Objective
To review the progress of surgical treatment for the thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis.
Methods
The related literature of surgical treatment for the thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis was reviewed and analyzed from the aspects such as surgical approach, fixed segments, fusion ranges, bone graft, and bone graft material research progress.
Results
Most scholars prefer anterior or combined posterior approach for surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis because it possessed advantage of precise effectiveness. In recent years, a simple posterior surgery achieved satisfactory effectiveness. The fixation segments are mainly composed of short segments or intervertebral fixation. The interbody fusion is better for the bone graft fusion range and manner, and the bone graft materials is most satisfied with autologous iliac Cage or titanium Cage filled with autologous cancellous bone.
Conclusion
The perfect strategy for treating the thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis has not yet been developed, and the personalized therapy for different patients warrants further study.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical outcomes of extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis (MG) patients under different surgical approaches, and to determine the factors affecting the prognosis of MG. MethodsThe MG patients who underwent extended thymectomy from January 2014 to March 2021 in our hospital were retrospectively collected. According to the surgical approach, they were divided into a subxiphoid group and an intercostal group, and the perioperative results and prognosis were compared between the two groups. A “good outcome” was defined as complete stable remission (CSR), pharmacological remission (PR) or minimal manifestations state (MMS); a “poor outcome” was defined as outcomes worse than MMS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with the good outcomes. ResultsA total of 187 MG patients were included in the study, including 82 males and 105 females, with a median age of 50 (36, 60) years. There were 134 patients in the intercostal group and 53 patients in the subxiphoid group. Compared with the intercostal group, although the operation time of the subxiphoid group was longer [200.0 (172.0, 232.0) min vs. 141.0 (118.0, 169.0) min, P<0.001], the intraoperative blood loss was less [10.0 (10.0, 20.0) mL vs. 20.0 (10.0, 50.0) mL, P<0.001], the postoperative hospital stay was shorter [3.0 (2.5, 4.0) d vs. 5.0 (3.0, 7.0) d, P<0.001], and the incidence of complications was lower [1 (1.9%) vs. 26 (19.4%), P=0.001]. A total of 159 (85.0%) patients were followed up for a median period of 46 (13, 99) months, with a good outcome rate of 90.6% and CSR rate of 33.3%. There were no statistical differences in PR, MMS or overall good outcome rates between the two groups (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age≤50 years was an independent predictor for "good outcome" of MG patients. ConclusionExtended thymectomy via subxiphoid for MG is a safe, feasible and effective surgical approach.
ObjectiveTo summarize the advantages and disadvantages of different surgical approaches in thyroidectomy using the da Vinci robotic surgical system. MethodThe relevant to articles about da Vinci robotic thyroidectomy via different surgical approaches at home and abroad were retrieved and reviewed. ResultsThe robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy had a definite curative effect and was a mature technology. The bilateral axillary-breast approach thyroidectomy had a wide range of applications and was suitable for beginners. The robotic retroauricular approach thyroidectomy had great advantages in the dissection of lateral cervical lymph nodes. The transoral robotic thyroidectomy was a surgical approach that conformed to the minimally invasive concept. Conclusions Da Vinci robotic thyroidectomy via different surgical approaches has its corresponding application scope and advantages. Clinical surgeons should choose an optimal surgical approach according to the tumor location, size and number of patients and the advantages of the operator, so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of radical cure of tumors and reduction of injury.
Objective To explore decompression strategies for lateral lumbar spinal stenosis under unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) assistance. Methods A clinical data of 86 patients with lateral lumbar stenosis treated with UBE-assisted intervertebral decompression between September 2022 and December 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 44 females with an average age of 63.6 years (range, 45-79 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 to 14 months (mean, 8.5 months). Surgical levels included L2, 3 in 3 cases, L3, 4 in 26 cases, L4, 5 in 42 cases, and L5, S1 in 15 cases. According to Lee’s grading system, there were 21 cases of grade 1, 37 cases of grade 2, and 28 cases of grade 3 for lumbar spinal stenosis. Based on the location of stenosis and clinical symptoms, the 33 cases underwent interlaminar approach, 7 cases underwent interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, 26 cases underwent contralateral inclinatory approach, and 20 cases underwent paraspinal approach; then, the corresponding decompression procedures were performed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate lower back/leg pain before operation and at 1 and 3 months after operation, while Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate spinal function. At 3 months after operation, the effectiveness was evaluated using the modified MacNab evaluation criteria. The spinal stenosis and decompression were evaluated based on Lee’s grading system using lumbar MRI before operation and at 3 months after operation. ResultsAll procedures were successfully completed with mean operation time of 95.1 minutes (range, 57-166 minutes). Dural tears occurred in 2 cases treated with interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3-10 months (mean, 5.9 months). The clinical symptoms of the patients relieved to varying degrees. The VAS scores and ODI of lower back and leg pain at 1 and 3 months after operation significantly improved compared to preoperative levels (P<0.05), and the