Cervical Cordotomy in Terminal Cancer: Pain Relieving in Oncological Treatment

Cordotomy consists in the discontinuation of the lateral spinothalamic tract (LST) in the anterolateral quadrant of the spinal cord, which aims to reduce the transference of nociceptive information in the dorsal horn of the gray matter of the spinal cord to the somatosensory cortex. The main indication is for patients with terminal cancer that have a low life expectancy. It improves the quality of life by relieving pain. The results are promising and the pain relief rate varies between 69 and 100%. Generally speaking, the complications are mostly temporary and not remarkable.

Cervical vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to Streptococcus equi infection in an adult horse - case report / Osteomielite vertebral cervical secundária à infecção por Streptococcus equi em um cavalo adulto - relato de caso

A 15-year-old, mixed breed, male horse was attended with a history of multiple abscesses in the cervical region with a three-year evolution. Upon admission, three fistulous tracts with drainage of purulent secretions in the cervical region, low body score, restriction of cervical movements, and painful sensitivity to palpation were observed. The horse was diagnosed with osteomyelitis secondary to Streptococcus equi infection. The initial treatment was antibiotic therapy and local curative. Owing to the lack of response, surgical debridement was performed. An initial favorable response was observed; however, after 4 months, drainage recurred, and the animal was euthanized. A post-mortem computed tomography scan was performed to obtain details of the injury. Cervical osteomyelitis is rare, and its occurrence through hematogenous spread in adult horses and the tomographic findings had not been reported previously. The long period of evolution, difficulty in performing an aggressive debridement, and the presence of multi-drug resistant bacteria contributed to the negative outcome.(AU)

Um equino macho, sem raça definida, de 15 anos de idade, foi atendido com histórico de múltiplos abscessos cervicais com evolução de três anos. Na admissão, foram observados: três trajetos fistulosos com drenagem de material purulento na região cervical; baixo escore corporal; restrição de movimentos cervicais; e sensibilidade dolorosa à palpação da região. Foi diagnosticada osteomielite vertebral cervical secundária à infecção por Streptococcus equi. O tratamento inicial consistiu na administração de antibióticos e curativo local. Na ausência de resposta à terapia, realizou-se o debridamento cirúrgico. Inicialmente, obteve-se uma resposta favorável, entretanto, após quatro meses, houve recidiva da lesão e o animal foi submetido à eutanásia. Realizou-se tomografia computadorizada no post mortem para detalhamento da lesão. A osteomielite vertebral cervical é rara, e sua ocorrência por meio de disseminação hematógena em animais adultos não foi previamente reportada. O longo período de evolução, aliado à dificuldade de realização de um debridamento agressivo, e a característica multirresistente do agente etiológico contribuíram para o desfecho negativo do caso.(AU)

Osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma" de columna cervical: A propósito de un caso / Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma of the cervical spine. A case report

El osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma", una variante menos agresiva del osteosarcoma, es una enfermedad poco frecuente y representa un desafío diagnóstico tanto clínico como histopatológico. Se han publicado escasos reportes de casos de este tumor. Presentamos a un paciente de 16 años con un osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma" localizado en la columna cervical. La biopsia ósea bajo tomografía reveló una lesión con un patrón de crecimiento permeativo, con sospecha de osteosarcoma "tipo osteoblastoma". Se realizó una espondilectomía total en bloque mediante un doble abordaje. Se describen el caso clínico, la secuencia diagnóstica, la técnica quirúrgica y el seguimiento a 10 años. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma, a less aggressive variant of osteosarcoma, is a rare tumor which presents a clinical and histopathological diagnostic challenge. We have found few reports of cases of this tumor in the literature. In this case, we describe an osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma of the cervical spine in a 16-year-old patient. CT-guided bone biopsy showed a lesion with a permeated growth pattern, which led to the suspicion of an osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma. A total en bloc spondylectomy was performed through a dual approach. We present the clinical case, the diagnostic sequence, the surgical technique and 10-year follow-up results. Level of Evidence: IV

Mielopatía cervical espondilótica; resultados clínicos post laminoplastia / Spondylotic cervical myelopathy; clinical results after laminoplasty / Mielopatia cervical espondilótica; resultados clínicos após laminoplastia

