Biomechanical Evaluation of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Combined with Different Internal Fixation Methods for Treating Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis:A Finite Element Analysis / 医用生物力学

Objective To verify the biomechanical stability of oblique lateral interbody fusion ( OLIF) combinedwith different fixation methods for treating degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) by three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. Methods The L1-S1 3D finite element DLS model ( Model 1) was established, and then the OLIF (L2-5) at 3 contiguous levels of fusion and its combination with different internal fixation methods were simulated, namely, stand-alone OLIF model ( Model 2), vertebral screw fixation model ( Model 3), unilateral pedicle screw fixation model (Model 4) and bilateral pedicle screw fixation model (Model 5) were established,respectively. Under upright, flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation states, range of motion (ROM) of fusion segments, as well as cage stress, internal fixation stress, and stress distribution were recorded and analyzed. Results Under six motion states, the overall ROM of fusion segments in Models 2-5 was smaller than that of Model 1. Compared with Model 1, the overall ROM reduction of Model 3 and Model 4 was larger than that of Model 2 and smaller than that of Model 5. Under flexion and extension, the overall ROM reduction of Model 4 and Model 5 was basically equal. Under left and right lateral bending, the overall ROM reduction of Model 3 and Model 5 was basically equal. Under all motion states, the peak stress of Model 3 and Model 4 fusion cage was larger than that of Model 5 and smaller than that of Model 2. The peak stresses of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 fusion cages in Model 3 increased by 5. 52% , 10. 96% and 7. 99% respectively compared with Model 5 under left lateral bending, and the peak stresses of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 fusion cages in Model 4 increased by 8. 70% , 7. 00% and 6. 99% respectively under flexion. Under all motion states, the peak stress of screw rod in Model 5 was smaller than that of Model 3 and Model 4, and the peak stresses of screw rod in Models 3-5 were the smallest in upright state. Conclusions The OLIF with unilateral pedicle screw fixation or vertebral screw fixation can provide favorable biomechanical stability of the fusion segment. The results provide some references for clinical application of OLIF technology in the treatment of DLS.

Comparison of clinical effect and muscle injury imaging between oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the efficacy and muscle injury imaging between oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 60 patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent surgical treatment from January 2018 to October 2019 was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into OLIF groups and TLIF group according to different surgical methods. The 30 patients in the OLIF group were treated with OLIF plus posterior intermuscular screw rod internal fixation. There were 13 males and 17 females, aged from 52 to 74 years old with an average of (62.6±8.3) years old. And 30 patients in the TLIF group were treated with TLIF via the left approach. There were 14 males and 16 females, aged from 50 to 81 years old with an average of (61.7±10.4) years old. General data including operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and complications were recorded for both groups. Radiologic data including disc height (DH), the left psoas major muscle, multifidus muscle, longissimus muscle area, T2-weighted image hyperintensity changes and interbody fusion or nonfusion were observed. Laboratory parameters including creatine kinase (CK) values on postoperative 1st and 5th days were analyzed. Visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI) were used to assess clinical efficacy.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in the operative time between two groups(P>0.05). The OLIF group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume compared to the TLIF group(P<0.01). The OLIF group also had DH better recovery compared to the TLIF group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in left psoas major muscle area and the hyperintensity degree before and after the operation in the OLIF group (P>0.05). Postoperativly, the area of the left multifidus muscle and longissimus muscle, as well as the mean of the left multifidus muscle and longissimus muscle in the OLIF group, were lower than those in the TLIF group (P<0.05) .On the 1st day and the 5th day after operation, CK level in the OLIF group was lower than that in the TLIF group(P<0.05). On the 3rd day after operation, the VAS of low back pain and leg pain in the OLIF group were lower than those in the TLIF group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the ODI of postoperative 12 months, low back and leg pain VAS at 3, 6, 12 months between the two groups(P>0.05). In the OLIF group, 1 case of left lower extremity skin temperature increased after the operation, and the sympathetic chain was considered to be injured during the operation, and 2 cases of left thigh anterior numbness occurred, which was considered to be related to psoas major muscle stretch, resulting in a complication rate of 10% (3/30). In the TLIF group, one patient had limited ankle dorsiflexion, which was related to nerve root traction, two patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and the dural sac was torn during the operation, and one patient had incision fat liquefaction, which was related to paraspinal muscle dissection injury, resulting in a complication rate of 13% (4/30). All patients achieved interbody fusion without cage collapse during the 6- month follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#Both OLIF and TLIF are effective in the treatment of single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. However, OLIF surgery has obviously advantages, including less intraoperative blood loss, less postoperative pain, and good recovery of intervertebral space height. From the changes in laboratory indexes of CK and the comparison of the left psoas major muscle, multifidus muscle, longissimus muscle area, and high signal intensity of T2 image on imaging, it can be seen that the degree of muscle damage and interference of OLIF surgery is lower than that of TLIF.

