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Abundant literature exists describing the incidence of dysphagia following anterior cervical surgery; however, there is a paucity of literature detailing the incidence of dysphagia following posterior cervical procedures. Further characterization of this complication is important for guiding clinical prevention and management. Patients ≥ 18 years of age underwent posterior cervical fusion with laminectomy or laminoplasty between C1-T1. Pre- and post-operative dysphagia was assessed by a speech language pathologist. The patient cohort was categorized by approach: Laminectomy + Fusion (LF) and Laminoplasty (LP). Patients were excluded from radiographic analyses if they did not have both baseline and follow-up imaging. The study included 147 LF and 47 LP cases. There were no differences in baseline demographics. There were three patients with new-onset dysphagia in the LF group (1.5% incidence) and no new cases in the LP group (p = 1.000). LF patients had significantly higher rates of post-op complications (27.9% LF vs. 8.5% LP, p = 0.005) but not intra-op complications (6.1% LF vs. 2.1% LP, p = 0.456). Radiographic analysis of the entire cohort showed no significant changes in cervical lordosis, cSVA, or T1 slope. Both group comparisons showed no differences in incidence of dysphagia pre and post operatively. Based on this study, the likelihood of developing dysphagia after LF or LP are similarly low with a new onset dysphagia rate of 1.5%., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Obesity and a prolonged surgical duration are reported risk factors for meralgia paresthetica (MP) after prone position surgery; however, this fails to explain why MP seldom occurs after prone position craniotomy. We reviewed the incidence of MP after spinal surgery and craniotomy in the prone position and investigated whether unidentified factors are involved in the mechanism of postoperative MP. Between January 2014 and March 2020, we performed 556 prone position surgeries. We excluded patients aged ≤16 years and those who were comatose or who required redo-surgery, and reviewed 446 eligible patients (124 who underwent craniotomies and 322 who underwent posterior spinal surgeries). Postoperative MP occurred in 46 (10.3%) patients with a higher incidence after spinal surgery than after craniotomy (13.7% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001). Among the 322 patients who received posterior spinal surgery, thoracic and lumbar laminectomies were associated with a higher incidence of MP than cervical laminectomy. Analyses limited to those patients who received thoracic and lumbar laminectomies revealed that the preoperative thoracic kyphosis (TK) angle was significantly greater in patients with MP than in those without MP (average TK angle, 38.9° vs. 23.1°; p < 0.001), and that the preoperative lumbar lordosis angle did not significantly differ between the two groups. Apart from the known predisposing factors, we found that thoracolumbar-sacral laminectomy in patients with a greater TK angle is also a risk factor for MP after prone position surgery., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) results from compression of the cervical spine cord as a result of age related changes in the cervical spine, and affects up to 2% of adults, leading to progressive disability. Surgical decompression is the mainstay of treatment, but there remains significant variation in surgical approaches used. This survey was conducted in order to define current practice amongst spine surgeons worldwide, as a possible prelude to further studies comparing surgical approaches., Methods: An electronic survey was developed and piloted by the investigators using SurveyMonkey. Collected data was categorical and is presented using summary statistics. Where applicable, statistical comparisons were made using a Chi-Squared test. The level of significance for all statistical analyses was defined as p < 0.05. All analysis, including graphs was performed using R (R Studio)., Results: 127 surgeons, from 30 countries completed the survey; principally UK (66, 52%) and North America (15, 12%). Respondents were predominantly Neurosurgeons by training (108, 85%) of whom 84 (75%) reported Spinal Surgery as the principal part of their practice. The majority indicated they selected their surgical procedure for multi-level DCM on a case by case basis (62, 49%). Overall, a posterior approach was more popular for multi-level DCM (74, 58%). Region, speciality or annual multi-level case load did not influence this significantly. However, there was a trend for North American surgeons to be more likely to favour a posterior approach., Conclusions: A posterior approach was favoured and more commonly used to treat multi-level DCM, in an international cohort of surgeons. Posterior techniques including laminectomy, laminectomy and fusion or laminoplasty appeared to be equally popular., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Intramedullary tumors are uncommon neoplasms which, without treatment, can cause neurologic morbidity or mortality. The goal of the treatment is complete surgical resection with a minimally invasive approach while preserving neurological status and also spinal stability. Out of 1972 patients with tumors of the spinal canal treated between 1994 and 2017, 168 intramedullary tumors of 417 intradural tumors have been presented. All patients had undergone one surgical resection. The mean age is 43 ± 12 years (range 11-67 years). Tumors were subdivided into 4 groups: cervically located-tumors (n = 43), cervicothoracic-region-tumors (n = 32), thoracic-region-tumors (n = 57), and lumbosacral-region-tumors (n = 36). The mean follow-up time was 37 ± 29 months. Gross-total resection rate was higher in cervical located intramedullary tumors compared to the thoracic intramedullary tumors. Cervical intramedullary tumors showed better postoperative functional outcome than the thoracic intramedullary lesions. In intramedullary tumors, extending more than 3 spinal segments, postoperative worsening was significantly increased. A minimally invasive approach (the bilateral decompression via unilateral hemilaminectomy) was used to remove the tumor while preserving spinal stability. Perioperative permanent morbidity was very low. Intramedullary tumors should be surgically treated as soon as neurological symptoms appear. Patients with thoracic intramedullary tumors and tumor extension of more than three segments were at a higher risk for permanent morbidity. The minimally invasive approach allowed complete removal of the intramedullary tumors, and adequate preservation of vertebral stability while providing a good postoperative course., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Intraoperative localization within the thoracic spine in the prone position may be particularly difficult on account of absence of common landmarks such as the sacrum or the C2 vertebra, thus increasing the potential for wrong-level surgery that may lead to patient morbidity and potential litigation. Some current localization methods involve implantation of markers that are invasive and serve to add to procedural expense while yet still failing to entirely eliminate errors. We describe a novel, non-invasive, and inexpensive technique for intraoperative localization of the thoracic spine in the prone position using an esophageal temperature probe. Following patient positioning, anteroposterior fluoroscopy is used to localize the radiopaque tip of the esophageal probe relative to the thoracic spine. After determining the probe tip's location, it becomes the counting reference for all subsequent intraoperative fluoroscopic localizations during surgery. As the probe tip is generally visible in the same fluoroscopic image as the surgical level, error from parallax created when moving the fluoroscopy machine from an anatomic landmark either above or below is avoided and a shorter fluoroscopy time is needed. Use of an esophageal temperature probe as a landmark in localizing spinal level may serve as a reliable and It offers a safe, reliable, and inexpensive technique for proper localization of thoracic spine levels., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Space-occupying spinal meningiomas (SM), commonly diagnosed due to gradual neurological deterioration, are treated surgically by decompression and tumor resection. In this series of patients with surgically treated SM, we determined individual predictors of functional outcome in the context of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM)., Methods: This retrospective study included 45 patients (39 women, 6 men; mean age 63 years). We reviewed pre- and postoperative charts, surgical reports, radiographic data for demographics, use of IOM, duration of symptoms, histopathology, co-morbidities, radiographic extension, surgical strategy, neurological performance (Japanese Orthopedic Association Score [JOA score]. Median follow-up was 34 months (12-190 months)., Results: Most frequent surgical approaches were laminectomy (71.1%, n = 32) and hemi-laminectomy (28.9%, n = 13). Predominant SM site was the thoracic spine (55.6%, n = 25). Most common symptoms were sensory deficits (77.8%, n = 35), gait disorders (55.6%, n = 25), motor deficits (42.2%, n = 19), and radiating pain (37.8%, n = 17). Simpson grade 1 resection was achieved in 6 patients, most common type of resection was Simpson grade 2 in 36 patients. During follow-up, 80.0% of patients had fully recovered sensory deficits (p < 0.001), 76.0% of patients with preoperative gait disorders had been asymptomatic (p < 0.001), and motor deficits in 12/19 (63.1%). Pain had decreased significantly from admission to follow-up (p = 0.001). IOM was used in 20 (44.4%) patients. Postoperatively, 6(13.3%) patients had developed a new neurological deficit, 4 of them operated without IOM., Conclusion: Resection of SM with IOM showed good recovery, excellent functional results with low surgical morbidity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBFs) are the most common spinal trauma; however, their appropriate management has not yet been determined. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) following posterior decompression technique versus anterior corpectomy and fusion technique for the treatment of TLBFs., Methods: A total of 46 patients (2002-2015) with TLBFs were included in this study. The inclusion criteria were a single-level Magerl type A3 burst fracture of the thoracolumbar junctional spine (T12-L2). The patients were divided into two groups; Group A (22 patients) underwent anterior corpectomy and fusion, and Group B (24 patients) underwent PPSF after posterior decompression. Anterior corpectomy and fusion surgery were performed in 22 cases before April 2009, and PPSF following posterior decompression technique was used in 24 cases since then. For radiological assessment, the kyphosis angle was measured preoperatively, early postoperatively, and at the last follow-up using the Cobb angle. Mean correction of the Cobb angle after surgery, and loss of correction between the immediate postoperative and final Cobb angle were calculated accordingly. All neurological deficits were identified in the initial evaluation and graded using the American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA) grading system. Perioperative parameters including operation time, amount of blood loss, and mean hospital stay were also evaluated., Results: The patients comprised 17 males and 5 females in Group A and 13 males and 11 females in Group B. In terms of the involved levels, there were three cases of T12, twelve L1, and seven L2 in Group A and one case of T12, thirteen L1, and ten L2 in Group B. The mean follow-up duration was 44.9 months in Group A and 14.7 months in Group B. The kyphotic angle was significantly corrected after surgery by 6.4° in Group A (p = 0.001) and 9.2° in Group B (p < 0.001). Among patients with neurological deficit, 11 of 15 in Group A and 20 of 23 in Group B demonstrated improvement by at least one ASIA grade at the final observation. However, there was no significant difference in neurological improvement between the two groups (p = 0.13). Mean operation time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) and mean blood loss was significantly less (p < 0.001) in Group B than in Group A. Mean hospital stay was also significantly shorter in Group B (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Spinal canal decompression through small laminectomy followed by PPSF in the treatment of TLBFs with neurological deficits offers excellent clinical and radiological improvement as well as biomechanical stability. Furthermore, this can be a safe and effective surgical option with the advantage of less invasiveness in the treatment of TLBFs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fluoroscopic-guided lumbar puncture (LP) is a procedure commonly performed by radiologists, which in some circumstances may be difficult or impossible using a traditional posterior interspinous or interlaminar approach. Alternatives to LP include cervical and cisternal punctures, placement of an Ommaya reservoir, and lumbar laminectomy. More recently, however, there has been a move toward access of the thecal sac through a transforaminal approach in patients with challenging anatomy. This report outlines our approach and experience using transforaminal LP (TFLP) in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with a 100% success rate. We discuss its utility in other patients with difficult access and compare TFLP with other techniques to access the intrathecal space., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Decompression surgery is the standard treatment in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Recent studies have shown that patient satisfaction following decompression surgery does not correspond well with outcomes measured by conventional patient-reported outcome measurements. Recent study reported that the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) is the most accurate outcome measurement to reflect patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, the JOABPEQ was not studied enough, especially along with the minimally clinically important differences (MCIDs), as JOABPEQ is relatively new questionnaire. The MCID is the minimum score change which patients perceive as beneficial. Thus, knowing the MCID is critical evaluating the efficacy of intervention. The aim of this study was to determine the MCIDs of the JOABPEQ for patients with LSS undergoing decompression surgery. Patients who underwent decompression surgery for LSS were consecutively enrolled if they had a complete set of questionnaires. We determined the MCIDs of each domain in the JOABPEQ using distribution-based and anchor-based methods. The MCIDs were determined to be 20.4 in low back pain, 15.6 in lumbar function, 16.8 in walking ability, 13.4 in social life function, and 9.4 in mental health by the distribution-based method. Using the anchor-based method, the MCIDs were determined to be 28.5, 16.5, 25.0, 21.5, and 14.5, respectively. The MCIDs of the JOABPEQ in LSS were slightly different from 20-point, which was proposed in the JOABPEQ user's manual. Our findings should be considered when evaluating LSS patients undergoing decompression surgery as JOABPEQ is not LSS specific., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Lumbar synovial facet joint cysts cause nerve root compression and radiculopathy. Excision of these cysts is often performed for patients with significant symptoms. There is uncertainty regarding the need for performing a concomitant arthrodesis to prevent spinal instability. This study was performed to assess the rate of postoperative spinal instability with patients undergoing laminectomy without fusion for treatment of lumbar facet joint cysts. Patients who had received a decompressive laminectomy for excision of lumbar spinal cyst(s) without fusion from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed. Their progress was monitored over a 15 year period (2000-2015). SF-12 health surveys were completed at each clinic appointment. Patients were also contacted via phone and mail to assess their postoperative quality of life and to determine whether any further spinal surgery was performed. Forty-six patients were studied with an average follow up of 43 months (1 month-13 years). Two patients had subsequent spinal surgery, neither of which was a fusion. The mean preoperative SF-12 scores were 28 for physical function and 44 for mental function, while the final postoperative follow up score was 33 for physical function and 50 for mental function. Lumbar spinal facet joint cyst excision can be performed by laminectomy without fusion. The rate of subsequent fusion surgery is low., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Surgery is the only effective treatment option for advanced degenerative cervical myelopathy. Decompression may be achieved via either an anterior or posterior approach. They are both well-established techniques that are used to achieve optimal clinical results with each approach having its own pros and cons. Generally, the approach is dictated by preoperative imaging features with the aim of directly addressing the sources of spinal cord compression. However, there are frequently multiple sources of compression and several other factors should be also considered. The posterior approach is optimal for multilevel stenosis using consecutive laminectomies. Conversely, in cases of rigid kyphosis, the anterior approach is preferable as it enables thorough decompression and lordotic realignment. The existence of radiculopathy, neck pain and dysphagia should be carefully considered, and patients' occupational and cosmetic demands must be also discussed given the risk of voice change and scar formation. Body habitus or previous history of skin incision or radiation may also influence the decision. Since the clinical benefit seems to be similar between the two approaches, the decision has to be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the surgeons' experiences and preferences., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

