Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can restore cervical sagittal alignment in degenerative cervical disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate its effect on the restoration and maintenance of cervical sagittal alignment in usual cervical degenerative diseases without preoperative sagittal malalignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 108 patients who were diagnosed with degenerative cervical disease and underwent ACDF (allograft and plating) with > 1-year follow-up. For radiographic evaluation, we analysed segmental and C2-7 cervical lordosis, disc height, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope, and T1 slope minus C2-7 lordosis (T1S - CL) in lateral X-ray. Clinical assessment was based on arm VAS, neck VAS, and NDI scores. Correlation analysis was performed across the pre-post-changes in radiological parameters. Correlations between the changes in radiological and clinical parameters at final follow-up were also analysed. RESULTS: C2-7 lordosis was 7.13° preoperatively and increased to 13.06° (p < 0.001) and maintained at 10.08° at final follow-up (p = 0.007). Segmental lordosis increased from 0.66° to 8.33° and maintained at 5.19° (p < 0.001). Segmental disc height was 4.67 mm preoperatively (increased to 7.13 mm postoperatively and decreased to 5.74 mm at final follow-up) (p < 0.001). SVA distance (31.53 mm to 30.02 mm) (p = 0.750) and T1 slope (30.03° to 31.37°) did not show meaningful change after surgery. Increase in segmental lordosis was correlated to an increase in C2-7 lordosis (p < 0.001). C2-7 SVA change correlated with both the T1 slope change (p < 0.001) and T1S - CL (p = 0.012). Change in SVA was correlated to a change in segmental lordosis and T1 slope (p = 0.003, p = 0.014). Clinical outcomes did not correlate with radiological findings. CONCLUSION: ACDF for the treatment of degenerative cervical disease without preoperative deformity was effective in restoring cervical sagittal alignment. Improvement of segmental lordosis related to an improvement in C2-7 lordosis and SVA. Radiological sagittal alignment did not show any relation with clinical outcomes in usual degenerative cases.

[Operative treatment of the degenerative cervical spine]. / Operative Versorgung der degenerativen Halswirbelsäule.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative alterations of the cervical spine often entail disc herniations and stenoses of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. Mediolateral or lateral compression of nerve roots causes cervical radiculopathy, which is an indication for surgery in cases of significant motor deficits or refractory pain. Median canal encroachment may result in compression of the spinal cord and cervical myelopathy. Its natural history is typically characterized by episodic deterioration, so that surgical decompression is indicated in cases of clear myelopathic signs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present article is to outline the operative options for patients with cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. Furthermore, we describe the operative complications and the outcome in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this manuscript a systematic PubMed search was carried out, the papers were systematically analyzed for the best evidence and this was combined with the authors' experience. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Depending on the cervical pathology, the most prevalent surgical options for radiculopathy include anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical arthroplasty or posterior cervical foraminotomy. Cervical myelopathy may be decompressed by ACDF, corpectomy or posterior approaches like laminectomy plus instrumented fusion or laminoplasty. The outcome depends on the cervical pathology and the type of operation. Overall, in long-term follow-up studies the results of all surgical techniques on the cervical spine are generally considered to be very good, although specific patient characteristics are more suited for a particular approach.

Comparison of a zero-profile anchored spacer (ROI-C) and the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages with an anterior plate in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the clinical and radiographic efficacy of a new zero-profile anchored spacer called the ROI-C in anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM). METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiological outcomes and complications of multilevel ACDF with the ROI-C or with the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages with an anterior plate. From April 2011 to April 2014, 60 patients with MCSM were operated on using ACDF, with the ROI-C in 28 patients and PEEK cages with an anterior plate in 32 patients. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and clinical and radiological results were compared between the ROI-C group and the cage-plate group. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 23.8 ± 6.6 months, ranging from 12 to 36 months. At the first month and the last follow-up, the neck disability index (NDI) scores were decreased, and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were significantly increased, compared with the presurgical measurements in both groups. There were no significant differences in NDI scores or JOA scores between the two groups (P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in the operation time, blood loss and the presence of dysphagia (P < 0.05). In addition, the cervical Cobb angle and disk height showed significant corrections, compared to those measured before the operation. There was no adjacent disc degeneration observed in the ROI-C group, and one patient with skip levels showed disc degeneration of the normal level between the skip levels in the cage-plate group. The degeneration rate of the cage-plate group was 3.1 %. CONCLUSIONS: The primary clinical and radiographic efficacies of both ROI-C and cages with plates in ACDF for MCSM were satisfactory; both approaches could improve and maintain cervical lordosis and disk height. However, the ROI-C was associated with a simpler operation, a shorter operation time, less blood loss, and a lower risk of postoperative dysphagia compared to the PEEK cage with an anterior plate.

