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ICF Core Sets for depression.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for depression. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After receiving training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 323 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 163 categories on body functions, 22 on body structures, 91 on activities and participation and 47 on environmental factors. Twenty experts attended the consensus conference on depression. Altogether 121 categories (89 second-level and 32 third-level categories) were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 45 categories from the component body functions, 48 from activities and participation and 28 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 31 categories with 9 on body functions, 12 on activities and participation and 10 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for depression. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for osteoarthritis. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 388 ICF categories at the second, third, and fourth ICF levels with 144 categories on body functions, 49 on body structures; 165 on activities and participation, and 43 on environmental factors. Seventeen experts from 7 different countries attended the consensus conference on osteoarthritis. Altogether 55 second-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 13 categories from the component body functions, 6 from body structures, 19 from activities and participation, and 17 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 13 second-level categories (3 on body functions, 3 on body structures, 3 on activities and participation, and 4 on environmental factors). CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for osteoarthritis. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Schizophrenia-spectrum psychoses in people with and without intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Although there is an increased risk of schizophrenia-spectrum psychoses (SSP) in people with intellectual disability (ID), there is a paucity of research evidence into clinical presentation of the disorder in comparison with research into SSP in people without ID. AIMS: The aims of the study were to compare clinical, functional, and social factors in patients with mild ID (ICD-10: F70) and SSP (ICD-10: F20-9) attending a specialist mental health service for people with ID, with a control group of patients without ID but with SSP attending a generic adult mental health (GAMH) outpatient clinic. METHOD: A total of 106 patients with SSP (53 with ID and 53 from GAMH) were assessed on psychopathological symptoms, functioning scales and quality of life. They were compared using chi-squared and regression analysis where appropriate. RESULTS: People with ID and SSP appear to be more debilitated by the co-occurring disorder than those with the same disorder but without ID. Increases in observable psychopathology and "negative" schizophrenic symptoms, and decreased functional abilities were observed in the group with ID when compared to the GAMH group. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Adult↗

ICF Core Sets for stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set for stroke. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 448 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 193 categories on body functions, 26 on body structures, 165 on activities and participation, and 64 on environmental factors. Thirty-nine experts from 12 different countries attended the consensus conference on stroke. Altogether 130 second-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 41 categories from the component body functions, 5 from body structures, 51 from activities and participation, and 33 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 18 second-level categories (6 on body functions, 2 on body structures, 7 on activities and participation, and 3 on environmental factors). CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for stroke. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Social phobia symptoms, subtypes, and severity: findings from a community survey.

OBJECTIVES: Our goals were (1) to ascertain the range of functional impairment attributable to social phobia in a community sample, and (2) to verify the existence of social phobia subtypes in the community, and report on their relative prevalence, severity, and levels of impairment. METHODS: Community surveys were conducted contemporaneously in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and in Alberta, with a total of 1956 respondents. Instruments included the Comprehensive International Diagnostic Interview-Version 2.1 module for DSM-IV social phobia, enhanced with 6 additional (for a total of 12) social phobic situational probes to provide a more comprehensive assessment of possible subtypes, and additional questions about specific functional impairment due to social phobia. RESULTS: Of those persons in the community surveyed, most had no (60.4%) or few (ie, 1-3) (27.8%) social fears; few persons (3.4%) had many (ie, >/=7). Among those with DSM-IV social phobia (7.2%), classification based on number (normally distributed with median of 3, mode of 5) or content (eg, speaking-only vs other fears; performance-only vs interactional fears) of social fears failed to yield a defensible subtyping solution. Impairment increased linearly as the number of social fears was increased, with no clear threshold evident. CONCLUSIONS: Social phobia is associated with substantial impairment in multiple functional domains. Support for subtyping based on the extent or pattern of social fears was not provided. Rather, social phobia in the community seems to exist on a continuum of severity, with a greater number of feared situations associated with greater disability.

Adult↗

ICF Core Sets for low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for low back pain. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 503 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 211 categories on body functions, 47 on body structures, 190 on activities and participation and 55 on environmental factors. Eighteen experts from 15 different countries attended the consensus conference on low back pain. Altogether 78 second-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 19 categories from the component body functions, 5 from body structures, 29 from activities and participation and 25 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 35 second-level categories with 10 on body functions, 3 on body structures, 12 on activities and participation and 10 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for low back pain. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Profile comparison systems and performance diagnostic, electronic data processing-supported technology--their use in improving responses to social medicine questions and expert assessments and planning of rehabilitation measures].

