To evaluate the method and effectiveness of anterior focus clearance with autograft bone fusion and internal fixation in treating of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis in one-stage. Methods Between March 2007 and September 2009, 8 cases of thoracic vertebra tuberculosis were treated. Of 8 cases, 6 were male and 2 were female, aged 32 years on average (range, 20-42 years). The disease duration ranged from 8 to 14 months (mean, 10.2 months). Affected vertebrae included thoracic vertebrae in 35 cases and lumbar vertebrae in 11 cases; 5 vertebrae were involved in 4 cases, 6 vertebrae in 3 cases, and 8 vertebrae in 1 case. According to Frankel classification, there were 2 cases of grade C, 4 cases of grade D, and 2 cases of grade E. All patients had different kyphosis with the Cobb angle of (25.1 ± 6.6)°. All patients received antituberculous therapy 4-6 weeks preoperatively; after complete clearance lesions, autograft bone fusion and internal fixation were performed, and then antituberculous therapy was given for 18 months. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Eight patients were followed up 18-48 months (mean, 29 months). According to JIN Dadi et al. criterion, 7 cases recovered after first operation, 1 case of relapsed tuberculosis with sious was cured after re-focus clearance. The Cobb angle was (19.5 ± 4.2)° at 7 days after operation and was (22.3 ± 3.6)° at last follow-up, showing significant differences when compared with the preoperative value (P lt; 0.05). The nerve function of all cases were classified as Frankel grade E. CT scan showed bone graft fusion at 6-8 months after operation. No loosening or displacement of grafted bone and internal fixation occurred during follow-up. Conclusion The treatment of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis by anterior focus clearance, intervertebral autograft, and internal fixation in one-stage is effective. Anterior bone fusion and internal fixation in one-stage can correct kyphosis effectively and rebuild spinal stabil ity, so it is a good choice for surgical treatment of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis.
Objective To investigate the diagnosis and effectiveness of surgical treatment for lumbar pyogenic spondyl itis. Methods Between February 2005 and June 2010, 15 cases of lumbar pyogenic spondyl itis were treated. There were 10 males and 5 females with an average age of 48.6 years (range, 26-72 years). Affected segments included L2, 3 in 3 cases,L3, 4 in 3 cases, L4, 5 in 8 cases, and L5, S1 in 1 case. All cases had cl inical manifestations of moderate or severe fever, local pain of lesion, and l imitation of the spinal movement; 10 patients had nerve root symptoms, and 8 patients had symptoms of lower limb paraplegia. Leukocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) significantly increased in all cases. The preoperative X-ray and CT examinations showed no clear bone destruction; MRI showed decreased signal intensity on T1WI and increased signal intensity on T2WI, 7 cases had local ized abscess formation. The patients underwent focal cleaning and bone grafting and fusion combined with internal fixation, including anterior operation in 13 cases, posterior operation in 1 case, and combined anterior and posterior operation in 1 case. The results of bacterial culture were positive in 10 cases. According to the results of intraoperative bacterial cultures, sensitive antibiotics were selected. Results Healing of incision by first intention was achieved in 14 cases, healing by second intention in 1 case. After 2 weeks, 1 case recurred and symptoms was rel iefed after symptomatic treatment. Back pain and (or) lower limb pain were obviously improved in the other patients; body temperature recovered to normal after 3-4 days; leukocyte, ESR, and CRP significantly decreased. All the patients were followed up 12 to 70 months with an average of 35.4 months.The patients had no rejection, no fistula formation, no lumbar kyphosis, and no fixator loosening or breakage. The bony fusion time was 4-8 months. Conclusion Combination of cl inical manifestations, laboratory tests, and MRI can diagnose lumbar pyogenic spondyl itis, of which CRP is an important indicator to determine progression of the disease, and MRI is important for diagnosis. Debridement combined with interbody fusion and internal fixation is a safe and effective treatment method.
