Ibrahim Omeis

Immediate development of a contralateral acute subdural hematoma following acute subdural hematoma evacuation

Contralateral hematoma formation following acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) evacuation is a well-described complication. The most common type of contralateral hematoma is an epidural hematoma. Rarely, ASDH develops on the contralateral side. We report an elderly woman who presented with a post-traumatic ASDH and underwent ipsilateral hematoma evacuation by craniotomy and subsequently developed a contralateral ASDH. Because of the potential consequences of a delayed ASDH, there should be a low threshold for early post-operative imaging following ASDH evacuation, especially in elderly patients and those with additional associated intracranial injuries.

Nuances in Localization and Surgical Treatment of Syringomyelia Associated with Fenestrated and Webbed Intradural Spinal Arachnoid Cyst: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION Intradural spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are among many etiologies for syringomyelia. Consequentially, neurologic symptoms arise such as pain, gait disturbance, and bladder dysfunction. Identification of SAC on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be challenging, as SACs can be fenestrated or in the form of fine webs. METHODS Imaging and clinical data for 7 patients who underwent surgical treatment for SAC associated with syringomyelia were reviewed. All previous publications of this pathology were reviewed via MEDLINE search. RESULTS Seven patients with a mean age 59 years were found to have a SAC causing syringomyelia. Intraoperative exploration confirmed SAC appearances of fine webs or a fluid-filled loculation impinging on the spinal cord. Common presentations were back pain, gait disturbance, and bladder incontinence. Diagnosis was made by MRI, although in 3 cases, the SAC was not identified on the initial review. Computed tomography myelogram was performed in one case due to the enlarged syringomyelia and lack of obvious spinal cord compression. Thoracic laminectomy/laminoplasty was performed for all patients, centered at the level of a subtle indentation of the cord; the syringomyelia proper was not directly addressed. Postoperatively, all patients had complete resolution of their symptoms with MRI demonstrating resolution of the syringomyelia. CONCLUSIONS Careful evaluation of the MRI can demonstrate subtle indentation of the cord at the caudal or cephalad end of the syringomyelia and may obviate the need for additional imaging. Meticulous arachnoid dissection and establishment of good CSF flow is sufficient for resolution of the syringomyelia, averting the need for more aggressive procedures.

Neuromonitoring for Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery

BACKGROUND Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) account for about 2%-4% of tumors of the central nervous system. Surgical resection continues to be the most effective treatment modality for most intramedullary tumors, with gross total resection leading to preserved neurologic function and improved survival. However, surgical treatment is often difficult and carries significant risk of postoperative neurologic complications. Intraoperative neuromonitoring has been shown to be of clinical importance in the surgical resection of IMSCT. The main monitoring modalities include somatosensory evoked potentials, transcranial motor evoked potentials via limb muscles or spinal epidural space (D-waves), and dorsal column mapping. These monitoring modalities have been shown to inform surgeons intraoperatively and in many cases, have led to alterations in operative decision. METHODS We reviewed the literature on the usefulness of intraoperative neuromonitoring for intramedullary spinal tumor resection and its role in predicting postoperative neurologic deficits. A MEDLINE search was performed (2000-2015) and 13 studies were reviewed. Detailed information and data from the selected articles were assessed and compiled. Data were extracted showing the role of monitoring in outcomes of surgery. CONCLUSIONS By using intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials, transcranial motor evoked potentials, D-waves, and dorsal column mapping, spinal injury could be prevented in most cases, thereby improving postoperative neurologic functioning and outcome in patients undergoing surgery for IMSCT.

Contribution of Lordotic Correction on C5 Palsy Following Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion.

