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Jamshidi AM, Govindarajan V, Levi AD. Transdural Approach for Resection of Craniovertebral Junction Cysts: Case Series. Neurosurgery 2023; 92:615-622. [PMID: 36512818 PMCID: PMC10158906 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) cysts, including retro-odontoid pseudotumors, are challenging pathologies to treat and manage effectively. Surgical intervention is indicated when these lesions result in progressive myelopathy, intractable pain, or instability. OBJECTIVE To present a case series of older patients who underwent successful resection retro-odontoid lesions using transdural approach. METHODS A single-center, retrospective observation study of older patients who underwent transdural resection of CVJ cysts at a single institution was performed. Summary demographic information, clinical presentation, perioperative and intraoperative imaging, and Nurick scores were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Eight patients were included (mean age [±SD] 75.88 ± 9.09 years). All patients presented with retro-odontoid lesions resulting in severe cervical stenosis, cord compression, and myelopathy. The mean duration of surgery was 226 ± 83.7 minutes. The average intraoperative blood loss was 181.2 cc. The average hospital stay was 4.5 days ± 1.3 (range, 3-7 days). The average follow-up time was 12.5 ± 9.5 months. No intraoperative complications were encountered. The Nurick classification score for myelopathy improved at the final postoperative examination (2.38 ± 1.06 vs 1 ± 1.07). Three patients demonstrated a pre-existing deformity prompting an instrumented fusion. Both computed tomography and MRI evidence of complete regression of retro-odontoid cyst were noted in all patients on the final follow-up. CONCLUSION Posterior cervical transdural approach for ventral lesions at the CVJ is a safe and effective means of treating older patients with progressive myelopathy. This technique provides immediate spinal cord decompression while limiting neurological complications commonly associated with open or endoscopic anterior transpharyngeal approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria M. Jamshidi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Vaidya Govindarajan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alan D. Levi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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2
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Siempis T, Tsakiris C, Anastasia Z, Alexiou GA, Voulgaris S, Argyropoulou MI. Radiological assessment and surgical management of cervical spine involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:195-208. [PMID: 36378323 PMCID: PMC9898347 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05239-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present systematic review was to describe the diagnostic evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis in the cervical spine to provide a better understanding of the indications and options of surgical intervention. We performed a literature review of Pub-med, Embase, and Scopus database. Upon implementing specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, all eligible articles were identified. A total of 1878 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) were evaluated for cervical spine involvement with plain radiographs. Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) ranged from 16.4 to 95.7% in plain radiographs while sub-axial subluxation ranged from 10 to 43.6% of cases. Anterior atlantodental interval (AADI) was found to between 2.5 mm and 4.61 mm in neutral and flexion position respectively, while Posterior Atlantodental Interval (PADI) was between 20.4 and 24.92 mm. 660 patients with RA had undergone an MRI. A pannus diagnosis ranged from 13.33 to 85.36% while spinal cord compression was reported in 0-13% of cases. When it comes to surgical outcomes, Atlanto-axial joint (AAJ) fusion success rates ranged from 45.16 to 100% of cases. Furthermore, the incidence of postoperative subluxation ranged from 0 to 77.7%. With regards to AADI it is evident that its value decreased in all studies. Furthermore, an improvement in Ranawat classification was variable between studies with a report improvement frequency by at least one class ranging from 0 to 54.5%. In conclusion, through careful radiographic and clinical evaluation, cervical spine involvement in patients with RA can be detected. Surgery is a valuable option for these patients and can lead to improvement in their symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timoleon Siempis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Tsakiris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Zikou Anastasia
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - George A Alexiou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Spyridon Voulgaris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria I Argyropoulou
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Chen Q, Wang H, Zhang M, Chen F, Guo X, Lu X, Ni B, Guo Q. Open Reduction for Potentially Reducible Atlantoaxial Dislocation Secondary to Transverse Ligament Laxity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. World Neurosurg 2022; 167:e789-e794. [PMID: 36038120 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.08.