Postlaminectomy kyphosis

Spinal Intradural Tumor Resection via Long-Segment Approaches and Clinical Long-Term Follow-Up

INTRODUCTION

Spinal intradural tumors account for 15% of all CNS tumors. Typical tumor entities include ependymomas, astrocytomas, meningiomas, and neurinomas. In cases of multiple affected segments, extensive approaches may be necessary to achieve the gold standard of complete tumor resection.

METHODS

We performed a bicentric, retrospective cohort study of all patients equal to or older than 14 years who underwent multi-segment surgical treatment for spinal intradural tumors between 2007 and 2023 with approaches longer than four segments without instrumentation. We assessed the surgical technique and the clinical outcome regarding signs of symptomatic spinal instability. Children were excluded from our cohort.

RESULTS

In total, we analyzed 33 patients with a median age of 44 years and interquartile range IQR of 30-56 years, including the following tumors: 21 ependymomas, one subependymoma-ependymoma mixed tumor, two meningiomas, two astrocytomas, and seven patients with other entities. The median length of the approach was five spinal segments with a range of 4-14 and with the foremost localization in the cervical or thoracic spine. Laminoplasty was the most chosen approach (72.2%). The median time to follow-up was 13 months IQR (4-56 months). Comparing pre- and post-surgery outcomes, 72.2% of the patients (n = 24) reported pain improvement after surgery. The median modified McCormick scores pre- and post surgery were equal to II IQR (I-II) and II IQR (I-III), respectively.

DISCUSSION

We achieved satisfying results with long-segment approaches. In general, patients reported pain improvement after surgery and received similar low modified McCormick scores pre- and post surgery and did not undergo secondary dorsal fixation. Thus, we conclude that intradural tumor resection via extensive approaches does not seem to impair long-term spinal stability in our cohort.

Comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes of cervical laminoplasty versus lateral mass screw fixation in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare cervical sagittal parameters and clinical outcomes between patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty(CL) and those undergoing lateral mass screw fixation(LMS).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 67 patients with multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine who underwent lateral mass screw fixation (LMS = 36) and cervical laminoplasty (CL = 31). We analyzed cervical sagittal parameters (C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA), C0-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, C7 slope (C7s), T1 slope (T1s), and spino-cranial angle (SCA)) and clinical outcomes (visual analog scale [VAS], neck disability index [NDI], Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] scores, recovery rate (RR), and minimum clinically significant difference [MCID]). The cervical sagittal parameters at the last follow-up were analyzed by binary logistic regression. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between the cervical sagittal parameters and each clinical outcome at the last follow-up after surgery in both groups.

RESULTS

At the follow-up after posterior decompression in both groups, the mean values of C2-C7 SVA, C7s, and T1s in the LMS group were more significant than those in the CL group (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the preoperative period, C2-C7 SVA, T1s, and SCA gradually increased, and the C2-C7 Cobb angle gradually decreased after surgery (P < 0.05). The improvement in the JOA score and the recovery rate was similar between the two groups, while the improvement in the VAS-N score and NDI score was more significant in the CL group (P = 0.001; P = 0.043). More patients reached MCID in the CL group than in the LMS group (P = 0.036). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that SCA was independently associated with whether patients reached MCID at NDI postoperatively. SCA was positively correlated with cervical NDI and negatively correlated with cervical JOA score at postoperative follow-up in both groups (P < 0.05); C2-7 Cobb angle was negatively correlated with cervical JOA score at postoperative follow-up (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CL may be superior to LMS in treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy caused by OPLL. In addition, smaller cervical SCA after posterior decompression may suggest better postoperative outcomes.

Surgical management of idiopathic acute cervical kyphosis; A case-based review of an extremely rare entity

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Acute idiopathic cervical kyphosis (AICK) represents a rare entity, and its management remains controversial. Preoperative surgical planning and individual decision-making seem necessary. To date, there is a lack of sufficient evidence and clear guidelines.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 21-year-old male was referred with a progressive cervical deformity detected 3 months earlier. The patient suffered from severe progressive myelopathy and represented neither neck trauma nor a familial history of similar expected conditions. His cervical imaging revealed 95 degrees of cervical kyphosis. After 3 separate surgical sessions for 360-degree fixation, the cervical kyphosis was reduced by 90 degrees. No facet dislocation was observed, and laminectomy was unnecessary. Post-operative neurological examination detected significant improvement. Six months and 2-year follow-ups were favorable. To the authors' knowledge, the current case had the most extensive degree of cervical kyphosis reported in the literature.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Multistage correction of AICK would result in a favorable outcome and reduce the risk of complications. Particular attention should be paid to the wide inter-spinous spaces in high grades of kyphosis during sub-periosteal dissection to prevent iatrogenic spinal cord injuries.

CONCLUSION

The present work may provide the first report on the role of cervical postural habits in patients with opiate substance abuse disorder, which could have triggered cervical kyphosis in this particular patient. Multistage correction of AICK would result in a favorable outcome and reduce the risk of complications.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Loss of Lordosis, Cervical Kyphosis, and Sagittal Imbalance After Cervical Laminoplasty

OBJECTIVE

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to elucidate the risk factors of loss of cervical lordosis (LCL), kyphotic deformity, and sagittal imbalance after cervical laminoplasty.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients who underwent laminoplasty to treat cervical myelopathy and were followed for ≥2 years were included. Logistic regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to identify preoperative risk factors of LCL, kyphotic deformity (cervical lordosis <0°), and sagittal imbalance (sagittal vertical axis >40 mm) at postoperative 2 years.

RESULTS

Within multivariate multiple regression analysis, C2-C7 lordosis (P = 0.002), and C2-C7 extension capacity (P<0.001) showed significant association with LCL. Furthermore, age (P = 0.043) and C2-C7 lordosis (P = 0.038) were significantly associated with postoperative kyphosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for postoperative kyphosis showed that preoperative C2-C7 lordosis of 10.5° had a sensitivity and specificity of 81.3% and 82.4%, respectively. Preoperative K-line tilt (P = 0.034) showed a significant association with postoperative cervical sagittal imbalance at postoperative 2 years. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a K-line tilt cutoff value of 12.5° had a sensitivity and specificity of 78.6% and 77.7%, respectively, for predicting postoperative sagittal imbalance.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher preoperative C2-C7 lordosis and less preoperative cervical extension capacity were risk factors of LCL. Small preoperative C2-C7 lordosis <10.5° and younger age were risk factors of postoperative kyphosis. Furthermore, a greater K-line tilt would increase the risk of postoperative sagittal imbalance, with a cutoff value of 12.5°.

Optimal Treatment of C3 Lamina in Cervical Laminoplasty

STUDY DESIGN

Results of C4-C6 laminoplasty with C3 laminectomy and C3-C6 laminoplasty were compared retrospectively.

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the difference between C3 laminectomy and C3 laminoplasty in cervical laminoplasty.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Intraoperative damage to the semispinalis cervicis has been shown to lead to postoperative axial symptoms and reduced range of motion (ROM). To prevent this event, C3 laminectomy in cervical laminoplasty is considered superior to C3 laminoplasty.

METHODS

A total of 36 patients were included in this study: 20 patients (GroupA) of C3 laminectomy, C4-C6 laminoplasty compared with 16 patients (GroupB) of C3-C6 laminoplasty. We collected patient's background data, operative time, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, VAS score, and radiologic findings such as C2-C7 Cobb angle, ROM, C2 inter-spinous angle, and use of postoperative PRN medication were compared.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the C2-C7 Cobb angles between the 2 groups before and after surgery (P = 0.315). In ROM, there was a 17.7% decrease from 31.5 preoperatively to 25.9 postoperatively in Group A, and a 6.1% decrease from 29.3 preoperatively to 27.5 postoperatively in Group B. There was no statistically significant difference in ROM (P = 0.683). Postoperative neck pain (VAS) was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B both at 1 week (P = 0.015) and 1 month (P = 0.035) after surgery. The C2 inter-spinous angle was statistically significantly smaller in Group A than in Group B (P = 0.004). Clinical outcomes and surgical outcomes did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

If the C2 interspinous angle is wide and intraoperative semispinalis capitis damage can be minimized, it is worth trying C3 laminoplasty, but if the C2 inter-spinous angle is narrow, C3 laminectomy is recommended from the beginning.

Pathophysiology of cervical myelopathy (Review)

Cervical myelopathy is a well-described medulla spinalis syndrome characterized by sensory disorders, such as pain, numbness, or paresthesia in the limbs, and motor disorders, such as muscle weakness, gait difficulties, spasticity, or hyperreflexia. If left untreated, cervical myelopathy can significantly affect the quality of life of patients, while in severe cases, it can cause disability or even quadriplegia. Cervical myelopathy is the final stage of spinal cord insult and can result from transgene dysplasias of the spinal cord, and acute or chronic injuries. Spondylosis is a common, multifactor cause of cervical myelopathy and affects various elements of the spine. The development of spondylotic changes in the spine is gradual during the patient's life and the symptoms are presented at a late stage, when significant damage has already been inflicted on the spinal cord. Spondylosis is widely considered a condition affecting the middle aged and elderly. Given the fact that the population is gradually becoming older, in the near future, clinicians may have to face an increased number of patients with spondylotic myelopathy.

Posterior cervical foraminotomy versus anterior cervical discectomy for Cervical Brachialgia: the FORVAD RCT

Background

Posterior cervical foraminotomy and anterior cervical discectomy are routinely used operations to treat cervical brachialgia, although definitive evidence supporting superiority of either is lacking.

Objective

The primary objective was to investigate whether or not posterior cervical foraminotomy is superior to anterior cervical discectomy in improving clinical outcome.

Design

This was a Phase III, unblinded, prospective, United Kingdom multicentre, parallel-group, individually randomised controlled superiority trial comparing posterior cervical foraminotomy with anterior cervical discectomy. A rapid qualitative study was conducted during the close-down phase, involving remote semistructured interviews with trial participants and health-care professionals.

Setting

National Health Service trusts.

Participants

Patients with symptomatic unilateral cervical brachialgia for at least 6 weeks.

