| 1. |
- Gerdhem, Lovisa, et al.
(author)
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Patient-reported Data as Predictors of Surgical Outcome in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy : Analysis of a National Multicenter Dataset
- 2023
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In: Spine. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0362-2436 .- 1528-1159. ; 48:2, s. 113-119
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Study Design: Retrospective study design on prospectively collected registry data.Objective: To investigate whether improvement after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy is associated with preoperative disease severity and to identify predictors of outcome.Summary of Background Data: Degenerative cervical myelopathy is the most common cause of spinal cord compromise in adults and surgery is often the treatment of choice. Identifying predictors may help to improve patient selection.Materials and Methods: This nationwide study from the Swedish spine registry included 901 patients treated surgically for degenerative cervical myelopathy. To investigate improvement in different disease severity groups, the individuals were divided into quartiles based on their preoperative European Myelopathy Scale (EMS) and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) index. Statistical analyses were made with analysis of variance, χ2, McNemar, and t tests. Multivariable linear or logistic regression was used to identify predictors for one-year improvement in EMS and EQ-5D index, and satisfaction at one year. In the regressions, the patient-reported outcome measures were dichotomized at their median, except improvement in EMS.Results: All patient-reported outcome measures improved from baseline to the one-year follow-up (P<0.001). Statistically significant outcome improvements were seen in all disease severity groups. Preoperative low EMS (β=−1.37, P<0.001), long walking distance (<500 vs. >500 m; β=0.44, P=0.030), and low NDI (β=−0.43, P=0.048) were independent predictors of improvement in EMS. R2 was 0.11 for the multivariable model. Preoperative low EQ-5D index (odds ratio=0.11; 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.16) and low NDI (0.56; 0.36–0.88) were independent predictors of improvement in EQ-5D index. Preoperative high EMS (1.86; 1.20–2.90) and shorter arm pain duration [<12 vs. >12 months (0.54; 0.33–0.88)] were independent predictors of satisfaction.Conclusions: Postoperative improvement was seen over the whole range of disease severity. Disease severity, symptom duration, and walking distance were predictors of outcome in patients treated surgically for degenerative cervical myelopathy.
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| 2. |
- Abbott, Allan, et al.
(author)
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CONTRAIS: CONservative TReatment for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis : a randomised controlled trial protocol
- 2013
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In: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2474. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background:Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional structural deformity of the spine that occurs in children and adolescents. Recent reviews on bracing and exercise treatment have provided some evidence for effect of these interventions. The purpose of this study is to improve the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of conservative treatments for preventing curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis.Methods/design:Patients: Previously untreated girls and boys with idiopathic scoliosis, 9 to 17 years of age with at least one year of remaining growth and a curve Cobb angle of 25–40 degrees will be included. A total of 135 participants will be randomly allocated in groups of 45 patients each to receive one of the three interventions.Interventions: All three groups will receive a physical activity prescription according to the World Health Organisation recommendations. One group will additionally wear a hyper-corrective night-time brace. One group will additionally perform postural scoliosis-specific exercises.Outcome: Participation in the study will last until the curve has progressed, or until cessation of skeletal growth. Outcome variables will be measured every 6 months. The primary outcome variable, failure of treatment, is defined as progression of the Cobb angle more than 6 degrees, compared to the primary x-ray, seen on two consecutive spinal standing x-rays taken with 6 months interval. Secondary outcome measures include the SRS-22r and EQ5D-Y quality of life questionnaires, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, and Cobb angle atend of the study.Discussion:This trial will evaluate which of the tested conservative treatment approaches that is the most effective for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Trial registration: NCT01761305
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| 3. |
- Ahonen, Matti, et al.
