Treatment of sciatica by lumbar nerve root canal injection under X-ray angiography / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the short-term clinical effect of lumbar nerve root canal injection under X-ray angiography in the treatment of sciatica.@*METHODS@#The clincal data of 78 patients with sciatica underwent lumbar nerve root canal injection under X-ray angiography from December 2017 to February 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Including 31 males and 47 females, aged from 22 to 88 years old with a median of 65 years. There were 55 cases of lumbar disc herniation and 23 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, the course of disease ranged from 1 to 8 weeks with a median of 3 weeks. There were 71 cases of single segment disc herniation or stenosis, including L3,4 of 5 cases, L4,5 of 61 cases, L5S1 of 5 cases, and 7 cases of multisegment herniation or stenosis. The pain visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded and Macnab was used to evaluate the clinical effect.@*RESULTS@#All patients completed standardized treatment without serious adverse reactions. VAS were (3.21±0.76) scores immediately after treatment, (2.89±0.33) scores 1 hour after treatment, (1.80±0.27) scores 6 hours after treatment, (1.10±0.20) scores 24 hours after treatment, (2.53±0.35) scores 1 week after treatment and (4.27±0.36) scores 1 month after treatment. There were significant differences in VAS between before treatment(7.83±0.56) and each time period after treatment(P<0.05). According to Macnab low back pain evaluation standard, 42 cases were effective, 34 cases were markedly effective and 2 cases were ineffective within 24 hours after treatment, with an effective rate of 97.4%;38 cases were effective, 25 cases were markedly effective, 15 cases were ineffective within one week after treatment, the effective rate was 80.0%;32 cases were effective, 22 cases were markedly effective, 24 cases were ineffective within one month after treatment, the effective rate was 69.2%.@*CONCLUSION@#The short-term clinical effect of nerve root canal injection under X-ray radiography in the treatment of sciatica is good and it is an effective method to relieve sciatica.

Value of magnetic resonance combined with dual-source spectral computed tomography in improving the clinical diagnosis and treatment efficiency of lumbar disk herniation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the value of magnetic resonance combined with dual-source spectral computed tomography in improving the clinical diagnosis and treatment efficiency of lumbar disk herniation. METHODS: Two hundred patients with lumbar disk herniation were enrolled. Magnetic resonance and dual-source spectral computed tomography were used to perform the diagnosis. The treatment efficiency and effectiveness of different diagnostic methods were determined. Results: Eighty cases of lumbar disk herniation, 40 cases of prolapse, 33 cases of bulge, 27 cases of sequestration, and 20 cases of nodules were diagnosed based on pathologic evaluation. magnetic resonance detected lumbar disk herniation in 172 cases, with a detection rate of 86.00%. Dual-source spectral computed tomography detected 171 cases, with a detection rate of 85.50%. Magnetic resonance combined with dual-source spectral computed tomography detected 195 cases, with a detection rate of 97.50%. There was no significant difference between magnetic resonance and dual-source spectral computed tomography (p>0.05), but compared with the combined detection, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). One hundred and two cases of calcification, 83 cases of spinal cord deformity, 70 cases of intervertebral disk degeneration, 121 cases of intervertebral disk gas, 85 cases of dural sac compression, and 78 cases of nerve root compression were surgically demonstrated. The detection rate of diagnostic signs based on imaging by magnetic resonance or dual-source spectral computed tomography alone was lower than that of combined detection (p<0.05). Conclusion: Magnetic resonance combined with dual-source spectral computed tomography can improve the diagnosis and treatment efficiency and effectiveness of lumbar disk herniation.

Comparison of two endoscopic spine surgical techniques

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcome among patients who are surgically treated for lumbar disc herniation by transforaminal and interlaminar endoscopy techniques. METHODS: For the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, 31 patients were assigned to undergo the interlaminar technique and 24 patients the transforaminal technique. They were evaluated using visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index in the preoperative period, in the first postoperative period, and in the 12th month after the procedure. The clinical results between the two techniques were then compared. RESULTS: Overall, 89.1% of the patients obtained good results, with 12.5% complications in the transforaminal technique and 9.6% in the interlaminar technique. CONCLUSION: Although both the endoscopic techniques, compared in this study, are safe and effective for the surgical treatment of lumbar herniated disc, the interlaminar technique presented significantly better results and lower rates of complications than the transforaminal technique.

