Tratamiento de la mielopatía cervical mediante abordaje posterior: laminoplastia vs. laminectomía con fijación posterior. ¿Existen diferencias desde el punto de vista clínico y radiológico? / Treatment of cervical myelopathy by posterior approach: Laminoplasty vs. laminectomy with posterior fixation, are there differences from a clinical and radiological point of view?

Introducción La mielopatía cervical degenerativa representa una entidad patológica producida por la estenosis del canal medular cervical, resultando en una compresión crónica de la médula espinal, variable y progresiva. El abordaje quirúrgico de la columna cervical puede realizarse por vía anterior y/o vía posterior. Respecto al abordaje posterior, existen 2 técnicas fundamentales: laminoplastia y laminectomía con fijación posterior (LFP). En la literatura actual existe controversia acerca de cuál de las 2 técnicas permite obtener mejores resultados postoperatorios. El objetivo es el estudio de las diferencias entre laminoplastia y LFP desde el punto de vista clínico y radiológico. Materiales y métodosSe realiza un estudio de una cohorte histórica de 39 pacientes (12 LFP y 27 laminoplastia) intervenidos en un período de 10 años en el Hospital Universitario La Paz con un seguimiento de 12 meses tras la cirugía. Se analizan y comparan los resultados clínicos mediante la escala de Nurick y la Escala Japanese Orthopaedic Association modificada (mJOA) y los resultados radiológicos mediante el ángulo de Cobb, eje sagital vertical, T1 Slope y el alineamiento (medido mediante Cobb-T1 Sloppe). Resultados Se observan diferencias significativas en la mejoría postoperatoria de la escala Nurick (p=0,008) y mJOA (p=0,018) en el grupo de laminoplastia. En LFP se objetiva una tendencia a una mejoría mayor, pero no se alcanza la significación estadística debido al bajo tamaño muestral de este grupo. No se objetivan diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a la variables radiológicas. Respecto al total de complicaciones, se observó un número mayor en el grupo de laminoplastia (7 casos) frente a LFP (un caso), pero no se vieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas... (AU)

Introduction Cervical degenerative myelopathy is a variable and progressive degenerative disease caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord. Surgical approaches for the cervical spine can be performed anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Regarding the posterior approach, there are 2 fundamental techniques: laminoplasty and laminectomy with posterior fixation (LPF). There is still controversy concerning the technique in terms of outcome and complications. The aim of the present work is to analyze from the clinical and radiological point of view these 2 techniques: laminoplasty and LPF. Materials and methods A historical cohort of 39 patients was reviewed (12 LFP and 27 laminoplasty) including patients operated in a 10 years period at the Hospital Universitario La Paz with a follow-up of 12 months after surgery was carried out. The clinical results were analyzed and compared using the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) and the radiological results using the Cobb angle, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T1 Slope and alignment (measured by Cobb-T1 Sloppe). Results Significant differences were observed in the postoperative improvement of the Nurick scale (P=.008) and mJOA (P=.018) in the laminoplasty group. In LFP there is a tendency to a greater improvement, but statistical significance is not reached due to the low sample size of this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the radiological variables. Regarding the total number of complications, a higher number was observed in the laminoplasty group (7 cases) versus LFP (one case), but no statistically significant differences were observed. (AU)

Need for head and neck repositioning to restore electrophysiological signal changes at positioning for cervical myelopathy surgery / Necesidad de recolocación de la cabeza y el cuello para revertir alteraciones neurofisiológicas intraoperatorias en el posicionamiento para cirugía de mielopatía cervical

