Effectiveness of short fusion versus long fusion for degenerative scoliosis with a Cobb angle of 20-40° combined with spinal stenosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of decompression and short fusion or long fusion for degenerative scoliosis (DS) with a Cobb angle of 20-40° combined with spinal stenosis. Methods: The clinical data of 50 patients with DS who were treated with decompression combined with short fusion or long fusion between January 2015 and May 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into long fusion group (fixed segments>3, 23 cases) and short fusion group (fixed segments≤3, 27 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic title (PT), and sacral slope (SS) between the two groups ( P>0.05); however, the VAS score of low back pain, Cobb angle, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) in long fusion group were significantly higher than those in short fusion group ( P0.05). The Cobb angle, SVA, TLK, and PT significantly decreased, while SS and LL significantly increased in the long fusion group ( P0.05). The improvements of Cobb angle, SVA, LL, PT, and SS in the long fusion group were significantly higher than those in the short fusion group at last follow-up ( P<0.05). There was no perioperative death in both groups. The incidence of complications in the long fusion group was 34.8% (8/23), which was significantly higher than that in the short fusion group [11.1% (3/27)] ( χ2=4.056, P=0.034). Conclusion: The DS patients with the Cobb angle of 20-40°can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes and improve the spino-pelvic parameters by choosing appropriate fixation levels. Short fusion has less surgical trauma and fewer complications, whereas long fusion has more advantages in enhancing spino-pelvic parameters and relieving low back pain.

Analysis of Preoperative Factors Affecting Postoperative Spinal Canal Expansion after Posterior Decompression for the Treatment of Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis OBJECTIVES: To evaluate preoperative factors related with spinal canal expansion after posterior decompression for the treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Data about preoperative factors related with spinal canal expansion after posterior cervical decompression surgery are inconsistent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 67 patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent posterior laminectomy or laminoplasty. Radiologically, we evaluated the C2-7 Cobb angle and range of motion using X-rays from the preoperative assessment and final follow-up. Expansion of the spinal canal at 6 weeks postoperatively was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and compared with the preoperative values. The preoperative factors of age, sex, number of operated levels, operation method, and radiological parameters were investigated as factors potentially related to postoperative spinal canal expansion using multivariate regression and correlation analyses. The clinical outcome was analyzed by the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. RESULTS: The postoperative spinal canal expansion was 4.76 mm in sagittal images and 4.31 mm in axial images, with higher values observed in males and cases of severe preoperative cord compression. A lordotic preoperative Cobb angle was related to postoperative spinal canal expansion and JOA score improvement, but without statistical significance. The clinical outcomes of NDI (18.3→14.8) and JOA scores (10.81→14.6) showed improvement, but were not significantly related with any preoperative factors. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of preoperative spinal canal stenosis was associated with postoperative spinal canal expansion after posterior decompression in multilevel cervical myelopathy. The preoperative Cobb angle was not related to postoperative spinal canal expansion or clinical improvement.

Etiological analysis, preventional and therapeutical strategies for the unsatisfied cervical posterior decompression surgery / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the causes of unsatisfied cervical posterior decompression surgery and describe the overhauling strategies and precaution.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 14 patients required revision surgery were retrospectively analyzed, and these patients with unsatisfied effects were due to cervical posterior decompression surgery from January 2012 to December 2014. Overhauling reasons were analyzed and then different revision procedures were performed. The functions of cervical cord and ambulation were evaluated respectively by modified Japanese Orthopedic Association(mJOA) score and Nurick grade according to the course order:preoperative for the first time, pre-revision and at final follow-up. Improvement rate of nerves function were calculated before and after operation for the first time, before and after revision. Above data were statistically analyzed by SPSS16.0 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Reoperation reasons including 2 patients with the insufficiency width of laminectomy, 2 patients with the inadequate length of decompression, 2 patients with nerve root and spinal cord compression caused by fractured collapse, 4 patients with closed the door of vertebral lamina, 1 patient with less open-door angle, 2 patiens with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (1 case complicated with close the door), 2 patients with cervical spine kyphotic deformity aggravating (1 case complicated with close the door), 1 patient with nerve root canal stenosis caused by uncovertebral joint hyperplasia. Preoperative for the first time, pre-revision and at final follow-up, mJOA scores were 11.89±1.67, 13.11±1.09, 15.61±0.59, and Nurick grades were 4.21±0.58, 3.57±0.51, 1.71±0.47, respectively. There was significant difference between final follow-up and preoperative for the first time, pre-revision(<0.05). Improvement rate of nerve function was (22.33±9.49)% with bad before and after operation for the first time, and (64.60±9.88)% with good before and after revision, with statistical significance(<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Individualized revision surgery based on different causes for unsatisfied cervical posterior decompression can improve the function of spinal cord. Preoperative carefully analyzing the etiological factors, thoroughly decompression can reduce the revision rate.</p>

Comparative study of decompression and non-decompression surgeries in treatment of thoracolumbar fractures with intraspinal occupying and without neurological symptoms / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of posterior non-decompression surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological symptoms by comparing with the conventional posterior decompression surgery.

