Cervical Spinal Tumor Research Articles

Customized anterior craniocervical reconstruction via a modified high-cervical retropharyngeal approach following resection of a spinal tumor involving C1-2/C1-3.

The surgical treatment of an upper cervical spinal tumor (UCST) at C1-2/C1-3 is challenging due to anterior exposure and reconstruction. Limited information has been published concerning the effective approach and reconstruction for an anterior procedure after C1-2/C1-3 UCST resection. The authors attempted to introduce a novel, customized, anterior craniocervical reconstruction between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae through a modified high-cervical retropharyngeal approach (mHCRA) in addressing C1-2/C1-3 spinal tumors. Seven consecutive patients underwent 2-stage UCST resection with circumferential reconstruction. Posterior decompression and occiput-cervical instrumentation was conducted at the stage 1 operation, and anterior craniocervical reconstruction using a 3D-printed implant was performed between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae via an mHCRA. The clinical characteristics, perioperative complications, and radiological outcomes were reviewed, and the rationale for anterior craniocervical reconstruction was also clarified. The mean age of the 7 patients in the study was 47.6 ± 19.0 years (range 12-72 years) when referred to the authors' center. Six patients (85.7%) had recurrent tumor status, and the interval from primary to recurrence status was 53.0 ± 33.7 months (range 24-105 months). Four patients (57.1%) were diagnosed with a spinal tumor involving C1-3, and 3 patients (42.9%) with a C1-2 tumor. For the anterior procedure, the mean surgical duration and average blood loss were 4.1 ± 0.9 hours (range 3.0-6.0 hours) and 558.3 ± 400.5 ml (range 100-1300 ml), respectively. No severe perioperative complications occurred, except 1 patient with transient dysphagia. The mean pre- and postoperative visual analog scale scores were 8.0 ± 0.8 (range 7-9) and 2.4 ± 0.5 (range 2.0-3.0; p < 0.001), respectively, and the mean improvement rate of cervical spinal cord function was 54.7% ± 13.8% (range 42.9%-83.3%) based on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score (p < 0.001). Circumferential instrumentation was in good position and no evidence of disease was found at the mean follow-up of 14.8 months (range 7.3-24.2 months). The mHCRA provides optimal access to the surgical field at the C0-3 level. Customized anterior craniocervical fixation between the occipital condyles and inferior vertebrae can be feasible and effective in managing anterior reconstruction after UCST resection.

1703 Hematemesis: A Turn of the Screw

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in combination with locking plates is considered the standard treatment for cervical spinal trauma, tumors and degenerative disc disease. We present a case of upper gastrointestinal bleed resulting from delayed pharyngoesophageal perforation due to loosened screw in the presence of normally positioned hardware. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 43-year-old male with hypertension, bradycardia status post pacemaker, cervical stenosis status post C3 -C6 fusion 1 year prior came to the ER with chief complaint of throat and chest pain followed by one episode of hematemesis noticing a 2 cm screw in vomitus. Initial vitals showed T 36.4, HR 78, BP 139/94, RR 18, and SpO2 96% on RA. Cervical spine x-ray showed intact plate of cervical spine with missing screw. Patient was admitted to the ICU and gastroenterology was consulted. Gastrografin swallow study did not show extravasation of contrast and subsequent endoscopy showed extensive soft tissue swelling in the left hypopharynx without purulent exudate. Bedside fiberoptic laryngoscopy showed left pharyngeal posterior wall prominence extending from inferior to tonsil to tip of epiglottis with intact overlying mucosa. Head and neck surgeon recommended non-operative intervention, so the patient was started on broad spectrum antibiotics through the PICC line. He was started on clear liquid diet and advanced to full liquids. His blood count remained stable and he had no further hematemesis. Outpatient follow up showed satisfactory recovery. DISCUSSION: Pharyngoesophageal injuries following ACDF are rare with an incidence of &lt;2%. Most perforations are identified in immediate or early postoperative period and result from iatrogenic injury during the procedure and carry high mortality rates. Early local symptoms include neck swelling, dysphagia, fever and subcutaneous emphysema leading to mediastinitis. Fistula formation, microcytic anemia and neck mass are the most common late presentations. Xray of the neck, contrast swallow studies and flexible endoscopy can help locate perforation. When conservative treatment fails or there is systemic involvement, this requires hardware removal, debridement and suture closure of the defect with or without sternocleidomastoid muscle, superior omohyoid muscle, or pertoralis major flap enforcement to reduce the risk of failure. Patients presenting with upper GI bleed, signs of neck infection, and history of cervical spine plating should be evaluated for hardware-related complications.

