Antedisplacement and fixation of thoracic vertebra-ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament complex for treatment of severe multi-level thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To introduce a technical innovation for the treatment of severe multi-level thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods: The detailed surgical procedure included isolation of vertebra-OPLL complex (VOC), implantation of screws and rods, and antedisplacement of the VOC. A patient diagnosed as multi-level thoracic OPLL with myelopathy was treated by this technique and the outcomes were reported. Results: Neurological outcomes achieved an evident improvement, with the recovery rate of modified-Japanese Orthopaedic Association score being 75%. The operation took 480 min and the intraoperative bleeding was 1 000 mL. Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed sufficient decompression of spinal cord. The occupation ratio of spinal canal improved from 86.6% to 58.8% in T2/3, and from 68.2% to 45.9% in T3/4. Conclusion: Posterior thoracic vertebra-OPLL complex antedisplacement and fixation is a feasible, theoretically safe and effective surgical option for the treatment of severe multi-level thoracic OPLL with myelopathy. The operation is simple and performed outside the spinal canal, and no ossified mass is removed. However, further studies with large-scale cases and control groups are required to reveal the applicability and safety of this technique.

Meta-analysis of calcium chemotherapeutic effect of anterior cervical subtotal vertebroplasty and posterior laminoplasty / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To systematically assess the efficacy of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) versus posterior laminoplasty (LAMP) for cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).@*METHODS@#PubMed and EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP were collected from 7 databases of ACCF, LAMP from 1970 to May 2018. According to the criteria, the articles were included and independently screened by two authors. The quality of the articles was assessed by using the MINORS scale (methodological index for non randomized studies). After extracting the data from the article, the JOA score, cervical curvature, operation time, bleeding volume, excellent and good rate, recovery rate, adverse events and secondary surgery were analyzed by using Review Manager 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#Finally, a total of 22 articles with 1 678 patients were included in this Meta-analysis, with 810 patients in ACCF group and 868 patients in LAMP group. Meta analysis results showed that the ACCF group had higher postoperative JOA scores[MD=0.63, 95%CI(0.05, 1.20), = 0.03], higher excellent rate [=1.85, 95%CI (1.14, 3.02), =0.01] and higher recovery rate [=11.90, 95%CI (5.75, 18.05), =0.000 1]. But the LAMP group has a shorter operative time [MD=52.19, 95%CI (29.36, 75.03), <0.000 01], less complications [=1.56, 95%CI (1.03, 2.35), =0.04] and less reoperations [=3.73, 95%CI (1.62, 8.57), =0.002]. There was no significant different in postoperative lordosis [MD=3.15, 95%CI(-0.14, 6.43), =0.06] and blood loss[SMD= 0.26, 95%CI(-0.05, 0.57), =0.10] between two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The recovery of functionof ACCF group was better, but operation time, complications and reoperations of LAMP group were all better than ACCF group. There was no difference in postoperative lordosis and intraoperative blood loss between two groups. However, there are some limitations in this study. Therefore, higher quality and larger sample size clinical studies are needed to further verify.

A mid-term clinical analysis of the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament with C1,2 single-door laminoplasty / 中华骨科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the mid-term clinical efficacy of extended to C1, 2 posterior single-door laminoplasty for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament combined the upper cervical spine.@*Methods@#From February 2013 to December 2015, 32 patients with cervical OPLL who were extended to C1, 2 posterior open-door laminoplasty were enrolled in our hospital (complete follow-up of 25 patients). There were 19 males and 6 females, aged 48-76 years (mean 60.1±7.0 years). Cervical spinal cord function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) spinal cord function score, and the rate of improvement in neurological function was calculated. The quality of life of patients was assessed using the neck disability index (NDI). Axial symptoms were assessed and indexed using the visual analog scale (VAS). The C0-2 angle of the cervical spine was measured by X-ray preoperative and at the last follow-up. The cervical curvature was evaluated by the C2-7 angle, and the cervical vertebra activity was observed by the dynamic X-ray of the cervical spine.@*Results@#25 patients were followed up for a period of 26-64 months (mean 35.9±8.1 months). At the last follow-up, the JOA score was 14.32±3.24, the NDI score was 7.61±1.23, and the VAS score was 1.42±0.78. The differences between the three scores were statistically significant compared with the preoperative scores. The neurological improvement rate at the last follow-up was 79.61%±13.23%. The preoperative C0-2 angle was 26.04°±6.28°, and the last follow-up was 24.92°±5.51°; the C2-7 angle was 19.55°±9.42° before surgery, and the C2-7 angle at last follow-up was 17.97°±8.80°. The C2-7 angle at last follow-up was slightly reduced compared with that preoperative, but the difference was not statistically significant. The preoperative cervical vertebra ROM was 35.31°±12.24°, and at the last follow-up it was 32.23°±9.65°. The ROM of cervical vertebrae at the last follow-up was slightly lower than that before surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant. Among them, the reduction of the ROM of overflexion was greater than that of the over-extension, which was the main reason for the decrease of ROM. The OPLL bone mass continued to grow at the last follow-up of 11 patients.@*Conclusion@#The extended to C1, 2 posterior single-door laminoplasty for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament combined the upper cervical spine can achieve adequate spinal cord decompression, satisfactory neurological improvement, and improve the postoperative cervical curvature and activity. There was no obvious change in the curvature and activity of the cervical spine, and the axial symptoms did not increase significantly, and the clinical efficacy was positive.

