Otávio Turolo da Silva

Role of dynamic computed tomography scans in patients with congenital craniovertebral junction malformations

AIM To evaluate the role of dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan imaging in diagnosing craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instability in patients with congenital CVJ malformations. METHODS Patients with symptomatic congenital CVJ malformations who underwent posterior fossa decompression and had a preoperative dynamic CT scan in flexion and extended position were included in this study. Measurements of the following craniometrical parameters were taken in flexed and extended neck position: Atlanto-dental interval (ADI), distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain’s line, and the clivus-canal angle (CCA). Assessment of the facet joints congruence was also performed in both positions. Comparison of the values obtained in flexion and extension were compared using a paired Student’s t-test. RESULTS A total of ten patients with a mean age of 37.9 years were included. In flexion imaging, the mean ADI was 1.76 mm, the mean CCA was 125.4° and the mean distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain’s line was + 9.62 mm. In extension, the mean ADI was 1.46 mm (P = 0.29), the mean CCA was 142.2° (P < 0.01) and the mean distance of the odontoid tip to the Chamberlain’s line was + 7.11 mm (P < 0.05). Four patients (40%) had facetary subluxation demonstrated in dynamic imaging, two of them with mobile subluxation (both underwent CVJ fixation). The other two patients with a fixed subluxation were not initially fixed. One patient with atlantoaxial assimilation and C23 fusion without initial facet subluxation developed a latter CVJ instability diagnosed with a dynamic CT scan. Patients with basilar invagination had a lower CCA variation compared to the whole group. CONCLUSION Craniometrical parameters, as well as the visualization of the facets location, may change significantly according to the neck position. Dynamic imaging can provide additional useful information to the diagnosis of CVJ instability. Future studies addressing the relationship between craniometrical changes and neck position are necessary.

Surgical variation of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A technical note and anatomical study.

Background: In this article, the authors described their experience in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods: The microvascular decompression technique used in the authors’ institution is described in a step by step manner with some illustrative cases as well as a cadaver dissection to highlight the differences with other previously described techniques. Results: Since 2013, 107 patients were operated in the Neurosurgery Division of the University of São Paulo using the described technique, with a shorter operative time and avoiding cerebellar retractor compared with classic techniques. Conclusion: Our modified microvascular decompression technique for trigeminal neuralgia can be used with safety and efficiency for treating trigeminal neuralgia.

Is There an Association With Spino-Pelvic Relationships and Clinical Outcome of Type A Thoracic and Lumbar Fractures Treated Non-Surgically?

ABSTRACT Background: The objective was to evaluate if there is an association of the spino-pelvic relationships and the global spinal alignment with the outcome of AO type A injuries treated nonsurgically. Methods: This is a retrospective case series. Patients treated nonsurgically for AOSpine type A fractures (T1-L5) with at least 1 year follow-up identified. A standing antero-posterior and lateral 36-inch radiographs and measures of spino-pelvic relationships and sagittal alignment were obtained, as well as clinical assessment using the visual analog scale, the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and labor status. Results: Twenty-two patients with 33 fractures were included (L1 was the most injured level with 18.2%). There were 17 men (77.2%) and the mean age was 47.1 years. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 60 months (mean of 27.8 months). There were 22 type A1 (66.7%), 3 type A2 (9%), 6 type A3 (18%), and 2 type A4 (6%) fractures. The ODI ranged from 4% to 58%, with a mean of 24.4%. The SF-36 physical health score ranged from 23 to 82.25 (mean 49.59), and the mental health score ranged from 14.75 to 94.25 (mean 63.28). No association was identified between the spino-pelvic measurements, global alignment, and patient-reported outcomes. Conclusions: Type A fractures had a clinically relevant amount of long-term disability even when surgical treatment is not required. Spino-pelvic relationships and final global spinal alignment did not associate with outcome measurements.