bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractionated, single-port radiotherapy delays paresis in a metastatic spinal tumor model in rats
Authors: Bagley Carlos A. , Bookland Markus J. , Pindrik Jonathan A. , Ozmen Tolga , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Witham Timothy F.
Published: January 2008

Object

Spinal column metastatic disease affects thousands of cancer patients every year. Radiation therapy frequently represents the primary treatment for this condition. Despite the enormous clinical impact of spinal column metastatic disease, the literature currently lacks an accurate animal model for testing the efficacy of irradiation on spinal column metastases.

Methods

After anesthesia was induced, female Fischer 344 rats underwent a transabdominal approach to the ventral vertebral body (VB) of L-6. A 2- to 3-mm-diameter bur hole was drilled for the implantation of a section of CRL-1666 breast adenocarcinoma. After the animals had recovered from the surgery, they underwent fractionated, single-port radiotherapy beginning on postoperative Day 7. Each group of animals underwent five daily fractions of radiation treatment. Group I animals received a total dose of 10 Gy in 200-cGy daily fractions, Group II animals received a total dose of 20 Gy in 400-cGy daily fractions, and Group III animals received a total dose of 30 Gy in 600-cGy daily fractions. A control group of rats with implanted VB lesions did not receive radiation. To test the effects of radiation toxicity alone, additional rats without implanted tumors received radiation treatments in the same fractions as the rats with tumors. Hindlimb function in all rats was rated before and after radiation treatment using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. Histological analysis of spinal cord and vertebral column sections was performed after each animal's death.

Results

Functional assessments demonstrated a statistically significant delay in the onset of paresis between the three treatment groups and the control group (tumor implanted but no radiotherapy). The rats in the three treatment groups, however, did not exhibit any significant differences related to hindlimb function. A dose-dependent relationship was found for the percentage of animals who had become paralyzed at the time of death, with all members of the control group and no members of the 30-Gy group exhibiting paralysis. The results of this study do not indicate any overall survival benefit for any level of radiation dose.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the efficacy of focal spinal irradiation in delaying the onset of paralysis in a rat metastatic spine tumor model, but without a clear survival benefit. Because of the dose-related toxicity observed in the rats treated with 30 Gy, this effect was most profound for the 20-Gy group. This finding parallels the observed clinical course of spinal column metastatic disease in humans and provides a basis for the future comparison of novel local and systemic treatments to augment the observed effects of focal irradiation.
A prospective randomized comparison of rectangular titanium cage fusion and iliac crest autograft fusion in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy
Authors: Thomé Claudius , Leheta Olaf , Krauss Joachim K. , Zevgaridis Dimitris
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors compare clinical outcome and fusion rates after iliac crest autograft (ICAG)– and rectangular titanium cage (RTC)–augmented fusion in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy (ACD).

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with 127 levels of cervical disc disease refractory to conservative treatment were randomized into one of the two treatment groups (ICAG/RTC fusion). The visual analog scale was used by the patient to rate overall pain and head, neck, arm, and donor site pain separately. Myelopathy was documented according to Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Nurick grading systems. Outcome was analyzed using Odom criteria, the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36), and Patient Satisfaction Index scales. Fusion rates were assessed on standard and flexion–extension radiographs. Follow-up data of at least 12 months' duration were available for 95 patients.

More residual overall pain after 12 months was documented in patients who underwent ICAG fusion (3.3 ± 2.5 [ICAG] and 2.2 ± 2.4 [RTC]; p < 0.05). Although arm and head pain were minimal in both groups, neck pain proved to be the predominant symptom (2.7 ± 2.5 [ICAG] and 1.9 ± 2.1 [RTC]), which resolved in only 67 and 48% of RTC-and ICAG-treated patients, respectively (p < 0.05). Myelopathy improved comparably in both groups. Regardless of increased pain in ICAG-treated patients, PSI and SF-36 scores were not significantly different between groups (only four [8%] of 47 ICAG-treated patients and five [10%] of 48 RTC-treated patients were unsatisfied). Good to excellent functional recovery according to Odom criteria was observed in 75 and 79% of ICAG- and RTC-treated patients, respectively. Fusion rates were 81 and 74%, respectively (p = 0.51).

Conclusions

Fusion rates and clinical outcome at 12 months after ACD were comparable between patients who underwent ICAG and RTC fusion. The use of rectangular cages, however, avoids donor site morbidity and reduces overall pain and, thus, seems to be an advantageous treatment alternative.
Prospective randomized controlled study of the Bryan Cervical Disc: early clinical results from a single investigational site
Authors: Coric Domagoj , Finger Frederick , Boltes Peggy
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors report on a prospective randomized controlled multicenter trial in which they compared the clinical outcomes obtained in patients who underwent the placement of a Bryan Cervical Disc System with those obtained in patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). In the present study, they evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the artificial disc based on data obtained at a single investigational site.