Hernia intraesponjosa de Schmörl sintomática / Symptomatic intraosseous Schmörl herniation

Las hernias discales intraesponjosas vertebrales o nódulos de Schmörl consisten en una herniación o una extrusión del núcleo pulposo del disco intervertebral a través del platillo vertebral hacia el cuerpo adyacente. Suelen asociarse a deformidades vertebrales, como la enfermedad de Scheuermann, o a enfermedades reumáticas, como la espondilitis anquilopoyética. En general, son hallazgos casuales y cuadros asintomáticos; son pocos los casos publicados de nódulos sintomáticos. Su aparición estaría relacionada con un platillo vertebral debilitado por traumatismo o estrés repetido. Cuando el nódulo es agudo o reciente, puede ser difícil diferenciar la degeneración benigna de una infiltración maligna o una infección. Presentamos un caso inusual de un nódulo de Schmörl doloroso en un hombre sin antecedentes de relevancia, que enmascaró una lesión metastásica de carcinoma pancreático a nivel lumbar. Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Intraosseous disc herniation -or Schmörl nodes (SN)- are a herniation or prolapse of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the vertebral plate and into the adjacent vertebral body. They are usually associated with vertebral deformities, such as Scheuermann's disease, or rheumatic diseases, such as ankylopoietic spondylitis. In general, they are spontaneous and asymptomatic findings, and there are only a few reported cases of symptomatic nodes. The etiology is supposedly related to a weakened spinal plate due to trauma or repeated stress. When the node is acute or recent, it can be difficult to differentiate a benign degeneration from a malignant infiltration or infection. In this paper, we discuss the unusual case of a painful Schmörl node in a man with no relevant history and a masked metastatic lumbar spinal tumor originated from pancreatic cancer. We performed a literature review. Level of Evidence: IV

Diagnóstico diferencial de hernia discal / Diagnostic differences for disc herniation

Disc herniation is a frequent pathology in the radiologist's daily practice. There are different pathologies that can simulate a herniated disc from the clinical and especially the imaging point of view that we should consider whenever we report a herniated disc. These lesions may originate from the vertebral body (osteophytes and metastases), the intervertebral disc (discal cyst), the intervertebral foramina (neurinomas), the interapophyseal joints (synovial cyst) and from the epidural space (hematoma and epidural abscess).

La hernia discal es una patología frecuente en la práctica diaria del radiólogo. Hay distintas patologías que pueden simular una hernia discal desde el punto de vista clínico y especialmente imagenológico que debemos considerar cada vez que informamos una hernia discal. Estas lesiones pueden provenir del cuerpo vertebral (osteofitos y metástasis), del disco intervertebral (quiste discal), de los forámenes intervertebrales (neurinomas), de las articulaciones interapofisiarias (quiste sinovial) y desde el espacio epidural (hematoma y absceso epidural).

Association of spinopelvic parameters with the location of lumbar disc herniation / Associação dos parâmetros espinopélvicos com a localização da hérnia discal lombar / Asociación de parámetros espinopélvicos con la ubicación de hernia de disco lumbar

Objective:To associate spinopelvic parameters, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis with the axial location of lumbar disc herniation.Methods:Retrospective study, which evaluated imaging and medical records of 61 patients with lumbar disc herniation, who underwent surgery with decompression and instrumented lumbar fusion in only one level. Pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis with simple lumbopelvic lateral radiographs, which included the lumbar spine, the sacrum and the proximal femur. The affected segment was identified as the level and location of lumbar disc herniation in the axial plane with MRI scans.Results:Of 61 patients, 29 (47.5%) had low lumbar lordosis; in this group 24 (82.8%) had central disc herniation, 4 (13.8%) had lateral recess disc herniation and 1 (3.4%) had extraforaminal disc herniation (p<0.05). Of the 61 patients, 18 (29.5%) had low sacral slope; of this group 15 (83.3%) had central disc herniation and 3 (16.7%) had disc herniation in lateral recess (p<0.05).Conclusions:There is a trend towards greater load distribution in the anterior region of the spine when the spine has hypolordotic curve. This study found an association between low lordosis and central disc herniation, as well as low sacral slope and central disc herniation.

