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SUMMARY: In literature were described variations in foramen transversarium in cervical vertebrae, as well as their clinical importance, and the information about them boils down to the individual case reports or population morphological studies. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge of morphological characteristics of the transverse openings on vertebrae of the cervical region. The study was performed on 60 typical vertebrae that are part of the collection of the Department of Anatomy in Nis. The characteristics of permanent openings were measured and accessory foramina were recorded. It was found that the diameter of the openings on the left side was 5.595±0.92 x 5.390±1.507 mm, and on the right 5.766±1.201 x 6.101±1.401 mm. Unilateral completely separated accessory foramina were recorded in 10.17 % of cases, dominant on the left side, and incompletely separated cases in 5.09 %. The research has demonstrated a relatively high incidence of accessory foramina and deviations from circular shaped openings.

En la literatura se describen variaciones en el foramen transverso de las vértebras cervicales, así como su importancia clínica, y la información sobre ellas se reduce a informes de casos individuales o estudios morfológicos poblacionales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue contribuir al conocimiento de las características morfológicas de los forámenes transversos de las vértebras cervicales. El estudio se realizó en 60 vértebras típicas que forman parte de la colección del Departamento de Anatomía de Nis. Se midieron las características de los forámenes constantes y se registraron los forámenes accesorios. Se encontró que el diámetro de los forámenes del lado izquierdo era de 5,595±0,92 x 5,390±1,507 mm, y del derecho de 5,766±1,201 x 6,101±1,401 mm. Se registraron forámenes accesorios unilaterales completamente separados en el 10,17 % de los casos, dominantes en el lado izquierdo y casos incompletamente separados en el 5,09 %. La investigación ha demostrado una incidencia relativamente alta de forámenes accesorios y desviaciones de forma circular.

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El conocimiento del espacio suboccipital (OA) es esencial para el clínico debido a que su disminución se asocia a posible causa de cefaleas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las diferencias entre la longitud del espacio suboccipital en telerradiografías laterales entre hombres y mujeres de distintos rangos etarios. En este estudio transversal se analizaron un total de 371 telerradiografías laterales de cráneo. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y la aplicación de prueba T-Student y ANOVA para evaluar la asociación entre el espacio suboccipital con el género y la edad. La distancia media del espacio suboccipital fue de 5.62 ± 2.7 mm, siendo mayor en hombres que en mujeres (6.49 ± 2.8 mm y 5.09 ± 2.5 mm respectivamente, p<0.001). Con respecto a la edad, la distancia del espacio suboccipital no presentó variaciones significativas. La longitud del OA entre los hombres y mujeres de distintos grupos tampoco mostró diferencias significativas. Existe una gran variabilidad en la distancia del espacio suboccipital, el cual se observa más disminuido en mujeres, por lo que se sugiere un análisis individual mediante telerradiografía lateral frente a pacientes con cefaleas.

SUMMARY: Knowledge of the suboccipital space (OA) is essential for clinicians because its decrease is associated with headache. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the length of the suboccipital space in lateral cephalograms of men and women of different age ranges. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 371 lateral cephalograms were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and the application of Student's t-test and ANOVA were performed to evaluate the association between the suboccipital space with sex and age. The mean distance of the suboccipital space was of 5.62 ± 2.7 mm, being higher in men than women (6.49 ± 2.8 mm and 5.09 ± 2.5 mm respectively, p < 0.001). Regarding age, the distance of the suboccipital space did not show significant variations. The length of the OA between men and women of different age groups also showed no significant differences. There is a great variability in the distance of the suboccipital space, which is observed to be more decreased in women; therefore, an individual analysis by lateral cephalograms is suggested in patients with chronic headaches.

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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility of mimics software in analyzing a new type of complex anterior cervical fixation -- anterior transpedicular screw fixation+zero notch internal fixation.@*METHODS@#From January 2021 to September 2022, 50 normal pedestrians who underwent cervical spine CT scanning were selected for C1-C7 segment scanning, including 27 males and 23 females, aged from 25 to 65 years old with an average of (46.0 ± 9.0) years old. The dicom format is exported and engraved into the CD, and use the mimics software to perform 3D reconstruction of each segment. A simulated screw is placed on the image according to the critical value of zero notch screw (head and tail angle 44°, internal angle 29°). The position of zero notch screw in each segment is observed to determine the feasibility of anterior transpedicular screw fixation plus zero notch internal fixation.@*RESULTS@#For the upper zero notch screws the three-dimensional images of the cervical spine across all 50 subjects within the C3-C7 segments demonstrated safe position, with no instances of intersection with ATPS. For the lower zero notch screw, in C3-C4 and C4-C5, 4 out of 50 subjects are in the safe position in the three-dimensional images of cervical vertebrae, and 46 cases could achieve secure screw placement when the maximum caudal angle is(32.3±1.9) ° and (36.1±2.2) °, respectively. In C5-C6 and C6-C7 segments, no lower zero notch screws intersected with ATPS, and all screws are in safe positions.@*CONCLUSION@#Lower cervical anterior pedicle screw fixation plus zero notch internal fixation can achieve successful nail placement through the selected entry point and position.

