First neurological symptoms in degenerative cervical myelopathy: does it predict the outcome?

Purpose Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common non-traumatic cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Prediction of the neurological outcome after surgery is important. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between first symptoms of DCM and the neurological outcome after surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis over a period of 10 years was performed. First symptoms such as cervicobrachial neuralgia, sensory and motor deficits and gait disturbances were evaluated regarding the postoperative neurological outcome. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (mJOA Score) was used to evaluate neurological outcome. Results In total, 411 patients (263 males, 64%) with a median age of 62.6 ± 12.1 years were included. Cervicobrachial neuralgia was described in 40.2%, gait disturbance in 31.6%, sensory deficits in 19% and motor deficits in 9.2% as first symptom. Patients with cervicobrachial neuralgia were significantly younger (median age of 58 years, p = 0.0005) than patients with gait disturbances (median age of 68 years, p = 0.0005). Patients with gait disturbances and motor deficits as first symptom showed significantly lower mJOA Scores than other patients (p = 0.0005). Additionally, motor deficits and gait disturbance were negative predictors for postoperative outcome according to the mJOA Score. Conclusion Motor deficits and gait disturbances as the first symptom of DCM are negative predictors for postoperative neurological outcome. Nevertheless, patients with motor deficits and gait disturbance significantly profit from the surgical treatment despite poor preoperative mJOA Score.

Imaging and Electrophysiology for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE DCM Research Priority Number 9]

Study Design Narrative review. Objective The current review aimed to describe the role of existing techniques and emerging methods of imaging and electrophysiology for the management of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a common and often progressive condition that causes spinal cord dysfunction and significant morbidity globally. Methods A narrative review was conducted to summarize the existing literature and highlight future directions. Results Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well established in the literature as the key imaging tool to identify spinal cord compression, disc herniation/bulging, and inbuckling of the ligamentum flavum, thus facilitating surgical planning, while radiographs and computed tomography (CT) provide complimentary information. Electrophysiology techniques are primarily used to rule out competing diagnoses. However, signal change and measures of cord compression on conventional MRI have limited utility to characterize the degree of tissue injury, which may be helpful for diagnosis, prognostication, and repeated assessments to identify deterioration. Early translational studies of quantitative imaging and electrophysiology techniques show potential of these methods to more accurately reflect changes in spinal cord microstructure and function. Conclusion Currently, clinical management of DCM relies heavily on anatomical MRI, with additional contributions from radiographs, CT, and electrophysiology. Novel quantitative assessments of microstructure, perfusion, and function have the potential to transform clinical practice, but require robust validation, automation, and standardization prior to uptake.

Using Smartphones for Clinical Assessment in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy a Feasibility Study

Background Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is characterized by progressive deterioration in spinal cord function. Its evaluation requires subjective clinical examination with wide inter-observer variability. Objective quantification of spinal cord function remains imprecise, even though validated myelopathy-grading scales have emerged and are now widely used. We created a Smartphone App with the aim of quantifying accurately and reliably spinal cord dysfunction using a 5-minute Test. Methods A patient suffering from DCM was clinically evaluated before surgery, at 3 and 6 months follow-up after surgical decompression of the cervical spinal cord. Standard scores (Nurick grade, mJOA score) were documented at these time points. A 5-minute motor and proprioceptive performance test aided by a smartphone with the N-outcome app was also performed. Results Motor performance in rapid alternating movements and finger tapping improved in correlation with improvements in standard grading scale scores. Clinical improvements were seen in maximum reflex acceleration and in Romberg testing which showed less closed/open eyes variation, suggesting pyramidal and proprioceptive function recovery. Conclusions We demonstrate that using a smartphone app as an adjunct to clinical evaluation of compressive myelopathy is feasible and potentially useful. The results correlate with the results of clinical assessment obtained by standard validated myelopathy scores.

Posterior fusion for fragility type 2 odontoid fractures

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of elderly patients with type 2 odontoid fractures treated with an instrumented posterior fusion. METHODS Ninety-three consecutive patients older than 65 years of age in whom a type 2 odontoid fracture had been treated with a variety of C1–2 posterior screw fixation techniques were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS The average age was 78 years (range 65–95 years). Thirty-seven patients had an additional fracture, 30 of which involved C1. Three patients had cervical spinal cord dysfunction due to their injury. All patients had comorbidities. The average total hospitalization was 9.6 days (range 2–37 days). There were 3 deaths and 19 major complications, the most common of which was pneumonia. No patient suffered a vertebral artery injury. Imaging studies were obtained in 64 patients at least 12 months postsurgery (mean 19 months). Fusion was assessed by dynamic radiographs in all cases and with a CT scan in 80% of the cases. Four of the 64 patients did not achieve fusion (6.25% overall). All patients in whom fusion failed had undergone C1 lateral mass fixation and C2 pars (1/29, 3.4%) or laminar (3/9, 33.3%) fixation. CONCLUSIONS Instrumented posterior cervical fusions may be performed in elderly patients with acceptable morbidity and mortality. The fusion rate is excellent except when bilateral C2 translaminar screws are used for axis fixation.

