C5-C6 Level Research Articles

Measurement of structural integrity of the spinal cord in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging.

BackgroundThe value of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is low. Functional and quantitative MRI could be more accurate. We aimed to examine the value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with fractional anisotropy (FA) measurements of the cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord in patients with ALS.Patients and methodsFourteen patients with ALS and 15 sex- and age-matched controls were examined with DTI at a 3T MRI scanner. Region-of-interest (ROI) based fractional anisotropy measurements were performed at the levels C2-C4, C5-C7 and Th1-Th3. ROIs were placed at different anatomical locations of the axial cross sections of the spinal cord.ResultsFA was significantly reduced in ALS patients in anterolateral ROIs and the whole cross section at the C2-C4 level and the cross section of the Th1-Th3 level. There was a trend towards a statistically significant FA reduction in the anterolateral ROIs at the C5-C7 level in ALS patients. No significant differences between patients and controls were found in posterior ROIs.ConclusionFA was reduced in ROIs representing the motor tracts in ALS patients. DTI with FA measurements is a promising method in this circumstance. However, for DTI to become a valuable and established method in the diagnostic workup of ALS, larger studies and further standardisation are warranted.

Extirpation of a Ruptured Anterior Spinal Artery Aneurysm Accompanied by Dural Arteriovenous Fistula at the Craniovertebral Junction via a Posterolateral Approach: The Management of Extradural Venous Congestion.

Objective This study was aimed to discuss how to control extradural venous congestion with an increased pressure in cases of arteriovenous shunt disease of the craniovertebral junction. Design The study is presented through an operative video. Results A 77-year-old patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage had a dural arteriovenous fistula located at the C1–C2 level. Left vertebral angiography showed a fistula between the left C2 radiculomeningeal muscular artery and perivertebral plexus. Furthermore, right vertebral angiography showed a ruptured aneurysm at the aberrant branch of the anterior spinal artery originating from the contralateral vertebral artery (VA), possibly formed because of the concurrently increased pressure of the perimedullary veins. Aneurysm extirpation was planned through a posterolateral approach. To reduce venous bleeding during the approach, preoperative embolization of the radiculomeningeal muscular artery was performed. During surgery, the suboccipital triangle was exposed following layer-by-layer dissection of the suboccipital muscles ( Figs. 1 and 2 ). Subperiosteal dissection of the paravertebral plexus surrounding the VA around the C1 lamina was effective to avoid venous bleeding. A bloodless operative field was achieved, and key anatomical structures, such as the C2 nerve root, feeder, and V3 portion of the left VA, were clearly identified. With a sufficient amount of lateral exposure, the ruptured anterior spinal artery aneurysm was successfully extirpated with bipolar coagulation. The patient was discharged with no neurologic deficit. Fig. 1 ( A ) The initial CT scan showing the subarachnoid hemorrhage. ( B ) Left vertebral angiogram demonstrating a dural arteriovenous fistula at the craniovertebral junction. ( C ) Right vertebral angiogram showing an aneurysm (arrow) arising at the aberrant branch of the anterior spinal artery. ( D ) The postoperative angiogram demonstrating the extirpation of the aneurysm (arrowhead). Fig. 2 ( A ) Intraoperative photograph showing the subperiosteal dissection technique to protect the vertebral artery and minimize the bleeding from the paravertebral plexus. ( B ) The sufficient posterolateral exposure was obtained with minimal bleeding. C1, C1 lamina; C2, C2 lamina; Occ, occipital bone. Conclusion Controlling extradural venous congestion is essential to obtain a clear operative field in cases of arteriovenous shunt disease at the craniovertebral junction. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/fCT69WtAQbo .