P128. The association of preoperative disc height with radiographic and clinical outcomes following ACDF

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Disc space collapse often occurs later in the natural course of cervical degenerative disc disease, and during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), restoration of disc space height and lordosis can assist with decompression and restoration of alignment. It is unclear if the amount of preoperative cervical disc space collapse correlates with outcomes following ACDF. PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to characterize preoperative disc space height in a sample of ACDF patients and to determine the association with postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes following ACDF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE Analysis of consecutive patients who underwent a single-level ACDF between 2008-2015 for cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy, with more than 6 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up was conducted. Exclusion criteria were patients under 18 years of age at the time of surgery, previous cervical fusion or concomitant posterior cervical surgery, had postoperative follow up less than 6 months, or had an ACDF for cervical spine fracture, tumor, or infection. OUTCOME MEASURES Preoperative disc height was measured in terms of preoperative anterior vertebral distance (pAVD), mid-vertebral distance (pMVD), and posterior vertebral distance (pPVD). Sagittal parameters were also measured, and included change in C2-C7 lordosis, T1 angle, levels fused, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), fusion mass lordosis, proximal and distal adjacent segment lordosis. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) neck, VAS arm, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were collected at each postoperative clinical visit. The rates of adjacent segment disease, reoperation, fusion, and subsidence (postoperative disc space collapse >2mm) were determined for the study period. METHODS Radiographs were reviewed preoperatively and immediately postoperatively, and at final follow up along with patient-reported outcomes. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were subsequently used to compare clinical outcomes between disc height. Multivariate analyses controlled for differences in baseline patient characteristics. RESULTS A total of 120 patients were included. At final follow-up, pAVD was associated with increased lordosis, SVA and proximal lordosis. Additionally, pMVD was associated with increased postoperative SVA (p=0.025), and final SVA (p=0.011). Preoperative PVD was associated with decreased postoperative distal lordosis (p=0.037) and increased final SVA (p=0.032). Notably, greater pAVD was associated with greater final VAS arm scores (p=0.022), greater pMVD was associated with increased final VAS neck (p=0.037) and final VAS arm scores (p=0.040), and greater pPVD was associated with greater final VAS neck (p=0.031) and arm (p=0.023) scores. Greater AVD, MVD, and PVD were all associated with a decreased preoperative to postoperative difference in VAS neck (p-value range 0.034-0.04). CONCLUSIONS Increased anterior, middle and posterior preoperative disc height were all associated with increased final SVA, among other parameters. Patients with well-maintained preoperative disc heights had greater final VAS neck scores, VAS arm scores, and had less postoperative improvement in VAS neck scores compared to patients with preoperative collapsed discs. These results suggest that patients with preoperative cervical disc space collapse may have superior outcomes compared to patients with maintained cervical disc height, and future studies are needed to further explore these differences. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Combined transoral and endoscopic approach for cervical spine tumor resection.

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of a combined transoral and endoscopic approach for the removal of benign cervical spine tumors.First, we obtained detailed anatomical measurements of the atlantoaxial joint from 20 fresh cadaveric specimens and performed simulated surgeries with the combined transoral and endoscopic approach on 10 cadaveric specimens. Then, we applied the combined approach for the resection of benign cervical spine tumors in 8 patients at our hospital from October 2013 to October 2015. All patients underwent enhanced axial, coronal, and sagittal computed tomography (CT) examination before and after surgery. Preoperative 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and printing models were used in 5 cases.On the basis of CT measurements of fresh cadaveric atlantoaxial anatomy and practical experiences from simulated surgeries on the cadaveric specimens with latex perfusion, cervical tumors were completely removed from 8 patients without complications. The average surgery time was 73 minutes, and the average intraoperative bleeding volume was 34 mL. The average hospital stay was 6.5 days. The average NRS score of patients was 2.25 points at 3 days postoperation. At the 12-month postoperative follow-up, the atlantoaxial vertebral bone had been largely repaired, and no recurrence was observed by cervical CT examination.The combined transoral and endoscopic approach could be used safely and effectively to excise cervical spine tumors with substantial advantages, including direct surgical access, relatively simple operation, short operative time, quick postoperative recovery, a reliable curative effect, and few complications.

