ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-term effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in treatment of buttock pain associated with lumbar disc herniation.MethodsBetween June 2015 and May 2016, 36 patients with buttock pain associated with lumbar disc herniation were treated with PELD. Of 36 cases, 26 were male and 10 were female, aged from 18 to 76 years (mean, 35.6 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 months to 10 years (mean, 14 months). The location of the pain was buttock in 2 cases, buttock and thigh in 6 cases, buttock and the ipsilateral lower extremity in 28 cases. Thirty-four patients had single-level lumbar disc herniation, and the involved segments were L4, 5 in 15 cases and L5, S1 in 19 cases; 2 cases had lumbar disc herniation at both L4, 5 and L5, S1. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of buttock pain was 6.1±1.3. VAS score was used to evaluate the degree of buttock pain at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and last follow-up postoperatively. The clinical outcome was assessed by the modified MacNab criteria at last follow-up.ResultsAll patients were successfully operated and the operation time was 27-91 minutes (mean, 51 minutes). There was no nerve root injury, dural tear, hematoma formation, or other serious complications. The hospitalization time was 3-8 days (mean, 5.3 days). All incisions healed well and no infection occurred. Patients were followed up 12-24 months (median, 16 months). MRI examination results showed that the dural sac and nerve root compression were sufficiently relieved at 3 months after operation. Patients obtained pain relief after operation. The postoperative VAS scores of buttock pain at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and last follow-up were 1.1±0.6, 0.9±0.3, 1.0±0.3, and 0.9±0.4 respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative VAS scores (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score between the different time points after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, according to the modifed MacNab criteria, the results were excellent in 27 cases, good in 9 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 94.4%.ConclusionPELD can achieve satisfactory short-term results in the treatment of buttock pain associated with lumbar disc herniation and it is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical technique.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of microscope assisted anterior lumbar discectomy and fusion (ALDF) and mobile microendoscopic discectomy assisted lumbar interbody fusion (MMED-LIF) for lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods A clinical data of 163 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who met the criteria between January 2018 and December 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-three cases were treated with microscope assisted ALDF (ALDF group) and 110 cases with MMED-LIF (MMED-LIF group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, disease type, surgical segments, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), intervertebral space height, lordosis angle, and spondylolisthesis rate of the patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay of the two groups were recorded. The effectiveness was evaluated by VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI. Postoperative lumbar X-ray films were taken to observe the position of Cage and measure the intervertebral space height, lordosis angle, and spondylolisthesis rate of the patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. Results The operations were successfully completed in both groups. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay in ALDF group were less than those in MMED-LIF group (P<0.05). The patients in both groups were followed up 12-36 months, with an average of 24 months. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI after operation were lower than those before operation in the two groups, and showed a continuous downward trend, with significant differences between different time points (P<0.05). There were significant differences between two groups in VAS score of low back pain and ODI (P<0.05) and no significant difference in VAS score of leg pain (P>0.05) at each time point. The improvement rates of VAS score of low back pain and ODI in ALDF group were significantly higher than those in MMED-LIF group (t=7.187, P=0.000; t=2.716, P=0.007), but there was no significant difference in the improvement rate of VAS score of leg pain (t=0.556, P=0.579). The postoperative lumbar X-ray films showed the significant recovery of the intervertebral space height, lordosis angle, and spondylolisthesis rate at 2 days after operation when compared with preoperation (P<0.05), and the improvements were maintained until last follow-up (P>0.05). The improvement rates of intervertebral space height and lordosis angle in ALDF group were significantly higher than those in MMED-LIF group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the reduction rate of spondylolisthesis between the two groups (t=1.396, P=0.167). During follow-up, there was no loosening or breakage of the implant and no displacement or sinking of the Cage. Conclusion Under appropriate indications, microscope assisted ALDF and MMED-LIF both can achieve good results for lumbar degenerative diseases. Microscope assisted ALDF was superior to MMED-LIF in the improvement of low back pain and function and the recovery of intervertebral space height and lordosis angle.
