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

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

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

Classified reduction based on CT two-dimensional images for the surgical treatment of single segment facet joint dislocation in subaxial cervical spine / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of the classified reduction based on CT two-dimensional images for the surgical treatment of single segment facet joint dislocation in subaxial cervical spine.Methods:A retrospective case series study was made on 105 patients with single segment facet joint dislocation in subaxial cervical spine admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from January 2015 to October 2022. There were 63 males and 42 females, with the age range of 22-78 years [(47.5±3.6)years]. Preoperative American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) classification was grade A in 23 patients, grade B in 45, grade C in 22, grade D in 15 and grade E in 0. The classification of surgical approach was based on the presence or not of continuity between anterior and posterior subaxial cervical structures and the movability of the posterior cervical facet joint on CT two-dimensional images, including anterior cervical surgery if both were presented and posterior facet joint resection plus anterior cervical surgery if there was discontinuity between anterior and posterior subaxial cervical structures or posterior facet joint fusion. Reduction procedures were applied in accordance with the type of facet joint dislocation classified based on the position of the lower upper corner of facet joint, including skull traction or manipulative reduction for the dislocation locating at the dorsal side (type A), intraoperative skull traction and leverage technique for the dislocation locating at the top (type B) and intraoperative skull traction and leverage technique with boosting for the dislocation locating at the ventral side (type C). If the dislocation of two facet joints in the same patient was different, the priority of management followed the order of type C, type B and type A. The reduction success rate, operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The cervical physiological curvature was evaluated by comparing the intervertebral space height and Cobb angle before operation, at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up. The fusion rate of intervertebral bone grafting was evaluated by Lenke grading at 3 months after operation. The spinal cord nerve injury was assessed with ASIA classification before operation and at 3 months after operation. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was applied to measure the degree of cervical spinal cord dysfunction before operation and at 3 months after operation, and the final follow-up score was used to calculate the rate of spinal cord functional recovery. The occurrence of complications was observed.Results:All patients were followed up for 3-9 months [(6.0±2.5)months]. The reduction success rate was 100%. The operation time was 40-95 minutes [(58.6±9.3)minutes]. The intraoperative blood loss was 40 to 120 ml [(55.7±6.8)ml]. The intervertebral space height was (4.7±0.3)mm and (4.7±0.2)mm at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up, significantly decreased from preoperative (3.1±0.5)mm (all P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in intervertebral space height at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). The Cobb angle was (6.5±1.3)° and (6.3±1.2)° at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up, significantly increased from preoperative (-5.4±2.2)° (all P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in Cobb angle at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). The fusion rate of intervertebral bone grafting evaluated by Lenke grading was 100% at 3 months after operation. The ASIA grading was grade A in 15 patients, grade B in 42, grade C in 29, grade D in 12 and grade E in 7 at 3 months after operation. The patients showed varying degrees of improvement in postoperative ASIA grade except that 15 patients with preoperative ASIA grade A had partial recovery of limb sensation but no improvement in ASIA grade. The JOA score was (13.3±0.6)points and (13.1±0.6)points at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up, significantly improved from preoperative (6.8±1.4)points (all P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in JOA score at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). The rate of spinal cord functional recovery was (66.3±2.5)% at the last follow-up. All patients had no complications such as increased nerve damage or vascular damage. Conclusion:The classified reduction based on CT two-dimensional images for the surgical treatment of single segment facet joint dislocation in subaxial cervical spine has advantages of reduced facet joint dislocation, recovered intervertebral space height and physiological curvature, good intervertebral fusion and improved spinal cord function.

A prospective study of radiofrequency in the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To examine the effect of minimally invasive radiofrequency(RF)thermocoagulation of the posterior medial branch of the spinal nerves on lumbar facet joint(LFJ)pain in the elderly.Methods:Patients over 60 years old with LFJ pain were randomly divided into an RF group and a control group.The primary outcome measures were the numerical rating scale(NRS)for pain assessment and the proportion of patients whose NRS decreased by 2 points or more, while the secondary outcome measures were the lumbar Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI), the proportion of patients whose ODI score decreased by 15 points or more, and the Macnab criteria.Results:Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into an RF group and a control group, with 135 patients in each group, including 171 women and 99 men.Compared with baseline values, changes in NRS scores in the RF group were significantly different from those in the control group at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months[(-2.3±1.1) vs.(-1.2±1.2), (-2.3±1.1) vs.(-1.2±1.2), (-2.3±1.1) vs.(-1.2±1.2), t=13.204, 16.366, 20.319, all P<0.001], and the proportions of patients whose NRS decreased by ≥2 at the 3rd and 6th months were higher in the RF group than in the control group[61.1%(80/131) vs.26.0%(32/123), 52.9%(64/121) vs.22.5%(25/111), χ2=18.287, 11.844, both P<0.001]. Compared with baseline values, there were also significant differences in ODI score changes between the RF group and the control group at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months[(-15.2±6.7) vs.(-10.1±7.4), (-14.6±6.8) vs.(-8.6±6.2), (-13.6±8.8) vs.(-7.7±9.2), t=5.563, 8.912, 7.721, all P<0.001], and the proportions of ODI reduction ≥15 were higher in the RF group than in the control group at the 3rd and 6th months[45.8%(60/131) vs.34.1%(42/123), 36.4%(44/121) vs.27.0%(30/111), χ2=6.668, 9.825, P=0.024, 0.031]. The proportions of patients achieving outcomes categorized as excellent and effective based on the Macnab criteria were significantly higher in the RF group than in the control group at the 6th month[60.3%(73/121) vs.36.0%(40/111), 81.0%(98/121) vs.54.1%(60/111), χ2=11.787, 8.890, both P<0.001)]. Conclusions:Minimally invasive radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the posterior medial branch of the spinal nerves can effectively reduce pain of the lumbar facet joints and improve movement disorders in the elderly, and the therapeutic effect is good 6 months after the procedure.

