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SummaryA 6-month randomized controlled trial of spine-strengthening exercise and posture training reduced both radiographic and clinical measures of kyphosis. Participants receiving the intervention improved self-image and satisfaction with their appearance. Results suggest that spine-strengthening exercise and postural training may be an effective treatment option for older adults with hyperkyphosis.IntroductionThe purpose of the present study is to determine in a randomized controlled trial whether spine-strengthening exercises improve Cobb angle of kyphosis in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsWe recruited adults ≥60 years with kyphosis ≥40° and enrolled 99 participants (71 women, 28 men), mean age 70.6 ± 0.6 years, range 60–88, with baseline Cobb angle 57.4 ± 12.5°. The intervention included group spine-strengthening exercise and postural training, delivered by a physical therapist, 1-h, three times weekly for 6 months. Controls received four group health education meetings. The primary outcome was change in the gold standard Cobb angle of kyphosis measured from standing lateral spine radiographs. Secondary outcomes included change in kyphometer-measured kyphosis, physical function (modified Physical Performance Test, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, Timed Loaded Standing, 6-Min Walk), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (PROMIS global health and physical function indexes, SRS-30 self-image domain). ANCOVA was used to assess treatment effects on change from baseline to 6 months in all outcomes.ResultsThere was a −3.0° (95% CI −5.2, −0.8) between-group difference in change in Cobb angle, p = 0.009, favoring the intervention and approximating the magnitude of change from an incident vertebral fracture. Kyphometer-measured kyphosis (p = 0.03) and SRS-30 self-esteem (p < 0.001) showed favorable between-group differences in change, with no group differences in physical function or additional HRQoL outcomes, p > 0.05.ConclusionsSpine-strengthening exercise and posture training over 6 months reduced kyphosis compared to control. Our randomized controlled trial results suggest that a targeted kyphosis-specific exercise program may be an effective treatment option for older adults with hyperkyphosis.Trial registration number and name of trial registerClinicalTrials.gov; identifier NCT01751685

Summary Biomechanical analyses support the theory that thoracic spine hyperkyphosis may increase risk of new vertebral fractures. While greater kyphosis was associated with an increased rate of incident vertebral fractures, our analysis does not show an independent association of kyphosis on incident fracture, after adjustment for prevalent vertebral fracture. Excessive kyphosis may still be a clinical marker for prevalent vertebral fracture. Introduction Biomechanical analyses suggest hyperkyphosis may increase risk of incident vertebral fracture by increasing the load on vertebral bodies during daily activities. We propose to assess the association of kyphosis with incident radiographic vertebral fracture. Methods We used data from the Fracture Intervention Trial among 3038 women 55–81 years of age with low bone mineral density (BMD). Baseline kyphosis angle was measured using a Debrunner kyphometer. Vertebral fractures were assessed at baseline and follow-up from lateral radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine. We used Poisson models to estimate the independent association of kyphosis with incident fracture, controlling for age and femoral neck BMD. Results Mean baseline kyphosis was 48° (SD = 12) (range 7–83). At baseline, 962 (32 %) participants had a prevalent fracture. There were 221 incident fractures over a median of 4 years. At baseline, prevalent fracture was associated with 3.7° greater average kyphosis (95 % CI 2.8–4.6, p  < 0.0005), adjusting for age and femoral neck BMD. Before adjusting for prevalent fracture, each 10° greater kyphosis was associated with 22 % increase (95 % CI 8–38 %, p  = 0.001) in annualized rate of new radiographic vertebral fracture, adjusting for age and femoral neck BMD. After additional adjustment for prevalent fracture, estimated increased annualized rate was attenuated and no longer significant, 8 % per 10° kyphosis (95 % CI −4 to 22 %, p  = 0.18). Conclusions While greater kyphosis increased the rate of incident vertebral fractures, our analysis does not show an independent association of kyphosis on incident fracture, after adjustment for prevalent vertebral fracture. Excessive kyphosis may still be a clinical marker for prevalent vertebral fracture.

