Decompression Procedures Research Articles

Limitations of minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy—a decompression method of posteriorly shifting the nerve root—in cases of large anterior osteophytes in cervical radiculopathy: A retrospective multicenter cohort study

BackgroundPosterior cervical foraminotomy against anterior osteophyte is an indirect decompression procedure but less invasive compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Residual compression to the nerve root may lead to poor surgical outcomes. Although clinical results of posterior cervical foraminotomy for osteophytes are not considered better than those of disk herniation, osteophyte size and the association of the decompression area with poor surgical outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the limitations of minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy and discuss the methods to improve surgical outcomes. MethodsWe analyzed 55 consecutive patients with degenerative cervical radiculopathy who underwent minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy. Minimum postoperative follow-up duration was 1 year. We divided the patients into nonimproved and improved groups. The cutoff value between preoperative and postoperative Neck Disability Index scores was 30% improvement. Preoperative imaging data comprised disk height, local kyphosis, spinal cord compression, anterior osteophytes in the foramen, and anterior osteophytes of >50% of the intervertebral foramen diameter. Postoperative imaging data comprised craniocaudal length and lateral width of decompressed lamina, preserved superior facet width, and area of decompressed lamina. ResultsFifty-five patients were divided into two groups: nonimproved (n = 19) and improved (n = 36). The presence of osteophytes itself was not significant; however, the presence of osteophytes of >50% of the foramen diameter increased in the nonimproved group (P = 0.004). Mean lateral width and mean area of decompressed lamina after surgery significantly increased in the improved group (P = 0.001, P = 0.03). ConclusionThe presence of anterior osteophytes >50% of the diameter of the foramen led to poor improvement of clinical outcomes in minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy. However, the larger the lateral width and area of the decompressed lamina, the better the surgical outcome.

Successful use of stereotactic navigation in posterior spinal fusion T10-S2 with bilateral iliac screw fixation in a patient with prior spinal surgeries and osteoporosis: A case report.

Introduction and importanceDegenerative lumbar scoliosis is a prominent cause of adult spinal deformity with an increasing prevalence as the population ages. This pathology is associated with debilitating symptoms, including radicular back pain and lower extremity claudication. Surgical realignment of the spine and restoration of sagittal imbalance can reduce low back pain. Chronic sacroiliac dysfunction commonly causes low back radicular pain. We present a complicated case where stereotactic navigation facilitated an extensive fusion and decompression procedure for adult spinal deformity in an obese patient with multiple prior surgeries for scoliosis and sacroiliac joint pathology.Case presentationA 69-year-old, obese female with scoliosis refractory to multiple interventions presented with severe, radicular lower back pain. On examination of the right lower extremity (RLE), she had mild weakness (3/5 strength) and reduced sensation to light touch over its anterolateral aspect (dermatome L4). She was unable to perform single leg stance or tandem walk. Imaging revealed moderate mid-lumbar levoscoliosis, severe degenerative disc disease and facet hypertrophy changes in the setting of prior multilevel lumbar fusion, and consecutive nerve root impingement between L1 and L5 (worst at L3–4). DEXA scan was consistent with osteoporosis. The patient underwent lumbar laminectomy with posterior fusion of T10-ilium, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, osteotomy, and decompression using stereotactic navigation. The presence of SI titanium dowels from her previous SI fusion procedure posed a challenge with respect to achieving pelvic fixation.Clinical discussionIliac screw placement is a critical adjunctive to lumbosacral fusion, notably for prevention of pseudoarthrosis; however, patients with prior SI fusion may present a biomechanical challenge to surgeons due to obstruction of the surgical site. The O-arm neuronavigation system was successfully used to bypass this obstruction and provide sacroiliac fixation in this procedure.ConclusionStereotactic navigation (The O-arm Surgical Imaging System) can effectively be used to circumvent prior SI fusion in osteoporotic bone.

Change in sagittal alignment after decompression alone in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis without significant deformity: a prospective cohort study.

