Analysis of Animal Models of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy Based on Characteristics of Clinical Symptoms of Chinese and Western Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

With the acceleration of social rhythm， the progress of science and technology， and the increase of the number of phubbers， the incidence of cervical degenerative diseases is also increasing year by year. Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy（CSR）， as one of the diseases induced by cervical degeneration， has seriously affected people's quality of life and physical and mental health. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） is effective in the treatment of CSR， but the theoretical and basic experimental evidence is not sufficient， and the current formulation standard of animal model is not unified. Therefore， based on the clinical guidelines of Chinese and Western medicine for CSR and the characteristics of the disease and syndrome， the author systematically summarized and analyzed the existing animal models， and found that the existing models of microvascular clamp nerve root compression method had a poor agreement with the the Chinese and Western medical guidelines， while the modeling methods of spinal canal insertion， autologous bone insertion compression， stainless steel column compression， and fixed frame cervical degeneration reflected a high degree of agreement in the Western medical guidelines. However， the Chinese medical diagnostic criteria were poorly matched. This indicates that the existing animal models of this disease show few TCM syndrome elements， and lack information collection and evaluation in animal behavioral evaluation similar to the four diagnoses of TCM. In conclusion， this paper aims to systematically evaluate the current status of animal model establishment of CSR based on the concept of combination of disease and syndrome， so as to provide a theoretical basis for the model establishment of CSR that is more consistent with clinical characteristics and symptoms of Chinese and Western medicine.

Effectiveness of craniocervical flexion training combined with cervical traction among patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 预防医学

Objective@# To evaluate the effectiveness of craniocervical flexion training using pressure biofeedback combined with cervical traction among patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).@*Methods@#Sixty patients with CSR receiving treatment in Center of Rehabilitation, Zhejiang Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled and randomly assigned into the control and treatment groups, of 30 patients in each group. All patients were given cervical traction, and patients in the treatment group were given additional craniocervical flexion training using pressure biofeedback for successive four weeks. The effectiveness of craniocervical flexion training combined with cervical traction was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the active range of motion (AROM) of cervical flexion, and the neck pain and cervical functions were compared between the two groups before and after treatments using repeated-measures analysis of variance.@* Results@# Fifteen men were included in the treatment group, with a mean age of (49.47±5.33) years, mean disease course of (5.53±2.89) months, and mean VAS score of (4.73±1.39) points, and there were no significant differences between the control and treatment groups in terms of gender, age, course of disease or VAS score (P>0.05). The VAS score and NDI were lower 4 weeks post-treatment than pretreatment in both the treatment [VAS score: (2.13±1.01) vs. (4.73±1.39); NDI: (12.17±2.12) vs. (20.20±3.78)] and control groups [VAS score: (2.93±1.11) vs. (4.90±1.21); NDI: (15.23±2.39) vs. (19.60±3.30)], and the AROM of cervical flexion was significantly higher 4 weeks post-treatment than pretreatment in both the treatment [(42.87°±2.99°) vs. (37.50°±2.80°)] and control groups [(41.80°±3.61°) vs. (38.07°±2.99°)]; there was an interaction between time and group, and a higher improvement for cervical functions was seen in the treatment group than in the control group (FVAS =5.119, P=0.027; FNDI=15.473, P<0.001; FAROM=11.443, P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#Craniocervical flexion training using pressure biofeedback combined with cervical traction may effectively alleviate the neck pain and increase the AROM among patients with CRS, which is more effective to improve patients' cervical functions than cervical traction alone.

