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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.
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Humans , Longitudinal Ligaments/surgery , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Osteogenesis , Decompression, Surgical/methods , Cervical Vertebrae/surgery , Laminoplasty/methods , Kyphosis/surgery , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
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.
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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.
Subject(s)
Humans , Calcium , Cervical Vertebrae , Decompression, Surgical , Laminoplasty , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Spinal Fusion , Treatment Outcome , VertebroplastyABSTRACT
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.
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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.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Cervical Vertebrae , Follow-Up Studies , Longitudinal Ligaments , Methods , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Paralysis , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Cord Diseases , Spondylosis , Titanium , TransplantsABSTRACT
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.
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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.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Cervical Vertebrae , Follow-Up Studies , Longitudinal Ligaments , Methods , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Paralysis , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Cord Diseases , Spondylosis , Titanium , TransplantsABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cervical Vertebrae , China , Decompression, Surgical , Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring , Longitudinal Ligaments , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Osteogenesis , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Fusion , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Female , Humans , Male , Cervical Vertebrae , Disease Progression , Follow-Up Studies , Incidence , Longitudinal Ligaments , Methods , Military Personnel , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Total Disc ReplacementABSTRACT
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.
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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.
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Objective To evaluate the CT imaging after laminoplasty for the patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine.Methods From June 2011 to June 2016,Retrospectively analyzed the data of OPLL patients who underwent posterior cervical open-door laminoplasty.There were 21 patients finally enrolled in this study,which consisted of 11 male and 10 female aging from 55-69,mean(61.48±4.29).The preoperative patients all had severe symptoms of spinal compression.Collected the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores(JOA) Scores of all patients for gender,age,preoperative and postoperative follow-up.The length,width and thickness of OPLL were measured by CT scan and two-dimensional reconstruction of cervical spine during preoperative and follow-up,and the average progress rate was calculated.The relationship between OPLL size before surgery and OPLL progress rate after surgery was analyzed.Results A total of 21 patients were included in this study,with an average age of 61.48±4.29 years-old.The mean follow-up time was 3.36± 1.92 years.The JOA score of cervical spine was 11.81 ± 1.75 before operationand 14.43± 1.69 at the last follow-up time (t=3.8,P＜0.01).The progression rate of OPLL length,width and thickness was 3.54± 2.89 mm/year,0.49± 0.52 mm/year and 0.34± 0.21 mm/year,respectively.Compared with the width and thickness,the average progress speed of the length was statistically significant (t=3.6,P=0.003;t=3.8,P=0.002).The progression rate of the rostraland caudal of OPLL was 1.54 ±1.19 mm/year and 1.60±1.33 mm/year (t=0.1,P=0.559).Linear regression showed that OPLL length progression speed (mm) =0.05×preoperative length + 1.23,R2=0.26 and P=0.02.Theprogression rate of width and thickness of OPLL had no correlation with preoperative OPLL width and thickness.The progression rates of local,segmental,continuous,and mixed OPLL were 3.02±0.26 mm,2.97±0.65 mm,3.65± 1.14 mm,and 3.82± 1.27 mm per year.Conclusion The JOA score of the posterior open-door laminoplasty of the cervical OPLL patients was significantly improved during a short-term follow up.CT imaging follow-up showed there was progression of OPLL in length,width and thickness,and the progression rate of length was faster than width and thickness.However,there was no significant difference between the progression of rostral and caudal of OPLL.In addition,short-term follow-up showed a positive correlation between the progression rate of OPLL length and the length of OPLL preoperation.The progress rate of mixed and continuous OPLL may be greater than that of segmental and limited OPLL.
