bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of pedicle screw fixation for upper thoracic spine (T1–5) fractures: a retrospective cohort study of 27 cases
Authors: Fisher Charles , Singh Sandeep , Boyd Michael , Kingwell Stephen , Kwon Brian , Li Meng Jun , Dvorak Marcel 
Published: February 2011

Object
The use of pedicle screws (PSs) for stabilization of unstable thoracolumbar fractures has become the standard of care, but PS efficacy has not been reported in the upper thoracic spine. The primary outcome of this study was to determine the efficacy of PS fixation to achieve and maintain reduction of unstable upper thoracic spine fractures (T1–5). Secondary outcomes included scores on a 1-year postoperative generic health-related quality of life (QOL) questionnaire and postoperative complications.

Methods
This study was a retrospective analysis and cross-sectional outcome assessment of cases prospectively entered into a spine database from 1997 to 2004. All patients with a traumatic, unstable upper thoracic spine (T1–5) fracture who underwent PS fixation were included. Preoperative CT scans with sagittal plane reformatted images were used to determine kyphotic deformity and compared with immediate postoperative and latest follow-up radiographs or CT scans. Patient charts, operative notes, and the results of postoperative follow-up examinations were reviewed. Patients were mailed the Short Form-36v2 (SF-36 version 2) by an independent study coordinator.

Results
Cases involving 27 patients (23 male, 4 female) were evaluated. The patients' mean age was 39.9 years (range 16–73 years). In all, 251 PSs were passed between T-1 and T-8. The mean true kyphotic deformity was 18.2° preoperatively, 8.7° (p < 0.0005) initially postoperatively, and 10.1° at final follow-up (mean 2.3 years postoperatively). The mean SF-36 physical component summary score was 35.89 while the mental component summary score was 56.43 at a minimum of 1-year postoperatively (mean 3.2 years). There were no intraoperative vascular or neural complications.

Conclusions
In the hands of fellowship-trained spinal surgeons, PS fixation for reduction and stabilization of upper thoracic spine fractures is a safe and efficacious technique. Health-related QOL outcome data are deficient for spine trauma patients and should be an essential component of quantifying treatment outcomes.
The natural history of cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Matz Paul G. , Anderson Paul A. , Holly Langston T. , Groff Michael W. , Heary Robert F. , Kaiser Michael G. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Ryken Timothy C. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Resnick Daniel K. 
Published: February 2011

Object
The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to delineate the natural history of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and identify factors associated with clinical deterioration.

Methods
The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and keywords relevant to the natural history of CSM. Abstracts were reviewed and studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Results
The natural history of CSM is mixed: it may manifest as a slow, stepwise decline or there may be a long period of quiescence (Class III). Long periods of severe stenosis are associated with demyelination and may result in necrosis of both gray and white matter. With severe and/or long lasting CSM symptoms, the likelihood of improvement with nonoperative measures is low. Objectively measurable deterioration is rarely seen acutely in patients younger than 75 years of age with mild CSM (modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score > 12; Class I). In patients with cervical stenosis without myelopathy, the presence of abnormal electromyography findings or the presence of clinical radiculopathy is associated with the development of symptomatic CSM in this patient population (Class I).

Conclusions
The natural history of CSM is variable, which may affect treatment decisions.
Cervical cord compression due to delayed scarring around epidural electrodes used in spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Dam-Hieu Phong , Magro Elsa , Seizeur Romuald , Simon Alexandre , Quinio Bertrand 
Published: February 2011

The authors report on 2 cases of delayed compression of the cervical spinal cord by dense scar tissue forming around epidural electrodes implanted for spinal cord stimulation (SCS). This complication has not been previously reported.
Myelopathy developed in 2 patients 5 and 16 years after the surgical placement of a cervical epidural electrode. Prior to myelopathy, both patients experienced a tolerance phenomenon. Magnetic resonance imaging in both cases showed severe compression of the spinal cord by the electrode. At surgery, thick scar tissue surrounding the electrode and compressing the posterior aspect of the cord was discovered. Both patients experienced a full recovery following the removal of both scar tissue and the electrode.
Medical and paramedical staff dealing with SCS should be aware of this severe and delayed complication. In addition, the development of epidural fibrosis can explain the occurrence of tolerance.
A unique device, the disc space–fitted distraction device, for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: early clinical and radiological evaluation
Authors: Tani Satoshi , Nagashima Hiroyasu , Isoshima Akira , Akiyama Masahiko , Ohashi Hiroki , Tochigi Satoru , Abe Toshiaki 
Published: February 2011

Object
To perform interbody distraction and to obtain spinal curvature correction during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), the authors recently adopted a new stand-alone device, a disc space–fitted distraction device (DFDD). In this preliminary report the authors introduce this unique device and discuss some advantages in terms of short-term clinical and radiological evaluations.

