1. Previous studies of the movements of the lumbar spine are criticised in the light of new observations from radiograph tracings. It is shown that, contrary to recent teaching, the lumbar spine is a very mobile part of the vertebral column. 2. The movement of the lumbar spine is analysed. It is shown that the lower vertebrae have the most movement, and that the range gradually becomes less in the upper lumbar spine. 3. This movement may be roughly correlated with the incidence of spurs arising from the anterior margin of the vertebral bodies. 4. These spurs are shown to arise in the anterior longitudinal ligament; they are probably caused by intermittent pressure from the intervertebral disc lying behind the ligament

Aims. Chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease is sometimes treated with fusion. We compared the outcome of three different fusion techniques in the Swedish Spine Register: noninstrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF), instrumented posterolateral fusion (IPLF), and interbody fusion (IBF). Patients and Methods. A total of 2874 patients who were operated on at one or two lumbar levels were followed for a mean of 9.2 years (3.6 to 19.1) for any additional lumbar spine surgery. Patient-reported outcome data were available preoperatively (n = 2874) and at one year (n = 2274), two years (n = 1958), and a mean of 6.9 years (n = 1518) postoperatively and consisted of global assessment and visual analogue scales of leg and back pain, Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol five-dimensional index, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and satisfaction with treatment. Statistical analyses were performed with competing-risks proportional hazards regression or analysis of covariance, adjusted for baseline variables. Results. The number of patients with additional surgery were 32/183 (17%) in the PLF group, 229/1256 (18%) in the IPLF group, and 439/1435 (31%) in the IBF group. With the PLF group as a reference, the hazard ratio for additional lumbar surgery was 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.72) for the IPLF group and 2.13 (95% CI 1.45 to 3.12) for the IBF group. All patient-reported outcomes improved after surgery (p < 0.001) but were without statistically significant differences between the groups at the one-, two- and 6.9-year follow-ups (all p ≥ 0.12). Conclusion. The addition of interbody fusion to posterolateral fusion was associated with a higher risk for additional surgery and showed no advantages in patient-reported outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1526–1533

A series of experiments showing how posture affects the lumbar spine is reviewed. Postures which flatten (that is, flex) the lumbar spine are compared with those that preserve the lumbar lordosis. Our review shows that flexed postures have several advantages: flexion improves the transport of metabolites in the intervertebral discs, reduces the stresses on the apophyseal joints and on the posterior half of the annulus fibrosus, and gives the spine a high compressive strength. Flexion also has disadvantages: it increases the stress on the anterior annulus and increases the hydrostatic pressure in the nucleus pulposus at low load levels. The disadvantages are not of much significance and we conclude that it is mechanically and nutritionally advantageous to flatten the lumbar spine when sitting and when lifting heavy weights

We carried out an MRI study of the lumbar spine in 15 patients with achondroplasia to evaluate the degree of stenosis of the canal. They were divided into asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. We measured the sagittal canal diameter, the sagittal cord diameter, the interpedicular distance at the mid-pedicle level and the cross-sectional area of the canal and spinal cord at mid-body and mid-disc levels. The MRI findings showed that in achondroplasia there was a significant difference between the groups in the cross-sectional area of the body canal at the upper lumbar levels. Patients with a narrower canal are more likely to develop symptoms of spinal stenosis than others

Assessment of bony union after anterior fusion of the lumbar spine has previously relied on the skilled interpretation of plain radiograph. A biplanar radiographic technique was used to measure small movements between vertebrae and to give a quantitative measure of bony union in 11 patients who had undergone interbody fusion with autogenous bone chips at one level in the lumbar spine. The investigation gave three types of results: bony union, where the fused level showed marked restriction of movement relative to the rest of the lumbar spine; paradoxical movement, where the fused joint showed marked reverse movement (when the patient flexed, the fused level of the lumbar spine extended) which was thought to be due to an anterior bony bar which caused an altered pattern of movement; and non-union, where the level of fusion showed no restriction of movement. The intervertebral joint above the level of fusion was shown to move more than the other joints in the lumbar spine. The study showed that bony union is possible with the use of autogenous cancellous bone chips, and that biplanar radiographic technique can determine the extent of union

We studied 21 former top-class competitive javelin throwers to investigate radiological and clinical symptoms in the lumbar spine many years after the end of their athletic careers. The athletes underwent clinical and radiological examinations at an average of 20 years after retiring from athletics. The Hannover questionnaire was used to evaluate functional restrictions in daily living. Degenerative changes in the lumbar spine were more marked towards the caudal aspect of the spine. Ten athletes also had spondylolisthesis, but with little progression (< 15%) throughout the observation period. Athletes both with and without radiologically demonstrated spondylolisthesis, complained of no more back problems than the normal population (93% for athletes v 86% for controls). Slight progression followed their retirement from athletics

We validated the North American Spine Society (NASS) outcome-assessment instrument for the lumbar spine in a computerised touch-screen format and assessed patients’ acceptance, taking into account previous computer experience, age and gender. Fifty consecutive patients with symptomatic and radiologically-proven degenerative disease of the lumbar spine completed both the hard copy (paper) and the computerised versions of the NASS questionnaire. Statistical analysis showed high agreement between the paper and the touch-screen computer format for both subscales (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94, 95% confidence interval (0.90 to 0.97)) independent of computer experience, age and gender. In total, 55% of patients stated that the computer format was easier to use and 66% preferred it to the paper version (p < 0.0001 among subjects expressing a preference). Our data indicate that the touch-screen format is comparable to the paper form. It may improve follow-up in clinical practice and research by meeting patients’ preferences and minimising administrative work

