Reconstruction Of Cervical Spine Research Articles

Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction of Cervical Spine Defects: A Multi-Institutional Study.

Cervical spine defects result in spinal instability, putting the spinal cord and vertebral arteries at risk of damage and possibly devastating neurological injuries. The fibula free flap can span the spinal defects for stability. There is a paucity of literature on this technique. Multi-institutional retrospective case series reviewing patients who underwent cervical spine reconstruction with a fibula free flap. Patient demographic information, comorbidities, characteristics of cervical spine defects, and free flap complications were collected. A total of 1187 fibula free flaps across 10 different institutions were reviewed. Thirteen patients (1.09%) underwent cervical spine reconstruction with a fibula free flap. Average age was 52.3 years old with an age range of 12-79 years. There were six males (46.1%) and seven females (53.8%). The most common defect etiology was infection (n = 6, 46.1%). Most commonly involved cervical spine level of the defect was C5 (n = 10) followed by C6 (n = 9) and C4 (n = 8). The majority of reconstructed defects spanned three or more cervical levels, (n = 9, 69.2%). Facial artery was the most common arterial anastomosis (n = 8). Eight patients (61.5%) required a tracheostomy during their postoperative course. None of the patients had symptomatic or radiographic nonunion. This case series demonstrates that a vascularized fibula flap is a potential reconstructive option for cervical spine defects, especially in defects greater than three cervical levels, in the setting of infection, and previously radiated patients. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4923-4928, 2024.

Noninstrumented Free Fibula Flap for Cervical Osteomyelitis

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Severe cases of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis can pose a challenge regarding reconstruction, stability/alignment, and infection eradication. Here we describe the application of vascularized free fibula (FF) flaps to reconstruct the cervical spine without instrumentation in the setting of severe osteomyelitis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Two patients presented with symptomatic multilevel cervical osteomyelitis. Both patients were treated with corpectomy and FF flap without instrumentation using a novel wedging and distraction technique to secure the flap into position. Clinical outcomes were based on neurological recovery and infection management. Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography with 3-dimensional reconstruction were used to measure fusion status and patency of the anastomoses. CT of the cervical spine completed 8 weeks postoperatively demonstrated robust fusion of the fibula flaps to adjacent cervical vertebrae. In both patients, CT angiography demonstrated patency of the arterial anastomoses. Both flaps maintained persistent deformity correction. Both patients made full neurological recovery. DISCUSSION: This reconstructive approach represents a salvage technique that offers advantages in cases of prior hardware failure or unfavorable host factors with rapid fusion and definitive treatment with a single surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of FF flap without instrumentation seems to be a safe and effective option for cervical spine reconstruction in the setting of severe osteomyelitis.

Revision Reconstruction of the Cervical Spine in a Patient With Early Deep Surgical Site Infection Complicated by Angular Kyphosis: Case Report and Review

Background. Deep surgical site infection (DSSI) is one of the most severe complications in spinal surgery. The timing and nature of DSSI are the determining criteria in the choice of treatment tactics. The uniqueness of the clinical observation is the combination of early DSSI, epidural abscess and angular kyphotic deformity formed after a course of conservative antibacterial therapy in a patient who underwent surgery for degenerative-dystrophic disease of the cervical spine. Correction of angular kyphosis, removal of fractured vertebrae, interbody implants and three-column cervical reconstruction were performed in one surgical session.
 Case presentation. A 57-year-old patient was admitted to the clinic after staged surgical interventions on the cervical spine for multilevel degenerative stenosis of the spinal canal. The primary surgical interventions were complicated by DSSI in the early period after the second surgery with formation of angular kyphosis of the cervical spine. The patient underwent revision one-stage reconstructive intervention to correct the deformity, decompress the spinal canal, and three-column reconstruction of C3-7 segments. Long-term follow-up showed persistent reduction of pain syndrome, improved quality of life and absence of recurrence of DSSI.
 Conclusion. The presented case illustrates the possibilities of one-stage revision three-column cervical spine reconstruction for correction of sagittal profile, decompression of intracanal neural structures and ensuring stability of operated segments. Use of DSSI treatment algorithms based on Prinz V. and Vajkoczy P. classification contributes to the selection of the optimal tactics of patient management.

