Prognosis of neurological deficits associated with upper cervical spine injuries

Frequency of Peripheral Nerve Injury in Trauma in Emergency Settings

Introduction

Neurological injuries because of trauma and accidents are common but rarely reported or examined in Pakistan. In this study, we will determine the frequency of neurological deficits reported in the emergency unit in patients presenting with acute trauma.

Material

This study was conducted in an emergency unit of tertiary care setting in Karachi, Pakistan. One hundred patients presenting with mild to moderate trauma were enrolled in the study after informed consent. Patients with severe trauma requiring emergency intervention were excluded from the study.

Results

Out of the 100 patients enrolled in our study, 57% presented with neurological deficits after a road traffic accident (RTA), making RTA the most common cause of trauma. The most prominent site of injury was the lower limb (57%). Upper limb examination revealed that out of the 35% patients presenting with upper limb injuries, ten patients (28.6%) had a decreased biceps reflex, while six patients (10.5%) had tingling in their hands. Out of the 57% of patients presenting with lower limb injuries, ten patients (17.5%) had decreased ankle reflexes and six patients (10.5%) had tingling in their legs. 

Conclusion

Neurological deficit is very common in patients presenting to emergency settings in Pakistan. Neurologists should be present in emergency centers to perform detail neurological examinations of patients coming to emergency centers, and follow-up visits should be arranged in Neurology clinics for patients suffering from any neurological deficits.

Fractures of C2 (Axis) Vertebra: Clinical Presentation and Management

BACKGROUND

Injuries of the upper cervical spine are a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to associated spinal cord and head injuries. The injury patterns of the upper cervical spine are numerous, and the neurologic sequelae are diverse. The axis (C2) is the most commonly fractured vertebra in the upper cervical spine; its unique anatomy and architecture pose difficulties in the diagnosis and the management of its fractures.

METHODS

All cases of acute spinal injuries at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were screened for fractures of C2 vertebrae. These patients underwent computerized tomography (CT) imaging of the cervical spine with special attention paid to the cranio-cervical junction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography of the neck were performed to exclude ligamentous tears and vascular injuries. Unstable fractures were fixed surgically. In the remaining cases, a conservative trial was given. All patients were followed up once every 3 months for a period of 1 year. During follow-up, some patients underwent additional CT imaging of the cervical spine to monitor the healing of fractures.

RESULTS

Out of 230 spinal trauma patients, 43.5% suffered from cervical spine injury. C2 fractures were recorded in 26% cases, and fractures of the C2 vertebral body, including pedicles, laminae, lateral masses, and articular processes, were found in many cases, followed by odontoid fractures (50%). No case of atlanto-axial or atlanto-occipital dislocation was recorded. Road traffic accidents were found to be responsible for 92% of cases. The majority of patients were young males, and 96% of patients had no neurological deficit. Only 15% of the patients required surgery for their unstable fractures. Half of the patients attended outpatient follow -up appointments, all of whom underwent CT scanning of the cervical spine 9 months after the accident or operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The axis (C2) is the most commonly affected vertebra in cervical spine trauma, and odontoid fractures make up 50% of all C2 fractures. C2 fractures rarely cause any neurological deficit or vascular injury, and the majority of affected patients can be managed conservatively; only a small proportion requires surgical intervention. Surgical intervention leads to early and complete healing.

Injuries of the upper cervical spine-how can instability be identified?

OBJECTIVE

The diagnosis of instability of the injured upper cervical spine remains controversial, due to its complicated anatomical configuration and biomechanical property. Since identifying unstable injuries of the upper cervical spine is essential for immediate stabilizing therapy, this article reviews the current classification systems of upper cervical spine injuries and their statements towards instability.

METHODS

A systematic review of literature concerning upper cervical spine injuries was performed on the PubMed database from inception to December 2019. An English literature search was conducted using various combinations of keyword terms.

RESULTS

Numerous separate classification systems for each specific injury of the upper cervical spine were obtained. The early classifications are based primarily on injury morphology and mechanism. The recent classifications pay more attention to the investigation of ligamentous status. Various instability criteria were established as well. The determinants involve translation, vertical distraction, angulation, rotation, obliquity of fracture line, comminution, and ligamentous disruption. The status of crucial ligaments plays a key role in determining instability of upper cervical spine injuries. CT scan is more sensitive and reliable than X-ray in detecting misalignment of the upper cervical spine.

