【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the effectiveness of surgical treatment for discogenic low back pain (DLBP) by minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) combined with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF). Methods Between March 2006 and July 2009, 57 patients with single-level DLBP were treated by minimally invasive TLIF combined with UPSF, including 27 males and 30 females with an average age of 45.6 years (range, 38-61 years) and a disease duration of 3.8 years (range, 9 months to 11 years). The involved segments included L2，3 in 2 cases, L3，4 in 5 cases, L4，5 in 29 cases, and L5, S1 in 21 cases. The operative time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospitalization times, fusion rate, and complications were observed. The effectiveness were evaluated through Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue score (VAS), and the operative outcomes were compared in different groups classified according to various pressures of the contrast medium and sensitivities to discoblock after inducing consistent pain. Results The operation time, incision length, blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospitalization times were (84.6 ± 37.4) minutes, (3.4 ± 0.6) cm, (132.5 ± 23.2) mL, (58.7 ± 21.4) mL, and (6.5 ± 0.8) days, respectively. All patients were followed up 2 years and 2 months to 5 years and 4 months (mean, 3.2 years). At last follow-up, ODI and VAS scores were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05). The effectiveness according to ODI were excellent in 27 cases, good in 22 cases, fair in 6 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 86.0%. All patients acquired b interbody fusion. At last follow-up according to ODI and VAS scores, better results were found in patients of low-pressure sensitive group and high-sensitive discoblock group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Minimally invasive TLIF combined with UPSF is reliable for DLBP with minimal surgical trauma, less paravertebral tissue injury, and fewer complications, but the indications for operation must be strictly followed. Patients being sensitive to low-pressure or high-sensitive to discoblock can achieve better surgical results.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic screw and suture fixations in treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tibial eminence avulsion fractures. Methods Between January 2002 and January 2009, 43 patients with freshanterior cruciate ligament tibial eminence avulsion fracture were treated, which were rated as types II and III according to Meyers- McKeever-Zaricznyj classification. Fractures were fixed with either screw (screw group, n=21) or nonabsorbable suture (suture group, n=22). There was no significant difference in sex, age, disease duration, and fracture type between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The range of motion (ROM) and Lysholm score were compared between 2 groups, and the knee stabil ity was evaluated based on the Lachman test and KT-2000 measurement. Results The operation time was 48-60 minutes (mean, 51.6 minutes) in the screw group, and 55-68 minutes (mean, 63.2 minutes) in the suture group, showing significant difference (t=4.645, P=0.032). Incisions healed by first intention and no compl ication occurred in 2 groups. All patients were followed up (5.7 ± 0.6) years in the screw group and (5.3 ± 0.5) years in the suture group. The fracture healed completely in both groups; the heal ing time was (3.3 ± 0.6) months in the screw group and (3.2 ± 0.4) months in the suture group, showing significant difference (t=3.723, P=0.019). Between the screw group and the suture group, no significant difference was found in ROM [(128.6 ± 10.1)° vs. (130.2 ± 14.1)°, P gt; 0.05] and Lysholm score (94.6 ± 14.5 vs. 95.1 ± 17.2, P gt; 0.05). The stabil ities based on KT-2000 measurement were also similar between 2 groups at last follow-up [(0.9 ± 0.3) mm vs. (1.0 ± 0.4) mm, P gt; 0.05]. Lachman test of 2 groups were negative. Conclusion Boththe screw and nonabsorbable suture fixation techniques for anterior cruciate l igament tibial eminence avulsion fracture (type II or III) have good results in terms of functional outcome and stabil ity. However, some patients show flexion contractures of 5° or 10°.