Morphological characteristics of L 4, 5 facet joints in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To observe the morphological characteristics of L 4, 5 facet joints in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) of different spinopelvic types based on Roussouly classification. Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 142 patients with DLS who visited the department of orthopaedics in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 2018 to May 2022. There were 33 males aged 65.0±10.7 years and 109 females aged 61.8±9.6 years. The following morphological parameters of the L 4, 5 facet joint were measured on the CT images: facet joint angle (FJA), pedicle facet angle (PFA), facet joint tropism (FT) and facet joint osteoarthritis (OA) degree; the sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL) and percentage of L 4 slip distance (SDP) were measured on preoperative standing neutral lumbar radiographs. According to the Roussouly classification, the patients were divided into four groups (type I, type II, type III, and type IV). The differences of morphological parameters of the facet joints and SDP were compared among the four groups, and the correlation between the FJA and PFA was analyzed. Results:There were 142 patients, including 28 type I, 50 type II, 43 type III, and 21 type IV according to the Roussouly classification. The SDPs of type I, type II, type III, and type IV were 19.1%±3.4%, 18.6%±3.9%, 21.7%±3.9%, 25.0%±2.4%, respectively. Except for types I and II, there were statistically significant differences in pairwise comparison among all other types ( P<0.05). The FJAs in type I and type II (31.4°±6.3°, 35.2°±6.8°) were larger than those in type III (28.4°±5.6°) and type IV (23.4°±4.5°), and the FJA in type III was larger than that in type IV. Conversely, the FJA in type I was smaller than that in type II. These differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The PFAs in type I and type II (113.9°±4.9°, 111.3°±5.6°) were smaller than those in type III (116.3°±4.4°) and type IV (121.8°±3.5°), and the PFA in type III was smaller than that in type IV, while, the PFA in type I was larger than that in type II. These differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The degree of OA in both type I and type II was lower than that in type III and type IV, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the degree of OA between type I and type II and between type III and type IV ( P> 0.05). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences ( F=0.40, P=0.752) in the FT values among type I, type II, type III, and type IV (5.8°±2.3°, 5.6°±2.4°, 6.1°±1.8°, 5.9°±1.9°). Pearson correlation analysis showed that FJA was negatively correlated with PFA ( r=-0.68, P<0.001). Conclusion:In the slip segment of DLS, the facet joint morphology was part of the joint configuration in different spinopelvic types, not just the result of joint remodeling after DLS. Morphological characteristics of the facet joints and DLS interacted with each other.

Research progress of Chiari malformation type I and atlantoaxial instability / 中华骨科杂志

Chiari malformation (CM) is a group of congenital cerebellar tonsillar hernia malformations involving the craniocervical junction. Chiari malformation type I (CMI) is the most common in clinic, however its pathogenesis is still unclear, and there is no consensus on the surgical treatment standard of CMI. At present, the most widely accepted is the theory of posterior fossa incompatibility, so doctors at home and abroad use posterior fossa decompression (PFD) and posterior fossa compression with duraplasty (PFDD) as the gold standard for surgical treatment, and have their own experience and technical improvement. However, the volume of the posterior cranial fossa in some patients is no different from that in healthy people, and about 30% of the patients with CMI have poor results after posterior cranial fossa decompression. As a result, this operation cannot treat all patients with CMI. In recent years, with the development of imaging, the progress of diagnostic technology and the deepening of understanding of CM, some studies have shown that CMI may be related to atlantoaxial instability, and proposed that CMI is the secondary factor of atlantoaxial instability, and atlantoaxial fusion is the standard of surgical treatment, which has caused great controversy in academic circles. Different clinical research results of scholars support or oppose this theory: some studies have shown that the clinical symptom relief rate of patients with CMI treated with atlantoaxial fusion is 96.9%; another study showed that 70% of patients with CMI underwent atlantoaxial fusion had improved neurological function, but the overall postoperative effect was not satisfactory. In short, CMI is related to many diseases and its clinical manifestations are complex. Therefore, individualized management and treatment should be carried out in combination with the clinical manifestations and auxiliary examination results of patients.

Imaging study of simple Chiari malformation type I and atlantoaxial instability / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between simple Chiari malformation type I (CMI) and atlantoaxial instability from the imaging point of view.Methods:A retrospective analysis were performed on 46 patients diagnosed with simple CMI from January 2014 to December 2020. Forty-six normal people matched for age and sex were selected as the normal control group, while 30 patients with atlantoaxial dislocation were selected as the dislocation group. The degree of atlantoaxial joint degeneration in each group was assessed according to Weishaupt degeneration grading; the atlantoaxial joint angulation angle was measured in the control group of patients with simple CMI; and the sagittal imaging parameters of cervical spine X-ray were measured, including C 0-C 1 Cobb angle, C 0-C 2 Cobb angle, C 1-C 2 Cobb angle, C 1-C 7 Cobb angle, C 2-C 7 Cobb angle, C 7 Slope, C 2 Tilt, spino cranial angle (SCA), and C 2-C 7 sagittal vertebral axis (SVA). All radiographic parameters were measured twice independently by two spine surgeons, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were determined to demonstrate intra- and inter-observer reliability. Results:ICC ranged between 0.842 and 0.974 in the current study, demonstrating "excellent" reliability of radiographic measurements. No significant difference was noted regarding age and the distribution of genders among the three groups. There were significant differences in the distribution of Weishaupt degeneration grading of atlantoaxial joints between simple CMI, normal and dislocation group ( H=53.68, P<0.001 on the left side; H=43.39, P<0.001 on the right side). There were significant differences in the degree of atlantoaxial joint degeneration between the normal group and dislocation group (left, Z=6.60, P<0.001; right, Z=6.29, P<0.001); There were significant differences in the degree of atlantoaxial joint degeneration between the normal group and simple CMI patients (left, Z=5.31, P<0.001; right, Z=4.13, P<0.001); There were significant differences in the degree of atlantoaxial joint degeneration between simple CMI and dislocation group (left, Z=3.20, P=0.001; right, Z=3.15, P=0.002). There were significant difference in the angulation angle of the atlantoaxial articular surface between the normal group and simple CMI patients (left, Z=3.32, P<0.001; right, Z=5.74, P<0.001). There were significant differences in C 0-C 1 Cobb angle ( t=2.41, P=0.018), C 1-C 7 Cobb angle ( t=2.88, P=0.005), C 2-C 7 Cobb angle ( t=3.29, P=0.001), and C 2-C 7 SVA ( t=2.87, P=0.005) between the normal group and simple CMI patients, but there was no significant difference in other parameters. Conclusion:The degree of atlantoaxial joint degeneration in patients with simple CMI is higher than that in normal people, the angulation angle is larger, and the cervical lordosis is larger, suggesting that there may be atlantoaxial joint instability. This study provides further evidence that Chiari malformation type I is associated with atlantoaxial instability.

Radiographic and clinical outcome of crenel lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis with severe facet joint arthropathy / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the influence of different degrees of facet joint arthropathy on the indirect decompression effect of crenel lumbar interbody fusion (CLIF), and the clinical outcomes of CLIF for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with severe facet joint arthropathy (grade 3).Methods:This study reviewed a total of 269 surgical segments in 156 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated with CLIF technique from November 2016 to February 2020. According to preoperative CT images, the facet joint was graded according to Pathria classification. There are 19 segments with grade 0, 156 segments with grade 1, 67 segments with grade 2, and 27 segments with grade 3. Radiographic parameters included disc angle, anterior and posterior disc height, and bilateral intervertebral foramen height on CT, and the midsagittal canal diameter and axial central canal area. In 30 patients with at least one segment of grade 3, the clinical efficacy was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI).Results:The average the anterior and posterior intervertebral space height, intervertebral space angle, height of bilateral intervertebral foramina, spinal canal sagittal diameter and spinal canal area were significantly improved after the operation of grade 3 facet joint degeneration segment compared to preoperation. The preoperative mean spinal canal sagittal diameter and spinal canal area of grade 3 facet joint degeneration segment were significantly less than grade 1 and grade 2. The average change of spinal canal area after grade 3 articular degeneration was significantly less than that of grade 1 and 2, but there was no significant difference with that of grade 0. The posterior decompression rate was 55.56% (15/27) for grade 3, 35.82% (24/67) for grade 2, 16.03% (25/156) for grade 1, and 21.05% (4/19) for grade 0. The posterior decompression rate of grade 3 articular process degeneration was significantly higher than that of other grades ( P<0.001). Severe lateral recess stenosis and 24.24% of severe intervertebral foraminal stenosis were found in 81.48% of grade 3 degenerative segment. The 23 patients were followed up with an average of 21.62±6.52 months, and the average improvement of ODI was 24.10%±11.09%; the average VAS for leg pain and back pain were improved significantly. Conclusion:The degrees of facet joint degeneration do not prevent intervertebral space distraction of CLIF. However, because segments with severe facet joint arthropathy were usually associated with severe spinal canal stenosis, CLIF had a high rate of second-stage posterior decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with severe facet joint arthropathy.

