Comparative study of endoscopic spine surgery with and without assistance of an electromagnetic navigation surgical robot in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To compair the clinical effect of endoscopic spine surgery with and without assistance of an electromagnetic navigation surgical robot(ENSR) system in the treatment of lumbar disc herniations(LDH).Methods:From March 2021 to December 2021, 73 patients with LDH underwent endoscopic minimally invasive treatment in the Department of Spine Surgery, Limin Hospital of Weihai High District. Thirty-eight patients were treated with endoscopic spine surgery assisted by domestic ENSR system(ENSR group), and 35 patients were treated with endoscopic spine surgery alone(endoscopic group). The patients received follow up regularly by telephone or Wechat. The intraoperative fluoroscopy times, puncture times, upper facet arthroplasty times, operation time, preoperative and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores(JOA), and the MOS item short from health survey(SF-36)were compared between the 2 groups. The early postoperative efficacy was evaluated by modified MacNab criteria at 1 week after surgery. SPSS 26.0 was used to analyse the data. P<0.05 was considered that the difference was statistically significant. Results:The age, gender, body mass index(BMI) and other general data of the 2 groups were basically the same, and there was no statistically significant difference( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate of postoperative treatment between ENSR group(97.37%) and endoscopic group(94.29%)( Z=0.90, P>0.05). In terms of operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, puncture times, and plasty times, ENSR group[(67.00±17.00) min, (4±2) times, 1 time, 1 time, respectively] was compared with the endoscopic group[(82.00±16.00] min, (17±6) times, (9±5) times, (5±2) times], and the difference was statistically significant( t=3.87,12.62, 9.87, respectively, P<0.05). There were significant differences in VAS, JOA and SF-36 scores between the 2 groups between before and after surgery( F=106.42, 112.14, 26.88, respectively, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS, JOA and SF-36 scores before and after surgery between the 2 groups( F=0.95, 3.54, 0.97, respectively, P>0.05). Conclusion:The endoscopic spine surgery assisted by the ENSR can achieve satisfactory clinical results and is a safe and effective surgical assistance system. For the endoscopic surgery, assisted by the ENSR has obvious advantages in reducing the times of fluoroscopy, puncture, and facet arthroplasty, and shortening the operation time.

Different entry points of needle knife for lumbar disc herniation: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy and safety among three different entry points of needle knife, including tenderness point, intervertebral foramen point and articular process node, for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).@*METHODS@#A total of 105 patients with LDH were randomly divided into a tenderness point group (35 cases, 1 case dropped off ), an intervertebral foramen point group (35 cases) and an articular process node group (35 cases, 1 case dropped off ). In the three groups, the needle knife was given at positive tenderness points of lumbosacral and hip, the external point of intervertebral foramen and the node of vertebral joint process respectively, once a week for a total of 4 times. The scores of Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded before treatment, 2 weeks and 4 weeks into treatment, and 3 months follow-up after treatment, and the clinical efficacy and safety was observed.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the JOA scores in each group were increased 2, 4 weeks into treatment and in the follow-up (P<0.05); 4 weeks into treatment and in the follow-up, the JOA scores in the tenderness point group and the articular process node group were higher than those in the intervertebral foramen point group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, except for ODI score 2 weeks into treatment in the intervertebral foramen point group, the ODI and VAS scores in each group were decreased 2, 4 weeks into treatment and in the follow-up (P<0.05), and the ODI scores in the tenderness point group and the articular process node group were lower than those in the intervertebral foramen point group (P<0.05). In 2 weeks into treatment, the VAS scores in the tenderness point group and the articular process node group were lower than those in the intervertebral foramen point group (P<0.05); in 4 weeks into treatment and follow-up, the VAS scores in the tenderness point group were lower than the other two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the clinical efficacy of each group was similar (P>0.05); during the follow-up, the total effective rate in the tenderness point group was higher than that in the intervertebral foramen point group (P<0.05). There were no serious adverse events in each group.@*CONCLUSION@#The three different entry points of needle knife all could improve the symptoms of patients with LDH. The comprehensive effect of improving the subjective symptoms, lumbar function, pain degree and long-term curative effect is better in the tenderness point group.

