To probe the etiopathogenisis of adjacent-segment disease by analyzing the imageology data and cl inical neurological function in patients with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) harvested by long-term follow-up. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 52 patients who had undergone ACDF with perfect documents from January 1990 to April 2003. Of the patients, 45 were males and 7 were females with a mean age of 48.5 years (range from 25 to 72 years). There was the fusion of 10 one-levels, 38 two-levels and 4 three-levels. The cervical anterior-posterior and lateral X-ray, CT and MRI examination were performed before the operation. Cl inical neurological function was recorded by the Nurick score, and this score at 6 weeks after the operation was compared with the later follow-up. In the radiological examination, the motion of adjacent vertebrae and osteophyte formation were reviewed on X-ray and CT, and were converted to the semi-quantitative degeneration score according to the Goffin method. The correlation between Nurick score or degeneration score and the age at operation or fusion levels was compared by Spearman correlation coefficients. The cervical canal sizes of adjacent level and remote level on MRI were reviewed and compared with each other by t test. Results The follow-up period was 3 to 10 years, 6.9 years on average. There was difference in the Nurick score between the 6th week after operation (1.07 ± 0.84) and the later follow up (1.92 ± 1.28) by rank test (P lt; 0.05). There was no correlation between the Nurick score change and the age at operation (r = 0.21, P gt; 0.05) or fused levels(r = 0.30, P gt; 0.05) by Spearman correlation coefficients. There was obvious difference in degeneration score between the 6th week after operation (0.73 ± 0.67) and the later follow up (1.58 ± 1.06), (P lt; 0.01). There was no correlation between the degeneration score change and the age at operation (r = 0.35, P gt; 0.05) or fusion levels (r = 0.38, P gt; 0.05) by Spearman correlation coefficients. The cervical canal size reductions were (1.7 ± 1.1) mm at superioradjacent level, (1.2 ± 0.6) mm at inferior adjacent level and (0.30 ± 0.68) mm at remote level. There was obvious difference between superior or inferior and remote level by t test (P lt; 0.01). The adjacent level developed prominent degeneration together with nerve function change after the fusion operation and displayed correlation between degeneration and nerve function change(r = 0.41, P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The adjacent-segment disease after interbody fusion is produced by multiple factors. The natural progression in adjacent disc, biomechanical natural change resulting from interbody fusion, destruction to l igament structure in front of cervical vertebrae by operation, and bone graft model are important factors not to be ignored.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of surgical treatment for single-level degenerative lumbar instabil ity (DLI) by comparing traditional open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with minimally invasive TLIF. Methods Between March 2007 and May 2009，87 patients with single-level DLI were treated by traditional open TLIF (group A, n=45) and by minimally invasive TLIF (group B, n=42), respectively. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, segment level, combined diseases of lumbar spine, or the proportion of uni- and bilateral symptom between 2groups (P gt; 0.05). The indexes of surgical trauma，systemic inflammatory response, cl inical outcomes, and aravertebral muscle injury were compared between 2 groups. Results Operation was performed successfully in all patients. The patients were followed up 2.9 years on average in group A and 2.8 years on average in group B. The incision, blood loss, and postoperative drainage in group B were significantly less than those in group A (P lt; 0.05), but the operation time in group B was significantly longer than that in group A (P lt; 0.05). There were significant differences (P lt; 0.05) in C-reactive protein, leucocyte count, and creatine kinase MM between 2 groups at 24 hours postoperatively as well as in C-reactive protein at 6 days postoperatively; group B was superior to group A. At last follow-up, the Oswestry disabil ity index (ODI) and visual analogue score (VAS) were significantly improved when compared with the preoperative scores in 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). There were significant differences in ODI and back pain VAS score (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference in leg pain VAS score (P gt; 0.05) between 2 groups. At last follow-up, no low back pain occurred in 8 and 18 cases, mild in 25 and 18 cases, moderate in 9 and 6 cases, and severe in 3 and 0 cases in groups A and B, respectively, showing that low back pain was significantly l ighter in group B than in group A (Z= —2.574, P=0.010). At last follow-up, the atrophy ratio of multifidus muscle was 37% ± 13% in group A and was 15% ± 7% in group B, showing significant difference (t=12.674, P=0.000). The multifidus muscle atrophy was rated as grade I in 18 and 44 sides, as grade II in 42 and 32 sides, and as grade III in 30 and 8 sides in groups A and B, respectively, showing significant difference (Z= — 4.947, P=0.000). Conclusion Both traditional open TLIF and minimally invasive TLIF are the effective treatments for single-level DLI. Minimally invasive TLIF has less surgical trauma, sl ighter postoperative systemic inflammatory response, less paravertebral muscle injury, and lower incidence of postoperative back pain, but it has longer operation time.