The authors' objective was to investigate whether sagittal balance improves in patients with spinal stenosis after decompression alone. This prospective longitudinal cohort study compared preoperative and 6-month postoperative 36-inch full-length radiographs in patients aged older than 60 years. Patients underwent decompression alone for central lumbar spinal stenosis with either a minimally invasive bilateral laminotomy for central decompression, unilateral laminectomy as an over-the-top procedure for bilateral decompression, or traditional wide laminectomy with removal of the spinous processes on both sides. The following radiographic parameters were measured: sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), PI-LL mismatch, coronal Cobb angle, and sacral slope (SS). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected, including scores on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) for leg and back pain, and EQ-5D. Forty-five patients (24 males) with a mean ± SD age of 71.8 ± 5.6 years were included. Sagittal balance showed statistically significant improvement, with the mean SVA decreasing from 52.3 mm preoperatively to 33.9 mm postoperatively (p = 0.0001). The authors found an increase in LL, from mean -41.5° preoperatively to -43.9° postoperatively, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.055). A statistically significant decrease in PI-LL mismatch from mean 8.4° preoperatively to 5.8° postoperatively was found (p = 0.002). All PROM scores showed significant improvement after spinal decompression surgery. The correlations between SVA and all PROMs were statistically significant at both preoperative and postoperative time points, although most correlations were weak except for those between preoperative SVA and ODI (r = 0.55) and between SVA and VAS for leg pain (r = 0.58). Sagittal balance and PROMs show improvement at short-term follow-up evaluations in patients who have undergone decompression alone for lumbar spinal stenosis.

A minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure after an interspinous spacer device implantation: an uncommon order of treatment with a successful outcome.

A patient with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) was referred to our clinic due to refractory low back pain, radicular pain, and neurogenic claudication despite conservative treatment with medical management. Imaging of the lumbar spine revealed spinal canal and foraminal stenosis. Multiple epidural steroid injections (ESI) were performed which did not resolve her condition. We offered her an Implantation of an Interspinous Spacer Device (ISD) since her primary symptoms were predominantly characteristic of radicular pain. Her radicular symptoms improved but experienced worsening of her lower back pain and neurogenic claudication. For these reasons, we then offered her a Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) procedure. Though both procedures share the same incisional approach, the first one deploys an implant in the interspinous process, as opposed to the MILD procedure which does not. We therefore describe the intricacies of performing a MILD procedure after an ISD implant and share the patient's outcome.

Hard collar immobilisation following elective surgery on the cervical spine: a cross-sectional survey of UK spinal surgeons

Introduction Although mostly used in the management of spinal trauma, hard collar immobilisation is also used as an adjunct to recovery after elective cervical spine surgery. Many surgeons believe that bracing reduces the risk of non-union and pain and provides a subjective sense of security for patients. There is little if any, evidence for this practice and immobilisation can be a direct cause of adverse events. The primary aim of this study was to provide an updated assessment of post-operative bracing practice in UK spinal surgeons, including the indications, rationale and perspectives on compliance and complications. Methods Neurosurgeons and spinal orthopaedic surgeons completed a web-based survey distributed by email to members of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS) and the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS). Professional information captured included level of experience and whether surgeons had a specialist interest in spinal surgery. Questions first focused on the frequency and duration of hard collar immobilisation for common decompressive procedures. Later questions captured surgeon rationale, perceptions of patient compliance, complications, and collar removal. Results A total of 86 surgeons completed the survey, of whom 83% were spinal specialists. In total, 33 (38%) surgeons recommend a hard collar following at least one of the elective procedures listed. Collars were most commonly recommended following cervical corpectomy (30%). The support of fusion and bone healing was the most common rationale (82%), with post-operative pain (45%) and limiting patient activity (39%) also considered. Most surgeons (69%) believed that their patients were compliant. All listed types of complications were reported, with impaired activities of daily living (41%) and impaired sleep (34%) the most frequently cited. Conclusions Current post-operative use of hard collars is much lower in the United Kingdom than previously reported in the United States. Surgeon decision-making is inconsistent and may benefit from greater standardisation. Future work is needed to help develop guidelines as a move away from arbitrary to evidence-based practice.

Percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy benefits in patients with refractory trigeminal neuralgia.

