Objective To evaluate the cl inical outcomes of anterior decompression, bone graft and internal fixation in treating fourth lumbar burst fractures with il iac fenestration. Methods From February 2001 to May 2006, 8 cases of fourth lumbar burst fractures were treated by anterior decompression, correction, reduction, il iac autograft, Z-plate internal fixation with il iac fenestration. Of them, there were 7 males and 1 female, aging 24-46 years with an average of 29.3 years, including 3 cases of Denis type A and 5 cases of Denis type B. The decompression, intervertebral height were compared betweenpreoperation and postoperation by CT scanning. According to Frankel assessment for neurological status, 2 cases were at grade C, 5 at grade D and 1 at grade E before operation. Four cases had different degrees of disturbance of sphincter. Time from injury to operation was 8 hours to 11 days. The preoperative height of the anterior border of the L4 vertebral body was (13.8 ± 2.3) mm, the Cobb angel of fractured vertebral body was (13.2 ± 2.5)°, the vertebral canal sagittal diameter of L4 was (10.6 ± 3.5) mm. The bone graft volume was (7.5 ± 1.3) cm3 during operation. Results Operations were performed successfully. The mean operative time was (142 ± 25) minutes and the mean amount of blood loss was (436 ± 39) mL. The incisions obtained heal ing by first intention after operation. Two cases suffered donor site pain and recevied no treatment. The follow-up time of 8 cases was from 21 months to 52 months (mean 24.5 months). At one week after operation, the height of the anterior border of the L4 vertebral body was (32.5 ± 2.6) mm, the Cobb angel of fractured vertebral body was (6.8 ± 3.7)°, and the vertebral canal sagittal diameter of L4 was (19.8 ± 5.1) mm, showing significant difference when compared with those of preoperation (P lt; 0.01). At the final follow-up, the results showed that the pressure was reduced sufficiently, all autograft fused well, the neurological status improved at Frankel grade from C to D in 1 patient, from D to E in 3 patients, but the others had no improvement. In 4 patients who had disturbance of sphincter, 3 restored to normal and 1 was better off. Conclusion Cl inical outcomes of anterior surgery for fourth lumbar burst fractures with il iac fenestration are satisfactory. It can facil icate operation, reduce the pressure sufficiently, maintenance intervertebral height and recover the neurological function.
Objective To review the current development of the dynamic stabilization devices and their biomechanics as well as clinical application.Methods The related biomedical research papers at home and abroad were consulted and analyzed Results There were obvious advances in the theoretic foundation and the clinical application in treatment of the degenerative lumbar disorders with the dynamic stabilization devices, especially with the nonfusion dynamic stabilization devices. Conclusion The effectiveness of the dynamic stabilization devices have attracted more and more biomedical researchers, especially the posterior dynamic stabilization device, which has provided a new approach to treatment of the degenerative lumbar disorders.
ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between the bone mineral density (BMD) and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration in rhesus macaques by using T1ρ-MRI.
MethodsTwenty female rhesus macaques at the age of 10.9 years on average (rang, 4-20 years) were selected. The lumbar intervertebral discs were classified by Pfirrmann grading system and the T1ρ relaxation time (T1ρ value) was examined by using MRI (Philips 1.5 Tesla), and then BMD values of the L4,5 vertebrae and femoral ward's triangle were detected by using Osteocore dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Finally, the relationship of T1ρ value of the lumbar intervertebral discs and Pfirrmann grading with age, weight, BMD of lumbar vertebrae and femoral ward's triangle was analyzed.
ResultsThe BMD values of lumbar vertebrae and femoral ward's triangle were (0.64±0.17) g/cm2 and (0.67±0.19) g/cm2 respectively, showing no significant difference (t=2.893, P=0.128). According to Pfirrmann grading system, there were 7 cases of grade I, 8 cases of grade Ⅱ, and 5 cases of grade Ⅲ at L4,5 intervertebral discs. The T1ρ value of the lumbar intervertebral disc was (104.08±18.65) ms; the T1ρ values of grades I, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ were (121.31±13.44), (104.73±15.01), and (77.41±11.87) ms, respectively. There was a negative correlation between T1ρ value and the age and the BMD of lumbar vertebrae and femoral ward's triangle. There was a positive correlation between Pfirrmann grading and the variables as listed above. Significant negative linear correlation was also observed between T1ρ value and Pfirrmann grading.
ConclusionThe T1ρ value is a reliable index when quantifying lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration, and there is a significant positive correlation between BMD and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration in rhesus macaques.
