Prospective cohort study of mild cervical spondylotic myelopathy without surgical treatment

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Sumi ◽  
Hiroshi Miyamoto ◽  
Teppei Suzuki ◽  
Shuichi Kaneyama ◽  
Takako Kanatani ◽  
...  

Object Because the main pathology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is spinal cord damage due to compression, surgical treatment is usually recommended to improve patient symptoms and prevent exacerbation. However, lack of clarity of prognosis in cases that present with insignificant symptoms, particularly those of mild CSM, lead one to question the veracity of this course of action. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognosis of mild CSM without surgical intervention by evaluation of clinical symptoms and MR imaging findings. Methods Sixty cases of mild CSM (42 males and 18 females, average age 57.2 years) presenting with scores of 13 or higher on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale were treated initially by in-bed Good Samaritan cervical traction without surgery. These patients were enrolled between 1995 and 2003 and followed up periodically until the date of myelopathy deterioration or until the end of March 2009. The deterioration of myelopathy was defined as a decline in JOA score to less than 13 with a decrease of at least 2 points. As a prognostic factor, the authors used their classification of spinal cord shapes at their lateral sides on axial T1-weighted MR imaging. “Ovoid deformity” was classified as a situation in which both sides were round and convex, and “angular-edged deformity” where one or both sides exhibited an acute-angled lateral corner. The duration of follow-up was assessed as the tolerance rate of mild CSM using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and compared between 2 groups classified by MR imaging findings. Furthermore, differences between groups were analyzed by various applications of the log-rank test. Results Of the initial 60 cases, follow-up records existed for 55, giving a follow-up rate of 91.7% (38 males and 17 females, average age 56.1 years). The mean JOA score at end point was 14.1, which was not statistically different from the mean of 14.5 at the initial visit. Deterioration in myelopathy was observed in 14 (25.5%) of 55 cases, whereas 41 (74.5%) of 55 cases maintained mild extent myelopathy without deterioration through the follow-up period (mean 94.3 months). The total tolerance rate of mild CSM was 70%. However, there was a significant difference in the tolerance rate between the cases with angular-edged deformity (58%) and cases with ovoid deformity (95%; p = 0.049). Conclusions The tolerance rate of mild CSM was 70% in this study, which proved that the prognosis of mild CSM without surgical treatment was relatively good. However, the tolerance rate of the cases with angular-edged deformity was 58%. Therefore, surgical treatment should be considered when mild CSM cases show angular-edged deformity on axial MR imaging, even if patients lack significant symptoms.

2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aluizio Augusto Arantes Júnior ◽  
Geraldo Alves da Silva Junior ◽  
José Augusto Malheiros ◽  
Fernando Flavio Gonçalves ◽  
Marcelo Magaldi ◽  
...  

The laminoplasty technique was devised by Hirabayashi in 1978 for patients diagnosed with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Objective: To describe an easy modification of Hirabayashi’s method and present the clinical and radiological results from a five-year follow-up study. Method and Results: Eighty patients had 5 levels of decompression (C3-C7), 3 patients had 6 levels of decompression (C2-T1) and 3 patients had 4 levels of decompression (C3-C6). Foraminotomies were performed in 23 cases (27%). Following Nurick`s scale, 76 patients (88%) improved, 9 (11%) had the same Nurick grade, and one patient worsened and was advised to undergo another surgical procedure. No deaths were observed. The mean surgery time was 122 min. Radiographic evaluation showed an increase in the mean sagittal diameter from 11.2 mm at pretreatment to 17.3 mm post surgery. There was no significant difference between pretreatment and post-surgery C2-C7 angles. Conclusions: This two-open-doors laminoplasty technique is safe, easy and effective and can be used as an alternative treatment for cases of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy without instability.


2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoaki Kinoshita ◽  
Isao Ohki ◽  
Kenneth R. Roth ◽  
Kageharu Amano ◽  
Hideshige Moriya

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically demonstrated results and clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent posterior decompressive surgery via a new (unilateral) approach. This approach allows surgeons to perform central and bilateral decompression while only stripping the muscles unilaterally, thus preserving the posterior osteoligamentous complexes. Methods. The authors evaluated 51 consecutive patients in whom surgery was performed between 1987 and 1996. The mean follow-up period was 4.7 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the pre- and postoperative measurements in percentage of vertebral slippage. Postoperative dynamic angulation statistically decreased compared with its preoperative value (p < 0.05). Improvement of an average of 67% was shown on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, and in 78% of these patients, good to excellent results were demonstrated. Secondary fusion was required in only three patients (5.9%). Conclusions. This new surgical technique offers a potential alternative for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis in a minimally invasive manner, avoiding the risk of causing or aggravating postoperative spinal instability.


