脊髓型颈椎病术后颈椎间盘突出自行消失的原因探讨

目的：了解脊髓型颈椎病颈椎管扩大成型术后，颈椎间盘突出自行消失的原因并由此提出脊髓型颈椎病新的致病学说。方法：自１９９４年６月～１９９８年５月对脊髓型颈椎病行后路单开门椎管扩大成型术患者行临床及ＭＲＩ检查。结果：８例患者，术后４～１３个月，平均５．８个月复查时，颈椎ＭＲＩ检查发现，其术前ＭＲＩ显示的颈椎间盘突出影像消失，相应部位硬膜、脊髓无压迫。结论：（１）颈椎间盘退变突出后，出现颈椎节段性不稳定，刺激突出间盘周围组织，产生炎症性反应；（２）颈椎间盘突出、颈椎退变或颈椎管狭窄，致硬膜外腔压力增高，导致硬膜外静脉回流障碍，出现硬膜外静脉瘀滞、怒张。上述为脊髓型颈椎病发病的又一可能因素     

Non-traumatic acute myelopathy due to cervical disc herniation in contiguous two-level disc spaces: a case report

Non-traumatic acute myelopathy caused by cervical disc herniation is rare, and no case has been reported which the disease was caused by the extrusion or migration of a cervical disc herniation of contiguously-located two-level disc space. In this report, the disease is described, and the direction of migration and surgical treatment of the disease are discussed.     

中央型颈椎间盘突出症

４３例中央型颈椎间盘突出症病例，均累及颈髓引起不同程度的痉挛瘫。本组均无颈部外伤史。６５％的病例颈椎Ｘ线平片无异常所见；６０％的病例仅单间隙突出；７％的病例呈跳跃型多间隙突出；上位颈椎突出约占全部突出间隙的１４％．本组有两种临床类型：亚急性突出和缓慢型突出。游离髓核偶可刺破后纵韧带，突入椎管内甚至硬膜下腔，引起急性严重四肢瘫。缓慢突出型常为多间隙突出，少数合并后纵韧带钙化、骨化。３５例经前路间盘切除、椎间植骨融合；２例行椎管成形术。１例前路减压不彻底、半年后再行单纯椎板切除。平均随访７年月，９７％获得优良疗效，无手术并发症和加重例。     

Relationships between outcomes of conservative treatment and magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with mild cervical myelopathy caused by soft disc herniations.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective follow-up study of conservatively treated patients with mild cervical myelopathy caused by cervical soft disc herniation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcome of conservative treatment for patients with mild myelopathy caused by cervical soft disc herniation and to evaluate usefulness of magnetic resonance findings in the prediction of the outcomes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent studies on conservative treatment for cervical soft disc herniation have focused mainly on radiculopathy, and not on myelopathy. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with mild cervical myelopathy secondary to cervical soft disc herniation were treated conservatively for more than 6 months by cervical bracing and restriction of daily activities. Of the 27 patients, 17 patients (Group A) underwent conservative treatment only and it was associated with improvement in their neurologic deficits, while the other 10 patients (Group B) ultimately underwent decompression surgery because of neurologic deterioration. Comparisons between the two groups were made in regard to JOA scores, patient satisfaction, and magnetic resonance findings, including location of the disc herniation (focal or diffuse in the sagittal plane, median or paramedian in the axial plane). RESULTS: The JOA scores were 13.6 +/- 1.6 in Group A and 14.1 +/- 1.6 in Group B before treatment, 14.9 +/- 1.0 and 12.9 +/- 2.1, respectively, at 3 months, and 16.2 +/- 0.8 and 16.0 +/- 1.2, respectively, at the final follow-up. The JOA scores at 3 months were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A. Satisfaction with the results of treatment at the final follow-up was reported by 77% of the patients in Group A and 90% in Group B. Focal-type herniation was present in 47% of the patients in Group A and 70% in Group B, while median-type herniation was diagnosed in 77% in Group A and 30% in Group B. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the patients in Group A showed spontaneous regression of a herniated mass in 10 patients (59%). Diffuse-type herniations were more likely to regress spontaneously than focal-type herniations (78% vs. 37%). CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment is an effective treatment option for mild cervical myelopathy caused by cervical soft disc herniation. A good outcome can be expected in patients with a median-type and/or diffuse-type herniation on magnetic resonance imaging.     

