Objective To investigate whether preoperative T1 slope (T1S) in MRI can predict the changes of cervical curvature after expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, so as to make up for the shortcomings of difficult measurement in X-ray film. Methods The clinical data of 36 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent EOLP were retrospectively analysed. There were 21 males and 15 females with an average age of 55.8 years (range, 37-73 years) and an average follow-up time of 14.3 months (range, 12-24 months). The preoperative X-ray films at dynamic position, CT, and MRI of cervical spine before operation, and the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films at last follow-up were taken out to measure the following sagittal parameters. The parameters included C2-C7 Cobb angle and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-C7 SVA) in all patients before operation and at last follow-up; preoperative T1S were measured in MRI, and the patients were divided into larger T1S group (T1S>19°, group A) and small T1S group (T1S≤19°, group B) according to the median of T1S, and the preoperative T1S, C2-C7 Cobb angle, C2-C7 SVA, and the C2-C7 Cobb angle and C2-C7 SVA at last follow-up, difference in axial distance (the difference of C2-C7 SVA before and after operation), postoperative curvature loss (the difference of C2-C7 Cobb angle before and after operation), the number of patients whose curvature loss was more than 5° after operation, and the number of patients whose kyphosis changed (C2-C7 Cobb angle was less than 0° after operation). Results The C2-C7 Cobb angle at last follow-up was significantly decreased when compared with preoperative value (t=8.000, P=0.000), but there was no significant difference in C2-C7 SVA between pre- and post-operation (t=–1.842, P=0.074). The preoperative T1S was (19.69±3.39)°; there were 17 cases in group A and 19 cases in group B with no significant difference in gender and age between 2 groups (P>0.05). The preoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (t=–2.150, P=0.039), while there was no significant difference in preoperative C2-C7 SVA between 2 groups (t=0.206, P=0.838). At last follow-up, except for the curvature loss after operation in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (t=–2.723, P=0.010), there was no significant difference in the other indicators between 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Preoperative larger T1S (T1S>19°) in MRI had a larger preoperative lordosis angle, but more postoperative physiological curvature was lost; preoperative T1S in MRI can not predict postoperative curvature loss, but preoperative larger T1S may be more prone to kyphosis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of prophylactic C4, 5 foraminal dilatation in posterior cervical open-door surgery on postoperative C5 nerve root palsy syndrome.MethodsThe clinical data of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (cervical spinal cord compression segments were more than 3) who met the selection criteria between March 2016 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 40 patients underwent prophylactic C4, 5 foraminal dilatation in posterior cervical open-door surgery (observation group) and 40 patients underwent simple posterior cervical open-door surgery (control group). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in gender, age, disease duration, Nurick grade of spinal cord symptoms, and preoperative diameter of C4, 5 intervertebral foramen, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The occurrence of C5 nerve root paralysis syndrome was recorded and compared between the two groups, including incidence, paralysis time, recovery time, and spinal cord drift. VAS and JOA scores were used to evaluate the improvement of pain and function before operation and at 12 months after operation.ResultsThe incisions of the two groups healed by first intention, and there was no early postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Patients of both groups were followed up 12-23 months, with an average of 17.97 months. C5 nerve root paralysis syndrome occurred in 8 cases in the observation group (3 cases on the right and 5 cases on the left) and 2 cases in the control group (both on the right). There was significant difference of the incidence (20% vs. 5%) between the two groups (χ2=4.114, P=0.043). Except for 1 case in the observation group who developed C5 nerve root palsy syndrome at 5 days after operation, the rest patients all developed at 1 day after operation; the recovery time of the observation group and the control group were (3.87±2.85) months and (2.50±0.70) months respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups (t=–0.649, P=0.104). At 12 months after operation, the JOA score and VAS score of cervical spine in the two groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the difference of the cervical spine JOA score and VAS score between at 12 months after operation and before operation and the degree of spinal cord drift between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionProphylactic C4, 5 foraminal dilatation can not effectively prevent and reduce the occurrence of postoperative C5 root palsy, on the contrary, it may increase its incidence, so the clinical application of this procedure requires caution.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical effects of anterior segmental decompression and autograft fusion in treating multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods Between January 2007 and May 2009, 23 patients with multi-level CSM were treated with anterior segmental decompression, autograft fusion, and internal fixation. There were 16 males and 7 females with an average age of 58 years (range, 49-70 years). Consecutive 3 segments of C3,4, C4, 5, and C5, 6 involvedin 15 cases and C4, 5, C5, 6, and C6, 7 in 8 cases. All patients suffered sensory dysfunction in l imbs and trunk, hyperactivity of tendon reflexes of both lower extremities, walking with l imp, and weakening of hand grip. Cervical MRI showed degeneration and protrusion of intervertebral disc and compression of cervical cord. The disease duration was 6 to 28 months (12.5 months on average). Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score system was adopted for therapeutic efficacy evaluation. JOA scores were recorded preoperatively, 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Results Dura tear occurred in 1 case and was treated by fill ing with gelatinsponge during operation; no cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed after operation. All the incisions healed by first intention. All cases were followed up 12 to 24 months (15.1 months on average), and no vertebral artery injury or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred. The nervous symptoms in all cases were improved significantly within 1 week after operation. Lower l imb muscle strength increased, upper l imb abnormal sensation disappeared, and l imb moved more agile. A 2-mm collapses of titanium mesh into upper terminal plate were found in 1 case and did not aggravated during followup.The other internal fixator was in appropriate situation, and the fusion rate was 100%. The JOA score increased from 9.1 ±0.3 preoperatively to 14.3 ± 0.4 at 12 months postoperatively with an improvement rate of 65.8% ± 0.2%, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.01). According to Odom evaluation scale, the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 8 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case. Conclusion Anterior segmental decompression and autograft fusion is a recommendable technique for multi-level CSM, which can make full decompression, conserve the stabil ity of cervical cord, and has high fusion rate.
