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BACKGROUND: Self-locking self-stabilizing zero-profile cage ROI-C is advanced from the traditional titanium plate fusion cage, but the systematic studies on ROI-C internal fixation system applied in the comprehensive evaluation of two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy are few. OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy of small-incision anterior cervical self-locking self-stabilizing zero-profile cage ROI-C in the treatment of two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University from September 2016 to March 2018 were selected, including 30 males and 27 females, aged 34-77 years old. Of which, 33 patients underwent small-incision anterior cervical self-locking self-stabilizing zero-profile fusion cage ROI-C implantation (observation group), and another 24 patients received small-incision cervical anterior titanium internal fixation (control group). The JOA score, Neck Disability Index, Odom criteria, Visual Analogue Scale score, dysphagia degree, Cobb angle of cervical lordosis, angle of fusion segment, and disc height and cervical fusion rate were assessed at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) There was no significant difference in the Odoms criteria between two groups (P > 0.05). All 57 patients were followed up for 12 months after surgery. No internal fixation loosening or vertebral structure changes were found. No complications such as loosen and broken of titanium plate occurred. (2) Postoperative JOA score, Neck Disability Index, and Visual Analogue Scale in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (P 0.05). (3) The incidence of dysphagia at 2 weeks and 1 month in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P 0.05). (4) The Cobb angle of cervical lordosis, angle of fusion segment, and disc height were significantly improved in both groups after surgery (P 0.05). (5) The cervical fusion rate at the last follow-up in both groups was > 95%, and the fusion effect was good. There was no significant difference in the fusion rate at different time points between two groups (P > 0.05). (6) These results indicate that the small-incision anterior cervical self-locking self-stabilizing Zero-profile interbody fusion ROI-C and anterior titanium plate internal fixation exert significant effects in the treatment of two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, ROI-C can reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia.
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BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) combined with autologous bone grafting for the treatment of spinal degenerative diseases such as lumbar spondylolisthesis, spinal canal stenosis and intervertebral disc herniation have been recognized, but few clinical studies have been conducted on the efficacy and safety in the treatment of spinal infectious diseases such as spinal tuberculosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of rhBMP-2 combined with autologous bone grafting for spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: Clinical data of thoracolumbar tuberculosis admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from November 2010 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation plus bone graft for spinal fusion, with (experimental group) or without (control group) the use of rhBMP-2. In the experimental group, 33 patients were treated with posterior pedicle fixation and autologous bone graft for spinal fusion combined with rhBMP-2 (1 mg). In the control group, 35 patients underwent posterior pedicle fixation and autologous bone graft. Visual analogue scale, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), perioperative complications and fusion rate were statistically analyzed. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All patients were followed up for more than 1 year. During the follow-up period, no fracture or movement of the internal fixation or distinct collapse of the vertebral body were found. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of stay, and proportion of perioperative complications (P > 0.05). There was a significant improvement in visual analogue scale scores and ASIA grades in the two groups at 1 week and 1 year after operation (P 0.05). The fusion rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 6 months after operation (P 0.05). These findings indicate that rhBMP-2 combined with autologous bone for the treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis can accelerate bone fusion with favorable efficacy and safety in a short time.
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BACKGROUND Spine tuberculosis is very common in the Indian people with high morbidity, although the Govt. of India has included treatment of the spine tuberculosis in pulmonary tuberculosis programme, the burden of the patients remained high. MATERIAL AND METHOD. Twenty patients with cervical and upper dorsal Pott’s spine were operated with anterior deidement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation and were given ATT after wards and were followed for 6 months. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS. Seventeen ( 85.0%) of patients showed excellent–to–good results. The fusion rates for 1–level and 2–level anterior cervical corpectomy, and for anterior plate fixation were 100%. There were no postoperative deterioration neurologically and had minimum complication which resolved over weeks’ time. CONCLUSION. The improved fusion rate, low cost of the treatment with lower complication rates associated with anterior cervical plating may justify its use in the treatment of cervical and dorsal Pott’s associated myelopathies as the burden of tuberculosis in our country is large.
