Nerve root distribution of deltoid and biceps brachii muscle in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a potential risk factor for postoperative shoulder muscle weakness after posterior decompression

To investigate the nerve root distribution of deltoid and biceps brachii muscle, compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were recorded intraoperatively following nerve root stimulation in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. A total of 19 upper limbs in 12 patients aged 55–72 years (mean, 65.5 years) with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were examined. CMAPs were recorded from deltoid and biceps brachii muscle following C5 and C6 root stimulation. Although both C5 and C6 roots were innervated for deltoid and biceps brachii muscle in all subjects, the amplitude ratio of CMAPs (C5/C6) differed individually depending on the symptomatic intervertebral levels of the spinal cord. The C5 root predominantly innervated both deltoid and biceps brachii in patients with symptomatic cord lesions at the C4–C5 intervertebral level compared to patients with symptomatic cord lesions at the C5–C6 intervertebral level. Although no patients sustained postoperative radiculopathy in our study, severe weakness and unfavorable recovery are expected when the C5 root in patients with C4–C5 myelopathy is damaged. From the electrophysiological aspect, C4–C5 cord lesions are likely to be a potential risk factor for postoperative shoulder muscle weakness in patients with compressive cervical myelopathy.     

Measuring of the compensation of a nerve root in a cervical schwannoma: a case report

A 64-year-old woman experienced numbness and hypesthesia of the right C6 dermatome a year ago. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed an enhanced tumor continuing into the foramen from the spinal cord at the C5/6 intervertebral level. It was thought to be an Eden type 2 schwannoma. Right unilateral laminectomy was performed on C5. The tumor was present in the intradural area and arose from the right C6 anterior root. Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) from the deltoid, biceps, and extensor carpi radial (ECR) muscles were recorded following electric cervical nerve root stimulation (0.2ms duration, and 7mA intensity). CMAPs of large amplitude were obtained from the deltoid, biceps, and ECR muscles following C5 root stimulation, but those following C6 root stimulation were small. As a result it was determined that the right C6 root was not associated with the nerve distribution for these muscles, so it was resected en bloc with the tumor. No apparent loss of motor function was observed. Standard needle electromyography showed no denervation potentials or decrease in motor unit potentials in either the deltoid or biceps muscles. Intraoperative investigation for compensation of nerve root is clinically useful for determining whether resection of a nerve root results in muscle weakness after surgery for a cervical schwannoma.     

MRI对颈椎病的诊断价值

96例混合型颈椎病的MRI主要表现为椎间盘髓核失水、变性、椎间隙变窄，椎间盘膨出、突出和脱出，椎体后缘骨赘形成、黄韧带肥厚内招、椎管狭窄；脊髓受压移位、变形，脊髓水肿、变性、软化和囊肿形成，其横截面积缩小；椎间孔处颈神经根周围脂肪高信号减少或消失。不用对比剂的推动脉MR显影（MRA）可立即显示颈部双侧推动脉粗细、迂曲、受阻及动态状况。其中32例以脊髓型为主老同时作脊髓造影和CTM检查，并经手术证实。脊髓造影、CTM、MRI与手术所见符合率分别为60％、85％、96％。作者认为，MRI诊断颈椎病简捷准确，定位精确度高，可优化缩短诊疗全过程。     

Neurophysiological tests of respiratory function by compound muscle action potentials from the diaphragm. Detection of lesions in the higher cervical cord

We recorded compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) from the diaphragm in 15 normal volunteers, nine patients with lesions of the lower cervical cord (C5 to C8), one completely quadriplegic patient (C6) and seven patients with lesions at a higher cervical level (C1 to C4). Transcranial magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve were carried out. When the centre of the coil was placed on the interauricular line at a point 3 cm lateral to the vertex on the scalp, the CMAPs from the diaphragm had the largest amplitude and the shortest latency. There was no difference in the mean latency of the CMAPs recorded by transcranial magnetic stimulation in the normal volunteers and in the patients with lesions of the lower cervical cord. In the quadriplegic patient, the latency of the CMAPs was not delayed, but was prolonged in the patients with lesions at a higher level. Those evoked by electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve were not prolonged in the patients with higher lesions. Our findings suggest that the prolongation of the latency by transcranial magnetic stimulation reflects dysfunction of the higher cervical cord. The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve can detect the precise level of the lesion in the motor tract to the diaphragm.     

