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PubMed2002

An in vitro human cadaveric study investigating the biomechanical properties of the thoracic spine.

STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro human cadaveric study comparing the effects of anterior and posterior sequential destabilization conditions on thoracic functional unit mechanics was studied. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the biomechanical properties of the human thoracic spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies have addressed the mechanical role of the costovertebral joints under torsion in the stability of the human thoracic spine. METHODS: Sixteen functional spinal units with intact costovertebral joints were obtained from six human cadavers and randomized into two groups based on destabilization procedures: Group 1, anterior to posterior sequential resection; and Group 2, posterior to anterior sequential destabilization. Biomechanical testing was performed after each destabilization procedure, and the range of motion under maximum load was calculated. RESULTS: Group 1: Under flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation loading, discectomy increased the range of motion by 193%, 74%, and 111%, respectively. Moreover, subsequent right rib head resection further increased the range of motion by 81%, 84%, and 72%, respectively. Group 2: Under all loading conditions laminectomy + medial facetectomy resulted in a 22-30% increase in range of motion. Subsequent total facetectomy led to an additional 15-28% increase in range of motion. CONCLUSION: The rib head joints serve as stabilizing structures to the human thoracic spine in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes. In anterior scoliosis surgery additional rib head resection after discectomy may achieve greater curve and rib hump correction. The lateral portion of the facet joints plays an important role in providing spinal stability and should be preserved to minimize postoperative kyphotic deformity and segmental instability when performing decompressive wide laminectomy.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

The clinical efficacy of piroxicam fast-dissolving dosage form for postoperative pain control after simple lumbar spine surgery: a double-blinded randomized study.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of piroxicam fast-dissolving dosage form in reducing postoperative pain after simple lumbar spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many reports mention the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug for relieving postoperative pain, but study still is lacking on their use in spine surgery. METHODS: For this study, 50 patients who underwent discectomy or one-level laminectomy were randomly sampled into two groups: 21 patients in the placebo control group and 29 patients in the study group. In addition to a normal postoperative analgesic regimen, each patient received placebo or piroxicam fast-dissolving dosage form (2 tablets administered sublingually 1 to 3 hours before surgery). This regimen was repeated with 2 tablets after 24 hours, then 1 tablet after 48 hours. Postoperative pain was evaluated every 6 hours by a visual analog scale for 3 days. The amount of morphine usage was measured on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Postoperative variables such as blood loss, length of wound, and time of operation also were recorded. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups with respect to age, weight, height, gender, and type of operation. The postoperative pain of the study group, as measured by visual analog scale, showed significant improvement (P < 0.05) during the postoperative period 12 to 42 hours after surgery. The study group used less morphine, but their usage showed no significant difference on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. When the visual analog scale between the types of operation was compared, the scale for the discectomy group was better than that for the laminectomy group. The results of the postoperative variables showed no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative blood loss, length of wound, and time of operation. CONCLUSIONS: Sublingual administration of piroxicam fast-dissolving dosage form after simple spine surgery is effective and efficient in relief of postoperative pain. Because of its low side effects and high toleration, piroxicam fast-dissolving dosage form may be considered as an alternative for postoperative pain control during the early postoperative period.

Administration, Sublingual↗
PubMed2002

The role of fluoroscopy in cervical epidural steroid injections: an analysis of contrast dispersal patterns.

STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter, retrospective analysis of cervical epidurograms. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of the loss of resistance (LOR) technique in identifying the cervical epidural space. To delineate the pattern of epidural contrast spread during cervical epidural steroid injections. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that if performed without fluoroscopy, the LOR technique can result in inaccurate needle placement in up to 30% of lumbar epidural steroid injections. To date, no study has examined accuracy of LOR technique and pattern of radiographic contrast spread in cervical epidural levels. METHODS: Epidurograms of 38 cervical epidural steroid injections in 31 patients were reviewed. The number of LOR attempts and pattern of contrast spread was analyzed. The effects of age, gender, MRI results, previous cervical laminectomy, and the physician's level of training were correlated with results. RESULTS: The authors found a 53% rate of false LOR during the first attempt to enter the epidural space. Unilateral epidural contrast spread was found in 51% and ventral epidural spread was found in 28% of cases. The average number of cervical vertebral levels covered with 2 mL of contrast was 3.14, with significantly wider spread noted in those patients who had not undergone previous cervical laminectomy. Other variables did not influence the accuracy of needle placement and pattern of epidural contrast spread. CONCLUSIONS: The loss of resistance technique may not be an adequate method for ensuring accurate needle placement in blindly performed cervical epidural injections. The use of epidurography can improve the accuracy of needle placement and medication delivery to targeted areas of pathology.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Spinal anesthesia for nonpulmonary surgery in a lung transplant recipient.

