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 explore the anatomical parameters of the cervical uncinate process “inflection point” through cervical CT angiography (CTA) and MRI measurements, offering a reliable and safe anatomical landmark for anterior cervical decompression surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the cervical CTA and MRI imaging data of normal adults who met the selection criteria between January 2020 and January 2024. The CTA dataset included 326 cases, with 200 males and 126 females, aged 22-55 years (mean, 46.7 years). The MRI dataset included 300 cases, with 200 males and 100 females, aged 18-55 years (mean, 43.7 years). Based on the CTA data, three-dimensional models of C3-C7 were constructed, and the following measurements were obtained from the superior view: uncinate process “inflection point” to vertebral artery distance (UIVD), uncinate process tip to vertebral artery distance (UTVD), uncinate process “inflection point” to “inflection point” distance (UID), uncinate process long-axis to sagittal angle (ULSA), and uncinate process “inflection point” to transverse foramen-sagittal angle (UITSA). From the anterior view, the anterior uncinate process to sagittal angle (AUSA) was measured. From the posterior view, the posterior uncinate process to sagittal angle (PUSA) was measured. Based on the MRI data, uncinate process “inflection point” to dural sac distance (UIDD) and dural sac width (DSW) were measured. The trends in measurement parameters of C3-C7 were observed, and the differences in measurement parameters between genders and between the left and right sides of the same segment were compared, as well as the difference in UID and DSW within the same segment was compared. Results The measurement parameters from C3 to C7 in the CTA data showed a general increasing trend, with no significant difference between the left and right sides within the same segment (P>0.05). The UIVD, UTVD, and UID were greater in males than in females, with significant differences observed in the UIVD and UTVD at C3 and C6 and UID at C3, C6, and C7 (P<0.05). The MRI measured DSW showed a general increasing trend from C3 to C7, and the DSW at C6 was greater in females than in males, with a significant difference (P<0.05). The UIDD showed a gradual decreasing trend, with the smallest value at C6. There was no significant difference between males and females or between the left and right sides within the same segment (P>0.05). The UID was greater than the DSW at C3-C7, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). ConclusionThe uncinate process “inflection point” is a constant anatomical structure located at the anteromedial aspect of the uncinate process tip and laterally to the dural sac. It maintains a certain safe distance from the vertebral artery. As a decompression landmark in anterior cervical spine surgery, it not only ensures surgical safety but also guarantees complete decompression.
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.
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.
Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of applying self-stabilizing zero-profile three-dimensional (3D) printed artificial vertebral bodies in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 37 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent single-level ACCF using either self-stabilizing zero-profile 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies (n=15, treatment group) or conventional 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies with titanium plates (n=22, control group) between January 2022 and February 2023. There was no significant difference in age, gender, lesion segment, disease duration, and preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score between the two groups (P>0.05). Operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, hospitalization costs, JOA score and improvement rate, incidence of postoperative prosthesis subsidence, and interbody fusion were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly shorter operation time and lower hospitalization costs (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding volume between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up, with a follow-up period of 6-21 months in the treatment group (mean, 13.7 months) and 6-19 months in the control group (mean, 12.7 months). No dysphagia occurred in the treatment group, while 5 cases occurred in the control group, with a significant difference in the incidence of dysphagia between the two groups (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, both groups showed improvement in JOA scores compared to preoperative scores, with significant differences (P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the JOA scores and improvement rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Radiographic examinations showed the interbody fusion in both groups, and the difference in the time of interbody fusion was not significant (P>0.05). At last follow-up, 2 cases in the treatment group and 3 cases in the control group experienced prosthesis subsidence, with no significant difference in the incidence of prosthesis subsidence (P>0.05). There was no implant displacement or plate-screw fracture during follow-up.Conclusion The use of self-stabilizing zero-profile 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy not only achieves similar effectiveness to 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies, but also reduces operation time and the incidence of postoperative dysphagia.
