Posterior occipitocervical fixation under skull-femoral traction for the treatment of basilar impression in a child with Klippel-Feil syndrome

We present the case of a 15-year-old boy with symptoms due to Klippel-Feil syndrome. Radiographs and CT scans demonstrated basilar impression, occipitalisation of C1 and fusion of C2/C3. MRI showed ventral compression of the medullocervical junction. Skull traction was undertaken pre-operatively to determine whether the basilar impression could be safely reduced. During traction, the C3/C4 junction migrated 12 mm caudally and spasticity resolved. Peri-operative skull-femoral traction enabled posterior occipitocervical fixation without decompression. Following surgery, cervical alignment was restored and spasticity remained absent. One year after surgery he was not limited in his activities. The surgical strategy for patients with basilar impression and congenital anomalies remains controversial. The anterior approach with decompression is often recommended for patients with ventral compression of the medullocervical region, but such procedures are technically demanding and carry a significant risk of complications. Our surgical strategy was an alternative solution. Prior to a posterior cervical fixation, without decompression, skull traction was used to confirm that the deformity was reducible and effective in resolving associated myelopathy.     

Circumferential decompression of the foramen magnum for the treatment of syringomyelia associated with basilar invagination

Posterior fossa decompression utilizing suboccipital craniectomy and duraplasty remains the standard surgical treatment for Chiari-associated syringomyelia. In the presence of basilar invagination, anterior decompression, typically transoral odontoidectomy, or posterior decompression may be performed. We report two cases in which anterior and posterior (circumferential) decompression of the foramen magnum was used to treat cervical syringomyelia successfully. These cases demonstrate that circumferential decompression of the foramen magnum may be necessary in some cases of cervical syringomyelia associated with basilar invagination and Chiari malformation.     

Simple cervical spine traction using a halo vest apparatus: technical note

BACKGROUND: A halo vest apparatus, commonly used for external immobilization and protection of the cervical spine, offers several advantages. We present here a simple, accurate, easy, and safe cervical traction technique using a halo vest apparatus. METHODS: The distinguishing feature of our technique is that, after application of a halo vest apparatus, the halo crown is distracted gradually and stepwise by turning the bilateral screw bolts that hold the halo crown over a period of one to several weeks. After each of these steps, care must be taken to check neurologic, radiologic, and skin conditions, as well as cranial pin tightening. CONCLUSIONS: This distance control technique can provide a strong and accurate traction force by simply turning the bolts without the risk of overdistraction or the need for bed rest, and can be used in conjunction with radiologic examination and transportation of patients, even those unable to walk. The Sugita head fixation system constitutes a safe and easy way to facilitate surgical management after correction of cervical dislocation.     

颈椎前路钢板在下颈椎损伤的应用进展

对颈椎前路钢板在下颈椎损伤国外应用进展进行综述。颈椎前路钢板在设计上有限制性与非限制性两种类型,生物力学研究表明前者的固定强度明显优于后者,但易于在固定阶段对植骨块产生应力阻挡。手术指征主要为颈椎前柱损伤或颈椎后部骨与韧带复合体的损伤。但颈椎损伤存在高度不稳定时,前路钢板固定应联合颈椎后路稳定性手术。否则,术后须应用头环背心支具固定。对撑开屈曲型损伤,应警惕创伤性颈椎间盘突出,以免在牵引复位过程中发生严重的神经损伤。操作时应彻底解除脊髓前方压迫,植入三面皮质骨块,恢复前柱正常前凸,再行前路钢板固定。该方法的优点是达到了固定阶段即时稳定性,提高了植骨融合率,有利于康复。但加重了手术创伤,有发生与钢板或螺钉有关并发症的可能,晚期在临近融合区相邻椎间盘有退行性改变发生。因而在确定治疗方案时,要权衡利弊。     

