伴有马尾神经松弛影像学改变的腰椎椎管狭窄症患者手术疗效

目的探讨伴马尾神经松弛影像学改变的腰椎椎管狭窄症患者的临床特征及手术效果。方法收集2016年9月—2017年9月接受手术治疗的16例影像学上存在马尾神经松弛改变的腰椎椎管狭窄症患者的临床及影像学资料。16例患者腰椎MRI均可见狭窄节段上方马尾神经迂曲成团,均行常规腰椎后路椎板减压椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗,其中3例患者因术中硬膜撕裂行硬膜内探查。记录所有患者术前与术后3个月的日本骨科学会(JOA)评分评估手术疗效。结果所有患者术后腰痛及下肢放射痛等症状均缓解,无并发症发生。3例患者硬膜内探查可见马尾神经迂曲成团,无粘连及占位。16例患者术后3个月JOA评分为9～14(12.56±0.75)分,较术前4～9(7.44±0.73)分明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。其中6例患者术后3个月复查腰椎MRI,显示马尾神经迂曲成团现象消失。结论马尾神经松弛是腰椎椎管狭窄症发展进程的一部分,椎管内马尾神经迂曲成团是导致其影像学改变的原因。治疗腰椎原发病可以获得较好的治疗效果,不需要松解马尾神经,也不必担心马尾神经松弛现象。     

Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc fragment causing cauda equina syndrome: Case report and review of the relevant literature

Posterior epidural migration (PEM) of free disc fragments is rare, and reported PEM patients usually presented with radicular signs. An uncommon case involving a patient with cauda equina syndrome due to PEM of a lumbar disc fragment is reported with a review of the literature. The patient described in this report presented with an acute cauda equina syndrome resulting from disc fragment migration at the L3-L4 level that occurred after traction therapy for his lower back pain. The radiological characteristics of the disc fragment were the posterior epidural location and the ring enhancement. A fenestration was performed and histologically confirmed sequestered disc material was removed. An early postoperative examination revealed that motor, sensory, urological, and sexual functions had been recovered. At late follow-up, the patient was doing well after 18 months. Sequestered disc fragments may occasionally migrate to the posterior epidural space of the dural sac. Definite diagnosis of posteriorly located disc fragments is difficult because the radiological images of disc fragments may mimic those of other more common posterior epidural lesions.     

破裂型腰椎间盘突出症手术失误原因分析及预防

目的：通过分析破裂型腰椎间盘突出症初次手术失误原因，提出预防措施。方法：我院1985年至2000年共手术治疗破裂型腰椎间盘突出症113例，对21例（其中7例由外院转入）因初次手术失误而再手术病人进行回顾性分析。结果：初次手术失误原因主要为：（1）髓核遗漏，遗留过多或复发。（2）合并其它节段间盘突出未处理或复发。（3）合并椎管或侧隐窝狭窄未处理。（4）合并马尾神经综合征。（5）医源性损伤。结论：破裂型腰椎间盘突出症初次手术失误原因多与术中操作有关。主要预防措施；（1）术前详细检查，明确诊断。（2）术中定位准确，操作细致。（3）术后严密观察、正确康复。     

