Objective To explore the effectiveness of cyanoacrylates (Fuaile) for spinal subdural benign tumorectomy to prevent the cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Methods Between January 2009 and March 2013, 35 patients underwent spinal subdural benign tumorectomy. Of 35 patients, Fuaile and gelatin sponge were used after stitch suture for a watertight closure of the dura in 19 cases (trial group), and only gelatin sponge was used after stitch suture in 16 cases (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, types of tumors, and sites of tumors between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The ratio of watertight closure, incision healing, and relative complications were compared between 2 groups. Results All patients in 2 groups achieved watertight closure of the dura intraoperatively. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of dura incision, hospitalization time, total drainage volume, and drainage time between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Primary incision healing was obtained; no delayed healing, infection, or nerve compression occurred in all patients. At last follow-up, the ratios of successful watertight closure of trial and control groups were 89.5% (17/19) and 50.0% (8/16) respectively, showing significant difference (P=0.02). No delayed cerebrospinal fluid leakage or incision infection was found at 1 and 3 months after operation. Conclusion The application of cyanoacrylates for watertight closure of dura in spinal subdural benign tumorectomy is safe and effective.
Objective To evaluate the application of surgical strategies for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) involving the C2 segment. Methods The literature about the surgery for cervical OPLL involving C2 segment was reviewed, and the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of surgery were summarized. Results For cervical OPLL involving the C2 segments, laminectomy is suitable for patients with OPLL involving multiple segments, often combined with screw fixation, and has the advantages of adequate decompression and restoration of cervical curvature, with the disadvantages of loss of cervical fixed segmental mobility. Canal-expansive laminoplasty is suitable for patients with positive K-line and has the advantages of simple operation and preservation of cervical segmental mobility, and the disadvantages include progression of ossification, axial symptoms, and fracture of the portal axis. Dome-like laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability and with negative R-line, and can reduce the occurrence of axial symptoms, with the disadvantage of limited decompression. The Shelter technique is suitable for patients with single/double segments and canal encroachment >50% and allows for direct decompression, but is technically demanding and involves risk of dural tear and nerve injury. Double-dome laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability. Its advantages are the reduction of damage to the cervical semispinal muscles and attachment points and maintenance of cervical curvature, but there is progress in postoperative ossification. Conclusion OPLL involving the C2 segment is a complex subtype of cervical OPLL, which is mainly treated through posterior surgery. However, the degree of spinal cord floatation is limited, and with the progress of ossification, the long-term effectiveness is poor. More research is needed to address the etiology of OPLL and to establish a systematic treatment strategy for cervical OPLL involving the C2 segment.