Average Nurick Grade Research Articles

Clinical Outcome of Pedicle-Sparing Transfacet Diskectomy and Fusion with Segmental Instrumentation for Thoracic Disc Herniation.

Thoracic disk herniations (TDHs) are relatively rare compared with their cervical and lumbar counterparts. Posterior approaches allow for a simpler and less invasive surgery than anterior and lateral approaches. A pedicle-sparing transfacet approach was initially described in 1995, and modified in 2010. A few clinical series have reported the outcome of this procedure in patients with TDH. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of pedicle-sparing transfacet diskectomy with interbody fusion and segmental instrumentation in patients with TDH. Twenty-one consecutive patients with symptomatic TDH referred to our tertiary care center were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a pedicle-sparing transfacet diskectomy with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage interbody fusion and short segmental instrumentation. Distribution of TDH, operative duration, blood loss, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Nurick grades, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores, and fusion rate were assessed. All patients had single-level herniations. The most common location was T12-L1 (38.1%), followed by T11-T12 (33.3%). All patients were successfully operated on with no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks or wrong-level surgery. The VAS scores significantly diminished from 4.9 (preoperatively) to 2 (18 months after surgery). The average mJOA score increased from 4.6 to 8.5, and the average Nurick grade decreased from 3.1 to 1.6. All patients reported significant improvement in quality of life relative to their preoperative status. A modified pedicle-sparing transfacet diskectomy combined with PEEK cage interbody fusion and segmental instrumentation offers a safe and less invasive approach for the treatment of TDHs.

Mielopatía avanzada en personas con síndrome de Down

BackgroundMyelopathy is a condition that significantly impacts a person's mobility and independence. In people with intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome, the negative impact of myelopathy is magnified. Myelopathy in Down syndrome may be related to atlanto-axial instability or degenerative pathology. Our experience with these patients has led us to hypothesize that their myelopathy is commonly undiagnosed until very severe. In this study we seek to determine whether patients with Down syndrome present with more severe myelopathy than those without Down syndrome. MethodsWe performed a retrospective medical record review of patients with Down syndrome who were treated for myelopathy by the Tufts Neurosurgical Practice. Eight patients met the criteria and were graded for severity of myelopathy on the Nurick Scale. We compared the patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and Down syndrome to patients who were treated for cervical spondylotic myelopathy as reported in Furlan et al. and Fehlings et al. ResultsThe average Nurick grade for patients with Down syndrome was 4.2 (SD 0.84, n=5). The average Nurick grade as reported by Furlan et al. was 2.8 (SD 0.68, n=81) and by Fehlings et al. was 3.14 (SD 0.97, n=278). The independent samples t-test resulted in a P value<.000 and .016 with Furlan et al. and Fehlings et al. respectively. ConclusionsThe patients with Down syndrome in our study presented to neurosurgery with more severe myelopathy than patients without Down syndrome. It is important for physicians caring for people with Down syndrome to be aware of the presentation of myelopathy and consider the condition in the differential diagnosis of a Down syndrome patient with functional decline.

Advanced myelopathy in people with Down syndrome

BackgroundMyelopathy is a condition that significantly impacts a person's mobility and independence. In people with intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome, the negative impact of myelopathy is magnified. Myelopathy in Down syndrome may be related to atlanto-axial instability or degenerative pathology. Our experience with these patients has led us to hypothesize that their myelopathy is commonly undiagnosed until very severe. In this study we seek to determine whether patients with Down syndrome present with more severe myelopathy than those without Down syndrome. MethodsWe performed a retrospective medical record review of patients with Down syndrome who were treated for myelopathy by the Tufts Neurosurgical Practice. Eight patients met the criteria and were graded for severity of myelopathy on the Nurick Scale. We compared the patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and Down syndrome to patients who were treated for cervical spondylotic myelopathy as reported in Furlan et al. and Fehlings et al. ResultsThe average Nurick grade for patients with Down syndrome was 4.2 (SD 0.84, n=5). The average Nurick grade as reported by Furlan et al. was 2.8 (SD 0.68, n=81) and by Fehlings et al. was 3.14 (SD 0.97, n=278). The independent samples t-test resulted in a P value<0.000 and 0.016 with Furlan et al. and Fehlings et al. respectively. ConclusionsThe patients with Down syndrome in our study presented to neurosurgery with more severe myelopathy than patients without Down syndrome. It is important for physicians caring for people with Down syndrome to be aware of the presentation of myelopathy and consider the condition in the differential diagnosis of a Down syndrome patient with functional decline.

