Surgical procedures on the cervical spine in polyarthritis.

Summary Patients with rheumatoid arthritis suffer frequently from instabilities and deformities of the cervical spine which require surgical treatment. The most frequent indication for surgery represents the transverse atlantoaxial instability. As long the atlantoaxial instability remains reducible in extension a limited posterior exposure and screw fixation is adequate. Only situations with fixed dislocations and signs of myelopathy require anterior transoral decompression with simultaneous occipitocervical fusion. In the lower cervical spine, kyphotic deformities require anterior decompression and posterior stabilization in the case of electrophysiologically confirmed neurological deficits. A combined procedure with anterior vertebrectomy and decompression and posterior plate fixation is indicated since the poor bone quality rarely allows anterior stable fixation.      

Rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine. Current concepts for diagnosis and therapy

The involvement of the cervical spine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common,and has recently received growing attention. In the early stage of the disease, there is an isolated atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS). With further progression, osseous destruction of the joints can lead to vertical instability. While the involvement of the middle and lower cervical spine can cause a subaxial instability, neurological deficits can occur at any time. The onset of cervical myelopathy in patients with RA is often missed because of additional problems related to the hands and feet. If patients show clear symptoms of cervical myelopathy, the progression of the disease cannot be stopped by conservative treatment. Other indications for operative treatment are severe pain and radiological evidence of progressive instability. In the case of an isolated AAS, fusion can be restricted to the C1/C2 segment. If there is evidence for vertical or subaxial instability, an occipitocervical fusion has to be performed. To avoid instability adjacent to the fusion, the surgeon must check for signs of potential subaxial instability. If this is the case, fusion should include the entire cervical spine. Additional transoral decompression may be necessary when there is persistent retrodental pannus or osseous compression by an irreducible transverse dislocation or cranial migration of the dens. Non-ambulatory myelopathic patients are more likely to present severe surgical complications with limited prospects of functional recovery. Therefore, it is important to avoid the development of severe cervical myelopathy by early surgical intervention.     

Tophaceous gout causing atlanto-axial subluxation mimicking rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

This is a case report of an extremely rare condition of atlanto-axial subluxation secondary to gouty arthritis, which mimicked rheumatoid arthritis at presentation. Gouty arthritis involving the spine is a rare condition. We highlight a case of gouty arthritis involving the atlanto-axial joint resulting in joint instability, subluxation, and neurological deficit. A 66-year-old obese woman who had a polyarticular disease for the previous 3 years presented with neck pain and progressive neurology. A 2-stage procedure was performed: posterior decompression and occipitocervical fusion followed by further anterior trans-oral decompression. However, after an initial neurological improvement, she succumbed to aspirational pneumonia and septicaemia. Atlanto-axial subluxation caused by gouty arthritis can present in the same way as rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the possibility of this as a differential diagnosis should be kept in mind.     

Myelopathy due to cervical spine rheumatoid arthritis. A case report

A 62-year-old woman with cervical myelopathy due to cervical spine rheumatoid arthritis is presented. Transoral decompression of the spinal cord, followed by posterior spine fusion in the same session was performed with good results. Unfortunately she died 3 months later due to cardiovascular disease. Clinical, radiological, surgical and autopsy data are presented.     

Surgical aspects of the cervical spine in rheumatoid arthritis

Approximately 20% percent of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis show pathology in the cervical spine. The translational instability between axis and atlas might be painful and leads in the long term to myelopathic changes due to chronic traumatization of the myelon. Ongoing osseous resorption of the lateral masses of the atlas cause upward migration of the dens into the foramen magnum. In the subaxial cervical spine, the inflammatory process causes instability and deformity. Neck pain is the most common indication for surgery, but neurological symptoms with myelopathy or radicular deficits might be the primary cause for surgery. Neurophysiological investigation is suitable to obtain objective results. Stabilization of the atlantoaxial segment is the most common procedure for treatment of atlantoaxial instability. It is performed by screw fixation technique from a posterior approach. In case of severe occipitocervical dislocation, the fixation has to be extended to the occiput. Persistent dislocation or compression by the dislocated dens has to be treated by transoral decompression. In the subaxial spine, instabilities may be treated by posterior plate fixation with lateral mass screws or pedicle screws. Concomitant nar-rowing of the spinal canal should be approached by anterior decompression with corpectomy and/or posterior laminectomy. The timing of surgery in rheumatoid patients is crucial to obtain satisfactory clinical results.     