Cervical spine joint loading with neck flexion

Cervical spine flexion is a common posture for those using computers, tablets, and smartphones; the latter being dubbed ‘text-neck’ in recent years. Coincidentally, flexion has been flagged as a significant mechanical risk factor for the development of chronic neck pain. Unfortunately, few modelling endeavours have attempted to quantify the intervertebral joint loads throughout the cervical spine in flexion, while still accounting for muscular activation. Eight healthy male subjects undertook five trials beginning in a neutral posture, flexed to 45 degrees, and returned to a neutral posture. 3 D head-trunk angles and surface electromyography from 10 neck muscles (5 bilaterally) were used as inputs into an inverse dynamic cervical spine model based on a 50th percentile male to compute the compression and anteroposterior (AP) shear forces for this flexion task. In general, compression increases cranially to caudally throughout the cervical spine, but levels off at the C5-C6 level. Conversely, in a neutral posture, there is a constant 18 N of anterior shear at each joint level. Compression increased twofold throughout the cervical spine with flexion, whereas anterior shear increased fourfold in the upper cervical spine and dramatically decreased caudally. The dramatic change in joint kinetics provides some mechanical evidence for the role of posture and interplay with muscle activity in the development of chronic neck pain. Results from this study can reinforce the need for appropriate workstation and monitor configurations and support the increased loading hypothesised to occur in ‘text neck’ postures. Practitioner summary: The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the compression and shear forces in the neck in 45 degrees of flexion compared to neutral. Flexion increased compression throughout the cervical spine 1.6-fold compared to a neutral posture. In the upper cervical spine, AP-shear increased four-fold compared to neutral. Abbreviation: AP: anteroposterior

1825 Esophageal Stricture Due to Esophageal Lichen Planus and Its Successful Management Using Local Corticosteroid Injection

INTRODUCTION: Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that typically involves the skin, nails, oral cavity and the genital areas. Involvement of the esophagus is rare. We report a case with severe progressive esophageal lichen planus treated with submucosal injection of triamcinolone into the esophagus with symptomatic improvement and decreased need for esophageal dilation. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 64-year-old Caucasian female presented to the GI clinic for evaluation of progressive dysphagia of 1 year. She has been doing well until she had a severe choking episode while swallowing a tablet. Physical examination revealed red, atrophic plaques on the buccal mucosa as well as vaginal erythema and atrophy. Tongue biopsy was performed which showed lichenoid inflammation with dermatitis and spongiosis consistent with the diagnosis of lichen planus (Oral-Gingival-Vaginal syndrome). The patient was started on 75mg of prednisone for 1 month followed by a slow taper. A barium swallow showed a short, smoothly marginated stricture of the proximal esophagus at the C6-C7 level with approximately 75% narrowing. EGD showed a stricture in the proximal esophagus at 18cm. Remaining upper and mid esophagus showed multiple lesions with peeling of mucosa and areas of mucosal hemorrhage. Biopsies of the stricture showed small fragments of squamous mucosa with lymphocytic infiltrate and necrotic keratinocytes (Civatte bodies). Esophageal bougie dilations were performed for management of dysphagia. As the upper stricture required repeated dilations [every 1-2 months] and other management options were either ineffective or not tolerated, local sub mucosal corticosteroid injection (Kenalog-40) into the proximal stricture was attempted along with esophageal dilations. This resulted in decrease the average frequency of dilations and ultimately she became symptom free since except for occasional pain with swallowing food and intermittent esophageal spasms. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of esophageal lichen planus is often difficult. However, this disease should be suspected amongst middle age to older women presenting with progressive dysphagia. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids remains the mainstay of treatment in esophageal lichen planus. However, in those unable to tolerate steroids due to side effects, non-responsive progressive disease or individuals who are experience frequent relapses after discontinuation of systemic steroids, corticosteroid injection is a safe and effective alternative therapy.

Neck Muscle Changes Following Long-Duration Spaceflight.