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of significant intraoperative electrophysiological signal changes during surgical positioning, and to assess the effectiveness of head and neck repositioning on the restoration of signals, among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy.Material and methods: We used multimodal intraoperative monitoring (somatosensory [SEP] and motor evoked potentials [MEP] and spontaneous electromyography) before and after patients’ positioning in a consecutive cohort of 103 patients operated for symptomatic cervical myelopathy. Significant changes were defined as>50% attenuation in amplitude or>10% increase in latency of SEP, or abolishment or 50–80% attenuation of MEP.Results: Out of 103 patients (34.9% female, median age 54.5 years) 88 underwent laminectomy (85.4%) and 15 (14.6%) anterior approach. At the time of positioning, signal alterations occurred in 44 patients (42.7%), yet only 11 patients (10.7%) showed alarming changes. Immediate neck repositioning of these resulted in complete (n=6) or partial (n=4) restoration of potentials, yielding no postoperative deficits. The patient in which signals could not be restored after repositioning resulted in added postoperative deficit. The accuracy (true positives plus true negatives) of monitoring to detect new neurological deficits was 99.0% (102/103) for the entire cohort, and 100% (11/11) for those showing significant changes at the moment of positioning. Overall, only 1 patient, with non-significant SEP attenuation, experienced a new postoperative deficit, yielding a 0.97% rate of false negatives.Conclusion: Among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy, 10.7% showed alarming electrophysiological signal changes at the time of positioning. Immediate repositioning of the neck resulted in near always restoration of potentials and avoidance of added neurological damage. Complete or partial restoration of potentials after(AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia de alteraciones neurofisiológicas intraoperatorias graves en el momento del posicionamiento del paciente, y la efectividad de la recolocación del cuello para revertir dichos cambios en los pacientes que se intervienen de mielopatía cervical.Material y métodos: Se empleó una monitorización intraoperatoria multimodal (potenciales evocados sensoriales [PES], motores [PEM] y electromiografía) antes y después de colocar al paciente en posición, en una cohorte de 103 pacientes consecutivos operados de mielopatía cervical. Se consideraron cambios significativos (de alarma): una disminución >50% de la amplitud o un aumento >10% de la latencia de los PES, o la abolición o disminución >50-80% en amplitud de los PEM.Resultados: De los 103 pacientes (el 34,9% mujeres, mediana de edad: 54,5 años), a 88 se les realizó laminectomía (85,4%) y a 15 (14,6%) un abordaje anterior. En el momento del posicionamiento, ocurrieron alteraciones de señal en 44 pacientes (42,7%), aunque solo en 11 (10,7%) estas fueron significativas. La recolocación inmediata del cuello consiguió revertir la alteración de señal completa (n=6) o parcialmente (n=4), sin producirse déficits postoperatorios. El paciente en el cual la recolocación no consiguió restaurar los potenciales despertó con déficit neurológico añadido. La precisión (verdaderos positivos+verdaderos negativos) de la monitorización intraoperatoria para detectar déficits postoperatorios fue del 99% (102/103) para la cohorte completa y del 100% (11/11) para el subgrupo con alteraciones significativas. Globalmente, solo un paciente, que mostró cambios no significativos, despertó con nuevo déficit neurológico (0,97% de falsos negativos).Conclusión: El 10,7% de los pacientes intervenidos de mielopatía cervical mostraron cambios neurofisiológicos de alarma en el momento del posicionamiento quirúrgico. La inmediata recolocación del cuello revirtió dichos cambios (completa o parcialmente)(AU)

Need for head and neck repositioning to restore electrophysiological signal changes at positioning for cervical myelopathy surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of significant intraoperative electrophysiological signal changes during surgical positioning, and to assess the effectiveness of head and neck repositioning on the restoration of signals, among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used multimodal intraoperative monitoring (somatosensory [SEP] and motor evoked potentials [MEP] and spontaneous electromyography) before and after patients' positioning in a consecutive cohort of 103 patients operated for symptomatic cervical myelopathy. Significant changes were defined as>50% attenuation in amplitude or>10% increase in latency of SEP, or abolishment or 50-80% attenuation of MEP. RESULTS: Out of 103 patients (34.9% female, median age 54.5 years) 88 underwent laminectomy (85.4%) and 15 (14.6%) anterior approach. At the time of positioning, signal alterations occurred in 44 patients (42.7%), yet only 11 patients (10.7%) showed alarming changes. Immediate neck repositioning of these resulted in complete (n=6) or partial (n=4) restoration of potentials, yielding no postoperative deficits. The patient in which signals could not be restored after repositioning resulted in added postoperative deficit. The accuracy (true positives plus true negatives) of monitoring to detect new neurological deficits was 99.0% (102/103) for the entire cohort, and 100% (11/11) for those showing significant changes at the moment of positioning. Overall, only 1 patient, with non-significant SEP attenuation, experienced a new postoperative deficit, yielding a 0.97% rate of false negatives. CONCLUSION: Among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy, 10.7% showed alarming electrophysiological signal changes at the time of positioning. Immediate repositioning of the neck resulted in near always restoration of potentials and avoidance of added neurological damage. Complete or partial restoration of potentials after repositioning yielded no postoperative deficits.

