Multilevel Anterior Cervical Fusion Versus Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Lateral Mass Fixation or laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Background Data: Optimal surgical treatment of cervical myelopathy is timely essential before progressive spinal cord demyelination occurs. Purpose: To compare the neurological outcomes and associated complication of anterior and posterior approaches in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Study Design: Retrospective comparative clinical case study. Patients and Methods: Between January 2010 and January 2015, a total of 48 consecutive patients with Multilevel CSM were operated in Suez Canal University hospital. Multilevel anterior cervical fusion (ACF) were performed in 25/48 patients, posterior laminectomy lateral mass fixation in 18/48, and laminoplasty in 5/48 patients. All patients had MRI and plain radiographs preoperative and postoperative radiographs. The neurologic status was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively of all patients using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and modified Nurick disability index (DI) score. Postoperative complication was documented. Regular follow up at 3 months, 6 months, and then yearly after surgery. Results: Preoperative JOA score was (anterior=10.8±2.1, posterior=11.4±2.1), and modified Nurick DI score was (anterior=3.2±0.5, posterior=2.9±0.64).However, the patients' preoperative radiological imaging using Cobb's angle was lower in the posterior group (posterior=6±3.6; anterior=9.9±4.5).At last follow-up, significant improvements were reported in both groups regarding JOA scores, and Nurick DI score with no significant differences among the two groups with respect to postoperative JOA score (P=0.451), and postoperative Nurick DI (P=0.216). Postoperative Hirabayashi’s recovery was relatively better in anterior than posterior group (anterior, 29.1±19.4%, posterior, 24.6±19.1%). Kyphotic angle improved from 9.9±4.5 to 13±3.3 degree and from 6± 3.6 to 7±3.4 degree in anterior and posterior group respectively. Fusion rate was better in posterior group 13/18 than anterior group 11/25 with significance (P=.081). The overall complication rates of the two groups did not differ significantly (P=0.237). Conclusion: Multilevel CSM with Kyphotic angle can be treated by posterior laminectomy and lateral mass fixation with good fusion and neurological outcome. Instrumented fusion prevents progressive kyphosiswhen laminectomy is used. Laminoplasty is recommended for younger patient to preserve function with no kyphotic progression. Anterior surgery had good outcome in younger patient, lower number of the affected levels, and with less MRI T2 signal changes. (2015ESJ092

Posterior Revision of Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cages Migration: Clinical Case Series and Literature Review

Background Data: Revision surgery for lumbar interbody cage migration is technically demanding.Cage related complication may lead to failure of fusion. Revision of such morbidity is associated with increased risk of permanent neurological insult. Purpose: To analyze the efficacy of posterior approach and iliac crest auto grafting technique in revision of migrated intervertebral cages. Study Design: Retrospective descriptive clinical case study. Patients and Methods: From January 2010 to January 2016, we operated 106 patients underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with single cage application per level for treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis. Of these, 12 patients experiencing cage subsidence and retropulsion. In subsidence, it was graded from 0 to III. Retropulsion was considered if the cage beyond the level of the posterior longitudinal line of the index two vertebrae. Patients were assessed pre-operatively for pain and clinical functional outcome by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI), respectively. Patient with VAS score ≥5; at least 20% deterioration on ODI or with the superadded neurological deficit was considered candidates for revision surgery. Results: Cage migration incidence was 11.3%, with subsidence (6.7%), and retropulsion (4.6%) of all patients. The average time for subsidence was 3.3 months (range 2 to 6 months). Five patients with grade-II and III subsidence underwent revision surgery for foraminal decompression, augmenting fixation and adding postero-lateral iliac crest bone graft. Retropulsion was encountered in 4 patients and all needed revision surgery for cage retrieval and redo fusion. Grade-I subsidence could be treated conservatively. All surgically treated patients had a good result in VAS and ODI after a second surgery which maintained during follow up with P<0.05. Conclusion: Migration of posterior lumbar interbody fusion cage into the endplates or spinal canal is usually associated with patient dissatisfaction. Revision surgery indicated for cage retropulsion or high-grade subsidence. The posterior approach is technically demanding, safe, and effective for cage migration revision surgery. (2017ESJ141

Evaluation

Purpose: To evaluate the fluoroscopic guided injection, local injection, conservative treatment and surgery in managing coccygodynia. Methods: Fifty chronic coccygodynia patients were evaluated. All patients complained of pain while sitting and had tenderness localized to the coccyx. All patients were offered conservative management initially, then they were assigned into four groups: 5 patients underwent coccygectomy, 22 patients had fluoroscopic guided injection, 11 patients had local injection, and 12 patients were treated only conservatively. Patients’ satisfaction with treatment was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS). The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 32 months (mean 17.3 months). Results: The initial conservative therapy had the lowest improvement rate (7/50, 14%). All patients subjected to coccygectomy or fluoroscopic guided injections improved and were satisfied. Nine patients of the local injection group (9/11, 82%) improved and 2 patients (18%) were stationary. Fourteen of the 16 patients with hypermobility (88%) required fluoroscopic guided injection, while 60% (12/20) of patients with normal mobility were treated conservatively. All patients with spicule required surgery. Conclusions: Fluoroscopic guided injection and surgery have the highest efficacy and satisfaction rates in managing chronic coccygodynia. Hypermobility and spicules are predictors of failure of conservative therapy