The natural history and the results of surgical treatment of the spinal cord disorder associated with cervical spondylosis

Why Does C5 Palsy Occur After Prophylactic Bilateral C4-5 Foraminotomy in Open-Door Cervical Laminoplasty? A Risk Factor Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of bilateral C4-5 foraminotomy in preventing occurrence of postoperative C5 palsy and to identify possible risk factors for its development.

METHODS

A total of 70 consecutive patients who underwent open-door laminoplasty with bilateral C4-5 foraminotomy were included. Clinical, radiographic, and operative data was reviewed. Development of postoperative C5 palsy was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 54 males and 16 females were reviewed. Mean age was 56 years (range, 30-86 years). The primary pathology was spondylosis in 76% of cases and ossified posterior longitudinal ligament in 21%. Radiographic evidence of C4-5 foraminal stenosis was seen in 81% of the patients. The mean duration of preoperative symptoms was 7 ± 19 months. Four (5.7%) out of 70 patients developed C5 palsy after open-door laminoplasty with bilateral C4-5 foraminotomy. Multivariate analysis showed that a long duration of preoperative symptoms (>12 months) and the presence of preoperative C4-5 T2-MRI cord signal change were statistically significant risk factors for the development of C5 palsy even after bilateral C4-5 foraminotomy in open-door laminoplasty (P < .0001 and P = .036, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic bilateral C4-5 foraminotomies do not completely eliminate the occurrence of C5 palsy. Prolonged duration of symptoms and presence of preoperative T2-MRI cord signal change increase the risk for developing postoperative C5 palsy despite foraminotomy.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN

Review.

OBJECTIVES

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a major cause of disability, particular in elderly patients. Awareness and understanding of CSM is imperative to facilitate early diagnosis and management. This review article addresses CSM with regard to its epidemiology, anatomical considerations, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, treatment approaches and outcomes, and the cost-effectiveness of surgical options.

METHODS

The authors performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives.

RESULTS

The clinical presentation and natural history of CSM is variable, alternating between quiescent and insidious to stepwise decline or rapid neurological deterioration. For mild CSM, conservative options could be employed with careful observation. However, surgical intervention has shown to be superior for moderate to severe CSM. The success of operative or conservative management of CSM is multifactorial and high-quality studies are lacking. The optimal surgical approach is still under debate, and can vary depending on the number of levels involved, location of the pathology and baseline cervical sagittal alignment.

CONCLUSIONS

Early recognition and treatment of CSM, before the onset of spinal cord damage, is essential for optimal outcomes. The goal of surgery is to decompress the cord with expansion of the spinal canal, while restoring cervical lordosis, and stabilizing when the risk of cervical kyphosis is high. Further high-quality randomized clinical studies with long-term follow up are still needed to further define the natural history and help predict the ideal surgical strategy.

Change in Function, Pain, and Quality of Life Following Structured Nonoperative Treatment in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to determine (1) change in function, pain, and quality of life following structured nonoperative treatment for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM); (2) variability of change in function, pain, and quality of life following different types of structured nonoperative treatment; (3) differences in outcomes observed between certain subgroups (eg, baseline severity score, duration of symptoms); and (4) negative outcomes and harms resulting from structured nonoperative treatment.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Collaboration for articles published between January 1, 1950, and February 9, 2015. Studies were included if they evaluated outcomes following structured nonoperative treatment, including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, cervical bracing, and/or traction. The quality of each study was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and strength of the overall body of evidence was rated using guidelines outlined by the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group.

RESULTS

Of the 570 retrieved citations, 8 met inclusion criteria and were summarized in this review. Based on our results, there is very low evidence to suggest that structured nonoperative treatment for DCM results in either a positive or negative change in function as evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of evidence to determine the role of nonoperative treatment in patients with DCM. However, in the majority of studies, patients did not achieve clinically significant gains in function following structured nonoperative treatment. Furthermore, 23% to 54% of patients managed nonoperatively subsequently underwent surgical treatment.

Prognostication in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: Proposal for a new simple practical scoring system

Context:

The ability to preoperatively predict the outcome in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) helps in planning management and counseling the patient and family.

Aims:

A simple prognostic scale, namely, the Madras Institute of Neurology Prognostic Scale (MINPS) for CSM has been proposed.

Settings and Design:

Six well-known prognostic factors, namely, age, duration of symptoms, neurological disability (Nurick's grade), number of levels of compression, effective canal diameter, and intrinsic cord changes, have been taken into account. Each factor has been divided into three subgroups and allotted a score. The total score in this scale ranges from a maximum of 18 to a minimum of 6.

Materials and Methods:

This scale has been evaluated in a group of 85 patients operated for CSM.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The usefulness of MINPS was statistically assessed using ANOVA test.

Results:

It has been found that majority of patients with a score of 14 or more improved; those with a score of 9 or less deteriorated; those with a score between 10 and 13 remained static.

Conclusions:

The MINPS for CSM is a very practical scale which can be applied easily with the available clinical and radiological data, with good accuracy of outcome prediction. This is the first scale of its kind.

Management of degenerative cervical myelopathy - An update

Introduction

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adult patients. Patients generally present with a slow, progressive neurological decline or a stepwise deterioration pattern. In this paper, we discuss the most important factors involved in the management of DCM, including a discussion about the surgical approaches.

Method

The authors performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives.

Results

Although the diagnosis is clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the study of choice to confirm stenosis and also to exclude the differential diagnosis. The severity the clinical symptoms of DCM are evaluated by different scales, but the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) and the Nürick scale are probably the most commonly used. Spontaneous clinical improvement is rare and surgery is the main treatment form in an attempt to prevent further neurological deterioration and, potentially, to provide some improvement in symptoms and function. Anterior, posterior or combined cervical approaches are used to decompress the spinal cord, with adjunctive fusion being commonly performed. The choice of one approach over the other depends on patient characteristics (such as number of involved levels, site of compression, cervical alignment, previous surgeries, bone quality, presence of instability, among others) as well as surgeon preference and experience.

Conclusion

Spine surgeons must understand the advantages and disadvantages of all surgical techniques to choose the best procedure for their patients. Further comparative studies are necessary to establish the superiority of one approach over the other when multiple options are available.

Relationship between depression and clinical outcome following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

BACKGROUND

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a commonly performed procedure for patients with symptomatic degenerative conditions of the cervical spine. The objective is to assess the impact of preoperative depression and other baseline characteristics on patient reported clinical outcomes following ACDF surgery based on the experience at our institution.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of some patients undergoing ACDF at a single institution from 2012 to 2014. Ninety-three patients that underwent an ACDF procedure were included. The primary outcome measure was post-operative Nurick score.