Influencia de la obesidad en los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la estenosis lumbar degenerativa / Obesity Influence on the Surgical Treatment Results of Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis

Introducción: La estenosis lumbar degenerativa altera la calidad de vida y disminuye la capacidad funcional en adultos mayores. La obesidad representa un problema de la salud mundial actual. Objetivo: Detallar los efectos de la obesidad sobre el riesgo quirúrgico, los índices de complicaciones posoperatorias y los resultados funcionales en pacientes adultos mayores sometidos a cirugía electiva por estenosis lumbar degenerativa. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo-descriptivo, con pacientes adultos mayores intervenidos quirúrgicamente por diagnóstico de estenosis lumbar degenerativa y valorados un año después. Resultados: 55 pacientes, 23 obesos, 32 no obesos; relación de sexos 1,5:1 masculino-femenino, mayor cantidad de espacios intervenidos, tiempo quirúrgico y pérdida de sangre en obesos. Los obesos presentaron un mayor número de complicaciones postquirúrgicas y resultados funcionales menos buenos. Conclusiones: La obesidad constituye un mayor riesgo quirúrgico, que, aunque la diferencia en los resultados clínicos no sea muy importante, provoca intervenciones más prolongadas y mayor incidencia de complicaciones quirúrgicas(AU)

Introduction: Degenerative lumbar stenosis alters quality of life and decreases functional capacity in older adults. Obesity represents a current global health problem. Objective: To detail the effects of obesity on surgical risk, postoperative complication rates, and functional outcomes in older patients undergoing elective surgery for degenerative lumbar stenosis. Methods: Prospective-descriptive study with elderly patients who underwent surgery for a diagnosis of degenerative lumbar stenosis, who were evaluated one year later. Results: Fifty-five patients, 23 obese, 32 non-obese; sex ratio 1.5:1 male-female, higher number of intervened spaces, surgical time and blood loss in obese subjects. The obese patients showed higher number of post-surgical complications and less good functional results. Conclusions: Obesity constitutes a higher surgical risk, even when the difference in clinical results is not very important, it causes longer interventions and higher incidence of surgical complications(AU)

Early effects of spinal endoscopic fusion technology in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To report the early clinical effects and surgical complications of endoscopic spinal fusion technology （Endo-LIF） in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 31 patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease treated with Endo-LIF from June 2019 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All the 31 patients underwent endoscopic spinal fusion therapy. We recorded the operation time， hospital stay duration， postoperative complications， visual analogue scale for pain （VAS）， oswestry dysfunction Index （ODI） and low back pain in the Chinese Orthopaedic Association Spine Group Surgery scoring standards before operation， immediately after operation， and the last follow-up to evaluate clinical efficacy. 【Results】 The operation time of the 31 patients was （134.80±34.98） min， the intraoperative blood loss was （100.13±18.49） mL， the hospital stay was （6.65±0.17） days， and the follow-up time was 6 to 18 （14±2.3） months. One patient had hematoma compression after surgery； he had incision made immediately to clear the hematoma and healed after bed rest. Two patients developed spinal hypertension and healed after bed rest. All the patients had no symptoms of nerve injury after operation， and the clinical symptoms were significantly relieved. We compared the perioperative VAS score and ODI index of all the patients， which were lower immediately after operation and at the last follow-up than those before the operation （P<0.05）， and the difference was statistically significant. 【Conclusion】 Endo-LIF technology has good short-term clinical effects and the advantages of milder trauma， less blood loss， and quick recovery after surgery. It is a safe and minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery.

