ObjectiveTo introduce the application of Photoshop CS16.0 (PS) software in preoperative osteotomy design of ankylosing spondylitis kyphosis (ASK), and to investigate applied values of the preoperative design. MethodsBetween March 2009 and March 2013, 21 cases of ASK were treated through preoperative osteotomy design by using PS software. There were 16 males and 5 females, aged from 23 to 50 years (mean, 34.2 years). The deformity included thoracolumbar kyphosis in 14 cases, thoracic kyphosis in 2 cases, and lumbar kyphosis in 5 cases. The ultimate osteotomy angle of preoperative plans and the location and extent of osteotomy were determined by the osteotomy design, which guided operation procedures of the surgeon. The actual osteotomy angle was obtained by measuring Cobb angle of osteotomy segment before and after operation. The sagittal parameters of spine and pelvis including global kyphosis (GK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and chin brow-vertical angle (CBVA) were measured at preoperation, at 1 week after operation, and last follow-up. The clinical outcomes were assessed by simplified Chinese Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire and Oswestry disability index (ODI). ResultsNo complications occurred in the other cases except 1 case of dural tear during operation and 1 case of nerve injury after operation, and primary healing of incision was obtained. All patients were followed up 14 to 45 months (mean, 26.3 months). The SRS-22 and ODI scores at 1 week after operation and last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between at 1 week and last follow-up (P>0.05). The preoperative planned osteotomy angle and the postoperative actual osteotomy angle were (34.2±10.5)° and (33.7±9.7)° respectively, showing no significant difference (t=0.84, P=0.42). The CBVA, GK, SVA, PT, and LL were significantly improved when compared with the preoperative values (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between at 1 week and last follow-up (P>0.05). At last follow-up, no failures of internal fixation was found, and bony fusion was obtained. ConclusionThe preoperative osteotomy design by using PS software can precisely recover the spinal sagittal balance and horizontal angle of view, so it can effectively avoid excessive correction and insufficient correction of the deformity and obtain good effectiveness in treating ASK.
Objective To study the effectiveness of long segment fixation combined with vertebroplasty (LSF-VP) for severe osteoporotic thoracolumbar compressive fractures with kyphosis deformity. Methods Between March 2006 and May 2012, a retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 48 cases of severe osteoporotic thoracolumbar compressive fractures with more than 50% collapse of the anterior vertebral body or more than 40 ° of sagittal angulation, which were treated by LSF-VP in 27 cases (LSF-VP group) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in 21 cases (PKP group). All patients suffered from single thoracolumbar vertebral compressive fracture at T11 to L2. There was no significant difference in gender, age, spinal segment, and T values of bone mineral density between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The effectiveness of the treatment was appraised by visual analogue scale (VAS), Cobb angle of thoracolumbar kyphosis, height of anterior/posterior vertebral body, and compressive ratio of vertebrae before and after operations. Results The LSF-VP group had longer operation time, hospitalization days, and more bone cement injection volume than the PKP group, showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). Intraoperative blood loss in LSF-VP group ranged from 220 to 1 050 mL (mean, 517 mL). No pulmonaryor cerebral embolism or cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found in both groups. Asymptomatic bone cement leakage was found in 3 cases of LSF-VP group and 2 cases of PKP group. The patients were followed up for 16-78 months (mean, 41.1 months) in LSF-VP group, and 12-71 months (mean, 42.1 months) in PKP group. No fixation failure such as loosened or broken pedicle screw was found in LSF-VP group during the follow-up, and no re-fracture or adjacent vertebral body fracture was found. Two cases in PKP group at 39 and 56 months after operation respectively were found to have poor maintenance of vertebral height and loss of rectification (Cobb angle was more than 40º) with recurrence of pain, which were treated by second surgery of LSF-VP; another case had compressive fracture of the adjacent segment and thoracolumbar kyphosis at 16 months after operation, which was treated by second surgery of LSF-VP. There were significant differences in the other indexes between each pair of the three time points (P lt; 0.05), except the Cobb angle of thoracolumbar kyphosis, and the height of posterior vertebral body between discharge and last follow-up in LSF-VP group, and except the Cobb angle of thoracolumbar kyphosis and compressive ratio of bertebrae between discharge and last follow-up in PKP group (P gt; 0.05). After operation, the other indexes of LSF-VP group were significantly better than those of PKP group at each time point (P lt; 0.05), except the VAS score and the height of posterior vertebral body at discharge (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion The effectiveness of LSF-VP is satisfactory in treating severe osteoporotic thoracolumbar compressive fractures with kyphosis deformity. LSF-VP can acquire better rectification of kyphosis and recovery of vertebral body height than PKP.