Development of Lumbar Surgery from Biomechanical Perspectives / 医用生物力学

Lumbar surgical operation is the crucial treatment against lumbar degenerative diseases (LDDs), whose development depends on persistent comprehension and innovation of vertebral biomechanics. The thorough understanding of biomechanical changes during lumbar senescence and degeneration is the important bedrock to grasp LDDs pathogenesis, renovate LDDs surgical strategy, and embrace more precise and minimally invasive treatment against LDDs. Herein, in this review, the intimate crosstalk between LDDs with degenerative biomechanics of vertebrae, intervertebral disc and paravertebral muscles was elucidated, followed by the classification of lumbar surgery history into non-vertebral implant era (before the year 1980), vertebral implant era (during the year 1980-1990), vertebral fusion era (during the year 1990-2010), precise and minimally invasive decompression era (after the year 2010) based on lumbar surgical characteristics in each era. The significance of representative biomechanical studies in each era for lumbar surgery was also concluded. From biomechanical perspectives, the history of spinal surgery is the development history of surgical strategies that has progressed as the continuously in-depth understanding of spinal biomechanics. With the deepening of spinal biomechanical researches, spinal surgeons are expected to develop treatment strategies that are more adapted to physiological and biomechanical characteristics of the spine, thereby guiding the future direction of spinal surgery advancement.

Autologous blood transfusion drainage and simple drainage after lumbar surgery: A comparative study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the effect of autologous blood transfusion(ABT) drainage system and simple drainage(using drainage bags) on the prognosis of patients after lumbar surgery. 【Methods】 The patients admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of our hospital from August 2018 to September 2020 who underwent posterior open lumbar internal fixation and fusion were divided into two groups according to different drainage methods adopted after surgery: 50 patients were randomly selected from the patients who received postoperative ABT system for drainage as ABT group, and 50 patients were randomly selected from the patients who received postoperative drainage by drainage bag as simple drainage bgroup(the control group). The postoperative drainage volume, actual postoperative drainage, total dominant blood loss, total autologous blood transfusion volume, as well as the postoperative anemia indexes, infection indexes and albumin levels in d1, d3 and d7 of the 2 groups were retrospectively analyzed. 【Results】 The gender, age, operation duration and operation segment of the 2 groups were comparable (P>0.05), and preoperative Hb, Hct, ALB, WBC, NE%, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative autologous blood transfusion volume and actual postoperative drainage volume were similar (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in Hb, Hct, ALB, WBC, NE% and CRP in postoperative d1, d3 and d7, as well as in preoperative and postoperative Hb, Hct and ALB, and in postoperative and preoperative WBC, NE% and CRP (P>0.05). The postoperative drainage volume (mL) and total dominant blood loss (mL) in ABT group and the control group were 554.40±176.82 vs 337.80±102.43, and 1 048.40±282.87 vs 791.80±277.02, respectively (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The use of ABT drainage system after lumbar surgery increased the drainage volume compared with simple drainage, but the improvement of anemia, albumin and infection was not obvious. ABT system should not be used routinely for drainage after lumbar surgery.

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.

Construction and evaluation of 3D printing simulation model for lumbar surgery / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: 3D printed bone model was widely used in clinical teaching and simulated surgery training, but it did not pay enough attention to the construction of soft tissue, and the simulation was poor, which cannot reflect the soft tissue exposure process. OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of constructing a simulated lumbar spine surgery model based on 3D printing technology for the training of lumbar pedicle screw placement in junior orthopedic surgeons. METHODS: The solid model of the lumbar spine was printed at the same proportion based on 3D printing technology, and the model of simulated lumbar spine surgery was constructed with plasticine and cloth. Thirty orthopedic residents performed lumbar pedicle screw placement alone on the simulated model, and performed once a day for 10 consecutive days. They recorded the operation time, and evaluated the accuracy of screw placement by postoperative CT scan. By comparing the operation time and screw placement accuracy of the operators in the early stage (the first 5 times) and the later stage (the last 5 times), all above parameters were statistically analyzed. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zigong Fourth People's Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In the early stage (the first 5 times), the average operation time was (100. 00+12. 67) minutes. In the later stage (the last 5 times), the average operation time was (83. 50+10. 14) minutes, and the difference was statistically significant (f=20. 67, P=0. 00). (2) The success rate of former screw placement (including grade I and II screw placement) was 88. 53%, and the failure rate (grade III screw placement) was 11. 47%. The success rate and failure rate of latter screw placement were 97. 47% and 2. 53%, respectively, with statistically significant difference (x2-20. 68, P=0. 00). (3) The simulated model of lumbar spine surgery based on 3D printing technology has high simulation and feasibility, and can be used for the training of lumbar pedicle screw placement in junior orthopedic surgeons.

