Aims. Although we often encounter patients with an aortic aneurysm who also have diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), there are no reports to date of an association between these two conditions and the pathogenesis of DISH remains unknown. This study therefore evaluated the prevalence of DISH in patients with a thoracic aortic aneurysm (AA). Patients and Methods. The medical records of 298 patients who underwent CT scans for a diagnosis of an AA or following high-energy trauma were retrospectively examined. A total of 204 patients underwent surgery for an AA and 94 had a high-energy injury and formed the non-AA group. The prevalence of DISH was assessed on CT scans of the chest and abdomen and the relationship between DISH and AA by comparison between the AA and non-AA groups. Results. The prevalence of DISH in the AA group (114/204; 55.9%) was higher than that in the non-AA group (31/94; 33.0%). On multivariate analysis, the factors of AA, male gender, and ageing were independent predictors of the existence of DISH, with odds ratios of 2.9, 1.9, and 1.03, respectively. Conclusion. This study revealed that the prevalence of DISH is higher in patients with an AA than in those without an AA, and that the presence of an AA significantly influenced the prevalence of DISH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:617–21

The June 2024 Research Roundup. 360. looks at: Do the associations of daily steps with mortality and incident cardiovascular disease differ by sedentary time levels?; Large-scale assessment of ChatGPT in benign and malignant bone tumours imaging report diagnosis and its potential for clinical applications; Long-term effects of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis on physical function: a longitudinal analysis; Effect of intramuscular fat in the thigh muscles on muscle architecture and physical performance in the middle-aged females with knee osteoarthritis; Preoperative package of care for osteoarthritis an opportunity not to be missed?; Superiority of kinematic alignment over mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty during medium- to long-term follow-up: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a condition found predominantly in the oriental population and is rarely seen in non orientals. OPLL can present with cervical canal stenosis and myelopathy (including central cord syndrome), often following minor trauma. Co-existence of OPLL with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a rare condition and very few reports of such patients exist in literature. Here we report the case of a Caucasian with co-existing DISH and OPLL, presenting with acute central cord syndrome associated with fracture of the ossification. A 64 year old Caucasian farmer was transferred to our spinal unit with weakness in the right upper limb following a road traffic accident. On examination he had hyperaesthesia in both upper limbs and motor power of grade 4 in the right upper limb with a distal motor power of grade 3 in the hand. There was no motor deficit in the left upper limb or lower limbs. Radiographs revealed an ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament with a break at C2 and C3 levels. He also had exuberant soft tissue ossification in the cervical and thoracic spines, suggestive of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). He recovered completely in 6 weeks with non operative treatment. Fracture of the posterior longitudinal ligament has not been widely reported, although it is possibly more prevalent than is recognised. We report this case in order to highlight the importance of recognising this condition in non oriental populations and to demonstrate that non operative treatment has a good prognosis

Background. Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a known complication following total hip arthroplasty, with increased incidence in certain patient populations. Current prophylaxis options include oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and radiation therapy, but an optimal radiation protocol has yet to be clearly defined. We performed a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial in high-risk total hip arthroplasty patients to determine the efficacy of 400 cGy versus 700 cGy doses of radiation. Methods. 147 patients at high risk for HO undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) at Rush-St. Luke's- Presbyterian medical center were randomized to either a single 400 cGy or 700 cGy dose of radiation. High risk was defined as diagnosis of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), hypertrophic osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or history of previous heterotopic ossification. Radiation was administered over a 14 × 6 cm area of soft tissue and given on the first or second post-operative day. A blinded reviewer graded anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs taken immediately post-operatively and at a minimum of 6 months post-operatively. Progression was defined as an increase in Brooker classification from the immediate post-operative to the long-term post-operative radiograph. Operative data including surgical approach, use of cemented implants, revision surgery, and post-operative range of motion data were also collected. Results. A significantly greater portion of patients who received the 400 cGy dose demonstrated progression of HO than patients who received the 700 cGy dose. No pre-operative factors were associated with a higher rate of progression. Patients who progressed had less flexion on physical exam than patients who did not progress, but this was not clinically significant. Conclusion. To the authors' knowledge this is the largest randomized prospective study to date comparing two single-dosages of radiation treatment. 700 cGy demonstrates superiority over 400 cGy in preventing HO formation following total hip arthroplasty in high-risk patients and may be the more effective treatment in this population

We report 14 cases of symptomatic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) diagnosed in non-oriental men between 1978 and 1985. All 14 patients had incomplete spinal cord syndromes due to OPLL in the cervical spine and had been referred undiagnosed from other institutions. Twelve had severe myelopathy and seven were wheelchair-bound before OPLL was diagnosed, while six patients had had operations elsewhere for their neurological dysfunction. There was a close association between OPLL and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (Forestier's disease) on plain radiographs, seven patients having both disorders. Enhanced CT scans proved to be the best diagnostic method for the localisation of cord compression, and magnetic resonance imaging, used on four recent cases, provided the best visualisation of the extent of involvement in the sagittal plane. We aim to heighten awareness of OPLL in non-orientals, in whom the clinical features, histological characteristics, and radiographic patterns are very similar to those of oriental patients

