Clinical and Radiological Outcomes after Reducing Adult Lytic High-Grade Spondylolisthesis Using a Hybrid Technique: Combination of Percutaneous Pedicle Screws with Midline Microscopic Transforaminal Decompression.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To analyze the results and effectiveness of percutaneous screws (PS) with midline microscopic transforaminal decompression (MTFD) technique in reducing adult stiff lytic high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGSL) and compare it with the conventional technique. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Pedicle screw cannulation and segmental kyphosis negotiation are surgical challenges in HGSL. Open reduction is the preferred approach. PS have the advantage of optimized trajectory and minimized soft tissue exposure. The role of minimally invasive surgery in HGSL remains unknown. We propose a hybrid technique combining PS with MTFD for lytic HGSL. METHODS: This study included 25 patients with adult lytic HGSL (Meyerding grade III and IV) operated using a hybrid technique from 2012 to 2015. Data were compared with retrospective data on conventional open reduction (n=23) operated from 2000 to 2015. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI). The spinopelvic and perioperative parameters were recorded. The inter-body fusion and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) were assessed on radiographs at the final follow-up. RESULTS: The average age in the MTFD and open groups was 45.84±12.70 years (nine males and 16 females) and 49.26±13.33 years (eight males and 15 females), respectively. Further, 22 and three patients in the MTFD group and 19 and four in the open group had grade III and IV listhesis, respectively. The MTFD group demonstrated less operative time, blood loss, and hospital stays than the open group. Significant improvements were observed in VAS and m-ODI in subsequent follow-ups in both groups. The MTFD group fared better at 3 months but outcomes were comparable at the final follow-up. Both techniques were equally effective in restoring spinopelvic parameters. The incidence of ASD is comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The technique was proven effective in reducing HGSL. The long-term clinical and radiological outcomes were favorable and comparable with the conventional approach.

Pathogenesis and Staging of Craniovertebral Tuberculosis: Radiographic Evaluation, Classification, and Natural History.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: To radiographically evaluate Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) tuberculosis infection pathogenesis and to propose a modification to the Lifeso classification. METHODS: A cohort of patients with radiologically or microbiologically identified CVJ tuberculosis treated at a single tertiary referral center in a TB endemic area was queried for characteristics about clinical presentation, treatment, and radiographic evidence of bone destruction and abscess formation were included. Disease was classified according to the Lifeso grading system and bony lesions were classified as either type 1 (preservation of underlying structure) or type 2 (damage of underlying structure). RESULTS: 52 patients were identified (mean age 28.5 ± 13.4yr, 48% male; 14% with a prior history of tuberculosis). All presented with neck pain at presentation, 29% with rotatory pain, and 37% with myelopathy. Comparison by Lifeso type showed Lifeso III lesions had longer symptom durations (P = .03) and more commonly had periarticular or predental abscess formation (P < .05), spinal cord compression (P < .01), and more commonly involved the C2 body and atlanto-dental joint. Underlying bony destruction was more common for lesions of the lateral atlantoaxial joints and atlanto-dental joints in Lifeso III cases than in either Lifeso I or II (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The radiologic findings of the present series suggest CVJ TB infection may originate in the periarticular fascia with subsequent invasion into the adjacent atlanto-dental and lateral atlantoaxial joints in later disease. To reflect this proposed etiology, we present a modified Lifeso classification to describe the radiologic pathogenesis of CVJ TB.

Application of the modified lifeso radiographic staging system to the management and outcomes for craniocervical tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a management algorithm for cervicovertebral junction (CVJ) TB based upon disease severity and neurological status at presentation. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 52 patients treated for microbiologically or clinically-diagnosed CVJ TB at a tertiary referral center in a TB endemic area were identified. Data were gathered about presenting symptoms, baseline neurological status, management strategy, and management outcomes. Patients were categorized by a modified Lifeso Stage. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included (Mean age 28.5 ± 13.4 yr, 48% male): 18 Lifeso Stage I, 15 Stage II, and 19 Stage III. All presented with pain, 19 (37%) with neurological symptoms, and 5 with inability to ambulate. Stage II and III patients were more commonly myelopathic at presentation (p < 0.01) than Stage I patients. Only Stage II/III lesions required traction or surgical intervention; Stage III lesions more commonly required surgery than Stage II lesions (100% vs. 73%; p = 0.03). Among surgically-treated Stage II and III lesions, Stage III lesions had longer symptom prodromes (5.1 ± 2.2 vs. 3.3 ± 1.4mo; p = 0.03), more commonly had lateral mass collapse at presentation (58 vs. 9%; p = 0.02), and more commonly required occipitocervical fusion (68 vs. 9%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Based upon these data, Stage I lesions may be treated conservatively, unless presenting with a neurological deficit. Conversely, Stage III lesions require open reduction and instrumentation due to irrevocable underlying bony damage. Reducible Stage II lesions with absent or mild neurological symptoms can be treated conservatively, but irreducible lesions and those with concomitant neurological deficits merit surgery.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction, a Rare Cause of Paraplegia after Kyphosis Correction: A Case Report and Literature Review.

CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW: The aim of this study was to report a rare case of hydrocephalus due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction following kyphosis correction that resulted in paraplegia in the postoperative period. The available English literature to explain the possible cause of paraplegia is reviewed. Twelve-year male child presented with a severe dorsal kyphoscoliosis deformity with spastic paraparesis since 4 months. The lower extremities had grade-2 power and spasticity. The sensation was reduced below D9. The deep tendon reflexes were exaggerated with ankle clonus. Bowel-bladder had urgency and frequency. The radiographs and CT showed D6-7 hemi-vertebra with complex kyphoscoliosis deformity. magnetic resonance imaging showed a stretching cord at D6-7 due to 92° angular kyphosis. The somatosensory evoked potential showed posterior column involvement. The VPS was placed for hydrocephalus at 4 months of age. The shunt remained functioned throughout childhood. He underwent posterior vertebral column resection and kyphosis correction surgery. Postoperative CNS function was normal. Neurology was status quo. After 20 hours, the boy appeared irritable, confused with a headache and repetitive vomiting (Glasgow coma scale: 7-8/15). Computed tomography brain showed dilated both ventricles with left shunt in situ. Immediate re-shunting was done from right side. The CNS status improved dramatically and regained consciousness. Neurology deteriorated to grade-0 with increased spasticity and further decreased sensation below D9. The spinal causes (hematoma, implant malposition, syrinx) were ruled out. Delayed neurological recovery was seen at 6th week after shunt surgery. The Rapid motor march was observed and became independent ambulatory at 12th week. At 6 months, he improved up-to grade4 power with grade 2 spasticity which maintained at 2 years. VPS blockage caused a sudden hydrocephalus which increased CSF pressure within the spinal cord and decreased cord perfusion. Spinal cord at apex of deformity was vulnerable to ischemia which caused paraplegia.^ieng

A Modified Posterior Approach for Decompression of a Multiloculated Atlanto-axial Cyst With Myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified posterior approach for decompression and excision of a multiloculated atlanto-axial cyst. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Atlanto-axial cyst with myelopathy is rare. A direct decompression through anterior approach or an indirect decompression through posterior approach has been proposed. We report a rare multiloculated large C1-C2 cyst extending down to C3 body with myelopathy that created a dilemma in choice of approach. A modified posterior approach was adopted for decompression. METHODS: A 72-year-old lady, known case of Rheumatoid arthritis, presented with cervical myelopathy which was rapidly progressive since 2 months being her to wheel chair bound. She had clumsiness of gait and bilateral grip weakness. Both upper and lower extremities had nonfunctional power (medical research council scale grade 2). Deep tendon reflexes were exaggerated. Sensation was reduced in trunk and both extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan showed a large multiloculated cyst compressing spinal cord. Here author used modified posterior approach from the right side to access the cyst. The C2 ganglion excision, vertebral artery isolation, and resection of the pars allowed an approach similar to transforaminal decompression in the lumbar spine. A large antero-lateral epidural part of the cyst was excised. The retro-dental cyst was decompressed by puncturing cyst. Biopsy confirmed a synovial cyst. RESULT: The patient showed rapid neurological recovery after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging at 3 months showed complete resolution of cyst. At 2-year follow-up, there was a complete neurological recovery with residual spasticity. CONCLUSION: A customized posterior approach allowed near total excision of a rare multiloculated large C1-2 cyst extending to the C3 body. This allowed visualisation anterior to the spinal cord without undue retraction that saved an additional anterior decompression. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Radiological protocol in spinal trauma: literature review and Spinal Cord Society position statement.

