Spine stabilization exercises are not superior to flexion exercises for ultrasound-detected muscle thickness changes in patients with chronic low back pain and lumbar spondylolisthesis / Los ejercicios de estabilización de la columna vertebral no son superiores a los ejercicios de flexión para los cambios de grosor muscular detectados por ecografía, en pacientes con lumbalgia crónica y espondilolistesis lumbar

Abstract: Introduction: exercise programs can reduce pain and improve functionality in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and chronic low back pain. However, there is still no consensus surrounding the superiority of any specific routine for exercise-induced trophic changes of lumbar muscles. The aim was to compare the changes in the primary lumbar stabilizing muscle thickness after spine stabilization exercises and flexion exercises in patients with spondylolisthesis and chronic low back pain. Material and methods: prospective, longitudinal and comparative study was carried out. Twenty-one treatment-naive patients with a diagnosis of both chronic low back pain and degenerative spondylolisthesis over the age of 50 were included. A physical therapist taught participants either spine stabilization exercises or flexion exercises to execute daily at home. The thickness of the primary lumbar muscles was measured through ultrasound (at rest and contraction) at baseline and three months. A Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were performed for comparisons, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated for associations. Results: we did not find statistically between the exercise programs: all patients presented significant changes in the thickness of the multifidus muscle but in none of the other evaluated muscles. Conclusion: there is no difference between spine stabilization exercises and flexion exercises after three months in terms of the changes in muscle thickness evaluated by ultrasound.

Resumen: Introducción: el ejercicio reduce el dolor y mejora la funcionalidad en pacientes con dolor crónico lumbar y espondilolistesis degenerativa. Sin embargo, no existe a la fecha un consenso sobre la superioridad de algún programa de ejercicio para inducir cambios tróficos de los músculos estabilizadores lumbares, por lo que el objetivo fue comparar el trofismo de estos músculos mediante ultrasonido, con dos programas de ejercicio distintos: estabilización vertebral versus ejercicios flexores. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo, longitudinal y comparativo, en veintiún pacientes mayores de 50 años, con dolor crónico lumbar y espondilolistesis degenerativa. Se entrenó a los pacientes para la ejecución diaria de ejercicio: estabilización lumbar o ejercicios flexores, los cuales fueron asignados por aleatorización como parte de un ECA en desarrollo. El trofismo muscular fue evaluado mediante ultrasonido al inicio y a tres meses. Las pruebas de U de Mann-Whitney y prueba de Wilcoxon se usaron para comparaciones entre grupos y para correlaciones se usaron los coeficientes de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: todos los pacientes presentaron ganancia en el trofismo de los músculos multífidos a tres meses, pero sin diferencias entre grupos de tratamiento. No se detectaron cambios significativos en el resto de los músculos evaluados. Conclusión: no encontramos diferencia significativa entre los ejercicios de estabilización lumbar y los ejercicios flexores, a tres meses de seguimiento, en términos de los cambios tróficos medidos por ultrasonido de los músculos estabilizadores lumbares.