CONCLUSION

Only a few classification systems support decision-making concerning instability leading to early operative treatment. The ligamentous integrity is the key element of impacting the stability of the upper cervical spine injuries. The transverse ligament serves as the most crucial element in determining the stability of occipital condyle fractures and atlas fractures as well as atlanto-axial injury. The integrity of anterior longitudinal ligament, disc, and facet joint attributes to the stability of axis fractures. The integrity of tectorial membrane and alar ligaments determines the stability of atlanto-occipital dislocation. The development of a newly classification system concerning ligamentous instability with a high clinical and scientific impact is recommended.

TRAUMATIC INJURIES OF THE CERVICAL SPINE: CURRENT EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PANORAMA

Objective:

To collect data from patients with cervical fracture who were treated surgically in a tertiary health service, in order to better understand the current scenario of this kind of injury in our population.

Methods:

This retrospective survey examined consecutive cases of patients with cervical spine trauma who received surgical treatment during 2013 and 2014. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis.

Results:

Fifty-two patients were treated with surgery during 2013 and 2014. All patients classified as Frankel A and B developed respiratory failure. Patients classified as Frankel A, B, and C had significantly higher rates for postoperative complications (p < 0.01) than patients classified as Frankel D and E, except for the rate of postoperative infections (p = 0.717). Hospitalization time was also longer in the first group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Patients with cervical trauma who present with neurological deficit at hospital admission should receive special attention, since the rate of postoperative complications is higher and hospital stays are lengthier in this group. In addition, patients with Frankel A and B classification should be monitored in an intensive care unit. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective comparative study.

Management of acute combined fractures of the atlas and axis: A retrospective study of two trauma centers

Background:

Management of combination fractures of the atlas and axis varies from nonoperative immobilization to selective early surgical intervention. In this study, we present our experience in managing these injuries.

Materials and Methods:

Electronic databases from two level 1 trauma centers were queried to identify all patients diagnosed with C1-C2 combination fractures from 2009 to present. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, treatment modality, complications, Frankel scores, and fusion status were collected. Patients were separated into operative and nonoperative cohorts, and comparisons were made between the two groups.

Results:

Forty-eight patients were included, of which 19 received operative management and 29 were treated nonoperatively. The mean age was 76.1 and 75.3 years, respectively (P = 0.877). Frankel grade distribution was similar on presentation in both groups, with most being neurologically intact. C1 fractures of both the anterior and posterior arch were present in 41.2% patients undergoing fusions compared to 27.6% of patients treated nonoperatively. No significant differences in comorbidities, neurologic deficits, or radiographic measurements were observed across the two groups.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the variety of treatment strategies used for the management of combined C1-C2 fractures. Patients managed operatively tend to have both anterior and posterior C1 arch fractures, while patients managed nonoperatively tend to have either anterior or posterior arch fractures. In general, treatments should be tailored to patients’ needs depending on the stability of the fractures, neurological state, and medical comorbidities.

[Injuries of the upper cervical spine : Update on diagnostics and management]

Injuries to the upper cervical spine represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the treating surgeon due to the complex anatomical relationships and biomechanical features. In this further education article the diagnostic principles, established classifications and therapeutic recommendations as well as injury-specific characteristics of bony and ligamentous injuries to the upper cervical spine (C0-C2) are presented.

Traumatic upper cervical spinal fractures in teaching hospitals of China over 13 years: A retrospective observational study

To investigate the incidence and pattern of patients managed for traumatic upper cervical spinal fractures (TUCSFs) in teaching hospitals in China over 13 years.We retrospectively reviewed 351 patients with TUCSF admitted to our teaching hospitals. Incidence rates were calculated with respect to age, gender, etiologies of trauma, anatomical distribution, anatomical classification, American spinal injury association impairment scale (ASIA) classification of neurological deficit and associated injuries.There were 260 male and 91 female patients, with a mean age of 44.2 ± 16.3 years. The mean age of the patients significantly increased by year of admission, from 35.2 ± 14.5 years to 47.5 ± 17.2 years (P = 0.005). Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) (n = 132, 37.6%) and high falls (n = 104, 29.6%) were the 2 most common mechanisms. The number of C2 fractures (n = 300, 85.5%) was significantly higher than that of C1 (n = 99, 28.2%) (P < 0.001). High falls resulted in significantly more Type I C1 fractures than other etiologies (all P < 0.001). MVAs resulted in many more Type II and Type III C1 fractures and Type II and Type III C2 fractures than other etiologies. High falls were the most common injury type (n = 44, 36.4%) resulting in neurological deficits. Patients who presented with Landell classification Type I single C1 fracture (n = 6, 42.9%) had the highest rate of neurological deficits. Eighty-two patients had combined injuries; the most common pattern was cervical + cervical spine (n = 44, 12.5%), followed by cervical + thoracic spine (n = 27, 7.7%). A total of 121 patients (34.5%) suffered neurological deficits. Of all patients with TUCSF without combined injuries, single C2 fractures accounted for the highest rate of neurological deficits (n = 62, 32.0%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that sex (OR = 1.876, 95% CI: 1.022-3.443, P = 0.042), etiology (MVA pedestrians vs high fall: OR = 0.187, 95% CI: 0.056-0.629, P = 0.007), level (C1 + OFs vs C1: OR = 6.264, 95% CI: 1.152-34.045, P = 0.034), and injury severity scoring (ISS) (OR = 1.186, 95% CI: 1.133-1.242, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors of neurological deficit.The most common causes of TUCSF were MVAs and high falls; single C2 fractures without combined injuries accounted for the most common neurological deficits. Different etiologies resulted in different specific anatomical injuries and neurological deficits. We should make early diagnoses and initiate timely treatment according to different TUCSF patterns.

