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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Prophylactic carpal tunnel decompression during buttress plating of the distal radius--is it justified?

Our objective was to evaluate the role of carpal tunnel decompression in preventing median nerve dysfunction after buttress plating of the distal radius. We studied 69 consecutive patients with distal radial fractures managed by volar plating over a 4-year period. (1995-1998). Patients' clinical notes were assessed for symptoms of median nerve dysfunction and all the patients were followed up for a minimum period of 6 months. Twenty-four patients had prophylactic carpal tunnel decompression and 45 patients did not. Forty-two patients (61%) were women and 27 patients (39%) men. The average age of the patients was 56 years, (range 24-81 years). Overall 17 patients (25%) developed median nerve dysfunction post-operatively of which nine patients had and eight patients did not have formal prophylactic tunnel decompression, respectively; this was not statistically significant (P=0.08). In addition prophylactic decompressed patients had more than twice the relative odds=2.7 (confidence interval: CI=0.94-4.76) of developing median nerve dysfunction. All cases resolved spontaneously except for three cases that required carpal tunnel decompression. We conclude that prophylactic median nerve decompression does not alter the course of median nerve dysfunction and may increase post-operative morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Vascular tunnel creation to improve the efficacy of decompressive craniotomy in post-traumatic cerebral edema and ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Decompressive craniectomy with durotomy has been well described but remains a controversial treatment for traumatic or ischemic brain swelling. Although the technique can reduce intracranial pressure it frequently results in infarction of the brain tissue which extends through the durotomy because of compression and subsequent complications associated with decompressive craniectomy. METHODS: All patients treated with surgical decompression were comatose with Grade 3 or 4 Glasgow Coma Scores. Since 1998 we have changed our technique for decompressive craniectomy by creating vascular channels around the major vessels crossing the durotomy margin. Outcomes in 21 patients treated with this technique are compared to 20 patients treated with a conventional decompression and durotomy between 1997 through 1999. RESULTS: Clinical outcome was substantially better in the group treated with a vascular tunnel. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that placing vascular tunnels at the margins of a durotomy when performing a decompression may reduce vascular congestion and the subsequent ischemia in brain tissue which herniates through the durotomy, leading to better clinical outcomes.

Brain Edema↗
PubMed2001

Follow-up of transnasal orbital decompression in severe Graves' ophthalmopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transnasal orbital decompression for severe Graves' ophthalmopathy. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series with extended clinical follow-up. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-eight consecutive subjects who were operated on for compressive optic neuropathy with loss of visual acuity or visual field defects after failure of medical and radiation therapy. INTERVENTION: Strictly transnasal, endoscopic-controlled bilateral decompression of the medial and inferomedial wall of the orbit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Preoperative and postoperative examination, including vision, Hertel exophthalmometry, ocular motility, visual fields, Goldmann perimetry, and notification of complications, intranasal signs of inflammation, and subjects' assessment of the procedure. RESULTS: One hundred forty-five endonasal decompressions were performed on 78 subjects (63 women, 15 men, 52.2 +/- 10.3 years) during a 10-year period. Sixty five patients were bilaterally operated on; 15 required only unilateral decompression. Four of 78 needed repeat surgery. Visual acuity increased from a preoperative average of 0.50 +/- 0.27 (range, 0.01-1.25) to 0.75 +/- 0.21 (range, 0.01-1.25) postoperatively. An average reduction of proptosis of 3.94 +/- 2.73 mm (range, -1.0-11.0 mm) was achieved with a mean preoperative Hertel measurement of 22.19 +/- 3.13 mm (range, 15-34 mm). Ocular motility was corrected by recession of the medial rectus muscle in 58 of 78 cases. Twenty-six of these 58 cases were simultaneously operated on in the same surgical session immediately after the transnasal decompression, and the others after a period of 2 to 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The transnasal orbital decompression procedure improved vision, decreased proptosis in a range comparable to more invasive techniques, and had favorable cosmetic results without additional disfiguration by scars. Morbidity was far less than with other approaches. Postdecompression strabismus was successfully managed by recession of both medial orbital muscles in the same surgical session.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Bilateral simultaneous orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy with a combined endoscopic and Caldwell-Luc approach.

