Methods: Cervical radiographs were analyzed. EOP hyperplasia was classified into three subtypes with standardized length measurements. Variables encompassed demographics, ONL-related indices, and sagittal parameters. Subtype comparisons and multivariate regression analyses (with EOP length as dependent variable) were conducted. Results: Analysis of 187 CSM patients (64.2% male) identified gender-specific patterns: males exhibited greater EOP length (9.4±6.8 mm vs. 4.6±3.4 mm, p<0.001). Type III EOP demonstrated male predominance (82.4% vs. type I 31.8%, type II 51.4%; p<0.001), with associated longer hyperplasia length (11.6±6.6 mm vs. type II 5.1±1.9 mm, p<0.001). Type III EOP was associated with higher ONL prevalence (type III 64.8% vs. type I 45.5%, type II 41.9%; p=0.010) and longer ONL osteophyte length (type III 18.8±9.8 mm vs. type I 14.2±8.1 mm, type II 14.2±9.4 mm; p=0.046). Multivariate regression confirmed male sex (β=–3.82, p=0.009), ONL osteophyte length (β=0.16, p=0.017), T1 slope (β=0.27, p=0.041), and spino-cranial angle (β=–0.19, p=0.009) as factors independently associated with EOP length (adjusted R²=0.382). Conclusions Severe EOP hyperplasia exhibits a male-predominant distribution pattern and demonstrates significant radiological associations with ONL and cervical sagittal imbalance in CSM patients. These findings advocate for EOP evaluation in clinical evaluations to identify high-risk biomechanical profiles.

Methods: Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded in 48 patients with TOLF (hybrid 20 vs. en bloc 28) during surgery. Patients were categorized based on MEP/SEP improvement, deterioration, or no change, and MEP/SEP improvement rates were measured in the improvement group. Furthermore, all patients were assessed using the Ashworth and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores. Results: The incidences of both MEP/SEP improvement (21.4% vs. 25.0%, p=0.772) and deterioration (21.4% vs. 20.0%, p=0.904) were similar between the en bloc and hybrid laminectomy groups, and no difference in preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments was observed between the two groups (p>0.05). In four patients (4/28, 14.3%) undergoing en bloc laminectomy, MEP amplitudes initially increased after OLF removal but gradually decreased. This delayed MEP reduction did not occur in the hybrid laminectomy group. Furthermore, more patients undergoing en bloc laminectomy had CFL than those undergoing hybrid laminectomy (46.4% vs. 15.0%, p=0.023). In the improvement group, the hybrid laminectomy group exhibited higher MEP improvement rates in the bilateral abductor hallucis than the en bloc laminectomy group (left side: 213.4%±35.9% vs. 152.5%±41.0%, p=0.028; right side: 201.2%±32.0% vs. 145.2%±46.3%, p=0.043). Conclusions Compared with en bloc laminectomy, hybrid laminectomy may be a safe and effective method for treating multilevel TOLF, potentially reducing intraoperative spinal cord irritation and CFL and causing relatively better functional recovery.

Methods: Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded in 48 patients with TOLF (hybrid 20 vs. en bloc 28) during surgery. Patients were categorized based on MEP/SEP improvement, deterioration, or no change, and MEP/SEP improvement rates were measured in the improvement group. Furthermore, all patients were assessed using the Ashworth and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores. Results: The incidences of both MEP/SEP improvement (21.4% vs. 25.0%, p=0.772) and deterioration (21.4% vs. 20.0%, p=0.904) were similar between the en bloc and hybrid laminectomy groups, and no difference in preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments was observed between the two groups (p>0.05). In four patients (4/28, 14.3%) undergoing en bloc laminectomy, MEP amplitudes initially increased after OLF removal but gradually decreased. This delayed MEP reduction did not occur in the hybrid laminectomy group. Furthermore, more patients undergoing en bloc laminectomy had CFL than those undergoing hybrid laminectomy (46.4% vs. 15.0%, p=0.023). In the improvement group, the hybrid laminectomy group exhibited higher MEP improvement rates in the bilateral abductor hallucis than the en bloc laminectomy group (left side: 213.4%±35.9% vs. 152.5%±41.0%, p=0.028; right side: 201.2%±32.0% vs. 145.2%±46.3%, p=0.043). Conclusions Compared with en bloc laminectomy, hybrid laminectomy may be a safe and effective method for treating multilevel TOLF, potentially reducing intraoperative spinal cord irritation and CFL and causing relatively better functional recovery.

