Injuries of the cervical spine in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: experience at two trauma centers

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Einsiedel ◽  
Andreas Schmelz ◽  
Markus Arand ◽  
Hans-Joachim Wilke ◽  
Florian Gebhard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Minor Trauma ◽  
Trauma Centers ◽  
Single Session ◽  
Computed Tomography Scanning ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Object The cervical spine in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (Bechterew disease) is exposed to maximal risk due to physical load. Even minor trauma can cause fractures because of the spine’s poor elasticity (so-called bamboo spine). The authors conducted a study to determine the characteristics of cervical fractures in patients with AS to describe the standard procedures in the treatment of this condition at two trauma centers and to discuss complications of and outcomes after treatment. Methods Between 1990 and 2006, 37 patients were surgically treated at two institutions. All patients were examined preoperatively and when being discharged from the hospital for rehabilitation. Single-session (11 cases) and two-session anterior–posterior (13 cases), anterior (11 cases), posterior (two cases), and laminectomy (one case) procedures were performed. The injury pattern, segments involved, the pre- and postoperative neurological status, and complications were analyzed. Preoperative neurological deficits were present in 36 patients. All patients experienced improvement postoperatively, and there was no case of surgery-related neurological deterioration. In patients in whom treatment was delayed because of late diagnosis, preoperative neurological deficits were more severe and improvement worse than those treated earlier. The causes of three deaths were respiratory distress syndrome due to a rigid thorax and cerebral ischemia due to rupture of the vertebral arteries. There were 12 perioperative complications (32%), three infections, one deep venous thrombosis, five early implant failures, and the three aforementioned fatalities. There were no cases of epidural hematoma. In all five cases in which early implant failure required revision surgery, the initial stabilization procedure had been anterior only. A comparison of complications and the outcomes at the two centers revealed no significant differences. Conclusions The standard intervention for these injuries is open reduction, anterior decompression and fusion, and anterior–posterior stabilization; these procedures may be conducted in one or two stages. Based on the early implant failures that occurred exclusively after single-session anterior stabilizations (five of 10—a failure rate of 50%), the authors have performed only posterior and anterior procedures since 1997 at both centers. Diagnostic investigations include computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine, because additional injuries are common. The causative trauma may be very slight, and diagnosis may be delayed because plain radiographs can be initially misinterpreted. In cases in which diagnosis is delayed, patients present with more severe neurological deficits, and postoperative improvement is less pronounced than that in patients in whom a prompt diagnosis is established. Because of postoperative pulmonary and ischemic complications, the mortality rate is high. In the present series the mortality rate was lower than the mean rate reported in the literature.

scholarly journals Perioperative complications with multilevel anterior and posterior cervical decompression and fusion

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua T. Wewel ◽  
Bledi C. Brahimaj ◽  
Manish K. Kasliwal ◽  
Vincent C. Traynelis
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Single Session ◽  
Perioperative Morbidity ◽  
Complication Risk ◽  
Surgeon Experience ◽  
Perioperative Complication ◽  
Anterior Posterior

OBJECTIVECervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressive degenerative pathology that frequently affects older individuals and causes spinal cord compression with symptoms of neck pain, radiculopathy, and weakness. Anterior decompression and fusion is the primary intervention to prevent neurological deterioration; however, in severe cases, circumferential decompression and fusion is necessary. Published data regarding perioperative morbidity associated with these complex operations are scarce. In this study, the authors sought to add to this important body of literature by documenting a large single-surgeon experience of single-session circumferential cervical decompression and fusion.METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed to identify intended single-stage anterior-posterior or posterior-anterior-posterior cervical spine decompression and fusion surgeries performed by the primary surgeon (V.C.T.) at Rush University Medical Center between 2009 and 2016. Cases in which true anterior-posterior cervical decompression and fusion was not performed (i.e., those involving anterior-only, posterior-only, or delayed circumferential fusion) were excluded from analysis. Data including standard patient demographic information, comorbidities, previous surgeries, and intraoperative course, along with postoperative outcomes and complications, were collected and analyzed. Perioperative morbidity was recorded during the 90 days following surgery.RESULTSSeventy-two patients (29 male and 43 female, mean age 57.6 years) were included in the study. Fourteen patients (19.4%) were active smokers, and 56.9% had hypertension, the most common comorbidity. The most common clinical presentation was neck pain in 57 patients (79.2%). Twenty-three patients (31.9%) had myelopathy, and 32 patients (44.4%) had undergone prior cervical spine surgery. Average blood loss was 613 ml. Injury to the vertebral artery was encountered in 1 patient (1.4%). Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was observed in 2 patients (2.8%). Two patients (2.8%) had transient unilateral hand grip weakness. There were no permanent neurological deficits. Dysphagia was encountered in 45 patients (62.5%) postoperatively, with 23 (32%) requiring nasogastric parenteral nutrition and 9 (12.5%) patients ultimately undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. Nine of the 72 patients required a tracheostomy. The incidence of pneumonia was 6.9% (5 patients) overall, and 2 of these patients were in the tracheostomy group. Superficial wound infections occurred in 4 patients (5.6%). Perioperative death occurred in 1 patient. Reoperation was necessary in 10 patients (13.9%). Major perioperative complications (permanent neurological deficit, vascular injury, tracheostomy, PEG tube, stroke, or death) occurred in 30.6% of patients. The risk of minor perioperative complications (temporary deficit, dysphagia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, or wound infection) was 80.6%.CONCLUSIONSSingle-session anterior-posterior cervical decompression and fusion is an inherently morbid operation required in select patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. In this large single-surgeon series, there was a major perioperative complication risk of 30.6% and minor perioperative complication risk of 80.6%. This overall elevated risk for postoperative complications must be carefully considered and discussed with the patient preoperatively. In some situations, shared decision making may lead to the conclusion that a procedure of lesser magnitude may be more appropriate.

scholarly journals Single-Session Combined Anterior-Posterior Approach for Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis with Obvious Displaced Lower Cervical Spine Fractures and Dislocations

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baohui Yang ◽  
Teng Lu ◽  
Haopeng Li
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Spine Fractures ◽  
Lower Cervical Spine ◽  
Single Session ◽  
Surgical Methods ◽  
Single Posterior Approach ◽  
Cervical Spine Fractures ◽  
Anterior Posterior

For patients with AS and lower cervical spine fractures, surgical methods have mainly included the single anterior approach, single posterior approach, and combined anterior-posterior approach. However, various surgical procedures were utilized because the fractures have not been clearly classified according to presence of displacement in these previous studies. Consequently, controversies have been raised regarding the selection of the surgical procedure. This study retrospective analysis was conducted in 12 patients with AS and lower cervical spine fractures and dislocations and explored single-session combined anterior-posterior approach for the treatment of AS with obvious displaced lower cervical spine fractures and dislocations which has demonstrated advantages such as good stabilization, satisfied fracture healing, and easy postoperative cares. However, to some extent, the difficulty and risk of this approach should be considered. Attention should be paid to the prevention of perioperative complications.

Postoperative Outcomes of Subaxial Cervical Spine Metastasis: Comparison Among The Anterior, Posterior, and Combined Approaches

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panya Luksanapruksa ◽  
Borriwat Santipas ◽  
Panupol Rajinda ◽  
Theera Chueaboonchai ◽  
Korpphong Chituaarikul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Survival Time ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Postoperative Outcomes ◽  
Neurological Recovery ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Spine Metastasis ◽  
Combined Approach ◽  
Subaxial Cervical Spine ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Abstract Background: Incidence of subaxial spinal metastases is increasing due to longer life expectancy resulting from successful modern treatments of cancer. The three most utilized approaches for surgical treatment include the anterior, posterior, and combined approach. However, despite increasing surgical volume, data on the postoperative complication profiles of different operative approaches for this patient population is scarce.Methods: The institutional databases of two large referral centers in Thailand were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with subaxial cervical spine metastasis who underwent cervical surgery during 2005 to 2015 were identified and enrolled. Clinical presentations, baseline characteristics, operative approach, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes, including pain, neurological recovery, and survival, were compared among the three surgical approaches.Results: This study included 70 patients (44 anterior approach, 14 posterior approach, 12 combined approach). There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative characteristics, including Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI), Tomita score, and revised Tokuhashi score, among the three groups. There were also no significant differences among groups for medical complications, surgical complications, neurological recovery, verbal pain score improvement, survival time, or ambulatory status improvement. However, the combined approach did show a significantly higher rate of overall perioperative complications (p=0.01), intraoperative blood loss, (p<0.001), and operative time (p<0.001) compared to the other two approaches. Conclusions: The results of this study do not reveal any clear superiority among the three main surgical approaches used to treat subaxial cervical spine metastasis. Patients in the combined approach group had the highest rates of perioperative complications. However, although the differences were not statistically significant, patients in the combined group tended to have better clinical outcomes after follow-up, and the longest survival time.

