ObjectiveTo compare the clinical and radiological effectiveness of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of Cage dislodgement after lumbar surgery.MethodsThe clinical data of 40 patients who underwent revision surgery due to Cage dislodgement after lumbar surgery betweem April 2013 and March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 18 patients underwent OLIF (OLIF group) and 22 patients underwent PLIF (PLIF group) for revision. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, body mass index, intervals between primary surgery and revision surgery, number of primary fused levels, disc spaces of Cage dislodgement, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), the segmental lordosis (SL) and disc height (DH) of the disc space of Cage dislodgement, and the lumbar lordosis (LL) before revision (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and complications of the two groups were recorded and compared. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain were evaluated at 3 days, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, and the ODI scores were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. The SL and DH of the disc space of Cage dislodgement and LL were measured at 12 months after operation and compared with those before operation. CT examination was performed at 12 months after operation, and the fusion of the disc space implanted with new Cage was judged by Bridwell grading standard.ResultsThe intraoperative blood loss in the OLIF group was significantly less than that in the PLIF group (t=?12.425, P=0.000); there was no significant difference between the two groups in the operation time and hospital stay (P>0.05). Both groups were followed up 12-30 months, with an average of 18 months. In the OLIF group, 2 patients (11.1%) had thigh numbness and 1 patient (5.6%) had hip flexor weakness after operation; 2 patients (9.1%) in the PLIF group had intraoperative dural sac tear. The other patients’ incisions healed by first intention without early postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (χ2=0.519, P=0.642). The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain, and the ODI score of the two groups at each time point after operation were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, SL, LL, and DH in the two groups were significantly increased when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); SL and DH in the OLIF group were significantly improved when compared with those in the PLIF group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in LL between the two groups (P>0.05). CT examination at 12 months after operation showed that all the operated disc spaces achieved bony fusion. According to the Bridwell grading standard, 12 cases were grade Ⅰ and 6 cases were grade Ⅱ in the OLIF group, and 13 cases were grade Ⅰ and 9 cases were grade Ⅱ in the PLIF group; there was no significant difference between the two groups (Z=–0.486, P=0.627). During follow-up, neither re-displacement or sinking of Cage, nor loosening or fracture of internal fixation occurred.ConclusionOLIF and PLIF can achieve similar effectiveness in the treatment of Cage dislodgement after lumbar surgery. OLIF can further reduce intraoperative blood loss and restore the SL and DH of the disc space of Cage dislodgement better.
Objective To investigate the surgicalmethod and perioperative treatment for senile lumbar disease accompanied by internal disease. Methods From June 2000 to December 2003,the complete neurological and physical examinations were performed on the patients before operation, as treatment of internal diseases could improve the patients’ conditions. Lumbar operations were performed on 125 patients, among whom 23 had simple lumbardisc herniation, 13 had lumbar spine stenosis, 81 had lumbar disc herniation with lumbar spine stenosis, and 8 had spondylolisthesis.The JOA score was 116±2.5. There were 3 patients undergoing fenerstration+discectomy, 16 undergoing semilaminectomy+discectomy,82 undergoing total-laminectomy+disectomy, 5 undergoing total-laminectomy+disectomy+pedicle fixation, 11 undergoing lamina decompression+nerve-root pathyway decompression, and 8 undergoing pedicle screw fixation+bone graft and fusion in spondylolisthesis. Results With an effective medical treatment, the internal disease produced little effect on the operation. Improved functions and bone fusions were observed after- operation. According to the JOA standards, the average alleviation rate was 87.9%. Conclusion Early neurological examination and proper treatment of internal diseases are the keys to the successful operation on the senile patients with lumbar disease. Radiological data are important in avoidance of mistaken diagnosis.