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Objective: To explore the fusion effect of allograft Cages on transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods: The clinical data of 30 patients (38 vertebral segments) who underwent TLIF with allograft interbody fusion Cages between January 2015 and January 2017 were retrospectively analysed. There were 25 males and 5 females with an average age of 56.9 years (range, 44-72 years). The lesions included 20 cases of lumbar disc herniation, 7 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis, and 3 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis. The operation section included 4 cases of L 3, 4, 13 cases of L 4, 5, 5 cases of L 5, S 1, 6 cases of L 4, 5-L 5, S 1, and 2 cases of L 3, 4-L 4, 5. The disease duration was 6-36 months (mean, 12 months). The clinical effectiveness was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score at preoperation, 3 months and 6 months after operation, and last follow-up. The fusion rate was evaluated by anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and CT three-dimensional reconstruction at 3 and 6 months after operation. The intervertebral space height was measured on anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films at preoperation, 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months after operation. Results: The operation time was 2.1-4.3 hours (mean, 3.1 hours), and the intraoperative blood loss was 150-820 mL (mean, 407.5 mL). The follow-up time was 8-25 months (mean, 16.4 months). One Cage split at 6 months after operation without Cage movement and neurologic symptoms; none of the other patients had Cage prolapse, displacement, and fragmentation. No local or systemic allergy or infection signs was found in all patients. No nerve compression or symptoms was observed during the follow-up. The postoperative VAS score, ODI score, and JOA score improved significantly when compared with preoperative scores ( P0.05). The fusion rate was 55.3% (21/38), 92.1% (35/38), and 100% (38/38) at 3 months, 6 months, and last follow-up postoperatively. The intervertebral space height was increased significantly at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months, and last follow-up postoperatively when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05); and the loss of intervertebral space height was significant at last follow-up when compared with postoperative at 3 days ( P<0.05). Conclusion: The allograft interbody fusion Cage contributes to the spine interbody fusion by providing an earlier stability and higher fusion rate.
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STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To compare the radiologic results of unilateral or bilateral minimal invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) and conventional open lumbar interbody fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Only a few studies have compared the slip reduction and fusion rate between unilateral or bilateral MIS TLIF and conventional open TLIF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and May 2015, 80 patients with single-level low-grade spondylolisthesis underwent unilateral MIS TLIF (26 patients), bilateral MIS TLIF (10 patients), or open TLIF (44 patients) by a single surgeon. Radiologic studies were performed preoperatively, 2 weeks postoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively. Slip reduction, the lumbar lordortic angle, and the fusion rate were analyzed. RESULTS: The 3 groups exhibited significantly improved slip after operation. Significant differences were found among the 3 groups (p=0.015) and between the MIS TLIF group (31.76%±14.42%) and the open TLIF group (41.66%±15.98%) (p=0.01) in the slip reduction rate at 2 weeks after the operation. However, no significant difference was found between unilateral MIS TLIF and bilateral MIS TLIF (37.61%±15.0% vs. 29.5%±13.82%, p=0.148). In the lumbar lordotic angle, no significant difference was found among the 3 groups. There were no significant differences among the 3 groups in slip reduction or the fusion rate at 12 months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that unilateral MIS TLIF showed a similar slip reduction and fusion rate to bilateral MIS TLIF, but that conventional open TLIF showed better slip reduction than MIS TLIF, although it had a similar fusion rate.
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Humans , Retrospective Studies , SpondylolisthesisABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of demineralized bone matrix on posterolateral lumbar fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2009 to 2012, 30 patients who had undergone posterolateral fusions using demineralized bone matrix (group I) and 30 who had received autogenous posterior iliac bone grafts (group II) were investigated. Bone union was determined by evaluating serial simple lumbar radiographs taken during the 24 months after surgery. Bone status was classified according to Lenke's scale and the bone fusion was finally determined by flexion/extension lateral radiographs. We also examined halo signs around the pedicular screws evident on the radiographs, scored back pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score 2 years after surgery to evaluate clinical status of patients. RESULTS: In group I, 19 patients showed union and 11 patients did not; the values for group II were 22 and 8. These proportions did not differ significantly (p=0.57). Time to union was somewhat shorter in group II (25.3±7.9 weeks), but did not differ significantly from that of group I (p=0.097). No statistical significance in the periscrew Halo count, VAS for back pain, and ODI score was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The union rate after using demineralized bone matrix for lumbar posterolateral fusion is similar to that attained when autogenous bone grafts are employed, and lacks the morbidity associated with such grafts. Thus, demineralized bone matrix is an effective bone graft substitute when posterolateral fusion surgery of the lumbar spine is required.
