Circumferential Reconstruction of Subaxial Cervical and Cervicothoracic Spine by Simultaneously Combined Anterior-posterior Approaches in the Sitting Position.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce and analyze the feasibility of a new surgical strategy for circumferential reconstruction of subaxial cervical and cervicothoracic spine by simultaneously combined anterior-posterior approach in the sitting position.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for seven patients who underwent the above surgical procedure between July 2011 and January 2015. Among the seven patients, there were six men and one woman, with an average age of 52 years (range, 36-79 years). Six patients were confirmed to have a lower subaxial cervical fracture and dislocation with a locked facet joint, and the other patient had an invasive tumor involving both anterior and posterior parts of vertebrae and lamina, detected by radiological examination. The levels involved for all patients were from C to T . According to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification, one case was class A, four were class B, and two were class D. The patients were restricted in the sitting position with traction and a halo in extension to immobilize the head during the operation. The simultaneously combined anterior-posterior operation for reduction, decompression or tumor resection and circumferential reconstruction was carried out.

RESULTS

Both anterior and posterior procedures were successfully completed simultaneously in the sitting position in all cases. There were no perioperative complications. The average operative time was 175 ± 32 min (range, 120-240 min), and the mean blood loss was 430 ± 85 mL (range, 200-1100 mL). The patients were followed up for 35.8 months (range, 18-60 months). The symptom of neck pain improved distinctly and no evidence of implant failure was noted in any patients. Neurological status improvement was confirmed in six patients, who had suffered incomplete paralysis. The ASIA grade improved in five patients, and two cases had no change in grade.

CONCLUSIONS

The "sitting position" simultaneously combined anterior-posterior approach is safe and is superior to the traditional prone position and supine position, and the surgical results are satisfactory.