Surgical cordotomy helps psychosocial suffering.

A young woman was admitted to our palliative care unit with severe pain to her right hip and leg. Her pain was uncontrolled despite aggressive use of opioids, adjuvant pain medications and spinal analgesia. She experienced significant psychological and social distress, but engaging in therapies with our multidisciplinary team proved difficult. Surgical cordotomy was pursued, which improved the physical pain and allowed her to re-engage in social and familial roles and meaningful activities. This case gives context to discuss the complex interactions between physical pain and psychosocial suffering. It is challenging to determine the relative contributions of physical, psychological, existential and social suffering, and this case highlights the complex relationships between these domains. In this case, managing the physical pain by means of a surgical cordotomy allowed the patient the opportunity to address other domains of suffering.

Heterotopic ossification and radiographic adjacent-segment disease after cervical disc arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is an accepted motion-sparing technique associated with favorable patient outcomes. However, heterotopic ossification (HO) and adjacent-segment degeneration are poorly understood adverse events that can be observed after CDA. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine 1) the effect of the residual exposed endplate (REE) on HO, and 2) identify risk factors predicting radiographic adjacent-segment disease (rASD) in a consecutive cohort of CDA patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on consecutive adult patients (≥ 18 years) who underwent 1- or 2-level CDA at the University of Calgary between 2002 and 2015 with > 1-year follow-up. REE was calculated by subtracting the anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the arthroplasty device from the native AP endplate diameter measured on lateral radiographs. HO was graded using the McAfee classification (low grade, 0-2; high grade, 3 and 4). Change in AP endplate diameter over time was measured at the index and adjacent levels to indicate progressive rASD. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (58 levels) underwent CDA during the study period. The mean age was 46 years (SD 10 years). Twenty-six patients (58%) were male. The median follow-up was 29 months (IQR 42 months). Thirty-three patients (73%) underwent 1-level CDA. High-grade HO developed at 19 levels (33%). The mean REE was 2.4 mm in the high-grade HO group and 1.6 mm in the low-grade HO group (p = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, patients with REE > 2 mm had a 4.5-times-higher odds of developing high-grade HO (p = 0.02) than patients with REE ≤ 2 mm. No significant relationship was observed between the type of artificial disc and the development of high-grade HO (p = 0.1). RASD was more likely to develop in the lower cervical spine (p = 0.001) and increased with time (p < 0.001). The presence of an artificial disc was highly protective against degenerative changes at the index level of operation (p < 0.001) but did not influence degeneration in the adjacent segments. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing CDA, high-grade HO was predicted by REE. Therefore, maximizing the implant-endplate interface may help to reduce high-grade HO and preserve motion. RASD increases in an obligatory manner following CDA and is highly linked to specific levels (e.g., C6-7) rather than the presence or absence of an adjacent arthroplasty device. The presence of an artificial disc is, however, protective against further degenerative change at the index level of operation.

Intrathecal Saline Infusion as an Effective Temporizing Measure in the Management of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a rare condition for which no optimal treatment guidelines have been determined. The most common presentation is orthostatic headaches, but patients can present with a variety of symptoms. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of a 34-year-old man who developed progressive orthostatic headaches and bilateral subdural collections. His symptoms along with imaging of his brain and spine were consistent with SIH. Unfortunately, his symptoms continued to progress, and his level of consciousness became affected. The patient did not respond to either conservative management or epidural blood patching. As the result of his worsening condition, a lumbar drain was inserted for the intrathecal infusion of normal saline to prevent tonsillar herniation. Once the infusion was started, his level of consciousness improved. It was discovered that his cerebrospinal fluid leak was due to an osteophyte within his thoracic spine, which was eroding the dura. He underwent a costo-transversectomy with the removal of the osteophyte and repair of the dural defect. The patient had some improvement after this procedure, but he remained more somnolent than expected. On subsequent imaging, it was found that his subdural collections had increased slightly in size and it was decided to drain them. Both collections were released under high pressure, and he went on to make an excellent recovery. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that an intrathecal saline infusion can be used as an effective temporizing measure in patients with critical symptoms of SIH and it also alerts clinicians that low-pressure subdural collections can progress to subdural collections under high pressure.