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.

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.

Ogilvie's Syndrome after Lumbar Spinal Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: We report a case of Ogilvie's syndrome following posterior decompression surgery in a spinal stenosis patient who presented with acute abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Ogilvie's syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal disease that can easily be mistaken for postoperative ileus, and is also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Early recognition and diagnosis enable treatment prior to bowel perforation and requisite abdominal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 82-year-old woman presented with 6 months of worsening back pain with walking intolerance due to weakness in both legs. She had hypertension, asthma, and Cushing syndrome without bowel or bladder symptoms. Further workup demonstrated the presence of central spinal stenosis on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent an L2-3 laminectomy and posterior decompression. Surgery was uneventful. RESULTS: The patient presented with acute abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting on postoperative day 1. The patient was initially diagnosed with adynamic ileus and treated conservatively with bowel rest, reduction in narcotic dosage, and a regimen of stool softeners, laxatives, and enemas. Despite this treatment, her clinical course failed to improve, and she demonstrated significant colonic distension radiographically. Intravenous neostigmine was administered as a bolus with a rapid and dramatic response. CONCLUSION: Ogilvie's syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of postoperative ileus in patients developing prolonged unexplained abdominal distension and pain after lumbar spinal surgery. Early diagnosis and initiation of conservative management can prevent major morbidity and mortality due to bowel ischemia and perforation.

Intracranial Subdural Hematoma after Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Case Report

@#Intracranial subdural hematoma following lumbar surgery is a devastating but rare complication. It has been implicated due to intracranial hypotension secondary to persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The resultant drop in intracranial pressure presumably causes traction and tearing of venous structures. Patients typically present with postural headaches. However, other symptoms of subdural hematoma, intracranial hypotension and cerebrospinal fluid leak must also be cautioned.

Evaluación comparativa de descompresión lumbar primaria por técnica mínima invasiva versus convencional / Comparative evaluation of primary lumbar decompression by minimally invasive vs conventional technique

Resumen Introducción La descompresión lumbar es una de las principales cirugías programadas en ortopedia, es necesario identificar los beneficios y complicaciones de cada tipo de abordaje. Objetivo Comparación del abordaje convencional y mínimamente invasivo (MI). Material y métodos Estudio transversal, descriptivo y comparativo de descompresión lumbar primaria mínima invasiva vs. convencional. Resultados 36 pacientes divididos en dos grupos, 28 (77.7%) fueron abordaje convencional y ocho (22.3%) por mínima invasión, edad promedio de siete años menor en MI (MI media de 52.2 ± 8 años contra 59.8 ± 9, t Student p = 0.04), la disfunción medida similar. Inician deambulación 24 horas antes (mediana de 24 horas contra 48 horas en convencional, U de Mann Whitney p = 0.012), reducción de 1.5 días de estancia (mediana de 2.5 contra = cuatro días en convencional, p = 0.017), y del dolor postquirúrgico en la MI. Pérdida hemática menor en MI (medianas de 200 en convencional contra 65 mL, U de Mann Whitney p = 0.09), complicaciones, una infección del sitio quirúrgico, un hematoma de lecho quirúrgico, una inadecuada colocación de implantes y una lesión de dura. Conclusiones Se demostró la superioridad de la MI en varios aspectos, y la eficacia del test de Oswestry para la evaluación funcional del canal lumbar estrecho.

Abstract Introduction Lumbar decompression is one of the main surgeries scheduled in orthopedics, it is necessary to identify the benefits and complications of each type of approach. Objective Comparison of conventional and minimally invasive (MI) approaches. Material and methods Cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative study of minimally invasive versus conventional primary lumbar decompression. Results 36 patients divided into 2 groups, 28 (77.7%) were conventional and 8 (22.3%) were minimally invasive, average age 7 years younger in MI (MI average 52.2 ± 8 years versus 59.8 ± 9, t Student p = 0.04), similarly measured dysfunction. They begin wandering 24 hours before (median of 24 hours against 48 hours in conventional, Mann Whitney U p = 0.012), reduction of 1.5 days of stay (median of 2.5 versus = five days in conventional, p = 0.017), and post-surgical pain in MI. Minor blood loss in MI (median of 200 in conventional versus 65 mL, Mann Whitney U p = 0.09), complications, 1 surgical site infection, 1 surgical site hematoma, 1 inadequate implant placement and 1 dura mater lesion. Conclusions It was demonstrated the superiority of the MI in several aspects, and the effectiveness of the Oswestry test for the functional evaluation of the strait lumbar channel.