Subject(s)
Humans , Back Pain , Bone Matrix , Lumbar Vertebrae , Spine , TransplantsABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze restoration of segmental lordosis and factors related to interbody fusion and the fusion rate with degenerative lumbar disease. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Few studies have addressed the restoration of segmental lordosis and factors related to interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 43 patients treated by anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery from 2011 to 2013 were reviewed. ALIF used a metal cage with a 10degrees lordotic angle and PLIF used a metal cage with an 8degrees lordotic angle. Preoperative, postoperative, and at least 1 year outcomes were analyzed from radiographs. As a related factor, segmental flexibility, disc height, osteophytes, vaccuum disc, hypertrophic facet, spondylolisthesis, and endplate violation were analyzed. We also analyzed the bony union rate. RESULTS: The segmental lordotic angle was 4.67degrees before surgery, improved to 10.43degrees after surgery, and was 9.32degrees at the final follow-up. Comparing between the ALIF and PLIF at the L3-4 level in a similar number of patients revealed 7.24degrees and 4.61degrees restoration after ALIF and PLIF surgery, postoperatively. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.011). Segmental flexibility had a statistically significant positive correlation (p=0.013). Lower disc height and osteophytes limited restoration of segmental lordosis, but vaccuum disc was restored well after interbody fusion. Bony union was achieved in 92.8% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Intebody fusion, especially ALIF surgery, results in acceptable restoration of segmental lordosis. Even with narrowed disc space or osteophytes, remained segmental flexibility is an important factor of segmental lordosis restoration.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Follow-Up Studies , Lordosis , Osteophyte , Pliability , Retrospective Studies , SpondylolisthesisABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of herbs for nourishing kidney and strengthening governor vessel on postoperative intervertebral fusion rate in elderly patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis ( DLSS) . Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out for the clinical data of 72 elderly DLSS patients treated with modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) during the period from October, 2012 to October, 2013. The patients were divided into two groups, 39 in Chinese medicine group and 33 in control group. Operative efficacy was evaluated with Japanese Orthopaedic Association ( JOA) scores for assessment of cervical myelopathy, postoperative function improvement was evaluated by Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, and lumbar interbody fusion was evaluated by the modified Brantigan scores. Results (1) During the follow-up period, patients of the two groups had no complications such as screw breaking or loosening, cage displacement, or endplate collapse. (2) Before opera tion and 3 days after operation, the differences of JOA scores were insignificant between the two groups (P>0.05) . (3) Significant difference of intragroup ODI scores were shown 12 months after operation vs 6 months after operation, and between 6 months after operation and pre-operation in the two groups (P<0.01) . ODI scores of Chinese medicine group 6 and 12 months after operation were lower than those of the control group, the difference being significant ( P<0.05 or P<0.01) . ( 4) The results of modified Brantigan scoring showed that the interbody fusion rate 6 months after operation was 71.79% in Chinese medicine group, higher than 48.48% in the control group ( P<0.05) . Twelve months months after operation, the interbody fusion rate was 87.18% in Chinese medicine group, higher than 66.67% in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion Herbs for nourishing kidney and strengthening governor vessel may improve the lumbar interbody fusion rate and the quality of life of the elderly DLSS patients treated by modified TLIF.
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Objective To investigate the anterior trans-injured vertebral short segment limited fixation and fusion in treating thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.Methods One hundred and three patients with spinal tuberculosis from 2010 to 2012 were operated by trans-anterior approach(trans-thoracic above thoracic spine 12,trans-retroperitoneal below waist spine 1)tuberculosis focus clearance and spinal canal decompression,intervertebral bone graft of vertebral structure,and short segment internal fixation for residual disease spine.Results The nerve function of the patients was effectively improved after surgery,and the imaging re-sults showed that the average lesion kyphosis angle was significantly decreased(P <0.05).The postoperative follow-up found that the bone graft was fused after half a year,and the average local kyphosis angle was still 13°,which had no obvious change compared with that after operation.In addition,the internal fixation position had no looseness and fracture,the grafted bone had no displace-ment and detachment,the four limbs movement was normal without local percussion pain or tenderness.Conclusion The anterior trans-injured vertebral short segment limited fixation and fusion has the satisfactory short term clinical efficacy in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.
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Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of polyetheretherketone( PEEK) cages and titanium cages combined with pedicle screw fixation operation in treatment of lumbar degenerative disease,and provide reference for clinic. Methods The data of 50 patients with lumbar degenerative disease in our hospital from March 2011 to March 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with pos-terior decompression,bone graft and transpedicular screw internal fixation,according to the different cages,they were divided into PEEK group and titanium group. The PEEK group with 25 patients used polyetheretherketone cages,and the titanium group with 25 patients used titanium cages. The JOA scores of patient before surgery,1 month,6 months and 1 year after surgery between two groups were recorded and compared. The ROM of fusion levels and adjacent segment of patients before and after operation between two groups were compared. Results There was no statistical significance of difference in JOA score,Oswestry score and fusion rate between two groups(P>0. 05). There were statistical significance of differences intervertebral disc height change between 2 groups(P<0. 05). The ROM of fusion levels and adjacent segment of patients in PEEK group was better than those in titanium group(P<0. 05). Conclusion The polyetheretherketone cages combined with pedicle screw fixation operation have a good effect in the treatment of patients with lumbar degenerative disease,especially in matter of lumbar spinal motion and intervertebral height lost.
