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Risk factors for recurrence of clinical signs associated with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in dogs: 229 cases (1994-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for recurrence of clinical signs associated with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in dogs that had decompressive laminectomy without attempted prophylactic treatment of other disk spaces. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 229 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs that had decompressive laminectomy without prophylactic fenestration for a first episode of IVDD and were available for follow-up were reviewed. Information on 7 clinical and 8 radiographic potential risk factors were recorded. RESULTS: Clinical signs associated with recurrence of IVDD developed in 44 (19.2%) dogs. Ninety-six percent of recurrences developed within 3 years after surgery. Recurrence developed in 25% of Dachshunds and 15% of dogs of other breeds combined. Number of opacified disks was a significant risk factor for recurrence. Risk increased with number of opacified disks in an almost linear manner; each opacified disk increased risk by 1.4 times. Dogs with 5 or 6 opacified disks at the time of first surgery had a recurrence rate of 50%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When all likely episodes of recurrence are considered and a long follow-up period is achieved, true rate of recurrence of IVDD appears to be higher than in many previous reports. Dogs with multiple opacified disks at the time of first surgery should be considered a high-risk subpopulation.

Animals↗

Spinal epidural abscesses in adults: review and report of iatrogenic cases.

A retrospective review of the medical records of adults with diagnosed spinal epidural abscess (SEA) admitted to the Departments of Neurosurgery and Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital of Umeå, Sweden, during a 10-year-period (1978-1987) is presented. 10 patients were diagnosed as having SEA during the study period. An iatrogenic origin was suspected in 5. Spondylitis was the most common source of infection. Bacteriological aetiology was confirmed in 8 cases and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common aetiological agent. Trauma and degenerative diseases of the spine, were underlying conditions in 6 cases. Laminectomy was performed in 7 cases. 5/6 patients operated within 48 h after onset of neurological symptoms improved. The remaining case with therapy resistant tuberculous spondylitis died. One patient with surgery after 96 h became paretic. 2/3 conservatively treated patients had a successful outcome while the third patient had a permanent paraparesis due to missed diagnosis. Early diagnosis and early laminectomy are still the most important prognostic factors. Recommended initial antibiotic therapy is the combination of a cephalosporin with extended spectrum and metronidazole.

Abscess↗

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: results of operative treatment.

The results of decompressive laminectomy in 22 patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis are reported. The average follow-up period was 29 months. Twelve of the 15 patients with marked stenosis (a minimum anteroposterior (a.p.) diameter of the spinal canal in extension of 10 mm or less) and all 7 patients with moderate stenosis (a minimum a.p. diameter between 11--14 mm) obtained relief from leg pain. A pseudovascular syndrome was observed in 12 of the 15 patients with marked and in 2 of the 7 patients with moderate spinal stenosis. Of these patients, 10 obtained increased (7 patients unlimited) walking distance postoperative. Vertebral fusion was not performed in any of the patients. Slight vertebral slip (2--5 mm) occurred postoperatively in 4 out of 20 patients whose follow-up examination included dynamic roentgenogram of the spine. Five of the 15 patients with marked spinal stenosis also suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the hip. Total hip replacement subsequent to laminectomy was performed in 4 patients and excellent results were achieved for both the spinal and the hip operations.

Aged↗

Review of spinal pseudomeningoceles and cerebrospinal fluid fistulas.

Spinal pseudomeningoceles and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are uncommon extradural collections of CSF that may result from inadvertent tears in the dural-arachnoid layer, traumatic injury, or may be congenital in origin. Most pseudomeningoceles are iatrogenic and occur in the posterior lumbar region following surgery. The true incidence of iatrogenic pseudomeningoceles following laminectomy or discectomy is unknown; however, the authors of several published reports suggest that the incidence of lumbar pseudomeningoceles following laminectomy or discectomy is between 0.07% and 2%. Pseudomeningoceles are often asymptomatic, but patients may present with recurrence of low-back pain, radiculopathy, subcutaneous swelling, or with symptoms of intracranial hypotension. Very rarely, they present with delayed myelopathy. Although magnetic resonance imaging is the neurodiagnostic study of choice, computerized tomography myelography and radionuclide myelographic study may be helpful diagnostic tools in some cases. Analysis of suspect fluid for Beta2 transferrin may be a useful adjunctive study. Treatment options include close observation for spontaneous resolution, conservative measures such as bed rest and application of an epidural blood patch, lumbar subarachnoid drainage, and definitive surgical repair.