Comparative analysis of clinical efficacy between posterior percutaneous endoscopic discectomy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical efficacy of posterior percutaneous endoscopic discectomy(PPECD) in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.@*METHODS@#A total of 56 patiens with single segment cervical spondylotic radiculopathy from December 2017 to October 2020, were randomly divided into observation group and control group. In observation group, there were 16 males and 11 females, including 8 cases of C4,5, 13 cases of C5,6 and 6 cases of C6,7 performed posterior percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, aged from 34 to 61 years old with an average of (51.15±6.29) years old. In control group, there were 19 males and 10 females with single segment cervical spondylotic radiculopathy including 10 cases of C4,5, 14 cases of C5,6 and 5 cases of C6,7 performed anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, aged from 40 to 65 years old with an average of (53.24±5.31) years old. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time of lying in bed and length of postoperative hospital stay were recorded. Visual analogue scale(VAS) and neck disability index(NDI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Cervical plain films or MRIs, CTs were taken for re-visiting patients.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up more than 2 years. The observation group patients were followed up, the duration ranged from 24 to 42 months with an average of (30.48±4.91) months. The control group patients were followed up, the duration ranged from 25 to 47 months, with an average of (32.76±4.53) months. Compared with control group, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time of lying in bed and length of postoperative hospital stay were decreased(P<0.05). Compared with pre-operation, VAS of neck and upper limb and NDI at the latest follow-up between two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05). Compared with control group, VAS of neck and upper limb at 1 day after operation in observation group were significantly reduced(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS of neck and upper limb and NID at 1, 3 months and the latest follow-up after operation between two groups(P>0.05). In the observation group, one patient's deltoid muscle strength was weakened to grade 4 after operation, and returned to normal after 12 weeks of conservative treatment. In control group, there was 1 case of postoperative adjacent spondylosis with symptoms of spinal compression after 2 years operation, then underwent cervical artificial intervertebral disc replacement. And there was 1 case of dysphagia after operation in control group and improved after 1 year. There was no significant difference in incidence of complications between two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#PPECD has advantages of shortening operative time, decreasing intraoperative blood loss, reducing postoperative time of lying in bed and length of postoperative hospital stay. However, applicable age range of patients and long-term clinical efficacy needs further study.

Clinical trial of Guige Shujing Decoction combined with acupuncture in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with coldness-blood stasis obstructing meridians / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of Guige Shujing Decoction combined with acupuncture in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with coldness-blood stasis obstructing meridians.Methods:A total of 86 patients with coldness-blood stasis obstructing meridians of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, who met the inclusion criteria from May 2019 to May 2021, were divided into two groups, with 43 cases in each group, according to the random number table method. The control group was treated with routine basic treatment and acupuncture, and the observation group was treated with routine basic treatment, acupuncture and Guige Shujing Decoction. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks and followed up for 6 months. The scores of TCM syndromes were performed before and after treatment, Clinical Assessment Scale for Cervical Spondylosis (CASCS) was used to evaluate cervical spine function, Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was used to evaluate the degree of pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to evaluate cervical spine function, and ELISA was used to detect levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The adverse reactions were observed during treatment and the recurrence rate was recorded during follow-up.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 95.35% (41/43), and that of the control group was 81.40% (35/43), the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=4.07, P=0.043). After treatment, the scores and total scores of shoulder and neck pain, upper limb numbness, neck stiffness, head tenderness and heaviness in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 10.66, 12.89, 9.12, 12.27 and 8.75, respectively, P<0.001). After treatment, the CASCS score in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( t=2.64, P=0.010). After treatment, the VAS and NDI scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 5.62 and 7.00, respectively, P<0.001). After treatment, the levels of serum hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 6.65, 7.52 and 5.08, respectively, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups during treatment ( χ2=0.73, P=0.393). After 6 months of follow-up, the recurrence rate in the observation group was 2.44% (1/41) and that in the control group was 17.14% (6/35). There was a statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups ( χ2=3.89, P=0.048). Conclusion:The Guige Shujing Decoction combined with acupuncture therapy can inhibit the neurogenic inflammatory reaction of patients with coldness-blood stasis obstructing meridians of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, reduce pain, improve cervical spine function, reduce recurrence rate and improve curative effect.

