Complications of Posttraumatic Dorsal Cervical Spine Fusion

Background: This study evaluates the occurence of complications of dorsal cervical spine fusion after cervical spine injuries. Methods:Dorsal cervical spine fusion due to fractures of the cervical spine was performed in 40 patients. During the first 6 postoperative weeks the occurrence of complications was observed.Results:In most cases the dorsal fusion was performed in the upper cervical spine. Severe systemic diseases were common in the cohort. No intraoperative complications, implant malpositioning or postoperative neurologic deficits were observed. In 3 cases a revision operation was performed due to surgical site infection. General complications were common (19 cases = 47.5 %) with pneumonia (20%) and cardial complications (12.5%) as the most frequent complications. In 2 cases (5%) the complications led to death due to sepsis and cardiogenic shock. Conclusions: Following the findings of our study there is a low surgical revision and complication rate after dorsal cervical spine fusion, while the rate of general complications appears to be much higher. Taking these complications into account cervical fusion operations should carefully be taken into consideration as a therapy option in cervical spine fractures. Trial registration: All procedures performed in the present study were in accordance with the ethical standards approved by the Ethical Committee of University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany (reference number: 406/17)

Autologous Stem Cells in Cervical Spine Fusion

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: To systematically review, critically appraise and synthesize evidence on use of stem cells from autologous stem cells from bone marrow aspirate, adipose, or any other autologous sources for fusion in the cervical spine compared with other graft materials. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted for literature published through October 31, 2018 and through February 20, 2020 for EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov comparing autologous cell sources for cervical spine fusion to other graft options. Results: From 36 potentially relevant citations identified, 10 studies on cervical fusion met the inclusion criteria set a priori. Two retrospective cohort studies, one comparing cancellous bone marrow (CBM) versus hydroxyapatite (HA) and the other bone marrow aspirate (BMA) combined with autograft and HA versus autograft and HA alone, were identified. No statistical differences were seen between groups in either study for improvement in function, symptoms, or fusion; however, in the study evaluating BMA, the authors reported a statistically greater fusion rate and probability of fusion over time in the BMA versus the non-BMA group. Across case series evaluating BMA, authors reported improved function and pain and fusion ranged from 84% to 100% across the studies. In general, complications were poorly reported. Conclusions: The overall quality (strength) of evidence of effectiveness and safety of autologous BMA for cervical arthrodesis in the current available literature was very low. Based on currently available data, firm conclusions regarding the effectiveness or safety of BMA in cervical fusions cannot be made.

Use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein for revision cervical spine fusion in children with Down syndrome: a case series

OBJECTIVEPatients with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome; DS) often have atlantoaxial instability (AAI), which, if severe, causes myelopathy and neurological deterioration. Children with DS and AAI who undergo cervical spine fusion have a high rate of nonunion requiring revision surgery. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2 (rhBMP-2) is a TGF-β growth factor that is used to induce bone formation in spine fusion. Although previous studies in the adult population have reported no reduction in pseudarthrosis rates with the use of rhBMP-2, there is a lack of literature in the pediatric DS population. This study describes the use of rhBMP-2 in children with DS and AAI during revision to treat nonunion.METHODSA retrospective review of a cervical spine fusion database (n = 175) was conducted. This database included all cervical spine fusions using modern instrumentation at the authors’ institution from 2002 to 2019. Patients with DS who underwent a revision utilizing rhBMP-2 were included in the study. The number of prior fusions, use of rhBMP-2 in fusions, length of stay, halo use, and surgical data were collected. Postoperative complications and length of follow-up were also recorded.RESULTSEight patients (75% female) met the inclusion criteria. The average age at revision with rhBMP-2 was 11 years (range 3–19 years). All patients were diagnosed with nonunion after an initial cervical fusion. All revisions were posterior fusions of C1–2 (n = 2) or occiput to cervical (n = 6). All revisions included implant revisions, iliac crest bone grafting, and rhBMP-2 use. One patient required irrigation and debridement of an rhBMP-induced seroma. Another patient required return to the operating room to repair a dural tear. There were no neurological, infectious, airway, or implant-related complications. Revision utilizing rhBMP-2 achieved fusion in 100% (n = 8) of patients. The average length of follow-up was 42.6 months. All patients demonstrated solid fusion mass on the last radiograph.CONCLUSIONSThis is the first case series reporting the successful use of rhBMP-2 to facilitate cervical spine fusion in patients with DS after previous nonunion. In addition, few rhBMP-2–related postoperative complications occurred.