Comparison of anterior and posterior decompression in the treatment of spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of anterior and posterior decompression internal fixation in the treatment of spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation(CSCIWFD).Methods The clinical data of sixty-five patients with CSCIWFD in Worker's Hospital and Handan Central Hospital from December 2013 to May 2015 was analyzed.According to the surgical methods,the patients were divided into two groups,31 cases in the anterior group,accepted the anterior cervical decompression and internal fixation,34 cases in the posterior group,treated with posterior cervical open-door laminoplasty fixation.The operation time, intraoperative blood loss,neurological function recovery and complications of each group were recorded.Results The operative time in the anterior group was(63.2 ± 15.1)min and in the posterior group was(113.8 ±21.5)min,there was significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).The intraoperative blood loss in the anterior group was lower than that in the posterior group((116.3 ± 18.9)ml vs.(236.3 ± 41.0)ml,t=55.837,P<0.05).In the anterior group,the JOA score was(6.9±1.6)points before operation,(9.6±1.9) points at 2 weeks after operation,(11.7±2.6)points at 3 months after operation and(13.5±3.1)points at the last follow-up,there were significant differences between the preoperative level and postoperative level(F between groups=33.759,P<0.05;F grouP=5.213,P<0.05;F interaction=6.769,P<0.05).In the posterior group,the JOA score was(6.7 ± 1.5)points before operation,(8.7 ± 1.8)points at 2 weeks after operation, (10.9±2.5)points at 3 months after operation and(13.1±3.4)points at the last follow-up,the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).Based on the JOA scores,there was significant difference between the two groups at 2 weeks after operation(P<0.05).The anterior group had 1 case of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage,while the posterior group had 1 case of wound infection,1 case of liquefaction necrosis and 1 case of epidural hematoma.There was no significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups(X2= 0.000,P= 1.000).Conclusion The anterior decompression has the advantages of less operative trauma,shorter operation time,less intraoperative blood loss and quick recovery of nerve function.The selection of surgical method should be based on the compression section of the spinal cord.

Evaluation of Outcome of Posterior Decompression and Instrumented Fusion in Lumbar and Lumbosacral Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: For surgical treatment of lumbar and lumbosacral tuberculosis, the anterior approach has been the most popular approach because it allows direct access to the infected tissue, thereby providing good decompression. However, anterior fixation is not strong, and graft failure and loss of correction are frequent complications. The posterior approach allows circumferential decompression of neural elements along with three-column fixation attained via pedicle screws by the same approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome (functional, neurological, and radiological) in patients with lumbar and lumbosacral tuberculosis operated through the posterior approach. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with tuberculosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral region from August 2012 to August 2013. Of these, 13 patients had progressive neurological deterioration or increasing back pain despite conservative measures and underwent posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with posterolateral fusion. Antitubercular therapy was given till signs of radiological healing were evident (9 to 16 months). Functional outcome (visual analogue scale [VAS] score for back pain), neurological recovery (Frankel grading), and radiological improvement were evaluated preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean VAS score for back pain improved from 7.89 (range, 9 to 7) preoperatively to 2.2 (range, 3 to 1) at 1-year follow-up. Frankel grading was grade B in 3, grade C in 7, and grade D in 3 patients preoperatively, which improved to grade D in 7 and grade E in 6 patients at the last follow-up. Radiological healing was evident in the form of reappearance of trabeculae formation, resolution of pus, fatty marrow replacement, and bony fusion in all patients. The mean correction of segmental kyphosis was 9.85° postoperatively. The mean loss of correction at final follow-up was 3.15°. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior decompression with instrumented fusion is a safe and effective approach for management of patients with lumbar and lumbosacral tuberculosis.

