Posterior Cervical Fusion Using Cervical Interfacet Spacers in Patients With Symptomatic Cervical Pseudarthrosis

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 661-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manish K. Kasliwal ◽  
Jacquelyn A. Corley ◽  
Vincent C. Traynelis

Abstract BACKGROUND: Posterior cervical fusion with cervical interfacet spacer (CIS) is a novel allograft technology offering the potential to provide indirect neuroforaminal decompression while simultaneously enhancing fusion by placing the allograft in compression. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes after posterior cervical fusion with CIS in patients with symptomatic anterior cervical pseudarthroses. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent posterior cervical fusion with CIS for symptomatic pseudarthrosis after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion were reviewed. Standardized outcome measures such as visual analog scale (VAS) score for neck and arm pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and upright lateral cervical radiographs were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 19 patients with symptomatic cervical pseudarthrosis. Preoperative symptoms included refractory neck or arm pain. The average follow-up was 20 months (range, 12-56 months). There was improvement in VAS score for neck pain (P < .004), radicular arm pain (P < .007), and NDI score (P < .06) after surgery, with 83%, 72%, and 67% of patients showing improvement in their VAS neck pain, VAS arm pain, and NDI scores, respectively. Fusion rate was high, with fusion occurring at all levels treated for pseudarthrosis. There was a small improvement in cervical lordosis (mean difference, 2 ± 5.17°; P = .09) and slight worsening of C2-7 sagittal vertical axis after surgery (mean difference, 1.89 ± 7.87 mm; P = .43). CONCLUSION: CIS provides an important fusion technique, allowing placement of an allograft in compression for posterior cervical fusion in patients with anterior cervical pseudarthroses. Although there was improvement in clinical outcome measures after surgery, placement of CIS had no clinically significant impact on cervical lordosis and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis.

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-217
Author(s):  
Min Yong Lee ◽  
Heewon Jeon ◽  
Ji Soo Choi ◽  
Yulhyun Park ◽  
Ju Seok Ryu

