Objective To explore the injury mechanism, clinical features and treatment methods of multiple-level noncontiguous spinal fractures(MNSF). Methods The clinical data of 23 patients with MNSF were analyzed retrospectively. Therewere 15 males and 8 females aging from 13 to 75 years. Five cases missed diagnosis. The locations of the primary injury were cervical region in 3 cases, thoracic region in 7 cases, and thoracolumbar region in 13 cases. The spinal fractures associated with spinal cord injury were 14 cases in the primary injury, and 3 cases in the secondary injury. According to Frankel grade, there were 7 cases ofgrade A, 1 case of grade B, 3 cases of grade C, 6 cases of grade D and 6 cases of grade E. Sixteen cases were treated by surgical stabilization while 7 cases were treated conservatively. Results Twenty patients were followed up from 3 months to 4 years with a mean of 11.5 months except three patients. No neurologic deterioration was observed in patients who were treated conservatively or operatively. No wound infection, no implant failure or bone graft nonunion occurred in patients who were treated operatively. Among 17 patients with neurologic deficit before operation, 12 got 1-3 grade improvement of the Frankel grading, 4 remained unchanged and 1 died. Conclusion The mechanism of MNSF injury is complex, it is easy to miss diagnosis. The patients with spinal injury must be examined carefully and completely. A whole spine radiographic survey should be accomplished if necessary and treatments should be based on the stability of spine fractures and the severity of spinal cord injury.
Postoperative stability reconstruction following spinal tumor resection is a critical step to ensure functional recovery and quality of life for patients. This article systematically reviews the current status of anterior and posterior column reconstruction techniques after spinal tumor resection, including strategies such as bone cement augmentation, titanium mesh cage and artificial vertebral body implantation, and three-dimensional-printed personalized prostheses. It emphasizes the need for individualized treatment plans based on tumor type, anatomical location, and the patient’s overall condition. The article also highlights the importance of restoring sagittal balance, multidisciplinary collaboration, and complication prevention for long-term outcomes. In the future, innovations in biomaterials, along with the minimally invasive and intelligent evolution of surgical techniques, will further advance the goal of achieving stable, pain-free, and functionally effective spinal reconstruction for each patient, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the effectiveness and the changes of spine-pelvic sagittal parameters for patients with spondylolisthesis before and after operation.
MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 32 patients with single segmental degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis at L4 who accorded with the inclusion criteria between June 2011 and January 2014 (trial group). There were 13 males and 19 females, aged 51-67 years (mean, 59 years). According to Meyerding degree, there were 21 cases of degree I, 10 cases of degree Ⅱ, and 1 case of degree Ⅲ. All patients were treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. Thirty-five healthy adults at the age of 46-67 years (mean, 57 years) were enrolled as normal controls (control group). The standing position lumbar lateral X-ray films (T12-S1, bilateral femoral head) were taken at pre- and post-operation to measure the pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), disc height (DH), and slip percentage (SP); the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the preoperative various spine-pelvic sagittal parameters and the VAS score and the ODI. After operation, Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the changes of these parameters and the improve rates of VAS score and ODI.
ResultsAll patients of trial group were followed up 15-22 months (mean, 18 months). At last follow-up, the VAS score, ODI, PT, SS, LL, SP, and DH were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05), except for PI (t=-1.445, P=0.158). There was no significant difference in PT, SS, LL, and DH between trial and control groups at last follow-up (P>0.05); PI was slightly bigger than that of control group (t=8.531, P=0.043). Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a correlation between spine-pelvic sagittal parameters of PI, PT, SS, and LL (P<0.05); preoperative parameters (except for LL and DH) had correlation with ODI and VAS scores (P<0.05). Postoperative parameters (except for PI) had correlation with the improve rates of ODI and VAS scores (P<0.05), especially for the changes of PT and the improvements of ODI and VAS scores.
ConclusionThere is a correlation between the changes of spine-pelvic sagittal parameters at pre- and post-operation and effectiveness in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. The correlation between the changes of PT and the improvement rates of ODI and VAS scores is more marked. The good effectiveness is closely related with the improved PT.
