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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We describe cases presenting with progressive thoracic myelopathy after lumbopelvic fusion attributed to proximal junctional vertebral compression fracture (PJF) followed by spinal calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition. ⋯ The combination of mechanical stress plus PJF and CPPD crystal deposition followed by a foreign body reaction to the deposited crystals caused myelopathy. Patients with radiographic evidence of PJF, especially UIV collapse, after lumbopelvic fusion should be followed carefully for the emergence of myelopathy.
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Comparative Study
Comparative analysis of complications of different reconstructive techniques following anterior decompression for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Anterior approach was extensively used in surgical treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Following anterior decompression, many different reconstructive techniques (multilevel ACDF, hybrid construct and long corpectomy) all had satisfied outcomes. However, there are few studies focusing on the comparison of these three reconstructed techniques. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the complications of these three different methods. ⋯ Most of the complications of the three reconstructive techniques subsided gradually after conservative treatment; none of them needed revision surgery. The multilevel ACDF approach has the lowest rate of non-union, but a slightly higher morbidity of the laryngeal nerve-related complication if proximal segments were involved. The long corpectomy approach should be selected prudently because of the high rate of complication.
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Symptomatic thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are uncommon and can be surgically treated. Although transthoracic decompression is considered the gold standard, it is associated with significant comorbidities. In particular, approach via a posterior laminectomy has been associated with poor results. Several strategies have been developed for the resection of TDHs without manipulating the spinal cord. We describe a minimally invasive technique by using 3-D navigation and tubular retractors with the aid of a robotic holder via an oblique paraspinal approach. ⋯ The oblique paraspinal approach may offer an alternative surgical option for treating TDHs.
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Pulsatile movements of the dura mater have been interpreted as a sign that the cord is free within the subarachnoid space, with no extrinsic compression. However, the association between restoration of pulsation and adequate decompression of the spinal cord has not been established. The present study investigated the relationship between the extent of spinal cord decompression and spinal cord and dural pulsations based on quantitative analysis of intraoperative ultrasonography (US). ⋯ The present results suggest that restoration of dural pulsation is not an adequate indicator of sufficient decompression of the spinal cord following a surgical procedure.