Object Cervical arthroplasty offers the promise of maintaining motion of the functional spinal unit (FSU) after anterior cervical discectomy. The impact of cervical arthroplasty on sagittal alignment of the FSU needs to be addressed, together with its effect on overall sagittal balance of the cervical spine. Methods The authors prospectively reviewed radiographic and clinical outcomes in 14 patients who received the Bryan Cervical Disc prosthesis (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN), for whom early (< 6 months) and late (6–24 months) follow-up data were available. Static and dynamic radiographs were measured by hand and computer to determine the angles formed by the endplates of the natural disc preoperatively, those formed by the shells of the implanted prosthesis, the angle of the FSU, and the C2–7 Cobb angle. The range of motion (ROM) was also determined radiographically, whereas clinical outcomes were assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Short Form–36 (SF-36) questionnaires. The ROM was preserved following surgery, with a mean preoperative sagittal rotation angle of 8.96°, which was not significantly different from the late postoperative value of 8.25°. When compared with the preoperative disc space angle, the shell endplate angle in the neutral position became kyphotic in the early and late postoperative periods (mean change −3.8° in the late follow-up period; p = 0.0035). The FSU angles also became significantly more kyphotic post-operatively, with a mean change of −6° (p = 0.0006). The Cobb angles varied widely preoperatively and did not change significantly after surgery. There was no statistical correlation between the NDI and SF-36 outcomes and cervical kyphosis. Conclusions Cervical arthroplasty preserves motion of the FSU. Both the endplate angle of the treated disc space and the angle of the FSU became kyphotic after insertion of the Bryan prosthesis. The overall sagittal balance of the cervical spine, however, was preserved.

Object Spinal arthroplasty may become the next gold standard for the treatment of degenerative cervical spine disease. This new modality must be studied rigorously to ensure in vivo efficacy and safety. The authors review the preliminary clinical experience and radiographic outcomes following insertion of the Bryan Cervical Disc Prosthesis (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN). Methods This prospective cohort study included 26 patients undergoing single- or two-level implantation of the Bryan artificial cervical disc for treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease resulting in radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. Radiographic and clinical assessments were made preoperatively 1.5, 3 months, and at 6, 12, and up to 24 months postoperatively. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Short Form–36 (SF-36) questionnaires were used to assess pain and functional outcomes. Segmental sagittal rotation from C2–3 to C6–7 was measured using quantitative motion analysis software. A total of 30 Bryan discs were placed in 26 patients. A single-level procedure was performed in 22 patients and a two-level procedure in the other four. Follow-up duration ranged from 1.5 to 27 months, with a mean duration of 12.3 months. A statistically significant improvement in the mean NDI scores was seen between pre- and late postoperative follow-up evaluations. A trend toward improvement in the SF-36 physical component was also found. Motion was preserved in the treated spinal segments (mean range of motion 7.8°) for up to 24 months postsurgery. The relative contribution of each segment to overall spinal sagittal rotation differed depending on whether the disc was placed at C5–6 or C6–7. Overall cervical motion (C2–7) was moderately increased on late follow-up evaluations. Conclusions The Bryan artificial cervical disc provided in vivo functional spinal motion at the treated level. Overall cervical spinal motion was not significantly altered. Sagittal rotation did not change significantly at any level after surgery.

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Object Perhaps the single greatest error that a surgeon hopes to avoid is operating at the wrong site. In this report, the authors describe the incidence and possible determinants of incorrect-site surgery (ICSS) among neurosurgeons. Methods The authors asked neurosurgeons to complete an anonymous survey. These surgeons were asked to report the number of craniotomies and lumbar and cervical discectomies performed during the previous year, as well as whether ICSS had occurred. They were also asked detailed questions regarding the potential determinants of ICSS. Results There was a 75% response rate and a 68% survey completion rate. Participating neurosurgeons performed 4695 lumbar and 2649 cervical discectomies, as well as 10,203 craniotomies. Based on this self-reporting, the incidence of wrong-level lumbar surgery was estimated to be 4.5 occurrences per 10,000 operations. The ICSSs per 10,000 cervical discectomies and craniotomies were 6.8 and 2.2, respectively. Neurosurgeons recognized fatigue, unusual time pressure, and emergent operations as factors contributing to ICSS. For spine surgery, in particular, unusual patient anatomy and a failure to verify the operative site by radiography were also commonly reported contributors. Conclusions Neurosurgical ICSSs do occur, but are rare events. Although there are significant limitations to the survey-based methodology, the data suggest that the prevention of such errors will require neurosurgeons to recognize risk factors and increase the use of intraoperative imaging.

We report the first case of progressive hair repigmentation associated with the use of lenalidomide in an elderly patient with multiple myeloma. The influence of lenalidomide on follicular melanogenesis may involve removing the inhibitory influences of some cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, certain endocrine effects of lenalidomide on the hypophyseal-adrenal axis could explain its action on hair pigmentation. We further hypothesize that lenalidomide may be capable of stimulating migration and/or differentiation of melanocytes to promote repigmentation of gray hair follicles. Pending the clarification of how hair repigmentation occurs with lenalidomide, our observation materializes the concept that hair graying may not be an irreversible process, which opens avenues for targeted therapeutics in the fields of cosmetics and anti-aging medicine.