In vivo changes in the neuroforaminal size at flexion-extension and axial rotation of the cervical spine in healthy persons examined using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging.

STUDY DESIGN: In vivo flexion-extension and axial rotation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the cervical spine were performed inside a positioning device. OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional changes of neuroforaminal size that occur during flexion-extension and axial rotation of the cervical spine in healthy persons. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Kinematic MRI studies of the cervical spine were performed to obtain detailed information about the functional changes that occur in neuroforaminal size during flexion-extention and axial rotation. The results were compared with published data of in vitro functional flexion-extension and axial rotation studies of the cervical spine. METHODS: Inside a positioning device, the cervical spines of 30 healthy persons were examined in a whole-body magnetic resonance scanner from 40 degrees of flexion to 30 degrees of extension at nine different angle positions. In addition, axial rotation was performed at neutral position (0 degrees ) and at 20 degrees and 40 degrees of axial rotation to both sides. The images were analyzed with respect to the neuroforaminal size at each position using a reformatted 3D-FISP sequence. RESULTS: At flexion, widening of the neuroforaminal size of up to 31% (compared with neutral position, 0 degrees ) was observed. Conversely, at extension a decrease in the size of the neuroforamen of up to 20% was recognized. At 20 degrees and 40 degrees of ipsilateral rotation of the head, a reduction in the neuroforaminal size of up to 15% and 23%, respectively, compared with the neutral position was noted. In contrast, a widening of the foraminal size was recognized on the contralateral side of 9% and 20% at 20 degrees and 40 degrees rotation. Statistically significant differences (p <== 0.05) were found in the neuroforaminal size between different degrees of flexion and extension and in addition for axial rotation compared to neutral position (0 degrees ). CONCLUSION: Compared with the results of previous biomechanical studies of human cadaver cervical spines, kinematic MRI provides additional noninvasive data concerning the physiological changes of the neuroforaminal size during flexion-extension and axial rotation in healthy individuals.     

Posterior minimally invasive approaches for the cervical spine

Cervical microendoscopic foraminotomy/discectomy and cervical microendoscopic decompression of stenosis are highly effective, minimally invasive approaches to cervical radiculopathy due to foraminal osteophytes or lateral disc herniation and cervical spondylotic myelopathy, respectively. The operative technique utilized in each of these procedures is described in detail, together with the advantages of the minimally invasive technique over traditional open approaches. Complication avoidance and management is also discussed.     

Limitations of minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy—a decompression method of posteriorly shifting the nerve root—in cases of large anterior osteophytes in cervical radiculopathy: A retrospective multicenter cohort study

BackgroundPosterior cervical foraminotomy against anterior osteophyte is an indirect decompression procedure but less invasive compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Residual compression to the nerve root may lead to poor surgical outcomes. Although clinical results of posterior cervical foraminotomy for osteophytes are not considered better than those of disk herniation, osteophyte size and the association of the decompression area with poor surgical outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the limitations of minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy and discuss the methods to improve surgical outcomes.MethodsWe analyzed 55 consecutive patients with degenerative cervical radiculopathy who underwent minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy. Minimum postoperative follow-up duration was 1 year. We divided the patients into nonimproved and improved groups. The cutoff value between preoperative and postoperative Neck Disability Index scores was 30% improvement. Preoperative imaging data comprised disk height, local kyphosis, spinal cord compression, anterior osteophytes in the foramen, and anterior osteophytes of >50% of the intervertebral foramen diameter. Postoperative imaging data comprised craniocaudal length and lateral width of decompressed lamina, preserved superior facet width, and area of decompressed lamina.ResultsFifty-five patients were divided into two groups: nonimproved (n = 19) and improved (n = 36). The presence of osteophytes itself was not significant; however, the presence of osteophytes of >50% of the foramen diameter increased in the nonimproved group (P = 0.004). Mean lateral width and mean area of decompressed lamina after surgery significantly increased in the improved group (P = 0.001, P = 0.03).ConclusionThe presence of anterior osteophytes >50% of the diameter of the foramen led to poor improvement of clinical outcomes in minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy. However, the larger the lateral width and area of the decompressed lamina, the better the surgical outcome.     