Introducción: Evaluar los resultados clínico en pacientes portadores de mielopatía cervical espondilótica intervenidos quirúrgicamente en nuestro servicio mediante laminoplastia open door. Materiales y métodos: Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes intervenidos por mielopatía cervical espondilótica mediante laminoplastia entre 2010 y 2017. De los 102 pacientes intervenidos perdimos 18 casos o los datos fueron insuficientes. De los 84 casos 58 son masculinos. La media de edad fue de 63 años de los cuales se valoró: asociación de polo lumbar, tiempo entre sintomatología y cirugía, balance sagital, mielomalacia y resultados clínicos mediante la escala de Nurick y el JOA modificado. Resultados: El área más frecuente de laminoplastia fue de C3-C6 (83%). El promedio del JOA preoperatorio fue de 12,1 y postoperatorio a los 6 meses de 14,8, obteniendo una tasa de recuperación mediante el método del Hirabayasi de 81%. El Nurick preoperatorio promedio fue de 2 y a los 6 meses de 1.1. Cuarenta y dos pacientes (50%) presentaban en la RMN hiperintensidad de señal medular en T2. La tasa de recuperación del JOA y Nurick fue significativamente mayor en pacientes intervenidos a menos de 12 meses de inicio de sintomatología. Notamos una alta incidencia de sufrimiento bipolar (48%). No hubo complicaciones mayores, 2 presentaron paresia transitoria de C5, 1 paciente presento seroma que requirió drenaje superficial y 4 presentaron dolor axial leve que no tenían previo a la cirugía. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia la laminoplastia open door es una técnica con muy buenos resultados clínicos y con baja incidencia de complicaciones para el tratamiento de la mielopatia cervical espondilótica. Notamos una asociación significativa entre la tasa de recuperación del JOA y el periodo entre sintomatología y cirugía. Por otro lado, no encontramos asociación significativa entre el resultado clínico y el número de espacios liberados así como la presencia de alteraciones de señal medular.

Background: To evaluate the clinical results in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy operated surgically in our service by means of "open door" laminoplasty. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent cervical spondylotic myelopathy by laminoplasty between 2010 and 2017. Of the 102 patients operated on, we lost 18 cases or the data were insufficient. Of the 84 cases, 56 male patients with an average age of 63 years were evaluated: association of the lumbar pole, time between symptomatology and surgery, sagittal balance, myelomalacia and clinical results using the Nurick scale and the modified JOA. Results: The most frequent area of laminoplasty was C3-C6 (70%). The preoperative JOA average was 10.6 and postoperative at 3 months of 14.5, obtaining a recovery rate using the Hirabayashi method of 61%. The preoperative Nurick averaged 3.08 and at 3 months of 1.2. 42 patients presented with MRI hyperintense signaling in T2. The recovery rate of JOA and Nurick was significantly higher in patients operated on less than 6 months after symptom onset. We note a high incidence of bipolar suffering (30%). There were no major complications, 2 presented transient paresis of C5, 1 patient presented seroma that required superficial drainage and 4 presented mild axial pain that they did not have prior to surgery. Conclusions: In our experience, open-door laminoplasty is a technique with very good clinical results and a low incidence of complications for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. We note a significant association between the rate of recovery of the JOA and the period between symptoms and surgery. On the other hand, we did not find a significant association between the clinical result and the number of spaces released as well as the presence of marrow signal alterations.

Introdução: Avaliar os resultados clínicos em pacientes com mielopatia espondilótica cervical operada cirurgicamente em nosso serviço por laminoplastia aberta. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de pacientes operados por mielopatia espondilótica cervical por laminoplastia entre 2010 e 2017. Dos 102 pacientes operados, perdemos 18 casos ou os dados foram insuficientes. Dos 84 casos, 58 são do sexo masculino. A média de idade foi de 63 anos, sendo avaliada: associação do pólo lombar, tempo entre sintomatologia e cirurgia, equilíbrio sagital, mielomalácia e resultados clínicos utilizando a escala de Nurick e o JOA modificado. Resultados: A área de laminoplastia mais frequente foi a C3-C6 (83%). O JOA médio pré-operatório foi de 12,1 e no pós-operatório aos 6 meses de 14,8, obtendo-se uma taxa de recuperação pelo método de Hirabayasi de 81%. O Nurick médio pré-operatório foi 2 e em 6 meses de 1.1. Quarenta e dois pacientes (50%) apresentavam sinalização hiperintensa da ressonância magnética em T2. A taxa de recuperação de JOA e Nurick foi significativamente maior em pacientes operados em menos de 12 meses após o início dos sintomas. Notamos uma alta incidência de sofrimento bipolar (48%). Não houve complicações maiores, 2 apresentaram paresia transitória de C5, 1 paciente apresentou seroma que necessitou de drenagem superficial e 4 apresentaram dor axial leve que não tiveram antes da cirurgia. Conclusões: Em nossa experiência, a laminoplastia por portas abertas é uma técnica com resultados clínicos muito bons e baixa incidência de complicações para o tratamento da mielopatia espondilótica cervical. Notamos uma associação significativa entre a taxa de recuperação do JOA e o período entre sintomas e cirurgia. Por outro lado, não encontramos associação significativa entre o resultado clínico e o número de espaços liberados, bem como a presença de alterações no sinal medular.