Effect of spine-pelvis sagittal parameters and sagittal orientation of facet joint on degeneration of cranial adjacent facet joint after posterior lumbar interbody fusion / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To analyze the effect of spine-pelvis sagittal parameters and sagittal orientation of facet joint on degeneration of cranial L 3,4 facet joint (facet joint degeneration, FJD) after L 4-S 1 posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). Methods:Patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent L 4-S 1 PLIF from January 2012 to December 2016 were retrospectively investigated, there were 54 cases, including 28 males and 26 females. Age: 54.59±5.48 years (range, 45-60 years). X-ray, CT, MRI and Weishuapt grade was used to evaluate the degeneration of L 3,4 facet joint at the cranial adjacent segment. The general information and the sagittal parameters of spine pelvis at the last follow-up were compared between the two groups. The former included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), follow-up time and preoperative diagnosis. The latter included lower lumbar lordosis angle (LLL), lumbar lordosis angle (LL), pelvis incidence (PI), pelvis tilt (PT), sacrum slope (SS), the height of the intervertebral space (HD), the angle of cranial facet joint, Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) lumbar function score and improvement rate were compared at the same time. Independent sample t-test was used to compare continuous variables between groups; comparison of categorical variable components χ 2 test or Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to predict the risk factors of adjacent FJD. Results:Postoperative follow-up was 33.44±6.85 months (range, 24-36 months), there were 17 patients in the degenerative group and 37 patients in the non degenerative group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, BMI, BMD, follow-up time or preoperative diagnosis between the two groups. LLL, LL and SS also showed no significant difference. At the last follow-up, PI (56.28°±6.03° vs. 47.87°±8.30°, t=3.74, P=0.001), PT (17.90°±7.06° vs. 14.41°±5.51°, t=1.97, P=0.042) and the joint angle of the cephalic facet (58.48°±2.00° vs. 54.69°±3.01°, t=4.72, P=0.072) in the degenerative group were greater than those in the non-degenerative group. In the subgroup analysis of lumbar lordosis distribution, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ 2=9.90, P=0.006). The HD in the degenerative group 7.50±3.60 mm was significantly lower than that in the non degenerative group 9.30±2.79 mm ( t=2.00, P=0.031). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increase of PI ( OR=1.22, P=0.005) and magnified cephalic facet joint angle ( OR=2.04, P=0.008) were risk factors for adjacent segment facet degeneration. At the last follow-up, the ODI improvement rate in the degenerative group (58.14%±13.41% vs. 70.18%±8.03%, t=4.11, P<0.001) and the JOA score improvement rate (44.72%±9.53% vs. 68.86%±8.55%, t=0.43, P=0.001) were lower than those in the non degenerative group. Conclusion:The increase of PI and sagittal facet (increased joint angle of proximal facet) are risk factors of adjacent segment FJD after lumbar fusion; The abnormal distribution of lower lumbar lordosis and poor PT recovery in adjacent segment FJD patients after lumbar fusion are more obvious, which may be related to the increase of PI; After lumbar fusion, the orientation of adjacent facet joint tended to be sagittal.

Correlation between paraspinal muscle atrophy, morphological changes of facet joints and adjacent segment degeneration after lumbar fusion / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between paraspinal muscle atrophy, morphological changes of facet joints and adjacent segment disease (ASDis) after lumbar fusion operation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted among 195 patients who underwent posterior lumbar fusion again for ASDis at this institution from January 2014 to December 2020, including 29 patients with ASDis whose initial surgical fusion segment was L 4,5. According to Roussouly's staging, there were 5 cases of type I, 9 cases of type II, 10 cases of type III, and 5 cases of type IV. Another 29 cases were selected from patients without ASDis after lumbar fusion as a control group. The control group was paired 1∶1 with the ASDis group according to gender, fusion segment, and Roussouly typing of the lumbar spine. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration (FI) of paravertebral muscle, facet joint angle (F-J) and pedicle facet (P-F) angle before the first (second) operation were measured and compared between the two groups. Then logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of ASDis after posterior lumbar fusion. Finally, the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve was described, and the area under the curve (AUC) and cut-off point were calculated. At the same time, the paraspinal muscle atrophy before the second operation in ASDis group was measured. Results:The average follow-up time of 98 patients was 59.25±6.38 months (range, 49-73 months). The average body mass index (BMI) of ASDis group was 24.76±3.64 kg/m 2, which was higher than that in control group (22.24±2.92 kg/m 2) ( t=2.481, P=0.041). The average CSA and relative cross-sectional area (rCSA) of paraspinal muscle in ASDis group were 3 214.32± 421.15 mm 2 and 1.69±0.36 respectively, which were less than 3 978.91±459.87 mm 2 and 2.26±0.29 in control group ( t=10.22, P=0.012; t=9.47, P=0.038). The FI degree of paraspinal muscle in ASDis group (21.95%±5.89%) was significantly higher than that in control group (14.64%±7.11%) ( t=7.32, P=0.002). The F-J angle in ASDis group was 35.06°±3.45°, which was less than 38.39°±4.67° in control group ( t=4.76, P=0.027). The P-F angle in ASDis group was 117.39°±8.13°, which was greater than 111.32°±4.78° in control group ( t=5.25, P=0.031). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher BMI ( OR=1.34, P=0.038), smaller rCSA of paraspinal muscle ( OR=0.02, P=0.017) and higher FI of paraspinal muscle ( OR=1.58, P=0.032) were the risk factors of postoperative ASDis. The ROC curve showed that the AUC of BMI was 0.680 and the cut-off point was 22.58 kg/m 2; The AUC of the FI of paraspinal muscle was 0.716 and the cut-off point was 15.69%; The AUC of rCSA of paraspinal muscle was 0.227 and the cut-off point was 1.92. For ASDis patients, the paraspinal muscle before the second operation had a higher degree of FI (25.47%±6.59% vs. 21.95%±5.89%, t=3.99, P=0.042) and a smaller rCSA (1.52±0.28 vs. 1.69±0.36, t=3.85, P=0.038) than that before the first operation. The difference between the FI degree of paraspinal muscle before the second operation and the first operation was negatively correlated with the occurrence time of ASDis ( r=-0.53, P=0.039) , and the difference of rCSA was positively correlated with the occurrence time of ASDis ( r=0.64, P=0.043) . Conclusion:When BMI >22.58 kg/m 2, FI of paraspinal muscle >15.69%, and rCSA of paraspinal muscle <1.92, it suggests that ASDis is more likely to occur after operation. And the more obvious paraspinal muscle atrophy after the first operation, the earlier ASDis may occur. Morphological changes of facet joints cannot be used as an index to predict the occurrence of ASDis.

