Chest Wall Reconstruction Following Total Én Bloc Spondylectomy: Case Report of a Novel Technique

Volume 8 | Issue 2 | July-December 2023 | Page: 00-00 | Vijay Kumar Loya, Charanjit Singh Dhillon, Sameen VK , TV Krishna Narayan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijs.2023.v08.i02.00

Submitted: 17/05/2023; Reviewed: 06/05/2023; Accepted: 18/10/2023; Published: 10/12/2023


Authors: Vijay Kumar Loya [1], Charanjit Singh Dhillon [2], Sameen VK [3], TV Krishna Narayan [4]

[1] Department of Spine Surgery, Germanten Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
[2] Department of Spine Surgery, MIOT International, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
[3] Department of Spine Surgery, Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
[4] Department of Spine Surgery, Udai Omni Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Vijay Kumar Loya,
Consultant Spine Surgeon, Department of Spine Surgery, Germanten Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
E-mail: dr.vijaykumarloya@gmail.com


Abstract

Chest wall reconstruction after total én bloc spondylectomy poses a surgical challenge. We report a 28-year-old banker who presented with moderate-to-severe back pain for 3 months and was diagnosed to have Giant cell tumour (GCT) of D8 & D9 vertebra. The patient underwent selective arterial embolization of the above-mentioned levels pre-operatively and was subsequently operated next day. Complete surgical excision of the tumour was done after D5-D12 fixation with pedicle screws and costotransversectomy at multiple levels on either side and the anterior column defect was reconstructed with cage & cement. Chest wall reconstruction following the removal was reconstructed using a titanium mesh. It was stitched to ribs using stainless steel wires. The wound was closed by a pedicled latissimus dorsi transposition flap by plastic surgeons. Post-operatively patient was started on Inj. Denosumab to prevent recurrence. At 02-year follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence or instrumentation failure. This case report highlights the novel technique to reconstruct chest wall defects with a titanium mesh, which can be an ideal prosthesis for large chest wall defects. This case report also reiterates the fact that efficient management of spinal cord tumour patients requires a multi-disciplinary team.
Keywords: Chest wall reconstruction, Total én bloc spondylectomy, Giant cell tumour, Selective arterial embolization, Pedicled latissimus dorsi transposition flap, Denosumab.


Introduction:

Primary benign aggressive, malignant, and metastatic tumours of thoracic spine and chest wall tumours pose a surgical challenge with respect to wide excision to achieve a tumour-free margin. In the process, a large chest wall defect may be created to achieve complete extirpation of the tumour.
We present a case of a 28-year-old gentleman who presented to us with a biopsy-proven Giant cell tumour (GCT) of the D8 & D9 vertebra with a large paravertebral mass, total én bloc spondylectomy was done and the chest wall was reconstructed.

Case Report:
A 28-year-old gentleman, banker by profession, presented to our hospital with a biopsy-proven Giant cell tumour of D8-9 vertebra with a calcified granuloma in the lung. The patient was suffering from moderate-to-severe mid-back pain for 03 months with pain exacerbation at nighttime, during exertion or activity. There were no complaints of radiating pain along the chest wall. There were no complaints of loss of weight or loss of appetite prior to the biopsy. Examination was normal neurologically and bowel and bladder were continent. X-ray of Dorso-Lumbar spine Anteroposterior and Lateral views showed a soft tissue mass at D8 & D9 paravertebral region with winking-owl sign positive (Left Pedicle Erosion at respective levels). 9th rib head on the left side was completely eroded (Figure 1). Computed Tomography Scans showed calcified granuloma Right Upper Limb with a Space-occupying lesion in the Right Middle Lobe of lung (Probably metastasis) along with an expansile lytic lesion with large lobulated soft tissue component involving the posterior and of the left 9th rib, D8, D9 vertebra (Figure 2). Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed characteristics of atypical GCT as it was a left-sided (eccentric) lesion involving more than one vertebral segment (D8 and D9 vertebra) with a large paraspinal soft tissue mass which was measuring 5 cm X 6 cm X 8 cm. Extensions of the tumour mass were – anteriorly up to the descending aorta, laterally abutting visceral pleura and lung, posteriorly in paravertebral muscles (Figure 3). Positron Emission Tomography scans showed intensely hypermetabolic lesions with intraspinal extension and spinal cord compression. Accordingly, a tumour board meeting was called with a medical oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, spine surgeon and plastic surgeon were involved. The patient underwent repeat CT-guided biopsy which proved to be GCT. Selective arterial embolization was done prior to surgery with 150–250-micron Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Particles to embolize the feeder arteries to the tumour. Subsequently, surgery was planned for the next day under neuromonitoring in the prone position. The spine was exposed from D4-12 and pedicle screws were inserted in three segments above and below the pathologic levels. Costotransversectomy was done bilaterally – 5 ribs on the left and 3 on the right were removed after ligating the nerve roots bilaterally. D8 & D9 laminectomy done. D9-10 & D7-8 discectomy was done. Segmental vessels were ligated at both ends. Finger dissection was done and anterior detachment of the tumour mass from great vessels was done until the tumour mass was encased with fingers. Both the longitudinal ligaments were detached & tumour mass was removed én bloc & sent for histopathological examination. Anterior column defect was reconstructed with cement & mesh cage of appropriate size (Figure 4). Chest wall posteriorly reconstructed with titanium mesh cage. The case was then handed to the Plastic surgery team for flap reconstruction (Pedicled Latissimus dorsi Transposition flap reconstruction) for wound closure (Figure 5). A chest drain was left in situ. Operative time was around 8 hours and blood loss was 1200ml and thus 4 PRBC (Packed Red Blood Cells) and FFP (Fresh Frozen Plasma) were transfused peri-operatively. Histologic report was suggestive of giant cells with mononuclear cells and mitotic figures, there was no evidence of necrosis or pleomorphism or any other secondary changes. It was consistent with a Giant cell tumour of bone. Margins were free of tumour. Post-operatively patient was started on Injection. Denosumab 120mg subcutaneously every 6 months. He was followed up regularly for recurrence, if any. At the final follow-up of 02 years, there was no evidence of clinical or radiological recurrence and the patient was symptom-free (Figures 6 & 7). Chest lesion regressed on further imaging.

  

  

Discussion:
The giant cell tumour is characterized as a benign yet locally aggressive primary bone neoplasm, consisting of the proliferation of mononuclear cells accompanied by scattered macrophages and large osteoclast-like giant cells. This unique tumour was initially documented by Astley Cooper & Travers in 1818; however, it was Jaffe’s work in 1940 that made significant contributions to understanding its nature. Interestingly, this particular tumour is more commonly observed within Oriental and East Asian populations, with varying incidence rates among the Indian population. Typically affecting individuals in their third decade (20-50 years), there appears to be a higher prevalence amongst females. GCT most frequently occurs at the end of long bones, and the sacrum is the fourth most common site, accounting for between 1.7-8.2% of cases. Giant cell tumour also occurs in the mobile spine, but this location accounts for only 2-4% of cases (1). Enneking type S3 classification is assigned to this specific tumour and it rarely occurs within an immature skeleton. Notably, up to 3% of cases may exhibit pulmonary metastases which can spontaneously regress over time – a phenomenon observed in our own case study (2).
This rare benign tumour can involve different parts of the spine, such as the anterior body (54%), neural arch (17%), or both the anterior column and neural arch (29%). The clinical course of this condition can manifest in various ways: it may progress slowly and present later with a large paravertebral mass, or it may lead to pathological fracture. When bowel and bladder involvement occurs, it indicates extension into the spinal cord. On radiological examination, GCTs typically appear as lytic lesions surrounded by a thin sclerotic rim (Lodwick Type 1B). In some cases, they may exhibit a moth-eaten appearance (Lodwick Type 2) or resemble a soap bubble appearance (3). Approximately 10% of cases also show signs of secondary aneurysmal bone cyst formation. Additionally, GCT can be observed alongside other conditions like osteoblastoma, Chondromyxoid Fibroma, chondroblastoma, osteosarcoma and fibrous dysplasia. In their study, Yuan et.al examined imaging characteristics associated with aggressive forms of GCT and identified typical and atypical characteristics. Typical imaging characteristics include lysis and destruction of cortical bone, collapse of the body, expansile lesion, epidural extension and spinal cord compression among others. If lesions involve a neural arch or more than one vertebral segment, with two or more paraspinal segments with partial cortical destruction and sclerotic margins is defined as an atypical presentation. In our case, it was atypical in presentation (4).
The recommended treatment approach for GCT involves intralesional excision with or without adjuvants such as phenol, hydrogen peroxide, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or cryotherapy if the lesion is active. In cases of aggressive lesions like ours, én bloc resection is advised. Post-operative external beam radiation therapy may also be considered. Selective arterial embolization can be performed pre-operatively to reduce vascularity in vascular tumours like GCT or aneurysmal bone cysts, which was done in our case. For thoracic tumours specifically, segmental vessels at least two levels above and below the tumour are targeted during embolization using materials such as polyvinyl alcohol, tris-acryl gelatin microspheres, or acrylic glue (Glubran 2 – preferred option) ranging between 100-300 microns in size (5). The same principles were applied in our case using PVA particles sized between 150-250 microns.
The surgical approach to spinal tumours depends on their location in spine, nature of involvement, vessel involvement, and neurological status. Lièvre was first to describe about Total én bloc resection in spinal tumours for L4 GCT. He performed a two-stage resection of posterior and anterior columns separated by two weeks. Stener subsequently described a large case series of 23 patients who had a follow-up of at least 7 years. The surgical principles described by Stener are a foundation for spondylectomy for spine tumours (6). Subsequently, later TES was popularised by Roy-Camille, Boriani and Tomita et.al (7). Stener considered the spinal column to be akin to a ring through which the spinal cord passes and the tumour is received in a piecemeal fashion rather than as a single bloc, thus in the truest sense the term Total Én Bloc Spondylectomy is a misnomer. In our case the tumour was Tomita Type 6 and was in 2-5 radiating zone with extra-osseous extradural location (D) in Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini surgical staging of spinal tumour and thus Én Bloc Spondylectomy was done as described above. Ensuring tumour-free margins is a must as revision spine tumour surgery can be very challenging and may not be possible in all cases.
Primary or metastatic tumours of the thoracic spine can sometimes infiltrate chest wall as in our case and may require extensive spinal and ribs resection to ensure a tumour-free margin. Chest wall resection is defined as full-thickness removal of the chest wall which includes muscle, bone and if needed skin (8). Traditionally, chest wall defects larger than 5cm in maximum diameter should be reconstructed with rigid implants to prevent chest wall floating, paradoxical breathing and/or respiratory failure. The chest wall defects adjacent to the scapula should be reconstructed with rigid implants if the maximum diameter of the defect exceeds 10 cm. An ideal prosthetic material when used for chest wall reconstruction should have the following criteria: (1) rigidity, to protect underlying organs and prevent paradoxical movement; (2) inertness, to allow ingrowth of fibrous tissues and decrease infection; (3) malleability, to allow conformation to the desired shape; and (4) radiolucency, to allow reference during follow-up. There are various types of rigid implants in clinical practice, including Matrix-RIB, STRATOS, Ribfix Blu, Sternalock, titanium mesh, polymethylmethacrylate, personalized implants, etc (9). Hariyama et.al reported 10 cases who underwent en bloc resection and chest wall reconstruction for malignant thoracic tumours. All cases in their series underwent posterior and anterior surgeries and a mean of 4.1 and 3.1 ribs were resected respectively. They reconstructed chest wall using Polypropylene Mesh (4), suture (4) and two patients had diaphragm reconstructed with extended polytetrafluoroethylene mesh (ePTFE) (10). Similarly, Akiba et.al has reported the use of Gore-Tex dual mesh which is a composite of polypropylene and ePTFE prosthesis in 11 patients of chest wall reconstruction after excision of spinal and lung tumours (11). Other devices include the use of a Pre-contoured plate and screw system (MatrixRib) or SILC fixation system. SILC Fixation system is originally used to perform reduction manoeuvres in spine deformity surgeries without requiring pedicle purchase. Czyz et.al reported chest wall reconstruction for a pan coast tumour using both systems (12). Xiao et.al used titanium rods to contour as ribs and fixed them to ribs and spinal rods. We used a titanium mesh which was stitched to ribs using stainless steel wires (13). Advantages include easy availability of the mesh, inert nature, malleability and radiolucency. Titanium mesh fulfils all the above criteria for an ideal prosthesis. Our is the first case report in literature which has used it for the reconstruction of chest wall defects after spinal cord tumours.
Mericli et.al reported oncologic resections of spine and chest wall tumours require immediate soft-tissue reconstruction, those that didn’t involve chest wall was reported as simple and if both thoracic and chest wall reconstruction was reported as composite. They concluded that with advances in spinal instrumentation, surgical techniques and anaesthesia technology there was no increased complication in composite defects. And if spinal cord and intra-pleural space was exposed it was better to use a well-vascularised soft-tissue flap (8). Leary et.al reviewed 106 patients who underwent spinal tumour resection and 60 of which required wounds to be closed by a plastic surgeon rather than the primary surgeon. They concluded that it is prudent to involve plastic surgeons when the patient has underwent prior chemo- or radiotherapy, systemic metastases, sacral tumours, larger incisions, prolonged operative time and significant blood loss (>900mL) (14). As was in our case we sought the help of plastic surgeon colleagues for wound closure who had done it by a pedicled latissimus dorsi transposition flap technique.
Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody which mimics the activity of OPG (Osteoprotegerin). Osteoprotegerin belongs to the TNF (Tumour Necrosis Factor) family and inhibits the binding of RANK (Receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ) to RANKL(Receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand). It is used as a stand-alone treatment in unresectable tumours or as a neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to shrink tumour before resection or as a chemotherapy after excision to prevent recurrence as was in our case. The dose is 120 milligrams subcutaneously on Day 1,8.15 and 22 followed by once every month for unresectable tumours or recurrent tumours (15). In our case, we had given 120mg subcutaneously once every 6 months as per endocrinologist consultation. Other treatments to prevent or treat recurrence include Bisphosphonates, Apatinib, Interferon and/or radiotherapy. Ouyang studied 94 patients of GCT treated between 1995 to 2014 and concluded that lesion located in the cervical spine or those treated with intra-lesional curettage or repeated surgeries and malignant transformation are at higher risk for recurrence (16). In our case at the 2-year follow-up, there were no recurrences and spinal and chest wall reconstruction was intact with no instrumentation failures.
Thus this case report highlights the aggressive nature of giant cell tumours which can commonly infiltrate the chest wall and may necessitate complete extirpation in the form of én bloc spondylectomy, such a morbid procedure may sometimes cause large chest wall defects, which has to be reconstructed to safeguard internal organs. We used a simple ingenious method of using a titanium mesh and sewed it to ribs using stainless steel wires. This surgical technique is to be tested in other cases with large defects to really understand the nuances of the method – which is the limitation of the present case report. This study also reiterates the fact that effective management of spinal tumours requires a multi-disciplinary team which has to include spine surgeons, interventional radiologists, plastic surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, physical therapy specialists and in our case even endocrinologists.