Introduction This is a radiographic study of ankylosing spondylitis patients with severe fixed kyphotic deformity who underwent pedicle subtraction osteotomy. Our goal was to measure and validate new angle to assess global kyphosis and to evaluate the sagittal balance after surgery. This is the first report which describes new angle to assess global kyphosis (T1-S1). Materials and methods Pre and postoperative controls were compared according to the Pelvic Incidence. The sagittal parameters ankylosing spondylitis patients were compared with 154 asymptomatic patients. In addition to the pelvic parameters and the C7 tilt, we used the spino-sacral angle. Results Pelvic incidence in ankylosing spondylitis patients was higher than asymptomatic population (61° vs. 51°). For a same tilt of C7 for both groups, the low pelvic incidence group had a lower sacral slope and pelvic tilt and a higher global kyphosis (spino-sacral angle = 90°) than the high pelvic incidence group (spino-sacral angle = 98°). In the adult volunteers, the C7 tilt and spino-sacral angle measured, respectively, 95° and 135°. The preoperative C7 tilt measured 73° and increased to 83° ( p = 0.0025). The preoperative spino-sacral angle measured 96° and increased to 113.3° ( p = 0.003). Conclusion A low pelvic incidence pelvis has a lower sacral slope than in high pelvic incidence and can support a bigger kyphosis. All the parameters were improved by the pedicle subtraction osteotomy, but the average spinosacral angle remained lower than the control group. When C7 tilt was useful to assess the improvement of the sagittal balance, SSA allowed a better evaluation of the correction of kyphosis itself.

Purpose There has been no uniform and extensive description of the use of expandable cages in the setting of thoracolumbar tuberculosis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of the expandable cages and compare with autogenous strut grafting in thoracolumbar tuberculosis. Methods From January 2003 to January 2014, a total of 28 patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis were treated surgically in our medical center. Patients were divided into three groups. 17 patients received anterior-only surgery; consisting of autogenous iliac bone grafting only in 9 (Group 1), grafting with anterior screw-rod system instrumentation after debridement in 8 patients (Group 2). 11 patients underwent anterior surgery including debridement and distraction of the kyphosis by cages after corpectomy following posterior instrumentation (Group 3).The changes in degree of kyphotic deformity, loss of correction, intervertebral height and loss of intervertebral height were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results Patients were followed 52 ± 10.7 months (range, 18–120 months). Mean age in the Group 1 was 42 (18–69) years, 62 (19–86) years in the Group 2 and 51 (19–71) years in the Group 3. There was no statistically significant difference ( P  > 0.05) in the focal kyphosis preoperatively, postoperatively and at the last follow-up between three groups. There were statistically significant differences ( P  < 0.05) in loss of correction, intervertebral height (preoperative, postoperative and final follow-up) and loss of intervertebral height between three groups. There was a greater loss of correction in Group 1 when compared with Group 2 and Group 3. The difference was statistically significant ( p  < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the intervertebral height postoperatively and follow-up between Group 1 and Group 2. There was a significant increase in the intervertebral height in Group 3 when compared with Group 1 and Group 2. There was also a significant increase in the intervertebral height in Group 2 when compared with Group 1. There was a greater loss of intervertebral height in Group 1 than in Group 2 and Group 3. The difference was statistically significant ( p  < 0.001). Conclusions Expandable cages are an acceptable surgical option for the treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis. Sagittal alignment is better prevented with the expandable cages than anterior grafting with or without anterior instrumentation. Subsidence of the expandable cages is not uncommon and results in the loss of Cobb angle correction and intervertebral height. However, anterior vertebral column reconstruction by expandable cages provides a very high and effective rate of deformity correction and maintenance.