Objective To compare microsurgery lumbar discectomy (MSLD) via posterior approach with traditional open discectomy by fenestration for single-level lumbar disc protrusion in terms of methodology and therapeutic effect. Methods From January 2001 to January 2008, 230 patients with single-level lumbar disc protrusion were randomized into two groups. In group A, 114 patients underwent MSLD, including 77 males and 37 females aged 15-76 years old (average 41 years old); the duration of the disease ranged from 6 months to 28 years (average 51 months); the lumbar disc protrusion involved L4,5 level in 52 cases, and L5 - S1 level in 62 cases; there were 50 cases of lumbar disc protrusion on the left side, 54 onthe right side, and 10 of the central type; preoperative JOA score was 6-18 points (average 11.8 points). In group B, 116 patients underwent traditional posterior open discectomy by fenestration, including 78 males and 38 females aged 14-78 years old (average 42 years old); the duration of the disease ranged from 8 months to 26 years (average 52 months); the lumbar disc protrusion involved L4,5 level in 56 cases, and L5 - S1 level in 60 cases; there were 53 cases of lumbar disc protrusion on the left side, 52 on the right side, and 11 of the central type; preoperative JOA score was 5-19 points (average 12.3 points). No significant difference was evident between two groups in terms of general information (P gt; 0.01). Parameters of operative time, volume of blood loss during operation, length of operative incision, length of hospital stay after operation, and total medical cost of single disease were analyzed. Therapeutic effect was assessed by postoperative JOA score during follow-up period. Results The operative time was (40 ± 9) minutes in group A and (47 ± 11) minutes in group B. The volume of blood loss during operation was (26 ± 5) mL in group A and (60 ± 6) mL in group B. The length of operative incision was (2.6 ± 0.8) cm in group A and (5.6 ± 0.5) cm in group B. The length of hospital stay after operation was (4.0 ± 2.6) days in group A and (8.0 ± 2.9) days in group B. The total medical cost of single disease was (5 500 ± 1 800) ￥ in group A and (6 300 ± 1 500) ￥ in group B. Significant difference was evident between two groups in terms of the above parameters (P lt; 0.01). The incisions in two groups all healed by first intention.No compl ications such as wrong orientation, nerve root injury, cauda equina injury, and infection occurred. The follow-upperiod was 12-37 months (average 26 months) for 102 patients of group A and 12-35 months (average 24 months) for 98 patients of group B. The JOA score 12 months after operation was 21-28 points (average 24.8 points) in group A and 22-27 points (average 25.2 points) in group B, showing a significant difference when compared with preoperative score (P lt; 0.01), and no significant difference between two groups (P gt; 0.01). Conclusion Two methods have similar cl inical outcomes, but MSLD has merits of minimal invasion, less blood loss, shorter operative time, shorter length of hospital stay, and lower medical cost. It is one of ideal minimally invasive operations for single-level lumbar disc protrusion．
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a Zero-profile interbody fusion and fixation device (Zero-P) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
MethodsBetween April 2011 and September 2013, 26 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with the Zero-P. Of 26 cases, 12 were male and 14 were female, aged 43-82 years (mean, 58.3 years). The disease duration was from 3 months to 10 years (mean, 5.9 years). The involved segments included C3,4 in 5 cases, C4,5 in 3 cases, C5,6 in 6 cases, and C6,7 in 12 cases. The clinical outcome was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) score before operation and after operation.
ResultsThe operations were successful and the operation time was 75-140 minutes (mean, 105 minutes); and blood loss was 20-150 mL (mean, 45 mL). There was no complications of infection, neural injury, esophageal fistula, prevertebral hematoma, or leakage of cerebrospinal. Dysphagia occurred in 1 case within 1 week after operation,and disappeared after 1 month. All patients were followed up for an average of 15.3 months (range, 12-18 months). The clinical symptoms were relieved after operation. During follow-up, no implant displacement or subsidence, screw breakage, and cervical instability were observed. At 3 and 12 months after operation, the VAS score and NDI reduced significantly (P<0.05); the JOA score increased significantly (P<0.05); and the intervertebral space height and the cervical Cobb angle improved significantly (P<0.05). But there was no significantly difference between at 3 and 12 months (P>0.05). According to JOA evaluation, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 92.3% at last follow-up.
