Intraoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of posterior decompression via laminoplasty in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: correlation with 2-year follow-up results

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Seichi ◽  
Hirotaka Chikuda ◽  
Atsushi Kimura ◽  
Katsushi Takeshita ◽  
Shurei Sugita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Intraoperative Ultrasonography ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Maximal Thickness ◽  
Type 3

Object The aim in this prospective study was to determine the morphological limitations of laminoplasty for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) by using intraoperative ultrasonography and to investigate correlations between ultrasonographic findings and 2-year follow-up results. Methods Included in this study were 40 patients who underwent double-door laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy due to OPLL. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to evaluate posterior shift of the spinal cord after the posterior decompression procedure. To determine the decompression status of the cord, the authors classified ultrasonographic findings into 3 types on the basis of the presence or absence of spinal cord contact with OPLL after decompression: Type 1, noncontact; Type 2, contact and apart; and Type 3, contact. Patients were divided accordingly into Group 1, showing Type 1 or 2 findings, representing sufficient decompression; and Group 2, showing Type 3 findings with insufficient decompression. Preoperative sagittal alignment of the cervical spine (C2–7 angle) and preoperative maximal thickness of OPLL were compared between groups. The authors also investigated the morphological limitations of laminoplasty and 2-year follow-up results by using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system. Results According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, an OPLL maximal thickness > 7.2 mm was a cutoff value for insufficient decompression. However, sufficient or insufficient decompression did not correlate with 2-year results, as determined by JOA scores. The C2–7 angle had no impact on ultrasonographic findings. Conclusions Laminoplasty has a morphological limitation for thick OPLLs, and a thickness > 7.2 mm represents a theoretical cutoff for residual cord compression after laminoplasty. According to 2-year results, however, laminoplasty can remain the first choice for any type of multiple-level OPLL.

Risk Factors for Ineffectiveness of Posterior Decompression and Dekyphotic Corrective Fusion with Instrumentation for Beak-Type Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Single Institute Study

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 800-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiro Imagama ◽  
Kei Ando ◽  
Zenya Ito ◽  
Kazuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Tetsuro Hida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Supine Position ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Intraoperative Ultrasonography ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Motor Paralysis ◽  
Severe Motor

Abstract BACKGROUND: Thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) is treated surgically with instrumented posterior decompression and fusion. However, the factors determining the outcome of this approach and the efficacy of additional resection of T-OPLL are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify these factors in a prospective study at a single institution. METHODS: The subjects were 70 consecutive patients with beak-type T-OPLL who underwent posterior decompression and dekyphotic fusion and had an average of 4.8 years of follow-up (minimum of 2 years). Of these patients, 4 (6%; group R) had no improvement or aggravation, were not ambulatory for 3 weeks postoperatively, and required additional T-OPLL resection; while 66 (group N) required no further T-OPLL resection. Clinical records, gait status, intraoperative ultrasonography, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), plain radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Preoperatively, patients in group R had significantly higher rates of severe motor paralysis, nonambulatory status, positive prone and supine position test, no spinal cord floating in intraoperative ultrasonography, and deterioration of IONM at the end of surgery (P < .05). In preoperative radiography, the OPLL spinal cord kyphotic angle difference in fused area, OPLL length, and OPLL canal stenosis were significantly higher in group R (P < .05). At final follow-up, JOA scores improved similarly in both groups. CONCLUSION: Preoperative severe motor paralysis, nonambulatory status, positive prone and supine position test, radiographic spinal cord compression due to beak-type T-OPLL, and intraoperative residual spinal cord compression and deterioration of IONM were associated with ineffectiveness of posterior decompression and fusion with instrumentation. Our 2-stage strategy may be appropriate for beak-type T-OPLL surgery.