Objetivo:Associar os parâmetros espinopélvicos, incidência pélvica, inclinação sacral, versão pélvica e lordose lombar com a localização axial da hérnia discal lombar.Métodos:Estudo retrospectivo, em que foram avaliados exames de imagem e prontuários de 61 pacientes portadores de hérnia discal lombar submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico com descompressão e artrodese lombar instrumentada em apenas um nível. Foram aferidos incidência pélvica, declive sacral, versão pélvica e lordose lombar nas radiografias lombopélvicas simples em perfil, que incluíram a coluna lombar, o sacro e o terço proximal do fêmur. O segmento acometido foi identificado quanto ao nível e à localização da hérnia discal lombar no plano axial com exames de ressonância magnética.Resultados:Dos 61 pacientes, 29 (47,5%) apresentaram lordose lombar baixa; deste grupo 24 (82,8%) tinham hérnia central, 4 (13,8%), hérnia em recesso e 1 (3,4%), hérnia extraforaminal (p < 0,05). Dos 61 pacientes, 18 (29,5%) apresentaram declive sacral baixo; deste grupo, 15 (83,3%) apresentaram hérnia central e 3 (16,7%), hérnia em recesso (p < 0,05).Conclusões:Existe uma tendência de maior distribuição de cargas na região anterior da coluna quando a coluna é hipolordótica. Este estudo observou uma associação entre lordose baixa e hérnia discal central, assim como declive sacral baixo e hérnia central.

Objetivo:Asociar parámetros espinopélvicos, incidencia pélvica, pendiente sacra, versión de la pelvis y lordosis lumbar con la ubicación axial de hernia de disco lumbar.Métodos:Estudio retrospectivo que evaluó imágenes y registros médicos de 61 pacientes con hernia de disco lumbar sometidos a una cirugía de descompresión y artrodesis lumbar instrumentada en un solo nivel. Se midieron la incidencia de la pelvis, la pendiente sacra, la versión de la pelvis y la lordosis lumbar con radiografías lumbopélvicas simples en perfil, que incluyeron la columna lumbar, el sacro y el fémur proximal. El segmento afectado fue identificado como el nivel y la localización de la hernia discal lumbar en el plano axial con imágenes de resonancia magnética.Resultados:De 61 pacientes, 29 (47,5%) tenían lordosis lumbar baja; de este grupo 24 (82,8%) tenían hernia central, 4 (13,8%) tenían hernia en receso y 1 (3,4%) tenía hernia extraforaminal (p < 0,05). De los 61 pacientes, 18 (29,5%) tenían pendiente sacra baja; de este grupo 15 (83,3%) tenían hernia central y 3 (16,7%) hernia en receso (P < 0,05).Conclusiones:Existe una tendencia hacia una mayor distribución de la carga en la región anterior de la columna cuando la columna es hipolordótica. Este estudio encontró una asociación entre la baja lordosis y hernia de disco central, así como una baja pendiente sacra y la hernia central.

Patogenia, cuadro clínico y diagnóstico imagenológico por resonancia magnética de las hernias discales / Pathogenia, clinical pattern, and imagenologic diagnosis through magnetic resonance of the disc herniation

Las hernias discales constituyen un importante problema de salud que causa ausentismo laboral en personas laboralmente activas, de ahí que el costo generado por esta afección sea motivo de preocupación a escala mundial. La revisión bibliográfica acerca de su patogenia, cuadro clínico y diagnóstico imagenológico resulta de vital importancia para su prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos. En el diagnóstico por imágenes, la resonancia magnética ha tenido un mayor impacto en el análisis de las afecciones de la columna vertebral, pues posibilita investigar las características del disco intervertebral. Tiene superioridad diagnóstica respecto a la tomografía axial computarizada y la mielografía, debido a que no utiliza radiaciones ionizantes, en tanto, se considera más sensible y específica para demostrar anomalías, lesiones, así como enfermedades de la columna que no pueden visualizarse o quedar ocultas con los otros métodos.

