Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25364329
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Study Design Case report and review of the literature. Objective We present the case of a two-level lumbar spondylectomy at L4 and L5 for en bloc resection of a giant cell tumor (GCT) and lumbopelvic reconstruction. Meth...Study Design Case report and review of the literature. Objective We present the case of a two-level lumbar spondylectomy at L4 and L5 for en bloc resection of a giant cell tumor (GCT) and lumbopelvic reconstruction. Methods A 58-year-old woman presented with a 7-month history of progressive intractable back and leg pain secondary to a biopsy-proven Enneking stage III GCT of the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The patient underwent a successful L4-L5 spondylectomy and lumbopelvic reconstruction using a combined posterior and anterior approach over two operative stages. Results Postoperative complications included a deep wound infection and a cerebrospinal fluid leak; however, following surgical debridement and long-term antibiotic treatment, the patient was neurologically intact with minimal pain and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence or instrumentation failure at more than 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion Spondylectomy that achieves en bloc resection is a viable and effective treatment option that can be curative for Enneking stage III GCTs involving the lower lumbar spine. The lumbosacral junction represents a challenging anatomic location for spinal reconstruction after spondylectomy with unique technical considerations.
Certo F, Visocchi M, Borderi A
… +3 more, Pennisi C, Albanese V, Barbagallo GM
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25364328
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Study Design Case Report and review of the literature. Objective The objective of the article is to report an illustrative case successfully treated by microsurgery and to review the literature on the current evidence on...Study Design Case Report and review of the literature. Objective The objective of the article is to report an illustrative case successfully treated by microsurgery and to review the literature on the current evidence on diagnosis and management of lumbar discal cysts. Methods A 43-year-old male patient presented with severe back pain, radiating down to the right leg, as well as with paraesthesias in the right L3 and L4 dermatomes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed an intraspinal, extradural space-occupying lesion at the L3-L4 disc level, causing compression of the neural structures. The lesion was surgically removed and a diagnosis of lumbar discal cyst was made. Postoperatively, symptoms improved and the patient was discharged with no complications. A systematic review of pertinent articles published up to February 2014 was performed. Key articles were searched to identify studies describing the diagnosis and management modalities of lumbar discal cysts and the comparative effectiveness and safety of microsurgery versus endoscopic treatment. Conclusions Discal cysts are rare causes of low back pain and radiculopathy. Few cases have been reported; however, conclusive information about their natural history is not available and the best mode of treatment remains controversial. We submit that lumbar intervertebral disc cysts, with their peculiar radiological and anatomic features, should be considered in the differential diagnosis among rare causes of low back pain and radiculopathy.
Montemurro N, Cocciaro A, Meola A
… +2 more, Lutzemberger L, Vannozzi R
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25364327
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Study Design Case report. Objective To present a rare case of hydrocephalus following bilateral dumbbell-shaped C2 spinal neurofibromas resection and postoperative cervical pseudomeningocele in a patient with neurofibrom...Study Design Case report. Objective To present a rare case of hydrocephalus following bilateral dumbbell-shaped C2 spinal neurofibromas resection and postoperative cervical pseudomeningocele in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Methods The patient's clinical course is retrospectively reviewed. A 37-year-old man affected by NF1 referred to our department for progressive weakness of both lower extremities and gait disturbance. Radiological imaging showed bilateral dumbbell-shaped C2 spinal neurofibromas. After its resection, at the 1-month follow-up evaluation, the patient reported headache and nausea. A CT brain scan showed a postoperative cervical pseudomeningocele and an increase in the ventricular sizes, resulting in hydrocephalus. Results A ventriculoperitoneal shunting was performed using a programmable valve opening pressure set to 120 mmH20. After surgery, the patient's neurological status markedly improved. Conclusion Hydrocephalus must be considered a possible complication of cervical spine tumor resection.
