Semantic Segmentation of Lumbar Vertebrae Using Meijering U-Net(MU-Net)on Spine Magnetic Resonance Images

Lower back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the world and it is experienced by a huge percentage of people everywhere.Due to its ability to produce a detailed view of the soft tissues,including the spinal cord,nerves,intervertebral discs,and vertebrae,Magnetic Resonance Imaging is thought to be the most effective method for imaging the spine.The semantic segmentation of vertebrae plays a major role in the diagnostic process of lumbar diseases.It is difficult to semantically partition the vertebrae in Magnetic Resonance Images from the surrounding variety of tissues,including muscles,ligaments,and intervertebral discs.U-Net is a powerful deep-learning architecture to handle the challenges of medical image analysis tasks and achieves high segmentation accuracy.This work proposes a modified U-Net architecture namely MU-Net,consisting of the Meijering convolutional layer that incorporates the Meijering filter to perform the semantic segmentation of lumbar vertebrae L1 to L5 and sacral vertebra S1.Pseudo-colour mask images were generated and used as ground truth for training the model.The work has been carried out on 1312 images expanded from T1-weighted mid-sagittal MRI images of 515 patients in the Lumbar Spine MRI Dataset publicly available from Mendeley Data.The proposed MU-Net model for the semantic segmentation of the lumbar vertebrae gives better performance with 98.79%of pixel accuracy(PA),98.66%of dice similarity coefficient(DSC),97.36%of Jaccard coefficient,and 92.55%mean Intersection over Union(mean IoU)metrics using the mentioned dataset.

Scedosporium apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae:A case report

BACKGROUND Scedosporium apiospermum(S.apiospermum)is a clinically rare and aggressive fungus mainly found in contaminated water,wetlands,decaying plants,stagnant water,and potted plants in hospitals.The lung,bone,joint,eye,brain,skin,and other sites are easily infected,and there is a marked risk of misdiagnosis.There have been few case reports of infection by S.apiospermum of the lumbar vertebrae;most reports have focused on infection of the lung.CASE SUMMARY An otherwise healthy 60-year-old man presented with a 4-mo history of lumbosacral pain,stooping,and limited walking.The symptoms were significantly aggravated 10 d prior to hospitalization,and radiating pain in the back of his left lower leg developed,which was so severe that he could not walk.Movement of the lumbar spine was significantly limited,anterior flexion was about 30°;backward extension,right and left lateral curvature,and rotational mobility were about 10°;tenderness of the spinous processes of the lumbar 3-5 vertebrae was evident,and the muscle strength of both lower limbs was gradeⅣ.Imaging suggested bony destruction of the lumbar 3,4,and 5 vertebrae and sacral 1 vertebra;in addition,the corresponding intervertebral spaces were narrowed and the lumbar 5 vertebra was posteriorly displaced and unstable.Lumbar vertebral infection was also noted,and the possibility of lumbar tuberculosis was considered.We first performed surgical intervention on the lesioned lumbar vertebrae,cleared the infected lesion,and performed stable fixation of the lesioned vertebral body using a lumbar internal fixation device,which restored the stability of the lumbar vertebrae.Cytological and pathological examination of the lesioned tissue removed during surgery confirmed S.apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae;on this basis,the patient was administered voriconazole.At the 6-mo followup,efficacy was significant,no drug-related side effects were observed,and imaging examination showed no evidence of recurrence.CONCLUSION S.apiospermum infection can occur in immunocompetent individuals with no history of near drowning.Voriconazole is effective for the treatment of S.apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae for which it is suitable as the first-line therapy.

Cortical bone trajectory fixation in cemented vertebrae in lumbar degenerative disease:A case report