Neurovascular distribution around the multifidus muscles in the low back and its clinical implications / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the neurovascular distribution around multifidus muscles in the low back and its clinical significance via regional dissection.Methods Five cadavers were dissected in the low back.The anatomical relationships between the longissimus thoracis,iliocostalis and the start-stop,direction and position of multifidus muscles were observed.Branches,distribution and the characteristics of the erector spinae muscle,the lateral branches of spinal nerves and blood vessels were examined.Then measured the distances from the emerging point of the lateral cutaneous branches of spinal nerves to the spinous processes.Results After removed the deep fascia,the longissimus thoracis was found medially and the iliocostalis was found laterally.The muhifidus muscles located deeply to the longissimus and the iliocostalis muscles.The lateral branches of the posterior rami of the spinal nerves and the dorsal branches of lumbar blood vessels run in the multifidus muscle gaps.Conclusion The multifidus muscle gaps contain plenty of neurovascular bundles.Surgery involving the low back often takes the advantage of the gaps between multifidus muscles.Therefore,surgeons should take caution to avoid damaging the lateral branches of the posterior rami of the spinal nerves and the dorsal branches of lumbar vessels during low back surgery.

Successful Treatment of Internal Iliac Vein Rupture During Revisional Anterior Lumbar Spinal Surgery Using a Tack: Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case in which a tack was used to control bleeding due to a torn iliac vein during revisional anterior spine surgery. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: During anterior lumbar surgery, bleeding following a vascular injury is possible to control and reparable in most cases. During revisional anterior lumbar surgery, however, there are irreparable cases of bleeding as well. In some cases, it can threaten the patient's life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56-year-old man suffered from potentially fatal bleeding following iliac vein rupture during revisional anterior lumbar surgery. Primary vascular closure was impossible due to severe adhesion. We attempted to stop the venous bleeding with a tack, as an alternative treatment. The potentially fatal bleeding was controlled and the patient's vital signs stabilized after hemostasis by the tack. RESULTS: Hemostasis using the tack saved the patient's life without any rebleeding. CONCLUSIONS: During revisional anterior lumbar surgery, bleeding following an iliac vein rupture can be controlled by a tack in cases that are irreparable due to severe adhesion.

The clinical effects of Dexmedetomidine on analgesia and postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients with lumbar spine surgery / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of Dexmedetomidine on analgesia and postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients with lumbar spine surgery.Methods The patients were randomly divided into the control group (n=88) and the study group (n=100).The patients in the study group were treated with Dexmedetomidine at a loading dose of 1.0 μg/kg for 15 min,and 0.3 μg · kg-1 · h 1 was continuously pumped.The anesthetic mode and drugs in the control group were similar to those in study group,except that Dexmedetomidine in the study group was replaced with physiological saline in the control group.Intraoperatively used dose of analgesic drugs,and pain and cognitive function changes were compared between the two groups.Results The intraoperatively used doses of Remifentanil,Fentanyl and propofol were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P＜0.05).The VAS scores were markedly lower in the study group than in the control group (2.6±0.5 vs.4.5± 1.2,t=4.9398,P=0.0000).The MMSE scores were higher in the study group than in the control group (28.0 ± 1.3 vs.26.0 ± 2.5,t =-6.6484,P=0.0000).Conclusions Intraoperative use of Dexmedetomidine for treatment of the elderly patients with lumbar surgery will not only reduce the perioperatively used dose of analgesic and sedative drug,but also reduce postoperative pain and improve postoperative cognitive function.

