Cervicothoracic Spine Research Articles

297. Preoperative extension lateral cervical radiographs are associated with osteotomy type, approach and postoperative cervical alignment following cervical deformity surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Choosing the surgical approach and osteotomy type is challenging when surgically treating cervical deformity. Preoperative assessment of flexibility and final alignment would be useful for surgeons treating this complex problem. Currently extension lateral XR are inconstantly taken for the management of cervical deformity for planning purposes. PURPOSE Investigate the relationship of surgical procedure choice and the pre-operative flexibility of the cervical spine. Determine if extension lateral XR (ELXR) can also predict the final postoperative alignment. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective review of prospective, consecutively enrolled multicenter cervical deformity database PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 106 cervical deformity patients OUTCOME MEASURES Surgical treatment, radiographic alignment parameters (SS, T1S-CL, cSVA, C2 slope, T1 slope) METHODS A prospective database of operative cervical deformity patients was analyzed. Inclusion was cervical kyphosis>10°, cervical scoliosis>10°, C2-C7 SVA>4cm or chin-brow vertical angle>25°. Patients were excluded if they did not have neutral and ELXR or did not have deformity limited to the cervical or cervicothoracic spine. The ELXR was compared to preoperative neutral lateral, and 3 mo alignment XR and type of surgical osteotomy based upon the Ames Classification. Statistical analysis included t-test and chi-squared. RESULTS A total of 106 from 164 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age of 60 yo, with 58% females. Of the study population, 43.4% of patients had prior cervical surgery. The evaluation of ELXR in patients who received grade 1-2 osteotomies (as compared to those who received grade 5,6 or 7), shows they have statistically lower T1S (23.06 vs 35.46; p=.021), lower T1S-CL (20.90 vs 36.29; p=.033), lower cSVA (24.66 vs 48.35; p 17 in the ELXR (46.77% vs 36.36%; p=.033). Overall, while surgery created a significant change in all radiographic parameters; the 3 month lateral XR and baseline ELXR were statistically similar for T1S-CL (26.04 vs 24.83; p=.542) and C2Slope (23.27 vs 22.87; p=.839). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative ELXR had a significant association with surgical approach and grade of osteotomy. The ELXR was statistically similar to the post-operative 3-month lateral XR and should be used to predict final cervical alignment. Obtaining ELXR is a critical alignment tool, and should be obtained as a part of the preoperative surgical plan. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

174. Analysis of radiological accuracy among different intraoperative imaging systems for screw fixation in cervicothoracic region