The anesthetic implications for patients requiring anesthesia for surgery after lung transplantation have not been thoroughly studied. The use of spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy has been well described. This case demonstrates the use of spinal anesthesia for lumbar laminectomy in a patient who had previously undergone a bilateral lung transplantation. Spinal anesthesia was used to minimize the risk of respiratory complications such as aspiration, atelectasis, and pneumonia that may be associated with administration of a general anesthetic.

Anesthesia, Spinal↗
PubMed2001

Inhalation versus total intravenous anesthesia for lumbar disc herniation: comparison of hemodynamic effects, recovery characteristics, and cost.

The clinical effects, recovery characteristics, and costs of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), sevoflurane, and isoflurane anesthesia have been measured in various out-patient operations, but have not been evaluated in patients undergoing laminectomy or discectomy. In the current study, the authors assessed the hemodynamic characteristics, recovery, and cost analyzes after laminectomy and discectomy operations, comparing TIVA, sevoflurane, and isoflurane anesthesia. Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 20 patients. Group I received propofol-alfentanil, Group 2 received sevoflurane-N2O, and Group 3 received isoflurane-N2O. At the end of surgery, the anesthetics were discontinued, and recovery from anesthesia was assessed by measuring the time until spontaneous eye opening and the time until response to verbal commands. The drug and delivery costs were calculated in United States dollars. No significant differences were found in the demographic data. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after induction of anesthesia in the TIVA group, compared to the two other groups ( P < .05 for both comparisons). The fastest recovery was seen in the TIVA group. Incidences of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain were significantly reduced after TIVA ( P < .05 for both comparisons). Thus, TIVA patients required fewer additional drugs and showed the lowest additional costs in the post-anesthesia care unit. However, the total cost was significantly higher in the TIVA group than in the sevoflurane and isoflurane groups (52.73 dollars, 29.99 dollars, and 24.14 dollars, respectively) ( P < .05). Total intravenous anesthesia was associated with the highest intraoperative cost but provided the most rapid recovery from anesthesia, and the least frequent postoperative side effects.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Buprenorphine-soaked absorbable gelatin sponge: an alternative method for postlaminectomy pain relief.

There have been several reports of instillation of buprenorphine in the intact epidural space in an attempt to control postoperative pain, but none in which an absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with buprenorphine is placed directly in the epidural space. In the present study, carried out on 30 patients (study group) undergoing noncervical laminectomies, 0.3 mg buprenorphine diluted to 5 mL with normal saline soaked into an absorbable gelatin sponge was placed in the epidural space under direct vision. In 30 other patients (control group) undergoing laminectomies, absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with 5 mL normal saline was placed in the epidural space. Pulse rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, pain score by visual analog scale, duration of analgesia, and adverse effects, if any, were noted preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. The presence of any neurologic symptoms was also assessed at these time intervals as well as on the seventh postoperative day. The authors observed that changes in pulse rate, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory rate were not statistically significant between the control and the study groups. The pain relief score, duration of pain relief (14.8 +/- 0.77 hours in the study group vs. 0.66 +/- 0.15 hours in the control group), and sedation were significantly better in the study group. No patient demonstrated any respiratory depression (respiratory rate <12/min), bradycardia, pruritus, or neurologic pressure symptoms, although the incidence of nausea was higher in the study group.

Absorption↗
PubMed2002

Paraparesis in a black man brought on by ossification of the ligamentum flavum: case report and review of the literature.

We present the second case of paraparesis secondary to ossification of the ligamentum flavum at the midthoracic region in a black man. Ossification of the ligamentum flavum is frequently described in the Japanese population where the presentation is often in the lower thoracic region. The patient is a 37-year-old black man who, over the 6 months before admission, noticed progressive paraparesis. CT myelogram revealed severe thoracic stenosis by an ossified ligamentum flavum from T4 to T7 with most severe involvement at the T5, T6, and T7 levels. The patient underwent multilevel laminectomies and medial facetectomies from T4 to T7. Over the past decade, ossification of the ligamentum flavum has been reported with increasing frequency in non-Asian patients. This is the third case report in a black man. In addition, ossification of the ligamentum flavum in this particular location is rarely reported. The increased use of advanced neuroimaging techniques in the evaluation of "back pain" may reveal that the prevalence of this condition is higher than expected in non-Asian populations. Improvement in neurologic symptoms secondary to decompressive laminectomies will depend on the degree and duration of spinal cord compression.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Relationship of cervical spinal rootlets and the inferior vertebral notch.