RESULTS

Sixteen (17.2%) patients had a formal diagnosis of depression compared to 77 (82.8%) patients without depression. On univariate analysis, patients with depression had statistically significantly higher Nurick scores compared to patients without depression after surgery (coefficient =0.55, 95% CI: 0.21-0.90, P=0.002). On multivariate analysis, there was a trend toward higher postoperative Nurick scores in patients that had depression (coefficient =0.31, 95% CI: -0.01-0.63, P=0.057).

CONCLUSIONS

This small retrospective study reveals an inverse relationship between preoperative depression and functional outcome. Further research should be performed to investigate this relationship and to investigate if treating depression can improve postoperative outcomes.

Role of dynamic computed tomography scans in patients with congenital craniovertebral junction malformations

AIM

To evaluate the role of dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan imaging in diagnosing craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instability in patients with congenital CVJ malformations.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic congenital CVJ malformations who underwent posterior fossa decompression and had a preoperative dynamic CT scan in flexion and extended position were included in this study. Measurements of the following craniometrical parameters were taken in flexed and extended neck position: Atlanto-dental interval (ADI), distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain's line, and the clivus-canal angle (CCA). Assessment of the facet joints congruence was also performed in both positions. Comparison of the values obtained in flexion and extension were compared using a paired Student's t-test.

RESULTS

A total of ten patients with a mean age of 37.9 years were included. In flexion imaging, the mean ADI was 1.76 mm, the mean CCA was 125.4° and the mean distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain's line was + 9.62 mm. In extension, the mean ADI was 1.46 mm (P = 0.29), the mean CCA was 142.2° (P < 0.01) and the mean distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain's line was + 7.11 mm (P < 0.05). Four patients (40%) had facetary subluxation demonstrated in dynamic imaging, two of them with mobile subluxation (both underwent CVJ fixation). The other two patients with a fixed subluxation were not initially fixed. One patient with atlantoaxial assimilation and C23 fusion without initial facet subluxation developed a latter CVJ instability diagnosed with a dynamic CT scan. Patients with basilar invagination had a lower CCA variation compared to the whole group.

CONCLUSION

Craniometrical parameters, as well as the visualization of the facets location, may change significantly according to the neck position. Dynamic imaging can provide additional useful information to the diagnosis of CVJ instability. Future studies addressing the relationship between craniometrical changes and neck position are necessary.

Psychometric analysis and critical appraisal of the original, revised, and modified versions of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score in the assessment of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

OBJECTIVE Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of nontraumatic spinal cord impairment and disability in the world. Given that the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score is the most frequently used outcome measure in clinical research and practice for treating patients with CSM, this review was undertaken to comprehensively and critically evaluate the psychometric properties of the JOA score. METHODS The authors identified studies (published in the period of January 1975 to November 2015) on the psychometric properties of the original, revised, and modified versions of the JOA score in Medline, PsycINFO, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), American College of Physicians Journal Club, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Additional publications were captured in a secondary search of the bibliographies in both original research articles and literature reviews identified in the original search. The JOA scores were evaluated for item generation and reduction, internal consistency, reliability, validity, and responsiveness. This review included all those versions of the JOA score whose psychometric properties had been reported in at least 2 published studies. RESULTS The primary search strategy identified 59 studies, of which 9 fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. An additional 18 publications were captured in the secondary search and included in the analysis. The key findings from the 27 studies analyzed indicated the following: 1) the original JOA score (1975) was the source for the revised JOA score (1994) and 3 modified versions (1991, 1993, and 1999 JOA scores) reported or used in at least 2 published studies; 2) the revised and modified versions of the JOA score are markedly different from each other; 3) only the revised JOA score (1994) was validated with the original JOA score; and 4) the 1975 JOA score is the most appropriate instrument for assessing patients in Asian populations (especially from Japan) because of its psychometric attributes, and the 1991 JOA score is the most appropriate version for use in Western populations. CONCLUSIONS The authors' results indicate that the original (1975), revised (1994), and modified (1991, 1993, and 1999) versions of the JOA score are substantially different from each other in terms of their content and have been incompletely examined for their psychometric properties and cultural sensitivity. Whereas the 1975 JOA score is the most appropriate version for assessing individuals from Asian populations (particularly those eating with chopsticks), the 1991 JOA score is most suitable for evaluating patients in Western populations. Nonetheless, further investigation of the psychometric properties of the 1975 and 1991 JOA scores is recommended because of a paucity of studies reporting on the responsiveness of these 2 scoring instruments.

The Role of Gait Analysis in the Evaluation of Patients with Cervical Myelopathy: A Literature Review Study

BACKGROUND

Gait analysis represents one of the newest methodologies used in the clinical evaluation of patients with cervical myelopathy (CM).

OBJECTIVE

To describe the role of gait analysis in the clinical evaluation of patients with CM, as well as its potential role in the evaluation of the functional outcome of any surgical intervention.

METHODS

A literature review was performed in the PubMed, OVID, and Google Scholar medical databases, from January 1995 to August 2016, using the terms "analysis," "anterior," "cervical myelopathy," "gait," "posterior," and "surgery." Clinical series comparing the gait patterns of patients with CM with healthy controls, as well as series evaluating gait and walk changes before and after surgical decompression, were reviewed. Case studies were excluded.

RESULTS

Nine prospective and 3 retrospective studies were found. Most of the retrieved studies showed the presence of characteristic, abnormal gait patterns among patients with CM, consisting of decreased gait speed, cadence, step length, stride length, and single-limb support time. In addition, patients with CM routinely present increased step and stride time, double-limb support time, and step width, and they have altered knee and ankle joint range of motion, compared with healthy controls. Moreover, gait and walk analysis may provide accurate functional assessment of the functional outcome of patients with CM undergoing surgical decompression.

CONCLUSIONS

Gait analysis may well be a valuable and objective tool along with other parameters in the evaluation of functionality in patients with CM, as well as in the assessment of the outcome of any surgical intervention in these patients.

Psychometric properties of the 30-m walking test in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy: results from two prospective multicenter cohort studies

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The timed 30-m walking test (30MWT) is used in clinical practice and in research to objectively quantify gait impairment. The psychometric properties of 30MWT have not yet been rigorously evaluated.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine test-retest reliability, divergent and convergent validity, and responsiveness to change of the 30MWT in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A retrospective observational study was carried out.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The sample consisted of patients with symptomatic DCM enrolled in the AOSpine North America or AOSpine International cervical spondylotic myelopathy studies at 26 sites.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA), Nurick scale, 30MWT, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Short-Form-36 (SF-36v2) physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) were the outcome measures.

