European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Review Case Reports
Primary amyloidoma of the axis and acute spinal cord compression: a case report.
Localized primary amyloidosis is a disease characterized by a single tumor and localized amyloid deposit (amyloidoma) with no evidence of generalized amyloidosis. The occurrence of an amyloidoma in the spine is rare and only three cases affecting the axis have been previously reported. We describe the case of a 79-year-old woman presenting with a mass involving the odontoid process, responsible for an acute tetraparesia. Diagnosis of local primary amyloidosis was made after surgical excision. ⋯ Amyloidoma must be discussed in presence of a tumor-like mass of the odontoid process and may be responsible, as in our case, for spinal cord compression.
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The authors report a rare case of type-1 Gaucher disease with neurological and haematological involvement. The first onset was epilepsy, the diagnosis of GD1 was then confirmed and the patient experienced parkinsonism. ⋯ The patient's condition worsened due to cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging and surgery revealed an intra-thecal sacral cyst which, to our knowledge, has not been reported previously; therefore, when confronted with the fractures commonly observed in GD1, other unusual causes of spinal cord and root compression should not be overlooked.
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Comparative Study
Biomechanics of cervical laminoplasty: kinetic studies comparing different surgical techniques, temporal effects and the degree of level involvement.
Laminoplasty is a common surgical technique used to treat cervical myelopathy. Both voids and contradictory information exist in the literature with regard to the initial and long-term biomechanical consequences of cervical laminoplasty. In order to clarify the existing literature, as well as provide clinically useful information, we identified three specific aims: (1) to measure the long-term differences in kinetics between the open door laminoplasty (ODL) and French door laminoplasty (FDL) techniques; (2) to delineate differences in primary and long-term cervical motion after laminoplasty; and (3) to determine whether inclusion of additional levels in the laminoplasty procedure results in a change in immediate cervical biomechanics. ⋯ Finally, the data also suggest that early changes in biomechanics should not be a major factor when considering whether immobilization of the cervical spine is necessary after laminoplasty. In fact, our temporal study, as well as previously reported clinical data, indicates that one should expect significantly decreased intervertebral motion 6 months after laminoplasty. Therefore, early physical therapy should be considered to preserve a more physiologic pattern of cervical range of motion.
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Case Reports
Sacroiliac joint fusion for chronic pain: a simple technique avoiding the use of metalwork.
A previously undescribed method for posterior fusion of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) utilizing the Cloward instrumentation is presented, suitable for cases with chronic pain and intact ligamental structures of the SIJ. The advantages of the method in comparison with other described options include minimal disturbance of the periarticular structures, avoidance of introduction of metalwork and preservation of the iliac crest contour. This technique has been used in five cases with follow-up longer than 2 years (mean 29 months, range 25-41 months). In all cases there was resolution of their painful symtomatology.
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The aim of this study was to improve the management of cervical tumor osteolysis. A new modular rod-screw implant system for the posterior instrumentation of the occipito-cervical, cervical and cervico-thoracic spine (neon occipito cervical system, Ulrich, Germany) is available since 2000. K-wire guided pedicle screws are used, CT-guided instrumentation is possible. Previous studies have demonstrated increased biomechanical stability compared to established posterior cervical systems. ⋯ Posterior instrumentation of the cervical spine including the occipito-cervical and the cervico-thoracic region with a new modular angle-stable rod-screw implant system offers good stabilization and allows simultaneous decompression. Since tumor masses are predominantly located in the anterior portion of the spine blood loss can be reduced.