Destructive tophaceous calcium hydroxyapatite tumor of the infratemporal fossa. Case report and review of the literature

Intraspinal canal platform system for coil embolization of anterior spinal artery aneurysm associated with spinal cord arteriovenous malformation: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

The prognosis for spinal artery aneurysms associated with spinal cord arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is poor because of the high rupture rate of aneurysms. However, endovascular treatment remains technically difficult because the catheter system must be constructed via the small-caliber anterior spinal artery (ASA) or posterior spinal artery (PSA), which feeds functionally eloquent spinal cord. A 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter (Tokai Medical Products, Aichi, Japan) has been specifically designed to assist a 1.6F Carnelian MARVEL S microcatheter (Tokai Medical Products) as a small-profile 'platform catheter' close to the target lesion. Here we present a prenidal ASA aneurysm treated using a 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter as an intraspinal canal platform catheter and review related literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 50-year-old man presented with a subarachnoid haemorrhage due to cervical spinal cord AVM. Diagnostic vertebral angiography revealed the AVM supplied by the PSA originated from the right C2 segmental artery and ASA arising from the right V4 segment. Superselective angiography for each feeder was achieved through a 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter, and a prenidal ASA aneurysm was diagnosed, which was clinically consistent with haemorrhagic origin. A 1.6F Carnelian MARVEL S microcatheter was cannulated into the aneurysm through the 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter positioned at the ASA. The aneurysm coiling was successfully performed without system instability or periprocedural complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a few cases have described endovascular treatment for spinal artery aneurysms. To date, no reports have been published regarding the use of an intraspinal canal platform catheter to treat spinal artery aneurysms. A 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter served as a useful intraspinal canal platform catheter for coil embolization of the ASA aneurysm. This system can provide excellent accessibility and controllability for endovascular treatment of spinal artery lesions.

Reduction of cervicothoracic spondyloptosis in an ambulatory patient: when traction fails

INTRODUCTION

Cervical spondyloptosis is a rare complication of high-energy trauma which often results in significant patient morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of spondyloptosis of C7 over T1 with minimal radicular symptoms and otherwise complete spinal cord sparing. This case highlights the surgical challenges faced with cervical spondyloptosis and the techniques used when traction fails.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 21-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented after a high-speed motor vehicle collision with cervicothoracic pain and mild hand grip weakness in addition to numbness of the fourth and fifth digits bilaterally (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Grade D). Computed tomography imaging revealed spondyloptosis of C7 over T1, a fracture of the C2 vertebral body, and a burst fracture of C3. To relieve spinal cord compression and restore sagittal realignment, closed reduction was attempted, however this resulted in perching of the bilateral C7-T1 facets, leading to an open posterior approach. The patient underwent C7 laminectomy, bilateral C7-T1 facetectomy, and manual reduction using a Mayfield skull clamp followed by C2-T3 fixation. Postoperatively, pain was diminished, sensory disturbances were resolved and the patient was otherwise neurologically stable.

DISCUSSION

There is a role for closed traction for reduction of cervical spondyloptosis, however, its role is debated especially when the patient is predominately neurologically intact. In this setting, the spine surgeon may be required to change traction and operative strategies in order to minimize potentially harmful manipulation while restoring sagittal realignment and stabilizing the spine for preservation of neurological function.

Tophaceous pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint extending into the cranium: a case report with literature review

Pseudogout is a disease characterized by calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition. Involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. We herein report a case of tophaceous pseudogout of the TMJ with cranial extension. An 83-year-old woman was referred to our institution for treatment of right TMJ pain. The patient’s medical and family histories were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass of about 35 mm in diameter compressing the bottom of the right temporal lobe of the brain. Based on a clinical diagnosis of a right TMJ tumour, biopsy was performed under general anaesthesia. The histopathological diagnosis was pseudogout. Considering the risk of surgically induced brain damage, the patient’s advanced age and her relatively good quality of life, the treatment plan simply involved the observation of the lesion. Fourteen months after biopsy, the patient’s activities of daily living remained unchanged and she had no TMJ pain.

