Objective To review the latest researches of synthetic biodegradable polymers for bone repair and reconstruction, to predict the progress of bone substitute materials and bone tissue engineering scaffolds in future. Methods The l iterature concerning synthetic biodegradable polymers as bone substitute materials or bone tissue engineering scaffolds was collected and discussed. Results Al i phatic polyester, polyanhydride, polyurethane and poly (amino acids) were the most extensively studied synthetic biodegradable polymers as bone substitutes and the scaffolds. Each polymer was of good biological safety and biocompatibil ity, and the degradation products were nontoxic to human body. The mechanical properties and degradation rate of the polymers could be adjusted by the type or number of the monomers anddifferent synthetic methods. Therefore, the polymers with suitable mechanical strength and degradation rate could be produced according to the different requirements for bone grafting. Prel iminary studies in vivo showed their favorable capacity for bone repair. Conclusion The synthetic biodegradable polymers, especially the copolymers, composite materials and those carrying bone growth factors are expected to be the most promising and ideal biomaterials for bone repair and reconstruction.
ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effectiveness of one-stage posterior debridement with non-structural bone graft and structural bone graft in the treatment of single segment thoracic tuberculosis.MethodsThe data of 61 patients with single segment thoracic tuberculosis, who were treated by one-stage posterior debridement, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation between June 2011 and August 2015, was retrospectively analyzed. All of them, 26 cases were treated with structural bone graft (group A) and 35 cases with non-structural bone graft (group B). No significant difference was found between the two groups in gender, age, disease duration, comorbidity, involved segments, paravertebral abscess, and preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, C reactive protein (CRP), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Cobb angle of involved segments (P>0.05). But the preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (t=3.128, P=0.003). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization stay, VAS score, ESR, CRP, ASIA grade, postoperative complications, Cobb angle of involved segments and its correction rate and loss rate, and bone fusion time were recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsCompared with group A, group B had shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, and longer hospitalization stay, showing significant differences (P<0.05). The follow-up time of group A was (36.3±10.0) months, which was significantly longer than that of group B [(18.4±4.2) months] (t=10.722, P=0.000). At last follow-up, the VAS score, ESR, and CRP in the two groups all significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); the CRP of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (t=–2.947, P=0.005); but there was no significant difference in ESR and VAS score between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the ASIA grade of the two groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (Z=–1.104, P=0.270). There were 9 cases and 10 cases of complications in groups A and B, respectively, and there was no significant difference (χ2=0.254, P=0.614). The Cobb angle in group B was significantly higher than that in group A at 3 days after operation (t=–2.861, P=0.006), but there was no significant difference in Cobb angle between the two groups at last follow-up (t=–1.212, P=0.230). The postoperative correction rate and loss rate of Cobb angle in group A were higher than those in group B, and there was a significant difference in the loss rate between the two groups (t=2.261, P=0.031). All patients got bone graft fusion and the bone fusion time of group B was significantly shorter than that of group A (t=4.824, P=0.000).ConclusionNon-structural and structural bone graft can both achieve good effectiveness in the treatment of single segment thoracic tuberculosis, but the former has the advantages of less surgical trauma and shorter fusion time.
目的 观察盐酸氨基葡萄糖对兔关节腔积血造成的软骨损伤的保护作用。 方法 成年新西兰大白兔50只，随机分为A、B、C、D、E共5组，每组10只。A、B、C、D组采用自体静脉血4 mL右侧关节腔内注射建立关节腔积血模型。建模后，A、B、C组分别给予25、82.5、500 mg/kg的盐酸氨基葡萄糖灌胃，1次/d；D组为阳性对照组，以6 mL/kg蒸馏水灌胃，1次/d；E组为阴性对照组，以6 mL/kg蒸馏水灌胃，1次/d。灌胃8周后取材。肉眼大体观察，光镜下进行Mankin评分及沙红O染色观察，评估软骨损伤程度；采用免疫组织化学法测定Ⅱ型胶原蛋白（COL Ⅱ）表达情况。 结果 软骨大体观察和沙红O染色组织学观察显示，A、B、C组与D组、E组之间差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。免疫组织化学提示，A、B、C组COL Ⅱ表达明显高于D组（P＜0.05）。 结论 盐酸氨基葡萄糖对兔关节腔积血导致的软骨损伤有一定的保护治疗作用，在防治关节腔积血导致的软骨损伤的发生发展方面，具有一定的作用。
Objective To explore the effectiveness and related issues in the treatment of multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis through posterior unilateral debridement with bone graft and internal fixation. Methods The clinical data of 29 patients with multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis who met the selection criteria were retrospective analyzed between January 2012 and July 2015. There were 17 males and 12 females, with age of 21-62 years (mean, 37.4 years). Lesions contained 3-8 vertebral segments, including 3 segments in 6 cases, 4-6 segments in 17 cases, and 7-8 segments in 6 cases. The center lesions located at thoracic spine in 8 cases, lumbar spine in 10 cases, and thoracolumbar segment in 6 cases, and thoracic lumbar skip lesions in 5 cases. The complications included vertebral abscess in 7 cases, psoas major abscess in 6 cases, sacral spine muscle abscess in 7 cases, iliac fossa and the buttocks abscess in 1 case, spinal canal abscess in 2 cases. Preoperative neurological function was assessed according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification: 1 case of grade B, 3 cases of grade C, 8 cases of grade D, and 17 cases of grade E. The disease duration was 6-48 months (mean, 19.3 months). All the patients were treated with posterior unilateral transpedicular or transarticular debridement with bone graft fusion and internal fixation under general anesthesia. Pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and sagittal Cobb angle were recorded and compared. Bridwell classification standard was used to evaluate bone graft fusion. According to the number and the center of the lesion, the necessity to placement of titanium mesh cage was analyzed. Results All the patients were followed up 18-30 months (mean, 24 months). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 3 cases, intercostal neuralgia in 2 cases, wound unhealed and fistula formation in 1 case, and ofiliac fossa abscess recurred in 1 case, and all recovered after symptomatic treatment. During follow-up, no fracture or loosing of internal fixation was found and all the lesions were cured at last follow-up. According to Bridwell classification standard, bone graft achieved bony fusion during 4-9 months after operation. The VAS score, ODI, and Cobb angle at immediate after operation and at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the neural function of all patients improved significantly when compared with preoperative one (Z= –3.101, P=0.002). The ratio of no placement of titanium mesh cage was significantly higher in patients with more than 6 lesion segments (6/6, 100%) than in patients with less than 6 lesion segments (4/23, 17.4%) (χ2=14.374, P=0.000). And the ratio of placement of titanium mesh cage was not significantly different between the patients with the different locations of center focus (χ2=0.294, P=0.863). Conclusion For treating multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis, the method of posterior unilateral debridement with bone graft and internal fixation can decrease the damage of posterior spinal structures and surgical trauma.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of posterior and anterior psoas abscess debridement and local chemotherapy in abscess cavity combined with focus debridement, bone grafting, and fixation via posterior approach in treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis, and explore the feasibility of psoas abscess debridement via posterior approach.MethodsBetween June 2012 and December 2015, the clinical data of 37 patients with thoracolumbar spine tuberculosis and psoas abscess were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent posterior focus debridement, bone grafting, and internal fixation, and were divided into two groups according to different approaches to psoas abscess debridement. Twenty-one patients in group A underwent abscess debridement and local chemotherapy in abscess cavity via posterior approach; 16 patients in group B underwent abscess debridement and local chemotherapy in abscess cavity via anterior approach. No significant difference was found between two groups in gender, age, disease duration, involved segments, preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), side of psoas abscess, maximum transverse diameter and sagittal diameter of psoas abscess, accompanying abscess, abscess cavity separation, preoperative Cobb angle of involved segments, preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, time of abscess absorption and bone fusion were recorded and compared between 2 groups. The change of pre- and post-operative involved segments Cobb angle was observed. Neurological function was assessed according to ASIA classification.ResultsExcept that the operation time of group B was significantly longer than that of group A (t=–2.985, P=0.005), there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, time of abscess absorption and bone fusion between 2 groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 18-47 months (mean, 31.1 months). No cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred intra- and post-operation. Four patients in group A underwent second-stage operation of abscess debridement and local chemotherapy in abscess cavity via anterior approach. All patients got abscess absorption, meanwhile ESR and CRP level normalized at last follow-up. The involved segments Cobb angle improved significantly when compared with preoperative values in both 2 groups (P<0.05); and there was no significant difference between 2 groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). Nine patients with spinal cord injury had significant neurological recovery at last follow-up (Z=–2.716, P=0.007).ConclusionPosterior focus debridement, bone grafting, and internal fixation combined with abscess debridement and local chemotherapy in abscess cavity is effective in treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis, but in some cases anterior abscess debridement is still required.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of posterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and fixation in treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis with myelopathy, and investigate the effects of surgical timing on postoperative outcomes.MethodsThe clinical data of 26 patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis with myelopathy between August 2012 and October 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent posterior unilateral transpedicular debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and fixation and were divided into two groups according to surgical timing. Group A included 11 patients with neurological dysfunction lasting less than 3 months; group B included 15 patients with neurological dysfunction lasting more than 3 months. No significant difference was found between the two groups in gender, age, involved segments, preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Cobb angle of involved segment, and preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization stay, perioperative complications, and bone fusion time were recorded and compared between the two groups. The change of pre- and post-operative Cobb angle of involved segments was calculated. Neurological function was assessed according to ASIA classification.ResultsAll patients were followed up 25-60 months (mean, 41.6 months). No cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred intra- and post-operation. The hospitalization stay and perioperative complications in group A were significantly less than those of group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and bone fusion time between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in ESR and CRP between groups A and B (P>0.05), but they were all significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05). In group A, 1 patient with T6, 7 tuberculosis developed sinus that healed after dressing; the implants were removed at 20 months with bony union and no recurrence was found after 36 months of follow-up. One patient with T4, 5 tuberculosis in group B underwent revision because of recurrence and distal junctional kyphosis of the thoracic spine at 26 months after operation. There was no internal fixation-related complications or tuberculosis recurrence occurred in the remaining patients. At last follow-up, the Cobb angles in the two groups significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the Cobb angle and correction degree between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the ASIA classification of spinal cord function was grade C in 1 case and grade E in 10 cases in group A, and grade D in 2 cases and grade E in 13 cases in group B; the ASIA classification results in the two groups significantly improved compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the two groups (Z=–0.234, P=1.000).ConclusionPosterior unilateral transpedicular debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and fixation is effective in treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis with myelopathy. Early surgery can reduce the hospitalization stays and incidence of perioperative complications.