The effects of long-duration spaceflight on crewmember neck musculature have not been adequately studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the neck musculature on pre-flight and post-flight magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of six crewmembers on 4- to 6-month missions equipped with the advanced resistive exercise device (aRED). The MRI images were resliced to remove variations in spinal curvature, the cross-sectional area (CSA), and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) of neck musculature at the C1-C2, C4-C5, C7-T1, and T1-T2 intervertebral disc levels were measured bilaterally. Percent changes in the neck muscle CSA and fatty infiltration following spaceflight were calculated, and mixed models were used to assess significance of these changes. Crewmembers on missions equipped with the aRED experienced an average 25.1% increase in CSA for the trapezius muscle at C6-C7, an average 11.5% increase in CSA for the semispinalis capitis muscle at C4-C5, an average 9.0% increase in CSA for the sternocleidomastoid muscle at C4-C5, and an average 23.1% increase in CSA for the rhomboid minor at T1-T2. There were no significant changes in the CSA of the levator scapulae, splenius capitis, rectus capitis posterior major, scalenus anterior, scalenus posterior, scalenus medius, longissimus capitis, or obliquus capitis inferior muscles at the locations measured. None of the muscles analyzed experienced statistically significant changes in fatty infiltration with spaceflight. Our study indicates that long-duration spaceflight conditions are associated with preservation of CSA in most neck muscles and significant increases in the CSAs of the trapezius, semispinalis capitis, sternocleidomastoid, and rhomboid minor muscles. This may indicate that cervical muscles are not subjected to the same degradative effects microgravity imparts on the majority of muscles.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous pulsed radiofrequency treatment at the C1-C2 level in chronic cluster headache: a retrospective analysis of 21 cases.

We performed a study of the safety and efficacy of percutaneous pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment directed at C1 and C2 levels as performed at our local pain clinic in refractory chronic cluster headache (CCH) patients. We identified 21 CCH patients treated with PRF (240s, max. 45V, max. 42°C) directed at the ganglion and/or nerve root of C1 and C2. Data were collected through retrospective analysis of patients' files and include demographic variables, onset and duration of the headache, mean attack frequency, and prior pharmacological treatment. Safety and reduction of attack frequency in the first 3months after a first PRF treatment was the primary outcome parameter of this study. All patients had been treated with at least two prophylactic drugs and 19 (90%) had previously been treated with verapamil, lithium, and topiramate. Ten patients (47.6%) reported no meaningful effect, four patients (19%) reported a meaningful reduction of < 50%, and seven patients (33.3%) reported a reduction in headache burden of at least 50% in the 3months following treatment. Two patients reported occurrence or increase in frequency of contralateral cluster attacks. No other adverse events were reported or detected at follow-up. Upper cervical PRF treatment appears to be a safe procedure that could prove effective in the treatment of patients with refractory CCH and warrants a prospective study.

249. Traumatic subaxial cervical facet joint dislocation: predictors of spinal cord injury and surgical failure

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Approximately two thirds of cervical spine injuries affect the subaxial cervical spine, with fractures occurring most often at C6 and C7 and dislocations at C5-C6 and C6-C7. In the spectrum of these injuries, facet joint dislocation represents a severe injury, frequently associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to analyze a cohort of surgically treated subaxial cervical spine dislocations and to identify factors associated with higher risk of SCI and predictors of surgical failure. METHODS All patients operated in a single institution during a 10-year period (2007-2016) for traumatic single-level cervical facet joint dislocation were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, injury characteristics (dislocation or subluxation, uni- or bilateral, level of injury and presence of associated facet fracture), mechanism of trauma, presence of SCI (determined by the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [ASIA]), surgical data and follow-up records were reviewed. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS A total of 71 patients, 53 men and 18 women, with mean age of 57 ± 18 years (18-90) were identified. Motor-vehicle accidents were the most frequent trauma mechanism, followed by fall from height. Young adults were mostly represented among motor-vehicle accidents, whereas falls contributed to a majority of facet joint dislocations sustained by the elderly. The C6-C7 level was the most affected (37/71 cases). Forty-seven patients had unilateral and 24 bilateral dislocation, with 47 of these cases (66%) having associated facet fractures. Spinal cord injury was present in 37% of the cases. Rigid columns (p = 0.009) and bilateral dislocations (p = 0.004) were associated with the presence of spinal cord injury. Patients with bilateral dislocation were 4.7 times more likely to have a spinal cord injury (OR: 4.7, 95% CI = 1.6-13.8). The closed reduction with cranial traction was attempted in 51 cases, with a success rate of 86%. 59 cases were submitted to isolated anterior cervical arthrodesis and 7 to anterior cervical corpectomy. Five were submitted to combined anterior and posterior fixation (360°). There were 3 failures after the previous isolated fixation, which required revision surgery with 360 ° fusion. All cases of failure occurred after an isolated anterior fusion in the C7-T1 transition (p CONCLUSIONS Patients with rigid spines or with bilateral facet dislocations are at higher risk for SCI. After successful reduction, anterior discectomy and fusion, as a single procedure, offers an excellent surgical option in the management of many cervical facet fracture dislocations, has showed in this analysis. Failure occurred always at the C7-T1 level, suggesting that here; a 360 degree fusion may be needed. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

8. The immune response of two separate polymer spinal interbody device materials

8. The immune response of two separate polymer spinal interbody device materials

Early stages of development of the alar fascia (human specimens at 6-12weeks of development).

