Surgical Strategies for Cervical Deformities Associated With Neuromuscular Disorders

Morphogenetic Designs, and Disease Models in Central Nervous System Organoids

Since the emergence of the first cerebral organoid (CO) in 2013, advancements have transformed central nervous system (CNS) research. Initial efforts focused on studying the morphogenesis of COs and creating reproducible models. Numerous methodologies have been proposed, enabling the design of the brain organoid to represent specific regions and spinal cord structures. CNS organoids now facilitate the study of a wide range of CNS diseases, from infections to tumors, which were previously difficult to investigate. We summarize the major advancements in CNS organoids, concerning morphogenetic designs and disease models. We examine the development of fabrication procedures and how these advancements have enabled the generation of region-specific brain organoids and spinal cord models. We highlight the application of these organoids in studying various CNS diseases, demonstrating the versatility and potential of organoid models in advancing our understanding of complex conditions. We discuss the current challenges in the field, including issues related to reproducibility, scalability, and the accurate recapitulation of the in vivo environment. We provide an outlook on prospective studies and future directions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art CNS organoid research, highlighting key developments, current challenges, and prospects in the field.

Deep Brain Stimulation Before Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for a Patient With Cervical Dystonia and Cervical Myelopathy: A Case Report

Cervical dystonia with concurrent cervical myelopathy is a challenging pathology that requires thoughtful management. A 46-year-old female was referred to our center with this presentation. We elected to perform bilateral globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation (DBS-GPi) prior to C5 to C7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to avoid the potential for dystonic movements to negatively impact cervical fusion. The patient was followed up at three months post C5 to C7 ACDF and nine months post DBS-GPi with complete control of tremor and no radiographic evidence of hardware loosening or malalignment. Though this strategy was successful in treating both our patient's cervical myelopathy and cervical dystonia, larger studies need to be conducted to optimize the treatment of patients presenting with these concurrent pathologies.

Perioperative opioid-minimization approach as a useful protocol in the management of patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-hypermobility type, craniocervical instability and severe chronic pain who are to undergo occipito-cervical fixation

Patients suffering from connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type/joint hypermobility syndrome (EDS-HT/JHS) may be affected by craniocervical instability (CCI). These patients experience myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue, depression, extreme occipital-cervical pain, and severe widespread pain that is difficult to relieve with opioids. This complex and painful condition can be explained by the development of chronic neuroinflammation, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and central sensitization. Given the challenges in treating such severe physical pain, we evaluated all the analgesic methods previously used in the perioperative setting, and updated information was presented. It covers important physiopathological aspects for the perioperative care of patients with EDS-HT/JHS and CCI undergoing occipital-cervical/thoracic fixation/fusion. Moreover, a change of paradigm from the current opioid-based management of anesthesia/analgesia in these patients to the perioperative opioid minimization strategies used by the authors was analyzed and proposed as follow-up considerations from our previous case series. These strategies are based on total-intravenous opioid-free anesthesia, multimodal analgesia, and a postoperative combination of anti-hyperalgesic coadjuvants (lidocaine, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine) with an opioid-sparing effect.

Surgical Strategies and Perioperative Considerations for Cervical Deformity With Cerebral Palsy: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

The complex nature of the cervical spine makes surgical intervention challenging when treating cervical deformity in patients with cerebral palsy (CDCP). However, few studies have investigated the unique characteristics of cerebral palsy that create the need for surgery, the most effective surgical strategies, and the possible perioperative complications. The intended benefit and the potential risk of postoperative complications must be considered when deciding to operate for CDCP. Because the approach and correction strategy depend on the type of cervical deformity, as well as the patient's comorbidities and functional status, a customized strategy is needed. Perioperatively, botulinum toxin injections and muscle division techniques can help control excessive involuntary movements and improve the spinal fusion success rate. Surgical intervention for CDCP requires a multidisciplinary approach, and the information presented in this article is intended to help in the perioperative management and surgical treatment of CDCP.

Factors Affecting Postoperative Complications and Outcomes of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with Cerebral Palsy : A Retrospective Analysis

Objective

Cervical surgery in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and cerebral palsy (CP) is challenging owing to the complexities of the deformity. We assessed factors affecting postoperative complications and outcomes after CSM surgery in patients with CP.

Methods

Thirty-five consecutive patients with CP and CSM who underwent cervical operations between January 2006 and January 2014 were matched to 35 non-cerebral palsy (NCP) control patients. Postoperative complications and radiologic outcomes were compared between the groups. In the CP group, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score; Oswestry neck disability index; modified Barthel index; and values for the grip and pinch, Box and Block, and Jebsen-Taylor hand function tests were obtained preand postoperatively and compared between those with and without postoperative complications.

Results

Sixteen patients (16/35%) in the CP group and seven (7/35%) in the NCP group (p=0.021) had postoperative complications. Adjacent segment degeneration (p=0.021), postoperative motor weakness (p=0.037), and revisions (p=0.003) were significantly more frequent in the CP group than in the NCP group; however, instrument-related complications were not significantly higher in the CP group (7/35 vs. 5/35, p=0.280). The number of preoperative fixed cervical deformities were significantly higher in CP with postoperative complications (5/16 vs. 1/19, p=0.037). In the CP group, clinical outcomes were almost similar between those with and without postoperative complications.

Conclusion

The occurrence of complications during the follow-up period was high in patients with CP. However, postoperative complications did not significantly affect clinical outcomes.

Scoliosis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Adults

Introduction

Degenerative scoliosis most commonly presents with lower back pain. Literature suggests that adults who have degenerative scoliosis are at greater risk of both hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objective of this study was to evaluate scoliosis as being the risk factor of GERD in adults.

Materials and methods

This prospective study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences over a period of two years (May 2018 to April 2020). The investigation included 210 participants with spinal disorders. The mean age was 71.6±9.6 years. The X-rays of the participants’ whole spine were taken in a standing position, in the sagittal and coronal planes. Symptoms of GERD were measured through the quality of life and utility evaluation survey technology (QUEST) score, taking six points as cutoff values. The evaluation was done using radiographs to determine any relationship between spinal disorders and GERD. Negative values were analyzed in a right-sided convex curve while positive values in the left-sided convex curve were viewed in the coronal plane. Degenerative scoliosis was explained as a lumbar/thoracolumbar Cobb angle of more than 10 degrees. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to assess the risk factors related to GERD.

Results

Out of 210 patients, 146 were found to have degenerative scoliosis at the level of the lumbar and thoracolumbar spine. Fifty-two patients had a right convex curve, and 94 had a left convex curve. Sixty-nine patients had GERD. According to the analysis of the multivariate logistic regression, the Cobb angle was highly related to GERD (p-value <0.05 and odds ratio of 1.031). The participants were grouped according to the Cobb angle of curve at the lumbar spine (less than 30 degrees with a large right-sided convex curve, 30 and more with a small curve, and more than 30+ degrees with a large left-sided convex curve). The study revealed that a large left-sided convex curve was highly related to GERD, with a p-value <0.05 and odds ratio of 10.935.

Conclusions

The left-sided large convex curve at the thoracolumbar or lumbar spine, especially when the Cobb angle was more than 30 degrees, was highly associated with GERD. Therefore, the symptoms of GERD should be monitored in the elderly population with degenerative scoliosis.