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 (n-HA/PA66) Cage in interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis.MethodsA retrospective analysis was designed and conducted for 43 patients, who underwent posterior decompression and n-HA/PA66 Cage interbody fusion with correction of deformity between January 2013 and June 2016. Eighteen cases were single-level fusion (single-level group) and 25 cases were double-level fusion (double-level group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, direction of convex, degree of apical rotation, fusion level, the number of osteoporotic patients, pre-operative intervertebral height of fusion segments, coronal Cobb angle, visual analogue score (VAS), and modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, hospital stay, and complications of the operation were recorded. Modified ODI, VAS score, and MacNab criteria were adopted to assess clinical outcomes. Radiographic indexes, including intervertebral height of fusion segments, coronal Cobb angle, disc insertion depth, and the bone graft fusion rate, were also evaluated.ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, and hospital stay between 2 groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 18-62 months (mean, 30.9 months). Wound complications, postoperative delirium, and Cage retropulsion occurred in 4 cases (2 cases in single-level group, 2 cases in double-level group), 1 case of single-level group, and 1 case of double-level group, respectively. The intervertebral height of fusion segments after operation significantly improved compared with preoperative ones in both groups (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the intervertebral height in double-level group was superior to which in single-level group (P<0.05). The coronal Cobb angles after operation significantly improved compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), and no significant difference was found between 2 groups at each time point (P>0.05). The disc insertion depth showed no significant difference between different time points after operation in 2 groups (P>0.05) and between 2 groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). Bony fusion was obtained in all patients at last follow-up. The VAS score and modified ODI after operation in both groups were superior to those before operation (P<0.05). The VAS score in double-level group was higher than that in single-level group (P<0.05) at last follow-up, and no significant difference was found in VAS score and modified ODI between 2 groups at other time points (P>0.05). According to the MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rates at last follow-up were 94.4% and 84.0% in single-level group and double-level group, respectively.ConclusionThe n-HA/PA66 Cage can effectively restore and maintain the disc height of fusion segment, normal sequence, and biomechanical stability of the spine, and gain favorable effectivenss for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. And double-level fusion is superior to single-level fusion in maintaining disc height of fusion segment.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of decompression and short fusion or long fusion for degenerative scoliosis (DS) with a Cobb angle of 20-40° combined with spinal stenosis.MethodsThe clinical data of 50 patients with DS who were treated with decompression combined with short fusion or long fusion between January 2015 and May 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into long fusion group (fixed segments>3, 23 cases) and short fusion group (fixed segments≤3, 27 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic title (PT), and sacral slope (SS) between the two groups (P>0.05); however, the VAS score of low back pain, Cobb angle, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) in long fusion group were significantly higher than those in short fusion group (P<0.05), and the lumbar lordosis (LL) was significantly lower than that in short fusion group (t=2.427, P=0.019). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, hospital stay, and complications were recorded and compared. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI score were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes before operation and at last follow-up. X-ray films of the whole spine in standard standing position were taken before operation, at 6 months after operation, and at last follow-up, and the spino-pelvic parameters were measured.ResultsThe operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fluoroscopy times in the short fusion group were significantly less than those in the long fusion group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups (t=0.933, P=0.355). The patients were followed up 12-46 months with an average of 22.3 months. At last follow-up, the VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI score significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). Except for the improvement of VAS score of low back pain (t=8.332, P=0.000), the differences of the improvements of the other scores between the two groups were not significant (P>0.05). The Cobb angle, SVA, TLK, and PT significantly decreased, while SS and LL significantly increased in the long fusion group (P<0.05), while the Cobb angle and PT significantly decreased and SS significantly increased in the short fusion group at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in spino-pelvic parameters between the two groups at 6 months after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05). The improvements of Cobb angle, SVA, LL, PT, and SS in the long fusion group were significantly higher than those in the short fusion group at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no perioperative death in both groups. The incidence of complications in the long fusion group was 34.8% (8/23), which was significantly higher than that in the short fusion group [11.1% (3/27)] (χ2=4.056, P=0.034).ConclusionThe DS patients with the Cobb angle of 20-40°can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes and improve the spino-pelvic parameters by choosing appropriate fixation levels. Short fusion has less surgical trauma and fewer complications, whereas long fusion has more advantages in enhancing spino-pelvic parameters and relieving low back pain.