Graves' orbitopathy can lead to cosmetic deformity, orbital pain, and visual impairment. Surgical intervention can improve proptosis, cosmetic appearance of the eyelids, vision, and orbital pain with minimal morbidity. Ten patients with dysthyroid orbitopathy underwent concurrent bilateral orbital decompressions. Of these, 9 underwent simultaneous bilateral endoscopic and transantral decompressions, and 1 had only bilateral endoscopic decompressions. Medical management of keratopathy was attempted before surgery. All patients were previously treated with radioiodine and high-dose corticosteroids, and 2 patients had prior low-dose orbital irradiation. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, color vision testing, and measurement of proptosis were recorded for all patients. In addition, photographs and CT scans of the orbit and sinuses were done. After surgery, visual acuity improved in 8 patients and remained unchanged in 2 patients. Diplopia in the primary and downward gaze improved in 1 patient and remained unchanged in the 3 others who had it before surgery. Color vision deficits in the blue/yellow range were present in 8 patients before surgery and all reversed within 2 weeks after surgery. Proptosis decreased by an average of 4.83 mm (range 4-7 mm) in patients undergoing the combined decompression and decreased by 4 mm in the 1 patient who had the endoscopic decompression only. Ethmoid sinusitis developed in 1 patient but resolved with oral antibiotics, and another patient had an asymmetric result requiring additional unilateral surgery, which corrected the asymmetry. Overall, this approach avoids external incisions and allows excellent visualization in the regions of the orbital apex and ethmoid roof, facilitating maximal decompression without the increased risk of bleeding or visual disturbances.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Effect of experimentally induced urethral obstruction and surgical decompression in utero on renal development and function in rabbits.

To investigate the effect of urethral obstruction during late fetal life on renal development and function, we developed a rabbit fetal model of obstructive nephropathy to examine the pathological and biochemical consequences of urethral obstruction and beneficial effects of early surgical decompression. Animals were divided into four groups, i.e., obstructed, early decompressed, late decompressed, and control. Fetal renal development was evaluated by histological examination and counting the number of glomeruli in the four groups. The number of renal glomeruli correlated with gestational age in the normal fetus (r = 0.90, P < 0.0001). Urethral ligation on gestational day 25 (full-term, 31 days) resulted in thinning of the renal cortex and significantly decreased the number of renal glomeruli. The concentration of urinary microalbumin was higher when urethral obstruction was maintained for 3 days than 1 day after urethral obstruction, although urinary beta2- microglobulin, Na, Cl, and osmotic pressure did not change during this period. Decompression of urethral obstruction 1 day after induction of urethral obstruction resulted in improvement in the severity glomerular hypoplasia compared with late decompression (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that the rabbit fetal model simulates fetal urethral obstruction in humans, and indicates that early surgical decompression may be effective in restoration of normal renal function.

Albuminuria↗
PubMed2006

Transforniceal lateral deep bone decompression--a modified technique to prevent postoperative diplopia in patients with disfiguring exophthalmos due to dysthyroid orbitopathy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Postoperative diplopia remains a significant complication of orbital decompression in dysthyroid orbitopathy. This study evaluated the results of orbital decompression treatment using a transforniceal approach to sculpt the lateral orbital deep bone area. METHODS: The two areas of bone in the deep lateral orbit (the basin of the inferior orbital fissure and the sphenoid door jamb) were exposed using a transforniceal swinging eyelid approach. An electric drill was used to sculpt these deep bone areas of the lateral orbit, and approximately 1 mL intraconal fat was removed simultaneously. Between October 1999 and March 2003, transforniceal lateral deep bone decompression was performed in 35 consecutive patients (62 orbits) with disfiguring dysthyroid orbitopathy. Data on proptosis reduction effect, new-onset diplopia and other complications of lateral wall decompression were analyzed. RESULTS: The average preoperative Hertel value was 21.2 +/- 1.3 mm (range, 18-23 mm) and decreased to 17.4 +/- 1.2 mm (range, 15-19.5 mm) postoperatively. The mean decrease in proptosis 3 months postoperatively was 3.8 +/- 0.91 mm (range, 1.5-4.6 mm). New-onset downgaze diplopia occurred in two (5.7%) of the 35 patients. Persistent trigeminal paresthesia was noted in one patient (2.8%). No cerebrospinal fluid leak, globe injury or vision deterioration was noted during 9.5 +/- 1.7 months of follow-up. The cosmetic appearance was improved in all patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: Transforniceal lateral deep bone decompression produces less new-onset, persistent diplopia than traditional inferomedial wall decompression, and provides good cosmesis by using a hidden small incisional wound. This approach appears to be a safe and effective procedure for patients with disfiguring exophthalmos, especially for Asian patients without crease fold.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The sphenoidal sinus in optic nerve decompression.

