Clinical course of patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a minimum 10-year cohort study

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunji Matsunaga ◽  
Takashi Sakou ◽  
Eiji Taketomi ◽  
Setsuro Komiya
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Cervical Canal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) may produce quadriplegia. The course of future neurological deterioration in patients with radiographic evidence of OPLL, however, is not known. The authors conducted a long-term follow-up cohort study of more than 10 years to clarify the clinical course of this disease progression. Methods. A total of 450 patients, including 304 managed conservatively and 146 treated by surgery, were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent neurological and radiographical follow-up examinations for a mean of 17.6 years. Myelopathy was graded using Nurick classification and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale. Fifty-five (17%) of 323 patients without myelopathy evident at the first examination developed myelopathy during the follow-up period. Risk factors associated with the evolution of myelopathy included greater than 60% OPLL-induced stenotic compromise of the cervical canal, and increased range of motion of the cervical spine. Using Kaplan—Meier analysis, the myelopathy-free rate in patients without first-visit myelopathy was 71% after 30 years. A significant difference in final functional outcome was not observed between nonsurgical and surgical cases in which preoperative Nurick grades were 1 or 2. In patients with Nurick Grade 3 or 4 myelopathy, however, only 12% who underwent surgery eventually became wheelchair bound or bedridden compared with 89% of those managed conservatively. Surgery proved ineffective in the management of patients with Grade 5 disease. Conclusions. Results of this long-term cohort study elucidated the clinical course of OPLL following conservative or surgical management. Surgery proved effective for the management of patients with Nurick Grades 3 and 4 myelopathy.

Medulloblastoma: freedom from relapse longer than 8 years — a therapeutic cure?

1991 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark G. Belza ◽  
Sarah S. Donaldson ◽  
Gary K. Steinberg ◽  
Richard S. Cox ◽  
Philip H. Cogen
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Seventy-seven patients presenting with medulloblastoma between 1958 and 1986 were treated at Stanford University Medical Center and studied retrospectively. Multimodality therapy utilized surgical extirpation followed by megavoltage irradiation. In 15 cases chemotherapy was used as adjunctive treatment. The 10- and 15-year actuarial survival rates were both 41% with an 18-year maximum follow-up period (median 4.75 years). There were no treatment failures after 8 years of tumor-free survival. Gross total removal of tumor was achieved in 22 patients (32%); the surgical mortality rate was 3.9%. No significant difference was noted in the incidence of metastatic disease between shunted and nonshunted patients. The classical form of medulloblastoma was present in 67% of cases while the desmoplastic subtype was found in 16%. Survival rates were best for patients presenting after 1970, for those with desmoplastic tumors, and for patients receiving high-dose irradiation (≥ 5000 cGy) to the posterior fossa. Although early data on freedom from relapse suggested a possible beneficial effect from chemotherapy, long-term follow-up results showed no advantage from this modality of treatment. The patterns of relapse and survival were examined; 64% of relapses occurred within the central nervous system, and Collins' rule was applicable in 83% of cases beyond the period of risk. Although patients treated for recurrent disease could be palliated, none were long-term survivors. The study data indicate that freedom from relapse beyond 8 years from diagnosis can be considered as a cure in this disease. Long-term follow-up monitoring is essential to determine efficacy of treatment and to assess survival patterns accurately.

Results of degenerative spondylolisthesis treated with posterior decompression alone via a new surgical approach

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoaki Kinoshita ◽  
Isao Ohki ◽  
Kenneth R. Roth ◽  
Kageharu Amano ◽  
Hideshige Moriya
Keyword(s):  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
The Mean ◽  
New Surgical Technique ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically demonstrated results and clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent posterior decompressive surgery via a new (unilateral) approach. This approach allows surgeons to perform central and bilateral decompression while only stripping the muscles unilaterally, thus preserving the posterior osteoligamentous complexes. Methods. The authors evaluated 51 consecutive patients in whom surgery was performed between 1987 and 1996. The mean follow-up period was 4.7 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the pre- and postoperative measurements in percentage of vertebral slippage. Postoperative dynamic angulation statistically decreased compared with its preoperative value (p < 0.05). Improvement of an average of 67% was shown on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, and in 78% of these patients, good to excellent results were demonstrated. Secondary fusion was required in only three patients (5.9%). Conclusions. This new surgical technique offers a potential alternative for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis in a minimally invasive manner, avoiding the risk of causing or aggravating postoperative spinal instability.