Cervical disc herniation causing localized ipsilateral popliteal pain

We report a patient with localized ipsilateral popliteal pain that we believe was caused by cervical disc herniation. A 52-year-old woman complained of an unusual severe aching pain in the right popliteal region. The pain increased gradually for 4 months despite the employment of conservative treatments. Eventually, the woman was unable even to stand immediately after waking because of the pain. However, physical examination of the right knee joint showed little abnormality. Although radiography of the knee joint showed slight osteoarthritic change, the pain remained unexplained. The patient also reported shoulder stiffness and slight numbness in the bilateral toes. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large disc herniation on the right side of C3/4 and narrowing of the spinal canal at C4/5. Anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery (C3–5) was performed to prevent impending myelopathy. After surgery the popliteal pain disappeared immediately and completely, suggesting that the cervical disc herniation had caused the pain. The pain has not recurred in almost 3 years after surgery. Received: April 26, 2001 / Accepted: August 14, 2001     

Is there any relationship between proinflammatory mediator levels in disc material and myelopathy with cervical disc herniation and spondylosis? A non-randomized,prospective clinical study

The proinflammatory mediator (PIM) levels were assessed in surgically removed samples of herniated cervical intervertebral discs. The objective of this study was to investigate if there is a correlation between the levels of PIMs in disc material and myelopathy associated with cervical intervertebral disc herniation and spondylosis. The role of proinflammatory mediators in the degeneration of intervertebral disc and the inflammatory effects of disc herniations on radicular pain has been previously published. However, the possible relationship between PIMs and myelopathy related to cervical disc herniation and spondylosis has not been investigated before. Thirty-two patients undergoing surgery for cervical disc herniation and spondylosis were investigated. Surgically obtained disc materials, stored at 70 degrees C, were classified into two groups: cervical disc herniation alone or with myelopathy. Biochemical preparation and solid phase enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (ELISIA) analysis of the samples were performed to assess the concentration of mediators in the samples. Very similar values of interleukin-6 were found in both groups whereas the concentrations of mediators were significantly higher in myelopathy group. This study has demonstrated that PIMs are involved in cervical intervertebral disc degeneration with higher concentrations in the samples associated with myelopathy.     

颈椎人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎间盘疾患的早期临床观察

目的：探讨应用颈椎人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎间盘疾患的效果.方法：对45例颈椎间盘疾病患者（脊髓型颈椎病35例、神经根型颈椎病5例、急性颈椎间盘突出症5例）实施前路减压、Bryan人工椎间盘置换术.其中单节段置换35例,双节段9例,3节段1例.结果：所有患者随访1～12个月,平均8个月.脊髓型颈椎病患者术前JOA评分平均8.5分,术后平均15.5分,平均改善率为88%.神经根型颈椎病和急性颈椎间盘突出症患者的临床症状均消失.平均术后住院时间为4.8d（2～6d）,38例术后4周内恢复正常生活和工作,7例在术后2个月内恢复工作.所有病例未见假体移位及神经系统症状加重.有2例分别在术后3个月和11个月时出现假体周围骨桥形成无活动,其余43例在最终随访时各置换节段均保留了活动度.结论：应用Bryan人工椎间盘系统置换治疗颈椎间盘疾患早期效果良好.     

