ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of lesion clearing, decompression and fusing, and fixation with single nail from the anterior way for thoracic vertebra tuberculosis. MethodsFrom January 2008 to September 2011, 42 patients with thoracic vertebra tuberculosis were treated in our hospital. There were 28 males and 14 females with the age between 27 and 63 years old, averaging 45. The course of the disease ranged from 4 to 12 months, averaging 8 months. According to the affected parts and segments, there was 1 case of upper thoracic vertebrae involvement, 20 of inner thoracic spine, 21 of lower thoracic vertebrae, 9 of multiple segments, and 2 of multi-level noncontiguous tuberculosis. All patients accepted preoperative normal anti-tuberculosis drugs for 2 to 4 weeks. After confirming that the anti-tuberculosis treatment was effective, we cleared the lesion, fused by decompression at iliac crest bone graft sites and fixed by single nail from the anterior way. Postoperative regular follow-up was carried out. X ray film was used to detect the fusion, paralysis Frankel classification was adopted to evaluate the function recovery of patients, and visual analog pain score (VAS) was used to assess the relief of patients' symptoms. ResultsAll incisions of the patients were healed by the first intention. There was no recurrence in the tuberculosis focus area. Follow-up was done in forty cases for 12 to 34 months, averaging 23 months. X-ray review showed that the bone graft area turned into osseous fusion in all patients with the fusion time ranging from 10 to 16 months, averaging 13 months. No nail bar system loose or fracture occurred. Paralyzed patients Frankel classification showed that there were 2 A-level, 3 B-level, 9 C-level, 25 D-level, and 3 E-level cases before operation. During the last follow-up, there were no A-level, 1 B-level, 5 C-level, 10 D-level, and 26 E-level cases. Local pain VAS score results showed that preoperative point was 7.82±1.03, and the final follow-up point was 0.52±0.31, with a significant difference (P<0.05). ConclusionLesion clearing, fusion and single nail application from the anterior way is one of the reliable and efficient ways in thoracic vertebra tuberculosis surgery and the results are satisfying.
目的 探讨前路小切口顶椎切除联合后路矫形手术治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸的可行性及疗效。 方法 2009 年7月－2010年9月，采用前路小切口顶椎切除联合后路矫形手术治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸18例。其中男9例，女9例，年龄10～24岁，平均14.5岁。其中15 例特发性脊柱侧凸（Lenke 2型6例，Lenke 3型1例，Lenke 4型8例），2 例脊髓空洞合并脊柱侧凸，1 例Chiari畸形合并脊柱侧凸。术前剃刀背高度（6.8 ± 2.3）cm，主胸弯Cobb角（99.6 ±10.0）°，主胸弯顶椎偏距（7.3 ± 1.3）cm。 结果 前路手术切口10～13 cm，平均（11.4 ± 1.0）cm；前路手术时间170～300 min，平均（215.3 ± 36.8）min；失血量300～1 300 mL，平均（662.5 ± 274.8） mL。所有患者随访25～39个月，平均30.7个月。末次随访时，剃刀背高度（1.0 ± 0.6）cm，矫正率86.7%；主胸弯Cobb角（31.4 ± 11.4）°，矫正率68.7%；主胸弯顶椎偏距（2.2 ± 0.9） cm，矫正率69.6%。上胸弯、胸腰弯/腰弯的Cobb 角及顶椎偏距亦明显矫正，冠状面及矢状面平衡与术前相比，差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。未发生神经系统并发症，1例患者在前路手术后入ICU行呼吸支持治疗12 h，1例患者出现椎弓根螺钉穿透椎弓根上壁，2例患者出现钛网位置不佳，随访未见钛网位置改变。 结论 采用前路小切口顶椎切除联合后路矫形治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸安全可行，矫形效果满意。
OBJECTIVE: To discuss the value of anterior operation in fracture-dislocation of connect of cervical vertebrae and thoracic vertebrae. METHODS: From 1997, 21 patients with fracture-dislocation of connect of cervical vertebra and thoracic vertebrae were operated on. The interval between injury and operation was within 24 hours in 4 cases, 2-7 days in 9 cases, 8-14 days in 3 cases and within 4 weeks in 5 cases. The locations were C6,7 in 7 cases, C7 in 9 cases and T1 in 5 cases. The nerves function of spinal of all the cases have different degrees of injury. Classification of Frankel were the following: 3 cases of grade A, 6 cases of grade B, 9 cases of grade C, and 3 cases of grade D. The operative procedure included the following: anterior operation of cervical vertebrae; incision of most fracture vertebral body to decompress; transplantation of ilium bone grafting fusion; and internal fixation of anterior cervical vertebrae with locking-steel. RESULTS: In 21 patients, 1 died of accompanying by pulmonary infection; 20 were followed up 8 months to 3 years with an average of 21 months. All transplanted ilium had fused. The nerve function of spinal cord had recovered in different degrees(2 cases of grade A, 1 case of grade C, 9 cases of grade D and 8 cases of grade E); the turn of vertebral column was normal. No internal fixation failed. CONCLUSION: Anterior operation is a better way to treat fracture-dislocation of connect of cervical vertebrae and thoracic vertebrae with easy operation, less complications, satisfactory reduction of fracture and good stability.
