The effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the anatomy of the cervical spine has not been clearly documented. We studied 129 female patients, 90 with rheumatoid arthritis and 39 with other pathologies (the control group). There were 21 patients in the control group with a diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and 18 with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. All had plain lateral radiographs taken of the cervical spine as well as a reconstructed CT scan. The axial diameter of the width of the pedicle, the thickness of the lateral mass, the height of the isthmus and internal height were measured. The transverse diameter of the transverse foramen (d1) and that of the spinal canal (d2) were measured, and the ratio d1/d2 calculated. The width of the pedicles and the thickness of the lateral masses were significantly less in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in those with other pathologies. The area of the transverse foramina in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was significantly greater than that in the other patients. The ratio of d1 to d2 was not significantly different. A high-riding vertebral artery was noted in 33.9% of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in 7.7% of those with other pathologies. This difference was statistically significant. In the rheumatoid group there was a significant correlation between isthmus height and vertical subluxation and between internal height and vertical subluxation

We carried out a cadaver study of 16 iliolumbar veins in order to define the surgical anatomy. Two variants were found; a single vein at a mean distance of 3.74 cm from the inferior vena cava (11 of 16) and two separate draining veins at a mean distance from the vena cava of 2.98 cm for the proximal and 6.24 cm for the distal stem (5 of 16). Consistently, the proximal vein tore on attempted medial retraction of the great vessels. The mean length of the vein was 1.6 cm and its mean width 1.07 cm. Three stems were shorter than 0.5 cm. Two or more tributaries usually drained the iliacus and psoas muscles, and the fifth lumbar vertebral body. The obturator nerve crossed all veins superficially at a mean of 2.76 cm lateral to the mouth. In four of these, this distance was less than 1.5 cm. Usually, the lumbosacral trunk crossed deep, at a mean distance of 2.5 cm lateral to the mouth, but in three veins, this distance was 1 cm or less. Our findings emphasise the need for proper dissection of the iliolumbar vein before ligature during exposure of the anterior lumbar spine

Introduction. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are increasingly recognized as a common anatomical variant and is the most common congenital anomaly of the lumbosacral spine. Patients can have symptomatic LSTV, known as Bertolotti's Syndrome, where transitional anatomy can cause back, L5 distribution leg, hip, and groin pain. We propose an outline for diagnosis and treatment of Bertolotti's Syndrome. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed over 500 patients presenting to the primary author with low back, buttock, hip, groin and/or leg pain from April 2009 through April 2024. Patients with radiographic findings of an LSTV and clinical presentation underwent diagnostic injections to confirm diagnosis of Bertolotti's syndrome. Treatment was determined based on patient's LSTV classification. 157 patients with confirmed Bertolotti's syndrome underwent surgical treatment. Results. Over 500 patients presented with an appropriate clinical presentation and radiographic findings of an LSTV. Diagnostic injections were targeted into the transitional anatomy confirming the LSTV as the primary pain generator to make the diagnosis of Bertolotti's syndrome. The decision in the type of surgical intervention, resection or fusion, was made based on patient's LSTV anatomy. 157 patients with confirmed Bertolotti's Syndrome underwent surgical treatment (121 fusions (77%), 36 resections (23%)). The classification system and surgical outcomes, in part, have been previously published in World Neurosurgery. Conclusion. We have outlined the best practice of diagnosis and treatment selection for Bertolotti's syndrome. We have shown significant improvement in outcomes based on this method. We hope to aid in both patient education and provide an outline on how clinicians can become knowledgeable on Bertolotti's syndrome. Conflicts of interest. No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding. No funding obtained