Long-term follow-up review of patients who underwent laminectomy for lumbar stenosis: a prospective study

1998 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manucher J. Javid ◽  
Eldad J. Hadar
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Lumbar Stenosis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lateral Recess ◽  
Lateral Recess Stenosis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Decompressive laminectomy for stenosis is the most common operation performed in the lumbar spine in older patients. This prospective study was designed to evaluate long-term results in patients with symptomatic lumbar stenosis. Methods. Between January 1984 and January 1995, 170 patients underwent surgery for lumbar stenosis (86 patients), lumbar stenosis and herniated disc (61 patients), or lateral recess stenosis (23 patients). The male/female ratio for each group was 43:43, 39:22, and 14:9, respectively. The average age for all groups was 61.4 years. For patients with lumbar stenosis, the success rate was 88.1% at 6 weeks and 86.7% at 6 months. For patients with lumbar stenosis and herniated disc, the success rate was 80% at 6 weeks and 77.6% at 6 months, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. For patients with lateral recess stenosis, the success rate was 58.7% at 6 weeks and 63.6% at 6 months; however, the sample was not large enough to be statistically significant. One year after surgery a questionnaire was sent to all patients; 163 (95.9%) responded. The success rate in patients with stenosis had declined to 69.6%, which was significant (p = 0.012); the rate for patients with stenosis and herniated disc was 77.2%; and that for lateral recess stenosis was 65.2%. Another follow-up questionnaire was sent to patients 1 to 11 years after surgery (average 5.1 years); 146 patients (85.9%) responded, 10 (5.9%) were deceased, and 14 (8.2%) were lost to follow-up review. At 1 to 11 years the success rate was 70.8% for patients with stenosis, 66.6% for those with stenosis and herniated disc, and 63.6% for those with lateral recess stenosis. Eleven patients who underwent reoperation were included in the group of patients whose surgeries proved unsuccessful, regardless of their ultimate outcome. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome between 1 year and 1 to 11 years with respect to stenosis, stenosis with herniated disc, and lateral recess stenosis. Conclusions. In conclusion, long-term improvement after laminectomy was maintained in two-thirds of these patients.

Spinal stenosis due to ossified lumbar lesions

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiharu Kawaguchi ◽  
Takeshi Oya ◽  
Yumiko Abe ◽  
Masahiko Kanamori ◽  
Hirokazu Ishihara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Neurological Deterioration ◽  
Surgical Results ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spinal Lesions ◽  
Whole Spine ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Spinal stenosis due to lumbar ossified lesions is a rare pathological entity. The authors retrospectively evaluated the clinical features and surgical results associated with cases involving lumbar ossified lesion—induced stenosis. Methods. Data obtained in 20 surgically treated patients with lumbar hyperostotic spinal stenosis were included. To evaluate the background of the disease, body mass index and general complications were assessed. Whole-spine radiological examination was conducted. The presence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament or ossification of the ligamentum flavum was evaluated. Surgical results were classified according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale. In the patients in whom neurological deterioration was observed during follow up, the causes of deterioration were reviewed. Seven patients (35%) were obese and six patients (30%) suffered diabetes mellitus. Twelve patients harbored coexisting cervical and/or thoracic ossified lesions. The overall mean JOA score improved from 10.2 to a peak of 22.5; at last follow-up examination the mean JOA score was 20.9. In female and older patients with a long history of preoperative symptoms, a low preoperative JOA score, and other spinal lesions, recovery tended to be poorer. Recovery was poor in one patient, and neurological deterioration due to coexisting ossified spinal lesions occurred in another patient during the follow-up period. Conclusions. Because coexisting ossified lesions were frequently seen, whole-spine analysis is recommended. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to achieve a better surgical outcome.