Cervical spine reconstruction after total vertebrectomy using customized three-dimensional-printed implants in dogs.

Sufficient surgical resection is necessary for effective tumor control, but is usually limited for vertebral tumors, especially in the cervical spine in small animal neurosurgery. To evaluate the primary stability and safety of customized three-dimensional (3D)-printed implants for cervical spine reconstruction after total vertebrectomy. Customized guides and implants were designed based on computed tomography (CT) imaging of five beagle cadavers and were 3D-printed. They were used to reconstruct C5 after total vertebrectomy. Postoperative CT images were obtained to evaluate the safety and accuracy of screw positioning. After harvesting 10 vertebral specimens (C3-C7) from intact (group A) and implanted spines (group B), implant stability was analyzed using a 4-point bending test comparing with groups A and C (reconstituted with plate and pins/polymethylmethacrylate after testing in Group A). All customized implants were applied without gross neurovascular damage. In addition, 90% of the screws were in a safe area, with 7.5% in grade 1 (< 1.3 mm) and 2.5% in grade 2 (> 1.3 mm). The mean entry point and angular deviations were 0.81 ± 0.43 mm and 6.50 ± 5.11°, respectively. Groups B and C significantly decreased the range of motion (ROM) in C3-C7 compared with intact spines (p = 0.033, and 0.018). Both groups reduced overall ROM and neutral zone in C4-C6, but only group B showed significance (p = 0.005, and 0.027). Customized 3D-printed implants could safely and accurately replace a cervical vertebra in dog cadavers while providing primary stability.

Subaxial Lateral Mass Prosthesis for Posterior Reconstruction of Cervical Spine.

Posterior facetectomy or lateral mass resection is often used during cervical dumbbell tumor resection, jeopardizing the stability of cervical spine. The space after resection of one or more lateral masses, if left unfilled might hamper bone fusion and structural support. There were the aims to obtain the relevant morphometry of the lateral mass of the subaxial cervical spine (C3-C7) and to design a lateral mass prosthesis for the posterior reconstruction of the cervical spine. The computed tomography (CT) scans of healthy volunteers were obtained. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software (Version 2020.1, Medixant, Poland) was used to measure the parameters of lateral mass, such as height, anteroposterior dimension (APD), mediolateral dimension (MLD), and facet joint angle. According to the parameters, a series of cervical lateral mass prostheses were designed. Cadaver experiment was conducted to demonstrate its feasibility. Twenty-three volunteers with an average age of 30.1 ± 7.1 years were enrolled in this study. The height of the lateral mass was 14.1 mm on average. The facet joint angle, APD, and MLD of the lateral mass averaged 40.1 degrees, 11.2 mm, and 12.2 mm, respectively. With these key data, a lateral mass prosthesis consisting of a column and a posterior fixation plate was designed. The column has a 4.0-mm radius, 41-degree surface angle, and adjustable height of 13, 15, or 17 mm. In the cadaver experiment, the column could function as a supporting structure between adjacent facets, and it would not violate the exiting nerve root or the vertebral artery. This study provided a detailed morphology of the lateral mass of the subaxial cervical spine. A series of subaxial cervical lateral mass prostheses were designed awaiting further clinical application.

The Dorsal Scapular Artery Perforator Flap: A Complete Muscle-sparing Technique.

Summary:Cervical and thoracic spine reconstruction can be a difficult area to provide stable soft tissue coverage. Historically, trapezius myocutaneous flaps and trapezius muscle turnover flaps have proven to be reliable and versatile methods for the reconstruction of these areas. However, sequelae such as restriction of shoulder movement have been reported, as well as unsightly “humpback” contour deformities from turnover flap bulk. The use of the trapezius muscle for coverage has evolved to include descriptions of a trapezius perforator flap to address some of the issues of donor site morbidity, as it is described as a muscle-sparing technique. Although described as “muscle-sparing,” these approaches nonetheless involve sacrifice of trapezius muscle overlying the pedicle as that musculature is “deroofed” and divided off the pedicle during dissection. In this article, we present a detailed technical description of our novel technique to the trapezius perforator flap using a dorsal scapular artery flap for spinal reconstruction that is truly, completely muscle-sparing. This technique may prove useful for those patients in which even minimal disruption of trapezius muscle fibers is undesirable.