Objective To explore if the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program restores cervical lordosis and reduces neck pain in patients with loss of cervical lordosis.Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Eighty-three patients with loss of cervical lordosis were eligible. The eligible patients were trained to perform the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program by a physiatrist, and were scheduled for a follow-up 6 to 8 weeks later to check the post-exercise pain intensity and lateral radiograph of the cervical spine in a comfortable position. The parameters of cervical alignment (4-line Cobb’s angle, posterior tangent method, and sagittal vertical axis) were measured from the lateral radiograph.Results Forty-seven patients were included. The mean age was 48.29±14.47 years. Cervical alignment and neck pain significantly improved after undergoing the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program (p≤0.001). The upper cervical lordotic angle also significantly improved (p=0.001). In a subgroup analysis, which involved dividing the patients into two age groups (<50 years and ≥50 years), the change of the sagittal vertical axis was significantly greater in the <50 years group (p=0.021).Conclusion The modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program tends to improve cervical lordosis and neck pain in patients with loss of cervical lordosis.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 102S-103S
Author(s):  
Sarah Jernigan ◽  
Leah Carreon ◽  
Mitchell Campbell ◽  
James Smith ◽  
John Johnson ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Hai V. Le ◽  
Joseph B. Wick ◽  
Renaud Lafage ◽  
Gregory M. Mundis ◽  
Robert K. Eastlack ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE The authors’ objective was to determine whether preoperative lateral extension cervical spine radiography can be used to predict osteotomy type and postoperative alignment parameters after cervical spine deformity surgery. METHODS A total of 106 patients with cervical spine deformity were reviewed. Radiographic parameters on preoperative cervical neutral and extension lateral radiography were compared with 3-month postoperative radiographic alignment parameters. The parameters included T1 slope, C2 slope, C2–7 cervical lordosis, cervical sagittal vertical axis, and T1 slope minus cervical lordosis. Associations of radiographic parameters with osteotomy type and surgical approach were also assessed. RESULTS On extension lateral radiography, patients who underwent lower grade osteotomy had significantly lower T1 slope, T1 slope minus cervical lordosis, cervical sagittal vertical axis, and C2 slope. Patients who achieved more normal parameters on extension lateral radiography were more likely to undergo surgery via an anterior approach. Although baseline parameters were significantly different between neutral lateral and extension lateral radiographs, 3-month postoperative lateral and preoperative extension lateral radiographs were statistically similar for T1 slope minus cervical lordosis and C2 slope. CONCLUSIONS Radiographic parameters on preoperative extension lateral radiography were significantly associated with surgical approach and osteotomy grade and were similar to those on 3-month postoperative lateral radiography. These results demonstrated that extension lateral radiography is useful for preoperative planning and predicting postoperative alignment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Ho Lee ◽  
Choon Sung Lee ◽  
Chang Ju Hwang ◽  
Jae Hwan Cho ◽  
Jae-Woo Park ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEVertebral body sliding osteotomy (VBSO) is a safe, novel technique for anterior decompression in patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Another advantage of VBSO may be the restoration of cervical lordosis through multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) above and below the osteotomy level. This study aimed to evaluate the improvement and maintenance of cervical lordosis and sagittal alignment after VBSO.METHODSA total of 65 patients were included; 34 patients had undergone VBSO, and 31 had undergone anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs were used to evaluate the improvements in cervical lordosis and sagittal alignment after VBSO. C0–2 lordosis, C2–7 lordosis, segmental lordosis, C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were measured. Subgroup analysis was performed between 15 patients with 1-level VBSO and 19 patients with 2-level VBSO. Patients with 1-level VBSO were compared to patients who had undergone 1-level ACCF.RESULTSC0–2 lordosis (41.3° ± 7.1°), C2–7 lordosis (7.1° ± 12.8°), segmental lordosis (3.1° ± 9.2°), and C2–7 SVA (21.5 ± 11.7 mm) showed significant improvements at the final follow-up (39.3° ± 7.2°, 13° ± 9.9°, 15.2° ± 8.5°, and 18.4 ± 7.9 mm, respectively) after VBSO (p = 0.049, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.038, respectively). The postoperative segmental lordosis was significantly larger in 2-level VBSO (18.8° ± 11.6°) than 1-level VBSO (10.3° ± 5.5°, p = 0.014). The final segmental lordosis was larger in the 1-level VBSO (12.5° ± 6.2°) than the 1-level ACCF (7.2° ± 7.6°, p = 0.023). Segmental lordosis increased postoperatively (p < 0.001) and was maintained until the final follow-up (p = 0.062) after VBSO. However, the postoperatively improved segmental lordosis (p < 0.001) decreased at the final follow-up (p = 0.045) after ACCF.CONCLUSIONSNot only C2–7 lordosis and segmental lordosis, but also C0–2 lordosis and C2–7 SVA improved at the final follow-up after VBSO. VBSO improves segmental cervical lordosis markedly through multiple ACDFs above and below the VBSO level, and a preserved vertebral body may provide more structural support.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Hyun Noh ◽  
Jeong Yoon Park ◽  
Sung Uk Kuh ◽  
Dong Kyu Chin ◽  
Keun Su Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Many patients who appealed cervical radiculopathy have stenosis of neural foramens because of cumulative osteophyte or uncovertebral joint hypertrophy. For cervical foraminal stenosis, complete UPR conducted concurrently with ACDF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological consequences of complete uncinate process resection (UPR) during anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus those seen with ACDF without UPR. Methods: In total, 105 patients who underwent one-level ACDF with a cage-and-plate construct between 2011 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 37 underwent ACDF with complete UPR, and 68 underwent ACDF without UPR. Radiographic parameters of disc height, C2–C7 lordosis, T1 slope, C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), center of the sellar turcica–C7 SVA (St-SVA), spinocranial angle (SCA), and fusion rate were measured on plain radiographs at pre-operation, immediately post-operation, and during the follow-up period (median follow-up duration: 37.7 ± 10.5 months). Results: Improvement in Visual analogue scale (VAS) score for arm pain was significantly better in the ACDF with complete UPR group immediately post-operation. Fusion rates, C2–C7 lordosis, T1 slope, and C2–C7 SVA after single-level ACDF were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). Subsidence occurred in 23 patients (ACDF with complete UPR: 14 cases [37%] versus ACDF without UPR: 9 cases [13%]; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Cervical sagittal alignment after ACDF with complete UPR is not significantly different from that achieved with ACDF without UPR. However, subsidence occurred more frequently after ACDF with complete UPR than after ACDF without UPR, although there was no clinical impact. More precise and careful selection of patients is needed when deciding on additional complete UPR.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darryl Lau ◽  
Anthony M. DiGiorgio ◽  
Andrew K. Chan ◽  
Cecilia L. Dalle Ore ◽  
Michael S. Virk ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEUnderstanding what influences pain and disability following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with degenerative cervical spine disease is critical. This study examines the timing of clinical improvement and identifies factors (including spinal alignment) associated with worse outcomes.METHODSConsecutive adult patients were enrolled in a prospective outcomes database from two academic centers participating in the Quality Outcomes Database from 2013 to 2016. Demographics, surgical details, radiographic data, arm and neck pain (visual analog scale [VAS] scores), and disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI] and EQ-5D scores) were reviewed. Multivariate analysis was used.RESULTSA total of 186 patients were included, and 48.4% were male. Their mean age was 55.4 years, and 45.7% had myelopathy. Preoperative cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), cervical lordosis (CL), and T1 slope values were 24.9 mm (range 0–55 mm), 10.4° (range −6.0° to 44°), and 28.3° (range 14.0°–51.0°), respectively. ACDF was performed at 1, 2, and 3 levels in 47.8%, 42.0%, and 10.2% of patients, respectively. Preoperative neck and arm VAS scores were 5.7 and 5.4, respectively. NDI and EQ-5D scores were 22.1 and 0.5, respectively. There was significant improvement in all outcomes at 3 months (p < 0.001) and 12 months (p < 0.001). At 3 months, neck VAS (3.0), arm VAS (2.2), NDI (12.7), and EQ-5D (0.7) scores were improved, and at 12 months, neck VAS (2.8), arm VAS (2.3), NDI (11.7), and EQ-5D (0.8) score improvements were sustained. Improvements occurred within the first 3-month period; there was no significant difference in outcomes between the 3-month and 12-month mark. There was no correlation among cSVA, CL, or T1 slope with any outcome endpoint. The most consistent independent preoperative factors associated with worse outcomes were high neck and arm VAS scores and a severe NDI result (p < 0.001). Similar findings were seen with worse NDI and EQ-5D scores (p < 0.001). A significant linear trend of worse NDI and EQ-5D scores at 3 and 12 months was associated with worse baseline scores. Of the 186 patients, 171 (91.9%) had 3-month follow-up data, and 162 (87.1%) had 12-month follow-up data.CONCLUSIONSACDF is effective in improving pain and disability, and improvement occurs within 3 months of surgery. cSVA, CL, and T1 slope do not appear to influence outcomes following ACDF surgery in the population with degenerative cervical disease. Therefore, in patients with relatively normal cervical parameters, augmenting alignment or lordosis is likely unnecessary. Worse preoperative pain and disability were independently associated with worse outcomes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 466-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee A. Tan ◽  
David C. Straus ◽  
Vincent C. Traynelis

