Objective To study the prevention and management of early compl ications associated with anterior cervical spinal surgery. Methods From November 1998 to December 2006, 363 cases were treated with anterior cervicalsurgery, including 268 males and 95 females aged 17-79 years．In these cases, 224 suffered from cervical spondylosis, 39 from cervical disc herniation, 87 from cervical trauma, 9 from cervical tumor and 4 from cervical tuberculosis. Forty-eight cases with anterior cervical surgery were fused by autogenous il iac bones, 132 cases with anterior cervical surgery were fused by autogenous il iac bones and anterior cervical spine locking plates, and 183 cases with anterior cervical surgery were fused by titanium mesh cage and anterior cervical spine locking plates. Results A total of 282 cases were followed up for 3 months to 5 years with the average of 1 year and 11 months. Twenty-three compl ications associated with surgery were found, with an incidence of 8.16%. Three cases of transient superior laryngeal nerve palsy recovered within 3-7 days after the restriction of l iquid diet and fluid replacement. Two cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy recovered by 3-month pronunciation practice. One case of spinal cord injury was treated with medicine for dehydration and anti-inflammation, and was restored to preoperative muscle power of inferior extremity after 6 months. Two cases of CSF leakage were cured with moderate local compression and meticulous water-tight wound closure. Among the 10 patients with compl ications of internal fixation, one suffering mild dysphagia was reoperated, while the others were treated with cephal-cervico-thorax plaster external fixation and recovered with sol id fusion within 3-18 months. Among the 4 cases with cervical hematoma, 1 died of wrong rescue procedures and 1 was infected. Conclusion Adequate preoperative preparation, thorough understanding of anatomy related to the anterior approach and skilled surgical technique are essential for preventing the early postoperative compl ications of anterior cervical spinal surgery．
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in anterior approach surgery for thoracolumbar fractures.MethodsFrom January 2017 to January 2020, a total of 68 thoracolumbar fracture patients undergoing anterior approach surgery were included and randomly divided into TXA group (n=33) and control group (n=35). Patients in the TXA group were given a dose of 15 mg/kg of TXA by intravenous infusion during 30 min before skin incision and an additional 15 mg/kg of TXA intravenously at 8 h after the first infusion, while the ones in the control group were given 15 mg/kg of normal saline at the same time. Basic data of the patients were collected. The hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, coagulation and fibrinolysis indexes of the patients were monitored preoperatively, 24-hour postoperatively, and 72-hour postoperatively. The intraoperative blood loss and wound drainage of the patients were recorded. The incidence of blood transfusion and thrombotic events were collected. Statistical analysis was performed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, sex, body mass index, operation time, fracture location distribution, anesthesia classification of American Society of Anesthesiologists, neurologic grade of American Spinal Injury Association, injury time, or length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the total blood loss [(1 398.49±312.24) vs. (1 642.30±357.78) mL, P=0.003], intraoperative blood loss [(432.83±74.76) vs. (486.31±86.51) mL, P=0.008], and wound drainage [(276.73±89.42) vs. (389.24±125.71) mL, P<0.001] in the TXA group reduced. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in the preoperative hemoglobin or hematocrit (P>0.05), but the 24-hour postoperative hemoglobin concentration [(112.67±20.59) vs. (102.64±19.41) g/L, P=0.042] and hematocrit [(32.25±4.12)% vs. (30.13±4.28)%, P=0.042] in the TXA group were higher than those in the control group. The incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion in the TXA group was lower than that in the control group (6.1% vs. 25.7%, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative, 24-hour postoperative, or 72-hour postoperative prothrombin time, international standardized ratio, activated partial prothrombin time, platelet count, fibrinogen, d-dimer, or fibrinogen degradation products between the two groups (P>0.05), and no thrombotic complications were found.ConclusionTXA has good efficacy and safety in the anterior approach surgery for thoracolumbar fractures.
