Long-Term Outcomes of a New Minimally Invasive Approach in Chiari Type 1 and 1.5 Malformations: Technical Note and Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: The treatment options for patients with Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) and Chiari malformation type 1.5 (CM1.5) have not yet been standardized. In these malformations, the main factors include obstruction at the level of the foramen magnum and dural and ligamentous thickening. Here we present our outcomes of surgery and decompression using a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technique. METHODS: Sixty-one patients admitted to our clinics between 2009 and 2016 due to CM1 or CM1.5 and who had undergone MIS were investigated retrospectively. All patients were followed up for a mean period of 55 months, both clinically and radiologically, and the outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: All 61 patients underwent foramen magnum decompression through a 1.5-cm mini-open incision, C1 laminectomy and C2 medial inner side tour, posterior atlanto-occipital membrane removal, external dural delamination, and widening of the internal dura with longitudinal incisions. Fifty-six patients (91.8%) were satisfied with the outcome, 4 patients (6.5%) remained the same, and 1 patient (1.6%) reported a poor outcome. Forty-five percent of the patients with syringomyelia demonstrated resolution within 2 years, and 92% demonstrated resolution in 5 years. Scoliosis was seen in 5 patients (8.1%). The rate of benefit from the surgical procedure was statistically significant (P = 0.0045), and no patient required additional surgery because of poor decompression. CONCLUSIONS: MIS is effective for uncomplicated cases of CM1 and CM1.5 due to its minimal connective and muscular tissue damage, short surgical duration, short recovery time, early mobilization, effective posterior foramen magnum widening, lack of liquor fistula development, and better clinical and radiologic improvement during long-term follow-up.

Closed Drainage versus Non-Drainage for Single-Level Lumbar Disc Surgery: Relationship between Epidural Hematoma and Fibrosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical series with prospectively collected data. PURPOSE: The efficacy of using closed suction drains (CSD) after single-level lumbar disc surgery was evaluated. Postoperative CSD are regularly fitted to prevent postoperative epidural hematomas (EH) after multilevel lumbar decompression, although it remains unclear whether CSD also reduces postoperative EH following single-level lumbar disc surgery. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Few articles have addressed the clinical outcome in patients with single-level lumbar disc disease who were treated by two different operative methods (with and without drainage). METHODS: Between 2012 and 2014, 115 patients with a single level discectomy underwent two surgical procedures: with CSD (group A, 60 cases) and without CSD (group B, 55 cases). There were no significant differences in age, sex, segment level, herniation type, or disease duration between the groups. Wound infection, EH, and epidural fibrosis (EF) were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Reduction in analgesic treatment and patient satisfaction were also recorded. RESULTS: The overall rate of postoperative EH was 5% and 16.3% in group A and B, respectively, whereas the rate of postoperative EF was 11.6% in group A and 21.8% in group B. The postoperative VAS score was 0.32 (standard deviation [SD], 0.45) for group A and 2.62 (SD, 06.9) for group B, whereas ODI was 9.11 (SD, 0.68) and 8.23 (SD, 0.78) for group A and and group B, respectively, with no significant differences observed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients operated on by unilateral, single-level lumbar disc surgery, the use of suction CSD into the operation site results in lower levels of EH and EF radiologically, thereby providing a better clinical outcome.

