Selective denervation of the levator scapulae muscle: an amendment to the Bertrand procedure for the treatment of spasmodic torticollis

OBJECT: The purpose of this cadaveric study was to explore a modification to the Bertrand procedure for the treatment of spasmodic torticollis, namely the denervation of the levator scapulae (LS) muscle for laterocollis. METHODS: The authors performed a series of 9 cadaveric dissections. Five were done to identify the anterior innervation of the LS, and the remaining 4 were to identify the tendinous insertions of the LS onto the lateral masses of the cervical spine via a posterior approach. The nerve supply to the LS from the anterior divisions of the C-3 and C-4 nerve roots and the contribution from the dorsal scapular nerve were identified over the anterior surface of the muscle. RESULTS: The C-3 and C-4 nerve root branches were situated within 2 cm of each other and inferior to the punctum nervosum. The dorsal scapular contribution was clearly identified in 2 cadavers. Selective denervation of this muscle is possible through the same posterior triangle incision used for denervating the sternocleidomastoid muscle of its accessory nerve branches. This approach will be helpful in patients with laterocollis contralateral to the direction of chin turning. The authors compare this approach to the posterior approach for sectioning the insertions of the LS muscle onto the C1-4 posterior tubercles. The latter approach is appropriate for ipsilateral laterocollis. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior triangle approach for denervating the LS muscle is a safe and easy addition to the Bertrand procedure and can be helpful in selected cases of torticollis with a laterocollis component.     

Selective peripheral denervation in patients with spasmodic torticollis.

The results of selective peripheral denervation of the involved muscles in 35 patients with spasmodic torticollis are reported. We modified the operation first described by Bertrand. Follow-up was 3 months to 2.5 years in 34/35 patients. 73% noticed a significant improvement or disappearance of dystonia and pain following surgery and physiotherapy for 3 months postoperatively. Selective peripheral denervation is recommended for patients with spasmodic torticollis of at least 1-2 years duration which is resistant to conservative treatment. It may also be used in patients who do not respond to injection of botulinum A toxin or who develop resistance to this kind of therapy.     

Selective peripheral denervation for spasmodic torticollis involving the levator scapulae muscle

Patients with laterocollis or rotatory type torticollis tend to show abnormal contraction of the levator scapulae muscle and the scalene muscles. These muscles are innervated from the anterior branches of the cervical spinal nerves. Because of this, the traditional Bertrand operation dealing with posterior branches does not adequately affect the symptoms of laterocollis. The authors report selective denervation of the levator scapulae muscle in three patients and discuss its rationale. All the three patients underwent denervation of both the C1-C6 posterior spinal rami and the branches from the C3 and C4 anterior rami to the levator scapulae muscle. We added myotomy of the scalene muscle in one patient, and denervation of the omohyoid muscle which is innervated from the ansa cervicalis and the descending branch of the hypoglossal nerve. The pre/post-operative Tsui scores were 12/4, 15/1, and 14/3 respectively. There were no complications. We conclude that selective peripheral denervation of the levator scapulae muscle is safe and effective in the treatment of laterocollic type torticollis.     

Peripheral neurotomy for torticollis: a new approach

Most of spasmodic torticollis is classifical as cervical dystonia and the treatment of choice is chemical or surgical denervation. There are two major procedures for surgical denervation, intradural ventral rhizotomy and extradural peripheral neurotomy (Bertrand procedure). Both have advantages and disadvantages. The authors have modified these procedures to minimize the complications, with unilateral intradural ventral rhizotomy of C1 and C2, extradural denervation of the C3-C6 posterior rami, and contralateral peripheral sectioning of the branches of the spinal accessory nerve to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. 30 patients underwent this modified operation (Group A) and the results were compared with those in a matched control group of 20 patients who underwent the traditional Bertrand procedure (Group B). Only one patient in Group A showed a sensory deficit in the C2 area, while all the patients in Group B had C2 sensory disturbance. Pre- and postoperative rating scores did not differ between the two groups. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly smaller in Group A. Compared with the traditional Bertrand's operation, our procedure involves fewer complications and significantly less intraoperative blood loss.     

Surgery of involuntary movements, particularly stereotactic surgery: reminiscences

WHEN WE STARTED using stereotactic surgery in 1953, the existing stereotactic instruments required general anesthesia for fixation of the head. We designed a stereotactic instrument with target screens that could be fixed to the patient's head under local anesthesia. The results of stereotactic surgery for spasmodic torticollis were inconsistent. The active muscles were identified by electromyography and blocked with 1% lidocaine, resulting in marked but temporary improvement. It was decided to use selective peripheral denervation in these cases with very satisfactory results, and it became the only procedure we used for the relief of spasmodic torticollis.     