Management of cervical spine injuries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

1990 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl N. Detwiler ◽  
Christopher M. Loftus ◽  
John C. Godersky ◽  
Arnold H. Menezes
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Accident ◽  
Fracture Dislocation ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Minor Trauma ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Traumatic Fracture ◽  
Axial Traction

✓ Eleven patients with ankylosing spondylitis and traumatic fracture/dislocation of the spine were identified in a retrospective review of all cases of cervical spine injury treated on the neurosurgical service over a 10-year period. Injury was most often secondary to minor trauma or a motor-vehicle accident, and the level of vertebral involvement was most frequently between C-5 and T-1. Neurological symptoms at presentation ranged from neck pain alone to complete loss of function distal to the level of injury. Initial routine treatment consisted of axial traction for realignment with the minimal weight needed to accomplish this, taking into account the flexion deformity. All patients underwent pluridirectional tomography and/or computerized tomography to delineate the exact sites of injury. Three patients died shortly after admission due to pulmonary complications. The remaining eight patients underwent early posterior stabilization and mobilization in a halo or cervicothoracic brace to achieve fusion. Neurological improvement was achieved in six of these eight cases. The experience described here supports the initiation of axial traction as initial therapy for cervical injuries followed by early surgical stabilization in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The difficulty of maintaining spinal alignment and the devastating pulmonary problems attendant on conservative management may be obviated by early fusion.

scholarly journals Perioperative challenges in the surgical management of ankylosing spondylitis

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. E10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Sciubba ◽  
Clarke Nelson ◽  
Patrick Hsieh ◽  
Ziya L. Gokaslan ◽  
Steve Ondra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Spinal Deformity ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Deformity Correction ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Spinal Lesions ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Surgical Manipulation ◽  
Severe Spinal Deformity

✓ Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who present with spinal lesions are at an increased risk for developing perioperative complications. Due to the rigid yet brittle nature of the ankylosed spines commonly occurring with severe spinal deformity, patients are more prone to developing neurological deficits. Such risks are potentially increased not only during surgical manipulation or deformity correction, but also during image acquisition, positioning within the operating room, and intubation. In this review the complications of AS are reviewed, and recommendations are provided to avoid problems during each stage of patient management.

Fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine with ankylosing spondylitis

1973 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 764-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carroll Osgood ◽  
Louis G. Martin ◽  
Elliott Ackerman
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Fracture Dislocation ◽  
Cervical Fracture ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Two cases of cervical fracture-dislocation causing neurological deficits in patients with ankylosing spondylitis are presented. Review of the literature shows that these patients have a higher incidence of neurological deficits (70%) than comparable patients without ankylosing spondylitis (44%). Predisposing factors and treatment are discussed.

