Objective To investigate the early effectiveness of Zero-profile interbody fusion system (Zero-P) in the treatment of cervical disc protrusion. Methods Between October 2010 and June 2012, 25 patients with cervical disc protrusion underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using the Zero-P system. There were 15 males and 10 females, aged from 35 to 68 years (mean, 49 years). The disease duration was 3-26 months (mean, 10.5 months). Single segment was involved in all cases (2 cases in C3, 4, 5 cases in C4, 5, 11 cases in C5, 6, and 7 cases in C6, 7). The operation time and blood loss were recorded and analyzed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and neck disability index (NDI) were used to assess pain and nerve function improvement; the cervical Cobb angle was measured on the X-ray films before and after operation; according to Pitzen’s criteria, intervertebral fusion was evaluated. Results The operation was successful in 25 patients, with no severe complication. The average blood loss was 42.6 mL (range, 20-120 mL). The average operation time was 63.6 minutes (range, 45-90 minutes). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all cases; no injury of spinal cord and nerve root, cerebrospinal leakage, or deep infection occurred. The patients were followed up 6-23 months (mean, 14.5 months). No Cage subsidence and loosening, breaking, or pulling-out were observed. The symptoms and curvature of the cervical spine were obviously improved in all patients after operation. The VAS score, JOA score, NDI, and the cervical Cobb angle at 3 months and last follow-up showed significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between at 3 months and at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). The interbody fusion was achieved in each operated segment of all patients according to Pitzen’s criteria. Conclusion The early effectiveness of ACDF with Zero-P system is satisfactory in treatment of cervical disc protrusion because it has the advantages of short operation time, less bleeding, good stability and restoration of the cervical alignment.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of cervical disc replacement for cervical myelopathy. MethodsBetween October 2006 and October 2008, 20 patients (26 segments) with cervical myelopathy underwent single-level (14 segments) or bi-level (6 segments) cervical disc replacement. There were 8 males and 12 females with an average age of 46 years (range, 26-65 years). The disease duration ranged 2-18 months (mean, 7 months). The effectiveness was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, cervical range of motion (ROM), and the Odom et al. criteria. Heterotopic ossification (HO), osteophyte formation, and prosthesis loosening were observed. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention, with no severe complication. Twenty patients were followed up 30-48 months (mean, 34 months). At 28 months after operation, according to Odom et al. criteria, the results were excellent in 17 cases and good in 3 cases. The VAS scores of the neck, shoulder, and upper limb were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05). At 30 months after operation, X-ray films showed that 20 replaced segments were mobile and ROM was (10.6 ± 4.5)°, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) when compared with that of upper adjacent segment (10.8 ± 3.7)° and lower adjacent segment (7.5 ± 4.2)°. HO occurred in 10 cases (13 segments). No displacement, subsidence, or loosening occurred except 1 case of retrodisplacement of the prosthesis. ConclusionCervical disc replacement can obtain good effectiveness. It can maintain normal cervical ROM and physiological curvature. But it needs further long-term follow-up to evaluate the function and the influence on the adjacent segments.