Youssef JA, Orndorff DG, Scott MA
… +2 more, Ebner RE, Knewitz AP
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25364326
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Study Design Case report. Objective The objective of this study was to present the unusual case of a 59-year-old woman with a reoccurring sterile postoperative seroma. Methods A patient was observed postoperatively for a...Study Design Case report. Objective The objective of this study was to present the unusual case of a 59-year-old woman with a reoccurring sterile postoperative seroma. Methods A patient was observed postoperatively for any complications or adverse side effects resulting from an initial multilevel anterior/posterior lumbar fusion surgery where 2 g (1 g combined with the bone graft used for posterolateral fusion and 1 g placed in the soft tissues) of prophylactic vancomycin powder was placed within the soft tissues posteriorly before wound closure. The patient's progress was monitored through 6 months following the initial procedure. Six weeks postoperatively, the patient sustained a fall and had increased pain. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and X-rays demonstrated a displaced sacral fracture, a large epidural fluid collection, and severe compression of the thecal sac at the lumbar operative sites (L3-5). Results On the basis of the aforementioned imaging studies and the patient's progressive neurologic deficit, it was apparent at the 6-week follow-up that emergent surgical intervention was necessary. Drainage and examination of an epidural fluid collection along with treatment of a displaced sacral fracture (S1-S2) were performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course with resolution of her back pain and neurologic deficit; however, recurrence of the epidural fluid collection requiring serial aspirations confounded the patients' clinical presentation. Conclusions With the recurrent nature of the seroma being unusual, the cause of the fluid collection and formation is undetermined. With lack of bone morphogenetic protein usage, and few confounding variables accountable, an acute allergic response to topical vancomycin powder is a possible etiology. Analysis with larger patient populations comparing postoperative adverse effects of prophylactic vancomycin powder is recommended.
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25364325
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Study Design Case report. Objective The objective of this study was to report a case of an unstable C1 burst fracture in the setting of a vertebral artery anomaly at the craniovertebral junction. Methods A 55-year-old ma...Study Design Case report. Objective The objective of this study was to report a case of an unstable C1 burst fracture in the setting of a vertebral artery anomaly at the craniovertebral junction. Methods A 55-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with severe neck pain after falling approximately 15 feet and landing on his head. Computed tomography scan of the cervical spine revealed an unstable fracture of the C1 ring with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of a transverse ligament rupture as well as a congenital synchondrosis of the posterior arch of C1. He was neurologically intact. CT angiography (CTA) of the neck revealed an anomalous course of the right vertebral artery at the C1-C2 level. Results Surgical intervention consisted of occiput-C3 fusion, thus avoiding the placement of C1 lateral mass screws and risking vertebral artery injury. Conclusion We present a case of an unstable C1 burst fracture with an anomalous course of the right vertebral artery demonstrated by CTA. The presence of vertebral artery anomalies at the craniovertebral junction may prevent safe placement of C1 lateral mass screws and therefore influence the treatment options for upper cervical spine pathologies. To minimize the risk of vertebral artery injury, we elected to perform an occiput to C3 fusion. Thorough assessment of the vascular anatomy is recommended before operative intervention in the upper cervical spine to minimize the risk of complications.
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25364324
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Study Design Retrospective case review. Objective Atlantoaxial instability with and without basilar invagination poses a considerable challenge in management regarding reduction, surgical approach, decompression, instrum...Study Design Retrospective case review. Objective Atlantoaxial instability with and without basilar invagination poses a considerable challenge in management regarding reduction, surgical approach, decompression, instrumentation choice, and extent of fusion. A variety of strategies have been described to reduce and stabilize cranial settling with basilar invagination. Modern instrumentation options included extension to the occiput, C1-C2 transarticular fixation, and C1 lateral mass-C2 pars among others. Since not all cases of cranial settling are the same, their treatment strategies also differ. Factors such as local vascular anatomy, amount of subluxation, need for distraction, and shape of occipital condyles will dictate level and type of instrumentation. The objective of this study was to outline treatment options and provide a rationale for the surgical plan. Methods Two cases of C1-C2 instability in patients with Down syndrome are described. Case 2 underwent C1-C2 instrumented fusion, whereas case 1 involved posterior instrumented fusion to the occiput. Results Both patients tolerated the procedures well. There were no complications. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. There was no loss of reduction. Solid arthrodesis was achieved in both cases. Conclusion Successful reduction can be achieved with both C1-C2 instrumented fusion as well as O-C instrument fusion. Factors such as local vascular anatomy, amount of subluxation, need for distraction, and shape of occipital condyles will dictate level and type of instrumentation.
