Evaluation of the normal craniocervical junction craniometry in 137 asymptomatic patients / Evaluación de la craneometría de la unión craneocervical normal en 137 pacientes asintomáticos

SUMMARY: To our best knowledge, most of the craniometric studies on the normal craniocervical junction (CCJ), are still poorly studied and based on measurements taken from plain radiographs. In this study, the authors conducted a craniometric evaluation of the CCJ in a population without known CCJ abnormalities. The purpose of the study was to assess the normal CCJ craniometry based on measures obtained from CT scans. The authors examined 137 consecutive CCJ CT scans obtained in patients evaluated at their hospital for treatment of non-CCJ conditions between 2018 and 2019. Twelve craniometrical dimensions were conducted, including the relation of the odontoid with the cranial base, the atlantodental interval (ADI), the clivus length, and the clivus-canal angle (CCA).

Hasta donde sabemos, aun son escasos y pocos los estudios craneométricos respecto a la unión craneocervical normal (UCCN) y estos se basan en mediciones tomadas de radiografías simples. En este estudio, realizamos una evaluación craneométrica de la UCCN en una población sin anomalías conocidas. El propósito del estudio fue evaluar la craneometría UCCN normal en función de las medidas obtenidas de las tomografías computarizadas. Los autores examinaron 137 tomografías computarizadas UCCN consecutivas obtenidas en pacientes evaluados en su hospital para el tratamiento de condiciones no UCCN entre los años 2018 y 2019. Se realizaron doce dimensiones craneométricas, incluida la relación del proceso odontoides con la base del cráneo, el intervalo atlantodental (ADI), la longitud del clivus y el ángulo clivus-canal (CCA).

Effectiveness of craniocervical flexion training combined with cervical traction among patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 预防医学

Objective@# To evaluate the effectiveness of craniocervical flexion training using pressure biofeedback combined with cervical traction among patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).@*Methods@#Sixty patients with CSR receiving treatment in Center of Rehabilitation, Zhejiang Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled and randomly assigned into the control and treatment groups, of 30 patients in each group. All patients were given cervical traction, and patients in the treatment group were given additional craniocervical flexion training using pressure biofeedback for successive four weeks. The effectiveness of craniocervical flexion training combined with cervical traction was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the active range of motion (AROM) of cervical flexion, and the neck pain and cervical functions were compared between the two groups before and after treatments using repeated-measures analysis of variance.@* Results@# Fifteen men were included in the treatment group, with a mean age of (49.47±5.33) years, mean disease course of (5.53±2.89) months, and mean VAS score of (4.73±1.39) points, and there were no significant differences between the control and treatment groups in terms of gender, age, course of disease or VAS score (P>0.05). The VAS score and NDI were lower 4 weeks post-treatment than pretreatment in both the treatment [VAS score: (2.13±1.01) vs. (4.73±1.39); NDI: (12.17±2.12) vs. (20.20±3.78)] and control groups [VAS score: (2.93±1.11) vs. (4.90±1.21); NDI: (15.23±2.39) vs. (19.60±3.30)], and the AROM of cervical flexion was significantly higher 4 weeks post-treatment than pretreatment in both the treatment [(42.87°±2.99°) vs. (37.50°±2.80°)] and control groups [(41.80°±3.61°) vs. (38.07°±2.99°)]; there was an interaction between time and group, and a higher improvement for cervical functions was seen in the treatment group than in the control group (FVAS =5.119, P=0.027; FNDI=15.473, P<0.001; FAROM=11.443, P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#Craniocervical flexion training using pressure biofeedback combined with cervical traction may effectively alleviate the neck pain and increase the AROM among patients with CRS, which is more effective to improve patients' cervical functions than cervical traction alone.

Enfoque integral en el diagnóstico del patrón esquelético maxilomandibular, la postura corporal y cráneo-cervical / A comprehensive approach to the diagnosis of the maxillomandibular skeletal pattern, body posture and craniocervical position

Introducción: Los principios biomecánicos de cabeza y cuello cobran un interés especial en el campo de la ortodoncia y la ortopedia dentomaxilofacial. Cualquier anomalía debe ser analizada y tratada dentro del sistema cráneo-cérvico-mandibular con un enfoque integral. Objetivo: Describir la relación entre el patrón esquelético maxilomandibular sagital, la postura corporal y la posición cráneo-cervical en adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, desarrollado entre marzo del 2018 a junio del 2019. La muestra estuvo conformada por 105 adolescentes del séptimo grado de la ESBU "Eduardo Anoceto Rega", de Santa Clara. Se determinó el patrón esquelético maxilomandibular de clase I, II y III midiendo la convexidad facial del cefalogramas de Ricketts; la posición cráneo-cervical de extensión, normoinclinación y flexión con el cefalograma de Rocabado; el tipo de postura con el método de Bricot. Se siguieron las normas éticas y fueron aplicados los estadígrafos chi cuadrado, F de Fisher y estadístico de Welch. Resultados: La postura D (espalda plana y plano escapular anterior) predominó en todas las clases esqueléticas 64,76 por ciento de los adolescentes, seguido de la postura C (plano escapular posterior). En la clase II, después de la postura D siguió la postura B (plano escapular y glúteo alineados con aumento de las curvas anteriores) con un 6,22 por ciento. Predominó la normoinclinación cráneo-cervical 46,67 por ciento y la flexión 42,86 por ciento. En la clase III predominó la flexión y el ángulo posteroinferior de Rocabado mayor respecto a las otras clases esqueléticas de 107º. Conclusiones: La posición del cráneo respecto a las estructuras cervicales, asociada a las características de cada clase esquelética, puede ser un indicador importante en el diagnóstico morfológico. A pesar de las muchas investigaciones en este campo, aún no se puede hablar de consenso en cuanto al grado de relación entre la postura craneocervical y las maloclusiones(AU)