Low back injuries account for the greatest loss of playing time for professional fast bowlers in cricket. Previous radiological studies have shown a high prevalence of degeneration of the lumbar discs and stress injuries of the pars interarticularis in elite junior fast bowlers. We have examined MRI appearance of the lumbar spines of 36 asymptomatic professional fast bowlers and 17 active control subjects. The fast bowlers had a relatively high prevalence of multi-level degeneration of the lumbar discs and a unique pattern of stress lesions of the pars interarticularis on the non-dominant side. The systems which have been used to classify the MR appearance of the lumbar discs and pars were found to be reliable. However, the relationship between the radiological findings, pain and dysfunction remains unclear

Aims. Repeated lumbar spine surgery has been associated with inferior clinical outcomes. This study aimed to examine and quantify the impact of this association in a national clinical register cohort. Methods. This is a population-based study from the Norwegian Registry for Spine surgery (NORspine). We included 26,723 consecutive cases operated for lumbar spinal stenosis or lumbar disc herniation from January 2007 to December 2018. The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), presented as the proportions reaching a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS; defined as an ODI raw score ≤ 22) and ODI raw and change scores at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the Global Perceived Effect scale, the numerical rating scale for pain, the EuroQoL five-dimensions health questionnaire, occurrence of perioperative complications and wound infections, and working capability. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine how the number of previous operations influenced the odds of not reaching a PASS. Results. The proportion reaching a PASS decreased from 66.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 65.4 to 66.7) in cases with no previous operation to 22.0% (95% CI 15.2 to 30.3) in cases with four or more previous operations (p < 0.001). The odds of not reaching a PASS were 2.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.2) in cases with one previous operation, 2.6 (95% CI 2.3 to 3.0) in cases with two, 4.4 (95% CI 3.4 to 5.5) in cases with three, and 6.9 (95% CI 4.5 to 10.5) in cases with four or more previous operations. The ODI raw and change scores and the secondary outcomes showed similar trends. Conclusion. We found a dose-response relationship between increasing number of previous operations and inferior outcomes among patients operated for degenerative conditions in the lumbar spine. This information should be considered in the shared decision-making process prior to elective spine surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):422–430

1. Seven cases of localised lumbar spine defects in children associated with low back pain are described. 2. The importance is emphasised of the recognition and differentiation of the condition from tuberculosis, which it may resemble both clinically and radiographically

1. Some of the more common and obvious clinical syndromes arising from mechanical and degenerative derangements of the lumbar spine are defined. 2. Some principles in the selection of cases for surgical treatment are discussed and it is stressed how small a part operative intervention plays in the overall problem of low back derangement. 3. Details of surgical technique in the eight types of syndrome are described from past experience in the author's clinic, but not without recognition of the fluidity of this comparatively new field and its continuing evolution

Distraction fractures of the upper lumbar spine are most often associated with the wearing of seat-belts. Twenty patients with this spinal fracture were reviewed and half of them had intra-abdominal injuries. Eight patients required an exploratory laparotomy. Three distinct patterns of distraction fractures have been identified. Open reduction, local spinal fusion and Harrington instrumentation are recommended for unstable fractures and for those with neurological involvement. Four cases of non-union are included ln the series. Legislation for the compulsory wearing of seat-belts should encompass improvements in design and stricter criteria for installation

1. This is a preliminary report of an attempt to determine an objective reference point or "point of motion" during flexion and extension of the lumbar spine. 2. The method described uses superimposition of lateral radiographs taken in flexion and extension with the patient standing. 3. In seventy-eight radiographically normal subjects with no symptoms a "point of motion" was determined for each of the lowest three disc levels. At each level these points clustered within a specific zone approximately 2·5 centimetres square. Sixty-four per cent fell within a square centimetre. 4. In a comparative study of twenty-four patients with confirmed pathology, the "point of motion" fell outside the larger zone at the level of pathological change in 65 per cent of the disc levels. 5. The determination of the "point of motion" is a special technique for studying spinal motion. Its role as a diagnostic and prognostic aid in assessing patients with back pain is the subject of continuing study

Some radiological features of the lumbar spine of 84 patients with spastic diplegia were compared with 50 control subjects. The average age of the patients was 20.1 years (3 to 39). Spondylolysis of the fifth lumbar vertebra was found in 21%, four times more frequently than in normal subjects. No patient under nine years of age had spondylolysis and the frequency increased with age. The average angle of lumbar lordosis in spastic patients in the standing position was greater than in normal subjects, and increased with age. The patients had a decreased sacrofemoral angle which caused an increase in Ferguson's angle and explained the increased angle of lumbar lordosis

The fourth lumbar vertebrae and L4-5 discs from six cadaveric lumbar spines were subjected to detailed strain gauge analysis under conditions of controlled loading. With central compression loads, maximal compressive strain was found to occur near the bases of the pedicles and on both superficial and deep surfaces of the pars interarticularis, which emphasises the importance of the posterior elements of lumbar vertebrae in transmitting load. Radial bulge and tangential strain of the disc wall were maximal at the posterolateral surface, in agreement with the fact that disc degeneration and prolapse commonly occur there. Under posterior offset loads simulating extension, both compressive and tensile strains were found to be increased on both surfaces of the pars interarticularis, which suggests that hyperextension may lead to stress fractures and spondylolisthesis. Posterior offset loads also increased the radial bulge of the posterior disc wall and tangential strain at the anterior surface of the disc. Anterior offset loads simulating flexion increased the radial bulge of the anterior disc wall and tangential strain at the posterior surface of the disc. These findings are compatible with movement of the nucleus pulposus within the disc during flexion and extension. This hypothesis was supported by post-mortem discography

Reports of spondylolysis in vertebrae other than those of the lower lumbar spine are rare. We report 32 patients with upper lumbar spondylolysis who have been studied clinically, radiologically and scintigraphically. Twenty patients had bilateral lesions, and seven of those with unilateral lesions had structural changes or anomalies in the opposite posterior arch. Positive scans were found to be associated with a short clinical history, and indicated stress-related lesions. Our findings suggest that mechanical factors may play a role in the aetiology of spondylolysis in the upper lumbar spine similar to that which they play in the lower lumbar spine, and that local structural anomalies may contribute to abnormal loading of these vertebrae