Disc herniations constitute an important health problem causing absenteeism in active people, so that the cost generated by this disorder is reason of concern at world scale. The literature review on their pathogenia, clinical pattern and diagnostic imaging is of vital importance for its prevention, diagnosis and opportune treatment. In the diagnosis through images, the magnetic resonance has had a higher impact in the analysis of the spine disorders, because it facilitates to investigate the characteristics of the intervertebral disc. It has diagnostic advantage regarding the computerized axial tomography and myelography, because it uses no ionizing radiations, also, it is considered more sensitive and specific to demonstrate anomalies, lesions, as well as spine diseases which cannot be visualized or may be hidden with the other methods.

Application of a semiautomatic classifier for modic and disk hernia changes in magnetic resonance / Aplicação de classificador semiautomático para alterações MODIC e hérnia de disco em ressonância magnética / Aplicación de clasificador semiautomático de cambios MODIC y hernia de disco en resonancia magnética

OBJECTIVE: Early detection of degenerative changes in lumbar intervertebral disc by magnetic resonance imaging in a semiautomatic classifier for prevention of degenerative disease. METHOD: MRIs were selected with a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease or back pain from January to May 2014, with a sample of 23 patients and a total of 170 disks evaluated by sagittal T2 MRI image, first evaluated by a specialist physician in training and them were introduced into the software, being the results compared. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen discs were evaluated by a programmed semiautomatic classifier to identify MODIC changes and hernia, which produced results "normal or MODIC" and "normal or abnormal", respectively. With a total of 230 readings, of which 141 were correct, 84 were reading errors and 10 readings were undiagnosed, the semiautomatic classifier is a useful tool for early diagnosis or established disease and is easy to apply because of the speed and ease of use; however, at this early stage of development, software is inferior to clinical observations and the results were from around 65% to 60% certainty for MODIC rating and 61% to 58% for disc herniation, compared with clinical evaluations. CONCLUSION: The comparative results between the two doctors were 94 consistent results and only 21 errors, which represents 81% certainty. .

OBJETIVO: Determinação precoce de alterações degenerativas de disco intervertebral lombar por ressonância magnética em classificador semi- automático para prevenção da doença degenerativa. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas ressonâncias magnéticas com diagnóstico de doença degenerativa do disco ou lombalgia de janeiro a maio de 2014, com uma amostra de 23 pacientes e um total de 170 discos avaliados por RM T2 em corte sagital, examinadas primeiro por um médico especialista em treinamento, e depois foram introduzidas no software e os resultados obtidos foram comparados entre si. Cento e quinze discos foram submetidos à avaliação por um classificador semiautomático programado para identificar alterações MODIC e hérnia, o que produziu resultados "normal ou MODIC" e "normal ou anormal", respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Com um total de 230 leituras, das quais 141 estavam corretas, 84 foram erros de leitura e 10 leituras foram sem diagnóstico, o classificador semiautomático é uma ferramenta útil para o diagnóstico precoce ou da doença estabelecida e é fácil de aplicar, devido à rapidez e facilidade de uso; contudo, nesta fase inicial de desenvolvimento, o software é inferior às observações clínicas e os resultados foram de cerca de 65% a 60% de certeza para a classificação MODIC e de 61% a 58% para hérnia de disco, em comparação com a avaliação clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados comparativos entre os dois médicos foram 94 resultados congruentes e apenas 21 erros, o que representa 81% de certeza. .