Cervical laminoplasty: a critical review

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Ratliff ◽  
Paul R. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Cervical Laminoplasty ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Laminectomy And Fusion ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The technique of cervical laminoplasty was developed to decompress the spinal canal in patients with multilevel anterior compression caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament or cervical spondylosis. There is a paucity of data confirming its superiority to laminectomy with regard to neurological outcome, preserving spinal stability, preventing postlaminectomy kyphosis, and the development of the “postlaminectomy membrane.” Methods. The authors conducted a metaanalysis of the English-language laminoplasty literature, assessing neurological outcome, change in range of motion (ROM), development of spinal deformity, and complications. Seventy-one series were reviewed, comprising more than 2000 patients. All studies were retrospective, uncontrolled, nonrandomized case series. Forty-one series provided postoperative recovery rate data in which the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale was used for assessing myelopathy. The mean recovery rate was 55% (range 20–80%). The authors of 23 papers provided data on the percentage of patients improving (mean ∼80%). There was no difference in neurological outcome based on the different laminoplasty techniques or when laminoplasty was compared with laminectomy. There was postlaminoplasty worsening of cervical alignment in approximately 35% and with development of postoperative kyphosis in approximately 10% of patients who underwent long-term follow-up review. Cervical ROM decreased substantially after laminoplasty (mean decrease 50%, range 17–80%). The authors of studies with long-term follow up found that there was progressive loss of cervical ROM, and final ROM similar to that seen in patients who had undergone laminectomy and fusion. In their review of the laminectomy literature the authors could not confirm the occurrence of postlaminectomy membrane causing clinically significant deterioration of neurological function. Postoperative complications differed substantially among series. In only seven articles did the writers quantify the rates of postoperative axial neck pain, noting an incidence between 6 and 60%. In approximately 8% of patients, C-5 nerve root dysfunction developed based on the 12 articles in which this complication was reported. Conclusions. The literature has yet to support the purported benefits of laminoplasty. Neurological outcome and change in spinal alignment are similar after laminectomy and laminoplasty. Patients treated with laminoplasty develop progressive limitation of cervical ROM similar to that seen after laminectomy and fusion.

Long-term results of expansive laminoplasty for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine: more than 10 years follow up

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motoki Iwasaki ◽  
Yoshiharu Kawaguchi ◽  
Tomoatsu Kimura ◽  
Kazuo Yonenobu
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Neurological Deterioration ◽  
Cervical Laminoplasty ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors report the long-term (more than 10-year) results of cervical laminoplasty for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine as well as the factors affecting long-term postoperative course. Methods. The authors reviewed data obtained in 92 patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty between 1982 and 1990. Three patients were lost to follow up, 25 patients died within 10 years of surgery, and 64 patients were followed for more than 10 years. Results were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system for cervical myelopathy. The recovery rate was calculated using the Hirabayashi method. The mean neurological recovery rate during the first 10 years after surgery was 64%, which declined to 60% at the last follow-up examination (mean follow up 12.2 years). Late neurological deterioration occurred in eight patients (14%) from 5 to 15 years after surgery. The most frequent causes of late deterioration were degenerative lumbar disease (three patients), thoracic myelopathy secondary to ossification of the ligamentum flavum (two patients), or postoperative progression of OPLL at the operated level (two patients). Postoperative progression of the ossified lesion was noted in 70% of the patients, but only two patients (3%) were found to have related neurological deterioration. Additional cervical surgery was required in one patient (2%) because of neurological deterioration secondary to progression of the ossified ligament. The authors performed a multivariate stepwise analysis, and found that factors related to better clinical results were younger age at operation and less severe preexisting myelopathy. Younger age at operation, as well as mixed and continuous types of OPLL, was highly predictive of progression of OPLL. Postoperative progression of kyphotic deformity was observed in 8% of the patients, although it did not cause neurological deterioration. Conclusions. When the incidence of surgery-related complications and the strong possibility of postoperative growth of OPLL are taken into consideration, the authors recommend expansive and extensive laminoplasty for OPLL.

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.

Long-term follow-up review of suspension laminotomy for cervical compression myelopathy

1996 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. 817-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidenori Inoue ◽  
Kazuo Ohmori ◽  
Yoshihiro Ishida ◽  
Kazuhiro Suzuki ◽  
Tetsuro Takatsu
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Fine Print

This study compared the long-term outcome of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with that of the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine (OPLL) after suspension laminotomy, which was developed in the authors' clinic. Seventy-six patients who received follow-up care for more than 5 years were available for analysis. The duration of the follow-up period averaged 97.8 months (range 61–160 months). Radiological and neurological analyses were performed in these 76 patients (50 with CSM and 26 with OPLL). There were no differences in sex, age, follow-up period, and preoperative neurological status between the two groups. In the quantitative study of the dural configuration, 43 patients (86%) with CSM and 17 patients (65.4%) with OPLL attained complete decompression 1 month after surgery. At long-term follow-up review, complete decompression was maintained in 42 patients (84%) with CSM but in only seven patients (26.9%) with OPLL. The neurological evaluation improved markedly at early follow up in both groups but declined insignificantly at the last follow-up review, particularly in the OPLL group. Of 12 patients (24%) with CSM and 10 patients (38.5%) with OPLL whose neurological recovery grades later deteriorated, four (8%) with CSM and nine (34.6%) with OPLL demonstrated reconstriction causing spinal cord compression at long-term follow-up review. For the remaining eight patients (16%) with CSM, who were older than 70 years on average at last follow-up review, no radiological explanation was found. These long-term results indicate that OPLL does not resolve as well as CSM after suspension laminotomy; they both may have late deterioration due to reconstriction that occurs occasionally in CSM and frequently in OPLL.

