Long-term outcomes following anterior foraminotomy for one- or two-level cervical radiculopathy

Purpose

Anterior foraminotomy (AF) is a surgical treatment for unilateral cervical radiculopathy that avoids fusion-related complications, but its long-term outcome has yet to be investigated. To clarify the efficacy of AF, the author retrospectively collected long-term data regarding the results of this technique.

Methods

Of 50 patients who underwent AF between November 1999 and June 2005, those who were followed for more than 6 years (n = 44) were enrolled in this study. The parameters studied included the number of revisions, additional surgeries, VAS/NDI, and Odom’s criteria. Plain radiographs were also obtained pre- and postoperatively.

Results

At discharge, 98 % of patients reported improvement, although 20 % temporarily experienced some residual symptoms. There were no other major postoperative complications. At final follow-up (FU, mean of 8.8 years), an excellent or good outcome was achieved in 39 patients (89 %). There was no index level reoperation required, but two additional operations for symptomatic adjacent-segment degeneration were needed (4.5 %). Six patients suffered from shoulder pain on the same side after surgery (mean onset: 3.6 years). At final FU, significant degeneration at the operated level was demonstrated on plain radiographs, resulting in a decreased range of motion. However, loss of lordosis of the segment was minimal. Radiographically, adjacent segment degeneration was noted in only 6 and 11 % at the cranial and caudal segments, respectively.

Conclusions

In this retrospective study, patients who underwent AF for one- or two- level cervical radiculopathy showed a good long-term outcome with minimal adjacent segment degeneration. However, more data should be collected to clarify possible associations with these findings, such as delayed shoulder problems and aggravation of degeneration at the operated level.     

Anatomical study of the cervical nerve roots for posterior foraminotomy: cadaveric study

Background

Anatomical study of the relationship among the cervical nerve roots, intervertebral disc, and lateral mass is important for the neurosurgeon to avoid complications of posterior cervical foraminotomy.

Methods

Six adult cadavers were studied. The muscles of the back of the neck were removed to expose the cervical vertebrae posteriorly from C3 to C7. We measured the length, height, extent, and angulations of the nerve roots from the medial point of the facet (MPF) after a total laminectomy, then after one-half facetectomy. The height, width, anteroposterior diameter of the lateral mass, then the height and anteroposterior diameter of the neural foramen were also measured.

Results

After total laminectomy from C3 to C7, all measures were taken from MPF showed that the mean length of the exposed root was 6.5–8.8 mm while vertical distance was 4–5.4 mm and the horizontal distance was 5.1–7.1 mm. Following a medial one-half facetectomy; the mean length of the exposed root was 8.9–12.3 mm, the vertical distance was 5.5–7.3 mm while the horizontal distance was 7.1–9.8 mm. The mean angulations of the nerve roots were 50.9–53.3º. There was a significant difference after total laminectomy and medial one-half facetectomy.

Conclusion

Anatomic and morphologic study of the cervical nerve roots and their relationships to the lateral mass and the intervertebral disc are useful landmarks to reduce the operative complications of the posterior foraminotomy.     

颈椎前路减压分段融合术和后路椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的病例对照研究

目的 :比较颈椎前路减压分段融合术和后路椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法:对2009年7月至2012年6月收治的56例多节段脊髓型颈椎病病例进行回顾性分析,男32例,女24例;年龄42~79岁,平均(56.9±12.8)岁,病程2个月~16年,平均(10.6±3.2)年。所有患者术前经影像学检查显示有多节段颈椎间盘突出,并具有脊髓型颈椎病的临床表现。其中34例采用颈椎前路减压分段融合术(前路组),22例采用后路椎管扩大成形术(后路组)。通过影像学资料对两组患者手术前后的病变节段前柱高度和颈椎前曲度进行比较,并采用JOA评分评价手术效果。结果:两组患者无神经血管并发症发生,并获得24~36个月的随访(平均28.6个月)。前路组,术后2周时颈椎病变节段前柱高度较术前明显增高(P0.05),颈椎前曲度较术前明显降低(P0.05)。后路组,术后2周及末次随访时,病变节段前柱高度和颈椎前曲度较术前差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组间在术后2周及末次随访时颈椎前曲度差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后两组JOA评分均出现了明显恢复,术后3个月及末次随访时,前路组明显高于后路组(P0.05),且JOA评分改善率前路组也优于后路组(P0.05)。结论:这种分段式前路融合手术可以有效地恢复颈椎前柱高度,并且与颈椎后路椎管扩大成形术相比,可以显著地改善脊髓功能,是治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的有效方案。     

