Differences between soft-disc herniation and spondylosis in cervical arthroplasty: CT-documented heterotopic ossification with minimum 2 years of follow-up. Wu JC, Huang WC, Tu TH, et al. J Neurosurg Spine 2012 Feb;16(2):163–71. Epub 2011 Dec 2.

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 536-537
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty

Differences between soft-disc herniation and spondylosis in cervical arthroplasty: CT-documented heterotopic ossification with minimum 2 years of follow-up

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Wen-Cheng Huang ◽  
Tsung-Hsi Tu ◽  
Hsiao-Wen Tsai ◽  
Chin-Chu Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Artificial Disc ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Arm Pain ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss

Object Cervical arthroplasty is a valid option for patients with single-level symptomatic cervical disc diseases causing neural tissue compression, but postoperative heterotopic ossification (HO) can limit the mobility of an artificial disc. In the present study the authors used CT scanning to assess HO formation, and they investigated differences in radiological and clinical outcomes in patients with either a soft-disc herniation or spondylosis who underwent cervical arthroplasty. Methods Medical records, radiographs, and clinical evaluations of consecutive patients who underwent single-level cervical arthroplasty were reviewed. Arthroplasty was performed using the Bryan disc. The patients were divided into a soft-disc herniation group and a spondylosis group. Clinical outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for neck and arm pain and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), whereas HO grading was determined by studying CT scans. Radiological and clinical outcomes were analyzed, and the minimum follow-up duration was 24 months. Results Forty-seven consecutive patients underwent a single-level cervical arthroplasty. Forty patients (85.1%) had complete radiological evaluations and clinical follow-up of more than 2 years. Patients were divided into 1 of 2 groups: soft-disc herniation (16 cases) and the spondylosis group (24 cases). Their mean age was 45.51 ± 11.12 years. Sixteen patients (40%) were female. Patients in the soft-disc herniation group were younger than those in the spondylosis group, but the difference was not statistically significant (42.88 vs 47.26, p = 0.227). The mean follow-up duration was 38.83 ± 9.74 months. Sex, estimated blood loss, implant size, and perioperative NSAID prescription were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.792, 0.267, 0.581, and 1.000, respectively). The soft-disc herniation group had significantly less HO formation than the spondylosis group (1 HO [6.25%] vs 14 Hos [58.33%], p = 0.001). Almost all artificial discs in both groups remained mobile (100% and 95.8%, p = 0.408). The clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the groups at all postoperative time points of evaluation, and clinical improvements were also similar. Conclusions Clinical outcomes of single-level cervical arthroplasty for soft-disc herniation and spondylosis were similar 3 years after surgery. There was a significantly higher rate of HO formation in patients with spondylosis than in those with a soft-disc herniation. The mobility of the artificial disc is maintained, but the long-term effects of HO and its higher frequency in spondylotic cases warrant further investigation.

Arthroplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: similar results to patients with only radiculopathy at 3 years' follow-up

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Yu Fay ◽  
Wen-Cheng Huang ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Hsuan-Kan Chang ◽  
Tzu-Yun Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Viable Option ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Arm Pain ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Object Cervical arthroplasty has been accepted as a viable option for surgical management of cervical spondylosis or degenerative disc disease (DDD). The best candidates for cervical arthroplasty are young patients who have radiculopathy caused by herniated disc with competent facet joints. However, it remains uncertain whether arthroplasty is equally effective for patients who have cervical myelopathy caused by DDD. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of arthroplasty for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and patients with radiculopathy without CSM. Methods A total of 151 consecutive cases involving patients with CSM or radiculopathy caused by DDD and who underwent one- or two-level cervical arthroplasty were included in this study. Clinical outcome evaluations and radiographic studies were reviewed. Clinical outcome measurements included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of neck and arm pain, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) in every patient. For patients with CSM, Nurick scores were recorded for evaluation of cervical myelopathy. Radiographic studies included lateral dynamic radiographs and CT for detection of the formation of heterotopic ossification . Results Of the 151 consecutive patients with cervical DDD, 125 (82.8%; 72 patients in the myelopathy group and 53 in the radiculopathy group) had at least 24 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up in these patients was 36.4 months (range 24–56 months). There was no difference in sex distribution between the 2 groups. However, the mean age of the patients in the myelopathy group was approximately 6 years greater than that of the radiculopathy group (53.1 vs 47.2 years, p < 0.001). The mean operation time, mean estimated blood loss, and the percentage of patients prescribed perioperative analgesic agents were similar in both groups (p = 0.754, 0.652, and 0.113, respectively). There were significant improvements in VAS neck and arm pain, JOA scores, and NDI in both groups. Nurick scores in the myelopathy group also improved significantly after surgery. In radiographic evaluations, 92.5% of patients in the radiculopathy group and 95.8% of those in the radiculopathy group retained spinal motion (no significant difference). Evaluation of CT scans showed heterotopic ossification in 34 patients (47.2%) in the myelopathy group and 25 patients (47.1%) in the radiculopathy group (p = 0.995). At a mean of over 3 years postoperatively, no secondary surgery was reported in either group. Conclusions The severity of myelopathy improves after cervical arthroplasty in patients with CSM caused by DDD. At 3-year follow-up, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cervical arthroplasty in DDD patients with CSM are similar to those patients who have only cervical radiculopathy. Therefore, cervical arthroplasty is a viable option for patients with CSM caused by DDD who require anterior surgery. However, comparison with the standard surgical treatment of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is necessary to corroborate the outcomes of arthroplasty for CSM.