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect on sagittal spine-pelvis balance of different fusion segments in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).MethodsThe clinical data of 326 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, treated by ACDF between January 2010 and December 2016, was retrospectively analysed. There were 175 males and 151 females with an average age of 56 years (range, 34-81 years). Fusion segments included single segment in 69 cases, double segments in 85 cases, three segments in 90 cases, and four segments in 82 cases. Full spine anterolateral X-ray films were performed before operationand at 12 months after operation. The spine-pelvis parameters of fusion segments were measured and compared. The parameters included C0-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), T1 pelvic angle (TPA). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of cervical spine and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of pain of cervical spine and upper extremity were compared before operation and at 12 months after operation. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on LL, PI, SS, C7 SVA, and TPA before and after operation to evaluate the changes of spine-pelvis fitting relationship after ACDF.ResultsAll 326 patients were followed up 12-32 months (mean, 18.5 months). During the follow-up period, internal fixator was in place, and no spinal cord nerve or peripheral soft tissue injury was found. JOA scores and cervical VAS scores improved significantly at 12 months after operation (P<0.05), no significant difference was found in VAS scores of upper extremity when compared with preoperative scores (P>0.05). The preoperative cervical VAS scores and the postoperative JOA scores at 12 months had significant differences between groups (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, there was no significant difference in sagittal spine-pelvis parameters in the single segment group compared with preoperative ones (P>0.05); but the C0-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, T1S, TIA, C7 SVA, and TPA in the double segments, three segments, and four segments groups were significant larger than preoperative ones (P<0.05). The C0-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, T1S, C7 SVA, and TPA among 4 groups had significant differences before operation and at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, the changes of C7 SVA and TPA in the double segments, three segments, and four segments groups were significantly larger than those in the single segment group (P<0.05). PI had positive correlations with LL and SS before and after operation in 4 groups (P<0.05).ConclusionNormal fitting relationship between lumbar spine and pelvis in physiological state also exists in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and ACDF can not change this specific relationship. In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, the sagittal spine-pelvis sequence do not change after ACDF single-level fusion, while the sagittal spine-pelvis balance change after double-level and multi-level fusion.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) assisted with microscope for lumbar degenerative disease. Methods Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 82 patients with lumbar degenerative disease (minimally invasive group) undergoing minimally invasive TLIF assisted with microscope between January 2010 and June 2011, which was compared with those of 76 patients (traditional group) undergoing traditional open TLIF. There was no significant difference in age, gender, disease duration, disease type, lesion level, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), and preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The perioperative related parameters, radiography index, and effectiveness were documented and compared. Results There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative radiological exposure time between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), but intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume in the minimally invasive group were significantly less than those in the traditional group (P lt; 0.05). Dural tear occurred in 2 patients of the traditional group. Superficial infection of incision occurred in 1 case in each group, respectively; and primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 18 months). No failure of internal fixation occurred. Radiological analysis showed that the bone graft fusion rate was 96.1% (73/76) in the traditional group and 95.1% (78/82) in the minimally invasive group at last follow-up, showing no significant difference (χ2= 0.012 2, P= 0.912 0). The postoperative ODI and VAS score were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P lt; 0.05); the ODI of the minimally invasive group were significantly better than those of the traditional group at 3 months (t= — 11.941 1, P=0.000 0), and the VAS score of the minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that of the traditional group at 1 day and 3 months (P lt; 0.05); but no significant difference was found in ODI and VAS score between 2 groups at 1 year and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Minimally invasive TLIF is an effective method to treat lumbar degenerative disease. This procedure is safe and reliable because it has less injury, less blood loss, and milder pain than the traditional open TLIF, and the short-term effectiveness is comparable in 2 procedures.
