Surgical management of the tethered spinal cord—walking the fine line

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. E4 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Drake
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
General Category ◽  
Tethered Spinal Cord ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Fine Line ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Clinical Presentations

✓The tethered spinal cord is a fascinating yet controversial condition seen frequently in neurosurgical practice. Treatment decision making is made difficult by the variety of lesions and clinical presentations comprised by this condition and the absence of high-quality clinical outcome data to provide guidance. Clinical presentations may be divided into four general categories or typical scenarios: 1) significant dysraphic abnormality, clear clinical deterioration; 2) significant dysraphic abnormality, clinically normal or stable deficit; 3) incidentally discovered abnormality, other problem; and 4) tethered spinal cord symptomatology, normal imaging. The author provides case examples to illustrate potential treatment approaches and suggests balancing the risks and benefits for each general category. Clearer diagnostic and treatment strategies for the tethered spinal cord will only result from high-quality clinical and basic research. Until the results of such research are available, surgeons should endeavor to maximize benefit and reduce risk for patients who may have a tethered spinal cord, walking the fine line between over- and undertreatment.

scholarly journals Tethered spinal cord following repair of myelomeningocele

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger J. Hudgins ◽  
C. Lynn Gilreath
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Tethered Cord ◽  
Tethered Spinal Cord ◽  
Terminal Portion ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Orthopedic Surgeons ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Multidisciplinary Clinic ◽  
Surgical Release

Object The goal of this paper is to elucidate the clinical presentation of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) following repair of a myelomeningocele. Methods Approximately 10 to 30% of children will develop TCS following repair of a myelomeningocele. Because essentially all children with repaired myelomeningocele will have a tethered spinal cord, as demonstrated on MR imaging, the diagnosis of TCS is made based on clinical criteria. The six common clinical presentations of TCS are increased weakness (55%), worsening gait (54%), scoliosis (51%), pain (32%), orthopedic deformity (11%), and urological dysfunction (6%). The primary goal of surgery is to detach the spinal cord where it is adherent to the thecal sac, relieving the stretch on the terminal portion of the cord. Conclusions Early diagnosis and surgical release of the tethered cord results in stabilization or improvement in most cases. Because TCS may present with orthopedic and/or urological signs or symptoms, children with myelomeningocele should by followed, ideally in a multidisciplinary clinic, by neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and urologists who are aware of this condition.

scholarly journals Contemporary management and outcome of myelomeningocele: the Rotterdam experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. E3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jochem K. H. Spoor ◽  
Pravesh S. Gadjradj ◽  
Alex J. Eggink ◽  
Philip L. J. DeKoninck ◽  
Bart Lutters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Fetal Surgery ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Reoperation Rate ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Experimental Therapy ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Tethered Spinal Cord ◽  
Historical Cohort ◽  
Select Group

OBJECTIVEMyelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common form of spina bifida, with a lifelong impact on the quality of life for infants born with this condition. In recent decades, fetal surgery has evolved from an experimental therapy to standard of care for many centers in the world. In this study, the authors aimed to provide an overview of the current management and outcomes for infants with MMC managed at their institution. This then provides a center-specific historical cohort for comparison with future antenatal-treated MMC cases.METHODSThis is a retrospective, single-institution cohort study including all consecutive MMC cases between January 1, 2000, and June 1, 2018, at Erasmus MC. Outcome data included closure of the defect (location, timing, and surgical parameters), hydrocephalus management, Chiari malformation type II (CMTII) management, incidence of spinal cord tethering and outcome, motor outcomes, and continence.RESULTSA total of 93 patients were included with predominantly lumbosacral lesions. Two patients died during follow-up. Hydrocephalus was present in 84%, with a 71% ventriculoperitoneal shunt reoperation rate. Surgery was performed in 12% for a tethered spinal cord at a mean age of 8 years. Decompression surgery was performed in 3 patients for CMTII. Special education in 63% was significantly associated with hydrocephalus (p < 0.015). Nineteen percent of patients were able to walk independently, and 47% were nonambulators. Social continence for urine was obtained in 75% of patients, 4% had fecal incontinence.CONCLUSIONSThis study provides an overview of current MMC outcomes at the authors’ center and will serve as a historical cohort for comparison with future fetal surgery cases operated on at the center in the coming years. Apart from a relatively low surgical untethering rate, the authors’ outcome data are comparable to those in the literature. Hydrocephalus is highly prevalent in postnatally treated MMC patients; in this study as in much of the literature, hydrocephalus is correlated with a low cognitive function. Fetal surgery for MMC halves the need for shunt treatment in a select group of MMC pregnancies, constituting a major indication for us to undergo the transition to a fetal surgery center. The fetal benefits of open antenatal surgery for MMC are well established, yet long-term data on especially tethered spinal cord are eagerly awaited.

