Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of operation via anterior approach in treating pelvic crescent fra cture. Methods Between June 2007 and December 2009, 18 patients with pelvic crescent fracture were treated, including 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 19-52 years). The locations were the right in 8 cases and the leftin 10 cases. Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 10 cases, by fall ing from height in 5 cases, and by crushing with heavy weights in 3 cases. All patients suffered lateral compression injuries of the pelvis. The mean time from injury to operation was 7.8 days (range, 3-22 days). The preoperative mean displacement of the posterior pelvic ring was 13.7 mm (range, 5-24 mm) according to the method described by Matta et al. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, displacement correction of the posterior pelvic ring, fracture heal ing time, and Hannover pelvic score were recorded. Results The average operation time was 175 minutes (range, 110-230 minutes); the average intraoperative blood loss was 561.7 mL (range, 300-1 100 mL); the postoperative mean displacement of the posterior pelvic ring was 1.2 mm (range, 0-3 mm); and the mean displacement correction of the posterior pelvic ring was 12.6 mm (range, 4-23 mm). No intraoperative lumbosacral nervous injury occurred. Superficial wound infection occurred in 2 cases and was cured after 1 week of wound drainage and appl ication of antibiotic. The others achieved heal ing of incision by first intention. Fifteen patients were followed up 16.1 months on average (range, 13-22 months). The X-ray films showed fracture heal ing in all patients. The fracture heal ing time was 3.6 months on average (range, 3-4 months). No patient had loss of reduction or failure of internal fixation. The cl inical outcome was excellent in 10 cases (66.7%) and good in 5 cases (33.3%) according to Hannover pelvic score; social reintegration was complete in 13 cases (86.7%) and incomplete in 2 cases (13.3%). Conclusion Operation via anterior approach is a good choice in the treatment of pelvic crescent fracture.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical outcomes of anterior decompression, bone graft and internal fixation in treating fourth lumbar burst fractures with il iac fenestration. Methods From February 2001 to May 2006, 8 cases of fourth lumbar burst fractures were treated by anterior decompression, correction, reduction, il iac autograft, Z-plate internal fixation with il iac fenestration. Of them, there were 7 males and 1 female, aging 24-46 years with an average of 29.3 years, including 3 cases of Denis type A and 5 cases of Denis type B. The decompression, intervertebral height were compared betweenpreoperation and postoperation by CT scanning. According to Frankel assessment for neurological status, 2 cases were at grade C, 5 at grade D and 1 at grade E before operation. Four cases had different degrees of disturbance of sphincter. Time from injury to operation was 8 hours to 11 days. The preoperative height of the anterior border of the L4 vertebral body was (13.8 ± 2.3) mm, the Cobb angel of fractured vertebral body was (13.2 ± 2.5)°, the vertebral canal sagittal diameter of L4 was (10.6 ± 3.5) mm. The bone graft volume was (7.5 ± 1.3) cm3 during operation. Results Operations were performed successfully. The mean operative time was (142 ± 25) minutes and the mean amount of blood loss was (436 ± 39) mL. The incisions obtained heal ing by first intention after operation. Two cases suffered donor site pain and recevied no treatment. The follow-up time of 8 cases was from 21 months to 52 months (mean 24.5 months). At one week after operation, the height of the anterior border of the L4 vertebral body was (32.5 ± 2.6) mm, the Cobb angel of fractured vertebral body was (6.8 ± 3.7)°, and the vertebral canal sagittal diameter of L4 was (19.8 ± 5.1) mm, showing significant difference when compared with those of preoperation (P lt; 0.01). At the final follow-up, the results showed that the pressure was reduced sufficiently, all autograft fused well, the neurological status improved at Frankel grade from C to D in 1 patient, from D to E in 3 patients, but the others had no improvement. In 4 patients who had disturbance of sphincter, 3 restored to normal and 1 was better off. Conclusion Cl inical outcomes of anterior surgery for fourth lumbar burst fractures with il iac fenestration are satisfactory. It can facil icate operation, reduce the pressure sufficiently, maintenance intervertebral height and recover the neurological function.