Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2016, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (5): 568-571.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2016.05.018

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Clinical outcomes and anatomic evaluation of single-stage one side lamina retaining posterior approach for resection of upper cervical schwannoma

HUANG Yang-liang1, ZHONG Yi2, LIU Shao-yu1   

  1. 1. Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of SUN Yet-sen University, Guangzhou 510700, China; 2.Department of Physiology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
  • Received:2015-11-01 Online:2016-09-25 Published:2016-10-14

Abstract:

Objective To evaluate clinical outcomes and anatomy of single-stage one-side lamina retaining posterior approach for resection of C1/2 schwannoma. Methods From Jan 2009 to Jan 2014, C1/2 schwannoma cases admitted in our department were selected according to following indication: (1) Epidural tumor; (2) lateral growth pattern which went through C1/2 lamina space; (3) the diagnosis of schwannoma was suggested by MRI. 9 cases were collected, among which 5 were male and 4 female, and whose average age was 47.2 y (25~74 y). JOA score, radiological images, operative time, bleeding amount, complications and atlanto-dental interval of lateral cervical X-ray picture at last follow-up were recorded and analyzed. Results All cases were successfully followed up for 6 to 48 month, with an average of 20 months. There was no recurrence, cervical instability and post-operative axial pain reported. At last follow-up, all of the atlanto-dental intervals were less than 2mm. Pre-operative JOA score was improved from 11.3±1.64 to 15.4±0.70 at the final follow-up of 8 neurologically impaired patients, and the difference was significant(P<0.05). Conclusion MRI should be used to recognize the tumor pre-operatively. After careful patient selection, the single-stage one-side lamina retaining posterior approach for resection of upper cervical schwannoma has a satisfied clinical outcome, few complications and good prognosis. 

Key words: Upper cervical spine, Schwannoma, Anatomy, Posterior approach