Objective To evaluate the cl inical outcomes of modified posterior-anterior operation in the treatment of serious lumbar fracture and dislocation. Methods From January 2002 to February 2006, 24 patients, 17 males and 7 females aged 22-69 years, underwent reduction of posterior spatium intermuscular approach combined with modified anterioroperation. Nine cases were caused by fall ing and 15 by traffic accident, involving: L1 in 5 cases, L2 in 10 cases, L3 in 4 cases, L4 in 2 case, L1,2 in 1 case and L3,4 in 2 cases. According to the Frankel grade, there were 5 cases for grade A, 11 for grade B, 7 for grade C and 1 for grade D. The recovery of neurological function was evaluated. The imageology examination was appl ied to evaluate the condition of internal fixation and bone union. The Cobb’s angle was measured by X-ray film before operation, 3 days after operation and at the final follow-up, and the difference was estimated. Results Nineteen patients were followed up for 8-52 months, 28.4 months on average. Among the 2 cases of grade A, one improved to C and the other had no improvement. Among the 9 cases of grade B, 5 improved to C, 2 improved to D, and other two had no improvement. Among the 7 cases of grade C, 5 improved to D and 2 improved to E. One case of grade D improved to E. The average Cobb’s angle was (—11.5 ± 4.6)° preoperatively, (4.2 ± 4.7)° 3 days after operation and (4.0 ± 4.8)° at the final follow-up, indicating there was a significant difference between preoperation, 3 days after operation and the final follow-up (P lt; 0.001), but no significant difference between 3 days after operation and the final follow-up (P gt; 0.05). The position of internal fixation was good during follow-up. The compl ications such as disruption, loosening and collapse were not observed. Conclusion Reduction of posterior spatium intermuscular approach combined with modified anterior operation in the treatment of serious lumbar fracture and dislocation could complete the reduction, decompression, grafting and internal fixation in one stage, and protect the paraspinal soft tissue and minimize the trauma caused by surgery. It has the merits of short time of operation, small amount of intraoperative hemorrhage, sol id union of internal fixation and satisfactory cl inical outcome.
Objective
To compare the effectiveness of cortical bone trajectory screw (CBTS) and conventional pedicle screw for posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of single segment lumbar degenerative disease.
Methods
Between May 2013 and May 2016, a total of 97 patients with single segment lumbar degenerative disease were treated with PLIF. Fifty-one patients were fixed with CBTS in PLIF (trajectory screw group) and 46 with pedicle screw (pedicle screw group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, preoperative diagnosis, lesion segment, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, bed rest time, length of hospital stay, serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration, total amount of diclofenac sodium, perioperative complications, ODI, VAS score, and interbody fusion rate were recorded and compared between 2 groups.
Results
All patients were followed up 12 months. The patients in trajectory screw group had a significantly less operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, and serum CK concentration when compared with the patients in pedicle screw group (P<0.05). Thirty-five patients (68.6%) in trajectory screw group and 46 patients (100%) in pedicle screw group were given diclofenac sodium within 48 hours after operation, showing significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=89.334, P=0.000). There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative complications between trajectory screw group and pedicle screw group (3.9% vs. 8.7%, P=0.418). There was no significant difference in the VAS score, ODI, and interbody fusion rate at 12 months after operation between 2 groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion
For the single segment degenerative lumbar disease, the use of CBTS or conventional pedicle screw for PLIF can obtain satisfactory clinical function and interbody fusion rate. But the former has the advantages of less blood loss, less intraoperative muscle damage, less perioperative pain, shorter length of hospital stay and bed rest time.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of cervical single open-door laminoplasty with the unilateral C4,5 foraminotomy for cervical myelopathy in preventing postoperative C5 palsy.
MethodsBetween January 2008 and June 2012, 200 consecutive patients with cervical myelopathy and unilateral C4,5 foraminal stenosis were treated, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 89 patients underwent cervical single open-door laminoplasty combined with unilateral C4,5 foraminotomy (group A), and 111 patients underwent simple cervical single open-door laminoplasty (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, segmental lesions, and diagnosis distribution between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, and the incidence of C5 palsy were recorded. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before and after operation was used for neurological assessment, and the JOA recovery rate was calculated.
