Advances in surgical strategies for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament involving the C 2 segment / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the application of surgical strategies for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) involving the C 2 segment.@*METHODS@#The literature about the surgery for cervical OPLL involving C 2 segment was reviewed, and the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of surgery were summarized.@*RESULTS@#For cervical OPLL involving the C 2 segments, laminectomy is suitable for patients with OPLL involving multiple segments, often combined with screw fixation, and has the advantages of adequate decompression and restoration of cervical curvature, with the disadvantages of loss of cervical fixed segmental mobility. Canal-expansive laminoplasty is suitable for patients with positive K-line and has the advantages of simple operation and preservation of cervical segmental mobility, and the disadvantages include progression of ossification, axial symptoms, and fracture of the portal axis. Dome-like laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability and with negative R-line, and can reduce the occurrence of axial symptoms, with the disadvantage of limited decompression. The Shelter technique is suitable for patients with single/double segments and canal encroachment >50% and allows for direct decompression, but is technically demanding and involves risk of dural tear and nerve injury. Double-dome laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability. Its advantages are the reduction of damage to the cervical semispinal muscles and attachment points and maintenance of cervical curvature, but there is progress in postoperative ossification.@*CONCLUSION@#OPLL involving the C 2 segment is a complex subtype of cervical OPLL, which is mainly treated through posterior surgery. However, the degree of spinal cord floatation is limited, and with the progress of ossification, the long-term effectiveness is poor. More research is needed to address the etiology of OPLL and to establish a systematic treatment strategy for cervical OPLL involving the C 2 segment.

Accidental anterior longitudinal ligament rupture during lateral lumbar interbody fusion disclosed after posterior corrective fusion surgery resulting in local hyper-lordosis / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: To report a case of anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) injury that was not noticeable during lateral lumbar interbody fusion and was disclosed after posterior corrective fusion surgery.Case presentation: After performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion followed by posterior corrective fusion surgery, we observed an anterior longitudinal ligament rupture that required additional surgery. Postoperative pain in the left lower limb and muscle weakness due to nerve traction appeared, but this was improved by stabilization between the vertebral bodies.Conclusion: Unidentified anterior longitudinal ligament rupture can result in unexpected local lordosis during posterior surgery, possibly related to lower extremity palsy. Therefore, checking for possible rupture during and after anterior surgery is important. If the ALL damage is disclosed before posterior surgery, the proper surgical strategy for the posterior surgery must be considered.

Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and its post surgical outcome analysis

Background: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a complex multi-factorial disease process having both metabolic and biomechanical factors. The objective of this study was to assess the surgical out come and post operative functional improvement in patients with cervical OPLL at a tertiary care centre.Methods: This prospective observational study included 35 patients undergoing surgery for cervical OPLL in the department of neurosurgery, Care hospitals Hyderabad from October 2015 to October 2016 with follow up at 3months and 6 months.Results: Total 35 patients who underwent surgery, majority (77.15%) were males and (22.85%) were female. The age of the patients was between 30 to 70 years. The most common type of OPLL was found to be segmental and mixed type. Nurick grade improved by 1.12 in anterior approach vs 0.66 in posterior approach. Recovery rates observed in anterior approach is 57.72% while in posterior surgical approach it is 48.87%. No complication was observed in this study.Conclusions: OPLL is more common in males as compared to females. The average age of presentation is sixth decade. Younger patients have better outcomes. The most common variant of OPLL is segmental.  The recovery rate achieved from anterior approach are better than those from the posterior approach. Improvement in NURICKS score is more in anterior surgical group than in posterior surgical group. No complications seen in this study. No mortality seen in this study.

Antedisplacement and fixation of thoracic vertebra-ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament complex for treatment of severe multi-level thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To introduce a technical innovation for the treatment of severe multi-level thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods: The detailed surgical procedure included isolation of vertebra-OPLL complex (VOC), implantation of screws and rods, and antedisplacement of the VOC. A patient diagnosed as multi-level thoracic OPLL with myelopathy was treated by this technique and the outcomes were reported. Results: Neurological outcomes achieved an evident improvement, with the recovery rate of modified-Japanese Orthopaedic Association score being 75%. The operation took 480 min and the intraoperative bleeding was 1 000 mL. Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed sufficient decompression of spinal cord. The occupation ratio of spinal canal improved from 86.6% to 58.8% in T2/3, and from 68.2% to 45.9% in T3/4. Conclusion: Posterior thoracic vertebra-OPLL complex antedisplacement and fixation is a feasible, theoretically safe and effective surgical option for the treatment of severe multi-level thoracic OPLL with myelopathy. The operation is simple and performed outside the spinal canal, and no ossified mass is removed. However, further studies with large-scale cases and control groups are required to reveal the applicability and safety of this technique.