indicators at 3 months significantly improved than that at 1 month (P<0.05). According to the modified MacNab evaluation criteria, the effectiveness at 3 months after operation was rated as excellent in 52 cases, good in 21 cases, and poor in 13 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.9%. No lumbar instability was detected on flexion-extension X-ray films during follow-up. The Lee’s grading of lateral lumbar stenosis at 2 days after operation showed significant improvement compared to preoperative grading (P<0.05). ConclusionFor lateral lumbar spinal stenosis, UBE-assisted decompression of the spinal canal requires the selection of interlaminar approach, interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, contralateral inclinatory approach, and paraspinal approach based on preoperative imaging findings and clinical symptoms to achieve better effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical and radiographic results between primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) via mini-subvastus or conventional approach through a prospective randomized controlled study.MethodsNinety-four patients (104 knees) undergoing primary TKA between January 2011 and April 2012 were evaluated and randomly divided into 2 groups. Forty-six patients (52 knees) underwent TKA via conventional approach (conventional approach group), and 48 patients (52 knees) underwent TKA via mini-subvastus approach (mini-subvastus approach group). In these patients, 45 cases (51 knees) in conventional approach group and 45 cases (49 knees) in mini-subvastus approach group were followed up and recruited in the final analysis. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, sides, osteoarthritis grading, American Knee Society Score (KSS), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) of knee between 2 groups (P>0.05). The clinical indexes were recorded and analyzed, including the operation time, length of incision, total blood loss, blood transfusion after operation, hospital stay time, the time of performing straight leg raise, incision condition, VAS score, ROM of knee, HSS score, and KSS score, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), femoral anatomic axis and the femoral prosthesis joint angle (femoral angle), tibia anatomic axis and tibial prosthesis joint angle (tibial angle), femoral prosthesis flexion angle (FPFA), and posterior slope angle (PSA) of the tibial plateau.ResultsAll patients were followed up. The average follow-up time was 66.4 months (range, 60.0-72.5 months) in conventional approach group and 65.6 months (range, 60.0-71.2 months) in mini-subvastus approach group. Compared with the conventional approach group, the incision of mini-subvastus approach group shortened, the operation time prolonged, and the time when patients started straight leg raise exercises was earlier; showing significant differences between 2 groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in hospital stay time, total blood loss, and numbers of blood transfusion between 2 groups (P>0.05). The complication rate was 8.2% (4/49) in mini-subvastus approach group and 0 in conventional approach group, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.054). At 1 and 3 days, the VAS and the ROM of knee in mini-subvastus approach group were significantly better than those in conventional approach group (P<0.05); but there was no significant difference in above indexes between 2 groups at 14 day (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in HSS and KSS scores between 2 groups at the 1, 3, 6, 12 months and 3, 5 years (P>0.05). X-ray film showed no aseptic loosening in all cases. There was no significant difference in the measured values and incidence of abnormal patient of HKA, femoral angle, tibial angle, FPFA, and PSA at last follow-up between 2 groups (P>0.05).ConclusionTKA via mini-subvastus approach is helpful to the early function recovery of knee, but the long-term effectiveness is consistent with TKA via conventional approach. As the limited exposure, TKA via mini-subvastus spproach may has high risk of operative complications.
Objective To explore the clinical value of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) combined with laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) with multiple surgical approaches in the treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer. Methods The clinicopathologic data of 35 patients with critical resectable pancreatic head carcinoma admitted to the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University and the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received NAC before operation (AG protocol). At the end of the course of treatment, according to the type of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) [venous invasion type (BRPC-V type) and arterial invasion type (BRPC-A type)], take the individualized surgical approach for LPD (BRPC-V type: inferior mesenteric vein approach; BRPC-A type: left posterior approach, medial uncinate process approach, anterior approach, or lower mesocolon approach). The intraoperative condition, R0/R1 resection rate, lymph node dissection, postoperative complications, average hospital stay, recovery, follow-up and survival were recorded. Results① Efficacy evaluation of NAC: 13 patients were partially relieved , 17 patients were stable and 5 patients were progressive after 4 weeks of treatment. Five progressive patients continued to receive comprehensive internal medicine treatment, and the remaining 30 patients underwent LPD. ② Intraoperative situation: LPD were successfully completed in 30 patients, 2 patients underwent extended pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with superior mesenteric vein (or) portal vein reconstruction among them. Among the 30 patients with LPD, there were 10 cases of inferior mesenteric vein approach, 10 cases of left posterior approach, 6 cases of medial uncinate process approach, 1 case of left posterior approach+medial uncinate process approach, 2 cases of anterior approach, and 1 case of inferior mesocolon approach. The mean operative time was (379.4±77.3) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (436.9±95.1) mL. ③ Postoperative situation: The incidence rate of postoperative surgery-related complications was 33.3% (10/30), including 4 cases