scholarly journals Posterior transdural resection of giant calcified thoracic disc herniation in a case series of 12 patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Negwer ◽  
Vicki M. Butenschoen ◽  
Sandro M. Krieg ◽  
Bernhard Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Postoperative Outcome ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Neurosurgical Department ◽  
Duration Of Surgery ◽  
Optimal Approach ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Abstract Calcified thoracic disc herniations present a rare and challenging entity. Due to the close proximity to the spinal cord and relative narrowing of the spinal canal, the optimal approach remains a matter of debate. While the transthoracic approach is usually preferred, we adapted a new technique described in 2012: the transdural posterior approach. Our aim was to evaluate its benefits in patients with giant thoracic disc protrusions. We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated in our neurosurgical department from July 2012 to March 2020. Demographics, pre- and postoperative clinical status, and operative technique and complications were extracted and analyzed. In total, 12 patients underwent a posterior transdural resection of giant calcified thoracic hard discs between 2012 and 2020. All patients underwent a posterior decompression (laminectomy, hemilaminectomy, or laminoplasty). The median duration of surgery was 152 min. Transient postoperative neurological deterioration occurred in 4 patients, with complete recovery until time of discharge. No patient underwent a surgical revision. The transdural resection of giant calcified thoracic hard discs through a posterior approach provides an excellent decompression with sufficient visualization of the spinal cord and a satisfying postoperative outcome.

scholarly journals An analysis of the causes of transient paraplegia during percutaneous vertebral augmentation under local anesthesia: A case series of 12 patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 230949901986187
Author(s):  
Guan Shi ◽  
Fei Feng ◽  
Chen Hao ◽  
Jia Pu ◽  
Bao Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Local Anesthesia ◽  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Vertebral Compression Fractures ◽  
Vertebral Augmentation ◽  
Anesthetic Drugs

Background: Percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) under local anesthesia has been widely used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and vertebral body tumors. However, the occurrence of spinal cord or nerve root dysfunction may result in poor prognosis for patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the causes of transient paraplegia in 12 patients undergoing PVA. Methods: The medical records of 12 patients with transient paraplegia during PVA in our hospital were analyzed. Data, including operation, vertebral, anesthetic dose, operation time, recovery time, and follow-up, were extracted. Results: Among the 12 patients, ranging in age from 62 years to 83 years, with a mean age of 74 years, 8 were females and 4 were males. The average anesthetic dose injected per vertebral body was 6.38 ml. Patients required an average of 218.75 min to recover sensation and movement completely. However, the amount of anesthetic injected into each vertebral body was not related to the time required for complete recovery. Follow-up showed that all patients had regained normal bilateral sensation and motor function. Postoperative visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index values of the 12 patients were significantly improved compared with preoperative values. Conclusion: The complication of transient paraplegia was caused by local anesthetic drugs infiltrating into the spinal canal and inhibiting nerve conduction in the spinal cord.

scholarly journals Minimally Invasive Lateral Approach for Anterior Spinal Cord Decompression in Thoracic Myelopathy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edna E. Gouveia ◽  
Mansour Mathkour ◽  
Erin McCormack ◽  
Jonathan Riffle ◽  
Olawale A. Sulaiman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Decompression Procedure ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Mini Open

Myelopathy can result from a thoracic disc herniation (TDH) compressing the anterior spinal cord. Disc calcification and difficulty in accessing the anterior spinal cord pose an operative challenge. A mini-open lateral approach to directly decompress the anterior spinal cord can be performed with or without concomitant interbody fusion depending on pre-existing or iatrogenic spinal instability. Experience using stand-alone expandable spacers to achieve interbody fusion in this setting is limited. Technical advantages, risks and limitations of this technique are discussed. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with thoracic and upper lumbar myelopathy treated with a lateral mini-open lateral approach. Review of the literature identified 6 other case series using similar lateral minimally invasive approaches to treat thoracic or upper lumbar disc herniation showing efficient and safe thoracic disc decompression procedure for myelopathy. This technique can be combined with interbody arthrodesis when instability is suspected.

Endoscopic Transnasal Odontoidectomy for Ventral Decompression of the Craniovertebral Junction: Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcome in a Case Series of 19 Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-31
Author(s):  
Vicki M Butenschoen ◽  
Maria Wostrack ◽  
Bernhard Meyer ◽  
Jens Gempt
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Operative Technique ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Odontoid Process ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Neurosurgical Department ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Endoscopic Decompression