Objective To assess the possibility of placing the posterior pedicle screw on atlas. Methods Twenty human cadaver specimens were used to insert pedicle screws in atlas, through the posterior arch or the pedicle of C1 into the lateral mass. The screw entry point was on the posterior surface of C1 posterior arch and at the intersection of the vertical line through the center of C2 inferior articular process and the horizontal line at least 3 mm below the superior rim of the C1 lamina. The screw of 3.5 mm in diameter was placed in a direction of 10° medial angle and 5° upwardangle. After placement of C1 pedicle screw, the distance from C1 screw entry point to the mediallateral midpoint of C1 pedicle, the maximum length of screw trajectory and the actual screw trajectory angles were measured. The direction of screw penetrating through the cortical of C1 pedicle or lateral mass and the injuries to the vertebral artery and spinal cord were observed.Results Forty pedicle screws were placed on atlas, the mean distance from C1 screw entry point to the medial-lateral midpoint of C1 pedicle was (2.20±0.42)mm, the maximum length of screw trajectory averaged (30.51±1.59)mm, and the actual screw trajectory angle measured (9.7±0.67)° in a medial direction and (4.6±0.59) ° in a upward direction. Only 1 screw penetrated the upper cortical bone of the atlas pedicle because the upward angle was too large, and 8 screws were inserted so deep that the inferior cortical bone of the C1 lateral mass was penetrated. But no injuries to the vertebral artery and spinal cord wereobserved. Conclusion C1 posterior pedicle screw fixation is quite accessible and safe, but the su
OBJECTIVE: To observe the early clinical results with degenerative lumbar instability treated with transpedical screw fixation and intertransverse process autogenous bone grafting. METHODS: From September 2000 to February 2002, 19 patients (5 males and 14 females) of degenerative lumbar spine instability were treated with decompression for spinal canal stenosis, transpedical screw fixation and intertransverse process autogenous bone grafting. The locations of degenerative lumbar spine instability were between L4 and L5 in 10 patients, between L3, L4 and L5 in 4 cases, between L3 and L4 in 3 cases, between L5 and S1 in 2 cases. The results were evaluated after operation. The preoperative clinical symptoms disappeared completely as excellent results, relieved obviously as good results, improved as fair results and unrelieved or worsened as poor results. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were followed up for 4-18 months with an average of 8.1 months. The results of the treatment were excellent in 12 patients, good in 4 patients and fair in 1 patient. The excellent and good rate was 94.1%. Intertransverse process arthrodesis was obtained after 6 months of operation in all cases. No loosened and broken instruments occurred. CONCLUSION: The advantages of degenerative lumbar spine instability treated with transpedical screw fixation and intertransverse are reliable fixation, high successful rate of fusion and less influence on spinal canal. The above results show satisfactory clinical outcome.
【摘要】 目的 探讨经后路全脊截骨联合椎弓根螺钉治疗胸腰椎脊柱后凸畸形的手术评估和临床疗效。 方法 2004年4月－2010年6月采用后路脊椎截骨椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗脊柱后凸畸形15例，其中男11例，女4例；年龄16~61岁，平均49岁。陈旧性胸腰椎骨折后凸10例，结核后凸3例，椎体发育不良2例；后凸顶点：胸9椎体1例，胸11椎体3例，胸12椎体4例，腰1椎体5例，腰2椎体2例。脊柱后凸Cobb角35~61°，平均46°。Frankel分级：E级2例，D级8例，C级4例，B级1例。 结果 术中出血800~1 800 mL，平均1 000 mL；术中1例左侧胸神经根损伤；1例术后双下肢肌力感觉减退。15例患者均获随访，随访时间10~30个月，平均12个月。术后6个月Cobb角5~10°，平均矫正率86.5%。术后6~10个月X线片显示截骨平面骨性愈合，术后神经功能恢复情况，除1例B级恢复至D级外，其余为E级。内固定物无松动、断裂和纠正度数丢失等并发症。 结论 经后路脊柱截骨联合椎弓根螺钉内固定具有减压、矫形同时进行，矫正度数大，并发症少，临床效果明显。【Abstract】 Objective To explore the surgery assessment and clinical outcome of the treatment for thoracolumbar kyphosis by whole posterior spinal osteotomy combined with pedicle screw. Methods Fifteen patients including 11 males and 4 females with kyphosis were treated by posterior spinal osteotomy combined with pedicle screw from April 2004 to June 2010. The age of them ranged from 16 to 61 years old averaging at 49. There were 10 cases of old thoracolumbar fracture kyphosis, 3 cases of tuberculosis kyphosis, and 2 cases of poor vertebral growth. As for kyphosis vertices, there were 1 case of T9, 3 cases of T11, 4 cases of T12, 5 cases of L1, and 2 cases of L2. Kyphosis Cobb angle ranged from 35° to 61°, averaging at 46°. Based on Franke Grade, there were 2 grade E cases, 8 grade D cases, 4 grade C cases, and 1 grade B case. Results Intraoperative blood loss was from 800 to 1 800 mL with an average of 1 000 mL; There was 1 case of left thoracic nerve root injury during operation and 1 case of lower extremity muscle strength hypoesthesia after operation. All the 15 patients were followed up for 10 to 30 months with an average time of 12 months. Six months after surgery, Cobb angle ranged from 5° to 10°, with an average correction rate of 86.5%. Six to ten months after osteotomy, X ray showed a good bone healing condition. As for the recovery status of neurological function after surgery, All patients recovered to grade E except 1 patient who returned to grade D from grade B. No such complications as fixation without loosening, fracture or loss of correction degree occurred. Conclusion In posterior spinal osteotomy combined with pedicle screw fixation, decompression and correction can be carried out at the same time to correct a large degree of kyphosis with few complications. The clinical effect is obvious.