Methods
The most unique aspect of the DFDD is the function of gentle distraction at anterior disc space with maximum lordotic correction of up to 8° while rotating a screw at the front of the device. Additional advantages are related to its configuration such as disc space–matched shape in all dimensions, tapering contour for easy insertion into the disc space, multiple spikes to avoid dislodgment, wider contact area to the vertebral endplate for diminishing sinking process, and sufficient space for accommodation of bone-conductive materials. Twenty-four patients who have been observed more than 12 months after ACDF were involved in this evaluation.

Results
The objective clinical outcome, measured by the Neurological Cervical Spine Scale, was significantly improved. In radiological evaluation, statistically significant improvement compared with preoperative values was noted on the curvature index, C2–7 curvature, and disc angle (p < 0.01) throughout the entire postoperative period, up to 12 months. A high fusion rate and remodeling process around the implants were also observed.

Conclusions
The DFDD may have some advantages over other devices—its distraction action, diminished sinking, and early solid bone union resulted in maintaining sufficient correction of the spinal curvature. This corrected spinal curvature may play an important role in preventing progressive adjacent-disc degeneration subsequent to ACDF in the long term.
A computed tomography–based feasibility study of translaminar screw fixation in the upper thoracic spine
Authors: Kretzer Ryan M. , Chaput Christopher , Sciubba Daniel M. , Garonzik Ira M. , Jallo George I. , McAfee Paul C. , Cunningham Bryan W. , Tortolani P. Justin 
Published: February 2011

Object
Translaminar screws (TLSs) offer an alternative to pedicle screw (PS) fixation in the upper thoracic spine. Although cadaveric studies have described the anatomy of the laminae and pedicles at T1–2, CT imaging is the modality of choice for presurgical planning. In this study, the goal was to determine the diameter, maximal screw length, and optimal screw trajectory for TLS placement at T1–2, and to compare this information to PS placement in the upper thoracic spine as determined by CT evaluation.

Methods
One hundred patients (50 men and 50 women), whose average age was 41.7 ± 19.6 years, were selected by retrospective review of a trauma registry database over a 6-month period. Patients were included in the study if they were over the age of 18, had standardized axial bone-window CT imaging at T1–2, and had no evidence of spinal trauma. For each lamina and pedicle, width (outer cortical and cancellous), maximal screw length, and optimal screw trajectory were measured using eFilm Lite software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test.

Results
The T-1 lamina was estimated to accommodate, on average, a 5.8-mm longer screw than the T-2 lamina (p < 0.001). At T-1, the maximal TLS length was similar to PS length (TLS: 33.4 ± 3.6 mm, PS: 33.9 ± 3.3 mm [p = 0.148]), whereas at T-2, the maximal PS length was significantly greater than the TLS length (TLS: 27.6 ± 3.1 mm, PS: 35.3 ± 3.5 mm [p < 0.001]). When the lamina outer cortical and cancellous width was compared between T-1 and T-2, the lamina at T-2 was, on average, 0.3 mm wider than at T-1 (p = 0.007 and p = 0.003, respectively). In comparison with the corresponding pedicle, the mean outer cortical pedicle width at T-1 was wider than the lamina by an average of 1.0 mm (lamina: 6.6 ± 1.1 mm, pedicle: 7.6 ± 1.3 mm [p < 0.001]). At T-2, however, outer cortical lamina width was wider than the corresponding pedicle by an average of 0.6 mm (lamina: 6.9 ± 1.1 mm, pedicle: 6.3 ± 1.2 mm [p < 0.001]). At T-1, 97.5% of laminae measured could accept a 4.0-mm screw with 1.0 mm of clearance, compared with 99.5% of T-1 pedicles; whereas at T-2, 99% of laminae met this requirement, compared with 94.5% of pedicles. The ideal screw trajectory was also measured (T-1: 49.2 ± 3.7° for TLS and 32.8 ± 3.8° for PS; T-2: 51.1 ± 3.5° for TLS and 20.5 ± 4.4° for PS).

