Biomechanical Evaluation of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Combined with Different Internal Fixation Methods for Treating Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis:A Finite Element Analysis / 医用生物力学

Objective To verify the biomechanical stability of oblique lateral interbody fusion ( OLIF) combinedwith different fixation methods for treating degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) by three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. Methods The L1-S1 3D finite element DLS model ( Model 1) was established, and then the OLIF (L2-5) at 3 contiguous levels of fusion and its combination with different internal fixation methods were simulated, namely, stand-alone OLIF model ( Model 2), vertebral screw fixation model ( Model 3), unilateral pedicle screw fixation model (Model 4) and bilateral pedicle screw fixation model (Model 5) were established,respectively. Under upright, flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation states, range of motion (ROM) of fusion segments, as well as cage stress, internal fixation stress, and stress distribution were recorded and analyzed. Results Under six motion states, the overall ROM of fusion segments in Models 2-5 was smaller than that of Model 1. Compared with Model 1, the overall ROM reduction of Model 3 and Model 4 was larger than that of Model 2 and smaller than that of Model 5. Under flexion and extension, the overall ROM reduction of Model 4 and Model 5 was basically equal. Under left and right lateral bending, the overall ROM reduction of Model 3 and Model 5 was basically equal. Under all motion states, the peak stress of Model 3 and Model 4 fusion cage was larger than that of Model 5 and smaller than that of Model 2. The peak stresses of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 fusion cages in Model 3 increased by 5. 52% , 10. 96% and 7. 99% respectively compared with Model 5 under left lateral bending, and the peak stresses of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 fusion cages in Model 4 increased by 8. 70% , 7. 00% and 6. 99% respectively under flexion. Under all motion states, the peak stress of screw rod in Model 5 was smaller than that of Model 3 and Model 4, and the peak stresses of screw rod in Models 3-5 were the smallest in upright state. Conclusions The OLIF with unilateral pedicle screw fixation or vertebral screw fixation can provide favorable biomechanical stability of the fusion segment. The results provide some references for clinical application of OLIF technology in the treatment of DLS.

Effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 Cage in interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 (n-HA/PA66) Cage in interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was designed and conducted for 43 patients, who underwent posterior decompression and n-HA/PA66 Cage interbody fusion with correction of deformity between January 2013 and June 2016. Eighteen cases were single-level fusion (single-level group) and 25 cases were double-level fusion (double-level group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, direction of convex, degree of apical rotation, fusion level, the number of osteoporotic patients, pre-operative intervertebral height of fusion segments, coronal Cobb angle, visual analogue score (VAS), and modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, hospital stay, and complications of the operation were recorded. Modified ODI, VAS score, and MacNab criteria were adopted to assess clinical outcomes. Radiographic indexes, including intervertebral height of fusion segments, coronal Cobb angle, disc insertion depth, and the bone graft fusion rate, were also evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, and hospital stay between 2 groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 18-62 months (mean, 30.9 months). Wound complications, postoperative delirium, and Cage retropulsion occurred in 4 cases (2 cases in single-level group, 2 cases in double-level group), 1 case of single-level group, and 1 case of double-level group, respectively. The intervertebral height of fusion segments after operation significantly improved compared with preoperative ones in both groups ( P0.05). The disc insertion depth showed no significant difference between different time points after operation in 2 groups ( P>0.05) and between 2 groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Bony fusion was obtained in all patients at last follow-up. The VAS score and modified ODI after operation in both groups were superior to those before operation ( P0.05). According to the MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rates at last follow-up were 94.4% and 84.0% in single-level group and double-level group, respectively. Conclusion: The n-HA/PA66 Cage can effectively restore and maintain the disc height of fusion segment, normal sequence, and biomechanical stability of the spine, and gain favorable effectivenss for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. And double-level fusion is superior to single-level fusion in maintaining disc height of fusion segment.

