The article is a retrospective case series and systemic literature meta-analysis that focuses on thoracolumbar junction stenosis, a condition that produces spinal cord compression just above the conus. The study aims to improve understanding of this pathology by describing its specific pattern of presenting symptoms and neurological deficits. The researchers conducted a retrospective review of surgically treated cases of T10-L1 degenerative stenosis and evaluated clinical outcomes using the thoracic Japanese Orthopedic Association score. They also performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that patients with thoracolumbar junction stenosis commonly experienced lower extremity numbness, urinary dysfunction, and back pain. Objective motor deficits were observed, particularly weakness in foot dorsiflexion. The study concluded that surgery resulted in significant clinical improvement, particularly in numbness and gait, but urinary dysfunction improved to a lesser extent. It also highlighted the importance of correctly diagnosing thoracolumbar junction stenosis to avoid delays in necessary surgery
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : the highest rated day surgery spinal centre in London
Published article
CONCLUSIONS: Thoracolumbar junction stenosis produces distinctive neurological findings characterized by lower extremity numbness, weakness particularly in foot dorsiflexion, urinary dysfunction, and inconsistent reflex changes, a neurological pattern stemming from epiconus level compression and the myelomeres for the L5 roots. Surgery results in significant clinical improvement, with numbness and gait improving more than urinary dysfunction. Many patients with thoracolumbar junction stenosis…
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Clin Spine Surg. 2023 Sep 22. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001539. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSTUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series and systemic literature meta-analysis.BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar junction region stenosis produces spinal cord compression just above the conus and may manifest with symptoms that are not typical of either thoracic myelopathy or neurogenic claudication from lumbar stenosis.OBJECTIVE: As few studies describe,
Clin Spine Surg. 2023 Sep 22. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001539. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series and systemic literature meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar junction region stenosis produces spinal cord compression just above the conus and may manifest with symptoms that are not typical of either thoracic myelopathy or neurogenic claudication from lumbar stenosis.
OBJECTIVE: As few studies describe its specific pattern of presenting symptoms and neurological deficits, this investigation was designed to improve understanding of this pathology.
METHODS: A retrospective review assessed surgically treated cases of T10-L1 degenerative stenosis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the thoracic Japanese Orthopedic Association score. In addition, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).
RESULTS: Of 1069 patients undergoing laminectomy at 1477 levels, 31 patients (16M/15F) were treated at T10-L1 a mean age 64.4 (SD=11.8). Patients complained of lower extremity numbness in 29/31 (94%), urinary dysfunction 11/31 (35%), and back pain 11/31 (35%). All complained about gait difficulty and objective motor deficits were detected in 24 of 31 (77%). Weakness was most often seen in foot dorsiflexion 22/31 (71%). Deep tendon reflexes were increased in 10 (32%), decreased in 11 (35%), and normal 10 (32%); the Babinski sign was present 8/31 (26%). Mean thoracic Japanese Orthopedic Association scores improved from 6.4 (SD=1.8) to 8.4 (SD=1.8) (P<0.00001). Gait subjectively improved in 27/31 (87%) numbness improved in 26/30 (87%); but urinary function improved in only 4/11 (45%).
CONCLUSIONS: Thoracolumbar junction stenosis produces distinctive neurological findings characterized by lower extremity numbness, weakness particularly in foot dorsiflexion, urinary dysfunction, and inconsistent reflex changes, a neurological pattern stemming from epiconus level compression and the myelomeres for the L5 roots. Surgery results in significant clinical improvement, with numbness and gait improving more than urinary dysfunction. Many patients with thoracolumbar junction stenosis are initially misdiagnosed as being symptomatic from lumbar stenosis, thus delaying definitive surgery.
PMID:37735761 | DOI:10.1097/BSD.0000000000001539
The London Spine Unit : the highest rated day surgery spinal centre in London
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Distinctive Characteristics of Thoracolumbar Junction Region Stenosis
