Simultaneously Combined Anterior-Posterior Approaches for Subaxial Cervical Circumferential Reconstruction in a Sitting Position

Biomechanics considerations in the treatment of double traumatic non-contiguous subaxial cervical lesions

Double traumatic non-contiguous lesions of the subaxial cervical region are a rare event mostly caused by multiple, simultaneous or rapidly consecutive high-energy-impact traumas. The modality of treatment chosen for these lesions must be related to local lower cervical spine biomechanics. We present the case of a 59 year-old patient who suffered a subaxial cervical spine double fracture-dislocation following a complex-dynamic trauma. Radiological imaging displayed a C4-C5 and C7-T1 fracture-dislocation with cord signal intensity abnormalities. This patient showed a complete neurological deficit (ASIA A; mJOA 0) with a C4 sensory-motor level. He was urgently operated upon through an anterior approach, reduction of both dislocations and positioning of intervertebral cages and anterior plates at C4-C5 and C7-T1. At a 16-month follow-up he displays neurological improvement, moving his upper extremities at the C7-C8 motor level and a T5 sensory level (mJOA 3; Odom's Criteria 3). The check-CT scan at 24-month shows the correct positioning of the stabilization system and a complete bone fusion.Double traumatic lesions of the subaxial cervical spine, when interposed by healthy functional segments can be treated as two single independent lesions in order to allow a better outcome.

Surgical Considerations to Improve Recovery in Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a devastating and costly event for individuals, their families, and the health system as a whole. Prognosis is heavily dependent on the physical extent of the injury and the severity of neurological dysfunction. If not treated urgently, individuals can suffer exacerbated secondary injury cascades that may increase tissue injury and limit recovery. Initial recognition and rapid treatment of acute SCI are vital to limiting secondary injury, reducing morbidity, and providing the best chance of functional recovery. This article aims to review the pathophysiology of SCI and the most up-to-date management of the acute traumatic SCI, specifically examining the modern approaches to surgical treatments along with the ethical limitations of research in this field.

Anterior reduction and fusion for acute unilateral cervical facet dislocation without severe spinal cord injuries

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate safety and effectiveness of simple anterior reduction and fusion for acute lower cervical unilateral facet dislocation without severe spinal cord injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and two patients with unilateral cervical facet dislocations without severe spinal cord injuries who were surgically treated by the only anterior approach were analyzed. The treatment effects were evaluated based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, the Cobb angle of kyphosis, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Odom's criteria. Neurological recovery of patients was assessed by the Frankel grading.

RESULTS

The mean duration of follow-up was 12.4 ± 4.2 years (range, 10 to 17 years). VAS scores, Kyphosis angle and NDI scores were significantly changed from preoperative values of 7.4 ± 0.8, 11.3° ± 6.8° and 29.3 ± 5.1 to last follow-up values of 1.3 ± 0.8, -6.1° ± 7.5° and 8.8 ± 3.6 (P = 0.000). Of patients, 92 (90.2%) had good to excellent outcomes, 9 (8.8%) had satisfactory outcomes, and 1 (1.0%) had poor outcomes. Patients have obtained satisfactory neurological recovery. Three patients needed additional posterior reduction.

CONCLUSION

The anterior reduction and fusion is effective and safe for acute unilateral cervical facet dislocation, and can achieve good long-term clinical effects.

Comparison of anterior and posterior approaches for treatment of traumatic cervical dislocation combined with spinal cord injury: Minimum 10-year follow-up

Anterior reduction and interbody fusion fixation has not been compared directly with posterior reduction and short-segmental pedicle screw fixation for lower cervical dislocation, and so consensus is lacking as to which is the optimal method. The purpose of this paper is to compare long-term outcomes of the anterior versus posterior approach for traumatic cervical dislocation with spinal cord injury. One hundred and fifty-nine patients could be followed for more than 10 years (follow-up rate 84.1%). Ninety-two patients underwent anterior reduction and interbody fusion and fixation, and 67 patients underwent posterior reduction and short-segmental pedicle screw fixation. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the American Spinal Injury Association grading (ASIA), Odom's criteria, cervical kyphosis, operative parameters, and surgical or post-operative complications were evaluated. Patients were followed for 10 to 17 years. There was no significant difference in main JOA scores, NDI scores or ASIA scores between the two groups at follow-up. The posterior approach was associated with greater loss of alignment by two years (P = 0.012) and at final follow-up (P < 0.001). The posterior approach group had more blood loss (P < 0.001), longer operation times (P < 0.001), longer hospital stays (P < 0.001) and fewer complications than the anterior approach group. The anterior approach is better than the posterior approach for preserving cervical lordosis, which is associated with a better long-term effect.