Spinal deformations are posture dependent. Official data from the Netherlands show that youth are encountering increasing problems with the musculoskeletal system (>40% back pain, and sport injury proneness). Prolonged sloth and slumped sitting postures are causative factors. Dutch youth are “champion sitting” in Europe. The effects of sitting on the development of posture and function of locomotion (stiffness) during growth have only been reported clearly in classic textbooks (in German) of practical anatomy and orthopaedics. Research with relevant clinical examinations is being done to understand epidemiological data on the increasing posture-dependent problems. A cohort of adolescents (15–18 years) in secondary school was assessed for sagittal postural deviations while bending. 248 children completed a questionnaire, and tests were done on neuromuscular tightness. The femorotibial angle was used to measure hamstring tightness. Measurement of the dorsiflexion of the foot was used to assess the tightness of calf muscles and Achilles tendons. All adolescents were photographed laterally while performing the finger–floor test (used to test flexibility), assessed as a knockout test: “Can you reach the floor or not?” The spinal profiles while bending were classified as abnormal arcuate or angular kyphosis. Hamstring tightness was present in 62.1% of the cohort in both legs, and in 18.2% unilaterally. Achilles tendon tightness was present bilaterally in 59.3%, and unilaterally in 19.4%. Activities with presence of stiffness (finger–floor distance), in descending order, were football, running, no sports, field hockey, tennis, dance, and gymnastics. 93.5% of the soccer players had tight hamstrings in both legs compared with none of those performing gymnastics. The correlation of the finger–floor test with tight hamstrings was 73.2%. For sagittal bending deformities, the correlation between form and function deficits cannot be made yet. 80 of 248 spines were rated by the examiners as having deformed flexion. Since Andry (1741) and at the zenith of continental orthopaedics and anatomy around 1900, the prolonged flexed positions of a young spine were indicated as being the main cause of deformity by overload and shear loads on immature discs and cartilage, preventing normal development of the discs. Nachemson proved that the intradiscal pressure in sitting adults was extremely high, so it follows that children must also be at risk. Evidence suggests that youth, generally because of their sedentary and “screenful lifestyle”, will encounter serious problems in growth, manifesting as incongruent neuro-osseous growth (Roth), serious neuromuscular tightness (being prone to injury), and spinal deformations, leading to pain

Aim. To systematically review the literature and anatomical atlases on LM morphology. Methods. Relevant studies were searched in PubMed (Medline) and Science Direct. Anatomical atlases were retrieved from multiple university libraries and online. Included atlases and studies were assessed at five items: visuals present(y/n), quality of visuals(in-/sufficient), labelling of multifidus (y/n), clear description of region of interest(y/n), description of plane has been described(y/n). This risk of bias assessment tool was developed to assess the quality of description of anatomy, since existing risk of bias tables have only been developed to assess the methodology of studies. Results. In total 69 studies and 19 anatomical atlases were included. Studies. - 52 of 69 studies, LM was described as a superficial muscle at the levels L4 – S1. Others presented the LM as deep intrinsic muscle. - Most used methods: MRI, ultrasound imaging or drawings. - 32 of 69 studies scored a total of five points at the risk of bias assessment, which means low risk of bias. Anatomical atlases. - LM is shown as a deep intrinsic back muscle covered by the erector spinae and fascia thoracolumbalis. - Most anatomical atlases (8/19) had a score of four points at the risk of bias assessment. Conclusion. Anatomy atlases reported different LM morphology compared to anatomical studies. Even between studies, there appears to be inconsistent reporting in LM anatomy. Variation in research methods that are used for measuring LM morphology could influence variation in describing and presenting LM morphology. Standardization of research methodology is recommended in order to compare studies. No conflicts of interest. Sources of Funding: SIA RAAK-Publiek

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The aim of this study was to reassess the rate of neurological, psoas-related, and abdominal complications associated with L4-L5 lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) undertaken using a standardized preoperative assessment and surgical technique.

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To report the development of the technique for minimally invasive lumbar decompression using robotic-assisted navigation.

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The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of pedicle screw placement, as well as intraoperative factors, radiation exposure, and complication rates in adult patients with degenerative disorders of the thoracic and lumbar spines who have undergone robotic-navigated spinal surgery using a contemporary system.