Analysis of early and middle stage efficacy and complications of oblique lumbar interbody fusion in treating degenerative lumbar diseases / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the early and middle stage efficacy and complications of minimally invasive extraperitoneal oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 22 patients with degenerative lumbar diseases underwent OLIF from October 2017 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 8 females, aged from 51 to 72 years with an average of (63.15±7.22) years. There were 6 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 5 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis, 4 cases of adjacent vertebral disease, 3 cases of degenerative lumbar scoliosis, 3 cases of discogenic low back pain, and 1 case of recurrence after posterior lumbar decompression. Posterior minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation was performed in 13 cases and Stand-alone fixation in 9 cases. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative drainage volume, landing time were recorded. The intervertebral disc height(IDH), intervertebral foramen height(IFH), intervertebral foramen area( IFA), canal diameter(CD), canal area(CA) were measured before and after operation. The imaging changes (including location of fusion cage, interbody fusion, and cage subsidence) and complications were observed. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numerical rating scales (NRS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were compared before and 3, 6, 12 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#All 22 patients successfully completed the operation. The intraoperative blood loss was 25 to 280 ml with an average of (95.45±79.07) ml and that of simple anterior approach was 25 to 70 ml with an average of (45.71±15.42) ml. The operation time was 75 to 210 min with an average of (137.72±37.66) min, and the simple anterior operation time was 75 to 105 min with an average of (91.40±15.96) min. The total drainage volume was 10 to 110 ml with an average of (56.23±31.15) ml, and the time to go down to the ground was 24 to 72 hours (54.48±18.24) hours after operation. Postoperative IDH improved (6.63±2.61)mm(P<0.05), the IFH improved (5.35±2.47)mm (P<0.05), the IFA improved (97.67±33.58)mm2(P<0.05), the CD improved (3.31±1.61) mm(P<0.05), the CA improved (57.52±31.39) mm2(P<0.05). Five patients got interbody fusion at 6 months after operation and all 22 patients got interbody fusion at 12 months after operation. There was 5 cases of fusion cage subsidence, all of which occurred in the cases without posterior fixation(using Stand-alone fixation). There was no serious complication such as big blood vessel injury, ureter injury, dural sac injury and nerve root injury. Peritoneal injury occurred in 1 case, postoperative transient thigh pain, decrease of quadriceps femoris muscle strength in 4 cases and sympathetic nerve injury in 1 case. The symptoms of lumbago and radicular pain of lower extremities were alleviated obviously 3 days after operation. The ODI, NRS and JOA scores at 6, 12 months after operation were significantly improved(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases with definite indications by OLIF can achieve satisfactory clinical results, and it has advantages of less intraoperative bleeding, fast time to land, less complications, good imaging improvement and indirect decompression. But the operation time and fluoroscopy time are longer in the early stage, and complications such as peritoneal injury and lumbar plexus over traction may occur. The long-term incidence of settlement of fusion cage with Stand-alone technology is higher.

Analysis of lumbosacral sagittal balance parameter variation in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with real-time 3D navigation techniques / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the dynamic changes of lumbosacral sagittal parameters after real-time three-dimensional navigation assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and traditional open TLIF for treatment of lumbar degenerative disease.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 61 patients with lumbar degenerative disease underwent single-segment surgery from September 2017 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 31 cases underwent MIS-TLIF with 3D navigation techniques (MIS-TLIF group) and another 30 cases underwent conventional open TLIF (traditional open TLIF group). The basic information, operative time and intraoperative blood loss were collected. The sagittal radiologic parameters were measured before surgery and 3 months after surgery, including lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lordosis (SL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), anterior disc height (ADH), posterior disc height(PDH).And the average disc height(DH) and pelvic incidence to lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL) were calculated.@*RESULTS@#Operative time and intraoperative blood loss in MIS-TLIF group were significantly less than in traditional open TLIF group(@*CONCLUSION@#Real-time navigation-assisted MIS-TLIF and traditional open TLIF can recover DH in a short term for lumbar degenerative diseases, improve LL and PI-LL, and make the arrangement of the sagittal plane of the lumbosacral region more coordinated after surgery. But only the navigation assisted MIS -TLIF can significantly improve SL. Compared with traditional open TLIF, real-time navigation assisted MIS-TLIF in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases has the advantages of short operation time and less intraoperative bleeding.