A significant number of patients suffers from refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after receiving microvascular decompression (MVD) or other neuro-destructive procedure such as gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS). This study aims to demonstrate a remediable, reproducible approach to treating refractory pain effectively by percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy (RF-TR).A total of 392 patients with TN were treated by RF-TR during the past 10 years. Among these patients, 48 cases who had received either MVD, GKRS alone, or a combination of both were assigned to group A. Those who had not received any form of treatment (125 patients) or failed to respond medically (130 patients) were assigned as the control group (group B). All the RF-TR were performed by a single surgeon with the aid of intraoperative computed tomography (iCT)-based neuronavigation with magnetic resonance (MR) image fusion. The outcome measure was the numerical rating scale (NRS) expressed subjectively by patients. The paired Student t test and the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for statistical analysis.In group A, 21 of 24 patients (88%) had significant improvement (NRS change ≥5) in facial pain after RF-TR. The average NRS score was 9.75 ± 0.53 before the procedure and 1.92 ± 3.35 post-treatment (significant NRS decrease [P = .000]). On the other hand, in group B, 226 of 255 patients (89%) also had dramatic amelioration of facial pain after RF-TR. The average NRS score was 9.46 ± 0.69 before the procedure and 1.62 ± 2.85 post-treatment (7.84 ± 2.82 in NRS decrease [P = .008]). By using a univariate ANCOVA, no statistical significance was found in NRS score improvement between the two groups.Repeated MVD and GKRS for refractory TN may be less desirable due to a greater risk of mortality (up to 0.8%) and morbidity (4% of serious complications). Conversely, RF-TR administration with the novel navigation technique by using iCT and MR image fusion is free from any remarkable and irreversible morbidities. In this study, RF-TR not only provided an alternative and effective strategy if TN recurred but also resulted in the same NRS score improvement regardless of the status of prior treatment.

Biomechanical analysis of laminectomy, laminoplasty, posterior decompression with instrumented fusion, and anterior decompression with fusion for the kyphotic cervical spine.

Anterior and posterior decompressions for cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy may lead to clinical improvements. However, patients with kyphotic cervical alignment have sometimes shown poor clinical outcomes with posterior decompression. There is a lack on report of mechanical analysis of the decompression procedures for kyphotic cervical alignment. This study employed a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the cervical spine (C2-C7) with the pre-operative kyphotic alignment (Pre-OK) model and compared the biomechanical parameters (range of motion (ROM), annular stresses, nucleus stresses, and facet contact forces) for four decompression procedures at two levels (C3-C5); laminectomy (LN), laminoplasty (LP), posterior decompression with fusion (PDF), and anterior decompression with fusion (ADF). Pure moment with compressive follower load was applied to these models. PDF and ADF models' global ROM were 40% at C2-C7 less than the Pre-OK, LN, and LP models. The annular and nucleus stresses decreased more than 10% at the surgery levels for ADF, and PDF, compared to the Pre-OK, LN, and LP models. However, the annular stresses at the adjacent cranial level (C2-C3) of ADF were 20% higher. The nucleus stresses of the caudal adjacent level (C5-C6) of PDF were 20% higher, compared to other models. The PDF and ADF models showed a less than 70% decrease in the facet forces at the surgery levels, compared to the Pre-OK, LN, and LP models. The study concluded that posterior decompression, such as LN or LP, increases ROM, disc stress, and facet force and thus can lead to instability. Although there is the risk of adjacent segment disease (ASD), PDF and ADF can stabilize the cervical spine even for kyphotic alignments.

Effectiveness and outcome of spinal decompression surgery in overweight and obese patients

Objectives: Minimal invasive spinal surgery (MISS) is a relatively new surgical approach that minimizes tissue damage, reduces blood loss, and promises faster post-operative recovery compared to the traditional open approach. The current retrospective study aimed to assess and compare the surgical time, blood loss during the procedures, post-operative mobility, hospital stay, post-operative pain, and post-surgery patient satisfaction between the two groups. Methods: Forty patients who underwent decompression procedures at our institute were included in this retrospective study. The patients were interviewed by a phone call by a single coinvestigator 1 year after surgery to survey their satisfaction. Results: Thirteen patients (32.5%) underwent MISS and 27 (67.5%) underwent traditional surgery. The mean operative time and blood loss volume for MISS and traditional surgery were found to be 166.08 ± 44.75 min and 193.14 ± 58.67 min, and 69.23 ± 25.31 mL and 367 ± 451.5, respectively. The hospital stay was 3.62 ± 1.38 days for the MISS and 6.48 ± 4.57 days for the traditional surgery. Post-operative mobilization was found to be the 1st day for MISS and the 1.78th day for the traditional surgery group. Statistical significance difference (P < 0.05) was observed in blood loss volume, hospitalization time, post-operative mobilization, and pain level after surgery in favor of MISS. Conclusion: MISS in obese patients was found superior to traditional (open) surgery in blood loss, operative time, post-operative mobilization, and post-operative pain.