To determine if there is a safe osseous corridor for trans-sacroiliac screw fixation of U-type sacral fractures using fluoroscopic landmarks. We reviewed the sacral anatomy of patients who underwent Computed Tomography (CT) investigations between October and December 2009. Agfa-IPMAX Version 5.2 software was used to determine if there was a trans-sacroiliac osseous corridor in the S1 and S2 vertebrae from one ilium to the other. 76 patients were in the study, 38 male and 38 female. Exclusion criteria were patients under 18 years old; patients with degenerate lumbar spine and lumbo-sacral junction; CT imaging slices greater than 2.5mm. We measured various parameters including the dimensions of the S1 and S2 mid-sagittal vertebral body; cross-sectional areas of the S1 and S2 corridor; location of the centre of the S1 and S2 corridor. The mean cross-sectional area for S1 and S2 corridors in males and females are 21mm. 2. and 15mm. 2 . respectively. The mean cross-sectional area for the S2 corridor in males and females were 15mm. 2 . and 11mm. 2 . respectively. The centre of the S1 and S2 corridor is located in the centre of both S1 and S2 vertebrae. Two-thirds of males and females have a complete osseous corridor to pass a trans-sacroiliac S1 screw. The S2 corridor was present in all males but only in 87% of females. Before placement of trans-sacroiliac screws, the surgeon should review the CT sacral anatomy to determine if the trans-sacroiliac osseous corridor is present. Ethics Approval: None – Audit Interest Statement: None

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To evaluate the perioperative complications associated with total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) in patients with spinal tumours, based on the extent and level of tumour resection.

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Open discectomy (OD) is the standard operation for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD), however, has shown similar outcomes to OD and there is increasing interest in this procedure. However despite improved surgical techniques and instrumentation, reoperation and infection rates continue and are reported to be between 6% and 24% and 0.7% and 16%, respectively. The objective of this study was to compare the rate of reoperation and infection within six months of patients being treated for LDH either by OD or PELD.

Previous studies on the anatomy of the lumbar spine have not clarified the precise relationship of the origin of the lumbar roots to their corresponding discs or their angulation to the dural sac. We studied 33 cadavers (25 formalin-preserved and eight fresh-frozen) and their radiographs to determine these details. All cadavers showed a gradual decrease in the angle of the nerve root from L1 to S1. The origin of the root was found to be below the corresponding disc for the L1 to L4 roots. In the formalin-preserved cadavers 8% of the L5 roots originated above, 64% below and 28% at the L4/L5 disc. In the fresh cadavers the values were 12.5%, 62.5% and 25%, respectively. For the S1 root 76% originated above and 24% at the L5-S1 disc in the formalin-preserved cadavers and 75% and 25%, respectively, in the fresh cadavers. A herniated disc usually compresses the root before division of the root sleeve. Thus, compression of the thecal sac before the origin of the root sleeve is common for L1 to L5 whereas compression at the root sleeve is common for S1. Our findings are of value in understanding the pathophysiology of prolapse of the disc and in preventing complications during surgery

Objective:. The aim of this study was to define a method to identify the location of the great vessel bifurcation (GVB) in relation to the L5/S1 disc and measure the lumbo-sacral angle (LSA) at L5/S1 using routine lumbar spine MRI images on standard PACS software. The information can be used for surgical planning of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) at L5/S1 with a plate and cage. Method:. Axial and sagittal T2 sections of 192 lumbar spine MRI scans were viewed simultaneously to classify the position of the GVB and the LSA. A further 75 scans were assessed independently by 2 examiners (E1/E2) utilizing the same classification to record the GVB position (High (H), Middle (M), Low (L)) and size of the LSA using standard radiology software. Twenty five images were randomly selected for repeat measurements one month later. Results:. Inter and Intra-observer agreements were excellent for LSA (0.92, R1=0.92, R2=0.94) and moderate for GVB (0.76, R1=0.85, R2=0.75). Reduced GVB correlation was primarily observed in the high (E1=64% vs E2=50.7%, =57.3%) and Middle (E1=25.3% vs E2=40%, =32.7%) categories. LSA was most prevalent between 121–130° in both assessors (E1= 57.3% vs E20=61.3%, =59.5%). Conclusion:. MRI assessment of GVB height and LSA is feasible and can aid surgical planning of L5/S1 ALIF and permit selection of the implants that best suit the patient's specific anatomy. The results indicate that anterior plate placement, without impingement on the great vessels, would be possible in 90% of cases with a majority having an LSA of between 125° and 130°

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To benchmark the radiation dose to patients during the course of treatment for a spinal deformity.

