Bone Mineral Density and Physical Performance of Female Patients 27 Years or Longer after Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Tsutomu Akazawa,Toshiaki Kotani,Tsuyoshi Sakuma,Takehide Katogi,Shohei Minami,Hisateru Niki,Yoshiaki Torii,Shigeta Morioka,Sumihisa Orita,Kazuhide Inage,Kazuki Fujimoto,Yasuhiro Shiga,Kazuhisa Takahas 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.5

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Purpose: To assess bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism ≥27 years after surgery in female patients who underwent spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) during adolescence and to determine their associations with physical performance. Overview of Literature: There are no studies investigating postsurgical BMD in middle-aged AIS patients. Methods: This study included 23 patients who provided informed consent among 229 female patients with AIS who underwent spinal fusion from 1968 until 1988. Average age at the time of observation was 48.8 years. BMD was measured at the left femoral neck, and the levels of two bone metabolism markers– procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b)–were measured from blood samples. Physical performance was measured using grip strength, sit-ups, sit-andreach, side step, and standing long jump. Results: Mean BMD was 0.784 g/cm2. According to the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, one subject (4.3%) had osteoporosis, whereas nine subjects (39.1%) had osteopenia. In patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia, P1NP and TRACP-5b levels were high, and BMD loss was because of high metabolic turnover. All calculated standard scores for physical performance were lower in the study cohort than in healthy individuals. There was a positive correlation between BMD and the standard score for grip strength, whereas there were weak positive correlations between BMD and the standard scores for side step and standing long jump. Conclusions: In female AIS patients who underwent spinal fusion in adolescence, 4.3% and 39.1% had osteoporosis and osteopenia, respectively, ≥27 years after surgery. Exercise performance of these patients was poor compared with the national standards. In these patients, increased physical activity should be encouraged to prevent BMD loss in middle age.

Accuracy of Pedicle Screw Placement in Scoliosis Surgery: A Comparison between Conventional Computed Tomography-Based and O-Arm-Based Navigation Techniques

Toshiaki Kotani,Tsutomu Akazawa,Tsuyoshi Sakuma,Kayo Koyama,Tetsuharu Nemoto,Kento Nawata,Atsuro Yamazaki,Shohei Minami 대한척추외과학회 2014 Asian Spine Journal Vol.8 No.3

Study Design: Retrospective study. Purpose: We compared the accuracy of O-arm-based navigation with computed tomography (CT)-based navigation in scoliotic surgery. Overview of Literature: No previous reports comparing the results of O-arm-based navigation with conventional CT-based navigation in scoliotic surgery have been published. Methods: A total of 222 pedicle screws were implanted in 29 patients using CT-based navigation (group C) and 416 screws were implanted in 32 patients using O-arm-based navigation (group O). Postoperative CT was performed to assess the screw accuracy, using the established Neo classification (grade 0: no perforation, grade 1: perforation <2 mm, grade 2: perforation ≥2 and <4, and grade 3: perforation ≥4 mm). Results: In group C, 188 (84.7%) of the 222 pedicle screw placements were categorized as grade 0, 23 (10.4%) were grade 1, 11 (5.0%) were grade 2, and 0 were grade 3. In group O, 351 (84.4%) of the 416 pedicle screw placements were categorized as grade 0, 52 (12.5%) were grade 1, 13 (3.1%) were grade 2, and 0 were grade 3. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence of grade 2–3 perforations between groups C and O. The time to position one screw, including registration, was 10.9±3.2 minutes in group C, but was significantly decreased to 5.4±1.1 minutes in group O. Conclusions: O-arm-based navigation facilitates pedicle screw insertion as accurately as conventional CT-based navigation. The use of O-arm-based navigation successfully reduced the time, demonstrating advantages in the safety and accuracy of pedicle screw placement for scoliotic surgery.

Effects of Incentive Spirometry on Respiratory Motion in Healthy Subjects Using Cine Breathing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Toshiaki Kotani,Tsutomu Akazawa,Tsuyoshi Sakuma,Shigeyuki Nagaya,Masaru Sonoda,Yuji Tanaka,Takehide Katogi,Tetsuharu Nemoto,Shohei Minami 대한재활의학회 2015 Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine Vol.39 No.3

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of incentive spirometry on respiratory motion in healthy subjects using cine breathing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods Ten non-smoking healthy subjects without any history of respiratory disease were studied. Subjects were asked to perform pulmonary training using incentive spirometry every day for two weeks. To assess the effectiveness of this training, pulmonary function tests and cine breathing MRI were performed before starting pulmonary training and two weeks after its completion.Results After training, there were significant improvements in vital capacity (VC) from 3.58±0.8 L to 3.74±0.8 L and in %VC from 107.4±10.8 to 112.1±8.2. Significant changes were observed in the right diaphragm motion, right chest wall motion, and left chest wall motion, which were increased from 55.7±9.6 mm to 63.4±10.2 mm, from 15.6±6.1 mm to 23.4±10.4 mm, and from 16.3±7.6 mm to 22.0±9.8 mm, respectively.Conclusion Two weeks of training using incentive spirometry provided improvements in pulmonary function and respiratory motion, which suggested that incentive spirometry may be a useful preoperative modality for improving pulmonary function during the perioperative period.