PURPOSE: The Spinal Cord Society constituted a panel tasked with reviewing the literature on the radiological evaluation of spinal trauma with or without spinal cord injury and recommend a protocol. This position statement provides recommendations for the use of each modality, i.e., radiographs (X-rays), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as vascular imaging, and makes suggestions on identifying or clearing spinal injury in trauma patients. METHODS: PubMed was searched for the corresponding keywords from January 1, 1980, to August 1, 2017. A MEDLINE search was subsequently undertaken after applying MeSH filters. Appropriate cross-references were retrieved. Out of the 545 articles retrieved, 105 relevant papers that address the present topic were studied and the extracted content was circulated for further discussions. A draft position statement was compiled and circulated among the panel members via e-mail. The draft was modified by incorporating relevant suggestions to reach a consensus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: For imaging cervical and thoracolumbar spine trauma patients, CT without contrast is generally considered to be the initial line of imaging and radiographs are required if CT is unavailable or unaffordable. CT screening in polytrauma cases is best done with a multidetector CT by utilizing the reformatted images obtained when scanning the chest, abdomen, and pelvis (CT-CAP). MRI is indicated in cases with neurological involvement and advanced cervical degenerative changes and to determine the extent of soft tissue injury, i.e., disco-ligamentous injuries as well as epidural space compromise. MRI is also usually performed when X-rays and CT are unable to correlate with patient symptomatology. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Endoscopic Decompression Can Be Effective for Diagnosing and Treating Tubercular Spondylodiskitis with Early Epidural Spinal Compression: A Retrospective Study of 18 Cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: In this study, we describe an endoscopic method of effectively treating tubercular lumbar spondylodiskitis with early onset epidural spinal cord compression in the lumbar spine on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Percutaneous aspiration and biopsy of spondylodiskitis under ultrasonography and computer tomography scan invariably provides an inadequate diagnosis. METHODS: From May 2015 to May 2017, 18 patients presented with intractable back pain and were diagnosed with tubercular spondylodiskitis on MRI; these patients were enrolled in this study. The goal was to confirm the pathogen on biopsy, drain the abscess, and perform debridement. Chemotherapy was started after histologic diagnosis, and data collected included blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and repeat MRI after 3 months. RESULTS: Mean duration of surgery was 52 minutes. Mean follow-up was 17 months. The average preoperative Visual Analog Scale score of 8 (range, 6-10) decreased to 3 (range, 1-8) postoperatively. Tubercular spondylodiskitis was observed in 14 cases; two cases were pyogenic, and the biopsy was inconclusive in two cases. After adequate chemotherapy, no recurrences were noted. CONCLUSIONS: We hereby conclude that endoscopic biopsy and drainage can provide a better diagnosis and decrease pain in a predictable manner.

Congenital Unilateral Atlanto-Occipital Rotatory Subluxation: Rare Cause of C1 Neuralgia.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: We report a rare case of congenital unilateral rotatory atlanto-occipital subluxation that presented with left C1 neuralgia. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Secondary occipital neuralgia is commonly attributed to pathologies of the atlanto-axial joint and C2/C3 nerve involvement. Our case depicts a model of slow creeping atlanto-occipital subluxation due to a rare left C1 superior articular facet dysplasia with C1 foraminal stenosis presenting as C1 neuralgia. We discuss the eitology and patho-anatomy of this rare undescribed presentation. METHODS: A 42-year-old gentleman presented with deteriorating and intractable left occipital headache of 6 months duration. The neck disability index (NDI) was 64%. Cervical MR/computed tomography scan showed a unilateral C1 facet dysmorphism with a left sided C1 foramen bony compression. There was no central canal stenosis. RESULTS: Posterior left C1 arch excision and decompression of C1 foramina with occipital-cervical fusion relieved C1 neuralgia. CONCLUSION: Our case depicts a model of slow creeping deformation due to left C1 superior articular facet dysplasia. An abnormal facet slope allowed the occipital condyle to migrate posteriorly and medially leading to crowding of the left C1 foramen. Although the etiology was congenital, the neck spasm was delayed till fourth decade. A secondary C1 foramen stenosis led to C1 occipital neuralgia that presented as an intractable headache. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Anterior transoral atlantoaxial release and posterior instrumented fusion for irreducible congenital basilar invagination.