Purposes of Study and Background. This study investigates the role of the patient and the therapeutic relationship with their medical practitioner in resolving CLBP (chronic low back pain). Many cases of chronic pain persist due to the stress response. The body is equipped with natural self-healing mechanisms that must be activated by the patient. This needs facilitation by someone trained to engage the patient in this process. Evidence shows that conventional medication; surgery and physical rehabilitation do not always resolve chronic pain. To ensure that the stress response doesn't sabotage biomedical intervention the patient may need to address any problems obstructing a healthy lifestyle. This means supporting healthy relationships, and good health in other areas such as: professional life, financial matters, beliefs and creativity. Summary of Methods used and Results. Recent Case Studies are described where patients presented with severe CLBP. The Roland Morris Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire was used to measure outcomes. Treatment included education about the ANS (autonomic nervous system); an active health plan in which the patient takes responsibility for their own healing; and movement guidelines to support the parasympathetic NS. The results show a significant pain reduction and increase in mobility. Conclusion. In these cases conventional medical intervention did not resolve CLBP. These and similar cases during the past 12 years illustrate that this treatment procedure can reduce or eliminate CLBP. Recent research about how stress influences chronic pain may explain these results. More research is needed to investigate the relationship between the ANS and chronic pain, and the implications for the therapeutic relationship. This abstract and case studies have not been previously published. A reference to the same methodology used in a different study was a minor part of a Poster for Irish Pain Society ASM in November 2013 and a current joint study with University College Cork, Dept. of Anatomy & Neuroscience. The methodology will also be described in an article commissioned by John Lindsay, Chair of Chronic Pain Ireland for CPI journal in Autumn 2014. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Source of funding: No funding obtained

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The aim of this study was to systematically compare the safety and accuracy of robot-assisted (RA) technique with conventional freehand with/without fluoroscopy-assisted (CT) pedicle screw insertion for spine disease.

The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and appropriateness of statistical shape modelling for capturing variation in thoracic vertebral anatomy for future use in assessing scoliotic vertebral morphology. Magnetic resonance (MR) images of the thoracic vertebrae were acquired from 20 healthy adults (12 female, 8 male) using a 1.5 T MR scanner (Intera, Philips). A T1 weighted spin-echo sequence (repetition time = 294 ms, echo time = 8 ms, number of signal averages = 3) was used. A set of slices (number = 27, thickness = 1.9 mm, gap = 1.63 mm, pixel size = 0.5 mm) were acquired for each vertebrae, parallel to the mid-transverse plane of the vertebral body. Repeated imaging, including participant repositioning, was performed for T4, T8 and T12 to assess reliability. Landmark points were placed on the images to define anatomical features consisting of the vertebral body and foramen, pedicles, transverse and spinous processes, inferior and superior facets. A statistical shape model was created using software tools developed in MATLAB (R2013a, The MathWorks Inc.). The model was used to determine the mean vertebral shape and ‘modes of variation’ describing patterns in vertebral shape. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences between vertebral levels and subjects and reliability was assessed by determining the within-subject standard deviation from the repeated measurements. The first three modes of variation, shown below (green = mean, red and blue = ±2 standard deviations about the mean), accounted for 70% of the variation in thoracic vertebral shape (Mode 1 = 44%, Mode 2 = 19%, Mode 3 = 4%). Visual inspection indicated that these modes described variation in anatomical features such as the aspect ratio of the vertebral bodies, width and orientation of the pedicles, and position and orientation of the processes and facet points. Variation in shape along the thoracic spine, characterised by these modes of variation, was consistent with that reported in the literature. Significant differences (p< 0.05) between vertebral levels and between some subjects were found. The reliability of the method was good with low relative error (Mode 1 = 5%, Mode 2 = 8%, Mode 3 = 19%). Statistical shape modelling provides a reliable method for characterizing many anatomical features of the thoracic vertebrae in a compact number of variables. This is useful for robustly assessing morphological differences between scoliotic and non-scoliotic vertebrae and in assessing entry points and trajectories for pedicle screws