Introduction: Head and neck biomechanical principles are particularly relevant in the fields of orthodontics and dentomaxillofacial orthopedics. Any anomaly should be analyzed and treated within the cranio-cervical-mandibular system applying a comprehensive approach. Objective: Describe the relationship between the sagittal maxillomandibular skeletal pattern, body posture and craniocervical position in adolescents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2018 to June 2019. The study sample was 105 adolescents attending seventh grade at Eduardo Anoceto Rega junior high school in Santa Clara. Determination was made of maxillomandibular skeletal patterns Classes I, II and III, measuring the facial convexity in Ricketts' cephalograms, craniocervical extension, normal inclination and flexion positions with Rocabado's cephalogram, and posture type with Bricot's method. Ethical standards were complied with. Use was made of the statistical tests chi-square, Fisher's F and Welch's. Results: Posture D (flat back and anterior scapular plane) prevailed in all skeletal classes: 64.76 percent of the adolescents, followed by posture C (posterior scapular plane). In Class II, posture D was followed by posture B (scapular and gluteal plane aligned with increased anterior curves): 6.22 percent. A predominance was observed of craniocervical normal inclination: 46.67 percent and flexion: 42.86 percent. In Class III, Rocabado's flexion and posteroinferior angle were more common than the remaining 107º skeletal classes. Conclusions: Cranial position with respect to cervical structures, according to the characteristics of each skeletal class, may be an important indicator in morphological diagnosis. Despite the large number of studies conducted in this field, consensus has not been achieved about the degree of relationship between craniocervical posture and malocclusions(AU)

A comparative study of the morphology of suboccipital cavernous sinus using magnetic resonance imaging and cast specimens / Un estudio comparativo de la morfología del seno cavernoso suboccipital utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética y muestras de yeso

SUMMARY: A comparative study of the morphology of suboccipital cavernous sinus (SCS) using MRI and cast specimens was performed. The present retrospective study analysed the craniocervical magnetic resonance venography (MRV) imaging data of 61 patients. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed using Mimics 19.0. The SCS left-right diameter(d1), distance from the midline (d2), supero-inferior diameter(d3), anteroposterior diameter (d4), distance from posterior diameter to skin (d5), and diameter of the SCS at different parts (d6-d8) were measured. Comparison between MRV images and cast specimens, the SCS, marginal sinus, anterior condylar vein, and vertebral artery venous plexus were symmetrical and could be bilaterally displayed, whereas the presence of extra condylar vein and posterior condylar vein exhibited different types. The adjacency between the SCS and its communicating vessels and changes in its communicating vessels corresponded well with the MRV images and cast specimens. Many types of the presence of left and right lateral condylar and posterior condylar veins were found in the cast specimens, which could be divided into the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins, unilateral presence of posterior condylar veins, and unilateral presence of lateral condylar vein. A total of 61 cases analysed using MRV images revealed the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins (77.1 %), the unilateral presence of posterior condylar vein (18.0 %), and the unilateral presence of lateral condylar vein (9.8 %), of which the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins accounted for the largest proportion. MRV images and cast specimens of the SCS showed its normal morphological structure and adjacency, thus providing accurate and complete Three-dimensional imaging anatomical data of the SCS and its communicating vascular structures. This study enriches the Chinese SCS imaging anatomy data and may be valuable in clinical practice.