Objective To evaluate the effect of anterolateral approach in treating thoracolumbar disc protrusion. Methods From May 2004 to May 2008, 11 patients with thoracolumbar disc protrusion (T10-L3) underwent discectomy, autologous il iac bone graft, and internal fixation via anterolateral approach. There were 9 males and 2 females aged 26-57 years old (average 42.8 years old). The course of disease was 1 week-11 years (average 2.7 years). Nine patients showed the lower l imbs weakness, 8 had sensory disturbance, 6 presented with lumbodorsal pain, 5 had the lower l imb pain, 4 presentedwith sphincter muscle disturbance, 3 suffered from foot drop, and 5 had a history of lower back injury. X-ray, CT, and MRI test showed that 9 cases had the single-segmental protrusion, 2 cases had double-segmental protrusion, 2 cases were accompanied with ossification of the thoracic vertebra yellow l igament, 2 cases were combined with ossification of the vertebra posterior longitudinal l igament, and 1 was compl icated with Scheuermann disease. Preoperatively, the intervertebral height was (7.2 ± 1.3) mm and JOA score was 6.4 ± 2.8. Results The time of operation was 2.5-5.5 hours (average 3.5 hours); the blood loss during operation was 500-1 200 mL (average 750 mL). During operation, intraoperative pleural tear occurred in 1 patient, peritoneal tear in 1 patient, and dural laceration in 1 patient. Repairing was performed intraoperative and preventive suction drainage was used for 3-5 days. No postoperative hydropneumothorax and cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred. All incisions healed by first intention. No postoperative compl ications of nerve system occurred. All the patients were followed up for 1-4 years (average 2.4 years). X-ray films showed that all the patients achieved bony fusion without the occurrence breakage and loosening of titanium plate and screw 6-9 months after operation. Three cases displayed subtle scol iosis (10-15°) without influence on spinal equil ibration. The intervertebral height increased to (12.3 ± 1.5) mm 2 weeks after operation, indicating there was a significant difference compared with preoperative value (P lt; 0.05). The intervertebral height 1 year after operation when the bony fusion was reached decreased to (7.5 ± 1.2) mm, indicating there was no significant difference compared to the preoperative value (P gt; 0.05). The JOA score increased to 7.6 ± 3.2 at 1 year after operation, indicating there was a significant difference compared with preoperative value (P lt; 0.05). The symptoms and signs of all the patients were improved to various degrees after operation. According to improvement rate evaluation system proposed by Hirabayashi t al., 4 cases were graded as excellent, 6 as good, 1 as fair, and the excellent and good rate was 90.9%. Conclusion Treating thoracolumbar disc protrusion via anterolateral approach is safe and effective.
Objective To find an ideal material for repairing bone defect by local implanting simvastatin compounded with poly-lactic acid (PLA) into the radial critical size defects of rabbits, and to observe the reparative effect and type of bone formation induced by simvastatin. Methods Twelve 4-months-old male New Zealand white rabbits (2.3-2.8 kg) with 22 mm radial critical size defects on both sides were randomized into 4 groups (all n=3). Right side and left side of every rabbit were set as controls with each other. The left defects (experimental groups) of groups A, B, and C were implanted with cyl inder-l ike compound scaffolds containing 50, 100, and 200 mg of simvastatin (fixed with 250 mg PLA), or auto-bonegraft as group D, respectively. The right defects of groups A, B, and C were implanted with scaffolds containing only 250 mg PLA. The right defects of group D were left without any treatment. Digital X-ray images of bone defects were taken 8 and 16 weeks after operation, X-ray was scored double bl ind and X-ray pixel value was measured. Animals were euthanized16 weeks postoperatively. CT was appl ied to analyze new bone formation volume in the defects. In addition, orphologicalcharacters of new bones were observed through micro-CT and histology. Results X-ray films showed that the bone defect of each experimental side had much cloud-l ike callus, and the bone stump were not clear 8 weeks after operation; and the cortex in the defect was continuous and the medullary was recanal ized 16 weeks after operation. In control sides, the cortexes were discontinuous and the ends of fractures were sclerified. At 8 and 16 weeks after operation, the X-ray scores, pixel values and the CT volume percentage of new bone in experiment sides were all significantly higher than those in control sides (P lt; 0.05). The X-ray scores of experimental sides in groups C and D were significantly higher than those in groups A and B 8 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05), and the X-ray scores of experimental sides in groups B and D were significantly higher than those in groups A and C 16 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05). The X-ray pixel values of experimental sides of group B were significantly higher than those of groups A, C, and D 8 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05). The new bone formation volume of experimental side of groups B and D was higher than that of groups A and C (P lt; 0.05), and group D was significantly higher than that of group B (P lt; 0.05). Micro-CT showed bone defects of experimental sides of group B had totally healed, with connected medullary cavities and continuous bone cortex, on the contrary bone defects of control sides of group B did not healed completely. Histological observation showed better bone remodeling effects of the experimental sides than control sides, with connected medullary cavities and continuous bone cortex. And the osteogenetic type was endochondral ossification. Conclusion Local implantation of simvastatin can promote repairing rabbit radial critical bone defect, 100 mg is the best dose of repairing the bone defects.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of posterior intrasegmental fixation with pedicle screw-lamina hook system and bone grafting for lumbar spondylolysis. Methods Between January 2005 and October 2009, 22 patients with lumbar spondylolysis underwent posterior intrasegmental fixation with pedicle screw-lamina hook system and bone grafting. There were 19 males and 3 females with an average age of 18.4 years (range, 12-26 years). The main symptom was low back pain with an average disease duration of 16 months (range, 8-56 months). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was 6.0 ± 1.2 and Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 72.0% ± 10.0% preoperatively. The X-ray films showed bilateral spondylolysis at L4 in 9 cases and at L5 in 13 cases. The range of motion (ROM) at upper and lower intervertebral spaces was (11.8 ± 2.8)°and (14.1 ± 1.9)°, respectively. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-45 months (mean, 25 months). Low back pain was significantly alleviated after operation. The VAS score (0.3 ± 0.5) and ODI (17.6% ± 3.4%) were significantly decreased at last follow-up when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05). CT showed bone graft fusion in the area of isthmus defects, with no loosening or breaking of internal fixator. At last follow-up, the lateral flexion-extension X-ray films of the lumbar spine showed that the ROM at upper and lower intervertebral spaces was (12.3 ± 2.1)°and (13.5 ± 1.7)°, respectively; showing significant differences when compared with preoperative values (P lt; 0.05). Pain at donor site of iliac bone occurred in 1 case, and was cured after pain release treatment. ConclusionThe posterior intrasegmental fixation with pedicle screw-lamina hook system and bone grafting is a reliable treatment for lumbar spondylolysis, having a high fusion rate, low complication rate, and maximum retention of lumbar ROM.