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Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of K-line(-) ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) between single open-door posterior decompression with instrumented in situ fusion(PDF) and laminoplasty (LMP).Methods From February 2008 to February 2015,38 cases including 30 males and 8 females underwent posterior decompression due to K-line(-) OPLL in our institution.The age ranged from 48 to 76 years,mean 56.3±9.7 years.The OPLL canal occupation ratio ranged from 38.6％ to 72.5％,mean 58.1％± 13.6％.According to surgical procedures,26 cases were in PDF group and 12 cases were in LMP group.The data collected from both groups included complications,C2-C7 Cobb angle and neurologic symptoms evaluated based on the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and JOA score recovery rate,and were analyzed with statistics in and between groups.Results All the patients were completed follow up with a mean of 3.6±2.1 years (range,2.5 to 7.0 months).At the final follow-up,the postoperative JOA score was 11.8± 1.9 points on average,improved from preoperative 7.7± 1.6 points (t=3.757,P＜0.05),the mean JOA score recovery rate was 44.2±6.7％in PDF group;and the postoperative JOA score was 9.1 ±2.1 points,improved from preoperative 7.9± 1.5 points (t=1.327,P＜0.05),the mean JOA score recovery rate was 29.5±5.0％ in LMP group.No significant difference was found in preoperative JOA score between the two groups (t=0.365,P＞0.05),however,there were significant differences in the postoperative JOA score (t=3.941,P＜0.05) and JOA score recovery rate (t=6.741,P＜0.05) at the final follow-up.In PDF group,the C2-C7 Cobb angle was 4.1±2.0°,similar with preoperative 3.8±1.6° (t=0.587,P＞0.05).On the contrary,the C2-C7 Cobb angle was-2.1°±1.8°,lower than preoperative 3.9°±1.2° (t=6.824,P＜0.05) in LMP group.Ten cases occurred C5 palsy (PDF:7;LMP:3),and 3 cases occurred wound infection (PDF:2;LMP:1).The complication rate was 34.6％ and 33.3％ (x2=0.003,P＞0.05),respectively.Conclusion Compared with LMP,PDF without correcting cervical alignment for patients with K-line(-) OPLL showed better neurological recovery and clinical efficacy.
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Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified open-door laminoplasty with preservation ofthe unilateral paraspinal muscle ligament complex in treating ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine.Methods From June 2015 to July 2017,thirty-two patients with OPLL of the cervical spine who underwent modified open-door laminoplasty with preservation of the unilateral paraspinal muscle ligament complex were retrospectively analyzed(modified group).There were 20 males and 12 females with the average age of 61.72±8.41 years (range 46-75 years).The decompression segment range included three cases of C2-C6,seven cases of C2-C7,eight cases of C3-C6,and fourteen cases of C3-C7.Moreover,twenty-three patients with OPLL of the cervical spine who underwent traditional unilateral open-door laminoplasty at the same time were included as controls (control group).The demographics,operation duration,and blood loss volume was recorded.The visual analogue scale (VAS),Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA),improvement rate of JOA score and neck disability index (NDI) were recorded and analyzed at preoperation,three months after operation,six months after operation and at the final follow-up.The cervical curvature,cervical curvature index (CCI),range of motion (ROM) were measured and statistically analyzed on the lateral X-ray film of the cervical spine.The union rate of the lamina hinge and that of spinous process-lamina was measured on the cross section of the CT scan.Bilateral cervical posterior muscle volume was recorded and analyzed at cross-section plane on MRI.Axial symptoms,C5 nerve root palsy and other complications were also recorded.Results All the patients were followed-up for 6 to 18 months (mean,13.04±4.67 months in control group,11.81±4.93 months in modified group).At the final follow-up,the JOA,VAS and NDI scores improved from preoperatively 6.09±0.79 to 13.43± 1.53,4.22±1.04 to 2.83±1.15 and 25.48％±3.20％ to 8.83％±5.41％ in the control group,versus 6.28±1.05 to 13.88±1.48,4.09± 1.00 to 1.16±0.57 and 25.06％±3.24％ to 5.66％±2.46％ in the modified group.The postoperative JOA score and recovery rate of the two groups was not significantly different,whereas the VAS and NDI scores were significantly reduced in the modified group compared to