Der Orthopäde
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Review Comparative Study
[Instability of the upper cervical spine due to rheumatism].
Rheumatic manifestation at the cervical spine occurs in more than 50% of all cases in the natural course of this disease. The first cervical manifestation takes place in the upper cervical spine. The initial involvement of the C1/C2 segment leads to atlantodental subluxation. ⋯ The goal of diagnosis has to be the early recognition of these changes to establish an effective treatment protocol. Persistent pain, neurological deficits, and progressive radiological signs for instability are indications for operative stabilizing procedures. These procedures avoid progressive destruction and improve the prognosis regarding pain decrease, regression of neurological deficits, and life expectancy.
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Injuries to the upper cervical spine (C0-C2) play a major role in surgical treatment of traumatic sequelae in the entire cervical spine. Even though the number of such operations has increased in recent years, there are no clear treatment recommendations for most types of cervical spine injuries. ⋯ Special emphasis is placed on comparatively reviewing the different treatment options discussed in the literature. A summary in table form is presented at the end of each chapter for quick reference.
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Case Reports
[Rare pathological alterations of the upper cervical spine requiring surgical treatment].
Because of its unique anatomy, specific diseases and lesions arise in the upper cervical spine, which differ widely from the rest of the spine. During the last two decades standardised diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms have been defined for most of the craniocervical pathologies often occurring in combination with an underlying disease requiring surgical intervention as well. On the other hand there are some very rare phathological alterations: about 20% of the patients suffering from neurofibromatosis type I develop spinal deformities. ⋯ Though only in about 1% of all patients with Down syndrome do instabilities require surgical intervention, the upper cervical spine should be screened on a regular basis, since neurological changes due to the pathognomy of the underlying disease often remain undetected for a long time. The operative therapy of the instable os odontoideum in Down syndrome follows the general principles of this pathoanatomical variation. Even though the Klippel-Feil syndrome is generally not linked with neuropathological findings, rare associated deformities of the upper cervical spine should be excluded by proper diagnostic procedures.