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European Spine Journal

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01-12-2018 | Original Article

Post-operative regression of retro-odontoid pseudotumors treated with and without fusion

Authors: Kazuyoshi Kobayashi, Shiro Imagama, Kei Ando, Yoshihiro Nishida, Naoki Ishiguro

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 12/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Retro-odontoid pseudotumor is common in elderly people and is a cause of cervical myelopathy. The goal of the study was to investigate surgical procedures, outcomes, and post-operative spontaneous regression of posterior cervical retro-odontoid pseudotumors.

Methods

The subjects were 29 patients who underwent surgery for myelopathy due to a retro-odontoid pseudotumor around the craniocervical region at 9 facilities and were followed-up for an average of 54 months (range 12–96 months). Data were collected in a multicenter review of a retrospective database. Comparisons were performed between cases treated with and without fusion.

Results

The JOA recovery rate at final follow-up did not differ significantly between the fusion (n = 17, including all 15 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation) and non-fusion (n = 12) groups. However, pseudotumor regression was significantly more frequent in the fusion group (100% vs. 42%, p < 0.01). In all patients, regression cases had significantly higher rates of contrast enhancement of the pseudotumor on pre-operative T1 gadolinium-enhanced MRI (68% vs. 14%, p = 0.013) and of JOA recovery (50% vs. 30%, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Regression of pseudotumor occurred in all cases treated with fusion surgery. There was a significant difference in pseudotumor regression with or without fusion, and regression was significantly related to gadolinium enhancement on MRI. Therefore, it is preferable to use fusion surgery for a retro-odontoid pseudotumor that shows contrast enhancement, even if there is no apparent instability pre-operatively.

Graphical abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

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Title: Post-operative regression of retro-odontoid pseudotumors treated with and without fusion
Authors: Kazuyoshi Kobayashi
Shiro Imagama
Kei Ando
Yoshihiro Nishida
Naoki Ishiguro
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 12/2018
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-018-5573-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Post-operative regression of retro-odontoid pseudotumors treated with and without fusion

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Graphical abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Graphical abstract

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