Morphometrics of T11-L5 Vertebrae in Jordanian Population: CT Scan-Based Study / Morfometría de las Vértebras T11-L5 en una Población Jordana: Estudio Basado en Tomografía Computarizada

SUMMARY: The study will provide information on the morphometrics of the vertebrae, which can be used to guide clinicians on the appropriate size of transpedicular screws to use in spine interventions among the Jordanian population and for comparative studies with other races. A retrospective analysis of normal CT scans of the lumbar and thoracolumbar areas was done. Linear and angular measurements of 336 vertebrae were collected for 25 males and 23 females. The results were compared between right and left and between both sexes. The L5 has the longest AVBH and the shortest PVBH in both sexes, it also, had the shortest and widest pedicle in both males and females. ratio of the AVBH to PVBH showed progressive increase in both sexes from T11 to L5. Similarly, the VBW increased progressively from the top to the bottom in both sexes, but it was significantly different between both sexes. The L1 was the most cranially oriented vertebrae in males while the L2 showed the most cranial orientation in females. Both sexes L5 was the most caudally oriented vertebrae. This study provides a database for vertebral morphometrics in the Jordanian population, there are slight differences between the right and left side in the upper studied vertebrae (T11-L2) and some measurement showed significant differences between males and females. These findings need to be taken into consideration when inserting pedicle screws.

Este estudio proporciona información sobre la morfometría de las vértebras, la cual puede ser utilizada por los médicos oara determinar el tamaño adecuado de los tornillos transpediculares a utilizar en intervenciones de columna en la población jordana y para estudios comparativos con otras grupos. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de tomografías computarizadas normales de las áreas lumbar y toracolumbar. Se recogieron medidas lineales y angulares de 336 vértebras de 25 hombres y 23 mujeres. Los resultados se compararon entre vértebras derechas e izquierdas y entre ambos sexos. La L5 tiene el AVBH más largo y el PVBH más corto en ambos sexos, también tenía el pedículo más corto y más ancho tanto en hombres como en mujeres. La relación de AVBH a PVBH mostró un aumento progresivo en ambos sexos de T11 a L5. De manera similar, el VBW aumentó progresivamente de arriba hacia abajo en ambos sexos, pero fue significativamente diferente entre ambos sexos. La L1 fue la vértebra más orientada cranealmente en los hombres, mientras que la L2 mostró la orientación más craneal en las mujeres. En ambos sexos L5 fue la vértebra más orientada caudalmente. Este estudio proporciona una base de datos para la morfometría vertebral en la población jordana, donde existen ligeras diferencias entre el lado derecho e izquierdo en las vértebras superiores estudiadas (T11-L2). Algunas mediciones mostraron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres. Estos hallazgos deben tenerse en cuenta al insertar tornillos pediculares.

A Morphometric Study of Typical and Atypical Lumbar Vertebrae in South Indian Population

Introduction:The lumbar vertebrae are affected in conditions such as congenital defects, degenerative diseases, accidents, and cancer metastasis. A thorough knowledge of the morphometry of typical and atypical lumbar vertebrae in adults of South Indian population is needed for lumbar spine surgeries. MaterialsandMethods: Adescriptive study was done on 200 dry lumbar vertebrae, of which 100 were typical and 100 were atypical lumbar vertebrae. The following dimensions of both typical and atypical lumbar vertebrae were measured with digital vernier calipers: anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the body; anterior and posterior body heights; anteroposterior and transverse diameters of vertebral foramen; height, breadth, and width of the laminae; length, height, and width of the pedicles; transverse processes and spinous process; distance between the two superior articular processes; and the distance between the two inferior articular processes. All the measurements were tabulated. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of the parameters and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: The anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the body, the height of the laminae on both sides, the length and height of the spinous process, and the distance between the superior articular facets were significantly longer in atypical lumbar vertebrae than that of typical lumbar vertebrae (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in measurements between both sides. Conclusion: The dimensions of vertebral foramen, transverse processes, spinous processes, and distance between articular processes were different from the dimensions of previous studies. The morphometric data obtained will be useful for orthopedic procedures on the lumbar vertebrae in South Indian population

Lumbar Facet Syndrome and the Use of Radiofrequency Ablation Technique as an Alternative Therapy: A Systematic Review / Síndrome facetária lombar e a utilização da técnica de ablação por radiofrequência como terapia alternativa: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Lumbar facet syndrome stands out as a significant cause for the increasing prevalence of back pain complaints. Alternatives such as radiofrequency (RF) ablation may be a therapeutic option to relieve the chronic pain associated with this condition. It is critical to analyze the effectiveness of lumbar facet syndrome treatment using the traditional RF ablation technique and the relief generated by it in chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study is a systematic review using the following inclusion criteria: title, observational studies, clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, clinical studies, and publications over the last 17 years (from 2005 to 2022). The exclusion criteria included papers addressing other themes and review articles. The databases used for data collection included the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Lilacs, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (Virtual Health Library in Portuguese). The query used the following terms: facet, pain, lumbar, and radiofrequency. The application of these filters yielded 142 studies, and 12 were included in this review. Most studies indicated that the traditional RF ablation technique was beneficial in relieving CLBP refractory to conservative treatment.

