A rabbit model of graded primary mechanical injury to brainstem / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce a new animal model of graded mechanical primary brainstem injury (BSI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Altogether 45 rabbits were subjected to BSI by type II biological impact machine designed by the Third Military Medical University. The animals were divided into 4 experimental groups (n equal to 10) and 1 control group (n equal to 5) according to different magnitudes of impact pressure imposed on the occipital nodule: Group 1, 500-520 kPa; Group 2, 520-540 kPa; Group 3, 540-560 kPa; Group 4, 560-580 kPa and Group 5, 0 kPa with 20 kPa increase in each grade. The impact depth was a constant 0.5 cm. After injury, the clinical symptoms and signs as well as pathological changes were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Rabbits in Group 1 revealed mild physiological reaction of BSI. They had localized cerebral contusion with punctate hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was limited to the peripheral tissues at the impact area. In Group 2, obvious physiological reaction was observed. Local pathological lesions reached the superficial layer of brainstem tissues; focal hemorrhage and girdle-shaped SAH in basilar pon were observed under microscope. In Group 3, BSI was more severe with a long respiratory depression. Pathological lesions reached the inner portion of brainstem with massive hemorrhage and the whole brainstem was wrapped by subarachnoid hematoma. In Group 4, most rabbits died due to severe BSI. Pathological lesions deepened to the central brainstem with wide pathological change, rapture of the medulla oblongata central canal. Group 5 was the control group, with normal brainstem structure and no lesion observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This model successfully simulates different levels of brainstem mechanical injury and clearly shows the subsequent pathological changes following injury. It takes two external parameters (impact pressure and depth) and has a similar injury mechanism to clinical accelerating BSI. Moreover it is reproducible and stable, thus being be- neficial for exploring pathophysiological mechanism, diagnosis and forensic identification of various degrees of BSI.</p>

Surgical treatment of lower lumbar tuberculosis with different operative procedures / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the surgical indications and clinical effectiveness of different operative procedures in the treatment of lower lumbar tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2001 to Oct 2008, 72 patients with lower lumbar tuberculosis were treated by different operative procedures. Including 38 males and 34 females, with an average age of 38.5 years old ranging from 16 to 70 years. The average duration of symptom was 6.8 months (ranging from 4 months to 2 years). A single vertebrae was involved in 10 patients,two contiguous vertebrae in 50 cases and three vertebrae in 12 cases. The average preoperative lordotic angle was 13.1 degree (ranging from -5.0 degrees to 34.0 degrees). Three different operative procedures included: (1) posterior debridement and posterolateral fusion and posterior instrumentation in 28 patients; (2) anterior radical debridement and anterior fusion and anterior instrumentation in 32 patients; (3) image-guided percutaneous drainage (PCD) of tuberculous abscesses in 12 patients. The selection of the procedure was made according to the degree of the lesions. The resolution of inflammatory process, bony fusion, correction of sagittal angles and JOA scores were used for evaluating the result of the surgery and the complications were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 1.5 to 8.0 years (means 3.6 years). PCD was an effective treatment in 11 out of the 12 patients, one required surgical debridement and fusion. Among them, 57 (95%, 57/60) patients were treated by open operation showed successful bony fusion. The complications maily included common iliac vein injury in 3 patients, dural tear in 2 patients, they were all cured by intro-or postoperative treatment. The average immediate post-operative lordotic angle was 27.3 degree (35.0 degrees to 16.0 degrees), the average lordotic angle was 25.6 degree (33.0 degrees to 15.0 degrees) at final follow-up. Preoperatively and at final follow-up, JOA scores were respectively (15.2 +/- 3.4), (25.6 +/- 2.4) (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Different operative procedures should be selected to treat lower lumbar tuberculosis according to the degree of lesions. Aggressive surgical treatment was found helpful in the resolution of inflammatory process and correcting the loss of lordosis, preventing progression of kyphosis.</p>

