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Alfawareh MD, Alelaumi AE, Soualmi LA, Wafa MA. Pediatric Cervical Kyphosis: A Retrospective Multicenter Analysis and Literature Review. Spine Surg Relat Res 2024; 8:155-162. [PMID: 38618218 PMCID: PMC11007246 DOI: 10.22603/ssrr.2023-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to investigate cervical kyphosis in children, which has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its higher incidence and its association with tumor surgeries, and to shed light on the unique anatomical and biomechanical differences between pediatric and adult populations regarding cervical sagittal alignment. Additionally, it explores the diverse causes and management approaches, which often pose significant challenges. Furthermore, this study presents the management outcomes from three spine centers in the Middle East. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patient records from 2009 to 2021 in three centers located in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Demographic and clinical data were collected, imaging studies were reviewed, and various treatment modalities and their corresponding outcomes were documented and analyzed. Additionally, a literature review on pediatric cervical kyphosis and its management was performed. Results Seventeen patients were included in this study. The average age at presentation was 11.9 years. Among the participants, 14 underwent surgical treatment, 1 was treated with Minerva orthosis, and 2 were observed. The mean follow-up period was 32.4 months. In surgically treated patients, a statistically significant higher degree of correction was achieved when combining anterior and posterior surgeries compared to performing standalone anterior or posterior surgery (P-value = 0.014). Conclusions Although rare, pediatric cervical kyphosis is a significant condition within the spectrum of pediatric deformities and frequently occurs as a component of syndromes or as a result of iatrogenic factors. Neck pain and myelopathy are the most commonly observed symptoms. Thorough evaluation and complex surgical interventions are typically required for most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad D Alfawareh
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad E Alelaumi
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Lahbib A Soualmi
- Neuronavigation & Intraoperative Surgical Imaging Unit, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Wafa
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Sergeenko OM, Evsyukov AV, Filatov EY, Ryabykh SO, Burtsev AV, Gubin AV. Cervicothoracic dislocation due to congenital and bone-dysplasia-related vertebral malformations. Spine Deform 2023; 11:1223-1238. [PMID: 37086364 DOI: 10.1007/s43390-023-00690-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the approaches to treatment of congenital and bone-dysplasia-related pediatric cervicothoracic dislocations and define the optimal treatment method. METHODS The publications available in PubMed and Google Scholar data bases were selected following such criteria as the disease in question, pediatric age, the treatment description, and follow-up results. The paper also includes the descriptions of our own six cases of the cervicothoracic dislocations detected in children with different vertebral malformations. RESULTS Only eight patients meeting the abovementioned selection criteria were found in the publications: three of them had the Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), two had one-level vertebral anomaly, one had neurofibromatosis (NF type 1), one had the Larsen syndrome, and one had a variation of VACTERL association. Their treatment was long term, multi stage, and complicated. Among six our own cases, four patients also had KFS, one had a variation of VACTERL association, and one had NF type 1. All the patients suffered from preoperative neurological disorders. Posterior instrumental fixation with posterior vertebral body resection was performed in four cases and one patient underwent a combined surgery. The parents of one of the patients refused the operation, so he was observed while receiving bracing treatment. Since the treatment was long term and complicated by reoperations, the average follow-up period comprised 5 years. CONCLUSION Congenital cervicothoracic dislocations are an extremely rare pathology that manifests itself in early age and requires an early surgical treatment. Failure to provide the treatment leads to the patient's disability. The surgical tactics for such patients is determined individually, but the published data and our own experience demonstrate that early multi-stage combined treatment has been the best option available so far. The cervicothoracic dislocations due to NF 1 manifest later and have a more favorable forecast.