Objective To investigate correlation between preoperative C2 slope (C2S) and effectiveness at 2 years after short-segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), with the aim of providing reliable indicators for predicting effectiveness. Methods One hundred and eighteen patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, who received short-segment ACDF between January 2018 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria, were enrolled in the study. There were 46 males and 72 females, aged from 26 to 80 years, with a mean age of 53.6 years. The operative duration was (127.6±33.46) minutes and the intraoperative blood loss was (34.75±30.40) mL. All patients were followed up 2 years. The pre- and post-operative Neck Disability Index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain were recorded. Based on the anteroposterior and lateral cervical X-ray films, the sagittal parameters of the cervical spine were measured [C2-C7 Cobb angle, C0-C2 Cobb angle, T1 slope, C2S, sagittal segmental angle (SSA) of the surgical segment, and average surgical disc height (ASDH) of the surgical segment]. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the differences in these indicators between pre- and post-operation, as well as the correlations between the preoperative C2S and the JOA score, NDI, and VAS score at 2 years after operation. The patients were allocated into group A (C2S >11.73°) and group B (C2S≤ 11.73°) according to the median value of the preoperative C2S (11.73°). The JOA score, NDI, and VAS score before operation and at 2 years after operation, as well as the differences between pre- and post-operative values (change values), were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe T1 slope, C2-C7 Cobb angle, C0-C2 Cobb angle, SSA, and ASDH at immediate after operation and JOA score, NDI, and VAS score at 2 years after operation significantly improved in 118 patients when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that preoperative C2S was not correlated with JOA score and NDI at 2 years after operation (P>0.05), but negatively correlated with VAS score (P<0.05). There were 59 patients with preoperative C2S>11.73° (group A) and 59 with C2S≤11.73° (group B). There was no significant difference in preoperative JOA score, NDI, and VAS score between the two groups (P>0.05). There were significant differences in VAS score at 2 year after operation and the change value between the two groups (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the JOA score and NDI (P>0.05). Conclusion Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and a higher preoperative C2S exhibited superior long-term pain relief and effectiveness following short-segment ACDF.
目的:探讨CCRS拉钩在颈椎前路手术中的应用方法及结果。方法:回顾分析2007~2008年在我院完成的97例颈椎前路手术中,应用CCRS拉钩来显露切口者的临床资料,并观察平均手术时间、术中出血量、周围软组织突入手术野的次数、术者术中调整撑开器的次数、患者术后咽部不适时间和医生满意度等指标。结果:该组病例平均手术时间103min,平均术中出血量110 mL,每台次软组织突入术野的次数为0~2次,术者术中调整CCRS 1~2次,患者术后咽部不适1~4 d,医生满意度为95.88%。结论:CCRS拉钩撑开切口后颈前方显露清晰,避免了周围软组织突入颈前操作区,从而提高了手术安全性和术者满意度。
ObjectiveTo analyze the effectiveness of a new type of decellularized allogeneic bone in the application of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 73 patients with single segmental cervical spondylosis treated with ACDF between January 2009 and December 2013. Of 73 cases, autologous iliac bone was used in 22 cases (group A), new decellularized allogeneic bone transplantation (Bio-Gene) in 22 cases (group B), and normal allogeneic bone (Xin Kang Chen) in 24 cases (group C). There was no significant difference in gender, age, type of cervical spondylosis, course of disease, and involved segment among 3 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were compared between groups; X-ray films and CT images were taken to observe the bone fusion, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to assess the clinical efficacy. ResultsThe operation time and intraoperative blood loss of group A were significantly more than those of groups B and C (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups B and C (P>0.05). Pain and numbness at donor site occurred in 12 cases, and poor healing in 1 case of group A; red swelling and exudate were observed in 1 case of group B and in 6 cases of group C; and there was significant difference in complications among 3 groups (χ2=18.82, P=0.00). All patients were followed up 6-54 months (mean, 30 months). The graft fusion rate was 100% in groups A and B, and was 95.8% in group C, showing no significant difference (χ2=2.04, P=0.36). The JOA score at 6 months after operation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative score in 3 groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found among the 3 groups at preoperation and 6 months after operation (P>0.05). The excellent and good rates of groups A, B, and C were 90.9%, 88.9%, and 87.5% respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.14, P=0.93). ConclusionNew type of decellularized allogeneic bone in ACDF has the advantages of shorter operation time, less blood loss, and better early effectiveness. But whether there is a chronic rejection or delayed rejection needs further studies.