Management of combined atlas-axis fractures: a review of forty one cases

PURPOSE

To outline a management principle for the combined atlas (C1)-axis (C2) fractures and assess its therapeutic effects.

METHODS

Forty-one patients with combined C1-C2 fractures were treated according to their C2 fracture types. Non-operative external immobilization in the form of a cervical collar or halo vest was used in 22 patients. Early posterior pedicle screw fixations were performed in 19 patients whose fractures had a combination of any of the three conditions: an atlantodens interval (ADI) ≥ 5 mm, lateral mass displacement (LMD) > 7 mm, and/or C2-C3 angulation > 11°. Thirty-nine patients were followed up regularly with an average of 19.3 months (range, 12 to 45 months). Clinical and radiographic data were then collected and compared.

RESULTS

At three months following treatment, patients' visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, and Frankel grades were all significantly improved when compared to pretreatment. These results indicated that the cervical collar, halo vest, and posterior pedicle screw fixation approaches were all able to effectively treat cases of combined C1-C2 fractures. One patient in the non-surgical group developed nonunion which required late surgical treatment and one patient had pin site infection in the non-surgical group (2/22), while there were three minor complications in the surgical group.

CONCLUSION

We propose a management principle that bases the treatment of a combined C1-C2 fracture on the nature of the C2 fracture. This treatment strategy has yielded promising results as a satisfactory means for the management of combined C1-C2 fractures.

Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation presenting with Dysphagia as the chief complaint: a case report

We report a patient with traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation who presented with dysphagia as the chief complaint. A 59-year-old man complained of swallowing difficulty for 2 months after trauma to the neck. On physical examination, there was atrophy of the right sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles, and the tongue was deviated to the right. In a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, penetration and aspiration were not seen, food residue remained in the right vallecula and pyriform sinus, and there was decreased motion of the soft palate, pharynx and larynx. Electromyography confirmed a right spinal accessory nerve lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed atlanto-occipital dislocation. Dysphagia in atlanto-occipital dislocation is induced by medullary compression and lower cranial nerve injury. Therefore, in survivors who are diagnosed with atlanto-occipital dislocation, any neurological symptoms should be carefully evaluated.

Survivors of occipitoatlantal dislocation injuries: imaging and clinical correlates

OBJECT

Although rare, traumatic occipitoatlantal dislocation (OAD) injuries are associated with a high mortality rate. The authors evaluated the imaging and clinical factors that determined treatment and were predictive of outcomes, respectively, in survivors of this injury.

METHODS

The medical records and imaging studies obtained in 33 patients with OAD were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical factors that predicted outcomes, especially neurological injury at presentation and imaging findings, were evaluated. The most sensitive method for the diagnosis of OAD was the measurement of basion axial-basion dens interval on computed tomography (CT) scanning. Five patients with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) were not treated and subsequently died. Of the 28 patients in whom treatment was performed, 23 underwent fusion and five were fitted with an external orthosis. Abnormal findings of the occipitoatlantal ligaments on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, associated with no or questionable abnormalities on CT scanning, provided the rationale for nonoperative treatment. Of the 28 patients treated for their injuries, perioperative death occurred in five, three of whom had presented with severe neurological injuries. The mortality rate was highest in patients with a TBI at presentation. The mortality rate was lower in patients presenting with a spinal cord injury, but in this group there was a higher rate of persistent neurological deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

The spines in patients with CT-documented OAD are most likely unstable and need surgical fixation. In patients for whom CT findings are normal and MR imaging findings suggest marginal abnormalities, nonoperative treatment should be considered. The best predictors of outcome were severe brain or upper cervical injuries at initial presentation.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine--symptoms and surgical strategies depending on disease progress

BACKGROUND

Degenerative spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine is rare. Patients show signs of progredient myelopathy, radiculopathy and pain. Treatment strategies include ventral, dorsal and combined fusion techniques with or without repositioning and decompression.

