Transoral-transpharyngeal approach to the anterior craniocervical junction

1988 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 895-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold H. Menezes ◽  
John C. VanGilder
Keyword(s):  
Effective Means ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Os Odontoideum ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patients Âgés ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Clivus Chordoma

✓ The anterior transoral-transpharyngeal operation to correct ventral irreducible compression of the cervicomedullary junction was utilized in 72 individuals. The patients' ages ranged from 6 to 82 years, and 29 were children. The pathology encountered was primary basilar invagination, rheumatoid irreducible cranial settling, secondary basilar invagination due to migration of odontoid fracture fragments, dystopic os odontoideum, granulation masses, clivus chordoma, osteoblastoma, and chondroma of the atlas. Fifteen patients had associated Chiari malformation with basilar invagination. Fifty-two patients required subsequent atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fusion. Neurological improvement was the rule. There were two deaths within 30 days of surgery: one from myocardial infarction 4 weeks after surgery and one from Gram-negative septicemia of urinary tract origin. There was one pharyngeal wound infection. The ventral transoral approach provides a safe, rapid, and effective means for decompression of the abnormal craniovertebral junction.

scholarly journals Transoral approach to the craniovertebral junction

2007 ◽  
Vol 65 (4b) ◽  
pp. 1166-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Alberto Landeiro ◽  
Sávio Boechat ◽  
Daniel de Holanda Christoph ◽  
Mariângela Barbi Gonçalves ◽  
Igor de Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effective Means ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Transoral Approach ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerve ◽  
Patients Âgés ◽  
Oronasal Fistula ◽  
Cranial Nerve Dysfunction

The transoral approach provides a safe exposure to lesions in the midline and the ventral side of the craniovertebral junction. The advantages of the transoral approach are 1) the impinging bony pathology and granulation tissue are accessible only via the ventral route; 2) the head is placed in the extended position, thus decreasing the angulation of the brainstem during the surgery; and 3) surgery is done through the avascular median pharyngeal raphe and clivus. We analyzed the clinical effects of odontoidectomy after treating 38 patients with basilar invagination. The anterior transoral operation to treat irreducible ventral compression in patients with basilar invagination was performed in 38 patients. The patients’ ages ranged from 34 to 67 years. Fourteen patients had associated Chiari malformation and eight had previously undergone posterior decompressive surgery. The main indication for surgery was significant neurological deterioration. Symptoms and signs included neck pain, myelopathy, lower cranial nerve dysfunction, nystagmus and gait disturbance. Extended exposure was performed in 24 patients. The surgery was beneficial to the majority of patients. There was one death within 10 days of surgery, due to pulmonary embolism. Postoperative complications included two cases of pneumonia, three cases of oronasal fistula with regurgitation and one cerebrospinal fluid leak. In patients with marked ventral compression, the transoral approach provides direct access to the anterior face of the craniovertebral junction and effective means for odontoidectomy.

The transcondylar approach to extradural nonneoplastic lesions of the craniovertebral junction

1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ossama Al-Mefty ◽  
Luis A. B. Borba ◽  
Nobuo Aoki ◽  
Edgardo Angtuaco ◽  
T. Glenn Pait
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Direct Visualization ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transcondylar Approach ◽  
Dural Sac ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerves ◽  
And Control

✓ Ventral extradural lesions at the craniovertebral junction are commonly exposed through the transoral or transmaxillary approach. The disadvantages of these approaches include: 1) difficulty in reaching laterally located lesions; 2) ineligibility of patients with an intradental distance of less than 25 mm or severe macroglossia; 3) the need for a separate procedure for stabilization and fusion; and 4) the risk of infection from transgressing a contaminated field. In this report, the authors describe the use of the transcondylar approach to extradural nonneoplastic lesions of the anterior craniovertebral junction for decompression and stabilization. Advantages of this approach include: 1) a short distance to the lesion; 2) a wide surgical envelope; 3) direct visualization of the dural sac, eliminating manipulation of the brainstem or upper spinal cord; 4) easy identification and control of the ipsilateral vertebral artery; 5) direct visualization and preservation of the lower cranial nerves; and 6) a sterile field. In addition, occipitocervical fusion and instrumentation can be performed during the same procedure. The transcondylar approach, based on anatomical studies in cadavers, was used to treat eight patients with ventral nonneoplastic lesions at the craniocervical junction. The technique and results are described.

