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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Comparative Study
Can intermuscular cleavage planes provide proper transverse screw angle? Comparison of two paraspinal approaches.
The goal of this study was to determine which paraspinal approach provided a better transverse screw angle (TSA) for each vertebral level in lower lumbar surgery. ⋯ In the lower lumbar vertebrae (L3-L5) and S1, pedicle screw placement through the Weaver's approach may more easily yield the preferred TSA consistent with TPA than that through the Wiltse's approach. The reference values obtained in this paper may be applied regardless of sex, age or BMI and the descriptive statistical results may be used as references for applying the two paraspinal approaches.
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Prospective evaluation of atlanto-occipital dissociations (AODs) at a level 1 trauma centre within 5 years. ⋯ AOD is a rarely seen injury, even in a level 1 trauma centre, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, it is possible for adults to survive this severe occipito-cervical injury after surgical repair while maintaining the ability to walk. All the results and recommendations are still based on a low level of evidence, due to the low incidence of this injury.
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This study describes a percutaneous technique for C2 transpedicular screw fixation and evaluates its safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with hangman's fracture. ⋯ The fluoroscopically assisted percutaneous C2 transpedicular screw fixation method is a technically feasible and minimally invasive technique for hangman's fracture.
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Case Reports
Postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula: treated by sternocleidomastoid flap repair and cricopharyngeus myotomy.
Pharyngoesophagocutaneous fistula (PEF) is one of the rare but serious complications of antero-lateral approach to cervical spine surgery. Because of its rarity, the true incidence of PEF is not clear. But, retrospective analysis of large series of cervical spine surgery reports 0-1.62 % incidence (Cloward in Surg 69:175-182, 1971; Elerkay et al. in J Neurosurg Spine 90(Suppl 1):35-41, 1999). Proximity to the vertebral column and thin walls makes the upper digestive tract vulnerable to injury in cervical trauma, surgical or nonsurgical. Presentation in early postoperative period is not rare and carries high morbidity and mortality (Jones and Ginsberg in Ann Thorac Surg 53(3):534-543, 1992). Various procedures for these fistulae such as simple closure, muscle flap interposition, esophageal diversion and jejunal interposition are reported. Some authors also advise removal of prosthetic plates and posterior stabilization, besides the repair of fistulae in a staged manner (Orlando et al. in Spine 28(15):E290-E295, 2003). ⋯ This case series highlights the importance of cricopharyngeus myotomy for treating PEF and the improved results with the prosthesis kept undisturbed.
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Case Reports
Treatment strategies for severe C1C2 luxation due to congenital os odontoideum causing tetraplegia.
High-grade C1C2 luxation is a rare pathology. There is no clear evidence as to how to treat this deformity. There is only limited evidence about the different surgical techniques and possible approaches including advantages, disadvantages, and complications. ⋯ Treatment of severe C1C2 luxation is difficult with limited evidence in the literature. The current case shows a successful treatment strategy to reduce the deformity and lists alternative approaches.