Critical Analysis of Extensive Cervical Laminectomy

Neurosurgery ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Ishida ◽  
Kazuhiro Suzuki ◽  
Kazuo Ohmori ◽  
Yoji Kikata ◽  
Yoshiaki Hattori
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Spinal Deformity ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Paraspinal Muscles ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Spinal Movement

Abstract Conventional extensive laminectomy has been widely performed to reduce spinal cord compression, and is greatly facilitated by the use of an air drill. Laminectomy is recognized, however, as the occasional cause of problems after surgery, such as spinal instability or deformity, acceleration of spondylotic change, constriction of the dura mater caused by extradural scar formation, and lack of posterior bony protection for the spinal cord. In an effort to eliminate these negative aspects of conventional laminectomy, a surgical technique called suspension laminotomy has been used. Fiftyfive patients treated with conventional extensive laminectomy and 55 others treated with suspension laminotomy were followed up clinically and compared. Flexibility and alignment of the cervical spine were assessed by plane radiographs, and dural configuration by computed tomographic scans. Neurologic improvement was also evaluated. Decrease of spinal movement after laminectomy was observed, notably during extension, probably as a result of functional insufficiency of paraspinal muscles. The incidence of postoperative spinal deformity was lower and the relief of dural constriction better in the patients treated with suspension laminotomy than in those treated with conventional laminectomy. Neurological recovery was significantly better in fully decompressed cases than in insufficiently decompressed cases.

Osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine resulting from radiotherapy for primary head and neck malignancies: operative and nonoperative management

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Donovan ◽  
Thanh V. Huynh ◽  
Eric B. Purdom ◽  
Robert E. Johnson ◽  
Joseph C. Sniezek
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Hyperbaric Oxygen ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Spinal Stability ◽  
Head And Neck Malignancies

✓ Osteoradionecrosis is a process of dysvascular bone necrosis and fibrous replacement following exposure to high doses of radiation. The poorly vascularized necrotic tissue may cause pain and/or instability, and it cannot resist infection well, which may result in secondary osteomyelitis. When these processes affect the cervical spine, the resulting instability and neurological deficits can be devastating, and immediate reestablishment of spinal stability is paramount. Reconstruction of the cervical spine can be particularly challenging in this subgroup of patients in whom the spine is poorly vascularized after radical surgery, high-dose irradiation, and infection. The authors report three cases of cervical spine osteoradionecrosis following radiotherapy for primary head and neck malignancies. Two patients suffered secondary osteomyelitis, severe spinal deformity, and spinal cord compression. These patients underwent surgery in which a vascularized fibular graft and instrumentation were used to reconstruct the cervical spine; subsequently hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy was instituted. Fusion occurred, spinal stability was restored, and neurological dysfunction resolved at the 2- and 4-year follow-up examinations, respectively. The third patient experienced pain and dysphagia but did not have osteomyelitis, spinal instability, or neurological deficits. He underwent HBO therapy alone, with improved symptoms and imaging findings. Hyperbaric oxygen is an essential part of treatment for osteoradionecrosis and may be sufficient by itself for uncomplicated cases, but surgery is required for patients with spinal instability, spinal cord compression, and/or infection. A vascularized fibular bone graft is a very helpful adjunct in these patients because it adds little morbidity and may increase the rate of spinal fusion.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of spinal cord and column tumors

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i5-i9
Author(s):  
Joshua T Wewel ◽  
John E O’Toole
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Spinal Metastases ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Tumor Pathology ◽  
Pathologic Fractures

Abstract The spine is a frequent location for metastatic disease. As local control of primary tumor pathology continues to improve, survival rates improve and, by extension, the opportunity for metastasis increases. Breast, lung, and prostate cancer are the leading contributors to spinal metastases. Spinal metastases can manifest as bone pain, pathologic fractures, spinal instability, nerve root compression, and, in its most severe form, spinal cord compression. The global extent of disease, the spinal burden, neurologic status, and life expectancy help to categorize patients as to their candidacy for treatment options. Efficient identification and workup of those with spinal metastases will expedite the treatment cascade and improve quality of life.

Resection of 2 Intradural Extramedullary Cervical Spine Tumors in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 2: 3-Dimensional Operative Video

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-274
Author(s):  
Simone E Dekker ◽  
Chad A Glenn ◽  
Thomas A Ostergard ◽  
Osmond C Wu ◽  
Fernando Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Intradural Extramedullary

Abstract This 3-dimensional operative video illustrates resection of 2 cervical spine schwannomas in a 19-yr-old female with neurofibromatosis type 2. The patient presented with lower extremity hyperreflexity and hypertonicity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated 2 contrast-enhancing intradural extramedullary cervical spine lesions causing spinal cord compression at C4 and C5. The patient underwent a posterior cervical laminoplasty with a midline dural opening for tumor resection. Curvilinear spine cord compression is demonstrated in the operative video. After meticulous dissection, the tumors were resected without complication. The dural closure was performed in watertight fashion followed by laminoplasty using osteoplastic titanium miniplates and screws. Postoperative MRI demonstrated gross total resection with excellent decompression of the spinal cord. The postoperative course was uneventful. The natural history of this disease, treatment options, and potential complications are discussed.