经皮完全内窥镜与显微内窥镜下后路颈椎间孔切开减压术围手术期并发症的Meta分析

目的:系统分析经皮完全内窥镜(full-endoscopic,FE)与显微内窥镜(microendoscopic,MI)下后路颈椎间孔切开减压术(posterior cervical foraminotomy,PCF)治疗神经根型颈椎病围手术期并发症的发生率及特点。方法:计算机检索Pub Med、Embase、Web of Science以及中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、中国期刊全文数据库(CNKI)和万方数据库自建库至2017年10月通过FE-PCF或MI-PCF治疗椎间盘侧方突出或椎间孔狭窄引起的神经根型颈椎病的文献。两名研究人员独立进行文献筛选、质量评价和数据提取,并将相关文献报道的并发症分类汇总。采用Comprehensive Meta Analysis 2.2软件进行统计分析,选择发生率作为效应量指标,并计算其95%置信区间(confidence interval,CI)。结果:最终纳入28篇文献,共2060例患者;其中FE组410例,MI组1650例。FE组并发症总体发生率为5.7%(CI:3.4%~9.5%),MI组为3.5%(CI:2.7%~4.6%),二者无统计学差异(P=0.100);而并发症的构成比例则明显不同,FE组以短暂性神经根麻痹为主(15/19,78.9%),MI组常见的并发症依次为硬脊膜撕裂(20/48,41.7%)、短暂性神经根麻痹(11/48,22.9%)和浅表伤口感染(5/48,10.4%)。其中,短暂性神经根麻痹的发生率在FE组为4.4%(CI:2.8%~7.1%),显著高于MI组1.6%(CI:1.0%~2.6%),且差异具有统计学意义(P=0.003);硬脊膜撕裂发生率在FE组为1.6%(CI:0.7%~3.8%),MI组为1.8%(CI:1.2%~2.7%),无统计学差异(P=0.784)。结论:FE-PCF与MI-PCF治疗神经根型颈椎病均相对安全,二者间并发症总体发生率基本一致。然而,FE-PCF术后易出现短暂性神经根麻痹,值得广大临床医师关注。     

Small keyhole transuncal foraminotomy for unilateral cervical radiculopathy

Summary Interbody fusion after anterior discectomy may lead to acceleration of degenerative changes at adjacent levels. Although the posterior approach preserves the motion segment, decompression of the nerve root is indirect if “hard disc prolaps” is the main cause. Recently, a technique of microsurgical anterior cervical foraminotomy for the treatment of radiculopathy with preservation of the segment mobility was published. In this study, we present this technique with several modifications. Thirteen patients – 5 men and 8 women with an average age of 49 years – with unilateral radiculopathy resistant to conservative treatment underwent microsurgical anterior foraminotomy via a small keyhole transuncal approach. The base of the uncinate process (UP) was directly drilled in the trajectory to the intervertebral foramen without destroying the disc tissue. The vertebral artery between the transverse process was not exposed. Furthermore, the functional anatomy of the uncovertebral joint remained largely intact. All patients experienced complete relief of radiating pain. A cervical collar was not used. Mean follow-up time was 19 months. The mobility of the operated segment was preserved in each patient. No instability of the cervical spine was seen. The microsurgical anterior foraminotomy via a small keyhole transuncal approach is safe, minimally invasive, and represents an effective method to treat unilateral cervical radiculopathy caused by disc prolaps and/or uncovertebral osteophytes. Additionally, the segment mobility is preserved and prevents the acceleration of degenerative changes at adjacent levels.     