High posterior cervical fusion rates with iliac autograft and Nanoss/bone marrow aspirate.

Background:Patients with severe cervical multilevel stenosis and an adequate lordotic curvature often undergo multilevel laminectomies with posterior instrumented fusions. Although the “gold standard” for the fusion mass remains iliac crest autograft, many require additional volume provided by bone graft expanders. Here, we studied the fusion rates for 32 patients undergoing multilevel cervical laminectomy and vertex/rod/eyelet/titanium cable fusions utilizing lamina/iliac autograft and the bone graft expander Nanoss (RTI Surgical, Alachua, FL, USA) with autogenous bone marrow aspirate (BMA).Methods:Thirty-two patients, averaging 63.0 years of age, presented with severe cervical myeloradiculopathy (average Nurick Grade 4.4). Magnetic resonance (MR) studies documented 2–3-level high intrinsic cord signals, whereas computed tomography (CT) scans confirmed marked stenosis and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)/ossification of the yellow ligament (OYL). Patients underwent multilevel lamnectomies/instrumented fusions, and were followed up for an average of 2.7 years.Results:Multilevel laminectomies (2.8 levels) and average 7.8-level vertex/rod/eyelet/cable fusions were performed utilizing lamina/iliac crest autograft and Nanoss/BMA. Fusion was confirmed on X-ray/CT studies an average of 4.7 months postoperatively in 31 of 32 patients (97%); there was just one pseudarthrosis requiring secondary surgery. The only other complication was a delayed transient C5 palsy that fully resolved in 6 postoperative months.Conclusions:Thirty-two severely myelopathic underwent 2.8-level cervical laminectomies/7.8 level fusions utilizing lamina/iliac autograft and Nanoss/BMA. Fusion was documented on both dynamic X-ray and CT studies in 31 of 32 (97%) patients an average of 4.7 months postoperatively. Nanoss/BMA appears to be a safe and effective bone graft expander that can be utilized for posterior cervical fusions.

Recovery Pattern in Surgical Management of Late Onset Myelopathy Due to Spinal Deformity

Introduction Late onset paraplegia due to spinal deformity heralds a progressive death of neurological function. Evidence suggests that decompression and deformity correction offers a promising result. Aims To analyze recovery patterns after surgery for late onset myelopathy. Methods 25 consecutive patients were reviewed. Average age was 17.84yrs and duration of pre-operative deficit was 4.6months. 18 patients had paraparesis and 7 quadriparesis. The average JOA score was 4.85/17 in quadriparetic and 5.33/11 in paraparetic patients. The average Nurick's grade was 2.7. The average spasticity was 2.2 (1- 4) as per Ashworth scale. 13 patients had bladder dysfunction. Deformity apex was cervical, cervico-dorsal, upper-dorsal and dorsal in 5, 4, 2 and 14 patients. 19 had kyphosis and 6 had multi-planar deformity. Vertebral resection osteotomy was performed in 13 and decompression alone in 12. Methodology: The records were obtained from software Horizon CSR used to register all patients form 2000–2009. The final follow-up was obtained by direct patient interview in 11, telephonic interview 5 and via email in 9. Results At 1year, significant improvement in JOA scores were seen recovery patters. Of the2 patients, 2 patients, 14 had immediate recovery (4 Weeks), delayed recovery (4 -12 Weeks) was seen in 9 patients and 2 patients developed deterioration after surgery. Out of the 13 patients with bladder dysfunction, 2 developed worsening post surgery. Average Nurick's grade improved from 2.7 to 2.3. Complications: Pulmonary complications developed in 5 patients, 4 patients had wound dehiscence, 2 patients showed Myelopathy progression, 1 patient developed Brachial plexus paresis and progression of deformity was observed in 6 patients. Conclusions (1) Severity and duration of pre operative deficit correlate with neurological outcome (correlation coefficient(r value) = 0.72). (2) Safe correction of deformity provides a better mechanical and physiological environment for lasting results.