经Delta通道椎间孔镜治疗神经根型颈椎病

目的:探讨经Delta通道椎间孔镜治疗神经根型颈椎病的早期临床疗效及安全性。方法:对2017年9月至2018年7月收治的10例神经根型颈椎病患者行经Delta通道后路椎间孔镜下椎间盘摘除术,其中男6例,女4例;年龄30～62(41.5±4.3)岁;均为单侧根性症状,其中C_(4,5) 2例,C_(5,6) 5例,C_(6,7) 3例。所有患者CT及MRI检查提示无后纵韧带骨化及黄韧带钙化等影像学表现,颈椎动力位X线片无颈椎不稳,经系统非手术治疗6周以上,疗效欠佳。观察患者术前及末次随访时颈肩痛VAS评分、JOA评分、NDI评分、颈椎生理曲度、颈椎病变节段椎间高度和稳定性的改变。结果:所有手术顺利完成,无脊髓、神经根或大血管损伤情况的发生。手术时间70～120 min,平均90 min;术中出血量30～90 ml,平均40 ml。10例患者均获得随访,时间6～14个月,平均9个月。所有患者术后神经根性疼痛缓解满意,神经功能有所改善。VAS评分由术前的7.15±2.01降至末次随访时的1.59±0.83;JOA评分由术前的12.57±1.24升至末次随访时的16.42±0.58;NDI评分由术前的41.82±4.71提高到末次随访时的9.59±3.52;末次随访与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。颈椎生理曲度D值由术前的(8.21±0.84) mm升至末次随访时的(10.89±0.96) mm (P0.05)。病变节段椎间高度术前、末次随访时分别为(5.62±0.59)、(5.60±0.57) mm,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时颈椎动力位X线片未见颈椎失稳。结论:经Delta通道后路椎间孔镜下椎间盘摘除术治疗神经根型颈椎病能取得较为满意的疗效,且不影响颈椎的稳定性,安全性可靠,值得临床应用。     

经前路椎间孔减压植骨固定治疗神经根型颈椎病

目的探讨经前路颈椎间孔减压植骨融合内固定术治疗神经根型颈椎病的疗效。方法回顾分析我院自2005年1月至2008年12月对21例神经根型颈椎病患者采用的经前路颈椎间孔减压植骨融合内固定术治疗。采用日本骨科学会（Japanese orthopaedics association,JOA）及视觉模拟评分（visual analogous scale,VAS）评分,观察术前、术后即刻、6个月、18个月疗效。结果共治疗观察21例患者,采用JOA评分,术前评分（8.50±1.25）分,随访终末评分（13.70±1.33）分,手术前后JOA评分具有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。VAS评分：术前评分（6.85±1.18）分,随访终末评分（2.15±1.30）分,手术前后VAS评分具有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。术后12个月植骨融合率为100%;术前Cobb角为10.3°（-5°～16°）,随访终末Cobb角为15.5°（0°～20.5°）;术后均无感染、喉返神经、喉上神经及椎动脉损伤,切口均一期愈合;无翻修手术者。结论经前路颈椎间孔减压植骨融合内固定术治疗神经根型颈椎病具有创伤小、减压直接、疗效确切的优点。     

The efficacy of using an image-guided Kerrison punch in performing an anterior cervical foraminotomy. An anatomic analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: This study comprised two parts: first, a feasibility study to determine the efficacy of using an image-guided Kerrison punch while performing a foraminotomy during an anterior cervical decompression and, second, an anatomic analysis using vector measurement to determine the distance from the entrance of the neuroforamen to the medial margin of the vertebral artery in the subaxial cervical spine. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of using an image-guided Kerrison punch when performing an anterior foraminotomy and to obtain data regarding the distance from the vertebral artery to the entrance of the neuroforamen. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The documented incidence of catastrophic iatrogenic vertebral artery injury in anterior cervical decompression is low. The use of a real-time image-guidance surgical system should reduce the risk of this complication. METHODS: Twelve cadaveric cervical spines were harvested. Standard anterior cervical discectomies with bilateral foraminotomies were performed in the subaxial cervical spine using an image-guided Kerrison. Surgically significant morphometric data were measured using a computer-assisted image-guided surgical system. RESULTS: Successful navigation into all neuroforamina in the subaxial cervical spine was attained using the image-guided Kerrison punch. The vector measurement from the neuroforamen to the vertebral artery averaged 5.8 +/- 1.2 mm at C3-C4, 6.5 +/- 1.6 mm at C4-C5, 7.9 +/- 1.4 mm at C5-C6, and 9.1 +/- 1.8 mm at C6-C7. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between all cervical levels except C3-C4 and C4-C5. CONCLUSION: An image-guided Kerrison punch may be used successfully when performing cervical foraminotomies during an anterior cervical discectomy, thus eliminating the risk of potential vertebral artery injury. These data confirm previous findings by other authors. Knowledge of these data may aid the spine surgeon in performing a foraminotomy during anterior cervical decompression.     