The state of the sagittal balance of the injured cervical spine depending on the nature of the damage to the subaxial level

Background. Three main interrelated principles form the basis for modern surgery of traumatic cervical spine injuries, namely decompression, reconstruction and stabilization. Restoration of the sagittal profile is one of the basic tasks of the reconstructive stage. Currently, there are no clear recommendations for surgical management in traumatic injuries depending on the degree of deformation, and the state of sagittal balance of the injured cervical spine in the preoperative period has practically not been studied. The purpose of the work is to study the state of the sagittal profile and the degree of segmental deformation of the cervical spine following traumatic injury at the subaxial level, to determine the relationship between them and the type of injury. Materials and methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of X-ray data from 140 patients with subaxial cervical spine traumatic injury who were hospitalized at the Department of Spinal Cord Pathology of the Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine in the period from 2008 to 2018. We calculated indicators of segmental kyphosis and general cervical lordosis and determined the type of damage according to AO Spine Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification System. Results. We found that the type of the damage affects the degree of segmental deformation (p &lt; 0.001). Type A1, A2 and C injuries show the maximum kyphotic angulation: 13.51° (8.18; 20.07), 21.8° (20.12; 22.96) and 20.01° (17.52; 21.99), respectively. Injuries of type A2 and C statistically significantly differ from other types of lesions. We registered maximum values of deviations from the normal sagittal circuit in patients with injuries types A2 and C: ‒26.77° (‒32.78; ‒20.91) and ‒26.70° (‒36.30; ‒16.77), respectively. The parameters of segmental kyphosis and general cervical lordosis reveal high interdependence (r2=0.766, p &lt; 0.001). We found maximum correlation in type A3, A4 and B3 injuries: ‒0.93, ‒0.91 and ‒0.97, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). And types A1 and A2 injuries demonstrated statistically insignificant relationship (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions. The results show that traumatic injury of the subaxial cervical spine is characterized by a wide range of kyphotic segmental angulation values, which is largely determined by the type of injury. General cervical lordosis tends to flatten in most cases, but the degree of physiological curvature loss correlates with local deformation to some extent.

Cervical Spine Reconstruction with Chest Tube Technique After Metastasis Resection: A Single-Center Experience

The silastic tube technique, in which a chest tube is placed into the vertebral body defect and impregnated with polymethyl methacrylate, showed good results in patients with lumbar and thoracic neoplastic diseases. There has been only 1 study about the effectiveness and safety of this technique in patients with cervical metastases. We aimed to report our experience in using this technique to reconstruct the spine after corpectomy for cervical metastasis. All patients with cervical spinal metastasis who underwent surgical treatment using a chest tube impregnated with polymethyl methacrylate in conjunction with anterior cervical plate stabilization were retrospectively recruited. Demographics, tumor histology, revised Tokuhashi score, preoperative and postoperative American Spinal Injury Association score, preoperative and postoperative ambulatory status, perioperative complications, and survival time were collected. This study included 16 patients. The most common primary tumor site was the lung (6 patients; 37.5%). The mean (SD) survival time was 408 (795) days (range, 1-2797 days), and the median survival time was 72 days (95% confidence interval 28-116 days). Four patients (25%) died within 30 postoperative days. There was no surgical site infection or instrument failure after the surgery. Five patients (31.2%) lived >180 days, and 3 patients (18.8%) lived >360 days. One patient (6.2%) was still alive at the end of the study. The silastic tube technique in conjunction with anterior cervical plate stabilization might be safe, effective, and cost-effective for patients with cervical spine metastasis.

Cervical spinal computed tomography utilizing model-based iterative reconstruction reduces radiation to an equivalent of three cervical X-rays.

