Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes and biomechanical characteristics of 1-, 2-, and 3-level pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), and establish selection criteria based on preoperative radiographic parameters. Methods: Patients undergone PSO to treat ankylosing spondylitis from February 2009 to May 2019 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled. According to the quantity of osteotomy performed, the participants were divided into group A (1-level PSO, n = 24), group B (2-level PSO, n = 19), and group C (3-level PSO, n = 11). Clinical outcomes were assessed before surgery and at the final follow-up. Comparisons of the radiographic parameters and quality-of-life indicators were performed among and within these groups, and the selection criteria were established by regression. Finite element analysis was conducted to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the spine treated with different quantity of osteotomies under different working conditions. Results: Three-level PSO improved the sagittal parameters more significantly, but resulted in longer operative time and greater blood loss (p < 0.05). Greater stress was found in the proximal screws and proximal junction area of the vertebra in the model simulating 1-level PSO. Larger stress of screws and vertebra was observed at the distal end in the model simulating 3-level PSO. Conclusion Multilevel PSO works better for larger deformity correction than single-level PSO by allowing greater sagittal parameter correction and obtaining a better distribution of stress in the hardware construct, although with longer operation time and greater blood loss. Three-level osteotomy is recommended for the patients with preoperative of global kyphosis > 85.95°, T1 pelvic angle > 62.3°, sagittal vertical alignment > 299.55 mm, and pelvic tilt+ chin-brow vertical angle > 109.6°.

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes and biomechanical characteristics of 1-, 2-, and 3-level pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), and establish selection criteria based on preoperative radiographic parameters. Methods: Patients undergone PSO to treat ankylosing spondylitis from February 2009 to May 2019 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled. According to the quantity of osteotomy performed, the participants were divided into group A (1-level PSO, n = 24), group B (2-level PSO, n = 19), and group C (3-level PSO, n = 11). Clinical outcomes were assessed before surgery and at the final follow-up. Comparisons of the radiographic parameters and quality-of-life indicators were performed among and within these groups, and the selection criteria were established by regression. Finite element analysis was conducted to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the spine treated with different quantity of osteotomies under different working conditions. Results: Three-level PSO improved the sagittal parameters more significantly, but resulted in longer operative time and greater blood loss (p < 0.05). Greater stress was found in the proximal screws and proximal junction area of the vertebra in the model simulating 1-level PSO. Larger stress of screws and vertebra was observed at the distal end in the model simulating 3-level PSO. Conclusion Multilevel PSO works better for larger deformity correction than single-level PSO by allowing greater sagittal parameter correction and obtaining a better distribution of stress in the hardware construct, although with longer operation time and greater blood loss. Three-level osteotomy is recommended for the patients with preoperative of global kyphosis > 85.95°, T1 pelvic angle > 62.3°, sagittal vertical alignment > 299.55 mm, and pelvic tilt+ chin-brow vertical angle > 109.6°.

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes and biomechanical characteristics of 1-, 2-, and 3-level pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), and establish selection criteria based on preoperative radiographic parameters. Methods: Patients undergone PSO to treat ankylosing spondylitis from February 2009 to May 2019 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled. According to the quantity of osteotomy performed, the participants were divided into group A (1-level PSO, n = 24), group B (2-level PSO, n = 19), and group C (3-level PSO, n = 11). Clinical outcomes were assessed before surgery and at the final follow-up. Comparisons of the radiographic parameters and quality-of-life indicators were performed among and within these groups, and the selection criteria were established by regression. Finite element analysis was conducted to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the spine treated with different quantity of osteotomies under different working conditions. Results: Three-level PSO improved the sagittal parameters more significantly, but resulted in longer operative time and greater blood loss (p < 0.05). Greater stress was found in the proximal screws and proximal junction area of the vertebra in the model simulating 1-level PSO. Larger stress of screws and vertebra was observed at the distal end in the model simulating 3-level PSO. Conclusion Multilevel PSO works better for larger deformity correction than single-level PSO by allowing greater sagittal parameter correction and obtaining a better distribution of stress in the hardware construct, although with longer operation time and greater blood loss. Three-level osteotomy is recommended for the patients with preoperative of global kyphosis > 85.95°, T1 pelvic angle > 62.3°, sagittal vertical alignment > 299.55 mm, and pelvic tilt+ chin-brow vertical angle > 109.6°.

MiR-138-5p is a microRNA that plays an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.MiR-138-5p regulates various biological processes,including inflammation,cell apoptosis and proliferation,and matrix degradation in osteoarthritis,by modulating signaling pathways including nuclear factor-κB,Wnt/β-catenin,and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT.This review summarizes the research progress regarding the mechanism of miR-138-5p in osteoarthritis.

