Histology of the craniocervical junction in chronic rheumatoid arthritis: a clinicopathologic analysis of 33 operative cases

Endoscopic Transoral Odontoidectomy of Craniovertebral Junction Rheumatoid Arthritis With the Help of Real-Time Fluoroscopy and Intraoperative Computed Tomography

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involvement in the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a rare condition after antirheumatoid medications, nevertheless still exists. Neurological deterioration of the patient makes surgery inevitable. Seventy-seven years old man without antirheumatoid treatment presented with progressive neurological deterioration and CVJ involvement of RA with severe cord compression with myelomalacia. The patient underwent endoscopic transoral odontoidectomy with real-time fluoroscopy and intraoperative computed tomography. Even though radiological improvement has been achieved the patient died because of pulmonary complications. Rheumatoid arthritis of CVJ is a life-threatening medical condition. Surgical procedures will be safer by using endoscopy and intraoperative radiological imaging techniques.

Rheumatoid Diseases Involving the Cervical Spine I. History, Definition, and Diagnosis: New Trends and Technologies

The cervical spine might be involved in several conditions: congenital, traumatic, and chronic inflammatory and or degenerative rheumatic disorders. Among the inflammatory rheumatic conditions that can affect the cervical spine, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common, affecting up to 86% of patients and leading to cervical spine instability and subsequent myelopathy. Other inflammatory diseases include juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and the spondyloarthritis group (SpA), including psoriatic arthritis. Since many patients do not show symptoms of cervical involvement, diagnosis is often delayed. Radiographs are the first line imaging modality used to detect such involvement, but MRI and CT are superior in terms of early diagnosis and surgical planning.In this review, we provide an overview of cervical involvement in RA, JIA, and SpA.

Clinical Effectiveness of Intra-articular Pulsed Radiofrequency Compared to Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection for Management of Atlanto-occipital Joint Pain: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective randomized controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation on the atlanto-occipital (AO) joint in patients with chronic joint pain. In addition, we compared the effects of AO intra-articular (IA) PRF and AO IA corticosteroid.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

IA injection of corticosteroids into the AO joint is widely used for the management of head and upper cervical pain, and its effectiveness has been shown in previous studies. However, little is known about the effect of PRF stimulation on the AO joint for controlling chronic head or upper cervical pain.

METHODS

Twenty-three consecutive patients with chronic upper cervical pain were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria and divided into one of two groups. Twelve patients received PRF stimulation with a PRF needle electrode in the IA space of the AO joint (PRF group) and 11 patients received AO IA corticosteroid injection (ICI group. Pain intensity was assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS) before treatment and 1, 3, and 6 months afterward. Successful pain relief was defined as ≥50% reduction in NRS score 6 months post-treatment compared to pretreatment.

RESULTS

Mean NRS scores were significantly reduced compared to those pretreatment (P < 0.001) in both groups. Temporal changes in NRS score were not significantly different between groups (P = 0.227). Successful pain relief was achieved in 66.7% and 63.6% of patients in the PRF and ICI groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

IA PRF stimulation significantly relieved AO joint pain and its effect persisted for at least 6 months after treatment. In addition, the degree of pain relief after IA PRF was not significantly different from that after ICI. We think that PRF stimulation of the AO joint could be a useful clinical treatment for patients with AO joint pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Effectiveness of intra-articular steroid injection for atlanto-occipital joint pain

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to evaluate the role of intra-articular joint injection for atlanto-occipital (AO) joint pain and to determine pain referral sites from that joint.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHOD

We evaluated 29 patients with chronic refractory neck pain and/or headache, and limited range of lateral bending with rotation at the AO joint on physical examination. Of the 24 patients who consented to undergo diagnostic injections, 20 patients had at least 50% relief from pain and underwent two AO intra-articular injections of mixture of local anesthetic and steroid approximately 1 week apart. Patients completed pain drawings, visual analog scales (VASs) for pain, and neck disability index (NDI) for level of function. Patients were evaluated for 2 months after the first injection.

RESULT

There was headache in 14/20 (70%), posterior neck pain (PNP) in 20, and referred pain in 17 (85%). The average VAS values for headache, PNP, and other referred pains were reduced significantly from 5.64, 5.70, and 5.41, respectively, before treatments to 0.64, 2.30, and 1.71, respectively, two months after injection (P < 0.01). The average NDI value was reduced significantly from 39.95% at pretreatment to 20.40% at 2 months after treatment (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

AO intra-articular steroid injection appears effective for the short-term control of chronic refractory pain arising from the AO joint.