Meta-analysis of calcium chemotherapeutic effect of anterior cervical subtotal vertebroplasty and posterior laminoplasty / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To systematically assess the efficacy of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) versus posterior laminoplasty (LAMP) for cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).@*METHODS@#PubMed and EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP were collected from 7 databases of ACCF, LAMP from 1970 to May 2018. According to the criteria, the articles were included and independently screened by two authors. The quality of the articles was assessed by using the MINORS scale (methodological index for non randomized studies). After extracting the data from the article, the JOA score, cervical curvature, operation time, bleeding volume, excellent and good rate, recovery rate, adverse events and secondary surgery were analyzed by using Review Manager 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#Finally, a total of 22 articles with 1 678 patients were included in this Meta-analysis, with 810 patients in ACCF group and 868 patients in LAMP group. Meta analysis results showed that the ACCF group had higher postoperative JOA scores[MD=0.63, 95%CI(0.05, 1.20), = 0.03], higher excellent rate [=1.85, 95%CI (1.14, 3.02), =0.01] and higher recovery rate [=11.90, 95%CI (5.75, 18.05), =0.000 1]. But the LAMP group has a shorter operative time [MD=52.19, 95%CI (29.36, 75.03), <0.000 01], less complications [=1.56, 95%CI (1.03, 2.35), =0.04] and less reoperations [=3.73, 95%CI (1.62, 8.57), =0.002]. There was no significant different in postoperative lordosis [MD=3.15, 95%CI(-0.14, 6.43), =0.06] and blood loss[SMD= 0.26, 95%CI(-0.05, 0.57), =0.10] between two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The recovery of functionof ACCF group was better, but operation time, complications and reoperations of LAMP group were all better than ACCF group. There was no difference in postoperative lordosis and intraoperative blood loss between two groups. However, there are some limitations in this study. Therefore, higher quality and larger sample size clinical studies are needed to further verify.

Comparison of three different posterior cervical approaches for treating cervical spine trauma with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament / 中华外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical application value of using laminoplasty combine with short-segment pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of cervical spine trauma patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).@*Methods@#Fifty-four cervical spine trauma patients with OPLL from June 2014 to June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed of Department of Spine Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Military Medical University. There were 31 males and 23 females, aging (68.4±4.3) years (rang: 46 to 82 years). All patients had a history of cervical spine trauma, confirmed by imaging examination of OPLL, and there are signs and symptoms related to cervical spinal cord compression. Eighteen patients underwent one-stage laminoplasty combine with short-segment pedicle screw fixation(group A), and 15 patients underwent posterior cervical laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation (group B). Twenty-one patients underwent posterior laminoplasty (C group). According to the range of OPLL and the compression of the spinal cord, the range of laminoplasty was selected. MRI scan was used to evaluated the compression condition of cervical spine and the injury condition of anterior longitudinal ligament injury and other factors that can cause local instability of the cervical spine. Posterior unilateral pedicle screw fixation (two pedicles) were performed in the instability segment. The neurological function of the patients was assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Score before surgery, the second day after surgery, 3 months, 1 year and the last follow-up. The cervical spine X-ray films were used to evaluate cervical curvature, cervical spine activity and internal fixation-related complications.@*Results@#The average follow-up time was 18 months (6-30 months). Satisfactory neurological improvement was achieved in all three groups, and no internal fixation-related complications occurred during follow-up. The range of laminoplasty was 22 cases in 4 segments (C3-C6, C4-C7) and 17 cases in 5 segments (C3-C7). Unilateral pedicle screw fixation was performed in 11 patients with C3-4 fixation and 7 patients with C4-5 fixation. Cervical curvature was basically the same in the three groups after operation and at the last follow-up. No significant changes in cervical curvature and kyphosis were observed during the follow-up period. The overall cervical mobility (C2-C7) in group A and group C had no significant difference compared with preoperative (P=0.077). The overall mobility of cervical vertebrae in group B was significantly lower than that before surgery (P=0.013).@*Conclusions@#For cervical spine trauma patients with OPLL, laminoplasty combined short-segment pedicle screw fixation can increase cervical segmental stability while extensive decompression of cervical spinal cord compression. At the same time, to some extent, the complications of postoperative axial symptoms caused by posterior cervical laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation were avoided.

