Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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OBJECTIVE Spinal cord hemangioblastomas are rare benign tumors developing either sporadically or as part of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Generally, resection is the treatment of choice. However, the significance of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) for resection and postoperative outcome is still controversial. ⋯ Additionally, VHL disease was a risk factor affecting functional prognosis (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS Microsurgical removal of spinal cord hemangioblastomas with IONM facilitates a satisfying long-term outcome for patients. Nonpathological IONM findings are associated with a lower risk of new sensorimotor deficits and correlate with a better overall long-term outcome. von Hippel-Lindau disease is a risk factor for a worse long-term prognosis.
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OBJECTIVE Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a progressive disease. An anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) procedure for cervical OPLL is theoretically feasible, as the lesion exists anteriorly; however, such a procedure is considered technically demanding and is associated with serious complications. Cervical laminoplasty is reportedly an effective alternative procedure with few complications; it is recognized as a comparatively safe procedure, and has been widely used as an initial surgery for cervical OPLL. ⋯ The authors think that while the use of revision ACDF must be limited, it is indispensable in special cases, such as progressing myelopathy following posterior surgery due to a very large beak-type OPLL that exceeds the K-line. Postoperative OPLL progression and/or kyphotic changes can possibly cause later neurological deterioration. Fusion should be recommended at the initial surgery for many cases of cervical OPLL to prevent such a challenging revision surgery.
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Observational Study
Open and endovascular treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: a 10-year experience.
OBJECTIVE Vascular malformations of the spine represent rare clinical entities with profound neurological implications. Previously reported studies on management strategies for spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (sDAVFs) appeared before the advent of modern liquid embolic agents. Authors of the present study review their institutional experience with endovascularly and surgically treated sDAVFs. ⋯ Thirty patients (88%) experienced some resolution of their presenting symptoms (embolization 17 [85%], surgery 13 [93%], p = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS Microsurgical occlusion remains the most definitive treatment modality for sDAVFs, though modern endovascular techniques remain a viable option for the initial treatment of anatomically amenable lesions. Treatment of these lesions usually results in some clinical improvement.
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OBJECTIVE The authors investigated whether the presence of intradiscal vacuum phenomenon (IVP) results in greater correction of disc height and restoration of segmental lordosis (SL). METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on every patient at the University of South Florida's Department of Neurosurgery treated with lateral lumbar interbody fusion between 2011 and 2015. From these charts, preoperative plain radiographs and CT images were reviewed for the presence of IVP. ⋯ Significantly increased PDH was associated with the presence of IVP, addition of pedicle screws, and lack of cage subsidence; significantly increased ADH was associated with the presence of IVP, anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) release, addition of pedicle screws, and lack of subsidence; and significantly increased SL was associated with the presence of IVP and ALL release. CONCLUSIONS IVP in patients with degenerative spinal disease remains grossly underreported. The data from the present study suggest that the presence of IVP results in increased restoration of disc height and SL.
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OBJECTIVE Lumbar cages with integrated fixation screws offer a low-profile alternative to a standard cage with anterior supplemental fixation. However, the mechanical stability of integrated fixation cages (IFCs) compared with a cage with anterior plate fixation under fatigue loading has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability of a screw-based IFC with a standard cage coupled with that of an anterior plate under fatigue loading. ⋯ IFC specimens remained significantly (p < 0.01) more rigid than specimens in the intact condition during fatigue for each loading mode, whereas AP+C construct motion did not differ significantly (p ≥ 0.37) in FE and LB and was significantly greater (p < 0.01) in AR motion compared with intact specimens after fatigue. Weak to moderate correlations (R2 ≤ 56%) were observed between T-scores and construct loosening, with lower T-scores leading to decreased stability after fatigue testing. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that a 4-screw IFC design provides fixation similar to that provided by an AP+C construct in FE and LB during fatigue testing and better stability in AR motion.