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of using pedical screw at the fracture level, intervertebral distraction, and Cage insertion by posterior approach to treat thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old fracture. Methods Between June 2008 and June 2010, 15 cases of thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old fracture were treated with pedical screw at the fracture level, intervertebral distraction, and Cage insertion by posterior approach. There were 9 males and 6 females with a mean age of 54.6 years (range, 39-65 years). The disease duration was 5 months to 3 years with an average of 1.5 years. Fractured segments included T11 in 1 case, T12 in 4 cases, L1 in 5 cases, and L2 in 5 cases. Ten patients had nerve symptom, according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, 3 cases were classified as grade B, 4 cases as grade C, and 3 cases as grade D, of which 3 cases had sexual and sphincter dysfunction. At preoperation, the Cobb angle was (47.4 ± 10.2)°; the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was 67.9% ± 6.9%; and the visual analogue scale (VSA) was 8.6 ± 1.4. Results The wounds obtained primary healing. The mean follow-up time was 28 months (range, 13-60 months). X-ray films showed intervertebral bone fusion was obtained within 6-11 months (mean, 10.2 months). No fixation loosening or breaking occurred during follow-up. Kyphosis was corrected, and lumbar back pain was relieved. At 1 year after operation, Cobb angle was significantly corrected to (13.3 ± 7.7)° (t=72.80, P=0.00); ODI score was significantly improved to 25.2% ± 4.6% (t=48.04, P=0.00); VAS score was significantly decreased to 2.3 ± 0.6 (t=26.52, P=0.00). According to ASIA grading in 10 patients with spinal cord injury, the spinal cord function was improved by 1 grade in 8 cases (3 cases from grade B to C, 3 cases from grade C to D, and 2 cases from grade D to E); 3 patients with sexual and sphincter dysfunction recovered in different degrees. Conclusion Using pedical screw at the fracture level, intervertebral distraction, and Cage insertion by posterior approach is an effective method to treat thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old fracture.
Objective To investigate the clinical significance of applicating posterior internal fixation for regulating spinal curvature in thoracolumbar compression fractures. Methods Between May 2006 and May 2009, 63 patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures were treated, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 33 patients received traditional posterior internal fixation in control group; 30 patients underwent posterior internal fixation with spinal curvature correction under C-arm X-ray device in trial group. There was no significant difference in age, gender, cause of injury, injured segment, grade of fracture, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The Cobb angle, height of injured vertebral body, and disc height were measured by X-ray examination; loosening and breakage of internal fixation were observed and compared between 2 groups. The recovery rate was calculated according to pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores for each patient. Results All cases were followed up 20-45 months (mean, 31 months). The postoperative VAS score, ODI, Cobb angle, height of injured vertebral body, and disc height were improved significantly when compared with preoperative values in 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). At last follow-up, VAS and ODI scores of trial group were significantly better than those of control group (P lt; 0.05); loss of Cobb angle was (2.1 ± 1.7)° in trial group and (4.2 ± 3.2)° in control group, showing significant difference (t=1.457, P=0.000); loss of disc height was (1.4 ± 1.2) mm in trial group and (3.4 ± 2.3) mm in control group, showing significant difference (t=9.336, P= 0.000); loss of height of injured vertebral body was 1.8% ± 0.6% in trial group and 5.4% ± 2.1% in control group, showing significant difference (t=3.435, P=0.000). Broken screw and loosening screw occurred in 1 case of control group, respectively (6.1%), but no broken or loosening screw in trial group, showing significant difference (P=0.000). Conclusion Application of posterior internal fixation for regulating spinal curvature has a good clinical effectiveness. The postoperative spinal curvature, the height of injured vertebral body, and disc height can be improved significantly and low back pain can be recovered satisfactorily. The modified technique is also effective in reducing broken and loosening incidence of the fixation system.