Posterior Fusion for Thoracolumbar Fractures with a Neurologic Deficit: A Comparison of Fusion and Additional Decompression

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To understand the necessity of additional posterior decompression when treating a patient with posterior fusion for thoracolumbar fractures with a neurologic deficit. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Additional posterior decompression is still controversial when treating a patient with posterior fusion for thoracolumbar fractures with neurologic a deficit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients who underwent posterior fusion surgery for thoracolumbar fractures with a neurologic deficit were evaluated. The posterior fusion group (Group 1) included 23 patients (M:F=14:9), and the posterior decompression with laminectomy and posterolateral fusion group (Group 2) included 17 patients (M:F=9:8). According to the Frankel grade, the most common neurologic deficit was grade D in both groups. Unstable burst fractures were the most commonly observed fractures in both groups according to the McAfee classification. A radiographic evaluation was carried out along with a comparison of the spinal canal encroachment and the kyphotic angle. We evaluated neurologic improvement as the clinical criterion. RESULTS: The l-kyphotic angle at last follow-up was smaller than the preoperative kyphotic angle in both groups. The preoperative canal encroachment was 53.4% (Group 1) and 59.8% (Group 2). Further, neurologic improvement was observed in 19 cases (Group 1) and 14 cases (Group 2). There was no significant difference in the proportion of cases with neurologic improvement between the two groups (improvement in 19 cases in Group 1 and in 14 cases in Group 2) (p0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that additional posterior decompression in the case of thoracolumbar fractures with neurologic deficit is not required for neurologic improvement.

Juxtafacet Spinal Synovial Cysts

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. PURPOSE: To study the surgical outcome of synovial cysts of the lumbar spine through posterior laminectomy in combination with transpedicular screw fixation. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine contribute significantly to narrowing of the spinal canal and lateral thecal sac and nerve root compression. Cysts form as a result of arthrotic disruption of the facet joint, leading to degenerative spondylolisthesis in up to 40% of patients. METHODS: Retrospective data from 6 patients, treated during the period of March 2007 to February 2011, were analyzed. All preoperative and postoperative manifestations, extension/flexion radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography records were reviewed. All underwent surgery for synovial cysts with excision and decompression combined with posterior fixation. The result of surgery was evaluated with Macnab's classification. An excellent or good outcome was considered as satisfactory. Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale was used for evaluation of back pain. RESULTS: All patients included in this study had excellent outcomes as regarding to improvement of all preoperative manifestations and returning to normal daily activities. Only 2 cases developed postoperative transient cerebro-spinal fluid leak and were treated conservatively and improved during the follow up period. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study included a small number of cases and we could not have statistically significant results, the good outcome of decompression of synovial cysts combined with posterior fixation and fusion encouraged us to recommend this approach for patients with juxtafacet synovial cysts.

Implantation of Liquid Nitrogen Frozen Tumor Tissue after Posterior Decompression and Stabilization for Metastatic Spinal Tumors

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the immunity-enhancing effect of implantation of a liquid nitrogen-treated tumor. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: We have developed a new technique of implanting a tumor frozen in liquid nitrogen after posterior decompression and stabilization, with the aim of enhancing antitumor immunity in order to prolong the survival period of the patient. In the current study, the immunity-enhancing effect of this new technique has been evaluated. METHODS: The subjects were 19 patients in whom we had earlier performed decompression and stabilization between April 2011 and September 2013. The 19 subjects were divided into two groups, namely a frozen autologous tumor tissue implantation group (n=15; "implantation group"), which consisted of patients, who underwent implantation with autologous tumor tissue frozen in liquid nitrogen, and a control group (n=4), which consisted of patients, who did not undergo autologous cancer transplantation. To evaluate the immunity-enhancing effect of the protocol, plasma cytokines (interferon [IFN]-gamma and interleukin [IL]-12) were analyzed before surgery and a month after surgery. RESULTS: The mean rate of increase in IFN-gamma was significantly higher in the implantation group (p=0.03). Regarding IL-12, no significant difference was observed between the groups, although the implantation group exhibited increased levels of IL-12 (p=0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Decompression and stabilization combined with autologous frozen tumor cell implantation can enhance cancer immunity in metastatic spinal tumor patients. It is hypothesized that this procedure might prevent local recurrence and prolong survival period.