单开门椎管扩大成形术后颈椎曲度与C_5神经根麻痹的关系

目的探讨单开门椎管扩大成形术后颈椎曲度与C5神经根麻痹发生率的关系。方法对254例颈椎病患者采取3种不同术式治疗:A组(126例)行颈椎单开门椎管成形术;B组(70例)行颈椎单开门椎管成形+未明显改变颈椎曲度的后路内固定术;C组(58例)行颈椎单开门椎管成形+明显改变颈椎曲度的后路内固定术。结果患者均获得随访,时间12~18个月。X线、MRI和CT检查显示:3组患者脊髓均有不同程度的向后漂移,侧块螺钉均没有进入椎间孔和椎管内,椎板没有再关门,椎板合页处没有向内陷入椎管,亦没有明显压迫硬膜脊髓的硬膜外血肿。A组颈椎曲度无改变;B组颈椎曲度无显著性改变;C组颈椎曲度改善明显,曲度增加值为5.3 mm±2.7 mm。18例术后发生C_5神经根麻痹,其中A组2例(1.59%)、B组4例(5.71%)、C组12例(20.69%);A、B两组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),A、B组与C组比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.017);脊髓型组5例(3.09%),混合型组13例(14.13%),两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。18例C_5神经根麻痹患者于术后2~4 d出现颈肩痛或原有颈肩痛加重,其中12例随后迅速出现肌力下降,而感觉减退不明显。18例均给予保守治疗,术后2~3周患者颈肩部麻痛消失;术后4~24周12例肌力下降中11例完全康复,1年后另1例C_5神经支配区肌力恢复至4+级。结论颈椎单开门椎管扩大成形术后可发生C_5神经根麻痹,无内固定时发生率最低,在颈椎生理曲度明显改变时发生率最高;术后混合型较脊髓型更易出现C_5神经根麻痹,其损伤机制可能与脊髓漂移有关。     

Spinal sensory and motor tract activation after epidural electrical stimulation in the cat

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) after peripheral nerve stimulation and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) after transcranial stimulation have been routinely used as monitors of the viability of pathways in the posterior and anterior spinal cord, respectively, in patients undergoing spinal cord surgery. To assess total spinal cord function, both of these procedures must be performed simultaneously, which is both cumbersome and technically difficult. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate both sensory and motor spinal tract activation after epidural electrical stimulation of the cat spinal cord. Thirty-seven adult mongrel cats were anesthetized with ketamine, intubated, and maintained with Ethrane and nitrous oxide. Stimulating electrodes were placed over the right dorsolateral spinal cord epidurally at T7 after a laminectomy. Recording electrodes were placed over the right L3 spinal cord epidurally, on the right L7 dorsal and ventral nerve roots, on the right and left sciatic nerves in the popliteal fossa, and in the right gastrocnemius muscle. After epidural stimulation of the spinal cord at T11, distinct reproducible potentials were recorded at each site. Activity in the L7 dorsal root implicated activation of spinal sensory tracts. Activity in the L7 ventral root and in the gastrocnemius implicated activation of spinal motoneurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

臂丛颈7神经根支配主要代表肌的电生理研究

目的 通过电生理检测分析臂丛颈,神经根的主要代表肌.方法 选择16例臂丛神经根性撕脱伤行健侧颈7神经根移位的患者,术中采用电生理检测,对颈7神经根支配肌的波幅进行分析,确定颈7神经根的主要代表肌.结果 电生理检测表明背阔肌与肱三头肌长头均可较好地代表颈7神经根的功能.尤其是肱三头肌长头在所有16例患者的检测中,刺激颈7神经根所得复合肌肉动作电位(CMAP)波幅值均明显大于其余神经根所得波幅值;而背阔肌有4例(占25.0%),在刺激颈6神经根时所得CMAP波幅值与颈,神经根接近.结论 将肱三头肌长头、背阔肌作为定位颈,神经根的代表肌更具有合理性与科学性.     