RESUMEN: Se realizó un estudio comparativo de la morfología del seno cavernoso suboccipital (SCS) mediante resonancia magnética y muestras de yeso. El presente estudio retrospectivo analizó los datos de imágenes de venografía por resonancia magnética (RNM) craneocervical de 61 pacientes. La reconstrucción tridimensional se realizó con Mimics 19.0. Se midió: el diámetro izquierdo-derecho del SCS (d1), la distancia desde la línea mediana (d2), el diámetro superoinferior (d3), el diámetro anteroposterior (d4), la distancia desde el diámetro posterior hasta la piel (d5) y el diámetro del SCS en diferentes partes (d6-d8). En la comparación entre las imágenes RNM y las muestras de yeso, el SCS, el seno marginal, la vena condilar anterior y el plexo venoso de la arteria vertebral eran simétricos y se observaron bilateralmente, mientras que la presencia de la vena extracondilar y la vena condilar posterior presentaba tipos diferentes. La proximidad del SCS y sus vasos comunicantes y los cambios en sus vasos comunicantes se correspondieron bien con las imágenes de RNM y los especímenes moldeados. Se encontraron muchos tipos de venas condilares laterales y condilares posteriores izquierda y derecha en las muestras de yeso, que podrían dividirse en presencia bilateral de venas condilares posteriores y condilares laterales, presencia unilateral de venas condilares posteriores y presencia unilateral de venas condilares laterales. Un total de 61 casos analizados mediante imágenes MRV revelaron la presencia bilateral de venas condilares posteriores y condilares laterales (77,1 %), la presencia unilateral de venas condilares posteriores (18,0 %) y la presencia unilateral de venas condilares laterales (9,8 %) de los cuales la presencia bilateral de las venas condilar posterior y condilar lateral representó la mayor proporción. Las imágenes de RNM y las muestras de yeso del SCS mostraron su estructura morfológica y adyacencia normales, lo que proporcionó datos anatómicos de imágenes tridimensionales precisos y completos del SCS y sus estructuras vasculares comunicantes. Este estudio enriquece los datos de anatomía de imágenes de SCS chino y puede ser valioso en la práctica clínica.

Locked-in syndrome after traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation: a case report / Síndrome do encarceramento decorrente de subluxação atlantoaxial traumática: relato de caso / Síndrome de enclaustramiento por subluxación atlantoaxoidea traumática: informe de caso

ABSTRACT Traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation is a rare and underdiagnosed condition due to its high rate - reported to be between 60 and 80% - of early mortality. Its diagnosis takes into account the trauma mechanism, precise analyses of the imaging tests and the clinical presentation of the patient. This article describes a rare presentation of atlanto-axial subluxation associated with craniocervical dislocation as a case of locked-in syndrome. Level of evidence V; Retrospective observational study - Case report.

RESUMO Subluxação atlantoaxial traumática é uma condição de diagnóstico raro e subestimado, devido a sua alta taxa - descrita entre 60% e 80% - de mortalidade precoce. Seu diagnóstico leva em conta o mecanismo do trauma, as análises precisas dos exames de imagem e a apresentação clínica do paciente. Este artigo relata um quadro raro de subluxação atlantoaxial associada à luxação craniocervical como um caso de síndrome do encarceramento. Nível de evidência V; Estudo observacional retrospectivo - Relato de caso.

RESUMEN La subluxación atlantoaxoidea traumática es una afección rara y subdiagnosticada debido a su alta tasa - descrita entre el 60 y el 80%-de mortalidad temprana. Su diagnóstico tiene en cuenta el mecanismo del traumatismo, los análisis de imagen precisos y la presentación clínica del paciente. Este artículo informa de una rara condición de subluxación atloaxoidea asociada a una dislocación craniocervical como un caso de síndrome de enclaustramiento. Nivel de evidencia V; Estudio observacional retrospectivo - Informe de caso.

Labiomandibular glossotomy approach for craniocervical pathologies - spine reconstruction / Acesso por glossotomia labiomandibular em patologias craniocervicais - reconstrução da coluna / Acceso por glosotomía labiomandibular en patologías craneocervicales - reconstrucción de la columna

ABSTRACT Objectives: Exposing the clivus and upper cervical spine should, ideally, provide an adequate surgical field in which the surgeon can safely decompress and stabilize the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). We present a series of four cases with a narrative review of the literature in which Median Labiomandibular Glossotomy was used to treat CVJ disorders, in order to highlight the importance and indications of this access. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent MLMG for several pathologies. The group comprised four patients (two men and two women). Five approaches were performed (one revision surgery). Results: The approach was suitable for all cases, clivus was achieved when necessary. Distally, C4 was exposed to obtain satisfactory osteosynthesis. Laterally, we had a good view of the tumor borders and control of the vertebral artery. Complications encountered were a superficial wound infection that was easily healed, a later pharyngeal wound dehiscence and pseudoarthrosis, all in the same patient. There are 3 main anterior surgical techniques for managing lesions of the clivus, foramen magnum or upper cervical vertebrae. We chose Median Labiomadibular Glossotomy (MLMG) as a primary option, which provided a direct view of the clivus, C3 - C4 caudally and a wider surgical field. The main advantages of the MLMG technique include direct access to spinal pathology, an avascular plane through the median pharyngeal raphe, and a wider surgical field in both the transverse and sagittal dimensions. Conclusion: This approach provides excellent exposure of the craniocervical junction and upper cervical spine. Level of evidence IV; Series of cases analyzed retrospectively.

