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Dhodapkar MM, Halperin SJ, Seddio AE, Dahodwala T, Rubio DR, Grauer JN. Utilization and timing of surgical intervention for central cord syndrome in the United States. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024:10.1007/s00586-024-08431-2. [PMID: 39103615 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis. OBJECTIVE CCS is the most common type of incomplete spinal cord injury and can occur without or with bony injury. Surgical intervention and its timing for patients diagnosed with CCS has been controversial. The current study assessed utilization of and factors associated with operative intervention and its timing in patients diagnosed with central cord syndrome (CCS) in the absence of bony injury. METHODS Adult patients diagnosed with CCS in the absence of vertebral fracture were queried from the national, multi-insurance, administrative 2015-2020 M151 PearlDiver database. The incidence, trends, and timing of operative intervention following CCS were assessed. Patient characteristics associated with surgical intervention and its timing were determined. RESULTS From 2015 to 2020, 11,653 patients meeting inclusion criteria were identified, of which surgical intervention was identified for 2,003 (17.2%) and thus nonsurgical intervention for 9,650 (82.8%). The proportion of patients undergoing operative intervention evolved from 11.5% in 2015 to 19.7% in 2020 (p < 0.0001). Of those undergoing surgical intervention, the greatest increase was seen for those undergoing surgery within two days of diagnosis (5.5% in 2015 to 12.3% in 2020, p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, more recent year of service, region of service, younger age, and higher comorbidity burden were independent predictors of operative management (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION The majority of a large cohort of patients with first diagnosis CCS in the absence of bony injury were managed non-operatively. Operative management increased over the years of study, were performed earlier after diagnosis, and varied based on patient characteristic and geographic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera M Dhodapkar
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Scott J Halperin
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Anthony E Seddio
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Taikhoom Dahodwala
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Daniel R Rubio
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Jonathan N Grauer
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
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Xu L, Zhong W, Liu C, Zhao H, Xiong Y, Zhou S, Ma Y, Yang Y, Yu X. Timing of decompression in central cord syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024:10.1007/s00586-024-08244-3. [PMID: 38625584 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study compared the recovery of motor function and the safety of early and delayed surgical intervention in patients with central cord syndrome (CCS). METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were employed to retrieve the targeted studies published from inception to February 19, 2023. Comparative studies of early versus delayed surgical decompression in CCS based on American Spinal Injury Association motor score (AMS) recovery, complication rates, and mortality were selected. The statistical analyses were performed using STATA 16.0 and RevMan 5.4. RESULTS Our meta-analysis included 13 studies comprising 8424 patients. Results revealed that early surgery improved AMS scores significantly compared with delayed surgery, with an increase in MDs by 7.22 points (95% CI 1.98-12.45; P = 0.007). Additionally, early surgery reduced the complication rates than delayed surgery (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42-0.67, P < 0.00001). However, no significant difference was observed in mortality between the two groups (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.75-1.26; P = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS Early surgical decompression for CCS can improve motor function and reduce the incidence of complications without affecting the mortality rate in patients. Future research should focus on investigating and analyzing the optimal window period for early CCS surgery. Additionally, the timing of surgery should be determined based on the patient's condition and available medical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luchun Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqing Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - He Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shibo Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yukun Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongdong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xing Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100700, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Adegeest C, Moayeri N, Muijs S, ter Wengel P. Spinal cord injury: Current trends in acute management. BRAIN & SPINE 2024; 4:102803. [PMID: 38618228 PMCID: PMC11010802 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2024.102803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a profoundly debilitating condition necessitating prompt intervention. However, the optimal acute treatment strategy remains a subject of debate. Research question The aim of this overview is to elucidate prevailing trends in the acute tSCI management. Material and Methods We provided an overview using peer-reviewed studies. Results Early surgical treatment (<24h after trauma) appears beneficial compared to delayed surgery. Nonetheless, there is insufficient evidence supporting a positive influence of ultra-early surgery on neurological outcome in tSCI. Furthermore, the optimal surgical approach to decompress the spinal cord remains unclear. These uncertainties extend to a growing aging population suffering from central cord syndrome (CCS). Additionally, there is a paucity of evidence supporting the beneficial effects of strict hemodynamic management. Discussion and Conclusion This overview highlights the current literature on surgical timing, surgical techniques and hemodynamic management during the acute phase of tSCI. It also delves into considerations specific to the elderly population experiencing CCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.Y. Adegeest
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - N. Moayeri
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - S.P.J. Muijs
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P.V. ter Wengel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
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Badhiwala JH, Witiw CD, Wilson JR, da Costa LB, Nathens AB, Fehlings MG. Treatment of Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome: A Study of North American Trauma Centers. Neurosurgery 2024; 94:700-710. [PMID: 38038474 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Central cord syndrome (CCS) is expected to become the most common traumatic spinal cord injury, yet its optimal management remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate variability in nonoperative vs operative treatment for CCS between trauma centers in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program, identify patient- and hospital-level factors associated with treatment, and determine the association of treatment with outcomes. METHODS Adults with CCS were identified from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database (2014-2016). Mixed-effects modeling with a random intercept for trauma centers was used to examine the adjusted association of patient- and hospital-level variables with nonoperative treatment. The random-effects output of the model assessed the risk-adjusted variability in nonoperative treatment across centers. Outlier hospitals were identified, and the median odds ratio was calculated. The adjusted effect of nonoperative treatment on mortality, morbidity, and hospital length of stay (LOS) was examined at the patient and hospital level by mixed-effects regression. RESULTS Three thousand, nine hundred twenty-eight patients across 255 centers were eligible; of these, 1523 (38.8%) were treated nonoperatively. Older age, noncommercial insurance (odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% CI 1.08-1.48, P = .004), absence of fracture (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.49-0.68, P < .001), severe head injury (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09-1.82, P = .008), and comatose presentation (1.82, 95% CI 1.15-2.89, P = .011) were associated with nonoperative treatment. Twenty-eight hospitals were outliers, and the median odds ratio was 2.02. Patients receiving nonoperative treatment had shorter LOS (mean difference -4.65 days). Nonoperative treatment was associated with lesser in-hospital morbidity (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.37-0.63, P < .001) at the patient level. There was no difference in mortality. CONCLUSION Operative decision-making for CCS is influenced by patient factors. There remains substantial variability between trauma centers not explained by case-mix differences. Nonoperative treatment was associated with shorter hospital LOS and lesser inpatient morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jetan H Badhiwala
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Christopher D Witiw
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Jefferson R Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Leodante B da Costa
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Avery B Nathens
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario , Canada
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Fehlings MG, Tetreault LA, Hachem L, Evaniew N, Ganau M, McKenna SL, Neal CJ, Nagoshi N, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Aarabi B, Hofstetter CP, Wengel VT, Nakashima H, Martin AR, Kirshblum S, Rodrigues Pinto R, Marco RAW, Wilson JR, Kahn DE, Newcombe VFJ, Zipser CM, Douglas S, Kurpad SN, Lu Y, Saigal R, Samadani U, Arnold PM, Hawryluk GWJ, Skelly AC, Kwon BK. An Update of a Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Recommendations on the Role and Timing of Decompressive Surgery. Global Spine J 2024; 14:174S-186S. [PMID: 38526922 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231181883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Clinical practice guideline development. OBJECTIVES Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in devastating motor, sensory, and autonomic impairment; loss of independence; and reduced quality of life. Preclinical evidence suggests that early decompression of the spinal cord may help to limit secondary injury, reduce damage to the neural tissue, and improve functional outcomes. Emerging evidence indicates that "early" surgical decompression completed within 24 hours of injury also improves neurological recovery in patients with acute SCI. The objective of this clinical practice guideline (CPG) is to update the 2017 recommendations on the timing of surgical decompression and to evaluate the evidence with respect to ultra-early surgery (in particular, but not limited to, <12 hours after acute SCI). METHODS A multidisciplinary, international, guideline development group (GDG) was formed that consisted of spine surgeons, neurologists, critical care specialists, emergency medicine doctors, physical medicine and rehabilitation professionals, as well as individuals living with SCI. A systematic review was conducted based on accepted methodological standards to evaluate the impact of early (within 24 hours of acute SCI) or ultra-early (in particular, but not limited to, within 12 hours of acute SCI) surgery on neurological recovery, functional outcomes, administrative outcomes, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The GRADE approach was used to rate the overall strength of evidence across studies for each primary outcome. Using the "evidence-to-recommendation" framework, recommendations were then developed that considered the balance of benefits and harms, financial impact, patient values, acceptability, and feasibility. The guideline was internally appraised using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool. RESULTS The GDG recommended that early surgery (≤24 hours after injury) be offered as the preferred option for adult patients with acute SCI regardless of level. This recommendation was based on moderate evidence suggesting that patients were 2 times more likely to recover by ≥ 2 ASIA Impairment Score (AIS) grades at 6 months (RR: 2.76, 95% CI 1.60 to 4.98) and 12 months (RR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.18) if they were decompressed within 24 hours compared to after 24 hours. Furthermore, patients undergoing early surgery improved by an additional 4.50 (95% 1.70 to 7.29) points on the ASIA Motor Score compared to patients undergoing surgery after 24 hours post-injury. The GDG also agreed that a recommendation for ultra-early surgery could not be made on the basis of the current evidence because of the small sample sizes, variable definitions of what constituted ultra-early in the literature, and the inconsistency of the evidence. CONCLUSIONS It is recommended that patients with an acute SCI, regardless of level, undergo surgery within 24 hours after injury when medically feasible. Future research is required to determine the differential effectiveness of early surgery in different subpopulations and the impact of ultra-early surgery on neurological recovery. Moreover, further work is required to define what constitutes effective spinal cord decompression and to individualize care. It is also recognized that a concerted international effort will be required to translate these recommendations into policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Fehlings
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Laureen Hachem
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan Evaniew
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mario Ganau
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Chris J Neal
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Valerie Ter Wengel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam UMC VUMC Site, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hiroaki Nakashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Allan R Martin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Steven Kirshblum
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ricardo Rodrigues Pinto
- Spinal Unit (UVM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Hospital CUF Trindade, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rex A W Marco
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jefferson R Wilson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David E Kahn
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Virginia F J Newcombe
- Department of Medicine, University Division of Anaesthesia and PACE, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carl M Zipser
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sam Douglas
- Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shekar N Kurpad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rajiv Saigal
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Uzma Samadani
- Department of Surgery, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul M Arnold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Brian K Kwon
