Posterolateral microdiscectomy for cervical monoradiculopathy caused by posterolateral soft cervical disc sequestration

1990 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 370-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois Aldrich
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Approach ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Skin Incision ◽  
Posterolateral Approach ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The controversy over whether to use a posterior or anterior approach for surgical treatment of soft cervical discs is still largely unsettled. However, although the posterior approach may be underutilized, it has distinct advantages when there are specific indications. Out of a large pool of cases, 53 patients presented with acute monoradiculopathy caused by soft cervical disc herniation. In 36 of these, the disc was sequestered (nonconfined) and was posterolateral to the disc space as seen on computerized tomography-myelography. Distinct motor weakness was a common clinical finding in all 36 cases. These patients were treated by using a 2- to 3-cm skin incision for the posterolateral microsurgical approach. The extent of the lateral facetectomy depended upon the relationship between the nerve root and the disc. All fragments were lateral to the dural sac and were sequestered through the anulus fibrosus and the posterior longitudinal ligament. Sequestrations were removed under direct microscopic vision, but the disc space was not entered. Pain relief and motor-power improvement in the affected radicular distribution were immediate in all patients. Sensory deficit and residual motor loss improved dramatically with normalization at approximately 6 months. No complications occurred and the mean hospital stay was 2 days. The follow-up period varied from 4 to 42 months with a mean of 26 months. Thus far, there have been no recurrences or other associated complications. By using strict selection criteria and a microsurgical posterolateral approach with removal of the sequestered disc fragment, excellent results with normalization of the monoradiculopathy can be obtained. The ease of this technique, low risk, minimal complications, and excellent results make it an attractive alternative to the anterior approach. The clinical presentations, specific indications, surgical technique, and clinical results are discussed; and a prototype of a small cervical self-retaining retractor is described.

Microsurgical anterior cervical foraminotomy (uncinatectomy) for cervical disc herniation

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Al O. Taşçioǧlu ◽  
Ayhan Attar ◽  
Beliz Taşçioǧlu
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Results ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Cervical Foraminotomy ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors present the long-term follow-up results in three cases in which pure lateral disc herniations were surgically treated via an anterior foraminotomy (uncinatectomy) that avoided entering the disc space. The pertinent anatomical details essential for a safe approach are discussed in light of nine cadaveric neck dissections of every segment between C-1 and C-7. The surgical technique was initially studied in the cadaveric specimens and then applied in patients. The long-term results (> 2 years) in the first three patients are as good as our short-term results in another eight cases.

Long-term results of expansive open-door laminoplasty for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuto Ogawa ◽  
Yoshiaki Toyama ◽  
Kazuhiro Chiba ◽  
Morio Matsumoto ◽  
Masaya Nakamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Open Door ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Anterior Posterior ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Numerous surgical procedures have been developed for treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine, and these can be performed via three approaches: anterior, posterior, or combined anterior—posterior. The optimal approach in cases involving OPLL-induced cervical myelopathy, however, remains controversial. To address this issue, the authors assessed the benefits and limitations of expansive open-door laminoplasty for OPLL-related myelopathy by evaluating mid- and long-term clinical results. Methods. Clinical results obtained in 72 patients who underwent expansive open-door laminoplasty between 1983 and 1997 and who were followed for at least 5 years were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system. The mean preoperative JOA score was 9.2 ± 0.4; at 3 years postoperatively, the JOA score was 14.2 ± 0.3 and the recovery rate (calculated using the Hirabayashi method) was 63.1 ± 4.5%, both having reached their highest level. These favorable results were maintained up to 5 years after surgery. An increase in cervical myelopathy due to progression of the ossified ligament was observed in only two of 30 patients who could be followed for more than 10 years. Severe surgery-related complications were not observed. Preoperative JOA score, age at the time of surgery, and duration between onset of initial symptoms and surgery affected clinical results. Conclusions. Mid-term and long-term results of expansive open-door laminoplasty were satisfactory. Considering factors that affected surgical results, early surgery is recommended for OPLL of the cervical spine.

Quantitative anatomical and morphological classification of the iliac vessels anterior to the lumbosacral vertebrae

