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     

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.     

Anterior uncoforaminotomy in the treatment of recurrent radiculopathy after anterior cervical discectomy with fusion.

BACKGROUND: In patients after anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) with fusion newly developed retrospondylophytes or incomplete decompression of the nerve root can cause recurrent radicular pain. Anterior cervical uncoforaminotomy (uncoforaminotomy) is an operative method which removes the causative degenerative pathology at the level of the neural foramen leaving untouched the inserted graft at this level. METHOD: Between February 2004 and April 2005, 7 patients underwent uncoforaminotomy after ACD with fusion for the treatment of recurrent cervical radiculopathy in our neurosurgical department. Prior to treatment patients received a computed tomography (CT) and a neurological examination. Anterior uncoforaminotomy was performed thereafter (for technical details see publication by Jho, 1996). A postoperative CT scan was done before discharge. Follow-up examination was performed eight weeks after surgery. FINDINGS: Five patients underwent the operation at C5/6, one patient was operated at C6/7 and one patient had the operation at two levels (C5/6 and C6/7). At discharge six patients had excellent or good results. CONCLUSION: Uncoforaminotomy is a good method for the treatment of newly acquired spondylotic spurs in the foramen or incomplete osseous decompression after ACD with fusion and recurrent radicular pain.     

Comparison of clinical outcomes between cervical disc arthroplasty and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for the treatment of single-level cervical spondylosis: a 10-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe theoretical advantage of cervical disc arthroplasty includes preserved motion at the cervical level, which may reduce degeneration of the adjacent segments. The long-term follow-up results are still controversial.PURPOSEThe present study aimed to retrospectively study the long-term efficacy and complications of cervical disc arthroplasty using a single commercially-available device in a single center.STUDY DESIGNThis was a propensity-score matched cohort study.PATIENT SAMPLEThis study enrolled 148 single-level cervical degenerative disease patients from January 2009 to March 2012. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 39 patients remained in the ACDF or ACDR groups.OUTCOME MEASURESThe outcome measures were neurological functions (Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores), radiographic evaluations (cervical curvature, operative segment range of motion, degenerative condition of adjacent segments, heterotopic ossification (HO) of the surgical segment), and complications.METHODSNDI and JOA scores were used to evaluate patient neurological functions. Cervical curvature (C2-C7 Cobb angle) and operative segment range of motion (ROM) were compared between the two groups. Grading criteria for osteophyte formation were used to evaluate the degenerative condition of adjacent segments. HO after ACDR was graded according to the McAfee grading method.RESULTSThe average follow-up time was 119.3 ±17.2 months. Satisfactory improvements in neurological function were obtained for both the ACDR and ACDF groups. There were no significant differences in VAS or NDI scores between the two groups. In the ACDR group, the ROM of the operative segment increased from 6.7 ±4.3° before the operation to 8.9 ±3.5° on the second day after the operation (p<.001). The ROM of the operative segment was 8.1 ±4.0° at the 1-year follow-up, 7.2 ±3.6° at the 2-year follow-up, 5.7 ±4.5° at the 5-year follow-up and 4.3 ±3.9° at the last follow-up. ASD was more likely to develop in the caudal adjacent segments and progressed with the follow-up time. At the last follow-up, HO was present in 27 patients (69.23%), while high-grade HO (McAfee scores III and IV) was detected in 6 patients (15.38%).CONCLUSIONSThrough nearly 10 years of follow-up, ACDR was as effective as ACDF for treating single-level degenerative cervical disc disease. However, HO and the role of ACDR in the protection of ASD remains to be further observed and followed up.     

颈椎后路三种手术方式对改善多节段颈椎病生理曲度及疗效的远期观察

[目的]本研究通过回顾性分析行颈椎后路手术的多节段脊髓型颈椎病合并后纵韧带骨化(ossificationofposteriorlongitudinalligament.OPLL)患者的颈椎曲率变化、JOA评分改善率以及颈肩轴性痛VAS评分改善率,比较颈椎后路三种手术方式对改善颈椎曲度、神经功能及轴性症状的远期影响.[方法]根据手术方式分三组:A组颈椎后路单开门椎管扩大成形术29例,B组颈椎后路全椎板切除术23例,C组颈椎后路全椎板切除侧块螺钉内固定术26例,记录术前、术后的颈椎曲度、JOA评分及轴性症状等.[结果]JOA评分改善率:3组患者术后与术前相比均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).末次随访时c组最高.颈椎曲度改善率:C组最好,A组次之,B组最差.并发症发生情况:在轴性症状上,3组的VAS评分两两比较有统计学意义(P＜0.05),B组最高,A组次之,C组最低.[结论]采用颈椎后路三种手术方式治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病合并OPLL均能达到良好的疗效.颈椎后路全椎板切除侧块螺钉内固定术可有效改善神经功能,恢复和保持颈椎曲度,降低轴性症状及C5神经根麻痹发生率.     

Long-term functional outcomes following paediatric traumatic elbow dislocation,a clinical retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPaediatric traumatic elbow dislocation occurs in 6 per 100,000 children per year and if not treated promptly can result in a poor outcome. Despite this, the long-term clinical and functional outcome of these injuries has not been well described using modern patient-reported outcome tools. The aim of our study was present the outcome of these injuries in the long term.MethodsTwenty children with an acute traumatic elbow dislocation who presented between February 2007 to February 2016 were included in our study. Patient demographics, management and complications were recorded from the clinical notes. Ten children had associated fractures and were managed surgically, while the remaining were managed with closed reduction and immobilisation. Functional outcomes were assessed with Kim's elbow performance score.ResultsThe mean age was 12 years (7 –15) and follow-up was 8 years (4 – 13). There was one (5%) re-dislocation requiring surgery and one (5%) ulna nerve neurapraxia that resolved within one month. The average Kim's scores were 87.5 (65 – 100) and 77.5 (60 – 100) in the closed reduction and open reduction groups, respectively (P=0.08). 80% (16/20) reported good or excellent outcome with a Kim's score of greater than 75 points with no cases of poor functional outcome reported in our series.ConclusionsTraumatic elbow dislocations in children, with or without associated fracture, have a good long-term functional outcome with appropriate early management.     

Radiographic and clinical outcomes following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and allograft fusion without plate placement or cervical collar

OBJECT: Although the clinical outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery are generally good, 2 major complications are graft migration and nonunion. These complications have led some to advocate rigid internal fixation and/or cervical immobilization postoperatively. This paper examines a single-surgeon experience with single-level ACDF without use of plates or hard collars in patients with degenerative spondylosis in whom allograft was used as the fusion material. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of a prospective database of (Cloward-type) ACDF operations performed by the senior author (J.A.J.) between July 1996 and June 2005. Radiographic follow-up included static and flexion/extension radiographs obtained to assess fusion, focal and segmental kyphosis, and change in disc space height. At most recent follow-up, the patients' condition was evaluated by an independent physician examiner. The Odom criteria and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess outcome. RESULTS: One hundred seventy patients underwent single-level ACDF for degenerative pathology during the study period. Their most common presenting symptoms were pain, weakness, and radiculopathy; 88% of patients noted >or= 2 neurological complaints. The mean hospital stay was 1.76 days (range 0-36 days), and 3 patients (2%) had major immediate postoperative complications requiring reoperation. The mean duration of follow-up was 22 months (range 12-124 months). Radiographic evidence of fusion was present in 160 patients (94%). Seven patients (4%) showed radiographic evidence of pseudarthrosis, and graft migration was seen in 3 patients (2%). All patients had increases in focal kyphosis at the operated level on postoperative radiographs (mean -7.4 degrees ), although segmental alignment was preserved in 133 patients (78%). Mean change in disc space height was 36.5% (range 28-53%). At most recent clinical follow-up, 122 patients (72%) had no complaints referable to cervical disease and were able to carry out their activities of daily living without impairment. The mean postoperative NDI score was 3.2 (median 3, range 0-31). CONCLUSIONS: Single-level ACDF without intraoperative plate placement or the use of a postoperative collar is an effective treatment for cervical spondylosis. Although there is evidence of focal kyphosis and loss of disc space height, radiographic evidence of fusion is comparable to that attained with plate fixation, and the rate of clinical improvement is high.     

Prospective study of clinical and radiological outcome after anterior cervical discectomy

Most surgeons undertaking anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) introduce a bone graft or cage into the disc space when the decompression is complete to prevent segmental collapse and preserve cervical spine alignment. We have conducted a prospective observational cohort study to investigate the relationship between cervical spine alignment and clinical outcome in 55 patients undergoing ACD without interbody graft or cage. At 12 months, the overall alignment of the cervical spine and the presence of segmental kyphosis at the operated level were correlated with clinical outcome measured by SF 36, Neck Disability Index and visual analogue neck pain score. Loss of the overall cervical lordosis was present in 30 patients and segmental kyphosis was found in 18. Analysis of clinical outcome showed no statistical differences between patients with preserved and abnormal cervical and segmental alignment. Disturbance of cervical and segmental alignment is common in patients following cervical discectomy, but does not appear to compromise clinical outcome at 12 months.     

