Effect of neuroelectrophysiological changes on the clinical manifestations and surgical outcomes of lumbar degenerative diseases / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effects of electromyography on the clinical manifestations and prognosis after posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) of degenerative lumbar diseases.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 68 patients with degenerative lumbar diseases, including 29 males and 39 females, aged 21 to 84 years old, who underwent electromyogram (EMG) from January 2018 to October 2019. The patients were divided into negative and positive groups according to whether theresults of EMG was normal or abnormal, PLIF surgery was performed in both groups. The preoperative duration of illness, postoperative recovery time, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ambulation time and length of postoperative hospital stay were recorded. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) of low back and lower limb, the Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA) score before and after operation.@*RESULTS@#All patients were follow-up from 26 to 39 months. The subjective symptoms, clinical signs, daily activities and JOA total scores after operation in two groups were significantly higher than those before preoperation(P<0.05);the clinical signs score and total JOA score in the negative group at 3 months after operation were higher than those in the positive group(P<0.05). The VAS score of leg pain in the negative group after 1 and 3 months was less than that in the positive group(P<0.05). Patients 's illness time, postoperative recovery time, hospitalization time and implantation time in the negative group were shorter than those in the positive group(P<0.05). At other time points, there was no significant difference in low pain VAS, leg pain VAS, JOA scores in the two groups(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume between the two groups(P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Patients with normal electromyography had shorter disease duration than ones with abnormal electromyography in lumbar degenerative disease;after PLIF, patients with normal electromyography recovered faster than ones with abnormal electromyography, but the results of electromyography had no effect on the final prognosis of PLIF surgery.

The trend of changes in spine-pelvic sagittal parameters before and after surgery in patients with double-segment lumbar spondylolisthesis and their evaluating for surgery efficacy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the trend of changes in the parameters of the spine-pelvic sagittal plane before and after surgery in patients with double-segment lumbar spondylolisthesis (LSL) and to evaluate the value of the surgical effect.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of 95 double-segment lumbar spondylolisthesis patients treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion from October 2019 to October 2020 were analyzed, including 31 males and 64 females;age ranging from 41 to 63 years old, with an average of (52.10±4.35) years old;degree of lesion, 47 patients with gradeⅠand 48 patients with gradeⅡ. The surgical efficacy was evaluated according to the Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI) improvement rate at 3 months after operation. ODI improvement rate ≥50% was considered good, and <50% was considered bad. Ninety-five patients were divided into good curative effect group (74 cases) and poor curative effect group (21 cases) according to surgical curative effect. The clinical data, such as gender, age, body mass index, course of disease, degree of disease, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and comorbidities were compared between two groups were compared. The parameters of spine pelvis sagittal plane were observed before and 3 months after operation, including spine sacral angle (SSA), T1 pelvic angle (TPA), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS). Clinical symptoms were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) and ODI. The correlation between the changes of spine pelvis sagittal plane parameters and the changes of VAS and ODI before and after surgery were analyzed, and the value of spine pelvis sagittal plane parameters in evaluating the surgical efficacy of patients with double level lumbar spondylolisthesis at 3 months after surgery was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The courses of disease and surgical time in the group with poor efficacy were longer than those in the group with good efficacy, and the degree of lesion was higher in the group with poor efficacy (P<0.05). The SSA, TPA, LL, and SS of the group with good efficacy were higher than those of the group with poor efficacy before and 3 months after surgery, while the PT was lower than that of the group with poor efficacy (P<0.05). The changes in SSA, TPA, LL, PT, and SS before and after surgery in the group with good efficacy were greater than those in the group with poor efficacy (P<0.05). The VAS and ODI of both groups were lower at 3 months after surgery than before, and the group with good efficacy was lower(P<0.05). The changes in VAS and ODI before and after surgery in the group with good efficacy were greater than those in the group with poor efficacy (P<0.05). The changes in SSA, TPA, LL, PT, SS before and after surgery were positively correlated with the changes in VAS and ODI (P<0.05). Three months after surgery, SSA, TPA, LL, PT, and SS were used to evaluate the surgical efficacy of patients with dual level lumbar spondylolisthesis. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.868, 0.797, 0.875, 0.822, and 0.853, respectively. The combined evaluation of all indicators resulted in the highest AUC, 0.927, and the best sensitivity and specificity were 90.50% and 91.89%, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The spine pelvis sagittal plane parameters SSA, TPA, LL, and SS of patients with double level lumbar spondylolisthesis before and after surgery show an upward trend;PT shows a downward trend;PI do not change significantly. And the changes of SSA, TPA, LL, SS, and PT are closely related to the patient's pain level and the improvement of lumbar function, which can be used as parameters to evaluate the surgical efficacy.

