颈椎结核的手术适应证选择与疗效评价

目的 探讨颈椎结核的手术适应证选择并分析其疗效。方法本组11例颈椎结核患者,男8例,女3例,平均年龄50岁。2例为寰枢椎结核,9例为下颈椎结核。神经功能：2例寰枢椎结核,Frankel D级、E级各1例。9例下颈椎结核,Frankel C级2例,D级2例,E级5例。采用两种手术方式．a）行前路病灶清除内固定植骨融合术7例：b）行后路内固定植骨融合、前路病灶清除植骨融合术4例。结果平均随访24个月,影像学检查示所有结核病灶均骨性融合,无局部病灶复发。神经功能：1例为FrankCD级的寰枢椎结核,末次随访时为Frankel E级。下颈椎结核中,2例Frankel C级,2例D级,末次随访时均为E级。结论颈椎结核手术适应证选择恰当,可实现治愈结核、维持颈椎稳定性及恢复神经功能。     

Risk factors for residual neurologic deficits after surgical treatment for epidural abscess in the thoracic or lumbar spine

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSpinal epidural abscess (SEA) can cause neurologic deficits and needs urgent surgical intervention. Many clinical factors had been proposed to predict surgical outcomes in patients with SEA, but the predictive radiographic risk factors for residual neurologic deficits were not addressed sufficiently.PURPOSETo analyze the clinical and radiographic risk factors for residual neurologic deficit in patients with SEA after surgical intervention of the thoracic or lumbar spine.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective consecutive case series.PATIENT SAMPLEFrom January 2005 through December 2014, 53 patients with primary SEA, confirmed by culture or histopathology, in the thoracic or lumbar spine who underwent posterior-only approach surgery at our hospital.OUTCOME MEASURESNeurologic status was assessed using the Frankel grading system preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up.METHODSThe patients were allocated into two groups based on the presence of postoperative residual neurologic deficits. Patients’ demographic, clinical, and factors based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed for their influence on residual neurologic deficits. Clinical factors included age, sex, diabetes, comorbidities, pathogens, affected spinal levels, the interval between onset of symptoms to surgery, preoperative neurologic status, presence of cauda equina syndrome, and surgical procedures. MRI factors included the distribution of abscesses within the spinal canal, presence of ring enhancement, presence of paravertebral abscess or psoas abscess, canal compromise anteroposterior (AP) ratio and cross-sectional area ratio, abscess length, and abscess thickness.RESULTSThirty-five of the 53 patients (66%) had preoperative neurologic deficits, and 21 of 53 patients (40%) had postoperative residual neurologic deficits. Patients’ neurologic status improved significantly after the surgery (p<.001). Risk factors including age, diabetes, cauda equina syndrome, presence of anterior with posterior (A+P) dural abscess, canal compromise AP ratio, cross-sectional area ratio, abscess length, and abscess thickness were significantly correlated with postoperative residual neurologic deficits. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≥70 years, preoperative cauda equina syndrome, abscess length ≥5.5 cm and abscess thickness ≥0.8 cm were the four most significant factors related to residual neurologic deficits.CONCLUSIONSIn patients with SEA of the thoracic and lumbar spine, age ≥70 years, preoperative cauda equina syndrome, abscess length ≥5.5 cm and abscess thickness ≥0.8 cm were the most significant preoperative risk factors for residual neurologic deficits after surgery.     

Changing concepts in spinal epidural abscess: a report of 29 cases

A review of our recent experience with spinal epidural abscess (SEA) reveals several important changing concepts in diagnosis, etiology, management, and outcome. All cases of SEA seen by our service from August 1975 to July 1989 were reviewed retrospectively, and 29 patients were identified (19 men and 10 women, aged 13-78 years). Abscesses were located in the lumbar (n = 21), thoracic (n = 7), and cervical (n = 1) epidural spaces. Gram-positive organisms were the infectious agent in 72% of the cases, and Staphylococcus aureus was the sole agent in 45%; other agents were Gram-negative aerobes (n = 5), a Gram-negative anaerobe (n = 1), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (n = 1), and Sporotrichum schenckii (n = 1), the last occurring in a young woman with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Seventeen patients had concomitant extraspinal infections. Diagnosis was confirmed by myelography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent operative decompression and debridement; 2 required a second procedure for persistent infection. The most common operative findings were pus and granulation tissue in the epidural space (52%); the preoperative course correlated poorly with operative findings. The wound was closed primarily in 84% of cases. Postoperative intravenous antibiotic courses for the bacterial abscesses ranged from 1.5 to 6 weeks (median, 2 weeks), followed by antibiotics given orally for 0 to 6 weeks. Two patients died perioperatively. Neurological outcome was good in 21 patients and fair in 6 (mean follow-up, 1.4 years). Over the last 50 years the spectrum of organisms causing SEA has broadened, and the distinction between acute and chronic SEAs has minimal clinical significance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