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 plays a role in lumbar facet joint degeneration / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of CHI3L1 on the biological function of chondrocytes and its role in lumbar facet joint degeneration.Methods:The human lumbar facet joint articular cartilage were collected, and the relative mRNA expression of CHI3L1 gene detected by quantitative fluorescence PCR. Then explored the correlation between joint degeneration and gender, age and relative mRNA expression of CHI3L1. Human chondrocytes were cultured in vitro. The effects of CHI3L1 on chondrocyte proliferation, cycling, and apoptosis, as well as expression of related inflammatory factors, were investigated. The mechanism by which CHI3L1 regulates the degeneration of articular cartilage was investigated using the signal transduction pathway protein chip.Results:There was a positive correlation between the grade of degeneration in lumbar facet joint and the relative expression of CHI3L1 gene mRNA ( r=0.76, P<0.001). There was no correlation with the patient's gender ( r=-0.12, P=0.500). A positive correlation between the age of patients and the relative expression of CHI3L1 gene mRNA was found ( r=0.47, P=0.005). Compared with the non-degenerative group, the expression of CHI3L1 gene mRNA significantly increased in the degenerative group, and the expression of CHI3L1 gradually increased with the aggravation in the grade of degeneration ( F=18.90, P<0.001). Compared with the non-degenerative group, the chondrocytes in the CHI3L1 group had significantly lower proliferation at 48 h (OD 490/fold=7.132), 72 h (OD 490/fold=4.803), 96 h (OD 490/fold=2.431) and 120 h (OD 490/fold=0.009). The ratio of chondrocytes in G1 phase, S phase and G2/M phase were 85.03%±3.05%, 12.78%±2.29% and 0.90%±0.76% in the CHI3L1 group, and 73.93%±2.73%, 22.81%±1.93% and 0.99%±0.87% in control group, respectively. There were significant differences in the percentage of chondrocytes in G1 phase ( t=4.70, P<0.001) and S phase ( t=5.80, P<0.001) between the two groups. The percentages of apoptosis in chondrocyte in CHI3L1 group and control group were 8.64%±0.76% and 5.68%±1.13%, which has a statistically difference ( t=4.47, P<0.001). The expression of IL-6 in chondrocytes of CHI3L1 group was 49.60±0.01 pg/ml, which was higher than that of 47.88±0.01 pg/ml in the control group ( t=132.70, P<0.001). The expression of TNF-α was 95.93±0.02 pg/ml, which was higher than 90.69±0.02 pg/ml in the control group ( t=376.10, P<0.001). There was significant difference in expression of IL-6 in chondrocytes between the CHI3L1 group and the control group ( t=132.72, P<0.001). The expression of TNF-α ( t=376.10, P<0.001) was statistically difference. Protein chip detected 53 proteins with significant differences in expression and 43 proteins with significant differences in protein phosphorylation levels. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify 16 signaling pathways in which the above different proteins might be involved, including ErbB, PI3K, Akt, Ras, JAK, STAT3, MAPK pathway. In the MAPK pathway, the expression of MAPK1 and RAF1 proteins was higher in the chondrocytes of the CHI3L1 group than in the control group (1.094±0.00 vs. 0.814±0.00, 0.988±0.00 vs. 0.786±0.00; t=103.16, P<0.001; t=54.32, P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the expression of MAPK1 and RAF1 proteins was significantly increased in the chondrocytes of the CHI3L1 group. Conclusion:The expression of CHI3L1 is corrected to articular cartilage degeneration. CHI3L1 is able to inhibit the proliferation of articular chondrocytes, which regulated the cycling of chondrocytes from G1 phase to S phase, promote the apoptosis of chondrocytes, and promote the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in chondrocytes. Regulation of chondrocytes biological function through the MAPK pathway, which is a potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of lumbar joint degeneration.

Anterior cage inserting for old thoracolumbar fractures with kyphosis through facet joint approach / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of anterior cage inserting for old thoracolumbar fractures with kyphosis through facet joint approach.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 patients with old thoracolumbar fractures complicated with kyphosis admitted from January 2018 to December 2019, including 14 males and 18 females. The average age was 47.3±13.1 years (range, 26-70 years). Thoracolumbar injury classification (TLICS) scores of patients with initial injury were 3-5 points, with an average of 4.0 points. After 6.3±2.9 months (range, 3-16 months) conservative treatment, intractable thorax and lumbar or back pain still existed. Anterior cage inserting via articular protrusion was performed in 15 cases and posterior screw placement and bone grafting fusion of injured vertebrae was performed in 17 cases. Preoperative sagittal Cobb angle was 27.0°±3.9° and 26.8°±4.6° in the anterior cage inserting group and fixation on fractured vertebrae group ( t=0.07, P=0.946), respectively. Sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was 4.2±1.8 cm and 4.1±2.1 cm ( t=0.14, P=0.887), respectively. The number of patients with ASIA impairment scale (AIS) of the anterior cage inserting group before surgery was 1 in grade C, 4 in grade D and 10 in grade E. However, the number of that in fixation on fractured vertebrae group was 2 in grade C, 2 in grade D and 13 in grade E. There was no significant difference between the two groups (χ 2=1.34, P=0.520). Results:All 32 patients were followed up for 12.2±3.1 months in the anterior cage inserting group and 12.0±3.3 months in fixation on fractured vertebrae group. The operative duration of the anterior cage inserting group and fixation on fractured vertebrae was 128±24.5 min and 123±40.6 min ( t=0.42, P=0.681). The intraoperative blood loss was 485±12.6 ml and 478±16.3 ml ( t=0.13, P=0.894), respectively. At the last follow-up, the improvement rate of VAS score of the anterior cage inserting group was higher than that of fixation on fractured vertebrae group (90%±10% vs. 75%±20%, t=3.17, P=0.004). The height of anterior margin of injured vertebra in the two groups was increased by 1.02±0.10 cm and 0.29±0.14 cm, the change rate of anterior cage inserting group was higher than that of fixation on fractured vertebrae group (67.1%±31.5% vs. 19.0%±14.9%, t=16.29, P<0.001). The sagittal Cobb angle of the anterior cage inserting group was significantly lower than that of fixation on fractured vertebrae group (7.4°±1.5° vs. 11.6°±2.5°, t=-5.85, P<0.001). The SVA of anterior cage inserting group was lower than that of fixation on fractured vertebrae group (1.1±0.6 cm vs. 1.6±0.6 cm, t=2.35, P=0.025). There were 15 patients in AIS grade E in the anterior cage inserting group, while 1 patient in grade D and 16 patients in grade E in fixation on fractured vertebrae group without significant difference between the two groups (χ 2=0.83, P=0.706). Conclusion:The treatment of old thoracolumbar fractures with kyphosis through facet joint approach and anterior fixation could achieve satisfied effects and could relieve pain symptoms of thoracolumbar and back, compared with posterior fusion for injured vertebra with nail and bone grafting.