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OBJECTIVE: The use of direct lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF) has gradually increased; however, no studies have directly compared DLIF and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). We compared DLIF and TLIF on the basis of clinical and radiological outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on the medical records and radiographs of 98 and 81 patients who underwent TLIF and DLIF between January 2011 and December 2012. Clinical outcomes were compared with a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). The preoperative and postoperative disc heights, segmental sagittal/coronal angles, and lumbar lordosis were measured on radiographs. Fusion rates, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: DLIF was superior to TLIF regarding its ability to restore disc height, foraminal height, and coronal balance (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Both DLIF and TLIF are less invasive and thus good surgical options for treating degenerative lumber diseases. DLIF has higher potential in increasing neural foramina and correcting coronal balance, and involves a shorter operative time and reduced EBL, in comparison with TLIF. However, DLIF displayed a lower fusion rate than TLIF, and caused complications related to the transpsoas approach.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Length of Stay , Lordosis , Medical Records , Operative Time , Retrospective Studies , Visual Analog ScaleABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze the fusion rate according to the mixture ratio and the amount of bone graft in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 92 subjects who underwent MI-TLIF. Patients were classified into either group I, in which patients received transplantation with only autogenous bone, group II, in which patients received transplantation with hydroxyapatite mixed with autogenous bone by more than 50%, or group III, in which patients received transplantation with hydroxyapatite mixed with autogenous bone by less than 50%. For analysis of the correlation of amount of bone graft with fusion rate, patients were divided into group A, having less than 12 ml of bone graft, and group B, having more than 12 ml of bone graft. Visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index were used for clinical assessment, and Burkus' classification method was used for evaluation of bone fusion. RESULTS: Fusion rates of groups I, II, and III according to the mixture ratio were 90.9%, 86.5%, and 86.2%, respectively. The fusion rate increased as the autobone ratio became higher; however, no significant difference was found (p=0.16). The fusion rates were 81.5% and 92.5% in group A and group B, respectively, which were classified according to the volume of bone graft, showing a significant increase in groups with bone graft volume more than 12 ml (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: A significantly high fusion rate was observed when bone graft volume was more than 12 ml in MI-TLIF. More than 12 ml of bone graft volume is essential for achievement of a satisfactory fusion rate.
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Humans , Achievement , Durapatite , TransplantsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Although hydroxyapatite (HA) spacer has been used for laminoplasty, there have been no reports on factors associated with fusion and on the effects of HA shape. METHODS: During January 2004 and January 2010, 45 patients with compressive cervical myelopathy underwent midline-splitting open door laminoplasty with winged (33 cases) and wingless (12 cases) HAs by a single surgeon. Minimal and mean follow up times were 12 and 28.1 months, respectively. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was used for clinical outcome measurement. Cervical X-rays were taken preoperatively, immediately post-operatively, and after 3, 6, and 12 months and computed tomography scans were performed preoperatively, immediately post-operatively and after 12 months. Cervical lordosis, canal dimension, fusion between lamina and HA, and affecting factors of fusion were analyzed. RESULTS: All surgeries were performed on 142 levels, 99 in the winged and 43 in the wingless HA groups. JOA scores of the winged group changed from 10.4+/-2.94 to 13.3+/-2.35 and scores of the wingless group changed from 10.8+/-2.87 to 13.8+/-3.05. There was no significant difference on lordotic and canal dimensional change between two groups. Post-operative 12 month fusion rate between lamina and HA was significantly lower in the winged group (18.2 vs. 48.8% p=0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, male gender, and wingless type HA were significantly associated with fusion. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcome was similar in patients receiving winged and wingless HA, but the wingless type was associated with a higher rate of fusion between HA and lamina at 12 months post-operatively.