Introduction: Described by Jacques Forrestier at the beginning of the 20th century, the disease was named ankylosing hyperostosis of the spine. 1. Since that time various other names have been accorded to it, the most comprehensive being dish: diffuse, idiopathic, skeletal, hyperostosis. 2. The disease is often misdiagnosed by radiologists, unrecognised by surgeons and considered a silent condition. To diffuse this myth of ‘innocence ‘ I am presenting syndromes collected from over 80 patients, during some 20 years. Methods: the clinical syndromes were recorded, with emphasis on general health and family history. The physical examination recorded the rigidity of spinal movements and neurological changes. All patients were exposed to plain films and CT scan of the spine, to barium meal and /or laryngoscopy. Results: Only clinical assessment and radiological illustrations were the aim of this review: Cervical syndromes: – painful ankylosis; stenosis with myelopathy (. 3. );. -Tracheal compression with laryngeal nerve palsy;. -Esophageal compression with endoscopic implications. (. 4. ). Dorsal syndromes: painful ankylosis, spinal stenosis & myelopathy (. 5. ,. 6. ,);. Lumbar syndromes: painful hyperlordotic ankylosis, spinal stenosis (. 7. );. Sacroiliac fusion (. 8. ); calcifications of iliosacral and iliolumbar ligaments. Extra spinal calcifications: peri articular at elbow, hips and in operative scars: Achilles’ repair; Post-laparatomy abdominal wall ossification (. 9. ). Particular features: early onset (age 40); incidence in families with two brothers and another with three brothers. Discussion: Presentation of multilevel spinal syndromes and extra-spinal symptomatic calcification/ossification is intended to dispel the “innocence” of this disease. Except the ankylosis, often asymptomatic, the approximate symptomatic disease was found to be of 10%

Seven men with a mean age of 63.9 years (59 to 67) developed dysphagia because of oesophageal compression with ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL) and radiculomyelopathy due to associated stenosis of the cervical spine. The diagnosis of OALL was made by plain lateral radiography and classified into three types; segmental, continuous and mixed. Five patients had associated OALL in the thoracic and lumbar spine without ossification of the ligamentum flavum.

All underwent removal of the OALL and six had simultaneous decompression by removal of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament or a bony spur. All had improvement of their dysphagia. Because symptomatic OALL may be associated with spinal stenosis, precise neurological examination is critical. A simultaneous microsurgical operation for patients with OALL and spinal stenosis gives good results without serious complications.

The April 2015 Spine Roundup360 looks at: Hyperostotic spine in injury; App based back pain control; Interspinous process devices should be avoided in claudication; Robot assisted pedicle screws: fad or advance?; Vancomycin antibiotic power in spinal surgery; What to do with that burst fracture?; Increasing complexity of spinal fractures in major trauma pathways; Vitamin D and spinal fractures

The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a pivotal articulation in the linked system of the upper limb girdle, providing load-bearing in compression while resisting displacement in tension or distraction at the manubrium sterni. The SCJ and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) both have a small surface area of contact protected by an intra-articular fibrocartilaginous disc and are supported by strong extrinsic and intrinsic capsular ligaments. The function of load-sharing in the upper limb by bulky periscapular and thoracobrachial muscles is extremely important to the longevity of both joints. Ligamentous and capsular laxity changes with age, exposing both joints to greater strain, which may explain the rising incidence of arthritis in both with age. The incidence of arthritis in the SCJ is less than that in the ACJ, suggesting that the extrinsic ligaments of the SCJ provide greater stability than the coracoclavicular ligaments of the ACJ.

Instability of the SCJ is rare and can be difficult to distinguish from medial clavicular physeal or metaphyseal fracture-separation: cross-sectional imaging is often required. The distinction is important because the treatment options and outcomes of treatment are dissimilar, whereas the treatment and outcomes of ACJ separation and fracture of the lateral clavicle can be similar. Proper recognition and treatment of traumatic instability is vital as these injuries may be life-threatening. Instability of the SCJ does not always require surgical intervention. An accurate diagnosis is required before surgery can be considered, and we recommend the use of the Stanmore instability triangle. Most poor outcomes result from a failure to recognise the underlying pathology.

There is a natural reluctance for orthopaedic surgeons to operate in this area owing to unfamiliarity with, and the close proximity of, the related vascular structures, but the interposed sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles are rarely injured and provide a clear boundary to the medial retroclavicular space, as well as an anatomical barrier to unsafe intervention.

This review presents current concepts of instability of the SCJ, describes the relevant surgical anatomy, provides a framework for diagnosis and management, including physiotherapy, and discusses the technical challenges of operative intervention.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:721–31.

Thoracic back pain caused by osteoarthritis of a single costovertebral joint is a poorly recognised condition. We report a series of five patients who were successfully treated by resection arthroplasty of this joint.

Each had received a preliminary image-guided injection of local anaesthetic and steroid into the joint to confirm it as the source of pain. The surgical technique is described. There were no complications. The pain improved from a mean of 7.0 (6 to 8) on a visual analogue scale to 2.0 (0 to 4) post-operatively. The final post-operative Oswestry disability index was a mean of 19.4 (9 to 38).

Isolated osteoarthritis of a costovertebral joint is a rare but treatable cause of thoracic back pain. It is possible to obtain excellent short- and intermediate-term relief from pain with resection arthroplasty in appropriately selected patients.

Heterotopic ossification following joint replacement in the lower limb occurs in 3% to 90% of cases. Higher grades of heterotopic ossification can result in significant limitation of function and can negate the benefits of joint replacement. The understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition has improved in recent years. It would appear to be related to a combination of systemic and local factors, including over-expression of bone morphogenetic protein-4. There is currently little evidence to support the routine use of prophylaxis for heterotopic ossification in arthroplasty patients, but prophylaxis is recommended by some for high-risk patients. Radiotherapy given as one dose of 7 Gy to 8 Gy, either pre-operatively (< four hours before) or post-operatively (within 72 hours of surgery), appears to be more effective than indometacin therapy (75 mg daily for six weeks). In cases of prophylaxis against recurrent heterotopic ossification following excision, recent work has suggested that a combination of radiotherapy and indometacin is effective. Advances in our understanding of this condition may permit the development of newer, safer treatment modalities.