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: Prediction of functional prognosis of patients based on spinopelvic parameters / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Surgery is a common way to treat degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, but some patients have poor postoperative health and quality of life. The relationship between preoperative spine pelvic parameters and postoperative healthy quality of life is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preoperative predictors of postoperative poor improvement in healthy life quality for patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis based on spinopelvic parameters. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 186 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis who met the criteria and underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery from June 2014 to September 2017, including 87 males and 99 females. (1) All patients were examined by the whole spine X-ray films in a standing position and sagittal spinopelvic parameters were measured, including pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, L4 slope, L5 slope, and sagittal vertical axis. (2) At the last postoperative follow-up, SF-36 was used to evaluate the healthy life quality of the patients, and the patients were divided into good group and poor group according to this score. The basic data and spinopelvic parameters of the two groups were compared and the preoperative predictors of poor quality of life were analyzed by Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) All cases were followed up for 20 to 26 months, with an average of 24 months. (2) There were 127 cases in the good group and 59 cases in the poor group, with poor improvement in quality of life accounting for 32%. Group comparison revealed that sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and sagittal vertical axis were larger in the poor group than in the good group (P 0.05). (3) Logistic regression analysis identified three preoperative predictors: pelvic incidence (P 52.18°, pelvic tilt > 25.23°, and sagittal vertical axis > 3.84 cm were risk factors for poor improvement in quality of life in postoperative patients, and the AUC value of pelvic tilt (0.944) was the largest. Sufficient attention should be paid to patients with preoperative risk factors.

Imaging changes in spinal-pelvic sagittal alignment in sitting and standing positions in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Spinal-pelvic sagittal alignment is important for the diagnosis and treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, the current study of the spine-pelvic sagittal alignment in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is limited to the standing position. There is no relevant report on the spine-pelvic sagittal alignment under the sitting position. OBJECTIVE: To analyze imaging data of sitting-standing spine-pelvic sagittal alignment in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, and to determine the sagittal alignment of spine change in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients from standing position to sitting position. METHODS: Totally 44 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (12 males, 32 females; age, 50-84 years) were enrolled from Tianjin Hospital from March to September 2019. All patients took X-rays of the spine in standing and sitting positions. Through the hospital image archiving and communication system, spinal and pelvic parameters were measured, including pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and sagittal vertical axis. The parameters were compared between standing posture and sitting posture. By using Pearson’s correlation test, differences of relationship between spinal and pelvic parameters in standing versus sitting position were discussed. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tianjin Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) When moving from standing to sitting position, in 44 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients, pelvic tilt increased [(21.3±10.1)°, (34.0±10.4)°, P 0.05). (2) Whether standing or sitting position, lumbar lordosis was correlated with other parameters (P 0.05), but lumbar lordosis was also correlated with sagittal vertical axis (P < 0.05). (3) When the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients change from standing position to sitting position, the sagittal configuration of spine pelvis shows that the pelvis rotates back around the bilateral femoral heads; the pelvis shows a backward leaning state; the physiological curvature of lumbar spine becomes shallow; and the sagittal balance axis of spine moves forward.

Full endoscopic I See technique for the treatment of single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical efficacy and advantages of the full endoscopic I See technique for the single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 38 patients with the single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis treated by full endoscopic I See technique from January 2017 to March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 16 males and 22 females, aged from 35 to 79 years with an average of(53.45±12.56) years. Five cases were L, 23 cases were L, 10 cases were LS. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by VAS, ODI and Macnab scores.@*RESULTS@#All the patients were followed up for more than 12 months after operation. The length of operation was from 55 to130 (86.0± 17.5) min. Intraoperative blood loss was ranging from 10 to 50 (17±6) ml, and the hospitalization length was from 3 to 7 days with an average of 4.6 days. The VAS scores of low back pain assessed before operation, and 3 d, 3 months, 12 months post operation were 6.67 ±1.25, 3.87 ±1.35, 2.55 ±1.21, 2.05 ±0.97, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05);VAS scores of leg pain at these time points were 7.85±2.62, 3.31±1.42, 2.02±1.13, 1.85±0.86, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (<0.05);ODI scores were 40.32±5.38, 25.76±4.81, 12.66±4.64, 9.32±2.91, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (<0.05). Tevaluate the lumbar vertebrae function according to the Macnab criteria, 15 cases obtained excellent results, 19 cases were good, and 4 cases were fair.@*CONCLUSION@#Full endoscopic I See technique is effective in the treatment of single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, with the advantages of less trauma, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.

