Microendoscopic excision of C2 osteoid osteoma: a technical report

Osteoid osteoma presenting with scoliosis: successful resection with endoscopic excision

A young male in his mid-teen years presented with severe back pain for 3 months and was subsequently diagnosed with osteoid osteoma in the left superior articular process of the L4 vertebra. Initial treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provided temporary relief. Due to concerns about scoliosis progression along with unrelieved pain, a multidisciplinary team recommended endoscopic excision of the osteoid osteoma. The procedure resulted in complete pain relief and an improvement in the scoliosis curve from 22° of Cobb's angle to 12 degrees at the 8-month follow-up.

Remodeling of Lumbar Spinal Osteoid Osteoma Resected With Microscopic Surgery in a 15-Year-Old Basketball Player: A Case Report

This case report focuses on a 15-year-old competitive-level high school basketball player who experienced chronic low back pain. Diagnostic imaging revealed osteoid osteoma in the L5 posterior element, causing osteosclerotic deformity of the left lamina and more inferior facet. To return him to the condition of sports activity, less invasive surgery of microscopic tumor resection with autologous bone grafting was planned instead of CT-guided ablation, which can cause thermal injury to nearby tissues. This procedure could preserve spinal structures, including the facet, pedicle, and paravertebral muscles. The day after surgery, the patient experienced a complete resolution of lower back pain. He gradually resumed light exercise two months postoperatively. Three-month follow-up CT imaging revealed bone remodeling at the resection site, to return to complete basketball activities. Over five years, no tumor recurrence or symptoms were observed, and he maintained his competitive activity level.

Transnasal Endoscopic Approach for Osteoid Osteoma of the Odontoid Process in a Child: Technical Note and Systematic Review of the Literature

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a primary benign tumor that accounts for up to 3% of all bone tumors. The cervical spine is less affected by OOs, and very few cases of C2 OOs have been reported in the literature, both in adults and children. Surgery may be required in case of functional torticollis, stiffness, and reduced range of motion (ROM) due to cervical OOs refractory to medical therapy. Several posterior and anterior surgical techniques have been described to remove C2 OOs. In particular, anterior approaches to the cervical spine represent the most used surgical route for treating C2 OOs. We describe the first case of OO of the odontoid process removed through a transnasal endoscopic approach with the aid of neuronavigation in a 6-year-old child. No intraoperative complications occurred, and the post-operative course was uneventful. The patient had immediate relief of neck pain and remained pain-free throughout the follow-up period, with complete functional recovery of the neck range of motion (ROM). In this case, based on the favorable anatomy, the transnasal endoscopic approach represented a valuable strategy for the complete removal of an anterior C2 OO without the need for further vertebral fixation since the preservation of ligaments and paravertebral soft tissue.

History of Endoscopic Spine Surgery in India

Endoscopic spine surgeries provide distinct advantages and is therefore a viable alternative to open or microscopic techniques. Indian surgeons have shown their expertise from craniovertebral junction to lumbosacral spine with these techniques. Many novel approaches like endoscopic transcervical, partial corpectomy, and others have been designed, and many technological innovations for these surgeries have been made. With different training programs attracting both native and international surgeons, the future of endoscopic spine surgery is bright.

Motion preservation surgery: excision of juxta C5-C6 intervertebral disc osteoid osteoma using 3D C-arm based navigation: technical report

INTRODUCTION

Precise targeted excision of the C5-C6 osteoid osteoma with placement of reference array on clavicle with minimal disturbance of anatomy and motion.

METHODS

A 20-year-old male presented with an osteoid osteoma in the superior end plate of the C6 vertebra abutting the spinal canal causing intractable pain. The authors curetted the nidus using a 3D C-arm-based intraoperative scan integrated with an optical navigation system through a minimal access anterior cervical exposure. The patient reference array was affixed to the left clavicle using a threaded pin.

RESULTS

The postoperative CT-scan revealed complete excision. Follow-up MRI and CT after 12 months revealed C5-C6 intervertebral disc to be intact without evidence of any tumor recurrence. VAS for neck pain improved from 8/10 to 2/10 immediately postoperatively and 0/10 at 1 year follow-up with no limitation of cervical movement. A motion segment was preserved with this technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Navigation allowed safe curettage of the nidus with minimal disturbance to the anatomy and motion. The site of attachment of patient reference array on clavicle can be recommended as stable, meeting all the criteria for optimal accuracy and stability.

A technical case report on use of tubular retractors for anterior cervical spine surgery

PURPOSE

The authors put-forth this technical report to establish the feasibility of performing an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) and a two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a minimally invasive approach with tubular retractors.

METHODS

First case: cervical spondylotic myelopathy secondary to a large postero-inferiorly migrated disc treated with corpectomy and reconstruction with a mesh cage and locking plate. Second case: cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy treated with a two-level ACDF. Both cases were operated with minimally invasive approach with tubular retractor using a single incision. Technical aspects and clinical outcomes have been reported.