Risk factors analysis of coronal imbalance after posterior long-level fixation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To explore the risk factors of coronal imbalance after posterior long-level fixation and fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Methods: Retrospectivly analyzed the clinical records of 41 patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis who had received posterior long-level fixation and fusion with selective transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) accompanied by Ponte osteotomy between August 2011 and July 2016. Patients were divided into imbalance group (group A, 11 cases) and balance group (group B, 30 cases) according to state of coronal imbalance measured at last follow-up. The radiographic parameters at preoperation and last follow-up were measured, and the variance of preoperative and last follow-up parameters were calculated. The radiographic parameters included coronal Cobb angle, coronal balance distance (CBD), apical vertebral translation (AVT), apical vertebral rotation (AVR), Cobb angle of lumbar sacral curve (LSC), and L 5 tilt angle (L 5TA). Univariate analysis was performed for the factors including gender, age, preoperative T value of bone mineral density, number of instrumented vertebra, upper and lower instrumented vertebra, segments of TLIF, decompression, and Ponte osteotomy, as well as the continuous variables of preoperative imaging parameters with significant difference were converted into two-category variables, obtained the influence factors of postoperative coronal imbalance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to verify the risk factors from the preliminary screened influence factors and the variance of imaging parameters with significant difference between the two groups. Results: The follow-up time of groups A and B was (3.76±1.02) years and (3.56±1.03) years respectively, there was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=0.547, P=0.587). The coronal Cobb angle, AVT, LSC Cobb angle, and L 5TA in group A were significantly higher than those in group B before operation ( P0.05), and there were significant differences between the two groups in parameters including the variance of CBD, L 5TA, and AVR ( P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that preoperative L 5TA was the influencing factor of postoperative coronal imbalance ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative L 5TA≥15° was an independent risk factor of postoperative coronal imbalance, and variance of pre- and post-operative AVR was a protective factor. Conclusion: Preoperative L 5TA≥15° is an independent risk factor for coronal imbalance in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis after posterior long-level fixation and fusion.

Correlative analysis of degenerative lumbar scoliosis and osteoporosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the correlation between degenerative lumbar scoliosis and osteoporosis in adults.@*METHODS@#From March 2012 to June 2016, the clinical data of 53 patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis were retrospectively analyzed for a correlation study between degenerative lumbar scoliosis and osteoporosis. Fifty-three patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis were selected as observation group and another 53 inpatients without lumbar scoliosis as control group. There were 11 males and 42 females with an average age of 69 years (range 63 to 76 years) old in observation group. And in control group, there were 16 males and 37 females with an average age of 68.5 years (range 59 to 74 years) old, including lumbar disc herniation in 33 cases, lumbar spinal stenosis in 13 cases, spondylolisthesis in 7 cases. The 53 patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis were confirmed by X-ray and MRI, their Cobb angle of lumbar scoliosis was measured. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the bone mineral density, the T values of L₂-L₄ segments, femoral neck, Ward triangle and femoral trochanter were recorded. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between osteoporosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis.@*RESULTS@#There were significant differences in the bone mineral density T values between two groups (<0.05). Bone mineral density T value in patients with lumbar scoliosis were significantly higher than that in the patients with no lumbar scoliosis (<0.05), (-2.56±0.65 vs -1.39±0.77). The T values of L₂-L₄ segments, femoral neck, Ward triangle and femoral trochanter had no remarkable correlation with Cobb's angles.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Osteoporosis is a risk factor for degenerative scoliosis, but the severity of osteoporosis and degree of scoliosis has no obvious correlation.

Lumbar facet joint degeneration contributes to degenerative lumbar scoliosis induced by asymmetric stress in rabbits / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role of lumbar facet joint degeneration in the development of degenerative lumbar scoliosis caused by asymmetric stress.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=12): Group A with aspiration of the nucleus pulposus to induce disc degeneration; Group B with removal of the left capsule from the facet joints at L3/4 to L5/6 to induce degeneration; and Group C with both treatments. Springs were deployed on the left adjacent facets at L3/4, L5/6 and L5/6 to stress the facet joints. Serial radiographs were taken at 3 and 6 months, and the facet joint tissues were sampled at 6 months for Safranin O-fast green staining to assess the severity of cartilage degeneration based on the Mankin score.@*RESULTS@#The Cobb angle differed significantly among the 3 groups (=24.865, =0.000). In all the groups, the Cobb angles at 6 months increased significantly as compared with that at 3 months ( <0.05). The Cobb angles were significantly greater in group C than in the other 2 groups at both 3 and 6 months ( <0.05) but showed no significant difference between Groups A and B (>0.05). The severity of facet joint degeneration also differed significantly among the 3 groups (= 22.009, =0.000), and was the most severe in group C ( <0.05); facet joint degeneration was more severe in group B than in group A ( <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Facet joint degeneration is an important factor that contributes to the development of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Disc degeneration and facet joints degeneration can lead to lumbar scoliosis, which in turn aggravates disc degeneration, facet joints degeneration and asymmetric stress, thus forming a vicious circle to further exacerbate lumbar scoliosis.

