scholarly journals Cervical laminoplasty developments and trends, 2003–2013: a systematic review

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Duetzmann ◽  
Tyler Cole ◽  
John K. Ratliff
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Visual Analog Scale Score ◽  
Open Side ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Axial Neck Pain

OBJECT Despite extensive clinical experience with laminoplasty, the efficacy of the procedure and its advantages over laminectomy remain unclear. Specific clinical elements, such as incidence or progression of kyphosis, incidence of axial neck pain, postoperative cervical range of motion, and incidence of postoperative C-5 palsies, are of concern. The authors sought to comprehensively review the laminoplasty literature over the past 10 years while focusing on these clinical elements. METHODS The authors conducted a literature search of articles in the Medline database published between 2003 and 2013, in which the terms “laminoplasty,” “laminectomy,” and “posterior cervical spine procedures” were used as key words. Included was every single case series in which patient outcomes after a laminoplasty procedure were reported. Excluded were studies that did not report on at least one of the above-mentioned items. RESULTS A total of 103 studies, the results of which contained at least 1 of the prespecified outcome variables, were identified. These studies reported 130 patient groups comprising 8949 patients. There were 3 prospective randomized studies, 1 prospective nonrandomized alternating study, 15 prospective nonrandomized data collections, and 84 retrospective reviews. The review revealed a trend for the use of miniplates or hydroxyapatite spacers on the open side in Hirabayashi-type laminoplasty or on the open side in a Kurokawa-type laminoplasty. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring was reported most commonly; in the 4949 patients for whom a JOA score was reported, there was improvement from a mean (± SD) score of 9.91 (± 1.65) to a score of 13.68 (± 1.05) after a mean follow-up of 44.18 months (± 35.1 months). The mean preoperative and postoperative C2–7 angles (available for 2470 patients) remained stable from 14.17° (± 0.19°) to 13.98° (± 0.19°) of lordosis (average follow-up 39 months). The authors found significantly decreased kyphosis when muscle/posterior element–sparing techniques were used (p = 0.02). The use of hardware in the form of hydroxyapatite spacers or miniplates did not influence the progression of deformity (p = 0.889). An overall mean (calculated from 2390 patients) of 47.3% loss of range of motion was reported. For the studies that used a visual analog scale score (totaling 986 patients), the mean (cohort size–adjusted) postoperative pain level at a mean follow-up of 29 months was 2.78. For the studies that used percentages of patients who complained of postoperative axial neck pain (totaling 1249 patients), the mean patient number–adjusted percentage was 30% at a mean follow-up of 51 months. The authors found that 16% of the studies that were published in the last 10 years reported a C-5 palsy rate of more than 10% (534 patients), 41% of the studies reported a rate of 5%–10% (n = 1006), 23% of the studies reported a rate of 1%–5% (n = 857), and 12.5% reported a rate of 0% (n = 168). CONCLUSIONS Laminoplasty remains a valid option for decompression of the spinal cord. An understanding of the importance of the muscle-ligament complex, plus the introduction of hardware, has led to progress in this type of surgery. Reporting of outcome metrics remains variable, which makes comparisons among the techniques difficult.

scholarly journals Early Clinical Results of Arthroscopically Assisted Drilling via the Radius in a Distal-to-Proximal Direction for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 232596711986893
Author(s):  
Yuji Arai ◽  
Kunio Hara ◽  
Hiroaki Inoue ◽  
Ginjiro Minami ◽  
Yoshikazu Kida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
Arthroscopically Assisted ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Flexion And Extension

Background: We have previously reported the technique of arthroscopically assisted drilling of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the elbow via the radius in a distal-to-proximal direction. With this technique, the entire OCD lesion can be drilled vertically under arthroscopic guidance with pronation and supination of the forearm and flexion and extension of the elbow joint. Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate return to sport, range of motion, and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association–Japan Elbow Society Elbow Function Score (JOA-JES score) after treatment of an elbow OCD lesion by drilling through the radius. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: From November 2003 to January 2006, a total of 7 male adolescent baseball players with OCD lesions of the elbow were treated through use of arthroscopically assisted drilling via the radius. The stage of the OCD lesion was evaluated based on preoperative plain radiographs. Patients were observed for a minimum of 36 months, and clinical analysis included time for return to sport, elbow range of motion, and the JOA-JES score before intervention and at final follow-up. Results: We evaluated all 7 patients at a mean follow-up time of 36.1 months (range, 24-68 months). The stage of the OCD lesion on plain radiography was “translucent” in 1 patient, “sclerotic” in 5 patients, and “loosening” in 1 patient. The mean range of motion before surgery was 131.2° and –4.7° in flexion and extension, respectively, and this improved to 138.6° and 1.1° at final follow-up. The improvement in extension was statistically significant ( P = .04). The mean JOA-JES score of 83.0 before surgery significantly improved to 94.0 at final follow-up ( P < .001). One patient required excision of a free body at 51 months postoperatively, but all patients returned to sports early and without pain at an average of 4.6 months postoperatively. No feature of osteoarthrosis was noted on radiography on the final examination in any patient. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that arthroscopically assisted drilling of an elbow OCD lesion through the radial head allows for early return to sporting activities as well as improved motion and functional scores.