盘内注射胶原酶治疗脊髓型颈椎病

目的：评价椎间盘内注射胶原酶治疗椎间盘突出引起脊髓型颈椎病的疗效及安全性。方法：35例（男19例，女16例）经CT、MRI证实由椎间盘突出引起的脊髓型颈椎病患者，病史3个月～4年，椎间盘突出0．20～0．40cm，平均0．24cm，采用盘内注射胶原酶的方法并结合颈椎牵引治疗。32例得到随访，随访3～38个月。分别按病史、年龄分组。结果：采用日本骨科学会（JOA）颈椎病评定标准进行手术前后随访评分，本组优12例，良7例，好转6例，无效7例。结论：颈椎间盘内注射胶原酶治疗由间盘突出引起的脊髓型颈椎病手术简单、效果明显、安全。     

椎间盘置换联合邻近节段cage融合治疗双节段颈椎间盘突出症的近期疗效

目的:探讨椎问盘置换联合邻近节段cage融合治疗双节段颈椎问盘突出症的近期疗效.方法:2006年5月～2008年11月手术治疗双节段颈椎间盘突出症患者13例,男8例,女5例,年龄35～60岁,平均47岁:以脊髓受压表现为主者6例,神经根性症状为主者7例;病变节段C4/5、C5/6 8例,C5/6、C6/7 3例,C4/5、C6/7 2例.均一期行单节段Bryan人工椎间盘置换和邻近节段cage融合,置换节段和融合节段为相邻间隙11例.非相邻间隙2例.术前、术后进行JOA评分(17分法)和颈椎残障功能量表(neck disability index,NDl)评定,术后进行Odom标准评定,随访观察椎间盘似体稳定性、假体活动度、cage融合状态及cage位移情况等.结果:手术时间90～160min,平均130min;术中m血量50～400ml,平均130ml.术中、术后无并发症发生.随访6个月～3年,平均19个月,末次随访时,JOA评分由术前9.2±3.2分增加至13.5±1.8分(P<0.01),NDI评分由术前40.8±4.7分降至28.5±5.4分(P<0.01),Odom评定结果优6例,良3例,尚可2例,差2例.人工椎间盘稳定,置换节段平均活动度为9.5°,cage植骨全部融合,无cage松动和沉陷.结论:颈椎间盘置换加邻近节段cage融合为双节段颈椎间盘突出症的治疗提供了新的选择方式,兼顾了颈椎的稳定和运动功能,近期临床效果良好.     

Resorption of thoracic disc herniation. Report of 2 cases

The authors describe 2 cases of thoracic disc herniation, resulting in acute myelopathy without bladder dysfunction or progressive muscular weakness; the herniated disc apparently resorbed without surgical intervention. Thoracic disc herniations are less frequent than cervical or lumbar disc herniations and are usually associated with severe neurological deficits. In these 2 cases, the herniated discs exhibited marked decreases in size, corresponding to a favorable clinical outcome within a few months after the initiation of conservative treatment with prostaglandin E(1) and/or steroids in conjunction with physical therapy. The authors conclude that thoracic herniated discs are capable of undergoing natural resorption and that conservative treatment could be indicated, even in the presence of moderate myelopathy, when the myelopathy is not accompanied by bladder dysfunction or progressive muscular weakness.     

Myeloradicular damage in traumatic cervical disc herniation.

BACKGROUND: The literature on pure traumatic disc herniation is now voluminous but diversity of opinion exists regarding frequency, pathogenesis and management of this type of lesion. As a further contribution to the solution of the question it is thus justified to report our series of cervical traumatic disc herniation. METHODS: During the period from January 1986 to December 1994, 41 patients (25 males and 16 females, between the ages of 24 and 51 years) with traumatic cervical disc herniations were operated on by anterior approach. Twenty-six (63.4%) patients presented with radicular syndrome, 3 (7.3%) with medullary symptoms and signs, and 12 (29.3%) with myeloradiculopathy. Disc herniation was at the C3/4 level in 4 (9.7%) cases, at the C4/5 level in 7 (17.1%) cases, at the C5/6 level in 24 (58.5%) cases, and at the C6/7 level in 8 (19.5%) cases. In 6 (40%) patients suffering from myelopathy (with or without radiculopathy) an area of high MR signal intensity was observed within the cervical cord on T2-weighted images; such area corresponded at the level of cord compression by disc and was not demonstrated on T1-weighted images. All patients underwent discectomy without bone grafting. RESULTS: Among patients with radiculopathy, 27 (71%) experienced complete relief of preoperative symptomatology, and 11 (29%) minor pain and/or neurological deficits without interference with work activities. The myelopathy completely disappeared in 11 (73.3%) cases whereas remained unchanged in 3 (20%); 1 patient with myelopathy experienced amelioration of preoperative specific symptoms and signs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of surgery for cervical radiculopathy due to traumatic disc herniation are satisfactory since 92 to 100% of the patients postoperatively regain prior activities, an observation we have confirmed with our own series. The results in cases of myelopathy are less satisfactory: although approximately 73% of our patients with myelopathy reported total relief of preoperative symptomatology, published reports indicate that a significant postoperative improvement is seen in 33 to 56% of patients.     

