Occipito-cervical fusion following gross total resection for the treatment of spinal extramedullary tumors in craniocervical junction: a retrospective case series

Craniovertebral Junction Instability after Oncological Resection: A Narrative Review

The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a complex transition area between the skull and cervical spine. Pathologies such as chordoma, chondrosarcoma and aneurysmal bone cysts may be encountered in this anatomical area and may predispose individuals to joint instability. An adequate clinical and radiological assessment is mandatory to predict any postoperative instability and the need for fixation. There is no common consensus on the need for, timing and setting of craniovertebral fixation techniques after a craniovertebral oncological surgery. The aim of the present review is to summarize the anatomy, biomechanics and pathology of the craniovertebral junction and to describe the available surgical approaches to and considerations of joint instability after craniovertebral tumor resections. Although a one-size-fits-all approach cannot encompass the extremely challenging pathologies encountered in the CVJ area, including the possible mechanical instability that is a consequence of oncological resections, the optimal surgical strategy (anterior vs posterior vs posterolateral) tailored to the patient's needs can be assessed preoperatively in many instances. Preserving the intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments, principally the transverse ligament, and the bony structures, namely the C1 anterior arch and occipital condyle, ensures spinal stability in most of the cases. Conversely, in situations that require the removal of those structures, or in cases where they are disrupted by the tumor, a thorough clinical and radiological assessment is needed to timely detect any instability and to plan a surgical stabilization procedure. We hope that this review will help shed light on the current evidence and pave the way for future studies on this topic.

Characteristics and Postoperative Outcomes for High Cervical versus Subaxial Cervical Intradural Extramedullary Tumors: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

High cervical intradural extramedullary tumors are uncommon. Their relationship to surrounding neural structures and vertebral arteries makes surgical excision challenging. No previous studies have compared high cervical to subaxial cervical intradural extramedullary spinal tumors to elucidate their unique characteristics and surgical outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in which patients who underwent excision of a cervical intradural extramedullary tumor were divided into a high cervical group and a subaxial cervical group. Variables included sex, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, volume, laterality, preoperative weakness, use of neuromonitoring and drains, instrumented fusion, complications, length of stay, histology, discharge location, recurrence, and duration of follow-up. Variables were compared between the 2 groups. Limb power and Nurick classification were charted preoperatively, at discharge, and at 6 months to plot their recovery trajectory.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients with a total of 90 tumors were enrolled, including 40 patients in the high cervical group and 44 patients in the subaxial spine group. More patients with neurofibromas (P = 0.011) and bilateral tumors (P = 0.044) were in the high cervical group. A greater prevalence of neurofibromatosis type 1 was significant for bilateral high cervical tumors (P = 0.033). More patients in the subaxial group had instrumented fusion (P = 0.045). More patients in the high cervical group had improvement in limb power (P = 0.025) and Nurick classification (P = 0.0001) postoperatively before discharge. By 6 months, both groups had similar recovery. No mortality was attributable to surgery in either group.

CONCLUSION

High cervical intradural extramedullary spine tumors have more bilateral tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Despite the challenging anatomy, surgical resection is safe with good outcomes in this group.