Methods

Patients with primary, single-level cervical disc disease producing radiculopathy and/or myelopathy were randomized prospectively to undergo anterior cervical discectomy with either fusion or artificial disc placement. The patients were evaluated with pre- and postoperative serial radiographic studies; the authors also evaluated neck disability indices, visual analog scale scores for pain, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, and neurological status at 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Analysis of the early results obtained in the 33 patients indicated an absence of device-related complications. Preliminary analysis revealed that improvement in all clinical outcome measures was excellent for both treatment groups; however, in patients treated with the artificial cervical disc, motion at the treated level was maintained.

Conclusions

The preliminary results documented at this investigational site are encouraging. Evaluation of data acquired in the Bryan disc treatment group showed that improvements in the clinical parameters were similar to those in the fusion group. Additionally in the artificial disc–treated group, there was radiographic evidence that motion was maintained.

It is theorized that motion preservation may potentially reduce the rate of adjacent-level cervical disc disease that has been documented in patients who undergo ACDF.
Effectiveness of cemented rescue screws for anterior cervical plate fixation
Authors: Pitzen Tobias Rainer , Drumm Jörg , Bruchmann Bernhard , Barbier Dragos Doru , Steudel Wolf-Ingo
Published: January 2008

Object

Among the various ways to optimize the fixation of bone implants is to use bone cement, for example, in a total hip prosthesis. No data exist, however, concerning the effectiveness of cemented rescue screws for anterior cervical plate fixation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cemented rescue screws increase fixation strength in comparison with uncemented standard screws.

Methods

Six cervical spine segments (C4–7) were explanted during routine autopsy studies from fresh human cadavers. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured for each vertebral body (VB) using quantitative computerized tomography scanning, and 24 VBs were dissected from the segments. Two initial pilot holes were drilled into each VB parallel to the sagittal plane. Based on their BMD, the specimens were assigned to one of two groups in which torque and pullout force were tested. The test was begun with standard screws and was repeated with cannulated slotted rescue screws into which bone cement was injected. The mean values of peak torque and pullout forces resulting from the left and right measurements were used for statistical analysis. A t-test was performed to determine the effect of screw type on peak torque and pullout force. Moment correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the effect of BMD on peak torque and pullout force for each type of screw.

The mean insertional peak torque was 67.1 N/cm for the standard screw and 102.6 N/cm for the cemented screw (p < 0.05). The mean pullout force was 526.9 N for standard osteoporosis screws and 531.5 N for cemented screws (p > 0.05). The effect of increased holding strength as measured by peak torque and pullout force was more pronounced in the presence of low bone density.

Conclusions

Cemented rescue screws that have been inserted into a fatigued pilot hole in the cervical VB strengthen the screw–bone interface compared with the strength initially conferred by a standard screw.
Epidural meningioma of the sacral canal
Authors: Rutherford Scott A. , Linton Kim M. , Durnian Jonathan M. , Cowie Richard A.
Published: January 2008

✓ Spinal meningiomas are reported infrequently as pure epidural tumors, and they are rarely located at the caudal end of the spine. The unique combination of a wholly epidural tumor confined entirely to the sacral canal has not been previously described.

The authors describe the case of a 29-year-old man who presented with coccygeal and left-sided S2–4 dermatomal pain. Examination confirmed sensory loss in the same distribution. A magnetic resonance image revealed an enhancing mass lesion in the sacral canal scalloping the bone at S-2 and S-3.

An apparent complete resection was performed. Intraoperatively the authors observed an entirely epidural tumor with a small dural attachment at the most caudal end of the thecal sac. Histological examination confirmed that the tumor was an atypical meningioma. A local recurrence developed within 1 year of surgery, and the patient underwent a hemisacrectomy for tumor removal. An additional recurrence in the lumbosacral spine and multiple pulmonary metastases developed thereafter.

In addition to the unique nature of this case, the authors also observed a tumor behaving in a far more aggressive fashion than its histological findings would suggest. This adds to the differential diagnosis of tumors occurring in the sacral canal.
Complications with cervical arthroplasty
Authors: Pickett Gwynedd E. , Sekhon Lali H. S. , Sears William R. , Duggal Neil
Published: January 2008

Object

Spinal arthroplasty is becoming more widely performed in the treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease. Although this new technology may offer benefits over arthrodesis, it also requires that the surgeon acquire new operative techniques, and new potential complications are introduced. To determine the incidence and distribution of perioperative complications, the authors analyzed their early data obtained in a series of patients treated with the Bryan Cervical Disc prosthesis.

Methods

The authors prospectively recorded operative data, complications, and clinical and radiographic outcome data in all patients treated with Bryan prosthesis–based arthroplasty at two tertiary care centers since 2001. Patients underwent standard anterior cervical discectomy followed by one- to three-level arthroplasty.

Ninety-six discs were implanted in 74 patients. The perioperative complication rate was 6.2% per treated level. In one patient a retropharyngeal hematoma developed, requiring evacuation. Neurological worsening occurred in three patients. Intraoperative migration of the prosthesis was observed in one two-level case, whereas delayed migration occurred in one patient with postoperative segmental kyphosis. In another patient with severe postoperative segmental kyphosis, revision was required with a customized lordotic prosthesis. Heterotopic ossification and spontaneous fusion occurred in two cases; motion was preserved in the remaining 94 prostheses. Partial dislocation of the prosthesis in extension occurred in one patient with preoperative segmental hypermobility, the first reported failure of a Bryan prosthesis. Twenty-five percent of patients reported neck and shoulder pain during the late follow-up period. There was a trend toward increased kyphosis of the C2–7 curvature postoperatively.

