Decompressive surgery in combination with preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization: successful improvement of ambulatory function in renal cell carcinoma patients with metastatic extradural spinal cord compression.

We analyzed the results of direct decompressive surgery plus stabilization of the vertebrae involved (DDSS) in six non-ambulatory patients with metastatic extradural spinal cord compression (MESCC) due to renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed prior to surgery to reduce intraoperative blood loss. Radiotherapy and systemic therapy, including cytokine or targeted therapy and zoledronic acid, were added to the surgery.

Relation between atlantoaxial (C1/2) and cervical alignment (C2-C7) angles with Magerl and Brooks techniques for atlantoaxial subluxation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: A few studies have reported the relation between the atlantoaxial (C1/2) angle and cervical alignment (C2-C7) angle after a Magerl and Brooks (M&B) surgical procedure to treat atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, no study has examined an optimum preoperative C1/2 angle reduction. We aimed to assess the relation between the C1/2 angle reduction and the C2-C7 angle change in patients with progressive RA who underwent the M&B procedure.

Clinical evaluation of Luque's segmental spinal instrumentation for upper cervical metastases.

We reviewed clinical data from eight patients with upper cervical metastases who were treated with an occipitocervical fusion procedure using Luque's segmental spinal instrumentation with a fan-shaped rod. All patients had diffuse involvement of the entire anterior vertebral body, extreme instability at C1/2, and severe preoperative neck pain, but no neurological deficits. This procedure provided significant postoperative pain relief, with only one patient experiencing deterioration.