Surgical Management of Craniovertebral Junction Schwannomas: A Systematic Review

Background: Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) schwannomas are rare, with surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) being effective yet challenging options. We systematically reviewed the literature on CVJ schwannomas. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web-of-Science, and Cochrane were searched following the PRISMA statement to include studies reporting CVJ schwannomas. Clinical features, management, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: We collected 353 patients from 101 included articles. Presenting symptoms were mostly neck pain (30.3%) and headache (26.3%), with most cranial neuropathies involving the XII (31.2%) and X (24.4%) nerves. Most tumors originated from C2 (30.9%) and XII (29.4%) nerves, being extracranial (45.1%) and intradural-extradural (44.2%). Erosion of C1–C2 vertebrae (37.1%), the hypoglossal canal (28.3%), and/or jugular foramen (20.1%) were noted. All tumors were operated, preferably with the retrosigmoid approach (36.5%), with the far-lateral approach (29.7%) or with the posterior approach and cervical laminectomy (26.9%), far-lateral approaches (14.2%), or suboccipital craniotomy with concurrent cervical laminectomy (14.2%). Complete tumor resection was obtained most frequently (61.5%). Adjuvant post-surgery stereotactic radiosurgery was delivered in 5.9% patients. Median follow-up was 27 months (range, 12–252). Symptom improvement was noted in 88.1% of cases, and cranial neuropathies showed improvement in 10.2%. Post-surgical complications occurred in 83 patients (23.5%), mostly dysphagia (7.4%), new cranial neuropathies (6.2%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak (5.9%). A total of 16 patients (4.5%) had tumor recurrence and 7 died (2%), with median overall survival of 2.7 months (range, 0.1–252). Conclusions: Microsurgical resection is safe and effective for CVJ schwannomas. Data on SRS efficacy and indications are still lacking, and its role deserves further evaluation.

Surgical resection of intradural extramedullary tumors in the atlantoaxial spine via a posterior approach

BACKGROUND

The anatomical features of the atlantoaxial spine increase the difficulty of complete and safe removal of atlantoaxial intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors. Studies concerning surgical interventions via a posterior approach are limited.

AIM

To investigate the safety and efficacy of atlantoaxial IDEM tumor resection using a one-stage posterior approach.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical databases for one-stage atlantoaxial IDEM tumor resection via a posterior approach between January 2008 and January 2018. The analyzed data included tumor position, histopathological type, pre- and post-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and Nurick grades, postoperative complication and recurrence status.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients who underwent C1-C2 Laminectomy and/or unilateral facetectomy via the posterior approach were enrolled in the study. In all cases reviewed, total tumor resection and concomitant C1-C2 fusion were achieved. The average follow-up was 35.3 ± 6.9 mo (range, 26-49 mo). A statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative JOA score (11.2 ± 1.1) and the score at the last final follow-up (15.6 ± 1.0) (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative Nurick grade (2.3 ± 0.9) and that at the last follow-up (1.2 ± 0.4) (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative and last follow-up C1-2 Cobb angle and C2-7 Cobb angle (P > 0.05). No mortalities, severe complications or tumor recurrence were observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Total resection of atlantoaxial IDEM tumors is feasible and effective via a posterior approach. Surgical reconstruction should be considered to avoid iatrogenic kyphosis and improve spinal stability and overall clinical outcomes.

An investigation of craniocervical stability post-condylectomy

Background:

Occipital condylectomy is often necessary to gain surgical access to various neurological pathologies. As the lateral limit of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), partial condylectomy can lead to iatrogenic craniocervical instability. What was once considered an inoperable location is now the target of various complex neurosurgical procedures such as tumor resection and aneurysm clipping.

Methods:

In this study, we will review the anatomical structure of the CVJ and provide the first comprehensive assessment of studies investigating craniovertebral stability following condylectomy with the transcondylar surgical approaches. Furthermore, we discuss future considerations that must be evaluated to optimize the chances of preserving craniocervical stability postcondylectomy.

Results:

The current findings postulate upward of 75% of the occipital condyle can be resected without significantly affecting mobility of the CVJ. The current findings have only examined overall dimensions and have not established a significant correlation into how the shape of the occipital condyles can affect mobility. Occipitocervical fusion should only be considered after 50% condyle resection. In terms of indicators of anatomical stability, components of range of motion (ROM) such as the neutral zone (NZ) and the elastic zone (EZ) have been discussed as potential measures of craniocervical mobility. These components differ by the sense that the NZ has little ligament tension, whereas the EZ does represent ROM where ligaments experience tension. NZ is a more sensitive indicator of instability when measuring for instability postcondylectomy.

Conclusion:

Various transcondylar approaches have been developed to access this region including extreme-lateral and far-lateral condylectomy, with hopes of preserving as much of the condyle as possible and maintaining postoperative craniocervical stability.