Author(s):  
Lukas Widhiyanto ◽  
Aliefio Japamadisaw ◽  
Kukuh Dwiputra Hernugrahanto

Abstract Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Until now there is no spinal cord injury profile in Indonesia. Therefore, this study aims to provide an overview of the spinal cord injury profile as well as to analyze the functional outcome at the sixth month and the first year. Results Most spinal cord injury cases were traumatic SCI (67.5%). Meanwhile, non-traumatic SCI was 32.5%. The mean age of patients who had traumatic SCI was 41.9 ± 17.4 years while non-traumatic SCI patients was 48.4 ± 13.7 with a significant difference (p < 0.05). Most cases occurred in men rather than women with significant differences based on the type of injury (p < 0.05). Traffic accidents were the most common cause of cervical injuries (47.1%). Surgery was the most common treatment modality in cervical injury cases (60.4%) with the posterior approach being the preferred approach in most operative measures (72.4%). Respiratory failure was the leading cause of death (48.9%). The mean LOS of patients with traumatic SCI was 28.8 ± 14.3 days while the mean LOS of non-traumatic SCI patients was 44.7 ± 28.7 with a significant difference (p < 0.05). There was significance difference between the initial outcome and after the sixth month to first year follow-up (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrated the epidemiology and characteristics of spinal cord injury which mostly had a good neurological outcome.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 3737-3742
Author(s):  
Ebubekir Gündeş ◽  
Mehmet Aykut Yildirim ◽  
Tevfik Küçükkartallar ◽  
Faruk Aksoy ◽  
Ahmet Tekin ◽  
...  

Aim:  Our aim in conducting this study was to ascertain the clinical, pathological, and radiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis in our clinic and to contribute to related literature by creating a therapy algorithm for granulomatous mastitis. Method: A total of 62 patients diagnosed with granulomatous mastitis in our clinic were classified into three groups as per the mode of treatment they received. Among these, 20 patients who had only been administered corticosteroids were allocated to Group I, while 18 patients who had received surgical treatment in addition to corticosteroid treatment were allocated to Group II, and 24 patients who had only received surgery were allocated to Group III. Results: All the cases were female patients. The mean age of the patients was 33.67 ± 6.35 (21-48). No statistically significant difference was found among the groups as per the mean age figures, pregnancy, breastfeeding, oral contraceptive administration, smoking and alcohol use, and family history (p>0.05). 49 (77.4%) patients were diagnosed with granulomatous mastitis by thick-needle biopsy, 7 (11.2%) by incisional biopsy, 4 (6.4%) by excisional biopsy, and 3 (4.8%) by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) before the onset of treatment. The median value for the follow-up of the patients was 40 (6-81) months and there was no statistically significant difference among follow-up periods (p: 0.51). 15 (24.1%) patients among all the cases had recurrence. There was a statistically significant difference among the groups with regards to recurrence (p: 0.015). Conclusion:  Granulomatous mastitis may simulate breast cancer both clinically and radiologically. Recurrence is observed in patients who only received corticosteroid or surgical treatment. The combination of corticosteroid and surgical treatment significantly reduces the rate of recurrence. Therefore, this combination can be recommended as selective treatment.


2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedat Dalbayrak ◽  
Mesut Yilmaz ◽  
Sait Naderi

Object The authors reviewed the results of “skip” corpectomy in 29 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods The skip corpectomy technique, which is characterized by C-4 and C-6 corpectomy, C-5 osteophytectomy, and C-5 vertebral body preservation, was used for decompression in patients with multilevel CSM and OPLL. All patients underwent spinal fixation using C4–5 and C5–6 grafts, and anterior cervical plates were fixated at C-3, C-5, and C-7. Results The mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from 13.44 ± 2.81 to 16.16 ± 2.19 after surgery (p < 0.05). The cervical lordosis improved from 1.16 ± 11.74° to 14.36 ± 7.85° after surgery (p < 0.05). The complications included temporary hoarseness in 3 cases, dysphagia in 1 case, C-5 nerve palsy in 1 case, and C-7 screw pullout in 1 case. The mean follow-up was 23.2 months. The final plain radiographs showed improved cervical lordosis and fusion in all cases. Conclusions The authors conclude that the preservation of the C-5 vertebral body provided an additional screw purchase and strengthened the construct. The results of the current study demonstrated effectiveness and safety of the skip corpectomy in patients with multilevel CSM and OPLL.


Author(s):  
Radhika Maniyar ◽  
Umashankar G. K.