Stage I anterior cervical reduction, decompression, interbody fusion and internal fixation of single-segment lower cervical injury of AO type C subtype F4 / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of stage I anterior cervical reduction, decompression, interbody fusion and internal fixation of single-segment lower cervical injury of AO type C subtype F4.Methods:A retrospective case series study was made on 45 patients with single-segment lower cervical injury of AO C type F4 subtype admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from January 2012 to December 2019. The study included 31 males and 14 females with the age of (48.5±3.7)years (range, 23-78 years). Segment of injury was located at C 4/5 in 11 patients, at C 5/6 in 19, and at C 6/7 in 15. Under general anesthesia, all patients (16 unilateral injury and 29 bilateral injury) underwent stage I anterior cervical reduction, decompression, interbody fusion and internal fixation within 24 hours after injury. The interbody fusion methods included autogenous iliac bone in 28 patients and cervical fusion cage in 17. The operation time, blood loss, reduction time and correction rate of zygapophysial joints, postoperative complications and incision healing were analyzed. The height of cervical intervertebral space and Cobb angle were measured through X-ray of lateral cervical vertebrae before operation and3 months after operation to assess the cervical physiological curvature. The type of injury was clarified according to Lenke classification through coronal and sagittal CT scanning to determine the intervertebral bone graft fusion rate. The intraspinal spinal cord decompression was observed through MRI. The nerve function was assessed before operation and 3 months after operation using American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and the improvement rate was measured. Results:All the patients were followed up for (6.1±3.6)months (range, 3-9 months). The operation time was (55.1±8.2)minutes (range, 40-75 minutes), and intraoperative blood loss was (45.2±5.3)ml (range, 40-80 ml). The Zygapophysial joint reduction took (2.1±0.5)minutes (range, 1.5-3.0 minutes), with a success rate of 100%. Surgical procedures were performed with no postoperative complications such as aggravated spinal cord injury, large vascular injury or esophageal lesion. All the patients obtained Class I incision healing at first stage. The height of cervical intervertebral space was improved from preoperative (3.3±0.6)mm to (4.9±0.8)mm at postoperative 3 months ( P<0.05). The Cobb angle was increased from preoperative (-4.6±3.6)° to (6.5±2.1)° at postoperative 3 months ( P<0.01). According to Lenke classification, the intervertebral body fusion was good at postoperative 3 months, including Grade A in 41 patients and Grade B in 4. The rest of the patients showed varying degrees of neurological recovery according to ASIA scale, except for 6 patients with ASIA Grade A. The JOA score was improved from preoperative (7.4±2.3)points to (15.0±3.2)points at postoperative 3 months ( P<0.05), with the improvement rate of (73.3±17.6)%. Conclusion:For stage I anterior cervical reduction, decompression, interbody fusion and internal fixation of single-segment lower cervical injury of AO type C subtype F4, early surgical decompression is needed so as to reduce the perched facet or dislocated zygapophyseal joints and effectively improve the cervical spinal cord function.

Finite element analysis of biomechanical properties after implantation of movable artificial lumbar spine / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect in lumbar mobility and stress of the facet joint and end plate after implantation of the movable artificial lumbar spine so as to lay a biomechanical foundation for its clinical application.Methods:Total lumbar CT data of a healthy adult male were selected to construct a finite element analysis model and its effectiveness was validated (physiological group). Two groups were replicated after removing the L 3 vertebral body and adjacent discs of the model in physiological group. One group was placed with each component of the movable artificial lumbar spine to construct the non-fusion model (non-fusion group). The other group was placed with titanium cage, titanium plate and other to construct the fusion model (fusion group). The models in the three groups were loaded with 500 N axial load and 10 Nm axial load, and the torque load was used to simulate the movement in six directions: forward flexion, backward extension, left and right lateral bending, and left and right torsion. The lumbar mobility and stress peak and distribution of the proximal facet joints (J 1-2, J 4-5), L 2 inferior endplate and L4 superior endplate at the three model operating sites (L 2-3, L 3-4) and adjacent segments (L 1-2, L 4-5) under the same conditions were compared. Results:The range of motions of the surgical site in flexion, extension, left bending, right bending, left torsion and right torsion were L 2-3of 3.9°-8.7° and L 3-4 of 3.6°-8.4° in non-fusion group, significantly increased compared with fusion group (L 2-3 0.1°-0.2°, L 3-4 0.1°-0.1°) and slightly increased compared with physiological group (L 2-3 2.3°-6.0°, L 3-4 2.3°-7.1°). The range of motions of the adjacent segments in the above six directions were L 1-2 of 1.4°-4.3° and L 4-5 of 1.4°-6.0° in non-fusion group, smaller than those in fusion group (L 1-2 2.1°-6.1°, L 4-5 3.3°-8.6°) and similar to those in physiological group (L 2-3 2.3°-6.0°, L 3-4 2.3°-7.1°). The peak values of von Mises stress in the proximal facet joints were J 1-2 of 7.07-19.21 MPa and J 4-5of 6.12-12.99 MPa in non-fusion group, similar to those in physiological group (J 1-2 8.42-18.53 MPa, J 4-5 7.49-11.70 MPa) and smaller than those in fusion group (J 1-2 10.54-21.16 MPa, J 4-5 10.63-16.13 MPa). The maximum von Mises stress of the L 2 inferior endplate and L 4 superior endplate in the above six directions was 29.39-54.72 MPa and 32.31-47.87 MPa in non-fusion group, significantly increased compared with the L 2 inferior endplate (21.20-42.07 MPa), L 4 superior endplate (22.50-36.76 MPa) and L 2 inferior endplate (11.04-29.55 MPa) in fusion group and the L 4 superior endplate (13.12-21.32 MPa) in physiological group. Conclusion:Compared with the traditional fusion prostheses, the placement of the movable artificial lumbar spine can reconstruct the range of motion of the surgical site in the direction of flexion, extension, lateral bending and torsion, greatly reduce the impact on the stress of adjacent facet joints and the range of motion of adjacent segments, and theoretically reduce the incidence of prosthesis subsidence.

The Prevalence of Asymptomatic Cervical and Lumbar Facet Arthropathy: A Computed Tomography Study

STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and degree of asymptomatic cervical and lumbar facet joint arthritis. We retrospectively reviewed 500 computed tomography (CT) scans of cervical facet joints obtained from 50 subjects. Moreover, 500 lumbar facet joints obtained from an additional 50 subjects were reviewed. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Numerous reports in the literature indicate that joint arthritis is a major source of axial neck and low back pain. However, the diagnostic value of this condition, based on degenerative changes seen on radiological studies, remains controversial because significant imaging findings may not correlate with corresponding symptoms. The CT scan is a sensitive method for facet joint evaluation and may reveal degenerative abnormalities. Previous studies have described the prevalence of facet arthropathy in symptomatic patients, according to radiological findings; however, no study to date has assessed its prevalence in asymptomatic patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the neck and abdominal CT scans of patients had been examined for non-spinal pathologies (i.e., thyroid disease, rule out cancer, ascites). Electronic medical records were reviewed to exclude patients with histories of either neck or back pain. Arthritis severity was graded using a previously published four-point CT scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of asymptomatic cervical facet arthritis (grade 1–3) was 33% (grade 1, 19%; grade 2, 11%; and grade 3, 3%). Among asymptomatic patients, 37% had scalable lumbar facet join arthritis (grade 1, 24%; grade 2, 9%; and grade 3, 4%). There was a statistically significant difference (chi-square test, p<0.0001) in the number of older individuals with arthritic degeneration at the cervical and lumbar levels compared with that of younger individuals. The C6–C7 and L5–S1 levels were the most likely to show arthritic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Arthritic changes to the cervical and lumbar facet joints are prevalent among patients, and in some cases are asymptomatic. These findings were more common in older patients and at lower spinal levels.