PURPOSE: Recently, it has been demonstrated that anterior release of tight structures via a transoral approach can assist posterior distraction-reduction technique in restoring the cranio-cervical anatomy in irreducible atlantoaxial dislocations. Our aim was to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcome of anterior release and posterior instrumentation for irreducible congenital basilar invagination. METHODS: A consecutive series of 15 patients (2007-2009) with irreducible congenital basilar invagination were treated with anterior release using transoral approach. A retrospective chart review was performed. All patients presented with myelopathy. Dislocation was treated as irreducible if acceptable reduction was not achieved with traction under general anesthesia and neuromuscular paralysis. The anterior release comprised of transverse sectioning the longus colli and capitis, C1-C2 joint capsular release and intra-articular adhesiolysis with or without anterior C1 arch excision. Cantilever mechanism using posterior instrumentation was used to correct any residual malalignment. RESULTS: Mean age was 21.4 (10-50) years. Average duration of follow-up was 28 (24-40) months. The average preoperative JOA score was 11.4 (8-16), which improved to 15.4 (10-18) after surgery. Anatomical reduction was achieved in thirteen patients. Fusion was documented in all patients. Complications included persistent nasal phonation in one, and superficial wound dehiscence in one. CONCLUSION: We believe that a significant number of irreducible dislocations can be anatomically reduced with this procedure thus avoiding odontoid excision. Encouraging results from this short series have given us a new perspective in dealing with these challenging problems.

Structural odontoid lesions in craniovertebral tuberculosis: a review of 15 cases.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVE: To describe the presentation and the rationale for management of pathological odontoid fracture and complete odontoid destruction in craniovertebral junction tuberculosis (CVJ TB). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Presentation of CVJ TB ranges from minor osteomyelitic changes to severe structural damage leading to instability. Structural damage to the odontoid process is poorly characterized in the literature. Inadequate knowledge about the radiological presentations has led to controversy in the management of CVJ TB. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 15 consecutive patients with CVJ TB, with structural damage to the odontoid process in the form of either odontoid fracture (n = 7) or complete odontoid destruction (n = 8). These patients presented with pain, neurological deficit, torticollis, dysphagia, or respiratory distress. The cause of neurological deficit was craniocervical instability characterized as anterioposterior (n = 15), rotatory (n = 4), and vertical (n = 6). Displacement reduced anatomically in 13 patients. Apart from antibiotics, all patients were treated surgically by either C1-C2 fusion (n = 7) or occipitocervical fusion (n = 8). RESULTS: Average duration of follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 1.5-8 yr). All patients achieved normal neurological status. No complications were noted, except for 1 case, who had a loss of reduction after the use of Hartshill rectangle for occipitocervical fusion. Postoperative computed tomographic scan showed nonunion of odontoid fracture in 2 of 4 patients. No patient of odontoid destruction, of the 5 investigated, revealed structural reformation of the dens. CONCLUSION: CVJ TB can severely damage the odontoid process, resulting in atlantoaxial dislocation. In these patients, surgery restores and maintains the craniocervical alignment and has a predictable outcome compared with conservative therapy. Pathological odontoid fractures have the potential to go into nonunion. Odontoid process once destroyed completely is rarely restored after antibiotic therapy.

Complex multilevel lumbar spine fractures with transverse sacral fracture.

We report an unusual and complex case of spinal trauma in a 17-year-old boy who presented with a transverse sacral fracture associated with multiple-level lumbar fractures, paraparesis, and bladder involvement. A two-stage surgery was performed. The lumbar spine fractures were treated with posterior instrumented correction of displacements, followed by anterior instrumentation and fusion. The sacral fracture was left untreated. At 5-year followup, the patient had complete neurological recovery except for the right L5 root function. The long-segment lumbar fusion and the untreated displaced sacral fracture contributed to spinal imbalance, due to which the patient is now able to stand only in a crouched posture. Determining the optimal treatment for the case is presented due to the relative rarity of transverse sacral fracture and paucity of evidence-based treatment approaches. In patients with associated lumbar spine fractures that require extension of instrumentation to the upper lumbar spine, it is critical to restore sacropelvic alignment to achieve spinal balance. Adequate reduction of sacropelvic anatomy can be achieved with iliac screw fixation.

Intradural tumor and concomitant disc herniation of cervical spine.

We report a rare patient of a simultaneous extradural and intradural compression of the cervical spinal cord due to co-existent intervertebral disc herniation and an intradural schwannoma at the same level. The intradural lesion was missed resulting in recurrence of myelopathy after a surprisingly complete functional recovery following anterior cervical discectomy. Retrospectively, it was noted that the initial cord swelling noticed was tumor being masked by the compression produced by the herniated disc. A contrast magnetic resonance imaging scan is important in differentiating intradural tumors of the spinal cord. A high index of suspicion is often successful in unmasking both the pathologies.