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of long- and short-segment posterior pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar fracture. Methods Between January 2007 and December 2009, 58 patients with AO type B thoracolumbar fracture underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation. Of 58 patients, 36 received short-segment pedicle fixation (1 upper and 1 lower vertebral bodies of the fractured vertebral body) in group A, and 22 received long-segment pedicle fixation (2 upper and 2 lower vertebral bodies of the fractured vertebral body) in group B. There was no significant difference in age, gender, injury cause, fracture site, preoperative Frankel grade, and disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, blood loss, complication, anterior vertebra compression rate (AVCR), and Cobb angle were compared between 2 groups. Frankel grade was used to evaluate the neurological function. Results The operation time and blood loss of group B were significantly higher than those of group A (P lt; 0.05). All incisions obtained primary healing. The patients were followed up 17.2 months on average (range, 12-32 months). No complication occurred in the other patients except 1 case having internal fixation failure and 1 case having aggravated kyphosis deformity in group A. The neurological function recovered in a certain degree; Frankel grade at 3 months was significantly improved when compared with preoperative one (P lt; 0.05) in 2 groups, but no significant difference was found between 2 groups (Z=0.09, P=0.36). The AVCR and Cobb angle were significantly lower in 2 groups at immediately after operation and last follow-up than those before operation (P lt; 0.05). The correction rates of AVCR and Cobb angle in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P lt; 0.05); whereas the correction losses of AVCR and Cobb angle in group B were significantly less than those in group A (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Long-segment pedicle screw fixation is better than short-segment pedicle screw fixation in the correction of kyphosis and recovery of vertebra body height, especially in the prevention of correction loss in long-term follow-up although it will increase the blood loss and operation time.
Objective To investigate the amount of bone grafting, bone defect gap residual rates, and biomechanical stability of the injured vertebral body after reduction of thoracolumbar burst fractures, pedicle screw-rods fixation, and bone graft by bilateral pedicle or unilateral spinal canal. Methods Eighteen fresh lumbar spine (L1-5) specimens of calves (aged 4-6 months) were collected to establish the burst fracture model at L3 and divided into 3 groups randomly. After reduction and fixation with pedicle screws, no bone graft was given in group A (n=6), and bone graft was performed by bilateral pedicles in group B (n=6) and by unilateral spinal canal in group C (n=6). The amount of bone grafting in groups B and C was recorded. The general situation of bone defect gaps was observed by the DR films and CT scanning, and the defect gap residual rates of the injured vertebrae were calculated with counting of grids. The compression stiffness was measured by ElectreForce-3510 high precision biological material testing machines. Results The amount of bone grafting was (4.58 ± 0.66) g and (5.72 ± 0.78) g in groups B and C respectively, showing signficant difference (t=2.707, P=0.022). DR films and CT scanning observation showed large bone defect gap was seen in injured vertebrae specimens of group A; however, the grafting bone grains was seen in the “eggshell” gap of the injured vertebral body, which were mainly located in the posterior part of the vertebral body, but insufficient filling of bone graft in the anterior part of the vertebral body in group B; better filling of the grafting bone grains was seen in injured vertebral body of group C, with uniform distribution. The bone defect gap residual rates were 52.0% ± 5.5%, 39.7% ± 2.5%, and 19.5% ± 2.5% respectively in groups A, B, and C; group C was significantly lower than groups A and B (P lt; 0.05), and group B was significantly lower than group A (P lt; 0.05). Flexion compressive stiffness of group C was significantly higher than that of groups A and B (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups A and B (P gt; 0.05). Extension compressive stiffness in group C was significantly higher than that in group A (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups A and B, and between groups B and C (P gt; 0.05). The compression stiffness of left bending and right bending had no significant difference among 3 groups (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Thoracolumbar burst fracture pedicle screws fixation with bone grafting by unilateral spinal canal can implant more bone grains, has smaller bone defect gap residual rate, and better recovery of flexion compression stiffness than by bilateral pedicles.