New insights into calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis (CAPNON): a 20-year radiological-pathological study of 37 cases

AIMS

Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis (CAPNON) is a rare entity that can occur anywhere within the central nervous system. Histologically, CAPNON has been characterised as a benign, calcified, fibro-osseous lesion with a characteristic chondromyxoid fibrillary matrix with dense calcification and varying degrees of spindle, epithelioid, fibrous, meningothelial and giant cells. The underlying aetiology of CAPNON is controversial and incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive radiological and histological review to further characterise this entity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this article, we review our institutional 20-year experience including 37 cases of CAPNON with detailed pathological analysis, evaluation of concurrent lesions, correlation with radiological imaging, and critical review of the literature. The classic histological finding of chondromyxoid matrix was present in one-third of cases. Underlying or dual pathologies were frequent, and included diverse underlying conditions. Radiologically, dense calcification and dural attachment were the most common features. Enhancement was often low, but was more prominent in the setting of inflammatory changes, aggressive growth, and dual pathology.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that CAPNON represents a spectrum of reactive processes that can arise in association with diverse underlying pathologies, including inflammatory, degenerative, vascular and neoplastic lesions.

Tophaceous pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint with erosion into the middle cranial fossa

This report presents a case of extensive tophaceous pseudogout involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing erosion into the middle cranial fossa. Pseudogout is a benign metabolic arthropathy caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition within joints and peri-articular tissue. Pseudogout more frequently occurs in large joints such as the knee, wrist, symphysis pubis, and shoulder. Tophaceous pseudogout involving the TMJ is rare, with only seven cases involving erosion into the middle cranial fossa reported previously. Despite skull base erosion being a rare consequence of this erosive disease, this case highlights the importance of appropriate investigation and multidisciplinary team management.

A Curious Case of Crystal Deposit Disease in the Petrous Bone

Crystal deposit disease is a rare disorder with benign dense soft tissue calcium containing accumulations presenting as pseudogout or tumoral calcinosis. It rarely affects the head and neck region and even less to the petrous bone. We describe a case of para-articular tumoral calcinosis involving the external auditory canal wall in close proximity to the temporomandibular joint with extension towards the middle cranial fossa floor in a 73-year-old man presenting with otalgia and progressing mixed hearing loss. Subtotal petrosectomy with obliteration of the middle ear and mastoid was done with complete removal of the lesion. We discuss the course, treatment and final pathology with possible explanations for the pathophysiology in this particular case. Although tumoral calcinosis is uncommon, this entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis when an osteogenic temporal lesion is seen on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The treatment for this benign tumor includes complete excision of the lesion in symptomatic cases. Proper evaluation including anamnesis of the family history and previous trauma as well as serology should be done. The exact etiology and classification of crystal deposit diseases require further study.

A case of tophaceous pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint extending into the cranium

A case of tophaceous pseudogout (i.e., calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) extending into the cranium is reported. A 59-year-old woman was referred to hospital with swelling and pain in the left cheek, and with trismus. Computed tomography imaging revealed a large, granular, calcified mass surrounding the left condylar head, partly destroying the cortex of the condylar head, and extending into the cranium by destroying the glenoid fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the soft-tissue mass was of low-signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, and was enhanced after intravenous injection of gadolinium. The mass was clinically and radiographically suspected to be a neoplastic lesion or a synovial osteochodromatosis. However, histological analysis demonstrated that the mass contained granulomatous lesion due to multiple nodular deposits of numerous rod-shaped and rhomboid crystals, which verified the diagnosis of tophaceous pseudogout. The lesion was excised surgically using a preauricular approach. Neither radiographic nor clinical examination demonstrated any signs of mass recurrence in the long-term 8- and 14-year postoperative recall examinations. Tophaceous pseudogout is a rare benign arthropathy that presents with clinical and radiographic features mimicking neoplastic conditions of the TMJ. Therefore, it is recommended that tophaceous pseudogout is considered in the differential diagnosis when a calcified mass lesion of the TMJ is encountered.

In Vitro Biomechanical Study of Epidural Pressure during the Z-shape Elevating-Pulling Reduction Technique for Cervical Unilateral Locked Facets

Objective: To analyze the mechanism of the halo vest-assisted Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction technique for cervical unilateral locked facets, and confirm the safety of the spinal cord under the epidural pressure that occurs during the reduction process. Methods: Eleven osteoligamentous whole coronal and cervical spine specimens were established as skull-neck-thorax models of cervical unilateral locked facets at the C5/6 level. The halo vest-assisted Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction technique was then applied to reduce the locked facets. The changes in the epidural pressure in five cervical positions (cervical physiological curvature, cervical lateral bending, cervical unilateral locked facets, cervical unilateral perched facets, and reduction) were measured by a pressure sensor during the reduction procedure. The models simultaneously underwent multi-angle radiographic examination and CT scanning. Results: Successful closed reduction was achieved via the halo vest-assisted Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction technique in all 11 models. The epidural pressure in the cervical unilateral locked facets position was significantly higher than that in the other four cervical positions (P < 0.005). There was no significant difference in the epidural pressures measured during cervical lateral bending, cervical unilateral perched facets, and reduction. Conclusions: Maximum epidural pressures were measured in the position of cervical unilateral locked facets. The halo vest-assisted Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction technique achieved spinal decompression without causing secondary spinal cord injury. The halo vest-assisted Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction technique is safe and effective, and has a high success rate of reduction.