Abstract BACKGROUND Abnormalities and pathologies of the craniovertebral junction as well as space-occupying lesions of the odontoid process can result in myelopathy symptoms. A staged procedure with posterior stabilization and anterior transnasal endoscopic decompression is recently considered a less invasive alternative to the transoral approach. We present a considerably large case series focused on the operative technique and the long-term neurological clinical outcome. OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and efficacy of odontoidectomy performed via an endoscopic transnasal approach. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated in our neurosurgical department from January 2009 to January 2020. Demographics, pre- and postoperative clinical status, and operative technique and complications were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS In total, 22 transnasal operations were performed in 19 patients from January 2009 to January 2020. All but one patient underwent posterior C1-C2 instrumentation prior to the anterior transnasal computed tomography (CT)-navigated full-endoscopic decompression. The median duration of symptoms before surgery was 3 mo. Complications occurred in 1 patient who died from septic organ failure because of his initial diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Postoperative CT imaging showed sufficient decompression in 16 patients, and 3 patients underwent a transnasal endoscopic re-decompression (16%). CONCLUSION Transnasal endoscopic odontoidectomy presents a safe procedure with a satisfying clinical and radiological postoperative outcome.

scholarly journals The lateral extracavitary approach to the thoracolumbar spine: a case series and systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 570-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Foreman ◽  
Robert P. Naftel ◽  
Thomas A. Moore ◽  
Mark N. Hadley
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Posterior Instrumentation ◽  
Thoracolumbar Spine ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pulmonary Complications ◽  
Indication For Surgery ◽  
Neurological Outcomes ◽  
Thoracic Disc

OBJECT Since its introduction in 1976, the lateral extracavitary approach (LECA) has been used to access ventral and ventrolateral pathology affecting the thoracolumbar spine. Reporting of outcomes and complications has been inconsistent. A case series and systematic review are presented to summarize the available data. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records was performed, which identified 65 consecutive patients who underwent LECA for the treatment of thoracolumbar spine and spinal cord pathology. Cases were divided according to the presenting pathology. Neurological outcomes and complications were detailed. In addition, a systematic review of outcomes and complications in patients treated with the LECA as reported in the literature was completed. RESULTS Sixty-five patients underwent the LECA to the spine for the treatment of thoracic spine and spinal cord pathology. The most common indication for surgery was thoracic disc herniation (23/65, 35.4%). Neurological outcomes were excellent: 69.2% improved, 29.2% experienced no change, and 1.5% were worse. Two patients (3.1%) experienced a complication. The systematic review revealed comparable neurological outcomes (74.9% improved) but a notably higher complication rate (32.2%). CONCLUSIONS The LECA provides dorsal and unilateral ventrolateral access to and exposure of the thoracolumbar spine and spinal cord while allowing for posterior instrumentation through the same incision. Although excellent neurological results can be expected, the risk of pulmonary complications should be considered.

Ultrasonic spine surgery for every thoracic disc herniation: a 43-patient case series and technical note demonstrating safety and efficacy using a partial transpedicular thoracic discectomy with ultrasonic aspiration and ultrasound guidance

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Brian F. Saway ◽  
Mohammed Alshareef ◽  
Orgest Lajthia ◽  
Coby Cunningham ◽  
Chelsea Shope ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Intraoperative Ultrasound ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Transpedicular Approach ◽  
Thoracic Discectomy ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Frankel Grade

OBJECTIVE Thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are a challenging pathology. A variety of surgical techniques have been used to achieve spinal cord decompression. This series elucidates the versatility, efficacy, and safety of the partial transpedicular approach with the use of intraoperative ultrasound and ultrasonic aspiration for resection of TDHs of various sizes, locations, and consistencies. This technique can be deployed to safely remove all TDHs. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent a thoracic discectomy via the partial transpedicular approach between January 2014 and December 2020 by a single surgeon. Variables reviewed included demographics, perioperative imaging, and functional outcome scores. RESULTS A total of 43 patients (53.5% female) underwent 54 discectomies. The most common presenting symptoms were myelopathy (86%), motor weakness (72%), and sensory deficit (65%) with a symptom duration of 10.4 ± 11.6 months. A total of 21 (38.9%) discs were fully calcified on imaging and 15 (27.8%) were partially calcified. A total of 36 (66.7%) were giant TDHs (> 40% canal compromise). The average operative time was 197.2 ± 77.1 minutes with an average blood loss of 238.8 ± 250 ml. Six patients required ICU stays. Hospital length of stay was 4.40 ± 3.4 days. Of patients with follow-up MRI, 38 of 40 (95%) disc levels demonstrated < 20% residual disc. Postoperative Frankel scores (> 3 months) were maintained or improved for all patients, with 28 (65.1%) patients having an increase of 1 grade or more on their Frankel score. Six (14%) patients required repeat surgery, 2 of which were due to reherniation, 2 were from adjacent-level herniation, and 2 others were from wound problems. Patients with calcified TDHs had similar improvement in Frankel grade compared to patients without calcified TDH. Additionally, improvement in intraoperative neuromonitoring was associated with a greater improvement in Frankel grade. CONCLUSIONS The authors demonstrate a minimally disruptive, posterior approach that uses intraoperative ultrasound and ultrasonic aspiration with excellent outcomes and a complication profile similar to or better than other reported case series. This posterior approach is a valuable complement to the spine surgeon’s arsenal for the confident tackling of all TDHs.

