Posterior Arch Research Articles

En bloc vertebrectomy of a thoracic Ewing sarcoma including posterior arch: 3 years later

Ewing’s sarcoma of the mobile spine is a very rare pathology, especially after 30 years of age. The clinical manifestations and radiological aspects can be confusing, which delays the diagnosis. Approximately 25% of patients present with metastatic disease at diagnosis which worsen the prognosis. In localized forms the therapeutic goal is a surgical en bloc wide resection of the tumor, a restoration of spinal column stability and avoidance of recurrence through multimodal therapy including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We report a case of primary Ewing´s sarcoma of 12th thoracic vertebra in 30 years old man treated with chemotherapy and a double approach en bloc vertebrectomy. The reconstruction was performed with anterior bone grafting and posterior stabilization. No tumor recurrence was observed at the 3 year follow-up assessment. Imaging and clinical aspects were analyzed as well as the management modalities and outcome. Keywords: Ewing sarcoma; thoracic spine; surgery; En bloc vertebrectomy.

Pediatric cervical kyphosis in the MRI era (1984-2008) with long-term follow up: literature review.

Pediatric cervical kyphosis in the MRI era (1984-2008) with long-term follow up: literature review.

Comparison of the Accuracy of C1 Pedicle Screw Fixation Using Fluoroscopy and Free-Hand Techniques in Patients With Posterior Arch Thickness of Less Than 4 mm

Lee, Byung-Jou MD; Kim, Myeongjong MD; Jeong, Seong Kyun MD; Lee, Subum MD; Jeon, Sang-Ryong MD, PhD; Roh, Sung Woo MD, PhD; Park, Jin Hoon MD, PhD

C1-C2 Dorsal Epidural Hematoma on Cervical Spine CT: A Novel Imaging Sign of Posterior Atlanto-Occipital Membrane Stripping Injury.

Background and Purpose: Identify patients with a dorsal epidural hematoma at C1-C2 and examine the major craniocervical junction ligaments for injury on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging.Materials and Methods: Adult and pediatric trauma patients who suffered a dorsal epidural hematoma at C1-C2 were identified using Nuance mPower software (Nuance Communications, United States). The cervical computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging exams for these patients were reviewed for craniocervical junction osteoligamentous injuries. An age-matched control group was obtained.Results: Eight trauma patients were identified with a dorsal epidural fluid collection at C1-C2. All patients with a dorsal epidural hematoma, who underwent follow-up cervical magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a stripping injury of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane from the C1 posterior arch with increased short tau inversion recovery signal in the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane complex. Disruption of additional major craniocervcial ligaments on magnetic resonance imaging was relatively common with the most frequently associated ligamentous injuries involving the tectorial membrane (five patients) followed by the alar ligaments and anterior altanto-occiptial membrane (four patients each). Conclusions: A C1-C2 dorsal epidural hematoma is a rare injury that may be identified on cervical spine computed tomography but may be easily overlooked by the radiologist. We propose that a C1-C2 dorsal epidural hematoma is a direct result of a significant hyperflexion-hyperextension force with subsequent stripping of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane from the posterior C1 arch. Trauma patients with a C1-C2 dorsal epidural hematoma on cervical spine computed tomography should undergo a cervical magnetic resonance imaging examination to evaluate the integrity of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane complex and remaining craniocervical junction ligaments for injury.

P096 Munchmeyer's disease: an unknown pathology

Abstract Background Munchmeyer's disease (MM) or Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressivais an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by heterotopic ossification of muscle and connective tissue during flare-ups, which can lead to the creation of a true second skeleton. we report an original observation with diagnostic difficulty. Observation We report the case of 37-year-old women who consulted for cervical stiffness with painful hypertrophy of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle, dorsal scoliosis, tendon retractions in limbs with a semi-flexion attitude. In addition, she presented a deformity of the forefoot with hallux valgus and a triangular shape. X-ray of the right arm showed ossification of the biceps brachii and that of the foot showed interphalangeal ankyloses with agenesis of a phalanx of the big toe. X-rays of the cervical spine revealed posterior arch ankyloses with fusion of some vertebrae. Despite the late onset of symptoms, the diagnosis of MM was suggested and confirmed by a genetic study which revealed a heterozygous c.617G> A [p. Arg206His] mutation, located in exon 6 of the gene. Conclusion MM is an extremely rare but disabling condition. It should be considered in unexplained muscle enlargement occurring at any age particularly if associated with congenital malformations of the Hallux. The discovery of the ACVR1 gene mutation offers hope for the development of therapies for this hitherto incurable disease.

