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6. Spine MCQs

Practice Set 152 of 379

This practice set contains high-yield board review questions covering key concepts in 6. Spine. Each clinical scenario is designed to test your diagnostic and management skills relevant to this subspecialty.

Question 3021

Topic: 6. Spine

A 44-year-old woman has had lower extremity dysesthesias, urinary incontinence, and has been unable to walk for the past 2 days. She reports no pain or history of trauma. She notes that 3 weeks ago she missed work for 2 days because of back pain, but it resolved with rest. Examination shows decreased or absent sensation below the knees, no motor function below the knees, and decreased rectal tone. Catheterization results in a postvoid residual of 2,000 mL. Plain radiographs and MRI scans without contrast are shown in Figures 1a through 1d. What is the next most appropriate step in management?

. Physical therapy for functional rehabilitation
. CT/myelography of the spinal axis
. MRI with gadolinium
. Psychiatric consultation for possible malingering
. Lumbar puncture for analysis of cerebrospinal fluid

Correct Answer & Explanation

. MRI with gadolinium

Explanation

The patient has had a clear and sudden onset of a profound neurologic deficit. The radiographic studies suggest a lesion in the conus medullaris that appears to be intradural and intramedullary. MRI, with and without contrast, will best evaluate this mass further. The addition of gadolinium allows further evaluation of vascularity and the extent of the lesion. Eichler ME, Dacey RG: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors, in Bridwell KH, Dewald RL (eds): The Textbook of Spine Surgery, ed 2. Philadelphia, PA, Lippincott-Raven, 1997, vol 2, pp 2089-2116.

Question 3022

Topic: 6. Spine

Examination of a supine patient in which the hip is abducted, externally rotated, and flexed is referred to as

Spine Surgery 2000 Practice Questions: Set 1 (Solved) - Figure 23

. Beevor's sign.
. Lasegue's sign.
. Kernig's sign.
. femoral stretch test.
. Patrick's test.

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Patrick's test.

Explanation

During Patrick's test, also known as the FABER test, the flexed, abducted, and externally rotated hip is positioned to isolate sacroiliac pathology. Back pain with this test is not considered diagnostic. With Kernig's sign, the spinal cord is placed on stretch, eliciting root or meningeal irritation by forcibly flexing the patient's head and neck with his or her hands clasped behind the head. For Lasegue's sign, the patient performs a straight leg raise with the immobile hip already held in flexion. The femoral stretch test can be performed in the prone position or side lying, but the hip is held in extension while the knee is flexed, testing for femoral neuritis. Watkins RG: History, physical examination, and diagnostic tests for back and lower extremity problems, in Watkins RG (ed): The Spine in Sports. St Louis, MO, Mosby, 1996, Chapter 7.

Question 3023

Topic: 6. Spine

Figure 31 shows the radiograph of a 64-year-old woman who is seen in the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident. She has no voluntary motor function in her distal upper extremities or lower extremities. She does not have a bulbocavernosus reflex. She has a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg with a pulse of 50/min. Her hypotension does not improve with initial fluid resuscitation. Further treatment of her hypotension should consist of

Spine Surgery Board Review 2009: High-Yield MCQs (Set 4) - Figure 8

. continued rapid fluid infusion.
. administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
. administration of 30/mg/kg methylprednisolone over 1 hour.
. administration of pressors.
. cardioversion and implantation of a pacemaker.

Correct Answer & Explanation

. administration of pressors.

Explanation

The hallmark of neurogenic shock is hypotension without tachycardia. It is associated most commonly with high cervical spinal cord injuries and results from loss of function of the sympathetic nervous system. Because the peripheral vasculature is dilated due to loss of its sympathetic tone, continued rapid administration of fluid corrects the hypotension and can quickly lead to fluid overload and congestive heart failure. Therefore, neurogenic shock is best treated by the use of pressors. Cardioversion or administration of antibiotics or systemic steroids is not appropriate treatment for this patient's hypotension. Spivak JM, Connolly PJ (eds): Orthopaedic Knowledge Update: Spine 3. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2006, pp 179-187.