METHODS

Data from two prospective multicenter cohort myelopathy studies were merged. Each patient was evaluated at baseline and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of 757 total patients, 682 (90.09%) attempted to perform the 30MWT at baseline. Of these 682 patients, 602 (88.12%) performed the 30MWT at baseline. One patient was excluded, leaving601 in the analysis. At baseline, 81 of 682 (11.88%) patients were unable to perform the test, and their mJOA, NDI, and SF-36v2 PCS scores were lower compared with those who performed the test at baseline. In patients who performed the 30MWT at baseline, there was very high correlation among the three baseline 30MWT measurements (r=0.9569-0.9919). The 30MWT demonstrated good convergent and divergent validity. It was moderately correlated with the Nurick (r=0.4932), mJOA (r=-0.4424), and SF-36v2 PCS (r=-0.3537) (convergent validity) and poorly correlated with the NDI (r=0.2107) and SF-36v2 MCS (r=-0.1984) (divergent validity). Overall, the 30MWT was not responsive to change (standardized response mean [SRM]=0.30). However, for patients who had a baseline time above the median value of 29 seconds, the SRM was 0.45.

CONCLUSIONS

The 30MWT shows high test-retest reliability and good divergent and convergent validity. It is responsive to change only in patients with more severe myelopathy. The 30MWT is a simple, quick, and affordable test, and should be used as an ancillary test to evaluate gait parameters in patients with DCM.

Laminectomy and fusion versus laminoplasty for the treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy: results from the AOSpine North America and International prospective multicenter studies

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

It remains unclear whether cervical laminoplasty (LP) offers advantages over cervical laminectomy and fusion (LF) in patients undergoing posterior decompression for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of LP and LF.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This is a multicenter international prospective cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A total of 266 surgically treated symptomatic DCM patients undergoing cervical decompression using LP (N=100) or LF (N=166) were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcome measures were the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (mJOA), Nurick grade, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Short-Form 36v2 (SF36v2), length of hospital stay, length of stay in the intensive care unit, treatment complications, and reoperations.

METHODS

Differences in outcomes between the LP and LF groups were analyzed by analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. The dependent variable in all analyses was the change score between baseline and 24-month follow-up, and the independent variable was surgical procedure (LP or LF). In the analysis of covariance, outcomes were compared between cohorts while adjusting for gender, age, smoking, number of operative levels, duration of symptoms, geographic region, and baseline scores.

RESULTS

There were no differences in age, gender, smoking status, number of operated levels, and baseline Nurick, NDI, and SF36v2 scores between the LP and LF groups. Preoperative mJOA was lower in the LP compared with the LF group (11.52±2.77 and 12.30±2.85, respectively, p=.0297). Patients in both groups showed significant improvements in mJOA, Nurick grade, NDI, and SF36v2 physical and mental health component scores 24 months after surgery (p<.0001). At 24 months, mJOA scores improved by 3.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.84, 4.13) in the LP group compared with 2.39 (95% CI: 1.91, 2.86) in the LF group (p=.0069). Nurick grades improved by 1.57 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.90) in the LP group and 1.18 (95% CI: 0.92, 1.44) in the LF group (p=.0770). There were no differences between the groups with respect to NDI and SF36v2 outcomes. After adjustment for preoperative characteristics, surgical factors and geographic region, the differences in mJOA between surgical groups were no longer significant. The rate of treatment-related complications in the LF group was 28.31% compared with 21.00% in the LP group (p=.1079).

CONCLUSIONS

Both LP and LF are effective at improving clinical disease severity, functional status, and quality of life in patients with DCM. In an unadjusted analysis, patients treated with LP achieved greater improvements on the mJOA at 24-month follow-up than those who received LF; however, these differences were insignificant following adjustment for relevant confounders.

Severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy with complete neurological and neuroradiological recovery within a month after surgery

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a complex syndrome evolving in the presence of degenerative changes. The choice of care and prognostic factors are controversial. The use of appropriate surgical technique is very important. Posterior approach may be chosen when pathology is present dorsally and/or in the presence of neutral to lordotic alignment. Anterior approach is the golden standard in patients with kyphosis and/or stenosis due to ventral lesions, even with three or more affected levels. A 67-year-old man presented with progressive weakness and clumsiness (mJOA: 5; Nurick: 4). An anterior discectomy, osteophytectomy and bilateral foraminotomy of the C4-C5; C5-C6; C6-C7 were performed. Polyether-Ether-Ketone spacers and a titanium plate were placed. The patient was mobilized 3-hour post-surgery and was released the following day. Medicament therapy and a neck-conditioning program were prescribed. Clinical examinations were normal within a month. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no traces of the preoperatively registered intramedullary focal T2 hyper-intensity.

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: What the Neurologist Should Know

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a well-known cause of disability among older people. A significant amount of these patients is asymptomatic. Once the symptoms start, the worsening may follow a progressive manner. We should suspect of spondylotic myelopathy in any individual over 55 years presenting progressive changes in gait or losing fine motor control of the upper limbs. Despite its frequent prevalence, this condition is still neglected and many times confused with other supratentorial lesions regarding diagnostic. Here we address some of most important aspects of this disease, calling attention to pathophysiology, the natural history, presentation, differential diagnosis, clinical assessment, and treatment.

Evaluation of modified Kumar and Kalra myelopathy scoring system in sub-axial spinal pathologies

Background:

Various pathologies affect the spine, but these lesions present with more or less similar clinical profile. The present functional scoring systems are inadequate and insensitive to changes in neurological status of the patient.

Objective:

Our study aims to assess the modified Kumar and Kalra (K and K) scoring system in patients with pathologies in the sub-axial spine.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 78 consecutive patients from the period of January 2009 to June 2010 were prospectively included in the study. These patients were operated by the senior author at our institute. The mean Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (MJOA) score and the mean modified K and K score were calculated in the preoperative, at the time of discharge (post-surgery), and at 3 months and 6 months follow-up.

Results:

There were 57 male (73.01%) patients and 21 female patients (26.92%), with the mean age of presentation of 39.20 years (±14.12 years) and a range of 9-75 years. Out of the total 78 patients, 60 patients had pathology in the cervical spine (sub-axial spine) and 18 patients had pathology in the dorsal spine. Majority of the patients had motor and sensory symptoms. The mean preoperative modified K and K score was 17.38 (±3.18) and the mean preoperative MJOA score was 11.21 (±2.12). The K and K score was able to predict the correct outcome in 70 patients (89.74%), whereas the MJOA score was able to predict correctly in 62 patients (79.49%).

Conclusion:

The modified K and K score has a better predictive value than the MJOA score.

Spinal meningioma: relationship between degree of cord compression and outcome

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to find the relationships between the degree of cord compression as seen on MRIs with persisting cord atrophy after decompression and patient outcomes in spinal meningiomas.