RESULTS

No intra or post-operative complications were encountered. Intra-operative blood loss was negligible. The patients had a cosmetic scar on healing. Standard procedure of placement of tubular retractors is sufficient for adequate surgical exposure with minimal invasiveness.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive approach to anterior cervical spine with tubular retractors is feasible. This is the first report on use of minimally invasive approach for ACCF and two-level ACDF.

Use of minimally invasive spine surgical instruments for the treatment of bone tumors

INTRODUCTION

Orthopedic oncologists often encounter patients with minor bony lesions that are difficult to access surgically and therefore require large exposures out of proportion to the severity of disease that confer significant patient morbidity. Minimally invasive surgical techniques offer the advantage of smaller incisions, shorter operative times, decreased tissue damage, and decreased costs. A variety of surgical procedures have emerged using minimally invasive technologies, particularly in the field of spine surgery. Areas covered: In this article, we describe the Minimal Exposure Tubular Retractor (METRx^TM) System which is a minimally invasive surgical device that utilizes a series of dilators to permit access to a surgical site of interest. This system was developed for use in treatment of disc herniation, spinal stenosis, posterior lumbar interbody fusion, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and spinal cord stimulation implantation. We also describe novel uses of this system for minimally invasive biopsy and treatment of benign and metastatic bone lesions at our institution. Expert commentary: Minimally invasive surgical techniques will continue to expand into the field of orthopedic oncology. With a greater number of studies proving the safety and effectiveness of this technique, the demand for minimally invasive treatments will grow.

Remodeling of the Cervical Facet Joint After Minimally Invasive Microendoscopic Resection for Cervical Osteoid Osteoma

STUDY DESIGN

Case report and systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare case of remodeling of the cervical facet joint after the microendoscopic resection of an osteoid osteoma.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Osteoid osteoma, the third most common benign bone tumor, is often treated by image-guided percutaneous removal of the nidus. However, percutaneous resection poses technical difficulties when the tumor is located near the spinal cord or nerve roots. To our knowledge, there are no reports describing postoperative remodeling of the cervical facet joint after surgical resection of an osteoid osteoma.

METHODS

A 13-year-old boy was presented with neck pain that became worse at night. Computed tomography showed an osteoid osteoma in the right 7th cervical superior articular process. We successfully resected the nidus of the osteoid osteoma using minimally invasive microendoscopy.

RESULTS

The patient was symptom-free at the 1-year follow up, and computed tomography images showed new bone formation at the C6/7 facet joint.

CONCLUSION

This case indicates that microendoscopic resection is safe and effective for treating a cervical osteoid osteoma. This technique allowed total resection of the nidus with only minimal damage to the adjacent soft tissue and bone, and induced remodeling of the resection site.Level of Evidence: 4.

Microendoscopic lumbar discectomy: Technique and results of 188 cases

BACKGROUND

Discectomy performed open or with an operating microscope remains the standard surgical management. Tubular retractor system is being increasingly used. Potential benefits include less muscle and local damage, better cosmesis, decreased pain and operative time and faster recovery after surgery. We have evaluated the outcome of micro endoscopic discectomy (MED) utilizing tubular retractors in terms of safety and efficacy of the technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

188 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for herniated disc using the tubular retractors between April 2007 and April 2012 are reported. All patients had a preoperative MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and were operated by a single surgeon with the METRx system (Medtronic, Sofamor-Danek, Memphis, TN) using 18 and 16 mm ports. All patients were mobilized as soon as pain subsided and discharged within 24-48 hours post surgery. The results were evaluated by using VAS (Visual Analog Scale 0-5) for back and leg pain and ODI (Oswestry Disability Index). Patients were followed up at intervals of 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 2 years.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 46 years (range 16-78 years) and the sex ratio was 1.5 males to 1 female. The mean followup was 22 months (range 8-69 months). The mean VAS scale for leg pain improved from 4.14 to 0.76 (P < 0.05) and the mean VAS scale for back pain improved from 4.1 to 0.9 (P < 0.05). The mean ODI changed from 59.5 to 22.6 (P < 0.05). The mean operative time per level was about 50 minutes (range 20-90 minutes). Dural punctures occurred in 11 (5%) cases. Average blood loss was 30 ml (range 10-500 ml). A wrong level was identified and later corrected in a case of revision discectomy. Four patients with residual disc-herniation had revision MED and three patients with recurrent disc herniation later underwent fusion. One patient had wound infection which needed a debridement.

CONCLUSION

MED for herniated discs effectively achieves the goals of surgery with minimal access. The advantages of the procedure are cosmesis, early postoperative recovery and minimal postoperative morbidity.