Conclusion: Chest wall reconstruction, Total én bloc spondylectomy, Giant cell tumour, Selective arterial embolization, Pedicled latissimus dorsi transposition flap, Denosumab.


References

1. Martin C, McCarthy EF. Giant cell tumor of the sacrum and spine: series of 23 cases and a review of the literature. Iowa Orthop J. 2010;30:69–75.
2. Muheremu A, Niu X. Pulmonary metastasis of giant cell tumor of bones. World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2014 Aug 20;12(1):261.
3. Benndorf M, Bamberg F, Jungmann PM. The Lodwick classification for grading growth rate of lytic bone tumors: a decision tree approach. Skeletal Radiol. 2022;51(4):737–45.
4. Yuan H, Li TT, Cao GR, Cai YJ, Wei Y, Wang C, et al. The importance of opening and probing the dura matter during surgery for intradural lumbar disc herniation with cauda equina syndrome: a case report. Ibrain. 2020;6(3):41–6.
5. Jayaraman MV. Chapter 14 – Preoperative and Therapeutic Endovascular Approaches for Spinal Tumors. In: Kim DH, Chang UK, Kim SH, Bilsky MH, editors. Tumors of the Spine [Internet]. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 2008 [cited 2023 Oct 16]. p. 327–39. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781416033677100148
6. Stener B. Complete Removal of Vertebrae for Extirpation of Tumors: A 20-Year Experience. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®. 1989 Aug;245:72.
7. Tomita K, Kawahara N, Murakami H, Demura S. Total en bloc spondylectomy for spinal tumors: improvement of the technique and its associated basic background. Journal of Orthopaedic Science. 2006 Jan 1;11(1):3–12.
8. Mericli AF, Murariu D, Nemir S, Rhines LD, Walsh G, Adelman DM, et al. Soft-Tissue Reconstruction after Composite Vertebrectomy and Chest Wall Resection for Spinal Tumors. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2020;145(5):1275–86.
9. Wang L, Yan X, Zhao J, Chen C, Chen C, Chen J, et al. Expert consensus on resection of chest wall tumors and chest wall reconstruction. Transl Lung Cancer Res. 2021 Nov;10(11):4057–83.
10. Harimaya K, Matsumoto Y, Kawaguchi K, Saiwai H, Iida K, Nakashima Y. Long-term outcome after en bloc resection and reconstruction of the spinal column and posterior chest wall in the treatment of malignant tumors. Journal of Orthopaedic Science. 2022;27(4):899–905.
11. Akiba T, Marushima H, Nogi H, Kamiya N, Kinoshita S, Takeyama H, et al. Chest wall reconstruction using Gore-Tex® dual mesh. Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2012;18(2):166–9.
12. Czyz M, Addae-Boateng E, Boszczyk BM. Chest wall reconstruction after en bloc Pancoast tumour resection with the use of MatrixRib and SILC fixation systems: technical note. Eur Spine J. 2015 Oct 1;24(10):2220–4.
13. Xiao J, He S, Jiao J, Wan W, Xu W, Zhang D, et al. Single-stage multi-level construct design incorporating ribs and chest wall reconstruction after en bloc resection of spinal tumour. Int Orthop. 2018 Mar;42(3):559–65.
14. Leary OP, Liu DD, Boyajian MK, Syed S, Camara-Quintana JQ, Niu T, et al. Complex wound closure by plastic surgery following resection of spinal neoplasms minimizes postoperative wound complications in high-risk patients. J Neurosurg Spine. 2020 Feb 28;1–10.
15. Boriani S, Cecchinato R, Cuzzocrea F, Bandiera S, Gambarotti M, Gasbarrini A. Denosumab in the treatment of giant cell tumor of the spine. Preliminary report, review of the literature and protocol proposal. Eur Spine J. 2020 Feb;29(2):257–71.
16. Ouyang HQ, Jiang L, Liu XG, Wei F, Yang SM, Meng N, et al. Recurrence Factors in Giant Cell Tumors of the Spine. Chin Med J (Engl). 2017 Jul 5;130(13):1557–63.


How to Cite this Article: Loya V, Dhillon CS, VK Sameen, Narayan TVK | Chest Wall Reconstruction Following Total Én Bloc Spondylectomy: Case Report of a Novel Technique | International Journal of Spine | July-December 2023; 8(2): 01-05.


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Post-operative MRSA Infection of the Lumbar Spine in a Misdiagnosed Case of Spine Trauma – A Case Report and Review of Literature

Volume 8 | Issue 1 | January-June 2023 | Page: 23-26 | Suresh S Pillai, Arjun K, Akhil Das C

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijs.2023.v08.i01.48

Submitted: 02/03/2023; Reviewed: 29/03/2023; Accepted: 21/05/2023; Published: 10/06/2023


Authors: Suresh S Pillai [1], Arjun K [1], Akhil Das C [1]

[1] Division of Spine Surgery, Baby Memorial Hospital, Calicut, Kerala, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Suresh S. Pillai
Head of Division of Spine Surgery, Baby Memorial Hospital, Calicut, Kerala, India.
E-mail: sureshorth@gmail.com


Abstract

A 56-year-old male patient sustained a fracture of the body of L3 vertebral body following a trivial road traffic accident. He underwent laminectomy L3 and stabilization of L2 and L4 with pedicle screws, in a different hospital. 70 days after the index surgery, the patient presented with severe back pain throughout the day and night. Upon, evaluation he was found to have an abscess at the operation site due to an MRSA infection. On further evaluation, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Six weeks after the abscess drainage and implant removal he underwent re-instrumentation, two levels above and below the fractured vertebrae (L3). He underwent chemotherapy for multiple myeloma. Eight months after the second surgery, the patient presented with surgical site infection, abscess, and implant loosening. The Abscess was drained and the implants were removed. Later on, the patient developed hyponatremia. Later he was taken to another hospital and died 5 days later.
Keywords: Spine trauma, Multiple myeloma, MRSA infection, Implant loosening, Plasmacytosis.


Introduction:

A detailed history of the nature and severity of trauma is invaluable. So is the importance of a detailed clinical examination. Pathological fractures can occur following minor or no trauma [1]. Here we are reporting a case of pathological fracture which was treated as a traumatic fracture of L3. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was missed due to inadequate clinical examination and evaluation [2]. Secondly,, a laminectomy was done for a vertebral body fracture with inadequate levels of fixation. Thirdly multiple myeloma patients are prone to get infection with MRSA.

Case Report
A 56-year-old man presented to the outpatient department with severe back pain and difficulty in walking. He had throbbing type of pain day in and out and at rest. He gave a history of lumbar spine surgery 70 days back following a trivial fall in a minor road traffic accident. He was evaluated with an x-ray of the lumbar spine which showed evidence of Laminectomy at L3, and pedicle screw fixation at L1 and L4 (Fig. 1). His ESR was 70 mm/1st hour and CRP was 100. His skull X-ray showed punched-out lesions (Fig. 2). MRI of the lumbar spine showed abscess in the operated area (Fig. 3, 4). Serum protein electrophoresis did not show an M band in the gamma globulin region.
The Abscess in the lumbar spine was drained and the wound was debrided thoroughly (Fig. 5). The implants were loose and were removed. Bacterial culture and histopathology of the specimen showed showed pyogenic infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA). Intravenous antibiotics were given for six weeks. Then he was taken back to the operating room and re-instrumented from L1, L2, L4, and L5 with pedicle screws (Fig. 6, 7). The wound healed well. He was further treated by the medical oncology department with chemotherapy.
After eight months of chemotherapy, he developed severe low back pain. He was evaluated with an X-ray and MRI, which showed implant loosening and abscess at the operated area. He was operated on again to drain the abscess, debride the wound, and remove the implants (Fig. 8, 9). It took three weeks for the wound to heal. Thereafter he developed electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia) and diabetes. His chemotherapy could not be continued due to the presence of infection. The patient became unhappy, went to another hospital, and died five days later.

Discussion
Pathological fractures occur with or without trivial problems. A detailed history and clinical examination are very helpful in arriving at a correct diagnosis and treatment [3, 4]. This patient would not have undergone any surgery if he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the first instance after the trivial trauma. A Laminectomy of L3 and short segment fixation (L2 to L4) could have been avoided for a vertebral body fracture. This procedure could increase the instability [5]. Patients with malignancy are immune compromised and stand a high chance of infection [6, 7]. Patients with multiple myeloma are prone to get infected with MRSA, like the present case. The bones are severely porotic in multiple myeloma due to the excessive bone resorption [8, 9]. It is difficult to get good purchase of the screws in these patients. In essential cases where surgery is an absolute must, multi-level fixation may be considered along with medical treatment for myeloma, to avoid implant failure [10].
About the post-operative spine infection with MRSA in multiple myeloma patients the immunity of this case is very poor. In a recent study by Blimark et al and Holmberg et al on multiple myeloma patients, the risk of development of bacterial infection is sevenfold times increased and that of viral infection is increased tenfold times when compared to the normal population [11]. The advanced stage of multiple myeloma and severe anemia are the two main factors that increase the chance of infection in multiple myeloma. In our case twice the instrumentation was removed and the organism MRSA is well known for forming biofilm and also resistance to different antibiotics. Biofilm formation starts with a foreign body reaction in response to the implants [12]. A new zone is formed which is an area of immune suppression. This is formed due to an inflammatory reaction leading to the formation of granulation tissue and encapsulation of the implant. Then the MRSA can proliferate on the surface of the implant. When the critical density of bacteria is attained, then begins the release of extracellular signaling factors which triggers biofilm formation. In our case twice the instrumentation was removed the first one was in a short duration of time around 70 days and the second time was 8 months duration was there. 80% of the body weight is transferred through the vertebral bodies, so in cases where the posterior elements are removed, an attempt should be made to recreate the anterior column. Also in cases where there is pyogenic infection with loosening of implants, it is a definite indication to remove the implant and do the debridement.
The postoperative spinal infection leads to complications like chronic pain, pseudo arthrosis, repeated surgeries, adverse neurological sequelae, increased hospital expenses, and even death [13, 14]. Instrumented fusion surgeries increase the chance of infection when compared to decompression-alone surgeries [15, 16]. Factors like a prolonged hospital stay, diabetes, obesity, Foley catheter in situ, smoking, malnutrition, and antibiotic resistance increase the chances of surgical site infection of the spine [17, 18].
The patient usually presents with pain at the surgical site and the onset of pain is insidious. The pain is more at the incision site and may radiate to the limbs [4]. In our case, postoperative spine infection with MRSA presents with systemic illness or septic form, but low virulence infection did not show any systemic symptoms. The blood investigation for confirming the diagnosis of postoperative surgical site infection includes ESR, CRP, and complete blood count [19]. The main source of infection is direct inoculation followed by hematogenous spread. The sensitivity of the blood test is higher for CRP followed by ESR followed by CBC. During the treatment stages of postoperative spinal infection, serial checking of both ESR and CRP helps to monitor the response to treatment [20]. For confirming the diagnosis of postoperative spinal infection biopsy is the most sensitive test. If there is suspicion of an extra spinal primary source then culture is also very important. Newer laboratory trust includes the detection of serum amyloid A, presepsin, and procalcitonin. Imaging done for the diagnosis starts with the basic X-ray which is useful to detect any implant failure. Reduction in disk height and end plate changes can be picked from the radiographs [21]. MRI is the best imaging modality for the diagnosis of postoperative spinal infection. Contrast MRI with gadolinium has 93% sensitivity for detecting surgical site infection even with the implant in situ [22]. New imaging modalities like gallium 67 detect the presence of postoperative spine infection earlier than technetium 99. FDG PET CT is more sensitive than MRI for detecting postoperative surgical site infection with a sensitivity of 100% [23].
The management issues of MRSA like surgical site infection can lead to problems like multiple debridements, prolonged hospital stay, long duration of antibiotic intake, and financial issues for the patient. Apart from this, the physical and mental morbidity is high for the patient during this period. The primary aim is to focus on the clinical stability of the patient. After taking samples for culture and biopsy, can start with broad-spectrum antibiotics covering both gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria. During the time of surgery first need to confirm whether the infection is deep or superficial surgical site infection, then followed by complete debridement of the infected part. The need for multiple debridement, wound wash, and prolonged antibiotic usage should be explained to the patient before the procedure. Regarding the implant in situ, the latest recommendation is not to remove the implant to avoid destabilizing the spine [24], mainly in postoperative infection if less than three months after the primary surgery. During debridement, loose bone grafts should be removed and the bone graft that is adherent to the bone structure should not be removed.
In case of delayed infection according to Di Silvestre et al, there is a chance of up to 50% for infection to remain at the site [25]. Hardware can be removed if the fusion has occurred at the site but there is a risk of fracture at the fusion mass after the hardware removal. If the underlying tissues are healthy after debridement, can go for primary closure. If not the wound should be packed and assessed again after three to four days. The usage of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) decreases the need for repeated debridement and vac also facilitates secondary intention closure [24]. Similar to debridement the role of antibiotic is also very important and if the patient is having features of sepsis, then the empirical antibiotics should be started.
Most cases with a deep surgical site infection need at least four to six weeks of IV antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics. This antibiotic is continued based on the repeated culture reports and inflammatory markers. Suppressive therapy in addition to IV antibiotics is more effective than IV antibiotics alone [25].
If the implant is retained for the long term, IV antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics are needed, whereas if the implant is removed, a shorter course of antibiotic therapy is advised.
The possibility of a pathological fracture of the spine should be suspected in all cases of trivial trauma or even if there is no trauma. In the case of a patient with multiple myeloma the chance of infection with highly virulent organisms like MRSA is high this is mainly due to the cell-mediated immunity going down.
In multiple myeloma, there is a malignant proliferation of monoclonal immunoglobulin-producing abnormal plasma cells. In the bone there will be diffuse osteoporosis and osteolytic lesions are caused by multiple myeloma [26]. The vertebral bodies are damaged by the infiltration of the M protein which is secreted by the myeloma cells, so the spine is an important weight-bearing part, and even trivial trauma or even no trauma can cause a fracture to the vertebral bodies in multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy was the main treatment for multiple myeloma. Even though recent therapies like isotope therapy, radiotherapy, bisphosphonate therapy, and palliative treatment are there, the best outcome for multiple myeloma is with chemotherapy and surgical decompression and fixation of the spine.

