Postoperative cerebrospinal-fluid fistula associated with erosion of the dura. Findings after anterior resection of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine.

Of twenty-two patients who had had anterior decompression of the spinal canal for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and cervical myelopathy, seven had absence of the dura adjacent to the ossified part of the ligament. The spinal cord and nerve-roots were visible through this defect. Although the arachnoid membrane appeared to be intact and watertight in most patients, a cerebrospinal-fluid fistula developed postoperatively in five, and three had a second operation to repair the defect in the dura. On the basis of this experience, we recommend use of autogenous muscle or fascial dural patches, immediate lumbar subarachnoid shunting, and modification of the usual postoperative regimen, such as limitation of mechanical pulmonary ventilation to the shortest time that is safely possible and use of anti-emetic and antitussive medications to protect the remaining coverings of the spinal cord when the dura is found to be absent adjacent to an ossified portion of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine.     

Total (anterior and posterior) decompression of the spinal cord: surgical treatment for combined ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and yellow ligament of the thoracic spine

The ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) combined with ossification of the yellow ligament (OYL) in the thoracic spine can compress the spinal cord from the anterior and posterior direction, resulting in serious myelopathy. For these cases we devised a treatment consisting of two steps, total decompression of the spinal cord. The first step is removal of ossified yellow ligament posteriorly following wide laminectomy and the second step is removal of ossified posterior longitudinal ligament anteriorly, followed by interbody fusion. As the final procedure of the first step, two parallel deep gutters, covering the complete length of the ossified ligament to be removed anteriorly, are drilled from the posterior direction into the vertebral body along both sides of the dura. This pretreatment makes removal of the ossified ligament from the anterior, during the second stage, much easier and safer. This operation appears to be a promising operative procedure from our seven case experiences so far.     

Long-term results of the anterior floating method for cervical myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

STUDY DESIGN: Results of the anterior floating method used to decompress ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were studied for an average postoperative interval of 13 years. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term results of the anterior floating method used to manage ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The anterior floating method is a technique that differs from the extirpation method used to manage ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Reports of the long-term results from anterior decompression used to manage cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament are rare. METHODS: The anterior floating method was used to decompress cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in 63 patients. These patients were followed for more than 10 years with neurologic evaluations using a scoring system proposed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA score). RESULTS: The recovery rate was 66.5% at 10 years and 59.3% at 13 years, the time of the final survey. Operative outcomes most closely reflected the preoperative duration and severity of myelopathy (JOA score) and the preoperative cross-sectional area of the spinal cord. There was no correlation with the canal narrowing ratio or the thickness of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Delayed deterioration was attributed to an original inadequate decompression and progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament outside the original operative field. There was no evidence of significant recurrent ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament within the margins of prior decompression. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior floating method appears to yield adequate long-term outcomes when used to manage ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.     

Expansive laminoplasty for myelopathy in ossification of the longitudinal ligament

Laminectomy, which had long been used for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, including ossification of the longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine, had numerous complications such as postoperative malalignment of the cervical spine and vulnerability of the spinal cord caused by total removal of the posterior structures. In 1977 Hirabayashi devised an open door expansive laminoplasty, which is a relatively easier and safer procedure than laminectomy, that eliminated such problems by preserving the posterior elements. The decompression effect of the expansive laminoplasty against a compressed spinal cord is comparable with that of laminectomy and anterior decompression followed by fusion, whereas the expansive laminoplasty has no structural problems and adverse effects on adjacent disc levels that often are associated with anterior decompression followed by fusion. Average recovery rate of expansive laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy has been reported to be approximately 60% (Japanese Orthopaedic Association score) and with long term stability. At present, authors consider all patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy candidates for expansive laminoplasty except for those having preoperative kyphosis and single level lesion without canal stenosis. Two remaining problems of expansive laminoplasty to be solved are prevention of C5,C6 radicular pain and/or paresis, the most frequent complication that occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of the patients, although most complications resolve spontaneously within 2 years, and correction of nonlordotic alignment to lordosis which are essential for posterior decompression effect of expansive laminoplasty by allowing the spinal cord to shift dorsally.     

