Surgical Management of Craniovertebral Junction Diseases in Children: Advances and Innovations

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) diseases are a group of conditions that affect the bones and joints at the base of the skull and the top of the neck. These diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, including neck pain, headaches, difficulty swallowing, and weakness in the arms and legs. In children, CVJ diseases can also lead to developmental delays and other serious complications.

Pediatric Craniovertebral Junction Diseases: Surgical Management of Craniovertebral Junction Diseases in Children (Advances and Technical Standards in Neurosurgery Book 40)

by Chantel Stephens

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Language	:	English
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Surgical management is often necessary to treat CVJ diseases in children. The goal of surgery is to correct the underlying deformity and to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and other vital structures. In recent years, there have been significant advances in surgical techniques for CVJ diseases in children. These advances have led to improved outcomes and reduced complications.

Surgical Techniques

The type of surgical technique used to treat a CVJ disease will depend on the specific condition. Some of the most common surgical techniques include:

• Posterior decompression: This procedure involves removing the back of the skull and neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
• Anterior decompression: This procedure involves removing the front of the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord through anterior approach.
• Fusion: This procedure involves fusing the bones of the CVJ together to stabilize the spine.
• Instrumentation: This procedure involves using plates, screws, and rods to stabilize the spine.

Advances and Innovations

In recent years, there have been a number of advances and innovations in surgical techniques for CVJ diseases in children. These advances include:

• Minimally invasive surgery: Minimally invasive surgery techniques allow surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions. This can lead to less pain, scarring, and recovery time.
• Image-guided surgery: Image-guided surgery techniques use real-time imaging to help surgeons visualize the surgical site and to plan the procedure. This can lead to greater precision and accuracy.
• 3D printing: 3D printing technology is being used to create custom implants and surgical guides. This can help to improve the fit and accuracy of the implants and to reduce the risk of complications.
• Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy is being investigated as a potential treatment for CVJ diseases in children. Stem cells have the potential to regenerate damaged tissue and to promote healing.

Outcomes

The outcomes of surgical management for CVJ diseases in children have improved significantly in recent years. The vast majority of children who undergo surgery experience significant improvement in their symptoms. In some cases, surgery can even lead to a complete cure. The long-term outcomes of surgery are generally good. However, some children may experience complications, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.

Surgical management is an important treatment option for CVJ diseases in children. The advances and innovations in surgical techniques in recent years have led to improved outcomes and reduced complications. As research continues, the outlook for children with CVJ diseases continues to improve.

References

• American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2018). Craniovertebral Junction Disorders in Children. Retrieved from https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Craniovertebral-Junction-Disorders-in-Children
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (2019). Craniovertebral Junction Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/craniovertebral-junction-disorders
• Mayo Clinic. (2018). Craniovertebral Junction Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/craniovertebral-junction-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355259
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2019). Craniovertebral Junction Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Craniovertebral-Junction-Disorders-Information-Page

Pediatric Craniovertebral Junction Diseases: Surgical Management of Craniovertebral Junction Diseases in Children (Advances and Technical Standards in Neurosurgery Book 40)

by Chantel Stephens

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14955 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	606 pages

FREE