Methods: Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded in 48 patients with TOLF (hybrid 20 vs. en bloc 28) during surgery. Patients were categorized based on MEP/SEP improvement, deterioration, or no change, and MEP/SEP improvement rates were measured in the improvement group. Furthermore, all patients were assessed using the Ashworth and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores. Results: The incidences of both MEP/SEP improvement (21.4% vs. 25.0%, p=0.772) and deterioration (21.4% vs. 20.0%, p=0.904) were similar between the en bloc and hybrid laminectomy groups, and no difference in preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments was observed between the two groups (p>0.05). In four patients (4/28, 14.3%) undergoing en bloc laminectomy, MEP amplitudes initially increased after OLF removal but gradually decreased. This delayed MEP reduction did not occur in the hybrid laminectomy group. Furthermore, more patients undergoing en bloc laminectomy had CFL than those undergoing hybrid laminectomy (46.4% vs. 15.0%, p=0.023). In the improvement group, the hybrid laminectomy group exhibited higher MEP improvement rates in the bilateral abductor hallucis than the en bloc laminectomy group (left side: 213.4%±35.9% vs. 152.5%±41.0%, p=0.028; right side: 201.2%±32.0% vs. 145.2%±46.3%, p=0.043). Conclusions Compared with en bloc laminectomy, hybrid laminectomy may be a safe and effective method for treating multilevel TOLF, potentially reducing intraoperative spinal cord irritation and CFL and causing relatively better functional recovery.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of transabdominal uterine electromyography for pre-term labor after tocolysis in women with threatened preterm labor.Methods:A total of 48 pregnant women at 28-34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with threatened preterm labor and admitted to The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soo-chow University from January to September 2023 were included.According to the response to tocolysis and whether the pregnancy was prolonged for at least 48 h,women were divided into two groups:non-preterm birth within 48 h(n=35)and preterm birth within 48 h(n=13).Uterine electromyography parameters and difference were compared before and after tocolytic therapy in two groups.Univariate Logistic regression was performed to predict the related factors of preterm birth within 48 h after the using of tocolysis in pregnant women with threat-ened preterm birth by uterine electromyography,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was per-formed to evaluate their performance.Results:Compared to before treatment with tocolysis,after therapy,in the non-preterm birth within 48 h group,significant reductions in contraction frequency,area,duration and amplitude were observed(P<0.05).In the preterm birth within 48 h group,only contraction frequency decreased significant-ly(P<0.05).Univariate Logistic regression indicated that contraction frequency,contraction duration,and contrac-tion area were predictive factors for premature birth within 48 h after tocolysis(P<0.05).When the duration of u-terine contractions lasting for 104.55 s or more the sensitivity and specificity of predicting premature birth within 48 h are 92.3％and 68.6％,respectively.Conclusions:Uterine electromyography may predict the premature birth within 48 h after tocolytic treatment in preterm labor,which may provide reference for subsequent corticosteroid therapy or transfer of high-risk pregnant patients.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of transabdominal uterine electromyography for pre-term labor after tocolysis in women with threatened preterm labor.Methods:A total of 48 pregnant women at 28-34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with threatened preterm labor and admitted to The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soo-chow University from January to September 2023 were included.According to the response to tocolysis and whether the pregnancy was prolonged for at least 48 h,women were divided into two groups:non-preterm birth within 48 h(n=35)and preterm birth within 48 h(n=13).Uterine electromyography parameters and difference were compared before and after tocolytic therapy in two groups.Univariate Logistic regression was performed to predict the related factors of preterm birth within 48 h after the using of tocolysis in pregnant women with threat-ened preterm birth by uterine electromyography,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was per-formed to evaluate their performance.Results:Compared to before treatment with tocolysis,after therapy,in the non-preterm birth within 48 h group,significant reductions in contraction