Diskectomy↗

Correction of adult scoliosis via a posterior-only approach.

OBJECT: Adult scoliosis is a pathologically different entity from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The curves are more rigid, and rotational deformity and multilevel sagittal vertebral slippages compound the coronal malalignment. To correct these deformities, a surgical anterior release procedure is usually required, as well as posterior instrumentation-assisted fusion. This exposes the patient to the risks of a second procedure and of a thoracotomy or laparotomy. To decrease these risks, the authors have performed an anterior release, posterior release, and reduction via a posterior-only approach. The purpose of this study was to analyze quantitatively the degree of pre- and postoperative coronal deformity, the extent of correction, and related complications. METHODS: Data obtained in 20 patients with adult scoliosis were retrospectively studied. Patients presented with persistent back or lower-extremity pain, progressive deformity, or progressive neurological deficit. Sixteen patients underwent Gill-type laminectomy, radical discectomy (including fracture of any anterior and lateral osteophytes), and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) of all apical and adjacent segments. One to four anterior release procedures were performed in each patient. Posterior instrumentation was placed over three to 15 levels. Autograft was obtained from the laminectomy sites and posterior iliac crest for fusion. There were no deaths; all patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. The mean coronal Cobb angle improved from 36 degrees to 14.7 degrees. All spondylolisthetic lesions were reduced to at least Grade I. At the most recent follow-up examination, evidence of fusion was demonstrated in all patients. Reoperation for adjacent-segment failure, cephalad to the highest level of fusion, was required in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: In many cases of adult scoliosis, a satisfactory multiplanar correction may be obtained via a single posterior approach and by using extended PLIF techniques. Cephalad adjacent-segment failure remains a significant problem in patients with osteoporosis, and routine extension of posterior instrumentation to the upper thoracic spine should be considered in these cases.

Adult↗

Pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis associated with coronal or sagittal spinal deformities.

Sagittal- or coronal-plane deformity considerably complicates the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Although decompressive laminectomy remains the standard operative treatment for uncomplicated lumbar spinal stenosis, the management of stenosis with concurrent deformity may require osteotomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion with or without instrumentation. Broadly stated, the surgery-related goals in complex stenosis are neural decompression and a well-balanced sagittal and coronal fusion. Deformities that may present with concurrent stenosis are scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and flatback deformity. The presentation and management of lumbar spinal stenosis associated with concurrent coronal or sagittal deformities depends on the type and extent of deformity as well as its impact on neural compression. Generally, clinical outcomes in complex stenosis are optimized by decompression combined with spinal fusion. The need for instrumentation is clear in cases of significant scoliosis or flatback deformity but is controversial in spondylolisthesis. With appropriate selection of technique for deformity correction, a surgeon may profoundly improve pain, quality of life, and functional capacity. The decision to undertake surgery entails weighing risk factors such as age, comorbidities, and preoperative functional status against potential benefits of improved neurological function, decreased pain, and reduced risk of disease progression. The purpose of this paper is to review the pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis complicated by scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, or flatback deformity. Specific attention is paid to surgery-related goals, decision making, techniques, and outcomes.

Analgesics↗

Cauda equina syndrome as a postoperative complication of lumbar spine surgery.

OBJECT: The term "cauda equina syndrome" (CES) has been used to describe the signs and symptoms in patients with compressive neuropathy of multiple lumbar and sacral roots. This syndrome is well known as an indication for surgical intervention in treating lumbar spine disease, but relatively unknown as a postoperative complication following surgery for disease. In this study the author describes two cases of CES that occurred following uneventful lumbar spine procedures--one microdiscectomy and one decompressive laminectomy. METHODS: Preoperative, operative, and postoperative management is discussed and the relevant literature reviewed. One patient suffered perineal numbness and bowel and bladder difficulty following a decompressive laminectomy. Postoperative imaging studies were negative for residual lesion and the treatment goal pursued was partial long-term resolution of symptoms. The second patient had progressive numbness and weakness in the lower extremities. Results of urgent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies were inconclusive and repeated exploration was performed within hours of the initial procedure. The patient made a full recovery, although the intraoperative findings did not reveal a clear cause of the patient's symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative symptoms of partial or complete CES represent a medical emergency, especially if they are progressive. It is necessary to perform urgent postoperative imaging in patients, but the results are not always helpful. Surgical exploration is warranted if a mass lesion is demonstrated on imaging studies or if symptoms progress and the disease origin is not clear based on available information.