Patient Predictors of Surgical Candidacy in Elective Spine Disorders.

BACKGROUND: The expansion of age-related degenerative spine pathologies has led to increased referrals to spine surgeons. However, the majority of patients referred for surgical consultation do not need surgery, leading to inefficient use of healthcare resources. This study aims to elucidate preoperative patient variables that are predictive of patients being offered spine surgery. METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study on patients referred to our institution between May 2013 and January 2015. Patients completed a detailed preclinic questionnaire on items such as history of presenting illness, quality-of-life questionnaires, and past medical history. The primary end point was whether surgery was offered. A multivariable logistical regression using the random forest method was used to determine the odds of being offered surgery based on preoperative patient variables. RESULTS: An analysis of 1194 patients found that preoperative patient variables that reduced the odds of surgery being offered include mild pain (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, p=0.008), normal walking distance (OR 0.51, p=0.007), and normal sitting tolerance (OR 0.58, p=0.01). Factors that increased the odds of surgery include radiculopathy (OR 2.0, p=0.001), patient's belief that they should have surgery (OR 1.9, p=0.003), walking distance <50 ft (OR 1.9, p=0.01), relief of symptoms when bending forward (OR 1.7, p=0.008) and sitting (OR 1.6, p=0.009), works more slowly (OR 1.6 p=0.01), aggravation of symptoms by Valsalva (OR 1.4, p=0.03), and pain affecting sitting/standing (OR 1.1, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 11 preoperative variables that were predictive of whether patients were offered surgery, which are important factors to consider when screening outpatient spine referrals.

CONTEXTE: L'augmentation des pathologies de la colonne vertébrale liées au vieillissement de la population a entraîné un accroissement des cas de patients adressés à des chirurgiens spécialistes de la colonne vertébrale. Cela dit, la majorité de ces patients n'ont pas besoin d'une telle intervention chirurgicale, ce qui entraîne une utilisation inefficace des ressources prévues pour les soins de santé. Cette étude vise donc, en regard de ces patients, à déterminer les variables préopératoires susceptibles de prédire ceux à qui l'on offrira finalement une chirurgie de la colonne vertébrale. MÉTHODES: Nous avons réalisé une étude de cohorte observationnelle portant sur des patients ayant été acheminés vers notre établissement entre mai 2013 et janvier 2015. Ces patients ont tout d'abord complété un questionnaire préclinique détaillé abordant notamment les aspects suivants : les antécédents d'apparition de leur maladie, le fait d'avoir rempli auparavant des questionnaires portant sur leur qualité de vie et leurs antécédents médicaux. Le principal indicateur ici évalué a été dans quelle mesure une intervention chirurgicale fut offerte. À l'aide la méthode dite de « forêts des arbres décisionnels ¼ (random forest method), nous avons effectué une régression logistique à variables multiples afin de déterminer la probabilité qu'un patient se voit offrir une intervention chirurgicale. Pour ce faire, nous avons utilisé les variables préopératoires évoquées ci-dessus. RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 1194 patients analysés, nous avons déterminé qu'une douleur modérée (RC 0,37 ; p = 0,008), la capacité de parcourir à pied une distance normale (RC 0,51 ; p = 0,007) et la capacité normale de tolérer une position assise (RC 0,58 ; p = 0,01) étaient les variables préopératoires qui réduisaient la probabilité de se voir offrir une chirurgie. Parmi les variables augmentant au contraire la probabilité d'être acheminé vers un service de chirurgie, mentionnons les suivantes : être atteint de radiculopathie (RC 2,0 ; p = 0,001) ; le fait qu'un patient estime qu'il devrait bénéficier d'une opération chirurgicale (RC 1,9 ; p = 0,003) ; une capacité de marche inférieure à plus ou moins 15 mètres (50 pieds) (RC 1,9 ; p = 0,01) ; le soulagement des symptômes en se penchant vers l'avant (RC 1,7 ; p = 0,008) ou en s'asseyant (RC 1,6 ; p = 0,009) ; le fait de travailler plus lentement (RC 1,6 ; p = 0,01) ; l'aggravation des symptômes en lien avec la manœuvre de Valsalva (RC 1,4 ; p = 0,03) ; et des douleurs associées au fait de s'asseoir et de se lever (RC 1,1 ; p = 0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Au total, nous avons identifié 11 variables préopératoires qui peuvent nous aider à prédire dans quelle mesure des patients sont susceptibles de se voir offrir une intervention chirurgicale. Il est donc important d'en tenir compte au moment de sélectionner des patients externes ayant été acheminés vers un service de chirurgie en raison de troubles de la colonne vertébrale.

