寰椎侧块-枢椎椎弓根钉棒技术在先天性颅颈交界区畸形翻修手术中的应用

目的 探讨寰椎侧块-枢椎椎弓根螺钉棒复位内固定技术对于已行不当后颅窝减压术的先天性颅颈交界区畸形患者进行翻修手术的可行性及临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2013年1月—2016年1月中国人民解放军总医院第一医学中心神经外科收治的21例先天性颅颈交界区畸形患者的临床资料。其中18例患者在外院已行后颅窝减压术,3例患者行后颅窝减压术+枕颈内固定术。患者术前及术后均行颅颈交界区3D-CT及MRI检查,评估寰枢椎脱位和上颈髓受压的程度;采用日本骨科协会(JOA)评分标准对患者的临床状况进行评价。所有患者均采用后路寰椎侧块-枢椎椎弓根螺钉-棒技术行寰枢复位内固定,并取髂后上棘松质骨颗粒植骨融合。结果 本组患者的翻修手术均成功实施,术中未出现脊髓、椎动脉损伤。术后20例患者完成了6～24个月,平均12. 2个月的随访。3D-CT复查示,19例患者(90. 5%)获得垂直方向的完全复位,18例患者(85. 7%)获得水平方向的完全复位;植骨均出现融合,未出现钉棒脱落或复位丢失者。MRI复查显示,上颈髓受压均获得缓解。术后3个月的JOA评分从术前的(9. 8±2. 1)分提高到(14. 1±1. 9)分,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 01)。结论 寰椎侧块-枢椎椎弓根螺钉-棒复位内固定技术治疗已行不当后颅窝减压术的先天性颅颈交界区畸形是安全有效且可行的。     

不同术式治疗颅颈交界区畸形的临床疗效探讨

目的探讨颅颈交界区畸形不同外科处理方式的临床效果。方法分析第四军医大学西京医院神经外科2008年4月至2017年6月手术治疗的690例颅颈交界区畸形患者资料。其中,枕骨钉枢椎椎弓根螺钉复位内固定术治疗390例,寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉复位内固定术治疗210例,单纯后路减压术治疗90例。术前日本整形外科协会(JOA)评分为3~13(平均8.20±4.34)分,术后通过对患者的临床症状、JOA评分和影像学改善情况进行1~14个月随访,分析手术疗效。结果随访期内,术后所有患者的临床症状明显减轻,JOA评分为7~16(平均12.13±3.38)分,较术前分值显著提高(t=-5.976,P=0.002)。术后3 d颈椎CT显示所有患者的螺钉位置良好,寰枢关节脱位完全复位者485例,颈髓MRI显示脊髓形态得到一定程度的改善。术后3月颈椎CT显示骨性融合良好,颈髓MRI显示脊髓空洞消失或明显改善者512例。结论根据患者颅颈交界畸形是否稳定而选择不同术式,可取得良好的临床效果。     

自发性寰枢关节脱位后路复位内固定术中枢椎椎弓根螺钉置入不能时的备选方法

目的探讨自发性寰枢关节脱位后路内固定过程中枢椎椎弓根螺钉置入不能时,其他备选螺钉内固定技术的安全性及有效性。方法对贵州省人民医院神经外科未采用枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗的11例自发性寰枢关节脱位患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。在枢椎椎弓根螺钉置入不能时,采用枢椎椎板螺钉、峡部螺钉、枢椎下关节突螺钉及延长固定节段至C3侧块螺钉来增加稳定性的方法。手术前后分别行CT及MRI检查,评价脊髓受压程度、脱位复位情况、螺钉位置、骨融合情况;通过比较术前、术后日本骨科协会(JOA)评分来评价疗效。结果 11例患者均为枢椎椎弓根置钉不能,改用备选方法置钉,全部行枕颈钉棒内固定。共置入枢椎椎板锣钉14枚,枢椎峡部螺钉5枚,枢椎下关节突螺钉1枚,延长固定节段至C3侧块螺钉4枚。术中均未发生椎动脉和脊髓神经根损伤。11例患者的寰枢关节脱位均得到不同程度的复位,随访中无患者出现螺钉松动、滑脱、断钉及复位丢失等情况,JOA评分为显著增加。结论对自发性寰枢关节脱位后路内固定过程中枢椎椎弓根螺钉置入不能时,可根据情况,个性化选用枢椎椎板螺钉、峡部螺钉、枢椎下关节突螺钉及延长固定节段至C3侧块螺钉的方法来固定,是可行且有效的。     