Question 3024

Topic: 6. Spine

A 29-year-old man undergoes surgery for a grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5. Following surgery, what type of brace will best immobilize the L5-S1 motion segment?

. Lumbosacral canvas corset
. Chairback brace
. Thoracolumbosacral orthosis
. Thoracolumbosacral orthosis with thigh extension
. Sacral extension belt

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Thoracolumbosacral orthosis with thigh extension

Explanation

The thoracolumbosacral orthosis with thigh extension best immobilizes the lumbosacral junction. Fidler and Plasmans have demonstrated increased motion at the lumbosacral junction with the standard chairback-type brace. Connolly PJ, Grob D: Bracing of patients after fusion for degenerative problems of the lumbar spine: Yes or no? Spine 1998;23:1426-1428.

Question 3025

Topic: 6. Spine

A 64-year-old man who underwent an L4-5 decompression approximately 1 year ago reported relief of his claudicatory leg pain initially, but he now has increasing low back pain and recurrent neurogenic claudication despite nonsurgical management. Radiographs show new asymmetric collapse and spondylolisthesis at the decompressed segment, and MRI scans show lateral recess stenosis. The next most appropriate step in management should consist of

Spine Surgery Board Review 2000: High-Yield MCQs (Set 2) - Figure 8

. L4-5 diskectomy.
. L4-5 diskectomy and lateral recess decompression.
. revision posterior decompression.
. revision posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion.
. anterior lumbar interbody fusion with cages.

Correct Answer & Explanation

. revision posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion.

Explanation

When radiographic findings reveal postlaminectomy instability, procedures that do not include some type of fusion will fail to solve the problem. In fact, wider decompression or diskectomy alone will only further destabilize the segment. Because there is radiographic evidence of recurrent lateral recess stenosis and symptomatic neurogenic claudication, a revision decompression should be included. Since access to the canal involves a posterior approach, the stabilization should be performed through that same approach. Herkowitz HN, Kurz LT: Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis: A prospective study comparing decompression with decompression and intertransverse process arthrodesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1991;73:802-808.

Question 3026

Topic: 6. Spine

A 58-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis has progressive neck pain, upper extremity and lower extremity weakness, and difficulty with fine motor movements. Examination reveals hyperreflexia with mild to moderate objective weakness but the patient has no difficulty with ambulation for short distances. What is the most important preoperative imaging finding that predicts full neurologic recovery with surgical stabilization?

. Basilar invagination of less than 1 cm
. Anterior atlanto-dens interval of 4 mm
. Posterior atlanto-dens interval of greater than 14 mm
. Rotatory subluxation of less than 10 degrees
. Subaxial subluxation of less than 3.5 mm

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Posterior atlanto-dens interval of greater than 14 mm

Explanation

Boden and associates' article presents compelling evidence that patients with rheumatoid arthritis and neurologic deterioration in C1-2 instability are more likely to achieve some improvement if the posterior atlanto-dens interval is greater than 10 mm on preoperative studies. All the patients in their series who had neurologic deterioration and a preoperative posterior atlanto-dens interval of greater than 14 mm achieved complete motor recovery. Boden SD, Dodge LD, Bohlman HH, et al: Rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine: A long-term analysis with predictors of paralysis and recovery. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1993;75:1282-1297. Boden SD, Clark CR: Rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine, in Clark CR (ed): The Cervical Spine, ed 3. Philadelphia, PA, Lippincott Raven, 1998, pp 755-764.

Question 3027

Topic: 6. Spine

Which of the following findings is considered a contraindication for posterior decompression (with or without fusion) for myelopathy?