Intraspinal Extradural Degenerative Cervical Cyst Treated by Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Surgical Alternative to the Posterior Approach, about One Case.

Introduction: Intraspinal extradural arthrosynovial cysts, which belong to the spectrum of degenerative spinal diseases are mainly located at lumbar level and their location at cervical level joint is therefore unusual. The most common surgical approach for symptomatic arthrosynovial cervical cyst remains a direct resection of the cyst by a cervical hemilaminectomy with or without a posterior arthrodesis. However, another surgical approach may also be discussed when considering the cyst as a result of a local spinal instability or hypermobility. Case Report: We report in this work the case of a patient with cervical radiculopathy due to intraspinal extradural compressive arthrosynovial cervical cyst which was treated by anterior discectomy and fusion without direct resection of the cyst. The post-operative radiological control performed at 3 months showed a complete regression of the cyst with a patient pain-free. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of intraspinal cervical degenerative cyst at C7-T1 level treated by anterior approach and fusion without direct cyst resection. Conclusion: For the treatment of a joint spinal cervical cyst, the anterior approach is a relevant option that gives the advantages to respect the posterior cervical muscles and articular structures.

Cervicogenic Headache due to Lower Segment Cervical Disk Herniation: A Case Report.

Introduction: Commonly, cervicogenic headache (CGH) pathology originates from the upper cervical nerve ranging from C1-C3, with C2-C3 most frequently involved. The pathophysiology and etiology of this syndrome have been the subject of ongoing controversy in the past decade. Most literature regarding CGH, mainly research about relationship between upper cranial nerves (C1-C3) indicating that the possibility it originates from other cervical levels is poorly understood. Case Report: A 64-year-old man arrived with a 6-month history of occiput pain, followed by severe shooting pain in both arms, with a greater intensity on the right side. A cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging reveals disk herniations at the C5-6 and C6-C7 levels, producing neural compression. The operation involved an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Six months of follow-up revealed that the patient was headache-free; ultimately, the diagnosis was CGH caused by a herniated lower cervical disk. Conclusion: Through reporting this unusual case, we emphasized the potential correlation between lower cervical disk herniation and CGH.

Bone Graft Options in Spinal Fusion: A Review of Current Options and the Use of Mesenchymal Cellular Bone Matrices.

BACKGROUND: Spinal fusion is the mainstay treatment for various spinal conditions ranging from lumbar and cervical stenosis to degenerative spondylolisthesis as well as extensive deformity corrections. A new emerging category of allograft is cellular bone matrices (CBMs), which take allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells and incorporate them into an osteoconductive and osteoinductive matrix. This study reviewed the current spinal fusion options and new emerging treatment options. METHODS: Articles were searched using PubMed. The search included English publications since January 1, 2014, using the search terms "cellular bone matrix," "mesenchymal stem cells spinal fusion," "spinal arthrodesis AND mesenchymal stem cells," and "spine fusion AND cellular bone matrix." RESULTS: Spinal fusion is accomplished through the use of allografts, autografts, and bone graft substitutes in combination or alone. An emerging category of allograft is CBMs, in which an osteoconductive and osteoinductive matrix is filled with mesenchymal stem cells. Studies demonstrate that CBMs have achieved equivalent or better fusion rates compared with traditional options for anterior cervical discectomy and fusions and posterolateral lumbar fusions; however, the studies have been retrospective and lacking control groups and therefore not ideal. CONCLUSIONS: Many treatment options have been successfully used in spinal fusion. Newer allografts such as CBMs have shown promising results in both animal and clinical studies. Further research is needed to determine the therapeutic dose of mesenchymal stem cells delivered within CBMs.