We present a prospective study of patients with tuberculosis of the dorsal, dorsolumbar and lumbar spine after combined anterior (radical debridement and anterior fusion) and posterior (instrumentation and fusion) surgery. The object was to study the progress of interbody union, the extent of correction of the kyphosis and its maintenance with early mobilisation, and the incidence of graft and implant-related problems. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score was used to assess the neurological status. The mean preoperative vertebral loss was highest (0.96) in the dorsal spine. The maximum correction of the kyphosis in the dorsolumbar spine was 17.8°. Loss of correction was maximal in the lumbosacral spine at 13.7°. All patients had firm anterior fusion at a mean of five months. The incidence of infection was 3.9% and of graft-related problems 6.5%. We conclude that adjuvant posterior stabilisation allows early mobilisation and rehabilitation. Graft-related problems were fewer and the progression and maintenance of correction of the kyphosis were better than with anterior surgery alone. There is no additional risk relating to the use of an implant either posteriorly or anteriorly even when large quantities of pus are present

1. Intertransverse fusion in the lumbar spine appears to have many advantages over previously described techniques. 2. The disadvantage of profuse bleeding can be overcome by the use of a Hastings frame and by an operative technique designed to demonstrate constant muscular and articular branches of the lumbar arteries. 3. Coagulation of these vessels by cautery and avoidance of dissection anterior to the plane of the transverse processes ensure that the operative procedure can be carried out with a blood loss averaging less than 500 millilitres

Aims. Lumbar disc prolapse is a frequent indication for surgery. The few available long-term follow-up studies focus mainly on repeated surgery for recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to analyze all reasons for additional surgery for patients operated on for a primary lumbar disc prolapse. Methods. We retrieved data from the Swedish spine register about 3,291 patients who underwent primary surgery for a lumbar disc prolapse between January 2007 and December 2008. These patients were followed until December 2020 to record all additional lumbar spine operations and the reason for them. Results. In total, 681 of the 3,291 patients (21%) needed one or more additional operations. More than three additional operations was uncommon (2%; 15/906). Overall, 906 additional operations were identified during the time period, with a mean time to the first of these of 3.7 years (SD 3.6). The most common reason for an additional operation was recurrent disc prolapse (47%; 426/906), followed by spinal stenosis or degenerative spondylolisthesis (19%; 176/906), and segmental pain (16%; 145/906). The most common surgical procedures were revision discectomy (43%; 385/906) and instrumented fusion (22%; 200/906). Degenerative spinal conditions other than disc prolapse became a more common reason for additional surgery with increasing length of follow-up. Most patients achieved the minimally important change (MIC) for the patient-reported outcomes after the index surgery. After the third additional spinal operation, only 20% (5/25) achieved the MIC in terms of leg pain, and 29% (7/24) in terms of the EuroQol five-dimension index questionnaire visual analogue scale. Conclusion. More than one in five patients operated on for a lumbar disc prolapse underwent further surgery during the 13-year follow-up period. Recurrent disc prolapse was the most common reason for additional surgery, followed by spinal stenosis and segmental pain. This study shows that additional operations after primary disc surgery are needed more frequently than previously reported, and that the outcome profoundly deteriorates after the second additional operation. The findings from this study can be used in the shared decision-making process. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):627–632

Aims. Adverse spinal motion or balance (spine mobility) and adverse pelvic mobility, in combination, are often referred to as adverse spinopelvic mobility (SPM). A stiff lumbar spine, large posterior standing pelvic tilt, and severe sagittal spinal deformity have been identified as risk factors for increased hip instability. Adverse SPM can create functional malposition of the acetabular components and hence is an instability risk. Adverse pelvic mobility is often, but not always, associated with abnormal spinal motion parameters. Dislocation rates for dual-mobility articulations (DMAs) have been reported to be between 0% and 1.1%. The aim of this study was to determine the early survivorship from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) of patients with adverse SPM who received a DMA. Methods. A multicentre study was performed using data from 227 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), enrolled consecutively. All the patients who had one or more adverse spine or pelvic mobility parameter had a DMA inserted at the time of their surgery. The mean age was 76 years (22 to 93) and 63% were female (n = 145). At a mean of 14 months (5 to 31) postoperatively, the AOANJRR was analyzed for follow-up information. Reasons for revision and types of revision were identified. Results. The AOANJRR reported two revisions: one due to infection, and the second due to femoral component loosening. No revisions for dislocation were reported. One patient died with the prosthesis in situ. Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 99.1% (95% confidence interval 98.3 to 100) at 14 months (number at risk 104). Conclusion. In our cohort of patients undergoing primary THA with one or more factor associated with adverse SPM, DM bearings conferred stability at two years’ follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):820–825

In a prospective observational study we compared the two-year outcome of lumbar fusion by a simple technique using translaminar screws (n = 57) with a more extensive method using transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and pedicular screw fixation (n = 63) in consecutive patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Outcome was assessed using the validated multidimensional Core Outcome Measures Index. Blood loss and operating time were significantly lower in the translaminar screw group (p < 0.01). The complication rates were similar in each group (2% to 4%). In all, 91% of the patients returned their questionnaire at two-years. The groups did not differ in Core Outcome Measures Index score reduction, 3.6 (. sd. 2.5) (translaminar screws) vs 4.0 (. sd. 2.8) (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) (p = 0.39); ‘good’ global outcomes, 78% (translaminar screws) vs 78% (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) (p = 0.99) or satisfaction with treatment, 82% (translaminar screws) vs 86% (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) (p = 0.52). The two fusion techniques differed markedly in their extent and the cost of the implants, but were associated with almost identical patient-orientated outcomes. Extensive three-point stabilisation is not always required to achieve satisfactory patient-orientated results at two years

There have been very few reports in the literature of gout and pseudogout of the spine. We describe six patients who presented with acute sciatica attributable to spinal stenosis with cyst formation in the facet joints. Cytopathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of crystal arthropathy in each case.