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Fehlings MG, Hachem LD, Tetreault LA, Skelly AC, Dettori JR, Brodt ED, Stabler-Morris S, Redick BJ, Evaniew N, Martin AR, Davies B, Farahbakhsh F, Guest JD, Graves D, Korupolu R, McKenna SL, Kwon BK. Timing of Decompressive Surgery in Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review Update. Global Spine J 2024; 14:38S-57S. [PMID: 38526929 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231197404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE Surgical decompression is a cornerstone in the management of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI); however, the influence of the timing of surgery on neurological recovery after acute SCI remains controversial. This systematic review aims to summarize current evidence on the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of early (≤24 hours) or late (>24 hours) surgery in patients with acute traumatic SCI for all levels of the spine. Furthermore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence with respect to the impact of ultra-early surgery (earlier than 24 hours from injury) on these outcomes. METHODS A systematic search of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE database (PubMed), Cochrane database, and EMBASE. Two reviewers independently screened the citations from the search to determine whether an article satisfied predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. For all key questions, we focused on primary studies with the least potential for bias and those that controlled for baseline neurological status and specified time from injury to surgery. Risk of bias of each article was assessed using standardized tools based on study design. Finally, the overall strength of evidence for the primary outcomes was assessed using the GRADE approach. Data were synthesized both qualitatively and quantitively using meta-analyses. RESULTS Twenty-one studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria and formed the evidence base for this review update. Seventeen studies compared outcomes between patients treated with early (≤24 hours from injury) compared to late (>24 hours) surgical decompression. An additional 4 studies evaluated even earlier time frames: <4, <5, <8 or <12 hours. Based on moderate evidence, patients were 2 times more likely to recover by ≥ 2 grades on the ASIA Impairment Score (AIS) at 6 months (RR: 2.76, 95% CI 1.60 to 4.98) and 12 months (RR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.18) if they were decompressed within 24 hours compared to after 24 hours. Furthermore, moderate evidence suggested that patients receiving early decompression had an additional 4.50 (95% CI 1.70 to 7.29) point improvement on the ASIA motor score. With respect to administrative outcomes, there was low evidence that early decompression may decrease acute hospital length of stay. In terms of safety, there was moderate evidence that suggested the rate of major complications does not differ between patients undergoing early compared to late surgery. Furthermore, there was no difference in rates of mortality, surgical device-related complications, sepsis/systemic infection or neurological deterioration based on timing of surgery. Firm conclusions were not possible with respect to the impact of ultra-early surgery on neurological, functional or safety outcomes given the poor-quality studies, imprecision and the overlap in the time frames examined. CONCLUSIONS This review provides an evidence base to support the update on clinical practice guidelines related to the timing of surgical decompression in acute SCI. Overall, the strength of evidence was moderate that early surgery (≤24 hours from injury) compared to late (>24 hours) results in clinically meaningful improvements in neurological recovery. Further studies are required to delineate the role of ultra-early surgery in patients with acute SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laureen D Hachem
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nathan Evaniew
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Allan R Martin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Davies
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Farzin Farahbakhsh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - James D Guest
- Department of Neurosurgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Graves
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Radha Korupolu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Brian K Kwon
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Sattari SA, Antar A, Theodore JN, Hersh AM, Al-Mistarehi AH, Davidar AD, Weber-Levine C, Azad TD, Yang W, Feghali J, Xu R, Manbachi A, Lubelski D, Bettegowda C, Chang L, Witham T, Belzberg A, Theodore N. Early versus late surgical decompression for patients with acute traumatic central cord syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine J 2024; 24:435-445. [PMID: 37890727 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The optimal decompression time for patients presenting with acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) has been debated, and a high level of evidence is lacking. PURPOSE To compare early (<24 hours) versus late (≥24 hours) surgical decompression for ATCCS. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Medline, PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to March 15th, 2023. The primary outcome was American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score. Secondary outcomes were venous thromboembolism (VTE), total complications, overall mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and ICU LOS. The GRADE approach determined certainty in evidence. RESULTS The nine studies included reported on 5,619 patients, of whom 2,099 (37.35%) underwent early decompression and 3520 (62.65%) underwent late decompression. The mean age (53.3 vs 56.2 years, p=.505) and admission ASIA motor score (mean difference [MD]=-0.31 [-3.61, 2.98], p=.85) were similar between the early and late decompression groups. At 6-month follow-up, the two groups were similar in ASIA motor score (MD= -3.30 [-8.24, 1.65], p=.19). However, at 1-year follow-up, the early decompression group had a higher ASIA motor score than the late decompression group in total (MD=4.89 [2.89, 6.88], p<.001, evidence: moderate), upper extremities (MD=2.59 [0.82, 4.36], p=.004) and lower extremities (MD=1.08 [0.34, 1.83], p=.004). Early decompression was also associated with lower VTE (odds ratio [OR]=0.41 [0.26, 0.65], p=.001, evidence: moderate), total complications (OR=0.53 [0.42, 0.67], p<.001, evidence: moderate), and hospital LOS (MD=-2.94 days [-3.83, -2.04], p<.001, evidence: moderate). Finally, ICU LOS (MD=-0.69 days [-1.65, 0.28], p=.16, evidence: very low) and overall mortality (OR=1.35 [0.93, 1.94], p=.11, evidence: moderate) were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The meta-analysis of these studies demonstrated that early decompression was beneficial in terms of ASIA motor score, VTE, complications, and hospital LOS. Furthermore, early decompression did not increase mortality odds. Although treatment decision-making has been individualized, early decompression should be considered for patients presenting with ATCCS, provided that the surgeon deems it appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Aldin Sattari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Albert Antar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - John N Theodore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Andrew M Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - A Daniel Davidar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Carly Weber-Levine
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Tej D Azad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Wuyang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - James Feghali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Risheng Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Amir Manbachi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Louis Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Timothy Witham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Allan Belzberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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8
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Zheng R, Fan Y, Guan B, Fu R, Yao L, Wang W, Li G, Zhou Y, Chen L, Feng S, Zhou H. A critical appraisal of clinical practice guidelines on surgical treatments for spinal cord injury. Spine J 2023; 23:1739-1749. [PMID: 37339698 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.06.385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a global health problem with a heavy economic burden. Surgery is considered as the cornerstone of SCI treatment. Although various organizations have formulated different guidelines on surgical treatment for SCI, the methodological quality of these guidelines has still not been critically appraised. PURPOSE We aim to systematically review and appraise the current guidelines on surgical treatments of SCI and summarize the related recommendations with the quality evaluation of supporting evidence. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS Medline, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and online guideline databases were searched from January 2000 to January 2022. The most updated and recent guidelines containing evidence-based or consensus-based recommendations and established by authoritative associations were included. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation, 2nd edition instrument containing 6 domains (eg, applicability) was used to appraise the included guidelines. An evidence-grading scale (ie, level of evidence, LOE) was utilized to evaluate the quality of supporting evidence. The supporting evidence was categorized as A (the best quality), B, C, and D (the worst quality). RESULTS Ten guidelines from 2008 to 2020 were included, however, all of them acquired the lowest scores in the domain of applicability among all the six domains. Fourteen recommendations (eight evidence-based recommendations and six consensus-based recommendations) were totally involved. The SCI types of the population and timing of surgery were studied. Regarding the SCI types of the population, eight guidelines (8/10, 80%), two guidelines (2/10, 20%), and three guidelines (3/10, 30%) recommended surgical treatment for patients with SCI without further clarification of characteristics, incomplete SCI, and traumatic central cord syndrome (TCCS), respectively. Besides, one guideline (1/10, 10%) recommended against surgery for patients with SCI without radiographic abnormality. Regarding the timing of surgery, there were eight guidelines (8/10, 80%), two guidelines (2/10, 20%), and two guidelines (2/10, 20%) with recommendations for patients with SCI without further clarification of characteristics, incomplete SCI, and TCCS, respectively. For patients with SCI without further clarification of characteristics, all eight guidelines (8/8, 100%) recommended for early surgery and five guidelines (5/8, 62.5%) recommended for the specific timing, which ranged from within 8 hours to within 48 hours. For patients with incomplete SCI, two guidelines (2/2, 100%) recommended for early surgery, without specific time thresholds. For patients with TCCS, one guideline (1/2, 50%) recommended for surgery within 24 hours, and another guideline (1/2, 50%) simply recommended for early surgery. The LOE was B in eight recommendations, C in three recommendations, and D in three recommendations. CONCLUSIONS We remind the reader that even the highest quality guidelines often have significant flaws (eg, poor applicability), and some of the conclusions are based on consensus recommendations which is certainly less than ideal. With these caveats, we found most included guidelines (8/10, 80%) recommended early surgical treatment for patients after SCI, which was consistent between evidence-based recommendations and consensus-based recommendations. Regarding the specific timing of surgery, the recommended time threshold did vary, but it was usually within 8 to 48 hours, where the LOE was B to D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyuan Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yuxuan Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin, 300052, P.R. China
| | - Bin Guan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Runhan Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Liang Yao
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Canada
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinqiao Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400000, P.R. China
| | - Lingxiao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China; Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China; Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin, 300052, P.R. China
| | - Hengxing Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China; Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin, 300052, P.R. China.
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9
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Shi T, Yu Z, Chen Z, Wu D, Wang Z, Liu W. The impact of time from injury to surgery on the risk of neuropathic pain after traumatic spinal cord injury. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:857. [PMID: 37951909 PMCID: PMC10638760 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder often accompanied by neuropathic pain (NeP), significantly affecting patients' quality of life. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of the time from injury to surgery on the development of NeP following traumatic SCI. Medical records of patients with traumatic SCI who underwent surgical intervention between January 2017 and January 2021 at two specialized centers were reviewed. Variables associated with NeP including demographics, injury profiles, medical history, surgical details, and pain assessments were investigated. Independent risk factors related to NeP were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 320 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 245 (76.6%) being male and a mean age of 56.5 ± 13.2 years. NeP was identified in 48.4% of patients (155 of 320). The multivariate analysis identifies age at injury, Injury Severity Score, and the neurological level of injury as independent risk factors for the development of NeP in both AIS A and AIS B, C, and D subgroups. Additionally, a significant association between the time from injury to surgery and NeP was observed in AIS B, C, and D patients, while no such association was found in AIS A patients. This study highlights the benefits of early and ultra-early surgical intervention in preventing NeP in patients with incomplete traumatic SCI (AIS B, C, and D), underscoring the importance of optimizing surgical timing to improve patient outcomes. Prospective studies are warranted to establish evidence-based surgical guidelines for managing traumatic SCI and preventing NeP effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengbin Shi
- Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350000, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Zhengxi Yu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, No. 999 Dongzhen East Road, Licheng District, Putian, 351100, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Dingwei Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350000, China.
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10
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Nakajima H, Honjoh K, Watanabe S, Takahashi A, Kubota A, Matsumine A. Management of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury without Major Bone Injury in Adults. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6795. [PMID: 37959260 PMCID: PMC10650636 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) without major bone injury is increasing, possibly because older people typically have pre-existing cervical spinal canal stenosis. The demographics, neurological injury, treatment, and prognosis of this type of CSCI differ from those of CSCI with bone or central cord injury. Spine surgeons worldwide are debating on the optimal management of CSCI without major bone injury. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to address unresolved clinical questions related to CSCI without major bone injury and discuss treatment strategies based on current findings. The greatest divide among spine surgeons worldwide hinges on whether surgery is necessary for patients with CSCI without major bone injury. Certain studies have recommended early surgery within 24 h after injury; however, evidence regarding its superiority over conservative treatment remains limited. Delayed MRI may be beneficial; nevertheless, reliable factors and imaging findings that predict functional prognosis during the acute phase and ascertain the necessity of surgery should be identified to determine whether surgery/early surgery is better than conservative therapy/delayed surgery. Quality-of-life assessments, including neuropathic pain, spasticity, manual dexterity, and motor function, should be performed to examine the superiority of surgery/early surgery to conservative therapy/delayed surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Nakajima
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Fukui Faculty of Medical Sciences, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; (K.H.); (S.W.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (A.M.)