Clinical practice of percutaneous full-endoscopic modified posterior lumbar interbody fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation through paraspinal muscle clearance / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To study the clinical practice and early outcome of percutaneous full-endoscopic modified posterior lumbar interbody fusion（mPLIF）combined with pedicle screw fixation through paraspinal muscle clearance. 【Methods】 A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of patients with lower lumbar spinal diseases treated from May 2019 to April 2020. All the enrolled patients received mPLIF combined with pedicle screw fixation through paraspinal muscle clearance. The follow-up period was more than 1 year； the general parameters included age， gender， duration of disease， diagnosis of disease， surgery segment， and postoperative hospitalization time. Operation parameters included operation time and blood loss. We obtained the clinical parameters such as visual analogue scale （VAS） score for back and lower extremity， Oswestry disability index （ODI） score， and Macnab satisfaction score at the last follow-up. We evaluated the imaging parameters including intervertebral disc height， segmental lordosis angle， lumbar lordosis angle， as well as fusion outcome of patients with single segmental lumbar disease. In addition， intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. 【Results】 Totally 18 patients met the inclusion criteria， among whom 8 were male and 10 were female， with the average age of （53.3±8.3） years old and the average duration of disease being （28.9±36.6） months. Among them 16 patients were diagnosed as lumbar degenerative disease and the other 2 had lumbar disc infection. One patient received L3-L4 and L4-L5 intervertebral fusion； the others had one-segmental fusion， among which 11 cases were L4-L5 and 6 cases were L5-S1. The average operation time was （207.8±31.7） min， and the average blood loss was （25.6±7.8） mL， and the mean postoperative hospitalization time was （6.56±2.30） days. VAS scores of back and lower extremities at postoperative 1 week， 6 months and the last follow-up were statistically significantly improved from the preoperative scores. ODI scores at postoperative 6 months and the last follow-up were also statistically significantly improved. The rate of excellent and good according to the Macnab criteria was 94.4%. For the 17 single-level fusion patients， intervertebral height was significantly higher postoperatively and at the last follow-up compared with that of the preoperative one （P<0.05）. Segmental lordosis angle was bigger postoperatively and at the last follow-up （P>0.05）， which was not statistically significant. Lumbar lordosis angle was significantly bigger postoperatively （P<0.05） and bigger at the last follow-up， but with no statistical significance （P>0.05）. The fusion rate at the last follow-up was 88.2%. The cage broke in the process of implantation in one patient. A cage retroposition occurred in one patient at the follow-up. 【Conclusion】 Percutaneous full-endoscopic modified posterior lumbar interbody fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation through bilateral paraspinal muscle clearance by one incision showed excellent clinical outcomes in treating many kinds of lower lumbar diseases. This operation should be an excellent option for lower lumbar fusion.

Effect of adequate amount of tranexamic acid before operation on blood loss and safety in posterior lumbar fusion with multiple segments / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the effect of adequate amount of tranexamic acid(TXA)before operation on blood loss and safety in posterior lumbar fusion with multiple segments. 【Methods】 A retrospective analysis was conducted on 105 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, submitted to our hospital for multilevel PLIF, from March 2017 to December 2019. According to the intervention method, they were divided into control group, group A and group B (n =30, 39 and 36, respectively). TXA was not used in the control group. Dripping of saline solution(100 mL) containing TXA 2g and 1g was given in Group A and Group B, and extra intravenous pumping of TXA [10 mg/(kg·h)] during surgery was conducted in Group B besides the pre-operation dripping of TXA. Total blood loss, dominant blood loss, recessive blood loss, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, transfusion rate and hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), prothrombin time international standardized ratio (PT - INR), platelet count (Plt), D - dimer (D - D), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil percentage (NP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) before and after operation were compared in the three groups. Postoperative drug-related adverse events were traced. 【Results】 1)The total blood loss, dominant blood loss(mL), intraoperative blood loss(mL), drainage volume(mL) within and after 24h after surgery, and the transfusion rate(%) in group A and B were 892.6±193.5 vs 887.7±320.8, 409.1±109.2 vs, 408.6±98.3, 193.7±69.3 vs 189.6±65.6, 130.5±53.4 vs 128.3±53.5, 63.1±17.6 vs 60.9±13.5 and 7.7 (3/39) vs 8.3 (3/36), respectively, which were significantly lower than that in group C as 1 296.8±329.2, 807.6±231.5, 270.9±65.5, 365.4±127.8, 172.3±66.4 and 36.7(11/30), respectively (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences in the above indexes between group A and group B (P < 0.05). The differences in recessive blood loss was not significant by groups(P<0.05). 2) Compared with pre-operation, the levels of Hb, Hct and Plt in the three groups at 3d after operation decreased: Hb(g/L) 91.5±14.0, 107.6±16.4 and 105.9±17.1; Hct(%) 25.6±3.1, 31.2±3.9 and 30.5±4.4; Plt(×109/L)146.6±31.8, 172.8 ±40.1 and 169.7±39.5(P < 0.05); while D-D, CRP and NP increased: D-D(mmol/L)365.6±67.1, 280.9±50.5 and 286.1±53.1; CRP(mg/L): 65.4±22.0, 53.4±19.6 and 56.8±17.7; NP(%): 87.3±15.6, 73.1±13.7, and 71.9±11.8(P < 0.05), and Pt-INR, ALT and BUN showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). The changes of Hb, Hct, Plt, D-D, CRP and NP in group A and B were significantly lower than those in group C at 3 days after operation [Hb (g/L) : 107.6±16.4, 105.9±17.1, 91.5±14.0; Hct (%) : 31.2±3.9, 30.5±4.4, 25.6±3.1; Plt (×109/L) : 172.8 ±40.1, 169.7±39.5, 146.6±31.8; D-D (mmol/L) : 280.9±50.5, 286.1±53.1, 365.6±67.1; CRP (mg/L) : 53.4±19.6, 56.8±17.7, 65.4±22.0; NP (%) : 73.1±13.7, 71.9±11.8, 87.3±15.6] (P < 0.05), and no significant differences in the above index were noticed between group A and B(P> 0.05).3)No lower limb deep vein thrombosis nor pulmonary embolism were found in group A and group B after operation, and all the incisions were healed in the first stage, and no serious complications such as drug allergy, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accident, epidural hematoma, epilepsy occurred. 【Conclusion】 The preoperative TXA administration with sufficient single dose showed equivalent hemostatic effect in comparison with intraoperative continuous administration additional to preoperative dripping, which is simple and convenient and does not increase the risk of thrombosis.

