Subtotal Vertebrectomy Research Articles

Cervical Disc Herniation Producing Acute Brown-Sequard Syndrome: A Case Report

Background: Brown-Sequard Syndrome (BSS) is a kind of rare neurological condition characterized by incomplete spinal cord lesion which results in ipsilateral loss of motor function due to corticospinal tract compression on one side of the body, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensitivity as a result of spinothalamic tract dysfunction on the opposite side. The possible causes of Brown-Sequard Syndrome have been frequently observed in patients with spinal traumatic injuries and extramedullary spinal tumors. However, cervical disc herniation is an exceptional cause of this syndrome. Case presentation: A 42-year-old man presented with a one-day history of neck pain and activity limitation of right arm and leg after neck massage. The Computed Tomography (CT) scan of head indicated no abnormal sign. The cervical Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large right-side C4/5 disc herniation which caused rightside compression of spinal cord. The patient received subtotal vertebrectomy of C5 and reconstruction with titanium mesh cage through anterior approach. The muscle strength of patient was improved the contralateral sensory disorder of pain and temperature was alleviated after the surgery. Conclusion: The case demonstrated that a prompt diagnose followed by decompression of cervical spinal cord is essential for the prognosis of the patients who diagnosed as BSS.

Treatment of severe throracolumar fractures with posterior decompression, subtotal vertebrectomy, intervertebral fusion and internal fixation through unilateral pedicle

Objective To evaluate the effects of posterior decompression, subtotal vertebrectomy, intervertebral fusion and internal fixation through unilateral pedicle in the treatment of severe throracolumar fractures. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of 11 patients with severe throracolumar fracture who had been treated with posterior decompression, subtotal vertebrectomy, in-tervertebral fusion and internal fixation through unilateral pedicle at our department from March 2009 to March 2012. They were 10 males and one female, aged from 20 to 42 years (mean, 31.1 years). According to AO classification, there were 2 cases of type B1, 3 cases of type B2 and 6 cases of type C2. The Gaines scores for anterior column stability were more than 6 in all. All the patients had neurological disorders. The fracture reduction, fusion of bone grafting and recovery of neurological function were followed up. Results Their operation time ranged from 200 to 300 minutes, averaging 243.2 minutes; the amount of bleeding ranged from 800 to 1,600 mL, averaging 1,023.3 mL. No deterioration of neurological symptoms or no new neurological symptoms were observed postoperatively. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found in 3 patients who healed spontaneously following extubation, compressive dressing and elevation of the bed end. All the patients were followed up for 12 to 30 months (average, 18.3 months). A loosened screw cap was found in one patient after 6 months who had no discomfort and received no treatment. X-ray films showed satisfactory fracture reduction and fine bone grafting locations. No spinal canal stenosis was found by CT scans. It took 3 to 6 months (mean, 4.3 months) for the bone grafts to get fused. No height loss of the injured vertebrae was no found at the last follow-ups. No functional recovery was found in the patients with complete spinal cord injury whose Frankle grade remained A. The spinal function recovered from Frankel grade B to grade D in one patient with in-complete spinal injury. Of the 8 patients with medullary cone injury, 7 recovered Frankle grade E and one Frankle grade D. The symptoms were relieved in one patient with simple cauda equine injury. Conclusion Posterior decompression, subtotal vertebrectomy, intervertebral fusion and internal fixation through unilateral pedicle is an effective alternative for treatment of severe throracolumar fractures, because it can lead to satis-factory fracture reduction, thorough decompression of the spinal canal and good reconstruction of spinal sta-bility. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Lumber vertebrae; Fracture fixation, internal; Posterior; Subtotal vertebrectomy

Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Fractures with Neurological Deficits in Elderly Patients