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is classified into reducible AAD and irreducible AAD (IRAAD). Anterior or posterior releasing followed by occipitocervical/atlantoaxial fusion is often performed for IRAAD, but is technically demanding. This study aimed to evaluate the results of the posterior open reduction technique without releasing the atlantoaxial joint in the treatment of potentially reducible AAD (PRAAD) caused by transverse ligament laxity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Data from 38 RA patients who experienced PRAAD due to transverse ligament laxity were retrospectively reviewed. They all underwent posterior open reduction and fusion without releasing the atlantoaxial joint. Outcomes were evaluated by using atlantodental interval, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, Nurick grade, Neck Disability Index, and visual analog scale score for neck pain. RESULTS All the patients achieved solid bone fusion at follow-up. The mean atlantodental interval was reduced to 5.6 ± 0.7 mm and 2.1 ± 0.5 mm after traction and operation, respectively, from a preoperative score of 8.2 ± 0.6 mm (P < 0.05). Compared with the respective preoperative values, the mean modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score and Nurick grade were significantly increased at the final follow-up (both P < 0.05), whereas the Neck Disability Index and visual analog scale score for neck pain were significantly decreased (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AAD with partial reduction after skeletal traction for 48 hours should be defined as PRAAD, not IRAAD. Open reduction with a C1-C2 pedicle screw-rod system can be safely and effectively applied in the treatment of PRAAD due to transverse ligament laxity in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunxiang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Department of Oncology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation, Jing'an Zhabei Central Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuhua Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Ni
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qunfeng Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Hong JT, Kim IS, Lee HJ, Park JH, Hur JW, Lee JB, Lee JJ, Lee SH. Evaluation and Surgical Planning for Craniovertebral Junction Deformity. Neurospine 2020; 17:554-567. [PMID: 33022160 PMCID: PMC7538356 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2040510.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) deformity is a challenging pathology that can result in progressive deformity, myelopathy, severe neck pain, and functional disability, such as difficulty swallowing. Surgical management of CVJ deformity is complex for anatomical reasons; given the discreet relationships involved in the surrounding neurovascular structures and intricate biochemical issues, access to this region is relatively difficult. Evaluation of the reducibility, CVJ alignment, and direction of the mechanical compression may determine surgical strategy. If CVJ deformity is reducible, posterior in situ fixation may be a viable solution. If the deformity is rigid and the C1–2 facet is fixed, osteotomy may be necessary to make the C1–2 facet joint reducible. C1–2 facet release with vertical reduction technique could be useful, especially when the C1–2 facet joint is the primary pathology of CVJ kyphotic deformity or basilar invagination. The indications for transoral surgery are becoming as narrow as a treatment for CVJ deformity. In this article, we will discuss CVJ alignment and various strategies for the management of CVJ deformity and possible ways to prevent complications and improve surgical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Taek Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il Sup Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Ho Jin Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jong Hyuk Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jeong Woo Hur
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Beom Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jeong Jae Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, GangNeung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea
| | - Sang Hyo Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Cervical Myelopathy in Patients Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis-A Case Series of 9 Patients and A Review of the Literature. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030811. [PMID: 32191997 PMCID: PMC7141180 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical myelopathy occurs in approximately 2.5% of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is associated with notable morbidity and mortality. However, the surgical management of patients affected by cervical involvement in the setting of RA remains challenging and not well studied. To address this, we conducted a retrospective analysis of our clinical database between May 2007 and April 2017, and report on nine patients suffering from cervical myelopathy due to RA. We included patients treated surgically for cervical myelopathy on the basis of diagnosed RA. Clinical findings, treatment and outcome were assessed and reported. In addition, we conducted a narrative review of the literature. Four patients were male. Mean age was 64.8 ± 20.5 years. Underlying cervical pathology was anterior atlantoaxial instability (AAI) associated with retrodental pannus in four cases, anterior atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) in two cases and basilar invagination in three cases. All patients received surgical treatment via posterior fixation, and in addition two of these cases were combined with a transnasal approach. Preoperative modified Japanese orthopaedic association scale (mJOA) improved from 12 ± 2.4 to 14.6 ± 1.89 at a mean follow-up at 18.8 ± 23.3 months (range 3-60 months) in five patients. In four patients, no follow up was available, and the mJOA of these patients at time of discharge was stable compared to the preoperative score. One patient died two days after surgery, where a pulmonary embolism was assumed to be the cause of mortality, and one patient sustained a temporary worsening of his neurological deficit postoperatively. Surgery is generally an effective treatment method in patients with inflammatory arthropathies of the cervical spine. Given the nature of the RA and potential instability, fixation in addition to cord decompression is generally required.