Effects of Fixed-Point Lateral Flexion and Rotation Manipulation on Intervertebral Foramina Morphology of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze the changes in morphology of intervertebral foramina in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) treated with fixedpoint lateral flexion and rotation manipulation based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology, so as to provide references for the effectiveness of manipulation treatment. MethodsForty patients with CSR were treated with fixed point lateral flexion and rotation manipulation once every other day for a total of 7 times and 2 weeks as a course of treatment. CT data of the patients before and after treatment were analyzed by using multifunctional CT, Mimics 21.0, Geomagic and SolidWorks 2017. The area of the intervertebral foramen, anterior and posterior diameter of the intervertebral foramen, upper and lower diameter of the intervertebral foramen were measured before and after treatment, as well as the infrared thermal imaging temperature differences of the bilateral neck and shoulder, front and back of the upper limb, and the VAS scores of the patients were observed before treatment, 7 d after treatment, 14 d after treatment and 1 month follow-up. Results Foraminal area, anterior and posterior diameters, upper and lower diameters of 40 patients were improved after treatment, and the temperature differences of infrared thermal imaging of patients before and after treatment were statistically significant. The VAS score of the patients decreased progressively. Conclusions Fixed point lateral flexion manipulation can significantly improve the shape of the intervertebral foramen in patients with CSR, so as to achieve the treatment purpose of relieving nerve compression.

Effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on the expression of Beclin-1/GRP78 in spinal dorsal horn in rats with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14) on the expressions of Beclin-1 and GRP78 in spinal dorsal horn in rats with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR), and to explore the possible analgesic mechanism of wheat-grain moxibustion for CSR.@*METHODS@#A total of 48 SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a wheat-grain moxibustion group and a wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group, 12 rats in each group. The CSR model was prepared by spinal cord insertion method. Three days after modeling, the rats in the model group were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were treated with wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14, 6 cones per time) on the basis of the model group; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group were intraperitoneally injected with 3-MA solution and wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14, 6 cones per time). The three groups were intervened for 7 days, once a day. The gait score and mechanical pain threshold were observed before treatment and 7 days into treatment; after the treatment, the expressions of mRNA and protein of Beclin-1 in spinal dorsal horn were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry; the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was detected by Western blot method; the autophagosomes and ultrastructure in spinal dorsal horn neurons were observed by electron microscope.@*RESULTS@#After the treatment, compared with the sham operation group, in the model group, the gait score was increased and the mechanical pain threshold was decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group, in the wheat-grain moxibustion group, the gait score was decreased and mechanical pain threshold was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was decreased, and the expressions of mRNA and protein of Beclin-1 were increased (P<0.01). Under electron microscope, the ultrastructure of spinal dorsal horn neurons in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was not significantly damaged, and its structure was basically close to normal, and the number of autophagosomes was more than the other three groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14) has analgesic effect on CSR rats. The mechanism may be related to moderately up-regulate the expression of Beclin-1, enhance autophagy and reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Experience in treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy by relaxing the sinew of hand three / 中国针灸

The clinical experience of professor

Acupoint selection rules of acupuncture for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy based on data mining / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the rules of acupoint selection in the acupuncture treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy by data mining.@*METHODS@#The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy published from July 15 of 2009 to July 15 of 2019 were retrieved from databases of CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed and EMbase. A database was established with Microsoft Excel 2016. The frequency and total effective rate of high-frequency acupoints, meridians and acupoint combinations were analyzed, and the association rules of acupoints and meridians were analyzed by Apriori algorithm.@*RESULTS@#A total of 87 RCTs were included, involving 104 acupoints with a total frequency of 921. Among them, the high-frequency acupoints were cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2, 87 times), Fengchi (GB 20, 70 times), Houxi (SI 3, 54 times), etc. The frequently-used acupoints were mainly distributed in the hand @*CONCLUSION@#It is feasible to explore the acupoint selection and compatibility rules of acupuncture for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy by data mining. This study could provide corresponding reference for clinical treatment.

Application of "Zoning Method" foraminotomy in posterior cervical endoscopic surgery / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the safety, effectiveness and consistency of "Zoning Method" foraminotomy in posterior cervical endoscopic surgery.@*METHODS@#From March 2016 to October 2018, 21 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were enrolled. Endoscopic foraminotomy and nucleus pulposus enucleation were performed in the patients. There were 13 males and 8 females, aged from 35 to 56 years old with an average of (47.3±5.1) years. The surgical segment of 6 cases were C, 10 cases were C and 5 cases were C. The "Zoning Method" was proposed and used to complete the foraminotomy under endoscope, and then to perform nucleus pulposus removal and nerve root decompression. The operation length, intraoperative bleeding volume and complications were recorded, and NDI, VAS were evaluated before operation, 1 day after the operation and 1 week after the operation.@*RESULTS@#All the operations were successful. The operation length was(46.10±26.39) min, intraoperative bleeding volume was (50.10±18.25) ml, and there were no complications such as nerve injury, dural tear or vertebral artery injury. All 21 patients were followed up for 3 to 9 months, with a median of 6 months. Postoperative VAS and NDI were obvious improved (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Endoscopic foraminotomy with "Zoning Method" is safe clinically significant, and consistent.

