ObjectiveTo investigate the optimal surgical opportunity timing of posterior hemivertebra resection by comparing the outcomes of surgical treatment for congenital spinal deformity in patients at different ages. MethodsBetween January 2007 and Februay 2013, 36 cases of congenital hemivertebra scoliosis underwent one-stage posterior hemivertebra resection and segmental instrumentation fixation and fusion. There were 22 males and 14 females, with an average age of 16.8 years (range, 5-48 years). The patients were divided into 3 groups:group A (≤10 years, n=7), group B (10-20 years, n=22), and group C (>20 years, n=7). There was no significant difference in gender, segment, type, and complication among 3 groups (P>0.05). Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films were taken before and after operation to measure the scoliosis Cobb angle, kyphosis Cobb angle, and C7 plumb line-center sacral vertical line (C7PL-CSVL). The improvement rate was calculated. And the perioperative and long-term complications were recorded. ResultsThe operation time of group A was significantly less than that of group C (P<0.05); the intraoperative blood loss of group B and group C were significantly more than that of group A (P<0.05); and the fixed segments of group B and group C were significantly more than those of group A (P<0.05). Thirty-six cases were followed up 7-62 months (mean, 31.3 months). No poor wound healing, pedicle cutting, pseudoarticulation formation, and other complications occurred during the follow-up. At last follow-up, 31 patients obtained a balance of double shoulders and double hips. The scoliosis Cobb angle, kyphosis Cobb angle, and C7PL-CSVL at immediate after operation and last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 3 groups (P<0.05). The scoliosis Cobb angle at last follow-up of group B was significantly larger than that of group C, the kyphotic correction rate at immediate after operation was significantly larger in groups A and C than in group B, the kyphotic correction rate of group B at last follow-up was significantly less than that of group C, and C7PL-CSVL correction rate of group A at immediate after operation was significantly larger than that of group B, all showing significant differences (P<0.05). ConclusionEarly one stage posterior hemivertebra resection is safe and effective, especially in patients who had no formation of structural compensatory bending and spinal stiffness, which can shorten the operation time and reduce the fixed segments and intraoperative hemorrhage. Influence on the growth and activity of the spine is relatively small.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printing artificial vertebral body and interbody fusion Cage in anterior cervical disectomy and fusion (ACCF) combined with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACDF).MethodsThe clinical data of 29 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent ACCF combined with ACDF between May 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 13 patients were treated with 3D printing artificial vertebral body and 3D printing Cage as 3D printing group and 16 patients with ordinary titanium mesh Cage (TMC) and Cage as TMC group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, surgical segment, Nurick grade, disease duration, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Cobb angle of fusion segment between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization stay, complications, and implant fusion at last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups; JOA score was used to evaluate neurological function before operation, immediately after operation, at 6 months after operation, and at last follow-up; VAS score was used to evaluate upper limb and neck pain. Cobb angle of fusion segment was measured and the difference between the last follow-up and the immediate after operation was calculated. The height of the anterior border (HAB) and the height of the posterior border (HPB) were measured immediately after operation, at 6 months after operation, and at last follow-up, and the subsidence of implant was calculated.ResultsThe operation time of 3D printing group was significantly less than that of TMC group (t=3.336, P=0.002); there was no significant difference in hospitalization stay and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-19 months (mean, 16 months). There was no obvious complication in both groups. There were significant differences in JOA score, VAS score, and Cobb angle at each time point between the two groups (P<0.05). There was an interaction between time and group in the JOA score (F=3.705, P=0.025). With time, the increase in JOA score was different between the 3D printing group and the TMC group, and the increase in the 3D printing group was greater. There was no interaction between time and group in the VAS score (F=3.038, P=0.065), and there was no significant difference in the score at each time point between the two groups (F=0.173, P=0.681). The time of the Cobb angle interacted with the group (F=15.581, P=0.000). With time, the Cobb angle of the 3D printing group and the TMC group changed differently. Among them, the 3D printing group increased more and the TMC group decreased more. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the improvement rate of JOA score between the two groups (t=0.681, P=0.502), but the Cobb angle difference of the 3D printing group was significantly smaller than that of the TMC group (t=5.754, P=0.000). At last follow-up, the implant fusion rate of the 3D printing group and TMC group were 92.3% (12/13) and 87.5% (14/16), respectively, and the difference was not significant (P=1.000). The incidence of implant settlement in the 3D printing group and TMC group at 6 months after operation was 15.4% (2/13) and 18.8% (3/16), respectively, and at last follow-up were 30.8% (4/13) and 56.3% (9/16), respectively, the differences were not significant (P=1.000; P=0.264). The difference of HAB and the difference of HPB in the 3D printing group at 6 months after operation and last follow-up were significantly lower than those in the TMC group (P<0.05).ConclusionFor patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy undergoing ACCF combined with ACDF, compared with TMC and Cage, 3D printing artificial vertebrae body and 3D printing Cage have the advantages of shorter operation time, better reduction of height loss of fusion vertebral body, and maintenance of cervical physiological curvature, the early effectiveness is better.
