-
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement 2023This chapter reviews the clinical entity of central or axial atlantoaxial instability (CAAD).
AIM
This chapter reviews the clinical entity of central or axial atlantoaxial instability (CAAD).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
From January 2018 to November 2020, 15 patients were identified as having CAAD, wherein there was no atlantoaxial instability when analyzed by conventional radiological parameters and wherein there was no evidence of neural or dural compression due to the odontoid process. The patients were identified as having atlantoaxial instability on the basis of the alignment of facets on lateral profile imaging and a range of telltale clinical and radiological indicators. The clinical statuses of the patients were recorded both before and after surgical treatment by using the specially designed Goel symptom severity index and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. All patients were treated via atlantoaxial fixation.
RESULTS
There were six men and nine women ranging in age from 18 to 45 years (average: 37 years). The presenting clinical symptoms were relatively subtle and long-standing. Apart from symptoms that are generally related to neural compromise at the craniovertebral junction, a range of nonspecific cranial and spinal symptoms were prominent. The follow-up time after surgery ranged from 6 to 34 months. All patients showed early postoperative and sustained clinical recovery.
CONCLUSIONS
The correct diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment of CAAD can provide an opportunity for quick and lasting clinical recovery.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Odontoid Process; Skull
PubMed: 38153480
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36084-8_41 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Dec 2023In a multilevel cervical laminoplasty operation for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a partial or complete C3 laminectomy may be performed at the...
INTRODUCTION
In a multilevel cervical laminoplasty operation for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a partial or complete C3 laminectomy may be performed at the upper level instead of a C3 plated laminoplasty. It is unknown whether C3 technique above the laminoplasty affects loss of cervical lordosis or range of motion.
METHODS
Patients undergoing multilevel laminoplasty of the cervical spine (C3-C6/C7) at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on surgical technique at C3: C3-C6/C7 plated laminoplasty ("C3 laminoplasty only", N = 61), C3 partial or complete laminectomy, plus C4-C6/C7 plated laminoplasty (N = 39). All patients had at least 1-year postoperative X-ray treatment.
RESULTS
Of 100 total patients, C3 laminoplasty and C3 laminectomy were equivalent in all demographic data, except for age (66.4 vs. 59.4 years, = 0.012). None of the preoperative radiographic parameters differed between the C3 laminoplasty and C3 laminectomy cohorts: cervical lordosis (13.1° vs. 11.1°, = 0.259), T1 slope (32.9° vs. 29.2°, = 0.072), T1 slope-cervical lordosis (19.8° vs. 18.6°, = 0.485), or cervical sagittal vertical axis (3.1 cm vs. 2.7 cm, = 0.193). None of the postoperative radiographic parameters differed between the C3 laminoplasty and C3 laminectomy cohorts: cervical lordosis (9.4° vs. 11.2°, = 0.369), T1 slope-cervical lordosis (21.7° vs. 18.1°, = 0.126), to cervical sagittal vertical axis (3.3 cm vs. 3.6 cm, = 0.479). In the total cohort, 31% had loss of cervical lordosis >5°. Loss of lordosis reached 5-10° (mild change) in 13% of patients and >10° (moderate change) in 18% of patients. C3 laminoplasty and C3 laminectomy cohorts did not differ with respect to no change (<5°: 65.6% vs. 74.3%, respectively), mild change (5-10°: 14.8% vs. 10.3%), and moderate change (>10°: 19.7% vs. 15.4%) in cervical lordosis, = 0.644. When controlling for age, ordinal regression showed that surgical technique at C3 did not increase the odds of postoperative loss of cervical lordosis. C3 laminectomy versus C3 laminoplasty did not differ in the postoperative range of motion on cervical flexion-extension X-rays (23.9° vs. 21.7°, = 0.451, N = 91).
CONCLUSION
There was no difference in postoperative loss of cervical lordosis or postoperative range of motion in patients who underwent either C3-C6/C7 plated laminoplasty or C3 laminectomy plus C4-C6/C7 plated laminoplasty.
PubMed: 38137663
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247594 -
JBJS Case Connector Oct 2023A healthy 5-year-old boy presented with a gradual onset of headaches and acute global right-sided weakness over 10 days. The work-up revealed unstable os odontoideum...
