Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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Increased signal intensity of the spinal cord on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was classified pre- and postoperatively in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy. It was investigated whether postoperative classification and alterations of increased signal intensity could reflect the postoperative severity of symptoms and surgical outcomes. ⋯ The postoperative increased signal intensity classification reflected postoperative symptomatology and surgical outcomes to some extent, without statistically significant differences. The alteration of increased signal intensity was seen postoperatively in 24 patients (23%) and was not correlated with surgical outcome.
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The goal in this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion ([ACDF]; single- or multilevel procedure) performed using titanium plates and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) spacers filled with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) impregnated in a type I collagen sponge to achieve fusion. ⋯ An ACDF performed using a PEEK spacer filled with rhBMP-2 leads to good to excellent clinical outcomes and solid fusion, even in multilevel cases and in patients who are smokers. The incidence of symptomatic dysphagia may be decreased with a lower dose of rhBMP-2 that is placed only within the PEEK spacer.
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Cervical kyphosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be severely disabling. Surgical treatment of this disorder is technically demanding, however, with a considerable risk of neurological and vascular injuries. The extension osteotomy is a well-described posterior treatment for this condition, but this approach presents the risk of acute subluxation and spinal column translation during the reduction. ⋯ Controlled correction was performed by using a hinged rod affixed to posterior cervical and thoracic screws, allowing for free sagittal correction while restricting translational forces. Once the desired angle of correction was achieved, the hinge connector was locked, transforming the rod into a rigid device for permanent internal fixation. The use of hinged rods in cervical kyphosis correction provides a controlled method for reduction at the osteotomy site, decreasing the risk of neurological injury.
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Case Reports
A novel anterior technique for simultaneous single-stage anterior and posterior cervical release for fixed kyphosis.
The incidence rate of kyphosis of the cervical spine after a laminectomy can be as high as 20% after a multilevel laminectomy. The loss of the posterior tension band leads to increased load on the vertebral body and discs, leading to further degenerative changes and kyphotic deformities. The initial decompression of the spinal cord disappears as the cord is stretched over the anterior lesions. ⋯ The lateral mass and facets can then be accessed anteriorly using an osteotome or drill for the release. The authors illustrate this technique in a patient who developed fixed scoliosis and kyphosis of the cervical spine after surgery for degenerative disc disease. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this technique.