To evaluate radiation dose and image quality of cervical spinal computed tomography scanned with low-radiation dose (LD-CT) utilizing model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR). We retrospectively examined 14 patients (65.5 ± 13.9years) who underwent both standard-radiation-dose CT (SD-CT) reconstructed with hybrid iterative reconstruction and LD-CT of cervical spine. The radiation dose, objective image quality indicator, which includes signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise, and subjective image quality score of the anatomical landmarks in the SD-CT and LD-CT were statistically compared. In addition, the measurement errors of the length of C3 vertebrae (height, anteroposterior length, inner and outer pedicle diameters) between SD-CT and LD-CT were analyzed. Radiation dose of LD-CT was reduced to one-sixth of the dose of SD-CT. The objective image quality indicator of LD-CT was significantly better than that of SD-CT. The subjective image quality of LD-CT was relatively worse than that of SD-CT but generally graded as clinically accepted or higher. There was no remarkable difference between SD-CT and LD-CT in the measurement value of height and anteroposterior length. Inner pedicle diameter was significantly (0.21 ± 0.13mm) smaller, and outer pedicle diameter was (0.24 ± 0.14mm) larger on LD-CT than on SD-CT. Cervical spinal LD-CT that utilized MBIR enabled radical decrease in radiation dose and provided sufficient image quality for clinical use. This scanning protocol can be a good alternative for protecting patients from exposure to unnecessary radiation, especially when a patient requires multiple CT scans.

Upper cervical spine reconstruction using customized 3D-printed vertebral body in 9 patients with primary tumors involving C2.

BackgroundReconstruction following resection of the primary tumors of the upper cervical spine is challenging, and conventional internal implants develop complications in this region. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, can produce patient-specific porous implants in a particular shape for bone defect reconstruction. This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of upper cervical spine reconstruction using customized 3D-printed vertebral body in 9 patients with primary tumors involving C2.MethodsPatients with primary tumors involving C2 who were treated in our institution between July 2014 and November 2018 were enrolled. A two-stage intralesional spondylectomy was performed using the posterior-anterior approach. Anterior reconstruction was accomplished using a customized 3D-printed vertebral body, which was fabricated by successive layering of melted titanium alloy powder using electron beam melting. No bone graft was used.ResultsNine patients (2 males and 7 females) were included in the study with a mean age of 31.4 years (12 to 59 years). Seven patients demonstrated tumors located in C2 and 2 showed involvement of C2 and C3. During a mean follow-up of 28.6 months (range, 12–42 months), 1 patient died of systemic metastasis and 1 had local tumor recurrence, the other 7 patients were alive and functional in their daily living until the last follow-up without evidence of disease. The 3D-printed vertebral bodies were all stable with no sign of displacement or subsidence, evidence of implant osseointegration was observed on the imaging studies. For the posterior instrumentation systems, no screw loosening or rod breakage was found.ConclusionsSpinal reconstruction in the upper cervical region using customized 3D-printed vertebral body is reliable. The tailored shape matching with the contact surfaces and the porous structure conductive to osseointegration provide both short- and long-term stability to the implant.

The Subaxial Cervical Pedicle Screw for Cervical Spine Diseases: The Review of Technical Developments and Complication Avoidance.

This study aimed to review information on the subaxial cervical pedicle screw (CPS) including recent anatomical considerations, entry points, placement techniques, accuracy, learning curve, and complications. Relevant literatures were reviewed, and the authors’ experiences were summarized. The CPS is used for reconstruction of unstable cervical spine and achieves superior biomechanical stability compared to other fixation techniques. Various insertion and guidance techniques are established, among which, lateral fluoroscopy-assisted placement is the most common and cost-effective technique. Generally, placement under imaging guidance is more accurate than other techniques, and a three-dimensional template allows optimal trajectory for each pedicle regardless of intraoperative changes in spinal alignment. The free-hand technique using a curved pedicle probe without a funnel-like hole increases screw stability and reduces operation time, radiation exposure, and soft tissue injury. Compared to conventional lateral fluoroscopy-assisted placement, free-hand CPS placement by trained surgeons achieves superior accuracy comparable to that of image-guided navigation; in general, 30 training cases are sufficient for learning a safe and accurate technique for CPS placement. The complications of subaxial CPS are classified into three categories: complications due to screw misplacement, complications without screw misplacement, and others. Inexperienced surgeons may benefit from advanced techniques; however, the accuracy of CPS ultimately depends on the surgeon’s experience. Inexperienced surgeons should master the placement of the thoracolumbar pedicle screw in real practice and practice CPS insertion using cadavers. During the initial phase of the learning curve, careful preparation of surgery, reiterated identification, patterned safety steps, and supervision of the expert are necessary.