单开门椎板成形术联合椎间孔切开术治疗脊髓型合并神经根型颈椎病疗效分析

目的评价颈后路单开门椎管成形术联合椎间孔切开术在治疗颈椎管狭窄症合并单侧神经根型颈椎病中的作用。方法回顾性研究2006年7月至2009年1月44例颈椎管狭窄症合并单侧神经根压迫症状患者,行颈后路单开门椎管成形术联合椎间孔切开术治疗的23例患者为A组,单纯行颈后路单开门椎管成形术治疗的21例患者为B组。引起椎间孔狭窄的原因:椎间盘突出、钩椎关节骨赘形成、关节突增生。神经根症状主要表现为单侧上肢疼痛、感觉减退、肌力下降和反射减弱。A组手术为颈后路单开门椎管成形术联合椎间孔切开术,关节突内侧缘切除范围均小于等于50%;B组仅行颈后路单开门椎管成形术。结果术后随访20～36个月,平均28个月。采用日本骨科协会评分法计算两组髓性症状术后改善率,差异无统计学意义;根性症状术后临床效果评价:A组优18例,良3例,一般2例;B组优7例,良3例,一般9例,差2例。结论对合并有单侧神经根型的颈椎管狭窄症患者,采用颈后路单开门椎管成形术联合椎间孔切开术可取得良好的手术效果。     

Factors affecting dynamic foraminal stenosis in the lumbar spine

Background contextLumbar foraminal stenosis is a common clinical problem and a significant cause of lower extremity radiculopathy. Minimal in vivo data exists quantifying changes in foraminal area (FA) as the spine moves from flexion to extension in the lumbar spine or on the relationship between FA and lumbar segmental angular motion, translational motion (TM), or disc bulge migration.PurposeTo use kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) to evaluate changes in dimensions of lumbar neural foramina during weight bearing in neutral, flexion, and extension positions. To evaluate the relationship between foraminal stenosis and lumbar segmental angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration.Study designA retrospective radiographic study.Patient sampleForty-five patients with a mean age of 44 years undergoing kMRI for symptoms of low back pain or radiculopathy.Outcome measuresMagnetic resonance imaging measurements of FA, angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration.MethodsKinetic magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was reviewed in 45 patients with low back pain or radiculopathy, and parasagittal images were evaluated for changes in neural foraminal dimensions in various degrees of motion with weight bearing. The changes in foraminal dimension were correlated to the amount of segmental angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration at each level. Neural foramina were also assessed qualitatively by Wildermuth criteria. Only those foramina that were clearly visualized with well-defined anatomic boundaries in all three positions were taken into consideration. Patients with previous surgery, tumor, and scoliosis were excluded from the study.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the FA from flexion to neutral (p<.05) at all levels except L5–S1 and from neutral to extension at all levels (p<.05). The average percent decrease in FA was 30.0% with the greatest decrease from flexion to extension occurring at L2–L3 (167–107 mm²) and the smallest change occurring at L5–S1 (135–106 mm²) (p<.05). The magnitude of change in FA increased as angular motion at a segment increased. The mean change in FA was 32.3 mm² when angular motion was less than 5° and was 75.16 mm² when angular motion exceeded 15°. The extent of disc bulging posteriorly in the neural foramen was also correlated with the reduction in the FA from flexion to extension, but TM had no effect.ConclusionsForaminal area decreased significantly in extension compared with flexion and neutral on MRI. Lumbar disc bulge migration and angular motion at each level contributed independently to the decrease in FA in extension, whereas TM had no effect on FA.     

