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Figure 6–1
Lateral radiograph of a patient with cervical myelopathy due to cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM).
C4
C5
Spondylosis
C6
C7
Spinal nerve root
Body
Cord
Lamina
OPLL or
spur
Figure 6–2
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient with cervical myelopathy due to CSM. Note that the compression is asymmetric to the left. Subsequent treatment will need
to specifically address the site of pathology.
30
SECTION I THE CERVICAL SPINE
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C3
C1
C2
SCM
Trachea
C5
C6
C7
T1
Strap muscle
C4
Longus coli muscle
CC
IJV
SCM
Longitudinal incision
Transverse incision
Figure 6–3
Levels of approach and possible incisions.
Prevertebral fascia
Superficial fascia
Pretracheal fascia
C6
A
Figure 6–4
(A,B) Axial schematics of the Smith-Robinson approach at the C6 level.
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6 ANTERIOR CERVICAL CORPECTOMY
31
B
1.5 cm
Figure 6–5
Extent of decompression in cervical corpectomy. At least 1.5 cm of bone should be resected as indicated by preoperative imaging findings.
A
Figure 6–6
(A) Decompression is complete. (B) Lateral view. Small angled rongeurs are used to perforate the end plates.
32
SECTION I THE CERVICAL SPINE
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B
AB C
Figure 6–7
(A–C) Postoperative plain radiograph and drawings of a C5-C6 anterior cervical corpectomy with strut graft and anterior plate reconstruction.
Eurostile
Figure 6–8
Postoperative computed tomography (CT)-myelogram of an anterior cervi­cal corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). Note the left-sided decompression.
6 ANTERIOR CERVICAL CORPECTOMY
33
7. Now, the carotid sheath and its structures may be gently retracted later­ally with the SCM. Above C3–4, the superior thyroid arteries connect the sheath to the midline structures. This limits the degree to which this plane can be opened. Occasionally these vessels must be sacri­ficed for exposure; however, DO NOT divide the superior laryngeal nerve that runs with these vessels.
8. Inferiorly, the ventral belly of the omohyoid is occasionally en­countered. This structure may usually be retracted inferiorly; however, no functional loss is associated with dividing it (especially if sub­sequently repaired). Further, the inferior thyroid artery and vein may need to be retracted inferiorly or divided. If divided accidentally, the inferior thyroid artery may retract behind the carotid sheath where it is difficult to retrieve.
9. Next, a plane is developed deep to the cut pretracheal fascia by blunt dissection (finger or Kidner). Proceed carefully medially behind the esophagus. Soon, the cervical bodies should be visible, covered by lon­gus colli and prevertebral fascia. The anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) is noted in the midline as gleaming white structure.
10. At this point, a 22-gauge needle is placed in the superior disc and a lo­calizing radiograph is obtained.
11. This plane now exposes the prevertebral fascia, a firm, tough mem­brane in front of the prevertebral muscles on which the sympathetic chain runs. This fascia is incised as the longus colli muscles are split longitudinally with a Bovie. With a few millimeters of longus elevated subperiosteally, rounded, hand-held retractors may be safely placed under the muscle bellies.
Technique
1. With deep retractors in place under the longus muscles, anterior osteophytes are resected with a Leksell rongeur. Then, discectomies are performed above and below each intended corpectomy level with a No. 15 blade through the ALL, anterior annulus, and anterior disc. Then, a pituitary rongeur is used to remove superficial disc material. A curet may be passed into the disc space to retrieve additional disc material. We have not routinely completed the discectomy at this point, as the additional exposure afforded by the vertebrectomy allows a safer decompression. The disc margin and uncinate processes remain significant landmarks for depth and laterality in the subsequent decompression.
2. The corpectomy begins with a small rongeurs or high-speed bur to create a trough in the body’s center. The necessary width of decom­pression can be estimated from preoperative studies. However, no less than 1.5 cm of bone from the central body should be removed (Fig. 6–5).
3. The corpectomy is carefully continued posteriorly to the level of the posterior cortex. Intermittently, bone wax on a Penfield may be used to stanch bleeding. Some authors recommend a diamond-tip bur at the posterior cortex; we have not found this necessary. As the posterior cortex is thinned, a small curet may be used to breech the cortex. This small opening is gradually enlarged by elevating the thin flap of poste­rior cortex with a curet or fine Kerrison. This decompression is con­tinued cranially and caudally to the adjacent disc spaces.