Introduction The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of spinal canal decompression and anterior column support via modified posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) (Unilateral hemilaminectomy, pediculectomy, subtotal vertebrectomy) performed for eliminating the disadvantages of the anterior or combined A + P approaches, in the management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with neurological deficits in elderly patients. Patients and Methods A total of 55 patients (40 females and 15 males) with more than 2 years of follow-up were included in this study. The fractures were in the thoracic spine in 16 patients, and thoracolumbar spine in 39 patients. Overall, 11 patients had ASIA grade C and 41 patients had ASIA grade D neurological deficits. Clinical and radiological outcome and complications were also evaluated. Surgical technique included placement of fenestrated titanium pedicle screws, followed by hemilaminectomy, unilateral pediculectomy, and decompression of the spinal canal by subtotal vertebrectomy, and support of anterior column by titanium cage. Contralateral facet joint fusion and grafting was made. Prophylactic vertebroplasties were made in one level above and one level below in all patients. Results Mean age was 74.2 years (range, 66–92), and mean follow-up was 43.5 months (range, 28–102). Mean operation time was 252 minutes (range, 160–340), and blood loss was 580 mL (range, 420–800). Mean preoperative local kyphosis angle was 18.5 degrees and improved to 4.2 degree after the operation and 4.8 degree at the final follow-up. Visual analog scale (VAS) score was eight before the operation and improved to two at final follow-up. Full neurological recovery was achieved in all patients. There were no pseudoarthroses. The major complication was adjacent segment fracture was made three patients (5.4%). The minor complications were superficial wound infections in five patients and dural tear in four patients (16.3%). Conclusion Treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture with neurological deficit is a challenging procedure in elderly patients. Modified PVCR provides effective decompression of neural structures. Contralateral intact lamina, pedicle, and cortex of the vertebra increase primary stability and provides more bony surface for fusion.

Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for the Treatment of Vertebral Infections in Elderly Patients

Introduction Modified posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) technique described in this study enables resection of infected material, decompression of the spinal canal, restoration of the anterior column, and posterior stabilization at the same time. Multilevel resections (two or more) can be performed with low-complication rates. Patients and Methods A total of 24 elderly patients (16 females and 8 males average age of 73.8 years [range, 68–83 years]) with pulmonary comorbidity were included. Etiologic diagnoses were spinal tuberculosis in 10 patients and nonspecific spondylodiscitis in 14 patients. Surgical technique included placement of fenestrated titanium pedicle screws, followed by hemilaminectomy, unilateral pediculectomy, decompression of the spinal canal by subtotal vertebrectomy, and anterior column support by expandable cage. One level above and one level below prophylactic vertebroplasty were performed. Results There were 6 single level, 17 two level, and 1 four level resections. The mean operation time was 2.5 hours and the average blood loss was 670 mL. Average follow-up was 47 months (range, 14–80 months). Average resected level was 1.9 (range, 1–4). The mean preoperative local kyphosis angle 32.7∞ was decreased by 67.8%. Overall, 14 patients with partial neurologic deficit (10 patients ASIA grade D and 4 patients ASIA grade C) had significant improvement. The major complications were post-op deep infection in three patients (12.5%) and death because of the cardiac failure in one (4%) patient. The minor complication rate was 29.1% with three hematomas and four dural tears. None of the remaining patients required revision surgery for recurrence of infection or implant failure or pseudoarthrosis. Conclusion Modified PVCR seems to be good alternative to anterior or combined A + P approaches in treatment of vertebral infections in elderly patients with pulmonary comorbidity, as technique enables multilevel resections (two or more) with low-recurrence and low-complication rates.