Extreme lateral—transatlas approach for resection of the dens of the axis

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uğur Türe ◽  
M. Necmettin Pamir
Keyword(s):  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Craniocervical Instability ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Various approaches have been described for resection of the dens of the axis, each of which has potential advantages and disadvantages. Anterior approaches such as the transoral route or its modifications are the most commonly used for resection of this structure. The transcondylar approach, however, which allows the surgeon to view the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) from a lateral perspective, has been introduced by Al-Mefty, et al., as an alternative approach. In this report, the authors describe the surgical technique of the extreme lateral—transatlas approach and their clinical experiences. Methods. The authors first examined the surgical approach to the dens from a lateral perspective in five cadaveric heads. They found that removal of the lateral mass of the atlas provided adequate exposure for resection of the dens. Following this cadaveric study, the extreme lateral—transatlas approach was successfully performed at the authors' institution over a 1-year period (September 1998–August 1999) in five patients with basilar invagination due to congenital anomaly of the CVJ and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, during the same procedure, unilateral occipitocervical fusion was performed following resection of the dens. In all cases complete resection of the dens was achieved using the extreme—lateral transatlas approach. This procedure provides a sterile operative field and the ability to perform occipitocervical fusion immediately following the resection. No postoperative complications or craniocervical instability were observed. The mean follow-up period was 17.2 months (range 13–24 months). Conclusions. The extreme lateral—transatlas approach for resection of the dens was found to be safe and effective. Knowledge of the anatomy of this region, especially of the V3 segment of the vertebral artery, is essential for the success of this procedure.

Craniovertebral junction abnormalities with hindbrain herniation and syringomyelia: regression of syringomyelia after removal of ventral craniovertebral junction compression

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold H. Menezes
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Os Odontoideum ◽  
Type I ◽  
Chiari Malformation Type I ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerve ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Hindbrain Herniation

Object Hindbrain herniation syndrome, or Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I), occurs frequently with craniovertebral junction (CVJ) abnormalities when there is reduction in the posterior fossa volume. Syringomyelia is often present. Posterior fossa dorsal decompression (PFDD) is typically performed but has adverse results when ventral bone abnormality exists. This paper presents the results of a prospective study on CVJ abnormalities in patients with CM-I and syringomyelia. Methods Between 1984 and 2008 (the MR imaging era), 298 patients with CVJ abnormalities and CM-I underwent ventral cervicomedullary decompression. Eighty-four patients had associated syringomyelia (15 with secondary invagination and 69 with primary basilar invagination, os odontoideum, or malunion of fractures). Of these 84 patients with CVJ abnormalities, CM-I, and syringomyelia, 46 had previously undergone PFDD, and 28 had previously undergone PFDD combined with fusion procedures or shunt placements. Of the 84 patients, a cervicothoracic syrinx was observed in 57, thoracic syrinx in 14, and holocord syrinx in 13. Studies included CT, MR imaging, and cine flow studies. All 298 patients who underwent ventral CVJ decompression had irreducible or partially reducible pathology. All 84 with syringomyelia showed brainstem dysfunction, lower cranial nerve symptoms, or myelopathy. Results Brainstem signs improved in 66 of the 84 patients, myelopathy improved in 58, and syringomyelia regressed in 64. Conclusions Neurological improvement and syringomyelia resolution can occur using only ventral cervicomedullary junction decompression in patients with basilar invagination and basilar impression. This is likely due to the relief of neural encroachment and reestablishment of CSF pathways.

Treatment of basilar invagination by atlantoaxial joint distraction and direct lateral mass fixation

