Treatment of acute traumatic central cord syndrome: a score-based approach based on the literature.

PURPOSE: Acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) accounts for up to 70% of incomplete spinal cord injuries, and modern improvements in surgical and anaesthetic techniques have given surgeons more treatment options for the ATCCS patient. We present a literature review of ATCCS, with the aim of elucidating the best treatment option for the varying ATCCS patient characteristics and profiles. We aim to synthesise the available literature into a simple-to-use format to aid in the decision-making process. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant studies and improvement in functional outcomes were calculated. To allow for direct comparison of functional outcomes, we chose to focus solely on studies which utilised the ASIA motor score and improvements in ASIA motor score. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies were included for review. There were a total of 749 patients, of which 564 were treated surgically and 185 were treated conservatively. There was a significantly higher average motor recovery percentage amongst surgically-treated patients as compared to conservatively treated patients (76.1% vs. 66.1%, p value = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the ASIA motor recovery percentage of patients treated with early surgery and delayed surgery (69.9 vs. 77.2, p value = 0.31). Delayed surgery after a trial of conservative management is also an appropriate treatment strategy for certain patients, and the presence of multiple comorbidities portend poor outcomes. We propose a score-based approach to decision making in ATCCS, by allocating a numerical score for the patient's clinical neurological condition, imaging findings on CT or MRI, history of cervical spondylosis and comorbidity profile. CONCLUSIONS: An individualised approach to each ATCCS patient, considering their unique characteristics will lead to the best outcomes, and the use of a simple scoring system, can aid clinicians in choosing the best treatment for ATCCS patients.

Short versus long-segment posterior fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar junction fractures: a comparison of outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and radiological outcomes between short (SSPF) and long-segment (LSPF) posterior fixation for thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of adult patients, with single-level, TLJ (T11-L2) fractures, treated with posterior fixation between 2007 and 2014 at a regional spinal centre. SSPF and LSPF were defined as transpedicular screw fixation at one and two levels above and below the fractured vertebra, respectively. Construct failure was defined as instrument breakage or screw pull-out requiring operative intervention. Two independent assessors measured the kyphotic Cobb angle at up to six months. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included with a median age of 38 years (range 20-76 years) and median follow-up period of 14 months (4-41 months). All patients sustained traumatic fractures and the male to female ratio was 19:9. AO fracture classes were: A (29%), B (50%) and C (21%). SSPF and LSPF were performed in 17 (61%) and 11 (39%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in age (Fisher's exact, p > 0.99), AO fracture class (chi-squared, p = 0.510), preop TLICS score (independent t-test, p = 0.668) and length of stay (independent t-test, p = 0.106) between the groups. Construct failure occurred in three SSPF cases (3-14 months postop) and was associated with an increased mean loss of correction. By six months, the Cobb angle had increased significantly in the SSPF group (paired t-test, p = 0.049), but not the LSPF group (paired t-test, p = 0.157). CONCLUSIONS: Our data identified a trend towards better clinical and radiological outcomes in the LSPF, compared to the SSPF group. Although supported by some studies, these findings should be evaluated in future clinical trials.

Migrating intrathecal high-velocity projectile.

Bullet injuries to the spine can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues and cause serious neurological sequelae. These cases are often associated with neurological deficits. We present a case of a gunshot injury to the spine with a migrating intrathecal bullet which subsequently developed neurological deficits. Initially, the patient did not exhibit any neurological symptoms when first assessed soon after the injury. Subsequently, the patient developed signs of neurological injury as a result of spinal intrathecal migration of the projectile.

Conservative management of type II and III odontoid fractures in the elderly at a regional spine centre: A prospective and retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of odontoid fractures in the elderly population is unclear and management of this group of patients is complicated by multiple co-morbidities. This study aimed to determine the outcomes after conservative management strategies were applied in this patient group. METHODS: We carried out retrospective and prospective analyses of all patients with axial cervical spine injuries, at a single centre. We included patients aged over 60 years with type II and III odontoid fractures. Information was gathered on demographics, ASA grading-associated injuries and complications. The outcome measures were rates and type of union, pain and neurological functions, specifically ambulation. RESULTS: Fifty-seven adult patients with a median age of 78 years (range 60-92 years) were included. There were 42 type II and 15 type III odontoid fractures. Three patients required surgical fixation due to displaced fractures, which could not be reduced with manual traction. Twenty-four (41%) patients were managed with a rigid pinned halo orthosis to obtain adequate reduction and immobilisation. The remaining 30 (53%) were managed in a hard cervical collar. Patients managed with a halo were significantly younger and had more associated injuries than patients managed in a collar (age: t-test=4.05, p<0.01, associated injuries: Chi-square=4.38, p<0.05). At a mean follow-up of 25 weeks, 87% of type II and 100% of type III fractures had achieved bony union or stable, fibrous non-union. There were no statistical differences in fracture type, follow-up or neurological outcomes between the halo and collar groups. However, overall more patients managed in a collar developed stable fibrous non-union than bony fusion (Fisher's exact test, p<0.05), although this was not significant when analysed by each fracture type individually. A regression model was constructed and identified fracture type as the only independent predictor of time to union, with type III fractures healing faster than type II. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of bony union and stable fibrous non-union with a good functional outcome can be achieved in the elderly population sustaining type II or III odontoid fractures, when managed non-surgically. Halo orthosis may not offer any clear advantage over hard collar in this group. Close follow-up is needed for late complications and there must be a willingness to perform surgery if conservative measures fail.

