Severe Central Canal Stenosis Research Articles

Recognition of prodromal cervical spondylotic myelopathy presenting in a U.S. Veteran referred to chiropractic for acute thoracic pain: A case report

ObjectiveTo highlight a patient who was referred to a VA chiropractic clinic for thoracic pain and upon physical exam was found to be myelopathic, subsequently requiring surgery. Clinical featuresA 58-year-old male attended a telephone interview with the VA chiropractic clinic for thoracic pain of 4 months duration; he denied neck pain, upper extremity symptoms or clumsiness of the feet or hands. At his in-person visit, he acknowledged frequently dropping items. The physical examination revealed signs of myelopathy including positive Hoffman's bilaterally, 3+ brisk patellar reflexes, and 5+ beats of ankle clonus bilaterally. He also had difficulty walking heel/toe. Intervention and outcomeCervical and thoracic radiographs were ordered and a referral was placed to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Clinic for evaluation of the abnormal neurologic exam and suspicion of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). He was treated for 2 visits in the chiropractic clinic for his thoracic pain, with resolution of thoracic symptoms. No treatment was rendered to the cervical spine.The PM&R physician ordered a cervical MRI which demonstrated severe central canal stenosis and increased T2 signal within the cord at C5–C6, representing myelopathic changes. The PM&R specialist referred him to Neurosurgery which resulted in a C5-6, C6-7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. ConclusionThe importance of physical examination competency and routine thoroughness cannot be overstated. Swift identification of pathologic signs by the treating chiropractor resulted in timely imaging and surgical intervention.

Clinical Outcomes of Biportal Endoscopic Interlaminar Decompression with Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF): Comparative Analysis with TLIF.

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) improves the spinal canal, with favorable clinical outcomes. However, it may not be useful for treating concurrent, severe central canal stenosis (SCCS). Therefore, we added biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS) after OLIF, evaluated the combined procedure for one-segment fusion with clinical outcomes, and compared it to open conventional TLIF. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A underwent BESS with OLIF, and Group B were treated via TLIF. The length of hospital stay (LOS), follow-up period, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), fusion segment, complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and the modified Macnab criteria. All the clinical parameters improved significantly after the operation in Group A. The only significant between-group difference was that the EBL was significantly lower in Group A. At the final follow-up, no clinical parameter differed significantly between the groups. No complications developed in either group. We suggest that our combination technique is a useful, alternative, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of one-segment lumbar SCCS associated with foraminal stenosis or segmental instability.

Indirect decompression via oblique lateral interbody fusion for severe degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: a comparative study with direct decompression transforaminal/posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Background contextPrevious studies have shown that oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) can improve neurological symptoms via “indirect decompression.” However, data are lacking in terms of its benefits when compared with conventional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and/or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) approach, especially in patients with severe central canal stenosis. PurposeTo investigate the clinical outcome of OLIF without posterior decompression versus conventional TLIF and/or PLIF in severe lumbar stenosis diagnosed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Study designRetrospective comparative study. Patient sampleFifty-one patients who underwent OLIF and 41 patients who underwent conventional TLIF and/or PLIF. Outcome measuresClinical outcome score by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and radiographic outcomes (disc height and fusion rate on computed tomography scan). Materials/methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who underwent OLIF with supplemental percutaneous pedicle screws (55 levels; OLIF group) and 41 patients who underwent conventional TLIF and/or PLIF (47 levels; TPLIF group). The cross-sectional area of the thecal sac was measured preoperatively in OLIF and TPLIF groups, but postoperatively only in the OLIF group. All patients were diagnosed with severe stenosis based on Schizas classification (Grade C or D) on magnetic resonance imaging. We compared radiographic and clinical outcome scores (JOA score) between the 2 groups at 1 year of follow-up. The radiographic evaluation included the fusion status and disc height on computed tomography scan. Surgical data and perioperative complications were also investigated. ResultsThe baseline demographic data of the 2 groups were equivalent in preoperative diagnosis, JOA score, and disc height and/or angle. The cross-sectional area significantly increased postoperatively, which confirmed indirect decompressive effect in the OLIF group. The JOA score improved in both groups at the 1-year follow up (76.6% vs. 73.5% improvement rate in the OLIF and TPLIF groups, respectively). The fusion rate at the 1-year follow-up was higher in the OLIF group than in the TPLIF group (87.2% vs. 57.4%). The disc height restoration was also better in the OLIF group. The operative data demonstrated less estimated blood loss and operative time in the OLIF group. ConclusionsOLIF and conventional TLIF and/or PLIF demonstrated comparable short-term clinical outcomes in the treatment of severe degenerative lumbar stenosis. However, the surgical and radiographic outcomes were better in the OLIF group. Surgeons should choose an appropriate approach on a case by case basis, recognizing the perioperative complications specific to each fusion procedure.