Evaluation of Cervical Spine Surgery by Postoperative Myelography

Neurosurgery ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. Fager
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Spontaneous Remission ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Nerve Root Compression ◽  
Cervical Fusion ◽  
Cervical Spine Surgery ◽  
Cervical Spine Fusion

Abstract After spontaneous remission of nerve root compression, a myelographic defect may persist. Similarly, myelopathy may remain nonprogressive for long periods despite appreciable myelographic deformity. Although operation may arrest or improve the symptoms of cervical disc lesions and spondylosis, the ultimate confirmation that entrapped neural elements have been relieved permanently can only be provided by postoperative myelography. Preoperative and postoperative myelography documents the significant improvement that can be achieved by using posterolateral and posterior approaches to the cervical spine in patients with nerve root or spinal cord compression. The results in this group of patients were achieved with none of the disadvantages or complications of cervical spine fusion or of the interbody removal of cervical disc tissue, also leading to cervical fusion.

Epidural Lipomatosis Simulating an Epidural Abscess: Case Report and Literature Review

Neurosurgery ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 744-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regis W. Haid ◽  
Howard H. Kaufman ◽  
Sydney S. Schochet ◽  
Gary D. Marano
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Epidural Abscess ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Fatty Tissue ◽  
Epidural Lipomatosis ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Dose Corticosteroid ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus Pneumonia ◽  
And Staphylococcus Aureus

Abstract A case of epidural lipomatosis in a 49-year-old man presenting with paraparesis, midthoracic pain, and Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia is reported. The patient had been on low dose corticosteroid therapy for 7 years for rheumatoid arthritis. The clinical and myelographic findings suggested a diagnosis of epidural abscess, but the only abnormality discovered at operation was abundant fatty tissue in the dorsal epidural space significantly compressing the spinal cord, and this was partially removed. Postoperative neurological improvement suggested that the lipomatosis was responsible for the spinal cord compression and dysfunction. If this diagnosis had been suspected, it might have been confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or postmyelography computed tomographic scanning. With such a diagnosis, an alternative treatment could have been to decrease the steroid dose, observe for clinical improvement, and perhaps avoid operation. (Neurosurgery 21:744-747, 1987)

Radiation-Sensitive Spine Tumor

2018 ◽  
pp. 159-174
Author(s):  
Adam M. Robin ◽  
Ilya Laufer
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Spinal Metastases ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
External Beam Radiation ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Mechanical Instability

A decision-making framework called NOMS (neurologic, oncologic, mechanical and systemic) facilitates and guides therapeutic decisions for patients with spinal metastases. Patients should be evaluated for signs of myelopathy or cauda equina syndrome. The Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (ESCC) scale facilitates reporting of the degree of radiographic spinal cord compression. A determination of the expected histology-specific tumor response to conventionally fractionated external beam radiation (cEBRT) and systemic therapy should be made. Radiation therapy effectively treats biologic pain for radiosensitive tumors such as multiple myeloma. Patients should undergo a careful evaluation of movement-associated pain as tumor-induced spinal instability is an independent indication for surgery. Determination of tumor-associated mechanical instability can be facilitated by the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS). Herein, the authors present a case of spinal multiple myeloma managed using the NOMS framework and in consideration of current evidence and treatment paradigms.

Severe Spinal Cord Compression by Pure Giant Intradural Schwannoma of Cervical Spine

2018 ◽  
Vol 110 ◽  
pp. 17-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Quillo-Olvera ◽  
Guang-Xun Lin ◽  
Jin-Sung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cord Compression

ANTERIOR CERVICAL APPROACH FOR THE TREATMENT OF CERVICAL MYELOPATHY

Neurosurgery ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S1-64-S1-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. Matz ◽  
Patrick R. Pritchard ◽  
Mark N. Hadley
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Recovery Of Function ◽  
Surgical Decompression ◽  
Cervical Approach ◽  
Anterior Cervical Approach

Abstract COMPRESSION OF THE spinal cord by the degenerating cervical spine tends to lead to progressive clinical symptoms over a variable period of time. Surgical decompression can stop this process and lead to recovery of function. The choice of surgical technique depends on what is causing the compression of the spinal cord. This article reviews the symptoms and assessment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (clinically evident compression of the spinal cord) and discusses the indications for decompression of the spinal cord anteriorly.

The use of flexion-extension magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating signal intensity changes of the cervical spinal cord

2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kern H. Guppy ◽  
Mark Hawk ◽  
Indro Chakrabarti ◽  
Amit Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Dynamic Mr

The authors present 2 cases involving patients who presented with myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed spinal cord signal changes on T2-weighted images without any spinal cord compression. Flexion-extension plain radiographs of the spine showed no instability. Dynamic MR imaging of the cervical spine, however, showed spinal cord compression on extension. Compression of the spinal cord was caused by dynamic anulus bulging and ligamentum flavum buckling. This report emphasizes the need for dynamic MR imaging of the cervical spine for evaluating spinal cord changes on neutral position MR imaging before further workup for other causes such as demyelinating disease.

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