Surgical treatment of cervical spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis patients: posterior stabilization using intraoperative CT scanner-based navigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 212-218
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Spine Fracture ◽  
Cervical Spine Fracture ◽  
Posterior Stabilization ◽  
Visceral Injury ◽  
Intraoperative Ct ◽  
Screw Insertion ◽  
Spinal Navigation

Introduction: The authors analyzed a series of ankylosing spondylitis patients with cervical spine fracture undergoing posterior stabilization using spinal navigation based on intraoperative CT imaging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and safety of navigated posterior stabilization and to analyze the adequacy of this method for treatment of fractures in ankylosed cervical spine. Methods: Prospectively collected clinical data, together with radiological documentation of a series of 8 consecutive patients with 9 cervical spine fracture were included in the analysis. The evaluation of screw insertion accuracy based on postoperative CT imaging, description of instrumentation- related complications and evaluation of morphological and clinical results were the subjects of interest. Results: Of the 66 implants inserted in all cervical levels and in upper thoracic spine, only 3 screws (4.5%) did not meet the criteria of anatomically correct insertion. Neither screw malposition nor any other intraoperative events were complicated by any neural, vascular or visceral injury. Thus we did not find a reason to change implant position intraoperatively or during the postoperative period. The quality of intraoperative CT imaging in our group of patients was sufficient for reliable trajectory planning and implant insertion in all segments, irrespective of the habitus, positioning method and comorbidities. In addition to stabilization of the fracture, the posterior approach also allows reducing preoperative kyphotic position of the cervical spine. In all patients, we achieved a stable situation with complete bone fusion of the anterior part of the spinal column and lateral masses at one year follow-up. Conclusion: Spinal navigation based on intraoperative CT imaging has proven to be a reliable and safe method of stabilizing cervical spine with ankylosing spondylitis. The strategy of posterior stabilization seems to be a suitable method providing high primary stability and the conditions for a subsequent high fusion rate.

The impact of surgeon experience on perioperative complications and operative measures following thoracolumbar 3-column osteotomy for adult spinal deformity: overcoming the learning curve

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darryl Lau ◽  
Vedat Deviren ◽  
Christopher P. Ames
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Surgical Complication ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Adult Spinal Deformity ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Surgeon Experience ◽  
Operative Measures

OBJECTIVEPosterior-based thoracolumbar 3-column osteotomy (3CO) is a formidable surgical procedure. Surgeon experience and case volume are known factors that influence surgical complication rates, but these factors have not been studied well in cases of adult spinal deformity (ASD). This study examines how surgeon experience affects perioperative complications and operative measures following thoracolumbar 3CO in ASD.METHODSA retrospective study was performed of a consecutive cohort of thoracolumbar ASD patients who underwent 3CO performed by the senior authors from 2006 to 2018. Multivariate analysis was used to assess whether experience (years of experience and/or number of procedures) is associated with perioperative complications, operative duration, and blood loss.RESULTSA total of 362 patients underwent 66 vertebral column resections (VCRs) and 296 pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSOs). The overall complication rate was 29.4%, and the surgical complication rate was 8.0%. The rate of postoperative neurological deficits was 6.2%. There was a trend toward lower overall complication rates with greater operative years of experience (from 44.4% to 28.0%) (p = 0.115). Years of operative experience was associated with a significantly lower rate of neurological deficits (p = 0.027); the incidence dropped from 22.2% to 4.0%. The mean operative time was 310.7 minutes overall. Both increased years of experience and higher case numbers were significantly associated with shorter operative times (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Only operative years of experience was independently associated with operative times (p < 0.001): 358.3 minutes from 2006 to 2008 to 275.5 minutes in 2018 (82.8 minutes shorter). Over time, there was less deviation and more consistency in operative times, despite the implementation of various interventions to promote fusion and prevent construct failure: utilization of multiple-rod constructs (standard, satellite, and nested rods), bone morphogenetic protein, vertebroplasty, and ligament augmentation. Of note, the use of tranexamic acid did not significantly lower blood loss.CONCLUSIONSSurgeon years of experience, rather than number of 3COs performed, was a significant factor in mitigating neurological complications and improving quality measures following thoracolumbar 3CO for ASD. The 3- to 5-year experience mark was when the senior surgeon overcame a learning curve and was able to minimize neurological complication rates. There was a continuous decrease in operative time as the surgeon’s experience increased; this was in concurrence with the implementation of additional preventative surgical interventions. Ongoing practice changes should be implemented and can be done safely, but it is imperative to self-assess the risks and benefits of those practice changes.

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