Cervical spine instability in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory disease of the cervical spine (CS). After hands and feet, CS is the most commonly involved segment, being present in more than half of the patients with RA. Especially in the CS, RA may cause degeneration of ligaments, leading to laxity, instability and subluxation of the vertebral bodies. This is often asymptomatic or symptoms are erroneously attributed to peripheral manifestations. Otherwise, this may cause compression of spinal cord (SC) and medulla oblongata leading to severe neurologic deficits and even sudden death. Owing to its potentially debilitating and life-threatening sequelae, inevitable progression once neurologic deficits occur and the poor medical condition of afflicted patients, CS involvement remains a priority in the diagnosis and its treatment will remain a challenge. The surgical approach aims a solid fixation of the upper cervical spine, giving stability, preventing neurologic deterioration and injury to the SC, leading to improved neurologic function, vascular integrity and maintenance of sagittal balance. The recent advances in surgical techniques, complete understanding of the anatomy and precise preoperative evaluation led to safer and more effective procedures that have decreased complication rates. Based on the fact that when a patient becomes myelopathic the rate of long-term mortality increases and the chance of neurologic recovery decreases, many authors agree that early surgical intervention, before the onset of neurologic deficits, gives a more satisfactory outcome. However, the timing when a prophylactic stabilization should occur is poorly defined, and so, patients with radiographic instability but without evidence of neurologic deficit are still the most difficult to manage.

Cervical myelopathy in rheumatoid arthritis

Involvement of the cervical spine is common in rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical presentation can be variable, and symptoms may be due to neck pain or compressive myeloradiculopathy. We discuss the pathology, grading systems, clinical presentation, indications for surgery and surgical management of cervical myelopathy related to rheumatoid arthritis in this paper. We describe our surgical technique and results. We recommend early consultation for surgical management when involvement of the cervical spine is suspected in rheumatoid arthritis. Even patients with advanced cervical myelopathy should be discussed for surgical treatment, since in our experience improvement in function after surgery is common.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Craniovertebral Junction

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory disease involving the spine. It has a predilection for involving the craniocervical spine. Despite widespread involvement of the cervical spine with RA, few patients need surgery. The 3 major spinal manifestations of RA in the cervical spine are basilar invagination, atlantoaxial instability, and subaxial subluxations. Surgical management of RA involving the craniovertebral junction remains a challenge despite a decline in severe cases and an improvement in surgical techniques.

METHODS

We conducted an exhaustive review of English-language publications discussing RA involving the craniovertebral junction. We paid special attention to publications detailing modern surgical management of these conditions. In addition, we outline our own surgical experience with such patients.

RESULTS

We discuss alternative surgical methods for treating basilar invagination, atlantoaxial instability, and concurrent subaxial subluxations. We detail our surgical technique for transoral odontoidectomy, occipital cervical fusion, and atlantoaxial fusion. We detail the use of spinal surgical navigation in both of these procedures.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of RA remains a challenging field. There clearly has been a decrease in cases of mutilating RA involving the craniovertebral junction. Surgical techniques for managing these conditions have steadily improved.

Treatment of upper cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis patients

The cervical spine, especially the upper cervical spine, is a common focus of destruction by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because of its potentially debilitating and life-threatening sequelae, cervical spine involvement remains a priority in the diagnosis and treatment of RA. Many studies show that early surgical intervention gives a more satisfactory outcome. Surgery aims to establish spinal stability and to prevent neurological deterioration and injury to the spinal cord, leading to improved neurological function. The recent sophisticated screw-rod-plate technique allows one to obtain a solid fixation of the upper cervical spine with a high possibility of bone union even in RA patients. Although surgery of the occipitoatlantoaxial region is a challenge with many possibilities of serious complications, recent advances in the surgical technique, complete understanding of the anatomy, and precise preoperative evaluation have decreased complication rates. Early consultation with a specialized spine surgeon is mandatory once cervical involvement is suspected in an RA patient because once the patient becomes myelopathic, the rate of long-term mortality increases and the chance of neurological recovery decreases.

Relationship between the morphology of the atlanto-occipital joint and the radiographic results in patients with atlanto-axial subluxation due to rheumatoid arthritis