MRI Measurement of Neuroforaminal Dimension at the Index and Supradjacent Levels after Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Prospective Study

Background

Anterior interbody fusion has previously been demonstrated to increase neuroforaminal height in a cadaveric model using cages. No prior study has prospectively assessed the relative change in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated neuroforaminal dimensions at the index and supradjacent levels, after anterior interbody fusion with a corticocancellous allograft in a series of patients without posterior decompression. The objective of this study was to determine how much foraminal dimension can be increased with indirect foraminal decompression alone via anterior interbody fusion, and to determine the effect of anterior lumbar interbody fusion on the dimensions of the supradjacent neuroforamina.

Methods

A prospective study comparing pre- and postoperative neuroforaminal dimensions on MRI scan among 26 consecutive patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion without posterior decompression was performed. We studies 26 consecutive patients (50 index levels) that had undergone anterior interbody fusion followed by posterior pedicle screw fixation without distraction or foraminotomy. We used preoperative and postoperative MRI imaging to assess the foraminal dimensions at each operated level on which the lumbar spine had been operated. The relative indirect foraminal decompression achieved was calculated. The foraminal dimension of the 26 supradjacent untreated levels was measured pre- and postoperatively to serve as a control and to determine any effects after anterior interbody fusion.

Results

In this study, 8 patients underwent 1 level fusion (L5-S1), 12 patients had 2 levels (L4-S1) and 6 patients had 3 levels (L3-S1). The average increase in foraminal dimension was 43.3% (p < 0.05)-19.2% for L3-4, 57.1% for L4-5, and 40.1% for L5-S1. Mean pre- and postoperative supradjacent neuroforaminal dimension measurements were 125.84 mm² and 124.89 mm², respectively. No significant difference was noted (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Anterior interbody fusion with a coriticocancellous allograft can significantly increase neuroforaminal dimension even in the absence of formal posterior distraction or foraminotomy; anterior interbody fusion with a coriticocancellous allograft has little effect on supradjacent neuroforaminal dimensions.     

A review of laminoforaminotomy for the management of lateral and foraminal cervical disc herniations or spurs

BACKGROUND: Anterior versus posterior surgical management of lateral and foraminal cervical disc disease remains controversial. The key hole foraminotomy or laminoforaminotomy allows dorsal resection without the instability encountered with anterior cervical approaches, with more limited morbidity. Unilateral radiculopathy can be addressed with the laminoforaminotomy, while bilateral or multifocal radiculopathy with myelopathy may additionally require a laminectomy or laminoplasty. METHODS: Selection of patients for laminoforaminotomy should be based upon correlation of clinical findings and neurodiagnostic (MR, CT) studies to ensure that the dorsal approaches will sufficiently address the pathology. RESULTS: The technical completion of a laminoforaminotomy is reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Performing adequate preoperative MR and CT examinations allows for the selection of patients who will benefit from the "key hole" or "laminoforaminotomy" approaches to lateral and foraminal disc disease and/or spur formation.     

Minimally invasive 2-level posterior cervical foraminotomy: preliminary clinical results

INTRODUCTION: The management of cervical radiculopathy has undergone significant evolution, and the most recent advancement is the integration of minimally invasive surgical techniques. There have been relatively few reports in the medical literature describing the clinical results of minimally invasive cervical spine surgery. The authors describe the surgical indications, technique, and preliminary clinical outcomes in a series of patients who underwent the 2-level minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy procedure. METHODS: This report is composed of 21 consecutive patients with cervical radiculopathy who underwent a minimally invasive 2-level posterior cervical foraminotomy at our institution between 2003 and 2005. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated foraminal or posterolateral pathology at 2 ipsilateral adjacent spinal levels in each patient. Radicular arm pain was the most common presenting symptom, and was encountered in all 21 patients. RESULTS: The mean follow up for the patients was 23 months (range 12 to 36). Complete resolution of preoperative symptoms was achieved in 19 out of 21 patients (90%). Sixteen patients were discharged home the same day of surgery, and the mean estimated blood loss was 35 mL (range 10 to 100 mL). There were no perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive 2-level posterior cervical foraminotomy can be safely performed on an outpatient basis with results comparable to that of conventional foraminotomy. This procedure should be considered as a potential alternative to 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or open foraminotomy in selected patients.     