Development of a Patient-specific Guide for High Cervical Spine Fixation / Desenvolvimento de um guia paciente-específico para fixação de coluna cervical alta

Abstract Objective High cervical spine fixation represents a challenge for spine surgeons due to the complex anatomy and the risks of vascular and medullar injury. The recent advances in 3-D printing have unfolded a whole new range of options for these surgeons. Methods In the present study, a guide for the placement of the lateral mass screw in the C1 vertebra was developed using 3-D printing. Eight real-size models of the high cervical spine and their respective screw guides were built using computed tomography (CT) scan images. The guidewires were inserted with the help of the printed guides and then the models were analyzed with the help of CT scan images. Results All of the guidewires in the present study obtained a safe placement in the models, avoiding the superior and inferior articular surfaces, the vertebral foramen, and the vertebral artery. Conclusion The present study demonstrated the efficiency of the guide, a reliable tool for aiding the insertion of guidewires for screws in lateral masses of the C1.

Resumo Objetivos A fixação de coluna cervical alta pode representar um desafio para os cirurgiões de coluna devido à anatomia complexa e aos riscos de lesão vascular e medular. Os recentes avanços com a tecnologia de impressão 3 D abriram um novo leque de opções para os cirurgiões. Métodos Desenvolveu-se umguia para a adaptação de parafusos demassa lateral em C1 comauxílio de impressão 3 D. Foram confeccionados oitomodelos em tamanho real de coluna cervical alta e seus respectivos guias com base em tomografias computadorizadas. Os fios-guia foram introduzidos com o auxílio dos guias; os modelos foram analisados com auxílio de tomografia computadorizada. Resultados Todos os fios-guia avaliados no estudo apresentaram um trajeto seguro nos modelos, respeitaram as superfícies articulares superiores e inferiores, o canal vertebral e a artéria vertebral. Conclusão O estudo demonstrou que o guia tem boa eficácia, é uma ferramenta confiável para auxiliar a adaptação de fios-guia para parafusos em massas laterais de C1.

La severidad de la artritis reumatoide como predictor oportuno de inestabilidad de la columna cervical asintomática / The severity of rheumatoid arthritis as a timely predictor of instability in the asymptomatic cervical spine

Resumen: Introducción: La afectación de la columna cervical es común en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR), factores de riesgo como la actividad de la enfermedad puede estar relacionada con inestabilidad cervical asintomática. Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados a la inestabilidad de la columna cervical asintomáticos en pacientes con artritis reumatoide. Material y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles provenientes de la consulta externa de reumatología y columna de un centro de trauma de nivel II para identificar a todos los pacientes diagnosticados con AR e inestabilidad cervical asintomáticos. Con radiografías simples de la columna cervical que hacen mediciones radiográficas, se realizó el diagnóstico de inestabilidad cervical, se evaluaron los factores de riesgo como la presencia de factor reumatoide (FR), cirugías articulares previas, las elevaciones de los valores de proteína C reactiva (PCR), la severidad y actividad de la enfermedad medida en el índice de actividad de la enfermedad de 28 articulaciones (DAS 28), además del índice de actividad de la enfermedad simplificada (SDAI). Resultados: Se evaluaron 32 pacientes, nueve (28.1%) cumplieron con los criterios para inestabilidad de la columna cervical con subluxación atlantoaxial anterior (SAAa) (100%), también un paciente con SAAa presentaba subluxación vertical (SV), los factores de riesgo más relevantes: el DAS 28 con un OR = 3.54, SDA con un OR = 2.34 y por último el PCR > 1.0 su OR = 2.88. Conclusión: Los factores de riesgo asociados oportunamente en nuestra población son la severidad de la actividad de la enfermedad que podemos observar en el DAS y SDAI al aplicarlos en los pacientes y PCR > 1.0.

