Thoracic Myelopathy in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

Yang, Jun Young; Lee, June Kyu; Lee, Jun Ho; Song, Ho Sup

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical findings and effective management of thoracic myelopathy combined with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven cases with degenerative lumbar scoliosis of more than 10 degrees and underwent surgery on the thoracic spine were retrospectively studied through a chart review and the radiological findings. The mean follow-up period was 32.3 months. The average age was 65.3 years (range, 61-82 years), and there were 4 males and 3 females. 5 cases underwent a lumbar laminectomy with or without fusion prior to admission. The patients were evaluated through their history, physical examination, period of symptoms, MRI findings and surgical methods. A clinical evaluation was carried out using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
RESULTS
All cases had decreased hip flexion and a spastic gait, along with various degrees of radiating pain and buttock pain. No case had pathological reflexes but various degrees of motor and sensory disturbances were observed. The preoperative MRI findings showed herniated discs at the level of T5-6 (1 case), T6-7 (1 case), T8-9 (2 cases), T9-10 (1 case), T9-12 (1 case) and T10-12 (1 case). Decompression through the anterior approach was carried out on 4 cases, and decompression and posterior fusion was carried out on 3 cases. The average preoperative ODI was 28.6 points (range, 25-34) and improved to 12.3 points (range, 10-15), respectively at the final follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Although thoracic myelopathy combined with degenerative lumbar scoliosis is a rare disease, pathognomonic symptoms such as gait disturbances highlight the need for considering the appropriate management and surgical level through a differential diagnosis with simple degenerative lumbar scoliosis.