Objective To evaluate the effects of in situ subtalar arthrodesis with bone graft for subtalar traumatic arthritis, and to analyse the plantar pressure distribution so as to provide the evidence for effectiveness evaluation. Methods Between March 2004 and December 2008, 26 patients with unilateral subtalar arthrodesis undergoing bone graft fusion wereenrolled (test group). After operation, the imageology diversity and the effect of subtalar arthrodesis on adjacent joint wereobserved. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankel Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and radiographs were used to assess the foot function before and after operation. Twenty-six normal subjects served as controls. Footscan system was used to test the distribution of maximum plantar pressure and the change of gravity center curve. No significant difference was found in gender, age, height, and weight between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All patients were followed up 18.2 months on average (range, 14-71 months). The mean subtalar arthrodesis time was 5.6 months (range, 4 months and 15 days to 11 months). The mean AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score improved from 35.18 ± 8.16 preoperatively to 76.36 ± 6.90 postoperatively (t=13.910, P=0.000). Nine (34.6%) patients had satisfactory functional effects, and 13 (50.0%) patients basically satisfactory. The talocalcaneal height, talocalcaneal angle, talar decl ination angle, and calcaneus patch angle were 87.04% ± 6.17%, 76.73% ± 5.13%, 65.86% ± 7.01%, and 70.19% ± 8.33% of the contralateral side, respectively. Osteoarthritis of the adjacent joints occurred in 7 cases. The maximum plantar pressure increased in the third to fifth metatarsal bones and decreased in the first to second metatarsal bones, showing significant differences when compared with normal controls (P lt; 0.05). No significant difference was found in the plantar pressure between arthrodesis foot and contralateral foot of the test group (P gt; 0.05). The plantar pressure was well distributed in patient who was satisfied with the effect, but it was still different from normal controls. In patients who had high plantar pressure n middle foot, mild heel inversion occurred. The gravity center curve of the contralateral foot in the test group was almost the same as that of normal controls; curve medially shifted when forefoot touched down. The curve irregularly and laterally shifted in the subtalar arthrodesis foot; the curve did not medially shift when forefoot touched down. Conclusion In situ subtalar arthrodesis with bone graft has good cl inical results for subtalar traumatic arthritis. Gait analysis can be appl ied to assess the therapeutic effectiveness, and contribute to make a surgical plan. For the adaptive alteration of contralateral side after subtalar arthrodesis, a cohort of normal subjects should be used for comparison in gait analysis.
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation and minimally invasive lateral small incisions lesion debridement and bone graft fusion via dilated channels in the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis.MethodsThe clinical data of 22 cases of lumbar tuberculosis treated with percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation combined with dilated channels with minimally invasive lateral small incision lesion debridement and bone graft fusion between January 2016 and June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 10 females, with an average age of 47.5 years (range, 22-75 years). The affected segments were L2, 3 in 5 cases, L3, 4 in 8 cases, and L4, 5 in 9 cases, with an average disease duration of 8.6 months (range, 4-14 months). Preoperative neurological function was classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), with 3 cases of grade C, 9 cases of grade D, and 10 cases of grade E. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were recorded. At preoperation, 3 months after operation, and last follow-up, the C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimen- tation rate (ESR) were tested to evaluate tuberculosis control; the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the recovery of pain, and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the function recovery of the patient’s lower back; the kyphosis Cobb angle was measured, and the loss of Cobb angle (the difference between the Cobb angle at last follow-up and 3 months after operation) was calculated. At last follow-up, the ASIA classification was used to evaluate the recovery of neurological function, and the effectiveness was evaluated according to the modified MacNab standard.ResultsThe operation time was 110-148 minutes (mean, 132.8 minutes) and the intraoperative blood loss was 70-110 mL (mean, 89.9 mL). Two patients experienced fat liquefaction of the incision and delayed healing; the incisions of the remaining patients healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 18-24 months, with an average of 21.3 months. All bone grafts achieved osseous fusion, the pedicle screws were fixed in reliable positions, without loosening, displacement, or broken rods. There was no recurrence of tuberculosis. The ESR, CRP, VAS scores, ODI scores, and kyphosis Cobb angle of the affected segment at 3 months after operation and last follow-up were significantly improved (P<0.05); there were no significant differences between at last follow-up and 3 months after operation (P>0.05), and the loss of Cobb angle was (0.6±0.5)°. The patient’s neurological function recovered significantly. At last follow-up, the ASIA grades were classified into 1 case with grade C, 1 case with grade D, and 20 cases with grade E, which were significantly improved when compared with preoperative grading (Z=?3.066, P=0.002). According to the modified MacNab standard, 16 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 1 case was poor. The excellent and good rate was 86.4%.ConclusionPercutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation combined with dilated channels with minimally invasive lateral small incisions lesion debridement and bone graft fusion has the advantages of less bleeding, less trauma, and faster recovery, which is safe and effective in the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis.