METHOD

We undertook a retrospective analysis of 31 patients' pre- and postoperative MRIs, preoperative functional status and their outcomes at follow-up. The following metrics were analysed; percentage cord area at maximum compression, percentage tumour occupancy and percentage cord occupancy. These were then compared with outcome as measured by the Nurick scale.

RESULTS

Of the 31 patients, 27 (87%) had thoracic meningiomas, 3 (10%) cervical and 1 (3%) cervicothoracic. The meningiomas were pathologically classified as grade 1 (29) or grade 2 (2) according to the WHO classification. The average remaining cord cross-sectional area was 61% of the estimated original value. The average tumour occupancy of the canal was 72%. The average cord occupancy of the spinal canal at maximum compression was 20%. No correlation between cord cross-section area and Nurick Scale was seen. On the postoperative scan, the average cord area had increased to 84%. No correlation was seen between this value and outcome.

CONCLUSION

We found that cross-section area measurements on MRI scans have no obvious relationship with function before or after surgery. This is a base for future research into the mechanism of cord recovery and other compressive cord conditions.

Our technique of midsagittal splitting laminoplasty for compressive cervical myelopathy and its short-term results

Objective:

The aim of this study was to discuss the technique of midsagittal splitting laminoplasty and to compare its short-term follow-up results with laminectomy in cases of compressive cervical spinal cord myelopathy.

Materials and Methods:

Exclusion criteria were as follows: Intramedullary compressive lesions, kyphotic cervical spine, previous spinal surgeries, and defective anterior vertebral column. Twenty patients (10 each of laminoplasty and laminectomy groups) were prospectively studied from 2005 to 2008. After clinico-radiological assessment, laminoplasty or laminectomy was performed in patients aged <50 years and >50 years, respectively. The laminoplasty was performed by splitting the excised lamina in midline up to the tip of spinous process. Follow-up was done by neurosurgical cervical spine scoring, Nurick's grading, and the final outcome was determined by Odom's criteria.

Results:

The mean operative time and blood loss in laminoplasty and laminectomy was 100 ± 0.87 (range 90-140 min), 80 ± 0.67 (range 75-100 min) P = 0.04; and 65 ± 0.07 (range 60-90 ml) and 68 ± 0.61 (range 65-80 ml) P = 0.09, respectively. There were no intraoperative accidents, and no postoperative neurological deterioration/recurrence of symptoms. One patient who underwent laminectomy alone developed progressive kyphosis of the spine, whereas one having rheumatoid arthritis and long symptom duration didn’t improve. 85% (17/20 patients) had sustained excellent to fair outcome (improvement by at least one Nurick's grade).

Conclusions:

The technique used by us was simple, effective, and inexpensive. There was no minimal postoperative morbidity, although long-term results are awaited.

Positive Association between Current Health and Health Values for Hypothetical Disease States

Background: Valuations of hypothetical health state scenarios can be affected by participant characteristics. Methods: The authors interviewed 108 veterans using the visual analogue scale (VAS), standard gamble (SG), time tradeoff (TTO), and willingness to pay (WTP) tomeasure health values for 1) current health and 2) 3 hypothetical health states portrayed in written scenarios describing cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a degenerative spine condition. They used bivariate rank order and multivariate regression analyses to assess the relationship between CSM values, participants’ characteristics, and participants’ current health values. Results: Participants were predominantly male (89.8%) and Caucasian (75.9%), with a median age of 58.3 years and a median annual income of $15,000. Median values for current health were VAS, 0.75; SG, 0.80; TTO, 0.80; and WTP, $25,000. In the multivariate analysis, higher CSM values were associated with better current health as measured with the SG, TTO, and WTP (for all,P < 0.001); there was no association with VAS values (P = 0.157). Conclusions: Health values for CSM are positively associated with the current health of the study population.

The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale: establishing criteria for mild, moderate and severe impairment in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy

PURPOSE

We aimed to determine cut-offs between mild, moderate and severe myelopathy on the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score.

METHODS

Between December 2005 and January 2011, 757 patients with clinically diagnosed DCM were enrolled in the prospective AOSpine North America (n = 278) or International (n = 479) study at 26 sites. Functional status and quality of life were evaluated at baseline using a variety of outcome measures. Using the Nurick score as an anchor, receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine cut-offs between mild, moderate and severe disease. The validity of the identified cut-offs was evaluated by examining whether patients in different severity groups differed in terms of impairment, disability, quality of life and number of signs and symptoms.

RESULTS

A mJOA of 14 was determined to be the cut-off between mild and moderate myelopathy and a mJOA of 11 was the cut-off score between moderate and severe disease. Patients in the severe myelopathy group (n = 254) had significantly reduced quality of life and functional status and a greater number of signs and symptoms compared to patients classified as mild (n = 190) or moderate (n = 296).

CONCLUSIONS

Mild myelopathy can be defined as mJOA from 15 to 17, moderate as mJOA from 12 to 14 and severe as mJOA from 0 to 11. These categories should be adopted worldwide to standardize clinical assessment of DCM.

Surgical Outcomes and Correlation of the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale and Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Assessment Scales in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

PURPOSE

Clinical outcome study comparing the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS) and modified Japanese orthopedic association (mJOA) assessment scales in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

Comparison of instruments that measure patient-reported outcomes is needed.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted. Ninety five patients with CSM were entered into the study and completed the CNFDS and the mJOA preoperatively and postoperatively. Correlation between the CNFDS and the mJOA was evaluated preoperatively and at the end of follow-up. Responsiveness to change of CNFDS and mJOA was also assessed. Clinical outcomes were also measured with the recovery rate of mJOA score at end of follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 58.2 (standard deviation, SD=8.7) years. Mean follow-up was 2.1 years (range, 1 to 4 years). The mJOA correlated strongly with the CNFDS score preoperatively and postoperatively (r=-0.81 and -0.82, respectively; p<0.001). The CNFDS and the mJOA were able to detect changes after the surgery (p<0.001). The mean mJOA recovery rate was 51.8% (SD=13.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for the treatment of patients with CSM is an efficacious procedure. CNFDS and mJOA scores have a strong correlation in measuring disability among CSM patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarker of Axon Loss Reflects Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Severity

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we employed diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) to quantitatively assess axon/myelin injury, cellular inflammation, and axonal loss of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) spinal cords.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A major shortcoming in the management of CSM is the lack of an effective diagnostic approach to stratify treatments and to predict outcomes. No current clinical diagnostic imaging approach is capable of accurately reflecting underlying spinal cord pathologies.