Finite element analysis of the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with three dimensional balanced manipulation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the biomechanical characteristics of "three-dimensional balanced manipulation" for the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR).@*METHODS@#A CSR patient was treated with "three-dimensional balanced manipulation", and the mechanical changes during the manipulation were monitored by mechanical testing system. Using spiral CT to scan the neck of the patient to obtain DICOM data. The three-dimensional finite element model of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy was established by using Mimics software, Geographic Studio software. The "three-dimensional balance manipulation" was simulated and loaded, and the mechanical parameters of each part were replaced into the finite element model, and the finite element analysis was carried out by using ANSYS software to study the internal stress changes and displacement deformation of vertebral body and intervertebral disc under the action of "three-dimensional balance manipulation".@*RESULTS@#The established C-C finite element model of the CSR patient consisted of 5 vertebrae, 4 intervertebral discs and 3 ligaments, involving 153 471 nodes and 64 978 units. The stress of C-C vertebral body was mainly located in anterior and root of C spinous processes, arch, vertebral arch and the combination of the two after full loading of manipulation, and the maximum stress was 17.781 MPa. The deformation sites were mainly concentrated in articular processes and anterior transverse processes of C, superior articular processes and transverse processes of C, articular processes of C. The stress of C-C intervertebral disc mainly distributed in the anterior part of C intervertebral disc and the nucleus pulposus of C and C. The displace mentextended to the middle and posterior part of C nucleus pulposus, around the nucleus of C and C and anterior part of cervical intervertebral disc.@*CONCLUSION@#The establishment of three-dimensional finite element model of C-C cervical spondylotic radiculopathy can simulate the geometry and material properties of cervical spine, and also accurately reflects the biomechanical characteristics of cervical spine, verifys the internal mechanism of "three-dimensional balanced manipulation" on CSR, proves the safety and effectiveness of treatment, guides more standardized manipulation, and avoids medical accidents.

Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Modified Shengyutang on Clinical Efficacy and T-lymphocyte Subsets in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy of Qi-blood Deficiency / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with modified Shengyutang in treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with Qi-blood deficiency and its effect on T-lymphocyte subsets. Method:Totally 201 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with blood deficiency were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 67 cases in each group. Group A was treated with modified Shengyutang. Group B was treated with acupuncture. Group C was treated with modified Shengyutang combined with acupuncture. The effective rate of each group and the therapeutic effect of deficiency of Qi and blood were observed. Neck disabilitv index（NDI）, visual analogue score（VAS）, SF-36 mental component summary（SF-36MCS）and SF-36 physical component summary（SF-36PCS） were compared before and after treatment. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and calcitonin related peptide (CGRP) were measured before and after treatment. The levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ were compared before and after treatment. The therapeutic safety indexes of each group were observed. Result:After treatment, the total clinical effective rate of group C was significantly higher than that of group A and B (P<0.05). NDI and VAS scores were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The scores of SF-36MCS and SF-36PCS were significantly increased (P<0.05). The score of Qi-blood deficiency syndrome was significantly lower (P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and CGRP were significantly lower (P<0.05). The levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas CD8+ was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant adverse reactions occurred in each group during the treatment. Conclusion:acupuncture combined with Shengyutang has a significant clinical effect on cervical spondylosis with Qi-blood deficiency, and is worth popularizing.