Resumo Em um contexto de aumento da prevalência de queixas de dores na coluna, a síndrome facetária se destaca como um importante causador. Alternativas como a ablação por radiofrequência (RF) podem ser uma opção de terapia para alívio da dor crônica que essa patologia pode causar. É necessário analisar a eficácia do tratamento da síndrome facetária pela técnica de ablação por radiofrequência tradicional e o alívio gerado nas dores lombares crônicas (DLC). O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão sistemática cujo os critérios de inclusão para análise foram: título; estudos observacionais; ensaios clínicos; ensaio clínico controlado; estudos clínicos e publicação nos últimos dezessete anos (2005-2022). Já os critérios de exclusão foram: artigos que abordavam outras temáticas e artigos de revisão. As bases utilizadas para coleta de dados incluíram Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (Medline), Pubmed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Lilacs, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Os termos utilizados para a pesquisa foram: facet; pain; lumbar; radiofrequency. Aplicando-se os filtros foram encontrados 142 estudos, 12 foram incluídos. Os estudos em sua maioria apontaram ser benéfica a técnica de ablação por radiofrequência tradicional no alívio das dores lombares crônicas refratárias ao tratamento conservador.

[Errata] Estudo piloto sobre diâmetro do canal lombar e distância percorrida em pacientes com estenose espinhal lombar: um modelo de predição multivariado / [Erratum] Pilot study on lumbar canal diameter and walking distance in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a multivariate prediction model

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic claudication (NC) is the classic clinical presentation of patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). These patients may or may not present with symptoms of leg pain and difficulty walking. These symptoms are exacerbated while walking and standing and are eased by sitting or bending forward. METHOD: Patients with LSS, having a lumbar canal diameter of ≤12mm, were recruited from a recognized Tertiary care hospital. Each subject's demographic characteristics and anthropometrics were noted, and the testing procedure was explained. The canal diameter was documented with the help of an MRI report. A self-paced walking test was used to assess the walking distance. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Depending on the normality of the data, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to find the correlation between canal diameter at different lumbar levels and walking distance in patients with LSS. RESULT: Pearson correlation coefficient (r) determined a fair positive correlation (r = 0.29) between lumbar canal diameter and walking distance. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was done, and a prediction equation was found for different levels of canal stenosis. CONCLUSION: Findings of our present study suggest a fair positive correlation between walking distance and canal diameter at L5-S1. This study may also be useful in predicting the approximate canal diameter by estimating the walking distance of the patient with symptoms of LSS and vice-versa.

INTRODUÇÃO: A claudicação neurogênica (CN) é a apresentação clínica clássica de pacientes com Estenose Espinhal Lombar (EEL). Esses pacientes podem ou não apresentar sintomas de dor nas pernas e dificuldade para caminhar. Esses sintomas são exacerbados ao caminhar e ficar em pé e são aliviados ao sentar ou inclinar-se para a frente. MÉTODO: Pacientes com EEL, com diâmetro do canal lombar ≤12mm, foram recrutados em um hospital terciário reconhecido. As características demográficas e antropométricas de cada sujeito foram anotadas e o procedimento do teste foi explicado. O diâmetro do canal foi documentado com a ajuda de um relatório de ressonância magnética. Um teste de caminhada individualizado foi usado para avaliar a distância percorrida. ANÁLISE ESTATÍSTICA: Dependendo da normalidade dos dados, o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) foi usado para encontrar a correlação entre o diâmetro do canal em diferentes níveis lombares e a distância percorrida em pacientes com EEL. RESULTADO: O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) determinou uma correlação positiva razoável (r = 0,29) entre o diâmetro do canal lombar e a distância percorrida. Análise de regressão múltipla stepwise foi feita, e uma equação de predição foi encontrada para diferentes níveis de estenose do canal. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados de nosso estudo sugerem uma correlação positiva razoável entre a distância percorrida e o diâmetro do canal em L5-S1. Este estudo também pode ser útil para prever o diâmetro aproximado do canal, estimando a distância percorrida pelo paciente com sintomas de EEL e vice-versa.