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Merrill RK, Ishmael TG, Samdani AF, Hwang SW, Pahys JM. Severe Cervical Kyphosis and Spondyloptosis with Myelopathy in Larsen Syndrome: A Report of 2 Cases. JBJS Case Connect 2021; 11:01709767-202109000-00062. [PMID: 35102030 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.21.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CASE Two patients (ages 5 and 14 years) with Larsen syndrome and severe cervical kyphosis (patient 1) and spondyloptosis (patient 2), as well as complete anterior-posterior dissociation of the cervical spine, presented with severe, progressive myelopathy. Both patients underwent preoperative halo-gravity traction to slowly reduce the deformity followed by staged anterior-posterior decompression and fusion. Both patients demonstrated complete return of neurologic function. CONCLUSION Patients with Larsen syndrome should be screened for cervical deformity at the time of diagnosis. Proper screening will facilitate early detection and treatment of significant deformities to prevent neurologic deterioration, which can be catastrophic in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Merrill
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Terrence G Ishmael
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Amer F Samdani
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven W Hwang
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua M Pahys
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Singh S, Sardhara J, Raiyani V, Saxena D, Kumar A, Bhaisora KS, Das KK, Mehrotra A, Srivastava AK, Behari S. Craniovertebral junction instability in Larsen syndrome: An institutional series and review of literature. JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE 2020; 11:276-286. [PMID: 33824557 PMCID: PMC8019120 DOI: 10.4103/jcvjs.jcvjs_164_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Larsen syndrome (LS) is characterized by osteo-chondrodysplasia, multiple joint dislocations, and craniofacial abnormalities. Symptomatic myelopathy is attributed to C1-C2 instability and sub-axial cervical kyphosis. In this article, we have analyzed the surgical outcome after posterior fixation in LS with craniovertebral junction instability. Methods Ten symptomatic pediatric patients, operated between 2011 and 2019, were included, and the clinical outcome was assessed by Nurick grade, neurological improvement, and complications. The requirement of anti-spasticity drugs, the degree of bony fusion, and restriction of neck movement were also noted. At last follow-up, patient satisfaction score (PSS) and back to school status were studied. We also reviewed the literature and categorized two types of presentation of reported LS patients and discussed the pattern of disease progression among both. Results Ten patients, age range 1.5-16 years, underwent 12 surgeries (6 C1-C2 fixation, 4 long-segment posterior cervical fixation, and 2 trans-oral decompressions as the second stage); the mean follow-up was 23 (range, 6-86 months). All the ten patients in our study had the characteristic "dish-" like face and nine patients had acral anomalies. The median Nurick grade improved from preoperative (median = 4) to follow-up (median = 3). The requirement of anti-spasticity drugs decreased in seven patients and the neck-pain improved in nine patients. The median satisfaction at follow-up was good (median PSS = 2); five patients were going back to school. Conclusion Craniovertebral junction instability in LS is rare and surgically challenging. Early posterior fixation showed a promising outcome with a halt in the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyash Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jayesh Sardhara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vandan Raiyani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deepti Saxena
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kamlesh Singh Bhaisora
- Department of Radiology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kuntal Kanti Das
- Department of Radiology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anant Mehrotra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Kumar Srivastava
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Behari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Deora H, Singh S, Sardhara J, Behari S. A 360-Degree Surgical Approach for Correction of Cervical Kyphosis and Atlantoaxial Dislocation in the Case of Larsen Syndrome. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2020; 11:196-201. [PMID: 32140028 PMCID: PMC7055606 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3402624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Larsen syndrome is chronic debilitating disease that presents with multiple joint dislocations and severely affects the cervical spine in the form of cervical kyphosis and atlantoaxial dislocation. Children usually present in early with a myriad of deficits, compressive myelopathy being the most common. In addition to a bony compression, there is sometimes a soft tissue component, which is seldom addressed. We present here a case of atlantoaxial dislocation with cervical kyphosis due to Larsen syndrome, and along with our previous experience on syndromic atlantoaxial dislocations, we try to define an algorithm for the treatment approach of these onerous challenges. The importance of early intervention is also emphasized with a literature review of similar cases. In addition to the obvious physical damage, early intervention can also avoid the more sinister socioeconomic face of this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Deora
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - Suyash Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jayesh Sardhara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Behari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Haddadi K. Outlines and Outcomes of Instrumented Posterior Fusion in the Pediatric Cervical Spine: A Review Article. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS REVIEW 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/jpr-4765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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Hwang SW, Gressot LV, Rangel-Castilla L, Whitehead WE, Curry DJ, Bollo RJ, Luerssen TG, Jea A. Outcomes of instrumented fusion in the pediatric cervical spine. J Neurosurg Spine 2012; 17:397-409. [DOI: 10.3171/2012.8.spine12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
The most common cause of cervical spine arthrodesis in the pediatric population is instability related to congenital or traumatic pathology. Instrumenting the cervical spine can be challenging given smaller anatomical structures, less ossified bone, and future growth potential and development. Studies in adult patients have suggested that using screw constructs results in improved outcomes with lower rates of instrumentation failure. However, the pediatric literature is limited to small retrospective series. Based on a review of the literature and their own patient series, the authors report that instrumenting the pediatric cervical spine with screw constructs may be safer and more effective than using wiring techniques.