Effect of Zelen' s Guige Lingxian Decoction Combined with Moxibustion at Neck Jiaji Acupoint in Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic radiculopathy of Wind-cold-dampness Arthralgia Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Guige Lingxian decoction combined with moxibustion at neck Jiaji acupoint on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) of wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome. Method::Totally 120 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with wind-cold-dampness syndrome were randomly divided into two groups: traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) group and combination group, with 60 cases in each group. The TCM group was treated with Guige Lingxian Tang 150 mL/time, twice a day. The combination group was treated with moxibustion at neck Jiaji acupoint in addition to the therapy of the TCM group, 30 minutes/time, once a day. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. CSR 20 subscale score, SF-36 scale score, typical symptoms and signs remission time were recorded. The total effective rate and the cure rate were recorded after treatment. Serum levels of leukotriene B4(LTB4), leukotriene C4(LTC4), leukotriene D4 (LTD4), chitinase protein 40 (YKL-40), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) before and after treatment. Result::The total effective rate was 98.11%(52/53), and the cure rate was 43.39%(23/53) in the combination group, which were higher than 91.04%(61/67) and 20.89%(14/67) in the TCM group (P<0.05). Compared with the TCM group, the scores of CSR 20 subscale and SF-36 scale in combination group were increased (P<0.05), and the remission time of typical symptoms and signs was shortened. Serum levels of LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, YKL-40, IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion::Moxibustion at neck Jiaji acupoint combined with Guige Lingxian decoction is effective in treating CSR of wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome, which is worthy of clinical promotion. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the expression of LT, and the reduction of the content of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum, thus promoting the repair of cervical cartilage and increasing the pain threshold.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang on Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy and Function of Neck and Upper Limb / 中国实验方剂学杂志

<b>Objective::To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome and its effect on cervical vertebral mobility, isometric muscle strength and pain-related factors. <b>Method::Totally 162 CSR patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome were randomly divided into observation group (81 cases) and control group (81 cases). The observation group was given modified Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang orally, 150 mL/time, twice a day, while the control group was given Jingshu granule orally for 6 g/time, twice a day. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The changes of median nerve F wave conduction velocity, cervical vertebral mobility, isometric muscle strength, CSR 20 subscale score and visual analogue score (VAS) were recorded before and after treatment. The total effective rate and the cure rate were counted after treatment. The levels of serum pain-related factors (5-HT), nerve growth factor (NGF) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) were measured before and after treatment. <b>Result::The total effective rate of the observation group was 98.77%, and the cure rate was 40.74%, which were better than 83.95%and 7.41%of the control group (<italic>P</italic><0.01). Compared with before treatment, the conduction velocity of median nerve F wave, cervical vertebral mobility, isometric muscle strength and CSR 20 score increased, whereas VAS score, pain related factors 5-HT, NGF and PGE₂ content decreased in both groups (<italic>P</italic><0.01). Compared with control group, median nerve F wave conduction velocity, cervical vertebral mobility, isometric muscle strength and CSR 20 subscale scores increased, while VAS score decreased, pain related factors 5-HT, NGF and PGE₂ contents decreased in the observation group (<italic>P</italic><0.01). <b>Conclusion::Modified Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang is effective in treating CSR with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, and can significantly improve the neck and hand functions and relieve pain.

Clinical observation on the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy by the pulsed radiofrequency combined with the fixed-point lateral flexion and rotation realignment cervical manipulation / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency combined with fixed-point lateral flexion and rotation realignment cervical manipulation in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Methods Sixty-three patients with CSR were randomly divided into observation group (n=32) and control group (n=31). The observation group was given pulse radiofrequency combined with fixed-point lateral flexion and rotation realignment cervical manipulation, and the control group was given the pulsed radiofrequency treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were obtained before the treatment, 7 days and 3 months after the treatment. The temperature differences of bilateral upper limbs infrared thermal imaging were observed before and 3 months after the treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated by using TCM disease and syndrome diagnosis criteria. Results After 7 days and 3 months of the treatment, the VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatments, the VAS scores of the observation group were lower than the control group, and all the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The JOA scores in the two groups were higher than those before treatment, the JOA scores of the observation group were higher than the control group , and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the infrared temperature difference between the upper limbs of the observation group and the control group before treatments [(0.83±0.27) °C vs (0.87±0.29) °C, P>0.05]. Three months after the treatment, the temperature difference of infrared thermography in the upper limbs of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the cure rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (68.75％vs 22.58％, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the total effective rate between the two groups (93.75％vs 90.32％, P>0.05). Conclusions The pulsed radiofrequency combined with the fixed-point lateral flexion and rotation realignment cervical manipulation in the treatment of radiculopathic cervical spondylosis was effective in improving pain, function and infrared imaging temperature of upper limbs.

