Objective To evaluate the efficacy of posterior approach discectomy with and without fusion in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods We searched MEDLINE (1950 to June 2007), OVID (1950 to April 2007), PUBMED, the China Biological Medicine Database (1978 to June 2007) and Wanfang Database (1981 to February 2007). We also handsearched several relevant journals for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized controlled trials (quasi-RCTs) comparing posterior approach discectomy with and without fusion in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. The quality of the included trials was assessed. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2.8 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Nine eligible trials involving 1911 patients were included. The meta-analyses found no statistically significant differences between the two operative procedures in the incidence of postoperative leg pain [RR 0.94, 95%CI (0.69, 1.28)], the proportion of patients requiring re-operation [RR 0.77, 95% CI (0.57, 1.04)], the incidence of post-operative lumbar canal stenosis [RR 1.23, 95%CI (0.26, 5.86)], and the relapse rate at other intervertebral spaces [RR 1.05, 95%CI (0.49, 2.26)] (Pgt;0.05).There is statistically significant differences between the two group in the incidence of peri-operative complications [RR 1.46, 95%CI (1.06, 2.00)]. Discectomy plus fusion was superior to discectomy alone in incidence of postoperative back pain [RR 0.70, 95%CI (0.53, 0.94)], relapse rate at either intervertebral space [RR 0.30, 95%CI (0.18, 0.48)] and at the same intervertebral space [RR 0.12, 95%CI (0.04, 0.37)]. Conclusions Since all the included studies were controlled trials with a great potential for biases, high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are required.
To explore the treatment of multi-segmental lumbar disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis by laminectomy, removal of nucleus pulposus, fusion of intra-transverse process and general spine system(GSS) fixation. Methods From January 2004 to January 2006, 21 patients with multi-segmental lumbar disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis were treated by laminectomy, removal of nucleus pulposus and GSS pedicle screw spinal system. There were 14 males and 7 females with an average age of 53 years ranging from 46 to 61 years, and with an average disease course of 18 months ranging from 8 months to 15 years. All of the patients were examined by X-ray with AP position, lateral position and dynamic lateral position, CT and MRI, and all of them proved to be with multi-segmental lumbar disc herniation and different degrees of spinal canal stenosis. A total of 47 nucleuses were picked out, and 47 instable segments were filled in with granule selfbone. Results There were 21 patients who were followed up for 1 to 2 years with an average of 13 months. All patients achieved successful fusion and bony union postoperative from 8 to 12 months, and no artificial joint was formed. As to the cl inical results in 21 cases, according to the Macnab outcome criteria, 14 were excellent, 6 were good and 1 was poor, the excellent and good rate was 95.2%. Conclusion The methods of laminectomy, removal of nucleus pulposus, fusion of intra-transverse process and GSS system fixation are effective in treatment of multi-segmental lumbar disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis．
Objective To study operative methods of treating upper cervical spine instability without injury. Methods Twentythree cases were treated by internal fixation with autologous bone grafts. Atlantoaxial arthrodesis were performed in 10 cases with Apofix interlaminar clamp(5 cases), Atlas cable system(3 cases) and Brookes(2 cases). Occipitocervical fusion were performed in the other 13 cases by using of CD-cervical(3 cases), Cervifix(8 cases) and Ustick fixation(2cases). Results All the 23 cases were followed up for 2.5 years in average (ranged from 6 months to 5 years). Solid arthrodesis was obtained in all 23 cases . Six months after operation, of the 20 cases with preoperation nervous lesion, improvement was achieved in 16 cases. According to JOA standard and Hirabashiformula,the rate of improvement was 27.1%.Conclusion Posterior fusion is recommended for upper cervical unstability.