伴寰枢椎脱位颅底凹陷症患者后路减压失败的再手术治疗

目的:探讨伴有寰枢椎脱位的颅底凹陷症患者后路减压失败的再手术对策。方法 :2006年2月~2010年10月我院收治9例在外院接受后颅窝减压手术术后症状加重的伴寰枢椎脱位颅底凹陷症患者,入院时患者均有站立或行走不稳,肢体麻木、无力,JOA评分7~11分,平均7.8±2.1分,影像学检查显示枕骨大孔周围大部分骨质均被咬除,且均有明显的寰枢椎脱位,枢椎齿状突向上脱入枕骨内并压迫脑干和延髓,脑干脊髓角105°~138°,平均125°±11°。均采用经口前路齿状突复位、钢板内固定、植骨治疗。随访患者神经功能改善情况,术后3个月及末次随访时对患者进行JOA评分,计算脊髓神经功能改善率;在颈椎MRI片上测量脑干脊髓角,并与术前比较。结果:手术均顺利完成,未出现硬脊膜破裂、切口感染等并发症。随访10~26个月,平均14个月,9例患者神经功能均有不同程度的改善,术后3个月时JOA评分为13.7±1.8分,改善率为64.1%;脑干脊髓角改善至148°±15°。末次随访时JOA评分为14.4±2.1分,改善率为71.7%;脑干脊髓角维持良好。8例患者在术后6个月左右复查CT均显示植骨达到骨性融合;1例患者随访期间头部外伤致内固定松动,再次翻修,随访10个月植骨获得骨性融合。结论:后颅窝减压术不能解决寰枢椎脱位造成的脑干前方压迫问题,不适合治疗伴有寰枢椎脱位的颅底凹陷症,经口前路齿状突复位钢板内固定手术可以将寰枢椎脱位有效复位,恢复枕颈交界区域的有效椎管直径,纠正脑干脊髓角度,可以作为后颅窝减压失败后的补救手术。     

Endonasal endoscopic resection of the odontoid process in a nonachondroplastic dwarf with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: feasibility of the approach and utility of the intraoperative Iso-C three-dimensional navigation. Case report

The authors report a case of a nonachondroplastic dwarf with severe basilar invagination and compression of the cervicomedullary junction (CMJ) due to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Initially excellent reduction of the invagination and decompression of the CMJ was achieved using posterior fixation. However, 1 month postoperatively symptoms recurred and the authors found imaging evidence of recurrence as well. The patient subsequently underwent an endoscopic transnasal resection of the dens with assistance of Iso-C navigation. He recovered well and tolerated regular diet on postoperative Day 2.     

C1–C2 arthrodesis after transoral odontoidectomy and suboccipital craniectomy for ventral brain stem compression in Chiari I patients

Chiari I malformations are often associated with congenital craniocervical anomalies such as platybasia, basilar invagination, and retroflexion of the odontoid process. Management of ventral brain stem compression associated with Chiari I malformations remains controversial, but several authors report a significant rate of failure with suboccipital decompression alone in the presence of pronounced ventral brain stem compression (VBSC). Treatment options described in the literature for these patients involve anterior, posterior, or combined decompressions with or without concurrent arthrodesis. A combined anterior and posterior approach provides a definitive circumferential decompression but also significantly disrupts the stability of the occipitocervical junction usually necessitating occipitocervical fixation. We describe an alternative surgical treatment for Chiari I patients with significant ventral brain stem compression where a combined anterior and posterior decompression was considered necessary. We report two patients who underwent transoral odontoidectomy with preservation of the anterior arch of the atlas and suboccipital craniectomy with C1 laminectomy followed by C1–C2 arthrodesis. Preservation of the anterior arch of the atlas in conjunction with C1–C2 arthrodesis stabilizes the occipito–atlanto-axial segments while conserving more cervical mobility as compared to an occipitocervical fusion.     

Surgical stabilization of the cervical spine. A comparative analysis of anterior and posterior spine fusions

Two hundred twenty-two cervical spine stabilization procedures in 212 patients are reviewed. In 114 posterior cervical fusions, 88 anterior fusions, and ten combined procedures, no deaths occurred. Surgical complication rates were similar, but more severe complications were noted with anterior cervical fusions, including tracheoesophageal problems and transient neurologic loss. Six cases of graft dislodgement requiring reoperation also occurred. In long-term follow-up evaluations, 36 anterior fusion patients developed progressive kyphotic deformity averaging 22 degrees between surgery and the time solid fusion was obtained. Degenerative changes above and below the fusion mass were detected in 36 of 59 patients treated by anterior surgery. Posterior cervical fusion patients were noted to have no significant late change in alignment, and degenerative changes were infrequent. However, 73 of 98 patients had significant extension of fusion mass beyond the originally intended levels of stabilization. Because anterior cervical spine fusion was associated with significant complications of graft dislodgement and tracheoesophageal trauma, as well as postsurgical progressive deformity, the authors recommend posterior wiring and fusion as the procedure of choice to treat cervical spine instability and permit halo-free postsurgical rehabilitation. When anterior neural decompression and fusion is necessary, concomitant posterior wiring and fusion or halo vest immobilization may be necessary to maintain reduction and prevent kyphotic angulation, because posterior ligamentous disruption is not always grossly evident on radiographic examination.     