Post-carbon-ion radiotherapy vertebral pathological fractures in upper cervical primary malignant spinal tumors treated by occipito-cervical fusion.

To describe the characteristic features of post-carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) vertebral pathological fractures (VPFs) in upper cervical primary malignant spinal tumors (PMSTs) treated by occipito-cervical (OC) fusion. OC fusion was performed for three consecutive patients with post-CIRT VPFs. The clinical results and imaging findings, including bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT were prospectively collected. No surgery-related wound complication and surgical site infection were noted. One patient experienced re-fracture and displacement of dens with the loosening of occipital screws and was treated by posterior revision surgery. At the final follow-up, all patients were alive without evidence of disease, and the solid OC fusion was confirmed. Bone SPECT/CT clearly revealed the effect of CIRT on bone turnover in the irradiated field. The OC fusion with autologous bone grafts was a reliable option for the treatment of post-CIRT VPCs in the patients with upper cervical PMSTs. In addition, evaluation of the bone turnover at the irradiated field by bone SPECT/CT would help surgeons select an effective plan of care, such as fusion level and postoperative care.

Clinical Outcome of Cervical Key-Hole Foraminotomy for Monolevel Cervical Radiculopathy

Background: Cervical degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of acquired disability in patients over the age of 50. C6-C7 and C5-C6 are the most common levels involved in it. Radiculopathy can be unilateral or bilateral and single level or multiple levels. Objective: To know about the clinical outcome of cervical key-hole foraminotomy for monolevel radiculopathy. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in neurosurgery department, Al Qunfudah General Hospital, Saudi Arabia from January 2017 to December 2017. All admitted patients with mono level cervical radiculopathy due to posterolateral prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) or bone spur who undergone key hole foraminotomy were included in this study, while patients with severe cervical degenerative diseases, myelopathy, instability, trauma, infection, tumors of cervical spine were excluded. Patients age, gender, level of cervical spine radiculopathy, pre-operative signs and symptoms, Pre and post-operative complications with post-operative variation in clinical status were recorded on a designed proforma. Minimum 1 month follow up was done. Results: Total 20 patients were included in which there were 12 (60%) male and 8 (40 %) female with mean age 45 years (32-65 yrs.). The mean duration of complaint was 11 months (6-17 months). In all of these cases C6, C7 level involvement was the most common with total 8 (40%) patients. Complete recovery was found in 18 (90%) patients and partial in 2 (10%) patients while there was unintended durotomy in 1 (5%). Conclusion: Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy is an effective option in well selected patients in postero-lateral foraminal stenosis due to prolapsed intervertebral disc and osteophytes formation.

Clinical Outcome of Cervical Key-Hole Foraminotomy for Monolevel Cervical Radiculopathy

Background: Cervical degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of acquired disability in patients over the age of 50. C6-C7 and C5-C6 are the most common levels involved in it. Radiculopathy can be unilateral or bilateral and single level or multiple levels. Objective: To know about the clinical outcome of cervical key-hole foraminotomy for monolevel radiculopathy. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in neurosurgery department, Al Qunfudah General Hospital, Saudi Arabia from January 2017 to December 2017. All admitted patients with mono level cervical radiculopathy due to posterolateral prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) or bone spur who undergone key hole foraminotomy were included in this study, while patients with severe cervical degenerative diseases, myelopathy, instability, trauma, infection, tumors of cervical spine were excluded. Patients age, gender, level of cervical spine radiculopathy, pre-operative signs and symptoms, Pre and post-operative complications with post-operative variation in clinical status were recorded on a designed proforma. Minimum 1 month follow up was done. Results: Total 20 patients were included in which there were 12 (60%) male and 8 (40 %) female with mean age 45 years (32-65 yrs.). The mean duration of complaint was 11 months (6-17 months). In all of these cases C6, C7 level involvement was the most common with total 8 (40%) patients. Complete recovery was found in 18 (90%) patients and partial in 2 (10%) patients while there was unintended durotomy in 1 (5%). Conclusion: Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy is an effective option in well selected patients in postero-lateral foraminal stenosis due to prolapsed intervertebral disc and osteophytes formation.

Radiological and Clinical Outcome after Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and/or Corpectomy and Fixation.