Thoracic epidural blood patch for spontaneous intracranial hypotension: case report and review of the literature.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is caused by spinal leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Treatment is directed at sealing the site of leak, which is often difficult to localize. We present a case of near fatal SIH that was treated with thoracic epidural blood patching. A 47-year old male presented with orthostatic headache and bilateral cranial nerve VI palsies progressing over several weeks. Brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed features typical of SIH and identified an epidural collection stretching from spinal levels C6 to T4, but further imaging with MR myelography and radionuclide cisternography failed to identify a precise site of leak. The patient worsened in the hospital requiring craniotomy for evacuation of an evolving subdural hematoma (SDH). Epidural blood patch was performed at the T1-2 level, the presumed location of the leak due to presence of a bone spur on computed tomography and the large corresponding CSF collection. This quickly led to resolution of the headache and cranial nerve palsies, and later to the complete resolution of his SDH. Through this case and review of the literature, we aim to demonstrate that directed cervical or thoracic blood patching should be considered for SIH as an alternative to the conventional lumbar blood patch.

Design limitations of Bryan disc arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Disc arthroplasty is gaining momentum as a surgical procedure in the treatment of spinal degenerative disease. Results must be carefully scrutinized to recognize benefits as well as limitations. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with segmental kyphosis after Bryan disc replacement. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective study of a consecutively enrolled cohort of 10 patients treated in a single center using the Bryan cervical disc prosthesis for single-level segmental reconstruction in the surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. Radiographic and quality of life outcome measures. METHODS: Static and dynamic lateral radiographs were digitally analyzed in patients undergoing Bryan disc arthroplasty throughout a minimum 3-month follow-up period. Observations were compared with preoperative studies looking for predictive factors of postoperative spinal alignment. RESULTS: Postoperative end plate angles through the Bryan disc in the neutral position were kyphotic in 9 of 10 patients. Compared with preoperative end plate angulation there was a mean change of -7 degrees (towards kyphosis) in postoperative end plate alignment (p=.007, 95% confidence interval [CI] -6 degrees to -13 degrees). This correlated significantly with postoperative reduction in posterior vertebral body height of the caudal segment (p=.011, r2=.575) and postoperative functional spine unit (FSU) kyphosis (p=.032, r2=.46). Despite intraoperative distraction, postoperative FSU height was significantly reduced, on average by 1.7 mm (p=.040, 95% CI 0.5-2.8 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetrical end plate preparation occurs because of suboptimal coordinates to which the milling jig is referenced. Although segmental motion is preserved, Bryan disc arthroplasty demonstrates a propensity towards kyphotic orientation through the prosthesis likely as a result of intraoperative lordotic distraction. FSU angulation tends towards kyphosis and FSU height is decreased in the postoperative state from lack of anterior column support. Limitations of Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty should be carefully considered when reconstruction or maintenance of cervical lordosis is desirable.

Minimally invasive anterior approach to upper cervical spine: surgical technique.