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Surgical techniques for posterior fixation of cervicothoracic pathologies are challenged by the great variation in pedicle dimension and angulations as well as the risky neurovascular anatomy with the proximity of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and vertebral artery. Intraoperative computed tomography navigation promises improved accuracy of spinal navigation with the benefit of increased visualization of a pedicle's trajectory. Even though multiple studies have demonstrated improved accuracy using navigated instrumentation, it remains a debate how useful iCT imaging is for posterior pedicle and lateral mass screw implantation in the subaxial cervicothoracic spine. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of posterior subaxial cervicothoracic fixation using three different techniques: intraoperative computed tomography (iCT-AIRO) scanner-guided navigation, 3D- (O-arm) based spinal navigation and fluoroscopy based posterior stabilization. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective analysis of the accuracy of cervicothoracic screw placement in posterior fixation in 3 groups of patients. PATIENT SAMPLE In the period between August 2007 and October 2018, a total of 495 screws were implanted in 67 patients with cervicothoracic instability who underwent posterior fixation. A total of 163 screws were inserted with the use of the iCT based spinal navigation (group A); 310 screws were implanted using the O-arm navigation system (group B), while 22 screws were inserted under the guidance of fluoroscopy (group C). OUTCOME MEASURES Screw positions were evaluated using postoperative CT scans according to the Neo et al (cervical pedicles) and Gertzbein and Robbins (thoracic) classifications. The screws in the cervical lateral mass were evaluated according to a new classification created by the authors. METHODS The assessment of the screw placement was retrospectively done and graded by an independent observer. Accurate positioning was defined then as screws correctly placed completely within the pedicle as well as screws with a breach of less than 2 mm or screws correctly placed within the lateral mass as well as screws with incomplete perforation of the cortex. RESULTS Intraoperative computed tomography-based navigation has permitted a more accurate intraoperative evaluation of the implanted screws and has allowed the immediate correction of misplaced screws. With the use of the iCT, the accuracy rate has reached 97.55% with a much better resolution of the images acquired, while with the O-arm navigation, the accuracy rate has reached 90%. In cervicothoracic posterior stabilizations done with the aid of fluoroscopy, the intraoperative accuracy was not determined and only a final accuracy rate was measured which reached 90%. The most significant difference in accuracy was in the positioning of cervical pedicle screws. Our results have demonstrated an accuracy of 96% with iCT compared to an accuracy of 64% with the O-Arm. The accuracy rates in positioning the cervical lateral mass screws and the thoracic pedicle screws with both the iCT or the O-Arm were almost the same. CONCLUSIONS In subaxial cervicothoracic posterior fixation especially of pedicle screws, the use of iCT-based spinal navigation has demonstrated higher accuracy rates as well as higher quality images allowing more accurate evaluation than with the O-arm-based spinal navigation or fluoroscopy-based systems. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Outcomes of 360° Osteotomy in the Cervicothoracic Spine (C7-T1) for Congenital Cervicothoracic Kyphoscoliosis in Children.

There have been many reports on the treatment of congenital kyphoscoliosis. However, congenital deformities in the cervicothoracic spine (C7-T1) have not been well described because of the rarity of these conditions. The medical records and imaging studies of 25 children who were treated with 360° osteotomy for congenital deformities in the cervicothoracic spine (C7-T1) at a mean age of 11.4 years were reviewed. All 25 children presented with torticollis; 4 presented with neck pain; 10, with facial asymmetry; and 3, with preoperative neurological deficits. Twenty-three patients had congenital deformities in other regions of the spine. Six patients had a total of 8 intraspinal deformities. On average, the cervicothoracic curve was corrected from 53° preoperatively to 14° at the latest follow-up, the segmental kyphosis was corrected from 25° to 12°, and the head tilt improved from 25° to 5°. Nineteen patients had a total of 28 complications, including 1 transient cord injury together with a permanent C8 nerve root injury, 11 transient nerve root injuries, 1 transient Horner syndrome, 9 cases of decompensation of a compensatory curve, 2 implant failures, 2 cases of hemothorax, 1 dural tear, and 1 case of delayed wound-healing. Most congenital cervicothoracic deformities are fixed, and early surgical intervention may be needed. A 360° osteotomy is indicated for this type of rigid deformity and may provide satisfactory correction. However, 360° osteotomy in the cervicothoracic spine (C7-T1) is technically demanding with a higher risk of nerve root injuries, although most injuries tend to be transient. If the compensatory thoracic curve is severe and rigid, 1-stage or staged surgery in this region may be required. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Dysplasia With Craniocervical Instability and Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome. An Addition to the Spectrum? First Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is an uncommon congenital disorder of abnormal development of the first and second pharyngeal arches. This spectrum is characterized by craniofacial microsomia, epibulbar dermoids, ear abnormalities, renal and cardiac defects, and a wide range of vertebral segmentation and formation disorders. Frequently, the cervicothoracic spine is involved. Only recently, the morbidity attributed to the spinal abnormalities has gained attention. Strategy and timing of spine surgery has become increasingly important in patients with OAVS. Here, we report a case of OAVS with characteristic vertebral cervical and thoracic involvement and its sequelae requiring multiple spinal procedures, further complexed by an unprecedented occult tethered cord syndrome, which was successfully treated by surgical detethering. In this context, the recent literature on spinal anomalies is reviewed.