71. Can the novel lumboiliac triangle technique based on biplane oblique fluoroscopy facilitate transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for patients with L5-S1 disc herniation combined with high iliac crest? A case-control study of 100 patients

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) via the transforaminal approach is difficult at L5-S1 in patients presenting with high iliac crests (HIC). The conventional wisdom is that measurement using lumbar radiography, CT or MRI is necessary. PURPOSE To introduce a lumbo-iliac triangular (LI-Tri) technique based on biplane oblique fluoroscopy and verify whether it facilitates transforaminal PELD for patients with L5-S1 LDH combined with HIC. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective case-control study. PATIENT SAMPLE The definition of HIC is derived from Choi's degree system, classifying the relationship between the location of the highest point of the iliac crest and the adjacent bony structures such as the L5 pedicle, and the L4 inferior and S1 superior endplates. In our patient selection, the highest point of the iliac crest above the mid-point of the L5 pedicle (Type>5) was regarded as ‘HIC.’ Between January 2016 and December 2016, 100 patients with LDH combined with HIC were treated with PELD via a unilateral transforaminal approach in two tertiary spine centers. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) clinical symptoms and signs of unilateral neurological deficit including radiculopathy, paresthesia, motor weakness that did not respond to conservative treatments including medication, physiotherapy, and nerve root blocks for 6 weeks; (2) symptoms corresponding to preoperative MRI and/or CT scans. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) definite segmental instability (anterior or posterior displacement>3 mm or the angle change of the endplate>15 ° on the dynamic radiography); (2) severe central canal stenosis (less than 10 mm) on preoperative MRI or CT; (3) cauda equina syndrome; (4) highly migrated nucleus pulposus beyond the low rims of adjacent pedicles; and (5) suspected infection or malignant diseases. OUTCOME MEASURES Besides the mean operative duration, clinical outcome evaluation included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and visual analog scale (VAS) score without the usage of analgesic to truly reflect the intensity of back and leg pain. Relevant complications, including intraoperative conversion from conventional puncture to LI-Tri technique, postoperative dysthesias and motor weakness were also recorded. METHODS The LI-Tri technique was used in the first 50 patients (applied group) with L5-S1 disc herniation. The other 50 patients were classified as non-applied group, in which the conventional puncture process was performed. The puncture location was considered unsatisfactory after 20 puncture attempts, regarded as a difficult puncture. If this occurred in the non-applied group, the LI-Tri technique was introduced into the puncture process, as with the applied group. Three senior surgeons with experience of over 500 transforaminal PELD cases performed the surgeries. The intervals of follow-up were scheduled at 1 day, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Postoperative MRI or CT examinations were recommended, especially for patients without satisfactory symptom relief. RESULTS No significant difference was observed with respect to demographic information (P .05, respectively). With the exception of the back pain VAS and ODI at 1 day postoperatively, no significant difference was observed in the three parameters at other time-points postoperatively between two groups (P>.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS For patients with L5-S1 LDH combined with HIC treated by transforaminal PELD, the LI-Tri technique is simple and effective in preoperative evaluations, locating the skin entry point and guiding the puncture trajectory. Compared to the conventional technique, it shows advantages in terms of reducing intraoperative surgical duration and promoting fast postoperative recovery. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Fully Endoscopic Lumbar Laminectomy and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Under Local Anesthesia with Conscious Sedation: A Case Series

To evaluate clinical outcomes of a case series of 18 patients who underwent fully endoscopic foraminotomy, laminectomy, and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion combined with percutaneous screw fixation. This was a retrospective case series of a single surgeon. Average age of patients was 66 years (range, 51-82 years). All patients had grade I or grade II spondylolisthesis and severe central canal stenosis. Patients underwent endoscopic transforaminal access through Kambin triangle for foraminotomy, discectomy, endplate preparation, and interbody fusion, which was followed by fully endoscopic unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression and percutaneous pedicle screw and connecting rod placement. All procedures were successful without conversion to open surgery. Mean operative time was 168 minutes, and average estimated blood loss was 36 mL. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.2 days. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Comparison of preoperative and final clinical metrics demonstrated that average Oswestry Disability Index score improved from 48 ± 14 (range, 37-61) to 13 ± 11 (range, 0-27) (P < 0.001). Average visual analog scale back pain score improved from 8.1 ± 2.0 (range, 6.8-10.0) to 1.8 ± 0.9 (range, 0.0-3.5) (P < 0.001). Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale back pain scores at last follow-up showed 73% and 78% improvement, respectively, from the preoperative period. There were no cases of nonunion clinically or radiographically on final follow-up of >12 months. Fully endoscopic laminectomy and interbody fusion under conscious sedation is an effective treatment with minimal complications for patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and severe spinal stenosis.