Interventions

Participants were randomised to receive posterior cervical foraminotomy or anterior cervical discectomy. Allocation was not blinded to participants, medical staff or trial staff. Health-care use from providing the initial surgical intervention to hospital discharge was measured and valued using national cost data.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was clinical outcome, as measured by patient-reported Neck Disability Index score 52 weeks post operation. Secondary outcome measures included complications, reoperations and restricted American Spinal Injury Association score over 6 weeks post operation, and patient-reported Eating Assessment Tool-10 items, Glasgow-Edinburgh Throat Scale, Voice Handicap Index-10 items, PainDETECT and Numerical Rating Scales for neck and upper-limb pain over 52 weeks post operation.

Results

The target recruitment was 252 participants. Owing to slow accrual, the trial closed after randomising 23 participants from 11 hospitals. The qualitative substudy found that there was support and enthusiasm for the posterior cervical FORaminotomy Versus Anterior cervical Discectomy in the treatment of cervical brachialgia trial and randomised clinical trials in this area. However, clinical equipoise appears to have been an issue for sites and individual surgeons. Randomisation on the day of surgery and processes for screening and approaching participants were also crucial factors in some centres. The median Neck Disability Index scores at baseline (pre surgery) and at 52 weeks was 44.0 (interquartile range 36.0-62.0 weeks) and 25.3 weeks (interquartile range 20.0-42.0 weeks), respectively, in the posterior cervical foraminotomy group (n = 14), and 35.6 weeks (interquartile range 34.0-44.0 weeks) and 45.0 weeks (interquartile range 20.0-57.0 weeks), respectively, in the anterior cervical discectomy group (n = 9). Scores appeared to reduce (i.e. improve) in the posterior cervical foraminotomy group, but not in the anterior cervical discectomy group. The median Eating Assessment Tool-10 items score for swallowing was higher (worse) after anterior cervical discectomy (13.5) than after posterior cervical foraminotomy (0) on day 1, but not at other time points, whereas the median Glasgow-Edinburgh Throat Scale score for globus was higher (worse) after anterior cervical discectomy (15, 7, 6, 6, 2, 2.5) than after posterior cervical foraminotomy (3, 0, 0, 0.5, 0, 0) at all postoperative time points. Five postoperative complications occurred within 6 weeks of surgery, all after anterior cervical discectomy. Neck pain was more severe on day 1 following posterior cervical foraminotomy (Numerical Rating Scale - Neck Pain score 8.5) than at the same time point after anterior cervical discectomy (Numerical Rating Scale - Neck Pain score 7.0). The median health-care costs of providing initial surgical intervention were £2610 for posterior cervical foraminotomy and £4411 for anterior cervical discectomy.

Conclusions

The data suggest that posterior cervical foraminotomy is associated with better outcomes, fewer complications and lower costs, but the trial recruited slowly and closed early. Consequently, the trial is underpowered and definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. Recruitment was impaired by lack of individual equipoise and by concern about randomising on the day of surgery. A large prospective multicentre trial comparing anterior cervical discectomy and posterior cervical foraminotomy in the treatment of cervical brachialgia is still required.

Trial registration

This trial is registered as ISRCTN10133661.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 21. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Differences in Risk Factors for Decreased Cervical Lordosis after Multiple-Segment Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Pilot Study

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PURPOSE

To compare the radiographic risk factors for decreased cervical lordosis (CL) after laminoplasty, focusing on the difference between cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL).

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

A few reports compared the risk factors for decreased CL between CSM and C-OPLL although these two pathologies have their characteristics.

METHODS

This study included 50 patients with CSM and 39 with C-OPLL who underwent multi-segment laminoplasty. Decreased CL was defined as the difference between preoperative and 2-year postoperative neutral C2-7 Cobb angles. Radiographic parameters included preoperative neutral C2-7 Cobb angles, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope (T1S), dynamic extension reserve (DER), and range of motion. The radiographic risk factors were investigated for decreased CL in CSM and C-OPLL. Additionally, the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was assessed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

C2-7 SVA (p =0.018) and DER (p =0.002) were significantly correlated with decreased CL in CSM, while C2-7 Cobb angle (p =0.012) and C2-7 SVA (p =0.028) were correlated with decreased CL in C-OPLL. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that greater C2-7 SVA (B =0.22, p =0.026) and small DER (B =-0.53, p =0.002) were significantly associated with decreased CL in CSM. By contrast, greater C2-7 SVA (B =0.36, p =0.031) was significantly associated with decreased CL in C-OPLL. The JOA score significantly improved in both CSM and C-OPLL (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

C2-7 SVA was associated with a postoperative decreased CL in both CSM and C-OPLL, but DER was only associated with decreased CL in CSM. Risk factors for decreased CL slightly differed depending on the etiology of the condition.

Acute Progressive Pediatric Post-Traumatic Kyphotic Deformity

Cervical kyphosis is a rare entity with challenging management due to the limitations of pediatric age, along with a growing spine. The pathogenesis is made up of a large group of congenital, syndromic and acquired deformities after posterior element deterioration or as a result of previous trauma or surgery. In rare progressive cases, kyphotic deformities may result in severe "chin-on-chest" deformities with severe limitations. The pathogenesis of progression to severe kyphotic deformity after minor hyperflexion trauma is not clear without an obvious MR pathology; it is most likely multifactorial. The authors present the case of a six-month progression of a pediatric cervical kyphotic deformity caused by a cervical spine hyperflexion injury, and an MR evaluation without the pathology of disc or major ligaments. Surgical therapy with a posterior fixation and fusion, together with the preservation of the anterior growing zones of the cervical spine, are potentially beneficial strategies to achieve an excellent curve correction and an optimal long-term clinical outcome in this age group.

Concepts and Techniques to Prevent Cervical Spine Deformity After Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review

Adult cervical spine deformity is associated with decreased health-related quality of life, disability, and myelopathy. A number of radiographic parameters help to characterize cervical deformity and aid in the diagnosis and treatment. There are several etiologies for cervical spine deformity, the most common being iatrogenic. Additionally, spine surgery can accelerate adjacent segment degeneration which may lead to deformity. It is therefore important for all spine surgeons to be aware of the potential to cause iatrogenic cervical deformity. The aim of this review is to highlight concepts and techniques to prevent cervical deformity after spine surgery.

Predicting the Magnitude of Distal Junctional Kyphosis Following Cervical Deformity Correction

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of a cervical deformity database.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a model that can predict the postoperative distal junctional kyphosis angle (DJKA) using preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) is a complication following cervical deformity correction that can reduce of patient quality of life and functional status. Although researchers have identified the risk factors for DJK, no model has been proposed to predict the magnitude of DJK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The DJKA was defined as the Cobb angle from the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) to LIV-2 with traditional DJK having a DJKA change >10°. Models were trained using 66.6% of the randomly selected patients and validated in the remaining 33.3%. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters associated with DJK were identified and ranked using a conditional variable importance table. Linear regression models were developed using the factors most strongly associated with postoperative DJKA.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients were included with a mean follow-up duration of 14±8 months. The mean postoperative DJKA was 14.6±14° and occurred in 35% of the patients. No significant differences between the training and validation cohort were observed. The variables most associated with postoperative DJK were: preoperative DJKA (DJKApre), postoperative C2-LIV, and change in cervical lordosis (∆CL). The model identified the following equation as predictive of DJKA: DJKA=9.365+(0.123×∆CL)-(0.315×∆C2-LIV)-(0.054×DJKApre). The predicted and actual postoperative DJKA values were highly correlated ( R =0.871, R2 =0.759, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The variables that most increased the DJKA were the preoperative DJKA, postoperative alignment within the construct, and change in cervical lordosis. Future studies can build upon the model developed to be applied in a clinical setting when planning for cervical deformity correction.

Comparison of posterior muscle-preserving selective laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the predominant cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the elderly. The patients are often frail and susceptible to complications. Posterior surgical techniques involving non-fusion are complicated by postlaminectomy kyphosis and instrumented fusion techniques by distal junction kyphosis, pseudarthrosis, or implant failure. The optimal surgical approach is still a matter of controversy. Since anterior and posterior fusion techniques have been compared without presenting any superiority, the objective of this study is to compare stand-alone laminectomy with laminectomy and fusion to determine which treatment has the lowest frequency of reoperations.

METHODS

This is a multicenter randomized, controlled, parallel-group non-inferiority trial. A total of 300 adult patients are allocated in a ratio of 1:1. The primary endpoint is reoperation for any reason at 5 years of follow-up. Sample size and power calculation were performed by estimating the reoperation rate after laminectomy to 3.5% and after laminectomy with fusion to 7.4% based on the data from the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) on patients with CSM. Secondary outcomes are the patient-derived Japanese Orthopaedic Association (P-mJOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for neck and arm pain, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), development of kyphosis measured as the cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), and death. Clinical and radiological follow-up is performed at 3, 12, 24, and 60 months after surgery. The main inclusion criterium is 1-4 levels of CSM in the subaxial spine, C3-C7. The REDcap software will be used for safe data management. Data will be analyzed according to the modified intention to treat (mITT) population, defined as randomized patients who are still alive without having emigrated or left the study after 2 and 5 years.

DISCUSSION

This will be the first randomized controlled trial comparing two of the most common surgical treatments for CSM: the posterior muscle-preserving selective laminectomy and posterior laminectomy with instrumented fusion. The results of the myelopathy randomized controlled (MyRanC) study will provide surgical treatment recommendations for CSM. This may result in improvements in surgical treatment and clinical practice regarding CSM.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04936074 . Registered on 23 June 2021.