CASE
A healthy 5-year-old boy presented with a gradual onset of headaches and acute global right-sided weakness over 10 days. The work-up revealed unstable os odontoideum leading to multiple posterior circulation infarcts with vertebral artery dissection. He underwent antiplatelet therapy, cervical collar immobilization, and delayed occiput to C2 posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation with iliac crest autograft. At 2-year follow-up, the patient had a solid fusion mass, appropriate cervical alignment, and was without neurologic sequelae.
CONCLUSION
This case adds to a sparse body of literature in the management of vertebral artery dissection with vertebrobasilar insufficiency secondary to unstable os odontoideum.
Topics: Male; Humans; Child, Preschool; Vertebral Artery Dissection; Odontoid Process; Atlanto-Axial Joint; Axis, Cervical Vertebra; Spinal Fusion; Infarction
PubMed: 38134303
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00466 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2023Since the first description of os odontoideum in 1886, its origin has been debated. Numerous case series and reports show both a possible congenital origin and origin...
INTRODUCTION
Since the first description of os odontoideum in 1886, its origin has been debated. Numerous case series and reports show both a possible congenital origin and origin from the secondary to craniovertebral junction (CVJ) trauma. We conducted a detailed analysis of 260 surgically treated cases to document the initial symptoms, age groups, radiographic findings, and associated abnormalities, aiming to enhance the confirmation of the etiology. A literature search (1970-2022) was performed to correlate our findings.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A total of 260 patients underwent surgical management of a referral database of 520 cases (1978-2022). All patients were examined by plain radiography and myelotomography as needed until 1984, and since then, CT and MRI have been employed. History of early childhood (aged below 6 years) CVJ trauma was investigated, including obtaining emergency department's initial radiographs from the referral and subsequent follow-up. Associated radiographic and systemic abnormalities were noted, and the atlas development was followed.
RESULTS
The age of the patients ranged from 4 to 68 years, mostly between 10 and 20 years. There were 176 males and 86 females. Orthotopic os odontoideum was identified in 24 patients, and 236 patients had dystopic os odontoideum. Associated abnormalities were found in 94 of 260 patients, with 73 exhibiting syndromic abnormalities and 21 having Chiari I malformation. Two sets of twins had spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. Of 260 patients, 156 experienced early childhood trauma /. Among these, 54 initially presented with normal radiographs but later demonstrated anterior atlas hypertrophy. In addition, a smaller posterior C1 arch was observed, leading to the development of os odontoideum. Two children had initial CVJ trauma as documented by MRI, with subsequent classical findings of os odontoideum and atlas changes. Syndromic patients had an earlier presentation. The literature reviewed confirms the multifactorial etiology.
CONCLUSIONS
The early presentation and associated abnormalities (such as Down syndrome, Klippel-Feil syndrome, Chiari I malformation, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Morquio syndrome, and others) along with case reports documenting familial, hereditary, and twin presentations strongly support a congenital origin. Likewise, surgical complications are more prevalent in syndromic patients (40%) compared to 15% in other cases, as reported in the literature. The documentation of normal odontoid in early childhood trauma cases followed by the later development of os odontoideum provides evidence supporting trauma as an etiological factor. This process also involves vascular changes in both the atlas and the formation of os odontoideum. Associated abnormalities exhibit an earlier presentation and are only seen in cases with a non-traumatic origin.
PubMed: 38116481
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1291056 -
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... Apr 2024Type II odontoid fractures (OF) are among the most common cervical spine injuries in the geriatric population. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding their...
Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly presenting to the emergency department: an assessment of factors affecting in-hospital mortality and discharge to skilled nursing facilities.
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Type II odontoid fractures (OF) are among the most common cervical spine injuries in the geriatric population. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding their epidemiology. Additionally, the optimal management of these injuries remains controversial, and no study has evaluated the short-term outcomes of geriatric patients presenting to emergency departments (ED).
PURPOSE
This study aims to document the epidemiology of geriatric patients presenting to EDs with type II OFs and determine whether surgical management was associated with early adverse outcomes such as in-hospital mortality and discharge to skilled nursing facilities (SNF).
STUDY DESIGN
This is a retrospective cohort study.
