Transtubular Transoral Approach for Irreducible Ventral Craniovertebral Junction Compressive Pathologies: Surgical Technique and Outcome

@#Introduction: To investigate the use of a tubular retractor to provide access to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) sparing the soft palate with the aim of reducing complications associated with traditional transoral approach but yet allowing adequate decompression of the CVJ. Materials and methods: Twelve consecutive patients with severe myelopathy (JOA-score less than 11) from ventral CVJ compression were operated between 2014-2020 using a tubular retractor assisted transoral decompression. Results: All patients improved neurologically statistically (p=0.02). There were no posterior pharynx wound infections or rhinolalia. There was one case with incomplete removal of the lateral wall of odontoid and one incidental durotomy. Conclusions: A Tubular retractor provides adequate access for decompression of the ventral compression of CVJ. As the tubular retractor pushed away the uvula, soft palate and pillars of the tonsils as it docked on the posterior pharyngeal wall, the traditional complications associated with traditional transoral procedures is completely avoided.

A New Technique for Solving Tightrope Cutout during Acromioclavicular Joint Fixation: A Case Report

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dissociation is one of the common injuries affecting adults. The stability of ACJ largely depends on the integrity of acromioclavicular ligament, coracoclavicular ligament, capsule, trapezius muscle and deltoid muscle. The injury has been classified by Rockwood into six types and treatment options can be guided by the classification. TightRope fixation is one of the many surgical procedures available to address acromioclavicular joint separation. It consists of tensioning of a no. 5 Fibrewire suture secured at both ends to lowprofile metallic buttons. Despite various advantages of using this technique, complications such as suture cut-out, clavicle fracture and suture failure have been documented. The author presents a case of a type III acromioclavicular joint dissociation treated with TightRope which suture cutout was noted intra-operatively. Decision to amend the fixation using a cut one-third tubular plate as an additional anchor for the metallic button on the clavicle was made. Patient’s progress was evaluated using the University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Score (UCLA Shoulder Score) and significant improvement was noted six months post operatively. We propose this technique as a solution to the encountered problem.