-
Surgical Neurology International 2024Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts comprise <1% of all spinal lesions and are rare findings in pediatric patients. The pathogenesis of spinal extradural arachnoid cysts...
BACKGROUND
Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts comprise <1% of all spinal lesions and are rare findings in pediatric patients. The pathogenesis of spinal extradural arachnoid cysts is not well known but is thought to most commonly be due to congenital dural defects. Other origins include trauma, inflammation, or infection, such as arachnoiditis. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for diagnosis, showing a fluid-filled space dorsal to the spinal cord with signal intensity akin to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and often the site of dural defect with CSF leak. While most spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic, large cysts can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to myelopathy, radiculopathy, or focal pain symptoms. In such cases, surgical management is indicated.
CASE DESCRIPTION
Here, we present a case of a 15-year-old female who presented with lower back pain radiating to her bilateral posterior thighs and knees, with imaging indicating a thoracolumbar spinal extradural arachnoid cyst. After failed conservative treatment, surgical intervention in the form of laminectomy, fenestration of the arachnoid cyst, and repair of the dural defect was required, resolving the patient's symptoms with no recurrence of the cyst.
CONCLUSION
Complete resolution of pain in our patient following surgical management of spinal arachnoid cyst suggests that treatment of the arachnoid cyst can be achieved through minimal exposure to the site of the CSF leak to fenestrate the cyst and repair the leak.
PubMed: 38741998
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_27_2024 -
Surgical Neurology International 2024Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare malignancy that originates from smooth muscle. The most common sites of metastases include the lungs, liver, kidney, and skin. Notably,...
BACKGROUND
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare malignancy that originates from smooth muscle. The most common sites of metastases include the lungs, liver, kidney, and skin. Notably, metastases of LMS to the central nervous system/or spine are extremely rare. When a cervical spinal LMS lesion was encountered, the patient successfully underwent gross total tumor resection with negative margins.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 63-year-old female had undergone an anterior cervical C5-C7 diskectomy and fusion 18 years ago and resection of a retroperitoneal LMS 3 years ago. She newly presented with right-sided numbness and pain of 2 months duration that correlated with a focal right-sided C5-level hemiparesis (i.e., 4/5 motor strength). When the cervical magnetic resonance demonstrated a right-sided C5 intralaminar mass with extension into the C5-C6 foramen, she underwent posterior tumor resection; pathologically, this proved to be an LMS metastasis. Respectively, 1- and six months postoperatively, follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scans showed no tumor recurrence; she tolerated adjuvant oncological treatment accompanied by physical therapy. However, in one postoperative year, the lesion recurred, and she is presently under consideration for additional surgical management.
CONCLUSION
Gross total surgical resection is the first line of treatment for patients with metastatic LMS. Here, a patient with a C5 laminar/C5-C6 foraminal bony LMS metastasis underwent posterior tumor resection accompanied by adjuvant oncological treatment but exhibited disease recurrence within one postoperative year.
PubMed: 38741997
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_66_2024 -
Surgical Neurology International 2024Perineural Tarlov cysts are extrathecal cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavities in the perineural recesses around dorsal spinal nerve roots. They are mostly asymptomatic but...
Symptomatic lumbar Tarlov cyst resolution after computed tomography-guided percutaneous trans-sacral fibrin glue intracystic injection: A case report and literature review.
BACKGROUND
Perineural Tarlov cysts are extrathecal cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavities in the perineural recesses around dorsal spinal nerve roots. They are mostly asymptomatic but may occasionally cause back pain, radiculopathy, neurological deficits, and idiopathic intracranial hypotension.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 40-year-old female presented with a partial left foot drop attributed to a symptomatic L5 Tarlov cyst with an extension anterior to the sacrum. Following a computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous trans-sacral fibrin glue intracystic injection, the cyst was markedly reduced in size, and the patient's symptoms resolved.
CONCLUSION
Rarely, patients may present with symptomatic lumbar Tarlov cysts located anterior to the sacrum. Here, we present a patient whose left-sided foot drop resolved following the percutaneous trans-sacral CT-guided L5 intracyst injection of fibrin glue.
PubMed: 38741984
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_139_2024 -
The Journal of Medical Investigation :... 2024Osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) is common in the elderly population. In this report, we describe a case with radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis caused by OVF...
Osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) is common in the elderly population. In this report, we describe a case with radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis caused by OVF in a very elderly patient that was treated successfully by full-endoscopic foraminotomy under local anesthesia. The patient was an 89-year-old woman who presented with a chief complaint of left leg pain for 5 years. She visited a couple of hospitals and finally consulted us to determine the exact cause of the pain. Computed tomography scans were obtained and selective nerve root block at L3 was performed. The diagnosis was radiculopathy at L3 due to foraminal stenosis following OVF. The patient had severe heart disease, so we decided to avoid surgery under general anesthesia and planned full-endoscopic spine surgery under local anesthesia. We performed transforaminal full-endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy at L3-L4 to decompress the L3 nerve root. The leg pain disappeared completely immediately after surgery. Postoperative computed tomography confirmed appropriate bone resection. The leg pain did not recur during a year of postoperative follow-up. OVF may cause lumbar radiculopathy as a result of foraminal stenosis, and transforaminal full-endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy under local anesthesia would be the best option in an elderly patient with poor general condition. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 179-183, February, 2024.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Anesthesia, Local; Spinal Fractures; Spinal Stenosis; Decompression, Surgical; Endoscopy; Osteoporotic Fractures; Lumbar Vertebrae; Radiculopathy
PubMed: 38735718
DOI: 10.2152/jmi.71.179 -
The Journal of Medical Investigation :... 2024Transforaminal full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) is the least invasive spinal surgery and can be performed under local anesthesia. In Japan, the population is rapidly...
BACKGROUND
Transforaminal full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) is the least invasive spinal surgery and can be performed under local anesthesia. In Japan, the population is rapidly aging and the number of spinal surgeries performed in the elderly is also increasing.
OBJECT
In this report, we describe 3 patients aged 90 years or older in whom we performed FESS under local anesthesia.
CASE
The first case was a 90-year-old man who presented with severe leg pain. He had multiple medical comorbidities and was unsuitable for general anesthesia. We performed FESS. After surgery, the leg pain resolved with full recovery of muscle strength. He was discharged with no perioperative complications. The second case was a 90-year-old man who presented with severe leg pain. MRI showed a herniated nucleus pulposus and foraminal stenosis at L4/5. We performed FESS. The leg pain improved immediately after surgery. The third case was a 91-year-old woman in whom we diagnosed left L5 radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis at L5/S1. After surgery, her leg pain was relieved.
CONCLUSION
FESS is a good surgical procedure for elderly patients who are in a poor general condition because it is minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia with early mobilization. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 169-173, February, 2024.
Topics: Humans; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Female; Endoscopy; Lumbar Vertebrae
PubMed: 38735715
DOI: 10.2152/jmi.71.169 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024We assess the application and advantages of modifying the trans-unco-discal (TUD) approach which we underwent for cervical myelo-radiculopathy. We present the surgical...
Application and Advantages of the Trans-Unco-Discal (TUD) Approach for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Radiculopathy: Classification and Modification of Surgical Technique Based on the Location of Spinal Cord and/or Nerve Root Compression.
We assess the application and advantages of modifying the trans-unco-discal (TUD) approach which we underwent for cervical myelo-radiculopathy. We present the surgical techniques of the modified TUD approach. The material was 180 cases where anterior cervical decompression (ACD) was performed by the modified TUD approach. We classified the material into four groups based on the location of the nerve root and/or spinal cord compression: I, compression of the root at intervertebral foramen (IVF); II, compression of the posterior margin of the vertebral body; III, compression of the IVF and posterior margin of the vertebral body; IV, compression of the bilateral IVF and posterior margin of the vertebral body. We applied the modified TUD approach to these four types. We present the surgical procedures and techniques for the modified TUD approach. The Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score and neuroradiological alignment were examined. The improvement rate of the JOA score was 78.4% at 6 months post-surgery and 77.5% in the most recent examinations. By the modified TUD approach, compressive lesions of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots were removed, and good alignment was acquired and sustained. ACD by the modified TUD approach safely achieved appropriate decompression for the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, and the patients had a high improvement rate and good alignment. Complications were less common than with other surgical procedures. If the TUD approach and endoscopic approaches can be combined, their application to new area is anticipated.
PubMed: 38731195
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092666 -
Global Spine Journal May 2024Observational Cohort Study.
STUDY DESIGN
Observational Cohort Study.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to comprehensively assess the outcomes of anterior cervical spine surgery in patients who have undergone surgical intervention for radiculopathy or myelopathy, with a specific focus on the surgery's impact on axial neck pain.
METHODS
Data from an institutional spine surgery registry were analyzed for patients who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery between January 2016 and March 2022. Patient demographics, clinical variables, and outcome measures, including the Neck Disability Index (NDI), numeric rating scales for neck and arm pain (NRS-Neck and NRS-Arm), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores, were collected. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, chi-squared tests, and multivariate linear regression.