Delayed Cranial Decompression Rates After Initiation of Unfractionated Heparin versus Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Traumatic Brain Injury

Both unfractionated heparin (UH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are routinely used prophylactically after traumatic brain injury (TBI) to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Their comparative risk for development or worsening of intracranial hemorrhage necessitating cranial decompression is unclear. Furthermore, the absence of a specific antidote for LMWH may lead to UH being used more often for high-risk patients. This study aims to compare the incidence of delayed cranial decompression occurring after initiation of prophylactic UH versus LMWH using the National Trauma Data Bank. Cranial decompression procedures included craniotomy and craniectomy. Multiple imputation was used for missing data. Propensity score matching was used to account for selection bias between UH and LMWH. The 1:1 matched groups were compared using logistic regression for the primary outcome of postprophylaxis cranial decompression. A total of 218,594 patients with TBI were included, with 61,998 (28.3%) receiving UH and 156,596 (71.7%) receiving LMWH as DVT prophylaxis. The UH group had higher patient age, body mass index, comorbidity rates, Injury Severity Score, and worse motor Glasgow Coma Scale score. After the UH and LMWH groups were matched for these factors, logistic regression showed lower rates of postprophylaxis cranial decompression for the LMWH group (odds ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.16; P < 0.001). Despite the absence of a specific antidote, LMWH was associated with lower rates of need for post-DVT-prophylaxis in craniotomy/craniectomy. This finding questions the notion of UH being safer for patients with TBI because it can be readily reversed. Randomized studies are needed to elucidate causality.

Adult Female Sleep During Hypoxic Bed Rest.

PurposeHypobaric hypoxic habitats are currently being touted as a potential solution to minimise decompression procedures in preparation for extra vehicular activities during future space missions. Since astronauts will live in hypoxic environments for the duration of such missions, the present study sought to elucidate the separate and combined effects of inactivity [simulated with the experimental bed rest (BR) model] and hypoxia on sleep characteristics in women.MethodsTwelve women (Age = 27 ± 3 year) took part in three 10-day interventions, in a repeated measures cross-over counterbalanced design: (1) normobaric normoxic BR (NBR), (2) normobaric hypoxic BR (HBR; simulated altitude of 4,000 m), and (3) normobaric hypoxic ambulatory (HAMB; 4,000 m) confinement, during which sleep was assessed on night 1 and night 10 with polysomnography. In addition, one baseline sleep assessment was performed. This baseline assessment, although lacking a confinement aspect, was included statistically as a fourth comparison (i.e., pseudo normobaric normoxic ambulatory; pNAMB) in the present study.ResultsHypoxia decreased sleep efficiency (p = 0.019), increased N1% sleep (p = 0.030), decreased N3 sleep duration (p = 0.003), and increased apnea hypopnea index (p < 0.001). BR impaired sleep maintenance, efficiency, and architecture [e.g., N2% sleep increased (p = 0.033)]. Specifically, for N3% sleep, the effects of partial pressure of oxygen and activity interacted. Hypoxia decreased N3% sleep both when active (pNAMB vs HAMB; p < 0.001) and inactive (NBR vs HBR; p = 0.021), however, this decrease was attenuated in the inactive state (–3.8%) compared to the active state (–10.2%).ConclusionA 10-day exposure to hypoxia and BR negatively impacted sleep on multiple levels as in macrostructure, microstructure and respiratory functioning. Interestingly, hypoxia appeared to have less adverse effects on sleep macrostructure while the participants were inactive (bed ridden) compared to when ambulatory. Data were missing to some extent (i.e., 20.8%). Therefore, multiple imputation was used, and our results should be considered as exploratory.

Proximal vertebral artery surgery. Results of treatment of ischemia of the rhombencephalon (hindbrain). Simultaneous carotid and vertebral artery decompression procedures.