Unilateral pallidal stimulation in cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) is a focal dystonia of the cervical region. Various treatment modalities have been performed with variable success rates. We present a 42-year-old woman complaining of involuntary head rotation for the last 3 years. Different medical treatments had been used for 3 years. Botulinum toxin injections resulted in temporary and moderate improvement for periods of 3-4 months. Pallidal stimulation was performed using a quadripolar electrode and a battery-operated programmable pulse generator. We conclude that a unilateral pallidal lesion or stimulation is an effective method of treatment in focal dystonia. The target must be the pallidum contralateral to the contracted sternocloidomastoid muscle. Deep brain stimulation is superior to lesioning because of the capability of manipulating the stimulation parameters which can modify the pallidotomy effect.     

Benefit of bilateral pallidotomy in the treatment of generalized dystonia. Case report

This 29-year-old man with cerebral palsy complicated by generalized dystonia was treated by simultaneous bilateral posteroventral pallidotomy. Postoperatively, there was slow, but steady, improvement in the patient's dystonia and disability. However, the improvement in abnormal movements was only prominent for cervical dystonia and oromandibular dyskinesia. The patient's Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia scores were 51 preoperatively and 37, 33.5 and 33.5, at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively, demonstrating a maximum improvement of 34%. These results suggest that pallidotomy can be an alternative therapy for those patients suffering from intractable generalized dystonia.     

Partial myotomy/myectomy of the trapezius muscle with an asleep-awake-asleep anesthetic technique for treatment of cervical dystonia. Technical note.

The authors describe a technique for performing partial sectioning and myectomy of the trapezius muscle in patients with severe cervical dystonia that is unresponsive to conservative treatment. Asleep-awake-asleep anesthesia allows intraoperative control of the sectioning procedure to avoid causing postoperative weakness of arm elevation above the horizontal plane. The procedure has been performed successfully in three patients. In all cases the dystonic posture of the shoulder and local pain were improved postoperatively. There were no new deficits. This technique can be used as an adjunct to other peripheral surgical procedures in patients with marked laterocollis and dystonic elevation and ante-version of the shoulder.     

Spasmodic torticollis as a cause of ulnar nerve entrapment

Spasmodic torticollis is thought to be a central nervous system disorder with no peripheral nervous system component. Several consecutive patients with spastic torticollis were found to have ulnar nerve compromise at the elbow on the side ipsilateral to the direction of chin turning. This article describes three such patients in detail. It is postulated that the cause is the stereotypical posture assumed by these patients in using their hand to maintain a neutral head position. The chronic leaning and elbow flexion place the ulnar nerve at risk for the development of pressure neuropathy.     

胸锁乳突肌多头切断术治疗成人先天性肌性斜颈

目的探讨胸锁乳突肌多头切断术治疗成人先天性肌性斜颈的方法及效果。方法 2009年3月—2011年2月,收治19例成人先天性肌性斜颈患者。男13例,女6例;年龄16～32岁,平均23.5岁。X线片检查示,12例伴不同程度颈椎侧弯及楔形改变。10例伴患侧面部发育迟缓。4例既往曾行胸锁乳突肌单侧头切断术。患者均采用胸锁乳突肌多头切断术,联合术后石膏托及颈托外固定3～6个月。结果术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无感染及血肿发生。16例患者获随访,随访时间5个月～2年,平均8个月。患者头颈部畸形均较术前明显改善。术后2周疗效评定:7例无颈椎畸形患者为优;12例伴颈椎畸形患者优1例,良7例,一般4例。术后2周测量患侧胸锁乳突肌乳突尖至胸锁关节距离,无颈椎畸形患者较术前延长(1.88±0.30)cm,手术前后差异有统计学意义(t=6.24,P=0.00),且术后测量值与正常值比较差异无统计学意义(t=1.87,P=0.11);伴颈椎畸形患者术后较术前延长(3.38±0.30)cm,差异有统计学意义(t=11.37,P=0.00),但术后测量值仍低于正常值(t=12.19,P=0.00)。结论采用胸锁乳突肌多头切断术治疗成人先天性肌性斜颈,能明显改善症状,恢复颈部活动功能。     

Selective denervation and resection of cervical muscles in the treatment of spasmodic torticollis: long-term follow-up results in 207 cases.

OBJECT: To report the outcome of patients with selective denervation and resection of cervical muscles for spasmodic torticollis. METHODS: We reviewed 362 cases of surgically treated spasmodic torticollis. 207 patients were followed from 2 years to 29 years. RESULTS: Total or marked relief of symptoms with preservation of normal of nearly normal movements has been obtained in 87.9%. CONCLUSION: This procedure may be recommended if one to two years of conservative therapy does not offer satisfactory relief of symptoms.     