Replacement of Vertebral Lamina (Laminoplasty) in Surgery for Lumbar Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: 5-Year Follow-Up Results.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of clinical and radiological outcomes of lumbar laminoplasty (LL) for the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis (ISL). PURPOSE: The single session performance of posterior lumbar interbody fusion with allograft in the anterior column and providing the realignment of the vertebrae was presented as a preliminary report earlier. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Long-term surgical outcome of cervical laminoplasty in patients has been reported. But, outcome of LL in patients is unclear. METHODS: The long-term (5 years) year follow-up results of the LL technique are reported in this retrospective study. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative direct X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The patients that did not respond to conservative treatment were operated. Twenty-one (52.5%) female and 19 (47.5%) male patients were included. RESULTS: Mean age was 43,5 years (ranges, 22-57 years). The most common symptoms were low back pain (89%), pelvic and leg pain (69%) and reduction in walking distance (65%). A total of 180 pedicle screws were inserted in 40 patients; posterior lumbar interbody fusion and laminoplasty with reduction was performed in 20 patients for L4-L5, 12 patients for L5-S1, 4 patients for L3-L4-L5 and 4 patients for L4-L5-S1. Ten (25%) patients with ILL had accompanying spinal stenosis. The difference between preoperative and postoperative sagittal plane rotation and dislocation degrees and disc space heights were statistically significant in all patients (p<0.05). Solid grade 4 fusion was observed in 38 patients; in only 2 patients grade 2 pseudoarthrosis developed (5%), but these patients were asymptomatic. Visual analog scale, Prolo economical and functional scale was examined with an average follow-up 5.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: LL technique has the advantages of shorter duration of operation, lack of graft donor site complications, protection of posterior column osseoligamentous structures and achievement of high fusion rates in one session.

Reduction and arthrodesis with sublaminar spiral silk in atlantoaxial joint instability.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of the use of thick spiral silk knotting instead of sublaminar wiring for C1-C2 arthrodesis in patients with atlantoaxial instability. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 16 patients (10 females, 6 males; mean age: 43.4 years; mean follow-up: 34 months) with atlantoaxial instability who underwent C1-C2 fusion by reduction and sublaminar spiral silk knotting. All patients underwent open reduction, bounding both laminae with thick spiral silk instead of wiring and arthrodesis with autografting. Reduction rates, screw position and fusion rates were evaluated using computed tomography. RESULTS: Preoperative mean atlantodental interval (ADI) was 8 (range: 6 to 11) mm and postoperative ADI was 2.1 (range: 0.5 to 2.5) mm. There was no dural or spinal cord injury. Complete reduction was observed in all cases. Fusion was unsuccessful in 1 case (6.25%). Postoperative mean flexion ADI was 10 mm and mean extension ADI was 1 mm. Graft separation between C1-C2 was observed in slice tomographic examination in one patient. Malposition was observed in 2 screws (4%). CONCLUSION: The sublaminar silk knotting technique appears to provide safe anatomical reduction. As this method is cheap and simple and does not require extra implantation, loosen, create neurologic compromise or cause radiologic crowding, it can be considered an alternative surgical technique to sublaminar wiring.

C1-2 posterior arthrodesis technique with a left segmental and right transarticular fixation. A hybrid novel (Kotil) technique.

INTRODUCTION: The most commonly used techniques for C1-C2 posterior arthrodesis are Goel and Magerl fixation techniques. Due to the anatomical variations of the region, the prior determination of the surgical technique might be hard. Right side Magerl, left side Goel's C1-C2 posterior arthrodesis case is presented as a new surgical combination technique used due to anatomical difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis operation was indicated for a 56-year-old female patient for the treatment of atlanto-axial subluxation caused by os odontoideum. First it was fixed from the nondominant arterial side (right vertebral artery) with Magerl (transarticular) technique. The left side was not suitable for the anatomical transarticular fixation, and the contralateral Goel fixation technique (segmental) was performed. Eventually, right side transarticular left side segmental fixation techniques were combined in one patient for the first time and C1-C2 fusion combination technique was presented. RESULTS: Both Goel and Magerl techniques of C1-C2 posterior fusion techniques were successfully used simultaneously. The operation was initiated with Magerl technique with one screw on the nondominant side. The contralateral side was not suitable for Magerl technique therefore we changed to Goel's technique. Although, fluoroscopy was used 3 times as much during the introduction of the Drill with Magerl technique, twice as much operative time was spent during hemostasis and bleeding, preparation of the C1 entry point, and the reconstruction of polyaxial screws for Goel technique. No neurovascular complications were occurred during both procedures. DISCUSSION: Combination of two C1-C2 posterior fusion techniques, Goel and Magerl, in suitable cases caused by anatomical or other reasons appears to be an alternative surgical procedure that protects the patient from complications. For a collection of better data, other studies that include large numbers of patients with high evidential value should be conducted.

