OBJECTIVE: Chronic low back pain, affecting up to 58% of the population, often stems from intervertebral disc degeneration. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used for diagnostics, challenges arise in pinpointing pain sources due to frequent asymptomatic findings. Single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) integrated with computed tomography (CT) offers a promising approach, enhancing sensitivity and specificity. METHODS: In this retrospective study, spanning 2016 to 2022, SPECT/CT imaging was performed on 193 patients meeting specific criteria. We correlated SPECT/CT findings with lumbar MRI results, utilizing Pfirrmann and Rajasekaran classifications for disc degeneration and endplate damage assessment. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex evaluated associations. RESULTS: Of 965 spinal levels assessed, SPECT/CT positivity strongly correlated with higher Pfirrmann grades and Rajasekaran endplate classifications. Notably, Modic changes (MCs) on MRI displayed a nonsignificant relationship with SPECT/CT positivity. Significant associations were observed in older patients with positive MCs, Pfirrmann grades, and Rajasekaran classifications. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive study, the largest of its kind, establishes a significant link between SPECT/CT positivity and advanced lumbar degenerative changes. Higher Pfirrmann grades and increased Rajasekaran endplate damage demonstrated substantial correlations with SPECT/CT positivity. Notably, MCs did not exhibit such association. Our findings underscore the potential of SPECT/CT in identifying pain generators in degenerative spinal conditions, offering valuable insights for future interventions.

• MeSH
• bederní obratle diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• chronická bolest diagnostické zobrazování   etiologie   MeSH
• degenerace meziobratlové ploténky * diagnostické zobrazování   komplikace   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• jednofotonová emisní výpočetní tomografie metody   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lumbalgie * diagnostické zobrazování   etiologie   MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie * metody   MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• SPECT/CT metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was: (1) to describe changes in the shape of the atlas during growth, including gender and side differences; (2) to assess the dimension essential for identification of the optimal entry point; (3) to determine the age limit for a safe insertion of 3.5-mm screws into the lateral masses according to our own limiting parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dimensions of the atlas were measured on 200 CT scans of the craniocervical junction in individuals aged 0-18 years and on 34 anatomical specimens of the first cervical vertebra (aged 2.5-18 years). Both series were divided according to the gender and age. The values measured on CT scans were used for statistical comparison of data in boys and girls and comparison of the right and left sides. RESULTS: The atlas reaches its maximum growth rate between 0 and 2 years of age, then the growth decelerates and continues until the age of 18 years. The proportion of dimensions of C1 vertebral foramens changes with age. The youngest children show a relatively greater distance from the left to the right medial pedicle; around the age of 5 the values get even and subsequently the distance from the inner wall of anterior to posterior arch gets relatively greater. The transverse foramen has a slightly oval shape throughout the period of growth. Statistically significant differences between boys and girls were observed primarily between 12 and 18 years of age. CONCLUSION: The study has proved adequate size of lateral masses for insertion of 3.5-mm screws in all patients from the age of 5 years. In younger children, the patient ́s anatomy should be respected and the surgical technique tailored accordingly.

• MeSH
• atlas (obratel) * anatomie a histologie   diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• fraktury páteře * diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• kostní šrouby MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• počítačová rentgenová tomografie * MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND: Tumorous involvement of the second cervical vertebra is an infrequent, but severe disease. Primary tumors and solitary metastases can be addressed by a radical procedure, a complete removal of the whole compartment. The second cervical vertebra has a highly complex anatomy, and its operation requires considerable surgical skills. The aim of this retrospective study is to present technical aspects of complete resection of C2 for tumor indications, clinical and radiological evaluation of our group of patients and comparison of results of recent reports on surgery in this region in the literature. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2019 we performed 10 total resections of C2 for primary bone tumor or solitary metastasis at our department. Operation was indicated for chordoma in 4 cases and for other diagnoses (plasmacytoma, EWSA, metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, lung carcinoma and sinonasal carcinoma) in one case each. The operative procedure was in all cases performed in two steps. It always started with the posterior approach. The anterior procedure was scheduled according to the patient's condition after an average interval of 16.9 days (range 7-21). RESULTS: A stable upper cervical spine was achieved in all patients. A solid bone fusion over the whole instrumentation was present in all living patients and they returned to their preoperative activity level. By the final follow-up 6 patients died: one patient died on the 5th postop day because of diffuse uncontrollable bleeding from surgical wound, three patients died of generalization of the underlying disease and two patients due to complications associated with local recurrence of the disease. In addition to regular follow-ups, the surviving patients (N.=4) were also examined upon completion of the study, i.e., on average 91 months (range 17-179 months) postoperatively. With exclusion of an early deceased patient, the average follow-up period of deceased patients was 34.6 months (range 9-55) (N.=5). The average follow-up of the whole group of patients was 59,7 months (N.=9). CONCLUSIONS: Total spondylectomy of C2 is an exceptional surgical procedure associated with risk of serious complications but offers chance for a complete recovery of the patient. Defining indications accurately, especially in solitary metastases, is very difficult even with current level of imaging and other testing. The quality of life of long-term surviving patients in our study was not significantly impacted.

