Surgery for failed cervical spine reconstruction.

STUDY

DESIGN

Review article.

OBJECTIVE

To review the indications, operative strategy, and complications of revision cervical spine reconstruction.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: With many surgeons expanding their indications for cervical spine surgery, the number of patients being treated operatively has increased. Unfortunately, the number of patients requiring revision procedures is also increasing, but very little literature exists reviewing changes in the indications or operative planning for revision reconstruction.

METHODS

Narrative and review of the literature.

RESULTS

In addition to the well-accepted indications for primary cervical spine surgery (radiculopathy, myelopathy, instability, and tumor), we have used the following indications for revision surgery: pseudarthrosis, adjacent segment degeneration, inadequate decompression, iatrogenic instability, and deformity. Our surgical goal for pseudarthrosis is obviously to obtain a fusion, which can usually be performed with an approach not done previously. Our surgical goals for instability and deformity are more complex, with a focus on decompression of any neurologic compression, correction of deformity, and stability.

CONCLUSION

Revision cervical spine reconstruction is safe and effective if performed for the appropriate indications and with proper planning.