Cervical spine lateral approach for myeloradiculopathy: technique and pitfalls

BackgroundThe authors describe the rationale of cervical spine lateral approach technique to manage spondylotic myeloradiculopathy with its advantages, disadvantages, complications, and pitfalls.MethodsThe cervical lateral approach could be indicated to treat spondylotic myeloradiculopathy where anterior compression is predominant and the spine is straight or kyphotic without instability.ResultsUsing the present approach the lateral aspect of the cervical spine is easily reached and the vertebral artery is well controlled. The lateral part of the pathological intervertebral discs, uncovertebral joints, vertebral bodies and posterior longitudinal ligament are removed as necessary and decompression tailored to each patient to completely free the nerve roots and/or spinal cord.ConclusionThe cervical lateral multilevel corpectomy/foraminotomy technique allows wide anterior decompression of the spinal cord and complete unilateral nerve root decompression preserving spinal stability and physiological spinal motion.     

颈神经根管切开减压术的应用解剖研究

为确定颈后路神经根管切开减压术中神经根的减压范围，并进一步探讨神经根型颈椎病的发病机理，在１７具成人颈椎标本上测量了神经根管、神经根及钩突，并模拟手术，从内侧向外逐渐切除关节突关节，根据神经根的减压程度确定切除范围。结果显示：神经根管长度平均为５．７４ｍｍ，上下径平均为９．０１ｍｍ，前后径平均为６．１３ｍｍ。钩突高度平均为５．４７ｍｍ。神经根型颈椎病多由关节突关节及钩椎关节骨质增生压迫神经根所致。由于钩突的阻挡，颈椎间盘向后外侧突出压迫神经根的机会较少。颈后路神经根管切开减压术中关节突关节的最佳切除范围是由关节内侧向外切除约６ｍｍ。小于该范围，易造成减压不充分；大于该范围，因神经根已穿出神经根管，对减压无太大改善，且过多地切除关节突关节，将破坏颈椎的稳定性。     

Endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy and discectomy

Posterior cervical microendoscopic foraminotomy and discectomy is an effective minimally invasive approach to cervical radiculopathy caused by foraminal osteophytes or lateral disc herniations. This article reviews the technique in detail as well as the advantages over open approaches. Nuances of the technique, including complications and their management, are also explored.     

Effect of cervical spine motion on the neuroforaminal dimensions of human cervical spine.

A nerve root impingement within a stenotic neuroforamen is a common sequela of cervical degenerative arthritis and herniated nucleus pulposus. Understanding of the effects of cervical position on foraminal size is important in the assessment of pathology and injury, for selection of a provocative maneuver to elicit symptoms and in selecting a position of immobilization for the management of nerve root impingement syndrome. This biomechanical study of human cadaver cervical spines reports the measured variations in the sizes of neuroforamina as a function of cervical positioning. Five fresh frozen adult human cadaver cervical spines (C2-T1) were tested with combinations of flexion-extension and rotational position. Ten pounds of axial load was applied to simulate a normal loading of a cervical spine. The foramina of C5, C6, and C7 were directly measured using a set of finely graded circular probes. Compared to the foraminal diameter at the neutral position, there were statistically significant reductions in the foramen diameter of 10% and 13%, at 20 degrees and 30 degrees of extension respectively (P < 0.01). Conversely, in flexion, there were statistically significant increase of 8% and 10% at 20 degrees and 30 degrees of flexion respectively (P < 0.01). Though there was a reduction in the foraminal size with ipsilateral 20 degrees rotation, and an increase with contralateral 20 degrees rotation, these changes were not significantly different from the mean of the control. Combinations of flexion or extension position with axial rotation did not significantly change the foraminal size compared to the respective sagittal position with no axial rotation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Facetal distraction as treatment for single- and multilevel cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy: a preliminary report