In recent years, there has been much discussion concerning the cervical fasciae. The aim of this study is to confirm and to describe the development of the alar fascia as well as its relationship with nearby structures. Histological preparations of 25 human embryos (6-8weeks of development) and 25 human fetuses (9-12weeks of development) were studied bilaterally using a conventional optical microscope. Our study confirms the existence of the alar fascia and permits three stages to be established during its development. The initial stage (1st), corresponding to the 6th week of development (Carnegie stages 18-19), is characterized by the beginning of the alar fascia primordium in the retroesophageal space at the level of C7-T1. In the formation stage (2nd), corresponding to the 7th and 8th weeks of development (Carnegie stages 20-23), the alar fascia primordium grows upwards and reaches the level of C2-C3. In the maturation stage (3rd), beginning in the 9th week of development, the visceral, alar and prevertebral fasciae can be identified. The alar fascia divides the retrovisceral space (retropharyngeal and retroesophageal) into two spaces: one anterior (between the alar fascia and the visceral fascia and extending from C1 to T1, named retropharyngeal or retroesophageal space according to the level) and the other posterior (between the alar fascia and the prevertebral fascia, named danger space). We suggest that this latter space be named the retroalar space. This study suggests that alar fascia development is related to mechanical factors and that the alar fascia permits the sliding of the pharynx and the oesophagus during swallowing.

Acute Monoplegia Due to Spinal Injury

AbstractMonoplegia due to spinal cord infarction, spinal epidural anesthesia, and epidural blood patch have been reported. Monoplegia due to cervical cord injuries is rare, and monoplegia of upper extremity is even rarer. The authors present a case of a 33-year-old woman, who fell from a two-storey building and developed monoplegia of right upper extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine reveals long-segment T2W hyperintensity (C3–C7) with involvement of the right hemicord at C4–C5 level.

Radiologic Assessment of Cervical Canal Stenosis Using Kang MRI Grading System: Do Clinical Symptoms Correlate with Imaging Findings?

IntroductionMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in the evaluation of cervical canal stenosis and spinal cord compression. Kang et al. formulated a new MRI grading system for assessing canal stenosis which takes cord signal change into account. The purpose of the study was to determine the agreement between Kang's grading system and neurological symptoms.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital between April 2014 and December 2015. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled. T2 sagittal and T2 axial MRI images were acquired and reported by a consultant neuroradiologist, in accordance with the MRI grading system suggested by Kang et al. Neurologic clinical symptoms were acquired by the history taken by the principal investigator. More than one neurologic symptoms and Kang MRI grade 2 or 3 were taken as positive evidence of cord compression resulting from canal stenosis.ResultsAmongst 126 subjects, 54% were females. Mean age of patients was 50.3 ± 14.3 years (range 19-83 years). Average disease duration was 4.61 ± 3.73 (range 1-24 months). In the majority of the patients, the findings were found at the C5-C6 level. 65.1% of patients were identified positive for cervical canal stenosis by Kang grading system. Most common neurological symptoms were pain (99%) and numbness (56%). Cohen’s Kappa was run to evaluate the agreement between neurological symptoms and Kang grading system. There was a strong agreement between the two methods, K = 0.81 (95% CI 0.70-0.92), p < 0.001.ConclusionThere was a substantial agreement between Kang's grading system and the presence of clinical symptoms. The agreement was greatest in females, older patients, and those with longer duration of symptoms.

Ten-Year Results of Reconstruction for Rheumatoid Cervical Spine Lesions and Occurrence Factor of Subaxial Subluxation.