Methods
The authors reviewed the existing pediatric cervical spine arthrodesis literature and contributed 31 of their own cases from September 1, 2007, to January 1, 2011. They reviewed 204 abstracts from January 1, 1966, to December 31, 2010, and 80 manuscripts with 883 total patients were included in the review. They recorded demographic, radiographic, and outcomes data—as well as surgical details—with a focus on fusion rates and complications.
Patients were then grouped into categories based upon the procedure performed: 1) patients who underwent fusions bridging the occipitocervical junction and 2) patients who underwent fusion of the cervical spine that did not include the occiput, thus including atlantoaxial and subaxial fusions. Patients were further subdivided according to the type of instrumentation used—some had posterior cervical fusion with wiring (with or without rod implantation); others had posterior cervical fusion with screws.
Results
The entire series comprised 914 patients with a mean age of 8.30 years. Congenital abnormalities were encountered most often (in 55% of cases), and patients had a mean follow-up of 32.5 months. From the entire cohort, 242 patients (26%) experienced postsurgical complications, and 50 patients (5%) had multiple complications. The overall fusion rate was 94.4%.
For occipitocervical fusions (N = 285), both screw and wiring groups had very high fusion rates (99% and 95%, respectively, p = 0.08). However, wiring was associated with a higher complication rate. From a sample of 252 patients, 14% of those treated with screw instrumentation had complications, compared with 50% of patients treated with wiring (p < 0.05).
In cervical fusions not involving the occipitocervical junction (N = 181), screw constructs had a 99% fusion rate, whereas wire instrumentation only had an 83% fusion rate (p < 0.05). Similarly, patients who underwent screw fixation had a lower complication profile (15%) when compared with those treated with wiring constructs (54%, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The results of this study are limited by variations in construct design, use of orthoses, follow-up duration, and newer adjuvant products promoting fusions. However, a literature review and the authors' own series of pediatric cases suggest that instrumentation of the cervical spine in children may be safer and more efficacious using screw constructs rather than wiring techniques.
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Fargen KM, Anderson RCE, Harter DH, Angevine PD, Coon VC, Brockmeyer DL, Pincus DW. Occipitocervicothoracic stabilization in pediatric patients. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2011; 8:57-62. [PMID: 21721890 DOI: 10.3171/2011.4.peds10450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Although rarely encountered, pediatric patients with severe cervical spine deformities and instability may occasionally require occipitocervicothoracic instrumentation and fusion. This case series reports the experience of 4 pediatric centers in managing this condition. Occipitocervical fixation is the treatment of choice for craniocervical instability that is symptomatic or threatens neurological function. In children, the most common distal fixation level with modern techniques is C-2. Treated patients maintain a significant amount of neck motion due to the flexibility of the subaxial cervical spine. Distal fixation to the thoracic spine has been reported in adult case series. This procedure is to be avoided due to the morbidity of complete loss of head and neck motion. Unfortunately, in rare cases, the pathological condition or highly aberrant anatomy may require occipitocervical constructs to include the thoracic spine. METHODS The authors identified 13 patients who underwent occipitocervicothoracic fixation. Demographic, radiological, and clinical data were gathered through retrospective review of patient records from 4 institutions. RESULTS Patients ranged from 1 to 14 years of age. There were 7 girls and 6 boys. Diagnoses included Klippel-Feil, Larsen, Morquio, and VATER syndromes as well as postlaminectomy kyphosis and severe skeletal dysplasia. Four patients were neurologically intact and 9 had myelopathy. Five children were treated with preoperative traction prior to instrumentation; 5 underwent both anterior and posterior spinal reconstruction. Two patients underwent instrumentation beyond the thoracic spine. Allograft was used anteriorly, and autologous rib grafts were used in the majority for posterior arthrodesis. Follow-up ranged from 0 to 43 months. Computed tomography confirmed fusion in 9 patients; the remaining patients were lost to follow-up or had not undergone repeat imaging at the time of writing. Patients with myelopathy either improved or stabilized. One child had mild postoperative unilateral upper-extremity weakness, and a second child died due to a tracheostomy infection. All patients had severe movement restriction as expected. CONCLUSIONS Occipitocervicothoracic stabilization may be employed to stabilize and reconstruct complex pediatric spinal deformities. Neurological function can be maintained or improved. The long-term morbidity of loss of cervical motion remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Fargen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
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Hervey-Jumper SL, Garton HJL, Wetjen NM, Maher CO. Neurosurgical management of congenital malformations and inherited disease of the spine. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2011; 21:719-31, ix. [PMID: 21807320 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Congenital malformations encompass a diverse group of disorders present at birth as result of genetic abnormalities, infection, errors of morphogenesis, or abnormalities in the intrauterine environment. Congenital disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord are often diagnosed before delivery with the use of prenatal ultrasonography and maternal serum screening. Over the past several decades there have been major advances in the understanding and management of these conditions. This article focuses on the most common spinal congenital malformations.