Complications and outcomes of posterior fusion in children with atlantoaxial instability

Introduction

Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is an uncommon disease in children. Surgical treatment of pediatric patients with AAI poses a challenge to spine surgeons because of the patients’ immature bone quality, extensive anatomical variability, and smaller osseous structures. In this study, the authors report complications and outcomes after posterior fusion in children with AAI.

Methods

The authors reviewed medical records of patients 13 years old and younger with AAI who underwent posterior fusion in the Nagoya Spine Group hospitals, a multicenter cooperative study group, from January 1995 to December 2007. We identified 11 patients who underwent posterior fusion, and analyzed their clinical outcomes and complications. To determine if vertical growth within the construct continued after posterior fusion, in three patients at 5 or more years following occipito-cervical (O-C) fusion, intervertebral disc heights and vertebral heights between the fused and non-fused levels were compared on the final follow-up.

Results

The initial surgeries were C1–C2 fusions in six patients and O-C fusion in five patients. Successful fusion ultimately occurred in all patients, however, the complication rate related to the operations was high (64%). Complications included neurologic deterioration, pedicle fracture with pedicle screw insertion, C1 posterior arch fracture with lateral mass screw insertion, perforation of the skull with a head pin placement, and fusion extension to adjacent vertebrae. Two patients required reoperation. The mean fixed and non-fixed intervertebral disc heights on the final follow-up were 2.6 and 5.3 mm, respectively, showing that the disc height of the fixed level was less than the non-fused level. Each vertebra lengthened similarly between fused and non-fused levels except for C2 which had a lower growth rate than the other vertebrae.

Conclusions

A high complication rate should be anticipated after posterior fusion in children with AAI. Careful consideration should be paid to pediatric patients with AAI treated by screw and/or rod systems. After posterior fusion in pediatric patients, each vertebra continued to grow, in contrast the disc height decreased between fused levels.     

Adjacent segment disease after anterior cervical interbody fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There have been many follow-up studies on anterior interbody fusion for cervical nerve root and spinal cord compression, and excellent neurological outcomes have been reported. However, postoperative degenerative changes at adjacent discs may lead to the development of new radiculopathy or myelopathy. In the previous reports, the incidence of symptomatic adjacent segment disease has ranged from 7% to 15%. PURPOSE: The present study was undertaken to investigate the incidence of symptomatic adjacent segment disease after anterior cervical interbody fusion (ACIF) and to identify the factors that are related to the development of this disease. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This is a retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 112 patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for more than 2 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Follow-up evaluation was primarily by means of clinical visits. The postoperative course of any symptoms, the findings of neurological examination and serial follow-up radiographs were performed in all patients. METHODS: The diagnosis of symptomatic adjacent segment disease was based on the presence of new radiculopathy or myelopathy symptoms referable to an adjacent level, and the presence of a compressive lesion at an adjacent level by magnetic resonance imaging or myelography. We evaluated the correlation between the incidence of symptomatic adjacent segment disease and the following clinical parameters (age at operation, sex, number of the levels fused) and radiological parameters (preoperative cervical spine alignment, preoperative range of motion of C2-C7 cervical spine, anteroposterior spinal canal diameter, preoperative existence of an adjacent segment degeneration on plain radiograph, myelography and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). RESULTS: Symptomatic adjacent segment disease developed in 19 of 112 patients (19%) followed. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed in order to follow the disease-free survival of the entire series of patients. The disease-free survival rates were 89% at 5 years, 84% at 10 years and 67% at 17 years. The incidences of indentation of dura matter on preoperative myelography or disc protrusion on MRI at the adjacent level were significantly higher in disease cases (p=.0087, .0299, respectively; chi-squared test). However, the other parameters did not show a statistically significant difference. There were seven cases (37%) who had failure of nonoperative treatment and additional operations were performed. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of symptomatic adjacent segment disease after ACIF was higher when preoperative myelography or MRI revealed asymptomatic disc degeneration at that level regardless of the number of the levels fused, preoperative alignment, spinal canal diameter or fusion alignment.     