Study DesignRetrospective chart review.PurposeThis study evaluated long-term surgical outcomes of computer-assisted reconstruction using transarticular or cervical pedicle screws for cervical spine lesions caused by advanced rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Overview of LiteratureWe routinely employ C1–C2 transarticular and cervical pedicle screw instrumentation to reconstruct advanced and unstable RA cervical lesions. However, few reports are available on the long-term results of surgical reconstruction for rheumatoid cervical disorders, particularly regarding cervical pedicle screw fixation.MethodsSix subjects (all female) with RA cervical lesions who underwent atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fixation and were followed for at least 10 years were retrospectively studied. A frameless, stereotactic, optoelectronic, computed tomography-based image guidance system was used for correct screw placement. Variables including the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, EuroQol, Ranawat value, and C2–C7 angle before and 2, 5, and 10 years after surgery were assessed along with the occurrence of subaxial subluxation (SAS).ResultsMean age at initial surgery was 58.2±7 years (range, 51–68 years), and mean follow-up period was 141±11 months (range, 122–153 months). Lesions included atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS, n=2) and AAS+vertical subluxation (n=4). Mean C2–C7 lordotic angle before and 2, 5, and 10 years after surgery was 20.1°±6.1°, 21.0°±4.0°, 18.8°±4.7°, and 17.8°±5.3°, respectively. SAS did not occur in cases maintaining the C2–C7 lordotic angle. In two cases where the C2–C7 lordotic angle declined from 5 years postoperatively, SAS occurred at the C2–C3 level in one and at the C4–C5 level in the other, both of which required reoperation.ConclusionsPatients with rheumatoid cervical lesions who undergo atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fixation using C1–C2 transarticular or pedicle screws carry a risk of SAS for up to 10 years postoperatively, which may require reoperation.

Giant dumbbell C2C3 neurofibroma invading prebulbar cistern: Case report and literature review

Background:Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, most typically involving café-au-lait spots and skin neurofibromas. Only 2% of patients with NF1 have symptomatic spinal tumors.Case Description:A patient with a previous diagnosis of NF1 presented with cervicalgia, dysphagia/mild dysphonia, gait alteration, and progressive hypoesthesia involving all four limbs. The magnetic resonance documented a giant dumbbell neurofibroma arising between the C2 and C3 levels which extended toward the foramen magnum, causing medullary and bulbar compression. The major challenge of surgical management was the enormous size and location this C2–C3 (5 cm × 4 cm × 5.1 cm) lesion.Conclusions:Compression of the foramen magnum attributed to a dumbbell giant spinal neurofibroma at the C2C3 level resulting in prebulbar cisterns should be among the differential diagnostic considerations for patients presenting with tetraparesis and underlying NF1.

Factors associated with an excellent outcome after conservative treatment for patients with proximal cervical spondylotic amyotrophy using electrophysiological, neurological and radiological findings

Objective: To investigate factors associated with excellent outcomes after conservative treatment in patients with proximal cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) using electrophysiological, radiological, and neurological findings. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Yamaguchi University Hospital. Participants: Seventy-seven patients. Interventions: Erb-point-stimulated compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) were recorded in deltoid and biceps. The percentages of CMAP amplitudes on the affected side compared to the normal side in deltoid (PD) and biceps brachii (PB) were calculated. Central motor conduction time was calculated by subtracting peripheral motor conduction time from the onset latency of motor evoked potentials. Cervical lordotic angles, the diameter of C5 canal, and the intervertebral range at C4–C5 and C5–C6 levels were assessed on plain radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the width of the intervertebral foramen (WIF) at C4–C5 and C5–C6 levels in the axial views. First visit and final follow-up strengths of most atrophic muscles were evaluated using manual muscle testing (MMT). Improvements in strength were classified as excellent (five grades recovered), good (more than one grade recovered), unchanged (no improvement), or poor (worsened). Results: The outcomes were excellent in 27 patients (35.1%), good in 22 (28.6%), unchanged in 26 (33.8%), and poor in two (2.5%). Factors associated with excellent outcomes were WIF at C4–C5 and C5–C6 on the normal side, PB, and CMAP amplitudes of the deltoid on the normal side. Conclusions: Patients with excellent outcomes originally had wide WIF at C4–C5 and C5–C6 levels and the absence of symptomatic spinal cord compression at C3–C4 and C4–C5 levels.