Basilar invagination: craniocervical instability treated with cervical traction and occipitocervical fixation. Case report

The upward odontoid displacement observed in basilar invagination (BI) is generally associated with a horizontal clivus and craniocervical kyphosis, conditions that exert ventral compression at the spinomedullary junction. Ventral brainstem decompression by reduction or elimination of the odontoid invagination is part of the desired treatment. The authors describe a case of BI in an adult, who was effectively treated with the easy and safe reduction of odontoid invagination via cervical traction. Normalization of kyphosis at the craniovertebral junction and the vertical position of both a previously horizontal clivus and the cerebellar tentorium demonstrated that these conditions were not part of the original malformation but instead were caused by a reducible craniovertebral instability.     

Cervical osteotomy for ankylosing spondylitis: an innovative variation on an existing technique

Ankylosing spondylitis can produce severe fixed flexion deformity in the cervical spine. This deformity may be so disabling that it interferes with forward vision, chewing, swallowing and skin care under the chin. The only treatment available is an extension osteotomy of the cervical spine. Existing techniques of cervical osteotomy may be associated with risk of neurological injury. We describe a variation on an existing technique, which provides a controlled method of reduction at the osteotomy site, eliminating sagittal translation. The method employs a modular posterior cervical system consisting of lateral mass and thoracic pedicle screws linked to titanium rods. Our technique substitutes the titanium rod with a temporary malleable rod on one side, allowing controlled reduction of the osteotomy as this rod bends and slides through the thoracic clamps. Once reduction is complete definitive contoured rods are inserted to maintain the correction while fusion takes place. This method appears less hazardous by eliminating sagittal translation, and may reduce the risk of neurological injury during surgery. It achieves rigid internal fixation, obviating the need for a halo vest in the postoperative period. Received: 27 October 1998 Revised: 9 August 1999 Accepted: 9 August 1999     

The management of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis

Fifty-two patients with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis were admitted to the University of Maryland Spinal Injury Center between 1977 and 1982. There were fifteen Type-I fractures, twenty-nine Type-II fractures, three Type-IIa fractures, and five Type-III fractures. Associated neurological deficits were found in only four patients, although unassociated neurological deficits such as closed head injury were seen in eleven patients. Thirteen patients had other fractures of the cervical spine. Type-I fractures were stable injuries and were treated with collar protection. Most Type-II injuries were reduced with the patient in halo traction, and then immobilization in a halo vest was used. Type-IIa injuries, as they showed increased displacement in traction, were reduced with gentle extension and compression in a halo vest. Type-III injuries were grossly unstable and required surgical stabilization. All of the fractures healed, although the use of early halo-vest immobilization for displaced fractures resulted in significant residual deformity. The radiographic patterns of the fracture types and the resulting data on clinical stability suggested a correlation between the fracture type and the mechanism of injury. Type-I injuries resulted from a hyperextension-axial loading force; Type-II injuries, from an initial hyperextension-axial loading force followed by severe flexion; Type-IIa injuries, from flexion-distraction; and Type-III injuries, from flexion-compression.     