Subsidence after anterior cervical inter-body fusion. A randomized prospective clinical trial

In ventral fusion after anterior cervical discectomy there is still a remarkable number of cage subsidence and segmental kyphosis seen. The aim of the present study is to assess whether the cage design influences the extent of correction loss during follow-up. Sixty patients with single-level cervical disc herniation were randomly treated with two different cervical inter-body cages (group1: Solis™ cage, Stryker Company and group2: Shell™ cage, AMT Company). Clinical and radiological follow-up was done before and after surgery, 3 and 6 months post-surgery. Clinical follow-up was done with the help of Odom’s criteria. Both groups were similar in the baseline parameters (age, sex, treated level). Statistically, the subsidence was significantly higher at 3 and 6-month follow-ups in group1 than in group2, however, clinical results showed no significant differences. In 67%, subsidence was seen in the anterior lower aspect of the treated segment. Segmental kyphosis was seen in seven patients of group1 and two patients of group2. A significant correlation is found between Odom’s criteria and subsidence. Although there was no significant difference in a short-term clinical result between the two treatment groups, we recommend the use of cages which preserve the determined segmental height and lordosis. Disclaimer  None of the authors has received any financial support from any company cited in this study, and none of the authors has any financial or other interest in a company involved in this study.     

Clinical and radiological outcomes of posterior cervical decompression and fusion for severe cervical compressive-extension injury: A case series

BackgroundAlthough severe cervical compressive-extension (CE) injuries are usually repaired using a combined anterior-posterior approach, the repair is possible using a posterior approach alone with reliable anchors. This study aimed to present the outcomes and imaging analysis results of posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) for severe CE injuries.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 16 patients who underwent PCDF surgery for severe CE injuries (>50% subluxation) between January 2012 and December 2018. All patients completed 1-year follow-up, and their mean age at the time of surgery was 63.5 years. American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade, kyphotic angle of lower vertebra (KALV), and anterior defect area of lower vertebra (ADLV) were assessed preoperatively.ResultsOf 16 patients, nine patients improved at the final follow-up, and eight patients could walk with or without assistance. All patients achieved bone union postoperatively, but four patients showed progression of correction loss of ≥10°. Therefore, patients were divided into two groups: NL group with correction loss of <10°; L group with correction loss of ≥10°. All patients in L group showed KALV of ≥15°, while 10 of 12 patients in NL group showed KALV of <15°. Furthermore, all patients in L group showed ADLV of ≥50%, whereas all patients in NL group showed ADLV of <50%.ConclusionsPCDF is feasible and a favorable procedure for severe CE injuries that require early reduction and cervical spinal stabilization. However, in the cases of advanced destruction of the anterior vertebra, loss of correction after PCDF might occur postoperatively.     

Transvertebral anterior cervical foraminotomy: midterm outcomes of clinical and radiological assessments including the finite element method

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features, radiological changes, biomechanical effects, and efficacy in patients treated by transvertebral anterior foraminotomy. Preservation of segmental motion and avoidance of adjacent segment degeneration are theoretical advantages of transvertebral anterior foraminotomy. In practice, this procedure is minimally invasive and has shown good clinical results, especially in patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy.

Method

We conducted a retrospective minimum 2-year follow-up study of the cervical spine of patients treated by transvertebral anterior foraminotomy at our institution. Radiological outcomes, which were estimated by measuring disc and functional spinal unit heights, and the angle and range of motion (ROM) from C2 to C7 of the functional spinal unit and adjacent segments were evaluated. Furthermore, a three-dimensional finite element method was used to biomechanically analyze the strength of the postoperative vertebral body.