Conclusion and message
1. A thorough history and a clinical examination are a must to arrive at a correct diagnosis and treatment.
2. Laminectomy alone, with short segment fixation may aggravate the instability in a vertebral body fracture.
3. Multi-segment fixation along with chemotherapy is better in multiple myeloma patients with severe osteoporosis.
4. Patients with malignancies are immunocompromised and have a high chance of infection. Multiple myeloma patients are prone to infection with MRSA.


References

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8. Viola RW, King HA, Adler SM, et al. Delayed infection after elective spinal instrumentation and fusion: A retrospective analysis of eight cases. Spine 1997; 22: 2444–51.
9. Barie PS, Eachempati SR. Surgical site infections. SurgClin North Am 2005; 85: 1115-35.
10. Abbey DM, Turner DM, Warson JS, et al. Treatment of postoperative wound infections following spinal fusion with instrumentation. J Spinal Disord 1995; 8: 278-83.
11. Blimark C, Holmberg E, Mellqvist UH, Landgren O, Bjorkholm M, Hultcrantz M, et al. Multiple myeloma and infections: a population-based study on 9253 multiple myeloma patients. Haematologica. 2015;100(1):107–13.
12. Arciola CR, Campoccia D, Montanaro L. Implant infections adhesion, biofilm formation and immune evasion. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2018
13. Beiner JM, Grauer J, Kwon BK, Vaccaro AR. Postoperative wound infections of the spine. Neurosurg Focus. 2003; 15: E14.
14. Bible JE, Biswas D, Devin CJ. Postoperative infections of the spine. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2011; 40: E264-E271.
15. Parchi PD, Evangelisti G, Andreani L, et al. Postoperative spine infections. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2015; 7: 5900.
16. Sharif S, Gulzar F. Postoperative infections of the spine. World Spinal Column J. 2015; 1: 19-26.
17. Brown EM, Pople IK, de louvois J, et al; British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Working Party on Neurosurgical Infections. Spine update: prevention of postoperative infection in patients undergoing spinal surgery. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004; 29: 938-945.
18. Anderson PA, Savage JW, Vaccaro AR, et al. Prevention of surgical site infection in spine surgery. Neurosurgery. 2017;80(3S): S114-S123.
19. Mok JM, Pekmezci M, Piper SL, et al. Use of C-reactive protein after spinal surgery: comparison with erythrocyte sedimentation rate as predictor of early postoperative infectious complications. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008; 33: 415-421.
20. Kunakornsawat S, Tungsiripat R, Putthiwara D, et al. Postoperative kinetics of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sediment rate in one-, two-, and multilevel posterior spinal decompressions and instrumentations. Global Spine J. 2017; 7: 448-451
21. Hayashi D, Roemer FW, Mian A, Gharaibeh M, Mu¨ller B, Guermazi A. Imaging features of postoperative complications after spinal surgery and instrumentation. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2012;199: W123-W129.
22. Herrera IH, de la Presa RM, Guti´errez RG, Ruiz EB, Benassi JMG. Evaluation of the postoperative lumbar spine. Radiologia2013; 55: 12-23.
23. Glaudemans AW, de Vries EF, Galli F, Dierckx RA, Slart RH, Signore A. The use of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Clin Dev Immunol. 2013; 2013: 623036.
24. Hegde V, Meredith DS, Kepler CK, Huang RC. Management of postoperative spinal infections. World J Orthop. 2012;3: 182-189.
25. Nu´n˜ez-Pereira S, Pellis´e F, Rodrı´guez-Pardo D, et al. Implant survival after deep infection of an instrumented spinal fusion. Bone Joint J. 2013;95-B:1121-1126.
26. Fonseca R, Trendle MC, Leong T, et al. Prognostic value of serum markers of bone metabolism in untreated multiple myeloma patients. Br J Haematol. 2000


How to Cite this Article: Pillai SS, Arjun K, Akhil Das C | Post-operative MRSA Infection of the Lumbar Spine in a Misdiagnosed Case of Spine Trauma – A Case Report and Review of Literature | International Journal of Spine | January-June 2023; 8(1): 23-26.


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Osteoid Osteomas of Spine: From open to minimally invasive excision of the Nidus – A Case series

Volume 8 | Issue 1 | January-June 2023 | Page: 18-22 | S. Ganesh Kumar, Sudeep Kumar V.N, Sivakumar Raju, Vinoth Thangamani, Bharatkumar Ramalingam Jeyashankaran, Chidambaram Muthu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijs.2023.v08.i01.47

Submitted: 10/01/2023; Reviewed: 23/01/2023; Accepted: 14/04/2023; Published: 10/06/2023


Authors: S. Ganesh Kumar [1], Sudeep Kumar V.N [1], Sivakumar Raju [1], Vinoth Thangamani [1], Bharatkumar Ramalingam Jeyashankaran [1], Chidambaram Muthu [1]

[1] Department of Spine Surgery, Preethi Hospitals, Melur Main Road, Uthangudi, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. S. Ganesh Kumar,
Post-Doctoral Fellow in Spine Surgery, Preethi Hospitals, Melur Main Road, Uthangudi, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: sgk.ortho@gmail.com


Abstract

Osteoid osteomas of spine are not uncommon and majority of which occurs in posterior elements of lumbar spine. Management of such lesions in spine ranges from open en bloc excision to percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. In this series, we have managed three cases of osteoid osteomas of spine, each managed differently from conventional open technique to minimally invasive method. All three cases underwent appropriate radiological investigations and followed by surgical excision of the lesion and histopathological analysis post-operatively. First case was managed with open excision of the lesion with conventional unilateral pedicle screw stabilisation. Second case, who underwent open excision of the lesion developed recurrence which was managed by re-excision without any further complications. Last case underwent microendoscopic quadrant tubular excision of the tumour with unilateral MISS with pedicle screws.
The technique of Microendoscopic quadrant tubular excision of posterior element benign tumour had advantages of small skin incision, less bleeding, clear macroscopic visualisation of the small tumour (enables complete excision of the nidus thus decreasing the recurrence), early mobilisation and shorter hospitalization with effective and complete excision of the tumour better than open method. Further, histological evidence of tumour will be available. The complete excision of nidus using microendoscopic tubular retractors with unilateral fixation in young age gives encouraging results. This case series is followed by review of literature highlighting the role of COX-2 inhibitors in osteoid osteoma, cause for scoliosis and neurological deficit in osteoid osteoma and management of osteoid osteomas of spine.

Keywords: Tumor, Osteoid osteoma, Minimally invasive, Dorsolumbar spine, Excision biopsy


Introduction:
Osteoid osteoma is a benign and solitary bone forming tumour, making 10% of benign tumours of bone [1]. 10% – 25% occurs in spine, with preponderance (70%-100%) to posterior elements of spine, for unknown reasons [1,2,3]. Of these, about 56% occurs in lumbar spine [4]. Treatment for osteoid osteoma aims at complete removal of the nidus to prevent recurrences. Recently, minimally invasive techniques have been commonly used for the treatment degenerative spine diseases. In this series, we report three cases of osteoid osteoma of spine, one of which is managed through minimally invasive technique using microendoscopic quadrant tubular retractors.

Materials and Methods:
Our first case is a 15-year-old-boy, who had lower back pain (LBP) for 8 months with neither radicuolpathy nor signs of nerve irritation. Pain relieved by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Computed Tomography (CT) revealed a sclerotic lesion at right articular pillar of L3 vertebra extending to right pedicle and lamina with scoliotic list to right (Fig.1). He underwent open en bloc excision of the lesion and unilateral stabilisation with pedicle screws on L3-L4.

Second case, 36-year-old-male with pain in mid back region for 1 year duration, which has increased for last 15 days and not relieved by NSAIDS and also interfering with activities of his daily living. There was no symptoms or signs of nerve irritation. CT revealed a expansile lesion from lamina and spinous process of D9 vertebra with epidural soft tissue mass and new bone formation (Fig.2). He underwent open en bloc excision of the spinous process and right lamina. One year later, he developed recurrence, which was reoperated with wide local excision of the lesion. At 8-years follow up, no further recurrences noted.

Third case is a 17-year-old-boy with LBP for 6 months of duration. At 2nd month of his symptom, he has undergone Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which was reported as normal study. He presented at 6th month of his symptom to our out-patient department (OPD) with persistent low back pain not relieved with NSAIDS and right lower limb radiculopathy with scoliotic list towards right (Fig. 3A). On examination there was weakness of right tibialis anterior with diminished sensation over right L4 dermatome. X-ray was taken which showed no obvious abnormality other than scoliotic list towards right (Fig. 3B). CT (Fig. 4) and MRI (Fig. 5) revealed a lytic lesion with nidus and sclerotic margin in right laminopedicular junction of L4 vertebra. Pre-operative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for LBP was obtained. Excisional biopsy of the nidus with microendoscopic quadrant tubular retractors was performed. The details of all three cases are depicted in Table 1.

 

Surgical Technique:
The first and second case were operated through conventional open en bloc excision with addition of unilateral pedicle screw stabilisation for the former.
Third patient underwent excision of the nidus using microendoscopic quadrant tubular retractors. After positioning the patient in prone under general anaesthesia, fluoroscopy was performed intraoperatively before skin incision to know the exact location of insertion of quadrant tubular retractors. A 2cm skin incision was made 1.5 cm lateral to spinous process of L4 and after dorso-lumbar fasciotomy, the first dilator was docked at right spinolaminar junction of L4 vertebra. Then serial dilators (Medtronic Quadrant Tubular System) were inserted. Final dilator of size 22mm with 5mm depth was inserted and mounted to flexible arm attached to operating table (Fig. 6A). Right hemilaminectomy of L4 vertebra with facetal sparing was done. Then the nidus was reconfirmed under fluoroscopy and using microscope and burr, complete en bloc excision of nidus was done. The surrounding reactive tissues were also removed using rongeurs and curettes. After excision of the nidus, the exiting right L4 nerve root was found to be inflamed and oedematous (Fig. 6B). Then unilateral Minimally Invasive Surgical Stabilisation (MISS) with pedicle screws was done on ipsilateral pedicles of L3 and L5 vertebra (Fig. 6C). After haemostasis, wound closed with 3-0 ethilon. The patient was called for follow-up visits at regular intervals. Post-op VAS score was recorded. No complications were reported intra-operatively in all three cases. Histopathological Examination (HPE) of nidus of all three cases was done and were diagnostic of osteoid osteoma.

Results:
First case, recovered completely without any complications nor recurrence till 2-year follow-up. We have recommended implant removal after skeletal maturity, but for unknown reasons the patient lost his follow-up. Second case developed recurrence one year later and was reoperated with complete en bloc excision. No recurrences till 8-year follow-up with occasional pain only on intense activity.
For the third case, the operative time was 90 minutes without significant blood loss. The radicular pain disappeared at once after surgery. The VAS score improved from 7/10 to 2/10 at immediate post-op period. The patient was made to walk on the evening of surgery and discharged on second post-operative day. Post-op CT showed the complete excision of the nidus with most of the pedicle kept intact (Fig. 7). HPE of the specimen (Fig. 8) confirmed our diagnosis. The scoliotic list resolved at first week (Fig. 9). The resolution of L4 neurological deficit occurred at sixth week. At second year follow-up visit, patient recovered completely without any complications nor recurrence.