METHODS

Seven patients with mild (mJOA ≥15), five patients with moderate (14≥mJOA ≥11), and two patients with severe (mJOA <11) CSM were prospectively enrolled. Given the low number of severe patients, moderate and severe patients were combined for comparison with seven age-matched controls and statistical analysis. We employed the newly developed DBSI to quantitatively measure axon and myelin injury, cellular inflammation, and axonal loss.

RESULTS

Median DBSI-inflammation volume is similar in control (266 μL) and mild CSM (171 μL) subjects, with a significant overlap of the middle 50% of observations (quartile 3 - quartile 1). This was in contrast to moderate CSM subjects that had higher DBSI-inflammation volumes (382 μL; P = 0.033). DBSI-axon volume shows a strong correlation with clinical measures (r = 0.79 and 0.87, P = 1.9 x 10-5 and 2 x 10-4 for mJOA and MDI, respectively). In addition to axon and myelin injury, our findings suggest that both inflammation and axon loss contribute to neurological impairment. Most strikingly, DBSI-derived axon volume declines as severity of impairment increases.

CONCLUSION

DBSI-quantified axonal loss may be an imaging biomarker to predict functional recovery following decompression in CSM. Our results demonstrate an increase of about 60% in the odds of impairment relative to the control for each decrease of 100 μL in axon volume.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

A retrospective observational study on the treatment outcomes of 26 patients with spinal cord astrocytoma including two cases of malignant transformation

PURPOSE

To determine the biologic behavior and prognostic factors of spinal cord astrocytoma, we reviewed surgical and clinical outcomes. Due to the rarity of spinal cord astrocytoma, there is a lack of research regarding this type of tumor and malignant transformation.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data from all patients on whom we performed spinal cord tumor removal between 1983 and 2014. Twenty-six patients were pathologically confirmed to have spinal cord astrocytoma or glioblastoma. Surgical extent and disease progression were confirmed by the surgeon based on operative findings, postoperative MRI, and outpatient department (OPD) follow-up.

RESULTS

Pain or neurological deficit was the chief complaint for all patients. With MRI studies, there is a tendency for high-grade astrocytomas to show as enhanced and heterogeneous images. Two of the low-grade astrocytomas showed malignant transformation over the course of 4 and 11 months, respectively. The overall survival (OS) for low-grade astrocytoma was 28-480 months (mean 156.38 months); the OS for high-grade astrocytoma was 1-36 months (mean 12.00 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Two of 12 low-grade cases showed malignant transformations at 4 and 11 months, respectively, based on pathological confirmation. With spinal cord astrocytomas, enhanced MRI results appeared similar to those of a malignant lesion. We suggest close observation and image correlation of low-grade astrocytomas, even when pathologically confirmed as low-grade. In this review, we found that histologic grade is the most important prognostic factor, although it is not always concordant with biologic behaviors.

Outcome Measures of Functionality, Social Interaction, and Pain in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Validation Study for the Iranian Version of the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

PURPOSE

To translate and validate the Iranian version of the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS).

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

Instruments measuring patient-reported outcomes should satisfy certain psychometric properties.

METHODS

Ninety-three cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy were entered into the study and completed the CNFDS pre and postoperatively at the 6 month follow-up. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score was also completed. The internal consistency, test-retest, convergent validity, construct validity (item scale correlation), and responsiveness to change were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 54.3 years (standard deviation, 8.9). The Cronbach α coefficient was satisfactory (α=0.84). Test-retest reliability as assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient analysis was 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.98). The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score correlated strongly with the CNFDS score, lending support to its good convergent validity (r=-0.80; p<0.001). Additionally, the correlation of each item with its hypothesized domain on the CNFDS was acceptable, suggesting that the items had a substantial relationship with their own domains. These results also indicate that the instrument was responsive to change (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the Iranian version of the CNFDS is a valid measure to assess functionality, social interaction, and pain among patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Effectiveness of Riluzole as a pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for early cervical myelopathy: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of Riluzole as a pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for early cervical myelopathy using clinical parameters and DTI analysis.

METHODS

Early cervical myelopathy cases with MJOA scores ≥13, were recruited for the double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised control trial. Thirty cases with fifteen cases each in the test and placebo group were studied. Analysis was done using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and clinical evaluation, pre- and post-institution of sodium channel blocker Riluzole for a period of 1 month (50 mg twice daily). Placebo group was treated with Vitamin B complex tablets. Diffusion co-efficient fractional anisotrophy (FA), apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC), volume ratio (VR), relative anisotrophy (RA) and Eigen vectors were calculated. Outcomes analysis was based on clinical scores of MJOA, Nurick grading, SF-12, NDI, and statistical analysis of DTI datametrics.

RESULTS

The mean MJOA score was 15.6 (13-17) with no significant change in the test and control groups. The mean ADC, FA values were 1533.36 (1238-1779) and 494.36 (364-628) and changed to 1531.57 (1312-2091) and 484.86 (294-597), respectively, in the Riluzole group. However, the changes in the values of ADC, FA, and other co-efficients including VR, RA and eigenvectors in the two groups were not statistically significant. The functional scores in the SF-12 and NDI questionnaires did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not show a significant change in the clinical outcome and DTI Indices with the use of Riluzole as a standalone pharmacotherapeutic agent for early cervical myelopathy. More studies may be needed to confirm the usefulness of Riluzole as a treatment option for cervical myelopathy.

Effects of brain derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the leading cause of spinal cord related disability in the elderly. It results from degenerative narrowing of the spinal canal, which causes spinal cord compression. This leads to gait instability, loss of dexterity, weakness, numbness and urinary dysfunction. There has been indirect data that implicates a genetic component to CSM. Such a finding may contribute to the variety in presentation and outcome in this patient population. The Val66Met polymorphism, a mutation in the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, has been implicated in a number of brain and psychological conditions, and here we investigate its role in CSM. Ten subjects diagnosed with CSM were enrolled in this prospective study. Baseline clinical evaluation using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, Nurick and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were collected. Each subject underwent objective testing with gait kinematics, as well as hand functioning using the Purdue Peg Board. Blood samples were analyzed for the BDNF Val66Met mutation. The prevalence of the Val66Met mutation in this study was 60% amongst CSM patients compared to 32% in the general population. Individuals with abnormal Met allele had worse baseline mJOA and Nurick scores. Moreover, baseline gait kinematics and hand functioning testing were worse compared to their wild type counterpart. BDNF Val66Met mutation has a higher prevalence in CSM compared to the general population. Those with BDNF mutation have a worse clinical presentation compared to the wild type counterpart. These findings suggest implication of the BDNF mutation in the development and severity of CSM.

A global perspective on the outcomes of surgical decompression in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: results from the prospective multicenter AOSpine international study on 479 patients

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter international cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes of surgical decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) at a global level.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

CSM is a degenerative spine disease and the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction worldwide. Surgery is increasingly recommended as the preferred treatment strategy for CSM to improve neurological and functional status and quality of life. The outcomes of surgical intervention for CSM have never been evaluated at an international level.