Two different techniques combined with MIS-TLIF in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis:a case-control study / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the difference in clinical efficacy of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) under Quadrant channel system combined with microscope and percutaneous pedicle screw in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.@*METHODS@#A total of 114 patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis from June 2015 to February 2019, were divided into three groups according to the surgical methods, such as the MIS-TLIF under the microscope surgery group ( microscope group), MIS-TLIF combined with percutaneous pedicle screw technique surgery group(percutaneous group) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery group (open group). In the microscope group, there were 12 males and 26 females, aged from 42 to 83 years with an average of (63.29±9.09) years. In the percutaneous group, there were 16 males and 22 females, aged from 45 to 82 years with an average of (63.37±7.50) years. In the open group, there were 12 males and 26 females, aged from 51 to 82 years with an average of (63.76±8.21) years. The general conditions of operation, such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, length of surgical incision, frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative time of lying in bed were recorded to analyze the differences in surgical related indicators. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of waist and leg pain in preoperative and postoperative period (3 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months) were recorded to evaluate pain remission;Oswestry Disability Index(ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were recorded to evaluate the recovery of waist and leg function on preoperative and postoperative 12 months. The lumbar spondylolisthesis rate and intervertebral height at 12 months after operation were recorded to evaluate the reduction of spondylolisthesis. The Siepe intervertebral fusion standard was used to analyze the intervertebral fusion rate at 12 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#①All 114 patients were followed up more than 1 year, and no complications related to incision infection occurred. In the microscope group, there was 1 case of subcutaneous effusion 8 days after operation. After percutaneous puncture and drainage, waist compression, and then the healing was delayed. In the percutaneous group, 2 cases of paravertebral muscle necrosis occurred on the side of decompression, and the healing was delayed after debridement. In open group, there was 1 case of intraoperative dural tear, which was packed with free adipose tissue during the operation. There was no postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and other related complications.① Compared with microscope group, percutaneous group increased in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative wound drainage, surgical incision length, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and postoperative bed rest time. In open group, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative wound drainage, surgical incision length, and postoperative bed rest time increased, but the intraoperative fluoroscopy time decreased. Compared with percutaneous group, the intraoperative blood loss, wound drainage, surgical incision length, and postoperative bed rest time in open group increased, but operative time and the intraoperative fluoroscopy time decreased(P<0.05). ②ODI and JOA scores of the three groups at 12 months after operation were improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the three group(P>0.05). ③Compared with microscope group, the VAS of low back pain in percutaneous group increased at 3 days after operation, and VAS of low back pain in open group increased at 3 days, and 12 month after operation. Compared with percutaneous group, the VAS low back pain score of the open group increased at 3 months after operation (P<0.05). ④ The lumbar spondylolisthesis rate of the three groups of patients at 12 months afrer operation was decreased compared with that before operation(P<0.05), and the intervertebral heigh was increased compared with that before operation(P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference among three groups at 12 months afrer operation(P>0.05). ⑤ There was no significant difference between three groups in the lumbar fusion rate at 12 months afrer operation(P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The MIS-TLIF assisted by microscope and the MIS-TLIF combined with percutaneous pedicle screw are safe and effective to treat the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with single-segment, and the MIS-TLIF assisted by microscope may be more invasive, cause less blood loss and achieve better clinical efficacy.

Treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion by microscope-assisted Zista channel / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical efficacy and advantage of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion under microscope-assisted Zista channel in the treatment of degreeⅠandⅡdegenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 18 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis treated by microscope-assisted Zista channel MIS-TLIF operation from January 2017 to March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 10 males and 8 females with an average age of 59 years (48 to 70). The course of spondylolisthesis ranged from 6 months to 5 years with an average of 33 months. The segment of spondylolisthesis was L@*RESULTS@#All the patients completed the operation successfully and were followed up more than 12 months after operation. Operation time was(160.45±34.98) min, intraoperative blood loss was (88.32±21.12) ml, postoperative drainage volume was (50.34 ±18.22)ml, and walking time after operation was (20.65±6.25) h. Preoperative and postoperative at 7 days, 3 months, 12 months, VAS score of low back pain was 7.81±2.16, 4.19±1.17, 2.25±0.62 and 1.53±0.58 respectively, VAS score of leg pain was 8.47± 2.21, 3.45±0.86, 2.31±0.73 and 1.43±0.47, JOA score was 12.01±2.33, 18.56±3.12, 23.54±3.31 and 26.34±2.65. There were significant differences in VAS and JOA scores between preoperative and postoperative (@*CONCLUSION@#MIS-TLIF under microscope-assisted Zista channel has obvious minimally invasive advantages in the treatment of degreeⅠandⅡdegenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, and it is a safe and effective method.

Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis II: treatment and controversies / Espondilolistesis degenerativa lumbar II: tratamiento y controversias

Abstract: There are various approaches and surgical techniques with the objective of nerve root decompression, restrict mobility, and fusion of the listhesis. Among the techniques, posterior interbody fusion combines direct and indirect root decompression with the fusion between vertebral bodies, placing an autologous bone graft between transverse apophysis and vertebral bodies. Transforaminal lumbar and posterior interbody fusion, on the same way, look to decompress and fuse but with a different approach to the spine. The anterior approach for interbody fusion provides a better fusion rate. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion is considered less invasive, with an anterolateral transpsoas approach. The lumbar fusion technique in degenerative spondylolisthesis must be individualized. Non-fusion decompression is considered a less invasive procedure. Various studies suggest that decompression has better results when fusion is added. Surgery had several potential benefits and greater improvement in those patients who fail conservative management. An optimal technique is not conclusively identified.