RADIOFREQUENCY FACILITATED MANUAL SEMI-ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMY UTILIZING THE DISC FX® SYSTEM IN THE TREATMENT OF DISC-PREDOMINATE LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) occurs with increasing prevalence in the elderly population. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has estimated that by 2021, 2.4 million adults in the United States (8-11% of the population) will be affected by this condition. Surgical options for LSS are being performed with increased frequency, high cost, and substantial risk of life-threatening complications. While nonsurgical treatment options for LSS are available, they are limited by patient selection (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy) or high rates of reoperation (Interspinous process spacer devices). This study is the first to suggest a minimally invasive treatment option for disc-predominate lumbar central canal stenosis. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of radiofrequency facilitated manual semi-endoscopic discectomy utilizing the Disc FX® system in the treatment of disc-predominate lumbar spinal stenosis. Study Design: Single center, prospective, observational study. Setting: Multi-specialty private practice clinic. The Medical Group of South Florida, Jupiter, FL. Methods: This study involved 6 patients with disc-predominant lumbar central spinal stenosis. All patients were treated with the Disc FX® system. Radiographic evidence of central lumbar stenosis was confirmed by measurement of minimum AP canal diameter (mm) performed by 1 board-certified neuroradiologist. Inclusion criteria included absence of lumbar surgery, physical therapy within the previous 6 months, failure of epidural steroid injections (3) within the previous 8 months, spondylolisthesis limited to Grade I, disc height &gt; 50%, presence of low back axial pain + leg pain exacerbated by walking, and relieved with sitting or forward flexion, absence of dermatomal radicular leg pain, radiographic evidence of disc displacement &gt; 4 mm from disc endplate. Zurich claudication (symptom severity and physical function scale was administered 1 week preoperatively, and again 6 months postoperatively. There were no patients lost to follow up. Results: All patients in the study demonstrated moderate-severe or severe central canal stenosis, with an average AP canal diameter of 6.63 mm for all treated disc levels and 5.5 mm for the most severe levels. There was a mean improvement of 57% in a symptom severity scale and 56% in the physical function scale at 6 months. This exceeds the improvement reported with interspinous spacer devices. Limitations: Limitations include very small sample size, observational design, non-randomization, absence of share controls, short follow-up period. Conclusion: For patients suffering from discpredominant lumbar spinal stenosis, The Disc FX® System provides an effective, low-cost alternative to surgical intervention. Key words: Spinal, stenosis, claudication, disc, Disc FX®, operative, minimally invasive, Zürich claudication score

Thoracic myelopathy secondary to multi-level ossification of the ligamentum flavum in an Asian patient

Thoracic myelopathy occurs less frequently than lumbar myelopathy. There are several causes of thoracic myelopathy of which ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is one. OLF has several unique features, arising posteriorly and causing proprioceptive issues first before extending to cause motor and sensory loss. We present a case of a 58-year-old gentleman with a six-month history of progressive lower limb weakness, numbness, back pain and recurrent falls due to OLF. Magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging revealed extensive thoracic OLF and concomitant facet hypertrophy involving T6-7, T7-8, T9-10, T10-11 and L1-2. Severe central canal stenosis and L1-2 cauda equina root compression were also seen on radiological imaging. The patient developed sphincter disturbance during his admission and had difficulty passing urine. He underwent physiotherapy but was only able to sit and stand with the help of a walking frame at best. He did not regain motor or sensory function in his lower limbs although his back pain improved. Surgical decompression is associated with good neurological outcomes in OLF. Despite this, our patient declined surgery and opted for conservative therapy instead. We wish to highlight a rare case of thoracic myelopathy and the potentially irreversible neurological deterioration that occurs if there is no early surgical intervention.

Spinal stenosis presenting with scrotal and perianal claudication.

A 63-year-old gentleman presented with a one-year duration of progressive neurogenic claudication. However, unlike most patients who presents with leg symptoms, his pain was felt in his scrotal and perianal region. This was exacerbated with walking and standing, but he had immediate relief with sitting. An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed which showed severe central canal stenosis. An L3/4 and L4/5 surgical decompression and a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion was performed, and the patient made good recovery with immediate resolution of symptoms. Although rare, spinal stenosis should be considered a differential when approaching a patient with perianal and scrotal claudication, even in the absence of leg claudication. An MRI is useful to confirm the diagnosis. This rare symptom may be a sign of severe cauda equina compression and we recommend decompression with predictable good results.