ConclusionThe clinical outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a Zero-P is satisfactory and reliable in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. It can restore the cervical physiological curve and the intervertebral space height and decrease the incidence of postoperative dysphagia.
Objective To elucidate the relationship between preoperative C7 slope (C7S) and sagittal parameters in anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) by imaging. Methods A retrospective analysis of 54 patients (24 males and 30 females) with ACDF for cervical spondylosis between January 2012 and January 2017 was performed. The age ranged from 23 to 71 years (mean, 46.6 years). There were 29 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and 25 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 48 months, with an average of 16.8 months. In the 55 patients, 44 were single-segment ACDF and 10 were double-segment ACDF. Sagittal parameters of cervical spine were measured on cervical X-ray films before operation and at last follow-up, including C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA), C7S, and segment Cobb angle (SCobb), and the changes of C2-7 Cobb angle (the difference between the last follow-up and the preoperative angle) were calculated. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the parameters before operation and at last follow-up. According to the preoperative median value of C7S (15°), the patients were divided into group A (C7S<15°) and group B (C7S≥15°). The sagittal parameters before and after operation were compared between the two groups. Results All the 54 patients were followed up 6-45 months (mean, 15.5 months). At last follow-up, C7S, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, and SCobb angle were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the preoperative C7S and SCobb angles were significantly correlated with C2-7 Cobb angle and C2-7 SVA (P<0.05), but there was no significant correlation between C7S and SCobb angle (r=0.049, P=0.724). There was a significant correlation between C7S, C2-7 Cobb angle, and SCobb angle at last follow-up (P<0.05), but there was no significant correlation between C7S and SCobb angles and C2-7 SVA (P>0.05). According to the median value of preoperative C7S, 28 patients in group A had C7S of (11.82±3.60)°, while 26 patients in group B had C7S of (20.77±4.09)°. There was no significant difference in gender and age between the two groups (P>0.05). The preoperative C2-7 Cobb angle and C2-7 SVA in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between preoperative SCobb angle and group B (t=0.234, P=0.816). There were no significant differences in C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, and SCobb angle between group A and group B at last follow-up (P>0.05). However, the change of C2-7 Cobb angle in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (t=2.321, P=0.024). Conclusion Preoperative C7S≥15° group has more physiological lordosis before operation, but its postoperative cervical curvature changes less, while ACDF is more conducive to correct the preoperative C7S<15 ° cervical curvature.
To evaluate the effectiveness of interrupt percutaneous endoscopy lumbar discectomy (PELD) through interlaminar approach for L5, S1 disc protrusion. Methods Between November 2006 and August 2010, 115 patients with L5, S1 disc protrusion were treated, including 79 males and 36 females with an average age of 38 years (range, 14-79 years). All patients showed the dominated symptom of the S1 nerve root. The working channel was establ ished by puncturing through interlaminar approach under the local anesthesia. After the needle was used to make sure no nerve root or dural sac on working face, the disc tissue was excised directly by bl ind sight. Then the nerve root decompression was observed through the endoscope. In patients with free type, fragment compression was observed through the endoscope, and the disc tissue around the nerve roots was removed, then the free disc tissue around intervertebral space was excised. Results One patient who failed to puncture changed to miniopen discectomy; 3 patients who failed changed to post lateral approach; and the others underwent interrupt PELD through interlaminar approach. Eighty patients were followed up 18 months on average (range, 12-36 months). The average Oswestry Disabil ity Index (ODI) was reduced to 13% ± 5% at 12 months after operation and to 12% ± 8% at last follow- up from 73% ± 12% at preoperation, showing significant differences (P lt; 0.01). According to modified Macnab ,s criterion, the results were excellent in 59 cases, good in 15 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 3 cases at last follow-up, and the excellent and good rate was 92.5%. Conclusion For the treatment of disc protrusion at the L5, S1 level, interrupt PELD through interlaminar approach should be ideal with short operation time, small trauma, and quick recovery.
