Akiho Seki

Dr. Akiho Seki


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 October 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KTKazuhiro Takeuchi
Kazuhiro Takeuchi
KHKazunori Hosotani
Kazunori Hosotani
KSKensuke Shinohara
Kensuke Shinohara
KYKentaro Yamane
Kentaro Yamane
STShinichiro Takao
Shinichiro Takao
ASAkiho Seki
Akiho Seki
Background/Objectives: We investigated the impact of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and cervical alignment on K-line assessment, proposed the K-line edge category for transitioning from K-line (+) to (−), and demonstrated a quantitative evaluation using the K-line edge. Methods: The 268 patients with OPLL who underwent computed-tomography-based K-line assessment were retrospectively stratified into three groups [K-line (+)/(±)/(−)]. We graphically plotted their distributions based on the OPLL-occupying ratio (OPLL-OR) and cervical angle (θ C2–7). Results: The K-line (+), (±), and (−) groups comprised 159, 37, and 72 patients, respectively. The K-line (+) group demonstrated the lowest alignment value at −14.1°, suggesting a potential border for kyphosis at 14°. By examining the K-line (±) region, we successfully identified a clustered group and proposed the “K-line edge” for K-line (±), which was derived as y = 0.98x + 46.82 (R2 = 0.67). The K-line edge calculation depended on the OPLL-OR and θ C2–7 at each cervical level and determined the corresponding value for either OPLL-OR or θ C2–7. The slope of the K-line edge was almost horizontal at both ends and was steeper in the middle, with the alignment playing a dominant role in the mid-cervical region. The calculated borders were approximately at 12° kyphosis at C4-4/5 and at 11° at C5-5/6. Conclusions: Focusing on K-line (±) identified three major factors during the K-line assessment: the OPLL-OR, cervical alignment (θ C2–7), and cervical level. The K-line edge could be useful as a quantitative parameter for surgical decision-making.