scholarly journals Foramen magnum decompression without bone removal: C1–C2 posterior fixation for Chiari with congenital atlantoaxial dislocation/basilar invagination

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pravin Salunke ◽  
Madhivanan Karthigeyan ◽  
Puneet Malik
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Atlantoaxial Dislocation ◽  
Posterior Fixation ◽  
Foramen Magnum Decompression ◽  
Radiological Data ◽  
C2 Fixation ◽  
Small Posterior Fossa

Background: Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) and basilar invagination (BI) may coexist with Chiari malformations (CM) and a small posterior fossa volume. These are typically treated with craniovertebral junction fusion and foramen magnum decompression (FMD). Here, we evaluated whether C1–C2 posterior reduction and fixation (which possibly opens up the ventral foramen magnum) would effectively treat AAD and CM without additionally performing FMD. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 38 patients with BI, AAD, and CM who underwent C1–C2 posterior reduction and fusion without FMD. Baseline and follow-up clinical, demographic, and radiological data were evaluated. Results: The vast majority of patients (91.9%) improved both clinically and radiographically following C1–C2 fixation alone; none later required direct FMD. Notably, AAD was irreducible in 25 (65.8%) patients. Preoperatively, syringomyelia was present in 28 (73.7%) patients and showed resolution. In 3 (8.1%) patients, resolution of syrinxes did not translate into clinical improvement. Of interest, 5 patients who sustained inadvertent dural lacerations exhibited transient postoperative neurological worsening. Conclusions: Posterior C1–C2 distraction and fusion alone effectively treated AAD, BI, accompanied by CM. The procedure sufficiently distracted the dens, reversed dural tenting, and restored the posterior fossa volume while relieving ventral brainstem compression making FMD unnecessary. Surgeons should, however, be aware that inadvertent dural lacerations might contribute to unwanted neurological deterioration.

scholarly journals Is atlantoaxial instability the cause of Chiari malformation? Outcome analysis of 65 patients treated by atlantoaxial fixation

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Goel
Keyword(s):  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Neurological Function ◽  
Atlantoaxial Dislocation ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Foramen Magnum Decompression ◽  
Atlantoaxial Fixation ◽  
Atlantoaxial Stabilization

OBJECT Understanding that atlantoaxial instability is the cause of Chiari malformation (CM), the author treated 65 patients using atlantoaxial stabilization. The results are analyzed. METHODS Cases of CM treated using atlantoaxial fixation during the period from January 2010 to November 2013 were reviewed and analyzed. Surgery was aimed at segmental arthrodesis. RESULTS The author treated 65 patients with CM in the defined study period. Fifty-five patients had associated syringomyelia. Forty-six patients had associated basilar invagination. Thirty-seven patients had both basilar invagination and syringomyelia. Three patients had been treated earlier using foramen magnum decompression and duraplasty. According to the extent of their functional capabilities, patients were divided into 5 clinical grades. On the basis of the type of facetal alignment and atlantoaxial instability, the patients were divided into 3 groups. Type I dislocation (17 patients) was anterior atlantoaxial instability wherein the facet of the atlas was dislocated anterior to the facet of the axis. Type II dislocation (31 patients) was posterior atlantoaxial instability wherein the facet of the atlas was dislocated posterior to the facet of the axis. Type III dislocation (17 patients) was the absence of demonstrable facetal malalignment and was labeled as “central” atlantoaxial dislocation. In 18 patients, dynamic images showed vertical, mobile and at-least partially reducible atlantoaxial dislocation. All patients were treated with atlantoaxial plate and screw fixation using techniques described in 1994 and 2004. Foramen magnum decompression or syrinx manipulation was not performed in any patient. Occipital bone and subaxial spinal elements were not included in the fixation construct. One patient died, and death occurred in the immediate postoperative phase and was related to a vertebral artery injury incurred during the operation. One patient had persistent symptoms. In the rest of the patients there was gratifying clinical improvement. More remarkably, in 7 patients, the symptoms of lower cranial nerve paresis improved. No patient worsened in their neurological function after surgery. Reductions in the size of the syrinx and regression of the CM were observed in 6 of 11 cases in which postoperative MRI was possible. During the follow-up period, there was no delayed worsening of neurological function or symptoms in any patient. Sixty-three patients improved after surgery, and the improvement was sustained during the average follow-up period of 18 months. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of outcomes in this study, it appears that the pathogenesis of CM with or without associated basilar invagination and/or syringomyelia is primarily related to atlantoaxial instability. The data suggest that the surgical treatment in these cases should be directed toward atlantoaxial stabilization and segmental arthrodesis. Except in cases in which there is assimilation of the atlas, inclusion of the occipital bone is neither indicated nor provides optimum stability. Foramen magnum decompression is not necessary and may be counter-effective in the long run.