Observation of clinical effect of posterior surgical treatment for spinal stenosis with lumbar degen-erative de novo scoliosis / 临床外科杂志

Objective To investigate clinical effect of surgical treatment for spinal stenosis with lumbar degenerative de novo scoliosis with spinal stenosis.To discuss selection of operation methods and ranges of fusion.Methods 27 patients of degenerative scoliosis with spinal stenosis were treated by oper-ation.We performed posterior decompression on the segments and selected fusion,then performed correc-tion deformity.Measured Cobb 's angle,lumbar lordosis angle,the distance between C7 plumb line (C7PL),upper edge of S1 vertebral body(SVA),and the distance between C7PL and center sacral verti-cal line(CVA)after operation and final follow up were compared with preoperative data.JOA score system were used to evaluate clinical effects.The SF-36 questionary was used to evaluate the patients'life quality before and after operation as well.Results All patients were followed up with an average of 20 months. Preoperative,postoperative and final follow up,Cobb's angle was(22.1 ±10.5 )°,(10.2 ±7.3)°and (10.4 ±4.8)°,respectively;lumbar lordosis angle was(21.2 ±10.3)°,(25.7 ±12.2)°and(25.3 ± 12.3)°,respectively;SVA was(7.5 ±6.1)cm,(0.6 ±3.1)cm and(0.5 ±2.4)cm,respectively;CVA was(6.9 ±5.3)cm,(2.8 ±1.3)cm and(2.9 ±1.2)cm,respectively.There was significant difference in data before and after operation(P >0.05).JOA score was 10.8 ±1.4,21.3 ±2.4 and 23.5 ±2.3,re-spectively;All domains of SF-36 score were significantly improved postoperatively(P <0.05).Conclu-sion For surgical treatment with limited decompression,pedicle screw fixation and fusion will be effective methods for degenerative scoliosis with spinal stenosis,individualized surgery design should be made ac-cording to clinical symptoms,signs and imaging features.

Perioperative nursing of middle-aged and elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis / 现代临床护理

Objective To summarize the perioperative experience of nursing the middle-aged and elderly patients of lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with posterior or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Methods Posterior or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion was performed in 69 middle-aged and elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Nursing measures included evaluation and treatment of complications, preoperative guidance for surgical body position, and postoperative close monitoring, treatment of complications and functional exercises. Results The operation on all the 69 patients was smooth, with surgical time ranged from 3 to 7 hours and bleeding volume between 300~750 mL. Postoperatively, 9 patients suffered from CSF leaks, 3 ones had a screw loose by imageology, 2 did from pneumonia, 2 did from DVT, and 3 did from depression. After clinical management and nursing, all the patients were cured and discharged. Conclusions Meticulous clinical treatment and nursing of preoperative complications and instructions on body position are the foundation for successful surgeries. Postoperatively, close monitoring, management of the complications and the instruction on functional exercises are guarantees for the successful surgeries.

Prognostic Factors of Surgical Outcome after Spinous Process-Splitting Laminectomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case review. PURPOSE: To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes and identify the predictive factors associated with poor clinical outcomes after lumbar spinous process-splitting laminectomy (LSPSL) for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: LSPSL is an effective surgical treatment for LSS. Special care should be taken in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). METHODS: A consecutive retrospective case review of patients undergoing LSPSL for LSS with a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed. Mild DLS and mild degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) were included in the study. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate were reviewed. Poor clinical outcome was defined as a recovery rate or =5 mm was found in 8 of 24 patients (33%) in the DS group. A progression of curvature > or =5degrees was found in 5 of 14 patients (36%) in the DLS group. The progression of scoliosis and slippage did not influence the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and radiographic outcomes of LSPSL for LSS were favorable. Pre-existing DLS was significantly associated with poor clinical outcome.