Suspicious Reperfusion Injury of Spinal Cord After Multilevel Cervical Posterior Decompression without Remarkable Surgical Insult: Two Case Reports

STUDY DESIGN: Two case reports. OBJECTIVES: We present two cases of quadriplegia after posterior decompression with fusion caused by a suspicious reperfusion injury of spinal cord without remarkable surgical insult. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion have been reported as effective procedures in patients with multilevel myelopathy. However, postoperative spinal cord injury without remarkable intraoperative technical damage has been reported in a few articles. Reperfusion mechanism was suggested as one of the leading causes and reported in some animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There was one case of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and one developmental multilevel stenosis that underwent laminectomy with lateral mass instrumentation. After surgery, the patients presented with quadriplegia; MRI demonstrated swelling of the spinal cord and intramedullary lesion in two cases. RESULTS: After surgery, the patients presented with quadriplegia; MRI demonstrated swelling of the spinal cord and intramedullary lesion in two cases. CONCLUSION: Although patients with such a medical condition are rare, it is difficult to predict postoperative swelling of the spinal cord before surgery. The surgeon should thus be aware of such rare disease conditions involving the spinal cord before the surgical procedure.

Posterior Laminectomy and Lateral Bone Fusion on Multi- segments Thoracic Disk Herniation: 18 Cases Report / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of posterior laminectomy and lateral bone fusion on multi-segments thoracic disk herniation. Methods 18 patients with multi-segments thoracic disk herniation accepted the posterior laminectomy and lateral bone fusion. They were followed up with JOA score and Frankel system. Results The mean of operative time was 190.6 min with a mean of blood loss of 806.3 ml. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage happened in 3 patients, and recovered after treatment. Wound infection occurred in 1 case and recovered after applied sensitive antibiotics. The Cobb's angle decreased after surgery (P<0.05). Compared with the preoperative, the JOA score improved 3 months later and at the last follow-up (P<0.05). During the follow-up, there was no fixation loosen, displacement and spinal instability happened. Conclusion Patients with multi-segments thoracic disk herniation may benefit full spinal decompression and a stable spinal sagittal alignment from posterior laminectomy and lateral bone fusion.

Is It Necessary to Add Anterior Decompression after Posterior Decompression for Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Fractures with Neurologic Deficit?

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To understand the necessity of additional anterior decompression when treating with posterior decompression for thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures, with neurologic deficit. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Additional anterior decompression is still a controversy after a posterior decompression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 38 patients who were treated with a decompression surgery for thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures with neurologic deficit. In the posterior decompression group, there were 26 patients, and there were 12 patients in the posterior and anterior decompression group. According to the Frankel grade, neurologic deficit was grade A 3, B 1, C 3, D 31, respectively. Unstable burst fractures were 22, flexion-distraction injuries 12, Chance fractures 2 and translational injuries 2 by the McAfee classification. Radiographic evaluation was carried out with comparison of the spinal canal encroachment and kyphotic angle. We evaluated the improvement of neurology, and compared with that of the preoperative canal encroachment. RESULTS: During the posterior decompression, 5 neural injuries were found in the post. decompression group, and 4 in the post. and ant. decompression group. There was no significant difference of neurologic improvement between the two groups (improvement in 18(69%) and 8(67%), respectively) (p>0.05). Preoperative canal encroachment was 62% and 76%, respectively. But, preoperative canal encroachment and final neurologic improvement showed no significant correlations between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We could not find the difference of neurologic improvement between the post. decompression group and post. and ant. decompression group. We suggest that an additional ant. decompression for the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures treated with post. decompression is not necessary.

Treatment Outcome of Lower Lumbar Fracture with Neurological Deficit

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical results of surgical treatment for a lower lumbar fracture with a neurological deficit. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are several methods for treating lower lumbar fractures with neurological deficits but no definitive guidelines have been established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2008, this study reviewed 26 patients who had undergone surgery to treat a lower lumbar fracture with a neurological deficit and could be followed up for more than 12 months. The changes in the kyphotic angle, changes in the vertebral body height, compromise ratio of the spinal canal, recovery of neurological deficit, and clinical results were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 15, 7 and 4 cases with a third, fourth and fifth lumbar fracture, respectively. There are 19, 2 and 5 cases of an unstable bursting fracture, chance fracture and translational injury, respectively. The compromise ratio of the spinal canal improved from 67.2+/-9.4% to 16.4+/-4.6%, and the changes in the kyphotic angle improved from 14.5+/-3.2degrees to 7.6+/-2.4degrees postoperatively and 9.7+/-4.3degrees at the last follow-up. The changes in the vertebral body height improved from 41.3+/-8.4% to 23.4+/-6.3% and the bone union rate was 92.3%. The neurological deficit recovered with 1.27degrees according to the Frankel classification and good functional results were obtained in 84.6% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of the neurological deficit and good clinical results were obtained with the recovery of the kyphotic angle and bone union with posterior decompression and instrumented posterolateral fusion in lower lumbar fractures with a neurological deficit.