Results

Between 2004 and 2009, 34 patients underwent surgery. The improvement rate was 94.2 %. The average flexion–extension ROM from C2 to C7 was 36.6 ± 16.6°. On plain radiographs, the disc height and ROM and height of the functional spinal unit in the operated segment were not significantly decreased relative to the preoperative levels. The finite element method also revealed that there was no difference in strength between the pre- and postvertebral bodies.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that biomechanical stability was achieved. Transvertebral anterior cervical foraminotomy did not limit motion in the operated and adjacent segments and did not cause a significant decrease in disc and vertebral heights after surgery.     

Clinical results of the foraminotomy as described by Frykholm for the treatment of lateral cervical disc herniation

Summary During the period between 1980 and 1989, foraminotomy as described by Frykholm was performed on 230 patients suffering from lateral cervical disc herniation with exclusively radicular symptomatology. Following an average postoperative period of 3.5 years, the subjective alleviation of symptoms and the neurological symptomatology were examined in 161 patients. The mortality was nil; the morbidity was 5%, with a rapid full recovery in 4% of cases. In addition to the intra-operative findings of soft and hard disc lesions, a third group with combined findings was created. Excellent or good results were obtained in 98% of the patients with soft disc lesions, in 91% of the patients with combined findings, and in 84% of those with hard disc lesions. In 93% of the cases, there was a complete or marked improvement of paresis; in 82%, of the sensory deficits. A total of 92% of the patients were able to carry out their previous occupation to the full extent. The high efficacy of foraminotomy and the low incidence of complications described in previous studies was thereby confirmed.     

ACCF联合颈前路减压zero-p椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的探讨颈前路椎体次全切除减压融合术(ACCF)联合颈前路减压zero-p椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2016-05—2017-07采用ACCF联合颈前路减压zero-p椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗的30例多节段脊髓型颈椎病,比较术前、术后1周及末次随访时JOA评分、颈椎Cobb角、椎间隙高度。结果30例均顺利完成手术并获得完整随访,随访时间平均21.6个月,切口均一期愈合,植骨均骨性愈合,无内固定松动、移位、断裂、伤口感染、声音嘶哑及神经功能加重等并发症。术后1例出现脑脊液漏,2例出现吞咽不适,非手术治疗后均治愈。术后1周与末次随访时JOA评分、颈椎Cobb角、椎间隙高度较术前均明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。末次随访时根据JOA评分改善率评定综合疗效:优12例,良14例,可4例。结论ACCF联合颈前路减压zerop椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病安全可靠,能够有效地恢复椎间隙高度和颈椎生理曲度。     

Disc height loss after anterior cervical microdiscectomy with titanium intervertebral cage fusion

Summary ¶Background. The use of a graft in cervical inter-vertebral disc repair is still a controversial procedure. The aim of the treatment is to restore the physiological disc height and to achieve fusion. This study was performed to determine the rate of narrowing of the cervical intervertebral disc after using a titanium cervical intervertebral cage (BAK-C; Sulzer Spine Tech, Minneapolis, MN). Methods. 43 patients were included in the study. Each had a cervical disc protrusion, resulting in radiculopathy. All underwent surgery involving an anterior one level cervical microdiscectomy and fusion with a cylindrical titanium cage. The mean follow-up time was 18±5 months. Findings. The extent of the mean narrowing rate of disc space was 35.6±9%. The fusion rate was 98% and the mean time to fusion was 6 months. Interpretation. The use of a cervical intervertebral cage in anterior cervical microdiscectomy does not prevent the loss of the height of the cervical disc space after the operation.Published online July 25, 2003     

Surgical outcomes of additional posterior lumbar interbody fusion for adjacent segment disease after single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Purpose

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is an increasing problematic complication following lumbar fusion surgeries. ASD requires appropriate treatment, although there are only few reports on surgery for ASD. This study aimed to clarify surgical outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for ASD.

Methods

Medical charts of 18 patients who underwent the second (repeat) PLIF for ASD were retrospectively investigated (average follow-up, 40 [27–66] months). Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and Whitecloud classification were used as outcome measures.