Objective To sum up the recent progress of common bone graft substitute and to forecast the possible directions for further research. Methods Recent original articles about investigation and appl ication for bone graft substitute were extensively reviewed. Several common bone graft substitutes were selected and expounded in different categories. Results Bone graft was an essential treatment in order to provide structural support, fill bone cavity and promote bone defect heal ing. The gold standard for bone graft was autograft which is subject to many restrictions. In recent years, theresearch and development of bone graft substitute have received publ ic attention. A very great progress has been made in the research and appl ication of allograft bones, synthetic bones and engineered bones, and some research results have been put into use for real products. Conclusion There still exist many problems in present bone graft substitutes. Combining various biomaterials and using the specific processing technology to develop a biomaterial which has the similar mechanical and chemical properties and physical structures to autograft so as to promote bone defect heal ing is the direction for future research.
Objective To compare the effects and indications of total hip replacement(THR) and transplantation of vascularized bone graft in treating late ischemic necrosis of the femoral head.Methods From March 1986 to March 1993, 81 patients with late ischemic necrosis underwent treatment. Of 81 patients, 59 patients who suffered in unilateral hip were divided into 2 groups: 26 underwent total hip replacement and 33 underwent transplantation of vascularized bone graft. There was no significant difference in the Harris-scores of the two groups before operations (Pgt;0.05). The Harris hip scores were compared between different ages(＜30 years, 31.50 years, and ＞51 years) in two groups. Results The follow-up ranged from 10 years and 3 months to 16 years and 5 months (15 years and two months on average). The changes of Harrisscores of the two groups after operations had significant difference in initial stage（Plt;0.05）,but had no significant difference in the long term（Pgt;0.05）. The change of Harris-scores of patients who underwent total hip replacement had no significant difference between different ages （Pgt;0.05），but that of patients who underwent transplantation of vascularized bone graft had significant difference between different ages（Plt;0.05）. Both groupshad satisfactory effects in treating late ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. Conclusion Both methods are effective in treating late ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. Total hip replacement can be more effective insenior patients. Transplantation of vascularized bone can be more effective in young patients.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical outcomes of primary anterior focus debridement, bone autograft, and internal fixation via transperitoneal approach in treating tuberculosis of the lumbosacral junction. Methods From February 2002 to April 2007, 16 patients with tuberculosis of the lumbosacral junction underwent anterior radical debridement, autologous il iac bone graft (two pieces of il iac bone, 5 cm × 3 cm in size), and internal fixation via transperitoneal approach, including 4 males and 12 females aged 27-63 years old (average 38 years old). The course of the disease ranged from 6 to 18 months (average 10 months). All patients experienced various degrees of pain in the lumbosacral area and toxic symptoms of thetuberculosis. Nine cases were compl icated with radicular pain in the lower extremities, and 3 cases had saddle area anaesthesia. Two cases were initially diagnosed as lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and treated accordingly. The segments involved by the tuberculosis were L5-S1 level in all cases. The average erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 61 mm/hour. Imaging examination confirmed the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. All cases received four antitubercular drugs and nutrition support for nerve before operation. Operation was performed when hepatorenal function was normal, and the toxic symptom of the tuberculosis was under control or ESR was decreased. Results Operation was performed safely in all cases without injuries of abdominal viscera, major blood vessel, cauda equina nerve and ureter. All wounds healed by first intention. No recurrence of tuberculosis and formation of sinuses occurred. All cases were followed up for 12-37 months (average 21 months). No such compl ications as tuberculous peritonitis and intestinal obstruction occurred. No postoperative erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation occurred in the 4 male patients. ESR was recovered to normal 3-6 months after operation, and regular X-ray and CT exams showed no displacement of grafted bone. All patients achieved bony fusion 12 months after operation without the occurrence breakage and loosening of titanium plate and screw. The radical pain in the lower extremities and the saddlearea anaesthesia disappeared. Four patients had pain in the il iac donor site, 2 patients had mild pain in the lumbosacral area, and the pain was el iminated after symptomatic treatment. The therapeutic effect was graded as excellent in 14 cases and good in 2 cases according to the therapeutic effect evaluation criteria of Chen and co-workers. Conclusion The surgical treatment of tuberculosis of the lumbosacral junction with primary anterior focus debridement, bone autograft, and internal fixation via transperitoneal approach can achieve satisfying bony fusion and reconstruct spinal stabil ity.