Validation of a new clinical sign of lumbar facet syndrome / Validação de um novo sinal clínico da síndrome da facetária lombar / Validación de un nuevo signo clínico del síndrome facetario lumbar

ABSTRACT Objective: Facet joints are true synovial joints, which derive their nerve supply from the sinuvertebral or recurrent nerve of Luschka as well as the posterior primary division of the corresponding spinal nerve. Diagnosis of low-back pain originating in the facet joints is difficult, and has traditionally relied upon invasive tests. To aid in the clinical diagnosis of this condition, the senior author described a new clinical sign. The following research project was designed to test the utility of this sign in the diagnosis of lumbar facet joint pain. Methods: We conducted a prospective evaluation of patients suspected of having low back pain secondary to facet joint involvement (Lumbar Facet joint Pain Syndrome - LFPS) during a twelve month observation period; candidate patients were evaluated clinically using the new diagnostic sign, which was then compared to findings on radionuclide bone scans and diagnostic medial branch blocks. Contingency table analysis was performed to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of the new clinical sign. Results: Contingency table analysis showed the following operating characteristics for the new diagnostic sign: Sensitivity: 70.37%, Specificity: 50%, Positive predictive value: 90.47%, Negative predictive value: 20% and accuracy 67.7%. Conclusions: Although the new clinical sign failed to show the same operating characteristics as the ones originally described, it has high sensitivity coupled with a good positive predictive value. We consider that although the sign by itself is not diagnostic of lumbar facet joint pain, its presence should alert the clinician to the diagnosis and the possibility of requiring additional testing. Level of Evidence III; Case control studyg.

RESUMO Objetivo: Articulações facetárias são verdadeiras articulações sinoviais, que inervação do Nervo sinuvertebral ou recorrente de Luschka, bem como a divisão principal posterior do nervo espinhal correspondente. O diagnóstico da dor lombar originário de articulações é difícil e tem tradicionalmente testes invasivos. Para auxiliar no diagnóstico clínico desta condição, o autor descreveu um novo sinal clínico. O seguinte projeto de pesquisa foi projetado para testar a utilidade do sinal descrito no diagnóstico da dor na articulação faceta lombar. Métodos: Foi realizada uma avaliação prospectiva de pacientes com suspeita de dor lombar secundária a faceta participação conjunta (Lombar Facet síndrome da articulação Dor - LFPs) durante um período de observação de 12 meses; pacientes candidatos foram avaliados clinicamente usando o novo sinal diagnóstico, comparados com as conclusões sobre cintilografia óssea de radionuclídeos e blocos de ramo medial diagnóstico. Análise de tabela de contingência foi realizada para calcular a sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivos e negativos e precisão do novo sinal clínico. Resultados: análise de tabela de contingência mostrou as seguintes características de funcionamento do novo sinal de diagnóstico: sensibilidade: 70,37%, especificidade: 50%, valor preditivo positivo: 90,47%, valor preditivo negativo: 20% e precisão de 67,7%. Conclusões: Apesar do novo sinal clínico não conseguir mostrar as mesmas características de operação como as inicialmente descritas, que tem uma sensibilidade elevada acoplada com um bom valor preditivo positivo, consideramos que, embora o sinal por si só - t diagnóstico da dor nas articulações faceta lombar - sua presença deve alertar o clínico do diagnóstico e a possibilidade de exigir testes adicionais. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo de caso-controleg.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Las articulaciones facetarias son verdaderas articulaciones sinoviales inervadas por el nervio sinuvertebral o recurrente de Luschka y por la división principal posterior del nervio espinal correspondiente. El diagnóstico del dolor lumbar originario de esas articulaciones es difícil y tradicionalmente las pruebas son invasivas. Para ayudar en el diagnóstico clínico de esta condición, el autor describió un nuevo signo clínico. El siguiente proyecto de investigación fue diseñado para probar la utilidad del signo descrito en el diagnóstico del dolor en las articulaciones facetarias lumbares. Métodos: Se realizó una evaluación prospectiva de pacientes con sospecha de dolor lumbar por inflamación de la articulación facetaria (síndrome facetario lumbar, SFL) durante un período de observación de 12 meses. Los pacientes candidatos fueron evaluados clínicamente usando el nuevo signo diagnóstico, que se comparó con las conclusiones de la gammagrafía ósea y los bloqueos de la rama medial. El análisis de tabla de contingencia se realizó para calcular sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivos y negativos y precisión del nuevo signo clínico. Resultados: El análisis de tabla de contingencia mostró las siguientes características de desempeño del nuevo signo diagnóstico: sensibilidad de 70,37%; especificidad de 50%; valor predictivo positivo de 90,47%; valor predictivo negativo de 20% y precisión de 67,7%. Conclusiones: A pesar de que el nuevo signo clínico no pudo mostrar las mismas características de desempeño descritas inicialmente, tiene una sensibilidad elevada acoplada con un buen valor predictivo positivo. Consideramos que, aunque el signo por sí solo no es diagnóstico de dolor en las articulaciones facetarias lumbares, su presencia debe alertar al clínico sobre el diagnóstico y la posibilidad de exigir pruebas adicionales. Nivel de Evidencia III, Estudio de caso-controlg.

Analysis of postoperative outcomes of degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral junction / Análise dos resultados pós-operatórios do degenerador da junção lombossacral / Análisis de los resultados postoperatorios de las enfermedades degenerativas de la unión lumbosacra

ABSTRACT Objective: The article presents an analysis of the clinical efficacy and causes of unsatisfactory outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral junction of the spine. Methods: Patients were allocated to one of three groups, depending on the method of surgical intervention on the lumbosacral junction: 1) (n=352) - operated by the method of microsurgical discectomy; 2) (n=83) - operated with the use of artificial IVD prostheses; 3) (n = 183) - operated with the use of interbody fusion and posterior rigid stabilization. To investigate the causes of unsatisfactory outcomes, a correlation analysis was conducted of long-term clinical outcomes with preoperative instrumental parameters in the operated segment, surgical tactics used, and the development of complications. Results: It is determined that long-term "good" clinical outcomes are associated with individual preoperative parameters of the lumbosacral junction of the spine - linear displacement, sagittal angulation, height of the interbody space, degree of IVD degeneration by ADC. Conclusion: In degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral junction of the spine, the detailed analysis of long-term clinical outcomes enable the identification of the causes that affect the development of unsatisfactory outcomes, which are individual morphostructural changes in the lower lumbar segment: the amplitude of the segmental angle, the angle of the lumbar lordosis, the degree of linear displacement of the vertebrae, the height of the interbody space, and ADC. Complex clinical and instrumental analysis enabled us to determine possible surgical tactics. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic Studies— Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Disease Outcome.