White cord syndrome: rara complicación luego de la cirugía de descompresión cervical / White cord syndrome: a rare complication after cervical decompressive surgery

RESUMEN Introducción: el white cord syndrome, conocido como una lesión por reperfusión de la médula espinal, es una rara complicación de la cirugía espinal para descompresión. Se define como un deterioro neurológico inmediato y súbito, luego de la cirugía de descompresión cervical. Objetivo: describir los elementos clínico-imagenológicos y estrategias de tratamiento del white cord syndrome. Métodos: se realizó la revisión de la literatura en bases de datos Pubmed y EMBASE, además en los servidores de preprints BioRxiv, MedRxiv y preprint.org, así como la plataforma ResearchGate. Se seleccionaron todos los artículos en inglés y español, con texto completo disponible. Se usaron los siguientes descriptores white cord syndrome AND cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Se excluyeron artículos editoriales, libros, revisiones, meta-análisis y aquellos sin carácter open-access. Luego de excluir artículos que no cumplían nuestros criterios, fueron seleccionadas 17 publicaciones para su revisión. Resultados: Se analizaron 17 artículos, con una muestra total de 24 pacientes reportados. Todos los pacientes mostraron afectación mielopática con defecto motor variable e hiperreflexia osteotendinosa. En diez artículos, la técnica quirúrgica empleada fue la descompresión posterior, con o sin fusión. Fue muy variable el empleo de dosis de esteroides, terapia física y las re-intervenciones quirúrgicas. Solo dos casos no mostraron recuperación neurológica al término del período de observación. Conclusiones: el reconocimiento de esta rara complicación es vital, ya que constituye una causa de defecto neurológico posterior a la cirugía. El diagnóstico se realiza luego de la exclusión de complicaciones trans-operatorias, y al observar hiperintensidad del cordón medular ponderado en T2 en las imágenes de resonancia magnética. El manejo radica en adecuada descompresión, uso de esteroides y rehabilitación.

ABSTRACT Introduction: white cord syndrome, known as spinal cord reperfusion injury, is a rare complication of spinal decompressive surgery. It is defined as an immediate and sudden neurological deterioration after cervical decompression surgery. Objective: to describe the clinical-imaging elements and treatment strategies of white cord syndrome. Methods: a literature review was performed in Pubmed and EMBASE databases, as well as in the preprint servers BioRxiv, MedRxiv and preprint.org, and the ResearchGate platform. All articles in English and Spanish, with full text available, were chosen. The following descriptors were used: White cord syndrome AND cervical spondyloticmyelopathy. The editorial articles, books, reviews, meta-analyses and those without open-access characteristics were excluded. After excluding articles that did not meet the criteria established, 17 publications were chosen to be reviewed. Results: seventeen articles were analyzed, with a total sample of 24 patients reported. All patients showed myelopathic involvement with variable motor defect and osteotendinous hyperreflexia. In ten articles, the surgical technique used was posterior decompression, with or without fusion. The use of steroid doses, physical therapy and surgical re-interventions was highly variable. Only two cases did not show neurological recovery at the end of the observation period. Conclusions: recognition of this rare complication is vital, since it constitutes a cause of neurological defect after surgery. The diagnosis is made after exclusion of trans-operative complications, and after observing T2-weighted spinal cord hyper-intensity in magnetic resonance images. Management is based on adequate decompression, application of steroid treatment and rehabilitation.

Treatment of cervical myelopathy by posterior approach: Laminoplasty vs. laminectomy with posterior fixation, are there differences from a clinical and radiological point of view?

INTRODUCTION: Cervical degenerative myelopathy is a variable and progressive degenerative disease caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord. Surgical approaches for the cervical spine can be performed anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Regarding the posterior approach, there are 2 fundamental techniques: laminoplasty and laminectomy with posterior fixation (LPF). There is still controversy concerning the technique in terms of outcome and complications. The aim of the present work is to analyze from the clinical and radiological point of view these 2 techniques: laminoplasty and LPF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A historical cohort of 39 patients was reviewed (12 LFP and 27 laminoplasty) including patients operated in a 10 years period at the Hospital Universitario La Paz with a follow-up of 12 months after surgery was carried out. The clinical results were analyzed and compared using the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) and the radiological results using the Cobb angle, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T1 Slope and alignment (measured by Cobb-T1 Sloppe). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the postoperative improvement of the Nurick scale (p = 0.008) and mJOA (p = 0.018) in the laminoplasty group. In LFP there is a tendency to a greater improvement, but statistical significance is not reached due to the low sample size of this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the radiological variables. Regarding the total number of complications, a higher number was observed in the laminoplasty group (7 cases) versus LFP (one case), but no statistically significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Laminoplasty and LFP are both safe and effective procedures in the treatment of cervical degenerative myelopathy. The findings of our study demonstrate statistically significant clinical improvement based on the Nurick and mJOA scales with laminoplasty. No significant differences in terms of complications or radiological variables were observed between the 2 techniques.

