Traumatismos de la columna cervical alta: Clasificación tipológica, indicaciones terapéuticas y abordajes quirúrgicos (a propósito de 286 casos)

Is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Sufficient for Neglected Unstable Hangman's Fracture? A Retrospective Case Series of Five Patients

Introduction

This study investigates the outcomes of treating neglected unstable Hangman's fractures through a single-stage Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure with tricortical iliac crest bone grafts.

Methods

Five patients with neglected unstable Hangman's fractures, treated at our institution between March 2012 and March 2017, underwent C2-C3 ACDF. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and Neck Disability Index (NDI), and neurological evaluation was done using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system. The radiological assessment included serial plain radiographs and a computed tomography scan at a 12-month follow-up.

Results

Postoperatively, C2-C3 angulation improved significantly, decreasing from 15° to 4.4°, and sagittal translation improved from 4.2 mm to 2 mm. The VAS score improved from 6.4 to 1.4 at 24 months postsurgery. Concurrently, NDI decreased from 70.4% to 14.8%. Fusion occurred in an average of 5.6 months. Neurologically, one patient improved from ASIA grade D to grade E, while the other four retained their grade E status.

Conclusions

A single-stage ACDF with autologous iliac crest bone grafts is an effective surgical option for neglected type II/IIA Hangman's fractures, yielding satisfactory functional and radiological outcomes. This technique significantly corrects anterior translation and angulation, even in neglected cases, with the aid of intraoperative skull traction and plate reduction.

C1-C2 Rotatory Subluxation in Adults “A Narrative Review”

The atlantoaxial joint C2 (axis) with the anterior arch of C1 (atlas) allows 50% of cervical lateral rotation. It is responsible for precise and important movements that allow us to perform precise actions, both in normal and working life. Due to low incidence in adults, this condition often goes undiagnosed, or the diagnosis is delayed and the outcome is worse. An early diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure satisfactory neurological and functional outcomes. The aim of this review is to analyze C1-C2 rotatory subluxation in adults, given its rarity. The time between injury and reduction is key, as it is directly related to prognosis and the severity of the treatment options. Due to low incidence in adults, this condition often goes undiagnosed, or the diagnosis is delayed as a lot of cases are not related to a clear trauma, with a poor prognosis just because of the late diagnosis and the outcome is worse. The correct approach and treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation requires a careful study of the radiological findings to decide the direction and plane of the dislocation, and the search for associated skeletal anomalies.

Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 2

The aim of treatment in acute traumatic spinal cord injury is to preserve residual neurologic function, avoid secondary injury, and restore spinal alignment and stability. In this second part of the review, we describe the management of spinal cord injury focusing on issues related to short-term respiratory management, where the preservation of diaphragmatic function is a priority, with prediction of the duration of mechanical ventilation and the need for tracheostomy. Surgical assessment of spinal injuries based on updated criteria is discussed, taking into account that although the type of intervention depends on the surgical team, nowadays treatment should afford early spinal decompression and stabilization. Within a comprehensive strategy in spinal cord injury, it is essential to identify and properly treat patient anxiety and pain associated to spinal cord injury, as well as to prevent and ensure the early diagnosis of complications secondary to spinal cord injury (thromboembolic disease, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders, pressure ulcers).

[Anterior odontoid screw fixation using intra-operative cone-beam computed tomography and navigation]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to asses the value of intraoperative cone-beam CT (O-arm) and stereotactic navigation for the insertion of anterior odontoid screws.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

this was a retrospective review of patients receiving surgical treatment for traumatic odontoid fractures during a period of 18 months. Procedures were guided with O-arm assistance in all cases. The screw position was verified with an intraoperative CT scan. Intraoperative and clinical parameters were evaluated. Odontoid fracture fusion was assessed on postoperative CT scans obtained at 3 and 6 months' follow-up

RESULTS

Five patients were included in this series; 4 patients (80%) were male. Mean age was 63.6 years (range 35-83 years). All fractures were acute type ii odontoid fractures. The mean operative time was 116minutes (range 60-160minutes). Successful screw placement, judged by intraoperative computed tomography, was attained in all 5 patients (100%). The average preoperative and postoperative times were 8.6 (range 2-22 days) and 4.2 days (range 3-7 days) respectively. No neurological deterioration occurred after surgery. The rate of bone fusion was 80% (4/5).

CONCLUSION

Although this initial study evaluated a small number of patients, anterior odontoid screw fixation utilizing the O-arm appears to be safe and accurate. This system allows immediate CT imaging in the operating room to verify screw position.

Clinically relevant anatomy of high anterior cervical approach

STUDY DESIGN

An anatomic study of anterior cervical dissection of 11 embalmed cadavers and measurement of structures relative to cervical spine.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the anatomic relationship of the hypoglossal nerve (HN), internal and external superior laryngeal nerves (ESLNs), superior thyroid artery (STA), and superior laryngeal artery (SLA) to cervical spine and demonstrate any vulnerability.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The anterior approach is a common approach to the cervical spine. Much of the operative morbidity in high cervical region is related to neurovascular injury leading to dysphagia, dysphonia, impaired high-pitch phonation, and impaired cough reflex.

METHODS

Eleven adult cadavers (5 male/6 female) were dissected bilaterally to expose structures of the high anterior cervical region.

RESULTS

The HN consistently traveled toward the midline at C2-3 and was safe caudal to C3-4. In 95% of dissections, the internal superior laryngeal nerve (ISLN) was exposed within 1 cm of C3-4. The path of the ESLN was variable, but it was safe above C3-4 and below C6-7. The ESLN was deep to the STA, and it was less bulky and tauter than the ISLN in all dissections. The origin of the STA was quite variable along the carotid artery, but it was most commonly located at C4. Two anatomic variants of the SLA were observed. In 15 dissections, the SLA branched off the superior thyroid. In six dissections, the SLA branched directly from external carotid artery. There was no appreciable side-to-side variation in the neurovascular structures studied.

CONCLUSION

On the basis this study, spine surgeons can have enhanced knowledge of high anterior cervical anatomy. The neurovascular structures in this study did not demonstrate side-to-side anatomic variation; therefore, patient pathology and surgeon preference should dictate the operative side.