PMC2892666_01
Preoperative image ((a): plain radiograph, lateral image, (b): MRI, sagittal image, and T1 weighted image). (a) Preoperative plain radiograph demonstrates significant multilevel cervical spondylosis. (b) In preoperative MRI, spinal cord compression at C3-4 due to OPLL is found. (c) Laminoplasty is performed using hydroxyapatite spacers from C3 to C7. MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging. OPLL: Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament.
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fig1
Plain radiographs (Figure 1(a)) revealed progression of subaxial degeneration disease, progressive cervical fusion with C4-6 and C3-4 mixed type of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine (Figure 1(b)) confirmed the presence of OPLL with low signal intensity on T1 and T2-weighted images and the severe compression to the spinal cord. He subsequently underwent Kurokawa's procedure using hydroxyapatite spacers performed with T-saw thread wire from C3 to C7 (Figure 1(c)).
Head image ((a): Plain radiograph, (b): CT). (a) Plain radiograph demonstrates significant intracranial air. (b) CT reveals massive pneumocephalus involving the subarachnoid spaces. CT: Computed tomography.
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fig2
Plain radiograph and computed tomography (CT) of the head revealed massive pneumocephalus involving the subarachnoid spaces without any midline shift (Figures 2(a) and 2(b)).
One month postoperative head image ((a): Plain radiograph, (b): CT). (a) Plain radiograph demonstrates the disappearance of intracranial air. (b) CT one month after surgery demonstrates the disappearance of air in the overall space. (c) CT: Computed tomography.
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fig3
Plain radiograph and CT one month after surgery (Figures 3(a) and 3(b)) demonstrated the disappearance of air in the overall space.