Is there a difference in range of motion, neck pain, and outcomes in patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament versus those with cervical spondylosis, treated with plated laminoplasty?

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. E9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahito Fujimori ◽  
Hai Le ◽  
John E. Ziewacz ◽  
Dean Chou ◽  
Praveen V. Mummaneni
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Minimum Clinically Important Difference ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Flexion Angle ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
The Mean

Object There are little data on the effects of plated, or plate-only, open-door laminoplasty on cervical range of motion (ROM), neck pain, and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare ROM after a plated laminoplasty in patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) versus those with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and to correlate ROM with postoperative neck pain and neurological outcomes. Methods The authors retrospectively compared patients with a diagnosis of cervical stenosis due to either OPLL or CSM who had been treated with plated laminoplasty in the period from 2007 to 2012 at the University of California, San Francisco. Clinical outcomes were measured using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale and neck visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographic outcomes included assessment of changes in the C2–7 Cobb angle at flexion and extension, ROM at C2–7, and ROM of proximal and distal segments adjacent to the plated lamina. Results Sixty patients (40 men and 20 women) with an average age of 63.1 ± 10.9 years were included in the study. Forty-one patients had degenerative CSM and 19 patients had OPLL. The mean follow-up period was 20.9 ± 13.1 months. The mean mJOA score significantly improved in both the CSM and the OPLL groups (12.8 to 14.5, p < 0.01; and 13.2 to 14.2, respectively; p = 0.04). In the CSM group, the mean VAS neck score significantly improved from 4.2 to 2.6 after surgery (p = 0.01), but this improvement did not reach the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Neither was there significant improvement in the VAS neck score in the OPLL group (3.6 to 3.1, p = 0.17). In the CSM group, ROM at C2–7 significantly decreased from 32.7° before surgery to 24.4° after surgery (p < 0.01). In the OPLL group, ROM at C2–7 significantly decreased from 34.4° to 20.8° (p < 0.01). In the CSM group, the change in the VAS neck score significantly correlated with the change in the flexion angle (r = − 0.31) and the extension angle (r = − 0.37); however, it did not correlate with the change in ROM at C2–7 (r = − 0.1). In the OPLL group, the change in the VAS neck score did not correlate with the change in the flexion angle (r = 0.03), the extension angle (r = − 0.17), or the ROM at C2–7 (r = − 0.28). The OPLL group had a significantly greater loss of ROM after surgery than did the CSM group (p = 0.04). There was no significant correlation between the change in ROM and the mJOA score in either group. Conclusions Plated laminoplasty in patients with either OPLL or CSM decreases cervical ROM, especially in the extension angle. Among patients who have undergone laminoplasty, those with OPLL lose more ROM than do those with CSM. No correlation was observed between neck pain and ROM in either group. Neither group had a change in neck pain that reached the MCID following laminoplasty. Both groups improved in neurological function and outcomes.

scholarly journals Effect of preservation of the C-6 spinous process and its paraspinal muscular attachment on the prevention of postoperative axial neck pain in C3–6 laminoplasty

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eiji Mori ◽  
Takayoshi Ueta ◽  
Takeshi Maeda ◽  
Itaru Yugué ◽  
Osamu Kawano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Paraspinal Muscle ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Axial Neck Pain ◽  
Process Length ◽  
Preservation Technique