A radical procedure of circumferential spinal cord decompression through a modified posterior approach for thoracic myelopathy caused by severely impinging anterior ossification

Background contextThoracic myelopathy caused by an anterior, massive ossified plaque is often progressive and responds poorly to conservative treatment. Direct removal of the compressing ossification is the optimal procedure for a spinal cord that is severely impinged anteriorly. However, both anterior and posterior decompressive manipulations have caused catastrophic iatrogenic spinal cord injuries. A comprehensive treatment method for severe thoracic myelopathy that enables a sufficient and safe decompression of the spinal cord is needed.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy, safety, and results of a one-stage circumferential decompressive procedure using a modified posterior approach in patients with severe thoracic myelopathy resulting from anterior spinal compression.Study designA modified procedure of circumferential spinal cord decompression for thoracic myelopathy is described. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the clinical outcomes of 23 sequentially treated patients.Patient sampleTwenty-three patients were treated sequentially with a modified procedure for circumferential spinal cord decompression for thoracic myelopathy.Outcome measuresOutcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, modified Frankel classification, Hirabayashi recovery rate, and a general assessment of complications.MethodsTwenty-three patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by a massive, anterior ossified structure were treated with an extensive posterior laminectomy, anterior removal of the ossification, and interbody fusion with kyphosis-reversing stabilization through a modified posterolateral approach. The neurologic outcomes are evaluated according to the JOA and the modified Frankel classification before surgery, 2 weeks after surgery, 1 year after surgery, and at the final follow-up visit. The surgical outcomes are also described using the Hirabayashi recovery rate. Radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging were performed before and after surgery. A postoperative CT scan was obtained to determine the efficacy of the decompression. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were reviewed from the medical records. In addition, a 48-year-old man who presented with severe thoracic myelopathy resulting from anterior impingement with multiple osteophytes is described as an illustrative patient.ResultsThe sites of ossification in this series were distributed widely, from T4–T12. The anterior ossified plaques of all patients were resected completely. Five patients who had intraoperative evidence of dural ossification required resection of the ossified dura matter. The average operating time was 276 minutes. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 1,350 mL. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 2.5 to 6 years, with an average of 4.6 years. The average preoperative JOA score was 4.3±1.5 points, and it improved to 6.1±1.9 points 2 weeks postoperatively, to 8.1±1.8 points 1 year postoperatively, and to 8.5±1.9 points at the most recent follow-up. The overall Hirabayashi recovery rate at the final examination averaged 63.6±22.4%. Eight patients were graded as excellent, 10 as good, 4 as fair, and 1 as unchanged. No patient was graded as deteriorated. The paralysis improved by at least 1 grade in 22 patients (95.7%). Transient deterioration of thoracic myelopathy occurred immediately after surgery in three patients (13%). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in six patients (26.1%). One patient sustained severe bilateral groin pain, three had unilateral intercostal neuralgia, and pleura tear occurred in one patient.ConclusionOne-stage posterior decompression, anterior extirpation of the ossification, and interbody fusion with instrumentation via a modified posterior approach is a safe and effective treatment for severe thoracic myelopathy resulting from prominent anterior impingement. This procedure is technically demanding, and the indications are limited to thoracic myelopathy caused by severe anterior impingement of various etiologies from T4–T12.     

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     

Operative results and postoperative progression of ossification among patients with ossification of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament

Although the pathogenesis of ossification of the cervical posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) has not yet been clarified, it has come to be widely recognized that severe cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy is caused by OPLL. Fifty-three cases who were operated on for OPLL with myelopathy or radiculopathy in our clinic over the past 16 years were followed up. A recovery rate of approximately 70% was observed. Postoperative progressions of the ossification were observed among 75% of the cases of continuous and mixed type but seldom among those with segmental and other types. As causative factors for these postoperative progressions of the ossification, the authors would like to advocate biological, structural, and mobility-related elements. We concluded that in the ossified stage it is desirable to apply anterior decompression for the segmental and other type, posterior decompression for the continuous and mixed type, and, if necessary, two-stage combined decompression for the mixed type.     

