Branko Kopjar - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Branko Kopjar

Research paper thumbnail of Survival and Clinical Outcomes in Surgically Treated Patients With Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: Results of the Prospective Multicenter AOSpine Study

Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Jan 23, 2015

Although surgery is used increasingly as a strategy to complement treatment with radiation and ch... more Although surgery is used increasingly as a strategy to complement treatment with radiation and chemotherapy in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC), the impact of surgery on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not well established. We aimed to prospectively evaluate survival, neurologic, functional, and HRQoL outcomes in patients with MESCC who underwent surgical management. One hundred forty-two patients with a single symptomatic MESCC lesion who were treated surgically were enrolled onto a prospective North American multicenter study and were observed at least up to 12 months. Clinical data, including Brief Pain Inventory, ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) impairment scale, SF-36 Short Form Health Survey, Oswestry Disability Index, and EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) scores, were obtained preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Median survival time was 7.7 months. The 30-day and 12-month mortality rates wer...

Research paper thumbnail of Reply to the letter to the editor regarding "A clinical prediction model to assess surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: internal and external validation using the prospective multicenter AOSpine North American and International datasets of 743 patients." Spine J 2015...

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Does age affect surgical outcomes in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy? Results from the prospective multicenter AOSpine International study on 479 patients

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, Jan 29, 2015

In general, older patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) are felt to have lower rec... more In general, older patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) are felt to have lower recovery potential following surgery due to increased degenerative pathology, comorbidities, reduced physiological reserves and age-related changes to the spinal cord. This study aims to determine whether age truly is an independent predictor of surgical outcome and to provide evidence to guide practice and decision-making. A total of 479 patients with DCM were prospectively enrolled in the CSM-International study at 16 centres. Our sample was divided into a younger group (<65 years) and an elderly (≥65 years) group. A mixed model analytic approach was used to evaluate differences in the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), Nurick, Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores between groups. We first created an unadjusted model between age and surgical outcome and then developed two adjusted models that accounted for variations in (1) baseline characteristics...

Research paper thumbnail of A Novel Method Using Baseline Normalization and Area Under the Curve to Evaluate Differences in Outcome Between Treatment Groups and Application to Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Undergoing Anterior Versus Posterior Surgery

Spine, 2015

Retrospective review of a prospective database OBJECTIVE.: To describe a novel method that uses b... more Retrospective review of a prospective database OBJECTIVE.: To describe a novel method that uses baseline normalization and area under the curve (AUC) to compare surgical outcomes between patients surgically treated anteriorly versus posteriorly for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). It is important to control for baseline characteristics, especially disease severity, when evaluating differences in outcomes between two treatment groups. However, current methods of reporting outcomes are limited perhaps diminish the health impact of the entire postoperative recovery experience. In the prospective, multicenter AO Spine North America CSM database, 147 patients had complete mJOA data at baseline and at 6-, 12-, and 24-months postoperatively and were either treated anteriorly (n = 94) or posteriorly (n = 53). Each patient's follow-up mJOA scores were normalized by dividing them by the patient's baseline value. A graph was then plotted with the time point on the x-axis and the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Is surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy cost-effective? A cost-utility analysis based on data from the AOSpine North America prospective CSM study

Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2012

Surgical intervention for appropriately selected patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (C... more Surgical intervention for appropriately selected patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) has demonstrated favorable outcomes. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of this type of surgery in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. As part of a larger prospective multicenter study, the direct costs of medical treatment for 70 patients undergoing surgery for CSM at a single institution in Canada were retrospectively obtained from the hospital expenses database and physician reimbursement data. Utilities were estimated on the entire sample of 278 subjects enrolled in the multicenter study using SF-6D-derived utilities from 12- and 24-month SF-36v2 follow-up information. Costs were analyzed from the payer perspective. A 10-year horizon with 3% discounting was applied to health-utilities estimates. Sensitivity analysis was performed by varying utility gain by 20%. The SF-6D utility gain was 0.0734 (95% CI 0.0557-0.0912, p < 0.01) at 12 months and ...

Research paper thumbnail of A clinical prediction model to assess surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: internal and external validations using the prospective multicenter AOSpine North American and international datasets of 743 patients

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 2015

Clinical prediction rules are valuable tools in a surgical setting but should not be used to guid... more Clinical prediction rules are valuable tools in a surgical setting but should not be used to guide clinical practice until validated in other populations. The objective of this study was to validate a clinical prediction rule developed to determine surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The study will also identify key clinical predictors of outcome at a global level. This is a prospective multicenter cohort study. Two-hundred seventy-eight and 479 surgical CSM patients enrolled in the AOSpine CSM-North American (CSM-NA) and CSM-International (CSM-I) studies, respectively. The outcome measure was a Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) Scale. A clinical prediction model was built using data from 272 patients enrolled in the CSM-NA study. Bootstrapping was used for internal validation. The original model was externally validated using data on 471 patients participating in the CSM-I study. The predictive performance of the model was evaluate...