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Delavari N, Geh N, Hervey-Jumper SL, McKean EL, Sullivan SE. Transnasal and Transoral Approaches to Atlantoaxial Synovial Cysts: Report of 3 Cases and Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2019; 132:258-264. [PMID: 31518745 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.08.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synovial cysts are cystic masses lined with pseudostratified columnar cells and containing clear or xanthochromic fluid. Although they are commonly encountered in the lumbar spine, synovial cysts infrequently occur in the cervical spine and rarely involve the odontoid process. The causes of synovial cysts of the odontoid process are unknown, but growth of synovial rests, proliferation of multipotent mesenchymal cells, atlantoaxial instability, and trauma are thought to play a role. CASE DESCRIPTION We present 3 cases of atlantoaxial cysts with the associated radiographic features, surgical management, and clinical outcomes. No patient had rheumatoid arthritis. In all cases, preoperative differential diagnosis included neoplastic pathologic changes. Two patients underwent odontoidectomy through either an endonasal or a transoral approach, followed by posterior occipitocervical fusion. The third patient underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for cyst decompression. CONCLUSIONS Tissue diagnosis is important in confirming pathologic analysis because synovial cysts have radiographic characteristics similar to those of a wide variety of neoplasms of the craniovertebral junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Delavari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Ndi Geh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Erin L McKean
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen E Sullivan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Tominaga H, MacDowall A, Olerud C. Surgical treatment of the severely damaged atlantoaxial joint with C1-C2 facet spacers: Three case reports. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e15827. [PMID: 31145323 PMCID: PMC6708912 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000015827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), caused by congenital factors, inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection, neoplasia, or trauma, is rare and severely erodes and subluxates atlantoaxial (AA) joints. For these patients, surgical reduction, and stabilization are difficult. Surgery, including anterior transoral decompression and posterior fixation, anterior endonasal decompression and fixation, and posterior decompression with AA or occipitocervical fixation, is often the only treatment available. However, there have only been 2 reports of C1-C2 facet spacer use in treating AAS. Here, we report the case histories of 3 patients with severely damaged and subluxated AA joints and symptomatic basilar invagination (BI), malalignment, or C2 root compression. PATIENT CONCERNS The cases included 2 women with rheumatoid arthritis and 1 man with spondyloarthropathy secondary to ulcerative colitis. DIAGNOSIS Radiographic imaging revealed severely damaged and subluxated AA joints. Their symptoms included worsening pain in the neck or occiput with or without myelopathy and neuralgia. INTERVENTIONS After realignment with C1-C2 spacers and posterior C1-C2 screw fixation, the patient symptoms were resolved. OUTCOMES Of note, 2 of the 3 patients were healed without complications. One patient who underwent secondary revision surgery because of rod breakage and obvious nonunion at C0-C2 was determined to be healed at 1-year follow-up after the revision surgery. LESSONS We confirmed that C1-C2 facet spacers both reduced BI and occipitocervical coronal malalignment as well as releasing C2 root compression. Therefore, surgical restoration and fixation should be a required treatment in this very rare group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tominaga
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan
| | - Anna MacDowall
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Claes Olerud
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Potential intraoperative factors of screw-related complications following posterior transarticular C1-C2 fixation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2018; 28:400-420. [PMID: 30467736 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-018-5830-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the impact of several factors, including patients' intraoperative position, intraoperative visualization technique, fixation method, and type of screws and their parameters, on the frequency of intraoperative screw-associated complications in posterior transarticular C1-C2 fixation. METHODS A systematic review of the PubMed database between January 1986 and March 2018 was performed. The key inclusion criteria comprised detailed descriptions of the surgical technique and post-operative screw-associated complications. RESULTS The initial search resulted in 1041 abstracts, and a total of 54 abstracts were included in the present study. The overall number of operated patients was 2306. In this group, 4439 screws were inserted. The rate of screw-associated complications during the different time periods was estimated upon meta-analysis. Statistical analysis of the screw malposition rate, vertebral artery injury rate, screw breakage rate based on patients' intraoperative position, intraoperative visualization technique, fixation method, and type of implants and their parameters was also performed. CONCLUSIONS The factors that help reduce the rate of screw-associated complications include the intraoperative application of biplanar fluoroscopy or neuronavigation system, the use of 4 mm or thicker lag screws, and screw insertion through contraincisions using cannulated ported instruments. On the other hand, the potential risk factors of screw-associated complications include inadequate intraoperative head fixation using skeletal traction, uniplanar fluoroscopy-guided screw insertion, screw insertion using the posterior midline approach, and the use of 3.5 mm or thinner full-threaded screws. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Lee JY, Im SB, Jeong JH. Use of a C1-C2 Facet Spacer to Treat Atlantoaxial Instability and Basilar Invagination Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. World Neurosurg 2016; 98:874.e13-874.e16. [PMID: 27916724 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.11.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that often affects the craniovertebral junction. RA is associated with atlantoaxial instability and basilar invagination; the detailed presentations vary. Surgical treatment of atlantoaxial instability and basilar invagination caused by RA is challenging due to anatomic complexity and poor bone quality. The prevailing procedure is posterior occipitocervical fixation after transoral decompression or posterior decompression followed by occipitocervical fixation. However, these surgical modalities inevitably severely limit neck motion and cause dysesthesia of the C2 dermatome. CASE DESCRIPTION We report our surgical experience with a C1-C2 facet spacer, specifically the usual cervical cage containing an autologous bone chip combined with a C1 lateral mass screw and a C2 pedicle without resection of C2 roots. The facet space was maintained on the 3-year follow-up radiograph. CONCLUSIONS This method effectively reduces BI and allows AAI fixation without significantly compromising neck motion or causing C2 dermatome dysesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Soo-Bin Im