Clinical study of warming needle moxibustion of Jiaji and TCM fumigation combined for acute inflammatory period of lumbar disc herniation / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of lumbar spine warming needle moxibustion of Jiaji and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fumigation combined with conventional western medicine therapy on patients with acute inflammatory period of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 140 patients with acute inflammation of LDH in our hospital from December 2019 to December 2021 were selected as observational objects, and the patients meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into 2 groups with 70 patients in each group by random number table method. The control group was treated with conventional western medicine therapy, and the observational group was treated with warming needle moxibustion of Jiaji combined with TCM fumigation on the basis of control group treatment. Both groups received continuous treatment for 1 month. TCM syndrome scores were performed before and after treatment, the degree of lumbar pain was assessed by VAS, the degree of lumbar dysfunction was assessed by Japanese Orthopaedic Association Evaluation Treatment (JOA score), and serum CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured by ELISA.Results:The total effective rate was 95.71% (67/70) in the observation group and 82.86% (58/70) in the control group, and there was significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=6.05, P=0.014). After treatment, TCM syndrome score [(4.45±1.09) vs. (10.67±2.82), t=16.85], VAS score [(1.54±0.43) vs. (3.28±1.04), t=12.94] lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01), subjective feeling [(7.54±2.87) vs. (6.24±1.76), t=5.72], physical signs [(6.76±2.00) vs. (4.34±1.67), t=7.77], limited daily activities [(9.56±3.27) vs. (7.89±2.97), t=3.16], bladder function score [(2.88±0.84) vs. (2.63±0.64), t=2.89] and the total score [(25.04±7.44) vs. (20.35±6.87), t=4.63] were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01). After treatment, serum IL-6 [(18.12±4.23) μg/L vs. (26.46±4.58) μg/L, t=11.19], CRP [(18.87±6.07) mg/L vs. (25.89±5.72) mg/L, t=7.04] and TNF-α levels [(24.42±5.37) ng/L vs. (29.45±5.44) ng/L, t=5.51] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:The warming needle moxibustion of Jiaji and TCM fumigation combined with conventional western medicine therapy can improve the lumbar pain of LDH patients in acute inflammatory stage, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, improve clinical efficacy.

Clinical study of modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction combined with strengthening tendons-waist exercise on lumbar disc herniation / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction combined with strengthening muscle-waist exercise on lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 60 patients with LDH admitted to the Pinggu Hospital, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, were enrolled as the research objects between September 2020 and September 2021. According to the random number table, they were randomly divided into the treatment group and control group, 30 in each group. Both groups were given routine basic treatments (strengthening tendons-waist exercise and three-position six-step manipulation). On this basis, the treatment group was treated with modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction, while the control group was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen codeine sustained-release tablets). Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The responsive rates, back pain intensity, leg pain and numbness by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and lumbar function by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) were compared between the two groups.Results:The response rate of treatment group was significantly higher than that of control group (93.3% vs. 73.3%; χ2=4.32, P=0.038). After treatment, scores of JOA (subjective symptoms, signs, activities of daily living) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t=3.86, 2.71, 2.21, P<0.05). After treatment, scores of back pain (2.12±0.21 vs. 3.02±0.32, t=12.88), leg pain (2.04±0.64 vs. 2.64±0.66, t=3.58), lower limb numbness (1.75±0.24 vs. 2.41±0.70, t=4.89) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). At 1 week and 1 month after treatment, ODI scores in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group ( t=10.22, 5.59; P<0.05). Conclusion:The modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction combined with strengthening tendons-waist exercise can improve responsive rates, improve lumbar pain and function in LDH patients.

Clinical effects and mid-term follow-up analysis of para-split laminotomy for lumbar spinal canal tumors / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the surgical outcome and prognostic factors of para-split laminotomy for removal of lumbar spinal canal tumors.Methods:Retrospectively review the clinical data of 35 patients suffering lumbar spinal canal tumors, who underwent the para-split laminotomy for tumor resection in Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University from October 2016 to August 2019, including 16 males and 19 females, and the age was(40.1±10.6)years. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, tumor resection, tumor pathological results, perioperative complications were observed. Follow-up situations, including tumor recurrence, bony fusion of laminae and spinal stability. Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed by the end of August 2022. The JOA back pain scoring system was used to evaluate the neurological function of the spinal cord, and paired t-test were performed to compare the overall preoperative and postoperative spinal cord neurological function scores. Linear regression and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the prognostic factors. Measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the comparison before and after operation was performed by paired t-test. Mearsurement data of skewed distribution were expressed as M( Q1, Q3). Count data were expressed as cases. Results:The tumors of 35 patients were resected completely. The median blood loss was 100(75, 140)mL and the average operative duration was (181.1±42.7) min. The postoperative pathological results were as follows: 24 neurilemmomas, 6 meningiomas, 4 ependymomas and 1 neurofibroma. There were no surgery-related complications occurred. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 36 to 69 months, with no tumor recurrence or spinal instability, and bony fusion of laminae seen in some patients on CT imaging. The overall spinal cord neurological function scores of pre and post operation were(19.5±3.4)versus(25.4±2.2), Paired t-test analysis revealed a significant difference between the overall postoperative spinal cord neurological function scores and the preoperative scores, and the postoperative scores were better than the preoperative scores( P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between preoperative JOA scores and postoperative JOA scores, and postoperative JOA scores has negative correlation with tumor volume and the age at the time of operation ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Para-split laminotomy with less damage to the posterior spinal structures can effectively improve the neurological function of the spinal cord and protect the stability of the lumbar spine in patients with lumbar spinal canal tumors, and the better the preoperative neurological function of the spinal cord, the better the prognosis of patients, and the smaller the tumor volume, the better the prognosis.

