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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Duplication of the spine is very rare, and this malformation is generally considered as a severe form of type I split cord malformations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spine duplication associated with lipomyelomeningocele. ⋯ A surgical operation was planned to release the tethered cord and instrumentation and fusion for scoliosis; however, the operation was declined by the patient.
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Case Reports
Iliac artery perforation and treatment during lumbar disc surgery by simple balloon tamponade.
Although vascular injury during lumbar disc surgery is quite rare, it may be life threatening if not recognized and treated immediately. ⋯ This case differs from those published in the literature as we used a single balloon inflation and subtotal occlusion without the need for a covered stent.
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We retrospectively investigated the radiographic findings in patients with atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) due to rheumatoid arthritis, and clarified the effect of reduction of the atlanto-axial angle (AAA) on the cranio-cervical and subaxial angles. ⋯ A proper reduction of the AAA did not affect the cranial angles or induce kyphotic malalignment of the subaxial region after atlanto-axial arthrodesis. However, if we can obtain a significant and large reduction of AAA in patients showing kyphosis before surgery, then this reduction will be offset in the atlanto-occipital joint and we should therefore pay special attention to its morphology after surgery.
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We describe a male patient, who was seen for the first time at the age of 8 years because of short trunk dwarfism. Spine radiographs showed platyspondyly with irregular areas of increased and decreased mineralization (irregular spotted appearance within lytic lesions located along the posterior vertebral bodies of the entire spine). ⋯ At the age of 17, progressive spine stiffness associated with stooping posture developed. 3DCT scanning showed pathological transformation of the spinal enchondromas into generalized ossification and thickening of the posterior vertebral elements (vertebral laminae, supraspinal, and interspinal ligaments, respectively) causing effectively the development of a diffuse posterior spinal ankylosis. We report what might be a unique subtype of spondyloenchondrodysplasia (Spranger type IV).
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Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon entity, especially in the cervical region. ⋯ Cervical spinal epidural abscess may be caused by iatrogenic perforation of pharyngeal wall during diagnostic oesophagoscopy. Early diagnosis with an MRI and surgical treatment with antimicrobial chemotherapy are keys to successful management of this rare and life-threatening complication.