Comparison between repeat anterior and posterior decompression and fusion in the treatment of two-level symptomatic adjacent segment disease after anterior cervical arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Two-level symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASD) is rarely reported, but remains a challenge after anterior cervical arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of repeat anterior and posterior decompression and fusion procedures for two-level symptomatic ASD. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with two-level symptomatic ASD were retrospectively reviewed and underwent repeat anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior decompression and fusion (PDF). Clinical outcomes (JOA, NDI, and VAS scores), perioperative parameters (blood loss, operation time, and length of hospital stay), radiological parameters (cervical lordosis and ROM), and complications were compared. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent ACDF, and 14 patients underwent PDF. Patients who underwent PDF were older, more frequently presented with myelopathic deficits, and were fused at more levels. Patients who underwent ACDF experienced significantly shorter surgery time (p < 0.001), lower blood loss (p < 0.001), and reduced hospital stay (p = 0.002). Both groups exhibited significant increases in JOA scores and decreases in NDI and both neck pain and arm pain VAS scores (p < 0.05), but patients who underwent PDF had significantly higher NDI scores (p = 0.012), neck pain VAS scores (p = 0.019), loss of cervical lordosis (p < 0.001), and loss of ROM (p = 0.001). Three patients developed dysphagia in the ACDF group, and two patients had C5 root palsy and one had hematoma in the PDF group. Recurrent ASD after the second operation occurred in two patients in the ACDF group but no patients in the PDF group. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with two-level symptomatic ASD, both anterior and posterior decompression and fusion were effective for improving the neurological function. For patients with radicular symptoms, ACDF had less surgical trauma, better restoration of lordosis, and less postoperative neck pain, but higher chance of recurrent ASD. PDF was an effective surgical option for older patients with myelopathy developing in adjacent segments.

Comparison of Outcomes Following Anterior vs Posterior Fusion Surgery for Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Analysis From Quality Outcomes Database.

BACKGROUND: The choice of anterior vs posterior approach for degenerative cervical myelopathy that spans multiple segments remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes following the 2 approaches using multicenter prospectively collected data. METHODS: Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) for patients undergoing surgery for 3 to 5 level degenerative cervical myelopathy was analyzed. The anterior group (anterior cervical discectomy [ACDF] or corpectomy [ACCF] with fusion) was compared with posterior cervical fusion. Outcomes included: patient reported outcomes (PROs): neck disability index (NDI), numeric rating scale (NRS) of neck pain and arm pain, EQ-5D, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score for myelopathy (mJOA), and NASS satisfaction questionnaire; hospital length of stay (LOS), 90-d readmission, and return to work (RTW). Multivariable regression models were fitted for outcomes. RESULTS: Of total 245 patients analyzed, 163 patients underwent anterior surgery (ACDF-116, ACCF-47) and 82 underwent posterior surgery. Patients undergoing an anterior approach had lower odds of having higher LOS (P < .001, odds ratio 0.16, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.30). The 12-mo NDI, EQ-5D, NRS, mJOA, and satisfaction scores as well as 90-d readmission and RTW did not differ significantly between anterior and posterior groups. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing anterior approaches for 3 to 5 level degenerative cervical myelopathy had shorter hospital LOS compared to those undergoing posterior decompression and fusion. Also, patients in both groups exhibited similar long-term PROs, readmission, and RTW rates. Further investigations are needed to compare the differences in longer term reoperation rates and functional outcomes before the clinical superiority of one approach over the other can be established.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis masquerading as asthma: case report.

A 52-year-old man with a 10-year history of treatment-resistant asthma presented with repeated exacerbations over the course of 10 months. His symptoms were not responsive to salbutamol or inhaled corticosteroid agents, and he developed avascular necrosis of his left hip as a result of prolonged steroid therapy. Physical examination and radiography revealed signs consistent with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), including a C7-T1 osteophyte causing severe tracheal compression. The patient underwent C6-T1 anterior discectomy and fusion, and the compressive osteophyte was removed, which completely resolved his "asthma." Postoperative pulmonary function tests showed normalization of his FEV1/FVC ratio, and there was no airway reactivity on methacholine challenge. DISH is a systemic, noninflammatory condition characterized by ossification of spinal entheses, and it can present with respiratory disturbances due to airway compression by anterior cervical osteophytes. The authors present, to the best of their knowledge, the first documented case of asthma as a presentation of DISH.