Surgical Reconstruction Using a Flanged Mesh Cage without Plating for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and a Symptomatic Ossified Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

OBJECTIVE: We introduce innovative method of cervical column reconstruction and performed the reconstruction with a flanged titanium mesh cage (TMC) instead of a plate after anterior corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).METHODS: Fifty patients with CSM or OPLL who underwent anterior cervical reconstruction with a flanged TMC were investigated retrospectively. Odom’s criteria were used to assess the clinical outcomes. The radiographic evaluation included TMC subsidence, fusion status, and interbody height. Thirty-eight patients underwent single-level and 12 patients underwent two-level corpectomy with a mean follow-up period of 16.8 months.RESULTS: In all, 19 patients (38%) had excellent outcomes and 25 patients (50%) had good outcomes. Two patients (4%) in whom C5 palsy occurred were categorized as poor. The fusion rate at the last follow-up was 98%, and the severe subsidence rate was 34%. No differences in subsidence were observed among Odom’s criteria or between the single-level and two-level corpectomy groups.CONCLUSION: The satisfactory outcomes in this study indicate that the flanged TMC is an effective graft for cervical reconstruction.

Comparison of three different posterior cervical approaches for treating cervical spine trauma with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament / 中华外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical application value of using laminoplasty combine with short-segment pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of cervical spine trauma patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).@*Methods@#Fifty-four cervical spine trauma patients with OPLL from June 2014 to June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed of Department of Spine Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Military Medical University. There were 31 males and 23 females, aging (68.4±4.3) years (rang: 46 to 82 years). All patients had a history of cervical spine trauma, confirmed by imaging examination of OPLL, and there are signs and symptoms related to cervical spinal cord compression. Eighteen patients underwent one-stage laminoplasty combine with short-segment pedicle screw fixation(group A), and 15 patients underwent posterior cervical laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation (group B). Twenty-one patients underwent posterior laminoplasty (C group). According to the range of OPLL and the compression of the spinal cord, the range of laminoplasty was selected. MRI scan was used to evaluated the compression condition of cervical spine and the injury condition of anterior longitudinal ligament injury and other factors that can cause local instability of the cervical spine. Posterior unilateral pedicle screw fixation (two pedicles) were performed in the instability segment. The neurological function of the patients was assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Score before surgery, the second day after surgery, 3 months, 1 year and the last follow-up. The cervical spine X-ray films were used to evaluate cervical curvature, cervical spine activity and internal fixation-related complications.@*Results@#The average follow-up time was 18 months (6-30 months). Satisfactory neurological improvement was achieved in all three groups, and no internal fixation-related complications occurred during follow-up. The range of laminoplasty was 22 cases in 4 segments (C3-C6, C4-C7) and 17 cases in 5 segments (C3-C7). Unilateral pedicle screw fixation was performed in 11 patients with C3-4 fixation and 7 patients with C4-5 fixation. Cervical curvature was basically the same in the three groups after operation and at the last follow-up. No significant changes in cervical curvature and kyphosis were observed during the follow-up period. The overall cervical mobility (C2-C7) in group A and group C had no significant difference compared with preoperative (P=0.077). The overall mobility of cervical vertebrae in group B was significantly lower than that before surgery (P=0.013).@*Conclusions@#For cervical spine trauma patients with OPLL, laminoplasty combined short-segment pedicle screw fixation can increase cervical segmental stability while extensive decompression of cervical spinal cord compression. At the same time, to some extent, the complications of postoperative axial symptoms caused by posterior cervical laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation were avoided.

Surgical Reconstruction Using a Flanged Mesh Cage without Plating for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and a Symptomatic Ossified Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

OBJECTIVE: We introduce innovative method of cervical column reconstruction and performed the reconstruction with a flanged titanium mesh cage (TMC) instead of a plate after anterior corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). METHODS: Fifty patients with CSM or OPLL who underwent anterior cervical reconstruction with a flanged TMC were investigated retrospectively. Odom’s criteria were used to assess the clinical outcomes. The radiographic evaluation included TMC subsidence, fusion status, and interbody height. Thirty-eight patients underwent single-level and 12 patients underwent two-level corpectomy with a mean follow-up period of 16.8 months. RESULTS: In all, 19 patients (38%) had excellent outcomes and 25 patients (50%) had good outcomes. Two patients (4%) in whom C5 palsy occurred were categorized as poor. The fusion rate at the last follow-up was 98%, and the severe subsidence rate was 34%. No differences in subsidence were observed among Odom’s criteria or between the single-level and two-level corpectomy groups. CONCLUSION: The satisfactory outcomes in this study indicate that the flanged TMC is an effective graft for cervical reconstruction.