Objective: The present study evaluated the effectiveness of Spirulina mouthwash on the reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis.Methods: A single-blind clinical trial was conducted among thirty patient’s aged 18-40 y visiting dental college and hospital in Bangalore city. Mouthwash was prepared using 0.5% Spirulina. Intervention protocol consisted of instructing the patients to rinse with 10 ml of mouthwash for 1 minute twice daily for 7 d. Plaque index and Gingival index were used to assess the variables at the baseline and after the intervention. The perception of the individual subjects with regard to the use of mouthwash was assessed using 10 cm long visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was carried out using Wilcoxon signed rank test for mean pre and post plaque and gingival scores respectively. Descriptive statistics was performed for VAS questionnaireResults: The results showed a highly significant difference (p<0.001) between the mean plaque scores at the baseline (2.16±0.34) and at the follow up (1.27±0.46). The mean gingival scores at the baseline (1.86±0.38) and at the follow-up (1.05±0.43) also showed a highly significant difference (p<0.001). Regarding the Visual Analog Scale, the mean values of 5 or greater than suggested the responses to be favourable as the values were reflectedConclusion: The study showed that Spirulina mouthwash resulted in significant reduction in dental plaque and gingivitis. Also, the mouthwash was convenient to use without any adverse effects. Hence, the use of herbal mouth rinses such as Spirulina should be supported.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Yu Fay ◽  
Wen-Cheng Huang ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Hsuan-Kan Chang ◽  
Tzu-Yun Tsai ◽  
...  

Object Cervical arthroplasty has been accepted as a viable option for surgical management of cervical spondylosis or degenerative disc disease (DDD). The best candidates for cervical arthroplasty are young patients who have radiculopathy caused by herniated disc with competent facet joints. However, it remains uncertain whether arthroplasty is equally effective for patients who have cervical myelopathy caused by DDD. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of arthroplasty for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and patients with radiculopathy without CSM. Methods A total of 151 consecutive cases involving patients with CSM or radiculopathy caused by DDD and who underwent one- or two-level cervical arthroplasty were included in this study. Clinical outcome evaluations and radiographic studies were reviewed. Clinical outcome measurements included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of neck and arm pain, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) in every patient. For patients with CSM, Nurick scores were recorded for evaluation of cervical myelopathy. Radiographic studies included lateral dynamic radiographs and CT for detection of the formation of heterotopic ossification . Results Of the 151 consecutive patients with cervical DDD, 125 (82.8%; 72 patients in the myelopathy group and 53 in the radiculopathy group) had at least 24 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up in these patients was 36.4 months (range 24–56 months). There was no difference in sex distribution between the 2 groups. However, the mean age of the patients in the myelopathy group was approximately 6 years greater than that of the radiculopathy group (53.1 vs 47.2 years, p < 0.001). The mean operation time, mean estimated blood loss, and the percentage of patients prescribed perioperative analgesic agents were similar in both groups (p = 0.754, 0.652, and 0.113, respectively). There were significant improvements in VAS neck and arm pain, JOA scores, and NDI in both groups. Nurick scores in the myelopathy group also improved significantly after surgery. In radiographic evaluations, 92.5% of patients in the radiculopathy group and 95.8% of those in the radiculopathy group retained spinal motion (no significant difference). Evaluation of CT scans showed heterotopic ossification in 34 patients (47.2%) in the myelopathy group and 25 patients (47.1%) in the radiculopathy group (p = 0.995). At a mean of over 3 years postoperatively, no secondary surgery was reported in either group. Conclusions The severity of myelopathy improves after cervical arthroplasty in patients with CSM caused by DDD. At 3-year follow-up, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cervical arthroplasty in DDD patients with CSM are similar to those patients who have only cervical radiculopathy. Therefore, cervical arthroplasty is a viable option for patients with CSM caused by DDD who require anterior surgery. However, comparison with the standard surgical treatment of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is necessary to corroborate the outcomes of arthroplasty for CSM.