Association of depression and functional outcomes in patients treated surgically for cervical spondylotic myelopathy through an anterior approach.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of Depression with clinical outcomes in patients treated surgically for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) using an anterior approach. METHOD: An observational study was conducted in patients with ECM. The Beck scale, modified scale of the Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA), neck disability index (NDI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used preoperatively, one month and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Initial VAS showed more severe degrees in patients with depression. At one month and third month after surgery, there was a significant decrease in pain in the group without depression (p = 0.03). The mJOA at one month and three months was observed that the degree of severity decreased in both groups, being more noticeable in the group without depression (p = 0.02). Presurgical NDI was higher in the group with depression. At three months in both groups the improvement was noticeable with respect to the degree of preoperative disability. CONCLUSIONS: There is a favorable relationship in patients with ECM undergoing surgical treatment in the absence of depression prior to surgery and clinical evolution, with the possibility of promoting multidisciplinary management prior to surgery in patients with depression.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación de depresión con los resultados clínicos en pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente por mielopatía espondilótica cervical (MEC) mediante abordaje anterior. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio observacional en pacientes con MEC. Se utilizaron la escala de Beck, la escala modificada de la Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), el índice de discapacidad del cuello (NDI) y la escala visual análoga (EVA) de forma prequirúrgica, al mes y 3 meses posterior a la cirugía. RESULTADOS: La EVA inicial mostró mayor gravedad en los pacientes con depresión. Al mes y al tercer mes posteriores a la cirugía hay una disminución significativa del dolor en el grupo sin depresión (p = 0.03). En la mJOA al mes y a los 3 meses se observó que la gravedad disminuyó en ambos grupos, siendo más notorio en el grupo sin depresión (p = 0.02). El NDI prequirúrgico fue mayor en el grupo con depresión. A los 3 meses, en ambos grupos la mejoría fue notoria con respecto al grado de incapacidad preoperatorio. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una relación favorable en los pacientes con MEC sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico entre la ausencia de depresión previa a cirugía y la evolución clínica, con la posibilidad de promover un manejo multidisciplinario previo a la cirugía en los pacientes con depresión.

Laminoplastia cervical con foraminotomía unilateral C4-C5: nota técnica y serie de casos / Cervical laminoplasty with unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy: Technical note and case series

Objetivo La laminoplastia «open door» es una técnica ampliamente utilizada para el tratamiento de la mielopatía cervical multinivel. A pesar de presentar resultados funcionales y radiológicos satisfactorios a largo plazo, la parálisis de C5 postoperatoria continúa siendo una complicación severa e invalidante con una incidencia variable en la literatura. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir e ilustrar la técnica quirúrgica paso a paso con el agregado de la foraminotomía unilateral C4-5, y evaluar los resultados obtenidos hasta el momento, haciendo especial énfasis en la parálisis de C5. Material y métodos Estudio retrospectivo de 20 pacientes intervenidos por mielopatía cervical mediante la técnica de laminoplastia cervical «extendida» con foraminotomía unilateral, para la cual se detallan los pasos. Resultados Entre enero de 2013 y abril de 2019 se trataron 20 pacientes con «laminoplastia cervical extendida». Un solo paciente agregó déficit de C5 postoperatorio (5%). El porcentaje de recuperación del Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA modificado) postoperatorio fue del 54,5%, siendo similar a lo observado en otras series. Conclusión Se desarrolló e ilustró la técnica de laminoplastia cervical «extendida» con foraminotomía unilateral de C4-5 para la prevención de la parálisis de C5. Se analizaron los resultados, y se obtuvo una incidencia de parálisis de C5 coincidente con el menor porcentaje reportado en la literatura. Sería de utilidad un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado para valorar el rol de la foraminotomía preventiva C4-5 unilateral (AU)