Conclusions

The Bryan prosthesis was effective in maintaining spinal motion. Major perioperative and device-related complications were infrequent.
Unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and bilateral anterior-column fixation with two Brantigan I/F cages per level: clinical outcomes during a minimum 2-year follow-up period
Authors: Taneichi Hiroshi , Suda Kota , Kajino Tomomichi , Matsumura Akira , Moridaira Hiroshi , Kaneda Kiyoshi
Published: January 2008

Object

There are no published reports of unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in which two Brantigan I/F cages were placed per level through a single portal to achieve bilateral anterior-column support. The authors describe such a surgical technique and evaluate the clinical outcomes of this procedure.

Methods

Data obtained in 86 (93.5%) of the first 92 consecutive patients who underwent the procedure were retrospectively reviewed; the minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system. Disc height, disc angle, cage positioning in the axial plane, and fusion status were radiographically evaluated.

The mean follow-up period was 33.8 months. The mean improvement in the JOA score was 77.2%. Fusion was successful in 93% of the cases. According to the Farfan method, the mean anterior and posterior disc heights increased from 20.2 and 16.9% preoperatively to 35.9 and 22.7% at follow up, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean disc angle increased from 4.8° preoperatively to 7.5° at last follow-up examination (p < 0.01). Two cages were correctly placed to achieve bilateral anterior-column support in greater than 85% of the cases. The following complications occurred: hardware migration in two patients and deep infection cured by intravenous antibiotic therapy in one patient.

Conclusions

Unilateral TLIF involving the placement of two Brantigan cages per level led to good clinical results. Two Brantigan cages were adequately placed via a single portal, and reliable bilateral anterior-column support was achieved. Although the less invasive unilateral approach was used, the outcomes were as good as those in many reported series of posterior lumbar interbody fusion in which the Brantigan cages were placed via the bilateral approach.
Anatomical feasibility of using the ninth, 10th, and 11th intercostal nerves for the treatment of neurological deficits after damage to the spinal cord
Authors: Vialle Raphaël , Lepeintre Jean-François , Court Charles , Loureiro Maria-Carolina , Lacroix Catherine , Tadié Marc
Published: January 2008

Object

The topographic anatomy of the lower intercostal nerves is less well known than that of the upper ones, except for the 12th intercostal nerve. It is possible to use the lower intercostal nerves to perform a neurotization of the lumbar roots. The authors studied the anatomy of the ninth, 10th, and 11th intercostal nerves to obtain descriptive and topographic anatomical data to aid in establishing optimal conditions for harvesting.

Methods

The ninth, 10th, and 11th intercostal nerves of 50 cadavers were dissected. The proximal part of the nerve in the posterior intercostal space (ISC) was exposed through a posterior approach. The lateral ICS was exposed through a lateral approach, under the latissimus dorsi, which made it possible to harvest the intercostal nerves using a stripping technique. A histological study was conducted on 10 pigs to evaluate the risk of nerve lesions during the stripping procedure.

Conclusions

The proximal course of the nerve in the posterior ICS was the same in all cases. The mean total length of the intercostal nerves harvested was 17.96 cm for the ninth, 17.14 cm for the 10th, and 15.94 cm for the 11th intercostal nerve. The harvested nerve length was sufficient in 297 of the 300 cases to perform lumbar root neurotization. The histological study showed no difference between the “open” and the “stripping” techniques regarding the risk of histological lesions in harvested nerves.
Spinal cord injury–induced expression of the immune-regulatory chemokine interleukin-16 caused by activated microglia/macrophages and CD8+ cells
Authors: Mueller Christian A. , Schluesener Hermann J. , Conrad Sabine , Pietsch Torsten , Schwab Jan M.
Published: January 2008

Object

Spinal cord injury (SCI) elicits a strong inflammatory response that readily participates in lipid oxygenation, edema formation, apoptotic cell death, and tissue remodeling. Because cytokines determine the postinjury inflammatory milieu, the authors analyzed the expression of the immunomodulatory chemokine interleukin-16 (IL-16) after SCI.

Methods

The authors detected a highly significant, persistent, lesional accumulation of parenchymal IL-16+microglia/macrophages, which reached a maximal level 3 days postinjury compared with control rats. The majority of cells that demonstrated positive labeling for IL-16 also had positive labeling for ED1 (> 70%) and OX-8/CD8; these cells exhibited the morphological hallmarks of activated microglia/macrophages and pronounced MHC Class II expression. In contrast to IL-16+ED1+cells, IL-16+microglia/macrophages that coexpressed OX-8 were exclusively seen in the pannecrotic lesion core. In addition, clustering of IL-16+cells was observed in perivascular Virchow–Robin-like spaces in areas of the primary injury (lesion core) and in immediately adjacent areas of secondary injury. Furthermore, on Day 3 postinjury, IL-16+microglia/macrophages were frequently observed in a perineuronal position.