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The "Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine" were formulated by the Orthopedic and Traumatology Professional Committee of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine and expert consensus, and provide clinicians with academic guidance on clinical diagnosis and treatment of CSM. The main content includes diagnostic points, disease grading assessment, TCM syndrome differentiation, surgical indications and timing, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, and postoperative rehabilitation. This guideline proposes for the first time that the treatment of CSM should follow the principle of grading, clarify the timing and methods of surgical treatment, establish common TCM syndrome differentiation and classification, attach importance to postoperative integrated rehabilitation of Chinese and Western medicine, and strengthen daily follow-up management. It hopes to promote the standardization, effectiveness, and safety of clinical treatment of CSM.

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Objetivo: Presentar una serie de casos de pacientes con fracturas cervicales de tipo "masa lateral flotante" con énfasis en describir el rol de la lesión discal en la potencial inestabilidad segmentaria. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de una serie de pacientes con fracturas facetarias de tipo "masa lateral flotante", aisladas, diagnosticadas entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 1 de enero de 2022. Se incluyeron pacientes con lesiones de tipo "masa lateral flotante" según la clasificación AO, diagnosticadas por tomografía computarizada y, al menos, 6 meses de seguimiento. Se excluyó a aquellos con fracturas patológicas, lesiones por fragilidad ósea y registros incompletos. Resultados: Se analizó a 16 pacientes (media de la edad 42.86; DE 12,396), con predominio del sexo masculino (81,25%). El 68,75% tenía una lesión del disco intervertebral en el segmento fracturado y el 18,75%, anterolistesis. A 11 pacientes se les propuso un tratamiento conservador durante 12 semanas. La fractura consolidó en el 45,4% y 6 (54,6%) evolucionaron con traslación. El fracaso del tratamiento conservador se asoció con lesión del disco intervertebral. Once pacientes fueron operados, en su mayoría, con artrodesis cervical anterior monosegmentaria. Conclusiones: En esta serie de casos, la presencia de una lesión asociada del disco intervertebral fue más frecuente cuando el tratamiento conservador fracasó y cuando se decidió una artrodesis como tratamiento inicial. La mayoría de las cirugías se realizaron por vía anterior con discectomía y artrodesis cervical anterior en un único nivel, y se lograron buenos resultados. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: We report a series of patients with "floating lateral mass" cervical fractures, focusing on the role of disc injury in potential segmental instability. materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study on a case series of isolated floating lateral mass facet fractures diagnosed between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2022. Patients with floating lateral mass lesions according to the AO classification, diagnosed by computed tomography, and at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Patients with pathological fractures, bone fragility injuries and incomplete records were excluded. Results: We included 16 cases, the average age was 42.86 (SD 12.396), and the majority were male (n=13; 81.25%). 68.75% (n=11) had intervertebral disc injury in the fractured segment, while 18.75% (n=3) had anterolisthesis. Conservative treatment was proposed for 12 weeks in 11 patients (68.75%), of whom 5 (45.4%) achieved fracture healing and 6 (54.6%) progressed to translation. Cases where conservative treatment failed were associated with intervertebral disc injury. Eleven patients were treated surgically, mostly with monosegmental anterior cervical arthrodesis. Conclusions: We report a series of cases in which the existence of an associated intervertebral disc injury was more frequent in patients with failed conservative treatment and in those initially treated with arthrodesis. Most of the surgical cases were treated using an anterior approach with discectomy and anterior cervical arthrodesis at a single level, with favorable outcomes. Level of Evidence: IV