PATIENT SAMPLE
Data was used from the 2016-2020 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Patient encounters corresponding to type II OFs were identified. Patients younger than 65 at the time of presentation to the ED and those with concomitant spinal pathology were excluded.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The association between the surgical management of geriatric type II OFs and outcomes such as in-hospital mortality and discharge to SNFs.
METHODS
Patient, fracture, and surgical management characteristics were recorded. A propensity score matched cohort was constructed to reduce differences in age, comorbidities, and injury severity between patients undergoing operative and nonoperative management. Additionally, to develop a positive control for the analysis of geriatric patients with type II OFs and no other concomitant spinal pathology, a cohort of patients that had been excluded due to the presence of a concomitant spinal cord injury (SCI) was also constructed. Multivariate regressions were then performed on both the matched and unmatched cohorts to ascertain the associations between surgical treatment and in-hospital mortality, inpatient length of stay, encounter charges, and discharge to SNFs.
RESULTS
A total of 11,325 encounters were included. The mean total charge per encounter was $60,221. 634 (5.6%) patients passed away during their encounters. In total, 1,005 (8.9%) patients were managed surgically. Surgical management of type II OFs was associated with a 316% increase in visit charge (95% CI: 291%-341%, p<.001), increased inpatient length of stay (IRR: 2.87, 95% CI: 2.62-3.12, p<.001), and increased likelihood of discharge to SNFs (OR=2.62, 95% CI: 2.26-3.05, p<.001), but decreased in-hospital mortality (OR=0.32, CI: 0.21-0.45, p<.001). The propensity score matched cohort consisted of 2,010 patients, matching each of the 1,005 that underwent surgery to 1,005 that did not. These cohorts were well balanced across age (78.24 vs 77.91 years), Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (3.68 vs 3.71), and Injury Severity Score (30.15 vs 28.93). This matching did not meaningfully alter the associations determined between surgical management and in-hospital mortality (OR=0.34, CI=0.21-0.55, p<.001) or SNF discharge (OR=2.59, CI=2.13-3.16, p<.001). Lastly, the positive control cohort of patients with concurrent SCI had higher rates of SNF discharge (50.0% vs 42.6%, p<.001), surgical management (32.3% vs 9.7%, p<.001), and in-hospital mortality (28.9% vs 5.6%, p<.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This study lends insight into the epidemiology of geriatric type II OFs and quantifies risk factors influencing adverse outcomes. Patient informed consent should include a discussion of the protective association between definitive surgical management and in-hospital mortality against potential operative morbidity, increased lengths of hospital stay, and increased likelihood of discharge to SNFs. This information may impact patient treatment selection and decision making.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Spinal Fractures; Retrospective Studies; Odontoid Process; Skilled Nursing Facilities; Patient Discharge; Hospital Mortality; Spinal Cord Injuries; Emergency Service, Hospital
PubMed: 38101547
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.11.023 -
World Neurosurgery Feb 2024Anterior transpedicular screw (ATPS) internal fixation of the lower cervical spine is an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate combined anterior and posterior...
BACKGROUND
Anterior transpedicular screw (ATPS) internal fixation of the lower cervical spine is an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate combined anterior and posterior surgery. The cervical vertebral anatomy varies with many factors, including age, gender, height, weight, and race.
METHODS
Three-dimensional (3D) CT reconstructions were performed on 122 patients. We selected the best level and measured the relevant parameters on both sides of the cervical vertebrae.
RESULTS
We identified the entry point and orientation parameters of ATPS fixation for the C3-C7 vertebrae, and analyzed cervical pedicle parameters. Outer pedicle width (OPW), outer pedicle height (OPH), and pedicle axis length (PAL) were not correlated with body weight and age, but were positively correlated with body height (P < 0.05). After multiple linear regression analysis to exclude the effects of body height, no significant differences in OPW, OPH, and PAL were found between male and female subjects at most cervical levels. Pedicle cortical thickness was negatively correlated with age (P < 0.05). The percentage of pedicles with OPW <4.5 mm was: C3, 38.10%; C4, 34.92%; C5, 12.70%; C6, 9.52%; and C7, 0%. The percentage of pedicles with OPWs ≤4.5 mm, ≤4.0 mm, and ≤3.5 mm was higher among subjects with body height <160 cm.