P071 Osteoid osteoma in children: About 15 cases

Abstract Background Osteoid osteoma (OO)also called osteoblastoma, if the localization is in the spine, is a benign osteoblastic tumor of variable clinical expression, depending on the location of the lesion. It represents 2% to 3% of bone tumours and 15% of benign bone tumours in children. It affects mainly older children and adolescents and most often occurs in the lower limb, especially the femur. The diagnosis is radio-clinical. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of surgical removal of the tumor, the therapeutic difficulty in certain osteoarticular localizations and finally the radio-clinical evolution after surgery. Material & methods We report the radio-clinical outcomes of a series of 15 children (4 girls/11 boys; aged of 03–14 years) with OO operated in our department, over a period of 08 years (2011–2019). Results The OO is located in most of cases of the lower limbs: acetabulum (1 case); femoral neck (3 cases); femoral diaphysis (2 cases); tibial diaphysis (4 cases); distal metaphysis of the tibia (1 case); talus (1 case) and in the spine (3 cases: vertebral body of T3, the posterior arch of T12 and the sacrum S3). Nocturnal pain yielding to aspirin, was the main symptom. It was associated with lameness when walking in patients with location of OO in the lower limbs. Diagnosis was delayed in patients with localization of OO in the spine (after 3 years) and in the talus (after 2 years). Imaging (standard Rx, CT scan and MRI) allowed the diagnosis of OO in all cases (nidus and cocarde image) and assessed the loco-regional impact (compression of the spinal canal in the sacral location; eccentricity of the femoral epiphysis, in the acetabular location, scoliosis in the spinal location). Thirteen children received surgical treatment under fluoroscopic guidance, which consisted of: A surgical abstention was decided in 2 cases: an inaccessible location at the bottom of the acetabulum and the T3 thoracic vertebral body localization in a 6-year-old girl. 12 operated children have good outcomes. However, 03 children experienced post-therapy problems: lumbar pain radiating towards the left thigh in the girl with sacral location (S3) despite the large laminectomy; a relapse 7 months later in the child with the femoral neck localization; A valgus misalignment of the right knee after removal of the OO of the proximal metaphysis of the tibia with a relapse 3 months later. Conclusion OO is a rare, benign tumor. However, certain locations can lead to diagnostic difficulties, loco-regional, organic and functional repercussions and certain constraints on their therapeutic management. Modern imaging helps to improve the care of these patients, both in terms of early diagnosis (scintigraphy, CT scan and MRI) and therapeutic precision (photo-coagulation, radiofrequency ablation).

Far Lateral Craniotomy for Obliteration of High-Risk Craniocervical Junction Arteriovenous Fistula.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are a rare pathology with a clinical presentation related to their anatomical location. Craniocervical junction (CCJ) dAVFs are challenging to treat given the delicate structures that surround the CCJ. Endovascular treatment has evolved significantly in the past decade, but open microsurgery remains an invaluable tool for this pathology. To demonstrate the step-by-step elements of the far lateral approach for microsurgical ligation of CCJ dAVF. A retroauricular incision is created, extending down the neck, and the suboccipital triangle muscles are dissected, exposing the posterior arch of C1. The vertebral artery (VA), as well as its entrance point in the dura, is also dissected and exposed. Next, a C1 hemilaminectomy is performed, followed by a suboccipital craniectomy and drilling of the posteromedial portion of the condyle. The dura is opened behind the VA entrance in the dura, and the intradural VA is exposed. Once the fistula is identified, a temporary clip is placed on the draining vein. Indocyanine green video angiography is used to confirm that there is no further connection; the clip is then removed and the fistula obliterated. The dura is closed in a watertight fashion with a fat bolster to prevent a pseudomeningocele. Postoperative angiogram showed complete resolution of the pathology. The patient was discharged neurologically intact on postoperative day 4. Microsurgical obliteration of CCJ dAVFs can be achieved safely and efficiently through a far lateral approach.

