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Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi Nov 2022To assess the clinical impact of direct two-step distraction reduction (TSDR) for basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). Retrospective analysis...
To assess the clinical impact of direct two-step distraction reduction (TSDR) for basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). Retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent TSDR and occipitocervical fusion in West China Hospital between October 2013 and March 2021. Depending on whether the preoperative decrease was greater than 50% on preoperative hyperextension X-rays, the patients were split into two groups. The neurological function [Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score], atlantodens interval (ADI), the distance of odontoid process beyond McRae Line (ML) and Wackenheim Line (WL), cervicomedullary angle (CMA), O-C angle (OC2A), and complications incidence were compared between two groups preoperatively and postoperatively. There were 12 men and 23 women among the 35 patients with BI and AAD, and the age ranged from 28 to 71 years, with an mean age of (52.0±13.4) years. In the preoperative reduction ≥50% group, there were 4 males and 9 females with an average age of (54.0±13.8) years; in the preoperative reduction <50% group, there were 8 males and 14 females with a mean age of (50.9±13.4) years. All the patients were followed-up for a mean time of (23.3±13.4) months. There was no significant difference in age, gender, bleeding, length of hospital stay and follow-up time between the two groups (all >0.05). The JOA score, ADI, WL, ML and CMA of 35 patients were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (all <0.05). The reduction degree of ADI, ML and WL was more than 80% in 31 cases (88.57%), 30 cases (85.71%) and 31 cases (88.57%), respectively. There was no significant difference in postoperative ADI, ML and WL between the two groups (all >0.05). All patients had no incision infection, no loosening or breakage of the internal fixators. Dysphagia occurred in 3 patients, non-fusion happened in 1 patient, but no instability in X-ray of cervical dynamic position was found, no loosening or displacement occurred in internal fixators, and partial spontaneous fusion occurred between atlantoaxial lateral mass joints. For BI with AAD without atlantoaxial bony connection or serious atlantoaxial facet joint inclination, TSDR could obtain satisfactory reduction degree. The reduction degree on preoperative hyperextension X-ray doesn't affect the degree of intraoperative reduction.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Retrospective Studies; Decompression, Surgical; Platybasia; Joint Dislocations; Atlanto-Axial Joint; Neck Injuries
PubMed: 36396359
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20220426-00933 -
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi Nov 2022Regarding the treatment of type A basilar invagination, there is a debate between the combination of anterior and posterior surgery and posterior fixation. The author's...
Regarding the treatment of type A basilar invagination, there is a debate between the combination of anterior and posterior surgery and posterior fixation. The author's personal opinion on the hot topic of cranial vertebral surgery: the surgical plan of type A basilar invagination is expressed in this article. Overall, the combined anterior-posterior approach is applicable in almost all cases of type A basilar invagination, regardless of how severe atlantoaxial dislocation, and simple posterior surgery is only in cases where atlantoaxial dislocation is not very severe. The anterior-posterior combined surgery has two incisions, and the risk of postoperative infection is higher than for posterior surgery alone. If the patient has no spinal cord symptoms, only posterior surgery is acceptable, even if no anatomical reduction can be achieved. If there is a more severe spinal cord dysfunction, or a large syringomyelia, anterior atlantoaxial release is necessary to ensure achieving anatomical reduction and restoring the normal morphology of the cervical spinal cord.
Topics: Humans; Atlanto-Axial Joint; Platybasia; Joint Dislocations; Spine; Spinal Fusion
PubMed: 36396355
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20220418-00836 -
Medicine Sep 2022Retrospective cross-sectional study To evaluate the validity and obtain optimal cutoff values of 3 radiologic measurements for the diagnosis of basilar invagination...