Intraoperative electrophysiologic studies on the functions of nerve roots involved in cervical dumbbell-shaped schwannoma and their clinical utility

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to expect the degree of neurologic deficits after resection of involved nerve roots before and during the surgery for cervical dumbbell-shaped schwannoma. We present the results of studies for cervical nerve root functions in patients with cervical schwannoma using intraoperative electrophysiologic assessment and the potential of their clinical relevance is also discussed. OBJECTIVE: To present the utility of intraoperative electrophysiologic studies to detect the functions of the nerve roots involved in cervical schwannoma and adjacent nerve roots. METHODS: Five patients with dumbbell-shaped cervical schwannoma arising from the cervical nerve roots composing the brachial plexus were studied. Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) after stimulation of nerve roots involved in the schwannoma were recorded from upper limb muscles anatomically correspond to their myotome. Adjacent nerve roots were also stimulated. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) after transcranial electric stimulation were also recorded during surgery. In 3 patients, sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) after digital nerve stimulation were also recorded from cervical nerve roots. RESULTS: In 4 patients, CMAPs after stimulation of cervical nerve roots involved with the schwannoma were not obtained or were very small compared with those obtained after stimulation of adjacent nerve roots. In 2 of 4 patients, SNAPs after digital nerve stimulation were recorded with small amplitude from the nerve roots involved in schwannoma. Minimal (n=2, within 80% attenuation of amplitude) or no changes (n=2) were observed after total resection of the schwannoma and no apparent motor weakness occurred in these 4 patients. In a patient with cervical schwannoma involved in C8 nerve root, CMAPs with large amplitude were recorded after stimulation of the C8 nerve root. SNAPs after stimulation of digit V were recorded with larger amplitude from the T1 root compared with those recorded from the C8 nerve root. Intradural parts of the tumor arising from C8 posterior rootlets were completely removed after transaction of posterior rootlets. During removal of intraforaminal parts of the tumor, motor evoked potentials were decreased over 50% of controls. Incomplete removal was chosen to avoid deterioration of motor function. Transient dysesthesia of digit V and slight weakness occurred after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The residual function of motor and sensory nerve roots involved with cervical schwannoma differed between individuals and could be detected using intraoperative electrophysiologic assessment.     

Assessment of spinal cord relative vulnerability in C4–C5 compressive cervical myelopathy using multi-modal spinal cord evoked potentials and neurological findings

Objective: The correlation between the progression of spinal cord lesions using spinal cord evoked potentials (SCEPs) and neurological findings are unclear. The purpose is to electrophysiologically evaluate relative vulnerability of spinal cord in patients with compressive cervical myelopathy (CCM) at C4–C5 intervertebral level using SCEPs and correlate the progression of spinal cord lesions with neurological findings.Design: Retrospective study.Setting: Yamaguchi University Hospital.Participants: 36 patients.Methods: SCEPs following median nerve stimulation (MN-SCEPs), ulnar nerve stimulation (UN-SCEPs), transcranial electric stimulation (TCE-SCEPs), and spinal cord stimulation (SC-SCEPs) were intraoperatively recorded. MN-SCEPs are mediated by posterior horns (4, 5 layers), UN-SCEPs by the Burdach tract, TCE-SCEPs by the lateral corticospinal tract, and SC-SCEPs by the Goll tract. We evaluated the neurological findings (numbness, tactile sense and pain sense in the C6 area, tactile sense in the lower extremities, and triceps tendon reflex [TTR]).Results: The incidence of electrophysiological and clinical abnormalities decreased in the order of UN-SCEPs (100%), TCE-SCEPs (94.4%), MN-SCEPs (77.8%), and SC-SCEPs (69.4%), and in the order of numbness (100%), pain sense (97.2%), TTR (91.7%), tactile sense in the C6 area (83.3%), and tactile sense in the lower extremities (70.0%), respectively.Conclusions: The relative vulnerability of spinal cord occurred in the order of the Burdach tract, the lateral corticospinal tract, posterior horns (4, 5 layers), and the Goll tract in most patients with CCM at the C4–C5 intervertebral level.     

Multiple subpial lipomas with dumb-bell extradural extension through the intervertebral foramen without spinal dysraphism