Surgery for lumbar disc herniation during pregnancy

STUDY DESIGN: The case reports of three pregnant patients with lumbar disc herniation causing cauda equina syndrome or severe neurologic deficits are presented to illustrate that disc surgery during gestation is a safe method of management. OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the importance of recognizing and definitively treating lumbar disc displacement causing neurologic deficits during pregnancy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The advent of magnetic resonance imaging and modern surgical techniques for treatment of lumbar disc displacement allows safe management of this condition at any stage of gestation. A review of the literature on the risks of nonobstetric surgery and the risks of delaying disc surgery until delivery shows that operating at any stage during gestation for severe neurologic deficit secondary to lumbar disc displacement is justified. METHODS: A review of the literature on the use of magnetic resonance imaging scan and nonobstetric surgery during pregnancy was performed. Three case reports of the authors' patients who had lumbar disc displacement with cauda equina syndrome or severe neurologic deficit are presented. Patients were placed prone on a four-poster frame, and an epidural anesthetic agent was administered. A one-level hemilaminectomy, partial facetectomy, and disc excision were performed in all three cases. RESULTS: The methods used for diagnosis and surgical treatment of three patients with disc herniation during pregnancy resulted in a satisfactory outcome for both mother and child. The medical literature supports surgical intervention in pregnant patients with cauda equina syndrome and severe and/or progressive neurologic deficit(s) from lumbar disc displacement at any state of gestation. CONCLUSION: Although extremely rare, cauda equina syndrome and severe and/or progressive neurologic deficit caused by lumbar disc displacement can occur during pregnancy. The prevalence of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation during pregnancy may be on the increase because of the increasing age of patients who are becoming pregnant. These cases showed, and the literature confirms, that pregnancy at any stage is no contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging scan, epidural and/or general anesthesia, and surgical disc excision.     

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion: changes in area of the dural tube, disc height, and prevalence of cauda equina adhesion in magnetic resonance images

OBJECTIVE: Many investigators have reported satisfactory outcome in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) performed for lumbar disc herniation or "multiply operated back" (MOB), but without comparing preoperative and postoperative dural tube area and cauda equina adhesion in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We conducted this study to determine these data in ALIF performed for lumbar disc herniation and MOB. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who underwent ALIF, involving 38 discs, were studied. In MRI obtained before and after surgery (interval 9-48 months, mean 19.2 months), cross-sectional areas of the lumbar dural tube were measured from axial T2-weighted images using a computer-linked digitizer. At 30 disc levels operated on, the cauda was identified in images; cauda equina adhesions were classified according to Matsui et al (grade I-III). Clinical improvement was scored. RESULTS: Bony union was observed in radiographs of all patients. Preoperative and postoperative cross-sectional areas of the lumbar dural tube were 1.32 +/- 0.4 and 1.87 +/- 0.5 cm, respectively, and expansion ratio was 1.43 +/- 0.4. Recovery did not correlate with expansion ratio. Positive correlation was noted between expansion ratio and disc height ratio. At 30 disc levels where cauda equina was identified, 22 represented grade I and 8 represented grade II. At three of the latter, prior surgery had been performed via a posterior approach. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was noted in occurrence of grade II adhesions between primary ALIF and ALIF performed for MOB. Dural tube expansion was accomplished even without exposure of the tube, and cauda equina adhesion was uncommon in primary ALIF.     

Cauda equina syndromes in conservative care: four case reports

The clinical picture of “full-blown” cauda-equina syndrome is well documented. It is considered a neurological emergency, as prompt decompressive surgery has been show to enhance recovery and reduce the occurrence of disability and dysfunction. However, cauda equina syndrome can be easily overlooked in its early stages when its clinical picture is less distinct. The evidence for appropriate management of early cauda equina syndrome is sparse compared with that for the full-blown syndrome.The syndrome may occur as a rare complication of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and will therefore be encountered occasionally in chiropractic practice. Although it is extremely rare for I to be associated with spinal manipulation, the risk of temporal association is increased if the clinician fails to recognise the syndrome in its early stages. This paper presents four cases of patients who presented to chiropractors in the UK with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. These cases illustrate acute and chronic cauda equina syndrome as well as its early and full-blown clinical pictures. The aetiology of cauda-equina syndrome and its identification and management in a chiropractic setting are also discussed.     