BACKGROUND Percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)has been widely used in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF).Following surgery,the bone cement would be positioned permanently.However,in some cases of lumbar degenerative disease,the cemented vertebrae needs to be fixed after decompression and fusion procedure.It is difficult to implant traditional pedicle screws into the cemented vertebrae because of the bone cement filling.At present,the main treatment strategy is to skip the cemented vertebra and conduct a long segment fixation.This article presents a cortical bone trajectory(CBT)fixation technique for cemented vertebrae.CASE SUMMARY PVP involving the L3 and L4 was performed in an 82-year-old man due to OVCF.During the surgery,bone cement leakage occurred,resulting in compression of the root of the right L3 nerve.We performed a partial facetectomy to retrieve the leaked bone cement and to relieve the patient’s neurological symptoms.After 3 mo,the patient developed lumbar disc herniation in L3/4,potentially due to instability caused by the previous surgery.Therefore,it was necessary to perform intervertebral fusion and fixation.It was difficult to implant traditional trajectory pedicle screws in L3 and L4 because of the bone cement filling.Hence,we implanted CBT screws in the L3 and L4 vertebrae.As a result,the patient’s symptoms resolved and he reported satisfaction with the surgery at follow-up after 8 mo.CONCLUSION It is feasible to utilize CBT in cemented vertebrae for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease.

Surgical strategy for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis of 5th lumbar vertebrae

Objective To investigate surgical strategy for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis(more thanⅡ degree)of 5th lumbar vertebrae.Methods From August 2003 to October 2008,26 patients with high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (L5) were

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON THE TREATMENT OF LUMBAR VERTEBRA HYPEROSTEOGENY WITH ELECTRO- AND HYDRO-ACUPUNCTURE

In the present study, 121 patients with lumbar vertebra hyperosteogeny were dividedinto following four groups for treatment and comparison: intense electro-acupuncture group (Group1), hydro-acupuncture group (Group 2), electro-acupuncture plus hydro-acupuncture group (Group3) and analgesic liquid for spur group (Group 4). It is indicated that the effect of electro-acupunctureplus hydro-acupuncture is the best in the treatment of lumbar vertebra hyperosteogeny.

Treatment of Protrusion of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by TCM Massage

Protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc is a common disorder frequently encountered in clinic. With TCM massage and the maneuver of manual reduction, we have treated 82 cases of protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc, with satisfactory therapeutic results reported in the following.……

Treatment of Protrusion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by Pulling and Turning Manipulations

The authors treated 62 cases of protrusion oflumbar intervertebral disc by pulling and turningmanipulations from February 1993 to February 1998.Another 50 cases were treated by traction as controls.Statistical data showed that pulling and turningmanipulations had much better therapeuticeffectiveness than traction(P<0.05).

Treatment of Protrusion of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by Massotherapy

Clinically, there is a higher incidence of protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc. It can cause a terrible pain. The author has treated 66 cases by massotherapy, who were confirmatively diagnosed as having protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc by X-ray film and computer-aided tomography, with satisfactory results as reported in the following.Clinical DataAmong the 66 cases in this series, 49 were male and 17 female, ranging in age from 26 to 59 years, averaging 36.2 years. All the patients had got lumbago and unilateral ischialgia, with the left side affected in 37 cases and the right side in 29 cases. The leg pain radiating to lateral malleolus was found in 28 cases, to dorsum of the foot in 24 cases, and to the toes in 14 cases. Intermittent claudication was present in 22 cases, numbness of the affected foot in 16 cases, pain exacerbated when coughing in 35 cases, scoliosis in 21 cases, and positive Lasegue's sign in 48 cases.

Fifty-six Cases of Protrusion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Treated by Penetration and Oral Administration of Chinese Decoction Plus Traction

Fifty-six cases of the protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc in the treatment group were treated by drug-penetration and oral administration of traditional Chinese decoction plus traction, and the other 35 cases in the control group by oral administration of Chinese decoction and traction. The results showed that the cure rate in the treatment group was 83.9%, and that in the control group was 57.1%, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01), indicating that the former is a more effective therapy for protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc.

Protrusion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Treated by Ultra Short Wave and the Point Injection in 40 Cases

Since 1996,the author has treated 40 cases of protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc with ultra short wave and the point injection,and obtained good therapeutic effects.This is reported as follows.

CLINICAL ANALYSIS ON TREATMENT OF LUMBAR VERTEBRAL RETROGRADE AFFECTION WITH ACUPUNCTURE,TDP-IRRADIATION AND CUPPING

In the present paper, 70 cases of retrograde affection of the lumbar vertebrae are randomly and evenly divided into treatment group and control group. Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Dachangshu (BL 25), Weizhong (BL 40), Jiaji (EX B 2), etc. are used. In treatment group, acupuncture, TDP irradiation and cupping are performed, and in control group, only acupuncture is given. After 30 sessions (3 therapeutic courses) of treatment, in treatment and control groups, the total effective rates are 91.43% and 71.43% respectively. The therapeutic effect of comprehensive treatment is significantly superior to that of simple acupuncture therapy (P<0.05).