New reduction technique for the treatment of unilateral locked facet joints of the lower cervical spine : A retrospective analysis of 12 cases

BACKGROUND

Closed reduction of bilateral locked facet joints of the lower cervical spine is possible, but reduction of unilateral locked facet joints of the lower cervical spine (ULFJLCS) is challenging. We explored a new, simple, safe, and effective closed reduction method for the treatment of ULFJLCS.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was done on 12 consecutive cases with traumatic ULFJLCS that underwent closed reduction by Z‑shape elevating-pulling reduction through a halo-vest. After reduction, only anterior cervical decompression and internal fixation were performed. The success of reduction and nerve function was assessed, and follow-up data analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients using our new reduction technique underwent successful closed reduction; the shortest time of reduction was 40 min and the longest 110 (mean, 65) min. No aggravation of neurological damage was observed, nor were other complications. All patients were followed-up from 28 to 72 (mean, 44) months after surgery. The improvement in Frankel's score (on average) was two levels in most patients.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that our new reduction technique is a simple, safe, and effective treatment for ULFJLCS.

Dissecting spinal aneurysms: conservative management as a therapeutic option

Objective

Isolated dissecting spinal aneurysms are rare lesions that pose a therapeutic challenge. We report our experience in the management of four patients with dissecting spinal aneurysms.

Methods

After institutional review board approval was obtained, the neurointerventional databases of the two participating institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Aneurysms in the anterior spinal artery, posterior spinal artery, or in a radiculomedullary artery were included in the analysis. Flow-related aneurysms were excluded. Data on clinical presentation, hemorrhage location, aneurysm size, location, angiographic follow-up, re-hemorrhage, and clinical outcome were obtained and analyzed.

Results

Four patients with five spinal dissecting aneurysms met the inclusion criteria. There were two women and the mean age was 63 years (range 36–64). All patients presented with hemorrhage. Three radiculomedullary arteries in two different patients had one lesion each; the other two involved the anterior spinal artery and a posterior spinal artery in different patients. All four patients were managed conservatively. Follow-up angiography (5.5 months) demonstrated occlusion of all five aneurysms. There was no re-hemorrhage and all patients had a good outcome at the last follow-up (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2).

Conclusions

Conservative management of ruptured spontaneous dissecting spinal aneurysms is a reasonable therapeutic option capable of achieving favorable angiographic and clinical outcomes.

Cervical facet dislocations in the adolescent population: a report of 21 cases at a Level 1 trauma center from 2004 to 2014

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to present a series of adolescent patients with cervical facet dislocations to identify the mechanism of injury, severity of neurological injury and rate of neurological recovery.

METHODS

Between 2004 and 2014, a retrospective review at a level I trauma center identified patients with unilateral or bilateral dislocated facet(s). Demographic data, initial neurological exams, surgical data, radiographic findings, and follow-up records were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 21 adolescent facet dislocations, 7 were unilateral and 14 bilateral. Mean age was 14.9 years; (range 12-17). Male:female ratio was 15:6. All patients presented as a result of a high-energy injury. C6-7 was the most common level of dislocation. 1 of 18 (5.5%) patients had a cervical disc herniation on MRI. Nine (43%) patients had an associated facet fracture (8 unilateral, 1 bilateral). None of the 12 patients who presented as a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) (AISA A) had any neurological recovery. Only one of the three patients who presented as an incomplete SCI (ASIA B, C, D) had an ASIA grade improvement at final follow-up. Six patients who presented were neurologically intact (ASIA E).

CONCLUSION

Over half of children with this injury in our study had a complete SCI with no recovery. We believe that the adolescent spine is more resilient to injury, thus requiring a high-energy injury to cause a dislocation, but resulting in a high rate of SCI with a low rate of neurological recovery, and a low rate of cervical disc herniation.

Spinal juvenile (Type III) extradural-intradural arteriovenous malformations

Object

Owing to their rarity, demographics, natural history, and treatment, results for spinal juvenile (Type III) extradural-intradural arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are frequently only provided in case report format.

