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Background Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a degenerative disease of the intervertebral disc and the vertebral body of the spine that causes cervical spinal cord injury due to central vertebral canal stenosis. Its prevalence is higher in the elderly. Treatment is usually surgical when the spinal cord is affected either clinically with pyramidal release or radiologically with the altered spinal cord. Objective The goal of the present study is to analyze the myelomalacia and the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament as prognostic factors in the postoperative evolution of patients with cervical canal compression who underwent laminoplasty with the open- or French-door techniques. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 18 surgical cases of spondylotic cervical myelopathy of the same senior neurosurgeon, using the chi-squared test to analyze prognostic factors for patients' postoperative evolution in the Nurick scale, after open-door or French-door laminoplasty. Findings The comparison between the pre and postoperative showed an improvement of 71.43% in cases that did not have ligament ossification compared with 45.45% of cases that presented posterior longitudinal ligament ossification. Also, there was a better prognosis in patients without myelomalacia, as 71.43% of them improved their condition against only 45.45% of improvement in those with myelomalacia. Conclusion There is a need for further studies with larger samples to expressively prove that the presence of longitudinal ligament ossification and the previous presence of myelomalacia are factors that can lead to worse prognosis in the postoperative evolution of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy submitted to laminoplasty.
Introdução A mielopatia espondilótica cervical é uma doença degenerativa do disco intervertebral e do corpo da coluna vertebral que causa lesão da medula espinhal cervical devido à estenose do canal vertebral central. Sua prevalência é maior em idosos. O tratamento geralmente é cirúrgico quando a medula espinhal é afetada clinicamente com a liberação piramidal ou radiologicamente com a medula espinhal alterada. Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a mielomalácia e a ossificação do ligamento longitudinal posterior como fatores prognósticos na evolução pós-operatória de pacientes com compressão do canal cervical submetidos à laminoplastia pelas técnicas de porta aberta ou porta francesa. Métodos Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de 18 casos cirúrgicos de mielopatia espondilótica cervical do mesmo neurocirurgião sênior, utilizando o teste do quiquadrado para analisar os fatores prognósticos da evolução pós-operatória dos pacientes na escala de Nurick, após laminoplastia aberta ou francesa. Resultados A comparação entre o pré e pós-operatório mostrou uma melhora de 71,43% nos casos que não apresentavam ossificação ligamentar em comparação com 45,45% nos casos que apresentavam ossificação do ligamento longitudinal posterior. Além disso, houve um melhor prognóstico em pacientes sem mielomalácia, pois 71,43% deles melhoraram sua condição contra apenas 45,45% de melhora naqueles com mielomalácia. Conclusão Há necessidade de mais estudos com amostras maiores para comprovar expressivamente que a presença de ossificação ligamentar longitudinal e a presença prévia de mielomalácia são fatores de pior prognóstico na evolução pós-operatória de pacientes com mielopatia espondilótica cervical submetidos à laminoplastia.
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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.
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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.
Subject(s)
Humans , Calcium , Cervical Vertebrae , Decompression, Surgical , Laminoplasty , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Spinal Fusion , Treatment Outcome , VertebroplastyABSTRACT
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.
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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.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cervical Vertebrae , China , Decompression, Surgical , Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring , Longitudinal Ligaments , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Osteogenesis , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Fusion , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
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.
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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.
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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.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Cervical Vertebrae , Follow-Up Studies , Longitudinal Ligaments , Methods , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Paralysis , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Cord Diseases , Spondylosis , Titanium , TransplantsABSTRACT
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.
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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.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Cervical Vertebrae , Follow-Up Studies , Longitudinal Ligaments , Methods , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Paralysis , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Cord Diseases , Spondylosis , Titanium , TransplantsABSTRACT
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.
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Female , Humans , Male , Cervical Vertebrae , Disease Progression , Follow-Up Studies , Incidence , Longitudinal Ligaments , Methods , Military Personnel , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , Total Disc ReplacementABSTRACT
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.