颈枕融合术治疗复杂颅颈交界区畸形的疗效分析

目的 探讨颈枕融合术治疗复杂颅颈交界区畸形的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2012年2月至2018年2月武汉大学人民医院神经外科行枕颈融合术治疗的23例复杂颅颈交界区畸形的临床资料。3例行经口齿状突切除+后路枕颈固定融合术,20例行寰枢椎复位+后颅窝减压+后路枕颈固定融合术。结果 术后2周齿状突与钱氏线距离、日本骨科协会评分、延髓-脊髓角、寰齿间距较术前均明显改善（P<0.05）。23例术后随访半年至5年,均未出现关节松动,内固定及植骨均较为牢靠;复查头颈部MRI均示脊髓压迫明显减轻,寰枕关节复位良好,内固定固定良好。结论 颈枕融合术治疗复杂颅颈交界区畸形是一种安全且有效的方式。     

经后路椎板内固定术治疗颅颈交界区畸形合并寰枢椎脱位

目的观察经后路椎板内固定术治疗颅颈交界区畸形合并寰枢椎脱位的临床疗效。方法对2010年4月-2011年11月诊断明确的颅颈交界区畸形合并寰枢椎脱位的12例患者进行经后路减压复位螺钉钛棒(板)系统内固定术。应用CT薄层扫描及三维CT重建术测量手术前后寰齿间距(ADI)、硬腭枕骨大孔线(CL)和斜坡枕骨大孔线(ML)上方距离,通过延髓脊髓角(CMA)评价脊髓受压程度,以日本骨科协会(JOA)17分评分系统评价颈脊髓神经功能改善程度;神经电生理学方法监测神经传导功能,同时分析经后路减压复位螺钉钛棒(板)系统内固定术治疗颅颈交界区畸形合并寰枢椎脱位的可行性。结果共随访4~20个月(平均13个月)。与手术前ADI[(4.42±2.91)mm]、CL[(10.31±3.80)mm]、ML[(3.24±2.92)mm]、CMA[(127.83±8.75)°]及JOA评分(9.75±2.59)相比,手术后ADI[(2.96±2.08)mm]、CL[(7.16±3.19)mm]、ML[(0.29±2.36)mm]减小,CMA[(134.10±8.38)°]及JOA评分(14.83±2.94)增加,治疗前后比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01)。其中,手术前神经电生理学监测波形异常的10例患者中7例术后完全恢复正常形态。术后MRI检查显示,颅颈交界区减压充分,无一例出现内固定松动或断裂;随访期间植骨获得骨性融合,未出现并发症。结论经后路椎板内固定术治疗颅颈交界区畸形合并寰枢椎脱位临床疗效满意,手术安全、可行。     

前屈-后伸位MRI对判断颅脊交界区畸形内固定指征的临床价值

目的分析前屈-后伸位MRI对诊断Arnold-Chiari畸形可能合并寰枢椎脱位的作用,以及指导治疗的临床意义。方法回顾分析40例Arnold-Chiari畸形患者的前屈-后伸位MRI影像学资料,测量寰齿间距,通过前屈位和后伸位颈椎椎管狭窄程度分级,判断颅脊交界区稳定性。单纯Arnold-Chiari畸形患者采用枕大孔减压和枕大池扩大成形术,存在寰枢椎脱位者兼行枕颈内固定融合术。结果经前屈-后伸位MRI检查,证实有12例患者存在颅颈失稳,于枕大孔减压的同时行枕颈内固定融合术。手术后第3天颈椎影像学检查,40例中10例脊髓空洞病灶明显缩小;12例兼行枕颈内固定融合术者颅颈复位满意,脊髓压迫解除;手术后3个月随访,脊髓空洞病灶明显缩小(17例),颅脊交界区骨痂形成、骨融合效果良好、颅颈复位无丢失(12例),日本矫形外科评分13.08±1.40,与手术前评分(11.08±1.61)比较,差异有统计学意义(t=5.928,P=0.000)。结论前屈-后伸位MRI对判断颅脊交界区稳定性、选择适宜的手术方式具有重要意义。     