• MeSH
• krční obratle chirurgie   patologie   MeSH
• kvalita života MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory páteře * chirurgie   patologie   MeSH
• neuroendokrinní karcinom * MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Vývojové vady páteře bez defektu neurální trubice jsou skupinou abnormalit charakterizovaných poruchami vývoje obratlů. Tyto vady jsou poměrně vzácnou vrozenou anomálií postihující okolo 1 z 1000 živě narozených dětí. Mohou se objevovat izolovaně, nebo se jako výsledek rozsáhlejšího fetálního inzultu v průběhu embryonálního vývoje vyskytují v asociacích s vadami v jiných orgánových soustavách či jako součást syndromů. Přehledový článek se soustřeďuje na popis méně zmiňované skupiny vývojových vad páteře a postup diagnostického procesu zaměřeného zejména na prenatální ultrazvukové vyšetření plodu, kdy včasná diagnostika těchto postižení umožňuje plánování spondylochirurgické péče.

Spinal anomalies beyond neural tube defect are a group of abnormalities characterized by vertebral development disorders. These defects are a relatively rare congenital anomaly affecting around 1 in 1000 live births. They may occur isolated or – as a result of a more extensive fetal insult during embryonic development – in association with defects in other systems or as part of syndromes. Review article focuses on the description of less-mentioned group of spinal defects and the procedure of the diagnostic process focused mainly on prenatal ultrasound examination of the fetus, when early diagnosis of these disabilities allows for the planning of spondylosurgical care.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The study aimed to draw up a diagnosis and treatment guidelines for the management of the most common compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2015 and 2017, pediatric patients with a thoracolumbar injury aged 0-12 years were followed up in the University Hospital in Motol and the Thomayer University Hospital. The age and gender of the patient, injury etiology, fracture morphology, number of injured vertebrae, functional outcome (VAS and ODI modified for children), and complications were assessed. An X-ray was performed in all patients, in indicated cases also an MRI scan was done, and in more severe cases a CT scan was obtained as well. RESULTS The average vertebral body kyphosis in patients with one injured vertebra was 7.3° (range 1.1°-12.5°). The average vertebral body kyphosis in patients with two injured vertebrae was 5.5° (range 2.1°-12.2°). The average vertebral body kyphosis in patients with more than two injured vertebrae was 3.8° (range 0.2°-11.5°). All patients were treated conservatively in line with the proposed protocol. No complications were observed, no deterioration of the kyphotic shape of the vertebral body was reported, no instability occurred, and no surgical intervention had to be considered. DISCUSSION Pediatric spine injuries are in most cases treated conservatively. Surgical treatment is opted for in 7.5-18% of cases, in dependence on the evaluated group of patients, age of the patients and philosophy of the department concerned. In our group, all patients were treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS 1. To diagnose F0 fractures, two unenhanced orthogonal view X-rays are indicated, whereas MRI examination is not routinely performed. In F1 fractures, an X-ray is indicated, and an MRI scan is considered based on the age and extent of injury. In F2 and F3 fractures, an X-ray is indicated and subsequently the diagnosis is confirmed by MRI, in F3 fractures also a CT scan is performed. 2. In young children (under 6 years of age), in whom an MRI procedure would require general anaesthesia, MRI is not routinely performed. 3. In F0 fractures, crutches or a brace are not indicated. In F1 fractures, verticalization using crutches or a brace is considered in dependence on the patient's age and extent of injury. In F2 fractures, verticalization using crutches or a brace is indicated. 4. In F3 fractures, surgical treatment is considered, followed by verticalization using crutches or a brace. In case of conservative treatment, the same procedures as in F2 fractures are applied. 5. Long-term bed rest is contraindicated. 6. Duration of spinal load reduction (restriction of sports activities, or verticalization using crutches or a brace) in F1 injuries is 3-6 weeks based on the age of the patient, it increases with the age, with the minimum being 3 weeks. 7. Duration of spinal load reduction (verticalization using crutches or a brace) in F2 and F3 injuries is 6-12 weeks based on the age of the patient, it increases with the age, with the minimum being 6 weeks. Key words: pediatric spine injury, thoracolumbar compression fractures, children trauma treatment.