Purpose The impact of percutaneous internal fixation as a supplement to percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures in elderly patients is unclear. We conducted a clinical controlled trial to investigate the effect and outcomes of this technique in such patients. Methods Forty-three patients over 65 years old with thoracolumbar burst fractures without nerve injuries were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to treatment with simple PKP (control group, n  = 22) or percutaneous short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation with PKP (treatment group, n  = 21). The patients were followed for at least 2 years postoperatively and were assessed with regard to clinical and radiological outcomes. Clinical outcomes were evaluated mainly with use of visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire. Radiological outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of Cobb kyphosis angle and loss of kyphosis correction. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to preoperative indices. The treatment group had better VAS scores and greater postoperative improvement on the ODI compared with the control group ( P  < 0.05). Postoperative kyphosis angle correction in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group, and loss of correction postoperatively was significantly less ( P  < 0.05). In the control group, two patients suffered refractures of the injured vertebra postoperatively and one had a fracture in the adjacent vertebra. No postoperative complications needing management were noted in either group. Conclusions Compared with simple PKP, percutaneous internal fixation with PKP is a valuable surgical option for the treatment of selected elderly patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Introduction Standing in an erect position is a human property. The pelvis anatomy and position, defined by the pelvis incidence, interact with the spinal organization in shape and position to regulate the sagittal balance between both the spine and pelvis. Sagittal balance of the human body may be defined by a setting of different parameters such as (a) pelvic parameters: pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS); (b) C7 positioning: spino-pelvic angle (SSA) and C7 plumb line; (c) shape of the spine: lumbar lordosis. Biomechanical adaptation of the spine in pathology In case of pathological kyphosis, different mechanical compensations may be activated. When the spine remains flexible, the hyperextension of the spine below or above compensates the kyphosis. When the spine is rigid, the only way is rotating backward the pelvis (retroversion). This mechanism is limited by the value of PI. Hip extension is a limitation factor of big retroversion when PI is high. Flexion of the knees may occur when hip extension is overpassed. The quantity of global kyphosis may be calculated by the SSA. The more SSA decreases, the more the severity of kyphosis increases. We used Roussouly’s classification of lumbar lordosis into four types to define the shape of the spine. The forces acting on a spinal unit are combined in a contact force (CF). CF is the addition of gravity and muscle forces. In case of unbalance, CF is tremendously increased. Distribution of CF depends on the vertebral plate orientation. In an average tilt (45°), the two resultants, parallel to the plate (sliding force) or perpendicular (pressure), are equivalent. If the tilt increases, the sliding force is predominant. On the contrary, with a horizontal plate, the pressure increases. Importance of curvature is another factor of CF distribution. In a flat or kyphosis spine, CF acts more on the vertebral bodies and disc. In the case of important extension curvature, it is on the posterior elements that CF acts more. According to the shape of the spine, we may expect different degenerative evolution: (a) Type 1 is a long thoraco-lumbar kyphosis and a short hyperlordosis: discopathies in the TL area and arthritis of the posterior facets in the distal lumbar spine. In younger patients, L4 S1 hyperextension may induce a nutcracker L5 spondylolysis. (b) Type 2 is a flat lordosis: Stress is at its maximum on the discs with a high risk of early disc herniation than later with multilevel discopathies. (c) Type 3 has an average shape without characteristics for a specific degeneration of the spine. (d) Type 4 is a long and curved lumbar spine: this is the spine for L5 isthmic lysis by shear forces. When the patient keeps the lordosis curvature, a posterior arthritis may occur and later a degenerative L4 L5 spondylolisthesis. Older patients may lose the lordosis curvature, SSA decreases and pelvis tilt increases. A widely retroverted pelvis with a high pelvic incidence is certainly a previous Type 4 and a restoration of a big lordosis is needed in case of arthrodesis. Conclusion The genuine shape of the spine is probably one of the main mechanical factors of degenerative evolution. This shape is oriented by a shape pelvis parameter, the pelvis incidence. In case of pathology, this constant parameter is the only signature to determine the original spine shape we have to restore the balance of the patient.

Purpose Kyphosis in the lower lumbar spine (L4-S1) significantly affects sagittal alignment. However, the characteristics of the spinopelvic parameters and compensatory mechanisms in patients with lower lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LLDK) have not been described in detail. The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the morphological characteristics in patients with sagittal imbalance due to LLDK. Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical records of consecutive patients who underwent corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) at a single institution. We defined LLDK as (i) kyphotic deformity in lower lumbar spine (L4-S1) or (ii) inappropriate distribution of lordosis (lordosis distribution index < 40%) in the lower lumbar spine. Global spine parameters of ASD patients and MRI findings were compared between those with LLDK (LLDK group) and without LLDK (control group). Results A total of 95 patients were enrolled in this study, of which the LLDK group included 14 patients (14.7%). Compared to the control, LLDK presented significantly higher pelvic incidence (62.1° vs 52.6°) and pelvic tilt (40.0° vs 33.4°), larger lordosis at the thoracolumbar junction (12.0° vs -19.6°), and smaller thoracic kyphosis (9.3° vs 26.0°). In LLDK, there was significantly less disc degeneration at L2/3 and L3/4. Conclusion LLDK patients had high pelvic incidence, large pelvic tilt, and a long compensatory curve at the thoracolumbar junction and thoracic spine region.

