Longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy following decompression surgery

Previous studies have reported the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as an imaging biomarker for the severity of myelopathy and subsequent surgical outcome in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). We hypothesized that DTI may reflect neurological recovery following surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of DTI to assess the post-operative alteration of neural status in patients with DCM as well as to predict post-operative recovery. We enrolled 15 patients with DCM who underwent decompression surgery. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was evaluated before and 1 year after surgery. The participants were examined using DTI on a 3.0 T magnetic resonance scanner before, and 1 year after surgery. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were assessed for both time points. The correlations between the pre- and post-operative FA and MD values and the pre- and post-operative JOA scores were analyzed. Although the JOA score improved significantly after surgery from 8.9 to 12.3, there was no significant change between the pre- and post-operative FA and MD values. The post-operative outcomes after 1 year moderately correlated with the pre-operative FA values (Spearman’s ρ = 0.55, p = 0.03 and Spearman’s ρ = 0.56, p = 0.03 for change and recovery rate of the JOA score, respectively). However, there was no correlation between the post-operative FA and post-operative JOA scores nor between MD and clinical outcomes. DTI cannot be utilized as a biomarker for post-operative alterations of neural status of the spinal cord; however, pre-operative DTI may be useful as a predictor of surgical outcomes.     

不同术式对多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者颈椎矢状位形态的矫形效果

目的 通过对比颈椎前路椎间盘切除融合术（ACDF）、椎板切除融合术（LCF）和椎板成形术（LP）后颈椎矢状位形态改变情况,比较三者对多节段脊髓型颈椎病（MCSM）患者颈椎矢状位的矫形效果及对矫形效果的维持能力。方法 2016年1月—2019年12月,首都医科大学宣武医院收治MCSM患者188例,其中47例采用ACDF治疗（ACDF组）、72例采用LCF治疗（LCF组）,69例采用LP治疗（LP组）。根据术前颈椎前凸角（CL,C_2-7 Cobb角）将患者分为后凸型（CL < 0°）、平直型（0°≤CL < 10°）、前凸型（10°≤CL < 20°）和过度前凸型（CL≥20°）。根据术前和术后CL计算不同术式的前凸改变量（末次随访CL-术前CL）、前凸矫正量（术后1周CL-术前CL）和前凸丢失量（术后1周CL-末次随访CL）。采用日本骨科学会（JOA）评分和颈椎功能障碍指数（NDI）评估临床疗效。结果 3组临床疗效差异无统计学意义。ACDF组前凸改变量、前凸矫正量大于LCF组和LP组,差异均有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。ACDF可增加后凸型、平直型和前凸型患者的CL,随访中虽有部分丢失,但至末次随访时矫形效果维持良好;过度前凸型患者术后CL轻微增加,但随访时逐渐减小,过度前凸缓解。LCF可增加后凸型、平直型患者的CL,随访中前凸丢失量少于ACDF,但末次随访时矫形效果仍不如ACDF。LP术后各型患者CL均降低,但随访过程中前凸丢失量小于ACDF和LCF。结论 ACDF矫形能力较强,可用于治疗各种颈椎曲度类型MCSM患者,LCF适用于后凸型、平直型MCSM患者,LP可用于治疗CL > 10°的MCSM患者。MCSM手术方式的选择除常规考虑脊髓压迫位置、手术节段等,还应考虑患者颈椎矢状位形态特点。     

Indirect decompression in spinal surgery

Indirect decompression in spinal surgery means decompression of spinal nerve tissues, such as spinal cord and nerve, without resecting the compressing tissue. Indirect spinal decompression procedures largely can be divided into segmental procedures and global spinal alignment procedures. Segmental procedures are mainly performed by the distraction between two vertebrae, which lead to the opening of the neural foramen and increases the epidural space. Such distraction can be performed through the disc space or using posterior instrumentation. Global spinal alignment procedures allow the spinal cord to migrate dorsally away from areas of anterior compression. Understanding the indirect spinal decompression procedures may broaden the options for surgical treatment and decrease the risk of spinal nerve tissue injury.     