RESUMO Objetivos: A exposição do clivo e da coluna cervical alta deve, de modo ideal, proporcionar um campo cirúrgico adequado, no qual o cirurgião possa descomprimir e estabilizar a junção craniovertebral (JCV) com segurança. Apresentamos uma série de quatro casos, com revisão narrativa da literatura, nos quais a glossotomia labiomandibular mediana foi utilizada para tratamento de afecções da JCV, com o objetivo de destacar a importância e as indicações desse acesso. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos pacientes submetidos a GLMM para diversas patologias. O grupo foi composto por quatro pacientes (dois homens e duas mulheres). Cinco abordagens/procedimentos<??> foram realizados (uma cirurgia de revisão). Resultados: O método/via de acesso/técnica foi adequado para todos os casos e o clivo foi alcançado quando necessário. Distalmente, C4 foi exposta para obter a osteossíntese satisfatória. Lateralmente, obteve-se boa visão das margens tumorais e controle da artéria vertebral. As complicações encontradas foram infecção superficial da ferida, com fácil cicatrização, deiscência tardia da parede posterior da faringe e pseudoartrose, todas no mesmo paciente. Existem três técnicas cirúrgicas principais com acesso anterior para o tratamento de lesões do clivo, forame magno ou vértebras cervicais superiores. Escolhemos a glossotomia labiomadibular mediana (GLMM) como opção primária, que proporcionou uma visão direta do clivo, de C3-C4 caudalmente e campo cirúrgico mais amplo. As principais vantagens da GLMM incluem acesso direto à patologia espinhal, plano avascular através da parte mediana da rafe da faringe e um campo cirúrgico ampliado nas dimensões transversa e sagital. Conclusões: Esta abordagem proporciona excelente exposição da junção craniocervical e da coluna cervical alta. Nível de evidência IV; Série de casos analisados retrospectivamente.

RESUMEN Objetivos: La exposición del clivus y de la columna cervical alta debe, de modo ideal, proporcionar un campo quirúrgico adecuado, en que el cirujano pueda descomprimir y estabilizar de manera segura la unión craneovertebral (UCV). Presentamos una serie de cuatro casos con revisión narrativa de la literatura, en los que se utilizó la glosotomía labiomandibular mediana para el tratamiento de afecciones de la UCV, con el objetivo de destacar la importancia y las indicaciones de ese acceso. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes sometidos a GLMM para diversas patologías. El grupo fue compuesto por cuatro pacientes (dos hombres y dos mujeres). Fueron realizados cinco abordajes/procedimientos (una cirugía de revisión). Resultados: El método/vía de acceso/técnica fue adecuado para todos los casos y el clivus fue alcanzado cuando fue necesario. Distalmente, C4 fue expuesta para obtener la osteosíntesis satisfactoria. Lateralmente, se obtuvo buena visión de los márgenes tumorales y control de la arteria vertebral. Las complicaciones encontradas fueron infección superficial de la herida, con fácil cicatrización, dehiscencia tardía de la pared posterior de la faringe y pseudoartrosis, todas en el mismo paciente. Existen tres técnicas quirúrgicas principales con acceso anterior para el tratamiento de lesiones del clivus, foramen magno o vértebras cervicales superiores. Elegimos la glosotomía labiomandibular mediana (GLMM) como opción primaria, que proporcionó una visión directa del clivus, C3-C4 caudalmente y campo quirúrgico más amplio. Las principales ventajas de la GLMM incluyen acceso directo a la patología espinal, plano avascular a través de la parte mediana del rafe de la faringe y un campo quirúrgico ampliado en las dimensiones transversa y sagital. Conclusiones: Este abordaje proporciona excelente exposición de la unión craneocervical y de la columna cervical alta. Nivel de evidencia IV; Serie de casos analizados retrospectivamente.

Fascitis necrotizante cervical: experiencia en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de México, / Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: Experience in the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City,

Introducción: la fascitis necrotizante cervical es una entidad poco frecuente en la cabeza y el cuello, pero su importancia está dada por la elevada tasa de mortalidad. La importancia clínica de este estudio se debe al hecho de que no hay muchos reportes de casos de esta patología en América Latina, por lo cual queremos describir la experiencia en nuestro Hospital. Objetivo: describir la experiencia en fascitis necrotizante cervical en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal de historias clínicas del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, de 2011 a 2017. Resultados: se incluyeron 11 historias clínicas con diagnóstico de fascitis necrotizante cervical, de las cuales 8 (72,7 %) eran hombres y 3 (27,2%) mujeres, con una edad promedio de 49,1 años. 5 (45,4 %) pacientes debutaron con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). El origen de la infección fue odontogénico en 3 (27,2 %) pacientes. Los microorganismos más frecuentes fueron Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus y Staphylococcus epidermidis. Los 11 pacientes (100 %) fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente e impregnados con antimicrobianos empíricos, que posteriormente fueron modificados o no según los resultados del antibiograma. La hospitalización promedio fue de 18,7 días. 3 (27,2 %) pacientes presentaron mediastinitis como complicación. Hubo 2 muertes (18,1 %). Conclusión: el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico y quirúrgico agresivo pueden reducir significativamente la morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is a rare entity in the head and neck, but its importance is given by the high mortality rate. The clinical importance of this study is due to the fact that there are not many case reports of this pathology in Latin America, which is why we want to describe the experience in our hospital. Objective: To describe the experience in cervical necrotizing fasciitis at the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Materials and methods: Descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study of medical records of the Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Service of the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, from 2011 to 2017. Results: 11 medical records with a diagnosis of cervical necrotizing fasciitis were included, of which 8 (72.7%) were men and 3 (27.2%) were women, with a mean age of 49.1 years. 5 (45.4%) patients presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The origin of the infection was odontogenic in 3 (27.2%) patients. The most frequent microorganisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The 11 patients (100%) underwent surgery and impregnated with empirical antimicrobials, which were later modified or not, according to the results of the antibiogram. The average hospitalization was 18.7 days. 3 (27.2%) patients presented mediastinitis as a complication. There were two deaths (18.1%). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and aggressive empirical and surgical antimicrobial treatment can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.

