Posterior cervical spine fusion with tension-band wiring

1995 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 631-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Lovely ◽  
Allen Carl

✓ In this study the authors detail their experience with posterior tension-band wiring for stabilization of the subaxial cervical spine. Fifty-five patients underwent fusion for trauma (41 patients), degenerative disease (13 patients), and tumor (one patient). The fusion rate was 96% (50 of 52 patients) and postoperative immobilization was accomplished by means of a Philadelphia collar in the majority of cases. Tension-band wiring provides a stable construct that is simple to perform, requires fusion of a minium number of motion segments, and allows early mobilization with only a hard collar needed for support. The details of the technique, which has been modified from preliminary descriptions, are discussed.

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-116
Author(s):  
Albert V. B. Brasil ◽  
Danilo G. Coelho ◽  
Tarcísio Eloy P. B. Filho ◽  
Fernando M. Braga

Object. The authors conducted a biomechanical study in which they compared the uses of the Rogers interspinous and the Lovely-Carl tension band wiring techniques for internal fixation of the cervical spine. Method. An extensive biomechanical evaluation (stiffness in positive and negative rotations around the x, y, and z axes; range of motion in flexion—extension, bilateral axial rotation, and bilateral bending; and neutral zone in flexion—extension, bilateral axial rotation, and lateral bending to the right and to the left) was performed in two groups of intact calf cervical spines. After these initial tests, all specimens were subjected to a distractive flexion Stage 3 ligamentous lesion. Group 1 specimens then underwent surgical fixation by the Rogers technique, and Group 2 specimens underwent surgery by using the Lovely—Carl technique. After fixation, specimens were again submitted to the same biomechanical evaluation. The percentage increase or decrease between the pre- and postoperative parameters was calculated. These values were considered quantitative indicators of the efficacy of the techniques, and the efficacy of the two techniques was compared. Conclusions. Analysis of the findings demonstrated that in the spines treated with the Lovely—Carl technique less restriction of movement was produced without affecting stiffness, compared with those treated with the Rogers technique, thus making the Lovely—Carl technique clinically less useful.


2020 ◽  
pp. 219256822094847
Author(s):  
Patrick C. Hsieh ◽  
Andrew S. Chung ◽  
Darrel Brodke ◽  
Jong-Beom Park ◽  
Andrea C. Skelly ◽  
...  

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: To systematically review, critically appraise and synthesize evidence on use of stem cells from autologous stem cells from bone marrow aspirate, adipose, or any other autologous sources for fusion in the cervical spine compared with other graft materials. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted for literature published through October 31, 2018 and through February 20, 2020 for EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov comparing autologous cell sources for cervical spine fusion to other graft options. Results: From 36 potentially relevant citations identified, 10 studies on cervical fusion met the inclusion criteria set a priori. Two retrospective cohort studies, one comparing cancellous bone marrow (CBM) versus hydroxyapatite (HA) and the other bone marrow aspirate (BMA) combined with autograft and HA versus autograft and HA alone, were identified. No statistical differences were seen between groups in either study for improvement in function, symptoms, or fusion; however, in the study evaluating BMA, the authors reported a statistically greater fusion rate and probability of fusion over time in the BMA versus the non-BMA group. Across case series evaluating BMA, authors reported improved function and pain and fusion ranged from 84% to 100% across the studies. In general, complications were poorly reported. Conclusions: The overall quality (strength) of evidence of effectiveness and safety of autologous BMA for cervical arthrodesis in the current available literature was very low. Based on currently available data, firm conclusions regarding the effectiveness or safety of BMA in cervical fusions cannot be made.


1983 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard C. Chan ◽  
Joseph F. Schweigel ◽  
Gordon B. Thompson

✓ The authors report 188 patients with acute cervical spine injury with fracture who underwent Halothoracic brace immobilization. The majority of the fractures were considered unstable. Early neurological assessment revealed 24 patients without neurological deficit. There were 164 patients with associated cervical cord injury; 84 patients with incomplete, and 80 patients with complete tetraplegia. Management consisted of skull traction and application of the Halo-thoracic brace about 1.3 weeks after admission. The average radiological union time was 11.5 weeks following a mean of 10.2 weeks of immobilization in a Halo apparatus. Satisfactory restoration of bone and ligament stability, with no significant posttreatment neck pain, was obtained in 168 cases (89%). This is comparable to the fusion rate achieved for cervical fractures in the literature. The follow-up periods range from 1 month to 6 years, with a mean of 10.8 months. The management and results in 73 patients with unilaterally and bilaterally locked facets with or without fractures are discussed. Complete tetraplegia is not considered a contraindication to Halo apparatus immobilization. The multiple factors responsible for overcoming the barrier of anesthetic skin are elucidated. Use of the Halo apparatus offers early mobilization and rehabilitation without neurological deterioration. Complications are few and insignificant.


2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naresh P. Patel ◽  
Neill M. Wright ◽  
William W. Choi ◽  
Duncan Q. McBride ◽  
J. Patrick Johnson

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.


Spine ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. E23-E29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard P. Bechara ◽  
Kevin M. Bell ◽  
Robert A. Hartman ◽  
Joon Y. Lee ◽  
James D. Kang ◽  
...  

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher E. Wolfla ◽  
Dennis J. Maiman ◽  
Frank J. Coufal ◽  
James R. Wallace

Object. Intertransverse arthrodesis in which instrumentation is placed is associated with an excellent fusion rate; however, treatment of patients with symptomatic nonunion presents a number of difficulties. Revision posterior and traditional anterior procedures are associated with methodological problems. For example, in the latter, manipulation of the major vessels from L-2 to L-4 may be undesirable. The authors describe a method for performing retroperitoneal lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) in which a threaded cage is placed from L-2 through L-5 via a lateral trajectory, and they also detail a novel technique for implanting a cage from L-5 to S-1 via an oblique trajectory. Although they present data obtained over a 2-year period in the study of 15 patients, the focus of this report is primarily on describing the surgical procedure. Methods. The lateral lumbar spine was exposed via a standard retroperitoneal approach. Using the anterior longitudinal ligament as a landmark, the L2–3 through L4–5 levels were fitted with instrumentation via a true lateral trajectory; the L5—S1 level was fitted with instrumentation via an oblique trajectory. A single cage was placed at each instrumented level. Fifteen symptomatic patients in whom previous lumbar fusion had failed underwent retroperitoneal LIF. Thirty-eight levels were fitted with instrumentation. There have been no instrumentation-related failures, and fusion has occurred at 37 levels during the 2-year postoperative period. Conclusions. The use of retroperitoneal LIF in which threaded fusion cages are used avoids the technical difficulties associated with repeated posterior procedures. In addition, it allows L2—S1 instrumentation to be placed anteriorly via a single surgical approach. This construct has been shown to be biomechanically sound in animal models, and it appears to be a useful alternative for the management of failed multilevel intertransverse arthrodesis.


2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tateru Shiraishi

✓ The author describes a new technique for exposure of the cervical spine laminae in which the attachments of the semispinalis cervicis and multifidus muscles to the spinous processes are left untouched. It provides a conservative exposure through which a diverse range of posterior cervical surgeries can be performed. In contrast to conventional cervical approaches, none of the muscular attachments to the spinous processes is compromised. In this paper the author describes the technical details and discusses the applications of the procedure.


2017 ◽  
Vol 161 ◽  
pp. 65-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micah B. Blais ◽  
Sean Michael Rider ◽  
Daniel J. Sturgeon ◽  
Justin Blucher ◽  
Jay M. Zampini ◽  
...  

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