Intraoperative vertebroplasty during surgical decompression and instrumentation for aggressive vertebral hemangiomas: a retrospective study of 39 patients and review of the literature

Background Context

Aggressive (Enneking stage 3, S3) vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) are rare, which might require surgery. However, the choice of surgery for S3 VHs remains controversial because of the rarity of these lesions.

Surgical removal of extravasated epidural and neuroforaminal polymethylmethacrylate after percutaneous vertebroplasty in the thoracic spine

Although extravasations of polymethylmetharylate during percutaneous vertebroplasty are usually of little clinical consequence, surgical decompression is occasionally required if resultant neurologic deficits are severe. Surgical removal of epidural polymethylmetharylate is usually necessary to achieve good neurologic recovery. Because mobilizing the squeezed spinal cord in a compromised canal can cause further deterioration, attempts to remove epidural polymethylmetharylate in the thoracic region need special consideration. A 66-year-old man had incomplete paraparesis and radicular pain on the chest wall after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fracture of T7. Radiological studies revealed polymethylmetharylate extravasations into the right lateral aspect of spinal canal that caused marked encroachment of the thecal sac and right neuroforamina. Progressive neurologic deficit and poor responses to medical managements were observed; therefore, surgical decompression was performed 4 months later. After laminectomy and removal of facet joints and T7 pedicle on the affected side, extravasated polymethylmetharylate posterior and anterior to the thecal sac was completely removed without retracting the dura mater. Spinal stability was reconstructed by supplemental spinal instrumentation and intertransverse arthrodesis with banked cancellous allografts. Myelopathy and radicular pain gradually resolved after decompression surgery. The patient was free of sensory abnormality and regained satisfactory ambulation two years after surgical decompression.

     

Aggressive vertebral hemangioma of the thoracic spine without typical radiological appearance

Purpose

Vertebral hemangioma (VH) is virtually vascular malformation, which is usually asymptomatic. Only 3.7 % of VH may become active and symptomatic, and 1 % may invade the spinal canal and/or paravertebral space. Treatment protocols for active or aggressive VHs are still in controversy. Reported treatments include radiotherapy, vertebroplasty, direct alcohol injection, embolization, surgery and a combination of these modalities.

Methods

A 41-year-old lady was presented with 18 month history of intermittent back pain. CT revealed T5 osteolytic lesion with epidural and paravertebral extension. The first CT guided biopsy yielded little information.

Results

Histopathological diagnosis of the second biopsy was VH. Vertebroplasty, posterior decompression and fixation were performed followed by postoperative radiotherapy. Her symptoms were resolved immediately after the operation. At 12 months follow-up, no recurrence was detected by CT with contrast enhancement.

Conclusion

Surgical decompression, vertebroplasty and fixation are safe and effective for aggressive VH. More attention is needed in determining the algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of aggressive VH.     

Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia involving the thoracic spine with myelopathy: case report and review of the literature

Background contextPolyostotic fibrous dysplasia (PFD) seldom involves the thoracic spine and usually presents with back pain.PurposeTo describe an extremely rare presentation of an uncommon disease.Study design/settingWe present a case report from a university hospital.MethodsWe report a case of symptomatic thoracic PFD associated with myelopathy and pathologic fracture. A thorough search of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed for the terms “polyostotic fibrous dysplasia,” “spine,” and “neurological deficit.”ResultsThe patient was treated by posterior laminectomy, vertebroplasty, and pedicle screw fixation and fusion. Satisfactory results were achieved, and there were no complications.ConclusionsIn the spine, PFD may lead to pathologic fracture and myelopathy even after adolescence. Vertebroplasty with or without decompression and fixation may be the appropriate option for cases with myelopathy.     

Surgical management of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas: a single institution experience and literature review

Vertebral hemangiomas (VHs), formed from a vascular proliferation in bone marrow spaces limited by bone trabeculae, are the most common benign tumors of the spine. While most VHs remain clinically quiescent and often only require surveillance, rarely they may cause symptoms. They may exhibit active behaviors, including rapid proliferation, extending beyond the vertebral body, and invading the paravertebral and/or epidural space with possible compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots (“aggressive” VHs). An extensive list of treatment modalities is currently available, but the role of techniques such as embolization, radiotherapy, and vertebroplasty as adjuvants to surgery has not yet been elucidated. There exists a need to succinctly summarize the treatments and associated outcomes to guide VH treatment plans.In this review article, a single institution's experience in the management of symptomatic VHs is summarized along with a review of the available literature on their clinical presentation and management options, followed by a proposal of a management algorithm.     