Image-Guided Navigation in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery using a Cranial Frame

Background Data: Cervicothoracic, high thoracic, and craniocervical instrumented anterior spinal procedures pose a considerable challenge to the surgeon, mainly because intraoperative imaging by fluoroscopy is inadequate. To a certain extent the surgeon can make use of 3D-fluoroscopy for intraoperative control of the implants. To ease this process, the surgeon can make use of the so-called cranial frame which is attached to the Mayfield clamp, in combination with navigated 3D-fluoroscopy. The use of the cranial frame for navigated anterior craniocervical approaches as in the case of transnasal procedures at the clivus and foramen magnum is quite widespread. In the literature, the use of this technique for spine approaches is limited to a few case reports.Purpose: To present the feasibility of 3D-fluoroscopy navigation in anterior cervical spine procedures with the use of cranial frame.Study Design: Retrospective clinical case cohort.Patients and Methods: We present our experience in the technique of navigation in 5 patients of anterior cervical spine procedures. Anterior instrumented fusion in the cervicothoracic spine was performed in 4 patients and in the last patient anterior C1/2 fixation was performed. We used a system composed of Arcadis Orbic 3D C-arm by Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany, for acquisition of 3D images and the Stealth Station system by Medtronic Inc., Louisville, USA, for navigation. We used a so-called cranial frame for navigation that is fixed to the Mayfield head holder; a preoperative 3D scan was performed in some patients. The intraoperative 3D scan was performed after removal of the retractors, and additional 3D scan was beneficial in some patients during the surgical procedure.Results: Navigation was helpful in identification of the entry points and trajectories of the screws especially in the cervicothoracic region with no need for fluoroscopy. Additional advantage of the use of this system is the possibility of performing intraoperative 3D scan after instrumentation to verify hardware placement.Conclusion: The illustrated cases demonstrate the advantages of 3D-fluoroscopy navigation with use of the cranial frame in the upper transitional zones. Disadvantages of this method are the complex intraoperative draping and logistics and the possible inaccuracy because of long distances and spinal mobility. Carbon Mayfield may facilitate positioning but is not mandatory. (2018ESJ173)

Magnetic resonance imaging in enterovirus-71, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody, aquaporin-4 antibody, and multiple sclerosis-associated myelitis in children.

We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the neuroimaging of children with their first episode of clinical enterovirus 71-associated transverse myelitis (EV71-TM), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody positive transverse myelitis (MOG-TM), aquaporin-4 antibody positive transverse myelitis (AQP4-TM), transverse myelitis in multiple sclerosis (MS-TM), and unclassified transverse myelitis (UNC-TM). We performed a retrospective blinded radiological assessment and compared the neuroimaging of 52 children (32 females, 20 males; mean age 9y 8mo, SD 5y 5mo, range 5mo-17y) presenting with their first episode of myelitis caused by EV71-TM (n=11), MOG-TM (n=10), AQP4-TM (n=9), MS-TM (n=13), and UNC-TM (n=9). In the EV71-TM group, lesions were distributed throughout the cord and enhancement of nerve roots (ventral and dorsal) was common. The MOG-TM group had lesions distributed throughout the cord and most commonly longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis and lesions involving the grey matter alone on axial scans. The AQP4-TM group had lesions distributed in the cervicothoracic spine, cavitation, and contrast enhancing lesions. All patients with AQP4-TM had an abnormal brain MRI scan. The MS-TM group characteristically had multiple short segment lesions of the cord involving the cervicothoracic spine. The UNC-TM group did not have distinctive spinal MRI findings but had a relative paucity of lesions on their brain MRI scans. There are neuroimaging findings that are helpful in differentiating between myelitis associated with EV71, MOG, AQP4, and multiple sclerosis in children. These features may be useful early in the presentation of transverse myelitis while awaiting infectious/immunological testing, and/or further demyelinating events. Magnetic resonance imaging can help identify aetiologies for children presenting with a first episode of myelitis. Entervirus-71-associated myelitis lesions are distributed throughout the cord and enhancement of nerve roots is common. Lesions distributed throughout the cord are commonly seen in myelin oligodendrocyte-associated myelitis. Aquaporin-4-associated myelitis lesions are distributed in the cervicothoracic spine, cavitation and contrast enhancing lesions are common. Short segment lesions in the cervicothoracic spine are commonly seen in multiple sclerosis-associated myelitis.