4. We typically undercut the superior and inferior margins of the adja­cent bodies. Then, a fine nerve hook is used to assess the decompres­sion. In the face of continued compression, the bone removal is con­tinued. If there is a radicular component to the patient’s complaints, the decompression is extended laterally to the disc space. Here, a fine Kerrison or curet is passed into the foramen, allowing decompression of the medial 1 to 3 mm of nerve root.
5. With the decompression complete, the defect must be prepared for sta­bilization. Careful end-plate preparation is critical. First, the end-plate cartilage is removed with a curet. Although some authors recommend burring the end plates to encourage fusion, this may result in collapse of the graft. We recommend small, angled curets to perforate the end plates (Fig. 6–6).
6. The intended strut graft is measure with the disc space distracted. Such distraction may be obtained by a head halter, manually by an­esthesia, or with a Caspar retractor. Overdistraction is to be avoided, as it will change the weight-bearing characteristics of the cervical spine and is associated with increased collapse of the graft.
7. Several different grafts and cage devices have been proposed for cor­pectomy defects. Most commonly, iliac crest or fibular struts are used. Iliac crest may be used for up to a three-level corpectomy. Studies have demonstrated that fibular struts are stronger in compression. Although improved incorporation rates and times are reported for autograft, the added morbidity of autogenous fibula harvest has led to an increase in allograft fibula usage in recent years.
8. Several different graft geometries have been espoused as well. Most commonly,a straight fibular strut is cut to length and tamped into posi­tion with 1 to 2 mm of countersinking. Some authors recommend pur­posely keying the graft into the cancellous bone of the bodies above and below the corpectomy as a means of preventing extrusion. One ele­gant approach is the fibular H-graft of Whitecloud and LaRocca. Here, the graft is notched at both ends. The middle thirds of the superior and inferior vertebrae are perforated with a bur. Then, the fibular graft is locked into the end plate at both ends. Regardless of the graft geometry employed, careful measurement of depth will prevent graft encroach­ment on the canal.
Instrumentation may be added to increase fusion rates and postopera-
tive stability.
Advantages
1. A buttress effect to decrease graft migration.
2. Decreased graft collapse by load sharing.
3. Decreased postoperative immobilization with possible early return to work and function.
4. Theoretically, fusion rates are improved.
Disadvantages
1. Additional operating room time and cost.
2. The potential for screw fracture or migration, which could lead to esophageal erosion.
3. A possibly increased rate of infection.
The indications for plating remain controversial, but internal fixation can be recommended in revision surgery, to obviate halo use in multiple level corpectomy, and when bracing is impossible or unreliable (e.g., obese patients). Closure is performed over a soft Jackson-Pratt drain with 2-0 Vicryl in the platysma followed by a 3-0 Vicryl subcuticular suture (Figs. 6–7 and 6–8).
Exposure Secrets
1. Careful attention to detail during the approach will afford significantly
improved ease and extent of exposure and thereby allow safer decom­pression and reconstruction. This attention begins with careful posi­tioning. First, place a towel roll between the patient’s scapulae. Then, ensure the neck is turned 15 degrees to the contralateral side. Slight ex­tension is also helpful; however, in patients with significant canal ste­nosis, this should be avoided to prevent cord compression. Some find that a horseshoe headrest allows the most accurate positioning of the head. A reverse Trendelenburg position of 30 degrees reduces venous bleeding and increases accessibility.
2. For radiographic visualization, especially in the lower cervical spine,
keep the arms at the sides (wrap the hands and protect the cubital tun­nel). Then, secure the shoulders inferiorly with tape, but do not use too much force because a brachial plexopathy may result. Alternatively, a Kling roll may be tied around the wrists and traction applied at the time of the radiographic exposure.
3. In thick-necked patients, a longitudinal approach allows for the addi-
tional extensibility that may be needed for visualization. Loupes and a headlight or an operating microscope will further increase visualiza­tion. Undermining the platysma and complete fascial release aids in deep dissection and manipulation.
4. Equal elevation of the left and right longus colli muscles for at least
one-half interspace above and below the intended discectomies allows placement of a self-retaining retractor. This retractor may safely stay beneath these muscle bellies during the procedure and affords excel­lent visualization. When the extent of decompression and reconstruc­tion is longer, a second, self-retaining retractor (with blunt blades) may be placed craniocaudally in the wound. During lengthy decompres­sion procedures, these retractors should be removed at regular inter­vals to allow decompression of the soft tissue structures.
Pitfalls
1. Tightly stenotic patients are extremely prone to hyperextension cord
injuries while anesthetized and paralyzed. The utmost care in posi­tioning and, often, fiberoptic intubation are required.