Background: Multilevel anterior cervical decompression and fixation of four and more levels is a common surgical procedure used for several diseases. Methods: We reviewed the radiological and clinical outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy or corpectomy and fixation of four and more levels in 85 patients (55 men and 30 women) with an average age of 59.6 years. Surgical indication was multilevel cervical degenerative myelopathy and radiculopathy in 72 (85%) patients, multilevel cervical spondylodiscitis in four (5%), complex traumatic cervical fractures in four (5%), metastatic cervical spine tumor in two (2%), and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in three (3%) patients. Results: There were no severe intraoperative complications such as spinal cord or vertebral artery injury or dissection. Seventy-three patients had four, 10 patients had five, and two patients had six anterior cervical level fixations. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scale scores improved (6.9 to 1.3 (p < 0.001) and 13.9 to 16.5 (p < 0.001), respectively). The Cobb angle increased from 5.7° to 17.6° postoperatively (p < 0.001). Secondary posterior fixation was necessary in three cases due to pseudarthrosis. Conclusion: The anterior approach appears to be optimal for ventral compressive pathology and lordosis restoration to the cervical spine. Limitations of multiple level decompression and fixation included increasing pseudoarthrosis rates, especially after corpectomy, and increasing fused level numbers.

C2 Translaminar Screw Fixation in Children.

Axis (C2) screw fixation has been shown to be effective in treating disorders that necessitate cervical stabilization. Although translaminar C2 screws have demonstrated clinical efficacy in adults, this technique has not yet been thoroughly investigated in children. This study describes the indications, technique, and results of translaminar C2 screw fixation in a case series of pediatric cervical spine disorders. We searched the orthopaedic database at our institution for patients who had undergone a cervical spinal fusion that encompassed C2 between 2007 and 2017. Operative records were reviewed to determine if C2 screw fixation was performed and, if so, the type of C2 screw fixation. Clinical data with regard to patient age at surgery, diagnosis, procedure details, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative computer tomographic scans were reviewed to determine laminar measurements and containment, respectively. In total, 39 C2 translaminar screws were placed in 23 patients that met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 12.6 years (range, 5.2 to 17.8 y) with a mean of 2 levels fused (range, 1 to 6). Diagnoses included 7 patients with instability related to skeletal dysplasia, 6 os odontoideum, 4 congenital deformities, 3 basilar invaginations, 2 cervical spine tumors, and 1 fracture. Indications for C2 translaminar screws included 14 cases with distorted anatomy favoring C2 translaminar screws, 6 cases without explicit reasoning for translaminar screw usage in the patient records, and 3 cases with intraoperative vertebral artery injury (1 sacrificed secondary to tumor load and 2 others injured during exposure because of anomalous anatomy). The vertebral artery injuries were not due to placement of any instrumentation. There were no screw-related intraoperative or postoperative complications and no neurological injuries. All patients demonstrated clinical union or healing on follow-up with no episodes of nonunion. Translaminar C2 screw fixation can be reliably used in the pediatric population. Our series contained no screw-related complications, no neurological injuries, and all patients demonstrated clinical union or healing. Level IV-Case series.

The Impact of Metastatic Spinal Tumor Location on 30-Day Perioperative Mortality and Morbidity After Surgical Decompression.

A retrospective cohort study from 2011 to 2014 was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of tumor location in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral spine on 30-day perioperative mortality and morbidity after surgical decompression of metastatic extradural spinal tumors. Operative treatment of metastatic spinal tumors involves extensive procedures that are associated with significant complication rates and healthcare costs. Past studies have examined various risk factors for poor clinical outcomes after surgical decompression procedures for spinal tumors, but few studies have specifically investigated the impact of tumor location on perioperative mortality and morbidity. We identified 2238 patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent laminectomy for excision of metastatic extradural tumors in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral spine. Baseline patient characteristics were collected from the database. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the association between spinal tumor location and 30-day perioperative mortality and morbidity. On univariate analysis, cervical spinal tumors were associated with the highest rate of pulmonary complications. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that cervical spinal tumors had the highest odds of multiple perioperative complications. However, thoracic spinal tumors were associated with the highest risk of intra- or postoperative blood transfusion. In contrast, patients with metastatic tumors in the lumbosacral spine had lower odds of perioperative mortality, pulmonary complications, and sepsis. Tumor location is an independent risk factor for perioperative mortality and morbidity after surgical decompression of metastatic spinal tumors. The addition of tumor location to existing prognostic scoring systems may help to improve their predictive accuracy. 3.