Results

Mean modified JOA score improved from 7.7 just before repeat PLIF to 11.4 at maximum recovery and declined to 10.2 at final follow-up. Mean recovery rate of modified JOA score was 52.9 % at maximum recovery and 31.6 % at final follow-up. According to Whitecloud classification, 17 patients (94 %) were excellent or good and only 1 was fair at maximum recovery, whereas 10 (56 %) were excellent or good, 6 were fair, and 2 were poor at final follow-up. Eight patients (44 %) deteriorated again because of recurrent ASD. Two poor patients underwent a third PLIF.

Conclusion

PLIF is effective for ASD after PLIF in the short term, although it tends to lead to a high incidence of recurrent ASD.     

颈前路减压零切迹椎间植骨融合内固定系统治疗颈椎病的早期疗效分析

目的:分析颈前路减压零切迹椎间植骨融合内固定系统(Zero-P)治疗颈椎病的早期疗效。方法 :2010年6月~10月39例颈椎病患者接受颈前路减压Zero-P植骨内固定手术,患者年龄33~71岁,平均50.3岁。神经根型颈椎病8例,脊髓型31例;单间隙14例,2个间隙18例,3个间隙7例。共置入Zero-P 71枚,C3/4、C4/5、C5/6、C6/7椎间隙置入Zero-P分别为8、19、30、14枚。术前、术后2个月及12个月对神经根型颈椎病患者行VAS评分、脊髓型颈椎病患者行JOA评分,在颈椎中立侧位X线片上测量颈椎Cobb角(C2和C7椎体后缘切线的夹角),观察术后吞咽不适的发生率以及症状持续时间。根据术后伸屈侧位X线片观察手术间隙有无异常活动。结果:手术时间48~130min,平均86min;术中出血量40~310ml,平均110ml。14例患者术后1周内出现吞咽不适,其中13例术后2个月内症状消失,1例(2.6%)症状持续至术后4个月消失。随访12~16个月,平均14.6个月。神经根型颈椎病患者术后2个月、12个月时的VAS评分分别为1.5±0.8分、1.3±0.9分,均低于术前的7.3±1.3分(P<0.05)。脊髓型颈椎病患者术后2个月、12个月时的JOA评分分别为14.6±1.1分、15.0±1.2分,均高于术前的9.7±1.7分(P<0.05)。术后2个月及12个月颈椎Cobb角分别为18.4°±9.6°、17.8°±9.2°,大于术前的9.0°±10.0°(P<0.05)。术后12个月时的VAS评分、JOA评分和颈椎Cobb角与术后2个月比较无显著性差异(P>0.05)。随访期间手术间隙无异常活动,内置物无移位。结论:颈前路减压Zero-P植骨内固定治疗颈椎病的早期疗效满意,稳定性可靠,可重建颈椎曲度,术后慢性吞咽不适发生率低。     

经口咽病灶清除联合后路融合内固定治疗上颈椎结核

目的 :探讨经口咽病灶清除联合后路融合内固定术治疗上颈椎结核的临床疗效。方法 :2003年1月~2013年12月,应用经口咽病灶清除联合后路融合内固定术治疗上颈椎结核患者19例,男12例,女7例,平均年龄41.9±8.3岁(6~71岁)。其中寰椎结核11例,寰枢椎结核6例,寰椎并寰枕关节结核2例,病灶均破坏累及寰枕关节或寰枢椎侧块,均伴有寰枢关节脱位,病灶周围脓肿形成。采用JOA评分评价脊髓神经功能,VAS评分评价枕颈部疼痛症状,寰齿间隙(ADI)评价复位情况,定时随访并复查X线片、CT评价植骨融合情况。结果:19例患者均成功接受手术,其中行枕颈融合11例,寰枢椎融合7例,C1~C3融合1例。术中未出现脊髓神经及血管损伤。所有患者均获得随访,平均随访33.2±7.2个月(24~48个月)。随访复查X线片、CT显示椎前脓肿消失、寰枢椎复位良好,未发生内固定松动、断裂等;17例术后3个月实现后路骨性融合或前路骨缺损部植骨骨性愈合,另2例术后6个月达骨性融合。术后病理检查均证实结核杆菌感染病灶,术后抗结核药物平均用药时间16.9±1.3个月。随访期间结核无复发,术后18个月结核病变均达到临床治愈。JOA评分由术前的7.9±1.1分上升到末次随访时的14.7±1.2分(P0.05);枕颈部VAS评分由术前的6.5±0.4分下降到末次随访时的1.0±0.5分(P0.05),ADI由术前5.6±1.3mm减小至术后1.6±0.9mm(P0.05),围手术期及术后随访未发现严重的并发症。结论:经口咽病灶清除联合后路融合内固定术是治疗上颈椎结核的一种安全有效的手术方法。     