2. On the approach, carefully identify the carotid sheath, by palpation of
the pulse, prior to continuing the deep dissection. A nasogastric tube will aid in identifying and preventing injury to the esophagus. Failure to detect a laceration of the esophagus may result in dysphagia early. Later, mediastinitus may ensue, with a high morbidity and mortality rate.
3. In the deep dissection, avoid injury to the discs of adjacent levels.
Also, overstretching the longus muscles may result in injury to the cer­vical sympathetic chain and a postoperative Horner’s syndrome.
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SECTION I THE CERVICAL SPINE
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4. It is important to be cognizant of the midline at all times. Drifting later­ally may injure the vertebral arteries. During the decompression, iden­tify the uncovertebral joints as a guide to the lateral aspect of the disc space. Also, the lateral aspect of the body may be palpated with a Pen­field or similar probe.
5. During the insertion of the bone graft, maintain a Kocher or similar clamp on the strut graft during insertion/tamping. Also, during initial placement, spanning the graft and the adjacent, intact body with the tamp will prevent overdeep insertion and spinal cord injury.
Complications
1. Complaints surrounding the graft harvest site are the most common after anterior fusion procedures. These problems include pain, infec­tion, ilium fracture, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsies. Next, a transient sore throat or difficulty swallowing is reported.
2. Esophageal and tracheal injuries are uncommon, but can be avoided with careful retractor placement.
3. Vocal cord paralysis is reported in up to 11 % of cases but is usually temporary and unilateral. Laryngoscopy to assess vocal cord motility may be indicated if there has been no improvement at 6 weeks.
4. Horner’s syndrome, from injury to sympathetic chain, usually via over­retraction on longus colli, presents with ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis.
5. Anterior decompression procedures may be associated with neuro­logic injury and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The incidence has been reported at 1 % overall. Transient C5 root injury is the most common. However, devastating spinal cord injuries are also reported. It is cru­cial not to attempt to reach around the back of the superior or inferior body to remove additional osteophytes. Rather, extend the corpectomy to the next level cranially or caudally as needed.
6. Loss of stability of the reconstructed spine from angulation of the graft is also reported. In long strut fusions, this may result in airway obstruc­tion or spinal cord compression.
7. Lundsford reported a 1.4 % incidence of wound infection at the neck and another 1.4% incidence at the graft harvest site.
8. Adjacent segment degeneration may be seen in 25% of patients within 10 years. This phenomenon may be particularly common in older patients with preexisting degeneration or in fusions ending at C5 or C6.
9. Vessel injury is less commonly reported but may include the carotid sheath and contents, which are usually protected by anterior border of SCM. Injudicious placement of self-retaining retractors may endanger the sheath. Overretraction on hand-held retractors may also have dire consequences. As mentioned above, the vertebral artery is vulnerable if the decompression strays laterally. The thoracic duct is vulnerable at the cervicothoracic junction on the left side.
Postoperative Care
1. The patient may be out of bed the evening of surgery. Early ambulation is encouraged.
2. A drain is routinely left in the deep space of the neck. This drain is re­moved once its output is less than 10 cc per 8-hour period, and the patient is successfully ambulating and tolerating a regular diet.
3. In most patients, we use a firm collar postoperatively for 6 to 12 weeks. In patients reconstructed with a strut and anterior cervical plate, the collar is often discontinued earlier, at 2 weeks. The patient generally wears the brace full time, except when showering. In patients with longer strut fusions or marked osteopenia, a halo or posterior stabiliza­tion may be required.
4. Routine radiographic examination of the healing graft site is under­taken at 2 weeks and 8 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months.
Suggested Readings
Bernard TN, Whitecloud TS. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy and my-
eloradiculopathy: anterior decompression and stabilization with auto­genous fibula strut graft. Clin Orthop 1987;221:149–160.
Bohlman H. Cervical spondylosis with moderate to severe myelopathy.
Spine 1977;2:151–162.
Emery SE. Anterior approach for cervical myelopathy. In: Clark CR, ed.
The Cervical Spine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven; 1998:825–
837.
Emery SE, Bohlman HH, Bolesta MJ, Jones PK. Anterior cervical dis-
cectomy and arthrodesis for the treatment of cervical spondylotic my­elopathy: 2–17 year follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1998;80:941–951.
Fernyhough JC, White JI, LaRocca H. Fusion rates in multi-level cervical
spondylosis comparing allograft fibula with autograft fibula in 126 patients. Spine 1991;16(suppl):S561–S564.
Herkowitz H. The surgical management of cervical spondylotic
radiculopathy and myelopathy. Clin Orthop 1989;239:94.
Kurz LT, Herkowitz HN. Surgical management of myelopathy. Orthop Clin
North Am 1992;23:495–504.
