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 compare the short-term effectiveness of staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty via different approaches. Methods Thirty-two patients (64 hips) with bilateral hip disease were treated with total hip arthroplasty between January 2012 and December 2014. There were 20 males and 12 females with the mean age of 45.3 years (range, 30-67 years). There were avascular necrosis of femoral head in 14 cases, developmental dislocation of the hip in 12 cases, ankylosing spondylitis in 4 cases, osteoarthritis in 2 cases. All patients were treated with total hip arthroplasty; and the direct anterior approach (DAA) or direct lateral approach (DLA) was chosen for the unilateral hip randomly. The length of incision, operation time, total blood loss volume, the time of first postoperative activity, and the acetabular anteversion angle were compared. The Harris score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and incidence of complication were compared between 2 groups. Results All incisions healed at stage Ⅰ. All patients were followed up 20-53 months (mean, 39.6 months). The length of incision, total blood loss volume, the time of first postoperative activity were significantly shorter in DAA group than in DLA group (P<0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in DAA group than in DLA group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in acetabular anteversion angle between 2 groups (t=1.122, P=0.266). The incidence of complication were 25.00% and 15.63% in DAA group and DLA group, respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.869, P=0.536). The Harris score in DAA group significantly increased at 3 and 9 months after operation than in DLA group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference at 18 months after operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The VAS score was significantly lower in DAA group than in DLA group at 1 day, 3 days, and 1 week after operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference at 4 and 8 weeks between 2 groups (P>0.05). The prosthesis did not loosen and sink during the follow-up. Conclusion Total hip arthroplasty via DAA can reduce operation related complication and speed up the recovery of hip function at the early stage after operation. However, the lateral cutaneous nerve injury is the most common complication.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of posteromedial and anterolateral approaches in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures. MethodsNineteen consecutive patients with posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures were treated between August 2010 and August 2013, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 6 females, with an average age of 36.9 years (range, 25-75 years). All cases had closed fractures, involving 8 left sides and 11 right sides. Fractures involved posterior column according to the threecolumn classification based on CT scans; according to the Schatzker classification, all fractures were type Ⅱ; according to the AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation classification (AO/OTA), all fractures were type 41-B3.1.2. The interval between injury and operation was 7-14 days (mean, 9 days). The reduction of collapsed fractures and implantation of artificial bone allograft were supported by T-shaped distal radius plate via the posteromedial approach. The splited fractures was fixed by less invasive stabilization system (LISS) plate via the anterolateral approach. ResultsThe mean operation time was 69.0 minutes (range, 50-105 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention without neurovascular complications or wound infection. All patients were followed up 14-20 months (mean, 18.2 months). X-ray and CT examinations showed that collapsed tibial plateau and joint surface were completely corrected; bony union was obtained at 12 weeks on average (range, 10-16 weeks). No secondary collapsed fracture and knee varus or valgus occurred. The results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 89.5% according to the Rasmussen's scoring system for knee function. ConclusionThe posteromedial approach combined with anterolateral approach for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures can fully expose the posterolateral aspects of the tibial plateau, and thus collapsed and splited fractures can be treated at the same time, which will lead to less operative time and good outcomes in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures.