Surgical decompression of the orbit may be necessary in dysthyroid patients with compressive optic neuropathy. Two-wall decompression with a trans-antral or a trans-conjunctival approach is commonly used. However, in some patients the initial improvement following this surgical procedure is not maintained. Although this may be due to disease progression, a variant of orbital anatomy can contribute to sub-optimal decompression. We report three cases in which recurrence of compressive optic neuropathy occurred following two-wall decompression. The sphenoidal sinus was placed anteriorly in these patients. Further decompression which included the lateral wall of the sphenoidal sinus resulted in improvement. An endoscopic approach provides superior access and visibility for decompression of the optic nerve into the sphenoidal sinus, and this approach may be the surgical treatment of choice in these cases.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Serosal injury in the equine jejunum and ascending colon after ischemia-reperfusion or intraluminal distention and decompression.

OBJECTIVE: To document morphologic changes that occur in equine intestinal serosa after experimentally induced ischemia and subsequent reperfusion (jejunum, ascending colon) or after intraluminal distention and decompression (jejunum). STUDY DESIGN: Morphologic effects of ischemia-reperfusion or intraluminal distention-decompression determined on the serosal layer of the equine jejunum. The large colon serosa was evaluated after ischemia-reperfusion injury. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Seven adult horses. METHODS: After induction of general anesthesia and ventral median celiotomy, ischemia was created by arteriovenous (AVO) and lumen occlusion of a 20-cm segment of jejunum and ascending colon for 70 minutes, followed by a 60-minute reperfusion period. Intraluminal distention (25 cm H2O) was created in a second 20-cm jejunal segment and maintained within the abdomen for 120 minutes, followed by a 120-minute decompression period. Seromuscular biopsies were obtained upon entering the abdomen and after the ischemic and reperfusion periods, and after the distention and decompression periods along with corresponding control seromuscular biopsies. Samples were processed and examined by light microscopy, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Ischemia and reperfusion, and intraluminal distention and decompression, resulted in severe morphologic changes in the seromuscular layer of equine jejunum. A similar period of ischemia-reperfusion caused minimal changes in the ascending colon serosa. CONCLUSION: Adult equine jejunum sustains more serosal damage than the ascending colon after similar periods of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Intraluminal distention and subsequent decompression causes serosal damage in the equine jejunum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The small intestine is more susceptible to seromuscular layer damage than the ascending colon.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prognostic indicators for time to ambulation after surgical decompression in nonambulatory dogs with acute thoracolumbar disk extrusions: 112 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To determine prognostic indicators for time to ambulation after surgical decompression in nonambulatory dogs with intact pain sensation and acute Hansen type-1 disk extrusions. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: One-hundred twelve dogs with Hansen type-I disk extrusions that had decompressive hemilaminectomy or dorsal laminectomy. METHODS: All dogs had thoracolumbar disk extrusion and were nonambulatory with intact pain sensation at admission. Variables considered included age, weight, voluntary motor function at time of anesthetic induction, glucocorticoid use, times from onset of nonambulatory status to admission and surgical decompression, time in hospital to surgical decompression, anesthetic time, surgical time, number of contrast injections required to perform a diagnostic myelogram, postoperative pain sensation, and postoperative voluntary motor function. Time to ambulation was defined as the number of days from surgical decompression until the dog was able to stand and take a series of steps without assistance. RESULTS: One-hundred seven dogs (96%) were able to ambulate within 3 months. The mean time to ambulation was 12.9 days and was significantly shorter if dogs had postoperative voluntary motor function (7.9 days v 16.4 days, P <.0001). No other variable had a significant association with time to ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Few perioperative variables have prognostic value for return to ambulation. Nonambulatory dogs with intact pain sensation and Hansen type-1 disk extrusions in the thoracolumbar spine that are treated with surgical decompression have a favorable prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presence of postoperative voluntary motor function is a favorable prognostic indicator for early return to ambulation.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

Fully endoscopic vascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve.

Microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve is an accepted and effective means of treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia in whom compression of the nerve by a vascular structure is implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. The current standard technique uses the binocular operating microscope for all intra-operative visualization. Posterior fossa endoscopy has demonstrated that the endoscope provides more comprehensive views of the anatomy of the cerebellopontine angle than does the operating microscope. To date, endoscopy has only been used to supplement microscopy in cranial nerve decompression surgery. In this report, we describe our completely endoscopic surgical technique as we present the case of a patient with trigeminal neuralgia who underwent successful vascular decompression by this approach. Using this technique the offending vessel was separated from the nerve with minimal brain retraction or dissection of surrounding structures. This report represents the first documented case where the endoscope was used as the exclusive imaging modality for decompression of the trigeminal nerve. From our experience we conclude that the endoscope's superior visualization more accurately identifies neurovascular conflicts, and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the completeness of the decompression. Additionally, this new method minimizes the risks of brain retraction and extensive dissection often required for microscopic exposure. From this study we conclude that completely endoscopic vascular decompression represents the next step forward in the safe and effective surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Biomechanical rationale of endoscopic decompression for lumbar spondylolysis as an effective minimally invasive procedure - a study based on the finite element analysis.

We evaluated the biomechanical behavior of the endoscopic decompression for lumbar spondylolysis using the finite element technique. An experimentally validated, 3-dimensional, non-linear finite element model of the intact L3 - 5 segment was modified to create the L4 bilateral spondylolysis and left-sided endoscopic decompression. The model of Gill's laminectomy (conventional decompression surgery of the spondylolysis) was also created. The stress distributions in the disc and endplate regions were analyzed in response to 400 N compression and 10.6 Nm moment in clinically relevant modes. The results were compared among three models. During the flexion motion, the pressure in the L4/5 nucleus pulposus was 0.09, 0.09 and 0.16 (MPa) for spondylolysis, endoscopic decompression and Gill's procedure, respectively. The corresponding stresses in the annulus fibrosus were 0.65, 0.65 and 1.25 (MPa), respectively. The stress at the adjoining endplates showed an about 2-fold increase in the Gill's procedure compared to the other two models. The stress values for the endoscopic and spondylolysis models were of similar magnitudes. In the other motions, i. e., extension, lateral bending, or axial rotation, the results were similar among all of the models. These results indicate that the Gill's procedure may lead to an increase in intradiscal pressure (IDP) and other biomechanical parameters after the surgery during flexion, whereas the endoscopic decompression did not change the segment mechanics after the surgery, as compared to the spondylolysis alone case. In conclusion, endoscopic decompression of the spondylolysis, as a minimally invasive surgery, does not alert mechanical stability by itself.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2000

Utility of decompressive surgery in the prophylaxis and treatment of cisplatin neuropathy in adult rats.