Comparative study on effectiveness of modified-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery in treatment of mild to moderate lumbar spondylolisthesis in middle-aged and elderly patients / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (modified-TLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for mild to moderate lumbar spondylolisthesis in middle-aged and elderly patients. Methods: The clinical data of 106 patients with mild to moderate lumbar spondylolisthesis (Meyerding classification≤Ⅱ degree) who met the selection criteria between January 2015 and January 2017 were retrospectively analysed. All patients were divided into modified-TLIF group (54 cases) and PLIF group (52 cases) according to the different surgical methods. There was no significant difference in preoperative clinical data of gender, age, disease duration, sliding vertebra, Meyerding grade, and slippage type between the two groups ( P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative bed time, hospital stay, and complications of the two groups were recorded and compared. The improvement of pain and function were evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score at preoperation, 1 week, and 1, 6, 12 months after operation, and last follow-up, respectively. The effect of slip correction was evaluated by slip angle and intervertebral altitude at preoperation and last follow-up, and the effectiveness of fusion was evaluated according to Suk criteria. Results: All patients were followed up, the modified-TLIF group was followed up 25-36 months (mean, 32.7 months), the PLIF group was followed up 24-38 months (mean, 33.3 months). The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative bed time, and hospital stay of the modified-TLIF group were significantly less than those of the PLIF group ( P0.05). At last follow-up, the fusion rate of the modified-TLIF group and the PLIF group was 96.3% (52/54) and 98.1% (51/52), respectively, and no significant difference was found between the two groups ( χ2=0.000, P=1.000). About complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups in nerve injury on the opposite side within a week, incision infection, and pulmonary infection ( P>0.05). No case of nerve injury on the operation side within a week or dural laceration occurred in the modified-TLIF group, while 8 cases (15.4%, P=0.002) and 4 cases (7.7%, P=0.054) occurred in the PLIF group respectively. Conclusion: Modified-TLIF and PLIF are effective in the treatment of mild to moderate lumbar spondylolisthesis in middle-aged and elderly patients. However, modified-TLIF has relatively less trauma, lower blood loss, lower drainage volume, lower incidence of dural laceration and nerve injury, which promotes enhanced recovery after surgery.