Management of sequalae of neglected septic shoulder.

Complex deformities following septic arthritis of the shoulder in infancy are mild and therefore rarely reported. A 12 year old girl presented with shortening of upper extremity right side, with dislocation of shoulder and with entire extremity rotated to 180 degrees. The palm faced posteriorly and the olecranon anteriorly. Arthrodesis of shoulder and unifocal lengthening of humerus was achieved with three 4 mm cannulated cancellous screws and an ilizarov frame. A lengthening of 9 centimeters was achieved and regenerate healed at 12 months. At 10 years follow-up she is able to perfom her activities of daily living.

Reconstruction of large iliac crest defects after graft harvest using autogenous rib graft: a prospective controlled study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective controlled study analyzing the donor site morbidity after reconstruction of full thickness iliac crest defects, using autologous rib grafts. OBJECTIVE: To compare the pain and cosmetic outcomes of patients with iliac crest reconstruction with those who have had no reconstruction of the iliac crest. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chronic donor site pain and poor cosmesis have been the major deterrents in using iliac crest for long-segment spinal reconstructions. Iliac crest reconstruction with rib has been reported but most studies are uncontrolled and retrospective. MATERIALS: Patients with iliac defects <25 mm after graft harvest were excluded. Twenty patients were reconstructed using autogenous rib graft harvested during the anterolateral approach to spine. Rib graft of the appropriate contour was impacted into the notches created in the iliac crest defect. The control group comprised 16 patients without reconstruction of the iliac crest. The pain, cosmesis, and functional disability were assessed on the basis of visual analog scores and a predesigned questionnaire. Judet iliac views were used to assess the incorporation of the rib graft. Evaluation was performed at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. RESULTS: Intensity and incidence of pain was significantly lower in the reconstructed group. Cosmetic outcome was also significantly better in this group. Patients in control group had significant complications related to the tenting of skin over the defect such as bursitis and skin necrosis. Radiologic incorporation was documented in 95% of patients with 1 patient having resorption of the rib graft. CONCLUSION: Rib graft reconstruction provides a cheap and effective alternative for iliac crest reconstruction. Patients undergoing thoracotomy or thoraco-phrenico-lumbotomy for spinal reconstruction, the unutilized rib graft should be used to reconstruct the iliac defect. Reduced donor site morbidity and better cosmesis are the major benefits of reconstruction.

Surgical approach to cervical spondylotic myelopathy on the basis of radiological patterns of compression: prospective analysis of 129 cases.

This is a prospective analysis of 129 patients operated for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Paucity of prospective data on surgical management of CSM, especially multilevel CSM (MCM), makes surgical decision making difficult. The objectives of the study were (1) to identify radiological patterns of cord compression (POC), and (2) to propose a surgical protocol based on POC and determine its efficacy. Average follow-up period was 2.8 years. Following POCs were identified: POC I: one or two levels of anterior cord compression. POC II: one or two levels of anterior and posterior compression. POC III: three levels of anterior compression. POC III variant: similar to POC III, associated with significant medical morbidity. POC IV: three or more levels of anterior compression in a developmentally narrow canal or with multiple posterior compressions. POC IV variant: similar to POC IV with one or two levels, being more significant than the others. POC V: three or more levels of compression in a kyphotic spine. Anterior decompression and reconstruction was chosen for POC I, II and III. Posterior decompression was chosen in POC III variant because they had more incidences of preoperative morbidity, in spite of being radiologically similar to POC III. Posterior surgery was also performed for POC IV and IV variant. For POC IV variant a targeted anterior decompression was considered after posterior decompression. The difference in the mJOA score before and after surgery for patients in each POC group was statistically significant. Anterior surgery in MCM had better result (mJOA = 15.9) versus posterior surgery (mJOA = 14.96), the difference being statistically significant. No major graft-related complications occurred in multilevel groups. The better surgical outcome of anterior surgery in MCM may make a significant difference in surgical outcome in younger and fitter patients like those of POC III whose expectations out of surgery are more. Judicious choice of anterior or posterior approach should be made after individualizing each case.

Paraplegia due to recurrent multiple hydatid cyst of the spine: a case report.