An uncommon cause of paraplegia: Salmonella spondylodiskitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Salmonella spondylodiskitis is an uncommon type of vertebral infection. The aim of this study was to present a case of progressive paraplegia caused by Salmonella spondylodiskitis and epidural abscess after endoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: The patient underwent posterior instrumentation and posterior fusion between T6 and T12, hemilaminotomies at levels T8-T9-T10, and drainage of the abscess. Through a left thoracotomy, anterior T8-T10 corpectomy, debridement, anterior stabilization, and fusion were conducted. RESULTS: Fifteen months later, final follow-up showed no complications secondary to the vertebral and hip surgeries, and neurological status improved to Frankel grade E. Laboratory investigations showed no evidence of Salmonella infection. CONCLUSION: Immunocompromised patients who undergo endoscopic intervention are vulnerable to Salmonella infections. One must consider Salmonella infection in those who develop acute progressive spondylodiskitis.     

硬脊膜外置管应用抗生素对兔硬脊膜外脓肿的治疗效果

目的 通过建立兔硬脊膜外脓肿模型,对静脉注射抗生素与经硬脊膜外置管持续应用抗生素的疗效进行比较,探讨硬脊膜外脓肿的治疗效果.方法 建立兔硬脊膜外置管模型,将16只兔随机分为3组:静脉应用抗生素组(A组)(n=6),硬脊膜外应用抗生素组(B组)(n=6),脓肿对照组(C组)(n=4).注入细菌建立硬脊膜外脓肿模型,记录体重、体温和血清C反应蛋白(CRP)值;取兔脊髓、背根神经节和神经根,行光镜、透射电镜(TEM)病理学检查.结果 静脉实验组、硬脊膜外实验组兔用药前后血清CRP值有显著性差异(P＜0.05).结论 静脉注射抗生素与经硬脊膜外置管持续注入抗生素,两组用药后均有效;硬脊膜外持续注入抗生素治疗方法可行且有效.     

一期前路病灶清除钛笼植骨内固定术治疗下颈椎结核

目的:探讨一期前路结核病灶清除钛笼植骨内固定治疗下颈椎结核的疗效。方法:2006年12月～2010年7月手术治疗下颈椎结核患者10例,男6例,女4例;年龄42～71岁,平均52.1岁。病灶累及2个椎体者7例,其中C3～C4 1例,C4～C5 1例,C5～C6 3例,C6～C7 2例;累及3个椎体者3例,均为C5～C7。术前均存在不同程度的颈部疼痛、低热、盗汗,6例患者伴有四肢感觉运动功能障碍,神经功能按Frankel评级:B级1例,C级2例,D级3例,E级4例。5例伴有寒性脓肿,脓液均未穿破后纵韧带。术前后凸Cobb角10°～30°(19.1°±5.1°)。术前应用抗结核药物治疗至少2周,均采用一期前路结核病灶清除钛笼植骨内固定手术,术后继续抗结核治疗6～12个月。随访观察患者临床症状改善和植骨融合情况。结果:手术均顺利完成,术中无大血管、脊髓、食道、气管损伤。切口均一期愈合,未发生感染及窦道形成。随访10～24个月,平均14.5个月,患者临床症状均改善,伴神经功能障碍患者均有不同程度的改善,1例从B级恢复到D级,其余均恢复至E级。颈椎后凸畸形矫正良好,术后1周后凸Cobb角为0°～5°(2.9°±1.6°),较术前明显减少,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);末次随访时后凸Cobb角为0°～7°(4.7°±2.3°),与术后即刻比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后3～6个月均显示良好的骨性融合征象,末次随访时钛笼植骨与上下椎体间完全融合,无内固定松动、脱落、折断等并发症。结论:在规范抗结核治疗的基础上,一期前路结核病灶清除钛笼植骨内固定治疗下颈椎结核是一种安全有效的方法。     