To investigate the effectiveness and safety of microendoscopic decompression via unilateral approach for lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods Between May 2006 and June 2009, 79 patients with lumbar stenosis were treated and divided into 2 groups: posterior lamina fenestration decompression (group A, n=37), endoscopic decompression via unilateral approach (group B, n=42). There was no significant difference in age, sex, segment level, and disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The cl inical outcomes were assessed by using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disabil ity Index (ODI). The operation time, blood loss, compl ications were compared between 2 groups. Results Operations were successfully performed in all cases. The operation time, blood loss, and drainage volume were (75.0 ± 25.7) minutes, (140.3 ± 54.8) mL, and (46.5 ± 19.7) mL in group A, were (50.4 ± 18.2) minutes, (80.2 ± 35.7) mL, and (12.7 ± 5.3) mL in group B; there were significant differences between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). All the wounds healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-39 months (mean, 16 months). In group A, 1 patient suffered from intervertebral space infection after operation and recovered after conservative treatment; 4 patients had lumbar instabil ity after operation and recovered after lumbar interbody fusion combined with spine system internal fixation. In group B, 2 patients suffered from spinal dural rupture during operation and recovered after corresponding treatment, and no lumbar instabil ity was found. There was no significant difference in VAS score and ODI between 2 groups at preoperation (P gt; 0.05). Both VAS score and ODI were significantly improved at early stage after operation and last follow-up when compared with preoperation in each group (P lt; 0.05). Comparing with group A, there was significant improvement in VAS score at 24 hours postoperatively and in ODI at 1 month postoperatively in group B (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was observed at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). According to cl inical evaluation of ODI mprovement rate, the excellent and good rate was 89.2% in group A and 92.9% in group B, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.896, P=0.827). Conclusion Comparing with posterior decompression surgery, microendoscopic decompression via unilateral approach is one of effective method to treat lumbar stenosis, with less trauma of fenestration yield and good early outcomes.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of posterior malleolus fractures treated by plate and screw internal fixation through posterolateral approach.MethodsThe clinical data of 95 patients with posterior malleolus fractures who were admitted between January 2016 and December 2019 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analysed. They were divided into plate group (44 cases, treated with posterolateral plate internal fixation) and screw group (51 cases, treated with posterolateral screw internal fixation) according to different treatment methods. There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups of patients such as age, gender, cause of injury, side of injury, ankle fracture or injury classification, time from injury to operation, and percentage of posterior ankle fracture area to the distal tibia articular surface (P>0.05). The operation time, hospital stay, fracture healing time, and surgical complications were compared between the two groups. Imaging examinations (X-ray film, CT scan and reconstruction) were used to assess the reduction quality of ankle fracture, articular congruity, and re-displacement in ankle fracture. At last follow-up, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the patients’ pain, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was used to evaluate ankle joint function.ResultsPatients in both groups were followed up 6-30 months, with an average of 18.2 months. The operation time of the plate group was significantly longer than that of the screw group (U=?2.040, P=0.041); there was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups (U=?1.068, P=0.285). Incision swelling occurred in 2 cases in the plate group, sural nerve injury in 3 cases, and traumatic arthritis in 2 cases during follow-up. In the screw group, there were 1, 2, and 2 cases, respectively. The incidence of complications in the two groups (15.9% vs. 9.8%) was not significantly different (P=0.372). All patients who underwent tibiofibular screw fixation underwent the removal of the tibiofibular screw before taking full weight bearing at 12 weeks after operation, and there was no screw fracture and retention. During the follow-up, there was no infection, re-displacement of fracture, delayed bone union or nonunion, and there was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups (t=0.345, P=0.731). There was no significant difference between the two groups of reduction quality of ankle fracture and articular congruity evaluation results (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in VAS score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and evaluation grade between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionBoth the plate and screw internal fixation through posterolateral approach can achieve satisfied effectiveness in the treatment of posterior ankle fractures with maintenance of fracture reduction, and recovery of ankle joint function. The screw internal fixation has the advantages of minimal invasion and shorter operation time.