    

Discussion:
Osteoid osteoma of spine is not an uncommon cause of LBP in adolescents presenting to ortho OPD. It is easily missed on first radiography due to its smaller size and complex anatomy of spine [5]. This is further complicated by highly variable appearance on MRI leading to its missed diagnosis [6]. This might be the reason our third case was initially missed, despite taking MRI initially. MRI may not clearly visualise the nidus and may only show peri-nidal marrow edema which might be confused with infection. CT scan is the most specific imaging modality in diagnosis of nidus [7]. A high level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in neoplastic osteoblasts in the nidus of osteoid osteomas may cause the secondary changes depicted by MRI [8] and COX-2 is one of the important mediators of this condition [9] and this is the principle behind the use of NSAIDS in these lesions.
Almost two-third of osteoid osteoma of spine presents with painful scoliosis clinically [10]. Scoliosis in these patients is due to paravertebral muscle spasm and initially will be a non-structural one [11] later developing to a structural curve. A study by Ransford et al [12], reported that scoliosis persisted in patients who were operated after 15 months of symptoms. Delay in treatment might lead to persistence of scoliosis and becoming a structural one. So, the timing of treatment in those presenting with painful scoliosis is invaluable. In our series, two cases had scoliotic list, and both recovered after the excision of nidus. In both cases, the nidus was seen at concave side of the curve.
So far, no case of neurological deficit has been reported in the literature due to spinal osteoid osteoma [13]. Though spinal osteoid osteoma occurs close to neurological structures, deficit rarely occurs due to its small size [14]. Radiculopathy has been reported due to reactive inflammation caused by tumour [15]. In our series, first and second case had no symptoms or signs of nerve irritation. But third patient had right radiculopathy typically radiating along anterolateral aspect of thigh and medial aspect of leg with weakness of right ankle dorsiflexion and diminished sensation over medial malleolus. The neurological deficit in our case was due to reactive tissue arising from the inferior surface of L4 pedicle, which was compressing the right L4 nerve root as seen in pre-operative MRI (Fig. 5) .
The management of osteoid osteoma aims at complete excision or deactivation of the nidus to prevent the recurrences. Surgical excision is considered the optimal treatment modality for treating spinal osteoid osteoma [16]. The first and second case in our series was managed with open excision. One year after first surgery, second patient complained of pain at the same site, and was diagnosed with reactivation of lesion. Re-excision of the lesion was done and since the tumour was found at dorsal vertebra (D9), fixation was not done considering the inherent stability of dorsal vertebrae. The recurrence in this patient was due to incomplete excision of the lesion, which we think is a disadvantage of open excision due to difficulty in identifying the exact location of the lesion.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is ideal choice if the nidus is located away from vital structures such as spinal cord, nerve roots and arteries. Rosenthal et. al [17, 18] who were the early pioneers of this method, suggested that the thermal necrosis was less safe if neural tissues were within 13 mm of the probe. Further, thin cortical bone of spine is not a reliable heat insulator and so percutaneous RFA for osteoid osteomas of spine carries a risk of neural damage [19]. Another disadvantage is histological evidence of osteoid osteoma is impossible with RFA. In our third case, the nidus was in such a location, where surgical excision would cause gross instability and RFA will be inappropriate as it is close to the right L4 nerve root. So, the microendoscopic quadrant tubular excision of the nidus was done with unilateral MISS pedicle screws on the same side pedicles of L3 and L5. This technique enables the magnified image of the nidus and its surrounding structures, which decreases the unnecessary wide bone resection, inadvertent injury to nerve roots and incomplete excision of the nidus as happened with our second case which resulted in recurrence of the tumour at 1-year.
Since, osteoid osteomas of spine are most common at pars interarticularis, its excision might cause instability which needs posterior stabilisation. In our series, 2 of 3 cases had nidus at pars interarticularis region. We did unilateral pedicle screw fixation using conventional open technique in first case and using MISS technique in third case. Unilateral pedicle screw fixation has advantages of decrease in operative time, length of hospital stays and blood loss with similar biomechanical advantage to bilateral pedicle screw fixation [20, 21]. Recently, Yang et al. [22] through their biomechanical study using finite element model and calf lumbar model, concluded that unilateral pedicle screw fixation is considered a safe and reliable technique. However, unilateral pedicle screw fixation has a disadvantage of increased cage migration, which is not applicable to our cases.
In open excision, the large surgical incision and inexact location of the nidus leads to incomplete excision of the nidus, increased paraspinal muscle damage with increased blood loss and creates bone defects which may require bone grafting, increasing the discomfort and expense of the patient [23, 24]. A case report of microendoscopic excision of C2 osteoid osteoma showed the advantages of minimal morbidity, minimal postoperative pain with less analgesic dependence, and better cosmesis [25]. The technique of microendoscopic quadrant tubular excision of posterior element benign tumour had advantages of small skin incision, less bleeding, clear macroscopic visualisation of the small tumour (enables complete excision of the nidus thus decreasing the recurrence), early mobilisation and shorter hospitalization with effective and complete excision of the tumour better than open method. Further, histological evidence of tumour will be available. With the advent of minimally invasive techniques, lesions of posterior element of spine can be safely excised and has more advantages than conventional open techniques.

Conclusion:
Osteoid osteomas of spine are easily missed due to their benign nature and variable appearance in imaging. So, high index of suspicion is needed in adolescent patients with painful scoliosis. The microendoscopic techniques using quadrant tubular retractor is already widely used for degenerative spinal diseases such as disc herniation, stenosis and facet cysts, its extended indication, as reported in our series, represents the newest and perhaps the most promising treatment for complete resection of tumours of this type. Thus, complete excision of nidus using microendoscopic tubular retractors with unilateral fixation in young age gives encouraging results.


References

[1] Gasbarrini, A., Cappuccio, M., Bandiera, S., Amendola, L., van Urk, P., & Boriani, S. (2011). Osteoid osteoma of the mobile spine: Surgical outcomes in 81 patients. Spine, 36(24), 2089–2093. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181ffeb5e
[2] Greenspan, A. (2004). Orthopedic Imaging: A Practical Approach. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
[3] Jackson, R. P., Reckling, F. W., & Mants, F. A. (1977). Osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma. Similar histologic lesions with different natural histories. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 128, 303–313.
[4] Raskas, D. S., Graziano, G. P., Herzenberg, J. E., Heidelberger, K. P., & Hensinger, R. N. (1992). Osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma of the spine. Journal of Spinal Disorders, 5(2), 204–211. https://doi.org/10.1097/00002517-199206000-00010
[5] Gamba, J., Martinez, S., Apple, J., Harrelson, J., & Nunley, J. (1984). Computed tomography of axial skeletal osteoid osteomas. American Journal of Roentgenology, 142(4), 769–772. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.142.4.769
[6] Davies, M., Cassar-Pullicino, V. N., Davies, A. M., McCall, I. W., & Tyrrell, P. N. M. (2002). The diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging in osteoid osteoma. Skeletal Radiology, 31(10), 559–569. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-002-0546-4
[7] Hosalkar, H. S., Garg, S., Moroz, L., Pollack, A., & Dormans, J. P. (2005). The diagnostic accuracy of MRI versus CT imaging for osteoid osteoma in children. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 433, 171–177. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.blo.0000151426.55933.be
[8] Kawaguchi, Y., Hasegawa, T., Oka, S., Sato, C., Arima, N., & Norimatsu, H. (2001). Mechanism of intramedullary high intensity area on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in osteoid osteoma: A possible role of COX-2 expression. Pathology International, 51(12), 933–937. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1827.2001.01305.x
[9] Mungo, D. V., Zhang, X., O’Keefe, R. J., Rosier, R. N., Puzas, J. E., & Schwarz, E. M. (2002). COX-1 and COX-2 expression in osteoid osteomas. Journal of Orthopaedic Research: Official Publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society, 20(1), 159–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0736-0266(01)00065-1
[10] Janin, Y., Epstein, J. A., Carras, R., & Khan, A. (1981). Osteoid osteomas and osteoblastomas of the spine. Neurosurgery, 8(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.1227/00006123-198101000-00007
[11] Keim, H. A., & Reina, E. G. (1975). Osteoid-osteoma as a cause of scoliosis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, 57(2), 159–163.
[12] Ransford, A. O., Pozo, J. L., Hutton, P. A., & Kirwan, E. O. (1984). The behaviour pattern of the scoliosis associated with osteoid osteoma or osteoblastoma of the spine. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume, 66(1), 16–20. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.66B1.6693471
[13] Gasbarrini, A., Cappuccio, M., Bandiera, S., Amendola, L., van Urk, P., & Boriani, S. (2011). Osteoid osteoma of the mobile spine: Surgical outcomes in 81 patients. Spine, 36(24), 2089–2093. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181ffeb5e
[14] Zenmyo, M., Yamamoto, T., Ishidou, Y., Komiya, S., & Ijiri, K. (2011). Osteoid osteoma near the intervertebral foramen may induce radiculopathy through tumorous inflammation. Diagnostic Pathology, 6, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1596-6-10
[15] Tekaya, A. B., Moalla, M., Salah, M. B., Saidane, O., Tekaya, R., Hadhri, K., Mahmoud, I., & Adbelmoula, L. (2021). Spinal Osteoid Osteoma Revealed by Radiculopathy: Case Report and Literature Review. International Journal of Spine Surgery, 14(s4), S26–S32. https://doi.org/10.14444/7161
[16] Mallepally, A. R., Mahajan, R., Pacha, S., Rustagi, T., Marathe, N., & Chhabra, H. S. (2020). Spinal osteoid osteoma: Surgical resection and review of literature. Surgical Neurology International, 11, 308. https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_510_2020
[17] Rosenthal, D. I., Hornicek, F. J., Torriani, M., Gebhardt, M. C., & Mankin, H. J. (2003). Osteoid osteoma: Percutaneous treatment with radiofrequency energy. Radiology, 229(1), 171–175. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2291021053
[18] Rosenthal, D. I., Springfield, D. S., Gebhardt, M. C., Rosenberg, A. E., & Mankin, H. J. (1995). Osteoid osteoma: Percutaneous radio-frequency ablation. Radiology, 197(2), 451–454. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.197.2.7480692
[19] Rybak, L. D., Gangi, A., Buy, X., La Rocca Vieira, R., & Wittig, J. (2010). Thermal ablation of spinal osteoid osteomas close to neural elements: Technical considerations. AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology, 195(4), W293-298. https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.10.4192
[20] Lychagin, A., Cherepanov, V., Lipina, M., & Vyazankin, I. (2021). Comparison of the Unilateral and the Bilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation without Using an Interbody Cage: Randomized Clinical Trial. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 9(B), 398–402. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.6151
[21] Zhao, Y., Yang, S., & Ding, W. (2019). Unilateral versus bilateral pedicle screw fixation in lumbar fusion: A systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses. PloS One, 14(12), e0226848. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0226848
[22] Yang, S., Xia, H., Cong, M., Guo, A., Ma, K., & Song, M. (2022). Unilateral pedicle screw fixation of lumber spine: A safe internal fixation method. Heliyon, 8, e11621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11621
[23] Boscainos, P. J., Cousins, G. R., Kulshreshtha, R., Oliver, T. B., & Papagelopoulos, P. J. (2013). Osteoid osteoma. Orthopedics, 36(10), 792–800. https://doi.org/10.3928/01477447-20130920-10
[24] Çakar, M., Esenyel, C. Z., Seyran, M., Tekin, A. Ç., Adaş, M., Bayraktar, M. K., & Coşkun, Ü. (2015). Osteoid Osteoma Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation. Advances in Orthopedics, 2015, 807274. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/807274
[25] Kulkarni, A. G., Dhruv, A. N., & Bassi, A. J. (2013). Microendoscopic excision of C2 osteoid osteoma: A technical report. Spine, 38(19), E1231-1234. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e31829cbf5e


How to Cite this Article: Kumar SG, Sudeep Kumar VN, Raju S, Thangamani V, Jeyashankaran BR, Muthu C | Osteoid Osteomas of Spine: From Open to Minimally Invasive Excision of the Nidus – A Case series International Journal | of Spine | January-June 2023; 8(1): 18-22.