Spine Surgery 2006 Practice Questions: Set 1 (Solved) - Figure 19

. Subluxation of more than 3.5 mm at one or more motion segments
. Dynamic angulation of more than 11 degrees at one or more motion segments
. Subaxial cervical lordosis of more than 25 degrees (as measured from C2 to C7)
. Fixed kyphosis of more than 10 degrees
. Anteroposterior spinal canal diameter of less than 8 mm

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Fixed kyphosis of more than 10 degrees

Explanation

Although cervical instability is a contraindication to posterior decompression alone, segmental instability in the myelopathic cervical spine can be addressed with concomitant posterior fusion with instrumentation. Cervical lordosis represents the ideal scenario for posterior decompressive procedures for myelopathy (laminectomy and laminoplasty) because compression from anterior osteophytes, if present, is relieved as the spinal cord migrates posteriorly. The anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal does not have an impact on the selection of surgical approach. Posterior unroofing-type procedures in kyphotic cervical spines, however, are ineffective because anterior impingement on the spinal cord will remain; therefore, kyphosis of more than 10 degrees is considered a contraindication for posterior decompression. Emery SE: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: Diagnosis and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2001;9:376-388.

Question 3028

Topic: 6. Spine

A 20-year-old man involved in a motor vehicle accident is brought to the emergency department with a C6-7 unilateral facet dislocation. His neurologic examination reveals a focal left-sided C7 nerve root palsy. He is awake and cooperative with questioning and has no other obvious traumatic injuries. What is the most appropriate treatment at this time?

. Further imaging studies, including MRI
. An awake closed reduction with Gardner-Wells traction with neurologic examination
. Immobilization in a halo skeletal fixation for definitive treatment
. Closed reduction under general anesthesia
. Immediate open reduction and internal fixation in the surgical suite

Correct Answer & Explanation

. An awake closed reduction with Gardner-Wells traction with neurologic examination

Explanation

In the patient who is neurologically intact or has an incomplete injury from a cervical facet dislocation, a closed reduction with weighted tong traction is appropriate when the patient is awake, alert, and cooperative. Although there is a risk that a cervical facet dislocation could occur with an underlying cervical disk herniation, Vaccaro and associates have shown that closed reduction can be safely carried out in the awake, responsive patient. Closed reduction can be performed in the emergency department with traction with skull tongs or a halo ring. A slow stepwise application of weight is added until a reduction is achieved. Any worsening of the neurologic status of the patient requires immediate termination of the closed reduction and further diagnostic imaging before proceeding with further treatment. Vaccaro AR, Falatyn SP, Flanders AE, et al: Magnetic resonance evaluation of the intervertebral disc, spinal ligaments, and spinal cord before and after closed traction reduction of cervical spine dislocations. Spine 1999;24:1210-1217. Hart RA: Cervical facet dislocation: When is magnetic resonance imaging indicated? Spine 2002;27:116-117.

Question 3029

Topic: 6. Spine

A 68-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis has had neck pain and weakness in all four extremities that has become worse in the past 6 months. She has gone from a community to a household ambulator and uses a wheelchair outside of the home. Examination of the extremities reveals poor coordination, diffuse weakness, hyperactive reflexes, and bilateral sustained clonus. She has a broad-based and unsteady gait. The posterior atlanto-dens interval is 12 mm. Based on these findings and the radiograph and MRI scan shown in Figures 13a and 13b, the treatment of choice is surgical decompression and stabilization. However, the patient inquires about the prognosis with surgery compared to nonsurgical management. Assuming there are no complications from surgery, the patient should be informed that, with surgery, she will most likely

. live longer and have stable neurologic function.
. live longer and have improved neurologic function.
. not live longer and deteriorate neurologically.
. not live longer but will have improved neurologic function.
. not live longer but will have stable neurologic function.

Correct Answer & Explanation

. live longer and have improved neurologic function.

Explanation

The patient has a cervical myelopathy with more than 10 mm of space available for the cord; therefore, she has a reasonable chance of improved neurologic function following surgery. If not treated with surgery, however, her neurologic condition likely will worsen and she will die earlier than if she had surgery. Matsunaga S, Sakou T, Onishi T, et al: Prognosis of patients with upper cervical lesions caused by rheumatoid arthritis: Comparison of occipitocervical fusion between C1 laminectomy and nonsurgical management. Spine 2003;28:1581-1587.