Factors for a Good Surgical Outcome in Posterior Decompression and Dekyphotic Corrective Fusion with Instrumentation for Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Prospective Single-Center Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiro Imagama ◽  
Kei Ando ◽  
Kazuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Tetsuro Hida ◽  
Kenyu Ito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Ligamentum Flavum ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Neurophysiological Monitoring ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Thoracic Spinal Cord ◽  
Thoracic Spinal ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss ◽  
Significant Factors

Abstract BACKGROUND Surgery for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) is still challenging, and factors for good surgical outcomes are unknown. OBJECTIVE To identify factors for good surgical outcomes with prospective and comparative study. METHODS Seventy-one consecutive patients who underwent posterior decompression and instrumented fusion were divided into good or poor outcome groups based on ≥50% and <50% recovery rates for the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative findings were compared in the 2 groups, and significant factors for a good outcome were analyzed. RESULTS Patients with a good outcome (76%) had significantly lower nonambulatory rate and positive prone and supine position tests preoperatively; lower rates of T-OPLL, ossification of the ligamentum flavum, high-intensity area at the same level, thoracic spinal cord alignment difference, and spinal canal stenosis on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging; lower estimated blood loss; higher rates of intraoperative spinal cord floating and absence of deterioration of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring; and lower rates of postoperative complications (P < .0005). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, negative prone and supine position test (odds ratio [OR]: 17.00), preoperative ambulatory status (OR: 6.05), absence of T-OPLL, ossification of the ligamentum flavum, high-intensity area at the same level (OR: 5.84), intraoperative spinal cord floating (OR: 4.98), and lower estimated blood loss (OR: 1.01) were significant factors for a good surgical outcome. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that early surgery is recommended during these positive factors. Appropriate surgical planning based on preoperative thoracic spinal cord alignment difference, as well as sufficient spinal cord decompression and reduction of complications using intraoperative ultrasonography and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, may improve surgical outcomes.

Characterisation of macular neovascularisation in geographic atrophy

2021 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2021-318820
Author(s):  
Riccardo Sacconi ◽  
Maria Brambati ◽  
Alexandra Miere ◽  
Eliana Costanzo ◽  
Vittorio Capuano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fundus Autofluorescence ◽  
Geographic Atrophy ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
First Year ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Treatment Naïve ◽  
Type 3 ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

AimTo characterise macular neovascularisation (MNV) developing in eyes affected by geographic atrophy (GA).MethodsIn this multicentric longitudinal study involving three retina referral centres, patients previously affected by GA who developed an active MNV were included. Patients were investigated using structural optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence, OCT-angiography and dye angiographies. Patients were treated with ProReNata antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and were revaluated after treatment.ResultsAmong 512 patients previously diagnosed with GA, 40 eyes of 40 patients (mean age 80.8±7.9 years, mean GA area 8.73±7.39 mm2) presented with treatment-naïve exudative MNV (accounting for an estimated prevalence of 7.81%; 5.49 to 10.13, 95% CIs) and thus were included in the analysis. 67.5% of MNVs were classified as type 2 MNV, 25% as type 1, 2.5% as type 3 and 5% as mixed phenotype. In 92.5% of cases, active MNV in GA showed subretinal hyperreflective material with or without evidence of subretinal/intraretinal hyporeflective exudation. During a mean follow-up of 28±25 months, patients were treated with 6.6±6.3 anti-VEGF injections, with 2.9±1.4 injections in the first year of treatment. No patient developed GA enlargement in the area of MNV.ConclusionsMNVs in GA showed different features and therapeutic response in comparison to previously reported features of MNV in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) without GA. For these reasons, the combined phenotype (ie, GA with neovascular AMD) should be considered as a distinct entity in the research and clinical setting.