A mid-term clinical analysis of the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament with C1,2 single-door laminoplasty / 中华骨科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the mid-term clinical efficacy of extended to C1, 2 posterior single-door laminoplasty for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament combined the upper cervical spine.@*Methods@#From February 2013 to December 2015, 32 patients with cervical OPLL who were extended to C1, 2 posterior open-door laminoplasty were enrolled in our hospital (complete follow-up of 25 patients). There were 19 males and 6 females, aged 48-76 years (mean 60.1±7.0 years). Cervical spinal cord function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) spinal cord function score, and the rate of improvement in neurological function was calculated. The quality of life of patients was assessed using the neck disability index (NDI). Axial symptoms were assessed and indexed using the visual analog scale (VAS). The C0-2 angle of the cervical spine was measured by X-ray preoperative and at the last follow-up. The cervical curvature was evaluated by the C2-7 angle, and the cervical vertebra activity was observed by the dynamic X-ray of the cervical spine.@*Results@#25 patients were followed up for a period of 26-64 months (mean 35.9±8.1 months). At the last follow-up, the JOA score was 14.32±3.24, the NDI score was 7.61±1.23, and the VAS score was 1.42±0.78. The differences between the three scores were statistically significant compared with the preoperative scores. The neurological improvement rate at the last follow-up was 79.61%±13.23%. The preoperative C0-2 angle was 26.04°±6.28°, and the last follow-up was 24.92°±5.51°; the C2-7 angle was 19.55°±9.42° before surgery, and the C2-7 angle at last follow-up was 17.97°±8.80°. The C2-7 angle at last follow-up was slightly reduced compared with that preoperative, but the difference was not statistically significant. The preoperative cervical vertebra ROM was 35.31°±12.24°, and at the last follow-up it was 32.23°±9.65°. The ROM of cervical vertebrae at the last follow-up was slightly lower than that before surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant. Among them, the reduction of the ROM of overflexion was greater than that of the over-extension, which was the main reason for the decrease of ROM. The OPLL bone mass continued to grow at the last follow-up of 11 patients.@*Conclusion@#The extended to C1, 2 posterior single-door laminoplasty for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament combined the upper cervical spine can achieve adequate spinal cord decompression, satisfactory neurological improvement, and improve the postoperative cervical curvature and activity. There was no obvious change in the curvature and activity of the cervical spine, and the axial symptoms did not increase significantly, and the clinical efficacy was positive.

Surgical Reconstruction Using a Flanged Mesh Cage without Plating for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and a Symptomatic Ossified Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

OBJECTIVE: We introduce innovative method of cervical column reconstruction and performed the reconstruction with a flanged titanium mesh cage (TMC) instead of a plate after anterior corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).METHODS: Fifty patients with CSM or OPLL who underwent anterior cervical reconstruction with a flanged TMC were investigated retrospectively. Odom’s criteria were used to assess the clinical outcomes. The radiographic evaluation included TMC subsidence, fusion status, and interbody height. Thirty-eight patients underwent single-level and 12 patients underwent two-level corpectomy with a mean follow-up period of 16.8 months.RESULTS: In all, 19 patients (38%) had excellent outcomes and 25 patients (50%) had good outcomes. Two patients (4%) in whom C5 palsy occurred were categorized as poor. The fusion rate at the last follow-up was 98%, and the severe subsidence rate was 34%. No differences in subsidence were observed among Odom’s criteria or between the single-level and two-level corpectomy groups.CONCLUSION: The satisfactory outcomes in this study indicate that the flanged TMC is an effective graft for cervical reconstruction.

Surgical Reconstruction Using a Flanged Mesh Cage without Plating for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and a Symptomatic Ossified Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

OBJECTIVE: We introduce innovative method of cervical column reconstruction and performed the reconstruction with a flanged titanium mesh cage (TMC) instead of a plate after anterior corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). METHODS: Fifty patients with CSM or OPLL who underwent anterior cervical reconstruction with a flanged TMC were investigated retrospectively. Odom’s criteria were used to assess the clinical outcomes. The radiographic evaluation included TMC subsidence, fusion status, and interbody height. Thirty-eight patients underwent single-level and 12 patients underwent two-level corpectomy with a mean follow-up period of 16.8 months. RESULTS: In all, 19 patients (38%) had excellent outcomes and 25 patients (50%) had good outcomes. Two patients (4%) in whom C5 palsy occurred were categorized as poor. The fusion rate at the last follow-up was 98%, and the severe subsidence rate was 34%. No differences in subsidence were observed among Odom’s criteria or between the single-level and two-level corpectomy groups. CONCLUSION: The satisfactory outcomes in this study indicate that the flanged TMC is an effective graft for cervical reconstruction.

Factors Affecting Postoperative Sagittal Alignment after Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Adult Spinal Deformity: Posterior Osteotomy, Anterior Longitudinal Ligament Rupture, and Endplate Injury

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PURPOSE: To identify factors that affect sagittal alignment correction in lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) and to investigate the degree of correction in each condition. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: LIF is a useful procedure for ASD, but the degree of correction can be affected by posterior osteotomy, intraoperative endplate injury, or anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) rupture. METHODS: Radiographical data for 30 patients who underwent LIF for ASD were examined prospectively. All underwent two-stage surgery (LIF followed by posterior fixation). Radiographical parameters were measured preoperatively, after LIF, and after posterior fixation; these included the segmental lordotic angle, lumbar lordosis (LL), and other sagittal alignment factors. RESULTS: LL was corrected from 16.5°±16.7° preoperatively to 33.4°±13.8° after LIF (p<0.001) and then to 52.1°±7.9° following posterior fixation (p<0.001). At levels where Schwab grade 2 osteotomy was performed, the acquired segmental lordotic angles from the preoperative value to after posterior fixation and from after LIF to after posterior fixation were 19.5°±9.2° and 9.9°±3.9°, respectively. On average, 12.4° more was added than in cases without osteotomy. Endplate injury was identified at 21 levels (19.4%) after LIF, with a mean loss of 3.4° in the acquired segmental lordotic angle (5.3°±8.4° and 1.9°±5.9° without and with endplate injury, respectively). ALL rupture was identified at seven levels (6.5%), and on average 19.3° more was added in these cases between the preoperative and postoperative values than in cases without ALL rupture. CONCLUSIONS: LIF provides adequate sagittal alignment restoration for ASD, but the degree of correction is affected by grade 2 osteotomy, intraoperative endplate injury, and ALL rupture.