Systems for comparing ability and requirement profiles as well as instruments for evaluating functional capacity are current topics in rehabilitation. Only few of them however are related to vocational rehab. This article describes the present state of affairs in the development in procedures, instruments and methods to measure work-related human functional capacity with the aim of vocational rehabilitation and integration, helping to obtain objective results to decide about further steps. They are an addition to sociomedical advice in assessment and vocational centres, and serve to expand the common basis of the WHO International Classification of impairments, disabilities and handicaps (ICIDH). The purpose is intervention. Abilities are contrasted with requirements, as the basis for defining a need for intervention and realizing appropriate action. This is the thinking integrated in the German profiling assessment and documentation system IMBA--Integration von Menschen mit Behinderungen in die Arbeitswelt (Integration of people with disabilities into worklife). Diagnostic, computer based technology and work simulation and measurement to evaluate functional capacity as developed and used in the U.S. is complementary to IMBA. Work simulation is based on databases, such as the D.O.T., and includes standardized work requirement profiles. Such systems have been imported from the United States of America to Switzerland and the Netherlands and now to Germany. There are numerous connections with German assessment systems, and the fundamentals of ICIDH are included. Common application in the field of rehabilitation is dealt with, also in view of pensioning issues. The need for user training and quality management are reported in this article as well.

Chronic Disease↗

ICF Core Sets for chronic ischaemic heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set, and a Brief ICF Core Set for chronic ischaemic heart disease. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 253 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 89 categories on body functions, 25 on body structures, 82 on activities and participation and 57 on environmental factors. Sixteen experts attended the consensus conference on CIHD (11 physicians with various sub-specializations and 3 physical therapists). Altogether 61 second-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 14 categories from the component body functions, one from body structures, 17 from activities and participation and 29 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 36 second-level categories with 10 on body functions, one on body structures, 13 on activities and participation and 12 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for CIHD. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for obstructive pulmonary diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for obstructive pulmonary diseases. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 287 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 97 categories on body functions, 33 on body structures, 104 on activities and participation, and 53 on environmental factors. Seventeen experts from 8 different countries attended the consensus conference on obstructive pulmonary diseases. Altogether 67 second-level and 4 third-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 19 categories from the component "body functions", 5 from "body structures", 24 from "activities and participation" and 23 from "environmental factors". The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 17 second-level categories with 5 on "body functions", 3 on "body structures", 5 on "activities and participation" and 4 on "environmental factors". CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for obstructive pulmonary diseases. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 253 ICF categories at the second, third, and fourth ICF levels with 99 categories on body functions, 40 on body structures, 55 on activities and participation, and 59 on environmental factors. Fifteen experts attended the consensus conference on diabetes mellitus (8 physicians with various sub-specializations; 5 physical therapists, one epidemiologist and one social worker). Altogether 99 categories (85 second-level and 14 third-level categories) were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 36 categories from the component body functions, 16 from body structures, 18 from activities and participation, and 29 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 33 second-level categories with 12 on body functions, 6 on body structures, 5 on activities and participation, and 10 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for diabetes mellitus. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Late-life depression in primary care: a nationwide Italian epidemiological survey.

OBJECTIVES: To assess 1-week prevalence of International Classification of Disease, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) current depression, physical comorbidity, associated disability, and healthcare utilization in older primary care patients. Comparisons with younger patients are also reported. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, two-phase epidemiological study. SETTING: One hundred ninety-one primary care clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred six patients aged 60 and older and 1,290 patients aged 14 to 59. MEASUREMENTS: Screening was conducted using the General Health Questionnaire-12. Probable cases were assessed by primary care physicians (PCPs) with the World Health Organization ICD-10 Checklist for depression to diagnose ICD-10 current depression and subsyndromal depression. Other instruments included the Brief Disability Questionnaire and the PCPs' rating of the severity of physical illness. RESULTS: The prevalence of current depression was 8.6%; 3.6% for subsyndromal depression (8.3% and 5.5%, respectively, in younger subjects). Current depression was associated with physical illness, physical disability, days lost from work or days unable to perform activities of daily living, and frequency of PCP consultation. Both physical illness and current depression independently resulted in increased disability, and, when the two conditions coexisted, there was a further increase in disability. Comorbidity with physical illness was the hallmark of late-life depression, distinguishing this condition from depression in younger patients. Moreover, depressed older patients were more disabled and had a higher frequency of PCP consultation than younger depressed patients. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of current depression does not decrease with age in primary care, in contrast to that seen in community studies. Late-life depression is characterized by physical comorbidity and associated with significant disability. The specific features of late-life depression call for intervention programs taking into account the relationship between the mental, physical, and functional aspects of this condition.