To compare and evaluate the whole effect of anterior decompression approach to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy by using cervical retractor systems and the traditional surgical approach. Methods From April 2001 to August 2004, group A included 30 males and 23 females aging from 31 to 69 years, and the involved time was from 7 months to 15 years. Involved segments included 22 one-segments, 24 two-segments and 7 three-segments. In all 53 cases, anterior windowing decompression and fusion with autograft and titanium plate internal fixation by using traditionalcircular saw were performed. Group B included 48 males and 20 females aging from 33 to 74 years, and the involved time was from 5 months to 18 years. Involved segments included 23 one-segments, 34 two-segments and 11 three-segments. In all 68 cases, anterior undermined far-reaching decompression and fusion with autograft and titanium plate internal fixation by using removing disc merely in the single-level or separately in the multilevels employing self-retractor and Caspar cervical retractor systems via interspinal approach were performed. X-rays and MRI showed cervical disc degeneration, herniation and spinal cord compression. The surgery time, loss of blood, vertebral body fusion time, difference in height of involved segments preor postoperatively and compl ications were counted up and compared between the two groups. Improvement rate of spinal function pre- or postoperatively were valued by using JOA score. Results A total of 92 cases including 42 of group A and 50 of group B were followed up for 3 to 5 years, mean 3.5 years. In group A, surgery time, loss of blood, time of vertebral body fusion, difference in height of involved segments pre- or postoperatively, and improvement ratio of spinal function were(76.80 ± 28.41) min,(564.00 ± 181.96) mL,(12.10 ± 3.58) weeks, (1.30 ± 0.67) mm and 0.49% ± 0.14%, respectively. In group B, they were(57.90 ± 15.01) min,(317.50 ± 136.92) mL,(9.75 ± 1.36) weeks, (3.00 ± 0.56) mm and 0.71% ± 0.17% , respectively. The differences between the two groups were significant in all measured values(P lt; 0.05). Compl ications occurred in 7 cases ofgroup A including 1 spinal cord injury, 1 plate displacement, 1 bonegraft displacement and 4 disfunctions of il iac region. No compl ication happened in group B. Conclusion Anterior decompression approach using cervical retractor systems is significantly superior to the traditional approach as to the whole effect to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and furtherperfects the traditional anterior decompression approach. The modified approach is scientific, safe and easily spread.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) and interlaminar fenestration discectomy in the treatment of lumbar (L) 5-Sacral (S) 1 lumbar disc herniation (LDH).MethodsLDH patients were retrospectively included from January 2016 to Januray 2018. And the patients were divided into the PEID group and the fenestration group according to their choice of different surgical methods. The operation time, intra-operative blood loss, and bed rest time in the two groups were recorded. The preoperative and postoperative [1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and last follow-up (>12 months)] Visual Analogue Score (VAS) of the lumbago and leg pain between the two groups were compared; the preoperative and postoperative [1 week, and last follow-up (>12 months)] Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and also the postoperative [(>12 months)] therapeutic effect (modified MacNab) between the two groups were compared.ResultsA total of 66 patients were included, with 31 in the PEID group and 35 in the fenestration group. There was no significant difference in age, gender and course of disease between the two groups (P>0.05). There were leakage of cerebrospinal fluid and transient lumbago, leg pain and numbness, which were worse than those before operation in the PEID group (1 and 1 patient, respectively) and the fenestration group (2 and 3 patients, respectively). There were statistically significant differences between the PEID group and the fenestration group, in the operative time [(90.65±9.98) vs. (66.23±16.50) minutes], intra-operative blood loss [(51.77±18.64) vs. (184.29±78.38) mL], and bed time [(2.87±0.92) vs. (7.49±1.20) d] (t=?7.365, t’=?9.697, t=?17.374, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the preoperative VAS score (lumbar-leg pain) and ODI index, and the ODI index at each postoperative time point, between the two groups (P>0.05). VAS score (lumbago) and VAS score (leg pain) in the PEID group at each postoperative time point were lower than those in the fenestration group (P<0.05); VAS scores (leg pain) at other time points were not statistically significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). VAS (lumbar-leg pain) score and ODI index at each postoperative time point were lower than those before the surgery. The was no statistically significant difference in the PEID group (90.32%) and fenestration group (85.71%) in the excellent rate (χ2=0.328, P=0.713).ConclusionsPEID has less surgical trauma, less bleeding, short bed rest, fast recovery, and better relief of postoperative lumbago symptoms. It is worthy of further promotion in clinical work.