CONCLUSIONS
This study presents the internal anatomy of the cervical spine and provides accurate preoperative evaluation data for ATPS fixation. OPW, OPH, and PAL are positively correlated with body height, while pedicle cortical thickness is negatively correlated with age.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Bone Screws; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Neck; Cervical Vertebrae; Fracture Fixation, Internal; China
PubMed: 38092354
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.026 -
Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja Oct 2023Odontoid fractures are found in two age groups. In younger patients, they occur following traffic accidents, falls from a height and during sports. In older patients...
BACKGROUND
Odontoid fractures are found in two age groups. In younger patients, they occur following traffic accidents, falls from a height and during sports. In older patients with poor bone quality, they are usually caused by falls from one's own height. Most fractures are stable and do not require surgical treatment. Unstable, severely displaced fractures with neurological deficits require surgical treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes of treatment of odontoid fractures with a cannulated screw.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study enrolled 20 patients that underwent surgery in the years 2020-2022. The patients were divided into two groups: below 60 (group A) and over 60 years of age (group B). Patients were assessed at one day pre-op, one day post-op, 6 weeks following surgery and 3 months following surgery. Imaging studies were performed to assess the angulation and degree of displacement of bone fragments. After the fracture was surgically fixed with a cannulated screw, bone union and the stability of fracture fixation were assessed. Preoperative and postoperative pain intensity as per a VAS, functional status assessed with the NDI questionnaire, quality of life (EQ-VAS) and neurological status (ASIA scale) were compared.
RESULTS
Good functional and surgical results were obtained in both groups of patients. Performance and quality of life improved, while pain intensity decreased in all patients. In 3 patients with post-traumatic paresis, the dysfunctions gradually subsided. No general medical or perioperative complications were observed. Bone union of the fracture was achieved in 40% of patients in group B and in 80% in group A. Achieving union did not determine the functional status of patients. On functional radiographs, all places of fixation were stable.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Odontoid fracture fixation with a single cannulated screw is a safe method of treatment. It provided a high union rate and good stability of the fracture. 2. Fracture non-union was noted more often in the group of older patients, but it did not negatively impact quality of life and performance.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Odontoid Process; Spinal Fractures; Quality of Life; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Bone; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38088099
DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0053.9673 -
Case Reports in Orthopedics 2023The current case series describes three cases of fusion between the 2nd cervical vertebra, the axis (C2), and the 3rd cervical vertebra (C3), creating a C2-C3 osseous...
PURPOSE
The current case series describes three cases of fusion between the 2nd cervical vertebra, the axis (C2), and the 3rd cervical vertebra (C3), creating a C2-C3 osseous complex and highlighting its morphological type of fusion (partial or complete) and morphometric details. The developmental background of this complex is emphasized, pointing out the possible clinical significance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The osseous complexes were derived from disarticulated skeletons of body donors and were collected from the osseous collection of the Anatomy Department of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
RESULTS
Three blocked vertebral complexes (2 partial and 1 complete C2-C3 osseous masses) were identified. In two cases, the vertebral bodies were partially fused and in one case were completely fused. In the 1st case, the C2-C3 complex had fused spinous processes and distinct transverse processes. Facets were completely fused on the left and partially fused on the right side. In the 2nd case, the C2-C3 complex had partially fused vertebral bodies and distinguishable spinous processes. In the 3rd case, the C2-C3 complex had completely fused vertebral bodies, facets, laminae, and transverse and spinous processes.
CONCLUSIONS
Among the three (C2-C3) fused osseous complexes, the two were partially and the one was completely ossified. The fused vertebrae were characterized by osteophytic formations (at the dens and C3 area) and osteoporotic lesions. Taking into consideration the C2-C3 fusion, and possible coexisted variants, particular caution should be made in the upper cervical area, to interpret possible neurological manifestations and to reach a safe surgical plan.
PubMed: 38076299
DOI: 10.1155/2023/3577693 -
Surgical Neurology International 2023Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) pathologies include atlantoaxial instability/deformities resulting in myelopathy, respiratory failure, and even death. Here, we describe...
BACKGROUND
Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) pathologies include atlantoaxial instability/deformities resulting in myelopathy, respiratory failure, and even death. Here, we describe the indications, preoperative planning, and intra-operative/postoperative complications following surgical management of CVJ anomalies.