2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 562-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anooj Chatley ◽  
Raj Kumar ◽  
Vijendra K. Jain ◽  
Sanjay Behari ◽  
Rabi Narayan Sahu

Object The presence of intramedullary T2 high signal intensity changes in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) indicates the existence of a chronic spinal cord compressive lesion. However, the prognostic significance of signal intensity changes remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of spinal cord T2 signal intensity changes on the outcome after surgery for CSM. Method In a prospective study, 64 patients with CSM who underwent surgical treatment between October 2006 and April 2008 using an anterior approach were included. Based on the clinical symptoms and signs present, the severity of neurological deficits of all patients was scored according to a modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score for CSM just before the surgery and at 6 months follow-up. Recovery rates were calculated at 6 months. Results There were 22 patients who did not have spinal cord intensity changes on MR imaging and 44 who demonstrated high-intensity signal changes on T2-weighted images (focal or segmental). No statistically significant differences were found in recovery rates between cases with T2 signal intensity changes and those with no signal intensity changes. However, the postoperative modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale scores and the recovery rates were much lower in patients with multisegmental signal intensity changes compared with those without these changes or those with focal signal intensity change, and ANOVA demonstrated this difference to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Multisegmental spinal cord signal intensity changes on T2-weighted MR imaging are predictors of a poor outcome in terms of functional recovery rate in patients undergoing operations for CSM.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yinglun Tian ◽  
Nanfang Xu ◽  
Ming Yan ◽  
Peter G. Passias ◽  
Frank A. Segreto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In the setting of congenital C1 occipitalization and C2–3 fusion, significant strain is placed on the atlantoaxial joint. Vertebral fusion both above and below the atlantoaxial joint (i.e., a “sandwich”) creates substantial instability. We retrospectively report on a case series of “sandwich fusion” atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), describing the associated clinical characteristics and detailing surgical treatment. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the largest investigation to date of this congenital subgroup of AAD. Methods Seventy consecutive patients with sandwich fusion AAD, from one senior surgeon, were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features and the surgical treatment results were assessed using descriptive statistics. No funding sources or potential conflict of interest-associated biases exist. Results The mean patient age was 42.2 years (range: 5–77 years); 36 patients were male, and 34 were female. Fifty-eight patients (82.9%) had myelopathy, with Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores ranging 4–16 (mean: 12.9). Cranial neuropathy was involved in 10 cases (14.3%). The most common presentation age group was 31 to 40 years (24 cases, 34.3%). Radiological findings revealed brainstem and/or cervical-medullar compression (58 cases, 82.9%), syringomyelia (16 cases, 22.9%), Chiari malformation (12 cases, 17.1%), cervical spinal stenosis (10 cases, 14.3%), high scapula deformity (1 case, 1.4%), os odontoideum (1 case, 1.4%), and dysplasia of the atlas (1 case, 1.4%). Computed tomography angiography was performed in 27 cases, and vertebral artery (VA) anomalies were identified in 14 cases (51.9%). All 70 patients underwent surgical treatment, without spinal cord or VA injury. Four patients (5.7%) suffered complications, including 1 wound infection, 1 screw loosening, and 2 cases of bulbar paralysis. In the 58 patients with myelopathy, the mean JOA score increased from 12.9 to 14.5. The average follow-up time was 50.5 months (range: 24–120 months). All 70 cases achieved solid atlantoaxial fusion at the final follow-up. Conclusions Sandwich fusion AAD, a unique subgroup of AAD, has distinctive clinical features and associated malformations such as cervical-medullar compression, syringomyelia, and VA anomalies. Surgical treatment of AAD was associated with myelopathy improvement and minimal complication occurrence.


2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. E8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nader S. Dahdaleh ◽  
Albert P. Wong ◽  
Zachary A. Smith ◽  
Ricky H. Wong ◽  
Sandi K. Lam ◽  
...  

Object Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common cervical degenerative disease that affects the elderly population. Spinal cord decompression is achieved through various anterior and posterior approaches including anterior cervical decompression and fusion, laminectomy, laminoplasty, and combined approaches. The authors describe another option, minimally invasive endoscopically assisted decompression of stenosis (MEDS), which obviates the need for muscle dissection and disruption of the posterior tension band, a cause of postlaminectomy kyphosis. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective study of 10 patients with CSM who underwent MEDS from January 2002 through July 2012. Data were collected on demographics, preoperative and postoperative Nurick scores, postoperative Odom scores, and preoperative and postoperative Cobb angles. Results The mean patient age (± SD) was 67 ± 7.7 years; 8 patients were male. The average number of disc levels operated on was 2.2 (range 1–4). The mean Nurick score was 1.6 ± 0.7 preoperatively and improved to 0.3 ± 0.7 postoperatively (p < 0.0005). The postoperative Odom scores indicated excellent outcomes for 4 patients, good for 3, fair for 2, and poor for 1. The average preoperative focal Cobb angle at the disc levels operated on was −0.43º ± 1.9º. The average Cobb angle at the last follow-up visit was 0.25° ± 1.6° (p = 0.6). The average follow-up time was 18.9 ± 32.1 months. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusions For selected patients with CSM, whose pathologic changes are primarily posterior and who have acceptable preoperative lordosis, MEDS is an alternative to open laminectomy and laminoplasty.


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