One-stage partial vertebrectomy, titanium mesh implantation and pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures through a posterior approach

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the clinical results of a partial vertebrectomy with titanium mesh implantation and pedicle screw fixation using a posterior approach to reconstruct the spine in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.METHOD:From January 2006 to August 2008, 20 patients with severe thoracolumbar fractures were treated.For vertebral bodies associated with one injured intervertebral disk, subtotal vertebrectomy surgery and single-segment fusion were performed. For vertebral bodies with two injured adjacent intervertebral disks, partial vertebrectomy surgery and two-segment fusion were performed.RESULTS:All 20 patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (average of 18 months). There were no complications such as wound infections, hemopneumothorax or abdominal infections in any of the patients. The neurological status of all of the patients was improved by at least one American Spinal Injury Association grade by the last follow-up. The anterior vertebral body height was an average of 50.77% before surgery, 88.51% after surgery and 87.86% at the last follow up; the sagittal Cobb angle was improved, on average, from 26.15° to 5.39° and was 5.90° at the last follow up. The percentage of spinal stenosis was improved, on average, from 26.07% to 4.93%° and was 6.15% at the last follow up. There were significant differences in the anterior vertebral body height pre- and post-surgery and in the sagittal Cobb angle and the percentage of spinal stenosis (p<0) in all patients.CONCLUSIONS:This surgical procedure is simple and can accomplish decompression, reduction, fixation and fusion of the spine in one stage. This approach could be widely used in orthopedics.

The Posterior Transpedicular Approach for Circumferential Decompression and Instrumented Stabilization With Titanium Cage Vertebrectomy Reconstruction for Spinal Tumors

A retrospective case series. To demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and results of the posterior transpedicular approach for circumferential decompression and instrumented reconstruction of thoracolumbar spinal tumors. Patients presenting with spinal tumor disease requiring 3-column instrumented stabilization are typically treated with a combined anterior and posterior surgical approach. However, circumferential decompression and instrumented stabilization may also be achieved through a single-stage, midline posterior transpedicular approach. Fifty consecutive patients (27 women and 23 men) underwent surgery between 2003 and 2010 at a single institution by the senior author. Mean age was 55.9 years (range, 25-79 yr).Single or multilevel, contiguous subtotal vertebrectomy was performed ranging from T1 to L4 (38 thoracic and 12 lumbar). Three-column spinal stabilization was achieved using posterior pedicle screw fixation and vertebral body reconstruction, with a titanium cage introduced through the posterior transpedicular route. The mean follow-up period was 17 months (range, 1-54 mo). The mean operating time was 4.2 hours. The mean estimated blood loss for a subgroup of 9 patients with hypervascular tumor pathology was 3933 mL (range, 2700-5800 mL). The mean blood loss in the remaining 41 patients was 1262 mL (range, 250-2500 mL).Postoperative neurological status was maintained or improved in all patients. Mean postoperative stay was 7.7 days (range, 3-12 d). At last review, 14 patients were alive, with a mean survival of 36 months (range, 13-71 mo). The mean survival for the 36 patients who died was 19 months (range, 2 weeks to 54 mo). This is the largest reported series of patients with spinal tumor disease undergoing circumferential decompression and 3-column instrumented stabilization through the posterior transpedicular approach.This surgical approach provides sufficient access for safe and effective circumferential decompression and stabilization, with reduced complications compared with costotransversectomy or combined anterior transcavitary and posterior approaches.

Comparison between anterior and posterior decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: subjective evaluation and cost analysis

To compare anterior and posterior approaches for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) involving more than two levels, especially in regard to quality of life and cost effectiveness. The authors studied 116 CSM patients who underwent decompressive surgery by either an anterior or a posterior approach with instrumentation. In the anterior group, 1-3 levels subtotal vertebrectomy was followed by bone graft and Orion anterior cervical locking plate fixation. In the posterior group, multilevel laminectomy with posterior screw-rod fixation was performed. Follow-up, which included radiographic assessment, clinical examination and documentation of length of any hospitalization and cost and incidence of complications, was performed 1 day before discharge, 6 months after leaving hospital, and at final follow-up. Both groups had improved clinical outcomes. The anterior group showed greater satisfaction but lower visual analog scale scores than the posterior group, whereas SF-36 emotional role and mental health scores were higher in the anterior group. There was no marked difference between the two groups in length of hospitalization and most of the costs of treating CSM, however treatment and examination fees were significantly higher in the posterior group. Both anterior and posterior decompressions (with instrumentation) are effective procedures for improving the neurological outcomes of patients with CSM. However, although the two approaches have similar health care costs, anterior cervical corpectomy (with instrumentation) seems to be subjectively assessed by patients as better.