Maulucci CM, Ghobrial GM, Sharan AD
… +4 more, Harrop JS, Jallo JI, Vaccaro AR, Prasad SK
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25278892
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Study Type Retrospective cohort study. Introduction Craniocervical instability is a surgical disease, most commonly due to rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, erosive pathologies such as tumors and infection, and advanced dege...Study Type Retrospective cohort study. Introduction Craniocervical instability is a surgical disease, most commonly due to rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, erosive pathologies such as tumors and infection, and advanced degeneration. Treatment involves stabilization of the craniovertebral junction by occipitocervical instrumentation and fusion. However, the impact of the fixed occipitocervical angle on surgical outcomes, in particular the need for revision surgery and the incidence of dysphagia, remains unknown. Occipitocervical fusions (OCFs) at a single institution were reviewed to evaluate the relationships between postoperative neck alignment, the need for revision surgery, and dysphagia. Objective The objective of this study is to determine whether an increased posterior occipital cervical angle results in an increase in the need for revision surgery, and secondary, dysphagia. Methods A retrospective review of spinal surgery patients from January 2007 to June 2013 was conducted searching for patients who underwent an occipitocervical instrumented fusion utilizing diagnostic and procedural codes. Specifically, a current procedural code of 22590 (arthrodesis, posterior technique [craniocervical]) was queried, as well those with a description of "craniocervical" or "occipitocervical" arthrodesis. Ideal neck alignment before rod placement was judged by the attending surgeon. A review of all cases for revision surgery or evidence of dysphagia was then conducted. Results From January 2007 to June 2013, 107 patients were identified (31 male, 76 female, mean age 63). Rheumatoid arthritis causing myelopathy was the most common indication for OCF, followed by trauma. Twenty of the patients were lost to follow-up and seven died within the perioperative period. Average follow-up for the remaining 80 patients was 16.4 months. The mean posterior occipitocervical angle (POCA), defined as the angle formed by the intersection of a line drawn tangential to the posterior aspect of the occipital protuberance and a line determined by the posterior aspect of the facets of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae, calculated after stabilization, was 107.1 degrees (range, 72-140 degrees). Reoperation was required in 11 patients (11/107, 10.3%). The mean POCA for the reoperation group was 109.5 degrees (range, 72-123) and was not significantly different than patients not requiring reoperation (106.5, p > 0.05). However, for all pathologies excluding infection as a cause for reoperation, the mean POCA was significantly higher, 115.14 degrees (p = 0.039) (Table 1). Seven patients (6.5%) complained of dysphagia postoperatively with a significantly higher POCA of 115 degrees (p = 0.039). Of these seven patients, six underwent posterior-only procedures. One patient underwent anterior and posterior procedures for a severe kyphotic deformity. The dysphagia resolved in six patients over a mean of 3 weeks (range, 2-4 weeks). One patient, whose surgery was posterior only, required the insertion of a gastrostomy tube. Conclusions An elevated POCA may result in need for reoperation due to increased biomechanical stress upon adjacent segments or the construct itself due to flexion in an attempt to maintain forward gaze. Further, an elevated POCA seems to also correlate with a higher incidence of dysphagia. Further investigation is necessary to determine the ideal craniocervical angle which is likely individualized to a particular patient based on global and regional spinal alignments.