Predictors for cervical kyphotic deformity following laminoplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Laminoplasty is a common treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). However, approximately 21% of patients undergoing laminoplasty develop cervical kyphotic deformity (KD). Because of the high prevalence rate of KD, several studies have sought to identify predictors for this complication, but the findings remain highly inconsistent. Therefore, the authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish reliable preoperative predictors of KD.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used to systematically extract potential references. The first phase of screening required the studies to be written in the English language, involve patients treated for CSM and/or OPLL via laminoplasty, and report postoperative cervical KD. The second phase required the studies to provide more than 10 patients and include a control group. The mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated for continuous and dichotomous parameters. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. CSM and OPLL patients were further assessed by performing subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies comprising patients who developed cervical KD (n = 296) and no KD (n = 1254) after receiving cervical laminoplasty for CSM or OPLL were included in the meta-analysis. All studies were retrospective cohorts and were rated as high quality. In the combined univariate analysis of CSM and OPLL patients undergoing laminoplasty, statistically significant predictors for postoperative KD included age (MD 2.22, 95% CI 0.16-4.27, p = 0.03), preoperative BMI (MD 0.85, 95% CI 0.06-1.63, p = 0.04), preoperative C2-7 range of flexion (MD 10.42, 95% Cl 4.24-16.59, p = 0.0009), preoperative C2-7 range of extension (MD -4.59, 95% CI -6.34 to -2.83, p < 0.00001), and preoperative center of gravity of the head to the C7 sagittal vertical axis (MD 26.83, 95% CI 9.13-44.52, p = 0.003). Additionally, among CSM patients, males were identified as having a greater risk for postoperative KD (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.02-2.93, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study currently provide the largest and most reliable review on preoperative predictors for cervical KD after laminoplasty. Given that several of the included studies identified optimal cutoff points for the variables that are significantly associated with KD, further investigation into the development of a preoperative risk scoring system that can accurately predict KD in the clinical setting is encouraged. PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42022299795 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/).

Improvement rates, adverse events and predictors of clinical outcome following surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate improvement rates, adverse events and predictors of clinical outcome after laminectomy alone (LAM) or laminectomy with instrumented fusion (LAM + F) for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of a previously published DCM cohort. Improvement rates for European myelopathy score (EMS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) at 2- and 5-year follow-ups and adverse events are presented descriptively for available cases. Predictor endpoints were EMS and NDI scores at follow-ups, surgeon- and patient-reported complications, and reoperation-free interval. For predictors, univariate and multivariable models were fitted to imputed data.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients (LAM n = 412; LAM + F n = 305) was 68 years, and 37.4% were women. LAM + F patients had more severe spondylolisthesis and less severe kyphosis at baseline, more surgeon-reported complications, more patient-reported complications, and more reoperations (p ≤ 0.05). After imputation, the overall EMS improvement rate was 43.8% at 2 years and 36.3% at 5 years. At follow-ups, worse EMS scores were independent predictors of worse EMS outcomes and older age and worse NDI scores were independent predictors of worse NDI outcomes. LAM + F was associated with more surgeon-reported complications (ratio 1.81; 95% CI 1.17-2.80; p = 0.008). More operated levels were associated with more patient-reported complications (ratio 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.22; p = 0.012) and a shorter reoperation-free interval (hazard ratio 1.30; 95% CI 1.08-1.58; p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that surgical intervention at an earlier myelopathy stage might be beneficial and that less invasive procedures are preferable in this patient population.

Defining Cervical Sagittal Plane Deformity - When Are Sagittal Realignment Procedures Necessary in Patients Presenting Primarily With Radiculopathy or Myelopathy?

OBJECTIVE

It remains unclear whether cervical sagittal deformity (CSD) should be defined by radiographic parameters alone versus both clinical and radiographic factors, and whether radiographic malalignment by itself warrants a CSD corrective surgery in patients who present primarily with neurologic symptoms.

METHODS

We administered a survey to a group of expert surgeons to evaluate whether radiographic parameters alone were sufficient to diagnose CSD, and in which scenarios surgeons recommend a CSD realignment procedure versus addressing the neurologic symptoms alone.

RESULTS

No single radiographic criteria reached a 50% threshold as being sufficient to establish the diagnosis of CSD. When asymptomatic radiographic malalignment was present, a sagittal deformity correction was more likely to be recommended in patients with myelopathy versus those with radiculopathy alone. The majority of surgeons recommended deformity correction when symptoms of cervical deformity were present in addition to radiographic malalignment (85% with deformity symptoms and radiculopathy, 93% with deformity symptoms and myelopathy).

CONCLUSION

There is no consensus on which radiographic and/or clinical criteria are necessary to define the presence of CSD. We recommend that symptoms of cervical deformity, in addition to radiographic parameters, be considered when deciding whether to perform deformity correction in patients who present primarily with myelopathy or radiculopathy.

Crossing the Cervicothoracic Junction: A Review of the Current Literature

ABSTRACT

The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is the site of transition in biomechanical, osseous, and alignment properties of the spine. The interface between the highly mobile, lordotic cervical spine and the rigid, kyphotic thoracic spine results increased the biomechanical stress experienced at this junction. The concentration of stress at this level has led to high rates of failure when instrumenting near or across the CTJ. The changes in osseous anatomy from the cervical spine to the thoracic spine present additional challenges in construct planning. For these reasons, a thorough understanding of the complexity of the cervicothoracic junction is necessary when operating near or across the CTJ. There are multiple options for cervical fixation, including lateral mass screws, pedicle screws, and laminar screws, each with its own advantages and risks. Instrumentation at C7 is controversial, and there is data supporting both its inclusion in constructs and no risk when this level is skipped. Thoracic pedicle screws are the preferred method of fixation in this region of the spine; however, the connection between cervical and thoracic screws can be challenging due to differences in alignment. Transitional rods and rod connectors mitigate some of the difficulties with this transition and have shown to be effective options. Recently, more investigation has looked into the failure of posterior cervical constructs which end at or near the CTJ. The trend in data has favored fixation to T1 or T2 rather than ending a construct at C7 due to the decreased rates of distal junction kyphosis. Although data on patient-reported outcomes with a length of constructs and the lowest instrumented vertebra is scarce, preliminary reports show no difference at this time. As posterior cervical instrumentation continues to increase in frequency, the CTJ will continue to be an area of difficulty in navigation and instrumentation. A thorough understanding of this region is necessary and continued research is needed to improve outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Cervical Radiculopathy: Focus on Factors for Better Surgical Outcomes and Operative Techniques

For patients with cervical radiculopathy, most studies have recommended conservative treatment as the first-line treatment; however, when conventional treatment fails, surgery is considered. A better understanding of the prognosis of cervical radiculopathy is essential to provide accurate information to the patients. If the patients complain of persistent and recurrent arm pain/numbness not respond to conservative treatment, or exhibit neurologic deficits, surgery is performed using anterior or posterior approaches. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has historically been widely used and has proven to be safe and effective. To improve surgical outcomes of ACDF surgery, many studies have been conducted on types of spacers, size/height/position of cages, anterior plating, patients' factors, surgical techniques, and so forth. Cervical disc replacement (CDR) is designed to reduce the incidence of adjacent segment disease during long-term follow-up by maintaining cervical spine motion postoperatively. Many studies on excellent indications for the CDR, proper type/size/shape/height of the implants, and surgical techniques were performed. Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a safe and effective surgical option to avoid complications associated with anterior approach and fusion surgery. Most recent literature demonstrated that all three surgical techniques for patients with cervical radiculopathy have clear advantages and disadvantages and reveal satisfactory surgical outcomes under a proper selection of patients and application of appropriate surgical methods. For this, it is important to fully understand the factors for better surgical outcomes and to adequately practice the operative techniques for patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Progressive Adolescent Idiopathic Cervical Kyphosis Secondary to Constant Postural Neck Flexion Reading Habit with a 10-year Follow-up: Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Although it has been established that adolescent idiopathic cervical kyphosis (AICK) has no known cause, there are associated risk factors. However, the underlying causes remain puzzling. This case report presents severe AICK linked to chronic neck flexion postural habit, treated with combined anterior and posterior correction surgery and review of the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 16-year-old male with no history of trauma, surgery, or family history of spinal deformity complained of intolerable neck pain and rigidity. He developed an incessant reading of comic books at a very young age, and he preferred placing the book on the floor with his head flexed between his thighs. Acupuncture and massage therapy failed to relief symptoms. He had no neurological symptoms on examination and X-ray showed Cobb angle of 70.5°. MRI and CT scans showed no spinal cord compression or osteophyte formation. A combined anterior and posterior correction surgery was performed after a week of skull traction. The deformity was corrected, neck pain disappeared, and neck rotatory function maintained after posterior implant removal. The maximum follow-up was 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential underlying risk factor observed in this case is unusual. Chronic neck flexion postural habit is a potential risk factor of severe AICK in some individuals.

Analysis of Parameters That Can Predict the Cervical Sagittal Vertical Axis in Cervical Fusion Surgery

OBJECTIVE

The absolute value of the cervical sagittal parameters cannot be guaranteed with certainty on all follow-up cervical radiographs. With the assumption that neck posture changes can occur at any time at each follow-up radiographic session, we examined whether the sagittal parameters change meaningfully and identified the factors most closely related to the C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA).

METHODS

We enrolled 200 patients who had undergone either anterior cervical fusion (n = 100) or posterior cervical fusion (n = 100). The craniovertebral angle (CVA), mandible angle (MA), occipital slope (Os), C2 slope (C2s), C7 slope (C7s), and C2-C7 SVA were measured on 2 different follow-up radiographs after surgery. The C2-C7 angle (C2-C7A) and changes (Δ) in the sagittal parameters between the 2 radiographs were then calculated.

RESULTS

The ΔC2s and ΔCVA showed a very strong correlation with the ΔC2-C7 SVA (r = |0.70-0.93|). An independent t test showed a statistically significant difference for multiple sagittal parameters (i.e., ΔMA, ΔOs, ΔC2s, ΔC7s, and ΔCVA) between the large and small ΔC2-C7 SVA groups. In contrast, the change in the C2-C7A was without statistical significance. A stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed a high adjusted R2 value (0.841) between the ΔC2-C7 SVA and 2 parameters (standardized coefficient: ΔCVA, -0.563; ΔC2s, -0.398).

CONCLUSIONS

During cervical fusion surgery, the CVA was the most predictable parameter reflecting the C2-C7 SVA in various analyses. The upper cervical parameters (Os and C2s) provided more explanatory power regarding the C2-C7 SVA changes than did the lower cervical parameter (C7s) or the presence of cervical lordosis (C2-C7A).