Resumen: El tratamiento de la espondilolistesis degenerativa lumbar es específico para cada etapa de la enfermedad y el manejo quirúrgico no debe de ser la primera elección en la mayoría de los casos. El manejo conservador está basado en el uso de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, control de peso y rehabilitación. En caso de falla después de cuatro a seis semanas, el siguiente paso es la infiltración facetaria. En caso de dolor persistente, alteraciones neurológicas o claudicación neurogénica el siguiente paso es la cirugía. Existen varios abordajes y técnicas quirúrgicas con el objetivo de descomprimir las raíces nerviosas, restringir la movilidad y fusionar la listesis. Entre las técnicas quirúrgicas, la fusión posterior combina la descompresión directa e indirecta con artrodesis entre los cuerpos vertebrales, colocando injerto entre las apófisis transversas y los cuerpos vertebrales. La artrodesis intersomática transforaminal y posterior buscan de la misma manera la descompresión y fusión, pero con un abordaje distinto. El abordaje anterior para artrodesis intersomática provee la mejor tasa de fusión. La artrodesis intersomática lateral se considera un procedimiento menos invasivo, con un abordaje anterolateral transpsoas. La técnica de artrodesis lumbar en la espondilolistesis debe ser individualizada. La descompresión sin artrodesis se considera un procedimiento menos invasivo; varios estudios sugieren que la descompresión tiene mejores resultados cuando se agrega una artrodesis. La cirugía tiene múltiples beneficios posibles en pacientes en quienes el tratamiento conservador ha fallado. No se ha identificado una técnica óptima de tratamiento.

Early effectiveness of oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation via small incision Wiltse approach for lumbar spondylolisthesis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the early effctiveness of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with pedicle screw fixation via small incision Wiltse approach for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2016, 21 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis were treated with OLIF and pedicle screw fixation via small incision Wiltse approach. There were 9 males and 12 females, aged 57-73 years, with an average age of 64.5 years. The disease duration was 24-60 months, with an average of 34.6 months. All cases were spondylolisthesis at L 4 (15 cases of degreeⅠ, 6 cases of degreeⅡ); 1 case had vertebral arch isthmus, and 20 cases had spinal stenosis. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system was used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation and at last follow-up. Before operation and at 2 days after operation, anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and CT were taken to measure the sagittal diameter and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal, and calculate the intervertebral height and degree of spondylolisthesis. At 6 months after operation, the intervertebral fusion was evaluated by CT. Results: The operation time was 120-180 minutes, with an average of 155 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss was 100-340 mL, with an average of 225.5 mL. One patient had slight injury of lower endplate, 1 patient had numbness of thigh and weakness of hip flexion after operation, 1 patient had sympathetic nerve trunk injury. All the cases were followed up 12-18 months, with an average of 14.3 months. The symptoms of low back pain, leg pain, and numbness of lower limbs significantly relieved after operation, and there was no complication such as protrusion of fusion cage, screw breakage, and endplate collapse. At 2 days after operation, the intervertebral height, degree of spondylolisthesis, sagittal diameter of spinal canal, and cross-sectional area of spinal canal significantly improved compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). At 6 months after operation, CT showed that 1 patient had poor interbody fusion (grade Ⅲ), the other 20 patients had good interbody fusion (grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ), and the interbody fusion rate was 95.2%. At last follow-up, JOA score of lumbar spine significantly increased compared with that before operation ( t=24.980, P=0.000). Conclusion: OLIF combined with pedicle screw fixation via small incision Wiltse approach for the lumbar spondylolisthesis has minimally invasive features, such as less trauma, fewer complications, and higher intervertebral fusion rate. It is a safe and effective method.

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.

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: Prediction of functional prognosis of patients based on spinopelvic parameters / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Surgery is a common way to treat degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, but some patients have poor postoperative health and quality of life. The relationship between preoperative spine pelvic parameters and postoperative healthy quality of life is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preoperative predictors of postoperative poor improvement in healthy life quality for patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis based on spinopelvic parameters. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 186 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis who met the criteria and underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery from June 2014 to September 2017, including 87 males and 99 females. (1) All patients were examined by the whole spine X-ray films in a standing position and sagittal spinopelvic parameters were measured, including pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, L4 slope, L5 slope, and sagittal vertical axis. (2) At the last postoperative follow-up, SF-36 was used to evaluate the healthy life quality of the patients, and the patients were divided into good group and poor group according to this score. The basic data and spinopelvic parameters of the two groups were compared and the preoperative predictors of poor quality of life were analyzed by Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) All cases were followed up for 20 to 26 months, with an average of 24 months. (2) There were 127 cases in the good group and 59 cases in the poor group, with poor improvement in quality of life accounting for 32%. Group comparison revealed that sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and sagittal vertical axis were larger in the poor group than in the good group (P 0.05). (3) Logistic regression analysis identified three preoperative predictors: pelvic incidence (P 52.18°, pelvic tilt > 25.23°, and sagittal vertical axis > 3.84 cm were risk factors for poor improvement in quality of life in postoperative patients, and the AUC value of pelvic tilt (0.944) was the largest. Sufficient attention should be paid to patients with preoperative risk factors.

