Minerva Cast Research Articles

Non-dysraphic intramedullary spinal cord lipoma of the child: Report of 3 cases

Background and purposeNon-dysraphic intramedullary spinal cord lipomas (NDSCL) represent 1% of spinal cord tumors. They are less frequent than dysraphic spinal cord lipomas and clinical presentation is unspecific. There are no guidelines on surgical management. Material and methodsWe report three observations of NDSCL in children, focusing on the clinical presentation, surgical management and postoperative outcome. ResultsThe patients, one female and two males, aged from 5 months to 10 years presented with neurological deterioration, pain, spinal rigidity and in two cases, a subcutaneous mass. Spinal MRI found intradural lipomas without spina bifida, located in the cervico-thoracic area in all cases. The lipoma extended to the medulla oblongata in two cases and was in the lumbar region in the third. These lipomas were massive, requiring decompression surgery. Surgery confirmed the lipoma to be subpial. We performed debulking of the lipoma without attempting total resection, and with or without dural plasty and laminoplasty, followed by minerva cast in two cases, and avoidance of standing in the youngest. Satisfactory recovery occurred in all three cases. After a follow-up between 4 months and 9 years, the outcome was favorable in all cases, and no patient presented with secondary spinal deformation or lipoma progression. ConclusionNDSCL is a rare entity, which often manifests with progressive pain and neurological deficits. In our experience, partial resection with or without dural plasty and laminoplasty has been associated with satisfactory postoperative outcomes and no recurrence of symptoms. We should be attentive to the risk of postoperative spinal deformity in these young patients.

Conservative approach for treatment of Grisel's syndrome after resection of lympahadenitis tuberculosis of the neck: A rare case report.

IntroductionGrisel's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by nontraumatic rotatory subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint, which was caused by previous inflammation around the head and neck. It is usually seen in children and signed as torticollis. There was no consensus for management, yet early diagnosis and treatment is paramount.Presentation of caseA 5-year-old girl came to outpatient clinic complaining of wry neck 1 day after surgical excision of her TB lymphadenitis and got worsen by time. There was no history of trauma around the neck. Examination under general anesthesia and CT scan revealed acquired severe torticollis consistent with Grisel's Syndrome Fielding type 3 accompanied by TB lymphadenitis, and TB myositis of the neck. Manipulation under general anesthesia and immobilization using Minerva cast followed by Lerman Cervicothoracal Osthosis was conducted.DiscussionThis patient was diagnosed with Grisel's syndrome and underwent conservative treatment consisting of reduction under general anesthesia and immobilization using Minerva cast for 6 weeks. The patient was then applied Lherman Cervical Thoracic Orthosis (CTO) halo brace for another 3 months. Anti-tuberculous drug was given to control tuberculous infection. Eight months follow-up showed neither residual deformity, neck pain, nor movement limitation of the neck.ConclusionGrisel's syndrome has excellent result that is treated with conservative treatment using reduction under general anesthesia and Minerva cast.

Acute traumatic unilateral cervical C4\u2013C5 facet dislocation in pediatric toddlers

BackgroundThe present study is to highlight the challenges in managing cervical spine injuries in toddlers (less than 4 years of age) without neurological deficit. Cases of unilateral cervical C4–C5 facet dislocation in toddlers are very rare.Case presentationA 3-year-old girl suffered cervical spine injury after a motor vehicle collision with unilateral C4–C5 facet dislocation without neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no spinal cord injury, Frankel grade E. Initial management was cervical spine protection. Definite treatment and complication were discussed with the patient’s parents before closed reduction maneuver with minerva cast was applied under sedation. The patient showed no complication after closed reduction and the cervical spine had aligned well in radiographs. The minerva cast was removed at 8 weeks, at which point neck muscle stretching rehabilitation program started. At one-year follow up, the child was asymptomatic, had full active cervical motion and good function. In radiographs, the cervical spine had normal alignment and was healed.ConclusionsUnilateral cervical facet dislocation in toddlers is very rare. Closed reduction maneuver and the minerva cast applied were optional in this case. The parents were highly satisfied with the effective treatment and outcome.