Assessment of Dental Arch Parameters in Turkish Twins.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to variations in dental dimensions in a sample of Turkish twins, and to estimate heritability using dental casts. The study samples were selected from the twin children between 3-15 years old who referred for their first dental examination. Fifty nine monozygotic and one hundred and forty three dizygotic twin pairs were examined in the study. The alginate impression material used to create the plaster model of maxilla and mandible. Anterior arch width, posterior arch width, arch length and arch circumference were measured on models prepared from measurements taken for both maxilla and mandible with digital caliper. The similarities and differences of the measurements were compared between pairs of twins and zygocytes. Morever, the effects of bad oral habits, bruxism, a result of psychosocial factors on measurements were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using Paired T Test, Wilcoxon Test and Mann Whitney U test. A total of 404 dental models of 118 (29.2%) monozygotic and 286 (70.8%) dizygotic twins were evaluated. There was no statistical difference between sibling pairs in both monozygotic and dizygotic twins. The measurement similarity between twin siblings differed according to zygosity in all measurements (p<0.05). It has been observed that the finger sucking and mouth breathing affect the dental arch measurements (p<0.05). These results indicate that the differences in dental arch dimensions between monozygotic twin pairs are less than the difference between dizygotic twin pairs.

OCCIPITALISATION OF ATLAS VERTEBRA AND ITS CLINICAL FRAMES OF REFERENCE- AN ANALYSIS

Vertebral column is made of 33 vertebrae named as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae. Axial skeleton comprises of skull and vertebral column. 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves exit from the central nervous system which control the entire body. Malformations or fusion of vertebrae could be one of the etiologies of nerve compression syndromes. Vital structures emerge out through intervertebral foramina extending from cervical to coccygeal vertebrae. Occipitalisation of atlas, the first cervical vertebra is one of the emergencies leading to wide spectrum of presentations like chronic neck pain or foramen magnum syndrome or unconscious state due to compression of medulla oblongata. During routine examination of skull bones while teaching, one skull was found to exhibit assimilation of atlas. Photographs were captured and compared with normal skull. Thorough examination revealed incomplete occipitalisation of atlas. The anterior arch was completely fused but the posterior arch was bifid showing a split. The styloid process on right side seemed to be long and very close leading to compression of structures of styloid apparatus in addition. On observation, it was found to be a male skull. Fusion of vertebrae may be a congenital anomaly due to maldevelopment of somites in forming vertebrae. Skeletal element of caudal 4th occipital somite forms the occipital bone and when it is fused with the proximal 1st cervical somite leads to occipitalisation of atlas. Acquired conditions like atlantoaxial subluxation, chiari malformations or cervical vertebral fusion or foramen magnum abnormalities have been associated with assimilation of atlas. The present study reports occipitalisation of atlas which is incomplete with a bifid posterior arch. Prevalence of such anomalies may form the differential diagnosis of chronic headache or myelopathies.

Geriatric rehabilitation elderly people suffering after pneumonia COVID-19: emphasis on outpatient and home stage

The emergence and spread of COVID-19 infection has set health professionals the task of providing recovery and rehabilitation programs after pneumonia for patients of different age groups.The paper presents the survey results of older people after COVID-19-related pneumonia before and after one- and two-component medical rehabilitation programs.The rationality of using the proposed hypobaric chamber adaptation technique for elderly patients at the outpatient and home stages of medical rehabilitation, the effectiveness of which increased in combination with the appointment of cytoflavin, is shown.An increase of Stange test was found when combined hypobaric adaptation and kinesiotaping of the posterior arch of the diaphragm in order to create a breathing pattern in the examined group of patients. The conducted stabilometric study showed an increase in the stability of older patients after a course of hypobaric chamber adaptation.

Cervical Myelopathy Caused by Posttraumatic Osteophytes Resulting From Long-Standing Neglected Posterior Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation More Than 30 years: A Case Report

Introduction:Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is a rare but usually fatal injury. To our knowledge, no study has reported long-standing neglected posterior AOD more than 30 years in a patient who survived and later experienced cervical myelopathy.Methods:A 75-year-old man presented with symptoms of cervical myelopathy. On history, the patient was diagnosed with posterior AOD that occurred after a fall 31 years ago, but he did not undergo surgery. Radiologic evaluation of cervical spine revealed severe spinal cord compression caused by posttraumatic osteophytes of the C0-C1-C2 joints resulting from long-standing neglected posterior AOD. However, no instability of the C0-C1-C2 joints was found.Results:Laminectomy of the C1 posterior arch was performed without occipitocervical fusion considering the long-standing severe osteoarthritic changes and no instability of the C0-C1-C2 joints. Cervical myelopathy significantly improved, and the patient was doing well without recurrence at the 7-year follow-up.Discussion:To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with cervical myelopathy caused by neglected posterior AOD with posttraumatic osteophytes of the C0-C1-C2 joints. Laminectomy of the C1 posterior arch without occipitocervical fusion achieved satisfactory outcomes for cervical myelopathy caused by posttraumatic osteophytes resulting from long-standing neglected posterior AOD more than 30 years.