Retrospective cross-sectional study To evaluate the validity and obtain optimal cutoff values of 3 radiologic measurements for the diagnosis of basilar invagination (BI). Two hundred seventy-six patients (46 patients who underwent atlantoaxial fusion for BI and 230 patients who were treated for minor cervical trauma) seen in a single institution from January 2010 to December 2016 were included in this study. Age, sex, and body mass index were adjusted for the patients. The Ranawat index (RI), modified Ranawat method (MRM), and Redlund-Johnell method (RJM) were used to diagnose BI on plain radiographs. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and diagnostic odds ratio of 3 radiologic measurements were compared. We also calculated the optimized cutoff values of 3 radiologic measurements using the receiver operating characteristic curve in our patients. The mean age of the 130 women and 146 men was 58.3 ± 14.5 years. The mean values of RI, MRM, and RJM in the BI group were 12.5 ± 3.3, 23.1 ± 3.8, and 27.3 ± 3.6 in women and 13.6 ± 2.6, 26.8 ± 4.2, and 34.7 ± 5.1 in men. There was a significant difference between the sexes (P < .05). The accuracies of RI, MRM, and RJM were 95%, 89.6%, and 92.3% in women and 93%, 68.2%, and 85.4% in men, respectively. The optimized cutoff values of RI, MRM, and RJM were 14, 26, and 32 mm in women and 15, 29, and 38 mm in men. Three radiologic measurements (RI, MRM, and RJM) are reliable for the diagnosis of BI even in the era of cross-sectional images. The validity of these measurements depends on sex and particular radiologic measurement. The optimized cutoff values of RI, MRM, and RJM were 14, 26, and 32 mm in women and 15, 29, and 37 mm in men. These cutoff values showed high validity when compared to the CT and MRI findings.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Atlanto-Axial Joint; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Platybasia; Radiography; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36197204
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030552 -
Turkish Neurosurgery 2023To compare the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) dimensions together with the measurements related to basilar invagination and platybasia of craniovertebral junction...
AIM
To compare the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) dimensions together with the measurements related to basilar invagination and platybasia of craniovertebral junction anomalies (CVJA) in CVJA (+) and CVJA (-) Chiari malformation Type 1 (CM1) patient groups with each other and with healthy control subjects.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study group was formed of 43 CM1 and 9 tonsillar ectopia (TE) patients.
RESULTS
A decrease was determined in the PCF vertical length (clivus and supraocciput line) and PCF volume and an increase in the transverse length (McRae and Twining line) in the CM1 cases compared to the healthy control group. There was no difference between the CVJA (+) and (-) CM1 groups in respect of the vertical and transverse length and PCF volume values. An increase in the classic and modified skull base angles was observed in the CVJA (+) CM1 group compared to the CVJA (-) CM1 group. The Wackenheim clivus angle was determined to be smaller in the CVJA (+) CM1 group compared to the CVJA (-) CM1 group.
CONCLUSION
The PCF is flattened and smaller in CM1 cases compared to normal control subjects. In the planning of CM1 operations, the angle parameters may be more useful than the PCF and CVJA length parameters between CVJA (+) and (-) CM1 groups. The significant decrease in postoperative recovery in the CVJA (+) CM1 group compared to the CVJA (-) CM1 group supports the need for additional operations and/or a different surgical technique in the treatment of CVJA (+) CM1 patients.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Skull Base; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Arnold-Chiari Malformation
PubMed: 36128920
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.41458-22.1 -
Neurology India 2022
Topics: Atlanto-Axial Joint; Humans; Platybasia
PubMed: 36076712
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.355162 -
Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi [Chinese Journal... Sep 2022To examine the effect of posterior atlanto-axial intraarticular distraction technique as revision surgery for failed posterior fossa decompression in patients with...