Anterior fusion with the internal fixation for treatment of Hangman's fracture

Objective To study clinical outcomes of anterior fusion with internal fixation for trau-matic spondylolisthesis of the axis (Hangman's fracture). Methods From June 2004 to December 2008, 20 patients with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis were treated operatively. They were 14 males and 6 females, aged from 35 to 62 years, with an average of 49.2 years. According to the classification system designed by Levine and Edwards, the radiological manifestations revealed type Ⅱ in 10 cases, type ⅡA in 7 cases and type Ⅲ in 3 cases. All cases achieved anatomic reduction by skull traction before operation. Fourteen cases underwent anterior C2-3 discectomy followed by insertion of a bone spacer for fusion and an-terior plating. Six cases underwent anterior C3 subtotal vertebrectomy, strut graft insertion, and anterior plating. The sensation and motion of the patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively according to ASIA scoring system. Results of X-ray, CT and MRI examinations were also measured and compared pre-and post-operatively. Results The average follow-up time was 25.6 (7 to 51) months. All bone grafts ac-quired stable fusion in 6 months, the neurological functions were restored satisfactorily, and no plates or screws broke or loosened. Conclusion Anterior fusion and the internal fixation is a good alternative method for treatment of instable Hangman's fracture, because it has advantages of complete decompression, a high rate of successful bony fusion and early ambulation. Key words: Axis; Fractures; Spinal fusion; Internal fixator

Erweiterter posteriorer zirkulärer Zugang zur Brust- und oberen Lendenwirbelsäule

Posterior spinal surgical approach to achieve a retropleural/ retroperitoneal corpectomy with circumferential spinal cord decompression following subtotal vertebrectomy, posterior instrumentation and interbody spacer placement under compression as well as kyphosis correction with spinal column shortening. Infective, traumatic or neoplastic lesions of the vertebral body that lead to vertebral body destruction, instability and neurologic deficit. Need for immediate postoperative loading stability to permit ambulation and rehabilitation. Multiple contiguous vertebral disease. Instances where the graft bed preparation and stable interbody spacer placement may be suboptimal due to the limited access offered by this approach. Posterior midline exposure two to three levels above and below lesion, dissection at level of lesion extended bilaterally exposing transverse processes, costotransverse articulations and medial 5-8 cm of ribs. Placement of pedicle screws at proximal and distal levels; in case of osteoporotic bone augment screws with cement. Bilateral costotransversectomy at one or more levels to drain prevertebral abscess and expose diseased vertebral bodies. After temporary stabilization, laminectomy and corpectomy are carried out from both sides to permit circumferential decompression. A temporary rod is placed on the contralateral side in the position of deformity to prevent any inadvertent translatory movements during the subsequent surgical step. After completion of the procedure an appropriately contoured rod is placed. The interbody spacer is positioned. Kyphosis correction by spinal column shortening and compression along the posterior implant is performed. By day 3 ambulation and rehabilitation are initiated. 22 patients were operated in the last 8 years with tuberculosis (18 patients - twelve paraplegics), osteoporotic fractures (two patients), congenital kyphosis and Ewing's sarcoma (one patient each). All patients were followed up at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months and then annually. At each followup, clinical, hematologic and radiologic parameters were assessed. All interbody grafts and cages incorporated without significant loss of correction. Ten of twelve tuberculous paraplegics recovered. No patient had postoperative infection, interbody spacer- or implant-related complications.