Adult↗

Lateral extracavitary approach to traumatic lesions of the thoracic and lumbar spine.

The lateral extracavitary approach to the spine was used for resection of displaced bpne and disc located anterior to the dura in 62 patients with traumatic lesions of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Fifty-two patients had closed vertebral fractures and 10 had gunshot wounds. The spinal cord was involved in 44 patients, and the cauda equina in 18. A spinal subarachnoid block was demonstrated in 17 of 57 preoperative gas myelograms. Evoked potential recordings, although related to preception of joint rotation, tended to reflect the overall neurological condition and had some prognostic value. Significant improvement followed surgery in 46 patients with incomplete neurological lesions, and one was transiently worse. Before operation 18 patients were able to walk; nine with assistance and nine without. After operation 47 patients were able to walk; 12 with assistance and 35 without. Adequate bladder function was present in 17 patients before surgery, and in 44 after surgery. A laminectomy had been done previously in 16 patients, 11 of whom improved significantly after anterior resection. Spine fusions were required in 26 patients, five of whom had a prior laminectomy. The major factor in the pathogenesis of the incomplete neurological deficit appeared to be distortion of the cord and roots by displaced bone and disc. Consequently, the primary object of treatment was the restoration and maintenance of normal anatomical relationships between the spinal cord or cauda equina and the spinal canal.

Adult↗

Obliterative arachnoiditis complicating lumbar spinal stenosis.

The authors report five patients with spinal stenosis who had a total myelographic block at the level of the obliterated subarachnoid space. Arachnoiditis had not been considered as a primary diagnosis until laminectomy revealed a non-pulsating, thickened dural sac that conformed to the internal configuration of the involved spinal canal. Two patients had stenosis complicated by spondyloarthrosis over multiple lumbar levels, one had a previous spinal fusion, another had degenerative spondylolisthesis, and the fifth had a large midline extruded disc at L2-3 that completely blocked the spinal canal. The dura was opened in two patients, confirming the lesion. Despite obliteration of the subarachnoid space, significant relief for approximately 1 year followed decompressive laminectomy, foraminotomy, and discectomy, with disappearance of neurogenic claudication in three patients. Postoperative erect films showed no caudad passage of contrast. While further observations are required, an awareness of this complication of spinal stenosis is important in the diagnosis and management of such patients and in evaluating their ultimate prognosis.

Aged↗

Spinal epidural neoplasia. A 15-year review of the results of surgical therapy.

The outcome following decompressive laminectomy and spinal irradiation has been evaluated in 104 consecutive patients with epidural metastatic neoplasia, using broad criteria for successful outcome. Of patients so treated, 33% were benefited, while 23% became worse. Both tumor histology and the preoperative neurological status were important factors in determining the response to this therapy. The authors review the surgical and radiotherapeutic literature in the treatment of this condition, and conclude that there is no clearly established superiority of laminectomy followed by irradiation over radiotherapy alone. Specific indications for surgery exist if prior histological confirmation of malignancy is lacking, if there is neurological deterioration during radiotherapy, or if there are recurrent symptoms referable to a previously irradiated metastasis. Surgery is also indicated if facilities for prompt administration of radiotherapy are unavailable.

Aged↗

Dorsal selective rhizotomy through a limited exposure of the cauda equina at L-1. Technical note.

The technique of the dorsal selective rhizotomy as originally developed by Professor Fasano and by the author is described. The rhizotomy is performed through a one-level laminectomy at L-1. Exposure of the conus medullaris and the cauda equina at this level is adequate to thoroughly assess the reflex electrical response to stimulation of the lumbosacral roots and to section the selected roots/rootlets. This approach, based on over 100 surgical procedures, obviates the need for an extensive laminectomy in a growing child without compromising the clinical results.

Cauda Equina↗

Subdural empyema of the cervical spine: clinicopathological correlates and magnetic resonance imaging. Report of three cases.

