The aim of this study was to determine whether early surgical treatment results in better neurological recovery 12 months after injury than late surgical treatment in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Patients with tSCI requiring surgical spinal decompression presenting to 17 centres in Europe were recruited. Depending on the timing of decompression, patients were divided into early (≤ 12 hours after injury) and late (> 12 hours and < 14 days after injury) groups. The American Spinal Injury Association neurological (ASIA) examination was performed at baseline (after injury but before decompression) and at 12 months. The primary endpoint was the change in Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS) from baseline to 12 months.Aims
Methods
This is a study to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of MRI in spinal cord injury. We performed this prospective study on sixty two patients of acute spinal trauma. We evaluated the epidemiology of spinal trauma & various traumatic findings by MRI. MRI findings were correlated with clinical findings at admission & discharge according to ASIA impairment scale. Four types of MR signal patterns were seen in association with spinal cord injury-cord edema / non haemmorhagic cord contusion (CC), severe cord compression (SCC), cord hemorrhage (CH) and epidural heamatoma (EH). Isolated lesion of cord contusion was found in 40%. All other MR signal patterns were found to be in combination. In cord contusion we further subdivided the group into contusion of size < 3 cm and contusion of size > 3 cm to evaluate any significance of length of cord contusion. In cord heammorhage involving >1cm of the cord, focus was said to be sizable. On bivariate analysis, there was a definitive correlation of cord contusion (CC) involving <3cm & > 3cm of cord with sensory outcome. In >3cm, chances of improvement was 5.75 times lesser than in patients with CC involving <3cm of cord (odds ratio = 5.75 (95% CI: 0.95, 36), Fisher's exact p = 0.0427 (p<.05). In severe cord compression (SCC) the risk of poor outcome was more (odds ratio 4.3 and p=0.149) however was not statistically significant. It was noted that the patients in which epidural hematoma (EH) was present, no improvement was seen, however, by statistical analysis it was not a risk factor and was not related with the outcome (odds ratio – 0.5 and p = 0.22). Presence of cord oedema / non haemorrhagic contusion was not associated with poor outcome (odds ratio 0.25 and p=0.178). On multiple logistic regression / multivariate analysis for estimating prognosis, sizable focus of haemorrhage was most consistently associated with poor outcome (odds ratio −6.73 and p= 0.32) however it was not statistically significant. The risk of retaining a complete cord injury at the time of follow up for patients who initially had significant haemorrhage in cord was more than 6 fold with patients without initial haemorrhage (odds ratio 6.97 and p= .0047). Besides being helpful in diagnosis, MRI findings may serve as a prognostic indicator for clinical, neurological and functional outcome in acute spinal trauma patients.
Recent advances in spinal cord injury(SCI) management have markedly reduced mortality &
morbidity, but concern regarding final neurological outcome is still at large. Global search is for prognostic-factors to predict neurological recovery. We statistically analyzed different variables to review the established and determine newer predictors of neurological recovery in SCI. During 1999–2000, 403 patients were admitted. 91 could be followed up for more than one year. Improvement in the motor score (ASIA) was taken as indicative of functional neurological recovery Prognostic factors were simplified into static(which do not change with time) and dynamic(which may change with time). Variables like age, sex, mode/mechanism of injury and skeletal level were static. These were recorded at admission and correlated for any association with neurological recovery at one year. Variables like neurological level, sacral sparing, duration of spinal shock, reflex recovery, sensory &
motor scores and complications like bedsores, flexor spasms, UTI, URTI, &
DVT were dynamic. These were recorded at admission, at weekly intervals till discharge and at 3 monthly intervals in follow-up. Bivariant &
Regressive analysis of static and dynamic factors was done. No significant correlation of static variables was found with the neurological recovery. On bivariant analysis Pin-prick sparing, intact bladder, spinal shock of <
24 hours and early appearance of deep tendon reflexes were good prognostic factors. Complete lesion, priapism, spinal shock for >
1 week, bedsore within 1 week and flexor spasms within 3 weeks were worst prognostic factor. When regressive linear analysis was done speed of recovery in the initial three weeks was the most important prognostic factor irrespective of other variables studied against the final neurological recovery. All variables affecting neurological recovery have an effect on the speed of recovery, which is the single most important prognostic factor influencing ultimate recovery. The initial 3 weeks following injury were the critical period influencing final neurological &
functional outcome.
We reviewed a series of 53 patients with closed traumatic complete injuries of the cervical spinal cord. They were admitted within two days to a spinal injuries centre, treated conservatively by six weeks of bedrest and skull traction, then mobilised in a neck support for six weeks. Eight patients had temporary neurological deterioration, four spontaneously and four after cervical manipulation; seven of these recovered to the initial neurological level without surgery. Of 40 patients followed for more than 12 months, 19 recovered useful motor power in local muscles which were initially paralysed (zonal recovery); one patient showed distal motor recovery. Zonal recovery did not correlate with the mechanism of skeletal injury or with the degree of residual canal stenosis. Sensory sparing and an initial neurological level higher than the level of skeletal injury were both good prognostic signs for zonal recovery.