RESUMO Objetivo: O artigo apresenta a análise da eficácia clínica e as causas dos resultados insatisfatórios no tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com doenças degenerativas da articulação lombossacral da coluna vertebral. Métodos: Dependendo do método da intervenção cirúrgica na junção lombossacral, três grupos de pacientes foram alocados: 1) (n = 352) - operado pelo método de discectomia microcirúrgica; 2) (n = 83) - operado com a utilização de próteses artificiais IVD; 3) (n = 183) - operado com a utilização de fusão intercorporal e estabilização rígida posterior. Para investigar as causas de resultados insatisfatórios, foi realizada uma análise de correlação do desfecho clínico a longo prazo com parâmetros instrumentais pré-operatórios no segmento operado, táticas cirúrgicas e desenvolvimento de complicações. Resultados: Determinou-se que o resultado clínico "bom" a longo prazo está associado a parâmetros pré-operatórios individuais da junção lombossacral da coluna - deslocamento linear, angulação sagital, altura do espaço inter-corpo, grau de degeneração IVD por ADC. Conclusão: Nas doenças degenerativas da junção lombossacral da coluna vertebral, a análise detalhada do curso clínico a longo prazo, que é uma alteração morfoestrutural individual no segmento lombar inferior - a amplitude do ângulo segmentar, o ângulo de lordose lombar, o grau de deslocamento linear das vértebras, a altura do espaço de corpo intermédio, ADC, análise clínica e instrumental complexo - permitiu determinar possíveis táticas cirúrgicas. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito de característica de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El artículo presenta el análisis de la eficacia clínica y causas de los resultados insatisfactorios de tratamiento quirúrgico de los pacientes con enfermedades degenerativas de la unión lumbosacra de la columna vertebral. Métodos: Dependiendo del método de la intervención quirúrgica sobre la unión lumbosacra, se asignaron tres grupos de pacientes: 1) (n = 352) - operado por el método de la discectomía microquirúrgica; 2) (n = 83) - operado con el uso de prótesis IVD artificiales; 3) (n = 183) - operado con el uso de fusión intersomática y estabilización rígida posterior. Para investigar las causas de los resultados insatisfactorios, un análisis de correlación de los resultados clínicos a largo plazo con parámetros instrumentales preoperatorios en el segmento operado, tácticas y complicaciones quirúrgicas se llevó a cabo. Resultados: Se determina que a largo plazo "buenos" resultados clínicos están asociados con parámetros individuales preoperatorios de la unión lumbosacra de la columna vertebral - desplazamiento lineal, angulación sagital, altura del espacio intersomático, grado de degeneración IVD por ADC. Conclusión: En enfermedades degenerativas de la unión lumbosacra de la columna vertebral, el análisis detallado de los resultados clínicos a largo plazo hace posible la identificación de las causas que afectan al desarrollo de los resultados insatisfactorios, que son cambios individuales morfoestructurales en el segmento lumbar inferior - la amplitud del ángulo segmentario, el ángulo de la lordosis lumbar, el grado del desplazamiento lineal de las vértebras, la altura del espacio intersomático y ADC. El complejo análisis clínico e instrumental nos permitió determinar posibles tácticas quirúrgicas. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios pronósticos - Investigación del efecto de características de un paciente sobre el desenlace de la enfermedad.

Relationship between parameters of the lumbar facet joints in a long-term postoperative outcome / Relação entre parâmetros das ligações da faceta lombar em um resultado pós-operatório de longo prazo / Relación entre parámetros de las articulaciones facetarias lumbares en resultado postoperatorio a largo plazo

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the impact of the relationship between tropism and angulation of the lower lumbar facet joints on a remote clinical outcome after dynamic and rigid surgical interventions. Methods: Patients with degenerative diseases of the lower lumbar spine were subdivided into three groups, according to the method of surgical treatment: 1) (n=48) the use of an artificial prosthesis intervertebral disc (IVD); 2) (n=42) the use of interbody fusion combined with transpedicular and transfacet stabilization; 3) (n=51) the use of interbody fusion and bilateral transpedicular stabilization. Analysis was performed of the remote clinical parameters and neuroimaging characteristics before the operation was performed. Results: When analyzing clinical and instrumental parameters, a significant correlation was found between the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment on the VAS and Oswestry scales and the neuroimaging data on angulation and tropism of the facet joints (FJ). Conclusions: The data obtained testify to the importance of preoperative diagnosis of tropism and angulation of the lower lumbar facet joint, which enables differentiated surgical tactics to be selected, and remote clinical outcomes to be optimized. In the presence of neuroimaging parameters of Facet Joint angulation of less than 600, regardless of the presence of tropism, it is possible to perform total arthroplasty of IVD. When neuroimaging parameters of Facet Joint angulation of more than 600 are detected, rigid stabilization of the operated segment is recommended, while in the absence of tropism of Facet Joints, a contralateral transfacetal fixation is possible; in the presence of tropism, it is expedient to perform bilateral transpedicular stabilization. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic Studies—Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o impacto da relação entre tropismo e angulação das articulações lombares inferiores em um resultado clínico remoto, após intervenções cirúrgicas dinâmicas e rígidas. Métodos: Dependendo do método de tratamento cirúrgico, os pacientes com doenças degenerativas da coluna vertebral lombar inferior foram subdivididos em três grupos: 1) (n = 48) com a utilização de uma prótese de disco intervertebral artificial (IVD); 2) (n = 42) com utilização de fusão intercorporal, combinado com transpedicular e estabilização transfacetal; 3) (n = 51) com a utilização de fusão intercorporal e estabilização transpedicular bilateral. A análise dos parâmetros clínicos remotas e características de neuroimagem antes da operação foi realizada. Resultados: Quanto a análise de parâmetros clínicos e instrumentais, uma correlação significativa foi encontrada entre os resultados a longo prazo do tratamento cirúrgico com as escalas VAS e Oswestry com dados de neuroimagiologia sobre angulação e tropismo de articulações (FJ). Conclusão: Os dados obtidos atestam a importância do diagnóstico pré-operatório de tropismo e angulação da articulação faceta lombar inferior, que permite escolher táticas cirúrgicas diferenciadas e otimizar os resultados clínicos remotos. Na presença de parâmetros de neuroimagiologia de angulação de FJs menor do que 600, independentemente da presença de tropismo, é possível realizar a artroplastia total da IVD. Quando a detecção de parâmetros de neuroimagens FJ, angulação mais do que 600, a estabilização rígida do segmento operado é recomendado, enquanto que na ausência do tropismo de FJs, uma fixação transfacetal contralateral é possível; na presença de tropismo, é conveniente realizar a estabilização transpedicular bilateral. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito de característica de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de la relación entre el tropismo y la angulación de las articulaciones facetarias lumbares inferiores en un resultado clínico remoto después de intervenciones quirúrgicas dinámicas y rígidas. Métodos: Los pacientes con enfermedades degenerativas de la columna lumbar inferior se subdividieron en tres grupos de acuerdo con el método de tratamiento quirúrgico: 1) (n = 48) uso de una prótesis artificial de disco intervertebral (DIV); 2) (n = 42) uso de la fusión intersomática combinada con la estabilización transpedicular y transfacetaria; 3) (n = 51) fusión intersomática y estabilización transpedicular bilateral. Se realizó el análisis de los parámetros clínicos remotos y las características de neuroimagen antes de que se realizara la operación. Resultados: Al analizar los parámetros clínicos e instrumentales, se encontró una correlación significativa entre los resultados a largo plazo del tratamiento quirúrgico en las escalas EVA y Oswestry con datos de neuroimagen sobre la angulación y el tropismo de las articulaciones facetarias (AF). Conclusiones: Los datos obtenidos confirman la importancia del diagnóstico preoperatorio de tropismo y la angulación de la articulación facetaria lumbar inferior, lo que permite elegir tácticas quirúrgicas diferenciadas y optimizar los resultados clínicos remotos. En presencia de parámetros de neuroimagen de angulación de AF inferior a 600, independientemente de la presencia de tropismo, es posible realizar una artroplastia total de DIV Al detectar los parámetros de neuroimagen de la angulación de la articulación facetaria de más de 60°, se recomienda la estabilización rígida del segmento operado, mientras que en ausencia de tropismo de las articulaciones facetarias es posible una fijación transfacetaria contralateral; en presencia de tropismo, es conveniente realizar una estabilización transpedicular bilateral. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios pronósticos - Investigación del efecto de una característica del paciente sobre el desenlace de la enfermedad.

