To analyze the effectiveness of posterior pedicle screw system combined with interbodyfusion in treating lumbar spondylol isthesis. Methods Between January 2005 and January 2009, 26 patients with lumbar spondylol isthesis underwent posterior pedicle screw system combined with interbody fusion, including 11 males and 15 females with an average age of 56.8 years (range, 36-73 years). The disease duration was 7 months to 11 years. The affected lumbars were L3 in 3 cases, L4 in 12 cases, and L5 in 11 cases. According to the Meyerding evaluating system, 21 cases were classified as degree III, 5 cases as degree III-IV, and 1 case as degree IV. The cl inical results were investigated by measuring radiographic measurements, including Taillard index, Boxall index, sl i pping angle, lumbar lordosis angle,and intervertebral height index preoperatively, immediately, 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. SUK’s criteria was used to judge bone graft fusion. Results Primary heal ing of the incisions was achieved in all cases. Allpatients were followed up 25.8 months on average (range, 10-51 months). There were significant differences in Taillardindex, Boxall index, sl i pping angle, lumbar lordosis angle, and intervertebral height index between preoperatively andimmediately, 2 weeks, 3 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Bone graft fusion was achieved at 3-8 months after operation(mean, 3.5 months); and the fusion rate was 100%. According to Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring, theresults were excellent in 17 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case; and the excellent and good rate was 92.3%. Compl ications occurred in 2 cases, including nail or rod breakage and nerve injury, and they were cured aftertreatment. Conclusion Posterior pedicle screw system combined with interbody fusion treating lumbar vertebralspondylol isthesis can afford sol id internal fixation and achieve a satisfactory reduction, so it maybe an ideal procedure and a worthy recommended method for treating lumbar spondylol isthesis.
Objective To investigate the cl inical outcomes of one stage debridement and closed-suction drainage for treatment of infection after lumbar instrumentation. Methods Between June 2002 and March 2008, 12 patients with infection after lumbar instrumentation were treated with one stage debridement and closed-suction drainage, including 9 males and 3females and aging 35-68 years (48.5 years on average). The disease duration varied from 7 days to 183 days (56 days on average). The segments of internal fixation included 7 cases single segment at levels of L4, 5, 4 cases of double segments at levels of L 4, 5, L5, S1 (2 cases), and L3, 4, L4, 5 (2 cases), and 1 case of three segments at levels of L3, 4, L4, 5, L5, S1. Two patients were treated with internal fixator removal. Results The bacterial culture results of intervertebral discs were positive in 8 cases for Staphylococcus aureus and in 3 cases for Enterobacter cloacae, negative in 1 case. Primary healing of incisions were achieved in all cases. Twelve patients were followed up 18-53 months (34.7 months on average). The white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C reactive protein significantly decreased after operation, showing significant differences at 15 days after operation when compared with those before operation (P lt; 0.05). No obvious low back pain was observed. Pathological-changed vertebra-space fused. No displacement and breakage of internal fixator occurred; in 2 patients who were given internal fixator removal, no removal of the instrumentation was performed again. The X-ray films showed that the average kyphosis decreased 0.8° at 18 months after operation. At last follow-up, the visual analogue scale score was 2 ± 1, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05) when compared with that (10 ± 2) before operation. Conclusion One stage debridement and closed-suction drainage therapy is an effective method for treating infection after lumbar instrumentation. The operation is easy and can reduce hospitalization days.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of transvertebral space and under the pedicle osteotomy for thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods The clinical data of 11 patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old OVCF treated by transvertebral space and under the pedicle osteotomy between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 2 males and 9 females, with an average age of 61.3 years (range, 50-77 years) and with a median disease duration of 8 years (range, 6 months to 50 years). Fracture reasons: 9 cases had a clear history of trauma, and 2 cases had no obvious incentive. A total of 11 vertebrae was involved in fracture, including T12 in 3, L1 in 7, L2 in 1. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and complications were recorded. Full-length X-ray films of spine and local X-ray films of the operation area were examined before operation, at 7 days after operation, and at last follow-up. The Cobb angle of thoracolumbar kyphosis was measured, and the correction rate was calculated. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded to assess patients’ pain and functional improvement before operation, at 1 month after operation, and at last follow-up. Results All operations were successfully completed. The average operation time was 188.6 minutes (range, 140-215 minutes); the average intraoperative blood loss was 268.2 mL (range, 100-500 mL); the average postoperative drainage volume was 615.5 mL (range, 160-1 500 mL). One patient developed bilateral thigh rebound pain after operation, which relieved after symptomatic treatment of nutritional nerve and acesodyne. All patients were followed up 14.7 months on average (range, 6-56 months). At last follow-up, osseous fusion was observed in all patients, and no fracture, loose, or displacement of internal fixator was observed on imaging. At 7 days after operation and at last follow-up, the Cobb angle of thoracolumbar kyphosis significantly improved when compared with preoperative one (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between at 7 days after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05); the correction rates of Cobb angle at 7 days after operation and at last follow-up were 68.0%±9.8% and 60.3%±11.9%, respectively. At 1 month after operation and at last follow-up, the VAS score and ODI significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones, and further improved at last follow-up when compared with those at 1 month after operation, all showing significant differences (P<0.05). ConclusionTransvertebral space and under the pedicle osteotomy is an effective way to treat thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old OVCF with less trauma, shorter operation time, and less intraoperative blood loss. Patients can obtain good orthopedic results and quality of life.