Immediate postoperative regression of retroodontoid pannus after lateral mass reconstruction in a patient with rheumatoid disease of the craniovertebral junction

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Goel ◽  
Nitin Dange
Keyword(s):  
Bone Graft ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Atlantoaxial Dislocation ◽  
Postoperative Phase ◽  
Complete Disappearance ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Rheumatoid Disease ◽  
Mass Reconstruction

The authors report the case of a 35-year-old man who had polyarthritic affliction with rheumatoid disease. He presented with complaints of quadriparesis that had progressed over the course of 2 years. Investigations revealed telltale evidence of rheumatoid disease of the craniovertebral junction with retroodontoid pannus, basilar invagination, and “fixed” atlantoaxial dislocation. The patient underwent lateral mass reconstruction with distraction of the facets and impaction of a spiked metal spacer and bone graft within the joint. Investigations done in the immediate postoperative phase showed complete disappearance of retroodontoid pannus in addition to reduction of basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation. He had remarkable and sustained relief from symptoms. The authors also review the pathogenesis and treatment of retroodontoid pannus.

Surgical Management and Outcome of Tuberculous Atlantoaxial Dislocation: A 15-year Experience

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjiv Sinha ◽  
Anil Kumar Singh ◽  
Vikas Gupta ◽  
Daljit Singh ◽  
Masakazu Takayasu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Mobilization ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Atlantoaxial Dislocation ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Posterior Fixation ◽  
Radical Excision ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis

Abstract OBJECTIVE Tuberculous atlantoaxial dislocation is a rare disease entity. However, tuberculosis continues to be endemic in developing countries. Its earliest clinical presentation may be nonspecific, and delay in diagnosis may lead to irreversible neurological deficit. The management of tuberculous atlantoaxial dislocation includes ventral cervicomedullary decompression, occipitocervical arthrodesis, and administration of antituberculous medications. METHODS Eighteen patients with tuberculous atlantoaxial dislocation who presented with neck pain and/or occipital headache, restriction of neck movement, difficulty swallowing, and signs of myelopathy were studied. Four patients had evidence of associated pulmonary tuberculosis. Plain x-rays of the cervical spine, computed tomographic scans, and magnetic resonance images were obtained in all patients for diagnosis and to assess the degree of dislocation and cervicomedullary compression. Simultaneous anterior neural decompression, via a transcervical retropharyngeal approach, and posterior arthrodesis were performed on all patients while they remained under anesthesia. Antituberculous chemotherapy was continued for 18 months. RESULTS Histopathological analysis of excised tissue was consistent with tuberculosis in all patients. However, Ziehl-Neelsen staining for acid-fast bacilli was positive in two cases, and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was negative in all patients. Patients with severe myelopathy experienced marked improvement. One patient died of fulminant resistant tuberculous meningitis. CONCLUSION The transcervical retropharyngeal approach to the craniovertebral junction provides direct access to the lesion and avoids the potential bacterial contamination of the oral and pharyngeal cavity. It also prevents the development of persistent fistulae. Posterior stabilization should be performed directly after anterior neural decompression, while the patient remains under anesthesia, to prevent neurological deterioration before subsequent posterior fixation. This technique also is helpful for early mobilization of patients. The aim of surgical treatment should be to obtain biopsy tissue and to perform radical excision of epidural granulation tissue/abscess and infected bone using microsurgical technique. Antituberculous medication must be continued for 18 months with four drug regimens, and continuous monitoring of drug toxicity should be performed throughout the course of treatment.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches to the Clivus with No Violation of the Nasopharynx: Surgical Anatomy and Clinical Illustration