ResultsThe operation time was (122±29) minutes and the intraoperative bleeding volume was (165±50) mL in group A, which were significantly higher than those in group B[(109±31) minutes and (145±32) mL] (t=3.033, P=0.010;t=3.429, P=0.003). All patients were followed up; the follow-up time was 3-48 months (mean, 25 months) in group A, and was 4-50 months (mean, 27 months) in group B. C5 palsy occurred in 1 patient of group A (1.12%), and in 9 patients of group B (8.11%), showing significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=3.709, P=0.045). The JOA score was significantly improved at 2 weeks and last follow-up after operation when compared with preoperative JOA scores in 2 groups (P<0.05), but no significant was found between at 2 weeks and at last follow-up (P>0.05) in each group. Between group A and group B, no significant difference was found in JOA score and the recovery rate (P>0.05). During follow-up, no persistent axial pain for a long time and obvious spinal instability occurred in 2 groups.
ConclusionCervical single open-door laminoplasty with unilateral C4,5 foraminotomy can reduce the incidence of the C5 palsy for patients with cervical myelopathy combined with unilateral C4,5 foraminal stenosis.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of one-stage posterior surgery via unilateral musculussacrospinalis iliac flap approach in treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis.MethodsBetween August 2011 and October 2014, 13 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis were treated by one-stage posterior reserved posterior ligament complex, lesion debridement, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation via unilateral musculussacrospinalis iliac flap approach. There were 8 males and 5 females, aged from 22 to 57 years, with an average age of 35 years. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 19 months, with an average of 6.7 months. According to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification criteria, the patients were graded as grade B in 2 cases, grade C in 4 cases, grade D in 5 cases, and grade E in 2 cases before operation. The preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 36.4±5.7; the preoperative lumbosacral angle was (20.7±0.7)°; the preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was (63.4±8.4) mm/1 h; and the preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) was (38.8±5.2) mmol/L. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The ODI, ASIA grade, lumbosacral angle, and ESR were recorded at last follow-up. Bridwell criterion was used to judge the interbody fusion.ResultsThe operation time was 150-240 minutes (mean, 190 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 420-850 mL (mean, 610 mL). No major blood vessel, dural sac, nerve root, and lumbosacral plexus injuries occurred during the operation. Delayed wound healing occurred in 3 cases, and primary wound healing achieved in the other patients. No wound infection or sinus formation was found. All 13 patients were followed up 1.5-6.1 years (mean, 2.8 years). During the follow-up period, there was no tubercular symptom, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, loosening and rupture of internal fixator; and no complications such as retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction occurred in 8 male patients. Solid spinal fusion obtained in all patients with the mean fusion time of 6.4 months (range, 4.2-9.9 months); and all iliac osteotomies healed. At last follow-up, the ODI was 7.2±3.5, the lumbosacral angle was (31.2±0.5)°, and ESR was (9.8±2.5) mm/1 h, all of which improved significantly when compared with pre-operative ones (P<0.05). The patients were classified as grade D in 2 cases and grade E in 11 cases, which improved significantly when compared with preoperative ones (Z=–3.168, P=0.002).ConclusionOne-stage posterior surgery via unilateral musculussacrospinalis iliac flap approach in treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis is effective and safe.
ObjectiveTo explore the surgical indications,decompression and fusion method,and fusion level selection of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and multi-segment lumbar spinal stenosis.
MethodsBetween April 2000 and November 2011,46 cases of DLS and multi-segment lumbar spinal stenosis were treated with multi-level decompression by fenestration and crept enlargement plus internal fixation by interbody and posterior-lateral bone graft fusion (5 segments or above).Of 46 cases,25 were male and 21 were female,with a mean age of 70.2 years (range,65-81 years) and with a mean disease duration of 6.4 years (range,4 years and 6 months to 13 years).X-ray films showed that the lumbar Cobb angle was (26.7±10.0)°,and the lumbar lordotic angle was (20.3±8.8)°.The lumbar CT and MRI images showed three-segment stenosis in 24 cases,four-segment stenosis in 17 cases,and five-segment stenosis in 5 cases.A total of 165 stenosed segments included 12 L1,2,34 L2,3,43 L3,4,45 L4,5,and 31 L5 and S1.Visual analogue scale (VAS) score,Oswestry disability index (ODI),and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score (29 points) were employed to evaluate effectiveness.