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La estenosis espinal de las tres regiones de la columna en simultáneo es un cuadro infrecuente que requiere una adecuada valoración clínica y de las imágenes. En la actualidad, no existen guías establecidas para su abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la presentación clínica, el tratamiento y la evolución en un paciente con triple estenosis y contrastarlos con la evidencia disponible a través de una revisión narrativa de la bibliografía. Se presenta a una mujer de 69 años de edad que consultó con un cuadro de paraparesia progresiva asociado a ciatalgia derecha y signos de motoneurona superior positivos. En los estudios por imágenes, se constató una triple estenosis: cervical, torácica y lumbar. Se procedió a la descompresión y la resección tumoral torácica asociadas al tratamiento conservador de las estenosis cervical y lumbar. La evolución era favorable al año de la cirugía. La estenosis espinal de triple región sintomática es una condición rara, las valoraciones clínicas y radiológicas adecuadas permitirán un diagnóstico correcto con un abordaje adecuado y oportuno. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Simultaneous spinal stenosis across all three regions of the spine is an uncommon condition that requires proper clinical and imaging assessment. There are currently no established guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this paper is to describe, based on a case report, the clinical presentation, treatment, and progression of triple stenosis in a patient and compare it with available evidence through a narrative literature review. A 69-year-old woman presented with progressive paraparesis associated with right sciatica and positive signs of upper motor neuron involvement. Imaging confirmed triple stenosis: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. She underwent thoracic decompression and tumor resection, as well as conservative treatment for cervical and lumbar stenoses, and showed favorable progress one year after surgery. Symptomatic triple-region spinal stenosis is an uncommon condition. Proper clinical and radiological assessments will enable an accurate diagnosis with appropriate and timely intervention. Level of Evidence: IV

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Introducción: Las lesiones traumáticas del raquis cervical superior son prevalentes en la primera y segunda infancia. En 1977, Leonard Swischuk publicó un artículo sobre una línea espinolaminar cervical a efectos de determinar la relación, fisiológica o patológica, entre las vértebras cervicales C2-C3. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una revisión bibliográfica sobre las indicaciones y las limitaciones diagnósticas de la línea de Swischuk, con ilustración de casos clínicos propios. Materiales y Métodos: Se efectuó una investigación bibliográfica sobre el trauma espinal cervical en pediatría que incluyó las bases de datos PubMed (Medline, MedlinePLus y Cochrane), Elsevier, BVS Biblioteca Virtual en Salud de Bireme (que incluye LILACS) y la correspondiente a la AAOT. También se llevó a cabo una indagación manual o no electrónica por citas de referencias de capítulos de libros de texto de la especialidad de publicación reciente. Resultados: Sobre 72 artículos, se seleccionaron 39 relacionados con aspectos epidemiológicos actuales, y otros específicos sobre la línea de Swischuk y lesiones del raquis cervical superior, estos últimos mayoritariamente reportes de casos. Conclusión: La línea de Swischuk es una herramienta diagnóstica útil para evaluar la columna cervical infantil en casos de traumatismo y en algunas entidades sindrómicas. Sin embargo, puede no ser sensible en algunas situaciones de subluxación o luxación facetaria C2-C3. Se deberían adicionar otras medidas complementarias de radiodiagnóstico. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Traumatic injuries to the upper cervical spine are prevalent in young children. In 1977, Leonard Swischuk published an article on a cervical spinolaminar line to determine the physiological or pathological relationship between the second and third cervical vertebrae (C2-C3). The purpose of this study is to review the available literature on the indications and diagnostic limitations of this line, illustrating this with our own clinical examples. Materials and Methods: We conducted bibliographic research on pediatric cervical spinal trauma including the following databases: PubMed (Medline, MedlinePlus and Cochrane), Elsevier, VHL Virtual Health Library of Bireme (which includes Lilacs) and the AAOT Database. In addition, a manual search was carried out, including citations from recently published references and specialty textbook chapters. Results: Out of 72 articles, we selected 39 that addressed current epidemiological aspects, as well as others that focused on Swischuk's line and upper cervical spine injuries, which were mostly case reports. Conclusion: Swischuk's line is an effective diagnostic tool for evaluating children's spines after trauma or in some syndromic diseases. However, it may not be sensitive in some cases, such as C2-C3 subluxation or facet dislocation. Other complementary radiodiagnostic measures should be applied. Level of Evidence: IV

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El osteocondroma es el tumor benigno más común del esqueleto. La columna cervical es la ubicación más frecuente para el osteocondroma espinal. Las exostosis espinales surgen, con más frecuencia, de las vértebras cervicales, aparecen típicamente en la lámina. Aunque la mielopatía cervical es un cuadro raro, puede tener serias consecuencias neurológicas. Si se descubren lesiones asintomáticas, se puede considerar la intervención quirúrgica para prevenir el deterioro neurológico. Se detectó incidentalmente un osteocondroma cervical en una paciente de 11 años. Este se originaba en la lámina de C4 y comprimía la médula espinal. La resonancia magnética de columna cervical mostró el osteocondroma en la lámina izquierda de C4 que sobresalía en el canal, lo que reducía su diámetro. La paciente fue sometida a una resección del arco posterior de C4 y a descompresión sin fusión. A los 2 años de la cirugía, no había evidencia de recurrencia local ni síntomas neurológicos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Osteochondroma is the most common benign skeletal tumor, with the cervical spine being the most frequent site for spinal osteochondromas. Spinal exostoses typically arise from the lamina of cervical vertebrae. Although rare, cervical myelopathy can occur and may lead to significant neurological consequences. Surgical intervention is often considered for asymptomatic lesions to prevent potential neurological deterioration. We report the case of an 11-year-old patient with an incidentally discovered cervical osteochondroma originating from the left lamina of C4, causing spinal cord compression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine revealed a lesion protruding into the canal, leading to a reduction in canal diameter. The patient underwent surgical resection of the C4 posterior arch with decompression, performed without fusion. At two years post-surgery, no local recurrence or neurological symptoms were observed. Level of Evidence: IV