Objective The open-door laminoplasty technique is widely used in the treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy. Despite the satisfactory functional and radiological results of this technique, postoperative C5 palsy is still a severe and disabling complication with a variable incidence in the literature. The objective of this article is to describe and demonstrate the surgical technique step by step with the addition of unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy and to evaluate the results obtained to date, with special emphasis on C5 palsy. Material and methods Retrospective study of 20 patients operated on for cervical myelopathy using the “extended” laminoplasty technique, which is described step by step. Results Between January 2013 and April 2019, 20 patients were operated on using the extended laminoplasty technique. Only one patient (5%) presented postoperative C5 palsy. The postoperative recovery rate of the modified JOA (Japanese Orthopaedic Association) score was 54.5%, similar to that observed in other series. Conclusion The extended cervical laminoplasty technique with unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy was developed and demonstrated for the prevention of C5 palsy. The results were analysed and an incidence of C5 palsy coinciding with the lowest percentage reported in the literature was obtained. A prospective randomised study would be useful to assess the role of preventive unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy (AU)

Cervical laminoplasty with unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy: Technical note and case series.

OBJECTIVE: The open-door laminoplasty technique is widely used in the treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy. Despite the satisfactory functional and radiological results of this technique, postoperative C5 palsy is still a severe and disabling complication with a variable incidence in the literature. The objective of this article is to describe and demonstrate the surgical technique step by step with the addition of unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy and to evaluate the results obtained to date, with special emphasis on C5 palsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 20 patients operated on for cervical myelopathy using the "extended" laminoplasty technique, which is described step by step. RESULTS: Between January 2013 and April 2019, 20 patients were operated on using the extended laminoplasty technique. Only one patient (5%) presented postoperative C5 palsy. The postoperative recovery rate of the modified JOA (Japanese Orthopaedic Association) score was 54.5%, similar to that observed in other series. CONCLUSION: The extended cervical laminoplasty technique with unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy was developed and demonstrated for the prevention of C5 palsy. The results were analysed and an incidence of C5 palsy coinciding with the lowest percentage reported in the literature was obtained. A prospective randomised study would be useful to assess the role of preventive unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy.

Need for head and neck repositioning to restore electrophysiological signal changes at positioning for cervical myelopathy surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of significant intraoperative electrophysiological signal changes during surgical positioning, and to assess the effectiveness of head and neck repositioning on the restoration of signals, among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used multimodal intraoperative monitoring (somatosensory [SEP] and motor evoked potentials [MEP] and spontaneous electromyography) before and after patients' positioning in a consecutive cohort of 103 patients operated for symptomatic cervical myelopathy. Significant changes were defined as>50% attenuation in amplitude or>10% increase in latency of SEP, or abolishment or 50-80% attenuation of MEP. RESULTS: Out of 103 patients (34.9% female, median age 54.5 years) 88 underwent laminectomy (85.4%) and 15 (14.6%) anterior approach. At the time of positioning, signal alterations occurred in 44 patients (42.7%), yet only 11 patients (10.7%) showed alarming changes. Immediate neck repositioning of these resulted in complete (n=6) or partial (n=4) restoration of potentials, yielding no postoperative deficits. The patient in which signals could not be restored after repositioning resulted in added postoperative deficit. The accuracy (true positives plus true negatives) of monitoring to detect new neurological deficits was 99.0% (102/103) for the entire cohort, and 100% (11/11) for those showing significant changes at the moment of positioning. Overall, only 1 patient, with non-significant SEP attenuation, experienced a new postoperative deficit, yielding a 0.97% rate of false negatives. CONCLUSION: Among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy, 10.7% showed alarming electrophysiological signal changes at the time of positioning. Immediate repositioning of the neck resulted in near always restoration of potentials and avoidance of added neurological damage. Complete or partial restoration of potentials after repositioning yielded no postoperative deficits.

Cervical laminoplasty with unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy: Technical note and case series. / Laminoplastia cervical con foraminotomía unilateral C4-C5: nota técnica y serie de casos.