frequency,area,duration and amplitude were observed(P<0.05).In the preterm birth within 48 h group,only contraction frequency decreased significant-ly(P<0.05).Univariate Logistic regression indicated that contraction frequency,contraction duration,and contrac-tion area were predictive factors for premature birth within 48 h after tocolysis(P<0.05).When the duration of u-terine contractions lasting for 104.55 s or more the sensitivity and specificity of predicting premature birth within 48 h are 92.3％and 68.6％,respectively.Conclusions:Uterine electromyography may predict the premature birth within 48 h after tocolytic treatment in preterm labor,which may provide reference for subsequent corticosteroid therapy or transfer of high-risk pregnant patients.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the clinical features and endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure gradient (EUS-PPG) in patients with cirrhosis.Methods:A total of 148 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension who underwent EUS-PPG measurement at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from March 15, 2022 to June 20, 2023 were selected. The clinical data of patients collected before EUS-PPG measurement were analyzed. Variations in the EUS-PPG across different clinical data subgroups were analyzed. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to explore the independent factors influencing EUS-PPG.Results:The EUS-PPG was significantly elevated in patients exhibiting red signs (16.62±5.33 mmHg VS 13.44±5.34 mmHg, t=3.616, P<0.001), gastroesophageal varices (15.78±5.30 mmHg VS 9.70±4.77 mmHg, t=4.247, P<0.001), hepatic encephalopathy (20.83±7.52 mmHg VS 14.92±5.35 mmHg, t=2.606, P=0.010), thrombocytopenia (15.66±5.39 mmHg VS 13.29±5.83 mmHg, t=2.136, P=0.034), hypoproteinemia (16.13±5.86 mmHg VS 14.12±5.03 mmHg, t=2.230, P=0.027), and an increased international normalized ratio (16.25±6.00 mmHg VS 14.40±5.11 mmHg, t=2.022, P=0.045). Conversely, the EUS-PPG was significantly reduced in patients with a history of splenectomy and devascularization (13.17±5.88 mmHg VS 15.73±5.34 mmHg, t=-2.379, P=0.019). The EUS-PPG in patients with varying degrees of ascites (no VS slight VS moderate or severe: 13.40±5.48 mmHg VS 15.90±5.49 mmHg VS 16.69±5.17 mmHg, F=5.188, P=0.007) and different Child-Pugh classifications (A VS B VS C: 14.07±5.05 mmHg VS 15.69±5.74 mmHg VS 17.64±5.99 mmHg, F=3.066, P=0.049) increased gradually. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that red signs ( β=2.44, t=2.732, P=0.007), gastroesophageal varices ( β=4.45, t=2.990, P=0.003), ascites ( β=1.75, t=2.368, P=0.019), and hepatic encephalopathy ( β=5.82, t=2.644, P=0.009) were independent factors for the elevated EUS-PPG. Conclusion:There is a significant correlation between EUS-PPG and the clinical features related to the severity of cirrhotic portal hypertension, which indicates the feasibility of EUS-PPG in evaluating cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Methods: The median sagittal diameter and transverse diameter of the spinal canal from C2 to C7 were measured on CT images. The ratio of the median sagittal diameter to the transverse diameter was calculated. Accordingly, the spinal canal shape of each segment was classified into four, and the specific criteria of lunar phase classification were determined through linear discriminant analysis based on the ratio of the median sagittal diameter to the transverse diameter. The inter-rater reliability of the classification was explored using Kappa coefficients. Finally, the morphology of the different segments of the cervical spinal canal in healthy volunteers was revised and compared. Results: According to the ratio of the median sagittal diameter and the transverse diameter of the cervical spinal canal, the lunar phase classification of the cervical bony spinal canal was determined as follows: full-moon >0.65, 0.55< convex-moon ≤0.65, 0.46≤ quarter-moon ≤0.55, and residual-moon <0.46. The Kappa values of C2–C7 were 0.851, 0.958, 0.823, 0.927, 0.793, and 0.946, and the Kappa value of all C2–C7 segments was 0.854 that mainly presented two forms of full-moon (76.5%) and convex-moon (23.0%). A quarter-moon spinal canal was mainly distributed in C3, C4, C5, and C6; a residual-moon spinal canal was mainly distributed in C4 and C5; and the morphological distribution of C4 and C5 were similar (p>0.05). The frequency of the spinal canal of the residual-moon type was the highest, and the full-moon (6.5%) and residual-moon (7.5%) types of C7 were rare. Conclusions The morphological classification of the cervical spinal canal was established to present anatomical variations. The classification showed good inter-rater reliability.

