Neurosurgery (88), Issue 1, 2021: 55–62
Novel radiographic sagittal parameters of the thoracolumbar junction orientation (TLJO, thoracolumbar slope [TLS] and thoracolumbar tilt [TLT]) have been introduced and correlated with lumbopelvic parameters and thoracic kyphosis.
OBJECTIVE: To determine a predictive model for reciprocal thoracic kyphosis and proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) based on the TLJO.
METHODS: A total of 127 patients who had fusion from sacrum to T10-L2 from 2004 to 2014 were reviewed. TK (T5-T12), PI, SS, PT, LL, and proximal junctional angle (PJA) were measured preoperatively, 6wk postoperatively, and at final follow-up. TLJO was measured by TLS and TLT. Changes between time points were determined (preop-6 wk =ΔParameter(Pre6wk) and preop-final follow/up =ΔParameter(PreFinal)). Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires were evaluated at final follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of PJK (PJAPreFinal >15◦). Independent t-tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to investigate the significance of differences and cut-off values. Pearson correlations and linear regressions were used to analyze the entire cohort to determine the relationship between the changes in parameters.
RESULTS: Compared to patients without PJK (n = 100), those with PJK (n = 27) had significantly lower SRS scores and significantly greater TKPreFinal, LLPre6wk, and TLSPre6wk. To maintain in the nonPJK group, ROC curves demonstrated a cut-off value of −9.4◦ for TLSPre6wk. PJK was significantly correlated with TKPreFinal and TLSPre6wk. The linear correlation revealed that TLSPre6wk < −25.3◦ is the risk factor of PJK > 15◦.
CONCLUSION: As change of TLS reflects lumbopelvic realignment and influences reciprocal TK, reducing the change of TLS may be a sagittal realignment guideline to reduce the risk of PJK.
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