The clinical presentation of uppermost cervical disc protrusion

OBJECT: The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical presentation of the C2-C3 cervical herniation disc. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Uppermost cervical disc protrusion is an uncommon condition. The pattern of large central fragments of nucleus impinging on the highest cervical disc region is often poorly localized according to its clinical presentation. METHODS: Eight patients treated with anterior cervical discectomy with fusion for C2-C3 disc herniation participated in a detailed clinical and radiologic review to determine early detection and clarify potential hazards. Each patient's neurologic function was tested and recorded successively by a team of physicians and qualified physiotherapists. RESULTS: Reviewing the symptomatology, most patients presented ascending radicular symptoms secondary to trivial trauma, characterized by suboccipital pain, loss of hand dexterity, and paresthesia over face and unilateral lateral arm. Six (75%) patients had remarkable improvement postoperatively in neurologic function, except for some residual sensory embarrassment in at least 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical neurologic examination provides a less precise anatomic basis, to point to a particular upper cervical disc protrusion. Nonspecific neck and shoulder pain, a variety of cervical radiculopathy, and myelopathy may present. However, this rare spondylotic pattern is usually characterized by impairment of motor and sensory function more in the upper extremities than lower extremities and mostly starting following trauma. Radiculopathy generally outweighs the cord sign. Cruciate paralysis associated with vague diffuse and patch regions of hypesthesia over perioral distribution may help to localize this upper cervical lesion. The present study demonstrates that early detection and adequate anterior decompression may provide excellent outcome.     

Anterolateral extradural approach for C2-C3 disc herniation: technical case report

High cervical disc herniations (C2-C3) are extremely rare, and various approaches have been used to treat C2-C3. In this report, we recommend the anterolateral extradural approach as an alternative to treat C2-C3 disc herniation. A 72-year-old woman was referred to us with severe pain in the left side of her neck and occipital region. She had been taking high doses of analgesics but had no myelopathic symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed that left paramedian, extruded C2-C3 disc material was compressing the spinal cord and the left C3 nerve root. A left-sided anterolateral extradural approach was done to remove the extruded disc material at the C2-C3 level. After resection of the transverse processes of C1 and C2, the V3 segment of the vertebral artery was mobilized posteromedially. The extruded disc material was carefully removed, and the vertebral artery was freed and repositioned. The anterolateral extradural approach to a C2-C3 disc herniation is a good alternative, especially in patients with thick or short necks.     