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11
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Klockner F, Roch J, Jäckle K, Driesen T, Meier MP, Reinhold M, Lehmann W, Weiser L. [Surgical management of acute traumatic spinal cord injury : Stability vs. functionality]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 126:756-763. [PMID: 37341733 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-023-01341-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic spinal cord injuries represent a devastating condition in the lives of those affected, with physical, emotional, and economic burdens for the patients themselves, their social environment, and society as a whole. OBJECTIVE Surgical approach and techniques in traumatic spinal cord injuries. RESULTS Traumatic spinal cord injuries should be surgically treated as soon as possible, but at least within 24 h of injury. If accompanying dural injuries occur, suturing or applying a patch is the primary method of choice. Early surgical decompression is essential, particularly in cervical spinal cord injuries. Stabilization in terms of instrumentation or fusion is inevitable and should be carried out over short segments to maintain the functionality of the cervical spine. Long-distance dorsal instrumentation with prior reduction in thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries provides high stability and preserved functionality in patients. Injuries to the thoracolumbar junction often require a two-stage anterior treatment. CONCLUSION Early surgical decompression, reduction, and stabilization of traumatic spinal cord injuries within 24 h are recommended. While short-segment stabilization is recommended in the cervical spine in addition to decompression, instrumentation should be over long segments in the thoracolumbar spine to provide the necessary stability while maintaining functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Klockner
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland.
| | - Jonathan Roch
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Katharina Jäckle
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Tobias Driesen
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Marc-Pascal Meier
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Maximilian Reinhold
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Wolfgang Lehmann
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Lukas Weiser
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
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12
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Quddusi A, Pedro KM, Alvi MA, Hejrati N, Fehlings MG. Early surgical intervention for acute spinal cord injury: time is spine. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:2665-2674. [PMID: 37468659 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05698-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a devastating occurrence that significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality. Surgical decompression with stabilization is the most effective way to minimize the damaging sequelae that follow acute tSCI. In recent years, strong evidence has emerged that supports the rationale that early surgical intervention, within 24 h following the initial injury, is associated with a better prognosis and functional outcomes. In this review, we have summarized the evidence and elaborated on the nuances of this concept. Additionally, we have reviewed further concepts that stem from "time is spine," including earlier cutoffs less than 24 h and the challenging entity of central cord syndrome, as well as the emerging concept of adequate surgical decompression. Lastly, we identify barriers to early surgical care for acute tSCI, a key aspect of spine care that needs to be globally addressed via research and policy on an urgent basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Quddusi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karlo M Pedro
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammed Ali Alvi
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, Suite 4WW-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.
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13
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Smith S, Somogyi R, Wright J, Lin C, Yoo J. Surgery on the Day of Admission Decreases Postoperative Complication Rates for Patients With Central Cord Syndrome: An Analysis of National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) Data From 2010 to 2020. Clin Spine Surg 2023; 36:E191-E197. [PMID: 36728212 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to determine what constitutes "early optimal timing" of surgical management of central cord syndrome (CCS) with respect to a reduction of medical complications. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Data varies on the optimal time for surgical treatment of CCS with some studies favoring early intervention and others advocating that surgery can or should be delayed for 2-6 weeks. METHODS This IRB-approved study was a retrospective cross-sectional review of surgical management outcomes for patients diagnosed with CCS using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, which consists of anonymized medical record data from the year 2010 to 2020. Patient data included age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, current procedural terminology codes, length of stay, and postoperative complications. Patients were grouped into admission-day surgery, next-day surgery, and late-surgery groups. RESULTS A total of 738 patients who underwent surgery to treat CCS were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 to 2020 and included in this study. Admission-day surgery compared with next-day surgery was associated with a decreased postoperative complication rate after multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.28-0.97; P =0.0387) as well as shorter length of stay ( P <0.0001). Complication rates between the next-day-surgery cohort and late-surgery cohort did not differ after multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.63-1.65; P =0.9451), but the length of stay was shorter for next-day surgery ( P <0.0001). Two-year rolling averages for the admission-day-surgery rate and next-day-surgery rate show a compound annual growth rate of 2.52% and 4.10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In patients admitted for surgical treatment of CCS, those who receive admission-day surgery have significantly reduced 30-day complication rates as well as shorter length of stays. Therefore, we advocate that "early surgery" should be defined as surgery on the day of admission and should occur in as timely a manner as possible. Prior studies, which define "early surgery" as within 24 hours might, unfortunately, fall short of reaching the optimal threshold for the reduction of 30-day medical complications associated with the treatment of patients with CCS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Wright
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | - Jung Yoo
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
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14
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Kumar AA, Wong JYH, Pillay R, Nolan CP, Ling JM. Treatment of acute traumatic central cord syndrome: a score-based approach based on the literature. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2023; 32:1575-1583. [PMID: 36912986 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07626-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) accounts for up to 70% of incomplete spinal cord injuries, and modern improvements in surgical and anaesthetic techniques have given surgeons more treatment options for the ATCCS patient. We present a literature review of ATCCS, with the aim of elucidating the best treatment option for the varying ATCCS patient characteristics and profiles. We aim to synthesise the available literature into a simple-to-use format to aid in the decision-making process. METHODS The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant studies and improvement in functional outcomes were calculated. To allow for direct comparison of functional outcomes, we chose to focus solely on studies which utilised the ASIA motor score and improvements in ASIA motor score. RESULTS A total of 16 studies were included for review. There were a total of 749 patients, of which 564 were treated surgically and 185 were treated conservatively. There was a significantly higher average motor recovery percentage amongst surgically-treated patients as compared to conservatively treated patients (76.1% vs. 66.1%, p value = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the ASIA motor recovery percentage of patients treated with early surgery and delayed surgery (69.9 vs. 77.2, p value = 0.31). Delayed surgery after a trial of conservative management is also an appropriate treatment strategy for certain patients, and the presence of multiple comorbidities portend poor outcomes. We propose a score-based approach to decision making in ATCCS, by allocating a numerical score for the patient's clinical neurological condition, imaging findings on CT or MRI, history of cervical spondylosis and comorbidity profile. CONCLUSIONS An individualised approach to each ATCCS patient, considering their unique characteristics will lead to the best outcomes, and the use of a simple scoring system, can aid clinicians in choosing the best treatment for ATCCS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aravin Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Joey Ying Hao Wong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robin Pillay
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Colum Patrick Nolan
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ji Min Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Birch NC, Cheung JPY, Takenaka S, El Masri WS. Which treatment provides the best neurological outcomes in acute spinal cord injury? Bone Joint J 2023; 105-B:347-355. [PMID: 36924170 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.105b4.bjj-2023-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Initial treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury remains as controversial in 2023 as it was in the early 19th century, when Sir Astley Cooper and Sir Charles Bell debated the merits or otherwise of surgery to relieve cord compression. There has been a lack of high-class evidence for early surgery, despite which expeditious intervention has become the surgical norm. This evidence deficit has been progressively addressed in the last decade and more modern statistical methods have been used to clarify some of the issues, which is demonstrated by the results of the SCI-POEM trial. However, there has never been a properly conducted trial of surgery versus active conservative care. As a result, it is still not known whether early surgery or active physiological management of the unstable injured spinal cord offers the better chance for recovery. Surgeons who care for patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries in the acute setting should be aware of the arguments on all sides of the debate, a summary of which this annotation presents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick C Birch
- Spine and Bone Heath Department, Bragborough Hall Health Centre, Daventry, UK
| | - Jason P Y Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shota Takenaka
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Wagih S El Masri
- Keele University, Keele, UK.,Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust, Oswestry, UK
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16
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Song D, Deng Z, Feng T, Wang J, Liu Y, Wang H, Yang H, Niu J. The clinical efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with ROI-C device vs. plate-cage in managing traumatic central cord syndrome. Front Surg 2023; 9:1055317. [PMID: 36684339 PMCID: PMC9852637 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1055317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the efficacy and complications of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with ROI-C device vs. conventional anterior plate and cage system (APCS) in managing traumatic central cord syndrome (TCCS). Methods A total of 37 patients diagnosed with TCCS who underwent ACDF with ROI-C implant and APCS were recruited in this retrospective study from June 2012 to February 2020. Radiological parameters and clinical results were recorded and compared through follow-up time. Characteristics of patients and complications were also recorded. Results All patients tolerated the procedure well. The average follow-up time was 25.00 ± 7.99 months in the ROI-C group, and 21.29 ± 7.41 months in the APCS group. The blood loss and operation time were significantly lower in the ROI-C group than in the APCS group. Radiological parameters and clinical results were all improved postoperatively and maintained at the final follow-up. Fusion was achieved in all patients. ROI-C group had a lower incidence of postoperative dysphagia than the APCS group. Only 1 case of ALD was observed at the final follow-up in the APCS group. Conclusions Both ROI-C device and APCS demonstrated satisfactory clinical effects and safety in managing symptomatic single-level traumatic central cord syndrome with underlying instability. Both techniques could improve and maintain cervical lordosis and disc height. ROI-C device was related to a lower incidence of postoperative dysphagia, shorter operation time, and less blood loss.
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17
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Fehlings MG, Pedro K, Hejrati N. Management of Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Now? Where Are We Going? J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1591-1602. [PMID: 35686453 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karlo Pedro
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Badhiwala JH, Wilson JR, Kulkarni AV, Kiss A, Harrop JS, Vaccaro AR, Aarabi B, Geisler FH, Fehlings MG. A Novel Method to Classify Cervical Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Based on Potential for Recovery: A Group-Based Trajectory Analysis. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1654-1664. [PMID: 35819296 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The outcomes of cervical incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) are heterogeneous. This study sought to dissociate subgroups of cervical incomplete SCI patients with distinct longitudinal temporal profiles of recovery in upper limb motor function. Patients with cervical incomplete SCI (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] B-D; C1-C8) were identified from four prospective, multi-center SCI datasets. A group-based trajectory model was fit to longitudinal upper extremity motor scores out to 1 year. Multi-variable multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify features that characterize each trajectory group. A classification system for predicting trajectory group at baseline was developed by recursive partitioning. In total, 801 patients were eligible. Four distinct trajectory groups were identified: 1) "Poor outcome": Severe injury, very minimal recovery; 2) "Moderate recovery": Moderate-to-severe injury, moderate recovery; most recovery occurs by 6 months, with mild, gradual recovery continuing thereafter; 3) "Good recovery": Moderate injury, good recovery; most recovery occurs by 3 months, with mild, gradual recovery continuing thereafter; and 4) "Excellent outcome": Mild injury, recovery to normal/near-normal by 3 months. On adjusted analyses, older age was associated with lower likelihood of "excellent outcome" (p = 0.020). AIS C and D injuries were associated with "moderate recovery," "good recovery," and "excellent outcome" (p < 0.001). Mid-cervical injuries occurred more frequently in "moderate recovery," "good recovery," and "excellent outcome" (p < 0.001) groups. Early surgical decompression (< 24 h) was associated with increased propensity for "good recovery" (p = 0.039) and "excellent outcome" (p = 0.048). A classification model based on recursive partitioning could predict trajectory group using age, AIS grade, and neurological level with an area under the curve of 0.81. Patients with cervical incomplete SCI demonstrate distinct temporal profiles of recovery in upper limb motor function. The trajectory a patient is likely to follow may be predicted at baseline with fair accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jetan H Badhiwala
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jefferson R Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abhaya V Kulkarni
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Kiss
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James S Harrop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Liu G, Liu L, Wang Y. Surgical Efficacy and Prognostic Factors for Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome Without Fracture and Dislocation. Orthopedics 2022; 45:325-332. [PMID: 36098568 DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20220907-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment of acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) without fracture and dislocation and explore surgical timing and factors influencing postoperative recovery of spinal cord function. We retrospectively collected the general and clinical data of 112 patients with ATCCS (American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale grade C or D) without fracture and dislocation who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2013 to August 2019. We used statistical methods to evaluate the safety of the operation and explore the timing of surgery and the factors influencing postoperative recovery of spinal cord function. The mean age of the 112 patients was 60.64±12.91 years. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and the American Spinal Injury Association motor score (AMS) of the 112 patients were significantly higher at final follow-up than at admission. No significant difference in recovery of spinal cord function was seen between the early operation group (≤4 days) and the late operation group (>4 days). Comparison of patients with a good prognosis vs a poor prognosis showed that age, intrahand muscle strength at admission, maximum spinal cord compression, maximum canal compromise, length of high-intensity signal in the spinal cord on sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, AMS, and American Spinal Injury Association injury grade D/C at admission had a significant effect on recovery of spinal cord function. Surgical treatment of ATCCS without fracture and dislocation is safe and effective. Age, admission AMS and American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale score, intrinsic hand muscle strength, maximum canal compromise, maximum spinal cord compression, and length of high-intensity signal in the spinal cord can be used to predict postoperative recovery of spinal cord function. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(6):325-332.].