Methods

A pooled analysis was performed utilizing the PubMed database through April 2013. Individualized patient data were extracted to elucidate demographics, hemorrhage risk, and treatment result information.

Results

Twenty-nine studies describing 51 patients were included. The mean age at presentation was 15.0 ± 10.5 years with a slight male predilection (63%, 1.7:1 sex ratio). Presentation modality included progressive deficits in 35%, hemorrhage in 31%, acute deficits not attributed to hemorrhage in 22%, and asymptomatic/incidental in 12% of patients. The annual hemorrhage rate was 2.1%; statistically significant risk factors for hemorrhage included presentation age (HR 0.39 [95% CI 0.18–0.87]) and associated aneurysms (HR 8.74 [95% CI 1.76–43.31]). Seventy-seven percent of patients underwent treatment; after a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 3.2 years, 73% were improved, 10% were the same, and 17% were worse neurologically. Of 25 cases with described angiographic results, 8 lesions were obliterated (32%). Of these 25 patients, 8 had AVMs with associated aneurysms, and the aneurysm was obliterated in all 8 patients. Over the course of 57.9 patient-years of follow-up, including 55.3 patient-years for partially treated AVMs, no hemorrhages were described, reflecting a trend toward protection from hemorrhage after treatment (p = 0.12, likelihood ratio test).

Conclusions

Spinal juvenile (Type III) extradural-intradural AVMs commonly present symptomatically. Associated arterial aneurysms increase their hemorrhage risk, and protection from hemorrhage may be achieved from partial obliteration of these lesions, particularly if targeted toward associated aneurysms.

Subaxial cervical spine trauma: evaluation and surgical decision-making

Study Design Literature review. Objective To discuss the evaluation and management of subaxial cervical spine trauma (C3-7). Methods A literature review of the main imaging modalities, classification systems, and nonsurgical and surgical treatment performed. Results Computed tomography and reconstructions allow for accurate radiologic identification of subaxial cervical spine trauma in most cases. Magnetic resonance imaging can be utilized to evaluate the stabilizing discoligamentous complex, the nerves, and the spinal cord. The Subaxial Injury Classification (SLIC) is a new system that aids in injury classification and helps guide the decision-making process of conservative versus surgical treatment. Though promising, the SLIC system requires further validation. When the decision for surgical treatment is made, early decompression (less than 24 hours) has been associated with better neurologic recovery. Surgical treatment should be individualized based on the injury characteristics and surgeon's preferences. Conclusions The current state of subaxial cervical spine trauma is one of great progress. However, many questions remain unanswered. We need to continue to account for the individual patient, surgeon, and hospital circumstances that effect decision making and care.

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease of the temporomandibular joint

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPDD, tophaceous pseudogout) is a rare crystal arthropathy characterized by calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition in joint spaces, episodes of synovitis, and radiological features of chondrocalcinosis. We present a case of 61-year-old woman who presented with left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, difficulty chewing, left facial numbness, left-sided hearing loss, and left TMJ swelling. Imaging of the temporal fossa revealed a large mass emanating from the temporal bone at the TMJ, extending into the greater wing of the sphenoid and involving the mastoid bone and air cells posteriorly. Fine needle aspiration demonstrated polarizable crystals with giant cells. Intraoperatively, the TMJ was completely eroded by the mass. Final pathology was consistent with tophaceous pseudogout. CPDD has rarely been reported involving the skull base. None of the cases originally described by McCarty had TMJ pseudogout. Symptoms are generally pain, swelling, and hearing loss. Management is nearly always surgical with many patients achieving symptomatic relief with resection. CPDD is associated with many medical problems (including renal failure, gout, and hyperparathyroidism), but our patient had none of these risk factors. This case demonstrates that CPDD can involve the skull base and is best treated with skull base surgical techniques.

Spinal aneurysms: clinicoradiological features and management paradigms

Object

Spinal aneurysms (SAs) are rare lesions. The clinicoradiological features and the exact degree of their association with comorbid conditions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and coarctation of the aorta have not been definitively described. The ideal management paradigm has not been established. The authors reviewed literature to determine the clinical patterns of presentation, management, and outcome of spinal aneurysms.

Methods

A systematic review of literature was performed using 23 separate strings. A total of 10,190 papers were screened to identify 87 papers that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 123 SAs could be included for analysis.