Management of Chiari I Deformity in Children and Adolescents: A Report from the Consensus Taskforce of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery

Much controversy remains on the current management of Chiari I deformity (CID) in children, with many clinical, surgical and ethic-legal implications. The Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery (SBNPed, in the Portuguese acronym) has put together a panel of experts to analyze updated published data on the medical literature about this matter and come up with several recommendations for pediatric neurosurgeons and allied health professionals when dealing with CID. Their conclusions are reported herein, along with the respective scientific background.

Application of three-dimensional fast gradient echo sequence in observation of craniocervical junctional ligament / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the value of three-dimensional fast gradient echo sequence (3D-GRE) in observation of the craniocervical junctional ligament.@*METHODS@#A total of 21 healthy volunteers underwent 3D-GRE imaging. The imaging data was imported into the post-processing workstation. The structures of the ligaments in the craniocervical junctional area were observed and evaluated by multiplanar reconstruction technique.@*RESULTS@#The features of ligaments in the craniocervical junction were shown clearly for all the 21 cases of volunteers. The scan time was 267-294 s. After the treatment with the three-dimensional reconstruction technique, the signal characteristics and the running structure of the transverse ligament, the alar ligament, the serrated ligament and the lamina could be effectively displayed.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The 3D-GRE can evaluate the three-dimensional data of craniocervical junctional ligament in a short period of time. Post-processing reconstruction technique can clearly evaluate the structure characteristics of each ligament, which can lay a foundation for further application in craniocerebral trauma patients.

Comparison of the muscle activity in the normal and forward head postures based on the pressure level during cranio-cervical flexion exercises

PURPOSE: This paper proposes proper and effective neck exercises by comparing the deep and superficial cervical flexor muscle activities and thickness according to the pressure level during cranio-cervical flexion exercises between a normal posture group and forward head posture group. METHODS: A total of 20 subjects (8 males and 12 females) without neck pain and disabilities were selected. The subjects' craniovertebral angles were measured; they were divided into a normal posture and a forward head posture group. During cranio-cervical flexion exercises, the thickness of the deep cervical flexor neck muscle and the activity of the surface neck muscles were measured using ultrasound and EMG. RESULTS: The results showed that the thickening of the deep cervical flexor was increased significantly to 28 and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The sternocleidomastoid muscle activity increased significantly to 24, 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The anterior scalene muscle activity increased significantly to 26, 28, and 30mmHg in the forward head posture group. A significant difference of 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles was observed between two groups. CONCLUSION: To prevent a forward head posture and maintain proper cervical curve alignment, the use of the superficial cervical flexor muscles must be minimized. In addition, to perform a cranio-cervical flexion exercises to effectively activate the deep cervical flexor muscles, 28 and 30 mmHg for normal posture adults and 28 mmHg for adults with forward head postures are recommended.

Unión cráneo-cervical - anatomía normal y correlación con imágenes / Cranio Cervical Junction - Anatomy and Imaging Correlation

La solicitud de estudios de imagen en pacientes con trauma cervical es muy frecuente en la práctica diaria. Esa patología es causa relativamente frecuente de discapacidad en pacientes jóvenes junto con el trauma encéfalo craneano. En un porcentaje no despreciable de los casos, las lesiones traumáticas comprometen la unión cráneo- cervical y en esos pacientes, la morbi-mortalidad es más significativa. La transición entre el cráneo y el raquis se basa en un conjunto de estructuras óseas relacionadas por articulaciones muy móviles y estabilizadas por un grupo de ligamentos y músculos que le brindan al mismo tiempo gran solidez. Para una correcta interpretación de los estudios de imagen de uso corriente en la clínica, es fundamental un sólido conocimiento anatómico de la unión cráneo-cervical y sus componentes. Es el objetivo de esta revisión, sistematizar la anatomía de la unión cráneo-cervical con especial énfasis en sus ligamentos, analizar la fisiología de sus movimientos y el concepto de estabilidad para luego realizar una correlación con tomografía computada multi-detector y resonancia magnética.