Impairment Rating and Spinal Cord Injuries: Revisiting the Guides

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Richard T. Katz
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Sixth Edition ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Impairment Ratings

Abstract This article addresses some criticisms of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) by comparing previously published outcome data from a group of complete spinal cord injury (SCI) persons with impairment ratings for a corresponding level of injury calculated using the AMA Guides, Sixth Edition. Results of the comparison show that impairment ratings using the sixth edition scale poorly with the level of impairments of activities of daily living (ADL) in SCI patients as assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor scale and the extended FIM motor scale. Because of the combinations of multiple impairments, the AMA Guides potentially overrates the impairment of paraplegics compared with that of quadriplegics. The use and applicability of the Combined Values formula should be further investigated, and complete loss of function of two upper extremities seems consistent with levels of quadriplegia using the SCI model. Some aspects of the AMA Guides contain inconsistencies. The concept of diminishing impairment values is not easily translated between specific losses of function per organ system and “overall” loss of ADLs involving multiple organ systems, and the notion of “catastrophic thresholds” involving multiple organ systems may support the understanding that variations in rating may exist in higher rating cases such as those that involve an SCI.

Motor Recovery after Chronic Spinal Cord Transection in Rats: A Proof-of-Concept Study Evaluating a Combined Strategy

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Ibarra ◽  
Erika Mendieta-Arbesú ◽  
Paola Suarez-Meade ◽  
Elisa García-Vences ◽  
Susana Martiñón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Motor Recovery ◽  
Neural Regeneration ◽  
Histological Evaluation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Concept Study

Background: The chronic phase of Spinal Cord (SC) injury is characterized by the presence of a hostile microenvironment that causes low activity and a progressive decline in neurological function; this phase is non-compatible with regeneration. Several treatment strategies have been investigated in chronic SC injury with no satisfactory results. OBJECTIVE- In this proof-of-concept study, we designed a combination therapy (Comb Tx) consisting of surgical glial scar removal plus scar inhibition, accompanied with implantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and immunization with neural-derived peptides (INDP). Methods: This study was divided into three subsets, all in which Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a complete SC transection. Sixty days after injury, animals were randomly allocated into two groups for therapeutic intervention: control group and animals receiving the Comb-Tx. Sixty-three days after treatment we carried out experiments analyzing motor recovery, presence of somatosensory evoked potentials, neural regeneration-related genes, and histological evaluation of serotoninergic fibers. Results: Comb-Tx induced a significant locomotor and electrophysiological recovery. An increase in the expression of regeneration-associated genes and the percentage of 5-HT+ fibers was noted at the caudal stump of the SC of animals receiving the Comb-Tx. There was a significant correlation of locomotor recovery with positive electrophysiological activity, expression of GAP43, and percentage of 5-HT+ fibers. Conclusion: Comb-Tx promotes motor and electrophysiological recovery in the chronic phase of SC injury subsequent to a complete transection. Likewise, it is capable of inducing the permissive microenvironment to promote axonal regeneration.

scholarly journals European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on the management of space-occupying brain infarction

2021 ◽  
pp. 239698732110141
Author(s):  
H Bart van der Worp ◽  
Jeannette Hofmeijer ◽  
Eric Jüttler ◽  
Avtar Lal ◽  
Patrik Michel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Infarction ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Surgical Decompression ◽  
Cerebellar Infarction ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Grade Approach ◽  
Quality Evidence ◽  
Hemispheric Infarction

Space-occupying brain oedema is a potentially life-threatening complication in the first days after large hemispheric or cerebellar infarction. Several treatment strategies for this complication are available, but the size and quality of the scientific evidence on which these strategies are based vary considerably. The aim of this Guideline document is to assist physicians in their management decisions when treating patients with space-occupying hemispheric or cerebellar infarction. These Guidelines were developed based on the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) standard operating procedure and followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A working group identified 13 relevant questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and wrote evidence-based recommendations. An expert consensus statement was provided if not enough evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach. We found high-quality evidence to recommend surgical decompression to reduce the risk of death and to increase the chance of a favourable outcome in adult patients aged up to and including 60 years with space-occupying hemispheric infarction who can be treated within 48 hours of stroke onset, and low-quality evidence to support this treatment in older patients. There is continued uncertainty about the benefit and risks of surgical decompression in patients with space-occupying hemispheric infarction if this is done after the first 48 hours. There is also continued uncertainty about the selection of patients with space-occupying cerebellar infarction for surgical decompression or drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. These Guidelines further provide details on the management of specific subgroups of patients with space-occupying hemispheric infarction, on the value of monitoring of intracranial pressure, and on the benefits and risks of medical treatment options. We encourage new high-quality studies assessing the risks and benefits of different treatment strategies for patients with space-occupying brain infarction.

