Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of surgical treatment for 30 patients with discogenic low back pain. Methods A total of 30 patients with 36 intervertebral discs were treated with posterior approach lumbar discectomy and interbody fusion with internal fixation by strict criteria. All patients were followed up for one year. The low back pain before and one year after surgery was evaluated by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score. Results The patients’ JOA score increased from 14.6±2.3 (before operation) to 27.1±0.9 (one year after operation) (t=–26.936, P<0.001), while the patients’ VAS score decreased from 6.2±1.6 (before operation) to 1.4±0.9 (one year after operation) (t=16.335, P<0.001), and the differences were significant. Conclusion When the conservative treatment is invalid, the operation of posterior lumbar intervertebral fusion is an effective method for the patinets with discogenic low back pain.
目的 探討前路小切口頂椎切除聯合后路矯形手術治療重度僵硬性脊柱側凸的可行性及療效。 方法 2009 年7月－2010年9月，采用前路小切口頂椎切除聯合后路矯形手術治療重度僵硬性脊柱側凸18例。其中男9例，女9例，年齡10～24歲，平均14.5歲。其中15 例特發性脊柱側凸（Lenke 2型6例，Lenke 3型1例，Lenke 4型8例），2 例脊髓空洞合并脊柱側凸，1 例Chiari畸形合并脊柱側凸。術前剃刀背高度（6.8 ± 2.3）cm，主胸彎Cobb角（99.6 ±10.0）°，主胸彎頂椎偏距（7.3 ± 1.3）cm。 結果 前路手術切口10～13 cm，平均（11.4 ± 1.0）cm；前路手術時間170～300 min，平均（215.3 ± 36.8）min；失血量300～1 300 mL，平均（662.5 ± 274.8） mL。所有患者隨訪25～39個月，平均30.7個月。末次隨訪時，剃刀背高度（1.0 ± 0.6）cm，矯正率86.7%；主胸彎Cobb角（31.4 ± 11.4）°，矯正率68.7%；主胸彎頂椎偏距（2.2 ± 0.9） cm，矯正率69.6%。上胸彎、胸腰彎/腰彎的Cobb 角及頂椎偏距亦明顯矯正，冠狀面及矢狀面平衡與術前相比，差異無統計學意義（P＞0.05）。未發生神經系統并發癥，1例患者在前路手術后入ICU行呼吸支持治療12 h，1例患者出現椎弓根螺釘穿透椎弓根上壁，2例患者出現鈦網位置不佳，隨訪未見鈦網位置改變。 結論 采用前路小切口頂椎切除聯合后路矯形治療重度僵硬性脊柱側凸安全可行，矯形效果滿意。
ObjectiveTo compare the changes of scoliosis and kyphosis angles after Halo-pelvic traction with posterior spinal osteotomy versus simple posterior spinal osteotomy for severe rigid spinal deformity.MethodsA clinical data of 28 patients with severe rigid spinal deformity between January 2015 and November 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. Sixteen patients were treated by Halo-pelvic traction with posterior spinal osteotomy (group A) and 12 patients were treated with posterior spinal osteotomy only (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in gender, age, body mass index, and preoperative pulmonary function, coronal and sagittal Cobb angles, and flexibility. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. The coronal and sagittal Cobb angles were measured on X-ray films before operation (before traction in group A), at 10 days after operation, at last follow-up in the two groups and after traction in group A. The improvement rate of deformity after traction in group A, the correction rate of deformity after operation, and the loss rate of correction at last follow-up were calculated.ResultsAll patients were followed up 24-30 months (mean, 26.5 months). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly less in group A than in group B (t=7.629, P=0.000; t=8.773, P=0.000). In group A, 1 patient occurred transient numbness of both legs during continuous traction and 2 patients needed ventilator support for more than 12 hours. In group B, 7 patients needed ventilator support for more than 12 hours, including 1 patient with deep incision infection. The incidence of complications was 18.75% (3/16) in group A and 58.33% (7/12) in group B, and the difference between the two groups was significant (χ2=4.680, P=0.031). The coronal and sagittal improvement rates of deformity after traction in group A were 40.47%±3.60% and 40.70%±4.20%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the coronal and sagittal Cobb angles at 10 days after operation and at last follow-up, in the correction rate of deformity after operation, and in the loss rate of correction at last follow-up.ConclusionFor the severe rigid spinal deformity, Halo-pelvic traction with posterior spinal osteotomy and simple posterior spinal osteotomy can obtain the same orthopedic effect and postoperative deformity correction. However, the Halo-pelvic traction can shorten operation time, reduce blood loss and incidence of perioperative complications.