Question 3030

Topic: 6. Spine

A 46-year-old patient with cervical myelopathy undergoes a multilevel posterior cervical laminectomy from C3 to C7. The risk of postlaminectomy kyphosis is greatest with removal of which of the following structures?

. Greater than 80% of the lamina
. Greater than 50% of each facet joint
. Interspinous ligament
. Facet joint capsules
. Ligamentum flavum

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Greater than 50% of each facet joint

Explanation

Removal of more than 50% of a facet joint can lead to segmental instability and compromises the overall strength of the joint. Removal of the lamina, interspinous ligament, and ligamentum flavum are standard features of a cervical laminectomy. Most surgeons favor fusion with instrumentation of a laminectomized cervical spine. If the anterior part of the spine is already ankylosed from previous surgery or from degenerative conditions, or a posterior fusion with instrumentation is included, then the risk of kyphosis or instability is reduced.

Question 3031

Topic: 6. Spine

The parents of a 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome report that he has an increasing limp and decreased endurance with activities. Lateral flexion-extension radiographs of the cervical spine show no evidence of instability. Examination reveals a right Trendelenburg limp and an obvious limb-length discrepancy. Hip motion is symmetric except for some decreased abduction on the right side. A standing AP radiograph is shown in Figure 20. Management should consist of

Pediatrics Board Review 2004: High-Yield MCQs (Set 2) - Figure 27

. observation.
. a shoe lift.
. abduction bracing.
. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
. capsulorrhaphy and pelvic and femoral osteotomies.

Correct Answer & Explanation

. capsulorrhaphy and pelvic and femoral osteotomies.

Explanation

Ligamentous laxity and muscle hypotonia seen in Down syndrome contribute to the incidence of hip subluxation and dislocation. These factors can be progressive and lead to degenerative arthritis in adults with Down syndrome. Because this patient has a progressive limp and decreased endurance, observation and a shoe lift are not options. Bracing may be an option in the younger child before significant bony changes occur. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice in this patient; however, all components of the deformity need to be addressed. Because of the increased capsular laxity, there is a high likelihood of recurrence if capsulorrhaphy is not included with the pelvic and femoral osteotomies. Surgery in these patients is associated with a high rate of complications. Shaw ED, Beals RK: The hip joint in Down's syndrome: A study of its structure and associated disease. Clin Orthop 1992;278:101-107. Aprin H, Zinc WP, Hall JE: Management of dislocation of the hip in Down's syndrome. J Pediatr Orthop 1985;5:428-431.

Question 3032

Topic: 6. Spine

During an anterior retroperitoneal approach to the low lumbar spine, the iliac vessels are mobilized along the lateral side, allowing them to be retracted toward the midline. To gain adequate mobility of the common iliac vein for exposure of L5, it is important to identify which of the following structures?

Anatomy 2005 Practice Questions: Set 3 (Solved) - Figure 5

. Obturator artery
. Central sacral vessels
. Internal iliac vein
. Ascending lumbar vein
. Iliolumbar vein

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Iliolumbar vein

Explanation

The iliolumbar vein is a large tributary that sits along the lateral surface of the common iliac vein. It can be quite substantial in size and must be identified prior to mobilizing the common iliac vein toward the midline. The other structures are not of surgical significance in performing this exposure.

Question 3033

Topic: 6. Spine

Figures 28a and 28b show the sagittal and axial lumbar MRI scans of a 72-year-old man who reports dull aching back pain that spreads to his legs, calves, and buttocks. He has had the pain for several years and it is precipitated by standing and walking and relieved by sitting. His symptoms have been worsening over the past year and he notes that he is leaning forward while walking to help relieve his symptoms. He has had no treatment to date. What is his prognosis if he chooses to pursue nonsurgical management for this condition?