Results

The mean age of patients at presentation was 38 years; 10% of patients were aged less than 10 years and nearly 50% were greater than 38 years. Spinal aneurysms can be divided into 2 groups: those associated with AVMs (SA-AVMs, or Type 1 SAs) and those with isolated aneurysms (iSAs, or Type 2 SAs). Patients with Type 2 SAs were older and more likely to present with bleeding than those with Type 1 SAs. The acute syndromes can be divided into 3 groups of patients: those with spinal syndrome, those with cranial/craniospinal syndrome, and those with nonspecific presentation. Overall, 32.6% presented with angiography-negative cranial subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Presentation with evidence of cord dysfunction (myelopathy/weakness/sensory loss/bladder involvement) correlated with poor outcome, as did presentation with hemorrhage and association with other comorbid conditions. Surgery and endovascular therapy both led to comparable rates of complete aneurysm obliteration for Type 2 SAs, whereas for the AVM-associated Type 1 SAs, surgery led to better rates of lesion obliteration. The authors propose a classification scheme for spinal aneurysms based on whether the lesion is solitary or is associated with a coexistent spinal AVM; this would also imply that the ideal therapy for the aneurysm would differ based on this association.

Conclusions

The clinical and radiological patterns that influence outcome are distinct for Type 1 and Type 2 SAs. The ideal treatment for Type 1 SAs appears to be excision, whereas surgery and endovascular therapy were equally effective for Type 2 SAs.

Management considerations in ruptured isolated radiculopial artery aneurysms. A report of two cases and literature review

Little is known on the natural history of ruptured isolated aneurysms of the posterior spinal artery (PSA). To date, only a few of such cases have been described in the literature. This paper aims to assess the most appropriate management strategy, based on the available literature and two new cases. In one of these, treatment was postponed until day 33, when angiography showed slight growth of the aneurysm. In the other, conservative treatment, requested by the patient, was successful. From these data, we conclude that treatment strategies for ruptured PSA aneurysms may vary. Aside from the recommendation by others to perform prompt surgical treatment, we suggest an alternative clinical paradigm allowing for the evaluation of the early clinical course. This may preclude the unnecessary treatment of spontaneously regressing lesions and still allows for appropriate treatment for persistent lesions.

Delayed surgical treatment for a traumatic bilateral cervical facet joint dislocation using a posterior-anterior approach: a case report

Introduction

There have been few reports of patients with bilateral cervical facet dislocations that remain untreated for eight weeks or more. We report the case of a 76-year-old man with an old bilateral cervical facet joint dislocation fracture that was treated by posterior-anterior reduction and fixation.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old Asian man was involved in a road traffic accident. He presented with neck pain and arm pain on his right side, but motor weakness and paralysis were not observed. He was treated conservatively; however, instability and spondylolisthesis at the C5 to C6 joint increased eight weeks after the injury. We performed a posterior-anterior reduction and fixation. After surgery, bony union was achieved, and his neck pain and arm pain disappeared.

Conclusion

We recommend reduction and fixation surgery if a patient has an old bilateral facet joint dislocation fracture in the cervical spine.

Posterior approach for cervical fracture-dislocations with traumatic disc herniation

In the treatment algorithm for cervical spine fracture-dislocations, the recommended approach for treatment if there is a disc fragment in the canal is the anterior approach. The posterior approach is not common because of the disadvantage of potential neurological deterioration during reduction in traumatic cervical herniation patients. However, reports about the frequency of this deterioration and the behavior of disc fragments after reduction are scarce. Forty patients with traumatic disc herniation were observed. They represented 29.2% of 137 consecutive patients with subaxial cervical spine fracture-dislocations. Surgical planning was performed according to our two-stage algorithm. In the first stage, they were treated with posterior open reduction and posterior spine arthrodesis. In the second stage, anterior surgery was added for cases where neurological deterioration attributed to non-reduced disc fragments on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neurological deterioration after posterior open reduction was not observed. Furthermore, 25% of total cases and 75% of incomplete paralysis cases improved postoperatively by ≥ 1 grade in the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale. Reduction or reversal of disc herniation was observed in all cases undergoing postoperative MRI. For local sagittal alignment, preoperative 9.4° kyphosis was corrected to 6.9° lordosis postoperatively. The disc height ratio was 72.4% preoperatively and 106.3% postoperatively. The second stage of our plan was not required after the posterior approach in this series. The incidence of neurological deterioration after posterior open reduction was zero, even in cases with traumatic cervical disc herniation. Favorable clinical and radiological outcomes could be obtained by the first stage alone. Although preparations for prompt anterior surgery should always be made to cover any contingency, the need for them is minimal.