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 371-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Do-Sang Cho ◽  
Sang-Jin Kim ◽  
Eui-Kyo Seo ◽  
In-Hyuk Chung ◽  
Chang-Seok Oh
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Approach ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Lumbosacral Spine ◽  
Morphological Classification ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mean Width ◽  
Major Vessel ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Anterior surgical approaches to the lumbosacral disc spaces are being undertaken with increasing frequency. This increase and the use of minimally invasive techniques themselves have the potential to raise the incidence of major vessel injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the variability of the vascular anatomy anterior to the lumbosacral spine and to draw conclusions regarding surgical accessibility of the L5—S1 disc space. Methods. Thirty-five cadavers (age range at the time of death 31–87 years) were obtained to evaluate the anatomical features of iliac vessels with respect to the anterior approach to the lumbosacral spine. Direct measurement and morphological classification regarding the relations of these great vessels to the four arbitrary reference points of the lumbosacral disc space were performed. The mean width and height of the L5—S1 disc were 56.4 mm (range 41.6–65.4 mm) and 18.8 mm (range 10–24 mm), repectively. According to the authors' morphological classification, nine specimens (26%) were found to be Type A (standard), 12 (34%) Type B (narrow), two (6%) Type C (ajar), and 12 (34%) Type D (obstacle). Conclusions. The authors have noted quite a variation in the venous vascular anatomy anterior to the lumbosacral disc. During surgical planning for the anterior approach to the lumbosacral spine when using any technique, it is vital to assess carefully radiographic and neuroimaging studies to minimize potentially disastrous vascular complications.

Long-term follow-up results of laminectomy for cervical myelopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

1998 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuji Kato ◽  
Motoki Iwasaki ◽  
Takeshi Fuji ◽  
Kazuo Yonenobu ◽  
Takahiro Ochi
Keyword(s):  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Neurological Deterioration ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cervical Laminectomy ◽  
Fine Print

Object. This retrospective study was performed to assess the long-term results of cervical laminectomy in treating ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine. Methods. The authors reviewed medical records in 44 of 52 patients who underwent cervical laminectomy between 1970 and 1985 (mean follow up 14.1 years). The neurological recovery rate after laminectomy was 44.2% after 1 year and 42.9% after 5 years. The surgical outcome was maintained after 5 years but worsened between 5 and 10 years postsurgery: the recovery rate at the last follow-up review was 32.8%. Using multivariate stepwise analysis, the preoperative factors that affected clinical results were found to be the age at operation, the severity of preexisting myelopathy, and a history of trauma. Late neurological deterioration was observed in 10 (23%) of 44 patients. The earliest deterioration occurred at 1 year and the latest was at 17 years postsurgery (mean 9.5 years). The most frequent cause of deterioration was trauma due to a fall (six patients), followed by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (three patients). Postoperative spread of the OPLL was noted in 70% of the patients, but it was clearly the cause of neurological deterioration in only one of them. After laminectomy, postoperative progression of kyphotic deformity was observed in 47% of patients, but these changes did not cause neurological deterioration. Conclusions. The authors recommend early surgical decompression for OPLL because the outcome is better for younger patients and for those with a higher score as measured by the Japanese Orthopedic Association's system.

Intradural cervical disc herniation

2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Börm ◽  
Torsten Bohnstedt
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Anterior Approach ◽  
Cervical Disc Herniation ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Pertinent Literature ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Therapeutic Implications

✓ The authors describe a rare case of an intradural cervical disc herniation in a 40-year-old man presenting with Brown—Séquard's syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the pathological entity at the C5–6 disc space, which showed suspicious signs of intradural extension of the disc herniation. After the patient underwent microsurgical removal of the herniated disc via an anterior approach, he experienced a complete remission of symptoms. The existing pertinent literature is reviewed, and diagnostic and therapeutic implications are discussed.

Surgical treatment of lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mutsuhiro Tamura ◽  
Masafumi Machida ◽  
Daisuke Aikawa ◽  
Kentaro Fukuda ◽  
Hitoshi Kono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Approach ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Posterior Surgery ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Single Posterior Approach ◽  
Anterior Posterior ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors report two cases of patients with lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). One patient underwent surgery via the single posterior approach, and the other patient underwent combined anterior—posterior surgery. The authors consider the anterior approach for excision of the ossified lesion to be the most reasonable for treatment of lumbar OPLL. It is extremely important, however, to select the surgical procedure according to the individual patient's condition.

Long-term results after expansive open-door laminoplasty for the segmental-type of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine: a comparison with nonsegmental-type lesions

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuto Ogawa ◽  
Kazuhiro Chiba ◽  
Morio Matsumoto ◽  
Masaya Nakamura ◽  
Hironari Takaishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Open Door ◽  
Intergroup Difference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Group 1

Object. The segmental-type of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine is distinct from other types in its morphological features. Whether the results of expansive open-door laminoplasty for the segmental-type are different from those for other types remains unclear. To clarify this issue, the long-term results after surgical treatment of segmental-type OPLL were compared with those of other types. Methods. Clinical results were documented in 57 patients who underwent expansive open-door laminoplasty and were followed for a minimum of 7 years, results were quantified using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system to determine function. Segmental-type OPLL was observed in 10 patients (Group 1) and other types in 47 patients (Group 2). Preoperative JOA scores were not significantly different between the two groups. As many as 5 years after surgery, clinical results were favorable and maintained in both groups, and no significant intergroup difference in postoperative JOA scores was observed; however, after 5 years postoperatively, JOA scores decreased in both groups. The decrease was greater in Group 1, and a significant intergroup difference in JOA scores was demonstrated when analyzing final follow-up data. In Group 1, the authors found that the degree of late-onset deterioration relating to cervical myelopathy positively correlated with the cervical range of motion. Conclusions. The long-term results of expansive open-door laminoplasty in the treatment of segmental-type OPLL were inferior to those for other types. Cervical mobility may contribute to the development of late deterioration of cervical myelopathy.