Non-contiguous Cervical Spine Injury in a 14-month old Child; Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction Cervical spine injuries in children are relatively rare. Pattern, severity and level of these injuries are age dependant. Most of the available literature differentiates between two age groups, younger and older than 8 years. The incidence of upper cervical injuries is higher among children younger than 8 years. Most of the available literature is retrospective analysis of databases or case reports. Patients and Methods: a 14-month old child was presented to our emergency unit after involvement in a road-traffic accident. A stiff neck cervical collar was applied at the accident scene. The child was conscious, oriented. He had tendency to move the right upper and lower limb better than the left side. He had torticollis with the head rotated to the left side. Neurological examination revealed a left-sided hemiparesis. He had no other injuries. Under general anesthesia CT and MRI of the skull and the cervical spine were done. These investigations showed a fracture of the axis with a rotary subluxation of C1/2, cord edema at the level of C1 predominantly on the left side and a disco-ligamentous injury at the level of C3/4. Controlled closed reduction under image intensifier and Minerva cast was applied for 3 weeks, and then replaced with a modified Minerva-Hartmann orthosis for another 3 weeks. A review of the literature for patients below the age of 3 years with cervical spine injuries was done in a trial to define an algorithm to clear the cervical spine and to outline the management of this age group. Results The patient was followed for one year with normal MRI findings at 6 months and normal clinical findings at one year follow-up with complete improvement of the neurological deficits. Conclusion Clearance of the cervical spine after trauma in children below the age of 3 is challenging. Articulation and cooperation during clinical examination and imaging investigation is limited. Imaging should be done under general anesthesia. Immobilisation is also demanding and definitive immobilisation for conservative treatment is usually using custom-made orthoses. results of conservative treatment are excellent if closed reduction and immobilisation were achieved.

Vincenzo Quercioli (1876-1939), researcher and pioneer of the atlas fracture.

A review of early 20th century literature regarding fractures of the atlas led the authors to discover a paper written in Italian by Professor Vincenzo Quercioli in 1908, at that time an assistant surgeon at the University of Siena. The work was published in the journal Il Policlinico, which at that time was directed by Professor Francesco Durante. The paper described the first case of a quadripartite fracture of the atlas, and it accurately reported the mechanism of injury, symptoms, neurological examination, treatment, complications, and cause of death of the patient. Quercioli performed an autopsy on the patient and gave a detailed description of anatomopathological features. In particular, he identified the 4 symmetrical fracture lines related to the arches of the atlas and the substantial integrity of the atlantoaxial ligaments, particularly the transverse ligament. Based on those findings, Quercioli concluded that the mechanism of trauma was an axial force. This force passed through the center of the vertebral ring and caused symmetrical displacement and compression of the articular masses. These concepts of dynamic physics led Quercioli to conclude that, because the atlas is wedge shaped, the masses of the atlas reacted to stress by moving away from the center. This reaction resulted in stretching the front and rear arches, which then fractured at their 4 points of weakness. The integrity of the spinal cord was intact, based on a negative neurological examination for CNS lesions. Thus, he concluded that these injuries were not fatal and could be cured by appropriate treatment with a Minerva cast and, in the presence of swallowing disorders, with a nasogastric tube. The case described by Quercioli was later mentioned in two classic works on atlas fractures by Sir Geoffrey Jefferson, published in 1920 and 1927. In those works, Jefferson proposed his classification of 5 different anatomopathological classes; this work is widely cited in the literature and should be considered a classic. The patterns and deductions that Jefferson reported on these fractures appeared to draw upon the scientific experience of Quercioli and his description of the quadripartite atlas fracture, which appeared to be unique, even in Jefferson's review. Therefore, the authors believe that they have identified another scientist and pioneer of the atlas fracture in Professor Vincenzo Quercioli. With his brilliant insights, which remain useful and valid, Quercioli led the way to further research on the subject.