Imaging changes in spinal-pelvic sagittal alignment in sitting and standing positions in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Spinal-pelvic sagittal alignment is important for the diagnosis and treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, the current study of the spine-pelvic sagittal alignment in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is limited to the standing position. There is no relevant report on the spine-pelvic sagittal alignment under the sitting position. OBJECTIVE: To analyze imaging data of sitting-standing spine-pelvic sagittal alignment in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, and to determine the sagittal alignment of spine change in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients from standing position to sitting position. METHODS: Totally 44 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (12 males, 32 females; age, 50-84 years) were enrolled from Tianjin Hospital from March to September 2019. All patients took X-rays of the spine in standing and sitting positions. Through the hospital image archiving and communication system, spinal and pelvic parameters were measured, including pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and sagittal vertical axis. The parameters were compared between standing posture and sitting posture. By using Pearson’s correlation test, differences of relationship between spinal and pelvic parameters in standing versus sitting position were discussed. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tianjin Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) When moving from standing to sitting position, in 44 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients, pelvic tilt increased [(21.3±10.1)°, (34.0±10.4)°, P 0.05). (2) Whether standing or sitting position, lumbar lordosis was correlated with other parameters (P 0.05), but lumbar lordosis was also correlated with sagittal vertical axis (P < 0.05). (3) When the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients change from standing position to sitting position, the sagittal configuration of spine pelvis shows that the pelvis rotates back around the bilateral femoral heads; the pelvis shows a backward leaning state; the physiological curvature of lumbar spine becomes shallow; and the sagittal balance axis of spine moves forward.

Related factors and biomechanical characteristicsof lumbar facet joint degeneration / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Lumbar facet joint degeneration has become the focus of scholars’ research in recent years. Understanding the risk factors of lumbar facet joint degeneration plays a key role in preventing and reducing the damage to spine health. Moreover, comprehending its anatomy has important guiding significance for the treatment of spine-related diseases and related operations. OBJECTIVE: To briefly describe the anatomy and histological characteristics of the lumbar facet joints, and summarize the risk factors of lumbar facet joints degeneration. METHODS: A computer-based search of CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP database, PubMed, Elsevier and Web of Science was performed with the search terms “lumbar facet joint, joint capsule, articular direction, eneurosis, osteoarthritis, biomechanics, low back pain, intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar spondylolisthesis, lumbar degenerative scoliosis” for articles published from March 2018 to September 2019. Review, basic research and clinical research were screened by reading title and abstract. The studies with low relevance to the subject were excluded, and 60 studies were included in the final analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The main risk factors for lumbar facet joint degeneration include age, gender, abnormal stress, articular surface orientation, joint asymmetry, lumbar segment and disc degeneration. (2) When the joints degenerate, it can cause low back pain, disc degeneration, lumbar spondylolisthesis, degenerative scoliosis and other clinical diseases, which seriously affect people’s daily life and work, and reduce people’s living quality. Therefore, lumbar facet joints should not be ignored in the treatment of spine-related diseases.