OBJETIVO: Determinación temprana de cambios degenerativos de disco intervertebral lumbar por resonancia magnética, mediante clasificador semiautomático para la prevención de enfermedad degenerativa. MÉTODOS: Se seleccionaron resonancias magnéticas con diagnóstico de enfermedad degenerativa de disco o lumbalgia de enero hasta mayo de 2014, con una muestra de 23 pacientes y un total de 170 discos valorados en corte sagital de RNM en T2, las cuales se examinaron primero por médico especialista en formación, y que luego fueron introducidas en el software, siendo los resultados obtenidos comparados entre sí. Ciento quince discos fueron sometidos a valoración por un clasificador semiautomático programado para identificar cambios MODIC y hernia que produjo resultados "normal o MODIC" y "normal o anormal", respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Con un total de 230 lecturas, de las cuales 141 fueron correctas en general, 84 fueron errores de lectura y 10 fueron lecturas sin diagnóstico, el clasificador semiautomático es una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico precoz o de enfermedad instaurada, así como fácil de aplicar debido a su rapidez y facilidad de uso; sin embargo, en esta primera etapa del desarrollo, el software es inferior a la apreciación clínica ya que los resultados fueron de alrededor de 65%-60% de certeza para clasificación MODIC y 61%-58% para hernia de disco, en comparación con la evaluación clínica. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados comparativos entre los dos médicos fueron 94 resultados congruentes entre médicos y solo 21 errores, lo que representa el 81% de certeza. .

Imaging of Herniated Discs of the Cervical Spine: Inter-Modality Differences between 64-Slice Multidetector CT and 1.5-T MRI

OBJECTIVE: To assess inter-modality variability when evaluating cervical intervertebral disc herniation using 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three musculoskeletal radiologists independently reviewed cervical spine 1.5-T MRI and 64-slice MDCT data on C2-3 though C6-7 of 51 patients in the context of intervertebral disc herniation. Interobserver and inter-modality agreements were expressed as unweighted kappa values. Weighted kappa statistics were used to assess the extents of agreement in terms of the number of involved segments (NIS) in disc herniation and epicenter measurements collected using MDCT and MRI. RESULTS: The interobserver agreement rates upon evaluation of disc morphology by the three radiologists were in fair to moderate agreement (k = 0.39-0.53 for MDCT images; k = 0.45-0.56 for MRIs). When the disc morphology was categorized into two and four grades, the inter-modality agreement rates were moderate (k-value, 0.59) and substantial (k-value, 0.66), respectively. The inter-modality agreements for evaluations of the NIS (k-value, 0.78) and the epicenter (k-value, 0.79) were substantial. Also, the interobserver agreements for the NIS (CT; k-value, 0.85 and MRI; k-value, 0.88) and epicenter (CT; k-value, 0.74 and MRI; k-value, 0.70) evaluations by two readers were substantial. MDCT tended to underestimate the extent of herniated disc lesions compared with MRI. CONCLUSION: Multidetector-row computed tomography and MRI showed a moderate-to-substantial degree of inter-modality agreement for the assessment of herniated cervical discs. MDCT images have a tendency to underestimate the anterior/posterior extent of the herniated disc compared with MRI.

Clinical Outcomes of Epidural Neuroplasty for Cervical Disc Herniation

Cervical disc herniation is a common disorder characterized by neck pain radiating to the arm and fingers as determined by the affected dermatome. This condition has a favorable prognosis, but pain can have a serious detrimental impact on daily activities. Epidural neuroplasty has been applied as a treatment option for cervical disc herniation; however, no study has addressed the clinical outcomes. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical outcomes of epidural neuroplasty on 128 patients for the treatment of cervical disc herniation. To measure pain-related disabilities over time, the changes of pain scores in neck and arm were evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and the neck disability index (NDI). Compared with preprocedural values, the pain NRS of neck and arm demonstrated significant improvement at day 1, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure (P < 0.001). Likewise, the NDI was significantly reduced at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure (P < 0.001). There were no serious complications. Cervical epidural neuroplasty shows good clinical outcomes in the treatment of cervical disc herniation and can be considered a treatment modality for cervical disc herniation refractory to conservative treatment.