An extremely giant lumbar schwannoma: new classification (kotil) and mini-open microsurgical resection.

Purely extradural giant lumbar schwannomas are rare lesions. Classification of these tumors is performed according to the sizes and spills and is named the modified Sridhar's classification. The management of these tumors has traditionally been performed by combined antero-posterior large or two-stage exposures. This combined exposure has many disadvantages. Recent reports have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of removal of these tumors using mini-open micro surgical resection for the schwannomas, but the safety and efficacy have not been established for extremely large giant tumors. We report a case of a giant L4 dumb-bell schwannoma successfully resected through a mini-open micro surgical resection. These neoplasms can be safely and effectively treated with mini-open techniques. Reduction in blood loss, hospitalization, and tissue disruption may be potential benefits of this approach. We discuss the technical details of this surgical approach along with the limitations and possible complications. In addition, this study is included in the current schwannoma (Kotil) classification.

Long term results of lumbar sequestrectomy versus aggressive microdiscectomy.

It remains unknown whether aggressive microdiscectomy (AD) provides a better outcome than simple sequestrectomy (S) with little disc disruption for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. We compared the long term results for patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent either AD or S. The patients were split into two groups: 85 patients who underwent AD in Group A and 40 patients who underwent S in Group B. The patients were chosen from a cohort operated on by the same surgeon using either of the two techniques between 2003 and 2008. The demographic characteristics were similar. The difference in complication rates between the two groups was not statistically significant. During the first 10 days post-operatively, the Visual Analog Scale score for back pain was 4.1 in Group A and 2.1 in Group B, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.005). The Oswestry Disability Index score was 11% in Group A and 19% in Group B at the last examination. The reherniation rate was 1.5% in Group A and 4.1% in Group B (p<0.005). We argue that reherniation rates are much lower over the long term when AD is used with microdiscectomy. AD increases back pain for a short time but does not change the long term quality of life. To our knowledge this is the first study with a very long term follow-up showing that reherniation is three times less likely after AD than S.

Sizes of the transverse foramina correlate with blood flow and dominance of vertebral arteries.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Knowing the side of the dominant vertebral artery (VA) may be of utmost importance if the VAs are at risk during spine surgery. Determination of the size of VAs is obtained by using Doppler ultrasonography or angiography. Because VA is the main anatomic structure occupying the transverse foramina (TF), it may be assumed that size of TF and blood flow of VAs should be proportional. PURPOSE: To investigate if there is a correlation between the sizes of TF and the flow of VAs and determine the diagnostic accuracy of measuring TF to predict dominant side of VA. The specific hypothesis was that the larger side of TF corresponds to the side of the dominant VA. STUDY DESIGN: This is a morphologically based, prospectively designed, single-center study. Thirty patients (14 male, 16 female) who were treated for degenerative spinal pathologies were included. Patients with cervical fractures, occluded VA, prominent degenerative changes affecting TF, deformity, or previous cervical instrumentation were excluded from the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: In all patients, computed tomography of the cervical spine and Doppler ultrasonography of VAs were obtained for morphometric analysis. METHODS: Axial computed tomography cuts at the C6 vertebral level were taken. Two measurements were performed for each foramen: its right to left width and its anteroposterior depth. Blood flow volumes of bilateral VAs were measured using color Doppler. RESULTS: Diameters of TF ranged between 2.2 and 7 mm, and its width was generally slightly larger than the depth. Transverse foramina were always asymmetric, with no right or left side preference. There was a strong correlation between TF diameters and blood flow of VAs. Between TF width and VA blood flow, the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.59 (p=.001) for right side and 0.72 for left side (p<.0001). The side of the larger TF matched with the side of dominant VA in 28 of 30 cases (93.3%) (p<.0001). The agreement between the dominant VA and the larger side of TF was almost perfect (Kappa=0.087, p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There was strong correlation between TF diameters and VA blood volume. Our results suggest that TF diameter of C6 level can be used to predict the side of the dominant VA reliably.