OBJECT Axial neck pain after C3–6 laminoplasty has been reported to be significantly lesser than that after C3–7 laminoplasty because of the preservation of the C-7 spinous process and the attachment of nuchal muscles such as the trapezius and rhomboideus minor, which are connected to the scapula. The C-6 spinous process is the second longest spinous process after that of C-7, and it serves as an attachment point for these muscles. The effect of preserving the C-6 spinous process and its muscular attachment, in addition to preservation of the C-7 spinous process, on the prevention of axial neck pain is not well understood. The purpose of the current study was to clarify whether preservation of the paraspinal muscles of the C-6 spinous process reduces postoperative axial neck pain compared to that after using nonpreservation techniques. METHODS The authors studied 60 patients who underwent C3–6 double-door laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy or cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament; the minimum follow-up period was 1 year. Twenty-five patients underwent a C-6 paraspinal muscle preservation technique, and 35 underwent a C-6 nonpreservation technique. A visual analog scale (VAS) and VAS grading (Grades I–IV) were used to assess axial neck pain 1–3 months after surgery and at the final follow-up examination. Axial neck pain was classified as being 1 of 5 types, and its location was divided into 5 areas. The potential correlation between the C-6/C-7 spinous process length ratio and axial neck pain was examined. RESULTS The mean VAS scores (± SD) for axial neck pain were comparable between the C6-preservation group and the C6-nonpreservation group in both the early and late postoperative stages (4.1 ± 3.1 vs 4.0 ± 3.2 and 3.8 ± 2.9 vs 3.6 ± 3.0, respectively). The distribution of VAS grades was comparable in the 2 groups in both postoperative stages. Stiffness was the most prevalent complaint in both groups (64.0% and 54.5%, respectively), and the suprascapular region was the most common site in both groups (60.0% and 57.1%, respectively). The types and locations of axial neck pain were also similar between the groups. The C-6/C-7 spinous process length ratios were similar in the groups, and they did not correlate with axial neck pain. The reductions of range of motion and changes in sagittal alignment after surgery were also similar. CONCLUSIONS The C-6 paraspinal muscle preservation technique was not superior to the C6-nonpreservation technique for preventing postoperative axial neck pain.

scholarly journals Efficacy of threading lasso fixation in repairing partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion lesions: a retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun-Yu Chen ◽  
Zhan-Hao Xiao ◽  
Jian-Kun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Visual Analog Scale Score ◽  
Supraspinatus Tendon ◽  
Fixation Technique ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tendon Avulsion

Abstract Background The partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesion repair remains a topic of debate. We have performed in situ repair of PASTA lesions using a potentially viable threading lasso fixation technique. This retrospective case series aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PASTA lesion repair using threading lasso fixation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to review this technique and its outcomes in terms of pain and upper extremity function. Methods Twenty-five patients with PASTA lesions who were treated with threading lasso fixation were reviewed. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Preoperative and follow-up data were retrospectively collected and reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed to evaluate the efficacy of the surgery. Results There were no postoperative complications. The average follow-up period was 25.7 (22–27) months. At the last follow-up, all patients underwent follow-up magnetic resonance imaging; only two cases showed a partially healed tendon and no case converted to full-thickness tear. Furthermore, shoulder pain decreased and mobility was recovered, with statistically significant differences in all scoring measures. Specifically, the mean visual analog scale score decreased from 5.4 ± 1.2 before surgery to 1.1 ± 0.8 at the last follow-up (t = 14.908, P < 0.01), and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment Form score improved significantly from 51.6 ± 6.4 to 89.3 ± 5.2 (t = 22.859, P < 0.01). Additionally, the mean University of California Los Angeles score improved from 17.8 ± 3.5 preoperatively to 32.3 ± 1.4 (t = 19.233, P < 0.01). Conclusions Arthroscopic repair using threading lasso fixation is a novel transtendinous technique for patients with partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion. Tendon integrity is preserved with this method, which may result in improved function. Overall, threading lasso fixation technique is an effective treatment.

Clinical Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty With Total Talar Prosthesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 948-954
Author(s):  
Noriyuki Kanzaki ◽  
Nobuaki Chinzei ◽  
Tetsuya Yamamoto ◽  
Takahiro Yamashita ◽  
Kazuyuki Ibaraki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Medial Malleolus ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
The Mean ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Medial Malleolus Fracture

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has been developed to treat patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA). However, there is often difficulty in treating complicated pathologies such as ankle OA with subtalar joint OA and severe talar collapse. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the short-term results and complications of TAA with total talar prosthesis, known as combined TAA, as the new techniques to treat such complicated pathology. Methods: We examined postoperative results including ankle range of motion, Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale, and complications. There were 22 patients (15 women), with mean follow-up of 34.9 (range, 24–53 months), and the mean age was 72 (range, 62–80) years. The main indications for combined TAA included osteoarthritis (18 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (3 patients), and talar osteonecrosis with osteoarthritis (one patient). Results: The mean range of motion improved from 4.0 to 14.4 degrees in dorsiflexion and from 23.8 to 32.0 degrees in plantarflexion. The JSSF scale improved from 50.5 to 91.5 points. Prolonged wound healing occurred in 3 patients, and medial malleolus fracture occurred in 4 patients. Conclusion: Combined TAA was a reliable procedure for the treatment of not only ankle OA following avascular necrosis of talus but also of degeneration of both ankle and subtalar joints. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Modified Ilizarov technique for the treatment of forearm deformities in multiple cartilaginous exostoses: case series and literature review