Research paper thumbnail of The AOSpine North America Geriatric Odontoid Fracture Study

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Spine, Oct 22, 2014

Prospective study. This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the modified Japan... more Prospective study. This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale. Several outcome measures assess functional impairment and quality of life in patients with cervical myelopathy. However, a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;gold standard&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; has not been established. One of the most widely accepted tools for assessing functional status is the mJOA scale. Two hundred and seventy-seven surgical patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were enrolled in the prospective cervical spondylotic myelopathy-North America study. Functional status was evaluated at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The internal consistency of the mJOA was assessed by computing a Cronbach α for the total score and after removing 1 item at a time. Convergent validity and divergent validity were measured by correlating the mJOA with other assessment tools. The responsiveness of the scale was determined by comparing mJOA scores at baseline and 12 months after surgery and computing a Cohen effect size. The internal consistency of the scale was moderate with a Cronbach α of 0.63. Sphincter dysfunction measured a different dimension than the other 3 scale components. The mJOA was correlated with the Nurick score (r =-0.625) but was not associated with subscales of the Short-Form 36 that measure different constructs. These findings suggest convergent and divergent validity. The mJOA was responsive to change as reflected by a Cohen effect size of 1. The mJOA is a useful tool in the assessment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and it should be adopted as the standard for evaluating functional status in this population.

Research paper thumbnail of International Variations in the Clinical Presentation and Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: One-Year Outcomes of the AOSpine Multicenter Prospective CSM-I Study

The Spine Journal, 2011

final follow-up, respectively. Both SL and L group appeared to be effective in reducing the axial... more final follow-up, respectively. Both SL and L group appeared to be effective in reducing the axial pain. In the SL groups, JOACMEQ recovery rates were 16.5% in the cervical spine function, 18.9% in the upper extremity function, 19.8% in the lower extremity function, 1.2% in the bladder function, and 10.6% in the QOL. The statistically significant improvements compared to preoperative scores were observed in the upper extremity function and the lower extremity function at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We have previously reported that the preservation of deep extensor muscles improves the postoperative axial pain, cervical spine function, and patients' quality of life over two-year follow-up period. Further question is whether the traditional extensive laminoplasty with a wide range of decompression is necessary for the preservation of midterm clinical results. The results demonstrated that the SL group showed the equivalent effectiveness to L group, and no neurologic deterioration in spinal cord function or re-operation was demonstrated during the average 32-month follow-up periods. The super-selective laminoplasty using a deep extensor muscle-preserving approach was effective in improving the surgical outcomes of CSM and maintained the clinical effectiveness over two-year follow-up periods. However, further longer follow-up data should be analyzed in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Mild diabetes is not a contraindication for surgical decompression in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: results of the AOSpine North America multicenter prospective study (CSM)

The Spine Journal, 2014

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a chronic spinal cord disease and ca... more BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a chronic spinal cord disease and can lead to progressive or stepwise neurologic decline. Several factors may influence this process, including extent of spinal cord compression, duration of symptoms, and medical comorbidities. Diabetes is a systemic disease that can impact multiple organ systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. There has been little information regarding the effect of diabetes on patients with coexistent CSM. PURPOSE: To provide empirical data regarding the effect of diabetes on treatment outcomes in patients who underwent surgical decompression for coexistent CSM. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Large prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with and without diabetes who underwent decompressive surgery for CSM. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two hundred thirty-six patients without and 42 patients with diabetes were enrolled. Of these, 37 were mild cases and five were moderate cases. Four required insulin. There were no severe cases associated with end-organ damage.

Research paper thumbnail of 67. Predictors of Outcome Following Anterior Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Results from a Multicenter Prospective Clinical Study with Independent Outcomes Assessments

The Spine Journal, 2008

The Spine Journal, Volume 8, Issue 5, Pages 33S, September 2008, Authors:Michael Fehlings, MD, Ph... more The Spine Journal, Volume 8, Issue 5, Pages 33S, September 2008, Authors:Michael Fehlings, MD, PhD, FRCS(C), FACS; Branko Kopjar, MD, PhD; Eric Massicotte, MD, MSc, FRCS(C); Tim S. Yoon, MD; Paul Arnold, MD; Alexander Vaccaro, MD; Eric Woodard, MD; Darrel Brodke ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Type II Odontoid Fracture Nonunion on Outcome Among Elderly Patients Treated Without Surgery