Surgical management of the subaxial cervical spine (C3-T1) in rheumatoid arthritis

Summary In the process of skeletal changes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the lower cervical spine may characteristically be affected by subluxation, discoligamentous insufficiency and bone resorption. These may cause severe pain and important neurological deficit and necessitate surgical intervention. Out of a series of 122 RA patients who underwent surgery of the cervical spine, in 23 the subaxial cervical spine was operated on. Pain was the leading symptom in all patients. In only six were there no pathological neurological findings, and all showed marked kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine. Fourteen patients were operated by a posterior approach, one by a ventral approach, and in eight patients the surgical procedure consisted of anterior decompression and dorsal stabilization. A mean of 21.3 months after surgery, clinical and radiological evaluation was performed. In two patients the sensomotor deficit improved, and out of 16 patients with cervical myelopathy, nine improved. No pseudoarthrosis was noted, and moderate loss of correction was seen in only three patients. In a subjective evaluation, 14 patients rated their result as good, six as fair and none as poor. In conclusion, following decompression, we noted good recovery from myelopathic symptoms. Sufficient stability in patients with RA is achieved by a combined anterior and posterior approach, the main goal of the anterior approach being decompression by vertebrectomy and that of the posterior approach stabilization by plate and screw fixation.     

Chirurgische Aspekte der rheumatischen Halswirbelsäule

Approximately 20% percent of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis show pathology in the cervical spine, mainly in the atlantoaxial segment. The translational instability between axis and atlas might be painful and leads in the long term to myelopathic changes due to chronic traumatization of the myelon. Ongoing osseous resorption of the lateral masses of the atlas cause upward migration of the dens into the foramen magnum. In the subaxial cervical spine, the inflammatory process causes instability and deformity. Neck pain is the most common indication for surgery, but neurological symptoms with myelopathy or radicular deficits might be the primary cause for surgery. It has to be kept in mind that clinical assessment in rheumatoid patients might be extremely difficult since previous surgeries on various articulations of the extremities make interpretation of clinical findings difficult. Neurophysiological investigation is suitable to obtain objective results. Stabilization of the atlantoaxial segment is the most common procedure for treatment of atlantoaxial instability. It is performed by screw fixation technique from a posterior approach. In case of severe occipitocervical dislocation, the fixation has to be extended to the occiput. Persistent dislocation or compression by the dislocated dens has to be treated by transoral decompression. In the subaxial spine, instabilities may be treated by posterior plate fixation with lateral mass screws or pedicle screws. Concomitant narrowing of the spinal canal should be approached by anterior decompression with corpectomy and/or posterior laminectomy. The timing of surgery in rheumatoid patients is crucial to obtain satisfactory clinical results.     

Surgical treatment for rheumatoid neck arthritis bilateral occipitospinal fusion with plate fixation

The results of surgical treatment of 12 patients with rheumatoid cervical spine arthritis were reviewed. The Ranawat classification was as follows: 5 with Ranawat IIIB, 1 Ranawat IIIA and 6 Ranawat II. Decompression and fusion using autogenous iliac bone graft and double occipitospinal plate fixation was carried out on 11 of these patients; the remaining patient underwent upper cervical spine fusion using screw and wire fixation. The main indication for surgery was neurological deterioration. In three cases previous surgery had been carried out on the cervical spine. The results were assessed at a mean follow-up of 26.1 months. According to Frankel's grading the neurological recovery in patients with neurological compression was one grade. There was clinical and radiological evidence of fusion in all these patients. The following complications required further surgery: acute postoperative epidural hematoma (one patient) screw loosening (one patient) CONCLUSION: Fusion of the occiput and lateral mass of the involved cervical spine using a plate on each side provides a relatively stable fixation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine. Laminectomy and adequate decompression of the neural elements can be carried out without compromising spinal stability. There is a relatively high complication rate associated with surgery for rheumatoid neck and the patient needs to be informed.     

Occipitocervical fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Instability and deformity of the cervical spine caused by rheumatoid arthritis is a well known entity. Operative intervention is indicated for patients with progressive deformity and when pain is resistant to conservative treatment. In a series of 39 patients who underwent posterior occipitocervical fusion with a Y plate, 22 patients were observed clinically and radiographically at average 41.5 months after surgery. In 35 of the 39 patients the main indication for surgery was pain, and in 30 of the 39 patients additional neurologic deficit (radiculopathy or myelopathy) was present. Thirty-one of the 39 patients had atlantoaxial instability. The atlantoaxial instability was associated with cranial migration of the dens in 19 patients. According to the classification of Conaty and Mongan 77.3% patients had satisfactory results and 22.7% had unsatisfactory results. Of the 30 patients with neurologic deficit, nine patients had a significant improvement. No patient had a worse result after surgery. Solid fusion was seen in all 22 patients at followup. Seven patients experienced complications directly related to the surgical procedure. Posterior fixation combined with anterior decompression in the presence of spinal stenosis represents a useful and safe method to treat instability and deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Early surgical procedures may reduce the complication rate.     