Comparison between anterior cervical discectomy fusion and cervical corpectomy fusion using titanium cages for reconstruction: analysis of outcome and long-term follow-up

Retrospective comparative study of 80 consecutive patients treated with either anterior cervical discectomy fusion (ACDF) or anterior cervical corpectomy fusion (ACCF) for multi-level cervical spondylosis. To compare clinical outcome, fusion rates, and complications of anterior cervical reconstruction of multi-level ACDF and single-/multi-level ACCF performed using titanium mesh cages (TMCs) filled with autograft and anterior cervical plates (ACPs). Reconstruction of the cervical spine after discectomy or corpectomy with titanium cages filled with autograft has become an acceptable alternative to both allograft and autograft; however, there is no data comparing the outcome of multi-level ACDF and single-/multi-level ACCF using this reconstruction. We evaluated 80 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of multi-level cervical spondylosis at our institution from 1998 to 2001. In this series, 42 patients underwent multi-level ACDF (Group 1) and 38 patients underwent ACCF (Group 2). Interbody TMCs and local autograft bone with ACPs were used in both procedures. Medical records were reviewed to assess outcome. Clinical outcome was measured by Odom’s criteria. Operative time and blood loss were noted. Radiographs were obtained at 6 and 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (if necessary). Early hardware failures and pseudarthroses were noted. Cervical sagittal curvature was measured by Ishihara’s index at 1 year. Group 1 had a mean age 46.2 years (range 35–60 years). Group 2 had a mean age 50.1 years (range 35–70 years).The operative time was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and blood loss significantly higher (P < 0.001) in Group 2 than in Group 1. At a minimum of 1 year follow up, patients in both groups had equivalent improvement in their clinical symptoms. The fusion rates for Group 1 were 97.6 and 92.1% for Group 2. The rates of early hardware failure were higher in Group 2 (2.6%) than in Group 1 (0%). The fusion rates for Group 1 were not significantly higher than Group 2 (P > 0.28). There was one patient in Group 1 and 2 patients in Group 2 with pseudarthroses. Complication rates in Group 2 were not significantly higher (P > 0.341). Cervical lordosis was well-maintained (80%) in both groups. Both multi-level ACDF and ACCF with anterior cervical reconstruction using TMC filled with autograft and ACP for treatment of multi-level cervical spondylosis have high fusion rates and good clinical outcome. However, there is a higher rate of early hardware failure and pseudarthroses after ACCF than ACDF. Hence, in the absence of specific pathology requiring removal of vertebral body, multi-level ACDF using interbody cages and autologous bone graft could result in lower morbidity.     

Microsurgical anterior cervical foraminotomy (uncoforaminotomy) for unilateral radiculopathy: clinical results of a new technique

