Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Scarlet AC-T cervical secured cage. Safety evaluation and 6 months radiological follow up.

Fusion rates in ACDF procedures with classical cages are higher if supplemented with a plate. However, the use of plates has been associated with increased morbidity and dysphagia. As an alternative, we studied the ACDF approach using, a secured titanium cage with integrated fixation screws, which allows for "Zero Profile" segmental stabilization. We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on a group of 32 patients which had been subjected to ACDF using the Scarlet AC-T (*) secured titanium cage. The studied population comprised 13 males (40.6%) and 19 females (59.4%), aged between 36 and 76 years, (mean 56.5 y) and operated between October 1st 2014 and June 1st 2016. A total of 39 cages were implanted (25 in one-level surgery and 14 in two-levels). The most frequently operated levels were C5C6 (22), C6C7 (13), C4C5 (2) and C3C4 (2). All the operated patients initially presented with neck and arm pain. 17 had signs of myelopathy. The predominant diagnosed etiologies were: soft disc herniation (9 patients), disco-osteophytic compression (22) and pseudarthrosis (1). The patients were evaluated for immediate post-operative complications. After 6 months, screw loosening, device subsidence/migration and fusion were assessed by ROM measurement on dynamic lateral Xrays. We observed 2 cases of minimal subsidence, 2 mild transient dysphagias, 1 superficial infection, no screw loosening, and no migration. Bridging bone around the cage was observed in 27 levels (69.2 %). 30 levels (77,0 %) showed signs of solid fusion, 7 leve1s (4.9 %) signs of incomplete or ongoing fusion, and 2 levels (5.1 %) radiological signs of failed fusion. ACDF with the Scarlet AC-T cervical secured cage is safe. No implant failure or implant related complication could be observed. Solid or ongoing fusion was observed in 94,9 % of the operated levels after 6 months.

Clinical results of cervical disc replacement with the Baguera C prosthesis after two years follow-up.

We studied pain, neurological, and functional outcomes of one and two-levels cervical arthroplasties using a semi-constrained prosthesis for symptomatic cervical degenerative discopathies. Retrospective analysis of 95 patients in a multicentric registry over 2 years FU. Implant-related complications, subsequent surgery and neurological deterioration were not observed. After two years, improvement of > 20% of the NDI was observed in 81.8%, of > 20% of the neck pain in 75.5% and of 20% in arm pain in 77.6%. A > 15% QOL improvement (SF 36 questionnaire) was recorded in 76.5% (physical) and in 77,6% (mental). Greater benefits of cervical arthroplasty were observed in patients under 50 without previous surgeries and with preoperative NDI > 30%, confirming a safe and effective technique.

Long-term results with percutaneous interspinous process devices in the treatment of neurogenic intermittent claudication.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) is the main symptom of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Percutaneous interspinous process decompression devices (IPDs) have been designed as an alternative therapy to conservative treatment and to open decompressive surgery for patients suffering from NIC. Initial short-term results were encouraging. We present the long-term results of a group of patients that we followed to provide insight on long-term outcomes and effectiveness of this technique compared to other decompression methods. METHODS: Fifteen patients operated for NIC by implantation of percutaneous IPDs have been prospectively monitored for reoperations or complications. Follow-up (FU) was interrupted if the patient was reoperated. Results were considered poor if the patient had to be reoperated at any stage of the FU or if the treatment failed to alleviate the pain after 6 months. Results were considered average if the patient still suffered some pain but did not require reoperation. RESULTS: The patients were followed up to 7 years after the initial surgery. The mean length of the FU was 3.53 years and all patients could be followed. At the end of the FU, the results were good in only 20.0% (3/15), average in 13.3% (2/15) and poor in 66.7% (10/15). CONCLUSIONS: Despite initial satisfactory results, long-term FU is disappointing, with 80% poor or average results. The long-term reoperation rate is high (66.6%), increases over time and is higher than after implantation of IPDs for decompression augmentation. Although this technique is simple and safe, its effectiveness seems short-lived. We recommend cautious use and informing patients about the risk of relatively early failure and recurrence.

Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Applicability of Appropriateness Criteria in Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate treatment choice for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) is challenging due to patient heterogeneity. Using the RAND/UCLA method, an international multidisciplinary expert panel established patient-specific criteria for the choice between non-surgical management (NSM), vertebroplasty (VP), and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). OBJECTIVES: To assess the applicability of the appropriateness criteria in real-life practice. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Eight practices of experts who participated in the panel study, including 2 interventional radiologists, one internal medicine specialist, 2 neurosurgeons, and 3 orthopedic/trauma surgeons. Practices were located in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. METHODS: Using an online data capture program, participants documented the clinical profile (age, gender, previous VCFs, time since fracture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, evolution of symptoms, impact of symptoms on quality of life, spinal deformity, ongoing fracture process, and presence of pulmonary dysfunction) and treatment choice for consecutive patients who consulted them for OVCF. RESULTS: In total 426 patients were included. BKP was the most frequently chosen treatment option (49%), followed by VP (34%) and NSM (14%). When compared with the panel recommendations, inappropriate treatment choices were rare (5% for NSM, 2% for VP, none for BKP). Treatment choice was strongly associated with the clinical variables used in the panel study. Differences in treatment decisions between interventional radiologists and surgeons were largely determined by differences in patient characteristics, with time of clinical presentation being the dominant factor. LIMITATION: The study population was restricted to the practices of the participants of the panel study. CONCLUSION: This international, multi-specialty utilization review showed excellent applicability of, and good adherence with RAND/UCLA-based recommendations on treatment choice in OVCF.

Reversible Late Thoracic Myelopathy and Neurostimulation Tolerance Caused by Fibrous Scar Tissue Formation Around the Spinal Cord Stimulation Electrode.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord stimulation has now been used for four decades and has become an established treatment for neuropathic pain. Spinal cord compression by formation of excessive fibrous tissue at the level of an epidural neurostimulation electrode is a rare, delayed, but serious complication of neuromodulation for chronic neuropathic pain that may appear at various timings after the initial surgery, but is usually preceded by progressive tolerance and fading of the pain-relieving effect of the neurostimulation. METHODS: We report one patient treated by neuromodulation with percutaneous lead between 1998 and 2001, then by a larger surgical lead since 2001. He started presenting with clinical signs of spinal cord compression, along with progressive fading of the antalgic effect of the stimulation five years later, finally leading to surgery in 2013. RESULTS: The microsurgical removal of fibrous tissue under the electrode allowed both the decompression of the spinal cord and the return of efficient pain control, while leaving the electrode at the same place. CONCLUSION: Careful surgical removal of the fibrous tissue can be performed to allow decompression of the spinal cord and may help to obtain a more efficient pain management. As large surgical electrodes could be specifically associated with compressive scar tissue formation, they should therefore be considered as a second line of treatment after percutaneous leads.

Criteria for the appropriate treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

BACKGROUND: The heterogeneity of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF) necessitates a tailored approach of balancing the benefits and limitations of available treatments. Current guidelines are divergent, sometimes contradictory, and often insufficiently detailed to guide practice decisions. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at establishing treatment recommendations at the patient-specific level. STUDY DESIGN: Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM), the appropriateness of different treatment options for osteoporotic VCFs was assessed. SETTING: The assessment was conducted by a European multidisciplinary panel of 12 experts. METHODS: The appropriateness of non-surgical management (NSM), vertebroplasty (VP), and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) was determined for 128 hypothetical patient profiles. These were unique combinations of clinical factors considered relevant to treatment choice (time since fracture, MRI findings, impact and evolution of symptoms, spinal deformity, ongoing fracture process, and pulmonary dysfunction). After 2 individual rating rounds and plenary meetings, appropriateness statements (appropriate, inappropriate, and uncertain) were calculated for all clinical scenarios. RESULTS: Disagreement dropped from 31% in the first round to 7% in the second round. Appropriateness outcomes showed specific patterns for the 3 treatments. For three-quarters of the profiles, only one treatment was considered appropriate: NSM 25%, VP 6%, and BKP 45%. NSM was usually appropriate in patients with a negative MRI or a positive MRI without other unfavorable conditions (poor outcomes for the other variables). VP was usually appropriate in patients with a positive MRI, time since fracture ≥ 6 weeks, and no spinal deformity. BKP was recommended for all patients with an ongoing fracture process, and also in most patients with a positive MRI and ≥ 1 other unfavorable factor. LIMITATIONS: The prevalence of the patient profiles in daily practice is yet unknown. CONCLUSION: The panel results may help to support treatment choice in the heterogeneous population of patients with osteoporotic VCF.

Fluoroscopic exposure during percutaneous balloon compression of the Gasserian ganglion.