Biomechanical Study of Novel Articular Process Fixation System Combined with Unilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the stability of lumbar spine after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery combined with a novel articular process fixation system (APFS). Methods Based on the validated finite element model of L3-S1 intact segment (Model A), TLIF surgery was simulated to establish bilateral pedicle screw TLIF model (Model B), right unilateral pedicle screw TLIF model (Model C), APFS combined with right pedicle screw fixation TLIF model (Model D). The range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar spine model and stress distributions on pedicle screws, APFS and interbody fusion cages under different working conditions were observed. Results The overall ROMs of Models B, C, and D under different working conditions were comparable, which were all smaller than those of the physiological model. Compared with Models B and C, the maximum compressive stress of the right pedicle screw and the interbody fusion cage in Model D was the smallest or between Models B and C under different working conditions. Model D had the largest peak stress of APFS and right pedicle screw during anterior flexion. Conclusions APFS combined with contralateral pedicle screw fixation can be used as a novel fixation method for TLIF surgery of lumbar spine.

Efficacy of acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture and acupuncture alone for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra.@*METHODS@#One hundred patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were treated with regular acupuncture at Weizhong (BL 40), points, Jiaji (L～L) and Shenshu (BL 23); the acupuncture was given once a day, six treatments per week for consecutive 2 weeks. Based on the acupuncture treatment in the control group, in the observation group the No.5 injection needle was applied to relieve the tenderness points on the transverse process and articular process of the third lumbar vertebra, followed by hydro-acupuncture with injection (1 mL per point, 7 days per injection for 2 weeks). The visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were observed before treatment, after treatment and during six-month follow-up visit in the two groups. In addition, the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Forty-eight patients completed treatment and 2 patients dropped off in the observation group, while 47 patients completed treatment and 3 patients dropped off in the control group. The total effective rate was 91.7% (44/48) in the observation group, which was significantly superior to 76.6% (36/47) in the control group (<0.05). Compared before treatment, the VAS and ODI in the two groups were reduced after treatment and during six-month follow-up visit, while the JOA was increased (all <0.05); the VAS and ODI in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, while JOA in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture are effective for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra, and could significantly improve lumbar function and relieve the pain symptoms, which is superior to regular acupuncture.

Observation of the curative effect of ganglioside intravenous injection combined with intrathecal injection after operation on incomplete spinal injury / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the clinical effect on incomplete spinal injury by ganglioside intravenous injection combined with intrathecal injection.Methods From January 2011 to January 2015, seventy-nine cases with irreducible articular process interlocking of cervical spine fracture with dislocation of cervical spinal cord injury,underwent one stage anterior and posterior surgical treatment,postoperative routine use of antibiotics to prevent infection,and the hormone,dehydration to promote bone cell growth and neurotrophic drugs treatment.The patients were randomly divided into the intravenous injection group(42 cases),given intravenous injection of monalsialic acid four hexose ganglioside sodium(GM-1)40 mg/d,mecobalamin tablets 0.5 mg/time,3 times/d,30 d oral;the combined intrathecal injection group(37 cases)was given GM-1 40 mg/d,intravenous injection at 15 d after intrathecal injection,1 time a week 40 mg,with a total of 4 weeks.The degree of spinal cord injury was evaluated according to Frankel classification; cervical function was evaluated according to JOA score; bone graft fusion,stability of cervical spine and degree of spinal cord injury were evaluated by imaging.Results The operation time in the intravenous injection group and the combined intrathecal injection group were(4.15 ± 0.65)h and(4.10 ± 0.85)h,and the intraoperative blood loss was(850.50±35.10)ml and(858.60±25.20)ml,respectively,and there were no significant differences between the two groups(t=1.375,1.452,P>0.05).The total dose of GM-1 in the combined intrathecal injection group was(785.20 ± 3.28)mg,significantly higher than that in the intravenous injection group((610.55 ± 5.28) mg),the difference was statistically significant(t=12.542,P<0.05);79 patients were followed up for 12-24 months,with an average of(15.2 ± 1.3)months.The improvement rate of nerve function of the combined intrathecal injection group was(64.35±4.33)%,significantly higher than that in the intravenous injection group (55.50±5.44)%,the difference was statistically significant(t=8.813,P<0.05);the postoperative JOA scores of the intravenous injection group((13.55 ± 1.75)points)and combined intrathecal injection group((12.85 ±1.97)points)were significantly higher than those before the surgery((7.25± 0.83)points,(7.19± 0.93) points),the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the JOA scores between the two groups before and after the operation(P>0.05).At the last follow-up,X-ray showed bone fusion at the bone graft site,and the internal fixation was good and firm.MR showed that the degeneration signal area of the cervical spinal cord decreased in varying degrees,and edema and inflammatory reaction disappeared.Conclusion Postoperative treatment of ganglioside intravenous injection combined with intrathecal injection is safe and feasible in the treatment of incomplete cervical spinal cord injury caused by cervical fracture dislocation with irreducible articular process interlocking.

