age subgroup. Results: In each age subgroup, there was no significant difference in the age and sex of those with and without hypertension. SVA was significantly shifted forward in the hypertension group than in the non-hypertension group in those aged 50–64 years old (32.4 mm vs. 16.0 mm, p=0.018) and in those aged 65–74 years old (42.7 mm vs. 30.6 mm, p=0.012). There was no significant difference between the hypertension and non-hypertension groups in terms of the alignment of the lumbar and thoracic spine in all the subgroups. In multivariate analysis, hypertension was a significant independent factor of forward-shifted SVA (standardized beta 0.093, p=0.015). Conclusions: This study showed that hypertension was associated with forward-shifted global sagittal alignment.

Relationship between Knee Osteoarthritis and Spinopelvic Sagittal Alignment in Volunteers over 50 Years of Age

Yasuda Tatsuya,Togawa Daisuke,Hasegawa Tomohiko,Yamato Yu,Kobayashi Sho,Yoshida Go,Banno Tomohiro,Arima Hideyuki,Oe Shin,Hoshino Hironobu,Koyama Hiroshi,Hanada Mitsuru,Imada Takayuki,Matsuyama Yukihir 대한척추외과학회 2020 Asian Spine Journal Vol.14 No.4

Study Design: Large cohort study of volunteers.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of knee osteoarthritis, assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading scale, and spinopelvic sagittal alignment in older adult volunteers.Overview of Literature: The relationship between spinopelvic alignment in the sagittal plane and knee osteoarthritis in the coronal plane is unclear.Methods: Volunteers over 50 years of age underwent radiographic analysis. Radiographic parameters including pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. The the three Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab sagittal modifiers (PT, SVA, I–LL) were categorized and the KL grade was assessed. Differences in spinopelvic parameters and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores among KL grades were evaluated.Results: A total of 396 volunteers (160 men, 236 women; mean age, 74.4 years) were analyzed. PI–LL and PT in KL4 were significantly higher compared to that in the other KL grades. However, there were no significant group differences in SVA. In women, but not in men, higher frequencies of the worst modifier grade (++) were observed for PI–LL and PT in the KL3 and KL4 groups compared to those for the other KL grades. In women, the ODI score in KL4 was worse compared to that in the other KL grades.Conclusions: Individuals over 50 years of age with severe knee osteoarthritis had poor lumbo-pelvic sagittal alignment. Moreover, the progression severity of knee osteoarthritis had more impact onstronger relationship with lumbo-pelvic malalignment and disability-related low back pain in women than in men.

Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy as a Complication of an Anterior Approach for Cervical Spine Surgery

Tatsuya Yasuda,Daisuke Togawa,Tomohiko Hasegawa,Yu Yamato,Sho Kobayashi,Hideyuki Arima,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2015 Asian Spine Journal Vol.9 No.2

A recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is known as a complication referring to an anterior cervical spine surgery. However, hypoglossal nerve injury is not well known yet. Herein we report a rare case of a 39-years-old male with a hypoglossal nerve injury after C3/4 osteophyte resection with Smith-Robinson approach. In this case there appeared difficulties of articulation and tongue movement with deviation of the tongue to the left side after the surgery and we diagnosed a hypoglossal nerve injury due to retraction against the nerve during the operation. During the operative approach to the upper cervical spine we had to retract the internal carotid artery and the soft tissue to reach the vertebrae. This retract was the cause of the hypoglossal nerve injury. A gently traction and intermittent release is important to avoid a hypoglossal nerve damage.