Conclusions
Based on CT evaluation, there are no anatomical limitations to the placement of TLSs compared with PSs at T1–2. Differences were noted, however, in lamina length and width between T-1 and T-2 that must be considered when placing TLS at these levels.
Management of anterior cervical pseudarthrosis
Authors: Kaiser Michael G. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Matz Paul G. , Anderson Paul A. , Groff Michael W. , Heary Robert F. , Holly Langston T. , Ryken Timothy C. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Resnick Daniel K. 
Published: February 2011

Object
The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to identify the best methodology for diagnosis and treatment of anterior pseudarthrosis.

Methods
The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and key words relevant to pseudarthrosis and cervical spine surgery. Abstracts were reviewed, after which studies meeting inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Results
Evaluation for pseudarthrosis is warranted, as there may be an association between clinical outcome and pseudarthrosis. The strength of this association cannot be accurately determined because of the variable incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic pseudarthroses (Class III). Revision of a symptomatic pseudarthrosis may be considered because arthrodesis is associated with improved clinical outcome (Class III). Both posterior and anterior approaches have proven successful for surgical correction of an anterior pseudarthrosis. Posterior approaches may be associated with higher fusion rates following repair of an anterior pseudarthrosis (Class III).

Conclusions
If suspected, pseudarthrosis should be investigated because there may be an association between arthrodesis and outcome. However, the strength of this association cannot be accurately determined. Anterior and posterior approaches have been successful.
Indications for anterior cervical decompression for the treatment of cervical degenerative radiculopathy
Authors: Matz Paul G. , Holly Langston T. , Groff Michael W. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Anderson Paul A. , Heary Robert F. , Kaiser Michael G. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Ryken Timothy C. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Resnick Daniel K. 
Published: February 2011

Object
The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to identify the indications and utility of anterior cervical nerve root decompression.

Methods
The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and key words relevant to surgical management of cervical radiculopathy. Abstracts were reviewed after which studies meeting inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Results
Anterior nerve root decompression via anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) with or without fusion for radiculopathy is associated with rapid relief (3–4 months) of arm/neck pain, weakness, and/or sensory loss compared with physical therapy (PT) or cervical collar immobilization. Anterior cervical discectomy and ACD with fusion (ACDF) are associated with longer term (12 months) improvement in certain motor functions compared to PT. Other rapid gains observed after anterior decompression (diminished pain, improved sensation, and improved strength in certain muscle groups) are also maintained over the course of 12 months. However, comparable clinical improvements with PT or cervical immobilization therapy are also present in these clinical modalities (Class I). Conflicting evidence exists as to the efficacy of anterior cervical foraminotomy with reported success rates of 52–99% but recurrent symptoms as high as 30% (Class III).

Conclusions
Anterior cervical discectomy, ACDF, and anterior cervical foraminotomy may improve cervical radicular symptoms. With regard to ACD and ACDF compared to PT or cervical immobilization, more rapid relief (within 3–4 months) may be seen with ACD or ACDF with maintenance of gains over the course of 12 months (Class I). Anterior cervical foraminotomy is associated with improvement in clinical function but the quality of data are weaker (Class III), and there is a wide range of efficacy (52–99%).
The major complications of transpedicular vertebroplasty
Authors: Cosar Murat , Sasani Mehdi , Oktenoglu Tunc , Kaner Tuncay , Ercelen Omur , Kose K. Cagri , Ozer A. Fahir 
Published: February 2011

Object
Vertebroplasty is a well-known technique used to treat pain associated with vertebral compression fractures. Despite a success rate of up to 90% in different series, the procedure is often associated with major complications such as cord and root compression, epidural and subdural hematomas (SDHs), and pulmonary emboli, as well as other minor complications. In this study, the authors discuss the major complications of transpedicular vertebroplasty and their clinical implications during the postoperative course.

Methods
Vertebroplasty was performed in 12 vertebrae of 7 patients. Five patients had osteoporotic compression fractures, 1 had tumoral compression fractures, and 1 had a traumatic fracture. Two patients had foraminal leakage, 1 had epidural leakage, 1 had subdural cement leakage, 2 had a spinal SDH, and the last had a split fracture after the procedure.

Results
Three patients had paraparesis (2 had SDHs and 1 had epidural cement leakage), 3 had root symptoms, and 1 had lower back pain. Two of the 3 patients with paraparesis recovered after evacuation of the SDH and subdural cement; however, 1 patient with paraparesis did not recover after epidural cement leakage, despite cement evacuation. Two patients with foraminal leakage and 1 with subdural cement leakage had root symptoms and recovered after evacuation and conservative treatment. The patient with the split fracture had no neurological symptoms and recovered with conservative treatment.

