Design and application of fulcrum screws for atlantoaxial dislocation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Atlantoaxial dislocation often needs surgery for reduction, and posterior screw-rod fixation fusion is the most commonly used surgery. However, the current screw-rod fixation system often increases the reduction effect by increasing the degree of curvature of connecting rod, causing great difficulty of placing rod, which increases the probability of spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary results of fulcrum screws for atlantoaxial dislocation. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2018,11 patients with atlantoaxial dislocation were selected from General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA, including 4 males and 7 females, at the age of 8-51 years. All patients were treated with posterior screw-rod fixation fusion: Conventional posterior cervical screws were implanted on both sides of the atlas and pivot screws were implanted on both sides of the axis. Atlantodental interval and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were recorded before and after operation. Patients were followed up and underwent X-ray and CT to estimate reduction, fixation and bone graft fusion. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Eleven patients underwent operations successfully without vertebral artery or spinal nerve injury. (2) All patients were followed up for 3-12 months, with an average of 6 months. The symptoms of neck pain and neurological dysfunction were improved in varying degrees. All patients obtained atlantoaxial bone fusion, with an average fusion time of 6 months. (3) At postoperative 1 week, X-ray and CT images showed that atlantoaxial reduction was satisfactory and internal fixation was in good position. (4) Atlantodental interval reduced from preoperatively (6.8±1.5) mm to postoperatively (2.4±0.9) mm (f=17.854, P=0.000). Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from preoperatively (14.1±1.3) to postoperatively (15.9±0.9) (f=-10, P=0.000). (5) No complication occurred during follow-up, without recurrence or dislocation. (6) These results showed that using fulcrum screw in posterior screw-rod fixation fusion has an effective reduction for treating atlantoaxial dislocation and its preliminary clinical effects are satisfactory.

Effect analysis of posterior internal fixation and fusion on patients with spinal fractures / 中国综合临床

Objective To analyze the curative effect of posterior internal fixation and fusion on patients with spinal fractures, and to provide the basis for clinical application. Methods A total of one hundred and eighty?eight patients with orthopedic incision treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from March 2013 to December 2016 were divided into the observation group ( 98 cases with posterior internal fixation fusion ) and the control group ( 90 cases with anterior internal fixation fusion ) . The clinical curative effects of the patients ( including Cobb angle,spinal nerve function,complications and the success rate of surgery ) , postoperative visual analogue score ( VAS ) , hospitalization time, operation time were compared. Results In the observation group,the VAS score before operation was (6. 89±6. 89) points and reduced to (2. 70±1. 33) points after operation,the pain decreased significantly after treatment (t=26. 099,P<0. 001). The VAS score of the control group lowered from (6. 85±6. 85) points to (5. 05±1. 35) points,and the pain decreased significantly after treatment ( t=10. 704, P<0. 001 ) , and the postoperative pain in the observation group was significantly reduced than that in the control group ( t=12. 016,P<0. 001) . There were significant differences between the observation group and the control group in operation time,intraoperative blood loss,incision length and hospitalization time ( ( 141. 91 ± 35. 42 ) min vs. ( 198. 82 ± 38. 61 ) min, ( 509. 72 ±113. 65) ml vs. (823. 40±108. 54) ml,(10. 25 ± 0. 84) cm vs. (18. 83±1. 58) cm,(10. 59±12) d vs. (15. 37±1. 52) d,t=10. 541,19. 315,47. 015,24. 681,P<0. 001) . The total effective rate of the observation group was 86 cases ( 97. 96%) , and ineffective rate of the observation group was 2 cases ( 2. 04%) . In the control group, the effective and ineffective rates were 75 cases ( 83. 33%) and 15 cases ( 16. 67%) , the difference in effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 12. 202, P<0. 001 ) . Conclusion Posterior internal fixation fusion is effective in the treatment of spinal fracture,which can reduce the postoperative pain,shorten the hospitalization time,less complication and high success rate. It is suitable for clinical promotion.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Postoperative Loss of Reduction in Unstable Thoracolumbar Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis OBJECTIVES: Loss of fracture reduction after posterior surgery to treat unstable thoracolumbar fractures can cause several complications. We analyzed the factors influencing postoperative loss of reduction. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Controversy exists about the factors causing postoperative loss of reduction in thoracolumbar fractures during the follow-up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the records of 59 patients who underwent posterior surgery for thoracolumbar unstable fractures and had completed a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Postoperative loss of reduction was defined as 30% or more loss of vertebral body height or 15° or more progression of the kyphotic angle at the 1-year follow-up compared to immediately after surgery. The associations between the patients??gender, age, level of fracture, injury of the posterior column, initial loss of fractured vertebral body height, load-sharing score, Thoraco-Lumbar Injury Classification and Severity score, number of fixed segments, type of pedicle screws, degree of postoperative reduction, degree of postoperative corrected kyphotic angle, changes in the insertion angle of the most proximal and the most distal pedicle screws, decreases in the upper and lower disc height of the fractured vertebral body, and postoperative loss of reduction were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (22.0%) had postoperative loss of reduction. Age at the time of the operation (p=0.034), initial loss of fractured vertebral body height (p=0.042), and changes in the insertion angles of the most distal pedicle screws (p=0.021) were significantly associated with postoperative loss of reduction. However, the other factors did not show a significant relationship. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who underwent posterior surgery for unstable thoracolumbar fractures, the frequency of loss of reduction was high in patients more than 45 years old at the time of the operation, with a 50% or more loss of the initial fractured vertebral body height, and with changes of 5° or more in the insertion angles of the most distal pedicle screws.