Spinal epidural abscess: a meta-analysis of 915 patients

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) was first described in the medical literature in 1761 and represents a severe, generally pyogenic infection of the epidural space requiring emergent neurosurgical intervention to avoid permanent neurologic deficits. Spinal epidural abscess comprises 0.2 to 2 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions. This review intends to offer detailed evaluation and a comprehensive meta-analysis of the international literature on SEA between 1954 and 1997, especially of patients who developed it following anesthetic procedures in the spinal canal. In this period, 915 cases of SEA were published. This review is the most comprehensive literature analysis on SEA to date. Most cases of SEA occur in patients aged 30 to 60 years, but the youngest patient was only 10 days old and the oldest was 87. The ratio of men to women was 1:0.56. The most common risk factor was diabetes mellitus, followed by trauma, intravenous drug abuse, and alcoholism. Epidural anesthesia or analgesia had been performed in 5.5% of the patients with SEA. Skin abscesses and furuncles were the most common source of infection. Of the patients, 71% had back pain as the initial symptom and 66% had fever. The second stage of radicular irritation is followed by the third stage, with beginning neurological deficit including muscle weakness and sphincter incontinence as well as sensory deficits. Paralysis (the fourth stage) affected only 34% of the patients. The average leukocyte count was 15,700/μl (range 1,500–42,000/μl), and the average erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 77 mm in the first hour (range 2–50 mm). Spinal epidural abscess is primarily a bacterial infection, and the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus is its most common causative agent. This is true also for patients who develop SEA following spinal anesthetics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displays the greatest diagnostic accuracy and is the method of first choice in the diagnostic process. Myelography, commonly used previously to diagnose SEA, is no longer recommended. Lumbar puncture to determine cerebrospinal fluid protein concentrations is not needed for diagnosis and entails the risk of spreading bacteria into the subarachnoid space with consequent meningitis; therefore, it should not be performed. The therapeutic method of choice is laminectomy combined with antibiotics. Conservative treatment alone is justifiable only for specific indications. Laminotomy is a therapeutic alternative for children. The mortality of SEA dropped from 34% in the period of 1954–1960 to 15% in 1991–1997. At the beginning of the twentieth century, almost all patients with SEA died. Parallel to improvements in the mortality rate, today more patients experience complete recovery from SEA. The prognosis of patients who develop SEA following epidural anesthesia or analgesia is not better than that of patients with noniatrogenic SEA, and the mortality rate is also comparable. The essential problem of SEA lies in the necessity of early diagnosis, because only timely treatment is able to avoid or reduce permanent neurologic deficits. Received: 18 July 2000 / Accepted: 14 September 2000     

Hematogenous pyogenic spinal infections and their surgical management

STUDY DESIGN: Mainly a retrospective study of 101 cases of pyogenic spinal infection, excluding postoperative infections. Data were obtained through medical record review, imaging examination, and patient follow-up evaluation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Hematogenous pyogenic spinal infection has been described variously as spondylodiscitis, discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, and epidural abscess. Recommended treatment options have included conservative methods (antibiotics and bracing) and surgical intervention. However, a comprehensive classification that would aid in diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis has not yet been devised. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the bacteriology, pathologic entities, complications, and results of treatment options for pyogenic spinal infection. METHOD: All patients received plain radiographs, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans, and bone/gallium radionuclide studies. All patients had tissue biopsies. Bacteriology, hematology, and predisposing factors were analyzed. All patients received intravenous and oral antibiotics. A total of 58 patients underwent surgery. Patient outcomes were correlated with clinical status, with treatment method and, where applicable, with location and nature of epidural compression. Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Spondylodiscitis occurred most commonly with primary epidural abscess, spondylitis, discitis, and pyogenic facet arthropathy, all occurring rarely. Staphylococcus aureus was the main organism. Infection elsewhere was the most common predisposing factor. Leukocyte counts were elevated in 42.6% of spondylodiscitis cases. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in all cases of epidural abscess. There were 35 cases of epidural abscess (frank abscess, 29; granulation tissue, 6). Epidural abscess complicating spondylodiscitis occurred most often in the cervical spine, followed by thoracic and lumbar areas. The rate of paraplegia or paraparesis also was highest in cervical and thoracic regions. There were no cases of quadriplegia. All patients with either epidural granulation tissue or paraparesis recovered completely after surgical decompression. Only 18% of patients with frank epidural abscess and 23% of patients with paralysis recovered completely after surgical decompression. Patients with spondylodiscitis who were treated nonsurgically reported residual back pain more often (64%) than patients treated surgically (26.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Pyogenic spinal infection can be thought of as a spectrum of disease comprising spondylitis, discitis, spondylodiscitis, pyogenic facet arthropathy, and epidural abscess. Spondylodiscitis is more prone to develop epidural abscesses in the cervical spine (90%) than the thoracic (33.3%) or lumbar (23.6%) areas. Thecal sac neurocompression has a greater chance of causing neurologic deficit in the thoracic spine (81.8%). Treatment of neurologic deficit caused by epidural abscess is prompt surgical decompression, with or without fusion. Patients with frank abscess had less favorable outcomes than those with granulation tissue, and paraplegia responded to treatment more poorly than paraparesis. Surgery was preferable to nonsurgical treatment for improving back pain.     