PurposeTo present the description of sagittal alignment of the degenerative human spine and its possible evolution.Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective observational study of degenerative evolution in spinal alignment in low back pain patients. Full spine EOS® sagittal X-rays were analyzed, and pelvic and spinal parameters were measured. Spinal shapes were classified on the hypothesis that the possible sagittal shapes of degenerative spine would be divided into four categories: “classical” Roussouly types 1–4, anteverted types (PT ≤ 5), retroverted types (PT ≥ 25) and kyphotic types.ResultsA total of 331 patients (280 women and 51 men) were included. “Classic” types 1–4 represented the majority in this cohort (71.9%). Retroverted types made the second most common category with 20.8% of the cohort. Kyphosis group (lumbar and global) make only 5.8% of this cohort, while anteverted group make the lowest incidence (1.5%). Retroverted type 2 with thoracic kyphosis should be considered a separate type and made 1.5% of this cohort. Two theoretical subtypes, retroverted type 1 and type 4 were not found.ConclusionsThis is the first description of degenerative spine disease based on its shape and based on the classification of the normal variation in the sagittal alignment of the human lumbar spine described by Roussouly. Eleven types, divided into classical types, anteverted types, false shapes (retroverted) and kyphotic shapes, are described and an evolution pathway is proposed. An evaluation of surgical results in order to propose a treatment algorithm based on this classification should follow.Level of evidenceLevel IV cross sectional observational study.

In a prospective study, 103 patients were randomised to anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) with a cervical carbon-fibre intervertebral fusion cage or the Cloward procedure. Preoperative background variables, active range of neck motion, handgrip strength, radiological evaluation and subjective variables were used in a multiple regression model to find the strongest predictors of postoperative outcome as measured by current pain intensity and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Male sex, greater kyphosis at the level operated on, non-smoking, a greater neck mobility in right rotation, low disability on NDI, and older age were predictors of pain reduction and explained 30% of current pain intensity at follow-up. Higher educational level, non-smoking, greater kyphosis at the level operated on, a greater flexion mobility, greater right handgrip strength and lower current pain intensity were predictors of improvement, and explained 28% of the postoperative outcome on NDI. The most important predictor for postoperative pain intensity was the magnitude of the preoperative kyphosis. Preoperative pain intensity was the most important predictor for improved NDI. At follow-up about 70% of the patients still had deficit based on current pain intensity and NDI, and 44% had remaining dysfunction based on Odom's criteria. In conclusion, the multivariate analysis shows that male sex, non-smoking, greater segmental kyphosis and a low pain and disability level are preoperative predictors of a good outcome in ACDF. In addition, the study suggests the importance of other predictive variables than those studied for the outcome of ACDF.

PurposeThis study aims to establish normative data for parameters of spino-pelvic and spinal sagittal alignment, gender related differences and age-related changes in asymptomatic subjects.MethodsA total of 626 asymptomatic volunteers from Japanese population were enrolled in this study, including 50 subjects at least for each gender and each decade from 3rd to 8th. Full length, free-standing spine radiographs were obtained. Cervical lordosis (CL; C3–7), thoracic kyphosis (TK; T1–12), lumbar lordosis (LL; T12–S1), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured.ResultsThe average values (degrees) are 4.1 ± 11.7 for CL, 36.0 ± 10.1 for TK, 49.7 ± 11.2 for LL, 53.7 ± 10.9 for PI, 14.5 ± 8.4 for PT, and 39.4 ± 8.0 for SS. Mean SVA is 3.1 ± 12.6 mm. Advancing age caused an increase in CL, PT and SVA, and a decrease in LL and SS. There was a significant gender difference in CL, TK, LL, PI, PT and SVA. From 7th decade to 8th decade, remarkable decrease of LL & TK and increase of PT were seen. A large increase of SVA was also seen between 60’ and 70’.ConclusionStandard values of spino-pelvic sagittal alignment were established in each gender and each decade from 20’ to 70’. A remarkable change of spino-pelvic sagittal alignment was seen from 7th decade to 8th decade in asymptomatic subjects.