腰椎间盘突出症合并马尾神经损伤

目的 探讨腰椎间盘突出症合并马尾神经损伤的特点、鉴别诊断及损伤机理,并总结其诊断、治疗及预防经验。方法 １１例腰椎间盘突出症合并马尾神经损伤,均采用全椎板切除、彻底摘除髓核的术式治疗。结果 随诊１～７年,其中４例完全恢复,６例不完全恢复,１例无恢复。结论 腰椎间盘突出症合并马尾神经损伤,与间盘突出大小、病程长短及是否合并椎管狭窄密切相关,一切确诊应立即手术治疗。     

Posterior and anterior epidural and intradural migration of the sequestered intervertebral disc: Three cases and review of the literature

Context: Dorsal migration of the sequestered lumbar intervertebral disc is an unusual and underrecognized pattern of lumbar disc herniation associated with pain and neurological deficit.Findings: Three patients presented with lower limb- and low back pain. MR imaging showed intracanalicular mass lesions with compression of the spinal cord and allowed precise localization of lesions in the extradural or intradural space. Diagnosis was straightforward for the patients with the posterior and anterior epidural disc fragments, whereas various differential diagnostic considerations were entertained for the patient with the intradural mass lesion. All patients underwent surgical removal of the sequestered disc fragments, and recovered full motosensory function. Surgical repair of the dura mater due to CSF leak was required for the patient with intradural disc herniation.Conclusion/clinical relevance: Posterior and anterior epidural, and intradural disc migration may manifest with clinical symptoms indistinguishable from those associated with non-sequestered lumbar disc hernias. Missed, migrated disc fragments can be implicated as a cause of low back pain, radiculopathy or cauda equina syndrome, especially in the absence of visible disc herniation. A high index of suspicion needs to be maintained in those cases with unexplained and persistent symptoms and/or no obvious disc herniation on MR images.     

Cauda equina syndrome as a postoperative complication in five patients operated for lumbar disc herniation

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of records and radiographs in five patients who developed acute cauda equina syndrome after surgery for lumbar disc herniation. OBJECTIVES: To postulate as a possible pathophysiologic mechanism the venous congestion caused by preexisting spinal stenosis and to present a management plan: extended decompression within 48 hours. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cauda equina syndrome is reported as a sequela in 0.2%-1% of the surgeries for lumbar disc herniation. There is, however, no consensus on the possible pathophysiologic mechanism to the complication or to its management. METHODS: Preoperative investigations consisted of magnetic resonance imaging, or myelography and computed tomography. There was a good correlation between clinical appearance and radiographic findings in all patients. When the complication became apparent in four of the patients, they were investigated with magnetic resonance imaging and reoperated on within 48 hours with wide decompressions. RESULTS: The index operation was reported uneventful in all patients. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging did not show the cause of the cauda equina syndrome, nor could this be established at the reoperation. Before surgery, all five patients had preexisting narrowing of the spinal canal. In no case was the lumbosacral disc the index level. Two patients recovered fully, whereas the other three experienced varying degrees of residual symptoms. There was no correlation between the end result and the delay until secondary decompression. CONCLUSION: Relative spinal stenosis may contribute to the development of cauda equina syndrome after surgery for lumbar disc herniation. A venous congestion can be triggered by postoperative edema, leading to nerve root ischemia. The treatment of choice seems to be extended decompression within 48 hours.     

An odd and serious “disc bulging”!

Background and importanceCauda equina syndrome is a common acute medical condition, usually caused by large degenerative disc herniation or metastatic lumbar disease. We describe a patient who presented with a lesion featuring both discal and tumoral characteristics.Clinical presentationA 41-year-old woman presented with ongoing back pain, progressive lower-limb weakness and sphincter disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a very odd-looking large anterior epidural lesion originating from the L3-L4 space and severely compressing the roots of the cauda equina. Partial surgical decompression was performed in emergency. At a later time, redo surgery was performed to maximize resection, and was unfortunately followed by several complications. After 6 surgical procedures including a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion and intensive rehabilitation, the patient could walk independently with the aid of one crutch. Following collegial review, the diagnosis of low-grade chondrosarcoma of the intervertebral disc was suggested.ConclusionWe report on a very unusual and therapeutically challenging spinal tumor diagnosed as low-grade chondrosarcoma of discal origin, an entity never previously described.     