Comparison of the effectiveness of oblique lumbar interbody fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion for treatment of Cage dislodgement after lumbar surgery / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To compare the clinical and radiological effectiveness of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of Cage dislodgement after lumbar surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 40 patients who underwent revision surgery due to Cage dislodgement after lumbar surgery betweem April 2013 and March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 18 patients underwent OLIF (OLIF group) and 22 patients underwent PLIF (PLIF group) for revision. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, body mass index, intervals between primary surgery and revision surgery, number of primary fused levels, disc spaces of Cage dislodgement, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), the segmental lordosis (SL) and disc height (DH) of the disc space of Cage dislodgement, and the lumbar lordosis (LL) before revision ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and complications of the two groups were recorded and compared. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain were evaluated at 3 days, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, and the ODI scores were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. The SL and DH of the disc space of Cage dislodgement and LL were measured at 12 months after operation and compared with those before operation. CT examination was performed at 12 months after operation, and the fusion of the disc space implanted with new Cage was judged by Bridwell grading standard. Results: The intraoperative blood loss in the OLIF group was significantly less than that in the PLIF group ( t=-12.425, P=0.000); there was no significant difference between the two groups in the operation time and hospital stay ( P>0.05). Both groups were followed up 12-30 months, with an average of 18 months. In the OLIF group, 2 patients (11.1%) had thigh numbness and 1 patient (5.6%) had hip flexor weakness after operation; 2 patients (9.1%) in the PLIF group had intraoperative dural sac tear. The other patients' incisions healed by first intention without early postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( χ2=0.519, P=0.642). The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain, and the ODI score of the two groups at each time point after operation were significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P0.05). At 12 months after operation, SL, LL, and DH in the two groups were significantly increased when compared with preoperative ones ( P0.05). CT examination at 12 months after operation showed that all the operated disc spaces achieved bony fusion. According to the Bridwell grading standard, 12 cases were grade Ⅰ and 6 cases were grade Ⅱ in the OLIF group, and 13 cases were grade Ⅰ and 9 cases were grade Ⅱ in the PLIF group; there was no significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-0.486, P=0.627). During follow-up, neither re-displacement or sinking of Cage, nor loosening or fracture of internal fixation occurred. Conclusion: OLIF and PLIF can achieve similar effectiveness in the treatment of Cage dislodgement after lumbar surgery. OLIF can further reduce intraoperative blood loss and restore the SL and DH of the disc space of Cage dislodgement better.

A Comparative Study between Pedicle Screw Instrumentation with Posterolateral Fusion and Pedicle Screw Instrumentation with Interbody Fusion in Patients of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Background: Many different treatment modalities have been advocated by different authors from time to time for lumbarspondylolisthesis. Many cases, the condition can be treated conservatively. However, when the symptoms persist, surgeryneeds to be performed. The principle of underlying surgery includes stabilization of the slipping vertebrae. Various operativemethods encompassing this principle include stabilization with pedicle screw fixation and fusion which can either posterolateralor interbody fusion, anterior lumbar interbody fusion, posterior lumbar interbody fusion, or transforaminal lumbar interbodyfusion. The objective of this study was to compare the surgical efficacy in terms of stability and fusion achieved using pediclescrew-rod instrumentation with posterolateral fusion and pedicle screw-rod instrumentation with interbody fusion in lumbarspondylolisthesis and to study THE functional and clinical recovery using the Revised Oswestry Disability Index score.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between Pediclescrew-rod instrumentation with either posterolateral fusion and interbody fusion after adequate decompression in patient oflumbar spondylolisthesis. All patients as per the inclusion criteria were admitted, underwent surgery between March 2010 andMarch 2012, and were included in the study.Results: The total of 50 patients was included in our study. Both male and female patients were equally distributed in both thegroups, wherein postreolateral fusion had 13 female patients and those with interbody fusion had 13 male patients. Our studyshows marked improvement in Revised Oswestry Disability score postoperatively with good-to-excellent results in both thegroups. We achieved good solid radiological fusion earliest on the 3rd month in both the groups with good stability.Conclusion: Our results showed similar clinical and functional outcome in both the groups with no significant statistical differencefound. However, we conclude that in cases where reduction is required and there is instability affecting the three column ofspine interbody fusions with pedicle screws-rod instrumentation provide a more solid mechanical construct.

Biomechanical Properties of Porous Titanium Cages for Different Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgeries / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the biomechanical properties of porous titanium cages used for different lumbar interbody fusion surgeries. Methods The three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the lumbar spine was constructed, and mechanical parameters of porous materials were obtained by mechanical test. The biomechanical properties of porous titanium cages in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF) were compared. Results After lumbar interbody surgery, the predicted range of motion (ROM) and the maximum stress in cage of DLIF model and ALIF model were substantially lower than those of PLIF model and TLIF model. The maximum stress in endplate of DLIF model, ALIF model and TLIF model were obviously lower than that of PLIF model. Conclusions DLIF with the porous cage showed advantages in biomechanical properties, which was simple to operate and suitable for minimally invasive surgery in clinical practice. DLIF performed the superior comprehensive properties.