Surgical Results of Patients with Myelopathy due to Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum with Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament or a Vertebral Fracture at the Same Level of the Thoracic Spine: A Retrospective Comparative Study

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective and comparative study. PURPOSE: We assessed surgical treatment outcomes in patients with thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF), and OLF combined with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) or vertebral fracture (VF) at the same level. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: OLF and OPLL cause severe thoracic myelopathy. Osteoporotic VF commonly occurs at the thoracolumbar junction. There have been no investigations of thoracic myelopathy due to OLF and VF. METHODS: Forty patients were divided among three groups: the OLF group (n=23): myelopathy due to OLF, the OLF+OPLL group (n=12): myelopathy due to OLF and OPLL, and the OLF+VF group (n=5): myelopathy due to OLF and VF. We recorded OLF, OPLL, and VF sites and operative procedures. Each patient’s neurological status, according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and walking ability were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients in the OLF+OPLL group were significantly younger than those in the other two groups. The preoperative JOA score was significantly lower in the OLF+VF than OLF group. The final JOA score was significantly lower in the OLF+VF than OLF and OLF+OPLL groups. The JOA score recovery rate was significantly lower in the OLF+VF than OLF group. Final walking ability was significantly worse in the OLF+OPLL and OLF+VF groups than in the OLF group and significantly worse in the OLF+VF than OLF+OPLL group. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic myelopathy due to OLF+VF occurs primarily in older females, who also exhibit worse preoperative and postoperative neurological status, and worse walking ability, than patients with thoracic myelopathy due to OLF or OLF+OPLL.

Effects of bone morphogenetic protein 2 on ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament and possible mechanism / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)on ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and its relationship with transforming growth factor-3 (TGF-3)/Smad signaling pathway.Methods The expression vectors of wild type pcDNA3.1-BMP2 (WT),mutant pcDNA3.1-BMP2 (37G),mutant pcDNA3.1-BMP2 (190T) and mutant pcDNA3.1-BMP2 (37G/190T) were constructed and identified by agarose gel electrophoresis.The constructed vector was transfected into mouse embryonic fibroblasts C3H10T1/2 mediated by liposome to detect the expression of BMP2.Six groups were divided according to the transfection situation:(1) the non-transfection group;(2) empty vector pcDNA3.1 transfection group;(3) pcDNA3.1-bmp2 (WT)transfection group;(4) pcDNA3.1-bmp2 (37G) transfection group;(5) pcDNA3.1-bmp2 (190T)transfection group;(6) pcDNA3.1-bmp2 (37G/190T) transfection group.The experimental and control group were defined according to whether BMP2 polymorphism was included.Therefore,the nontransfection group and empty vector pcDNA3.1 transfection group were control groups,and the other groups were experimental groups.The expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 and Smad4 in positive cell clones were detected by western blotting,and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was detected by quantitative detection kits.The protein expressions were compared among the experimental groups.Results Two fragments digested from pcDNA3.1-BMP2 represented 1.2 kb and 5.4 kb by agarose electrophoresis.The direct sequencing results were in accordance with target gene sequence.BMP2 gene was successfully transfected and stably expressed in C3H10T1/2 cells.Western blotting showed that the expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 protein in the experimental groups was increased significantly after transfection,with significant difference between the experimental groups and the control groups (P ＜0.05),but without significant differences among the experimental groups (P ＞ 0.05).The expressions of Smad4 protein transfected by wild or mutation type pcDNA3.1-BMP2 were significantly higher than those in the control groups (P ＜ 0.05),and the expressions of Smad4 protein transfected by pcDNA3.1-BMP2(37G) and pcDNA3.1-BMP2 (37G/190T) were significantly higher than those in the other experimental groups (P＜0.05).The ALP activity results of experimental groups transfected by pcDNA3.1-BMP2 (37G) and pcDNA3.1-BMP2 (37 G/190T) were (30.56 ± 0.46) nmol · min-1 ·mg-1 and (29.62 ±0.68)nmol · min-1 · mg-1,with no significant difference between the two groups (P ＞0.05).However,there were significant differences between the two groups and other experimental groups (P ＜0.05).The Ser37Ala (T/G) polymorphism in exon 2 of BMP2 gene was positively correlated with ALP activity in stably transfected C3H10T1/2 cells.Conclusion The Ser37Ma (T/G) polymorphism in exon 2 of BMP2 gene promotes OPLL ossification through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway,the possible mechanism for which is to up-regulate the protein expressions of Smad4 and ALP.

Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament after Cervical Total Disc Replacement / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Total disc replacement (TDR) is frequently performed anterior approaching method for the patients diagnosed with cervical disc herniation. This study aimed to assess the degree of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) progression after cervical TDR. METHODS: Twenty-two male soldiers who underwent cervical TDR surgery from 2009 to 2016 and were followed-up for more than 12 months were enrolled. The enrolled patients were classified as; 1) patients with pre-existing OPLL and without; and 2) patient showing progression of OPLL or not. RESULTS: Twenty-two men were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up period from the surgery was 41.4 months (range, 12–114 months). The mean age of all patients was 40.7 years (range, 31–52 years). TDR-only was used in 7 cases, and the hybrid surgery (TDR+ACDF) was used in 15 cases. The incidence of progression or newly development of OPLL was significantly higher in pre-existing OPLL group (p=0.01). In 11 cases showing the progression of the OPLL, the mean size of OPLL progression was 4.16 mm (range, 0.34–18.87 mm) in the longitudinal height and 1.57 mm (range, 0.54–3.91 mm) in thickness. CONCLUSION: The progression of OPLL after cervical TDR was more frequent in patients with pre-existing OPLL than in patients without OPLL. Even though TDR is a major alternative to the treatment of cervical lesions to preserve vertebral segmental motion, careful attention should be paid to whether TDR should be used in patients with OPLL and this should be fully explained to the patient.

Quantitative study of the effect of atlas posterior arch resection on cervical posterior decompression / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To quantitatively compare the effect of preservation or removal of atlas posterior arch on cervical posterior decompression,so as to provide a basis for reasonable selection of upper cervical spine decompression range and determination of surgical indications for atlas posterior arch resection.Methods The data of 45 patients with posterior decompression of upper cervical spine were retrospectively analyzed.According to the decompression range,the patients were divided into C2-C7 group and C1-C7 group.There were 25 cases in the C2-C7 group,19 males and 6 females,with an average age of 56.3 years (40-71 years),4 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and 21 cases of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine.All of the 25 patients underwent open-door laminoplasty:20 cases with hinge side anchoring procedure and 5 cases with preservation of the unilateral posterior muscular-ligament complex procedure (titanium cable procedure).There were 20 cases in C1-C7 group,12 males and 8 females,with an average age of 58A years (44-75 years).All of the 20 cases underwent atlas posterior arch resection as well as C2-C7 open-door laminoplasty,including anchoring procedure in 1 case,titanium miniplate procedure in 4 cases,and titanium cable procedure in 15 cases.Standardized vertebral-cord distance (SVCD) at each level from atlas to level C~ was measured on T2-weighted images of MR on the mid-sagittal plane in the neutral position pedormed 3-12 months postoperatively at each individual level.As the main outcomes,the SVCD values obtained at the same level of the two groups were compared between the two groups.Shapiro-Wilk normality test was performed on the SVCD values at C1.2 and C2 levels of two groups.The area under the normal distribution curve of SVCDs was used to calculate the corresponding residual compression rate with different magnitude of compression mass to further discover the difference of the decompression effect between the two groups.Results The SVCD obtained at the level of the anterior arch of atlas (C1),the junction of odontoid process and axis (C1,2) and the middle part of axis body (C2) in the C2-C7 group was 9.91±1.34 mm,8.35±1.27 mm,and 8.22 ±1.43 mm,respectively.The SVCD at the same levels was 11.02±1.60 mm,9.72±1.24 mm,and 9.12±1.11 mm,respectively.SVCDs differed significantly in the above range between the two groups.However,from level C2,3 to C6,7,there was no significant difference in SVCDs between the two groups.The JOA score of group C2-C7 was 11.8±2.7 preoperatively and increased significantly to 14.7±1.8 at 12 months postoperatively(t=-7.006,P＜0.001) with a recovery rate of 57.0％±32.2％.The JOA score of group C1-C7 was 11.7±2.8 preoperatively and increased significantly to 14.2±2.3 at 12 months postoperatively(t=-6.177,P＜0.001) with a recovery rate of 51.9％±32.1％.Conclusion Atlas posterior arch resection can significantly increase the decompression effect of posterior cervical surgery from the anterior arch of atlas to the middle part of axis body,but it would not increase the decompression effect at level C2.3 or below.When the magnitude of the ventral compression factor exceeds the decompression limit (8.5 mm) available with C2-C7 decompression in the range from atlas to the middle of the axis body,extending the decompression range by atlas posterior arch resection is an effective means to achieve adequate decompression.