Objective To investigate the cl inical appl icabil ity and value of internal fixator for the reconstruction of lumbar isthmus in the treatment of lumbar vertebral spondylolysis and to lay a fundation for its cl inical appl ication. Methods Sixteen healthy goats weighing 22.65-31.22 kg were selected to establ ish the models of vertebral spondylolysis at L5, which thereafter were randomized into two groups (n=8): bone graft group in which 0.8-1.1 g fresh autogenous bone was transplanted into the isthmus spondylolysis area, and internal fixation with bone graft group in which internal fixator was installed before transplanting 0.8-1.1 g fresh autogenous bone into the isthmus spondylolysis area. All animals were killed 8 weeks after operation to receive imaging, topographic anatomy and histology detection. Meanwhile, biomechanics test was performed by using 5 donated vertebral body specimens (4 males and 1 female aged 35-51 years old). The left isthmus of L5 vertebra was transected to serve as lumbar vertebral spondylolysis model. A mini-displacement sensor was put at the transected ends of the isthmus. Then loading was conducted with a constant velocity of 2 mm/min by electronic omnipotent tester simulating the direction of fixation force of the internal fixator, and the deformation value of the transected ends was collected by a dynamic data collector and analyzer. The loading wascontinued until the vertebra specimens were damaged. The deformation of displacement sensor and the closure of transected ends of the lumbar isthmus were observed. Results All the goats behaved normally shortly after operation, and no nerve injury induced by operation and no wound infection occurred. Bilaterally obl ique X-ray films of lumbar vertebra and topographic anatomy 8 weeks after operation showed the fusion rate of the internal fixation and bone graft group and the bone graft group was 100% and 62.5%, respectively, indicating there was a significant difference (P lt; 0.05). Histology observation showed 3 goats in the bone graft group presented empty bone trabecula, empty bone lacuna and the disappearance of osteocytes at the transected ends of lumbar isthmus; while in the internal fixation and bone graft group, the bone trabecula grew into cancellous structures with hematopoietic and fatty bone marrow tissue inside, and parts of the bone trabecula had various degrees of mosaic-l ike pattern. During the upload, the biomechanics test and data processing results showed when the external load was 40 N, the deformation of displacement sensor was identified and the gap between the transected ends of lumbar isthmus started to close; then with the increase of external load, the displacement sensor tended to ascend in a l inearity manner; while when the external load was 212 N, the displacement sensor had no further deformation, the gap between the transected ends of lumbar isthmus wascompletely closed, and the pressor effect appeared. Conclusion The internal fixator for the reconstruction of lumbar isthmus has mechanical effects of stabil izing and elevating pressure with a high fusion rate.
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.
ObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of the two-dimension computer-aided surgery navigation system in the lumbar pedicle screw fixation on recombinant CT section after operation.
MethodsBetween February 2011 and April 2013, 218 patients undergoing lumbar spinal pedicle screw fixation were divided into 2 groups:two-dimension computer-aided surgery navigation system was used in 95 cases (the navigation group) and X-ray fluoroscopy assistant technology in 123 cases (the fluoroscopy assistant group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, and type of disease between 2 groups (P>0.05). The mean operating time, blood loss volume, and fluoroscopy times, and the one-time success rate of pedicle screw implant were observed. The sagittal screw angle (SSA), the relationship between the pedicle cortex and screw, the accuracy rate of pedicle screw, and the sagittal angle on both sides (SBA) were observed.
ResultsA total of 504 screws were inserted in navigation group, 432 (85.7%) were inserted successfully at first time and 472 (85.7%) were inserted successfully at end time. A total of 656 screws were inserted in fluoroscopy assistant group, 474 (72.3%) were successfully inserted at first time, and 563 (85.8%) were inserted successfully at end time. There were significant differences in the one-time success rate and final success rate of pedicle screw implant between 2 groups (χ2=30.19, P=0.00; χ2=18.16, P=0.00). There was no significant difference in the mean operating time and the blood loss volume of pedicle screw implant between 2 groups (t=0.88, P=0.38; t=1.47, P=0.14); but the fluoroscopy times of pedicle screw implant in navigation group 0.7±0.3 were significantly less than that in fluoroscopy assistant group 1.5±1.0 (t=-8.09, P=0.00). The SSA and SBA in navigation group[(3.7±0.9)° and (1.7±0.8)°] were significantly less than those in fluoroscopy assistant group[(6.0±1.7)° and (3.5±1.6)°] (t=-26.92, P=0.00; t=-22.49, P=0.00).
ConclusionThe sagittal screw angle and accuracy of pedicle screw implant can be significantly improved using the two-dimension computer-aided surgery navigation system in lumbar posterior fixation.
Objective To elucidate the new development, structural features and appl ication of the lumbar interspinous process non-fusion techniques. Methods With the review of the development course and important research works in the field of the lumbar inter-spinous process non-fusion techniques, the regularity summary, science induction, and prospect were carried out. Results The lumbar inter-spinous process non-fusion technique was a part of non-fusion insertof spinal division posterior surface. According to the design, it could be divided into two major categories: dynamic and static systems. The dynamic system included Coflex and device for intervertebral assisted motion; the static system included X-STOP, ExtenSure and Wall is. The lumbar inter-spinous process non-fusion technique was a new technique of spinal division, it could reserve the integrated function of intervertebral disc and zygapophysial joint, maintain or recover the segmental movement to a normal level, and have no adverse effect on the neighboring segments. A lot of basic and cl inical researches indicated that lumbar inter-spinous process insert had extensive appl ication to curatio retrogression lumbar spinal stenosis, discogenic low back pain, articular process syndrome, lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and lumbar instabil ity and so on. Conclusion With the matures of lumbar inter-spinous process non-fusion techniques and the increased study of various types of internal fixation devices, it will greatly facil itate the development of treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. But long-term follow-up is needed to investigating the long-term efficacy and perfect operation indication.