Surgical treatment of hindbrain ischemia is becoming the accepted surgical procedure in cases of stenosis of extracranial segments of vertebral arteries in the course of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in their initial segments (V1) or caused by external compression of these arteries in the canal formed by the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae. The latter is referred to as vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI). The transposition of the left vertebral artery to the common carotid artery in cases where stent graft implantation is necessary with coverage of the subclavian artery and possible blood supply disorders of both the hindbrain and the spinal cord has become important. In the Department of Vascular Surgery at the Medical University in Wrocław , in 58 out of 76 patients treated for ischemia of the hindbrain, the procedures were performed in the distal vertebral artery. The authors present the diagnosis of 18 patients treated surgically for stenosis or kinking of vertebral arteries in their first segment. In 12 cases, the procedure was performed with simultaneous unblocking of significantly narrowed left internal carotid artery. The material includes patients operated on between 1994 and 2018, most of whom had a good or very good outcome with zero mortality.

Short-Term Outcomes and Clinical Features Analysis of Anterior Cervical Discectomy; Effect of Non-Instrumented Vs. Instrumented Fusion

Aim: To investigate the impact of instrumental and non-instrumental anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedures on various cervical degenerative diseases in terms of reducing pain and disability. Study Design: A prospective case series. Place and Duration: The study was conducted in the Neurosurgery Ward of Ayub Medical Complex, Abbottabad and Neurosurgery department of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar for duration 1 year from 1st Jan 2021 to 31st Dec 2021. Material and Methods: A total of 40 patients who underwent surgery for cervical degenerative diseases were selected and patients with more than one level segment were excluded from the study. Clinical symptoms and preoperative pain and disability were recorded using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Nurick grading. Post-operative score was recorded with improvement or deterioration in VAS, JOA score, and Odom criteria. Results: 40 patients, 24 (60%) men and 16 (40%) women were enrolled in the analysis. The mean age was 56.6 years ± 6.7 SD. Mean length of symptoms was 12.05 months with 5.65 SD. The total mean span of stay in the postoperative period was 4.55 days ± 1.05 SD. 24 (62.5%) patients reported neck pain, 18 (45%) patients with symptoms of radiculopathy, and 12 (30%) sensory deficits. In the study, 13 (32.5%) patients had features of cervical myelopathy. There was hand weakness in 11 (27.5%) cases and reduced range of neck motion in 15 (37.5%) cases. Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) were performed in 24 (60%) patients, and anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) was performed in only 16 (40%) patients. The median of pre-operative VAS was 7.9 (mean 7.2) ± 1.35 SD, and the median of post-operative VAS after 2 weeks of follow-up was 3.00 (mean 3.04) ± 0.64 SD and 2.00 (mean 1.91) ± 0.94 SD after 3-month follow-up. Similarly, the median pre-operative JOA score was 15.20 (mean: 12.7) ± 3.30 SD, and after 3 months of follow-up, it was 16.00 (mean: 15.5) ± 1.01 SD. The reduction of the median VAS (Z = -4.46) and JOA (Z = -4.22) scores for both intervention groups was statistically significant after 3 months of follow-up (p &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Anterior cervical procedures are associated with excellent short-term outcomes in reducing pain and disability. ACDF requires longer operative time, but the length of postoperative stay was comparable in both groups. Keywords: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, Cervical spondylosis and Surgical result

What's New in Spine Surgery.

What's New in Spine Surgery.

Effectiveness of Calcium Sulfate and Hydroxyapatite Composite in Collapse Prevention in Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head.

IntroductionCalcium-sulfate-hydroxyapatite bioceramics have been widely used as void fillers in bone. However, their effectiveness as void fillers in core decompression for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in preventing femoral head collapse prevention has limited evidence. The current study investigates the effectiveness of calcium-sulfate-hydroxyapatite bioceramics as a void filler in the core decompression procedure for ONFH.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological records of ONFH patients that underwent core-decompression using either autologous iliac crest cancellous bone graft or calcium-sulfate-hydroxyapatite bioceramic paste as void fillers with at least one-year follow-up. The primary outcome of this study was the radiological progression of collapse in the last available standard anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the hip. The collapse progression was compared between the two groups based on void fillers.ResultsThis study included patient records with 44 hip joints that underwent core decompression. There were five female and 33 male patients. The mean age was 29.1±6.3 years. The mean follow-up duration was 21.4±3.4 months. No significant differences in collapse progression were observed between the two groups based on void fillers.ConclusionThe use of calcium-sulfate-hydroxyapatite as a void filler in core decompress for ONFH is not superior to the autologous cancellous bone in terms of collapse prevention and mechanical support. Further modifications in the core decompression techniques and well-planned prospective studies would help establish sound recommendations.