Conclusions

The early lesional accumulation of IL-16+microglia/macrophages suggests a role for IL-16 in the early postinjury immune response such as recruitment and activation of immune cells, leading to microvessel clustering and secondary damage progression.
Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula associated with a spinal perimedullary fistula
Authors: Krings Timo , Coenen Volker A. , Weinzierl Martin , Reinges Marcus H. T. , Mull Michael , Thron Armin , Rohde Veit
Published: January 2008

✓ Among spinal cord vascular malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) must be distinguished from intradural malformations. The concurrence of both is extremely rare. The authors report the case of a 35-year-old man who suffered from progressive myelopathy and who harbored both a DAVF and an intradural perimedullary fistula. During surgery, both fistulas were identified, confirmed, and subsequently obliterated. The fistulas were located at two levels directly adjacent to each other. Although the incidence of concurrent spinal DAVFs is presumed to be approximately 2%, the combination of a dural and an intradural fistula is exceedingly rare; only two other cases have been reported in the literature. One can speculate whether the alteration in venous drainage caused by the (presumably congenital) perimedullary fistula could possibly promote the production of a second dural fistula due to elevated pressure with concomitant venous stagnation and subsequent thrombosis. The authors conclude that despite the rarity of dual pathological entities, the clinician should be aware of the possibility of the concurrence of more than one spinal fistula in the same patient.
Effect of approach side during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion on the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury
Authors: Kilburg Craig , Sullivan Humbert G. , Mathiason Michelle A.
Published: January 2008

Object

This retrospective study was designed to determine whether side of approach during instrumented, one- or two-level primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) affects the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury diagnosed by observation of the vocal cords (OVC).

Methods

Records of all patients who underwent one- or two-level instrumented primary ACDF (418 patients) between January 1995 and February 2004 were reviewed. Data collected from these charts included surgeon, patient demographics, preoperative diagnosis, side of exposure, number of vertebral levels fused, and presence of RLN injury diagnosed by OVC after referral for persistent dysphonia. Time from surgery to OVC for patients with right-sided exposures was not statistically different from that for patients with left-sided exposures. Of 418 patients, 278 (66.5%) had right-sided exposures and 140 (33.5%) had left-sided exposures. Eight RLN injuries (1.9%) were noted—five in patients with right-sided exposures (1.8%) and three in patients with left-sided exposures (2.1%). The difference between right- and left-sided injury rates was shown to be nonsignificant using Fisher exact tests.

Conclusions

Results indicate that, given the study’s sample size, side of approach during instrumented, one- or two-level primary ACDF has no significant effect on RLN injury incidence in patients with persistent dysphonia referred for OVC. The definitive answer regarding the true incidence of RLN injury relative to approach side awaits a prospective study with preoperative, immediate postoperative, and periodic OVC in a large, homogeneous population with sufficient numbers of patients with right- and left-sided approaches.
Expandable cylindrical cages in the cervical spine: a review of 22 cases
Authors: Auguste Kurtis I. , Chin Cynthia , Acosta Frank L. , Ames Christopher P.
Published: January 2008

Object

Expandable cylindrical cages (ECCs) have been utilized successfully to reconstruct the thoracic and lumbar spine. Their advantages include ease of insertion, reduced endplate trauma, direct application/maintenance of interbody distraction force, and one-step kyphosis correction. The authors present their experience with ECCs in the reconstruction of the cervical spine in patients with various pathological conditions.

Methods

Data obtained in 22 patients were reviewed retrospectively. A standard anterior cervical corpectomy was performed in all cases. Local vertebral body bone was harvested for use as graft material. Patients underwent pre- and postoperative assessment involving the visual analog scale (VAS), Nurick grading system for determining myelopathy disability, and radiographic studies to determine cervical kyphosis/lordosis and cage subsidence. Fusion was defined as the absence of motion on flexion–extension x-ray films.

Sixteen patients presented with spondylotic myelopathy, two with osteomyelitis, two with fracture, one with tumor metastasis, and one with severe stenosis. Fourteen patients underwent supplemental posterior spinal fusion, seven underwent single-level corpectomy, and 15 patients underwent multilevel corpectomy. No perioperative complications occurred. The mean follow-up period was 22 months. In 11 patients with preexisting kyphosis (mean deformity +19°), the mean correction was 22°. There was no statistically significant difference in subsidence between single- and multilevel corpectomy or between 360º fusion and anterior fusion alone. The VAS scores improved by 35%, and the Nurick grade improved by 31%. The fusion rate was 100%.