After lower-cervical-level spinal-cord tumor resection, compensatory upper cervical lordosis with lower cervical kyphosis was observed. However, no studies examined this compensation following posterior decompression surgery for cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compensatory mechanism after muscle-preserving selective laminectomy (SL) and to assess the clinical outcomes following such compensation. Enrolled in the study were 125 CCM patients who underwent C6 single-level SL, C5-C6 two-level SL, C4-C6 three-level SL, and C3-C6 four-level SL. Cervical spine lateral radiography was taken before surgery and during the final followup. The C2-C5, C5-C7, and C2-C7 angles were measured and presented respectively as the patients' "upper," "lower," and "whole" cervical alignments. Patients were divided into two groups according to their postoperative C5-C7 alignment changes. We then divided the C5-C7 kyphotic-change group according to the patients' postoperative C7 slope changes. Postoperative cervical sagittal balance and surgical outcomes were compared within the groups. Postoperative C5-C7 kyphotic change was compensated for by C2-C5 lordotic change, maintaining the preoperative C2-C7 angle. Although postoperative C5-C7 kyphotic change alone did not affect cervical sagittal balance or surgical outcomes, patients with C5-C7 kyphotic changes and C7 slope increases showed greater increases in the C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis and lower recovery rates in Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores. The patients' postoperative lower cervical kyphotic changes were compensated for by upper cervical lordotic changes. Despite this compensation, increases in patients' C7 slopes adversely affected sagittal balance and functional recovery., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion with cortical bone trajectory (CBT-PLIF) is a form of minimally invasive decompression and fusion, whereas microendoscopic laminotomy (MEL) is a form of minimally invasive decompression surgery. No study has compared the clinical outcomes of the two methods for patients who have degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) with instability. In this study, CBT-PLIF and MEL were both offered to 64 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Each patient then selected his or her preferred treatment. Twenty patients received CBT-PLIF. They were matched to 30 of the 44 patients receiving MEL based on age, sex, disease duration, and surgical levels. The 20 patients with CBT-PLIF formed the CBT group and the 30 matched patients with MEL formed the MEL group. At 2 years of follow-up, Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores improved to 72.6% and 70.5% in the CBT and MEL groups, respectively. The difference in scores was not statistically significant. Further, improvements in visual analogue scale scores for back and leg symptom did not differ significantly between the two groups. Regarding complications, 1 CBT-group patient (5%) had adjacent-segment degeneration and 7 MEL-group patients (23%) had same-segment degeneration. Three CBT-group patients (15%) and 5 MEL-group patients (16%) required reoperation within the follow-up period. In summary, among patients who had DS with instability, MEL and CBT-PLIF offered comparable clinical outcomes at 2 years of follow-up. Although the rate of segmental degeneration was relatively high in the MEL group, both groups had similar reoperation rates., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the surgical results of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) after spinal canal decompression via a small laminectomy for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures., Method: Twenty-seven patients underwent PPSF after spinal canal decompression via small laminectomies between April 2009 and April 2015. Inclusion criteria consisted of a single-level, closed, thoracolumbar burst fracture and neurological symptoms. Decompression was performed via a small laminectomy, followed by PPSF, including at the level of the fractured vertebra. Cobb angle, vertebral wedge angle, and vertebral body index were each measured from lateral radiographs before and after surgery, and at last follow-up. Neurological assessment was made using the Frankel grading system., Results: The average follow-up period was 26 months. The preoperative average Cobb angle was 15.8° ± 6.6°, and significantly decreased to 6.5° ± 6.2° postoperatively (p < 0.001). Average Cobb angle at last follow-up increased slightly to 8.9° ± 6.9°, but this was not significant (p = 0.112). The preoperative average vertebral wedge angle was 20.6° ± 6.3°, and decreased significantly to 12.2° ± 6.2° postoperatively (p < 0.001). The vertebral body index significantly decreased from 0.58 ± 0.11 to a postoperative value of 0.78 ± 0.10 (p < 0.001). Clinically, no patient deteriorated subsequent to surgery., Conclusion: Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation after spinal canal decompression via small laminectomy provides significant kyphotic correction and improved neurological outcome while offering decreased surgical morbidity. This may be applied as an effective primary surgery in select patients with TLBFs with neurologic symptoms., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Sufficient width of laminectomy or laminoplasty is considered a criterion for successful surgical outcomes following posterior cervical decompression. No previous study has focused on surgical outcomes achieved by wide versus narrow decompression. This study examined whether narrow laminectomy width (LW) affected surgical outcomes in cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). Between 2005 and 2010, we performed muscle-preserving selective laminectomy (SL) with decompression between the bilateral medial margin of the facet joints (wide SL). After 2010, we began to perform narrow SL, in which the LW was no more than 2-3 mm wider than the spinal cord width (SW). Clinical features and radiological findings from 97 CCM patients in whom SL was performed at two consecutive levels, including the C4/5 level, were examined in this study. The relationship between LW and patients' functional outcomes was analyzed. Mean blood loss was lower in the narrow SL group than in the wide SL group. The length of hospital stay was also shorter in the narrow SL group. The wide SL group showed greater posterior spinal cord shift. The incidence of C5 palsy correlated with LW and LW minus SW (LW-SW). The recovery rate (RR) of Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was comparable between the two groups. The RR was not correlated with LW and LW-SW. Sufficient functional recovery can be achieved by narrow SL, and it offers advantages over wide posterior decompression, including reduced surgical invasiveness and complications. Wide decompression width is not always necessary for CCM patients., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Postoperative posterior spinal cord shift (PSS) has been considered a required radiographic endpoint of posterior decompression procedures. To achieve PSS, laminoplasty for cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM) has been consecutively performed on four or more laminae (C2-C7, C3-C7, or C3-C6). However, the clinical significance of PSS remains controversial. By selecting the surgically treated laminae, selective laminectomy (SL) can achieve adequate decompression without disturbing the extensor musculature and facet joints. The clinical features and radiological findings from 162 patients with CCM whose decompression included C4/5 level were investigated. The postoperative C2-C7 angle, PSS at C4/5 level, and laminectomy width were measured. Radiologic factors affecting PSS and the relationship between PSS and functional outcome were analyzed. Smaller PSS was observed in cases involving two or fewer consecutive laminectomies than in cases involving three or more consecutive laminectomies. The number of consecutive laminae (CLs) surgically treated and the postoperative C2-C7 angle correlated with PSS. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the number of surgically treated CLs was the greatest predictor of PSS. No correlation was observed between PSS and the recovery rate (RR) of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score; RR of the JOA score was not affected even in patients with no PSS. PSS was affected by the number of CLs surgically treated and the postoperative C2-C7 angle. The magnitude of PSS never affected the RR of JOA score after SL. Therefore, for patients with CCM, PSS is not mandatory to obtain satisfactory functional recovery., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) may result in thoracic myelopathy (TM) because of the spinal canal narrowing. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes of symptomatic thoracic OLF treated using posterior decompressive laminectomy. We made a retrospective review of patients who underwent posterior decompressive laminectomy from 2007 through 2016 for symptomatic TM caused by OLF. Thirty-three patients who had surgery for TM caused by OLF that was diagnosed based on clinical, radiologic, and pathologic evaluations. All patients had undergone decompressive laminectomy and excision of the OLF. The clinical course was evaluated according to modified JOA scores. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the number of vertebral segments demonstrating OLF, the level of thoracic cord involvement, and spine lesions coexisting with OLF. Results showed the neurological status improved at follow up (70.82±32.22months) from a preoperative mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score of 7.03±1.29 points to 9.52±0.83 points at the last follow up (p<0.01). Recovery outcomes were excellent in 8 patients, good in 22 patients, fair in 2 patients and poor in 1 patient. Surgical complications, which resolved after appropriate and prompt treatment, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 4 patient, immediate postoperative neurologic deterioration in 2 patient, and wound infection in 4 patient. Our findings suggest that posterior decompressive laminectomy with or without instrumented fusion is an effective treatment for symptomatic thoracic OLF, which provides satisfactory clinical improvement., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: Post-operative peridural adhesions increase morbidity after neurosurgical procedures. Aim of this study is to assess safety and efficacy of Chitosan-Dextran (CD) gel as an anti-adhesion agent in a spinal laminectomy sheep model., Methods: Eighteen sheep were used in this study with 6 animals in each treatment arm (namely, CD gel, Gelfoam paste and normal saline control). Posterior lumbar laminectomy was performed in all animals and the dura was exposed intact. Test agents were applied over the exposed dura and the wound was closed in layers. Sheep were euthanized at the end of three months. MRI spine was performed after euthanasia to assess epidural fibrosis. Adhesion in the spinal specimen was assessed by Peel test and histopathology was used to assess safety of the agents., Results: Average scores for the Peel test for CD gel, Gelfoam and normal saline control groups were 1.16 (95% CI, 0.5-1.7), 1.5 (95% CI, 0.6-2.3) and 3 (95% CI, 2.1-3.8) respectively. There was significant reduction in adhesions between treatment and normal saline treated groups (p=0.0292), with no difference between Gelfoam and CD gel groups (p=0.56). Average scores on MRI for CD gel, Gelfoam and normal saline groups were 1.4 (95% CI, 0.9-1.8), 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2-1.8) and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.3-1.8) respectively, with no significant difference in fibrosis amongst (p=0.2992). Histopathology did not show any adverse effects., Conclusion: CD gel is an effective agent to reduce epidural adhesions with a good safety profile in neural tissue., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Lipomyelomeningocele (LMM) as a cause of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) commonly presents in childhood in the lumbosacral spine. Patients frequently present with cutaneous manifestations, progressive neurological deterioration, bladder dysfunction, and intractable pain. Early surgical intervention with untethering is recommended for symptomatic patients. We report an unusual case of a woman who presented with a subcutaneous lump, pain, and neurological decline found to have a cervicothoracic LMM. The patient underwent laminectomy and subtotal resection of the mass; seventeen years later she was confined to a wheelchair with severe neurological decline ultimately requiring three additional attempts at surgical excision and repair. This case emphasizes the need for early recognition of and intervention in adult patients with LMM., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Traditional treatment for lumbar stenosis with instability is laminectomy and posterolateral arthrodesis, with or without interbody fusion. However, laminectomies remove the posterior elements and decrease the available surface area for fusion. Therefore, a sublaminar decompression may be a preferred approach for adequate decompression while preserving bone surface area for fusion. A retrospective review of 71 patients who underwent sublaminar decompression in conjunction with instrumented fusion for degenerative spinal disorders at a single institution was performed. Data collected included demographics, preoperative symptoms, operative data, and radiographical measurements of the central canal, lateral recesses, and neural foramina, and fusion outcomes. Paired t-tests were used to test significance of the outcomes. Thirty-one males and 40 females with a median age 60years underwent sublaminar decompression and fusion. A median of two levels were fused. The mean Visual Analog Scale pain score improved from 6.7 preoperatively to 2.9 at last follow-up. The fusion rate was 88%, and the median time to fusion was 11months. Preoperative and postoperative mean thecal sac cross-sectional area, right lateral recess height, left lateral recess height, right foraminal diameter, and left foraminal diameter were 153 and 209mm(2) (p<0.001), 5.9 and 5.9mm (p=0.43), 5.8 and 6.3mm (p=0.027), 4.6 and 5.2mm (p=0.008), and 4.2 and 5.2mm (p<0.001), respectively. Sublaminar decompression provided adequate decompression, with significant increases in thecal sac cross-sectional area and bilateral foraminal diameter. It may be an effective alternative to laminectomy in treating central and foraminal stenosis in conjunction with instrumented fusion., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Spinal paragangliomas (SP) are benign and overall rare extra-adrenal neuroendocrine tumors often diagnosed during workup for lower back pain. Complete surgical resection achieves both symptomatic relief and cure. We present a 32-year-old man with a longstanding history of lumbago and bilateral lower extremity pain found to have a lumbar paraganglioma at the level of the L3 vertebrae. The clinical, histopathological, and radiological characteristics are described, including the rare finding of superficial siderosis on MRI of the brain. A laminectomy with microscopic dissection of the intradural mass achieved complete debulking without evidence of residual tumor. Excellent prognosis can be achieved with complete surgical resection of SP without the need for adjuvant therapy. Therefore, care should be taken to distinguish these spinal tumors from those that appear similar but are more aggressive. As such, the radiological finding of superficial siderosis should raise the suspicion for SP when a vascular intradural extramedullary spinal tumor is observed., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a rare disease that causes acquired thoracic spinal canal stenosis and thoracic myelopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes of symptomatic thoracic OLF treated using posterior decompressive laminectomy. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 22 patients who underwent posterior decompressive laminectomy for symptomatic thoracic OLF. The surgical results were evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system and Hirabayashi recovery rate. The intensity of pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). The mean duration of follow-up was 35.6months. The mean JOA score was significantly improved at final follow-up (9.18±standard deviation of 1.53 points [range, 6-11 points]) compared with before surgery (5.64±2.04 points [range, 3-9 points]) (P<0.001). The mean Hirabayashi recovery rate was 65.49% (range, 20-100%). Recovery outcomes were excellent in nine patients, good in eight patients, fair in four patients and unchanged in one patient. No patient was classified as deteriorated. The VAS scores were 2.82±3.08 before surgery and 0.59±1.05 at final follow-up (P=0.001). Surgical complications, which resolved after appropriate and prompt treatment, included dural tear in five patients, cerebrospinal fluid leakage in one patient, immediate postoperative neurologic deterioration in one patient, epidural hematoma in one patient, and wound infection in one patient. Our findings suggest that posterior decompressive laminectomy is an effective treatment for symptomatic thoracic OLF and provides satisfactory clinical improvement, but surgery for thoracic OLF is associated with a relatively high incidence of complications., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Foraminal stenosis frequently causes radiculopathy in lumbar degenerative spondylosis. Endoscopic transforaminal techniques allow for foraminal access with minimal tissue disruption. However, the effectiveness of foraminal decompression by endoscopic techniques has yet to be studied. We evaluate radiographic outcome of endoscopic transforaminal foraminotomies performed at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 on cadaveric specimens. Before and after the procedures, three dimensional CT scans were obtained to measure foraminal height and area. Following the foraminotomies, complete laminectomies and facetectomies were performed to assess for dural tears or nerve root damage. L3-L4 preoperative foraminal height increased by 8.9%, from 2.12±0.13cm to 2.27±0.14cm (p<0.01), and foraminal area increased by 24.8% from 2.21±0.18cm(2) to 2.72±0.19cm(2) (p<0.01). At L4-L5, preoperative foraminal height was 1.87±0.17cm and area was 1.78±0.18cm(2). Endoscopic foraminotomies resulted in a 15.3% increase of foraminal height (2.11±0.15cm, p<0.05) and 44.8% increase in area of (2.51±0.21cm(2), p<0.01). At L5-S1, spondylitic changes caused diminished foraminal height (1.26±0.14cm) and foraminal area (1.17±0.18cm(2)). Postoperatively, foraminal height increased by 41.6% (1.74±0.09cm, p<0.05) and area increased by 98.7% (2.08±0.17cm(2), p<0.01). Subsequent inspection via a standard midline approach revealed one dural tear of an S1 nerve root. Endoscopic foraminotomies allow for effective foraminal decompression, though clinical studies are necessary to further evaluate complications and efficacy., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The traditional approach for cervical intramedullary lesions is laminectomy, but the procedure may result in spinal instability and spinal deformity. Unilateral multilevel interlaminar fenestration (UMIF) is an alternative minimally invasive approach that may have great advantages in preserving spinal stability. However its use in cervical intramedullary lesions is rare, and the indications, safety and limitations of this approach for cervical intramedullary lesions are still under investigation. We report five patients (three males, two females, age range 12-46 years) who were treated between 2010 and 2011 for cervical intramedullary lesions. The lesions included three ependymomas, one astrocytoma and one ependymal cyst, and the locations of the lesions were at the medulla-T2, C4-T1, C5-C7, C4-C7 and C6-C7. All of these lesions were completely removed through UMIF, and all patients had stable or improved neurological status after surgery. No recurrences or spinal deformities were detected during the follow-up period which ranged from 24 to 35 months (mean=27.4 months). UMIF is a feasible approach for selected cervical intramedullary lesions. This approach allows complete resection of multilevel lesions without increasing the risk of injury to the spinal cord, and minimizing the risk of postoperative spinal instability. The indications for and