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Badhiwala JH, Wilson JR, Harrop JS, Vaccaro AR, Aarabi B, Geisler FH, Fehlings MG. Early vs Late Surgical Decompression for Central Cord Syndrome. JAMA Surg 2022; 157:1024-1032. [PMID: 36169962 PMCID: PMC9520438 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2022.4454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance The optimal clinical management of central cord syndrome (CCS) remains unclear; yet this is becoming an increasingly relevant public health problem in the face of an aging population. Objective To provide a head-to-head comparison of the neurologic and functional outcomes of early (<24 hours) vs late (≥24 hours) surgical decompression for CCS. Design, Setting, and Participants Patients who underwent surgery for CCS (lower extremity motor score [LEMS] - upper extremity motor score [UEMS] ≥ 5) were included in this propensity score-matched cohort study. Data were collected from December 1991 to March 2017, and the analysis was performed from March 2020 to January 2021. This study identified patients with CCS from 3 international multicenter studies with data on the timing of surgical decompression in spinal cord injury. Participants were included if they had a documented baseline neurologic examination performed within 14 days of injury. Participants were eligible if they underwent surgical decompression for CCS. Exposures Early surgery was compared with late surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures Propensity scores were calculated as the probability of undergoing early compared with late surgery using the logit method and adjusting for relevant confounders. Propensity score matching was performed in a 1:1 ratio by an optimal-matching technique. The primary end point was motor recovery (UEMS, LEMS, American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] motor score [AMS]) at 1 year. Secondary end points were Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor score and complete independence in each FIM motor domain at 1 year. Results The final study cohort consisted of 186 patients with CCS. The early-surgery group included 93 patients (mean [SD] age, 47.8 [16.8] years; 66 male [71.0%]), and the late-surgery group included 93 patients (mean [SD] age, 48.0 [15.5] years; 75 male [80.6%]). Early surgical decompression resulted in significantly improved recovery in upper limb (mean difference [MD], 2.3; 95% CI, 0-4.5; P = .047), but not lower limb (MD, 1.1; 95% CI, -0.8 to 3.0; P = .30), motor function. In an a priori-planned subgroup analysis, outcomes were comparable with early or late decompressive surgery in patients with ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade D injury. However, in patients with AIS grade C injury, early surgery resulted in significantly greater recovery in overall motor score (MD, 9.5; 95% CI, 0.5-18.4; P = .04), owing to gains in both upper and lower limb motor function. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found early surgical decompression to be associated with improved recovery in upper limb motor function at 1 year in patients with CCS. Treatment paradigms for CCS should be redefined to encompass early surgical decompression as a neuroprotective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jetan H. Badhiwala
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jefferson R. Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James S. Harrop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander R. Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Fred H. Geisler
- Department of Medical Imaging, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kamal R, Verma H, Narasimhaiah S, Chopra S. Predicting the Role of Preoperative Intramedullary Lesion Length and Early Decompressive Surgery in ASIA Impairment Scale Grade Improvement Following Subaxial Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2022; 84:144-156. [PMID: 35668673 PMCID: PMC9977512 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI) is a disabling condition with uncertain neurologic recovery. Clinical and preclinical studies have suggested early surgical decompression and other measures of neuroprotection improve neurologic outcome. We investigated the role of intramedullary lesion length (IMLL) on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the effect of early cervical decompressive surgery on ASIA impairment scale (AIS) grade improvement following TCSCI. METHODS In this retrospective study, we investigated 34 TCSCI patients who were admitted over a 12-year period, from January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2020. We studied the patient demographics, mode of injury, IMLL and timing of surgical decompression. The IMLL is defined as the total length of edema and contusion/hemorrhage within the cord. Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences or T2-weighted MR imaging with fat saturation increases the clarity of edema and depicts abnormalities in the spinal cord. All patients included had confirmed adequate spinal cord decompression with cervical fixation and a follow-up of at least 6 months. RESULTS Of the 34 patients, 16 patients were operated on within 24 hours (early surgery group) and 18 patients were operated on more than 24 hours after trauma (delayed surgery group). In the early surgery group, 13 (81.3%) patients had improvement of at least one AIS grade, whereas in the delayed surgery group, AIS grade improvement was seen in only in 8 (44.5%) patients (early vs. late surgery; odds ratio [OR] = 1.828; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.036-3.225). In multivariate regression analysis coefficients, the timing of surgery and intramedullary edema length on MRI were the most significant factors in improving the AIS grade following cervical SCI. Timing of surgery as a unique variance predicted AIS grade improvement significantly (p < 0.001). The mean IMLL was 41.47 mm (standard deviation [SD]: 18.35; range: 20-87 mm). IMLL was a predictor of AIS grade improvement on long-term outcome in bivariate analysis (p < 0.001). This study suggests that patients who had IMLL of less than 30 mm had a better chance of grade conversion irrespective of the timing of surgery. Patients with an IMLL of 31 to 60 mm had chances of better grade conversion after early surgery. A longer IMLL predicts lack of improvement (p < 0.05). If the IMLL is greater than 61 mm, the probability of nonconversion of AIS grade is higher, even if the patient is operated on within 24 hours of trauma. CONCLUSION Surgical decompression within 24 hours of trauma and shorter preoperative IMLL are significantly associated with improved neurologic outcome, reflected by better AIS grade improvement at 6 months' follow-up. The IMLL on preoperative MRI can reliably predict outcome after 6 months. The present study suggests that patients have lesser chances of AIS grade improvement when the IMLL is ≥61 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kamal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Escorts Hospital, Amritsar, Punjab, India,Address for correspondence Raj Kamal, MS, MCh Department of Neurosurgery, Escorts HospitalSehaj Enclave, Amritsar, Punjab 143001India
| | - Himanshu Verma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Escorts Hospital, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | | | - Suruchi Chopra
- Department of Radiology, Escorts Hospital, Amritsar, Punjab, India
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22
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The relationship between preoperative cervical sagittal balance and clinical outcome of acute traumatic central cord syndrome. World Neurosurg 2022; 162:e468-e474. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
Objective: To describe epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and to conduct a comparison with data from 2002.Design: Retrospective research.Setting: China Rehabilitation Research Center (CRRC), Beijing.Methods: Five hundred and ninety patients with TSCI were admitted to the CRRC from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2019. We collected data on sex, age, marital status, etiology, occupation, neurological level of injury, and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale on admission, time of injury and treatment.Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between data from 2002 and the present results (P < 0.001). The mean age of patients with TSCI was 46.3 ± 15.5 years, and the male/female ratio was 4.73:1. The incidence of TSCI increased gradually with age and peaked in the 40-49 age group. The most common occupation was worker (28.6%), followed by office clerk (16.8%) and retired (15.4%). Fall from heights (30.8%), followed by traffic accidents (27.6%) and low falls (25.1%), were the leading etiologies of TSCI. A majority of patients (54.9%) had cervical injuries, 91.9% underwent surgical treatment, and the lowest number of injuries were recorded during winter (19.6%).Conclusion: According to the changes in the epidemiological characteristics of TSCI, preventative strategies should be readjusted. We should pay more attention to the risk of low falls of the elderly. The authors recommend that stricter regulatory practices and safety measures should be developed alongside infrastructure improvements to reduce, and perhaps prevent TSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Wei Liu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China,Correspondence to: Jian-Jun Li and Jun Li, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, 10 Jiaomen North Road, Fengtai District, Beijing100068, People’s Republic of China; ph: +86-13811347841; +86-13426489069. E-mail:
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China,Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China,China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China,Correspondence to: Jian-Jun Li and Jun Li, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, 10 Jiaomen North Road, Fengtai District, Beijing100068, People’s Republic of China; ph: +86-13811347841; +86-13426489069. E-mail:
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Hayashi K, Tsuchiya H. The role of surgery in the treatment of metastatic bone tumor. Int J Clin Oncol 2022; 27:1238-1246. [PMID: 35226235 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-022-02144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Surgery for bone metastasis has two primary goals-palliative care to relieve pain, instability and paralysis, and tumor resection for curing the disease. Oncologically en bloc resection, followed by a reconstruction of the bone defect is the treatment of choice in single bone metastasis from renal cell carcinoma or thyroid cancer. Bone metastases may occur in the extremities, pelvis, or spine, and different resection and reconstruction methods depend on the regional anatomy. For instance, multiple options are available for reconstruction of the pelvis, especially for the acetabulum, including anatomical reconstruction using custom-made implants or recycled autologous bone grafting when a long-term prognosis is expected. Recently, for the spine, total en bloc spondylectomy is extensively performed despite the initial limitations of surgical invasiveness, such as blood loss. Principally, palliative surgery aims to maintain lasting bony stability with minimal surgical invasiveness. Intramedullary nails and plate fixation are frequently used in the extremities but the postoperative failure rate is relatively high. Therefore, surgeons should consider the use of long intramedullary nails and long-type stems for endoprosthesis reconstruction along with cement fixation to reduce the failure rate. Although short-term complications, such as dislocation, have been observed with endoprosthesis reconstruction, it is stable in the long-term follow-up. Percutaneous bone cement injection into the spine and pelvis is also effective and less invasive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiro Hayashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8641, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8641, Japan
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Risk Factors for Poor Prognosis of Spinal Cord Injury without Radiographic Abnormality Associated with Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1572341. [PMID: 35224091 PMCID: PMC8872685 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1572341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the factors associated with the prognosis of spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) accompanied by cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL). Methods We retrospectively investigated 287 patients with SCIWORA associated with C-OPLL, who were admitted within 30 days after trauma to our facility between August 2014 and August 2018. All patients were divided into the good or poor prognosis group. Patient demographics were analyzed. Besides, occupying ratio on CT and spinal cord high signal changes in MRI T2WI were measured and recorded. Multivariate linear regression was applied to analyze the correlation of prognosis with spinal cord high signal changes in MRI T2WI, cause of injury, and occupying ratio. Results Occupying ratio of ossification mass was 43.5 ± 10.7% in the poor prognosis group and 27.3 ± 7.7% in the good prognosis group. The occurrence rate of high signal changes in MRI T2WI was 84.2% in the poor prognosis group and 41.3% in the good prognosis group. Poor prognosis was correlated with high occupying ratio and spinal cord high signal changes in MRI T2WI. In the patient with SCIWORA associated with C-OPLL, ROC curve of occupying ratio showed 30% as a predictor for the poor prognosis. Among the 92 patients with occupying ratio ≤ 30%, poor prognosis was observed in 5 cases (5.4%), whereas in the 72 cases with occupying ratio > 30%, poor prognosis was seen in 33 cases (45.8%). Postoperative AIS grade at final follow-up in occupying ratio > 30% group was significantly worse. Conclusions Patients suffering from SCIWORA with C-OPLL have poor prognosis when they have higher occupying ratio of ossification mass and spinal cord high signal changes in MRI T2WI. The cut-off value of occupying ratio for predicting the poor prognosis was 30% in patients with SCIWORA associated with C-OPLL.
