Clinical Results and Complications of Circumferential Spinal Cord Decompression Through a Single Posterior Approach for Thoracic Myelopathy Caused by Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

OBJECTIVEThe range of decompression in posterior decompression and fixation for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine (T-OPLL) can be established using an index of spinal cord decompression based on the ossification-kyphosis angle (OKA) measured in the sagittal view on MRI. However, an appropriate OKA cannot be achieved in some cases, and posterior fixation is applied in cases with insufficient decompression. Moreover, it is unclear whether spinal cord decompression of the ventral side is essential for the treatment of OPLL. In this retrospective analysis, the efficacy of posterior decompression and fixation performed for T-OPLL was investigated after the range of posterior decompression had been set using the OKA.METHODSThe MRI-based OKA is the angle from the superior margin at the cranial vertebral body of the decompression site and from the lower posterior margin at the caudal vertebral body of the decompression site to the prominence of the maximum OPLL. Posterior decompression and fixation were performed in 20 patients. The decompression range was set so that the OKA was ≤ 23° or the minimum if this value could not be achieved. Cases in which an OKA ≤ 23° could and could not be achieved were designated as groups U (13 patients) and O (7 patients), respectively. The mean patient ages were 50.5 and 62.1 years (p = 0.03) and the mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were 5.9 and 6.0 (p = 0.9) in groups U and O, respectively. The postoperative JOA score, rate of improvement of the JOA score, number of levels fused, number of decompression levels, presence of an echo-free space during surgery, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complications were examined.RESULTSIn groups U and O, the mean rates of improvement in the JOA score were 50.0% and 45.6% (p = 0.3), the numbers of levels fused were 6.7 and 6.4 (p = 0.8), the numbers of decompression levels were 5.9 and 7.4 (p = 0.3), an echo-free space was noted during surgery in 92.3% and 42.9% of cases (p = 0.03), the operative times were 292 and 238 minutes (p = 0.3), and the intraoperative blood losses were 422 and 649 ml (p = 0.7), and transient aggravation of paralysis occurred as a perioperative complication in 2 and 1 patient, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThere was no significant difference with regard to the recovery rate of the JOA score between patients with (group U) and without (group O) sufficient spinal cord decompression. The first-line surgical procedure of posterior decompression and fixation with the range of posterior decompression set as an OKA ≤ 23° before surgery involves less risk of postoperative aggravation of paralysis and may result in a better outcome.

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Local Spinal Cord Decompression through a Full-Endoscopic Percutaneous Transcorporeal Approach for the Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament at the T1-T2 Level

Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery ◽

10.31579/2578-8868/006/ ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 01-02

Author(s):

Wenbo Liao

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽

Spinal Cord Decompression

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Microsurgical resection of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine via the transthoracic approach without spinal fusion: case series and technical note

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2019.3.spine181388 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 326-333

Author(s):

Ryo Kanematsu ◽

Junya Hanakita ◽

Toshiyuki Takahashi ◽

Yosuke Tomita ◽

Manabu Minami

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Spinal Fusion ◽

Thoracic Spine ◽

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽

Anterolateral Approach ◽

Thoracic Myelopathy ◽

Kyphotic Angle ◽

Thoracic Spinal Cord ◽

Csf Leakage ◽

The Mean

OBJECTIVESurgical management of thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains challenging because of the anatomical complexity of the thoracic spine and the fragility of the thoracic spinal cord. Several surgical approaches have been described, but it remains unclear which of these is the most effective. The present study describes the microsurgical removal of OPLL in the middle thoracic level via the transthoracic anterolateral approach without spinal fusion, including the surgical outcome and operative tips.METHODSBetween 2002 and 2017, a total of 8 patients with thoracic myelopathy due to OPLL were surgically treated via the transthoracic anterolateral approach without spinal fusion. The surgical techniques are described in detail. Clinical outcome, surgical complications, and the pre- and postoperative thoracic kyphotic angle were assessed.RESULTSThe mean patient age at the time of surgery was 55 years (range 47–77 years). There were 5 women and 3 men. The surgically treated levels were within T3–9. The clinical symptoms and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score improved postoperatively in 7 cases, but did not change in 1 case. The mean JOA score increased from 6.4 preoperatively to 7.5 postoperatively (recovery rate 26%). Intraoperative CSF leakage occurred in 4 cases, and was successfully treated with fibrin glue sealing and spinal drainage. The mean follow-up period was 82.6 months (range 15.3–169 months). None of the patients had deterioration of the thoracic kyphotic angle.CONCLUSIONSAnterior decompression is the logical and ideal procedure to treat thoracic myelopathy caused by OPLL on the concave side of the spinal cord; however, this procedure is technically demanding. Microsurgery via the transthoracic anterolateral approach enables direct visualization of the thoracic ventral ossified lesion. The use of microscopic procedures might negate the need for bone grafting or spinal instrumentation.