ObjectiveTo design the channels of parallel screws and cross screws for fixation of symphysis pubis diastasis through a small sample anatomic study on pubic symphysis and its neighbor structures so as to provide anatomical basis for minimally invasive fixation of symphysis pubis diastasis. MethodsEight cadaveric pelvic specimens (6 men and 2 women) were transected along L5 and the proximal 1/3 of bilateral thighs, with intact lumbar spines. The spermatic cord, womb round ligament, and corona mortis were dissected; the distance to the ipsilateral pubic tubercle was measured and subsequently the distance between pubic tubercles, the height of pubic symphysis, the diameter of outer edge of pubic tubercle, the thickness of pubic symphysis and 2 cm outside the pubic symphysis (upper, central, and lower 1/3 thickness of pubic symphysis) were measured to provide anatomical basis for the design of channels of parallel screws and cross screws. ResultsParallel screw fixation: the entry point of first screw was on the outer edge of pubic tubercle, and its exit point was on the outer edge of contralateral pubic tubercle; a cannulated screw with a diameter of 4.5 mm or 6.5 mm can be suitable for this channel. The entry point of second screw was 20 mm outside the pubic symphysis and 23 mm beneath the pubic symphysis, and its exit point was symmetrical with entry point; a cannulated screw with a diameter of 4.5 mm can be appropriate for the second channel. The direction of two screws was perpendicular to the pubic symphysis. Cross screw fixation: the entry point of cross screws was on one side of the pubic tubercle, and its exit point was 20 mm outside the contralateral pubic symphysis and 23 mm beneath the contralateral pubic symphysis; two cannulated screws with a diameter of 4.5 mm can be chosen for cross screws channels. The direction of two cross screws was intersected with the horizontal line of two pubic tubercles at an angle of 25° respectively; besides, two cross screws formed an anteversion angle and retroversion angle of 5-10° with pubic body plane, respectively. ConclusionThe channels of parallel screws and cross screws are feasible for fixation of symphysis pubis diastasis by analyzing the anatomical data of the pubic symphysis and its neighbor structures, but further biomechanical research is need to confirm the stability of two fixation methods.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the posterior atlantoaxial lateral mass screw fixation and suboccipital decompression in the treatment of Arnold-Chiari malformation associated with atlantoaxial joint dislocation. MethodsBetween September 2012 and November 2015, 17 cases of Arnold-Chiari malformation associated with atlantoaxial dislocation were treated by the posterior atlantoaxial lateral mass screw fixation and suboccipital decompression and expansion to repair the dura mater and bone graft fusion. There were 10 males and 7 females, aged 35-65 years (mean, 51.4 years). The disease duration was 14 months to 15 years with an average of 7.4 years. According to Arnold-Chiari malformation classification, 13 cases were rated as type I, 3 cases as type II, and 1 case as type III-IV. Cervical nerve root stimulation and compression symptoms were observed in 12 cases, occipital foramen syndrome in 11 cases, cerebellar compression symptoms in 6 cases, and syringomyelia in 10 cases. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients except 1 patient who had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage after removal of drainage tube at 3 days after operation, which was cured after 7 days. All patients were followed up 6 months to 2 years, with an average of 18.4 months. The neurological dysfunction was improved in different degrees after operation. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was significantly increased to 16.12±1.11 at 6 months from preoperative 11.76±2.01 (t=13.596, P=0.000); compression of spinal cord and medulla was improved. X-ray examination showed bone graft fusion at 6 months after operation. In 10 patients with spinal cord cavity, MRI showed empty disappearance in 3 cases, empty cavity lessening in 6 cases, and no obvious change in 1 case at 6 months. ConclusionAtlantoaxial lateral mass screw fixation and suboccipital decompression and expansion to repair the dura mater can obtain good effectiveness in the treatment of Arnold Chiari malformation associated with atlantoaxial transarticular dislocation.