Biomechanical evaluation of the craniovertebral junction after inferior-third clivectomy and intradural exposure of the foramen magnum: implications for endoscopic endonasal approaches to the cranial base

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Little ◽  
Luis Perez-Orribo ◽  
Nestor G. Rodriguez-Martinez ◽  
Phillip M. Reyes ◽  
Anna G. U. S. Newcomb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation ◽  
Ventral Skull Base ◽  
Modest Degree

Object Endoscopic endonasal approaches to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) and clivus are increasingly performed for ventral skull-base pathology, but the biomechanical implications of these approaches have not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the spinal biomechanics of the CVJ after an inferior-third clivectomy and anterior intradural exposure of the foramen magnum as would be performed in an endonasal endoscopic surgical strategy. Methods Seven upper-cervical human cadaveric specimens (occiput [Oc]–C2) underwent nondestructive biomechanical flexibility testing during flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending at Oc–C1 and C1–2. Each specimen was tested intact, after an inferior-third clivectomy, and after ligamentous complex dissection simulating a wide intradural exposure using an anterior approach. Angular range of motion (ROM), lax zone, and stiff zone were determined and compared with the intact state. Results Modest, but statistically significant, hypermobility was observed after inferior-third clivectomy and intradural exposure during flexion-extension and axial rotation at Oc–C1. Angular ROM increased incrementally between 6% and 12% in flexion-extension and axial rotation. These increases were primarily the result of changes in the lax zone. No significant changes were noted at C1–2. Conclusions Inferior-third clivectomy and an intradural exposure to the ventral CVJ and foramen magnum resulted in hypermobility at Oc–C1 during flexion-extension and axial rotation. Although the results were statistically significant, the modest degree of hypermobility observed compared with other well-characterized CVJ injuries suggests that occipitocervical stabilization may be unnecessary for most patients.

Biomechanical Evaluation of the Craniovertebral Junction After Anterior Unilateral Condylectomy: Implications for Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches to the Cranial Base

Neurosurgery ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 1021-1030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Perez-Orribo ◽  
Andrew S. Little ◽  
Richard D. Lefevre ◽  
Phillip R. Reyes ◽  
Anna G.U.S. Newcomb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Intact State ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
Craniocervical Fusion ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation ◽  
Ventral Skull Base

Abstract BACKGROUND: Endoscopic endonasal approaches to the craniovertebral junction and clivus, which are increasingly performed for ventral skull base pathology, may require disruption of the occipitocondylar joint. OBJECTIVE: To study the biomechanical implications at the craniovertebral junction of progressive unilateral condylectomy as would be performed through an endonasal exposure. METHODS: Seven upper cervical human cadaveric specimens (C0-C2) underwent nondestructive biomechanical flexibility testing during flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending at C0-C1 and C1-C2. Each specimen was tested intact, after an inferior one-third clivectomy, and after stepwise unilateral condylectomy with an anterior approach. Angular range of motion (ROM), lax zone, and stiff zone were determined and compared with the intact state. RESULTS: At C0-C1, mobility during flexion-extension and axial rotation increased significantly with progressive condylectomy. ROM increased from 14.3 ± 2.7° to 20.4 ± 5.2° during flexion and from 6.7 ± 3.5° to 10.8 ± 3.0° during right axial rotation after 75% condyle resection (P < .01). At C1-C2, condylectomy had less effect, with ROM increasing from 10.7 ± 2.0° to 11.7 ± 2.0° during flexion, 36.9 ± 4.8° to 37.1 ± 5.1° during right axial rotation, and 4.3 ± 1.9° to 4.8 ± 3.3° during right lateral bending (P = NS). Because of marked instability, the 100% condylectomy condition was untestable. Changes in ROM were a result of changes more in the lax zone than in the stiff zone. CONCLUSION: Lower-third clivectomy and unilateral anterior condylectomy as would be performed in an endonasal approach cause progressive hypermobility at the craniovertebral junction. On the basis of biomechanical criteria, craniocervical fusion is indicated for patients who undergo > 75% anterior condylectomy.