Surgical treatment for the thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with paraplegia / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To explore the long-term effects,operating opportunity,indication of anterior debridement and decompression and bone graft in treating thoracolumbar tuberculosis with paraplegia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2006 to September 2008, the data of 56 patients with spinal tuberculosis were retrospectively analyzed. They were 36 cases male and 20 cases female, the age in ranging from 19 to 78 years with the mean of 42.5 years; course of disease in ranging from 3 months to 4 years. The lesion level was in T11-L2, including one stage in 6 cases, two stages in 42 cases, three stages in 7 cases, four stages in 1 case. According to the Frankel grade, grade A in 5 cases, B in 25, C in 21, D in 5. Preoperative Cobb angle had 30 cases under 30 degrees, 24 cases in 30 degrees-60 degrees, 2 cases more than 60 degrees [averaged in (35.0 +/- 3.3) degrees]. The mean VAS was 7.3 +/- 2.1 preoperatively. All patients had chemotherapy for 2-3 weeks. The clinical effects were evaluated by Cobb angle, VAS, condition of Frankel grade and fusion segments.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 12 to 38 months with an average of 24 months. All wound obtained primary healing. The Cobb angle was(19.0 +/- 5.5) degrees immediately after operation, and lost (1.8 +/- 0.7) degrees at the follow up. The mean VAS was 1.4 +/- 0.3 postoperatively and 1.3 +/- 0.4 at final follow up. The Cobb angle and VAS significant improved in postoperatively (P < 0.05), and there was no statically difference between after operation and last follow up(P > 0.05). At 1 year after operation, all patients obstained successful bony fusion. Among 51 cases incomplete paraplegia recovered partially or completely (over Frankel D) through chemotherapy and rehabilitation training for 1-1.5 years; 5 cases of complete paraplegia had partially recovered, 3 cases from Frankel A to C, 2 cases from Frankel A to B.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Base on the chemotherapeutic effect, paraplegia reason and location, total body condition to select different operative opportunity can effectively relieve spinal compression, stabilize spinal column, correct kyphosis and promote recovery of paraplegia.</p>

Surgical treatment of drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the curative effect of surgical treatment of drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2005 and April 2009, the clinical data of 60 patients with drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis were retrospectively analyzed. Including 36 males and 24 females; aged from 5 to 79 years with an average of 47.3 years. Thirty-four patients had neurological deficits, among them, 2 cases were grade A, 5 cases were grade B, 13 cases were grade C, 14 cases were grade D according to ASIA standard. According to the severity and location of the infection, the patients underwent anterior, posterolateral costotransversectomy or posterior debridement and bone grafting and internal fixation. The antituberculous chemotherapy for a total of 12 to 18 months was guided by conventional and genotypic drug susceptibility testing. Tubercular relapse, neurological function, spinal fusion were observed by ASIA grade, X-ray and CT scan.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All cases were followed up from 1 to 5 years with an average of 3.1 years. Recurrence was found in 2 cases who were cured after second operation. 34 cases with neurological deficits recovered totally or partially. X-ray or CT films showed spinal fusion in 57 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effect of individuall operative options is good in treating drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis after antituberculous chemotherapy based on conventional and genotypic drug susceptibility testing.</p>

Variety of ESR and C-reactive protein levels during perioperative period in spinal tuberculosis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical significance of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-seven patients (41 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 23 to 61 years) with active spinal tuberculosis in our hospital (from Mar. 2004 to Mar. 2007) were included in this study. The tuberculosis focus were located either in cervical spine, thoracic spine or in lumbar spine. After 4 to 6 weeks anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, all the patients underwent one-stage operation (focus debridment) and auto-bone graft combined with internal fixation. Blood test for ESR and CRP were carried out at different times before and after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average ESR was (79.4 +/- 35.6) mm/h, and the average CRP was (44.3 +/- 17.5) mg/L before chemotherapy, indicating active tuberculosis focus. After 4 to 6 weeks chemotherapy, the average ESR was (45.3 +/- 21.0) mm/h,and the average CRP was (26.7 +/- 11.8) mg/L, the differences were statistically (P < 0.05), and the clinical symptoms of spinal tuberculosis relieved in all patients. Four weeks after operation, the average ESR dropped to (42.8 +/- 16.5)mm/h, the average CRP dropped to (23.8 +/- 10.0) mg/L statistically (P < 0.05). Eight weeks after operation, the average value of ESR and CRP were at normal level in 47 cases, indicating inactive tuberculosis focus. Focus healing was achieved in 65 patients after short-term chemotherapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The level of ESR and CRP are high in active spinal tuberculosis and low when focus controlled. ESR and CRP are reliable parameters in evaluation the treatment and prognosis of spinal tuberculosis.</p>