Progress in the treatment of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis combined with thoracolumbar fracture / 国际外科学杂志

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis(DISH) is a kind of ankylosing spinal disease, which usually occurs in the middle-aged and elderly. It is mainly manifested as ossification and calcification of ligaments and tendon attachment points. It is a bone disease that mainly involves the spine but is not accompanied by severe intervertebral disc degeneration or sacroiliac joint and intervertebral facet joint ankylosis. DISH combined with thoracolumbar fracture has a high rate of delayed diagnosis and neurological deterioration, so this kind of fracture should be diagnosed and treated in time. However, there are different conclusions on the choice of treatment methods and postoperative efficacy, and there are still disputes in some academic aspects.The author consulted the relevant literature and reviewed the treatment methods of DISH combined with thoracolumbar fracture in order to provide reference for the clinical treatment of this kind of fracture.

Analysis of 5 cases of Waveflex semi-rigid internal fixation in treatment of thoracolumbar fracture / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate various clinical treatment measures for thoracolumbar fractures and provide new diagnosis and treatment methods.Methods:The case data of 5 patients(3 males, 2 females, and the age ranged from 39 to 59 years with an average of 51 years) with thoracolumbar fractures were treated with Waveflex semi-rigid internaI fixation system from May 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, imaging indexes and clinical effects were followed up, and analyzed and summarized in combination with relevant literatures.Results:The operations of all 5 patients were successfully completed, and the follow-up period was 6 months. At the last follow-up, the internal fixation position was good, the height of the injured vertebra was maintained satisfactorily, and the clinical effect was satisfactory.Conclusion:Waveflex semi-rigid internal fixation system combines the advantages of fusion and non-fusion, providing a new idea for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, but its long-term effect still needs further follow-up.

Influential factors related to functional status after full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the influential factors associated with functional status of those patients who undertook a full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy operation.@*METHODS@#A prospective study was conducted. A total of 96 patients who undertook a full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy operation and met inclusive criteria were enrolled in the study. The postoperative follow-up was held 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation. The self-developed record file was used to collect the patient's information and medical history. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, Gene-ralised anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale score and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale score were applied to measure pain intensity, functional status, anxiety status and depression status. Repeated measurement analysis of variance was used to explore the ODI score 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation. Multiple linear regression was recruited to illuminate the influential factors associated with functional status after the operation. Logistic regression was employed to explore the independent risk factors related to return to work 6 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#The postoperative functional status of the patients improved gradually. The functional status of the patients 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation were highly positively correlated with the current average pain intensity. The factors influencing the postoperative functional status of the patients were different according to the recovery stage. One month and 3 months after operation, the factors influencing the postoperative functional status were the current average pain intensity; 6 months after operation, the factors influencing the postoperative functional status included the current average pain intensity, preoperative average pain intensity, gender and educational level. The risk factors influencing return to work 6 months after operation included women, young age, preoperative depression status and high average pain intensity 3 months after operation.@*CONCLUSION@#It is feasible to treat chronic low back pain with full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy operation. In the process of postoperative functional status recovery, medical staffs should not only take analgesic mea-sures to reduce the pain intensity experienced by the patients, but also pay attention to the impact of psychosocial factors on the recovery. Women, young age, preoperative depression status, and high average pain intensity 3 months after operation may delay return to work after the operation.

Effect of morphological changes in the sagittal plane of vertebrae and discs on degenerative kyphodeformity / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of morphological changes such as vertebral wedge deformation and disc degeneration (collapse) on adult thoracolumbar/lumbar degenerative kyphosis(TL/LDK) deformity.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of 32 patients with spinal TL/LDK deformity admitted from August 2015 to December 2020, including 8 males and 24 females, aged 48 to 75(60.3±12.4) years old. On the long-cassette standing upright lateral radiographs, the coronal Cobb angle, sagittal thoracic lumbar/lumbar kyphosis angle(KA) of spine were measured, and the height and wedge parameters of apex vertebral(AV) and two vertebrae(AV-1, AV-2, AV+1, AV+2) above and below AV and the intervertebrae and the intervertebral disc(AV-1D, AV-2D, AV+1D, AV+2D) were evaluated, involving anterior vertebral body height(AVH), posterior vertebral body height(PVH), vertebral wedge angle(VWA), ratio of vertebral wedging(RVW), anterior disc height(ADH), posterior disc height(PDH), disc wedge angle(DWA), ratio of disc wedging(RDW), and DWA/KA.@*RESULTS@#The average angle of kyphosis was (44.2±19.1)°. A significant decrease in anterior height of vertebral was observed compared to the posterior height of vertebral(P<0.005). There was no significant difference in anterior and posterior height of discs. The vertebral wedging ratio/contribution ratio:AV-2(14.98±10.95)%/(14.21±8.08)%, AV-1(21.08±12.39)%/(18.09±7.38)%, AV(26.94±11.94)%/(25.52±8.64)%, AV+1(24.19±8.42)%/(20.82±8.69)%, AV+2(20.56±7.80)%/(15.60±9.71)%, total contribution(94.23±22.25)%, the disc wedging ratio/contribution ratio:AV-2D(2.88±2.57)%/(5.27±4.11)%, AV-1D(1.98±1.41)%/(2.29±2.16)%, AV+1D(-5.54±3.75)%/(-0.57±0.46)%, AV+2D(-8.27±4.62)%/(-1.22±1.11)%, total contribution (5.77±4.79)%. And the contribution rate of AV was significantly higher than that of adjacent vertebral(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The vertebral body and intervertebral disc shape both have influence on thoracolumbar kyphosis. However, the contribution of vertebral morphometry to the angle of TL/LDK deformity is relatively more important than the disc. The contribution of the wedge change of the AV to the TL/LDK deformity is particularly significant.