Comparison of multi-mode and single-mode intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in the treatment of severe ossification of the cervical posterior longitudinal ligament with anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the application of multi-mode and single-mode intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in the treatment of severe ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine with anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion.@*METHODS@#From April 2015 to June 2018, 32 patients with severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were treated in the Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. There were 21 males and 11 females, aged 45 to 73 years old, with a mean age of 59 years old. The duration of the disease ranged from 6 to 72 months, with a mean of 39 months. The main manifestations were numbness, numbness and weakness of limbs, cotton feeling of foot stepping on lower limbs, instability of standing and walking. With the gradual aggravation of symptoms, quadriplegia, dysfunction of urine and defecation may occur. Patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine were monitored by somatosensory evoked potentials, motor evoked potentials and electromyogram patterns.@*RESULTS@#During the operation, 8 patients had abnormal amplitude of somatosensory evoked potential(SEP); 5 of them had bleeding during anterior cervical decompression procedure and were placed with too much hemostatic cotton, which caused compression of spinal cord and resulted in abnormal SEP waveform. After removal of the hemostatic cotton, SEP waveform returned ot normal; 3 patients had abnormal SEP waveform due to decreased systolic pressure, which was corrected by increased systolic pressure. Twelve patients had abnormal amplitude of motor evoked potential during monitoring, 9 of which were caused by intraoperative mis-contact with nerve root, and turned to normal after timely adjustment of position, 3 of which were caused by intraoperative inhalation of muscle relaxant during surgery. Among 11 patients with abnormal EMG waveform, 9 patients recovered to normal waveform after adjusting operation, 2 patients recovered to normal waveform after short observation, and all patients recovered to normal waveform of motor evoked potential after operation(<0.05). There were 2 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after operation, which healed spontaneously 7 days after operation, and no complications of spinal cord and nerve occurred in all patients after operation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion operation for the treatment of severe cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, various modes of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring can real-time understand spinal cord and nerve function status, significantly reduce the incidence of spinal cord and nerve injury during operation, and effectively improve the safety of operation.

Quantitative study of the effect of atlas posterior arch resection on cervical posterior decompression / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To quantitatively compare the effect of preservation or removal of atlas posterior arch on cervical posterior decompression,so as to provide a basis for reasonable selection of upper cervical spine decompression range and determination of surgical indications for atlas posterior arch resection.Methods The data of 45 patients with posterior decompression of upper cervical spine were retrospectively analyzed.According to the decompression range,the patients were divided into C2-C7 group and C1-C7 group.There were 25 cases in the C2-C7 group,19 males and 6 females,with an average age of 56.3 years (40-71 years),4 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and 21 cases of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine.All of the 25 patients underwent open-door laminoplasty:20 cases with hinge side anchoring procedure and 5 cases with preservation of the unilateral posterior muscular-ligament complex procedure (titanium cable procedure).There were 20 cases in C1-C7 group,12 males and 8 females,with an average age of 58A years (44-75 years).All of the 20 cases underwent atlas posterior arch resection as well as C2-C7 open-door laminoplasty,including anchoring procedure in 1 case,titanium miniplate procedure in 4 cases,and titanium cable procedure in 15 cases.Standardized vertebral-cord distance (SVCD) at each level from atlas to level C~ was measured on T2-weighted images of MR on the mid-sagittal plane in the neutral position pedormed 3-12 months postoperatively at each individual level.As the main outcomes,the SVCD values obtained at the same level of the two groups were compared between the two groups.Shapiro-Wilk normality test was performed on the SVCD values at C1.2 and C2 levels of two groups.The area under the normal distribution curve of SVCDs was used to calculate the corresponding residual compression rate with different magnitude of compression mass to further discover the difference of the decompression effect between the two groups.Results The SVCD obtained at the level of the anterior arch of atlas (C1),the junction of odontoid process and axis (C1,2) and the middle part of axis body (C2) in the C2-C7 group was 9.91±1.34 mm,8.35±1.27 mm,and 8.22 ±1.43 mm,respectively.The SVCD at the same levels was 11.02±1.60 mm,9.72±1.24 mm,and 9.12±1.11 mm,respectively.SVCDs differed significantly in the above range between the two groups.However,from level C2,3 to C6,7,there was no significant difference in SVCDs between the two groups.The JOA score of group C2-C7 was 11.8±2.7 preoperatively and increased significantly to 14.7±1.8 at 12 months postoperatively(t=-7.006,P＜0.001) with a recovery rate of 57.0％±32.2％.The JOA score of group C1-C7 was 11.7±2.8 preoperatively and increased significantly to 14.2±2.3 at 12 months postoperatively(t=-6.177,P＜0.001) with a recovery rate of 51.9％±32.1％.Conclusion Atlas posterior arch resection can significantly increase the decompression effect of posterior cervical surgery from the anterior arch of atlas to the middle part of axis body,but it would not increase the decompression effect at level C2.3 or below.When the magnitude of the ventral compression factor exceeds the decompression limit (8.5 mm) available with C2-C7 decompression in the range from atlas to the middle of the axis body,extending the decompression range by atlas posterior arch resection is an effective means to achieve adequate decompression.