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of one-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) combined with Prospace and facet fusion using local autograft. Methods Clinical and radiographic data of 76 patients treated by this technique was reviewed from May 2002 to December 2004. Of them, there were 52 males and 24 females, with an average age of 53.2 years (2381 years), including 60 cases of degenerative disc disease, 9 cases of failed back surgery syndrome and 3 cases of spondylolysis. The disese courses were 1.2-8.7 years (mean 3.6 years). The levels of PLIF were:L 2,3 in 2 cases, L 3,4 in 7, L 4,5 in 54, L 5/S 1 in 10, L 4/S 1 in 1 and L 5,6 in 2. After decompression，Prospace was inserted into interbody space bilaterally，and located in disc space 4 mm beyond the rear edge ofthe vertebral body. Local laminectomy autograft was packed both laterally into and between 2 implants. Then the remanent local autograft was placed over facet bed. Pedicle screws were used after insertion of Prospace. Clinical results wereevaluated by the JOA score. Disc height ratio and lumbar lordosis angles were measured on lateral radiographs. Fusion status was determined by evidence of bridge trabeculae across facet joint and interbody space on CT scan without mobility in lateral dynamic X-rays, and no radiolucent gap between Prospace and endplate. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis. Results Mean blood loss and operative time was 384 ml and 178 minutes, respectively. The average JOA score at final follow-up (26.1±2.7) was significantly improved when compared with that of preoperation (14.5±4.0, P＜0.05), with a mean recovery rate of JOA score 81.1% (37.5%-100.0%). The fusion rate was 974%(74/76). Mean disc height ratio and the involved segmental lordosis angle were increased from preoperative 0.27± 0.07 and 5.8±2.2° to 0.33±0.06 and 11.3±2.0° respectively at the final followup, and the differences were significant (P＜0.05). There were no devicerelated complications. Conclusion This surgical technique combined with Prospace interbody device is a safe and effective surgical option for patients with onelevel lumbar disorders when PLIF is warranted.
ObjectiveTo summarize the experience in management of occult cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL) in posterior thoracolumbar surgeries, and to explore the best drainage duration, as well as to analyse the ways to reduce the risk of CSFL. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 26 patients with occult CSFL in posterior thoracolumbar surgeries between January 2011 and January 2013. There were 15 males and 11 females, with the average age of 48.7 years (range, 36-59 years). Headache occurred in 19 cases, and 5 cases had nausea with 3 cases also having vomiting after operation. Drainage tube unobstructed and no CSFL from the skin incision were observed in 23 cases at the postoperative 2nd day, and the drainage pipe clamp test was performed at the 3rd day. Twenty-one patients had no CSFL and were given extubation; 2 cases having CSFL were given extubation after conservative treatments for 10 days. Three patients had CSFL with ineffective conservative treatments at the postoperative 2nd day, then received reoperation, incision suture, and drainage. At the postoperative 3rd day, if no CSFL was observed, these patients were given extubation and stayed in bed for 3-5 days. ResultsAll incisions healed and the healing time was 7-15 days (mean, 8 days). No incision infection, persistent CSFL, and other complications occurred. After extubation, headache, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms were alleviated immediately. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 16 months). MRI at the postoperative 6th month showed no subcutaneous epidural pseudocyst. ConclusionThe quality of suturing is the key factor to prevent occult CSFL in posterior thoracolumbar surgery. Under the premise of good suture quality, extubation can be given at the postoperative 3rd day. Before extubation, the drainage pipe clamp test can be performed to make sure no CSFL and to reduce the risk of CSFL from the surgical incision after extubation.