The request of imaging techniques in patients with cervical spine trauma is very common in clinical practice. Cervical trauma is a relatively common cause of disability in young patients. In a significant percentage of cases traumatic injuries compromise the cranio-cervical junction with more important morbidity and mortality in this group of patients. The transition between the skull and the spine is based on a set of bony structures, high mobility joints, and stabilization mechanism formed by a group of ligaments and muscles. A solid anatomical knowledge of the cranio-cervical junction and its components is essential for a correct interpretation of current high resolution imaging studies. The goal of this review is highlight the anatomy of the cranio-cervical junction with special emphasis on the ligaments, analyze the biomechanics of their movements and the concept of stability. At last but not leastwe will establish a correlation with multidetector computed tomography and high-resolutionmagnetic resonance imaging.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Foramen Magnum Meningioma­Technical Note and Case Example

Foramen magnum (FM) tumors represent one of the most complex cases for the neurosurgeon, due to their location in a very anatomically complex region surrounded by the brainstem and the lower cranial nerves, by bony elements of the craniocervical junction, and by the vertebrobasilar vessels. Currently, the open approach of choice is a lateral extension of the posteriormidline approach including far lateral, and extremelateral routes. However, the transoraltranspharyngeal approach remains the treatment of choice in cases of diseases affecting the craniocervical junction. For very selective cases, the endoscopic endonasal route to this region is another option.We present a case of a ventral FM meningioma treated exclusively with the endoscopic endonasal approach.

Endoscopic Endonasal Odontoidectomy: Nuances of Neurosurgical Technique / Odontoidectomia endoscópica endonasal: nuances da técnica cirúrgica

Odontoidectomy is the treatment of choice for some diseases that cause irreducible ventral compression of the brainstem. In this study, we present our series emphasizing the technical nuances of endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy

Odontoidectomia é o tratamento de escolha para algumas doenças que cursam com compressão irredutível do tronco encefálico. Neste trabalho, apresentamos nossa série enfatizando as nuances da técnica cirúrgica da odontoidectomia por via endonasal endoscópica.

MSCTA in preoperative evaluation of complex craniocervical junction malformation / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To evaluate the necessity and clinical significance of multi-slice spiral CTA (MSCTA) in preoperative examination of complex craniocervical junction (CCJ) malformation.Methods Totally 30 patients of complex CCJ malformation were enrolled,among them 16 underwent routine CT and MRI before surgery (routine group),and the other 14 underwent MSCTA of head and neck after routine CT and MRI (CTA group).The anatomical relationship between the V3 segment of VA and the bone in CCJ was observed,and then individualized operation scheme was formulated,MSCTA data in preoperative CTA group was reconstructed.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss and complications were compared between the two groups.Results CCJ malformation and VA V3 segment variation showed obvious individual characteristics in CTA group.The average operation time was (182.86 ± 27.37)min,and the loss of intraoperative blood was (165.71 ± 42.19)ml.No obvious complications occurred,and the therapeutic effect was satisfactory during follow-up period.In routine group,the average operation time was (205.31± 29.86)min,the loss of intraoperative blood was (246.25 ± 155.22)ml.Vertebral artery injury occurred in 1 case during operation,then bleeding was controlled,and improvement was achieved during follow-up period.There was no significant difference of operation time between the two groups (t=1.878,P=0.057),while the loss of intraoperative blood in CTA group was less than that of routine group (t =2.136,P=0.042).Conclusion MSCTA is a reliable method to investigate the anatomy and variation of bone and blood vessels in CCJ.It is necessary to carry out MSCTA examination before operation in patients with complex CCJ malformation,so as to reduce the complications and avoid the risk of surgery.

Postura craneocervical como factor de riesgo en la maloclusión / Craniocervical posture as a risk factor for malocclusion

Introducción: los trastornos de la postura craneocervical han sido asociados como factores de riesgo de las enfermedades ortopédicas y, a su vez, son considerados afecciones propias, pero no existen suficientes estudios que los relacionen con la maloclusión dental. Objetivo: determinar si los trastornos de la postura craneocervical constituyen un factor de riesgo en la maloclusión de los pacientes atendidos en la Clínica Victoria de Santa Clara en el período comprendido entre octubre de 2012 y febrero de 2013. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal donde se formaron 2 grupos, uno con pacientes con maloclusión y otro sin maloclusión, cada uno con 90 pacientes. Para determinar la prevalencia de los trastornos de la postura craneocervical, se emplearon la prueba de convergencia ocular, la prueba de rotación de la cabeza y la alteración del plano biclavicular. Resultados: en el grupo con maloclusión prevalecieron las féminas (55,55 por ciento); los principales factores identificados correspondieron a la herencia (85,55 por ciento), hábitos deformantes (63,33 por ciento), pérdida prematura de dientes (43,33 por ciento) y anormalidades de la musculatura bucal (24,44 por ciento). La prevalencia de los trastornos posturales fue del 97,77 por ciento en el grupo con maloclusión contra el 48,88 por ciento del control; tuvo una relación muy altamente significativa con la maloclusión y un odd ratio de 46,00. Conclusiones: existe un predominio del sexo femenino en el grupo de pacientes con maloclusión y una prevalencia del sexo masculino en el grupo control. Los principales factores de riesgo relacionados con la maloclusión de forma muy altamente significativa son los de mayor prevalencia. Hay predominio de los trastornos de la postura craneocervical en el grupo con maloclusión, presentando una relación muy altamente significativa con esta enfermedad, lo cual constituye un factor de riesgo que incrementa 46 veces más el riesgo de padecer de maloclusión(AU)

