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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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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Certain abnormal contact points, appearing like additional joints (pseudofacets) were observed between atlas and axis in a subset of patients with congenital atlantoaxial dislocation (CAAD). The origin, function and bearing on management of such pseudofacets remain largely undetermined. The object is to study 'pseudofacets'or 'accessory joints' in patients with CAAD and to analyze the possible genesis, role and bearing of these on surgery and fusion rates. ⋯ Pseudofacets may be a result of genetic aberration and nature's mechanism to restrict abnormal C1-2 mobility in CAAD by imparting some stability. Their presence hinders the visualization making it difficult to reach upto the true facets, thus a bane. They may require extensive drilling when direct posterior approach is used, thereby disrupting the natural restrictive mechanism. However, the flattened surfaces provide an increased area for postoperative bony fusion between C1 and 2, making their presence a 'boon'.
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Degenerative scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity that can present in some instances with fixed sagittal and coronal imbalance. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is an effective technique that allows correction with a posterior approach. When a combined coronal and sagittal imbalance is present, asymmetric PSOs could be an optimal choice to correct deformity on both planes. ⋯ The few studies present in literature show good results in terms of correction, even if the difficulty of this technique is certain.