Atypical benign melanotic thoracic intradural schwannoma.

We discuss the 8th known case of a patient who presented with an intradural intramedullary spinal melanocytic schwannoma. In this report we will discuss the hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of the development of intradural schwannomas, the imaging modality of choice and treatment options.

Unusual presentation of tuberculosis with multiple spinal deposits.

We discuss the relevant imaging of an unusual case of disseminated tuberculosis presenting with multifocal spinal deposits.

Clinical Outcomes After Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunting in Patients With Classic vs. Complex NPH.

Objective: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition characterized by a clinical triad of gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence in conjunction with ventriculomegaly. Other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and vascular dementia share some overlapping clinical features. However, there is evidence that patients with comorbid NPH and Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease may still exhibit good clinical response after CSF diversion. This study aims to evaluate clinical responses after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) in a cohort of patients with coexisting NPH and neurodegenerative disease. Methods: The study has two components; (i) a pilot study was performed that specifically focused upon patients with Complex NPH and following the inclusion of the Complex NPH subtype into consideration for the clinical NPH programme, (ii) a retrospective snapshot study was performed to confirm and characterize differences between Classic and Complex NPH patients being seen consecutively over the course of 1 year within a working subspecialist NPH clinic. We studied the characteristics of patients with Complex NPH, utilizing clinical risk stratification and multimodal biomarkers. Results: There was no significant difference between responders and non-responders to CSF diversion on comorbidity scales. After VPS insertion, significantly more Classic NPH patients had improved cognition compared to Complex NPH patients (p = 0.005). Improvement in gait and urinary symptoms did not differ between the groups. 26% of the Classic NPH group showed global improvement of the triad, and 42% improved in two domains. Although only 8% showed global improvement of the triad, all Complex NPH patients improved in gait. Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated that the presence of neurodegenerative disorders co-existing with NPH should not be the sole barrier to the consideration of high-volume tap test or lumbar drainage via a specialist NPH programme. Further characterization of distinct cohorts of NPH with differing degrees of CSF responsiveness due to overlay from neurodegenerative or comorbidity risk burden may aid toward more precise prognostication and treatment strategies. We propose a simplistic conceptual framework to describe NPH by its Classic vs. Complex subtypes to promote the clinical paradigm shift toward subspecialist geriatric neurosurgery by addressing needs for rapid screening tools at the clinical-research interface.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Lumbar Decompression Surgery: A Review of 2699 Cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: Despite numerous advances in the technology and techniques available to spinal surgeons, lumbar decompression remains the mainstay of degenerative lumbar spine surgery. It has proven efficacy in trials, but only limited evidence of advantage over conservative management in large scale systematic reviews. We collated data from a large surgically managed cohort to evaluate the patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively populated database. Patient demographics, surgical details, and patient outcomes (Spine Tango core outcome measures index [COMI]-Low Back) were collected for 2699 lumbar decompression surgeries. RESULTS: Lumbar decompression was shown to be successful at improving leg pain (mean improvement in visual analogue scale [VAS] at 3 months = 4) and to a lesser extent, back pain (mean improvement in VAS at 3 months = 2.61). Mean improvement in COMI score was 3.15 for all-comers. Minimal clinically important improvement (MCID) in COMI score (-2 points) was achieved in 73% of patients by 2-year follow-up. Primary surgery was more effective than redo surgery: odds ratio 0.547 (95% CI 0.408-0.733, P < .001). The benefits across all outcomes were maintained for the 2-year follow-up period. Patients can be classified according to their outcome as "early responders"; achieving MCID by 3 months (61% primary vs 41% redo), "late responders"; achieving MCID by 2 years (15% vs 20%) or nonresponders (24% vs 39%). CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar decompression is effective in improving quality of life in appropriately selected patients. Patient-reported outcome measures collected routinely and collated within a registry are a powerful tool for assessing the efficacy of lumbar spine interventions and allow accurate counseling of patients perioperatively.

