Modified transpedicular approach for the surgical treatment of severe thoracolumbar or lumbar burst fractures.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Conventional transpedicular decompression of the neural canal requires a considerable amount of lamina, facet joint and pedicle resection. The authors assumed that it would be possible to remove the retropulsed bone fragment by carving the pedicle with a high-speed drill without destroying the vertebral elements contributing to spinal stabilization. In this way, surgical treatment of unstable burst fractures can be performed less invasively. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate both the possibility of neural canal decompression through a transpedicular approach without removing the posterior vertebral elements, which contribute to spinal stabilization, and the adequacy of posterior stabilization of severe vertebral deformities after burst fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with complete or incomplete neurological deficits as a result of the thoracolumbar burst fractures were included in this study. All patients had severe spinal canal compromise (mean, 59.53%+/-14.92) and loss of vertebral body height (mean, 45.14%+/-7.19). Each patient was investigated for neural canal compromise, degree of kyphosis at fracture level and fusion after operation by computed tomography and direct roentgenograms taken preoperatively, early postoperatively and late postoperatively. The neurological condition of the patients was recorded in the early and late postoperative period according to Benzel-Larson grading systems. The outcome of the study was evaluated with regard to the adequate neural canal decompression, fusion and reoperation percents and neurological improvement. METHODS: Modified transpedicular approach includes drilling the pedicle for removal of retropulsed bone fragment under surgical microscope without damaging the anatomic continuity of posterior column. Stabilization with pedicle screw fixation and posterior fusion with otogenous bone chips were done after this decompression procedure at all 28 patients included in this study. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 28 patients showed neurological improvement. The percent of ambulatory patients was 71.4% 6 months after the operation. The major complications included pseudarthrosis in five patients (17.8%), epidural hematoma in one (3.5%) and inadequate decompression in one (3.5%). These patients were reoperated on by means of an anterior approach. Of the five pseudarthrosis cases, two were the result of infection. CONCLUSION: Although anterior vertebrectomy and fusion is generally recommended for burst fractures causing canal compromise, in these patients adequate neural canal decompression can also be achieved by a modified transpedicular approach less invasively.     

前后路一期手术治疗急性下颈椎严重损伤

目的 探讨前后路一期手术治疗急性严重颈椎损伤的价值。方法 分析总结采取前后路一期手术治疗8例急性严重颈椎损伤病人的临床资料及治疗效果。结果 所有病例均在受伤后96h内实施手术治疗，其中2例为爆裂骨折伴椎管狭窄，6例为骨折脱位伴有相应节段的椎间盘突出。术前脊髓功能7例为A级，1例为B级。平均随访14个月。脊髓功能有2例达到D级，3例C级，1例B级，2例无变化仍为A级。所有植骨椎间隙均已融合，椎间高度及生理曲度保持良好。结论 对于急性颈椎损伤，在影像学显示颈椎管前后方均有明显压迫且脊髓功能严重受损时，实施前后路一期手术是达到及时充分减压、即刻稳定、为脊髓功能恢复创造有利条件及减少并发症的有效手段。     

Posterolateral approach and anterior spinal canal recalibration in severe spinal injury affecting T-12, L-1: a study of seven cases

The authors present seven cases of spinal trauma at the T-12--L-1 level with severe spinal canal stenosis secondary to compressive, anterior discocorporeal lesions. Associated neurological disorders were of varying severity. Six cases were investigated by computed tomography, which enabled the degree of thoracolumbar spinal canal stenosis to be determined. In all cases, the surgical procedure involved rectification of spinal deformity, with an initial unilateral posterolateral approach permitting anterior spinal canal recalibration, either by impaction of protrusive fragments or ablation of ejected disc fragments. The stabilization was in all cases achieved by complimentary bilateral plates using Roy-Camille material, associated with posterolateral arthrodesis by grafting with reconstruction of the articulopedicular structure. The functional spinal result was excellent in all cases, and recalibration was verified by tomography. In those cases showing neurological deficiency, good and early recovery was attributable to the suppression of spinal canal stenosis. The application of this posterolateral approach for severe lesions of the thoracolumbar junction seems to represent, in all cases of recent lesions, an alternative to the anterior or combined methods, which present widely recognized difficulties at the thoracoabdominal junction.     