Conclusions
Transpedicular vertebroplasty may have major complications, such as a spinal SDH and/or cement leakage into the epidural and subdural spaces, even when performed by experienced spinal surgeons. Early diagnosis with CT and intervention may prevent worsening of these complications.
Posttraumatic spinal cord tethering and syringomyelia: surgical treatment and long-term outcome
Authors: Falci Scott P. , Indeck Charlotte , Lammertse Daniel P. 
Published: February 2011

Object
Permanent neurological loss after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a well-known phenomenon. There has also been a growing recognition and improved understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of late progressive neurological loss, which may occur after SCI as a result of posttraumatic spinal cord tethering (SCT), myelomalacia, and syringomyelia. A clinical study of 404 patients sustaining traumatic SCIs and undergoing surgery to arrest a progressive myelopathy caused by SCT, with or without progressive myelomalacia and cystic cavitation (syringomyelia) was undertaken. Both objective and subjective long-term outcomes were evaluated. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first series of this size correlating long-term patient perception of outcome with long-term objective outcome analyses.

Methods
During the period from January 1993 to November 2003, 404 patients who had previously sustained traumatic SCIs underwent 468 surgeries for progressive myelopathies attributed to tethering of the spinal cord to the surrounding spinal canal, with or without myelomalacia and syrinx formation. Forty-two patients were excluded because of additional pathological entities that were known to contribute to a progressive myelopathy. All surgeries were performed by the same neurosurgeon at a single SCI treatment center and by using a consistent surgical technique of spinal cord detethering, expansion duraplasty, and when indicated, cyst shunting.

Results
Outcome data were collected up to 12 years postoperatively. Comparisons of pre- and postoperative American Spinal Injury Association sensory and motor index scores showed no significant change when only a single surgery was required (86% of patients). An outcome questionnaire and phone interview resulted in > 90% of patients self-assessing arrest of functional loss; > 50% of patients self-assessing improvement of function; 17 and 18% self-assessing improvement of motor and sensory functions to a point greater than that achieved at any time postinjury, respectively; 59% reporting improvement of spasticity; and 77% reporting improvement of hyperhidrosis.

Conclusions
Surgery for spinal cord detethering, expansion duraplasty, and when indicated, cyst shunting, is a successful treatment strategy for arresting a progressive myelopathy related to posttraumatic SCT and syringomyelia. Results suggest that surgery leads to functional return in ~ 50% of patients, and that in some patients posttraumatic SCT limits maximal recovery of spinal cord function postinjury. A patient's perception of surgery's failure to arrest the progressive myelopathy corresponds closely with the need for repeat surgery because of retethering, cyst reexpansion, and pseudomeningocele formation.
Use of allograft bone for posterior C1–2 fusion
Authors: Hillard Virany Huynh , Fassett Daniel R. , Finn Michael A. , Apfelbaum Ronald I. 
Published: February 2011

Object
An iliac crest autograft is the gold standard for bone grafting in posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis but can be associated with significant donor-site morbidity. Conversely, an allograft has historically performed suboptimally for atlantoaxial arthrodesis as an onlay graft. The authors have modified a bone grafting technique to allow placement of a bicortical iliac crest allograft in an interpositional manner, and they evaluated it as an alternative to an autograft in posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis.

Methods
The records of 89 consecutive patients in whom C1–2 arthrodesis was performed between 2001 and 2005 were reviewed.

Results
Forty-seven patients underwent 48 atlantoaxial arthrodeses with an allograft (mean follow-up 16.1 months, range 0–49 months), and 42 patients underwent autograft bone grafting (mean follow-up 17.6 months, range 0–61.0 months). The operative time was 50 minutes shorter in the allograft (mean 184 minutes, range 106–328 minutes) than in the autograft procedure (mean 234 minutes, range 154–358 minutes), and the estimated blood loss was 50% lower in the allograft group than in the autograft group (mean 103 ml [range 30–200 ml] vs mean 206 ml [range 50–400 ml], respectively). Bone incorporation was initially slower in the allograft than in the autograft group but equalized by 12 months postprocedure. The respective fusion rates after 24 months were 96.7 and 88.9% for autografts and allografts. Complications at the donor site occurred in 16.7% of the autograft patients, including 1 pelvic fracture, 1 retained sponge, 1 infection, 2 hernias requiring repair, 2 hematomas, and persistent pain.

Conclusions
The authors describe a technique for interpositional bone grafting between C-1 and C-2 that allows for the use of an allograft with excellent fusion results. This technique reduced the operative time and blood loss and eliminated donor-site morbidity.