Extensive cervicothoracic posterior arch defects from C1 to T6 leading to myelopathy due to thoracic kyphosis in an adolescent boy.

PURPOSE: Limited dorsal myeloschisis, a form of cervical spinal dysraphism, is a rare anomaly and is typically associated with spinal cord tethering. The objective is to illustrate a rare dysraphic anomaly in the cervicothoracic spine causing myelopathy, not due to tethering but secondary to progressive kyphosis. To our knowledge, such an anomaly has not been described in the literature. STUDY DESIGN: Case report METHODS: A 16-year-old boy presented with lower extremity spastic paraparesis due to progressive cervicothoracic deformity. The imaging studies revealed extensive posterior arch defects from C1 to T6. The cervical spinal cord and meninges had herniated out of the spinal canal in the hyperlordotic cervical spine, and the thoracic spinal cord was stretched and compressed over the T4/5 kyphotic apex. Free-floating spinous processes were found compressing the cord at the T4-5 level. Tethering was not detected. RESULTS: The patient underwent a posterior vertebral column resection at T5 and excision of the free-floating spinous processes. The patient made a complete neurological recovery. At 8 year follow-up, he was asymptomatic and his deformity was stable. CONCLUSION: We present a rare congenital cervical dystrophic anomaly causing myelopathy secondary to progressive kyphosis. We speculate that this anomaly was due to the sclerotomal cells' failure to migrate dorsally to the neural tube and fuse in the midline.

Apical Vertebral Column Resection with Sagittal Rotation and Controlled Anterior Opening and Posterior Closing Maneuver for the Treatment of Severe Post-Tubercular Kyphosis: Case Series and Literature Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PURPOSE: Describe the technique and evaluate the outcome of apical vertebral column resection (VCR) with sagittal rotation and anterior opening and posterior closing (AOPC) maneuver for correction of severe post-tubercular kyphosis (PTK). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The surgical procedures described for the correction of PTK are VCR, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, transpedicular decancellation osteotomy, and closing-opening osteotomy. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 21 patients who had been operated on with single stage apical VCR with AOPC maneuver. Radiographs were obtained before surgery and at regular follow-up intervals. These were used to calculate the angle of kyphosis. Back pain was rated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and neurological status was graded using Frankel grading. Radiological outcome was assessed by the improvement in the angle of kyphosis and fusion following surgery. Neurological status was assessed using Frankel grading. RESULTS: The study included eight males and 13 females with a mean age of 21.9 and average follow-up time of 30.4 months. The average number of vertebral bodies destroyed was 2.57. Kyphosis was improved from a mean of 68.42°±13.23° preoperative to 8.71°±4.58° postoperative. The average correction achieved was 87.10%. Preoperative VAS score improved from a mean of 6.38±0.92 preoperative to 1.38±0.49 postoperative. No patients had any sign of neurological deterioration. Seven out of eight patients with a preoperative neurological deficit improved following surgery. Two patients developed superficial wound maceration, one had persistent postoperative hypotension, and the other developed hemothorax. All patients recovered fully without a need for additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Single stage simultaneous anterior column lengthening and posterior column shortening is an effective method for surgical correction of severe PTK.

The Versatile Approach: A Novel Single Incision Combined with Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Decompression and Instrumented Fusion to Treat Tuberculosis of the Thoracic Spine.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PURPOSE: To describe a novel single incision that combines anterior and posterior approaches for decompression and instrumented fusion to treat tuberculosis of the thoracic spine and study the neurological and radiological outcomes. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Tuberculosis of the spine remains a major health issue in many developing countries. The options for treating tuberculosis of the thoracic spine include the anterior, posterior, and combined approaches, each with its advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: Totally, 143 patients with tuberculosis of the thoracic spine were surgically treated using the "Versatile approach". Posterior fixation was performed using sublaminar wires and a Hartshill rectangle in all patients. Anterior reconstruction was accomplished using bone graft harvested from autologous rib, iliac crest, or fibula. RESULTS: The study included 45 males and 98 females, with a mean age of 33.18±18.65 years (range, 3-82 years) and a mean follow-up of 60.23±24.56 months (range, 18-156 months). Kyphosis improved from a mean value of 24.02 preoperatively to 10.25 postoperatively. A preoperative neurological deficit was observed in 131 patients, with 130 patients regaining ambulatory power. No patient had deterioration of neurological status following surgery. Fusion was achieved in all cases. The visual analogscale score improved from an average score of 7.02 preoperatively to 1.51 at final follow-up. Eight patients had superficial macerations, which healed spontaneously. One patient had buckling of the anterior graft, and one patient had implant breakage following road traffic accident. CONCLUSIONS: The "Versatile approach" is an effective, single-stage, single-incision method that combines anterior and posterior approaches for the surgically treating tuberculosis of the thoracic spine. It offers the advantage of direct visualization for decompression and reconstruction of the anterior and posterior vertebral columns, thus providing an excellent, long-lasting clinical outcome.

