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 aimed to identify technique-related factors influencing radiographic and patient-rated outcomes after two-level anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) using either cage or autologous bone, with or without anterior plate fixation (APF). ⋯ Adding APF was associated with greater segmental height and preservation of lordosis in two-level ACDF, especially using bone autograft, but also for cage. Clinical outcome was comparable for all groups. Though the surgical technique per se did not determine clinical outcome, patients achieving a greater segmental height difference showed a significantly better GTO.
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Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumour in children. Metastasis in children to the upper cervical spine are quite rare. ⋯ This is the first report of the use of a trans-oral approach to address a neuroblastoma lesion in the axial spine. This approach was used effectively to achieve local tumour clearance confirmed at 1-year follow-up. Pertinent information to the spinal surgeon on neuroblastoma and the use of the trans-oral approach to the axial spine are discussed.
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Pedicle screw instrumentation provides optimal stabilization of the cervical spine complex, but is associated with risk of neurovascular injury. Sex and ethnic disparities may compromise safe and accurate screw placement. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of pedicle dimensions derived from computed tomography scans is pertinent for our multi-ethnic population. ⋯ Transpedicular screw fixation is generally feasible in our population except for 8 % with at least one PW < 4.00 mm. However, in view of significant sex and ethnic morphometric variability, pre-operative CT evaluation together with image-guided screw placement is highly advised to ensure safety and accuracy.
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Review Meta Analysis
Multi-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) versus single-level CDA for the treatment of cervical disc diseases: a meta-analysis.
Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) was developed to treat cervical degenerated disc diseases with the advantages of preserving the kinematics of the functional spinal unit. However, the safety and reliability of multi-level CDA are still controverted when comparing to the single-level CDA. It has shown unclear benefits in terms of clinical results, functional recovery, heterotopic ossification, and the need for secondary surgical procedures. The purpose of this study is to estimate the effectiveness of multi-level cervical arthroplasty over single-level CDA for the treatment of cervical spondylosis and disc diseases. ⋯ The meta-analysis revealed that the outcomes and functional recovery of patients performed with multi-level CDA are equivalent to those with single-level CDA, which suggests the multi-level CDA is as effective and safe as single-level invention for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. Nonetheless, more well-designed studies with large groups of patients are needed to provide further evidence for the benefit and reliability of multi-level CDA in the treatment of cervical disc diseases.
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The combination of Massive epidural scarring and spinal deformity represents the ultimate challenge for the spinal deformity surgeon. This is observed more and more as the population is aging and the number of spine surgery is increasing. In assessing the patient with spinal deformity and epidural scarring, one should carry out a thorough medical work up including Dexa scan, comorbidities, and in most cases a Myelo-CT scan that will identify the extent of the previous fusion, the fixed or semi-rigid nature of the deformity with complete anterior fusion or only bone bridges, the evaluation of the previous instrumentation (if present) with possible screw misplacement, or halo around the screws, the extent of the previous laminectomy, the spinal stenosis and possible arachnoiditis and or meningocele. ⋯ During the closing of the osteotomy the dura may not be as giving as a normal dura and too aggressive closure of the osteotomy may not be possible. Instead a closing/opening osteotomy may be preferable, but will require an additional anterior column support. Attention to anterior column reconstruction and solid posterior instrumentation (iliac screws, four rods) should be given to all these revisions to have a long-lasting result.