Spine, 2013

Subgroup analysis of a prospective multicenter study. Outcome analysis of nonoperatively treated ... more Subgroup analysis of a prospective multicenter study. Outcome analysis of nonoperatively treated elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures, including assessment of consequence of a fracture nonunion. Odontoid fractures are among the most common fractures in the elderly, and controversy exists regarding treatment. Subgroup analysis of a prospective multicenter study of elderly patients (≥65 yr) with type II odontoid fracture. Neck Disability Index and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) version 2 were collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Fifty-eight (36.5%) of the 159 patients were treated nonoperatively. Of the 58 patients initially treated nonoperatively, 8 died within 90 days and were excluded. Of the remaining 50 patients, 11 (22.0%) developed nonunion, with 7 (63.6%) requiring surgery. Four of the 39 (10.3%) patients classified as having &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;successful union&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; required surgery due to late fracture displacement. Thus, 15 (30.0%) patients developed primary or secondary nonunion and 11 (22.0%) required surgery. The overall 12-month mortality was 14.0% (nonunion = 2, union = 5; P= 0.6407). For union and nonunion groups, Neck Disability Index and SF-36 version 2 declined significantly at 12 months compared with preinjury values (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05), except for SF-36 version 2 Physical Functioning (P= 0.1370). There were no significant differences in outcome parameters based on union status at 12 months (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05); however, it is important to emphasize that the 12-month outcomes for the nonunion patients reflect the status of the patient after delayed surgical treatment in the majority of these cases. Nonoperative treatment for type II odontoid fracture in the elderly has high rates of nonunion and mortality. Patients with nonunion did not report worse outcomes compared with those who achieved union at 12 months; however, the majority of patients with nonunion required delayed surgical treatment. These findings may prove useful for patients who are not surgical candidates or elect for nonoperative treatment. 2.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of the Degree of Liver Failure on Portal Blood Flow in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 1990

Portal vein haemodynamics as demonstrated by the pulsed Doppler system were studied in 37 patient... more Portal vein haemodynamics as demonstrated by the pulsed Doppler system were studied in 37 patients with cirrhosis who had been classified in three groups (A, B, and C) in accordance with the degree of liver failure. Maximal inner diameter of the portal vein was significantly lower in patients who were considered to be in good condition (group A) than in patients with moderate and severe liver failure (group B and group C) (p less than 0.001). A significant difference was also found between group A and group B and between group A and group C with regard to the portal blood velocity and portal blood flow (p less than 0.001). In accordance with the presence and size of the oesophageal varices, in patients with large varices the portal blood velocity and portal blood flow were significantly lower than in patients without varices (p less than 0.001), whereas maximal inner portal vein diameter was significantly higher (p less than 0.001). This study demonstrated that in patients with cirrhosis circulatory alterations in the portal vascular bed may be, at least in part, an indicator of the stage of liver disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Survival after Hip Fracture: Short- and Long-Term Excess Mortality According to Age and Gender

Osteoporosis International, 1999

The purpose of this study was to analyze the excess mortality after hip fracture and to reveal wh... more The purpose of this study was to analyze the excess mortality after hip fracture and to reveal whether, and eventually when, the excess mortality vanished in different groups of age and gender. A population-based, prospective, matched-pair, cohort study among persons 50 years of age and older was conducted involving 1338 female and 487 male hip fracture patients with 11 086 and 8141 controls respectively. Occurrence of hip fracture and mortality were recorded from 1986 until 1995. We studied the excess mortality of the hip fracture patients versus controls by using Kaplan-Meier curves and extended Cox regression with hip fracture (yes/no) as time-dependent covariate. The male hip fracture patients had higher mortality than the women the first year after the injury, irrespective of age, both in absolute terms (31% and 17% respectively) and relative to their age-matched controls. The relative risk (RR) of dying within 1 year for hip fracture patients versus controls was 3.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-5.2) for women and 4.2 (95% CI 2.8-6.4) for men below 75 years of age. The corresponding figures for persons 85 years and older were 1.6 (95% CI 1.2-2.0) for women and 3.1 (95% CI 2.2-4.2) for men. All groups of age and gender, except women 85 years and older, had a large and significant excess mortality lasting for many years after the hip fracture -at least 5-6 years for women below 75 years of age (RR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.9-5.6). The excess mortality after hip fracture for women 85 years and older had vanished after 3 months (RR = 1.0, 95% CI 0.8-1.1). When referring to the excess mortality after hip fracture it is therefore necessary to specify sex, age and time since injury.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Duration of Symptoms on the Outcomes of Surgical Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Neurosurgery, 2008

METHODS: To date, a total of 202 patients with CSM, of a total of 316 enrolled at 13 sites in Nor... more METHODS: To date, a total of 202 patients with CSM, of a total of 316 enrolled at 13 sites in North America, have reached 6-month follow-up (42% women; average age, 57 yr; standard deviation [SD], 12) Outcomes assessments included the modified JOA (mJOA), NDI, ...