ObjectiveTo compare differences in the maintenance of cervical curvature after anterior cervical surgery between zero-profile and self-locking intervertebral cage and plate-cage construct (PCC).MethodsA clinical data of 100 patients with single-segment cervical disc herniation who were treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were retrospectively analyzed between January 2015 and January 2016. Among them, 50 patients were treated with the zero-profile and self-locking intervertebral cage (group A) and 50 patients with the PCC (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, bone mineral density, disease duration, operative segment, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, C2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The postoperative VAS and JOA scores were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The C2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height were measured on lateral X-ray films, and the interbody fusion was evaluated according to Pitzen’s criteria.ResultsThe operation time in group A was significantly shorter than that in group B (t=2.442, P=0.021), but there was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (t=0.812, P=0.403). All patients were followed up 24-36 months, with an average of 28.5 months. According to Pitzen’s criteria for cervical interbody fusion, bone fusion achieved in both groups. The VAS score, JOA score, C2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height of the two groups at 1 and 24 months after operation were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The C2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height of group A at 24 months changed significantly compared with those at 1 month (P<0.05). The other indexes of the two groups showed no significant difference between the different time points after operation (P>0.05). There were significant differences in C2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height between the two groups at 24 months after operation (P<0.05); but there was no significant difference in the clinical indexes at 1 and 24 months and the imaging indexes at 1 month between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionCompared with the PCC, the zero-profile and self-locking intervertebral cage can significantly shorten the operation time and obtain the same clinical efficacy, but the intervertebral height loss and secondary cervical curvature change after operation is more serious.
Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by using zero-profile anchored cage (ZAC) in treatment of consecutive three-level cervical spondylosis, by comparing with plate-cage construct (PCC). Methods A clinical data of 65 patients with cervical spondylosis admitted between January 2020 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. During consecutive three-level ACDF, 35 patients were fixed with ZAC (ZAC group) and 30 patients with PCC (PCC group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05), including gender, age, body mass index, surgical segment, preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, prevertebral soft tissue thickness (PSTT), cervical lordosis, and surgical segmental angle. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, clinical indicators (JOA score, NDI, VAS score), and radiological indicators (cervical lordosis, surgical segmental angle, implant subsidence, surgical segment fusion, and adjacent segment degeneration), and the postoperative complications [swelling of the neck (PSTT), dysphagia] were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results Patients in both groups were followed up 24-39 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up duration between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were lower in ZAC group than in PCC group, and the length of hospital stay was longer, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). At each time point after operation, both groups showed significant improvements in JOA score, VAS score, and NDI compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). Both groups showed an increase in PSTT at 3 days and 3, 6 months after operation compared to preoperative levels (P<0.05), but returned to preoperative levels at last follow-up (P>0.05). The PSTT at 3 days and 3 months after operation were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 6 months and at last follow-up (P>0.05). The incidences of dysphagia at 3 days and 3 months were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed at 6 months and last follow-up between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no postoperative complication in both groups including hoarseness, esophageal injury, cough, or hematoma. Both groups showed improvement in cervical lordosis and surgical segmental angle compared to preoperative levels, with a trend of loss during follow-up. The cervical lordosis loss and surgical segmental angle loss were significantly more in the ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05). The incidence of implante subsidence was significantly higher in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the ZAC group and PCC group in the incidences of surgical segment fusion and adjacent segment degeneration (P>0.05). ConclusionIn consecutive three-level ACDF, both ZAC and PCC can achieve satisfactory effectiveness. The former can reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia, while the latter can better maintain cervical curvature and reduce the incidence of implant subsidence.