Long-term clinical efficacy of cervical artificial disc replacement for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and influencing factors of cervical artificial disc replacement (CADR) for patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Methods: The data of 29 CSR patients who underwent Bryan artificial disc replacement between December 2003 and December 2007 and followed up more than 10 years were retrospectively analysed. There were 16 males and 13 females with an average age of 54.1 years (range, 40-70 years). The disease duration was 2-144 months (mean, 19.2 months). CT and MRI were performed before operation to identify the compression segments (C 3, 4 in 2 cases, C 4, 5 in 6 cases, C 5, 6 in 18 cases, C 6, 7 in 3 cases) and the compression factors. According to the compression factor, the patients were divided into 2 groups: 14 patients with cervical disc herniation were in the group A and 15 patients combined with osteophyte were in the group B. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, and compressed level between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The radiographic and clinical evaluation indexes were recorded before operation and at last follow-up. The radiographic evaluation indexes included the global cervical and segmental range of motion (ROM), loss of ROM (ROM0.05). Except that the loss of ROM (ROM0.05). The results of clinical evaluation indexes showed that the NDI was significantly improved in both groups ( P0.05). The excellent and good rate of overall efficacy reached 100% in both groups. Conclusion: CADR has satisfied long-term efficacy in treating CSR. The maintenance of segmental mobility was better in patients with disc herniation than in patients with disc herniation and osteophyte.

Research progress of the biomechanics in the rotational manipulation treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is a common and frequently-occurring disease in the clinical department of orthopedics.It has the highest incidence of cervical spondylosis and has been classified as a difficult disease by the World Health Organization.Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy mainly manifests as root symptoms and signs consistent with the diseased segment,and the symptoms of stiffness,pain and numbness,which seriously affect the physical and mental health and life quality of patients.In clinical practice,the symptoms of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy can be alleviated by physical therapy,acupuncture,etc.Therefore,searching for more effective treatments has become a hot topic of current researches.Manipulations have the advantages of simple operation,quickness,quick effect and high recognition degree,and can achieve therapeutic purpose by improving the dynamic and static balance of cervical spines,correcting joint dislocation and improving blood circulation.Among them,the curative effect of rotational manipulations is more remarkable.The researches on rotational manipulations by domestic and foreign scholars mainly focus on the in vitro and in vivo biomechanics of cervical spines,and the biomechanical researches on the rotational manipulation itself were different.At present,the mechanical research on the rotational manipulation is still in the development stage,and there is no clear conclusion on the similarities and differences of the mechanical parameters and their influence on the mechanical environment of the cervical spine.In this paper,the research progress of biomechanical properties of cervical spine rotational manipulation was summarized to provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism of the rotational manipulation treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Control Study of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy Treated by Loosening Posterior Tubercle of Cervical Transverse Process with CT-guided Insertion of Small Needle Knife and Blind Insertion of Small Needle Knife / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the successful rate and the therapeutic effect of loosening posterior tubercle of cervical transverse process with CT-guided insertion or blind insertion of small needle knife for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Methods Ninety patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were divided into CT-guided insertion group and blind insertion group in the admission order using the random number table method, 45 cases in each group. CT-guided insertion group adopted the insertion of small needle knife following by the guide of CT, and the blind insertion group adopted the insertion of small needle knife following by cervical bony landmarks and muscles. After insertion, the position of the small needle knife in patients of the two groups was located by CT scan. If the needle knife did not arrive to the foci, it will be inserted again following by the guide of CT till successful insertion and location. The successful rate for the two times of insertion was calculated, and the pain scores were evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS). Results(1) The successful rate for the first insertion of CT-guided insertion group was 73.3％, and that of the blind insertion group was 47.8％, the difference being significant(P < 0.01). The successful rate for the second insertion of CT-guided insertion group was 92.2％, and that of the blind insertion group was 80.0％, the difference being significant (P<0.01). (2) After treatment for one week, pain VAS scores of the two group were decreased (P < 0.01 compared with those before treatment) , and the decrease in the CT-guided insertion group was more obvious than the blind insertion group (P < 0.05). Conclusion CT-guided insertion makes the small needle knife therapy be more accurate and safer, ensures much better therapeutic effect, and brings less pain in the patients.