颈椎椎弓根钉固定结合单开门椎管扩大成形治疗颈椎管狭窄伴无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤的临床研究

目的探讨颈椎椎弓根钉固定结合单开门椎管扩大成形治疗颈脊髓前方无局限性压迫、颈椎不稳定的颈椎管狭窄伴无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤的临床疗效。方法自2006-06--2011-03纳入颈椎管狭窄伴无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤44例。包括脊髓中央综合征26例,前脊髓损伤综合征12例,Brown-Sequard综合征4例,其他2例。结果所有患者均顺利完成手术。获12—60个月随访40例,平均（25．2±17．6）个月,末次随访时JOA脊髓功能评分改善率为68．5％;但双上肢功能恢复较差,出现双手不同程度肌肉萎缩5例;X线片检查显示颈椎生理曲度良好,无断钉、断棒及颈椎失稳;CT检查显示螺钉位置良好,椎管扩大成形满意,无门轴断裂及再关门。结论颈椎椎弓根钉固定结合单开门椎管扩大成形治疗颈脊髓前方无局限性压迫、颈椎不稳定的颈椎管狭窄伴无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤可取得较满意疗效。     

Intramedullary Sarcoidosis Presenting with Delayed Spinal Cord Swelling after Cervical Laminoplasty for Compressive Cervical Myelopathy

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown etiology that may affect any organ in the body. The nervous system is involved in 5-16% of cases of sarcoidosis. Here, we report a case of intramedullary sarcoidosis presenting with delayed spinal cord swelling after laminoplasty for the treatment of compressive cervical myelopathy. A 56-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of upper extremity pain and gait disturbance. The patient had undergone laminoplasty for compressive cervical myelopathy 3 months previously. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large solitary intramedullary lesion with associated extensive cord swelling, signal changes, and heterogeneous enhancement of spinal cord from C2 to C7. Spinal cord biopsy revealed non-necrotizing granulomas with signs of chronic inflammation. The final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based upon laboratory data, imaging findings, histological findings, and the exclusion of other diagnoses. Awareness of such presentations and a high degree of suspicion of sarcoidosis may help arrive at the correct diagnosis.     

Central Decompressive Laminoplasty for Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis : Technique and Early Surgical Results

Objective

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common degenerative spine disease that requires surgical intervention. Currently, there is interest in minimally invasive surgery and various technical modifications of decompressive lumbar laminectomy without fusion. The purpose of this study was to present the author''s surgical technique and results for decompression of spinal stenosis.

Methods

The author performed surgery in 57 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis between 2006 and 2010. Data were gathered retrospectively via outpatient interviews and telephone questionnaires. The operation used in this study was named central decompressive laminoplasty (CDL), which allows thorough decompression of the lumbar spinal canal and proximal two foraminal nerve roots by undercutting the lamina and facet joint. Kyphotic prone positioning on elevated curvature of the frame or occasional use of an interlaminar spreader enables sufficient interlaminar working space. Pain was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Surgical outcome was analyzed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data were analyzed preoperatively and six months postoperatively.

Results

The interlaminar window provided by this technique allowed for unhindered access to the central canal, lateral recess, and upper/lower foraminal zone, with near-total sparing of the facet joint. The VAS scores and ODI were significantly improved at six-month follow-up compared to preoperative levels (p<0.001, respectively). Excellent pain relief (>75% of initial VAS score) of back/buttock and leg was observed in 75.0% and 76.2% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

CDL is easily applied, allows good field visualization and decompression, maintains stability by sparing ligament and bony structures, and shows excellent early surgical results.     

Tratamiento de la mielopatía cervical mediante abordaje posterior: laminoplastia vs. laminectomía con fijación posterior. ¿Existen diferencias desde el punto de vista clínico y radiológico?

IntroductionCervical degenerative myelopathy is a variable and progressive degenerative disease caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord. Surgical approaches for the cervical spine can be performed anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Regarding the posterior approach, there are 2 fundamental techniques: laminoplasty and laminectomy with posterior fixation (LPF). There is still controversy concerning the technique in terms of outcome and complications. The aim of the present work is to analyze from the clinical and radiological point of view these 2 techniques: laminoplasty and LPF.Materials and methodsA historical cohort of 39 patients was reviewed (12 LFP and 27 laminoplasty) including patients operated in a 10 years period at the Hospital Universitario La Paz with a follow-up of 12 months after surgery was carried out. The clinical results were analyzed and compared using the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) and the radiological results using the Cobb angle, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T1 Slope and alignment (measured by Cobb-T1 Sloppe).ResultsSignificant differences were observed in the postoperative improvement of the Nurick scale (P = .008) and mJOA (P = .018) in the laminoplasty group. In LFP there is a tendency to a greater improvement, but statistical significance is not reached due to the low sample size of this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the radiological variables. Regarding the total number of complications, a higher number was observed in the laminoplasty group (7 cases) versus LFP (one case), but no statistically significant differences were observed.ConclusionsLaminoplasty and LFP are both safe and effective procedures in the treatment of cervical degenerative myelopathy. The findings of our study demonstrate statistically significant clinical improvement based on the Nurick and mJOA scales with laminoplasty. No significant differences in terms of complications or radiological variables were observed between the 2 techniques.     