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Surgical Management of Cervical Myelopathy: Current Algorithm

Volume 8 | Issue 1 | January-June 2023 | Page: 11-17 | Charanjit Singh Dhillon, Nilay Chhasatia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijs.2023.v08.i01.46

Submitted: 13/02/2023; Reviewed: 10/04/2023; Accepted: 18/05/2023; Published: 10/06/2023


Authors: Charanjit Singh Dhillon [1], Nilay Chhasatia [1]

[1] Department of Spine Surgery, MIOT International, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. C. S. Dhillon,
Director-Spine Surgery, MIOT International, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: drdhillonc@hotmail.com


Abstract

Cervical myelopathy (CM) is a progressive disorder associated with a varied spectrum of etiological factors. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) encompasses two-thirds of the cases of CM, while ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and ossified ligamentum flavum (OLF) are significant regional etiological factors. Microvascular disruption, resulting from repetitive dynamic compression or static pressure to the spinal cord, is attributed as a primary pathophysiological mechanism for CM. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the investigation of choice to assess the spinal cord. Lateral cervical radiographs are crucial for lordosis assessment, and tomographic scans (CT) can delineate the extent of OPLL and OLF. Non-surgical treatment is usually not successful once the patient develops progressive myelopathy. Anterior cervical procedures are ideal for one or two level disc-osteophytes complexes or in patients with kyphotic cervical alignment. Laminoplasty is an effective motion-preserving option in patients with adequate cervical lordosis. Laminectomy or laminoplasty and fusion are optimal for patients with significant preoperative neck pain. Posterior surgery is preferred over anterior surgery for CM involving three or more levels. Older age at presentation, longer duration of symptoms, and severity of pre-operative symptoms are adverse prognostic factors. Progressive cervical myelopathy is a surgical disease, and early intervention is rewarded with better outcomes.
Keywords: Cervical myelopathy, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, OPLL, OLF, Laminoplasty, Laminectomy, ACDF, Cervical corpectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND ETIOLOGY

Cervical myelopathy (CM) encompasses a spectrum of disorders of varied etiology resulting in chronic and progressive compression of the spinal cord. Annual incidence has been predicted to be between 1.6-5.7 per 100,000 population in various series [1]. It is a disease of aging and most commonly seen in the 6th and 7th decade of life with a male preponderance. Degeneration of the cervical spine or cervical spondylosis (CS) is the most common cause of CM. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) most commonly affects C4-5 and C5-6 levels, followed by C3-4 and C6-7 levels [1, 2]. The thickened ligamentum flavum, in conjunction with facetal hypertrophy, and osteophyte formation is responsible for around 60% of cases of degenerative CSM. Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis is often associated with progressive myelopathy [3].
Degeneration in the dorsal and lumbar spine is also associated with the development of CSM. Thoracolumbar spinal deformity patients are twice as likely to present with myelopathic changes in the cervical spine compared to the healthy population. Arthritis in other joints such as hips and the temporomandibular joint is also reported to be associated with the onset of CSM [3].
Environmental factors also play a major role in the evolution of CSM. Certain professions or activities involving repeated jerky and vibratory motions significantly predispose an individual to the CSM. Drivers, weight lifters, drillers, and contact sportsmen such as ice-hockey players have a very high incidence of lifetime chronic neck pain and are predisposed to have early CSM [4]. This could be one of the reasons for a relatively higher preponderance of male patients to have symptomatic CSM.
In specific geographic loci, such as western and southern parts of India, ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and, to a lesser extent, ossified ligamentum flavum (OLF) contribute significantly to the prevalence of CM [5]. Both the static and dynamic biomechanical factors are implicated in the progression of myelopathic features due to the ossified ligaments. Progression of asymptomatic MRI positive OPLL patients to symptomatic myelopathy has been reported to be around 20% in the Japanese population [6].


Other factors, which also contribute to the etiological spectrum of the CM, include clinical syndromes, skeletal dysplasia, and connective tissue disorders associated with ligamentous laxity. Klippel Feil syndrome is commonly associated with sub-axial CM. Down’s syndrome usually presents with craniocervical junctional myelopathy due to associated C1-C2 subluxation. Ligamentous laxity disorders, such as the Ehlers Danlos syndrome, and epiphyseal dysplasia, though uncommon, have a high incidence of CM. Overall, congenital and inherited cases comprise around 3-4% of the total CM cases [1].

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, CLINICAL FEATURES and INVESTIGATIONS


Even though the exact pathophysiology is unclear, the primary insult seems to be a disruption in the microvascular flow of the spinal cord. This disruption could be due to repetitive dynamic compression or continuous static pressure. It activates the endothelium mediated inflammatory cascade, which is hypothesized to trigger apoptosis in the neural and glial tissue — this cascade results in the disruption of axonal flow in long tracts of the spinal cord [2]. The most common presenting complaints are gait imbalance and fine muscle incoordination. More advanced cases present with significant spasticity and are usually not independent walkers.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the mainstay for the identification of cord signal changes such as myelomalacia and to define the extent of compression. In cases of OPLL and OLF, a computerized tomographic (CT) scan will delineate the pattern and extent of ossification. Standard cervical lateral radiographs are crucial for the assessment of cervical lordosis and to guide the choice of surgical approach. Dynamic lateral cervical radiographs can be helpful to identify preexisting instability.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

 

 

TREATMENT OPTIONS:
Non-surgical treatment is not usually successfull once the patient develops myelopathic symptoms. Myelopathy makes ambulation difficult, and even trivial slips and falls may put one at the risk of sudden deterioration in neurological status. Surgical treatment not only arrests further neurological deterioration but can also improve the symptoms of myelopathy.
The primary goal of surgical treatment is to provide the spinal cord relief from compressive elements. Anterior procedures such as discectomy or corpectomy with fusion are relatively more powerful in achieving lordosis. They are designed to remove the cause of compressive insult and are helpful in cases where compression is present in a kyphotic alignment or when a disc-osteophyte complex is causing primarily anterior compression at 1 or 2 levels.
When the compression is due to OPLL, or when 3 or more levels are involved in disc-osteophyte complexes- a posterior indirect decompression in the form of a laminectomy/laminoplasty with fusion or a laminoplasty provides better outcomes. Laminoplasty is associated with a better range of movement compared to the fusion procedures but has been reported to have an increased incidence of neck pain. There is considerable evidence to indicate that the laminoplasty has reduced complication and re-operation rates compared to anterior surgery for CSM involving three or more levels. However, for the laminoplasty to be successful, lordotic cervical alignment is an absolute pre-requisite for the cervical cord to “spring back” away from OPLL. The K-line is an important tool to determine the feasibility of a laminoplasty [6]. When the compression is anterior to K-line (K line +), posterior decompression surgery is often recommended for OPLL patients to avoid the risks involved in multilevel anterior corpectomy. (Fig. 1)

In cases of severe long-standing compression, postoperative worsening of neurological status can be seen, sometimes, despite adequate decompression. It is probably related to rebound cord edema following sudden cord decompression, especially in a long-standing compression. Patients and relatives must be made aware of this catastrophe during pre-operative counseling. The benefits of surgery can only be optimized if a structured post-operative physical and occupational rehabilitation program is implemented.

Anterior Cervical Approach:
The anterior cervical approach described by Smith and Robinson in the 1960s, utilizing the natural anatomical corridor between the carotid vascular bundle laterally and tracheo-esophageal complex medially, has remained the standard route of access for most anterior cervical surgeries. This corridor can be safely traveled upon to approach the spine from C2-C3 disc space to C7-T1 disc space in most individuals. Even though there is some risk of injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve through the right-sided approach, it is an infrequent complication. Thoracic duct injury on the left side is even rarer. We take an approach contralateral to the side of the symptoms/compression to aid direct – end-on- visualization of the compressive pathology. In cases where the compression is central, and both the sides are equally affected, we utilize the right-sided approach, which is the preferred approach of most right-handed surgeons.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion:
The anterior cervical discectomy and fusion remains one of the most rewarding procedures in the spine surgery repertoire. Initial reports of anterior cervical discectomies did not incorporate bone grafting, which was subsequently introduced and popularized by Cloward, Smith, and Robinson. Plate and screw systems to stabilize the graft and aid the fusion have gone through several generations of design over the last few decades. There is evidence to suggest that the plate fixation is superior in terms of fusion rate and graft subsidence compared to non-instrumented fusion [7]. Though the consensus about the value of strut autografts vs. cages, titanium vs. PEEK, and whether to plate or not is still not achieved, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating has become a standard of care in the treatment of various cervical pathologies.
Our preferred skin incision is the horizontal one utilizing natural skin creases. Skin marking can be done with needles or superimposed k-wires under c-arm guidance. Up to 3 disc spaces can be easily accessed in this fashion, and the resulting scar is cosmetic and usually avoids the hypertrophic reaction observed in the vertical incision. The platysma is then incised parallel to the skin incision. Though scissors are a useful tool to separate the platysma from the underlying fascia and incise it, the use of electrocautery can minimize the bleeding at this stage. Utilization of an artery forceps to elevate the muscle from underlying tissues is helpful while using the electrocautery.
Deeper to the platysma, the medial border of the bulk of the sternomastoid muscle defines the lateral extent of the approach. This landmark is usually easily identifiable even in revision exposures. Dissection from here onwards is performed with blunt instruments such as cotton sponges on forceps or with fingertips. The bulk of omohyoid can be encountered around the C5 level, which is identified and resected. Carotid pulsations are then palpated to locate the carotid bundle. Loose areolar tissue between the carotid bundle and the tracheal rings usually guides the surgeon’s finger to the center of the cervical spine. During the early part of the learning curve, it is crucial to guide the finger more medially if the bony cervical spine is not adequately felt. It is vital to make sure that the assistants holding the retractors, especially over the carotid bundle, are not applying too much pressure. Large bleeders can be cauterized or ligated with clips/sutures if need be. Thyroid vessels can be encountered during the exposure, and we prefer to use clips to ligate them.
Once over the bone, medial borders of longus colli are identified. Medial edges of the longus colli can be elevated with bipolar electrocautery to determine the upward rise of the uncovertebral joints, which demark the boundary of the lateral dissection. The glistening peaks are the discs, while the vertebral bodies form the valleys in between the peaks. A check shoot for the level is then taken with a bayonet- shape bent k wire.
It is essential to maintain a subperiosteal plane while elevating the longus colli muscles as cervical sympathetic trunks run vertically along the lateral aspect of the muscle. Horner’s syndrome can be encountered if the sympathetic trunks are damaged during the dissection. Maintaining a subperiosteal plane ensures that the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is retracted with the longus colli muscle. This is especially important while performing a right-sided approach as the right RLN has a variable course and lies more anterior and lateral compared to the left.
One has to be extremely careful about the esophageal musculature- thicker than the adjacent soft tissue- jutting out from under the retractors. The Ryle’s tube is invaluable in identifying the esophagus intra-operatively and preventing esophageal injuries, especially during revision exposures.
Discectomy is carried out in the usual fashion by incising the annulus. The use of a small osteotome or a periosteal elevator facilitates the removal of the degenerated disc from the endplates. Once sufficient discectomy is performed, a Caspar pin retractor is inserted. It is essential to keep the pins in midline and parallel to the endplates. This position serves as a guide to the midline of the spine during surgery and keeps the passage of the retractor pins away from the trajectories of the screws. The parallelism of the pins will provide an optimal distraction while performing the decompression. While we recommend the Caspar pin retractor for the vertical retraction, we prefer the handheld retractors for the retraction of the trachea-esophagus and the carotid bundle. Our experience agrees with the published reports of reduced postoperative dysphagia with the use of handheld retractors8.
The posterior part of the disc is removed with rongeurs till the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) is exposed. It is seen as glistening vertically arranged fibers distinct from the circular whitish tissue of the annulus. If it is ossified, then a burr is used to thin the bone, which is subsequently punched off with a size 1 or 2 Kerrison’s rongeur. A midline cleft is usually separable in the healthy PLL, which can be identified and resected laterally till the uncovertebral joints. Dura is recognized as a transparent white sac with epidural vasculature. Foraminotomies are performed with rongeurs as needed. Bleeding from the foramen is usually an indirect indication of decompression. End plates are then prepared to the bleeding subchondral bone with curettes and burrs. Care must be taken not to remove too much subchondral bone while endplate preparation to avoid cage or bone graft subsidence.
After sizing, which can be done with the sizers provided in the implant systems or graduating size of osteotomes, appropriate size bone graft strut or cage is kept in the disc space. If utilizing a bone-graft strut, it is imperative to shape it to the disc space with the use of saws and rongeurs.
A plate of appropriate size is chosen and stabilized with screws. Various systems offer different screw types, but our preference is to use blunt-tipped, manually drilled, and self-tapping variable angle screws. Screws must converge medially and ideally should stop just short of the posterior cortex. Screws of 14 or 16 mm length are usually sufficient for patients from the Indian subcontient. Screws are directed slightly divergent, toward the subchondral bone of the endplates. (Fig. 2)

Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion:
For a cervical corpectomy, the discectomy is performed at the above, below, and the intermediate levels first. Subsequently, the vertebral body is removed with rongeurs or burrs. We use a harmonic bone scalpel, which reduces the bleeding significantly and preserves a good quantity of bone for subsequent grafting. The posterior wall is removed with Kerrison’s rongeurs and burrs till the dural sac is visible. Corpectomies tend to bleed significantly at this stage, and having an efficient hemosealant such as Surgiflo [© Johnson & Johnson Medical N.V., Belgium] helps achieve rapid hemostasis. Uncovertebral joints demark the lateral boundaries of the corpectomy defect.
In some instances, the dura is also involved in the ossified mass and is often adherent to the ossified PLL or the disc-osteophyte complexes. In such cases, removal of total ossified mass can result in an unintentional dural injury. We usually resort to the floatation technique for such cases. The ossified mass is thinned out with a burr. The edges of the mass are then made free of the surrounding dura till the adherent dura can no longer be separated with a small nerve hook or a small dural elevator. The resultant adhered island is then left to float surrounded by decompressed dura. This technique provides adequate decompression to the cord and avoids complications due to inadvertent dural injury.
Multiple options are available for the stabilization of the corpectomy defect. Our preference is to use a titanium mesh cage filled with locally harvested bone graft, which is buttressed with an anterior cervical plate and screw construct. Reshaping the cage to provide it a lordotic shape ensures the stability after insertion. Care must be taken while positioning the cage or bone graft strut to ensure that it is not pushed too posterior. Careful measurement, using cage punches with a flange towards the adjacent intact vertebra, ensures that the cage will not be pushed too far back. The use of a burr to flatten the anterior osteophytes can be helpful to make the plate sit flush on the spine. In certain cases, when two or more levels corpectomy is performed, we prefer to augment the construct with posterior stabilization and fusion.
Careful cauterization of the bleeders and bone surfaces is a must to prevent postoperative hematoma, especially in corpectomy. We prefer bone wax to plug the oozing bony surfaces and Surgiflo [© Johnson & Johnson Medical N.V., Belgium] to control the soft tissue bleeders. A drain is kept before closing the wound in layers. We use absorbable stitches for the skin and bone graft site closure. A soft collar can be used post-operatively for a few weeks to aid soft tissue healing. (Fig. 3) (Fig. 4)

 

Posterior Surgical Procedures:

The posterior approach to the cervical spine is essentially a continuation of the midline subperiosteal corridor, which can be accessed from sacrum to occiput. However, there are a few caveats to ensure the safety of the approach and optimize the exposure. C2-C6 cervical spinous processes are bifid, and the C7 is the first non-bifid spinous process. The ligamentum nuchae is usually tortuous in its length to accommodate the lordosis. It is important to follow its course to access the median avascular plane. Keeping the head in a slightly flexed or neutral position makes the ligament taught and facilitates the identification of the avascular plane. An effort is made to preserve the muscle attachments at the tip of the C2 spinous processes to minimize postoperative pain and kyphosis.
In the case of laminoplasties, the exposure can be limited to the spino-laminar junction to preserve the integrity of the facet capsules. If fusion is planned, the dissection is taken laterally to the facet joints. One must not go lateral to the facet joints to avoid injuring the vertebral artery.

Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion:
While positioning the myelopathy patient for laminectomy and fusion, it is advisable to keep the neck in a neutral or slight kyphotic alignment to ensure adequate space for the compressed cord while positioning. We prefer to put the lateral mass screws before the laminectomies. A point at the infero-medial aspect of the center of the lateral mass is first decorticated with a burr. A measured and calibrated drill bit with stop-lock is then utilized until the opposite cortex is pierced. A practical guide for maintaining alignment is to rest the drill bit on the spinous process of the inferior vertebra. This maneuver guides the drill parallel to the plane of the facet joint and is coaxial to the center of the lateral mass. Alternatively, a small blunt k-wire can be inserted in the facet joint for recognizing the orientation of the plane of the joint. Self-tapping or manually tapped screws can be utilized.
For the subsequent laminectomy, we prefer a burr to remove the dorsal cortex of the laminae. Once the glassy cortex of the anterior aspect is visualized, a size 1 or 2 Kerrison rongeur is utilized to complete the laminectomy. When available, a harmonic bone scalpel can be used to perform a safe through and through laminectomy. Foraminotomies are done as needed by removing the bone carefully with a size 1 or 2 Kerrison punch. Profuse bleeding can be encountered while doing foraminotomies and can be controlled with the use of patties or hemosealants.
Once the laminectomy is complete, lordosis is restored by repositioning the neck in extension, and the alignment is maintained with the help of contoured rods and lateral mass instrumentation. Facet joints and exposed bone surfaces are then decorticated with a burr, and a morselized local autograft is applied. We prefer to put a collagen sponge on the exposed dural surfaces to prevent postoperative adhesions. Bleeding surfaces and points are cauterized to minimize the postoperative hematoma. The wound is closed in the usual fashion over a drain. A soft cervical collar can be utilized for a few weeks to aid soft tissue healing. (Fig. 5)

Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty:

Described first by Hirabayashi in 1981, the cervical laminoplasty has progressively gained popularity [9]. The aim of the cervical laminoplasty is to preserve the facet joints while providing adequate decompression. This goal is achieved by creating a unicortical hinge in the laminae on one side as in the open door laminoplasty or on both the sides – also known as the French door laminoplasty. Subsequently, the decompression is achieved by elevating a laminar flap to one side or from both sides, allowing the spinal cord to spring-back posteriorly [6].
We use the open-door approach. The laminectomy is usually done on the side of the radiculopathy symptoms or on the right side for the right-handed surgeons. A laminoplasty trough is first prepared by removing the dorsal cortex with a 5 mm burr till the glassy surface of anterior cortex is visible. Then, the laminectomy is performed on the opposite side. In most cases, the laminoplasty is performed at C3-C6 levels, and the C2 lamina is decompressed in a dome fashion. Depending on the extent of compression, the upper edge of the C7 lamina can be similarly cut in a dome fashion. Once the trough and the laminectomy are done, the laminae are gradually elevated with a small osteotome till they open up at the hinge.
Once the laminar flaps are elevated, the resulting gap at the laminectomy sites – or the midline cleft in case of French door laminoplasty- must be maintained. Various implant systems with multiple options of spacers are available. We use an uninstrumented variant developed by us to keep the gap open and provide support for the hinge to heal. A non-absorbable polyester suture material such as Ethibond [© Johnson & Johnson Medical N.V., Belgium] is used to keep the laminar flaps elevated10. The wound is closed over layers and a drain is kept. A soft cervical collar can be used for a few weeks to aid soft tissue healing.
Inadvertent laminectomy can happen while creating the trough or while elevating the laminoplasty flap, and one must be prepared to convert the procedure into a laminectomy and fusion with the necessary toolset. Post-operative neck pain can complicate the laminoplasties; thus, a laminectomy with fusion is a better alternative in cases with considerable pre-operative neck pain. Post-operative C5 palsy can complicate both the laminectomy and laminoplasty and can be a frustrating complication. However, most of the C5 palsies recover over time11.

Cervical Laminoplasty and fusion:
The combination of laminoplasty and instrumented fusion can be utilized as an alternative to laminectomy and fusion. We prefer this hybrid procedure in cases where the local cervical kyphosis can be brought to neutral or in some lordosis but not sufficient enough for a standard laminoplasty, or there is evidence of some segmental instability. In these cases, the laminoplasty is performed in the usual manner. The facets are then decorticated with a burr in the typical fashion, and locally-harvested graft is applied with lateral mass instrumentation for the fusion. The laminectomy gap and the elevated laminar flaps are kept in situ as in a standard laminoplasty.
This hybrid technique is reported to have several advantages. Natural cover provided by the laminae prevents the adherent scar formation seen in open laminectomies. Fusion can be augmented by using the decorticated dorsal laminar surfaces to provide an enhanced bed for the bone graft. Posterior tension band can be preserved, which can promote faster healing and result in less post-operative pain [12]. (Fig. 6) (Fig. 7)

 

Uniform Precautions for Surgical Management of Myelopathic Patients:
1. Awake fiberoptic intubation is a necessity for these patients as hyperextension of the cervical spine during routine intubation can result in deterioration of neurology.
2. Communicate with the anesthesia team for keeping the mean arterial pressure above 75-80 mmHg throughout the procedure. Ensure the presence of an anesthesiologist monitoring the vitals while positioning the patient; especially during the decompression.
3. A Ryle’s tube is a must for any anterior cervical procedure. It makes it safer to retract the esophagus and is indispensable while identifying the esophagus in the operative field.
4. While positioning the patient for ACDF/ACCF, care must be taken to ensure the neutral or slightly lordotic curvature. Hyperextension of the cervical spine must not be done to prevent the worsening of neurology. Bunching up of spinous processes on a lateral c-arm shot is an indicator of excessive extension.
5. Mayfield’s clamp or a similar three-point fixation device is a must for posterior surgeries. Care must be taken not to hyperextend/ twist the neck while turning the patient.
6. The neck is kept in the neutral or a slightly flexed position during the beginning of posterior surgery to facilitate muscle exposure and posterior decompression. In cases where fusion is planned, the neck is extended to achieve adequate lordosis after the decompression and prior to instrumentation.
7. Intra-operative neuromonitoring, when available, should be utilized.

Outcomes of Cervical Myelopathy:
Various measures for the outcome assessment in cervical myelopathy have been devised. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA) is one of the most common assessment tools. The mJOA includes functional scores for both the upper and lower extremities, sensory and bladder functions, and includes categories for significant functional impairment. The mJOA provides numerical scoring and divides the outcome in mild 15-17, moderate 12-14 and severe <12 categories. It has been validated across various languages and is readily available online. The Nurick grading is a more straightforward and valid tool to assess functional impairment with regards to mobility and employment status. The patient’s functional impairment is categorized into six separate strata. The grade zero cases have only root level involvement, while progressive spinal cord involvement and consequent occupational and mobility impairment are graded from I to V; with a grade V case being chair bound or bedridden. The Nurick grade does not include the granular level assessment as the mJOA but provides rapid insight into the impact of myelopathy in patient’s activities of daily living. Other indices, such as the SF-36v2, the neck disability index and 30-meter walking test, have also been reported. The 30-meter walking test is a rapid and effective tool distinguishing controls from myelopathic patients [13].
For the patients undergoing surgical treatment, positive predictors of outcomes include younger age at presentation, shorter duration and mild severity of preoperative symptoms, lack of smoking history, absence of psychiatric disorder, and normal gait at initial presentation [14]. There is low level evidence to suggest that greater number of segments with greater signal intensity (SI) changes in T2-weighted images (WI), low change on T1WI signal intensity, and a higher T1/T2 SI ratio favor irreversible changes in cord histology and predict worse outcomes in postoperative period. However, isolated high grade T2SI change, canal compression ratio and absolute canal diameter are not reported to be predictive of surgical outcomes [15]. Newer imaging modalities such as the diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, functional MRI and MR spectrography are being investigated for their prognostic potential [13]. However, the surgical decision making must be focused on patient’s symptoms and functional impairment with the imaging serving as diagnostic aid.

Summary:

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a surgical disease, and early intervention is rewarded with better outcomes. Anterior cervical procedures are ideal for disc-osteophyte complexes involving one or two levels or in a kyphotic cervical spine. Laminoplasty is a motion preserving option for patients with adequate cervical lordosis without significant neck pain. Posterior cervical laminectomy or laminoplasty with fusion provide optimal indirect decompression and pain relief in cases with OPLL who have significant neck pain and lordotic or neutral sagittal alignment. Posterior surgery has reduced complication rates for CSM involving three or more levels.


References

1. Yamaguchi S, Mitsuhara T, Abiko M, Takeda M, Kurisu K. Epidemiology and Overview of the Clinical Spectrum of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2018;29(1):1-12. doi:10.1016/j.nec.2017.09.001
2. Karadimas SK, Gatzounis G, Fehlings MG. Pathobiology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Eur Spine J Off Publ Eur Spine Soc Eur Spinal Deform Soc Eur Sect Cerv Spine Res Soc. 2015;24 Suppl 2:132-138. doi:10.1007/s00586-014-3264-4
3. Wu J-C, Ko C-C, Yen Y-S, et al. Epidemiology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and its risk of causing spinal cord injury: a national cohort study. Neurosurg Focus. 2013;35(1):E10. doi:10.3171/2013.4.FOCUS13122
4. Joaquim AF, Hsu WK, Patel AA. Cervical spine surgery in professional athletes: a systematic review. Neurosurg Focus. 2016;40(4):E10. doi:10.3171/2016.1.FOCUS15560
5. Reddy KVS, Mudumba VS, Tokala IM, Reddy DR. Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament and fluorosis. Neurol India. 2018;66(5):1394-1399. doi:10.4103/0028-3886.241343
6. Fujiyoshi T, Yamazaki M, Kawabe J, et al. A new concept for making decisions regarding the surgical approach for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: the K-line. Spine. 2008;33(26):E990-993. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e318188b300
7. Oliver JD, Goncalves S, Kerezoudis P, et al. Comparison of Outcomes for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With and Without Anterior Plate Fixation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Spine. 2018;43(7):E413-E422. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000002441
8. Mendoza S, Clifford K, Bartelt R, Stewart J, Clark C, Boezaart A. Dysphagia following anterior cervical arthrodesis is associated with continuous, strong retraction of the esophagus. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90:256-263. doi:10.2106/JBJS.G.00258
9. Hirano Y, Ohara Y, Mizuno J, Itoh Y. History and Evolution of Laminoplasty. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2018;29(1):107-113. doi:10.1016/j.nec.2017.09.019
10. Dhillon CS, Ega SR, Tantry R, et al. Outcome Evaluation of Modified Uninstrumented Open-door Cervical Laminoplasty for Ossified Posterior Longitudinal Ligament with Cervical Myelopathy. Indian J Orthop. 2019;53(4):510-517. doi:10.4103/ortho.IJOrtho_207_19
11. Pan F-M, Wang S-J, Ma B, Wu D-S. C5 nerve root palsy after posterior cervical spine surgery. J Orthop Surg Hong Kong. 2017;25(1):2309499016684502. doi:10.1177/2309499016684502
12. Bridges KJ, Simpson LN, Bullis CL, Rekito A, Sayama CM, Than KD. Combined Laminoplasty and Posterior Fusion for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Treatment: A Literature Review. Asian Spine J. 2018;12(3):446-458. doi:10.4184/asj.2018.12.3.446
13. Wilson JR, Tetreault LA, Kim J, et al. State of the Art in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Update on Current Clinical Evidence. Neurosurgery. 2017;80(3S):S33-S45. doi:10.1093/neuros/nyw083
14. Tetreault LA, Côté P, Kopjar B, Arnold P, Fehlings MG, AOSpine North America and International Clinical Trial Research Network. A clinical prediction model to assess surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: internal and external validations using the prospective multicenter AOSpine North American and international datasets of 743 patients. Spine J Off J North Am Spine Soc. 2015;15(3):388-397. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2014.12.145
15. Tetreault LA, Dettori JR, Wilson JR, et al. Systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging characteristics that affect treatment decision making and predict clinical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Spine. 2013;38(22 Suppl 1):S89-110. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182a7eae0


How to Cite this Article: Dhillon CS, Chhasatia N| Surgical Management of Cervical Myelopathy: Current Algorithm| International Journal of Spine| January-June 2023; 8(1): 11-17.