[Anterior cervical hybrid surgical treatment for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of anterior cervical discectomy and reconstruction with a self-locking cage and internal fixation with short segmental plate for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: From January 2012 to June 2015, a total of 106 patients received anterior cervical discectomy and reconstruction with a self-locking cage and internal fixation with short segmental plate were followed up. There were 71 males and 35 females, aged from 42 to 74 years old with an average of(55.4±5.1) years. Three segments were involved in 82 cases and four segments in 24 cases. Operation time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, and hospitalization time were recorded. Visual analogue scale(VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score (JOA) were analyzed before and after operation(including 5 days, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and final follow-up), and the JOA improvement rate was analyzed. The cervical lordosis and ROM were measured before and after operation(including the follow-up point above) by X-rays. The postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed as well. RESULTS: All the operations were successful. The average operative time was (126.2±25.1) min, and the amount of blood loss was (82.1±26.3) ml. All the patients were followed up from 12 to 48 months with an average of (30.4±10.5) months. The VAS score of neck pain and JOA score was significantly better from 6.11±1.54 and 9.22±2.42 preoperatively to 2.14±0.51 and 12.46±1.42 at 5 days post-operation, respectively(P<0.05). The improvement rate of JOA was (56.7±21.6)%, there was no statistically significant difference of VAS, JOA scores and the improvement rate of JOA at each time after operation (P>0.05). Postoperative cervical lordosis at 3 months was significantly improved from preoperative (11.5±6.8)° to (19.6±8.9)°(P<0.05), and it can keep satisfactory stability until final follow-up(P>0.05). Postoperative ROM at 3 months was significantly decreased from the preoperative (37.6±10.4)° to (18.2±5.9)°(P<0.05), but there was no significant change in the process of follow-up (P>0.05). All the complications such as dysphagia (19 cases), axial neck pain(6 cases), cerebral fluid leakage(3 cases), and hoarseness(2 cases), got better after conservative treatment. Three cases had intervertebral space non-fusion until final follow-up(without clinical symptom), but no loosening, breakage, or displacement of internal fixation were found. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior cervical discectomy, reconstruction with a self-locking cage and internal fixation with short segmental plate which can reduce intraoperative injury, restore cervical lordosis, improve neurological function and lower postoperative complications, it is an alternative treatment for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Outcomes of secondary laminoplasty for patients with unsatisfactory results after anterior multilevel cervical surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the causes for failed anterior cervical surgery and the outcomes of secondary laminoplasty. METHODS: Seventeen patients failed anterior multilevel cervical surgery and the following conservative treatments between Feb 2003 and May 2011 underwent secondary laminoplasty. Outcomes were evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Scale and visual analogue scale (VAS) before the secondary surgery, at 1 week, 2 months, 6 months, and the final visit. Cervical alignment, causes for revision and complications were also assessed. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 29.7±12.1 months, JOA score, recovery rate and excellent to good rate improved significantly at 2 months (p<0.05) and maintained thereafter (p>0.05). Mean VAS score decreased postoperatively (p<0.05). Lordotic angle maintained during the entire follow up (p>0.05). The causes for secondary surgery were inappropriate approach in 3 patients, insufficient decompression in 4 patients, adjacent degeneration in 2 patients, and disease progression in 8 patients. Complications included one case of C5 palsy, axial pain and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, respectively. CONCLUSION: Laminoplasty has satisfactory results in failed multilevel anterior surgery, with a low incidence of complications.

Comparative analysis of cervical arthroplasty using mobi-c(r) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using the solis(r) -cage.

OBJECTIVE: Although anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the standard treatment for degenerative cervical disc disease, concerns regarding adjacent level degeneration and loss of motion have suggested that arthroplasty may be a better alternative. We have compared clinical and radiological results in patients with cervical disc herniations treated with arthroplasty and ACDF. METHODS: We evaluated 53 patients treated for cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy, 21 of whom underwent arthroplasty and 32 of whom underwent ACDF. Clinical results included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for upper extremity radiculopathy, neck disability index (NDI), duration of hospital stay and convalescence time. All patients were assessed radiologically by measuring cervical lordosis, segmental lordosis and segmental range-of-movement (ROM) of operated and adjacent disc levels. RESULTS: Mean hospital stay (5.62 vs. 6.26 days, p<0.05) and interval between surgery and return to work (1.10 vs. 2.92 weeks, p<0.05) were significantly shorter in the arthroplasty than in the fusion group. Mean NDI and extremity VAS score improved after 12 months in both groups. Although it was not significant, segmental ROM of adjacent levels was higher in the fusion group than in the arthroplasty group. And, segmental motion of operated levels in arthroplasty group maintained more than preoperative value at last follow up. CONCLUSION: Although clinical results were similar in the two groups, postoperative recovery was significantly shorter in the arthroplasty group. Although it was not significant, ROM of adjacent segments was less in the arthroplasty group. Motion of operated levels in arthroplasty group was preserved at last follow up.