bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lateral interscalenic multilevel oblique corpectomies to repair ventral root avulsions after brachial plexus injury in humans: anatomical study and first clinical experience
Authors: Fournier Henri-Dominique , Mercier Philippe , Menei Philippe 
Published: May 2009

Object. Because central nervous system white matter exerts a powerful inhibitory effect on axonal growth, implantation of nerve grafts or rootlets into the cervical spinal cord following ventral root avulsion injury should, ideally, be performed directly through the ventral root exit zone (VRExZ), which is located near the anteromedial aspect of the anterior horn; the grafts/rootlets should not be implanted into the white matter of the lateral cord. This is not possible when using a conservative posterior approach. Therefore, the authors have studied the anatomy encountered when using the anterolateral approach and evaluated the technique in the particular case of avulsed ventral nerve roots. They also present a case illustration of the procedure, which is used currently in their department.
Methods. Anterior access to the rootlets is obtained using a lateral interscalenic approach; the vertebral artery is exposed and mobilized, and oblique drilling of the vertebral bodies (VBs) is performed. Because the articular processes and half of the VBs are preserved, fusion is not required.
The approach allows the surgeon to expose the anterior aspect of the cervical dura and the entire length of the emerging spinal nerves. The anterior aspect of the dura is opened at the desired levels for VRExZ exposure, and the position is ideal for implantation of the graft/rootlets. The interscalenic dissection is mandatory so that the lesions of the supraclavicular plexus can be evaluated and repaired. If necessary, the anterior approach allows for exploration of the infraclavicular plexus during the same procedure.
Conclusions. The use of a true anterior approach to the ventral rootlets appears to be a valuable and appropriate approach that avoids extensive laminectomy/facetectomy while reimplantation is performed through the anterolateral sulcus itself. In this approach, however, reimplantation of dorsal roots into the spinal cord remains impossible.
Comparison of the biomechanics of hydroxyapatite and polymethylmethacrylate vertebroplasty in a cadaveric spinal compression fracture model
Authors: Hitchon Patrick W. , Goel Vijay , Drake John , Taggard Derek , Brenton Matthew , Rogge Thomas , Torner James C. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has long been used in the stabilization and reconstruction of traumatic and pathological fractures of the spine. Recently, hydroxyapatite (HA), an osteoconductive, biocompatible cement, has been used as an alternative to PMMA. In this study the authors compare the stabilizing effects of the HA product, BoneSource, with PMMA in an experimental compression fracture of L-1.
Methods. Twenty T9—L3 cadaveric spine specimens were mounted individually on a testing frame. Light-emitting diodes were placed on the neural arches as well as the base. Motion was tracked by two video cameras in response to applied loads of 0 to 6 Nm. The weight-drop technique was used to induce a reproducible compression fracture of T-11 after partially coring out the vertebra. Load testing was performed on the intact spine, postfracture, after unilateral transpedicular vertebroplasty with 7 to 10 ml of PMMA or HA, and after flexion—extension fatiguing to 5000 cycles at ± 3 Nm.
No significant difference between the HA- and PMMA cemented—fixated spines was demonstrated in flexion, extension, left lateral bending, or right and left axial rotation. The only difference between the two cements was encountered before and after fatiguing in right lateral bending (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that the same angular rigidity can be achieved using either HA or PMMA. This is of particular interest because HA is osteoconductive, undergoes remodeling, and is not exothermic.
Vascular complications in anterior thoracolumbar spinal reconstruction
Authors: Oskouian Rod J. , Johnson J. Patrick 
Published: May 2009

Object. Anterior approaches in thoracic and lumbar spinal surgery have potentially serious vascular injury—related complications. In this study the authors evaluate the incidence of vascular complications in anterior approaches to the thoracic and lumbar spine in cases requiring reconstructive surgery.
Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 207 patients who underwent anterior thoracic and lumbar spinal reconstructive surgery during the period from 1992 through 1999 to determine the incidence, causes, and management of vascular complications.