A clinical study on different decompression methods in cervical spondylosis

To analyze the different decompression methods to treat cervical spondylosis based on imageological evaluation. Two hundred and sixty three consecutive patients with cervical spondylosis between Nov. 2004 and Oct. 2007 were involved in this study. Patients were distributed to different operation groups based on the preoperative imageological evaluation, including anterior or posterior decompression methods. The Anterior method is to use the discectomy of one to three segments, autogenous iliac graft or titanium mesh or cage fusion and titanium plate fixation, or subtotal vertebrectomy of one to two segments autogenous iliac graft or titanium mesh fusion and titanium plate fixation, or discectomy plus subtotal vertebrectomy, The posterior expansive single open door laminoplasty and other operation types. All the patients were divided into different groups by the preoperative imageological evaluation, age, sex and course of diseases. Then we collected each group's preoperative and postoperative JOA scores and mean improvement rate to evaluate the postoperative effect by different decompression methods. Two hundred and thirty five patients were followed up with a mean period of 18 months (range, 4 to 36 months). JOA scores of all patients were improved by different degrees after operations. Anterior and posterior decompression methods both can achieve higher mean improvement rates. There were no significant differences in mean improvement rates between anterior groups, and so did male and female (P > 0.05). The effect will decrease as age increases or the course of disease prolongs. Statistical significance existed among the different age groups and between course groups (P < 0.05). Anterior and posterior decompression methods both can achieve good effect. The key point is to choose the surgical indication correctly, decompress thoroughly, and make the fusion reliable and fixation firm. In regard to the patients' imageological evaluation, the methods should be differentiated. The anterior operation type included discectomy of one to three segments, subtotal vertebrectomy of one to two segments and discectomy plus subtotal vertebra ectomy.

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of a lumbar vertebral body with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst formation: a case report

We report the case of a 25-year-old Caucasian woman with symptomatic monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the fourth lumbar vertebral body. The patient suffered from a five-week history of progressive low back pain, radiating continuously to the left leg. Her medical history and physical and neurological examination did not demonstrate any significant abnormalities. Radiographs, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an osteolytic expansive lesion with a cystic component of the fourth lumbar vertebral body. Percutaneous transpedicular biopsy showed histological characteristics of fibrous dysplasia superimposed by the formation of aneurysmal bone cyst components. The patient was treated by subtotal vertebrectomy of the L4 vertebral body with anterior reconstruction and her postoperative course was uncomplicated. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a monostotic fibrous dysplasia with superimposed secondary aneurysmal bone cysts of a lumbar vertebral body.

Outcome and complications of reconstruction of the thoracolumbar spine for vertebral tumours

Forty-six patients with progressive neurological deficits or severe pain underwent subtotal vertebrectomy and resection of thoracic and lumbar vertebral tumours. Following subtotal vertebrectomy, 22 spinal segments were reconstructed with titanium mesh cylinders, 13 with allograft struts, 7 with methyl methacrylate, one with autograft bone, and 2 patients underwent spinal reconstruction with miscellaneous materials. In one patient, 40 mm cancellous screws and a titanium mesh cylinder filled with methyl methacrylate were used. Following the reconstruction, 34 patients underwent stabilisation with anterior plates, and 5 patients with posterior rods and pedicle screws. No instrumental fixation was used in 7 patients. Postoperatively, 9 patients who had severe pain but no preoperative neurological deficits remained neurologically intact. Of 33 patients with preoperative incomplete deficit (Frankel grades C and D), 14 improved, 18 were unchanged, and one was worse. Of 3 patients in Frankel grade B, 2 improved to grade C but did not recover ambulation and the third patient remained at Frankel grade B. Other complications included 2 perioperative deaths due to respiratory failure and coagulopathy, one postoperative deterioration, and optic neuropathy in one patient. Backed out screws were seen in 2 patients. Although spinal reconstruction and instrumentation systems allow for immediate stability and mobilisation, a significant perioperative morbidity warrants a careful patient selection.

Palliative subtotal vertebrectomy with anterior and posterior reconstruction via a single posterior approach.