Posterior approach laminectomy combined with localized resection of ossified posterior longitudinal ligament and dekyphosis for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of posterior approach laminectomy combined with localized resection of ossified posterior longitudinal ligament and dekyphosis for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the thoracic spine.Methods Thirty-one cases of thoracic multilevel OPLL was treated with this new technique between August of 2012 and August of 2016.Twenty-nine among the 31 cases were successfully followed up more than two years.Among these 29 cases,9 were male and the other 20 were female,with an average age of 48.5±7.1 years.The average segment number of OPLLwas 6.5±2.2 (range,3-11).The average segment number of laminectomy was 7.9±2.5 (range,4-13).There were 26 cases combined with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF).Posterior approach laminectomy combined with localized resection of OPLL and dekyphosis for multilevel OPLL in the thoracic spine was applied to all cases.Firstly,en-bloc laminectomy was performed to all the segments of OPLL.Then the nearest segment of ossification to the kyphotic apex and the most stenotie level was selected and limitedly resected.Finally,wedge-shaped osteotomy was conducted to decrease the kyphosis.The outcomes including recovery rate of myelopathy and the radiological changes were recorded during the post-operative follow-up.Single group pre and post analysis was conducted by using paired t-test.Results Twenty-seven cases underwent one-level circumferential decompression,and the other two case underwent two-level localized resection of the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament.The average operation time was 245.2±75.1 min (range,131-423 min).The average blood loss was 1 307.9±1 457.7 ml(range,300-6 000 ml).The average follow-up time was 40.2± 14.9 months (range,25-69 months).The kyphotic angle of the stenotic segments decreased 11.4°±3.5° averagely after the surgery,from pre-operative 28.7°±9.6° to post-operative 17.3°±8.6°.The decreased kyphotic angle was 7.4°±3.1 ° at the final follow-up with an average kyphotic angel of 22.3°± 10.3°.The average length of the resected ossified posterior longitudinal ligament was 11.3±3.9 mm,and the average shortening length of the spinal column was 5.0±3.0 mm (range,0.4-13.8 mm).The pre-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 4.3±2.2 averagely (range,1-9),and the final JOA score increased to 9.3±2.3 (rang,3-11).The average recover rate was 85.7％ (range,-100％ to 100％),and the rate of excellent or good was 89.7％.Among the 29 cases,6 cases occurred post-operative transient deterioration and regained a satisfactory recovery eventually;one case occurred post-operative paraplegia and never recovered;19 cases occurred post-operative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and healed under conservative treatment.Conclusion For the thoracic multilevel OPLL,one-stage posterior approach laminectomy combined with localized resection of the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament and dekyphosis can significantly improve the outcomes of the myelopathy with low rate of post-operative paraplegia.Therefore,this new surgery technique is a safe and effective treatment for multilevel OPLL in thoracic spine.

Progression of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament after Cervical Total Disc Replacement / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Total disc replacement (TDR) is frequently performed anterior approaching method for the patients diagnosed with cervical disc herniation. This study aimed to assess the degree of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) progression after cervical TDR. METHODS: Twenty-two male soldiers who underwent cervical TDR surgery from 2009 to 2016 and were followed-up for more than 12 months were enrolled. The enrolled patients were classified as; 1) patients with pre-existing OPLL and without; and 2) patient showing progression of OPLL or not. RESULTS: Twenty-two men were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up period from the surgery was 41.4 months (range, 12–114 months). The mean age of all patients was 40.7 years (range, 31–52 years). TDR-only was used in 7 cases, and the hybrid surgery (TDR+ACDF) was used in 15 cases. The incidence of progression or newly development of OPLL was significantly higher in pre-existing OPLL group (p=0.01). In 11 cases showing the progression of the OPLL, the mean size of OPLL progression was 4.16 mm (range, 0.34–18.87 mm) in the longitudinal height and 1.57 mm (range, 0.54–3.91 mm) in thickness. CONCLUSION: The progression of OPLL after cervical TDR was more frequent in patients with pre-existing OPLL than in patients without OPLL. Even though TDR is a major alternative to the treatment of cervical lesions to preserve vertebral segmental motion, careful attention should be paid to whether TDR should be used in patients with OPLL and this should be fully explained to the patient.

Anterior controllable anteriodisplacement and fusion for reoperation treatment of cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament: An observation of efficacy in 12 cases / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To evaluate the surgical outcomes of anterior controllable anteriodisplacement and fusion (ACAF) for the reoperation of the cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods Twelve cervical OPLL patients aged 52-74 (63.92±6.54) years, who had poor curative effect or aggravated symptoms after posterior decompressive surgery, were included in this study, with 7 males and 5 females. All patients underwent reoperation with ACAF between Feb. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate neurological function and pain preoperatively and 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and at final follow-up. Results The patients were followed up for 9-21 months (average [14.92±3.75] months). The neurological function was recovered to varying degrees after ACAF in all patients. The JOA score was significantly improved from 9.33±1.93 preoperatively to 14.67±2.01 at final follow-up (t=3.184, P<0.05), and the neurological function recovery rate was (71.9±21.8)%. The VAS score was significantly decreased from 5.25±1.42 preoperatively to 0.92±0.83 at final followup (t=4.025, P<0.05). Conclusion The outcomes of ACAF for the reoperation of cervical OPLL are satisfactory. ACAF significantly improves the patients' neurological function, and it is an alternative surgical treatment of the reoperation for cervical OPLL.