Comparison of Effects of Pressure Controlled Ventilation and Volume Controlled Ventilation on Perioperative Blood Loss of Patients with Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion / 医学研究杂志

Objective To compare the effects of pressure controlled ventilation and volume controlled ventilation on perioperative blood loss of patients with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).Methods According to the random number table method,a total of 88 patients scheduled to PLIF were allocated into two groups,44 cases per groups.Patients received respectively pressure controlled ventilation and volume controlled ventilation in pressure controlled ventilation group (PCV group) and volume controlled ventilation group (VCV group).Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP),heart rate (HR) and central venous pressure (CVP) were continuously monitored at anesthesia induction immediately (T0),10min after supine position to prone position (T1),skin suture immediately (T2),10min after prone position to supine position (T3) and when tracheal extubation (T4).Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematokrit (HCT) were tested from T0 to T4 in the two groups.Respiratory parameters were recorded from T0 to T3 in the two groups.Intraoperative blood loss and blood loss at 96h after operation patients were recorded.Allogeneic blood transfusion,volume of fluid input and the rate of secondary surgery to stop th bleeding were recorded in the two groups.Results Compared to VCV group,peak inspimtory pressure (PIP) from T1 to T3 were all significantly lower (P ＜0.05) in PCV group.There was no statistical significance (P ＞ 0.05) in MAP,HR,tidal volume,respiratory rate (RR),PaO2/FiO2 and PaCO2 between the two groups.There was no statistical significance (P ＞ 0.05) in Hb and Hct at different time points between the two groups.Compared to VCV group,intraoperative blood loss,plasma infusions and red blood cell infusions were al significantly lower (P ＜ 0.05) in PCV group.Conclusion PCV can decrease intraoperative blood loss of patients with PLIF,which may be related to lower PIP during operation.

Application of back-pressurized corset in incision pressure dressing after posterior lumbar surgery / 现代临床护理

Objective To study the effect of back-pressurized corset in incision pressure dressing after posterior lumbar surgery. Methods Seventy-eight patients who received posterior lumbar surgery during December 2013 to December 2014 in our hospital, were set as the control group and treated by incision dressing using common corset. Another 80 patients receiving the same posterior lumber surgery during January to December 2015 were set as the experiment group and treated with incision pressure dressing using the pressured-corset. After surgery, the two groups were compared in terms of incisive bleeding, completeness of the dresses and waist comfort level at day 7. Results The rate of incisive bleeding in the experiment groups was significantly lower and the comfort level at the lumbar was significantly higher than that of the control group (P 0.05). Conclusion The incision pressure dressing for the patients after posterior lumbar surgery can remarkably improve the effect of compression fixation on the incision and increase comfort level.

Surgical treatment of the osteoporotic spine with bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screw fixation: technical description and preliminary application in 43 patients

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new approach for the application of polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws. METHODS: Between June 2010 and February 2013, 43 patients with degenerative spinal disease and osteoporosis (T-score <-2.5) underwent lumbar fusion using cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index. Patients were given radiographic follow-up examinations after 3, 6, and 12 months and once per year thereafter. RESULTS: All patients were followed for a mean of 15.7±5.6 months (range, 6 to 35 months). The Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores showed a significant reduction in back pain (p = 0.018) and an improvement in lower extremity function (p = 0.025) in patients who underwent lumbar fusion using the novel screw. Intraoperative cement leakage occurred in four patients, but no neurological complications were observed. Radiological observation indicated no loosening or pulling out of the novel screw, and bone fusion was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The described polymethylmethacrylate augmentation technique using bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws can reduce pain and improve spinal dysfunction in osteoporotic patients undergoing osteoporotic spine surgery. .

A Novel Balloon-Inflatable Catheter for Percutaneous Epidural Adhesiolysis and Decompression

Epidural adhesions cause pain by interfering with the free movement of the spinal nerves and increasing neural sensitivity as a consequence of neural compression. To remove adhesions and deliver injected drugs to target sites, percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis (PEA) is performed in patients who are unresponsive to conservative treatments. We describe four patients who were treated with a newly developed inflatable balloon catheter for more effective PEA and relief of stenosis. In the present patients, treatments with repetitive epidural steroid injection and/or PEA with the Racz catheter or the NaviCath did not yield long-lasting effects or functional improvements. However, PEA and decompression with the inflatable balloon catheter led to maintenance of pain relief for more than seven months and improvements in the functional status with increases in the walking distance. The present case series suggests that the inflatable balloon catheter may be an effective alternative to performing PEA when conventional methods fail to remove adhesions or sufficiently relieve stenosis.