Neurological Recovery in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Patient with Delayed Surgical Intervention

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Mochamad Targib Alatas
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury Patient ◽  
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Score Improvement ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Injury Patient

Early surgical treatment for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients has been proven to yield better improvement on neurological state, and widely practiced among surgeons in this field. However, it is not always affordable in every clinical setting. It is undeniable that surgery for chronic SCI has more challenges as the malunion of vertebral bones might have initiated, thus requires more complex operating techniques. In this case series, we report 7 patients with traumatic SCI whose surgical intervention is delayed due to several reasons. Initial motoric scores vary from 0 to 3, all have their interval periods supervised between outpatient clinic visits. On follow up they demonstrate significant neurological development defined by at least 2 grades motoric score improvement. Physical rehabilitation also began before surgery was conducted. These results should encourage surgeons to keep striving for the patient’s best interest, even when the injury has taken place weeks or even months before surgery is feasible because clinical improvement for these patients is not impossible. 

Posterior approach for cervical intramedullary arteriovenous malformation with diffuse-type nidus

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Ohata ◽  
Toshihiro Takami ◽  
Alaa El-Naggar ◽  
Michiharu Morino ◽  
Akimasa Nishio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
The Other ◽  
Anterior Spinal Artery ◽  
Neural Element ◽  
Feeding Artery ◽  
Diffuse Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The treatment of spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with a diffuse-type nidus that contains a neural element poses different challenges compared with a glomus-type nidus. The surgical elimination of such lesions involves the risk of spinal cord ischemia that results from coagulation of the feeding artery that, at the same time, supplies cord parenchyma. However, based on evaluation of the risks involved in performing embolization, together with the frequent occurrence of reperfusion, which necessitates frequent reembolization, the authors consider surgery to be a one-stage solution to a disease that otherwise has a very poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed diffuse-type intramedullary AVMs in the cervical spinal cords of three patients who subsequently underwent surgery via the posterior approach. The AVM was supplied by the anterior spinal artery in one case and by both the anterior and posterior spinal arteries in the other two cases. In all three cases, a posterior median myelotomy was performed up to the vicinity of the anterior median fissure that divided the spinal cord together with the nidus, and the feeding artery was coagulated and severed at its origin from the anterior spinal artery. In the two cases in which the posterior spinal artery fed the AVM, the feeding artery was coagulated on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord. Neurological outcome improved in one patient and deteriorated slightly to mildly in the other two patients. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete disappearance of the AVM in all cases. Because of the extremely poor prognosis of patients with spinal intramedullary AVMs, this surgical technique for the treatment of diffuse-type AVMs provides acceptable operative outcome. Surgical intervention should be considered when managing a patient with a diffuse-type intramedullary AVM in the cervical spinal cord.

scholarly journals Successful application of burst spinal cord stimulation for refractory upper limb pain: a case series

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 030006052110040
Author(s):  
Kuen Su Lee ◽  
Yoo Kyung Jang ◽  
Gene Hyun Park ◽  
In Jae Jun ◽  
Jae Chul Koh
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Upper Limb Pain

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used to treat sustained pain that is intractable despite various types of treatment. However, conventional tonic waveform SCS has not shown promising outcomes for spinal cord injury (SCI) or postamputation pain. The pain signal mechanisms of burst waveforms are different to those of conventional tonic waveforms, but few reports have presented the therapeutic potential of burst waveforms for the abovementioned indications. This current case report describes two patients with refractory upper limb pain after SCI and upper limb amputation that were treated with burst waveform SCS. While the patients could not obtain sufficient therapeutic effect with conventional tonic waveforms, the burst waveforms provided better pain reduction with less discomfort. However, further studies are necessary to better clarify the mechanisms and efficacy of burst waveform SCS in patients with intractable pain.

scholarly journals Acute abdomen in children due to different presentations of complicated Meckel’s diverticulum: a case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisham A. Almetaher ◽  
Mohammed Awad Mansour
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Abnormality ◽  
Wedge Resection ◽  
Meckel’S Diverticulum ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Postoperative Outcome ◽  
Meckel's Diverticulum ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Small Base

Abstract Background Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the commonest congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract that occurs in 2% of general population. It remains asymptomatic, but it may lead to life-threatening complications. These complications may be misdiagnosed with other gastrointestinal disorders like acute appendicitis, making its diagnosis challenging among pediatricians and pediatric surgeons. In this study, we reported five cases with different presentations of complicated MD in children. Results Five patients with different presentations of MD were reported during the period from January 2016 to January 2020. Patients’ demographics, clinical presentations, investigations, operative data, and postoperative outcome were recorded and analyzed. Conclusions The present study highlights different presentations of MD. Surgical interference is the main key of treatment of symptomatic MD either by wedge resection of a small base diverticulum or by resection anastomosis of the small intestine in wide base and inflamed diverticulum.

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