Spinal epidural abscess with myelitis and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a young child

Abstract

Background

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in children is a rare infectious emergency warranting prompt intervention. Predisposing factors include immunosuppression, spinal procedures, and local site infections such as vertebral osteomyelitis and paraspinal abscess. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common isolate.

Design

Case report and literature review.

Findings

A 2.5-year-old boy with tetraparesis was found to have an SEA in the posterior lumbar epidural space with evidence of meningitis and myelitis on MRI spine in the absence of any local or systemic predisposing factors or spinal procedures. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from the evacuated pus.

Conclusions

Definitive treatment of SEA is a combination of surgical decompression and iv antibiotics. Timely management limits the extent of neurological deficit.     

胸椎手术后急性硬脊膜外血肿

 目的 探讨胸椎手术后急性硬脊膜外血肿的形成原因、血肿压迫时间对脊髓神经功能的影响及预防措施。方法 回顾性分析2002年5月至2012年5月经手术证实的胸椎后路手术后发生急性硬脊膜外血肿致神经功能障碍的14例患者资料,男6例,女8例;年龄41～69岁,平均61.2岁;胸椎管狭窄症10例,胸椎管内脊膜瘤3例,胸椎转移瘤1例;胸椎后路手术后3～14 h,平均6.6 h,患者脊髓神经功能出现恶化,ASIA分级A级5例,B级9例。对比血肿清除前、后以及随访时患者神经功能评分及神经功能恢复率。分析神经功能恢复率与血肿压迫时间及血肿清除前神经功能的关系。结果 14例患者血肿清除后AISA分级为：B级1例,C级2例,D级4例,E级7例。其中B、C级3例患者血肿压迫时间均 ＞10 h。血肿清除前、后神经功能比较差异有统计学意义,血肿清除后神经功能恢复率为63.7%±23.3%,与血肿压迫时间呈负相关,与血肿清除前神经功能呈正相关。血肿清除前神经功能与随访神经功能比较差异有统计学意义,随访神经功能恢复率为86.97%±17.58%,与血肿压迫时间呈负相关,与血肿清除术前神经功能呈正相关。结论 胸椎术后急性硬脊膜外血肿可致脊髓神经功能严重损害。脊髓神经功能恢复与血肿压迫时间有直接关系。早期诊断并清除血肿压迫是挽救脊髓功能的关键。     

Cervicothoracolumbar spinal epidural abscess and cerebral salt wasting

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare infectious disease. However, if left unrecognized and untreated, the clinical outcome of SEA can be devastating. PURPOSE: To report a rare clinical presentation of a cervicothoracolumbar SEA with cerebral salt wasting (CSW). STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: Clinical history, physical and laboratory findings, and magnetic resonance imaging studies of a patient with cervicothoracolumbar SEA and CSW. RESULTS: We report the case of a 15-year-old boy with cervicothoracolumbar SEA complicated with CSW and treated with conservative methods. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CSW can be seen at the follow-up period of the SEA and the clinicians must be aware of this entity.     

Spinal instability in ankylosing spondylitis

Background:

Unstable spinal lesions in patients with ankylosing spondylitis are common and have a high incidence of associated neurological deficit. The evolution and presentation of these lesions is unclear and the management strategies can be confusing. We present retrospective analysis of the cases of ankylosing spondylitis developing spinal instability either due to spondylodiscitis or fractures for mechanisms of injury, presentations, management strategies and outcome.