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Abstract Objective To evaluate the risk factors and outcomes in patients surgically treated for subaxial cervical spine injuries with respect of the timing of surgery and preoperative physiological parameters of the patient. Methods 26 patients with sub-axial cervical spine fractures and dislocations were enrolled. Demographic data of patients, appropriate radiological investigation, and physiological parameters like respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, PaO2 and ASIA impairment scale were documented. They were divided pre-operatively into 2 groups. Group U with patients having abnormal physiological parameters and Group S including patients having physiological parameters within normal range. They were further subdivided into early and late groups according to the timing of surgery as Uearly, Ulate, Searly and Slate. All the patients were called for follow-up at 1, 6 and 12 months. Results 56 percent of patients in Group S had neurological improvement by one ASIA grade and a good outcome irrespective of the timing of surgery. Patients in Group U having unstable physiological parameters and undergoing early surgical intervention had poor outcomes. Conclusion This study concludes that early surgical intervention in physiologically unstable patients had a strong association as a risk factor in the final outcome of the patients in terms of mortality and morbidity. Also, no positive association of improvement in physiologically stable patients with respect to the timing of surgery could be established.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os fatores de risco e os desfechos em indivíduos submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico de lesões subaxiais da coluna cervical em relação ao momento da cirurgia e aos parâmetros fisiológicos pré-operatórios dos pacientes. Métodos O estudo incluiu 26 pacientes com fraturas e luxações subaxiais da coluna cervical. Dados demográficos, investigação radiológica apropriada e parâmetros fisiológicos, como frequência respiratória, pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca, pressão parcial de oxigênio (PaO2) e escalas de disfunção da American Spine Injury Association (ASIA), foram documentados. No período pré-operatório, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos. O grupo instável (I) continha pacientes com parâmetros fisiológicos anormais e o grupo estável (E) era composto por pacientes com parâmetros fisiológicos dentro da faixa de normalidade. Os pacientes foram ainda subdivididos em grupos de tratamento precoce e tardio de acordo com o momento da cirurgia como Iprecoce, Itardio, Eprecoce e Etardio. Todos os pacientes foram chamados para consultas de acompanhamento em 1, 6 e 12 meses. Resultados Cinquenta e seis por cento dos pacientes do grupo E apresentaram melhora neurológica em um grau ASIA e desfecho bom independentemente do momento da cirurgia. Os desfechos em pacientes do grupo I com parâmetros fisiológicos instáveis e submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica precoce foram maus. Conclusão Este estudo conclui que a intervenção cirúrgica precoce em pacientes com instabilidade fisiológica teve forte associação como fator de risco no desfecho final em termos de mortalidade e morbidade. Além disso, não foi possível estabelecer nenhuma associação positiva de melhora em pacientes com estabilidade fisiológica em relação ao momento da cirurgia.

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SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes of head and cervical spine posture of skeletal class malocclusion in adolescent with maxillary protraction. Thirty cases of skeletal class malocclusion were randomly selected from the Stomatological Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. High-quality lateral cephalograms were collected including pre- and posttreatment to compare the changes of head and cervical spine posture. Data were processed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. The paired-t test was used to compare pre- and posttreatment mean angular measurements.A significant difference in the SNA(p<0.001), SNB(p<0.01), and ANB(p<0.001) between T1 and T2 showed an improvement in the sagittal relationships. A significant change was observed in middle cervical spine posture, while upper cervical spine posture variables showed no significant difference after treatment. Skeletal class with maxillary protraction appliance not only led to the improvement of sagittal relationship, but also changed the middle cervical spine posture.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en la postura de la cabeza y la columna cervical debido a la maloclusión clase esquelética en adolescentes con protracción maxilar. Treinta casos de maloclusión de clase esquelética fueron seleccionados al azar del Hospital Estomatológico de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi. Se recogieron cefalogramas laterales de alta calidad, incluidos el tratamiento previo y posterior, para comparar los cambios en la postura de la cabeza y la columna cervical. Los datos se procesaron con el software estadístico SPSS 26.0. Se utilizó la prueba t pareada para comparar las medidas angulares medias antes y después del tratamiento. Una diferencia significativa en SNA (p <0,001), SNB (p <0,01) y ANB (p <0,001) entre T1 y T2 mostró una mejora en las relaciones sagitales. Se observó un cambio significativo en la postura de la columna cervical media, mientras que las variables de postura de la columna cervical superior no mostraron diferencias significativas después del tratamiento. La clase esquelética con aparato de protracción maxilar no solo condujo a la mejora de la relación sagital, sino que también cambió la postura de la columna cervical media.