Comparative Radiographic Outcomes of Lateral and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Kyphosis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case–control study. PURPOSE: To compare surgical invasiveness and radiological outcomes between posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for degenerative lumbar kyphosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: LLIF is a minimally invasive interbody fusion technique; however, few reports compared the clinical outcomes of conventional PLIF and LLIF for degenerative lumbar kyphosis. METHODS: Radiographic data for patients who have undergone lumbar interbody fusion (≥3 levels) using PLIF or LLIF for degenerative lumbar kyphosis (lumbar lordosis [LL] <20°) were retrospectively examined. The following radiographic parameters were retrospectively evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively: segmental lordotic angle, LL, pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), C7 sagittal vertical axis, and T1 pelvic angle. RESULTS: Nineteen consecutive cases with PLIF and 27 cases with LLIF were included. There were no significant differences in patients' backgrounds or preoperative radiographic parameters between the PLIF and the LLIF groups. The mean fusion level was 5.5±2.5 levels and 5.8±2.5 levels in the PLIF and LLIF groups, respectively (p=0.69). Although there was no significant difference in surgical times (p=0.58), the estimated blood loss was significantly greater in the PLIF group (p<0.001). Two years postoperatively, comparing the PLIF and LLIF groups, the segmental lordotic angle achieved (7.4°±7.6° and 10.6°±9.4°, respectively; p=0.03), LL (27.8°±13.9° and 39.2°±12.7°, respectively; p=0.006), PI–LL (19.8°±14.8° and 3.1°±17.5°, respectively; p=0.002), and PT (22.6°±7.1° and 14.2°±13.9°, respectively; p=0.02) were significantly better in the LLIF group. CONCLUSIONS: LLIF provided significantly better sagittal alignment restoration in the context of degenerative lumbar kyphosis, with less blood loss.

Early Fusion Status after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw Fixation: A Comparison of Titanium-Coated Polyetheretherketone Cages and Carbon Polyetheretherketone Cages

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: We recently reported that when compared to posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using traditional pedicle screw fixation, PLIF with cortical bone trajectory screw fixation (CBT-PLIF) provided favorable clinical outcomes and reduced the incidence of symptomatic adjacent segment pathology, but resulted in relatively lower fusion rates. Since titanium-coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages (TP) could improve and accelerate fusion status after CBT-PLIF, early fusion status was compared between CBT-PLIF using TP and carbon PEEK cages (CP). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: A systematic review demonstrated that clinical studies at this early stage show similar fusion rates for TP compared to PEEK cages. METHODS: We studied 36 consecutive patients undergoing CBT-PLIF with TP (TP group) and 92 undergoing CBT-PLIF with CP (CP group). On multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography (MPR-CT) at 6 months postoperatively, vertebral endplate cysts (cyst signs) were evaluated and classified as diffuse or local cysts. Early fusion status was assessed by dynamic plain radiographs and MPR-CT at 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The incidences of cyst signs, diffuse cysts, and early fusion rate in the TP and CP groups were 38.9% and 66.3% (p0.05), respectively. Combining the two groups, 22 of 36 patients with diffuse cysts had nonunion at 1-year follow-up, compared to only three of 92 patients with local cysts or without cyst signs (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having fewer patients with endplate cysts at 6 months (a known risk factor for nonunion), the TP group had the same fusion rate as the CP group at 1-year follow-up. Thus, TP did not accelerate the fusion process after CBT-PLIF.

Changes in Sagittal Alignment Following Short-Level Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Comparison between Posterior and Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusions

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study.PURPOSE: We aimed to compare radiologic outcomes between posterior (PLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in short-level spinal fusion surgeries.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Although LLIF enables surgeons to insert large lordotic cages, it is unknown whether LLIF more effectively corrects local and global sagittal alignments compared with PLIF in short-level spinal fusion surgeries.METHODS: Radiographic data acquired from patients with lumbar interbody fusion (≤3 levels) using PLIF or LLIF for degenerative lumbar diseases were analyzed. The following radiographic parameters were evaluated preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively: segmental lordotic angle, disk height, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), C7 sagittal vertical axis, and thoracic kyphosis (TK).RESULTS: In total, 144 patients with PLIF (193 fused levels) and 101 with LLIF (159 fused levels) were included. Patients’ backgrounds and preoperative radiographic parameters for any level of fusion did not differ significantly between PLIF and LLIF procedures. The LLIF group exhibited significantly greater changes at 1-level fusion compared to the PLIF group in the parameters of segmental lordotic angle (5.1°±5.8° vs. 2.1°±5.0°, p<0.001), disk height (4.2±2.3 mm vs. 2.2±2.0 mm, p<0.001), LL (7.8°±7.6° vs. 3.9°±8.6°, p=0.004), and PI–LL (−6.9°±6.8° vs. −3.6°±10.1°, p=0.03). While, a similar trend was observed regarding 2-level fusion, significantly greater changes were only observed in LL (12.1°±11.1° vs. 4.2°±9.1°, p=0.047) and PI–LL (−11.2°±11.3° vs. −3.0°±9.3°, p=0.043), PT (−6.4°±4.9° vs. −2.5°±5.3°, p=0.049) and TK (7.8°±11.8° vs. −0.3°±9.7°, p=0.047) in the LLIF group at 3-level fusion.CONCLUSIONS: LLIF provides significantly better local sagittal alignment than PLIF in 1- or 2-level fusion cases and improves spinopelvic alignment and local alignment for 3-level fusion cases. Thus, LLIF was demonstrated to be a useful lumbar interbody fusion technique, constituting a powerful tool for achieving sagittal realignment with minimal surgical invasiveness.