The upper cervical spine is a common focus of destruction from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) presents with marked frequency among patients with instability. However, there are occasional patients who show no motion between the occipital bone and atlas on a dynamic cervical radiograph in AAS patients. This study investigated the morphology of the atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ) in AAS patients due to RA using computed tomography, and examined the relationship between its morphology and other radiographic results. Twenty-six consecutive patients with AAS due to RA treated by surgery were reviewed. The subjects included 18 females and 8 males. The average patient age was 59.3 years. The mean duration of RA was 14.3 years. In all the patients, the AOJ was morphologically evaluated using sagittal reconstruction view on computed tomography before surgery. Moreover, the ADI value was investigated at the neutral and maximal flexion position, and atlanto-axial angle (AAA) at the neutral position in preoperative lateral cervical radiographs. The morphology of the AOJ on a CT sagittal reconstruction view was classified into three types as follows: a normal type which showed a maintenance of the joint space, a narrow type which showed a disappearance of the joint space and a fused type which showed the fusion of the AOJ. The pre-operative CT sagittal reconstruction image of the AOJ demonstrated a normal type bilaterally in six cases (Group A). In 15 cases (Group B), CT image demonstrated narrowing on at least one side of the AOJ. In five cases (Group C), CT images demonstrated fusion on at least one side of the AOJ. The average ADI value at the flexion position was 10.7 mm in Group A, 11.7 mm in Group B, and 12.6 mm in Group C. There was no significant difference among those groups. The average ADI value at the neutral position before surgery was 2.8 mm in Group A, 5.9 mm in Group B, and 10.4 mm in Group C. There was no significant difference between Group A and B (P > 0.105), and Groups B and C (P > 0.032), however, there was a significant difference between Groups A and C (P < 0.004). The average AAA value was 25.3 degrees in Group A, 19.3 degrees in Group B and 3.4 degrees in Group C. There was no significant difference between Groups A and B (P > 0.230), however, there was a significant difference between Groups A and C (P < 0.002), and Groups B and C (P < 0.007). This study showed that fusion or ankylosis of the AOJ induced an enlargement of the ADI and anterior inclination of the atlas in the neutral position, despite the fact that normal findings of AOJ showed a slight displacement of the atlas to axis in RA patients showing AAS involvement. This morphology may progress to SAS and VS due to AOJ after atlanto-axial arthrodesis.

Syndrome of occipitoatlantoaxial hypermobility, cranial settling, and chiari malformation type I in patients with hereditary disorders of connective tissue

OBJECT

Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is generally regarded as a disorder of the paraxial mesoderm. The authors report an association between CM-I and hereditary disorders of connective tissue (HDCT) that can present with lower brainstem symptoms attributable to occipitoatlantoaxial hypermobility and cranial settling.

METHODS

The prevalence of HDCT was determined in a prospectively accrued cohort of 2813 patients with CM-I. All patients underwent a detailed medical and neuroradiological workup that included an assessment of articular mobility. Osseous structures composing the craniocervical junction were investigated morphometrically using reconstructed 3D computed tomography and plain x-ray images in 114 patients with HDCT/CM-I, and the results were compared with those obtained in patients with CM-I (55 cases) and healthy control individuals (55 cases).

RESULTS

The diagnostic criteria for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and related HDCT were met in 357 (12.7%) of the 2813 cases. Hereditability was generally compatible with a pattern of autosomal dominant transmission with variable expressivity. The diagnostic features of HDCT/CM-I were distinguished from those of CM-I by clinical stigmata of connective tissue disease, a greater female preponderance (8:1 compared with 3:1, p < 0.001), and a greater incidence of lower brainstem symptoms (0.41 compared with 0.11, p < 0.001), retroodontoid pannus formation (0.71 compared with 0.11, p < 0.001), and hypoplasia of the oropharynx (0.44 compared with 0.02, p < 0.001). Measurements of the basion-dens interval, basion-atlas interval, atlas-dens interval, dens-atlas interval, clivus-atlas angle, clivus-axis angle, and atlas-axis angle were the same in the supine and upright positions in healthy control individuals and patients with CM-I. In patients with HDCT/CM-I, there was a reduction of the basion-dens interval (3.6 mm, p < 0.001), an enlargement of the basion-atlas interval (3.0 mm, p < 0.001), and a reduction of the clivus-axis angle (10.8 degrees, p < 0.001), clivus-atlas angle (5.8 degrees, p < 0.001), and atlas-axis angle (5.3 degrees, p < 0.001) on assumption of the upright position. These changes were reducible by cervical traction or returning to the supine position.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of HDCT in 357 patients with CM-I establishes an association between two presumably unrelated mesodermal disorders. Morphometric evidence in this cohort-cranial settling, posterior gliding of the occipital condyles, and reduction of the clivus-axis angle, clivus-atlas angle, and atlas-axis angle in the upright position-suggests that hypermobility of the occipitoatlantal and atlantoaxial joints contributes to retroodontoid pannus formation and symptoms referable to basilar impression.

Surgical outcome in rheumatoid Ranawat Class IIIb myelopathy

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis frequently affects the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) and may lead to severe neck pain, quadriparesis, and respiratory dysfunction. Surgery in rheumatoid nonambulatory (Ranawat Class IIIb) patients carries a significant risk. This study presents the surgical outcome of Class IIIb patients with CVJ rheumatoid myelopathy and reviews the literature.