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Zhou Q, Zhang J, Liu H, Zhou X, He W, Jin Z, Yang H, Liu T. Comparison of Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Acute Traumatic Central Spinal Cord Syndrome with Multilevel Cervical Canal Stenosis without Cervical Fracture or Dislocation. Int J Clin Pract 2022; 2022:5132134. [PMID: 35685581 PMCID: PMC9159116 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5132134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This is a retrospective comparative study that aims to compare the benefits of different surgical approaches for patients with multilevel cervical canal stenosis (CCS) without cervical fracture or dislocation of acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS). METHODS From January 2015 to December 2018, 59 patients were included in the study. Among them, 35 patients (Group A) received anterior surgery and 24 patients (Group B) received posterior surgery. Primary outcome measures were American Spinal Cord Injury Association (Asia) grade, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and recovery rate (RR). Secondary outcome measures included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, cervical sagittal parameters, and complications. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze prognostic determinants. RESULTS Compared with Group B, Group A had longer operation time and more intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.05). However, the VAS score of Group B was higher than that of Group A at discharge (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in cervical sagittal plane parameters between the two groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative complications were different in the two groups. During follow-up, the Asia grade, the JOA score, and RR of both groups improved (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Younger age, earlier surgery, and better preoperative Asia grade were correlated with better prognosis. CONCLUSIONS For patients with multilevel CCS without cervical fracture or dislocation of ATCCS, both surgical approaches had good outcomes. Although no significant differences were found in the primary outcome measures between the two groups, there were different recommendations for the secondary outcome measures. Younger age, earlier surgery, and better preoperative Asia grade were protective factors for better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Junxin Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xinfeng Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Zheyu Jin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
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Barz M, Janssen IK, Aftahy K, Krieg SM, Gempt J, Negwer C, Meyer B. Incidence of discoligamentous injuries in patients with acute central cord syndrome and underlying degenerative cervical spinal stenosis. BRAIN AND SPINE 2022; 2:100882. [PMID: 36248153 PMCID: PMC9559957 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2022.100882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Surgical treatment for CCS in patients with an underlying cervical stenosis without instability remains controversial. Research question The aim was to assess the incidence of concomitant discoligamentous injury (DLI) in patients with CCS and underlying degenerative cervical spinal stenosis and to determine the sensitivity of MRI by comparing intraoperative site inspection to preoperative imaging findings. Material and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of our clinical prospective database. Fifty-one patients (39 male, 12 female) between January 2010 and June 2019 were included. Age, sex, neurological deficits, preoperative MRI, and surgical treatment were recorded. Sensitivity was determined by the quotient of patients in whom all levels of DLI were correctly identified on MRI and the total number of patients with intraoperatively confirmed DLI. Results Mean age at surgery was 64.1 ± 11.3 (range 41–86). DLI was suspected in 33 (62.1%) patients based on MRI findings, which could be confirmed intraoperatively in 29 patients (56.9%). In 2 patients, DLI was detected intraoperatively that was not suspected in preoperative MRI; in 5 patients, another level was affected intraoperatively than was indicated by MRI. The overall specificity and sensitivity of preoperative MRI imaging to identify discoligamentous lesions of the cervical spine was 73% and 79%, respectively. Discussion and conclusion The incidence of DLI in patients with traumatic CCS based on preexisting spinal stenosis was 60.78%, which is higher than previously reported. The sensitivity of MRI imaging to detect DLI of 79% suggests that these patients are at risk of missing traumatic DLI on imaging. Traumatic central cord syndrome (CCS) is the most common form of incomplete spinal cord injury. The incidence of DLI in traumatic CCS with preexisting spinal stenosis seems to be higher than previously reported. The sensitivity of MRI for detecting DLI is limited in patients with preexisting degenerative cervical spondylosis (79%). There is a risk of missing a traumatic disco-ligamentous injury in these patients. Limited sensitivity of MRI for DLI in traumatic CCS based on preexisting spinal stenosis should be considered.
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Braschler L, Kraus U, Braschler T, Knechtle B. [Skiing Accident with Temporary Tetraparesis]. PRAXIS 2022; 111:760-765. [PMID: 36221972 DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157/a003937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Skiing Accident with Temporary Tetraparesis Abstract. Summary: We present the case of a 74-year-old patient who initially suffered transient tetraplegia after a skiing accident. On presentation to the general practitioner, pyramidal tract signs as well as disturbances of fine motor function in both hands could be observed. MRI examinations of the cervical spine revealed high-grade spinal stenosis at level C5 with myelon compression. Surgical decompression of the spial cord, followed by fusion of the corresponding cervical vertebral bodies, was performed. After surgery and three weeks of neurological rehabilitation, the patient feels well and has recovered except for still existing hypesthesia of the fingertips.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulrich Kraus
- Neurochirurgisches Zentrum Ostschweiz, St. Gallen, Schweiz
| | | | - Beat Knechtle
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Schweiz
- Institut für Hausarztmedizin, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz
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Furlan D, Deana C, Orso D, Licari M, Cappelletto B, DE Monte A, Vetrugno L, Bove T. Perioperative management of spinal cord injury: the anesthesiologist's point of view. Minerva Anestesiol 2021; 87:1347-1358. [PMID: 34874136 DOI: 10.23736/s0375-9393.21.15753-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating events a person can experience. It may be life-threatening or result in long-term disability. This narrative review aims to delineate a systematic step-wise airways, breathing, circulation and disability (ABCD) approach to perioperative patient management during spinal cord surgery in order to fill some of the gaps in our current knowledge. METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the perioperative management of traumatic spinal injuries from May 15, 2020, to December 13, 2020. We consulted the PubMed and Embase database libraries. RESULTS Videolaryngoscopy supplements the armamentarium available for airway management. Optical fiberscope use should be evaluated when intubating awake patients. Respiratory complications are frequent in the acute phase of traumatic spinal injury, with an estimated incidence of 36-83%. Early tracheostomy can be considered for expected difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation. Careful intraoperative management of administered fluids should be pursued to avoid complications from volume overload. Neuromonitoring requires investments in staff training and cooperation, but better outcomes have been obtained in centers where it is routinely applied. The prone position can cause rare but devastating complications, such as ischemic optic neuropathy; thus, the anesthetist should take the utmost care in positioning the patient. CONCLUSIONS A one-size fit all approach to spinal surgery patients is not applicable due to patient heterogeneity and the complexity of the procedures involved. The neurologic outcome of spinal surgery can be improved, and the incidence of complications reduced with better knowledge of patient-specific aspects and individualized perioperative management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Furlan
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Cristian Deana
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, ASUFC University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Daniele Orso
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Maurizia Licari
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, ASUFC University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Barbara Cappelletto
- Section of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, ASUFC University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Amato DE Monte
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, ASUFC University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Luigi Vetrugno
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy - .,Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, ASUFC University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bove
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, ASUFC University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
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30
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Hildebrandt G, Joswig H, Stienen MN, Bratelj D. Pros and Cons of Early and Very Early Surgery for Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome with Spinal Stenosis: Literature Review and Case Report. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2021; 83:57-65. [PMID: 34781407 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The case of a 69-year-old patient with an acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) with preexisting spinal stenosis raised a discussion over the question of conservative versus surgical treatment in the acute setting. We provide a literature overview on the management (conservative vs. surgical treatment) of ATCCS with preexisting spinal stenosis. METHODS We reviewed the literature concerning essential concepts for the management of ATCCS with spinal stenosis and cervical spinal cord injury. The data retrieved from these studies were applied to the potential management of an illustrative case report. RESULTS Not rarely has ATCCS an unpredictable neurologic course because of its dynamic character with secondary injury mechanisms within the cervical spinal cord in the early phase, the possibility of functional deterioration, and the appearance of a neuropathic pain syndrome during late follow-up. The result of the literature review favors early surgical treatment in ATCCS patients with preexisting cervical stenosis. CONCLUSION Reluctance toward aggressive and timely surgical treatment of ATCCS should at least be questioned in patients with preexisting spinal stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hildebrandt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Holger Joswig
- Division of Neurosurgery, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Ernst von Bergmann Hospital, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
| | | | - Denis Bratelj
- Department of Spine Surgery, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, LU, Switzerland
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31
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Ramey WL, Reyes AA, Avila MJ, Hurlbert RJ, Chapman JR, Dumont TM. The Central Cord Score: A Novel Classification and Scoring System Specific to Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome. World Neurosurg 2021; 156:e235-e242. [PMID: 34536617 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) is the most common form of spinal cord injury in the United States. Treatment remains controversial, which is a consequence of ATCCS having an inherently different natural history from conventional spinal cord injury, thus requiring a separate classification system. We devised a novel Central Cord Score (CCscore), which both guides treatment and tracks improvement over time with symptoms specific to ATCCS. METHODS Medical records of patients with a diagnosis of ATCCS were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution. The CCscore was devised based on signs, symptoms, and imaging findings we believed to be critical in assessing severity of ATCCS. Numeric values were assigned for distal upper extremity motor strength, upper extremity sensation, ambulatory status, magnetic resonance imaging cord signal, and urinary retention. RESULTS We identified 51 patients with follow-up data; there were 17 cases of mild injury (CCscore 1-5), 23 moderate cases (CCscore 6-10), and 11 severe cases (CCscore 11-15). Patients treated surgically had significantly greater improvement in upper extremity motor scores and total CCscore only up to 3 months. In terms of timing of surgery, patients treated <24 hours after injury had significantly improved upper extremity motor scores and overall CCscores at last follow-up of ≥3 months. CONCLUSIONS Based on these data and their alignment with past literature, the CCscore is able to objectively and specifically categorize the severity and outcome of ATCCS, which represents a step forward in the quest to determine the ultimate efficacy and timing of surgery for ATCCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt L Ramey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Banner University Medical Center - Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
| | - Angelica Alvarez Reyes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Banner University Medical Center - Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Mauricio J Avila
- Department of Neurosurgery, Banner University Medical Center - Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - R John Hurlbert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Banner University Medical Center - Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Jens R Chapman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Travis M Dumont
- Department of Neurosurgery, Banner University Medical Center - Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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32
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Cui Y, Shi X, Li C, Mi C, Wang B, Pan Y, Lin Y. Effect of the Timing of Surgery on Neurological Recovery for Patients with Incomplete Paraplegia Caused by Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2021; 17:831-840. [PMID: 34413649 PMCID: PMC8370494 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s319228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of timing of surgery on neurological recovery for patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Methods According to the timing of surgery, 75 patients with incomplete paraplegia caused by MSCC were assigned to 3 groups: within 3 days (group A), between 4 days and 7 days (group B), and after 7 days (group C). T-test, one-way ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Chi-square test were used to evaluate the difference in the improvement of American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) and ambulatory status, the incidence of perioperative complications, surgical site infection, and the length of hospital stay between 3 groups. Results Patients with incomplete paraplegia treated in our department had an average of 17.4±1.8 days delayed and most occurred before hospitalization (4.0±0.4 vs 13.2±1.8, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the AIS improvement between patients with different pre-op AIS. The timing of surgery was significantly correlated with AIS improvement (correlation coefficient=−0.257, P=0.019). Sub-analysis showed that patients who underwent surgery within 7 days (group A and group B) had significantly better AIS improvement compared with group C (improved at least 1 grade, P=0.043; improved more than 1 grade, P=0.039) and the surgery timing was more important for patients with AIS B and C. The timing of surgery was significantly correlated with the length of hospital stay (correlation coefficient=0.335, P=0.003). Patients of group C had the longest length of hospital stay (P=0.002). The incidence of perioperative complications and surgical site infection did not differ significantly between the 3 groups. Conclusion Delay surgery was common in incomplete paraplegia patients with MSCC. Patients with AIS B and C who underwent surgery within 7 days had better AIS improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuedong Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunwei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Mi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanxing Pan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfei Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Stukas S, Gill J, Cooper J, Belanger L, Ritchie L, Tsang A, Dong K, Streijger F, Street J, Paquette S, Ailon T, Dea N, Charest-Morin R, Fisher CG, Dhall S, Mac-Thiong JM, Wilson JR, Bailey C, Christie S, Dvorak MF, Wellington C, Kwon BK. Characterization of Cerebrospinal Fluid Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 as a Biomarker of Human Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2055-2064. [PMID: 33504255 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A major obstacle for translational research in acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is the lack of biomarkers that can objectively stratify injury severity and predict outcome. Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) is a neuron-specific enzyme that shows promise as a diagnostic biomarker in traumatic brain injury (TBI), but has not been studied in SCI. In this study, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples were collected over the first 72-96 h post-injury from 32 acute SCI patients who were followed prospectively to determine neurological outcomes at 6 months post-injury. UCH-L1 concentration was measured using the Quanterix Simoa platform (Quanterix, Billerica, MA) and correlated to injury severity, time, and neurological recovery. We found that CSF UCH-L1 was significantly elevated by 10- to 100-fold over laminectomy controls in an injury severity- and time-dependent manner. Twenty-four-hour post-injury CSF UCH-L1 concentrations distinguished between American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A and AIS B, and AIS A and AIS C patients in the acute setting, and predicted who would remain "motor complete" (AIS A/B) at 6 months with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 86%. AIS A patients who did not improve their AIS grade at 6 months post-injury were characterized by sustained elevations in CSF UCH-L1 up to 96 h. Similarly, the failure to gain >8 points on the total motor score at 6 months post-injury was associated with higher 24-h CSF UCH-L1. Unfortunately, serum UCH-L1 levels were not informative about injury severity or outcome. In conclusion, CSF UCH-L1 in acute SCI shows promise as a biomarker to reflect injury severity and predict outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Stukas