A paucity of formally described information is available in the scientific literature regarding spinal subdural empyema. Patients presenting with neurological deterioration associated with subdural empyema are rarely identified, and treatment is often based upon anecdotal cases. The authors contribute three cases of primary cervical spinal subdural empyema and review the seven found in the literature. All patients had clinical evidence of neurological compromise, cervical tenderness, cervical pain, and leukocytosis upon admission. Cervical involvement ranged from C-2 to C-7. All patients underwent laminectomy with durotomy and drainage. The authors recommend prompt surgical decompressive laminectomy, copious irrigation, and drainage, followed with appropriate adjunctive antibiotic therapy for treatment of these patients.

Adult↗

Measurement of exercise tolerance on the treadmill in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis: a useful indicator of functional status and surgical outcome.

A prospective study of patients with neurogenic claudication and lumbar spinal stenosis was undertaken to determine whether measurement of exercise tolerance on the treadmill would be useful in defining baseline functional status and response to surgical treatment. Twenty patients with an average age of 73 years, all of whom had intractable neurogenic claudication and radiographically confirmed severe lumbar spinal stenosis, were studied. Lumbar decompressive laminectomy was performed in all patients. Preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively, quantitative assessment of ambulation was conducted on a treadmill at 0 degree ramp incline at two different speeds: 1.2 mph and the patient's preferred walking speed. The following information was recorded: time to first symptoms, time to severe symptoms, and nature of symptoms (leg pain, back pain, or generalized fatigue). The examination was stopped after 15 minutes or at the onset of severe symptoms. In the preoperative 1.2-mph trial, the mean time to first symptoms was 2.68 minutes (median 1.31) and the mean time to severe symptoms was 5.47 minutes (median 3.42). In the postoperative trial at the same speed, 13 patients (65%) were able to walk symptom free for 15 minutes. The mean time to first symptoms was 11.12 minutes (median 15) and the mean time to severe symptoms was 11.81 minutes (median 15). Similar findings were recorded in the preferred walking-speed trials. There were no complications from the treadmill testing procedure. These findings indicate that exercise stress testing on a treadmill is a safe, easily administered, and quantifiable means of assessing baseline functional status and outcome following laminectomy in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis.

Aged↗

Spinal tuberculosis: a diagnostic and management challenge.

The authors reviewed 29 cases of spinal tuberculosis treated from 1973 to 1993 with an average follow-up time of 7.4 years. Clinical findings included back pain, paraparesis, kyphosis, fever, sensory disturbance, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Twenty-two patients (76%) presented with neurological deficit; 12 (41%) were initially misdiagnosed. Sixteen patients (55%) had predominant vertebral body involvement; nine had marked bone collapse with neurological compromise. Eleven individuals (39%) had intraspinal granulomatous tissue causing neurological dysfunction in the absence of bone destruction, and two (7%) had intramedullary tuberculomas. All patients received antituberculous medications: 13 were initially treated with bracing alone, eight underwent laminectomy and debridement of extra- or intradural granulomatous tissue, and eight underwent anterior, posterior, or combined fusion procedures. No patient with neurological deficit recovered or stabilized with nonoperative management. Thirteen patients were readmitted with progression of inadequately treated osteomyelitis; 12 (92%) of these required new or more radical fusion procedures. Anterior fusion failure was associated with marked preoperative kyphosis and multilevel disease requiring a graft that spanned more than two disc spaces. Courses of antibiotic medications shorter than 6 months were invariably associated with disease recurrence. It was concluded that 1) patients should receive at least 12 months of appropriate antituberculous therapy; 2) individuals with neurological deficit should undergo surgical decompression; 3) laminectomy and debridement are adequate for intraspinal granulomatous tissue in the absence of significant bone destruction; 4) when vertebral body involvement has produced wedging and kyphosis, aggressive debridement and fusion are indicated to prevent delayed instability and progression of disease.

Adolescent↗

Cost-benefit value of microscopic examination of intervertebral discs.