前路分段减压手术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效分析

目的:探讨前路分段减压手术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效。方法 :对2005年8月至2016年3月收治的多节段脊髓型颈椎病84例患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据手术方式分为对照组和观察组,每组42例。对照组男26例,女16例,年龄(56.87±11.89)岁,病程(7.91±3.71)年,病变节段C3-C636例,C4-C76例。观察组男24例,女18例,年龄(54.58±12.56)岁,病程(8.03±3.52)年,病变节段C3-C634例,C4-C78例。对照组行后路椎管扩大成形术治疗,观察组行前路分段减压法治疗。观察两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、植骨融合时间及并发症发生率;比较两组患者术前和术后3、6、12个月的JOA评分和融合节段Cobb角。结果:观察组的手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间及并发症发生率明显低于对照组(P0.05);观察组的植骨融合时间也明显低于对照组(P0.01);术后3、6、9个月,观察组的JOA评分和融合节段Cobb角均明显高于对照组(P0.01)。结论:前路分段减压法治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病具有椎体切除少、减压彻底、术后稳定性好、并发症少等优点,可有效促进脊髓功能及椎体稳定性恢复。     

内窥镜下微创颈椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的中长期疗效

目的 :评价内窥镜下微创颈椎管扩大成形术(cervical microendoscopic laminoplasty,CMEL)治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的中长期治疗效果。方法:2010年1月~2013年1月我院采用CMEL治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者19例,其中男12例,女7例,年龄56.0±10.5岁(38~72岁),病程15.0±6.3个月。其中三节段者3例,四节段者6例,五节段者10例,共166个椎板行双侧开槽微型钛板固定。比较患者术前和术后1周、3个月、1年、2年及末次随访时的JOA评分、手术节段椎管/椎体矢状径比值、颈椎活动度及颈椎曲度(C2~C7 Cobb角)。结果:19例手术时间为49~133min(114.0±19.9min),术中出血量100~375ml(219.0±70.5ml)。1例术中发生硬脊膜破裂,术后出现低颅压头痛,给予补液及止痛治疗5d后头痛逐渐缓解。19例患者均获得随访,随访5~8年,平均7.00±0.76年。术后1周、3个月、1年、2年及末次随访时的JOA评分与术前比较均明显增加(P0.05),末次随访时JOA评分改善率为(70.0±6.9)%。术后1周、3个月、1年、2年及末次随访时的手术节段椎管/椎体矢状径比值与术前比较均明显增大(P0.05),颈椎活动度、C2~C7 Cobb角与术前比较均无显著性差异(P0.05)。在行双侧开槽微型钛板固定的166个椎板中,术后3个月发生骨性愈合有112个,愈合率为67.5%;术后1年发生骨性愈合有122个,愈合率为73.5%;末次随访时发生骨性愈合有128个,愈合率为77.1%。末次随访时微型钛板及螺钉位置良好,无钛板、螺钉断裂及螺钉松动。结论:CMEL治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病具有较好的中长期治疗效果,是一种安全、可靠的手术方式。     

微型钛板固定颈椎单开门椎管扩大成形术的临床应用

目的:评价微型钛板固定颈椎单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法:2009年2月至2011年4月,采用单开门颈椎管扩大成形ARCH钛板内固定治疗脊髓型颈椎病,获得完整随访16例(A组),与2007年3月至2009年1月行颈椎单开门椎管成形术治疗的脊髓型颈椎病18例(B组)进行对比分析。分析内容包括手术时间、术中出血量、JOA(17分法)评分改善率、轴性症状的产生及颈椎曲度的变化。结果:手术时间、术中出血量、术后6个月JOA评分改善率A组分别为(122.0±26.8)min、(153.0±46.7)ml、(59.4±11.6)%,B组分别为(119.0±28.6)min、(151.0±50.4)ml、(58.7±12.7)%,两组比较均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。A组术后有明显轴性症状患者为3例(18.75%),B组为6例(33.33%),两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);A组术前颈曲角度(17.9±5.2)°与术后的(18.2±4.8)°比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),B组术前颈曲角度(18.1±6.3)°与术后的(16.3±5.9)°比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:微型钛板固定颈椎单开门椎管扩大成形术能减少术后轴性症状的发生和颈椎曲度的丢失,可提高脊髓型颈椎病的治疗效果。