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
| | - Je-Hoon Jeong
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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Nakao Y, Shimokawa N, Morisako H, Tsukazaki Y, Terada A, Nakajo K, Fu Y. Late complication of surgically treated atlantoaxial instability: occipital bone erosion induced by protruded fixed titanium rod: a case report. J Chiropr Med 2014; 13:278-81. [PMID: 25435842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polyaxial screw-rod fixation of C1-C2 is a relatively new technique to treat atlantoaxial instability, and there have been few reports in the literature outlining all possible complications. The purpose of this case report is to present the occurrence and management of occipital bone erosion induced by the protruded rostral part of a posterior atlantoaxial screw-rod construct causing headache. CLINICAL FEATURES A 70-year-old Asian man with rheumatoid arthritis initially presented to our institution with atlantoaxial instability causing progressive quadraparesis and neck pain. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME Posterior atlantoaxial instrumented fixation using C1 lateral mass screws in conjunction with C2 pedicle screws was performed to stabilize these segments. Postoperatively, the patient regained the ability to independently walk and had no radiographic evidence of instrumentation hardware failure and excellent sagittal alignment. However, despite a well-stabilized fusion, the patient began to complain of headache during neck extension. Follow-up imaging studies revealed left occipital bone erosion induced by a protruded titanium rod fixed with setscrews. During revision surgery, the rod protrusion was modified and the headaches diminished. CONCLUSION This case demonstrates that occipital bone erosion after posterior atlantoaxial fixation causing headache may occur. The principal cause of bone erosion in this case was rod protrusion. Although posterior atlantoaxial fixation using the screw-rod system was selected to manage atlantoaxial instability because it has less complications than other procedures, surgeons should pay attention that the length of the rod protrusion should not exceed 2 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoki Nakao
- Neurosurgery Staff, Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukazaki Hospital, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shimokawa
- Chief General Manager, Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukazaki Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroki Morisako
- Assistant Professor,Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka City University, Japan
| | - Yuji Tsukazaki
- General Manager, Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukazaki Hospital, Japan
| | - Aiko Terada
- Neurosurgery Staff, Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukazaki Hospital, Japan
| | - Kosuke Nakajo
- Neurosurgery Staff, Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukazaki Hospital, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Fu
- Director, Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukazaki Hospital, Japan
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Bhatia R, Haliasos N, Vergara P, Anderson C, Casey A. The surgical management of the rheumatoid spine: Has the evolution of surgical intervention changed outcomes? JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE 2014; 5:38-43. [PMID: 25013346 PMCID: PMC4085910 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8237.135221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Surgery for the rheumatoid cervical spine has been shown to stabilize the unstable spine; arrest/improve the progression of neurological deficit, help neck pain, and possibly decelerate the degenerative disease process. Operative intervention for the rheumatoid spine has significantly changed over the last 30 years. Aims: The purpose of this study was to review all cases of cervical rheumatoid spine requiring surgical intervention in a single unit over the last 30 years. Materials and Methods: A prospectively-maintained spine database was retrospectively searched for all cases of rheumatoid spine, leading to a review of indications, imaging, Ranawat and Myelopathy Disability Index measures, surgical morbidity, and survival curve analysis. Results: A total of 224 cases were identified between 1981 and 2011. Dividing the data into three time-epochs, there has been a significant increase in the ratio of segment-saving Goel-Harms C1-C2: Occipitocervical fixation (OCF) surgery and survival has increased between 1981 and 2011 from 30% to 51%. Patients undergoing C1-C2 fixation were comparatively less myelopathic and in a better Ranawat class preoperatively, but postoperative outcome measures were well-preserved with favorable mortality rates over mean 39.6 months of follow-up. However, 11% of cases required OCF at mean 28 months post-C1-C2 fixation, largely due to instrumentation failure (80%). Conclusion: We present the largest series of surgically managed rheumatoid spines, revealing comparative data on OCF and C1-C2 fixation. Although survival has improved over the last 30 years, there have been changes in medical, surgical and perioperative management over that period of time too confounding the interpretation; however, the analysis presented suggests that rheumatoid patients presenting early in the disease process may benefit from C1 to C2 fixation, albeit with a proportion requiring OCF at a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Bhatia
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK ; Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Nikolas Haliasos
- Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Pierluigi Vergara
- Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | | | - Adrian Casey
- Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
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