Acute epidural lipedema: a novel entity and potential complication of bone morphogenetic protein use in lumbar spine fusion

Background context

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) induce osteogenesis, making them useful for decreasing time to union and increasing union rates. Although the advantages of BMP-2 as a substitute for iliac crest graft have been elucidated, less is known about the safety profile and adverse events linked to their use in spinal fusion. An accumulation of reactive edema in the epidural fat may lead to neural compression and significant morbidity after lumbar spinal fusion. Bone morphogenetic protein has never been implicated as a cause of spinal epidural lipedema.

Purpose

We report on a case of rapid accumulation of edematous adipose tissue in the epidural space after lumbar spine decompression and fusion with bone morphogenic protein.

Study design

Case report.

Methods

The patient was a 45-year-old woman with chronic back pain, worsening bilateral L5 radiculopathy, and degenerative disc disease. Surgery consisting of a one-level transpedicular decompression, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, and posterolateral fusion was performed using BMP-2 as an adjunct for arthrodesis.

Results

Two days postoperatively, the patient developed progressive cauda equina syndrome. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed edematous epidural fat extending above the initial laminectomy, compromising the spinal canal, and compressing the thecal sac. Emergent laminectomies at L3, L4, and L5 were performed, and intraoperative pathology revealed edematous epidural adipose tissue. The patient's cauda equina syndrome resolved after spinal decompression and the removal of epidural fat. Final cultures were negative for infection, and histology report yielded an accumulation of edematous fibroadipose tissue.

Conclusions

We present a case of rapid accumulation of edematous adipose tissue causing cauda equina syndrome after a lumbar decompression and fusion surgery. The acute nature and extensive development of the lipedema presented in this case indicate an intense inflammatory reaction. We hypothesize that there may be a link between the use of BMP-2 and the accumulation of this edematous tissue. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of BMP-2 and specific guidelines for their role in spinal surgery may improve functional outcomes and reduce the number of preventable complications. To the best of our knowledge and after a thorough literature search, this is the only reported case of epidural lipedema causing cauda equina syndrome.     

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion

This paper reports the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) that has been performed on fourteen patients. It includes 6 cases of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, 3 cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis, 2 cases of postoperative recurrence of lumbar disc protrusion, 2 cases of unstable prolapse of intervertebral disc, 1 cases of consequent spinal canal stenosis after lumbar lamina fusion. As a result 92 per cent of the operations are successful. The method of operation and it's modification are reported in detail. The indication of operation and the evaluative criteria of interbody bone union discussed. The intact of lumbar posterior structures, the condition of bone grating bed, the quality and disperse of bone graft are main factors that influencing bone union. Bleeding from venous plexus of spinal canal and from vertebral cancellous bone, injury of lumbosacral nerve root and cauda equina are the main surgical complications that should be stressed.     

Metastatic thymoma presenting as spontaneous epidural lumbar haematoma

We report the case of a 44-year-old man who was found to have metastatic thymoma to his lumbar spine presenting as a spontaneous epidural haematoma. The man presented with back pain and cauda equina like symptoms in the absence of trauma, antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents. Following a laminectomy and excision of the epidural collection he made a full neurological recovery. Histopathology of the haematoma demonstrated metastatic thymoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case of metastatic thymoma to the lumbar spine presenting as a spontaneous epidural collection. We believe, in all patients with spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma and a background of malignancy, histopathological analysis should be sought.     

腰椎间盘突出症致马尾神经损伤的原因与防治

目的 了解腰椎间盘突出症合并马尾神经损伤的发病原因,由此探讨其预防及治疗的措施。方法 对腰椎间盘突出症合并马尾神经损伤21例进行分型、手术治疗和随访,并对发病原因及术中所见进行分析。结果 腰椎间盘突出症合并马尾神经损伤好发于腰椎间盘突出症反复多次发作者,多有外伤、不合理治疗等诱因。术后恢复优5例,良11例,可4例,差1例。结论 腰椎间盘突出症反复多次发作者其马尾神经损伤比例增加,对此类病人应避免腰部损伤,避免做重手法推拿、大重量牵引等加重腰部损伤的治疗,发现有马尾神经损伤者应作早期手术治疗。     

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.     

