Biomedical subjects

Alwyn Jones

Publications and source records attributed to Alwyn Jones.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

The Modic classification: inter- and intraobserver error in clinical practice.

STUDY DESIGN: A reliability study of the Modic classification. OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and reproducibility of the Modic classification for lumbar vertebral marrow changes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In 1988, Modic et al described two degenerative stages of vertebral marrow and endplate morphology. These were type 1 (inflammatory phase) and type 2 (a fatty phase). Later in 1988, he added a third variety: type 3 where there was marked sclerosis adjacent to the endplates. No formal reliability or reproducibility studies had been performed on this Modic classification. METHODS: This study involved five independent observers of differing spinal experience using the Modic classification to grade 50 sagittal T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans. The observers repeated the assessment at 3 weeks. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed using kappa statistics. RESULTS: There were 7 type 1, 40 type 2, 1 type 3, and 2 normal levels. The individual intraobserver agreement was substantial or excellent with kappa values ranging from 0.71 to 1. The overall interobserver agreement was excellent with a kappa value of 0.85. There was complete agreement in 78% of the levels, a difference of one type in 14% and a difference of two or more in 8% of levels. The level of experience of the observer did not correlate with a better score. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that the classification is both reliable and reproducible. It is simple and easy to apply for observers of varying clinical experience. We therefore recommend its use in clinical research and practice.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Avulsion of the L4 spinous process: an unusual injury in a professional rugby player: case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case of L4 spinous process avulsion following a hyperflexion injury treated with surgical excision. OBJECTIVE: To show that single photon emission computerized tomography is essential for the diagnosis and that excision can provide a successful outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The avulsion resulted from a forced hyperflexion injury at the L4/5 area, where the interspinous ligament provides a high resistance to flexion. METHODS: A 29-year-old international rugby football player injured his low back during a match. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal the injury. Single photon emission computerized tomography and computerized tomography showed the lesion. RESULTS: Initial conservative therapy failed to control the symptoms, and, therefore, late excision was performed with pain-free return to contact sports at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Few cases of interspinous process avulsions have been described, and, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of rugby football player who had a successful outcome with late surgical excision.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Surgical management of severe cervical kyphosis with myelopathy in osteogenesis imperfecta: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case of a 9-year-old child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and severe cervical kyphosis associated with wedged vertebrae and progressive neurological deterioration is presented. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the difficulties in surgical management of this condition and to discuss the appropriate surgical approach. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: This case demonstrates an unusual case of Osteogenesis Imperfecta with associated wedged vertebrae causing a quadriparesis. Surgical decompression and stabilization can be performed with resolution of symptoms even in this age group with the appropriate approach and implants. METHODS: A 9-year-old girl presented with progressive cervical kyphosis and quadriparesis. At the age of 3 years, she underwent posterior cervical fusion (C1-C6) for instability. Radiological and laboratory investigations confirmed the diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and radiographs of the cervical spine revealed a kyphotic deformity of 120 degrees . Magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography scans showed anterior cord compression attributable to wedged vertebrae at C3 and C4. Magnetic resonance imaging-angiography was performed before surgery to identify the anatomic position of the vertebral arteries. A modified anterolateral approach to the upper cervical spine was performed, and anterior C3 and C4 corpectomies with interbody cage and plate fixation were carried out. RESULTS: After surgery the patient made a full neurological recovery, and significant correction of the deformity was achieved and maintained at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical kyphotic deformity in Osteogenesis Imperfecta is uncommon. Association of this condition with wedged vertebrae is rare. Surgical decompression of the upper cervical spine is a challenging problem in the presence of this deformity. Which surgical approach to use is controversial. There are difficulties exposing wedged vertebrae by a standard anterior approach, and hence we have used a modified anterolateral approach to address this surgical problem, because a posterolateral approach was impossible with the intervening vertebral arteries. Spinal stabilization in children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and poor bone stock is a challenge. We have used a small diameter MOSS cage ("Harms mesh cage") with maxillofacial plate and screws to achieve stabilization and fusion.