METHODS

Between October 2007 and January 2011, 479 symptomatic patients with image evidence of CSM were enrolled in the prospective, multicenter AOSpine CSM-International study from 16 global sites. Preoperative and postoperative clinical status, functional impairment, and quality of life were evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Assessment Scale, Nurick Scale, Neck Disability Index, and Short-Form-36v2. Preoperative and 12- and 24-month postoperative outcomes were compared using mixed-model analysis of covariance for repeated measurements.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 310 males and 169 females, with a mean age of 56.37 ± 11.91 years. There were significant differences in age, etiology, and surgical approaches between the regions. At 24 months postoperatively, the mean modified Japanese Orthopaedic Assessment Scale score improved from 12.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.24-12.76) to 14.90 (95% CI, 14.64-15.16); the Neck Disability Index improved from 36.38 (95% CI, 34.33-38.43) to 23.20 (95% CI, 21.24-25.15); and the SF36v2 Physical Component Score and Mental Composite Score improved from 34.28 (95% CI, 33.46-35.10) to 40.76 (95% CI, 39.71-41.81) and 39.45 (95% CI, 38.25-40.64) to 46.24 (95% CI, 44.94-47.55), respectively. The rate of neurological complications was 3.13%.

CONCLUSION

Surgical decompression for CSM is safe and results in improved functional status and quality of life in patients around the world, irrespective of differences in medical systems and sociocultural determinants of health.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Perioperative Risks Associated with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Based on Surgical Treatment Strategies

BACKGROUND

Few studies have provided nationwide estimates of patient characteristics and procedure-related complications, or examined postsurgical outcomes for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) comparatively with respect to surgical approach. The objective of this study is to identify patients at risk for morbidity and mortality directly related with the selected approach, report an overall nation-wide complication rate for each approach against which surgeons can compare themselves, and direct future research to improve patient outcomes.

METHODS

Patients surgically treated for CSM were retrospectively identified using ICD-9-CM codes from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Four cohorts were compared for demographics and hospital system-related data: anterior (ACDF, ACCF), posterior decompression without fusion, decompression with posterior fusion, and combined anterior-posterior. Multivariate analysis was also used to determine the odds ratio of morbidity and mortality among the cohorts.

RESULTS

54,416 discharges were identified between 2001 and 2010: 34,400 anterior, 9,014 decompression procedures without fusion, 8,741 decompression procedures with posterior fusion, and 2,261 combined anterior-posterior. Groups were statistically different with respect to age, length of hospital stay, mortality, and complications. Groups were statistically different for Deyo score except between posterior decompression only and combined approaches. Using multivariate analysis and adjusting for covariates, the combined (2.74[2.18-3.44]) and laminectomy (1.22[1.04-1.44]) cohorts had an increased risk of mortality when compared to anterior alone.

CONCLUSION

These findings are the first to determine the rates and odds of perioperative risks directly related to combined anterior-posterior procedures. This study provides clinically useful data for surgeons to educate patients and direct future research to improve patient outcomes.

Regression of an atlantoaxial rheumatoid pannus following posterior instrumented fusion

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid patients may develop a retrodental lesion (atlantoaxial rheumatoid pannus) that may cause cervical instability and/or neurological compromise. The objective is to characterize clinical and radiographic outcomes after posterior instrumented fusion for atlantoaxial rheumatoid pannus.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent posterior fusions for an atlantoaxial rheumatoid pannus at a single institution. Both preoperative and postoperative imaging was available for all patients. Anterior or circumferential operations, non-atlantoaxial panni, or prior C1-C2 operations were excluded. Primary outcome measures included Nurick score, Ranawat score (neurologic status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis), pannus regression, and reoperation. Pannus volume was determined with axial and sagittal views on both preoperative and postoperative radiological images.

RESULTS

Thirty patients surgically managed for an atlantoaxial rheumatoid pannus were followed for a mean of 24.43 months. Nine patients underwent posterior instrumented fusion alone, while 21 patients underwent posterior decompression and instrumented fusion. Following a posterior instrumented fusion in all 30 patients, the pannus statistically significantly regressed by 44.44%, from a mean volume of 1.26cm(3) to 0.70cm(3) (p<0.001), over 8.02 months. The Nurick score significantly improved from 2.40 to 0.60 (p<0.001), but the marginal improvement of 0.20 in the Ranawat score did not reach significance (p=0.312). Six patients (20%) required reoperations over a mean of 13.18 months. Reoperations were indicated for C1 instrumentation failure in four patients and pseudoarthrosis in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Following posterior instrumented fusion, the pannus radiographically regressed by 44.44% over a mean of 8.02 months, and patients clinically improved per the Nurick score. The Ranawat score did not improve, and 20% of patients required reoperation over a mean of 13.18 months. The annualized reoperation rate was approximately 13.62%.

A case of myelopathy because of enchondromas from Maffucci syndrome with successful surgical treatment

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Maffucci syndrome is a rare disorder comprising multiple enchondromas associated with multiple hemangiomas. Less than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. Most reported cases comprised lesions of the long bone metaphyses, hands, and feet. No previous case of myelopathy due to enchondroma from Maffucci syndrome has been reported.

PURPOSE

To highlight an interesting and rare presentation of thoracic myelopathy because of enchondromas from Maffucci syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a case report of a single patient presenting with myelopathy in whom enchondromas from Maffucci syndrome were removed from the spinal canal with the return of normal function.

METHODS

Clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, surgical resection, and histologic analysis.

RESULTS

The patient experiencing myelopathy symptoms underwent a surgical resection of the offending lesions that resulted in return to normal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Maffucci syndrome is a rare condition; however, in affected patients the possibility of structural spinal abnormalities causing cord compression must be considered, as discrete surgical resection can result in a good outcome.

Comparison of the Japanese orthopaedic association score and the Japanese orthopaedic association cervical myelopathy evaluation questionnaire scores: time-dependent changes in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and posterior longitudinal ligament

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Purpose

To identify differences in time-dependent perioperative changes between the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the JOA Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) score in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who underwent cervical laminoplasty.

Overview of Literature

The JOA score does not take into consideration patient satisfaction or quality of life. Accordingly, the JOACMEQ was designed in 2007 as a patient-centered assessment tool.

Methods

We studied 21 patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty. We objectively evaluated the time-dependent changes in JOACMEQ scores and JOA scores for all patients before surgery and at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.