Analysis of Factors Contributing to Repeat Surgery in Multi-Segments Cervical Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

OBJECTIVE: Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can be treated via anterior or posterior approach, or both. The optimal approach depends on the characteristics of OPLL and cervical curvature. Although most patients can be successfully treated by a single surgery with the proper approach, renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration often requires repeat surgery.METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration requiring salvage surgery for multi-segment cervical OPLL were enrolled. Ten patients (group AP) underwent anterior approach, and 17 patients (group PA) underwent posterior approach at the initial surgery. Clinical and radiological data from initial and repeat surgeries were obtained and analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS: The intervals between the initial and repeat surgeries were 102.80±60.08 months (group AP) and 61.00±8.16 months (group PA) (p < 0.05). In group AP, the main OPLL lesions were removed during the initial surgery. There was a tendency that the site of main OPLL lesions causing renewed or newly developed neurological deterioration were different from that of the initial surgery (8/10, p < 0.05). Repeat surgery was performed for progressed OPLL lesions at another segment as the main pathology. In group PA, the main OPLL lesions at the initial surgery continued as the main pathology for repeat surgery. Progression of kyphosis in the cervical curvature (Cobb’s angle on C2–7 and segmental angle on the main OPLL lesion) was noted between the initial and repeat surgeries. Group PA showed more kyphotic cervical curvature compared to group AP at the time of repeat surgery (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The reasons for repeat surgery depend on the type of initial surgery. The main factors leading to repeat surgery are progression of remnant OPLL at a different segment in group AP and kyphotic change of the cervical curvature in group PA.

Treatment of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification of thoracic spine with posterior transforaminal spinal decompression / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To explore the safety,efficacy and outcomes of posterior transforaminal spinal cord reduction in the treatment of severe thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.Methods Since May 2010 to May 2016,21 patients with thoracic spinal stenosis with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and embedding rate of more than 50％ underwent posterior circular decompression,12 males and 9 females;age 42-71 years old,with an average of 63.3±1.6 years old.There were severe spinal cord compression symptoms before surgery.The operation was from the posterior median approach.First,the pedicle screw tract was preset in the upper and lower segments where decompression was required,and then the posterior wall of the spinal canal was removed by the "uncovering method" to complete the posterior decompression.Through the superior and inferior articular joints,the joints were removed,the intercostal nerves were pushed outward,the extracorporeal intervertebral space and intervertebral disc tissue were revealed,and the vertebral cancellous bone of the lower vertebral body was removed.Separate the adhesion of the dura mater,use the special tool to cut the upper and lower edges of the posterior longitudinal ligament,collapse,remove the posterior longitudinal ligament ossification block,and complete the decompression of the front of the spinal cord through one or both sides.Finally,the pedicle screw fixation and the intervertebral bone graft were completed.Postoperative follow-up (mean 38.5 months) CT and MRI scans were performed to observe the patency of the spinal canal and the state of the internal fixation.The Frankel graded evaluation function was restored,the JOA score was used to evaluate the neurological function,the Otani evaluation system was used to evaluate the surgical outcome,the clinical excellent rate was calculated,and the treatment effect was evaluated.Results Nineteen cases recovered after operation,and 1 case showed a transient decrease in unilateral lower extremity motor function on the second day after surgery.It returned to normal after dehydration and neurotrophic support treatment,and 1 case had bilateral lower limbs on the day after surgery.Muscle strength was transiently lost,feeling recovered after 6 hours,and exercise resumed after 48 hours.The operation time was 180-300 min,with an average of 240±23 min.The intraoperative blood loss was 168±12 ml.Postoperative spinal cord function recovered significantly.At the last follow-up,Frankel graded F in 8 cases and grade E in 13 cases.Preoperative average JOA score was 3.5,and the JOA score of the follow-up was increased from 3.5±0.98 points to 9.0±0.9 points.The improvement rate of JOA score was excellent in 14 cases,good in 5 cases,and fair in 2 cases.According to Otani system there was excellent in 14 cases,good in 6 cases,and fair in 1 case.The excellent and good rate was 95.24％.Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 3 cases and healed after symptomatic treatment.No chest occurred during the follow-up period.The vertebral instability,internal fixation loose,broken.Conclusion Posterior transforaminal spinal decompression of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification of thoracic spine can be finished using self-developed special surgical tools,which is safe,effective and can achieve full decompression of spinal cord.