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Asian People , Durapatite , Follow-Up Studies , Longitudinal Ligaments , Lordosis , Multivariate Analysis , Orthopedics , Spinal Cord DiseasesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Porous beta-calcium pyrophosphate (beta-CPP) was developed to improve the fusion success of posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF). The possibility of accomplishing PLF using a mixture of porous beta-CPP and iliac bone was studied. This paper reports the radiologic results of PLF using the beta-CPP plus autograft for lumbar degenerative disease as a bone graft extender. METHODS: A prospective, case-matched, radiographic study evaluating the results of short segment lumbar fusion using a beta-CPP plus autograft was performed to compare the efficacy of beta-CPP plus autograft with that of an autograft alone for short segment lumbar fusion. Thirty one consecutive patients (46 levels) underwent posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw fixation and additional posterior lumbar interbody fusion. In all patients, 3 mL of beta-CPP plus 3 mL of autogenous bone graft was placed randomly in one side of a posterolateral gutter, and 6 mL of autogenous iliac bone graft was placed on the other. The fusion rates, volumes of fusion masses, and bone absorption percentage were evaluated postoperatively using simple radiographs and 3 dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) scans. RESULTS: The control sides treated with an autograft showed significantly better Lenke scores than the study sides treated with beta-CPP at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, but there was no difference between the two sides at 12 months. The fusion rates (confirmed by 3D-CT) were 87.0% in the beta-CPP group and 89.1% in the autograft group, which were not significantly different. The fusion mass volumes and bone absorption percentage at 12 months postoperatively were 2.49 mL (58.4%) and 1.89 mL (69.5%) for the beta-CPP and autograft groups, respectively, and mean fusion mass volume was significantly higher in the beta-CPP group. CONCLUSIONS: beta-CPP combined with an autograft is as effective as autologous bone for grafting during instrumented posterolateral spinal fusion. These findings suggest that beta-CPP bone chips can be used as a novel bone graft extender for short-segment posterolateral spinal fusion.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bone Substitutes , Bone Transplantation , Calcium Pyrophosphate/administration & dosage , Ilium , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Fusion/methods , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with cage alone compared with ACDF with plate instrumentation for radiologic and clinical outcomes in two-level cervical degenerative disease. METHODS: Patients with cervical degenerative disc disease from September 2004 to December 2009 were assessed retrospectively. A total of 42 patients received all ACDF at two-level cervical lesion. Twenty-two patients who underwent ACDF with cage alone were compared with 20 patients who underwent ACDF with plate fixation in consideration of radiologic and clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Robinson's criteria and posterior neck pain, arm pain described by a 10 point-visual analog scale. Fusion rate, subsidence, kyphotic angle, instrument failure and the degenerative changes in adjacent segments were examined during each follow-up examination. RESULTS: VAS was checked during each follow-up and Robinson's criteria were compared in both groups. Both groups showed no significant difference. Fusion rates were 90.9% (20/22) in ACDF with the cage alone group, 95% (19/20) in ACDF with the plate fixation group (p = 0.966). Subsidence rates of ACDF with cage alone were 31.81% (7/22) and ACDF with plate fixation were 30% (6/20) (p = 0.928). Local and regional kyphotic angle difference showed no significant difference. At the final follow-up, adjacent level disease developed in 4.54% (1/22) of ACDF with cage alone and 10% (2/20) of ACDF with plate fixation (p = 0.654). CONCLUSION: In two-level ACDF, ACDF with cage alone would be comparable with ACDF with plate fixation with regard to clinical outcome and radiologic result with no significant difference. We suggest that the routine use of plate and screw in 2-level surgery may not be beneficial.
Subject(s)
Humans , Arm , Benzeneacetamides , Diskectomy , Follow-Up Studies , Neck Pain , Piperidones , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Aim of study was to find a proper method for assessing subsidence using a radiologic measurement following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Solis(TM) cage. METHODS: Forty-two patients who underwent ACDF with Solis(TM) cage were selected. With a minimum follow-up of 6 months, the retrospective investigation was conducted for 37 levels in 32 patients. Mean follow-up period was 18.9 months. Total intervertebral height (TIH) of two fused vertebral bodies was measured on digital radiographs with built-in software. Degree of subsidence (DeltaTIH) was reflected by the difference between the immediate postoperative and follow-up TIH. Change of postoperative disc space height (CT-MR DeltaTIH) was reflected by the difference between TIH of the preoperative mid-sagittal 2D CT and that of the preoperative mid-sagittal T1-weighted MRI. RESULTS: Compared to preoperative findings, postoperative disc height was increased in all cases and subsidence was observed only in 3 cases. For comparison of subsidence and non-subsidence group, TIH and CT-MRDeltaTIH of each group were analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference in TIH and CT-MR DeltaTIH between each group at 4 and 8 weeks, but a difference was observed at the last follow-up TIH (p=0.0497). CONCLUSION: ACDF with Solistrade mark cage was associated with relatively good radiologic long-term results. Fusion was achieved in 94.5% and subsidence occurred in 8.1% by the radiologic assessment. Statistical analysis reveals that the subsidence seen later than 8 weeks after surgery and the development of subsidence does not correlate statistically with the change of the postoperative disc space height.
