Primary tethered cord syndrome refers to a group of neural tube defects that are not externally obvious, and, if detected at an early age, surgical intervention may prevent the significant irreversible neurological deficits. This study was performed to evaluate the presenting clinical features of patients with primary tethered cord syndrome and the indications of surgery in such patients as well as the clinical and urological outcome. In all cases, the indication for surgery was the presence of a tethered cord on magnetic resonance imaging, the criteria for tethering being a low-lying conus (below L1-L2) and a thickened filum (>2 mm). Urodynamic studies were performed before detethering. Microsurgical detethering of low-lying cord was then performed, and the patients were then followed clinically and urologically for 6 months. Pain responded the most to detethering while limb weakness and urological symptoms responded the least. Clinical improvement in urological symptoms correlated with improvement in urodynamic parameters. A urodynamic study identified improvement in a larger number of patients and also deterioration in a few patients which was not visible clinically; this may point to its high sensitivity and usefulness in preceding clinical manifestations in a future follow-up.
Background:
Combination fractures of the C1–C2 complex especially atlas and hangman are relatively uncommon and management usually compromises C1–C2 mobility.
Objective:
To evaluate the treatment of combined C1- hangman's fracture with and without intraoperative O- arm based navigation system, and its outcome in terms of preserving C1-C2 mobility.
Methods:
This was a case series of patients with combined C1 and hangman's fracture, managed at a tertiary care hospital during February 2009 to December 2016. Neurological function assessed with American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale. Radiological fusion of the operated segment assessed with computed tomographic scan, criteria used for successful fusion included formation of callus across the fracture. Preservation of rotational motion between C1 and C2 was assessed by cervical flexion rotation (CFR) test.
Results:
We included 10 patients (male/female: 9/1; mean 47.7 ± 17.5 years) in our study. Operative intervention was performed in 9 patients. We used intraoperative computed tomogram (CT) scan with navigation in 5 patients. The mean follow-up period was 28.7 months (range 6 to 70 months). Neurological recovery occurred in all 4 patients with preoperative neurological deficits. Radiological fusion occurred in all cases. Rotation at C1-2 was preserved in all 5 cases operated under O-arm guidance and in one patient with type 1 fracture who was managed conservatively.
Conclusions:
The goals in treating these complex fractures are to achieve early maximum stability and preserving maximum range of motion. These are often competing phenomena, which can be achieved by using intra operative CT scan and navigation system.
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