Association of COL2A1 Gene Polymorphism with Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

BACKGROUND: Degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) progresses with aging after 50-60 years, and the genetic association of DLS remains largely unclear. In this study, the genetic association between collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1) gene and DLS was investigated. METHODS: COL2A1 gene polymorphism was investigated in DLS subjects compared to healthy controls to investigate the possibility of its association with COL2A1 gene. Based on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database, SNP (rs2276454) in COL2A1 were selected and genotyped using direct sequencing in 51 patients with DLS and 235 healthy controls. The SNP effects were analyzed using three models of codominant, dominant, and recessive. Logistic regression models were calculated for odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and corresponding p-values, controlling age and gender as co-variables. RESULTS: SNP (rs2276454) in COL2A1 was significantly associated with the degenerative lumbar scoliosis in the codominant (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.10; p = 0.008) and dominant models (OR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.59 to 9.29; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that COL2A1 is associated with the risk of DLS in Korean population.

Correlation of Adjacent Segmental Disease with Tilt Angles of the Upper and Lower Instrumented Vertebra in the Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation of adjacent segmental disease with tilt angles of the upper and lower instrumented vertebra after instrumented posterolateral fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There has been no study of radiologic measurement and decision of fusion level using the angle of pedicle screws inserted for treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2008, 74 patients that underwent decompression and posterolateral fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis were included in this study. In all cases, instrumentation and posterolateral fusion were both performed. The sex ratio was 31:43, the mean age was 68.7 years and the mean follow up duration was 37.4 months. The angle between each upper end plate of the upper vertebral body and lower end plate of the lower vertebral body of the fusion, and the line parallel to the axis of the sagittal line of vertebrae was each defined as UIV-a and LIV-b. The correlation of development of adjacent segment disease and UIV-a, and LIV-b angle was investigated. RESULTS: Sum of the absolute value of UIV-a and LIV-b had a statistically significant positive correlation with that of adjacent segment disease. Also, UIV-a alone, had a statistically positive correlation with the development of proximal adjacent segment disease. CONCLUSIONS: Since it is proven that adjacent segment disease has positive correlation with the sum of the absolute value of UIV-a and LIV-b, the extent of fusion should be adjusted to make the line parallel to the line perpendicular to the sagittal surface.

Effectiveness of Selective Nerve Root Block for the Treatment of Radiculopathy in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN: Level III, Retrospective studies. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects and usefulness of the selective nerve root block in advance for the Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis patients, with radiating pain, who were scheduled for an operation. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Selective nerve root block was introduced in 1971, by Macnab and it was used to make improvements for radiating pain, as a treatment of multiple lesions or a tool to help making a surgical decision, and to predict the result. After an introduction by Cooper, selective root block on degenerative sclerosis, with lower leg radiating pain, showed fine results on a short term follow-up and moderate to good results on long term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 to December 2009, 47 cases were selected from the patients, who underwent selective nerve root block, before the operation. The mean follow-up period was 38.4 months and the mean age was 67.1 years. The patients were divided into the operation group and the only selective nerve root block group. The treatment results in the SNRB group and the operation group were analyzed using Kim's criteria and the Visual Analog Scale score. The groups were radiologically evaluated for the neural compression rate. RESULTS: Among the 47 cases that were scheduled for an operation, 30 cases did not proceed to the operation. The average VAS score for the selective root block group and the operation group were 7.56 and 8.12, at the preoperative state and the preinjection state, respectively. After the selective nerve root block and surgical treatment, the scores were 3.71 and 2.64 at 1year follow up, respectively. There was no correlation with statistical significance between the initial VAS score and the degree of stenosis noted in the MRI (P>0.05). There was no statistical significant correlation between the initial relief from selective nerve root injections and the degree of stenosis noted in the MRI (P>0.05). However, there was a correlation with statistical significance between the operation rate and the degree of stenosis noted in the MRI (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Selective nerve root block is considered to be an effective treatment for the Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis patients with radiating pain, who are scheduled for an operation.