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical outcomes of primary anterior focus debridement, bone autograft, and internal fixation via transperitoneal approach in treating tuberculosis of the lumbosacral junction. Methods From February 2002 to April 2007, 16 patients with tuberculosis of the lumbosacral junction underwent anterior radical debridement, autologous il iac bone graft (two pieces of il iac bone, 5 cm × 3 cm in size), and internal fixation via transperitoneal approach, including 4 males and 12 females aged 27-63 years old (average 38 years old). The course of the disease ranged from 6 to 18 months (average 10 months). All patients experienced various degrees of pain in the lumbosacral area and toxic symptoms of thetuberculosis. Nine cases were compl icated with radicular pain in the lower extremities, and 3 cases had saddle area anaesthesia. Two cases were initially diagnosed as lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and treated accordingly. The segments involved by the tuberculosis were L5-S1 level in all cases. The average erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 61 mm/hour. Imaging examination confirmed the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. All cases received four antitubercular drugs and nutrition support for nerve before operation. Operation was performed when hepatorenal function was normal, and the toxic symptom of the tuberculosis was under control or ESR was decreased. Results Operation was performed safely in all cases without injuries of abdominal viscera, major blood vessel, cauda equina nerve and ureter. All wounds healed by first intention. No recurrence of tuberculosis and formation of sinuses occurred. All cases were followed up for 12-37 months (average 21 months). No such compl ications as tuberculous peritonitis and intestinal obstruction occurred. No postoperative erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation occurred in the 4 male patients. ESR was recovered to normal 3-6 months after operation, and regular X-ray and CT exams showed no displacement of grafted bone. All patients achieved bony fusion 12 months after operation without the occurrence breakage and loosening of titanium plate and screw. The radical pain in the lower extremities and the saddlearea anaesthesia disappeared. Four patients had pain in the il iac donor site, 2 patients had mild pain in the lumbosacral area, and the pain was el iminated after symptomatic treatment. The therapeutic effect was graded as excellent in 14 cases and good in 2 cases according to the therapeutic effect evaluation criteria of Chen and co-workers. Conclusion The surgical treatment of tuberculosis of the lumbosacral junction with primary anterior focus debridement, bone autograft, and internal fixation via transperitoneal approach can achieve satisfying bony fusion and reconstruct spinal stabil ity.
Objective To explore the cl inical appl ication of rib autograft for reconstructing il iac crest by anterior approach of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and to observe the short-term and long-term effects. Methods From September 2004 to September 2007, 54 cases of thoracic and lumbar injuries were treated by the surgery of anterior approach of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.There were 39 males and 15 females with an average age of 42 years old (range, 27-59 years old), including 4 cases of tuberculosis of spine and 50 cases of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae bursting fracture. All cases underwent the surgery of anterior approach of thoracic or lumbar and il iac crest was used as autograft. Fifty-four patients wererandomized into the reconstruction group (RG, n=25) and the non-reconstruction group (NRG, n=29). The patients of RGgroup were treated with rib autograft for reconstructing il iac crest. There were no statistically significant differences in general data between two groups (P gt; 0.05). The visual analogue scores (VAS) was used to estimate pain degree of treated hip after 2 weeks, and 3, 12 months. The extenion satisfaction grade of il iac crest and the comfort degree of action while bundl ing waist belt were estimated after 12 months. It was observed whether or not anterior superior il iac spine avulsion fracture occurred on the premise of non-accidental trauma within 1 year. The occurrence of fracture and the union status of reconstructed il iac crest were observed by X-ray after 1 year. Results All wounds achieved primary heal ing. No compl ication was found at early stage. All patients were followed up 1 year. There was no significant difference in the VAS of the treated hip under conditions of cl inostatism rest between two groups after 2 weeks and 3 months (P gt; 0.05). But there was significant difference in the VAS under conditions of action after 2 weeks and 3 months, under conditions of cl inostatism rest after 12 months (P lt; 0.05), and the VAS of RG was lower than that of NRG. The exterior satisfaction grade of il iac crest and comfort degree of action while bundl ing waist belt in RG were higher than those in NRG after 1 year, showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). No anterior superior il iac spine avulsion fracture occurred after 1 year. And in RG group no fracture of reconstructed il iac crest occurred after 1 year. The X-ray film showed that the two ends of rib reconstructed by il iac crest were blur, and that the rib healed well with il iac bone. Conclusion Rib autograft for reconstruction of il iac crest by anterior approach of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae was economic and convenient. It could improve local appearance, reduce the local pain, and improve patients’ l ife quality.