Postoperative spinal epidural hematoma at a site distant from the main surgical procedure: a case report and review of the literature

Background ContextPostoperative spinal epidural hematomas are known complications of spinal surgery. However, to our knowledge, there are no known cases of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma that occurred distant from the portion of the procedure that breached the spinal canal.PurposeTo report a case and review the literature on the development of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma at a site distant from the portion of the surgical procedure that breached the spinal canal.Study DesignCase report and review of the literature.MethodsOne patient at our institution developed a hematoma at a site distant from the surgical procedure that breached the spinal canal. We retrospectively reviewed the patient's clinical charts, radiographs, and computed tomography scans.ResultsA 57-year-old woman with adult scoliosis and junctional kyphosis underwent a pedicle subtraction osteotomy and long spinal fusion from T3 to the sacrum. Three hours postoperatively, she developed paraplegia with a neurologic deficit at a level distant from the site at which the spinal canal was surgically breached. A computed tomography myelogram revealed a spinal epidural hematoma that was causing compression of the spinal cord in the upper thoracic spine. The patient was returned to the operating room emergently and underwent laminectomy and hematoma evacuation. She had near-complete recovery 5 months after surgery.ConclusionSpinal epidural hematomas are rare but dangerous complications that can result in severe neurologic deficits. A neurologic examination should always be conducted in the operating room immediately after surgery; if it is abnormal, spinal epidural hematoma should be suspected. If the examination indicates a deficit at a site distant from the original surgery, then diagnostic reimaging (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography myelogram) is indicated.     

Epidural lipomatosis and renal transplantation

A 34-year-old man presented with progressive myelopathy 4 months after cadaveric renal transplant for endstage renal disease. Radiographic evaluation gave findings consistent with epidural lipomatosis and compression of the thoracic thecal sac. Decompressive laminectomy resulted in dramatic improvement of his neurologic deficit. This case is unusual in the brevity of steroid treatment prior to onset of the myelopathy, as well as the relatively small dose. The 10 previous cases of epidural lipomatosis are also reviewed.     

Spinal cord injury in cervical spinal stenosis by minor trauma

BackgroundThe size of the spinal canal is a factor that contributes to the neurologic deficits associated with cervical OPLL and CSM. We investigate the development of neurologic deterioration after minor trauma and the clinical results of decompressive surgery in cervical spinal stenosis retrospectively.MethodWe treated 200 cases (98 cervical OPLLs and 102 CSMs) of cervical spinal stenosis for 8 years. There were 63 (33.5%) minor trauma cases to the cervical spine in 200 patients. Of these 63 patients, 18 developed myelopathy, 13 showed deterioration of preexisting myelopathy, and no neurologic change was observed in 32 patients. The neurologic status was assessed by the JOA score. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the residual cervical spinal canal diameter: group I (<10 mm cervical spinal canal) and group II (≥10 mm cervical spinal canal).ResultsNeurologic outcome depended on the diameter of the residual spinal canal; 22 of the 25 patients in group I developed neurologic deterioration, whereas that occurred in 8 of the 38 patients in group II (P < .05). After surgical decompression, 8 patients in group I and 30 patients in group II came out with an improved JOA score of more than 50% (P < .05).ConclusionEven indirect minor trauma to the neck can cause irreversible changes in the spinal cord if there is marked stenosis of the cervical spinal canal. It may be beneficial to check lateral radiograph of the cervical spine as a screening tool for early detection of cervical spinal stenosis especially in Asian people older than 40 years.     