AIM: This prospective case-control study documents the level of radiation expected during percutaneous balloon compression of the Gasserian ganglion. METHODS: Percutaneous balloon compression of the Gasserian ganglion is a minimally invasive treatment for trigeminal neuralgia resistant to medical treatment and an alternative to microvascular decompression. This operation requires the use of fluoroscopy to navigate the needle through the foramen ovale and to monitor balloon inflation and deflation. However, the level of radiation exposure for this technique has never been reported. Exposure data (fluoroscopy time in seconds and radiation dose in mGycm(2)) were collected during 17 procedures on 14 patients using the dose report provided by the digital interface of the fluoroscope. RESULTS: The mean fluoroscopy time per patient was 62 s, ranging from 102.9 s to 44.9 s, and the mean radiation dose per patient was 1137.18 mGycm(2), ranging from 1738 mGycm(2) to 639.5 mGycm(2). CONCLUSION: This quantification of the dose and duration of radiation during percutaneous compression of the trigeminal ganglion shows that the amount of radiation required to perform this operation is significant and makes lead-coated protection clothing and careful use of the fluoroscope mandatory.

Cost-effectiveness in the surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia.

Increasing costs of healthcare call for rational approaches based on cost-effectiveness of the surgical procedures. When treating trigeminal neuralgia, therapeutic options vary widely as does their cost. We have compared microvascular decompression (MVD), radiofrequency rhizotomy (RFR), percutaneous balloon compression of the Gasser ganglion (PBC) and gamma knife rhizotomy (GKR) for length of stay, cost of the stay, of the procedure, of disposable material and of specific hospital investments. This was compared to the immediate and long-term (>5 years) efficacy of the procedures. The evaluated total cost were 1,014 for PBC and RFR, 3,360 for MVD with a 2-day hospital stay, 4,560 for MVD with a 5-day hospital stay, and 3,424 for GKR. In addition, RFR requires investing in a generator (10,000 ) and GKR requires a gamma knife suite (3,000,000 ). MVD, PBC and RFR allow immediate relief of the pain, GKS having a more progressive effect. Long-term results, however, are comparable, all techniques having at least a 25% recurrence rate between 5 and 10 years postoperatively. Although all surgical techniques allow pain relief in trigeminal neuralgia, from an economical point of view, percutaneous techniques are more cost-effective than MVD and GKR. They should be considered as the first therapeutical option, keeping the more expensive procedures for percutaneous treatment failures or for medically justified indications.

Clinical evaluation of the preliminary safety and effectiveness of a minimally invasive interspinous process device APERIUS(®) in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with symptomatic neurogenic intermittent claudication.

PURPOSE: New interspinous process decompression devices (IPDs) provide an alternative to conservative treatment and decompressive surgery for patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) due to degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). APERIUS(®) is a minimally invasive IPD that can be implanted percutaneously. This multicentre prospective study was designed to make a preliminary evaluation of safety and effectiveness of this IPD up to 12 months post-implantation. METHODS: After percutaneous implantation in 156 patients with NIC due to DLSS, data on symptoms, quality of life, pain, and use of pain medication were obtained for up to 12 months. RESULTS: Early symptom and physical function improvements were maintained for up to 12 months, when 60 and 58 % of patients maintained an improvement higher than the Minimum Clinically Important Difference for Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) symptom severity and physical function, respectively. Leg, buttock/groin, and back pain were eased throughout, and the use and strength of related pain medication were reduced. Devices were removed from 9 % of patients due to complications or lack of effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, in a period of up to 12 months follow-up, the safety and effectiveness of the APERIUS(®) offered a minimally invasive option for the relief of NIC complaints in a high proportion of patients. Further studies are underway to provide insight on outcomes and effectiveness compared to other decompression methods, and to develop guidance on optimal patient selection.

Fluoroscopic exposure in modern spinal surgery.

The widespread use of minimally invasive and other spinal procedures raises concern about the peroperative radiation exposure to surgeon and patient. The authors noted the fluoroscopy time and the radiation dose, as read from the image amplifier, in 95 spinal procedures. The results of this prospective study varied widely between different operations. Percutaneous surgery was associated with more exposure than open surgery. For instance, the average radiation dose per pedicle screw was 3.2 times higher with percutaneous insertion than with an open approach. Therefore, efforts to reduce fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure should be made when using minimally invasive percutaneous surgical techniques. Preventive measures for the surgeon, such as lead aprons and gloves, thyroid shields, radioprotective glasses and staying away from the beam are recommended. Still from the surgeon's view-point, source inferior positioning of the image amplifier is indicated for the AP view, as well as monitoring of the radiation exposure. Finally, the difference in fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure between surgeons for the same procedure stresses the fact that peroperative radiation may be reduced by simple awareness and by training.

A simplified technique for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a screw-plate implanted over the Caspar distractor pins.