The anatomic features of cervical spinal rootlets from C5 to T1 and their relationships to the inferior vertebral notches were studied. Fifteen fresh cadavers were dissected and the cervical spinal cord and spinal rootlets were exposed by posterior total laminectomy. The dorsal rootlet entry zone of each spinal root was located proximal to the inferior vertebral notch, with an increasing distance from 15 mm at C5 to 28 mm at T1. The angle sustained by the rootlets to the cord decreased from 45 degrees to 89 degrees at C5 and to 23 degrees to 41 degrees at T1. Ventral rootlet exit zones shared similar arrangements and orientations, but they could not be exposed with posterior laminectomy only. Spinal rootlets of a particular cervical spinal segment may be found medial to the pedicles or through the intervertebral foramen one level above. They may be exposed by foraminotomy or partial excision of the pedicles. The inferior vertebral notch, which is the inferior border of the pedicle, is a reliable landmark for location of the rootlets. The information is useful for safe surgical manipulation and instrumentation around the pedicles, and when reimplantation of spinal nerve roots is considered for total brachial palsy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Acute neurologic deficit associated with a posterior cervical drain: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive. OBJECTIVES: To document a rare complication involving the use of a wound drain after cervical laminectomy. SUMMARY OF THE BACKGROUND DATA: No previous reports describe spinal cord compression by a surgical drain resulting in a neurologic deficit. Most texts recommend the use of a drain following this procedure. METHODS: An 80-year-old female underwent cervical laminectomy for myelopathy with initial improvement in symptoms. Approximately 6 hours following surgery, she developed acute onset of quadriparesis when repositioning in bed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cord compression by the surgical drain, which was immediately removed. RESULTS: The patient experienced partial improvement of the neurologic deficit. At 18-month follow-up, left handed weakness, left leg spasticity, and neurogenic bladder persist. CONCLUSION: The development of neurologic deficits due to compression by a surgical drain can occur. This complication might be avoided by approximating the neck musculature before placement of the drain and closure of the fascia.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

Prevention of postlaminectomy epidural fibrosis using bioelastic materials.

