Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic decompression combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in treatment of lumbar vertebral body metastases: A case report

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PTED) is a procedure that is commonly used to treat lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis. Despite its less invasiveness, this surgery is rarely used to treat spinal metastases. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) has been utilized to treat lumbar vertebral body metastases but it has not proven useful in treating sciatic patients.

CASE SUMMARY

A 68-year-old woman presented with low back pain and radicular symptoms. She couldn't straighten her legs because of severe pain. Computed tomography (CT) showed a mass lesion in the lung and bone destruction in the L4 vertebrae. The biopsy of the lung lesion revealed adenocarcinoma and the biopsy for L4 vertebrae revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. PTED paired with PVP was performed on the patient due to the patient's poor overall physical state and short survival time. Transcatheter arterial embolization of vertebral tumors was performed before surgical resection to reduce excessive blood loss during the operation. The incision was scaled up with the TESSY technology. The pain was obviously relieved following the operation and no serious complications occurred. Postoperative CT showed that the decompression around the nerve root was successful, polymethyl methacrylate filling was satisfactory and the tumor tissue around the nerve root was obviously removed. During the 1-year follow-up period, the patient was in a stable condition.

CONCLUSION

PTED in combination with PVP is an effective and safe treatment for Lumbar single-level Spinal Column metastases with radicular symptoms. Because of the small sample size and short follow-up time, the long-term clinical efficacy of this method needs to be further confirmed.

An atypical primary malignant melanoma arising from the cervical nerve root: A case report and review of literture

BACKGROUND

Primary melanomas affecting the central nervous system are very rare, and melanomas originating in the spinal canal or origin of the spinal nerve root are even rarer. As a consequence, not much is known about this.

CASE SUMMARY

Here we report a case of primary malignant melanoma originating in the cervical spinal cord nerve root. A 64-year-old woman presented with symptoms of numbness in the right side of the neck, pain, and hypoesthesia in the right upper limb which persisted for 1 year. Neurological examination showed that the superficial sensation in the right upper limb had decreased with muscle strength of grade 4. Magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed a mass (approximately 2.5 cm × 1.4 cm × 1 cm) in the right side of the spinal canal in the C-2 plane. Based on findings obtained during operation, perioperative examination, pathological diagnosis, and the diagnostic criteria of primary central melanoma proposed by Hayward, the mass was confirmed to be a melanoma of intraspinal nerve root origin.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case of primary malignant melanoma originating from cervical spinal cord nerve roots and spread along the inside and outside of the spinal canal. The clinical relevance of this case is discussed to provide new insights into the differential diagnosis of intraspinal tumours. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms driving the growth pattern and development of this type of tumour.

Impact of inhalational anesthetic agents on the baseline monitorability of motor evoked potentials during spine surgery: a review of 22,755 cervical and lumbar procedures

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

During spine surgery, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are often utilized to monitor both spinal cord function and spinal nerve root or plexus function. While there are reports evaluating the impact of anesthesia on the ability of MEPs to monitor spinal cord function, less is known about the impact of anesthesia on the ability of MEPs to monitor spinal nerve root and plexus function.

PURPOSE

To compare the baseline monitorability and amplitude of MEPs during cervical and lumbar procedures between two cohorts based on the maintenance anesthetic regimen: a total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) versus a regimen balanced with volatile inhalational and intravenous agents.

STUDY DESIGN

Baseline MEP data from a total of 16,559 cervical and 6,196 lumbar extradural spine procedures utilizing multimodality intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) including MEPs between January 2017 and March 2020 were obtained from a multi-institutional database. Two cohorts for each region of spine surgery were delineated based on the anesthetic regimen: a TIVA cohort and a Balanced anesthesia cohort.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Age 18 and older. Fellowship support for 65,000 for year 2021.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Percent monitorability and amplitudes of baseline MEPs.

METHODS

The baseline monitorability of each muscle MEP was evaluated by the IONM team in real-time and recorded in the patient's electronic medical record. The relation between anesthetic regimen and baseline monitorability was estimated using mixed effects logistic regression, with distinct models for cervical and lumbar procedures. Subsets of cervical and lumbar procedures from each anesthesia cohort in which all MEPs were deemed monitorable were randomly selected and the average peak-to-trough amplitude of each muscle MEP was retrospectively measured. Mixed-effects linear regression models were estimated (one each for cervical and lumbar procedures) to assess possible differences in average amplitude associated with anesthesia regimen.

RESULTS

At the time of surgery, baseline MEPs were reported monitorable from all targeted muscles in 86.8% and 83.0% of cervical and lumbar procedures, respectively, for the TIVA cohort, but were reported monitorable in just 59.3% and 61.0% of cervical and lumbar procedures, respectively, in the Balanced cohort, yielding disparities of 27.5% and 22.0%, respectively. The model-adjusted monitorability disparity between cohorts for a given muscle MEP ranged from 0.2% to 16.6% but was smallest for distal intrinsic hand and foot muscle MEPs (0.2%-1.1%) and was largest for proximal muscle MEPs (deltoid: 10.8%, biceps brachii: 8.8%, triceps: 13.0%, quadriceps: 16.6%, gastrocnemius: 7.8%, and tibialis anterior: 3.7%) where the monitorability was significantly decreased in the Balanced cohort relative to the TIVA cohort (p<.0001). Relative to the TIVA cohort, the model-adjusted amplitude of an MEP in the Balanced cohort was smaller for all muscles measured, ranging from 27.5% to 78.0% smaller. Relative to the TIVA cohort, the model-adjusted amplitude of an MEP was significantly decreased (p<.01) in the Balanced cohort for the most proximal muscles (Percent smaller: deltoid: 74.3%, biceps: 78.0%, triceps: 54.9%, quadriceps: 54.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

TIVA is the preferred anesthetic regimen for optimizing MEP monitoring during spine surgery. Inhalational agents significantly decrease MEP monitorability and amplitudes for most muscles, and this effect is especially pronounced for proximal limb muscles such as the deltoid, biceps, triceps, and quadriceps.

Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Palliative Rhizotomy: A Novel Technical Application

BACKGROUND

Spastic cerebral palsy is caused by an insult to the developing brain. Various medical and surgical procedures are used to reduce tone.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a novel method of magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal ablation for palliative rhizotomy.

METHODS

Patients treated at a single institution with percutaneous rhizotomy using magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy were identified. Preoperative and postoperative Modified Ashworth Scale scores were collected as well as procedural information.

RESULTS

Two male children (7.8 and 19 yr, respectively) with spastic quadriparesis were treated using this technique. Neither patient experienced surgical or perioperative complications, and both were discharged from the hospital within 48 h. Each of them demonstrated improvement in his Modified Ashworth Scale score with no need for retreatment for spasticity at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

These 2 cases illustrate a novel technique for treating spasticity in the setting of cerebral palsy. Further study of this technique in additional patients, and comparison with traditional methods of surgical tone reduction, are warranted.

Upper limb neurodynamic testing with radial and ulnar nerve biases: An analysis of cervical spinal nerve mechanics

BACKGROUND

Clinical research supports a combination of upper limb neurodynamic testing (ULNT) strategies to rule out upper limb and cervical neurogenic pathology; however, knowledge of the biomechanical response of spinal nerves during ULNT is lacking for radial and ulnar nerve biases.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether radial and ulnar nerve biased strategies of ULNT elicit significant displacement and strain of cervical spinal nerves.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

Radiolucent markers were implanted into spinal nerves C5-C8 proximal and distal to the intervertebral foramen in nine unembalmed cadavers (six male; three female) age 80.1 ± 13.2 years. Fluoroscopic images were captured during ULNT with radial and ulnar nerve biases. Images at rest and maximum tension were digitized and displacement and strain were measured. All data were analyzed using one sample t-tests and a generalized linear mixed models approach.

RESULTS

Upper limb neurodynamic testing with radial nerve bias resulted in displacement (2.44-3.04 mm) and strain (7.99-11.98%) and ULNT with ulnar nerve bias resulted in displacement (2.16-4.41 mm) and strain (7.12 and 12.95%). Significant extraforaminal displacement occurred during radial and ulnar nerve biases for all spinal nerves (all P < 0.05) whereas significant strain occurred during ulnar nerve biases for all spinal nerves but only in C6-C8 during radial nerve bias.

CONCLUSION

Upper limb neurodynamic testing using both radial and ulnar nerve biases resulted in cervical spinal nerve displacement and strain. Such techniques could be used to tension load or mobilize or cervical spinal nerves to evaluate for pathology.

Isolated cervical extraosseous intradural chordoma attached to the C5 nerve root: a case report

Background

As chordomas are slow growing and locally invasive with high recurrence rates, initial recommendations include complete surgical resection with or without radiation therapy. A large proportion of recurrences occur years after initial resection necessitating lengthy follow-up. The novel biomarker brachyury and the repurposing of pharmaceutical products have the potential to substantially impact long-term recurrence rates.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old woman presented with an isolated, cervical extraosseous intradural extramedullary chordoma attached to a nerve root underwent a C3-5 laminectomy, C3-5 lateral mass screw instrumentation, and mass resection. All symptoms resolved by the 12-month postoperative follow-up visit.

Conclusions

This is the first report of an isolated, cervical extraosseous intradural extramedullary chordoma attached to a nerve root, and this case adds to the previous six Type IV chordomas in the literature. Unfortunately, the very rare form of extraosseous intradural chordoma is poorly understood: the lack of detailed knowledge in how they are differentiated from other forms of chordoma confounds the development of optimal treatment strategies and follow-up guidelines.

Comparison of microendoscopic discectomy and open discectomy for single-segment lumbar disc herniation

BACKGROUND

Lumbar disc herniation is a common disease. Endoscopic treatment may have more advantages than traditional surgery.

AIM

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of microendoscopic discectomy (MED) and open discectomy with lamina nucleus enucleation in the treatment of single-segment lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients who were operated at our hospital were selected for this study. Patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation were admitted to the hospital from March 2018 to March 2019 and were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group with 48 cases in each group. The former group underwent lumbar discectomy and the latter underwent laparotomy and nucleus pulpectomy. Surgical effects were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

In terms of surgical indicators, the observation group had a longer operation time, shorter postoperative bedtime and hospital stay, less intraoperative blood loss, and smaller incision length than the control group (P < 0.05). The excellent recovery rate did not differ significantly between the observation group (93.75%) and the control group (91.67%). Visual analogue scale pain scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group at 1 d, 3 d, 1 mo, and 6 mo after surgery (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (6.25% vs 22.92%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both MED and open discectomy can effectively improve single-segment lumbar disc herniation, but MED is associated with less trauma, less bleeding, and a lower incidence of complications.