Observation of early clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy technique in the treatment of lumbar postoperative adjacent segmental diseases / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate early clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy technique for the treatment of lumbar postoperative adjacent segmental diseases.@*METHODS@#Fourteen patients with lumbar postoperative adjacent segmental diseases were treated with unilateral biportal endoscopy technique from June 2019 to June 2020. Among them, there were 9 males and 5 females, aged from 52 to 73 years old, and the interval between primary and revision operations ranged from 19 to 64 months. Adjacent segmental degeneration occurred after lumbar fusion in 10 patients and after lumbar nonfusion fixation in 4 patients. All the patients received unilateral biportal endoscopy assisted posterior unilateral lamina decompression or unilateral approach to the contralateral decompression. The operation time, postoperative hospital stay and complications were observed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) of low back pain and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score were recorded before operation and at 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#All procedures were successfully completed. Surgical duration ranged from 32 to 151 min. Postoperative CT showed adequate decompression and preservation of most joints. Out of bed walking 1 to 3 days after surgery, postoperative hospital stay was 1 to 8 days, and postoperative follow-up was 6 to 11 months. All 14 patients returned to normal life within 3 weeks after surgery, and VAS, ODI, and mJOA scores improved significantly at 3 days and 3, 6 months after surgery. One patient occurred cerebrospinal fluid leak after operation, received local compression suture, and the wound healed after conservative treatment. One patient occurred postoperative cauda equina neurologic deficit, which was gradually recovered about 1 month after rehabilitation therapy. One patients advented transient pain of lower limbs after surgery, and the symptoms were relieved after 7 days of treatment with hormones, dehydration drugs and symptomatic management.@*CONCLUSION@#Unilateral biportal endoscopy technique has a good early clinical efficacy in the treatment of lumbar postoperative adjacent segmental diseases, which may provide a new minimally invasive, non-fixation option for the treatment of adjacent segment disease.

Analysis of the causes and clinical results of vertebral fracture during oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the causes of vertebral fracture during oblique lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar spondylopathy, summarize the clinical results, and propose preventive measures.@*METHODS@#Retrospective analysis was made on the data of 8 cases of lumbar spondylopathy and vertebral fracture treated by oblique lateral interbody fusion in three medical centers from October 2014 to December 2018. All were female, aged from 50 to 81 years with an average of 66.4 years. Disease types included 1 case of lumbar degenerative disease, 3 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 2 cases of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and 2 cases of lumbar degenerative scoliosis. Preoperative dual energy X-ray bone mineral density test showed that 2 cases had T-value >-1 SD, 2 cases had T-value -1 to -2.5 SD, and 4 cases had T-value <-2.5 SD. Single segment fusion was in 5 cases, two segment fusion in 1 case and three segment fusion in 2 cases. Four cases were treated with OLIF Stand-alone and 4 cases were treated with OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation. Postoperative imaging examination showed vertebral fracture, and all of them were single vertebral fracture. There were 2 cases of right lower edge fracture of upper vertebral body at fusion segment, 6 cases of lower vertebral body fracture at fusion segment, and 6 cases with endplate injury and fusion cage partially embedded in vertebral body. Three cases of OLIF Stand-alone were treated with pedicle screw fixation via posterior intermuscular approach, while one case of OLIF Stand-alone and four cases of OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation were not treated specially.@*RESULTS@#The 5 cases of initial operation and 3 cases of reoperation did not show wound skin necrosis or wound infection. The follow-up time was from 12 to 48 months with an average of 22.8 months. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of low back pain was preoperative decreased from 4 to 8 points (averagely 6.3 points) and postoperative 1 to 3 points (averagely 1.7 points) at the final follow-up. Oswestry disability index (ODI) was preoperative 39.7% to 52.4% (averagely 40.2%), and postoperative 7.9% to 11.2% (averagely 9.5%) at the final follow-up. During the follow-up, there was no loosening or fracture of the pedicle screw system, and no lateral displacement of the fusion cage;however, the fusion cage at the vertebral fracture segment had obvious subsidence. The intervertebral space height of vertebral fracture segment was preoperaive 6.7 to 9.2 mm (averagely 8.1 mm), and postoperative 10.5 to 12.8 mm (averagely 11.2 mm). The improvement rate after operation was 37.98% compared to preoperative. The intervertebral space height at final follow-up was 8.4 to 10.9 mm (averagely 9.3 mm), and the loss rate was 16.71% compared with that after operation. At the final follow-up, interbody fusion was achieved in all cases except for one that could not be identified.@*CONCLUSION@#The incidence of vertebral fracture during oblique lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar spondylopathy is lower, and there are many reasons for fracture, including preoperative bone loss or osteoporosis, endplate injury, irregular shape of endplate, excessive selection of fusion cage, and osteophyte hyperplasia at the affected segment. As long as vertebral fracture is found in time and handled properly, the prognosis is well. However, it still needs to strengthen prevention.