limitations of UMIF are discussed., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors are the most common lesions found in the intradural extramedullary compartment of the spine. Some of these lesions can be located anteriorly to the spinal cord, constituting a challenge for spine surgeons. We present a surgical technique that improves the surgical exposure of lesions located anteriorly or antero-laterally to the spinal cord. A microsurgical technique of tenting of the dentate ligament with sutures and rotation of the spinal cord is described in detail and illustrated with surgical cases. This technique increases the small microsurgical operative field and allows spinal cord retraction with the use of a natural cord component, minimizing pressure on the spinal cord delicate tissue, allowing total tumor resection. In conclusion, total resection without new neurological deficit of anterior and antero-lateral tumors can be performed using an isolated posterior approach with rotation of the spinal cord using tenting of the dentate ligament with sutures., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Adequate fixation of the opened laminar arch is the key indicator of a successful laminoplasty surgery; poor outcomes, including secondary narrowing of the spinal canal and a high risk of axial neck pain are possible when using a suturing method during conventional laminoplasty. Rigid fixation including spacers or bone struts yields satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, this approach is also associated with a longer surgical time and an increased risk of instrumentation dislodgement. Plate-only fixation with fusion was developed in our hospital to improve conventional laminoplasty; in addition, the supraspinous ligament is preserved in this procedure. We evaluated both the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Twenty-six patients with multilevel cervical degenerative disease were enrolled for selective open-door laminoplasty with miniplate fixation; autologous bone debris was placed on the hinge side to promote fusion, without bone struts on the open side. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, X-ray, three-dimensional CT scan and MRI were used for the pre- and postoperative evaluations. The mean follow-up period was 22 months (range=12-34 months), and all patients achieved osseous fusion within six months of the operation. Patients who underwent open-door laminoplasty showed an improvement in the JOA score of 60.7%; a 23.0% incidence of axial neck pain and a 3.2° loss of range of motion (ROM) were also observed. No instrumentation failure or clinical deterioration was observed in our study. Thus, open-door laminoplasty with miniplate fixation is a safe, simple surgery for multilevel cervical disease that has significant clinical efficacy. This approach can maintain the cervical ROM, reduce the incidence of postoperative axial neck pain, decrease surgical time and cost, and avoid complications related to fusion., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study was designed to evaluate the anesthetic, analgesic and side effects of spinal, epidural and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with the addition of morphine for lumbar laminectomy. A total of 66 patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy were included in the present study of whom 64 completed the study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: (i) spinal anesthesia - the SA group; (ii) epidural anesthesia - the EA group; and (iii) combined spinal-epidural anesthesia - the CA group. Demographical data, surgical times and peak sensory levels of groups were similar. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation did not differ between the three groups. No differences were observed intraoperatively in Ramsey sedation scale (RSS) scores between the groups, but postoperatively, although RSS scores were similar for the EA and CA groups, they were significantly lower for the SA group. The postoperative visual analogue scale pain scores were higher in the SA group compared to the EA and the CA groups except for the second postoperative hour. Time-to-use of the first patient controlled analgesia was similar for all groups. The total consumption of morphine over the 24-hour study period was significantly higher in the SA group compared to the EA and the CA groups. Postoperative nausea and vomiting frequencies were higher in SA group, but pruritus frequency was lower than the EA and the CA groups. In conclusion, although spinal, epidural, and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia are adequate and effective for lumbar laminectomies, epidural and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia techniques are more effective than spinal anesthesia for postoperative analgesia and sedation with lesser side effects., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Exophytic ependymomas of the spinal cord are very rare outside the filum or conus region. We present a patient with a thoracic spinal cord intradural extramedullary and intramedullary, World Health Organization grade II ependymoma. Gross total resection of the extramedullary component with subtotal resection of the intramedullary tumor was achieved, since there was no clear distinction between cord and tumor. The patient received postoperative external beam radiotherapy for residual tumor, and at a 2-year follow-up he is ambulatory without evidence of tumor recurrence., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Removal of intraspinal tumors by the classic posterior midline approach with laminectomy may cause damage to and instability of cervical segments. We investigated whether the less invasive hemilaminectomy or hemi-semi-laminectomy can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes in 39 patients with intraspinal extramedullary tumors of the cervical spine. Twenty-seven patients were treated with conventional microsurgery using a posterior midline approach; and were compared to 12 patients treated with hemilaminectomy or hemi-semi-laminectomy using a posterior midline approach. Patients were retrospectively reviewed and their preoperative and postoperative clinical status was measured using the Frankel Grade. The surgical time for the 27 patients who underwent a classical laminectomy was 3±0.39 hours and blood loss was 123±34 mL. Twenty-five patients had their tumors removed entirely, and two patients had partial removal. Twenty-six patients were followed-up for between 38 months and 7 years (mean=5 years), of whom 23 improved and three remained in a stable condition. One patient with a meningioma had a tumor recurrence 3 years post-operatively and underwent further surgery. The surgical time for the hemilaminectomy or hemi-semi-laminectomy group was 2.5±0.3 hours and blood loss was 88±18 mL. All patients were followed-up for between 26 and 42 months (mean=31 months) and 11 recovered to an improved grade while one remained in a stable condition. No patient had a tumor recurrence. The hemilaminectomy or hemi-semi-laminectomy approach achieved similar clinical outcomes to the conventional posterior midline laminectomy approach and was also associated with a shorter operative time, decreased intraoperative blood loss, greater preserved ligament and bone structure and a reduced deformity rate., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A 26-year-old woman in week 31 of pregnancy presented to the emergency room with acute onset of paraplegia. Her medical history was unremarkable. Neurological examination revealed complete paraplegia, total sensory loss below the T7 dermatome, and significant vesicorectal dysfunction. MRI revealed an intraspinal mass from T3 to T4, which was hyperintense on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Blood examination found no abnormality. She underwent emergent hemilaminectomy and removal of the hematoma. Intraoperatively, unusually ectatic venous vessels were found adhered to the lower surface of the epidural clot. No concurrent vascular malformations were identified and the dura mater was intact. The histological diagnosis was angiolipoma. Postoperatively her neurological deficits showed remarkable improvement, and she gave birth to a healthy baby. Spinal angiolipoma in a pregnant woman may be complicated with acute epidural hemorrhage. Emergent surgical evacuation can be performed safely with a good functional prognosis., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are thought to be extradural arachnoid pouches that communicate with the intraspinal subarachnoid space through a small dural defect. The mainstay of current treatment is resection of the cyst wall followed by obliteration of the communicating pedicle. Despite its clinical importance, the communicating pedicle of the cyst is often elusive. The authors report a 57-year-old woman with an extradural arachnoid cyst with intractable back pain and progressive motor weakness. Preoperative imaging studies, including phase-contrast MRI, failed to identify the communicating pedicle. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography clearly demonstrated the pulsatile influx of cerebrospinal fluid into the cyst. A flap-like structure was also noted near the pedicle; this structure appeared to act as a one-way valve. Doppler ultrasonography may be a helpful adjunct for identifying the location of elusive communication in a spinal extradural arachnoid cyst., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Acute biphenotypic leukaemia (BAL) is an uncommon haematological malignancy with features of myeloid and lymphoid origin and poor overall prognosis. We report a 68-year-old man who presented with rapidly progressive upper thoracic spinal cord compression secondary to an extradural lesion. A T2-3 decompressive laminectomy with tumour excision was performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of acute biphenotypic (B/myeloid) leukaemia. The patient had only minor post-operative improvement in pyramidal lower limb weakness. He succumbed to the disease three months post-diagnosis after failing induction chemotherapy. While central nervous system involvement with acute leukaemia is well recognised, this is the first reported patient with spinal cord compression secondary to this leukaemia subtype.