头环背心在颈椎外科的应用

作者观察了用头环背心治疗多种原因所致颈椎不稳定的应用效果。用头环背心治疗了１０７例颈椎不稳定的病人，病种包括结核、损伤、肿瘤和畸形。病人分为非手术治疗组和融合术组。融合术包括寰枢椎后路融合术、枕颈融合术和下颈椎融合术。各种融合术都在头环背心的固定下施行，不用任何内固定。测量了２３例病人用头环背心固定前后的肺功能。１０７例病人中有８９例获得了随访，平均随访时间２５个月，非手术组的病人在头环背心固定下均恢复了颈椎的稳定性。在３１例行寰枢椎后路融合术的病人中有２９例融合成功（９４％），３６例行枕颈融合术的病人中有３２例达到了骨性愈合（８９％）。用头环背心固定的平均时间是１３３天，最长的４５０天。统计学结果显示：用头环背心固定后病人肺活量的均数与固定前相比差异有非常显著性（Ｐ＜０．０１），固定后肺活量减少约１３％。并发症包括颅钉松动（２４例）、钉孔感染（４例）、复位丢失（４例）、颅钉穿透颅骨内板（３例）、背心下皮肤压疮（１例）。作者认为头环背心对颈椎失稳的病人是一种安全、有效的外固定器材。借助这种装置，部分需行颈椎融合术的病人可以免去内固定，使手术更安全、简便。头环背心可使病人的肺活量减少。     

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.     

经口咽前路控制性松解复位+后路枕颈融合内固定术治疗颅底凹陷症

目的：探讨经口咽寰枢关节控制性松解并短节段撑开复位+后路枕颈融合内固定术治疗颅底凹陷症的临床疗效。方法2011年3月至2014年4月我科共收治5例颅底凹陷症合并严重寰枢椎畸形女性患者,采取前路经口咽控制性松解短节段撑开复位齿状突+后路融合固定手术,年龄8.0~45.0岁,平均30.6岁。术前、术后测量齿状突顶点至Chamberlain线的垂直距离、寰齿间距( atlantodental interval,ADI)及延髓颈髓角(cervicomedullary angle,CMA)和/或斜坡枢椎角评估复位效果;应用日本骨科学会( Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)神经评分标准评价临床症状改善情况。结果术后测量齿状突顶点至Chamberlain线的垂直距离值、ADI和斜坡枢椎角均恢复正常。平均随访18.3个月,JOA评分由术前平均8.8分提高到术后平均13.0分,所有病例均无并发症发生。结论采用前路经口咽松解通过控制齿突复位程度(一般不超过10 mm),结合后路固定融合术治疗颅底凹陷症具有复位效果好、能控制手术风险、并发症少的优点。     

Combined anterior and posterior approach for managing basilar invagination associated with type I Chiari malformation

Ventral brainstem compression is common in patients with basilar invagination associated with type I Chiari malformation. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a combined one-session anterior-posterior surgical approach for these patients. Nine patients underwent transoral odontoidectomy, posterior foramen magnum decompression, occipitocervical fixation, and bone grafting. All but two patients had ventral and dorsal operations in one surgical sitting. One of these two individuals had previously undergone posterior decompressive surgery at another hospital, but his condition had deteriorated rapidly afterward. The mean follow-up time was 19 months (range, 14-30 months). There was no mortality and no significant morbidity in this series. All but one of the patients showed significant improvement in their symptoms. Chiari malformations have a surprisingly high association with basilar invagination, and patients may have symptoms in both conditions. If there is a marked anterior compression, anterior transoral and posterior decompression, fusion, and instrumentation is an optimal strategy for treating patients with basilar invagination associated with type I Chiari malformation.     

Unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical spine. An analysis of the results of treatment in 26 patients

Twenty-six patients with unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical spine were analyzed to determine the best method of treatment of this injury, the incidence of late pain and instability, and the indications for surgical stabilization. This review showed that all patients with a unilateral facet dislocation of the cervical spine should be treated initially with halo traction in an attempt to obtain reduction. If reduction is obtained, then nonoperative treatment in the form of a halo thoracic apparatus may be the best method of treatment. Failure to obtain reduction with axial traction is an indication for open reduction and one-level posterior cervical fusion. Patients left in the displaced position and allowed to heal in that position usually develop late pain as a complication of this method of treatment.     