The cervical end of an occipitocervical fusion: a biomechanical evaluation of 3 constructs

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Finn ◽  
Daniel R. Fassett ◽  
Todd D. Mccall ◽  
Randy Clark ◽  
Andrew T. Dailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tracking System ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Cross Link ◽  
3D Tracking ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation ◽  
Rotation Motion

Object Stabilization with rigid screw/rod fixation is the treatment of choice for craniocervical disorders requiring operative stabilization. The authors compare the relative immediate stiffness for occipital plate fixation in concordance with transarticular screw fixation (TASF), C-1 lateral mass and C-2 pars screw (C1L-C2P), and C-1 lateral mass and C-2 laminar screw (C1L-C2L) constructs, with and without a cross-link. Methods Ten intact human cadaveric spines (Oc–C4) were prepared and mounted in a 7-axis spine simulator. Each specimen was precycled and then tested in the intact state for flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Motion was tracked using the OptoTRAK 3D tracking system. The specimens were then destabilized and instrumented with an occipital plate and TASF. The spine was tested with and without the addition of a cross-link. The C1L-C2P and C1L-C2L constructs were similarly tested. Results All constructs demonstrated a significant increase in stiffness after instrumentation. The C1L-C2P construct was equivalent to the TASF in all moments. The C1L-C2L was significantly weaker than the C1L-C2P construct in all moments and significantly weaker than the TASF in lateral bending. The addition of a cross-link made no difference in the stiffness of any construct. Conclusions All constructs provide significant immediate stability in the destabilized occipitocervical junction. Although the C1L-C2P construct performed best overall, the TASF was similar, and either one can be recommended. Decreased stiffness of the C1L-C2L construct might affect the success of clinical fusion. This construct should be reserved for cases in which anatomy precludes the use of the other two.

Biomechanical evaluation of a simulated T-9 burst fracture of the thoracic spine with an intact rib cage

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany G. Perry ◽  
Prasath Mageswaran ◽  
Robb W. Colbrunn ◽  
Tara F. Bonner ◽  
Todd Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Posterior Instrumentation ◽  
Burst Fracture ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Segmental Motion ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Biomechanical Models ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation

Object Classic biomechanical models have used thoracic spines disarticulated from the rib cage, but the biomechanical influence of the rib cage on fracture biomechanics has not been investigated. The well-accepted construct for stabilizing midthoracic fractures is posterior instrumentation 3 levels above and 2 levels below the injury. Short-segment fixation failure in thoracolumbar burst fractures has led to kyphosis and implant failure when anterior column support is lacking. Whether shorter constructs are viable in the midthoracic spine is a point of controversy. The objective of this study was the biomechanical evaluation of a burst fracture at T-9 with an intact rib cage using different fixation constructs for stabilizing the spine. Methods A total of 8 human cadaveric spines (C7–L1) with intact rib cages were used in this study. The range of motion (ROM) between T-8 and T-10 was the outcome measure. A robotic spine testing system was programmed to apply pure moment loads (± 5 Nm) in lateral bending, flexion-extension, and axial rotation to whole thoracic specimens. Intersegmental rotations were measured using an optoelectronic system. Flexibility tests were conducted on intact specimens, then sequentially after surgically induced fracture at T-9, and after each of 4 fixation construct patterns. The 4 construct patterns were sequentially tested in a nondestructive protocol, as follows: 1) 3 above/2 below (3A/2B); 2) 1 above/1 below (1A/1B); 3) 1 above/1 below with vertebral body augmentation (1A/1B w/VA); and 4) vertebral body augmentation with no posterior instrumentation (VA). A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the segmental motion between T-8 and T-10 vertebrae. Results Mean ROM increased by 86%, 151%, and 31% after fracture in lateral bending, flexion-extension, and axial rotation, respectively. In lateral bending, there was significant reduction compared with intact controls for all 3 instrumented constructs: 3A/2B (−92%, p = 0.0004), 1A/1B (−63%, p = 0.0132), and 1A/1B w/VA (−66%, p = 0.0150). In flexion-extension, only the 3A/2B pattern showed a significant reduction (−90%, p = 0.011). In axial rotation, motion was significantly reduced for the 3 instrumented constructs: 3A/2B (−66%, p = 0.0001), 1A/1B (−53%, p = 0.0001), and 1A/1B w/VA (−51%, p = 0.0002). Between the 4 construct patterns, the 3 instrumented constructs (3A/2B, 1A/1B, and 1A/1B w/VA) showed comparable stability in all 3 motion planes. Conclusions This study showed no significant difference in the stability of the 3 instrumented constructs tested when the rib cage is intact. Fractures that might appear more grossly unstable when tested in the disarticulated spine may be bolstered by the ribs. This may affect the extent of segmental spinal instrumentation needed to restore stability in some spine injuries. While these initial findings suggest that shorter constructs may adequately stabilize the spine in this fracture model, further study is needed before these results can be extrapolated to clinical application.