OBJECTIVE: The open-door laminoplasty technique is widely used in the treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy. Despite the satisfactory functional and radiological results of this technique, postoperative C5 palsy is still a severe and disabling complication with a variable incidence in the literature. The objective of this article is to describe and demonstrate the surgical technique step by step with the addition of unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy and to evaluate the results obtained to date, with special emphasis on C5 palsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 20 patients operated on for cervical myelopathy using the "extended" laminoplasty technique, which is described step by step. RESULTS: Between January 2013 and April 2019, 20 patients were operated on using the extended laminoplasty technique. Only one patient (5%) presented postoperative C5 palsy. The postoperative recovery rate of the modified JOA (Japanese Orthopaedic Association) score was 54.5%, similar to that observed in other series. CONCLUSION: The extended cervical laminoplasty technique with unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy was developed and demonstrated for the prevention of C5 palsy. The results were analysed and an incidence of C5 palsy coinciding with the lowest percentage reported in the literature was obtained. A prospective randomised study would be useful to assess the role of preventive unilateral C4-5 foraminotomy.

Management of degenerative cervical myelopathy - An update / Manejo da mielopatia cervical degeneratiiva - Uma atualização

SUMMARY Introduction Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adult patients. Patients generally present with a slow, progressive neurological decline or a stepwise deterioration pattern. In this paper, we discuss the most important factors involved in the management of DCM, including a discussion about the surgical approaches. Method The authors performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives. Results Although the diagnosis is clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the study of choice to confirm stenosis and also to exclude the differential diagnosis. The severity the clinical symptoms of DCM are evaluated by different scales, but the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) and the Nürick scale are probably the most commonly used. Spontaneous clinical improvement is rare and surgery is the main treatment form in an attempt to prevent further neurological deterioration and, potentially, to provide some improvement in symptoms and function. Anterior, posterior or combined cervical approaches are used to decompress the spinal cord, with adjunctive fusion being commonly performed. The choice of one approach over the other depends on patient characteristics (such as number of involved levels, site of compression, cervical alignment, previous surgeries, bone quality, presence of instability, among others) as well as surgeon preference and experience. Conclusion Spine surgeons must understand the advantages and disadvantages of all surgical techniques to choose the best procedure for their patients. Further comparative studies are necessary to establish the superiority of one approach over the other when multiple options are available.

RESUMO Introdução a mielopatia cervical degenerativa (MCD) é uma das causas mais comuns de disfunção medular em adultos. Os pacientes em geral apresentam declínio neurológico lento e progressivo, ou deterioração escalonada. No presente artigo, discutimos os mais importantes fatores envolvidos no manejo da MCD, incluindo considerações sobre os aspectos relacionados à escolha da abordagem cirúrgica. Método realizou-se extensa revisão da literatura de artigos peer-reviewed relacionados ao tema. Resultados embora o diagnóstico seja realizado clinicamente, a ressonância magnética (RM) é o estudo de imagem de escolha para confirmá-lo e excluir eventuais diagnósticos diferenciais. A gravidade do quadro clínico pode ser avaliado utilizando-se diferentes escalas, como a modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) ou a de Nürick, provavelmente as mais comuns. Uma vez que a melhora clínica espontânea é rara, a cirurgia é a principal forma de tratamento, em uma tentativa de evitar dano neurológico adicional ou deterioração e, potencialmente, aliviar alguns sintomas e melhorar a função dos pacientes. Abordagens cirúrgicas por via anterior, posterior ou combinada podem ser usadas para descomprimir o canal, concomitantemente a técnicas de fusão. A escolha da abordagem depende das características dos pacientes (número de segmentos envolvidos, local de compressão, alinhamento cervical, cirurgias prévias, qualidade óssea, presença de instabilidade, entre outras), além da preferência e experiência do cirurgião. Conclusão os cirurgiões de coluna devem compreender as vantagens e desvantagens de todas as técnicas cirúrgicas para escolher o melhor procedimento para seus pacientes. Estudos futuros comparando as abordagens são necessários para orientar o cirurgião quando múltiplas opções forem possíveis.

Cervical Myelopathy Caused by Engorgement of the Epidural Venous Plexus due to Cerebrospinal Fluid Overdrainage: Case Report and Review of the Literature

This is a case report of a 33-year-old woman with cervical myelopathy caused by an enlargement of the cervical venous plexus, after she was submitted to a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt that evolved to overdrainage. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed an epidural venous enlargement within the spinal channel, with a 50% narrowing from C2 to C5, and spinal cord compression. A shunt revision was performed using a programmable drainage system, and a second MRI revealed the absence of the venous enlargement, resulting in cervical spinal cord decompression and remission of neurological symptoms. Compressive myelopathy consequent to the enlargement of the epidural venous plexus related to the overdrainage of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt system without typical signs of intracranial hypotension may result in misleading etiological diagnoses. Acknowledging this disorder is important to distinguish it from neoplastic processes or hematomas, for which surgical intervention may be needed.

