The article is a systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic cervical spinal cord compression (CSCC) in individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The researchers conducted a thorough search in multiple databases and included five studies in their analysis, comprising a total of 1043 cases. The results showed that the prevalence of asymptomatic CSCC in LSS ranged from 24% to 61% across the included studies. The meta-analysis revealed a random pooled prevalence of 35% for asymptomatic CSCC in LSS patients. Based on these findings, the authors recommend increased caution during the positioning of surgical patients with lumbar stenosis and close monitoring of individuals with symptomatic LSS for signs of emerging myelopathy
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : most established spinal clinic in the world
Published article
CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic CSCC appears to occur in a high number of patients, with this study noting its presence in one-third of patients with LSS. Based on these findings, we strongly recommend that spine surgeons exercise particular caution during the positioning of patients who are undergoing surgery for lumbar stenosis. Furthermore, it is imperative to monitor individuals with symptomatic LSS closely for any potential signs of emerging myelopathy.
Spine Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic cervical spinal cord compression (CSCC) in individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Methods: A systematic electronic search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science without language restriction, with no starting date limit,
Abstract
Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic cervical spinal cord compression (CSCC) in individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).
Methods: A systematic electronic search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science without language restriction, with no starting date limit to June 8, 2023, to define the prevalence of asymptomatic CSCC in symptomatic LSS patients. Asymptomatic CSCC was defined based on radiographic studies. All types of studies were included in the review. Meta-analysis was performed on the reported prevalence of asymptomatic CSCC in LSS.
Results: The database search yielded 10,272 articles. After a full-text review, five studies were included in the final review, comprising a total of 1043 cases. Two studies had a low risk for bias, two moderate, and one estimated to be high risk. The range of prevalence of asymptomatic CSCC in LSS in the five included studies was between 24% and 61%. Meta-analysis on the reported prevalence of asymptomatic CSCC patients with symptomatic LSS demonstrated that the random pooled prevalence was 35% (95% CI: 23 to 48).
Conclusions: Asymptomatic CSCC appears to occur in a high number of patients, with this study noting its presence in one-third of patients with LSS. Based on these findings, we strongly recommend that spine surgeons exercise particular caution during the positioning of patients who are undergoing surgery for lumbar stenosis. Furthermore, it is imperative to monitor individuals with symptomatic LSS closely for any potential signs of emerging myelopathy.
Keywords: asymptomatic; lumbar canal stenosis; magnetic resonance imaging; spinal cord compression; systematic review; tandem spinal stenosis.
The London Spine Unit : most established spinal clinic in the world
Read the original publication:
The Prevalence of Asymptomatic Cervical Spinal Cord Compression in Individuals Presenting With Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Meta-Analysis