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos D. Pinheiro-Neto ◽  
Laura Salgado-Lopez ◽  
Luciano C.P.C. Leonel ◽  
Serdar O. Aydin ◽  
Maria Peris-Celda
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Surgical Anatomy ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach ◽  
Endonasal Approach ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal

Abstract Background Despite the use of vascularized intranasal flaps, endoscopic endonasal posterior fossa defects remain surgically challenging with high rates of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak. Objective The aim of the study is to describe a novel surgical technique that allows complete drilling of the clivus and exposure of the craniovertebral junction with preservation of the nasopharynx. Methods Two formalin-fixed latex-injected anatomical specimens were used to confirm feasibility of the technique. Two surgical approaches were used: sole endoscopic endonasal approach and transnasion approach. The sole endonasal approach was used in a patient with a petroclival meningioma. Results In both anatomical dissections, the inferior clivectomy with exposure of the foramen magnum was achieved with a sole endoscopic endonasal approach. The addition of the transnasion approach helped to complete drilling of the inferior border of the foramen magnum and exposure of the arch of C1. Conclusion This study shows the anatomical feasibility of total clivectomy and exposure of the craniovertebral junction with preservation of the nasopharynx. A more favorable anatomical posterior fossa defect for the reconstruction is achieved with this technique. Further clinical studies are needed to assess if this change would impact the postoperative CSF leak rate.

scholarly journals Endoscopic Endonasal Odontoidectomy Preserving Atlantoaxial Stability: a Pediatric Case

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierlorenzo Veiceschi ◽  
Fabio Pozzi ◽  
Francesco Restelli ◽  
Tommaso Alfiero ◽  
Paolo Castelnuovo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Chiari I Malformation ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Posterior Fixation ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Postoperative Mri ◽  
Chiari I

Abstract Objectives We illustrate endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy for the Chiari-I malformation respecting craniovertebral junction (CVJ) stability. Design Case report of a 12-year-old girl affected by the Chiari-I malformation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed tonsillar herniation, basilar invagination, and dental retroversion, causing angulation and compression of the bulbomedullary junction. Patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with reduction of ventricular size and resolution of gait disturbances, but she complained the Valsalva-induced headaches, hiccup, and dysesthesias in the lower limbs. Endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy was chosen to decompress the cervicomedullary junction. Setting The research was conducted at University Hospital “Ospedale di Circolo,” Department of Neurosurgery at Varese in Italy. Participants Patients were from neurosurgical and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) skull base team. Main Outcome Measures A bilateral paraseptal approach was performed, using a four-hand technique. After resection of posterior edge of the nasal septum, the choana is entered and a rhinopharynx muscle–mucosal flap is dissected subperiosteal and transposed in oral cavity. The CVJ is exposed and, using neuronavigation and neuromonitoring, odontoidectomy is fulfilled until dura is reached, preserving the anterior arch of C1. Reconstruction is obtained suturing the flap previously harvested. Results Postoperative course was unremarkable and the patient experienced improvement of symptoms. Postoperative MRI documented the appearance of tight cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) film anterior to bulbomedullary junction and in retrotonsillar spaces, opening of the bulbomedullary angle, and slight tonsils reduction. No CVJ instability was occurred with any need of posterior fixation. Conclusion Endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy is a feasible approach for CVJ malformation. In this case, bulbar decompression was achieved preserving CVJ stability and avoiding posterior fixation.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/VIobocHfCuc.

scholarly journals Improvement of Hydrocephalus in Patients with Chiari Malformation After Posterior Fossa Decompression