We aimed to prospectively analyze correlations between clinical features and histological classification of multi-segment intramedullary spinal cord tumors (MSICTs), and the extent of microsurgical resection and functional outcomes. Fifty-six patients with MSICTs underwent microsurgery for tumor removal using a posterior approach. The tumor was exposed through a dorsal myelotomy. Pre-operative and post-operative nervous function was scored using the Improved Japanese Orthopaedic Association (IJOA) grading system. Correlation analyses were performed between functional outcome (IJOA score) and histological features, age, tumor location, and the longitudinal extent of spinal cord involvement. The most frequently involved levels were the medullo cervical and the cervicothoracic regions (51.8%, 29/56) followed by the conus terminalis (26.8%, 15/56) and the thoracic region (14.3%, 8/56). Ependymoma was the most frequent MSICT type, seen in 22 of 56 patients (39%), followed by low grade astrocytoma (17 patients, 30%) and glioblastoma multiforme (3 patients, 5%). Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 33 cases (58%), subtotal resection in 4 (7%), and partial resection in 16 (28%). The histological classification of the tumor was the most important factor influencing the extent of surgical removal (chi2=22.17, p=0.00). The overall difference between pre-operative and post-operative neurological state was not significant (chi2=5.44, p=0.61). Thus, MSICTs were most commonly seen in the medullo cervical and cervicothoracic regions, with ependymoma and low grade astrocytoma the most common tumour types. We stress the importance of early microsurgical treatment for MSICTs while the patients do not have severe dysfunction.