Anterior Canal Reconstruction and Fusion for Myelopathy Caused by Degenerative Cervical Kyphosis and Stenosis With or Without Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce an anterior surgical technique for myelopathy caused by degenerative cervical kyphosis and stenosis (DCKS) with or without ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The optimal approach in the treatment of DCKS remains a controversy because each anterior or posterior route surgery has advantages and disadvantages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the period from June 2017 through June 2019, a consecutive cohort of adults diagnosed with DCKS underwent anterior canal reconstruction and fusion (ACRF). All patients underwent x-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine. Radiologic assessment included kyphosis, canal area, canal reconstruction, OPLL, and spinal cord curvature and morphology. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system was used to evaluate the neurological status. Surgery-related and implant-related complications were all recorded. Follow-up was carried out at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperation.

RESULTS

Fourty-one patients were included in the study, of which 19 presented with OPLL. Postoperatively, the canal area were significantly greater at last follow-up compared with preoperation (208.4 vs. 123.2 mm2; P=0.001). There was significant kyphosis correction (-17.6 vs. 8.5 degrees, P=0.001) at last follow-up. Ninety-six segmental canal reconstruction were performed, 89 (92.7%) reached bone fusion at both grooves with a mean time of 7.9 months. On sagittal magnetic resonance imaging, 33 (80.5%) patients presented with lordosis in the spinal cord curvature, 8 (19.5%) with straight. The mean JOA score at last follow-up was significantly better than preoperation (15.0 vs. 9.3 points; P<0.01). One patient presented with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 with screw displacement and 2 with dysphagia.

CONCLUSION

ACRF, receiving good correction of kyphosis, amplified canal area, solid instrumented fusion and circumferential decompression, is an effective and safe surgical technique for cervical myelopathy caused by DCKS with or without OPLL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-a retrospective analysis.

Pediatric cervical kyphosis in the MRI era (1984-2008) with long-term follow up: literature review

OBJECTIVE

Cervical kyphosis is rare in the pediatric population. It may be syndromic or acquired secondary to laminectomy, neoplasia, or trauma. Regardless, this should be avoided to prevent progressive spinal deformity and neurological deficit. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate fusion status, spine growth, potential instability, and neurological function.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective review of 27 children (6 months to 16 years) with cervical kyphotic deformity was performed and limited to the MRI era until 2008, to provide a long-term follow-up after which complex instrumentation was available. There were 27 patients, 19 syndromic (average age 5.36 years), and 8 non-syndromic (average age 14 years). Syndromes encountered were spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) 4, spondylometaphyseal dysplasia 1, unnamed collagen abnormality syndrome 1, osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) 2, Aarskog syndrome 1, Weaver syndrome 1, Larsen syndrome 1, multiple cervical level disconnection syndrome 1, Klippel-Feil 3, congenital absence of C2 pars 4. Non-syndromic cases; 2 with neurofibromatosis (NF1) and prevertebral tumors, fibromatosis 1, spontaneous kyphosis 1, and postlaminectomy 4. Factors considered were age, pathology, flexibility on cervical spine dynamic films, reduction with traction and spinal cord compression. Patients with flexible kyphosis underwent dorsal fixation. Children with non-flexible ventral compression/kyphosis had crown halo traction. Irreducible kyphosis had ventral decompression and fusion as well as dorsal fusion. Eleven of 19 syndromic children with flexible and reducible kyphosis underwent dorsal fixation alone. Four of 8 non-syndromic (2 NF1) needed ventral and dorsal approaches.

RESULTS

The preoperative deformity (global and local Cobb angles) as well as neurological status improved. Growth during follow-up was not impaired, and we did not encounter instability or junctional kyphosis. The only complications were seen in syndromic patients. One patient with SED showed delayed cantilever bending of the ventral fusion mass requiring reoperation, and 1 other OI child had left C5 and C6 nerve root weakness after anterior C4 and C5 decompression which resolved over 1 year. One child with SED developed cervicothoracic junction scoliosis 18 years later after thoracic scoliosis surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Syndromic pathology presented early with neurological dysfunction and 24% had rigid kyphosis. An attempt at traction/reduction was successful as in Tables 1 and 2. The majority exhibited long-term improvement in kyphosis and function. A treatment algorithm and literature review is presented. Table 1 Motor function of the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score in children [24, 37] Score Upper extremity •Unable to move hands or feed oneself 0 •Can move hands; unable to eat with spoon 1 •Able to eat with spoon with difficulty 2 •Able to use spoon; clumsy with buttoning 3 •Healthy; no dysfunction 4 Lower extremity •Unable to sit or stand 0 •Unable to walk without cane or walker 1 •Walks independently on level floor but needs support on stairs 2 •Capable to walking, clumsy 3 •No dysfunction 4 Table 2 Pediatric cervical kyphosis-preoperative evaluations Case ID, year presented Age Sex Diagnosis Presentation Imaging Apex Cobb angle degree Reducibility Preop traction Syndromic #1 2003 4 years M SED Progressive quadriparesis Bladder incontinence Severe C2-4 kyphosis with cord compression C3-4 85° No No #2 2001 3 years M SED Progressive quadriparesis C2-3 kyphosis. No dorsal C2. Buckled cord C2-3 25° No No Recurrent weakness after recovery 2 years later Kyphosis at fusion site C2-3 33° No No #3 1997 13 years M SED Neck pain. Hand weakness. Thoracic scoliosis C1-3 kyphosis Os odontoideum C2-3 30° Yes No #4 2006 6 years F SED Tingling in hands Bladder incontinence Deformed C2 body and odontoid C1-2 instability C2-3 27° Yes No #5 1997 4 years M SMD Quadriparesis. Previous C2-3 kyphosis with O-C3 dorsal fusion elsewhere Fixed C1-2 dislocation. C2-3 kyphosis. O-C4 fusion C2 35° Partial Yes 4 days #6 2007 13 years F Syndromic collagen abnormality Neck pain. Leg length discrepancies. T-L scoliosis. Quadriparesis Bilateral C2 and partial C3 spondylolysis C-T levoscoliosis C2-3 35° Partial Yes 4 days #7 2003 14 years F Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) Only able to use right upper extremity C3-5 kyphosis. Canal diameter 4 mm at C4 C4 25° No No #8 1989 3 years F OI - Bruck's syndrome Quadriparesis age 9 months. Had C1-C3 posterior decompression and fusion elsewhere Progressive kyphosis Worse weakness Bend in fusion C1-2 40° No No #9 1996 11 years M Aarskog syndrome Neck pain with limited neck motion Cervical myelopathy Psychomotor delay C4-5 spondylolysis C5-6 kyphosis C5 30° No Yes 3 days #10 1989 3½ years F Weaver syndrome Quadriparesis age 2 years. Elsewhere C1-C3 dorsal rib fusion and wires Fusion failure C2-3 subluxation Cord compression C2-3 3° Yes Yes 1 day #11 1986 11 years F Larsen syndrome Neck pain in extension Quadriparesis C2-3 kyphosis. Deformed bodies C2-5 Os odontoideum C1-2 instability C2-3 28° Yes Yes 1 day #12 1996 5 years M Multilevel cervical disconnect syndrome Horner pupil on right Small right arm Quadriparesis C4, C5 vertebral bodies behind C5 C5 body in canal Left vertebral artery in C5 body C4-5 35° No No #13 1985 3 years F Klippel-Feil Neck pain. Weak hands Atlas assimilation C3-4 kyphosis No posterior bony arches C3, C4 C3-4 40° Yes No #14 1994 3 years F Klippel-Feil Unable to sit. Floppy. Quadriparesis C2-3 kyphosis No posterior arches C2-3 and L4 C2-3 45° Yes No #15 1993 11 months F Tuberous sclerosis Spondylolysis C2 Salam seizures Quadriparesis No pars C2 C2-3 kyphosis C2-3 30° Yes No #16 1998 2 years M C2 spondylolysis Quadriparesis, arms worse than legs C2 spondylolysis C2-3 kyphosis C2-3 35° Yes No #17 1998 6 months M C2 spondylolysis Failure to thrive Apneic spells Weak in arms after endoscopy C2-3 kyphosis No C2 lamina Cord compression C3-4 on MRI C2-3 45° Yes No #18 1990 4 years F C2 spondylolysis Developmental delay Quadriparesis C2 spondylolysis C2-3 kyphosis C3 45° Yes No #19 1994 4 years F Klippel-Feil No posterior C2 Torticollis age 6 mo Quadriparesis C2-3 kyphosis No posterior arch C2 Fused C3-4 bodies C2-3 45° Yes No Non-syndromic #20 1996 15 years M NF1. Ventral prevertebral plexiform neurofibroma Neck pain Weak arms Cervical myelopathy C4-5 kyphosis Cord draped over C4-5 Enhanced prevertebral tumor C4-5 60° Partial Yes 4 days #21 1996 6 years M NF1 Age 6 mo had C1-3 laminectomies elsewhere Progressive kyphosis Quadriparesis C3-5 plexiform neurofibromas C2-4 kyphosis C3-4 45° No No #22 1993 11 years M "Fibromatosis" Neck pain Gag ↓ Right hemiparesis C2 body and odontoid curved dorsally C2-3 kyphosis C2 40° No Yes 3 days #23 2007 13 F Mid-cervical kyphosis Neck pain Unable to move neck C3-4 kyphosis C3-4 45° Yes Halo vest elsewhere 6 weeks Repeat traction on referral #24 1998 12 years M Chiari I Syringohydromyelia Difficulty swallowing Quadriparesis Previous posterior fossa and C1-3 decompression Basilar invagination C3-4 kyphosis C3-4 50° Yes Halo traction 3 days #25 1994 16 years M Chiari I. SHM Difficult speech Quadriparesis Previous posterior fossa and C1-4 laminectomies C3-4 kyphosis Basilar invagination C3-4 55° Yes Halo traction 3 days #26 2002 11 years M Chordoma C3-5 Initial quadriparesis improved after posterior decompression then worse Dorsal and lateral tumor C3-4 C3-4 20° Yes Traction 3 days #27 2006 13 years M C4 lamina Aneurysmal bone cyst Neck and shoulder pain C4 laminectomy for tumor resection Worse 4 months later C4-5 kyphosis C3-4 40° Yes No Table 3 Pediatric cervical kyphosis-postoperative evaluations Case ID Diagnosis Treatment-operation Complication PO orthosis F/U time Fusion status Preop Cobb Postop Cobb Preop JOA Postop JOA Comments Syndromic #1 SED Crown halo traction 1. Median mandibular glossotomy. Resection C2-3 bodies with rib graft fusion 2. Dorsal O-C3 rib graft fusion None Halo vest 3 months Soft collar 3 months 8 years Complete anterior and posterior fusion 85° 10° 2 8 Complete neurological recovery #2 SED Crown halo traction 1. Median mandibular glossotomy. C2-4 corpectomies. C2-5 anterior rib graft fusion Recurrent weakness 2 years s later Halo vest 3 months 2 years Fused 25° 20° 4 5 T. scoliosis. Cardiac abnormalities. Walking then quadriparesis Redo ventral resection and C1-4 iliac bone graft Worsening quadriparesis Minerva brace 1 year 18 years Fused 33° 15° 3 5 Much improved in 6 months #3 SED Crown halo traction Dorsal O-C4 fusion with loop and rib graft None Miami J collar 3 months 10 years Fused 30° 13° 4 7 Works in bookstore #4 SED Crown halo traction Dorsal O-C3 fusion with loop and rib graft 4 years later developed C-T scoliosis after T. scoliosis surgery Miami J collar 3 months 14 years Fused 27° 5° 5 7 C-T scoliosis developed after thoracic scoliosis correction #5 SMD Crown halo traction Transoral C2 odontoid resection None Minerva brace 6 months 20 years No from preop status 35° 10° 1 4 In wheelchair. Works as programmer #6 Collagen abnormality Crown halo traction C2-5 ACDF C2-5 plate with C3-4 lag screws Junctional kyphosis 7 years later after scoliosis correction Miami J collar 6 weeks 12 years Fused 36° 5° 4 7 Abnormal vertebral arteries. Thoracic outlet syndrome May-Thurner syndrome #7 OI Crown halo traction C3-5 corpectomies C2-6 Orion plate with iliac crest graft None Soft collar 4 years Fused 25° 30° 1 5 Restrictive lung disease. Multiple fractures Expired #8 OI - Bruck syndrome 1. Redo C1-2 dorsal rib graft fusion No change Molded Minerva brace 4 years Fused 40° 35° 3 4 Increased weakness age 7 2. 11 years age anterior C3-7 decompression and plate C3-7 Worsening left deltoid and biceps function Molded Minerva brace 30 years Fused 52° 34° 3 5 Lives alone. Wheelchair. Computer technologist Uses hands well #9 Aarskog syndrome Crown halo traction C2-6 anterior cervical fusion with iliac crest graft None Molded Minerva brace 20 years Fused 30° 14° 4 7 Works on a farm. No myelopathy. Syndrome in family #10 Weaver syndrome Crown halo traction Redo C1-4 dorsal rib graft fusion None Miami J collar 2 years Fused 3° 10° 2 5 Neuroblastoma age 3 months. Chemotherapy Stable #11 Larsen syndrome Crown halo traction O-C5 dorsal fusion None Halo vest 6 weeks Miami J 3 months 6 years Fused 28° 10° 3 7 Doing well #12 Multilevel cervical disconnect syndrome Crown halo traction C5 corpectomy C4-6 iliac bone fusion anteriorly Dorsal C4-6 fusion None Halo vest 3 months 5 years Fused 35° 5° 3 7 Persistent Horner pupil #13 Klippel-Feil Crown halo traction C2-6 posterior rib graft fusion None Halo vest 3 months 19 years Fused 40° 12° 3 7 Hearing loss Genitourinary abnormalities Sprengel's deformity #14 Klippel-Feil Crown halo C2-5 dorsal rib graft fusion None Halo vest 3 months 35 years Fused 45° 10° 1 6 Hearing loss Genitourinary abnormalities #15 Tuberous sclerosis Spondylolysis C2 C1-4 dorsal interlaminar rib fusion None Halo vest 3 months 6 years Fused 30° 5° 1 6 Psychomotor delay #16 C2 spondylolysis C1-4 dorsal interlaminar fusion None Halo vest 3 months 4 years Fused 35° 10° 2 6 Recovered full function in one year #17 C2 spondylolysis Tracheostomy Molded cervicothoracic brace None Mold brace 4 years 6 years Formed C2 posterior arches 45° 20° 1 3 Reformed C2 at 4 years on CT Parents did not wish surgery #18 C2 spondylolysis Intraoperative traction C1-3 dorsal rib graft fusion None Neck brace 4 months 8 years Fused 45° 12° 2 5 Developed C2 posterior elements #19 Klippel-Feil Intraoperative traction O-C4 fusion with rib graft None Molded brace 6 months 1 years Fused O-C2 dorsally 45° 16° 1 4 Able to sit and use hands Non-syndromic #20 NF1 Resection of ventral tumor C3-6 C4-5 corpectomies; C4-5 iliac graft; C3-7 Orion plate None Halo vest 6 weeks 14 years Fused 60° 15° 3 7 Recovered in 6 weeks. Works on a farm #21 NF1 Intraoperative traction Resect prevertebral tumor C2-5 kyphectomies; C2-6 anterior fusion iliac crest None Halo vest 3 months 2 years Fused 45° 20° 3 5 Initial C1-3 decompression done elsewhere #22 Fibromatosis 1. Transoral C2 decompression 2. Dorsal O-C3 fusion with loop None Brace 3 months 12 years Fused 40° 12° 4 6 Age 2 years had neck mass resected. Diagnosis "fibromatosis" #23 Mid-cervical kyphosis Traction C2-5 lateral mass fusion with screws, rods and rib grafts Worse after removal of initial traction Brace 3 months 8 years Fused 45° 15° 7 8 Doing well #24 Chiari I SHM Intraoperative traction O-C5 rib graft fusion None Halo vest 3 months 21 years Fused 50° 7° 2 6 Facets atrophied C2, C3 at surgery #25 Chiari I SHM Intraoperative traction O-C5 dorsal fusion with loop and rib None Miami J brace 4 months 22 years Fused 55° 10° 3 6 Facets atrophied C2-4 at surgery #26 Chordoma C3-4 1. Dorsal lateral C3-6 fusion 2. C2-5 anterior fusion with iliac bone None Miami J brace 6 months 18 years Fused 20° 12° 5 8 Weak in hands after initial surgery elsewhere #27 ABC tumor C4 Anterior C3-5 fusion with plate and bone None Miami J brace 4 weeks 12 years Fused 40° 15° 5 8 No recurrence SED spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, SMD spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, JOA Japanese Orthopedic Association, MRI magnetic resonance imaging, SHM syringohydromyelia, NF1 neurofibromatosis type 1, f/u follow up, OI osteogenesis imperfecta, CT computed tomography, JK junctional kyphosis.