Adolescent↗

Assessing personality disorders in a national mental health survey.

BACKGROUND: The lack of established brief Personality Disorder (PD) screening instruments may account for the absence of PD data from previous national mental health surveys. This paper documents the measurement of PD in a large Australian survey, with a particular focus on the characteristics of the screening instrument and the consequences of its mode of administration and scoring. METHODS: PD was assessed in the 1997 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (N=10,641 adults) using the 59-item version of the International Personality Disorder Examination Questionnaire (IPDEQ), which was administered in a computerised format by trained non-clinical interviewers. RESULTS: Normative profiles are reported for three IPDEQ scoring schemes (simple categorical, IPDEQ(S); ICD-10 criterion based categorical, IPDEQ(C); and dimensional scoring, IPDEQ(D)), together with an examination of the IPDEQ's psychometric properties and associations with Axis I comorbidity, disability, and selected psychosocial characteristics. The overall rate of ICD-10 PD in Australia was estimated to be 6.5%, although the categorical assessment of dissocial PD clearly provided an underestimate. PD was associated with younger age, poorer functioning, and a sevenfold increase in the number of comorbid Axis I disorders during the preceding 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: While the methods used to assess PD in the national survey were constrained by project demands, the overall performance of the IPDEQ was considered satisfactory, based on data from a range of sources. In particular, although IPDEQ item and subscale revisions are recommended, evidence is presented suggesting that aggregate IPDEQ dimensional scores should provide useful self-report indices of the overall likelihood of PD.

Adolescent↗

ICF Core Sets for obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set for obesity. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 219 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 87 categories on body functions, 34 on body structures, 53 on activities and participation and 45 on environmental factors. Twenty-one experts attended the consensus conference on obesity (18 physicians with various sub-specializations and 3 physical therapists). Altogether 109 categories (108 second-level and one third-level categories) were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 30 categories from the component body functions, 18 from body structures, 28 from activities and participation and 33 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 9 second-level categories with 3 on body functions, 4 on activities and participation and 2 on environmental factors. No body-structures categories were included in the Brief ICF Core Set. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for obesity. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF, and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 530 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 203 categories on body functions, 76 on body structures, 188 on activities and participation, and 63 on environmental factors. Seventeen experts from 12 different countries attended the consensus conference on rheumatoid arthritis (7 physicians with at least a specialization in physical and rehabilitation medicine, 7 rheumatologists, one nurse, one occupational therapist, and one physical therapist). Altogether 96 categories (76 second-level and 20 third-, and fourth-level categories) were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 25 categories from the component body functions, 18 from body structures, 32 from activities and participation, and 21 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 39 second-level categories, with 8 on body functions, 7 on body structures, 14 on activities and participation, and 10 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for rheumatoid arthritis. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Patterns of service use among persons with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed 12-month service use patterns among people with psychotic disorders and sought to identify determinants of service use. METHODS: As part of a large two-phase Australian study of psychotic disorders, structured interviews were conducted with a stratified random sample of adults who screened positive for psychosis. Demographic characteristics, social functioning, symptoms, mental health diagnoses, and use of psychiatric and nonpsychiatric services were assessed. Data were analyzed for 858 persons who had an ICD-10 diagnosis of a psychotic disorder and who had been hospitalized for less than six months during the previous year. RESULTS: People with psychotic disorders had high levels of use of health services, both in absolute terms and relative to people with nonpsychotic disorders. Those with psychotic disorders were estimated to have an average of one contact with health services per week. Use of psychiatric inpatient services was associated with parenthood, higher symptom levels, recent attempts at suicide or self-harm, personal disability, medication status, and frequency of alcohol consumption. Services provided by general practitioners (family physicians) were more likely to be obtained by older people, women, people with greater availability of friends, those with fewer negative symptoms, and those whose service needs were unmet by other sources. People who were high users of health services also reported having more contact with a range of non-health agencies. CONCLUSIONS: The predictors of service use accounted for small proportions of the variance in overall use of health services. The role of general practitioners in providing and monitoring treatment programs and other psychosocial interventions needs to be acknowledged and enhanced.

