Objective To explore the occurrence condition of the neck axial symptom (AS) after cervical Bryan artificial disc replacement combined with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (Hybrid surgery) and traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF surgery) to treat the two-level cervical disease, and to do contrastive analysis. Methods Between August 2006 and March 2010, 18 patients underwent Hybrid surgery (group A) and 30 patients underwent two-level ACDF surgery (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, disease duration, type, and operated segment between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, neck disability index (NDI) score, cervical curvature of the operated segment, total range of motion (ROM) of C2-7, ROM of the adjacent segment, and incidence of neck AS were recorded and compared between before operation and at last follow-up. Results All the patients were followed up 18-34 months (24.1 months on average). In both groups, the JOA and NDI scores at last follow-up had significantly improvement when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.01), but there was no significant difference between 2 groups at preoperation and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). The kyphosis incidence of the operated segment in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (χ2=5.333, P=0.021). There was no significant difference in the total ROM of C2-7 between at preoperation and last follow-up in group A (t=0.410, P=0.685); the total ROM of C2-7 at last follow-up was significantly lower than that at preoperation in group B (t=3.007, P=0.006); and significant difference was found between 2 groups at last follow-up (t=2.664, P=0.013). At last follow-up, ROM of the superior and inferior adjacent segments in group B increased obviously (P lt; 0.05) and was significantly higher than that in group A (t=2.252, P=0.033; t=2.203, P=0.037). The incidence of neck AS were 16.7% in group A and 46.7% in group B, showing significant difference at last follow-up (χ2=4.427, P=0.035). Conclusion Compared with two-level ACDF surgery, Hybrid surgery has good outcomes. At the same time, it can maintain the curvature of operated segments and total ROM, avoid excessive increased ROM of the adjacent segments, and reduce the incidence of neck AS.
Objective To investigate the treatment methods and the cl inical therapeutic effects of symptomatic cervical vertebral hemangioma associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 18 patients (10 males and 8 females, aged 30-62 years with an average age of 45.3 years) with cervical vertebral hemangioma associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy between January 2006 and September 2008. The disease duration was 10-26 months (mean, 15.6 months). All patients had single vertebral hemangioma, including 2 cases at C3, 3 cases at C4, 5 cases at C5, 5 cases at C6, and 3 cases at C7. The X-ray films showed a typical “pal isade” change. According to the cl inical and imaging features, there were 13 cases of type II and 5 cases of type IV of cervical hemangioma. The standard anterior cervical decompression and fusion with internal fixation were performed and then percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was used. The cervical X-ray films were taken to observe bone cement distribution and the internal fixation after operation. The recovery of neurological function and the neck pain rel ief were measured by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Results All operations were successful with no spinal cord and nerves injury, and the incisions healed well. Anterior bone cement leakage occurred in 2 cases without any symptoms. All cases were followed up 24-28 months (mean, 26 months) and the symptoms were improved at different degrees without fracture and collapse of vertebra or recurrence of hemangioma. During the follow-up, there was no implant loosening, breakage and displacement, and the mean fusion time was 4 months (range, 3-4.5 months). The JOA score and VAS score had a significant recovery at 3 months and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative values (P lt; 0.05). Based on JOA score at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case. Conclusion The anterior cervical decompression and fusion with internalfixation combined with PVP treatment is one of the ideal ways to treat symptomatic cervical vertebral hemangioma associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which could completely decompress the spinal cord and effectively alleviate the cl inical symptoms caused by vertebral hemangioma.