An unexpected complication of occipitocervical stabilization surgery: retropharyngeal hematoma.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: To report a unique case of an unexpected complication of occipitocervical stabilization surgery that is retropharyngeal hematoma (RH). PURPOSE: Postoperative RH is a very rare complication and has never been reported after posterior occipitocervical surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 44-year-old woman being treated for rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years was admitted to our hospital in a wheelchair with the complaints of neck pain and weakness in both upper and lower extremities. She was diagnosed with basilar invagination, and occipitocervical (C0-C5) transpedicular fixation with osteosynthesis using iliac autograft was performed. The airway was seen as obstructed after extubation. The airway was maintained with laryngeal mask, and computed tomography revealed an RH. Emergent tracheotomy was performed. The patient was decannulated because of the resorption of RH after 10 days and was discharged. CONCLUSION: This patient is the first patient, to our knowledge, to be reported for unexplained RH after cervical posterior spinal surgery.

Clinical and radiologic outcomes of TLIF applications with or without pedicle screw: a double center prospective pilot comparative study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort data by merging data from comparative studies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare clinical and radiologic outcomes of the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure with or without pedicle screw support in stable patients with a degenerative disease. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The unilateral lumbar interbody fusion technique has gained popularity in the management of many lumbar degenerative conditions requiring fusion. TLIF is routinely performed with the support of pedicle screws. The use of the TLIF procedure without pedicle screw support has not yet been reported. METHODS: Between February 2006 and May 2009, surgical decompression and fusion was performed in patients with lumbar degenerative conditions using the TLIF technique either with (n=30, group A) or without pedicle screw support (n=30, group B). The 2 groups had similar age, sex distribution, pain level, and pain history. In this prospective study, patients were followed for a mean period of 31 months (range, 22 to 38 mo). The mean age was 45.5 years (range, 29 to 78 y), and all patients had a disease involving a single intervertebral space. RESULTS: The female to male ratio was 19:11 and 18:12 in groups A and B, respectively. Pain and function were evaluated by the Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale. Pseudoarthrosis developed in 2 patients from group A and in 3 patients from group B. Although these 5 patients had insufficient fusion, they did show a clinical improvement. The mean duration of the operation was 110 and 73 minutes in groups A and B, respectively. The mean total amount of bleeding was 410 and 220 mL in groups A and B, respectively. Cage loosening did not occur in group A, but 1 patient in group B developed asymptomatic cage loosening limited to the endplates. Four patients in group A suffered sciatic pain because of the malposition of the screw, and 1 patient in group B had contralateral sciatic pain lasting for 2 months. The visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index scores were higher in group A than in group B 1 month after the operation (P<0.005), but the groups did not significantly differ at 3 months (P<0.89). The cost of the procedure was 3-fold higher in group A compared with group B. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the TLIF procedure without pedicle screw support would be sufficient in the management of preoperatively stable patients with lumbar degenerative spinal disease requiring fusion after single-level decompression. This technique is minimally invasive, requires only unilateral intervention, allows magnetic resonance imaging during the postoperative period and is associated with less costs and complications when compared with pedicle screwing. This study represents the first prospective comparative report on this technique showing several of its advantages.

Neurovascular complications of cervical pedicle screw fixation.

We rarely use the cervical transpedicular fixation (CPF) technique in the neurosurgery departments of the authors' institutions because the pedicle is thin and there is a risk of neurovascular damage. In this study we investigated postoperative neurovascular injury caused by the transpedicular screws of 210 pedicles in 45 patients on whom we performed CPF for various cervical pathologies. Fixation was performed between C3 and C7, and the iliac crest and lamina were used as autografts for fusion. In 205 of 210 pedicles (97.6%), the screws were in the correct position, while a non-critical lateral orientation was detected in three pedicles (1.4%). Two screws (one in each of two patients) were positioned inappropriately (0.9%, Grade 3), unilaterally and directly in the vertebral foramen, as shown on postoperative CT scans; blood circulation was normal on angiography. The fusion rate was 100%. The average screw length used for C3 to C7 was 32 mm. The patients were followed up for an average of 35.7 months (range: 17-60 months). There was no morbidity or mortality in our study. We concluded that CPF provides very strong cervical spine fixation but also carries a risk of pedicle perforation without neurovascular injury. However, a free-hand technique performed by an experienced surgeon is acceptable for CPF for various cervical pathologies.