Materials and Methods:

In a retrospective analysis of 16 cases of ankylosing spondylitis, treated surgically for unstable spinal lesions over a period of 12 years (1995-2007); 87.5% (n=14) patients had low energy (no obvious/trivial) trauma while 12.5% (n=2) patients sustained high energy trauma. The most common presentation was pain associated with neurological deficit. The surgical indications included neurological deficit, chronic pain due to instability and progressive deformity. All patients were treated surgically with anterior surgery in 18.8% (n=3) patients, posterior in 56.2% (n=9) patients and combined approach in 25% (n=4) patients. Instrumented fusion was carried out in 87.5% (n=14) patients. Average surgical duration was 3.84 (Range 2-7.5) hours, blood loss 765.6 (± 472.5) ml and follow-up 54.5 (Range 18-54) months. The patients were evaluated for pain score, Frankel neurological grading, deformity progression and radiological fusion. One patient died of medical complications a week following surgery.

Results:

Intra-operative adverse events like dural tears and inadequate deformity correction occurred in 18.7% (n=3) patients (Cases 6, 7 and 8) which could be managed conservatively. There was a significant improvement in the Visual analogue score for pain from a pre-surgical median of 8 to post-surgical median of 2 (P=0.001), while the neurological status improved in 90% (n=9) patients among those with preoperative neurological deficit who could be followed-up (n =10). Frankel grading improved from C to E in 31.25% (n=5) patients, D to E in 12.5% (n=2) and B to D in 12.5% (n=2), while it remained unchanged in the remaining - E in 31.25% (n=5), B in 6.25% (n=1) and D in 6.25% (n=1). Fusion occurred in 11 (68.7%) patients, while 12.5% (n=2) had pseudoarthrosis and 12.5% (n=2) patients had evidence of inadequate fusion. 68.7% (n=11) patients regained their pre-injury functional status, with no spine related complaints and 25% (n=4) patients had complaints like chronic back pain and deformity progression. In one patient (6.2%) who died of medical complications a week following surgery, the neurological function remained unchanged (Frankel grade D). Persistent back pain attributed to inadequate fusion/ pseudoarthrosis could be managed conservatively in 12.5% (n=2) patients. Progression of deformity and pain secondary to pseudoarthrosis, requiring revision surgery was noted in one patient (6.2%). One patient (6.2%) had no neurological recovery following the surgery and continued to have nonfunctional neurological status.

Conclusion:

In ankylosing spondylitis, the diagnosis of unstable spinal lesions needs high index of suspicion and extensive radiological evaluation Surgery is indicated if neurological deficit, two/three column injury, significant pain and progressive deformity are present. Long segment instrumentation and fusion is ideal.     

胸腰椎屈曲牵张型骨折的诊断与手术治疗策略

目的探讨胸腰椎屈曲牵张型骨折的诊断和手术治疗方法。方法22例胸腰椎屈曲牵张型骨折,均为男性,年龄为21~56岁,平均34.8岁。损伤节段:T128例,L18例,L25例,L31例。神经功能Frankel A级3例,B级1例,C级2例,D级6例,E级10例。骨折按Denis分型,A型9例,B型1例,C型11例,D型1例。行短节段椎弓根螺钉复位内固定治疗,术中根据骨折情况个体化运用撑开与压缩技术。随访时间为10~47个月,平均29个月。结果1例因操作方法不当而复位不良,其余21例术后畸形矫正满意,后凸畸形完全恢复。除Frankel A级3例神经功能无明显恢复外,其余神经损伤者均获得了不同程度神经功能的改善。结论个体化灵活运用椎弓根螺钉的撑开与压缩技术治疗胸腰椎屈曲牵张型骨折,效果满意。     

Extensive epidural abscess with surgical treatment and long term follow up.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon infection. There are few reports on extensive epidural abscesses. PURPOSE: We report a case of an epidural abscess extending from C2 to the sacrum, with a long-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: A case report of an extensive epidural abscess with surgical treatment. METHODS: A 36-year-old male patient presented with a history of 15 days of fever and severe lumbar and neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed an epidural abscess extending from C2 to the sacrum. Limited laminectomies were performed in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, and pus was obtained. A peptostreptococus grew in cultures. The patient received 6 weeks of antibiotics. RESULTS: The infection was successfully treated, and no neurological deficit was observed. The patient continued asymptomatic 5 years after surgery, and no deformity has developed. CONCLUSIONS: A case of an extensive epidural abscess was successfully treated with limited laminectomies and antibiotics. This less invasive technique could treat the infection, and no late deformity has been observed.     