Objective To summarize the effectiveness of 3.5 mm T support plate fixation for simple postero-lateral tibial plateau fractures by posterolateral inverted L-shaped approach. Methods Between March 2011 and January 2016, 13 patients with simple posterolateral tibial plateau fracture were treated with 3.5 mm T support plate fixation by posterolateral inverted L-shaped approach. Of 13 cases, 6 were male and 7 were female, aged 28 to 52 years (mean, 43 years). The left side was involved in 5 cases and the right side in 8 cases. The causes of injury were traffic accidents in 6 cases, falls in 3 cases, and falling from height in 4 cases. All of patients had fresh closed fracture by X-ray, CT three dimensional reconstruction, and MRI. According to Schatzker classification, 4 cases were rated as type II and 9 cases as type III. The time between injury and operation was 5-9 days (mean, 7 days). Results One case had incision skin necrosis, which was cured after debridement and skin grafting; and primary healing was obtained in the other cases. The patients were followed up 10-16 months (mean, 13 months). The X-ray film showed that the fracture line was blurred at 3 months after operation, and disappeared at 12 months after operation. There was no complications of wound infection, major neurovascular injury, loosening or breakage of internal fixation, and dislocation of joint surface. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee function score was 94 (range, 89-97) at last follow-up; all were excellent. Conclusion The 3.5 mm T support plate fixation by posterolateral inverted L-shaped approach is one of preferred surgical method for the treatment of simple posterolateral tibial plateau fractures.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach for the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 32 patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures between September 2012 and October 2014. There were 22 males and 10 females, aged 19 to 55 years (mean, 40.5 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 17 cases, falling from height in 9 cases, and falling in 6 cases. They had fresh closed fracture; injury to hospitalization time was 3 hours to 5 days (mean, 2 days). According to Schatzker tibial plateau fracture classification criteria, 20 cases were rated as type II, and 12 cases as type III. All patients underwent a modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach to expose tibial posterolateral condyle and anterolateral condyle. After a good visual control of fracture reduction, the anterolateral and posterolateral fractures were fixed with two-dimensional buttress plate respectively. ResultsThe incisions healed at stage I, with no major neurovascular injury. According to radiological assessment of the DeCoster score, the results were excellent in 21 cases, and fair in 11 cases. All of the 32 patients were followed up 18 to 30 months (mean, 20.5 months). The X-ray films showed that all patients obtained good fracture union, and the mean time of fracture union was 12.3 weeks (range, 10-16 weeks). No fixation failure or no obvious loss of articular surface reduction was observed during follow-up. The range of motion of the affected knees was 2-135° (mean, 120°). The mean American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was 90.05 (range, 83-96) at 18 months after operation. ConclusionThe modified posterolateral counter-curved incision with double intermuscular approach could fully expose posterolateral tibia plateau, and good fracture reduction and reliable fixation can be obtained under direct vision.
Objective To investigate the feasibility of anterolateral approach for L5 vertebral resection, bone grafting, and screw rod fixation by imaging and biomechanics researches. Methods Twenty formalized adult cadavers (12 males and 8 females) were randomly divided into 2 groups; L5 vertebral resection, bone graft, and screw rod fixation was performed on 10 specimens by using anterolateral approach (experimental group), and on the other 10 specimens by combined anterior and posterior approach. CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed in the experimental group; preoperative maximal safe entry angle and depth of screws and intraoperative actual entry angle and depth of screws were measured; the sacral screw position was observed after operation. The biomechanical test was done in 2 groups. Results Twenty specimens smoothly underwent L5 excision and reconstruction. CT scan showed that there was no significant difference in maximal safe entry angle and depth of screws between males and females in experimental group before operation (P>0.05); the maximal safe entry angle and depth were 51.93° and 47.88 mm for anterior screw, and were 37.04° and 46.28 mm for posterior screw. After operation, depth of the sacral anterior and posterior screws were appropriate, which did not pierce into the spinal canal. The biomechanical test results indicated that the flexion, extension, and lateral flexion displacements, and vertical compression stiffness showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusion For L5 lesions not invading posterior column, to use L5 vertebral resection, bone graft, and screw rod fixation by anterolateral approach is a safe and feasible method to reconstruct lumbosacral stability, with the advantages of no changing posture, less operation time and incision, and prevention of bone graft shift, but effectiveness need further be identified.