BACKGROUND C5 palsy is a well-reported complication of cervical spine surgery. The implication of sagittal cervical alignment parameters and their changes after surgery on the incidence of C5 palsy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE We review cervical alignment changes in our cases of C5 palsy after cervical laminectomy and fusion. METHODS Cases of C5 palsy were retrospectively compared with a control group. Preoperative and postoperative upright plain film radiographs were analyzed in blinded fashion. RESULTS Spine registry analysis identified 148 patients who underwent cervical laminectomy and fusion by the senior author over 5 years. There were 18 (12%) cases complicated by postoperative C5 palsy. Nine of these 18 patients had prerequisite upright films and were compared with a randomly constructed case control group of 20 patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in age, proportion of males, and preoperative Nurick score. Measures of sagittal alignment did not differ significantly between the 2 groups on preoperative and postoperative imaging. When comparing the amount of alignment change between preoperative and postoperative upright imaging, however, patients with C5 palsy had a statistically higher amount of average C4-C5 Cobb angle change (-2.53 vs 0.78°; P = .01). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lordotic change in both C4-C5 and C2-C7 Cobb angles were associated with development of palsy. CONCLUSION Lordotic cervical correction, as measured on upright imaging, was statistically larger in patients who had C5 palsy. The role of deformity correction in C5 palsy deserves further study and may inform intraoperative decision making. ABBREVIATION CLF, cervical laminectomy and fusion.

Reliability of treating asymptomatic traumatic type II dens fractures in patients over age 80: A retrospective series.

Background: Management of type II odontoid fractures in elderly remains controversial to whether surgical treatment is favored over conservative one. This is a study of geriatric patients with asymptomatic type II dens fractures who after sustaining a fall were initially evaluated at community hospitals. They were placed in a rigid collar and were followed up in a spine clinic. Purpose: To assess the reliability of treating very old patients with type II dens fracture conservatively and whether surgical intervention if needed would affect the clinical outcome. Study Design: Retrospective study with the literature review. Patient Sample: Consecutive patients above 80 years of age, who sustained a clinically asymptomatic type II dens fracture and were observed after a conservative treatment plan, was initiated. Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included self-reported worsening neck pain, neurological function, and radiographic measures over the follow-up period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective clinical analysis of 5 active geriatric patients with type II asymptomatic dens fracture. After evaluating them, treatment options were discussed with patients and their family members. The decision was to continue to follow them with a rigid collar very closely since they were reluctant to undergo any surgical procedure. Results: Patients were followed for an average of 29 months. They were observed for any worsening neck pain, neurological deficit, or deterioration of fracture on follow-up imaging studies. At last follow-up, 2 of 5 patients continued to be asymptomatic, the 3 rd died of unrelated causes while 2 others required surgeries at least 1-year post injury. Conclusions: Treatment of type II dens fractures in the elderly is controversial. Independent elderly patients who are asymptomatic at presentation may be safe to be followed up very closely with a neck brace and serial X-ray. Converting to surgical treatment can be done safely when needed without affecting the overall clinical out.

Reliable Intraoperative Repair Nuances of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak during anterior cervical spine surgery can lead to complications, including wound breakdown, meningitis, headaches, need for lumbar drain, or additional surgery. These leaks can be difficult to manage given the limited field of view and lack of deep access. Herein, we describe 8 consecutive patients who underwent intraoperative repair of CSF leak, with no postoperative evidence of wound dehiscence or drainage. METHODS A retrospective review was performed on 8 cases where CSF leak was encountered during an anterior cervical spine surgery. Patients had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, intradural disk herniation, or dural ectasia. Intraoperative repair was as follows. First, CSF was drained to low pressure, and durotomy was covered by dural substitute and sealant agent. Then the interbody graft used was manually undersized in the anteroposterior dimension to allow for expansion of the agents used. Anterior instrumentation was then performed. Finally, a wound drain was anchored to a biologic bag for shoulder level passive drainage. RESULTS In all 8 cases, there were no cases of wound dehiscence or CSF leak using this strategy. Likewise, there was no evidence of cord compression or neurologic deficits. No meningitis or persistent headaches were reported, and there was no need for lumbar drain placement at any time postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Once durotomy is encountered during anterior spine surgery, draining the CSF to a low pressure followed by dural substitute with a sealing agent, followed by a smaller anteroposterior size graft is an effective strategy of preventing complications in an inescapable problem.

