The Impact of Intraoperative CT-Based Navigation in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies: New Concepts of Treatment

Background: Congenital craniovertebral junction anomalies (CCVJAs) encompass a diverse range of conditions characterized by distorted anatomy and significant variation in the pathways of neurovascular structures. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of tailoring posterior fixation fo...

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Main Authors: Giorgio Cracchiolo, Ali Baram, Gabriele Capo, Zefferino Rossini, Marco Riva, Andrea Fanti, Mario De Robertis, Maurizio Fornari, Federico Pessina, Carlo Brembilla
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Brain Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/12/1228
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author Giorgio Cracchiolo
Ali Baram
Gabriele Capo
Zefferino Rossini
Marco Riva
Andrea Fanti
Mario De Robertis
Maurizio Fornari
Federico Pessina
Carlo Brembilla
author_facet Giorgio Cracchiolo
Ali Baram
Gabriele Capo
Zefferino Rossini
Marco Riva
Andrea Fanti
Mario De Robertis
Maurizio Fornari
Federico Pessina
Carlo Brembilla
author_sort Giorgio Cracchiolo
collection DOAJ
description Background: Congenital craniovertebral junction anomalies (CCVJAs) encompass a diverse range of conditions characterized by distorted anatomy and significant variation in the pathways of neurovascular structures. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of tailoring posterior fixation for CCVJAs through intraoperative CT-based navigation. Methods: An in-depth retrospective analysis was conducted on eight patients diagnosed with CCVJAs (excluding Arnold–Chiari malformation). These patients underwent posterior fixation/arthrodesis facilitated by intraoperative CT-based navigation. The analysis included an examination of the fixation strategies, complication rates, length of stay, post-operative complications, and success of arthrodesis. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken to contextualize and compare our findings. Results: Patients undergoing CVJ posterior fixation with intraoperative CT-based navigation exhibited a flawless record, devoid of complications related to the damage to neurovascular structures, as well as any instances of screw misposition, pullout, or breakage (0 out of 36 total screws). Furthermore, the entire cohort demonstrated a 100% arthrodesis rate. None of the patients required treatment with an occipital plate. Conclusions: The incorporation of intraoperative CT-based navigation proves to be an invaluable asset in executing CVJ posterior fixation within the context of CCVJAs. This technology facilitates the customization of posterior constructs, a crucial adaptation required to navigate the anatomical challenges posed by these anomalies. The secure placement of screws into the occipital condyles, made possible by navigation, has proven highly effective in achieving CVJ fixation, obviating the need for an occipital plate. This technological leap represents a significant advancement, enhancing the safety, precision, and overall outcomes for patients undergoing this surgical procedure, while concurrently reducing the necessity for more invasive and morbid interventions.
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spelling doaj-art-ca58e44a1c2a488a93420f6bb68e532b2025-08-20T02:56:06ZengMDPI AGBrain Sciences2076-34252024-12-011412122810.3390/brainsci14121228The Impact of Intraoperative CT-Based Navigation in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies: New Concepts of TreatmentGiorgio Cracchiolo0Ali Baram1Gabriele Capo2Zefferino Rossini3Marco Riva4Andrea Fanti5Mario De Robertis6Maurizio Fornari7Federico Pessina8Carlo Brembilla9School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 24127 Bergamo, Bergamo, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Bergamo, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Neurosurgery, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, ItalyBackground: Congenital craniovertebral junction anomalies (CCVJAs) encompass a diverse range of conditions characterized by distorted anatomy and significant variation in the pathways of neurovascular structures. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of tailoring posterior fixation for CCVJAs through intraoperative CT-based navigation. Methods: An in-depth retrospective analysis was conducted on eight patients diagnosed with CCVJAs (excluding Arnold–Chiari malformation). These patients underwent posterior fixation/arthrodesis facilitated by intraoperative CT-based navigation. The analysis included an examination of the fixation strategies, complication rates, length of stay, post-operative complications, and success of arthrodesis. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken to contextualize and compare our findings. Results: Patients undergoing CVJ posterior fixation with intraoperative CT-based navigation exhibited a flawless record, devoid of complications related to the damage to neurovascular structures, as well as any instances of screw misposition, pullout, or breakage (0 out of 36 total screws). Furthermore, the entire cohort demonstrated a 100% arthrodesis rate. None of the patients required treatment with an occipital plate. Conclusions: The incorporation of intraoperative CT-based navigation proves to be an invaluable asset in executing CVJ posterior fixation within the context of CCVJAs. This technology facilitates the customization of posterior constructs, a crucial adaptation required to navigate the anatomical challenges posed by these anomalies. The secure placement of screws into the occipital condyles, made possible by navigation, has proven highly effective in achieving CVJ fixation, obviating the need for an occipital plate. This technological leap represents a significant advancement, enhancing the safety, precision, and overall outcomes for patients undergoing this surgical procedure, while concurrently reducing the necessity for more invasive and morbid interventions.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/12/1228craniovertebral junction anomaliesnavigationintraoperative imagingsurgical safetysurgical accuracyposterior fixation
spellingShingle Giorgio Cracchiolo
Ali Baram
Gabriele Capo
Zefferino Rossini
Marco Riva
Andrea Fanti
Mario De Robertis
Maurizio Fornari
Federico Pessina
Carlo Brembilla
The Impact of Intraoperative CT-Based Navigation in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies: New Concepts of Treatment
Brain Sciences
craniovertebral junction anomalies
navigation
intraoperative imaging
surgical safety
surgical accuracy
posterior fixation
title The Impact of Intraoperative CT-Based Navigation in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies: New Concepts of Treatment
title_full The Impact of Intraoperative CT-Based Navigation in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies: New Concepts of Treatment
title_fullStr The Impact of Intraoperative CT-Based Navigation in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies: New Concepts of Treatment
title_full_unstemmed The Impact of Intraoperative CT-Based Navigation in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies: New Concepts of Treatment
title_short The Impact of Intraoperative CT-Based Navigation in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies: New Concepts of Treatment
title_sort impact of intraoperative ct based navigation in congenital craniovertebral junction anomalies new concepts of treatment
topic craniovertebral junction anomalies
navigation
intraoperative imaging
surgical safety
surgical accuracy
posterior fixation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/12/1228
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