Long-term hearing preservation after surgery for vestibular schwannoma

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone A. Betchen ◽  
Jane Walsh ◽  
Kalmon D. Post
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Class I ◽  
Repeated Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Long Term Preservation ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are now amenable to resection with excellent hearing preservation rates. It remains unclear whether immediately postoperative hearing is a durable result and will not diminish over time. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of long-term preservation of functional hearing following surgery for a VS and to examine factors influencing hearing preservation. Methods. All patients eligible for hearing preservation (Gardner—Robertson Class I or II) who had undergone resection of a VS by a single surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. Follow-up audiograms and magnetic resonance images were obtained. Of 142 patients deemed eligible for hearing preservation surgery, 38 had immediate postoperative hearing confirmed by an audiogram. In these patients with preserved hearing, the audiographic results demonstrated functional hearing in 30 (85.7%) of 35 patients who underwent repeated testing at a mean follow-up time of 7 years. Delayed hearing loss occurred in five (14.3%) of the 35 patients and did not correlate significantly with the size of the tumor. Hearing improved one Gardner—Robertson class postoperatively in three (7.9%) of the 38 patients. Conclusions. Long-term functional hearing was maintained in 85.7% of patients when it was preserved immediately postoperatively and the result was independent of tumor size. The results of this study emphasize that long-term preservation of functional hearing is a realistic goal following VS surgery and should be attempted in all patients in whom preoperative hearing is determined to be Gardner—Robertson Class I or II.

Surgical treatment for cervical spondylitic myelopathy

1995 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 745-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Ebersold ◽  
Michel C. Pare ◽  
Lynn M. Quast
Keyword(s):  
Cord Compression ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Posterior Laminectomy ◽  
Anterior Decompression And Fusion ◽  
Anterior Group ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The long-term outcome of cervical spondylitic myelopathy after surgical treatment was retrospectively reviewed and critically evaluated in 100 patients with documented cervical myelopathy treated between 1978 and 1988 at our institution. Eighty-four patients were available for long-term study. The median duration of follow up was 7.35 years (range 3 to 9.5 years). There were 67 men and 17 women; their ages ranged from 27 to 86 years. The duration of preoperative symptoms ranged from 1 month to 10 years. Preoperative functional grade as evaluated with the Nurick Scale for the group was 2.1. Thirty-three patients with primarily anterior cord compression, one- or two-level disease, or a kyphotic neck deformity were treated by anterior decompression and fusion. Fifty-one patients with primarily posterior cord compression and multiple-level disease were treated by posterior laminectomy. There was no difference in the preoperative functional grade in these two groups. The patients in the posterior treatment group were older (59 vs 55 years). There was no surgical mortality from the operative procedures; morbidity was 3.6%. Of the 33 patients undergoing anterior decompression and fusion, 24 showed immediate functional improvement and nine were unchanged. Of the 51 patients who underwent posterior laminectomy, 35 demonstrated improvement, 11 were unchanged, and five were worse. Six patients, one in the anterior group and five in the posterior group, demonstrated early deterioration. Late deterioration occurred from 2 to 68 months postoperatively. Four (12%) patients who had undergone anterior procedures had additional posterior procedures, and seven (13.7%) patients who had undergone posterior procedures had additional decompressive surgery. The final functional status at last follow-up examination for the 33 patients in the anterior group was improved in 18, unchanged in nine, and deteriorated in six. Of the 51 patients who underwent posterior decompression, 19 benefited from the surgery, 13 were unchanged, and 19 were worse at last follow up than before their initial surgical procedure. Age, severity of disease, number of levels operated, and preoperative grade were not predictive of outcome. The only factor related to potential deterioration was the duration of symptoms preoperatively. The results indicate that with anterior or posterior decompression, long-term outcome is variable, and a subgroup of patients, even after adequate decompression and initial improvement, will have late functional deterioration.

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