Objective To explore the correlative factors affecting the compl ications resulting from cement leakage after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures (OVCF). Methods From February 2005 to October 2008, 71 patients with OVCF were treated by PKP and were retrospectively analyzed. There were 16 males and 55 females, and the average age was 71.5 years (range, 52-91 years). The average duration of disease was 5.7 months (range, 1-11 months). A total of 171 vertebra were involved in fracture including 19 cases of single vertebral fractures, 21 cases of double vertebral fractures, 20 cases of three vertebral fractures, and 11 cases of more than three vertebral fractures. All the treated vertebra were divided into acute (86 vertebra) or subacute (85 vertebra) state based on changes in MRI signal intensity. There was no radiculopathy or myelopathy. The average injected cement volumewas 4.6 mL (range, 1.5-6.5 mL). The treatment efficacy was assessed by observing the change in anterior and middle vertebral column height, Cobb angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry functional score at preoperation, 3 days after operation and last follow-up. The patients were divided into cement leakage group and no cement leakage group. All the compl ications were recorded, and then the correlative factors affecting the compl ications were analyzed. Results All the cases had rapid and significant improvement in back pain following PKP. All patients were followed up for 14 months (range, 7-18 months). There was no cement extravasation resulting in radiculopathy or myelopathy. Four patients (5.63%) had lung-related compl ications. During the follow-up, 9 recurrence vertebral fractures were observed in 6 patients (8.45%). The anterior and middle vertebral column height, Cobb angle, VAS and Oswestry score were significantly improved when compared with preoperation (P lt; 0.05). Cement leakage occurred in 17 (9.94%) vertebral bodies; of 17 cases, the cement leaked into the paravertebral space in 7 cases, intervertebral space in 6 cases, channel of needl ing insertion in 3 cases, and spinal canal in 1 case. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences (P lt; 0.05) in preoperative anterior and middle vertebral column height, injected cement volume and vertebral body wall incompetence between the cement leakage group and no cement leakage group. There were no significant differences (P gt; 0.05) in preoperative Cobb angle, freshness of vertebral fracture, location of operative vertebrae and operative approach between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the injected cement volume [odds ratio (OR)=3.105, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.674-5.759, P lt; 0.01] and vertebral body wall incompetence (OR=11.960, 95%CI=3.512-40.729, P lt; 0.01) were the predominant variable associated with the compl ications resulted fromcement leakage. Conclusion The injected cement volume and vertebral body wall incompetence were the factors affecting the compl ications. The improvement of surgical technique is the capital factor that may reduce the compl ications in the PKP.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and the value of balloon kyphoplasty in treating aged osteoporosis thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture. Methods Between January 2003 and January 2008, 36 thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture patients were treated. There were 15 males and 21 females with an average age of 65.4 years (range, 59-72 years). Fourteen cases had no obvious history of trauma, 19 had a history of sl ight trauma, and 3 had a history of severe trauma. Forty vertebral bodies were involved, including 1 T7, 3 T9, 8 T10, 10 T12, 9 L1, 7 L2, and 2 L4. All patients displayed local pain and osteoporosis by bone density measurement with no neurological symptom of both lower limbs. Balloon kyphoplasty through unilateral (31 cases) or bilateral (5 cases) vertebral pedicles with polymethylmethacrylate was performed at the injection volume of (3.46 ± 0.86) mL per vertebral body. Before and after operation, the anterior height and posterior height of fractured vertebral body and the sagittal displacement were measured. Results Two cases had intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage; 1 case had no remission of waist-back pain and pain was released after symptomatic treatment. All 36 patients were followed up 2.3 years on average (range, 1.5-4.0 years). No cement leakage was found with good diffusion of cement on X-ray film. The restoration of the height of vertebral bodies was satisfactory without nerve compression symptoms and other compl ications. The Visual Analogue Score at last follow-up (2.34 ± 1.03) was significantly lower than that of preoperation (6.78 ± 1.21), (P lt; 0.05). The compressive percentage of anterior height (19.80% ± 1.03%) of fractured vertebral body after operation was significantly lower than that before operation(25.30% ± 2.50%), (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in posterior compressive percentage and sagittal displacement between pre- and post- operation (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Based on roentgenographic scores, balloon kyphoplasty is selectively used to treat aged osteoporosis thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture, and the radiographic and cl inical results were satisfactory.