• MeSH
• bederní obratle diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• fraktury páteře * diagnostické zobrazování   etiologie   MeSH
• hrudní obratle diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• kompresivní fraktury * diagnostické zobrazování   etiologie   MeSH
• kyfóza * chirurgie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• Publikační typ
• anglický abstrakt MeSH
• časopisecké články MeSH

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This article presents the evidence and the rationale for the recommendations for surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar stenosis (DLS) and spondylolisthesis that were recently developed as a part of the Czech Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) "The Surgical Treatment of the Degenerative Diseases of the Spine". MATERIAL AND METHODS The Guideline was drawn up in line with the Czech National Methodology of the CPG Development, which is based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We used an innovative GRADE-adolopment method that combines adoption and adaptation of the existing guidelines with de novo development of recommendations. In this paper, we present three adapted recommendations on DLS and a recommendation on spondylolisthesis developed de novo by the Czech team. RESULTS Open surgical decompression in DLS patients has been evaluated in three randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A recommendation in favour of decompression was made based on a statistically significant and clinically evident improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and leg pain. Decompression may be recommended for patients with symptoms of DLS in the event of correlation of significant physical limitation and the finding obtained via imaging. The authors of a systematic review of observational studies and one RCT conclude that fusion has a negligible role in the case of a simple DLS. Thus, spondylodesis should only be chosen as an adjunct to decompression in selected DLS patients. Two RCTs compared supervised rehabilitation with home or no exercise, showing no statistically significant difference between the procedures. The guideline group considers the post-surgery physical activity beneficial and suggests supervised rehabilitation in patients who have undergone surgery for DLS for the beneficial effects of exercise in the absence of known adverse effects. Four RCTs were found comparing simple decompression and decompression with fusion in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. None of the outcomes showed clinically significant improvement or deterioration in favour of either intervention. The guideline group concluded that for stable spondylolisthesis the results of both methods are comparable and, when other parameters are considered (balance of benefits and risks, or costs), point in favour of simple decompression. Due to the lack of scientific evidence, no recommendation has been formulated regarding unstable spondylolisthesis. The certainty of the evidence was rated as low for all recommendations. DISCUSSION Despite the unclear definition of stable/unstable slip, the inclusion of apparently unstable cases of DS in stable studies limits the conclusions of the studies. Based on the available literature, however, it can be summarized that in simple degenerative lumbar stenosis and static spondylolisthesis, fusion of the given segment is not justified. However, its use in the case of unstable (dynamic) vertebral slip is undisputable for the time being. CONCLUSIONS The guideline development group suggests decompression in patients with DLS in whom previous conservative treatment did not lead to improvement, spondylodesis only in selected patients, and post-surgical supervised rehabilitation. In patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis with no signs of instability, the guideline development group suggests simple decompression (without fusion). Key words: degenerative lumbar stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal fusion, Clinical Practice Guideline, GRADE, adolopment.