Conclusions

The preliminary results support the use of ECCs in the cervical spine in the treatment of patients with various disease processes. No significant subsidence was noted, and pain and functional scores improved in all cases. Expandable cylindrical cages appear to be well suited for cervical reconstruction and for correcting sagittal malalignment.
Surgical complications of posterior lumbar interbody fusion with total facetectomy in 251 patients
Authors: Okuda Shinya , Miyauchi Akira , Oda Takenori , Haku Takamitsu , Yamamoto Tomio , Iwasaki Motoki
Published: January 2008

Object

Previous studies of surgical complications associated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) are of limited value due to intrastudy variation in instrumentation and fusion techniques. The purpose of the present study was to examine rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications of PLIF using a large number of cases with uniform instrumentation and a uniform fusion technique.

Methods

The authors reviewed the hospital records of 251 patients who underwent PLIF for degenerative lumbar disorders between 1996 and 2002 and who could be followed for at least 2 years. Intraoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative complications were investigated.

Intraoperative complications occurred in 26 patients: dural tearing in 19 patients and pedicle screw malposition in seven patients. Intraoperative complications did not affect the postoperative clinical results. Early postoperative complications occurred in 19 patients: brain infarction occurred in one, infection in one, and neurological complications in 17. Of the 17 patients with neurological complications, nine showed severe motor loss such as foot drop; the remaining eight patients showed slight motor loss or radicular pain alone, and their symptoms improved within 6 weeks. Late postoperative complications occurred in 17 patients: hardware failure in three, nonunion in three, and adjacent-segment degeneration in 11. Postoperative progression of symptomatic adjacentsegment degeneration was defined as a condition that required additional surgery to treat neurological deterioration.

Conclusions

The most serious complications of PLIF were postoperative severe neurological deficits and adjacent-segment degeneration. Prevention and management of such complications are necessary to attain good long-term clinical results.
Unilateral atlantal lateral mass hypertrophy
Authors: Goel Atul , Bonde Vivek , Menon Ram
Published: January 2008

✓ The authors report the cases of four patients in whom they diagnosed an extremely rare and hitherto unreported clinical condition—unilateral hypertrophy of the C-1 lateral mass causing symptomatic cord compression. All patients presented with long-standing torticollis and progressive myelopathy. Three patients underwent posterior decompressive surgery and one underwent resection of the part of the lateral mass invading into the spinal canal and subsequent atlantoaxial plate and screw fixation. Clinical improvement of varying degrees occurred in all cases following surgery. The clinical recovery, however, was most remarkable in the patient who underwent resection of the bone portion indenting the cord. The follow-up periods ranged from 2 to 14 years.

The remarkable similarity in the presenting clinical and radiological/neuroimaging features in all four patients suggests that unilateral hypertrophy of the lateral mass of atlas may be a defined clinical entity. The treatment strategy needs to be evaluated; however, resection of the compression-causing portion of the hypertrophic bone appears to be the best treatment option.
Comparison of operative and nonoperative treatment for thoracolumbar burst fractures in patients without neurological deficit: a systematic review
Authors: Thomas Kenneth C. , Bailey Christopher S. , Dvorak Marcel F. , Kwon Brian , Fisher Charles
Published: January 2008

Object

Despite extensive published research on thoracolumbar burst fractures, controversy still surrounds which is the most appropriate treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the scientific literature on operative and nonoperative treatment of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and no neurological deficit.

Methods

In their search of the literature, the authors identified all possible relevant studies concerning thoracolumbar burst fracture without neurological deficit. Two independent observers performed study selection, methodological quality assessment, and data extraction in a blinded and objective manner for all papers identified during the search. In a synthesis of the literature, the authors obtained evidence for both operative and nonoperative treatments.

Conclusions

There is a lack of evidence demonstrating the superiority of one approach over the other as measured using generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life scales. There is no scientific evidence linking posttraumatic kyphosis to clinical outcomes. The authors found that there is a strong need for improved clinical research methodology to be applied to this patient population.
Chimney sublaminar decompression for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Lin Swei-Ming , Tseng Sheng-Hong , Yang Jiao-Chiao , Tu Chi-Cheng
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of so-called chimney sublaminar decompression, a new technique to decompress the degenerative stenotic lumbar spinal canal without stripping of the paravertebral muscles.

Methods

Eighteen patients (nine men and nine women whose mean age was 67 years) with symptoms of claudication were selected to undergo chimney sublaminar decompression. The duration of symptoms was greater than 6 months in 17 patients. Two lumbar segments were involved in seven patients, three in eight, and four in the remaining three patients. Central canal stenosis was present in 13 patients, and lateral recess stenosis in five patients. Mild spondylolisthesis was noted in seven patients. All the patients underwent chimney sublaminar decompression.

After surgery, mild wound pain developed in 14 patients, moderate wound pain in two, and severe wound pain in two. The postoperative hospital stay was 4 days or fewer in 14 patients. At follow-up examination, excellent, good, and fair outcomes were achieved in 11, five, and two patients, respectively. No patient required a body brace, and no worsening of preexisting spondylolisthesis was detected. The spinal canal was increased to two- to 6.8-fold (mean 4.2-fold) the preoperative size.