. He can expect complete resolution of his symptoms during the first month.
. All patients experience relief within 3 months and continue to improve over the next 4 years.
. Most patients experience some pain relief within the first 3 months.
. He may experience some improvement but if he requires surgery at a later date he will have a poorer result because of the delay.
. The patient requires immediate surgery to avoid permanent nerve damage.

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Most patients experience some pain relief within the first 3 months.

Explanation

The patient has lumbar spinal stenosis and the MRI scans reveal the pathology at L4-5, which is secondary to posterior disk bulging and hypertrophy and infolding of the ligamentum flavum, as well as degenerative facet arthrosis. The degree of spinal stenosis is moderate and his symptoms are positional in nature. Tadokoro and associates reported on a prospective study of 89 patients older than 70 years of age who underwent nonsurgical management for lumbar spinal stenosis. They found the prognosis to be relatively good with patients scoring at "excellent" or "good" for activities of daily living at final follow-up. However, they did note that patients with a complete block on myelography did not respond favorably to nonsurgical management. Amundsen and associates reported on a 10-year prospective study comparing surgical care to nonsurgical management. They concluded that, while the long-term results largely favored surgical treatment, more than half of the nonsurgically managed patients had a satisfactory outcome. They also concluded that a delay of surgery for some months did not worsen the prognosis. Therefore, their recommendation was for an initial primarily nonsurgical approach. Amundsen T, Weber H, Nordal HJ, et al: Lumbar spinal stenosis: Conservative or surgical management? A prospective 10-year study. Spine 2000;25:1424-1435. Hilibrand AS, Rand N: Degenerative lumbar stenosis: Diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 1999;7:239-249.

Question 3034

Topic: 6. Spine

A 23-year-old man is involved in a motor vehicle accident. An AP radiograph is shown in Figure 29a, and axial and sagittal CT scans are shown in Figures 29b and 29c. Neurologic examination shows 1/5 strength of his quadriceps and iliopsoas on the right, with 1/5 quadriceps function on the left. Definitive treatment of his injury should consist of

. anterior corpectomy with interbody strut.
. posterior fusion with instrumentation and posterolateral decompression.
. closed reduction and a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO).
. anterior reduction and instrumentation.
. supine bed rest for 6 weeks, followed by immobilization in a TLSO.

Correct Answer & Explanation

. posterior fusion with instrumentation and posterolateral decompression.

Explanation

The imaging studies show a fracture-dislocation. Surgical treatment of this injury consists of a decompression reduction, stabilization, and fusion. A posterolateral decompression can also be performed as necessary. An isolated anterior procedure in this type of injury is contraindicated. The anterior longitudinal ligament is most likely intact; therefore, an anterior procedure further destabilizes the spine. Reduction by an anterior approach would also be difficult. Nonsurgical management of the neurologic injury in this patient is not indicated. Theiss SM: Thoracolumbar and lumbar spine trauma, in Stannard JP, Schmidt AH, Kregor PJ (eds): Surgical Treatment of Orthopaedic Trauma. New York, NY, Thieme, 2007, pp 179-207.

Question 3035

Topic: Thoracolumbar Spine & Deformity

Figure 6 shows the clinical photographs of a newborn who underwent a colostomy for an imperforate anus. Examination shows extended knees, flexed hips, and equinovarus feet. Dimpling is noted over the buttocks. Patients with these findings differ from patients with myelodysplasia in that they

Orthopedic Surgery Board Review 2026 | High-Yield MCQs - Set 6 - Figure 13

. have intact motor function.
. have protective sensation.
. are at risk for progressive neural deterioration.
. are at risk for development of a latex allergy.
. are at risk for development of severe lordosis.

Correct Answer & Explanation

. have protective sensation.

Explanation

The patient has sacral agenesis. Clinical signs include the classic dimpling over the buttocks and the characteristic lower extremity deformities. Imperforate anus is often associated with this disorder. Although motor function correlates with the level of vertebral defect, sensation is usually intact. This is important therapeutically, because patients are not as prone to pressure sores as are those with myelodysplasia. Kyphosis may develop in many patients with lumbosacral agenesis, but lordosis is unusual. Latex allergy and progressive neural deterioration may occur in patients with either myelodysplasia or sacral agenesis but is more common in the former.