Research paper thumbnail of The AOSpine North America Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Study

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness of Surgical Treatment for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Research paper thumbnail of Early Complications of Surgical Versus Conservative Treatment of Isolated Type II Odontoid Fractures in Octogenarians

Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 2008

A retrospective cohort study of operative versus nonoperative treatment of isolated type II odont... more A retrospective cohort study of operative versus nonoperative treatment of isolated type II odontoid fractures in patients aged 80 years and more without neurologic deficit admitted to a level 1 spinal cord injury center between June 1985 and July 2006. To assess the presentation and acute complications of operatively and nonoperatively managed type II odontoid fractures in the octogenarian population. Type II odontoid fractures are the most common cervical spine fracture in the elderly. Studies suggest acute in-hospital complication rates in type II odontoid fractures in the elderly exceed 50%. Few studies have examined the acute in-hospital outcomes of isolated type II odontoid fractures in the octogenarian population. The medical records of 223 consecutive C2 fractures from June 1985 to July 2006 over the age of 80 years were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with associated cervical spine fractures were excluded. Eighty neurologically intact patients over age 80 were identified with isolated acute type II odontoid fractures. The charts were reviewed and mechanism of injury, comorbidities, date of injury, date of admission, date of discharge, radiology reports, discharge disposition, associated injuries, fracture management, type of surgical fixation (if any), and documented complications were abstracted. Thirty-two patients received operative treatment (10 anterior and 22 posterior) and 40 patients received nonsurgical treatment. Eight patients were excluded because the medical record could not be located. The mean age was 85.5+/-3.5 years in the surgical and 87.3+/-4.7 years in the nonsurgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.05); mean length of acute hospital stay was 11.2+/-8.5 days in the nonsurgical and 22.8+/-28.3 days in the surgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05); mean comorbidity score was 2.3+/-1.2 in the nonsurgical and 2.0+/-1.0 in the surgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.5); mean fracture displacement was 4.1+/-3.5 mm in the nonsurgical and 3.9+/-3.4 mm in the surgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.5). Acute in-hospital mortality rate was 15% in the nonsurgical group and 12.5% in the surgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.05). The percentage of patients experiencing at least one significant complication was higher in the operative group than the nonoperative group (62% vs. 35%, respectively,…

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of total shoulder arthroplasty on self-assessed health status is comparable to that of total hip arthroplasty and coronary artery bypassgrafting

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of total shoulder arthroplasty on the self-ass... more The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of total shoulder arthroplasty on the self-assessed health status of a large series of patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. In 91 patients we were able to compare the 8 quantitative domains of Short Form-36 (SF-36) before surgery and at 30 to 60 months after surgery. These preoperative and postoperative scores were compared with data from an age- and gender-matched control population. These results were also compared with those reported for patients who underwent other common, effective surgical procedures. Preoperative SF-36 values were significantly lower than population controls for 6 of 8 SF-36 domains (physical function, social function, physical role function, emotional role function, vitality, and comfort). Patients improved significantly in 4 of 8 SF-36 domains at 30 to 60 months after total shoulder arthroplasty: physical role function (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.01), comfort (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.01), social function (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.01), and mental health (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05). Although the improvements were significant and similar to the postoperative scores reported for total hip arthroplasty and coronary bypass procedures, the scores did not reach those of the general population.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of the Safe Community program in Harstad on the incidence of injuries

Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 2000

objectives Since 1987, the Harstad community in Norway has run an injury prevention program accor... more objectives Since 1987, the Harstad community in Norway has run an injury prevention program according to the Safe Community approach. The effectiveness of this approach in reducing injury rates is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Harstad program on the incidence of injuries. methods We used data from the National Injury register of Norway and compared age-adjusted incidence rates and standardized rate ratios of injuries in Harstad and three control communities for the period 1992-1997. results Harstad had the second highest rates for both all injuries and fractures. No reduction in the incidence of injuries in Harstad was observed from 1992-1997. The injury rates in 1992-1997 were similar to the rates recorded in 1985/86. conclusions The injury prevention program in Harstad has not reduced overall injury rates. The Safe Community concept is an organizational strategy, but implementation of proven and targeted risk reduction measures will be needed if community-based programs are to result in risk reductions.