Management of cervical myelopathy due to ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament in a patient with Alstr?m syndrome

Introduction

Alström syndrome (AS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder with multisystemic involvement characterised by early blindness, hearing loss, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, dilated cardiomyopathy, and progressive hepatic and renal dysfunction. The clinical features, time of onset and severity can vary greatly among different patients. Many of the phenotypes are often not present in infancy but develop throughout childhood and adolescence. Recessively inherited mutations in ALMS1 gene are considered to be responsible for the causation of AS. Musculoskeletal manifestations including scoliosis and kyphosis have been previously described.

Case report

Here, we present a patient with AS who presented with cervical myelopathy due to extensive flowing ossification of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments of the cervical spine resulting in cervical spinal cord compression. The presence of an auto-fused spine in an acceptable sagittal alignment, in the background of a constellation of medical comorbidities, which necessitated a less morbid surgical approach, favored a posterior cervical laminectomy decompression in this patient. Postoperatively, the patient showed significant neurological recovery with improved function. Follow-up MRI showed substantial enlargement of the spinal canal with improved space available for the spinal cord. The rarity of the syndrome, cervical myelopathy due to ossified posterior longitudinal ligament as a disease phenotype and the treatment considerations for performing a posterior cervical decompression have been discussed in this Grand Rounds’ case presentation.     

Spinal canal size in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine

BACKGROUND: The size of the spinal canal is a factor that contributes to the neurologic deficits associated with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). METHODS: Bone-window computed tomography (CT) examinations of the cervical spine in 64 patients with cervical OPLL were reviewed. Forty-two patients underwent surgical treatment (anterior decompression: 16 patients, posterior decompression: 26 patients). The remaining 22 patients were managed conservatively. Selection of the surgical approach, anterior or posterior, was based on the longitudinal extent of cord compression. RESULTS: The mean developmental size of the spinal canal in the posterior decompression group (10.7 mm at C4) was significantly smaller than the other 2 groups. The spinal canal was narrowed by OPLL to 2.9 to 10.0 mm. The proportion of the patients showing motor deficits of the lower extremities significantly increased when the sagittal canal diameter was narrowed to less than 8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates critical values of CT-determined spinal canal stenosis. Developmental size of the spinal canal and the residual anterior-posterior canal diameters resulting from OPLL spinal cord compression are important factors influencing clinical management and the neurologic state.     

Ossification of the posterior longitudianl ligament of the cervical spine: subtotal vertebrectomy as a treatment.

If the ossification is localized in the central part of the intervertebral space, anterior decompression surgery of Cloward may be indicated. However, if most posterior ligamentous ossification covers the posterior surface of the vertebral body and the lateral sides, Cloward's method is not indicated. We have developed a method of anterior decompression and fusion surgery to clear the ossified area, resecting the vertebral body (subtotal vertebrectomy). The results were excellent in 3 of 4 patients with preoperative radiculopathy; there were 2 excellent and 16 good results in 22 patients with myelopathy. Of course laminectomy can produce some good effects, but the anterior obstruction removes through the anterior approach. Anterior decompression may be indicated when ossification is localized below the C3--4 intervertebral space, and when the spinal canal is not narrowed in the upper cervical region, even if ossification extends over the whole cervical spine. Laminectomy is advised when ossification involves all levels of the cervical spine, the upper cervical spine is narrowed or the sagittal dimension of the spinal canal is reduced more than 60%.     

脊髓型颈椎病后纵韧带切除减压的疗效观察

目的 观察脊髓型颈椎病前路减压手术中后纵韧带切除的疗效.方法 按治疗方法将41例行颈椎前路减压患者分为2组：后纵韧带切除者20例（切除组）,未切除者21例（保留组）,同时行前路钢板内固定融合,比较两种方式的疗效.结果 41例均获随访,时间13～32（18.0±1.6）个月.两组术前JOA评分、失血量、手术时间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;JOA评分恢复率切除组76.2%±21.6%,保留组63.7%±21.3%,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论 颈椎前路减压后行增生后纵韧带切除使病变节段减压更加彻底,有利于患者的神经功能恢复.     

颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的前路骨化灶悬切减压治疗

目的 探讨颈椎后纵韧带骨化症采取颈前路骨化灶悬切减压治疗效果.方法 颈椎后纵韧带骨化症42例136个骨化节段.颈前路椎体开槽,深至椎体后缘,与硬膜严重粘连不宜切除的骨化灶可用丝线缝穿骨化灶一侧残余的后纵韧带或骨化灶周围的纤维组织,轻轻提起系在植骨块或颈长肌上,使骨化灶完全缩入骨槽内;对体积较小、与硬膜粘连轻的骨化灶予以...     