Analysis of the Prevalence and Distribution of Cervical and Thoracic Compressive Lesions of the Spinal Cord in Lumbar Degenerative Disease

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to analyze the prevalence and distribution of cervical and thoracic compressive lesions of the spinal cord in lumbar degenerative disease, using whole-spine postmyelographic computed tomography. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Of the various complications resulting from spinal surgery, unexpected neurological deterioration is the most undesired. There are reports of missed compressive lesions of the spinal cord at the cervical or thoracic level in lumbar degenerative disease. METHODS: There were 145 consecutive patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative disease evaluated. Before the lumbar surgery, image data were obtained. The following parameters at the cervical and thoracic levels were analyzed: compressive lesions from the anterior parts; compressive lesions from the anterior and posterior parts; ossification of the ligamentum flavum; ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament; and spinal cord tumor. RESULTS: Compressive lesions from the anterior parts were observed in 34 cases (23.4%). Compressive lesions from the anterior and posterior parts were observed in 34 cases (23.4%). Lesions of ossification of the ligamentum flavum were observed in 45 cases (31.0%). Lesions of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were observed in 15 cases (10.3%). Spinal cord tumor was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: A survey of compressive lesions at the cervical or thoracic level in lumbar degenerative disease is important in preventing unexpected neurological deterioration after the lumbar surgery.

The Comparison of the Result of Epiduroscopic Laser Neural Decompression between FBSS or Not

BACKGROUND: Epiduroscopic laser neural decompression (ELND) has been performed as a treatment tool for chronic refractory low back pain and/or radicular pain. There are some studies about the usefulness of epiduroscopy for post lumbar surgery syndrome, however, few studies about the effectiveness of epiduroscopy for patients without back surgery. We compared the satisfaction of patients who underwent ELND for chronic low back pain and/or radicular pain after back surgery and for the same symptoms without surgery. METHODS: We compared the degree of satisfaction of patients after ELND between who had underwent the lumbar spine surgery and who had not retrospectively by chart reviewing. We divided 39 patients who had received ELND into two groups, one is the group of patients who got the lumbar surgery (group 1), and the other is the group of patients who did not (group 2). Their medical records including age, sex, previous treatment, duration of illness, degree of symptom relief were investigated. We compared each items between two groups. RESULTS: The number of patients in group 1 was 17, and group 2 was 22. In group 1, 16 patients (94.1%) showed more than 'Acceptable', and 19 patients (86.4%) showed more than 'Acceptable' in group 2. There is no significant differences statistically in percentage of patients who showed more than 'Acceptable' in the satisfaction after ELND between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: ELND provided satisfaction (more than 85%) for patients with chronic low back pain and/or leg pain regardless of previous back surgery history.

Surgical Outcomes of Spine Disorders in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

PURPOSE: Patients with Parkinson's disease also commonly have movement disorders, osteoporosis, and other comorbidities. These patients are more likely to have complications after spinal surgery. The aim of the present study is to show the relation ship between complications of spinal surgery and Parkinson's disease. METHODS: A computerized search using diagnostic and procedural codes identified 13 patients with Parkinson's disease who underwent spinal surgery between January 1998 and December 2010. Their medical records and imaging studies were reviewed and recent updatesfor all patients were done by telephone interview. RESULTS: Retrospectively, 13 consecutive patients were reviewed. The mean age was 63.8 (range 44~87) years old and the mean durationof Parkinson's disease was 7.6 (range 1~22) years at the time of the index procedure. The mean T score of the lumbar spine on Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan bone mineral density (BMD) was -2.5 (range -1.0~-5.1). These patients had nine lumbar lesions, two thoracic lesions, one cervical lesion, and one thoracolumbar lesion. Nine patients required no more surgical treatment for lesions which had been previously operated on (index level). However, four patients (30.8%) needed at least one more operation related to their index procedure; segmental degeneration on the adjacent levels in two, retropulsion of an intervertebral cage with screw loosening in one, and pedicle fracture in one. CONCLUSION: It has been reported that patients with Parkinson's disease have high complication rates in spinal surgery. Spine surgeons should be aware of the risk of complications and need to conduct careful follow-up after the surgery.

Paraplegia due to Missed Thoracic Meningioma after Laminotomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Report of Two Cases

To describe two cases of thoracic paraplegia due to a thoracic spinal cord tumor (meningioma) that was not detected during lumbar spinal decompressive surgery for lumbar canal stenosis and a complaint of claudication. The follow-up period ranged from 1 year and 6 months to 1 year and 8 months. The neurological deficit due to thoracic meningioma after surgery for lumbar canal stensois was decreased after mass excision. So, careful physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging can reveal another thoracic spine compressive lesion such as meningioma. Additional thoracic decompressive surgery can provide partial amelioration of each patient's neurological condition. Surgeons should know that a silent meningioma can aggrevate neurological symptoms after lower lumbar spine surgery and should inform their patient before surgery.