Whitecloud T, LaRocca H. Fibular strut graft in reconstructive surgery of
the cervical spine. Spine 1976;1:33.
Zdeblick T, Bohlman H. Myelopathy, cervical kyphosis and treatment by
anterior corpectomy and strut grafting. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1989;71:170.
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7
Multiple-Level Cervical Vertebrectomy
(Corpectomy) and Stabilization Using
Cortical Bone
Thomas S. Whitecloud III and Orderia Mitchell
Goals of Surgical Treatment
Directly decompress the cervical spinal cord and stabilize the cervical
vertebral column after decompression.
Diagnosis
Cervical myelopathy secondary to cervical cord compression can occur due to congenital narrowing, cervical spondylosis, tumor, or trauma. The diagnosis is made by physical examination, plain x-rays, magnetic reso­nance imaging (MRI), and/or myelo/computed tomography (CT).
Indications for Surgery
1. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy
2. Multiple levels for stabilization
3. Tumors
4. Trauma
Positioning
Correct preoperative positioning is essential.
1. Supine with neck in the neutral position (Fig. 7–1).
2. Head halter or skeletal traction is applied.
3. Cervical traction with 10 lbs (fractures may require less traction).
4. Obtain anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views of the spine to assure correct position of the vertebral column.
Incision Options
1. Transverse
2. Oblique
It is possible to expose up to three levels through a horizontal skin inci­sion, but the amount of retraction necessary for this exposure is sometimes excessive and can be difficult in larger patients. The incision we prefer is an oblique incision along the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid on the patient’s right side (Fig. 7–2). The incision can be extended superiorly to the level of the vertebral body of C2 and inferiorly to the body of C7 and the C7-T1 disc space.
Dissection
After the skin incision is made and the incision is carried down to the level of the platysma muscle, the platysma is incised in line with the incision. This is followed by identification of the medial border of the sternoclei­domastoid muscle, which is mobilized through the length of the skin inci­sion to maximize soft tissue relaxation. The interval between the carotid sheath, esophagus, and trachea is identified and developed. Blunt dissec­tion is performed through this interval, gently dissected proximally and distally. Dissection is performed using a single digit, a Kitner, or blunt in­strument. Care is taken not to injure the neurovascular structures laterally or the esophagus and trachea medially. Dissection is carried down to the anterior portion of the cervical spine. Blunt retractors are placed, which al­lows excellent exposure with little danger of injury to the carotid sheath or esophagus. The precervical fascia is exposed and incised. The anterior por­tion of the vertebral column is now exposed. The longus colli muscles are identified and elevated laterally. Hemostasis is achieved as this process is performed. Self-retaining blunt retractors are inserted (Casper), further ex­posing the anterior column. It is important to obtain hemostasis as the ex­posure proceeds, allowing better visualization of the operative field.
Points of Interest
1. Blunt dissection decreases the chance of soft tissue injury.
2. Following the fascial planes minimizes injury.
3. It may be necessary to release the omohyoid muscle.
4. Headlight illumination allows excellent visualization of the operative
field. Magnification with loupes or the operative microscope should be utilized.
5. Retraction can be performed using a blunt self-retaining retractor,
which provides better soft tissue protection.
Decompression
Prior to decompression a needle is placed for verification of the respective disc space level and center of the vertebrae. After identification of the cor­rect levels using radiographic control, discectomies are performed. Re­moval of the disc material first facilitates a later corpectomy. Disc excision should be done to the level of the uncinate processes bilaterally. Removal of posterior osteophytes should not be attempted until vertebrectomy has been performed.
Vertebrectomy (Corpectomy)
Vertebrectomy/corpectomy is performed after removal of the disc. A trough is made in the anterior aspects of the intervening vertebral body using a large rongeur (Fig. 7–3). The trough is widened to an approximately 12-mm width in the center of the vertebral body. In the case of tumor, all of the involved vertebral bodies are removed back to the spinal cord. For frac­tures, compressive lesions are also removed back to the spinal cord. He­mostasis can be obtained by the use of bone wax and done at one level while decompressing another level. Bleeding is usually due to segmental vessels entering the center of the vertebral body. The trough is gradually deepened using both a large rongeur and large curet (Fig. 7–4). Once the trough is deepened approximately three fourths of the depth of the verte­bral body, a power bur is used to remove the remaining portion of the can­cellous body. Removal of the posterior cortical bone is performed with a di­amond-tipped bur. When the posterior wall is thinned, a small-angle curet or a small rongeur can be used to remove the remainder of the posterior wall and any osteophytes located at disc level. The lateral recesses are decompressed by undercutting the edges of the vertebral bodies bilaterally. If most of the compression occurs at the disc level, which is secondary to posterior and posterior lateral osteophytes, the compressive structures are best removed from the middle portion of the vertebral body rather than at disc level. The compressive structures are readily visualized and it may be safer to remove them in this manner.