One-stage posterior approach surgical treatment for congenital scoliosis caused by lumbosacral spine deformity in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the treatment method and clinical effect of congenital scoliosis caused by lumbosacral spine deformity in children.Methods From October 2000 to October 2015,a consecutive series of 21 congenital scoliosis due to lumbosacral spine deformity were treated in Department of Pediatric Orthopedics,the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University,including 12 male and 9 female,and the age was (63.1±47.3) months(3-144 months).The hemivertebrae,bone bridge,and the mixed type were found in 18 cases,2 cases,and 1 case,respectively.Hemivertebraes were on the left in 10 cases,on the right in 9 cases;involved L5 in 8 cases,S1 in 6 cases,multiple vertebrae malformation in 4 cases,wedged-shaped vertebrae involved L5 associated with contralateral bar in 1 case,unilateral unsegmented bar from L4 to S1 in 1 case,from L2 to L5 in 1 case.There were 4 cases combining with thoracic hemivertebrae,3 cases with ribs fusion and contralateral bar,16 cases(76%) with spinal cord malformations,3 cases(17%) with urinary system malformations,no congenital heart malformation.All the 21 patients were operated with one-stage posterior approach.Compared the scoliosis Cobb angle,trunk shift,operative time,blood loss volume,and complications among preoperation,post-operation and final follow-up.Results In this study,operative time was (278.9±83.1) min,blood loss volume was (355.3±249.0) mL,follow-up was (5.1±2.7) years.There were 18 cases operated with pedicle screw fixation,aged (72.9±44.1) months(16-144 months),operative time was (296.2±74.2) min,blood loss volume was(422.1±238.2) mL;the mean coronal Cobb angle of malformation area at preoperation,post operation and the final follow-up were(27.3±10.2)°,(11.0±5.9)°,(9.8±4.2)°,while the correction rate of post-operation and the final follow-up were 59.7%,64.1%.There were 3 cases operated by hemivenebra resection without pedicle screw fixation,aged 7.7 months(3-15 months),operative time was 168.3 min,blood loss volume was 103.3 mL.The mean coronal Cobb angle of malformation area at preoperation,post-operation and the final follow-up were 26.0°,13.6°,12.5°,while the correction rate of post-operation and the final follow-up were 47.7%,51.9%.The follow-up period was (5.1±2.7) years.The coronal Cobb angle of lumbosacral curve at preo-peration,post-operation and the final follow-up were (27.7±10.0)°,(11.3±5.4)°,(10.0±5.0)°,compared with preoperation,the differences of post-operation and the final follow-up were statistically significant (t=6.600,7.230,all P<0.05),with the correction rate of 59.2%,63.9%;the compensatory head side Cobb angle were(25.0±12.8)°,(11.9±8.2)°,(10.3±6.9)°,compared with preoperation,the differences of post-operation and the final follow-up were statistically significant (t=3.934,4.626,all P<0.05),with the correction rate of 52.4%,58.8%.Trunk shift was significantly improved.One case appeared fracture fixation rods breakage after 9 years,1 case appeared iliac screw breakage after 2 years but no complication such as infection,nerve injury.Conclusions The formation of obstacles and vertebral segmentation defects will lead to lumbosacral spine deformity,and scoliosis.Early one-stage posterior hemivertebra resection,breakage the bone bridge combined with pedicle screw fixation can obtain satisfactory clinical outcome.