RESULTS
Of 257 patients, 156 met the inclusion criteria. Patients showed significant improvement in NDI, NRS-Neck, NRS-Arm, SF-36 (Physical and Mental components), and all changes exceeded the minimum clinically important difference. Multivariate regression revealed that lower preoperative physical and mental component scores and higher preoperative NRS-Neck predicted worse NDI scores at follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
This study underscores that anterior cervical fusion not only effectively alleviates arm pain and disability but also has a positive impact on axial neck pain, which may not be the primary target of surgery. Our findings emphasize the potential benefits of surgical intervention when neck pain coexists with neurologic compression. This contribution adds to the growing body of evidence emphasizing the importance of precise diagnosis and patient selection. Future research, ideally focusing on patients with isolated neck pain, should further explore alternative surgical approaches to enhance treatment options.
PubMed: 38729921
DOI: 10.1177/21925682241254036 -
Cureus Apr 2024The inability to extend the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints leads to finger drop. While wrist drop and foot drop are well recognized, the...
BACKGROUND
The inability to extend the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints leads to finger drop. While wrist drop and foot drop are well recognized, the causes of finger drop are poorly understood.
AIMS
This study describes the clinical, electrodiagnostic (EDX), and ultrasound (US) features in patients with finger drop.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a retrospective study of 87 patients presenting with finger drop and referred for EDX studies during the past 10 years. We analyzed the clinical picture, EDX data, and US findings. The patients were categorized into global (all five digits) or partial (limited to 1-4 digits) finger drop.
RESULTS
Fifty-six (64%) patients had global finger drop, while 31 (36%) had partial finger drop. The frequent cause of finger drop was Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) (29 [33%]), followed by trauma (23 [26%]), cervical radiculopathy (16 [18%]), extensor tendon rupture (four [4%]), and compression/entrapment (two [2%]). In 13 (15%) patients, no cause was identified. A total of 13/16 (81%) patients with cervical radiculopathy and four of the patients with tendon rupture had partial finger drop, while 52/64 (81%) with posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) neuropathy had global finger drop. Of the 16 patients who experienced cervical radiculopathy as the cause of the finger drop, 15 patients had C7 and C8 radiculopathy and one patient had C7 radiculopathy. EDX studies of patients with PTS revealed partial axon loss in 18 (62%) patients, conduction block in eight (28%), and total axon loss in four (14%). Enlarged fascicles were observed by US in 40% of patients with PTS. EDX studies of patients who sustained iatrogenic nerve injury causing finger drop demonstrated total axon loss in six (46%) patients, partial axon loss in four (31%), demyelination in two (15%), and conduction block in two (15%).
CONCLUSIONS
PIN neuropathy is the most common cause of finger drop, however, lesser-known causes such as cervical radiculopathy and extensor tendon rupture should also be considered. Global finger drop is suggestive of PIN neuropathy, while partial finger drop occurs more often in cervical radiculopathy and tendon rupture. EDX and US studies provide valuable information for localizing the lesion site and may reveal the cause of the finger drop.
PubMed: 38725787
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57913 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024While the typical symptom associated with pneumorachis after an epidural block is radiculopathy in one or several corresponding segments, there has been a rare case...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
While the typical symptom associated with pneumorachis after an epidural block is radiculopathy in one or several corresponding segments, there has been a rare case report of significant complications such as cardiac arrest leading to death, or paraplegia.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present a case of an eighty-nine-year-old male patient who developed progressive paraplegia following an upper thoracic epidural block-associated pneumorachis. The procedure was performed at a different hospital using the loss of resistance (LOR) technique. Interestingly, the onset of paraplegia was delayed, occurring six hours after the procedure. Furthermore, there was a discrepancy between the clinical symptoms and the identified lesion in imaging studies. Despite the performance of an emergency laminectomy to remove the epidural gas, the paralysis continued to progress proximally.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Healthcare professionals should observe patients for an appropriate duration after the procedure to detect and manage any delayed symptoms. And it is crucial to recognize the potential for lesion extension beyond the symptomatic segment and perform thorough imaging examinations.
CONCLUSION
These findings emphasize the importance of exercising caution during the procedure, even when using a minimal amount of air with the LOR technique in the thoracic spine.
PubMed: 38718495
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109669 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... 2024
Topics: Humans; Sleep Quality; Radiculopathy; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 38716946
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20231367