Specific formation of a synovial cyst was identified pre-operatively by MRI in five patients. In the sixth, the diagnosis was made incidentally during decompressive surgery. Surgical decompression alone was undertaken in four patients. In one with an associated degenerative spondylolisthesis, an additional intertransverse fusion was performed. Another patient had previously undergone a spinal fusion adjacent to the involved spinal segment, and spinal stabilisation was undertaken as well as a decompression.

In addition to standard histological examination material was sent for examination under polarised light which revealed deposition of urate or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in all cases.

It is not possible to diagnose gout and pseudogout of the spine by standard examination of a fixed specimen. However, examining dry specimens under polarised light suggests that crystal arthropathy is a significant aetiological factor in the development of symptomatic spinal stenosis associated with cyst formation in a facet joint.

Aims. The aims of this study were first, to determine if adding fusion to a decompression of the lumbar spine for spinal stenosis decreases the rate of radiological restenosis and/or proximal adjacent level stenosis two years after surgery, and second, to evaluate the change in vertebral slip two years after surgery with and without fusion. Methods. The Swedish Spinal Stenosis Study (SSSS) was conducted between 2006 and 2012 at five public and two private hospitals. Six centres participated in this two-year MRI follow-up. We randomized 222 patients with central lumbar spinal stenosis at one or two adjacent levels into two groups, decompression alone and decompression with fusion. The presence or absence of a preoperative spondylolisthesis was noted. A new stenosis on two-year MRI was used as the primary outcome, defined as a dural sac cross-sectional area ≤ 75 mm. 2. at the operated level (restenosis) and/or at the level above (proximal adjacent level stenosis). Results. A total of 211 patients underwent surgery at a mean age of 66 years (69% female): 103 were treated by decompression with fusion and 108 by decompression alone. A two-year MRI was available for 176 (90%) of the eligible patients. A new stenosis at the operated and/or adjacent level occurred more frequently after decompression and fusion than after decompression alone (47% vs 29%; p = 0.020). The difference remained in the subgroup with a preoperative spondylolisthesis, (48% vs 24%; p = 0.020), but did not reach significance for those without (45% vs 35%; p = 0.488). Proximal adjacent level stenosis was more common after fusion than after decompression alone (44% vs 17%; p < 0.001). Restenosis at the operated level was less frequent after fusion than decompression alone (4% vs 14%; p = 0.036). Vertebral slip increased by 1.1 mm after decompression alone, regardless of whether a preoperative spondylolisthesis was present or not. Conclusion. Adding fusion to a decompression increased the rate of new stenosis on two-year MRI, even when a spondylolisthesis was present preoperatively. This supports decompression alone as the preferred method of surgery for spinal stenosis, whether or not a degenerative spondylolisthesis is present preoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1343–1351

Osteoradionecrosis is a rare but recognised complication of radiotherapy. Cases have been described in the cervical spine following treatment for head and neck malignancies up to 25 years after administration of radiotherapy. We present a rare case of osteoradionecrosis affecting the L5 and S1 vertebral bodies in a 58-year-old woman who presented with low back pain 25 years after undergoing a hysterectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy for cancer of the cervix.

We report seven cases of patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in whom involvement of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae occurred. Histological corroboration is presented in four. Pathological lesions comprised various combinations of paravertebral joint erosions, erosive discitis, anteroposterior and rotatory instability, major lumbar nerve root compression, and vertebral collapse. Specific radiological features are presented, enabling a distinction to be made between pure degenerative spondylosis and rheumatoid spondylitis. We submit that subcervical rheumatoid spondylitis is commoner than is generally believed, though less common than rheumatoid involvement of the cervical spine.

We performed a biomechanical study on human cadaver spines to determine the effect of three different interbody cage designs, with and without posterior instrumentation, on the three-dimensional flexibility of the spine. Six lumbar functional spinal units for each cage type were subjected to multidirectional flexibility testing in four different configurations: intact, with interbody cages from a posterior approach, with additional posterior instrumentation, and with cross-bracing. The tests involved the application of flexion and extension, bilateral axial rotation and bilateral lateral bending pure moments. The relative movements between the vertebrae were recorded by an optoelectronic camera system. We found no significant difference in the stabilising potential of the three cage designs. The cages used alone significantly decreased the intervertebral movement in flexion and lateral bending, but no stabilisation was achieved in either extension or axial rotation. For all types of cage, the greatest stabilisation in flexion and extension and lateral bending was achieved by the addition of posterior transpedicular instrumentation. The addition of cross-bracing to the posterior instrumentation had a stabilising effect on axial rotation. The bone density of the adjacent vertebral bodies was a significant factor for stabilisation in flexion and extension and in lateral bending

1. At the present stage of our experience, when 150 patients have been analysed over a period of five years, the conclusion has been reached that anterior interbody fusion in the lower lumbar spine is a procedure which should be added to our surgical armamentarium for use in selected cases.

2. Patients suffering from chronic intervertebral disc degeneration whose main symptoms are recurrent incapacitating backache derive the most benefit from this procedure.

3. When used as a salvage operation in patients who have had previous unsuccessful laminectomy or posterior fusion, good results can be expected.

4. In patients with spondylolisthesis anterior interbody fusion should be confined to cases in which the vertebral bodies have not slipped forward more than one-third.

1. A new operation of body-to-body intervertebral fusion by grafts introduced through a posterior approach is described. This is a preliminary report of early results, with follow-up to two years, which seems to be encouraging.