Morphometric study of vertebral artery groove in dry human cervical vertebra in Pakistani population

Introduction: Vertebral artery passes through vertebral artery groove present on the posterior arch of atlas; free movement of which is required during rotation of the neck. This artery can be compressed if the vertebral groove is converted into arcuate foramina due to the projection of bony ponticuli over the grove. This compression can cause vertebra-basilar insufficiency, headache, or neck-shoulder pain of unknown origin. Objective: This study aims to provide data regarding vertebral artery groove and its morphology to help surgeons and clinicians in the local Pakistani population as no data is available in this population. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty adult dry human atlas vertebrae were taken from the Anatomy museum of King Edward medical university. Quantitative and qualitative data were taken for analysis. Quantitative data include the distance of medial and lateral edges of vertebral artery groove from the midline of the posterior arch, the distance of the medial edge of foramen transversarium from the midline, the thickness of vertebral artery groove and its dimensions at medial and lateral entrance points. Qualitative data includes the type of bridging over the vertebral artery groove. Data were analyzed and the mean was taken.Results: Mean distance of the medial edge of vertebral artery groove from midline was found to be 13.32 ± 3.25 and 13.72 ± 2.82 mm on right and left sides respectively while the mean distance of the lateral edge of vertebral artery groove from midline was 22.31 ± 3.47 on the right side and 22.29 ± 2.98 on the left side. The mean of total thickness found was 3.84 ± 0.66 mm on right and 3.57 ± 1.14 mm on left. Morphology showed that 3.33% of the Pakistani population has complete arcuate foramina, 40% partial bridging, and 56.67% absent bridging. Conclusion: Findings of this study can be helpful for neurosurgeons during procedures requiring exposure of the posterior arch of the atlas so that damage to a vertebral artery can be prevented.

One sacroiliac screw for posterior ring fixation in unstable pelvic fractures

Unstable pelvic injuries are considered uncommon and they are usually associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. High energy blunt trauma and falling from height are usually the main mechanism of injury. It is a retrospective study that was performed in academic level I trauma center. From September 2015 to December 2019, a consecutive series of 26 patients (7 females), with average age of 32 years with unstable pelvic fracture were included in this study. All patients underwent reduction and percutaneous fixation with one sacroiliac screw posteriorly for each sacroiliac joint and anterior arch fixation of the pelvic ring with either platting or external fixator. The average duration of follow up was 36 months. Clinical results: at the final follow-up, all patients had complete radiological healing of the fractures. The subjective functional assessment yielded excellent for twenty-two patients, good for two patients and fair for two patients. Posterior arch fixation of the pelvic ring with one sacroiliac screw beside anterior arch fixation in unstable fracture pelvis is a sufficient fixation method to maintain the requiring stability to allow complete union of the fracture. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III.

Clinical outcomes of laminoplasty for patients with lysosomal storage disease including mucopolysaccharidosis and mucolipidoses: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAlthough the clinical efficacy of laminoplasty in adult cervical spondylotic myelopathy or ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament has been frequently reported, there are only few reports of laminoplasty for patients with lysosome storage diseases (LSDs). Therefore, this study aimed to report the midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with LSDs after cervical laminoplasty.MethodsSix patients with LSD who underwent laminoplasty with/without C1 laminectomy for cervical myelopathy were enrolled. Clinical evaluations, including the cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association (cJOA) score and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for upper extremity numbness, and radiographic parameters, including C2–C7 lordotic angle, atlanto-dens interval (ADI), and ⊿ADI, were evaluated preoperatively, at 2 years postoperatively, and at the final follow-up.ResultsFive patients had mucopolysaccharidoses (type I: n = 1, II: n = 3, VII: n = 1) and one patient had mucolipidoses type III. The mean age of patients at surgery was 27.5 years, and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 61 months. All mucopolysaccharidoses cases required C1 posterior arch resection with C2–C7 laminoplasty. No critical complications were observed postoperatively. There were no significant differences in C2–C7 angle (p = 0.724) and ⊿ADI (p = 0.592) between the preoperative and final follow-ups. The cJOA score and VAS for numbness significantly improved at the final follow-up (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007, respectively).ConclusionsThe cervical myelopathy in patients with LSD could be safely and effectively treated with laminoplasty with/without C1 posterior arch resection after excluding patients with atlantoaxial instability. Atlantoaxial stability and symptom improvement could be maintained at an average of 5 years postoperatively.