• MeSH
• bederní obratle chirurgie   MeSH
• chirurgická dekomprese metody   MeSH
• fúze páteře * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• spinální stenóza * chirurgie   MeSH
• spondylolistéza * komplikace   chirurgie   MeSH
• stenóza chirurgie   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• anglický abstrakt MeSH
• časopisecké články MeSH
• systematický přehled MeSH

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of adding instrumented spinal fusion to decompression to treat degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception to May 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing decompression with instrumented fusion to decompression alone in patients with DS. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data. We provide the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessment of the certainty of evidence (COE). RESULTS: We identified 4514 records and included four trials with 523 participants. At a 2-year follow-up, adding fusion to decompression likely results in trivial difference in the Oswestry Disability Index (range 0-100, with higher values indicating greater impairment) with mean difference (MD) 0.86 (95% CI -4.53 to 6.26; moderate COE). Similar results were observed for back and leg pain measured on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher values indicating more severe pain. There was a slightly increased improvement in back pain (2-year follow-up) in the group without fusion shown by MD -5·92 points (95% CI -11.00 to -0.84; moderate COE). There was a trivial difference in leg pain between the groups, slightly favouring the one without fusion, with MD -1.25 points (95% CI -6.71 to 4.21; moderate COE). Our findings at 2-year follow-up suggest that omitting fusion may increase the reoperation rate slightly (OR 1.23; 0.70 to 2.17; low COE). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests no benefits of adding instrumented fusion to decompression for treating DS. Isolated decompression seems sufficient for most patients. Further RCTs assessing spondylolisthesis stability are needed to determine which patients would benefit from fusion. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022308267.

• MeSH
• bederní obratle chirurgie   MeSH
• bolest MeSH
• chirurgická dekomprese metody   MeSH
• fúze páteře * metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie jako téma MeSH
• spinální stenóza * MeSH
• spondylolistéza * komplikace   chirurgie   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• metaanalýza MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• systematický přehled MeSH

BACKGROUND: Chronic neck or back pain is a common clinical problem. The most likely cause is degenerative change, whereas other causes are relatively rare. There is increasing evidence on using hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to identify the pain generator in spine degeneration. This systematic review explores the diagnostic and therapeutic evidence on chronic neck or back pain examined by SPECT. METHODS: This review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. In October 2022, we searched the following sources: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and 3 other sources. Titles and abstracts were screened and classified into diagnostic studies, facet block studies, and surgical studies. We synthesized the results narratively. RESULTS: The search yielded 2347 records. We identified 10 diagnostic studies comparing SPECT or SPECT/computed tomography (CT) with magnetic resonance imaging, CT, scintigraphy, or clinical examination. Furthermore, we found 8 studies comparing the effect of facet block intervention in SPECT-positive and SPECT-negative patients with cervicogenic headache, neck pain, and lower back pain. Five surgical studies describing the effect of fusion for facet arthropathy in the craniocervical junction, subaxial cervical spine, or the lumbar spine were identified. CONCLUSIONS: According to the available literature, a positive finding on SPECT in facet arthropathy is associated with a significantly higher facet blockade effect. Surgical treatment of positive findings has a good effect, but this has not been confirmed by controlled studies. SPECT/CT might therefore be a useful method in the evaluation of patients with neck or back pain, especially in cases of unclear findings or multiple degenerative changes.

• MeSH
• bederní obratle chirurgie   MeSH
• bolest krku etiologie   komplikace   MeSH
• bolesti zad diagnostické zobrazování   etiologie   MeSH
• degenerace meziobratlové ploténky * komplikace   diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• jednofotonová emisní výpočetní tomografie metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci kloubů * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• systematický přehled MeSH