The effects of carpentry on heterotopic ossification and mobility in cervical arthroplasty: determination by computed tomography with a minimum 2-year follow-up

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 601-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsung-Hsi Tu ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Wen-Cheng Huang ◽  
Ching-Lan Wu ◽  
Chin-Chu Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Segmental Motion ◽  
Artificial Disc ◽  
Analog Scale ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Neck Disability

Object Heterotopic ossification (HO) after cervical arthroplasty can limit the mobility of an artificial disc. In this study the authors used CT scanning to assess the formation of HO with the goal of investigating the correlation between the carpentry of arthroplasty, formation of HO, mobility, and clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of medical records, radiological studies, and clinical evaluations was conducted for consecutive patients who underwent 1- or 2-level cervical arthroplasty with the Bryan disc. The patients underwent follow-up for more than 24 months. The formation of HO was assessed using CT scanning as the final determination. The perfectness of carpentry for each arthroplasty level was scrutinized using criteria composed of 2 parameters (postoperative shell kyphosis and inadequate endplate coverage). Levels were divided into the optimal carpentry group and the suboptimal carpentry group. Radiographic and clinical outcomes, including the visual analog scale and neck disability index, were compared between the groups. Results A total of 107 levels of Bryan discs were placed in 75 patients (mean age 46.71 ± 9.94 years) and were analyzed. There was a male predominance of 68.0% (51 men), and the mean follow-up duration was 38.56 ± 9.66 months. Heterotopic ossification was identified in 60 levels (56.1%) by CT scanning. Most cases of HO were low grade and did not correlate with the limitation in the segmental motion of the arthroplasty device. There were no significant differences in terms of age, sex, and number of arthroplasty levels between the optimal and the suboptimal carpentry groups. However, the suboptimal carpentry group had significantly more high-grade HO (≥ Grade 2) than the optimal carpentry group (13 levels [12.1%] vs 7 levels [6.5%], p = 0.027). There were also more immobile (range of motion < 3°) artificial discs in the suboptimal carpentry group than the optimal carpentry group (11 levels [10.3%] vs 4 levels [3.7%], p = 0.010). The clinical outcomes (neck and arm visual analog scale scores and Neck Disability Index) in both groups were similarly good. Conclusions Shell kyphosis and inadequate endplate coverage have adverse effects on the formation of HO and segmental mobility after cervical arthroplasty with the Bryan artificial disc. Appropriate carpentry is the more important factor in determining the maintenance of segmental motion. Although the midterm clinical outcome remained similarly good regardless of HO, the carpentry of cervical arthroplasty should not be overlooked. Further studies are needed to clarify the etiology of HO.

scholarly journals Postoperative nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and the prevention of heterotopic ossification after cervical arthroplasty: analysis using CT and a minimum 2-year follow-up

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 447-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsung-Hsi Tu ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Wen-Cheng Huang ◽  
Hsuan-Kan Chang ◽  
Chin-Chu Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Arm Pain ◽  
Nsaid Group ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Cox 2