Outcome prediction in chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy: prospective cohort study

Background

Identification of prognostic factors for persistent pain and disability are important for better understanding of the clinical course of chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy and to assist clinical decision-making. There is a lack of scientific evidence concerning prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to identify clinically relevant predictors for outcome at 52 weeks.

Methods

116 patients were included in a sham controlled clinical trial on epidural injection of glucocorticoids in patients with chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy. Success at follow-up was ≤17.5 for visual analogue scale (VAS) leg pain, ≤22.5 for VAS back pain and ≤20 for Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Fifteen clinically relevant variables included demographic, psychosocial, clinical and radiological data and were analysed using a logistic multivariable regression analysis.

Results

At follow-up, 75 (64.7%) patients had reached a successful outcome with an ODI score ≤20, 54 (46.6%) with a VAS leg pain score ≤17.5, and 47 (40.5%) with a VAS back pain score ≤22.5.Lower age (OR 0.94 (CI 0.89–0.99) for each year decrease in age) and FABQ Work ≥34 (OR 0.16 (CI 0.04-0.61)) were independent variables predicting a successful outcome on the ODI.Higher education (OR 5.77 (CI 1.46–22.87)) and working full-time (OR 2.70 (CI 1.02–7.18)) were statistically significant (P <0.05) independent predictors for successful outcome (VAS score ≤17.5) on the measure of leg pain. Lower age predicted success on ODI (OR 0.94 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.99) for each year) and less back pain (OR 0.94 (0.90 to 0.99)), while higher education (OR 5.77 (1.46 to 22.87)), working full-time (OR 2.70 (1.02 to 7.18)) and muscle weakness at baseline (OR 4.11 (1.24 to 13.61) predicted less leg pain, and reflex impairment at baseline predicted the contrary (OR 0.39 (0.15 to 0.97)).

Conclusions

Lower age, higher education, working full-time and low fear avoidance beliefs each predict a better outcome of chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy. Specifically, lower age and low fear avoidance predict a better functional outcome and less back pain, while higher education and working full-time predict less leg pain. These results should be validated in further studies before being used to inform patients.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN12574253. Registered 18 May 2005.     

Zero-P前路颈椎减压融合术临床与影像研究

[目的]探讨Zero-P系统在单节段前路颈椎减压融合术(ACDF)的临床与影像学结果。[方法]回顾分析35例采用Zero-P系统的行ACDF术的患者。记录围手术期和随访资料,影像测量颈椎前凸角(CL),手术节段前凸角(OL);融合节段前缘高度(AIH)和融合节段后缘高度(PIH)。[结果] 35例患者均顺利手术,术中末发生重要血管、神经、器官损伤,无硬膜撕裂。35例患者随访9～42个月,平均(23.29±13.42)个月。末次随访35例患者病理发射较术前显著减轻,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。末次随访时VAS和NDI评分较术前显著减小,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。影像评价方面,CL由术前的(18.29±8.43)°增加到术后6个月的(19.18±10.72)°,末次复查的(23.06±7.13)°(P<0.05)。OL由术前(8.23±4.54)°,增加至术后(14.23±5.11)°(P<0.01),而末次随访时又减少至(11.24±5.16)°,不同时间点间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。AIH由术前(33.24±4.61) mm,显著增加至术后6个月的(36.57±4.78) mm(P<0.05),末次随访时又减少至(35.16±4.81) mm,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。而PIH术前、术后初次复查和末次随访时无显著改变(P>0.05)。至末次随访时,融合率为91.43%。[结论] Zero-P系统ACDF可以保证良好的融合率,能明显改善C2-7的颈椎生理前凸,但在改善融合节段生理曲度和椎间高度方面并不理想。     

Bioabsorbable anterior cervical plate fixation for single-level degenerative disorders: early clinical and radiographic experience

Background context

Increased fusion rates have been reported with the addition of an anterior cervical plate (ACP) to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Bioabsorbable implants have become increasingly used in orthopedic and spine surgical procedures. There are limited data regarding the outcomes of bioabsorbable ACP (bACP) with ACDF.