(author)
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Back Pain and Quality of Life 10 Years After Segmental Pedicle Screw Instrumentation for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
- 2023
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In: Spine. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0362-2436 .- 1528-1159. ; 48:10, s. 665-671
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Study Design.Comparative cohort study. Objective.The aim of the present study was to evaluate pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in surgically managed patients with a minimum follow-up of 10 years compared with patients with untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and a healthy control group. Summary of Background Data.Posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screws is the standard treatment for AIS, although it remains unclear whether this procedure results in improved long-term HRQoL compared with untreated patients with AIS. Patients and Methods.Sixty-four consecutive patients at a minimum follow-up of 10 years, who underwent posterior pedicle screw instrumentation for AIS were prospectively enrolled. Fifty-three (83%) of these patients completed Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) 24 questionnaires, clinical examination, and standing spinal radiographs. Pain and HRQoL were compared with age and sex-matched patients with untreated AIS and healthy individuals. Results.The mean major curve was 57 degrees preoperatively and 15 degrees at the 10-year follow-up. SRS-24 self-image domain score showed a significant improvement from preoperative to 2 years and remained significantly better at the 10-year follow-up (P < 0.001). Patients fused to L3 or below had lower pain, satisfaction, and total score than patients fused to L2 or above (P < 0.05), but self-image, function, and activity scores did not differ between groups at 10-year follow-up. Pain, self-image, general activity, and total SRS domains were significantly better at 10-year follow-up in the surgically treated patients as compared with untreated patients (all P < 0.05). Healthy controls had significantly higher total scores than those surgically treated at 10-year follow-ups (P < 0.001). Conclusion.Patients undergoing segmental pedicle screw instrumentation for AIS maintain high-level HRQoL during a 10-year follow-up. Their HRQoL was significantly better than in the untreated patients with AIS, except for the function domain. However, HRQoL remained at a lower level than in healthy controls.
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| 4. |
- Andersen, Mikkel Österheden, et al.
(author)
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Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Disk Disease in Three Scandinavian Countries : An International Register Study Based on Three Merged National Spine Registers
- 2019
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In: Global Spine Journal. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. - 2192-5682 .- 2192-5690. ; 9:8, s. 850-858
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Study Design: Observational study of prospectively collected data.Objectives: Patients with chronic low back pain resistant to nonoperative treatment often face a poor prognosis for recovery. The aim of the current study was to compare the variation and outcome of surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease in the Scandinavian countries based on The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement core spine data sets.Methods: Anonymized individual level data from 3 national registers were pooled into 1 database. At the time of surgery, the patient reports data on demographics, lifestyle topics, comorbidity, and data on health-related quality of life such as Oswestry Disability Index, Euro-Qol-5D, and back and leg pain scores. The surgeon records diagnosis, type of surgery performed, and complications. One-year follow-ups are obtained with questionnaires. Baseline and 1-year follow-up data were analyzed to expose any differences between the countries.Results: A total of 1893 patients were included. At 1-year follow-up, 1315 (72%) patients responded. There were statistically significant baseline differences in age, smoking, comorbidity, frequency of previous surgery and intensity of back and leg pain. Isolated fusion was the primary procedure in all the countries ranging from 84% in Denmark to 76% in Sweden. There was clinically relevant improvement in all outcome measures except leg pain.Conclusions: In homogenous populations with similar health care systems the treatment traditions can vary considerably. Despite variations in preoperative variables, patient reported outcomes improve significantly and clinically relevant with surgical treatment.
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| 5. |
- Baranto, Dawid, et al.
(author)
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The epidemiology of odontoid fractures: a study from the Swedish fracture register
- 2024
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In: European spine journal. - 0940-6719 .- 1432-0932. ; 33:8, s. 3034-3042
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The objective of this study is to characterize the occurrence of odontoid fractures within a Swedish population. Methods: Prospective data of adults diagnosed with an odontoid fracture between 2015 and 2021 were retrieved from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). Epidemiologic data including age, sex, injury mechanism, injury type, fracture type(Anderson and D’Alonzo classification), neurological status and treatment type were requested from the SFR. Data pertinent to osteoporosis was retrieved from the Swedish National Patient Register. Results: A total of 1,154 odontoid fractures were identified, of which 30 were type I fractures, 583 type II fractures, and 541 type III fractures. The mean (Standard Deviation [SD]) age was 77.2 (13.8) years. The prevalence of osteoporosis and neurological deficits did not differ between the fracture types. The majority of patients were treated non-surgically (81%). Male sex and patient age 18–30 years were commonly associated with a high-injury mechanism, especially motor vehicle accidents. In the type II fracture group, significantly more patients had fallen from standing height or less than in the type III group (66% vs. 58%, p = 0.01) while in contrast, motor vehicle accidents were more common in the type III fracture group (12% vs. type II: 8%, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Based on the SFR, the typical odontoid fracture patient is older and suffers a type II fracture. Most injuries were caused by low-energy trauma although in younger patients and males, they were associated with motor vehicle accidents. Across the patient population, odontoid fractures were usually treated non-surgically.