Bone Plates↗

PubMed2005

Anterior screw fixation for a pediatric odontoid nonunion: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case of an odontoid nonunion in a child treated with anterior screw fixation. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that an anterior screw procedure can be performed with an odontoid nonunion with resultant fusion to maintain range of motion. METHODS: A 15-year-old boy presented with pain in his neck following a rugby football injury. Admission plain radiographs and computed tomography scan demonstrated an odontoid nonunion. Radiographs of a previous cervical spine injury 2 years before demonstrated a missed odontoid fracture. RESULTS: The child was initially treated conservatively with halo vest immobilization, which did not result in healing. Direct anterior screw fixation was performed and the fracture united 5 months following surgery. DISCUSSION: The nonunion was asymptomatic for 2 years until the second injury when it became clinically symptomatic. It did not respond to conservative treatment and was unstable on screening requiring operative intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Very few cases have been reported of pediatric odontoid nonunions. If the fracture pattern allows, then direct anterior screw fixation should be considered in order to maintain range of motion at the atlantoaxial articulation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

CT evaluation of the pattern of odontoid fractures in the elderly--relationship to upper cervical spine osteoarthritis.

Odontoid fractures are common in the elderly following minor falls. Almost all of them have osteoarthritis of the cervical spine below the axis vertebra. As a result, there is increased stress on the spared upper cervical spine, resulting in a higher incidence of injuries. As movement in the upper cervical spine involves participation of five joints, degeneration in any one particular joint may affect the biomechanics of loading of the upper cervical spine. We aimed to analyse the relationship of odontoid fractures to the pattern of upper cervical spine osteoarthritis in the elderly. We studied the CT-scan images of the cervical spine in 23 patients who were over the age of 70 years and had odontoid fractures. In each patient, the type of odontoid fracture and the characteristics of the degenerative changes in each joint were analysed. Twenty-one of 23 patients had Type-II odontoid fractures. The incidence of significant atlanto-odontoid degeneration in these individuals was very high (90.48%), with relative sparing of the lateral atlantoaxial joints. Osteoporosis was found in 13 of 23 patients at the dens-body junction and in seven of 23 patients at the odontoid process and body of the axis. With ageing, progressively more severe degenerative changes develop in the atlanto-odontoid joint. These eventually obliterate the joint space and fix the odontoid to the anterior arch of the atlas. In contrast, the lateral atlantoaxial joints are hardly affected by osteoarthritis. Thus, ultimately, atlantoaxial movements including atlantoaxial rotation are markedly limited by osteoarthritis of the atlanto-odontoid joint. However, there is still potential for movement in the lateral atlantoaxial joints, as they remain relatively free of degenerative change. The vulnerability of the atlantoaxial segment is further increased by markedly limited rotation below the axis vertebra due to severe facet-joint degeneration. As a consequence, a relatively low-energy trauma to the lateral part of the face, for instance by a fall, will induce forced atlantoaxial rotation. This, with the marked limitation of movement at the atlanto-odontoid joint, will produce a torque force at the base of the odontoid process leading to a Type II fracture.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Unilateral septic arthritis of a lumbar facet joint secondary to acupuncture treatment--a case report.

This report describes a case of septic arthritis of the lumbar facet joint probably as a result of acupuncture treatment. A 48 year old man with a long history of back pain presented with a two week history of increasing pain following a third session of acupuncture. Examination revealed tenderness in the right lumbosacral area and laboratory investigations revealed raised inflammatory markers with negative blood cultures. A bone scan and MRI scan showed evidence of septic arthritis of the right L5/S1 facet joint. An x ray computed tomography guided biopsy was carried out which isolated staphylococcus aureus. The patient was initially treated with intravenous antibiotics. A repeat MRI scan demonstrated persistent septic arthritis with adjacent early abscess formation. Surgical debridement of the facet joint was therefore performed. The patient had resolution of his symptoms and the inflammatory markers returned to normal. He regained a full range of movement of the lumbar spine. Very few cases have been reported of lumbar facet joint septic arthritis and this condition is rare in association with acupuncture treatment. A high index of suspicion needs to be maintained and if conservative management fails then debridement can result in an acceptable outcome.

Acupuncture Therapy↗