Objective To study the clinical application ofheterogenous bone graft combined with auto-marrow. Methods Deproteinated and degreased heterogenouscancellous bone combined with auto-marrow was used in 21 cases of anterior cervical interbody fusion. Among them, 2 cases were treated by bone graft only, and the other 19 cases were further treated by anterior plate fixation. Results The follow-up time was 12-36 months with an average of 21 months. After operation, posteroanterior and lateral radiograph of all the cases revealed that the reduction and the position of the grafting bone were good without inflammation or other complications. After 6 months of operation, the radiograph of 2 cases of cervical disk herniation, which were treated by bone graft only, showed the bones lost their height and the curve of the cervical spine returned to the state of preoperation. For the other cases, the grafting bonesremained their original figure without dislocation of the bone or fracture of the plate or the screw. The nervous function recovered variously. Before operation, 10 cases were ranked as grade A,7 cases grade C, 4 cases grade D according to Frankel classification. After operation, in grade A cases, 5 cases did not recover, 3 cases recovered to grade B, 2 cases to grade C; in grade C cases, 5 to grade D, 2 to grade E; all ofgrade D 4 cases to grade E. Conclusion Heterogenous bone combined with auto-marrow can be used as grafting material in the anterior cervical interbodyfusion, but its mechanical rigidity need to be improved or the fusion shouldbe aided with rigid internal fixation.
Objective To investigate the microscope-assisted anterior cervical surgery and traditional open surgery for the treatment of cervical myelopathy with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods Retrospective selection of patients with OPLL who underwent microscope-assisted and traditional open anterior cervical surgery in West China (Airport) Hospital Sichuan University were selected between January 2016 and August 2020. The patients who underwent traditional open anterior cervical surgery between January 2016 and August 2018 were classified as the conventional group, and the patients who underwent microscope-assisted anterior cervical surgery between September 2018 and August 2020 were classified as the microscope group. The baseline characteristics, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain before and after surgery, and surgical complications were collected. Neurological function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Result A total of 46 patients were included. There were 24 cases in the conventional group and 22 cases in the microscope group. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and length of hospital stay in the microscope group were lower than those in the conventional group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in VSA score and JOA score between the two groups before operation (P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in VAS score and JOA score between the two groups 18 months after operation (P<0.001). The comparison of VAS score and JOA score in the two groups before and after operation showed that there was a statistically significant difference between 18 months after operation and before operation (P<0.05). In the microscope group, the average improvement rate of neurological function [(79.90±16.67)% vs. (58.12±17.47)%, t=4.317, P<0.001], excellent and good rate [95.45% (21/22) vs. 66.67% (16/24), χ2=4.354, P=0.037] were higher than those in the conventional group. The total number of complications in the microscope group was lower than that in the conventional group (P=0.024). Conclusion Compared with the traditional open anterior cervical surgery, the microscope-assisted anterior cervical surgery for OPLL can reduce intraoperative blood loss and length of hospital stay, reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.
ObjectiveTo review the present situation of experimental study and clinical application of middle and lower cervical anterior transpedicular screw (CATPS) fixation. MethodsThe literature on the CATPS fixation was reviewed and summarized. ResultsThere is a safe area to implement the CATPS fixation and anterior decompression, and fusion can be done at the same time. It can provide a new idea for surgical treatment of complex cervical disease. Although it has so many advantages, its complex operating methods and optimal design of plate should be attended. Long-term effectiveness and specific indications still should be researched. ConclusionMiddle and lower cervical anterior transpedicular screw is an effective and safe fixation for cervical diseases. But the time for clinical use is short, the long-term effectiveness, surgical technique, and internal fixation devices are still need further study.