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SUMMARY: Anatomical variation of the foramina transversaria (FT) is associated with vertebral neurovascular symptoms and can cause complications after lower spine surgery, especially cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion. FT variation has been documented and classified in various populations, as this information can help increase cervical stability in subaxial vertebral surgery. Although the morphometry of the upper cervical spine in Thai populations has been reported, there have yet been no studies examining the features of FT. The FT of dried cervical spines (C3-C7; left and right side; n = 107, male = 53 and female = 54) were examined for morphological variation, and their anteroposterior (AP) and transverse (T) diameters were measured using a digital vernier caliper. Morphometric data and variations were compared by sex and lateral side. It was that the C3-C6 FT in both sexes were round, and the C7 FT was elliptical with an oblique right side. FT diameters did not differ significantly by sex except for the AP diameters of C6-C7 and for T diameters of C4 and C7. The left AP diameters of C3-C6 were significantly longer than the right, as were the T diameters of C4 and C7 FT. Additionally, T diameter was significantly longer than that of the AP, except that of the left C6 in male spines, which did not differ from the AP. Most FT examined were round. These findings should be considered in the provisional diagnosis of vertebral neurovascular symptoms caused by FT variation as well as that of neurovascular damage after cervical pedicle screw placement.

La variación anatómica del foramen transverso (FT) se asocia con síntomas neurovasculares vertebrales y puede causar complicaciones después de la cirugía de columna cervical inferior, especialmente la inserción de tornillos pediculares cervicales (TPC). La variación del FT se ha documentado y clasificado en varias poblaciones, ya que esta información puede ayudar a aumentar la estabilidad cervical en la cirugía vertebral subaxial. Aunque se ha informado sobre la morfometría de la columna cervical superior en poblaciones tailandesas, aún no se han realizado estudios que examinen las características de FT. Se examinó la variación morfológica del FT de vértebras cervicales secas (C3-C7; lado izquierdo y derecho; n = 107, hombres = 53 y mujeres = 54), y se midieron sus diámetros anteroposterior (AP) y transverso (T) usando un pie de metro digital. Se compararon datos morfométricos y variaciones por sexo y lado. Los FT de C3-a C6 en ambos sexos eran redondos, y el FT C7 era elíptico con el lado derecho oblicuo. Los diámetros del FT no difirieron significativamente por sexo excepto para los diámetros AP de C6- C7 y para los diámetros transversos de C4 y C7. Los diámetros AP izquierdos de C3-C6 eran significativamente más largos que los del lado derecho, al igual que los diámetros transversos de C4 y C7. Además, el diámetro transverso fue significativamente mayor que el AP, excepto el C6 izquierdo en las vértebras de hombres, que no difirió del AP. La mayoría de los FT examinados eran redondos. Estos hallazgos deben ser considerados en el diagnóstico provisional de síntomas neurovasculares vertebrales causados por la variación del FT, así como en el de daño neurovascular tras la colocación de tornillos pediculares cervicales.

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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).

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OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical efficacy of posterior percutaneous endoscopic discectomy(PPECD) in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.@*METHODS@#A total of 56 patiens with single segment cervical spondylotic radiculopathy from December 2017 to October 2020, were randomly divided into observation group and control group. In observation group, there were 16 males and 11 females, including 8 cases of C4,5, 13 cases of C5,6 and 6 cases of C6,7 performed posterior percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, aged from 34 to 61 years old with an average of (51.15±6.29) years old. In control group, there were 19 males and 10 females with single segment cervical spondylotic radiculopathy including 10 cases of C4,5, 14 cases of C5,6 and 5 cases of C6,7 performed anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, aged from 40 to 65 years old with an average of (53.24±5.31) years old. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time of lying in bed and length of postoperative hospital stay were recorded. Visual analogue scale(VAS) and neck disability index(NDI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Cervical plain films or MRIs, CTs were taken for re-visiting patients.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up more than 2 years. The observation group patients were followed up, the duration ranged from 24 to 42 months with an average of (30.48±4.91) months. The control group patients were followed up, the duration ranged from 25 to 47 months, with an average of (32.76±4.53) months. Compared with control group, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time of lying in bed and length of postoperative hospital stay were decreased(P<0.05). Compared with pre-operation, VAS of neck and upper limb and NDI at the latest follow-up between two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05). Compared with control group, VAS of neck and upper limb at 1 day after operation in observation group were significantly reduced(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS of neck and upper limb and NID at 1, 3 months and the latest follow-up after operation between two groups(P>0.05). In the observation group, one patient's deltoid muscle strength was weakened to grade 4 after operation, and returned to normal after 12 weeks of conservative treatment. In control group, there was 1 case of postoperative adjacent spondylosis with symptoms of spinal compression after 2 years operation, then underwent cervical artificial intervertebral disc replacement. And there was 1 case of dysphagia after operation in control group and improved after 1 year. There was no significant difference in incidence of complications between two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#PPECD has advantages of shortening operative time, decreasing intraoperative blood loss, reducing postoperative time of lying in bed and length of postoperative hospital stay. However, applicable age range of patients and long-term clinical efficacy needs further study.

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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether 3D-printed artificial vertebral body can reduce prosthesis subsidence rate for patients with cervical chordomas, through comparing the rates of prosthesis subsidence between 3D printing artificial vertebral body and titanium mesh for anterior spinal reconstruction after total spondylectomy.@*METHODS@#This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical treatment for cervical chordoma at our hospital from March 2005 to September 2019. There were nine patients in the group of 3D artificial vertebral body (3D group), and 15 patients in the group of titanium mesh cage (Mesh group). The patients' characteristics and treatment data were extracted from the medical records, including age, gender, CT hounsfield unit of cervical vertebra and surgical information, such as the surgical segments, time and blood loss of surgery, frequency and degree of prosthesis subsidence after surgery. Radiographic observations of prosthesis subsidence during the follow-up, including X-rays, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging were also collected. SPSS 22.0 was used to analysis the data.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, CT hounsfield unit, surgical segments, time of surgery, blood loss of posterior surgery and total blood loss. Blood loss of anterior surgery was 700 (300, 825) mL in 3D group and 1 500 (750, 2 800) mL in Mesh group (P < 0.05). The prosthesis subsidence during the follow-up, 3 months after surgery, there was significant difference between the two groups in mild prosthesis subsidence (P < 0.05). The vertebral height of the 3D group decreased less than 1 mm in eight cases (no prosthesis subsidence) and more than 1 mm in one case (mild prosthesis subsidence). The vertebral height of the Mesh group decreased less than 1 mm in five cases (no prosthesis subsidence), and more than 1 mm in eight cases (mild prosthesis subsidence). Two patients did not have X-rays in 3 months after surgery. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the prosthesis subsidence rate at the end of 12 months (P < 0.01). The vertebral height of eight cases in the 3D group decreased less than 1 mm (no prosthesis subsidence) and one case more than 3 mm (severe prosthesis subsidence). Four of the 15 cases in the Mesh group decreased less than 1 mm (no prosthesis subsidence), two cases more than 1 mm (mild prosthesis subsidence), and nine cases more than 3 mm (severe prosthesis subsidence). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the prosthesis subsidence rate at the end of 24 months (P < 0.01). The vertebral height of seven cases in the 3D group decreased less than 1 mm (no prosthesis subsidence), one case more than 3 mm (severe prosthesis subsidence), and one case died with tumor. One case in the Mesh group decreased less than 1 mm (no prosthesis subsidence), one case more than 1 mm (mild prosthesis subsidence), 11 case more than 3 mm (severe prosthesis subsidence), one case died with tumor and one lost the follow-up. Moreover, at the end of 12 months and 24 months, there was significant difference between the two groups in severe prosthesis subsidence rate (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#3D-printed artificial vertebral body for anterior spinal reconstruction after total spondylectomy for patients with cervical chordoma can provide reliable spinal stability, and reduce the incidence of prosthesis subsidence after 2-year follow-up.