Objective To explore the neck axial symptom (AS) after Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and to make contrastive analysis. Methods From October 2004 to April 2006, 22 patients, 13 males and 9 females, aged 33-54 years old (43.3 on average), underwent Bryan cervical disc placement (groupA). Among them, there were 16 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and 6 of nerve root cervical syndrome, with 20of single segment replacement and 2 of two segments replacement. The courses of disease were 1-21 months (6 months on average). Meanwhile, 30 patients, 17 males and 13 females, aged 35-64 years old (50.3 on average) underwent traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (group B). Among them, there were 19 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and 11 of nerve root cervical syndrome, with 26 of single segments replacement and 4 of two segments replacement. The course of disease was 1-23 months (7 months on average). In both groups, the neurologic recovery rate, the change of cervical curvature of the operated segments and total range of motion (ROM), and incidence of neck axial symptoms were recorded and compared. Results All the patients were followed up for 24-42 months (30.6 months on average). There was no graveness compl ication happening during and after operation in both groups. There were no compl ications of prosthesis bit shifting and amotio in group A, and group B exhibited a bony fusion on X-ray films 6 months after operation, without plate and bolt loose or broken. The patients’ cl inical symptoms of radiculopathy were obviously rel ieved and the curative effect was satisfactory in two groups of nerve root cervical syndrome. In both groups of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, the patients’ JOA scores at the postoperative follow-up increased obviously than preoperative (Plt; 0.01), and there was no significant difference between the two groups before the operation and at the end of the follow-up (P gt; 0.05). The rate of sagittal al ignment of the operated segment with kyphosis increased obviously in group B, higher than in group A (P lt; 0.05).The total ROM of group B was obviously lower than preoperative (Plt; 0.01), and the pre- and postoperative difference of group A was not statistically significant (P gt; 0.05). The rate of postoperative neck AS was 18.18% in group A and 46.67% in group B, and the difference was statistically significant(Plt; 0.05). Conclusion Compared with traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, the use of Byran disc arthroplasty for cervical syndrome is associated with good outcomes. At the same time, it can maintain the cervical motion and curvature of operated segments, avoid the decrease of total ROM and lower the incidence of the postoperative neck AS.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and effectiveness analysis of different approaches of transforaminal endoscope on extirpation amount of nuclues pulposus.MethodsBetween August 2011 and December 2014, a total of 165 patients with lumbar disc herniation were retrospectively enrolled and were treated with nucleus pulposus discectomy through transforaminal endoscope. The patients were randomly divided into 4 groups according to different approach of transforaminal endoscope. The posterolateral approach (Yeung’s technology) was used in group A (42 cases), transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technology was used in group B (40 cases), improved transforaminal endoscopic access (ITEA) technology was used in group C (43 cases), and interlaminar approach (40 cases) was used in group D (40 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, symptomatic side, and segments among 4 groups (P>0.05). The extirpation amount of nuclues pulposus was calculated and compared among 4 groups; the effectiveness was evaluated by pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), lumbar curvature index (LCI), and intervertebral height.ResultsThe discectomy amount of nucleus pulposus was (3.7±0.8), (3.6±0.7), (4.5±1.1), and (3.0±0.8) cm3 in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. The amount of group C was significantly larger than that of the other 3 groups (P<0.05), and the amount of group D was significantly smaller than that of the other 3 groups (P<0.05); no significant difference was found between groups A and B (P>0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found in 1 case; no other postoperative complications including intervertebral space infection and epidural hematoma was found. All the incisions healed by first intension. All the patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18 months), and no typical symptoms of recurrence was found during the follow-up period. There was no significant difference in preoperative lower back pain VAS score, lower extremities VAS score, and ODI scores among 4 groups (P>0.05). The above scores at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in each group (P<0.05), but no significant difference of above scores and recovery values was found among 4 groups (P>0.05). The difference in LCI and intervertebral height at preoperation and at last follow-up were not significant between 4 groups (P>0.05). The difference in LCI and intervertebral height of each group between at