ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the mid-term clinical efficacy and imaging changes of Waveflex semi-rigid internal fixation system combined with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of double segmental lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods:The data of 51 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent surgery from September 2014 to September 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, including 29 males and 22 females, aged 65.5±5.6 years (range 58-73 years). Preoperative intervertebral space degeneration grade by University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Pfirrmann intervertebral disc degeneration grade were recorded. 23 cases of primary responsible segments were treated with decompression, fixation and fusion, and adjacent secondary responsible or degenerative segments were treated with Waveflex semi-rigid internal fixation (combined group); 28 cases of double segments were treated with decompression, fixation and fusion (fusion group). Disc height index (DHI) and intervertebral foramina height (IFH) of the semi-rigid fixation segments, DHI and IFH of the upper adjacent intervertebral space, and horizontal displacement of the upper adjacent vertebral body (HD) were measured on lateral X-ray films of lumbar spine; In the fusion group, DHI and IFH adjacent to the upper vertebral space and HD adjacent to the upper vertebral body were measured. The efficacy was evaluated by short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and Oswestry disability index (ODI).Results:51 cases were followed up for 5.4±0.3 years (range 5.2-6.3 years). The low back and leg pain and function in the combined group and fusion group were significantly improved compared with those before operation. SF-MPQ and ODI at 3 months, 1 year, 5 years after operation were significantly different from those before operation ( P<0.05). In the combined group, the DHI of semi-rigid internal fixation segments before operation and 3 months, 1 year, 5 years after operation were 37.8%±7.6%, 37.9%±7.4%, 36.5%±6.9% and 36.0%±7.1% respectively ( P>0.05); The IFH of semi-rigid internal fixation segments before operation and 3 months, 1 year, 5 years after operation were 21.5±2.8, 21.4±2.8, 20.4±2.7, 19.4±2.4 mm respectively ( P<0.05); The DHI of the upper segment adjacent to semi-rigid internal fixation before operation and 3 months, 1 year, 5 years after operation were 37.1%±9.3%, 36.8%±9.1%, 35.2%±9.1%, 33.9%±8.8% respectively ( P>0.05); The IFH of the upper segment adjacent to semi-rigid internal fixation before operation and 3 months, 1 year, 5 years after operation were 21.9±3.0, 21.4±3.0, 20.4±2.9, 19.5±2.7 mm, respectively ( P<0.05). The HD of upper vertebral body adjacent to semi-rigid internal fixation before operation and 3 months, 1 year, 5 years after operation were 2.2±0.7, 2.3±0.5, 2.5±0.5, 2.8±0.5 mm respectively ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, one case of semi-rigid titanium rod fracture, one case of screw loosening at semi-rigid internal fixation segment, three cases with unsatisfied numbness relief, and 2 cases of facet joint spontaneous fusion at semi-rigid fixation segment occurred in the combined group. Conclusion:Waveflex semi-rigid internal fixation can protect the degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc, and delay the degeneration of semi-rigid internal fixation segment and adjacent upper segment after interbody fusion, but long-term follow-up and study are needed.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of multiplanar reformation (MPR)reconstruction for the detection of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR) in multi-slice CT examination.Methods Thirty six cases with thoracoabdominal trauma, including 21 cases with and 15 cases without TDR confirmed by surgery, received multi-slice CT examination. They were enrolled in this study. Three experienced radiologists retrospectively analyzed the axial and MPR images. The diagnostic criteria for TDR included abnormally elevated hemidiaphragm, diaphragmatic discontinuity, the "collar sign" or "dependent viscera "sign. Referenced to surgical results, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of axial and MPR images in detection of TDR were calculated. The McNemar was used to investigate the differences between axial and MPR images in the detection of diaphragmatic discontinuity and "collar sign", and the differences between axial and MPR images of these two signs in TDR diagnosis. Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of axial images in detection of TDR were 71% ( 15/21 ), 80% ( 12/15 ), 83% ( 15/18 ),67% ( 12/18 ) and 75% ( 27/36 ), respectively; of MPR images, they were 86% ( 18/21 ), 93%(14/15), 95% ( 18/19 ), 82% ( 14/17 ) and 89% ( 32/36), respectively. By axial images, twelve diaphragmatic defects or interrupts were identified in nine cases, and "collar sign" was identified in six cases. By MPR, 20 diaphragmatic defects or interrupts were identified in 15 cases ( P = 0.125 ), and "collar sign" was identified in 14 cases (P =0.021 ). The sensitivity and specificity of diaphragmatic defects or interrupts for TDR diagnosis in axial images were 43% (9/21) and 80% ( 12/15 ), respectively;in MPRimages, they were71% (15/21) (P=0.125)and93% (14/15) (P=0.500), respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of "collar sign" for TDR diagnosis in axial images were 29% (6/21) and 100% ( 15/15), respectively; in MPR images, they were 67% ( 14/21 ) (P =0. 021 ) and 100% (15/15)( P = 1.000), respectively. Conclusions MSCT presented good sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of TDR. MPR images were useful supplements for axial images in TDR diagnosis which improved the diagnosis.