Surgical approach and management outcomes for junction tuberculous spondylitis: a retrospective study of 77 patients

BackgroundJunction tuberculous spondylitis involves the stress transition zone of the spine and has a high risk of progression to kyphosis or paraplegia. Problems still exist with treatment for spinal junction tuberculosis. This study investigated the surgical approach and clinical outcomes of junction spinal tuberculosis.MethodsFrom June 1998 to July 2014, 77 patients with tuberculous spondylitis were enrolled. All patients received 2–3 weeks of anti-tuberculous treatment preoperatively; treatment was prolonged for 2–3 months when active pulmonary tuberculosis was present. The patients underwent anterior debridement and were followed up for an average of 29.4 months clinically and radiologically.ResultsThe cervicothoracic junction spine (C7-T3) was involved in 15 patients. The thoracolumbar junction spine (T11-L2) was involved in 39 patients. The lumbosacral junction spine (L4-S1) was involved in 23 patients. Two patients with recurrence underwent reoperation; the drugs were adjusted, and all patients achieved bone fusion. The preoperative cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar kyphosis angle and lumbosacral angle were 31.4 ± 10.9°, 32.9 ± 9.2°, and 19.3 ± 3.7°, respectively, and the corresponding postoperative angles were ameliorated significantly to 9.1 ± 3.2°, 8.5 ± 2.9°, and 30.3 ± 2.8°. The preoperative ESR and C-reactive protein level of all patients were 48.1 ± 11.3 mm/h and 65.5 ± 16.2 mg/L which decreased to 12.3 ± 4.3 mm/h and 8.6 ± 3.7 mg/L at the final follow-up, respectively. All patients that had neurological symptoms achieved function status improvement at different degrees.ConclusionFor spinal tuberculosis of spinal junctions, anterior debridement, internal fixation, and fusion can be preferred and achieved. If multiple segment lesions are too long or difficult for operation of anterior internal fixation, combining posterior pedicle screw fixation is appropriate.

Rare case of diffuse spinal arachnoiditis following a complicated vertebral artery dissection

Spinal arachnoiditis (SA) is an extremely rare and delayed complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Little is known about its underlying pathogenesis and subsequent clinical course. A middle-aged patient presented with the worst headache of her life and a grade 3 SAH of the basal-cisterns and posterior fossa was identified on Computed Tomography scans (CT). Angiography revealed a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the left vertebral artery (VA-V4), as well as an unruptured left Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA-A1) aneurysm. The VA aneurysm was treated with flow diversion. The patient re-ruptured the stented aneurysm, another telescoping pipeline was placed. The patient developed polymicrobial ventriculitis, and returned several months later complaining of paraparesis and left sided weakness. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed diffuse thecal dural thickening from the cervicomedullary junction to the sacrum. Loculations, diffuse edema and cord compression were noticed along the inferior surface of the cerebellum, and the cervico-thoracic spine with a T4–T6 syrinx. The patient underwent a posterior (T4–T8) spinal fusion and (T5–T7) decompression with arachnoid-cyst fenestration and placement of a subarachnoid-pleural shunt. On latest follow-up, the patient is weaning off the thoraco-lumbosacral orthosis and ambulating with a cane. SA is often a complicated two-staged disease in which a “free interval phase” separates the initial inflammatory reaction (IIR) from the late adhesive phase. Posterior fossa bleeding, warranting prolonged surveillance, additional bleeding and ventriculitis might augment the risk and the severity of arachnoiditis.