Adolescent↗

ICF Core Sets for chronic widespread pain.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for chronic widespread pain. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 365 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 143 categories on body functions, 45 on body structures, 125 on activities and participation and 125 on environmental factors. Thirty experts attended the consensus conference on chronic widespread pain (16 physicians with at least a specialization in physical and rehabilitation medicine, 4 rheumatologists, 2 psychiatrists, 5 physical therapists, one psychologist, one occupational therapist and 1 social worker). Altogether 65 second-level and 2 third-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 23 categories from the component body functions, one from body structures, 27 from activities and participation and 16 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 24 second-level categories and 2 third-level categories with 10 on body functions, 10 on activities and participation and 6 on environmental factors. No body structures were included in the Brief ICF Core Set. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for chronic widespread pain. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Social outcomes in adulthood of children with intellectual impairment: evidence from a birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: Social Policy for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) continues to evolve, but little is known about the lives to which such policies are applied. We aimed to use a prospective follow-up of a British birth cohort to identify children with mild and more severe intellectual impairment, and compare a range of social outcomes in adulthood with people in the rest of the cohort. METHOD: We used data from the MRC National Survey for Health and Development. Intellectual impairment was identified by intelligence tests and educational history. Adult outcome measures included employment and social class, education, marriage and children, home ownership, social networks and community use. RESULTS: We identified 111 people with mild intellectual impairment (2.7%) and 23 with severe intellectual impairment (0.6%) at age 15/16. By the age of 43, there were 52 people remaining in the mild impairment group and 14 in the severe impairment group. In adulthood those with intellectual impairment enjoyed contact with friends and family, and joined in informal social activities. Although the mild intellectual impairment group were less likely to attain the following social outcomes than people with normal intellectual functioning, 67% had jobs, 73% were married, 62% had children and 54% owned their own homes. 12% participated in adult education. People with more severe intellectual impairment were less likely to attain these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes highlight issues in current social policy and suggest efforts should be directed particularly towards promoting educational opportunities and developing social inclusion for people with ID.

Achievement↗

Transoral decompression, anterior plate fixation, and posterior wire fusion for irreducible atlantoaxial kyphosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen consecutive patients with irreducible atlantoaxial kyphosis caused by rheumatoid arthritis were treated by combined transoral odontoid resection, anterior plate fixation, and posterior wire fusion. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical results of this new surgical procedure. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Irreducible atlantoaxial kyphosis in rheumatoid arthritis results from a destruction of the craniocervical joint ligaments and the anterior aspects of the lateral atlantoaxial joints. The development of a paradental synovial pannus and atlantoaxial joint impaction prevents reduction by conservative treatment, such as skull traction. Posterior surgical procedures for the treatment of the irreducible atlantoaxial kyphosis with spinal cord compression have been associated with high morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients were treated by transoral odontoid resection. The fixation was performed with anterior plating, according to the method of Harms in combination with posterior wire fusion according to Brooks. Before and after surgery, evaluation was performed using the parameters of pain (visual analog scale), range of motion, and subjective assessment of improvement and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. The neurologic deficit was defined according to the classifications proposed by Ranawat, Frankel, and Nurwick. Plain radiographs, including lateral flexion and extension views, and magnetic resonance scans were obtained. RESULTS: No perioperative fatality occurred. The average clinical and radiographic follow-up was 50.7 +/- 15.6 months (range, 26-77). Postoperative pain was relieved (mean pain score before surgery, 7.9 +/- 1.87; after surgery, 3.8 +/- 1.27), and the range of motion of all patients increased (mean 21.5 +/- 14.0 degrees for rotation; mean 17.2 +/- 5. 54 degrees for bending). The score on the Health Assessment Questionnaire increased in three patients, remained unchanged in three and decreased in six patients (three had died). All patients improved at least one Ranawat level after surgery, except a patient in Ranawat Class II, whose condition remained unchanged. All patients were satisfied with the procedure and reported subjective improvement. CONCLUSION: Transoral plate fixation combined with posterior wire fixation after transoral odontoid resectionis an effective, reliable, and safe procedure for the treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial kyphosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Adult↗