A novel technique to treat Grisel’s syndrome: results of a simplified, therapeutical algorithm

Grisel's syndrome is a rare entity and usually develops in paediatric patients after otolaryngologic surgery or infection. It is defined as a fixed torticollis combined with a rotatory atlanto-axial subluxation. The success rate of physiotherapy is low. Conventional therapy concepts imply stage-related recommendations based on the Fielding classification (type I-IV). This classification was introduced in 1977 to assess the degree of subluxation between atlas (C1) and axis (C2). Thus, instability increases from type I to IV. Higher stages may require surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of an alternative, less invasive treatment protocol in Grisel's syndrome. Irrespective of the underlying Fielding type we treated five children (Fielding type I-III) by manual repositioning under general anaesthesia. Consecutively, the cervical spine was immobilized with a Minerva cast for four to eight weeks. Additional surgical treatment or immobilization in a Halo-Fixateur was not necessary. Overall period of treatment was reduced, even in patients with delayed diagnosis. No case of recurrence was observed within a follow-up of six months. Current conventional recommendations suggest invasive treatment with Halo-Fixateur in patients with higher degrees of subluxation (e.g., Fielding type III) or after delayed diagnosis. Even in those patients, this novel therapy concept enables us to achieve excellent clinical results without surgical intervention.

Espondilolistese traumática do áxis: epidemiologia, conduta e evolução

ObjectiveTo evaluate cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis and describe them in relation to epidemiology, classification, neurological deficit, healing time and treatment method.MethodA retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients treated between 2002 and 2010 at IOT-FMUSP. Inclusion criteria: pars interarticularis fracture of C2.Results68% were male patients, with a mean age of 39.1 years. We used the classification by Effendi, modified by Levine-Edwards. Type I fractures were observed in five patients (31.2%) and type II in eight patients (50%). Only three patients (18%) had type IIa fracture. There were no cases of type III. Mechanism: Eight car accidents and four falls. Other mechanisms: being run over, and diving accidents. Treatment with halo traction was used in eleven patients, using minerva cast and halo-cast. Healing time: 3.6 months. Follow-up time: 9.6 months.DiscussionIn general, hangman fracture has a good prognosis, which is confirmed by our results. There was no need for surgery in any of the cases. The incidence of neurological deficit is low. No patient had unstable fracture (type III).ConclusionThis paper suggests that traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis continues to be an injury that is successfully treated by conservative treatment in most cases. Level of Evidence -IV, Case series.

Muskulärer Schiefhals

Correction of malalignment of the cervical spine with the head tilted to the side of the shortened muscle and rotation to the opposite side due to a contract sternocleidomastoid muscle. Attainment of an increased range of motion of the cervical spine and a better cosmetic appearance. Regression of a facial asymmetry. Contract sternocleidomastoid muscle with deformity intolerable by the patients and their parents. Bony anomalies with consecutive torticollis. Torticollis caused by other muscular contractures (trapezoid muscle). Torticollis due to acute rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammation around the neck. Other forms of torticollis (psychogenic, ocular, vestibular or spasmodic torticollis). In younger children, subcutaneous tenotomy of the distal part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. At preschool age, additional incision of the deep cervical fascial layer with an open tenotomy. In delayed operations, open distal and proximal tenotomy together with incision of the deep fascial layer or complete excision of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Until the age of 6 years, application of a Minerva cast after surgery for 6 weeks. Subsequently, physical therapy for 6 months. In children of school age and older people, application of a soft cervical bandage for 6 weeks with functional physiotherapy. In 83 reexamined patients with muscular torticollis, 76 biterminal and seven distal tenotomies had been performed. Regarding the age at the time of operation and the interval to follow-up, an improvement of facial symmetry could be achieved. At the control, 25 patients showed complete recovery of facial asymmetry, 43 had a slight and 15 a severe asymmetry. The complication rate was low with one injury to the external jugular vein and one transient facial nerve paresis. In two patients, passive overcorrection in the cast resulted in transient paresis. Two patients developed a recurrence of muscular torticollis.