Congenital Absence of a Pedicle of L4 in the Spinal Stenosis: A Case Report / 대한척추외과학회지

Congenital absence of a lumbar pedicle is an uncommon anomaly, and most cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. A 72-year-old man presented with lower back pain that radiated to his bilateral lower extremities. Physical examination revealed no neurological deficits. Plain radiographs of the lumbar spine revealed absence of the left L4 pedicle, along with hypertrophy and sclerosis of the contralateral pedicle. Magnetic resonance imaging showed stenosis of the L3-4 neural canal. Computed tomography revealed absence of the left L4 pedicle associated with hypertrophy and sclerosis of the right L4 pedicle and facet joint. The symptoms of the patient were resolved after posterior decompression without fusion. Here, we report one case of congenital absence of an L4 pedicle detected in a spinal stenosis patient who need to undergo a decompressive surgery for the spinal stenosis caused by contralateral facet hypertrophy.

Malunion of the Odontoid Process Developing Cervical Myelopathy: A Case Report

Late-onset progressive myelopathy, years after odontoid fracture, is considered a rarity. Undiagnosed or untreated odontoid fractures may develop into nonunion or malunion, thereby leading to secondary delayed cervical myelopathy. We present a case of a 50-year-old man with malunion of odontoid fracture. We had a good result following one-staged posterior decompression and occipito-cervical fusion.

Subtotal corpectomy through the pedicle for treating the burst fracture of thoracic vertebrae with paralysis / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To investigate the clinical curative effect and superiority of subtotal corpectomy through the pedicle,titanium rete support and pedicle screws system fixation in the treatment of burst fracture of thoracic vertebrae with paralysis.[Method]Twenty-three patients who suffered from the burst fracture of thoracic vertebrae with paralysis were treated with subtotal corpectomy through pedicle,titanium rete supporting bone autograft and pedicle screws system fixation.[Result]The patients were followed up for 8 months to 2 years.All had their bone grafts fused,and no incision infection,pneumothorax,hemothorax,pulmonary infection,internal fixation loosening or breakage occurred.The mean loss of Cobb's angle was 3.5?.According to Frankel grading,6 of grade A had no obvious recovery.In 5 of grade B,3 improved to C,1 to D,and the last one to E.In 7 of grade C,3 improved to D,4 to E.Five cases of grade D improved to E.[Conclusion]There had relatively less operation wound and good clinical curative effect with subtotal corpectomy through pedicle,titanium rete supporting bone autograft and pedicle screws system fixation.

Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of the osteochondrosis of lumbar posterior vertebral edge / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To study the clinical characteristics of osteochondrosis of lumbar posterior vertebral edge(OLPV) and evaluate the efficiency of surgical treatment. [Method]From August 2000 to August 2003,41 cases of OLPV patients were treated,all cases underwent decompression of posterior approach and selective resection of the compressive things.Furthermore,1 case was treated with trans-vertebral pedicle internal fixation and inter-transverse process bone graft because of excessive decompression and preoperative lumbar instability.[Result]Low back and leg pain disappeared or obviously being relieved in all cases,and the results of histological analysis suggested the diagnosis of OLPV in all cases.Forty-one cases were followed from 5 to 8 years,average 6.8 years.No lumbar instability or spondylolisthesis was found in any case.Six cases suffered slight low back pain occasionally without obvious impaired quality of life.The preoperative JOA score was 14.73?2.06,when followed by 3 months,the score changed into 27.14?4.13,there was statistical significance between them(P