The comparison of different medication project of continuous epidural analgesia for the patient after lumbar vertebra operation

Objective Comparing different medication pro ject of continuous epidural analgesia for the patient after lumbar verte bra opera-tion,to decrease the complications and promote analgesia effects.Methods150cases with ASAⅠ～Ⅱgrade,lumbar intervertebral disc e x-tirpation and /or vertebral canal decompression,were divided into 5gro ups.A group:0.0625%bupivacaine;B group:0.125%bupiva-caine;C group:0.0625%bupivacaine and 1mg morphine;D group:0.125%bupivacaine and 1mg morphine;E group:n o analgesia.Record the occurrence of RR,MAP,HR,VAS score and side effects.Results The analgesia effects of all groups were satisfying,but the oc-currence of urine retention increased in B,C,D group,and the occurrence of nausea and vomit increased obviou sly in C,D group.Conclusions The continuous epidural analgesia w ith simple 0.0625%for patients afte r lumbar vertebral operation is best.

Research progresses of artificial intelligence in MRI of lumbar degenerative diseases

The incidence of lumbar degenerative diseases is increasing year by year,and MRI is often used in clinical diagnosis.In recent years,artificial intelligence(AI)has rapidly developed in medical field and can be used for image segmentation and auxiliary diagnosis of lumbar degenerative diseases.The research progresses of AI in MRI of lumbar degenerative diseases were reviewed in this article.

Impact of computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging registration on rehabilitation after percutaneous endoscopic decompression for lumbar stenosis: Retrospective study

BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression(PELD)shows promise for lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)treatment,but its use is limited by the disease's complexity and procedural challenges.AIM In this study,the effects of preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance with computed tomography(CT)/magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)registration techniques on PELD for LSS and postoperative rehabilitation outcomes were evaluated.METHODS This retrospective study was conducted with data from patients who underwent PELD for LSS between January 2021 and December 2023.Patients were assigned to preoperative CT/MRI registration and control groups.Data collected included the operative time,length of hospital stay,visual analog scale(VAS)scores for low back and leg pain,and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)lumbar spine score.Differences between groups were assessed using Student’s t test.RESULTS Data from 135 patients(71 in the CT/MRI registration group,64 in the control group)were analyzed.The operative time was significantly shorter in the CT/MRI registration group(P=0.007).At 2 months postoperatively,both groups showed significant reductions in VAS leg and low back pain scores(all P<0.001)and improvements in the JOA score(both P<0.001).No complication or death occurred.Preoperatively,pain and JOA scores were similar between groups(P=0.830,P=0.470,and P=0.287,respectively).At 2 months postoperatively,patients in the CT/MRI registration group reported lower leg and low back pain levels(P<0.001 and P=0.001,respectively)and had higher JOA scores(P=0.004)than did patients in the control group.CONCLUSION Preoperative CT/MRI registration for PELD for LSS reduced the operative time and VAS pain scores at 2 months and improved JOA scores,demonstrating enhanced effectiveness and safety.