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-73
Author(s):  
Lindolfo Carlos Heringer ◽  
Matheus Fernandes De Oliveira ◽  
Ulysses Oliveira De Sousa ◽  
Wanderley Cerqueira De Lima ◽  
Ricardo Vieira Botelho
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Chiari Malformation ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Posterior Fossa Decompression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I ◽  
Cisterna Magna ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Small Posterior Fossa

Introduction. The association between hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation (CM) has not been described frequently. Ventricular dilation affects 7% to 10% of patients with CM, but the ideal choice of surgical treatment is controversial. Wereport a case of a patient with Chiari malformation and hydrocephalus with improvement in clinical symptoms and ventricular dilatation. Case Description. A 19-year-old male complaining of frontal headache when coughing, laughing and during valsalva maneuvers, associated with dizziness for 2 months. Magnetic resonance (MR) showed hydrocephalus and small posterior fossa with overcrowding of contents, characterizing Chiari malformation type I, with cerebellar tonsils protruding through magnum foramen. Patient underwent surgery with posterior fossa decompression in a semi-sitting position and removal of the arc C1.After 3 months of follow-up, headache disappeared becoming asymptomatic. Control MR showed improvement of hydrocephalus with restoration of the cisterna magna and CSF flow. Discussion. Hydrocephalus has been related to CM for a long time. In our case, we performed treatment with intradural and intra-arachnoidal approach with bilateral tonsillectomy without placing ventricular shunt. The cisterna magna was “recreated”. There was improvement of hydrocephalus with decreased Evans ratio index and symptoms disappearance. Although there is no other studies addressing such matter, in this case, the improvement suggests that the CSF compression at the foramen magnum was the cause of associated hydrocephalus with Chiari malformation. 

Treatment of basilar invagination by atlantoaxial joint distraction and direct lateral mass fixation

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Goel
Keyword(s):  
Odontoid Process ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Atlantoaxial Joint ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Joint Distraction ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The author discusses the successful preliminary experience of treating selected cases of basilar invagination by performing atlantoaxial joint distraction, reduction of the basilar invagination, and direct lateral mass atlantoaxial plate/screw fixation. Methods. Twenty-two patients with basilar invagination—in which the odontoid process invaginated into the foramen magnum and the tip of the odontoid process was above the Chamberlain, McRae foramen magnum, and Wackenheim clival lines—were selected to undergo surgery. In all patients fixed atlantoaxial dislocations were documented. The 16 male and six female patients ranged in age from 8 to 50 years. A history of trauma prior to the onset of symptoms was documented in 17 patients. Following surgery, the author observed minimal-to-significant reduction of basilar invagination and alteration in other craniospinal parameters resulting in restoration of alignment of the tip of the odontoid process and the clivus and the entire craniovertebral junction in all patients. In addition to neurological and radiological improvement, preoperative symptoms of torticollis resolved significantly in all patients. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months and the mean was 28 months. Conclusions. Joint distraction and firm lateral mass fixation in selected cases of basilar invagination is a reasonable surgical treatment for reducing the basilar invagination, restoring craniospinal alignment, and establishing fixation of the atlantoaxial joint.

A Modification of the Classic Technique for Expansion Duroplasty of the Posterior Fossa

2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. ONS-60-ONS-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahrad Pirouzmand ◽  
William S. Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
New Method ◽  
Simple Modification ◽  
Traditional Technique ◽  
Transverse Expansion ◽  
Classic Technique ◽  
Dural Opening ◽  
Small Posterior Fossa

Abstract Objective: Expansion of the posterior fossa is the goal in treatment of many neurosurgical diseases sharing a small posterior fossa and/or tightness at the level of foramen magnum. To further enhance the dural opening at the level of foramen magnum, a modification in the duroplasty technique is suggested. Methods: A simple modification of the classic Y-shaped technique for expansion duroplasty of the posterior fossa is described. This includes an “inverse V-shaped” extension at the bottom of linear durotomy. Results: The key advantage of this technique is creating more transverse expansion of the dural opening in the lower part of duroplasty. This technique has been used in six patients with no technical difficulties or complications. Conclusion: This new method of dural opening provides a safe and likely efficient addition to the traditional technique of posterior fossa durotomy.

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