Functional Outcome After Resection of Von Hippel-Lindau Disease-Associated Cauda Equina Hemangioblastomas: An Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Cauda equina hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease can cause significant neurological signs and symptoms. Despite their associated morbidity, the management of these tumors remains incompletely defined.

OBJECTIVE

To determine optimal management, we analyzed the functional outcomes after resection of these tumors.

METHODS

VHL patients who underwent surgical resection of cauda equina hemangioblastomas at the National Institutes of Health and the University of Virginia were included. Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at 6- to 12-month intervals after surgery.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients underwent 18 operations for 21 cauda equina hemangioblastomas (median follow-up 5.9 years). Patients often presented with multiple symptoms, including pain (67%), numbness (50%), urinary complaints (33%), and weakness (11%). Median preoperative tumor volume was 1.2 cm 3 . Four tumors at 3 operations were not resected due to a motor nerve root origin. Gross total resection was achieved in 14 surgeries (93% of operations when resection was attempted). New mild (non-function limiting) neurological symptoms were noted after 11 operations (61%), which most often (64%) resolved within 2 weeks of surgery. At 6-month follow-up, 15 patients (83%) were stable, 2 (11%) were improved, and 1 (6%) was worse. Histological analysis revealed that all tumors originated from within the involved nerve fascicle.

CONCLUSIONS

VHL-associated cauda equina hemangioblastomas have an intrafascicular origin and require interruption of the rootlet of origin for complete resection. Motor nerve root involvement may preclude complete resection but strategies including bony decompression and/or interruption of vascular supply may provide a therapeutic option. Nevertheless, most VHL patients with symptom-producing lesions improve with resection.

8-Year Follow-up for Woman with Spinal Meningeal Melanocytoma in S1 Nerve Root: Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Primary melanocytic neoplasms in the central nervous system are rare lesions arising from leptomeningeal melanocytes. These lesions produce neural deficits that resemble those of a meningioma or a schwannoma radiologically.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A tumor around the left S1 root with an extension into the left paraspinal compartment was identified in a 32-year-old female with persistent left leg pain for 6 months. The tumor was hyperintense on T1-weighted image and hypointense on T2-weighted image with a homogeneous enhancement. The clinical features, radiologic presentations, treatment choice, and pathologic characteristic were illustrated. The treatment outcome was compared with those reported in the previous literature. The tumor was en-bloc resected with the S1 nerve root reserved. Grossly, the tumor was a soft, capsulated, well-circumscribed, black pigmented lesion. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor cells were positive for HMB-45, S-100 protein, and vimentin. The patient's symptoms were greatly relieved postoperatively. No signs of local recurrence were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal meningeal melanocytoma inside the nerve root is rare and benign. It is difficult to diagnose and often misdiagnosed as schwannoma or meningioma. HMB-45 has been suggested as a significant marker for the diagnosis of meningeal melanocytoma. Complete surgical resection is recommended as the primary treatment. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments can be selected as adjuvant therapies, but their effects are controversial. The recurrence and metastasis rates also remain unclear.

CT-based Morphometric Analysis of Approach of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion

OBJECTIVES

A radiographic study was designed to measure the relationship of the exiting nerve root and its surroundings to the corresponding intervertebral disc for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion to better understand the regional anatomy and to improve clinical applications.

METHODS

A retrospective study from January 2017 to October 2017 was conducted at Tianjin Hospital. CT images were obtained from patients presenting low back pain (110 patients), and analysis was performed bilaterally from L_2-3 to L₅ S₁ . In the rotating coronal plane we analyzed: the nerve root-dural sac distance at the superior and inferior margins of the disc (Js, Ji); the nerve root-pedicle distance at the medial, middle, and lateral borders of the pedicle (Pa, Pb, Pc); the pedicle width (W); and the safe working zone, defined as a trapezoid bounded by the inferior pedicle and the exiting nerve root (S). In the transverse plane, the nerve root-articular process and the shortest distance for the nerve root-articular process joint surface were analyzed at the superior and inferior margins of the disc (Gs, Gi), respectively. The groups were analyzed using ANOVA, and paired t-tests were used to compare the left and right sides.

RESULTS

From L_2-3 to L₅ S₁ , the distance of the nerve root to the dural sac was larger at the inferior margin of the disc. From L_2-3 to L₅ S₁ , each segment of the vertebral nerve root-pedicle distance gradually decreased from medial to lateral. From L_2-3 to L₅ S₁ , the distance from the exiting nerve root to the middle and lateral margins of the pedicle gradually decreased, with L₅ S₁ being the minimum. Some significant differences were observed between the left and right sides for L_4-5 and L₅ S₁ . The pedicle width of the vertebral body and the mean area for the safe working zone gradually increased from L_2-3 to L₅ S₁ . In the axial plane, the shortest distance between the nerve root and articular process joint surface at the inferior margin of the disc was greater than the distance for the nerve root to the articular process at the superior margin of the disc from L_2-3 to L₅ S₁ . There were no significant differences between the two sides.