Objective To evaluate the early cl inical outcomes of subtotal corpectomy and intervertebral bonegrafting through posterior approach alone in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture or thoracolumbar fracturedislocation.Methods Between January 2009 and December 2010, 20 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture orthoracolumbar fracture dislocation were treated with subtotal corpectomy and intervertebral bone grafting through posteriorapproach alone. There were 14 males and 6 females, with an average age of 36.1 years (range, 19-47 years). Fractures were causedby falling from height in 12 cases, traffic accident in 6 cases, and crushing in 2 cases. According to AO classification, there were10 cases of A3 type, 8 cases of B2 type, and 2 cases of C2 type. Single segment was involved in 8 cases, double segments in 12cases. Twelve cases complicated by fracture dislocation and 6 cases by lateral displacement. All patients had bones occupancyin vertebral canal. The preoperative Cobb angle was (30.2 ± 3.9)°. According to Frankel classification for neurological function,there were 4 cases of grade B, 9 cases of grade C, and 7 cases of grade D at preoperation. The mean time between injury andoperation was 4.5 days (range, 1-12 days). Results All incisions healed by first intention, and no infection occurred.Twenty patients were followed up 8-16 months (mean, 12 months). The interbody fusion time was 6-9 months (mean, 7months). Neurological function recovered 1 to 3 grades: 1 case of grade C, 2 cases of grade D, 17 cases of grade E at last followup.The Cobb angle was (6.5 ± 4.2)° at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value(t=2.39, P=0.00). No breaking or loosening of screw and implant sinkage occurred. Conclusion A combination of subtotalcorpectomy and intervertebral bone grafting through posterior approach alone has the advantages of complete decompression,restoration of spinal stabil ity, restoration of vertebral body height, high bone healing rate, and good recovery of neurologicalfunction. However, this surgical technique has a relatively large amount of blood loss and high requirements for surgeons.
Objective To investigate the effect of the sagittal alignment of the spine and pelvis after surgical posterior intervertebral fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation for low-grade isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis, and to assess the effectiveness. Methods Between October 2009 and October 2011, 30 patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis underwent surgical posterior intervertebral fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation, and the clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. There were 14 males and 16 females with an average age of 56.7 years (range, 48-67 years). The pre- and post-operative radiographic parameters, such as percentage of slipping (PS), intervertebral space height, angle of slip (AS), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar junction angle (TLJ), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), spino-sacral angle (SSA), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI) were measured. The functional evaluation was made using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Pearson correlation were used to investigate the association between all parameters and ODI score. Results PS, intervertebral space height, AS, and ODI were improved significantly compared with properative ones (P lt; 0.05). Significant differences were found in the other parameters between pre- and post-operation (P lt; 0.05) except TLJ and TK. The alteration of SVA showed significant correlation with the changes of PS, PI, PT, LL, SS, AS, SSA, and ODI. The alteration of SSA showed significant correlation with the changes of PS, PI, LL, SS, AS, PT, and ODI. Conclusion Surgical posterior intervertebral fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation for low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis can effectively improve and maintain the spinal sagittal parameters. SVA and SSA are adequate to evaluate pre-and post-operative balance. The good clinical outcome is closely related with the improved of SVA and SSA.
Objective To discuss the improved method and effectiveness of posterior pedicle-screw fixation combined with restoring and grafting through the injured vertebrae for treating thoracolumbar burst fracture. Methods Between March 2008 and September 2010, 21 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture were treated by posterior pedicle-screw fixationcombined with restoring and grafting through the injured vertebrae. Of 21 cases, 15 were male and 6 were female with an age range of 20-61 years (mean, 38.4 years). Affected segments included T12 in 5 cases, L1 in 7 cases, L2 in 5 cases, and T12-L1 in 4 cases. According to Frankel classification for neurological function, 2 cases were rated as grade A, 4 cases as grade B, 6 cases as grade C, 5 cases as grade D, and 4 cases as grade E; based on Denis classification, all 21 cases were burst fractures, including 7 cases of type A, 11 cases of type B, and 3 cases of type C. The X-ray film was taken to measure the relative height of fractured vertebrae and Cobb’s angle, and the function of the spinal cord was evaluated at preoperation, postoperation, and