Free-hand placement of iliac screws for spinopelvic fixation based on anatomical landmarks: technical note.

Background The placement of iliac screws is a biomechanically sound method for the stabilization of long multi-segment lumbar constructs. Traditional techniques for the placement of iliac screws often involve either substantial iliac muscle dissection for visualization of screw trajectory based on bony landmarks, or alternatively the use of intra-operative imaging to visualize these landmarks and guide screw placement. We describe an alternative free-hand method of iliac screw placement, one that needs neither significant muscle dissection nor intra-operative imaging. Methods We performed this technique in 10 consecutive patients. Patient demographics, spinal pathology, post-operative complications, and screw hardware characteristics are described. Results We have successfully used this technique for the placement 20 iliac screws based on anatomic landmarks in 10 consecutive patients. There were no cortical breeches of the ileum and no penetrations into the acetabulum on post-operative imaging. There were no instances of hardware failure. Two patients developed deep vein thromboses after surgery, 1 had a pulmonary embolism. Conclusions Based on our limited experience to date, free-hand placement of iliac screws is both easy to perform and safe for the patient. Further study and validation using this technique is warranted.

Transpedicular surgical approach for the management of thoracic osteophyte-induced intracranial hypotension refractory to non-operative modalities: case report and review of literature

PurposeIn this article, we aim to describe the presentation and management of a case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension caused by a dural tear from a ventral thoracic osteophyte at the T12 level that was refractory to non-surgical treatment modalities. A review of the literature has been performed. Also a proposal of diagnostic and treatment algorithm is presented. Intracranial hypotension and CSF leak as a result of dural tear is a common phenomenon. However, the detection of the source of CSF leak from a thoracic spinal osteophyte has rarely been reported.MethodsDiagnostic workup including MRI and CT Myelogram as well as application of epidural blood patches and surgical technique of hemilaminectomy and osteophytectomy by transpedicular approach have been described. Literature review was conducted using relevant search terms in PubMed.ResultsThe patient’s spontaneous intracranial hypotension symptoms resolved and this persisted on follow up visits. Review our experience as well as similar cases in the literature pointed us towards a diagnostic and treatment algorithm.ConclusionsSpontaneous resolution is the norm for intracranial hypotension of most etiologies and management of all such cases begins with fluid resuscitation coupled with bed rest. On failure of conservative therapy, autologous epidural blood patches into the spinal epidural space should be tried, which often produce an immediate relief of symptoms. Osteophyte-induced dural tear and consequent intracranial hypotension may require surgical intervention if the symptoms are refractory to conservative treatment. Under all circumstances a careful step-wise approach for diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension needs to be followed, as we have proposed in our article.

Back Muscle Morphometry: Effects on Outcomes of Spine Surgery

BACKGROUND This review seeks to synthesize emerging literature on the effects of back muscle size on outcomes in spine surgery. Risk factors that contribute to poor surgical outcomes continue to be an area of interest in spine surgery because proper risk stratification can result in reduction in morbidity and enhanced patient care. However, the impact of muscle size on spine surgical outcomes is an understudied avenue with paucity of data evaluating the relationship among back muscles and surgical outcomes, patients quality of life, and functional improvement postoperatively. METHODS This review was centered around identifying studies that assessed the impact of back muscle size on spine surgery outcomes. RESULTS Five retrospective studies were selected for review. All studies set out to see if differences in muscle size existed in patients with disparate post-operative outcomes as a primary objective. The studies support the association between larger back muscles and improved outcomes. The size and relative cross sectional area of paraspinal muscles and the size of the psoas muscle were associated with functional outcomes, incidence of complications and also fusion rates. CONCLUSION With reduction in surgical complications and improvement in postoperative functional outcomes, back muscle morphometry ought to be included in the preoperative surgical planning as a predictor of outcomes.