人工颈椎间盘置换术后早中期临床疗效及并发症评价

目的 观察采用Bryan人工颈椎间盘置换治疗颈椎间盘突出症术后2-5年并发症的发生情况及临床疗效.方法 回顾分析45例颈椎间盘突出症患者,年龄31～59岁,平均46岁.临床症状以脊髓压迫为主者19例,神经根性症状为主者26例.单节段置换39例,双节段置换6例,共置人51个Bryan椎间盘假体.术后定期随访,摄颈椎动态X线片,部分患者完成MRI检查.观察置入假体位移、假体周围骨吸收、异位骨化、假体活动度及颈椎生理曲度变化.依照JOA评分(17分)和Odom标准评定神经功能改善,采用NDI(颈椎残障功能量表)评定术后临床症状改善和日常功能状态.结果 本组45例共置换51个节段.术后随访无一例假体前后位移大于2 mm,假体与椎体上、下终板无X线透光线存在,3例在置换节段上位椎体前下缘有轻微骨吸收,1例该处吸收接近2.5mm,1例随访出现自发性融合,1例置换节段发生Ⅲ度异位骨化,2例置换节段发生Ⅱ度异位骨化.术后置换假体活动度平均为9.1°,颈椎生理曲度有明显改善或恢复正常.患者神经功能有明显改善,以神经根性症状为主的患者上肢根性痛全部缓解.JOA评分由术前10.1分增加到终末随访时的15.2分.NDI评分从术前的42.5分降低到终末随访的29.5分,Odom评分临床成功率达到88.9%.结论 人工颈椎间盘置换术后早中期并发症少,具有良好的稳定性和活动度,术后神经功能恢复良好,但应设计更加完善的假体型号,以更好地适应国人的解剖参数.     

Percent spinal canal compromise on MRI utilized for predicting the need for surgical treatment in single-level lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There is limited information describing the correlation between the initial quantitative measurements on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of disc herniation area, canal cross-section areas, percent canal compromise, and disc herniation location to the need for surgery. PURPOSE: Our aim is to determine if the size of disc herniation area, canal cross-section area, percent canal compromise, and disc herniation location taken from MRI images of patients with symptomatic single-level lumbar herniated intervertebral discs upon initial presentation to a spine surgeon, were predictive of the need for surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This is a retrospective case matched study of patient MRI images in the senior author's private practice. PATIENT SAMPLE: From a pool of 332 patients with sciatica caused by lumbar intervertebral disc herniations at our institution, 65 patients had surgery, of which MRI images were available and analyzed on 44 patients. Forty-four additional patients were randomly selected from the remaining 267 original group as nonoperative controls. METHODS: The axial MRI image showing the largest canal compromise by the herniated disc was selected for measurements. Using T1- and T2-weighted images, the areas of interest were digitally scanned at high resolution. The canal area and disc herniation area measurement were calculated from the total number of pixels per cross-sectional area, multiplied by a scan correction factor, mm(2) /pixel. Disc herniation locations were classified into either central or paracentral. The percent canal compromise was obtained by disc herniation area divided by canal cross-section area and multiplied by 100. RESULTS: The surgical group's overall mean herniated disc area was 219.6 square millimeter (mm(2)), 179.8 at L4-5, and 267.4 at L5-S1. The nonoperative group's overall mean herniated disc area was 178.4 mm(2), 135.1 at L2-3, 160.3 at L4-5, and 207.4 at L5-S1. The surgical group's overall mean canal cross-sectional area was 471.8 mm(2), 418.6 at L4-5, and 535.6 at L5-S1. The nonoperative group's overall mean canal cross-sectional area was 541.3 mm(2), 518.1 at L2-3, 446.8 at L4-5, and 669.9 at L5-S1. The overall percent canal compromise ratio in the surgery group was 46.7%, 44.1% at L4-5, and 49.8% at L5-S1. The overall percent canal compromise in the nonoperative group was 34.2%, 34.1% at L2-3, 36.1% at L4-5, and 31.8% at L5-S1. The percent canal compromise in central herniations at L4-5 level was 53.0% in the surgical group, and 32.8% in the nonoperative group; at the L5-S1 level surgical group percent canal compromise was 64.1% and in the nonoperative group canal compromise was 27%. L4-L5 level paracentral herniations canal compromise was 36.7% in the surgical group compared with 42.5% canal compromise in the nonoperative group. At the L5-S1 level the canal compromise was 45% in the surgical group and 34.8% in the nonoperative group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a trend for patients treated with surgery to have larger disc herniation areas and smaller canal cross-section areas, corresponding to larger percent canal compromise than the nonoperative group. Centrally located herniations followed this trend closely at all levels studied. However, the paracentral herniation at the L4-5 level does not follow this trend, possibly because paracentral disc herniation clinical course is determined more by herniation location rather than the overall herniation size.     