Recurrence after surgical treatment of hydatid cyst of the spine is extremely common. Preexisting fibrosis, fragility of the cyst wall, confluent cysts and proximity to vital structures makes radical excision difficult and repeated recurrences are inevitable. This case report describes a recurrent hydatid cyst presenting as three separate cysts in the dorsal spine in a middle-aged male. The extradural cyst caused paraplegia. The extraspinal cyst presented as an extrapleural mass in relation with the eighth, ninth and the tenth ribs near the costo-vertebral junction. The three cysts were resected en masse. Complete neurological recovery occurred with no recurrence at four years follow-up. Resection of the hydatid cyst en masse offers the best chance of cure and must be attempted in all cases. A prolonged chemotherapy should be administered in all cases.

Conus medullaris syndrome due to an intradural disc herniation: a case report.

A 70-year-old male patient developed acute paraplegia due to conus medullaris compression secondary to extrusion of D12-L1 disc. After negative epidural examination intraoperatively, a durotomy was performed and an intradural disc fragment was excised. Patient did not regain ambulatory status at two-year follow-up. Intraoperative finding of negative extradural compression, tense swollen dura and CSF leak from ventral dura should alert the surgeon for the possibility of intradural disc herniation. A routine preoperative MRI is misleading and a high index of suspicion helps to avoid a missed diagnosis.

Role of transarticular screw fixation in tuberculous atlanto-axial instability.

Prospective study of 27 consecutive cases of tuberculous atlanto-axial instability operated between 1998 and 2003. Early surgical stabilization of tuberculous atlanto-axial instability has gained popularity. This is largely due to success of chemotherapy in rapid control of infection. Although selective atlanto-axial fusion techniques are advocated in other indications, their role in tuberculosis remains confined to atlanto-axial wiring techniques that are mechanically unsound. The role of three-point rigid fixation using trans-articular screws (TAS) remains unclear. The objectives of this study are: (1) To define the role of trans-articular screws in tuberculous atlanto-axial instability based on radiological criteria. (2) To attempt to separate patients that can be treated by selective atlanto-axial fixation as against the standard occipito-cervical fusion (OCF). (3) Compare the clinical and radiological outcome parameters between the two groups. Twenty-seven consecutive patients of tuberculous atlanto-axial instability were operated between 1998 and 2003. The pattern of articular surface destruction and the reducibility of the atlanto-axial complex were assessed on plain radiographs and MRI. The reducibility of the C1-C2 joint was graded as reducible, partially reducible and irreducible. Pattern of the C1-C2 articular mass destruction was grouped as minimal, moderate and severe. The patients were divided into two surgical groups based on radiological findings and were treated with TAS (n=11) and OCF (n=16) fusion. The three-point fixation provided by the TAS allowed early brace free mobilization by 3 months with fusion rate of 100%. Fusion occurred in 83.16% in the OCF group. Implant failure occurred in two patients who underwent OCF. The patient satisfaction rate in the TAS group and the OCF group was 90.90 and 62.50%, respectively. Results in 27 consecutive patients demonstrate improved patient fusion and satisfaction rates in the TAS group. Judicious selection of patients for TAS fixation is possible with relatively few complications in tuberculosis of the atlanto-axial complex. This, however, requires a thorough understanding of the MRI pattern of involvement of the atlanto-axial complex that is difficult in non-endemic areas.

Epidural varix at the cervicothoracic junction: unusual cause of quadriplegia: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report describing an unusual incident of quadriplegia in a young adult male caused by an epidural varix at the cervicothoracic junction. OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual case of quadriplegia caused by an epidural varix at the cervicothoracic junction. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Epidural varices are dilated tortuous elongated veins inside the central canal. In degenerative spinal stenosis, these varices are a result of venous stagnation and contribute to the pathogenesis of radicular pain. In the absence of stenosis, primary varicosities develop as a result of dynamic obstruction to venous outflow during spinal movements. A primary epidural varix can produce neurologic deficit similar to a space occupying lesion within the spinal canal. The myeloradiculopathy is of a slow progressive nature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A young man presented with an acute onset flaccid quadriplegia in the absence of significant trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural space occupying lesion at the cervicothoracic junction that was diagnosed as an isolated epidural varix during surgery. RESULTS: No neurologic recovery occurred. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a syrinx in the cervicothoracic cord. CONCLUSION: In the absence of other precipitating factors, the cord injury was attributed to the epidural varix. A temporary impedance to the venous outflow with the increase in the venous pressure has been hypothesized as the mechanism of cord injury.