Objective To review the progress in the features, early cl inical outcomes, and cl inical appl ication of axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) for the minimally invasive treatment of lumbosacral degenerative diseases. Methods The l iterature about the features, early cl inical outcomes, and cl inical appl ication of AxiaLIF for the minimally invasive treatment of lumbosacral degenerative diseases in recent years was reviewed. Results Almost 9 000 procedures performed globally in recent years, AxiaLIF has shown its safety and effectiveness because of high fusion rates, short hospital ization days, and less iatrogenic compl ications in comparison with standard fusion procedures. ConclusionPostoperative long-term outcomes, biomechanics stabil ity, and extended appl ication of AxiaLIF still need a further study,though it suggests an original minimally invasive treatment of lumbosacral degenerative diseases.
Objective To investigate the effects of percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) and percutaneous cement interbody fusion (PCIF) on spinal stability by in vitro biomechanical tests. Methods Biomechanical test was divided into intact (INT) group, percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD) group, PCD group, and PCIF group. Six specimens of L4, 5 (including vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs) from fresh male cadavers were taken to prepare PLD, PCD, and PCIF specimens, respectively. Before treatment and after the above treatments, the MTS multi-degree-of-freedom simulation test system was used to conduct the biomechanical test. The intervertebral height of the specimen was measured before and after the axial loading of 300 N, and the difference was calculated. The range of motion (ROM) and stiffness of the spine in flexion, extension, left/right bending, and left/right rotation under a torque of 7.5 Nm were calculated. Results After axial loading, the change of intervertebral height in PLD group was more significant than that in other three groups (P<0.05). Compared with INT group, the ROM in all directions significantly increased and the stiffness significantly decreased in PLD group (P<0.05). Compared with INT group, the ROM of flexion, extension, and left/right rotation in PCD group significantly increased and the stiffness significantly decreased (P<0.05); compared with PLD group, the ROM of flexion, extension, and left/right bending in PCD group significantly decreased and the stiffness significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with INT group, ROM of left/right bending in PCIF group significantly decreased and stiffness significantly increased (P<0.05); compared with PLD group, the ROM in all directions significantly decreased and the stiffness significantly increased (P<0.05); compared with PCD group, the ROM of flexion, left/right bending, and left/right rotation significantly decreased and stiffness significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Both PCD and PCIF can provide good biomechanical stability. The former mainly affects the stiffness in flexion, extension, and bending, while the latter is more restrictive on lumbar ROM in all directions, especially in bending and rotation.