last followup. Results All the incisions healed primarily. The 21 patients were followed up 12-30 months (mean, 26 months). No loosening or breakage of screws and rods occurred. X-ray films showed good bone heal ing with the heal ing time from 12 to 23 months (mean, 16 months). The Cobb’s angles at 1 week and 1 year postoperatively were (3.4 ± 2.4)° and (5.2 ± 3.2)° respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative angle (22.1 ± 1.2)° (P lt; 0.05), while no significant difference between 1 week and 1 year after operation (P gt; 0.05). The anterior height of injured vertebrae recovered from (14.6 ± 2.1) mm (40.2% ± 1.5% of the normal) at preoperation to (36.0 ± 2.0) mm (95.3% ± 1.3% of the normal) at 1 week, and to (35.0 ± 2.4) mm (94.4% ± 2.5% of the normal) at 1 year; significant differences were found between preoperation and postoperation (P lt; 0.05), while no significant difference between 1 week and 1 year after operation (P gt; 0.05). At 1 year after operation, the Frankel neurological function grade was improved in varying degrees, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative grade (χ2=11.140, P=0.025). Conclusion Improved method of posterior pedicle-screw fixation combined with restoring and grafting through the injured vertebrae in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture can reconstructthe anterior and middle column stabil ity and prevent loss of Cobb’s angle and height of vertebrae.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of intertransverse bone graft after debridement and fusion combined with posterior instrumentation in patients with single segmental thoracic tuberculosis. MethodsBetween March 2014 and May 2015, 17 cases of thoracic tuberculosis were treated by the surgery of intertransverse bone graft after debridement and fusion combined with posterior instrumentation. There were 10 males and 7 females with an average age of 48.5 years (range, 18-70 years), and with a mean disease duration of 4 months (range, 1-9 months). The affected segments included T4, 5 in 2 cases, T6, 7 in 5 cases, T7, 8 in 3 cases, T9, 10 in 2 cases, T10, 11 in 4 cases, and T11, 12 in 1 case. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time were recorded. Postoperative plain radiography was taken to assess the decompression and internal fixation, and the fusion effect was evaluated by X-ray or CT examination. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Kyphosis angle were recorded and compared; the nerve function was evaluated by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). ResultsThe mean operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time were 184 minutes (range, 165-220 minutes), 231 mL (range, 150-800 mL), and 18 days (range, 12-26 days) respectively. No complication of hematoma or wound dehiscence was found. All patients were followed up 17.9 months on average (range, 9-22 months). No bone graft failure, internal fixation broken, pleural effusion, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, wound infection, fistula formation, and other complications occurred. Satisfactory intervertebral fusion was obtained in all patients at 3-8 months (mean, 5.3 months) after surgery. The ESR, CRP, VAS score, ODI score, and Kyphosis angle were significantly improved at immediate after operation and last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones (P < 0.05), and the ESR, CRP, VAS score and ODI score at last follow-up were significantly better than those at immediate after operation (P < 0.05). At last follow-up, the nerve function was recovered to ASIA grade E from grade C (1 case) and grade D (6 cases). ConclusionIntertransverse bone graft is a reliable, safe, and effective way of bone graft applied to the single segmental thoracic spinal tuberculosis.
ObjectiveTo increase the advantage and decrease the disadvantage of posterior approach for uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) right upper lobectomy.MethodsData of 97 consecutive patients who received uniportal VATS right upper lobectomy using posterior approach in the semiprone position were retrospectively analyzed from Dec, 2014 to Dec, 2017. There were 41 males and 56 females at age of 26–79 (57.8±10.6) years. The hilar structure was cut from posterior to anterior one by one. The mediastinal lymph nodes were dissected if lung cancer was diagnosed.ResultsNinety three of 97 patients were successfully completed with uniportal VATS right upper lobectomy using posterior approach, 3 of them were completed with posterior approach combined with anterior approach, and 1 of them needed thoracotomy. The mean operative time was 76–192 (127.0±32.0) min. The thoracic drainage time was 2–20 (3.4±2.7) d. The postoperative length of hospital stay was 3–23 (5.4±3.1) d. There were postoperative complications in 7 patients and no postoperative mortality.ConclusionPosterior approach for uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery right upper lobectomy is safe and feasible, which can decrease the fatigue of both the surgeon and the assistant. It also provides with better exposure of posterior mediastinum, less dragging lung, and less interference of the instruments and help keep the clear surgical field. In complicated cases, posterior approach could combine with anterior approach to complete the VATS lobectomy.