In order to investigate the mechanical response of lumbar vertebrae during gait cycle in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the present study was based on computed tomography (CT) data of AIS patients to construct model of the left support phase (ML) and model of the right support phase (MR), respectively. Firstly, material properties, boundary conditions and load loading were set to simulate the lumbar vertebra-pelvis model. Then, the difference of stress and displacement in the lumbar spine between ML and MR was compared based on the stress and displacement cloud map. The results showed that in ML, the lumbar stress was mostly distributed on the convex side, while in MR, it was mostly distributed on the concave side. The stress of the two types of stress mainly gathered near the vertebral arch plate, and the stress of the vertebral arch plate was transmitted to the vertebral body through the pedicle with the progress of gait. The average stress of the intervertebral tissue in MR was greater than that in ML, and the difference of stress on the convex and convex side was greater. The displacement of lumbar vertebrae in ML decreased gradually from L1 to L5. The opposite is true in MR. In conclusion, this study can accurately quantify the stress on the lumbar spine during gait, and may provide guidance for brace design and clinical decision making.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect of percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD) combined with sodium hyaluronate (SH) injection in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. METHODS Forty-eight patients suffered from lumbar disc herniation were divided into two groups and treated by PLD combined with SH injection into epidural cavity (treatment group) or single PLD (control group) respectively. All patients were followed up for 24 months. The therapeutic effects in both groups were assessed and compared according to Macnab’s criterion. RESULTS The patients in the treatment group got much more significant improvement than those in the control group, with shorter therapeutic course and more safety. CONCLUSION PLD combined with SH injection into epidural cavity is more effective and safety in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation than of pure PLD.
To evaluate the appl ication value of internal fixation of spinal column by posterior approach and extraperitioneal bilateral focal debridement for the treatment of tuberculosis of lumbosacral vertebral body. Methods From March 2000 to February 2005, 16 cases of spinal tuberculosis in L3-S1 were treated with internal fixation of spinal column by posterior approach and extraperitioneal bilateral focal debridement. Sixteen cases included 11 males and 5 females, and the age was 21-56 years. The locations of spinal tuberculosis were L3 in 4 cases, L4 in 6, L5 in 4, and S1 in 2. The course of disease averaged 13 monthes (range 6 monthes to 6 years). The ESR of all cases was greater than 20 mm/h (average40 mm/h); WBC was normal in 14 cases, and a l ittle high in 2 cases. The X-ray picture showed narrow intervertebral space in 5 cases, compressed body of vertebra in 7 cases, and destroyed 2 consecutive vertebra and its sclerotin was condupl icate in 1 case. All cases were abscess in major psoas muscle. The CT showed destruction of bone, abscess-formation and dead bone in body of vertebra of 16 cases. The abscess were found in vertebral canal in 5 cases and dura mater of spinal cord and spinal nerve root crushed in 2 cases. The MRI showed destruction of bone, abscess-formation and hibateral abscess in major psoas muscle in 11 cases. The abscess were found in vertebral canal and dura mater of spinal cord and spinal nerve root crushed in 6 cases. The therapy of pasid was treated after operation in all the cases. Results Incision healed by first intention in 16 cases; and disruption of wound occurred and heal ing was achieved after symptomatic treatment in 1 case. Sixteen cases were followed up 2-5 years (29 months on average). Among all the cases, anaesthesia in double thigh was found in 3 cases, adynamia of dorsiflexion in foot in 1 case, gatism in 1 case; after 2 weeks the symptoms were vanished. Indirect hernia of fold inguen were found in 1 case after 2 years, and the patient refused operation for age and was no longer followed up. Fuzzy, exsic and acerb in eyes were foundin 6 cases, hearing disturbance were found in 2 cases, and symptoms were vanished after medication adjustment. Low-grade fever and lumbar myalgia were found in 1 case and cured after staying in bed and medication adjustment. All ESR were normal, synostosis of lumbosacral vertebral body was found in 13 cases, kyphosis in 1 case. Conclusion Internal fixation of spinal column by posterior approach and extraperitioneal bilateral focal debridement is safe and available way for the treatment of tuberculosis of lumbosacral vertebral body, it can save the times of operation, shorten period and enhance effect of treatment.
Objective To explore the feasibil ity and efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), and to assess the cl inical result of the PKP technique. Methods From May 2006 to October 2007, 12 patients with severe OVCF affecting more than 2/3 of the original vertebral body height were treated by using domestic PKP and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) tool systems. There were 3 malesand 9 females, with the age of 56-82 years and a mean disease course of 4.2 months (1-49 months). Eleven thoracic vertebra and 4 lumbar vertebra suffered from severe vertebral compression fractures, which included 3 extremely severe thoracic OVCF. Four thoracic vertebra and 3 lumbar vertebra had not severe OVCF. There were 4 cases of single vertebral compression fracture, 6 cases of double fractures, and 2 cases of triple fractures. Only single side PKP and PVP were performed via extrapedicular approach in thoracic vertebra, and via transpedicular approach in lumbar spine under fluoroscopic control. Eight patients with severe thoracic compression fractures and 4 with severe lumbar fractures were treated by PKP. Four patients with relatively mild thoracic compression fractures and 3 with lumbar fractures were treated by PVP. Results The operation was successfully, 3 patients with extremely severe thoracic compression fractures received no intervention. The maximum expansion pressure of balloon was (1 068 ± 298) kPa, and the volume was (3.1 ± 1.2) mL during operation. The average operative time of PKP was (44.9 ± 10.6) minutes per vertebra, while the average operative time of PVP was (36.5 ± 6.8) minutes per vertebra. The average volume of injected bone cement was (2.5 ± 0.6) mL per thoracic vertebra, and (3.6 ± 1.2) mL per lumbar vertebra. The mean hospitalization time were (3.7 ± 1.6) days. Twelve cases were followed up 5-18 months (mean 8.6 months). The visual analogue scale scoreswere (2.35 ± 0.61) points 2 days after operation and (2.89 ± 1.07) points at last follow-up, there were statistically significant differences when compared with before operation (8.27 ± 1.36) points (P lt; 0.01). Extravertebral leakage of the bone cement into the paravertebral tissue and/or disc occurred in 6 patients (9 vertebra) without significant symptom. Conclusion One side approach PKP is a safe and effective technique for treatment of severe OVCF with markedly rel ief of pain.