Este é um relato de caso de uma paciente de 33 anos de idade que apresentou mielopatia cervical devido a alargamento do plexo venoso cervical, após ser submetida a uma derivação ventriculoperitoneal que evoluiu com hiperdrenagem. Exame de Ressonância Nuclear Magnética (RNM) revelou alargamento do plexo venoso epidural no canal espinhal, com estreitamento de 50% em C2 a C5, e compressão da medula espinhal. Uma revisão da derivação foi feita com um sistema de drenagem programável, e uma segunda RNM revelou ausência de ingurgitamento venoso, resultando em descompressão medular e remissão dos sintomas neurológicos. Mielopatia compressiva consequente ao alargamento do plexo venoso epidural relacionado à hiperdrenagem do sistema de derivação ventriculoperitoneal sem sinais típicos de hipotensão intracraniana pode resultar em diagnósticos incorretos. O conhecimento dessa patologia é importante para distingui-la de processos neoplásicos ou hematomas, nos quais intervenções cirúrgicas podem ser necessárias.

The degenerative cervical spine. / La columna cervical degenerativa.

Imaging techniques provide excellent anatomical images of the cervical spine. The choice to use one technique or another will depend on the clinical scenario and on the treatment options. Plain-film X-rays continue to be fundamental, because they make it possible to evaluate the alignment and bone changes; they are also useful for follow-up after treatment. The better contrast resolution provided by magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to evaluate the soft tissues, including the intervertebral discs, ligaments, bone marrow, and spinal cord. The role of computed tomography in the study of degenerative disease has changed in recent years owing to its great spatial resolution and its capacity to depict osseous components. In this article, we will review the anatomy and biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine, and then we provide a more detailed discussion of the degenerative diseases that can affect the cervical spine and their clinical management.

[Spinal stenosis at the level of atlas in a boy with Down syndrome. A case report and literature review]. / Estenosis de canal a nivel del atlas en un niño con síndrome de Down. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: The appearance of congenital anomalies at the level of atlas is frequent in patients with neural alterations, as well as in the Down syndrome. The presence of clinical stenosis for alteration in the posterior arch of C1 without a previous atlantoaxial subluxation hasn't been described in the literature thus far. CASE REPORT: We report an exceptional case of myelopathy due to compression at the level of the atlas in a 5-year-old boy with Down syndrome provoked by a developmental anomaly of the posterior arch of C1. A posterior laminectomy was achieved at that level with improvement of the previous symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We have to pay special attention in children with syndromes associated with chondrogenesis alterations, as in the case of those with Down syndrome, to benefit from early treatment, since in most of the time they are diagnosed when symptoms are very severe.

Avaliação do tipo de diamante de benzel em pacientes portadores de mielopatia cervical / Evaluation of the type of benzel's diamond in patients with cervical myelopathy / Evaluación del tipo de diamante de benzel en pacientes con mielopatia cervical

OBJETIVO: Difundir o método de Benzel para aferição da angulação cervical e quantificar a prevalência de cada tipo de diamante de Benzel em 30 pacientes portadores de mielopatia cervical com indicação cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes portadores de mielopatia cervical submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. Foram analisadas radiografias em perfil da coluna cervical onde se aferiram os tipos diamante de Benzel usando técnicas descritas pelo próprio Benzel. Excluímos do estudo aqueles pacientes que desenvolveram a doença após traumas, que foram submetidos reoperações ou aqueles que não forneceram radiografias em perfil adequadas para aferição. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 30 pacientes, sendo 25 deles do sexo masculino, com idade entre 30 e 74 anos (média de 52,4 anos). Após a realização das medidas foram encontrados 24 pacientes com diamantes do tipo A (80%), 2 do tipo B (6,7%) e 4 tipo C (13,3%). CONCLUSÃO: O diamante de Benzel tipo "A" foi encontrado em 80% dos pacientes portadores de mielopatia cervical no período pré-operatório.