OBJECT Heterotopic ossification (HO) after cervical arthroplasty is not uncommon and may cause immobility of the disc. To prevent HO formation, study protocols of clinical trials for cervical arthroplasty undertaken by the US FDA included perioperative use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, there are few data supporting the use of NSAIDs to prevent HO after cervical arthroplasty. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NSAIDs in HO formation and clinical outcomes. METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent 1- or 2-level cervical arthroplasty with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were grouped into 1 of 2 groups, an NSAID group (those patients who had used NSAIDs postoperatively) and a non-NSAID group (those patients who had not used NSAIDs postoperatively). The formation of HO was detected and classified using CT in every patient. The incidence of HO formation, disc mobility, and clinical outcomes, including visual analog scale (VAS) scores of neck and arm pain, neck disability index (NDI) scores, and complications were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis of the patients in the NSAID group, comparing the selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 to nonselective COX-2 NSAID users, was also conducted for each of the above-mentioned parameters. RESULTS A total of 75 patients (mean age [± SD] 46.71 ± 9.94 years) with 107 operated levels were analyzed. The mean follow-up duration was 38.71 ± 9.55 months. There were no significant differences in age, sex, and levels of arthroplasty between the NSAID and non-NSAID groups. There was a nonsignificantly lower rate of HO formation in the NSAID group than the non-NSAID group (47.2% vs. 68.2%, respectively; p = 0.129). During follow-up, most of the arthroplasty levels remained mobile, with similar rates of immobile discs in the NSAID and non-NSAID groups (13.2% and 22.7%, respectively; p = 0.318). Furthermore, there was a nonsignificantly lower rate of HO formation in the selective COX-2 group than the nonselective COX-2 group (30.8% vs 52.5%, respectively; p = 0.213). The clinical outcomes, including VAS neck, VAS arm, and NDI scores at 24 months postoperatively, were all similar in the NSAID and non-NSAID groups, as well as the selective and nonselective COX-2 groups (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In this study there was a trend toward less HO formation and fewer immobile discs in patients who used postoperative NSAIDs after cervical arthroplasty than those who did not, but this trend did not reach statistical significance. Patients who used selective COX-2 NSAIDs had nonsignificantly less HO than those who used nonselective COX-2 NSAIDs. The clinical outcomes were not affected by the use of NSAIDs or the kinds of NSAIDs used (selective vs nonselective COX-2). However, the study was limited by the number of patients included, and the efficacy of NSAIDs in the prevention of HO after cervical arthroplasty may need further investigation to confirm these results.

Differences between 1- and 2-level cervical arthroplasty: more heterotopic ossification in 2-level disc replacement

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 594-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Wen-Cheng Huang ◽  
Hsiao-Wen Tsai ◽  
Chin-Chu Ko ◽  
Li-Yu Fay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Arm Pain ◽  
Bryan Disc ◽  
Level Group

Object The most currently accepted indication for cervical arthroplasty is 1- or 2-level degenerative disc disease (DDD) refractory to medical treatment. However, the randomized and controlled clinical trials by the US FDA investigational device exemption studies only compared cervical arthroplasty with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for 1-level disease. Theoretically, 2-level cervical spondylosis usually implicates more advanced degeneration, whereas the 1-level DDD can be caused by merely a soft-disc herniation. This study aimed to investigate the differences between 1- and 2-level cervical arthroplasty. Methods The authors analyzed data obtained in 87 consecutive patients who underwent 1- or 2-level cervical arthroplasty with Bryan disc. The patients were divided into the 1-level and the 2-level treatment groups. Clinical outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for the neck and arm pain and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), with a minimum follow-up of 30 months. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated on both radiographs and CT scans. Results The study analyzed 98 levels of Bryan cervical arthroplasty in 70 patients (80.5%) who completed the evaluations in a mean follow-up period of 46.21 ± 9.85 months. There were 22 females (31.4%) and 48 males (68.6%), whose mean age was 46.57 ± 10.07 years at the time of surgery. The 1-level group had 42 patients (60.0%), while the 2-level group had 28 patients (40.0%). Patients in the 1-level group were younger than those in the 2-level group (mean 45.00 vs 48.93 years, p = 0.111 [not significant]). Proportional sex compositions and perioperative prescription of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were also similar in both groups (p = 0.227 and p = 1.000). The 2-level group had significantly greater EBL during surgery than the 1-level group (220.80 vs 111.89 ml, p = 0.024). Heterotopic ossification was identified more frequently in the 2-level group than the 1-level group (75.0% vs 40.5%, p = 0.009). Although most of the artificial discs remained mobile during the follow up, the 2-level group had fewer mobile discs (100% and 85.7%, p = 0.022) than the 1-level group. However, in both groups, the clinical outcomes measured by VAS for neck pain, VAS for arm pain, and NDI all significantly improved after surgery compared with that preoperatively, and there were no significant differences between the groups at any point of evaluation (that is, at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery). Conclusions Clinical outcomes of 1- and 2-level cervical arthroplasty were similar at 46 months after surgery, and patients in both groups had significantly improved compared with preoperative status. However, there was a significantly higher rate of heterotopic ossification formation and less mobility of the Bryan disc in patients who underwent 2-level arthroplasty. Although mobility to date has been maintained in the vast majority (94.3%) of patients, the long-term effects of heterotopic ossification warrant further investigation.