Stability of the craniovertebral junction after unilateral occipital condyle resection: a biomechanical study

1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Giancarlo Vishteh ◽  
Neil R. Crawford ◽  
M. Stephen Melton ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler ◽  
Volker K. H. Sonntag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Biomechanical Study ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Upper Cervical Spine ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Axial Translation ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors sought to determine the biomechanics of the occipitoatlantal (occiput [Oc]—C1) and atlantoaxial (C1–2) motion segments after unilateral gradient condylectomy. Methods. Six human cadaveric specimens (skull with attached upper cervical spine) underwent nondestructive biomechanical testing (physiological loads) during flexion—extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Axial translation from tension to compression was also studied across Oc—C2. Each specimen served as its own control and underwent baseline testing in the intact state. The specimens were then tested after progressive unilateral condylectomy (25% resection until completion), which was performed using frameless stereotactic guidance. At Oc—C1 for all motions that were tested, mobility increased significantly compared to baseline after a 50% condylectomy. Flexion—extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation increased 15.3%, 40.8%, and 28.1%, respectively. At C1–2, hypermobility during flexion—extension occurred after a 25% condylectomy, during axial rotation after 75% condylectomy, and during lateral bending after a 100% condylectomy. Conclusions. Resection of 50% or more of the occipital condyle produces statistically significant hypermobility at Oc—C1. After a 75% resection, the biomechanics of the Oc—C1 and C1–2 motion segments change considerably. Performing fusion of the craniovertebral junction should therefore be considered if half or more of one occipital condyle is resected.

Range of Motion of the Upper Cervical Spine: flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana I. Lorente ◽  
César Hidalgo García ◽  
Jacobo Rodríguez Sanz ◽  
Mario Maza Frechín ◽  
Albert Pérez Bellmunt
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Upper Cervical Spine ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Range Of Movement ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
Life Threatening

Instability is a serious and life-threatening diagnosis in the upper cervical spine (occiput-atlas-axis), and a depth understanding of normal range of movement is required for clinical manual evaluation. To improve this knowledge, ten upper cervical spine specimens have been tested in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. 

Biomechanical evaluation of posterior thoracic transpedicular discectomy

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Ersay Deniz ◽  
Leonardo B. C. Brasiliense ◽  
Bruno C. R. Lazaro ◽  
Phillip M. Reyes ◽  
Anna G. U. Sawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Load Control ◽  
Spinal Stability ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Spinal Motion ◽  
Biomechanical Behavior ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation

Object The authors investigated the biomechanical properties of transpedicular discectomy in the thoracic spine and compared the effects on spinal stability of a partial and total facetectomy. Methods Human thoracic specimens were tested while intact, after a transpedicular discectomy with partial facetectomy, and after an additional total facetectomy was incorporated. Nonconstraining pure moments were applied under load control (maximum 7.5 Nm) to induce flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation while spinal motion was measured at T8–9 optoelectronically. The range of motion (ROM) and lax zone were determined in each specimen and compared among conditions. Results Transpedicular discectomy with and without a total facetectomy significantly increased the ROM and lax zone in all directions of loading compared with the intact spine (p < 0.008). The segmental increase in ROM observed with the transpedicular discectomy was 25%. The additional total facetectomy created an insignificant 3% further increase in ROM compared with medial facetectomy (p > 0.2). Conclusions Transpedicular discectomy can be performed in the thoracic spine with a modest decrease in stability expected. Because the biomechanical behavior of a total facetectomy is equivalent to that of a medial facetectomy, the additional facet removal may be incorporated without further biomechanical consequences.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Lumbar Decompression Adjacent to Instrumented Segments