Short to Mid-Term Term Surgical Outcome Study with Posterior Only Approach on Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis in an Elderly Population

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To study short to mid-term outcome of surgically managed elderly patients of tuberculous spondylodiscitis with posterior only approach in terms of decision making and challenges in treatment, choice of implants and outcomes. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Tuberculous spondylodiscitis in the elderly is increasing due to longer survival rates. It presents with varied clinical manifestations needing surgical management. Management in tuberculous spondylodiscitis has been scarcely reported in the elderly, with a paucity of data on the choice of implants and approach. METHODS: Sixteen patients (five males, 11 females) older than 70-years-of-age culture and/or histopathology proven tuberculous spondylodiscitis were included in the study. All patients were operated using a single posterior approach. Pedicle screw with rods (PS/rods) or spinal loop with sublaminar wires (SL/SLW) were used for fixation. Clinical and surgical details were recorded. Sagittal correction achieved postoperatively and loss of correction at follow-up were noted. RESULTS: The mean age was 73.6 years (range, 70 to 80 years). The mean follow up was 44.5 months (range, 24 to 84 months). The mean immediate postoperative correction of sagittal deformity was 11.3 degrees; this correction was lost by a mean of 3.1 degrees at last follow-up. All 10 patients with deficit showed neurological recovery and all but one of the seven non-walkers were capable of independent ambulation at follow-up. Patients with SL/SLW and PS/rods had similar radiological outcome at final follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Operative management gives satisfactory results in elderly patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis. The posterior approach provides adequate exposure for decompression and rigid fixation, providing satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. SSL/SLW and pedicle screw rod construct both give similar radiological results if used appropriately in patients.

Posterior Titanium Screw Fixation without Debridement of Infected Tissue for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Spontaneous Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to analyze the safety and effectiveness of posterior pedicle screw fixation for treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PSD) without formal debridement of the infected tissue. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Posterior titanium screw fixation without formal debridement of the infected tissue and anterior column reconstruction for the treatment of PSD is still controversial. METHODS: From March 2008 to June 2013, 18 patients with PSD underwent posterior titanium fixation with or without decompression, according to their neurological deficit. Postero-lateral fusion with allograft transplantation alone or bone graft with both the allogenic bone and the autologous bone was also performed. The outcome was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Frankel grading system for neurological status. Normalization both of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was adopted as criterion for discontinuation of antibiotic therapy and infection healing. Segmental instability and fusion were also analyzed. RESULTS: At the mean follow-up time of 30.16 months (range, 24-53 months), resolution of spinal infection was achieved in all patients. The mean CRP before surgery was 14.32±7.9 mg/dL, and at the final follow-up, the mean CRP decreased to 0.5±0.33 mg/dL (p<0.005). Follow-up computed tomography scan at 12 months after surgery revealed solid fusion in all patients. The VAS before surgery was 9.16±1.29 and at the final follow-up, it improved to 1.38±2.03, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Eleven patients out of eighteen (61.11%) with initial neurological impairment had an average improvement of 1.27 grades at the final follow-up documented with the Frankel grading system. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior screw fixation with titanium instrumentation was safe and effective in terms of stability and restoration of neurological impairment. Fixation also rapidly reduced back pain.

Posterior Titanium Screw Fixation without Debridement of Infected Tissue for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Spontaneous Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to analyze the safety and effectiveness of posterior pedicle screw fixation for treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PSD) without formal debridement of the infected tissue. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Posterior titanium screw fixation without formal debridement of the infected tissue and anterior column reconstruction for the treatment of PSD is still controversial. METHODS: From March 2008 to June 2013, 18 patients with PSD underwent posterior titanium fixation with or without decompression, according to their neurological deficit. Postero-lateral fusion with allograft transplantation alone or bone graft with both the allogenic bone and the autologous bone was also performed. The outcome was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Frankel grading system for neurological status. Normalization both of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was adopted as criterion for discontinuation of antibiotic therapy and infection healing. Segmental instability and fusion were also analyzed. RESULTS: At the mean follow-up time of 30.16 months (range, 24-53 months), resolution of spinal infection was achieved in all patients. The mean CRP before surgery was 14.32±7.9 mg/dL, and at the final follow-up, the mean CRP decreased to 0.5±0.33 mg/dL (p<0.005). Follow-up computed tomography scan at 12 months after surgery revealed solid fusion in all patients. The VAS before surgery was 9.16±1.29 and at the final follow-up, it improved to 1.38±2.03, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Eleven patients out of eighteen (61.11%) with initial neurological impairment had an average improvement of 1.27 grades at the final follow-up documented with the Frankel grading system. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior screw fixation with titanium instrumentation was safe and effective in terms of stability and restoration of neurological impairment. Fixation also rapidly reduced back pain.

Plasmacytoma to the Axis Mimicking Metastatic Paraganglioma: Circumferential Reconstruction via Posterior Approach

Plasmacytoma is a malignant plasma cell tumor growing within soft tissue or the axial skeleton. Here, we present the case of a patient with plasmacytoma of the axis vertebra who underwent decompressive surgery with reconstruction via a posterior approach. The patient was referred because of quadriparesis with severe neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a relatively demarcated, highly enhanced mass lesion in a destructed axis, with spinal cord compression. Computed tomography revealed a 5.6x4.3 cm adrenal mass at the left retroperitoneal space. We suspected the axis lesion to be a metastatic paraganglioma from the adrenal mass. The patient underwent total excision of the tumor under an operative microscope with occipitocervical fixation. Histopathologically, the tumor was shown to be a plasmacytoma. Following the operation, the patient recovered without significant complications. This was a rare case of plasmacytoma in the axis, mimicking metastatic paraganglioma.