Objective To study the effect of core decompression combining with autologous cortical sustaining bone and cancellous bone graft in treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods From February 2004 to May 2008, 64 patients (77 hi ps) with ONFH were treated with core decompression combining with autologous cortical sustaining bone and cancellous bone graft, including 45 males and 19 females and aging 23 to 60 years with an average age of 43 years. There were 51 cases of unilateral ONFH and 13 cases of bilateral ONFH. ONFH was caused by alcohol in 39 cases(47 hi ps), by steroid in 21 cases (26 hi ps), and by trauma in 4 cases (4 hi ps). The disease course was 1-12 years. The pain time was 2-14 months (average 7 months). All the cases underwent imageology and postoperation pathology examination to confirm the diagnosis of ONFH. According to Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) international classification of osteonecrosis, 17 cases (23 hips) were classified as stage I A, 2 cases (3 hips) as stage I B, 21 cases (24 hips) as stage II A, 2 cases (2 hips) as stage II B, 4 cases (4 hips) as stage II C, and 18 cases (21 hips) as stage III A. The outcome was evaluated both cl inically by Harris score and radiologically by imageology. Results A total of 59 cases (69 hips) were followed up for 12-62 months with an average of 32.1 months. The Harris score was 87.12 ± 8.68 at 12 months after operation, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05) when compared with the preoperative one (68.38 ± 14.49). The results were excellent in 39 hips, good in 18 hips, fair in 6 hips, and poor in 6 hip; and the excellent and good rate was 82.6%. Radiographic evaluation was 21 hips (30.4%) of grade I, 42 hips (60.9%) of grade II, and 6 hips (8.7%) of grade III. One case had the compl ication of il ium bone donor site, 21 cases had l ittle pain or numbness, and the other cases had no uncomfortable compl ication. Conclusion The method of core decompression combining with autologous cortical sustaining bone and cancellous bone graft can improve the means of bone grafts, prevent the collapse of the femoral head, and is less traumatic than common procedures. Cl inical effects are obvious and effective.
Objective To retrospectively analyze the cl inical effect of l ightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/ collagen in a consecutive series of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods From January 2001to July 2005, 26 patients (35 hips) were treated, 16 males and 10 females, aged 19-54 years old (33.5 on average). The course of disease was 12-36 months (18 months on average). Based on the etiology, 15 cases (22 hips) were steroid induced type, 10 (12 hips) were alcohol induced type and the other one (1 hip ) was idiopathic type. According to the system of Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO), there were 6 hi ps of stage IIB, 16 hi ps of stage IIC, 9 hi ps of stage IIIA, 3 hi ps of stage IIIB and 1 hip of stage IIIC. The Harris score was 62.2 ± 7.5. All the patients who had undergone l ightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen were evaluated both cl inically and radiographically. The bone graft mixture rate of nanohydroxyapatite/ collagen and autogenous bone was 1 ∶ 1, and the mixed bone graft was 6 times of the scraped osteonecrosis volume (30-48 mL). Results The incisions of all 26 patients (35 hi ps) obtained heal ing by first intention. The 2 cases, which got lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury during the operation, recovered 3-6 months after the operation without any treatment. Another 2 cases got heterotopic ossification 3 months after operation, with no special treatment. All the 26 patients (35 hips) were followed up for 2-7 years (3.5 on average). The patients’ bone heal ing began from the 3rd month after operation. The postoperative Harris score was 85.1 ± 16.2, and there was significant difference compared with the preoperative one (P lt; 0.001). There were 15 hips of excellent, 11 of good, 5 of fair, and 4 of poor which received total hip arthroplasty at the end of the follow-up. According to imaging, 5 hips were progressed from preoperative IIC to IIIA, while the other hips were radiologically stable, with no progress of ONFH. Conclusion Lightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen provides a surgical treatment to treat early ONFH with satisfactory cl inical outcomes. Nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen is beneficial for the repair and reconstruction of ONFH and suitable for femoral-head-preserving operation for the patients with ONFH of stage II.