METHODS
A prospective analysis of 34 patients with CVJ pathology was evaluated between 2015 and 2022. Their various etiologies included atlantoaxial instability, trauma, tuberculosis, Down's syndrome, Morquio syndrome, os odontoideum, and atlantoaxial abnormalities. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American spinal injury association (ASIA) impairment scale score and Benzel's modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score. Surgical assessments included length of hospital stay, operative time, blood loss, and intraoperative postoperative complications. Radiological parameters included fusion (i.e., implant loosening/implant failure), preoperative/ postoperative atlanto-dens interval (ADI), clivus canal angle (CCA), and space available for cord (SAC).
RESULTS
Five patients were managed conservatively, while 29 patients had surgery. Operations included occipitocervical fusion (14 patients), C1-2 fusion (10 patients), C1-2 transarticular screw fixation (four patients), and one patient underwent anterior corpectomy decompression/fusion. Seven patients had vertebral artery anomalies, and 13 patients had atlantoaxial abnormalities. At the final follow-up, atlantoaxial instability (i.e., mean preoperative ADI of 6.6 ± 2.3 mm) was restored to 4.2 ± 0.6 mm, significant cord compression (i.e., with mean SAC of 8.3 ± 2.9 mm) was relieved to 17.2 ± 1.6 mm, and the mean preoperative CCA (i.e., 130.2 ± 15.3) was improved to 143.3 ± 8.3°. There was also a statistically significant improvement in the ASIA scale and mJOA score.
CONCLUSION
Surgical management of CVJ abnormalities requires expertise and meticulous planning to avoid devastating complications such as wound dehiscence and catastrophic vertebral artery injury.
PubMed: 38053702
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_790_2023 -
JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive... Dec 2023Upper limb motor paresis is a major symptom of stroke, which limits activities of daily living and compromises the quality of life. Kinematic analysis offers an in-depth...
BACKGROUND
Upper limb motor paresis is a major symptom of stroke, which limits activities of daily living and compromises the quality of life. Kinematic analysis offers an in-depth and objective means to evaluate poststroke upper limb paresis, with anticipation for its effective application in clinical settings.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to compare the movement strategies of patients with hemiparesis due to stroke and healthy individuals in forward reach and hand-to-mouth reach, using a simple methodology designed to quantify the contribution of various movement components to the reaching action.
METHODS
A 3D motion analysis was conducted, using a simplified marker set (placed at the mandible, the seventh cervical vertebra, acromion, lateral epicondyle of the humerus, metacarpophalangeal [MP] joint of the index finger, and greater trochanter of the femur). For the forward reach task, we measured the distance the index finger's MP joint traveled from its starting position to the forward target location on the anterior-posterior axis. For the hand-to-mouth reach task, the shortening of the vertical distance between the index finger MP joint and the position of the chin at the start of the measurement was measured. For both measurements, the contributions of relevant upper limb and trunk movements were calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 20 healthy individuals and 10 patients with stroke participated in this study. In the forward reach task, the contribution of shoulder or elbow flexion was significantly smaller in participants with stroke than in healthy participants (mean 52.5%, SD 24.5% vs mean 85.2%, SD 4.5%; P<.001), whereas the contribution of trunk flexion was significantly larger in stroke participants than in healthy participants (mean 34.0%, SD 28.5% vs mean 3.0%, SD 2.8%; P<.001). In the hand-to-mouth reach task, the contribution of shoulder or elbow flexion was significantly smaller in participants with stroke than in healthy participants (mean 71.8%, SD 23.7% vs mean 90.7%, SD 11.8%; P=.009), whereas shoulder girdle elevation and shoulder abduction were significantly larger in participants with stroke than in healthy participants (mean 10.5%, SD 5.7% vs mean 6.5%, SD 3.0%; P=.02 and mean 16.5%, SD 18.7% vs mean 3.0%, SD 10.4%; P=.02, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with healthy participants, participants with stroke achieved a significantly greater distance via trunk flexion in the forward reach task and shoulder abduction and shoulder girdle elevation in the hand-to-mouth reach task, both of these differences are regarded as compensatory movements. Understanding the characteristics of individual motor strategies, such as dependence on compensatory movements, may contribute to tailored goal setting in stroke rehabilitation.
PubMed: 38051570
DOI: 10.2196/50571