新型全皮质骨螺纹螺钉在腰椎改良皮质骨轨迹螺钉技术中的生物力学性能

背景:骨质疏松骨小梁结构不足以维持螺钉把持力,常导致脊柱内固定失败,现今主要通过以下4个方面进行解决:①螺钉自身材质;②表面涂层的处理;③钉道固化策略;④螺钉形状。改良皮质骨轨迹置钉技术的钉道已被证实有良好的固定效果,但目前急需研发与之配套的螺钉。目的:通过有限元分析法比较不同脊柱皮质骨螺纹螺钉在腰椎改良皮质骨轨迹置钉中的生物力学性能差异。方法:根据3具成人湿性腰椎标本(2男1女)的CT数据构建L_(4)椎体模型,并进行有限元分析。在改良皮质骨轨迹置钉技术中使用全皮质骨螺纹螺钉(单螺纹螺钉),螺钉全长45 mm,直径为5.5 mm和4.5 mm,分别作为A、B组;与传统椎弓根螺钉技术组(C组,直径6.0 mm、长度45 mm,双螺纹螺钉)和皮质骨轨迹置钉技术螺钉组(D组,直径4.5 mm、长度45 mm,双螺纹螺钉)进行对比。通过测定轴向抗拔出力、螺钉稳定性(上、下、左、右载荷位移比)、螺钉抗旋出扭矩比较各组螺钉的固定强度。结果与结论:①轴向抗拔出力:A组>B组(P=0.003),且A、B组均>C组(P<0.001,P=0.003)和D组(均P<0.001);②螺钉稳定性:在螺钉上、下两个方向施加载荷时,4种螺钉载荷位移比值为A组>B组(P>0.05),且A、B组>C组(均P<0.001)和D组(均P<0.001);③螺钉抗旋出扭矩:A组>B组(P=0.008),且A、B组均>C组(P=0.008,P=0.131);④提示在腰椎改良皮质骨轨迹置钉过程中,新型脊柱全皮质骨螺纹螺钉的力学性能与双螺纹螺钉在临床经典的椎弓根置钉轨迹及皮质骨轨迹中应用相比,具有更好的生物力学性能;且新型脊柱全皮质骨螺纹螺钉(D=5.5 mm、L=45 mm)可作为改良皮质骨轨迹置钉技术钉道最佳的适配。

陈旧性骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折骨不连的修复策略:一项病例分析

背景:腰椎骨质疏松性压缩性骨折患者的脊柱和骨盆矢状位参数存在不同程度改变,将导致全脊柱/腰椎矢状面发生失平衡和再平衡。如果初次骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折没有得到及时治疗,随着时间的推移将发展为陈旧性骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折骨不连。目的:观察陈旧性骨质疏松性腰椎体压缩骨折骨不连9例患者行经皮椎体成形(PVP)术后的修复效果。方法:回顾性分析2018年9月至2022年8月上海市公共卫生临床中心骨科收治的陈旧性老年骨质疏松性腰椎椎体压缩性骨折骨不连经皮椎体成形术后术椎再骨折患者9例的临床资料,所有患者均采用经皮椎体成形行再翻修治疗,同时规律进行抗骨质疏松治疗和康复训练。出院前及随访时复查患者的腰椎X射线平片及三维CT检测结果,评价骨水泥弥散情况,记录患者术前、术后、随访时的目测类比评分、腰椎Oswetry功能障碍指数(ODI评分)及Roussouly腰椎功能分型变化。结果与结论:①9例患者术后随访时均未发生神经损伤、感染、骨水泥椎管内渗漏、肺栓塞及过敏性休克等严重手术并发症,均未发生骨水泥相关的不良反应。有1例患者术后2年感染COVID-19致呼吸功能衰竭死亡。②术椎再骨折患者术后疼痛目测类比评分和ODI评分均显著低于翻修术前,末次随访经皮椎体成形翻修术后患者Roussouly腰椎功能分型显著改善;末次随访测量术椎椎体高度变化与术前比较无显著性意义。③上述结果提示,对陈旧性骨质疏松性腰椎体压缩骨折骨不连行经皮椎体成形治疗的患者而言,适量骨水泥注入和有效骨水泥弥散具有明显缓解术后疼痛作用,规律抗骨质疏松和术后有效康复训练有助于患者术后腰椎功能恢复。

Treatment of large lumbar disc herniation with percutaneous ozone injection via the posterior-lateral route and inner margin of the facet joint

AIM:To evaluate the effects of percutaneous ozone injection via the posterior-lateral route and inner margin of the facet joint in the treatment of large lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:Fifty-eight patients with large lumbar disc herniation were treated with percutaneous injection of ozone via the posterior-lateral route and inner margin of the facet joint under digital subtraction angiography.Second injections were performed 5 d after the initial injection.All patients were followed up for 6-18 mo.A modified Macnab method was used for assessing clinical outcomes after oxygen-ozone therapy.RESULTS:Successful puncture was obtained in all patients.The overall efficacy was 91.4;the outcome was the excellent in 37 cases(63.8),good in 16 cases(27.6) and fair/poor in 5 cases(8.6) according to the Macnab criteria.No severe complications were found throughout this study.CONCLUSION:Percutaneous intradiscal ozone injection via the posterior-lateral route and inner margin of the facet joint is effective and safe for treatment of large lumbar disc herniation.