合并寰枢椎脱位的复杂颅颈交界区畸形后路减压复位内固定术疗效初步观察

目的 总结合并寰枢椎脱位的复杂颅颈交界区畸形经后路减压复位内固定术的临床经验.方法 回顾分析18 例合并寰枢椎脱位的复杂颅颈交界区畸形患者(先天性寰枢椎脱位15 例、经口腔入路齿状突磨除术后症状加重致枕颈失稳1 例、外伤所致2 例)的临床资料.施行经后路减压复位钉棒内固定术,术中行体感诱发电位及肌电图监测,根据日本骨科协会(JOA)17 分评分系统和影像学改善程度评价手术疗效.结果 术后影像学检查显示,18 例中16 例钉棒内固定系统和寰枢椎复位良好,1 例复位不良;骨性融合良好16 例,欠佳1 例.术后临床表现均不同程度好转,1 例突发呼吸骤停死亡.术后平均随访6.62 个月(3 ~ 28 个月),JOA 平均评分为11.62 ± 3.23,与手术前评分(7.51 ± 3.82)相比,差异具有统计学意义(t = - 5.476,P = 0.004).结论 经后路减压、复位、钉棒内固定术治疗合并寰枢椎脱位的颅颈交界区畸形临床疗效良好,能够减少患者痛苦、避免再次手术,值得临床推广应用.     

前屈-后伸位MRI对判断颅脊交界区畸形内固定指征的临床价值

目的分析前屈-后伸位MRI对诊断Arnold—Chiari畸形可能合并寰枢椎脱位的作用,以及指导治疗的临床意义。方法回顾分析40例Arnold—Chiari畸形患者的前屈-后伸位MRI影像学资料,测量寰齿间距,通过前屈位和后伸位颈椎椎管狭窄程度分级,判断颅脊交界区稳定性。单纯Arnold．Chiari畸形患者采用枕大孔减压和枕大池扩大成形术,存在寰枢椎脱位者兼行枕颈内固定融合术。结果经前屈．后伸位MRI检查,证实有12例患者存在颅颈失稳,于枕大孔减压的同时行枕颈内固定融合术。手术后第3天颈椎影像学检查,40例中10例脊髓空洞病灶明显缩小;12例兼行枕颈内固定融合术者颅颈复位满意,脊髓压迫解除;手术后3个月随访,脊髓空洞病灶明显缩小（17例）,颅脊交界区骨痂形成、骨融合效果良好、颅颈复位无丢失（12例）,日本矫形外科评分13．08±1．40,与手术前评分（11．08±1．61）比较,差异有统计学意义（t=5．928,P=0．000）。结论前屈．后伸位MRI对判断颅脊交界区稳定性、选择适宜的手术方式具有重要意义。     

计算机导航辅助下颅颈交界区畸形的内固定治疗

目的探讨计算机导航在颅颈交界区畸形内固定治疗中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析25例颅颈交界区畸形的病例资料,均在计算机导航辅助下行后路寰枢椎钉棒内固定治疗。术后所有病例随访至少12个月,同时采用日本骨科协会(JOA)脊髓功能评分对病人神经功能进行评估。结果术中导航辅助下行寰椎侧块、枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定15例,经寰枢关节螺钉固定6例,经寰枢关节螺钉联合Brooks技术固定4例;所有病人术中予以植骨融合。末次随访JOA评分由术前的(9.25±2.01)分提高至(14.36±1.97)分,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。所有病人螺钉置入位置满意,未发生椎动脉及神经损伤等并发症。结论计算机辅助导航为术者实施颅颈交界区畸形内固定手术提供重要帮助,在提高术中螺钉置入准确性、减少手术损伤、降低手术并发症等方面有巨大潜力。     

应用C1-2螺钉棒系统行后路复位、固定和融合治疗合并寰-枢椎脱位的颅底凹陷症

目的探讨应用C1-2螺钉棒内固定系统行后路复位、固定和融合治疗寰枢椎脱位的手术疗效。方法 2013年4月至2013年10月,对30例我科收治的合并寰枢椎脱位的颅底凹陷症患者采用寰椎侧块螺钉和枢椎椎弓根峡部螺钉(或下关节突螺钉、颈3椎弓根螺钉)棒内固定系统进行复位、固定并取髂后上嵴松质骨植骨融合。通过术后3D-CT评判复位程度,JOA评分评判临床疗效,并探讨影响手术效果的因素。结果 30例患者中26例达到完全复位,4例为部分复位。其中25例完成了3个月以上随访,CT显示植骨愈合良好,未出现植骨的吸收及内固定的松动。结论 C1-2椎弓根钉棒内固定系统对治疗合并寰枢椎脱位的颅颈交界区畸形可以获得满意的疗效,安全可行。     

Magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of resolution of periodontoid pannus formation following C1/C2 posterior transarticular screw fixation.