Lumbosacral extraforaminal stenosis is not uncommon among patients being treated for radicular symptoms. Patients who had lumbosacral extraforaminal stenosis were reviewed, and cadaver dissection was used to determine the anatomy of extraforaminal lesions. A total of 167 patients with lumbosacral spinal stenosis who underwent surgery from March 2004 to February 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. Among these, extraforaminal stenosis was observed in 26 patients (mean age 61.4 y; range 46-79). Leg pain and neurogenic claudication were common in patients with extraforaminal stenosis. One level was involved for 15 patients and 2 levels were involved for 11 patients. Complete decompression of the dorsal root ganglion or a root compressed by the fibrocartilagenous ligamentum flavum or a hypertrophied superior facet was performed. The mean follow-up was 8.3 months (range 6-26 months). The causes of extraforaminal stenosis were superior facet hypertrophy, especially hypertrophy of the superior lateral portion, or thickening of the ligamentum flavum, intertransverse ligament, or transforaminal ligament. T1-weighted, coronal MRI showed root impingement in the far-lateral zone. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using the Prolo scale; 13 patients demonstrated excellent outcomes, while 11 patients had good outcomes. No major complications or recurrences were observed during follow-up. Therefore, lumbosacral extraforaminal stenosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of lumbar radicular pain. A precise diagnosis using MRI is important, and complete decompression with an understanding of the extraforaminal anatomy is required.