Difference in Spinal Sagittal Alignment and Health- Related Quality of Life between Males and Females with Cervical Deformity

Shin Oe,Daisuke Togawa,Go Yoshida,Tomohiko Hasegawa,Yu Yamato,Sho Kobayashi,Tatsuya Yasuda,Tomohiro Banno,Yuki Mihara,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.6

Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between pelvic tilt (PT) and the sacro-femoral-pubic (SFP) angle, which is easier to identify than PT, in middle-aged and elderly Asian subjects from the general population. Overview of Literature: Measuring PT is important in the diagnosis and treatment of adult spinal deformity. However, identifying femoral heads, which are necessary to determine PT, using sagittal radiographs is often difficult. Methods: Standing coronal and sagittal pelvic radiographs of individuals aged more than 50 years were taken during a local medical examination. The subjects were divided into female, male, and total groups at the time of evaluation. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between PT and the SFP angle, which were obtained from the X-rays. Results: The present study included 291 subjects. There were no statistically significant differences between the left and right SFP angles, and there was gender difference regarding the SFP angle. However, a gender difference was observed regarding PT. The correlation between PT and the SFP angle was substantiated in each group. Pearson’s correlation coefficients between PT and the SFP angle in the total, female, and male groups were 0.696, 0.853, and 0.619, respectively. In the linear regression analysis, PT was calculated as follows: PT=60.1−0.77×(SFP angle) in the total group, PT=62.8−0.80×(SFP angle) in the female group, and PT=51.5−0.64×(SFP angle) in the male group. Conclusions: A significant correlation between PT and the SFP angle was observed in middle-aged and elderly Asian subjects from the general population.

Multi-Rod Constructs Can Increase the Incidence of Iliac Screw Loosening after Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity

Tomohiro Banno,Tomohiko Hasegawa,Yu Yamato,Daisuke Togawa,Go Yoshida,Sho Kobayashi,Tatsuya Yasuda,Hideyuki Arima,Shin Oe,Yuki Mihara,Hiroki Ushirozako,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2019 Asian Spine Journal Vol.13 No.3

Study Design: A retrospective study. Purpose: To investigate the incidence of iliac screw loosening with a two-rod vs. multi-rod construct and the effect on clinical and radiographic outcomes after surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Overview of Literature: Multi-rod construct is useful for preventing rod fracture in ASD surgery. However, limited information is available regarding the incidence of iliac screw loosening after corrective fusion surgery using a multi-rod construct. Methods: Total 106 patients with ASD (24 men and 82 women; mean age, 68 years) who underwent corrective fusion surgery using bilateral iliac screws and were followed up for at least 1 year were reviewed. The following variables were compared between patients who underwent surgery with a two-rod and multi-rod construct: age, sex, bone mineral density (BMD), fusion level, high-grade osteotomy, L5/S interbody fusion, screw loosening (upper instrumented vertebra [UIV], S1, and iliac), rod fracture, proximal junctional kyphosis, spinopelvic parameters, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. We also compared patients with and without iliac screw loosening in the multi-rod construct group. Results: Of the 106 patients, 55 underwent surgery with a conventional two-rod construct and 51 with a multi-rod construct (three rods in 16, four rods in 35). Iliac and UIV screw loosening was observed in 24 patients (21%) and 35 patients (33%), respectively. The multi-rod group showed significantly higher incidence of iliac and UIV screw loosening and lower incidence of rod fracture. Patients with iliac screw loosening had a lower BMD than those without screw loosening; however, no significant differences were observed in the spinopelvic parameters or the ODI score. Conclusions: The use of multi-rod constructs led to a higher incidence of junctional screw loosening than the use of conventional two-rod constructs, especially in patients with osteoporosis. Iliac screw loosening did not affect sagittal alignment or clinical outcome in the short term.