Acute spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma with neurological deficit after low-molecular-weight heparin therapy: role of conservative management

Background ContextSpontaneous spinal hematoma (SSH) after low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy is a rare cause of compressive myelopathy with neurological deficit. Emergent surgical decompression is commonly advocated for optimal neurological recovery. Only three cases of spontaneous spinal subdural hematomas after LMWH therapy have been reported in the literature, and this is the first report of a spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (EDH).PurposeTo highlight the importance of conservative management in an unusual case of cervical EDH with neurological deficit after LMWH therapy.Study DesignClinical case report.MethodsA 65-year-old man presented with weakness of upper and lower limbs with bowel and bladder dysfunction after LMWH therapy for an acute coronary syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an anterior cervical EDH extending from C4 to T1 with significant cord compression. Associated comorbidities precluded emergent surgical intervention, and the patient was managed conservatively with cessation of LMWH therapy.ResultsThe patient showed signs of early neurological recovery within 24 hours (ASIA C [American Spinal Injury Association] to ASIA D) of cessation of LMWH, and hence surgery was deferred. Complete motor and sensory recovery was observed at 1-month follow up with resolution of the cervical EDH without any cord compression evident on the MRI.ConclusionsLMWH therapy is an important cause of SSH leading to significant neurological deficits. Conservative management is a viable treatment option in patients who demonstrate early and sustained neurological recovery with the cessation of LMWH therapy.     

Triparesis caused by gas-containing extensive epidural abscess secondary to Aeromonas hydrophila infection of a thoracic vertebroplasty: a case report

Background context

Aeromonas hydrophila is a motile gram-negative non-sporeforming rod with facultative anaerobic metabolism. Except for gastrointestinal disease, skin and soft-tissue infections represent the second most common site of human Aeromonas infections. However, to our knowledge, A. hydrophila infection of the spine has not been reported to date.

Purpose

To report the first case of A. hydrophila spinal infection of the T7 vertebra after vertebroplasty.

Study design

Case report.

Methods

A 72-year-old man was transferred to our emergency department with chief complaints of severe midthoracic pain and triparesis. He had undergone vertebroplasty for a painful vertebral fracture at T7 5 weeks before transfer. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an infection of the T7 vertebroplasty and an extensive epidural abscess. The epidural abscess originating from the infected T7 vertebroplasty extended from the T8 to the C4 epidural space. Computed tomography demonstrated sparsely scattered gas in the epidural abscess, strongly suggestive of an anaerobic infection.

Results

Emergency multilevel laminectomies from C5 to T8 and a posterior instrumentation from T3 to T10 were performed. A. hydrophila was isolated from the blood cultures. The patient was treated with intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam. Posterior decompression and stabilization in combination with appropriate antibiotic treatment completely resolved the neurologic deficit and infection without the need for further anterior corpectomy of the infected T7 vertebroplasty.

Conclusions

This is the first reported case of spine infection caused by A. hydrophila. The infection developed after vertebroplasty for the management of a painful vertebral fracture. Triparesis occurred rapidly due to an extensive epidural abscess containing gas. Emergency decompression and stabilization in combination with appropriate antibiotic treatment achieved a successful clinical outcome.     

Anterior decompression and strut graft versus posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits

Background contextWith the increase of the elderly population, osteoporotic vertebral fractures have been frequently reported. Surgical intervention is usually recommended in osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits. However, very few reports on surgical interventions exist.PurposeTo compare surgical results of anterior and posterior procedures for treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with sustained neurologic deficits.Study designRetrospective comparative study.Patient sampleFifty patients who sustained osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits were treated either by anterior decompression and strut graft (n=32) or by posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty (n=18).Outcome measuresIncidence of complications, sagittal Cobb angle, spinal canal encroachment, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score.MethodsThe authors retrospectively reviewed the results of a consecutive series of patients undergoing anterior decompression and strut graft or posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits. Operative notes, clinical charts, and radiographs were analyzed.ResultsOperative time was similar between the groups, but intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the posterior group. All patients showed neurologic recovery. No significant difference was observed in the neurologic improvement, kyphosis correction angle, and loss of correction. Perioperative respiratory complications were found in 11 patients (34%) in the anterior group. In the anterior group, early posterior reinforcement was required in patients with very low bone density below 0.60 g/cm² and/or in those with three segments of instrumentation for two vertebral collapses. Posterior group patients did not undergo additional surgery.ConclusionsAnterior reconstruction for osteoporotic vertebral collapse is significant because anterior elements, particularly those at the thoracolumbar junction, play a major role in load bearing. However, difficulties arise when anterior reconstruction is performed in cases with very low bone density and in those with multiple vertebral collapse.     