Question 3036

Topic: 6. Spine

A 55-year-old woman with a long history of low back and left lower extremity pain has failed to respond to exhaustive nonsurgical management. MRI scans show bulging and degeneration at L3-4 and L4-5 as well as a normal disk at L2-3 and L5-S1. She undergoes provocative lumbar diskography at L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1. Post-diskography axial CT images of L3-4 and L4-5 are shown in Figures 6a and 6b, respectively. The injections at L3-4 and L4-5 produce no pain. The injection at L5-S1 produces 10/10 concordant back pain with radiation to the lower extremity. What is the most appropriate recommendation at this time?

. Consider fusion surgery
. Intradiskal ozone therapy
. Lumbar laminectomy
. Vertebral augmentation
. Cognitive intervention and exercise

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Cognitive intervention and exercise

Explanation

The results of this patient's lumbar diskography are equivocal at best. The two disks most likely to be her pain generators, based on their MRI appearance, produced 10/10 pain, however it was nonconcordant and did not reproduce any of her typical left-sided radicular symptoms. The only disk that produced concordant back pain was the normal disk at the L5-S1 level and it reproduced radicular symptoms on the side opposite of her typical pain. Based on these findings, it would be difficult to select a level or levels to include in a lumbar fusion. As such, continued nonsurgical management is the safest treatment option at the current time. Brox and associates reported on a randomized clinical trial comparing lumbar fusion to cognitive intervention and exercise and found similar results in both groups, with significantly less risk in the latter. Brox JI, Sorensen R, Friis A, et al: Randomized clinical trial of lumbar instrumented fusion and cognitive intervention and exercises in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration. Spine 2003;28:1913-1921.

Question 3037

Topic: 6. Spine

A 27-year-old woman reports the acute atraumatic onset of burning pain in her right shoulder followed a week later by significant weakness and the inability to abduct her shoulder. One week prior to this incident she had recovered from a flu-like syndrome. Examination reveals full passive motion of the shoulder and the inability to actively raise the arm. Sensation in the right upper extremity is normal. Cervical spine examination is normal. Radiographs of the shoulder and cervical spine are normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Upper Extremity Board Review 2008: High-Yield MCQs (Set 2) - Figure 34

. Calcific tendinitis
. Poliomyelitis
. Diskogenic cervical spine disease
. Impingement
. Brachial neuritis

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Brachial neuritis

Explanation

The patient has symptoms and examination findings of acute brachial neuritis which is often a diagnosis of exclusion. The recent viral flu-like symptoms have shown a correlation with the development of this disorder. The acute, severe shoulder weakness excludes calcific tendinitis, impingement, and poliomyelitis. A normal cervical spine examination makes cervical disk disease unlikely. Turner JW, Parsonage MJ: Neuralgic amyotrophy (paralytic brachial neuritis). Lancet 1957;2:209-212.

Question 3038

Topic: 6. Spine

A 67-year-old retired steelworker was involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustained a midcervical spinal cord injury. Radiographs and MRI scans reveal severe cervical stenosis and spondylosis without fractures or dislocations. Neurologic examination reveals an ASIA C spinal cord impairment with greater motor involvement of the upper extremities than the lower extremities. What is the probability that the patient eventually will become ambulatory?

. 2% to 5%
. 15% to 20%
. 35% to 45%
. 60% to 70%
. Greater than 90%

Correct Answer & Explanation

. 35% to 45%

Explanation

The patient sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury known as central cord syndrome. Central cord syndrome characteristically has disproportionate involvement of the upper extremities with the lower extremities being relatively spared. It is most commonly seen after cervical injuries in elderly patients with spondylosis and spinal stenosis, often without fracture. Penrod and associates noted that 23 of 59 patients with central cord syndrome (ASIA C and D) ultimately walked. The poorest prognosis, however, was in ASIA C patients older than age 50, in which only 40% walked. Penrod LE, Hegde SK, Ditunno JF Jr: Age effect on prognosis for functional recovery in acute, traumatic central cord syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehab 1990;71:963-968.