Analysis of characteristics of lumbar spine-pelvic structural parameters in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the characteristics of lumbar spine-pelvic structure in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and its significance in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis(DLS).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 45 patients with simple degenerative L-segment lumbar spondylolisthesis (spondylolisthesis group) admitted from April 2015 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, which were compared with 50 healthy people with complete physical examination data in the same period(control group). Statistical analysis of the lumbar spine-pelvic structure parameters of the subjects through imaging data was performed to analyze the characteristics of the spine-pelvis of DLS patients. The degenerative characteristicsof intervertebral disc and articular process joint were observed in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Use Spearson to analyze the correlation between observation items.@*RESULTS@#The facet joint angle, lumbar lordosis angle (LL), pelvic incidence angle(PI), pelvic tilt angle (PT), sacral slope angle (SS) in spondylolisthesis group of L-segment were (36.5±11.2)°, (44.2±7.3)°, (66.5±11.6)°, ( 22.2±10.0)°, (33.4±11.3)°, respectively, while in control group were (44.4±8.2)°, (36.7±8.5)°, (55.4± 13.2)°, (14.4±7.0)°, (42.3±13.1)°. PI, LL, PT of spondylolisthesis group were obviously larger than that of control group (< 0.05), the facet joint angle and SS of spondylolisthesis group were smaller than that of control group(<0.05). The correlation analysis showed that PI value was related to the PT and SS in two group. The degree of degeneration of intervertebral disc was related to the degree of spondylolisthesis. The degree of degeneration of L-S intervertebral disc and L facet jointin spondylolisthesis group was more serious (P <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Lumbar spinal pelvic structure of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis has undergone significant changes. Lumbar lordosis and pelvic dumping phenomenon in the mechanism of lumbar degeneration plays an important role. Lumbar facet joint degeneration and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration are mutually promoted, and lumbar spondylolisthesis aggravates intervertebral disc and facet joint degeneration.

Effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 Cage in interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 (n-HA/PA66) Cage in interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was designed and conducted for 43 patients, who underwent posterior decompression and n-HA/PA66 Cage interbody fusion with correction of deformity between January 2013 and June 2016. Eighteen cases were single-level fusion (single-level group) and 25 cases were double-level fusion (double-level group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, direction of convex, degree of apical rotation, fusion level, the number of osteoporotic patients, pre-operative intervertebral height of fusion segments, coronal Cobb angle, visual analogue score (VAS), and modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, hospital stay, and complications of the operation were recorded. Modified ODI, VAS score, and MacNab criteria were adopted to assess clinical outcomes. Radiographic indexes, including intervertebral height of fusion segments, coronal Cobb angle, disc insertion depth, and the bone graft fusion rate, were also evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, and hospital stay between 2 groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 18-62 months (mean, 30.9 months). Wound complications, postoperative delirium, and Cage retropulsion occurred in 4 cases (2 cases in single-level group, 2 cases in double-level group), 1 case of single-level group, and 1 case of double-level group, respectively. The intervertebral height of fusion segments after operation significantly improved compared with preoperative ones in both groups ( P0.05). The disc insertion depth showed no significant difference between different time points after operation in 2 groups ( P>0.05) and between 2 groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Bony fusion was obtained in all patients at last follow-up. The VAS score and modified ODI after operation in both groups were superior to those before operation ( P0.05). According to the MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rates at last follow-up were 94.4% and 84.0% in single-level group and double-level group, respectively. Conclusion: The n-HA/PA66 Cage can effectively restore and maintain the disc height of fusion segment, normal sequence, and biomechanical stability of the spine, and gain favorable effectivenss for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. And double-level fusion is superior to single-level fusion in maintaining disc height of fusion segment.