Postoperative progression of ligamentum flavum ossification after posterior instrumented surgery for thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament ossification: long-term outcomes during a minimum 10-year follow-up

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Keyword(s):  
Ligamentum Flavum ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Vertebral Compression Fractures ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Fusion Surgery ◽  
Fusion Level ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss

OBJECTIVE The authors sought to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes after thoracic posterior fusion surgery during a minimum of 10 years of follow-up, including postoperative progression of ossification, in patients with thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL). METHODS The study participants were 34 consecutive patients (15 men, 19 women) with an average age at surgery of 53.6 years (range 36–80 years) who underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery with instrumentation at the authors’ hospital. The minimum follow-up period was 10 years. Estimated blood loss, operative time, pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and JOA score recovery rates were investigated. Dekyphotic changes were evaluated on plain radiographs of thoracic kyphotic angles and fusion levels pre- and postoperatively and 10 years after surgery. The distal junctional angle (DJA) was measured preoperatively and at 10 years after surgery to evaluate distal junctional kyphosis (DJK). Ossification progression at distal intervertebrae was investigated on CT. RESULTS The Cobb angles at T1–12 were 46.8°, 38.7°, and 42.6°, and those at the fusion level were 39.6°, 31.1°, and 34.1° pre- and postoperatively and at 10 years after surgery, respectively. The changes in the kyphotic angles from pre- to postoperatively and to 10 years after surgery were 8.0° and 7.2° at T1–12 and 8.4° and 7.9° at the fusion level, respectively. The DJA changed from 4.5° postoperatively to 10.9° at 10 years after surgery. There were 11 patients (32.3%) with DJK during follow-up, including 4 (11.8%) with vertebral compression fractures at lower instrumented vertebrae or adjacent vertebrae. Progression of ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) on the caudal side occurred in 8 cases (23.6%), but none had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) progression. Cases with OLF progression had a significantly lower rate of DJK (0% vs 38.5%, p < 0.01), a lower DJA (3.4° vs 13.2°, p < 0.01), and a smaller change in DJA at 10 years after surgery (0.8° vs 8.1°, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Posterior decompression and fusion surgery with instrumentation for T-OPLL was found to be a relatively safe and stable surgical procedure based on the long-term outcomes. Progression of OLF on the caudal side occurred in 23.6% of cases, but cases with OLF progression did not have DJK. Progression of DJK shifts the load in the spinal canal forward and the load on the ligamentum flavum is decreased. This may explain the lack of ossification in cases with DJK.

scholarly journals High-pressure balloon dilatation in children: our results in 30 patients with POM and the implications of the cystoscopic evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Destro ◽  
Giorgio Selvaggio ◽  
Federica Marinoni ◽  
Andrea Pansini ◽  
Giovanna Riccipetitoni
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Balloon Dilatation ◽  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Ureteral Stenting ◽  
Diagnostic Modalities ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Type 3

Primary Obstructive Megaureter (POM) is a common cause of hydronephrosis in children with spontaneous resolution in most cases. High-Pressure Balloon Dilatation (HPBD) has been proposed as a minimally invasive procedure for POM correction in selected patients. The aim of the paper is to review our experience with HPBD in patients with POM. We performed a retrospective study in a single Centre collecting data on patients’ demographics, diagnostic modalities, surgical details, results and follow-up. In particular, the endoscopic aspect of the orifice permitted the identification of 3 patterns: adynamic ureteral segment, stenotic ureteric ring and pseudoureterocelic orifice. We performed HPBD in 30 patients over 6 years. We had 23 patients with adynamic distal ureteral segment (type 1), 4 with stenotic ring (type 2) and 3 with ureterocelic orifice (type 3). In 3 patients (10%) the guidewire did not easily pass into the ureter requiring ureteral stenting or papillotomy. Post-operative course was uneventful. Five patients (3 pseudoureterocelic) required open surgery during follow-up. HPBD for the treatment of POM is a safe and feasible procedure and it can be a definitive treatment of POM. Complications are mainly due to double J stent and none of our patients had symptoms related to vescico-ureteral reflux. The aspect of the orifice, identified during cystoscopy, seems to correlate with the efficacy of the dilatation: type 1 and 2 are associated with good and excellent results respectively; type 3 do not permit dilatation in almost all cases requiring papillotomy. HPBD can be performed in selected patients of all paediatric ages as first therapeutic line. The presence of a pseudoureterocelic orifice or long stenosis might interfere with the ureteral stenting and seems associated with worse outcomes.

scholarly journals Treatment of Intramedullary Arteriovenous Malformations of the Spinal Cord