Spinal Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma at the Cervicothoracic Junction

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is an unusual variant of fibrosarcoma that was previously considered to be a low-grade tumor with an indolent course. To our knowledge, the spine is a rare primary site for SEF, with only a few cases reported to date. We report a case of SEF occurring in the cervicothoracic spine of a 64-year-old man with complaints of neck pain and right hand tingling for 6 months before clinical presentation. Imaging revealed a large mass that extended from C5 to T1 in the right posterior paraspinal soft tissues, with involvement of the posterior elements from C6 to T1 and infiltration of the T1 vertebral body. We performed an en bloc spondylectomy and gross total resection of the tumor. Pathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics confirmed the diagnosis of SEF. Because of the anatomic nature of the cervicothoracic spine and critical neurovascular structures that the tumor involves, a true en bloc resection might not be possible, but an oncologically sound excision is ideal.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of solitary spinal epidural cavernous angiomas.

The majority of spinal cavernous angiomas (CAs) originate from the vertebral bodies with or without epidural space extension. Solitary epidural CAs are rare. In the present study, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 12 patients who underwent microsurgery for solitary spinal epidural CAs. All patients had performed pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The patients were 7 females and 5 males with the mean age of 52.1 years. Two tumors were located in the cervicothoracic spine, nine in the thoracic spine and one in the lumbar spine, respectively. Solitary epidural CAs generally exhibited isointensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintesity on T2-weighted images. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images showed homogeneous markedly enhancement. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 11 cases, and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in 1 case. During an average follow up of 35.9 months, neurological function was improved in 11 patients and in one patient, preoperative status was maintained. No patient experienced tumor recurrence. These findings suggest that CAs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal epidural lesions. Early surgery is advocated to prevent irreversible neurological deficits. When aggravated by a large amount of acute hemorrhage, neurological deterioration is usually acute and prompt surgical decompression is the optimal choice. Because of the excessive vascularity of CAs, en bloc resection is recommended. In addition, a good clinical outcome after GTR can be expected, and the risk of long-term recurrence is low.

A rare case of a fetal neural tube defect: Iniencephaly

Iniencephaly is characterized by severe retro flexion of the head with the absence of neck due to spinal vertebrae deformities, it is considered as uncommon anomaly. Prevalence: 0.1-10:10,000, M:F. Etiology: Unknown, but genetic, environmental factors are implicated. Pathogenesis: Unknown. Recurrence risk: 1-4%. Associated anomalies: Anencephaly, encephalocele, cyclopedia, lack of lower jaw bone, cleft palate, arthrogryposis, clubfeet, holoprosencephaly, spina bifida, lung hypoplasia, omphalocele, gastroschisis, cardiovascular disorders, Congenital diaphragmatic hernias, gastrointestinal atresia, single umbilical artery and renal abnormalities. Conclusion: Iniencephaly is a lethal congenital neural tube malformation. It is characterized by occipital bone defect, fixed retroflexion of the fetal head and severe lordosis of the cervicothoracic spine. Differential diagnosis: Include anencephaly with cervical spinal retro flexion and Klippel-Fiel syndrome

A novel muscle-sparing high thoracotomy for upper thoracic spine resection and reconstruction

PurposeHigh thoracotomy allows access to the anterior cervicothoracic and upper thoracic vertebrae; however, traditional techniques transect shoulder girdle muscles, leading to postoperative shoulder dysfunction. Muscle-sparing techniques diminish this concern, but often sacrifice the quality of exposure. We describe a novel muscle-sparing, high thoracotomy approach for the treatment of ventral cervicothoracic and upper thoracic spine lesions.MethodsA novel muscle-sparing, high thoracotomy approach is described, utilizing a midline posterior incision with lateral extension from the lateral decubitus position. Five patients are presented to illustrate the application of this technique in thoracic tumors with intimate spinal involvement.ResultsThe muscle-sparing, high thoracotomy approach afforded gross total resection and spinal reconstruction in five consecutive patients, including stage IV lung carcinoma with invasion of the T5 and T6 vertebral bodies, two malignant fibrous histiocytomas causing thoracic cord compression, a metastatic T6 lesion of unknown primary with associated cord compression; and a Pancoast tumor. All patients seen at 6 months had full symmetric shoulder range of motion postoperatively.ConclusionsThe described muscle-sparing, high thoracotomy approach provides excellent exposure of the ventral cervicothoracic and upper thoracic spine without the morbidity associated with the transection of shoulder girdle muscle bellies. This technique is particularly useful in patients with primary malignant bone tumors requiring en bloc excision and metastatic tumors with large soft tissue components.

