Minimally invasive percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation: institutional experience with a simple and effective technique

Use of Gelatin-thrombin Hemostatic Matrix for Control of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm

BACKGROUND

 The use of thrombin-based hemostatic agents (TBHAs) has become common practice in most neurosurgical procedures, both cranial and spinal.

METHODS

 We present the case of a 40-year-old woman who was referred to our institution with intense headache and Fisher grade 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) mainly at the level of the right sylvian fissure, caused by a 5.71-mm right middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysm, with hourglass morphology and a bleb on the bottom. Cerebral angiography demonstrated aneurysm enlargement, compared with the prior angiographic computerized tomography scan.

RESULTS

 A right pterional craniotomy was performed. After initial arachnoid dissection to get proximal vascular control, but before we obtained it, we witnessed profuse bleeding from the aneurysm. Floseal, a gelatin-thrombin matrix sealant, was sprayed over the breach of the aneurysm, and cottonoids were gently pressed with a self-retaining spatula, stopping the hemorrhage. After that, we obtained proximal control with an extradural clinoidectomy and temporary clipping of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and MCA. Finally, aneurysm dissection and final clipping were performed with the application of two clips. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10.

CONCLUSION

 Intraoperative aneurysm rupture (IAR) is a dangerous event that carries great risks-even death. Proper use of TBHAs is a useful and safe way to stop the bleeding, take a deep breath, and achieve proximal vascular control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of TBHA during aneurysm clipping.

A new tool in percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation for odontoid fractures remains challenging due to the complex anatomy of the craniocervical junction. We designed a new guide instrument to help with the placement of guide wire, which have achieved satisfying surgical results. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this new tool in percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with odontoid fracture were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation with the traditional guide instrument (n = 13) or the new guide instrument we designed (n = 16). The following clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups: operation time, radiograph times, incision length, blood loss, postoperative hospitalization, postoperative complications, bony union, fixation failure, and reoperation. Radiographs or CT scans were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in preoperative demographic data between the two groups. The operation time (56.62 ± 8.32 Vs 49.63 ± 7.47, P = 0.025) and radiograph times (26.54 ± 6.94 Vs 20.50 ± 5.02, P = 0.011) of the designed guide instrument group were significantly lower than those of the traditional guide instrument group. There were no significant differences in incision length (16.08 ± 3.07 Vs 15.69 ± 2.73, P = 0.720), blood loss (16.08 ± 4.96 Vs 17.88 ± 5.98, P = 0.393), postoperative hospitalization (7.15 ± 1.91 Vs 6.88 ± 2.36, P = 0.734), postoperative complications (7.7% Vs 12.5%, P = 1), and bony union (92.3% Vs 93.8%, P = 1) between the two groups. No fixation failure or reoperation occurred in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The top of our designed guide instrument is a wedge-shaped tip with 30° inclination, which has a large contact area with the anterior surface of the cervical vertebra. According to our retrospective study, the guide instrument can reduce the operation time and radiograph times. It has potential clinical value, which needs further testing with a higher level of research design.