case_images: PMC10720627_01
case_images: CT scan images at the time of recrudescence of symptoms. Left: The sagittal cervical cord image showing degradation of the mechanical disc with protrusion into the spinal canal. The mechanical disc indents the C6 vertebrae resulting in a reduction of the vertebral height compared to adjacent vertebrae and to the height in Figure 1. Top right: A transverse image at C4-5 with a cervical canal diameter for radiographically imaged hard tissue measured at 14.4-14.5 mm, which is within the range of normal. Bottom right: A transverse image at C5-6 illustrating the site of cord compression resulting from the mechanical disc shift into the spinal canal.
case_images: fneur-14-1284062-g002.jpg
case_images: PMC10720627_01_fneur-14-1284062-g002.jpg
case_images: fig2
case_images: CT scan of the cervical spine, however, showed a several millimeter shift of the C6 implant plate dorsally compared to the radiographs taken after the first operation, causing recurrent spinal cord compression (Figure 2). Compared to the radiographically normal level of C4-5, the C6 implant shift caused a 33.1% reduction in the cervical canal diameter.
case_images: The x-ray image of the sagittal cervical spine after operation #2 illustrating the decompression at C5-6, disc replacement with a PEEK strut, and fusion.
case_images: fneur-14-1284062-g003.jpg
case_images: PMC10720627_01_fneur-14-1284062-g003.jpg
case_images: fig3
case_images: The strut was placed into the intervertebral space and the segment was stabilized with an Atlantis plate and screws (Medtronic) (Figure 3).
case_images: Pre- and post-operative scores on the Karnofsky, SF-36 Physical Function subscale, and the Wood Mental Fatigue Inventory.
case_images: fneur-14-1284062-g004.jpg
case_images: PMC10720627_01_fneur-14-1284062-g004.jpg
case_images: fig4
case_images: Figure 4 illustrates the changes in the quality of life questionnaire scores before and after each surgical procedure, extending to the 9-month follow-up point after the second surgery.