Radiographic Progression of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis after Short Segment Decompression and Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: To assess the radiographic progression of degenerative lumbar scoliosis after short segment decompression and fusion without deformity correction. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The aims of surgery in degenerative lumbar scoliosis are the relief of low back and leg pain along with a correction of the deformity. Short segment decompression and fusion can be performed to decrease the level of low back and leg pain provided the patient is not indicated for a deformity correction due to medical problems. In such circumstance, the patients and surgeon should be concerned with whether the scoliotic angle increases postoperatively. METHODS: Forty-seven patients who had undergone short segment decompression and fusion were evaluated. The average follow-up period was more than 3 years. The preoperative scoliotic angle and number of fusion segments was 13.6+/-3.9degrees and 2.3+/-0.5, respectively. The preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up scoliotic angles were compared and the time of progression of scoliotic angle was determined. RESULTS: The postoperative and last follow-up scoliotic angle was 10.4+/-2.3degrees and 12.1+/-3.6degrees, respectively. In eight patients, conversion to long segment fusion was required due to the rapid progression of the scoliotic angle that accelerated from 6 to 9 months after the primary surgery. The postoperative scoliosis aggravated rapidly when the preoperative scoliotic angle was larger and the fusion was extended to the apical vertebra. CONCLUSIONS: The scoliotic angle after short segment decompression and fusion was not deteriorated seriously in degenerative lumbar scoliosis. A larger scoliotic angle and fusion to the apical vertebra are significant risk factors for the acceleration of degenerative lumbar scoliosis.

Proximal Adjacent Segment Disease following Posterior Instrumentation and Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is major complication following spinal instrumentation and fusion. The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of proximal ASD following posterior instrumentation and fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients (mean age 64.8 years) who had undergone decompression and fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation were evaluated. The average follow-up was 4.7 years. Twenty-five patients had additional interbody fusion at the lower lumbar spine. The average number of levels fused was 5.1 segments (range 1-9). The upper instrumented vertebrae ranged from T9 to L4. The lower instrumented vertebrae were L5 and S1. RESULTS: Proximal ASD developed in 17 (24%) of 72 patients, including compression fractures (n=6), junctional kyphosis (n=5), spinal stenosis (n=4), and symptomatic disc collapse (n=2). The preoperative scoliotic angle, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and coronal and sagittal C7 plumb were not associated with the development of proximal ASD. There was a close correlation between the level of the upper instrumented vertebrae and the development of ASD (p=0.001). When fusion did not extend beyond the lumbar vertebra, ASD occurred in 15 (38.5%) of 39 patients. In contrast, when fusion extended up to the thoracic vertebrae, ASD occurred in 2 (6.1%) of 33 patients. The improvement in the Oswestry score was superior to the group without ASD (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of symptomatic ASD at the proximal segment was 24% after posterior instrumentation and fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. The cephalad extent of fusion was the most significant risk factor for the development of proximal ASD.

Comparison of Short Fusion versus Long Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To compare the results of short fusion versus long fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients undergoing short fusion (n=28) and long fusion and instrumentation (n=19) were evaluated. Short fusion was defined as fusion within the deformity, not exceeding the upper end vertebra. Long fusion was defined as fusion extended above the upper end vertebra. The number of levels fused in the short and long fusion groups was 3.14 and 6.89 segments, respectively. RESULTS: Before surgery, the Cobb angle was 16.3 degrees in the short fusion group and 22 degrees in the long fusion group, which changed to 10.1 degrees and 8.47 degrees, respectively, at the last visit. The correction of coronal imbalance was better in the long fusion group. In contrast, the correction of sagittal imbalance was similar in both groups. The mean estimated blood loss in the short and long fusion groups was 1,671 ml and 2,742 ml, respectively. Early perioperative complications developed frequently in the long fusion group. Adjacent segment disease occurred more frequently in the short fusion group. CONCLUSION: Long fusion and instrumentation for degenerative lumbar scoliosis was better at correcting the coronal deformity and imbalance than short fusion but was ineffective in correcting the sagittal imbalance.

Thoracic Myelopathy in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical findings and effective management of thoracic myelopathy combined with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven cases with degenerative lumbar scoliosis of more than 10 degrees and underwent surgery on the thoracic spine were retrospectively studied through a chart review and the radiological findings. The mean follow-up period was 32.3 months. The average age was 65.3 years (range, 61-82 years), and there were 4 males and 3 females. 5 cases underwent a lumbar laminectomy with or without fusion prior to admission. The patients were evaluated through their history, physical examination, period of symptoms, MRI findings and surgical methods. A clinical evaluation was carried out using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: All cases had decreased hip flexion and a spastic gait, along with various degrees of radiating pain and buttock pain. No case had pathological reflexes but various degrees of motor and sensory disturbances were observed. The preoperative MRI findings showed herniated discs at the level of T5-6 (1 case), T6-7 (1 case), T8-9 (2 cases), T9-10 (1 case), T9-12 (1 case) and T10-12 (1 case). Decompression through the anterior approach was carried out on 4 cases, and decompression and posterior fusion was carried out on 3 cases. The average preoperative ODI was 28.6 points (range, 25-34) and improved to 12.3 points (range, 10-15), respectively at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although thoracic myelopathy combined with degenerative lumbar scoliosis is a rare disease, pathognomonic symptoms such as gait disturbances highlight the need for considering the appropriate management and surgical level through a differential diagnosis with simple degenerative lumbar scoliosis.

Smith-Peterson osteotomy for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To investigate the feasibility and merits of the Smith-Peterson osteotomy for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. [Methods]Twenty-five patients(11 males,14 females)with degenerative lumbar scoliosis malformations underwent operations from May 2004 to October 2007.The mean average age were 67 years (range,56~77 years).All the patients underwent more than three segments Smith-Peterson osteotomy and lumbar pedicle screw fixation to have the reconstruction of spinal coronal and sagittal plane balance.[Results]The mean duration of surgery were 200 mins(range,150~320 mins),and the average intraoperative blood loss were 1000 ml (range,600~2 000 ml).There were two cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage,which were alleviated by pulling drainage tube and oppressing the wound.Postoperative pain and numbness in both lower extremities were aggravated in 2 cases,one of which was recovered completely 3 weeks later,and another 12 weeks later.The mean clinical follow-up were 36 months(range,24~60 months).JOA 29 score was recorded to evaluate the relief of the symptoms.The good-to-excellent rate was 88.2% and the poor rate was 0%.The coronal Cobb's angle was improved from the preoperative average of 23? (range,15?~ 40?) to the postoperative average of 12? (range,8?~ 20?).The sagittal Cobb's angle was improved from the preoperative average of 0 ?(range,-15?~ 15?) to the postoperative average of 33?(range,25?~ 40?).[Conclusion]Smith-Peterson osteotomy is an effective method for the decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis,and is helpful to correct the sagittal deformity of the degenerative lumbar scoliosis.It also has relatively small interference to nerve in the operation.

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis / 대한척추외과학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the differences in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in degenerative scoliosis compared with other degenerative disc disease of the spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The intervertebral disc materials were obtained during discectomies. Six, 13 and 12 cases of herniated nucleus pulposus, spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis, respectively, were included in the experimental group. The expression of MMP-3 was evaluated three times that of the means, in the immunohistochemical staining, western blotting using anti human MMP-3 antibody and RT-PCR with MMP-3 primer, respectively. RESULTS: On the immunohistochemical stains, extensive and strong staining was noted in the discs of degenerative lumbar scoliosis compared to those with spinal stenosis and HNP. In the western blotting, greater expression of MMP-3 was noted in the discs of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (mean optical density: 20.68) than in other degenerative disc diseases (SS: 6.24, HNP: 2.0). In the RT-PCR, a similar result was shown (DLS: 62.1, SS: 27.4 and HNP: 10.4). There were statistically significant differences between degenerative lumbar scoliosis and degenerative disc disease (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rapid degeneration of the intervertebral disc might be an important factor in the pathogenesis of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. MMP-3 could be a key enzyme for the rapid degeneration of the intervertebral discs, especially in degenerative lumbar scoliosis.