STUDY DESIGN: The use of elastic protein-based polymers for the prevention of epidural fibrosis following lumbar spine laminectomy was investigated in a rabbit model. OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and efficacy of two bioelastic polymers in matrix and gel forms as interpositional materials in preventing postlaminectomy epidural fibrosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Postlaminectomy epidural fibrosis complicates revision spine surgery and is implicated in cases of "failed back syndrome." Materials employed as mechanical barriers to limit tethering of neural elements by the fibrosis tissue have met with little success. A recent family of protein-based polymers, previously reported to prevent postoperative scarring and adhesions, may hold promise in treating this condition. METHODS: Sixteen female New Zealand White rabbits underwent laminectomy at L4 and L6. Two polymer compositions, each in membrane and gel forms, were implanted at a randomly assigned level in four rabbits each, with the remaining level serving as an internal control. The animals were killed at 8 weeks, and qualitative and quantitative histology and gross pathologic examination were performed for both the control and the experimental sites to assess the polymers' efficacy in preventing dorsal epidural fibrosis. RESULTS: The use of the polymers caused no adverse effects. Compared to the control sites, both polymers in either gel or membrane form significantly reduced the formation of epidural fibrosis and its area of contact with the dura postlaminectomy. However, no significant difference in efficacy was detected between either the polymers or their respective forms in preventing epidural fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The selected compositions of biosynthetic, bioelastic polymers were safe and effective in the limiting the direct contact and consequent tethering of the underlying neural elements by the postlaminectomy epidural fibrosis in rabbits.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Reconstruction of the laminar roof with miniplates for a posterior approach in intraspinal surgery: technical considerations and critical evaluation of follow-up results.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical follow-up study of patients who underwent intraspinal surgery with reconstruction of the laminar roof using titanium miniplates. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical technique of laminar roof reconstruction and to analyze follow-up results with regard to bony healing of the laminae and the development of spinal deformities. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: The reconstruction of the laminar roof was initially proposed to overcome adverse effects associated with extensive cervical laminectomy in children. Because technical evolutions such as the use of an air drill and miniplates have facilitated the procedure, it has gained more widespread use as a posterior approach for intraspinal surgery. Thus, with a sufficient number of patients treated and a longer period of follow up, it seems reasonable to critically evaluate the technique and its suitability as a standard approach for intraspinal surgery. METHODS: The surgical procedures of 79 patient who underwent intraspinal surgery with osteotomy and reconstruction of a total of 323 spinal laminae using an air drill and miniplates were analyzed. In 59 patients, data of a complete clinical and radiologic follow-up examination were evaluated. Plain radiographs and computed tomography scans were analyzed for bony healing of the laminae and spinal alignment. RESULTS: Minor complications such as cerebrospinal fluid collections and disturbed wound healing occurred within normal ranges. The was no case of dural, nerve root, or spinal cord injury attributable to laminotomy or laminar reconstruction. Eight (14.3%) patients complained of moderate to severe local pain at the time of follow-up examination and 8 patients stated impaired mobility of their spine at the surgical site. Bony healing was confirmed radiologically in 86.1% of the laminae. In 12 patients, a preexisting spinal deformity worsened after surgery and five patients demonstrated a new spinal malalignment. No patient required additional surgery because of progressive spinal deformity. Intramedullary location of the lesion and cervical location of surgery were significantly associated with the development of spinal malalignment, whereas incomplete bony healing of the laminae was not. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction of the laminar roof using the technique described is safe, well suitable to serve as a standard posterior approach to intraspinal pathologies, and offers distinct advantages over laminectomy. However, some patients, particularly those with intramedullary cervical lesions, could develop spinal malalignment after surgery despite reconstruction of the laminar roof and sufficient bony healing of the laminae.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

