Spinal Cord Suspension Using Dentate Ligament Hitch Stitches: A Novel Technique for the Repair of Ventral Spinal Cord Herniation

Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2018 Mar 1;14(3):252-258. doi: 10.1093/ons/opx108.

Abstract

Background: Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is usually repaired by releasing the spinal cord and inserting a dural patch to close the herniated segment of dura. However, reherniation is a potential limitation of this standard technique.

Objective: To describe early results of a novel technique that utilizes the dentate ligament to hitch the spinal cord and prevent reherniation.

Methods: Two patients underwent dural hernia repair and the dentate hitch technique was performed.

Results: Restored lower limb power and mobility, and satisfactory reduction of spinal cord herniation on magnetic resonance imaging in 2 patients at 6- and 24-mo follow-ups, respectively.

Conclusion: The dentate hitch technique can achieve repair of spinal cord herniation, with satisfactory postoperative results and minimizes the risk of reherniation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hernia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Herniorrhaphy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord / surgery*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome