Only fixation for cervical spondylosis: Report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 cases

Aim: The author reports early post-operative outcome and preliminary experience with an alternative form of treatment of cervical degenerative or spondylotic disease leading to spinal canal stenosis that involves fixation-arthrodesis of the affected spinal segment using one or two (double insurance)...

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Main Author: Atul Goel
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2013-01-01
Series:Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jcvjs.com/article.asp?issn=0974-8237;year=2013;volume=4;issue=2;spage=64;epage=68;aulast=Goel
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author Atul Goel
author_facet Atul Goel
author_sort Atul Goel
collection DOAJ
description Aim: The author reports early post-operative outcome and preliminary experience with an alternative form of treatment of cervical degenerative or spondylotic disease leading to spinal canal stenosis that involves fixation-arthrodesis of the affected spinal segment using one or two (double insurance) transarticular screws for each joint. Materials and Methods: During the period of months from March 2013 to July 2013, six patients having cervical spondylotic cord compression were treated with transarticular method of screw fixation of the involved segments. The operation involved section of the spinous process at its base, opening up of the facet joint, denuding of articular cartilage, placement of intraarticular cavity bone graft chips and insertion of either a single or two transarticular screws at each level. The fixation was done in four levels in four patients and at two levels in two patients. Japanese Orthopedic Association score, visual analog scale (neck pain) and Odom′s criteria were used to monitor the clinical status of the patients before and after the surgery and at follow-up. Results: Immediate post-operative and a relatively short-term post-operative outcome was remarkably gratifying. During the average period of follow-up of 6 months (range: 3-8 months); there was varying degree of recovery of symptoms. The procedure resulted in firm stabilization and fixation of the spinal segment and provided a ground for arthrodesis. No patient worsened after treatment. During the period of follow-up, all patients showed remarkable and progressive recovery in symptoms. Conclusions: Vertical instability and telescoping, listhesis or overriding of the facets on physical activity seems to be the defining phenomenon in pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic disease. The clinical outcome in our patients suggest that only fixation of the spinal segment can be a rationale form of treatment. Transarticular method of treatment is a simple, safe and effective method of spinal stabilization. The firm stabilization at the fulcrum of cervical spinal movements provided a ground for segmental spinal arthrodesis. Use of two or "double insurance" screws at each facet is possible and provides reassuring stability in selected cases.
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spelling doaj.art-155ce46a437947ab8944fe5ed54e9c212022-12-21T19:40:29ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine0974-82372013-01-0142646810.4103/0974-8237.128531Only fixation for cervical spondylosis: Report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 casesAtul GoelAim: The author reports early post-operative outcome and preliminary experience with an alternative form of treatment of cervical degenerative or spondylotic disease leading to spinal canal stenosis that involves fixation-arthrodesis of the affected spinal segment using one or two (double insurance) transarticular screws for each joint. Materials and Methods: During the period of months from March 2013 to July 2013, six patients having cervical spondylotic cord compression were treated with transarticular method of screw fixation of the involved segments. The operation involved section of the spinous process at its base, opening up of the facet joint, denuding of articular cartilage, placement of intraarticular cavity bone graft chips and insertion of either a single or two transarticular screws at each level. The fixation was done in four levels in four patients and at two levels in two patients. Japanese Orthopedic Association score, visual analog scale (neck pain) and Odom′s criteria were used to monitor the clinical status of the patients before and after the surgery and at follow-up. Results: Immediate post-operative and a relatively short-term post-operative outcome was remarkably gratifying. During the average period of follow-up of 6 months (range: 3-8 months); there was varying degree of recovery of symptoms. The procedure resulted in firm stabilization and fixation of the spinal segment and provided a ground for arthrodesis. No patient worsened after treatment. During the period of follow-up, all patients showed remarkable and progressive recovery in symptoms. Conclusions: Vertical instability and telescoping, listhesis or overriding of the facets on physical activity seems to be the defining phenomenon in pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic disease. The clinical outcome in our patients suggest that only fixation of the spinal segment can be a rationale form of treatment. Transarticular method of treatment is a simple, safe and effective method of spinal stabilization. The firm stabilization at the fulcrum of cervical spinal movements provided a ground for segmental spinal arthrodesis. Use of two or "double insurance" screws at each facet is possible and provides reassuring stability in selected cases.http://www.jcvjs.com/article.asp?issn=0974-8237;year=2013;volume=4;issue=2;spage=64;epage=68;aulast=GoelArthrodesiscervical spondylosisinstabilitytransarticular fixation
spellingShingle Atul Goel
Only fixation for cervical spondylosis: Report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 cases
Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine
Arthrodesis
cervical spondylosis
instability
transarticular fixation
title Only fixation for cervical spondylosis: Report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 cases
title_full Only fixation for cervical spondylosis: Report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 cases
title_fullStr Only fixation for cervical spondylosis: Report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 cases
title_full_unstemmed Only fixation for cervical spondylosis: Report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 cases
title_short Only fixation for cervical spondylosis: Report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 cases
title_sort only fixation for cervical spondylosis report of early results with a preliminary experience with 6 cases
topic Arthrodesis
cervical spondylosis
instability
transarticular fixation
url http://www.jcvjs.com/article.asp?issn=0974-8237;year=2013;volume=4;issue=2;spage=64;epage=68;aulast=Goel
work_keys_str_mv AT atulgoel onlyfixationforcervicalspondylosisreportofearlyresultswithapreliminaryexperiencewith6cases