Epidural abscess associated with pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the lumbar spine; evaluation of a new MRI staging classification and imaging findings as indicators of surgical management: a retrospective study of 37 patients

Introduction

The aim of this study was to review the patients with lumbar epidural abscess in terms of neurological morbidity, therapeutic outcome, and prognosis, while assessing the usefulness of a new MRI staging classification and specific imaging findings as indicators for surgical management.

Materials and methods

We reviewed 37 patients who sustained epidural abscess associated with pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the lumbar spine. Ten patients were treated conservatively, while 27 required urgent or elective surgical drainage. We studied patients with respect to symptomatology, Frankel-American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale evaluation and a new proposed system of MRI staging of pyogenic spondylodiscitis (stages I–V).

Results

Of the 37 patients with stage IV and V MRI lesions, 13 (35%) had septicemia and 8 (22%) presented with Frankel-ASIA scale C-D neurological status. All cases with ringlike enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced MRI in the epidural abscess lesions were treated surgically. Progression of local kyphosis and loss of intervertebral disk height were significantly prevented in the surgical group (P < 0.05). Improvements of neurological status and laboratory data were better in the surgical group than the conservative group (P < 0.05), with significantly short hospital stay (P < 0.05).

Discussion

Epidural abscess associated with pyogenic spondylodiscitis presents with various neurological symptoms. In addition to assessment of progression by clinical symptomatology, modified neurological Frankel-ASIA scaling and the currently proposed MRI staging regimen may help to consider the timing of surgical intervention. In the acute, subacute or acute-on-chronic phase and the ringlike enhancement pattern of epidural abscess on gadolinium-enhanced MRI may be an indicator for surgery.     

Non traumatic spinal epidural hematomas. Report of twenty cases. Review of the literature and outcome aspects

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report a personal series of 20 non traumatic spinal epidural hematomas and study outcome aspects with a review of data in the literature. METHOD: Clinical presentation of non-traumatic spinal epidural hematomas observed between January 1980 and December 1998 was acute in 17 cases (85%) and chronic in 3 (15%). Symptoms were spinal and/or radicular pain, sensorimotor and sphincter dysfunction. Radiological evaluation consisted in myelography (n=6), myelography-CT scan (n=5), CT scan (n=1) and MRI (n=9). Patients underwent surgery in 15 cases, between 8 hours and 2 months after the first symptoms. All our patients were clinically reevaluated between 2 and 4 months after either surgery or admission for cases of spontaneous resolution. RESULTS: Good results (complete neurological resolution or moderate sequelae) were observed in 14 patients (70%). A partial recovery with major persistent neurological impairment was observed in 1 patient (5%), an initial persistent neurological impairment in 1 (5%). Three patients (15%) died and 1 (5%) was lost to follow-up. Complete spontaneous resolution were observed in four patients. CONCLUSION: Postsurgical outcome is mainly related to the preoperative neurological impairment, the duration of spinal cord compression and the time interval between the onset of symptoms and maximal deficit. A prompt laminectomy is necessary except in the cases where a spontaneous resolution can be expected from the early neurological course.     

Spinal epidural abscess with myelitis and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a young child

Background

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in children is a rare infectious emergency warranting prompt intervention. Predisposing factors include immunosuppression, spinal procedures, and local site infections such as vertebral osteomyelitis and paraspinal abscess. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common isolate.

Design

Case report and literature review.

Findings

A 2.5-year-old boy with tetraparesis was found to have an SEA in the posterior lumbar epidural space with evidence of meningitis and myelitis on MRI spine in the absence of any local or systemic predisposing factors or spinal procedures. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from the evacuated pus.

Conclusions

Definitive treatment of SEA is a combination of surgical decompression and iv antibiotics. Timely management limits the extent of neurological deficit.     