Cisplatin produces a dose-dependent and dose-limiting peripheral neuropathy in patients. This study tested the hypothesis that this clinical neuropathy results from the chronic compression of peripheral nerves rendered susceptible to injury because of cisplatin-induced microtubular dysfunction. A quantitative model of cisplatin neurotoxicity was developed by administering cisplatin to rats and measuring the neuropathy by hindlimb walking track assay. The study aims were: (1) to characterize neuropathy induced by cisplatin in the adult rat; (2) to evaluate the role of decompressive surgery in the prevention of cisplatin neuropathy; and (3) to determine whether decompressive surgery was an effective treatment for established neuropathy. The assay demonstrated an increased print length in animals after 8 weeks of cisplatin (p < 0.01). This neuropathy progressed for 6 weeks after cisplatin was stopped, and reversed slowly over 3 months. These abnormalities were prevented by early tarsal tunnel decompression. Decompressive surgery was also beneficial, if performed early in the course of the neuropathy; abnormalities reversed in 5 weeks and remained normal for the remainder of the study. Control animals had progressive abnormalities which slowly resolved over a period of 18 weeks after discontinuing cisplatin. However, decompressive surgery performed after the neuropathy was established did not alter the neuropathic walking-track pattern. These studies provide insight into the etiology and possible therapeutic approaches to cisplatin neuropathy. Although further studies are required, they suggest that, in selected patients, decompressive surgery may have a role in the prevention or early treatment of cisplatin-induced neuropathy. Patients with underlying clinical or subclinical compressive neuropathies could be at high risk for the development of cisplatin neuropathy, and quantitative monitoring of neuropathies may be useful.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of results of 500 microdiscectomies and 500 percutaneous laser disc decompression procedures for lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to analyze the neurosurgical results of 500 patients treated with microdiscectomies and 500 patients treated with percutaneous laser disc decompression. BACKGROUND DATA: It has been suggested in the literature that percutaneous laser disc decompression might be considered a serious and valid alternative to microdiscectomy in the treatment of patients with discogenic pain caused by herniated lumbar disc. METHODS: Patients with herniated discs were treated by microdiscectomy (n = 500) according to the Caspar technique, and patients with discogenic pain were treated with percutaneous laser disc decompression (n = 500) according to the Choy technique. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were the same for both groups of patients. Age, gender distribution, multiple levels involved, and associated pathologies were not statistically different. The results were evaluated for both groups with the MacNab criteria. The follow-up period was 2 years (+/-1 year). RESULTS: In the microdiscectomy group, 85.6% of patients (n = 428) had a good or excellent outcome; in the percutaneous laser disc decompression group, 83.8% of patients (n = 419) had a good or excellent outcome. Complications occurred in 2.2% (n = 11) in the microdiscectomy group and in 0% in the percutaneous laser disc decompression group. CONCLUSION: The analysis of results for the two groups supports the conclusion that percutaneous laser disc decompression is a safe, minimally invasive, and strong alternative treatment to microdiscectomy in patients affected by herniated discs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Histopathology and ultrastructural examination of optic nerve sheath biopsies after optic nerve sheath decompression with and without mitomycin.

PURPOSE: We chose to compare histologically and ultrastructurally changes in the optic nerve sheath after optic nerve sheath decompression, initially after a second surgery and after treatment with mitomycin-C. The mechanism by which optic nerve sheath decompression alleviates papilledema can be further understood in consideration of the results. METHODS: Tissue was obtained by biopsy from 3 first-time surgical and 4 reoperative cases with and without mitomycin-C in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The sheaths were fixed in a mixture of 2% paraformaldehyde and 2% glutaraldehyde, osmicated and dehydrated in a series of ethanol, and finally embedded in epon. Tissue blocks were sectioned at 1 microm and stained with both PPD and toluidine blue. Thin sections were examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Normal meningeal tissue obtained at the time at optic nerve sheath decompression consisted mainly of collagen, closely packed and roughly parallel to the axis of the optic nerve. Collagen deposition seen in scar tissue after secondary optic nerve sheath decompression was extremely disorganized and irregular, with the individual fibers laid down seemingly at random. There was little sense of layering or of parallel arrays. Mitomycin-C appeared to influence collagen deposition in such a way that the collagen was more regularly packed and more closely resembled unoperated tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The regular well-organized collagen packing seen in normal sheath tissue is disrupted and replaced by less organized but compact scar tissue after optic nerve sheath decompression. With mitomycin use, more regular collagen packing closely approximating that found in unoperated sheath occurs. This configuration of fibers lends support for the filtration mechanism of optic nerve sheath decompression in treating papilledema.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗
PubMed1999