Cocaine Use and Surgical Outcomes of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Retrospective Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the average age of individuals diagnosed with cervical spinal myelopathy who are known cocaine users vs nonusers, as well as the postoperative change in neurological condition between cocaine users and nonusers. Medical records of patients diagnosed with cervical spinal myelopathy between January 1990 and May 2006 were reviewed. Ninety-four patients were identified who underwent any surgical intervention with at least 2 years of follow-up. Group 1 comprised patients with cervical spinal myelopathy who had used cocaine, and group 2 comprised patients with cervical spinal myelopathy who had not used cocaine. All patients were clinically evaluated by the Nurick grade preoperatively and at most recent follow-up. Mean follow-up was 25 months. Mean age at presentation was 52 years (range, 44-62 years) in group 1 and 56 years (range, 42-88 years) in group 2. Average duration of symptoms prior to surgical intervention was 18.6 months in group 1 and 10 months in group 2. Average Nurick grade at presentation was 2.7 for group 1 and 2.7 for group 2. Average postoperative Nurick grade was 1.9 for group 1 and 1.33 for group 2. Change in Nurick grade was 0.8 for group 1 and 1.11 for group 2. Linear regression analysis comparing change in Nurick grade (from pre- to postoperative) was conducted, showing a correlation of -0.45 with a P value of .044. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that cocaine use has an effect on postoperative improvement of neurological function in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Anterior thoracic foraminotomy through mini-thoracotomy for the treatment of giant thoracic disc herniations

A retrospective review of a case series. Giant thoracic disc herniations remain a surgical challenge and historically have been associated with significant complications. While neurological outcomes have improved with the abandonment of decompressive laminectomy, the attempt to minimize surgical complications and associated morbidities continues through less-invasive approaches. With the current study, we describe a surgical technique to treat giant thoracic disc herniations while minimizing approach-related morbidity. Demographic and radiographic data; clinical outcome and perioperative complications were retrospectively analysed for patients with single-level giant thoracic disc herniations who underwent mini-thoracotomy and selective microsurgical anterior spinal cord decompression without instrumented fusion. Between 2007 and 2012, 7 consecutive patients with giant thoracic disc herniations were treated (average age of 53 years; range 45-66 years). The average canal encroachment was 73.2 % (range 40-92 %) with 5 grossly calcified discs of which 3 had transdural components. All patients had gradual myelopathic progression. The average Nurick grade was 3.5 (range 2-5). All patients were successfully treated with anterior microsurgical decompression without instrumentation. Uninstrumented fusion with rib graft was performed only in one patient with advanced degenerative changes. Average time of surgery was 337.8 min (range 220-450 min). The average length of hospital stay was 7.4 days (range 6-11 days). The average neurological status at follow-up (average 23.5 months; range 9-36 months) using the modified Nurick grading scale was 1.28. No vertebral collapse or loss of spinal alignment developed. There were no neurological complications. One patient developed an acute headache and diplopia, 10 days after surgery, following sneezing associated with a post-operative thoracic cerebrospinal fluid leakage requiring revision. Two patients suffered an approach-related complication in form of intercostal neuralgia; one was persistent. Anterior decompression using a mini-transthoracic approach provides sufficient exposure for microsurgical decompression of giant thoracic disc herniations without disrupting the stability of the spine. Microsurgical decompression without instrumentation does not appear to lead to vertebral collapse or spinal malalignment.