Hooks at the Upper Instrumented Vertebra Can Adjust Postoperative Shoulder Balance in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: 5 Years or More of Follow-up

Shingo Kuroya,Tsutomu Akazawa,Toshiaki Kotani,Tsuyoshi Sakuma,Shohei Minami,Yoshiaki Torii,Tasuku Umehara,Masahiro Iinuma,Kenichi Murakami,Sumihisa Orita,Kazuhide Inage,Yawara Eguchi,Kazuki Fujimoto,Y 대한척추외과학회 2019 Asian Spine Journal Vol.13 No.5

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study. Purpose: This study aims to investigate postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) ≥5 years postoperatively in patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion using hooks at the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) for Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Overview of Literature: Studies have reported PSI due to excessive correction of the main thoracic curve. Methods: We examined 56 patients with AIS who underwent a posterior spinal fusion with hooks at the UIV from 2004 to 2010. Of these, we enrolled 14 patients who underwent surgery, at least, 5 years ago. X-rays and Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire were administered. To evaluate the shoulder balance, T1 vertebral tilt angle (T1 tilt), clavicle angle, and radiographic shoulder height (RSH) were measured. PSI was considered as the absolute value of the postoperative RSH being ≥20 mm. Based on radiographs obtained immediately postoperatively, we divided patients into two groups as follows: the balanced group (absolute value of RSH <20 mm) and imbalanced group (absolute value of RSH ≥20 mm). Results: The frequency of PSI was 28.6% immediately postoperatively, 0% 2 years postoperatively, and 7.1% at the last follow-up. In the balanced group, PSI did not occur even at 2 years postoperatively or at the last follow-up. In the imbalanced group, PSI was improved in all patients 2 years postoperatively and all patients, except one patient, at the last follow-up. No significant differences were noted in the frequency of distal adding-on at 2 years postoperatively or the last follow-up between the balanced group and the imbalanced group. We observed moderate negative correlations between the absolute value of T1 tilt and the SRS-22 pain and satisfaction at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Hooks at the UIV could adjust the shoulder balance to avoid long-term PSI in patients with AIS.

Analysis of Rod Fracture at the Lumbosacral Junction Following Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity

Sakuma Tsuyoshi,Kotani Toshiaki,Iijima Yasushi,Akazawa Tsutomu,Ohtori Seiji,Minami Shohei 대한척추외과학회 2024 Asian Spine Journal Vol.18 No.1

Study Design: Retrospective study.Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the differences in the characteristics of patients with rod fracture (RF) at the lumbosacral junction from those without RF following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.Overview of Literature: RF is a major complication following ASD surgery and may require reoperation because of pain and correction loss. The lumbosacral junction is a common RF site. However, risk factors for RFs at the lumbosacral junction remain unknown.Methods: The study included data from 100 patients who underwent ASD surgery between 2012 and 2020. Fifteen of these patients presented with RFs. Patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and radiographic parameters were evaluated in each group.Results: RFs were significantly more frequent in patients with a medical history of total hip arthroplasty (THA; <i>p</i>=0.01) or severe obesity (<i>p</i>=0.04). However, no significant differences in clinical outcomes, preoperative or postoperative measurements, or changes were found between pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters within the groups. Both pre- (<i>p</i>=0.01) and postoperative (<i>p</i>=0.02) anterior disc heights were significantly greater in the RF group than in the non-RF group. In the RF group, the postoperative lordotic angles of the lumbosacral junction significantly decreased compared with preoperative angles (<i>p</i>=0.02). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a THA history (odds ratio, 34.2), severe obesity (odds ratio, 14.0), and preoperative anterior disc height (odds ratio, 1.2) were significant risk factors for RFs.Conclusions: In this study, the greatest risk factors for postoperative lumbosacral RF after ASD surgery were THA history, severe obesity, and postoperative anterior disc height of ≥10. For patients at higher risk, the use of multirods is considered necessary.