退变性胸椎管狭窄症的诊断和手术治疗

目的总结退变性胸椎管狭窄症的临床特点、诊断方法和手术治疗效果。方法回顾总结获随访22例经过手术治疗的退变性胸椎管狭窄症患者的临床资料。首发症状:发病节段以下麻木15例,下肢无力4例,胸背痛3例。所有患者均行X片检查,14例行脊髓造影,16例CT扫描,其中14例为CTM检查,12例MRI检查。病变节段:单节段12例,连续两个或两个以上节段7例,跳跃式节段3例。单节段者病变位置:T1-41例;T5-83例;T9-L18例。手术方式:后路椎管后壁切除术13例,侧前方入路行减压术2例,前后路联合减压手术3例,后路环椎管减压术4例。随访时间最长64个月,最短8个月,平均36个月。结果18位患者症状有不同程度改善,有效率为81.8%。根据JOA评分标准,术后2周改善率为81.3%,最后一次随访时改善率为87.5%。结论退变性胸椎管狭窄症多发生在胸椎下段,多节段受累常见;CT和MRI是胸椎管狭窄症的主要影像诊断手段;手术治疗是唯一选择,根据胸椎管狭窄症的临床特征选择适当的手术方式,可获得满意效果。     

Anterior osteophytectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in developmentally narrow canal

The authors present 19 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in patients with developmentally narrow canal treated by microsurgical anterior osteophytectomy with interbody fusion, with follow-up periods of 1 to 8 years (mean 38 months). Postoperatively, the lower limb function, evaluated by Nurick's six-grade classification, improved two or three grades in 16 cases, one grade in two cases, and remained unchanged in one case. The upper limb function, evaluated by the authors' own four-grade classification, improved two or three grades in 11 cases, one grade in seven cases, and remained unchanged in one case. No deterioration caused by the osteophytectomy was seen. During the follow-up period, spondylolisthesis appeared 31 months postoperatively in one patient and soft disc hernia occurred 66 months postoperatively in another; these two patients were treated by a second operation and cervical traction, respectively. The authors conclude that anterior osteophytectomy with interbody fusion is applicable as a surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy even where developmental canal stenosis is present.     

术前MRI T2加权像髓内高信号对颈椎前路椎间盘切除融合术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病效果的影响

目的 探讨术前MRI T2加权像髓内高信号对颈椎前路椎间盘切除融合术(ACDF)治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病(MCSM)效果的影响.方法 回顾性分析2015年1月—2018年5月于本院接受ACDF治疗的83例MCSM患者临床资料.根据术前MRI T2加权像髓内信号强度将患者分为高信号组(41例)和非高信号组(42例).采用日...     

小切口腹膜外入路手术治疗下腰椎骨折初步探讨

目的 评价小切口腹膜外入路手术治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折的疗效,并探讨手术技巧.方法 回顾性分析小切口腹膜外入路手术治疗的21例严重下腰椎爆裂性骨折病例.男15例,女6例;年龄19～65岁,平均35.9岁.L3 10例,L4 8例,L5 3例.按照Magerl分型(AO分型)：A类(爆裂型)12例,B类(分离型)2例,C类...     

Recalibration via a postero-lateral approach in recent traumatic stenosis of the dorsal and lumbar spine. Modalities and results apropos of 31 cases

The authors present 31 cases of spinal trauma affecting thoraco lumbar level with severe spinal canal stenosis secondary to compressive trauma of the anterior disco-corpereal region. Associated neurological disorders were of varying severity. 23 cases were investigated by computed tomography. In all cases, the surgical procedure involved rectification of spinal deformities, with initially a unilateral postero-lateral approach permitting anterior spinal canal recalibration, either by impaction of protrusive fragments or ablation of free disc fragments. The stabilization was usually achieved by complementary bilateral plates using Roy-Camille or Privat material in 22 cases, associated with postero-lateral arthrodesis by grafting with reconstruction of the articulo-pedicular structure in 19 cases. Emergency operation was done in 14 cases; in 5 cases operation was done on the 2nd or 3rd day and in 11 cases after the 3rd day. The functional spinal result was excellent, and recalibration was verified by tomography in all cases. In those cases showing neurological deficiency, good and early recovery was attributable to the suppression of spinal canal stenosis, and a consequently neurological improvement was always obtained, even for the most serious of lesions except those at the thoracis level superior to T10. The application of this postero-lateral approach for severe spinal trauma seems to represent, in all cases of recent lesions, an alternative to the anterior or combined methods. We do not share the opinion that delay in decompression does not influence the neurological prognosis and emergency operation is advisable.     