Accuracy of Percutaneous Lumbosacral Pedicle Screw Placement Using the Oblique Fluoroscopic View Based on Computed Tomography Evaluations

Go Yoshida,Koji Sato,Tokumi Kanemura,Toshiki Iwase,Daisuke Togawa,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2016 Asian Spine Journal Vol.10 No.4

Study Design: Retrospective. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the accuracy of the oblique fluoroscopic view, based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) images for accurate placement of lumbosacral percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS). Overview of Literature: Although PPS misplacement has been reported as one of the main complications in minimally invasive spine surgery, there is no comparative data on the misplacement rate among different fluoroscopic techniques, or comparing such techniques with open procedures. Methods: We retrospectively selected 230 consecutive patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion with a pedicle screw construct for degenerative lumbar disease, and divided them into 3 groups, those who had undergone: minimally invasive percutaneous procedure using biplane (lateral and anterior-posterior views using a single C-arm) fluoroscope views (group M-1), minimally invasive percutaneous procedure using the oblique fluoroscopic view based on preoperative CT (group M-2), and conventional open procedure using a lateral fluoroscopic view (group O: controls). The relative position of the screw to the pedicle was graded for the pedicle breach as no breach, <2 mm, 2–4 mm, or >4 mm. Inaccuracy was calculated and assessed according to the spinal level, direction and neurological deficit. Inter-group radiation exposure was estimated using fluoroscopy time. Results: Inaccuracy involved an incline toward L5, causing medial or lateral perforation of pedicles in group M-1, but it was distributed relatively equally throughout multiple levels in groups M-2 and controls. The mean fluoroscopy time/case ranged from 1.6 to 3.9 minutes. Conclusions: Minimally invasive lumbosacral PPS placement using the conventional fluoroscopic technique carries an increased risk of inaccurate screw placement and resultant neurological deficits, compared with that of the open procedure. Inaccuracy tended to be distributed between medial and lateral perforations of the L5 pedicle, as a result of pedicle morphology and the PPS pathway. Oblique fluoroscopic views, based on CT measurement, may allow accurate PPS insertion with a shorter fluoroscopy time.

Optimal Timing of Preoperative Skin Preparation with Povidone-Iodine for Spine Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study

Tatsuya Yasuda,Tomohiko Hasegawa,Yu Yamato,Sho Kobayashi,Daisuke Togawa,Hideyuki Arima,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2015 Asian Spine Journal Vol.9 No.3

Study Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled study. Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two techniques of skin preparation with povidone-iodine. Overview of Literature: Preoperative skin preparation is important for preventing surgical site infection by reducing the bacteria in the surgical area. Povidone-iodine is a commonly used agent for preoperative skin preparation, and further decrease in surgical site infections can be expected by understanding how to apply it more effectively. Methods: Eighty-nine spine surgery patients were randomly allocated to two groups. In group A, povidone-iodine was applied to the surgical site just before starting the operation; in group B, povidone-iodine was applied several minutes prior to starting the operation and was allowed to dry. We collected samples from the wound edge before suturing, and we compared the rates of positive culture between the two groups. Results: The rate of positive culture was 30.2% (13 out of 43 patients) in group A, and 6.5% (3 out of 46 patients) in group B. This indicates that there was a significant difference in postoperative infection rates between group A and group B. Conclusions: Because bacteria on the skin appeared significantly reduced by allowing povidone-iodine to dry for several minutes prior to surgery, we recommend this approach to reduce the incidence of postoperative infections.

Relationship between Spinal Hemangioblastoma Location and Age

Tatsuya Yasuda,Tomohiko Hasegawa,Yu Yamato,Sho Kobayashi,Daisuke Togawa,Tomohiro Banno,Hideyuki Arima,Shin Oe,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2016 Asian Spine Journal Vol.10 No.2

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between tumor location and clinical characteristics. Overview of Literature: Hemangioblastoma is a rare disease that develops in the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to evaluate hemangioblastomas. Hemangioblastoma’s location is designated as intramedullary, intramedullary+extramedullary, or extramedullary by MRI. Methods: We analyzed 11 patients who underwent surgery for spinal hemangioblastoma. Using T1 contrast axial MRI data, the cases were divided into three groups (intramedullary, intramedullary+extramedullary, and extramedullary). Patient demographics, MRI findings, and preoperative neurological status were analyzed and compared for each group. Results: The average age of patients with intramedullary, intramedullary+extramedullary, and extramedullary hemangioblastoma was 34.0, 64.4, and 67.5 years, respectively. Patients in the intramedullary hemangioblastoma group were younger than the other groups. Extramedullary cases had a smaller syrinx compared to the other groups. Conclusions: Age may play an important role in the hemangioblastoma tumor location and the subsequent diagnosis by an MRI.

