Outcomes of Microendoscopic Discectomy and Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparative Retrospective Study

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case control evaluation of 86 patients who underwent microendoscopic discectomy (MED) and percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and the outcomes of MED and PTED for the treatment of LDH. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: MED and PTED are minimally invasive surgical techniques for lower back pain. Studies to date have shown that MED and PTED are safe and effective treatment modalities for LDH. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients with LDH treated with MED (n=50) and transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED; n=36) in our hospital. All patients were followed-up with self-evaluation questionnaires, Oswestry disability index (ODI), medical outcomes study 36-item short form health survey and MacNab criteria. All the patients in both groups were followed up to 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: ODI questionnaire responses were not statistically different between the MED and PTED groups (53.00 vs. 48.72) before treatment. Average scores and minimal disability after 5 days to 12 months of follow-up were 4.96 in the MED group and 3.61 in the PTED group. According to MacNab criteria, 92.0% of the MED group and 94.4% of the PTED group had excellent or good results with no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between MED and PTED outcomes. Further large-scale, randomized studies with long-term follow-up are needed.

Risk factors for skin necrosis around incision after total knee arthroplasty / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To analyze the risk factors of skin necrosis around incision after total knee arthroplasty, and explore measures for prevention and treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2003 to November 2005, skin necrosis around incision occurred to 15 out of the 382 cases (494 knees) treated by total knee arthroplasty. The data of the 15 cases were analyzed. Preoperative hospital for special surgery knee score (HSS) was 60 points on average.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All wound were healed after debridement. However, the recover time was over 3 weeks longer than the healing time by first intention. Extensor weakness with anterior knee pain appeared among 9 patients, and 6 months later, the symptoms improved obviously. At two years follow-up, the average range of motion was 92 degrees, and the average HSS improved to 86. There were no secondary infection and deformity in the group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It is the key to prevent skin necrosis around incision during total knee arthroplasty that surgeons must accurately grasp technique of minimally invasive surgery for total knee arthroplasty. To acquire satisfactory outcome, it is imperative to perform debridement as soon as possible while the skin necrosis happens. At the same time, it is important to persist in doing adequate functional exercises throughout the period of treatment.</p>

Perioperative management in hemophilic arthropathy / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical results and improve perioperative management in patients with hemophilic arthropathy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2002 to March 2007, 20 patients with hemophilic arthropathy were admitted. Fourteen patients (20 knees) were performed total knee arthroplasty, and 6 patients (8 hips) were performed total hip arthroplasty, while 2 patients were performed ankle arthrodesis. The average preoperative HSS score, hip Harris score and ankle AOFAS score were 83, 89 and 78 points respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients had been followed up, and the mean time was 27.3 months. The average postoperative knee HSS score increased to 83 points, and hip Harris score increased to 89 points, while the AOFAS score increased to 78 points. Delayed bleeding and deep venous thrombosis and late infection with loose prosthesis occurred in one case respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Arthroplasty and arthrodesis are promising for severe hemophilic arthropathy to obtain pain relief and functional improvement Correct perioperative management is the key to successful treatment in hemophilic arthropathy.</p>

Comparative analysis of pedicle screw versus hybrid instrumentation in posterior spinal correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the effect of posterior correction and fusion between segmental pedicle screw instrumentation with hybrid constructs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Study the clinical data of 40 AIS patients retrospectively. They were underwent posterior fusion and be distributed into two group, group A was hybrid instrumentation (20 cases) and group B was pedicle screw instrumentation (20 cases). Compared therapy effect, operative time, intraoperative blood loss.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average major curve correction was 82.4% in the screw group and 71.8% in the hybrid group (P = 0.004). After one to three years follow-up, major curve correction was 77.0% and 62.5% respectively (P = 0.001). Average apical vertebral derotation showed 63% correction in the screw group and 32% in the hybrid group (P = 0.001). There was no statistical significance between two group in thoracic sagittal correction, the lowest instrumented vertebra below the lower end vertebra, trunk shift, operative time, and average estimated blood loss. There were no neurologic complications related to hybrid or pedicle screw instrumentation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pedicle screw instrumentation was significantly better than hybrid constructs.</p>