Collagen scaffolds loaded with mesenchymal stem cells accelerate neurological recovery in rat spinal hemisection. To investigate the implantation effects of the collagen scaffold (CS) combined with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the function recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI) with a lateral hemisection SCI SD rat model.Summary
Objective
All types of cervical laminoplasties for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) gave the same degree of postoperative neurological recoveries. However, postoperative neck functions differed according to degrees of intervention with posterior supporting elements of the neck (spinoligamentous complex, SLC). To obtain optimal postoperative neck function, SLC should be preserved. Laminar enlargement destroying SLC resulted in anterior tilt of neck, loss of cervical lordosis and loss of cervical range of motion (ROM) by 40–60% of preoperative ROM, whereas, tension-band laminoplasty ( To obtain optimal postoperative neurological recovery, the timing of decompression was a key issue. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for cervical myelopathy (normal = 17 points) was used for neurological evaluation. One hundred and nine patients who underwent tension-band laminoplasty, were grouped into 3 groups according to preoperative JOA scores: group A with JOA score above 14 (10 patients), group B with JOA score between 11 and 13 (48 patients), and group C with JOA score below 10 (51 patients). Mean pre-/post- JOA scores and ratios of patients with postoperative JOA score above 16 for each group were as follows: 1 0.4/14.1, 34% for total patients, 14.6/16.5, 80% for group A, 11.9/14.8, 40% for group B, and 8.2/12.9, 20% for group C. There was a statistical difference among three groups. It was concluded that decompression at the early stage with JOA score above 14 using tension-band laminoplasty might provide the best outcome to CSM-patients regarding neurological improvement and postoperative neck function.
The aim of this study was to assess whether it is possible to predict the mortality, and the extent and time of neurological recovery from the time of the onset of symptoms and MRI grade, in patients with the cerebral fat embolism syndrome (CFES). This has not previously been investigated. The study included 34 patients who were diagnosed with CFES following trauma between 2012 and 2018. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed and the severity graded by MRI. We investigated the rate of mortality, the time and extent of neurological recovery, the time between the injury and the onset of symptoms, the clinical severity of the condition, and the MRI grade. All patients were male with a mean age of 29.7 years (18 to 70). The mean follow-up was 4.15 years (2 to 8), with neurological recovery being assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination.Aims
Methods
Surgical approaches to cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remain controversial. The purpose of the present study was to analyze and compare the long-term neurological recovery following anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PLF) based on > ten-year follow-up outcomes in a single centre. Included in this retrospective cohort study were 48 patients (12 females; mean age 55.79 years (SD 8.94)) who were diagnosed with cervical OPLL, received treatment in our centre, and were followed up for 10.22 to 15.25 years. Of them, 24 patients (six females; mean age 52.88 years (SD 8.79)) received ADF, and the other 24 patients (five females; mean age 56.25 years (SD 9.44)) received PLF. Clinical data including age, sex, and the OPLL canal-occupying ratio were analyzed and compared. The primary outcome was Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the secondary outcome was visual analogue scale neck pain.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic factors for postoperative neurological recovery and survival in patients with complete paralysis due to neoplastic epidural spinal cord compression. The medical records of 135 patients with complete paralysis due to neoplastic cord compression were retrospectively reviewed. Potential factors including the timing of surgery, muscular tone, and tumour characteristics were analyzed in relation to neurological recovery using logistical regression analysis. The association between neurological recovery and survival was analyzed using a Cox model. A nomogram was formulated to predict recovery.Aims
Patients and Methods
A total of 39 HIV-infected adults with spinal tuberculosis underwent anterior spinal decompression for neurological deficit. Fresh-frozen allografts were used in 38 patients. Antituberculous drugs were prescribed for 18 months, but antiretroviral therapy was not used. Six patients died within two years of surgery.
Purpose: To describe the diagnostic planning and treatment modalities of six patients with this rarest of sacral fractures. Due to the low incidence of these injuries, there is no literature evidence concerning their management. Materials and Methods: Six patients with a transverse fracture of the sacrum with anterior displacement. All patients were admitted with bowel and bladder dysfunction, perineal anesthesia, sensory and motor deficits at the lower extremities. Prompt diagnosis of the sacral fracture was obtained in five of the six patients. Results: Operative treatment including extensive lumbosacral laminectomies, spine instrumentation and fusion was performed in all cases.
We describe the results of surgical treatment in a prospective study of 183 consecutive cases of subluxation (101) and dislocation (82) of the shoulder secondary to obstetric brachial plexus palsy between 1995 and 2000.
Meticulous haemostasis not only improves the operative field facilitating spinal surgery, but also diminishes chances of post-operative neurological complications from a compressive haematoma. Since being introduced in the 1940’s, implantable haemostats have proven a useful adjunct in achieving haemostasis with relatively few complications. However, their use in spaces bounded by bony architecture can lead to compressive effects on neurological structures. We present three cases of post-operative cauda equina syndrome – two cases following surgery for lumbar disc herniation and one case following surgery for lumbar canal stenosis. In each case, implantable haemostats were utilised to control haemorrhage for complications during the surgery. All three patients underwent urgent exploration, which revealed cauda equina compression from clot organised around the haemostat.