preoperation and last follow-up were not significant (P>0.05). And the recovery value of LCI and the lost of height at last follow-up also showed no significant differences between 4 groups (P>0.05).ConclusionThe ITEA technology can give a wider field of view than other technologies. It is more convenient to find and remove the nucleus pulposus. However, the appropriate operative approaches should be chosen according to the symptoms and characteristics of lumbar disc herniation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of limited middle and posterior column osteotomy via transvertebral space approach in treatment of old thoracolumbar compression fracture.MethodsA clinical data of 47 patients with old thoracolumbar compression fractures, who met the selection criteria between January 2010 and March 2018, was retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-five patients (group A) underwent the limited middle and posterior column osteotomy via transvertebral space approach, and 22 patients (group B) underwent the pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, fracture segment, and preoperative Cobb angle, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications, as well as postoperative Cobb angle, SVA, VAS score, JOA score, ODI and the differences of all indexes between pre- and post-operation were recorded and compared between the two groups. The neurological function was evaluated by Frankel scale.ResultsThe operations of both groups were successfully completed. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were significant lower than those in group B (P<0.05). All incisions healed by first intetion. All patients were followed up 23-27 months (mean, 24.2 months) in group A and 24-28 months (mean, 24.8 months) in group B. At last follow-up, the VAS score, JOA score, ODI, Cobb angle, and SVA of the two groups were compared with those before operation, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the indexes at last follow-up and the difference between pre- and post-operation. The lower extremity neurological symptoms (Frankel grade D) in 3 patients of group A before operation relieved (Frankel grade E) at last follow-up. The other patients were Frankel grade E. At last follow-up, CT showed bony fusion in the grafted area without any complications such as failure of internal fixation or pseudarthrosis.ConclusionFor patients with old thoracolumbar compression fractures, the limited middle and posterior column osteotomy via transvertebral space approach has a satisfactory effectiveness. Compared with PSO, it can reduce surgical trauma on the basis of achieving the same degree of deformity correction.
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 investigate the relationship between the volume of bone-graft and fusion efficacy in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and internal fixation of spondylolisthesis. Methods Between May 2004 and June 2007, 79 patients with spondylolisthesis were treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion and internal fixation. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the volume of bone-graft for interbody fusion: group A (n=27), 5 bone granules/ cm3 on average; group B (n=26), 11 bone granules/cm3 on average; and group C (n=26), 25 bone granules/cm3 on average. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, affected segment, and the degree of vertebral slip among 3 groups (P gt; 0.05). The volume of bone-graft, the fusion rate, the loss of intervertebral height, and the incidence of internal fixation failure were compared among 3 groups. Results All cases were followed up 24-43 months (mean, 35 months). There were significant differences in volume of bone-graft among 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in total volume of bone-graft and Cage height among 3 groups (P gt; 0.05). The Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and leg pain at last follow-up were significantly decreased when compared with preoperative scores in 3 groups (P lt; 0.05); but no significant difference was found among 3 groups (P gt; 0.05). The fusion rate was significantly higher in group B than in groups A and C, and in group A than in group C at 1 and 2 years after operation (P lt; 0.05). The change values of the intervertebral height were (2.2 ± 1.4), (0.8 ± 1.3), and (2.3 ± 1.6) mm respectively in groups A, B, and C; it was significantly lower in group B than in groups A and C (P lt; 0.05). The degree of vertebral slip at immediately after operation and last follow-up was significantly improved when compared with preoperative one in 3 groups (P lt; 0.05); the loss of vertebral slip in group B was significantly lower than that in groups A and C at last follow-up (P lt; 0.05). After operation, nail breaking occurred in 1 case (3.7%) of group C at 1 year, depinning in 1 case (3.8%) of group A at 2 years, and no nail breaking or depinning in group B. There was no significant difference in the incidence of internal fixation failure among 3 groups (χ2=3.950, P=0.604). Conclusion The application of bone-graft with middle volume (11 bone granules/cm3 on average) in internal fixation and posterior lumbar interbody fusion has a good imageology outcome, which can increase the fusion rate and decrease the loss of intervertebral height.