METHODS

In this study, we present 16 patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis. The leading symptom was severe myelopathy in 8 patients, radiculomyelopathy in 5 patients and neck pain in 3 patients. However, neck pain was the initial symptom in all the patients and decreased when neurological symptoms became more evident. Radiographic examinations included plain radiography, MRI, CT, myelography and lateral tomography.

RESULTS

Spondylolisthesis was located five times at level C3/4, C4/5 and C5/6. In three cases spondylolisthesis was located at level C7/T1. There were two patients with spondylolisthesis on two levels. Instability could be demonstrated by flexion/extension radiography in five cases. Patients were divided into three groups according to a newly introduced classification system. The surgical approach corresponded to this classification. In ten patients the spondylolisthesis could be corrected by extension and positioning, so discectomy and fusion on one or two levels with cage, plate and screws was sufficient. In five cases a corpectomy was necessary due to severe spondylosis. In one case a combined approach with dorsal decompression and release followed by ventral fusion was applied due to additional dorsal spinal cord compression. The follow-up period was 6-52 months. After surgery, none of the patients showed any signs of neurological deterioration. In all cases, a stable fusion was achieved with no signs of instability on flexion/extension radiographs. Neurological improvement was seen in 6 of 8 patients with myelopathy and 4 of 5 patients with radiculomyelopathy. The others showed stable disease. Pain relief was seen in all patients who complained of pain preoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The aims of treatment for cervical spondylolisthesis are spinal cord decompression (ventral, dorsal or both), correction and fusion. The used procedure should depend on the severity of the cervical deformity, degree and side of the spinal cord compression, and the possibility of correction by extension and positioning.

Atlanto-occipital dislocation: four case reports of survival in adults and review of the literature

Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is a rare cervical spine injury and in most cases fatal. Consequently, relatively few case reports of adult patients surviving this injury appeared in the literature. We retrospectively report four patients who survived AOD injury and were treated at our institution. A young man fell from height and a woman was injured in a traffic accident. Both patients survived the injury but died later in the hospital. The third patient had a motorcycle accident and survived with incomplete paraplegia. The last patient, a man involved in a working accident, survived without neurological deficit of the upper extremities. Rigid posterior fixation and complete reduction of the dislocation were applied in last two cases using Cervifix together with a cancellous bone grafting. Previously reported cases of patients surviving AOD are reviewed, and clinical features and operative stabilisation procedures are discussed.

Anterior cervical myelopathy in the early postoperative period

PURPOSE

The onset of anterior cervical myelopathy in the early postoperative period is an unusual complication after cardiac surgery without extracorporeal circulation in which haemodynamic stability was maintained. We report a patient who developed anterior cervical myelopathy after cardiac surgery.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 53-yr-old man with no serious associated medical problems underwent cardiac surgery without extracorporeal circulation to repair a ruptured left ventricle. Haemodynamic stability was maintained throughout the procedure but the patient developed flaccid paraparesis and dissociated sensory loss, three hours later. Early recognition of the clinical picture and prompt initiation of steroid treatment facilitated a successful outcome. The definitive diagnosis was based on magnetic resonance findings days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The onset or aggravation of neurological symptoms in the postoperative period may be avoided by thorough search for medullary pathology in the patient's background and by using particular care when performing manoeuvres during the perioperative period, not only to ensure haemodynamic stability, thus preserving medullary perfusion, but also to avoid mechanical compression of a spinal segment.

Classification and treatment of axis body fractures

We have classified 31 cases of axis body fracture by the type of bony injury depicted in radiographic images into the following four types: avulsion, transverse, burst, and sagittal fractures. The results of treatment in these types were retrospectively analyzed. In all of nine cases of avulsion fracture and two cases of transverse fracture, bone union was obtained by nonoperative treatment. All three cases of burst fracture healed, one by nonoperative treatment, and the remaining two by C2/3 anterior interbody fusion. Bone union was also obtained in all of the 17 cases of sagittal fracture, which included nonoperative treatment in 15 cases, and transoral atlanto-axial fusion in the remaining two cases. because many axis body fractures are inherently stable injuries, the authors normally select nonoperative treatment as initial therapy. However, in sagittal fractures, eight patients had sequelae of nuchal pain caused by osteoarthrosis of the atlanto-axial joint. As a result of these findings, the authors deem it appropriate to utilize atlanto-axial fusion when severe malalignment of the atlanto-axial joint is recognized.