of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ [biliary fistula in 1 case (3.3%), A-grade pancreatic fistula in 1 case (3.3%), gastric draining dysfunction in 1 case (3.3%), diarrhea in 1 case (3.3%)], 5 cases of grade Ⅱ [pulmonary infection in 2 cases (6.6%), B-grade pancreatic fistula in 2 cases (6.6%), abdominal infection in 1 case (3.3%)], and 1 case of grade Ⅲ [gastroduodenal artery stump bleeding (3.3%)]. Among the 10 patients with complications, 9 cases recovered after symptomatic treatment, and 1 case died, with a fatality rate of 3.3% (1/30). The mean postoperative hospital stay was (17.3±5.5) days. ④ Excision rate and pathological results: R0 resection rate was 90.0% (9/10) in 10 patients with BR-PV type LPD, and R1 resection was performed in 1 patient. R0 resection rate was 75.0% (15/20) in 20 patients with BR-A type, and R1 resection was performed in 5 patients (2 patients with medial uncinate process approach; Left posterior approach in 2 cases; Submesocolon approach was used in 1 case). In 30 patients with LPD, the total R0 removal rate was 80.0% (24/30), the number of lymph nodes dissected was (11±5). Pathological type: There were 26 cases (86.7%) of ductal adenocarcinoma in 30 patients, 1 case of adeno-squamous carcinoma (3.3%), 1 case of mucinous carcinoma (3.3%), 2 cases of acinocytic cell carcinoma (6.7%). 23 cases (76.7%) of medium-high differentiation and 5 cases (16.6%) of low differentiation, two cases (6.7%) were undifferentiated. ⑤ Postoperative follow-up and survival: 30 patients were completely followed-up for 6-39 months, with a median follow-up time of 17 months. The median survival time of BRPC-V and BRPC-A patients was 24.0 months and 17.0 months, respectively. The overall survival rates of 30 patients at 1, 2 and 3 years after operation were 77.3%、46.5% and 13.7%, respectively. Conclusion The selection of preoperative NAC combined with individualized surgical approach for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer is beneficial to improve the radical resection rate and clinical therapeutic effect, and has good clinical application value.
Objective To review the research on different surgical approaches and MRI evaluation of total hip arthroplasty (THA), to clarify the possible muscle damage caused by different approaches, and to help clinicians avoid intraoperative muscle damage and identify the causes of certain muscle-related complications after operation. MethodsThe research literature on different surgical approaches and MRI evaluation of THA at home and abroad was extensively reviewed to summarize the MRI performance of the posterior approach, modified direct lateral approach, direct anterior approach, and minimally invasive anterolateral approach (also called Orthopadische Chirurgie Munchen approach). Results The traditional posterior approach mainly damages the short external rotator muscle group and increases the incidence of postoperative dislocation; the piriformis-keeping posterior approach significantly improves the quality of the pyriformis tendon in the postoperative period, but it may lead to damage to the intrapelvic portion of the piriformis muscle. The modified direct lateral approach mainly damages the gluteus medius muscle, which increases the risk of postoperative claudication. The direct anterior approach mainly damages the vastus tensoris muscle and may result in damage to the short external rotator muscle group and the muscles around the incision. The minimally invasive anterolateral approach primarily damages the superior gluteal nerve, which subsequently leads to denervation of the broad fascial tensor fasciae latae, and this approach may also result in injury to the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles. The muscle damage status significantly affects prognosis, and the minimally invasive approach is more suitable for elderly patients. ConclusionMRI can clarify the different types of muscle damage caused by different surgical approaches. Minimally invasive approaches can reduce muscle damage and improve postoperative function compared with traditional approaches, and can benefit elderly patients more, but due to the small field, forcing to expand the surgical field will lead to unintended muscle damage and reduce postoperative function.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of the extended Carlson approach in the treatment of lateral femoral condylar Hoffa fractures.MethodsThe clinical data of 17 patients with lateral femoral condyle Hoffa fractures between September 2012 and January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 10 males and 7 females, with a mean age of 43 years (range, 32-68 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 9 cases, by falling from height in 6 cases, and by the other mechanism in 2 cases. According to the Letenneur’s classification, there were 8 cases of typeⅠ, 6 cases of type Ⅱ, and 3 cases of type Ⅲ. The mean time from injury to operation was 7 days (range, 3-32 days). All patients were treated with extended Carlson approach. Patients with Letenneur types Ⅰ and Ⅲ were fixed by a posterior antigliding plate combined with headless compression screws from anteroposterior direction, and patients with Letenneur typeⅡ were fixed by headless compression screws from anteroposterior direction. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films, CT and three-dimensional reconstruction of the knee joint were taken after operation to assess fracture healing and position of the internal fixators. The knee function was evaluated according to Letenneur’s functional assessment system.ResultsAll patients were followed up 13-28 months (mean, 15 months). All the incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as fracture redisplacement, fracture nonunion, internal fixator fracture, and common peroneal nerve injury occurred. The mean time of fracture healing was 18 weeks (range, 16-32 weeks). At last follow-up, according to Letenneur’s functional assessment system, the knee function was excellent in 12 cases and good in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%.ConclusionThe extended Carlson approach for the treatment of lateral femoral condylar Hoffa fractures has the advantages of clear exposure, easy reduction and fixation, high fracture healing rate, few complications, and good recovery of knee joint function.
ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effectiveness and safety of unipedicular versus bipedicular percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) with posterior wall broken.MethodsThe clinical data of 68 patients with OVCF with posterior wall broken and without posterior ligament complex injury and spinal cord nerve injury between June 2013 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different operative approaches, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (36 cases received PKP via bilateral pedicle puncture) and group B (32 cases received PKP via unilateral pedicle paracentesis). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, fracture vertebra distribution, time from injury to operation, preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and height of injured vertebra (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and bone cement volume were recorded and compared between the two groups. The VAS score and ODI score were used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation, at 1 day and 6 months after operation; the height of injured vertebra was measured on the lateral X-ray film, and the recovery height of injured vertebra at 1 day after operation and the loss height of injured vertebra at 6 months after operation were calculated; the intraoperative and postoperative complications of the two groups were recorded.ResultsThe operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and bone cement volume of group B were significantly less than those of group A (P<0.05). All patients were followed up 10-35 months, with an average of 18 months. During the operation, there were 2 cases (5.56%) of cement leakage in group A and 9 cases (28.13%) in group B, showing significant difference (χ2=4.808, P=0.028). There was no adverse reactions of bone cement, iatrogenic spinal cord injury, infection of puncture port, or other complications in the two groups. During the follow-up period, there were 3 cases (8.3%) of adjacent vertebral fractures in group A and 2 cases (6.3%) in group B, showing no significant difference between the two groups (χ2=0.027, P=0.869). The height of injured vertebra of the two groups at 1 day and 6 months after operation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the height of injured vertebrae and the recovery height of injured vertebra at 1 day after operation between the two groups (P>0.05). However, at 6 months after operation, the height of injured vertebra in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (P<0.05), and the loss height of injured vertebra in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). The VAS score and ODI score at 1 day and 6 months after operation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in both groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionBoth bipedicular and unipedicular PKP can obtain satisfactory effectiveness for the treatment of OVCF with posterior wall broken, but the former may have advantages of lower cement leakage rate and less height loss.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness between paratricipital approach and chevron olecranon V osteotomy approach for the treatment of type C3 (AO/OTA) distal humeral fractures and investigate the details of operation.MethodsBetween April 2010 and September 2016, 36 type C3 (AO/OTA) distal humeral fractures were treated with open reduction and bicolumnar orthogonal locking plating fixation by paratricipital approach and chevron olecranon V osteotomy approach respectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups by approach, there were 17 cases in paratricipital group (group A) and the bicolumns and distal humeral joint surface were exposed by traction of triceps and olecranon, and the distal humeral joint surface of the 19 cases in chevron olecranon V osteotomy group (group B) were exposed by osteotomy of the olecranon and reversing of triceps. There was no significant difference in gender, age, dominant side, interval between injury and surgery, causes of injury between 2 groups (P>0.05). Patients were followed up, the postoperative range of motion of elbow joint, strength, pain, and stability in 2 groups were documented and compared; the elbow joint function was evaluated according to Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).ResultsThe operation time of group A [(115.0±10.4) minutes] was less than that of group B [(121.0±12.3) minutes], but there was no significant difference (t=–1.580, P=0.123). All patients in 2 groups got over 1 year follow-up and there was no significant difference of the follow-up time between 2 groups (t=–0.843, P=0.405). There was 1 case of heterotopic ossification in each group; 1 case of incision infection in group A and 1 case of incision superficial infection in group B, and were cured after 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics administration. There was no other operative complications in the 2 groups. At 3 months after operation, all the distal humerus healed. At last follow-up, the elbow flexion extension range of groups A and B were (102.0±12.6)° and (99.5±10.1)° respectively, showing no significant difference (t=–0.681, P=0.501). The MEPS scores of groups A and B were 82.9±7.3 and 81.3±7.2 respectively, showing no significant difference (t=0.670, P=0.507); and the evaluation grade also showed no significant difference between 2 groups (Z=–0.442, P=0.659).ConclusionBy paratricipital approach and proper traction of the olecranon, the distal humeral articular surface can be exposed in the operation of type C3 distal humeral fractures, followed with same stable fixation after reduction, the effectiveness is equal to by chevron olecranon V osteotomy approach.