Analysis of the effect of midazolam on pain in a rat model of lumbar disc herniation based on the p38 MAPK signaling pathway / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of midazolam on pain in lumbar disc herniation model rats based on p38 MAPK signaling pathway.@*METHODS@#Fifty SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley healthy rats, half male and half female, were selected and randomly divided into normal group, model group, and low-dose, medium-dose, high-dose groups. Model group and low-dose, medium-dose, high-dose groups were initially modeled for lumbar disc herniation. Intraperitoneal injection of saline was performed in rats of normal and model groups; and in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups, intraperitoneal injection of midazolam was performed with doses of 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, respectively. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), β-endorphin (β-EP), substance P (SP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) were detected in the serum of rats by enzyme-linked immunoassay. The expression of p38 MAPK and matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) protein were detected by Western blot in the tissues of rats of each group.@*RESULTS@#The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and β-EP were higher and the level of 5-HT was lower in the model group than in the normal group(P<0.05);the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and β-EP were lower and the level of 5-HT was higher in the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups than in the model group(P<0.05). The levels of SP and NPY increased in the model group compared with the normal group (P<0.05) and the levels of SP and NPY decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups compared with the model group (P<0.05). The expression of p38 MAPK and MMP-3 increased in the model group compared with the normal group (P<0.05); the expression of p38 MAPK and MMP-3 decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose compared with the model group(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Midazolam may ameliorate the immune inflammatory response in rats with a model of lumbar disc herniation, possibly regulated through the p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Feasibility of enlarging the ventral space by using a drill under spinal endoscopy in the treatment of severe free lumbar disc herniation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy of spinal endoscopy in the treatment of severe free lumbar disc herniation and explore the feasibility and application of microscopic drills to expand ventral space.@*METHODS@#Thirty patients with severe free lumbar intervertebral disc herniation treated by spinal endoscopic technique from April 2019 to March 2021 were collected, including 19 males and 11 females;aged from 19 to 76 years with an average of (44.03±16.92) years old. All patients had a single segmental lesion with prolapse of the nucleus pulposus. Among them, there were 3 cases on L2,3, 3 cases on L3,4, 15 cases on L4,5, and 9 cases on L5S1. During operation, posterior bone of vertebral body and pedicle notch were removed by a drill under the endoscope to enlarge the ventral space. And the free nucleus pulposus was exposed and completely removed. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, hospital stay and postoperative neurological complications were recorded, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared before operation, 2 days, 3 months and 1 year after operation, and Macnab standard was used to evaluate clinical efficacy.@*RESULTS@#All operations were successful and the free nucleus pulposus was completely removed. Pain in the lower back and legs was significantly relieved on the day after operation. Two patients experienced transient pain and numbness in lower limbs after operation, and no serious nerve injury complications occurred. ODI and VAS at each time point after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery (P<0.01), and JOA score was significantly higher than before surgery (P<0.01). The excellent and good rates of Macnab were 66.67% (20/30), 83.33% (25/30) and 90.00% (27/30) on 2 days, 3 months and 1 year after operation, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#For severe free lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, using of a drill under endoscope to expand the ventral space can smoothly remove the free nucleus pulposus and avoid nerve damage.

Comparison of clinical efficacy between percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy and coblation nucleoplasty in the treatment of inclusive lumbar disc herniation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and target radioffrequency thermal coblation nucleoplasty(CN) on inclusive lumbar disc herniation(LDH) in different age groups, and provide a basis for clinical formulation of precise and individualized treatments.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of 219 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with PETD and CN between January 2018 and June 2021 was performed, in which 107 patients were treated with PETD and 112 with CN. Patients were stratified by age into young group(≤45 years old), middle-aged group(>45 years old and <60 years old) and older group(≥60 years old). Before treatment, 3 days, 1 month and 6 months after treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, infrared thermal imaging temperature difference (△T) and lumbar range of motion (ROM) were evaluated and clinical efficacy were compared in the different age groups between two treatment methods.@*RESULTS@#①VAS and JOA score outcomes, in the same age group and the same treatment method, the VAS and JOA scores at different time points postoperatively were obviously improved (P<0.05). For the same age group and the different treatment methods, the older group had lower VAS and higher JOA scores after PETD than after CN (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the young group and middle-aged group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS and JOA scores at the same time between age groups by PETD treatment (P>0.05). The VAS was higher and the JOA score was lower in older group than in young group and middle-aged group at 1, 6 months after CN treatment(P<0.05). ②△T and ROM outcomes, in the same age group and same treatment method, postoperative △T and ROM at different time points were obviously improved(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in △T between two methods of PETD and CN at the same age(P>0.05), there was no significant difference in ROM between young group and middle-aged group(P>0.05), ROM was higher after PETD treatment than after CN treatment(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in △T and ROM at the same time between age groups by PETD treatment(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in △T between age groups by CN treatment, but the ROM was smaller in older group than in young group and middle-aged group after CN treatment(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both PETD and CN for inclusive LDH have good efficacy, the curative benefit for older patients receiving PETD within 6 months after surgery more than CN, and CN is more appropriate for young and middle-aged patients.