ObjectiveTo measure L1-L5 lumbar isthmus thickness and to construct Chinese adult male lumbar (L1-L5) 3D model by Micro CT 3D reconstruction technique, in order to provide micro-anatomical data for clinical treatment of L1-L5 lumbar spondylolysis.
MethodsDry, non-damaged specimens of L1-L5 lumbar isthmus from 60 Chinese adult males were randomly selected from September 2013 to January 2014. Micro CT scanning was carried out, followed by corresponding 3D model construction. The microscopic anatomical parameters such as superior, inferior, inner and outer edge thickness of left and right L1-L5 lumbar isthmus were measured.
ResultsL1-L5 lumbar isthmus superior edge thickness was in the order of L1> L2> L3> L5> L4, with the variation ranging from (4.31±0.95) mm to (4.88±0.75) mm. L1-L5 lumbar isthmus inferior edge thickness was in the order of L1< L2< L3< L4< L5, gradually thickened with the variation ranging from (6.03±1.01) mm to (7.27±1.27) mm. L1-L5 lumbar isthmus inner edge thickness amplitude was not obvious, ranging from (6.33±1.21) mm to (6.57±1.27) mm. L1-L5 lumbar isthmus outer edge thickness was in the order of L1< L2< L3< L4< L5, gradually thickened with the variation ranging from (8.44±1.21) mm to (10.27±1.28) mm.
ConclusionThere are certain rules within superior, inferior, inner and outer edge thickness of adult L1-L5 lumbar isthmus:the inferior and outer edge thickness of L1-L5 lumbar isthmus gradually becomes thicker, while superior edge gradually becomes thinner. From L1 to L5 lumbar isthmus, the outer edge of the lumbar isthmus is the thickest, followed by inner and inferior edge, and the upper edge is the thinnest.
Objective To evaluate the mid-term cl inical outcome of instrumented sl ip reduction combined with 360° circumferencial fusion and restoration laminae for symptomatic adult isthmic spondylol isthesis. Methods Between October 2004 and March 2008, 44 patients with symptomatic isthmic spondylol isthesis underwent instrumented sl ip reduction combined with 360° circumferencial fusion and restoration laminae. There were 15 males and 29 females with an average age of38.4 years (range, 28-45 years). The disease duration was 14 months to 7 years (38 months on average). The affected vertebrae was L4-5 in 18 patients and L5, S1 in 26 patients. According to Meyerding’s grade for spondylol isthesis, 28 cases were rated as grade II and 16 as grade III. The visual analogae scale (VAS), Oswestry disabil ity index (ODI), and the short form 36 health survey (SF-36) scores were evaluated before operation and at last follow-up; the radiographical outcome was evaluated by measuring sl i pping percentage, heights of intervertebral space and foramen, and fusion rate. Results All patients were followed up 20-60 months (42 months on average). The VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores were all significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with those before operation (P lt; 0.05). According to Morelos criteria, the cl inical results were excellent in 32 patients, good in 9, and fair in 3; the excellent and good rate was 93.2%. The preoperative average percentage of sl ip was 47.5%, which was improved to 2.6% 3 days after operation; the total average reduction rate was 97.4%, and it was maintained at last followup. The heights of intervertebral space and foramen were all improved significantly after operation (P lt; 0.05), and there was no significant difference between at 3 days after operation and at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). X-ray and CT showed bony fusion 1 year after operation in all patients with a fusion rate of 100%. Compl ications included pain at donor site of il iac bone in 4 cases, superficial infection in 2 cases, dural tear in 1 case, and degeneration of adjacent vertebrae in 2 cases; no nerve root injury, pseudoarthrosis, failure of internal fixation, and acquired spinal canal stenosis occurred. Conclusion Instrumented sl ip reduction combined with 360° circumferencial fusion and restoration laminae is a rel iable procedure for adult isthmic spondylol isthesis with satisfactory mid-term results, a high fusion rate and low compl ication rate. The long-term outcomesshould be verified by follow-up in the future.
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 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.