BACKGROUND: Intradural subpial lipomas not associated with spinal dysraphism, account for less than 1% of spinal cord tumors. The simultaneous existence of multiple intradural subpial lipomas with dumb-bell extradural extension through the intervertebral foramen in the same patient without any evidence of spinal dysraphism has not been previously reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old man presented with progressive spastic paraparesis, and weakness of right elbow extension and opposition of the medial three fingers. He also had ascending paraesthesia from the C6 dermatome to the saddle region and loss of joint and position sense of both lower limbs with hesitancy and precipitancy of micturition. There was no spinal tenderness, deformity, neurocutaneous markers, or spinal dysraphism. The total duration of illness was 11 years.The oblique views of the plain radiographs of the cervical spine revealed an enlarged right C7-D1 intervertebral foramen. The T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images showed two intradural, hyperintense lesions (with extensive loss of signal on fat suppression sequences), one extending from C5 to D2 and the other opposite the C3-4 disc space. The parasagittal and axial images showed the extradural component of the lesion emerging from the right C7-D1 intervertebral foramen.At surgery, a C2 to D2 laminectomy was performed. The lipoma, enclosed in a fine pial membrane, was situated on the right posterolateral aspect of the cord. The right-sided nerve roots from the C6 to D1 levels were completely enmeshed by the lipoma. There was a separate superficial subpial lipoma adherent to the posterior aspect of the cord at the C3-4 level. A distinct area of normal cord was present between the two lesions. A subtotal decompression of the lesions including the component emerging through the right C7-D1 intervertebral foramen and a duraplasty were performed.At follow-up after 18 months, the posterior column impairment, lower limb hypoaesthesia, and right upper limb paraesthesia had improved. However, residual elbow extension and lower limb weakness, mild lower limb spasticity and sphincteric dysfunction persisted. CONCLUSIONS: The multiplicity of intradural subpial lipomas without spinal dysraphism points to a dysembryogenetic basis similar to that seen in patients with spinal dysraphism that results in lipomas, but in which the defect is not severe enough to give rise to coexisting vertebral and soft tissue anomalies. The dumb-bell extradural extension through the intervertebral foramen is extremely rare. The magnetic resonance imaging and surgical principles are discussed.     

下颈椎损伤改良Moore分类的临床应用研究

目的：探讨改良Moore分类法在下颈椎损伤中的临床应用。方法：2006年8月至2010年3月收治下颈椎损伤患者200例,男165例,女35例;年龄19-88岁,平均52岁。应用下颈椎损伤改良Moore分类全面地描述下颈椎损伤的状态,颈椎损伤严重程度（稳定性）量化评分与有否神经症状表现相结合,根据骨折类型和稳定性、脊髓或神经根受压损伤情况、韧带损伤后的稳定程度及其他参考因素进行分类诊治,选择治疗方法。其中伴有脊髓神经损伤者130例（ASIA评分：A级6例,B级13例,C级43例,D级68例）,不伴有脊髓神经损伤者70例。对伴有脊髓神经损伤的下颈椎损伤患者,根据ASIA评分进行疗效评定;对不伴有脊髓神经损伤的患者,根据影像学检查对颈椎的序列和高度进行观察。结果：前、左、右侧和后柱均损伤35例;前柱损伤33例;前、后柱均损伤90例;前、左侧和后柱均损伤5例;前、右侧和后柱均损伤3例;前、左侧和右侧柱均损伤3例;前、右侧柱损伤2例;前、左侧柱损伤5例;后柱损伤12例;左侧柱损伤7例;右侧柱损伤5例。200例患者中手术治疗98例,非手术治疗102例（其中可以手术而患者家属要求非手术治疗39例）。完全性脊髓损伤患者中3例行手术后脊髓功能无恢复迹象,ASIA分级无变化,但其肢体麻木、疼痛等症状有不同程度的缓解,另3例未手术患者脊髓功能及肢体症状均无变化。不完全性脊髓损伤患者手术后脊髓功能均有一定程度恢复,ASIA评分平均提高1．2级。未手术的不完全性脊髓损伤患者非手术治疗后ASIA评分平均提高0.3级。不伴有脊髓神经损伤者手术后经影像学检查显示均恢复了颈椎的正常序列和高度。结论：根据改良Moore分类法,稳定性量化评分值大于等于4分有下颈椎不稳可能,需要手术治疗,分值越大,手术指征越明显,若伴有脊髓或神经根受压损伤表现者则有绝对手术指征。稳定性量化评分为3分且伴有脊髓或神经根受压损伤表现者一般也有手术指征。稳定性量化评分为3分不伴有脊髓或神经根受压损伤表现者或3分以下者均不需要手术治疗。应用改良Moore分类法有利于下颈椎损伤患者的临床规范化、标准化诊治,以获得较满意的疗效。     