Results

The average total JOA score and the recovery rate improved significantly after surgery in both groups, with a slightly better recovery rate in the OPLL group. Cervical spine function improved significantly in the CSM group but not in the OPLL group. Upper- and lower-extremity functions were more stable in the CSM group than in the OPLL group. The effectiveness rate of the JOACMEQ for measuring quality of life was quite low in both groups. In both groups, the Spearman contingency coefficients were dispersed widely except for upper- and lower-extremity function.

Conclusions

Scores for upper- and lower-extremity function on the JOACMEQ correlated well with JOA scores. Because the JOACMEQ can also assess cervical spine function and quality of life, factors that cannot be assessed by the JOA score alone, the JOACMEQ is a more comprehensive evaluation tool.

Psychometric properties of the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Several outcome measures assess functional impairment and quality of life in patients with cervical myelopathy. However, a "gold standard" has not been established. One of the most widely accepted tools for assessing functional status is the mJOA scale.

METHODS

Two hundred and seventy-seven surgical patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were enrolled in the prospective cervical spondylotic myelopathy-North America study. Functional status was evaluated at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The internal consistency of the mJOA was assessed by computing a Cronbach α for the total score and after removing 1 item at a time. Convergent validity and divergent validity were measured by correlating the mJOA with other assessment tools. The responsiveness of the scale was determined by comparing mJOA scores at baseline and 12 months after surgery and computing a Cohen effect size.

RESULTS

The internal consistency of the scale was moderate with a Cronbach α of 0.63. Sphincter dysfunction measured a different dimension than the other 3 scale components. The mJOA was correlated with the Nurick score (r =-0.625) but was not associated with subscales of the Short-Form 36 that measure different constructs. These findings suggest convergent and divergent validity. The mJOA was responsive to change as reflected by a Cohen effect size of 1.

CONCLUSION

The mJOA is a useful tool in the assessment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and it should be adopted as the standard for evaluating functional status in this population.

Clinical Equipoise and Treatment Decisions in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Objective:

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate clinician attitudes towards the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in order to determine whether clinical equipoise exists for a segment of this patient population. The secondary objective is to examine the factors that influence treatment decisions.

Methods:

Cross-sectional internet-based survey of neurologists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons.

Results:

Between 40-60% of respondents recommended surgery for (1) patients with minimal or no symptoms, but incidentally discovered increased T2 signal within the cervical cord on MRI, (2) patients with mild symptoms and indentation of the cervical cord but without increased T2 signal and (3) those with at least moderately severe clinical findings accompanied by MRI showing effacement of the thecal sac but without indentation of the cord or increased T2 signal. The severity of the radiological abnormalities most strongly influence treatment decisions.

Conclusion:

We conclude that clinical equipoise does exist for certain groups of patients with CSM, suggesting that a randomized controlled trial could be performed in this population.

Treatment considerations of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the leading cause of myelopathy in patients over age 50 years. Despite advances, CSM remains a clinical diagnosis and its natural history remains unclear. The treatment of CSM is controversial, especially in patients with mild or moderate clinical disease without rapid progression of symptoms. Herein, we begin with a clinical vignette followed by a brief description of the clinical problems. We discuss evaluation, treatment, and recommendations for the treatment of CSM. Emphasis is drawn to areas of uncertainty and present level of evidence for the treatment modalities of CSM.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex correlates with objective clinical measures in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation between central motor conduction time (CMCT) and various subjective and objective clinical assessment measures in patients undergoing decompressive surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

CSM can cause a spectrum of neurological deficits among individuals. Subjective clinical assessments of disease severity may lack the sensitivity of objective tests. Transcranial magnetic stimulation provides objective electrophysiological data on the integrity of the corticospinal tracts, which may be useful for monitoring disease progression or neurological improvement after surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgical decompression for CSM underwent subjective and objective testing before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Subjective measures included modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Neck Disability Index, Nurick grade, and visual analogue scale score. Objective measures included CMCT as measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation, the 10-m walk test, the 9-hole peg task, and the grip and release test. Primary outcome was the correlation between CMCT and subjective or objective measures at preoperative and postoperative time points. Secondary outcome was the correlation between preoperative CMCT and performance in subjective or objective testing after surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Improvement in both subjective and objective measures was observed after surgery. CMCT correlated with other objective measures (10-m walk test, 9-hole peg task, and grip and release test) both at baseline and after decompressive surgery in these 17 patients with CSM. Patients with high baseline CMCTs were associated with poor performance on the 10-m walk test, 9-hole peg task, and grip and release test. Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score correlated with CMCT at baseline but not after surgical intervention. CMCT was not associated with other subjective measures, such as Neck Disability Index, Nurick grade, and visual analogue scale score, at preoperative or postoperative time points.

CONCLUSION

CMCT as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation is a responsive objective assessment of CSM. It can be used to monitor disease severity and neurological function before and after surgical intervention. Prolonged baseline CMCT may be associated with worse surgical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Basilar invagination: Surgical results

INTRODUCTION

Basilar invagination (BI) is a congenital craniocervical junction (CCJ) anomaly represented by a prolapsed spine into the skull-base that can result in severe neurological impairment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this paper, we retrospective evaluate the surgical treatment of 26 patients surgically treated for symptomatic BI. BI was classified according to instability and neural abnormalities findings. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Nürick grade system.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients were included in this paper. Their age ranged from 15 to 67 years old (mean 38). Of which, 10 patients were male (38%) and 16 (62%) were female. All patients had some degree of tonsillar herniation, with 25 patients treated with foramen magnum decompression. Nine patients required a craniocervical fixation. Six patients had undergone prior surgery and required a new surgical procedure for progression of neurological symptoms associated with new compression or instability. Most of patients with neurological symptoms secondary to brainstem compression had some improvement during the follow-up. There was mortality in this series, 1 month after surgery, associated with a late removal of the tracheal cannula.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of BI requires can provide improvements in neurological outcomes, but requires analysis of the neural and bony anatomy of the CCJ, as well as occult instability. The complexity and heterogeneous presentation requires attention to occult instability on examination and attention to airway problems secondary to concomitant facial malformations.

Mild diabetes is not a contraindication for surgical decompression in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: results of the AOSpine North America multicenter prospective study (CSM)

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a chronic spinal cord disease and can lead to progressive or stepwise neurologic decline. Several factors may influence this process, including extent of spinal cord compression, duration of symptoms, and medical comorbidities. Diabetes is a systemic disease that can impact multiple organ systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. There has been little information regarding the effect of diabetes on patients with coexistent CSM.

PURPOSE

To provide empirical data regarding the effect of diabetes on treatment outcomes in patients who underwent surgical decompression for coexistent CSM.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Large prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with and without diabetes who underwent decompressive surgery for CSM.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Two hundred thirty-six patients without and 42 patients with diabetes were enrolled. Of these, 37 were mild cases and five were moderate cases. Four required insulin. There were no severe cases associated with end-organ damage.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-report measures include Neck Disability Index and version 2 of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2), and functional measures include modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score and Nurick grade.