Transient hyperemia immediately after rapid decompression of chronic subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: Intracerebral hemorrhage occurring after removal of a chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) is a rare but usually devastating postoperative complication. In patients with CSH, we determined cerebral blood flow immediately after surgical decompression to clarify the pathogenic mechanism of this complication. METHODS: In 22 patients with unilateral CSH, a catheter was inserted into the hematoma cavity through a single burr hole without leakage of the contents. Cerebral blood flow was measured using single-photon emission computed tomography 1 day before surgery, immediately after rapid decompression by opening the catheter, and 3 days after surgery. RESULTS: Single-photon emission computed tomography imaging immediately after decompression demonstrated areas of hyperemia in nine patients (41%). In all nine patients, hyperemia was observed in the cortex beneath the CSH, and it disappeared on the 3rd postoperative day. The patients with hyperemia were significantly older than those without hyperemia. Other variables, including preoperative cerebral blood flow, intrahematoma pressure before decompression, and mean arterial blood pressure during decompression had no significant effect on the occurrence of hyperemia. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients, rapid decompression of CSH frequently results in transient hyperemia in the cerebral cortex beneath the hematoma.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Quantitative assessment of surgical decompression of the cervical spine with cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: We measured cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity by use of cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging to quantitate the effectiveness of surgical decompression in patients with cervical myelopathy. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with cervical myelopathy attributable to either spondylosis or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were studied. Thirty-five patients underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion; 12 others underwent expansive laminoplasty. Patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively by use of a 1.5-T scanner with a pulse-gated cine phase contrast sequence. Cerebrospinal fluid flow direction and velocity in the ventral subarachnoid space were determined at the C1 and T1 levels. Forty-four healthy control subjects were examined to determine normal flow velocity parameters. Severity of cervical myelopathy was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by use of Japan Orthopedic Association scores to calculate the extent of recovery. RESULTS: Preoperatively, cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity in the caudal direction was significantly lower at both C1 and T1 than velocities measured in healthy controls. Both decompressive procedures essentially returned patient velocities to control values. Clinical recovery from myelopathy did not differ between anterior and posterior decompression. Postoperative increase in flow velocity correlated with clinical recovery after posterior (P < 0.0008) but not anterior decompression. CONCLUSION: Cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging provides quantitative assessment of cervical spine decompression, with particularly good clinical applicability to posterior procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Morphologic limitations of posterior decompression by midsagittal splitting method for myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of the morphologic limitations of posterior decompression for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine. OBJECTIVES: To determine the morphologic limitations of the posterior approach in the management of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Thirty-eight patients who underwent laminoplasty by midsagittal splitting for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were reviewed. Fifteen patients were included in the noncontact group, in which the spinal cord was free of the ossified lesion after posterior decompression. Twenty-three patients were included in the contact group, in which the spinal cord was not free of the ossified lesion even after posterior decompression. METHODS: The preoperative sagittal alignment of the cervical spine and preoperative maximal thickness of ossification were compared between the two groups. In addition, the morphologic limitations of posterior decompression for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were investigated. RESULTS: The following factors were found to contribute significantly to contact between the spinal cord and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament after posterior decompression: 1) lordosis of less than 10 degrees or kyphosis in the preoperative sagittal alignment, and 2) preoperative maximal thickness of ossification of more than 7 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who exhibit significant risk factors for continued contact of the spinal cord should be morphologically considered for anterior decompression.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Tortuous course of the vertebral artery and anterior cervical decompression: a cadaveric and clinical case study.

STUDY DESIGN: Both the cadaveric and clinical examples of anomalous vertebral artery courses are described. The incidence of this anomaly in the general population and recognition, complications, and treatment options for these patients when undergoing anterior cervical decompression are discussed. OBJECTIVES: Cadaveric study: In this study vertebral artery's course through the cervical spine in the adult population was analyzed. The relation between an abnormal vertebral artery course and surgical landmarks are described. Clinical study: Complications and alternative treatment methods for decompression in patients with the anomaly are described. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The incidence of anomalous vertebral artery course is low, but failure to recognize a medially located vertebral artery may result in a life-threatening iatrogenic injury during decompression. Neither the relation between the vertebral arteries and the surgical landmarks nor the guidelines for decompression in the face of a tortuous vertebral artery have been well described. METHODS: Transverse foramens of the cervical spine were measured in 222 cadaveric spines. The measurements were taken describing the relation between transverse foramens and other surgical landmarks. Three patients with anomalies were identified in clinical practice. The complications and treatment options are identified in these patients. RESULTS: In the cadaveric specimens, a 2.7% incidence of tortuous vertebral artery course was identified. In these abnormal specimens, the transverse foramen was located an average of 0.14 mm medial to the joint of Luschka. In one patient, the abnormal course of the vertebral artery was recognized after laceration of the artery during a routine corpectomy. Anomalies in the other two patients were recognized before surgery, and the patients underwent modified anterior decompression by combining a discectomy at the anomalous level with a corpectomy at other levels. Vertebral artery ectasia is identifiable on axial magnetic resonance or computed tomographic images. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant vertebral artery is rare. Preoperative recognition and appropriate modification of anterior decompression can yield excellent clinical results without risking significant complications.

Cadaver↗