Research paper thumbnail of Survival and Clinical Outcomes in Surgically Treated Patients With Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: Results of the Prospective Multicenter AOSpine Study

Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Jan 23, 2015

Although surgery is used increasingly as a strategy to complement treatment with radiation and ch... more Although surgery is used increasingly as a strategy to complement treatment with radiation and chemotherapy in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC), the impact of surgery on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not well established. We aimed to prospectively evaluate survival, neurologic, functional, and HRQoL outcomes in patients with MESCC who underwent surgical management. One hundred forty-two patients with a single symptomatic MESCC lesion who were treated surgically were enrolled onto a prospective North American multicenter study and were observed at least up to 12 months. Clinical data, including Brief Pain Inventory, ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) impairment scale, SF-36 Short Form Health Survey, Oswestry Disability Index, and EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) scores, were obtained preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Median survival time was 7.7 months. The 30-day and 12-month mortality rates wer...

Research paper thumbnail of Reply to the letter to the editor regarding "A clinical prediction model to assess surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: internal and external validation using the prospective multicenter AOSpine North American and International datasets of 743 patients." Spine J 2015...

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Does age affect surgical outcomes in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy? Results from the prospective multicenter AOSpine International study on 479 patients

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, Jan 29, 2015

In general, older patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) are felt to have lower rec... more In general, older patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) are felt to have lower recovery potential following surgery due to increased degenerative pathology, comorbidities, reduced physiological reserves and age-related changes to the spinal cord. This study aims to determine whether age truly is an independent predictor of surgical outcome and to provide evidence to guide practice and decision-making. A total of 479 patients with DCM were prospectively enrolled in the CSM-International study at 16 centres. Our sample was divided into a younger group (<65 years) and an elderly (≥65 years) group. A mixed model analytic approach was used to evaluate differences in the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), Nurick, Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores between groups. We first created an unadjusted model between age and surgical outcome and then developed two adjusted models that accounted for variations in (1) baseline characteristics...

Research paper thumbnail of A Novel Method Using Baseline Normalization and Area Under the Curve to Evaluate Differences in Outcome Between Treatment Groups and Application to Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Undergoing Anterior Versus Posterior Surgery

Spine, 2015

Retrospective review of a prospective database OBJECTIVE.: To describe a novel method that uses b... more Retrospective review of a prospective database OBJECTIVE.: To describe a novel method that uses baseline normalization and area under the curve (AUC) to compare surgical outcomes between patients surgically treated anteriorly versus posteriorly for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). It is important to control for baseline characteristics, especially disease severity, when evaluating differences in outcomes between two treatment groups. However, current methods of reporting outcomes are limited perhaps diminish the health impact of the entire postoperative recovery experience. In the prospective, multicenter AO Spine North America CSM database, 147 patients had complete mJOA data at baseline and at 6-, 12-, and 24-months postoperatively and were either treated anteriorly (n = 94) or posteriorly (n = 53). Each patient's follow-up mJOA scores were normalized by dividing them by the patient's baseline value. A graph was then plotted with the time point on the x-axis and the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Is surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy cost-effective? A cost-utility analysis based on data from the AOSpine North America prospective CSM study

Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2012

Surgical intervention for appropriately selected patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (C... more Surgical intervention for appropriately selected patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) has demonstrated favorable outcomes. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of this type of surgery in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. As part of a larger prospective multicenter study, the direct costs of medical treatment for 70 patients undergoing surgery for CSM at a single institution in Canada were retrospectively obtained from the hospital expenses database and physician reimbursement data. Utilities were estimated on the entire sample of 278 subjects enrolled in the multicenter study using SF-6D-derived utilities from 12- and 24-month SF-36v2 follow-up information. Costs were analyzed from the payer perspective. A 10-year horizon with 3% discounting was applied to health-utilities estimates. Sensitivity analysis was performed by varying utility gain by 20%. The SF-6D utility gain was 0.0734 (95% CI 0.0557-0.0912, p < 0.01) at 12 months and ...

Research paper thumbnail of A clinical prediction model to assess surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: internal and external validations using the prospective multicenter AOSpine North American and international datasets of 743 patients

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 2015

Clinical prediction rules are valuable tools in a surgical setting but should not be used to guid... more Clinical prediction rules are valuable tools in a surgical setting but should not be used to guide clinical practice until validated in other populations. The objective of this study was to validate a clinical prediction rule developed to determine surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The study will also identify key clinical predictors of outcome at a global level. This is a prospective multicenter cohort study. Two-hundred seventy-eight and 479 surgical CSM patients enrolled in the AOSpine CSM-North American (CSM-NA) and CSM-International (CSM-I) studies, respectively. The outcome measure was a Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) Scale. A clinical prediction model was built using data from 272 patients enrolled in the CSM-NA study. Bootstrapping was used for internal validation. The original model was externally validated using data on 471 patients participating in the CSM-I study. The predictive performance of the model was evaluate...