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OBJECTIVE@#To establish the mode of anterior cervical surgery in outpatient setting, and evaluate its preliminary effectiveness.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery between January 2022 and September 2022 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. The surgeries were performed in outpatient setting ( n=35, outpatient setting group) or in inpatient setting ( n=35, inpatient setting group). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in age, gender, body mass index, smoking, history of alcohol drinking, disease type, the number of surgical levels, operation mode, as well as preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale score of neck pain (VAS-neck), and visual analogue scale score of upper limb pain (VAS-arm). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, total hospital stay, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital expenses of the two groups were recorded; JOA score, VAS-neck score, and VAS-arm score were recorded before and immediately after operation, and the differences of the above indexes between pre- and post-operation were calculated. Before discharge, the patient was asked to score satisfaction with a score of 1-10.@*RESULTS@#The total hospital stay, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital expenses were significantly lower in the outpatient setting group than in the inpatient setting group ( P<0.05). The satisfaction of patients was significantly higher in the outpatient setting group than in the inpatient setting group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in operation time and intraoperative blood loss ( P>0.05). The JOA score, VAS-neck score, and VAS-arm score of the two groups significantly improved at immediate after operation when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement of the above scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The patients were followed up (6.67±1.04) months in the outpatient setting group and (5.95±1.90) months in the inpatient setting group, with no significant difference ( t=0.089, P=0.929). No surgical complications, such as delayed hematoma, delayed infection, delayed neurological damage, and esophageal fistula, occurred in the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The safety and efficiency of anterior cervical surgery performed in outpatient setting were comparable to that performed in inpatient setting. Outpatient surgery mode can significantly shorten the postoperative hospital stay, reduce hospital expenses, and improve the patients' medical experience. The key points of the outpatient mode of anterior cervical surgery are minimizing damage, complete hemostasis, no drainage placement, and fine perioperative management.

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OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the application of surgical strategies for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) involving the C 2 segment.@*METHODS@#The literature about the surgery for cervical OPLL involving C 2 segment was reviewed, and the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of surgery were summarized.@*RESULTS@#For cervical OPLL involving the C 2 segments, laminectomy is suitable for patients with OPLL involving multiple segments, often combined with screw fixation, and has the advantages of adequate decompression and restoration of cervical curvature, with the disadvantages of loss of cervical fixed segmental mobility. Canal-expansive laminoplasty is suitable for patients with positive K-line and has the advantages of simple operation and preservation of cervical segmental mobility, and the disadvantages include progression of ossification, axial symptoms, and fracture of the portal axis. Dome-like laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability and with negative R-line, and can reduce the occurrence of axial symptoms, with the disadvantage of limited decompression. The Shelter technique is suitable for patients with single/double segments and canal encroachment >50% and allows for direct decompression, but is technically demanding and involves risk of dural tear and nerve injury. Double-dome laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability. Its advantages are the reduction of damage to the cervical semispinal muscles and attachment points and maintenance of cervical curvature, but there is progress in postoperative ossification.@*CONCLUSION@#OPLL involving the C 2 segment is a complex subtype of cervical OPLL, which is mainly treated through posterior surgery. However, the degree of spinal cord floatation is limited, and with the progress of ossification, the long-term effectiveness is poor. More research is needed to address the etiology of OPLL and to establish a systematic treatment strategy for cervical OPLL involving the C 2 segment.

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OBJECTIVE@#To determine whether C7 angles (C7 slope, C7S) could replace T1 angles (T1 slope, T1S) by correlation analysis of T1S and C7S.@*METHODS@#A total of 442 patients from July 2015 to July 2020 in outpatient and inpatient department were enrolled retrospectively, and 259 patients who could identify the upper endplate of T1 were screened out . Of them, there were 145 males and 114 females, aged from 20 to 83 years old with an average of (58.6±11.2) years, including 163 patients with cervical spine surgery and 96 non-surgical patients. Patients were stratified by sex, age, cervical kyphosis, cervical alignment imbalance, and cervical spine surgery. These 259 patients included 145 cases in the male group, 114 cases in the female group;76 cases in the youth group (<40 years old), 109 cases in the middle-aged group (40 to 60 years old), and 74 cases in the elderly group(>60 years old); 92 cases in the cervical kyphosis group, 167 cases in the non-kyphosis group;51 cases in the cervical sequence imbalance group, 208 cases in the non-imbalance group;163 cases in the cervical surgery group, 96 cases in the non-operation group. The correlations of C7S and T1S in various modalities groups were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Of 442 patients, the recognition rate of upper endplate of T1 was 58.6%(259/442), and that of C7 was 90.7%. The mean T1S and C7S of the 259 patients were (24.5±8.0)° [(25.9±7.7)° in the male group and (23.7±6.9)° in the female group] and (20.8±7.3)° [(22.5±7.5)° in the male group and(19.7±5.8)° in the female group], respectively. The total correlation coefficient between C7S and T1S was r=0.89, R2=0.79, and the linear regression equation was T1S=0.91×C7S+4.35. In the above general information and the grouping of deformity factors, T1S was highly correlated with C7S(r value 0.85 to 0.92, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#There is a high correlation between T1S and C7S in different factor groups. For cases where T1S cannot be measured, C7S can be used to provide guidance and reference for evaluating the sagittal balance of the spine, analyzing the condition, and formulating surgical plans.