Management of thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament combined with ossification of the ligamentum flavum—a retrospective study

Background contextOssification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) or ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is being increasingly recognized as a cause of thoracic myelopathy and is relatively common in the Japanese population and literature. However, no series of OPLL combined with OLF has been previously published. Many different surgical procedures have been used for the treatment of thoracic OPLL or OLF. However, the possibility of postoperative paraplegia remains a major risk, and consistent protocols and procedures for surgical treatment of thoracic OPLL combined with OLF have also not been established.PurposeTo compare the effect of thoracic myelopathy treatment and safety of posterior decompression with or without instrumented fusion and circumferential spinal cord decompression via a posterior approach in Chinese patients of OPLL combined with OLF at a single institution.Study designThis retrospective clinical study of 31 cases was conducted to investigate the clinical outcomes of three kinds of surgical procedures for thoracic myelopathy caused by OPLL combined with OLF in Chinese population.Patient sampleProcedure was performed in 31 patients.Outcome measuresNeurologic status was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and Hirabayashi recovery rate before and after surgery.MethodsA total of 31 patients who underwent surgery for thoracic OPLL combined with OLF were classified into three groups: posterior decompression group (13 patients); circumferential decompression group (seven patients), which included four who underwent extirpation and the other three underwent the floating procedure; and posterior decompression and fusion group (11 patients), all of whom underwent laminectomy with posterior instrumented fusion. In each group, JOA score was used to evaluate thoracic myelopathy, and Hirabayashi recovery rate was calculated 1 year after surgery and at final examination.ResultsMean recovery rate at the final follow-up was 46.5% in the posterior decompression group, 65.1% in the circumferential decompression group, and 62.7% in the posterior decompression and fusion group. Postoperative paralysis occurred in three patients in the posterior decompression group, one in the circumferential decompression group, and one in the posterior decompression and fusion group. In the circumferential decompression group, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid occurred in four patients. Urinary tract infection occurred in two patients, and superficial wound disruption occurred in one patient. Late neurologic deterioration occurred in four patients in the posterior decompression group. There were no cases of postoperative paralysis or late neurologic deterioration in the posterior decompression and fusion group.ConclusionsThoracic OPLL combined with OLF is an uncommon cause of myelopathy in the Chinese population. It can present acutely after minor trauma. A considerable degree of neurologic recovery was obtained by posterior decompression with instrumented fusion, despite the anterior impingement of the spinal cord by the remaining OPLL. In addition, the rate of postoperative complications was low with this procedure. We consider that one-stage posterior decompression and instrumented fusion be selected for patients in whom the spinal cord is severely damaged before surgery and/or when circumferential decompression is associated with an increased risk.     

严重下腰椎骨折脱位的后路手术治疗

目的　评价后路经椎弓根三维矫正和减压手术对严重下腰椎骨折脱位的治疗效果。方法　回顾性分析经后路手术治疗的 2 3例严重下腰椎骨折脱位。主要损伤节段 ,L3 13例 ,L410例 ,其中有 2例为L4,5脱位。按AO进行骨折分类 ,A类 (压缩 ) 16例 ,B类 (分离 ) 1例 ,C类 (扭转 ) 6例。所有病例均行后路短节段经椎弓根复位内固定。分别比较术前与术后即刻的影像学指标变化 ,及术前与术后 2个月时神经功能的变化。结果　平均随访时间 13个月 (5～32个月 )。术后即刻影像学显示 ,伤椎椎体前高由术前平均 6 5 .3%恢复至 93.2 % (P <0 .0 1) ,伤段局部矢状径指数由术前平均 2 6 .8°恢复至 13.6°(P <0 .0 1) ,椎管受堵指数由术前平均 2 .96恢复至 1.2 2 (P <0 .0 1)。有神经损伤者其中半数 (18例中的 9例 )在术后 2个月时出现一定程度恢复。结论　对于严重的下腰椎骨折脱位 ,从后路进行减压和固定完全可以达到充分的治疗效果。     

Symptomatic spinal epidural lipomatosis induced by a long-term steroid treatment. Review of the literature and report of two additional cases.

Spinal epidural lipomatosis associated with Cushing's syndrome is an uncommon complication (11 reported cases). Two additional symptomatic cases with neurologic deficit are described. Steroid treatment was systemic in the first case and local with epidural injections in the second. The second case is unique because no similar observations have yet been reported. In most cases, a preoperative computed tomographic scan establishes the diagnosis by demonstrating dural compression by an adipose mass. Myelography is far less specific. In some cases, the exact diagnosis is made at the time of surgery. The treatment is primarily surgical, with laminectomy over the length of the compression and the removal of the compressing fat. Neurologic recovery is dependent on two factors: the level of the compression and the adequacy of decompression.     