Laminar and Arch Fractures with Dural Tear and Nerve Root Entrapment in Patients Operated upon for Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Injuries

Summary Objective: To determine the neurological outcome in patients with laminar fractures associated with dural tears and nerve root entrapment, operated upon for thoracic and lumbar spine injuries. Patient population: Out of 103 patients operated upon consecutively for thoracic and lumbar spine injuries during the period 1990 to 1994 inclusive, 24 (23.3%) patients had laminar fractures out of whom 3 (2.9%) had an associated dural tear and an other 17 (16.5% or 70.8% of the total patients with laminar fractures) had an associated dural tear and nerve root entrapment. Results: Twelve (70.5%) patients had injury at the thoraculumbar junction, 13 (76.5%) had Magerl's type A3 or above, 10 (58.8) had a kyphotic angle deformity greater than 5°. Seven (41.1%) had their spinal canal's sagittal diameter reduced by at least 50% and two had dislocations. Nine (52.9%) had initial neurological deficits. Four (50%) out of 8 patients with no initial neurological deficits (Frankel E) worsened to Frankel D. However, one patient among the 3 with initial Frankel A improved to Frankel C while both patients with initial Frankel C usefully improved to final Frankel grades D and E respectively. Two of the four patients with initial Frankel D improved to Frankel E, the other 2 remaining unchanged. All in all five patients' neurological status improved, 4 worsened and 8 remained unchanged after neurosurgical treatment. Conclusions: Vertical laminar fractures with dural tears and nerve root entrapment represent a special group of thoracic and lumbar spine injuries that carry a poor prognosis. However, special operative precautions lead to significant improvement in some of them although a majority remain unchanged or even worsened.     

一期前路病灶清除钛网植骨融合内固定治疗下颈椎结核

目的总结一期前路病灶清除钛网植骨融合内固定治疗颈椎结核的临床疗效。方法 2008年7月至2011年12月,采用一期前路病灶清除钛网植骨融合内固定治疗下颈椎结核15例,男9例,女6例;年龄32~71岁,平均55岁。病灶累及两个椎体者11例,其中C3~41例,C4~52例,C5~64例,C6~74例;累及3个椎体者4例,均为C5~7。颈椎后凸Cobb角为22°~46°,平均35°。神经功能按Frankel分级,B级2例,C级3例,D级8例,E级2例。术前抗结核药物治疗2周以上,术后继续抗结核治疗12~18个月。随访观察患者临床症状改善和植骨融合情况。结果手术均顺利完成,术中无大血管、脊髓、食道、气管损伤。切口均一期愈合,未发生感染及窦道形成。随访20~60个月,平均30.6个月。患者临床症状及神经功能有不同程度恢复,神经功能1例B级恢复至D级,其余均达E级。术后末次随访后凸Cobb角0°~5°,平均2.6°,较术前明显减少,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。患者植骨均完全融合,融合时间3~5个月,平均3.5个月,无内固定松动、脱落、折断、结核复发等并发症。结论在规范抗结核治疗的基础上,一期前路病灶清除钛网植骨融合内固定是治疗下颈椎结核的有效方法 。     

Critically located cavernous malformations.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of patients who underwent resection with the aid of microsurgical techniques and stereotactic and image-guided surgery for critically located cavernous malformations which still represent a considerable surgical challenge due to the close proximity of vital and eloquent structures. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2003, 12 patients with critically located cavernous malformations (CMs) underwent surgical resections at Ankara University Hospital. CMs of the pons (n=3), medulla oblongata (n=1), cavernous sinus (n=3), motor cortex (n=4) and the newly defined superior cerebellar peduncle (n=1) were treated using image-guidance and advanced microsurgical principles. Preoperative assessment was done with CT, MRI and angiography. Lesion locations, clinical presentations and outcome were analyzed. The surgical approach was chosen as lateral suboccipital (n=4), parietal (n=4), cranio-orbitozygomatic (n=3) and retrosigmoid (n=1). RESULTS: All CMs were readily identified and completely removed with no permanent morbidity and mortality. The immediate outcome after surgery was improved for 8 patients (66.6%). Long-term outcome was unchanged for one patient and a proved good surgical outcome for three patients, during the mean follow-up period. DISCUSSION: Stereotactic methods together with image-guidance and microsurgical techniques allow the creation of most effective and safe corridors to access the CMs in eloquent regions with a minimization of tissue manipulation and low risk of permanent neurological deficit.