Posterior Spinal Surgery for Extradural Spinal Metastasis of Round Cell Tumor in the Lower Thoracal Region

Spinal cord dysfunction caused by a spinal tumor is not always easy to treat since the tumor itself possesses variably etiology and low ability of nerve impairment to recover. The most common extradural tumor is derived from metastases, followed by other pathology such as plasmacytoma, lymphoma, etc. Since histopathologically they may present as round cell tumors, pre-operative data and intraoperative findings may help the clinician to establish appropriate diagnosis. This case report aims to describe the role of posterior spinal surgery and the reasoning of the selected approach in the treatment of spinal metastasis mimicking plasmacytoma in the lower thoracal region. We report 56 years old male who has myelopathy symptoms caused by lower thoracal extradural mass lesion, which histopathological study shows round cell tumor findings. Laminectomy and posterior stabilization were undertaken, and additional rotational flap was made to close sacral decubitus ulcer defect. Axial pain was improved and the patient discharged from the hospital with improved quality of life.

Syringomyelia Associated with Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Clinical and Radiological Improvement after Embolization

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are rare and can result in spinal cord dysfunction. We present one such case wherein the patient presented with a venous congestive myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a syrinx formation, spinal cord edema, and flow voids. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed the dural AVF, which was treated with embolization. The syrinx disappeared, other spinal cord changes improved, and the patient had remarkable clinical improvement. The case is presented to draw attention to the rare formation of a syrinx in a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula and its disappearance after successful embolization.

Abstract P104: Impact Of Orthostatic Hypotension In Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient rehabilitation is crucial in the management of patients after injuries, surgery, or those with debilitating or neurological conditions. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is commonly associated with these conditions, and therefore, the inability to stand and participate in rehabilitation therapy can negatively impact their recovery. To test this hypothesis, we study a cohort of 8352 patients who underwent rehabilitation at Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital between 2014-2019 to assess the prevalence of OH and its impact on the length of stay (LOS), functional independence measure (FIM) change (discharge FIM-admission FIM), and FIM efficiency (FIM change/LOS), compared to patients without OH admitted during the same period. We found that the prevalence of OH was 3.8% (n = 314; 60±18 yrs; 227 men). OH was commonly associated with patients admitted for neurological conditions (29%, n = 91), spinal cord dysfunction (22%, n = 71), orthopedic disorders (13%, n = 13), and stroke (10%, n = 33). On admission, patients with OH had a longer predicted LOS compared to those without OH (18±6 vs. 16±5 days, respectively, p = 0.001), reflecting greater medical complexity. Moreover, the actual LOS at discharge was significantly longer in OH patients compared to those without OH (19±12 vs. 13±9 days; p = 0.001) as was the difference between actual-predicted LOC (1±11 vs. 2±8; p = 0.001). The change in FIM was similar in both patients with and without OH (30±26 vs. 33±20, respectively; p = 0.52) but FIM efficiency was lower in OH patients (2±2.2 vs. 3±2.2 without OH; p = 0.001). OH prolonged LOS regardless of the admission diagnosis (stroke, other neurological conditions, spinal cord dysfunction and orthopedic disorders). In conclusion, OH is present in a significant proportion of patients undergoing acute rehabilitation and adversely impacts the recovery of these patients as measured by lower FIM efficacy and a prolonged rehabilitation period to achieve the same functional gain as patients without OH.

Combined Treatment with Fasudil and Menthol Improves Functional Recovery in Rat Spinal Cord Injury Model

Neuroprotective measures by preventing secondary spinal cord injury (SCI) are one of the main strategies for repairing an injured spinal cord. Fasudil and menthol may be potent neuroprotective agents, which act by inhibiting a rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and suppressing the inflammatory response, respectively. We hypothesized that combined treatment of fasudil and menthol could improve functional recovery by decreasing inflammation, apoptosis, and glial scar formation. We tested our hypothesis by administering fasudil and menthol intraperitoneally (i.p.) to female Sprague Dawley rats after moderate static compression (35 g of impounder for 5 min) of T10 spinal cord. The rats were randomly divided into five experimental groups: (i) sham animals received laminectomy alone, (ii) injured (SCI) and untreated (saline 0.2 mL/day, i.p.) rats, (iii) injured (SCI) rats treated with fasudil (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for two weeks, (iv) injured (SCI) rats treated with menthol (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for twoweeks, (v) injured (SCI) rats treated with fasudil (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and menthol (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for two weeks. Compared to single treatment groups, combined treatment of fasudil and menthol demonstrated significant functional recovery and pain amelioration, which, thereby, significantly reduced inflammation, apoptosis, and glial/fibrotic scar formation. Therefore, combined treatment of fasudil and menthol may provide effective amelioration of spinal cord dysfunction by a synergistic effect of fasudil and menthol.