Laminectomy for the treatment of spinal metastatic disease is ineffective. Total spondylectomy requiring both anterior and posterior operations may cause undue morbidity in patients with a limited life expectancy. The authors demonstrate the technique, feasibility, and success of subtotal vertebrectomy that is followed by anterior and posterior reconstruction via a simple posterior approach. Although this remains a palliative procedure, it provides circumferential decompression and spinal stabilization by using rigid hardware. The authors present a review of nine of 43 consecutive patients with spinal metastatic disease who underwent operation in a 42-month period. Via a single midline posterior approach, the authors performed single-stage circumferential decompression of the theca followed by anterior and posterior reconstruction. Anterior support is provided by a methylmethacrylate reconstruction retained with Steinmann pins. Posterior reconstruction is achieved by placement of rigid hook or pedicle screw and rod instrumentation. Eight of the nine patients died of progression of underlying disease. All patients remained pain free until days before they died. Except for a patient with paraplegia who did not recover, all other patients remained ambulatory. Despite radio-, chemo-, and steroid therapy, there were no wound infections or breakdowns. One patient underwent reoperation because of a technical error. Use of the near-total vertebrectomy followed by anterior and posterior reconstruction from T2 to L3 by using a single midline posterior approach spares the patient, who has a limited life expectancy, the operative risks associated with thoracotomy or thoracoabdominal approaches. The authors restrict the procedure for use in patients with extensive bony disease, noncontiguous spinal involvement, visceral metastases, other contraindications to a transcavitary procedure, and those with advanced age.

Location of the Vertebral Artery Foramen on the Anterior Aspect of the Lower Cervical Spine by Computed Tomography

Axial computed tomography scans were performed on 14 cadaveric cervical spines to determine the location of the vertebral artery foramen on the anterior aspect of the lower cervical spine. The best scan through the vertebral artery foramen from each level at C3-C6 was selected. Measurements of the vertebral artery foramen included the foramen depth, foramen width, interforaminal distance, the distance from the anterior border of the transverse foramen to the anterior border of the transverse process, the distance from the posterior border of the transverse foramen to the posterior border of the lateral mass, and the distance from the medial border of the vertebral artery foramen to the lateral border of the vertebral body. The results show that the average transverse foramen width was 5.5 +/- 0.4 mm at C3, 5.7 +/- 1.0 mm at C4, 5.9 +/- 0.7 mm at C5, and 5.7 +/- 0.7 mm at C6. The average transverse foramen depth and average interforaminal distance gradually increased from C3 to C6. The distance from the anterior border of the vertebral artery foramen to the anterior border of the transverse process gradually increased from C3 (1.2 +/- 0.4 mm) to C6 (2.7 +/- 0.8 mm) as well. The average distance between the medial border of the transverse foramina and the lateral border of the vertebral body for C3-C6 ranged from 1.8 to 2.2 mm. The average distance between the anterior borders of the vertebral artery foramina and the anterior border of the vertebral body gradually decreased from C3 (8.4 +/- 1.4 mm) to C6 (7.0 +/- 1.6 mm). This study suggested that the lateral border of the vertebral body may be a reliable landmark during anterior cervical decompression. The vertebral artery foramen should be free of violation if vertebrectomy or subtotal vertebrectomy is performed medial to the lateral border of the vertebral body.

Vulnerability of Vertebral Artery in Anterolateral Decompression for Cervical Spondylosis