The mid- or long-term clinical results of prosthetic disc nucleus replacement in the treatment of lumbar disc disease / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the mid- or long-term clinical results and the factors that influence the outcomes of prosthetic disc nucleus (PDN) replacement in the treatment of lumbar disc disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-four patients who underwent the PDN replacement from March 2002 to October 2003 were followed for an average of 52.6 months (range from 48 to 66 months). Twenty patients were discogenic low back pain, 14 patients were lumbar disc herniation. The follow-up results were evaluated by using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the visual analogue scales (VAS) through direct examinations and questionnaires. ODI was 58.4% preoperatively, and VAS was 7.4. Radiography was also used to measure the range of motion (ROM) and disc height of the operative segment, and findings were compared with those on preoperative radiographs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve months after operation, a significant proportion of patients recovered from low back pain or leg pain, ODI decreased to averaged 18.2%. VAS decreased to 1.8, the average increase of the postoperative disc height was 17.6%, ROM was 9.2 degrees. At the final followup, all patients with deteriorated leg radicular symptoms improved, ODI increased from 18.2% 12 months after operation to averaged 31.2%. Low back pain became more serious in 18 patients. VAS increased from 1.8 to 3.1, the average decrease of the postoperative to preoperative disc height was 13.5%, ROM decreased to 6.8 degrees. The rate of degeneration or breakages of the end plates was 64.7% (22/34), implant device migrations were observed in 25 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The mid- or long-term outcome of PDN replacement in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disc disease is not as encouraging as that of the short-term follow-up. It is neither effective in term of restoration of the intervertebral disc height nor increase of the ROM of the operative segment, complication rates are significantly higher, and inferior results are to be expected. The selection of suitable surgical candidates and determination of valid indications for operative treatment are very important.</p>

Surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis in aged / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate perioperative features and results of surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis in aged.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Review the clinical data of 36 aged with spinal tuberculosis from May 1998 to June 2005 retrospectively. The average age was 70.2 years. The sites of infection included 3 cervical, 9 thoracic, 13 thoracolumbar and 11 lumbar. 28 patients suffered 1 or more complications at least and among of them, there were 18 patients have cerebral or heart vascular disease, 16 patients have diabetes mellitus. Before operation, all patients consulted with internal stuff for the proper treatment of concomitant disease. The surgical procedures include: CT guided percutaneous catheter drainage in 3 patients, anterior debridement and bony grafting with anterior instrumentation fixation in 12 patients, anterior debridement and bony grafting with posterior fixation in 5 patients, posterolateral costotransversectomy debridement and interbody fusion with posterior fixation in 7 patients, posterior debridement and posterior fixation in 9 patients. The mean followed-up period was 3 years and 10 months (from 1.5 to 6 years).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One died at two week after the operation. Tuberculous infection was controlled in other patients and no recurrence. Two patients died because of myocardial infarction and cerebral hemorrhage respectively at 1.5 and 2.5 years after operation. Bone fusion was achieved in 31 patients. The deformity was partial corrected at the final follow-up. Among 20 cases with neurologic deficit, 11 cases were completely recovered, 5 cases were partly improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>If the associated disorders and postoperative complications are properly handled, aged patients can endure surgical treatment for spinal tuberculosis. Instrumentation fixation provides adequate stability and promote recovery.</p>

Posterolateral autograft bone graft fusion transpedicular screw system internal fixation and anterior debridement in the treatment of dorsal and lumber spinal tuberculosis / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness of posterolateral autograft bone graft fusion transpedicular screw system internal fixation and anterior debridement in the treatment of dorsal and lumber spinal tuberculosis. MethodsFrom March 1996 to July 2000,posterolateral autograft bone graft fusion transpedicular screw system internal fixation and anterior debridement procedures were used in 62 patients suffering from dorsal and lumber spinal tuberculosis in our department,48 of them were involved in a longitudinal study follow-up for a mean of 3.6(1.5-5.5)years postoperatively. ResultsAll patients showed successful posterolateral bone graft fusion. Among 38 cases of Pott's paraplegia, 30 were completely recovered,5 were partly recovered,the rate of recovery was 92.1%. The average immediate postoperative correction of kyphosis angle was 29.1°,the average loss of correction was only 3.2°at final follow-up.ConclusionsPosterolateral autograft bone graft fusion transpedicular screw system internal fixation and anterior debridement procedure were found helpful in strengthening the stability of the spine in dorsal and lumber spinal tuberculosis, providing successful interbody fusion and recovery of Pott's paraplegia, correcting the kyphosis, and preventing progression of kyphosis.