The authors discuss their successful preliminary experience with 36 cases of cervical spondylotic disease by performing facetal distraction using specially designed Goel cervical facet spacers. The clinical and radiological results of treatment are analyzed. The mechanism of action of the proposed spacers and the rationale for their use are evaluated. Between 2006 and February 2010, 36 patients were treated using the proposed technique. Of these patients, 18 had multilevel and 18 had single-level cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. The average follow-up period was 17 months with a minimum of 6 months. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association classification system, visual analog scale (neck pain and radiculopathy), and Odom criteria were used to monitor the clinical status of the patient. The patients were prospectively analyzed. The technique of surgery involved wide opening of the facet joints, denuding of articular cartilage, distraction of facets, and forced impaction of Goel cervical facet spacers into the articular cavity. Additionally, the interspinous process ligaments were resected, and corticocancellous bone graft from the iliac crest was placed and was stabilized over the adjoining laminae and facets after adequately preparing the host bone. Eighteen patients underwent single-level, 6 patients underwent 2-level, and 12 patients underwent 3-level treatment. The alterations in the physical architecture of spine and canal dimensions were evaluated before and after the placement of intrafacet joint spacers and after at least 6 months of follow-up. All patients had varying degrees of relief from symptoms of pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. Analysis of radiological features suggested that the distraction of facets with the spacers resulted in an increase in the intervertebral foraminal dimension (mean 2.2 mm), an increase in the height of the intervertebral disc space (range 0.4-1.2 mm), and an increase in the interspinous distance (mean 2.2 mm). The circumferential distraction resulted in reduction in the buckling of the posterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavum. The procedure ultimately resulted in segmental bone fusion. No patient worsened after treatment. There was no noticeable implant malfunction. During the follow-up period, all patients had evidence of segmental bone fusion. No patient underwent reexploration or further surgery of the neck. Distraction of the facets of the cervical vertebra can lead to remarkable and immediate stabilization-fixation of the spinal segment and increase in space for the spinal cord and roots. The procedure results in reversal of several pathological events related to spondylotic disease. The safe, firm, and secure stabilization at the fulcrum of cervical spinal movements provided a ground for segmental spinal arthrodesis. The immediate postoperative improvement and lasting recovery from symptoms suggest the validity of the procedure.     

Anterior cervical foraminotomy for unilateral radicular disease

STUDY DESIGN: A clinical series of patients with unilateral radiculopathy treated with the anterior cervical foraminotomy procedure. OBJECTIVE: To establish procedural techniques and clinical and radiologic outcomes for the anterior cervical foraminotomy procedure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical radiculopathy is typically caused by unilateral disc herniation or uncovertebral osteophytes that compress the ventral aspect of the nerve. Direct removal of a cervical lesion causing radicular symptoms without concomitant fusion seems to be an ideal treatment in selected patients. The indications for an anterior cervical neural foraminotomy are limited to unilateral radicular symptoms at one or two levels, with minimal neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were treated with the anterior cervical neural foraminotomy procedure during a 3-year period with follow-up from 6 to 36 months. There were 13 men and 8 women (age range, 27-58 years). Fourteen patients had symptomatic soft disc herniation, and 7 had uncovertebral osteophytes confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and/or myelogram and computed tomography. Sixteen patients had a single anterior cervical neural foraminotomy, and 5 had procedures at adjacent levels. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (91%) had improved or resolved radicular symptoms, and 2 (9%) had persistent radicular symptoms necessitating further surgery (one two-level anterior cervical neural discectomy and fusion and one posterior foraminal decompression). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with the anterior cervical neural foraminotomy procedure have equivalent or better outcomes than those who undergo current cervical procedures. It appears to be a good alternative procedure for carefully selected patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy and avoids a fusion of the disc space.     

早期神经根型颈椎病定位诊断的斜矢状MR检查应用

[目的]探讨颈椎斜矢状MRI在早期神经根型颈椎病定位诊断中的应用价值.[方法]随机选取门诊就诊临床诊断神经根型颈椎病而神经肌电图正常的患者34例,行常规MRI及斜矢状MR - T2WI;由影像诊断医师及临床医师在已知临床症状的同时分别就常规MRI及常规MRI联合斜矢状MRI分别评价所做的所有MR图像,判定椎间孔狭窄的位置及节段数,比较两种检查手段的诊断相关性.[结果]应用常规MRI诊断34例中19例24处椎间孔狭窄;联合斜矢状MRI诊断26例43处椎间孔狭窄,其中3个节段1例、2个节段11例,4例为单节段双侧,其余10例为单节段单侧椎间孔狭窄.常规MRI联合斜矢状MRI的椎间孔狭窄判定能力高于常规MR检查.[结论]斜矢状MRI 检查技术能直观显示椎间孔的立体形态并判断椎间孔受压(狭窄)的程度,为临床早期神经根型颈椎病的定位提供了极佳的影像信息.     

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