Subject(s)
Humans , Diskectomy , Follow-Up Studies , Ketones , Polyethylene Glycols , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Fresh hepatocarcinoma tissue and spleen samples were taken from patients during surgery. B cells from spleen were purified and activated. The hepatocarcinoma vaccine was made by cell fusion between hepatic tumor cells and activated B cells. PEG was used as the fusion agent. The fusion cells were cultured and deactivated. MHC Ⅱ and B7 molecules on activated B cells were determined by flow cytometry. Fusion rate and recovery rate of cells after refrigeration were determined respectively at the same time. The results showed that MHC Ⅱ and B7 molecules on the activated B cells were enhanced comparing with B cell. The fusion rates of three cases were 66 84%, 74 43%, and 76 55%, respectively. The recovery rates of cells were 95% and 97% after DMSO and glycerol refrigeration, respectively. The results suggest that the hepatocarcinoma vaccine owns high fusion rate and recovery rate of cells after refrigeration. It's easy to make and store. So the hepatocarcinoma vaccine is suitable for clinical use.
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OBJECTIVE: The authors performed instrumented anterior cervical fusion with either iliac autograft or fibular allograft for various clinical entities. The purposes of the study are to compare the fusion rate and the time to fusion according to graft material, and to identify the factors affecting fusion. METHOD:57 patients underwent instrumented anterior cervical fusion during 3 years between Jan. 1995 and Dec. 1997, among them 31 patients with iliac autograft(autograft group), and 26 patients with freeze-dried fibular allograft (allograft group). The clinical entities were trauma(n=0), soft disc herniation(n=), spondylotic radiculopathy(n=1), spondylotic myelopathy(n=6), and ossified posterior longitudinal ligament(n=). The method of fusion was either interbody fusion confined to disc space or strut fusion after corpectomy. Outcomes were assessed for fusion status and time to fusion, and comparison between autograft group versus allograft group. RESULT: Between autograft and allograft group there were no differences in distribution of perioperative clinical variables such as patients' age and gender, clinical entity, method of fusion, and length of fusion as determined by the number of disc space fused. Mean follow-up period was 19 months(range 10-28 months) in autograft group and 16 months(range 8-22 months) in allograft group. The fusion rate was 90% in autograft group and 85% in allograft group(p=.691). The median time to fusion was 7 months in autograft group and 15 months in allograft group(p<0.001). The perioperative variables affecting fusion, defined as those being significantly associated with the time to fusion, were the graft material(p=.000) and the length of fusion(p=.007). The rate of graft-related complications including donor-site morbidity was 41% in autograft group and 8% in allograft group. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the use of freeze-dried fibular allograft in instrumented anterior cervical fusion is, though the time to fusion is delayed more than two times, as an effective way as the use of iliac autograft to achieve fusion, and is a better way to ameliorate graft-related complications.
Subject(s)
Humans , Allografts , Autografts , Follow-Up Studies , TransplantsABSTRACT
Among the 98 patients who underwent operations for thoracolumbar spinal lesions from May 1989 to September 1994, the authors performed clinical analysis of 72 patients who were followed-up for more than 12 months. There were 52 cases of trauma, 18 cases of tuberculous spondylitis, and 2 cases of metastatic tumor. After partial or toal vertebrectomy, interbody fusion was performed using autogenous iliac bone or autogenous ribs which were taken while approaching the thoracic spine, and stabilized using Kaneda devices. Complete neural decompression was possible under direct vision in all cases. Neurologic deficits improved to an average of 1.7 grades using a modified Frankel scale. Patients with tuberculous spondylitis did not show recurrence or any evidence of increased risk of secondary infection caused by instrumentation. Loosening or breakdown of instruments occurred in 4 patients, and spinal deformity in 7 patients, but reoperation was not needed in any of these patients. By anterior decompression, interbody fusion and stabilization using Kaneda device in thoracolumbar spinal lesions, we could obtain satisfactory neurologic improvement as well as immediate firm stability and high fusion rate involving only a minimum(usually two) number of motion segments as compared with the posterior approach.