An Approach to Primary Tumors of the Upper Cervical Spine With Spondylectomy Using a Combined Approach: Our Experience With 19 Cases.

A retrospective study. To examine the link between major complications, surgical techniques, and perioperative care in the intralesional spondylectomy of the upper cervical spine. Spondylectomy has been demonstrated to prolong cancer-free survival in many patients with locally aggressive spinal tumors. However, the challenging nature of this surgical procedure and the potential for severe complications often limit its application in the upper cervical spine. Nineteen patients with primary upper cervical tumors were treated with spondylectomy from March 2005 to August 2009, using either the anterior-posterior or posterior-anterior approach. Anterior procedures were transmandibular, transoral, or high retropharyngeal. Anterior reconstructions were performed in plates with iliac crest strut grafts, plates with mesh cages, and Harms mesh cages alone. Occipitocervical fixation was performed with Halo-vest application for postoperative immobilization. Vertebral artery injuries occurred unilaterally in 5 cases intraoperatively: 4 occurred in the anterior approach of anterior-posterior procedures. Fusion was achieved in 9 patients with intact internal instrumentation. Fusion with the anterior construct in a tilted position occurred in 3 patients, all of whom underwent anterior-posterior procedures with Halo-vest immobilization for less than 1 month. Nonunion occurred in 3 cases after the posterior-anterior procedure because of anterior bone graft absorption. Prolonged Halo-vest immobilization maintained postoperative stability. Failure of internal instrumentation occurred in 3 cases. Anterior construct dislocation and severe tilting occurred in 2 cases after the anterior-posterior procedure. Five patients had a local recurrence. All recurrent lesions were malignant tumors and occurred in regions where surgical exposure was inadequate with incomplete excision. The order of the surgical approach is a critical determinant of complications, fusion rates, choice of surgical technique, and reconstruction methods. The postoperative use of a Halo-vest is recommended. Local recurrence is associated with tumor malignancy and inadequate excision margin. 4.

Age Stratification of 30-Day Postoperative Outcomes Following Excisional Laminectomy for Extradural Cervical and Thoracic Tumors.

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Objectives:To evaluate age as an independent predictive factor for perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgical decompression for metastatic cervical and thoracic spinal tumors using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2011 to 2014.Methods:We identified 1673 adult patients undergoing excisional laminectomy of cervical and thoracic extradural tumors. Patients were stratified into quartiles based on age, with Q1 including patients aged 18 to 49 years, Q2 including patients aged 50 to 60 years, Q3 including patients aged 61 to 69 years, and Q4 including patients ≥70 years. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the association between age and 30-day perioperative morbidity and mortality.Results:Age was an independent risk factor for 30-day venous thromboembolism (VTE) and reoperation. Patients in Q3 for age had nearly a 4 times increased risk of VTE than patients in Q1 (odds ratio [OR] 3.97; 95% CI 1.91-8.25; P < .001). However, there was no significant difference in VTE between patients in Q4 and Q1 (P = .069). Patients in Q2 (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.06-3.74; P = .032) and Q4 (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.06-4.52; P = .036) for age had a 2 times increased risk of reoperation compared with patients in Q1.Conclusions:Age was an independent predictive factor for perioperative VTE and reoperation, but there was no clear age-dependent relationship between increasing age and the risk of these perioperative complications.

Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for postoperative recurrence of spinal tumors and analysis of prognostic factors.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors for postoperative recurrence of spinal tumors by logistic regression analysis and analysis of prognostic factors. In total, 77 male and 48 female patients with spinal tumor were selected in our hospital from January, 2010 to December, 2015 and divided into the benign (n=76) and malignant groups (n=49). All the patients underwent microsurgical resection of spinal tumors and were reviewed regularly 3 months after operation. The McCormick grading system was used to evaluate the postoperative spinal cord function. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Of the 125 cases, 63 cases showed improvement after operation, 50 cases were stable, and deterioration was found in 12 cases. The improvement rate of patients with cervical spine tumor, which reached 56.3%, was the highest. Fifty-two cases of sensory disturbance, 34 cases of pain, 30 cases of inability to exercise, 26 cases of ataxia, and 12 cases of sphincter disorders were found after operation. Seventy-two cases (57.6%) underwent total resection, 18 cases (14.4%) received subtotal resection, 23 cases (18.4%) received partial resection, and 12 cases (9.6%) were only treated with biopsy/decompression. Postoperative recurrence was found in 57 cases (45.6%). The mean recurrence time of patients in the malignant group was 27.49±6.09 months, and the mean recurrence time of patients in the benign group was 40.62±4.34. The results were significantly different (P<0.001). Recurrence was found in 18 cases of the benign group and 39 cases of the malignant group, and results were significantly different (P<0.001). Tumor recurrence was shorter in patients with a higher McCormick grade (P<0.001). Recurrence was found in 13 patients with resection and all the patients with partial resection or biopsy/decompression. The results were significantly different (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis of total resection-related factors showed that total resection should be the preferred treatment for patients with benign tumors, thoracic and lumbosacral tumors, and lower McCormick grade, as well as patients without syringomyelia and intramedullary tumors. Logistic regression analysis of recurrence-related factors revealed that the recurrence rate was relatively higher in patients with malignant, cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral, intramedullary tumors, and higher McCormick grade and patient received partial resection or biopsy. Tumor property, tumor location, McCormick grade, tumor resection, and intramedullary tumors are risk factors for the recurrence of spinal tumors. Clinical assessment of these risk factors may be helpful in selecting appropriate treatment strategies.

Excision of a centrally based ventral intradural extramedullary tumor of the cervical spine through a direct posterior approach.

Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors of the cervical spine are removed through an assortment of surgical approaches including: dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and anterior or transoral. Historically, midline ventral IDEM tumors are ostensibly thought to be unfavorable candidates for removal through a direct posterior approach. A case report of a patient with a ventrally based centrally located meningioma in the upper cervical spine (C2/C3) that was removed with direct posterior approach is described. A 51-year-old male presented with cervicalgia and radiating scapular pain following a remote motor vehicle collision. A ventrally located meningioma in relation to the C2 body was noted on MRI. Management of this patient included obtaining adequate exposure through a posterior approach, complete tumor excision, and maintenance of cervical spine stability. Cervical stability was maintained following total unilateral facetectomy and application of instrumentation from C1-C3. Subsequent to tumor removal, the patient had complete resolution of his cervicalgia, headaches, and scapular pain by his two month follow-up appointment. Although adhesions can make total resection difficult, a posterior approach can grant adequate access to midline ventral meningiomas. Cervical spine stability, tumor location, infection risk, and surgeon familiarity with the approach should all be weighed in decision-making.

SURG-16. THE TREATMENT FOR PRIMARY CERVICAL SPINAL TUMORS

AbstractPrimary tumors of the spine are uncommon and represent < 5% of all bone neoplasms as compared with secondary metastatic disease, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma. Moreover, the treatment of cervical spine tumors requires complex therapeutic and reconstructive strategies depending on the tumor’s pathology, location, aggressiveness, and proximity to the surrounding neurovascular structures, and influence the prognosis. A purpose of this study is to explore the clinical characters, surgical methods, and prognosis of the primary cervical spinal tumors. The subjects were 35 patients with an average age of 45 years, 20 male and 15 female. We examined the histological types, surgical methods, and prognosis. Malignant tumors were 11 including 4 chondromas, 3 chondrosarcomas, 1 angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), and epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Intermediate tumors were two giant cell tumors (GCT), and benign tumors were 24 (8 osteochondromas, 6 osteoid osteomas, 3 Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), 2 osteoblastoma, 1 Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), and fibroma. As surgical methods, total resections with spinal reconstruction were performed in 21 cases (18 benign tumors, 2 GCT, and fibrosarcoma), subtotal resections in 10 cases (all of malignant tumors except for fibrosarcoma), and biopsies in 2 LCHs. Two cases (chondrosarcomas) underwent several surgeries for relapse. All of benign tumors showed no relapse and adequate bony healing. Eight of 11 malignant tumors were died on disease. Remaining 3 cases of disease free were 1 fibrosarcoma and 2 chordomas with adjuvant heavy particle beam therapy. Total resection has been difficult in some of these tumors, particularly malignant tumors, due to complicated anatomical features with vertebral artery and carotid sheath (highly risky anatomical region). The improvement of the further surgery technique and establishment of adjuvant therapy are expected in future.

The Predictable Factors of the Postoperative Kyphotic Change of Sagittal Alignment of the Cervical Spine after the Laminoplasty.