A new endoscopic technique to decompress lumbar nerve roots affected by spondylolysis

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koichi Sairyo ◽  
Shinsuke Katoh ◽  
Tadanori Sakamaki ◽  
Shinji Komatsubara ◽  
Natsuo Yasui
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Skin Incision ◽  
Endoscopic Technique ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proximal Stump

✓ The authors describe a new endoscopic technique to decompress lumbar nerve roots affected by spondylolysis. Short-term clinical outcome was evaluated. Surgery-related indications were: 1) radiculopathy without low-back pain; 2) no spinal instability demonstrated on dynamic radiographs; and 3) age older than 40 years. Seven patients, four men and three women, fulfilled these criteria and underwent endoscopic decompressive surgery. Their mean age was 60.9 years (range 42–70 years). No subluxation was present in four patients, whereas Meyerding Grade I slippage was demonstrated in three. For endoscopic decompression, a skin incision of 16 to 18 mm in length was made, and fenestration was performed to identify the affected nerve root. The proximal stump of the ragged edge of the spondylotic lesion, and the fibrocartilaginous mass compressing the nerve root were removed. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 22 months (mean 11.7 months). Clinical outcome was evaluated using Gill criteria; in three patients the outcome was excellent, and in four it was good. This new endoscopic technique was useful in the decompression of nerve roots affected by spondylolysis, the technique was minimally invasive, and the clinical results were acceptable.

Beta—tricalcium phosphate as a substitute for autograft in interbody fusion cages in the canine lumbar spine

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 350-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashiro Ohyama ◽  
Yoshichika Kubo ◽  
Hiroo Iwata ◽  
Waro Taki
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Tricalcium Phosphate ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Posterolateral Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spine Model ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Fine Print

Object. An interbody fusion cage has been introduced for cervical anterior interbody fusion. Autogenetic bone is packed into the cage to increase the rate of union between adjacent vertebral bodies. Thus, donor site—related complications can still occur. In this study a synthetic ceramic, β—tricalcium phosphate (TCP), was examined as a substitute for autograft bone in a canine lumbar spine model. Methods. In 12 dogs L-1 to L-4 vertebrae were exposed via a posterolateral approach, and discectomy and placement of interbody fusion cages were performed at two intervertebral disc spaces. One cage was filled with autograft (Group A) and the other with TCP (Group B). The lumbar spine was excised at 16 weeks postsurgery, and biomechanical, microradiographic, and histological examinations were performed. Both the microradiographic and histological examinations revealed that fusion occurred in five (41.7%) of 12 operations performed in Group A and in six (50%) of 12 operations performed in Group B. The mean percentage of trabecular bone area in the cages was 54.6% in Group A and 53.8% in Group B. There were no significant intergroup differences in functional unit stiffness. Conclusions. Good histological and biomechanical results were obtained for TCP-filled interbody fusion cages. The results were comparable with those obtained using autograft-filled cages, suggesting that there is no need to harvest iliac bone or to use allo- or xenografts to increase the interlocking strength between the cage and vertebral bone to achieve anterior cervical interbody fusion.

Gamma knife thalamotomy for movement disorders: evaluation of the thalamic lesion and clinical results

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 234-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chihiro Ohye ◽  
Tohru Shibazaki ◽  
Sumito Sato
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Thalamic Lesion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Single Isocenter ◽  
Fine Print

Object.The authors studied the effects of gamma knife thalamotomy (GKT) on Parkinson disease-related tremor and essential tremor before and after reloading of radioactive cobalt.Methods.Based on experience in stereotactic thalamotomy aided by depth microrecording, the target was located at the lateral border of the thalamic ventralis intermedius nucleus (VIM). For more precise targeting, the percentage representation of the thalamic VIM in relation to the entire thalamic length is useful. The location of the target was determined on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computerized tomography scanning. A maximum dose of 130 Gy was delivered to the target by using a single isocenter with the 4-mm collimator. In more recent cases, a systematic follow-up examination was performed at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after GKT.Since 1993, the authors have treated 70 patients with PD. Throughout the series the same dosimetric technique has been used. The course after GKT was compared between the 25 cases with PD treated before reloading and the 35 cases treated after reloading. In the majority (80–85%) treated after reloading, tremor and rigidity were reduced around 6 months after GKT. In the cases treated before reloading this effect took approximately 1 year. The thalamic reaction on MR imaging showed the same two lesion types in both series: a restricted and a diffuse. After reloading the restricted lesion was more frequent and the lesion volume was smaller.Conclusions.The shorter delay in clinical improvement and smaller lesion size may be related to an increased radiation dose.

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