Simultaneous noncontiguous cervical spine injuries in a pediatric patient: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Noncontiguous traumatic injuries of the cervical spine in children are rare. We present the case of a child who simultaneously sustained a separation of the odontoid synchondrosis and a C6-C7 dislocation with a complete spinal cord injury. The management of simultaneous cervical spine injuries is discussed. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A boy aged 4 years and 2 months was a restrained back-seat passenger involved in a head-on motor vehicle accident. The patient lacked neurological function below C7. Imaging studies revealed a separation of the odontoid synchondrosis as well as a traumatic dislocation of the spine at C6-C7. INTERVENTION: The patient was placed in a halo vest shortly after admission. Four days after his injury, he underwent a posterior wiring and fusion of C6 to C7. As the C6-C7 dislocation was reduced by posterior element wiring, intraoperative x-rays showed a gradual increase in the subluxation of C1 on C2. This increase in C1-C2 subluxation required intraoperative repositioning of the halo crown on the ventral halo vest posts to maintain acceptable C1-C2 alignment. Postoperatively, ideal alignment of the odontoid peg on the body of C2 could not be achieved by halo adjustments alone. The patient required a custom-made posterior neck cushion attached to the halo vest to maintain cervical lordosis and good alignment of the odontoid peg on the body of C2. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous traumatic cervical spine injuries in pediatric patients are rare. The intraoperative reduction of one spine injury can affect the alignment at the location of the second injury. In this case, a custom adjustment of the halo vest improved the alignment of the odontoid peg on the body of C2.     

Adopting 540-degree fusion to correct cervical kyphosis

BACKGROUND: Two cases of severe cervical spine kyphotic deformity resulting from late effects of infection were successfully corrected by combined anterior and posterior instrumentations in a single operative sitting. CASE DESCRIPTION: Case 1 is a 43-year-old man who developed severe cervical kyphosis from C5-6 discitis over a few months despite long-term antibiotic therapy. He was neurologically intact except for severe neck pain and obvious deformity. Case 2 is a 40-year-old woman who had a previous wound infection five years before presentation. There was gradual worsening of swan neck deformity at the C2-3 and C5-6 levels with some spinal cord compression worsening her baseline myelopathy. The patients were placed and maintained in cervical traction on the Stryker frame for the duration of the procedure. Both cases required anterior approach initially to achieve some release of dense scar tissue using a high-speed drill. The wounds were then closed and patients were rotated to the prone position for further release of fused bony elements, including the facets. Lateral mass screws and plates were placed. In Case 2, additional instrument to the occipital was performed to stabilize the C2 using a U-shaped cervical rod. Once adequate reduction had been achieved, the patients were rotated back to supine position for further corpectomy and fibular construct fusion with plates. CONCLUSION: In cases of severe kyphotic deformity complicating infectious vertebral destruction, the spinal alignment can be achieved safely by a multi-step technique combining the anterior as well as posterior surgical approaches.     

Noonan syndrome with occipito-atlantal dislocation and upper cervical cord compression due to C1 dysplasia and basilar invagination

A 11-year-old female with Noonan syndrome presented with occipito-atlantal dislocation and upper cervical cord compression due to C1 dysplasia and basilar invagination. Computed tomography (CT) of the cervical spine showed dysplasia of the C1 posterior arch and bilateral dislocation of the occipito-atlantal joints. Dynamic lateral radiography revealed no instability at the occipito-atlantal joints. CT also demonstrated basilar invagination. The tip of the odontoid process extended above the Chamberlain line by 9 mm and the McGregor line by 10 mm. Whole spinal radiography showed no scoliosis. C1 laminectomy was performed with instrumented occipito-C2 fixation. The postoperative course was uneventful, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed sufficient decompression of the upper cervical cord at 2 months after surgery. CT demonstrated solid bony fusion between the occipital bone and C2 at 8 months after surgery. Cervical neuraxial malformations are rare in patients with Noonan syndrome.     

使用颗粒状自体松质骨植骨的寰枢椎后路融合术

介绍一种在头环背心保护下用颗粒状自体松质骨植骨的寰枢椎后路融合术。对３４例寰枢椎不稳的病人施行了寰枢椎后路融合术。用头环背心维持寰椎的复位，将颗粒状的自体松质骨植于寰椎后弓和枢椎椎板的背面，不用内固定，直至植骨融合。３１例病人获得了随访，平均随访时间３０个月，其中２９例融合成功，术后头不背心固定时间平均为１３周，有３例出现了寰椎再移位。颗粒状自体松质骨比块状的全层骨更有利于融合。用头环背心的外固定