Research paper thumbnail of The AOSpine North America Geriatric Odontoid Fracture Study

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Spine, Oct 22, 2014

Prospective study. This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the modified Japan... more Prospective study. This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale. Several outcome measures assess functional impairment and quality of life in patients with cervical myelopathy. However, a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;gold standard&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; has not been established. One of the most widely accepted tools for assessing functional status is the mJOA scale. Two hundred and seventy-seven surgical patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were enrolled in the prospective cervical spondylotic myelopathy-North America study. Functional status was evaluated at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The internal consistency of the mJOA was assessed by computing a Cronbach α for the total score and after removing 1 item at a time. Convergent validity and divergent validity were measured by correlating the mJOA with other assessment tools. The responsiveness of the scale was determined by comparing mJOA scores at baseline and 12 months after surgery and computing a Cohen effect size. The internal consistency of the scale was moderate with a Cronbach α of 0.63. Sphincter dysfunction measured a different dimension than the other 3 scale components. The mJOA was correlated with the Nurick score (r =-0.625) but was not associated with subscales of the Short-Form 36 that measure different constructs. These findings suggest convergent and divergent validity. The mJOA was responsive to change as reflected by a Cohen effect size of 1. The mJOA is a useful tool in the assessment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and it should be adopted as the standard for evaluating functional status in this population.

Research paper thumbnail of International Variations in the Clinical Presentation and Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: One-Year Outcomes of the AOSpine Multicenter Prospective CSM-I Study

The Spine Journal, 2011

final follow-up, respectively. Both SL and L group appeared to be effective in reducing the axial... more final follow-up, respectively. Both SL and L group appeared to be effective in reducing the axial pain. In the SL groups, JOACMEQ recovery rates were 16.5% in the cervical spine function, 18.9% in the upper extremity function, 19.8% in the lower extremity function, 1.2% in the bladder function, and 10.6% in the QOL. The statistically significant improvements compared to preoperative scores were observed in the upper extremity function and the lower extremity function at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We have previously reported that the preservation of deep extensor muscles improves the postoperative axial pain, cervical spine function, and patients' quality of life over two-year follow-up period. Further question is whether the traditional extensive laminoplasty with a wide range of decompression is necessary for the preservation of midterm clinical results. The results demonstrated that the SL group showed the equivalent effectiveness to L group, and no neurologic deterioration in spinal cord function or re-operation was demonstrated during the average 32-month follow-up periods. The super-selective laminoplasty using a deep extensor muscle-preserving approach was effective in improving the surgical outcomes of CSM and maintained the clinical effectiveness over two-year follow-up periods. However, further longer follow-up data should be analyzed in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Mild diabetes is not a contraindication for surgical decompression in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: results of the AOSpine North America multicenter prospective study (CSM)

The Spine Journal, 2014

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a chronic spinal cord disease and ca... more BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a chronic spinal cord disease and can lead to progressive or stepwise neurologic decline. Several factors may influence this process, including extent of spinal cord compression, duration of symptoms, and medical comorbidities. Diabetes is a systemic disease that can impact multiple organ systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. There has been little information regarding the effect of diabetes on patients with coexistent CSM. PURPOSE: To provide empirical data regarding the effect of diabetes on treatment outcomes in patients who underwent surgical decompression for coexistent CSM. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Large prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with and without diabetes who underwent decompressive surgery for CSM. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two hundred thirty-six patients without and 42 patients with diabetes were enrolled. Of these, 37 were mild cases and five were moderate cases. Four required insulin. There were no severe cases associated with end-organ damage.

Research paper thumbnail of 67. Predictors of Outcome Following Anterior Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Results from a Multicenter Prospective Clinical Study with Independent Outcomes Assessments

The Spine Journal, 2008

The Spine Journal, Volume 8, Issue 5, Pages 33S, September 2008, Authors:Michael Fehlings, MD, Ph... more The Spine Journal, Volume 8, Issue 5, Pages 33S, September 2008, Authors:Michael Fehlings, MD, PhD, FRCS(C), FACS; Branko Kopjar, MD, PhD; Eric Massicotte, MD, MSc, FRCS(C); Tim S. Yoon, MD; Paul Arnold, MD; Alexander Vaccaro, MD; Eric Woodard, MD; Darrel Brodke ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Type II Odontoid Fracture Nonunion on Outcome Among Elderly Patients Treated Without Surgery