Objective:To summarize the clinical effect of laparoscopic medial umbilical ligament dissection in two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy (FSO).Methods:A case-series study was conducted.Clinical data of children who underwent two-stage FSO from March 2020 to July 2022 in the Department of Urology, Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed.Indexes such as operation time, amount of blood loss, degree of postoperative pain in the operative area, testicular position, size, texture and parental satisfaction at the operative side 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after surgery were collected.Measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as Mean± SD and compared using the independent sample and paired sample t-tests. Results:A total of 18 children with complete clinical data were included in this study.Their age ranged from 7 months to 10 years, with an average of 2 years.There were 10 cases of FSO on the left side and 8 cases on the right side.Twelve cases (group A) had the testis directly descending to the scrotum without amputation of the umbilical medial ligament during the operation, including 7 cases on the left side and 5 cases on the right side; 6 cases (group B) with testis not descending to the scrotum received amputation of the umbilical medial ligament, and the testicle was pulled into the scrotum without tension, including 3 cases on the left side and 3 cases on the right side.The age of patients in group A [(0.88±0.26) years] was lower than that in group B [(4.32±2.96) years] ( t=-4.11, P<0.05).The operation time of patients in group B was (47.50±1.87) min, slightly longer than that in group A [(46.17±1.47) min] ( t=-1.66, P>0.05).The intraoperative bleeding volume in group B was (5.18±0.42) mL, slightly higher than that in group A [(4.96±0.20) mL] ( t=-1.56, P>0.05).Patients in both groups had mild pain in the operative area, which could be tolerated by the children.There were no significant differences in testicular position, size, texture and satisfaction between the two groups 1 month after surgery.Reexamination at 6 months after operation showed that 1 case in group A had mild testicular retraction, located above the scrotum; no significant testicular retraction was observed in group B; the size and texture of testis in both groups had no significant change compared with those before operation, and the blood supply was normal according to the color ultrasound findings; parental satisfaction was high.Reexamination at 1 year after operation showed that 1 case of testis in group A was located above the scrotum, 2 cases had no obvious development, and the rest cases had increased testis size [(0.51±0.03) mL] compared with before operation [(0.31±0.02) mL] ( t=-22.97, P<0.05); all cases of testis in group B returned to normal position, 1 case had no obvious development, and the rest cases had increased testis size [(0.45±0.02) mL] compared with before operation [(0.24±0.01) mL] ( t=-32.87, P<0.05).There was no significant difference in testicular size increase between group A [(0.20±0.03) mL] and group B [(0.20±0.01) mL] ( t=-1.19, P>0.05). Conclusions:In the case that the medial umbilical ligament obviously affects the testicular descent, it can be dissected, which significantly shortens the distance of testis descending to the scrotum.The testicular position after surgery is normal, and the two-stage FSO does not affect the testicular development.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of progressive transfer of penile flap combined with local scrotal flap in correction of severe concealed penis in children.Methods:The clinical data of children with severe concealed penis admitted to the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from July 2021 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The concealed penis was corrected by progressive transfer of penile flap combined with local scrotal flap. During the operation, a small amount of excess inner prepuce was removed and the outer prepuce was cut in the middle of the dorsal side of the penis. Then the penile flap was transferred from dorsal to ventral, gradually covering the wound without tension. The local scrotal flap was lifted upwards and sutured to the frenulum for covering the ventral foreskin defect of the penis. The amount of blood loss during the operation was recorded. The pain tolerance, the duration of prepuce edema, the length of penis extension and the healing of skin flap were observed. The appearance of the penis was followed up to observe whether the penis was retracted, and the satisfaction of the children and their guardians was recorded.Results:A total of 32 male children were enrolled, ranging in age from 3 to 10 years, with an average age of 7.2 years. The penis of all the children had a conical appearance, and the penile shaft was buried under the subcutaneous anterior pubis, which was difficult to palpate in its natural state. The average intraoperative blood loss was about 5 ml. All patients had pain after the operation. Two patients needed a pump to relieve pain, and the rest could tolerate it after rectum administration of indomethacin suppositories. The edema of the prepuce was mild after the operation, and the edema basically disappeared when the patient was discharged 7-9 days later. The penis could be lengthened by 1.5-3.0 cm under static conditions, averaging about 2.0 cm. After surgery, only 1 patient had a small area (about 5 mm × 4 mm) of infection in the scrotal flap and poor incision healing, and scar healing after dressing change and intensive nursing. The other flaps healed well. After 6 to 12 months of follow-up, the penis length of 2 cases was slightly retracted from the time of discharge, and the remaining 30 cases had no significant change. The patients and their guardians were satisfied with the operation results.Conclusion:The progressive transfer of penile flap combined with local scrotal flap correction of severe concealed penis in children can fully lengthen the penile body, and the degree of postoperative retraction is low, the appearance of the penis is good, and the patient satisfaction is high.