Project description:BackgroundAnterior cervical corpectomy and fusion are frequently used in the treatment of cervical spinal disease. However, the range of motion (ROM) of the operative level is unavoidably lost due to fusion. This study aims to establish an anterior cervical corpectomy goat non-fusion model and to evaluate the ROM of adjacent and operative levels.Material/methodsSix adult-male goats (in vivo group) and twelve adult-male goat cervical spine specimens (randomly divided equally into intact group or in vitro group) were included. The non-fusion model was established by implanting a novel implant at C4 level. Imagiological examinations for the in vivo group were performed to inspect the position of the implant and spinal cord status. Specimens were harvested six months after the operation. Biomechanical testing was conducted to obtain the ROM in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation at upper adjacent level (C(2-3)), operative levels (C(3-4) and C(4-5)) and at C(2-5). Specimens in the intact group were first tested as intact and then tested as fixed and became the fixation group.ResultsImagiological examinations revealed that the position of the implant and the spinal cord status were good. The specimens in the in vivo and in vitro groups had significantly decreased C(2-3) ROM, increased C(3-4) and C(4-5) ROM and similar C(2-5) ROM compared with the fixation group.ConclusionsThis study presents a novel method for potential non-fusion treatment strategies for cervical spinal disease. However, improvement of this model and additional studies are needed.
Project description:BackgroundIn case of spinal cord compression behind the vertebral body, anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) proves to be a more feasible approach than cervical discectomy. The next step was the placement of an expandable titanium interbody in order to restore the vertebral height. The need for additional anterior plating with ACCF has been debatable and such technique has been evaluated by very few studies. The objective of the study is to evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with multilevel degenerative cervical spine disease treated by stand-alone cages for anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).MethodsThirty-one patients (66.5 ± 9.75 years, range 53-85 years) were analyzed. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the 10-item Neck Disability Index (NDI) were assessed preoperatively and during follow-up on a regular basis after surgery and after one year at least. Assessment of radiographic fusion, subsidence, and lordosis measurement of Global cervical lordosis (GCL); fusion site lordosis (FSL); the anterior interbody space height (ant. DSH); the posterior interbody space height (post. DSH); the distance of the cage to the posterior wall of the vertebral body (CD) were done retrospectively. Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 20.0 ± 4.39 months.ResultsVAS-neck (p = 0.001) and VAS-arm (p < 0.001) improved from preoperatively to postoperatively. The NDI improved at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). Neither significant subsidence of the cages nor significant loss of lordotic correction were seen. All patients showed a radiographic union of the surgically addressed segments at the last follow up.ConclusionsApplication of a stand-alone expandable cage in the cervical spine after one or two-level ACCF without additional posterior fixation or anterior plating is a safe procedure that results in fusion. Neither significant subsidence of the cages nor significant loss of lordotic correction were seen.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered. According to the Decision of the ethics committee, Jena on 25th of July 2018, that this study doesn't need any registration. https://www.laek-thueringen.de/aerzte/ethikkommission/registrierung/ .
Project description:BACKGROUND:To clarify the risk factors for subsidence of titanium mesh cage (TMC) following single-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) to reduce subsidence. METHODS:The present retrospective cohort study included 73 consecutive patients who underwent single-level ACCF. Patients were divided into subsidence (n?=?31) and non-subsidence groups (n?=?42). Medical records and radiological parameters such as age, sex, operation level, segmental angle (SA), cervical sagittal angle (CSA), height of anterior (HAE) and posterior endplate (HPE), ratio of anterior (RAE) and posterior endplate (RPE), the alignment of TMC, the global cervical Hounsfield Units (HU) were analyzed. Clinical results were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS:Subsidence occurred in 31 of 73 (42.5%) patients. Comparison between the groups showed significant differences in the value of RAE, the alignment of TMC and the global cervical HU value (p?<?0.001, p?=?0.002, p?<?0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, RAE?>?1.18 (OR?=?6.116, 95%CI?=?1.613-23.192, p?=?0.008), alignment of TMC?>?3° (OR?=?5.355, 95%CI?=?1.474-19.454, p?=?0.011) and the global cervical HU value<?333 (OR?=?11.238, 95%CI?=?2.844-44.413, p?=?0.001) were independently associated with subsidence. Linear regression analysis revealed that RAE is significantly positive related to the extent of subsidence (r?=?-?0.502, p?=?0.006). CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that the value of RAE more than 1.18, alignment of TMC and poor bone mineral density are the risk factors for subsidence. TMC subsidence does not negatively affect the clinical outcomes after operation. Avoiding over expansion of intervertebral height, optimizing placing of TMC and initiation of anti-osteoporosis treatments 6?months prior to surgery might help surgeons to reduce subsidence after ACCF.