Letter to the Editor: The Trend of “Neurosurgery Interested” Among Omani Medical Students and Interns Despite the Absence of a Neurosurgery Residency Program: Does This Indicate It's Time to Change?

The extreme lateral infrajugular transcondylar-transtubercular exposure (ELITE) is a surgical approach developed in the late 1980s by Prof. T. Fukushima and represents the dorsolateral inferior skull base procedure of choice to approach lesion located ventrolaterally at the level of the craniocervical junction (CCJ). This approach consist in a suboccipital craniotomy/craniectomy with partial condylectomy and jugular tubercule drilling that can be extended providing for subtotal condylectomy and vertebral artery transposition. The “limited” variation of the ELITE approach consist in a lateral suboccipital craniectomy opening the foramen magnum and removal of at least half of the posterior arch of the atlas without condyle drilling. This surgical technique was recently demonstrated to be particularly suitable for the surgical management of spinal tumor located ventrolaterally in the upper cervical spine. This operative video illustrates step-by-step the surgical technique adopted for the microsurgical resection of a C1-C2 intradural schwannoma located antero-laterally (Video 1). ELITE approach offers a wide and adequate exposure and access to the CCJ, allowing direct visualization and access to the tumor with minimal neural manipulations, early detection of the vertebral artery and, for tumor located at C1-C2 level, without drilling the occipital condyle. In our experience, ELITE procedure is the preferred surgical approach for resection of tumors located ventrally or ventrolaterally to the first 2 cervical levels.

Maxillary and Mandibular Split Crest Technique with Immediate Implant Placement: A 5-Year Cone Beam Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to test the effectiveness and reliability of the alveolar ridge-splitting technique in atrophic posterior arches, investigating the middle-term volumetric and clinical outcomes. Atrophic alveolar ridges in the maxillary and mandibular posterior areas were treated with the alveolar ridge-splitting/expansion technique (ARST), immediate implant placement, collagen sponges covering the defect, and healing by secondary intention. Areas were rehabilitated by fixed dental prostheses supported by dental implants. Changes in volume and width of the alveolar ridge were retrospectively calculated by comparing the x-ray tomography scans obtained before and 5 years after surgery. Report of failure in the case sheets was taken into account. Cross-sectional images were also used to assess the thickness of the labial alveolar plates at the implant shoulder. Nonparametric analyses of variance with post hoc and pair-comparison tests were performed with a level of significance of .05. A total of 38 patients were retrospectively selected (23 women and 15 men). Six patients underwent ARST surgeries in both the maxilla and the mandible and were excluded from statistical analysis. Differences between 16 maxillae and 16 mandibles and between 12 single crowns and 20 fixed partial dentures (FPDs) were searched. Episodes of minor swelling occurred within the first 2 days after surgery. Neither mucositis nor flap dehiscence had been registered. The mean values of buccal cortical thickness were 2.46 ± 0.49 mm and 1.15 ± 0.33 mm, respectively, in the maxillary and mandibular areas. After 5 years of survey, maxillary increases in alveolar ridge width and volume were +4.4 ± 0.4 mm and +295 ± 45 mm3, respectively, whereas the same outcome variables (+3.5 ± 0.7 mm and +217 ± 53 mm3) measured in the mandible appeared to be significantly smaller than those in the maxilla (P < .0001). One maxillary single implant failed. Cumulative survival rates at 5 years were 100% for mandibles and 95.5% (95% CI: 86.8% to 100%) for maxillae. Posterior areas of the maxilla displayed a higher increase in alveolar width and volume than mandibular areas, and even if it would be premature to draw survival conclusions at this stage without any statistical support, a lower cumulative survival rate was reported for the maxillary single implants.

Invisalign eighth-generation features for deep-bite correction and posterior arch expansion

Invisalign eighth-generation features for deep-bite correction and posterior arch expansion

Lateral mass screw placement in the atlas: description of a novel surgical technique, radiographic parameters, and review of the literature.