ResultsThirteen patients had leakage of cerebrospinal fluid during operation,and no infection was found after corresponding treatment; pulmonary infection and urinary system infection occurred in 4 and 2 patients respectively,who relieved after received antibiotic therapy; 8 patients with poor wound healing received dressing change,adequate drainage,debridement and suture.No death,paralysis,central nervous system infection,or other complication was observed in these patients.Forty-six cases were followed up 12-72 months (mean,36.2 months).Lumbago and backache and intermittent claudication of lower extremity were obviously improved.During follow-up,no screw incising,loosening and broken screws,or pseudarthrosis was noted under X-ray film and CT scanning.At last follow-up,the lumbar Cobb angle was reduced to (9.8±3.6)°,while the lumbar lordotic angle was increased to (34.1±9.4)°,which were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (t=16.935,P=0.000;t=15.233,P=0.000).At last follow-up,VAS,ODI,and JOA scores were 3.2±1.2,35.5%±14.0%,and 26.6±5.7 respectively,showing significant differences when compared with preoperative scores (8.0±2.2,60.8%±13.3%,and 12.9±3.4) (t=19.857,P=0.000;t=16.642,P=0.000;t=15.922,P=0.000).
ConclusionMulti-segment decompression by fenestration and crept enlargement plus internal fixation by interbody and posterior-lateral bone graft fusion is helpful to relieve nerve compression symptoms,rebuild spinal balance,and improve the life quality of the patients.It is a very effective way to treat DLS and multi-segment lumbar spinal stenosis.
ObjectiveTo review the effect of obesity on the effectiveness of posterior lumbar fusion in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD).MethodsThe related literature at home and abroad was extensively reviewed. And the difficulty of operation, risk of complications, and long-term effectiveness of posterior lumbar fusion for obese patients with LDD were summarized.ResultsAlthough some relevant literature suggest that the posterior lumbar fusion for obese patients is difficult and the risk of postoperative complications is high, the overall research results do not suggest that obesity is a risk factor for the implementation of posterior lumbar fusion. By assessing the physical condition of patients and strictly grasping the surgical indications, obese patients can obtain good surgical efficacy.ConclusionPosterior lumbar fusion is an effective method for the treatment of LDD in obese patients. However, relevant studies need to be completed to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of posterior lumbar fusion for obese patients.
Objective
To discuss the effectiveness of posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra for severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures using pedicle screw fixation.
Methods
Between May 2008 and July 2013, 52 patients of severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures were treated through posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra using pedicle screw fixation. There were 33 males and 19 females with an age of 21-56 years (mean, 37.9 years). The causes of thoracolumbar burst fractures included fall from height in 32 cases, traffic accidents in 16 cases, and others in 4 cases. The load sharing classification (LSC) score was 7-9 (mean, 7.85). The levels involved included T11 in 4 cases, T12 in 19 cases, L1 in 25 cases, and L2 in 4 cases. According to Frankel classification, there were 2 cases of grade A, 4 cases of grade B, 8 cases of grade C, 11 cases of grade D, and 27 cases of grade E. The rate of spinal canal occupying was 24.2%-76.7% (mean, 47.1%). The time from injury to operation was 3-5 days (mean, 3.6 days). The effectiveness was assessed by the changes of injured vertebral Cobb angle, anterior vertebral height, and the Frankel grading at pre- and post-operation.