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| 6. |
- Bartosch, Patrik, et al.
(author)
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A “snap-shot” visual estimation of health and objectively measured frailty : capturing general health in aging older women
- 2022
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In: Aging clinical and experimental research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1594-0667 .- 1720-8319. ; 34:7, s. 1663-1671
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In clinic, a subjective visual estimation of a patient’s general health often guides interventions, yet little is known of how this assessment relates to objectively measured frailty. Aims: To characterize the relationship between these two assessments and explore the implication of discordance. Methods: The study was performed in the OPRA cohort of 75-year old community-dwelling women (n = 1044). Visual perception of health (VPH) was estimated within 15 s from first sight and stratified into tertiles (poor/intermediate/good health). Frailty was measured using a frailty index (FI) (scored 0.0–1.0) and stratified into tertiles: ‘frail’ (≥ 0.22), ‘pre-frail’ (0.13–0-21) and ‘non-frail’ (≤ 0.12). Association between VPH and FI and with 10-year mortality was evaluated using Kaplan Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: VPH and FI correlated, but was strongest in those perceived to be in poor health (rs = 0.424, p < 0.001). Approximately half of these women were also objectively frail (53.7%). Similarly, 50.7% perceived to be in good health were also objectively non-frail. However, for one in ten, perceived health was discordant with measured frailty. Subjective and objective measures were associated with mortality, but VPH lacked discrimination in healthier looking women (p = 0.372) compared to FI (p = 0.002). Discussion: Detecting pre-frailty is important to prevent or slow the transition into a frail state. The frailest can be identified with a visual estimation, but only objective frailty assessments can reliably identity pre-frailty. Conclusions: A visual estimation of health provides valuable complementary information on health, whereas objective assessment of frailty has a broader applicability for health in aging.
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| 7. |
- Blixt, Simon, et al.
(author)
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Reliability of thoracolumbar burst fracture classification in the Swedish Fracture Register
- 2024
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In: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2474. ; 25:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) is a national quality register for all types of fractures in Sweden. Spine fractures have been included since 2015 and are classified using a modified AOSpine classification. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the classification of thoracolumbar burst fractures in the SFR.METHODS: Assessments of medical images were conducted in 277 consecutive patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture (T10-L3) identified in the SFR. Two independent reviewers classified the fractures according to the AOSpine classification, with a third reviewer resolving disagreement. The combined results of the reviewers were considered the gold standard. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the reviewers was determined with Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. The SFR classification was compared with the gold standard using positive predictive values (PPV), Cohen's kappa and percent agreement.RESULTS: The reliability between reviewers was high (Cohen's kappa 0.70-0.97). The PPV for correctly classifying burst fractures in the SFR was high irrespective of physician experience (76-89%), treatment (82% non-operative, 95% operative) and hospital type (83% county, 95% university). The inter-rater reliability of B-type injuries and the overall SFR classification compared with the gold standard was low (Cohen's kappa 0.16 and 0.17 respectively).CONCLUSIONS: The SFR demonstrates a high PPV for accurately classifying burst fractures, regardless of physician experience, treatment and hospital type. However, the reliability of B-type injuries and overall classification in the SFR was found to be low. Future studies on burst fractures using SFR data where classification is important should include a review of medical images to verify the diagnosis.
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| 8. |
- Blixt, Simon, et al.
