Surgical treatment for the intraspinal extramedullary neoplasms in the cervical vertebrae (a report of 26 cases)

Abstract

Objective To investigate the different operative style for the intraspinal extramedullary neoplasms in the cervical vertebrae as well as evaluate the clinical effect of titanium net for spinal canal reconstruction and bone autograft after laminectomy. Methods Since March 2002 to September 2008, 26patents (14 men, 12 women) with the intraspinal extramedullary neoplasm in the cervical vertebrae. The average age was 38 years (range, 6-76 yr). According to Frankel classification, there were 26 cases for grade B before operation, 8 cases for grade C, 11 for grade D, and 4 for grade E. All patients underwent hemilaminectomy (as group HL) or total laminectomy combined with spinal canal reconstruction with titanium net (as group TL). Recovery of nerve function and bone fusion were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative cervical curvature index and ranges of neck motion were recorded and compared. Results Among the 3cases with incomplete paraplegia, neurological status ameliorated from Frankel grade B to C; 8 cases of Frankel grade C recovered to grade D; 11 cases of Frankel grade D improved to grade E in 10 cases and 1to grade D. Bone fusion was formed on the titanium net and spinal stability was well after operation. Loss of cervical curvature indices was 2.2±2.3 in group HL and 4.3±2.5 in group of TL, and the difference was of statistically significant (t=2.05,P＜0.05). At the same time, loss of ranges of neck motion was 1.3°±1.2°ingroup of HL and 9.2°±4.1°in group TL, significant difference was also seen (t=1.71 ,P＜ 0.05). Conclusion Hemi-laminectomy approach to intradural lesions lends itself well to eccentric tumors with smaller size. For the cases of total laminectomy, it is necessary and reliable to reconstitute integrity of spinal canal with titanium net and bone autograft. Key words: Cervical vertebrae; Spinal cord neoplasms; Spinal canal