Applications of different modified posterior surgeries in thoracolumbar fractures / 中国矫形外科杂志

For the past few years.the number of patients with thoracolumbar fractures increased year after year.With the improvement of surgical instruments and surgical techniques and the health care workers'in-depth study about thoracolumbar fractures,posterior approach treatment of patients with thoracolumbar fractures has achieved an encouraging progress.Now summarization of research progress about operation opportunity,posterior instrumentation and modified posterior surgery is made in this paper.

Comparative Analysis of Surgical Options in the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVES: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of three surgical methods SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There were many proposed surgical treatments for lumbar degenerative kyphosis but the best treatment is still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty three patients (all female) had undergone surgery. The mean age at surgery was 61.2. The average follow-up period was 34.7 months. The patients were divided into three groups. Group A included 7 cases with a correction by a posterior osteotomy, Group B included 15 with a posterior correction without an osteotomy, and Group C included 11 with combined anterior-posterior surgery. The radiographic measurements of lumbar lordosis, upper lumbar lordosis, lower lumbar lordosis, and pelvic tilt were performed before surgery, after surgery, and at the final follow-up visit. The loss of correction, complication rates and the clinical results were also compared. RESULTS: Postoperative correction of the lumbar and lower lumbar lordosis were significantly higher in group A and C than group B. The correction of upper lumbar lordosis was significantly higher in group A than group C. On the final follow-up, there was no significant difference in the loss of correction and clinical results between the three groups. The number of cases with complications in groups A, B and C was 4 (57%), 2 (13.3%) and 2 (18.2%), respectively. Two patients in group A required additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Groups A and C were more effective than posterior-only correction. There was no significant difference in the clinical results between the three groups but complication rate was higher in Group A than the other groups. Combined anterior and posterior surgery can be a safe and effective method for correction.

Simultaneous Anterior and Posterior Surgery in the Management of Tuberculous Spondylitis with Psoas Abscess in Patients with Neurological Deficits

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the treatment outcomes of performing simultaneous anterior and posterior surgery for patients with tuberculous spondylitis and psoas abscess. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Although various treatment options have been used for spinal tuberculosis, there are only a few reports on the treatment of tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess. METHODS: Between March 1997 and February 2006, we performed operations on 14 cases of tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess. All the cases underwent anterior debridement with an interbody bone graft and posterior fusion with using pedicle screws. RESULTS: Under the Frankel classification, 1 case improved by two grades, 10 cases improved by 1 grade and 3 cases demonstrated no change. The Kirkaldy-Willis functional outcomes were classified as excellent in 10 cases and good in 4. One year after surgery, bony union was confirmed in all 14 cases. The mean kyphotic angle of the spinal lesion was 12.4degrees and the mean lordotic angle at the final follow-up was 6.4degrees. Postoperative complications (superficial wound infections) were encountered in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that anterior debridement with interbody bone grafting and posterior instrumented fusion can provide satisfactory results for treating tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess in patients with neurological deficits.

Surgical Treatment for Burst Fracture of the Thoracolumbar Spine: Anterior approach vs posterior approach / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We present a prospective, randomized study of acute burst fracture of the thoracolumbar spine. Forty-one patients were treated either by anterior decompression and stabilization with Kaneda device or by posterior distraction instrumentation using the A-O fixateur interne. The mean follow up was 21 months. The result were as follows; 1. The mean preoperative kyphotic angle was 19.2° in those patients treated by anterior surgery and 21.4° in those patients treated by posterior surgery. At last follow-up the mean correction in kyphotic angle was 13.2° in the anterior group and 9.2° in the posterior group. There is no statistically significant difference between those two groups. 2. The mean preoperative midsagittal diameter of the canal compromise 47.4% in anterior group and 49.3% in posterior group. Postoperatively, this was reduced to 2.5% and 7.9%. There is a statistically significant difference between these two groups(P < 0.05). 3. The mean preoperative canal enchroachment 52.)% in anterior group and 47.6% in posterior group. Postoperatively, this was reduced to 3.2% and 6.0%. There is a statistically significant difference between these two group(P < 0.05). 4. Neurologic recovery was 81% in posterior surgery and 85% in anterior surgery. The improvement in Frankel grade was 1 grade in average, and showed no difference between two groups. 5. There was two cases of pedicle screw breadage in posterior group and one case of pyothorax in anterior group but no early or late vascular or neurologic complication.