Transthoracic Surgical Treatment for Centrally Located Thoracic Disc Herniations Presenting With Myelopathy

Retrospective review. Review clinical outcomes for myelopathic patients undergoing transthoracic discectomies for central calcified herniations. Ideal surgical treatment for thoracic disc herniation is controversial due to variations in patient presentation, pathology, and possible surgical approach. Although discectomy may lead to improvements in neurologic function, it can be complicated by approach-related morbidity, especially for ventral calcified disc herniations. Review of clinical outcomes for myelopathic patients undergoing transthoracic discectomies for central calcified herniations was completed, paying special attention to neurologic status and procedure-related complications. Between 2002 and 2007, 27 myelopathic patients were treated with 28 transthoracic surgeries for centrally located symptomatic calcified thoracic disc herniations over the last 5 years at a single institution. Demographic data, details of surgery, preoperative and postoperative Nurick and American Spinal Injury Association scores, length of stay, complications, and follow-up data were collected in all patients. A total of 27 patients, 8 male (30%) and 19 female (70%) with an average age of 52.3 years (range: 19 to 72) underwent 28 thoracotomies. All had myelopathy whereas 6/27 also had radicular pain syndromes. Fourteen patients had anterior instrumentation alone, 3 had anterior and posterior instrumentation, and 1 had posterior instrumentation alone. Average Nurick grade was 2.5 preoperatively and 1.4 postoperatively. Of note, American Spinal Injury Association scores improved postoperatively in 12/27 patients (10D to 10E; 2C to 2D), remained unchanged in 13/27 (11E to 11E, 2D to 2D), and worsened in 2/27 (2D to 2C). Average length of stay was 7 days (range: 3 to 15). All patients required chest tube placement with average duration of 4 days (range: 1 to 7). Major complications occurred in 6 cases (21.4%) over an average follow-up of 12 months (range: 1 to 40 mo). Thoracotomy for treatment of centrally located thoracic disc herniations is associated with improvement in or stabilization of myelopathic symptoms in the majority of patients with an acceptable rate of complications. Interestingly, most patients with weakness improved in strength (12/16, 75%), no patients with normal strength developed new weakness (10/10, 100%), and only 2 patients had new weakness noted postoperatively (7.4%).

Short Form–36 outcomes following focal 1- and 2-level cervical laminectomy with multilevel instrumented fusion

Background Multilevel laminectomy with instrumented fusion addresses diffuse dorsal cord compression with an adequately preserved cervical lordosis. However, for patients with only 1 to 2 laminar impingement, more “focal” laminectomy and fusion may suffice, the shortened laminectomy allowing for a more simple spinous process fusion skipping the 1 or 2 lamina that have been removed. Methods Fourteen patients presented with severe spastic myeloradiculopathy (Nurick grade IV) attributed to magnetic resonance imaging– and CT-documented 1- to 2-level laminar compression, stenosis, and ossification of the yellow ligament. Magnetic resonance images also revealed 1- to 2-level hyperintense signals within the cord at the levels of maximal compromise. Surgical procedures included 1- to 2-level laminectomies and average 6.4-level posterior fusions. Dynamic x-ray/CT studies, which were obtained 3, 6, and up to 12 months postoperatively, followed progression toward fusion. Outcomes were assessed using Nurick grades (0-V) and SF-36 questionnaires assessed preoperatively and up to 12 months postoperatively. Results Patients improved on all 8 SF-36 Health Scales within the first postoperative year. Maximal improvement was observed on 5 Health Scales within the first 6 postoperative months (physical function, mental health, vitality, general health, role physical). The preoperative average Nurick grade (3.8) improved postoperatively (0.7 at 6 months, 0.5 at 1 year). Dynamic x-ray and CT studies documented fusion for all 14 patients by the sixth postoperative month. Conclusions One- and two-level cervical laminectomies with multilevel-instrumented fusion effectively decompressed “focal” cord compression, whereas fusion maintained the cervical lordotic curvature and provided stability to avert future disease progression.