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jasmine Gill
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Cooper
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lise Belanger
- Vancouver Spine Research Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Leanna Ritchie
- Vancouver Spine Research Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela Tsang
- Vancouver Spine Research Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin Dong
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Femke Streijger
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John Street
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Scott Paquette
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tamir Ailon
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicolas Dea
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Raphaële Charest-Morin
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Charles G Fisher
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sanjay Dhall
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jean-Marc Mac-Thiong
- Department of Surgery, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Chu Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jefferson R Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Bailey
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean Christie
- Division of Neurosurgery, Halifax Infirmary, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Marcel F Dvorak
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cheryl Wellington
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian K Kwon
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Phelps RR, Yue JK, Tsolinas RE, Deng H, Rios J, Upadhyayula PS, Dalle Ore CL, Lee YM, Suen CG, Burke JF, Winkler EA, Dhall SS. Elderly traumatic central cord syndrome in the United States: a review of management and outcomes. J Neurosurg Sci 2021; 65:442-449. [PMID: 34114428 DOI: 10.23736/s0390-5616.21.05078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the incidence of elderly spinal cord injury rises, improved understanding of risk profiles and outcomes is needed. This review summarizes clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes specific to the elderly (≥65-years) with acute traumatic central cord syndrome in the United States. EVIDENCE AQUISITION Literature review of the PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases (01/2007-03/2020) regarding elderly subjects with acute traumatic central cord syndrome. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Acute traumatic central cord syndrome was more common among married (50%), Caucasian (22-71%) males (63-86%) with an annual income <40,999 U.S. dollars (30%). Mechanisms consisted predominantly of traumatic falls (32-55%) and motor vehicle collisions (15-34%), with admission American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grades D (25-79%) and C (21-51%). Mortality was 2-3%. American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale motor score, maximum canal compromise, and extent of parenchymal damage were predictors of one-year recovery. Greater comorbidities (heart failure, weight loss, coagulopathy, diabetes), lower income (<51,000 U.S. dollars), and age ≥80 were predictors of mortality. A substantial cohort underwent surgery (40-45%). Elderly patients were less likely to receive surgical intervention, and surgery timing had variable effects on recovery. CONCLUSIONS Elderly patients with acute traumatic central cord syndrome are uniquely at risk due to cumulative comorbidities, protracted recovery times, and unclear effects of surgical timing on outcomes. Prospective research should focus on validating age-specific risk factors, formalizing surgical indications, and delineating the impact of time to surgery on acute and long-term outcomes for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Phelps
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John K Yue
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Hansen Deng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Rios
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pavan S Upadhyayula
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cecilia L Dalle Ore
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Young M Lee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catherine G Suen
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John F Burke
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ethan A Winkler
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sanjay S Dhall
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA -
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Abstract
This article reviews the historical origins of central cord syndrome (CCS), the mechanism of injury, pathophysiology, and clinical implications. CCS is the most common form of incomplete spinal cord injury. CCS involves a spectrum of neurologic deficits preferentially affecting the hands and arms. Evidence suggests that in the twenty-first century CCS has become the most common form of spinal cord injury overall. In an era of big data and the need to standardize this particular diagnosis to unite outcome data, we propose redefining CCS as any adult cervical spinal cord injury in the absence of fracture/dislocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio J Avila
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona, Banner University Medical Center, PO Box 245070, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Room 4303, Tucson, AZ 85724-5070, USA
| | - R John Hurlbert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona, Banner University Medical Center, PO Box 245070, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Room 4303, Tucson, AZ 85724-5070, USA.
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Zheng C, Zhu D, Zhu Y, Lyu F, Weber R, Jin X, Jiang J. Early surgery improves peripheral motor axonal dysfunction in acute traumatic central cord syndrome: A prospective cohort study. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:1398-1406. [PMID: 34038847 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.02.401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of early vs. delayed surgical decompression on peripheral motor axonal dysfunction following acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS). METHODS Both axonal excitability testing and motor unit number estimation (MUNE) were performed in 30 ATCCS patients (early- vs. delayed-surgical treatment: 12 vs. 18) before operation and 28 healthy subjects. Axonal excitability testing was repeated 3-5 days and 1-year after operation, and MUNE was re-evaluated 1-year after operation. RESULTS Preoperatively, an obvious modification in membrane potentials was observed in ATCCS patients that mostly coincided with depolarization-like features, and MUNE further revealed reduced motor units in tested muscles (P < 0.05). Unlike delayed-surgical cases, early-surgical cases showed recoveries of most measurements of axonal excitabilities soon after operation (P < 0.05). Postoperative one-year follow-up demonstrated that greater motor unit numbers in tested muscles were obtained in early-surgical cases than in delayed-surgical cases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS ATCCS has adverse downstream effects on peripheral nervous system, even in the early stage of ATCCS. Early surgical treatment can ameliorate both excitability abnormalities and motor unit loss in distal motor axons. SIGNIFICANCE Optimizing axonal excitability in the early phases of ATCCS may alleviate peripheral nerve injury secondary to lesions of upper motor neuron and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojun Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Dongqing Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York at Syracuse, Syracuse, NY 10212, USA
| | - Feizhou Lyu
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Robert Weber
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York at Syracuse, Syracuse, NY 10212, USA
| | - Xiang Jin
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jianyuan Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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Aarabi B, Akhtar-Danesh N, Simard JM, Chryssikos T, Shanmuganathan K, Olexa J, Sansur CA, Crandall KM, Wessell AP, Cannarsa G, Sharma A, Lomangino CD, Boulter J, Scarboro M, Oliver J, Ahmed AK, Wenger N, Serra R, Shea P, Schwartzbauer GT. Efficacy of Early (≤ 24 Hours), Late (25-72 Hours), and Delayed (>72 Hours) Surgery with Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Decompression in American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Grades C and D Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome Caused by Spinal Stenosis. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2073-2083. [PMID: 33726507 PMCID: PMC8309437 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic significance of timing of decompression in acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) caused by spinal stenosis remains unsettled. We retrospectively examined a homogenous cohort of patients with ATCCS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of post-treatment spinal cord decompression to determine whether timing of decompression played a significant role in American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score (AMS) 6 months following trauma. We used the t test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression for statistical analysis. During a 19-year period, 101 patients with ATCCS, admission ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grades C and D, and an admission AMS of ≤95 were surgically decompressed. Twenty-four of 101 patients had an AIS grade C injury. Eighty-two patients were males, the mean age of patients was 57.9 years, and 69 patients had had a fall. AMS at admission was 68.3 (standard deviation [SD] 23.4); upper extremities (UE) 28.6 (SD 14.7), and lower extremities (LE) 41.0 (SD 12.7). AMS at the latest follow-up was 93.1 (SD 12.8), UE 45.4 (SD 7.6), and LE 47.9 (SD 6.6). Mean number of stenotic segments was 2.8, mean canal compromise was 38.6% (SD 8.7%), and mean intramedullary lesion length (IMLL) was 23 mm (SD 11). Thirty-six of 101 patients had decompression within 24 h, 38 patients had decompression between 25 and 72 h, and 27 patients had decompression >72 h after injury. Demographics, etiology, AMS, AIS grade, morphometry, lesion length, surgical technique, steroid protocol, and follow-up AMS were not statistically different between groups treated at different times. We analyzed the effect size of timing of decompression categorically and in a continuous fashion. There was no significant effect of the timing of decompression on follow-up AMS. Only AMS at admission determined AMS at follow-up (coefficient = 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.21; p = 0.001). We conclude that timing of decompression in ATCCS caused by spinal stenosis has little bearing on ultimate AMS at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Noori Akhtar-Danesh
- School of Nursing and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Timothy Chryssikos
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Joshua Olexa
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles A Sansur
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth M Crandall
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron P Wessell
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory Cannarsa
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cara D Lomangino
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason Boulter
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maureen Scarboro
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Oliver
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Abdul Kareem Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole Wenger
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Riccardo Serra
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Phelan Shea
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gary T Schwartzbauer
- Department of Neurosurgery and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Comparison of Early Surgical Treatment With Conservative Treatment of Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Without Major Fracture or Dislocation in Patients With Pre-existing Cervical Spinal Stenosis. Clin Spine Surg 2021; 34:E141-E146. [PMID: 32925187 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective comparative study. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of early surgical treatment (<24 h) and conservative treatment of incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) without major fracture or dislocation in patients with pre-existing cervical spinal canal stenosis (CSCS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The relative benefits of surgery, especially early surgical treatment, and conservative treatment for CSCI without major fracture or dislocation in patients with pre-existing CSCS remain unclear. Animal models of CSCI have demonstrated that early surgical decompression immediately after the initial insult may prevent or reverse secondary injury. However, the clinical outcomes of early surgery for incomplete CSCI in patients with pre-existing CSCS are still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records and radiographic data of 54 patients admitted to our facility between 2005 and 2015 with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale grade B or C and pre-existing CSCS without major fracture or dislocation were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-three patients (mean age, 57.4±14.0 y) underwent early surgical treatment within 24 hours after initial trauma (S group), and 21 patients (mean age, 56.9±13.6 y) underwent conservative treatment (C group) performed by 2 spinal surgeons in accordance with their policies. The primary outcome was the degree of improvement in ASIA grade after 2 years. RESULTS During the 2-year follow-up period, higher percentages of patients in the S group than in the C group showed ≥1 grade (90.9% vs. 57.1%, P=0.0051) and 2 grade (30.3% vs. 9.5%) improvements in ASIA grade. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment type, specifically early surgical treatment, was the only factor significantly associated with ASIA grade improvement after 2 years (P=0.0044). CONCLUSIONS Early surgery yielded better neurological outcomes than conservative treatment in patients with incomplete CSCI without major fracture or dislocation and pre-existing CSCS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Tosic L, Voglis S, Bellut D, Sprengel K, Regli L, Stienen MN. [Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome: Etiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestation, and Treatment]. PRAXIS 2021; 110:324-335. [PMID: 33906439 DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157/a003659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome: Etiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestation, and Treatment Abstract. The acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) represents an injury to the spinal cord with disproportionately greater motor impairment of the upper than the lower extremities, with bladder dysfunction and with varying degrees of sensory loss below the level of the respective lesion. The mechanism of ATCCS is most commonly a traumatic hyperextension injury of the cervical spine at the base of an underlying spondylosis and spinal stenosis. The mean age is 53 years, and segments C4 to Th1 are most frequently affected. In addition to medical history and clinical examination, the definitive diagnosis is made by magnetic resonance imaging, where T2-hyperintense lesions are typically observed in the affected spinal cord segment. Surgical decompression (and fusion) of the respective segment is recommended to prevent repetitive trauma to the spinal cord and to stop progression of clinical symptoms. Patients with diagnosed ATCCS and who are treated adequately usually have a good prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazar Tosic
- Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
- Klinisches Neurozentrum, Universität Zürich, Zürich
- Interdisziplinäres Wirbelsäulenzentrum, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
| | - Stefanos Voglis
- Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
- Klinisches Neurozentrum, Universität Zürich, Zürich
- Interdisziplinäres Wirbelsäulenzentrum, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
| | - David Bellut
- Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
- Klinisches Neurozentrum, Universität Zürich, Zürich
- Interdisziplinäres Wirbelsäulenzentrum, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
| | - Kai Sprengel
- Interdisziplinäres Wirbelsäulenzentrum, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
- Klinik für Traumatologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
| | - Luca Regli
- Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
- Klinisches Neurozentrum, Universität Zürich, Zürich
- Interdisziplinäres Wirbelsäulenzentrum, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
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Preoperative electrophysiologic assessment of C5-innervated muscles in predicting C5 palsy after posterior cervical decompression. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2021; 30:1681-1688. [PMID: 33555367 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-06757-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the feasibility of both needle electromyography (EMG) and proximal nerve conduction studies (NCS) in predicting C5 palsy after posterior cervical decompression. METHODS This study included 192 patients with cervical myelopathy undergoing laminoplasty or laminectomy. Preoperatively, all patients accepted bilateral needle EMG detection and proximal NCS that consisted of supramaximally stimulating Erb's point and recording compound muscle action potential (CMAP) from bilateral deltoid. RESULTS In the present study, 11 (11/192, 5.7%) patients developed unilateral C5 palsy after operation, and more patients with C5 palsy showed abnormal spontaneous activity in C5-innervated muscles compared to those without C5 palsy (8/11 vs. 16/181, p < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of spontaneous activity in C5-innervated muscles in predicting postoperative C5 palsy were 72.7% and 91.2%, respectively. Furthermore, there were significant left-to-right differences of deltoid CMAP amplitudes between the patients with and without C5 palsy (p < 0.05), and this measurement was also demonstrated to be useful for distinguishing patients with C5 palsy from cases without C5 palsy by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (cut-off value: 2.1 mV, sensitivity: 63.6%; specificity: 95.0%). In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of a series application of these two measurements were 63.6% and 100.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study support the hypothesis that pre-existing progressive C5 root injury may be a risk factor for C5 palsy after posterior cervical decompression. Clinically, the estimation of NCS and needle EMG in C5-innervated muscles may provide additional useful information for predicting C5 palsy after cervical spinal surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.