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Unplanned revision spinal surgeries constitute a complication in the treatment algorithm for the patient, surgeon and the entire treatment team. Any complication leading to an unplanned revision surgery is therefore undesirable. The percentage of complications referred to in publications on this topic focusing on unplanned revision surgeries only varies from 0.7% to 29.8%, with obvious diversity of causes and significant risk factors. The purpose of the submitted paper is to carry out a prospective evaluation of the most serious complications requiring unplanned revision spinal surgeries in the course of 13 years at a single department performing a broad range of spinal surgeries, namely 1300 procedures annually on average. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period 2006 - 2018, a total of 16872 patients underwent a surgery at our department. During this period, in 556 patients an unplanned revision spinal surgery was performed. In agreement with literature, the patients were categorised by cause for revision: 1/ impaired wound suprafascial (superficial) healing - superficial infection, 2/ impaired wound subfascial (deep) healing - deep infection, 3/ surgical wound hematoma, 4/ deterioration or occurrence of new neurological symptoms, 5/ cerebrospinal fluid leak (liquorrhoea) and 6/ others. The patients operated on for inflammatory diseases of the spine with subsequent infectious complications, primarily treated at another department, and the patients with open spinal injury were excluded from the study. According to these criteria, a cohort of 521 patients was followed up, namely 236 (45.3%) women and 285 (54.7%) men, aged 1 year to 86 years, with the mean age of 55.0 years (median 60 years). Demographic effects, tobacco smoking and comorbidities were followed up in the cohort, together with the effects of surgery, diagnosis, surgical approach and physician. All parameters were statistically evaluated at a p-value below 0.05, including comparison with the control group. RESULTS Of the total number of 16872 operated patients, a group of 521 (3.09%) patients undergoing a revision surgery for complications was analysed in detail. Impaired wound healing - infection (SSI) was found in 199 (1.18%) patients, of whom superficial infection in 124 cases (0.73%) and deep infection in 75 cases (0.44%). Hematoma in a surgical site was detected in 149 (0.88%) patients. In 63 (0.37%) cases, deterioration of the existing neurological finding or occurrence of a new neurological finding were observed, in 68 (0.40%) cases cerebrospinal fluid leak was reported and in 40 (0.24%) cases other complications were identified. As concerns the surgical assistant, the percentage of complications in a board-certified physician is 2.77 (1.14 - 3.29%), in a medical resident it increases to 3.60 (0.00 - 9.38%) (p<0.05). The prevalence of smokers in the group with complications (N=521) was 34.7%. The control group (N=3650) included 30.1% of smokers (p<0.05). The mean age of patients in the group with complications (N=521) was higher, i.e. 55.0 years, with the median age of 60.0 years, than in the primary cohort (N=16872) with the mean age of 49.8 years and the median age of 52.0 years (p<0.05). The mean BMI in the group with complications was (N=521) 27.3, the median BMI was 26.9. In the control group (N=16872), the mean BMI was 27.11, the median BMI was 26.8. In this case the significance (p>0.05) was not confirmed. The complications prevailed strongly in posterior surgical approach, namely in 483 patients (92.7%). As concerns the surgically treated segment, lumber spine dominates with 320 (61.4%) cases. Corticosteroid therapy was used twice as often in women, namely in 13.1% vs. 6.3%. The group of patients with complications (N=521) showed a much higher average length of hospital stay of 12.8 days compared to the average of 4.6 days (N=16872). DISCUSSION In our cohort, the complication rate was 3.09%, of which infections constituted 1.18%, which is in agreement with similarly focused papers. As regards the patient-related factors, in our study the results reported by literature were confirmed with respect to the age, smoking and comorbidities. Moreover, the posterior surgical procedure, lumber spine surgery and presence of a medical resident are essential (p<0.05). No major age difference was observed between women and men (p>0.05). Obesity is one of the key risk factors, especially in infectious complications. In our cohort, a higher BMI did not increase the risk of complications in general (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS In correlation with current literature, our cohort confirmed a significantly higher risk of complications leading to revision spinal surgery associated with age, smoking, posterior surgical procedure in thoracic or lumber spine, and presence of a medical resident as a surgical assistant. The average length of hospital stay was demonstrably longer in complicated patients, it almost tripled compared to the whole cohort. Contrary to literature, the effect of obesity on the occurrence of complications was not confirmed. Key words: spinal surgery, complications, infection, reoperation, risk factor, hematoma, cerebrospinal fluid leak, screw malposition, smoking, obesity.

• MeSH
• fúze páteře * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• hematom etiologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• obezita komplikace   chirurgie   MeSH
• pooperační komplikace * epidemiologie   etiologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• reoperace MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• únik mozkomíšního moku komplikace   chirurgie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

•Surgical correction of AARD is an appropriate method of treatment after failed non-operative therapy.•The technique of surgical reduction and C1-C2 fixation using Harms/Goel technique provides excellent clinical outcomes.•In case of traumatic AARD we recommend to consider temporary fixation.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH