Cervical sagittal balance parameters after single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: Correlations with clinical and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Normal sagittal cervical alignment has been associated with improved outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify alterations of cervical sagittal balance parameters after single-level ACDF and assess correlations with postoperative functionality. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed between January 2010 and January 2014 to identify adult patients with no previous cervical spine surgery who underwent ACDF at any one level between C2 and C7 for the single-level degenerative disease. Tumor, infection, and trauma cases were excluded from the study. For the included cases, the following data were recorded preoperatively and 6 months-1 year after surgery: sagittal balance-marker measurements of the C1-C2 angle, C2-C7 angle, C7 slope, segmental angle at the operated level, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) distance between C2 and C7, as well as the neck disability index and visual analog scale of pain. RESULTS: The present study included 47 patients (average age: 51.2 years; range: 28-86 years). A moderate negative correlation between a smaller C2-C7 angle and the presence of right arm pain before treatment was found (P = 0.0281). Postoperatively, functionality scores significantly improved in all patients. C1-C2 angle increased with statistical significance (P = 0.0255). C2-C7 angle, segmental angle, C7 slope, and SVA C2-C7 distance did not change with statistical significance after surgery. C7 slope significantly correlated with overall cervical sagittal balance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Single-level ACDF significantly increases upper cervical lordosis (C1-C2) without significantly changing lower cervical lordosis (C2-C7). The C7 slope is a significant marker of overall cervical sagittal alignment (P < 0.05).

Correlation of Clinical and Radiological Outcome After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With a Polyetheretherketone Cage.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage is considered as the gold standard for patients with cervical disc disease. However, there are limited in vivo data on the impact of ACDF on the cervical kinematics and its association with patient-reported clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of altered cervical sagittal alignment (cervical lordosis) and sagittal range of motion (ROM) on patients' self-reported pain and functional disability, after ACDF with a PEEK cage. METHODS: We prospectively studied 74 patients, who underwent single-, or consecutive two-level ACDF with a PEEK interbody cage. The clinical outcomes were assessed by using the pain numeric rating scale (NRS) and the neck disability index (NDI). Radiological outcomes included cervical lordosis and C2-C7 sagittal ROM. The outcome measures were collected preoperatively, at the day of patients' hospital discharge, and also at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction of the NRS and NDI scores postoperatively at each time point (P < 0.005). Cervical lordosis and also ROM significantly reduced until the last follow-up (P < 0.005). There was significant positive correlation between NRS and NDI preoperatively, as well as at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.005). In regard to the ROM and the NDI scores, there was no correlation preoperatively (P = 0.199) or postoperatively (6 months, P = 0.322; 12 months, P = 0.476). Additionally, there was no preoperative (P = 0.134) or postoperative (6 months, P = 0.772; 12 months, P = 0.335) correlation between the NDI scores and cervical lordosis. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, reduction of cervical lordosis and sagittal ROM did not appear to significantly influence on patients' self-reported disability. Such findings further highlight the greater role of pain level over the mechanical limitations of ACDF with a PEEK cage on patients' own perceived recovery.

Steinmann Pins for C1 Lateral Mass Screw Placement During Atlantoaxial Stabilization.

OBJECTIVE: The authors describe a modified technique for placement of the C1 lateral mass screw using a Steinmann pin as a guide. This technique minimizes dissection and provides atlantoaxial stabilization during arthrodesis. METHODS: In our technique, a nonthreaded 1.6-mm spade-tip Steinmann pin is placed into the lateral mass of C1 to serve as a guide over which a powered drill is used for screw insertion. Perioperative data were collected for consecutive patients who underwent a C1-2 arthrodesis that involved the modified technique between March 2010 and July 2016. Data included blood loss, operative times, and C2 nerve root injury. RESULTS: The data for 93 patients were reviewed. Most (91.4%) patients presented with a fracture from an acute trauma. A mean of 1.97 levels was fused in these patients, with a mean blood loss of 76 mL and a mean operative time of 144 minutes. The overall morbidity and mortality rate was 10.7%. The morbidity rate of 7.5% included 30-day postoperative complications of respiratory failure and dysphasia. There were no postoperative vertebral artery injuries, hardware failures, or instances of occipital neuralgia. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Steinmann pins to guide the placement of C1 lateral mass screws is safe and effective in C1-2 arthrodesis. Limiting dissection minimizes blood loss and injury, maintains efficient operative time, and assists in accurate placement of the screws. Furthermore, with less manipulation and retraction of the C2 nerve root, postoperative occipital neuralgia and the need for C2 root transection are avoided.

The Role of Gait Analysis in the Evaluation of Patients with Cervical Myelopathy: A Literature Review Study.

BACKGROUND: Gait analysis represents one of the newest methodologies used in the clinical evaluation of patients with cervical myelopathy (CM). OBJECTIVE: To describe the role of gait analysis in the clinical evaluation of patients with CM, as well as its potential role in the evaluation of the functional outcome of any surgical intervention. METHODS: A literature review was performed in the PubMed, OVID, and Google Scholar medical databases, from January 1995 to August 2016, using the terms "analysis," "anterior," "cervical myelopathy," "gait," "posterior," and "surgery." Clinical series comparing the gait patterns of patients with CM with healthy controls, as well as series evaluating gait and walk changes before and after surgical decompression, were reviewed. Case studies were excluded. RESULTS: Nine prospective and 3 retrospective studies were found. Most of the retrieved studies showed the presence of characteristic, abnormal gait patterns among patients with CM, consisting of decreased gait speed, cadence, step length, stride length, and single-limb support time. In addition, patients with CM routinely present increased step and stride time, double-limb support time, and step width, and they have altered knee and ankle joint range of motion, compared with healthy controls. Moreover, gait and walk analysis may provide accurate functional assessment of the functional outcome of patients with CM undergoing surgical decompression. CONCLUSIONS: Gait analysis may well be a valuable and objective tool along with other parameters in the evaluation of functionality in patients with CM, as well as in the assessment of the outcome of any surgical intervention in these patients.

Large, spontaneous spinal subdural-epidural hematoma after epidural anesthesia for caesarean section: Conservative management with excellent outcome.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic or spontaneous spinal hematomas are rarely seen and present with multiple symptoms that can be difficult to localize. Most spontaneous spinal hematomas are multifactorial, and the pathophysiology is varied. Here, we present a case of a scattered, multicomponent, combined subdural and epidural spinal hematoma that was managed conservatively. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old woman came to the emergency department (ED) complaining of severe neck and back pain. She had undergone a caesarean section under epidural anesthesia 4 days prior to her arrival in the ED. She was placed on heparin and then warfarin to treat a pulmonary embolism that was diagnosed immediately postpartum. Her neurological examination at presentation demonstrated solely the existence of clonus in the lower extremities and localized cervical and low thoracic pain. In the ED, the patient's international normalized ratio was only mildly elevated. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large thoracolumbar subdural hematoma with some epidural components in the upper thoracic spine levels. Spinal cord edema was also noted at the T6-T7 vertebral level. The patient was admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit for close surveillance and reversal of her coagulopathy. She was treated conservatively with pain medication, fresh frozen plasma, and vitamin K. She was discharged off of warfarin without any neurological deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management of spinal hematomas secondary to induced coagulopathies can be effective. This case suggests that, in the face of neuroimaging findings of significant edema and epidural blood, the clinical examination should dictate the management, especially in such complicated patients.

Hemoptysis as the Presenting Clinical Sign of a T8-T9 Spine Fracture with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Changes.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a noninflammatory degenerative disease that affects multiple spine levels and, in combination with osteoporosis, makes vertebrae more prone to fractures, especially in elderly people. We describe a rare case of thoracic fracture in an ankylosed spine in which hemoptysis was the only clinical sign. The patient (age in the early 80s) presented with chest pain and a cough associated with hemoptysis. The patient had no complaints of back pain and no neurological symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) angiography of the chest revealed changes consistent with DISH, with fractures at the T8 and T9 vertebra as well as lung hemorrhage or contusion in the right lung base. CT and magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine showed similar findings, with a recent T8-T9 fracture and DISH changes. The patient underwent percutaneous pedicle screw fixation from T7 to T11 and remained neurologically intact with an uneventful postoperative course.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Practice Patterns Among Greek Spinal Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: A web-based survey was conducted among Greek spinal surgeons to outline the current practice trends in regard to the surgical management of patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for degenerative cervical spine pathology. Various practice patterns exist in the surgical management of patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy for degenerative pathology. No consensus exists regarding the type of the employed graft, the necessity of implanting a plate, the prescription of an external orthotic device, and the length of the leave of absence in these patients. METHODS: A specially designed questionnaire was used for evaluating the criteria for surgical intervention, the frequency of fusion employment, the type of the graft, the frequency of plate implantation, the employment of an external spinal orthosis (ESO), the length of the leave of absence, and the prescription of postoperative physical therapy. Physicians' demographic factors were assessed including residency and spinal fellowship training, as well as type and length in practice. RESULTS: Eighty responses were received. Neurosurgeons represented 70%, and orthopedic surgeons represented 30%. The majority of the participants (91.3%) considered fusion necessary. Allograft was the preferred type of graft. Neurosurgeons used a plate in 42.9% of cases, whereas orthopedic surgeons in 100%. An ESO was recommended for 87.5% of patients without plates, and in 83.3% of patients with plates. The average duration of ESO usage was 4 weeks. Physical therapy was routinely prescribed postoperatively by 75% of the neurosurgeons, and by 83.3% of the orthopedic surgeons. The majority of the participants recommended 4 weeks leave of absence. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of participants considered ACDF a better treatment option than an ACD, and preferred an allograft. The majority of them employed a plate, prescribed an ESO postoperatively, and recommended physical therapy to their patients.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Resolving Within 48 Hours in a Normotensive Patient Who Underwent Thoracic Spine Surgery.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) usually manifests with severe headaches, seizures, and visual disturbances due to uncontrollable hypertension. A patient (age in the early 60s) with a history of renal cell cancer presented with lower-extremity weakness and paresthesias. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic spine revealed a T8 vertebral body metastatic lesion with cord compression at that level. The patient underwent preoperative embolization of the tumor followed by posterior resection and placement of percutaneous pedicle screws and rods. Postoperatively, the patient experienced decreased visual acuity bilaterally. Abnormal MRI findings consisted of T2 hyperintense lesions and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery changes in both occipital lobes, consistent with the unique brain imaging pattern associated with PRES. The patient's blood pressure was normal and stable from the first day of hospitalization. The patient was kept on high-dose steroid therapy, which was started intraoperatively, and improved within 48 hours after symptom onset.

Patient variables and referral paradigms associated with osteoporosis screening and treatment in neurosurgical patients undergoing kyphoplasty.

OBJECT Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fracture. Bone density testing and medical treatment with bisphosphonates or parathormone are recommended for all patients with an osteoporotic fracture diagnosis. Inadequate testing and treatment of patients presenting with low-impact fractures have been reported in various specialties. Similar data are not available from academic neurosurgery groups. The authors assessed compliance with treatment and testing of osteoporosis in patients with vertebral compression fractures evaluated by the authors' academic neurosurgery service, and patient variable and health-systems factors associated with improved compliance. METHODS Data for patients who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty for compression fractures was retrospectively collected. Diagnostic and medical interventions were tabulated. Pre-, intra-, and posthospital factors that had been theorized to affect the compliance of patients with osteoporosis-related therapies were tabulated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS Less than 50% of patients with kyphoplasty received such therapies. Age was not found to correlate with other variables. Referral from a specialist rather than a primary care physician was associated with a higher rate of bone density screening, as well as vitamin D and calcium therapy, but not bisphosphonate/parathormone therapy. Patients who underwent preoperative evaluation by their primary care physician were significantly more likely to receive bisphosphonates compared with those only evaluated by a hospitalist. Patients with unprovoked fractures were more likely to undergo multiple surgeries compared with those with minor trauma. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest poor compliance with current standard of care for medical therapies in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures undergoing kyphoplasty under the care of an academic neurosurgery service.

Assessment of Nogo-66 receptor 1 function in vivo after spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Neuronal Nogo-66 receptor 1 (NgR1) has attracted attention as a converging point for mediating the effects of myelin-associate inhibitory ligands in the central nervous system, establishing the growth-restrictive environment, and limiting axon regeneration after traumatic injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors that may be contributing to the discrepancy in the importance of NgR1, which has been undermined by several studies that have shown the lack of substantial axon regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) in NgR1-knockout or -knockdown animal models. METHODS: We used mice carrying either a homozygous or heterozygous null mutation in the NgR1 gene and subjected them to either a moderate or severe SCI. RESULTS: Locomotor function assessments revealed that the level of functional recovery is affected by the degree of injury suffered. NgR1 ablation enhanced local collateral sprouting in the mutant mice. Reactive astrocytes and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are upregulated surrounding the injury site. Matrix metalloproteinase-9, which has been shown to degrade CSPGs, was significantly upregulated in the homozygous mutant mice compared with the heterozygous or wild-type mice. However, CSPG levels remained higher in the homozygous compared with the heterozygous mice, suggesting that CSPG-degrading activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 may require the presence of NgR1. CONCLUSION: Genetic ablation of NgR1 may lead to significant recovery in locomotor function after SCI. The difference in locomotor recovery we observed between the groups that suffered various degrees of injury suggests that injury severity may be a confounding factor in functional recovery after SCI.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunting--a strategy to reduce the incidence of shunt revisions and slit ventricles: an institutional experience and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Slit ventricles and multiple episodes of shunt failure are problematic in many infants and preterm neonates shunted for hydrocephalus. We utilized ventriculosubgaleal (VSG) shunting as the initial neurosurgical intervention in neonates with hydrocephalus associated with intraventricular hemorrhage and infants with myelomeningocele. METHODS: We conducted a chart review of 21 children initially treated with a VSG shunt between November 2002 and July 2009. Patient records and imaging studies were reviewed. Demographics, case data and clinical outcome were collected. RESULTS: Five patients (27.8%) required a revision after conversion to a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. There were 9 cases of radiographic slit ventricles (45%). Average follow-up was 59.5 months (range 12-97 months). Average time interval to shunt conversion was 81.5 days. Two patients have not required conversion to a VP shunt (one with an 8-year follow-up). To date, none of these patients has required a subtemporal window or cranial vault expansion. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, initial management of selected hydrocephalic infants with a VSG shunt may prove to be advantageous in the long run for these children as the number of shunt revisions and the incidence of slit ventricles are significantly less than those reported in the literature.

The pearls and pitfalls of skull trephination as described in the Hippocratic treatise "On Head Wounds".

The purpose of our current study is to describe the guidelines regarding trephination as suggested in the Hippocratic writer's book, "Peri ton en cephali traumaton" ("On Head Wounds"). The ancient Greek text was reviewed as well as two English translations. The Hippocratic author described the indications, timing, and techniques of trephination for patients with head injury. He emphasized that attention should be paid to the details of the employed technique. He also commented on the difference of skull thickness at different anatomical sites and also between different age groups. The Hippocratic recommendations provided details for the performance of trephination by the ancient Greek physicians that are still considered important in modern neurosurgery.

Skull morphology and its neurosurgical implications in the Hippocratic era.

Differences in skull morphological characteristics among various human populations were first described by Herodotus of Halicarnassus. The Hippocratic treatise On Head Wounds provided the first detailed description of human skull anatomy. The Hippocratic author presented the first systematic attempt to create a classification system of skull and cranial suture morphology. Detailed descriptions of various human skull types and cranial sutures were provided along with information regarding the macroscopic structure and thickness of different parts of the skull. The significance of skull thickness in patients with head injuries was also presented in the Hippocratic text. The authors discuss the influence of this treatise on the later development of descriptive skull anatomy and on the development of modern neurosurgery.

Spontaneous posterior fossa hemorrhage associated with low-molecular weight heparin in an adolescent recently diagnosed with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) constitutes a well-described clinical entity, classically entailing characteristic edematous lesions on imaging studies in a patient with altered mental status, visual disturbances, headache, and seizures. PRES is reversible in the vast majority of cases, although progression to ischemia and hemorrhage has been documented. METHODS: We report a case of a 16-year-old male with chronic renal failure who developed PRES during a hypertensive crisis. The hypertension was successfully managed and PRES-associated symptomatology showed complete regression. However, approximately 2 months later, the patient returned with a spontaneous posterior fossa hemorrhage. Two weeks before this second admission, treatment with low-molecular weight heparin had been initiated. The patient finally succumbed, despite surgical evacuation. The pertinent literature is reviewed. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the administration of low-molecular weight heparin in the setting of recent PRES might increase the risk for the development of intracranial hemorrhage.

Familial intracranial ependymomas. Report of three cases in a family and review of the literature.

Familial cases of intracranial ependymomas have been well documented in the literature. The authors present two cases from a family in which three members harbored intracranial ependymomas. A 54-year-old man with fourth ventricular ependymoma underwent resection of the tumor followed by radiation therapy. His son presented at age 36 years with a fourth ventricular tanycytic ependymoma and underwent total resection of the ependymoma with postoperative radiation therapy. The father's sister had been treated at another institution for a posterior fossa ependymoma.The association of ependymomas with molecular genetic alterations in chromosome 22 has been previously described. Further investigation of the genetic influences may lead to better therapeutic approaches for this relatively rare clinicopathological entity.

Head injury management algorithm as described in Hippocrates' "peri ton en cephali traumaton".

HIPPOCRATIC WORKS LEND themselves still today to the modern physician for further analysis of his approach to the diagnosis and treatment of various pathological conditions. We present an attempt to systematize his methodology regarding the management of head trauma and present it in the format of a modern-era algorithm.

Surgical treatment of acute type II and rostral type III odontoid fractures managed by anterior screw fixation.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the authors comment on their experience with anterior odontoid screw fixation in the management of odontoid fractures, in an attempt to further assess the safety and the efficacy of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients with reducible type II or rostral type III odontoid fractures, operated at our hospital with anterior odontoid screw fixation. Radiographic bony fusion, complications, and clinical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Solid bony fusion was evident in 38 (90.5%) of the patients. One mechanical instrumentation-related complication occurred, without clinical significance. No other major complications related to the procedure were noted. A satisfactory range of motion in the cervical spine was observed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior odontoid screw fixation is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of type II and rostral type III odontoid fractures. Compliance to the specific indications and contraindications of this operation is crucial for optimal outcome.