A pilot study evaluating the safety and efficacy of OP-1 Putty (rhBMP-7) as a replacement for iliac crest autograft in posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis for degenerative spondylolisthesis.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical study was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients treated with OP-1 (BMP-7) Putty to autogenous iliac crest bone graft for one-level uninstrumented posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine following decompressive laminectomy for the treatment of symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies have demonstrated that osteoinductive recombinant human osteogenic protein 1 in the form of OP-1 Putty is successful at achieving a posterolateral fusion in rabbits and dogs without any significant safety concerns. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and symptoms of neurogenic claudication were randomized (2:1) to either OP-1 Putty (3.5 mg of OP-1 per side) or autogenous iliac crest bone graft for one-level uninstrumented posterolateral fusion following a decompressive laminectomy. Enrollment in the study was complete when 24 OP-1 Putty patients and 12 autograft patients had been randomized and treated. A patient administered Oswestry scale and SF-36 scale were used to determine clinical outcomes. Independent, blinded neuroradiologists reviewed both static and dynamic radiographs to determine fusion status. RESULTS: At the 1-year follow-up, 32 patients were available for clinical analysis and 29 patients were available for radiographic review. Clinical success as measured on the Oswestry scale was achieved by 18 of 21 (86%) OP-1 Putty patients and 8 of 11 (73%) autograft patients. SF-36 pain index scores showed similar results. Fourteen of 19 (74%) OP-1 Putty patients and 6 of 10 (60%) autograft patients achieved a successful posterolateral fusion fulfilling all fusion criteria. Of the 29 evaluable patients, 15 were both clinical and radiographic successes, 5 were radiographic successes but were clinical failures, 1 patient was both a radiographic and clinical failure, and 8 patients were radiographic failures but were clinical successes. No systemic toxicity, ectopic bone formation, recurrent stenosis, or other adverse events related to the OP-1 Putty implant were observed. CONCLUSION: Although the posterolateral spine is a challenging fusion environment in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, successful radiographic fusion was obtained using OP-1 Putty at a rate that was similar to autograft given the number of patients in this study. Importantly, there were no apparent adverse consequences related to the use of the OP-1 Putty implant in this patient population.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Surgical treatment for atlantoaxial subluxation with myelopathy in spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 21 patients with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC), including 7 operated patients for atlantoaxial subluxation. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the morphological findings of atlantoaxial subluxation in SEDC patients and to evaluate the operative procedures based on these image findings. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: The presence of atlanto axial sublucation with hypoplasia of the odontoid and/or lax ligaments leads to myelopathy in patients with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. METHODS: We retropectively reviewed the physical and morphological findings on atlantoaxial images and the clinical findings of myelopathy in 21 patients with SEDC. RESULTS: Myelopathy was found in 9 individuals with severe SEDC who presented with marked short stature and severe coxa vara; of these, 6 had gait disturbances. On the images of the 9 patients with myelopathy, the average sagittal canal diameter (SCD) at the level of the atlas was only 9.2 mm (range, 7-12 mm) with progressive atlantoaxial subluxation. The average atlantodental interval (ADI) was 3.5 mm (range, 2-6 mm) in the presence of a sagittal atlas diameter (SAD) of less than 27.1 mm (range, 22-36 mm). Surgery was performed for 6 of the patients with myelopathy. Since their SADs were small, and the average SCD, at 9.9 mm (8-14 mm), was narrow even at the position of extension (the position of reduction for atlantoaxial subluxation), C1 laminectomy was needed for all these patients, and occipital-cervical posterior fusion was performed. Stability was satisfactory in all cases and the operative outcome for myelopathy was excellent for 1 case, fine for 4, and fair for 2. CONCLUSION: A small SAD may limit the effectiveness of reducing atlantoaxial subluxation. Persistent narrowing of the SCD may require concomitant C1 laminectomy and occipital-cervical fusion.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Ewing's sarcoma of the mobile spine.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was performed. OBJECTIVES: To determine the oncological outcome of patients with nonmetastatic Ewing's sarcoma of the mobile spine treated with systemic multiagent chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy for definitive local control. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To our knowledge, there are no studies that evaluate the oncological outcome of patients with nonmetastatic Ewing's sarcoma of the mobile spine treated with systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy for definitive local control. METHODS: Thirteen patients with nonmetastatic Ewing's sarcoma of the mobile spine were treated with high-dose multiagent chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy for definitive local control from 1971 to 2000 at a single institution. Patients were observed for a minimum of 2 years or until death. Neurological function, local recurrence, distant relapse, and treatment-related complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 8 females and 5 males with a mean age of 19 years (ranging from 7-26 years). The mean follow-up time was 65 months (median 28 months; ranging from 2 to 218 months). All patients presented with pain. Motor deficits were present in 6 patients. Ten patients had a decompressive laminectomy. Improved pain control, as determined by narcotic use, was noted in 12 (92%) patients. Ten patients maintained or improved motor function by at least 1 Frankel grade, while 3 had deterioration of motor function. The disease-free survival rate was 49% and 36% at 5 and 10 years. Five (38%) patients were free of disease at last follow-up. Seven patients developed metastatic disease. Three (23%) patients developed a local recurrence. One of these patients had paraplegia associated with the local recurrence. Five patients developed 8 treatment-related complications. Four of the 10 (40%) patients that had a laminectomy developed progressive kyphosis. Two of these patients also developed late-onset cauda equina syndrome along with the deformity. One of these patients also developed cardiomyopathy associated with adriamycin cardiotoxicity. One patient developed a nonhealing pressure ulcerover a prominent spinous process. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides historical data on a relatively homogeneous group of patients withEwing's sarcoma of the mobile spine treated with multiagent chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy for definitive local control. Systemic chemotherapy combined with current spinal resection and reconstruction techniques may lead to improved oncological and clinical outcomes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Adult complex spinal dysraphism with situs inversus totalis: a rare association and review.

STUDY DESIGN: First published report of an adult complex spinal dysraphism with situs inversus. OBJECTIVES: To describe a previously asymptomatic adult patient of multiple vertebral anomalies with cervical split cord malformation type II, tethering of the spinal cord (cervical and lumbar), and intraspinal arachnoid cyst along with dextrocardia and situs inversus. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Only 5 cases (fetus, 1; neonates, 3; child, 1) of spinal dysraphism with dextrocardia or situs inversus have been reported. All these cases have had associated multiorgan developmental anomalies usually incompatible with survival and requiring multidisciplinary care. METHODS: The case has been described and relevant literature reviewed. RESULTS: The patient was operated for cervical and lumbar levels in the same sitting. A C4-C5 laminectomy was performed, 2 hemicords enclosed in the same dural sac were visualized, dorsal paramedian nerve roots and the tethering arachnoid bands were cut, and the arachnoid cyst wall was partially excised. This was followed by L4-L5 laminectomy and detethering by sectioning of the thickened filum terminale. The patient showed significant neurologic improvement after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The present case is a rare instance in which there has been an association of adult onset occult spinal dysraphism along with situs inversus totalis. Successful management requires appropriate understanding of embryology, anatomy, and imaging and has implications in neurosurgical and perioperative anesthetic care.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2005