A difficult airway is not more prevalent in patients suffering from spasmodic torticollis: a case series

PURPOSE: We designed this retrospective study to assess the frequency of difficult airway and difficult intubation in patients with spasmodic torticollis and compare it to that of the general population. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, data were collected from the charts of all the patients with spasmodic torticollis who underwent selective peripheral denervation at our institution between 1988 and 2001. The intubation grade was determined using the Cormack and Lehane laryngoscopic classification. The best laryngeal view was recorded. RESULTS: Data from 342 patients were available for analysis. Fourteen patients had a difficult airway. In two patients, intubation was difficult with three attempts at laryngoscopy in one patient and use of fibreoptic bronchoscopy in the other. Twelve (3.5%) patients presented with laryngoscopic grades of III or IV. The combined prevalence of laryngoscopic view grade III and IV and difficult intubation was 4.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This study assesses the frequency of difficult intubation in patients suffering from spasmodic torticollis. When compared to the general population, these patients do not appear to have a higher frequency of difficult airway or difficult intubation.     

Adult presentation of congenital muscular torticollis: a series of 12 patients treated with a bipolar release of sternocleidomastoid and Z-lengthening

Adult presentation of neglected congenital muscular torticollis is rare. We report 12 patients with this condition who underwent a modified Ferkel's release comprising a bipolar release of sternocleidomastoid with Z-lengthening. They had a mean age of 24 years (17 to 31) and were followed up for a minimum of two years. Post-operatively a cervical collar was applied for three weeks with intermittent supervised active assisted exercises for six weeks. Outcome was assessed using a modified Lee score and a Cheng and Tang score. The mean pre-operative rotational deficit was 8.25° (0° to 15°) and mean lateral flexion deficit was 20.42° (15° to 30°), which improved after treatment to a mean of 1.67° (0° to 5°) and 7.0° (4° to 14°) after treatment, respectively. According to the modified Lee scoring system, six patients had excellent results, two had good results and four had fair results, and using the Cheng and Tang score, eight patients had excellent results and four had good results. Surgical management of adult patients with neglected congenital muscular torticollis using a modified Ferkel's bipolar release gives excellent results. The range of neck movement and head tilt improved in all 12 patients and cosmesis improved in 11, despite the long-standing nature of the deformity.     

Use of surface electromyography to assess and select patients with idiopathic dystonia for bilateral pallidal stimulation

OBJECT: The object of this study was to identify a preoperative physiological index by using surface electromyography (EMG) signals that would correlate with clinical outcome in dystonic patients following bilateral pallidal stimulation. METHODS: In 14 patients with spasmodic torticollis, generalized dystonia, and myoclonic dystonia, surface EMG signals were recorded from the most affected muscle groups. Although the dystonia affected different body segments, the EMG signals in all patients could be decomposed into bursting and sustained components. Subsequently, a ratio of the EMG amplitude was calculated between the two components and then correlated with clinical outcome. Patients who experienced rapid improvement following bilateral pallidal stimulation had a significantly higher EMG ratio compared with those who did not. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the EMG ratio and clinical improvement during the 12-month period following pallidal stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: The authors concluded that surface EMG studies could be used to predict the clinical outcome of and to select patients for pallidal stimulation for dystonia.     

A novel denervation procedure for idiopathic cervical dystonia

BACKGROUND: For idiopathic cervical dystonia, the treatment of choice is botulinum toxin injection or surgical denervation. There are two major procedures of surgical denervation: intradural ventral rhizotomy and extradural peripheral neurotomy (Bertrand procedure). The Bertrand procedure is always accompanied by popstoperative sensory loss in the C2 region. METHODS: The authors have modified these procedures to minimize the complications. Our method is unilateral intradural ventral rhizotomy of C1 and C2, extradural denervation of the C3-C6 posterior rami and contralateral peripheral sectioning of the branches of the accessory nerve to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Forty-four patients underwent this modified operation ('Taira's' method: group A) and the results were compared with those in a matched control group of 38 patients who underwent the traditional Bertrand's procedure (Bertrand's method: group B). RESULTS: Three patients in group A showed a sensory deficit in the C2 area, while all of the patients in group B had C2 sensory disturbance. Pre- and postoperative rating scores did not differ between the two groups. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly smaller in group A. CONCLUSION: Compared with the traditional Bertrand's operation, our procedure carries a much lower incidence of complications and a significant decrease of intraoperative blood loss.     

