Resection of a retropharyngeal craniovertebral junction chordoma through a posterior cervical approach

[Transoral approach in surgery for chordomas extending into craniovertebral junction: a systematic review of the literature]

To date, treatment of chordomas involves maximal tumor resection followed by proton therapy. Various approaches are used depending on location of tumor (transcranial and through natural anatomical openings (nose, mouth), as well as their combinations). Although transoral approach has been introduced into neurosurgical practice for a long time, it is routinely used in patients with chordoma only in certain hospitals in the world.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze postoperative outcomes in patients with chordomas of skull base and craniovertebral joint after transoral surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed literature data devoted to patients with chordomas of skull base and craniovertebral joint after transoral surgery or another approach combined with transoral access. Among 111 primary articles, we selected 38 manuscripts including description of 109 patients with skull base chordoma who underwent transoral surgery or combination of approaches including transoral one.

RESULTS

Gross total resection was achieved in 45.9% (n=50) of cases including 1 patient after en bloc resection. Subtotal resection was carried out in 28.4% of cases, partial - in 24.8%, biopsy - in 0.9% of cases. The complication rate in this group was 30%. The most common events were swelling of the tongue (10%) and diastasis of posterior pharyngeal wall sutures (8.2%) that required redo surgery. CSF leakage and meningitis were rare (1.8% and 3.6%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Transoral access allows for gross total resection of midline tumors with low incidence of severe complications. Combination of transoral and transcranial approaches is advisable to increase extent of resection.

Reconstruction after resection of C2 vertebral tumors: A comparative study of 3D-printed vertebral body versus titanium mesh

Background

Surgical resection of C2 vertebral tumors is challenging owing to the complex anatomy of C2 vertebrae and the challenges to surgical exposure. Various surgical approaches are available, but some are associated with excessively high risks of complications. An additional challenge is reconstruction of the upper cervical spine following surgery. In the last decade, additive-manufacturing personalized artificial vertebral bodies (AVBs) have been introduced for the repair of large, irregular bony defects; however, their use and efficacy in upper cervical surgery have not been well addressed. Therefore, in this study, we compared instrumented fixation status between patients who underwent conventional titanium mesh reconstruction and those who underwent the same resection but with personalized AVBs.

Methods

We performed a retrospective comparative study and recruited a single-institution cohort of patients with C2 vertebral tumors. Clinical data and imaging findings were reviewed. Through data processing and comparative analysis, we described and discussed the feasibility and safety of surgical resection and the outcomes of hardware implants. The primary outcome of this study was instrumented fixation status.

Results

The 31 recruited patients were divided into two groups. There were 13 patients in group A who underwent conventional titanium mesh reconstruction and 18 group B patients who underwent personalized AVBs. All patients underwent staged posterior and anterior surgical procedures. In the cohort, 9.7% achieved total en bloc resection of the tumor, while gross total resection was achieved in the remaining 90.3%. The perioperative complication and mortality rates were 45.2% and 6.5%, respectively. The occurrence of perioperative complications was related to the choice of anterior approach (p < 0.05). Group A had a higher complication rate than group B (p < 0.05). Four patients (4/13, 30.8%) developed hardware problems during the follow-up period; however, this rate was marginally higher than that of group B (1/18, 5.6%).

Conclusions

Total resection of C2 vertebral tumors was associated with a high risk of perioperative complications. The staged posterior and retropharyngeal approaches are better surgical strategies for C2 tumors. Personalized AVBs can provide a reliable reconstruction outcome, yet minor pitfalls remain that call for further modification.

Tailored Posterior-Only Approach for C2 Vertebral Body Lesions: Our Surgical Experience in 10 Patients

BACKGROUND

C2 vertebral body (axis) lesions are often approached anteriorly and combined with posterior stabilization of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). The anterior approach has its limitations. A posterolateral corridor is an alternative access to the C2 body lesions, and this alone may suffice in selected cases. We describe our experience with C2 body lesions, dealt primarily through a posterior approach, and propose an algorithm in the management of such cases.

METHODS

Ten patients with axis lesions were operated through a midline posterior approach followed by posterior stabilization of the CVJ in the same sitting. Their preoperative and follow-up clinico-radiologic details were reviewed.

RESULTS

The lesions included aneurysmal bone cysts (n = 2), fibrous dysplasia (n = 2), chordoma (n = 2), Ewing sarcoma (n = 1), metastases (n = 1), post-traumatic malunion (n = 1), and post-inflammatory deformity (n = 1). All patients presented with worsening neck pain. Five also had spastic quadriparesis. There were no perioperative complications. All showed clinical improvement at follow-up. Only 2 patients (chordoma: n = 1; aneurysmal bone cyst: n = 1) required an additional anterior procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate debulking or total excision of lesion, neural decompression, and stabilization of the CVJ for axis body lesions can be achieved through a single midline posterior approach in most cases. If required, an anterior approach may be later added depending on the final histopathology.