The author presents a simplified technique for midline screw-plate fixation in fusion procedures after anterior cervical discectomy, in which the plate is introduced over the Caspar distractor pins. The Uniplate system used, with a single screw in each vertebral body, minimizes bone damage to the vertebral body as the screws can be fixed in the holes previously used for the Caspar distractor pins. This simplified version of the classical anterior cervical fusion technique saves surgical time, facilitates screw insertion, and obviates the need for manipulations to stabilize the plate before the screws are inserted. It provides immediate stability comparable to other plate systems. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report on cervical fusion with the Uniplate system with the plate being introduced over the Caspar distractor pins.

Reduction of postoperative pain after lumbar microdiscectomy with DuraSeal Xact Adhesion Barrier and Sealant System.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: An excessive amount of scar tissue after lumbar microdiscectomy may increase postoperative pain. Several fibrosis inhibitors have been used in the past in an endeavor for better functional outcome. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate DuraSeal Xact Adhesion Barrier and Sealant System (DSX), a polyethylene glycol-based synthetic fibrosis inhibitor, for its ability to reduce postoperative pain after lumbar microdiscectomy. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Twenty patients between 19 and 71 years of age about to undergo elective lumbar single-level discectomy were randomized into two groups of 10. OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments included the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, the short form (SF)-36 questionnaire, and the Oswestry low back pain scale, preoperatively and at discharge, and 30, 90, and 180 days after surgery. METHODS: One group was treated with DSX, and the control group received the local standard of care. DSX was applied as a thin layer on the nerve root and surrounding area after microdiscectomy. RESULTS: The VAS pain scale was lower at all time points in the DSX treatment group than in the control group. The reductions at 30, 90, and 180 days for DSX and control groups, respectively, were 43.9% versus 35.6%, 64.3% versus 44.8%, and 75.4% versus 59.6%. The SF-36 scores in the DSX treatment group showed more improvement than in the control group as soon as 30 days for physical functioning, general health, vitality, social functioning, mental health, and emotional patterns, and by 90 days for bodily pain and general health. The Oswestry pain score was lower at all time points in the DSX treatment group than in the control group. The reductions at 30, 90, and 180 days for DSX and control groups, respectively, were 41.5% versus 34.3%, 68.2% versus 42.4%, and 73.3% versus 55.4%. Wound healing was normal in the DSX treatment group, there were no complications related to DSX use, and no patient in either group required reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study is too small to have conclusions of efficacy and will need confirmation by larger trials, treatment of a microdiscectomy site with DSX for fibrosis prevention shows promising results in terms of safety, reduction of postoperative pain and functional results when compared to control with the additional advantage of being suitable for use in the presence of a dural tear.

[Postoperative epidural fibrosis after lumbar disc surgery: fact or fiction?]. / Fibrose epidurale postopératoire après chirurgie discale lombaire: mythe ou réalité?

Recurrent radiculopathy after lumbar microdiscectomy may decrease the quality of life of operated patients. Epidural fibrosis is considered to be one of the mechanisms that could be responsible for the pain. Therefore, the use of a resorbable gel to separate the lumbar nerve roots from the surrounding bone, muscles and disc remnants, could reduce scarring and postoperative pain, improve clinical outcome and make revision surgery easier. We reviewed the literature about efficacy and complications of adhesion prevention in the lumbar spine. Although the first attempts to achieve adhesion prevention were not conclusive, the results of the most recent trials about polyethylene oxide/carboxymethylcellulose based or polyethylene glycol based gels provide encouraging safety evidences and promising efficacy results.

The importance of being a spinal neurosurgeon: evaluation of spinal surgery in Belgium between 2000 and 2005 and the creation of the Belgian Neurosurgical Spine Society.

BACKGROUND: As the scope of neurosurgical spinal operations has broadened widely, spinal neurosurgery is certainly the one of the fields of neurosurgery where the most changes are observed. Increasing health costs and an aging population will make this issue even more crucial in the future. METHODS: We reviewed the number of spinal procedures performed by neurosurgeons in Belgium between 2000 and 2005. During this period, the number of lumbar spinal operations for degenerative spinal diseases has increased by 20%, reaching more than 23,000 operations per year, among which 77% were decompressive surgeries, 43% posterior fusions, and 50% anterior fusions, all done by neurosurgeons. The neurosurgical prevalence is even more striking in cervical or intradural procedures. CONCLUSION: As a result we created a neurosurgical spine society to represent neurosurgeons who were otherwise almost absent from the political decision-making processes. These observations, not unique to Belgium, should encourage colleagues to play a pivotal role in all spine-related discussions with healthcare providers, state or private, to get involved in teaching spinal surgery, and to participate in clinical and laboratory research leading to the publications that are essential to put forward the contribution of neurosurgeons in spinal surgery.