2. In spondylolisthesis, abnormal mobility of the loose posterior neural arch is believed in itself to cause nerve root pressure, and excision of the arch is an important part of the operation.

3. In the few cases where spinal fusion is needed after removal of a prolapsed intervertebral disc—and the proportion is now very low—posterior intervertebral fusion has proved very satisfactory.

Low lumbar pain with radiation into the leg is a common symptom pattern caused by a number of pathological processes. Isolated disc resorption is one such entity which can be readily identified and is amenable to surgical treatment. This study consisted of two groups of patients. Group I were 50 patients suffering from isolated disc resorption at L5--S1 with ill-defined low backache extending into the buttocks and down one or both legs, but not into the feet. Clinical signs of nerve root dysfunction were found in 16 per cent of patients. Radiographic changes with loss of disc height, facet over-riding and intrusion into the nerve root canal and intervertebral foramen were common and frequently associated with sclerosis of the vertebral end-plate. Group II were a series of 45 patients with isolated disc resorption independently reviewed an average of 45 months after surgical decompression of the S1 (98 per cent) or lower lumbar nerve roots. Based on objective grading by the clinician and subjective assessment by the patient complete success was achieved in 62 per cent of the patients and partial success in 24 per cent. Provided there is full appreciation of the pathological anatomy, strict diagnostic criteria and meticulous surgery, decompression of the nerve root canal is a useful surgical procedure in severely disabled patients suffering from isolated disc resorption.

Lumbar spondylolysis can heal with conservative treatment, but few attempts have been made to identify factors which may affect union of the defects in the pars. We have evaluated, retrospectively, the effects of prognostic variables on bony union of pars defects in 134 young patients less than 18 years of age with 239 defects of the pars who had been treated conservatively. All patients were evaluated by CT scans when first seen and more than six months later at follow-up.

The results showed that the spinal level and the stage of the defects were the predominant factors. The site of the defects in the pars, the presence or development of spondylolisthesis, the condition of the contralateral pars, the degree of lumbar lordosis and the degree of lumbar inclination all significantly affected union.

We studied 135 lumbar discs from 27 spines removed post-mortem from subjects of an average age of 31.5 years. Defects of the annulus fibrosus were classified as peripheral, circumferential or radiating; the nucleus pulposus as normal, moderately or severely degenerate. Peripheral tears were more frequent in the anterior annulus, except in the L5-S1 disc. Circumferential tears were equally distributed between the anterior and the posterior annulus. Almost all the radiating tears were in the posterior annulus, and closely related to the presence of severe nuclear degeneration. Histology suggested that peripheral tears were due to trauma rather than biochemical degradation, and that they developed independently of nuclear degeneration. The association of peripheral annular lesions with low back pain is uncertain but our study suggests that they may have a role in the pathogenesis of discogenic pain.

In a prospective, consecutive study we determined the frequency of common symptoms and signs in 300 patients with lumbar nerve-root compression syndromes. We compared 100 patients with disc herniation (mean age 43 years), 100 with lataral spinal stenosis (41 years) and 100 with central spinal stenosis (65 years), using a standard protocol of common signs and symptoms. The diagnoses were established by one or more of myelography, CT, MRI and nerve-root block, and all were confirmed at operation. The preoperative duration of symptoms was significantly shorter in patients with disc herniation. Pain at rest, at night, and on coughing was as common in lateral stenosis as in disc herniation, but regular consumption of analgesics was more common in patients with disc herniation. Positive straight-leg-raising tests were more common in disc herniation than in lateral stenosis and were uncommon in central stenosis. Motor disturbances were seen most often in central spinal stenosis, especially patellar reflex changes. Sensory disturbances were most common in patients with complete disc herniation.

Direct measurements were made on 2,166 lumbar vertebrae of 433 adult negro and caucasoid skeletons. On statistical analysis, forty-five vertebrae in twenty-seven skeletons were found to be stenotic, the mid-sagittal diameter being the significantly reduced dimension. Whereas spinal stenosis syndromes are rare in South African negroes, the lumbar canal is marginally narrower in the negro. There is a uniformity of configuration and capacity of the lumbar spinal canal, which transcends race and sex. By a new method of determining the dorsal limit of the lumbar canal on lateral plain radiography, the overall average lower limit of normal of the mid-sagittal diameter is established at 15 millimetres, and of the transverse diameter 20 millimetres. Bony degenerative changes are more likely to cause neurological compression in the nerve root tunnel than in the spinal canal. The role of skeletal narrowing of the spinal canal as an exclusive cause of the spinal stenosis syndrome may have been exaggerated.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of additional surgery in the lumbar spine and to describe long-term changes in patient-reported outcomes after surgery for lumbar disc herniation in adolescents and young adults. Patients and Methods. We conducted a retrospective study design on prospectively collected data from a national quality register. The 4537 patients were divided into two groups: adolescents (≤ 18 years old, n = 151) and young adults (19 to 39 years old, n = 4386). The risk of additional lumbar spine surgery was surveyed for a mean of 11.4 years (6.0 to 19.3) in all 4537 patients. Long-term patient-reported outcomes were available at a mean of 7.2 years (5.0 to 10.0) in up to 2716 patients and included satisfaction, global assessment for leg and back pain, Oswestry Disability Index, visual analogue scale for leg and back pain, EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental Component Summary and Physical Component Summary scores. Statistical analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazard regression, chi-squared test, McNemar’s test, Welch–Satterthwaite t-test, and Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test. Results. Any type of additional lumbar spine surgery was seen in 796 patients (18%). Surgery for lumbar disc herniation accounted for more than half of the additional surgeries. The risk of any additional surgery was 0.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6 to 1.4) and the risk of additional lumbar disc herniation surgery was 1.0 (0.6 to 1.7) in adolescents compared with the young adult group. Both age groups improved their patient-reported outcome data after surgery (all p < 0.001). Changes between short- (mean 1.9 years (1.0 to 2.0)) and long-term follow-up (mean 7.2 years (5.0 to 10.0)) were small. Conclusion. The risk of any additional lumbar spine surgery and additional lumbar disc herniation surgery was similar in adolescents and young adults. All patient-reported outcomes improved from preoperative to the short-term follow-up, while no likely clinically important differences between the short- and long-term follow-up were seen within both groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1534–1541

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of pelvic parameters on the tendency of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to develop flatback deformity (thoracic hypokyphosis and lumbar hypolordosis) and its effect on quality-of-life outcomes. Patients and Methods. This was a radiological study of 265 patients recruited for Boston bracing between December 2008 and December 2013. Posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were obtained before, immediately after, and two-years after completion of bracing. Measurements of coronal and sagittal Cobb angles, coronal balance, sagittal vertical axis, and pelvic parameters were made. The refined 22-item Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r) questionnaire was recorded. Association between independent factors and outcomes of postbracing ≥ 6° kyphotic changes in the thoracic spine and ≥ 6° lordotic changes in the lumbar spine were tested using likelihood ratio chi-squared test and univariable logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression models were then generated for both outcomes with odds ratios (ORs), and with SRS-22r scores. Results. Reduced T5-12 kyphosis (mean -4.3° (. sd. 8.2); p < 0.001), maximum thoracic kyphosis (mean -4.3° (. sd. 9.3); p < 0.001), and lumbar lordosis (mean -5.6° (. sd. 12.0); p < 0.001) were observed after bracing treatment. Increasing prebrace maximum kyphosis (OR 1.133) and lumbar lordosis (OR 0.92) was associated with postbracing hypokyphotic change. Prebrace sagittal vertical axis (OR 0.975), prebrace sacral slope (OR 1.127), prebrace pelvic tilt (OR 0.940), and change in maximum thoracic kyphosis (OR 0.878) were predictors for lumbar hypolordotic changes. There were no relationships between coronal deformity, thoracic kyphosis, or lumbar lordosis with SRS-22r scores. Conclusion. Brace treatment leads to flatback deformity with thoracic hypokyphosis and lumbar hypolordosis. Changes in the thoracic spine are associated with similar changes in the lumbar spine. Increased sacral slope, reduced pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence are associated with reduced lordosis in the lumbar spine after bracing. Nevertheless, these sagittal parameter changes do not appear to be associated with worse quality of life. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1370–1378

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the long-term prognosis of patients with multiple Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the spine, and to analyze the risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS). Methods. We included 28 patients with multiple LCH involving the spine treated between January 2009 and August 2021. Kaplan-Meier methods were applied to estimate overall survival (OS) and PFS. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with PFS. Results. Patients with multiple LCH involving the spine accounted for 15.4% (28/182 cases) of all cases of spinal LCH: their lesions primarily involved the thoracic and lumbar spines. The most common symptom was pain, followed by neurological dysfunction. All patients presented with osteolytic bone destruction, and 23 cases were accompanied by a paravertebral soft-tissue mass. The incidence of vertebra plana was low, whereas the oversleeve-like sign was a more common finding. The alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in patients with single-system multifocal bone LCH than in patients with multisystem LCH. At final follow-up, one patient had been lost to follow-up, two patients had died, three patients had local recurrence, six patients had distant involvement, and 17 patients were alive with disease. The median PFS and OS were 50.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 23.5 to 63.1) and 60.5 months (IQR 38.0 to 73.3), respectively. Stage (hazard ratio (HR) 4.324; p < 0.001) and chemotherapy (HR 0.203; p < 0.001) were prognostic factors for PFS. Conclusion. Pain is primarily due to segmental instability of the spine from its destruction by LCH. Chemotherapy can significantly improve PFS, and radiotherapy has achieved good results in local control. The LCH lesions in some patients will continue to progress. It may initially appear as an isolated or single-system LCH, but will gradually involve multiple sites or systems. Therefore, long-term follow-up and timely intervention are important for patients with spinal LCH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):679–687

Low-energy fractures of the proximal humerus indicate osteoporosis and it is important to direct treatment to this group of patients who are at high risk of further fracture. Data were prospectively collected from 79 patients (11 men, 68 women) with a mean age of 69 years (55 to 86) with fractures of the proximal humerus in order to determine if current guidelines on the measurement of the bone mineral density at the hip and lumbar spine were adequate to stratify the risk and to guide the treatment of osteoporosis. Bone mineral density measurements were made by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the proximal femur, lumbar spine (L2-4) and contralateral distal radius, and the T-scores were generated for comparison. Data were also collected on the use of steroids, smoking, the use of alcohol, hand dominance and comorbidity. The mean T-score for the distal radius was −2.97 (. sd. 1.56) compared with −1.61 (. sd. 1.62) for the lumbar spine and −1.78 (. sd. 1.33) for the femur. There was a significant difference between the mean lumbar and radial T scores (1.36 (1.03 to 1.68); p < 0.001) and between the mean femoral and radial T-scores (1.18 (0.92 to 1.44); p < 0.001). The inclusion of all three sites in the determination of the T-score increased the sensitivity to 66% compared with that of 46% when only the proximal femur and lumbar spine were used. This difference between measurements in the upper limb compared with the axial skeleton and lower limb suggests that basing risk assessment and treatment on only the bone mineral density taken at the hip or lumbar spine may misrepresent the extent of osteoporosis in the upper limb and the subsequent risk of fracture at this site. The assessment of osteoporosis must include measurement of the bone mineral density at the distal radius to avoid underestimation of osteoporosis in the upper limb