Novel Measurement Technique for the Sagittal Vertical Axis and Its Clinical Application in Adult Spinal Deformity

Go Yoshida,Kenta Kurosu,Yu Yamato,Tomohiko Hasegawa,Tatsuya Yasuda,Daisuke Togawa,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.2

Study Design: Prospective physical measurement of the sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Purpose: To evaluate a simple method for measuring SVA by analyzing its relationship with radiographic measurements and clinical appearance. Overview of Literature: No studies have examined physical measurements using the cranial center of gravity (CCG) in a relaxed standing position. Methods: The physical measurement of the horizontal distance between CCG and spina iliaca posterior superior (CCG-SIPS) was measured using a straight ruler in 252 healthy volunteers and 56 patients with adult spinal deformity. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was evaluated using the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and clinical symptoms were assessed according to standing status and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Results: CCG-SIPS increased with age in the volunteer group and strongly correlated with radiographic SVA in the patient group (r =0.984). Differences increased between CCG-SIPS in patients in the relaxed position and radiographic SVA with an increase in sagittal malalignment (r =0.692, p <0.001). ODI with high sagittal malalignment (CCG-SIPS >120 mm) was significantly larger in the patient group than in the group with low sagittal malalignment (59.9±18.8 vs. 45.1±17.0; p =0.004); these patients (CCG-SIPS >120 mm) needed crutches or walkers for standing. The patient group with GERD had significantly larger sagittal malalignment than the group without GERD (160.3 mm vs. 81.0 mm). Conclusions: The CCG-SIPS correlated with age and strongly reflected radiographic SVA and HRQOL in the patients. Moreover, it reflects a relaxed posture without a backward shift in the radiographic position even in patients with severe sagittal malalignment. The critical limit of CCG-SIPS can be relevant to clinical appearance, including standing assistance (>120 mm) and the existence of GERD (>150 mm). Thus, it will be a useful predictor of true SVA in clinical practice before radiographic evaluation.

Preoperative and Postoperative Pulmonary Function in Elderly Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphoscoliosis

Tatsuya Yasuda,Tomohiko Hasegawa,Yu Yamato,Sho Kobayashi,Daisuke Togawa,Yukihiro Matsuyama 대한척추외과학회 2015 Asian Spine Journal Vol.9 No.6

Study Design: Case series. Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the change in pulmonary function in adult patients with a spinal deformity who underwent spinal corrective surgery. Overview of Literature: Degenerative lumbar and/or thoraco-lumbar deformities are is often prominent in adult spinal deformity cases, whereas a thoracic deformity involving the chest wall is inconspicuous. A lumbar spine deformity could affect the pulmonary function; however, few reports have investigated pulmonary function in adult patients with a spinal deformity. Methods: This study included 14 adult patients with a spinal deformity who underwent posterior corrective fusion (3 males, 11 females; mean age, 67.4 years). We measured percent vital capacity (%VC) and percent forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) before surgery and six months after surgery. We investigated the change in pulmonary function after corrective surgery and the correlation between radiographic parameters and pulmonary function. Results: Mean preoperative %VC and %FEV1 values were 99.9% and 79.3%, respectively. Two cases were diagnosed with restrictive impairment, and two cases were diagnosed with obstructive impairment before surgery. %VC improved in the restrictive impairment cases six months after surgery. However, %FEV1 did not improve significantly after surgery in the obstructive impairment cases. Conclusions: Restrictive impairment was improved in adult patients with a spinal deformity by corrective spinal surgery. However, spinal surgery did not improve obstructive impairment.