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Nancy E Epstein

Publications and source records attributed to Nancy E Epstein.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Delayed iliac crest autograft fractures following plated single-level anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion.

Recurrent cervical pain following single-level plated anterior corpectomy with fusion signaled delayed mid-iliac crest autograft fractures in four of 56 patients. Single-level anterior corpectomy with fusion used 15 fixed plates (Sofamor Danek) and 41 dynamic ABC plates (Aesculap). Patients in the fixed-plate and dynamic-plate groups averaged 46 and 48 years of age, respectively. Fusion was confirmed on both dynamic radiograph and two-dimensional CT studies an average of 4.5 months postoperatively. Two (13%) fixed-plated patients developed mid-iliac crest strut fractures 1 and 2 years postoperatively, whereas two (5%) dynamic-plated patients showed similar fractures 6 and 9 months following surgery. Immobilization in CTO orthoses resulted in fusion in one case, whereas three patients required secondary posterior wiring/fusion. Recurrent pain signaled delayed autograft strut fractures in four of 56 patients undergoing plated single-level anterior corpectomy with fusion.

Adult↗

Computed tomography validating bony ingrowth into fibula strut allograft: a criterion for fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Static and dynamic X-ray studies routinely determine whether or not fusion of a fibula strut allograft has occurred after multilevel anterior corpectomy with fusion (ACF) combined with posterior wiring and fusion (PWF). PURPOSE: Two-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) studies were assessed for documentation of bony ingrowth into fresh frozen fibula strut allograft to constitute an additional sign of fusion. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This was a prospective, nonrandomized study, which was conducted at a university medical center. PATIENT SAMPLE: Eighteen patients with moderate to severe myelopathy undergoing circumferential cervical surgery for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and spondylostenosis were evaluated. OUTCOME MEASURES: Static and dynamic X-rays and 2D CT examinations were performed in 18 patients 3 and 6 months after circumferential cervical procedures. METHODS: Fusion was assessed on static and dynamic X-rays, and 2D CT studies performed in 18 patients following average 2.9 level anterior corpectomy with fusion (ACF) with posterior wiring and fusion (PWF) (C2-T1) with halo application. Routine fusion criteria on static radiographs included the documentation of bony trabeculation and absence of bony lucency at the graft/vertebral end plate interface. Routine dynamic X-ray criteria of fusion mandated that less than 3.5 mm of translation, less than 20 degrees of angulation, and less than 1 mm of motion be observed between adjacent spinous processes. Here, a potential additional 2D CT criterion for fusion, progressive bony ingrowth into the central shaft of a fibula strut allograft, was investigated on 3 and 6 month postoperative 2D CT examinations using direct measurement of Hounsfield units. Telescoping (mm) was also differentiated from ingrowth into the bony shaft based on a comparison of immediate, 3 and 6 month postoperative CT studies. RESULTS: Immediate postoperative baseline 2D CT studies revealed no bone within the central canal but an average of less than 1 mm of cephalad and 2.3 mm of caudad graft telescoping. Within 6 postoperative months, 2D CT studies demonstrated an average of 3.5 mm of superior and 4.6 mm of inferior bony ingrowth (confirmed by measuring 500 to 900 Hounsfield units) into the central fibula canal of 17 of 18 patients (94%). Seventeen had routine/dynamic X-ray and CT studies confirming fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Two-dimensional CT evidence of bony ingrowth into the central canal of fibula strut allografts after multilevel ACF/PWF provided an additional means of quantifying the extent of fusion.

Adult↗