颈椎病伴椎管狭窄手术入路的选择

[目的]探讨颈椎病伴椎管狭窄时的治疗策略及手术入路选择，为颈椎病手术治疗提供有益的经验。[方法]通过收集2002年7月～2003年12月间颈椎病伴椎管狭窄经前路减压术后疗效不佳或症状复发的病例，经分析后再次行后路减压手术治疗并观察其近期疗效；同时随机抽取1985年4月～1992年5月间病情相似而行后路减压的一组病例进行远期疗效随访，对比两组术后疗效。[结果]经前路减压术后脊髓功能（JOA）改善率仅为11．7％，但经后路者为70．3％；而前者经后路减压再手术后脊髓功能改善率可提高至52．8％。[结论]颈椎病伴颈椎管狭窄病例经前路减压术后疗效不佳或症状复发的主要原因在于椎管狭窄因素仍然存在，对上述病例行后路减压再手术治疗后，仍可取得一定的疗效；而最初便经后路减压治疗的此类患者则可取得较显著的远期疗效，提示经后路多节段减压可一期有效地扩大颈椎椎管，从而提高手术治疗颈椎病的疗效。     

Surgical Management of Solitary Nerve Sheath Tumors of the Cervical Spine: A Retrospective Case Analysis Based on Tumor Location and Extension

Complete resection of spinal nerve sheath tumors (NSTs) does not always result in significant neurological deficit. The purpose of this retrospective case analysis was to discuss the optimal surgical strategy for spinal NST of the cervical spine. Twenty-four patients who underwent surgery for solitary cervical NST over the past decade were included in this retrospective study. Patients with neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis were excluded. Seventeen of the 24 cases (70.8%) showed extradural dumbbell extension, most frequently at the C1 or C2 vertebral level. Neurological condition was assessed using the modified McCormick functional schema and sensory pain scale. Total removal of the tumor was achieved in 20 of 24 cases (83.3%). Staged surgery using combined anterior and posterior approaches was applied for 2 of 17 cases with extradural dumbbell extension. Tumor involvement with nerve root fibers critical for upper extremity function (C5–C8) was recognized in 6 of 24 cases (25.0%), with complete resection in all 6 cases. Final assessment of neurological function revealed satisfactory or acceptable recovery in all 6 patients. Spinal NSTs with extradural dumbbell extension are a common condition in the cervical spine. Complete removal of spinal NST of the cervical spine may carry a risk of permanent neurological deficit, but such sequelae appeared to be the exception in the present case analysis. A radical and safe surgical strategy, including staged surgery combining anterior and posterior approaches, should be tailored to the individual case.     

胸椎后纵韧带骨化的临床特点及治疗策略

目的回顾研究手术治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的临床特点及治疗方法。方法1991至2005年手术治疗胸椎OPLL55例,男19例,女36例;年龄35～73岁,平均51.9岁。均伴有脊髓损害。手术方式包括单纯椎管后壁切除术34例、前方OPLL切除减压术15例以及前后路联合手术6例。结果55例中36例(65.5%)合并胸椎黄韧带骨化(OLF),18例(32.7%)合并颈椎OPLL。单纯发生于上胸椎的OPLL13例(23.6%),中胸椎12例(21.8%),下胸椎及胸腰段17例(30.9%),广泛分布者13例(23.6%)。43例获得随访,平均随访时间47.1个月(6～168个月)。37例神经功能有改善,改善率为76.6%,无改善2例,加重4例。前方入路获随访者13例,其中3例症状加重,余改善率平均为82.9%(42.9%～100%)。后路椎管后壁切除术获随访者25例,1例无改善,1例加重,余改善率平均为72.6%(22.2%～100%)。前后路联合手术获随访5例,1例无改善,余改善率平均为83.9%。结论胸椎OPLL常合并胸椎OLF及颈椎OPLL。上胸椎OPLL合并颈椎管狭窄可一期行颈后路单开门及上胸椎椎管后壁切除术。两个节段以内的OPLL且不合并有造成脊髓压迫的胸椎OLF可行前路OPLL切除减压术,否则行后路椎管后壁切除术。单节段的OPLL合并胸椎OLF可行前后路联合手术。     

Correlation of spinal canal post-traumatic encroachment and neurological deficit in burst fractures of the lower cervical spine (C3–7)

Summary Burst fractures of the lower cervical spine (C3–7) are often associated with severe neurological injury. During the last 5 years (1987–1992) we operated on 11 patients who had sustained burst fractures together with neurological deficit. The operations were performed through an anterior approach. The burst vertebra was excised, and the defect was filled with bone graft. Implants (plates and screws) were used in 10 cases. The preoperative examination was conducted by computed tomography and revealed that in 4 patients with complete tetraplegia (Frankel grade A) there was more than 50% spinal canal narrowing, whilst in the remaining 7 patients, with various levels of incomplete tetraplegia, there was less than 50% spinal canal narrowing, resulting in considerable improvement. The above results support the hypothesis that a correlation exists between the magnitude of the spinal canal encroachment, the initial neurological deficit and the final outcome.     