Cerebral contusion as a rare cause of foot drop: case report.

A 74-year-old woman, taking anticoagulant therapy for chronic heart failure, presented to our emergency room with left dorsiflexion weakness 8 hours from after multitrauma. A detailed neurological examination revealed only 0/5 strength in the left foot dorsiflexion without any upper motor neuron signs. While there was no spinal cord pathology detected, cranial computed tomography demonstrated a lesion in the right parasagittal localization consistent with hemorrhagic contusion. Clinical follow-ups showed an improvement in neurological findings with muscle power of 3/5 in day 5 and 5/5 in day 45 of admission. The parasagittal region has a foot localization in the homonculus and lesions in this area can rarely present with the foot drop sign. Thus, parasagittal region lesions should always be kept in mind in foot drop cases.

The long time follow-up of craniovertebral junction fixation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can have very destructive effects, especially in the cervical spine. Bone quality is poor in these patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of fusion and accuracy of fluoroscopy in cervical transpedicular fixation (CPF) in a standardized clinical protocol for RA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 96 pedicles of 15 patients operated between January 2000 and ay 2010 due to atlanto-axial and subaxial cervical subluxation were investigated for post-operative malposition of the transpedicular screws. Three-dimensional computed tomography was used as a useful tool in preoperative planning and in transarticular or transpedicular screw placement with the free hand technique in the cervical spine of RA patients. Fixation and reduction with fusion was performed in all of the patients, and autogrefts from iliac wing were used for fusion. Ranawat's and Nurick scales were used to assess the results. All screws were evaluated by Kast's criteria. Fusion or stability was evaluated on plain radiographs taken 3 weeks and 6, 12 and 60 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Female to male ratio was 6/9. The mean age at the time of surgery was 57.4 years (range 44-72 years). Five of the patients were operated for both C1-2 and subaxial subluxation. Two of the 15 patients had only C1-2 subluxation and the remaining eight patients had only subaxial cervical subluxation. The screws were at their correct places in 84 pedicles (87.5.%) while minor breach was detected in 9 (10.9%). According to Ranawat's criteria, seven patients remained the same, and eight patients showed improvement. Instrumentation failure, loss of reduction or non-union was not observed at the final follow-up (average 31.5 months; range 24-60 months). CONCLUSION: CPF provides a very strong three column stabilization and solid fusion in the osteoporotic vertebrae, but also carries a risk of vascular injury without nerve damage or in the RA patients, but the risk is low in experienced hands.

Two level cervical corpectomy with iliac crest fusion and rigid plate fixation: a retrospective study with a three-year follow-up.

AIM: There is no clear knowlegde in the literature about two-level vertebral corpectomy using the iliac bone crest for fusion and rigid plate fixation. We present our experience with two-vertebral level cervical corpectomy and reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Each patient was graded according to the Nuricks Grade (1972) and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) Scale (1991), and the recovery rates were calculated. All patients had two-level vertabral corpectomy. Anterior iliac crest bone graft with titanium plate fixation was applied to all patients. RESULTS: Postoperatively the mJOA score raised up to 15.5. Mean recovery rate was 69%. Average 25.2 degrees correction of kyphosis was achieved in 21 patients. Among the postoperative complications, three cases (12%) had temporary C5 nerve palsy that was resolved in three weeks, two cases had (8 %) graft malposition and infection, and three cases (%12) had temporary donor site pain. CONCLUSION: Excellent fusion rates can be achieved following two-level corpectomy with iliac bone graft repacement. This techique is easy, cost effective and safe. If the bone graft is harvested from the iliac crest by standart approach and between anatomical landmarks, most patients do not experience persistent pain at the donor site.

Cervical transpedicular fixation aided by biplanar flouroscopy.