OBJECT: Given the virtual absence of histologically detected, clinically unsuspected disease in intervertebral disc specimens, some authors have advocated that histological examination be discontinued. However, the examination of intervertebral disc specimens remains common practice in most pathology laboratories. No cost-benefit analysis of this practice has been made; therefore, the authors' goal in this study was perform such an analysis. METHODS: Using the University of Iowa surgical pathology database, 1109 patients who had undergone a laminectomy were identified retrospectively. These cases were classified into four categories based on the patients' preoperative clinical diagnosis and final histopathological diagnosis: insignificant clinical diagnosis/insignificant pathological diagnosis (ICIP), significant clinical diagnosis/insignificant pathological diagnosis (SCIP), significant clinical diagnosis/significant pathological diagnosis (SCSP), and insignificant clinical diagnosis/significant pathological diagnosis (ICSP). A significant clinical diagnosis was defined as one other than a benign, noninfectious indication for laminectomy. A significant pathological diagnosis was a diagnosis other than degenerative changes. The cost-benefit value of performing a histological examination in cases with significant or insignificant clinical diagnoses was examined. The cases were classified as: 1068 ICIP, 17 SCIP, 21 SCSP, and three ICSP. On chart review, in all three cases of ICSP an epidural abscess was identified perioperatively and the subsequent histological diagnosis did not affect patient care. The costs per case of identifying a significant pathological diagnosis with a significant and an insignificant clinical diagnosis were $44.79 and $8811, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Histological examination of intervertebral disc specimens is cost beneficial only if there is a significant preoperative clinical diagnosis.

Abscess↗

Intracranial hypotension without meningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. Case report.

Meningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is considered the hallmark radiological feature of intracranial hypotension. The authors report on a patient who exhibited progressively symptomatic intracranial hypotension due to a lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, but in whom MR imaging demonstrated no pachymeningeal enhancement. This 24-year-old man presented with a 6-week history of progressive orthostatic headaches that were associated with photo- and phonophobia. Four weeks before the onset of the headaches, the patient had undergone a lumbar laminectomy. Brain MR images revealed subdural fluid collections and brain sagging; however, meningeal enhancement was not present. Myelography demonstrated a CSF leak at the site of the laminectomy. At surgery, a large dural tear was repaired. The patient recovered well from the surgery, with complete resolution of his headaches. The absence of meningeal enhancement on MR imaging does not exclude a diagnosis of symptomatic intracranial hypotension.

Adult↗

Seprafilm superior to Gore-Tex in the prevention of peridural fibrosis.

OBJECT: This is an investigation into the effects of two barrier membranes in the prevention of peridural fibrosis in an animal model. METHODS: Seprafilm or Gore-Tex was applied to a laminectomy defect overlying the dura mater in rats separated into treatment groups. A third group of rats underwent laminectomy only and served as controls. Two months postoperatively a histological study was performed to compare the amount of scar tissue in each group. The gross dissection demonstrated that both membranes created a controlled dissection plane, facilitated access to the epidural space, and provided a reduction in the amount of tissue adhering to the dura mater. Statistically, Seprafilm was superior to Gore-Tex in preventing peridural fibrosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Seprafilm can prevent peridural fibrosis better than Gore-Tex and can be used in humans in spinal surgery.

Animals↗

Suspended laminoplasty for wide posterior cervical decompression and intradural access: results, advantages, and complications.

OBJECT: Cervical laminoplasty is a recognized technique commonly used for multilevel posterior cervical decompression, and it is favored over laminectomy for maintaining spinal stability. Traditional hinge techniques, however, limit lateral exposure on one side and can limit dural exposure. The authors present their experience with a modified laminoplasty technique incorporating complete laminectomy and placement of titanium miniplate instrumentation. This method allows wide bilateral posterior decompression and unobscured dural access. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 57 years) underwent cervical laminoplasty during a 4-year period. Twenty-seven patients presented with progressive cervical myelopathy. Seventeen patients (61%) had degenerative spondylotic stenosis; nine (32%) underwent resection of an intradural neoplasm. A mean of 3.5 levels were exposed and reconstructed. The follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 4 years (mean 15 months). The mean angular extension-flexion displacement measured between C-1 and C-7 was unchanged postoperatively, with preserved mobility across laminoplasty-treated segments in all patients. The anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal increased 3.6 mm (27.2%) postoperatively (p = 0.004). In one patient an asymptomatic postoperative kyphosis developed. There were five cases of postoperative infection. One superficial infection resolved after intravenous antibiotic therapy alone, and four deep infections required surgical reexploration. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of this technique over other laminoplasty methods include wide lateral spinal canal and intradural access, as well as preserved motion with partial restoration of the posterior tension band.

Adolescent↗