scholarly journals Posterior intraprosthetic dislocation of cervical arthroplasty: illustrative case

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Prod’homme ◽  
Didier Grasset ◽  
Duccio Boscherini
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Neck Extension ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Adjacent Disc ◽  
Intraprosthetic Dislocation

BACKGROUND Cervical disc herniation is a common condition usually treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or, more recently, with cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). Both treatments offer similar clinical results. However, CDA has been found to offer fewer medium- to long-term complications as well as potential reduction of long-term adjacent disc degeneration. OBSERVATIONS A 40-year-old man was treated with cervical discectomy and arthroplasty due to a C6–C7 disc herniation with left C7 radiculopathy. After the treatment, his postoperative follow-up appointments were uneventful for 9 months. However, after 9 months, he reported cervical pain and a right C7 radiculopathy after neck extension. Imaging confirmed a posterior intraprosthetic dislocation, the first case reported to date. The patient was received emergency surgery under neuromonitoring, and the prosthesis was replaced by an ACDF and anterior plate. The insert presented a rupture of the anterior horn. The patient presented no preoperative or postoperative neurological deficit, and his follow-up review revealed no issues. LESSONS Posterior intraprosthetic dislocation is an extremely rare complication. It may occur with Mobi-C cervical arthroplasty in the case of rupture and oxidation of the polyethylene insert. Spine surgeons should be aware of this potential major complication.

scholarly journals Late complication of cervical disc arthroplasty: heterotopic ossification causing myelopathy after 10 years. Illustrative case

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Che-Han Hsu ◽  
Yi-Hsuan Kuo ◽  
Chao-Hung Kuo ◽  
Chin-Chu Ko ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Late Complication ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Secondary Surgery ◽  
Disc Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-documented complication of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), although it rarely causes adverse clinical effects. Despite high-grade HO possibly limiting segmental mobility, it is reportedly seldom associated with symptoms. OBSERVATIONS The authors report a case of a 46-year-old male patient who underwent hybrid CDA and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for 3-level cervical disc herniation that caused myeloradiculopathy. The surgery was successful; the patient experienced nearly complete recovery postoperatively. The follow-up images, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans, showed satisfactory decompression at the indexed levels without residual osteophytes or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. However, 10 years later, the patient presented with symptomatic compressive myelopathy caused by severe HO that prompted a secondary surgery. LESSONS Although it is generally reported in the literature that HO is clinically innocuous, in this patient, it gradually and progressively developed and caused myelopathy, requiring a secondary surgery. Symptomatic HO can be expected over time, and patients with a high risk of HO deserve long-term follow-up after CDA. Further investigations are warranted to corroborate these risk factors, including multilevel calcified disc herniation, severe spondylosis, and suboptimal placement of the device during primary CDA surgery.

scholarly journals Microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) for the treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation: report of the surgical technique, patient selection, and clinical outcomes

BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Wang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Tang ◽  
Haifei Cao ◽  
Qinyong Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Learning Curve ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Operation Duration ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background The area which located at the medial pedicle, posterior vertebral body and ventral hemilamina is defined as the hidden zone. Surgical management of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation (HZLDH) is technically challenging due to its difficult surgical exposure. The conventional interlaminar approach harbors the potential risk of post-surgical instability, while other approaches consist of complicated procedures with a steep learning curve and prolonged operation time. Objective To introduce microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) technique for treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation and present clinical outcomes. Methods Between Jan 2016 to Jan 2018, twenty one patients (13 males) with HZLDH were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MELS (19 patients underwent sequestrectomy only, 2 patients underwent an additional inferior discectomy). The nerve root and fragment were visually exposed using MELS. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 (18–24) months. The mean operation time was 32.43 ± 7.19 min and the mean blood loss was 25.52 ± 5.37 ml. All patients showed complete neurological symptom relief after surgery. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to those before operation (7.88 ± 0.70 vs 0.10 ± 0.30, 59.24 ± 10.83 vs 11.29 ± 3.59, respectively, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (81%) obtained an “excellent” outcome and the remaining four (19%) patients obtained a “good” outcome based the MacNab criteria. One patient suffered reherniation at the same level one year after the initial surgery and underwent a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. No major complications and postoperative instability were observed. Conclusions Our observation suggest that MELS is safe and effective in the management of HZLDH. Due to its relative simplicity, it comprises a flat surgical learning curve and shorter operation duration, and overall results in reduced disturbance to lumbar stability.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document