Introduction: craniocervical posture disorders have been viewed as risk factors for orthopedic conditions and as separate conditions themselves, but there are not sufficient studies relating them to dental malocclusion. Objective: determine whether craniocervical posture disorders constitute a risk factor for malocclusion in patients cared for at Victoria de Santa Clara clinic from October 2012 to February 2013. Methods: an cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted for which two groups were formed: one with patients with malocclusion and the other with patients without malocclusion. Each group was composed of 90 patients. Ocular convergence, head rotation, and biclavicular plane alteration tests were used to determine the prevalence of craniocervical posture disorders. Results: female gender prevailed in the malocclusion group (55.55 percent). The main factors identified were inheritance (85.55 percent), deforming habits (63.33 percent), premature tooth loss (43.33 percent) and oral muscle anomalies (24.44 percent). Prevalence of posture disorders was 97.77 percent in the malocclusion group vs. 48.88 percent in the control group, with a highly significant relationship to malocclusion and an odd ratio of 46.00. Conclusions: female gender prevailed in the malocclusion group, whereas male gender predominated in the control group. The most prevalent risk factors are those related to malocclusion in a highly significant manner. A predominance was found of craniocervical posture disorders in the malocclusion group, with a highly significant relationship to malocclusion, a factor increasing 46 times the risk of suffering from the condition(AU)

Management of a Complex Basilar Invagination Case with Multiple Revision Surgeries ­ Case Report

We describe a Basilar Invagination (BI) case with craniocervical instability and many previous failure surgeries and poor wound coverage. The patient had been submitted to a large posterior fossa craniectomy (which greatly limited the availability of an adequate area for bone fixation) and showed a poor quality of the surgical wound in the posterior craniocervical region. We performed an occipito-cervical fixation, using the bone overlying the torculla as a point of cranial fixation. Craniocervical realignment was achieved by the use of distractive maneuvers with occipital rods, followed by coverage of the hardware via a pedicled longitudinal trapeze myocutaneous flap. We used local ribs removed from the region where the myocutaneous flap was harvested as autologous bone grafts for craniocervical fusion. Post-operatively, the patient was placed in a halo-vest for three months. The patient improved substantially after the procedure, recovered some muscular strength and experienced total relief of her pain. We hereby discuss the surgical strategy used for treating this complex case in details, with illustrative pictures.

Descrevemos caso de paciente com diagnóstico de invaginação basilar e instabilidade crânio cervical com múltiplas cirurgias prévias e deiscência de ferida operatória. Devido a falha de osso na escama occipital, assim como da cobertura cutânea adequada, realizamos realinhamento craniocervical, com descompressão indireta anterior, fixação occipitocervical na região da tórcula e cobertura da pele com flap miocutâneo longitudinal pediculado de trapézio. As costelas removidas da região do retalho miocutâneo foram transferidas para serem usadas como enxerto autólogo de osso para fusão craniocervical. No pós-operatório, a paciente utilizou um halo-vest por 3 meses. No presente artigo, apresentamos nuances ilustrados de manobras para realinhamento craniocervical por via posterior na invaginação basilar, bem como estratégias para otimizar a artrodese e o fechamento cutâneo.

Craniocervical Posture in Children with Class I, II and III Skeletal Relationships

Objective: To describe the characteristics of craniocervical posture of children aged between 6 and 11 years and its relationship to their sagittal skeletal classification. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 107 children (55 girls - 52 boys), aged between 6 and 11 years. The sample included no previous orthodontically/orthopedic treated and systemically healthy children. After proper calibration, lateral skull radiographs, taken for diagnosis purpose for maxillary orthopedic treatment, were obtained by the same operator in natural head position. A radiographic analysis was made using a NEMOTEC software: 13 variables were registered: age, gender, ANB angle (to classify sagittal skeletal relationships) and 10 variables related to craniocervical posture: cervical lordosis, hyoid triangle, craniocervical angle, intervertebral spaces: C0-C1, C1-C2 and distances NSL-Ver, NLVer, ML-Ver, OPT-Hor, CVT-Hor. To evaluate the reliability of measures, 15 randomly selected radiographs were re-measured by the same investigator two weeks after the initial analysis. Results: Intra-class correlation coefficients were in a range of 0.945-0.996. Lordosis, CCA, C1-C2, OPT-Hor y CVT-Hor, values were higher in male than in female children (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found among groups of sagittal skeletal relationships, but class III children had a tendency to higher craniocervical flexion; 66.3% of the studied group presented rectified lordotic curvature and class II subjects presented increased values of NSL-Ver, NL-Ver and MLVer. Class I children had the lowest values for OPT-Hor and CVT-Hor. Conclusion: All craniocervical postural variables were higher in boys than in girls. No differences were found in this study between cervical postural variables with different malocclusion.

