ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of bilateral percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty through unilateral transverse process-extrapedicular approach for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) of lumbar.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 93 patients with OVCF of lumbar who met the selection criteria between January 2018 and June 2019. According to the different surgical methods, they were divided into group A (44 cases, treated with bilateral percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty through unilateral transverse process-extrapedicular approach) and group B [49 cases, treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) via bilateral transpedicle approach]. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, T value of bone mineral density, injury cause, fractured level, time from injury to operation, comorbidities, and preoperative Cobb angle of injured vertebra, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, bone cement injection amount, and incidence of bone cement leakage were recorded and compared between the two groups; Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae, VAS score, and ODI were measured before operation, at 2 days and 1 year after operation. The contralateral distribution ratio of bone cement was calculated according to the anteroposterior X-ray film at 2 days after operation.ResultsThe operation time and the intraoperative fluoroscopy times in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). There was no bone cement adverse reactions, cardiac and cerebrovascular adverse events, and no complications such as puncture needles erroneously inserted into the spinal canal and nerve injuries occurred in the two groups. Bone cement leakage occurred in 6 cases and 8 cases in groups A and B, respectively, all of which were asymptomatic paravertebral or intervertebral leakage, and no intraspinal leakage occurred; the bone cement injection amount and incidence of bone cement leakage between the two groups showed no significant differences (P>0.05). The contralateral distribution ratio of bone cement in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (t=2.685, P=0.009). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-20 months, with an average of 15.3 months. The Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae, VAS score, and ODI in the two groups were significantly improved at 2 days after operation, however, the Cobb angle of the injured vertebra at 1 year after operation was significantly lost when compared with the 2 days after operation, the VAS score and ODI at 1 year after operation were significantly further improved when compared with the 2 days after operation, the differences were all significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae, VAS score, and ODI between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05).ConclusionBilateral percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty through unilateral transverse process-extrapedicular approach is comparable to bilateral PKP in short-term effectiveness with regard to fracture reduction, reduction maintenance, pain relief, and functional improvement. It has great advantages in reducing operation time and radiation exposure, although it is inferior in bone cement distribution.
Objective To investigate the effects of different puncture levels on bone cement distribution and effectiveness in bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Methods A clinical data of 274 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures who met the selection criteria between December 2017 and December 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty. During operation, the final position of the puncture needle tip reached was observed by C-arm X-ray machine. And 118 cases of bilateral puncture needle tips were at the same level (group A); 156 cases of bilateral puncture needle tips were at different levels (group B), of which 87 cases were at the upper 1/3 layer and the lower 1/3 layer respectively (group B1), and 69 cases were at the adjacent levels (group B2). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture segment, degree of osteoporosis, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between groups A and B and among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). The operation time, bone cement injection volume, postoperative VAS score, ODI, and bone cement distribution were compared among the groups. Results All operations were successfully completed without pulmonary embolism, needle tract infection, or nerve compression caused by bone cement leakage. There was no significant difference in operation time and bone cement injection volume between groups A and B or among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 3-32 months, with an average of 7.8 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up time between groups A and B and among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). At 3 days after operation and last follow-up, VAS score and ODI were significantly lower in group B than in group A (P<0.05), in groups B1 and B2 than in group A (P<0.05), and in group B1 than in group B2 (P<0.05). Imaging review showed that the distribution of bone cement in the coronal midline of injured vertebrae was significantly better in group B than in group A (P<0.05), in groups B1 and B2 than in group A (P<0.05), and in group B1 than in group B2 (P<0.05). In group A, 7 cases had postoperative vertebral collapse and 8 cases had other vertebral fractures. In group B, only 1 case had postoperative vertebral collapse during follow-up. ConclusionBilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures can obtain good bone cement distribution and effectiveness when the puncture needle tips locate at different levels during operation. When the puncture needle tips locate at the upper 1/3 layer and the lower 1/3 layer of the vertebral body, respectively, the puncture sites are closer to the upper and lower endplates, and the injected bone cement is easier to connect with the upper and lower endplates.