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 203-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Ushikoshi ◽  
K. Hida ◽  
Y. Kikuchi ◽  
Y. Iwasaki ◽  
K. Miyasaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Radical Excision ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Choice Of Treatment ◽  
Technical Complication ◽  
Surgical Manipulation ◽  
Residual Lesions

We retrospectively reviewed our treatment results for spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Fifteen consecutive patients were included in this syudy. Five patient underwent particulate embolization. Surgery was performed in ten patients (including two patient who were treated embolization initially). Five patients, at the beginning of our experience, underwent radical excision of the nidus via the posterior myelotomy. Recent five patients underwent interruption of the feeding pedicles on the surface of the spinal cord. Especially when arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) or aneurysms were demonstrated, accurate obliteration of them were performed. Four patients, including two with residual AVM after the surgery, underwent irradiation therapy. Anatomically, four AVMs disappeared completely and the other 11 patients have a residual lesions after the treatment. Clinically, three patients improved, six remained unchanged, and six worsened. The causes of neurological deterioration after the treatment were technical complication of embolization in one patient and surgical manipulation in five. There was no patient who experienced hemorrhage during the follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 17 years, with a mean of 7.5 years. In conclusion, particulate embolization should be considered as the first choice of treatment if feasible. Surgical treatment is indicated for the dangerous anatomical features such as AVFs or aneurysms.

Odontoid Fracture

Neurosurgery ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris E. U. Ekong ◽  
Michael L. Schwartz ◽  
Charles H. Tator ◽  
David W. Rowed ◽  
Virginia E. Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Odontoid Process ◽  
Odontoid Fracture ◽  
Halo Vest ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Type 3 ◽  
Halo Device

Abstract Twenty-two patients with C-2 fractures involving the odontoid process were treated by immobilization in a halo device. Six had associated spinal cord injury (1 complete and 5 incomplete), and 16 had no spinal cord injury. The age of the patients ranged from 20 to 86 years, with a mean age of 53. There were 15 cases in which the fracture line went through the base of the odontoid process only (Type 2), 1 case with a Type 2 odontoid fracture associated with a Jefferson fracture, 4 in which the fracture line involved the body of C-2 (Type 3), and 2 cases with a Type 3 odontoid fracture associated with a Jefferson fracture. Eighteen of the patients were followed for at least 6 months (the mean follow-up period was approximately 2/12; years) to determine the results of bony fusion and neurological improvement. Three patients died early: 1 had no spinal cord injury and died of an associated head injury; 2 had spinal cord injuries and died of respiratory failure. One was lost to follow-up. Successful bony healing and stability at the fracture site as indicated by flexion and extension roentgenograms of the cervical spine were achieved in 10 (59%) of 17 patients treated with the halo ring and vest only. Early fusion was required in 1 patient, and late fusion was required in 5 patients. The remaining 2 patients refused operation. Improvement in neurological status was noted in all four surviving patients with spinal cord injury. and none of the patients without spinal cord injury developed a neurological deficit during the course of the halo treatment. The average duration of hospitalization was 27 days for those without spinal cord injury and 70 days for those with spinal cord injury. Complications related directly to the halo devices were few and minor and included scalp infection, pressure sores, loosening of the halo pins, and 1 case of osteomyelitis of the skull. We found that the halo device is useful for immobilizing the cervical spine even in the presence of diminished sensation over the trunk. Except for the presence of certain types of coexisting head injury, an absolute contraindication to its use has not been encountered. The major advantage of the halo vest is that it allows external maneuvering of bony injuries in all three planes followed by fixation when acceptable reduction is attained without the need for early operation in patients who may already be very ill. The halo vest also allows early mobilization of patients and early discharge from the hospital.

scholarly journals Efficacy of posterior decompression and fixation based on ossification-kyphosis angle criteria for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Uei ◽  
Yasuaki Tokuhashi ◽  
Masashi Oshima ◽  
Masafumi Maseda ◽  
Masahiro Nakahashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Free Space ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Kyphosis Angle ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Spinal Cord Decompression

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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