Risk factors analysis of coronal imbalance after posterior long-level fixation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To explore the risk factors of coronal imbalance after posterior long-level fixation and fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Methods: Retrospectivly analyzed the clinical records of 41 patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis who had received posterior long-level fixation and fusion with selective transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) accompanied by Ponte osteotomy between August 2011 and July 2016. Patients were divided into imbalance group (group A, 11 cases) and balance group (group B, 30 cases) according to state of coronal imbalance measured at last follow-up. The radiographic parameters at preoperation and last follow-up were measured, and the variance of preoperative and last follow-up parameters were calculated. The radiographic parameters included coronal Cobb angle, coronal balance distance (CBD), apical vertebral translation (AVT), apical vertebral rotation (AVR), Cobb angle of lumbar sacral curve (LSC), and L 5 tilt angle (L 5TA). Univariate analysis was performed for the factors including gender, age, preoperative T value of bone mineral density, number of instrumented vertebra, upper and lower instrumented vertebra, segments of TLIF, decompression, and Ponte osteotomy, as well as the continuous variables of preoperative imaging parameters with significant difference were converted into two-category variables, obtained the influence factors of postoperative coronal imbalance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to verify the risk factors from the preliminary screened influence factors and the variance of imaging parameters with significant difference between the two groups. Results: The follow-up time of groups A and B was (3.76±1.02) years and (3.56±1.03) years respectively, there was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=0.547, P=0.587). The coronal Cobb angle, AVT, LSC Cobb angle, and L 5TA in group A were significantly higher than those in group B before operation ( P0.05), and there were significant differences between the two groups in parameters including the variance of CBD, L 5TA, and AVR ( P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that preoperative L 5TA was the influencing factor of postoperative coronal imbalance ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative L 5TA≥15° was an independent risk factor of postoperative coronal imbalance, and variance of pre- and post-operative AVR was a protective factor. Conclusion: Preoperative L 5TA≥15° is an independent risk factor for coronal imbalance in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis after posterior long-level fixation and fusion.

Application of ultrasonic osteotome in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery by unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) by unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression with ultrasounic osteotome and traditional tool total laminectomy decompression PLIF in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods: The clinical data of 48 patients with single-stage degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis between January 2017 and June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 27 patients were treated with unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression PLIF with ultrasonic osteotome (group A), and 21 patients were treated with total laminectomy and decompression PLIF with traditional tools (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, stenosis segment, degree of spinal canal stenosis, and disease duration between the two groups ( P>0.05), which was comparable. The time of laminectomy decompression, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and the occurrence of operation-related complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Bridwell bone graft fusion standard was applied to evaluate bone graft fusion at last follow-up. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the patients' lumbar and back pain at 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months after operation. Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was used to evaluate the patients' lumbar and back function improvement before operation and at 6 months after operation. Results: The time of laminectomy decompression in group A was significantly longer than that in group B, and the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume were significantly less than those in group B ( P0.05). At last follow-up, according to Bridwell criteria, there was no significant difference in bone graft fusion between the two groups ( Z=-0.065, P=0.949); the fusion rates of groups A and B were 96.3% (26/27) and 95.2% (20/21) respectively, with no significant difference ( χ2=0.001, P=0.979 ). Conclusion: The treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression PLIF with ultrasonic osteotome can achieve similar effectiveness as traditional tool total laminectomy and decompression PLIF, reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage, and reduce lumbar back pain during short-term follow-up. It is a safe and effective operation method.

Cognitive behavior intervention-mediated rehabilitation in patients with degenerative lumbar surgery: a systematic evaluation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective@#To systematically evaluate the effects of the implementation of the cognitive behavior intervention program on the rehabilitation of patients with degenerative lumbar spine surgery.@*Methods@#6 Chinese-English databases, The Cochrane library, PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CNKI, Wanfang, were used for the randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral intervention in patients undergoing degenerative lumbar surgery. Two researchers independently retrieved and extracted data and conducted meta-analysis using RevMan5.3 software.@*Results@#The meta analysis results of 7 literatures showed that the Oswestry dysfunction index questionnaire [MD=-9.55, 95%CI(-11.09,-8.02)] in the experimental group, pain VAS score [MD=-1.06, 95%CI(-1.70,-0.41)], fear of sport belief (TSK) [MD=-0.84, 95%CI(-1.41,-0.28)] were significantly superior to the control group (Z=12.21, 3.23, 2.93, P<0.01). The difference was statistically significant.@*Conclusion@#Perioperative cognitive behavior intervention can alleviate preoperative anxiety, effectively improve postoperative self-pain management level and the enthusiasm to participate in rehabilitation exercise, reduce the degree of functional disability, and improve the long-term quality of life after surgery.