Chronic odontoid fractures are considered unstable spinal lesions. Chronic instability in this region leads to the development of an inflammatory pannus, which can progress resulting in spinal cord compression radiographically and a myelopathy syndrome clinically. In this report we document three cases of reversal of pannus after C1/C2 transarticular screw fixation of an unstable odontoid fracture. Three patients were identified with chronic odontoid fractures and spinal cord compression due to periodontoid pannus formation. All patients presented with a progressive myelopathy syndrome. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the craniovertebral junction. C1/C2 transarticular screw fixation was performed for stabilization of C1/C2. Postoperatively there were no complications. Postoperative MRI at 6 months demonstrated resolution of the ventral pannus. Moreover, all patients exhibited improvement of preoperative neurological deficits. MRI is the imaging technique of choice for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with chronic odontoid fractures and ventral pannus. C1/C2 transarticular screw fixation provides a viable method for spinal stabilization in this region. In addition, stabilization can result in resolution of inflammatory pannus formation secondary to instability of the C1/C2 articulation.     

3D打印技术在复杂颅颈交界区手术中的应用价值

目的探讨3D打印技术在颅颈交界区畸形手术中的方法及临床应用价值。方法对术前采用3D打印技术辅助治疗的26例颅颈交界区畸形患者的临床资料进行分析,比较患者手术前后的症状及影像学表现,并应用日本骨科学会(JOA)评分对治疗效果进行评估。结果所有患者均在术前完成颅底交界区畸形病变模型体外预手术方案;术中C型臂X线检查及术后CT三维重建示内固定螺钉置入的角度和深度均满意。本组患者中,术后症状完全消失或基本消失者24例,优良率达88.4%;无严重并发症及死亡的病例。术后1个月的JOA评分(13.23±0.4)均较术前(11.35±0.39)明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论3D打印技术能够有效辅助复杂颅颈交界区畸形手术方案的制定,提高手术效果和安全性,有显著的临床应用价值。     

Fusions at the craniovertebral junction

INTRODUCTION: The surgical management of craniovertebral junction instability in pediatric patients has unique challenges. While the indications for internal fixation in children are similar to those of adults, the data concerning techniques, complications, and outcomes of spinal instrumentation comes from experience with adult patients. Diminutive osseous and ligamentous structures and anatomical variations associated with syndromic craniovertebral abnormalities frequently complicates the approaches and limits the use of internal fixation in children. Cervical arthrodesis in the pediatric age group has the potential for limiting growth potential and causing secondary deformity. Recent advances in image analysis have enabled preoperative planning which is critical to evaluate the size of instrumentation and its relation to the patient's anatomy. Newer techniques have recently evolved and have been incorporated in the management of pediatric patients with requirement for craniocervical stabilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over 750 craniovertebral junction fusions have been reviewed in children. The indications for atlantoaxial arthrodesis were: (a) absent odontoid process, dystopic os odontoideum, absent posterior arch of C1; (b) Morquio's syndrome, Goldenhar's syndrome, Conradi's syndrome, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. The acquired abnormalities of trauma, postinfectious instability, and Down's syndrome completed the indication in children. The indications for occipitocervical fusion were: (a) anterior and posterior bifid C1 arches with instability, absent occipital condyles; b) severe reducible basilar invagination, unstable dystopic os odontoideum, and unilateral atlas assimilation; (c) acquired phenomenon with traumatic occipitocervical dislocation, complex craniovertebral junction fractures of C1 and C2, after transoral craniovertebral junction decompression, cranial settling in Down's syndrome and inflammatory disease such as Grisel's syndrome. Instability was seen in children with clivus chordoma and osteoblastoma. Atlantoaxial fusions were performed mainly with interlaminar rib graft fusion and more recently with the transarticular screw fixation in the older patient. In the teenager, lateral mass screws at C1 and rod fixation were made; C2 pars interarticular screw fixation and C2 pedicle screw fixation. A C2 translaminar screw fixation is described. Occipitocervical fusions were made utilizing rib grafts below the age of 6. A contoured loop fixation was made in children above the age of 7, and recently, rod and screw fixation was also utilized. RESULTS: Abnormal cervical spine growth was not seen in children who underwent craniocervical stabilization below the age of 5. The authors have reserved rigid instrumentation for children above the age of 10 years and dependent on the anatomy.     