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. H. Song ◽  
H. Lee ◽  
H. Youssef ◽  
S. M. Oh ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Corrective Osteotomy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ilizarov Method ◽  
Ilizarov Technique ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Multiple Cartilaginous Exostoses

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of gradual ulnar correction and lengthening using the modified Ilizarov technique for the treatment of forearm deformities in patients with multiple cartilaginous exostoses. We retrospectively reviewed 23 forearms in 16 patients. Three different types of operative procedures were performed: (1) corrective osteotomy and gradual lengthening of the ulna, (2) corrective osteotomy of the radius, and (3) excision of exostoses. We evaluated the radiographs; range of motion of the wrist, forearm, and elbow; and functional status using a questionnaire before and after operation. During the clinical interview, post-operative functional status was significantly improved than pre-operative functional status, 12 patients stated that they had no difficulty in performing daily activities, 11 patients stated that they had no pain, and 11 patients stated that the post-operative appearance of the operated forearm was satisfactory. At time of final follow-up, the mean range of motion of the wrist in ulnar/radial deviation, forearm pronation/supination was significantly improved. Also, the radiographic parameters including radial articular angle, carpal slip, radial bowing, and ulnar variance were significantly improved at time of final follow-up. In conclusion, we achieved successful clinical and radiological outcomes in our patients with forearm deformities after treatment with the modified Ilizarov method. However, there could be a recurrence of ulnar shortening and deformity during growth periods in skeletally immature patients.

Postlaminoplasty cervical range of motion: early results

2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 386-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suk-Hyung Kang ◽  
Seung-Chul Rhim ◽  
Sung-Woo Roh ◽  
Sang-Ryong Jeon ◽  
Hyun-Chul Baek
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Cervical Canal ◽  
Cervical Laminoplasty ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Cervical Range Of Motion ◽  
Curvature Index ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean

Object The authors studied cervical range of motion (ROM) before and after cervical laminoplasty to determine factors associated with cervical ROM in patients with cervical myelopathy. Methods Between July 2003 and August 2005, 20 patients underwent a modified Hirabayashi-type unilateral open-door laminoplasty to treat multilevel cervical spondylosis or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Clinically, the authors assessed Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, duration of symptoms, disease entity, and the age and sex of patients to ascertain the relation of these factors to ROM before and after cervical laminoplasty. Intraoperative findings such as ligament detachment from the C-2 spinous process and cervicothoracic junction involvement were noted. Radiological and imaging findings such as the length of the lesion, cervical axial canal area, antero-posterior (AP) diameter of the cervical canal, angle of the opened lamina after surgery, cervical sagittal angles, cervical curvature index (CCI), and signal change of the cord on magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 19.45 months (range 13–38 months). The preoperative average ROM in 18 patients (after excluding two patients with trauma) was 36.73 ± 15.73°; postoperatively it was 25.24 ± 16.06°. Thus, ROM decreased by 9.64 ± 10.09° (31.80%) after surgery (p = 0.002), reflecting the mean in the same 18 patients. Preoperative ROM was related to the age of patients, CCI, preoperative JOA score, and AP diameter of the cervical canal. In cases of OPLL the ROM was lower than that in cases of spondylosis. Postoperative cervical ROM was related to preoperative ROM, postoperative AP diameter of the cervical canal, laminar angle, patient age, and follow-up duration. None of the studied parameters, however, correlated with a decreased cervical ROM. Conclusions Cervical ROM was reduced after cervical laminoplasty. Postlaminoplasty cervical ROM had a positive correlation with extended motion; however, gradually it became reduced. In this study, no correlative factor was associated with a reduction in cervical ROM. Further study is also needed.