Progress of the Anterior Transpedicular Screw in Lower Cervical Spine: A Review.

The anterior transpedicular screws (ATPS) fixation is a valuable discovery in the field of lower cervical spine (LCS) reconstruction, as it has the advantages of both anterior and posterior approaches. In recent years, with in-depth research on ATPS fixation related to anatomy, biomechanical tests, and clinical applications, its firm stability and excellent biomechanical properties have been recognized by more and more surgeons. Although ATPS fixation has been gradually applied in clinic settings under the promotion of emerging distinctive instruments, its long-term efficacy still needs to be further clarified due to the lack of large sample size studies and long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, it is believed that with the maturity of digital devices and the development of precision medicine, ATPS fixation has a promising prospect.

Nursing care of lower cervical spine fracture treated with 3D print microporous titanium artificial vertebral body

Objective To summarize the perioperative nursing measures and effects of 3D printed artificial cervical vertebrae for lower cervical spine fractures. Methods Treatment of 15 cases of lower cervical spine fracture with 3D printed artificial cervical vertebrae. Preoperative cervical spine fixation to prevent spinal cord injury, strict observation of clinical symptoms, assist the doctor to perform CT three-dimensional reconstruction of the cervical spine, and calculate the physiological height of the injured vertebrae; maintain the surgical position fixed during surgery, carefully prepare the supporting equipment, familiar with the surgical related steps, accurate delivery of all types of surgical instruments to assist with intraoperative fluoroscopy. Postoperative focus on the neck to see if there is swelling, effectively maintain the airway patency, observe changes in spinal nerve function, develop a personalized functional exercise program to promote rehabilitation, and actively prevent complications. Results The JOA score increased from (9.23±1.62) points before surgery to (14.09±1.35) points after surgery, and the improvement rate was 62.55%. There were no complications such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. Conclusions Through targeted perioperative care, surgical complications can be reduced and the quality of life of patients improved. Key words: Sub axial; Fracture and dislocation; 3D print microporous titanium artificial vertebral body

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

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

Early and one-stage posterior-anterior surgery for fresh and severe lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation

To explore the clinical value of early and one-stage posterior laminectomy decompression, fracture reconstruction and lateral mess screw fixation combined with anterior cervical corpectomy or discectomy for the treatment of fresh and severe lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation. A total of 156 consecutive cases of severe fracture and dislocation of lower cervical spine were reviewed from January 2008 to January 2015. Skull traction was installed when the patients were enrolled in the hospital, so the operation was performed as early as possible. Firstly, the posterior procedure was applied to the patients prone on a frame. A standard posterior laminectomy, fixation and fusion were performed with lateral mass screws and rods. The cervical spine reconstruction was achieved by laminecomy, partially facetectomy, leverage and distraction. The technique of rotating rod was applied to recover the sequence of the cervical and keep or increase the zygopophysis and lordosis of the cervical on the sagittal plane. After the skull traction removed, a standard anterior approach to the cervical spine was initiated as the second stage of the procedure. Anterior cervical corpectomy or discectomy, spinal cord decompression, antograft and cervical spine auto-locking plate fixation were carried out. The stability, the fusion rate of the injured segments and spinal cord decompression were observed on the regular postoperative X-ray film and CT scan. The function of the spinal cord was evaluated by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification. A total of 137 cases were followed-up, 19 failed to follow-up and 8 of them were due to death. The follow-up time was from 9.0 months to 35.0 months (mean: 13.7 months). All patients got completely reduction of the cervical spine. The injured segments were stable. There was no patient of bone graft no-fusion. The cervical intervertebral height and lordosis were reconstructed and maintained and all grafts were fused at the end of follow-up period. There was no complication related to internal fixation breakage, loosening or displacement. There was also no neurovascular and esophagus complications during the operation. Twelve patients complained neck pain at the final follow-up. There were 12 cases of wound infection and 12 cases of neck inflammatory. They were healed after anti-inflammatory therapy. There were 13 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and they were healed after the symptomatic treatment. The neuro-function of most patients was improved, and ASIA classification was improved by 1 to 2 grade. Early and one-stage posterior-anterior decompression and reconstruction for the patients with fresh and severe lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation can achieve good reduction and cervical alignment of cervical spine. The injured segments can gain postoperative immediate stability. It also gives a completely decompression, which is benefit to the patients for nursing, functional exercise, and the functional recovery of the spinal cord.