Surgical treatment of the lumbar degenerative de novo scoliosis combined with vertebral stenosis / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To explore the surgical plan of lumbar degenerative de novo scoliosis combined with vertebral stenosis(LDDS) and evaluate the surgical efficiency.[Method]From July 2003 to Jan.2007,32 LDDS patients were diagnosed and operated in the author’s hospital.The X-ray,computed tomography and MRI radiological data were measured carefully preoperately which included the Cobb’s angle,vertebral rotational and lateral subluxation degree.All the patients were treated by posterior decompression and pedicle screw internal fixation,and the surgery,fluoroscopic time and bleeding amount were recorded.Patients were administered pre- and postoperatively with clinical outcome surveys of Visual Analogue Pain Score(VAS),Low Back Outcome Score(LBOS).Pre- and postoperative measurements of the Cobb's angle and lumbar lordosis of the involved segments were analyzed.[Result]The surgery time was 4?0.5 hours,the average bleeding amount was 400?30 ml,the fluoroscopic time was 30?5 min.All the patients were followed from 8 months to 4 years,and radiography was proceeded on 8 and 16 months respectively post surgery.Twenty-four cases got good bone fusion,and mean Cobb's angle decreased from 37.2 to 18.4 degrees,mean focal lordosis increased from 13.1 to 16.4 degrees,mean vertebral rotation angle decreased from 14.2 to 9.8 degrees,mean preoperative measures of VAS and LBOS improved from 5.3?2.2 and 24.8?15.6,respectively to 2.2?2.1 and 44.8?18.0 at last follow-up,the Cobb’s angle,lumbar lordosis and the degree of vertebral rotation had significantly difference pre and post surgery(t test,P

Surgical Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Fracture in Multiple Osteoporotic Compression Fractures / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcome of the surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis with fracture in multiple osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: An osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, without neurological symptom, has mainly been treated with conservative care. Sometimes, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty has been used as a surgical treatment. In the case of a single thoracolumbar fracture with neurological symptoms, not improved by conservative care, decompression, fusion and instrumentation through an anterior or a posterior approach has been attempted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 patients, who had received surgical treatment for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis with fracture out of those with multiple osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures, and over the age of 60, were assessed. The surgical treatment was performed on the patient with all of the following five criteria; (1) severe back pain caused by fractures, (2) neurological symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis, (3) radiological evidences of stenosis by lumbar fracture, (4) no response to conservative treatment for over 3 months, and (5) adequate physical ability for daily living without a severe medical condition. The surgical procedure included: decompressive laminectomy, posterior instrumentation using pedicle screw fixation, and fusion in situ. The pedicle screws were located 2-3 above and below the most cephalad and caudad fractured vertebral bodies. RESULTS: Clinically, favorable results were obtained in 8 of the 10 patients. In the roentgenographic assessment, the operated states were well maintained, without the metallic failure or instability. Halos around the pedicle screws were seen in 4 patients, but there was no significant evidence of loosening. There were no serious medical and systemic complications in the peri- and postoperative periods. Additional vertebral body fractures and pain were seen in 5 patients, but they had been well managed, conservatively. CONCLUSION: Favorable clinical results could be expected for the surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, with fracture, in the patients with multiple osteoporotic vertebral fractures, as long as the surgical treatment was indicated exactly and carefully.

Posterolateral Fusion for Unstable Thoracolumbar Junction / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of patients with a posterolateral spinal fusion for an unstable thoracolumbar junction. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a posterolateral spinal fusion for an unstable thoracolumbar junction. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Posterolateral spinal fusions are well documented for their efficacy in the lumbar and lumbosacral spine, and have also been applied to the thoracolumbar junction in the lumbar area. The thoracolumbar junction, however, is a little different from the lumbar spine, in its anatomical and biomechanical aspects, and posterolateral fusions have not been well evaluated in these respects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients, who had posterolateral spinal fusions, with instrumentation for an unstable condition, including T12-L1 segment, and followed for more than one year, were included. In 11 patients, all the fractures had been decompressed posteriorly, for degenerative conditions in 2, and for a neoplastic pathology in the other one. The radiographs concerning the lateral fusion mass were reviewed according to Lenke's classification, the change in the segmental sagittal angle of the fused segment and the fixation failure of the instrumentation. The medical records relating to the neurological recovery were reviewed using the modified Frankel grading, and the overall clinical results of treatment by the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria. RESULTS: All patients disclosed big, bilateral and solid fusion masses, with the exception of one patient who revealed a big, solid fusion mass on one side, and small, thin fusion mass on the other. No patient revealed more than 3 degrees of mobility on flexion-extension lateral radiographs, any evidence of fixation failure of the instrumentation. The neurological recovery, by the modified Frankel grading system, showed an average 1.3 improvement. The clinical results were excellent in 6, good in 6 and fair in 2 patients, with no poor results. CONCLUSIONS: A posterolateral spinal fusion can be effectively applied in an unstable thoracolumbar junction, such as in the lumbar and lumbosacral spine, provided there is precise preparation of the graft beds, enough bone grafts and correction of the excessive kyphotic angle by the compression fixation of the posterior instrumentation.