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 explore an improved surgical approach to the superior posterior partial resection of the fractured vertebral body followed by the single segmental fusion to treat lumbar burst fracture and to evaluate its preliminary clinical application. Methods From June to October 2006, 4 patients (2 males, 2 females; age, 17-39 years) with Denis B type lumbar burst fracture underwent the superior posterior partial resection of the fractured vertebral body followed by the single segmental fusion. The fracture occurred in 2 patients at L1 and 2 at L2. According to the Frankel scales assessment, before operation, 2patients were at Grade B and the other 2 at Grade C, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) was 7.00±0.82. Radiological evaluation was performed, which revealed the kyphosis Cobb angel of 22.94±11.21°, the adjacent superior and the inferiorintervertebal disc heights of 12.78±1.52 mm and 11.68±1.04 mm, espectively, and the vertebral canal sagittal diameter of 9.56±2.27 mm on the computer tomography (CT) scan. The neurological and the radiological evaluations were also made immediately and 3 months after operation. Results The anterior single segmental decompression and fusion operations were performed successfully in all the patients. The average operating time was 166±29 min and the average amount of blood loss was 395± 54 ml. The Frankel scales assessment showed that at the time immediately after operation, one of the 2 Grade B patients had an improvement to Grade C, but the other patient had no improvement. One of the 2 Grade C patientshad an improvement to Grade D, but the other patient had no improvement. Three months after operation, the 2 Grade B patients had an improvement to Grade C. The 2 grade C patients had an improvement to Grade D or E. The VAS score was significantly decreased to 3.50±1.29 after operation and to 1.25±0.50 3 months later （P＜0.05）. The vertebral canal sagittal diameter was significantly increased to 19.76±3.82 mm (Plt;0.01), but it was maintained to 19.27±3.41 mm3 months later, with no significant difference（Pgt;0.05）. The patients’ kyphosis Cobb angle was significantly improved to 8.71±5.41° (P＜0.05) , but it was maintained to 9.52±5.66° 3 months later, with no significant difference（Pgt;0.05）. The heights of the adjacent discs remained unchanged. No complication was observedduring and after operation, and the radiological and the CT scanning evaluations 3 months later showed no failure of the internal fixation. Conclusion The superior and posterior partial resection of the fractured vertebral body followedby the single segmental fusion can effectively decompress the vertebral canal and maintain the spine stability in treatment of the Denis B type fracture thoughthe longterm effectiveness requires a further follow-up.
Objective To investigate and compare the effects of restoring and maintaining the cervical curvature and height of the fused segment by using three different anterior cervical plate systems. Methods From January 2002 to June 2004, 122 patients underwent anterior cervical decompression,autogenous iliac bone graft and plate fixation. Of the 122 patients (85 males, 37 females, aged 14-70), 37 underwent surgery involving the fixation with the Orion plate system, 39 with the Zephir plate system, and 46 with the Codman platesystem. The cervical curvature and height of the fused segment were measured onthe lateral X-ray films so as to compare the changes of the conditions preoperatively,1 week after surgery, and during the follow-up, and also to compare the difference among the three groups. Results The follow-up of the patients for 6-35 months (average 17.3 months) showed that all the patients developed the bone fusion 6 months after operation. There was a significant improvement in the cervical curvature and height of the fused segment before operation versus 1 week after operation（Plt;0.05）; however, there were no significant changes 1 week after operation versus during the followup in each group（Pgt;0.05）; there was no significant difference among the three groups（Pgt;0.05）. Conclusion The three plate systems can effectively reconstruct and maintain the cervical curvature and height of the fused segment, with a satisfactory effect in a short term.
ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of totally laparoscopic associating liver tourniquet and portal ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALTPS) using the anterior approach technique for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hepatitis B cirrhosis. MethodsIn September, 2014, a patient suffered cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma in the right liver scheduled for two-stage liver resection, in whom the future liver remnant (FLR) was considered too small (FLR/standard liver volume:29.1%, FLR/body wight:0.49%). In the first stage, using totally laparoscopic technique, a tourniquet was placed around the parenchymal transection line on the Cantlie's line via an anterior approach through retrohepatic tunnel for staged right hepatectomy, and the right portal vein was ligated. In the second stage, totally laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy was carried out on 10 days after the first-stage operation that achieved sufficient hypertrophy of the FLR. ResultsThe FLR on postoperative day 4 of the first stage increased from 301.48 to 496.45 mL (FLR/standard liver volume:47.9%, FLR/body wight:0.81%), with a 64.67% hypertrophy. And the FLR on postoperative day 8 of the first stage increased to 510.96 mL (FLR/standard liver volume:49.3%, FLR/body wight:0.84%), with a 69.48% hypertrophy. The remnant liver volume on postoperative day 5 of the second stage increased to 704.53 mL. The duration of the first stage was 180 min, intraoperative blood loss was 50 mL, and patient did not received a blood transfusion. The duration of the second stage was 220 min, intraoperative blood loss was 400 mL, and patient did not required a blood transfusion. No serious complications happened. The patient was discharged on 7 days after the second stage. ConclusionsAs a effective, safe, simple, and "non-touch" technique which provided a less aggressive modification of the ALPPS procedureto achieve oncological efficacy, the totally laparoscopic ALTPS using the anterior approach technique also could achieve sufficient hypertrophy of the FLR in several days. A proper expansion of the indications for the procedure is safe and feasible in HCC patients with cirrhosis.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with self-locked Cage in the treatment of central type lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and recessive lumbar segmental instability. MethodsBetween March 2010 and February 2012, 31 patients with central type lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and recessive lumbar segmental instability were treated with decompression and ALIF assisted by self-locked Cage through the mini-incision and retroperitoneal approach. There were 20 males and 11 females with the mean age of 46 years (range, 34-58 years). And the disease duration ranged from 5 to 32 months (mean, 16 months). The lesion located at the L3,4 level in 2 cases, L4,5 in 20 cases, and L5, S1 in 9 cases. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, bedridden time, hospitalization time, and complications were recorded. The effectiveness was evaluated by Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Lumbar X-ray films and three-dimensional CT scan were taken to evaluate the fusion and the variation of the height and Cobb angle of intervertebral space. ResultsThe mean operation time was 102 minutes; the mean intraoperative blood loss was 121 mL; the mean bedridden time was 5 days; and the mean hospitalization time was 11 days. Intraoperative peritoneum tear and ascending lumbar vein tear, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, pain at donor site, and asymmetric elevated skin temperature of the lower extremity occurred in 2 cases, 1 case, 1 case, 4 cases, and 2 cases respectively, which were relieved after symptomatic treatment. All cases were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 20 months). No infection, recurrence, deep venous thrombosis, or retrograde ejaculation was observed after operation. MRI showed complete decompression at 3 months after operation. At last follow-up, the scores of ODI, VAS of lumbars and lower limbs, the intervertebral height, and Cobb angle were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); CT scan showed bone fusion in all cases. ConclusionThe clinical outcome of ALIF with self-locked Cage through mini-incision and retroperitoneal approach is satisfactory in treatment of central type lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and recessive lumbar segmental instability. It can retain the posterior spinal construction and has the advantages of less trauma and bleeding, immediate stability, high bone fusion rate, and so on.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of anterior and lateral approaches of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. MethodsThe clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and compared from 35 cases of humeral shaft fractures between January 2010 and December 2012. The patients underwent MIPO by anterior approach in 17 patients (group A) and by lateral approach in 18 patients (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury causes, type of fractures, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, fracture healing time, intra- or postoperative complications, and shoulder and elbow range of motion (ROM) values were recorded and analyzed. The functions of the affected shoulder and elbow were assessed with the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Mayo elbow performance score system respectively. ResultsThe operation time was (91.35±8.00) minutes and (95.56±7.92) minutes in groups A and B respectively, showing no significant difference (t=-1.561, P=0.128). Incision healed by first intention in all patients of 2 groups. No iatrogenic radial nerve palsy occurred in group A, 2 cases had postoperative iatrogenic radial nerve palsy in group B, showing no significant difference (P=0.486). The patients were followed up 15.4 months on average (range, 11-24 months) in group A and 16.8 months on average (range, 10-23 months) in group B. The X-ray films showed bony healing in all patients. The fracture union time was (13.5±2.1) weeks in group A and (14.0±2.2) weeks in group B, showing no significant difference (t=-0.696, P=0.491). The UCLA scores were 33.4±1.9 in group A and 30.6±2.0 in group B, and the Mayo elbow performance scores were 100 in group A and 96.4±2.8 in group B; all showed significant differences (t=4.231, P=0.000; t=5.293, P=0.000). ConclusionGood clinical outcomes could be obtained when humeral shaft fractures are treated with MIPO either by anterior approach or by lateral apporach. However, anterior approach could offer better shoulder and elbow functional results.