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16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

The influence of transoral odontoid resection on stability of the craniovertebral junction.

Twenty-seven cases of craniovertebral junction compression treated with transoral surgery were reviewed to assess the influences of pathological processes and surgical interventions on spinal stability. All patients presented with signs and symptoms of spinal-cord or brain-stem dysfunction. Pathology included rheumatoid arthritis in 11 patients, congenital osseous malformations in 11, spinal fractures in two, plasmacytoma in one, osteomyelitis in one, and a gunshot injury in one. Instability was defined as clear radiographic evidence of mobile subluxation in conjunction with clinical assessment. Of 19 patients (70%) requiring internal fixation, nine underwent upper cervical fusion and 10 had occipitocervical fusion. When instability occurred, all subluxations were at the C1-2 level. There were no occipito-atlantal subluxations. Eight patients (30%) had preoperative instability of the craniovertebral junction due solely to their pathology, 11 patients (40%) suffered instability after transoral surgery, and eight (30%) were without clinical or radiographic evidence of instability (mean follow-up period 14 months). Craniovertebral junction instability predominated among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: 91% required fusion and 45% presented with pre-existing instability. Among individuals with congenital osseous malformations, 45% required fusion and only one patient (9%) had pre-existing instability. Patients who required subsequent posterior decompression of a Chiari malformation were at risk for developing instability; three of four became unstable after posterior decompression. Transoral resection of the dens, the anterior arch of C-1, and the lower clivus does not fully destabilize the spine; however, this operation may potentiate incipient pathological instability. The primary determinants of instability are the extent of pathological bone destruction, ligamentous weakening, and operative bone removal. Long-term follow-up monitoring is needed after transoral surgery to detect cases of late instability.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Craniovertebral junction: normal anatomy with MR correlation.

The anatomy of the craniovertebral junction, although complex, may be well visualized by routine MR imaging. This essay discusses the anatomy of the complex articulations of the craniovertebral junction. Representative MR images and gross anatomic photographs are presented to illustrate the intricate ligamentous and articular anatomy. Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the occipitoatlantoaxial region is necessary in order to understand the common disorders that affect this area. The most common disorders are trauma and arthropathies, but also include congenital abnormalities and neoplasm. The resultant abnormal mechanics may lead to neurologic sequelae or pain.

Atlanto-Axial Joint↗
PubMed2026

Safety and Stability of a Combined C2 Screw Placement Strategy With Vertebral Artery Mobilization.

BACKGROUND: Although C2 pedicle screws are considered the gold standard for atlantoaxial fixation, the optimal fixation strategy for patients with high-riding vertebral arteries (HRVA) or narrow C2 pedicles (NC2P) remains controversial because of the increased risk of vertebral artery injury and the limitations of alternative fixation techniques. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, stability, and clinical efficacy of an individualized C2 screw fixation strategy incorporating vertebral artery mobilization for complex upper cervical anatomy. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 312 patients who underwent C2 fixation between 2017 and 2025. Patients were categorized according to fusion method, screw laterality, and VA transposition requirement. Bone fusion rates and screw accuracy (Gertzbein-Robbins grading) were compared across groups using &#x3c7;2, Fisher's exact, and multivariate logistic regression analyses to control confounders. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed without permanent neurovascular injury. At 6&#x2009;months, the fusion rate with an atlantoaxial fusion cage was significantly higher than with interlaminar bone grafting (92.3% vs. 51.0%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Unilateral C2 pedicle screw fixation combined with a contralateral alternative screw achieved comparable stability to bilateral fixation (p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Screw placement accuracy was 100% clinically acceptable in normal anatomy and 60% in cases requiring VA mobilization, with no VA injury or blood flow compromise. CONCLUSION: The proposed multi-strategy C2 screw placement protocol-integrating fusion cage support and VA mobilization-achieves superior fusion, reliable fixation, and high safety, even in anatomically challenging conditions. This approach provides a reproducible and versatile solution for C2 instrumentation in complex craniovertebral junction surgery.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

The signal intensity of the normal odontoid process (dens) displayed on magnetic resonance images.

In order to analyse the normal signal intensity of the medullary space of the odontoid process (dens) relative to age, the craniovertebral junction of 33 asymptomatic volunteers in six age groups was examined by means of magnetic resonance imaging. To avoid partial-volume effects 3-mm slices were used in sagittal and axial planes. The signal intensities relative to cerebral white matter varied from 0.51 to 1.23 in the sagittal plane and 0.56 to 1.51 in the axial plane. The signal intensities relative to muscle varied from 0.76 to 2.40 in the sagittal plane and 0.96 to 2.30 in the axial plane. The signal intensities relative to fat varied from 0.22 to 0.62 in the sagittal plane and 0.23 to 0.68 in the axial plane. No correlation with age of the volunteers was found. The normal medulla of the dens may exhibit a low signal intensity on T1-weighted images irrespective of age.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1978

Familial communicating syringomyelia.