Symptomatology of Disorders of the Cervical Spine

Although advances in neuroimaging have result in great improvement in the diagnosis of cervical spine and cord disorders, it is still more difficult to localize symptoms in the cervical spine and cord than in the brain. Here, I discuss the following relatively new aspects in cervical spine and cord symptomatology: I. Headache and facial pain; II. Vertigo and dizziness; III. Peculiar hand symptoms due to high cervical spine and cord disorders; IV. Symptoms in the C3-C4 level; V. Postoperative C5 palsy; VI. Peculiar weakness due to lower cervical spine diseases; VII. False localizing sensory signs; VIII. Autonomic symptoms; and IX. Transient neurological deficits.

Characterization of intrathecal cerebrospinal fluid geometry and dynamics in cynomolgus monkeys (macaca fascicularis) by magnetic resonance imaging.

Recent advancements have been made toward understanding the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and related hydrodynamics. Increased understanding of CSF dynamics may lead to improved detection of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and optimized delivery of CSF based CNS therapeutics, with many proposed therapeutics hoping to successfully treat or cure debilitating neurological conditions. Before significant strides can be made toward the research and development of interventions designed for human use, additional research must be carried out with representative subjects such as non-human primates (NHP). This study presents a geometric and hydrodynamic characterization of CSF in eight cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) at baseline and two-week follow-up.Results showed that CSF flow along the entire spine was laminar with a Reynolds number ranging up to 80 and average Womersley number ranging from 4.1–7.7. Maximum CSF flow rate occurred ~25 mm caudal to the foramen magnum. Peak CSF flow rate ranged from 0.3–0.6 ml/s at the C3-C4 level. Geometric analysis indicated that average intrathecal CSF volume below the foramen magnum was 7.4 ml. The average surface area of the spinal cord and dura was 44.7 and 66.7 cm2 respectively. Subarachnoid space cross-sectional area and hydraulic diameter ranged from 7–75 mm2 and 2–3.7 mm, respectively. Stroke volume had the greatest value of 0.14 ml at an axial location corresponding to C3-C4.

The Prevalence of Asymptomatic Cervical and Lumbar Facet Arthropathy: A Computed Tomography Study.

Study DesignCase control study.Purpose To determine the prevalence and degree of asymptomatic cervical and lumbar facet joint arthritis. We retrospectively reviewed 500 computed tomography (CT) scans of cervical facet joints obtained from 50 subjects. Moreover, 500 lumbar facet joints obtained from an additional 50 subjects were reviewed.Overview of LiteratureNumerous reports in the literature indicate that joint arthritis is a major source of axial neck and low back pain. However, the diagnostic value of this condition, based on degenerative changes seen on radiological studies, remains controversial because significant imaging findings may not correlate with corresponding symptoms. The CT scan is a sensitive method for facet joint evaluation and may reveal degenerative abnormalities. Previous studies have described the prevalence of facet arthropathy in symptomatic patients, according to radiological findings; however, no study to date has assessed its prevalence in asymptomatic patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the neck and abdominal CT scans of patients had been examined for non-spinal pathologies (i.e., thyroid disease, rule out cancer, ascites). Electronic medical records were reviewed to exclude patients with histories of either neck or back pain. Arthritis severity was graded using a previously published four-point CT scale.ResultsThe prevalence of asymptomatic cervical facet arthritis (grade 1–3) was 33% (grade 1, 19%; grade 2, 11%; and grade 3, 3%). Among asymptomatic patients, 37% had scalable lumbar facet join arthritis (grade 1, 24%; grade 2, 9%; and grade 3, 4%). There was a statistically significant difference (chi-square test, p<0.0001) in the number of older individuals with arthritic degeneration at the cervical and lumbar levels compared with that of younger individuals. The C6–C7 and L5–S1 levels were the most likely to show arthritic changes.ConclusionsArthritic changes to the cervical and lumbar facet joints are prevalent among patients, and in some cases are asymptomatic. These findings were more common in older patients and at lower spinal levels.