Objective To summarize the effect of one-stage anterior debridement of infection in function reconstruction of anterior and middle column for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. Methods From January 2001 to January 2007, 65 patients with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis were treated with one-stage anterior debridement, decompression, autogenous bone grafts and internal fixation. There were 43 males and 22 females with an average age of 40.2 years (range, 19-64 years), including 18 cases of thoracic tuberculosis (T4-10), 44 cases of thoracolumbar tuberculosis (T11-L2) and 3 cases of lumbar tuberculosis (L3-5). The disease course was 3 months to 10 years (median 10 months). One segment was involved in 7 cases, two segments in 54 cases and three segments in 4 cases. In 14 cases with spinalcord injury, there were 5 cases of grade C and 9 cases of grade D according to Frankel classification. The kyphotic Cobb angle was 20-65° (41° on average). Results The operative time was 120-210 minutes (170 minutes on average), and the blood loss was 300-1 500 mL (600 mL on average). Fifty-eight patients were followed up for 1-6 years (23 months on average). Abscess occurred in 2 cases at 40 days and 3 months, and healed after symptomatic management. The other incisions achieved heal ing by first intention. The X-ray films showed bony fusion 4-12 months (6 months on average) after operation. No tuberculosis recurred. At 12 months after operation, pain disappeared, and there were 7 cases of grade D and 7 cases of grade E according to Frankel classification. The kyphotic Cobb angle was 0-33° (24° on average), showing statistically significant difference (P lt; 0.05) when compared with preoperation. Conclusion Early reconstruction of load-bearing function and stabil ity of anterior and middle column in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis is great significant. The appl ication of one-stage anterior surgery with debridement, decompression, autogenous bone grafts and internal fixation in the operative treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis is safe and effective after a rigorous anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Objective To summarize the research progress of stem cell transplantation in treating spinal cord injury (SCI) at different stages based on the pathophysiological mechanism of SCI. Methods The relevant research literature at home and abroad was extensively reviewed to explore the impact of transplantation timing on the effectiveness of stem cell transplantation in treating SCI. Results Researchers performed different types of stem cell transplantation for subjects at different stages of SCI through different transplantation approaches. Clinical trials have proved the safety and feasibility of stem cell transplantation at acute, subacute, and chronic stages, which can alleviate inflammation at the injured site and restore the function of the damaged nerve cells. But the reliable clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of stem cell transplantation at different stages of SCI are still lacking. Conclusion Stem cell transplantation has a good prospect in treating SCI. In the future, the multi-center, large sample randomized controlled clinical trials are needed, with a focus on the long-term effectiveness of stem cell transplantation.
Objective To investigate the efficacy of freeze-driedcancellous allograft in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. Methods From January 1999 to August 2004, there were 31 cases of spinal tuberculosis who underwent surgery. The freeze-dried cancellous allograft was used as grafting material in all the cases.The cancellous allograft was packed in a titanium mesh cage or an artificial vertebrae, and then used as a strut graft anteriorly to implant into the bone defect after the redical debridement, and the instrumentation was done. Results Twenty-three cases were followed up 1.5 years to 5 years (3.7 years on average), and bonyfusion was achieved in 21 cases 6 months later. In 2 cases ceasing antituberculous therapy after 2 months of operation, the local recurrence was obvious. The loosened screw was noticed in one of these two cases, who had tuberculosis in lumbar spine. When antituberculous therapy continued, the bony fusion was observed in these two cases 12 months later. No further position change of the instrument wasnoticed in the patient carrying loosened screw, but the kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine aggravated. Conclusion Freeze-dried cancellous allograft could be usedin the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. To achieve good results of allograft incorporation and remodeling, the rigid instrumentation should be performed, postoperative antituberculous therapy is also important.
Objective To evaluate the security and validity of the acute extreme hypervolemic hemodilution (AEHH) in spine surgery. Methods Thirteen patients(8 males, 5 females; age, 16-65 years; weight, 50-75 kg) who had undergone major spine operations were enrolled in this study. Eleven of them had undergone anterior decompression, who were given the grafting and the internal fixation for their thoracolumber spinal burst fractures; the other 2 patients were given the correction operation for their scoliosis. The baselines of the haematocrit (Hct）were 0.363-0.481 before operation. The patients had no cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic or renal dysfunction or coagulation abnormality. The hemodynamic status and the haematocrit were observed during operation. The parameters of thromboelastography (TEG)，arterial blood gas, and electrolytes were measured and observed at the following time points: before AEHH, after AEHH, 60 minutes after AEHH, 120 minutes after AEHH, and the end of the operation. The total fluid volume was recorded. Results The autologous blood volume was1 050-1 575 ml (average,1 419±198 ml), plasma substitute 2 100-3 150 ml (average,2 838±397 ml), blood loss1 000-3 130 ml (average, 1 747±743 ml), urine 450-1 270 ml (average, 871±374 ml), and the net blood transfusion 1 206-2 661 ml(1 863±598 ml). The homogenous blood of 400 ml was transfused in 1 patient for making upthe blood loss of 3 130 ml. There were no statistically significant differencesin the hemodynamic measurements, arterial blood gas, and electrolyte variables when compared with the baseline values before the hemodilution (Pgt;0.05). The reaction time of TEG was longer 60 minutes after AEHH than before AEHH (Plt;0.05); the other parameters of TEG had no differences when compared with the baseline values (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion The AEHH is safe and efficient in reduction of the perioperative homogenous blood transfusion in spine surgery.
