Bone Density of Vertebral Bodies and Ossified Masses in Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: An Imaging Study Based on MRI, CT, and DEXA.

Complications from anterior decompression fusion for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) are often related to the bone mineral density (BMD) of vertebral bodies and ossified masses. The aim of this study was to clarify whether dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) T-scores reliably predict BMD in these structures, and whether vertebral bone quality (VBQ) and Hounsfield units (HU) can be effectively used to screen for osteopenia and osteoporosis. A total of 122 patients with cervical OPLL and 105 non-OPLL patients were included. Vertebral BMD was assessed by VBQ and HU, and ossified mass BMD was assessed by ossified mass bone quality (OMBQ) and ossification mass HU (OMHU). Overall, VBQ scores and HU values demonstrated weaker correlations with T-scores in the OPLL group compared with the non-OPLL group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that VBQ and HU effectively discriminated osteopenia/osteoporosis in the OPLL cohort, with area under the curve values ranging from 0.763 to 0.827, similar to the non-OPLL. No significant differences in BMD were observed between the OPLL and non-OPLL groups based on the common assessment of VBQ, HU and DEXA-derived BMD (p > 0.05). Both OMBQ and OMHU showed good reliability and were significantly correlated with T-scores (p < 0.05). In patients with cervical OPLL, VBQ and HU remain effective screening tools for osteopenia/osteoporosis, potentially guiding or obviating the need for further DEXA scans. Additionally, our findings suggest that patients with lower T-scores may exhibit reduced BMD in both vertebral bodies and ossified masses.

Shi M ，Niu B ，Ye C ，Xie D ，Chen Q ，Zhao Q ，Wu H ，Yang L ... -  《-》

Nonquantitative CT scan Hounsfield unit as a determinant of cervical spine bone density.

Fluss R ，Lo Bu R ，De la Garza Ramos R ，Murthy SG ，Yassari R ，Gelfand Y ... -  《-》

Importance of gap evaluation in the ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament lesions using 3-dimensional computed tomography.

Evaluating the gaps within the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) lesions, which may contribute to neurological symptoms, using conventional imaging techniques is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the importance of evaluating gaps using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and their association with the occurrence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 high intensity in the spinal cord. Retrospective cohort study. Retrospective analysis of 116 patients diagnosed with cervical OPLL. Presence of gaps in OPLL, presence of T2 high intensity in the cervical spinal cord, and OPLL thickness were evaluated. Lateral X-ray, CT, and reconstructed 3D-CT images were reviewed to assess lesion characteristics and the presence of gaps. MRI was used to evaluate the change in spinal cord signal intensity. The relationship among gap presence, lesion morphology, and MRI T2 high intensity in the spinal cord was examined. A significant difference in gap detection accuracy was observed between CT and 3D-CT (p=.0054). CT demonstrated false-positive results in the detection of gaps as compared with 3D-CT. The presence of gaps was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of MRI T2 high intensity in the spinal cord (p=.037). Patients with thicker lesions and smaller space available for the spinal cord (SAC) were more likely to exhibit T2 high intensity. Meanwhile, patients with gaps co-occurring with T2 high intensity exhibited significantly thinner lesions (p=.011) and larger SACs (p=.0002). Patients with gaps had a significantly lower JOA scores (p=.0035), which indicates that patient with gaps are likely to exhibit more severe clinical neurological symptoms. 3D-CT showed superiority in accurately identifying gaps within OPLL lesions, while CT demonstrated false-positive results in the detection of gaps. Furthermore, the gap presence was a risk factor for MRI T2 high intensity in the spinal cord, independent of lesion thickness. In addition, gaps are related to more severe clinical symptoms. This study highlighted the importance of evaluating gaps within OPLL lesions using 3D-CT to clarify neurological pathogenesis.

Alaa H ，Tung NTC ，Ueno T ，Makino H ，Futakawa H ，Seki S ，Kawaguchi Y ... -  《-》

Defining the optimum strategy for identifying adults and children with coeliac disease: systematic review and economic modelling.

Elwenspoek MM ，Thom H ，Sheppard AL ，Keeney E ，O'Donnell R ，Jackson J ，Roadevin C ，Dawson S ，Lane D ，Stubbs J ，Everitt H ，Watson JC ，Hay AD ，Gillett P ，Robins G ，Jones HE ，Mallett S ，Whiting PF ... -  《-》

Opportunistic CT screening demonstrates increased risk for peri-articular fractures in osteoporotic patients.

Underdiagnosis or undertreatment of osteoporosis consequently impacts individual morbidity and mortality, as well as on healthcare systems and communities as a whole. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard method for identifying osteoporosis, however, opportunistic CT screening is capable of precisely estimating bone mineral density (BMD) in abdominopelvic imaging with no additional cost, radiation exposure or inconvenience to patients. This study uses opportunistic CT screening to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and anatomic distribution patterns in patients presenting with lower extremity fractures at our institution. Trauma patients with low bone mineral density (BMD) are more likely to present with peri-articular versus shaft fractures. We conducted a retrospective review of 721 patients presenting as trauma activations to the emergency department (ED) of a Level 1 Trauma Center with lower extremity fractures. Patients were excluded if under the age of 18 or lacking a CT scan upon arrival in the ED. Hounsfield Units (HU) were measured at the L1 vertebral level on CT scans to determine bone mineral density. Values of ≤100 HU were consistent with osteoporosis, whereas 101-150 HU were consistent with osteopenia. The final cohort included 416 patients, with mean age of 49 ± 21 years. Average bone density was 203.9 ± 73.4 HU. 15.9% of patients were diagnosed as osteopenic and 9.9% as osteoporotic. 64.2% of fractures were peri-articular, 25.7% were shaft, and 10.1% were a combination. Peri-articular fractures were significantly more likely to have lower average BMD than shaft fractures (189 ± 74.7 HU vs. 230.6 ± 66.1 HU, p < 0.001). Our study demonstrates a significant relationship between low bone mineral density and lower extremity fracture pattern, however, likely influenced by other factors such as sex. Opportunistic CT screening for osteoporosis in trauma settings provides ample opportunity for early detection of low BMD and implementation of highly effective lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy intervention. Reduction in the overall incidence of peri-articular fracture with widespread adoption of opportunistic CT screening may lessen the morbidity, mortality, and total cost currently afflicting patients, healthcare systems, and communities. III, therapeutic.

Reid J ，McCrosson M ，Tobin J ，Rivas G ，Rothwell S ，Hartsock L ，Reid K ... -  《Orthopaedics & Traumatology-Surgery & Research》