CONCLUSIONS

It is more difficult to implant a cage with a width of 10 mm above the L_3-4 level. By removing part of the superior articular process, the safe working area can be expanded, and damage to the nerve or other structures can be avoided when implanting a cage.

Management of Root-Level Double Crush: Case Report with Technical Notes on Contralateral Interlaminar Foraminotomy with Full Endoscopic Uniportal Approach

BACKGROUND

Double crush of a nerve at the root level is not common. We describe here a double crush of the right L4 nerve with foramina to far lateral disk (ventral) and extraforaminal (dorsal) compression. The double crush was managed by endoscopy with a contralateral uniportal approach from the left interlaminar space. Right lateral recess stenosis at the same level was subsequently managed with the same approach.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 79-year-old lady presented to our clinic with a low backache, right leg pain, and weakness. On her right side, the straight leg raise test was 70 degrees, great toe dorsiflexion was grade 3/5, and hypoesthesia was present in the L4 dermatome. Her preoperative visual analog scale score was 9. Magnetic resonance imaging showed right lateral recess stenosis and a double compression of L4 nerve root from the dorsal and ventral sides. A diagnosis of right lateral recess stenosis with double crush of the right L4 nerve root was made. The patient was managed with percutaneous endoscopic contralateral interlaminar foraminotomy from the left interlaminar approach. She got relief for the symptoms and her postoperative visual analog scale score was 2. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography showed nerve root decompression and well-preserved facet joints.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the management of double crush at the nerve root level with interlaminar contralateral approach endoscopy (percutaneous endoscopic contralateral interlaminar foraminotomy) can deal with the issue effectively with facet joint preservation and other benefits of the minimally invasive spine procedure.

Current challenges in diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy (LR) is a term used to describe a pain syndrome caused by compression or irritation of nerve roots in the lower back. The surgery cost for LR increased by 23% annually during 1992-2003 in the developed country. Although it is one of most common complaints in clinical practice, the diagnosis for LR is still very challenging. Here we discuss the current tools of LR diagnosis and highlight the needs to develop new diagnosis tools for LR.

The value of short-term pain relief in predicting the long-term outcome of 'indirect' cervical epidural steroid injections

BACKGROUND

The predictive value of short-term arm pain relief after 'indirect' cervical epidural steroid injection (ESI) for the 1-month treatment response has been previously demonstrated. It remained to be answered whether the long-term response could be estimated by the early post-interventional pain course as well.

METHODS

Prospective observational study, following a cohort of n = 45 patients for a period of 24 months after 'indirect' ESI for radiculopathy secondary to a single-level cervical disk herniation (CDH). Arm and neck pain on the visual analog scale (VAS), health-related quality of life with the Short Form-12 (SF-12), and functional outcome with the Neck Pain and Disability (NPAD) Scale were assessed. Any additional invasive treatment after a single injection (second injection or surgery) defined treatment outcome as 'non-response'.

RESULTS

At 24 months, n = 30 (66.7%) patients were responders and n = 15 (33.3%) were non-responders. Non-responders exited the follow-up at 1 month (n = 10), at 3 months (n = 4), and at 6 months (n = 1). No patients were injected again or operated on between the 6- and 24-month follow-up. Patients with favorable treatment response at 24 months had significantly lower VAS arm pain (p < 0.05) than non-responders at days 6, 8-11, and at the 3-month follow-up. The previously defined cut-off of > 50% short term pain reduction was not a reliable predictor of the 24-month responder status. SF-12 and NPAD scores were better among treatment responders in the long term.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who require a second injection or surgery after 'indirect' cervical ESI for a symptomatic CDH do so within the first 6 months. Short-term pain relief cannot reliably predict the long-term outcome.

Severity of foraminal lumbar stenosis and the relation to clinical symptoms and response to periradicular infiltration-introduction of the "melting sign"

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Nerve root compression causing symptomatic radiculopathy can occur within the intervertebral foramen. Sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are reliable in detection of nerve root contact to intraforaminal disc material, but a clinically relevant classification of degree of contact is lacking.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate a potential relation of amount of contact between intraforaminal disc material and nerve root to clinical findings and response after periradicular corticosteroid infiltration.

STUDY DESIGN

A post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort was carried out.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients who underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided periradicular corticosteroid infiltration (L1-L5) at our institution (January 2014 to May 2016) were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The medical records and radiographic imaging were reviewed.

METHODS

T2-weighted MRI of the lumbar spine of patients with single-level symptomatic radiculopathy with (responders, n=28) or without (non-responders, n=14) pain relief after periradicular infiltration with corticosteroids were measured and compared by two independent readers to determine the amount of intraforaminal nerve root contact with the intervertebral disc ("melting" of the T2-hypointense signal). Pain relief was defined with a pain level decrease of >50% on a visual analogue scale and lack of pain relief with a pain level decrease of <25%, respectively. The amount of T2-hypointensity melting of disc and nerve root was categorized to 0%, 1%-25%, and over 25%.