腰椎间盘镜手术并发症的分析

目的：探讨腰椎间盘镜手术并发症的原因及治疗。方法：2000年8月-2004年5月用SOFAMOR DANEK公司METRX椎间盘镜治疗腰椎间盘突出症162例，对其临床结果进行回顾性分析。结果：出现并发症10例：硬脊膜撕裂6例，神经根断裂1例，马尾神经损伤1例，椎间隙感染1例，腰背骶脊肌抽搐1例。治疗后1例神经断裂随访23个月未见明显好转，1例马尾神经损伤随访9个月有所好转，但大小便仍不能控制。结论：椎间盘镜治疗腰椎间盘突出具有切口小、创伤小、恢复快等优点；手术操作必须规范、熟悉解剖，避免神经损伤等并发症发生。     

继发于腰椎间盘突出的马尾神经综合征

【摘要]目的 阐明马尾神经综合征术后神经功能结果及其临床意义。方法 对因腰椎间盘突出导致的马尾神经综合征患者33例分为早期手术组和延迟手术组进行回顾性分析。早期手术组48小时内手术20例,其中门例在24小时内手术。延迟手术组13例在马尾神经综合征表现48小时之后予以手术,平均延迟7天,其中9例延迟手术者系医源性延迟。结果 延迟手术者膀眺功能障碍、运动功能障碍和持续性疼痛的发生率明显大于早期手术组(P<0刀5)。结论 对因腰椎间盘突出所致的马尾神经综合征应尽早手术。     

Posterior epidural migration of sequestered lumbar disc fragment causing cauda equina syndrome

Posterior epidural migration of free disc fragments is rare, and posterior migration of the free fragments causing cauda equina syndrome is exceptionally rare. This report describes a 53-year-old man with disc fragment extrusion at the levels of L3-4 and a 54-year-old man with disc fragment extrusion at L5-S1 intervertebral space. The patients responded well to the operative therapy with complete relief of the symptoms. The pathological examination confirmed that the specimen was a degenerated intervertebral disc. Early surgery should be the first choice of therapy in patients with large posteriorly migrated sequestered disc fragments, to prevent severe neurological deficits such as cauda equina and conus medullaris syndromes.     

经椎板间隙入路内窥镜下髓核摘除术并发症的预防与处理

目的 分析经椎板间隙入路内窥镜下髓核摘除术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的手术并发症、预防及处理方法。方法 回顾性总结487例行经椎板间隙入路内窥镜下髓核摘除术的并发症。结果 术中并发症大多发生在早期开展的50例中。并发症包括：术中硬脊膜撕裂8例(占1．64％);马尾神经损伤l例(占0．2l％);脊神经根损伤l例(占0．2l％);镜下止血困难改开放手术3例(占0．62％);椎间盘炎l例(占0．2l％)。结论 经椎板间隙入路内窥镜下髓核摘除术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的并发症与术者经验有直接关系,早期并发症明显高于开放手术,而后期并发症少见。     

腰椎间盘突出症合并马尾综合征诊断与手术治疗的再认识

本文报告28例腰椎间盘突出症并发马尾综合征病人。作者就该病的发病机制、诱因、诊断及手术等有关的问题进行了探讨。认为该病处理的关键是早期诊断和及早手术。诊断主要依靠临床表现和CT检查；腰椎管造影术可加重马尾损伤，因此要慎重选择。手术应采用单处开窗或多处开窗，既能进行椎管减压和髓核摘除，又能保护脊柱稳定性。手术应尽量避免马尾神经的继发损伤。术后随访0．5～3．5年（平均1．5年），优良率为85．7％。