METHODS

One hundred twelve consecutive patients with rheumatoid cervical myelopathy underwent surgical decompression and stabilization. Thirty-two of the patients (mean age, 66.81 +/- 10.25 yr) with CVJ rheumatoid arthritis were in Class IIIb, and all had atlantoaxial subluxation. A halo brace was applied before surgery and continued during surgery. Eleven patients with reducible atlantoaxial subluxation underwent direct posterior fusion. Twenty-one patients with fixed atlantoaxial subluxation underwent transoral decompression and then posterior fusion while they were under anesthesia.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 39 months, four patients improved to Class II and 14 improved to Class IIIa, whereas six remained in Class IIIb. Neck pain was relieved in all patients. There was one perioperative death after transoral surgery (posterior fusion not done), and seven other patients died subsequently of causes unrelated to surgery. The morbidity of surgery included construct failure, cerebrospinal fluid leak, superficial wound or graft donor site infection, transient dysphagia, and lung infection.

CONCLUSION

A large subset of patients with CVJ rheumatoid myelopathy may reach Class IIIb. These patients have unique management considerations. Surgery (despite high morbidity) often remains the best therapeutic option available to them. Improvement of even one grade in their Ranawat score from Class IIIb to Class IIIa brought about by surgery confers on them a significant benefit in terms of their quality of life and survival.

Rationale and design of The Delphi Trial – I(RCT)2: international randomized clinical trial of rheumatoid craniocervical treatment, an intervention-prognostic trial comparing 'early' surgery with conservative treatment [ISRCTN65076841]

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which affects 1% of the population. Hands and feet are most commonly involved followed by the cervical spine. The spinal column consists of vertebrae stabilized by an intricate network of ligaments. Especially in the upper cervical spine, rheumatoid arthritis can cause degeneration of these ligaments, causing laxity, instability and subluxation of the vertebral bodies. Subsequent compression of the spinal cord and medulla oblongata can cause severe neurological deficits and even sudden death. Once neurological deficits occur, progression is inevitable although the rapidity of progression is highly variable. The first signs and symptoms are pain at the back of the head caused by compression of the major occipital nerve, followed by loss of strength of arms and legs. The severity of the subluxation can be observed with radiological investigations (MRI, CT) with a high sensitivity.

The authors have sent a Delphi Questionnaire about the current treatment strategies of craniocervical involvement by rheumatoid arthritis to an international forum of expert rheumatologists and surgeons. The timing of surgery in patients with radiographic instability without evidence of neurological deficit is an area of considerable controversy. If signs and symptoms of myelopathy are present there is little chance of recovery to normal levels after surgery.

Design

In this international multicenter randomized clinical trial, early surgical atlantoaxial fixation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and radiological abnormalities without neurological deficits will be compared with prolonged conservative treatment. The main research question is whether early surgery can prevent radiological and neurological progression. A cost-effectivity analysis will be performed. 250 patients are needed to answer the research question.

Discussion

Early surgery could prevent serious neurological deficits, but may have peri-operative morbidity and loss of rotation of the head and neck. The objective of this study is to identify the best timing of surgery for patients at risk for the development of neurological signs and symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis: evaluation and surgical management of the cervical spine

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating polyarthropathic degenerative condition. Eighty-six percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have cervical spine involvement. Often these lesions are clinically asymptomatic or symptoms are erroneously attributed to peripheral manifestation of the patient's rheumatoid disease. Because these lesions are common and missed diagnosis can result in death, early recognition is vital.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this literature review is to identify common lesions present in the rheumatoid neck and review diagnostic methods as well as treatment options for those requiring surgical intervention.

STUDY DESIGN

A review of the English medical literature with focus on more recent studies on the presentation, diagnosis, management, surgical treatment and clinical outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review of the English medical literature obtained through Medline up to November 2003 was performed identifying relevant and more recent articles that addressed the presentation, evaluation, surgical management and outcomes of rheumatoid patients with cervical spine involvement.

RESULTS

If left untreated, a large percentage of rheumatoid patients with cervical spine involvement progress toward complex instability patterns resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Once myelopathy occurs, prognosis for neurologic recovery and long-term survival is poor. In properly selected patients, anterior and/or posterior cervical procedures can prevent neurologic injuries and preserve remaining function.

CONCLUSION

Cervical spine involvement in the rheumatoid patient is common and progressive. Early diagnosis and treatment is imperative; however, surgical intervention should be considered carefully because associated morbidity and mortality is high.

Atlantoaxial Instability and Retroodontoid Mass-Two Case Reports-

Two relatively elderly male patients (61 and 78 years) suffered moderately severe trauma to the head 1 and 3 years, respectively, prior to presentation with progressive quadriparesis and neck pain. Investigations revealed retroodontoid ligamentous hypertrophy and subtle mobile atlantoaxial dislocation. Following atlantoaxial fixation, both patients showed remarkable and sustained neurological improvement. These cases provide further evidence that retroodontoid ligamentous hypertrophic mass lesion could be secondary to instability of the atlantoaxial region.