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Objective: To explore the safety of ultrasonic osteotome used in posterior cervical laminectomy decompression surgery and its effect on surgical outcome. Methods: A clinical data of 52 patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine (C-OPLL) undergoing posterior cervical laminectomy decompression and fusion (PCLDF) between April 2013 and April 2017 was retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether using the ultrasonic osteotome during operation: group A (20 cases, ultrasonic osteotome group) and group B (32 cases, traditional gun-clamp decompression group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body weight, height, preoperative hemoglobin, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospitalization time, complications, hemoglobin at 1 day after operation, and JOA score at 6 months after operation were recorded and compared between the two groups, and the improvement rate of JOA was calculated. Results: The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were significantly less than those in group B ( P0.05). The hemoglobin of group B was slightly higher than that of group A at 1 day after operation, but there was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=-1.260, P=0.214). All the patients were followed up 6-10 months (mean, 7.6 months). No serious complications such as C 5 nerve paralysis, dural tear, infection, epidural hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, transfusion allergy, or shock occurred during and after operation. The JOA scores of the two groups were significant improved at 6 months after operation when compared with preoperative scores ( P0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the traditional gun-clamp decompression, the effectiveness of PCLDF in treatment of C-OPLL by using ultrasonic osteotome is comparable, but the latter can effectively reduce the operation time and blood loss.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the reason of postoperative axial pain (PAP) complication caused by unilaterally open-door cervical laminoplasty with Centerpiece mini-plate fixations for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 79 patients with CSM who underwent unilaterally open-door cervical laminoplasty from January 2010 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 45 males and 34 females, aged from 48 to 75 years old with an average of (58.7±4.4) years, complicated with ossified posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL) of 42 cases. Courses of disease were from 2.1 to 3.9 years with an average of (3.0±0.4) years. Decompression segment occurred in C₃-C₆ of 31 cases, C₃-C₇ of 9 cases, C₄-C₇ of 39 cases. The condition of PAP was record. Cervical curvature index, cervical lordosis angle, the rate of cervical instability, the motion of flexion and extension between PAP group and non-PAP group were compared preoperatively. Multivariate non-linear regression analysis was used to verify relationship between aforementioned parameters and incidence of PAP. JOA score of preoperative, postoperative 6 months and initial onset of PAP, the improvement rate of JOA score and Odom criteria at final follow-up were used to evaluate curative efficacy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up from 26 to 44 months with an average of (36±9) months. Among them, 12 patients occurred PAP who receive the conservative treatment. The rate of preoperative cervical instablility of PAP group were higher than that of non-PAP group(<0.05). Preoperative cervical instability was the only independent risk factor in predicting occurrence of PAP. There were no significant differences in cervical curvature, cervical lordosis index, the motion of flexion and extension between PAP and non-PAP group before operation. There were no significant differences in the improvement of nerve function and clinical effect between PAP and non-PAP group after operation(>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Preoperative cervical instability is prone to inducing the respectively intervertebral motion disorder and imbalance of stress redistribution, which results in PAP after cervical unilateral laminoplasty. Correct treatment of preoperative cervical instability is a key factor to prevent the occurrence of PAP after cervical laminoplasty, which would not affect long-term nerve functional recovery pronouncedly.</p>
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical efficacy of unilateral open-door laminoplasty combined with foraminotomy for cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 45 patients with OPLL underwent surgical treatment between September 2011 and September 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 males and 19 females with a mean age of 53.6 years old(ranged from 28 to 71 years). Among them, 24 cases received the surgery of unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty combined with foraminotomy(combined group), and 21 cases received a single unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty(single group). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications including C₅ nerve root palsy and axial symptoms were compared between two groups. Pre-and post-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA) score, improvement rate of neurological function, Neck Disability Index(NDI) score, and cervical Cobb angle were recorded and analyzed between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up for 12-24 months, with an average of (14.3±2.8) months for combined groups and (13.7±3.1) months for single group, and no significant difference was found between the two groups(>0.05). There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between two groups(>0.05). Postoperative JOA scores obtained obvious improvement in all patients(<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between two groups for the improvement rate of neurological function(>0.05). At final follow-up, NDI scores of combined group and single group were 13.6±1.8 and 16.1±2.4 respectively, there was significant difference between two groups(<0.05). The incidence of C₅ nerve root palsy was lower in combined group(4.2%) than that of single group (28.6%). There was no significant difference in incidence rate of axial symptoms between two groups(>0.05). There was no significant difference in cervical Cobb angle between pre-and post-operative conditions, or between two groups(>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty combined with foraminotomy is an effective method to treat cervical OPLL, which could provide sufficient decompression of spinal cord and nerve root, prevent the C₅ nerve root palsy.