Risk factors for axial symptoms after posterior cervical double door laminoplasty / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To explore and analyze the risk factors of axial symptoms after posterior cervical laminoplasty.Methods Retrospectively follow up the patients taking posterior cervical laminoplasty in Jishuitan Hospital during May 2005 to July 2011,due to multi-segmental cervical stenosis or (and) cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament.All patients' gender,diagnosis,age,preoperative neck and shoulder pain,VAS score,course of disease,presence or absence of root symptoms,medical complications,operation time,operation method,blood loss,postoperative neck support time,presence or absence of C5 nerve root paralysis,preoperative JOA and postoperative best JOA,preoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle in neutral position,flexion position,post-extension and calculate the activity were collected.Record the process of axial symptoms in details and statistically analysis by SPSS.Results All of 146 patients were followed up for 58-134 months with an average of 89.5±18.4 months.There were 57 cases of axial symptoms,the overall incidence was 39.0％;except for 7 cases with symptom relief in 6 months,the other 50 cases (34.25％ of the total number of follow-up) of the axial symptoms continued by the time of follow-up.35 patients (23.97％) were characterized by stiffness and 22 patients (18.49％) showed pain,traction and tightness.36 patients (24.66％) showed axial symptoms on the shoulder and back,10 (6.85％) appeared around the wound and 11 (7.53％) appeared on both the shoulder and the wound.Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that intraoperative blood loss (P=0.019,odds ratio(OR) 1.857,95％ CI 1.107-3.116) and postoperative best JOA score (P=0.008,0R=0.780,95％ CI:0.650-0.936) significantly affected the occurrence of postoperative axial symptoms.Multifactor Logistic regression analysis was carried out by stepwise forward method.It was found that besides the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative best JOA score,the following factors also affected the incidence of axial symptoms after operation (P＜0.05):diagnosis,preoperative age,the extension of C2-C7 Cobb angle before operation,and the operation destruction of C7 spinous process muscle stops.The diagnosis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament,preoperative age,and the extension of C2-C7 Cobb angle before operation were the protective factors for the axial symptoms,and the diagnosis of multiple segments of the cervical spinal stenosis and the operation destruction of C7 spinous process were the risk factors for the axial symptoms after the operation.Conclusion Younger,less preoperative C2-C7 Cobb extension,the operation destroys the C7 spinous process muscle stop point,more intraoperative blood loss,lower postoperative best JOA score and patients with multi-segment cervical stenosis more are more easily to have axial symptoms after posterior cervical double door laminoplasty.

Clinical study of anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion for the treatment of cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine.Methods The data of 45 cases with cervical posterior longitudinal ligament ossification treated by ACAF from March 2017 to October 2017 were retrospectively analyzed,including 25 males and 20 females,age 45-68 years,average 57.5 years.There were 18 cases involving C3 vertebral body,30 cases involving C4 vertebral body,40 cases involving C5 vertebral body,34 cases involving C6 vertebral body,and 7 cases involving C7 vertebral body.The function of the neural function was evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system at preoperation and latest follow-up.The curvature of the cervical spine was measured on the lateral X-ray film of the cervical spine,the maximum occupying ratio of the spinal canal was measured on the cross section of the CT scan,and compression of the cervical spinal cord was evaluated by the cervical MRI.Results Patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months (average,3.9 months).The improvement of neurological function was obtained in all the patients.The JOA score improvement rate at the latest follow-up was 71.3％±9.6％.The cervical lordosis was improved from preoperative 4.5°±3.8° to 10.3°±4.8° at the latest follow-up.The canal stenosis ratio was decreased from preoperative 54.3％±8.2％ to 12.5％±5.3％ at the latest follow-up.MRI showed that the cervical spinal cord was adequately decompressed in situ.No specific complications were identified that were associated with this technique.Conclusion The present study elaborates the surgical tips and demonstrates the satisfactory outcome of ACAF for the treatment of OPLL.This novel technique has the potential to serve as an alternative surgical technique for the treatment of cervical OPLL.

The progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine: A follow-up study by CT imaging after laminoplasty / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the CT imaging after laminoplasty for the patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine.Methods From June 2011 to June 2016,Retrospectively analyzed the data of OPLL patients who underwent posterior cervical open-door laminoplasty.There were 21 patients finally enrolled in this study,which consisted of 11 male and 10 female aging from 55-69,mean(61.48±4.29).The preoperative patients all had severe symptoms of spinal compression.Collected the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores(JOA) Scores of all patients for gender,age,preoperative and postoperative follow-up.The length,width and thickness of OPLL were measured by CT scan and two-dimensional reconstruction of cervical spine during preoperative and follow-up,and the average progress rate was calculated.The relationship between OPLL size before surgery and OPLL progress rate after surgery was analyzed.Results A total of 21 patients were included in this study,with an average age of 61.48±4.29 years-old.The mean follow-up time was 3.36± 1.92 years.The JOA score of cervical spine was 11.81 ± 1.75 before operationand 14.43± 1.69 at the last follow-up time (t=3.8,P＜0.01).The progression rate of OPLL length,width and thickness was 3.54± 2.89 mm/year,0.49± 0.52 mm/year and 0.34± 0.21 mm/year,respectively.Compared with the width and thickness,the average progress speed of the length was statistically significant (t=3.6,P=0.003;t=3.8,P=0.002).The progression rate of the rostraland caudal of OPLL was 1.54 ±1.19 mm/year and 1.60±1.33 mm/year (t=0.1,P=0.559).Linear regression showed that OPLL length progression speed (mm) =0.05×preoperative length + 1.23,R2=0.26 and P=0.02.Theprogression rate of width and thickness of OPLL had no correlation with preoperative OPLL width and thickness.The progression rates of local,segmental,continuous,and mixed OPLL were 3.02±0.26 mm,2.97±0.65 mm,3.65± 1.14 mm,and 3.82± 1.27 mm per year.Conclusion The JOA score of the posterior open-door laminoplasty of the cervical OPLL patients was significantly improved during a short-term follow up.CT imaging follow-up showed there was progression of OPLL in length,width and thickness,and the progression rate of length was faster than width and thickness.However,there was no significant difference between the progression of rostral and caudal of OPLL.In addition,short-term follow-up showed a positive correlation between the progression rate of OPLL length and the length of OPLL preoperation.The progress rate of mixed and continuous OPLL may be greater than that of segmental and limited OPLL.