One Hundred Top Cited Articles in Cervical Myelopathy: A Bibliographic Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

A bibliometric review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the most highly cited articles relating to cervical myelopathy and to analyze the most influential articles.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Over the past several decades, a lot of research has been conducted regarding the subject of cervical myelopathy. Although there are a large number of articles on this topic, to our knowledge, this is the first bibliometric analysis.

METHODS

A selection of search terms and keywords were inputted into the "Dimensions" database and the most highly cited articles in cervical myelopathy were selected from high impact factor journals. The top 100 articles were analyzed for year of publication, authorship, publishing journals, institution and country of origin, subject matter, article type, and level of evidence.

RESULTS

The 100 most cited articles in the topic of cervical myelopathy were published from 1956 to 2015. These articles, their corresponding authors, and number of citations are shown in Table 1. The number of citations ranged from 121 times for the 100th article to 541 times for the top article in a total of 20 journals. The most common topic was operative technique, whereas the journals which contributed the most articles were the Spine journal and the Journal of Neurosurgery.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided an extensive list of the most historically significant articles regarding cervical myelopathy, acknowledging the key contributions made to the advancement of this field.Level of Evidence: 5.

Surgical Treatment of Multilevel Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Open-Door Laminoplasty and Fixation via Unilateral Approach. A Feasibility Study

Objective  We compared open-door laminoplasty via a unilateral approach and additional unilateral lateral mass screw fixation (uLP) with laminectomy and bilateral lateral mass screw fixation (LC) in the surgical treatment of multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy (mDCM).

Methods  A retrospective cohort analysis of 46 prospectively enrolled patients (23 uLP and 23 LC). The minimum follow-up was 1 year. Neck and arm pains were evaluated with visual analog scales and disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Myelopathy was rated with the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score. Cervical sagittal parameters were measured on plain and functional X-ray films with a specific software. The statistical significance was set at p  < 0.05. Fusion was defined as <2 degrees of intersegmental motion on flexion/extension radiographs.

Results  The two groups were similar in age and comorbidities. The mean operation time and the mean hospital stay were shorter in the uLP group ( p  = 0.015). The intraoperative blood loss did not exceed 200 mL in both groups. At follow-up, the groups showed comparable clinical outcome data. The sagittal profile did not deteriorate in either group. Fusion rates were 67% in the uLP group and 92% in the LC group. No infections occurred in either group. In the LC group, one patient developed a transient C5 palsy. Revision surgery was required for a malpositioned screw (LC) and for one implant failure (uLP).

Conclusion  Laminoplasty and unilateral fixation via a unilateral approach achieved comparable clinical and radiologic results with laminectomy and bilateral fixation, despite a lower fusion rate. However, the surgical traumatization was less.

Laminectomy alone versus laminectomy with fusion for degenerative cervical myelopathy: a long-term study of a national cohort

PURPOSE

To compare patient-reported 5-year clinical outcomes between laminectomy alone versus laminectomy with instrumented fusion in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy in a population-based cohort.

METHODS

All patients in the national Swedish Spine Register (Swespine) from January 2006 until March 2019, with degenerative cervical myelopathy, were assessed. Multiple imputation and propensity score matching based on clinicodemographic and radiographic parameters were used to compare patients treated with laminectomy alone with patients treated with laminectomy plus posterior-lateral instrumented fusion. The primary outcome measure was the European Myelopathy Score, a validated patient-reported outcome measure. The scale ranges from 5 to 18, with lower scores reflecting more severe myelopathy.