Overall, the incidence of vascular complications following reconstructive spinal surgery was 5.8% (12 patients) and the mortality rate was 1% (two patient deaths). In seven patients (3.4%), direct vascular injuries developed as a result of surgical techniques or error; one patient died as a result. Five patients (2.4%) developed deep venous thromboses, and one patient in this subgroup died of pulmonary embolism.
Conclusions. Vascular injury to the great vessels is a known and potentially serious complication associated with anterior spinal reconstructive procedures. The authors found, however, that the incidence is relatively low in cases in which venous injuries occurred acutely and arterial injuries presented in a delayed fashion.
Long-term outcome of anterior decompression and spinal fixation after placement of the Wellesley Wedge for thoracic and lumbar spinal metastasis
Authors: Yen David , Kuriachan Vikas , Yach Jeff , Howard Andrew 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors assessed the long-term results of anterior decompressive and vertebral body reconstructive surgery in which the Wellesley Wedge was applied in patients with metastatic spinal lesions over the life span of these individuals.
Methods. The authors performed a retrospective review of the outcome of 27 consecutively treated patients who underwent surgery for thoracic or lumbar spine metastases. Decompressive surgery was performed via an anterior thoracotomy and/or retroperitoneal approach depending on the level of the lesion. The spine was reconstructed using a U-shaped plate with an interposed methylmethacrylate strut known as the Wellesley Wedge.
Results. Thirty percent of patients suffered medical complications whereas 22% experienced postoperative improvement, as reflected by an improved Frankel grade. Used in patients with a variety of primary tumor types, a spectrum of ages and neurological status, and extensive preoperative osseous spinal involvement and deformity, the Wellesley Wedge resulted in spinal stability for the duration of patients' lives in 92%.
Conclusions. In this series the patient selection process for surgery was a challenge yet to be solved; however, considering the durability of the Wellesley Wedge itself, the authors will continue to use it in selected patients.
Cervical spinal stenosis: outcome after anterior corpectomy, allograft reconstruction, and instrumentation
Authors: Mayr Matthew T. , Subach Brian R. , Comey Christopher H. , Rodts Gerald E. , Haid Regis W. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors undertook a retrospective single-institution review of 261 patients who underwent anterior cervical corpectomy, reconstruction with allograft fibula, and placement of an anterior plating system for the treatment of cervical spinal stenosis to assess fusion rates and procedure-related complications.
Methods. Between October 1989 and June 1995, 261 patients with cervical stenosis underwent cervical corpectomy, allograft fibular bone fusion, and placement of instrumentation for spondylosis (197 patients), postlaminectomy kyphosis (27 patients), acute fracture (25 patients), or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (12 patients). All patients suffered neck pain and cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy refractory to medical management. Of the procedures, 133 involved a single vertebral level (two disc levels and one vertebral body), 96 involved two levels, 31 involved three levels, and a single patient underwent a four-level procedure. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed postoperatively and at 6-month intervals. The mean follow-up period was 25.7 months (range 24–47 months).
Successful fusion was documented in 226 patients (86.6%). A stable, fibrous union developed in 33 asymptomatic patients (12.6%), whereas an unstable pseudarthrosis in two patients (0.8%) required reoperation. There were no cases of infection, spinal fluid leakage, or postoperative hematoma. Complications included transient unilateral upper-extremity weakness (two patients), dysphagia (35 transient and seven permanent), and hoarseness (35 transient and two permanent). In 14 patients (5.4%) radiological studies demonstrated evidence of hardware failure.
Conclusions. Cervical corpectomy with fibular allograft reconstruction and anterior plating is an effective means of achieving spinal decompression and stabilization in cases of anterior cervical disease. Symptomatic improvement was achieved in 99.2% of patients. In their series the authors found a fusion rate of 86.6% and rates of permanent hoarseness of 3.4%, dysphagia of 0.7%, and an instrumentation failure rate of 5.4%.