Conclusions

Compared with laminectomy or endoscopic surgery, the aforementioned chimney sublaminar decompression technique was an equally effective and less invasive technique in the treatment of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis.
Subsidence of the Wing titanium cage after anterior cervical interbody fusion: 2-year follow-up study
Authors: Schmieder Kirsten , Wolzik-Grossmann Markus , Pechlivanis Ioannis , Engelhardt Martin , Scholz Martin , Harders Albrecht
Published: January 2008

Object

Cage subsidence occurs after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate subsidence and total segmental height after implantation of a newly designed Wing titanium cage. Furthermore, alignment of the entire cervical spine was analyzed 2 years after surgery.

Methods

Fifty-four patients (26 women and 28 men) whose mean age was 48.3 years underwent ACDF. Follow-up examinations were performed at discharge and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively by an independent investigator. The clinical course was evaluated using the visual analog pain scale and the Prolo scales. Measurements of subsidence and total segmental height were conducted, and the alignment of the entire cervical spine was classified using two methods.

In 54 patients 64 levels were fused. The patients noted a significant reduction of pain, and scores on both Prolo scales were significantly improved. At the 2-year follow-up examination, subsidence was present in 30 of the 67 fused segments. There was a statistically significant correlation between subsidence and the presence of posterior spondylosis at the initial surgery. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between reduction of total segmental height and the presence of subsidence; however, subsidence did not prevent the development of a solid bone arthrodesis (fusion rate 98%) or have an adverse effect on the alignment of the cervical spine.

Conclusions

Titanium Wing cage–augmented ACDF was associated with comparatively good long-term results. Subsidence was present but did not cause clinical complications. Furthermore, radiological studies demonstrated that the physiological alignment of the cervical spine was preserved and a solid bone arthrodesis was present at 2 years after surgery.
Vertebral column subtraction osteotomy for recurrent tethered cord syndrome in adults: a cadaveric study
Authors: Grande Andrew W. , Maher P. Colby , Morgan Chad J. , Choutka Ondrej , Ling Benjamin C. , Raderstorf Timothy C. , Berger Edward J. , Kuntz Charles
Published: January 2008

Object

The standard treatment for lumbosacral tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in adults is surgical detethering. In patients with recurrent TCS, additional detethering operations are associated with increased risk of complications and subsequent scar formation. The authors studied the effect of undertaking a vertebral column subtraction osteotomy (VCSO) at the thoracolumbar junction to shorten the vertebral column and reduce neural element tension.

Methods

A model of TCS, developed in fresh-frozen human cadavers, was evaluated in three experiments. In Experiment 1, VCSO of 20 to 25 mm was performed at the T11–12 level. The vertebral column was sequentially shortened and the reduction in tension was measured separately in the terminal filum and the L-1 to S-3 or S-4 nerve roots. In Experiments 2 and 3 the reduction in tension was measured in the spinal cord after a VCSO and after simulating a traditional detethering operation.

Vertebral column shortening produced tension reduction in all experiments. Tension decreased to less than 0.6 g in the terminal filum, L1–S3/4 nerve roots, and spinal cord after closure of a 20- to 25-mm VCSO. The mean ± standard deviation of the Δtension/Δdistance was −0.242 ± 0.019 g/mm for the terminal filum, −0.246 ± 0.019 g/mm for the lumbar nerve roots, and −0.216 ± 0.040 g/mm for the sacral nerve roots. A simulated traditional detethering operation required significant neural element release (detethering) to achieve spinal cord tension reduction equivalent to VCSO.

Conclusions

A VCSO significantly reduced neural tension at the thoracolumbar junction. This novel procedure may provide an alternative to traditional surgical detethering when scarring is excessive and the risk of complications and retethering are high.
Primary intramedullary primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the cervical spinal cord
Authors: Jain Amit , Jalali Rakesh , Nadkarni Trimurti D. , Sharma Suash
Published: January 2008

✓ Primary intramedullary primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) of the spinal cord are rare. Only six cases have previously been reported, all involving tumors in the thoracic or lumbar spine. The authors report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with quadriplegia and bladder and bowel dysfunction. The patient had suffered symptoms of neck pain for 1 month and left shoulder weakness for 10 days. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed an intramedullary mass extending from C-2 to C-5 with an exophytic component in the adjacent left subarachnoid space. Multiple biopsy specimens were obtained, and a partial excision was performed. Histological examination revealed nodular growth and neuronal differentiation, with a striking resemblance to desmoplastic medulloblastoma. A positron emission tomography scan did not reveal uptake at any site. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of a primary intramedullary PNET. Postoperatively, the patient was given craniospinal radiotherapy with a radiation boost to the tumor bed.
Spinal intramedullary ependymal cyst and tethered cord in an adult
Authors: Takci Erhan , Sengul Goksin , Keles Muzaffer
Published: January 2008

✓ Spinal intramedullary ependymal cysts are extremely rare. Fourteen cases have been reported in the literature, and only one was associated with another congenital lesion. The authors describe the case of a 33-year-old man in whom an intramedullary ependymal cyst and filar lipoma were present. These lesions were diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and were treated surgically. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. At 6 months post-surgery, there was no evidence of recurrence.
Recurrence of hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis
Authors: Ito Zenya , Osawa Yoshimitsu , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Aoki Takaaki , Harada Atsushi , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: January 2008

✓Hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (HSP) is a comparatively rare disease characterized by hypertrophic inflammation of the dura mater and clinical symptoms that progress from local pain to myelopathy. The authors report two cases of recurrent HSP and review the English- and Japanese-language literature focusing on the recurrence of HSP.