Clinical studies on the significance of en bloc laminoplasty for cervical compressive myelopathy

The aim of this study was clinical evaluation of en bloc laminoplasty for compressive myelopathy. Subjects were 55 patients with severe myelopathy due to ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament or spinal canal stenosis in the cervical spine. The average age at surgery was 58 years old and average follow-up period 25 months. Stable expansion of the spinal canal was shown and the average extent of the canal enlargement in sagittal diameter was 4.8 +/- 1.8 mm roentgenologically. Symmetrical expansion of the canal, good bony fusion and remodelling of the posterior elements of the spine were observed in CT. No marked malalignment or instability of the cervical spine were found, but limitation of flexion-extension movement was noticed. Neurological recovery was remarkable; 44 patients were rated as excellent or good by Robinson's criteria. The average recovery rate was 76.4 +/- 20.1% according to the evaluation system of Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA). En-bloc laminoplasty can accomplish a stable expansion of the canal with adequate decompression of the spinal cord.     

Axial transverse tomography of the cervical spine narrowed by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical region is generally regarded as a rare disease, though a Japanese series of 185 cases has been reported. The main symptoms arise from a myelopathy, the degree of which varies from moderate to severe, due to stenosis of the spinal canal. In order to clarify the relationship between the severity of symptoms and the cross-sectional area of ossification, axial transverse tomography of the cervical spine has been carried out on twenty-six patients at intervals of 5 millimetres over the full extent of the ossification. In this way the cross-sectional areas of the ossified tissue and of the spinal canal were calculated. The former varied from a minimum of 0.8 to a maximum of 1.8 square centimetres. In cases of severe myelopathy the ossification was mainly at the fourth and fifth cervical levels and the stenosis ration exceeded 30 per cent.     

Cervical myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

The clinical material presented by the authors includes 24 observations of patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. In all cases there was a cervical spine injury in the patients', past history. The diagnosis was confirmed roentgenologically and by the method of computer tomography. The treatment is surgical and consists in anterior decompression of the spinal cord. Recovery was observed in 10 patients (42 +/- 10%), partial regress of myelopathy in 9 patients (29 +/- 10%) and discontinuation (12 +/- 6%); there was no effect in 2 patients of progress of the disease in 3 patients (8 +/- 6%) patients. The authors consider it is necessary to make a careful examination of the patients with myelopathy having a cervical spine injury in their past history in order to reveal ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and carry on timely surgical treatment.     

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal and yellow ligaments on the lumbar spine

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and ossification of the yellow ligament are the main causes of spinal canal stenosis. This article describes a case of ossification of the posterior longitudinal and yellow ligaments on the lumbar spine. The patient presented with gradually worsening left lower-extremity ache and pain. The deep tendon reflex was hyperreflexia in the lower extremities. Disturbances existed in the blade and bowel. The ossified lesion of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was observed at L5-S1, and plain lateral radiographs and computed tomography revealed ossification of the yellow ligament on L3, which occupied a large part of the spinal canal. Because of the findings on the preoperative radiographs, we performed posterior approach decompression and bone grafting and excisied the ossified lesion. Pedicle screws were inserted from L3 to S1. The patient's symptoms disappeared postoperatively, and his Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 25 two weeks postoperatively. No standard surgical procedure exists for the treatment of lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, but it is important to select a surgical procedure according to individual patient conditions. Many factors, such as local mechanic stress, tissue metabolism, high glucose, and genetics, contribute to the progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal and yellow ligaments on the lumbar spine. However, the mechanism is unclear. Further study and long-term follow-up on lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is needed.     

Technical improvements and results of laminoplasty for compressive myelopathy in the cervical spine

The laminoplasty reported in Spine 1982 by the author (H.T.) was modified by a technical improvement to obtain a more reliable enlargement of the cervical spinal canal. The technical improvements and results are described in detail. The osteotomized laminae that floated en bloc like a hinged door must be stabilized by bone blocks with wire ligatures. Thirty patients with severe cervical myelopathy due to multisegmental spondylosis or ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament underwent surgery. The extent of the enlargement of the canal was 4.1 mm on the average in the anteroposterior diameter, and in no case was a significant reduction in the diameter of the canal noted during the follow-up period. A stable and thorough decompression of the spinal canal was noted on the postoperative computed tomograms with satisfactory surgical results.     