Computed tomographic characteristics of acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease in dogs

Forty canine patients with a presumptive diagnosis of the intervertebral disc herniation at the thoracolumbar region were imaged. A neurological examination was performed and all patients were classified under four grades by the examination. The degrees of attenuation of the herniated disc material were measured in Housefield units (HU) in each image. The ratio of the area to herniated disc material and the height to disc material were measured. The clinical grade was correlated with the area ratio of the herniated disc material to the spinal cord, but not correlated with the height ratio of that. In the patients with epidural hemorrhage at surgery, HUs of the herniated disc material was lower than those with no epidural hemorrhage at surgery. Non-contrast computed tomography scans of the spine can be useful in diagnosing acute intervertebral disc disease in chondrodystrophoid breeds, evaluating patient status and identifying concurrent epidural hemorrhage.

An incomplete form of lumbocostovertebral syndrome in association with atrial septal defect, arthrogryposis and clubfeet.

The present study describes a 9-month-old infant who presented with congenital lumbar hernia, kyphoscoliosis, atrial septal defect, congenital talipes equinovarus and arthrogryposis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in English literature with this combination of defects. The case could be considered an incomplete form of the lumbocostovertebral syndrome. We also discuss the etiopathogenesis of these malformations.

Effect of multi-planar CT image reformatting on surgeon diagnostic performance for localizing thoracolumbar disc extrusions in dogs

Accurate pre-operative localization and removal of disc material are important for minimizing morbidity in dogs with thoracolumbar disc extrusions. Computed tomography (CT) is an established technique for localizing disc extrusions in dogs, however the effect of multi-planar reformatting (MPR) on surgeon diagnostic performance has not been previously described. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of MPR CT on surgeon diagnostic accuracy, certainty and agreement for localizing thoracolumbar disc extrusions in dogs. Two veterinary surgeons and one veterinary neurologist who were unaware of surgical findings independently reviewed randomized sets of two-dimensional (2D) and MPR CT images from 111 dogs with confirmed thoracolumbar disc extrusions. For each set of images, readers recorded their localizations for extruded disc material and their diagnostic certainty. For MPR images, readers also recorded views they considered most helpful. Diagnostic accuracy estimates, mean diagnostic certainty scores and inter-observer agreement were compared using surgery as the gold standard. Frequencies were compared for MPR views rated most helpful. Diagnostic accuracy estimates were significantly greater for MPR vs. 2D CT images in one reader. Mean diagnostic certainty scores were significantly greater for MPR images in two readers. The change in agreement between 2D and MPR images differed from zero for all analyses (site, side, number affected) among all three readers. Multi-planar views rated most helpful with the highest frequency were oblique transverse and curved dorsal planar MPR views. Findings from this study indicate that multi-planar CT can improve surgeon diagnostic performance for localizing canine thoracolumbar disc extrusions.

Assessment of the atlanto-occipital junction in the MRI of subjects with cervical disc herniation

To demonstrate the normal limits of Powers ratio and basion dens interval in patients with disc herniations. The MRI of patients were retrospectively evaluated by 2 radiologists. Four hundred and forty-five patients who were admitted to Duzce University Hospital with neck pain without history of trauma were chosen between January 2004 and July 2006 in this retrospective study. The patients were between the ages of 14-80 years. Four group were identified according to the number of disc herniations The normal of Powers ratio and dens interval were 0.77 +/- 0.15 and 0.80 +/- 0.66 in group 0, 0.76 +/- 0.14 and 0.81 +/- 0.76 in group one, 0.75 +/- .013 and 0.80 +/- 0.71 in group 2, 0.76 +/- .014 and 0.81 +/- 0.74 in group 3, and 0.77 +/- 0.16 and 0.81 +/- 0.66 in group 4. The relationship between the number of disc herniations and Powers ratio and basion dens interval was not statistically significant. Our results were in concordance with the previous studies concerning the Powers ratio and basion dens interval. These 2 methods can be used in the MRI of atlantooccipital dislocation suspected patients with disc herniations

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion via a Unilateral Approach