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Goel
Keyword(s):  
Odontoid Process ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Atlantoaxial Joint ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Joint Distraction ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The author discusses the successful preliminary experience of treating selected cases of basilar invagination by performing atlantoaxial joint distraction, reduction of the basilar invagination, and direct lateral mass atlantoaxial plate/screw fixation. Methods. Twenty-two patients with basilar invagination—in which the odontoid process invaginated into the foramen magnum and the tip of the odontoid process was above the Chamberlain, McRae foramen magnum, and Wackenheim clival lines—were selected to undergo surgery. In all patients fixed atlantoaxial dislocations were documented. The 16 male and six female patients ranged in age from 8 to 50 years. A history of trauma prior to the onset of symptoms was documented in 17 patients. Following surgery, the author observed minimal-to-significant reduction of basilar invagination and alteration in other craniospinal parameters resulting in restoration of alignment of the tip of the odontoid process and the clivus and the entire craniovertebral junction in all patients. In addition to neurological and radiological improvement, preoperative symptoms of torticollis resolved significantly in all patients. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months and the mean was 28 months. Conclusions. Joint distraction and firm lateral mass fixation in selected cases of basilar invagination is a reasonable surgical treatment for reducing the basilar invagination, restoring craniospinal alignment, and establishing fixation of the atlantoaxial joint.

Trombone tongue: a new clinical sign for significant medullary compression at the craniovertebral junction

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 550-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheong H. Lee ◽  
Adrian T. H. Casey ◽  
James B. Allibone ◽  
Ramesh Chelvarajah
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Sign ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Repetitive Motion ◽  
Tongue Movements ◽  
Leg Weakness ◽  
Significant Compression ◽  
Spastic Tetraparesis

✓The authors describe a previously unreported clinical sign that may indicate the onset of significant compression of the medulla oblongata in cases of craniovertebral junction abnormalities. This 17-year-old boy presented with mild bilateral leg weakness. Imaging studies revealed severe basilar invagination and a marked Chiari malformation. While awaiting surgery, his tongue developed an involuntary constant protrusion–intrusion repetitive motion. The onset of this so-named “trombone tongue” sign was followed shortly afterward by rapidly progressive spastic tetraparesis. After the authors performed a transmaxillary clivectomy, foramen magnum decompression, and occipitocervical fusion, they noted that the abnormal tongue motion promptly resolved and the tetraparesis gradually improved. The authors discuss their current understanding of the central control of tongue movements and present a hypothesis on the pathogenesis of trombone tongue based on the neuroanatomical basis of another abnormal tongue movement sign, lingual myoclonus.

Bifid Anterior and Posterior Arches of Atlas

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Goel ◽  
Trimurti Nadkarni ◽  
Abhidha Shah ◽  
Raghvendra Ramdasi ◽  
Neeraj Patni
Keyword(s):  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Basilar Invagination ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Os Odontoideum ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Posterior Arch ◽  
Discrete Movements ◽  
General Observation ◽  
Fixation Techniques ◽  
Group 1

Abstract BACKGROUND: On reviewing the database of patients with craniovertebral junction anomalies, the authors identified 70 patients with a bifid posterior arch of atlas. OBJECTIVE: To speculate on the pathogenesis of spondyloschisis of both the anterior and posterior arches of atlas, particularly as it relates to atlantoaxial instability. METHODS: Seventy patients with bifid anterior and posterior arches were identified by a retrospective review of the database from 2007 to 2013. RESULTS: The ages of the patients ranged from 14 months to 50 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (3 patients) had multiple additional spinal bony and neural abnormalities. Group 2 (34 patients) had mobile and partially (5) or completely (29) reducible atlantoaxial dislocation. Group 3 (33 patients) had atlantoaxial instability and related basilar invagination. The os odontoideum was identified in 21 patients, and C2-3 fusion was seen in 24 patients. Two of 3 patients in group 1 were treated conservatively and without any surgery. All patients in groups 2 and 3 were surgically treated. Surgery was done using lateral mass plate/rod and screw fixation techniques. The general observation during surgery included identification of discrete movements of both halves of the atlas, lateral positioning of the facets of atlas in relation to the facets of the axis and occipital condyle and closer approximation of the occipital bone, atlas, and axis resulting in “crumpling” of bone and neural elements. CONCLUSION: Understanding of the pathogenesis and mechanical alterations in cases with a bifid arch of atlas can assist in evaluating the clinical implications and in conduct of surgery.

scholarly journals Combined preoperative traction with instrumented posterior occipitocervical fusion for severe ventral brainstem compression secondary to displaced os odontoideum: technical report of 2 cases

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 724-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad M. Abd-El-Barr ◽  
Brian D. Snyder ◽  
John B. Emans ◽  
Mark R. Proctor ◽  
Daniel Hedequist
Keyword(s):  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Neurological Function ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Os Odontoideum ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Halo Vest ◽  
Technical Report ◽  
Brainstem Compression