Pre-existing adjacent level foraminal stenosis does not affect the outcome of a single level lumbar interbody fusion

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate whether or not pre-existing asymptomatic neuroforaminal stenosis adjacent to the fusion level develops adjacent segment disease (ASD) after single-level lumbar interbody fusion. Summary and background dataRisk factors of ASD after spinal fusion have been well investigated, but there have been few studies focused on the relationship between ASD and pre-existing asymptomatic neuroforaminal stenosis. MethodsA total of 302 patients who had undergone a single-level lumbar interbody fusion were reviewed at a minimum of 2 year follow-up. They were 109 men and 193 women with a mean age of 68.8 years. Follow-up periods was averaged 53.5 months. ASD was defined as neurological deterioration related to adjacent segment pathologies which required an additional surgery. Based on the pathologies, patients were divided into three categories: ASD due to foraminal stenosis (ASD-FS), ASD due to central stenosis (ASD-CS), and ASD due to herniated disc (ASD-HD). Measured variables were age, gender, diagnosis, BMI, decompression procedures at adjacent segments, preoperative anterior/posterior slip, asymptomatic neuroforaminal stenosis, facet tropism, and postoperative spinopelvic parameters. ResultsThirty-eight patients (12.6%) developed ASD. There were 15 patients with ASD-FS, 18 patients with ASD-CS, and five patients with ASD-HD. Lumbar lordosis (LL) and sacral slope (SS) were significantly smaller and pelvic tilt (PT) was significantly larger in ASD-FS. Asymptomatic neuroforaminal stenosis was detected preoperatively in 33.3% of the ASD-FS group, and 18.6% of non-ASD group; the incidence was not significantly different. ConclusionsAdjacent-level neuroforaminal stenosis was not a significant risk of ASD after single-level lumbar interbody fusion, and might not need to be fused if asymptomatic.

Clinical outcomes following neurolysis and porcine collagen extracellular matrix wrapping of scarred nerves in revision carpal tunnel decompression

Scar tether after primary nerve decompression can impair physiological nerve glide and vascularity of the nerve. Revision decompression in the setting of neurostenalgia should address the scarred mesoneurium in order to prevent further entrapment and tether. This study reports on the clinical outcomes of 12 patients with neurostenalgia following carpal tunnel decompression (CTD), treated with revision CTD and a porcine submucosa extracellular matrix nerve wrap (PECM) (Axoguard® nerve protector, Axogen Inc., Alachua, FL). Eleven patients had one primary decompression procedure prior to revision surgery; one patient previously had two operations for CTD. There was a significant reduction in visual analogue pain scores (VAS) and improvement in patients' satisfaction rating and symptom resolution. Patient-reported outcome measures were recorded using the Impact of Hand Nerve Disorders (I-HaND) Scale (Version 2), which demonstrated a significant reduction in hand disability. There were no complications attributable to the procedure and no re-revision procedures necessary at the latest follow-up.

Augmented Reality Navigation-Guided Core Decompression for Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common joint disease in young and middle-aged patients, which seriously burdens their lives and work. For early-stage ONFH, core decompression surgery is a classical and effective hip preservation therapy. In traditional procedures of core decompression with Kirschner wire, there are still many problems such as X-ray exposure, repeated puncture verification, and damage to normal bone tissue. The blindness of the puncture process and the inability to provide real-time visualization are crucial reasons for these problems. To optimize this procedure, our team developed an intraoperative navigation system on the basis of augmented reality (AR) technology. This surgical system can intuitively display the anatomy of the surgical areas and render preoperative images and virtual needles to intraoperative video in real-time. With the guide of the navigation system, surgeons can accurately insert Kirschner wires into the targeted lesion area and minimize the collateral damage. We conducted 10 cases of core decompression surgery with this system. The efficiency of positioning and fluoroscopy is greatly improved compared to the traditional procedures, and the accuracy of puncture is also guaranteed.