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Significant correction of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the coronal plane through a posterior approach is associated with hypokyphosis. Factors such as the magnitude of the preoperative coronal curve, the use of hooks, number of levels fused, preoperative kyphosis, screw density, and rod type have all been implicated. Maintaining the normal thoracic kyphosis is important as hypokyphosis is associated with proximal junctional failure (PJF) and early onset degeneration of the spine. The aim of this study was to determine if coronal correction per se was the most relevant factor in generating hypokyphosis.

Introduction. Iatrogenic spondylolisthesis occurs infrequently after posterior decompression. Posterior surgery is challenging due to altered anatomy and scarring. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) allows indirect decompression, restoration of lordosis and fusion. Material and Methods. Retrospective review of 6 patients (5 female, 1 male, mean age 64±5.8 years) with iatrogenic spondylolisthesis (5 L4/L5; 1 L4/L5) treated with stand-alone ALIF (Synfix, BMP2). Assessment of pelvic incidence, listhesis, pre- and post-operative ODI, VAS, global lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis as outcome measurements. Results. The slippage was grade II at L4/L5 in 3 patients and grade I in 2 patients at L4/L5 and 1 patient at L5/S1. Average ODI dropped from 49±11% pre-operatively to 30±9% at 6 and to 25±6% at 12 months follow-up. VAS average dropped from 7±1 to 3±1 at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Average pelvic incidence was 54.6±8.0°. Global lordosis of 44.6±5.2° increased to 49.0±8.6°; Segmental lordosis in L4/5 was increased from 12.1±8.2° to 22.4±3.7° at 6 and 20.5±7.9° at 12 months. Cage migration due to severe osteoporosis occurred in 1 case after 5 months. Conclusion. Anterior interbody fusion offers good stabilization and restoration of lordosis in iatrogenic spondylolisthesis. In our group, ODI and VAS scores were improved. These early results encourage further investigations regarding long-term follow-ups and prospective studies in larger patient groups

To describe a modification of the existing technique for C2 translaminar screw fixation that can be used for salvage in difficult cases. Bilateral crossing C2 laminar screws have recently become popular as an alternative technique for C2 fixation. This technique is particularly useful in patients with anomalous anatomy, as a salvage technique where other modes of fixation have failed or as a primary procedure. However, reported disadvantages of this technique include breach of the dorsal lamina and spinal canal, early hardware failure and difficulty in bone graft placement due to the position of the polyaxial screw heads. To address some of these issues, a modified technique is described. In this technique, the upper part of the spinous process of C2 is removed and the entry point of the screw is in the base of this removed spinous process. From October 2008 to March 2009, 6 patients underwent insertion of unilateral translaminar screws using our technique. The indications were: basilar invagination(three cases), C1/C2 fracture (two cases), tumour (one case). Age varied from 22 to 81 years (mean 48 years). All patients had post-operative x-ray and CT scan to assess position of the screws. Mean follow-up was 6 months. The screw position was satisfactory in all patients. There were no intraoperative or early postoperative complications. Our modification enables placement of bone graft on the C2 lamina and is also less likely to cause inadvertent cortical breach. Because of these advantages, it is especially suitable for patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis with destruction of the lateral masses of C2 or as part of a hybrid construct in patients with unilateral high riding vertebral artery. This technique is not suitable for bilateral translaminar screw placement