Application of ultrasonic osteotome in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery by unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) by unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression with ultrasounic osteotome and traditional tool total laminectomy decompression PLIF in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods: The clinical data of 48 patients with single-stage degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis between January 2017 and June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 27 patients were treated with unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression PLIF with ultrasonic osteotome (group A), and 21 patients were treated with total laminectomy and decompression PLIF with traditional tools (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, stenosis segment, degree of spinal canal stenosis, and disease duration between the two groups ( P>0.05), which was comparable. The time of laminectomy decompression, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and the occurrence of operation-related complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Bridwell bone graft fusion standard was applied to evaluate bone graft fusion at last follow-up. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the patients' lumbar and back pain at 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months after operation. Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was used to evaluate the patients' lumbar and back function improvement before operation and at 6 months after operation. Results: The time of laminectomy decompression in group A was significantly longer than that in group B, and the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume were significantly less than those in group B ( P0.05). At last follow-up, according to Bridwell criteria, there was no significant difference in bone graft fusion between the two groups ( Z=-0.065, P=0.949); the fusion rates of groups A and B were 96.3% (26/27) and 95.2% (20/21) respectively, with no significant difference ( χ2=0.001, P=0.979 ). Conclusion: The treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression PLIF with ultrasonic osteotome can achieve similar effectiveness as traditional tool total laminectomy and decompression PLIF, reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage, and reduce lumbar back pain during short-term follow-up. It is a safe and effective operation method.

Modal Analysis of the Whole Lumbar Spine after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the effect of vibration environments on patients with posterior lumbar interbody fusion in daily life. Methods Finite element models of an intact lumbar spine and a postoperative model with fixed L4-5 segments were established. Subsequently, a 40-kg mass point was applied to the upper end plate of the L1 segment to perform a modal analysis. Results In comparison with an intact lumbar spine, the resonance frequency for each order of the whole lumbar spine was reduced after posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and the primary movement of the corresponding modes were also changed. The first two inherent frequencies of the modal in the fusion model were 2.94 Hz and 3.81 Hz, which were close to the vibration frequencies in daily life. In the first three order vibrations, the mode amplitudes of the posterior elements for the L2 and L3 segments increased in the fusion model, which could increase the risk of postoperative degeneration at such locations. In addition, the vibration amplitude of the intervertebral disc of the L3-4 segments clearly increased, particularly at the part of the disc near the L3 vertebral body, which could lead to increased stress and strain and further accelerate its degeneration. Conclusion sBased on the modal analysis of a lumbar spine after posterior lumbar interbody fusion, the investigation of the vibration characteristics of the postoperative lumbar spine will provide some theoretical guidance for the recovery and healthy life of the patients after the corresponding surgery.

Postoperative Radiographic Early-Onset Adjacent Segment Degeneration after Single-Level L4–L5 Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients without Preoperative Severe Sagittal Spinal Imbalance

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between preoperative total spinal sagittal alignment and the early onset of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in patients with normal sagittal spinal alignment. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Postoperative early-onset ASD is one of the complications after L4–L5 PLIF, a common surgical procedure for lumbar degenerative disease in patents without severe sagittal imbalance. A better understanding of the preoperative characteristics of total spinal sagittal alignment associated with early-onset ASD could help prevent the condition. METHODS: The study included 70 consecutive patients diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent single-level L4–L5 PLIF between 2011 and 2015. They were divided into two groups based on the radiographic progression of L3–L4 degeneration after 1-year follow-up: the ASD and the non-ASD (NASD) group. The following radiographic parameters were preoperatively and postoperatively measured: sagittal vertebral axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence (PI). RESULTS: Eight of the 70 patients (11%) experienced ASD after PLIF (three males and five females; age, 64.4±7.7 years). The NASD group comprised 20 males and 42 females (age, 67.7±9.3 years). Six patients of the ASD group showed decreased L3–L4 disc height, one had L3–L4 local kyphosis, and one showed both changes. Preoperative SVA, PI, and TK were significantly smaller in the ASD group than in the NASD group (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative small SVA and TK with small PI were the characteristic alignments for the risk of early-onset ASD in patients without preoperative severe sagittal spinal imbalance undergoing L4–L5 single-level PLIF.

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation: Two-Year Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: We prospectively assessed the early radiographic and clinical outcomes (minimum follow-up of 2 years) of robot-assisted pedicle screw fixation (Robot-PSF) and conventional freehand pedicle screw fixation (Conv-PSF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to Robot-PSF (37 patients) or Conv-PSF (41 patients) for posterior interbody fusion surgery. The Robot-PSF group underwent minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation using a pre-planned robot-guided screw trajectory. The Conv-PSF underwent screw fixation using the freehand technique. Radiographic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) was measured on plain radiographs, and clinical outcomes were measured using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores regularly after surgery. RESULTS: The two groups had similar values for radiographic ASD, including University California at Los Angeles grade, vertebral translation, angular motion, and loss of disc height (p=0.320). At final follow-up, both groups had experienced significant improvements in back VAS, leg VAS, and ODI scores after surgery (p < 0.001), although inter-group differences were not significant for back VAS (p=0.876), leg VAS (p=0.429), and ODI scores (p=0.952). In the Conv-PSF group, revision surgery was required for two of the 25 patients (8%), compared to no patients in the Robot-PSF group. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in radiographic ASD and clinical outcomes between Robot-PSF and Conv-PSF. Thus, the advantages of robot-assisted surgery (accurate pedicle screw insertion and minimal facet joint violation) do not appear to be clinically significant.