Techniques and accuracy of thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement

Pedicle screw instrumentation has been used to stabilize the thoracolumbar spine for several decades. Although pedicle screws were originally placed via a freehand technique, there has been a movement in favor of pedicle screw placement with the aid of imaging. Such assistive techniques include fluoroscopy guidance and stereotactic navigation. Imaging has the benefit of increased visualization of a pedicle's trajectory, but can result in increased morbidity associated with radiation exposure, increased time expenditure, and possible workflow interruption. Many institutions have reported high accuracies with each of these three core techniques. However, due to differing definitions of accuracy and varying radiographic analyses, it is extremely difficult to compare studies side-by-side to determine which techniques are superior. From the literature, it can be concluded that pedicles of vertebrae within the mid-thoracic spine and vertebrae that have altered morphology due to scoliosis or other deformities are the most difficult to cannulate. Thus, spine surgeons would benefit the most from using assistive technologies in these circumstances. All other pedicles in thethoracolumbar spine should theoretically be cannulated with ease via a free-hand technique, given appropriate training and experience. Despite these global recommendations, appropriate techniques must be chosen at the surgeon's discretion. Such determinations should be based on the surgeon's experience and the specific pathology that will be treated.

Prediction of transitional lumbosacral anatomy on magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine

AIM: To evaluate two simple angle measurements for predicting lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the spine. METHODS: The lumbar spine MRI studies of 50 subjects with LSTV and 50 subjects with normal lumbosacral anatomy were retrospectively evaluated. In each study, the mid-sagittal T2-weighted image was used to measure the angle formed by a line parallel to the superior surface of the sacrum and a line perpendicular to the axis of the scan table (A-angle), as well as the angle formed by a line parallel to the superior endplate of the L3 vertebra and a line parallel to the superior surface of the sacrum (B-angle). RESULTS: The total study population consisted of 100 subjects (46 males, 54 females, 51 ± 16 years old). There were no differences in age and sex between the two groups. Both A-angle and B-angle were significantly increased in subjects with LSTV compared to controls (P < 0.05). The optimal cut-off values of A-angle and B-angle for the prediction of LSTV were 39.8° (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 80%, accuracy = 83%; 95% confidence interval = 74%-89%, P = 0.0001) and 35.9° (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 54%, accuracy = 69%; 95% confidence interval = 59%-78%, P = 0.0005), respectively. CONCLUSION: On sagittal MR images of the lumbar spine, an increased A-angle and/or B-angle should alert the radiologist to the presence of LSTV.

OUTCOME OF POSTEROLATERAL FUSION VERSUS CIRCUMFERENTIAL FUSION WITH CAGE FOR LUMBAR STENOSIS AND LOW DEGREE LUMBAR SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Objective To evaluate the outcome of two methods for stabilization and fusion: posterolateral fusion and circumferential fusion involving posterior lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar stenosis with Grades 1 and 2 lumbar spondylolisthesis.Methods From April 1998 to April 2003, 45 patients suffering from lumbar stenosis with low degree lumbar spondylolisthesis treated in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed and assigned to two groups.Among them, 24 patients (group A) were treated with instrumented posterolateral fusion and 21 patients (group B) with instrumented circumferential fusion.The two groups were compared for clinical and radiological outcomes.Results All patients were followed up for 12 to 72 months.In group A, results showed preoperative clinical symptoms disappeared completely in 12 of 24 patients, and pain relief was seen in 91.7% (22/24).Two cases suffered from residual symptoms.Twenty-two cases obtained complete reduction of olisthy vertebral bodies, and anatomical reduction rate was 91.7%.No infection or neurological complication occurred in this group.In group B, results showed preoperative clinical symptoms disappeared completely in 13 of 21 patients, and pain relief was seen in 90.5% (19/21).One case suffered from residual symptoms.Twenty cases obtained complete reduction of the olisthy vertebral bodies, and anatomical reduction rate was 95.2%.Four cases of infection or neurological complication occurred in this group.Both groups indicated no significant difference in clinical outcomes and anatomical reduction rate during follow-up.But group A had better intraoperative circumstances and postoperative outcome than group B, while group B had better postoperative parameters in X-ray of Angle of Slipping and Disc Index than group A.Conclusions The first choice of surgical method for lumbar stenosis with low degree lumbar spondylolisthesis is instrumented posterolateral fusion.Only when patients suffer from severe preoperative disc degeneration and low back pain or intervertebral instability should we consider indications for additional use of CAGE.