Abstract: Introduction: Cervical spine involvement is common in patients with RA, risk factors such as disease activity may be related to asymptomatic cervical instability. Objective: To determine the associated factors for asymptomatic cervical spine instability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Material and methods: Case and control study from the external spine and rheumatology consultation of a level II trauma center to identify all patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asymptomatic cervical instability. With simple X-rays of the cervical spine, carrying out radiographic measurements, the diagnosis of cervical instability was performed, risk factors such as the presence of rheumatoid factor (FR), previous articular surgeries, elevations of the C-reactive protein (PCR) values were evaluated. The severity and activity of the disease measured in the activity index of 28 articulations (DAS 28) in addition to the index of activity of the simplified disease (SDAI). Results: We assessed 32 patients, nine patients (28.1%) met the criteria for instability of the anterior cervical spine atlantoaxial subluxation (SAAa) (100%), also one patient with SAAa presented vertical subluxation (SV), risk factors more relevant: DAS 28 with an OR = 3.54, SDA with an OR = 2.34 and finally the PCR > 1.0 its OR = 2.88. Conclusion: The risk factors associated opportunely in our population are the severity of the activity of the disease that we can see in the DAS and SDAI when applied in patients and PCR > 1.0.

Carcinoma de células escamosas cutâneo-invasivo - relato de caso / Invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma - Case report

O carcinoma de células escamosas cutâneo é resultante da proliferação maligna dos queratinócitos. Costuma surgir da evolução de lesões precursoras, mas pode crescer espontaneamente na pele normal ou cronicamente inflamada. O carcinoma de células escamosas invasivo corresponde à segunda forma mais comum de câncer da pele não melanoma e representa 20% de todas as neoplasias cutâneas. Este trabalho relata um caso clínico de carcinoma de células escamosas cutâneo, rapidamente progressivo e com metástases regionais, que mesmo com a ressecção completa e esvaziamento ganglionar, apresentou pouca resposta terapêutica e evoluiu a óbito.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) results from malignant proliferation of keratinocytes. It usually arises from the development of precursor lesions, however it may grow spontaneously on normal or chronically inflamed skin. Invasive SCC is the second most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer and accounts for 20% of all cutaneous neoplasms. The present paper reports a clinical case of cutaneous SCC, rapidly progressive and with regional metastases, which, even after complete resection of the tumor and regional lymph nodes, showed little therapeutic response and evolved to death.

Neurofibroma cervicodorsal en una niña con neurofibromatosis tipo 1 / Cervical dorsal neurofibroma in a girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 neurofibroma / Neurofibroma cervicodorsal em uma criança com neurofibromatose tipo 1

La neurofibromatosis es el síndrome neurocutáneo más frecuente, una enfermedad hereditaria con afectación multisistémica. Se distinguen tres formas clínicas de la enfermedad; la neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF-1) es la más frecuente. A las lesiones cutáneas, presentes en la mayoría de los casos, se pueden asociar tumores en cualquier localización. Los neurofibromas son característicos de la NF-1. El objetivo de esta comunicación es describir una complicación poco frecuente de la NF-1 que representa un desafío terapéutico debido a la topografía y frecuencia de recidivas. Se trata de una niña de 3 años con NF-1 con síntomas de mielopatía multisegmentaria de instalación progresiva de dos meses de evolución. La imagenología evidenció una tumoración cérvico-dorsal con compresión medular. La exéresis tumoral permitió confirmar neurofibroma intradural, extramedular. Los neurofibromas plexiformes se caracterizan por su comportamiento infiltrativo y diseminación paraespinal extensa. La resección de estas lesiones genera habitualmente morbilidad asociada al compromiso de estructuras críticas extraespinales y dificulta su resección completa tal como ocurrió en el caso clínico presentado. Se destaca la importancia de realizar un correcto seguimiento clínico y eventualmente imagenológico de los pacientes con NF-1 para detectar y abordar oportunamente los tumores, su complicación más importante.

Neurofibromatosis is one of the most frequent neurocutaneous syndrome. It is an inherited diseasewhich affects multiple systems. Three clinical presentations of the disease can be distinguished being type 1 neurofibromatosis the most common. Tumors at any body location can be associated to the usually presented cutaneous lesions. Neurofibromas are characteristic of type 1 neurofibromatosis. The aim of this study is to describe a less frequent complication of the disease which represents a therapeutic challenge due to its topography and frequency of recurrences. This is the case of a 3 year-old girl with type 1 neurofibromatosis with symptoms of multisegmental myelopathy. A cervical-dorsal tumor with medullary compression was shown in medical imaging. Tumor extraction allowed to confirm intradural, extramedullary neurofibroma. Plexiform neurofibromas are characterized by their infiltrative behavior and extensive paraspinal dissemination. Resection of these lesions usually generates morbidity associated with the involvement of extra-spinal critical structures and hinders their complete resection as occurred in the presented clinical case. It is important to perform a correct clinical and eventually imaging follow-up of patients with NF-1 to detect and treat tumors, its most important complication.

