A case of cervical OPLL and DISH mimicking stroke.

Background: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a progressive disorder that mostly involves the cervical spine. It is more prevalent in East Asian countries. Patients typically present with the gradual onset of myelopathy, while about 5% show rapid progression. Case Description: A 51-year-old diabetic and hypertensive male presented with a left-sided hemiparesis following trivial trauma. The first diagnosis was a stroke, but the subsequent workup proved negative. Subsequently, the MRI and CT studies demonstrated significant cord compression due to OPLL extending from C2 to C7. There was also a heterogeneous hyperintense intramedullary cord signal indicative of edema/myelomalacia in the retro- odontoid region. The CT also diagnosed C2-C7 diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Conclusion: Patients with cervical myelopathy due to OPLL rarely present about 5% of the time with the acute onset of neurological deficit following minor trauma. Certainly, one must consider high cervical OPLL as responsible for hemiparesis in a patient whose brain MR has ruled out a stroke.

Anterior Distraction and Reduction with Posterior Stabilization for Basilar Invagination: A Novel Technique.

BACKGROUND: Introduction of a posterior spacer for atlantoaxial joint distraction followed by posterior stabilization is a commonly performed procedure for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. We present a unique case in which posterior distraction was associated with increased risk of injury to the vertebral artery (VA) owing to its anomalous course, and hence a novel anterior distraction technique was used. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-year-old woman presented with severe neck pain for 1 month with gait imbalance and history of occipital headache for 1 year. Clinical examination revealed upper motor neuron-type findings. Hoffmann sign was positive bilaterally. Clinically, the patient had Nurick grade 4 cervical myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed basilar invagination along with Arnold-Chiari malformation and syrinx formation at C3-C4 vertebral levels. CT angiography revealed anomalous VAs directly overlying the atlanto-occipital joint. Owing to the anomalous route of the VA and unfavorable slope of facet joints, a 2-step anterior reduction followed by posterior stabilization surgery was planned. We achieved complete reduction using a 10-mm titanium cage inserted via a retropharyngeal approach. Following anterior reduction, instrumented in situ occipitocervical fusion was performed using a plate and screw construct. At 2-year follow-up, the patient is ambulating independently without gait imbalance and with successful radiologic fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The craniovertebral junction has a unique pathoanatomy, and the course of the vertebral artery is variable. Appropriate investigations, including computed tomography angiography, with adequate surgical planning will provide a desirable long-term outcome. Our novel technique has the potential to add a new dimension to the management of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation.

Outcome Analysis of Anterior Reconstruction with Rib Grafts in Tuberculosis of the Thoracic Spine.

INTRODUCTION: Tricortical iliac bone is the gold standard as an autograft for the reconstruction of the anterior column in tuberculosis (TB) of the thoracic spine. However, the quantity of graft needed is significant. It creates a considerable defect in the pelvic bone, causing graft site complications, including pain, pelvic instability, fractured ilium, herniated muscle, or abdominal contents. To prevent these donor site morbidities, ribs that were removed during the versatile approach were used for anterior reconstruction. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological results of the reconstruction of the anterior column of the spine with the help of an excised rib during the versatile approach. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was undertaken at a tertiary care center with a study duration of 14 years. Between January 2004 and December 2016, 52 patients with thoracic Koch's spine had anterior column reconstructed with multiple rib grafts. A single surgeon performed all operations. Indications for the surgery in these patients were the presence of neurologic deficit (49 patients) and vertebral column instability (3 patients). The preoperative kyphosis angle and visual analog scale (VAS) score were compared with postoperative values using a paired t-test. RESULTS: All patients underwent a minimum follow-up of 18 months and were evaluated clinicoradiologically. Good bony fusion with neurological recovery was achieved in all cases. The VAS score for back pain improved significantly postsurgery. There was one case of graft buckling treated conservatively. DISCUSSION: Appropriate anterior reconstruction forms the cornerstone of successful surgical management of spinal TB. The "Versatile approach" used offers anterior and posterior access in the lateral position. In these patients, we obviated the need for iliac crest graft using multiple segments of the rib for anterior column reconstruction. This meticulous rib grafting technique gives good functional outcome in terms of solid bony fusion. CONCLUSION: Meticulous rib grafting technique gives 360° bony fusion and good functional outcome in surgery for thoracic spinal TB. It has the advantage of avoiding the complications associated with a tricortical iliac crest graft.

Adolescent Lumbar Disc Herniation with a Peculiar Gait Pattern Managed by Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is common manifestation of a degenerative disease involving tensile failure of the annulus to contain the gel like nuclear portion of the disc. Lumbar herniated discs can often cause muscle weakness, reduced motor function, and change in walking capacity and gait pattern. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of an 18-year-old obese hypertensive male, with multiple level lumbar disc herniation, with a neurological deficit and failed conservative treatment. The patient was successfully operated by minimal invasive endoscopy approach and had a marked improvement in the neurological status post-surgery. Post-surgery, his neck regained normal posture, with no back or leg pain. At present, he is walking with a normal gait pattern after a 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Here, we describe a unique gait abnormality in a patient with adolescent LDH. Transforaminal endoscopic spine surgery had good functional outcomes with minimal morbidity.

A Case Report of Aneurysmal Bone Cyst with Pathologic Fracture of Proximal Femur Managed with EnblocExcision and Autologous Non-vascularized Fibular Graft.

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is typically a benign, expansile, and cystic lesion of the bone that can be locally aggressive characterized by vascular gaps separated by fibrous septae. Treatment modalities available are sclerosing agents, arterial embolization, surgical excision, curettage with or without bone grafting, and adjuvant radiotherapy. CASE REPORT: We report a rare case of ABC with pathologic fracture in the proximal femur in a 15-year-old female patient, treated with en blocexcision, bone grafting with non-vascularized fibular strut graft and stabilized with a 95°dynamiccondylar screw plate system. Follow-up at 24 months showed incorporation of the fibular graft and full union. CONCLUSION: Structural support and autologous bone grafting in giant ABC in young individuals would yield adequate results.