Lumbar facet joint injection: feasibility as an alternative method in high-risk patients

To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic facet joint steroid injections for symptoms caused by lumbar spinal stenosis in patients who are at risk of bleeding. We analysed 134 patients who had previously undergone one-level bilateral facet joint steroid injections for lumbar radiculopathy caused by spinal stenosis from January 2011 to December 2012. All patients had a bleeding tendency due to several medical conditions. A retrospective chart review was conducted by one radiologist. Response was measured by using a five-point patient satisfaction scale. Evaluations of the relationship between possible outcome predictors were made using the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Among the 42 enrolled patients (male/female = 14/28; mean age, 58 years; range, 41-88 years), 25 patients (59.5 %) were classified to have received effective treatment; in 17 patients treatment was classified as ineffective. Eighteen (72 %) of the 25 patients with mild-to-moderate central canal stenosis had symptom relief, and 7 of the 17 (41.2 %) patients with severe central canal stenosis had symptom relief (P < 0.05). Other outcome predictors were not statistically significant. Therapeutic facet joint steroid injection is potentially effective for lumbar radiculopathy caused by spinal stenosis. This could be helpful in patients at risk of bleeding. • Epidural injection of steroids is a conventional treatment for lumbar radiculopathy. • Facet joint steroid injections showed similar therapeutic effects in lumbar spinal stenosis. • No serious complications, including bleeding, occurred with facet joint injections. • Facet joint steroid injection offers an alternative therapy in patients with bleeding risk.

Pulmonary Cement Embolism after Kyphoplasty

An 80-year-old female with a history of osteoporosis was evaluated for sudden onset axial low back pain with bilateral lower extremity weakness, hyperreflexia, pain, urinary retention, and decreased rectal tone. Computed tomography of the lumbar spine revealed L1 compression fracture, retropulsion of bone causing spinal canal compromise with associated severe central canal stenosis. Following cement kyphoplasty of L1 with polymethyl methacrylate, the patient developed tachycardia and dyspnea. Chest radiograph and computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram revealed a large collection of hyperdense material within the right lower lobe pulmonary artery, consistent with pulmonary cement emboli. Management and imaging are discussed.

Epidural steroid injections in the management of a patient with spinal stenosis and urinary urgency

A 79-year-old woman with a history of chronic back pain and urinary urgency presented to a spine center for treatment and evaluation for axial low back pain. The patient described the back pain as severe with intermittent radiation into the right leg; her pain intensity was 7 out of 10 on a visual analog scale. She described her sense of urgency as severe, and could delay urination for 10 min or less. She described her bladder control as 6 out of 10 on the urgency perception score (with 0 being perfect control). Physical examination, including manual muscle testing, test for sensation to fine touch, reflex assessment and assessment of gait pattern, and MRI of the lumbar spine. Overactive bladder associated with severe central-canal stenosis at L4-5, in the setting of anterolisthesis. Fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injection; 60 mg of triamcinolone, 3 ml of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride and 3 ml of normal saline, injected in increments.

Nonoperative management of herniated cervical intervertebral disc with radiculopathy.

A longitudinal cohort study design was used. All patients underwent a systematically and uniformly applied treatment program with increasing intervention as further pain control was needed. All patients were followed up by questionnaire evaluating function and symptoms. The role of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of patients with cervical disc herniation has not been adequately studied. The majority of published data reflects surgical outcomes, with little available data regarding the outcome of nonoperatively treated patients. Frequently, these patients are treated surgically if they have neurologic loss or radiculopathy that persists after rest or minimal intervention. In the authors' clinic, patients with cervical herniated nucleus pulposus and radiculopathy are treated with an aggressive physical rehabilitation program. All patients treated by the authors during a specified time period with a clearly defined diagnosis of cervical herniated nucleus pulposus were evaluated for outcome. Twenty-six consecutive patients with cervical herniated nucleus pulposus and radiculopathy were evaluated by an investigator other than the treating physician. The follow-up time was more than 1 year in all patients. Data analyzed included symptom level, activity and function level, medication and ongoing medical care, job status, and satisfaction. Inclusion criteria included a focal cervical disc protrusion of less than 4 mm identified on magnetic resonance imaging and a major complaint of extremity pain compatible with cervical radiculopathy. Exclusion criteria included severe central canal stenosis, symptomatic cervical myelopathy, or condition that precluded participation in the rehabilitation program. Management consisted of traction, specific physical therapeutic exercise, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and patient education. The majority of patients presented with neurologic loss. Twenty-four patients were successfully treated without surgery. Twenty patients achieved a good or excellent outcome of these 19 had disc extrusions. Two patients underwent cervical spine surgery. Twenty-one patients returned to the same job. One patient retired. Many cervical disc herniations can be successfully managed with aggressive nonsurgical treatment (24 of 26 in the present study). Progressive neurologic loss did not occur in any patient, and most patients were able to continue with their preinjury activities with little limitation. High patient satisfaction with nonoperative care was achieved on outcome analysis.