En bloc resection of osteosarcoma is critical for a chance at curing the disease. In the spine, a spondylectomy should be performed to optimize the chances of survival. Involvement of two contiguous segments in the spinal column poses technical challenges, and performing a spondylectomy at the cervicothoracic junction adds another set of clinical concerns. We present a 22-year-old female with a two-level vertebral involvement at the cervicothoracic junction who underwent a two-level en bloc spondylectomy for osteosarcoma, and we describe our technique.

Endodermal cysts are rare forms of benign tumors that comprise about 0.01% of all central nervous system (CNS) tumors. They are found in cranial and/or spinal locations. The posterior approach to the spinal cord is generally the approach of choice for safe resection of those lesions. We report on a thoracic endodermal cyst that was surgically resected using an anterior approach to the spinal cord.

Corpectomy is widely used to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, when this technique alone is performed at 1 or 2 levels for a multisegmental involvement (3 or more vertebrae), the incidence of post-operative complications is high. The optimal treatment for multisegmental CSM is still debatable. The aim of this study was to assess clinical and radiological outcomes for patients with multisegmental CSM who underwent combined anterior and posterior (AP) surgical approaches. Forty adults (17 women and 23 men; age range, 41-76 y) treated at our center between 2004 and 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Their neurological function was assessed at different times using the Nurick classification (Grades 0 [root symptoms only] to 5 [wheelchair- or bed-bound]). Patients' satisfaction with the surgery was evaluated using Odom's criteria (poor, fair, good, or excellent). Pre-operatively, 20% of patients were assessed as Nurick Grade 0, 60% as Grade 1, and 20% as Grade 2. At the 1-year follow-up, only 10% of patients were assessed as Grade 1. At 1 year after surgery, 85% of patients rated their satisfaction with the operation as "excellent" and 15% rated it as "good". These outcomes suggest that, when surgery is indicated and patients with multisegmental CSM are carefully selected, the combined AP approach yields symptom relief comparable to that of corpectomy alone and a lower incidence of post-operative complications.

A 49-year-old man presented with progressive cervical myelopathy caused by a retro-odontoid mass, with associated developmental canal stenosis at C1, and C1-C2 instability. Surgery was scheduled for a dome-like laminotomy at C1, posterior C1-C2 fixation using C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pedicle screws, and structural bone grafting between C1 and C2. Prior to surgery, we produced a 3-dimensional full-scale model of the patient's cervical spine and performed a simulation of the scheduled surgery. Through the simulation, we accurately evaluated the laminotomy sites and the screw insertion points. During the actual surgery, all procedures were successful. After surgery, the patient's neurological deficits markedly improved. Successful C1-C2 fusion, adequate decompression of the spinal cord, and spontaneous regression of the retro-odontoid mass were achieved by this procedure without any apparent restriction in neck movement.

Cervical radiculopathy caused by a posterolateral disc herniation or spondylosis is a common pathology. Decompression of a stressed cervical nerve root is a routine neurosurgical procedure. To determine the safety and effectiveness of anterior cervical microforaminotomy (ACM), we prospectively studied patients undergoing this treatment at our institution to determine the efficacy of the approach for the treatment of unilateral cervical spondylotic or discogenic radiculopathy. Twenty-five patients were treated with ACM and were followed up for 15-40 months. Clinical signs, neurological results, and complications were recorded. Radiological imaging studies for measurement of post-operative changes were performed to evaluate spinal stability and effectiveness of the ACM procedure. We used MRI, axial cervical CT and reconstructive sagittal cervical CT to assess foraminal decompression. Eight men and 17 women (mean age 51.8 years) were included in this study. Nineteen patients had a single ACM, and six underwent procedures at adjacent 19 levels. The ACM procedure involves microsurgical removal of the lateral portion of the uncinate process to identify the nerve root. Post-operatively, none of the patients' conditions had worsened symptomatically or neurologically. A positive outcome at last follow-up examination was achieved in all patients. The visual analoge scale pain rating was 6.36 pretreatment and 0.64 after 1 year (p<0.0001). ACM appears to be a good alternative procedure, and a good non-fusion disc-preserving technique. Disc and bone resections are minimal in carefully selected patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy. This method avoids osteoarthrodesis or arthroplasty with disc prostheses.