Management of Typical and Atypical Hangman's Fractures.

Study Design Retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database. Objective Our aim was to retrospectively review management and outcomes of patients with low-grade hangman's fractures, specifically looking at differences in outcomes between collars and halo immobilization. We also studied fracture patterns and their treatment outcomes. Methods Forty-one patients with hangman's fractures were identified from 105 patients with axis fractures between 2007 and 2013. Typical hangman's fractures were defined as traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis causing a bilateral pars interarticularis fracture. Fractures involving the posterior cortex of C2 on one or both sides or an asymmetrical pattern were defined as atypical. Results There were 41 patients with a mean age of 59 years, with 13 (31.7%) typical and 28 (68.2%) atypical fractures. There were 22 (53.6%) type 1 fractures, 7 (41.4%) type 2 fractures, and 2 (4.9%) type 2a fractures in this series. Cervical collars were used to manage 11 patients (27% of all patients with hangman's fractures) and halo orthosis was used in 27 (65.8%). Three (7.3%) patients underwent surgical fixation of the fracture. Bony union was achieved in all patients on radiologic follow-up. Permanent neurologic deficit occurred in one patient due to associated injuries. Neck pain and stiffness were reported more commonly in the atypical group, but this finding was not statistically significant. Conclusions The majority of hangman type fractures can be treated nonoperatively. We found no difference in outcomes between a rigid collar or halo immobilization for treatment of low-grade fractures. Radiologic follow-up is essential to identify cases of nonunion.

Management of Giant Calcified Thoracic Disks and Description of the Trench Vertebrectomy Technique.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series and review of the literature. OBJECTIVE: To review the management of giant calcified disks in our large cohort and compare with the existing literature. We discuss our surgical technique. METHODS: Twenty-nine cases of herniated thoracic disk between 2000 and 2013 were reviewed. Eighteen patients were identified as having giant calcified thoracic disks, defined as diffusely calcified disks occupying at least 40% of the spinal canal. Demographic data was collected in addition to presentation, imaging findings, operative details, and outcomes using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale. RESULTS: Giant calcified thoracic disks (GCTDs) are unique clinical entities that require special neurosurgical consideration owing to significant (≥40%) involvement of the spinal canal and compression of the spinal cord, often leading to myelopathy. The median age at diagnosis was 51.2 years (range 37 to 70) with the mean duration of presenting symptoms being 9.9 months (range 2 weeks to 3 years). Seventeen (94.4%) patients presented with at least one sign of myelopathy (hyperreflexia, hypertonia, bladder or bowel dysfunction) with the remaining 1 (5.6%) patient presenting with symptoms in keeping with radiculopathy. Thoracotomy was performed on 17 (94.4%) patients, and 1 (5.6%) patient had a costotransverse approach. Mean follow-up was 19.8 months (range 7 months to 2 years). mJOA score improved in 15 (83.3%) patients. mJOA scores in the other patients remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: GCTDs are difficult neurosurgical challenges owing to their size, degree of spinal cord compression, and consistency. We recommend a trench vertebrectomy via a thoracotomy in their surgical management. This procedure safely allows the identification of normal dura on either side of the compressed segment prior to performing a diskectomy. Excellent fusion rates were achieved with insertion of rib head autograft in the trench.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage and acute hydrocephalus as a complication of C1 lateral mass screws.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To present a previously unreported complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage and hydrocephalus after C1 lateral mass screw insertion. To inform spine specialists of this potential postoperative complication. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Damage to the carotid artery, vertebral artery, hypoglossal nerve and dural tears are all recognized complications. Acute hydrocephalus as a result of subarachnoid hemorrhage is not previously reported. METHODS: A 63-year-old female with a traumatic C1 ring and C2 peg fracture underwent C1-C2 fixation. During insertion of the C1 lateral mass screws there was significant hemorrhage from the C1-C2 venous plexus. Three days postoperatively, she developed headache, confusion, and became drowsy. RESULTS: Computed tomographic scan of the brain revealed hydrocephalus and intraventricular blood that was managed with an external ventricular drain. CONCLUSION: The case of acute hydrocephalus due to intraventricular hemorrhage from C1 lateral mass screw placement has not previously been reported. Surgeons performing the procedure should consider the diagnosis if patients display signs of raised intracranial pressure postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Radiotherapy for a benign cause of cauda equina compression in a known case of breast carcinoma.