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Ji C, Rong Y, Jia H, Yan N, Hou T, Li Y, Cai W, Yu S. Surgical outcome and risk factors for cervical spinal cord injury patients in chronic stage: a 2-year follow-up study. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2021; 30:1495-1500. [PMID: 33387050 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-020-06703-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to assess the nerve function deficient recovery in surgically treated patients with cervical trauma with spinal cord injury (SCI) in chronic stage and figure out prognostic predictors of improvement in impairment and function. METHODS We reviewed the clinical and radiological data of 143 cervical SCI patients in chronic stage and divided into non-operative group (n = 61) and operative group (n = 82). The severity of neurological involvement was assessed using the ASIA motor score (AMS) and Functional Independence Measure Motor Score (FIM MS). The health-related quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Correspondence between the clinical and radiological findings and the neurological outcome was investigated. RESULTS At 2-year follow-up, surgery resulted in greater improvement in AMS and FIM MS than non-operative group. Regression analysis revealed that lower initial AMS (P = 0.000), longer duration after injury (P = 0.022) and injury above C4 level (P = 0.022) were factors predictive of lower final AMS. Longer duration (P = 0.020) and injury above C4 level (P = 0.010) were associated with a lower FIM MS. SF-36 scores were significantly lower in higher age (P = 0.015), female patients (P = 0.009) and patients with longer duration (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION It is reasonable to consider surgical decompression in patients with cervical SCI in chronic stage and persistent spinal cord compression and/or gross cervical instability. Initial AMS, longer duration, injury above C4 level, higher age and female patients are the five major relevant factors of functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyue Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuluo Rong
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyu Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiesheng Hou
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihua Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shunzhi Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai, China.
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Parthiban J, Zileli M, Sharif SY. Outcomes of Spinal Cord Injury: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations. Neurospine 2020; 17:809-819. [PMID: 33401858 PMCID: PMC7788418 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2040490.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review article aims to provide some definitive statements on the factors like clinical syndromes, radiological findings, and decompressive surgery, that may influence the outcomes in cervical spinal cord injury management. Literature search on these factors published in the last decade were analyzed and definite statements prepared and voted for consensus opinion by the WFNS Spine Committee members and experts in this field at a meeting in Moscow in June 2019 using Delphi method. This was re-evaluated in a meeting in Pakistan in November 2019. Finally, the consensus statements were brought out as recommendations by the committee to the world literature. Traumatic Spinal Cord Syndromes have good prognosis except in elderly and when the presenting neurological deficit was very poor. Though conservative management provides satisfactory results, results can be improved with surgery when instability and progressive compression was present. Locked facet with spinal cord injury denotes poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging T2 imaging is the essential prognostic indicator that apart from sagittal grade, length of injury, maximum canal compromise, maximum spinal cord compression, axial grading (BASIC) score. Diffusion tensor imaging is the next promising predictor in the pipeline. Decompressive surgery when done earlier especially within 24 hours of injury provides better result and there is no clear evidence to show medical management is better or equivalent to delayed surgical management. Clinical syndromes, radiological syndromes, and surgical decompression have strong impact on the out comes in the management of cervical spinal cord injury. Our comprehensive review and final recommendations on this subject will be of great importance in understanding the complex treatment methods in use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutty Parthiban
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kovai Medical Center Hospital, Coimbatore, India
| | - Mehmet Zileli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Salman Yousuf Sharif
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
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Badhiwala JH, Wilson JR, Witiw CD, Harrop JS, Vaccaro AR, Aarabi B, Grossman RG, Geisler FH, Fehlings MG. The influence of timing of surgical decompression for acute spinal cord injury: a pooled analysis of individual patient data. Lancet Neurol 2020; 20:117-126. [PMID: 33357514 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(20)30406-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is a strong biological rationale for early decompression of the injured spinal cord, the influence of the timing of surgical decompression for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) remains debated, with substantial variability in clinical practice. We aimed to objectively evaluate the effect of timing of decompressive surgery for acute SCI on long-term neurological outcomes. METHODS We did a pooled analysis of individual patient data derived from four independent, prospective, multicentre data sources, including data from December, 1991, to March, 2017. Three of these studies had been published; of these, only one study previously specifically analysed the effect of the timing of surgical decompression. These four datasets were selected because they were among the highest quality acute SCI datasets available and contained highly granular data. Individual patient data were obtained by request from study authors. All patients who underwent decompressive surgery for acute SCI within these datasets were included. Patients were stratified into early (<24 h after spinal injury) and late (≥24 h after spinal injury) decompression groups. Neurological outcomes were assessed by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), or International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI), examination. The primary endpoint was change in total motor score from baseline to 1 year after spinal injury. Secondary endpoints were ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade and change in upper-extremity motor, lower-extremity motor, light touch, and pin prick scores after 1 year. One-stage meta-analyses were done by hierarchical mixed-effects regression adjusting for baseline score, age, mechanism of injury, AIS grade, level of injury, and administration of methylprednisolone. Effect sizes were summarised by mean difference (MD) for sensorimotor scores and common odds ratio (cOR) for AIS grade, with corresponding 95% CIs. As a secondary analysis, change in total motor score was regressed against time to surgical decompression (h) as a continuous variable, using a restricted cubic spline with adjustment for the same covariates as in the primary analysis. FINDINGS We identified 1548 eligible patients from the four datasets. Outcome data at 1 year after spinal injury were available for 1031 patients (66·6%). Patients who underwent early surgical decompression (n=528) experienced greater recovery than patients who had late decompression surgery (n=1020) at 1 year after spinal injury; total motor scores improved by 23·7 points (95% CI 19·2-28·2) in the early surgery group versus 19·7 points (15·3-24·0) in the late surgery group (MD 4·0 points [1·7-6·3]; p=0·0006), light touch scores improved by 19·0 points (15·1-23·0) vs 14·8 points (11·2-18·4; MD 4·3 [1·6-7·0]; p=0·0021), and pin prick scores improved by 18·3 points (13·7-22·9) versus 14·2 points (9·8-18·6; MD 4·0 [1·5-6·6]; p=0·0020). Patients who had early decompression also had better AIS grades at 1 year after surgery, indicating less severe impairment, compared with patients who had late surgery (cOR 1·48 [95% CI 1·16-1·89]; p=0·0019). When time to surgical decompression was modelled as a continuous variable, there was a steep decline in change in total motor score with increasing time during the first 24-36 h after injury (p<0·0001); and after 36 h, change in total motor score plateaued. INTERPRETATION Surgical decompression within 24 h of acute SCI is associated with improved sensorimotor recovery. The first 24-36 h after injury appears to represent a crucial time window to achieve optimal neurological recovery with decompressive surgery following acute SCI. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jetan H Badhiwala
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jefferson R Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher D Witiw
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James S Harrop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert G Grossman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Rafter D, Vasdev R, Hurrelbrink D, Gormley M, Chettupally T, Shen FX, Samadani U. Litigation risks despite guideline adherence for acute spinal cord injury: time is spine. Neurosurg Focus 2020; 49:E17. [PMID: 33130619 DOI: 10.3171/2020.8.focus20607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current guidelines do not specify timing for management of acute spinal cord injury (aSCI) due to lack of high-quality evidence supporting specific intervals for intervention. Randomized prospective trials may be unethical. Nonetheless, physicians have been sued for delays in diagnosis and intervention. METHODS The authors reviewed both the medical literature supporting the guidelines and the legal cases reported in the Westlaw and Lexis Advance databases from 1972 to 2018 resulting in awards or settlements, to identify whether surgeons are vulnerable to litigation despite the existence of guidelines not mandating specific timing of care. RESULTS Timing of intervention was related to claims in 59 (36%) of 163 cases involving SCI. All 22 trauma cases identified cited timing of intervention, sometimes related to delayed diagnosis, as a reason for the lawsuit. The mean award of 10 cases in which the plaintiffs' awards were disclosed was $4,294,384. In the majority of cases, award amounts were not disclosed. CONCLUSIONS Because conduct of a prospective, randomized trial to investigate surgical timing of intervention for aSCI may not be achievable, evidence-based guidelines will be unlikely to mandate specific timing. Nonetheless, surgeons who unreasonably delay intervention for aSCI may be at risk for litigation due to treatment delay. This is increasingly likely in an environment where "complete" SCI is difficult to verify. SCI may at some point be recognized as a surgical emergency, as brain injury generally is, despite a lack of prospective randomized trials supporting this implementation, challenging the feasibility of the US trauma infrastructure to provide care for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rafter
- 1Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ranveer Vasdev
- 1Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Duncan Hurrelbrink
- 1Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mark Gormley
- 1Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Tabitha Chettupally
- 1Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Francis X Shen
- 2University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,3Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Uzma Samadani
- 1Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,4Neurosurgery Section, Department of Neurosurgery, Minneapolis VA, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Qadir I, Riew KD, Alam SR, Akram R, Waqas M, Aziz A. Timing of Surgery in Thoracolumbar Spine Injury: Impact on Neurological Outcome. Global Spine J 2020; 10:826-831. [PMID: 32905717 PMCID: PMC7485084 DOI: 10.1177/2192568219876258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the improvement in neurological deficit following early versus late decompression and stabilization of thoracolumbar junctional fractures. METHODS This is a retrospective evaluation of all patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) from T11 to L2 treated at a teaching hospital between 2010 and 2017. Grouped analysis was performed comparing the cohort of patients who received early surgery within 24 hours (group 1) with those operated within 24 to 72 hours (group 2) and more than 72 hours after SCI (group 3). The primary outcome was the change in ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) motor score at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS There were 317 patients (225 males and 92 females with mean age of 31.55 ± 12.43 years). A total of 144, 77, and 96 patients belonged to groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Improvement of at least 1 grade on ASIA classification was observed in 80, 45, and 33 patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively (P = .001). Overall, 32, 12, and 10 patients improved ≥2 grades on ASIA classification in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = .069). On logistic regression analysis, early surgery and severity of initial injury (complete [ASIA A] vs incomplete SCI [ASIA B-D]) were found to significantly influence the potential for neurologic improvement (P = .004 and P < .0001, respectively). CONCLUSION We believe that the earlier the decompression, the better. The 72-hour cutoff represents the most promising time window during which surgical decompression has the potential to confer a neuroprotective effect in the setting of incomplete SCI (ASIA B-D) in the distal region of the spinal cord (conus medullaris).