Analysis of spinopelvic sagittal parameters in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the characteristics of spinopelvic sagittal parameters in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients and the relationship between these parameters and lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods From Jun. 2016 to Jun. 2018, 42 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) were enrolled in study group, and 58 degenerative lumbar disease patients without spondylolisthesis were enrolled in control group. The general characteristics of the patients were collected. The sagittal parameters, including pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis (LL) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA), were measured on lateral X-ray films of full-length spine. The differences of general characteristics and sagittal parameters were compared between the two groups. With the lumbar spondylolisthesis rate as dependent variable and the spinopelvic sagittal parameter as independent variable, logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Results There were no significant differences in the age, gender, height or body mass of the patients between the two groups (all P>0.05). There were significant differences in the PT, PI, SS, LL, TLK and SVA between the DLS group and the control group (all P0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that LL and PT were risk factors of lumbar spondylolisthesis (both P<0.05). Conclusion The sagittal parameters (PT, PI, SS, LL, TLK and SVA) in the patients with DLS are significantly changed. LL and PT are the risk factors of lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Cognitive behavior intervention-mediated rehabilitation in patients with degenerative lumbar surgery: a systematic evaluation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the effects of the implementation of the cognitive behavior intervention program on the rehabilitation of patients with degenerative lumbar spine surgery. Methods 6 Chinese-English databases, The Cochrane library, PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CNKI, Wanfang, were used for the randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral intervention in patients undergoing degenerative lumbar surgery. Two researchers independently retrieved and extracted data and conducted meta-analysis using RevMan5.3 software. Results The meta analysis results of 7 literatures showed that the Oswestry dysfunction index questionnaire [ MD=-9.55, 95% CI(-11.09,-8.02)] in the experimental group, pain VAS score [MD=-1.06, 95% CI(-1.70,-0.41)], fear of sport belief (TSK) [ MD=-0.84, 95% CI (-1.41,-0.28)] were significantly superior to the control group (Z=12.21, 3.23, 2.93, P<0.01). The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion Perioperative cognitive behavior intervention can alleviate preoperative anxiety, effectively improve postoperative self-pain management level and the enthusiasm to participate in rehabilitation exercise, reduce the degree of functional disability, and improve the long-term quality of life after surgery.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety Profiles of a Mixed ‘PF-72’ and ‘0.75% Ropivacaine HCl’ Versus a ‘0.75% Ropivacaine HCl’ and No Treatment Group: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Single-Institution Pilot Study

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective pilot study OBJECTIVES: The efficacy and safety of ‘PF-72’ for management of postoperative acute pain through a mixed ‘PF-72’ and 0.75% ropivacaine hydrochloride solution in patients with posterior spine surgery was evaluated as ‘0.75% ropivacaine’ and ‘untreated’ controls. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Postoperative acute pain is major surgical side effect that lead to the deterioration of the quality of life. Traditional pain control results in variable side effects, and multimodal pain management has been recommended as an alternative. Local anesthetics is a short-acting time lower than 12 hours. There is controversy about the efficiency and stability of thermoreactive hydrogel products as a drug delivery system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients scheduled for posterior spine surgery were enrolled by the inclusion criteria. In the treated group, PF-72 and ropivacaine mixture was injected to the surgical wound before closure. In control group 1, only 0.75% ropivacaine hydrochloride was injected. In the control group 2, the surgical site was without injection. Ten patients were randomly assigned to each group and standardized drugs for pain control were applied postoperatively and rescue regimens were applied when necessary. Postoperative pain score and the cumulative area under the curve (AUC) of pain score were compared. The percentage of subjects who were painless (pain score ≤ 3) was examined at each observation point. The first time of injection and the total dose of the rescue regimen were examined. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic data. The sum AUC of pain scores in the treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 2 at all observation times. The proportion of painless patients was significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group 2. There was no significant difference between the first administration time and the total usage of the rescue regimen, and the percentage of patients with PONV at all time points. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: PF-72 and ropivacaine mixture showed significant effects for pain management up to 72 hours postoperatively for the patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery without fatal complications.