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 compare the outcomes of two operative methods, the anterior decompression in subsection and the anterior decompression in one section, which were used to treat multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods Data of multilevel CSM undergoing the anterior decompression in subsection (33 cases, the subsection group) and the anterior decompression in one section (19 cases, the one section group) from July 1999 to January 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. The- incidence of perioperative complications and the rate of fusion were evaluated by the postoperative X-ray and MRI examinations, and improvement of the neurological function was evaluated by the JOA score.Results The incidence of perioperative complications was 36.8%in the one section group, mainly including immigration of the plate and grafts,which was settled by the revision surgery; while the incidence of perioperative compilcations was 12.1% in the subsection group, mainly including the immigration of the titanium mesh. There was a significant difference between the two groups (Plt;0.05). 84.2％ of the patients in the one section group and 81.8％ of the patients in the subsection group developed bony fusion by the end of the follow-up (9-31 mon, averaged 112 mon), and there was no significant differencebetween the two groups (Pgt;0.05). According to the JOA score, the ratio of the improvement in the neurological function was 70.4% in the subsection group and 64.4% in the one section group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion The anterior decompression in subsection is more rational for the surgical treatment on the multilevel CSM than the anterior decompression in one section. It can provide an equal decompressive effect but a more stable local mechanical environment right after the surgery and can maintain it well, which is critical for the bony fusion.
Objective To investigate an individualized treatment program of a patient with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy by the method of evidence-based medicine. Methods One patient with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy was admitted into West China Hospital on October 19th, 2015. After evaluating the patient’s condition adequately, we proposed the problem according to the " patient, intervention, control, and outcome” (PICO) principles. Then, we searched and evaluated the systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies from Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, PubMed, OVID ACP Journal Club, CNKI, Wanfang and so on. The search date was from January 1991 to December 2015. And the best evidences from the databases were utilized in clinical practice. Results Twelve studies (five systematic reviews, two RCTs, four cohort studies and one latest guideline) were listed. To patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), posterior laminoplasty was less traumatic and had less complication. Expansive open-door laminoplasty was better. And the use of mini-plate fixation also reduced the related complications. Conclusions Posterior expansive open-door laminoplasty with mini-plate fixation has less traumatic and complication incidence, which can treat multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy effectively. For the best results and avoiding adverse outcomes, the procedure should be preferred in patients with OPLL.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a Zero-profile interbody fusion and fixation device (Zero-P) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. MethodsBetween April 2011 and September 2013, 26 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with the Zero-P. Of 26 cases, 12 were male and 14 were female, aged 43-82 years (mean, 58.3 years). The disease duration was from 3 months to 10 years (mean, 5.9 years). The involved segments included C3,4 in 5 cases, C4,5 in 3 cases, C5,6 in 6 cases, and C6,7 in 12 cases. The clinical outcome was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) score before operation and after operation. ResultsThe operations were successful and the operation time was 75-140 minutes (mean, 105 minutes); and blood loss was 20-150 mL (mean, 45 mL). There was no complications of infection, neural injury, esophageal fistula, prevertebral hematoma, or leakage of cerebrospinal. Dysphagia occurred in 1 case within 1 week after operation,and disappeared after 1 month. All patients were followed up for an average of 15.3 months (range, 12-18 months). The clinical symptoms were relieved after operation. During follow-up, no implant displacement or subsidence, screw breakage, and cervical instability were observed. At 3 and 12 months after operation, the VAS score and NDI reduced significantly (P<0.05); the JOA score increased significantly (P<0.05); and the intervertebral space height and the cervical Cobb angle improved significantly (P<0.05). But there was no significantly difference between at 3 and 12 months (P>0.05). According to JOA evaluation, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 92.3% at last follow-up. ConclusionThe clinical outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a Zero-P is satisfactory and reliable in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. It can restore the cervical physiological curve and the intervertebral space height and decrease the incidence of postoperative dysphagia.