C7 intra-laminar screws for complex cervicothoracic spine surgery-a case series.

C7 has relatively unique anatomy compared to the remainder of the subaxial cervical spine (C3-C6) and upper thoracic spine. The C7 laminar has been previously reported in feasibility and biomechanical studies as an adequate fixation point in contrast to the lateral mass or pedicles, with few reports of its use in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to review the safety and efficacy of using the C7 laminar as a fixation point in constructs involving the cervical spine and cervicothoracic junction. Between February 2013 and July 2016, 10 patients (6 males, 4 females) had 19 C7 intra-laminar screws sited (bilateral in 9 patients, unilateral in 1 patient). Six patients had trauma as an underlying etiology, 2 of which had pseudoarthrosis from prior surgery. Three patients had cervical myelopathy from degenerative disease, 2 of which required anterior and posterior instrumentation for correction of deformity and 1 which had stand-alone posterior fixation. One patient had stabilization for an underlying malignancy. One patient died 2 weeks following their high cervical injury secondary to complications of respiratory failure. None of the remaining 9 patients were noted to have construct failure at a median follow up of 1 year (range, 6 months to 4 years) and all were noted to have satisfactory positioning of the instrumentation on post-operative imaging. The patient with malignancy died 6 months later from extra-spinal disease, there was one wound breakdown requiring debridement without infection in a revision case, and one patient required laminectomy for post-traumatic syrinx formation. The C7 laminar provides an alternative fixation point for constructs involving the subaxial cervical spine and cervicothoracic junction, with excellent safety and efficacy in this small series. Larger series are required to more clarify the risk profile of this technique.

立位における頭部・頸胸椎・肩甲骨・上肢の姿勢分類 : アライメント,筋力,関節可動域との関連について

立位における頭部・頸胸椎・肩甲骨・上肢の姿勢分類 : アライメント,筋力,関節可動域との関連について

Incorporation of Whole Spine Screening in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocols for Low Back Pain: A Valuable Addition.

Study DesignA retrospective review of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies conducted at the Department of Radiodiagnosis & Imaging of a Tertiary Care Armed Forces Hospital between May 2014 and May 2016.PurposeTo assess the advantages of incorporating sagittal screening of the whole spine in protocols for conventional lumbar spine MRI for patients presenting with low back pain.Overview of LiteratureAdvances in MRI have resulted in faster examinations, particularly for patients with low back pain. The additional detection of incidental abnormalities on MRI helps to improve patient outcomes by providing a swifter definitive diagnosis. Because low back pain is extremely common, any change to the diagnostic and treatment approach has a significant impact on health care resources.MethodsWe documented all additional incidental findings detected on sagittal screenings of the spine that were of clinical significance and would otherwise have been undiagnosed.ResultsA total of 1,837 patients who met our inclusion criteria underwent MRI of the lumbar spine. The mean age of the study population was 45.7 years; 66.8% were men and 33.2% women. Approximately 26.7% of the patients were diagnosed with incidental findings. These included determining the level of indeterminate vertebrae, incidental findings of space-occupying lesions of the cervicothoracic spine, myelomalacic changes, and compression fractures at cervicothoracic levels.ConclusionsWe propose that T2-weighted sagittal screening of the whole spine be included as a routine sequence when imaging the lumbosacral spine for suspected degenerative pathology of the intervertebral discs.