To examine the effect of posterior atlanto-axial intraarticular distraction technique as revision surgery for failed posterior fossa decompression in patients with basilar invagination(BI) and atlanto-axial dislocation(AAD). The clinical data of 13 cases of AAD accompanied with BI treated at Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 10 females,aged (42.6±9.5) years (range:30 to 63 years). All cases had assimilation of atlas and once underwent posterior fossa decompression. Anterior tissue was released through posterior approach followed by cage implantation into facet joint and occipital-cervical fixation with cantilever technique. The clinical results were evaluated using Japanese Orthopedic Association scale(JOA) and the main radiological measurements including atlantodental interval (ADI), the distance of odontoid tip above Chamberlain line(DCL),clivus-canal angle(CCA) and the length of syrinx were collected. Paired sample test was used to compared the data before and after operation. All patients underwent surgery successfully, the mean surgical time was (187.7±47.4) minutes (range from 116 to 261 minutes). Twenty occipital condyle screws, 26 C2 pedicle screws and 3 occipital plates were implanted. Clinical symptoms improved in all patients. Twelve patients had complete reduction of basilar invagination and atlanto-axial dislocation, 1 achieved near completely reduction of basilar invagination. The postoperative ADI, DCL and CCA significantly improved((4.3±1.1) mm (1.8±0.8) mm, (11.7±5.0) mm (6.4±2.8) mm, (142.4±7.9)° (133.3±7.9)°, all <0.01).There were 5 cases with syringomyelia before surgery, and shrinkage of syrinx was observed 1 week after surgery in all cases. Eight patients achieved bone fusion 3 months after surgery, all patients achieved bone fusion 6 months after surgery. The JOA score increased from 12.8±2.3 before surgery to 14.8±1.3 one year after surgery, with statistically significant difference (=4.416, 0.01).No implant failure, spacer subsidence and infection were observed. In cases of failure posterior fossa decompression of basilar invagination and atlanto-axial dislocation, using posterior atlanto-axial intraarticular distraction and cantilever technique with cage implantation could achieve complete reduction and symptomatic relief.
Topics: Atlanto-Axial Joint; Female; Humans; Joint Dislocations; Male; Pedicle Screws; Platybasia; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fusion
PubMed: 36058708
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112139-20220228-00086 -
Bone Nov 2022Mutations in CRTAP lead to an extremely rare form of recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). CRTAP deficient mice have a brachycephalic skull, fusion of facial bones,...
Mutations in CRTAP lead to an extremely rare form of recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). CRTAP deficient mice have a brachycephalic skull, fusion of facial bones, midface retrusion and class III dental malocclusion, but in humans, the craniofacial and dental phenotype has not been reported in detail. Here, we describe craniofacial and dental findings in two 11-year-old girls with biallelic CRTAP mutations. Patient 1 has a homozygous c.472-1021C>G variant in CRTAP intron 1 and a moderately severe OI phenotype. The variant is known to create a cryptic splice site, leading to a frameshift and nonsense-mediated RNA decay. Patient 1 started intravenous bisphosphonate treatment at 2 years of age. At age 11 years, height Z-score was +0.6. She had a short and wide face, concave profile and class III malocclusion, with a prognathic mandible and an antero-posterior crossbite. A panoramic radiograph showed a poor angulation of the second upper right premolar, and no dentinogenesis imperfecta or dental agenesis. Cone-beam computed tomography confirmed these findings and did not reveal any other abnormalities. Patient 2 has a homozygous CRTAP deletion of two amino acids (c.804_809del, p.Glu269_Val270del) and a severe OI phenotype. As previously established, the variant leads to instability of CRTAP protein. Intravenous bisphosphonate treatment was started at the age of 15 months. At 11 years of age her height Z-score was -9.7. She had a long and narrow face and convex profile, maxillary retrusion leading to a class III malocclusion, an edge-to-edge overjet and lateral open bite. Panoramic radiographs showed no dental abnormalities. Cone-beam computed tomography showed occipital bossing, platybasia and wormian bones. In these two girls with CRTAP mutations, the severity of the skeletal phenotype was mirrored in the severity of the craniofacial phenotype. Class III malocclusion and antero-posterior crossbite were a common trait, while dental agenesis or dentinogenesis imperfecta were not detected.
Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Child; Diphosphonates; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Female; Humans; Infant; Malocclusion; Mice; Molecular Chaperones; Mutation; Osteogenesis Imperfecta; Phenotype; RNA Splice Sites; Skull
PubMed: 35970273
DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116516 -
World Neurosurgery Oct 2022Atlantoaxial joint distraction is a key procedure for the treatment of selected patients affected by basilar invagination (BI). In recent years, several authors have... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Atlantoaxial joint distraction is a key procedure for the treatment of selected patients affected by basilar invagination (BI). In recent years, several authors have reported various techniques of distraction and fixation of the C1-C2 joint using different types of intra-articular spacers, with or without posterior fixation. We review the pertinent literature and propose a feasibility study on the use of a new device for the distraction of the C1-C2 joint aimed to the descent of the dens out of the foramen magnum suggesting its application on selected cases of BI.