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of microplate fixation in open-door cervical expansive laminoplasty (ELP) by comparing with anchor fixation. Methods Between January 2005 and October 2008, 35 patients with multi-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated. Of them, 15 patients underwent ELP by microplate fixation (microplate group) and 20 patients underwent ELP by anchor fixation (anchor group). In microplate group, there were 10 malesand 5 females with the age of (51.2 ± 11.5) years; the disease duration ranged from 6 to 60 months (mean, 14 months); and the preoperative Japanese Orthopoaedic Association (JOA) score was 7.7 ± 2.5. In anchor group, there were 13 males and 7 females with the age of (50.7 ± 10.8) years; the disease duration ranged from 3 to 58 months (mean, 17 months); and the preoperative JOA score was 7.8 ± 2.9. There was no significant difference in the general data, such as gender, age, and JOA score between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All incisions healed by first intention. Thirty-five cases were followed up 24-68 months (mean, 32 months). The operation time was (113 ± 24) minutes in anchor group and (111 ± 27) minutes in microplate group, showing no significant difference (t=0.231 3, P=0.818 5). The rate of spinal canal expansion in microplate group (60% ± 24%) was significantly higher than that in anchor group (40% ± 18%) (t=2.820, P=0.008). The JOA scores of 2 groups at 3 months and 24 months after operation were significantly higher than the preoperative scores (P lt; 0.01). There was no significant difference in JOA score between 2 groups at 3 months after operation (t=1.620 5, P=0.114 6), but the JOA score of microplate group was significantly higher than that of anchor group at 24 months after operation (t=3.454 3, P=0.001 5). X-ray film, MRI, and CT scan at 3-6 months after operation displayed that door spindle reached bony fusion. There was no occurrence of ‘‘re-close of door’’ in 2 groups. The rate of compl ication in microplate group (13.3%, 2/15) was significantly lower than that in anchor group (25.0%, 5/20) (χ2=7.160 0, P=0.008 6). Conclusion ELP by microplate fixation can achieve the stabil ity quickly after operation, which can help patients to do functional exercises early, and has satisfactory effectiveness and less complications.
Objective To investigate the treatment methods and the cl inical therapeutic effects of symptomatic cervical vertebral hemangioma associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 18 patients (10 males and 8 females, aged 30-62 years with an average age of 45.3 years) with cervical vertebral hemangioma associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy between January 2006 and September 2008. The disease duration was 10-26 months (mean, 15.6 months). All patients had single vertebral hemangioma, including 2 cases at C3, 3 cases at C4, 5 cases at C5, 5 cases at C6, and 3 cases at C7. The X-ray films showed a typical “pal isade” change. According to the cl inical and imaging features, there were 13 cases of type II and 5 cases of type IV of cervical hemangioma. The standard anterior cervical decompression and fusion with internal fixation were performed and then percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was used. The cervical X-ray films were taken to observe bone cement distribution and the internal fixation after operation. The recovery of neurological function and the neck pain rel ief were measured by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Results All operations were successful with no spinal cord and nerves injury, and the incisions healed well. Anterior bone cement leakage occurred in 2 cases without any symptoms. All cases were followed up 24-28 months (mean, 26 months) and the symptoms were improved at different degrees without fracture and collapse of vertebra or recurrence of hemangioma. During the follow-up, there was no implant loosening, breakage and displacement, and the mean fusion time was 4 months (range, 3-4.5 months). The JOA score and VAS score had a significant recovery at 3 months and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative values (P lt; 0.05). Based on JOA score at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case. Conclusion The anterior cervical decompression and fusion with internalfixation combined with PVP treatment is one of the ideal ways to treat symptomatic cervical vertebral hemangioma associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which could completely decompress the spinal cord and effectively alleviate the cl inical symptoms caused by vertebral hemangioma.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical appl ication value and short-term results of Vertex rod-screw system in cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty. Methods Between February 2008 and January 2010, 28 patients underwent Vertex rod-screw system fixation in cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty, including 15 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 5 cases of ossification of posterior longitudinal l igament，and 8 cases of cervical spondylosis with spinal stenosis. There were 16 males and 12 females, aged 42-77 years (mean, 61.3 years). The disease duration was 2 months to 11 years. The decompression range of cervical spine was from C3 to C7. The operation time, blood loss, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and incidence of axial symptom were recorded. Pre- and postoperative curvature angles were demonstrated by the cross angle between posterior vertebral body margins of C2 and C7 on cervical X-ray films. The angle of the opened laminae was measured on CT scan at last follow-up. Results The operation time was (142.5 ± 22.8) minutes, and the blood loss was (288.2 ± 55.1) mL. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 14-25 months (mean, 22 months). CT showed that no reclosed open-laminae or loosening and breakage of rod-screw system occurred at 1 week and 1 year after operation. The axial bony fusion rate was 89.3% (25/28). The improvement rate of JOA scores at 1 week after operation (29.5% ± 15.0%) was significantly smaller than that at 1 year after operation (64.9% ± 28.1%) (t=0.810, P=0.000). No case presented with C5 nerve root palsy. The cervical curvature angle was (24.29 ± 5.04)° before operation, was (23.89 ± 3.57)° at 1 week, and was (23.41 ± 3.35)° at 1 year after operation, showing no significant difference between pre- and postoperative angles (P gt;0.05). The angle of the opened laminae was (27.90 ± 4.74)° at 1 week after operation, and was (28.07 ± 4.21)° at 1 year after operation, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Vertex rod-screw system in cervical expansive opendoor laminoplasty is effective in preventing reclosed open-laminae, which can reduce the loss of cervical curvature angle.