A Novel Technique to Reconstruct Anterior Cervical Spine after Total Removal of C2 and C3 Vertebrae

Introduction Reconstruction of C2 body in cases who need removal of C2 body and Axis is a challenging issue, due to difficult approach and small area for instrumentation and grafting, especially in pediatric age group. Material and Methods Our patient underwent a two-stage surgery. During the first operation via a posterior approach, a subtotal resection of a C2 bony mass was performed. C3 was also subtotally resected due to tumor extension. Posterior fixation of C1–C5 was performed by C1 sublaminar hooks and C4 and C5 lateral mass screws. Ten days later, a total resection of the residual bony mass was performed through an anterior approach (between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and carotid sheath). Reconstruction of C1–C3 was performed with C1 anterior sublaminar wiring and an expandable titanium cage. Results Successful reconstruction of C2–C3 vertebral bodies was achieved. At 2-year follow-up, the child was symptom-free. Imaging studies revealed no recurrence of tumor or instability. Conclusion A novel technique for reconstruction of C2–C3 vertebral bodies is demonstrated for the youngest case (a 6-year-old boy) of osteoblastoma in the literature. We recommend this approach for cervical spine reconstruction in patients who have an intact C1 arc and resected lower bodies.

Efficacy analysis of posterior screw-rod internal fixation and bone graft fusion for the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of posterior screw-rod internal fixation and bone graft fusion for the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation. Methods Seventeen patients with atlantoaxial dislocation admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Zhengzhou Yihe Hospital from June 2014 to December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients included 8 females and 9 males, aged 21 to 65 years (mean 40 years old). The 17 patients were treated with posterior screw-rod internal fixation and bone graft fusion. All the patients underwent cervical anteroposterior, hyperextended or excessive flexion X-ray examinations, cervical spiral CT scan, three-dimensional reconstruction of the upper cervical spine, and. head and neck joint CTA examination. They were all followed up after procedure. Results The follow-up time of the 17 patients in this group was 3 to 18 months (mean 10 months). The screws were in good position on CT reexamination. The diaplasis of atlantoaxial dislocation was satisfactory. All patients had good bon fusion (100%). The neurological symptoms of 1 patient did not have any obvious change compared with before procedure. The clinical symptoms of the remaining 16 patients were improved in different degrees. Conclusions Posterior screw-rod internal fixation and bone graft fusion for the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation may provide an immediate stability of the craniocervical junction, improve the bone graft fusion rate, reduce the complications of long-term cervical external fixation after procedure. It is a safe and effective surgical method. Key words: Atlanto-axial joint; Dislocations; Internal fixators; Bone graft fusion; Treatment outcome

Complex cervical spine surgery at the hospital for special surgery: editorial.