Endovascular treatment of spinal arteriovenous lesions: beyond the dural fistula

During the past few decades, there have been significant advances in the understanding of spinal vascular lesions, mainly because of the evolution of imaging technology and selective spinal angiography techniques. In this article, we discuss the classification, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of spinal vascular lesions other than DAVFs and provide a review of the endovascular approach to treat these lesions.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage following posterior spinal artery aneurysm. A case report and review of the literature

Isolated posterior spinal artery aneurysms are rare vascular lesions. We describe the case of a 43-year-old man presenting with spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage after a minor trauma who was found to have a dissecting aneurysm of a posterior spinal artery originating from the right T4 level. Endovascular treatment was not contemplated because of the small size of the feeding artery, whereas surgical resection was deemed more appropriate because of the posterolateral perimedullary location that was well appreciated on CT angiography. After surgical resection of the aneurysm the patient had a complete neurological recovery. In comparison to anterior spinal artery aneurysms whose pathogenesis is diverse, posterior spinal aneurysms are most often secondary to a dissection and represent false or spurious aneurysms. Although the definite diagnosis still requires spinal angiography, MRI and CT may better delineate the relationship of the aneurysm to the spinal cord in order to determine the best treatment method. Prompt treatment is recommended as they have high rebleeding and mortality rates.

The management of bilateral interfacetal dislocation with anterior fixation in cervical spine : comparison with combined antero-posterior fixation

OBJECTIVE

Combined antero-posterior fixation has been a standard method for bilateral interfacetal dislocation in cervical spine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and complication of anterior cervical stabilization in treatment of bilateral interfacetal dislocation.

METHODS

A total of 65 cases of traumatic bilateral interfacetal dislocation in cervical spine who were managed in our institution, from Mar. 1997 to Feb. 2006, were included in this study. Closed reduction was tried in all cases before operation. If closed reduction was accomplished successfully, only anterior cervical fixation was performed (Group I), and attempted to place screws bicortically as possible with unicortical screws. If failed, posterior open reduction with fixation was first tried, followed by anterior cervical fixation (Group II). All patients were evaluated for neurological outcome and radiological evidence of healing.

RESULTS

The Group I included 47 patients and the Group II, 18 patients. The improvement of Frankel grade and increase of mean cervical lordosis angles were not statistically different between two groups. Screw-plate system used did not influence the outcome. On follow up, solid bone fusion was evident and there were no cases of instability in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that anterior cervical fixation on BID is safe and effective in comparison with combined antero-posterior cervical fixation.

Cervical facet joint kinematics during bilateral facet dislocation

Previous biomechanical models of cervical bilateral facet dislocation (BFD) are limited to quasi-static loading or manual ligament transection. The goal of the present study was to determine the facet joint kinematics during high-speed BFD. Dislocation was simulated using ten cervical functional spinal units with muscle force replication by frontal impact of the lower vertebra, tilted posteriorly by 42.5 degrees. Average peak rotations and anterior sliding (displacement of upper articulating facet surface along the lower), separation and compression (displacement of upper facet away from and towards the lower), and lateral shear were determined at the anterior and posterior edges of the right and left facets and statistically compared (P < 0.05). First, peak facet separation occurred, and was significantly greater at the left posterior facet edge, as compared to the anterior edges. Next, peak flexion rotation and anterior facet sliding occurred, followed by peak facet compression. The highest average facet translation peaks were 22.0 mm for anterior sliding, 7.9 mm for separation, 9.9 mm for compression and 3.6 mm for lateral shear. The highest average rotation of 63 degrees occurred in flexion, significantly greater than all other directions. These events occurred, on average, within 0.29 s following impact. During BFD, the main sagittal motions included facet separation, flexion rotation, anterior sliding, followed by compression, however, non-sagittal motions also existed. These motions indicated that unilateral dislocation may precede bilateral dislocation.

Selective treatment of an anterior spinal artery aneurysm with endosaccular coil therapy

✓The authors report the case of a 12-year-old boy with spinal cord arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and an associated anterior spinal artery (ASA) aneurysm treated with selective coil placement in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

The patient presented with headache. Head computed tomography scanning revealed no abnormal findings. The cerebrospinal fluid was sampled and analyzed and a diagnosis of SAH was established. Investigation, including magnetic resonance imaging of the cord as well as cerebral and spinal angiography, revealed a conus medullaris AVM and a saccular aneurysm located on the ASA at the T-11 level. The aneurysm was thought to be responsible for the bleeding.