Vertebral haemangiomas are usually asymptomatic and discovered fortuitously during imaging. A small proportion may develop variable degrees of pain and neurological deficit. We prospectively studied six patients who underwent eight surgical procedures on 11 vertebral bodies. There were 11 balloon kyphoplasties, six lumbar and five thoracic. The mean follow-up was 22.3 months (12 to 36). The indications for operation were pain in four patients, severe back pain with Frankel grade C paraplegia from cord compression caused by soft-tissue extension from a thoracic vertebral haemangioma in one patient, and acute bleeding causing Frankel grade B paraplegia from an asymptomatic vascular haemangioma in one patient. In four patients the exhibited aggressive vascular features, and two showed lipomatous, non-aggressive, characteristics. One patient who underwent a unilateral balloon kyphoplasty developed a recurrence of symptoms from the non-treated side of the vertebral body which was managed by a further similar procedure. Balloon kyphoplasty was carried out successfully and safely in all patients; four became asymptomatic and two showed considerable improvement.
Introduction. Neurological involvement occurs in 10-30% cases of caries spine. Surgical debridement and stabilisation is needed to decompress the cord and prevent progression of deformity. This prospective study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of operative treatment in the management and neurological recovery in patients with caries spine with neural deficit. Material & methods. 20 patients, 14 male, 6 female, were included and followed up for 1 year after surgery. The mean age was 39.45 years. 10 patients had complete paraplegia and 9 patients had paraparesis. 1 patient with cervical involvement had quadriplegia. Anterior decompression and stabilisation was done in all the cases. Objective of surgery was adequate debridement of diseased foci, decompression of cord and stabilisation of spine with correction of deformity. In 19 (95%) patients there with thoraco-lumbar involvement. This was addressed with a titanium mesh cage filled with impacted bone graft and supplemented with 2 Moss Miami screws and a rod construct. In the cervical spine, cervical spine locking plate was used for stabilisation after decompression and bone grafting (tricortical iliac crest graft). Results. Fifteen patients had complete and 5 patients had incomplete neurologic
Introduction and Aims: Prospective review of the patients who underwent stabilisation of displaced acetabular fractures in our unit in order to evaluate the presence of neurological lesions and functional outcome. Method: Out of 136 patients operated over six years we identified 27 patients with neurological lesions. A standard protocol was followed for the clinical and neurophysiological evaluation of nerve injuries. Electromyography (EMG) was used to determine the anatomical location of the neurological lesions and the type of lesion, which act as a valuable tool in the diagnosis of double crush lesion in the sciatic nerve.
Purpose: Radial paralysis is a major complication of humeral shaft fractures. In most cases, the paralysis is regressive but in certain patients surgical repair is required to achieve full neurological recovery. We reviewed retrospectively our patients to determine the causes of non-recovery and evaluate the efficacy of different treatments. Material and methods: Thirty patients were operated between 1990 and 1997 for radial nerve paralysis that was observed immediately after trauma or developed secondarily. Mean follow-up after surgery was 6.3 years. There were 22 men and 8 women, 16 right side and 14 left side. Mean delay from injury to surgery was four months (0–730 days). Elements that could be involved in radial paralysis were noted: type of fracture, level of the fracture, treatment, approach, material used. There were ten cases with non-union.
Anterior spinal pathology of the upper thoracic (T2–T4) segment is rare. The surgical approach is still controversial. Anterior week approach with partial osteotomy of the sternum or high latero-posterior thoracotomy are insufficient to approach this segment. The purpose of this study is to present our experience with sternotomy as a approach in the surgical treatment of anterior spinal pathology to the upper thoracic (T2–T4) segment. Material and methods: Between 2000–2004 nine patients with anterior spinal pathology in the upper thoracic segment were surgically treated. From all patients 5 were male and 4 female. The age ranged from 52 to 62 years. The anterior spinal pathology localisation was in 5 patients in T2; in 2 pt. in T2 and 2 pt. in both T2 and T3. The diagnosis in all patients was done by protocol wich included: careful neurological examination; standard radiographic films (AP and lateral view); CT; MRI; bone scan and other routine investigations. Neurologic status (deficit) was evaluated by modified Frankel Scale (M.F.S.). There were one patient grade A2; 4 patients with grade B; 3 pt. as a grade 3 and one grade D1. Sternotomy as a approach was used in all patients to expose the upper thoracic (T2–T4) segment. Corpectomy, extirpation of the local tumors mass; decompression of the spinal canal and neural elements was done. The defect between T1-T3-4 was bridged with three-cortical iliac crest bone graft. In 7 cases fixation with anterior plate was done. Histologically in 2 pt. was found metastasis of carcinoma of thyroid grand foliculocellulare type; in 4 pt. solitary plasmocytoma; in two pt. giant cell tumor and in one patient invasive chondroma. All patients after surgery were transferred to the Oncology Center for other aditional treatment.