The inaugural complex cervical spine symposium at the Hospital for Special Surgery brought together preeminent thought leaders and innovators in cervical spinal surgery in May of 2013 from around the USA, Europe, and Asia. Topics included advanced cervical spine operative techniques, cervical spine reconstruction, the operative treatment of pediatric cervical spine disorders, deformity, and tumor treatment at the occipitocervical junction. The Keynote Lecture was delivered by Kuniyoshi Abumi, MD, PhD, from Sapporo, Japan, on cervical spine osteotomies and the treatment and reduction of occiptiocervical deformities. Dr. Abumi served as the first president of the Cervical Spine Research Society’s Asia Pacific Division and is widely regarded for developing the technique of subaxial cervical spine pedicle screw instrumentation. Pediatric cervical spine lectures were given by John Dorman’s MD from the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania and Daniel Hedequist, MD, from Boston Children’s Hospital. Christoph Seipe, MD, PhD from the Schon Klinik in Munich, Germany, and Roger Hartl, MD, presented their experiences with advanced computer navigation techniques for complex degenerative cervical spine disorders and minimally invasive surgical techniques, respectively. Todd Albert, MD, who has since joined the HSS family as Surgeon-in-Chief, presented techniques for reconstruction of the post-surgical spine, and Edward D. Simmons, MD, presented the experience that he and his father accumulated over several decades with the cervical spine osteotomy that bears his family name, the “Simmon’s osteotomy.” Several controversial topics pertinent to modern cervical surgery were debated by leading experts in their respective fields, ranging from motion preservation surgery using disk replacement devices, the treatment of athletes with critical cervical spinal stenosis, and the optimal surgical approach for cervical spondylotic myelopathy using modern techniques. It was my great privilege both to serve as the director of the HSS Complex Cervical Spine Symposium and as guest editor of the HSS Journal’s cervical spine special issue. This focus issue of the symposium summarizes many of the cutting edge talks, debate sessions, and expert techniques given by surgeons at the symposium.

Revision surgery for failed cervical spine reconstruction: review article.

As the number of cervical spine procedures performed continues to increase, the need for revision surgery is also likely to increase. Surgeons need to understand the etiology of post-surgical changes, as well as have a treatment algorithm when evaluating these complex patients. This study aims to review the rates and etiology of revision cervical spine surgery as well as describe our treatment algorithm. We used a narrative and literature review. We performed a MEDLINE (PubMed) search for "cervical" and "spine" and "revision" which returned 353 articles from 1993 through January 22, 2014. Abstracts were analyzed for relevance and 32 articles were reviewed. The rates of revision surgery on the cervical spine vary by the type and extent of procedure performed. Patient evaluation should include a detailed history and review of the indication for the index procedure, as well as lab work to rule out infection. Imaging studies including flexion/extension radiographs and computed tomography are obtained to evaluate potential pseudarthrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful to evaluate the disc, neural elements, soft tissue, and to differentiate scar from infection. Sagittal alignment should be corrected if necessary. Recurrent or new symptoms after cervical spine reconstruction can be effectively treated with revision surgery after identifying the etiology, and completing the appropriate workup.

Outcome of single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 cage.

Background:Cages have been widely used for the anterior reconstruction and fusion of cervical spine. Nonmetal cages have become popular due to prominent stress shielding and high rate of subsidence of metallic cages. This study aims to assess fusion with n-HA/PA66 cage following one level anterior cervical discectomy.Materials and Methods:Forty seven consecutive patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy underwent single level ACDF using n-HA/PA66 cage. We measured the segmental lordosis and intervertebral disc height on preoperative radiographs and then calculated the loss of segmental lordosis correction and cage subsidence over followup. Fusion status was evaluated on CT scans. Odom criteria, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Visual Analog Pain Scales (VAS) scores were used to assess the clinical results. Statistically quantitative data were analyzed while Categorical data by χ2 test.Results:Mean correction of segmental lordosis from surgery was 6.9 ± 3.0° with a mean loss of correction of 1.7 ± 1.9°. Mean cage subsidence was 1.2 ± 0.6 mm and the rate of cage subsidence (>2 mm) was 2%. The rate of fusion success was 100%. No significant difference was found on clinical or radiographic outcomes between the patients (n=27) who were fused by n-HA/PA66 cage with pure local bone and the ones (n=20) with hybrid bone (local bone associating with bone from iliac crest).Conclusions:The n-HA/PA66 cage is a satisfactory reconstructing implant after anterior cervical discectomy, which can effectively promote bone graft fusion and prevent cage subsidence.