RESULTS

Reader one identified 0% T2-melting in none of the responders, 1%-25% melting in 13 patients (46.4%), 26%-50% in 15 of the 28 patients (53.6%) with pain relief after periradicular corticosteroid infiltration (responders), with a mean amount of T2-melting of 5.9±2.1 mm, whereas the non-responder group had 0% T2-melting in 2 patients (14.3%), 1%-25% T2-melting in 11 patients (78.6%), and 26%-50% in 1 patient (7.1%), with a mean amount of T2-melting of 2.6±1.9 mm (p<.05). Reader two identified 0% T2-melting in none, 1%-25% T2-melting in 15 (53.6%) patients, and 26%-50% in 13 of the 28 responders (46.4%), with mean amount of 6.3±1.9 mm. In the non-responder group 0% T2-melting was seen in 3 patients (21.4%), 1%-25% T2-melting in 10 patients (71.4%), and 26%-50% in 1 patient (7.1%), with a mean amount of T2-melting of 2.7±1.9 mm (p<.05). None of the MRI showed T2-melting in over 50% of the circumference of the intraforaminal nerve root. A T2-melting of >25% had a high specificity of 93% but a sensitivity of 50%, thus a positive likelihood ratio of 7.5, to identify those with a pain relief of more than 50% after infiltration.

CONCLUSION

The amount of T2-melting of disc material and nerve root on sagittal MRI (>25%) predicts the amount of pain relief by periradicular infiltration in patients with intraforaminal nerve root irritation.

Sonography guided lumbar nerve and facet blocks: The first report of clinical outcome from Iran

INTRODUCTION

Nerve root block (NRB) and facet block (FB) are viable options for pain arising from facet and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) not responding to conservative therapy but still not suitable for surgery. Classically, they are performed under fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) guidance, which have the disadvantages of radiation exposure and limited accessibility. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of US guided FB and NRB in patients suffering from facet arthropathy and LDH.

METHODS

14 patients were involved in the study. After defining nerve root (for NRB) or facet joints (for FB) under a standard US investigation, real-time injection of methylprednisolone and bupivacaine was performed. Pain was measured before and after procedure by VAS.

RESULTS

Ten patients underwent FBs (8 bilateral and 2 unilateral) and 4 underwent NRBs (2 bilateral and 2 unilateral). 11/14 (79%) patients improved after the block (8 in FB, 3 in NRB) and the VAS had significantly decreased 1 week after procedure (mean [range] -1.7 [-6 to 0]). For the 11 patients that improved after FB or NRB, the effect lasted for a mean of 59 days (range: 30-130 days). Analysis showed that neither block procedure (NRB vs. FB) nor block level (L4L5 vs. L5S1) had an effect on result.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of our preliminary study shows that in appropriately selected patients, nerve root and facet blocks can be effectively performed under ultrasonography guidance without notable complications, with effects lasting for a mean 2 months.

The value of short-term pain relief in predicting the 1-month outcome of 'indirect' cervical epidural steroid injections

BACKGROUND

Clinical management after epidural steroid injections (ESI) of patients with radiculopathy secondary to a cervical disc herniation (CDH) is uncertain. This study aims to determine whether short-term arm pain alleviation following computed tomography-guided 'indirect' cervical ESI can predict the 1-month outcome.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observation of 45 consecutive patients at a tertiary radiological department. Study components were visual analog scale arm and neck pain at baseline, 15, 30, and 45 min, 1, 2, and 4 h, on days 1-14, 1 month, and at 1 year. Health-related quality of life and functional impairment were assessed using the short form-12 and Neck Pain and Disability Scale. Patients who reported ≥80 % persisting arm pain, as well as patients who underwent a second injection or an operation within 1 month were defined as 'non-responders'. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect size of the relationship between >50 % pain relief at any given study visit and responder status.

RESULTS

Patients experiencing a >50 % pain reduction 4 h after the injection were four times as likely to be responders as those experiencing ≤50 % pain reduction (OR 4.04, 95 % CI 1.10-14.87). The effect was strongest on days 5-6 (OR 18.37, 95 % CI 3.39-99.64) and remained significant until day 14.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study can guide physicians in managing patients with CDH: a ≤50 % arm pain relief within 1 week after an 'indirect' cervical ESI predicts an unfavorable 1-month outcome and suggests that other treatment options may be considered at an earlier point in time.

Sonographic evaluation of peripheral nerves in subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome

BACKGROUND

Sonography of peripheral nerves can depict alteration of nerve sizes that could reflect inflammation and edema in inflammatory and demyelinating neuropathies. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Information on sonographic comparison of an axonal subtype (acute motor [and sensory] axonal neuropathy [AMAN and AMSAN]) and a demyelinating subtype (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy [AIDP]) has been sparse.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sonography of peripheral nerves and cervical nerve roots were prospectively recorded in patients with GBS who were within three weeks of disease onset.

RESULTS

Five patients with AIDP and nine with AMAN (n=6)/AMSAN (n=3) were enrolled. The patients with AIDP showed evidence of greater degrees of demyelination (e.g., slower conduction velocities and increased distal latencies) than those with AMAN/AMSAN. The patients with AIDP tended to show enlarged nerves in the proximal segments and in the cervical roots, whereas the patients with AMAN/AMSAN had greater enlargement in the distal neve segment, especially in the median nerve (P = 0.03; Wrist-axilla cross-sectional ratio).

CONCLUSION

In this small study, two subtypes of GBS showed different patterns of involvement that might reflect different pathomechanisms.