Appropriate compatibility of propofol and sevoflurane for posterior lumbar interbody fusion of patients with mild cognitive impairment / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To investigate the appropriate compatibility of appropriate compatibility of sevoflurane and propofol for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion in order to protect their cognitive function.Methods Eighty patients, 41 males, 39 females, aged 65-75 years, BMI 17-26 kg/m2, ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled to undergo elective posterior lumbar interbody fusion, were to be scored according to Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), mini mental state examination (MMSE), dementia scale (CDR) and daily living ability scale (ADL) to identify patients with MCI before the surgery.They were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=20 each) using a random number table: TCI propofol 2.0-2.5 μg/ml group (group P), TCI propofol 1.2 μg/ml+sevoflurane 0.6 MAC group (group PS1), TCI propofol 0.6 μg/ml+sevoflurane 0.9 MAC group (group PS2), 1.0-1.5 MAC sevoflurane group (group S).MoCA and MMSE were used to evaluate the cognitive function of patients 1 d before the operation (T0), after patients become wide-awake (T1), 3 d and 7 d after operation (T2 and T3).Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) concentration related to cognitive function in blood samples, which were drawn at T0-T3 would be measured with ELISA method.Results Compared with T0, the scores of MMSE and MoCA in four groups decreased significantly (P＜0.05) at T1, the scores of MMSE and MoCA in group S decreased significantly (P＜0.05) at T2;compared with T1, the score of MMSE in the four groups increased significantly at T2, T3 (P＜0.05).The scores of MMSE at T1, T3 in group S decreased significantly compared with groups P, PS1 and PS2 (P＜0.05).The scores of MoCA at T2, T3 in group S decreased significantly compared with groups P, PS1 and PS2 (P＜0.05).Compared with T0, the concentration of plasma ApoJ in the four groups increased significantly at T1 (P＜0.05).Compared with T1, the concentration of plasma ApoJ in the four groups decreased significantly at T2 and T3 (P＜0.05).Compared with group PS1, the concentration of plasma ApoJ at T1, T3 increased significantly in groups S and group PS2 (P＜0.05).Conclusion TCI propofol 1.2 μg/ml combined with 0.6 MAC sevoflurane group is the appropriate compatibility of sevoflurane and propofol for patients with MCI undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion,because it has less negative influence on cognitive function and lower concentration of plasma ApoJ.

Comparison of clinical efficacy between mini-invasive transforminal lumbar interbody fusion(mis-TLIF) assisted by Quadrant system and PLIF treatment for lumber spondylolisthesis / 临床外科杂志

Objective To comparison of clinical efficacy between mini-invasive transforminal lumbar interbody fusion(mis-TLIF) assisted by Quadrant system and open posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)treatment for lumber spondylolisthesis,to find a better treatment for lumbar spondylolisthesis.Methods A total of 65 cases who were under lumber spondylolisthesis were retrospectively selected from our hospital,26 cases in mini-invasive transforminal lumbar interbody fusion assisted by Quadrant system (mis-TLIF group).39 cases in open posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF group).Record the incision length,intraoperative blood loss,opertive time,bed time,hospital time,pre-and post-operative visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI) score were recorded respectively.After surgery,the imaging(X-Ray) evalute the vertebral fusion status.Results There were no significant difference between mis-TLIF group and PLIF group in BMI [(22.77 ± 4.38) kg/m2 and (21.28 ± 5.24) kg/m2],preoperative VAS score [(6.46 ± 1.67) and (6.59 ± 1.56)],preoperative ODI score [(58.70 ± 7.19) ％ and (60.10 ± 9.56) ％] (all P ＞ 0.05).There were significant difference between two groups in incision length [(6.10 ± 0.95) cm and (11.12 ± 2.02) cm],intraoperative blood loss [(247.31 ± 36.72) ml and (340.51 ± 64.32) ml],opertive time[(179.96 ± 17.54) min and(151.85 ± 16.06) min],bed time[(3.62 ± 1.44) d and (4.98 ± 1.74) d],hospital time [(9.38 ± 2.60) d and (11.95 ± 3.61) d] (all P ＜ 0.05).Postoperatively VAS score was assesssd at 1 month [(3.15 ± 1.08]),3months [(1.58 ± 0.81)],6months [(1.08 ± 0.74)] and ODI score was(30.77 ± 6.45) ％,(25.54 ± 6.33) ％,(20.23 ± 7.05) ％,respectively in mis-TLIF group were lower than those of PLIF group (P ＜ 0.05).There were no significant difference between two groups in the fusion rate in 3 months,6 months after operation.Conclusion Mis-TLIF had a lot of advantages relative to PLIF in the treatment of lumber spondylolisthesis,be like less trauma,less bleeding,less hospital time,quick rehabilitation and good curative effect,provide a new minimally invasive method for lumber spondylolisthesis patient.