Old traumatic lesions of the dorsal and lumbar spine]

The authors present 71 cases of malunion or old traumatic lesions. They result from an unadapted initial surgical or functional treatment. The pain symptoms are in the form of vertebral pain or nerve root pain, often associated with signs of neurological deficit. The authors emphasize the stability or instability of the lesion in order to assess its reducibility. The radiographic exploration (dynamic views, MRI, CT, medullary arteriography) would serve as a guide for the treatment strategy. The authors do not report any case of permanent postoperative neurological aggravation. Three surgical options are analyzed (anterior approach, posterior approach and "three-stage" surgery). An enlarged posterior approach enables treatment and reduction of all malunions, except if a medullary feeder artery is present on the site of the lesion. The pain symptoms improve in 87% of all cases. The authors do not report any permanent postoperative neurological aggravation.     

Combined anterior and posterior approach in treatment of ankylosing spondylitis-associated cervical fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Cervical fractures with ankylosing spondylitis (CAS) are a specific type of spinal fracture with poor stability, low healing rate, and high disability rate. Its treatment is mainly surgical, predominantly through the anterior approach, posterior approach, and the anterior–posterior approach. Although many clinical studies have been conducted on various surgical approaches, controversy still exists concerning the choice of these surgical approaches by surgeons. The authors present here a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis exploring the utility of the anterior–posterior approach versus the anterior approach and the posterior approach.

Methods

After a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase databases, 12 clinical studies were included in the final qualitative analysis and 8 in the final quantitative analysis. Of these studies, 11 conducted a comparison between the anterior–posterior approach and the anterior approach and posterior approaches, while one examined only the anterior–posterior approach. Where appropriate, statistical advantage ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

The present meta-analysis of postoperative neurological improvement showed no statistical difference in the overall neurological improvement rate between the anterior–posterior approach and anterior approach (OR 1.70, 95% CI 0.61 to 4.75; p = 0.31). However, the mean change in postoperative neurological function was lower in patients who received the anterior approach than in those who received the anterior–posterior approach (MD 0.17, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.36; p = 0.08). There was an identical trend between the anterior–posterior approach and posterior approach, with no statistically significant difference in the overall rate of neurological improvement (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.56; p = 0.38). Nevertheless, the mean change in neurological function was smaller in patients receiving the anterior–posterior approach compared with the posterior approach, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two (MD 0.17, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.36; p = 0.08).

Conclusions

The results of this review and meta-analysis suggest that the benefits of the anterior–posterior approach are different from those of the anterior and posterior approaches in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis-related cervical fractures. In a word, there is no significant difference between the cervical surgical approach and the neurological functional improvement. Therefore, surgeons should pay more attention to the type of cervical fracture, the displacement degree of cervical fracture, the spinal cord injury, the balance of cervical spine and other aspects to comprehensively consider the selection of appropriate surgical methods.

     

Brain stem cavernoma excised by subtemporal-infratemporal approach

Brain stem cavernomas are most safely removed through the pial surface at which the cavernoma is surfacing. When a lower pontine or an upper medullary cavernoma comes to the surface of the anterior portion of the brain stem, it is difficult to reach by traditional approaches. We describe a case of mid- and lower pontine cavernoma, surfacing anteriorly, which was completely excised by the subtemporal-infratemporal approach. After making a small temporal craniotomy and a zygomatic osteotomy, the petrous carotid artery was mobilized anteriorly and the petroclival bone was drilled away to reach the anterior surface of the pons using the subtemporal-infratemporal approach. A small incision was made on the anterior surface of the pons, between the CN V and CN VI and the cavernoma was completely excised with the aid of the surgical microscope and the neuro-endoscope. Immediately after the operation, the patient had a complete abducens palsy and a mild increase of left hemiparesis, both of which resolved completely within 3 months. The patient returned to the full time work without any neurological deficit. A follow-up MRI 1 year later showed the complete excision of the cavernoma. The subtemporal-infratemporal approach is useful for anteriorly located mid to lower pontine and upper medullary cavernomas.     