Spine, 2013

Subgroup analysis of a prospective multicenter study. Outcome analysis of nonoperatively treated ... more Subgroup analysis of a prospective multicenter study. Outcome analysis of nonoperatively treated elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures, including assessment of consequence of a fracture nonunion. Odontoid fractures are among the most common fractures in the elderly, and controversy exists regarding treatment. Subgroup analysis of a prospective multicenter study of elderly patients (≥65 yr) with type II odontoid fracture. Neck Disability Index and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) version 2 were collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Fifty-eight (36.5%) of the 159 patients were treated nonoperatively. Of the 58 patients initially treated nonoperatively, 8 died within 90 days and were excluded. Of the remaining 50 patients, 11 (22.0%) developed nonunion, with 7 (63.6%) requiring surgery. Four of the 39 (10.3%) patients classified as having &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;successful union&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; required surgery due to late fracture displacement. Thus, 15 (30.0%) patients developed primary or secondary nonunion and 11 (22.0%) required surgery. The overall 12-month mortality was 14.0% (nonunion = 2, union = 5; P= 0.6407). For union and nonunion groups, Neck Disability Index and SF-36 version 2 declined significantly at 12 months compared with preinjury values (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05), except for SF-36 version 2 Physical Functioning (P= 0.1370). There were no significant differences in outcome parameters based on union status at 12 months (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05); however, it is important to emphasize that the 12-month outcomes for the nonunion patients reflect the status of the patient after delayed surgical treatment in the majority of these cases. Nonoperative treatment for type II odontoid fracture in the elderly has high rates of nonunion and mortality. Patients with nonunion did not report worse outcomes compared with those who achieved union at 12 months; however, the majority of patients with nonunion required delayed surgical treatment. These findings may prove useful for patients who are not surgical candidates or elect for nonoperative treatment. 2.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of the Degree of Liver Failure on Portal Blood Flow in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 1990

Portal vein haemodynamics as demonstrated by the pulsed Doppler system were studied in 37 patient... more Portal vein haemodynamics as demonstrated by the pulsed Doppler system were studied in 37 patients with cirrhosis who had been classified in three groups (A, B, and C) in accordance with the degree of liver failure. Maximal inner diameter of the portal vein was significantly lower in patients who were considered to be in good condition (group A) than in patients with moderate and severe liver failure (group B and group C) (p less than 0.001). A significant difference was also found between group A and group B and between group A and group C with regard to the portal blood velocity and portal blood flow (p less than 0.001). In accordance with the presence and size of the oesophageal varices, in patients with large varices the portal blood velocity and portal blood flow were significantly lower than in patients without varices (p less than 0.001), whereas maximal inner portal vein diameter was significantly higher (p less than 0.001). This study demonstrated that in patients with cirrhosis circulatory alterations in the portal vascular bed may be, at least in part, an indicator of the stage of liver disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Survival after Hip Fracture: Short- and Long-Term Excess Mortality According to Age and Gender

Osteoporosis International, 1999

The purpose of this study was to analyze the excess mortality after hip fracture and to reveal wh... more The purpose of this study was to analyze the excess mortality after hip fracture and to reveal whether, and eventually when, the excess mortality vanished in different groups of age and gender. A population-based, prospective, matched-pair, cohort study among persons 50 years of age and older was conducted involving 1338 female and 487 male hip fracture patients with 11 086 and 8141 controls respectively. Occurrence of hip fracture and mortality were recorded from 1986 until 1995. We studied the excess mortality of the hip fracture patients versus controls by using Kaplan-Meier curves and extended Cox regression with hip fracture (yes/no) as time-dependent covariate. The male hip fracture patients had higher mortality than the women the first year after the injury, irrespective of age, both in absolute terms (31% and 17% respectively) and relative to their age-matched controls. The relative risk (RR) of dying within 1 year for hip fracture patients versus controls was 3.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-5.2) for women and 4.2 (95% CI 2.8-6.4) for men below 75 years of age. The corresponding figures for persons 85 years and older were 1.6 (95% CI 1.2-2.0) for women and 3.1 (95% CI 2.2-4.2) for men. All groups of age and gender, except women 85 years and older, had a large and significant excess mortality lasting for many years after the hip fracture -at least 5-6 years for women below 75 years of age (RR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.9-5.6). The excess mortality after hip fracture for women 85 years and older had vanished after 3 months (RR = 1.0, 95% CI 0.8-1.1). When referring to the excess mortality after hip fracture it is therefore necessary to specify sex, age and time since injury.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Duration of Symptoms on the Outcomes of Surgical Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Neurosurgery, 2008

METHODS: To date, a total of 202 patients with CSM, of a total of 316 enrolled at 13 sites in Nor... more METHODS: To date, a total of 202 patients with CSM, of a total of 316 enrolled at 13 sites in North America, have reached 6-month follow-up (42% women; average age, 57 yr; standard deviation [SD], 12) Outcomes assessments included the modified JOA (mJOA), NDI, ...