Anterior approaches to cervical spondylosis and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: review of operative technique and assessment of 65 multilevel circumferential procedures

BACKGROUNDMultilevel anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion (ACF) offers direct resection of spondylostenosis and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with immediate stabilization. Ideal candidates for multilevel ACF include younger patients (<65 years of age), or older individuals (>65 years of age) with loss or reversal of the cervical lordosis (kyphosis).METHODSSixty-five patients, averaging 56 years of age and including 40 males and 25 females, with multilevel MR- and CT-documented spondylostenosis and OPLL were studied. Preoperatively, patients exhibited moderate to severe myelopathy (average Nurick grade 3.8), and were managed with 2- to 4-level ACF with posterior wiring and fusion (PWF) procedures with halo application. The first 22 patients had no plate instrumentation, the next 22 had constrained (Orion) plates applied followed sequentially by the application of 13 semi-constrained (Atlantis) plates, and finally, 8 dynamic (ABC Aesculap) plates.RESULTSPatients improved an average of three postoperative Nurick grades. None exhibited new cord injuries, whereas three had transient C5 root paresis. Graft/plate or vertebral fracture with extrusion were observed in 3/22 nonplated patients, 2/22 constrained-plated patients, 3/13 semi-constrained-plated patients, and 0/8 dynamic-plated patients. Fusion was documented on dynamic radiographs and 2D-CT or 3D-CT studies obtained 3 and 6 months postoperatively, or later where indicated.CONCLUSIONSMultilevel ACF/PWF offers direct resection of spondylostenosis and OPLL with immediate maximal stabilization. Thus far, no graft/plate or vertebral body fracture or extrusions have been seen with dynamic plates, whereas the absence of plating and constrained and semi-constrained plating systems have failed.

Intraoperative electroneurography in the assessment of the level of operation for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in the elderly

We treated 31 patients aged 65 years or more with cervical spondylotic myelopathy by microsurgical decompression and fusion at a single most appropriate level, in spite of MRI evidence of compression at several levels. Spinal cord potentials evoked at operation localised the level responsible for the principal lesion at C3-4 in 18 patients, C4-5 in 11 and at C5-6 in two. Despite the frequent coexistence of other age-related conditions, impairing ability to walk, the average Nurick grade improved from 3.5 before operation to 2.2 at a mean follow-up of 48 months. There was also good recovery of finger dexterity and sensitivity. Operation at a single optimal level, as opposed to several, has the advantage of minimising complications, of particular importance in this age group.

Intraoperative electroneurography in the assessment of the level of operation for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in the elderly.

We treated 31 patients aged 65 years or more with cervical spondylotic myelopathy by microsurgical decompression and fusion at a single most appropriate level, in spite of MRI evidence of compression at several levels. Spinal cord potentials evoked at operation localised the level responsible for the principal lesion at C3-4 in 18 patients, C4-5 in 11 and at C5-6 in two. Despite the frequent coexistence of other age-related conditions, impairing ability to walk, the average Nurick grade improved from 3.5 before operation to 2.2 at a mean follow-up of 48 months. There was also good recovery of finger dexterity and sensitivity. Operation at a single optimal level, as opposed to several, has the advantage of minimising complications, of particular importance in this age group.

Circumferential Surgery for the Management of Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Can simultaneous anterior and posterior (circumferential) surgery in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)/stenosis, achieving both decompression and stabilization, be accomplished with acceptable risk? Between 1989 and 1996, 22 circumferential procedures were performed, including an average 2.5-level anterior corpectomy with 5-level posterior wiring and fusion. These patients were severely myelopathic (average Nurick grade 3.5) and were followed for a mean interval of 22 months (range 4-52 months). Circumferential procedures required an average of 9.8 h and 3.5 U of blood transfused. Postoperatively, patients improved approximately +3.0 Nurick grades. Simultaneous circumferential surgery for OPLL/stenosis may be successfully performed in <10 h with limited blood loss.

Circumferential Surgery for the Management of Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Can simultaneous anterior and posterior (circumferential) surgery in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)/stenosis, achieving both decompression and stabilization, be accomplished with acceptable risk? Between 1989 and 1996, 22 circumferential procedures were performed, including an average 2.5-level anterior corpectomy with 5-level posterior wiring and fusion. These patients were severely myelopathic (average Nurick grade 3.5) and were followed for a mean interval of 22 months (range 4-52 months). Circumferential procedures required an average of 9.8 h and 3.5 U of blood transfused. Postoperatively, patients improved approximately +3.0 Nurick grades. Simultaneous circumferential surgery for OPLL/stenosis may be successfully performed in <10 h with limited blood loss.