Numerous techniques of C1 lateral mass screw placement have been described. We sought to delineate the radiographic angle of safety medially and laterally and describe a novel surgical technique of C1 lateral mass screw placement. We sought to (I) determine the angle of safety medially and laterally of the C1 lateral mass; (II) assess the size available of the lateral mass in the AP and coronal planes; (III) describe novel technique of insertion of a C1 lateral mass screw utilizing navigation and a novel start point. We retrospectively reviewed cervical computed tomography (CT) images of normal adults. Radiographic measurements were then obtained using these images including the angle (degrees) of safety medially and lateral of the C1 lateral mass bilaterally, as well as the length and width (mm) of the C1 lateral masses. A novel surgical technique was used by identifying the confluence of the medial aspect of the posterior arch and the lateral mass. This confluence is then marked out as the C1 screw start point. Under navigation guidance, lateral mass screws were placed with 0 degrees of medial-lateral angulation from posterior to anterior. Forty-five patients with a mean age of 52.6±25.6 years (33% female) were included. The mean medial and lateral angle of safety of the C1 lateral mass bilaterally was 23±3.8 degrees and 32±5 degrees, respectively. Average length and width of the lateral mass was 17.7 and 13.3 mm respectively. This study describes the radiographic window of safety medially and laterally for safe and reproducible placement of C1 lateral mass screws. Further, a novel technique using a medial start point and navigation guidance with 0 degrees of angulation in the coronal plane is described. Further research is required to assess outcomes of patients utilizing this method as well as biomechanical studies to assess this construct strength compared to others that are frequently used.

A Comparative Analysis of Outcome of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Fracture With or Without Intermaxillary Fixation

Aim: To evaluate the difference and functional outcome between open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and intermaxillary fixation (IMF) in mandibular fractures. Study Design: Retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faryal Dental College, Sheikhupura, Lahore from 1st February 2019 to 31st January 2021. Methodology: One hundred and fifty seven patients treated for fractures of mandible and reviewed their prognosis based on use of intermaxillary fixation after reduction of fracture. The patients were divided into two groups; Manual reduction group without the intermaxillary fixation and the intermaxillary fixation group. Results: Good results have been obtained in most patients after mandible fracture reduction. However, complications occurred in 19 (27.5%) patients in group 2 after surgery. 6 patients had an infection, 4 patients had a wound dehiscence, and 4 patients had osteomyelitis. No loosening of the mounting bolts and/or crack of the mounting plates was observed. Correct occlusion was achieved using posterior arch wires and elastic rings in 2 malocclusion patients. Occlusion failed in two patients in Group 1 due to osteomyelitis, and the second operation was performed under general anaesthesia. The mean complication severity scores for Group 1 and Group 2 were 1.37 and 1.38, respectively, with no significant difference. Conclusion: Among the patients treated with manual reduction, 2 patients had malocclusion and 1 patient required a new surgery. Such a simple mandible fracture can give good results even with manual reduction without intermaxillary fixation. For a simple mandible fracture, only manual reduction without intermaxillary fixation or intermaxillary fixation was recommended for a short time. Key words: Complication, Fracture, Internal fixation, Mandible

Wide Surgery in the Cervical Spine: Indications, Results, and Complications in a Series of 30 Patients Affected by Primary Bone Tumors

En bloc surgery is the mainstay treatment for primary malignant bone tumors, as well as in the cervical spine. Unfortunately, literature on the topic is limited to case reports and small series. We reviewed all patients affected by primary cervical spine bone tumors treated with en bloc surgeries from 1996 to 2016 and identified 30 eligible cases. We evaluated the clinical presentation and tumor characteristics and reported surgical results, complications, recurrence, and survival rates. Only 17 of 30 patients had not been previously treated at presentation. Osteosarcoma and chordoma were the most frequent tumors, and pain was reported in all cases. En bloc spondylectomy, hemispondylectomy, and posterior arch en bloc resection were performed in 16, 12, and 2 patients, respectively. The obtained margin was adequate (wide and marginal) in 60% of cases and intralesional in the remaining cases. Two deaths occurred in the immediate postoperative period. Neurological deterioration, dural tear,and dysphagia were the most frequent complications. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival was 70.4%. Therecurrence rate was 38.5% and 11.7% in previously and non-previously treated patients, respectively (χ2: 2.94; P=0.086). Overall survival at 5 years was 58% and 47% for all series and malignant tumors, respectively. Primary cervical spine bone tumors present a difficult approach. Findings suggest that patients treated with en bloc surgery show recurrence and survival rates comparable to the same tumors located in the thoracolumbar spine.