Degenerative spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine: analysis of 58 patients treated with anterior cervical decompression and fusion

Background contextDegenerative spondylolisthesis has been well described as a disorder of the lumbar spine. Few authors have suggested that a similar disorder occurs in the cervical spine. To our knowledge, the present study represents the largest series of patients with long-term follow-up who were managed surgically for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine.PurposeTo describe the clinical presentation and radiographic findings associated with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis, and to report the long-term results of surgically managed patients.Study designAnalysis of 58 patients treated with anterior cervical decompression and fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine.Patient sampleFrom 1974 to 2003, 58 patients were identified as having degenerative spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine occurring in the absence of trauma, systemic inflammatory arthropathy, or congenital abnormality. These patients were identified from a database of approximately 500 patients with degenerative cervical spine disorders treated by the senior one of us.Outcome measuresPatient outcomes were evaluated with regard to neurologic improvement (Nurick grade myelopathy) and osseous fusion.MethodsThe records of 58 patients were reviewed. The average follow-up period was 6.9 years (range, 2–24 years). Seventy-two cervical levels demonstrated spondylolisthesis. In all cases, there was radiographic evidence of facet degeneration and subluxation. All patients were treated with anterior cervical decompression and arthrodesis with iliac crest structural graft. This most commonly involved corpectomy of the caudal vertebrae. Three patients required additional posterior facet fusion.ResultsFifty-eight patients demonstrated 72 levels of involvement. The C4–C5 level was most frequently involved (43%). Two radiographically distinct types of listhesis were observed based on the amount of disc degeneration and the degree of spondylosis at adjacent levels. The average neurologic improvement was 1.5 Nurick grades. The overall fusion rate was 92%. Three patients were treated with combined anterior-posterior arthrodesis. The prevalence of myelopathy and instability pattern was greater in the listheses occurring adjacent to spondylotic levels.ConclusionsDegenerative spondylolisthesis is relatively common in the cervical spine. Common to all cases is facet arthropathy and neurologic compression. Anterior cervical decompression and arthrodesis appears to yield excellent union rates and neurological improvement in those patients having cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis and significant neurological sequelae who have failed nonoperative treatments.     

Spinal cord compression and epidural abscess extension of pleural empyema

We report a case of epidural extension of pleural empyema with cord compression and neurologic deficit. Surgical decompression was required and emergency bilateral laminectomy was performed with removal of abscess and granulation tissue. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus grew in cultures of pleural and epidural specimens and appropriate intravenous antibiotics were started. In spite of early diagnosis and rapid management the patient suffered severe sequelae.     

Zone 2 sacral fractures managed with partially-threaded screws result in low risk of neurologic injury

BackgroundZone 2 sacral fractures account for 34% of sacral fractures with reported neurological deficit in 21−28% of patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk factors for neurological injury in zone 2 sacral fractures. The authors hypothesized that partially thread iliosacral screws did not increase incidence of neurologic injury.MethodsA retrospective review of consecutive patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center with zone 2 sacral fractures requiring surgery from September 2010 to September 2014 was performed. Patients were excluded if no neurologic exam was available after surgery. Fractures were classified according to Denis and presence/absence of comminution through the neural foramen was noted. Fixation schema was recorded (sacral screws or open reduction and internal fixation with posterior tension plate). Any change in post-operative neurological exam was documented as well as exam at last clinic encounter.Results90 patients met inclusion criteria, with zone 2 fractures and post-operative neurological exam. No patient with an intact pre-operative neurologic exam had a neurological deficit after surgery. 86 patients (95.6%) were neurologically intact at their last follow-up examination. Four patients (4.4%) had a neurological deficit at final follow-up, all of them had neurological deficit prior to surgery. 81 patients were treated with partially threaded screws of which 1 (1.2%) had neurological deficit at final follow-up.Fifty-seven fractures (63.3%) were simple fractures and 33 fractures (36.7%) were comminuted. All four patients with neurological deficit had comminuted fractures. The association between neurologic deficit in zone 2 sacral fracture and fracture comminution was found to be statistically significant (p-value = 0.016). No nonunion was observed in this cohort.ConclusionsThe use of partially threaded screws for zone 2 sacral fractures is associated with low risk for neurologic injury, suggesting that compression through the fracture does not cause iatrogenic nerve damage. The low rate of sacral nonunion can be attributed to compression induced by the use of partially threaded compression screws. There is a strong association between zone 2 comminution and neurologic injury.     