Results
The operation time was 85-127 minutes (mean, 106.5 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 90-155 mL (mean, 137.6 mL). All the incision healed at first intension. Forty-seven patients were followed up 19-27 months (mean, 23.2 months), and no incision infection, screw loosening, or other internal fixation failures was found during follow-up. The injured vertebral Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height at immediate after operation or at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.001). There was a loss of injured vertebral Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height at last follow-up, but no significant difference was found between at immediate after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05). The Frankel grade improved by 0-2 grades at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative grades (Z=15.980, P=0.003).
Conclusion
Posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra for severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures (LSC≥7) using pedicle screw fixation can correct the kyphosis deformity, restore vertebral body height, and aviod the need of anterior reconstruction.
Objective From the viewpoint of health economics, to analyse the cost-utility of Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction and 360° fusion in the treatment of single level lumbar degenerative disease, so as to provide references to doctors and patients for making the best solution. Methods From October 2008 to November 2010, a prospective non-randomized controlled study was carried out on the patients diagnosed as L4-L5 degenerative lumbar spinal disorders, of whom Group A were treated by posterior decompression combined with Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction and Group B accepted lumbar 360° fusion treatment. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to survey the life quality of patients and to calculate the quality-adjusted life year (QALY); meanwhile, the costs of the treatment were collected to compare the cost-utility ratio between the two groups. Results A total of 60 patients were included, among whom 29 patients including 20 males and 9 females were in Group A, and the other 31 patients including 16 males and 15 females were in Group B; and the mean time of follow-up was 16.4 months (12-23 months). The average age of Group A and Group B was 45.1 years (21-67 years) and 56.2 years (32-86 years), respectively; the medical costs were 51 509.9±2 422.9 yuan and 57 409.7±9 072.9 yuan, respectively; the life quality compared with that of pre-operation improved by 42.60% and 42.82%, respectively; the cost-utility ratios were 69165.6±4716.0 yuan/QALY and 77 976.7±12 757.4 yuan/QALY, respectively. For each increase of one QALY, Group A could save 12.74% of the cost compared with Group B. Conclusion Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction has the equal short-term effects to lumbar 360° fusion in the treatment of L4-L5 degenerative lumbar spinal disorders, but it has lower costs than the latter, and is more in line with the requirements of health economics.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of one-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) combined with Prospace and facet fusion using local autograft. Methods Clinical and radiographic data of 76 patients treated by this technique was reviewed from May 2002 to December 2004. Of them, there were 52 males and 24 females, with an average age of 53.2 years (2381 years), including 60 cases of degenerative disc disease, 9 cases of failed back surgery syndrome and 3 cases of spondylolysis. The disese courses were 1.2-8.7 years (mean 3.6 years). The levels of PLIF were:L 2,3 in 2 cases, L 3,4 in 7, L 4,5 in 54, L 5/S 1 in 10, L 4/S 1 in 1 and L 5,6 in 2. After decompression，Prospace was inserted into interbody space bilaterally，and located in disc space 4 mm beyond the rear edge ofthe vertebral body. Local laminectomy autograft was packed both laterally into and between 2 implants. Then the remanent local autograft was placed over facet bed. Pedicle screws were used after insertion of Prospace. Clinical results wereevaluated by the JOA score. Disc height ratio and lumbar lordosis angles were measured on lateral radiographs. Fusion status was determined by evidence of bridge trabeculae across facet joint and interbody space on CT scan without mobility in lateral dynamic X-rays, and no radiolucent gap between Prospace and endplate. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis. Results Mean blood loss and operative time was 384 ml and 178 minutes, respectively. The average JOA score at final follow-up (26.1±2.7) was significantly improved when compared with that of preoperation (14.5±4.0, P＜0.05), with a mean recovery rate of JOA score 81.1% (37.5%-100.0%). The fusion rate was 974%(74/76). Mean disc height ratio and the involved segmental lordosis angle were increased from preoperative 0.27± 0.07 and 5.8±2.2° to 0.33±0.06 and 11.3±2.0° respectively at the final followup, and the differences were significant (P＜0.05). There were no devicerelated complications. Conclusion This surgical technique combined with Prospace interbody device is a safe and effective surgical option for patients with onelevel lumbar disorders when PLIF is warranted.