Comparison of three-dimensional printing-assisted pedicle screw placement and traditional surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis: A meta-analysis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: With the development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, it has been widely used in spinal surgery. However, whether 3D printing-assisted surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis has an advantage over traditional surgery is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of 3D printing-assisted versus conventional surgery for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis using system evaluation. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials about 3D printing technology for lumbar spondylolisthesis in CNKI, Wanfang database, CBM, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched via computer from inception to November 16, 2019. The retrieved literatures were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and quality evaluation was performed. Then, the available data were extracted and analyzed with the Stata 11. 0 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Six randomized controlled trials including 394 cases were included. Among them, 201 cases were assigned to the 3D printing-assisted group and 193 cases to the conventional group. (2) Meta-analysis results showed that the 3D printing-assisted group proved significantly superior to the conventional group regrading the operation time [WMD=-38. 17, 95%CI(-43. 93, -32. 41), P=0. 00], intraoperative blood loss [WMD=-61. 61, 95%CI(-69. 19, -54. 03), P=0. 00], the frequency of fluoroscopy [WMD=-4. 89, 95%CI(-6. 38, -3. 41), P=0. 00] and the screw placement accuracy [OR=3. 89, 95%CI(2. 43, 6. 25), P=0. 00]. (3) However, in terms of the postoperative visual analogue scale scores [WMD=-0. 47, 95%CI(-1. 21, 0. 27), P=0. 215], Oswestry disability index [WMD=-1. 41, 95%CI(-2. 87, 0. 05), P=0. 058], Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores [WMD=1. 02, 95%CI(-0. 68, 2. 72), P=0. 240] and the rate of complications [OR=0. 37, 95%CI(0. 12, 1. 11), P=0. 075], no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. (4) In conclusion, the application of 3D printing technology in the surgical treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis has the advantage of shortening the operation time, reducing intraoperative blood loss and frequency of fluoroscopy and improving the accuracy of the screw placement.

Analysis of characteristics of lumbar spine-pelvic structural parameters in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the characteristics of lumbar spine-pelvic structure in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and its significance in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis(DLS).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 45 patients with simple degenerative L-segment lumbar spondylolisthesis (spondylolisthesis group) admitted from April 2015 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, which were compared with 50 healthy people with complete physical examination data in the same period(control group). Statistical analysis of the lumbar spine-pelvic structure parameters of the subjects through imaging data was performed to analyze the characteristics of the spine-pelvis of DLS patients. The degenerative characteristicsof intervertebral disc and articular process joint were observed in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Use Spearson to analyze the correlation between observation items.@*RESULTS@#The facet joint angle, lumbar lordosis angle (LL), pelvic incidence angle(PI), pelvic tilt angle (PT), sacral slope angle (SS) in spondylolisthesis group of L-segment were (36.5±11.2)°, (44.2±7.3)°, (66.5±11.6)°, ( 22.2±10.0)°, (33.4±11.3)°, respectively, while in control group were (44.4±8.2)°, (36.7±8.5)°, (55.4± 13.2)°, (14.4±7.0)°, (42.3±13.1)°. PI, LL, PT of spondylolisthesis group were obviously larger than that of control group (< 0.05), the facet joint angle and SS of spondylolisthesis group were smaller than that of control group(<0.05). The correlation analysis showed that PI value was related to the PT and SS in two group. The degree of degeneration of intervertebral disc was related to the degree of spondylolisthesis. The degree of degeneration of L-S intervertebral disc and L facet jointin spondylolisthesis group was more serious (P <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Lumbar spinal pelvic structure of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis has undergone significant changes. Lumbar lordosis and pelvic dumping phenomenon in the mechanism of lumbar degeneration plays an important role. Lumbar facet joint degeneration and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration are mutually promoted, and lumbar spondylolisthesis aggravates intervertebral disc and facet joint degeneration.