Objective To summarize experience and efficacy of multidisciplinary treatment for severe intra-abdominal infection. Methods The clinical data of 17 patients with severe intra-abdominal infection underwent multidisciplinary treatment were analyzed retrospectively. There were 5 cases of severe acute pancreatitis, 4 cases of postoperative biliary fistula, 2 cases of intestinal fistula, 2 cases of pancreatic trauma, 1 case after resection for intestinal necrosis, 1 case of abdominal trauma, 1 case after operation for liver abscess, 1 case of unexplained severe intra-abdominal infection. The experiences of multidisciplinary treatment including the intensive care unit (ICU), surgery, blood purification center, and departments of pharmacy, nutrition, and digestion and internal medicine, and so on were summarized. Results After multidisciplinary treatment, 13 patients were cured, of which 4 patients treated by non-open operation. Three patients died, including 1 patient died of infectious shock, 1 patient died of pancreatic bed bleeding, 1 patient died of multiple organ failure. There was 1 case of automatic discharge. Conclusions Multidisciplinary treatment including ICU, surgery, blood purification center, and departments of pharmacy, nutrition, and digestion and internal medicine, and so on has an exact clinical curative effect in patients with severe intra-abdominal infection. Concept of damage control should be followed by surgical intervention. Abdominal cavity puncture and drainage has some advantages of small trauma and good clinical effect, which is suitable for infection control of patients with severe intra-abdominal infection, it could provide surgical condition and opportunity for patients required further surgical treatment.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of establishing intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) model by using minimally invasive acupuncture and rotary-cutting. MethodsForty New Zealand white rabbits [male or female, (2.9±0.3) kg in weight] were randomly divided into control group (n=20) and experimental group (n=20). No treatment was done in the control group; percutaneous puncture was performed on L4, 5 and L5, 6 intervertebral disc by using 18G needle under C-arm X-ray monitoring for rotary-cutting of nucleus pulposus to promote degeneration of the disc in the experimental group. At 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation, general observation and MRI observation were done, and intervertebral disc degeneration was accessed based on Pfirrmann grade; the specimens were harvested for Masson staining and Safranine O staining. ResultsThe nucleus pulposus showed dark colors and reduced elasticity in the experimental group when compared with the control group. T2-weighted MRI images indicated that the disc signal intensity of control group had no obvious change at early stage, and weakened slightly at late stage; disc signal intensity of the experimental group decreased with time. According to Pfirrmann grade for disc degeneration, disc degeneration degree was significantly aggravated with time in 2 groups (P < 0.05); degeneration was significantly more severe in the experimental group than the control group at the other time points (P < 0.05) except 4 weeks (P > 0.05). Masson staining results showed that irregular arrangement of annulus with integrate structure was observed in the control group with time; the annulus of the experimental group arranged in disorder, or even disc fibrous circle rupture appeared with time. Safranin O staining showed that the nucleus pulposus cells reduced significantly in the experimental group, but did not in the control group. ConclusionMinimally invasive acupuncture and rotary-cutting could successfully establish the IDD model in rabbits.
Objective To investigate the efficiency of manual reduction combined with uni-lateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods Between May 2005 and May 2009, the manual reduction combined with uni-lateral PKP was appl ied to treat 42 patients with OVCF (group A), and the simple uni-lateral PKP was appl ied to treat 43 patients with OVCF (group B) at the same period. The visual analogue scale (VAS), the vertebral height, and the Cobb angle were determined before operation, and at 3 days and 6 months after operation. Ingroup A, there were 6 males and 36 females aged 59-93 years (76.5 years on average) with an average disease duration of 7 days (range, 3 hours to 21 days); 27 segments of thoracic vertebrae and 31 segments of lumbar vertebrae were involved, including 15 segments at mild degree, 38 segments at moderate degree, and 5 segments at severe degree according to degree classification system of compression fractures of Zoarski and Peh. In group B, there were 9 males and 34 females aged 54-82 years (75.3 years on average) with an average disease duration of 7 days (range, 1 hour to 20 days); 26 segments of thoracic vertebrae and 35 segments of lumbar vertebrae were involved, including 21 segments at mild degree, 36 segments at moderate degree, and 4 segments at severe degree according to degree classification system of compression fractures of Zoarski and Peh. There were no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) in sex, age, affected site, degree, and disease duration between 2 groups. Results There was no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) in operative time, blood loss, or injected cement volume between 2 groups. No serious compl ication or death occurred in 2 groups. Cement leakage was observed in 4 cases (9.5%) of group A and in 5 cases (11.6%) of group B. The VAS scores after operation significantly decreased in 2 groups (P lt; 0.01). At 3 days and 6 months after operation, the VAS scores in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (P lt; 0.05). The postoperative compression rates of affected vertebral body in 2 groups significantly decreased (P lt; 0.01). The compression rates of affected vertebral body at 3 days and 6 months after operation, and the height recovery rate at 3 days after operation in group A were superior to those in groupB (P lt; 0.05). The postoperative Cobb angles in 2 groups were significantly diminished (P lt; 0.01). The Cobb angles at 3 days and 6 months after operation, and the recovery rate at 3 days after operation in group A were superior to those in group B (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The cl inical efficiency of the manual reduction combined with uni-lateral PKP is superior to that of simple uni-lateral PKP in treatment of severe OVCF.