Severe os odontoideum causing ventral brainstem compression is a rare and difficult entity to treat. It is generally accepted that severe os odontoideum causing ventral brainstem compression and neurological deficits warrants surgical treatment. This often requires both anterior and posterior procedures. Anterior approaches to the craniocervical junction are fraught with complications, including infection and risk of injury to neurovascular structures. External traction systems traditionally require long-term bedrest. The authors report 2 cases of severe ventral brainstem compression secondary to displaced os odontoideum and describe their use of extended preoperative halo vest traction to reduce the severe kyphosis and improve neurological function, followed by posterior occipitocervical fusion. Postoperatively both patients showed remarkable improvements in their neurological function and kyphotic deformity. Preoperative halo vest traction combined with posterior occipitocervical fusion appears to be a safe and effective method to treat brainstem compression by severe os odontoideum. It allows for adequate decompression of ventral neural structures and improvement of neurological function, but it is not hindered by the risks of anterior surgical approaches and does not restrict patients to strict bedrest as traditional traction systems. This method of halo vest traction and posterior-only approaches may be transferable to other cervical instability issues with both anterior and posterior pathologies.

Forestier disease associated with a retroodontoid mass causing cervicomedullary compression

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naresh P. Patel ◽  
Neill M. Wright ◽  
William W. Choi ◽  
Duncan Q. McBride ◽  
J. Patrick Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Neurological Symptoms ◽  
Posterior Fusion ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Forestier Disease ◽  
Subaxial Cervical Spine ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Forestier Disease (FD) is a progressive skeletal disorder affecting predominantly older men. It is also known as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and is characterized by massive anterior longitudinal ligament calcification that forms a bridge on the anterior border of the thoracic and subaxial cervical spine. To the authors' knowledge, retroodontoid masses associated with FD have not been described. Methods. Five patients with FD and multilevel subaxial cervical fusion were treated for retroodontoid masses and cervicomedullary junction (CMJ) compression. There were four men and one woman (mean age 73 years, range 54–86 years). All patients suffered progressive neurological symptoms resulting from anterior compression of the CMJ. Four patients underwent combined transoral resection of the ligamentous mass followed by an occipitocervical fusion procedure. One patient with circumferential CMJ compression underwent a posterior decompression and occipitocervical fusion. Histopathological examination of the mass showed hypertrophic degenerative fibrocartilage. Early postoperative neurological improvement was noted in all patients. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 19 months. At the end of the follow-up period, four patients experienced neurological improvement. One patient died 3 weeks postsurgery of pulmonary complications. Conclusions. The osseous elements of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex are not directly affected by FD. The ligamentous structures of the odontoid process, however, are exposed to significantly altered biomechanics resulting from fusion of the subaxial cervical spine associated with FD. Stress-induced compensatory ligamentous hypertrophic changes at the craniovertebral junction cause CMJ compression and subsequent neurological deterioration. This previously undescribed entity should be considered in patients with FD or DISH who present with progressive quadriparesis. Transoral decompression and posterior fusion are often needed in patients with large masses and severe progressive neurological deficits. Selected patients with smaller masses and milder neurological symptoms may be treated with posterior fusion alone.

Posterior C1–2 fusion using a polyaxial screw/rod system for os odontoideum with bilateral persistence of the first intersegmental artery

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun-Ho Lee ◽  
Eun-Sang Kim ◽  
Whan Eoh
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Vertebral Artery Injury ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Os Odontoideum ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Artery Injury ◽  
Rod System ◽  
3D Ct Angiography

The authors report the case of a patient with os odontoideum, myelopathy secondary to atlantoaxial instability, and bilaterally persistent first intersegmental artery at the craniovertebral junction. Instead of occipitocervical fusion, C1–2 posterior fusion was performed using a polyaxial screw/rod system. The information obtained from 3D CT angiography studies may highlight the potential risk of vertebral artery injury in advance and reduce the risk of an intraoperative vertebral artery injury. In addition, C-1 lateral mass screw placement may be a safe procedure for cases of atlantoaxial subluxation in which there are persistent C-1 intersegmental arteries.

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