ObjectiveLaminoplasty is an effective surgical method for treating cervical degenerative disease. However, postoperative complications such as kyphosis, restriction of neck motion, and instability are often reported. Despite sufficient preoperative lordosis, this procedure often aggravates the lordotic curve of the cervical spine and straightens cervical alignment. Hence, it is important to examine preoperative risk factors associated with postoperative kyphotic alignment changes. Our study aimed to investigate preoperative radiologic parameters associated with kyphotic deformity post laminoplasty.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 49 patients who underwent open door laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital between January 2011 and December 2015. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) preoperative diagnosis of OPLL or CSM, 2) no previous history of cervical spinal surgery, cervical trauma, tumor, or infection, 3) minimum of one-year follow-up post laminoplasty with proper radiologic examinations performed in outpatient clinics, and 4) cases showing C7 and T1 vertebral body in the preoperative cervical sagittal plane. The radiologic parameters examined included C2–C7 Cobb angles, T1 slope, C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), range of motion (ROM) from C2–C7, segmental instability, and T2 signal change observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical factors examined included preoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, disease classification, duration of symptoms, and the range of operation levels.ResultsMean preoperative sagittal alignment was 13.01° lordotic; 6.94° lordotic postoperatively. Percentage of postoperative kyphosis was 80%. Patients were subdivided into two groups according to postoperative Cobb angle change; a control group (n=22) and kyphotic group (n=27). The kyphotic group consisted of patients with more than 5° kyphotic angle change postoperatively. There were no differences in age, sex, C2–C7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, C2–C7 SVA, ROM from C2–C7, segmental instability, or T2 signal change. Multiple regression analysis revealed T1 slope had a strong relationship with postoperative cervical kyphosis. Likewise, correlation analysis revealed there was a statistical significance between T1 slope and postoperative Cobb angle change (p=0.035), and that there was a statistically significant relationship between T1 slope and C2–C7 SVA (p=0.001). Patients with higher preoperative T1 slope demonstrated loss of lordotic curvature postoperatively.ConclusionLaminoplasty has a high probability of aggravating sagittal balance of the cervical spine. T1 slope is a good predictor of postoperative kyphotic changes of the cervical spine. Similarly, T1 slope is strongly correlated with C2–C7 SVA.

Recurrence Factors in Giant Cell Tumors of the Spine.

Background:Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are benign, locally aggressive tumors. We examined the rate of local recurrence of spinal GCTs and sought to identify recurrence factors in patients who underwent surgery.Methods:Between 1995 and 2014, 94 mobile spine GCT patients were treated at our hospital, comprising 43 male and 51 female patients with an average age of 33.4 years. Piecemeal intralesional spondylectomy and total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) were performed. Radiotherapy was suggested for recurrent or residual GCT cases. Since denosumab was not available before 2014 in our country, only interferon and/or zoledronic acid was suggested.Results:Of the 94 patients, four underwent conservative treatment and 90 underwent operations. Seventy-five patients (79.8%) were followed up for a minimum of 24 months or until death. The median follow-up duration was 75.3 months. The overall recurrence rate was 37.3%. Ten patients (13.3%) died before the last follow-up (median: 18.5 months). Two patients (2.6%) developed osteogenic sarcoma. The local recurrence rate was 80.0% (24/30) in patients who underwent intralesional curettage, 8.8% (3/34) in patients who underwent extracapsular piecemeal spondylectomy, and 0 (0/9) in patients who underwent TES. The risk factors for local recurrence were lesions located in the cervical spine (P = 0.049), intralesional curettage (P < 0.001), repeated surgeries (P = 0.014), and malignancy (P < 0.001). Malignant transformation was a significant risk factor for death (P < 0.001).Conclusions:Cervical spinal tumors, curettage, and nonintact tumors were risk factors for local recurrence. Intralesional curettage and malignancy were the most important significant factors for local recurrence and death, respectively.

Analysis of Patients with Myelopathy due to Benign Intradural Spinal Tumors with Concomitant Lumbar Degenerative Diseases Misdiagnosed and Erroneously Treated with Lumbar Surgery.