Marginal En Bloc Resection of C2-C3 Chordoma with Bilateral Vertebral Artery Preservation and Mesh Cage Reconstruction with Review of Previously Published Cases

BACKGROUND

Chordomas arise from remnants of the notochord and occur throughout the neuroaxis. En bloc resection of chordomas can prove especially challenging in the upper cervical spine secondary to the unique structural anatomy and intimate relationship to the vertebral arteries and spinal cord.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe the resection of a C2-C3 chordoma in a 55-year-old woman in 2-stage fashion with preservation of the vertebral arteries. First, a posterior instrumented fusion and removal of the posterior elements was performed, followed by an anterior transmandibular en bloc resection with cage reconstruction with kick-plate support achievable with off-the-shelf products.

CONCLUSIONS

Chordomas in the upper cervical spine pose a surgical challenge but are amenable to en bloc resection. With careful planning and intraoperative adaptability, the surgeon can achieve a suitable reconstruction with off-the-shelf products.

A novel minimally invasive, dorsolateral, tubular partial odontoidectomy and autologous bone augmentation to treat dens pseudarthrosis: cadaveric, 3D virtual simulation study and technical report

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to demonstrate the clinical and technical nuances of a minimally invasive, dorsolateral, tubular approach for partial odontoidectomy, autologous bone augmentation, and temporary C1–2 fixation to treat dens pseudarthrosis.

METHODS

A cadaveric feasibility study, a 3D virtual reality reconstruction study, and the subsequent application of this approach in 2 clinical cases are reported. Eight procedures were completed in 4 human cadavers. A minimally invasive, dorsolateral, tubular approach for odontoidectomy was performed with the aid of a tubular retraction system, using a posterolateral incision and an oblique approach angle. Fluoroscopy and postprocedural CT, using 3D volumetric averaging software, were used to evaluate the degree of bone removal of C1–2 lateral masses and the C-2 pars interarticularis. Two clinical cases were treated using the approach: a 23-year-old patient with an odontoid fracture and pseudarthrosis, and a 35-year-old patient with a history of failed conservative treatment for odontoid fracture.

RESULTS

At 8 cadaveric levels, the mean volumetric bone removal of the C1–2 lateral masses on 1 side was 3% ± 1%, and the mean resection of the pars interarticularis on 1 side was 2% ± 1%. The median angulation of the trajectory was 50°, and the median distance from the midline of the incision entry point on the skin surface was 67 mm. The authors measured the diameter of the working channel in relation to head positioning and assessed a greater working corridor of 12 ± 4 mm in 20° inclination, 15° contralateral rotation, and 5° lateral flexion to the contralateral side. There were no violations of the dura. The reliability of C-2 pedicle screws and C-1 lateral mass screws was 94% (15 of 16 screws) with a single lateral breach. The patients treated experienced excellent clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A minimally invasive, dorsolateral, tubular odontoidectomy and autologous bone augmentation combined with C1–2 instrumentation has the ability to provide excellent 1-stage management of an odontoid pseudarthrosis. The procedure can be completed safely and successfully with minimal blood loss and little associated morbidity. This approach has the potential to provide not only a less invasive approach but also a function-preserving option to treat complex C1–2 anterior disease.

Fusion following lateral mass reconstruction in the cervical spine

OBJECT

Recently, aggressive surgical techniques and a push toward en bloc resections of certain tumors have resulted in a need for creative spinal column reconstruction. Iatrogenic instability following these resections requires a thoughtful approach to adequately transfer load-bearing forces from the skull and upper cervical spine to the subaxial spine.

METHODS

The authors present a series of 7 cases in which lateral mass reconstruction with a cage or fibular strut graft was used to provide load-bearing support, including 1 case of bilateral cage placement.

RESULTS

The authors discuss the surgical nuances of en bloc resection of high cervical tumors and explain their technique for lateral mass cage placement. Additionally, they provide their rationale for the use of these constructs throughout the craniocervical junction and subaxial spine.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral mass reconstruction provides a potential alternative or adjuvant method of restoring the load-bearing capabilities of the cervical spine.

5-Level spondylectomy for en bloc resection of thoracic chordoma: case report

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Primary tumors of the spine are considered for en bloc resection to improve local control and even obtain cure. Anatomic restrictions often prohibit extensive resections with negative margins that are safe and feasible. We report the first case involving a patient with a large chordoma of the thoracic spine who underwent a successful 5-level spondylectomy with bilateral chest wall resection for en bloc resection without neurologic compromise.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 26-year-old woman with a chest mass was found to have a T1-5 chordoma via a percutaneous biopsy. En bloc resection of the mass was thought to be the best option for long-term local control and possible cure. She presented without neurologic or pulmonary dysfunction. The patient underwent a 3-stage procedure. The first stage involved a posterior C2-T8 exposure, allowing release of posterior elements from C7 to T6 and instrumented stabilization from C2 to T8. T1-5 ribs were cut bilaterally, and 2 wire saws were placed ventral to the thecal sac at the C7-T1 and T5-6 disc levels. The second stage involved a right-sided thoracotomy, and the T5-6 wire saw was used to complete the lower osteotomy. The third stage involved completion of the C7-T1 osteotomy with the wire saw, delivery of the tumor specimen en bloc, ventral reconstruction of the spine with a titanium mesh cage, and bilateral thoracoplasty.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case report of a 5-level spondylectomy for en bloc resection of an extensive thoracic chordoma via a bilateral thoractomy without neurologic compromise.