The benefits of inferolateral transtubercular route on intradural surgical exposure using the endoscopic endonasal transclival approach

BACKGROUND

Surgical access to the ventral pontomedullary junction (PMJ) can be achieved through various corridors depending on the location and extension of the lesion. The jugular tubercle (JT), a surgically challenging obstacle to access the PMJ, typically needs to be addressed in transcranial exposures. We describe the endoscopic endonasal transclival approach (EETCA) and its inferolateral transtubercular extension to assess the intradural surgical field gained through JT removal. We also complement the dissections with an illustrative case.

METHODS

EETCA was surgically simulated, and the anatomical landmarks were assessed in eight cadaveric heads. Microsurgical dissections were additionally performed along the endoscopic surgical path. Lastly, we present an intraoperative video of the trans-JT approach in a patient with lower clival chordoma.

RESULTS

The EETCA allowed adequate extracranial visualization and removal of the JT. The surgical bony window-obtained along the clivus and centered at the JT via the EETCA-measured 11 × 9 × 7 mm. Removal of the JT provided an improved intradural field within the lower third of the cerebellopontine cistern to expose an area bordered by the cranial nerves VII/VIII and flocculus superior and anterior margin of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and cranial nerves IX-XI inferiorly, centered on the foramen of Luschka.

CONCLUSIONS

Removal of the JT via EETCA improves exposure along the lower third of the cerebellopontine and upper cerebellomedullary cisterns. The inferolateral transtubercular extension of the EETCA provides access to the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle, in combination with the ventral midline pontomedullary region.

Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) versus conventional distal pancreatectomy for left-sided pancreatic cancer: findings of a multicenter, retrospective, propensity score matching study

PURPOSE

Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) has been reported to achieve high rates of a negative margin and resected metastatic lymph nodes. However, many studies have used historical controls and the results remain controversial. We conducted this study to compare the surgical and long-term outcomes of RAMPS vs. conventional distal pancreatectomy (DP).

METHODS

The subjects of this multicenter retrospective study were 106 patients who underwent curative resection for left-sided pancreatic cancer between 2012 and 2017. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier estimates.

RESULTS

The RAMPS group had more advanced T (T3/T4) and N stages (N1/N2) and a larger tumor size than the conventional group (T stage, p = 0.04; N stage, p = 0.02; tumor size, p = 0.04). The RAMPS group had more harvested metastatic lymph nodes (p = 0.02). After propensity-score matching, 37 patients from each group were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference in RFS (p = 0.463) or OS (p = 0.383) between the groups. Multivariate analyses revealed the completion of chemotherapy to be an independent factor for RFS and OS (both p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in the RFS or OS between RAMPS and conventional DP in this series. RAMPS may be an option for R0 resection of advanced tumors; however, postoperative chemotherapy has a greater influence than the surgical procedure on the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Customized anterior craniocervical reconstruction via a modified high-cervical retropharyngeal approach following resection of a spinal tumor involving C1-2/C1-3

OBJECTIVE

The surgical treatment of an upper cervical spinal tumor (UCST) at C1-2/C1-3 is challenging due to anterior exposure and reconstruction. Limited information has been published concerning the effective approach and reconstruction for an anterior procedure after C1-2/C1-3 UCST resection. The authors attempted to introduce a novel, customized, anterior craniocervical reconstruction between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae through a modified high-cervical retropharyngeal approach (mHCRA) in addressing C1-2/C1-3 spinal tumors.