We investigated the therapeutic efficacy of Ac-DMQD-CHO, a caspase-3 inhibitor, and functional recovery in spinal cord injury in a rat model. Thirty rats were randomized into three groups of 10 each. In groups 2 and 3, spinal cord trauma was produced in the thoracic region. Group 3 rats were treated with Ac-DMQD-CHO. Treatment responses were evaluated based on histopathological and TUNEL staining findings at 24 h and 5 days post-injury. Neurologic performance was assessed during and following treatment. Twenty-four hours after injury, light microscopy examination revealed diffuse hemorrhagic necrosis, edema, vascular thrombi, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in group 2 and 3 rats, but cavitation and demyelinization were less prominent in group 3. At this time point, treatment of the rats with Ac-DMQD-CHO significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells. Traumatic injury to the spinal cord causes apoptosis and administration of Ac-DMQD-CHO decreases apoptosis and improves functional outcome.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare infection of the spinal peridural space, usually from haematogenous spread of bacteria from a distant source of infection or from direct extension of an osteomyelitis or paravertebral abscess into the spinal canal. An extensive SEA with involvement of five or more levels is even more exceptional and is a very threatening condition. Different surgical strategies have been used in the typically posteriorly located extensive SEA: multi-level laminectomies at all involved levels; catheter procedures, in which suction (irrigation) catheters are pushed cranially and caudally through selected end-level and intermediate-level fenestrations or laminectomies; or multi-level interlaminar fenestrations at the involved levels. We report the evacuation of a 14-vertebral-level cervico-thoracic SEA by multi-level unilateral fenestrations with 'over-the-top' removal of contralateral abscess formations at all involved levels. We also discuss the surgical strategies for extensive SEA.

We present the case of a 36-year-old man with neck pain and parasthesia of both upper limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a cervical disc protrusion with spinal cord compression, a Chiari I malformation and cervical syringomyelia. On clinical grounds it was suspected that the cervical stenosis was the symptomatic pathology and an anterior cervical decompression was performed, followed by arthroplasty. Post-operative imaging demonstrated adequate canal decompression, preserved cervical mobility and near-complete resolution of the syrinx. Syringomyelia has a multitude of causes and synchronous pathology can occur. Cervical spondylosis is infrequently associated with syringomyelia. Chiari I malformations are increasingly incidentally detected and asymptomatic. This first report of arthroplasty for cervical spondylosis associated with syringomyelia adds to the growing body of experience with this new technology.

Total en bloc spondylectomy is a useful technique in treating primary and secondary spinal malignancies, but requires extensive instrumentation to achieve difficult fusions, and requires extensive exposure of neurovascular structures that poses additional risk of nerve root and vascular injury. More limited resections may reduce these risks, especially in the cervical or lumbosacral spine. We report a technique used in two patients with lateralized primary vertebral tumors of the cervical or lumbosacral spine where tumor removal was achieved through a partial spondylectomy. The advantages of a partial spondylectomy included: (i) avoidance of injuring contralateral neurovascular structures during exposure; and (ii) supplementation of instrumentation by additional fixation at the level of spondylectomy. Partial spondylectomy can be an alternative to total en bloc spondylectomy in properly selected patients with lateralized encapsulated malignant spinal tumors and may be performed in the cervical or lumbosacral spinal regions.

Only five reports of multilevel spondylectomy for tumor have been reported in the literature, mostly in the thoracic spine. We report a successful two-level spondylectomy with en bloc dural resection in a patient with metastatic renal carcinoma to the L3 and L4 vertebrae.

Congenital dermal sinuses are epithelium-lined tracts that extend from an opening in the skin through deeper tissues. Most dorsal congenital dermal sinuses are located in the lumbosacral area; a cervical location is unusual. This report describes a 24-year-old woman who presented with neck pain of 6 months' duration. A dimple in the skin over her cervical spine and a stunted right foot (0.5 cm shorter than the left) were detected on physical assessment. Neurological examination revealed increased deep tendon reflexes in her lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a dermal sinus extending from the dimple site to the spinal cord near the C4-C5 vertebrae. Laminectomies were performed at C3-C4 and the tract was totally excised. The patient's neck pain completely resolved and her deep tendon reflexes were normal at 12 months after surgery. Tethered spinal cord alone does not necessarily demand surgery; however, if a congenital dermal sinus is present then surgery is indicated to prevent spinal infection. Even if there are no neurological symptoms, the tract must be surgically removed and the cord must be fully released to prevent future infectious or neurological complications.

We studied the vulnerability of the spinal cord to extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT). In this experiment, 12 rabbits were divided into three groups (4 in each group). All animals underwent a preceding lumbar laminectomy at L4 1 week before ESWT. In group 1, 2000 impulses of high dose (0.62 mJ/mm2 energy flux density) shockwave energy were applied to the spinal cord at the laminectomy site. In group 2, 2000 impulses of low dose (0.18 mJ/mm2 energy flux density) shockwave energy were applied to the same site as group 1. Group 3 did not receive ESWT and served as a control. None of the rabbits in the study groups (groups 1 and 2) showed weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs throughout the entire post-ESWT period. The spinal cord at the L4 level of all animals was harvested on day 13 after laminectomy. On gross morphology, the cord from the study groups and the control group showed normal surface appearance. On microscopic examination, the cord from the control group was normal, whereas the cords from the study groups showed varying degrees of myelin damage and neuronal loss. These microscopic findings were dose-dependent. For the low-energy group (group 2), neuronal loss was insignificant compared to that in the control group. ESWT produced varying degrees of microscopic changes of the treated cords, but no neurological symptoms. The neuronal injury was dose-dependent and mild in the low-energy group.

Dumbbell tumours are those with an intraspinal and a paraspinal component, connected through a frequently enlarged and eroded intervertebral foramen. Most dumbbell tumours are located in the thoracic spine, and most of them are schwannomas. The extraspinal tumour extension is usually larger than the intraspinal tumour part, but the intraspinal tumour component commonly causes the typical symptoms: local pain and symptoms from spinal cord compression in the thoracic spine. Diagnosis is best established by magnetic resonance imaging with and without contrast agent injection. Controversy exists as to whether to remove thoracic dumbbell tumours using a single posterior approach with posterolateral extension or using a combined posterior and transthoracic approach. We report the removal of a dumbbell neurinoma at T6/7 using a single posterior midline approach with laminectomy and costo-transversectomy and review the literature regarding the approaches to thoracic dumbbell tumours.

A 50-year-old man noticed numbness of both hands. Muscle strength in the upper and lower extremities progressively deteriorated, and he became unable to stand or hold a cup over a five-day period. MRI showed an extradural tumour encasing the anterior, posterior and right lateral aspects of the cervical spinal cord, maximal at C3-4 but extending to C1, and emerging from the right C3-4 intervertebral foramen. At surgery, the tumour was entirely extradural. Histological examination revealed a meningioma. The patient recovered without neurological deficit with no recurrence 3 years after surgery.