Supracerebellar infratentorial endoscopically controlled resection of pineal lesions: case series and operative technique

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 554-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Uschold ◽  
Adib A. Abla ◽  
David Fusco ◽  
Ruth E. Bristol ◽  
Peter Nakaji
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pineal Region ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss ◽  
The Mean

Object The heterogeneous clinical manifestations and operative characteristics of pathological entities in the pineal region represent a significant challenge in terms of patient selection and surgical approach. Traditional surgical options have included endoscopic transventricular resection; open supratentorial microsurgical approaches through the midline, choroidal fissure, lateral ventricle, and tentorium; and supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approaches through the posterior fossa. The object of the current study was to review the preoperative characteristics and outcomes for a cohort of patients treated purely via the novel endoscopically controlled SCIT approach. Methods A single-institution series of 9 consecutive patients (4 male and 5 female patients [10 total cases]; mean age 21 years, range 6–37 years) treated via the endoscopically controlled SCIT approach for a pathological entity in the pineal region was retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up time was 13.2 months. Results The endoscopically controlled SCIT approach was successfully used to approach a variety of pineal lesions, including pineal cysts (6 patients), epidermoid tumor, WHO Grade II astrocytoma (initial biopsy and recurrence), and malignant mixed germ cell tumor (1 patient each). Gross-total resection and/or adequate cyst fenestration was achieved in 8 cases. Biopsy with conservative debulking was performed for the single case of low-grade astrocytoma and again at the time of recurrence. The mean preoperative tumor and cyst volumes were 9.9 ± 4.4 and 3.7 ± 3.2 cm3, respectively. The mean operating times were 212 ± 71 minutes for tumor cases and 177 ± 72 minutes for cysts. Estimated blood loss was less than 150 ml for all cases. A single case (pineal cyst) was converted to an open microsurgical approach to enhance visualization. There were no operative complications, as well as no documented CSF leaks, additional CSF diversion procedures, or air emboli. Seven patients underwent concomitant third ventriculostomy into the quadrigeminal cistern. At the time of the last follow-up evaluation, all patients had a stable or improved modified Rankin Scale score. Conclusions The endoscopically controlled SCIT approach may be used for the biopsy and resection of appropriately selected solid tumors of the pineal region, in addition to the fenestration and/or resection of pineal cysts. Preoperative considerations include patient presentation, anticipated disease and vascularity, degree of local venous anatomical distortion, and selection of optimal paramedian trajectory.

scholarly journals Microendoscopic laminotomy versus conventional laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: 5-year follow-up study

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akihito Minamide ◽  
Munehito Yoshida ◽  
Andrew K. Simpson ◽  
Hiroshi Yamada ◽  
Hiroshi Hashizume ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Recovery Rates ◽  
Cervical Sagittal Alignment ◽  
Axial Neck Pain ◽  
Clinical And Radiological Results

OBJECTIVEThe goal of this study was to characterize the long-term clinical and radiological results of articular segmental decompression surgery using endoscopy (cervical microendoscopic laminotomy [CMEL]) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and to compare outcomes to conventional expansive laminoplasty (ELAP).METHODSConsecutive patients with CSM who required surgical treatment were enrolled. All enrolled patients (n = 78) underwent CMEL or ELAP. All patients were followed postoperatively for more than 5 years. The preoperative and 5-year follow-up evaluations included neurological assessment (Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score), JOA recovery rates, axial neck pain (using a visual analog scale), the SF-36, and cervical sagittal alignment (C2–7 subaxial cervical angle).RESULTSSixty-one patients were included for analysis, 31 in the CMEL group and 30 in the ELAP group. The mean preoperative JOA score was 10.1 points in the CMEL group and 10.9 points in the ELAP group (p > 0.05). The JOA recovery rates were similar, 57.6% in the CMEL group and 55.4% in the ELAP group (p > 0.05). The axial neck pain in the CMEL group was significantly lower than that in the ELAP group (p < 0.01). At the 5-year follow-up, cervical alignment was more favorable in the CMEL group, with an average 2.6° gain in lordosis (versus 1.2° loss of lordosis in the ELAP group [p < 0.05]) and lower incidence of postoperative kyphosis.CONCLUSIONSCMEL is a novel, less invasive technique that allows for multilevel posterior cervical decompression for the treatment of CSM. This 5-year follow-up data demonstrates that after undergoing CMEL, patients have similar neurological outcomes to conventional laminoplasty, with significantly less postoperative axial pain and improved subaxial cervical lordosis when compared with their traditional ELAP counterparts.

scholarly journals Atlantoaxial dislocation with congenital “sandwich fusion” in the craniovertebral junction: a retrospective case series of 70 patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yinglun Tian ◽  
Nanfang Xu ◽  
Ming Yan ◽  
Peter G. Passias ◽  
Frank A. Segreto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Atlantoaxial Dislocation ◽  
Os Odontoideum ◽  
Cranial Neuropathy ◽  
Atlantoaxial Joint ◽  
The Mean

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.

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