Posterior approach laminectomy combined with localized resection of ossified posterior longitudinal ligament and dekyphosis for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of posterior approach laminectomy combined with localized resection of ossified posterior longitudinal ligament and dekyphosis for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the thoracic spine.Methods Thirty-one cases of thoracic multilevel OPLL was treated with this new technique between August of 2012 and August of 2016.Twenty-nine among the 31 cases were successfully followed up more than two years.Among these 29 cases,9 were male and the other 20 were female,with an average age of 48.5±7.1 years.The average segment number of OPLLwas 6.5±2.2 (range,3-11).The average segment number of laminectomy was 7.9±2.5 (range,4-13).There were 26 cases combined with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF).Posterior approach laminectomy combined with localized resection of OPLL and dekyphosis for multilevel OPLL in the thoracic spine was applied to all cases.Firstly,en-bloc laminectomy was performed to all the segments of OPLL.Then the nearest segment of ossification to the kyphotic apex and the most stenotie level was selected and limitedly resected.Finally,wedge-shaped osteotomy was conducted to decrease the kyphosis.The outcomes including recovery rate of myelopathy and the radiological changes were recorded during the post-operative follow-up.Single group pre and post analysis was conducted by using paired t-test.Results Twenty-seven cases underwent one-level circumferential decompression,and the other two case underwent two-level localized resection of the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament.The average operation time was 245.2±75.1 min (range,131-423 min).The average blood loss was 1 307.9±1 457.7 ml(range,300-6 000 ml).The average follow-up time was 40.2± 14.9 months (range,25-69 months).The kyphotic angle of the stenotic segments decreased 11.4°±3.5° averagely after the surgery,from pre-operative 28.7°±9.6° to post-operative 17.3°±8.6°.The decreased kyphotic angle was 7.4°±3.1 ° at the final follow-up with an average kyphotic angel of 22.3°± 10.3°.The average length of the resected ossified posterior longitudinal ligament was 11.3±3.9 mm,and the average shortening length of the spinal column was 5.0±3.0 mm (range,0.4-13.8 mm).The pre-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 4.3±2.2 averagely (range,1-9),and the final JOA score increased to 9.3±2.3 (rang,3-11).The average recover rate was 85.7％ (range,-100％ to 100％),and the rate of excellent or good was 89.7％.Among the 29 cases,6 cases occurred post-operative transient deterioration and regained a satisfactory recovery eventually;one case occurred post-operative paraplegia and never recovered;19 cases occurred post-operative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and healed under conservative treatment.Conclusion For the thoracic multilevel OPLL,one-stage posterior approach laminectomy combined with localized resection of the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament and dekyphosis can significantly improve the outcomes of the myelopathy with low rate of post-operative paraplegia.Therefore,this new surgery technique is a safe and effective treatment for multilevel OPLL in thoracic spine.

Comparison of multi-mode and single-mode intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in the treatment of severe ossification of the cervical posterior longitudinal ligament with anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the application of multi-mode and single-mode intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in the treatment of severe ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine with anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion.@*METHODS@#From April 2015 to June 2018, 32 patients with severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were treated in the Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. There were 21 males and 11 females, aged 45 to 73 years old, with a mean age of 59 years old. The duration of the disease ranged from 6 to 72 months, with a mean of 39 months. The main manifestations were numbness, numbness and weakness of limbs, cotton feeling of foot stepping on lower limbs, instability of standing and walking. With the gradual aggravation of symptoms, quadriplegia, dysfunction of urine and defecation may occur. Patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine were monitored by somatosensory evoked potentials, motor evoked potentials and electromyogram patterns.@*RESULTS@#During the operation, 8 patients had abnormal amplitude of somatosensory evoked potential(SEP); 5 of them had bleeding during anterior cervical decompression procedure and were placed with too much hemostatic cotton, which caused compression of spinal cord and resulted in abnormal SEP waveform. After removal of the hemostatic cotton, SEP waveform returned ot normal; 3 patients had abnormal SEP waveform due to decreased systolic pressure, which was corrected by increased systolic pressure. Twelve patients had abnormal amplitude of motor evoked potential during monitoring, 9 of which were caused by intraoperative mis-contact with nerve root, and turned to normal after timely adjustment of position, 3 of which were caused by intraoperative inhalation of muscle relaxant during surgery. Among 11 patients with abnormal EMG waveform, 9 patients recovered to normal waveform after adjusting operation, 2 patients recovered to normal waveform after short observation, and all patients recovered to normal waveform of motor evoked potential after operation(<0.05). There were 2 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after operation, which healed spontaneously 7 days after operation, and no complications of spinal cord and nerve occurred in all patients after operation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion operation for the treatment of severe cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, various modes of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring can real-time understand spinal cord and nerve function status, significantly reduce the incidence of spinal cord and nerve injury during operation, and effectively improve the safety of operation.