Neurofibromatose é a syndrome neurocutânea mais freqüente, uma doença hereditária com envolvimento multissistêmico. Três formas clínicas da doença são distinguidas. A neurofibromatose tipo 1 (NF-1) é a mais freqüente. As lesões cutâneas, presentes na maioria dos casos, podem ser associadas a tumores em qualquer localização. Neurofibromas são característicos de NF-1. O objetivo desta comunicação é descrever uma complicação rara de NF-1 que representa um desafio terapêutico devido à topografia e freqüência de recidivas. Trata-se de uma menina de 3 anos com NF-1 com sintomas de mielopatia multisegmentar de instalação progressiva de dois meses de evolução. A imagem mostrou um tumor cérvico-dorsal com compressão da medula espinhal. A excisão do tumor permitiu confirmar neurofibroma intradural, extramedular. Os neurofibromes plexiformes são caracterizados pelo seu comportamento infiltrativo e sua disseminação paraspinal extensa. A ressecção dessas lesões geralmente gera morbidade associada ao envolvimento de estruturas críticas extra-espinhais e dificulta sua ressecção completa, como ocorreu no caso clínico apresentado. Destaca-se a importância de realizar um acompanhamento clínico e, eventualmente, de imagens de pacientes com NF-1 para detectar e tratar oportunamente os tumores, sua complicação mais importante.

Analysis of Relationship between Injury and Disease in 17 Cases of Cervical Trauma with Cervical Vertebra Degeneration / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the characteristics of the relationship between injury and disease in forensic identification cases of cervical trauma with cervical vertebra degeneration, and to explore the problems about how to identify the participation rates of injury and disease using the clinical information, forensic examination and imaging examination.@*METHODS@#Seventeen forensic identification cases of cervical trauma with cervical vertebra degeneration were collected. The age distributions, injury formations, injury severities and imaging findings of these cases were analyzed and the relationship between injury and disease was evaluated comprehensively.@*RESULTS@#Middle-aged and elderly were common in 17 cases and every case was involved with intervertebral disc herniation. The main reasons of injuries were hyperextension. The degree of injury severity and vertebra degeneration were graded according to the imaging findings. The participation rates of injury and disease were also calculated comprehensively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The forensic identification cases of cervical trauma with cervical vertebra degeneration should be evaluated with clinical information, forensic examination and imaging finding.

Discopatía calcificante de la infancia: una infrecuente causa de tortícolis adquirida. Caso clínico / Pediatric intervertebral disc calcification: A rare cause of acquired torticollis. Case report

Introducción: El dolor y la contractura muscular cervical son motivos de consulta usuales en los servicios de urgencia pediátrica. El primer enfrentamiento es la anamnesis y examen físico minucioso. Ante la sospecha de etiología musculoesquelética se debe solicitar radiografía de columna cervical. El hallazgo de calcificación de los discos intervertebrales, en ausencia de otras lesiones radiológicas, nos debe hacer sospechar de una discopatía calcificante de la infancia. Objetivo: Presentar un caso de discopatía calcificante de la infancia, enfermedad infrecuente, que se debe tener en cuenta como diagnóstico diferencial de tortícolis y dolor cervical en la infancia. Caso clínico: Paciente varón de 7 años, sin antecedentes mórbidos ni historia de traumatismo o deportes bruscos. Consultó por historia de dolor y contractura cervical de 6 días de evolución. La velocidad de eritrosedimentación y proteína C reactiva estaban discretamente elevadas. La radiografía de columna cervical y la tomografía computarizada mostraron calcificación discal C5-C6 y protrusión discal anterior. Se hospitalizó para estudio y tratamiento del dolor, con buena respuesta clínica, continuando el manejo ambulatorio con antiinflamatorios no esteroidales y collar blando. Evolucionó con resolución de la sintomatología clínica y de las calcificaciones a 6 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones: El hallazgo de calcificaciones de los discos intervertebrales es una infrecuente causa de tortícolis adquirida, de evolución benigna y autolimitada. Se recomienda manejo conservador por tiempo acotado y seguimiento clínico e imagenológico.