Risk Factors for Loosening of S2 Alar Iliac Screw: Surgical Outcomes of Adult Spinal Deformity

Iijima Yasushi,Kotani Toshiaki,Sakuma Tsuyoshi,Nakayama Keita,Akazawa Tsutomu,Kishida Shunji,Muramatsu Yuta,Sasaki Yu,Ueno Keisuke,Asada Tomoyuki,Sato Kosuke,Minami Shohei,Ohtori Seiji 대한척추외과학회 2020 Asian Spine Journal Vol.14 No.6

Study Design: Retrospective study.Purpose: To determine the risk factors for S2 alar iliac (S2AI) screw loosening and its association with lumbosacral fusion in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD).Overview of Literature: S2AI screws have been widely used for ASD surgery in recent years. However, no studies have analyzed the risk factors for loosening of S2AI screws and its association with lumbosacral fusion.Methods: Cases of 50 patients with ASD who underwent long spinal fusion (>9 levels) with S2AI screws were retrospectively reviewed. Loosening of S2AI screws and S1 pedicle screws and bone fusion at the level of L5–S1 at 2 years after surgery were investigated using computed tomography. In addition, risk factors for loosening of S2AI screws were determined in patients with ASD. Results: At 2 years after surgery, 33 cases (66%) of S2AI screw loosening and six cases (12%) of S1 pedicle screw loosening were observed. In 40 of 47 cases (85%), bone fusion at L5–S1 was found. Pseudarthrosis at L5–S1 was not significantly associated with S2AI screw loosening (19.3% vs. 6.3%, <i>p</i>=0.23), but significantly higher in patients with S1 screw loosening (83.3% vs. 4.9%, <i>p</i><0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analyses, high upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) level (T5 or above) (odds ratio [OR], 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–18.6; <i>p</i>=0.045) and obesity (OR, 11.4; 95% CI, 1.2–107.2; <i>p</i>=0.033) were independent risk factors for S2AI screw loosening.Conclusions: High UIV level (T5 or above) and obesity were independent risk factors for S2AI screw loosening in patients with lumbosacral fixation in surgery for ASD. The incidence of lumbosacral fusion is associated with S1 screw loosening, but not S2AI screw loosening.

Time-Course Changes in Bone Metabolism Markers and Density in Patients with Osteoporosis Treated with Romosozumab: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Kazuhide Inage,Sumihisa Orita,Yawara Eguchi,Yasuhiro Shiga,Masao Koda,Yasuchika Aoki,Toshiaki Kotani,Tsutomu Akazawa,Takeo Furuya,Junichi Nakamura,Hiroshi Takahashi,Miyako Suzuki-Narita,Satoshi Maki,S 연세대학교의과대학 2021 Yonsei medical journal Vol.62 No.9

Purpose: In this multicenter retrospective observational study, we examined the early effects of romosozumab in patients with severeosteoporosis in terms of time-course changes in bone metabolism marker, improvement in bone density, and adverse effects. Materials and Methods: Patients with severe osteoporosis were included. We investigated the progress of TRACP 5b and P1NPbefore and 1–2 months after the administration of romosozumab. We also investigated the bone density of lumbar spine, femoralneck, and the entire femur, measured by the DXA method, before and 5–7 months after the administration of romosozumab. Results: A total of 70 patients (7 males and 63 females, age 75.0±3.6 years) participated in this study. Significant improvements inTRACP 5b and P1NP levels were observed before and 1–2 months after romosozumab administration. The average bone densityof lumbar spine, femoral neck, and the entire femur were measured before and 5–7 months after romosozumab administration;and a significant increase only observed in the lumbar spine. Conclusion: Consistent with the findings of previous clinical studies, romosozumab has both bone formation-enhancing andbone resorption effects (dual effect). In addition, romosozumab also demonstrated improvement in bone density from the earlyphase after the administration, though the result was only seen in the lumbar spine.

Ajoy Prasad Shetty

Go Kubota,Hiroto Kamoda,Sumihisa Orita,Kazuhidee Inage,Michihiro Ito,Masaomi Yamashita,Takeo Furuya,Tsutomu Akazawa,Yasuhiro Shiga,Seiji Ohtori 대한척추외과학회 2018 Asian Spine Journal Vol.12 No.1

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Purpose: To examine the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for bone fusion in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using local bone grafting. Overview of Literature: Several authors have reported the efficacy of PRP for bone union in animal models. However, the use of PRP for bone fusion in TLIF surgery has not been fully explored. Methods: Twenty patients underwent single-level TLIF surgery because of L4 spondylolisthesis. An interbody fusion cage and local bone were used in nine patients (control group) and an interbody fusion cage, local bone, and PRP were used in 11 patients (PRP group). PRP was prepared from the patients’ blood samples (400 mL) immediately before surgery. The duration of bone union and postoperative bone fusion rate were assessed using plain radiography at every 3 months postoperatively and computed tomography at 12 or 24 months postoperatively, respectively. Lower back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness were evaluated using the visual analog scale preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results: The platelet count was 8.7 times higher in PRP than in blood. The bone union rate was significantly superior in the PRP group than in the control group (91% and 77%, respectively; p =0.035), whereas the average duration of bone union was not significantly different between the groups (7.7±0.74 and 10.0±2.00 months, respectively; p =0.131). There was no significant difference in lower back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness in both groups during follow-up (p >0.05). Conclusions Our study suggests that the use of PRP in TLIF surgery increases bone fusion rate.