Comparison of the decompressive effect of different surgical procedures for dysthyroid optic neuropathy using 3D printed models

PurposeTo compare the decompressive effect around the optic nerve canal among 3 different decompression procedures (medial, balanced, and inferomedial) using 3D printed models.MethodsIn this experimental study, based on data obtained from 9 patients (18 sides) with dysthyroid optic neuropathy, a preoperative control model and 3 plaster decompression models were created using a 3D printer (total, 72 sides of 36 models). A pressure sensor was placed at the optic foramen, and the orbital space was filled with silicone. The surface of the silicone was pushed down directly, and changes in pressure were recorded at 2-mm increments of pushing.ResultsAt 10 mm of pushing, there was significantly lower pressure in the medial (19,782.2 ± 4319.9 Pa, P = 0.001), balanced (19,448.3 ± 3767.4 Pa, P = 0.003), and inferomedial (15,855.8 ± 4000.7 Pa, P < 0.001) decompression models than in the control model (25,217.8 ± 6087.5 Pa). Overall, the statistical results for each 2-mm push were similar among the models up to 10 mm of pushing (P < 0.050). At each push, inferomedial decompression caused the greatest reduction in pressure (P < 0.050), whereas there was no significant difference in pressure between the medial and balanced decompression models (P > 0.050).ConclusionAll 3 commonly performed decompression procedures significantly reduced retrobulbar pressure. Because inferomedial decompression models obtained the greatest reduction in pressure on the optic nerve canal, inferomedial decompression should be considered the most reliable procedure for rescuing vision in dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

Complex Neurovascular Syndromes: Is the Compressing Vessel Alone the Culprit?

Objective To describe and correlate the clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings in patients with refractory neurovascular syndromes (NVS) not responding to conventional medical management and to determine the surgical outcome of the microvascular decompression (MVD) procedure. Methods Medical records of 17 patients with NVS (trigeminal neuralgia [TN] = 14 and hemifacial spasm = 3) who underwent surgery for symptom relief from January 2018 to July 2021 with follow-up data (1–36 months) were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics (age, sex), clinical features (site, duration of symptoms, distribution), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, micro-neurosurgical details (type of surgery, obstructive vessel), and postoperative outcome and complications were recorded. Statistical Analysis Descriptive analysis was performed. Variables were presented as either mean and standard deviation or frequency and percentages. Results The mean (standard deviation) age of patients in our study cohort was 52.6 (12.2) years. TN was common in females (64.3%). The mean duration of symptoms was longer in patients with hemifacial spasms than in patients with TN (3.3 vs. 2.7 years). While the right side was commonly affected in TN (64.3%), the left side was common in hemifacial spasm (66.7%). Most common neuralgia symptoms were distributed along the V2V3 (maxillary and mandibular division) branches (42.9%). MRI revealed neurovascular conflict in nine patients, epidermoid tumor in three patients, classical vestibular schwannoma in two patients, and short cisternal segments in three patients. Intraoperatively, superior cerebellar artery was the main offending vessel in TN followed by anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and venous compression, while tortuous vertebral artery and AICA along with thickened entangled arachnoid were seen in hemifacial spasms. Almost all patients (88.2%) reported immediate postoperative complete pain relief. One patient died secondary to chest infection after a month. Conclusion Arachnoid entanglement around the neurovascular bundle along with vascular compression over the cranial nerves is the main cause of NVS. Advanced micro-neurosurgical techniques used in MVD achieve excellent outcomes with improved quality of life. However, identifying the refractory NVS not responding to conventional medical management and early surgical management are paramount.

Quality of life in a 61-year-old paraplegic patient with myelomeningocele: illustrative case.

BACKGROUNDLimited data exist on survival of patients with myelomeningocele (MM) into late adulthood. Patients born prior to 1975 received less surgical treatment and demonstrated poorer survival. Patients born after 1975 show lower mortality rates because of advancements in prenatal care, diagnostics, technology, and treatment. The increasing number of adult patients with MM demonstrates these successes but also highlights the need for a better understanding of both medical management and quality-of-life issues in this population.OBSERVATIONSA 61-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a functional level T12, vertebral level low lumbar MM that had developed a tissue defect with a cerebrospinal fluid leak. The patient had her MM closed at birth and since then had received no additional surgical treatment or repair of her MM defect. After successful treatment, the patient continues to follow up for additional decompression procedures and admits to a good quality of life.LESSONSThis case adds to the limited literature describing management of patients with MM over the age of 60. The patient’s self-described good quality of life and longevity align with reports of importance of independence, level of education, bowel management, ability to provide self-care, strong interpersonal relationships, and absence of shunted hydrocephalus.