Early Fusion Status after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw Fixation: A Comparison of Titanium-Coated Polyetheretherketone Cages and Carbon Polyetheretherketone Cages

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: We recently reported that when compared to posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using traditional pedicle screw fixation, PLIF with cortical bone trajectory screw fixation (CBT-PLIF) provided favorable clinical outcomes and reduced the incidence of symptomatic adjacent segment pathology, but resulted in relatively lower fusion rates. Since titanium-coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages (TP) could improve and accelerate fusion status after CBT-PLIF, early fusion status was compared between CBT-PLIF using TP and carbon PEEK cages (CP). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: A systematic review demonstrated that clinical studies at this early stage show similar fusion rates for TP compared to PEEK cages. METHODS: We studied 36 consecutive patients undergoing CBT-PLIF with TP (TP group) and 92 undergoing CBT-PLIF with CP (CP group). On multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography (MPR-CT) at 6 months postoperatively, vertebral endplate cysts (cyst signs) were evaluated and classified as diffuse or local cysts. Early fusion status was assessed by dynamic plain radiographs and MPR-CT at 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The incidences of cyst signs, diffuse cysts, and early fusion rate in the TP and CP groups were 38.9% and 66.3% (p0.05), respectively. Combining the two groups, 22 of 36 patients with diffuse cysts had nonunion at 1-year follow-up, compared to only three of 92 patients with local cysts or without cyst signs (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having fewer patients with endplate cysts at 6 months (a known risk factor for nonunion), the TP group had the same fusion rate as the CP group at 1-year follow-up. Thus, TP did not accelerate the fusion process after CBT-PLIF.

Lumbar facet joint degeneration contributes to degenerative lumbar scoliosis induced by asymmetric stress in rabbits / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role of lumbar facet joint degeneration in the development of degenerative lumbar scoliosis caused by asymmetric stress.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=12): Group A with aspiration of the nucleus pulposus to induce disc degeneration; Group B with removal of the left capsule from the facet joints at L3/4 to L5/6 to induce degeneration; and Group C with both treatments. Springs were deployed on the left adjacent facets at L3/4, L5/6 and L5/6 to stress the facet joints. Serial radiographs were taken at 3 and 6 months, and the facet joint tissues were sampled at 6 months for Safranin O-fast green staining to assess the severity of cartilage degeneration based on the Mankin score.@*RESULTS@#The Cobb angle differed significantly among the 3 groups (=24.865, =0.000). In all the groups, the Cobb angles at 6 months increased significantly as compared with that at 3 months ( <0.05). The Cobb angles were significantly greater in group C than in the other 2 groups at both 3 and 6 months ( <0.05) but showed no significant difference between Groups A and B (>0.05). The severity of facet joint degeneration also differed significantly among the 3 groups (= 22.009, =0.000), and was the most severe in group C ( <0.05); facet joint degeneration was more severe in group B than in group A ( <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Facet joint degeneration is an important factor that contributes to the development of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Disc degeneration and facet joints degeneration can lead to lumbar scoliosis, which in turn aggravates disc degeneration, facet joints degeneration and asymmetric stress, thus forming a vicious circle to further exacerbate lumbar scoliosis.

Minimally Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Indications, Outcomes and Complications / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The aim of this review was to evaluate minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion on the latest update. Lumbar interbody fusion was introduced recently. This study performed, a literature review of the indications, clinical outcomes, fusion rate, and complications regarding recently highlighted minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion. The indications of lateral lumbar interbody fusion are similar to the conventional anterior and posterior interbody fusion in degenerative lumbar diseases. In particular, lateral lumbar interbody fusion is an effective minimally invasive surgery in spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, degenerative adult deformity, degenerative disc disease and adjacent segment disease. In addition, the clinical outcomes and fusion rates of lateral lumbar interbody fusion are similar compared to conventional lumbar fusion. On the other hand, non-specific complications including hip flexor weakness, nerve injury, vascular injury, visceral injury, cage subsidence and pseudohernia have been reported. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion is a very useful minimally invasive surgery because it has advantages over conventional anterior and posterior interbody fusion without many of the disadvantages. Nevertheless, nonspecific complications during lateral lumbar interbody fusion procedure remain a challenge to be improved.