Purpose

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing ACDF for single-level degenerative disorders with a bACP versus a conventional metal ACP (mACP).

Study design

Retrospective comparative cohort study.

Patient sample

Thirty-one patients undergoing ACDF for a single-level degenerative disorder (ie, disc herniation or spondylotic neural compression).

Outcome measures

Incidence of early (within 2 weeks) complications, postoperative sagittal alignment, Odom’s criteria, and pseudarthrosis rate.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the results of a consecutive series of patients undergoing ACDF for symptomatic single-level disc herniation or spondylotic neural compression with either a bACP or an mACP over a 3-year period. Operative notes, clinical charts, and radiographs were analyzed. Radiographic outcomes were assessed for intersegmental alignment, graft subsidence, fusion rate, prevertebral soft-tissue shadow, and graft containment. Clinical outcome was evaluated by Odom’s criteria.

Results

Fourteen patients underwent ACDF with a bACP and 15 with an mACP. Radiographic outcomes at the most recent follow-up demonstrated pseudarthrosis in 4 of 14 patients (29%) in the bACP group and 0 of 15 patients in the mACP group. Graft extrusion and anterior displacement was present in three of four pseudarthroses (75%). Comparing preoperative and final radiographs, cervical lordosis was maintained at the operative segment in only 3 of 14 bACP patients (21%) compared with 8 of 15 patients (53%) in the mACP group. The mean Cobb angle was 2.4°±1.9° lordosis in the mACP group and −2.7°±2.5° kyphosis in the bACP group (p=.12). In the mACP group, 14 of 15 patients had good or excellent results. In the bACP group, only 7 of 14 patients had good or excellent results.

Conclusions

Bioabsorbable ACP fixation was associated with a high rate of graft extrusion and early loss of intersegmental cervical alignment. Inferior clinical outcomes were observed in patients in the bACP group compared with the mACP group. Based on these findings, continued use of the bACP used in this study cannot be recommended.     

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.     

生物型可吸收颈椎前路钉板系统应用于单节段颈椎病的初步临床研究

目的 :探讨生物型可吸收颈椎前路钉板系统应用于单节段颈椎病的初步临床效果。方法 :选择2013年6月~12月在我院行颈前路椎间盘切除减压植骨融合内固定术(ACDF)治疗的单节段颈椎病患者30例,进行回顾性队列研究,其中15例(神经根型颈椎病5例,脊髓型颈椎病10例)采用传统钛合金钉板系统固定,15例(神经根型颈椎病6例,脊髓型颈椎病9例)采用生物型可吸收钉板系统固定。术前两组患者的年龄、性别、颈椎病分型及病变节段均无统计学差异(P0.05)。所有患者术前、术后均行颈椎正侧位+屈伸动力位X线片及颈椎MRI检查。影像学评估其术后颈椎生理曲度及椎间高度变化、植骨融合时间及融合率、有无内固定断裂及移位、是否存在MRI伪影干扰;观察两组患者术后吞咽困难程度及持续时间,采用VAS、JOA评分及JOA评分改善率评估神经功能改善情况。随访时间为术后2个月、6个月、12个月(半年后每月复查颈椎X线片一次,观察是否融合)。结果:钛合金钉板固定组患者术后第1天出现轻度吞咽困难2例,可吸收钉板固定组术后第1天出现轻度吞咽困难1例,均在术后2个月随访时症状消失。术后第1天生物型可吸收钉板固定组颈椎MRI上伪影面积及伪影涉及层数较钛合金钉板系统固定组明显减少(P0.05)。钛合金钉板固定组术后12个月时的JOA评分15.9±1.4分,与术前(9.0±1.9分)比较明显提高(P0.05),VAS评分由术前的7.5±1.2分减少至0.6±0.7分(P0.05)。可吸收钉板固定组术后12个月时的JOA评分为16.1±1.0分,较术前(9.7±1.9分)有显著改善(P0.05),VAS评分由术前的6.9±0.9分减少至0.5±0.5分(P0.05),两组术后12个月随访时JOA评分改善率无明显差异(P0.05)。术后12个月时,钛合金钉板固定组1例未融合,融合率为93.3%,融合时间为7.8±0.4个月(7~8个月);可吸收钉板固定组15例患者均达到良好的骨融合,融合时间为7.4±0.5个月(7~8个月),两组融合率、融合时间比较均无统计学差异(P0.05)。术后12个月时两组患者颈椎生理曲度与椎间高度比较均无统计学差异(P0.05),均无内固定断裂及移位的发生。结论:颈前路经椎间隙减压后采用生物型可吸收颈椎前路钉板系统内固定治疗单节段颈椎病,效果满意,可明显减少术后MRI伪影干扰,短期随访不会因钉板降解而导致吞咽困难的发生。     