9 - The Importance of C2-Slope, a Singular Marker of Cervical Deformity, Correlates with Patient-Reported Outcomes

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. OBJECTIVE To define a simplified singular measure of cervical deformity (CD), C2 slope (C2S), which correlates with postoperative outcomes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Sagittal malalignment of the cervical spine, defined by the cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) has been associated with poor outcomes following surgical correction of the deformity. There has been a proliferation of parameters to describe CD. This added complexity can lead to confusion in classifying, treating, and assessing outcomes of CD surgery. METHODS A prospective database of CD patients was analyzed. Inclusion criteria were cervical kyphosis>10°, cervical scoliosis>10°, cSVA>4 cm, or chin-brow vertical angle >25°. Patients were categorized into two groups and compared based on whether the apex of the deformity was in the cervical (C) or the cervicothoracic (CT) region. Radiographic parameters were correlated to C2S, T1 slope (T1S) and 1-year health-related quality-of-life outcomes as measured by the EuroQol 5 Dimension questionnaire (EQ5D), modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale, numeric rating scale for neck pain, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS One hundred four CD patients (C = 74, CT = 30; mean age 61 yr, 56% women, 42% revisions) were included. CT patients had higher baseline cSVA and T1S (P 0.5, P≤0.05). Using linear regression, moderate disability by EQ5D corresponded to C2S of 20°(r = 0.08). For CT patients, C2S = 17° corresponded to moderate disability by NDI (r = 0.4), and C2S = 20° by EQ5D (r = 0.25). CONCLUSION C2S correlated with upper-cervical and subaxial alignment. C2S correlated strongly with TS-CL (R = 0.98, P < 0.001) because C2S is a mathematical approximation of TS-CL. C2S is a useful marker of CD, linking the occipitocervical and cervico-thoracic spine. C2S defines the presence of a mismatch between cervical lordosis and thoracolumbar alignment. Worse 1-year postoperative C2 slope correlated with worse health outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.

Circumferential Reconstruction of Subaxial Cervical and Cervicothoracic Spine by Simultaneously Combined Anterior-posterior Approaches in the Sitting Position.

To introduce and analyze the feasibility of a new surgical strategy for circumferential reconstruction of subaxial cervical and cervicothoracic spine by simultaneously combined anterior-posterior approach in the sitting position. A retrospective review was performed for seven patients who underwent the above surgical procedure between July 2011 and January 2015. Among the seven patients, there were six men and one woman, with an average age of 52 years (range, 36-79 years). Six patients were confirmed to have a lower subaxial cervical fracture and dislocation with a locked facet joint, and the other patient had an invasive tumor involving both anterior and posterior parts of vertebrae and lamina, detected by radiological examination. The levels involved for all patients were from C4 to T2 . According to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification, one case was class A, four were class B, and two were class D. The patients were restricted in the sitting position with traction and a halo in extension to immobilize the head during the operation. The simultaneously combined anterior-posterior operation for reduction, decompression or tumor resection and circumferential reconstruction was carried out. Both anterior and posterior procedures were successfully completed simultaneously in the sitting position in all cases. There were no perioperative complications. The average operative time was 175 ± 32 min (range, 120-240 min), and the mean blood loss was 430 ± 85 mL (range, 200-1100 mL). The patients were followed up for 35.8 months (range, 18-60 months). The symptom of neck pain improved distinctly and no evidence of implant failure was noted in any patients. Neurological status improvement was confirmed in six patients, who had suffered incomplete paralysis. The ASIA grade improved in five patients, and two cases had no change in grade. The "sitting position" simultaneously combined anterior-posterior approach is safe and is superior to the traditional prone position and supine position, and the surgical results are satisfactory.

Constipation in degenerative cervico-thoracic spine myelopathy: a simple co-existence or a complex inter-relationship?