Treatment of grade I and II degree degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion under Quadrant channel / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the advantages of minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(MIS-TLIF) under Quadrant channel in the treatment of grade I and II degree degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 100 patients with grade I and II degree degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis treated from March 2014 to March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 50 patients were treated with MIS-TLIF, including 19 males and 31 females, aged from 44 to 73 years old with an average of (49.83±15.46) years old; course of disease from 6 months to 7 years with the mean of (22.18±4.74) months; L₄ slippage was in 30 cases and L₅ slippage was in 20 cases, the slippage vertebral pedicles were intact; according to Meyerding classification, 29 cases of I degree slip and 21 cases of II degree slip. Other 50 patients were treated with open-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(OPEN-TLIF), including 23 males and 27 females, aged from 40 to 77 years old with an average of(50.67±14.36) years old; course of disease from 6 months to 10 years with the mean of (20.56±5.37) months; L₄ slippage was in 33 cases and L₅ slippage was in 17 cases, the slippage vertebral pedicles were intact; according to Meyerding classification, 34 cases of I degree slip and 16 cases of II degree slip. The operation time, length of surgical incision, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, and serum creatine kinase(CK-MM) levels before surgery and 1 day after surgery were observed. Visual analogue scale(VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (JOA), and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) were compared between the two groups before and after surgery. According to the imaging data, the slip rate, intervertebral space height and slip angle of the two groups before and 12 months (last follow-up) were compared. Intervertebral fusion was evaluated according to lumbar X-ray and CT at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The clinical effect was evaluated according to the MacNab criteria at 12 months after surgery.@*RESULTS@#All the patients were followed up for 12 months. In MIS-TLIF group, operation time, length of surgical incision, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage were (118.48±21.97) min, (3.74±0.74) cm, (148.78±32.32) ml, (84.85±16.37) ml, respectively, CK-MM level was (72.31±9.79) μ/L before surgery and (415.12±25.89) μ/L at the first day after surgery. In OPEN-TLIF group, operation time, length of surgical incision, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage were (115.40±11.94) min, (8.46±0.69) cm, (219.27±48.33) ml, (157.69±31.61) ml, respectively, CK-MM level was (75.48±10.73) μ/L before surgery and (506.69±37.86) μ/L at the first day after surgery. The intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, length of surgical incision, and CK-MM level on the first postoperative day were lower in MIS-TLIF group than in OPEN-TLIF group(0.05). There were no significant differences in ODI, VAS, and JOA scores before surgery(>0.05). The ODI, VAS, and JOA scores were significantly improved after surgery(0.05). There was no significant difference in intervertebral fusion between groups at 6 and 12 months after operation(>0.05). According to the MacNab standard, 40 cases got excellent results, 7 good, 3 fair in MIS-TLIF group, and 35 cases got excellent results, 10 good, 5 fair in OPEN-TLIF group. One patient had incision exudation and delayed healing in MIS-TLIF group. And in OPEN-TLIF group, 1 patient had local muscle necrosis on the right side of L₅ and the bacterial culture of the secretions was negative in the different three times and the right internal fixation device was taken out after the second operation completely debridement, and finally obtained delayed healing.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The MIS-TLIF under Quadrant channel has advantage of minimally invasive trauma, less bleeding, faster function recovery and better effect in surgical treatment of grade I and II degree degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Progress on surgical treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis / 中国骨伤

Isthmic spondylolisthesis is a common degenerative disease of the spine and seriously affects people's quality of life. At present, surgical indications for lumbar spondylolisthesis have basically reached consensus. The surgical plan for the disease is mainly isthmus repair, decompression of spinal canal, reduction of spondylolisthesis, and spinal fusion. The principle of treatment is mainly to relieve nerve compression and restore spinal stability, but for each the specific method and degree of implementation of the link still remains controversial. Open surgery can complete decompression, reduction and fusion of severe spondylolisthesis, and rebuild the stability of the spine. However, the surgical trauma is too large. Minimally invasive surgery can reduce the damage of paravertebral soft tissue, reduce intraoperative blood loss, shorten the time of hospitalization and rehabilitation, and reduce the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Therefore, in recent years, more and more clinicians praise it, but the treatment of severe spondylolisthesis lumbar spondylolisthesis is not effective. This article reviews recent advances in surgical treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Analysis of spinopelvic sagittal parameters in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the characteristics of spinopelvic sagittal parameters in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients and the relationship between these parameters and lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods From Jun. 2016 to Jun. 2018, 42 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) were enrolled in study group, and 58 degenerative lumbar disease patients without spondylolisthesis were enrolled in control group. The general characteristics of the patients were collected. The sagittal parameters, including pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis (LL) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA), were measured on lateral X-ray films of full-length spine. The differences of general characteristics and sagittal parameters were compared between the two groups. With the lumbar spondylolisthesis rate as dependent variable and the spinopelvic sagittal parameter as independent variable, logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Results There were no significant differences in the age, gender, height or body mass of the patients between the two groups (all P>0.05). There were significant differences in the PT, PI, SS, LL, TLK and SVA between the DLS group and the control group (all P0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that LL and PT were risk factors of lumbar spondylolisthesis (both P<0.05). Conclusion The sagittal parameters (PT, PI, SS, LL, TLK and SVA) in the patients with DLS are significantly changed. LL and PT are the risk factors of lumbar spondylolisthesis.

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.

Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis with Spinal Stenosis: A Comparative Study of 5-Year Outcomes Following Decompression with Fusion and Microendoscopic Decompression

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected outcome data. PURPOSE: To compare 5-year outcomes following decompression with fusion (FU) and microendoscopic decompression (MED) in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) and to define surgical indication limitations regarding the use of MED for this condition. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There have been no comparative studies on mid- or long-term outcomes following FU and MED for patients with DLS. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients with DLS were surgically treated. Sixteen patients first underwent FU (FU group), and 25 then underwent MED (MED group). The 5-year clinical outcomes following the two surgical methods were compared using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire. RESULTS: The degree of improvement (DOI) for social life function was significantly greater in the MED group than in the FU group. Although not statistically significant, DOIs for the other four functional scores were also greater in the MED group than in the FU group. However, patients with a large percentage of slippage in the neutral position might experience limited improvement in low back pain, those with a large percentage of slippage at maximal extension might experience limited improvement in three functional scores, and those with a small intervertebral angle at maximal flexion might have limited improvement in three functional scores after MED for DLS. Therefore, we statistically compared the DOIs between the FU and MED groups regarding the preoperative percentage of slippage in the neutral position among patients with greater than 20% slippage, the preoperative percentage of slippage at maximal extension among patients with greater than 15% slippage, and the intervertebral angle at flexion among patients with angles lesser than −5°; however, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: MED is a useful minimally invasive surgical procedure that possibly offers better clinical outcomes than FU for DLS.

Long-Term Outcome of Dynesys Dynamic Stabilization for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>Many clinical studies over the past decade have indicated positive outcomes for patients treated with Dynesys dynamic stabilization for lumbar degenerative disease. However, long-term outcomes of Dynesys for lumbar spinal stenosis are rarely reported. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated with Dynesys stabilization.</p><p><b>Methods</b>Thirty-eight patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were treated with Dynesys stabilization from July 2008 to March 2010. The minimal duration of follow-up was 72 months. The patients were divided into stenosis and spondylolisthesis groups according to degenerative spondylolisthesis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographic evaluations included range of motion (ROM) and the disc heights of stabilized segments and the upper adjacent segments. We also evaluated the occurrence of radiographic and symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD).</p><p><b>Results</b>There were 23 patients in stenosis group and 15 patients in spondylolisthesis group. The ODI scores were significantly improved at the final follow-up evaluation, as compared to the baseline values (16.1 ± 5.7 vs. 57. 2 ± 14.2, t = 61.41, P < 0.01). The VAS scores for back and leg pain were significantly improved from 4.82 ± 0.89 and 4.04 ± 0.82 preoperatively to 0.93 ± 0.61 and 0.54 ± 0.51 postoperatively (t = 6.59, P < 0.01, and t = 5.91, P < 0.01, respectively). There were no differences between the two groups with respect to VAS and ODI scores. The ROM of stabilized segments decreased significantly from 7.8° ± 2.4° to 4.5° ± 1.5° (t = 7.18, P < 0.05), while the upper adjacent segments increased significantly from 8.3° ± 2.4° to 10.4° ± 2.4° (t = 2.87, P = 0.01). The change in disc height of stabilized segments was not significant (11.9 ± 2.1 preoperatively vs. 12.5 ± 1.5 postoperatively, t = 1.43, P = 0.15), whereas the decrease in disc height of the upper adjacent segments was significant (12.5 ± 2.0 preoperatively vs. 11.0 ± 1.7 postoperatively, t = 2.94, P = 0.01). The occurrence of radiographic and symptomatic ASD was 16% (6/38) and 3% (1/38), respectively.</p><p><b>Conclusions</b>Decompression and Dynesys stabilization for lumbar stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis showed good long-term clinical and radiographic results. Lumbar stenosis with or without Grade I spondylolisthesis, particularly in patients <60 years of age with mild-to-moderate lumbar disc degeneration, would be one of the main indications for the Dynesys system.</p>