Calssical cervical syringomyelia was found in 3 members of one family. All 3 underwent air myelogram, and a Chiari malformation type I and postural collapse of the spinal cord was found in each case. An affected 7-year-old boy was discovered after a clinical and radiological survey of 8 first-degree relatives on the basis of mild scoliosis, pyramidal tract signs in the lower limbs and enlarged sagittal diameter of the cervical canal. One other member had basilar impression of the skull but no neurological abnormalities. No positive correlation was found between either the size of the cystic cord enlargement or descent of the ectopic tonsils with the duration or severity of the neurological findings. Suboccipital decompressive craniotomy and upper cervical laminectomy in one case was followed by improvement in strength and sensation 1 year later. Progression in familial syringomyelia appears to occur through a mechanism identical to that in the sporadic form and surgery is therefore also indicated. In affected families, routine survey of close relatives for abnormal neurological signs, and radiological evidence of scoliotic deformity of the spine, enlarged cervical canal and bone abnormalities at the craniovertebral junction may prove valuable for early detection. A dominantly inherited, genetically determined malformation seems to be the probable mechanism of inheritance in this family.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The transoral approach to the cervical spine.

The transoral surgical approach is useful for operating on structures at the base of the brain and the upper cervical spinal cord. For example, this route has been used for resecting spinal tumors and clipping vertebrobasilar aneurysms. In the past, this surgical approach was not advocated due to concerns about exposure and infection. However, the availability of the microscope, computed tomography, computed myelotomography, magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative radiography as well as more effective techniques have improved the diagnosis of pathology of the craniovertebral junction and surgical performance. An understanding of the operative procedures involved with this approach assists the neuro-science nurse in preoperative teaching and anticipating potential postoperative complications.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1979

[Ossification of the transverse ligament of the atlas. A report on three new cases (author's transl)].

Following the publication of the first two cases reported of ossification of the transverse ligament, the authors describe three recent observations of this lesion. In contrast to the first two cases, in which ossification was reported at the level of the cervico-occipital articulation, which was normal, these three new cases were noted to have associated acquired or congenital abnormalities of the craniovertebral junction.

Aged↗
PubMed1977

Cervical spinal stenosis.

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs at the craniovertebral junction, usually incident to a congenital malformation, or it appears as a developmental defect with diffuse narrowing of the cervical canal. In its acquired form the lesion may be limited to one or two levels, or it may be more extensive and affect three or more segments.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Neurogenic disorders of bladder emptying in closed spinal dysraphism].

Closed (occult) spinal dysraphism, e.g. lipomyelomeningocele, intraspinal lipoma, diastematomyelia, the tethered spinal cord in its various forms and dysgenesis of the sacrum, is often diagnosed late and only symptoms of neurogenic bladder dysfunction are present. A lipomyelomeningocele mostly causes detrusor and sphincter dysfunction, as was the case in five of six children among our patients. However, improvement of neurological and urological symptoms after the operation can only be achieved in about 40%. Four of eight children with diastematomyelia suffered from neurogenic bladder dysfunction; three have meanwhile undergone surgery with complete recovery in one, no relevant change in the second, and worsening in the third. Originally a specific term, the "tethered spinal cord" when associated with spinal dysraphism has taken on a more general meaning. Nowadays this term is not only used for a short, thickened and tight filum terminale, but comprises any pathology, which prevents the spinal cord from ascending. MRI examination of the craniovertebral junction and spinal cord of patients with treated myelomeningocele often reveals secondary pathologic changes: these may be areas of cord atrophy, hydromyelic cavitation or ventral compression from arachnoid cysts with clinical symptoms mostly after the age of 5 years. In these children a changing urodynamic pattern may therefore be caused by such a pathology and is an indication for a thorough neurological examination including MRI. Of all the dysrhaphic states mentioned above, sacral dysgenesis is the most frequent. The sacral osteological anomaly, as a numerical and as a structural anomaly, also determines the neuro-urological deficit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

[Sturge-Weber syndrome associated with atlanto-occipital assimilation: a report of a case (author's transl)].

A unique association of Sturge-Weber syndrome and atlanto-occipital assimilation is presented. A 18-year-old male was admitted in emergency because of the sudden severe headache and vomiting. He had vascular nevus in the right half of the face at birth and several episodes of generalized convulsive seizures. On admission craniogram demonstrated calcification in the right occipital area. Neurological examination revealed tenderness in the nuchal region, moderate limitation of cervical mobility in a antero-posterior direction, Bruns-Cushing type nystagmus, bilaterally diminished gag reflex, and positive Romberg's test. Spinal tap showed crystal clear CSF with normal pressure. EEG showed paroxysmal slowing focus in the right parieto-occipital area. Polytomography of the craniovertebral junction demonstrated the unilateral atlanto-occipital assimilation on the left associated with the aplasia of the right posterior arch. Myelography was negative. A right carotid angiography disclosed the dilatation of the basal vein of Rosenthal and abnormal venous vasculature. CT-scan demonstrated the calcified region of the right occipital area more distinctly than the plain roentogenogram, but the enhancement study of the leptomeningeal angioma of the Sturge-Weber syndrome was negative. Never been found this rare association in a review of the literature, the authors discussed the clinical and radiological findings of both diseases.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Meningiomas of the posterior cranial fossa].

In a period of 3 years 12 patients with meningiomas of the posterior cranial fossa were treated surgically. The group included 2 cases of meningioma situated on the cerebellar convexity, 5 on the tentorium, 2 on the posterior aspect of the pyramid bone, 1 of Blumenbach clivus, 2 of foramen magnum. The neurological findings and pneumoencephylographic changes in cases of meningiomas of cerebellar convexity, tentorium and posterior aspect of the pyramid bone made possible the diagnosis of posterior fossa tumour and the diagnosis of meningioma was made possible by carotid and vertebral angiography. In the case of Blumenbach clivus meningioma and in foramen magnum meningiomas the neurological changes were characteristic of tumours at the craniovertebral junction. One meningioma growing through the tentorium was approached from the middle cranial fossa, the remaining ones from the posterior cranial fossa. The tumour could have been removed radically in 7 cases. In 5 cases only partial removal was possible. Three patients died, two after operations for tentorial meningioma and one after operation for Blumenbach clivus tumour. The results in the remaining cases were good.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Craniovertebral abnormalities in Down's syndrome.

The ligamentous laxity associated with atlantoaxial subluxation has been assumed as a normal occurrence in 15-20% of Down's syndrome patients. The occipitoatlantoaxial instability that accompanies this entity has been poorly recognized. The medical records and radiographic findings of 18 symptomatic patients with Down's syndrome and cervicomedullary compromise were reviewed (1979-1991). All patients were evaluated prospectively under protocol for abnormalities of the cranial vertebral junction. There were 11 males and 7 females (age 3-42). 'Fixed' atlantoaxial luxation was seen in 8 (5 developed precipitous onset of cervical medullary compression). Occipitoatlantoaxial instability was present in 9 and associated rotary luxation in 9. The average predental space was 8 mm in the neutral position in 18 individuals. Two adolescents had previously undergone atlantoaxial dorsal fusion with subsequent progressive basilar invagination due to unrecognized occipitoatlantal instability. An os odontoideum was seen in 3 patients. Irreducible invagination in 2 was treated with anterior decompression followed by dorsal occipital cervical fixation. The occipital cervical fixation was utilized in 10 individuals. Atlantoaxial dorsal fusion was made in 7 and 2 patients with acute rotary luxation of C1 and C2 were treated with immobilization. Halo immobilization in two individuals following a dorsal occipital cervical fixation produced an anterior fusion at the cranial vertebral complex indicating active vertebral ligamentous pathology. The review focuses on increased incidence of occiput cervical instability in the spectrum of craniovertebral junction abnormalities associated with Down's syndrome. A large percentage has an odontoid ossicle probably as a result of repeated minor trauma. The results of surgical stabilization have been shown to be excellent.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

[Surgical treatment of upper cervical chordoma (author's transl)].

Treatment of upper cervical chordoma is generally considered to be difficult one, because of serious troubles in supporting cranio-spinal junction after the surgery and at the recurrence. Clinical course of a 22-year-old man with chordoma originated from C2 vertebral body was reported, and the operation for such a condition were discussed with emphasis on the mode of craniovertebral fixation. Simple subtotal removal of the vertebral chordoma was carried out by posterior approach at the first operation. The second one was necessary fourteen months later for recurrence of the tumor. At the second surgery, in addition to the tumor removal, posterior fusion between the occipital bone and the C4 lamina was performed with homologous iliac bone graft, the center of which was kept slightly lateral to the lesion. This procedure of fixation not only enabled a sufficient removal of the residual tumor without loosening the bone graft, but also shortened the bedridden time following the subsequent operations for the recurrence, and finally resulted in an excellent recovery in his clinical symptoms. It is considered to be important to select the most adequate approach of surgery, including fixation technique, according to the extension of the tumor. We would emphasize the usefulness of paramedian posterior fusion of the cranio-spinal junction for such a condition of wide tumor invasion in the high cervical region.

Adult↗