Annis P, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR
… +4 more, Zhang Y, Chen W, Daubs MD, Brodke DS
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25278891
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Study Type Retrospective cohort study. Introduction Acute proximal junctional failure (APJF) was recently defined by the International Spine Study Group as: postoperative fracture of the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV...Study Type Retrospective cohort study. Introduction Acute proximal junctional failure (APJF) was recently defined by the International Spine Study Group as: postoperative fracture of the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) or UIV + 1; UIV implant failure; proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) increase > 15 degrees; or need for proximal extension of the fusion within 6 months of surgery.1 The incidence and revision rates of APJF have been reported to be higher when the UIV is located in the lower thoracolumbar (TL) spine mostly because of high incidence of UIV or UIV + 1 fractures.2 Sagittal deformity overcorrection has been considered as a potential risk factor.34 Objective The purpose of this study is to assess independent predictive factors and timing for revisions of APJF in adult deformity patients with UIV in the TL (T9-L2) spine. Methods Retrospective review of 135 consecutive patients with minimum 2-year follow-up, treated at a single institution for adult spinal deformity, all with UIV in the TL spine (T9-L2). Fusions were divided into three cohorts based on the UIV location (T9-T10 vs. T11-T12 vs. L1-L2). Demographic data were reviewed and radiographic parameters were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, at 6 months and at the final follow-up. Incidence and failure modes of APJF, as well as timing for APJF revision are reported. Risk factors for APJF were assessed with univariate and multivariate regression analysis models. Results A total of 135 consecutive patients were reviewed, with mean follow-up 42 months (24-126). Mean age was 66 years (24-86). There were no differences in the preoperative radiographic parameters between patients in any of the three cohorts with APJF. The incidence of APJF was 38.5%, with a trend toward higher APJF in the T9-T10 group (p = 0.07) (Table 1). When UIV was at T10, the incidence of APJF was 57.1%, significantly higher than the adjacent vertebrae, T9 and T11 (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). The overall revision rate for APJF was 17%, most often for UIV fracture, while PJK > 15 degrees alone had the highest 2 and 5 years survival (100%) (Fig. 1). Univariate analysis revealed preoperative sagittal vertical axis > 5 cm, postoperative PJA > 5 degrees and thoracic kyphosis > 30 degrees, and instrumentation to the pelvis as risk factors for APJF (Table 2). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed postoperative PJA > 5 degrees, and greater correction of lumbar lordosis (LL) as independent risk factors for APJF (Table 3). Conclusion The incidence of APJF in adult deformity patients is high if the UIV is in the lower thoracic or lumbar spine, with a trend toward higher rates when the UIV is at T10. Fracture at the UIV lead to the highest revision rate, while PJK > 15 degrees without fracture or hardware failure had the longest revision-free survival. Postoperative PJA > 5 degrees and greater correction of LL are independent risk factors for APJF.
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25278884
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Study Design Systematic review. Study Rationale As the length of stay after cervical spine surgery has decreased substantially, the feasibility and safety of outpatient cervical spine surgery come into question. Although...Study Design Systematic review. Study Rationale As the length of stay after cervical spine surgery has decreased substantially, the feasibility and safety of outpatient cervical spine surgery come into question. Although minimal length of stay is a targeted metric for quality and costs for medical centers, the safety of outpatient cervical spine surgery has not been clearly defined. Objective The objective of this article is to evaluate the safety of inpatient versus outpatient surgery in the cervical spine for adult patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic degenerative disc disease. Methods A systematic review of the literature was undertaken for articles published through February 19, 2014. Electronic databases and the bibliographies of key articles were searched to identify comparative studies evaluating the safety of inpatient versus outpatient surgery in the cervical spine. Spinal cord stimulation, spinal injections, and diagnostic procedures were excluded. Two independent reviewers assessed the strength of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results Five studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. One study reported low risk of hematoma (0% of outpatients and 1.6% of inpatients). Two studies reported on mortality and both reported no deaths in either group following surgery. Dysphagia risks ranged from 0 to 10% of outpatients and 1.6 to 5% of inpatients, and infection risks ranged from 0 to 1% of outpatients and 2 to 2.8% of inpatients. One study reported that no (0) outpatients were readmitted to the hospital due to a complication, compared with four inpatients (7%). The overall strength of evidence was insufficient for all safety outcomes examined. Conclusion Though the studies in our systematic review did not suggest an increased risk of complication with outpatient cervical spine surgery, the strength of evidence to make a recommendation was insufficient. Further study is needed to more clearly define the role of outpatient cervical spine surgery.