Allograft Selection and Preparation
The graft of choice is a fibular allograft. It is slightly longer than the trough usually by a length of 5 to 8 mm. The width of the fibular strut should be as wide as possible. Parallel notches should be made at each end of the graft using a power bur (Fig. 7–5). Insertion of the graft should be performed placing the widest portion of the graft in the trough seated against its lateral borders. In the case of tumors, there may be no lateral walls for seating of the graft, only inferior and superior notches. The preparation of the under­surface of the vertebral body is performed by undercutting the inferior and superior end plates with a bur. This undercutting is done by approximately one fourth of the depth of the body. The holes are made wide enough to ac­cept the graft using a curet. Care should be taken not to violate the anterior edges of vertebral end plates.
After the patient’s vertebral bodies and allograft have been prepared, the superior end of the graft is inserted first (Fig. 7–6). Cervical traction is applied and the inferior end is seated. Release of traction allows the graft to be seated. At this time, imaging confirms the graft position. It is important to ensure that the graft is well seated in the superior and inferior vertebrae (Fig. 7–7). When the patient is positioned upright, additional seating of the strut graft occurs due to loading. This causes further locking of the graft into position (Fig. 7–8).
Complications
1. Dislodgment of the graft
2. Transient dysphasia
3. Esophageal injury
4. Hoarseness
Dislodgment of the graft is usually due to the graft being too short and not locking in place or fracture of the superior edge of the inferior verte­brae. If this occurs, a longer graft needs to be inserted or the undercut por­tion of the inferior vertebrae made deeper. Inserting a longer graft usually provides a stable construct. Transient dysphasia and esophageal injury can
36
SECTION I THE CERVICAL SPINE
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C1
C2
Skin incision
C4
C3
C5
C6
C7
Figure 7–1
Positioning of patient.
Figure 7–2
Incision.
A
Figure 7–3
(A,B) Vertebrectomy.
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7 MULTIPLE-LEVEL CERVICAL VERTEBRECTOMY (CORPECTOMY)
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B
Figure 7–4
(A,B) Interoperative trough/vertebrectomy.
Figure 7–5
Graft preparation.
Figure 7–6
Graft placement.
Figure 7–7
Graft in place.
38
A
Figure 7–8
X-rays of the graft at surgery (B), and graft locked in place after the patient is positioned upright (A).
SECTION I THE CERVICAL SPINE
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B
be minimized by blunt dissection and gentle retraction. Protection of the esophagus, trachea, and vascular structures using blunt retractors min­imizes injury. Transient dysphasia can be improved by releasing the retrac­tors when possible. Hoarseness can occur but usually is transient in nature. Care must be taken when dissecting at C6 and below to avoid injury to the
recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Postoperative Care and Management
Most patients are treated with a Philadelphia collar. Exceptions are tumors, trauma patients, or patients who are severely osteopenic. A Halo
vest may be necessary in these individuals. Dislodgment of the graft or swelling usually occurs within the first week after surgery. The graft usu­ally dislodges at the anteroinferior aspect of the lowermost vertebral body and usually is associated with a fracture of the edges of the lower vertebral
body. Management has been described. The patient is usually maintained in a hard cervical collar or halo for approximately 8 to 12 weeks. During this time, the patient undergoes rehabilitation as required.
For one- or two-level pathology, an autogenous iliac crest graft can be
utilized. It is recommended that if there are more than two vertebral bodies
removed, a cortical graft should be used because of the increased resistance to friction.
Points of Interest
1. Identification of correct levels and center of the vertebral body by using a spinal needle in the disc space and radiographic control.
2. Hemostasis.
3. Spinal cord decompression should begin at the midportion of the vertebral body.
4. Preparation of the allograft fibula using a bur, not an osteotome or rongeur.
5. Use of a wide blunt retractor minimizes soft tissue, vessel organs, and vessel injury.
Suggested Readings
Bailey RW, Badgley CE. Stabilization of the cervical spine fusion. J Bone
Joint Surg 1960;42:565.
Bernard TN Jr, Whitecloud TS III. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy and
myeloradiculopathy: anterior decompression and stabilization with autogenous fibula strut graft. Clin Orthop 1987;221:149–160.
Bohlman HH. Cervical spondylosis with moderate to severe myelopathy: a
report of 17 cases treated by Robinson anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Spine 1977;2:151–162.
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