ObjectiveTo assesse the effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Cage alone in treating multi-level cervical degenerative disease. MethodsBetween August 2010 and August 2012, 62 eligible patients with multi-level cervical degenerative disease were treated, and the clinical data were reviewed. Of 62 patients, 32 underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Cage alone (group A), and 30 underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plate fixation (group B). Both groups showed no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, lesion types, and affected segments (P>0.05), it had comparability. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score; the fused segment height, subsidence rates of Cages, global cervical lordosis, and fusion rates were also compared. ResultsThe operation time of group B[(109.7±11.2) minutes] was significantly more than group A[(87.8±6.9) minutes] (t=-2.259, P=0.037). Primary healing of incisions was obtained in all patients of 2 groups. All patients were followed up; the follow-up period ranged from 8 to 27 months (mean, 15.8 months) in group A, and from 9 to 28 months (mean, 16.4 months) in group B. There was no complication and internal fixation failure. The JOA score and VAS score were significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative scores in 2 groups (P<0.05). According to Robinson standard for axial symptom severity, the results were excellent in 20 cases, good in 9, fair in 2, and poor in 1, with an excellent and good rate of 90.63% in group A; the results were excellent in 19 cases, good in 7, fair in 3, and poor in 1, with an excellent and good rate of 86.67% in group B; and no significant difference was found between 2 groups (χ2=0.765, P=0.382). The fused segment height at immediate after operation and at last follow-up and global cervical lordosis at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between groups A and B in the Cage subsidence height[(1.4±0.9) mm vs. (1.2±1.6) mm], Cage subsidence rate[9.52% (8/84) vs. 7.59% (6/79)], and fusion rate[95.24% (80/84) vs. 96.20% (76/79)]. ConclusionAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Cage alone can obtain good clinical results and radiologic indexes, avoid plate-related complications and reduce operation time. It is a safe and effective surgical option in the treatment of multi-level cervical degenerative disease.
Objective To assess the mid-term effectiveness of anterior decompression and fusion with nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) cage in treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods A retrospective study was made on 48 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent anterior decompression and fusion with n-HA/PA66 cage between August 2008 and January 2010. There were 33 males and 15 females with an average age of 54.5 years (range, 42-72 years). The disease duration was 3-12 months (mean, 6 months). The affected segments included 35 cases of single segment (C3, 4 in 7, C4, 5 in 18, and C5, 6 in 10) and 13 cases of double segments (C3-5 in 7 and C4-6 in 6). Of 48 patients, 28 was diagnosed as having intervertebral disc protrusion, 12 as having ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, and 8 as having vertebral osteophyte; 35 patients underwent single segmental anterior corpectomy and fusion, and 13 patients underwent single segmental anterior discectomy and fusion. The pre- and post-operative radiographs (cervical anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and three-dimensional CT scans) were taken to measure the segmental height and lordosis angle. Brantigan et al assessment standard and visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to evaluate the graft fusion and the improvement of clinical symptoms, respectively. Results All patients were followed up for 46 months on average (range, 36-54 months). No cage breaking, displacement, or sliding was found. At last follow-up, 36 cases were rated as Brantigan grade E, 10 cases as grade D, and 2 cases as grade C; the fusion rate was 96%. Both segmental height and lordosis angle were corrected significantly at immediate and 6 months after operation and last follow-up than those before operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found among different time points after operation (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, the cage subsidence was (1.3 ± 1.0) mm. The VAS and JOA scores at 6 months after operation and last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05), and the scores at last follow-up were superior to ones at 6 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The mid-term effectiveness of anterior decompression and fusion with the n-HA/PA66 cage in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy is satisfactory because it can effectively restore and maintain segmental height and lordosis angle and promote osseous fusion.
Objective To explore the anatomic basis for theanterior approach screw fixation through the C2 vertebral body into the C1 lateral mass and toinvestigate its primary clinical application. Methods Twenty-one adult corpse specimens were anatomically measured. The minimum lateral angle α, the maximum lateral angle β, and the maximum posterior angle γ were calculated based on the data from the anatomic measurement. All the specimens were given an X-ray examination, the minimum lateral angle α, the maximum lateral angle β, and the maximum posterior angle γ were measured. The statistical analysis was made on the data obtained from the calculation in the specimens and the measurement in the X-ray films. The simulation of the approach was made onthe specimen. From October 2004 to July 2006, the simulated approach was used in 5 patients (3 males, 2 females; age, 30-55 years; illness course, 3 months-2 years) with the old atlanto-axial joint dislocation . The Frankel grading system revealed the spinal cord injury degree as follows: 1 patientwas in Grade B, 2 in Grade C, and 2 in Grade D. All the patients were treated with this surgical approach. The postoperative X-ray and CT examinations were performed. Results Angle α was 14.0±1.6°, β was 30.0±2.3°, γ was 29.0±2.9°. No significant difference existed between the angles calculated in the specimens and measured in the X-ray films (Pgt;0.05). The angles for the practical application during operation were as follows: α was 11.2±1.6°, β was 28.8±2.3°, and γ was 29.3±2.9°. The follow-up for an average of 14 months revealed that 1 patient recovered to Grade C, 1 to Grade D2, and 3 to Grade D3 in the spinal cord function according the modified Frankel grading system.Conclusion The anterior approach screw fixation through the C2 vertebral body into the C1 lateral massis feasible and safe in treatment of the old atlantoaxial joint dislocation ifthe screw insertion is exact in direction. This technique only makes the atlas temporarily stable, and so the posterior bone graft should be added into the atlantoaxial joint immediately in the one- or two-stage operation so as to achieve a long-lasting stability.
Objective To investigate the surgical method and prel iminary cl inical result of managing the patient with lumbar burst fracture but not suitable for single-level fixation and fusion surgery with the reservation of the fractured vertebral body and the anterior decompression. Methods From September 2007 to December 2008, 11 patients with lumbar burst fracture underwent the removal of the posterior superior corner of the injured vertebral body, the removal of the inferior intervertebral disc adjacent to the injured vertebral body, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation. There were 8 males and3 females aged 21-48 years old (average 29.4 years old). All the fractures caused by fall ing from high places. Imaging exams confirmed all the fractures were Denis type B burst fracture. The fracture level was at the L1 in 4 cases, the L2 in 4 cases, the L3 in 2 cases, and the L4 in 1 case. Before operation, the nerve function was graded as grade B in 4 cases, grade C in 3 cases, and grade D in 4 cases according to Frankel scales; the visual analogue scale (VAS) was (7.30 ± 0.98) points; lateral X-ray films displayed the kyphosis Cobb angel was (24.94 ± 12.21)°; the adjacent superior and inferior intervertebral disc height was (12.78 ± 1.52) mm and (11.68 ± 1.04) mm, respectively; CT scan showed the vertebral canal sagittal diameter was (9.56 ± 2.27) mm; CT three-dimensional reconstruction revealed that the intact part of the injured vertebra was less than 50% vertebra body height and the fracture l ine crossed the pedicle. The time from injury to operation was 3-11 days (average 4.8 days). The neurological and radiological evaluations were carried out immediately and 3 months after operation, respectively, and compared with the condition before operation. Results All the patients successfully underwent the surgery. The wound all healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up for 6-18 months (average 14 months). All the patients had a certain degree of nerve function recovery. The Frankel scales in all the patients were increased by 1-2 grade immediately and 3 months after operation. The VAS score was (2.80 ± 1.49) points immediately after operation and (1.54 ± 0.48) points 3 months after operation, suggesting there were significant differences among three time points (P lt; 0.05). The vertebral canal sagittal diameter was significantly enlarged to (18.98 ± 4.82) mm immediately after operation and was (19.07 ± 4.37) mm 3 months after operation. The Cobb angle was (7.78 ± 4.52)° immediately after operation and (8.23 ± 3.57)° 3 months after operation. There were significant differences between before and after operation (P lt; 0.05). For the adjacent superior and inferior intervertebral disc height, there was no significant difference when the value immediately or 3 months after operation was compared with that of before operation (P gt; 0.05). X-ray films and CT scan 3 months after operation showed good internal fixation without theoccurrence of loosing and displacement. Conclusion For the treatment of lumbar burst fracture, the method of reserving the injured vertebral body and anterior decompression can decompress the vertebral canal and shorten the duration for bony fusion.