Spinal Cord Suspension Using Dentate Ligament Hitch Stitches: A Novel Technique for the Repair of Ventral Spinal Cord Herniation.

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is usually repaired by releasing the spinal cord and inserting a dural patch to close the herniated segment of dura. However, reherniation is a potential limitation of this standard technique.

OBJECTIVE

To describe early results of a novel technique that utilizes the dentate ligament to hitch the spinal cord and prevent reherniation.

METHODS

Two patients underwent dural hernia repair and the dentate hitch technique was performed.

RESULTS

Restored lower limb power and mobility, and satisfactory reduction of spinal cord herniation on magnetic resonance imaging in 2 patients at 6- and 24-mo follow-ups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The dentate hitch technique can achieve repair of spinal cord herniation, with satisfactory postoperative results and minimizes the risk of reherniation.