METHODS
The GL-DTRAX Cervical Cage-SE is a cage approved by the Food and Drug Administration for distraction and fixation of subaxial cervical spine. Five adult cadaveric specimens were dissected surgically to evaluate the feasibility of DTRAX insertion inside the C1-C2 joint through a posterior approach.
RESULTS
The cages were uneventfully set into the C1-C2 intra-articular space of all samples without the need to sacrifice C2 nerve roots and ganglia. Postoperative cervical computed tomography scanning confirmed the correct fitting of the devices in every sample.
CONCLUSIONS
This cadaveric study highlights the feasibility of the DTRAX cage as a C1-C2 intra-articular device producing a substantial distraction of atlantoaxial complex and suggesting a possible therapeutic role in selected cases of BI.
Topics: Adult; Atlanto-Axial Joint; Cadaver; Cervical Vertebrae; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Platybasia; Spinal Fusion; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35917923
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.07.077 -
Spine Nov 2022Retrospective study.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To present a morphological map of cervical sagittal alignment in basilar invagination (BI), a congenital anomaly of the craniovertebral junction, and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of cervical sagittal alignment in congenital cervical deformities.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Ideal cervical sagittal alignment and surgical targets are debated by scholars. However, most of the literature focuses on the description of cervical sagittal alignment in acquired cervical diseases and normal subjects and few on congenital cervical spine deformities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study analyzed cervical spine lateral radiographs of 87 BI patients and 98 asymptomatic subjects. They were analyzed for cranial, cervical spine, and thoracic inlet parameters.
RESULTS
Patients with BI manifested significantly larger values for the following parameters than asymptomatic subjects: cranial tilt, cranial incidence angle, sagittal vertical axis (SVA) CGH-C7, C2-C7 angle, cervical tilt, and significantly smaller values for the following parameters: cranial slope, C0-C2 angle, C0-C7 angle, SVA C2-C7, spine tilt, thoracic inlet angle, and neck tilt. In the BI group, SVA C2-C7 was the cervical parameter most strongly correlated with the cranial, cervical spine, and thoracic inlet parameters, and was smaller in BI patients with fusion (atlanto-occipital assimilation) than in those without.
CONCLUSION
A significant difference was observed between BI patients and asymptomatic subjects. BI patients have craniums tilted forward and downward, smaller upper cervical lordosis, larger lower cervical lordosis, and smaller thoracic inlet angle. In BI patients, the SVA C2-C7 is an important parameter in cervical sagittal alignment. In both individuals with congenital anomalies of the craniovertebral junction and the asymptomatic population, cervical spine alignment is significantly associated with cranial alignment, particularly thoracic inlet alignment.
Topics: Cervical Vertebrae; Humans; Lordosis; Neck; Platybasia; Radiography; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35867616
DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004423 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Oct 2022Treatments for symptomatic or unstable basilar invagination (BI) include posterior decompression, distraction/fusion, trans-nasal or trans-oral anterior decompression,...
BACKGROUND
Treatments for symptomatic or unstable basilar invagination (BI) include posterior decompression, distraction/fusion, trans-nasal or trans-oral anterior decompression, and combined techniques, with the need for occipitocervical fusion based on the degree of craniocervical instability. Variations of the far lateral transcondylar approach are described in limited case series for BI, but have not been widely applied.
METHODS
A single-institution, retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing a far lateral transcondylar approach for odontoidectomy (± resection of the inferior clivus) followed by occipitocervical fusion over a 6-year period (1/1/2016 to 12/31/2021) is performed. Detailed technical notes are combined with images from cadaveric dissections and patient surgeries to illustrate our technique using a lateral retroauricular incision.
RESULTS
Nine patients were identified (3 males, 6 females; mean age 40.2 ± 19.6 years). All patients had congenital or acquired BI causing neurologic deficits. There were no major neurologic or wound-healing complications. 9/9 patients (100%) experienced improvement in preoperative symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
The far lateral transcondylar approach provides a direct corridor for ventral brainstem decompression in patients with symptomatic BI. A comprehensive knowledge of craniovertebral junction anatomy is critical to the safe performance of this surgery, especially when using a lateral retroauricular incision.
Topics: Adult; Decompression, Surgical; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nose; Platybasia; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fusion; Young Adult
PubMed: 35867183
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-022-05312-9