Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Causing Cervical Myelopathy in a Child

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a disorder of the phagocytic system, is a rare condition. Moreover, spinal involvement causing myelopathy is even rare and unusual. Here, we report a case of atypical LCH causing myelopathy, which was subsequently treated by corpectemy and fusion. A 5-year-old boy presented with 3 weeks of severe neck pain and limited neck movement accompanying right arm motor weakness. CT scans revealed destruction of C7 body and magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumoral process at C7 with cord compression. Interbody fusion using cervical mesh packed by autologus iliac bone was performed. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of LCH. After the surgery, the boy recovered from radiating pain and motor weakness of right arm. Despite the rarity of the LCH in the cervical spine, it is necessary to maintain our awareness of this condition. When neurologic deficits are present, operative treatment should be considered.

Bilateral Subdural Hematoma due to an Unnoticed Dural Tear during Spine Surgery

We report a rare case of intracranial hypotension that was complicated by a subdural hematoma following spine surgery. Intraoperatively, we did not notice any breach of the dura. However, the patient continued to have fluid leakage from the inferior edge of the lumbar incision. During revision surgery, a small dural tear was identified and repaired. It is likely that a small dural tear was overlooked or the dura was weakened during the initial operation and caused a subdural hematoma associated with intracranial hypotension.

Combined Anterior and Posterior En Bloc Vertebrectomy for Lumbar Chordoma

Chordoma is a rare bone tumor derived from remnants of the notochord. The majority of chordomas involve the sacrum or skull base. We report a rare case of a L4 vertebral body chordoma treated with anterior en bloc vertebrectomy and posterior stabilization. No tumor recurrence was observed at the 5 year follow-up examination.