Westeinde Sciatica Trial: randomized controlled study of bed rest and physiotherapy for acute sciatica
Authors: Hofstee Derk J. , Gijtenbeek Johanna M. M. , Hoogland Peter H. , van Houwelingen Hans C. , Kloet Alfred , Lötters Freek , Tans Joseph Th. J. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors conducted a study to compare the efficacies of three nonsurgical treatment strategies in patients with sciatica. Their hypothesis was that bed rest, physiotherapy, and continuation of activities of daily living (ADLs) (control treatment) are each of equivalent efficacy.
Methods. This randomized controlled trial was designed for comparison of bed rest, physiotherapy, and continuation of ADLs. The setting was an outpatient clinic. General practitioners were asked to refer patients for treatment as soon as possible. The authors enrolled 250 patients (< 60 years of age) with sciatica of less than 1-month's duration and who had not yet been treated with bed rest or physiotherapy. Primary outcome measures were radicular pain (based on a visual analog pain scale [VAPS]) and hampered ADLs (Quebec Disability Scale [QDS]). Secondary outcome measures were the rates of treatment-related failure and surgical treatment. Measures were assessed at baseline and during follow up at 1, 2, and 6 months.
Mean differences in VAPS and QDS scores between bed rest and control treatment were 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] −6.4 to 11.4) and −4.8 (95% CI −10.6 to 0.9) at 1 month and 0.9 (95% CI −8.7 to 10.4) and −2.7 (95% CI −9.9 to 4.4) at 2 months, respectively. The respective differences between physiotherapy and control treatment were 0.8 (95% CI −8.2 to 9.8) and −0.5 (95% CI −6.3 to 5.3) at 1 month and −0.3 (95% CI −9.4 to 10) and 0.0 (95% CI −7.2 to 7.3) at 2 months. The respective odds ratios for treatment failure and surgical treatment of bed rest compared with control treatment were 1.6 (95% CI 0.8–3.5) and 1.5 (95% CI 0.7–3.6) at 6 months. When physiotherapy was compared with control treatment, these ratios were 1.5 (95% CI 0.7–3.2) and 1.2 (95% CI 0.5–2.9) at 6 months, respectively.
Conclusions. Bed rest and physiotherapy are not more effective in acute sciatica than continuation of ADLs.
Dose-dependent epidural leakage of polymethylmethacrylate after percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Ryu Kyung Sik , Park Chun Kun , Kim Moon Chan , Kang Joon Ki 
Published: May 2009

Object. The use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement by percutaneous injection in cases requiring vertebroplasty provides pain relief in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. A retrospective study was performed to assess what caused PMMA cement to leak into the epidural space and to determine if this leakage caused any changes in its therapeutic benefits.
Methods. Polymethylmethacrylate was injected into 347 vertebral compression fractures in 159 patients. The cement leaked into the epidural space in 92 (26.5%) of 347 treated vertebrae in 64 (40.3%) of the 159 patients, as demonstrated on postoperative computerized tomography scanning. Epidural leakage of PMMA cement occurred more often when injected above the level of T-7 (p = 0.001) than below. The larger the volume of PMMA injected the higher the incidence of epidural leakage (p = 0.03). Using an injector also increased epidural leakage (p = 0.045). The position of the needle tip within the vertebral body and the pattern of venous drainage did not affect epidural leakage of the cement. Leakage of PMMA into the epidural space reduced the pain relief expected after vertebroplasty. The immediate postoperative visual analog scale scores were higher (and therefore reflective of less pain relief) in patients in whom epidural PMMA leakage occurred (p = 0.009). Three months postoperatively, the authors found the highest number of patients presenting with pain relief, including those in the group with epidural leakage, and at this follow-up stage there were no significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusions. The authors found that epidural leakage of PMMA after percutaneous vertebroplasty was dose dependent. The larger amount of injected PMMA, the higher the incidence of leakage. Injecting vertebral levels above T-7 also increased the incidence of epidural leakage. Epidural leakage of PMMA may attenuate only the immediate therapeutic effects of vertebroplasty.