Objective To discuss the effectiveness of anterolateral decompression and three column reconstruction through posterior approach for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fracture. Methods Between March 2009 and October 2011, 39 patients with unstable burst thoracolumbar fracture were treated. Of them, there were 32 males and 7 females, with an average age of 43.8 years (range, 25-68 years). The injury causes included falling from height in 17 cases, bruise in 10 cases, traffic accident in 4 cases, and other in 8 cases. The fracture was located at the T10 level in 1 case, T11 in 9 cases, T12 in 6 cases, L1 in 14 cases, L2 in 7 cases, L3 in 1 case, and L4 in 1 case. According to Frankel classification before operation, 5 cases were classified as grade A, 5 as grade B, 9 as grade C, 14 as grade D, and 6 as grade E. Before operation, the vertebral kyphosis Cobb angle was (26.7 ± 7.1)°; vertebral height loss was 37.5% ± 9.5%; and the space occupying of vertebral canal was 73.7% ± 11.3%. The time between injury and operation was 1-4 days (mean, 2.5 days). All patients underwent anterolateral decompression of spinal canal by posterior approach and three column reconstruction. After operation, the vertebral height restoration, correction of kyphosis, decompression of the spinal canal, and the recovery of nerve function were evaluated. Results Increase of paraplegic level, urinary infection, and pressure sore occurred in 1 case, 1 case, and 2 cases, respectively; no incision infection or neurological complications was observed in the other cases, primary healing of incision was obtained. The patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 27 months). The patients had no aggravation of pain of low back after operation; no loosening and breaking of screws and rods occurred; no titanium alloys electrolysis and titanium cage subsidence or breakage was observed. The imaging examination showed that complete decompression of the spinal canal, satisfactory restoration of the vertebral height, and good physiological curvature of spine at 2 years after operation. At last follow-up, 1 case was classified as Frankel grade A, 2 as grade B, 2 as grade C, 10 as grade D, and 24 as grade E, which was significantly improved when compared with preoperative one (Plt; 0.05). At immediate after operation and last follow-up, the Cobb angle was (6.3 ± 2.1)° and (6.5 ± 2.4)° respectively; the vertebral height loss was 7.9% ± 2.7% and 8.2% ± 3.0% respectively; and the indexes were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The technique of anterolateral decompression and three column reconstruction through posterior approach is one perfect approach to treat unstable thoracolumbar fracture because of complete spinal cord canal decompression, three column reconstruction, and immediate recovery of the spinal stability after operation.
【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the clinical manifestation of thoracolumbar vertebral osteoid osteoma and to evaluate the surgical procedure and effectiveness of transpedicular tumor resection and spine reconstruction with posterior pedicle screw system and bone graft. Methods Between January 2001 and June 2010, 8 cases of thoracolumbar vertebral osteoid osteoma underwent one-stage transpedicular intralesional excision and bone graft combined with spine reconstruction with pedicle screw system through posterior approach. There were 5 males and 3 females with a median age of 15.5 years (range, 6-27 years). Affected segments included T8 in 1 case, T10 in 1 case, L2 in 2 cases, L3 in 1 case, L4 in 1 case, and L5 in 2 cases. All of the cases had back pain, 1 had radiating pain of lower extremity, and 4 patients presented with scoliosis. The mean diameter of lesions was 1.6 cm (range, 0.9-2.0 cm). Results The mean operation time was 110 minutes (range, 70-170 minutes) and the mean blood loss was 720 mL (range, 300-1 400 mL). The postoperative pathologic examination showed osteoid osteoma in all cases. All patients achieved healing of the incisions by first intention. Immediate relief of pain was observed after operation in all patients without complication. The patients were followed up 12-58 months (mean, 39 months). No local recurrence or spinal deformity was observed during the follow-up. Conclusion CT can show a low attenuation nidus with central mineralization and varying degrees of perinidal sclerosis, so it has great value for final diagnosis of thoracolumbar vertebral osteoid osteoma. One-stage transpedicular intralesional excision supplemented by impaction bone graft and combined posterior pedicle screw stabilization is a safe and effective treatment.