the control group.The maximum cervical flexion angle,cervical curvature,ROM and CCI of control group were 6.26°± 3.31°,30.17°±4.56°,11.39°±1.95° and 9.74％±4.05％ at the final follow-up,which were reduced significantly compared to pre-operation.The maximum cervical flexion angle,cervical curvature,ROM and CCI of modified group were 10.06°± 1.93°,35.03°± 5.01°,17.03°±2.86° and 14.22％±5.00％,and there were no significant differences compared to pre-operation.There were significant differences among two groups.At the final follow-up,the posterior muscle volume of the two groups at open side was decreased compared to preoperation,but there was no significant difference between the two groups.At the last follow-up,the posterior muscle volume at hinge side was not changed compared to preoperation in modified open-door laminoplasty group,while the volume of the posterior muscle at hinge side in the traditional control group decreased compared to preoperation.The difference was statistically significant.A total of eight patients with axial symptom were present after operation.There were two patients (6％,2/ 32) in the modified group and six patients (26％,6/23) in the control group.The difference of axial symptoms incidence was statistically significant between the two groups.Conclusion Modified open-door laminoplasty with preservation of the unilateral paraspinal muscle ligament complex is an effective technique in treating OPLL of the cervical spine.The technique not only guaranteed to have good recovery of neurological function and to maintain cervical curvature and range of motion,but also contributed to decrease the occurrence of postoperative axial symptoms.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of modified laminoplasty with C3 laminectomy and C7 spinous process retention in the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL).Methods From February 2014 to March 2016,133 cases of OPLL were admitted,and 42 OPLLs were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.A case-control study was conducted.Twenty-two cases were included in modified group and 20 cases in traditional group.There were 13 males and 9 females in the modified surgery group,and the average age was 56.2±9.75 years (39-77 years).Modified surgery was conducted with C3 laminectomy,C4-C6 laminoplasty,resection at the upper part of the C7 lamina and retaining the C7 spinous process.Meanwhile,there were 12 males and 8 females in the traditional surgery group,with an average age of 53.7± 8.23 years (41-75 years).Patients in the traditional surgery group were treated with standard C3-C7 laminoplasty.The mean followup was 22.9±4.5 (15-29) months.The JOA,NDI scores of the two groups were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively.The physiological curvature and activity of the cervical spine before and after operation were observed,and the incidence of axonal symptoms and postoperative complications in both groups were recorded.Results The follow-up period was 15-28 months,with an average of (23.2 ± 4.8) months.There was no significant difference between the base line of two groups before operation.At the last follow-up,the JOA and NDI scores of the two groups were significantly improved.There was no difference of JOA scores between the two groups at the last follow-up,while the NDI sores at the modified group(6.56±4.78) was superior to the traditional group(9.25±7.63).The VAS score at the first day after surgery in modified group was lower than that of the traditional group.The average cervical curvature of the patients in the modified surgery group and the standard surgery group were 12.32°±8.26° and 11.56°± 8.05°,respectively.There was no significant difference between the two groups.The postoperative range of movement (ROM) of cervical spine was 39.68°±9.52° in modified group and 33.51°± 10.39° in traditional group(P＜0.05).Eight patients (19％) had augmentation of axial symptoms,including 3 patients in the modified surgery group(13.6％) and 5 patients in the standard surgery group (30％).There was no significant difference between the two groups.During the follow-up period,there were no complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage,spinal cord injury,wound infection,laminar collapse,postoperative closure,internal fixation loss or fracture.Conclusion The modified laminectomy with C3 laminectomy and C7 spinous process retentionis minimally invasive,whichachieved satisfactory decompression effect,reduced the incidence of postoperative axial symptoms and maintained the cervical ROM.
