ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Trans-sacral axial L5/S1 interbody fusion (AxiaLIF), a novel surgical procedure, recently adopted in clinical practice, has excellent clinical outcomes. However, there is inadequate data on the feasibility of the approach in all adult patients and the optimal surgical approach is currently unclear; therefore, further studies are required. In order to enhance the surgical approach for AxiaLIF, prospective anatomical imaging optimization is necessary. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to achieve an optimal procedural setting.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The subjects (n=40) underwent lumbosacral MRI examination. The median sagittal MRI images were analyzed and four measurement markers were defined as follows: the center of the L5/S1 disc (A), the anterior margin of the S1/2 disc space (B), the sacrococcygeal junction (C), and the coccygeal tip (D). The measurement markers were connected to each other to produce five lines (AB, AC, AD, BC, and BD), as reference lines for surgical approaches. The distance between each reference line and the anterior and posterior margins of the L5 and S1 vertebral bodies was measured to determine the safety of the respective approaches.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In all patients, Lines AB and AC satisfied the imaging safety criteria. Line AB would result in a significant deviation from the median and was determined to be unsuitable for AxiaLIF. Line AD satisfied the imaging safety criteria in 39 patients. However, the anal proximity of the puncture point proved to be limiting. For lines BC and BD, the imaging safety criteria were satisfied in 70% and 45% of patients, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The AxiaLIF procedure is a safe technique for insertion of fusion implants in all subjects. Line AC is a favorable reference line for surgical approach and safe for all subjects, while line BC is not suitable for all subjects.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Fractures, Bone , General Surgery , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Methods , Sacrum , General Surgery , Spinal Fusion , Methods , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical results between minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar(mini-TLIF) and posterior open surgery in treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.MethodsFrom March 2008 to August 2010,a total of 49 cases with lumbar spondylolisthesis underwent surgical intervention were retrospectively analyzed,including 23 cases with mini-TLIF and 26 with open surgery.Operation time,intra-operative bleeding,and radiation exposure times were recorded.Pre- and postoperative back pain was assessed by visual analogue scale(VAS),and lumbar function was evaluated by Oswestry disability index (ODI).The clinical results were assessed by Macnab criterion,and the pre and postoperative radiologic parameters were compared.ResultsThe mean follow-up time was 11 months(ranged,9-22).Both groups got good clinical results and satisfactory radiologic parameters.The group of mini-TLIF was superior to the group of open surgery in intra-operative bleeding,VAS of the second day postoperatively and the willingness of reoperation(P＜0.05).The ODI in the patients with open surgery were decreased from 31.2％±8.2％ to 16.1％±6.8％ corresponding to the pre-oporation and the final follow-up.The ODI in the patients with mini-TLIF were decreased from 34.4％±11.7％ to 15.3％±4.3％ corresponding to the pre-operation and the final follow-up.There is no significant difference of the change of ODI between two groups (t=0.673,P=0.412).The group of mini-TLIF need more operation time and were exposed to more X-ray when compared to the open surgery group(P＜0.05).ConclusionMini-TLIF and open surgery can both get satisfactory clinical outcomes in treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.Mini-TLIF was superior to open surgery in intra-operative bleeding and VAS of the second day postoperatively,but it needs more operation time and radiation exposure.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical results of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar instability.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrospective study was done on 42 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar instability treated with bilateral decompression via unilateral approach and MIS-TLIF through an expandable tubular retractor from March 2010 to January 2011. There were 18 males and 24 females, and mean age was 61.7 years (rang, 48 - 79 years). The level of surgery was L(3-4) in 4 patients, L(4-5) in 26 patients, and L(5)-S(1) in 12 patients. All patients had symptoms of intermittent claudication. And 24 patients had symptoms of lower extremity pain and numbness in one side, and 18 patients had same symptoms in both legs. Operation time, intra-operative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay and complications were recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for low back pain and leg pain were recorded before and after surgery. Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were also recorded before and after surgery. The Bridwell criterion was used for evaluating the interbody fusion, and the MacNab criterion was used for assessment after surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean operative time was 150.4 minutes (range, 120 - 170 minutes), and mean blood loss was 147.1 ml (range, 50 - 400 ml). The hospitalization time after surgery was 5 - 18 d, an average of 8.8 d. All cases were followed-up for 6 - 14 months (average 11 months). VAS score of low back pain before surgery was 7.3 ± 1.0, and were 2.9 ± 0.8 and 2.0 ± 0.8 at three months after surgery and the last follow-up respectively. VAS score of leg pain before surgery was 7.9 ± 0.7, and were 2.0 ± 0.5 and 1.0 ± 0.7 at three months after surgery and the last follow-up respectively. ODI score was 75% ± 6% before surgery, were 16% ± 6% and 12% ± 5% at three months after surgery and the last follow-up respectively. VAS and ODI scores showed statistically significant improvements (t = 3.110 - 56.323, P < 0.01). There were 40 cases were grade I and II, according to the Bridwell criteria. The clinical results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 22 cases and fair in 4 cases to the MacNab criteria at the final follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MIS-TLIF is an ideal surgical method for single segment lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar instability, but close attention should be paid to specific patients, surgeons and hospitals.</p>