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Qadir
- Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan,Irfan Qadir, Department of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Jallo Mor, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | | | | | - Rizwan Akram
- Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Amer Aziz
- Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
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Early versus late surgical intervention for central cord syndrome: A nationwide all-payer inpatient analysis of length of stay, discharge destination and cost of care. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 196:106029. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Li J, Zhu Y, Li Y, He S, Wang D. Motor unit number index detects the effectiveness of surgical treatment in improving distal motor neuron loss in patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:549. [PMID: 32799830 PMCID: PMC7429685 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03567-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery of motor dysfunction is important for patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). To enhance the recovery of muscle strength, both research and treatments mainly focus on injury of upper motor neurons at the direct injury site. However, accumulating evidences have suggested that SCI has a downstream effect on the peripheral nervous system, which may contribute to the poor improvement of the muscle strength after operation. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of early vs. delayed surgical intervention on the lower motor neurons (LMNs) distal to the injury site in patients with incomplete cervical SCI. METHODS Motor unit number index (MUNIX) was performed on the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) and abductor hallucis (AH) in 47 patients with incomplete cervical SCI (early vs. delayed surgical-treatment: 17 vs. 30) and 34 healthy subjects approximately 12 months after operation. All patients were further assessed by American spinal injury association (ASIA) motor scales and Medical Research Council (MRC) scales. RESULTS There are no difference of both ASIA motor scores and MRC scales between the patients who accepted early and delayed surgical treatment (P > 0.05). In contrast, the patients undergoing early surgical treatment showed lower MUSIX values in both bilateral EDB and bilateral TA, along with greater MUNIX values in both right-side EDB and right-side TA, compared to the patients who accepted delayed surgical treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cervical SCI has a negative effect on the LMNs distal to the injury site. Early surgical intervention in Cervical SCI patients may improve the dysfunction of LMNs distal to the injury site, reducing secondary motor neuron loss, and eventually improving clinical prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Orthopedics, College of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Ten Hospitals of Nanjing Medical University, 301 Yanchang Middle Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, 201600, China
| | - Yancheng Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, 201600, China
| | - Shisheng He
- Department of Orthopedics, College of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Ten Hospitals of Nanjing Medical University, 301 Yanchang Middle Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Deguo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, 201600, China.
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Early Surgical Decompression Ameliorates Dysfunction of Spinal Motor Neuron in Patients With Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome: An Ambispective Cohort Analysis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2020; 45:E829-E838. [PMID: 32097277 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An ambispective cohort analysis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of early (≤2 weeks) versus delayed (>2 weeks) surgical intervention on the spinal motor neurons at and distal to injury site in acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Accumulating evidence demonstrated degeneration in distal lower motor neurons (LMNs) following spinal cord injury, and this secondary degeneration may exacerbate motor impairments and limit spontaneous motor recovery. However, few studies involved this pathological process in ATCCS. METHODS Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) was performed on both abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) in 69 ATCCS patients (early vs. delayed surgical-treatment: 29 vs. 35) and 42 healthy subjects. All patients were assessed by American spinal injury association and Medical Research Council scales. These examinations and disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (c) questionnaire were administered approximately 21 months after operation in 65 of these patients. RESULTS Preoperatively, MUNE values were lower in cervical-innervated muscles of ATCCS patients than in those of controls, and reduced motor units were observed in lumbosacral-innervated muscles in ATCCS patients with preoperative duration over 6 months (P < 0.05). Increased motor unit size without modification of MUNE values was found in delayed-surgical patients, whereas early-surgical patients mainly showed increased MUNE values in tested muscles between two assessments (P < 0.05). The postoperative follow-up analysis identified larger motor unit size and relatively fewer motor units in tested muscles, as well as higher DASH scores, in delayed-surgical patients than in early-surgical patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION ATCCS has adverse downstream effects on the LMNs distal to injury site. Surgical intervention within 2 weeks after injury in ATCCS patients may be beneficial in ameliorating dysfunction of spinal motor neurons at and distal to injury site, reducing secondary motor neuron loss, and eventually improving neurologic outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
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Nonoperative treatment of traumatic spinal injuries in Tanzania: who is not undergoing surgery and why? Spinal Cord 2020; 58:1197-1205. [PMID: 32350408 PMCID: PMC7222864 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-0474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective, cohort study of a prospectively collected database. OBJECTIVES In a cohort of patients with traumatic spine injury (TSI) in Tanzania who did not undergo surgery, we sought to: (1) describe this nonoperative population, (2) compare outcomes to operative patients, and (3) determine predictors of nonoperative treatment. SETTING Tertiary referral hospital. METHODS All patients admitted for TSI over a 33-month period were reviewed. Variables included demographics, fracture morphology, neurologic exam, indication for surgery, length of hospitalization, and mortality. Regression analyses were used to report outcomes and predictors of nonoperative treatment. RESULTS 270 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 145 were managed nonoperatively. Demographics between groups were similar. The nonoperative group was young (mean = 35.5 years) and primarily male (n = 125, 86%). Nonoperative patients had 7.39 times the odds of death (p = 0.003). Patients with AO type A0/1/2/3 fractures (p < 0.001), ASIA E exams (p = 0.016), cervical spine injuries (p = 0.005), and central cord syndrome (p = 0.016) were more commonly managed nonoperatively. One hundred and twenty-four patients (86%) had indications for but did not undergo surgery. After multivariate analysis, the only predictor of nonoperative management was sustaining a cervical injury (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Eighty-six percent of nonoperative TSI patients had an indication for surgery. Nonoperative management was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Cervical injury was the single independent risk factor for not undergoing surgery. The principle reason for nonoperative management was cost of implants. While a causal relationship between nonoperative management and inferior outcomes cannot be made, efforts should be made to provide surgery when indicated, regardless of a patient's ability to pay.
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Roquilly A, Vigué B, Boutonnet M, Bouzat P, Buffenoir K, Cesareo E, Chauvin A, Court C, Cook F, de Crouy AC, Denys P, Duranteau J, Fuentes S, Gauss T, Geeraerts T, Laplace C, Martinez V, Payen JF, Perrouin-Verbe B, Rodrigues A, Tazarourte K, Prunet B, Tropiano P, Vermeersch V, Velly L, Quintard H. French recommendations for the management of patients with spinal cord injury or at risk of spinal cord injury. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med 2020; 39:279-289. [PMID: 32229270 DOI: 10.1016/j.accpm.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To update the French guidelines on the management of trauma patients with spinal cord injury or suspected spinal cord injury. DESIGN A consensus committee of 27 experts was formed. A formal conflict-of-interest (COI) policy was developed at the outset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independently of any industrial funding (i.e. pharmaceutical, medical devices). The authors were advised to follow the rules of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE®) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence. The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasised. METHODS The committee studied twelve questions: (1) What are the indications and arrangements for spinal immobilisation? (2) What are the arrangements for pre-hospital orotracheal intubation? (3) What are the objectives of haemodynamic resuscitation during the lesion assessment, and during the first few days in hospital? (4) What is the best way to manage these patients to improve their long-term prognosis? (5) What is the place of corticosteroid therapy in the initial phase? (6) What are the indications for magnetic resonance imaging in the lesion assessment phase? (7) What is the optimal time for surgical management? (8) What are the best arrangements for orotracheal intubation in the hospital environment? (9) What are the specific conditions for weaning these patients from mechanical ventilation for? (10) What are the procedures for analgesic treatment of these patients? (11) What are the specific arrangements for installing and mobilising these patients? (12) What is the place of early intermittent bladder sampling in these patients? Each question was formulated in a PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format and the evidence profiles were produced. The literature review and recommendations were made according to the GRADE® Methodology. RESULTS The experts' work synthesis and the application of the GRADE method resulted in 19 recommendations. Among the recommendations formalised, 2 have a high level of evidence (GRADE 1+/-) and 12 have a low level of evidence (GRADE 2+/-). For 5 recommendations, the GRADE method could not be applied, resulting in expert advice. After two rounds of scoring and one amendment, strong agreement was reached on all the recommendations. CONCLUSIONS There was significant agreement among experts on strong recommendations to improve practices for the management of patients with spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Roquilly
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France.
| | - B Vigué
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Bicêtre University Hospital, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - M Boutonnet
- Hôpital d'instruction des armées Percy, Clamart, France
| | - P Bouzat
- Grenoble Alps Trauma Centre, Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - K Buffenoir
- Neurosurgery department, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - E Cesareo
- Edouard-Herriot University Hospital, Lyon, France
| | - A Chauvin
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Lariboisière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - C Court
- Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Spine and Bone Tumor Unit, Bicêtre University Hospital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - F Cook
- Unité de réanimation chirurgicale polyvalente et de polytraumatologie, Albert-Chenevier-Henri-Mondor University Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - A C de Crouy
- Unité SRPR/Réanimation chirurgicale, Bicêtre University Hospital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - P Denys
- Orthopaedic department, Spine and Bone Tumor Unit. Bicêtre University Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - J Duranteau
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Bicêtre University Hospital, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - S Fuentes
- Aix-Marseille University, AP-HM, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Timone, Marseille, France
| | - T Gauss
- Post-Intensive Care Rehabilitation Unit, Bicêtre University Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - T Geeraerts
- Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Department, Toulouse University Hospital, University of Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - C Laplace
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Bicêtre University Hospital, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - V Martinez
- Neuro Urology Unit, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Raymond Poincaré University Hospital, Garches, France
| | - J F Payen
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Grenoble Alps University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - B Perrouin-Verbe
- Department of Neurological Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - A Rodrigues
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Bicêtre University Hospital, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - K Tazarourte
- Emergency department, Edouard-Herriot University Hospital, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - B Prunet
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Val-de-Grâce Hospital, Paris, France
| | - P Tropiano
- Aix-Marseille University, AP-HM, Orthopaedic and traumatic surgery, University Hospital Timone, Marseille, France
| | - V Vermeersch
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - L Velly
- Aix Marseille University, AP-HM, Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Timone, Marseille, France
| | - H Quintard
- Intensive Care Unit, Nice University Hospital, Pasteur 2 Hospital, Nice, France
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