Effects of lower limb neurodynamic mobilization on intraneural fluid dispersion of the fourth lumbar nerve root: an unembalmed cadaveric investigation

OBJECTIVES

Manual and physical therapists incorporate neurodynamic mobilisation (NDM) to improve function and decrease pain. Little is known about the mechanisms by which these interventions affect neural tissue. The objective of this research was to assess the effects of repetitive straight leg raise (SLR) NDM on the fluid dynamics within the fourth lumbar nerve root in unembalmed cadavers.

METHODS

A biomimetic solution (Toluidine Blue Stock 1% and Plasma) was injected intraneurally, deep to the epineurium, into the L4 nerve roots of seven unembalmed cadavers. The initial dye spread was allowed to stabilise and measured with a digital calliper. Once the initial longitudinal dye spread stabilised, an intervention strategy (repetitive SLR) was applied incorporating NDMs (stretch/relax cycles) at a rate of 30 repetitions per minute for 5 minutes. Post-intervention calliper measurements of the longitudinal dye spread were measured.

RESULTS

The mean experimental posttest longitudinal dye spread measurement (1.1 ± 0.9 mm) was significantly greater (P = 0.02) than the initial stabilised pretest longitudinal dye spread measurement. Increases ranged from 0.0 to 2.6 mm and represented an average of 7.9% and up to an 18.1% increase in longitudinal dye spread.

DISCUSSION

Passive NDM in the form of repetitive SLR induced a significant increase in longitudinal fluid dispersion in the L4 nerve root of human cadaveric specimen. Lower limb NDM may be beneficial in promoting nerve function by limiting or altering intraneural fluid accumulation within the nerve root, thus preventing the adverse effects of intraneural oedema.

Electrical stimulation threshold in chronically compressed lumbar nerve roots: Observational study

OBJECTIVES

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is a common practice in spinal surgery, mostly during pedicle screw placement. However, there is not enough information about the factors that can interfere with IONM data. One of these factors may be existing damage of the nerve root whose function must be preserved. The main purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of chronic compression in lumbar nerve roots in terms of stimulation thresholds during direct nerve stimulation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Direct electrical stimulation was performed in 201 lumbar nerve roots during lumbar spinal procedures under general anaesthesia in 80 patients with different lumbar spinal pathologies. Clinical and radiological data were reviewed in order to establish the presence of chronic compression.

RESULTS

Chronically compressed nerve roots showed a higher stimulation threshold than non compressed nerve roots (11.93 mA vs. 4.33 mA). This difference was confirmed with intra-subject comparison (paired sample t test, p=0.012). No other clinical factors were associated with this higher stimulation threshold in lumbar nerve roots.

CONCLUSION

A higher stimulation threshold is present in compressed lumbar nerve roots than non compressed roots. This needs to be taken into consideration during pedicle screw placement, where intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is being used.

An unusual course of the vertebral artery posterior to the nerve root in the inter-transverse space: a cadaveric study

Background

The V2 segment of the vertebral artery is very vulnerable to injury during cervical spine surgery. The incidence of vertebral artery injury during anterior cervical spine procedures is reported to be 0.22–2.77 %. This is partially due to its variable course while running in the transverse foramens of the cervical vertebrae.

Case presentation

The course of the vertebral artery in the dissected cadaver of a 79 year old female is presented. Dissection of the left vertebral artery showed that the 5^th nerve root passes in front of the vertebral artery in the 4^th intertransverse space. Further exploration showed that although vertebral artery at first passed at the back of the nerve root it curved downwards again and after passing underneath the 5^th nerve root entered the 4^th vertebral body. After making a loop in the left half of the vertebrae, vertebral artery ran anterior to the nerve root and after entering the 4^th transverse foramen showed up in the 3^rd intertransverse space. The shortest distance of the vertebral artery to the midline at the 4^th vertebrae level was 4.78 mm.

Conclusions

To our knowledge this case is the first report of a nerve root lying anterior to the vertebral artery in the intertransverse space of the cervical spine. Additionally vertebral artery has never been reported to be so close to the midline. This report signifies the importance of obtaining MRI or contrast enhanced CT scan prior to any cervical spine surgery in the vicinity of the vertebral artery including corpectomies and also careful approach to the intertransverse space during the operation.

Differences between Cervical Schwannomas of the Anterior and Posterior Nerve Roots in Relation to the Incidence of Postoperative Radicular Dysfunction

Study Design

A retrospective study.

Purpose

To assess the case files of patients who underwent surgery for cervical dumbbell schwannoma for determining the differences between schwannomas of the anterior and posterior nerve roots with respect to the incidence of postoperative radicular dysfunction.

Overview of Literature

The spinal roots giving origin to schwannoma are frequently nonfunctional, but there is a risk of postoperative neurological deficit once these roots are resected during surgery.

Methods

Fifteen patients with cervical dumbbell schwannomas were treated surgically. Ten men and 5 women, who were 35-79 years old (mean age, 61.5 years), presented with neck pain (n=6), radiculopathy (n=10), and myelopathy (n=11).

Results

Fourteen patients underwent gross total resection and exhibited no recurrence. Follow-ups were performed for a period of 6-66 months (mean, 28 months). Preoperative symptoms resolved in 11 patients (73.3%) but they persisted partially in 4 patients (26.7%). Six patients had tumors of anterior nerve root origin, and 9 patients had tumors of posterior nerve root origin. Two patients who underwent total resection of anterior nerve root tumors (33.3%) displayed minor postoperative motor weakness. One patient who underwent total resection of a posterior nerve root tumor (11.1%) showed postoperative numbness.

