European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Several techniques have been described for selective nerve root blocks. We describe a novel 'two-needle technique', performed through the postero-lateral route with the patient in lateral position under C-arm guidance. The aim of the current study is to highlight the effectiveness and safety of cervical selective nerve root block for radiculopathy using this technique. ⋯ Mean duration of radiation exposure during the procedure was 27.8 s (range 10-90 s). Only minor complications were noted-transient dizziness in two and transient nystagmus in one patient. Our 'two-needle technique' is a new, safe and effective non-surgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy.
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The use of C2 laminar screws in posterior cervical fusion is a relatively new technique that provides rigid fixation of the axis with minimal risk to the vertebral artery. The techniques of C2 laminar screw placement described in the literature rely solely on anatomical landmarks to guide screw insertion. The authors report on their experience with placement of C2 laminar screws using three-dimensional (3D) fluoroscopy-based image-guidance in eight patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion. ⋯ Postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scanning was available for seven patients allowing evaluation of placement of thirteen C2 laminar screws, all of which were in good position with no spinal canal violation. The intraoperative planning function of the image-guided system allowed for 4-mm diameter screws to be placed in all cases. Using modified Odom's criteria, excellent or good relief of preoperative symptoms was noted in all patients at final follow-up.
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En bloc spondylectomy is a technique that enables wide or marginal resection of malignant lesions of the spine. Both all posterior techniques as well as combined approaches are reported. Aim of the present study was to analyse the results of 21 patients with malignant lesions of the spine, all treated with en bloc excision in a combined posteroanterior (n = 19) or all posterior approach (n = 2). ⋯ Health related quality of life analysis (SF-36) revealed only slightly decreased physical component and normal mental component scores compared to normals in those patients with no evidence of disease. En bloc spondylectomy enables wide or marginal resection of malignant lesions of the spine in most cases with acceptable morbidity. Intralesional resection, poor histologic response, and solitary spinal metastases of Ewing and osteosarcoma are associated with a poor prognosis.
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We analysed the morbidity, mortality and outcome of cervical spine injuries in patients over the age of 65 years. This study was a retrospective review of 107 elderly patients admitted to our tertiary referral spinal injuries unit with cervical spine injuries between 1994 and 2002. The data was acquired by analysis of the national spinal unit database, hospital inpatient enquiry system, chart and radiographic review. ⋯ Injuries of the cervical spine are not infrequent occurrence in the elderly and occur with relatively minor trauma. Neck pain in the elderly patients should be thoroughly evaluated to exclude C2 injuries. Most patients can be managed in an orthosis but unstable injuries require rigid external immobilization or surgical stabilization.
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Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an efficient procedure to treat pain due to osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. However, refracture of cemented vertebrae occurs occasionally after vertebroplasty. It is unclear whether such fractures are procedure-related or part of the natural course of osteoporosis. ⋯ Only restoration of anterior vertebral height was positively associated with refracture during the follow-ups (P < 0.01). In conclusion, refractures of cemented vertebrae after vertebroplasty occurred in 63% of osteoporotic patients. Significant anterior vertebral height restoration increases the risk of subsequent fracture in cemented vertebrae.