OBJECTIVE: The transoral approach of Spetzler is the classic anterior access to the upper cervical spine that provides direct exposure for anterior decompression of the spinal cord. The risks of infection, the limits in extension, and the postoperative recovery difficulties of transmucosal access suggest the use of an alternative anterior extraoral approach in upper cervical surgery. However, this approach results in complications from nerve palsy because of excessive retraction of the hypoglossal and the superior laryngeal nerves. The goal of this work was to provide anatomic data for an anterior retropharyngeal upper cervical approach through a minimally invasive window below the hypoglossal and the superior laryngeal nerves. METHODS: In two adult cadaveric cervical spines, the anterior approach using the Metrx tubular retractor system through a window between the hypoglossal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve, as well as below these two nerves, is compared in the exposure of C1 and C2 anteriorly with the aid of an operating microscope. RESULTS: A maximum diameter of the internervous window for the tubular retractor is reached beyond which the superior laryngeal nerve will be excessively stretched. Conversely, the tubular retractor can retract the superior laryngeal nerve superiorly without undue tension. Better proximal exposure is also made possible by angling an end-beveled tubular retractor on the mandible without undue compression on the hypoglossal and superior laryngeal nerves, the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, and the submandibular gland. CONCLUSION: This minimally invasive approach can replace transoral surgery, allowing direct anterior access to C1 and C2 while allowing extension to the lower cervical spine.

Posterolateral dislocation of the C1-C2 articulation associated with fracture of the anterior arch of C1: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To report a rare traumatic C1-C2 dislocation associated with fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas in a neurologically intact patient. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Isolated fractures of the anterior arch of C1 are very rare. There have been reports of horizontal fractures of the anterior arch thought to occur secondary to hyperextension injuries with subsequent avulsion of the anterior tubercle of the atlas. To our knowledge, however, there are no previously reported cases of isolated anterior arch fractures of C1 associated with posterolateral dislocation of the C1-C2 articulation. METHODS: A 53-year-old patient who presented with a posterolateral dislocation of the C1-C2 articulation and an associated anterior arch fracture of C1 is reported. Details of the initial presentation, diagnostic strategy, and initial and definitive management are provided. RESULTS: Closed reduction with halo ring application and gentle manipulation was followed with definitive internal fixation consisting of Magerl C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation coupled with modified Brooks fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Posterolateral C1-C2 dislocation associated with atlantal anterior arch fracture is a rare injury that can be effectively treated with gentle closed reduction under fluoroscopic guidance followed by internal fixation with or without halo vest immobilization. Recognition of associated conditions including vertebral artery compromise, concomitant cervical spine fractures, and life-threatening injuries is paramount to the successful treatment of these patients.

Suspended laminoplasty for wide posterior cervical decompression and intradural access: results, advantages, and complications.

OBJECT: Cervical laminoplasty is a recognized technique commonly used for multilevel posterior cervical decompression, and it is favored over laminectomy for maintaining spinal stability. Traditional hinge techniques, however, limit lateral exposure on one side and can limit dural exposure. The authors present their experience with a modified laminoplasty technique incorporating complete laminectomy and placement of titanium miniplate instrumentation. This method allows wide bilateral posterior decompression and unobscured dural access. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 57 years) underwent cervical laminoplasty during a 4-year period. Twenty-seven patients presented with progressive cervical myelopathy. Seventeen patients (61%) had degenerative spondylotic stenosis; nine (32%) underwent resection of an intradural neoplasm. A mean of 3.5 levels were exposed and reconstructed. The follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 4 years (mean 15 months). The mean angular extension-flexion displacement measured between C-1 and C-7 was unchanged postoperatively, with preserved mobility across laminoplasty-treated segments in all patients. The anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal increased 3.6 mm (27.2%) postoperatively (p = 0.004). In one patient an asymptomatic postoperative kyphosis developed. There were five cases of postoperative infection. One superficial infection resolved after intravenous antibiotic therapy alone, and four deep infections required surgical reexploration. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of this technique over other laminoplasty methods include wide lateral spinal canal and intradural access, as well as preserved motion with partial restoration of the posterior tension band.