(author)
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Reliability of thoracolumbar burst fracture classification in the Swedish Fracture Register
- 2024
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In: BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2474. ; 25:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) is a national quality register for all types of fractures in Sweden. Spine fractures have been included since 2015 and are classified using a modified AOSpine classification. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the classification of thoracolumbar burst fractures in the SFR.Methods Assessments of medical images were conducted in 277 consecutive patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture (T10-L3) identified in the SFR. Two independent reviewers classified the fractures according to the AOSpine classification, with a third reviewer resolving disagreement. The combined results of the reviewers were considered the gold standard. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the reviewers was determined with Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. The SFR classification was compared with the gold standard using positive predictive values (PPV), Cohen's kappa and percent agreement.Results The reliability between reviewers was high (Cohen's kappa 0.70-0.97). The PPV for correctly classifying burst fractures in the SFR was high irrespective of physician experience (76-89%), treatment (82% non-operative, 95% operative) and hospital type (83% county, 95% university). The inter-rater reliability of B-type injuries and the overall SFR classification compared with the gold standard was low (Cohen's kappa 0.16 and 0.17 respectively).Conclusions The SFR demonstrates a high PPV for accurately classifying burst fractures, regardless of physician experience, treatment and hospital type. However, the reliability of B-type injuries and overall classification in the SFR was found to be low. Future studies on burst fractures using SFR data where classification is important should include a review of medical images to verify the diagnosis.
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| 9. |
- Blixt, S., et al.
(author)
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Validity of the short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire in patients with a spine fracture
- 2023
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In: European Spine Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0940-6719 .- 1432-0932. ; 32, s. 1471-1479
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PurposeThe aim of this study was to validate the use of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire in patients with a spine fracture.MethodsCross-sectional cohort of individuals that had sustained a spine fracture (C1-L5) one year earlier. Patients were asked to fill out SMFA, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess convergent validity for each patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Bland-Altman plots were used to assess PROM agreement.Results82 patients completed all questionnaires. The correlations between SMFA Dysfunction and Bother indices and ODI were 0.89 and 0.86, with EQ-5D-3L index 0.89 and 0.80, and with EQ-VAS 0.80 and 0.73, respectively. The correlation for separate categories of the SMFA dysfunction index (daily activities, emotional status, arm and hand function, mobility) ranged between 0.71-0.87 for ODI, 0.72-0.84 for EQ-5D-3L index, and 0.67-0.77 for EQ-VAS. A selection of the ten items of SMFA that had the highest correlations with ODI resulted in a correlation of 0.91. The agreements between SMFA indices and ODI in Bland-Altman plots were good with small differential biases and minimal proportional biases, but worse for SMFA and EQ-5D-3L index and EQ-VAS.ConclusionThe SMFA indices are highly correlated with ODI in patients with a spine fracture. The Dysfunction index and Bother index, or selected SMFA items, may be used to assess outcome in patients with spine fractures as an alternative to ODI.
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| 10. |
- Brändström, Helena, et al.
(author)
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Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human gene for osteoprotegerin are not related to bone mineral density or fracture in elderly women
- 2004
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In: Calcified Tissue International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0171-967X .- 1432-0827. ; 74:1, s. 18-24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a secreted member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, is a potent inhibitor of osteoclast activation and differentiation. In animal models OPG prevents bone loss, and in humans bone resorption can be reduced by injections of OPG. OPG may also play a role in cardiovascular disease since mice lacking the OPG gene display arterial calcification. In a screening effort of the OPG gene, we recently discovered a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of OPG (T950C), and reported an association with vascular morphology and function in 59 healthy individuals. Due to the pronounced effect of OPG on bone turnover, the present study was conducted to investigate whether OPG polymorphisms are also associated with bone mineral density or with fracture. The relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of OPG (T950C) and the first intron (C1217T), and bone mineral density, measured by DXA in the hip or spine or ultrasound of the heel, was investigated in the Malmö OPRA-study of 1044 women, all 75 years old. The possible relation to fracture incidence was also analyzed. Among the 858 and 864 individuals respectively, genotyped, no significant associations between the investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms and bone mineral density measurements (T950C P = 0.50-0.64, C1217T P = 0.51-1.00), quantitative ultrasound measurements of the calcaneus, or fractures (T950C P = 0.61-0.66, C1217T P = 0.14-0.33) were found. Thus, our results show that polymorphisms in the OPG gene, one of which has previously been found to be associated with cardiovascular morphology and function, are not associated with bone mineral density in elderly Swedish women.
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