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty by direct anterior approach (DAA) and by posterolateral approach, and to investigate the application value of DAA in one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty. Methods The clinical data of 65 patients who underwent one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty by DAA or posterolateral approach between June 2010 and November 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. DAA was used in 34 cases (group A) and posterolateral approach was used in 31 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in the gender, age, body mass index, preoperative hemoglobin level, etiology, disease duration, preoperative Harris score, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score between 2 groups (P>0.05) with comparability. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, total blood transfusion volume, hospitalization time, early postoperative complications, Harris score, and VAS score were recorded and compared between 2 groups. The simple Likert scale method was applied to evaluate the patient satisfaction, and the imaging evaluation was used. Results The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, total blood transfusion volume, and hospitalization time of group A were significantly less than those of group B (P<0.05). The patients were followed up 15-48 months (mean, 25.3 months) in group A and 12-51 months (mean, 27.6 months) in group B. The overall incidence of complications related to surgery in group A (10.29%) was significantly lower than that of group B (19.35%) (χ2=8.769, P=0.023). The acetabular anteversion and abduction angle were in the normal range of 2 groups except 1 hip (1.47%) of group A had a higher acetabular anteversion than normal value. Unstable fixed prosthesis happened in 1 hip of groups A and B respectively, and the remaining femoral calcar had no obvious bone resorption and fixed stably. The Harris score and VAS score at each time point after operation of 2 groups were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05), and the differences between the time points after operation were also significant (P<0.05). The Harris score at 1 and 3 months after operation and the VAS score at 3 days after operation of group A were significantly better than those of group B (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found at last follow-up between 2 groups (P>0.05). According to the simple Likert scale method to analyze patient satisfaction, comprehensive satisfaction of group A (97.1%, 33/34) was significantly higher than that of group B (67.7%, 21/31) (χ2=10.343, P=0.001). Conclusion The application of DAA in one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty can significantly relieve the pain, accelerate the recovery of hip joint function, and improve the patient satisfaction. But in clinical application, more attentions should be paid to strictly grasp the indications and prevent the early complications. The long-term effectiveness needs to be further observed.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the advantage of single posterolateral approach for exposing the fragments of lateral malleolus and posterior malleolus in treating bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures. MethodsBetween January 2013 and June 2015, 47 patients with ankle fractures were treated. Of 47 cases, 16 were male and 31 were female with an average age of 47.7 years (range, 25-65 years); the locations were the left side in 21 cases and the right side in 26 cases. According to types system of Lauge-Hansen, 11 cases were rated as pronation-external rotation and 36 cases as supination-external rotation. There were 9 cases of bimalleolar fractures and 38 cases trimalleolar fractures. CT examination showed that posterior malleolus fracture involved more than 35% of the joint surface in 11 cases, and 9 cases had comminuted posterior malleolus fracture. Of 47 cases, 44 had fresh fractures with a mean disease course of 4 days (range, 8 hours to 7 days), and 3 had old fracture with the disease course of 43, 58, and 62 days respectively. Posterior malleolus fractures were fixed with T-type plates in 12 cases, one-third tubular plates in 10 cases, and cannulated screws in 25 cases. ResultsThe operation time was 60-100 minutes (mean, 80 minutes); the bleeding volume was 50-100 mL (mean, 72 mL). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients, and no postoperative complications of infection, cutaneous necrosis, deep venous thrombosis, and sural nerve injury occurred. The CT examinations after operation showed anatomical reduction of fractures. All patients were followed up from 12 to 20 months (mean, 16 months). No fixation failure or reduction loss was found at last follow-up. All patients could walk normally. The active dorsiflexion of the affected ankles was within 5° less than normal side in 43 cases (91.5%) and 5-10° less than normal side in 4 cases (8.5%). The passive dorsiflexion of the affected ankles was within 5° less than normal side in 44 cases (93.6%) and 5-10° less than normal side in 3 cases (6.4%). According to the Olerud-Molander scoring system, the results were excellent in 40 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases; and the excellent and good rate was 95.7% at last follow-up. ConclusionThe single posterolateral approach could simultaneously expose the fragments of lateral malleolus and posterior malleolus, with less complication of the incision, short operation time, and clear exposure of posterior malleolus. The surgery could be performed under direct vision. It especially is suitable for bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures with lateral malleolus and posterior malleolus.