Objective To investigate the effectiveness of computer-assisted and robot-assisted atlantoaxial pedicle screw implantation for the treatment of reversible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). MethodsThe clinical data of 42 patients with reversible AAD admitted between January 2020 and June 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed, of whom 23 patients were treated with computer-assisted surgery (computer group) and 19 patients were treated with Mazor X spinal robot-assisted surgery (robot group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, T value of bone mineral density, body mass index, etiology, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Dysfunction Index (NDI) between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, screw implantation time, intraoperative blood loss, hand and wrist radiation exposure, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Gertzbein classification was used to evaluate the accuracy of screw implantation. JOA score and NDI were used to evaluate the function before operation, at 3 days after operation, and at last follow-up. At last follow-up, the status of screws and bone fusion were observed by neck three-dimensional CT. Results The operation time and hand and wrist radiation exposure of the computer group were significantly longer than those of the robot group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the screw implantation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 11-24 months, with an average of 19.6 months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of screw implantation between the two groups (P>0.05). Except for 1 case of incision infection in the computer group, which improved after antibiotic treatment, there was no complication such as nerve and vertebral artery injury, screw loosening, or breakage in the two groups. The JOA score and NDI significantly improved in both groups at 3 days after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05) compared to those before operation, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, 21 patients (91.3%) in the computer group and 18 patients (94.7%) in the robot group achieved satisfactory atlantoaxial fusion, and there was no significant difference in the fusion rate between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionComputer-assisted or robot-assisted atlantoaxial pedicle screw implantation is safe and effective, and robotic navigation shortens operation time and reduces radiation exposure.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and effectiveness of polymethylmethacrylate-augmented screw fixation (PASF) in the treatment of elderly thoracolumbar tuberculosis combined with severe osteoporosis.MethodsThe clinical data of 20 elderly patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis and severe osteoporosis who underwent PASF after anterior or posterior debridement and bone grafting and met the selection criteria between December 2012 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 12 females with an average age of 68.5 years (range, 65-72 years). T value of bone mineral density was −4.2 to −3.6, with an average of −3.9. There were 12 cases of thoracic tuberculosis, 3 cases of thoracolumbar tuberculosis, and 5 cases of lumbar tuberculosis. The diseased segments involved T3-L4, including 11 cases of single-segment disease, 6 cases of double-segment disease, and 3 cases of multi-segment disease. The disease duration was 3-9 months, with an average of 6 months. The preoperative spinal nerve function of the patients was evaluated by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading. There were 2 cases of grade A, 5 cases of grade B, 6 cases of grade C, 4 cases of grade D, and 3 cases of grade E. Postoperative imaging examination was used to evaluate the bone graft fusion and paravertebral abscess absorption, and to measure the Cobb angle of the segment to evaluate the improvement of kyphosis. The levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were tested. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and ASIA grading were used to evaluate the effectivreness before operation, at 1 month after operation, and at last follow-up. The clinical cure of tuberculosis was also evaluated.ResultsAll operation successfully completed. The operation time was 154-250 minutes, with an average of 202 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss was 368-656 mL, with an average of 512 mL. All 20 patients were followed up 18-42 months, with an average of 26.8 months. The postoperative pain and symptoms of tuberculosis in all patients relieved, and the paravertebral abscess was absorbed, reaching the cure standard for spinal tuberculosis. All bone grafts fusion achieved within 1 year after operation. Only 1 case had asymptomatic bone cement leakage into the paravertebral veins, and the remaining patients had no serious complications such as bone cement leakage in the spinal canal, pulmonary embolism, and neurovascular injury. At last follow-up, spinal cord nerve function significantly improved when compared with preoperative one. Among them, ASIA grading were 7 cases of grade C, 8 cases of grade D, and 5 cases of grade E, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (Z=2.139, P=0.000). VAS score, ODI score, segmental Cobb angle, ESR, and CRP at 1 month after operation and at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between 1 month after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05). During the follow-up, no complications such as failure of internal fixation, proximal junctional kyphosis, or tuberculosis recurrence occurred.ConclusionFor elderly patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis and severe osteoporosis, PASF treatment is safe and effective.