Question 3039

Topic: 6. Spine

A 32-year-old professional football player has disabling left arm pain in the C7 dermatome that has been increasing in severity for the past 2 months. Examination shows a positive Spurling test on the left side, but no changes in motor, sensory, or deep tendon reflexes. Because nonsurgical management has failed to provide relief, he has chosen surgery to allow him to complete his season. The MRI scan and myelogram shown in Figures 19a and 19b show minimal disk bulge, but a root cutoff is noted at the left C7 foramen. Electromyography demonstrates C7 nerve root irritation. Which of the following procedures will best optimize his chances for completing the season?

. Posterior keyhole foraminotomy on the left side at C6-7
. Posterior laminoplasty at C6-7
. Posterior laminectomy at C6 and C7 and bilateral foraminotomies at C6-7
. Anterior diskectomy and interbody fusion at C6-7
. Anterior limited diskectomy and foraminotomy without fusion

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Posterior keyhole foraminotomy on the left side at C6-7

Explanation

Because the patient has chronic pain, a possible lateral recess stenosis of the C7 root, and no neurologic deficits, keyhole foraminotomy is the treatment of choice for decompressing the exiting nerve root and offering an early return to play, especially when using a muscle-splitting posterior approach. Henderson and associates reported excellent results with posterolateral foraminotomy in patients with radicular symptoms. Although anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion is equally effective in the long term, a period of 6 to 12 weeks is required to allow the anterior fusion to heal prior to a return to play. Chen and associates reported that keyhole foraminotomy maintains cervical motion segment dynamics better than compared to anterior limited diskectomy and foraminotomy or anterior diskectomy with fusion. Henderson, CM, Hennessy RG, Shuey HM Jr, Shackelford EG: Posterior-lateral foraminotomy as an exclusive operative technique for cervical radiculopathy: A review of 846 consecutively operated cases. Neurosurgery 1983;13:504-512. Dillin W, Booth R, Cuckler J, Balderston R, Simeone F, Rothman R: Cervical radiculopathy: A review. Spine 1986;11:988-991.

Question 3040

Topic: 6. Spine

A 53-year-old man has had a long history of multiple joint symptoms, and he notes that the worst pain is from his left shoulder. A radiograph and MRI scan are shown in Figures 13a and 13b. Prior to surgical treatment of the shoulder, what is the most appropriate work-up?

. Hip radiograph
. Knee radiograph
. MRI of both shoulders
. Cervical spine radiographs, including flexion and extension views
. Arthrography of both shoulders

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Cervical spine radiographs, including flexion and extension views

Explanation

Rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes associated with radiographic evidence of instability of the cervical spine. In a study by Grauer and associates, radiographs of the cervical spine of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone total joint arthroplasty over a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Nearly one half of the patients had radiographic evidence of cervical instability on the basis of traditional measurements. While radiographic evidence of cervical instability was not infrequent in this population of patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis, radiographic predictors of paralysis were much less common. MRI prior to surgery may also be a consideration if the radiographic appearance of the rotator cuff alters the consideration of surgical treatment. In a series of patients undergoing prosthetic arthroplasty for a variety of shoulder disorders, the presence of a rotator cuff tear has been shown to be associated with a less favorable outcome. Most often, the presence of a rotator cuff tear was associated with a diagnosis of rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis and the tears were large and generally irreparable. Some case series demonstrated a higher prevalence of loosening of the glenoid component in patients with a large rotator cuff tear associated with superior migration of the humeral head. However, obtaining an MRI scan of the shoulder is not considered the best response since failure to determine cervical instability may result in anesthetic death. Whereas MRI may be helpful in planning reconstruction, it would be a less important priority. Grauer JN, Tingstad EM, Rand N, et al: Predictors of paralysis in the rheumatoid cervical spine in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2004;86:1420-1424.

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