Conclusions

Appropriate tumor removal improved the neurological symptoms. In this study, the incidence of radicular dysfunction was higher in patients who underwent resection of anterior nerve root tumors than in patients who underwent resection of posterior nerve root tumors.

Virtual pathology of cervical radiculopathy based on 3D MR/CT fusion images: impingement, flattening or twisted condition of the compressed nerve root in three cases

Background

There have been several imaging studies of cervical radiculopathy, but no three-dimensional (3D) images have shown the path, position, and pathological changes of the cervical nerve roots and spinal root ganglion relative to the cervical bony structure. The objective of this study was to introduce a technique that enables the virtual pathology of the nerve root to be assessed using 3D magnetic resonance (MR)/computed tomography (CT) fusion images that show the compression of the proximal portion of the cervical nerve root by both the herniated disc and the preforaminal or foraminal bony spur in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Findings

MR and CT images were obtained from three patients with cervical radiculopathy. 3D MR images were placed onto 3D CT images using a computer workstation.

The entire nerve root could be visualized in 3D with or without the vertebrae. The most important characteristic evident on the images was flattening of the nerve root by a bony spur. The affected root was constricted at a pre-ganglion site. In cases of severe deformity, the flattened portion of the root seemed to change the angle of its path, resulting in twisted condition.

Conclusions

The 3D MR/CT fusion imaging technique enhances visualization of pathoanatomy in cervical hidden area that is composed of the root and intervertebral foramen. This technique provides two distinct advantages for diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. First, the isolation of individual vertebra clarifies the deformities of the whole root groove, including both the uncinate process and superior articular process in the cervical spine. Second, the tortuous or twisted condition of a compressed root can be visualized.

The surgeon can identify the narrowest face of the root if they view the MR/CT fusion image from the posterolateral-inferior direction. Surgeons use MR/CT fusion images as a pre-operative map and for intraoperative navigation. The MR/CT fusion images can also be used as educational materials for all hospital staff and for patients and patients’ families who provide informed consent for treatments.

Pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of intermittent claudication in patients with lumbar canal stenosis

Spinal nerve roots have a peculiar structure, different from the arrangements in the peripheral nerve. The nerve roots are devoid of lymphatic vessels but are immersed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the subarachnoid space. The blood supply of nerve roots depends on the blood flow from both peripheral direction (ascending) and the spinal cord direction (descending). There is no hypovascular region in the nerve root, although there exists a so-called water-shed of the bloodstream in the radicular artery itself. Increased mechanical compression promotes the disturbance of CSF flow, circulatory disturbance starting from the venous congestion and intraradicular edema formation resulting from the breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier. Although this edema may diffuse into CSF when the subarachnoid space is preserved, the endoneurial fluid pressure may increase when the area is closed by increased compression. On the other hand, the nerve root tissue has already degenerated under the compression and the numerous macrophages releasing various chemical mediators, aggravating radicular symptoms that appear in the area of Wallerian degeneration. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a potent vasodilator as well as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and has therefore attracted interest as a therapeutic drug for lumbar canal stenosis. However, investigations in the clinical setting have shown that PGE1 is effective in some patients but not in others, although the reason for this is unclear.

Thinning of cervical nerve roots and peripheral nerves in ALS as measured by sonography

OBJECTIVE

Progressive atrophy and loss of motor axons is a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Limited sonographic data are available on potential detection of atrophy of peripheral nerves and nerve roots in ALS.

METHODS

Patients with either definite or probable ALS and control subjects underwent sonographic evaluation of the cervical roots (C5, C6, and C7) and peripheral nerves (median and ulnar nerves) on the right. These diameters and cross-sectional areas (C6, median, and ulnar nerves) were compared.

RESULTS

The diameters and cross-sectional areas were consistently smaller in ALS than in controls. No correlation was present between the sonographic parameters and the disease severity, disease duration, age, or gender. The overall sensitivity and specificity tended to be greater in the cervical nerve roots than in the peripheral nerves.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows atrophy of cervical nerve roots and peripheral nerves in ALS detected by sonography. Cervical nerve roots might be more appropriate to detect motor axon loss than peripheral nerves.

SIGNIFICANCE

Sonographic evaluation of nerve roots and peripheral nerves may be a useful disease marker in ALS to confirm the diagnosis and to potentially monitor the disease progression.

Surgical treatment options and management strategies of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the lumbar spinal nerve roots

Spinal nerve root metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is a rare occurrence. In addition to treatment of the primary lesion, surgical resection of the nerve root metastasis, occasionally with sacrifice of the involved nerve, is the accepted standard of treatment. Resection often resolves presenting motor and pain symptoms due to relief of neural compression. We describe two patients with nerve root metastasis of renal cell carcinoma and their management. While locally advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been shown to be chemo- and radio-resistant, immunotherapy is a promising treatment. Given the high prevalence of systemic disease in patients with intradural metastases, systemic (and possibly intracranial) imaging can be used to identify other potential areas of disease.