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of V-shaped stealth decompression technique using ultrasonic bone scalpel in anterior surgery for adjacent two-level cervical spondylosis. Methods A clinical data of 41 patients with adjacent two-level cervical spondylosis, who admitted between January 2020 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria, was analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 22 cases were treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) assisted by V-shaped stealth decompression technique using ultrasonic bone scalpel (group A) and 19 cases with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, disease duration, surgical segment, preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, neck dysfunction index (NDI), pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal in the responsibility space of axial CT (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospital stay, complications during follow-up, JOA score, NDI, and VAS score at last follow-up, and the incidences of intervertebral fusion at 3 months after operation, and cage subsidence at last follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results The operations in the two groups were successfully completed. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospital stay in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). Two cases (9.1%) in group A and 4 cases (21.1%) in group B developed complications, with no significant difference in the incidence between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients in the two groups were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 9.3 months). There was no significant difference in follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the JOA score and VAS score in both groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The change values of VAS score and the improvement rate of JOA score in group A were significantly superior to group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the change values of NDI and JOA score between the two group (P>0.05). Imaging reexamination showed that the rate of intervertebral fusion at 3 months after operation was significantly higher in group A (81.8%) than in group B (52.6%) (P<0.05), and all patients obtained bony intervertebral fusion at last follow-up. At last follow-up, 2 cases (9.1%) in group A and 11 cases (57.9%) in group B had cage sinking, and the difference in the incidence was significant (P<0.05). No loosening or fracture of internal fixators occurred in all patients. Conclusion Using ultrasonic bone scalpel can transform single vertebral ACCF into two-segment ACDF in anterior cervical spondylosis surgery. The V-shaped stealth decompression technique is safe and efficient, with the advantages of minimal trauma, fewer postoperative complications, and rapid recovery of patients.
Objective To investigate the effect of ultrasonic bone curette in anterior cervical spine surgery. MethodsA clinical data of 63 patients with cervical spondylosis who were admitted between September 2019 and June 2021 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 32 cases were operated with conventional instruments (group A) and 31 cases with ultrasonic bone curette (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in gender, age, surgical procedure, surgical segment and number of occupied cervical space, disease type and duration, comorbidities, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical dysfunction index (NDI), and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospital stay, and the occurrence of postoperative complications were recorded in both groups. Before operation and at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation, the JOA score and NDI were used to evaluate the function and the postoperative JOA improvement rate was calculated, and VAS score was used to evaluate the pain improvement. The anteroposterior and lateral cervical X-ray films were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation to observe whether there was any significant loosening and displacement of internal fixators. ResultsCompared with group A, group B had shorter operation time and postoperative hospital stay, less intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). All incisions healed by first intention in the two groups, and postoperative complications occurred in 5 cases (15.6%) in group A and 2 cases (6.5%) in group B, showing no significant difference (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 7.9 months). The JOA score and improvement rate gradually increased in groups A and B after operation, while the VAS score and NDI gradually decreased. There was no significant difference in VAS score between 3 months and 1 month in group B (P>0.05), and there were significant differences between the other time points of each indicator in the two groups (P<0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after operation, the JOA score and improvement rate in group B were better than those in group A (P<0.05). X-ray films examination showed that there was no screw loosening or titanium plate displacement in the two groups after operation, and the intervertebral cage or titanium mesh significantly sank. ConclusionCompared with traditional instruments, the use of ultrasonic bone curette assisted osteotomy in anterior cervical spine surgery has the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative drainage, and shorter hospital stay.