Clinical outcomes of single open-door posterior decompression with instrumented in situ fusion for cervical ossification ofposterior longitudinal ligament / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of K-line(-) ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) between single open-door posterior decompression with instrumented in situ fusion(PDF) and laminoplasty (LMP).Methods From February 2008 to February 2015,38 cases including 30 males and 8 females underwent posterior decompression due to K-line(-) OPLL in our institution.The age ranged from 48 to 76 years,mean 56.3±9.7 years.The OPLL canal occupation ratio ranged from 38.6％ to 72.5％,mean 58.1％± 13.6％.According to surgical procedures,26 cases were in PDF group and 12 cases were in LMP group.The data collected from both groups included complications,C2-C7 Cobb angle and neurologic symptoms evaluated based on the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and JOA score recovery rate,and were analyzed with statistics in and between groups.Results All the patients were completed follow up with a mean of 3.6±2.1 years (range,2.5 to 7.0 months).At the final follow-up,the postoperative JOA score was 11.8± 1.9 points on average,improved from preoperative 7.7± 1.6 points (t=3.757,P＜0.05),the mean JOA score recovery rate was 44.2±6.7％in PDF group;and the postoperative JOA score was 9.1 ±2.1 points,improved from preoperative 7.9± 1.5 points (t=1.327,P＜0.05),the mean JOA score recovery rate was 29.5±5.0％ in LMP group.No significant difference was found in preoperative JOA score between the two groups (t=0.365,P＞0.05),however,there were significant differences in the postoperative JOA score (t=3.941,P＜0.05) and JOA score recovery rate (t=6.741,P＜0.05) at the final follow-up.In PDF group,the C2-C7 Cobb angle was 4.1±2.0°,similar with preoperative 3.8±1.6° (t=0.587,P＞0.05).On the contrary,the C2-C7 Cobb angle was-2.1°±1.8°,lower than preoperative 3.9°±1.2° (t=6.824,P＜0.05) in LMP group.Ten cases occurred C5 palsy (PDF:7;LMP:3),and 3 cases occurred wound infection (PDF:2;LMP:1).The complication rate was 34.6％ and 33.3％ (x2=0.003,P＞0.05),respectively.Conclusion Compared with LMP,PDF without correcting cervical alignment for patients with K-line(-) OPLL showed better neurological recovery and clinical efficacy.

Clinical effect of modified open-door laminoplasty with preservation of the unilateral paraspinal muscle ligament complex in treating ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified open-door laminoplasty with preservation ofthe unilateral paraspinal muscle ligament complex in treating ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine.Methods From June 2015 to July 2017,thirty-two patients with OPLL of the cervical spine who underwent modified open-door laminoplasty with preservation of the unilateral paraspinal muscle ligament complex were retrospectively analyzed(modified group).There were 20 males and 12 females with the average age of 61.72±8.41 years (range 46-75 years).The decompression segment range included three cases of C2-C6,seven cases of C2-C7,eight cases of C3-C6,and fourteen cases of C3-C7.Moreover,twenty-three patients with OPLL of the cervical spine who underwent traditional unilateral open-door laminoplasty at the same time were included as controls (control group).The demographics,operation duration,and blood loss volume was recorded.The visual analogue scale (VAS),Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA),improvement rate of JOA score and neck disability index (NDI) were recorded and analyzed at preoperation,three months after operation,six months after operation and at the final follow-up.The cervical curvature,cervical curvature index (CCI),range of motion (ROM) were measured and statistically analyzed on the lateral X-ray film of the cervical spine.The union rate of the lamina hinge and that of spinous process-lamina was measured on the cross section of the CT scan.Bilateral cervical posterior muscle volume was recorded and analyzed at cross-section plane on MRI.Axial symptoms,C5 nerve root palsy and other complications were also recorded.Results All the patients were followed-up for 6 to 18 months (mean,13.04±4.67 months in control group,11.81±4.93 months in modified group).At the final follow-up,the JOA,VAS and NDI scores improved from preoperatively 6.09±0.79 to 13.43± 1.53,4.22±1.04 to 2.83±1.15 and 25.48％±3.20％ to 8.83％±5.41％ in the control group,versus 6.28±1.05 to 13.88±1.48,4.09± 1.00 to 1.16±0.57 and 25.06％±3.24％ to 5.66％±2.46％ in the modified group.The postoperative JOA score and recovery rate of the two groups was not significantly different,whereas the VAS and NDI scores were significantly reduced in the modified group compared to the control group.The maximum cervical flexion angle,cervical curvature,ROM and CCI of control group were 6.26°± 3.31°,30.17°±4.56°,11.39°±1.95° and 9.74％±4.05％ at the final follow-up,which were reduced significantly compared to pre-operation.The maximum cervical flexion angle,cervical curvature,ROM and CCI of modified group were 10.06°± 1.93°,35.03°± 5.01°,17.03°±2.86° and 14.22％±5.00％,and there were no significant differences compared to pre-operation.There were significant differences among two groups.At the final follow-up,the posterior muscle volume of the two groups at open side was decreased compared to preoperation,but there was no significant difference between the two groups.At the last follow-up,the posterior muscle volume at hinge side was not changed compared to preoperation in modified open-door laminoplasty group,while the volume of the posterior muscle at hinge side in the traditional control group decreased compared to preoperation.The difference was statistically significant.A total of eight patients with axial symptom were present after operation.There were two patients (6％,2/ 32) in the modified group and six patients (26％,6/23) in the control group.The difference of axial symptoms incidence was statistically significant between the two groups.Conclusion Modified open-door laminoplasty with preservation of the unilateral paraspinal muscle ligament complex is an effective technique in treating OPLL of the cervical spine.The technique not only guaranteed to have good recovery of neurological function and to maintain cervical curvature and range of motion,but also contributed to decrease the occurrence of postoperative axial symptoms.

Treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament by modified laminoplasty with C3 laminectomy and C7 spinous process retention / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of modified laminoplasty with C3 laminectomy and C7 spinous process retention in the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL).Methods From February 2014 to March 2016,133 cases of OPLL were admitted,and 42 OPLLs were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.A case-control study was conducted.Twenty-two cases were included in modified group and 20 cases in traditional group.There were 13 males and 9 females in the modified surgery group,and the average age was 56.2±9.75 years (39-77 years).Modified surgery was conducted with C3 laminectomy,C4-C6 laminoplasty,resection at the upper part of the C7 lamina and retaining the C7 spinous process.Meanwhile,there were 12 males and 8 females in the traditional surgery group,with an average age of 53.7± 8.23 years (41-75 years).Patients in the traditional surgery group were treated with standard C3-C7 laminoplasty.The mean followup was 22.9±4.5 (15-29) months.The JOA,NDI scores of the two groups were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively.The physiological curvature and activity of the cervical spine before and after operation were observed,and the incidence of axonal symptoms and postoperative complications in both groups were recorded.Results The follow-up period was 15-28 months,with an average of (23.2 ± 4.8) months.There was no significant difference between the base line of two groups before operation.At the last follow-up,the JOA and NDI scores of the two groups were significantly improved.There was no difference of JOA scores between the two groups at the last follow-up,while the NDI sores at the modified group(6.56±4.78) was superior to the traditional group(9.25±7.63).The VAS score at the first day after surgery in modified group was lower than that of the traditional group.The average cervical curvature of the patients in the modified surgery group and the standard surgery group were 12.32°±8.26° and 11.56°± 8.05°,respectively.There was no significant difference between the two groups.The postoperative range of movement (ROM) of cervical spine was 39.68°±9.52° in modified group and 33.51°± 10.39° in traditional group(P＜0.05).Eight patients (19％) had augmentation of axial symptoms,including 3 patients in the modified surgery group(13.6％) and 5 patients in the standard surgery group (30％).There was no significant difference between the two groups.During the follow-up period,there were no complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage,spinal cord injury,wound infection,laminar collapse,postoperative closure,internal fixation loss or fracture.Conclusion The modified laminectomy with C3 laminectomy and C7 spinous process retentionis minimally invasive,whichachieved satisfactory decompression effect,reduced the incidence of postoperative axial symptoms and maintained the cervical ROM.

A clinical Study of C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty and C2 expansive open-door laminoplastyinupper cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effects of C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty and C2 expansive opendoor laminoplasty in upper cervical(involve or above C2 segment) ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.Methods All of 39 patients (22 males and 17 females) withcervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament up to C2 which causedcompression symptoms were operated with posterior cervical surgery in ourhospital from January 2013 to June 2017.The average age was 55.74+7.91 years old,ranging from 39 to 71 years.Among these patients,21 patients underwent C2 domelike expansive laminoplasty and 18 underwent C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty,the patients in both groups underwent the C3-C7 expansive open-door laminoplasty.The preoperative and postoperative Neck Disability Index (NDI),Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score,the xisual analog scale(VAS) and the space available for the spinal cord (SAC) of C2 segment in X-ray were measured and statistically analyzed.Results All patients were followed up,the follow-up time was from 15 to 63 months (mean 42.3±17.7 months).There was no significant difference in the general condition,NDI,JOA score and JOA score improvement rate between preoperative and postoperative follow-up in 2 groups.There were significant differences in the NDI,JOA,VAS and SAC between preoperative and postoperative follow-up in 2 groups.The VAS score in C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty group 1.52± 1.2 was significantly lower than that in C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty group 2.06±0.87(t=-2.23,P＜0.05),while the SAC in C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty group 14.11±1.023 was significantly higher than that in C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty group 1 L86± 1.014(t=-6.89,P＜0.05).No failure of internal fixation or recurrent compression was found during follow-up.Conclusion For patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament up to C2 or higher level,both C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty and C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty can achieve good results.The SAC in C2 expansive open-door laminoplastygroup was superior to that in C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty group,while the postoperative pain was more obvious.There was no significant difference in postoperative neurological recovery between the two groups.Using C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty could reduce postoperative axial pain than the C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty surgery.For patients withossified tissue in the spinal canal,which occupies more than 50％ of the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal,or with developmental spinal stenosis,C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty may berecommend to get more adequate decompression.