Methods: Preoperatively, all 160 patients with OVCFs underwent pressure-pain threshold (PPT), temporal summation (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and imaging assessments. Pain intensity and pain-related disability were evaluated before and after PVP. Results: Preoperatively, patients with OVCFs had lower PPTs in both local pain and pain-free areas and lower CPM and higher TS in pain-free areas than healthy participants (p<0.05). Unlike patients with acute fractures, patients with subacute/chronic OVCFs showed higher TS with or without lower CPM in the pain-free area compared with healthy participants (p<0.05). Postoperatively, RBP occurred in 17 of 160 patients (10.6%). All preoperative covariates with significant differences between the RBP and non-RBP groups were subjected to multivariate logistic regression, showing that intravertebral vacuum cleft, posterior fascia edema, numeric rating pain scale scores for low back pain at rest, and TS were independently associated with RBP (p<0.05). Conclusions Augmented central pain processing may occur in patients with OVCFs, even in the subacute stage, and this preexisting CS may be associated with RBP. Preoperative assessment of TS in pain-free areas may provide additional information for identifying patients who may be at risk of RBP development, which may be beneficial for preventing this complication.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of MRI-based or CT-based measurements and the combined evaluation methods for preoperative bone quality assessment in patients with cervical degenerative diseases.Methods:Patients who underwent spine surgery for cervical degenerative diseases at the Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University from September 2020 to March 2022 with available preoperative X-ray, CT, MRI and dule energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DEXA) data were included in this study. Vertebral bone quality score (VBQ) based on MRI T1-weightedimages and CT Hounsfiled unit (HU) values of the cervical spine were measured, and a combined diagnostic formula based on the binary logistic regression was constructed. The patients were divided into normal bone mass (T≥-1.0) and osteopenia/osteoporosis groups (T<-1.0). The student's t-test and Chi-square test were performed for comparisons between groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was also used to investigate the correlation between DEXA-T scores, cervical VBQ and CT HU values. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were plotted to explore the diagnostic efficacy of VBQ, CT HU and their combined diagnosis. Meanwhile, the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were obtained. Results:A total of 71 patients were included in this study (17 in the normal group and 54 in the osteopenia/osteoporosis group). The student's t-test showed that VBQ (2.90±0.70 vs. 3.83±0.83, t=4.23, P<0.001) and CT HU values (370.26±85.38 vs. 295.20±67.96, t=3.73, P=0.002) were significantly different between the two groups. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for VBQ and CT values of the cervical spine were 0.81 and 0.75, respectively, and the AUC for the combined diagnostic value constructed on the basis of both was 0.85. Applying VBQ scores alone had a diagnostic sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 70%, and the combined diagnosis with VBQ and CT HU had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 75%. Person correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between DEXA T value, cervical VBQ value and CT HU value. The detailed formula was: DEXA T score=-0.63×cervical VBQ+0.64 ( r=-0.55, P<0.001), CT HU value=-40.20×cervical VBQ+458.40 ( r=-0.45, P<0.001), DEXA T score=0.006×CT HU-3.47 ( r=0.45, P<0.001). Conclusion:This study confirmed the feasibility of using cervical VBQ values, CT HU values and combined diagnostics for preoperative bone density screening in patients with degenerative cervical spine diseases. This method allows surgeons to perform an initial preoperative bone density screening based on the patient's existing imaging data, and thus could aid in confirming the indication and scheme of surgery. The method could be a powerful tool for preoperative bone density assessment screening in patients with cervical degenerative diseases.