Effect of selective indocyanine green videoangiography in the operation of craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistulas / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of using selective indocyanine green videoangiography in the surgical treatment of craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistulas.Methods From June 2014to January 2017,the clinical data of 24 patients (26 sides) with craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistula treated at the Department of Neurosurgery,Xuanwu Hospital,Capital Medical University were analyzed retrospectively,including 15 with subarachnoid hemorrhage,8 with venous hypertensive myelopathy,and 1 with medullary compression symptom.The selective indocyanine green fluorescence technique was used to temporarily clip the origin of the arterilized draining vein,and the drainage vein was opened after the indocyanine green fluorescent arterial phase,and thus to determine the sites of arteriovenous fistulas.DSA examination was performed again after the operation,and the clinical efficacy was evaluated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS).Results The dural arteriovenous fistulas of 24 patients (26 sides) were separated from the fistulas during the operation.Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence development and postoperative DSA follow-up confirmed that the fistulas were separated.The follow-up time was 4-30 months.The mRS score in 21 patients was 0-1,the Hunt-Hess grade Ⅲ subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2 patients was mRS score 2,and mRS score in 1 patients with preoperative brainstem compression symptom was mRS score 3.Conclusion The selective indocyanine green fluorescence technique is a safe,simple,and effective technique for the treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas at the junction of craniocervical junction.

Effects of the Neck Stabilization Exercises with Vibratory Stimulation on the Neck Disability Index and Thickness of Deep Neck Flexor in Neck Pain Patient

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of neck stabilization exercises with vibratory stimulation on the neck disability index and thickness of the deep neck flexor. METHODS: Thirty subjects (control group=15, experimental group=15) with mild neck pain were enrolled in the study. The control group underwent craniocervical flexion exercise (control group, CG) and the experimental group was given craniocervical flexion exercise with vibratory stimulus (experimental group, EG) (3 sets, 3 times per week for 6 weeks). To examine the effects of exercise, the subjects were evaluated using the neck disability index (NDI), the thickness of the deep neck flexor muscle, and muscle strength. An independent and paired t-test were used to compare the effects of the exercise between the groups. RESULTS: The NDI score of the two groups increased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment (p < 0.001) and there was a significant difference between the EG group at 3 weeks (p < 0.05) and 6 weeks (p < 0.01). The thickness of the deep neck flexor in the CG group increased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment in all pressure stages (p < 0.001). The EG group showed a significant increase after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment in all pressure stage (p < 0.001), and 22 mmHg, a significant difference between 3 and 6 weeks (p < 0.05) and among 24, 28, and 30 mmHg at 6 weeks (p < 0.05). The maximum muscle strength of the deep neck flexion muscles increased significantly in the two groups after 6 weeks of treatment (p < 0.001) and there was significant difference between the EG group at 6 weeks (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Craniocervical flexion exercise with vibratory stimulus decreases the NDI, and increases the thickness of the deep neck flexor and maximum muscle strength of the deep neck flexion muscles in patients with mild neck pain.

Computed Tomography-Based Occipital Condyle Morphometry in an Indian Population to Assess the Feasibility of Condylar Screws for Occipitocervical Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective computed tomography (CT)-based morphometric study of 82 occipital condyles in the Indian population, focusing on critical morphometric dimensions with relation to placing condylar screws. PURPOSE: This study focused on determining the feasibility of placing occipital condylar screws in an Indian population using CT anatomical morphometric data. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The occipital condylar screw is a novel technique being explored as one of the options in occipitocervical stabilization. Sex and ethnic variations in anatomical structures may restrict the feasibility of this technique in some populations. To the best of our knowledge, there are no CT-based data on an Indian population that assess the feasibility of occipital condylar screws. METHODS: We measured the dimensions of 82 occipital condyles in 41 adults on coronal, sagittal, and axial reconstructed CT images. The differences were noted between the right and left sides and also between males and females. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, with a p-value of < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Mean sagittal length and height were 17.2±1.7 mm and 9.1±1.5 mm, respectively. Mean condylar angle/screw angle was 38.0°±5.5° from midline, with mean condylar length and width of 19.6±2.6 mm and 9.5±1.0 mm, respectively. Average coronal height on the anterior and posterior hypoglossal canal was 10.8±1.4 mm and 9.0±1.4 mm, respectively. The values in females were significantly lower than those in males, except for screw angle and condylar width. Based on Lin et al.'s proposed criteria, eight of 82 condyles were not suitable for condylar screws. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary CT morphometry data of the occipital condyle shows that condylar screws are anatomically feasible in a large portion of the Indian population. However, because a small number of population may not be suitable for this technique, meticulous study of preoperative anatomy using detailed CT data is advised.