Summary. Summary.   Background: The authors report the clinical application of a new microsurgical technique. The cervical anterior foraminotomy (uncoforaminotomy), which is used for the surgical treatment of unilateral cervical radiculopathy secondary to posterolateral disc herniations or spondylotic foraminal stenoses.   Method: Between June 2000 and May 2001, 34 patients (16 men and 18 women with a mean age of 43.8 years, range 29 to 80 years) underwent anterior cervical foraminotomy (uncoforaminotomy) for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy at one or two adjacent levels in the Neurosurgical Department of the University of Vienna. This surgical technique was devised to accomplish direct anterior decompression of the affected nerve root by removing an offending posterolateral sponylotic spur or disc fragment. The nerve root is decompressed from its origin in the spinal cord to the point were it passes behind the vertebral artery laterally. The intervertebral disc of the affected level is maintained in its form and function. Thus, the functioning motion segment is preserved and fusion related sequelae, including graft related complications, graft site complications and the adjacent level disease, are avoided.  Prior to its clinical application, anatomical features of the anterior cervical spine were reviewed, and an anatomical morphometric analysis and work-up of the technique was performed in 4 cervical specimens.   Findings: The follow-up period varied from two to 17 months with a mean of 8.2 months. The large majority (97%) of patients were pleased with the results of their operation. The relief of neck pain and redicular pain in the affected dermatome was immediate in all patients. Motor-weakness and sensory deficit improved dramatically immediately postoperatively, and improved to normalisation in the majority of patients within 3 to 6 months. Two of the patients sustained an incomplete transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, which fully resolved within two to 4 weeks. One of the patients had a repeat herniation on the second postoperative day, but recovered completely after re-operation and continued to do well at the 6-month follow-up. No permanent surgery related morbidity or associated complications were encountered.   Interpretation: The results indicate that this new microsurgical technique is an attractive treatment option for adequate anterior decompression of the cervical nerve root via a minimized approach. It was associated with excellent clinical outcome and a less painful postoperative course, allowing patients an almost immediate return to unrestricted full activity. Published online July 18, 2002     

Complications of anterior cervical discectomy without fusion in 450 consecutive patients

Summary The complications of anterior discectomy without fusion were analyzed on the basis of 450 consecutive cases treated surgically for degenerative disc disease. There was no death related to the procedure. The most common complication was a worsening of the preexisting myelopathy. This occurred in 3.3%, including one case with severe medullary contusion. Wound infection developed in 1.6%. Additional radicular symptoms and wound haematoma, respectively, occurred in 1.3%; recurrent nerve palsy, Horner's syndrome, and respiratory insufficiency, respectively, in 1.1% of the cases. Epidural haematoma and instability of the cervical spine, respectively, occurred in 0.9%, nerve root lesion and aseptic spondylodiscitis, respectively, in 0.4%. There was one case each (0.2%) with a pharyngeal lesion, meningitis due to dural perforation, transient additional myelopathy, and epidural abscess.The results and the management of complications are discussed in relation to numerous previously published reports, including posterior procedures and anterior fusion techniques. Precise knowledge of all potential accidents and pitfalls related to the surgical procedure and of their aetiology may contribute to preventing failures. The rate of complications in this series has been reduced in the past years by better patient selection, by paying more attention to correct positioning of the patient during the operation, and by meticulous removal of all offending structures. Discectomy without interbody fusion is now considered to be a reasonably safe procedure with an acceptable operative morbidity and lack of mortality.     

Efficacy of multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus corpectomy and fusion for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a minimum 5-year follow-up study

Purpose

We evaluated radiologic and clinical outcomes to compare the efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods

A total of 40 patients who underwent ACDF or ACCF for multilevel CSM were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 25) underwent ACDF and group B (n = 15) ACCF. Clinical outcomes (JOA and VAS scores), perioperative parameters (length of hospital stay, blood loss, operation time), radiological parameters (fusion rate, segmental height, cervical lordosis), and complications were compared.

Results

Both group A and group B demonstrated significant increases in JOA scores and significant decreases in VAS. Patients who underwent ACDF experienced significantly shorter hospital stays (p = 0.031), less blood loss (p = 0.001), and shorter operation times (p = 0.024). Both groups showed significant increases in postoperative cervical lordosis and achieved satisfactory fusion rates (88.0 and 93.3 %, respectively). There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications among the groups.

Conclusions

Both ACDF and ACCF provide satisfactory clinical outcomes and fusion rates for multilevel CSM. However, multilevel ACDF is associated with better radiologic parameters, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and shorter operative times.