This study sought to determine the outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), via a unilateral approach, in selected patients who presented with unilateral leg pain and segmental instability of the lumbar spine. Patients with a single level of a herniated disc disease in the lumbar spine, unilateral leg pain, chronic disabling lower back pain (LBP), and a failed conservative treatment, were considered for the procedure. A total of 41 patients underwent a single-level PLIF using two PEEK(TM) (Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone) cages filled with iliac bone, via a unilateral approach. The patients comprised 21 women and 20 men with a mean age of 41 years (range: 22 to 63 years). Two cages were inserted using a unilateral medial facetectomy and a partial hemilaminectomy. At follow-up, the outcomes were assessed using the Prolo Scale. The success of the fusion was determined by dynamic lumbar radiography and/or computerized tomography scanning. All the patients safely underwent surgery without severe complications. During a mean follow-up period of 26 months, 1 patient underwent percutaneous pedicle screw fixation due to persistent LBP. A posterior displacement of the cage was found in one patient. At the last follow up, 90% of the patients demonstrated satisfactory results. An osseous fusion was present in 85% of the patients. A PLIF, via a unilateral approach, enables a solid union with satisfactory clinical results. This preserves part of the posterior elements of the lumbar spine in selected patients with single level instability and unilateral leg pain.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion via a Unilateral Approach

This study sought to determine the outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), via a unilateral approach, in selected patients who presented with unilateral leg pain and segmental instability of the lumbar spine. Patients with a single level of a herniated disc disease in the lumbar spine, unilateral leg pain, chronic disabling lower back pain (LBP), and a failed conservative treatment, were considered for the procedure. A total of 41 patients underwent a single-level PLIF using two PEEK(TM) (Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone) cages filled with iliac bone, via a unilateral approach. The patients comprised 21 women and 20 men with a mean age of 41 years (range: 22 to 63 years). Two cages were inserted using a unilateral medial facetectomy and a partial hemilaminectomy. At follow-up, the outcomes were assessed using the Prolo Scale. The success of the fusion was determined by dynamic lumbar radiography and/or computerized tomography scanning. All the patients safely underwent surgery without severe complications. During a mean follow-up period of 26 months, 1 patient underwent percutaneous pedicle screw fixation due to persistent LBP. A posterior displacement of the cage was found in one patient. At the last follow up, 90% of the patients demonstrated satisfactory results. An osseous fusion was present in 85% of the patients. A PLIF, via a unilateral approach, enables a solid union with satisfactory clinical results. This preserves part of the posterior elements of the lumbar spine in selected patients with single level instability and unilateral leg pain.

Anterior interbody fusion in the treatment of the lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus

One hundred and fourteen cases of lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus were studied retrospectively. I reviewed the clinical records and radiographs of patients treated with diskectomy and anterior interbody fusion. I followed the patients from 2 years up to 15 years, for an average of 2.9 years. The results were calculated statistically by Fisher exact test and Chi-square test. Among 114 patients, 69 patients (60.5%) were male and 45 patients (39.5%) were female. The most common age group was in its twenties (28.1%), while the whole study group ranged from 19 to 65 years. The most commonly involved level was L4-5 (73 cases, 60.4%). In clinical results, 83.3% of cases were excellent or good. The rate of solid fusion was 87.8%. The most common type of fusing pattern was type 1. The satisfying clinical result had statistical correlation with the solid union of grafted bone and the fusion state of maintained intervertebral disk height, respectively, by Fisher exact test (p < 0.001). The affecting factors in clinical results were the solid fusion and fusion with the state of maintenance of intervertebral disk height (fusing pattern type I and II). I concluded that anterior diskectomy and interbody fusion is a recommendable method of treatment for lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus.

Protrusion of upper lumbar intervertebral discs (long term follow-up of operated cases).

Fifteen operated cases of upper lumbar disc prolapse have been reviewed. They were categorised under 4 types of clinical presentation. There was no clear correlation between the level of the prolapse, clinical presentation, and type of disc prolapse as observed at surgery. On long term follow-up 11 of the 15 (73%) cases had an excellent result and were leading a normal life. The result is poor in patients with severe paraplegia.