Radiological Study of Atlas Arch Defects with Meta-Analysis and a Proposed New Classification
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
19761902
eISSN
19767846
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85176583150
Journal Title
Asian Spine Journal
Volume
17
Issue
5
Start Page
975
End Page
984
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Asian Spine Journal Vol.17 No.5 (2023) , 975-984
Suggested Citation
Suphamungmee W., Yurasakpong L., Poonudom K., Tubbs R.S., Iwanaga J., Kruepunga N., Chaiyamoon A., Suwannakhan A. Radiological Study of Atlas Arch Defects with Meta-Analysis and a Proposed New Classification. Asian Spine Journal Vol.17 No.5 (2023) , 975-984. 984. doi:10.31616/asj.2023.0030 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/91138
Title
Radiological Study of Atlas Arch Defects with Meta-Analysis and a Proposed New Classification
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This study consists of a retrospective cohort study, a systematic review, and a meta-analysis which were separately conducted. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of atlas arch defects, generate an evidence-based synthesis, and propose a common classification system for the anterior and combined atlas arch defects. Atlas arch defects are well-corticated gaps in the anterior or posterior arch of the atlas. When both arches are involved, it is known as a combined arch defect. Awareness of these defects is essential for avoiding complications during surgical procedures on the upper spine. The prevalence of arch defects was investigated in an open-access OPC-Radiomics (Radiomic Biomarkers in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma) dataset comprising 606 head and neck computed tomography scans from oropharyngeal cancer patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to generate prevalence estimates of atlas arch defects and propose a classification system for the anterior and combined atlas arch defects. The posterior arch defect was found in 20 patients (3.3%) out of the 606 patients investigated. The anterior arch defect was not observed in any patient, while a combined arch defect was observed in one patient (0.2%). A meta-analysis of 13,539 participants from 14 studies, including the present study, yielded a pooled-posterior arch defect prevalence of 2.07% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22%–2.92%). The prevalences of anterior and combined arch defects were 0.00% (95% CI, 0.00%–0.10%) and 0.14% (95% CI, 0.04%–0.25%), respectively. The anterior and combined arch defects were classified into five subtypes based on their morphology and frequency. The present study showed that atlas arch defects were present in approximately 2% of the general population. For future studies, larger sample sizes should be used for studying arch defects to avoid the small-study effect and to predict the prevalence accurately.