Akiro Higashikawa

Discussion The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on spinal surgeries and surgical outcomes in Japan. Our findings revealed a significant decrease in the number of spinal surgeries following the declaration of a state of emergency in April 2020, with May 2020 experiencing the most substantial decline compared with the same period in 2019.

Abstract : Vertebral hemangiomas of the spine are rare benign tumors. They occur primarily in the thoracic region and are often asymptomatic and found incidentally on radiological examination; however, some are symptomatic, aggressive, and gradually increase in size. Various therapeutic approaches have been proposed for their management. This study aimed to review the therapeutic management, focusing on ethanol sclerosis therapy.

Follow-up MRI findings consistent with Pfirrmann grading ?4, disc bulging, HIZ, spondylolisthesis, and any type of Modic changes were not associated with LBP history during the 10 years between the baseline and follow-up study. The progresses of these findings were also not associated with the LBP history. In addition, baseline MRI findings were not associated with LBP history during the 10 years; therefore, our data suggest that baseline MRI findings cannot predict future LBP.