Effect of table tilt and spine flexion-rotation on the acoustic window of the lumbar spine in pregnant women / Efeito da inclinação da mesa e flexão da coluna sobre a janela acústica da coluna lombar em mulheres grávidas

Abstract Study objective: The purpose of this study was to assess whether application of dorsal table tilt and body rotation to a parturient seated for neuraxial anesthesia increased the size of the paramedian target area for neuraxial needle insertion. Setting: Labor and Delivery Room. Patients: Thirty term pregnant women, ASA I-II, scheduled for an elective C-section delivery. Interventions: Lumbar ultrasonography was performed in four seated positions: (F) lumbar flexion; (FR) as in position F with right shoulder rotation; (FT) as in position F with dorsal table-tilt; (FTR) as in position F with dorsal table-tilt combined with right shoulder rotation. Measurements: For each position, the size of the 'target area', defined as the visible length of the posterior longitudinal ligament was measured at the L3-L4 interspace. Main results: The mean posterior longitudinal ligament was 18.4 ± 4 mm in position F, 18.9 ± 5.5 mm in FR, 19 ± 5.3 mm in FT, and 18 ± 5.2 mm in FTR. Mean posterior longitudinal ligament length was not significantly different in the four positions. Conclusions: These data show that the positions studied did not increase the target area as defined by the length of the posterior longitudinal ligament for the purpose of neuraxial needle insertion in obstetric patients. The maneuvers studied will have limited use in improving spinal needle access in pregnant women.

Resumo Objetivo do estudo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se a inclinação lateral da mesa cirúrgica e a rotação do corpo de uma parturiente sentada para anestesia neuraxial aumentou o tamanho da área-alvo paramediana para a inserção da agulha neuraxial. Ambiente: Sala de parto. Pacientes: Trinta grávidas a termo, ASA I-II, agendadas para cesárea eletiva. Intervenções: Ultrassonografia lombar foi feita em quatro posições sentadas: (F) flexão lombar; (FR) como na posição F com rotação do ombro direito; (FT) como na posição F com inclinação lateral da mesa cirúrgica; (FTR) como na posição F com inclinação lateral da mesa cirúrgica combinada com a rotação do ombro direito. Mensurações: Para cada posição, o tamanho da "área-alvo", definido como o comprimento visível do ligamento longitudinal posterior, foi medido no interespaço de L3-L4. Principais resultados: As médias do ligamento longitudinal posterior foram: 18,4 ± 4 mm na posição F; 18,9 ± 5,5 mm na posição FR; 19 ± 5,3 mm na posição FT e 18 ± 5,2 mm na posição FTR. O comprimento médio do ligamento longitudinal posterior não foi significativamente diferente nas quatro posições. Conclusões: Esses dados mostram que as posições avaliadas não aumentaram a área-alvo, conforme definido pelo comprimento do ligamento longitudinal posterior com o objetivo de inserção da agulha neuraxial em pacientes obstétricas. As manobras avaliadas terão um uso limitado na melhoria do acesso à agulha espinhal em mulheres grávidas.

Analysis of Factors Contributing to Repeat Surgery in Multi-Segments Cervical Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

OBJECTIVE: Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can be treated via anterior or posterior approach, or both. The optimal approach depends on the characteristics of OPLL and cervical curvature. Although most patients can be successfully treated by a single surgery with the proper approach, renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration often requires repeat surgery.METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration requiring salvage surgery for multi-segment cervical OPLL were enrolled. Ten patients (group AP) underwent anterior approach, and 17 patients (group PA) underwent posterior approach at the initial surgery. Clinical and radiological data from initial and repeat surgeries were obtained and analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS: The intervals between the initial and repeat surgeries were 102.80±60.08 months (group AP) and 61.00±8.16 months (group PA) (p < 0.05). In group AP, the main OPLL lesions were removed during the initial surgery. There was a tendency that the site of main OPLL lesions causing renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration were different from that of the initial surgery (8/10, p < 0.05). Repeat surgery was performed for progressed OPLL lesions at another segment as the main pathology. In group PA, the main OPLL lesions at the initial surgery continued as the main pathology for repeat surgery. Progression of kyphosis in the cervical curvature (Cobb’s angle on C2–7 and segmental angle on the main OPLL lesion) was noted between the initial and repeat surgeries. Group PA showed more kyphotic cervical curvature compared to group AP at the time of repeat surgery (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The reasons for repeat surgery depend on the type of initial surgery. The main factors leading to repeat surgery are progression of remnant OPLL at a different segment in group AP and kyphotic change of the cervical curvature in group PA.