ObjectiveTo investigate the status of urination in post-spineoperative (cervical thoracic and lumber verteb) patients under the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) mode.MethodsPatients who were admitted to the West China Hospital of Sichuan University from October 2018 to February 2019 were enrolled. The urination status of the patients was collected by using questionnaires. All patients were divided into normal urinating group, induced urinating group and catheterization group according to their urination status after returning to the ward.ResultsA total of 106 patients were included, including 78 (73.6%) who urinated smoothly [the first urinating time (72.18±36.33) min], 20 (18.9%) who urinated after induction [the first urinating time (81.50±41.68) min], and 8 (7.5%) who received catheters after induction failure [the first urinating time (162.50±84.52) min]. The different operation, operation time, position of urination, and postoperative pain degree affecting the placement of urethral catheter differed from each other significantly (P<0.05). Among the three groups, the differences were statistically significant in operation time, operation methods, position of urination (except for the induced urination group vs. catheterization group) and postoperative pain degree (except for the induced urination group vs. catheterization group) in pairs (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other factors among three groups in pairs (P>0.05).ConclusionsMost post-spineoperative patients can autonomously urinate without catheter under the ERAS mode, which bases on operation methods, operation time, and the first urinating posture after the surgery. Early attention should be paid to patients with dysuresia to promote their early rehabilitation.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and preliminary effectiveness of transintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis.MethodsThe clinical data of 21 elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis were retrospectively analyzed between March 2016 and November 2017. There were 1 male and 20 females, aged 55-75 years, with an average of 64.8 years. The disease duration was 8-24 months, with an average of 13.1 months. The bone density T value ranged from ?3.4 to ?2.1, with an average of ?2.3. Lesion segments: T11 in 2 cases, T12 in 6 cases, L1 in 8 cases, L2 in 1 case, T11, 12 in 1 case, T12, L1 in 2 cases, and T12, L2 in 1 case. Preoperative neurological function was classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA): 5 cases of grade D and 16 cases of grade E. All patients underwent transintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing. The effectiveness was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) score before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. The neurological function was assessed by ASIA at last follow-up. Local kyphosis Cobb angle (LKCA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), and sagittal vertebral axis (SVA) were measured on the X-ray films of the full-length lateral spine of the patient before operation, at 1 week after operation, and at last follow-up.ResultsNo complication such as fracture of internal fixator or nerve injury occurred. LKCA, TK, and SVA were significantly improved at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in LL before and after operation (F=3.013, P=0.057). The VAS and ODI scores were significantly improved at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up, and further improved at last follow-up when compared with the scores at 3 months after operation, showing significant differences between time points (P<0.05). Five patients with ASIA grade D neurological function recovered to grade E at 6 months after operation.ConclusionTransintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing for treating osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis has definite effectiveness, strong orthopaedic ability, and minimal trauma, which can effectively restore the sagittal balance of the spine, alleviate pain, and improve the patients’ quality of life.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, cost and optimal dosing regimen of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) used in the lumbar spine arthrodesis. Methods We formulated the clinical questions according to the PICO principle. We searched the ACP Journal Club (1991 to February 2008), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2007) and PubMed (1990 to February 2008) as well as other relevant databases. The evidence retrieved was critically appraised. Results Current evidence showed that BMP was a satisfactory and safe behavior in lumbar arthrodesis. Its cost was equal to that of autogenous iliac bone graft. The types of BMP currently used in clinical practice are BMP-2 and BMP-7. Finished product of fixed composition ratio was recommended in anterior lumbar inter-body fusion, while in posterolateral fusion, 20mg of BMP-2 or 3.5mg of BMP-7 for each side was recommended, with proper carrier according to the place where it was used. Conclusion BMP may be introduced to China for lumbar spine arthrodesis. Before it is applied extensively, further large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed. Meanwhile, more research is necessary to determine the proper dosage and preparation form for the dominant Chinese population.