Multi- versus single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: comparing sagittal alignment,early adjacent segment degeneration,and clinical outcomes

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), sagittal alignment parameters, and patient-reported outcomes in patients who underwent multi-level versus single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on consecutive patients who underwent an ACDF. Pre- and post-operative radiographic assessment included ASD, change in C2–C7 lordosis, T1 angle, levels fused, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), fusion mass lordosis, proximal and distal adjacent segment lordosis. Patient-reported outcomes were obtained.

Results

Of the 404 that underwent an ACDF with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up (average 28 months), there was no significant difference in the rate of radiographic ASD overall (p = 0.479) or in the proximal or distal adjacent segments on multivariate analysis. Secondarily, the multi-level fusions appear to restore significantly greater amounts of lordosis compared to single-level procedures (p < 0.001) and are able to maintain the corrected cervical lordosis and fusion segment lordosis over time. From the immediate post-operative period to final follow-up, the single-level ACDFs show continuing lordosis improvement (p = 0.005) that is significantly greater than that of the multi-level constructs. There were no significant differences between pre-operative, post-operative, or change in patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusions

Two years following an ACDF, patients who underwent multi-level fusions appear to restore significantly greater amounts of lordosis compared to single-level procedures, while single-level ACDFs show significantly greater amounts of lordosis improvement over time. Multi-level procedures may not be at a significantly greater risk of developing early radiographic evidence of ASD compared to single-level procedure.

Graphical abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

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神经根型颈椎病麻木症状的临床研究概述

神经根型颈椎病为临床常见病,麻木是其主要症状之一。目前对于神经根型颈椎病麻木症状的临床研究相对较少,且缺乏有效的治疗方法。本文通过对近年来神经根型颈椎病麻木症状相关文献进行整理,从中西医认识、疾病鉴别诊断、评定方法、治疗方面进行总结,旨在为临床诊治与科学研究提供参考。     

Perioperative complications of inpatient and outpatient single-level posterior cervical foraminotomy: a comparative retrospective study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPosterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) is a relatively safe procedure for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. Though most often performed as an inpatient procedure, there is an increasing number of patients treated in an outpatient setting.PURPOSEThis study aimed to compare the perioperative complication rates associated with inpatient and outpatient single-level PCF.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective database study.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients with cervical radiculopathy who underwent inpatient or outpatient single-level PCF between 2007 to the first quarter of 2016.OUTCOME MEASURESCharlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used as a broad measure of comorbidity. Surgical complications included cervical nerve root injury, dural tear, wound complications, infection, dysphagia, cervicalgia, and revision surgery. Medical complications included pulmonary embolism and lower limb deep vein thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction, acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary complications.METHODSThis study was a retrospective review of patients who received single-level PCF from 2007 to the first quarter of 2016 as either outpatients or inpatients using the Humana subset of the PearlDiver Patient Record Database. The incidence of perioperative medical and surgical complications was queried using relevant International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM) and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, gender, and CCI, was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of complications among inpatients relative to outpatients treated with PCF. Propensity score matching was done, and comparisons were made for postoperative complications.RESULTSThroughout the time period, 1,469 and 1,192 patients received inpatient and outpatient single-level PCF, respectively. The mean CCIs±standard deviation of inpatient and outpatient groups undergoing PCF were 2.83±3.11 and 1.46±2.21, respectively (p<.001). After propensity score matching, patients who received PCF in an inpatient setting showed significantly higher rates of wound complications (OR=1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04–2.23; p=.029), infection (OR=1.91, CI=1.15–3.15; p=.012), acute respiratory failure (OR=2.50, CI=1.23–5.08; p=.011), and urinary tract infections and incontinence (OR=2.11, CI=1.32–3.38; p=.002).CONCLUSIONSOutpatient single-level PCF was associated with a lower rate of perioperative medical and surgical complications. The PCF in the outpatient setting can potentially be a safe procedure for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with appropriate patient selection.