Objective To observe the effect of threaded titanium cage and transpedical screw for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods Eighteen patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis were adopted in this study. Among them, there were 8 males and 10 females, aged from 43 to 62 years old .Roentgenogramshowed that there were 6 cases of Ⅰ° spondylolisthesis, 11 cases of Ⅱ° and 1 case of Ⅲ°. All patients were treated with cages for intervertebral fusion after total laminectomy and pedicle screws for the reduction. Results The cases were followed up from 6 to 12 months with an average of 11 months. The clinical results were excellent in 13 cases and good in 5 cases. All patients achieved successful fusion and bony union . There were no pedicle screw loosening or broken or peripheral nerve dysfunction in this series. Conclusion This method has been proved to be an effective and reliable procedure for treatment of lumbar spondylolithesis. It produces a high fusion rate and clinical success.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters.
MethodsA retrospective analysis was made the clinical data of 120 patients with lumbar degenerative disease, who accorded with the inclusion criteria between June and November 2014. There were 58 males and 62 females with an average age of 53 years (range, 24-77 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 to 96 months (mean, 6.6 months). Affected segments included L3, 4 in 32 cases, L4, 5 in 47 cases, and L5, S1 in 52 cases. The CT and X-ray films of the lumbar vertebrae were taken. The facet joint degeneration was graded based on the grading system of Pathria. The spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters were measured, including lumbar lordosis (LL), upper lumbar lordosis (ULL), lower lumbar lordosis (LLL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS). According to normal range of PI, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (PI was 1ess than normal range), group B (PI was within normal range), and group C (PI was more than normal range). The facet joint degeneration was compared;according to the facet joint degeneration degree, the patients were divided into group N (mild degeneration group) and group M (serious degeneration group) to observe the relationship of lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters.
ResultsAt L4, 5 and L5, S1, facet joint degeneration showed significant difference among groups A, B, and C (P<0.05), more serious facet joint degeneration was observed in group C;no significant difference was found in facet joint degeneration at L3, 4 (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the other spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters between groups N and M at each segment (P>0.05) except for PT (P<0.05).
ConclusionPI of more than normal range may lead to or aggravate lumbar facet joint degeneration at L4, 5 and L5, S1;PT and PI are significantly associated with facet joint degeneration at the lower lumbar spine.
Objective To analyze the cl inical effects of modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. Methods From October 2003 to December 2006, 33 patients with lumbar degenerative disease (L3-S1) were treated by modified TLIF. There were 14 males and 19 females with an average age of 52.2 years(33 to 70 years). The median disease course was 1.8 years (4 months to 15 years). A total of 42 levels were fused, including 24 cases of single level and 9 cases of double levels. The results of preoperative diagnosis were lumbar degenerative spondylol isthesis with stenosis (8 cases), isthmic spondylol isthesis (5 cases), degenerative lumbar stenosis (16 cases), huge herniated disc with segmental instabil ity (3 cases) and failed back surgery syndrome (1 case). During the modified TLIF procedure, total inferior facet process and inner half summit of superior facet process of TLIF side were resected to make the posterior wall of foramen opened partly. After the bone graft (3 to 5 mL) was placed into the interbody space, a single rectangle Cage was inserted obl iquely from 30° to 40° toward the midl ine. Combined with pedicle screw instrumentation, TLIF was accompl ished. Middle canal and opposite side nerve root decompression were performed simultaneously when necessary. Results Intraoperative dura mater rupture, postoperative cerebral spinal fluid leakage, deep wound infection and transient nerve root stimulation occurredin 1 case respectively, and were all recovered after treatment. No patients had permanent neurologic deficit or aggravation. All patients were followed up for 20 to 58 months (mean 27.2 months). At the follow-up after 1 year postoperatively, all the operated segments achieved fusion standard and no broken screw or Cage dislocation occurred. All 13 cases of spondylol isthesis were reduced thoroughly and maintained satisfactorily. Nineteen patients remained sl ight chronic back pain. There was significant difference (P lt; 0.05) in JOA score between preoperation (14.9 ± 5.1) and postoperation (25.9 ± 3.0). The rate of cl inical improvement was 80.5% (excellent in 24 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 2 cases). Conclusion The modified TLIF carries out the less invasive principles in opening operations, simpl ifies the manipulation and expands the indication of TLIF to some extent, and the cl inical results for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease is satisfactory.