Epidemiological analysis of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury

Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of cervical spine fracture combined with trauma cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI) in Guangxi province. Methods A total of 385 patients met the inclusion criteria were enrolled for retrospective investigation. Detailed information included age, sex, marital status, occupation, date of admission, mechanisms of trauma, level of injury, ASIA grade, concomitant injuries, length of hospital stay, complications, and mortality. Results The ratio of Male/Female was 4.4:1. The average age of the patients was 47.9 years, and 88.8% of the patients were married. 72.9% of TCSCI occurred between the age of 35-64 years. Farmers accounted for the largest number of patients with TCSCIs, and 63% of patients with TCSCI were caused by falling. The damage was located at the C3-C5 level, accounting for 63.8%. More than half of the patients with CSCI had brain injury. The most common complication was respiratory infection (54.5%). Among the injury levels, the proportions of ASIA grade A, B, C, and D were 34.8%, 8.5%, 35.5%, and 21%, respectively. During the treatment, 58 patients required cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and 36 patients required mechanical ventilation. The average length of hospital stay was (26.5±21.6) d. Of the 375 patients discharged from the hospital, 51.2% patients had no improvement in the muscle strength. Conclusions Falling is the main cause of CSCI and men are more likely to be exposed to the injury. Patients with TCSCI have long treatment time and poor treatment results. Additionally, complications during the treatment should not be ignored. Key words: Trauma; Cervical spinal cord injury; Epidemiology; Single center; Retrospective analysis; Guangxi

Application of a modified Time-SLIP MRI sequence for visualization of cerebrospinal fluid movement in the cerebral aqueduct and cervical spinal canal

The study purpose was to evaluate the capabilities of a modified Time-SLIP pulse MRI sequence for visualization of fluid (CSF) movements in the phantom, healthy subject, and patient. The study was performed in a phantom simulating pulsed CSF movements, healthy volunteers (9 people), and patients without impaired CSF dynamics (12 people), whose data were used to determine mean CSF flow parameters, as well as in 1 patient after 3rd ventriculostomy. A 1.5 T MRI instrument was used. The Time-SLIP parameters were as follows: TR = 8,500 ms; TEeff = 80 ms; Thk = 5.0 mm; tag spacing = 30 mm; NEX 7; inversion time (BBTI) = 2,000/3,000 ms; no cardiosynchronization. Scanning time was 2:16 min. The estimated parameter was the length of motion (LOM) of CSF. According to a study on a phantom simulating various conditions of oscillatory fluid motion, the mean LOM determination error in the modified Time-SLIP mode was 20%. This technique provided the following LOM data for the cerebral aqueduct (median, 25-75% quartiles): 13.0 (9.5-16.0) mm for BBTI of 2,000ms and 30.2 (23.7-35.3) mm for BBTI of 3,000 ms, i.e. 2.3-fold higher. This difference may be explained by an intense turbulent current leading to rapid CSF exchange between the 3rd and 4th ventricles and prolonged CSF movement during several heart contractions. Quantitative parameters of CSF movement at the C1-C2 level were determined. Additionally, Time-SLIP was used to evaluate performance of a third ventricle fistula. We have proposed a modified Time-SLIP pulse sequence that does not require cardiosynchronization. The mean relative error in determining the CSF movement distance was 20%. The mean quantitative parameters of CSF movement in the cerebral aqueduct and at the C1-C2 level were obtained. Turbulent CSF flow is found in the cerebral aqueduct, which leads to rapid exchange between the 3rd and 4th ventricles.

Tremors as an atypical presentation of cervical myelopathy

Tremors are common especially in the elderly population. However, tremors occurring secondary to cervical myelopathy are rarely reported. We report the case of a 91-year-old gentleman who was admitted to the neurology service with chief complaints of bilateral upper- and lower-limb tremors. This had progressed rapidly over 2 weeks to the extent that he was not able to feed himself and was unable to walk without support. An initial working diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was made but was later dismissed because of the atypical features. A magnetic resonance imaging of cervical spine was subsequently performed which revealed a large disc herniation at C3–C4 level, causing severe spinal canal stenosis and cord compression. Given this radiological presentation and the absence of other objective pathologies on further investigations, we correlated his symptoms to the underlying cervical cord compression. He underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion which led to complete resolution of tremors by 8 weeks postsurgery. His unsteadiness eventually resolved, and there was no recurrence of tremors throughout our follow-up period. This case highlights a rare atypical presentation of cervical myelopathy as peripheral limb tremors. The diagnostic dilemma, management strategies, and hypothesis to explain this phenomenon are discussed.