Peri-operative treatment with botulinum A toxin prior to posterior cervical decompression in a case with cervical spondylosis caused by spasmodic torticollis secondary to cerebral palsy

Patients with spasmodic torticollis secondary to athetoid cerebral palsy may develop symptomatic degenerative cervical disc disease or spondylosis. In these cases, peri-operative stabilization of the cervical spine is considered to be difficult and recurrence occurs frequently. We reported a case with cervical spondylosis induced by athetoid cerebral palsy. A 44-year-old female with athetoid cerebral palsy had suffered from secondary spasmodic torticollis. 7 years previously, she had been admitted to our hospital for the first time with complaints of gait disturbance, dysesthesia and hypesthesia in all extremities. CT-myelography and MRI showed disc degeneration and spondylosis at the level of C4/5 and C5/6, compressing the spinal cord. She underwent C5 vertebrectomy and C4-6 anterior fusion. However, due to cervical dystonia, it was difficult for her to wear a Philadelphia collar, so she had to under go complete bed rest for postoperative neck stabilization. Her symptoms improved after the operation. 5 years after the first operation, she complained of gait disturbance and sensory disturbance, again. MRI showed compression of the spinal cord at C2-C4, rostral to the level of the previous surgical area. So we planned the second operation. Prior to the operation, we used botulinum A toxin to reduce the athetoid movement of the neck. And we performed C3-6 expansive laminoplasty and partial laminectomy of C2 and C7 laminae. After the second operation, she was able to wear the Philadelphia collar without trouble and her neurological condition improved again. Botulinum A toxin was very effective to control the spasmodic torticollis peri-operatively in this case with cervical dystonia.     

Spasmodic torticollis: a case study

Torticollis is a term that describes abnormal posturing of the head secondary to the contraction of the neck musculature. Spasmodic torticollis is a rare form of this disorder that has been attributed to disturbances in the extrapyramidal system. It is a form of focal dystonia that primarily affects women in their forties and usually progresses slowly, leading to severe disability. Although the torticollis may be painful, the patient’s main preoccupation is usually with the deformity itself. The diagnosis is often delayed because of the unusual clinical presentation and these patients are frequently labelled as neurotic. The following report illustrates a case of torticollis and thoracolumbar scoliosis secondary to dystonia.     

Outcome of selective peripheral denervation for cervical dystonia

30 patients with cervical dystonia were treated by selective peripheral denervation (SPD) (Bertrand procedures). Follow-up 12-75 (median 26) months after surgery showed strong group improvements in the clinical state (Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale) and in performance of ADL, impairment, lifestyle and degree of incapacity (rating scales used by Australia's Department of Veterans' Affairs). SPD can give long-term benefits important clinically, in the home and in society.     

Pallidal deep brain stimulation for longstanding severe generalized dystonia in Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome. Case report

Generalized dystonia is one of the most disabling movement disorders. Ablative stereotactic surgery such as pallidotomy has been performed for medically refractory dystonia. Recently, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has appeared as an alternative to ablative procedures. Nevertheless, there have been few published reports detailing improvement in dystonia with DBS. This 36-year-old man with Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome suffered from intractable primary generalized dystonia for 28 years. He was completely dependent for activities of daily living and wheelchair bound because of continuous severe dystonic movements in the face, tongue, neck, trunk, and upper and lower extremities while at rest. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden (BFM) Dystonia Rating Scale score was 112 (maximum 120 points). Bilateral DBS of the globus pallidus internus was performed and resulted in marked improvement in motor functioning and dystonic symptoms with a significant reduction in disability. The BFM score improved to 22.5 points (80% improvement) at 3 months postsurgery and the patient's dystonia was still well suppressed 1 year after surgery. Bilateral pallidal stimulation is an effective and safe treatment for intractable generalized dystonia in Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, even if the disability is severe and longstanding.     

The outcome of renal denervation for managing loin pain haematuria syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of renal denervation for the treatment of loin pain-haematuria syndrome (LPHS), a rare syndrome of unknown cause associated with debilitating and intractable loin pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case notes of 32 patients having 41 renal denervations were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, possible causes, cure or not after renal denervation, time to recurrence of pain after denervation and further operative intervention for managing LPHS. RESULTS: Full data were available for 24 patients (13 women; median age 43 years, range 28-74) having 33 denervations (eight bilateral and one repeat) with a median follow-up of 39.5 months. Most patients had no identifiable underlying cause although many had initially been diagnosed as having stone disease (42%) or pyelonephritis (25%), but with no corroborative evidence. All patients had been extensively investigated and had normal urine samples and cytology, and no abnormality on intravenous urography, renal tract ultrasonography and isotopic renography. Twenty-four renal denervations (73%) were followed by recurrent ipsilateral pain at a median (range) of 11 (0-120) months after surgery. Nine denervations (25%) in six men and two women were curative (median follow-up 16.5 months). Of those with recurrent pain, nine (38%) proceeded to nephrectomy, of whom three then developed loin pain on the contralateral side and two developed disabling wound pain. The analgesic requirement was less after eight non-curative denervations. There were no significant postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Renal denervation has only a 25% success rate for managing pain associated with LPHS and should be used cautiously for this indication. Men had more benefit from the treatment; a third of patients had less requirement for analgesic after non-curative denervation.