颈椎病后路脊髓前外侧减压术及其解剖学基础

１９８９年作者设计的后路脊髓前外侧减压术是在直视下施行的一种治疗颈椎病的手术，特别是对后纵韧带骨化（ＯＰＬＬ）所致脊髓压迫，此手术可同时解除脊髓和神经根的压迫症状。４年来治疗３０例，效果很好。作者用５０具成人尸体按此手术的方法及程序就手术野进行了解剖，对肌层的血供、椎弓板、椎管以及神经根和脊髓进行了观测，并用这５０副成人颈椎标本测量了椎间孔、椎间管、钩突及横突孔。除总结手术方法及临床病例外，作者并通过解剖观察提出手术时应注意的事项。     

具有感觉传入通路的膀胱反射弧治疗脊髓损伤后弛缓性膀胱的实验研究

 目的 用SD大鼠构建具有感觉传入通路的膀胱反射弧,探讨其用于治疗脊髓损伤后弛缓性膀胱的有效性。方法 SD雄性大鼠24只,右侧为实验侧,先行L5前根近断端与S2前根远断端吻合,再将L5脊神经节周围突支近断端与S2后根远断端行端端吻合。左侧不做处理,为对照侧。术后3个月,破坏L6~S4节段脊髓造成弛缓性膀胱,于建模前后通过一般观察、神经电生理检测、神经示踪等方法观察反射弧构建情况。结果 21只大鼠存活至术后3个月,7只成功分离出吻合的脊神经。电刺激实验侧S2后根吻合口远端,均能检测到膀胱神经丛复合动作电位、膀胱平滑肌复合肌肉动作电位,截瘫前后动作电位差异无统计学意义;电刺激对照侧S2后根,在截瘫后未能检测到动作电位。实验侧膀胱神经丛复合动作电位和膀胱平滑肌复合肌肉动作电位平均波幅为截瘫前对照侧的71.9%和82.4%。神经示踪结果显示实验侧L5脊髓前、后角均可见青蓝色阳性反应颗粒。结论 构建具有感觉传入通路的膀胱反射弧,可使其运动、感觉神经通过轴突再生长入副交感神经纤维,并与脊髓前、后角重建轴突联系,轴浆运输功能得到重建,可用于弛缓性膀胱的治疗。     

颈椎病后路减压融合术后C5神经根麻痹

目的探讨颈椎病患者后路椎板切除融合术后C5神经根麻痹的临床表现、特点及发生机制。方法笔者自2003年1月～2006年1月后路手术治疗102例各类颈椎病,术后5例出现C5神经根麻痹,对其临床资料进行回顾性分析研究。结果本组中5例术后出现C5神经根麻痹,发生率为4.9,平均术后2.9d发生。对患者手术前、后的影像学资料进行了分析比较,所有患者均有术后MRI上T2WI像高信号影,4例麻痹的节段与影像学资料相一致。4例基本恢复。结论颈椎病后路减压融合术后可能发生C5神经根麻痹,术后脊髓灰质区的损伤在该并发症发生中起着重要的作用。     

Evaluation of traumatic cervical nerve root injuries by intraoperative evoked potentials

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intraoperative evoked potentials as a diagnostic tool in traumatic brachial plexus injuries. METHODS: Thirteen patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries were investigated by intradural nerve root inspection (n = 28 roots) via cervical hemilaminectomy to assess or rule out nerve root avulsion from the spinal cord. Two to 8 weeks later, evoked potentials from neck and scalp were recorded after direct electrical nerve root stimulation close to the vertebral foramen during operative brachial plexus repair via an anterior (supraclavicular and infraclavicular) approach. Recordings were performed without and after full muscle relaxation. RESULTS: There was a clear relationship between the state of the root as documented by intradural root inspection and the result of intraoperative recording of evoked potentials: the absence of evoked muscle action potentials from neck muscles demonstrated a 100% sensitivity for anterior root lesions, whereas sensory evoked potentials from the scalp demonstrated a 100% sensitivity for posterior root lesions. Moreover, roots could be identified with preserved continuity that did not conduct, suggesting a nerve lesion in continuity. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative evoked muscle action potentials and sensory evoked potentials after electrical nerve root stimulation allow selective functional evaluation of anterior and posterior nerve roots in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries. The high sensitivity and reliability of this test obviate the need for additional diagnostic surgery.     