Neurosurgery ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 895-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Grunert ◽  
Phillip M. Reyes ◽  
Anna G.U.S. Newcomb ◽  
Sara B. Towne ◽  
Brian P. Kelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Mechanical Effect ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
Lumbar Stenosis ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Pure Moment ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation ◽  
Laminectomy And Fusion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Multilevel lumbar stenosis, in which 1 level requires stabilization due to spondylolisthesis, is routinely treated with multilevel open laminectomy and fusion. We hypothesized that a minimally invasive (MI) decompression is biomechanically superior to open laminectomy and may allow decompression of the level adjacent the spondylolisthesis without additional fusion. OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanical effect of various decompression procedures adjacent to instrumented segments in cadaver lumbar spines. METHODS: Conditions tested were (1) L4-L5 instrumentation, (2) L3-L4 MI decompression, (3) addition of partial facetectomy at L3-L4, and (4) addition of laminectomy at L3-L4. Flexibility tests were performed for range of motion (ROM) analysis by applying nonconstraining, pure moment loading during flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Compression flexion tests were performed for motion distribution analysis. RESULTS: After instrumentation, MI decompression increased flexion-extension ROM at L3-L4 by 13% (P = .03) and axial rotation by 23% (P = .003). Partial facetectomy further increased axial rotation by 15% (P = .03). After laminectomy, flexion-extension ROM further increased by 12% (P = .05), a 38% increase from baseline, and axial rotation by 17% (P = .02), a 58% increase from baseline. MI decompression yielded no significant increase in segmental contribution of motion at L3-L4, in contrast to partial facetectomy and laminectomy (&lt;.05). CONCLUSION: MI tubular decompression is biomechanically superior to open laminectomy adjacent to instrumented segments. These results lend support to the concept that in patients in whom a multilevel MI decompression is performed, the fusion might be limited to the segments with actual instability.

scholarly journals Biomechanical evaluation of the craniovertebral junction after unilateral joint-sparing condylectomy: implications for the far lateral approach revisited

2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 829-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun R. Kshettry ◽  
Andrew T. Healy ◽  
Robb Colbrunn ◽  
Dylan T. Beckler ◽  
Edward C. Benzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Intact State ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral

OBJECTIVEThe far lateral transcondylar approach to the ventral foramen magnum requires partial resection of the occipital condyle. Early biomechanical studies suggest that occipitocervical (OC) fusion should be considered if 50% of the condyle is resected. In clinical practice, however, a joint-sparing condylectomy has often been employed without the need for OC fusion. The biomechanics of the joint-sparing technique have not been reported. Authors of the present study hypothesized that the clinically relevant joint-sparing condylectomy would result in added stability of the craniovertebral junction as compared with earlier reports.METHODSMultidirectional in vitro flexibility tests were performed using a robotic spine-testing system on 7 fresh cadaveric spines to assess the effect of sequential unilateral joint-sparing condylectomy (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) in comparison with the intact state by using cardinal direction and coupled moments combined with a simulated head weight “follower load.”RESULTSThe percent change in range of motion following sequential condylectomy as compared with the intact state was 5.2%, 8.1%, 12.0%, and 27.5% in flexion-extension (FE); 8.4%, 14.7%, 39.1%, and 80.2% in lateral bending (LB); and 24.4%, 31.5%, 49.9%, and 141.1% in axial rotation (AR). Only values at 100% condylectomy were statistically significant (p < 0.05). With coupled motions, however, −3.9%, 6.6%, 35.8%, and 142.4% increases in AR+F and 27.3%, 32.7%, 77.5%, and 175.5% increases in AR+E were found. Values for 75% and 100% condyle resection were statistically significant in AR+E.CONCLUSIONSWhen tested in the traditional cardinal directions, a 50% joint-sparing condylectomy did not significantly increase motion. However, removing 75% of the condyle may necessitate fusion, as a statistically significant increase in motion was found when E was coupled with AR. Clinical correlation is ultimately needed to determine the need for OC fusion.

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