Evaluation of morbidity, mortality and outcome following cervical spine injuries in elderly patients (S. A. Malik et al.)

Dear Editor, We have read with interest the retrospective case series by Malik et al. [7] evaluating morbidity, mortality and outcome following cervical spine injuries in 107 elderly patients. Like others, this study stresses the clinical importance of cervical spine injuries within the elderly population [5, 8, 10]. However, after reading the publication carefully, several major concerns raised with respect to the validity of the conclusions the authors draw. Primary concern is the approach Malik et al. used to select eligible patients for inclusion. While registration of included patients was performed within Ireland’s national spinal injury unit, 92% of included subjects were referrals from other hospitals in Ireland. As a consequence, referral bias results in suboptimal comparisons of results with other (homogeneous) study populations. Referral bias is not a new concept, it has been reported earlier in Alzheimer’s disease studies [2, 6, 9]. During the period 1994–2002 “a standard cervical radiographic series consisting of anteroposterior, open mouth odontoid, and lateral radiographs” was obtained in each included patient. Other diagnostic investigations included MRI and CT scans. Remarkably, in the conclusion section the authors recommend the use of a “standard protocol to evaluate a potential cervical spine injury” by citing two articles published in 2000 [1, 4]. Since Malik et al. included patients from 1994 on, and did not use cited diagnostic work up algorithm, the validity of the authors’ conclusive recommendation is questionable. Another confusing aspect is the report of frequencies in the “morbidity” and “mortality” sections. “18.6% developed complications during follow-up.” It remains unclear how many complications were reported. Were there any patients suffering more than one complication? In addition, reported complications that occurred in 32 patients who died during follow-up have not been described consistently in the “morbidity” section. Furthermore, the reported number of deceased patients does not match with reported number of 32 patients who died: 12 patients died “in-hospital”, another 8 patients passed away in the “early-mortality” group and 15 patients deceased during “follow-up”. Fourth item we question is the use and reporting of assessed outcome measure. Malik et al. used the psychometric “cervical spine outcome questionnaire” (CSOQ) [3]. The authors regarded the CSOQ as a “comprehensive, verified and reliable” outcome measure. Unfortunately, reported relations between outcome of injury and increasing age, co-morbidity and severity of neurological deficit were not supported by statistical analysis. In addition, no CSOQ baseline values were reported. This might have been valuable in order to detect subgroup differences. Irrespective of these methodological issues, we must conclude that the CSOQ is validated in patients with cervical spine disorders without acute injury or trauma only [3]. Therefore, we recommend to use other validated psychometric outcome measurements in future spinal trauma research. In the discussion section another incomprehensive distinction is made by the authors. “In our study, the stable fractures and subluxations were immobilized with an orthosis (Minerva cast, Miami-J collar). Unstable fractures and ligamentous injuries were stabilized with application of a halo frame in 25 patients”. Vaccaro et al. [11] recapitulated facet joint capsules being the strongest component of the posterior tension band. Consequently, evident translational injuries are almost always associated with compromise of the disco-ligamentous complex. In other words, subluxations are strongly related to ligamentous injuries and should therefore better not be grouped with stable fractures. Related to our second concern, we also could not perceive authors’ following conclusion: “neurological recovery may be delayed in elderly patients but long-term functional improvement can be expected.” No results concerning neurological recovery (which classification has been used?) and no detailed results of longitudinal analysis of long-term functional improvement have been presented. Again, the authors do not support their conclusions statistically. In summary, we cannot do otherwise than to conclude the retrospective case series reported by Malik et al. [7] consists of serious flaws in both internal and external validity. We recommend spine surgeons to appraise this article critically before applying its results and conclusions into the daily care of the elderly patient with cervical spine injury. Furthermore, investigators at academic and referral centres should be aware of referral bias in clinical studies. Authors should at least report its impact on external validity in future publications.