Treatment of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification of thoracic spine with posterior transforaminal spinal decompression / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To explore the safety,efficacy and outcomes of posterior transforaminal spinal cord reduction in the treatment of severe thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.Methods Since May 2010 to May 2016,21 patients with thoracic spinal stenosis with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and embedding rate of more than 50％ underwent posterior circular decompression,12 males and 9 females;age 42-71 years old,with an average of 63.3±1.6 years old.There were severe spinal cord compression symptoms before surgery.The operation was from the posterior median approach.First,the pedicle screw tract was preset in the upper and lower segments where decompression was required,and then the posterior wall of the spinal canal was removed by the "uncovering method" to complete the posterior decompression.Through the superior and inferior articular joints,the joints were removed,the intercostal nerves were pushed outward,the extracorporeal intervertebral space and intervertebral disc tissue were revealed,and the vertebral cancellous bone of the lower vertebral body was removed.Separate the adhesion of the dura mater,use the special tool to cut the upper and lower edges of the posterior longitudinal ligament,collapse,remove the posterior longitudinal ligament ossification block,and complete the decompression of the front of the spinal cord through one or both sides.Finally,the pedicle screw fixation and the intervertebral bone graft were completed.Postoperative follow-up (mean 38.5 months) CT and MRI scans were performed to observe the patency of the spinal canal and the state of the internal fixation.The Frankel graded evaluation function was restored,the JOA score was used to evaluate the neurological function,the Otani evaluation system was used to evaluate the surgical outcome,the clinical excellent rate was calculated,and the treatment effect was evaluated.Results Nineteen cases recovered after operation,and 1 case showed a transient decrease in unilateral lower extremity motor function on the second day after surgery.It returned to normal after dehydration and neurotrophic support treatment,and 1 case had bilateral lower limbs on the day after surgery.Muscle strength was transiently lost,feeling recovered after 6 hours,and exercise resumed after 48 hours.The operation time was 180-300 min,with an average of 240±23 min.The intraoperative blood loss was 168±12 ml.Postoperative spinal cord function recovered significantly.At the last follow-up,Frankel graded F in 8 cases and grade E in 13 cases.Preoperative average JOA score was 3.5,and the JOA score of the follow-up was increased from 3.5±0.98 points to 9.0±0.9 points.The improvement rate of JOA score was excellent in 14 cases,good in 5 cases,and fair in 2 cases.According to Otani system there was excellent in 14 cases,good in 6 cases,and fair in 1 case.The excellent and good rate was 95.24％.Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 3 cases and healed after symptomatic treatment.No chest occurred during the follow-up period.The vertebral instability,internal fixation loose,broken.Conclusion Posterior transforaminal spinal decompression of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification of thoracic spine can be finished using self-developed special surgical tools,which is safe,effective and can achieve full decompression of spinal cord.

Risk factors for axial symptoms after posterior cervical double door laminoplasty / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To explore and analyze the risk factors of axial symptoms after posterior cervical laminoplasty.Methods Retrospectively follow up the patients taking posterior cervical laminoplasty in Jishuitan Hospital during May 2005 to July 2011,due to multi-segmental cervical stenosis or (and) cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament.All patients' gender,diagnosis,age,preoperative neck and shoulder pain,VAS score,course of disease,presence or absence of root symptoms,medical complications,operation time,operation method,blood loss,postoperative neck support time,presence or absence of C5 nerve root paralysis,preoperative JOA and postoperative best JOA,preoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle in neutral position,flexion position,post-extension and calculate the activity were collected.Record the process of axial symptoms in details and statistically analysis by SPSS.Results All of 146 patients were followed up for 58-134 months with an average of 89.5±18.4 months.There were 57 cases of axial symptoms,the overall incidence was 39.0％;except for 7 cases with symptom relief in 6 months,the other 50 cases (34.25％ of the total number of follow-up) of the axial symptoms continued by the time of follow-up.35 patients (23.97％) were characterized by stiffness and 22 patients (18.49％) showed pain,traction and tightness.36 patients (24.66％) showed axial symptoms on the shoulder and back,10 (6.85％) appeared around the wound and 11 (7.53％) appeared on both the shoulder and the wound.Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that intraoperative blood loss (P=0.019,odds ratio(OR) 1.857,95％ CI 1.107-3.116) and postoperative best JOA score (P=0.008,0R=0.780,95％ CI:0.650-0.936) significantly affected the occurrence of postoperative axial symptoms.Multifactor Logistic regression analysis was carried out by stepwise forward method.It was found that besides the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative best JOA score,the following factors also affected the incidence of axial symptoms after operation (P＜0.05):diagnosis,preoperative age,the extension of C2-C7 Cobb angle before operation,and the operation destruction of C7 spinous process muscle stops.The diagnosis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament,preoperative age,and the extension of C2-C7 Cobb angle before operation were the protective factors for the axial symptoms,and the diagnosis of multiple segments of the cervical spinal stenosis and the operation destruction of C7 spinous process were the risk factors for the axial symptoms after the operation.Conclusion Younger,less preoperative C2-C7 Cobb extension,the operation destroys the C7 spinous process muscle stop point,more intraoperative blood loss,lower postoperative best JOA score and patients with multi-segment cervical stenosis more are more easily to have axial symptoms after posterior cervical double door laminoplasty.