Objective To study the cl inical appl ication of Mobi-C prosthesis in treatment of anterior cervical discectomy and artificial disc replacement (ADR). Methods Between January 2009 and June 2009, 20 cases of degenerative cervical disease were treated with anterior discectomy and ADR by Mobi-C prosthesis, including 13 cases of cervical disc herniation and 7 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, and 25 Mobi-C prosthesis were implanted. There were 8 males and 12 females, aged 29-54 years (mean, 45.2 years). The disease duration was from 4 days to 5 years (mean, 1.2 years). Affected segments of process included C3, 4 in 1 case, C4, 5 in 2 cases, C5, 6 in 7 cases, C6, 7 in 5 cases, C4, 5 and C5, 6 in 2 cases, and C5, 6 and C6, 7 in 3 cases. Radiographs were taken regularly, and cervical range of motion (ROM) on segments of disc replacements were measured. The functions of cervical spinal cord were evaluated by “40 score” system (COA) preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at follow-up. The qual ity of l ife was evaluated by neck disabil ity index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Results All incisions healed by first intention. No perioperative compl ication was found. All cases were followed up 16.5 months on average (range, 14-18 months). There was no significant difference in cervical ROM of operatied segment between preoperation and follow-up duration (t=0.808，P=0.440). No heterotopic ossification was found at follow-up. COA score at last follow-up (38.20 ± 1.14) was significantly higher than preoperative one (32.10 ± 2.96) , (t=9.278，P=0.000) , and the improvement rate at last follow-up was 77.2% ± 5.4%. VAS score at last follow-up (3.20 ± 1.23) had significant difference when compared with preoperative one (5.10 ± 1.29), (t=10.585，P=0.000). NDI score at last follow-up (29.40 ± 4.55) had significant difference when compared with preoperative one (39.20 ± 3.80), (t=16.039, P=0.000). Conclusion A satisfactory short-term curative effect can be obtained by using Mobi-C prosthesis in treatment of anterior cervical discectomy and ADR.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical results of posterior microendoscopic foraminotomy in the treament of cervical radiculopathy and cervical intervertebral disc protrusion. Methods From February 2004 to June 2007, 24 cases of cervical radiculopathy received posterior microendoscopic foraminotomy. There were 16 males and 8 females, aging 42-68 years (59 years on average), including 16 cases of cervical radiculopathy and 8 cases of cervical intervertebral disc protrusion.The course of disease was 6-15 months. The affected intervertebral discs were C4, 5 in 8 cases, C5, 6 in 12 cases, and C6, 7 in 4 cases. The radiological examinations showed that 8 protrusions included 6 soft tissue protusions and 2 rigid tissue protusions, and that cervical radiculopathy were caused by yellow l igament hypertrophy, Luschka’s joint hyperplasia, and abnormal position of facet joint. According to Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), the score before operation was (12.60 ± 1.52) points. Results The operation time was 90 to 120 minutes (100 minutes on average), the bleeding during operation was 100 to 150 mL (120 mL on average). Nerve root pain were rel ieved completely in 19 cases and were rel ieved partly in 4 cases. One case of calcified nucleus pulposus had neurological traction injury and recovered completely after 3 months. All cases were followed up 24-36 months (28 months on average). The radiological examinations after operation showed the intervertebral disc site was decompressed completely and the height of intervertebral disc and the cervical segmental al ignment were normal. At 24 months postoperatively, the JOA score was (16.10 ± 0.29) points, showing significant difference when compared with that of preoperation (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion The posterior microendoscopic foraminotomy can get to the operation site with miniincision, decrease tissue damage during operation, and avoid narrow intervertebral space, so it has satisfactory cl inical results.
Objective To observe the effect of titanium mesh cage with self-locked titanium plate on the cervicalinter-body fusion after anterior discectomy of multilevel cervical intervertebral disc protrusion. Methods The therapeuticeffect of 18 patients who received the treatment of titanium mesh cage with self-locked titanium plate from September 2004 to June 2007 were retrospectively analyzed, including 11 males and 7 females (aged 32-75 years, 54 years on average). The course of disease was 6 months to 15 years (5.8 years on average). Sixteen patients suffered sensory dysfunction in l imbs. Concerning the muscle strength of extremities, 3 cases were on the second level, 12 were on the third level, 1 was on the fourth level, and 2 were on the fifth level. Sixteen cases had pyramidal sign, 13 had retention of urine and feces, 8 had sexual dysfunction, and 7 combined with symptoms of nerve root type. Twelve cases were consecutive multilevel and 6 cases were discontinuous multilevel. The mean JOA scores were 8.30 ± 1.21 preoperatively. X-ray films and MRI showed degeneration and protrusion of intervertebral disc and compression of cervical cord preoperatively. The height of involved intervertebral space was (6.40 ± 0.87) mm on X-ray films preoperatively. Results All the incisions were healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up for 6-36 months (18 months on average). The recovery of extremities motor function was better than that of sensory function at the early stage after operation. Muscular tension decreased after operation and mobil ity of l imbs was improved. The operated segments were instantly stable and sol id fusion was observed at 3-6 months after operation. JOA scores at 6 months after operation was 12.60 ± 0.78 with an improvement rate of 51.8%, indicating significant difference wasevident when compared with the JOA scores before operation (P lt; 0.05). The height of involved intervertebral space increased significantly to (8.20 ± 0.46) mm postoperatively, indicating the difference was significant (P lt; 0.05). According to Odom’s evaluation scale, 17 patients were graded as excellent and 1 as good. No death and compl ications of spinal cord, nerve, trachea and esophagus were observed. The cage witnessed no translocation. Conclusion Titanium mesh cage with self-locked titanium plate is more stable and effective for the treatment of multilevel cervical intervertebral disc protrusion.
Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) in the treatment of cervical disc herniation. Methods From March 2003 to December 2005, 47 patients with cervical disc herniation(96 cervical disc) were treated with PLDD. There were 25 males and 22 females with an average age of 56 years, ranging from 37 to72 years. The lesion were located at the levels of C3,4 in 20 discs, C4,5 in 27 discs, C5,6 in 31 discs, C6,7 in 18 discs. The laser fiber was introduced into the center of the herniated disc space by percutaneous puncture from anterior neck surface under fluoroscopic guidance. Laser reduced the intradisc pressure through the vaporization of disc nucleu. The adopted laser was semiconducted with a wavelength of 810 nm. Each laser output power was15 W with 1 s emission and 2 s interval. The total laser output power was decided depending on the degenerative degree of the disc and the reactive process of heat, ranging from 300 to 1 000 J.Results Of 47 patients,42 were followed up for 3 to 31 months (mean 13 months). The clinical evaluation was classified as excellent in 18 cases (42.9%), good in 14 cases (33.3%), fair in 6 cases (14.3%) and poor in 4 cases (9.5%). The general response rate was 90.5%. The excellent and good rate was 76.2%. No complications occurred. Conclusion PLDD can relieve the symptoms and signs of patients suffering from cervical disc herniation with less complication. The manipulation of PLDD is easy, safe and mini-invasive.
Objective To make a clinical analysis on the patients with triceps paralysis caused by cervical radiculopathy.Methods From May 1998 to November 2003, 15 patients (11 males, 4 females, aged 34-76 years) with cervical radiculopathy were analyzed retrospectively, who had no symptoms of the compressed pyramidal tract of the medulla. The affection occurred at C3,4 in 1 patient, at C4,5 in 9 patients and at C5,6in 5 patients. According to the Yamazaki classification, there were 4 patients with the paramedian disc protrusion, 5 with the lateral disc protrusion，4 with the uncovertebralosteophyte, and 2 with the superior articular process hypertrophy. All the patients complained of the unilateral shoulder weakness, especially on abduction. Muscle atrophy occurred when radiculopathy was serious. There was a radicular painin the shoulder, the scapular region, and the forearm. Some of the patients haddysesthesia but with no pathological reflex, symptoms of the pyramidal tract ofthe medulla or hyperreflexia of the tendon reflex on the neurological examination. Before operation, the triceps strength was 2.40±0.51, the scale of the nerve root symptoms was 7.60±1.45, and the width of the intervertebral foramina on MRI was 2.90±0.15 mm. Of the patients, 13 had undergone the anterior cervical discectomy, the uncovertebral joint recection, and uncoforaminotomy; 2 had undergone the posterior medial facetectomy and foraminotomy to decompress the nerve root. Results According the follow-up for 16-24 months averaged 19.4 months revealed that the pain was obviously relieved, the scale of the nerve root symptoms was 3.34 ± 0.62, the triceps strength was enhanced to 4.40 ± 0.74, and the width of the intervertebral foramina was 4.07±0.16 mm. There was a significant difference postoperatively when compared with preoperatively (Plt;0.01）. Conclusion The cervical radiculopathy is usuallyaccompanied by the cervical spondylosis myelopathy. It is rarely encountered that the disease happened alone with no symptoms of the compressed pyramidal tractof the medulla. The disease is related to the foraminal disc herniation, the foraminal osteophyte formation, and the processus articularis proliferation. The treatment of choice is resection of the osteophyte or the herniated disc, and decompression of the nerve root.
