Giant cell tumor of cervicothoracic region treated by triple corpectomy from posterior only approach: A case report with review of literature.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a benign aggressive tumor, which affects axial as well as a peripheral skeleton. It affects epiphysis of long bones and can result in pathological fractures. GCT affects cervical spine rarely and has been known to affect almost all vertebra in the human body. It has a predilection for fixed spine, that is, sacrum though it can affect mobile spine as well. GCT of cervicothoracic region poses a challenge for the surgeon because of the difficulty in approaching this region anteriorly. This situation is further compounded when GCT involves multiple contiguous vertebral bodies in this region and has already spread beyond the confines of its capsule. We report a case of GCT involving three vertebral bodies C7, D1, and D2 at cervicothoracic region who presented to us and was treated with triple corpectomy from the posterior only approach. This is the first ever case report of triple corpectomy and anterior reconstruction by a posterior only approach for GCT at the cervicothoracic junction to the best of author's knowledge.

Solitary plasmacytoma of L3 vertebral body treated by minimal access surgery: Common problem different solution!

INTRODUCTION: Solitary plasmacytoma of bone is a local primary bone tumour consisting of malignant plasma cells without systemic involvement. These tumours are known for large amount of blood loss, and the use of electrocautery is helpful in reducing blood loss and performing surgery in a relatively bloodless field; however, use of unipolar cautery in patients with indwelling cardiac pacemaker is known to cause arrhythmias and cardiac events. Minimally invasive techniques offer potential advantages over open techniques particularly in patients with spinal tumours, where massive amount of blood loss is expected, if open procedure is performed. Here, we present a case of solitary L3 plasmacytoma with progressive neurological deficit with chronic refractory anaemia with indwelling cardiac pacemaker treated by minimally invasive technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 71-year-old male presented with increasing back pain with Left L3 radiculopathy since 6 months and progressive left lower limb weakness since 5 days. The patient is a known case of chronic renal failure with chronic refractory anaemia. The patient has indwelling cardiac pacemaker for cardiac arrhythmias. Radiology was suggestive of L3 body plasmacytoma. L3 corpectomy and anterior column reconstruction with expandable cage and posterior stabilization by minimally invasive techniques were performed. RESULTS: Two years of follow-up showed no local recurrence. The patient is ambulatory unaided with no neurological deficit and backache. DISCUSSION: There is no consensus regarding appropriate surgical approach and perioperative strategies in treatment of solitary plasmacytoma. A solitary plasmacytoma was found in the spine of a patient with cardiac pacemaker where anaesthetic consideration, blood loss and the use of electrocautery were the limiting factors. Minimally invasive approach is a good option.

A rare case of chronic subdural haematoma presenting with paraparesis: A case report and review of literature.

OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of spontaneous chronic subdural haematoma presenting with paraparesis and to highlight that subdural haematoma as one of the differential diagnoses for unexplained paraparesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chronic subdural haematoma is common in elderly people usually presenting with altered mental status, monoplegia, headache and seizure. But spontaneous chronic subdural haematoma resulting in paraparesis is not reported in the literature. METHODS: A 58-year-old male patient presented with weakness of bilateral lower limbs and retention of urine and constipation. Patient was thoroughly evaluated and analysed. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous chronic subdural haematoma should be considered as one of the deferential diagnosis for paraparesis in elderly.