Unstable burst fractures of the thoraco-lumbar junction: treatment by posterior bisegmental correction/fixation and staged anterior corpectomy and titanium cage implantation

Summary Background. Controversy exists about the best treatment of unstable thoraco-lumbar (TL) burst fractures. Kyphosis correction and canal decompression in case of a neurological deficit are recognized treatment objectives, and various conservative and surgical strategies have been proposed. This prospective observational study evaluates the benefits and risks of a posterior bisegmental transpedicular correction/fixation and staged anterior corpectomy and titanium cage implantation in unstable TL junction burst fractures. Method. 20 consecutive patients with a single-level traumatic unstable burst fracture at the TL junction were operated on by a bisegmental posterior correction/fixation, followed by anterior corpectomy and titanium cage implantation 7–10 days later. The radiological and clinical course is documented over a period of 24 months. Findings. The mean posttraumatic loss of anterior vertebral body height was 58% (45–70%). The posttraumatic mean regional kyphosis was 16° and could be corrected by the posterior approach to a mean lordosis of 2°. Mean secondary loss of the kyphosis correction was 3° over 24 months. No hardware failure occurred, and construct stability was observed in all 20 patients. One surgical complication occurred during the posterior approach, and three transient surgical complications by the anterior approach. 12 of the 14 patients with an initial neurological deficit recovered an average of 1.5 grades on the ASIA scale. At 24 months postoperatively, the mean regional TL back pain on a VAS (0–10) was 1.6, and the mean pain at the anterior approach site was 1.2. Conclusion. Posterior bisegmental transpedicular correction/fixation and staged anterior corpectomy and titanium cage implantation is a safe and reliable surgical treatment option in unstable TL junction burst fractures. The advantages of this technique are a complete kyphosis correction, immediate stability, maintenance of kyphosis correction, and complete spinal canal decompression in case of a neurological deficit. However, these advantages have to be carefully weighed against the double approach morbidity.     

伴有颈椎间盘突出的颈椎管狭窄症的手术方法探讨

目的探讨伴有颈椎间盘突出的颈椎管狭窄症的外科手术方法。方法对我院诊治的56例伴有颈椎间盘突出的颈椎管狭窄症患者,根据手术方法的不同分成两组:颈后路手术治疗组(31例)、颈前后联合入路手术治疗组(25例),比较两组间治疗前后的JOA评分改变。结果所有病例未发生神经功能进一步损伤,56例均获得10.0～20.0个月随访,脊髓神经功能按JOA评分,颈后路手术治疗组优良率74.2%,颈前后联合入路治疗组优良率76.0%。结论治疗伴有颈椎间盘突出的颈椎管狭窄症,单纯颈后路手术的治疗效果与颈前后联合入路手术区别不大,无需进一步行前路手术。     

Hematomyelia caused by ruptured intramedullary spinal artery aneurysm associated with extramedullary spinal arteriovenous fistula--case report

A 53-year-old woman presented with a ruptured intramedullary aneurysmal dilatation fed by the anterior spinal artery associated with an arteriovenous malformation located in the ventral cervical spinal cord. She developed tetraparesis and respiratory dysfunction. The neurological deterioration was caused by hematomyelia due to the ruptured aneurysmal dilatation and progression of edema in the upper cervical spinal cord due to venous hypertension associated with additional hematoma in the medulla oblongata. Endovascular embolization of both C-1 and C-2 radicular arteries was performed with Guglielmi detachable coils, but components fed by small branches such as the radiculo-pial artery were not obliterated. Surgery was performed for extirpation of the arteriovenous malformation and cervical intramedullary hematoma, and excision of the aneurysmal dilatation through a transcondylar approach combined with vertebral artery transposition. Postoperatively, she overcame several complications such as pneumonia and endocarditis, and had only moderate weakness of the right upper and lower limbs. This case indicates that surgical intervention for high cervical intramedullary lesion may be very effective.     

Recurrent spinal meningioma: a case report with review of the literature

Spinal meningioma generally responds favourably to surgical excision and has a low rate of recurrence. However, follow-up data on patients under 50 years of age are limited. We report a recurrence of intraspinal meningioma 18 years after the initial surgery in a 45-year-old woman. She presented with weakness in both lower limbs that had gradually progressed over the previous 8 months, and difficulty in walking for the last 2 months. She had no history of sensory loss or visceral involvement, but had undergone a major surgical intervention of the upper spine for a similar episode of weakness in both lower limbs 18 years earlier. She underwent a second surgery at the same site, and a greyish-white tumour was excised, which was histopathologically confirmed as recurrent psammomatous meningioma. The patient demonstrated complete neurological recovery in 8 months.     

腰椎管狭窄症程度及手术方式对治疗效果的影响

目的探讨影响腰椎管狭窄症治疗效果的因素。方法对96例腰椎管狭窄患者进行不同方式椎管减压及内固定治疗,并对其术前术后临床症状作对比研究。结果本组术后随访3个月至1年半,手术后总的疼痛缓解达到100%,肢体麻木改善率93%,肌力改善率98%,但膀胱功能恢复较差,其改善率仅为20%。结论重症腰椎管狭窄症,早期手术进行充分椎管减压,并根椐不同情况采取不同融合固定,才是合理的治疗方法。