Rheumatoid cervical joint disease — a challenge to the anaesthetist

Cervical joint disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients is common. These patients may be at risk for severe life-threatening neurological problems in the perioperative period and thus present’ a challenge to the anaesthetist. By understanding the various anatomical abnormalities that may occur in rheumatoid cervical joint disease, the anaesthetist can design an appropriate management plan for the patient. The destruction of normal anatomy by rheumatoid arthritis can result in atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) or subaxial subluxation. The atlanto-axial subluxation is further divided anatomically into anterior AAS, posterior AAS, vertical AAS, and lateral/rotatory AAS. In addition to the history and physical examination of the rheumatoid arthritis patient, radiological evaluation of the cervical spine is highly recommended. With the identification of the specific anatomical lesion the anaesthetist can predict and avoid movements which may lead to, or worsen, neurological problems. In the event of an emergency where full evaluation of the cervical spine is not possible the anaesthetist must presume that the rheumatoid patient has severe cervical spine instability and use the most cautious approach.     

The influence of transoral odontoid resection on stability of the craniovertebral junction.

Twenty-seven cases of craniovertebral junction compression treated with transoral surgery were reviewed to assess the influences of pathological processes and surgical interventions on spinal stability. All patients presented with signs and symptoms of spinal-cord or brain-stem dysfunction. Pathology included rheumatoid arthritis in 11 patients, congenital osseous malformations in 11, spinal fractures in two, plasmacytoma in one, osteomyelitis in one, and a gunshot injury in one. Instability was defined as clear radiographic evidence of mobile subluxation in conjunction with clinical assessment. Of 19 patients (70%) requiring internal fixation, nine underwent upper cervical fusion and 10 had occipitocervical fusion. When instability occurred, all subluxations were at the C1-2 level. There were no occipito-atlantal subluxations. Eight patients (30%) had preoperative instability of the craniovertebral junction due solely to their pathology, 11 patients (40%) suffered instability after transoral surgery, and eight (30%) were without clinical or radiographic evidence of instability (mean follow-up period 14 months). Craniovertebral junction instability predominated among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: 91% required fusion and 45% presented with pre-existing instability. Among individuals with congenital osseous malformations, 45% required fusion and only one patient (9%) had pre-existing instability. Patients who required subsequent posterior decompression of a Chiari malformation were at risk for developing instability; three of four became unstable after posterior decompression. Transoral resection of the dens, the anterior arch of C-1, and the lower clivus does not fully destabilize the spine; however, this operation may potentiate incipient pathological instability. The primary determinants of instability are the extent of pathological bone destruction, ligamentous weakening, and operative bone removal. Long-term follow-up monitoring is needed after transoral surgery to detect cases of late instability.     

颈后路手术治疗类风湿性寰枢椎不稳

目的：对类风湿性寰枢椎不稳患者颈后路植骨融合、内固定手术进行探讨。方法：对21例类风湿性寰枢椎不稳患者采用颈后路植骨融合、内固定手术，其中7例可复性寰枢椎半脱位行寰枢椎间植骨钛缆或Apofix固定术；14例难以复位者行枕颈间植骨cervifix固定术。结果：随访6～28个月(平均18个月)。21例均无并发症发生，X线显示均获骨性融合，19例患者神经功能获不同程度改善，2例虽无改善但无神经损害发展。结论：颈后路植骨融合、内固定术可为类风湿性寰枢椎不稳的患者提供牢固的融合固定，且以早期手术为佳。     

An unnoticed dislocation of the dens axis in a patient with primary chronic polyarthritis undergoing intensive therapy

Involvement of the cervical spine is seen in 40%-60% of all patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Consequences are instability of the upper cervical column with pain and neurological deficits, in some cases tetraplegia, and sudden death. From this reason special care has to be taken in the management of those patients, even when they are comatose or anesthetized, to avoid sudden spinal cord compression with irreversible neurological deficits. We report a 49-year-old female with a history of rheumatoid arthritis for more than 10 years. Because of an adhesive ileus complicated by septicemia, she underwent abdominal surgery twice followed by prolonged mechanical ventilation under high doses of sedative drugs. After reduction of the tranquilizer doses tetraplegia with respiratory insufficiency was found. Neurophysiological and X-ray examinations showed spinal cord compression due to dislocation of the odontoid process, a rare but typical complication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It was not possible to determine the date of the dislocation, but it might have been caused by intubation or respositioning. Although the patient underwent immobilization and surgical fusion of the upper cervical spine, there was no improvement in the neurological status and she died 5 months later. In patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis a detailed medical history, clinical examination, and radiography are necessary before general anesthesia or intensive care with intubation is considered. If an unstable cervical spine is suspected, intubation should be performed by fiberoptic technique under light sedation. Regional anesthesia should be preferred over general anesthesia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Surgical treatment of cervical destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA)