Introduction: Pain and cervical muscle spasm are common reasons why parents bring children to the pediatric emergency department. The first steps are the gathering of medical history of the patient and a physical examination. If musculoskeletal damage is suspected, cervical spine x-rays should be obtained. An intervertebral disc calcification finding, in the absence of other radiological lesions should suggest pediatric intervertebral disc calcification. Objective: To present a case of intervertebral disc calcification, a rare condition that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of torticollis and neck pain in childhood. Case report: A seven-year-old male patient without morbid history and no history of trauma or rough sport practice. He consulted the emergency room for pain and cervical contracture for the last six days. C reactive protein and red cell sedimentatio rates were slightly elevated. Imaging studies showed calcification of the C5-C6 intrvertebral disc and anterior disc protrusion. The patient was hospitalized for evaluation and pain management, with good clinical response and continue afterwards with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a soft collar. At the 6-month-follow up, the patient had resolved symptoms and calcifications. Conclusions: Pediatric intervertebral disc calcification is a rare cause of acquired torticollis, with a benign and self-limited outcome. Conservative management, as well as clinical and imaging follow-up is recommended.

Estudio comparativo entre placa-injerto, caja-placa y caja de PEEK en artrodesis de la columna cervical con conducto cervical estrecho / Comparative study between plate-graft, cage-plate and peek cage in cervical arthrodesis for cervical stenosis

Introducción: Se han desarrollado una variedad de sistemas para fijar y artrodesar la columna cervical con las ventajas de reducir del riesgo de seudoartrosis, extrusión y colapso del injerto, así como una mayor precisión en la alineación sagital, por tal motivo requerimos comparar resultados de placa-injerto, caja-placa y caja-PEEK, en pacientes con conducto cervical estrecho. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, de intervención y comparativo, formando tres grupos: grupo I, artrodesis con placa-injerto, grupo II, caja-placa, grupo III, caja-PEEK. La evaluación funcional pre- y postoperatoria con escala de discapacidad cervical y escala visual análoga (EVA) de dolor y radiografías columna cervical. Se analizaron los resultados con pruebas no paramétricas de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon y Kruskal Wallis para comparación entre más de dos grupos. Con nivel de significancia de 0.05. Resultados: Muestra de 37 pacientes para el grupo I con n = 12, con 22 niveles; grupo II con: n = 11, con 19 niveles; grupo III con: n = 14 con 25 niveles. La mayoría de pacientes entre la sexta y octava década de la vida. Al año de postoperados el índice de discapacidad cervical y mejoría del dolor con EVA mostraron mejoría con diferencia estadística en los tres grupos (p = 0.001). Sin embargo, las mediciones radiográficas al año de seguimiento mostraron una mejoría significativa de la lordosis segmentaria (p = 0.02) sólo en pacientes operados con placa-injerto. Conclusiones: El uso de la placa injerto ofrece mejores resultados clínicos y radiográficos en comparación con la caja-placa y caja-PEEK al año de seguimiento.

Introduction: A variety of systems have been developed to fix and perform arthrodesis of the cervical spine, with the advantages of reducing the risk of pseudoarthrosis, extrusion and graft collapse and achieving a more precise sagittal alignment. We therefore need to compare the results of the following approaches to patients with cervical stenosis: plate-graft, cage-plate and PEEK cage. Material and methods: Prospective, interventional, comparative trial involving three groups: group I, arthrodesis with plate-graft; group II, cage-plate, and group III, PEEK cage. The pre- and postoperative assessments included the cervical disability scale, the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and cervical spine X-rays. The results were analyzed with non-parametric tests such as the Wilcoxon sign test and the Kruskal-Wallis test for the comparison of more than two groups. Significance level was 0.05. Results: The sample included a total of 37 patients: n = 12 in group I, with 22 levels; n = 11 in group II, with 19 levels, and n = 14 in group III, with 25 levels. Patient age ranged between 60 and 80. One year after surgery there was an improvement in cervical disability and the pain VAS score, with a statistically significant difference among the three groups (p = 0.001). However, radiographic measurements at that time showed a significant improvement in segmental lordosis (p = 0.02) only in plate-graft patients. Conclusions: The plate-graft approach provides better clinical and radiographic results compared to the cage-plate and PEEK cage techniques, at the one-year follow-up.