This study aimed to provide anatomic data for the location of the vertebral artery and offer an optimal approach for lateral cervical decompression that minimizes the risk of injury to the vertebral artery. Anatomically, there has been little study documenting the safe zone to prevent vertebral artery injury during the resection of the uncinate process or uncovertebral joint during the lateral decompression of the nerve root. The transverse foramen and its related parameters were measured on dry cervical spines from C3 to C7. The cadaveric cervical spines were dissected to determine a method for resection of the uncovertebral joint with decreased risk of vertebral artery laceration. The anteroposterior diameters of the transverse foramina gradually decreased from C6 to C3. The transverse diameters of the transverse foramina were smaller at C5. The interforaminal distance, width of the vertebrae, interuncinate distance, and the distance from the lateral tip of the uncinate process to the medial border of the transverse foramen became smaller in more cephalad vertebrae. After subtotal vertebrectomy and opening of the anterior walls of the transverse foramina, the resection of the uncovertebral joint and lateral decompression became easier and safer. Anatomic measurements obtained in this study indicate the vertebral artery to be at risk during decompression of the more cephalad vertebrae. The lateral decompression can be completed under direct vision with smaller rongeurs and curettes, rather than with high speed burr after deroofing the anterior walls of transverse foramina and retracting the vertebral artery laterally.

Ossification of the posterior cervical longitudinal ligament

Forty patients with cervical myelopathy due to OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament) of the cervical spine were studied. According to Abe's or Yamamoto's classification, 12 of them had a 50% decrease in the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal. Subtotal vertebrectomy was carried out in 8 of these patients and the remaining 4 patients received posterior decompression. We concluded that anterior decompression, if possible, is the treatment of choice and posterior decompression is recommended only for the longitudinal type involving more than 3 segments.

The treatment of spondylotic cervical myelopathy by multiple subtotal vertebrectomy and fusion

The authors report their experience in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy by multiple subtotal vertebrectomy and fusion. There were 27 cases with a mean age of 66.9 years. The clinical assessment was carried out using both the Nurick and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) grading pre- and post-operatively at 6 months. The post-operative radiological assessment was done at 3 and 6 months. Two cases died from unrelated medical problems. There were three cases of graft dislodgement. Clinical improvement was detected in 80% of cases using the Nurick grading and in 88% of cases using the JOA scoring. No cases deteriorated neurologically after operation. Bony fusion was achieved in 96% of the surviving cases by 6 months. Multiple subtotal vertebrectomy and fusion is therefore an effective method for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

腰つい骨折の遅発性麻ひの手術症例

We present two cases who developed palsy two years and six years following fracture of the lumber spine. Radiological examination revealed an old bursting fracture in the lumbar vertebra. Anterior decompression thorough subtotal vertebrectomy and anterior fusion were performed, with good post-operative results. We conclude that anterior decompression and reconstruction of the spinal column are important in treating this type of lesion.

Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament of the Cervical Spine

If the ossification is localized in the central part of the intervertebral space, anterior decompression surgery of Cloward may be indicated. However, if most posterior ligamentous ossification covers the posterior surface of the vertebral body and the lateral sides, Cloward's method is not indicated. We have developed a method of anterior decompression and fusion surgery to clear the ossified area, resecting the vertebral body (subtotal vertebrectomy). The results were excellent in 3 of 4 patients with preoperative radiculopathy; there were 2 excellent and 16 good results in 22 patients with myelopathy. Of course laminectomy can produce some good effects, but the anterior obstruction removes through the anterior approach. Anterior decompression may be indicated when ossification is localized below the C3--4 intervertebral space, and when the spinal canal is not narrowed in the upper cervical region, even if ossification extends over the whole cervical spine. Laminectomy is advised when ossification involves all levels of the cervical spine, the upper cervical spine is narrowed or the sagittal dimension of the spinal canal is reduced more than 60%.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Disc herniation of cervical region is rare, because quantity of cervical disc is little, posterior longitudinal ligament is wide and thick, nucleus of cervical disc locates rather anterior portion than nucleus of lumbar nucleus, and there are uncinate process and postevior osseus dike.Recently we reviewed three cases with cervical disc herniation, then we obtain different features from common ceruical spondylosis.1. Patients have suffered some trauma some months before.2. Comparatively, symptom progress rapidly.3. Degree of symptom has no relation with wideth of spinal canal.4. Patient fall into myelopathy at an early stage.5. Operation is effective.We emphasize that subtotal vertebrectomy and anteior spinal fusion is most effective.