METHODS

Seven consecutive patients underwent 2-stage UCST resection with circumferential reconstruction. Posterior decompression and occiput-cervical instrumentation was conducted at the stage 1 operation, and anterior craniocervical reconstruction using a 3D-printed implant was performed between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae via an mHCRA. The clinical characteristics, perioperative complications, and radiological outcomes were reviewed, and the rationale for anterior craniocervical reconstruction was also clarified.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 7 patients in the study was 47.6 ± 19.0 years (range 12-72 years) when referred to the authors' center. Six patients (85.7%) had recurrent tumor status, and the interval from primary to recurrence status was 53.0 ± 33.7 months (range 24-105 months). Four patients (57.1%) were diagnosed with a spinal tumor involving C1-3, and 3 patients (42.9%) with a C1-2 tumor. For the anterior procedure, the mean surgical duration and average blood loss were 4.1 ± 0.9 hours (range 3.0-6.0 hours) and 558.3 ± 400.5 ml (range 100-1300 ml), respectively. No severe perioperative complications occurred, except 1 patient with transient dysphagia. The mean pre- and postoperative visual analog scale scores were 8.0 ± 0.8 (range 7-9) and 2.4 ± 0.5 (range 2.0-3.0; p < 0.001), respectively, and the mean improvement rate of cervical spinal cord function was 54.7% ± 13.8% (range 42.9%-83.3%) based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score (p < 0.001). Circumferential instrumentation was in good position and no evidence of disease was found at the mean follow-up of 14.8 months (range 7.3-24.2 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The mHCRA provides optimal access to the surgical field at the C0-3 level. Customized anterior craniocervical fixation between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae can be feasible and effective in managing anterior reconstruction after UCST resection.

Benign Giant Cell Lesion of C1 Lateral Mass: A Case Report and Literature Review

Primary osseous tumors of the spinal column account for approximately 1% of the total number of spinal tumors found in the pediatric patient population. The authors present a case of a C1 benign giant cell lesion that was incidentally found in a 15-year-old patient. A transoral biopsy was performed followed by treatment with denosumab, with definitive management in the form of transoral tumor resection with subsequent occiput-cervical three posterior instrumented fusion. The patient tolerated all of the procedures well, as there were no post-operative complications, discharged home neurologically intact and was eager to return to school when assessed during a follow-up visit in clinic. Osteolytic lesions affecting the cervical spine are rare in the pediatric population. It is of utmost importance to have sufficient background knowledge in order to formulate a differential diagnosis, as well as an understanding of principles underlying surgical techniques required to prevent occipital-cervical instability in this patient population. The information presented will guide surgical decision-making by identifying the patient population that would benefit from neurosurgical interventions to stabilize the atlantoaxial junction, in the context of rare osteolytic conditions affecting the cervical spine.

Need for arthrodesis following facetectomy for spinal peripheral nerve sheath tumors: an institutional experience and review of the current literature

OBJECTIVE

Spinal peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are a group of rare tumors originating from the nerve and its supporting structures. Standard surgical management typically entails laminectomy with or without facetectomy to gain adequate tumor exposure. Arthrodesis is occasionally performed to maintain spinal stability and mitigate the risk of postoperative deformity, pain, or neurological deficit. However, the factors associated with the need for instrumentation in addition to PNST resection in the same setting remain unclear.

METHODS

An institutional tumor registry at a tertiary care center was queried for patients treated surgically for a primary diagnosis of spinal PNST between 2002 and 2016. An analysis focused on patients in whom a facetectomy was performed during the resection. The addition of arthrodesis at the index procedure comprised the primary outcome. The authors also recorded baseline demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgery-related variables. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with increased risk of fusion surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were identified, of which 56 (32 had facetectomy with fusion, 24 had facetectomy alone) were analyzed. The median age was 48 years, and 50% of the cohort was female. Age, sex, and race, as well as tumor histology and size, were evenly distributed between patients who received facetectomy alone and those who had facetectomy and fusion. On univariate analysis, total versus subtotal facetectomy (OR 9.0, 95% CI 2.01-64.2; p = 0.009) and cervicothoracic versus other spinal region (OR 9.0, 95% CI 1.51-172.9; p = 0.048) were significantly associated with increased odds of performing immediate fusion. On multivariable analysis, only the effect of total facetectomy remained statistically significant (OR 6.75, 95% CI 1.47-48.8; p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found that total facetectomy and cervicothoracic involvement may be highly associated with the need for concomitant arthrodesis at the time of index surgery. These findings may help surgeons to determine the best surgical planning for patients with PNST.