Polymethylmethacrylate-augmented screw fixation for stabilization in metastatic spinal tumors
Authors: Jang Jee Soo , Lee Sang Ho , Rhee Chang Hun , Lee Seung Hoon 
Published: May 2009

✓ Screw fixation augmented with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or some other biocompatible bone cement has been used in patients with osteoporosis requiring spinal fusion. No clinical studies have been conducted on PMMA-augmented screw fixation for stabilization of the vertebral column in patients with metastatic spinal tumors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether screw fixation augmented with PMMA might be suitable in patients treated for multilevel metastatic spinal tumors.
Ten patients with metastatic spinal tumors involving multiple vertebral levels underwent stabilization procedures in which PMMA was used to augment screw fixation after decompression of the spinal cord.
Within 15 days, partial or complete relief from pain was obtained in all patients postoperatively. Two of four patients in whom neurological deficits caused them to be nonambulatory before surgery were able to ambulate postoperatively. Neither collapse of the injected vertebral bodies nor failure of the screw fixation was observed during the mean follow-up period of 6.7 months.
Screw fixation augmented with PMMA may offer stronger stabilization and facilitate the instrumentation across short segments in the treatment of multilevel metastatic spinal tumors.
Modified classification of spinal cord vascular lesions
Authors: Spetzler Robert F. , Detwiler Paul W. , Riina Howard A. , Porter Randall W. 
Published: May 2009

The literature on spinal vascular malformations contains a great deal of confusing terminology. Some of the nomenclature is inconsistent with the lesions described. Based on the experience of the senior author (R.F.S.) in the treatment of more than 130 spinal cord vascular lesions and based on a thorough review of the relevant literature, the authors propose a modified classification system for spinal cord vascular lesions.
Lesions are divided into three primary or broad categories: neoplasms, aneurysms, and arteriovenous lesions. Neoplastic vascular lesions include hemangioblastomas and cavernous malformations, both of which occur sporadically and familially. The second category consists of spinal aneurysms, which are rare. The third category, spinal cord arteriovenous lesions, is divided into arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Arteriovenous fistulas are subdivided into those that are extradural and those that are intradural, with intradural lesions categorized as either dorsal or ventral. Arteriovenous malformations are subdivided into extradural-intradural and intradural malformations. Intradural lesions are further divided into intramedullary, intramedullary-extramedullary, and conus medullaris, a new category of AVM.
This modified classification system for vascular lesions of the spinal cord, based on pathophysiology, neuroimaging features, intraoperative observations, and neuroanatomy, offers several advantages. First, it includes all surgical vascular lesions that affect the spinal cord. Second, it guides treatment by classifying lesions based on location and pathophysiology. Finally, it eliminates the confusion produced by the multitude of unrelated nomenclatural terms found in the literature.
Pathogenesis of myelopathy in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Matsunaga Shunji , Kukita Makoto , Hayashi Kyoji , Shinkura Reiko , Koriyama Chihaya , Sakou Takashi , Komiya Setsuro 
Published: May 2009

Object. The goal of this study was to clarify the pathogenesis of myelopathy in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) based on the relationship between static compression factors and dynamic factors.
Methods. There was a total of 247 patients, including 167 patients who were conservatively followed for a mean of 11 years and 2 months and 80 patients who had myelopathy at initial consultation and underwent surgery. The changes in clinical symptoms associated with OPLL in the cervical spine were examined periodically.
During the natural course of OPLL in the cervical spine, 37 (22%) of 167 patients developed or suffered aggravated spinal symptoms. All of the patients with a space available for the spinal cord (SAC) less than 6 mm suffered myelopathy, whereas the patients with an SAC diameter of 14 mm or greater did not. No correlation was found between the presence or absence of myelopathy in patients whose SAC diameter ranged from 6 mm to less than 14 mm. In patients with myelopathy whose minimal SAC diameter ranged from 6 mm to less than 14 mm, the range of motion of the cervical spine was significantly greater.
Conclusions. These results indicate that pathological compression by the ossified ligament above a certain critical point may be the most significant factor in inducing myelopathy, whereas below that point dynamic factors may be largely involved in inducing myelopathy.