Far lateral thoracic disc herniation presenting with flank pain.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Although thoracic disc herniations are rare, misdiagnosis is an undesirable situation, as it results not only in unnecessary diagnostic studies and surgical procedures, but also in progressive myelopathy and paralysis. Therefore, it is important to be aware of patients with thoracic disc herniations presenting with unusual or atypical symptoms mimicking other non-spinal disorders. PURPOSE: A patient with left flank pain compatible with urinary system disorder, who proved to have thoracic disc herniation, is presented. STUDY DESIGN: Case report METHODS: The cause of the patient's pain could not be elucidated until thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left thoracic 10-11 lateral disc herniation with associated nerve root compression. RESULTS: Conservative therapy including bed rest and analgesic medication was initiated. He had complete pain relief within the same day. CONCLUSION: Thoracic disc herniation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with pain likely caused by nonspinal disorders, especially if basic diagnostic studies do not reveal the cause.     

极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症15例报告

目的 探讨极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的临床和CT特征,提高该病的诊断率。方法 对15例经手术证实的患者临床和CT影像进行回顾性分析。结果 腰4／5间隙多发,椎间孔和椎间孔外联合突出多见,临床上常可见单侧两节神经根受损的表现。结论 临床与CT相结合是诊断极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的关键。     

经椎间隙减压Syncage C与BAK融合术后的影像学测量和临床疗效的比较

目的：观察比较两种颈椎椎体间融合器经椎间隙减压融合术后的影像学表现及临床疗效。方法：采用BAK、Syncage C两种颈椎椎体间融合器行颈椎病及颈椎间盘突出症经椎间隙减压后椎体间融合52例，其中Syncage C22例，BAK30例。对比两组术后临床疗效及放射学测量结果。结果：经18个月以上的随访，Syncage C组术后椎间高度、生理弧度的增加值以及改善率均明显高于BAK组。结论：与BAK相比，Syncage C能有效地维持椎间高度和重建颈椎生理弧度，从而获得稳定的临床疗效。     

The course and prognostic factors of symptomatic cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy: a systematic review of the literature

Background contextCervical spine disc herniation is a disabling source of cervical radiculopathy. However, little is known about its course and prognosis. Understanding the course and prognosis of symptomatic cervical disc herniation is necessary to guide patients' expectations and assist clinicians in managing patients.PurposeTo describe the natural history, clinical course, and prognostic factors of symptomatic cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy.Study designSystematic review of the literature and best evidence synthesis.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 2013 was conducted to retrieve eligible articles. Eligible articles were critically appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. The results from articles with low risk of bias were analyzed using best evidence synthesis principles.ResultsWe identified 1,221 articles. Of those, eight articles were eligible and three were accepted as having a low risk of bias. Two studies pertained to course and one study pertained to prognosis. Most patients with symptomatic cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy initially present with intense pain and moderate levels of disability. However, substantial improvements tend to occur within the first 4 to 6 months post-onset. Time to complete recovery ranged from 24 to 36 months in, approximately, 83% of patients. Patients with a workers' compensation claim appeared to have a poorer prognosis.ConclusionsOur best evidence synthesis describes the best available evidence on the course and prognosis of cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy. Most patients with symptomatic cervical spine disc herniation with radiculopathy recover. Possible recurrences and time to complete recovery need to be further studied. More studies are also needed to understand the prognostic factors for this condition.     

DISCOVER人工颈椎间盘置换在颈椎病治疗中的初期疗效观察

目的 探讨应用DISCOVER人工颈椎间盘置换治疗颈椎病的短期临床疗效.方法 采用DISCOVER人工颈椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎病患者12例,其中脊髓型8例,神经根型4例.统计并分析患者术前和术后1、6个月及末次随访时颈椎运动范围、置换节段活动度、相邻节段活动度进行影像学评估,术前及末次随访时NDI脊髓功能评分及颈部疼痛及...