Research paper thumbnail of The AOSpine North America Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Study

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness of Surgical Treatment for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Research paper thumbnail of Early Complications of Surgical Versus Conservative Treatment of Isolated Type II Odontoid Fractures in Octogenarians

Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 2008

A retrospective cohort study of operative versus nonoperative treatment of isolated type II odont... more A retrospective cohort study of operative versus nonoperative treatment of isolated type II odontoid fractures in patients aged 80 years and more without neurologic deficit admitted to a level 1 spinal cord injury center between June 1985 and July 2006. To assess the presentation and acute complications of operatively and nonoperatively managed type II odontoid fractures in the octogenarian population. Type II odontoid fractures are the most common cervical spine fracture in the elderly. Studies suggest acute in-hospital complication rates in type II odontoid fractures in the elderly exceed 50%. Few studies have examined the acute in-hospital outcomes of isolated type II odontoid fractures in the octogenarian population. The medical records of 223 consecutive C2 fractures from June 1985 to July 2006 over the age of 80 years were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with associated cervical spine fractures were excluded. Eighty neurologically intact patients over age 80 were identified with isolated acute type II odontoid fractures. The charts were reviewed and mechanism of injury, comorbidities, date of injury, date of admission, date of discharge, radiology reports, discharge disposition, associated injuries, fracture management, type of surgical fixation (if any), and documented complications were abstracted. Thirty-two patients received operative treatment (10 anterior and 22 posterior) and 40 patients received nonsurgical treatment. Eight patients were excluded because the medical record could not be located. The mean age was 85.5+/-3.5 years in the surgical and 87.3+/-4.7 years in the nonsurgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.05); mean length of acute hospital stay was 11.2+/-8.5 days in the nonsurgical and 22.8+/-28.3 days in the surgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05); mean comorbidity score was 2.3+/-1.2 in the nonsurgical and 2.0+/-1.0 in the surgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.5); mean fracture displacement was 4.1+/-3.5 mm in the nonsurgical and 3.9+/-3.4 mm in the surgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.5). Acute in-hospital mortality rate was 15% in the nonsurgical group and 12.5% in the surgical group (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.05). The percentage of patients experiencing at least one significant complication was higher in the operative group than the nonoperative group (62% vs. 35%, respectively,…

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of total shoulder arthroplasty on self-assessed health status is comparable to that of total hip arthroplasty and coronary artery bypassgrafting

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of total shoulder arthroplasty on the self-ass... more The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of total shoulder arthroplasty on the self-assessed health status of a large series of patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. In 91 patients we were able to compare the 8 quantitative domains of Short Form-36 (SF-36) before surgery and at 30 to 60 months after surgery. These preoperative and postoperative scores were compared with data from an age- and gender-matched control population. These results were also compared with those reported for patients who underwent other common, effective surgical procedures. Preoperative SF-36 values were significantly lower than population controls for 6 of 8 SF-36 domains (physical function, social function, physical role function, emotional role function, vitality, and comfort). Patients improved significantly in 4 of 8 SF-36 domains at 30 to 60 months after total shoulder arthroplasty: physical role function (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.01), comfort (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.01), social function (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.01), and mental health (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05). Although the improvements were significant and similar to the postoperative scores reported for total hip arthroplasty and coronary bypass procedures, the scores did not reach those of the general population.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of the Safe Community program in Harstad on the incidence of injuries

Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 2000

objectives Since 1987, the Harstad community in Norway has run an injury prevention program accor... more objectives Since 1987, the Harstad community in Norway has run an injury prevention program according to the Safe Community approach. The effectiveness of this approach in reducing injury rates is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Harstad program on the incidence of injuries. methods We used data from the National Injury register of Norway and compared age-adjusted incidence rates and standardized rate ratios of injuries in Harstad and three control communities for the period 1992-1997. results Harstad had the second highest rates for both all injuries and fractures. No reduction in the incidence of injuries in Harstad was observed from 1992-1997. The injury rates in 1992-1997 were similar to the rates recorded in 1985/86. conclusions The injury prevention program in Harstad has not reduced overall injury rates. The Safe Community concept is an organizational strategy, but implementation of proven and targeted risk reduction measures will be needed if community-based programs are to result in risk reductions.