The Differences in Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis and Spinal Stenosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This experimental study hypothesize that rapid degeneration of the intervertebral disc over the ability of auto-stabilization by osteophytes bridging to adjacent segments might be the pathomechanism of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS).'' An effort to prove this hypothesis was attempted by confirming the differences in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in DLS and pure spinal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The intervertebral disc materials obtained during a discectomy through a posterior approach, were included in this experimental study. Two protruded herniated nucleus pulposus were included for the control group. Eight spinal stenosis and seven DLS were included as experimental groups 1 and 2, respectively. The expression of MMP-3 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting using anti human MMP-3 antibody. RESULTS: In the immunohistochemical stains, sparse staining was noted in the control group. More staining, however, mainly extracelluar, was noted in the discs of DLS compared with those of the spinal stenosis group. In western blotting, greater MMP-3 expression was noted in the discs of DLS (mean optical density: 20.68) than in those of the spinal stenosis group (mean optical density: 6.24) which was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rapid degeneration of the intervertebral disc might be an important factor for the pathogenesis of DLS. MMP-3 could be one of the key enzymes for the rapid degeneration of the intervertebral discs especially in DLS.

Relation of Postoperative Deformity with Clinical Results in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis with Spinal Stenosis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to compare the clinical results, with the correction of the lumbar lordotic and scoliotic angles, in degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients, with spinal stenosis, who underwent an operation. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Few studies have compared the postoperative lordotic angle with the clinical results in degenerative lumbar scoliosis, with spinal stenosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Out of 68 cases, where the patients underwent posterior decompression, pedicle screw fixation and fusion, due to the degenerative lumbar scoliosis with spinal stenosis, between February 1997 and February 2001, 59 cases, with the possible follow-ups for over 2 year, were studied and are herein reported. The decompression was carried out over a segment that showed the neurological symptom and occlusion of the spinal canal or the compression on the nerve root observed on CT or MRI scans. The pedicle screw fixation and fusion were carried out over the segment that received the decompression. The average age of the patients was 63.4, ranging from 51 to 76 years, and the average follow-up period was 38, ranging from 24 to 56 months. The measurements were performed in relation to the vertebral rotation, scoliotic and lumbar lordotic angles preoperatively, postoperatively and at the time of the final follow-ups, respectively. The clinical results were classified by the Kirkaldy-Willis questionnaire, and the statistical calculations performed through chi-squared and Pearson's correlation tests. RESULTS: The average lumbar scoliotic angles preoperatively, postoperatively and at the time of the final follow-ups were 15.7+/-4.9, 8.9+/-3.1 and 10.8+/-4.7 degrees, respectively. The average lumbar lordotic angles were 14.2+/-6.1, 20.1+/-7.3 and 19.4+/-7.2 degrees, respectively. The vertebral rotation degrees were 0.88, 0.62 and 0.64, respectively. The clinical results by the Kirkaldy- Willis questionnaire indicated over 73% satisfactory results, showing 9 excellent, 34 good, 13 fair and 3 poor cases. The lumbar lordotic angle was statistically correlated with the clinical results (p=0.04), while the scoliotic angle (p=0.41) and the vertebral rotation degree (p=0.29) were not. The scoliotic and lordotic angles had negative correlations, but these were not statistically significant (r=-0.09 and p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It is my belief that the correction of the lumbar lordotic angle, in patients having spinal stenosis, with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, is associated with an improvement in the clinical results.

Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis with Multiple Spinal Stenosis / 대한척추외과학회지

PURPOSE : To evaluate changes of scoliotic angle and adjacent segments after surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis with multiple spinal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 patients of mutiple spinal stenosis with more than 10 degree of scoliotic angle were retrospectively reviewed from March, 1997 to May, 2001. All patients underwent wide total laminectomy & instrumentation by fixation of pedicle screw and autogenous bone graft. And their average of follow up period was 21 months. Lordotic and scoliotic angle was measured with Cobb's method by using simple X-ray. And degenerative scoliosis was analyzed by Simmons' Classification. RESULTS: Fusion was performed in 3.1 segments and wide total laminectomy was performed in 2.6 segments. And in type I of Simmons' classification degenerative scoliosis found in 15 cases, and 8 cases in type II. After the surgical correction scoliotic angle was decreased from 14 to 8 degrees, and the lordotic angle increased from 14 to 19 degrees. And no significant changes was found in the last follow up. 16 cases (70%) showed the "excellent" and "good" clinical results and Simmons type II showed better clinical results than those of type I (type I was 9 cases and type II was 7 cases). CONCLUSION: Patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis with multiple spinal stenosis treated with wide total laminectomy and instrumentation by fixation of pedicle screw showed effects in coronal and sagittal balance, and considering instability resulting from involvements in multiple segments and other complex pathologic conditions seems to be important.