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Objective To explore the clinical effects of C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty and C2 expansive opendoor laminoplasty in upper cervical(involve or above C2 segment) ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.Methods All of 39 patients (22 males and 17 females) withcervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament up to C2 which causedcompression symptoms were operated with posterior cervical surgery in ourhospital from January 2013 to June 2017.The average age was 55.74+7.91 years old,ranging from 39 to 71 years.Among these patients,21 patients underwent C2 domelike expansive laminoplasty and 18 underwent C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty,the patients in both groups underwent the C3-C7 expansive open-door laminoplasty.The preoperative and postoperative Neck Disability Index (NDI),Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score,the xisual analog scale(VAS) and the space available for the spinal cord (SAC) of C2 segment in X-ray were measured and statistically analyzed.Results All patients were followed up,the follow-up time was from 15 to 63 months (mean 42.3±17.7 months).There was no significant difference in the general condition,NDI,JOA score and JOA score improvement rate between preoperative and postoperative follow-up in 2 groups.There were significant differences in the NDI,JOA,VAS and SAC between preoperative and postoperative follow-up in 2 groups.The VAS score in C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty group 1.52± 1.2 was significantly lower than that in C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty group 2.06±0.87(t=-2.23,P＜0.05),while the SAC in C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty group 14.11±1.023 was significantly higher than that in C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty group 1 L86± 1.014(t=-6.89,P＜0.05).No failure of internal fixation or recurrent compression was found during follow-up.Conclusion For patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament up to C2 or higher level,both C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty and C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty can achieve good results.The SAC in C2 expansive open-door laminoplastygroup was superior to that in C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty group,while the postoperative pain was more obvious.There was no significant difference in postoperative neurological recovery between the two groups.Using C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty could reduce postoperative axial pain than the C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty surgery.For patients withossified tissue in the spinal canal,which occupies more than 50％ of the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal,or with developmental spinal stenosis,C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty may berecommend to get more adequate decompression.
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Objective To evaluate theclinical efficacy and safety of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection (ACOE),and analyze the advantages of ACOE compared to the traditionally anterior cervical surgery.Methods The clinical datawith more than one year follow-up of 96 patients suffered from cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL) from April 2010 to March 2017 was retrospectively analyzed,including 57 males and 39 females,aged 32-69 years,average 54.6±8.7 years.There were 29 cases of nodular type (30.2％),48 cases of segmental type (50.0％),5 cases of continuous type(5.2％),and 14 cases of mixed type (14.6％).The neurological function assessments before and after operation were performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system and the visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring system.The effect of ossified mass resection was observed by three-dimensional reconstruction CT scan.The spinal cord decompression was evaluated by MRI.The cervical curvature was compared before and after surgery by cervical lateral radiograph.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,recovery rates of the JOA scores and complication rates of this group were compared with the cases of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament piecemeal resection (ACOP) reported by the recent literature to analyze the clinical efficacy,safety and advantages of ACOE.Results All the surgeries of 96 cases were successfully performed,including 57 cases (59.4％) with subtotal resectionof single vertebra,31 cases (32.3％) with subtotal resectionof doublevertebras,1 case (1.0％) with expanded intervertebral decompression,4 cases (4.2％) with "vertebra + semi-vertebra" subtotal resection,1 case (1.0％) with "semi-vertebra + vertebra + semi-vertebra" subtotal resection,2 cases with "double vertebras + semi-vertebra" subtotal resection (2.1％).Ninty-six cases were followed up for 12 to 78 months,with an average of 28.0±9.3 months.The preoperative JOA score with (11.38±2.80) scores was increased to 15.32± 1.62 scores at the last follow-up,and the recovery rate of JOA score was 74.63％±13.18％.The preoperative VAS score with 6.00±1.41 scores was reduced to 2.35±1.11 scores at the last follow-up.The cervical curvature increased from 10.4°±9.0° before surgery to 15.8°±8.1° at the last follow-up.CT showed that the ossified masses of the surgical segments were completely excised without residue;MRI showed that the compressionsof spinal cords and dural sacs were completely relieved,with nice morphology recovery.There was no neurological deterioration in this group.There were 6cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL),3 cases of C5 nerve palsy,1 case of Hornersyndrome,2 cases of dysphagia and hoarseness,1 case of titanium mesh subsidence with screw loosing.At the final followups,except one case of occasional throat foreign body sensation,the above complications were all remittedat different followup periods.Compared with the cases of ACOP reported by the recent meta-analysis,the operation time,the intraoperative blood loss,the complication rate of dysphagia with hoarseness and neurological deterioration were lower than those reported in the literature.The recovery rate of JOA scorewas higher than which reported in the literature.Conclusion ACOE is safe and effective for the treatment of cervical OPLL,which may be superior to traditional anterior cervical surgery in terms of surgical safe-ty,controllability of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and improvement of neurological function.