Effect of Treatment of a Non-surgical Spinal Decompression System on Neck Muscle Surface Electromyography of Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy / 华中科技大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore effect of treatment of a non-surgical spinal decompression system(SDS) on neck muscle surface electromyography(EMG)of patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR).Methods Sixty patients with CSR in Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in China between February 2014 and February 2016 were recruited and randomly divided into SDS group and control group,with 30 patients for each group.The SDS group and control group were treated with the SDS and general traction system for cervical traction respectively.Surface EMG telemeter was used to measure the surface EMG signals of the affected side cervical erector spinae muscle and sternocleidomastoid with the score of averaged EMG value(AEMG)and the median frequency(MF)as surface electromyogram signal evaluation indexes,and VAS and NDI as therapeutic effect evaluation indexes after a course of treatment.The data before and after the treatment were statistiacaly analyzed.Results During the first traction with tradtional traction or SDS,AEMG values of the cervical paraspinal muscle and sternocleidomastoi were significantly decreased and MF values significantly increased as compared with those before the traction (all P＜0.05).After a course of treatment,AEMG values of affected side cervical erector spinae muscle and sternocleidomastoi of SDS group were significantly decreased as compared with those before the treatment,and they were significantly lower in SDS group than in ordinary group (all P＜0.05);and MF values of affected side cervical erector spinae muscle and sternocleidomastoi in SDS group were significantly increased as compared with those before the treatment,and they were significantly higher in the SDS group than in the ordinary group (all P＜0.05).VAS and NDI scores of the two groups after a course of treatment were significantly lower than those before the treatment (P＜0.05),and VAS and NDI scores were significantly lower in the SDS group than in the ordinary group (P＜0.05).Conclusion SDS traction is superior to ordinary traction in relieving pain,improving function,relaxing neck muscles and alleviating muscle fatigue.

Effect of Cervical Rotatory Manipulation on Displacement and Intra-stress of Cervical Disc in Different Positions / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To simulate the cervical rotatory manipulation(CRM)in flexion,neutral and extension positions using three-di-mensional finite element,so as to investigate the effect of this manipulation on the displacement and intra-stress of cervical disc in different positions.Methods By using the method of reverse engineering with Mimics 10.01,Geomagic Studio and Solidworks 14.0,a three-dimen-sional geometric CAD model of C5-6was developed from the CT scan images of a normal adult female aged 25 years.The model was import-ed into Ansys Workbench 14.5,and a three-dimensional finite element model was verified and simulated the CRM.The CRM was decom-posed by principium of manipulation in flexion,neutral and extension,respectively.The parameter of mechanics was analyzed with the fi-nite element system.The change of displacement and intra-stress distribution in cervical disc simultaneous were displayed during simulating the manipulation.Results The posterior part of opposite rotary side of annulus fibers was all retracted,and the displacement was toward an-terior,maximal in flexion position,followed as neutral position and minimal in extension position.In the meantime,the posterior part of the rotary side of annulus fibers was expanded into posterior,minimal in flexion position,followed as neutral position and maximal in extension position.The intra-stress in cervical disc was focused on posterior part of opposite rotary side,opposite rotary side and posterior part of the rotary side in flexion position,neutral position and extension position,respectively,maximal in flexion position,followed as extension posi-tion and minimal in neutral position. Conclusion To treat with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy in the perspective of safety of cervical disc,the CRM should rotate to the unaffected side,first in neutral position,second in flexion position if with poor efficacy.Patients with cer-vical spinal stenosis should not be treated with the CRM.

Observations on the Efficacy of Pricking-cupping Bloodletting in Treating Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Yang’s pricking-cupping bloodletting in treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and its effect on trapezius tension.Methods Seventy-eight patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups, 39 cases each. The treatment group received pricking-cupping bloodletting and the control group, conventional acupuncture plus cupping. The nerve function was scored, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was recorded and trapezius tension was measured in the two groups before and after treatment. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.Results There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in the nerve function score, the VAS score and trapezius tension in the two groups (P0.05).Conclusions Yang’s pricking-cupping bloodletting can effectively improve pain symptoms and trapezius tension in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.