RESULTS

Among 967 eligible patients, 717 (74%) patients were included. Laminectomy alone was performed on 412 patients (mean age 68 years; 149 women [36%]), whereas instrumented fusion was added for 305 patients (mean age 68 years; 119 women [39%]). After imputation, the propensity for smoking, worse myelopathy scores, spondylolisthesis, and kyphosis was slightly higher in the fusion group. After imputation and propensity score matching, there were on average 212 pairs patients with a 5-year follow-up in each group. There were no important differences in patient-reported clinical outcomes between the methods after 5 years. Due to longer hospitalization times and implant-related costs, the mean cost increase per instrumented patient was approximately $4700 US.

CONCLUSIONS

Instrumented fusions generated higher costs and were not associated with superior long-term clinical outcomes. These findings are based on a national cohort and can thus be regarded as generalizable.

Hemipartial Laminectomy and Bilateral Flavectomy Technique With Unilateral Approach in Patients With Cervical Spinal Stenosis Due to Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy: A Technique Note

The aim of this procedure is to widen the spinal canal by using minimally invasive techniques to do hemipartial laminectomy and bilateral flavectomy in patients with cervical spinal stenosis due to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.

A 66-year-old man presented with increasing neck and right shoulder pain for one year to Koç University Hospital. He reported a three-month history of numbness in his hands. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were 15 and 8, respectively. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal canal stenosis at the C3-4 level secondary to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Hemi-partial laminectomy at the C3 level, flavectomy, and bilateral decompression were performed using the right unilateral approach. The patient's complaints of symptoms considerably decreased three months later. The VAS and JOA scores were 2 and 16, respectively.

This minimally invasive approach can be an alternative to classic laminectomy in patients who have radiculopathy and myelopathy due to posterior origin spinal stenosis in order to safely resolve pain and neurologic dysfunction.

Treatment of cervical myelopathy by posterior approach: Laminoplasty vs. laminectomy with posterior fixation, are there differences from a clinical and radiological point of view?

INTRODUCTION

Cervical degenerative myelopathy is a variable and progressive degenerative disease caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord. Surgical approaches for the cervical spine can be performed anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Regarding the posterior approach, there are 2 fundamental techniques: laminoplasty and laminectomy with posterior fixation (LPF). There is still controversy concerning the technique in terms of outcome and complications. The aim of the present work is to analyze from the clinical and radiological point of view these 2 techniques: laminoplasty and LPF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A historical cohort of 39 patients was reviewed (12 LFP and 27 laminoplasty) including patients operated in a 10 years period at the Hospital Universitario La Paz with a follow-up of 12 months after surgery was carried out. The clinical results were analyzed and compared using the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) and the radiological results using the Cobb angle, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T1 Slope and alignment (measured by Cobb-T1 Sloppe).

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in the postoperative improvement of the Nurick scale (p = 0.008) and mJOA (p = 0.018) in the laminoplasty group. In LFP there is a tendency to a greater improvement, but statistical significance is not reached due to the low sample size of this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the radiological variables. Regarding the total number of complications, a higher number was observed in the laminoplasty group (7 cases) versus LFP (one case), but no statistically significant differences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Laminoplasty and LFP are both safe and effective procedures in the treatment of cervical degenerative myelopathy. The findings of our study demonstrate statistically significant clinical improvement based on the Nurick and mJOA scales with laminoplasty. No significant differences in terms of complications or radiological variables were observed between the 2 techniques.

Etiology and treatment of cervical kyphosis: state of the art review-a narrative review

Objective

To provide state of the art review regarding cervical kyphosis.

Background

Cervical spine kyphosis has been increasingly common due to the growing elderly population. Clinicians should comprehensively understand its symptoms, biomechanics, etiology, radiographic evaluation, classification, and treatment options and complications of each treatment. Comprehensive review will help clinicians improve the management for patients with cervical kyphosis.

Methods

The available literature relevant to cervical kyphosis was reviewed. PubMed, Medline, OVID, EMBASE, and Cochrane were used to review the literature.

Conclusions

This article summarizes current concepts regarding etiology, evaluation, surgical treatment, complications and outcomes of cervical kyphosis. Major etiologies of cervical kyphosis include degenerative, post-laminectomy, and ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical presentations include neck pain, myelopathy, radiculopathy, and problems with horizontal gaze, swallowing and breathing. Cervical lordosis, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, chin-brow to vertical angle, and T1 slope should be evaluated from upright lateral 36-inch film. The most widely used classification system includes a deformity descriptor and 5 modifiers. A deformity descriptor provides a basic grouping of the deformity consisting of five types, cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracic, coronal cervical deformity, and cranio-vertebral junction deformity. The 5 modifiers include C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, chin-brow to vertical angle, T1 slope minus cervical lordosis, myelopathy based on modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and SRS-Schwab classification for thoracolumbar deformity. Current treatment options include anterior discectomy and fusion, anterior osteotomy, Smith-Peterson osteotomy, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, or a combination of these based on careful preoperative evaluation.

Predictive model for achieving good clinical and radiographic outcomes at one-year following surgical correction of adult cervical deformity

Background

For cervical deformity (CD) surgery, goals include realignment, improved patient quality of life, and improved clinical outcomes. There is limited research identifying patients most likely to achieve all three.

Objective

The objective is to create a model predicting good 1-year postoperative realignment, quality of life, and clinical outcomes following CD surgery using baseline demographic, clinical, and radiographic factors.

Methods

Retrospective review of a multicenter CD database. CD patients were defined as having one of the following radiographic criteria: Cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) >4 cm, cervical kyphosis/scoliosis >10°° or chin-brow vertical angle >25°. The outcome assessed was whether a patient achieved both a good radiographic and clinical outcome. The primary analysis was stepwise regression models which generated a dataset-specific prediction model for achieving a good radiographic and clinical outcome. Model internal validation was achieved by bootstrapping and calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the final model with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Seventy-three CD patients were included (61.8 years, 58.9% F). The final model predicting the achievement of a good overall outcome (radiographic and clinical) yielded an AUC of 73.5% and included the following baseline demographic, clinical, and radiographic factors: mild-moderate myelopathy (Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association >12), no pedicle subtraction osteotomy, no prior cervical spine surgery, posterior lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) at T1 or above, thoracic kyphosis >33°°, T1 slope <16 and cSVA <20 mm.

Conclusions

Achievement of a positive outcome in radiographic and clinical outcomes following surgical correction of CD can be predicted with high accuracy using a combination of demographic, clinical, radiographic, and surgical factors, with the top factors being baseline cSVA <20 mm, no prior cervical surgery, and posterior LIV at T1 or above.

Kinematics after cervical laminoplasty: risk factors for cervical kyphotic deformity after laminoplasty

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Laminoplasty of the cervical spine is widely used as an effective surgical method to treat compressive myelopathy of the cervical spine; however, there is an adverse effect of kyphosis after surgery. The risk factors or predictors of kyphosis have not been sufficiently evaluated.

PURPOSE

To assess the risk factors for kyphosis following laminoplasty.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who underwent laminoplasty between May 2011 and October 2018 were enrolled.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in lordosis and range of motion (ROM).

METHODS

Radiological imaging data were collected from simple neutral and flexion-extension radiographs at baseline and at 2-year follow-up. The ROM from the neutral position to complete flexion was defined as the flexion capacity, and the ROM from the neutral position to complete extension was defined as the extension capacity.

RESULTS

This study included 53 patients (mean age, 59.3 years). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that, the smaller the preoperative extension capacity, the greater was the decrease in lordosis (p=.025), while the larger the T1 slope, the greater was the decrease in lordosis following laminoplasty (p= .008). Correlation analysis revealed that C2-7 lordosis increased with increasing baseline T1 slope before surgery (p< .01). In patients with large preoperative C2-7 lordosis, the postoperative decrease in ROM tended to be greater (p= .028). However, the degree of lordosis and ROM reduction did not demonstrate a clear correlation with the clinical outcomes at 2 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Kyphotic changes in the cervical spine following laminoplasty were related to preoperative radiological parameters. The greater the preoperative extension capacity, the lower was the decrease in lordosis, and the greater the T1 slope, the greater was the decrease in lordosis.

The impact of postoperative neurologic complications on recovery kinetics in cervical deformity surgery

Objective:

The objective of the study is to investigate which neurologic complications affect clinical outcomes the most following cervical deformity (CD) surgery.

Methods:

CD patients (C2-C7 Cobb >10°, CL >10°, cSVA >4 cm or chin-brow vertical angle >25°) >18 years with follow-up surgical and health-related quality of life (HRQL) data were included. Descriptive analyses assessed demographics. Neurologic complications assessed were C5 motor deficit, central neurodeficit, nerve root motor deficits, nerve sensory deficits, radiculopathy, and spinal cord deficits. Neurologic complications were classified as major or minor, then: intraoperative, before discharge, before 30 days, before 90 days, and after 90 days. HRQL outcomes were assessed at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Integrated health state (IHS) for the neck disability index (NDI), EQ5D, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) were assessed using all follow-up time points. A subanalysis assessed IHS outcomes for patients with 2Y follow-up.

Results:

153 operative CD patients were included. Baseline characteristics: 61 years old, 63% female, body mass index 29.7, operative time 531.6 ± 275.5, estimated blood loss 924.2 ± 729.5, 49% posterior approach, 18% anterior approach, 33% combined. 18% of patients experienced a total of 28 neurologic complications in the postoperative period (15 major). There were 7 radiculopathy, 6 motor deficits, 6 sensory deficits, 5 C5 motor deficits, 2 central neurodeficits, and 2 spinal cord deficits. 11.2% of patients experienced neurologic complications before 30 days (7 major) and 15% before 90 days (12 major). 12% of neurocomplication patients went on to have revision surgery within 6 months and 18% within 2 years. Neurologic complication patients had worse mJOA IHS scores at 1Y but no significant differences between NDI and EQ5D (0.003 vs. 0.873, 0.458). When assessing individual complications, central neurologic deficits and spinal cord deficit patients had the worst outcomes at 1Y (2.6 and 1.8 times worse NDI scores, P = 0.04, no improvement in EQ5D, 8% decrease in EQ5D). Patients with sensory deficits had the best NDI and EQ5D outcomes at 1Y (31% decrease in NDI, 8% increase in EQ5D). In a subanalysis, neurologic patients trended toward worse NDI and mJOA IHS outcomes (P = 0.263, 0.163).