【Abstract】 Objective To evaluate the surgical management of rigid post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis (RPTK) by simultaneous posterio-anterior circumferential releasing, correction and anterior corpectomy with preserved posterior vertebral wall. Methods Twenty patients with RPTK were treated between October 2004 and October 2010 by posterior releasing, anterior subtotal corpectomy with preserved posterior vertebral wall, correction, strut graft, and short segmental fixation. There were 14 males and 6 females with an average age of 43.2 years (range, 23-63 years). The time between injury and operation was 4 months to 23 years (mean, 1.4 years). The affected locations were T11 in 1 case, T12 in 8 cases, L1 in 10 cases, and L2 in 1 case. The Cobb angle and the intervertebral height of the fractured vertebra body were measured before and after operations. The degrees of low back pain were assessed by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. Results No incision infection, nerve injury, or cerebral spinal fluid leakage occurred. Seventeen patients were followed up 1-5 years with an average of 2.8 years. The JOA score at last follow-up (26.2 ± 3.9) was significantly improved when compared with the pre-operative score (14.0 ± 5.7) (t=4.536, P=0.001). One patient had aggravation of kyphosis at 3 months postoperatively, who was in stabilized condition after prolonging immobilizated time. The Cobb angle was corrected from (43.2 ± 11.5)° preoperatively to (9.8 ± 5.7)° at last follow-up, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.01). There was significant difference in the intervertebral height of the fractured vertebra body between preoperation and last follow-up (P lt; 0.05). The intervertebral height of fractured vertebra was restored to 87.0% ± 11.2% of adjacent disc height. Conclusion Posterio-anterior circumferential releasing and anterior corpectomy with preserved posterior vertebral wall can achieve satifactory clinical results, not only in pain relieving, kyphosis correction, vertebral height restoration, and spinal stability restoration, but also in the risk reduce of bleeding and spinal cord disturbance.
【摘 要】 目的 探讨布鲁杆菌病性脊椎炎有效的外科治疗方法及临床效果。 方法 2002年1月－2010年10月，对78例具有手术指征的胸腰椎布鲁杆菌病性脊椎炎患者采用一期病灶清除联合后路椎弓根内固定治疗。男42例，女36例；年龄24～65岁，平均45岁。病程8～29个月，平均12个月。2个椎体受累70例，3个椎体受累8例。均合并不同程度神经功能损伤。术后随访行疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）、神经功能Frankel分级、临床疗效评价以及X线片、MRI影像学观察。 结果 术后78例均获随访，随访时间12～30个月，平均26个月。无窦道形成及复发。术前及术后1、3、6、12个月VAS评分分别为（9.2 ± 0.6）、（2.4 ± 0.3）、（1.0 ± 0.2）、（0.5 ± 0.4）及0分，术后各时间点均较术前显著改善（P lt; 0.05）。术后各时间点神经功能Frankel分级均较术前显著改善，差异均有统计学意义（P lt; 0.05），其中C、D级改善最为显著。临床疗效评价：术后12个月内均无加重患者；随时间推移，改善及无变化患者逐渐转向痊愈，术后12个月改善率和痊愈率分别为100%和91.03%。影像学评价：术前及术后1、3、6、12个月影像学盲测评价指标评分分别为（0.17 ± 0.03）、（4.11 ± 0.09）、（4.68 ± 0.04）、（4.92 ± 0.08）及5分，术后各时间点均较术前显著改善（P lt; 0.05）。 结论 一期病灶清除联合后路椎弓根内固定治疗胸腰椎布鲁杆菌病性脊椎炎，在解除疼痛、稳定脊柱、恢复神经功能及早期康复方面均有明显优势。