Craniovertebral junction database analysis: incidence,classification, presentation,and treatment algorithms

INTRODUCTION: The initial treatment of bony lesions at the craniocervical junction consisted of posterior decompression with enlargement of the foramen and removal of the posterior arch of the atlas and axis vertebra. This was regardless of the site of compression. Needless to say, the results were poor when an irreducible ventral lesion at the craniocervical junction caused compression of the cervicomedullary area. It was predictable that an adverse outcome would occur in approximately 35-40% of patients treated with dorsal decompression with a fixed anterior abnormality at the craniovertebral junction. Thus, it became essential to identify the causes of failure and recognize the pathology as well as attempt to improve the treatment. The need to identify natural history led to a prospective database. This database now lists 5,300 patients who were analyzed. Of these, 2,000 were children and this has been reviewed here. CRANIOVERTEBRAL ABNORMALITIES IN CHILDREN: Review of symptoms showed that children with craniovertebral abnormalities present with failure to thrive, weakness, basilar migraine, dysphagia, sleep apnea, scoliosis, and the cervical central cord syndrome. Torticollis was seen in the very young. IMAGING TECHNIQUES AND TREATMENT FOR CRANIOVERTEBRAL ABNORMALITIES: New imaging techniques were utilized as they became available. Unexplained neurological symptoms and signs associated with craniovertebral abnormalities in children required angiography which was performed with dynamic motion studies. All children with reducible craniocervical abnormalities underwent stabilization. In irreducible abnormalities, decompression was paramount with a fusion to be done immediately. The decompression was accomplished in the direction in which encroachment occurred. TREATMENT ALGORITHM AND CLASSIFICATION: A treatment algorithm was formulated as a result of this database and a classification of the craniovertebral abnormalities; that holds good for the entire spectrum.     

Management of craniocervical junction dislocation

The discovery of a craniocervical junction malformation requires management in three steps: (1) The patterns must be recognized using tomographic measurements (Chamberlain's line, Wackenheim's line). Dynamic flexion-extension studies are necessary to assess stability or instability. Stable patterns range from platybasia to basilar invagination, with gradual deformation, and are frequently associated with Chiari malformation. Unstable patterns characterized by odontoid instability are the equivalent of an odontoid fracture. The origin is malformative (hypoplasia, aplasia of the dens, os odontoidum), but the last may be difficult to distinguish from an old odontoid fracture. They are found in many syndromes (Down, Morquio, etc.). Unstable atlantoaxial patterns with atlas assimilation are hardly reducible; they evolve toward progressive instability. (2) The neurological consequences must be defined from the clinical features of the spinal cord and the cranial nerves. Both static and dynamic MRI scans must be performed; in this way identification of the neural abnormalities (hydromyelia, Chiari, etc.) and of the osseous compression is possible. (3) The most appropriate operative procedure must be selected: stable platybasia with a nervous compression by Chiari is cured only by posterior decompression; odontoid instability is cured by reduction and posterior fixation, using hooks and autologous bone grafts on the posterior arches of C-1 and C-2. Sometimes a transarticular screw fixation of C1-2 is necessary if there is a defect on the C-1 posterior arch. Craniocervical dislocations with assimilation of the atlas require posterior occipito-vertebral bony fixation with grafts and external halo immobilization or internal fixation with hooks or screws, with anterior transoral decompression in a second step.     

The role of cine flow MRI in children with Chiari I malformation

INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of MRI, the incidence of Chiari I malformations (cerebellar tonsils ectopia) has increased. The clinical significance of this finding remains questionable in some instances. Recently, cine flow MRI has added to the understanding of the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid at the craniocervical junction and to the pathophysiology of the Chiari I malformation. The present study attempts to analyze the role of cine flow MRI in Chiari I malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and December 2000, 24 patients were identified who met the following inclusion criteria: patients diagnosed with Chiari I malformation who had had an MRI of the brain including the craniocervical junction, clinical follow-up for at least six months, and cine flow studies had to have been performed pre- and postoperatively. The cine flow studies were repeated during follow-up if the patients were not surgical candidates. Patients harboring intracranial space occupying lesions or lumboperitoneal shunts were excluded. Sixteen of the 24 selected patients underwent 18 operations and 8 were followed conservatively. There was a wide variation in clinical presentations. Twelve patients had cerebellar tonsils protruding more than 5 mm below the foramen magnum, and in 12 patients the descent of the cerebellar tonsils was less than 5 mm. Despite this difference in the degree of protrusion, there was no significant difference in clinical presentation. The cisterna magna was small or absent in 20 patients with sluggish cine flow posteriorly, 19 of whom were symptomatic, in contrast to 1 symptomatic patient who had satisfactory cine flow. RESULTS: All patients with Chiari I malformation and an associated cervical syrinx had absent cine flow at the craniovertebral junction, and this finding was statistically significant. There was a good correlation between the clinical presentation and cine flow preoperatively, and between clinical improvement and cine flow postoperatively. Patients with Chiari I malformation, cervical syrinx, and absent cine flow preoperatively improved after suboccipital decompression and duroplasty. Patients with Chiari I malformations without syrinx and absent cine flow underwent suboccipital bony decompression alone and had satisfactory outcomes.