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Novel surgical technique for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2012.9.spine12617 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 525-529 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Satoshi Kato ◽

Hideki Murakami ◽

Satoru Demura ◽

Katsuhito Yoshioka ◽

Hiroyuki Hayashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Posterior Approach ◽

Complete Removal ◽

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽

Technical Note ◽

Anterior Decompression ◽

Total Resection ◽

Novel Technique ◽

Dural Sac ◽

Single Posterior Approach ◽

Posterior Instrumented Fusion

Several surgical procedures have been developed to treat thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). However, favorable surgical results are not always achieved, and consistent protocols and procedures for surgical treatment of thoracic OPLL have not been established. This technical note describes a novel technique to achieve anterior decompression via a single posterior approach. Three patients with a beak-type thoracic OPLL underwent surgery in which the authors' technique was used. Complete removal of the ossified PLL was achieved in all cases. With the patient in the prone position, the authors performed total resection of the posterior elements at the anterior decompression levels. This maneuver included not only laminectomies but also removal of the transverse processes and pedicles, which allowed space to be created bilaterally at the sides of the dural sac for the subsequent anterior decompression. The thoracic nerves at the levels of anterior decompression were ligated bilaterally and lifted up to manipulate the ossified ligament and the dural sac. An anterior decompression was then performed posteriorly. The PLL was floated without any difficulty. After exfoliation of the adhesions between the ossified ligament and the ventral aspect of the dural sac, the ossified PLL was removed. In every step of the anterior decompression, the space created in the bilateral sides of the dural sac allowed the surgeons to see the OPLL and anterolateral aspect of the dural sac directly and easily. After removal of the ossified PLL, posterior instrumented fusion was performed. This surgical procedure allows the surgeon to perform, safely and effectively, anterior decompression via a posterior approach for thoracic OPLL.

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Anterior decompression through a posterior approach for thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a novel concept in anterior decompression and technical notes with the preliminary outcomes

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2021.4.spine213 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Haruo Kanno ◽

Toshimi Aizawa ◽

Ko Hashimoto ◽

Eiji Itoi ◽

Hiroshi Ozawa

Keyword(s):

Surgical Technique ◽

Posterior Approach ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽

Anterior Decompression ◽

Thoracic Myelopathy ◽

Posterior Portion ◽

Vertebral Bodies ◽

Novel Concept

OBJECTIVE Various surgical procedures are used to manage thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). However, the outcomes of surgery for thoracic OPLL are generally unfavorable in comparison to surgery for cervical OPLL. Previous studies have shown a significant risk of perioperative complications in surgery for thoracic OPLL. Thus, a safe and secure surgical method to ensure better neurological recovery with less perioperative complications is needed. The authors report a novel concept of anterior decompression through a posterior approach aimed at anterior shift of the OPLL during surgery rather than extirpation or size reduction of the OPLL. This surgical technique can securely achieve anterior shift of the OPLL using a curved drill, threadwire saw, and curved rongeur. The preliminary outcomes were investigated to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique. METHODS This study included 10 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for thoracic OPLL. Surgical outcomes, including the ambulatory status, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and perioperative complications, were investigated retrospectively. In this surgery, pedicle screws are introduced at least three levels above and below the corresponding levels. The laminae, facet joints, transverse processes, and pedicles are then removed bilaterally at levels wherein subsequent anterior decompression is performed. For anterior decompression, the OPLL and posterior portion of the vertebral bodies are partially resected using a high-speed drill with a curved burr, enabling the removal of osseous tissues just ventral to the spinal cord without retracting the dural sac. To securely shift the OPLL anteriorly, the intact PLL and posterior portion of the vertebral bodies cranial and caudal to the lesion are completely resected using a threadwire saw and/or curved rongeur. Rods are connected to the screws, and bone grafting is performed for posterolateral fusion. RESULTS Five patients were nonambulatory before surgery, but all were able to walk at the final follow-up. The average JOA score before surgery and at the final follow-up was 3.2 and 8.8 points, respectively. Notably, the mean recovery rate of JOA score was 72%. Furthermore, no patients showed neurological deterioration postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The surgical technique is a useful alternative for safely achieving sufficient anterior decompression through a posterior approach and may consequently reduce the risk of postoperative neurological deterioration and improve surgical outcomes in patients with thoracic OPLL.

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