Project description:Highlights • Cervical stenosis represents a progressive pathology with great variation in trajectory.• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) may modify the course of one's disease.• There are significant disparities in accessibility and outcomes of ACDF.• Research and policymaking should be prioritized on more equitable application of ACDF. Background Disparities in neurosurgical care have emerged as an area of interest when considering the impact of social determinants on access to health care. Decompression via anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical stenosis (CS) may prevent progression towards debilitating complications that may severely compromise one's quality of life. This retrospective database analysis aims to elucidate demographic and socioeconomic trends in ACDF provision and outcomes of CS-related pathologies. Methods The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample database was queried between 2016 and 2019 using International Classification of Diseases 10th edition codes for patients undergoing ACDF as a treatment for spinal cord and nerve root compression. Baseline demographics and inpatient stay measures were analyzed. Results Patients of White race were significantly less likely to present with manifestations of CS such as myelopathy, plegia, and bowel-bladder dysfunction. Meanwhile, Black patients and Hispanic patients were significantly more likely to experience these impairments representative of the more severe stages of the degenerative spine disease process. White race conferred a lesser risk of complications such as tracheostomy, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury in comparison to non-white race. Insurance by Medicaid and Medicare conferred significant risks in terms of more advanced disease prior to intervention and negative inpatient. Patients in the highest quartile of median income consistently fared better than patients in the lowest quartile across almost every aspect ranging from degree of progression at initial presentation to incidence of complications to healthcare resource utilization. All outcomes for patients age > 65 were worse than patients who were younger at the time of the intervention. Conclusions Significant disparities exist in the trajectory of CS and the risks associated with ACDF amongst various demographic cohorts. The differences between patient populations may be reflective of a larger additive burden for certain populations, especially when considering patients’ intersectionality.
Project description:ObjectiveBoth anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion (ACCF) are used to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), however, there is considerable controversy as to whether ACDF or ACCF is the optimal treatment for this condition. To compare the clinical outcomes, complications, and surgical trauma between ACDF and ACCF for the treatment of CSM, we conducted a meta-analysis.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases, searching for relevant controlled trials up to July 2013 that compared ACDF and ACCF for the treatment of CSM. We performed title and abstract screening and full-text screening independently and in duplicate. A random effects model was used for heterogeneous data; otherwise, a fixed effect model was used to pool data, using mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes.ResultsOf 2157 citations examined, 15 articles representing 1372 participants were eligible. Overall, there were significant differences between the two treatment groups for hospital stay (M =?-5.60, 95% CI =?-7.09 to -4.11), blood loss (MD =?-151.35, 95% CI =?-253.22 to -49.48), complications (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.73) and increased lordosis of C2-C7 (MD = 3.70, 95% CI = 0.96 to 6.45) and fusion segments angles (MD = 3.38, 95% CI = 2.54 to 4.22). However, there were no significant differences in the operation time (MD =?-9.34, 95% CI =?-42.99 to 24.31), JOA (MD = 0.24, 95% CI =?-0.10 to 0.57), VAS (MD =?-0.06, 95% CI =?-0.81 to 0.70), NDI (MD =?-1.37, 95% CI ?=?-3.17 to 0.43), Odom criteria (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.60 to 1.30) or fusion rate (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.34 to 4.11).ConclusionsBased on this meta-analysis, although complications and increased lordosis are significantly better in the ACDF group, there is no strong evidence to support the routine use of ACDF over ACCF in CSM.