Safety of carboxymethylcellulose/polyethylene oxide for the prevention of adhesions in lumbar disc herniation--consecutive case series review.

BACKGROUND: Epidural fibrosis is regarded as a cause of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) when excessive adhesional/fibrotic scar tissue causes compression, pain or discomfort by tethering of nerve tissue to the surrounding muscle or bone. Fibrosis inhibitors could therefore increase the success rate of spinal surgery and decrease the need for reoperations. In recent years, bio-resorbable gels or films for the prevention of peridural fibrosis and post-operative adhesions have been developed that look clinically promising. This included a 100% synthetic, sterile, absorbable gel combinations of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) used to coat the dura to reduce scarring after discectomy which became available in Europe in 2002. However, given the burden of the problem and unfavorable experience with other types of adhesion-reduction agents, our unit decided to evaluate the safety of CMC/PEO in a large population of patients undergoing spinal microdiscectomy for herniation. METHODS: To determine the safety and assess efficacy of carboxymethylcellulose/polyethylene oxide (CMC/PEO) gel as an anti-adhesion gel, a consecutive series of 396 patients undergoing lumbar discectomy performed by one surgeon had CMC/PEO gel administered at the end of surgery. The patients were followed up in accordance with standard clinical practice and records reviewed for side effects, such as skin reactions, general reactions or local fluid collections. Reoperations for recurrent herniation included an evaluation of fibrosis reduction. RESULTS: No product related complications were observed. Five patients needed reoperations for recurrent herniation. Significant but subjective reduction in fibrosis was observed in these patients. CONCLUSION: The findings provide confidence that CMC/PEO gel is well tolerated as an agent to achieve reduction of fibrosis in lumbar disc surgery. Further formal prospective study is recommended in this area of unmet need.

Foraminal disc herniation Th9-Th10 mimicking abdominal pain.

Thoracic disc herniations (TDH) requiring surgery are rare. They usually present with pain and/or myelopathy. Only 6% are wide lateral, either intraforaminal or extraforaminal. A 52-year-old patient presented with chronic mid-thoracic pain, radiating along the left 9th and 10th ribs. After nephrologic and pancreatic diseases had been excluded, a CT-scan showed a far-lateral calcified TDH in the left Th9-Th10 neuroforamen, compressing the nerve root. Through a paramedian muscle-splitting approach, microscopic drilling of the medial part of the Th9-Th10 facet joint was performed, allowing exposure of the nerve root and removal of a soft hernia, a mix of degenerative debris and harder calcified aggregates. Postoperatively, the pain disappeared immediately. The authors conclude that intraforaminal TDH may be misleading and mimick pain from abdominal origin. Even if calcified, these lesions may be soft, not adherent and thus easily resectable: this may allow a simpler approach. A microscopic transfacet route offers a minimally invasive approach to the neuroforamen.

Increasing pedicle screw anchoring in the osteoporotic spine by cement injection through the implant. Technical note and report of three cases.

Instrumented spinal fusion in patients with osteoporosis is challenging because of the poor bone quality and is complicated by an elevated risk of delayed hardware failure. The author treated two patients presenting with severe osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis. He performed decompressive laminectomy, posterolateral fusion, and pedicle screw (PS) fixation involving screws with side openings that allow cement to be injected through the implant. The cement injection was conducted under fluoroscopic control without complications. Although this technique needs validation in a larger population of patients, the author believes that the injection of cement through these PSs can be performed safely in carefully selected patients. This technique creates not only a vertebroplasty-like effect that strengthens the vertebral body but also provides the additional stability afforded by the immediate anchoring of the screw, which may allow a shorter-length construct, save mobile segments, and finally reduce the risk of hardware failure.

Kirschner wire migration causing spinal cord injury one year after internal fixation of a clavicle fracture.

K-wire migration after internal fixation of the clavicle has rarely been reported to cause spinal cord injuries. A 30-year-old man presented with progressive paraparesis, hypaesthesia under a Th4 level and electric pain in the neck and arms. CT of the spine revealed a migrated K-wire from a one-year-old clavicle osteosynthesis, penetrating the spinal canal through the Th2 nerve root foramen, and perforating the spinal cord with a transversal trajectory. Surgical removal of the K-wire was performed after exposing both ends. Laminectomy allowed visual control of the entry point and correction of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The pain disappeared and the patient recovered a normal gait after 6 weeks. The use of two incisions is advocated in such cases: one lateral to allow wire removal, and one medial for dural repair and early intradural bleeding control. Regular follow ups, K-wire removal after fracture healing as well as bending the wire end in a walking stick shape should minimise the risk of migration.