Conclusions:

18% of patients undergoing CD surgery experienced a neurologic complication, with 15% within 3 months. Patients who experienced any neurologic complication had worse mJOA recovery kinetics by 1 year and trended toward worse recovery at 2 years. Of the neurologic complications, central neurologic deficits and spinal cord deficits were the most detrimental.

Instrumented Four-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Long-Term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes

Background

There is a paucity of data on outcomes following four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusions (ACDFs), especially the sagittal balance (SB) parameters.

Objective

We aimed to review the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes for 41 consecutive patients that underwent instrumented four-level ACDF.

Materials and Methods

Records of 27 men and 14 women, aged 40-68 years, who underwent instrumented four-level ACDF and plating at C3-C7 (n = 37) or C4-T1 (n = 4) were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical outcomes that were assessed were the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, neck disability index (NDI), Odom's criteria, improvement of symptoms, intraoperative and postoperative complications, SB, and need for revision surgery.

Results

The mean follow-up was 65 ± 36.3 months. The mean VAS for arm and neck pain significantly improved from 7.7 ± 1.4 to 3.5 ± 1.7 (P < 0.001). The NDI score significantly improved from 31 ± 8.2 to 19.3 ± 8.1 (P < 0.001). Concerning Odom's criteria, the grades were excellent (14), good (17), fair (9), and poor (1). Concerning intraoperative and postoperative complications, 10 cases developed dysphagia, 3 cases developed temporary dysphonia, 2 cases developed a postoperative hematoma, 1 patient developed C5 palsy, 1 vertebral artery (VA) injury, and 1 case had superficial infection. The average length of stay (LOS) was 2.9 ± 3.7 days. Three patients needed another surgery (one adjacent segment and two posterior foraminotomies). Regarding the mean change in SB parameters, Cobb's angle (CA) (C2-C7) was 14° ± 8.3°, fusion angle (FA) was 10.9 ± 10.9°, cervical straight vertical alignment (cSVA) was 0.6 ± 0.5 cm, T1 slope was 2.3° ± 3.4°, and disc height (DH) was 1.3 ± 0.9 mm.

Conclusion

Instrumented four-level ACDF is safe with a satisfactory outcome and supplementary posterior fusion was not required in any case.

Sagittal balance of the cervical spine

The treatment of adult cervical deformity continues to be complex with high complication rates. However there are many new advancements and overall patients do well following surgical correction. To date there are now many types of cervical deformity that have been classified and there exists a variety of surgical options. These recent advances have been developed in the last few years and the field continues to grow at a rapid rate. Thus, the goal of this article is to provide an updated review of cervical sagittal balance including; cervical alignment parameters, deformity classification, clinical evaluation, with both conservative and surgical treatment options.

Osteophytes on the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the cervical spine (C3-C7): A skeletal study

Previous studies have reported that osteophytes in the cervical vertebrae may cause immobility, neck stiffness, osteoarthritis, headaches, nerve entrapment syndromes, and compression of the vertebral artery. Our objective was to explore the osteophytes' expression on zygapophyseal joints C3-C7. This is a cross-sectional observational skeletal study. The study sample comprised 273 human skeletons of both sexes, aged 20-93, housed at the Natural History Museum, OH, USA. A grading system assessed the presence and severity of osteophytosis on the zygapophyseal joints. The chi-square test (SPSS 25.0) examined the association between osteophytes and demographic factors. The level of significance (α) was set at .05. The highest prevalence of osteophytes was found on C5 vertebra, the lowest on C7. On vertebrae C3, C4, C6, the rate of moderate and severe osteophytes found on the superior and inferior facets were comparable. Moderate and severe degrees of osteophytes were observed more frequently on the superior facets, whereas, on vertebra C7, osteophytes were found on the inferior facet joints. Osteophytes' prevalence was significantly higher in the elderly compared to the younger population. Osteophytes in the C3-C7 zygapophyseal joints are age-dependent. No significant sex and ethnic differences were observed. Vertebra C5 was most prone to develop osteophytes, most probably due to its location in the cervical lordotic peak, C5 in the superior ZF; C7 in the inferior ZF are significant (p = .05). The zygapophyseal joints of C7 were least frequent overall, yet, the C7 inferior facets had significantly more moderate-severe osteophytes compared to other cervical vertebrae.

Predictive effect of cervical spinal cord compression and corresponding segmental paravertebral muscle degeneration on the severity of symptoms in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Previous studies have found that cervical sagittal parameters and spinal cord compression are important risk factors for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). An increasing number of scholars believe that cervical muscle condition is also one of the factors affecting the severity of symptoms in affected patients.

PURPOSE

To determine whether: the degree of corresponding segmental paravertebral muscle degeneration is related to the severity of symptoms in patients with CSM; the degree of cervical spinal cord compression can predict the severity of symptoms in patients with CSM.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

From January 2015 to January 2019, 121 patients with CSM were enrolled.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI) and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) were used to assess cervical spinal function and quality of life.

METHODS

From January 2015 to January 2019, 121 patients with CSM were enrolled. The inclusion criterion was the presence of complete cervical lateral radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The following radiographic parameters were measured: (1) C0-C2 Cobb angle; (2) C2-C7 Cobb angle (CL); (3) T1 slope (T1S); (4) neck tilt (NT); (5) C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA); and (6) T1S-CL. The following MRI parameters were measured: (1) up(low)-fat/muscle; (2) up(low)-fat/centrum; (3) up(low)-muscle/centrum; (4) cervical cord compression index (CCI); (5) S-index; and (6) cervical spinal cord compression area ratio (S0/S1). The VAS, NDI and mJOA were used to assess cervical spinal function and quality of life. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the mJOA score: group A (mild-moderate symptom group, mJOA score≥12 points) and group B (severe symptom group, mJOA score<12 points). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlations between cervical sagittal parameters, MRI parameters and functional scores. Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors and critical values.

RESULTS

In patients with CSM, the VAS score is positively correlated with NT, up-fat/centrum, S-index and S0/S1. The NDI is positively correlated with NT, up-fat/muscle, up-fat/centrum, S-index, and S0/S1 and negatively correlated with C0-2N and CL. The mJOA score is positively correlated with CL and negatively correlated with C2-7 SVA, CCI, S-index, and S0/S1. Thus, corresponding segmental paravertebral muscle degeneration has relevance to neck pain, but it is not related to limb weakness, neurological dysfunction, gait impairment, sensation or bladder/bowel function dysfunction. Through mJOA score grouping and binary logistic regression analysis, we found that S0/S1 is the only independent risk factor for severe symptoms in patients with CSM. When S0/S1>0.295, the clinical symptoms of patients are more severe. Thus, in clinical practice, when the degree of spinal cord compression exceeds 30%, the clinical symptoms are more severe.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CSM, corresponding segmental paravertebral muscle degeneration has relevance to neck pain, but it does not relate to limb weakness, neurological dysfunction, gait impairment, sensation or bladder/bowel function dysfunction. Cervical spinal cord compression is the only independent risk factor;when the degree of spinal cord compression exceeds 30%, the clinical symptoms are more severe.

Oncology and Spinal Neurosurgeons Performing Resections of Intramedullary Ependymomas Compared with Single Neurosurgeons: A 13-Year Experience at a Single Institution

OBJECTIVE

Resection of intramedullary spinal ependymomas carries great risk of postoperative neurological deficits. The objective of this study was to describe our experience using co-neurosurgeon teams to address intramedullary ependymomas to determine if the use of 2 experienced attending neurosurgeons with expertise in both neurosurgical oncology and spine pathology can improve outcomes for intramedullary ependymoma resections.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared surgical and disease control outcomes in intramedullary ependymoma cases performed by co-neurosurgeon (one neurosurgical oncologist and one neurosurgeon trained in spinal surgery) and single-neurosurgeon teams over a 13-year period at a single institution.

RESULTS

Co-neurosurgeons performed resections in 34 (47.9%) patients, and a single neurosurgeon performed resections in 37 (52.1%) patients. There were no significant differences in the frequency of gross total resection in the co-neurosurgeon versus single-neurosurgeon group (85.7% vs. 78.4%, P = 0.45). Posterior spinal fusion was more common in the co-neurosurgeon group (35.3%) compared with the single-neurosurgeon group (8.1%) (P = 0.01). Two (5.9%) patients in the co-neurosurgeon group and 5 (13.5%) patients in the single-neurosurgeon group had complications requiring surgical revision (P = 0.28). Recurrence rates were similar in both groups (5.9% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.50). At last follow-up, 76% of patients who presented with mild or no deficits remained functionally independent.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of intramedullary ependymomas by co-neurosurgeon teams resulted in similar rates of gross total resection, postoperative complications, and recurrence compared with surgeries performed by a single neurosurgeon. Functional neurological outcomes were not impacted by co-neurosurgeons performing ependymoma resections.

Alignment, Classification, Clinical Evaluation, and Surgical Treatment for Adult Cervical Deformity: A Complete Guide

Adult cervical deformity management is complex and is a growing field with many recent advancements. The cervical spine functions to maintain the position of the head and plays a pivotal role in influencing subjacent global spinal alignment and pelvic tilt as compensatory changes occur to maintain horizontal gaze. There are various types of cervical deformity and a variety of surgical options available. The major advancements in the management of cervical deformity have only been around for a few years and continue to evolve. Therefore, the goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of cervical alignment parameters, deformity classification, clinical evaluation, and surgical treatment of adult cervical deformity. The information presented here may be used as a guide for proper preoperative evaluation and surgical treatment in the adult cervical deformity patient.

Dropped Head Syndrome: An Update on Etiology and Surgical Management

» Dropped head syndrome is a group of disorders with diverse etiologies involving different anatomical components of the neck, ultimately resulting in a debilitating, flexible, anterior curvature of the cervical spine. » Causes of dropped head syndrome include myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease, radiation therapy, and cumulative age-related changes. Idiopathic cases have also been reported. » Nonoperative treatment of dropped head syndrome includes orthotic bracing and physical therapy. » Surgical treatment of dropped head syndrome consists of cervical spine fusion to correct the deformity. » The limited data available examining the clinical and radiographic outcomes of surgical intervention indicate a higher rate of complications with the majority having favorable outcomes in the long term.