Assessment of the Initial Diagnostic Accuracy of a Fragility Fracture of the Sacrum: A Study of 56 Patients

Umeda Ryo,Iijima Yasushi,Yamakawa Nanako,Kotani Toshiaki,Sakuma Tsuyoshi,Kishida Shunji,Ueno Keisuke,Kajiwara Daisuke,Akazawa Tsutomu,Shiga Yasuhiro,Minami Shohei,Ohtori Seiji,Nakagawa Koichi 대한척추외과학회 2023 Asian Spine Journal Vol.17 No.6

Study Design: Retrospective study.Purpose: To investigate the clinical manifestations of a fragility fracture of the sacrum (FFS) and the factors that may contribute to a misdiagnosis.Overview of Literature: The number of patients diagnosed with FFS has increased because of extended life expectancy and osteoporosis. Patients with FFS may report nonspecific symptoms, such as back, buttock, groin, and/or leg pain, leading to a misdiagnosis and a delay in definitive diagnosis.Methods: Fifty-six patients (13 males and 43 females) with an average age of 80.2±9.2 years admitted to the hospital for FFS between 2006 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The following patient data were collected using medical records: pain regions, a history of trauma, initial diagnoses, and rates of fracture detection using radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Results: Forty-one patients presented with low back and/or buttock pain, nine presented with groin pain, and 17 presented with thigh or leg pain. There was no history of trauma in 18 patients (32%). At the initial visit, 27 patients (48%) were diagnosed with sacral or pelvic fragility fractures. In contrast, 29 patients (52%) were initially misdiagnosed with lumbar spine disease (23 patients), hip joint diseases (three patients), and buttock bruises (three patients). Fracture detection rates for FFS were 2% using radiography, 71% using CT, and 93% using MRI. FFS was diagnosed definitively using an MRI with a coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence.Conclusions: Some patients with FFS have leg pain with no history of trauma and are initially misdiagnosed as having lumbar spine disease, hip joint disease, or simple bruises. When these clinical symptoms are reported, we recommend considering FFS as one of the differential diagnoses and performing lumbar or pelvic MRIs, particularly coronal STIR images, to rule out FFS.

Relationship between Skeletal Muscle Mass, Bone Mineral Density, and Trabecular Bone Score in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Tokeshi Soichiro,Eguchi Yawara,Suzuki Munetaka,Yamanaka Hajime,Tamai Hiroshi,Orita Sumihisa,Inage Kazuhide,Shiga Yasuhiro,Hagiwara Shigeo,Nakamura Junichi,Akazawa Tsutomu,Takahashi Hiroshi,Ohtori Seij 대한척추외과학회 2021 Asian Spine Journal Vol.15 No.3

Study Design: A retrospective observational study was performed. Purpose: We investigated the relationships between skeletal muscle mass, bone mineral density (BMD), and trabecular bone score (TBS) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Overview of Literature: The TBS has attracted attention as a measurement of trabecular bone microarchitecture. It is derived from data obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and is a reported indicator of VCFs, and its addition to the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool increases the accuracy of fracture prediction. Methods: BMD, skeletal muscle mass, and TBS were measured in 142 patients who visited Shimoshizu National Hospital from April to August 2019. Patients were divided into a VCF group and a non-VCF group. Whole-body DXA scans were performed to analyze body composition, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI; lean mass [kg]/height [m2]) and BMD. The diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia was an appendicular SMI <5.46 kg/m2. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors for VCFs. Results: The significant (p<0.05) findings (VCF group vs. non-VCF group, respectively) included age (79 vs. 70 years), femoral BMD (0.50 vs. 0.58 g/cm2), TBS (1.25 vs. 1.29), and lower limb muscle mass (8.6 vs. 9.9 kg). The VCF group was significantly older and had a lower femur BMD and decreased leg muscle mass than the non-VCF group. Based on the multiple logistic regression analysis, lower femoral BMD and decreased leg muscle mass were identified as risk factors for vertebral fracture independent of age, but the TBS was not. Conclusions: Patients with VCFs had low BMD, a low TBS, and low skeletal muscle mass. Lower femoral BMD and decreased leg muscle mass were identified as risk factors for VCFs independent of age, whereas the TBS was not identified as a risk factor for VCFs.