Cierre dural primario utilizando un nudo extracorpóreo / Primary dural closure using an extracorporeal knot

Objetivo: Las cirugías espinales mínimamente invasivas (MISS) son actualmente utilizadas para una gran variedad de patologías espinales intradurales. Aunque las técnicas MISS han demostrado estar asociadas a grandes beneficios, el cierre dural primario puede constituir un desafío debido al estrecho corredor que ofrecen los sistemas retractores tubulares. El objetivo es describir una técnica de cierre dural primario en cirugías MISS. Métodos: Describimos la utilización de nudos extracorpóreos en el cierre primario de duramadre en cirugías espinales MISS con la utilización de instrumental estándar y presentamos un video demostrativo. Resultados: Se logró un cierre dural hermético con puntos separados, facilitados por la utilización de nudos extracorpóreos y sin la utilización de instrumental especializado. Conclusión: La utilización de nudos extracorpóreos facilita el cierre dural primario en cirugías MISS.

Objective: Minimally-invasive spinal surgery (MISS) is currently used for a wide variety of intradural spinal pathologies. Although MISS techniques have proven to be of great benefit, primary dural closure might be a challenge, due to the narrow corridor of tubular retractor systems. Methods: We describe employing an extracorporeal knot for primary dural closure during MISS, using standard instrumentation. We also illustrate this technique with a demonstration video. Results: Watertight dural closure with separated extracorporeal knots was performed, all without specialized instruments. Conclusion: The use of extracorporeal knots facilitates primary dural closure after MISS.

Comparative study on anterior cervical surgery by microendoscopic and open operation / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To complete comparison between anterior cervical surgery by microendoscopic and open operation,explore feasibility and efficacy of anterior cervical decompression,interbody fusion and fixation by microendoscopic surgery,and give preliminary clinical evaluation of mieroendoscopic surgery.[Method]In a retrospective study,46 patients underwent one level cervical surgery by anterior approach.23 patients(23~64 years,41.5 years in average)were treated with microendoscopic surgery as microendoscopic group.Under general anesthesia,a transverse incision(1.6 cm)was made at right side of neck.A tubular retractor was then inserted and fixed,and a specially designed endoscope was placed inside the tubular retractor.Discectomy and interbody fusion with insertion of Cage or/and plate fixation was performed by endoscope.At fracture and dislocation patient group,titanium Cage was used in 1 case,CBK in 1 case,plate in 5 cases.At cervical disc herniation patient group,titanium Cage was used in 2 cases,CBK in 12 cases,plate in 2 cases.During the same period,23 patients(25~68 years,46.5 years in average)were treated with open surgery as open group.A transverse incision(4～5 cm)was made by right route approach.Discectomy and interbody fusion with Cage or/and plate fixation was performed by general procedure.[Result]At microendoscopic group,23 cases were followed up from 10 to 22 months(16.5 months in average),and mean operative time were 95 minutes,mean blood loss 90 ml.For fracture and dislocation patients,by Frankels classification,2 cases with complete tetraplegia showed no improvement,2 cases with incomplete tetraplegia improved from grade C to grade D postoperatively,1 case upgraded from C to E.For cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients with disc herniation,according to Odoms scoring system,10 cases had excellent outcome,5 good,1 fair.At open group,23 cases were followed up from 8~21 months(15.2 months as average),and mean operative time was 95 minutes,mean blood loss 90 ml.By Frankels classification,2 cases with complete tetraplegia had no improvement,3 cases with incomplete tetraplegia improved from C to D,1 case from D to E.According to Odoms scoring system,8 patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy with disc herniation had excellent result,6 good,2 fair.[Conclusion]Compared with open surgery,microendoscopic surgery with endoscopic instrument and technique can be used for one level discectomy,interbody fusion and internal fixation,and offer a similar short-term good clinical outcome with minimal incision,less traumatic reaction and postoperative discomfort.

Clinical application of unilateral decompression,interbody fusion and pedicle screw fixation under endoscopic system / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To explore the feasibility and efficiency of treatment of lumbar degenerative disease with unilateral decompression,interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation under endoscopic system.[Method]From June 2004 to March 2007,20 patients underwent minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody interbody fusion(PLIF),which consisted of 11 male and 9 female patients.The mean age was 46.2 years(range,31～70),and the preoperative diagnosis consisted of postoperative recurrent lumbar disc herniation(n =8),far lateral lumbar disc herniation(n =4),spinal stenosis(n = 3),lumbar instability(n = 3),and discogenic lumbar pain(n =2).One-level decompression and intebody fusion with unilateral pedicle screw fixation under endoscopic system was performed in all of cases(12 at L4、5,and 8 at L5S1).A paramedian,muscle-sparing approach was performed through a tubular retractor docked unilaterally on the facet joint.A total facetectomy was then conducted,exposing and removing the disc(TLIF),or microendoscopic discectomy(MED) was performed(PLIF).The intervertebral space preparation were completed through the X-tube or METRx system.Interbody fusion was achieved with autograft bone and interbody cages.Unilateral pedicle screw-rod placement was accomplished.[Result]There was no conversions to open surgery.Operative time averaged 115 minutes(range,100～165 min).Blood loss averaged 130 ml(range,50～180 ml).Mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 11 days(range,7～15 days).All patients presenting with preoperative low back pain and /or lower extremity radicular pain(n= 20) had resolution of symptoms postoperatively.Complications included two cases of new radiculopathy postoperatively(one from graft dislodgement,the other from hematoma formation).Twenty patients were followed up 10～39 months(average 21.6 months).The preoperative,1 month postoperative and last follow-up Oswestry Disability Index(ODI scores were 42.05+8.36,21.33?6.37 and 12.31?3.75 separately(P

Treatment of thoracolumbar fracture with pedicle screw system under endoscopy assisted X-tube system / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To investigate the clinical effects of the treatment of thoracolurnbar fracture with pedicle screw system under endoscopy assisted X-tube system.[Method]Twenty-one cases of pure thracolumbar fracture without neural impairment were treated with pedicle screw system under endoscopy assisted X-tube system.With the image intensifier,the pedicle based in the affected segments were localized and exposed through 4 small incisions(3cm).Transpedicular fixation and reduction by endoscopy assisted X-tube system were performed through the 4 small incisions.[Result]Twenty-one cases were followed up for 12-18 months(averaged,14 months).Radiography showed good reduction fixation of the vertebral bodies,good correction of the kyphosis deformities and good restoration of lumbar motion.[Conclusion]The treatment of thoracolumbar fracture with pedicle screw system under endoscopy assisted X-tube system is indicated for thoracolumbar fracture without neural impairment.This technique has advantages of minimal invasion and early functional recovery.

Minimaly Invasive Spinal Surgery: Cinical analysis of Chemonucleolysis & Percutaneous Automated Lumbar Discectomy

The authors retrospectively analized the radiographs and medical records of 135 consecutive patients who underwent minimaly invasive spinal surgery from January, 1990 to December, 1994 at our institution. Among these, 72 patients have had chemonucleolysis and others percutaneous automated lumbar discectomy(PALD). The success rate was similar in both groups, ie, 75% in chemonucleolysis and 74.6% in PALD by Macnab's criteria. The higher success rate could be obtained in 1) younger age below 30, 2) predominant sciatica than lower back pain, 3) eccentric bulged disc with minimal degeneration, 4) abscent or minimal neurologic deficits. In conclusion, provided patients are carefully screened, minimal invasive spinal surgery is more preferable over conventional surgery, providing a safe and effective therapeutic alternative to many patients suffering from herniated lumbar disc.