Significance of Intramedullary High Signal Intensity on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relation between intramedullary high signal intensity (IMHS) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiographic parameters, and clinical symptoms in cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) patients. METHODS: Two hundred forty-one patients, who underwent simple radiography, computed tomography (CT), and MRI were included in the present study. As radiographic parameters, the OPLL occupying ratio and occupying area were measured on CT images. Dynamic factors were assessed by measuring cervical range of motion (ROM) on simple radiographs. Visual analog scale (VAS) for neck and arm pain, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were evaluated for clinical analysis. The differences in radiographic and clinical findings were assessed between patients with IMHS on T2-weighted MRI findings (group A) and patients without IMHS (group B). RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were assigned to group A and 160 patients to group B. The occupying ratios were found to be higher in group A than in group B on both sagittal and axial views (p < 0.01). Group A also showed a higher area occupying ratio (p < 0.01). The length and area of underlying spinal canal on the sagittal and cross-sectional planes were lower in group A than in group B (p < 0.01). No significant difference in ROM was observed (p = 0.63). On the clinical findings, group A had a lower JOA score (p < 0.001), and no intergroup differences in VAS scores were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In cervical OPLL cases, IMHS on MRI was associated with manifestation of myelopathic symptom. Occupying ratio was associated with high signal intensity on MRI, whereas no association was found with ROM. Occurrence of high signal intensity increased inversely with the length and area of underlying spinal canal.

High Grade Infective Spondylolisthesis of Cervical Spine Secondary to Tuberculosis

Spondylolisthesis coexisting with tuberculosis is rarely reported. There is a controversy whether spondylolisthesis coexists or precedes tuberculosis. Few cases of pathological spondylolisthesis secondary to tuberculous spondylodiscitis have been reported in the lumbar and lumbosacral spine. All cases in the literature presented as anterolisthesis, except one which presented as posterolisthesis of lumbar spine. Spondylolisthesis in the cervical spine is mainly degenerative and traumatic. Spondylolisthesis due to tuberculosis is not reported in the lower cervical spine. The exact mechanism of such an occurrence of spondylolisthesis with tuberculosis is sparsely reported in the literature and inadequately understood. We report a rare case of high grade pathological posterolisthesis of the lower cervical spine due to tubercular spondylodiscitis in a 67-year-old woman managed surgically with a three-year follow-up period. This case highlights the varied and complex presentation of tuberculosis of the lower cervical spine and gives insight into its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Imaging of Herniated Discs of the Cervical Spine: Inter-Modality Differences between 64-Slice Multidetector CT and 1.5-T MRI

OBJECTIVE: To assess inter-modality variability when evaluating cervical intervertebral disc herniation using 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three musculoskeletal radiologists independently reviewed cervical spine 1.5-T MRI and 64-slice MDCT data on C2-3 though C6-7 of 51 patients in the context of intervertebral disc herniation. Interobserver and inter-modality agreements were expressed as unweighted kappa values. Weighted kappa statistics were used to assess the extents of agreement in terms of the number of involved segments (NIS) in disc herniation and epicenter measurements collected using MDCT and MRI. RESULTS: The interobserver agreement rates upon evaluation of disc morphology by the three radiologists were in fair to moderate agreement (k = 0.39-0.53 for MDCT images; k = 0.45-0.56 for MRIs). When the disc morphology was categorized into two and four grades, the inter-modality agreement rates were moderate (k-value, 0.59) and substantial (k-value, 0.66), respectively. The inter-modality agreements for evaluations of the NIS (k-value, 0.78) and the epicenter (k-value, 0.79) were substantial. Also, the interobserver agreements for the NIS (CT; k-value, 0.85 and MRI; k-value, 0.88) and epicenter (CT; k-value, 0.74 and MRI; k-value, 0.70) evaluations by two readers were substantial. MDCT tended to underestimate the extent of herniated disc lesions compared with MRI. CONCLUSION: Multidetector-row computed tomography and MRI showed a moderate-to-substantial degree of inter-modality agreement for the assessment of herniated cervical discs. MDCT images have a tendency to underestimate the anterior/posterior extent of the herniated disc compared with MRI.