Evaluation of prognostic factors and clinical outcome in elderly patients in whom expansive laminoplasty is performed for cervical myelopathy due to multisegmental spondylotic canal stenosis. A retrospective comparison with younger patients
Authors: Handa Yuji , Kubota Toshihiko , Ishii Hisamasa , Sato Kazufumi , Tsuchida Akira , Arai Yoshikazu 
Published: May 2009

Object. It remains unclear whether elderly patients with compressive cervical myelopathy can be expected to experience a promising surgery-related outcome after undergoing expansive laminoplasty. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of expansive laminoplasty in elderly patients with cervical myelopathy due to multisegmental spondylotic canal stenosis and to analyze the effect of preoperative prognostic factors on outcome in elderly compared with younger patients.
Methods. The authors reviewed the cases of 22 elderly (> 70 years of age) and 39 younger patients in whom expansive open-door laminoplasty was performed for cervical myelopathy due to multisegmental spondylotic canal stenosis. The pre- and 12-month postoperative clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) disability scale. Factors affecting the clinical outcome were statistically analyzed by evaluating the recovery rate calculated from the JOA scale.
There were no significant differences in the mean value of the preoperative factors, especially preoperative duration of symptoms and severity of preoperative disease, between the elderly and younger patient groups. In all patients, age at the time of the operation was shown to exert no significant influence on clinical outcome. The mean recovery rate was 58.8% in the elderly group and 61.8% in the younger group, and there was no significant intergroup difference. Improvement or attenuation in impaired upper- and lower-leg motor function was shown in all patients as was an absence in decline of sensory impairment of the extremities. In the elderly group, both the duration of symptoms and the severity of canal stenosis significantly (p < 0.05) affected the clinical outcome. In the younger group, the severity of preoperative symptoms had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on clinical outcome, whereas duration of the symptoms did not appreciably affect clinical improvement.
Conclusions. Open-door expansive laminoplasty showed a promising effect on clinical outcome in elderly and younger patients with multisegmental cervical canal stenosis. Significant predictive factors for clinical outcome in the elderly patients were the duration of symptoms and the severity of stenosis, which may involve the static factor causing the cervical myelopathy. To improve the elderly patients' disability, surgery must be performed as early as possible before irreversible changes in the spinal cord develop.
Forestier disease associated with a retroodontoid mass causing cervicomedullary compression
Authors: Patel Naresh P. , Wright Neill M. , Choi William W. , McBride Duncan Q. , Johnson J. Patrick 
Published: May 2009

Object. Forestier Disease (FD) is a progressive skeletal disorder affecting predominantly older men. It is also known as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and is characterized by massive anterior longitudinal ligament calcification that forms a bridge on the anterior border of the thoracic and subaxial cervical spine. To the authors' knowledge, retroodontoid masses associated with FD have not been described.
Methods. Five patients with FD and multilevel subaxial cervical fusion were treated for retroodontoid masses and cervicomedullary junction (CMJ) compression. There were four men and one woman (mean age 73 years, range 54–86 years). All patients suffered progressive neurological symptoms resulting from anterior compression of the CMJ.
Four patients underwent combined transoral resection of the ligamentous mass followed by an occipitocervical fusion procedure. One patient with circumferential CMJ compression underwent a posterior decompression and occipitocervical fusion. Histopathological examination of the mass showed hypertrophic degenerative fibrocartilage. Early postoperative neurological improvement was noted in all patients. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 19 months. At the end of the follow-up period, four patients experienced neurological improvement. One patient died 3 weeks postsurgery of pulmonary complications.
Conclusions. The osseous elements of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex are not directly affected by FD. The ligamentous structures of the odontoid process, however, are exposed to significantly altered biomechanics resulting from fusion of the subaxial cervical spine associated with FD. Stress-induced compensatory ligamentous hypertrophic changes at the craniovertebral junction cause CMJ compression and subsequent neurological deterioration. This previously undescribed entity should be considered in patients with FD or DISH who present with progressive quadriparesis. Transoral decompression and posterior fusion are often needed in patients with large masses and severe progressive neurological deficits. Selected patients with smaller masses and milder neurological symptoms may be treated with posterior fusion alone.