颈椎病后路减压融合术后颈5神经根麻痹

目的：探讨颈椎病患者后路椎板切除融合术后颈5神经根麻痹的临床表现、特点及发生机制。方法：我院脊柱外科自2003年1月至2006年1月手术治疗102例各类颈椎病患者，术后5例患者合并颈5神经根麻痹，对其临床资料进行回顾性分析研究。结果：本组中5例术后合并颈5神经根麻痹，男4例、女1例，平均年龄64岁，发生牢为4．9％；平均术后2．9天发生。对患者手术前、后的影像学资料进行了分析比较，所有患者均有术后MRI片上1、2像高信号影像，4例麻痹的节段与影像学资料相一致。4例患者基本完全恢复。结论：颈椎病后路减压融合术后可能发生颈5神经根麻痹：术后脊髓灰质区的损伤在该并发症发生中起着重要的作用。     

Stepping-like movements in humans with complete spinal cord injury induced by epidural stimulation of the lumbar cord: electromyographic study of compound muscle action potentials

STUDY DESIGN: It has been previously demonstrated that sustained nonpatterned electric stimulation of the posterior lumbar spinal cord from the epidural space can induce stepping-like movements in subjects with chronic, complete spinal cord injury. In the present paper, we explore physiologically related components of electromyographic (EMG) recordings during the induced stepping-like activity. OBJECTIVES: To examine mechanisms underlying the stepping-like movements activated by electrical epidural stimulation of posterior lumbar cord structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on the assessment of epidural stimulation to control spasticity by simultaneous recordings of the electromyographic activity of quadriceps, hamstrings, tibialis anterior, and triceps surae. We examined induced muscle responses to stimulation frequencies of 2.2-50 Hz in 10 subjects classified as having a motor complete spinal cord injury (ASIA A and B). We evaluated stimulus-triggered time windows 50 ms in length from the original EMG traces. Stimulus-evoked compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were analyzed with reference to latency, amplitude, and shape. RESULTS: Epidural stimulation of the posterior lumbosacral cord recruited lower limb muscles in a segmental-selective way, which was characteristic for posterior root stimulation. A 2.2 Hz stimulation elicited stimulus-coupled CMAPs of short latency which were approximately half that of phasic stretch reflex latencies for the respective muscle groups. EMG amplitudes were stimulus-strength dependent. Stimulation at 5-15 and 25-50 Hz elicited sustained tonic and rhythmic activity, respectively, and initiated lower limb extension or stepping-like movements representing different levels of muscle synergies. All EMG responses, even during burst-style phases were composed of separate stimulus-triggered CMAPs with characteristic amplitude modulations. During burst-style phases, a significant increase of CMAP latencies by about 10 ms was observed. CONCLUSION: The muscle activity evoked by epidural lumbar cord stimulation as described in the present study was initiated within the posterior roots. These posterior roots muscle reflex responses (PRMRRs) to 2.2 Hz stimulation were routed through monosynaptic pathways. Sustained stimulation at 5-50 Hz engaged central spinal PRMRR components. We propose that repeated volleys delivered to the lumbar cord via the posterior roots can effectively modify the central state of spinal circuits by temporarily combining them into functional units generating integrated motor behavior of sustained extension and rhythmic flexion/extension movements. This study opens the possibility for developing neuroprostheses for activation of inherent spinal networks involved in generating functional synergistic movements using a single electrode implanted in a localized and stable region.     

颈椎椎板切除术后神经根病

目的　报道一组多节段颈椎椎板切除术后神经根病并探讨其机理。　方法　２８７ 例颈椎椎板切除术患者中３７ 例（１２．９％ ） 出现手术后神经根病。其中男２７ 例,女１０ 例,平均年龄５６ 岁。其中颈椎病２５ 例, 后纵韧带骨化１２ 例。发病时间为手术后４ 小时～６ 天,最常见类型为颈５（Ｃ５） 、颈６（Ｃ６） 神经根,以运动障碍为主。　结果　完全缓解时间平均为５ ．４ 个月（２ 周～３ 年）。完全缓解时间与脊髓运动功能恢复率呈负相关（ｒ＝ －０ ．８３２, Ｐ＜ ０．０１）,颈椎病患者预后优于后纵韧带骨化（ｔ＝２ ．９６０, Ｐ＜ ０．０１）。　结论　手术后神经根病可能因颈椎后路减压后神经根栓系引起;前路减压及融合手术既可直接切除致压物,又能稳定脊柱,因而可有效预防手术后神经根病     