前路根治性减压治疗严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症

目的 报告前路后纵韧带根治性切除治疗椎管占位率＞50%的严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的手术疗效.方法 2002年7月至2006年2月,采用前路切除骨化韧带减压术治疗椎管占位率＞50%的严重OPLL患者26例.男性18例,女性8例;年龄43～73岁,平均59岁;骨化物形态均为基底开放型.术前骨化率50%～85%,平均(65±20)%;脊髓矢状径相对值(25±7)%;JOA评分(8.7±2.8)分.采用前路减压直接切除骨化物,行钛网或自体髂骨植骨,带锁钢板固定.26例患者中,行一个椎体次全切除+单节段椎间隙减压10例,2个椎体次全切除术3例,单节段椎体次全切除13例.所有患者均行脑诱发电位(ECP)监护,CT横断面测量骨化率,MRI T2 加权测量脊髓矢状径相对值;记录患者并发症、JOA评分,计算改善率.结果 26例患者均顺利实施前路手术,随访6个月至4年(平均2年8个月).术后骨化率平均(10±5)%,脊髓矢状径相对值(75±15)%,JOA评分(14.2±2.5)分,改善率(61±24)%.3例合并糖尿病患者出现短暂神经症状恶化,其中1例行二次血肿清除术,患者神经症状均在8周内恢复;2例出现脑脊液漏(包括1例合并糖尿病者),经保守治疗2周后痊愈;无内固定失败.结论 前路手术直接减压治疗严重OPLL,神经功能恢复更彻底,但对技术要求较高.     

后纵韧带切除在脊髓型颈椎病前路手术中的应用

目的：探讨脊髓型颈椎病前路手术中行后纵韧带切除的指征。方法和注意事项。方法：回顾性分析了自2001年1月-2002年6月在颈椎前路手术中行后纵韧带切除的38例脊髓型颈椎病患者的临床资料和随访结果。结果：30例获得随访。平均改善率为72.6%，优10例，占33.3%；良12例，占40%；中6例，占20%；差2例，占6.7%，结论：对合并后纵韧带肥厚压迫颈髓或合并颈椎间盘脱出至硬膜外腔的脊髓型颈椎病患者行前路手术中，需切除后纵韧带。彻底减压，疗效满意。     

Open-door laminoplasty with suture anchor fixation for cervical myelopathy in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Expansive laminoplasty was developed to achieve posterior spinal cord decompression while preserving cervical spine stability. In the classic Hirabayashi procedure, the lamina door is tethered open by sutures between the spinous process and facet capsule or paravertebral muscle. The authors present a modified technique, which enhances secure fixation and prevents restenosis owing to hinge closure. Twenty-seven patients (7 females, 20 males) with cervical myelopathy secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were enrolled. Each patient underwent unilateral open-door laminoplasty with suture anchor fixation. Tying and fixation of the sutures onto the holed lateral mass screws was used instead of the conventional method. Radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scanning were used for imaging studies. The Nurick score was used to assess myelopathy severity, whereas the Japanese Orthopedic Association score was adopted to compare clinical outcome before and after surgery. Mean follow-up period was 38 months (range, 18 to 60). Ten patients had 5 levels of decompression (C3-7), and 17 patients had 4 (C3-6, 12 patients; C4-7, 5 patients). All patients experienced functional improvement of at least 1 Nurick score after surgery. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score increased significantly from 7.5+/-3.2 before surgery to 13.2+/-1.6 at final follow-up. Postoperative radiography and computed tomography scan demonstrated significantly increased sagittal diameter and canal expansion. No neurologic deterioration owing to hinge reclosure or major surgery-related complications were observed. In conclusion, unilateral open-door laminoplasty with suture anchor fixation effectively maintains expansion of the spinal canal and resists closure while preserving alignment and stability. This modified technique has a low complication rate and provides marked functional improvement in patients with cervical myelopathy owing to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.