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of flexible fixation and rigid fixation in the treatment of ankle pronation-external rotation fractures with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 50 patients with ankle pronation-external rotation fractures and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis treated between January 2013 and December 2015. Suture-button fixation was used in 23 patients (flexible fixation group) and cortical screw fixation in 27 patients (rigid fixation group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, weight, side, fracture type, and time from trauma to surgery between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), tibiofibular overlap (TFO), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) score were compared between 2 groups.ResultsThe operation time was (83.0±9.1) minutes in the flexible fixation group and was (79.6±13.1) minutes in the rigid fixation group, showing no significant difference (t=1.052, P=0.265). All patients achieved healing of incision by first intention. The patients were followed up 12-20 months (mean, 14 months). The X-ray films showed good healing of fracture in 2 groups. There was no screw fracture, delayed union or nounion. The fracture healing time was (12.1±2.5) months in the flexible fixation group and was (11.3±3.2) months in the rigid fixation group, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (t=1.024, P=0.192). Reduction loss occurred after removal of screw in 2 cases of the rigid fixation group. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in MCS, TFCS, TFO, AOFAS score and FADI score between 2 groups (P>0.05).ConclusionSuture-button fixation has similar effectiveness to screw fixation in ankle function and imaging findings, and flexible fixation has lower risk of reduction loss of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis than rigid fixation.
ObjectiveTo clarify the value of the cortical endo-button as an internal fixator in Latarjet procedure through biomechanical analysis.MethodsTen pairs of shoulder joints from 6-7 months old male pigs were selected. Each pair was randomly divided into screw group and endo-button group. A 25% glenoid defect model was created, and the porcine infraspinatus tendon and its associated bone were used to simulate conjoint tendon and coracoid process in human body. The bone grafts were fixed with two 3.5 mm screws and double cortical endo-buttons with high-strength sutures in screw group and endo-button group, respectively. The prepared glenoid defect model was fixed on a biomechanical test bench and optical markers were fixed on the glenoid and the bone block, respectively. Then fatigue test was performed to observe whether the graft or internal fixator would failed. During the test, the standard deviations of the relative displacement between the graft and the glenoid of two groups were measured by optical motion measure system for comparison. Finally the maximum failure load comparison was conducted and the maximum failure loads of the two groups were measured and compared.ResultsThere was no tendon tear, bone fracture, and other graft or internal fixation failure in the two groups during the fatigue test. The standard deviation of the relative displacement of the screw group was (0.007 87±0.001 44) mm, and that of the endo-button group was (0.034 88±0.011 10) mm, showing significant difference between the two groups (t=7.682, P=0.000). The maximum failure load was (265±39) N in screw group and (275±52) N in endo-button group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (t=1.386, P=0.199). There were 3 ways of failure: rupture at bone graft’s tunnel (6/10 from screw group, 3/10 from endo-button group), tendon tear at the cramp (2/10 from screw group, 2/10 from endo-button group), and tendon tear at the internal fixator interface (2/10 from screw group, 5/10 from endo-button group), showing no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.395).ConclusionAlthough the endo-button fixation fails to achieve the same strong fixation stability as the screw fixation, its fixation stability can achieve the clinical requirements. The two fixation methods can provide similar fixation strength when being used in Latarjet procedure.