Objective To compare the clinical effects of treating prolapse of the cervical intervertebral disc by the Solis cage fusion, the titanium cage fusion or the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation. Methods Sixty-four patients with prolapse of the cervical intervertebral discadmitted to hospital from February 2002 to May 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. In Group A, 20 patients (15 males and 5 females, aged 38.76 years, 30 intervertebral spaces) were treated with the Solis cage fusion, and the preoperative JOAscores were 9-16, averaged 11.4; in Group B, 21 patients (15 males and 6 females,aged 37-78 years, 23 intervertebral spaces) were treated with the titanium cagefusion, and the preoperative JOA scores were 8-13, averaged 10.1; in Group C, 23 patients (18 males and 5 females, aged 32-76 years, 28 intervertebral spaces)were treated with the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation, and the preoperative JOA scores were 9-14, averaged 10.6. The comparative analysis was made among the 3 groups in the following aspects: X-ray exposure time, time working on the iliac bone, operation time, hemorrhage amount，complication incidence after operation, cervical vertebral fusion rate, symptom relief rate, and recovery rate of the JOA score. Results According to the follow-upfor 2-15 months averaged 12 months, the time working on the iliac bone was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (11.5±2.4 vs 4.1±1.7 minand 4.2±1.9 min, P＜0.05); the operation time was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (98.3±14.7 min vs 55.5±10.3 min and 56.8±12.6 min, P＜0.05); and the X-ray exposure time was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (7.8±1.8 min vs 4.3±1.2 min and 4.2±1.3 min, P＜0.05). Also, the hemorrhage amount in Group C was much greater than in Groups A and B (145.8±19.3 ml vs 65.8±10.2 ml and 67.2±12.3 ml,P＜0.05). The postoperative complication rate was lower in Groups A and Bthan in Group C (P＜0.05). There was a significant difference in the complication rate in the cervical region between Group A (5.0%±1.8%) and Group B (14.3%±2.6%,Plt;0.05）. The fusion rate in Groups A and B was 100% 3-4 monthsafteroperation, and there was no difference when compared with that in Group C. The recovery rates of the JOA scores in the three groups were 81.9%±3.2%，78.9%±7.3%, and 76.3%±9.4%, respectively, and there was no significant difference among the three groups. Conclusion The Solis cage fusion has a better therapeutic effect in treating prolapse of the cervical intervertebral disc than the titanium cage fusion and the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation. The Solis cage fusion also makes the operation easier, with a more rapid recovery rate and fewer postoperative complications in the patient.
Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect ofthe two-level cervical artificial disc replacements combined with the nearby segments fused for the multi-level disc herniations and to investigate their interaction during the treatment. Methods The patient undergoing surgery was diagnosed as having intervertebral disc herniations in the C3-7 intervertebral discs. During the operation, the C4-6 discs were replaced with two Bryan artificial discs while the C3,4 and C6,7 discs were removed, followed by the bone grafting and the Zephir instrumentation. The range of motion (ROM) was assessed before and immediately after operation by the flexion-extension radiography. The patient’s functional exercise began as early as 2 days after operation and lasted for 3 weeks, followed by immobilization for 3 months. Results According to the follow-up for 1 year and 2 months, the patientcould move his neck in all directions without pain. The spinal and neural symptoms were significantly alleviated. ROM was close to the normal level postoperatively.Conclusion Artificial disc replacement combined with bone grafting and fusion is a new way to treat multilevel disc herniations surgically, with good clinical results. Early cervical functional exercise followed byrestriction is an effective way to deal with the contradiction of motion and immobilization.