Vanishing bone disease of chest wall and spine with kyphoscoliosis and neurological deficit: A case report and review of literature.

Vanishing bone disease is an extremely rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by idiopathic osteolysis of bone. We describe a case of vanishing bone disease of chest wall and spine with kyphoscoliosis and neurological deficit. A 17-year-old male presented with gradually progressive deformity of back and dorsal compressive myelopathy with nonambulatory power in lower limbs. Radiographs revealed absent 4th-7th ribs on the right side with dorsal kyphoscoliosis and severe canal narrowing at the apex. The patient was given localized radiotherapy and started on a monthly infusion of 4 mg zoledronic acid. Posterior instrumented fusion with anterior reconstruction via posterolateral approach was performed. The patient had a complete neurological recovery at 5 weeks following surgery. At 1 year, anterior nonunion was noted for which transthoracic tricortical bone grafting was done. Bone graft from the patient's mother was used both times. At 7 months following anterior grafting, the alignment was maintained and the patient was asymptomatic; however, fusion at graft-host interface was not achieved. Bisphosphonates and radiotherapy were successful in halting the progress of osteolysis.

Giant Cervical Osteophyte: An Unusual Cause of Dysphagia.

Dysphagia due to skeletal causes is a rare entity. A large cervical osteophyte can cause mechanical compression of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment leading to dysphagia. Large cervical osteophytes can occur in cervical spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis or Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH). A 60-year-old female came with progressive dysphagia due to a giant cervical osteophyte anterior to C4 and C5 vertebral bodies causing compression of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment. The patient was treated by surgical excision of the osteophyte by orthopaedic surgeons. The patient had complete relief of dysphagia following excision of the osteophyte.

Neglected dislocation in sub-axial cervical spine: Case series and a suggested treatment protocol.

CONTEXT: Approaches suggested for treatment of neglected dislocations in the subaxial cervical spine (SACS) include only anterior approach (a), only posterior approach (b), posterior-anterior approach, posterior-anterior-posterior approach, and anterior-posterior-anterior-posterior approach. No protocol is suggested in literature to guide surgeons treating neglected dislocations. AIM: To describe a protocol for the treatment of neglected dislocation in the SACS. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: Retrospective case series and review of literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six consecutive patients of neglected dislocation (presenting to us more than 3 weeks following trauma) of the SACS were operated as per the protocol suggested in this paper. A retrospective review of the occupational therapy reports, patient records, and radiographs was performed. Only cases with time lapse of more than 3 weeks between the time of injury and initial management have been included in the review. RESULTS: Closed reduction (CR) was achieved in three patients following cervical traction and these were managed by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Open reduction via posterior approach and soft tissue release was required to achieve reduction in two patients. Following reduction posterior instrumented fusion was done in them. One patient with preoperative neurological deficit needed a facetectomy to achieve reduction. Following short-segment fixation, ACDF was also performed in this patient. None of the patients deteriorated neurologically following surgery. Fusion was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative and intraoperative traction have a role in the management of neglected dislocations in the cervical spine. If CR is achieved the patient may be managed by ACDF. If CR is not achieved, posterior soft tissue release may be done to achieve reduction and partial facetectomy must be reserved for cases in which reduction is not achieved after soft tissue release. A treatment protocol for management of neglected dislocation in the SACS has been suggested in this paper.

Iatrogenic Pseudo-aneurysm of Profunda Femoris Artery Following Fixation of Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture - A Case Report and Review of Literature.

The Profunda Femoris is a common site for arterial pseudo-aneurysms and these have been described in literature following fractures as well as orthopaedic procedures of the femur and hip region. These are an uncommon complication and a high index of suspicion is required for correct diagnosis and prompt management. We present a case of pseudo-aneurysm of the Profunda Femoris in an operated case of Intertrochanteric femur fracture with acute presentation. The case was managed successfully by angiographic coil embolization.

Prediction of surgical outcome in compressive cervical myelopathy: A novel clinicoradiological prognostic score.

CONTEXT: Preoperative severity of myelopathy, age, and duration of symptoms have been shown to be highly predictive of the outcome in compressive cervical myelopathy (CCM). The role of radiological parameters is still controversial. AIMS: Define the prognostic factors in CCM and formulate a prognostic score to predict the outcome following surgery in CCM. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 78 consecutive patients with CCM treated surgically. The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale was used to quantify severity of myelopathy at admission and at 12-month follow-up. The outcome was defined as good if the patient had mJOA score ≥16 and poor if the score was <16. Age, sex, duration of symptoms, comorbidities, intrinsic hand muscle wasting (IHMW), diagnosis, surgical technique, Torg ratio, instability on dynamic radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity changes were assessed. STATISTICS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 20.0) was used for statistical analysis. The association was assessed amongst variables using logistic regression analysis. Parameters having a statistically significant correlation with the outcome were included in formulating a prognostic score. RESULTS: Severity of myelopathy, IHMW, age, duration, diabetes, and instability on radiographs were predictive of the outcome with a P value <0.01. Genders, diagnosis, surgical procedure, Torg ratio, and intensity changes on MRI were not significantly related to the outcome. A 8-point scoring system was devised incorporating the significant clinicoradiological parameters, and it was found that nearly all patients (97.82%) with a score below 5 had good outcome and all patients (100%) with a score above 5 had poor outcome. The outcome is difficult to predict with a score of 5. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical parameters are better predictors of the outcome as compared to radiological findings, following surgery in CCM. A simple scoring system based on clinicoradiological parameters is suggested in this paper to predict the outcome following surgery in cases of CCM.

Irreducible Atlanto-Axial Dislocation in Neglected Odontoid Fracture Treated with Single Stage Anterior Release and Posterior Instrumented Fusion.

It is a well-know fact that type 2 odontoid fractures frequently go into nonunion. If left untreated, patients may develop irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). We describe the surgical management of two patients with neglected odontoid fractures and irreducible AAD treated with single stage anterior release followed by posterior instrumented fusion. Both patients presented with history of neglected trauma and progressive myelopathy. Traction under anesthesia failed to achieve reduction of AAD. Anterior release was done by trans-oral approach in one patient and retrophayngeal approach in the other. Posterior fixation was performed with transarticular screws in both the patients. Both patients had full neurological recovery and demonstrated fusion at follow-up. Anterior release followed by posterior instrumented correction may be an effective alternative to the traditional means of treating irreducible dislocations associated with neglected odontoid fractures.

Congenital Absence of Posterior Elements of C2 Vertebra with Atlanto-Axial Dislocation and Basilar Invagination: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Developmental anomalies of the axis are commonly encountered, especially anomalies involving the odontoid process. Anomalies of the posterior elements are uncommon. We describe a unique case of agenesis of posterior elements of C2 with basilar invagination and atlanto-axial dislocation. An obese 8-year-old boy presented with symptoms of cervical myelopathy. Radiological workup revealed a craniovertebral junction anomaly with occipitalised atlas, absent posterior elements of axis, and hypertrophied C3 spinous process. Atlanto-axial instability and basilar invagination was present. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed hypoplastic left vertebral artery. Traction with cervical tongs failed to improve the alignment and symptoms. Anterior trans-oral release, followed by posterior decompression and custom-made instrumentation, was done. The patient recovered completely and was asymptomatic at the end of two years. X-ray and computed tomography scan demonstrated reduction of basilar invagination and maintenance of alignment. This is the first case to be reported of agenesis of posterior elements of axis associated with basilar invagination. One should look for this condition in patients with hypertrophied spinous process of C3. Utilization of hypoplastic pedicle of axis serves as an additional fixation point to increase the stability of the construct.

Single-stage anterior release and posterior instrumented fusion for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation with basilar invagination.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The options available for treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD) with basilar invagination are odontoidectomy, posterior decompression, and posterior atlantoaxial joint distraction. In 2006, Wang et al. described that most IAAD can be reduced following anterior release of contracted soft tissues. Anterior release may be done by transoral (TO) or retropharyngeal (RP) approach. Posterior instrumented fusion provides stability and helps in achieving further reduction. PURPOSE: This study aimed to study the neurologic and radiological outcome following treatment of basilar invagination associated with IAAD by anterior release and posterior instrumented fusion. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case series was carried out. PATIENT SAMPLE: The patient sample comprised 19 patients with IAAD. OUTCOME MEASURE: Patients were assessed for neurologic recovery by Benzel modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score and radiologically by assessing reduction on lateral radiographs and comparing clivus-canal angle (CCA) on preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scan. METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients with IAAD were surgically treated. Anterior release was done via TO approach in 12 patients and RP approach in 7. Following anterior release, all patients underwent posterior instrumented fusion. RESULTS: This study included 15 men and 4 women with mean follow-up of 18 months. Pathology included occipitalization of atlas in 16 patients, os odontoideum in 2, and missing posterior elements of axis in 1. All patients had cervical myelopathy. Occipitocervical fixation was done in 18 patients and C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation in 1. Fifteen patients had anatomical reduction whereas four had partial reduction. The CCA improved from a mean preoperative angle of 111.47° to mean postoperative angle of 142.84°. The mJOA improved from preoperative mean mJOA of 12.89 to a postoperative mean mJOA of 16.84. Fusion was achieved in all patients. Maceration of posterior wound which healed by daily cleaning and dressing was noted in three patients. Implant breakage on one side was noted in 1 patient at 3 months post operation; however, the patient remained asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: This series reinforces the safety and efficacy of both TO and RP anterior release for reduction of IAAD. Posterior fixation helps in achieving further reduction and provides stability. Anterior release followed by instrumented posterior fusion is a safe and effective modality of treatment for IAAD associated with basilar invagination.

Congenital Agenesis of the Posterior Elements of the Axis (C2), Occipitalization of the Atlas (C1), and Basilar Invagination in an Adult Woman: A Case Report.

CASE: A 55-year-old woman presented with chronic neck pain. Physical and neurological examination results were normal. Radiographs revealed absence of the posterior elements of C2 with hypertrophy of the spinous process of C3. A computed tomography scan showed occipitalization of the atlas with basilar invagination. Magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any soft-tissue abnormalities. The patient was treated with a short course of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Agenesis of the posterior elements of C2 should be considered in patients with hypertrophy of the spinous process of C3. Patients may have a varied presentation ranging from neck pain to myelopathy. Dynamic (flexion and extension) lateral cervical spine radiographs should be obtained, as cases reported in the literature involved instability of the cervical spine.

Emphysematous Septic Arthritis of the Knee Caused by Citrobacter freundii: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

CASE: A 50-year-old diabetic woman presented with painful swelling of the right knee and proximal part of the calf. A radiograph revealed gas shadows in the suprapatellar pouch and soft tissues of the posteromedial aspect of the proximal part of the calf. An arthrotomy was performed to evacuate pus and debride the synovium. The collection in the calf was approached through a separate posteromedial incision. Citrobacter freundii was isolated on culture, and the patient was given antibiotics to which it was sensitive. CONCLUSION: The constellation of signs, symptoms, and radiographic features was characteristic of emphysematous septic arthritis. The patient recovered well following surgery and treatment with antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of such arthritis caused by C. freundii.

Neglected hangman fracture.

Acute management of hangman fracture is well described; however the surgical management of neglected hangman fracture has not been described in literature. We report the surgical management of an untreated hangman's fracture. A 30-year-old male had fallen from a tree 12 weeks back. Patient presented with cervical myelopathy and restricted neck movements. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed fracture of pars interarticularis of axis with Grade III C2-C3 spondylolisthesis with localized kyphosis of 33°. Gentle reduction under general anesthesia (GA) failed to improve the alignment. Patient was operated in three stages in a single setting. In Stage I, release of contracted anterior structures and C2-C3 discectomy was done in supine position followed by C2-C3 posterior fixation and fusion in Stage II. C2-C3 interbody bone grafting and anterior plating completed the third stage. C2-C3 interbody fusion was seen at 5 months and a CT scan at 18 months postoperative confirmed fusion and maintenance of alignment. The satisfactory outcome in our patient leads us to believe that anterior-posterior-anterior is the appropriate surgical approach for treatment of such patients.

Unusual mode of failure of intertrochanteric femur fracture fixation.

The dynamic hip screw fixation is a commonly used modality of treatment for intertrochanteric femur (ITF) fractures. Various modes of failure in an operated case of ITF fracture have been described. The most frequent mode of failure is screw cut-out through the head. Occurrence of mechanical failure is rare and usually involves the shaft of the plate. We describe an unusual case with failure at the barrel of the plate and hip screw. A middle-aged man with a previously operated ITF fracture presented with pain in the same hip. Radiographs revealed non-union of the fracture with an implant failure. Revision surgery was performed during which a unique mode of implant failure was found to have occurred. The barrel of the plate had broken resulting in a bent Richard's screw. This case underlines the importance of high stress failure in non-union as opposed to high cycle, low stress failure, which is more frequently seen.

Morin (3,5,7,2',4'-Pentahydroxyflavone) abolishes nuclear factor-kappaB activation induced by various carcinogens and inflammatory stimuli, leading to suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB-regulated gene expression and up-regulation of apoptosis.

PURPOSE: Morin is a flavone that exhibits antiproliferative, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects through a mechanism that is not well understood. Because of the role of transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the control of cell survival, proliferation, tumorigenesis, and inflammation, we postulated that morin mediates its effects by modulating NF-kappaB activation. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We investigated the effect of morin on NF-kappaB pathway activated by inflammatory agents, carcinogens, and tumor promoters. The effect of this flavone on expression of NF-kappaB-regulated gene products involved in cell survival, proliferation, and invasion was also examined. RESULTS: We showed by DNA-binding assay that NF-kappaB activation induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, lipopolysaccharide, ceramide, interleukin-1, and H(2)O(2) was suppressed by morin; the suppression was not cell type specific. The suppression of NF-kappaB by morin was mediated through inhibition of IkappaBalpha (inhibitory subunit of NF-kappaB) kinase, leading to suppression of phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha and consequent p65 nuclear translocation. Morin also inhibited the NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene expression activated by TNF, TNF receptor (TNFR) 1, TNFR1-associated death domain, TNFR-associated factor 2, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, IkappaB kinase, and the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB-regulated gene products involved in cell survival [inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) 1, IAP2, X chromosome-linked IAP, Bcl-xL, and survivin], proliferation (cyclin D1 and cyclooxygenase-2), and invasion (matrix metalloproteinase-9) were down-regulated by morin. These effects correlated with enhancement of apoptosis induced by TNF and chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results indicate that morin suppresses the activation of NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB-regulated gene expression, leading to enhancement of apoptosis. This may provide the molecular basis for the ability of morin to act as an anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent.

Role of resveratrol in prevention and therapy of cancer: preclinical and clinical studies.

Resveratrol, trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene, was first isolated in 1940 as a constituent of the roots of white hellebore (Veratrum grandiflorum O. Loes), but has since been found in various plants, including grapes, berries and peanuts. Besides cardioprotective effects, resveratrol exhibits anticancer properties, as suggested by its ability to suppress proliferation of a wide variety of tumor cells, including lymphoid and myeloid cancers; multiple myeloma; cancers of the breast, prostate, stomach, colon, pancreas, and thyroid; melanoma; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; ovarian carcinoma; and cervical carcinoma. The growth-inhibitory effects of resveratrol are mediated through cell-cycle arrest; upregulation of p21Cip1/WAF1, p53 and Bax; down-regulation of survivin, cyclin D1, cyclin E, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and clAPs; and activation of caspases. Resveratrol has been shown to suppress the activation of several transcription factors, including NF-kappaB, AP-1 and Egr-1; to inhibit protein kinases including IkappaBalpha kinase, JNK, MAPK, Akt, PKC, PKD and casein kinase II; and to down-regulate products of genes such as COX-2, 5-LOX, VEGF, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, AR and PSA. These activities account for the suppression of angiogenesis by this stilbene. Resveratrol also has been shown to potentiate the apoptotic effects of cytokines (e.g., TRAIL), chemotherapeutic agents and gamma-radiation. Phamacokinetic studies revealed that the target organs of resveratrol are liver and kidney, where it is concentrated after absorption and is mainly converted to a sulfated form and a glucuronide conjugate. In vivo, resveratrol blocks the multistep process of carcinogenesis at various stages: it blocks carcinogen activation by inhibiting aryl hydrocarbon-induced CYP1A1 expression and activity, and suppresses tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Besides chemopreventive effects, resveratrol appears to exhibit therapeutic effects against cancer. Limited data in humans have revealed that resveratrol is pharmacologically quite safe. Currently, structural analogues of resveratrol with improved bioavailability are being pursued as potential therapeutic agents for cancer.