STUDY DESIGN: Sixteen patients with hemodialysis-associated cervical spine disorders underwent surgical treatment. After analysis of the surgical results, the optimum surgical procedures for these disorders were discussed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical results of cervical spine disorders associated with long-term hemodialysis and to propose the optimum surgical procedures for successful outcomes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There have been few reports regarding surgical results of hemodialysis-related cervical spine disorders. Surgical treatment for this disorder is still challenging. METHODS: Sixteen patients with hemodialysis-associated cervical spine disorders were treated surgically. Duration of hemodialysis ranged from 8 to 27 years (average, 17 years). Before surgery, 14 patients showed severe cervical myelopathy, and the other 2 had radiculopathy in the upper extremities. Ten patients with marked destructive changes underwent circumferential reconstructive surgery involving pedicle screw fixation, anterior strut bone grafting, and posterior and/or anterior decompression. Two patients with cervical radiculopathy underwent posterior nerve root decompression by foraminotomy and fusion by pedicle screw fixation or spinous process wiring. The remaining four patients without spinal instability underwent posterior decompression by open-door laminoplasty. RESULTS: Two patients died during follow-up. Follow-up periods in the surviving 14 patients ranged from 25 months to 92 months (average, 53 months). Marked neurologic recovery was obtained in all patients after surgery. Successful spinal fusion was obtained in all patients except one who underwent posterior fusion by spinous process wiring. Progressive destructive changes with significant instability at the adjacent mobile segments were observed in two patients who underwent circumferential fusion with a pedicle screw system more than 2 years after the initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicle screw system achieved a high fusion rate in reconstructive surgery of cervical destructive spondyloarthropathy, even in the presence of severe bone fragility.     

Natural history of rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine

This article reviews the natural history of rheumatoid arthritis involving the cervical spine with special attention given to predictors of paralysis. Understanding the natural history of rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine is necessary to determine the benefit of various interventions. The primary treatment goal for cervical instability is prevention of irreversible neurologic injury. The natural history of rheumatoid arthritis for a period of 10 years or more is one of significant disease progression. The natural history of cervical instability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is more variable, with only some patients having a neurologic deficit develop. Recent studies support prophylactic stabilization of the rheumatoid cervical spine to prevent paralysis in high risk patients. However, proponents for prophylactic arthrodesis must acknowledge that not all cervical instability in rheumatoid arthritis progresses to neurologic deficit, and surgical intervention in patients with rheumatoid arthritis incurs added morbidity and mortality. Identifying the risk factors for progression of cervical instability is the first step in eliminating morbidity and mortality from spinal cord and brain stem compression. Surgical stabilization is indicated not only for those patients with paralysis, but for the subgroups of patients with cervical rheumatoid disease who are at risk for spinal cord and brain stem compression. The posterior atlantodental interval is the most reliable screening tool and predictor of progressive neurologic deficit.     

Posterior upper cervical fusion in rheumatoid arthritis.

The purpose of this study was to determine fusion rates in patients who underwent posterior cervical fusion for instability of the upper cervical spine secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. A retrospective review of clinical and radiographic data was conducted. Nineteen patients underwent posterior cervical fusions limited to the upper cervical spine. There were 11 C1-C2 fusions and 8 occiput-C2 fusions. Instability with pain or neurologic deficits were the main indications. A uniform technique was used in all cases. Preoperative reduction in halo vest or cast was followed by a Gallie type fusion using autogenous iliac bone graft and wire, and postoperative halo vest or cast immobilization for 3 months. A fusion rate of 94% was achieved. The average follow-up was 5 years. Complete or partial relief of pain was obtained in all patients; 30% of those with preoperative deficits improved after surgery. A high fusion rate may be achieved with C1-C2 and occiput-C2 fusions in rheumatoid arthritis, with relief of pain and prevention of neurologic deterioration.     