A woman underwent breast conservation surgery and axillary clearance for T1N1M0 breast carcinoma, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. At 3-year follow-up she presented with lumbar back pain and developed bilateral lower limb weakness. MRI spine demonstrated an expansile lesion at L1 causing cauda equina compression. The mass, unusually, was centred on the spinous process; metastases typically involve pedicles. The patient underwent surgical decompression with complete resolution of neurological signs. Histology revealed Masson tumour (intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia), a benign vascular lesion. Pain recurrence 9 months later prompted imaging demonstrating recurrent mass. Preoperative embolisation and re-excision was undertaken for recurrent Masson tumour. Recurrence of these lesions is rare and it was felt residual disease was likely. Radiotherapy has been used in isolated cases; therefore, she was treated with adjuvant radiotherapy, the first reported case of radiation in management of extracranial Masson tumour, and remains well 3 years later.

Reduction of halo pin site morbidity with a new pin care regimen.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of halo device associated morbidity over a 4-year period. PURPOSE: To assess the impact of a new pin care regimen on halo pin site related morbidity. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Halo orthosis treatment still has a role in cervical spine pathology, despite increasing possibilities of open surgical treatment. Published figures for pin site infection range from 12% to 22% with pin loosening from 7% to 50%. METHODS: We assessed the outcome of a new pin care regimen on morbidity associated with halo spinal orthoses, using a retrospective cohort study from 2001 to 2004. In the last two years, our pin care regimen was changed. This involved pin site care using chlorhexidene & regular torque checking as part of a standard protocol. Previously, povidone iodine was used as skin preparation in theatre, followed by regular sterile saline cleansing when pin sites became encrusted with blood. RESULTS: There were 37 patients in the series, the median age was 49 (range, 22-83) and 20 patients were male. The overall infection rate prior to the new pin care protocol was 30% (n=6) and after the introduction, it dropped to 5.9% (n=1). This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Pin loosening occurred in one patient in the group prior to the formal pin care protocol (3%) and none thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced morbidity from halo use can be achieved with a modified pin cleansing and tightening regimen.

Today or tomorrow? A retrospective analysis of the clinical indications used to request urgent magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.

INTRODUCTION: The finite resources available to National Health Service institutions require clinicians to order investigations that are not readily available appropriately. This is particularly true for the radiological assessment of patients presenting with features pertaining to acute spinal cord dysfunction. Such cases conventionally require urgent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which is sometimes performed 'out-of-hours'. There is evidence to suggest, however, that a high proportion of patients do not have a structural abnormality on MRI to account for their clinical findings, and consequently the majority of scans that are requested urgently are normal. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether any clinical feature(s) could accurately predict the presence of a structural abnormality on MRI. As a secondary objective, the ability of such features to predict the need for spinal surgery was assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who warranted urgent MRI was conducted. Eighty-one patients were eligible for study. The Fisher's test was used for statistical analysis of all data. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: MRI was performed within 24 h of admission in 16 patients, and of these, seven had surgery within 24-48 h. Only two patients were found to have significant neurological compromise. Despite both a history and examination suggesting otherwise, MRI was normal in 10 patients (12%). CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to elucidate any clinical features that were able to predict the presence of an abnormal MRI. We did find, however, that patients with a combination of both subjective neurological findings and positive neurological signs (P = 0.02), saddle anaesthesia and/or decreased anal tone (P = 0.03) or sciatica (P = 0.02) had pathology on MRI that warranted surgical intervention. The authors recommend that the aforementioned features formulate the basis of guidelines used to request and/or perform MRI urgently since they are highly suggestive of surgical intervention. Conversely, patients who do not exhibit the above examination findings might not require either an urgent or 'out-of-hours' scan, but could potentially be investigated less expediently and/or wait until 'normal working hours'.

Outcome predictors in the management of spinal cord ependymoma.

The aim of this study was to determine predictors of functional outcome and survival in a retrospective cohort of spinal cord ependymomas treated at a single institution. Twenty-six patients who underwent treatment of spinal cord ependymoma at a single institution were retrospectively analysed. The clinicopathological features were reviewed and correlated with functional outcome (measured using the Frankel grade), recurrence (clinical or radiological), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Seventy-nine percent of patients with complete excision had maintained or improved functional outcome, compared to 75% in the incomplete resection plus radiotherapy group. Patients with a good pre-operative Frankel grade tended to maintain their functional status, though this did not reach statistical significance (Fisher's Exact test, P = 0.090). Univariate analysis revealed that longer symptom duration prior to treatment was associated with poorer functional outcome (P = 0.006). Extent of resection and the use of adjuvant radiotherapy did not influence PFS or OS; however, early diagnosis and treatment are paramount in the management of spinal ependymoma if a good functional outcome is to be achieved.