Comparison of accuracy between robot-assisted and fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement for treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of the spinal robot-assisted surgical system in mild to moderate lumbar spondylolisthesis and evaluate the accuracy of its implantation. Methods: The clinical data of 56 patients with Meyerding grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) between January 2017 and December 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Among them, 28 cases were preoperatively planned with robotic arm and percutaneous pedicle screw placement according to preoperative planning (group A); the other 28 cases underwent fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, slippage type, Meyerding grade, and surgical segmental distribution between the two groups ( P>0.05). The screw insertion angle was measured by CT, the accuracy of screw implantation was evaluated by Neo's criteria, and the invasion of superior articular process was evaluated by Babu's method. Results: One hundred and twelve screws were implanted in the two groups respectively, 5 screws (4.5%) in group A and 26 screws (23.2%) in group B penetrated the lateral wall of pedicle, and the difference was significant ( χ2=9.157, P=0.002); the accuracy of nail implantation was assessed according to Neo's criteria, the results were 107 screws of degree 0, 3 of degree 1, 2 of degree 2 in group A, and 86 screws of degree 0, 16 of degree 1, 6 of degree 2, 4 of degree 3 in group B, showing significant difference between the two groups ( Z=4.915, P=0.031). In group B, 20 (17.9%) screws penetrated the superior articular process, while in group A, 80 screws were removed from the decompression side, and only 3 (3.8%) screws penetrated the superior articular process. According to Babu's method, the degree of screw penetration into the facet joint was assessed. The results were 77 screws of grade 0, 2 of grade 1, 1 of grade 2 in group A, and 92 screws of grade 0, 13 of grade 1, 4 of grade 2, 3 of grade 3 in group B, showing significant difference between the two groups ( Z=7.814, P=0.029). The screw insertion angles of groups A and B were (23.5±6.6)° and (18.1±7.5)° respectively, showing significant difference ( t=3.100, P=0.003). Conclusion: Compared to fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement, robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw placement has the advantages such as greater accuracy, lower incidence of screw penetration of the pedicle wall and invasion of the facet joints, and has a better screw insertion angle. Combined with MIS-TLIF, robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw placement is an effective minimally invasive treatment for lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Clinical efficacy of bilateral MIS-LLIF via Quadrant channels for single-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and related complications of bilateral minimally invasive transforminal lumbar interbody fusion via Quadrant channels for the treatment of single-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.Methods Sixty selective pa-tients with single-level mild and moderate degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent bilateral MIS-TLIF via Quadrant channels from August 2015 to May 2017 were retrospectived investigated.Operative time,blood loss,X-Ray exposure time,postoperative drainage and related complications were recorded.Lumbar functional improvement was defined as an improvement in the JOA.The VAS was also employed at pre and postoperation(6 months),to evaluate low back and leg pain.Intervertebral fusion was assessed by Bridwell evaluation criteria and the clinical outcome was assessed by the MacNab scale at 6 months.In addition,related complications also were be analyzed.Results All patients underwent a successful MIS-TLIF surgery,of whom 58 patients were followed up for 6 months.The operation time was 170~290 minutes (mean:220.17 minutes),intraoperative blood loss was 100~260 mL(mean:168.62 mL),intraoperative radiation exposure was 15~36 times (mean:25.60 times) and postoperative drainage was 50~163 mL(mean:103.43 mL).Different significance between 6 months post-operative follow-up and pre-operation was exhibited (P<0.05) in VAS scores (t=34.97,P=0.000).At 6 months post-operative follow-up,there were significant differences(P<0.05) compared with pre-operation in JOA scores(t=36.91,P=0.000).At 6 months post-operative follow-up,21 cases of grade 1 and 37 cases of grade 2 fusion were present as determined by the Bridwell evaluation criteria(100% fusion).MacNab scale as-sessment classified 2 patients having excellent clinical outcome and 54 patients in good clinical outcome(96.55% of patients had good to excel-lent results).Amomg 60 cases,complications observed in 6 patients,direct injuries to nerve root in 1 case,dural tears occurred in 1 case,super-ficial wound infection in 1 case,pedicle screw was pulled out during the reduction of slip because of severe osteoporosis in 1 case and leg numb-ness and pain in 2 cases. Conclusion Bilateral MIS-TLIF via Quadrant channels with less complications is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of single segment degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis,but potential complications should be prevented as well.

Effects of Suspension Training and Chiropractic on Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effects of suspension training along with chiropractic on degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods From June to December, 2016, 64 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis were randomly divided into control group (n=32) and treatment group (n=32). The control group accepted McKenzie approach, lumbar traction and functional training, while the treatment group accepted suspension training and chiropractic, for 45 days. They were evaluated with Meyerding Rating, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after treatment. Results The scores of Meyerding Rating, VAS and ODI improved in both groups after treatment (t>9.157, P<0.001), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (t>2.069, P<0.05). Conclusion Suspension training combining with chiropractic is safe and effective for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.