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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Research

The role of cerebrospinal fluid cross-section area ratio in the prediction of dural ossification and clinical outcomes in patients with thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum

Authors: Jiliang Zhai, Shigong Guo, Yu Zhao, Chunxu Li, Tong Niu

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

It is imperative to preoperatively distinguish dural ossification (DO) and thus anticipate the risks and outcome of the surgery for patients with ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF). However, studies have disagreed as to the efficacy of the radiographic signs or factors to predict DO and surgical outcome. In additon, the association between the cerebrospinal fluid cross-section area ratio (CCAR) and DO or clinical outcome had not been reported. The purpose of this study was to analyse CCAR and its role in prediction of DO and neurological function recovery rate in patients with OLF.

Methods

Fifty-two consecutive patients with OLF, who underwent posterior thoracic decompression and fusion between September 2012 and March 2019 at a single institution, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, radiographic signs of DO, CCAR, pre- and postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score were recorded.

Results

There were 27 patients in the DO group and 25 patients in the non-DO group, with a mean age at surgery of 57.4 years and 53.9 years, respectively. No significant differences were found in sex, age, segment of maximum compression and preoperative mJOA score between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the value of CCAR had a relatively high value for diagnosis of DO and prediction of neurological function recovery rate (P = .000). According to the value of CCAR, three zones were defined as DO zone (≤14.3%), non-DO zone (≥44.5%), and gray zone (14.3 to 44.5%). When the value of CCAR≤14.3%, the recovery rate was poor or fair, while it had good or excellent recovery when CCAR≥45.2%.

Conclusion

The value of CCAR had a high diagnostic value for prediction of DO and neurological function recovery rate in patients with OLF.

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Title: The role of cerebrospinal fluid cross-section area ratio in the prediction of dural ossification and clinical outcomes in patients with thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum
Authors: Jiliang Zhai
Shigong Guo
Yu Zhao
Chunxu Li
Tong Niu
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04574-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The role of cerebrospinal fluid cross-section area ratio in the prediction of dural ossification and clinical outcomes in patients with thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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