Marcin Tyrakowski

Radiographic spinopelvic parameters in skeletally mature patients with scheuermann disease

Study Design. Retrospective radiographical analysis of sagittal spinopelvic parameters in skeletally mature patients with Scheuermann disease (SD). Objective. To analyze anatomical and positional parameters of spinopelvic sagittal alignment in mature patients with SD. Summary of Background Data. Sagittal spinopelvic alignment has already been characterized in normal subjects and deviations in sagittal parameters have been reported for various spinal pathologies. No study has investigated spinopelvic parameters in SD. Methods. Standing posteroanterior and lateral radiographs of the skeletally mature patients with SD were analyzed. Immature patients and those with other spinal pathologies were excluded from the study. Pelvic positional and anatomic parameters and spinal parameters were measured. Pelvic incidence (PI) was compared with the values reported for healthy individuals. Correlations between the measured parameters were analyzed. Results. Forty patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen females and 24 males (mean age, 25 yr) were analyzed. The mean PI in this group was 40° and was significantly lower than that reported for healthy adults and adolescents (P < 0.0001) and not significantly different than the values reported for healthy children (P = 0.44). Patients with atypical (thoracolumbar) SD had lower PI than those with typical (thoracic) form (41°vs. 38°; P = 0.09). There was no correlation between PI and LL, thoracic kyphosis, or thoracolumbar kyphosis. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that skeletally mature patients with SD have significantly lower PI than healthy adults. There was no correlation between PI and LL in individuals with SD. This challenges the role of PI in predicting the proper values of LL in this group of patients. Further studies are needed to investigate whether impaired spinopelvic alignment is a cause or a result of SD. Level of Evidence: 3

Influence of pelvic rotation on pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope.

Study design. Radiographical laboratory study. Objective. To analyze the influence of pelvic rotation on pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) measurements and to present a geometrical method of calculating the angle of pelvic rotation on lateral radiographs. Summary of Background Data. PI, PT, and SS may potentially be dependent on the axial rotation of the pelvis while acquiring the radiograph. However, no study investigating this problem has been published. Methods. One radiological pelvic phantom was used to obtain 1 anteroposterior and 10 lateral calibrated radiographs with axial rotation of the pelvis from 0° to 45° at 5° intervals. PI, PT, and SS were measured. The maximal angle of rotation that changed PI, PT, or SS measurements of less than 6° (compared with these measured on the radiograph with rotation of 0°) was considered as acceptable. Linear distance between the centers of the femoral heads (A) was measured on the anteroposterior radiograph. Horizontal distances between the centers of the femoral heads (B) were measured on lateral radiographs. The angles of rotation (&agr;) of the pelvis on each radiograph were calculated: &agr;= arcsinB/A. Agreement between the measured and the calculated angles of rotation of the pelvis was assessed. Intra- and interobserver reliability of the proposed method of calculations were tested. Results. The maximal acceptable angle of rotation of the pelvis was 30°. There was an excellent agreement between the measured and the calculated angles of rotation of the pelvis (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99; median error for a single measurement [SEM] = 0.3°). Excellent intra- and interobserver reliability of the method was revealed (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99 with SEM = 0.5° and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99 with SEM = 0.7°). Conclusion. PI can be influenced by rotation of the pelvis. The acceptable maximal angle of rotation for reliable measurements of PI, PT, and SS was 30°. The angle of rotation of the pelvis on the lateral radiograph can be reliably calculated. Level of Evidence: 3

Comparison of perioperative complications following staged versus one-day anterior and posterior cervical decompression and fusion crossing the cervico-thoracic junction

INTRODUCTION Multilevel cervical pathology may be treated via combined anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) followed by posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSIF) crossing the cervico-thoracic junction. The purpose of the study was to compare perioperative complication rates following staged versus same day ACDF combined with PSIF crossing the cervico-thoracic junction. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing ACDF followed by PSIF crossing the cervico-thoracic junction at a single institution was performed. Patients underwent either same day (group A) or staged with one week interval surgeries (group B). The minimum follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS Thirty-five patients (14 females and 21 males) were analyzed. The average age was 60 years (37-82 years). There were 12 patients in group A and 23 in group B. Twenty-eight complications noted in 14 patients (40%) included: dysphagia in 13 (37%), dysphonia in 6 (17%), post-operative reintubation in 4 (11%), vocal cords paralysis, delirium, superficial incisional infection and cerebrospinal fluid leakage each in one case. Significant differences comparing group A vs. B were found in: the number of levels fused posteriorly (5 vs. 7; p=0.002), total amount of intravenous fluids (3233ml vs. 4683ml; p=0.03), length of hospital stay (10 vs. 18 days; p=0.03) and transfusion of blood products (0 vs. 9 patients). Smoking and cervical myelopathy were the most important risk factors for perioperative complications regardless of the group. CONCLUSIONS Staging anterior cervical decompression and fusion with posterior cervical instrumented fusion 1 week apart does not decrease the incidence of perioperative complications.

Pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt measurements using femoral heads or acetabular domes to identify centers of the hips: comparison of two methods

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the study was to compare pelvic incidence (PI) and pelvic tilt (PT) measurements using the bicoxofemoral axis obtained from either femoral heads or acetabular domes on lateral digital radiographs of the spine.MethodsStanding lateral radiographs of the spine of patients without hip pathologies were analyzed. PI and PT were measured on 50 radiographs using the femoral heads first followed by measurements performed with the acetabular domes to define the bicoxofemoral axis. Agreement between the methods was quantified by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and median error for a single measurement (SEM). Intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability of both methods of identification of bicoxofemoral axis and its impact on PI and PT measurements were tested on 31 radiographs and quantified by ICC and SEM.ResultsThere was an excellent agreement in PI as well as in PT between measurements performed using whether the femoral heads or the acetabular domes (ICC: 0.99; SEM: 0.56° for PI and ICC: 0.99; SEM: 0.2° for PT). Excellent intraobserver reproducibility was revealed for both methods (ICC: 0.99 and SEM: ≤0.17° for PI and ICC: 0.99; SEM: ≤0.18° for PT). Both methods presented excellent interobserver reliability (ICC: 0.99 and SEM: ≤0.54° for PI and ICC: ≥0.98; SEM: ≤0.9° for PT).ConclusionsWe suggest that either the femoral heads or the acetabular domes may be used for reliable PI and PT measurements on the lateral standing long-cassette digital radiographs of the spine.

The Examination of the Musculoskeletal System Based Only on the Evaluation of Pelvic-Hip Complex Muscle and Trunk Flexibility May Lead to Failure to Screen Children for Generalized Joint Hypermobility

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the clinical assessment of the pelvic-hip complex muscle and trunk flexibility is sufficient for diagnosing generalized joint hypermobility (GJH). Design A cross-sectional study. Setting Center of Body Posture in Olsztyn, North East Poland. Participants The study included 136 females and 113 males aged 10–13 years. Main outcome measures In order to assess muscle flexibility, the straight leg raise (SLR) test (for hamstring) and modified Thomas test for one- (O-JHF) and two-joint (T-JHF) hip flexors were performed. To evaluate trunk flexibility the fingertip-to-floor (FTF) and lateral trunk flexion (LTF) tests were used. The GJH occurrence was assessed with the use of nine-point Beighton scale (threshold value ≥5 points for females, ≥4 for males). The analysis was carried out separately for females and males. Results There were no significant differences between females with versus without GJH, and males with versus without GJH regarding SLR (p = 0.86, p = 0.19 for females and males, respectively), O-JHF (p = 0.89, p = 0.35 for females and males, respectively), T-JHF (p = 0.77, p = 0.4 for females and males, respectively), FTF (p = 0.19, p = 0.84 for females and males, respectively) and LTF (p = 0.58, p = 0.35 for females and males, respectively) tests results. Conclusions Clinical examination of the pelvic-hip complex muscles and trunk flexibility by use of SLR, O-JHF, T-JHF, FTF and LTF revealed to be insufficient in diagnosing GJH in children aged 10–13 years. Thus, the Beighton scale should be considered a standard element of physiotherapeutic examination of the musculoskeletal system in children and youth.

Cervical sagittal alignment in scheuermann disease

Study Design. Retrospective evaluation of radiographs. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess sagittal cervical balance in patients with the two types Scheuermann disease (SD). Summary of Background Data. The structural hyperkyphosis characterizing SD may be localized in the thoracic (SDT) or thoraco-lumbar (SDTL) spine segments. This may affect sagittal cervical balance. Methods. Seventy-one patients (41 males and 30 females), aged 16.3 ± 3.8 years with SD, were enrolled into the study. On standing lateral long-cassette radiographs, the following measurements were made: C0-2 angle, C2-7 angle (CL), C1-C2 angle, relative rotation angle (RRA)—measured at levels from C2 to C7, cervical tilt (CT), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), T1 slope, neck tilt (NT), C0-angle, cranial offset (CO), and cranial tilt (CRT). Comparison with t test was performed with significance level P < 0.05. Results. There were 38 SDT and 33 SDTL patients. In SDT, the T1 slope was significantly greater than that in SDTL (38.1° vs. 28.9°; P = 0.0002), and consequently CL (−19.8° vs. −8.9°; P = 0.0160), CT (29.8° vs. 24.3°; P = 0.0190), and TIA (81.9° vs. 71.1°; P = 0.0022) in SDT were significantly greater as well. The difference in CL was expressed mainly in C6-C5 (−4.8° vs. −1.4°; P = 0.0146) and C5-C4 (−4.4°; vs. −1.5° P = 0.0464) segments. There were no significant differences in proximal cervical lordosis: C0-2 angle (−21.6° vs. −20.8°; P = 0.7597), C1-C2 angle (−30.8°vs. −27.5°; P = 0.1746), C3-C2 (−5.4° vs. −5.1°; P = 0.7976), and C4-C3 (3.5° vs. −1.5°; P = 0.1464) segments. There was no significant difference in cranial parameters C0-angle, CRT, and CO. Conclusion. Scheuermann disease type has an influence on cervical sagittal balance. Localization of structural kyphosis affects the T1 slope as well as C2-C7 lordosis, cervical tilt, and thoracic inlet angle. Significant difference in C2-C7 lordosis in comparison to similar C0-2 lordosis demonstrates that compensation is present in subaxial cervical spine. Position of the head center of gravity is not dependent on the SD type. Level of Evidence: 4

Analysis of Anterior Trunk Symmetry Index (ATSI) in healthy school children based on 2D digital photography: normal limits for age 7-10 years

Background Digital photography for a 2-dimensional assessment of the body shape is a valuable method to both document the human posture and calculate the main quantitative parameters of it. Purpose The goal of this study was to assess the frontal plane symmetry of the anterior trunk in healthy school children based on the digital photography by measurement of the Anterior Trunk Symmetry Index (ATSI). . Methods The study comprised 421 school children, both sexes, aged 7-10 years, with no clinical evidence of scoliosis (Angle of Trunk Rotation <5o). One frontal photograph of anterior trunk in spontaneous standing position was taken with a digital camera in standardized manner. The semi-automatic software for calculation of photogrammetric parameters was developed in collaboration with an IT specialist. The photographs were analyzed to obtain a quantitative assessment of the ATSI parameter. The intra-observer error was calculated by the first author by measuring the pictures of 14 children three times, selected randomly, at the interval of at least two days. The inter-observer error was calculated by one surgeon and two experienced physiotherapists by measuring the pictures of 60 children, selected randomly. The normal upper value limit was calculated as mean + 2SD. Results

Non-structural misalignments of body posture in the sagittal plane

BackgroundThe physiological sagittal spinal curvature represents a typical feature of good body posture in the sagittal plane. The cervical and the lumbar spine are curved anteriorly (lordosis), while the thoracic segment is curved posteriorly (kyphosis). The pelvis is inclined anteriorly, and the lower limbs’ joints remain in a neutral position. However, there are many deviations from the optimal body alignment.The aim of this paper is to present the most common types of non-structural misalignments of the body posture in the sagittal plane.Main body of the abstractThe most common types of non-structural misalignments of body posture in the sagittal plane are as follows: (1) lordotic, (2) kyphotic, (3) flat-back, and (4) sway-back postures. Each one may influence both the skeletal and the muscular system leading to the functional disturbance and an increased strain of the supporting structures. Usually, the disturbances localized within the muscles are analyzed in respect to their shortening or lengthening. However, according to suggestions presented in the literature, when the muscles responsible for maintaining good body posture (the so-called stabilizers) are not being stimulated to resist against gravity for an extended period of time, e.g., during prolonged sitting, their stabilizing function is disturbed by the hypoactivity reaction resulting in muscular weakness. The deficit of the locomotor system stability triggers a compensatory mechanism—the stabilizing function is overtaken by the so-called mobilizing muscles. However, as a side effect, such compensation leads to the increased activity of mobilizers (hyperactivity) and decreased flexibility, which may finally lead to the pathological chain of reaction within the musculoskeletal system.ConclusionsThere exist four principal types of non-structural body posture misalignments in the sagittal plane: lordotic posture, kyphotic posture, flat-back posture, and sway-back posture. Each of them can disturb the physiological loading of the musculoskeletal system in a specific way, which may lead to a functional disorder.When planning postural corrective exercises, not only the analysis of muscles in respect to their shortening and lengthening but also their hypoactivity and hyperactivity should be considered.

Two-dimensional digital photography for child body posture evaluation: standardized technique, reliable parameters and normative data for age 7-10 years

BackgroundDigital photogrammetry provides measurements of body angles or distances which allow for quantitative posture assessment with or without the use of external markers. It is becoming an increasingly popular tool for the assessment of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this paper is to present a structured method for the analysis of posture and its changes using a standardized digital photography technique.Material and methodsThe purpose of the study was twofold. The first one comprised 91 children (44 girls and 47 boys) aged 7–10 (8.2 ± 1.0), i.e., students of primary school, and its aim was to develop the photographic method, choose the quantitative parameters, and determine the intraobserver reliability (repeatability) along with the interobserver reliability (reproducibility) measurements in sagittal plane using digital photography, as well as to compare the Rippstein plurimeter and digital photography measurements. The second one involved 7782 children (3804 girls, 3978 boys) aged 7–10 (8.4 ± 0.5), who underwent digital photography postural screening. The methods consisted in measuring and calculating selected parameters, establishing the normal ranges of photographic parameters, presenting percentile charts, as well as noticing common pitfalls and possible sources of errors in digital photography.ResultsA standardized procedure for the photographic evaluation of child body posture was presented. The photographic measurements revealed very good intra- and inter-rater reliability regarding the five sagittal parameters and good reliability performed against Rippstein plurimeter measurements. The parameters displayed insignificant variability over time. Normative data were calculated based on photographic assessment, while the percentile charts were provided to serve as reference values. The technical errors observed during photogrammetry are carefully discussed in this article.ConclusionsTechnical developments are allowed for the regular use of digital photogrammetry in body posture assessment. Specific child positioning (described above) enables us to avoid incidentally modified posture. Image registration is simple, quick, harmless, and cost-effective. The semi-automatic image analysis, together with the normal values and percentile charts, makes the technique reliable in terms of child’s posture documentation and corrective therapy effects’ monitoring.

Cobb angle measurements on digital radiographs using Bunnell scoliometer: Validation of the method

BACKGROUND Electronic rulers on computer screen are used to measure the Cobb angle (CA) instead of traditional methods with rulers, protractors and pens. The variety of software used to assess radiographs might make the CA measurements cumbersome in everyday clinical practice. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to verify the method of CA measurements on digital radiographs using Bunnell scoliometer (BS). METHODS Eighty patients with idiopathic scoliosis were enrolled into the study. CA of each curve was measured by use of Centricity software and BS. CA on 30 randomly chosen patients were measured 3 times by one researcher using only scoliometer. Three researchers measured CA on the same 30 radiographs using BS. RESULTS The mean CA of 224 curves measured by Centricity and BS were 29° ± 12.2° and 28° ± 11.7°, respectively. The ICC for agreement for 2 methods was 0.96 with SEM of 1.7°. Excellent intra- and interobserver reliability of CA measurements with scoliometer was noted: ICC of 0.96 with SEM of 1.4° and ICC of 0.93 with SEM of 1.9°, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed excellent reliability of CA measurements on digital radiographs using the BS. The proposed method of using the Bunnell scoliometer for CA measurements may be clinically useful.