Abordaje mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de tumores espinales intradurales extramedulares: Nota Técnica

Objetivo:

Describir la técnica de abordaje mínimamente invasiva para el tratamiento de tumores intradurales extramedulares en los diferentes segmentos espinales.

Material y Métodos:

Se detallan la planificación, posicionamiento, marcación, pasos técnicos del abordaje mínimamente invasivo, exéresis lesional y cierre de lesiones ID-EM a nivel cervical, dorsal, lumbar y sacro. Se proporcionan recomendaciones para descomplejizar maniobras quirúrgicas, acortar el tiempo operativo y evitar potenciales complicaciones.

Conclusiones:

El abordaje MISS es una opción segura y eficaz para el tratamiento quirúrgico de determinados tumores ID-EM.

A Novel Perspective for Analyzing Craniocervical Sagittal Balance and Horizontal Gaze

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze craniocervical sagittal balance parameters in an asymptomatic population revealing the interaction of craniocervical compensation with the horizontal gaze and to identify a new parameter that can be evaluated more easily with the horizontal gaze.

METHODS

Lateral radiographs were taken of the 75 asymptomatic volunteers. Two independent observers measured the pelvic, spinal, and cranial parameters, spinocranial angle, and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7SVA) distances. The correlations between these parameters and the differences in the created subgroups were analyzed.

RESULTS

Correlations were found between the sacral slope and L1-L5 lordosis (r = 0.700), between L1-L5 lordosis and thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.363), between thoracic kyphosis and C2-7 lordosis (r = 0.425), and between C2-7 lordosis and C2 slope (C2S) (r = -0.735). In addition, this chain was extended to include the cranium, showing a strong correlation between the C2S and the cranial slope (CS) (r = -0.827). Strong correlations were observed between the CS and C2S (r = -0.827), C2-C7 lordosis (r = 0.583), C2-7 SVA (r = -0.437). The importance of O-C2 lordosis was significantly increased in the patient cohort with a prominent C2S (≥13) and became the main determinant of the CS (r = 0.667) together with the C2S (r = -0.800).

CONCLUSIONS

The factors affecting horizontal gaze are C2S, C2-7 lordosis, O-C2 lordosis, and C2-7 SVA. C2S can be used as an indicator of the horizontal gaze in preoperative surgical planning and postoperative evaluation.

Exclusion of Ossified Ligaments Behind C2 Vertebra Combined with Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion for Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Extending to C2 Segment

OBJECTIVE

We sought to introduce an anterior surgical technique for cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) extending to C2.

METHODS

A total of 29 patients with multilevel OPLL extending to C2 underwent surgery from January 2016 to January 2019. The rationale of our surgical technique is to transect the ossified ligament at the level of C2/3, dividing OPLL into 2 parts. OPLL behind the C2 vertebra is reserved as "focus exclusion," and OPLL below C2 is performed anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion. Neurologic condition was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system and its improvement ratio. Radiologic assessment included type and extent of OPLL, occupying rate, thickness and length of ossified mass, and curvature of spinal cord. Surgery- and implant-related complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from 9.4 to 15.8 points at last follow-up, with a significant improvement (P < 0.01). The mean preoperative length of the ossified mass behind C2 was 15.4 mm, and its thickness was 2.2 mm, with no significant progression at last follow-up (15.3 mm and 2.2 mm, P > 0.05). There was also no statistical difference in OPLL thickness at the largest occupying rate level between preoperation and last follow-up (7.4 mm vs. 7.3 mm, P > 0.05). Four patients presented with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 with screw displacement, and 1 with dysphagia.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with cervical OPLL extending to C2, exclusion of ossified ligaments behind C2 combined with anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion below C2 is an effective and alternative technique.

Incidence and predictors of kyphotic deformity following resection of cervical intradural tumors in adults: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

The first line of treatment for most cervical intradural tumors is surgical resection through laminotomy or laminectomy. This may cause a loss of posterior pulling force leading to kyphosis, which is associated with decreased functional outcome. However, the incidence and predictors of kyphosis in these patients are poorly understood.

OBJECT

To assess the incidence of posterior fixation (PF), as well as predictors of radiological kyphosis, following resection of cervical intradural tumors in adults.

METHODS

A population-based cohort study was conducted on adult patients who underwent intradural tumor resection via cervical laminectomy with or without laminoplasty between 2005 and 2017. Primary outcome was kyphosis requiring PF. Secondary outcome was radiological kyphotic increase, measured by the change in the C2-C7 Cobb angle between pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance images.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were included. Twenty-four percent of the tumors were intramedullary, and the most common diagnosis was meningioma. The mean laminectomy range was 2.4 levels, and laminoplasty was performed in 40% of cases. No prophylactic PF was performed. During a mean follow-up of 4.4 years, two patients (2.4%) required delayed PF. The mean radiological kyphotic increase after surgery was 3.0°, which was significantly associated with laminectomy of C2 and C3. Of these, C3 laminectomy demonstrated independent risk association.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a low incidence of delayed PF following cervical intradural tumor resection, supporting the practice of not performing prophylactic PF. Kyphotic increase was associated with C2 and C3 laminectomy, which could help identify at-risk patients were targeted follow-up is indicated.

Three-Column Osteotomy for the Treatment of Rigid Cervical Deformity

Adult cervical deformity (ACD) has been shown to have a substantial impact on quality of life and overall health, with moderate to severe deformities resulting in significant disability and dysfunction. Fortunately, surgical management and correction of cervical sagittal imbalance can offer significant benefits and improvement in pain and disability. ACD is a heterogenous disease and specific surgical correction strategies should reflect deformity type (driver of deformity) and patient-related factors. Spinal rigidity is one of the most important considerations as soft tissue releases and osteotomies play a crucial role in cervical deformity correction. For ankylosed, fixed, and severe deformity, 3-column osteotomy (3CO) is often warranted. A 3CO can be done through combined anteriorposterior (vertebral body resection) and posterior-only approaches (open or closed wedge pedicle subtraction osteotomies [PSOs]). This article reviews the literature for currently published studies that report results on the use of 3CO for ACD, with a special concentration on posterior based 3CO (open and closed wedge PSO). More specifically, this review discusses the indications, radiographic corrective ability, and associated complications.

Choice of the Open Side in Unilateral Open-Door Laminoplasty for Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal open side in unilateral open-door laminoplasty (UODL) for lateral cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

No literature has reported which side of the vertebral arch should be chosen as the open side in UODL for lateral cervical OPLL.

METHODS

Patients with lateral cervical OPLL who were treated with UODL between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed in two groups: Group A, where the open side was contralateral to the ectopic bone, and Group B, where the open side was ipsilateral to the ectopic bone. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Score, JOA recovery rate, spinal canal enlargement rate, cervical range of motion (ROM), and spinal cord area (SCA) were measured to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed by t test and Hotelling T2 test.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in patient demographics and major complications between the two groups. The postoperative JOA Score and JOA recovery rate in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B. There was no significant difference in cervical ROM within or between the two groups during the 2-year follow-up period, nor was there significant difference in spinal canal enlargement between the two groups. However, both postoperative SCA and increased SCA in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B.

CONCLUSION

The contralateral open side approach is preferable to the ipsilateral open side approach in UODL for lateral cervical OPLL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Full endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression of the cervical spine: surgical technique and early experience

Background

Full-endoscopic decompression surgery has been shown to be safe and efficacious in the lumbar spine, while its role remains to be determined in the cervical spine. We describe the utility of cervical endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (CE-ULBD) in a series of elderly patients with severe central stenosis, significant medical comorbidity, and existing cervical deformity.

Methods

A prospectively collected spine surgery registry at the University of Washington was retrospectively queried for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy receiving CE-ULBD. Demographic data, operative details, imaging, and patient reported outcomes, including visual analogue scale (VAS) for neck and upper extremity pain, Nurick grade, and the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, were reviewed. Description of the surgical technique is provided. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results

From 2014 through 2018, 10 patients with an average age of 70.2±5.0 years underwent CE-ULBD for symptomatic upper cervical stenosis due to ligamentum flavum buckling. Half of these patients had one stenotic segment, the other half had two stenotic segments. The most commonly affected segment was C3/4 (5/10 patients). Average length of surgery was 128±18.4 minutes. Average length of stay was 1.2±0.2 days. Average clinical follow-up time was 22.0±4.7 months; clinical outcomes at most recent follow-up were improved via both the Nurick grade (1.2±0.4, P<0.01) and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (14.6±1.0, P<0.001) compared with pre-operative values. One patient experienced a transient loss of motor evoked potentials intraoperatively, but there were no cases of permanent neurological deficit.

Conclusions

Severe central cervical stenosis is a safe and viable target for full-endoscopic decompression via an interlaminar approach.

Trends in Posterior Cervical Fusion for Deformity in the United States from 2000 to 2017

BACKGROUND

Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCF) is a common treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Treatment paradigms are shifting from simple decompression and fusion to correcting cervical deformities.

OBJECTIVE

To identify trends in PCF with an emphasis on cervical deformity and surgical complexity.

METHODS

Adults who underwent PCF from 2000 to 2017 were retrospectively identified in the Premier Healthcare Database (PHD) using International Classification of Disease Codes (ICD) 9 and 10. Patients were dichotomized into those with or without deformity diagnosis. PCF complexity was defined by adjunct surgical codes, including anterior cervical fusion, extension to thoracic levels, and osteotomy. Patient characteristics, including demographics, functional comorbidity index (FCI), and hospital characteristics, were extracted and annual procedures were projected to the US population.

RESULTS

A total of 68 415 discharges for PCF were identified. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of PCF from 2000 to 2017 for nondeformity cases was 9.7% and 16.5% for deformity. The demographics with the greatest growth were deformity patients aged 65 to 74 yr (15.1%). The CAGR of anterior cervical fusion and extension to thoracic levels was higher for deformity patients compared to nondeformity patients, 13.6% versus 3.9% and 20.4% versus 16.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Rates of PCF for deformity are increasing at a greater rate than nondeformity PCF. The most growth was seen among deformity patients aged 65 to 74 yr. Surgical complexity is also changing with increasing use of anterior cervical fusion and extension of PCF to include thoracic levels.