Superselective ASA angiography showed that the aneurysm was at the bifurcation between a large coronal artery supplying the AVM and the ASA. The relation of the aneurysm's neck to the main spinal axis and the aneurysm's morphological features indicated that the lesion was suited for endosaccular coil therapy. The aneurysm was selectively occluded, using electrodetachable bare platinum coils. Follow-up angiography immediately after surgery and at 6 months thereafter demonstrated complete occlusion of the aneurysm and a perfectly patent anterior spinal axis. On clinical follow-up examination, the patient remained neurologically intact.

When the morphological features of a spinal aneurysm and its relation with the anterior spinal axis are favorable, selective endosaccular coil placement can successfully be achieved.

Delayed presentation of cervical ligamentous instability without radiologic evidence

STUDY DESIGN

A case of delayed presentation of unstable cervical ligamentous injury without radiologic evidence is presented.

OBJECTIVES

To report a rare case of delayed presentation of cervical ligamentous injury without radiologic evidence, and to discuss diagnosis, initial management, and techniques of operative stabilization.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The literature is reviewed.

METHODS

A 48-year-old man who sustained a nondisplaced unilateral C6 pillar fracture with no radiologic evidence of ligamentous injury returned for follow-up with radicular pain and bilateral perched facets at C5-C6.

RESULTS

Closed reduction of the cervical subluxation was performed via cervical traction, and subsequent surgical stabilization was undertaken with anterior cervical discectomy and instrumented arthrodesis of C5-C6 with structural interbody autograft. The patient wore a cervical brace for 6 weeks after surgery, and progressed to a stable fusion with pain resolution and no neurologic sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a rare reported case of delayed presentation of an unstable ligamentous injury in a nondisplaced cervical pillar fracture without initial radiologic evidence of instability. If any reason to suspect ligamentous injury exists, workup with upright cervical lateral radiographs, flexion/extension radiographs, or magnetic resonance imaging should be obtained. Awake, closed reduction with cervical traction followed by surgical stabilization with an anterior discectomy and instrumented arthrodesis with structural autograft achieved stable fixation.

Infrared spectroscopic characterization of mineralized tissues

Vibrational spectroscopy (Infrared and Raman), and in particular micro-spectroscopy and micro-spectroscopic imaging has been used to characterize developmental changes in bone and other mineralized tissues, to monitor these changes in cell cultures, and to detect disease and drug-induced modifications. Examples of the use of infrared micro-spectroscopy and micro-spectroscopic imaging are discussed in this review.

A case of chronic calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal disease (tophaceous pseudogout) in the temporomandibular joint

Pseudogout is a rare joint disease which is characterized by the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the intraarticular and periarticular tissue. The crystals tend to attach to fibrocartilage tissue. Pseudogout principally affects the knee and wrist joints. Involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is very rare. There have been <20 cases reported world-wide. Both acute and chronic manifestations have been described. We present here an unusual case that necessitated a high condylectomy.

Schockraummanagement bei Verletzungen der Wirbels�ule im Rahmen eines Polytraumas

Injuries to the spine are often part of life-threatening multiple trauma. In this review diagnostics and emergency room management were investigated in order to formulate effective recommendations for the emergency strategy. Clinical trials were systematically collected (MEDLINE, Cochrane, and hand searches) and classified into evidence levels (1 to 5 according to the Oxford system). The patient's history and clinical symptoms have low rates for specificity and positive predictive value, whereas their negative predictive value and sensitivity are high between 90 and 100%, respectively. CT imaging reaches higher rates for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in comparison to conventional radiographic series. The patient's history should be asked and clinical investigation should be done in any case. Imaging diagnostics preferably as multislice spiral CT should be performed after stabilization of the patient's general condition and before admission to the intensive care unit.

Complete cervical intervertebral disc extrusion with spinal cord injury in the absence of facet dislocation: a case report

STUDY DESIGN

Complete cervical disc complex extrusion, defined as the extrusion of both cartilaginous end-plates, the entire nucleus pulposus, and portions of the anulus fibrosus, is rare. A case of complete cervical disc complex extrusion with spinal cord injury in the absence of facet dislocation or subluxation in an obtunded patient is reported.

OBJECTIVE

To report an unusual presentation of spinal cord injury and the occurrence of complete traumatic cervical disc complex extrusion in the absence of facet dislocation and normal plain radiographic findings.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Traumatic cervical disc herniation occurs in 54% to 80% of patients with facet dislocation. A report of complete extrusion of a cervical intervertebral disc complex (cartilaginous endplate, anulus, and nucleus pulposus) with spinal cord injury in the absence of dislocation has not been described, to the best of the authors' knowledge.