Infection prevention of new-type bulb syringe during posterior lumbar surgery / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To study the infection prevention effect of a new type of bulb syringe during posterior lumbar surgery, which can execute pulse irrigation continuously. Methods Totally 30 patients undergoing multi-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery from June to December 2016 were divided into an experiment group and a control group. The experiment group applied the bulb syringe, and the control group used tipping irrigation. The two groups were compared on intraoperative irrigation time, the development trend of C-reactive protein (CRP) 1, 3 and 5 days after surgery, incidence of postoperative pyrexia, wound healing and suture-removal time. Results The experimental group had the intraoperative irrigation time being (2.13±0.15)min, which was significantly shorter than that [(5.59±1.24)min] in the control group. In the experimental group, the CRP measurement values 1, 3 and 5 days after surgery were 46, 19 and 5 mg/L respectively and showed adeclining trend;in the control group, the CRP measurement values 1, 3 and 5 days after surgery were 49, 52 and 61 mg/L respectively and showed an increasing trend. There were 3 cases of incision exudation in the control group while none in the experimental group. The experimental group had the suture-removal time being 11.57 d, which was statistically less than that (14.29 d) in the control group. The body temperature 3 and 5 days after surgery was (37.1±2.26) and (37.0±0.12)℃respectively in the experimental group while (38.2 ±3.34) and (37.5 ±0.25)℃in the control group, and there were obvious differences between the two groups (P<0.05). There were no infected incision occurred in the two groups. Conclusion The bulb syringe gains advantages over the traditional irrigation in easy operation, short time and incidence of infected incision, and thus is worthy promoting clinically.

Effect of preventing infection for a continuous pulsing water ball in lumbar surgery / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To study the effect of the continuous pulsing water ball in preventing infection in the multi-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF).Methods From June 2016 to December 2016,thirty patients who were treated with multi-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion in our hospital were randomly divided into two groups.The 15 patients in the observation group were given continuous pulsing water ball,and the other 15 patients in the control group were given conventional dumping.The items including the time of intraoperative washing,the C-reactive protein(CRP),the time of suture clearing,postoperative fever cases and postoperative incision healing were oberved and compared between the two groups.Results The time of intraoperative washing was (2.13±0.15)min in the observation group and (5.59±1.24)min in the conrtrol group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).The postoperative CRP of 1st,3rd, and 5th day in the observation group was declining,whileas the control group was increasing.The time of suture clearing in the oberation group was 11.57 d, which was significantly less than 14.29 d the control group.The temperature of 3rd and 5th day after opreation in the obervation group was (37.1±2.26)℃ and (37.0±0.12)℃ respectively, which were significantly lower than (38.2±3.34)℃ and (37.5±0.25)℃ respectively the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared to the the conventional dumping,the continuous pulsing water ball has the some advantages in the multi-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF),such as decreasing the washing time and reducing the local inflammatory reponse.

The Efficacy of Vitamin C on Postoperative Outcomes after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C has critical features relavant to postoperative pain management and functional improvement; however, no study has yet evaluated the effectiveness of vitamin C on improving the surgical outcomes for spine pathologies. Thus, this study aimed to explore the impact of vitamin C on postoperative outcomes after single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for lumbar spinal stenosis in prospectively randomized design. We conducted a 1-year prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate the impact of vitamin C on the postoperative outcomes after PLIF surgery. METHODS: A total of 123 eligible patients were randomly assigned to either group A (62 patients with vitamin C) or group B (61 patients with placebo). Patient follow-up was continued for at least 1 year after surgery. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity in the lower back using a visual analogue scale. The secondary outcome measures were: (1) the clinical outcome assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); (2) the fusion rate assessed using dynamic radiographs and computed tomography scans; and (3) complications. RESULTS: Pain intensity in the lower back was significantly improved in both groups compared with preoperative pain intensity, but no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups over the follow-up period. The ODI score of group A at the third postoperative month was significantly higher than the score of group B. After the sixth postoperative month, the ODI score of group A was slightly higher than the score of group B; however, this difference was not significant. The fusion rates at 1 year after surgery and the complication rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain intensity, the primary outcome measure, was not significantly different at 1 year after surgery between the 2 groups. However, vitamin C may be associated with improving functional status after PLIF surgery, especially during the first 3 postoperative months.