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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of ultrasonic bone curette in anterior cervical spine surgery.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of 63 patients with cervical spondylosis who were admitted between September 2019 and June 2021 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 32 cases were operated with conventional instruments (group A) and 31 cases with ultrasonic bone curette (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in gender, age, surgical procedure, surgical segment and number of occupied cervical space, disease type and duration, comorbidities, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical dysfunction index (NDI), and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospital stay, and the occurrence of postoperative complications were recorded in both groups. Before operation and at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation, the JOA score and NDI were used to evaluate the function and the postoperative JOA improvement rate was calculated, and VAS score was used to evaluate the pain improvement. The anteroposterior and lateral cervical X-ray films were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation to observe whether there was any significant loosening and displacement of internal fixators.@*RESULTS@#Compared with group A, group B had shorter operation time and postoperative hospital stay, less intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). All incisions healed by first intention in the two groups, and postoperative complications occurred in 5 cases (15.6%) in group A and 2 cases (6.5%) in group B, showing no significant difference (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 7.9 months). The JOA score and improvement rate gradually increased in groups A and B after operation, while the VAS score and NDI gradually decreased. There was no significant difference in VAS score between 3 months and 1 month in group B (P>0.05), and there were significant differences between the other time points of each indicator in the two groups (P<0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after operation, the JOA score and improvement rate in group B were better than those in group A (P<0.05). X-ray films examination showed that there was no screw loosening or titanium plate displacement in the two groups after operation, and the intervertebral cage or titanium mesh significantly sank.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with traditional instruments, the use of ultrasonic bone curette assisted osteotomy in anterior cervical spine surgery has the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative drainage, and shorter hospital stay.

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OBJECTIVE@#To determine the clinical efficacy of different manipulation in the treatment of cervical instability in young people, and to analyze the risk factors of relapse of cervical instability in young people.@*METHODS@#From March 2021 to June 2022, the clinical data of 120 young patients with cervical instability were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different treatment methods, they were divided into rotation group (60 cases, 3 cases of loss) and tendon group (60 cases, 5 cases of loss). There were 25 males and 32 females in rotation-traction manipulation group;age ranged from 22 to 44 years old with a median of 28 years old;course of disease ranged from 0.17 to 120 months with amedian of 22 months. There were 22 males and 33 females in tendon-regulating manipulation group;age ranged from 21 to 42 years old with a median of 27 years old;course of disease ranged from 0.23 to 180 months with a median of 24 months. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks, once every other day for 7 times, and were followed up for 1 year. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated, and the visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI) were observed before and after treatment. One year after the course of treatment, patients with effective treatment were followed up to make statistics on recurrence. Patients with recurrence were included in the recurrence group, while those without recurrence were included in the non-recurrence group. Factors that may affect symptom recurrence were analyzed, and univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were performed.@*RESULTS@#The 13 patients who failed the treatment (4 cases in the rotation-traction manipulation group and 9 cases in the tendon-regulating manipulation group) were not followed up. All the 99 patients who were effective in treatment were followed up ranged from 303 to 406 days with a median of 359 days. No complications occurred in all patients. There were significant differences in VAS and NDI between the two groups after treatment and before treatment (P<0.05), and there were significant differences in VAS and NDI between the two groups after treatment (P<0.05). Ninety-nine patients achieved follow-up, 56 (56.57%) relapsed and 43 (43.43%) did not. Univariate correlation analysis showed that NDI index, the time spent at the desk every day, the time spent using electronic products every day and angular displacement of anterior flexion before treatment in the relapse group were significantly higher than those in the non-relapse group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the time spent at the desk every day [OR=2.447, 95%CI(1.255, 4.771)], the time spent using electronic products every day [OR=1.892, 95%CI(1.066, 3.358)] and the angular displacement of anterior flexion of the cervical before treatment [OR=1.246, 95%CI(1.045, 1.485) ]were the risk factors for relapse.@*CONCLUSION@#Both rotation-traction manipulation and tendon-regulating manipulation can effectively treat cervical instability in young people, and rotation-traction manipulation has more advantages than tendon-regulating manipulation in improving cervical pain and cervical dysfunction in patients. The time spent at the desk every day, the time spent using electronic products every day, and the increase of cervical flexion angle displacement will increase the risk of relapse in patients.