Distribution characteristics of the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerves around the lumbar facet joints and its clinical significance / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To examine the distribution characteristics the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerves around the lumbar facet joints, so as to explore the localization and targeting of the medial branch of the posterior branch in neurectomy.MethodsFive corpses were dissected, and the anatomical relationships between the medial branches of the posterior branch of the spinal nerves and the facet joints were examined.Measured the distances from the lateral port of the bone fiber tube,the articular process of the facet joint and the superior articular process to the spinous processes.Results The medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerve was close to the root of the articular process and the transverse process,which was not easy to be explored and dissected.Meanwhile, it was easily traced after the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerve ran through the fibrous tube.Conclusion It may improve the safety and effective when the techniques of medial branch block is performed after the medial branch ran through the fibrous tube.

Fifth lumbar vertebra associated with absence of spinous process, laminae and inferior articular processes – A case report.

Background: The vertebral disorders are the ones which lead to disability and lot of health problems. Since the lumbar part of the vertebral column is the main weight bearing and weight transmitting region, if there is a defective development, the area for muscle attachment and the strong bony structure for the transmission of weight would be missing leading to instability at an early age. In the present case dry and processed fifth lumbar vertebra, of unknown sex which presented the features with absence of spinous process, laminae and the inferior articular processes on both sides which were obtained for teaching the medical undergraduate students in M.S.Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore. There was absence of spinous process, laminae and the inferior articular processes of fifth lumbar vertebra leading to a wide spina bifida with absence of laminae, inferior articular processes on both sides and spinous process of fifth lumbar vertebra which could be a developmental anomaly.

Congenital Absence of Unilateral Lumbar Articular Process: A Case Report

A congenital absence of a lumbar articular process is a rare condition with an uncertain etiology. However, an intervertebral instability caused by this anomaly can cause occasional lower back pain. A 20 years old man presented with lower back pain. The physical examination revealed no neurological deficits. Plain radiographs of the lumbar spine revealed an absence of the left inferior articular process at the fourth lumbar vertebra associated with hypoplasia of the left lamina. The patient's symptoms were resolved after conservative treatment. We report a case of a congenital absence of articular process at the fourth lumbar vertebra.

Coincidental Congenital Absence of the Posterior Arch of the Atlas and the Unilateral Lumbosacral Articular Process: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We encountered a case of coincidental congenital complete absence of the posterior arch of the atlas and the unilateral lumbosacral articular process. A 21-year-old man presented with pain in the lower back and right buttock. The patient was a swimming coach. On plain radiography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the congenital absence of the unilateral lumbosacral articular process was noted. Six months later, the patient developed severe neck pain and suboccipital headaches without neurological signs. On plain radiography and computerized tomography, the congenital complete absence of the posterior arch of the atlas was noted. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormal signs originating from the posterior spinal cord. There was no segmental instability. For this case, the lower back pain and neck pain were managed by conservative treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a coincidental congenital complete absence of the posterior arch of the atlas and the unilateral lumbosacral articular process.

CT Diagnosis of Facet Syndrome of Lumbar Spine / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate CT diagnostic value in the facet syndrome of lumbar spine.Methods CT fingings in 64 cases with facet syndrom were retrospectively analysed,53 males and 11 females,aged 39～70 years with a mean of 54.5.Results The main abnormalties demonstrated by CT included:(1)Hypertrophy of articular process,osteophyte formation,leading to stenosis in joint,lateral recess,lumbar intervertebral foramen and lumbar spinal canal.(2)Sclerosis of articular aspect,cystic region and defect on boder of the articular aspect.(3)Vacuum phennomenon,asymmetry of the joint and subluxations.Conclusion CT can demonstrate anatomic structure and pathologic change of the articular joints clearly,and provide reliable images for diagnosis of facet sydrome.

The Absent Lumbar Articular Process of the 4th Lumbar Vertebra: One Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Unilateral absence of the articular process at a lumbar vertebra is a rare anomaly. The etiology of the congenital absence of articular process is not precisely determined yet, but it was explained as some of the possible embryologic bases. Absence of the articular process at the level of L5-Sl have been reported a few, but anomaly above L4 is rare. We are reporting a case of absence of articular process at the level of the 4th lumbar vertebra.