Use of a Noninvasive Halo in Children

Retrospective review of clinical experience in children using a new noninvasive halo. To report on the efficacy, complications and indications for use of a noninvasive halo in the pediatric population. A halo vest with pins in the skull is the gold standard for providing maximum immobilization and control of the cervical spine. Inherent complications include scarring, infection, cerebral spinal fluid leakage, loosening of pins, and penetration of the cranial vault. Less invasive orthoses historically provide significantly less immobilization and control of the cervical spine. A Minerva cast has problems with patient tolerance and skin care. The noninvasive halo was used on 30 children (ages 6 months to 16 years) for the following indications: muscular torticollis release, 18 children; cervical fusion immobilization 7 children; closed reduction of C1-C2 rotatory subluxation, 5 children. The noninvasive halo was successful with no complications in 29 of 30 patients. One complication consisted of dislodgment of a C2-C4 anterior strut graft, though fusion ensued without further surgery and the clinical result was successful. Longstanding C1-C2 rotatory subluxations were safely reduced in 5 children with the noninvasive halo. In 18 children following sternocleidomastoid release, the cervical spine was successfully immobilized in an overcorrected position after surgery. A noninvasive halo was used successfully for postoperative immobilization of children with stable cervical spines. This device was particularly useful for the gentle and safe reduction of C1-C2 subluxations, and for postoperative immobilization in an overcorrected position following stenocleidomastoid release for congenital muscular torticollis.

Two Cases of Odontoid Fracture in Preschool Children

Halo application is a standard method for cervical immobilization. However, complications may occur in children because of their thin skull and immature bone. The authors report two cases of odontoid fracture in preschool children treated with a Minerva cast. Two 4-year-old children sustained displaced odontoid fractures in motor vehicle accidents. The fractures were immediately reduced and immobilized using a Minerva cast, followed by the application of a soft collar. By the 1-year follow-up, uneventful bone union had occurred, and the children were able to attend preschool with minimal or no neurologic deficits. The Minerva cast is a classic, inexpensive method of cervical immobilization and is still useful for this kind of fracture. Immediate reduction and immobilization with a Minerva cast is a viable option for displaced odontoid fractures in preschool children.

TRAUMATIC ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL DISLOCATION IN CHILDREN

Background: Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in children and adolescents is a rare and often fatal injury. Although historically most reported cases have been fatal, the advent of modern prehospital care has led to an increase in survival following this injury. As a consequence, some patients may achieve or maintain satisfactory neurologic function following early intervention, stabilization, and definitive management. We analyzed the data on children and adolescents in whom traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation had been treated with modern resuscitation techniques at our institution. Methods: Atlanto-occipital dislocation is defined as disruption of the ligaments and other supporting soft tissues as indicated by displacement in either a transverse or vertical direction. With use of the Trauma Registry database at our institution, we identified sixteen such injuries that had occurred between 1986 and 2003. The hospital charts, clinic notes, and radiographs were reviewed. A careful neurological evaluation was performed for all of the survivors at the time of the latest follow-up. Results: The mean age of the sixteen patients at the time of the injury was 7.6 years. The mechanisms of injury were diverse. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 7.4 points. Eleven of the sixteen patients underwent intubation in the field, two were intubated in the emergency department, and three were not intubated. Eight of the sixteen patients were declared dead on arrival in the emergency department. The eight surviving patients initially were immobilized with either a halo vest or another orthosis. All patients except one received intravenous steroids in the emergency department. Three of the patients who survived the initial injury subsequently died while undergoing neurosurgical procedures for the treatment of extensive intracranial injuries. Four of the remaining five survivors underwent occiput-C2 fusion, and one was managed with a Minerva cast. At the time of the final follow-up, at a mean of 4.2 years after the injury, one patient was neurologically normal, three had mild spastic hemiparesis and were very functional, and one had spastic quadriplegia and was ventilator-dependent. Conclusions: Prompt recognition and treatment of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in children and adolescents can result in improved survival. Early diagnosis, prompt intubation, early and adequate immobilization of the head and neck, and the use of intravenous steroids appear to facilitate survival. We recommend arthrodesis from the occiput to C2 (or the nearest adjacent intact and stable vertebra caudad to C2) for all children who survive a traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation, particularly those with an incomplete spinal cord injury. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Traumatic Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation in Children

Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in children and adolescents is a rare and often fatal injury. Although historically most reported cases have been fatal, the advent of modern prehospital care has led to an increase in survival following this injury. As a consequence, some patients may achieve or maintain satisfactory neurologic function following early intervention, stabilization, and definitive management. We analyzed the data on children and adolescents in whom traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation had been treated with modern resuscitation techniques at our institution. Atlanto-occipital dislocation is defined as disruption of the ligaments and other supporting soft tissues as indicated by displacement in either a transverse or vertical direction. With use of the Trauma Registry database at our institution, we identified sixteen such injuries that had occurred between 1986 and 2003. The hospital charts, clinic notes, and radiographs were reviewed. A careful neurological evaluation was performed for all of the survivors at the time of the latest follow-up. The mean age of the sixteen patients at the time of the injury was 7.6 years. The mechanisms of injury were diverse. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 7.4 points. Eleven of the sixteen patients underwent intubation in the field, two were intubated in the emergency department, and three were not intubated. Eight of the sixteen patients were declared dead on arrival in the emergency department. The eight surviving patients initially were immobilized with either a halo vest or another orthosis. All patients except one received intravenous steroids in the emergency department. Three of the patients who survived the initial injury subsequently died while undergoing neurosurgical procedures for the treatment of extensive intracranial injuries. Four of the remaining five survivors underwent occiput-C2 fusion, and one was managed with a Minerva cast. At the time of the final follow-up, at a mean of 4.2 years after the injury, one patient was neurologically normal, three had mild spastic hemiparesis and were very functional, and one had spastic quadriplegia and was ventilator-dependent. Prompt recognition and treatment of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in children and adolescents can result in improved survival. Early diagnosis, prompt intubation, early and adequate immobilization of the head and neck, and the use of intravenous steroids appear to facilitate survival. We recommend arthrodesis from the occiput to C2 (or the nearest adjacent intact and stable vertebra caudad to C2) for all children who survive a traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation, particularly those with an incomplete spinal cord injury.

Displaced odontoid fracture in a 9-month-old child

A 9-month-old child sustained a displaced odontoid fracture in a motor vehicle accident. She was treated with closed reduction and a Minerva cast for 6 weeks, followed by a collar for an additional 2 weeks. At 5-year follow-up, she had made a complete recovery with solid union, no deformity, and no instability.

Posterior Transarticular Screw Fixation of C1-C2

Posterior Transarticular Screw Fixation of C1-C2

Functional diagnostics of the cervical spine using computer tomography.

35 healthy adults and 137 patients after cervical spine injury were examined by functional CT. The range of axial rotation at the level occiput/atlas, atlas/axis and the segment below were measured in all subjects. A rotation occiput/atlas of more than 7 degrees, and C1/C2 more than 54 degrees could indicate segmental hypermobility, a rotation at the segment C1/C2 less than 29 degrees to hypomobility. According to the postulated normal values based upon a 98% confidence level, out of 137 patients examined after cervical spine injury and with therapy-resistant neck pain, 45 showed signs of segmental hypermobility of the upper cervical spine, 17 showed hyper- or hypomobility at different levels, 10 patients presented segmental hypomobility at C1/C2 level alone. In all patients, according to the clinical assessment, functional pathology was suspected in the upper cervical spine. Surgical correction of rotary instability should be considered as a possible therapeutic procedure after successful diagnostic stabilisation of the cervical spine by minerva cast.