Aims. This study of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip aimed to: 1) characterize the contribution of the hip, spinopelvic complex, and lumbar spine when moving from the standing to the sitting position; 2) assess whether abnormal spinopelvic mobility is associated with worse symptoms; and 3) identify whether spinopelvic mobility can be predicted from static anatomical radiological parameters. Patients and Methods. A total of 122 patients with end-stage OA of the hip awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA) were prospectively studied. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; Oxford Hip Score, Oswestry Disability Index, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey Score) and clinical data were collected. Sagittal spinopelvic mobility was calculated as the change from the standing to sitting position using the lumbar lordosis angle (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic-femoral angle (PFA), and acetabular anteinclination (AI) from lateral radiographs. The interaction of the different parameters was assessed. PROMs were compared between patients with normal spinopelvic mobility (10° ≤ ∆PT ≤ 30°) or abnormal spinopelvic mobility (stiff: ∆PT < ± 10°; hypermobile: ∆PT > ± 30°). Multiple regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to test for possible predictors of spinopelvic mobility. Results. Standing to sitting, the hip flexed by a mean of 57° (. sd. 17°), the pelvis tilted backwards by a mean of 20° (. sd. 12°), and the lumbar spine flexed by a mean of 20° (. sd. 14°); strong correlations were detected. There was no difference in PROMs between patients in the different spinopelvic mobility groups. Maximum hip flexion, standing PT, and standing AI were independent predictors of spinopelvic mobility (R. 2. = 0.42). The combined thresholds for standing was PT ≥ 13° and hip flexion ≥ 88° in the clinical examination, and had 90% sensitivity and 63% specificity of predicting spinopelvic stiffness, while SS ≥ 42° had 84% sensitivity and 67% specificity of predicting spinopelvic hypermobility. Conclusion. The hip, on average, accounts for three-quarters of the standing-to-sitting movement, but there is great variation. Abnormal spinopelvic mobility cannot be screened with PROMs. However, clinical and standing radiological features can predict spinopelvic mobility with good enough accuracy, allowing them to be used as reliable screening tools. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:902–909

Aims. 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. Methods. The authors reviewed the prospectively collected data on 196 adult patients who had pedicle screws implanted with robot-navigated assistance (RNA) using the Mazor X Stealth system between June 2019 and March 2022. Pedicle screws were implanted by one experienced spinal surgeon after completion of a learning period. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was determined using intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy. Results. A total of 1,123 pedicle screws were implanted: 1,001 screws (89%) were placed robotically, 63 (6%) were converted from robotic placement to a freehand technique, and 59 (5%) were planned to be implanted freehand. Of the robotically placed screws, 942 screws (94%) were determined to be Gertzbein and Robbins grade A with median deviation of 0.8 mm (interquartile range 0.4 to 1.6). Skive events were noted with 20 pedicle screws (1.8%). No adverse clinical sequelae were noted in the 90-day follow-up. The mean fluoroscopic exposure per screw was 4.9 seconds (SD 3.8). Conclusion. RNA is highly accurate and reliable, with a low rate of abandonment once mastered. No adverse clinical sequelae occurred after implanting a large series of pedicle screws using the latest generation of RNA. Understanding of patient-specific anatomical features and the real-time intraoperative identification of risk factors for suboptimal screw placement have the potential to improve accuracy further. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):543–550

Aims. The purpose of this study was to evaluate spinopelvic mechanics from standing and sitting positions in subjects with and without femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We hypothesize that FAI patients will experience less flexion at the lumbar spine and more flexion at the hip whilst changing from standing to sitting positions than subjects without FAI. This increase in hip flexion may contribute to symptomatology in FAI. Patients and Methods. Male subjects were prospectively enrolled to the study (n = 20). Mean age was 31 years old (22 to 41). All underwent clinical examination, plain radiographs, and dynamic imaging using EOS. Subjects were categorized into three groups: non-FAI (no radiographic or clinical FAI or pain), asymptomatic FAI (radiographic and clinical FAI but no pain), and symptomatic FAI (patients with both pain and radiographic FAI). FAI was defined as internal rotation less than 15° and alpha angle greater than 60°. Subjects underwent standing and sitting radiographs in order to measure spine and femoroacetabular flexion. Results. Compared with non-FAI controls, symptomatic patients with FAI had less flexion at the spine (mean 22°, . sd. 12°, vs mean 35°, . sd. 8°; p = 0.04) and more at the hip (mean 72°, . sd. 6°, vs mean 62°, . sd. 8°; p = 0.047). Subjects with asymptomatic FAI had more spine flexion and similar hip flexion when compared to symptomatic FAI patients. Both FAI groups also sat with more anterior pelvic tilt than control patients. There were no differences in standing alignment among groups. Conclusion. Symptomatic patients with FAI require more flexion at the hip to achieve sitting position due to their inability to compensate through the lumbar spine. With limited spine flexion, FAI patients sit with more anterior pelvic tilt, which may lead to impingement between the acetabulum and proximal femur. Differences in spinopelvic mechanics between FAI and non-FAI patients may contribute to the progression of FAI symptoms. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1275–9