OBJECTIVE: Diffuse the method of Benzel for calibration of cervical angulation and to assess the prevalence of each type of Benzel's diamond between 30 patients with cervical myelopathy with an indication for surgical treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with cervical myelopathy treated surgically. We analyzed lateral radiographs of cervical spine where the diamonds were measured using the techniques described by the author himself. We excluded patients who developed disease following trauma, who underwent reoperations or those who have not provided adequate lateral radiographs for measurement. RESULTS: We evaluated 30 patients, of whom 25 were male, aged between 30 and 74 years (mean 52.4 years). After completion of the measures 24 patients were found with diamond type A (80%), 2 with type B (6.7%) and 4 with type C (13.3%). CONCLUSION: The Benzel diamond "A" was found in 80% of patients with cervical myelopathy in the preoperative evaluation.

OBJETIVO: Difundir el método de Benzel para la medición del ángulo cervical y cuantificar la prevalencia de cada tipo de diamante Benzel en 30 pacientes portadores de mielopatía cervical con indicación quirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes con mielopatía cervical sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico. Se analizaron las radiografías de perfil de la columna cervical, donde se midieron los tipos de diamante utilizando las técnicas descritas por el mismo Benzel. Se excluyeron del estudio los pacientes que desarrollaron la enfermedad después de trauma, que fueron sometidos a reoperaciones o los que no han presentado adecuadas radiografías de perfil para la medición. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 30 pacientes entre los cuales 25 eran del sexo masculino, con edades comprendidas entre 30 y 74 años (promedio de 52,4 años). Después de la realización de las medidas se encontraron 24 pacientes con diamante del tipo A (80%), 2 con tipo B (6,7%) y 4 con tipo C (13,3%). CONCLUSIÓN: El diamante de Benzel del tipo "A" se encuentra en el 80% de los pacientes con mielopatía cervical en el período preoperatorio.

Mielopatia cervical por instabilidade atlanto-axial em portadora de trissomia do 21: diagnóstico neurofisiológico / Cervical myelopathy by atlantoaxial instability in a patiente with trisomy 21

Os autores apresentam o caso de uma mulher portadora da síndrome de Down com um quadro de paraparesia assimétrica de maior gravidade no lado esquerdo há sete meses, sem sintomas sensitivos ou autonômicos. Foi encaminhada para realização de investigação neurofisiológica especificamente a eletroneuromiografia. Os autores descrevem a estratégia da investigação neurofisiológica para evidenciar a mielopatia e demonstram a presença de subluxação atlanto-axial por Raio X e Tomografia computadorizada.

The authors present a clinical case of a woman with Down syndrome and an asymmetric paraparesis, more severe on the left side, for seven months, without sensory or autonomic symptoms. She was sent for neurophysiological evaluation, specifically electromyography. The authors describe a neurophysiological strategy in order to evidence the involvement of cervical medulla and conluded to be a cases of atlanto-axial subluxation by X-ray and Computed Tomography.

Abordagem anterior no tratamento cirúrgico da mielopatia cervical espondilótica / Anterior approach treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Objetivo: Relatar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com o diagnóstico de mielopatia cervical espondilótica tratados por meio da descompressão anterior. Métodos: Foram, retrospectivamente, avaliados 14 pacientes (13 do sexo masculino e um do sexo feminino) com idade entre 41 e 79 anos (54,21 ± 11,45), com o diagnóstico de mielopatia cervical espondilótica submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico por meio da descompressão anterior. A avaliação foi realizada por meio de parâmetros clínicos (os quais foram dor, parestesia dos membros superiores, fraqueza dos membros superiores, parestesia dos membros inferiores, dificuldade para a marcha, satisfação do paciente com o tratamento realizado, critérios de Odom e escore da JOA), radiológicos (medida da lordose cervical) e complicações (solturas e quebras dos implantes). Resultados: Os pacientes foram seguidos por um período que variou de 12 a 44 meses (24,28 ± 9,23). A melhora dos sintomas neurológicos foi em média 54,1% e a média de recuperação no escore de JOA foi de 56,37% ±22,46. Seis pacientes se apresentavam, respectivamente, muito satisfeitos (42,8%) e 5 pacientes satisfeitos (35,7%) e o critério de Odom se mostrou excelente em 4 pacientes (28,5%) e bom em outros 4 (28,5%). Nas radiografias em perfil da coluna vertebral cervical houve em média uma melhora de 2,7º entre as grafias pré-operatórias e do seguimento. Conclusão: O tratamento cirúrgico da mielopatia cervical espondilótica por meio de abordagem cirúrgica resultou em melhora dos sintomas na maioria dos nossos casos, apresentando-se como boa forma de tratamento.