Ramadorai U, Hire J, DeVine JG
… +2 more, Brodt ED, Dettori JR
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25278883
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Study Design Systematic review. Clinical Question What is the prevalence of incidental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the spine in asymptomatic pediatric patients? Methods Electronic databases and reference...Study Design Systematic review. Clinical Question What is the prevalence of incidental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the spine in asymptomatic pediatric patients? Methods Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched up to December 15, 2013, to identify studies reporting the incidence or prevalence of incidental findings on MRI in asymptomatic pediatric patients. Athletes or children with a known history of trauma, infection, or congenital abnormalities were excluded. Results Seven publications, one prospective cohort, and six cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly reported findings on MRI were disc-related and included degenerative disc disease (seven studies, prevalence 19.6%), disc herniation/protrusion (four studies, 2.9%), disc height/narrowed disc space (two studies, 33.7%), and endplate changes (two studies, 5.3%). Other disc-related findings, reported by one study each, included bulging disc, abnormal nucleus shape, annular tear, high intensity zone, and nerve root compression, with prevalences ranging from 4.5 to 51.6%. Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis were reported by one study each with a prevalence of 2.3 and 0%, respectively. Other findings reported included tumors and infections (one study, 0% for both) and Scheuermann-type changes (one study, 7.7%). Conclusions The prevalence of positive MRI findings in the asymptomatic pediatric population is higher than previously assumed, particularly in regard to disc morphology, highlighting the importance of correlating the history and physical examination to the MRI findings to avoid misdiagnosis or over-treatment in the pediatric population.
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25278882
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Study Design Systematic review. Clinical Questions Compared with no stimulation, does electrical stimulation promote bone fusion after lumbar spinal fusion procedures? Does the effect differ based on the type of electric...Study Design Systematic review. Clinical Questions Compared with no stimulation, does electrical stimulation promote bone fusion after lumbar spinal fusion procedures? Does the effect differ based on the type of electrical stimulation used? Methods Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched up to October 15, 2013, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of electrical stimulation to no electrical stimulation on fusion rates after lumbar spinal fusion for the treatment of degenerative disease. Two independent reviewers assessed the strength of evidence using the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Results Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The following types of electrical stimulation were investigated: direct current (three studies), pulsed electromagnetic field (three studies), and capacitive coupling (one study). The control groups consisted of no stimulation (two studies) or placebo (four studies). Marked heterogeneity in study populations, characteristics, and design prevented a meta-analysis. Regardless of the type of electrical stimulation used, cumulative incidences of fusion varied widely across the RCTs, ranging from 35.4 to 90.6% in the intervention groups and from 33.3 to 81.9% in the control groups across 9 to 24 months of follow-up. Similarly, when stratified by the type of electrical stimulation used, fusion outcomes from individual studies varied, leading to inconsistent and conflicting results. Conclusion Given the inconsistency in study results, possibly due to heterogeneity in study populations/characteristics and quality, we are unable to conclude that electrical stimulation results in better fusion outcomes compared with no stimulation. The overall strength of evidence for the conclusions is low.
Aichmair A, Du JY, Shue J
… +7 more, Evangelisti G, Sama AA, Hughes AP, Lebl DR, Burket JC, Cammisa FP, Girardi FP
Evid Based Spine Care J
· 2014 Oct · PMID 25278881
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Design Retrospective case series. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the reoperation rate after microdiscectomy for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in patients with ≥ 5-year follow-up and i...Design Retrospective case series. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the reoperation rate after microdiscectomy for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in patients with ≥ 5-year follow-up and identify demographic, perioperative, and outcome-related differences between patients with and without a reoperation. Methods The medical records, operative reports, and office notes of patients who had undergone microdiscectomy at a single institution between March 1994 and December 2007 were reviewed and long-term follow-up was assessed via a telephone questionnaire. Results Forty patients (M:24, F:16) with an average age at surgery of 39.9 ± 12.5 years (range: 18-80) underwent microdiscectomy at the levels L5-S1 (n = 28, 70%), L4-L5 (n = 9, 22.5%), L3-L4 (n = 2, 5.0%), and L1-L2 (n = 1, 2.5%). After an average of 40.4 ± 40.1 months (range: 1-128), 25% of patients (10/40) required further spine surgery related to the initial microdiscectomy. At an average postoperative follow-up of 11.1 ± 4.0 years (range: 5-19), additional symptoms apart from back and leg pain were reported more frequently by patients who underwent a reoperation (p = 0.005). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in patients who did not undergo a reoperation (p = 0.041). For the Oswestry disability index, pain intensity (p = 0.036), and pain-related sleep disturbances (p = 0.006) were reported to be more severe in the reoperation group. Conclusions Microdiscectomy for the treatment of LDH results in a favorable long-term outcome in the majority of cases. The reoperation rate was higher in our series than reported in previous investigations with shorter follow-up. Although there were no statistically significant pre-/perioperative differences between patients with and without reoperation, our findings suggest a difference in self-reported long-term outcome measures.