In the first case, a man who presented at 67 years of age with lower-extremity numbness, gait disturbance, and bladder dysfunction experienced two recurrences of HSP during the 11 years of follow up after his initial laminectomy. Both recurrences were successfully treated with laminoplasty and duraplasty. Three years after his last surgical procedure, he was still able to walk with the aid of a walker. In the second case, a man who presented at 62 years of age with lower-extremity numbness and gait disturbance was initially treated successfully with steroid pulse therapy. Approximately 8 months after his initial presentation, his symptoms recurred. He underwent laminoplasty and duraplasty. At the 2.5-year follow-up examination, he had only mild neurological deficits and was still able to walk unaided.

To explore possible causes of recurrence, the authors searched the English- and Japanese-language literature for cases of HSP. Of the 96 cases identified, 11 were recurrent. Data on the presence or absence of inflammatory signs were available for 84 patients. A chi-square analysis revealed a significantly increased rate of recurrence for patients who had at least one positive inflammatory sign before surgery (six [20%] recurrent cases of 30) compared with those who had no positive inflammatory signs before surgery (two [3.7%] recurrent cases of 54) (p < 0.05). The authors conclude that HSP recurrence occurs because of active inflammation of the dura before surgery and the influence of chronic inflammation, including residual arachnoiditis.
Anterior stabilization of three-column thoracolumbar spinal trauma
Authors: Oskouian Rod J. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Whitehill Richard , Sansur Charles A. , Pouratian Nader , Kanter Adam S. , Asthagiri Ashok R. , Dumont Aaron S. , Sheehan Jason P. , Elias W. Jeffrey , Shaffrey Mark E.
Published: January 2008

Object

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results obtained in patients who underwent anterior stabilization for three-column thoracolumbar fractures.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed available clinical and radiographic data (1997–2006) to classify three-column thoracolumbar fractures according to the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO) system, neurological status, spinal canal compromise, pre- and postoperative segmental angulation, and arthrodesis rate.

The mean computed tomography–measured preoperative spinal canal compromise was 48.3% (range 8–92%), and the mean vertebral body height loss was 39.4%. The mean preoperative kyphotic deformity of 14.9° improved to 4.6° at the final follow-up examination. Although this angulation had increased a mean of 1.8° during the follow-up period, the extent of correction was still significant compared with the preoperative angulation (p < 0.01). There were no cases of vascular complication or neurological deterioration.

Conclusions

Contemporary anterior spinal reconstruction techniques can allow certain types of unstable three-column thoracolumbar fractures to be treated via an anterior approach alone. Compared with traditional posterior approaches, the anterior route spares lumbar motion segments and obviates the need for harvesting of the iliac crest.
Durectomy and reconstruction for the treatment of a recurrent spinal meningioma
Authors: Horn Eric M. , Deshmukh Vivek R. , Lekovic Gregory P. , Dickman Curtis A.
Published: January 2008

✓ The management of spinal meningiomas with extensive involvement of the dura mater is controversial. The principal difficulty in performing a resection is the potential for complications associated with this approach. The authors present the case of a pregnant 35-year-old woman in whom bilateral lower-extremity numbness, weakness, gait ataxia, and myelopathy developed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a recurrent thoracic meningioma with extensive infiltration of the dura mater. Durectomy, complete resection, and reconstruction were performed. The patient has not experienced a recurrence 21 months after her treatment. This case illustrates that thoracic spinal meningiomas with extensive dural involvement can be resected safely with a complete durectomy. The novel dural reconstruction involving the implantation of a fascia lata and bovine pericardium allograft is an effective way to reconstruct the dura to create an adequate barrier to cerebrospinal fluid.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of thoracic and lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy for fixed sagittal imbalance
Authors: Yang Benson P. , Ondra Stephen L. , Chen Larry A. , Jung Hee Soo , Koski Tyler R. , Salehi Sean A.
Published: January 2008

Object

he authors conducted a study to evaluate the radiographically documented and functional outcomes obtained in patients who underwent pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). They also compared outcomes after classification of cases into thoracic and lumbar PSO subgroups.

Methods

he authors analyzed data obtained in 35 consecutive PSO-treated patients with sagittal imbalance. One surgeon performed all surgeries. The minimal follow-up period was 2 years. Events during the perioperative course and complications were noted. Standing long-film radiographs of the spine were obtained and measurements were made preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at most recent follow-up examination. The modified Prolo Scale and the 22-item Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) Outcomes Questionnaire were administered.

Early complications after PSO included neurological injury, wound-related problems, and nosocomial infections. Late complications were limited to pseudarthrosis and attendant instrumentation failure. Early and late complication rates ranged from 10 to 30% for both thoracic and lumbar PSO cohorts.