When a cervical or thoracic benign intradural spinal tumor (BIST) coexists with lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD), diagnosis can be difficult. Symptoms of BIST-myelopathy can be mistaken as being related to LDD. Worse, an unnecessary lumbar surgery could be performed. This study was conducted to analyze cases in which an erroneous lumbar surgery was undertaken in the wake of failure to identify BIST-associated myelopathy. Cases were found in a hospital database. Patients who underwent surgery for LDD first and then another surgery for BIST removal within a short interval were studied. Issues investigated included why the BISTs were missed, how they were found later, and how the patients reacted to the unnecessary lumbar procedures. Over 10 years, 167 patients received both surgeries for LDD and a cervical or thoracic BIST. In 7 patients, lumbar surgery preceded tumor removal by a short interval. Mistakes shared by the physicians included failure to detect myelopathy and a BIST, and a hasty decision for lumbar surgery, which soon turned out to be futile. Although the BISTs were subsequently found and removed, 5 patients believed that the lumbar surgery was unnecessary, with 4 patients expressing regrets and 1 patient threatening to take legal action against the initial surgeon. Concomitant symptomatic LDD and BIST-associated myelopathy pose a diagnostic challenge. Spine specialists should refrain from reflexively linking leg symptoms and impaired ability to walk to LDD. Comprehensive patient evaluation is fundamental to avoid misdiagnosis and wrong lumbar surgery.

Minimally invasive cervical pedicle screw fixation via the posterolateral approach for metastatic cervical spinal tumors.

Background To avoid lateral misplacement of midcervical pedicle screws, we developed a method for Minimally Invasive Cervical Pedicle Screw (MICEPS) fixation via a posterolateral approach. This intramuscular approach allows for horizontal pedicle screw insertion and reduced intraoperative bleeding. We reviewed our initial experience with MICEPS fixation for patients with cervical metastases. Methods This study included 18 consecutive patients who received cervical spinal surgery for metastatic tumor. We treated 12 patients with conventional cervical pedicle screw fixation, and 6 patients with the MICEPS fixation technique. Average follow-up was 14 months (range 3 to 34). We inserted 117 pedicle screws using the navigation system. Average fusion area was 4.9 vertebrae (range 3 to 8). Alpha-angles between a line perpendicular to the posterior cortex of the vertebral body and the screw trajectory in the transverse plane were also measured. Results The average surgical time was 250 min (range 151 to 420 min) with the conventional pedicle screw fixation and 234 min (range 154 to 300 min) with the MICEPS fixation. The average total blood loss was 780 mL (range, 180-1430 mL) in the conventional pedicle screw fixation group and 180 mL (range, 70-400 mL) in the MICEPS fixation group. At the level of midcervical (C3-5), average alpha-angles was 52 degrees (range 43 to 62) in MICEPS fixation group, and 39 degrees (range 19 to 55) in conventional cervical pedicle screw group. Conclusions The MICEPS fixation technique uses an intramuscular approach, which is minimally invasive and reduces intraoperative bleeding. Intramuscular approach allows for horizontal pedicle screw insertion, and reduced critical screw deviation.

Application of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in cervical intraspinal tumor surgery

Objective To investigate the efficiency of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in cervical spinal tumor surgery. Methods Retrospective case-control study comparing 23 cervical spinal tumor patients received surgery under neurophysiological monitoring (case) and 23 cases without neurophysiological monitoring (control). Results All of 46 cases, there were no significant differences of age, gender and preoperative neurological function. Duration of operation and estimated blood loss in the IONM cohort was less than the control group with significant difference. The preoperative JOA score of IONM group and control group were 12.0±2.4 and 12.7±2.1, with no significant difference. The postoperative JOA score of each group were 15.0±1.5 and 15.2±1.7, with no significant difference. The rate of cervical cord neurological improvement of IONM group was higher than control group, but there was no significant difference. In the IONM cohort, abnormal signal appeared in 8 cases, with 1 case developed new postoperative deficit, and the sensitivity and specificity of SEP were 100% and 77.3%, the sensitivity and specificity of MEP were 100% and 86.4%. Compared with preoperative SEP, 4 cases showed major improvement (baseline increase > 40%), 2 cases showed moderate improvement (baseline increase: 15%-40%). The coincidence rate of the SEP improvement and the AISA grade was 66.7%. Conclusion IONM could reduce the duration of operation and intraoperative blood loss. Changes of IONM were correlated with postoperative neurological function improvement. Key words: Cervical vertebrae; Neoplasms; Evoked potentials, somatosensory; Evoked potentials, motor; Electromyography