Positive effect of posterior instrumentation after surgical posterior decompression for extensive cervicothoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of a 55-year-old patient with extensive cervicothoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) that was treated with posterior decompression and fusion. OBJECTIVE: To report the preventive effect of posterior instrumentation on postoperative paralysis in extensive cervicothoracic OPLL. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Thoracic myelopathy caused by OPLL in the thoracic spine was treated with operative decompression of the spinal cord via an anterior, posterior, or posterolateral approach. However, the lack of availability for some approaches in specific cases, as well as reports of some problems for each approach, indicates that a lack of consensus still remains regarding the choice of operative procedure. METHODS: A 55-year-old female with extensive cervicothoracic OPLL presented with progressive numbness in the both hands and a gate disturbance. Cervical laminoplasty, thoracic laminectomy, and posterior fusion were performed with electrophysiologic monitoring of the spinal cord evoked potential. RESULTS: After thoracic laminectomy, the amplitude of spinal cord evoked potential waveforms decreased but recovered after a posterior fusion by instrumentation. CONCLUSION: Prevention of postoperative paralysis from increasing by posterior instrumentation was shown using neurophysiologic monitoring.

Cervical Vertebrae↗
PubMed2005

Cervical stenosis presenting with acute Brown-Séquard syndrome: case report.

STUDY DESIGN: An unusual case report of cervical stenosis presenting with the Brown-Séquard syndrome. Technical considerations and a literature review are discussed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cervical stenosis as an etiology of the Brown-Séquard syndrome and whether surgical decompression is effective for improving neurologic outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Of the causes of the Brown-Séquard syndrome, intrinsic cervical spine pathology has rarely been reported in the literature. We report the first case of a chronic cervical stenosis presenting with an acute Brown-Séquard syndrome after a severe coughing episode. METHODS: A 75-year-old woman with a previous history of cervical stenosis had sudden onset of weakness develop in the right upper and lower extremities, and disruption of pain and temperature sensation on the left side of her body after an episode of severe coughing associated with pneumonia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed severe canal stenosis from C3 through C7, with diffuse intramedullary hyperintensity consistent with myelomalacia of the cervical cord. A decompressive cervical laminectomy with fusion was performed. RESULTS: The patient improved neurologically, with near complete resolution of the right hemiparesis at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Multilevel chronic cervical stenosis can present with an acute Brown-Séquard syndrome. Cervical laminectomy and decompression are effective treatments for cervical stenosis with an acute Brown-Séquard syndrome.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Postlaminectomy kyphosis in the skeletally immature achondroplast.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk of postlaminectomy thoracolumbar kyphosis in skeletally immature achondroplasts and evaluate the need for concurrent fusion at multilevel decompression. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal stenosis is a relatively common complication of achondroplasia. Although most achondroplasts do not develop symptomatic spinal stenosis until the third or fourth decades, some patients become symptomatic before skeletal maturity. While postlaminectomy kyphosis typically does not occur in the adult achondroplast, it is not known if it occurs in the skeletally immature achondroplast. METHODS: The charts and radiographs of 10 consecutive skeletally immature achondroplasts that underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic spinal stenosis during a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed. The average age of the 6 male and 4 female patients at surgery was 9.2 years (range 6-16). All patients had preoperative lateral radiographs. Decompression consisted of multilevel (5-8) thoracolumbar laminectomies. More than 50% of each medial facet was preserved bilaterally to maintain spinal stability. RESULTS: Postlaminectomy thoracolumbar kyphoses developed in all 10 patients (100%). The postlaminectomy kyphoses ranged from 78 degrees to 135 degrees (mean 94 degrees ). All patients underwent spinal fusions with instrumentation, performed from 10 months to 2.6 years after the decompressions, to stabilize the kyphoses. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletally immature achondroplasts are at high risk for developing postlaminectomy thoracolumbar kyphoses. Therefore, concurrent spinal fusion is indicated in skeletally immature achondroplasts who undergo thoracolumbar laminectomies of at least 5 levels.

Achondroplasia↗