METHODS

We compared presurgery symptoms and treatment outcomes between patients with and without diabetes using univariate and multivariate models, adjusting for demographics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Diabetic patients were older, less likely to smoke, and more likely to be on social security disability insurance. Patients with diabetes presented with a worse Nurick grade, but there were no differences in mJOA and SF-36v2 at presentation. Overall, there was a significant improvement in all outcome parameters at 12 and 24 months. There was no difference in the level of improvement between the patients with and without diabetes, except in the SF-36v2 Physical Functioning, in which diabetic patients experienced significantly less improvement. There were no differences in surgical complication rates between diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Except for a worse Nurick grade, diabetes does not seem to affect severity of symptoms at presentation for surgery. More importantly, with the exception of the SF-36v2 Physical Functioning scores, outcomes of surgical treatment are similar in patients with diabetes and without diabetes. Surgical decompression is effective and should be offered to patients with diabetes who have symptomatic CSM and are appropriate surgical candidates.

Anterior versus posterior surgical approaches to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy: outcomes of the prospective multicenter AOSpine North America CSM study in 264 patients

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective observational multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE

To help solve the debate regarding whether the anterior or posterior surgical approach is optimal for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The optimal surgical approach to treat CSM remains debated with varying opinions favoring anterior versus posterior surgical approaches. We present an analysis of a prospective observational multicenter study examining outcomes of surgical treatment for CSM.

METHODS

A total of 278 subjects from 12 sites in North America received anterior/posterior or combined surgery at the discretion of the surgeon. This study focused on subjects who had either anterior or posterior surgery (n = 264, follow-up rate, 87%). Outcome measures included the modified Japanese Orthopedic Assessment scale, the Nurick scale, the Neck Disability Index, and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey version 2 Physical and Mental Component Scores.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-nine patients were treated anteriorly and 95 underwent posterior surgery. Anterior surgical cases were younger and had less severe myelopathy as assessed by mJOA and Nurick scores. There were no baseline differences in Neck Disability Index or SF-36 between the anterior and posterior cases. Improvement in the mJOA was significantly lower in the anterior group than posterior group (2.47 vs. 3.62, respectively, P < 0.01), although the groups started at different levels of baseline impairment. The extent of improvement in the Nurick Scale, Neck Disability Index, SF-36 version 2 Physical Component Score, and SF-36 version 2 Mental Component Score did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CSM show significant improvements in several health-related outcome measures with either anterior or posterior surgery. Importantly, patients treated with anterior techniques were younger, with less severe impairment and more focal pathology. We demonstrate for the first time that, when patient and disease factors are controlled for, anterior and posterior surgical techniques have equivalent efficacy in the treatment of CSM.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Diagnosis and management of cervical spondylosis]

Cervical spondylosis, which can present as radiculopathy and myelopathy, is common in people over the age of 50. Since evidence of radiological spondylotic change is frequently found in many asymptomatic adults, it is necessary to assess whether neurological symptoms result from cervical spondylosis or other neurological disorders. In order to avoid misdiagnosis, it is important to compare the levels of the lesions shown on imaging with the clinical findings. Differential diagnosis between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy is an issue of major clinical importance. Though the course of disease development and the ultimate prognosis for patients with cervical spondylosis is highly variable and extremely difficult to predict, many patients experience a relatively benign form of the disease.

Efficacy and safety of surgical decompression in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: results of the AOSpine North America prospective multi-center study

BACKGROUND

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the leading cause of spinal cord dysfunction worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical decompression on functional, quality-of-life, and disability outcomes at one year after surgery in a large cohort of patients with this condition.

METHODS

Adult patients with symptomatic cervical spondylotic myelopathy and magnetic resonance imaging evidence of spinal cord compression were enrolled at twelve North American centers from 2005 to 2007. At enrollment, the myelopathy was categorized as mild (modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association [mJOA] score ≥ 15), moderate (mJOA = 12 to 14), or severe (mJOA < 12). Patients were followed prospectively for one year, at which point the outcomes of interest included the mJOA score, Nurick grade, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Short Form-36 version 2 (SF-36v2). All outcomes at one year were compared with the preoperative values with use of univariate paired statistics. Outcomes were also compared among the severity classes with use of one-way analysis of variance. Finally, a multivariate analysis that adjusted for baseline differences among the severity groups was performed. Treatment-related complication data were collected and the overall complication rate was calculated.

RESULTS

Eighty-five (30.6%) of the 278 enrolled patients had mild cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 110 (39.6%) had moderate disease, and 83 (29.9%) had severe disease preoperatively. One-year follow-up data were available for 222 (85.4%) of 260 patients. There was a significant improvement from baseline to one year postoperatively (p < 0.05) in the mJOA score, Nurick grade, NDI score, and all SF-36v2 health dimensions (including the mental and physical health composite scores) except general health. With the exception of the change in the mJOA, the degree of improvement did not depend on the severity of the preoperative symptoms. These results remained unchanged after adjusting for relevant confounders in the multivariate analysis. Fifty-two patients experienced complications (prevalence, 18.7%), with no significant differences among the severity groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical decompression for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy was associated with improvement in functional, disability-related, and quality-of-life outcomes at one year of follow-up for all disease severity categories. Furthermore, complication rates observed in the study were commensurate with those in previously reported cervical spondylotic myelopathy series.

Surgical seroma formation following posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion without rhBMP-2

Seroma formation following posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion is now recognized as a rare but significant risk. Previous reports have attributed the development of postoperative seromas to the use of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein–2 (rhBMP-2). Here the authors present the case of a 78-year-old female with a history of osteoporosis who developed delayed postoperative neck and shoulder pain following posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion utilizing only autograft bone and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) allograft. Postoperative MRI demonstrated normal hardware placement and a large epidural fluid collection that extended from C-4 to C-6. The patient underwent decompression and drainage of her sterile postoperative seroma. To the authors' knowledge, no case of seroma formation with the use of DBM has been previously reported. This case suggests that although rhBMP-2 is involved in the majority of postoperative seroma developments, other osteoinductive agents such as DBM can contribute to the development of a symptomatic seroma. This report presents an illustrative case study and reviews the current understanding of the development of and treatment for cervical seroma following posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

The differential of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is broad and includes multiple conditions that can cause and mimic myelopathy. In adults older than 55 years of age, CSM is the most common cause of myelopathy. This article summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic evaluation, and natural history of CSM. Available treatment options and their complications are reviewed.