Objective To summarize the recent minimally invasive approach for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Methods The recent l iterature at home and abroad concerning minimally invasive approach for CSR was reviewed and summarized. Results There were two techniques of minimally invasive approach for CSR at peresent: percutaneous puncture techniques and endoscopic techniques. The degenerate intervertebral disc was resected or nucleolysis by percutaneouspuncture technique if CSR was caused by mild or moderate intervertebral disc herniations. The cervical microendoscopicdiscectomy and foraminotomy was an effective minimally invasive approach which could provide a clear view. The endoscopy techniques were suitable to treat CSR caused by foraminal osteophytes, lateral disc herniations, local l igamentum flavum thickening and spondylotic foraminal stenosis. Conclusion The minimally invasive procedure has the advantages of simple handl ing, minimally invasive and low incidence of compl ications. But the scope of indications is relatively narrow at present.
Objective To assess the efficacy of acupuncture versus western medicine in the treatment of depression in China. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving acupuncture versus western medicine in the treatment of depression in China were identified from CNKI (1979 to 2007), VIP (1989 to 2007), WANFANG Database (1998 to 2007) and CBM (1978 to 2007). We also hand searched relevant journals and conference proceedings. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently with a specially designed extraction form. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan4.2.8 software was used for data analyses. Results A total of 8 trials involving 619 patients were included. Meta-analyses showed that the total effective rate in the acupuncture group was similar when compared with fluoxetine (RR 1.03, 95%CI 0.94 to 1.14), doxepin (RR 1.14, 95%CI 0.91 to 1.43), amitriptyline (RR 0.95, 95%CI 0.70 to 1.29) and venlafaxine (RR 1.02, 95%CI 0.90 to 1.16). As for the HAMD score at week 2, no significant difference was noted between acupuncture and fluoxetine (WMD 0.03, 95%CI -1.26 to 1.31) or amitriptyline (WMD –?0.33, 95%CI –?1.88 to 1.23); for the HAMD score at week 4, no significant difference was observed between acupuncture and fluoxetine (WMD –?0.24, 95%CI –?1.85 to 1.37) or amitriptyline (WMD –?0.57, 95%CI –?2.02 to 0.88); for the HAMD score at week 6, acupuncture also had similar effects to fluoxetine (WMD –?0.19, 95%CI –?1.51 to 1.13). In terms of the SDS scores at week 2, 4, 6 and 8, no significant differences were noted between acupuncture and fluoxetine. Two trials reported adverse events and these observed no adverse events in the acupuncture group, but 31 and 25 patients experienced adverse events in the western medicine groups of these two trials. Conclusion Acupuncture is not inferior to western medicine, and it is worth noting that acupuncture is associated with few adverse reactions. Further large-scale trials are required to define the role of acupuncture in the treatment of depression.