ObjectiveTo observe the difference between crenel lateral interbody fusion (CLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) combined with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).MethodsThe clinical data of DLS combined with LSS patients meeting the selection criteria admitted between May 2018 and May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into CLIF group (33 cases) and TLIF group (32 cases). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the two groups in gender, age, disease duration, lesion segments, lumbar bone mineral density, degree of lumbar spondylolisthesis, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, lumbar lordosis (LL), and segmental lordosis (SL). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Lumbar CT scan was performed at last follow-up to compare the intervertebral fusion rate between the two groups. Intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, LL, and SL were measured before operation, at 2 weeks, 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. VAS score and ODI were used to evaluate the pain and improvement of the quality of life of the patients.ResultsThere were no neurological and vascular complications in the two groups. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in CLIF group were significantly less than those in TLIF group (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up for a median time of 18 months. All the incisions healed by first intention except 1 incision in TLIF group because of poor blood glucose control. No complications such as bedsore, falling pneumonia, and deep venous thrombosis were found in both groups. At last follow-up, the intervertebral fusion rates in CLIF and TLIF group were 90.91% (30/33) and 93.75% (30/32), respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.185, P=0.667). The VAS score, ODI, intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, LL, and SL were significantly improved in both groups at each time point after operation (P<0.05). Except that VAS score in CLIF group was significantly lower than that in TLIF group at 2 weeks after operation (Z=−4.303, P=0.000), there were no significant differences in VAS score and ODI between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05). The intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, LL, and SL in CLIF group were significantly higher than those in TLIF group at each time point after operation, and the differences were significant (P<0.05).ConclusionCLIF in the treatment of DLS combined with LSS can achieve the similar effectiveness with traditional TLIF, and has such advantages as minimal invasion and faster recovery.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression and unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF) in the treatment of degreeⅠdegenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). MethodsA clinical data of 58 patients with degreeⅠDLS who met the selection criteria between October 2021 and October 2022 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 28 cases were treated with unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression (decompression group) and 30 cases with ULIF (ULIF group). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the gender, age, lesion segment, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), disk height (DH), segmental lordosis (SL), and other baseline data. The operation time, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative ambulation time, VAS score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, ODI, laboratory examination indexes (CRP, ESR), and imaging parameters (DH, SL) were compared between the two groups. ResultsCompared with the ULIF group, the decompression group had shorter operation time, less postoperative drainage, and earlier ambulation (P<0.05). All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as nerve root injury, epidural hematoma, or infection occurred. All patients were followed up 12 months. Laboratory tests showed that ESR and CRP at 3 days after operation in decompression group were not significantly different from those before operation (P>0.05), while the above indexes in ULIF group significantly increased at 3 days after operation compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the changes of ESR and CRP before and after operation between the two groups (P<0.05). Except that the VAS score of low back pain at 3 days after operation was not significantly different from that before operation in decompression group (P>0.05), there were significant differences in VAS score of low back pain and VAS score of leg pain between the two groups at other time points (P<0.05). The VAS score of low back pain in ULIF group was significantly higher than that in decompression group at 3 days after operation (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in VAS score of low back pain and VAS score of leg pain between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05). The ODI of the two groups significantly improved after operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between 3 days and 6 months after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups at the two time points after operation (P<0.05). Imaging examination showed that there was no significant difference in DH and SL between pre-operation and 12 months after operation in decompression group (P>0.05). However, the above two indexes in ULIF group were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the changes of DH and SL before and after operation between the two groups (P<0.05). ConclusionUnilateral biportal endoscopic decompression can achieve good effectiveness in the treatment of degree Ⅰ DLS. Compared with ULIF, it can shorten operation time, reduce postoperative drainage volume, promote early ambulation, reduce inflammatory reaction, and accelerate postoperative recovery. ULIF has more advantages in restoring intervertebral DH and SL.
ObjectiveTo explore the surgical indication and summarize the experiences of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. MethodsSeventy-five cases of cervical spondylosis were treated with ACDF from January 2010 to October 2013, including 34 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and 41 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The pre/post-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and imaging data were observed. ResultsThirty-six patients were followed up for 6 to 25 months, with an average of 16 months. The mean JOA score before surgery was 10.67±2.66, and 3 months later, the score was 13.47±2.06. Six months later the score was 14.11±1.56, and after 12 months the score was 14.97±1.78. No spinal cord injury or esophagus, trachea injury occurred, and there was no superior laryngeal nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during the operation. Eight cases of postoperative dysphagia obviously decreased within 3-5 days, 6 cases decreased within 5-7 days, and 10 cases decreased within 3 weeks. And all 36 patients recovered within one month. There was no titanium mesh subsidence, displacement or titanium plate failure after operation. ConclusionACDF is suitable for the decompression of spinal cord or nerve root which is compressed by the degenerated intervertebral disc, especially without rigid kyphosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament extending across multiple segments, and the compression located at the level of intervertebral disc. The appropriate approach can achieve a stable efficacy, less interference on the stability of the spine, and the incision heals fast. It is a kind of classic anterior cervical operation for it can reduce the complication effectively.