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Vestigial Tail Associated to Spinal Lipomas: Report of Seven Cases

Volume 8 | Issue 1 | January-June 2023 | Page: 07-10 | Arce-Lozoya Mayra Alejandra, Ramírez-Reyes Alma Griselda, Arredondo-Navarro Luis Ángel, Rajendra Sakhrekar

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijs.2023.v08.i01.45

Submitted: 09/04/2023; Reviewed: 26/04/2023; Accepted: 09/05/2023; Published: 10/06/2023


Authors: Arce-Lozoya Mayra Alejandra [1], Ramírez-Reyes Alma Griselda [1], Arredondo-Navarro Luis Ángel [2], Rajendra Sakhrekar [3]

[1] Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, UMAE Hospital, Siglo XXI, CdMx, México.
[2] Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
[3] Department of Orthopaedics, The Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Arce-Lozoya Mayra Alejandra
Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, UMAE Hospital, Siglo XXI, CdMx, México.
E-mail: mayra.arce.lozoya@gmail.com


Abstract

Objective: Vestigial tail is a rare form of cutaneous stigmata often related to occult spinal dysraphism. We present 7 cases of vestigial tail associated to tethered cord and spinal lipomas in the Pediatric Neurosurgery Service of the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara.
Methods: In this retrospective study from 2017-2022 we reviewed the spinal dysraphism data base of the Hospital de Guadalajara and included the cases of vestigial tails.
Results: 7 patients, 5 female and 2 males with vestigial tails were included. Six different morphologies of tails are described so as their location and relationship to occult spinal dysraphism. All the patients received surgical treatment. Complete resection of the cutaneous stigmata and cord detethering were performed in four cases related to fatty filum terminale and the remaining three of the patients required radical resection of associated complex conus medullaris lipomas. All the surgical procedures were performed with microsurgical techniques and neurophysiological monitoring.
Conclusions: The different classifications include two main forms of tails, true tail and false tail. Most true tails represent only a cosmetic issue, while the false ones are often in close relationship with spinal dysraphism. Considering the risk of underlying malformations associated with false human tails, the preoperative assessment should include a thorough neurological examination, and a spine magnetic resonance imaging. We present the association of several forms of spinal lipomas related to vestigial tails.
Keywords: Vestigial tail, Tethered cord, Spinal lipoma, Pseudo tail, Occult spinal dysraphism.

 

Introduction

Occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) is commonly characterized by skin-covered lesions mainly localized in the lumbosacral area. As skin and nervous tissue are of ectodermal origin, anomalies of both may occur at the same time [1]. Vestigial tails (VT) are rare and heterogenic forms of cutaneous stigmata and might be related to different forms of tethered cord (TC) and OSD.
Most of the knowledge related to VT comes from case reports, thus large series are unavailable. Many descriptions and classifications have merged since Bartles first described it in 1884. Harrison in 1901 made the first differentiation amongst the true and the false tail, naming the nonbony lesion as “caudal appendage”. Since then, various authors presented their different classifications until Dao and Netsky in 1984, published their classical description of “true human tail” and “pseudo tail” which is grossly still in use nowadays [2, 3].
Based on these descriptions, “true tails” include vertebrae, although their embryological origin is different than the false or vestigial tails. VT are different forms of appendages covered by skin and mainly composed of mesenchymatous tissues including fibrous, adipose, and sometimes striated muscle. Nerves can be observed in pathological specimens. These VT are associated with OSD in some cases [3] and represent a major risk to develop a TC syndrome while the child grows up [4].
The report of different forms of spinal lipomas and cord TC in association to VT is not often found in the current literature, we present though 7 cases of VT associated to a different variety of spinal lipomas and TC in the Pediatric Neurosurgery Service of the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, México.
This case report has been reported in line with the SCARE Criteria [10].

Material and Methods
We reviewed the spinal dysraphism data base of The Hospital Civil de Guadalajara from 2017 to 2022 and selected 7 cases of vestigial tail: 5 female and 2 males. The archives included clinical photos and study images along with the clinical charts. An informed consent was achieved from each of the cases and the identity of the patients was preserved under the regulations of good medical practices. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging assessment was performed in each of the patients. All the patients were operated on for resection of the VT and for the different OSD under microsurgical techniques and neurophysiological monitoring. The morphology and location of the VT were classified according to Tojima and Yamada classification 2020 [2].

Results
Seven patients with several forms of vestigial tails were included and analyzed. Demographic data, morphology and location of the tail, clinical findings, type of surgical procedure, type of dysraphism associated and follow up are shown in table 1.


A total of 7 patients were included, 5 female and 2 males; the age range was 1 month old to 5 years old, with a median of 3 months. The aspect of cutaneous stigmata was remarkably heterogeneous varying from tail shaped lesions (cases 1 and 2) to appendicular lesions (cases 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) All of the cases had a preoperative MRI, the lower conus medullaris position below the L2-L3 transition was common in all the cases, a fatty filum terminale was observed in 4 cases (patients 1, 2, 3 and 7), and lipomas of the conus medullaris in three, 1 transitional chaotic lipoma (patient 5) and two caudal lipomas (patients 4 and 6). The clinical preoperative status was normal in almost all the cases, patient 6 had neurogenic bladder though. All the patients were operated on under microsurgical technique and strict neurophysiologic monitoring. Findings during surgery corresponded to preoperative MRI. The postoperative clinical follow up remain unchanged in patients 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and patient 5 developed neurogenic bladder during her growth (Fig. 1-4).

Discussion
VT are rare embryonic anomalies occurring in the lumbar, sacrococcygeal and peri anal regions. Covered in skin, these lesions are mostly pseudo tails and have an enhanced relevance due to its association to several forms of OSD. On the other hand, the true tails include bone and resemble more to those present in other non-human vertebrates [2, 9]. VT probably occur during the 5th and 6th gestational week and this represent their common association to OSD and TC.
Many attempts to classify this anomaly have being used throughout the times and are cited in most of the papers referring these cases [2, 8]. Most of classifications of the so called “true” or “false” tails are based on the presence of bone, calling “true tails” to those bonny appendages. Although the reports of true tails composed of bony elements are extremely rare (counting just a few cases described) may still causing confusion now to establish a fine description [11]. It is important to establish that VT or pseudo tails are more often related to an OSD and must be considered under the spectrum of cutaneous stigmata requiring a more accurate screening of the patients. Thus, in the strict sense, the description of a true tail must not be confused with a VT in terms of treatment, assessment and follow up [11].
We found the classification made by Tojima and Yamada in 2020 very useful. They described three main anatomic locations and six shapes of the vestigial tails. In our point of view this is a simple and accurate way to classify the lesions [2, 3].
In this paper we present the association of different spinal lipomas in all the cases. Four filar lipomas and three lipomas of the conus medullaris, according to the several classifications for spinal lipomas [5] Spinal lipomas are not simple lesions and require a vast experience of the surgeon to treat them, especially in cases of those of the conus medullaris [6].
We found no reports of transitional chaotic lipomas associated to peri anal vestigial tails, as we found in the case number five; so, this might be considered in the assessment of patients with these anomalies. The development of neurogenic bladder in this case could be related more to the type of spinal lipoma she presented, rather than the result of the surgical procedure. Chaotic lipomas are associated to an uncertain prognosis no matter the moment the surgery is performed [6].
The four filar lipomas were completely excised, along with the correction of the cutaneous tail. In the more complex conus medullaris lipoma cases, an aggressive radical resection was attempted to remove most of the lipoma, in two cases the placode neurulation was feasible.
The seven cases we present are of utmost interest because we encountered a very strong relationship of VT to different forms of spinal lipomas. If we referred to the embryonic classification of these lesions, Morota et al. published a brand-new classification of spinal lipomas according to embryonic stage [5]. All our patients presented some different forms of spinal lipomas, 4 fatty filum terminale, 2 caudal lipomas and 1 chaotic lipoma. This finding probably can lead us to realize if there is a relationship between the cutaneous stigmata and the subjacent OSD according to the embryonic stage, and may be important to encourage the need for a complete screening of the spinal cord rather than the simple cosmetic resection of the VT.
We emphasize the importance of the risk of underlying spinal lipomas and tethered cord associated to these vestigial tails. Several other reports have mentioned the associations of dermal sinus and other forms of OSD [7]. Dermal sinus tract is as well a very concerning OSD due to the association of spinal cord dermoid cysts.
The presence of a VT is a matter of concern for the parents, so they might feel under pressure for their child to be operated on as soon as possible. The timing is important for removing the VT and the decision to treat the underlying OSD must be as important as well, thus a thorough assessment since the initial visual diagnosis, must be completed with the appropriate studies, in order to establish the definitive treatment.
The correct recognition of an OSD and its prompt treatment, could be of benefit in preventing future neurologic, orthopaedic or urologic disorders; nevertheless, the early treatment of asymptomatic patients with tethered cord is still on debate and further studies are needed.

Conclusions
1. Most of true tails represent only a cosmetic issue
2. Pseudo-tails are often related to spinal dysraphism.
3. Considering the risk of underlying malformations associated with human tails, the preoperative assessment should include a thorough neurological exam, plain radiographs to clear spinal defects and a spine magnetic resonance imaging.
4. Surgery in these cases should be focused in untethering the cord and the esthetical correction of the cutaneous stigmata.


References

1. Guggisberg D et al. Skin markers of occult spinal dysraphism in children. A review of 54 cases. Arch Dermatol 2004;140:1109-115.
2. Tojima S, Yamada S. Classification of the “human tail”: Correlation between position, associated anomalies, and causes. April 2020 Pages 929- 942.
3. Rueda J et al, Human tail in a newborn. Journal of Pediatric Surgery 2022. 102098.
4. Hertzler DA, De Powell JJ, Stevenson CB, Mangano FT. Tethered cord syndrome: a review of the literature from embryology to adult presentation. Neurosurg Focus 29(1):E1, 2010.
5. Morota N, Ihara S, and Ogiwara H. New classification of spinal lipomas based on embryonic stage J Neurosurg Pediatr 19:428–439, 2017.
6. Pang D. Management of complex spinal cord lipomas: a new perspective. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2020 May; 63(3) 279-313.
7. Mukhopadhyay B, et. Al. Spectrum of human tails: A report of six cases J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg. 2012 Jan-Mar; 23–25.
8. Wilkinson CC, Boylan A. Proposed caudal appendage classification system; spinal cord tethering associated with sacrococcygeal eversion. In Child’s Nervous System Ausgabe 2017.
9. Turk CC, Kara NN, Bacanli A. The human tail: a simple skin appendage or cutaneous stigma of an anomaly?. Turk Neurosurg. 2016;26:140-5.
10. Agha RA, Franchi T, Sohrabi C, Mathew G, Kerwan A. The SCARE 2020 Guideline: Updating Consensus Surgical CAse REport (SCARE) Guidelines .International Journal of Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.10.034.
11. Pillai MK, Nair ST. A true human tail in a neonate. Case report and literature review. Sultan Qaboos University Med J, February 2017, Vol. 17, Iss. 1, pp. e109–111.


How to Cite this Article: Arce-Lozoya M A, Ramírez-Reyes A G, Arredondo-Navarro L Á, Sakhrekar R | Vestigial Tail Associated to Spinal Lipomas: Report of Seven Cases | International Journal of Spine | January-June 2023; 8(1): 07-10.


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Efficacy of Transforaminal Steroid Block for Pain Relief Due to Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation in Previously Operated Case of lumbar Discectomy

Volume 8 | Issue 1 | January-June 2023 | Page: 01-06 | Chandrasen Chaughule, Nitin Bhalerao, Anjaney Karangutkar, Jay Date, Sanket Tanpure, Srishti Tiwari

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijs.2023.v08.i01.44


Authors: Chandrasen Chaughule [1], Nitin Bhalerao [1], Anjaney Karangutkar [1], Jay Date [1], Sanket Tanpure [1], Srishti Tiwari [2]

[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. Vikhe Patil Medical College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.
[2] Department of Anaesthesia, Dr. Vikhe Patil Medical College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Chandrasen Chaughule,
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. Vikhe Patil Medical College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: csfever10@gmail.com


Abstract

Background: lower Back discomfort as a result of a herniated disc is quite prevalent worldwide, frequently resulting in missed work days and significant changes in affect and motivation. Recurrent lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common problem faced after a lumbar discectomy, most frequently seen among male gender, tall-heighted individuals, heavy workers, obese and smokers. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication is the initial course of treatment. But in the majority of instances, it progresses slowly and calls for surgical intervention or minimally invasive treatments like steroid injections.
Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine whether transforaminal steroid block can be attempted before surgery for pain relief in cases of recurrent herniated lumbar disc with failed conservative management having intractable radicular pain.
Materials & Methods: Use of transforaminal selective nerve root block (SNRB) in single level recurrent lumbar disc herniation patients was studied. 40 patients with single lumbar disc herniation, operated with discectomy were studied irrespective of age and sex. All patients were injected with a combination of long acting steroid suspension with local anaesthetic (Bupivacaine-plain) near the affected nerve root via cambins triangle approach and the results were analysed.
Result: Those graded mild, were pain free for up to an average of 5.5 months and those graded moderate had 3.3 months of relief. Patients suffering from extensive disc prolapse had immediate post procedural relief but not in long term. 47.5% patients have had a pain free interval upto 6 months.
Conclusion: Transforaminal SNRB is an excellent alternative for pain relief in patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation having failed conservative management with intractable lumbar radicular pain. It was also found to be a cost effective alternative and relatively less invasive, with almost no complication.
Keywords: Selective nerve root block, Disc prolapse, Recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

 