Visual trephine arthroplasty assisted percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy between visual trephine arthroplasty assisted percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (VPTED) and traditional percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 60 patients with lumbar disc herniation admitted from June 2019 to December, 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 38 males and 22 females, aged from 26 to 58 years old with an average of (43.63±8.48) years, 47 cases were on L4,5 segment and 13 cases were on L5S1 segment. Among them, 32 were treated with VPTED (group A) and 28 were treated with traditional PTED (group B). The general conditions of all the patients were recorded, including intraoperative fluoroscopy times, operation time, hospital stay and surgical complications during follow-up. The arthroplasty area ratio was observed by sagittal CT at the middle level of the intervertebral foramen. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of low back pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy between two groups.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up from 9 to 15 months with an average of (12.10±1.16) months. There was no statistical difference of preoperative general data between two groups. The operation time, fluoroscopy times and hospital stay were (70.47±5.87) min, (13.66±1.34) times and (6.31±0.69) d in group A, and (90.71±7.66) min, (22.82±2.48) times and (6.54±0.92) d in group B. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times in group A were lower than those in group B(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in hospital stay between two groups (P>0.05). No obvious surgical complications were found during the follow-up in both groups. The arthroplasty area ratio in group A was (29.72±2.84)% and (29.57±2.20)% in group B, respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS, ODI and JOA score between two groups before operation and at the final follow-up(P>0.05), but the final follow-up was significantly improved(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The two surgical methods have definite clinical efficacy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Visual trephine arthroplasty assisted percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy has the advantages of high efficiency and rapidity when establishing the channel, and can significantly reduce the operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times.

Treatment of degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis with full endoscopic lamina fenestration discectomy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy of full endoscopic lamina fenestration discectomy (Endo-LOVE) with full endoscopic transforaminal approach discectomy in the treatment of degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of 48 patients with degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis between March 2018 and March 2019 was performed. There were 32 males and 16 females, aged from 60 to 83 years old with an average of (72.9±6.5) years, course of disease ranged from 5 to 16 years with an average of (8.0±2.8) years. The patients were divided into observation group and control group according to surgical approaches. There were 28 cases in observation group, underwent Endo-LOVE surgery;and 20 cases in control group, underwent full endoscopic foraminal approach discectomy. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization day and complications were observed between two groups. Visual analgue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA), Oswestry Disability Index(ODI), lateral crypt angle were compared between two groups. And clinical effects were evaluated by modified Macnab standard.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in follow-up and operation time between two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was from 5 to 15 ml with an average of (8.4±3.6) ml in observation group and 5 to 25 ml with an average of (11.5±5.4) ml in control group. The hospitalization day was from 5 to 8 days with an average of (6.0±1.0) days in observation group and 6 to 9 days with an average (7.2±1.1) days in control group. Intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization day were significantly lower in observation group(P<0.05). There were no serious complications in both groups. The VAS, JOA scores, and ODI at 3-month and final follow-up were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05), and observation group was significantly better than control group (P<0.05). The skeletal lateral crypt angle and soft lateral crypt angle were significantly greater than the preoperative angle at 3 days postoperatively(P<0.05), and observation group was significantly better than control group(P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the modified Macnab criteria was used to assess clinical efficacy, in observation group, 22 patients obtained excellent results, 5 good and 1 fair;while 11 excellent, 4 good and 5 fair in control group;the clinical efficacy of observation group was significantly better than that of control group(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both surgical methods are performed under direct vision, with high safety and good clinical efficacy. However, Endo-LOVE enlarged the lateral crypt more fully.

Thoracolombar burst fractures: short fixation, without arthrodesis and without removal of the implant / Fratura toracolombar explosão: fixação curta, sem artrodese e sem a retirada do implante