青壮年颈椎病患者的临床特点与手术疗效分析

【摘要】 目的 探讨青壮年颈椎病的临床特点、分析其手术疗效。方法〓2009年1月至2015年1月,选择我院诊断为颈椎病并已行手术治疗的青壮年患者(≤40岁)26例,其中男14例,女12例,年龄28~40岁,平均36.7岁。公司职员10例,工厂工人7例,外科医生1例,自由职业8例。脊髓型21例,神经根型3例,脊髓型混合交感型2例。发病至手术时间为3~36个月,平均10个月。分析其可能的发病原因、临床症状、治疗过程,通过JOA或VAS评分来评估手术疗效。结果〓采用前路手术19例,后路手术2例,前后路联合手术5例。所有患者症状均明显缓解。21例脊髓型颈椎病患者中,术后随访3~47个月,平均19个月,JOA评分15~17分,改善率65%~100%。3例神经根型患者,术后随访时间分别为6个月、13个月和15个月,VAS评分均下降至0分。2例脊髓型混合交感型患者术后随访时间为7个月和25个月,JOA评分为17分。随访未发现有内固定松动、断裂、植骨不融合等情况,亦无内固定物造成的神经、脊髓损伤症状以及食管、气管损伤等并发症。结论〓针对青壮年颈椎病具体致病因素采取合适的手术方式可取得满意的手术疗效,但长期效果仍需继续密切随访。     

表现为上肢近端肌肉萎缩的平山病临床与影像学特点

目的 研究表现为上肢近端肌肉萎缩的平山病患者的临床表现和颈椎中立位、屈曲位MR影像特征.方法 3例临床上表现为上肢近端肌肉萎缩的平山病患者,行颈椎中立位及屈曲位MR检查,分析患者的临床表现及与影像学征象的关系,并与43例表现为手及前臂肌肉萎缩的平山病患者相比较.结果 (1)临床特点:3例患者均为青少年男性,表现为一侧胸大肌、三角肌、肱二头肌等上肢近端肌肉萎缩和肌无力,肌电图检查均提示双侧上肢神经源性损害.(2)颈椎MRI特点:3例患者中立位MRI示颈椎呈后凸畸形,脊髓未见压迫;屈曲位MRI示C3-5椎体水平的颈段脊髓和后方硬脊膜向前移位,C4.5椎体水平脊髓受到前方椎体或椎间盘和后方硬脊膜的压迫,硬脊膜外有扩张的椎管内静脉丛.43例表现为手及前臂肌肉萎缩的平山病患者也出现上述征象,脊髓受压部位在C6.7椎体水平.结论 平山病可表现为胸大肌、三角肌、肱二头肌等上肢近端肌肉的萎缩和无力,容易被误诊和漏诊;颈椎屈曲位MRI是本病早期诊断的重要依据.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)findings of patients with Hirayama disease simply presenting proximal upper extremity muscular atrophy.Methods Three patients with Hirayama disease simply presenting proximal upper extremity muscular atrophy received cervical spine MRI on neutral and flexion position. The relationship between MRI findings and their clinical symptoms were analyzed. The outcomes were compared with those of 43 patients who were diagnosed as Hirayama disease with muscular atrophy at the hand and forearm. Results 1) Clinical features:three patients were young men. The disease was characterized by unilateral weakness and atrophy of the proximal upper limbs, such as pectoralis major muscle, deltoid muscle, and biceps brachii muscle. Electromyogram (EMG) showed bilateral upper extremities neurogenic damage. 2) Cervical spine MRI findings:cervical spine kyphosis without spinal cord compression was found on neutral position. On flexion position,anterior shifting of C3-C5 cervical cord and the posterior wall of dural sac were found; C4-C5 cervical cord was compressed by vertebral body or intervertebral disc or dural sac. Engorged posterior internal vertebral venous plexus were observed in epidural space. In the 43 patients who were diagnosed Hirayama disease with muscular atrophy at the hand and forearm, similar MRI findings were found, while cervical cords compression were at C6-C7 level. Conclusion Hirayama disease could present as proximal upper extremity muscular atrophy and weakness, such as pectoralis major muscle, deltoid muscle, and biceps brachii muscle.Neglecting of this will result in diagnostic errors or missed diagnosis. Flexion position MRI is an important base of early diagnosis of Hirayama disease.