OBJECT The cervical interfacet spacer (CIS) is a relatively new technology that can increase foraminal height and area by facet distraction. These offer the potential to provide indirect neuroforaminal decompression while simultaneously enhancing fusion potential due to the relatively large osteoconductive surface area and compressive forces exerted on the grafts. These potential benefits, along with the relative ease of implantation during posterior cervical fusion procedures, make the CIS an attractive adjuvant in the management of cervical pathology. One concern with the use of interfacet spacers is the theoretical risk of inducing iatrogenic kyphosis. This work tests the hypothesis that interfacet spacers are associated with loss of cervical lordosis. METHODS Records from patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion at Rush University Medical Center between March 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed. The FacetLift CISs were used in all patients. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic data were reviewed and the Ishihara indices and cervical lordotic angles were measured and recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software. RESULTS A total of 64 patients were identified in whom 154 cervical levels were implanted with machined allograft interfacet spacers. Of these, 15 patients underwent anterior-posterior fusions, 4 underwent anterior-posterior-anterior fusions, and the remaining 45 patients underwent posterior-only fusions. In the 45 patients with posterior-only fusions, a total of 110 levels were treated with spacers. There were 14 patients (31%) with a single level treated, 16 patients (36%) with two levels treated, 5 patients (11%) with three levels treated, 5 patients (11%) with four levels treated, 1 patient (2%) with five levels treated, and 4 patients (9%) with six levels treated. Complete radiographic data were available in 38 of 45 patients (84%). On average, radiographic follow-up was obtained at 256.9 days (range 48–524 days). There was no significant difference in the Ishihara index (5.76 preoperatively and 6.17 postoperatively, p = 0.8037). The analysis had 80% power to detect a change of 4.25 in the Ishihara index at p = 0.05. There was no significant difference in the preand postoperative cervical lordotic angles (35.6° preoperatively and 33.6° postoperatively, p = 0.2678). The analysis had 80% power to detect a 7° change in the cervical lordotic angle at p = 0.05. The ANOVA of the Ishihara index and cervical lordotic angle did not show a statistically significant difference in degree of change in cervical lordosis among patients with a different number of levels of CIS insertion (p = 0.25 and p = 0.96, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In the authors' experience of placing CISs in more than 100 levels, they found no evidence of significant loss of cervical lordosis. The long-term impacts of these implants on fusion rates and clinical outcomes (particularly radiculopathy and postoperative C-5 palsies) remain active areas of interest and fertile ground for further studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Kyoung-Sun Park ◽  
Suna Kim ◽  
Changnyun Kim ◽  
Ji-Yeon Seo ◽  
Hyunwoo Cho ◽  
...  