Aims. Cross-table lateral (CTL) radiographs are commonly used to measure acetabular component anteversion after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The CTL measurements may differ by > 10° from CT scan measurements but the reasons for this discrepancy are poorly understood. Anteversion measurements from CTL radiographs and CT scans are compared to identify spinopelvic parameters predictive of inaccuracy. Methods. THA patients (n = 47; 27 males, 20 females; mean age 62.9 years (SD 6.95)) with preoperative spinopelvic mobility, radiological analysis, and postoperative CT scans were retrospectively reviewed. Acetabular component anteversion was measured on postoperative CTL radiographs and CT scans using 3D reconstructions of the pelvis. Two cohorts were identified based on a CTL-CT error of ≥ 10° (n = 11) or < 10° (n = 36). Spinopelvic mobility parameters were compared using independent-samples t-tests. Correlation between error and mobility parameters were assessed with Pearson’s coefficient. Results. Patients with CTL error > 10° (10° to 14°) had stiffer lumbar spines with less mean lumbar flexion (38.9°(SD 11.6°) vs 47.4° (SD 13.1°); p = 0.030), different sagittal balance measured by pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (5.9° (SD 18.8°) vs -1.7° (SD 9.8°); p = 0.042), more pelvic extension when seated (pelvic tilt -9.7° (SD 14.1°) vs -2.2° (SD 13.2°); p = 0.050), and greater change in pelvic tilt between supine and seated positions (12.6° (SD 12.1°) vs 4.7° (SD 12.5°); p = 0.036). The CTL measurement error showed a positive correlation with increased CTL anteversion (r = 0.5; p = 0.001), standing lordosis (r = 0.23; p = 0.050), seated lordosis (r = 0.4; p = 0.009), and pelvic tilt change between supine and step-up positions (r = 0.34; p = 0.010). Conclusion. Differences in spinopelvic mobility may explain the variability of acetabular anteversion measurements made on CTL radiographs. Patients with stiff spines and increased compensatory pelvic movement have less accurate measurements on CTL radiographs. Flexion of the contralateral hip is required to obtain clear CTL radiographs. In patients with lumbar stiffness, this movement may extend the pelvis and increase anteversion of the acetabulum on CTL views. Reliable analysis of acetabular component anteversion in this patient population may require advanced imaging with a CT scan. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):59–65

Aims. 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. Methods. In total, 307 patients who underwent TES in a single centre were reviewed retrospectively. There were 164 male and 143 female patients with a mean age at the time of surgery of 52.9 years (SD 13.3). A total of 225 patients were operated on for spinal metastases, 34 for a malignant primary tumour, 41 for an aggressive benign tumour, and seven with a primary of unknown origin. The main lesion was located in the thoracic spine in 213, and in the lumbar spine in 94 patients. There were 97 patients who underwent TES for more than two consecutive vertebrae. Results. Major and minor perioperative complications were observed in 122 (39.7%) and 84 (27.4%) patients respectively. The breakdown of complications was as follows: bleeding more than 2,000 ml in 60 (19.5%) patients, hardware failure in 82 (26.7%), neurological in 46 (15.0%), surgical site infection in 23 (7.5%), wound dehiscence in 16 (5.2%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 45 (14.7%), respiratory in 52 (16.9%), cardiovascular in 11 (3.6%), digestive in 19 (6.2%)/ The mortality within two months of surgery was four (1.3%). The total number of complications per operation were 1.01 (SD 1.0) in the single vertebral resection group and 1.56 (SD 1.2) in the group with more than two vertebral resections. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications, along with hardware failure were statistically higher in the group who had more than two vertebrae resected. Also, in this group the amount of bleeding in patients with a lumbar lesion or respiratory complication in patients with a thoracic lesion, were statistically higher. Multivariate analysis showed that using a combined anterior and posterior approach, when more than two vertebral resections were significant independent factors. Conclusion. The characteristics of perioperative complications after TES were different depending on the extent and level of the tumour resection. In addition to preoperative clinical and pathological factors, it is therefore important to consider these factors in patients who undergo en bloc resection for spinal tumours. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):976–983

Low bone mass and osteopenia have been described in the axial and peripheral skeleton of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Recently, many studies have shown that gene polymorphism is related to osteoporosis. However, no studies have linked the association between IL6 gene polymorphism and bone mass in AIS. This study examined the association between bone mass and IL6 gene polymorphism in 198 girls with AIS. The polymorphisms of IL6-597 G→A, IL6-572 G→C and IL6-174 G→A and the bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and femoral neck were analysed and compared with their levels in healthy controls. The mean bone mineral density at both sites in patients with AIS was decreased compared with controls (p = 0.0022 and p = 0.0013, respectively). Comparison of genotype frequencies between AIS and healthy controls revealed a statistically significant difference in IL6-572 G→C polymorphism (p = 0.0305). There was a significant association between the IL6-572 G→C polymorphism and bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, with the CC genotype significantly higher with the GC (p = 0.0124) or GG (p = 0.0066) genotypes. These results suggest that the IL6-572 G→C polymorphism is associated with bone mineral density in the lumbar spine in Korean girls with AIS

Aims. The complex relationship between acetabular component position and spinopelvic mobility in patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) renders it difficult to optimize acetabular component positioning. Mobility of the normal lumbar spine during postural changes results in alterations in pelvic tilt (PT) to maintain the sagittal balance in each posture and, as a consequence, markedly changes the functional component anteversion (FCA). This study aimed to investigate the in vivo association of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with the PT angle and with FCA during postural changes in THA patients. Methods. A total of 50 patients with unilateral THA underwent CT imaging for radiological evaluation of presence and severity of lumbar DDD. In all, 18 patients with lumbar DDD were compared to 32 patients without lumbar DDD. In vivo PT and FCA, and the magnitudes of changes (ΔPT; ΔFCA) during supine, standing, swing-phase, and stance-phase positions were measured using a validated dual fluoroscopic imaging system. Results. PT, FCA, ΔPT, and ΔFCA were significantly correlated with the severity of lumbar DDD. Patients with severe lumbar DDD showed marked differences in PT with changes in posture; there was an anterior tilt (-16.6° vs -12.3°, p = 0.047) in the supine position, but a posterior tilt in an upright posture (1.0° vs -3.6°, p = 0.005). A significant decrease in ΔFCA during stand-to-swing (8.6° vs 12.8°, p = 0.038) and stand-to-stance (7.3° vs 10.6°,p = 0.042) was observed in the severe lumbar DDD group. Conclusion. There were marked differences in the relationship between PT and posture in patients with severe lumbar DDD compared with healthy controls. Clinical decision-making should consider the relationship between PT and FCA in order to reduce the risk of impingement at large ranges of motion in THA patients with lumbar DDD. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1505–1510