Lumbar PSO was associated with improvements in local, segmental, and global measures of sagittal balance, whereas thoracic PSO was only associated with local improvement. Most patients rated their functional status as fair to good according to the modified Prolo Scale and reported, according to the SRS-22 Outcomes Questionnaire, that they were satisfied with the overall treatment of their back condition.

Conclusions

The ability to perform a PSO at both lumbar and thoracic levels is a powerful asset for the spine surgeon treating spinal deformity. In the present study radiographic and clinical outcomes were superior when PSO was used to treat lumbar deformity rather than thoracic deformity because of several anatomical and technical obstacles that hindered the thoracic procedure. Nevertheless, the thoracic PSO proved a useful addition with which to produce regional improvement in sagittal balance for patients with a fixed thoracic kyphosis.
Antibiotic–polymethylmethacrylate strut: an option for treating cervical pyogenic spondylitis
Authors: Chen Jyi-Feng , Lee Shih-Tseng
Published: January 2008

✓ Antibiotic–polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement and beads constitute an effective system of local drug delivery of antibiotic agents in patients with bone and soft-tissue infections. Debridement followed by implantation of antibiotic–PMMA beads and systemic administration of antibiotic agents has achieved a 100% success rate in treating chronic osteomyelitis; however, there have been no reports of an antibiotic–PMMA strut for treating spinal pyogenic spondylitis. In this case report we describe a 57-year-old woman with C5–6 pyogenic spondylitis, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological deficits. The patient underwent anterior C-5 and C-6 corpectomy and spinal reconstruction in which we used an antibiotic–PMMA strut. The strut was 14 mm in diameter and contained PMMA and vancomycin powder. The operation was technically successful, and no complication related to anesthesia or the surgical procedure occurred. At the 12-month follow-up examination, dynamic radiographs revealed cervical spine stabilization. The patient’s neck pain subsided and she recovered neurologically with no residual infection. No antibiotic–PMMA strut dislodgment or failure was identified; however, 9.8% subsidence of the strut into the vertebrae was observed. The long-term outcome in this case requires further evaluation.
Comparison of anterolateral and posterior approaches in the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures
Authors: Hitchon Patrick W. , Torner James , Eichholz Kurt M. , Beeler Stephanie N.
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors undertook a retrospective cohort study of patients with T11–L2 thoracolumbar burst fractures who underwent decompression and the placement of instrumentation via the anterolateral or posterior approach.

Methods

There were 63 thoracolumbar burst fractures in 45 male and 18 female patients. The instrumentation was placed posteriorly in 25 patients and anterolaterally in 38. The mean follow-up duration after discharge from the hospital was 1.8 years (range 6 months–8 years).

The mean preoperative Frankel scores in the anterolateral and posterior groups were 3.7 ± 1.1 and 3.5 ± 1.4, respectively (p = 0.4155). Preoperative angular deformity in the anterolateral and posterior groups measured 11.9 ± 9.7 and 4.1 ± 7.1°, respectively (p = 0.0007). Postoperatively, angular deformity had been corrected to 2.0 ± 7.9 and 3.4 ± 7.5° in both groups, respectively (p = 0.565). The follow-up Frankel scores had improved to 4.2 ± 0.8 and 4.0 ± 1.4 (p = 0.461). At the latest follow-up examination, angular deformity had progressed to 4.5 ± 9.3° in the anterolateral group and to 9.8 ± 9.4° in the posterior group (p = 0.024).

Although surgeons’ fees were significantly (p = 0.0024) higher for patients who underwent anterolateral procedures ($27,940 ± 4390) than for those who underwent posterior surgery ($18,270 ± 6980), there was no intergroup difference in total cost of hospitalization.

Conclusions

Rigid guidelines for the selection of anterior or posterior approaches are lacking. Evaluation of the authors’ results and those of others shows that angular deformity is more successfully corrected and maintained when the anterior approach is used.
Conus medullaris schistosomiasis
Authors: Wan Feng , Li Ling , Chen Jingcao , Chen Jian , Lei Ting , Xue Delin , Niu Hongquan , Shu Kai , Zhang Ping , Yang Zhengming , Wang Yuping
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors performed a study to investigate the clinical manifestations, treatment strategies, and possible pathogenesis of conus medullaris schistosomiasis.

Methods

Six cases collected from the authors’ experience and four cases reported in the literature were studied retrospectively for clinical manifestations, treatment outcomes, and prognosis. All patients experienced progressive lower-extremity weakness and functional bowel and bladder impairment. Although the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging results suggested the presence of a conus medullaris tumor, schistosomiasis was diagnosed based on pathological results obtained in the 10 patients. The results of surgery followed by pyquiton and hormone treatment confirmed the diagnosis, and the patients’ prognoses were good.

Conclusions

This pathological entity is predominantly found in adults, and the clinical manifestations have no specificity, although the MR imaging may provide some clues. As a form of ectopic schistosomiasis, conus medullaris schistosomiasis deserves special consideration and further exploration. If an early diagnosis can be made and pyquiton and hormone therapy is given, surgery can be avoided and the prognosis will remain good.