Objective To study the effects of pcDNA3/AFP/TK/Angio fusion gene targeting therapy for human primary liver cancer in nude mice implanted with SMMC-7721. Methods Human liver cancer cell line SMMC-7721 was implanted subcutaneously in nude mice to establish experiment model. Animals bearing liver cancer were randomly divided into five groups: control group， vector group， GCV (ganciclovir) group， pcDNA3/TK/Angio group; pcDNA3/AFP/TK/Angio group. Different plasmids were directly injected into tumors and GCV was intraperitoneally administrated simultaneously according to different groups. The growth of tumors was observed and the pathology was examined as well. Serum AFP level was measured by radioimmunology, the ultrastructural change of tumor cells was studied by using electron microscopy, the expressions of MVD and VEGF were respectively detected with immunohistochemistry and the cell apoptosis in situ was detected by TUNEL. Results The success rate to establish subcutaneous implanted liver cancer model in nude mice was 100%. The tumor volume, serum AFP level, VEGF and MVD expressions of pcDNA3/TK/Angio group and pcDNA3/AFP/TK/Angio group were lower than those in control group, vector group and GCV group (P＜0.05) and more apoptosis cells could be observed. While the tumor volume, serum AFP level, VEGF and MVD expressions of pcDNA3/AFP/TK/Angio group was lower than those in pcDNA3/TK/Angio group (P＜0.05); and apoptosis index was higher than that of the latter (P＜0.05).Conclusion pcDNA3/AFP/TK/Angio fusion gene inhibits the growth of tumor remarkably and becomes a promising new biological agent to treat human primary liver cancer.
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.
From January, 1983 through December, 1993, 20 different types of operations were carried out to treat a total of 54 cases from trauma or deformities around the occipitocervical region, in which 4 patients died. The causes of the deaths were analyzed, and the main factors responsible for the mortality were improper selection of the wires for internal fixation, inadequate decompression from operation, incorrect operative technique and errors in the selection of anesthesia.
Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lateral fusion (PLF) in treatment of thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation. Methods From January 2005 to July 2007, 35 patients (22 males, 13 females, aged 17-53 years old) with thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation (T11-L3) received posterior open reduction and pedicle nail-stick system internal fixation. Among which, 14 patients underwent TLIF(group TLIF), and the rest 21 patients underwent PLF (group PLF). According to AO classification, group TLIF had 3 cases of A3, 7 cases of B and 4 cases of C, while group PLF had 4 cases of A3, 10 cases of B and 7 cases of C. Based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Scoring Standard formulated in 2000, the motor score of group TLIF and group PLF was (50.6 ± 3.6) and (50.8 ± 4.2) points, respectively; and the sensory score was (170.5 ± 42.7) and (153.8 ± 23.7) points, respectively. No significant difference was noted between 2 groups in general information (P gt; 0.05). Results The operation time of group TLIF and group PLF was (316 ± 32) minutes and (254 ± 27) minutes, and the blood loss of group TLIF and group PLF was (487 ± 184) mL and (373 ± 72) mL, indicating there were significant differences between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). Wounds of all patients were healed by first intention and there was no death, aggravation of neurological function impairment and compl ication of internal fixation instrument loosening and breaking. All 35 cases were followed up for 9-23 months with an average of 14.6 months. Postoperatively, the thoracolumbar bone fusion rate of group TLIF and group PLF was 100% and 85.7%, respectively, indicating there was a significant difference (P lt; 0.05). At 3 months after operation, the motor score of group TLIF and group PLF was increased by (10.4 ± 10.0) and (9.4 ± 9.3) points, respectively; and the sensory score was upgraded by (26.5 ± 22.8) and (28.8 ± 28.4) points, respectively, showing there were no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). At immediate moment, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation, the spine height restoration of group TLIF was (5.4 ± 2.1), (5.4 ± 1.9), (5.4 ± 1.4) and (5.3 ± 1.3) mm, respectively; while it was (5.3 ± 2.6), (5.3 ± 2.2), (4.8 ± 3.1) and (4.2 ± 3.6) mm for group PLF. Meanwhile, the Cobbangle recovery of group TLIF was (14.5 ± 3.5), (14.5 ± 3.6), (14.4 ± 3.4) and (14.4 ± 3.6)º, respectively; while it was (14.3 ± 2.7), (14.2 ± 3.1), (12.2 ± 2.8) and (11.7 ± 3.3)º for group PLF. Concerning the spine height restoration and the Cobb angle recovery, no significant difference was observed between 2 groups at immediate moment and 3 months after operation (P gt; 0.05), but significant differences were noted at 6 and 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion For the treatment othoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation, TLIF is superior to PLF in bony fusion and restoration of spine column height.