Background: This two-arm, parallel, pragmatic, multicenter, clinical randomized, controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up period aimed to compare the effectiveness of pharmacopuncture therapy and physical therapy strategies for chronic neck pain. Methods: Eight sessions of pharmacopuncture therapy or physical therapy were administered within 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for neck pain. The secondary outcomes were the scores of the Northwick Park questionnaire (NPQ), VAS score for radiating arm pain, numeric rating scale (NRS) for neck and arm bothersomeness, neck disability index (NDI), patient global impression of change (PGIC), 12-item short form health survey (SF-12), and EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. The protocol was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04035018) and CRIS (KCT0004243). Results: We randomly allocated 101 participants with chronic neck pain to the pharmacopuncture therapy (n = 50) or physical therapy group (n = 51). At the primary endpoint (week 5) the pharmacopuncture therapy group showed significantly superior effects regarding VAS score for neck pain and arm bothersomeness, NRS for neck pain, NDI, NPQ, and PGIC compared with the physical therapy group. These effects were sustained up to 12 weeks after follow-up. Conclusion: Compared with physical therapy, pharmacopuncture therapy had superior effects on the pain and functional recovery of patients with chronic neck pain.


2018 ◽  
pp. 101-108
Author(s):  
Michael Karsy ◽  
Ilyas Eli ◽  
Andrew Dailey

Degenerative cervical spondylosis resulting in cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy can be a significant source of morbidity for patients. Traditional surgical approaches have involved anterior or posterior cervical fusion with decompression; however, these techniques may result in higher cost compared with noninstrumented cases, reduction of spine mobility, and adjacent level disease. Anterior microforaminotomy, first described by Jho in 1996, involves a microdiscectomy and decompression of the cervical spine without arthrodesis. Posterior approaches to the foramina can also be an option. In this chapter, the authors describe the use of lateral disc foraminotomies in the treatment of cervical spine disease. These techniques are mainly for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy without instability or mechanical neck pain. Techniques for both anterior and posterior approaches, including pitfalls and key anatomical landmarks, are described.


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