Renal carcinoma relapse presenting as a peripheral nerve sheath tumor: A case report and brief review of the literature

We report a rare case of renal carcinoma metastasis involving a lumbar nerve root. Metastases to nerve roots are rare occurrences, and to our knowledge, only six cases have been reported so far in the literature. The patient in this report presented with weakness in the right lower limb and intractable pain irradiating along the L5 dermatome. MRI findings revealed a right-sided L5 nerve root mass, suggestive of a schwannoma, involving the spinal ganglion and its extraforaminal region. Complete macroscopic resection of this mass was performed, and histopathologic analysis confirmed the lesion to be a metastasis of a renal clear cell carcinoma. Local radiotherapy was given and tyrosine kinase inhibitors administered. At 5 months, the patient was pain-free and his right limb weakness had completely resolved. A tumoral recurrence could be observed on the control MRI 5 months after surgery. This report presents the first case of a patient with a renal clear cell carcinoma metastasis to a L5 nerve root, as well as a brief review of previous cases of metastases to peripheral nerve roots.

Entrapment of the fifth lumbar spinal nerve by advanced osteophytic changes of the lumbosacral zygapophyseal joint: a case report

A 54-year-old female patient had a 6-year history of backache and left sciatica. Five years earlier, she had undergone surgery in another hospital for left L4-5 disc herniation. Computed tomography revealed the ossified wall that enclosed the left L5 nerve root. There were also osteophytic changes in the left L5-S zygapophyseal joint. These osteophytes developed rostrally, along the left L5 nerve root, throug h the intervertebral foramina. We performed decompression surgery for the left L5 nerve root, and surgery resulted in symptomatic relief. We experienced a rare clinical presentation of osteophytic formation, with a specific configuration in relation to the nerve root. Surgeons should be aware of entrapment of the lumbar spinal nerve by advanced osteophytic changes occurring in the zygapophyseal joint after lumbar surgery.

Anatomical morphometric study of the cervical uncinate process and surrounding structures

Objective

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the anatomic relationships between the uncinate process and surrounding neurovascular structures to prevent possible complications in anterior cervical surgery.

Methods

Twenty-eight formalin-fixed cervical spines were removed from adult cadavers and were studied. The authors investigated the morphometric relationships between the uncinate process, vertebral artery and adjacent nerve roots.

Results

The height of the uncinate process was 5.6-7.5 mm and the width was 5.8-8.0 mm. The angle between the posterior tip of the uncinate process and vertebral artery was 32.2-42.4°. The distance from the upper tip of the uncinate process to the vertebral body immediately above was 2.1-3.3 mm, and this distance was narrowest at the fifth cervical vertebrae. The distance from the posterior tip of the uncinate process to the nerve root was 1.3-2.0 mm. The distance from the uncinate process to the vertebral artery was measured at three different points of the uncinate process : upper-posterior tip, lateral wall and the most antero-medial point of the uncinate process, and the distances were 3.6-6.1 mm, 1.7-2.8 mm, and 4.2-5.7 mm, respectively. The distance from the uncinate process tip to the vertebral artery and the angle between the uncinate process tip and vertebral artery were significantly different between the right and left side.

Conclusion

These data provide guidelines for anterior cervical surgery, and will aid in reducing neurovascular injury during anterior cervical surgery, especially in anterior microforaminotomy.

Morphometric Relationship between the Cervicothoracic Cord Segments and Vertebral Bodies

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the morphologic characteristics between the vertebral body and the regions of the cervical and thoracic spinal cords where each rootlets branch out.

Methods

Sixteen adult cadavers (12 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 57.9 (range of 33 to 70 years old) were used in this study. The anatomical relationship between the exit points of the nerve roots from the posterior root entry zone at each spinal cord segment and their corresponding relevant vertebral bodies were also analyzed.

Results

Vertical span of the posterior root entry zone between the upper and lower rootlet originating from each spinal segment ranged from 10-12 mm. The lengths of the rootlets from their point of origin at the spinal cord to their entrance into the intervertebral foramen were 5.9 mm at the third cervical nerve root and increased to 14.5 mm at the eighth cervical nerve root. At the lower segments of the nerve roots (T3 to T12), the posterior root entry zone of the relevant nerve roots had a corresponding anatomical relationship with the vertebral body that is two segments above. The posterior root entry zones of the sixth (94%) and seventh (81%) cervical nerve roots were located at a vertebral body a segment above from relevant segment.

Conclusion

Through these investigations, a more accurate diagnosis, the establishment of a better therapeutic plan, and a decrease in surgical complications can be expected when pathologic lesions occur in the spinal cord or vertebral body.

Endometriosis in the Lumbar Plexus Mimicking a Nerve Sheath Tumor

Endometriosis consists of ectopic endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. It is typically benign. It may cause neurological symptoms if involving the central or peripheral nervous system. We present in this report a 46-year-old Caucasian female with progressively worsening lumbar pain with radiation to her left anterior thigh. MR imaging showed an enhancing mass in the L4 neural foramen, intrepreted as a nerve sheath tumor. At operation the nerve showed extrinsic and intrinsic abnormality, proven to be endometriosis. Postoperatively, the patient reported relief from her radiculopathy. We review the previous cases, discuss the pathogenesis and additional characteristics that highlight intraspinal endometriosis, although rare, should be considered as a potential cause of neurologic symptoms in women. Surgical resection is recommended in cases having severe or worsening neurologic symptoms or signs of cauda equina syndrome. Adjunctive treatment may be used in cases of residual or recurrent lesions.