ObjectiveTo summarize the progress of the surgical selection of fusion levels for degenerative scoliosis. MethodsThe domestic and foreign related literature about degenerative scoliosis, including clinical features, classification, surgical treatment, and the fused segment, was summarized. ResultsDegenerative scoliosis is very complicated. Short segment fusion and long segment fusion are the main surgical types. The long segment fusion is better in terms of reconstructing the stability of spine; however, it has more related complications. The short segment fusion has been used widely in clinical, but it causes degenerative disease easily. W/AL value can be used to direct the selection of short or long segment fusion for degenerative scoliosis. ConclusionThe key to success surgery is choosing reasonable fused segment. Now there is no unified selection standard. With more knowledge about degenerative scoliosis, greater development can be expected in the future.
Objective To amplificate,clone and sequence the thymidine kinase (TK) gene of herpes simplex virusⅡ(HSVⅡ); to construct and appraise the fusion gene eukaryon expression vector, pcDNA3/HSVⅡ TK/angiostatin. MethodsThe Hep2 cells were infected by HSVⅡ Sav strain. HSVⅡ genomic DNA was purified from the Hep2 cells suspension and used as template to run PCR for TK gene amplification. The amplified products were cloned into PC DNA3 vector and sequenced. The vector pcDNA/HSVⅡ TK was cut by endonuclease. The gained TK gene was cloned into eukaryon expression vector. pcDNA3/angiostation, which had been constructed. ResultsCoding region of HSVⅡTK gene consisted of 1 128 bp except stop code, it encoded 376 amino acids.After cutting the new vector by endonuclease Hind Ⅲ and BamH Ⅰ,we gained the following gene fragment: 1000 bp (TK) and 700 bp (angiostation).Conclusion The fusion gene eukaryon expression vector， pcDNA3/HSVⅡ TK/angiostatin has been constructed.
Objective To investigate the surgical method and prel iminary cl inical result of managing the patient with lumbar burst fracture but not suitable for single-level fixation and fusion surgery with the reservation of the fractured vertebral body and the anterior decompression. Methods From September 2007 to December 2008, 11 patients with lumbar burst fracture underwent the removal of the posterior superior corner of the injured vertebral body, the removal of the inferior intervertebral disc adjacent to the injured vertebral body, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation. There were 8 males and3 females aged 21-48 years old (average 29.4 years old). All the fractures caused by fall ing from high places. Imaging exams confirmed all the fractures were Denis type B burst fracture. The fracture level was at the L1 in 4 cases, the L2 in 4 cases, the L3 in 2 cases, and the L4 in 1 case. Before operation, the nerve function was graded as grade B in 4 cases, grade C in 3 cases, and grade D in 4 cases according to Frankel scales; the visual analogue scale (VAS) was (7.30 ± 0.98) points; lateral X-ray films displayed the kyphosis Cobb angel was (24.94 ± 12.21)°; the adjacent superior and inferior intervertebral disc height was (12.78 ± 1.52) mm and (11.68 ± 1.04) mm, respectively; CT scan showed the vertebral canal sagittal diameter was (9.56 ± 2.27) mm; CT three-dimensional reconstruction revealed that the intact part of the injured vertebra was less than 50% vertebra body height and the fracture l ine crossed the pedicle. The time from injury to operation was 3-11 days (average 4.8 days). The neurological and radiological evaluations were carried out immediately and 3 months after operation, respectively, and compared with the condition before operation. Results All the patients successfully underwent the surgery. The wound all healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up for 6-18 months (average 14 months). All the patients had a certain degree of nerve function recovery. The Frankel scales in all the patients were increased by 1-2 grade immediately and 3 months after operation. The VAS score was (2.80 ± 1.49) points immediately after operation and (1.54 ± 0.48) points 3 months after operation, suggesting there were significant differences among three time points (P lt; 0.05). The vertebral canal sagittal diameter was significantly enlarged to (18.98 ± 4.82) mm immediately after operation and was (19.07 ± 4.37) mm 3 months after operation. The Cobb angle was (7.78 ± 4.52)° immediately after operation and (8.23 ± 3.57)° 3 months after operation. There were significant differences between before and after operation (P lt; 0.05). For the adjacent superior and inferior intervertebral disc height, there was no significant difference when the value immediately or 3 months after operation was compared with that of before operation (P gt; 0.05). X-ray films and CT scan 3 months after operation showed good internal fixation without theoccurrence of loosing and displacement. Conclusion For the treatment of lumbar burst fracture, the method of reserving the injured vertebral body and anterior decompression can decompress the vertebral canal and shorten the duration for bony fusion.