Prevalência de subluxações cervicais e torácicas com relação ao membro dominante superior em atletas amadores de voleibol / Prevalence of cervical and thoracic subluxations in relation to the dominant upper limb in amateur volleyball players

O voleibol exige um ótimo condicionamento físico, força, velocidade, agilidade e flexibilidade de seus participantes. Nele, a repetição de determinados tipos de movimentos e a sobrecarga de treinamento exigida produz um processo de adaptação orgânica do corpo que resulta, muitas vezes, em desequilíbrio muscular. Somado a isso, os gestos específicos e os erros na técnica de execução dos movimentos podem aumentar a prevalência de alterações posturais influenciando o aumento de possibilidades de lesões (JUNIOR, 2004). As alterações posturais, por sua vez, podem ocasionar distúrbios que afetam a coluna vertebral. Objetivo: o propósito do estudo foi detectar as principais subluxações - vertebrais cervicais e torácicas - por meio da análise das rotações do processo espinhoso de cada vértebra e lateralidade do atlas com o membro dominante superior, relacionando com as categorias e com a posição em quadra de atletas de Voleibol. Método: para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva com 145 atletas de categorias de base e adulta que treinam mais de dois dias por semana. Os atletas foram submetidos a uma avaliação quiroprática. Resultados e Discussão: verificou-se que as subluxações mais prevalentes foram das vértebras C1, C7, T4, T8 e T12. Observou-se que a musculatura e a articulação do ombro estão diretamente interligadas com as subluxações encontradas. Atletas ambidestros apresentaram menor percentagem de subluxações e maior equilíbrio rotacional dos processos espinhosos e da lateralidade do atlas. Os demais atletas apresentaram a lateralidade do atlas e as rotações do processo espinhoso das regiões cervical e torácica para o lado direito...

Volleyball requires a great physical fitness, strength, speed, agility and flexibility of its players. In it, the repetition of certain types of movements and the overload of training required may produces an organic process of adaptation of the body that often results in muscle imbalance. Added to this, the specific gestures and errors in technique of the movements may increase the prevalence of postural changes influencing the increased possibilities of injuries. Postural changes, inturn, can lead to disorders affecting the spine. Objective: the purpose of the study was to identify the main subluxations - cervical and thoracic - through the analysis of rotations of the spinous process of each vertebra and laterality of the atlas with the dominant upper limb, in what respect the categories and the position in court of volleyball athletes. Method: it was carried out a descriptive study of 145 athletes from youth teams and adult training more than two days per week. The athletes underwent a chiropractic evaluation. Results and Discussion: it was found that the most prevalent vertebral subluxation are C1, C7, T4, T8 and T12. It was noted that the muscles and the shoulder joint are directly interconnected with the subluxations found. Ambidextrous athletes showed lower percentage of subluxations and higher rotational equilibrium of the spinous processes and the laterality of the atlas. The other athletes showed the laterality of the atlas and the rotations of the spinous process of the cervical and thoracic regions to the right side...

Cervical cordotomy for the treatment of oncological pain / Cordotomia cervical para tratamento da dor oncológica: revisâo de literatura

Cordotomy consists in the discontinuation of the spinothalamic tract in the anterolateral quadrant of the spinal cord and aims to reduce the transference of nociceptive information in the dorsal horn of the grey matter of the spinal cord (CPME) for rostral units at the neural axis. Many modalities of cordotomy may be employed: anterior transdiscal between C4-C5; endoscopic infra mastoid tip between C1-C2; percutaneous guided by fluoroscopy infra mastoid tip between C1-C2; percutaneous guided by CT infra mastoid tip between C1-C2; open cordotomy by means of laminectomy. The main indication is for patients in advanced cancer disease with severe neuropathic pain bellow the neck in whom the period of survival due to cancer disease is inferior to 3-4 months. The results for immediate pain relieve ranges from 69% to 100% of the cases, while preoperative Karnofsky scores were 20 and 70, respectively versus post operative Karnofsky scores of 20 and 100 respectively; the difference was determined to be highly significant (p < 0.001).

A cordotomia consiste na discontinuação do trato espinotâmico no quadrante ântero-lateral da medula espinal e visa reduzir a transferência de informação nociceptiva no corno dorsal da substância cinzenta da medula espinal (CPME) para as unidades rostrais no neuroeixo. Muitas modalidades de cordotomia podem ser empregadas: transdiscal anterior entre C4-C5; endoscópica inframastoidea entre C1-C2; Percutânea inframastoidea entre C1-C2 guiada por fluoroscopia; percutânea inframastoidea entre C1-C2 guiada por TC; cordotomia aberta por laminectomia. A principal indicação é para pacientes com câncer avançado com dor neuropática severa abaixo do pescoço nos quais a sobrevida devido ao câncer é inferior a 3-4 meses. Os resultados para alívio imediato da dor varia de 69% a 100% dos casos, enquanto os escores de Karnofsky foram de 20 e 70 no período pré-operatório, para 20 e 100 no período pós-opertaório; a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (p < 0.001).