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Madera M, Crawford A, Mangano FT. Management of severe cervical kyphosis in a patient with Larsen syndrome. Case report. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2008; 1:320-4. [PMID: 18377309 DOI: 10.3171/ped/2008/1/4/320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Larsen syndrome is a rare genetic disorder of the connective tissue that is characterized by multiple joint dislocations, distinctive deformities of the hands and feet, characteristic facial features, kyphoscoliosis, and segmentation anomalies of the vertebrae. Diverse treatment options, including conservative observation and surgical correction, have been reported for patients who present with cervical spine pathophysiology. Differences in surgical approaches, timing of the correction, and pre- or postoperative bracing have been reported. According to the authors, the present case is the first report of a pediatric patient with Larsen syndrome in whom an asymptomatic cervical instability was treated before neurological deterioration with synchronous anterior decompression and fixation, posterior fusion and fixation, and halo placement. A review of the literature on similar patients reveals the variety of practices associated with a diagnosis of Larsen syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marci Madera
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Ghanem I, El Hage S, Rachkidi R, Kharrat K, Dagher F, Kreichati G. Pediatric cervical spine instability. J Child Orthop 2008; 2:71-84. [PMID: 19308585 PMCID: PMC2656787 DOI: 10.1007/s11832-008-0092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2008] [Accepted: 02/07/2008] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical spine instability in children is rare but not exceptional and may be due to many factors. Although it mostly occurs at the upper cervical spine, all vertebrae from the occiput to T1 may be involved. It may be acute or chronic, occurring secondary to trauma or due to congenital anomaly, skeletal or metabolic dystrophy or rheumatoid arthritis. It can be isolated or associated with other musculoskeletal or visceral anomalies. A thorough knowledge of embryology, anatomy, physiology and physiopathology of the cervical spine in children is essential to avoid pitfalls, recognize normal variants and identify children at risk of developing cervical spine instability and undertake the appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismat Ghanem
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Boulevard Alfred Naccache, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon,
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Abstract
Skeletal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of disorders in which there is abnormal cartilage and bone formation, growth, and remodeling. There are more than 200 described skeletal dysplasias. Skeletal dysplasias can affect the spine in various ways, with attendant neurosurgical implications for diagnosis and treatment. Craniocervical junction abnormalities, atlantoaxial subluxation, and kyphoscoliotic deformity are among the common spinal problems that are found in certain skeletal dysplasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0338, USA
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Baron EM, Loftus CM, Vaccaro AR, Dominique DA. Anterior approach to the subaxial cervical spine in children: a brief review. Neurosurg Focus 2006; 20:E4. [PMID: 16512655 DOI: 10.3171/foc.2006.20.2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although it was originally developed to address degenerative problems, including disc herniations and cervical spondylotic myelopathy in the adult population, the anterior approach to the subaxial spine has proven to be useful for select indications in the pediatric population. The authors review indications for surgery, bone grafting, and instrumentation as they pertain to children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli M Baron
- Department of Neurosurgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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