OBJECTIVE: To discuss the value of anterior operation in fracture-dislocation of connect of cervical vertebrae and thoracic vertebrae. METHODS: From 1997, 21 patients with fracture-dislocation of connect of cervical vertebra and thoracic vertebrae were operated on. The interval between injury and operation was within 24 hours in 4 cases, 2-7 days in 9 cases, 8-14 days in 3 cases and within 4 weeks in 5 cases. The locations were C6,7 in 7 cases, C7 in 9 cases and T1 in 5 cases. The nerves function of spinal of all the cases have different degrees of injury. Classification of Frankel were the following: 3 cases of grade A, 6 cases of grade B, 9 cases of grade C, and 3 cases of grade D. The operative procedure included the following: anterior operation of cervical vertebrae; incision of most fracture vertebral body to decompress; transplantation of ilium bone grafting fusion; and internal fixation of anterior cervical vertebrae with locking-steel. RESULTS: In 21 patients, 1 died of accompanying by pulmonary infection; 20 were followed up 8 months to 3 years with an average of 21 months. All transplanted ilium had fused. The nerve function of spinal cord had recovered in different degrees(2 cases of grade A, 1 case of grade C, 9 cases of grade D and 8 cases of grade E); the turn of vertebral column was normal. No internal fixation failed. CONCLUSION: Anterior operation is a better way to treat fracture-dislocation of connect of cervical vertebrae and thoracic vertebrae with easy operation, less complications, satisfactory reduction of fracture and good stability.
目的:探讨早期护理干预对颈椎前路手术患者康复的影响。方法:选择颈椎前路手术患者66 例。分为实验组33例和对照组33例,实验组实施系统的早期护理干预活动指导,对照组进行常规护理,比较两组术后卧床时间、住院天数、术后并发症及术后生活质量。结果:实验组卧床时间及住院天数、术后并发症发生率均低于对照组 (Plt;0.05), 生活质量优于对照组 (Plt;0.05)。结论:早期护理干预有利于颈椎前路手术患者术后恢复
Objective To explore an improved surgical approach to the superior posterior partial resection of the fractured vertebral body followed by the single segmental fusion to treat lumbar burst fracture and to evaluate its preliminary clinical application. Methods From June to October 2006, 4 patients (2 males, 2 females; age, 17-39 years) with Denis B type lumbar burst fracture underwent the superior posterior partial resection of the fractured vertebral body followed by the single segmental fusion. The fracture occurred in 2 patients at L1 and 2 at L2. According to the Frankel scales assessment, before operation, 2patients were at Grade B and the other 2 at Grade C, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) was 7.00±0.82. Radiological evaluation was performed, which revealed the kyphosis Cobb angel of 22.94±11.21°, the adjacent superior and the inferiorintervertebal disc heights of 12.78±1.52 mm and 11.68±1.04 mm, espectively, and the vertebral canal sagittal diameter of 9.56±2.27 mm on the computer tomography (CT) scan. The neurological and the radiological evaluations were also made immediately and 3 months after operation. Results The anterior single segmental decompression and fusion operations were performed successfully in all the patients. The average operating time was 166±29 min and the average amount of blood loss was 395± 54 ml. The Frankel scales assessment showed that at the time immediately after operation, one of the 2 Grade B patients had an improvement to Grade C, but the other patient had no improvement. One of the 2 Grade C patientshad an improvement to Grade D, but the other patient had no improvement. Three months after operation, the 2 Grade B patients had an improvement to Grade C. The 2 grade C patients had an improvement to Grade D or E. The VAS score was significantly decreased to 3.50±1.29 after operation and to 1.25±0.50 3 months later （P＜0.05）. The vertebral canal sagittal diameter was significantly increased to 19.76±3.82 mm (Plt;0.01), but it was maintained to 19.27±3.41 mm3 months later, with no significant difference（Pgt;0.05）. The patients’ kyphosis Cobb angle was significantly improved to 8.71±5.41° (P＜0.05) , but it was maintained to 9.52±5.66° 3 months later, with no significant difference（Pgt;0.05）. The heights of the adjacent discs remained unchanged. No complication was observedduring and after operation, and the radiological and the CT scanning evaluations 3 months later showed no failure of the internal fixation. Conclusion The superior and posterior partial resection of the fractured vertebral body followedby the single segmental fusion can effectively decompress the vertebral canal and maintain the spine stability in treatment of the Denis B type fracture thoughthe longterm effectiveness requires a further follow-up.