UNLABELLED: PURPOSE; To evaluate the accuracy of fluoroscopyassisted cervical transpedicular fixation in different pathologies. METHODS: 28 men and 17 women aged 34 to 65 (mean, 41) years underwent 210 one-stage cervical transpedicular fixations. The indications were trauma (n=35), degenerative disease leading to cervical spondylotic myelopathy (n=4), tumours (n=4), and Pott's disease (n=2). Regarding the 35 trauma patients, fractures were at C5-C6 (n=22), C4-C5 (n=8), and C3-C5 (n=5); 16 of them had dislocated vertebrae, of whom 13 had cervical disc herniation. Two of the patients with degenerative disease underwent additional laminectomy. Both anterior and posterior surgeries were performed for the 2 of the patients with tumours; all other patients underwent posterior surgery only. The length, diameters, and frontal, sagittal, and longitudinal angles of all pedicle screws were calculated. The dominant vertebral artery was detected using Doppler ultrasonography. Biplanar fluoroscopy was also used. Postoperatively, patients were allowed to mobilise at day 1; a collar was not used. The position of the pedicle screws was graded. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 105 (range, 90-155) minutes. The mean follow-up period was 26 (range, 17-34) months. Of the 210 pedicles fixed, 192 (91%) were at the correct screw position (grade I), 16 (8%) were at an acceptable position (grade II), and 2 (1%) were completely perforated but without morbidity (grade III). The overall perforation rate was 9%. There were no neurovascular injuries or instrumentation-associated complications (failure of implant components, screw loosening, or lucent zone formation around the pedicle screws). The fusion rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: Cervical transpedicular fixation provides strong stabilisation. With the aid of biplanar fluoroscopy, the risk of pedicle perforation was about 8%, but no neurovascular injury was ensued.

Multilevel decompressive laminectomy and transpedicular instrumented fusion for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy: A minimum follow-up of 3 years.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical laminectomies with transpedicular insertion technique is known to be a biomechanically stronger method in cervical pathologies. However, its frequency of use is low in the routine practice, as the pedicle is thin and risk of neurovascular damage is high. In this study, we emphasize the results of cervical laminectomies with transpedicular fixation using fluoroscopy in degenerative cervical spine disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postoperative malposition of the transpedicular screws of the 70 pedicles of the 10 patients we operated due to degenerative stenosis in the cervical region, were investigated. Fixation was performed between C3 and C7, and we used resected lamina bone chips for fusion. Clinical indicators included age, gender, neurologic status, surgical indication, and number of levels stabilized. Dominant vertebral artery of all the patients was evaluated with Doppler ultrasonography. Preoperative and postoperative Nurick grade of each patient was documented. RESULTS: No patients experienced neurovascular injury as a result of pedicle screw placement. Two patients had screw malposition, which did not require reoperation due to minor breaking. Most patients had 32-mm screws placed. Postoperative computed tomography scanning showed no compromise of the foramen transversarium. A total of 70 pedicle screws were placed. Good bony fusion was observed in all patients. At follow-up, 9/10 (90%) patients had improved in their Nurick grades. The cases were followed-up for an average of 35.7 months (30-37 months). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the cervical pedicular fixation (CPF) provides a very strong three-column stabilization but also carries vascular injury without nerve damage. Laminectomies technique may reduce the risk of malposition due to visualization of the spinal canal. CPF can be performed in a one-stage posterior procedure. This technique yielded good fusion rate without complications and can be considered as a good alternative compared other techniques.

Posterior transodontoid fixation: A new fixation (Kotil) technique.