Essential Clinical Tips about Ultrasound Guided Cervical Intervention

This report suggests indications, detailed procedures, clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US) guided cervical interventions, such as selective nerve root block (SNRB), medical branch block (MBB), facet joint intra-articular (FJIA) injection, third occipital nerve (TON) block and greater occipital nerve (GON) block. Comparing with fluoroscopy guided transforaminal and interlaminar epidural blocks, US guided cervical interventions have similar clinical effects and superior safety. For cervical axial pain and cervicogenic headache US guided MBB or FJIA injection can be performed. Usual targets of injection are upper cervical (C2–3) for cervicogenic headache and lower cervical (C5–6) for axial neck pain. Clinical effect of US guided MBB is reported to be similar to fluoroscopy guided MBB. Instead of upper cervical (C2–3) facet joint injection, TON block is usually performed. The accuracy of US guided TON block and MBB is reported as high with confirmation of fluoroscopy. GON block can be performed for occipital neuralgia, migraine, chronic daily headache, etc. US guided GON block is much safe and supposed to be highly accurate compared with blind technique. Ultrasonography guided cervical interventions are effective to reduce pain and most of all safe procedure. We need to use ultrasonography guided intervention actively in the field of clinic.

A multicenter retrospective clinical study on "symptomatic facet of residual bone mass", a rare complication of percutaneous trasforaminal endoscopic discectomy / 中华骨科杂志

Objective Retrospective study and report on cases of "symptomatic facet of residual bone mass" caused by percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED),to analysis of its causes and revision strategies.Methods Seven cases of "symptomatic facet of residual bone mass" after PTED were found in six medical centers from July 2015 to November 2017.Weintroduced the course of diagnosis and treatment,to analysis of the causes,clinical features and revision strategies of the rare complication.Results Seven patients came from different medical centers (2 cases in Ningbo No.6 Hospital and 1 case in each of the other medical centers).The average age of the subject is 67.29±9.64 years (range from 57-83 years).Among them there were 1 male and 6 female.PTED was performed for all cases with lumbar disc herniation or stenosis.The operative segments were 1 of L2,3,2 of L3,4,3 of L4,5,1 of L5S1.Symptoms occurred immediately after surgery in all cases except one after a week of operation and another one month later.Two cases were appeared symptom of contralateral irritation,and the rest were aggravated by the original symptoms.Two cerebrospinal fluid leakage caused by bone mass piercing the dural sac.The bone mass compressed the nerve root and caused 1 case of lower limb muscle weakness.Foraminoplasty was performed during PTED in all patients.After CT scan,5 cases of bone mass were found on the same side of operation,and 2 cases were in the contralateral side.The shortest time for revision was 2 days and the longest 3 months.After conservative treatment,the symptoms were relieved in only one case.Revision surgeries were performed for all the other 6 cases,2 with microendoscopic discectomy (MED),1 mobile microendoscopic discectomy (MMED),1 small incision operation,1 PTED and 1 with minimal invasive surgery of transforaminal lumbar intervertebral fusion (MIS-TLIF).The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain was significantly relieved from 8.67±0.52 to 1.50±0.55.Conclusion FTED may lead to residual bone mass in lumbar foraminoplasty.The penetration of the bone mass block into the spinal canal can cause the compression symptoms of the corresponding segment.The patients showed the corresponding spinal canal stenosis and nerve root irritation symptoms.A revision operation is required to remove the oppressed bone mass to relieve the symptoms as soon as possible if the conservative treatment not effective.

Correlation study between facet angle and facet violation in percutaneous pedicle screw placement in lumbar vertebrae / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between the facet angle (FA) and facet violation in percutaneous pedicle screw placement in lumbar vertebrae.Methods From December 2013 to November 2016,atotal of 115 lumbar fracture or degenerative disease patients who had undertaken percutaneous pedicle screw operation was retrospectively analyzed.There were 56 males and 59 females,with an average age of 53.71±12.19 years (ranged from 15 to 77 years).Measure the FA at the level of pedicle through CT scan,diagnosis and evaluate the grade of facet joint violation after the operation.Analyzed the effect of variant FA and lumbar segment (L-L5) on the facet violation (FV) with two-way analysis of variance,and evaluate the correlation between the FA and FV in percutaneous pedicle screw placement.Results There was no significant difference between the two groups on age,gender,and body mass index.476 percutaneous pedicle screws were operated in this study:L1 144 screws,L2 136 screws,L3 64 screws,L,72 screws and L5 60 screws.The total FV rate was 30.46％ (145/476).344 screws in the upper lumbar group,and the FV rate was 28.78％ (99/344);132 screws in lower lumbar group,and the FV rate was 34.85％ (46/132).There was no significant difference of FV rate between the two groups (x2=1.66,P=0.20).The result of two-way analysis of variance indicated that the FV rate increased dramatically when FA ＞ 35° (F=20.12,P ＜ 0.001),but FV rate was not related to the lumbar segment statistically (F=0.93,P=0.45).Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed between FA and FV rate,FV grade.The result was both positive (r=0.25,P ＜ 0.001 and r=0.27,P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion The traditional C-arm fluoroscopy percutaneous pedicle screw placement technique has a high rate of FV,and the size of FA significantly affects the incidence and severity of FV.