scholarly journals Evaluation of deformable image registration (DIR) methods for dose accumulation in nasopharyngeal cancer patients during radiotherapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wannapha Nobnop ◽  
Imjai Chitapanarux ◽  
Hudsaleark Neamin ◽  
Somsak Wanwilairat ◽  
Vicharn Lorvidhaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Image Registration ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Cancer ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Deformable Image Registration ◽  
Organ Dose ◽  
Target Dose ◽  
Dose Accumulation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Deformable image registration (DIR) is used to modify structures according to anatomical changes for observing the dosimetric effect. In this study, megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images were used to generate cumulative doses for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients by various DIR methods. The performance of the multiple DIR methods was analysed, and the impact of dose accumulation was assessed. Patients and methods The study consisted of five NPC patients treated with a helical tomotherapy unit. The weekly MVCT images at the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th, and 31st fractions were used to assess the dose accumulation by the four DIR methods. The cumulative dose deviations from the initial treatment plan were analysed, and correlations of these variations with the anatomic changes and DIR methods were explored. Results The target dose received a slightly different result from the initial plan at the end of the treatment. The organ dose differences increased as the treatment progressed to 6.8% (range: 2.2 to 10.9%), 15.2% (range: -1.7 to 36.3%), and 6.4% (range: -1.6 to 13.2%) for the right parotid, the left parotid, and the spinal cord, respectively. The mean uncertainty values to estimate the accumulated doses for all the DIR methods were 0.21 ± 0.11 Gy (target dose), 1.99 ± 0.76 Gy (right parotid), 1.19 ± 0.24 Gy (left parotid), and 0.41 ± 0.04 Gy (spinal cord). Conclusions Accuracy of the DIR methods affects the estimation of dose accumulation on both the target dose and the organ dose. The DIR methods provide an adequate dose estimation technique for observation as a result of inter-fractional anatomic changes and are beneficial for adaptive treatment strategies.

Cervical Perimedullary Arteriovenous Shunts

Neurosurgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiki Endo ◽  
Hiroaki Shimizu ◽  
Kenichi Sato ◽  
Kuniyasu Niizuma ◽  
Ryushi Kondo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Anterior Approach ◽  
Open Surgery ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Good Recovery ◽  
Intraoperative Angiography ◽  
Indocyanine Green Videoangiography ◽  
Arteriovenous Shunts ◽  
Complete Obliteration

Abstract BACKGROUND: Reports of cervical perimedullary arteriovenous shunt (PMAVS) are limited, and treatment strategies have not been established. OBJECTIVE: To describe angioarchitecture and optimal treatment strategies for cervical PMAVS. METHODS: We treated 22 patients with cervical PMAVS between 2000 and 2012 (8 women and 14 men; age, 9-80 years). According to the classification, our patients included type IVa (4 patients), type IVb (16 patients), and type IVc (2 patients). Seventeen patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. RESULTS: A total of 41 shunting points were localized in 22 patients, of which 34 points were located ventral or ventrolateral to the spinal cord. The anterior spinal artery (ASA) contributed to the shunts in 16 patients. Aneurysm formation was identified in 8 patients. Endovascular treatment was attempted in 3 patients, resulting in complete obliteration in 1 patient (type IVc). Overall, 21 patients underwent open surgery. An anterior approach with corpectomy was elected for 2 patients; the other 19 patients underwent the posterior approaches using indocyanine green videoangiography, intraoperative angiography, endoscopy (8 patients), and neuromonitoring. Twenty patients were rated as having a good recovery at 6 months after surgery. No recurrence was observed in any patients during the follow-up (mean, 59.7 months). CONCLUSION: Shunting points of the cervical PMAVS were predominantly located ventral or ventrolateral to the spinal cord and were often fed by the ASA. Even for ventral lesions, posterior exposure assisted with neuromonitoring and endoscopy, and intraoperative angiography provided a view sufficient to understand the relationships between the shunts and the ASA and contributed to good surgical outcomes.

VOLUME MANIPULATION FOR SIMULATING FACIAL CONTOURING SURGERY

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (01) ◽  
pp. 1450016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Dar Tsai ◽  
Feng-Chou Tsai ◽  
Chih-Lung Lin ◽  
Ming-Shium Hsieh
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Surgical Procedure ◽  
Tissue Deformation ◽  
Bone Morphology ◽  
Facial Bone ◽  
High Quality ◽  
3D Images ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
The Face

In facial contouring surgery, surgeons operate the facial bone to correct bone morphology and thus achieve esthetic feminine face. To evaluate the face appearance after surgery and rehearse every surgical procedure in facial contouring surgery, simulations for tissue peeling, incising and suturing on the face together with bone burring and grafting on the facial bone are required. This paper presents a method that transforms respective tissue vertices to simulate tissue peeling. The transformation is based on specified incisions and clamps as in real facial contouring surgery. This paper also uses an auxiliary structure to represent and record tissue boundary changes inside the face. The elastic, partially plastic and plastic tissue deformation and wound formation during an incision can be simulated by manipulating these boundary changes. The incised wound recorded in the auxiliary structure is also manipulated to simulate tissue generation in wound healing during a suture. This volume manipulation method is combined with the reported method for bone burring and grafting simulations so that high-quality 3D images for illustrating surgical procedures both on the face and facial bone can be achieved. Simulations of two case examples including tissue peeling, incising and suturing procedures, and three modalities of facial contouring surgery demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and system.

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