ABSTRACT Objectives: To present the functional outcomes, through the first case series in our country, of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures (A3,A4), submitted to short posterior fixation, without arthrodesis and without removal of the implants, until the end of the minimum follow-up of one year. Methods: Fifty five patients consecutively treated between January/2010 and January/2019 were evaluated through medical records and imaging exams. Radiographic analysis was performed by mea suring local and segmental kyphosis using the Cobb method. Functional assessment was analyzed using the non-specific SF-36 questionnaire and the 1983 Denis pain and work-specific questionnaire, applied after 12 months of follow-up. Results: With a loss of five patients (9%), 22 (44%) patients reported having minimal and occasional pain and 8 (16%) patients reported having no pain. Three (6%) patients responded that they were completely incapacitated. Patients had a mean score of 73.16 points in the SF-36 domains. There was a significant reduction in kyphosis in 12 months (9.1±5.2 [min-max 0-22]) compared to the preoperative period (14.9±7.8 [min-max 0-32]) ( p≤0.01). One patient required implant removal due to the symptomatic prominence of the implant. Conclusion: This case series suggests that the technique leads to satisfactory functional results, without implant failure or significant kyphosis after a minimum follow-up of 12 months of treatment. Evidence Level IV; Case series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar os desfechos funcionais, mediante primeira série de casos no nosso meio, de pacientes com fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão (A3, A4), submetidos a fixação posterior curta, sem artrodese e sem retirada dos implantes, até o final do acompanhamento mínimo de um ano. Métodos: Foram avaliados, por meio de prontuários e exames de imagem, 55 pacientes consecutivamente tratados entre Janeiro/2010 e Janeiro/2019. A análise radiográfica foi realizada medindo a cifose local e segmentar, pelo método de Cobb. A avaliação funcional analisada por meio do questionário inespecífico SF-36 e questionário específico de dor e trabalho de Denis de 1983, aplicados após os 12 meses de seguimento. Resultados: Com perda de cinco pacientes (9%), 22 (44%) pacientes relataram ter dor mínima e ocasional e 8 (16%) pacientes responderam não ter dor. Três (6%) pacientes responderam que estavam completamente incapacitados. Os pacientes tiveram uma pontuação média de 73,16 pontos nos domínios do SF-36. Houve redução significativa da cifose em 12 meses (9,1±5,2 [min-máx 0-22]) na comparação com o pré-operatório (14,9±7,8 [min-máx 0-32]) (p≤0,01). Um paciente necessitou de retirada do implante em razão da proeminência sintomática do implante. Conclusão: Esta série de casos sugere que a técnica leva a resultados funcionais satisfatórios, sem falha do implante ou cifose pós-traumática após acompanhamento mínimo de 12 meses de tratamento. Nível de Evidência IV; Série de casos.

Efficacy of full-endoscopic interlaminar and transforaminal discectomy for lumber disc herniation / Eficácia da discectomia interlaminar e transforaminal totalmente endoscópica na hérnia de disco lombar

ABSTRACT A previous study has reported the therapeutic effects of interlaminar/transforaminal approaches under full-endoscopic visualization to treat L5-S1 lumber disc herniation (LDH). However, the comparison of interlaminar/transforaminal approaches to treat other segments of LDH remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of full-endoscopic interlaminar and transforaminal lumbar discectomy to treat LDH. Methods: A total of 93 patients with LDH who underwent fully-endoscopic lumbar interlaminar/transforaminal discectomy were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into a Transforaminal group (n=41) and an Interlaminar group (n=52). Clinical efficacy was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the modified MacNab scoring system. Results: Of the 93 patients, involving segments in LDH referred to L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1. The fluoroscopy times in the Interlaminar group were smaller than that of the Transforaminal group. We found no obvious significances between the Transforaminal and Interlaminar groups regarding operation time, incision length, postoperative landing time, hospitalization, and incision healing time. Postoperative VAS and ODI scores notably improved at follow-up. Besides, almost 90% LDH patients achieved excellent/good outcomes. Conclusion: The full-endoscopic visualization technique via interlaminar and transforaminal approaches safely and effectively treat LDH. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Um estudo anterior relatou os efeitos terapêuticos das abordagens interlaminar/transforaminal sob visualização totalmente endoscópica para tratar a hérnia de disco lombar (HDL) L5-S1. No entanto, a comparação das abordagens interlaminar/transforaminal para o tratamento de outros segmentos de HDL permanece pouco clara. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia clínica da discectomia lombar interlaminar e transforaminal totalmente endoscópica no tratamento da HDL. Métodos: Foram recolhidos retrospetivamente 93 pacientes com HDL submetidos a discectomia lombar interlaminar/transforaminal totalmente endoscópica. Os pacientes foram divididos em um grupo transforaminal (n=41) e um grupo interlaminar (n=52). A eficácia clínica foi avaliada através da escala visual analógica (EVA), do índice Oswestry de incapacidade (ODI) e do sistema de pontuação de MacNab modificado. Resultados: Dos 93 pacientes, os segmentos envolvidos na HDL referiam-se a L3-4, L4-5 e L5-S1. Os tempos de fluoroscopia no grupo Interlaminar foram menores do que no grupo Transforaminal. Não encontramos significâncias óbvias entre os grupos Transforaminal e Interlaminar em relação ao tempo de operação, comprimento da incisão, tempo de pós-operatório, hospitalização e tempo de cicatrização da incisão. As pontuações EVA e ODI pós-operatórias melhoraram notavelmente no acompanhamento. Além disso, quase 90% dos pacientes com HDL obtiveram resultados excelentes/bons. Conclusão: A técnica de visualização totalmente endoscópica através de abordagens interlaminar e transforaminal trata a HDL de forma segura e eficaz. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.