Atlantoaxial instability in a patient with neck pain and rheumatoid arthritis

Context: The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical decision-making process for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with neck pain with underlying atlantoaxial instability.Findings: The patient was evaluated for worsening upper neck pain that began insidiously 1 year prior. The patient denied numbness or tingling in her upper or lower extremities, dizziness or lightheadedness, difficulty maintaining balance with walking, or muscle weakness. Cervical spine range of motion was limited in all planes due to pain and apprehension. The patient’s neurological examination was unremarkable. Prior flexion and extension radiographs of the cervical spine were interpreted as unremarkable with alignment preserved in flexion and extension. However, upon further inspection, the cervical spine flexion radiograph was concerning for inadequate cervical motion, which may have limited the diagnostic utility of these radiographs. Additionally, a Sharp-Purser test was performed, which was positive for excessive motion. Flexion and extension radiographs of the cervical spine were then repeated ensuring the patient adequately flexed and extended during the imaging. Severe anterior subluxation of C1 relative to C2 with cervical flexion was noted, as C1 moved as much as 8–9 mm anterior to C2 with cervical flexion. Given the degree of atlantoaxial instability, the patient subsequently underwent successful posterior fusion from the occiput to C2.Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: This case report demonstrates the importance of properly screening for upper cervical spine instability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and neck pain and understanding the importance of obtaining adequate and appropriate diagnostic imaging.     

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the second cervical vertebrae causing multilevel upper cervical instability

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare expansile osteolytic lesion of bone comprising proliferating vascular tissue lining blood-filled cystic cavities. ABCs occur most frequently in patients under age 20 and are uncommon after 30 years of age. Three to 20% of cases occur in the spine, and upper cervical involvement is rare. Lesions may grow rapidly and attain considerable size. When involving the spine, ABCs may result in instability and neurologic compromise, making prompt diagnosis and treatment imperative. We present a report of a 6-year-old child with an ABC of the second cervical vertebrae causing atlantoaxial and C2-C3 instability, treated successfully with curettage, decompression, and anterior and posterior arthrodesis with posterior instrumentation. METHODS: The patient underwent a staged procedure consisting of posterior instrumentation from occiput to C4 and curettage of the lesion followed by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion of C2-C4. The diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcome of the case are described and relevant literature reviewed. RESULTS: The patient sustained no lasting neurologic deficits and was disease-free at 3 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ABC is a rare but potentially devastating cause of upper cervical spine instability. Prompt detection and treatment with curettage, decompression, and fusion can produce a satisfactory result and prevent spinal cord injury.     

Rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 2 million patients in the United States. It is the most common inflammatory disorder of the cervical spine. The natural history is variable. Women tend to be more commonly involved than men. Atlantoaxial instability is the most common form of cervical involvement and may occur either independently or concomitantly with cranial settling and subaxial instability. Cervical spine involvement can be seen in up to 86% of patients and neurologic involvement in up to 58%. Myelopathy is rare but when present portends a poor prognosis. What is frustrating for clinicians treating these patients is that pain cannot be equated with instability or instability with neurologic symptoms. The goal is to identify patients at risk before the development of neurologic symptoms. Both radiographic and nonradiographic risk factors play an important role in the surgical decision-making process. PURPOSE: We will describe the current concepts in rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine. Emphasis is placed on the natural history, anatomy, pathophysiology and decision-making process. STUDY DESIGN: A review of the current concepts of rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine. METHODS: MEDLINE search of all English literature published on rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine. RESULTS: Rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine was first described by Garrod in 1890. The prevalence has been estimated to be 1% to 2% of the world's adult population. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. Because of its potentially debilitating and life-threatening sequelae in advanced disease, rheumatoid arthritis in the cervical spine today remains a high priority to diagnose and treat. CONCLUSIONS: Many aspects of the natural history and pathophysiology of the rheumatoid spine remain unclear. The timing of operative intervention in patients with radiographic instability and no evidence of neurologic deficit is an area of considerable controversy. Continued surveillance into the natural history of the rheumatoid spine is required.     

Chronic cephalalgia as a sequela of rheumatic spondylarthritis of the cervical spine

Deformity and instability of the cervical spine is quite frequently recordable from patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis. More than 70 per cent of patients who had been suffering this rheumatoid disease for more than ten years with mutilating peripheral joint lesions exhibited radiologically visible and clinically recordable cervical spine disorders. Anterior atlanto-axial subluxation has proved to be the most common rheumatic deformity of the cervical spine and was found to cause severe, even intolerable occipito-cervical headache. The authors have obtained good results from posterior C1-C2 fusion operation on patients in whom headache had been invalidising and resistant to conservative treatment.