Project description:Background: Anterior cervical fusion (ACF) has become a standard treatment approach to effectively alleviate symptoms in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy. However, alteration of cervical sagittal alignment may accelerate degeneration at segments adjacent to the fusion and thereby compromise the surgical outcome. It remains unknown whether changes in T1 tilt, an important parameter of cervical sagittal alignment, may cause redistribution of biomechanical loading on adjacent segments after ACF surgery. Objective: The objective was to examine the effects of T1 tilt angles on biomechanical responses (i.e.range of motion (ROM) and intradiscal VonMises stress) of the cervical spine before and after ACF. Methods: C2-T1 FE models for pre- and postoperative C4-C6 fusion were constructed on the basis of our previous work. Varying T1 tilts of -10°, -5°, 0°, 5°, and 10° were modeled with an imposed flexion-extension rotation at the T1 inferior endplate for the C2-T1 models. The flexion-extension ROM and intradiscal VonMises stress of functional spinal units were compared between the pre- and postoperative C2-T1 FE models of different T1 tilts. Results: The spinal segments adjacent to ACF demonstrated higher ROM ratios after the operation regardless of T1 tilt. The segmental ROM ratio distribution was influenced as T1 tilt varied and loading conditions, which were more obvious during displacement-control loading of extension. Regardless of T1 tilt, intradiscal VonMises stress was greatly increased at the adjacent segments after the operation. As T1 tilt increased, intradiscal stress at C3-C4 decreased under 30° flexion and increased under 15° extension. The contrary trend was observed at the C6-C7 segment, where the intradiscal stress increased with the increasing T1 tilt under 30° flexion and decreased under 15° extension. Conclusion: T1 tilt change may change biomechanical loadings of cervical spine segments, especially of the adjacent segments after ACF. Extension may be more susceptible to T1 tilt change.
Project description:To assess the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) with a neotype nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) strut in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Fifty patients with CSM who underwent 1- or 2-level ACCF with n-HA/PA66 struts were retrospectively investigated. With a mean follow-up of 79.6 months, the overall mean JOA score, VAS and cervical alignment were improved significantly. At last follow-up, the fusion rate was 98%, and the subsidence rate of the n-HA/PA66 strut was 8%. The "radiolucent gap" at the interface between the n-HA/PA66 strut and the vertebra was further noted to evaluate the osteoconductivity and osseointegration of the strut, and the incidence of it was 62% at the last follow-up. Three patients suffered symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). No significant difference was detected in the outcomes between 1- and 2-level corpectomy at follow-ups. In conclusion, the satisfactory outcomes in this study indicated that the n-HA/PA66 strut was an effective graft for cervical reconstruction. Moreover, the osteoconductivity and osseointegration of the strut is still need to be optimized for future clinical application owing to the notably presence of "radiolucent gap" in present study.
Project description:IntroductionIntramedullary lesions and tumors are generally accessed by a posterior approach. However, if the lesion is located on the ventral side of the spinal cord, a posterior resection with myelotomy poses technical difficulties. We report two cases of complete resection of a cervical ventral intramedullary cavernous hemangioma using an anterior approach.Case reportTwo cases of intramedullary cavernous hemangioma located on the ventral side of the spinal cord were successfully treated by total resection with anterior cervical corpectomy followed by anterior spinal fusion with an autologous bone strut from the iliac crest. In both cases, the postoperative course was uneventful, and there was no neurological deficit. Bony fusion was achieved, and there was no recurrence or complication during a follow-up period of at least two years.ConclusionsHere, we describe an anterior approach for total resection of cavernous hemangiomas on the ventral side of the cervical spinal cord. Outcomes were stable two years after the operations. Although the method should be assessed with more patients and a longer follow-up time, this anterior approach may be useful for the radical resection of a vascular malformation or tumor.
Project description:Study Design Prospective study. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of using free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) for anterior reconstruction of the cervical spine following with varying levels of corpectomy. Methods Ten patients underwent anterior cervical reconstruction using an FVFG after cervical corpectomy augmented with internal instrumentation. All patients were evaluated neurologically according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and modified JOA scoring systems and the Nurick grading system. The neurologic recovery rate was determined, and the clinical outcome was assessed based on three factors: neck pain, dependence on pain medication, and ability to return to work. The fusion status and maintenance of lordotic correction by the strut graft were determined by measuring the lordosis angle and fused segment height (FSH). Results All patients achieved successful fusion. The mean follow-up period was 35.2 months (range, 28 to 44 months). Graft union occurred at a mean of 3.5 months. The mean loss of lordotic correction was 0.95 degrees, and the mean change in FSH was <1 mm. The neurologic recovery rate was excellent in four patients, good in five, and fair in one. All patients achieved satisfactory clinical outcome. No neurologic injuries occurred during the operations. Conclusion The use of FVFG is a valuable and effective technique in anterior cervical reconstruction for complex disorders.