Identify factors affecting constipation and post surgical improvement in patients of myelopathy. Sixty-four patients with myelopathy due to extradural spine pathologies (47 cervical; 17 thoracic spine, male:female-5.4:1 with mean age 46.16) underwent evaluation including Bristol stool scale (BSS), PFT and uroflowmetry. All cases were evaluated by gastroenterologist to rule out any intrinsic bowel disease. Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were employed to ascertain statistical significance. The presence of constipation was associated with male sex (p=0.01), degree of constipation with duration bladder symptoms (p=0.008) and numbness (p=0.04). The improvement in BSS after surgery (p=0.006) was associated with local pain (p=0.02), duration of weakness (p=0.04) and overall symptoms (p=0.01), also with pulmonary function tests (p=0.002) and pre-operative Nurick's grade (p=0.01). Constipation is a myelopathic symptom as it is relieved by cord decompression and the gender, PFT and the duration of symptoms play an important role in defining constipation and expected improvement in these patients.

Management of Gorham disease in the cervicothoracic spine with mobile gravity traction and Sirolimus

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences on calcified tissues ISSN 2052-1219 (online)

American Spinal Injury Association A (sensory and motor complete) is not different from American Spinal Injury Association B (sensory incomplete, motor complete) in gunshot-related spinal cord injury

Background ContextWe receive a large number of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) due to penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW) at our national rehabilitation center. Although many patients are labeled American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) B sensory incomplete because of sensory sparing, especially deep anal pressure, with purported prognostic value, we have not observed a clinical difference from patients labeled ASIA A complete. We hypothesized that sensory sparing, if meaningful, should reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers. PurposeTo determine if ASIA classifications A and B are important distinctions for patients with SCIs secondary to civilian gunshot wounds. Design/SettingA retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with civilian gunshot-induced SCI transferred to Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center between 1999 and 2014. Outcome measures were occurrence of pressure ulcers and surgical intervention for pressure ulcers. Patient SampleWe included a total of 487 patients who sustained civilian gunshot wounds to the spine and were provided care at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center from 2001 to 2014. Outcome MeasuresOccurrence of pressure ulcers and surgical intervention for pressure ulcers among patients who suffered civilian-induced gunshot wounds to the spine. MethodsRetrospective chart review identified 487 SCIs due to gunshot wounds that were treated at Rancho Los Amigos from 2001 to 2014. Injury characteristics including ASIA classification, pressure ulcers, and pressure ulcer surgeries were recorded. Comprehensive surgical data were obtained for all patients. Chart reviews and telephone interviews were performed to determine the occurrence of any pressure ulcers and pressure ulcer surgeries. Statistical analysis was performed to compare data by spinal region and ASIA grade. There were no conflicts of interest from any of the authors, and there was no funding obtained for this study. ResultsThere was no statistical difference for cervical ASIA A versus ASIA B for the occurrence of pressure ulcers or the percentage requiring surgery, nor for thoracic A versus B. When grouped, there was a statistically higher occurrence of pressure ulcers in cervical A or B classification than in thoracic A or B classification, but a higher rate of surgery for thoracic A or B classification. Lumbosacral cauda equina levels were not statistically different in occurrence of pressure ulcers or pressureulcer surgery by ASIA grades A–D. Overall, when grouped C1–T12, cord-level cervicothoracic A and B classifications were statistically equivalent. C1–T12 cord level C or D classification with motor sparing had statistically lower occurrence and need of surgery for pressure ulcers and were equivalent to lumbosacral cauda equina level A–D. ConclusionASIA A and B distinctions are not meaningful at spinal cord levels in the cervicothoracic spine due to gunshot wounds as shown by similar occurrence of pressure ulcers and pressure ulcer surgery, and should be treated as if the same. Meaningful decrease of pressure ulcers at cord levels does not occur until there is motor sparing ASIA C or D. Furthermore, cauda equina lumbosacral injuries are a lower risk, which is independent of ASIA grade A–D and statistically equivalent to cord level C or D. Motor sparing at cord levels or any cauda equina level is most determinative neurologically for the occurrence of pressure ulcers or pressure ulcer surgery.