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 review the progress of surgical treatment for the thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. Methods The related literature of surgical treatment for the thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis was reviewed and analyzed from the aspects such as surgical approach, fixed segments, fusion ranges, bone graft, and bone graft material research progress. Results Most scholars prefer anterior or combined posterior approach for surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis because it possessed advantage of precise effectiveness. In recent years, a simple posterior surgery achieved satisfactory effectiveness. The fixation segments are mainly composed of short segments or intervertebral fixation. The interbody fusion is better for the bone graft fusion range and manner, and the bone graft materials is most satisfied with autologous iliac Cage or titanium Cage filled with autologous cancellous bone. Conclusion The perfect strategy for treating the thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis has not yet been developed, and the personalized therapy for different patients warrants further study.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and the indications of posterolateral fusion and pedicle screw short-segment fixation via injured vertebra for treating old thoracolumbar fracture combined with kyphosis in elderly patients. MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2014, 24 patients with old thoracolumbar fracture and kyphosis received posterolateral fusion and pedicle screw short-segment fixation via injured vertebra. Of 24 cases, 8 were male and 16 were female with an average age of 66.3 years (range, 56-79 years). The mean disease course was 17.5 months (range, 5-36 months). There were 13 cases of osteoporosis, 9 cases of osteopenia, and 2 cases of normal bone. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was 6.53±0.95, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 52.63%±5.74% preoperatively. The thoracolumbar kyphosis located at T10 to L2, and the kyphotic Cobb angle was (28.79±5.04)° before operation. ResultsThe operation was completed successfully without related complications. The operative time was 1.2-2.3 hours (mean, 1.6 hours), and intraoperative blood loss was 80-210 mL (mean, 158 mL). No nerve injury occurred. Poor healing of incision was observed in 1 patient with diabetes, and primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. Nineteen patients were followed up 6-30 months (mean, 14.4 months), and there were 2 deaths. Pain relief and function recovery were obtained in 19 patients after operation. The VAS score and ODI were significantly decreased to 2.4±0.7 and 32.14%±5.12% at last follow-up (t=8.542, P=0.000; t=9.826, P=0.000). The kyphotic Cobb angle was significantly decreased to (21.23±4.30)° at immediate after operation (P < 0.05) and to (23.68±4.35)° at last follow-up (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between at immediate and last follow-up (P > 0.05). No loosening or breakage of internal fixation was observed during follow-up. ConclusionPosterolateral fusion and pedicle screw short-segment fixation via injured vertebra is a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with old thoracolumbar fracture combined with kyphosis (Cobb angle less than 40°).
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of radical debridement, reconstruction with bone allograft, and pedicle screw-rod internal fixation via combined anterior and posterior approach in the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis. Methods Between January 2005 and May 2010, 16 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis were treated. Radical debridement wasperformed via extraperitoneal approach, then tricortical il iac bone allograft was placed and pedicle screw-rod internal fixation was used to reconstruct the spinal column. There were 12 males and 4 females aged 38-65 years (mean, 48 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 to 24 months (mean, 10 months). The main cl inical symptom was persistent pain in lumbosacral area. The involved segments included L4, 5 (3 cases), L5, S1 (8 cases), and L4-S1 (5 cases). The lumbosacral angle was 18-32° (mean, 22°). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 15-55 mm/1 hour (mean, 25 mm/1 hour). All the patients were given antituberculosis chemotherapy for 12 months after operation. Results The operation time was 120-240 minutes (mean, 180 minutes). The amount of bleeding was 300-600 mL (mean, 420 mL). All wounds healed by first intention, and no relative compl ication occurred. All 16 cases were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 16 months). No recurrence occurred and ESR recovered to normal. Persistent pain in lumbosacral area and radicular pain in lower extremities disappeared. The X-ray films demonstrated that bony fusion was obtained in all patients at 8-12 months postoperatively. The lumbosacral angle was 16-31° (mean, 21°) at last follow-up. Conclusion The extraperitoneal approach can provide direct and safe access to the lesion. The structural il iac bone allograft and posterior instrumentation could reconstruct effectively the stabil ity of the lumbosacral junction.