Posterolateral approach to ruptured median and paramedian cervical disk

The trend toward anterior diskectomy for median and paramedian cervical disk rupture has tended to obscure progressive development of the posterolateral approach to these lesions. Modifications of surgical technique from the classic posterior approach have allowed direct access to these lesions, provided for satisfactory decompression of the spinal cord, especially when there is associated spondylosis, and avoided all of the disadvantages of anterior disk surgery. Of 28 patients operated on since 1950, 26 have had significant preoperative myelopathy or myeloradiculopathy. Two patients with obvious spinal cord compression and massive myelographic defects had no neurologic deficit. Improvement has been observed in every patient; 16 patients have had full recovery, and 8 others have had minor residual symptoms and asymptomatic signs. Although four patients have been lost to follow-up, they were all seen at least once after operation. No instance of increased deficit has been seen postoperatively, in contrast to the author's experience with spondylotic myelopathy. Postoperative contrast studies, which have now been performed on eight patients, confirm satisfactory excision of these lesions and decompression.     

An intramedullary capillary hemangioma of the spine with an underlying plasmocytoma

Background contextIn contrast to vertebral hemangiomas, which are very common within the general population, only 3% to 5% of patients with plasma cell dyscrasia show a single osteolytic bone lesion due to plasma cell infiltration without the evidence of generalized myeloma. The vast majority of these hemangiomas are completely asymptomatic and only discovered incidentally. In rare occasions, representing only 1% to 2% of the known lesions, a locally aggressive subtype can cause problems analogous to the ones triggered by a plasmocytoma, ranging from back pain to vertebral compression fractures to neurologic deficit, resulting from nerve root or spinal cord compression.Both entities are extensively discussed in the literature, but finding both lesions in one is rare if not described for the first time.PurposeTo advise colleagues that the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant vertebral tumors can be harder than expected and has to be definitely made to avoid severe consequences for the patient.Patient sampleA 46-year-old healthy man presented to the emergency department with an acute onset of thoracic back pain after a trivial incident. Although his medical history included no known diseases and no history of back pain, plain X-rays raised the clear suspicion of a fracture of T6 that was verified in computed tomography scans.Outcome measuresVisual analog scale; neurologic status; tumor recurrence.MethodsThe case of the patient was evaluated retrospectively according to standard procedures, clinical outcome, and in review of the literature.ResultsBecause there is still controversy about the best treatment (local radiation vs. operation vs. combination) of a solitary skeletal plasmocytoma, no gold standard has been established until now. Especially if a patient needs an emergency operation before all test results are obtained, each surgeon has to decide individually.ConclusionsCapillary hemangiomas can hide underlying plasmocytomas, which might demand totally different treatment strategies. Although our patient did not match the common criteria for a solitary plasmocytoma, one has to discuss whether a stand-alone decompression and biopsy would have been the emergency treatment of choice. Such a strategy would have reduced the risk of tumor spreading and would have made radiotherapy easier, whereas on the other hand requiring a secondary stabilization procedure later on.     

Cauda equina syndrome: a complication of lumbar discectomy

Six cases of acute postdiscectomy cauda equina syndrome (C.E.S.) following lumbar discectomy were reviewed retrospectively in a series of 2842 lumbar discectomies over a ten-year period. Five cases had coexisting bony spinal stenosis at the level of the disc protrusion. The bony spinal stenosis was not decompressed at the time of discectomy. Inadequate decompression played a role in the neurologic deterioration postoperation. The cause of the sixth case is unknown. Bowel and bladder recovery was good when the cauda equina decompressed early; sensory recovery was universally good, and motor recovery was poor if a severe deficit had developed before decompression. Careful review of the preoperative myelogram to rule out spinal stenosis and decompression of bony stenosis at discectomy are recommended for prevention of postoperative C.E.S. Urgent decompression of postoperative C.E.S. is advisable if compression of the cauda equina is confirmed radiographically.