METHODS

A clinical and radiographic review of such a case of complete traumatic cervical disc complex herniation in the absence of dislocation was performed.

RESULTS

Plain radiographic imaging did not show any injury. A nondisplaced fracture of the left inferior facet joint was evident on computed tomography. The diagnosis of C4-C5 intervertebral disc extrusion was made only after magnetic resonance imaging. The vacuum effect of complete disc extrusion created a "white-out" appearance to the disc space on the sagittal T2 magnetic resonance image. The patient underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with additional posterior cervical fusion. He subsequently regained functional strength against gravity in two of four limbs. He remains completely paraparetic in the left upper extremity and partially paraparetic in the left lower extremity.

CONCLUSION

The case report highlights the occurrence of complete traumatic cervical disc extrusion in the absence of facet dislocation with normal plain radiographic findings and consequent spinal cord injury, which can accompany such an injury.

Tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease. A clinicopathologic analysis of five cases

We describe five cases of tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPDCD) and discuss the clinical, radiological and pathological features. Patients included 4 males and 1 female, ranging in age from 49 to 70 years (median, 63 yrs). The wrist was involved in two patients. The thumb, palmar aspect of the proximal phalanx of the middle finger and dorsum of the carpal bone of the hand were involved in one patient each. In one patient, a preoperative diagnosis of chondrosarcoma had been made. Macroscopically, the lesion was a circumscribed whitish-gray mass with a more or less chalky appearance, measuring between 1.0 to 6.2 cm (median, 2.5 cm). Histologically, all five lesions contained areas of calcification with crystal deposits and chondroid metaplasia. The majority of crystals were rhomboid in shape, characteristic of CPPD, but some needle-shaped crystals were also identified, which resembled urate crystals. A review of the 54 reported cases of tumoral CPPDCD including our series indicated that they could be divided into two categories based on anatomic location: central (head and neck) type (n = 33) and distal (extremity) type (n = 21). Patients of these two groups were not different with respect to age and gender, but those with the central type often presented with a painful mass (15 patients, 46%), or neurological disturbances (11 patients, 33%). Patients with the distal type presented with a painless mass or swelling (12 patients, 57%), but none had neurological signs, although 8 (38.1%) presented with acute attack similar to tophaceous gout. Tumoral CP-PDCD should be differentiated from tophaceous gout, tumoral calcinosis, and malignant or benign tumors.

Nonoperative management of acute spinal cord injury

Advances in transport, imaging, and stabilization of the injured patient have made the topic of acute management more important than ever in patients with spinal cord injury. Optimal treatment requires prompt delivery of care for life-threatening respiratory and hemodynamic events in a manner that will not further damage the unstable spinal elements. The application of these treatment principles broadly to injured patients is necessitated by our inability to determine, on an acute basis, those patients who might eventually recover meaningful neurologic function from those who will not. Therefore, nonoperative management of acute spinal cord injury requires consideration of two goals: 1) the preservation of the patient's life and 2) optimizing the potential for recovery of neurologic function. The first consideration requires not only an understanding of the novel systemic consequences of spinal cord injury but also of treatments directed at combating them. The second includes the application of resuscitative measures without further damaging the spinal cord and, in some cases, the use of traction and immobilization. In the past these efforts were aimed primarily at increasing the survival rate of patients with spinal cord injury, whereas current care may also play an important role in the eventual recovery of neurologic function. Despite many advances in our understanding of the basic mechanisms of paralysis, clinical management of spinal cord injury remains a significant challenge and one that requires continuing efforts at improving acute and postacute therapies.

What is new about crystals other than monosodium urate?

Recently, attention has focused on the effects of weather conditions and seasonal changes on the incidence of acute microcrystalline events. Acute gout attacks are more frequent during the spring, but seasonal variations in the incidence of acute pseudogout attacks are less clearly defined. Genetic analysis of two unrelated families with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease showed linkage to the short arm of chromosome 5p. Several recent reports show CPPD crystal disease occurring in association with Gitelman syndrome, the hypocalciuric-hypomagnesemic variant of Bartter syndrome. Two signaling pathways, protein kinase C and adenyl cyclase, modulate generation of extracellular pyrophosphate by porcine cartilage chrondrocytes. These transduction mechanisms may provide potential targets for the treatment of CPPD crystal deposition disease. A controlled clinical trial showed ultrasound therapy to be beneficial in the treatment of symptomatic chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. There is evidence that apatite crystals may contribute to cartilage damage in osteoarthritis and that therapeutic interventions to prevent the formation and biologic effects of the crystals may potentially retard the progression of the osteoarthritic process.