ObjectivesTo evaluate the quality of methodology and evidence of the exiting systematic reviews (SRs) of acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spastic paralysis.MethodsCNKI, CBM, The Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMbase databases were electronically searched to collect SRs of acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spastic paralysis from inception to December 16th, 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of methodology and evidence by AMSTAR 2 scale and GRADE system.ResultsA total of 7 SRs were included. The results showed that acupuncture therapy had obvious advantages in treating post-stroke spastic paralysis without obvious adverse reactions. The results of AMSTAR 2 scale showed that the failure of key items 2 and 7 resulted in extremely low methodological quality. The results of GRADE system showed that 46.15% of which were low-level evidence quality, 42.31% were medium, 11.54% were extremely low, and no evidence quality were high.ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is effective in treating spastic paralysis after stroke, however, the quality of the SRs is low. The studies are required to be standardized and combined with the characteristics of TCM to obtain high quality evidence in the future.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion (acup-moxi) therapy for breech presentation. Methods We electronically searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2008), PubMed (1980 to Mar. 2008), MEDLINE (1966 to 2008), Ovid EBM Database (1991 to 2008), CBMdisc (1978 to Mar. 2008), VIP (1989 to Mar. 2008), CNKI (1979 to Mar. 2008), and WangFang Database (1983 to Mar. 2008), as well as handsearched seven traditional Chinese medicine journals to obtain randomized control trials (RCTs) about acup-moxi for breech presentation. Quality assessment was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.0.1. Meta-analyses were performed for the results of homogeneous studies using RevMan 5.0 software. Results Eight RCTs involving 1 341 patients met the inclusion criteria. Five trials were of relatively high quality and 3 were of low quality. The pooled analysis of six trials showed that acup-moxi was superior in cephalic presentation with RR=1.38, and 95%CI 1.20 to 1.58. Conclusion Acup-moxi can increase the successful rate of cephalic presentation in the treatment of breech presentation compared with no (routine care) or knee-chest position treatment.
ObjectiveTo assess the clinical efficacy of percutaneous transplantation of parathyroid glands into the subcutaneous tissue of the epigastrium for treating malignant secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). MethodsThe clinical data of the patients with SHPT who were treated by puncturing the subcutaneous tissue of the epigastrium and transplanting parathyroid glands in the Xuzhou Central Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 were collected retrospectively. The preoperative and postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, calcium ion concentration, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, and phosphorus ion concentration, as well as postoperative follow-up results were analyzed. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS 23.0 software, with a testing level of 0.01. ResultsA total of 21 patients successfully underwent this surgery, including 12 males and 9 females, with a median age of 48 years old and a range of 32–71 years old. The dialysis time was (8.62±2.27) years, and 12 patients had hypertension, 9 patients had anemia, 17 patients had bone pain, and 11 patients had skin itching. On day 1 after treatment, the PTH level decreased from (1 893.23±539.30) ng/L to (5.99±3.50) ng/L (P<0.001), the calcium ion concentration decreased from (2.52±0.31) mmol/L to (2.24±0.35) mmol/L (P=0.003), and the phosphorus ion concentration decreased from (2.25±0.71) mmol/L to (1.76±0.38) mmol/L (P=0.006) as compared with the values before surgery. Although the ALP level decreased from (321.78±151.01) U/L to (229.32±89.32) U/L, there was no statistically significant difference (P=0.016). Among the 12 patients with hypertension before surgery, 6 patients improved and reduced the use of antihypertensive drugs after surgery; among the 9 patients with anemia, 3 patients improved before discharge; 17 patients with bone pain showed markedly relief before discharge; and 9 patients with skin itching improved before discharge. There were no complications such as hoarseness, choking cough when drinking water, or incision infection after the operation. All 21 patients were followed up for 6–12 months. The parathyroid hormone levels of the 21 patients all dropped to the normal level within 12 months after the operation. Among them, 3 patients recovered to the normal level at the 3rd month after the operation, 16 patients recovered to the normal level at the 6th month after the operation, and 2 patients recovered to the normal level at the 12th month after the operation. The time to return to the normal level was (5.86±2.70) months. No serious complications occurred in all patients, and there was no recurrent case during follow-up period. Conclusion From the analysis results of our study, parathyroid autotransplantation into the subcutaneous tissue of the epigastrium via puncture is a safe and effective method for patients with SHPT.