Introduction

Recurrent lumbar disc herniation is defined as intervertebral disc herniation at the same level with a pain-free interval of more than six months, regardless of ipsilateral or contralateral herniation. There are several frequent pathologies of the spine, with a lifetime prevalence of 5–18%. In some circumstances, it resolves on its own or with the help of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and physiotherapeutic therapy; nevertheless, it can also progress chronically with serious negative effects on the mind, society, economy, and quality of life. Transforaminal injections of small doses of steroids have lately been used to alleviate lower back pain, however the condition can become chronic and have severe negative effects on the quality of life. Recently, lower back discomfort brought on by a herniated disc has been successfully treated with transformational injection of modest quantities of steroids [1-6].
In both the cervical and lumbar areas, selective nerve root block (SNRB) is used to treat radicular pain brought on by a specific damaged nerve root [7-9]. Therapeutic efficacy needs to be discussed despite claims that it has a low degree of specificity as a diagnostic tool [10-11]. This modality is being used commonly for those with or without significant surgical spinal lesions [12]. Mechanical lesions include various stages of disc prolapse as in ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, facet hypertrophy and degenerative osteophytes causing foraminal stenosis, all leading to the nerve root irritation [13]. Transforaminal nerve root block has proven to be quite a specific procedure with excellent outcomes in cases of lumbar disc herniation. Being a pain-relieving interventional procedure, it also falls in the purview of different medical care specialists, including spine surgeons, radiologists, anaesthesiologists, and pain physicians, and thus the inclusion criteria and as a result, different studies have quite diverse inclusion requirements and patient evaluation standards. Patients in non-manual job (“white collared”) had a poor outcome with SNRB although studies have revealed a higher incidence of LDH in young, male patients engaged in severe manual labour, although the relationship between this finding and the results of LDH treatment is unclear. Significantly greater in patients with low work satisfaction and high stress employment, particularly those with jobs that required them to meet regular time-based deadlines. It has been demonstrated that obesity and a higher BMI are linked to recurrent LDH. Other risk factors are smoking, diabetes, etc. Another theory for the cause of the nerve root pain is an inflammatory reaction to an exposed nucleus pulpous [13]. The idea behind this method is to inject a steroid into the nerve root to minimise inflammation, which will lessen pain intensity. For their anti-inflammatory effects, these medications work through a variety of substrates by inhibiting phospholipase A2 which plays a significant role in the cascade and the pathophysiology of pain. Experimental models demonstrated that betamethasone might decrease the expression of substance P thus leading us to a possible role in pain mediating pathway. In addition, methylprednisolone has demonstrated effects leading to a decrease in edema and venous congestion with reduction of ischemia and pain. However, the actual disease causing the stimulation of the nerve roots is still unknown, thus recurrence is anticipated.
Our goal is to investigate the prognosis following a single dosage of SNRB over the damaged lumbar nerve roots to see its efficacy in reduction of pain in case of recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

Materials and methods
Patients were chosen based on different factors regardless of age and sex. Screening with MRI was done in all patients for identifying the lesion. Only those patients with intervertebral disc lesions affecting a particular lumbar nerve root, who were previously operated were selected for the study. Patients with more of back pain than radicular pain were to be excluded as a part of study also those having symptoms of bilateral and more than one nerve root involvement and those having neuro deficit. Patients’ MRI were graded according to MSU classification for herniated disc [14].
Inclusion criteria. : Patients previously operated for lumbar disc herniation (Endoscopic/ Microscopic) having a unilateral disc prolapse on same or the adjacent side or level, not responding to conservative modalities for more than 3 months and destined to have a revision surgery were included in study. (Fig. 1, 2)

 
Before the operation, all patients completed the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) for back pain, and their results were recorded [15]. Numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain was used to grade pre-procedural pain on doing SLR [16]. Procedure took not more than 15 minutes. The patients which were selected had underwent a micro or open lumbar discectomy, followed by a conservative management plan that included rest and physical therapy but did not help the patients’ symptoms. Since there were no patients in our sample with pathology at any levels other than L4-L5 and L5-S1, L5 and S1 were our target nerve roots. No case of far lateral or foraminal disc prolapse were present, affecting l4 at L4-L5 or L5 at L5-S1. The procedure to direct L5 and S1 nerve root is different. (Fig. 3, 4)


Although there are discrepancies in the position of the C-arm and the direction of exposure change, this procedure is always done under C-Arm control. In the prone position, the patient’s lumbosacral spine is examined. The area has been set up and covered. An antero-posterior (AP) view of the lumbosacral junction is possible with the C-Arm in this posture. Identification of the L5 pedicle on that side in an AP C-Arm picture is required in order to target the damaged L5 nerve root. Normally, the L5 nerve leaves the body below and at the L5 pedicle. The L5 nerve usually exits just inferior to L5 pedicle. Adequate local anaesthetic was infiltrated under the skin 3–4 cm lateral to the inferior border of L5 pedicle where we usually enter. A 20-gauge spinal needle was introduced and directed to a point few millimetres below and lateral to the L5 pedicle where the nerve is usually found. If there is resistance by bony lamina, the needle is walked over the bony lamina to reach the desired point via kambin’s triangle approach. The first dorsal sacral foramen must be clearly visible in order to target the S1 nerve root, hence the C-Arm must be tilted perpendicular to the sacrum. Here the first dorsal foramen, where S1 leaves, is the intended location for the needle. We were very careful not to handle the needle aggressively. The patients were warned about the paraesthesia that would be felt along the path of their radicular pain when the needle would hit the nerve. This is done to stop the needle from injuring the nerve. (Table 1)


Sometimes, when it was difficult to induce paraesthesia, a lateral view was taken to validate the needle’s position. As soon as paraesthesia is elicited, needle is slightly withdrawn and 0.5 ml of an iodine based radiopaque dye is injected to confirm the position of needle [17]. Then a combination of 80 mg of triamcinolone-based suspension with local anaesthetic was injected over the affected nerve root. Post procedural paraesthesia due to local anaesthetic effect is expected. Numeric rating of pain using NRS on doing SLRT was used to analyse immediate effect of this procedure. The majority of patients were discharged on the same day of the treatment and advised to relax and refrain from strenuous activity for the first two days. They were instructed to check in after two days if their symptoms remained the same or one week later if they felt better. Patients were assessed with the Roland Morris Disability questionnaire for back pain, and their results were recorded every week also In the first month following the treatment and then monthly up to 6 months. Those with unchanged symptoms and recurrence went for a subsequent revision surgery and remaining patients were warned about recurrence of symptoms. (Fig. 4, 5)

Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ)

Result
When performing straight leg raises on the afflicted side before the procedure, the mean NRS pain score was 8. The mean pre-procedure Roland Morris Disability questionnaire score was 23, and L5 nerve root was targeted in 32 patients (80%) who had L4 L5 intervertebral disc prolapse. L5 S1 disc prolapse affected 8 patients (20%), where S1 nerve root was involved. after the procedure on doing straight leg raising on the test on the involved side, the mean numbering rating of pain was reduced to 4 which was result of local anaesthetic effect. NRS assessment on doing SLR was done on 2nd day after the procedure for 4 patients who returned with similar pain. It was determined to be one point less or the same as pre procedure status. As per the protocol every patient was to be re-examined after one week and were given the Roland Morris Disability questionnaire for back pain and the score was recorded. At one week, the average RMDQ score was 10.35, which pointed to improvement. Revision surgery was suggested for those who experienced full recurrence in consecutive follow-ups and had RMDQ scores higher than 20. These patients were those who were deemed to be severe and in whom surgery was recommended but they were reluctant to go for surgery. After the first week, all of these patients experienced a near complete recurrence with an RMDQ score of 22 or above. They were informed of their unsatisfactory outcome further they all decided to have surgery. On excluding those 4 patients with recurrence our sample reduced to 36 patients (90%) with a mean RMDQ score of 8.1 by 2 weeks and 6.2 by 3 weeks. Review at one month had 5 patients with RMDQ scores more than 20. As a result they were omitted from study group and thus, reducing our sample size to 31 patients (77.5%). average RMDQ score of the revised study group was 7.8 by 1 month. Next follow up was by 2 months which had 6 patients with RMDQ scores more than 20. They were excluded and our group reduced to 25 patients (62.5%) with mean RMDQ score of 6.8. of the remaining sample size four patients started experiencing symptoms again at 3 months thus, reducing our group to 21 (52.5%). Mean RMDQ score of the remaining 21 was 9. By 4 months, 2 more patients had RMDQ score more than 20. Hence our group reduced to 19 patients (47.5%) with mean 4-month RMDQ score of 8.4. Thus, with a mean RMDQ score of 8.4 after 4 months, our cohort was decreased to 19 patients (47.5%). The average RMDQ score for these 19 patients at 5 months was 11.8; at 6 months, it was 13. After 6 months, patients with non-surgical radiological lesions were offered the option of receiving a second dose of SNRB, and all of them chose to do so. They were informed of our findings and prognosis.


Analysing results showed that 90% patients had improvement by 2 weeks which reduced to 77.5% by 1 month (Table 2). Sequential follow-up showed a consistent decline in the number of patients reporting alleviation. By two months, only 62.5% of patients reported relief, which fell to 52.5% by three months and to 52.5% by four months. Finally, only 47.5% of patients were still pain free at six months, returning gradually to their pre-procedural condition. The final 47.5% of patients had a mild bulging disc to one side. According to our description based on MSU Classification, those graded mild had 5.5 months relief and that graded moderate had 3.3 months relief. Except for the immediate post-procedural relief, those with significant disc prolapse for whom surgery is recommended did not experience any relief.

Discussion
Lumbar radiculopathy secondary to a recurrent lumbar disc herniation is quite a challenging scenario in orthopaedic clinic. Patients who present with this complaints have an increasing trend. When treating these patients conservatively, results can vary greatly. The majority of patients who previously had a spine surgery initially reject surgery. Such people require a treatment that will at least temporarily reduce their agony. For these patients, SNRB is a critical treatment component. Also considering the morbidity and problems with revision lumbar spine surgery Transforaminal nerve root block has proved to be quite a specific procedure for pain relief with excellent outcomes in cases of recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Being a pain-relieving interventional procedure, it also falls in the purview of different medical care specialists, including spine surgeons, radiologists, anaesthesiologists, and pain physicians, and as a result the inclusion criteria and Patient evaluation differs greatly between trial. The prognosis for these people varies depending on the specific condition still causing the inflammation of the nerve root. Many authors have used methyl prednisolone-based preparations for this purpose [18]. Manchikanti et al demonstrated Transforaminal injections of local anaesthetic with or without steroids might be an effective therapy for patients with disc herniation. However present evidence illustrates the lack of superiority of steroids compared with local anesthetic at 2-year follow-up [22].

Patients with sedentary jobs fared poorly with SNRB. While studies have shown a higher incidence of Recurrent LDH in young, male patients engaging in heavy manual labour, their relationship with regard to the outcomes of LDH management has not been made clear. Studies have also shown that the incidence of LDH was significantly higher in patients who had high-stress jobs, particularly patients whose jobs required them to meet frequent time-based deadlines and patients with lower job satisfaction.
Morgan-Hough et al demonstrated, compared to extruded or sequestrated discs, a confined disc protrusion was almost three times more likely to require revision surgery. In comparison to patients with extruded or sequestrated discs, those with initial protrusions had a much higher straight leg rise and a lower prevalence of favorable neurological symptoms. Since these patients are three times more likely to need revision surgery, they should be excluded from care clinically and treated with a more zealous conservative approach emphasizing need for conservative management in lumbar disc herniations [23].
Study conducted by Kim J et al showed to have a comparison of nerve blocks and surgery that focused on radiological data, which was not previously proposed. According to the study’s findings, patients with disc herniations in the L4-5 that are longer than 6.31 mm may be candidates for surgery, whereas those with disc herniations less than 6.23 mm may benefit from nerve blocks. The threshold values for the radiological variables at 12 months exhibited nearly moderate discriminating power. However the study has limitations even if it is still promising. The study’s patient population was rather small, especially among the elderly, and it was retrospective in nature. Therefore, additional research involving more patients will be required before suggested cut-off values and may be used generally [24].
While performing the procedure the needle should not be handled roughly when the treatment is being performed because we only expect to lightly contact the nerve root. The majority of publications advice against doing this to avoid needle-induced problems, however none occurred in our study [17–20]. Using a quantitative pain rating scale, we assessed pain both before and after the procedure. Since focusing on the functional outcome was our main goal, we chose to employ the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. When the patient is unable to attend a follow-up appointment, this strategy can be helpful. according to questionnaire the severity of the prolapse was proportional to number of yes answers by the patient Based on the examination of serial questionnaire score 21, clinical improvement over time can be rated. Early response could not predict the effect after two weeks, as mentioned by a select few other writers. This quick relief may serve as a diagnostic tool to establish that the affected root is the obstructed root and has to be decompressed. It refers to how much relief the patient will get if that specific nerve root is surgically decompressed. Similar outcomes were obtained for those with mild and moderate prolapse, giving the majority of our patient’s time to consider their next course of treatment in case their pain reappears.
To the best of our knowledge, despite the lack of standardised guidelines, the goal of this study is to show how well steroid nerve root block works in treating recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Future large-scale randomised control studies should be conducted for a proper understanding

Conclusion
Numerous factors like tobacco chewing smoking, Lifestyle, obesity, intraoperative technique, and biomechanical factors may lead to occurrence of recurrent disc disease. Steroid nerve tansforaminal root block proved to be an excellent alternative for pain relief in patients with unilateral recurrent lumbar disc herniation, having failed conservative management complaining of intractable radicular pain with unilateral positive straight leg raise test. Considering the morbidity and complications as well as challenges with Revision Lumbar spine Surgery, It seemed a relatively less invasive with almost no complication. Although, the effect is typically unpredictable in its duration of course of pain free interval majority of patients yet it gains a valuable pain free interval in those patients with mild and moderate pathology. Also it proved to be a Cost effective, day care procedure with minimal morbidity with almost no complications.


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How to Cite this Article: Chaughule C, Bhalerao N, Karangutkar A, Date J, Tanpure S, Tiwari S | Efficacy of Transforaminal Steroid Block for Pain Relief Due to Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation in Previously Operated Case of lumbar Discectomy | International Journal of Spine | January-June 2023; 8(1): 01-06.


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