Anterior odontoid screw fixation or posterior C1-2 fusion techniques are routinely used in the treatment of Type II odontoid fractures, but these techniques may be inadequate in some types of odontoid fractures. In this new technique (Kotil technique), through a posterior bilateral approach, transarticular screw fixation was performed at the non-dominant vertebral artery (VA) side and posterior transodontoid fixation technique was performed at the dominant VA side. C1-2 complex fusion was aimed with unilateral transarticular fixation and odontoid fixation with posterior transodontoid screw fixation. Cervical spinal computed tomography (CT) of a 40-year-old male patient involved in a motor vehicle accident revealed an anteriorly dislocated Type II oblique dens fracture, not reducible by closed traction. Before the operation, the patient was found to have a dominant right VA with Doppler ultrasound. He was operated through a posterior approach. At first, transarticular screw fixation was performed at the non-dominant (left) side, and then fixation of the odontoid fracture was achieved by directing the contralateral screw (supplemental screw) medially and toward the apex. Cancellous autograft was scattered for fusion without the need for structural bone graft or wiring. Postoperative cervical spinal CT of the patient revealed that stabilization was maintained with transarticular screw fixation and reduction and fixation of the odontoid process was achieved completely by posterior transodontoid screw fixation. The patient is at the sixth month of follow-up and complete fusion has developed. With this new surgical technique, C1-2 fusion is maintained with transarticular screw fixation and odontoid process is fixed by concomitant contralateral posterior transodontoid screw (supplemental screw) fixation; thus, this technique both stabilizes the C1-2 complex and fixes the odontoid process and the corpus in atypical odontoid fractures, appearing as an alternative new technique among the previously defined C1-C2 fixation techniques in eligible cases.

The management in the C2-C3 disc herniations: a clinical study.

AIM: Cervical disc herniation at C2-C3 level is an uncommon condition. In this paper, the management C2-C3 disc herniation and long-term follow-up data of 5 cases is reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1100 patients who have been operated in our department for cervical disc herniation between 2000 and 2009 were studied retrospectively. A total of 5 patients were found to have been operated for C2-C3 herniation in that period . The preferred procedure was anterior cervical discectomy with fusion via retropharyngeal approach. RESULTS: The incidence of C2-C3 disc herniations was 0.45%. The mean patient age was 63 years (41- 82 years). Upper extremity paresis was the predominant neurological sign. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) revealed central, large and hard disc herniations in 4 cases and accompanying cord signal changes in 4 cases. Successful anterior decompresion was performed in 5 patients. Correct fusion was achieved in 4 patients, and one patient died of an operation unrelated cause early in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: C2-C3 disc herniation is rare but may result with severe myelopathy. This kind of herniations tend to be central and large. The present study demonstrates that diagnosis and adequate anterior decompression in C2-C3 disc herniations may provide an excellent outcome.

Posterior epidural migration of herniated lumbar disc fragment.

OBJECT: Posterior epidural migration of a free disc fragment in the lumbar region is a very rare condition that has only been reported in isolated cases to date. Patients with this condition present with radiculopathy or major neurological deficits. Difficulties in diagnosis and the choice and timing of surgical treatment are important in these cases. In this clinical case series, features of cases with posterior epidural migration of free lumbar disc fragments accompanied by cauda equina syndrome are discussed. METHODS: Eight cases (0.27%) of posterior epidural migration of disc fragments were detected among 2880 patients surgically treated for lumbar disc herniation between 1995 and 2008. Seven of these patients had cauda equina syndrome. The mean duration of symptoms in the 8 cases was 4.2 days (range 1-10 days). The group included 6 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 48 years (range 34-72 years). The sequestered disc fragments were at the L3-4 level in 6 patients (75%) and the L4-5 level in 2 (25%). Magnetic resonance imaging showed tumor-like ring contrast enhancement around sequestered fragments in 5 patients. The patients' motor, sensory, sexual, and urological functions were evaluated postoperatively, and modified Odom criteria and a visual analog scale were used in the assessment of postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A microsurgical approach was used in all cases. Sequestrectomy with minimal hemilaminotomy and removal of the free segments were performed. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 28.5 months. Three patients (37.5%) had excellent results, 3 (37.5%) had good results, 1 patient (12.5%) had fair results, and only 1 patient had poor results according to the Odom criteria. The main factors affecting the long-term outcomes were the presence of cauda equina syndrome and the time period between onset of symptoms and surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with posterior migration of a disc fragment present with severe neurological deficits such as cauda equina syndrome. Because the radiological images of disc fragments may mimic those of other more common posterior epidural space-occupying lesions, definite diagnosis of posteriorly located disc fragments is difficult. All of these lesions can be completely removed with hemilaminotomy and sequestrectomy, and early surgical treatment is important as a first choice to prevent severe neurological deficits.