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cervical Vertebrae , General Surgery , Foraminotomy , Laminoplasty , Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament , General Surgery , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Combining K-line (the connecting line of the midpoint of C₂ and C₇ spinal canal on the cervical lateral X-ray film) to analyze the relationship between cervical range of motion of patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and surgical prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total 42 patients with ossification of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament underwent cervical posterior single open-door laminoplasty between April 2014 and March 2017 were retrospectively ananyzed. The patients were dividing into K-line (+) group and K-line (-) group according to the position realationship of OPLL and K-line. The lesion of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was not over than the K-line known as K-line (+). Conversely, the lesion of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament crossing the K-line was called K-line (-). Preoperative and postoperative 3 months JOA scores were observed, and postoperative 3 months JOA improvement rate were computed to assess patient's neurological function recovery. Preoperation and postoperative 3 months, OPLL occupation ratio (OOR), cervical lordotic angles (CLA) and cervical lordotic value (CLV) were measured respectively. The realationship between postoperative neurologic functional recovery in patients of CLV>0 group and CLV<=0 group was evaluated in different K-line subgroups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For the patients in K (+) group and K (-) group, preoperative CLA were (14.7±9.6)° and (-6.4±9.5)°(<0.05) respectively, postoperative at 3 months CLA were (14.0±8.0)° and (-1.4±10.4)°(<0.05) respectively; preoperative JOA scores were 10.9±3.2 and 11.2±2.5 (>0.05) respectively, postoperative at 3 months JOA scores were 14.2±1.8 and 12.6±2.2 (<0.05) respectively, and postoperative at 3 months JOA score improvement rate were (54.7±17.6)% and (25.5±15.7)%(<0.05) respectively. In the K-line (+) group, there were 29 patients in CLV>0 group at 3 months after operation, with improvement rate of (52.3±17.2)%, and 4 patients in CLV<=0 group, with improvement rate of (72.2±7.8)%. The improvement rate of the patients in CLV<=0 group was significantly better than that of the patients in CLV>0 group (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>No matter whether the ossification of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament was classified as K-line (+) or K-line (-), the cervical posterior single open-door laminoplasty can improve the neurological symptoms of patients, especially the patients in the K-line(+) group with better prognosis. The patinets in K-line(+) group, when postoperative at 3 months CLV>0, their improvement rate was lower than that of the patients with postoperative at 3 months CLV<=0.</p>
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Objective To evaluate theclinical efficacy and safety of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection (ACOE),and analyze the advantages of ACOE compared to the traditionally anterior cervical surgery.Methods The clinical datawith more than one year follow-up of 96 patients suffered from cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL) from April 2010 to March 2017 was retrospectively analyzed,including 57 males and 39 females,aged 32-69 years,average 54.6±8.7 years.There were 29 cases of nodular type (30.2％),48 cases of segmental type (50.0％),5 cases of continuous type(5.2％),and 14 cases of mixed type (14.6％).The neurological function assessments before and after operation were performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system and the visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring system.The effect of ossified mass resection was observed by three-dimensional reconstruction CT scan.The spinal cord decompression was evaluated by MRI.The cervical curvature was compared before and after surgery by cervical lateral radiograph.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,recovery rates of the JOA scores and complication rates of this group were compared with the cases of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament piecemeal resection (ACOP) reported by the recent literature to analyze the clinical efficacy,safety and advantages of ACOE.Results All the surgeries of 96 cases were successfully performed,including 57 cases (59.4％) with subtotal resectionof single vertebra,31 cases (32.3％) with subtotal resectionof doublevertebras,1 case (1.0％) with expanded intervertebral decompression,4 cases (4.2％) with "vertebra + semi-vertebra" subtotal resection,1 case (1.0％) with "semi-vertebra + vertebra + semi-vertebra" subtotal resection,2 cases with "double vertebras + semi-vertebra" subtotal resection (2.1％).Ninty-six cases were followed up for 12 to 78 months,with an average of 28.0±9.3 months.The preoperative JOA score with (11.38±2.80) scores was increased to 15.32± 1.62 scores at the last follow-up,and the recovery rate of JOA score was 74.63％±13.18％.The preoperative VAS score with 6.00±1.41 scores was reduced to 2.35±1.11 scores at the last follow-up.The cervical curvature increased from 10.4°±9.0° before surgery to 15.8°±8.1° at the last follow-up.CT showed that the ossified masses of the surgical segments were completely excised without residue;MRI showed that the compressionsof spinal cords and dural sacs were completely relieved,with nice morphology recovery.There was no neurological deterioration in this group.There were 6cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL),3 cases of C5 nerve palsy,1 case of Hornersyndrome,2 cases of dysphagia and hoarseness,1 case of titanium mesh subsidence with screw loosing.At the final followups,except one case of occasional throat foreign body sensation,the above complications were all remittedat different followup periods.Compared with the cases of ACOP reported by the recent meta-analysis,the operation time,the intraoperative blood loss,the complication rate of dysphagia with hoarseness and neurological deterioration were lower than those reported in the literature.The recovery rate of JOA scorewas higher than which reported in the literature.Conclusion ACOE is safe and effective for the treatment of cervical OPLL,which may be superior to traditional anterior cervical surgery in terms of surgical safe-ty,controllability of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and improvement of neurological function.
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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.
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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.
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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.