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.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of stage I anterior approach debridement and autologous iliac crest graft with single self-locked titanium plate internal fixation for the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis. MethodsSeven cases of lumbosacral tuberculosis were treated by stage I anterior approach debridement, autologous iliac crest graft, and single self-locked titanium plate internal fixation between February 2010 and October 2014. There were 5 males and 2 females, aged 18-65 years (mean, 41.6 years). The disease duration was 5-21 months (mean, 8 months). The patients had signs and symptoms of pain in lumbosacral region, radiating pain in unilateral lower limb or bilateral lower limbs, decreased muscular strength and disorders of superficial sensation. According to Frankel classification for spinal injury, 1 case was rated as grade C, 3 cases as grade D, and 3 cases as grade E. Preoperative imaging examination suggested L5, S1 lesions in line with the manifestations of tuberculosis; the lumbosacral angle was 16.4-28.5° (mean, 18.6°). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 28-105 mm/1 hour (mean, 61 mm/1 hour). All patients received 4-drug antituberculosis therapy. ResultsAll patients underwent the operation successfully and all incisions healed at stage I, without relevant complication. All patients were followed up 14-70 months (mean, 25.6 months). All symptoms of tuberculosis disappeared and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate returned to normal. At last follow-up, Frankel classification was returned to E from D in 3 cases, returned to D from C in 1 case. Two cases suffered from pains in the lumbosacral region and at the donor site, 1 case suffered from upper abdominal discomfort and poor appetite,but these symptoms disappeared after symptomatic treatment. At last follow-up, X-ray examination indicated that the lumbosacral angle was 23.4-34.2° (mean, 28.6°). According to Bridwell criteria, 5 cases gained grade I bone fusion, and 2 cases gained grade II bone fusion, without migration of bone graft, or loosening or breakage of titanium plate or bolt. ConclusionStage I anterior approach debridement and autologous iliac crest graft with single self-locked titanium plate internal fixation is safe and effective in treating lumbosacral tuberculosis. It can achieve good bone fusion and stable lumbosacral stability, and maintain good deformity correction.
Objective To explore the anatomic basis for theanterior approach screw fixation through the C2 vertebral body into the C1 lateral mass and toinvestigate its primary clinical application. Methods Twenty-one adult corpse specimens were anatomically measured. The minimum lateral angle α, the maximum lateral angle β, and the maximum posterior angle γ were calculated based on the data from the anatomic measurement. All the specimens were given an X-ray examination, the minimum lateral angle α, the maximum lateral angle β, and the maximum posterior angle γ were measured. The statistical analysis was made on the data obtained from the calculation in the specimens and the measurement in the X-ray films. The simulation of the approach was made onthe specimen. From October 2004 to July 2006, the simulated approach was used in 5 patients (3 males, 2 females; age, 30-55 years; illness course, 3 months-2 years) with the old atlanto-axial joint dislocation . The Frankel grading system revealed the spinal cord injury degree as follows: 1 patientwas in Grade B, 2 in Grade C, and 2 in Grade D. All the patients were treated with this surgical approach. The postoperative X-ray and CT examinations were performed. Results Angle α was 14.0±1.6°, β was 30.0±2.3°, γ was 29.0±2.9°. No significant difference existed between the angles calculated in the specimens and measured in the X-ray films (Pgt;0.05). The angles for the practical application during operation were as follows: α was 11.2±1.6°, β was 28.8±2.3°, and γ was 29.3±2.9°. The follow-up for an average of 14 months revealed that 1 patient recovered to Grade C, 1 to Grade D2, and 3 to Grade D3 in the spinal cord function according the modified Frankel grading system.Conclusion The anterior approach screw fixation through the C2 vertebral body into the C1 lateral massis feasible and safe in treatment of the old atlantoaxial joint dislocation ifthe screw insertion is exact in direction. This technique only makes the atlas temporarily stable, and so the posterior bone graft should be added into the atlantoaxial joint immediately in the one- or two-stage operation so as to achieve a long-lasting stability.
With the continuous deepening of the practice related to the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery, patients with cervical spondylosis have higher expectations and requirements for postoperative rehabilitation. In order to improve the rehabilitation of patients with cervical spondylosis, and increase patient satisfaction, the orthopedics team of West China Hospital of Sichuan University has formulated a program for early ambulation after anterior cervical spine surgery based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery. This article introduces the program from the definition, background, feasibility, significance, and specific content of early ambulation for patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery, and aims to provide experience and reference for future clinical practice.