Biomechanical Study on Contiguous Three-Level Cervical Hybrid Surgery and Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare the biomechanical effects of contiguous three-level cervical Hybrid surgery[anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) + cervical disc arthroplasty ( CDA)] and three-level ACDF. Methods The finite element model of C1-T1 cervical-thoracic spine was developed based on CT data. Three models were simulated by the implantation of Prestige LP and Zero-P prostheses, including two Hybrid models (AFA, Prestige LP implanted at C3-4 and C5-6 segments and Zero-P implanted at C4-5 segment; FAF, Zero-P implanted at C3-4 and C5-6 segments and Prestige LP implanted at C4-5 segment) and three-level ACDF model(FFF). The changes in range of motion (ROM) of adjacent levels during flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation, the overall ROM, as well as the intradiscal pressure ( IDP) and facet contact force ( FCF) of adjacent levels were compared. Results The ROM in adjacent levels and the overall ROM of the AFA modelwere closer to the intact model, and the maximum increases in the ROM of the adjacent levels for the FAF and FFF models were 15. 0% and 23. 4% , respectively. For AFA, FAF and FFF models, the maximum increases in the maximum IDP of adjacent levels were 19. 0% , 66. 7% , 147. 6% , and the maximum increases in FCF were 17. 4% , 55. 7% , 80. 1% , respectively. Conclusions This study provides biomechanical basis for three-level cervical Hybrid surgery in treating patients with the contiguous three-level cervical degenerative disc disease.

A review of patients with dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion / 中国实用护理杂志

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is one of the classic procedures for the treatment of cervical spondylosis, and dysphagia is a common perioperative complication of this procedure, which affects patients′ recovery to different degrees. This paper summarizes and analyzes the perioperative assessment and interventions in the care of patients with dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, aiming to improve clinical nursing staff′s attention to dysphagia in patients after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of high-risk groups.

Mode establishment and preliminary clinical application of anterior cervical surgery in outpatient setting / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish the mode of anterior cervical surgery in outpatient setting, and evaluate its preliminary effectiveness.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery between January 2022 and September 2022 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. The surgeries were performed in outpatient setting ( n=35, outpatient setting group) or in inpatient setting ( n=35, inpatient setting group). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in age, gender, body mass index, smoking, history of alcohol drinking, disease type, the number of surgical levels, operation mode, as well as preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale score of neck pain (VAS-neck), and visual analogue scale score of upper limb pain (VAS-arm). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, total hospital stay, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital expenses of the two groups were recorded; JOA score, VAS-neck score, and VAS-arm score were recorded before and immediately after operation, and the differences of the above indexes between pre- and post-operation were calculated. Before discharge, the patient was asked to score satisfaction with a score of 1-10.@*RESULTS@#The total hospital stay, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital expenses were significantly lower in the outpatient setting group than in the inpatient setting group ( P<0.05). The satisfaction of patients was significantly higher in the outpatient setting group than in the inpatient setting group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in operation time and intraoperative blood loss ( P>0.05). The JOA score, VAS-neck score, and VAS-arm score of the two groups significantly improved at immediate after operation when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement of the above scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The patients were followed up (6.67±1.04) months in the outpatient setting group and (5.95±1.90) months in the inpatient setting group, with no significant difference ( t=0.089, P=0.929). No surgical complications, such as delayed hematoma, delayed infection, delayed neurological damage, and esophageal fistula, occurred in the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The safety and efficiency of anterior cervical surgery performed in outpatient setting were comparable to that performed in inpatient setting. Outpatient surgery mode can significantly shorten the postoperative hospital stay, reduce hospital expenses, and improve the patients' medical experience. The key points of the outpatient mode of anterior cervical surgery are minimizing damage, complete hemostasis, no drainage placement, and fine perioperative management.

Study on application of ultrasonic bone curette in anterior cervical spine surgery / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of ultrasonic bone curette in anterior cervical spine surgery.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of 63 patients with cervical spondylosis who were admitted between September 2019 and June 2021 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 32 cases were operated with conventional instruments (group A) and 31 cases with ultrasonic bone curette (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in gender, age, surgical procedure, surgical segment and number of occupied cervical space, disease type and duration, comorbidities, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical dysfunction index (NDI), and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospital stay, and the occurrence of postoperative complications were recorded in both groups. Before operation and at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation, the JOA score and NDI were used to evaluate the function and the postoperative JOA improvement rate was calculated, and VAS score was used to evaluate the pain improvement. The anteroposterior and lateral cervical X-ray films were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation to observe whether there was any significant loosening and displacement of internal fixators.@*RESULTS@#Compared with group A, group B had shorter operation time and postoperative hospital stay, less intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). All incisions healed by first intention in the two groups, and postoperative complications occurred in 5 cases (15.6%) in group A and 2 cases (6.5%) in group B, showing no significant difference (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 7.9 months). The JOA score and improvement rate gradually increased in groups A and B after operation, while the VAS score and NDI gradually decreased. There was no significant difference in VAS score between 3 months and 1 month in group B (P>0.05), and there were significant differences between the other time points of each indicator in the two groups (P<0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after operation, the JOA score and improvement rate in group B were better than those in group A (P<0.05). X-ray films examination showed that there was no screw loosening or titanium plate displacement in the two groups after operation, and the intervertebral cage or titanium mesh significantly sank.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with traditional instruments, the use of ultrasonic bone curette assisted osteotomy in anterior cervical spine surgery has the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative drainage, and shorter hospital stay.

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.

Analysis of the effect and influencing factors of different surgical methods in the treatment of multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国综合临床

Objective:To explore the use of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) combined with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with multilevel cervical spondylopathy myelopathy (CSM).Methods:The clinical data of 83 patients with multi-segment CSM admitted to the Department of Spinal Surgery of Hubei Liuqi2 Orthopaedic Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different surgical methods used in their treatment, they were divided into group A and group B. In group A, 44 patients were treated with anterior cervical ACCF combined with ACDF, and 39 patients in group B were treated with posterior single-door laminoplasty. The general clinical indexes such as operation time, perioperative bleeding volume and hospitalization time were collected.The neurological function and cervical dysfunction improvement effect of the patients before and 6 months after operation were evaluated by using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and neck disability index (NDI) scale. The cervical curvature of the patients before and 6 months after operation was compared, The complications of the two groups were observed 6 months after operation. The patients were divided into improved group (72 cases) and non improved group (11 cases). Comparison between count data groups χ 2 inspection. Independent sample t-test was used for comparison between measurement data groups conforming to normal distribution. According to the results of univariate analysis, the meaningful factors were included in the binary Logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors related to the surgical efficacy. Result:The perioperative blood loss ((153.36±10.68) mL) and hospital stay ((10.11±2.30) d) in group A were lower than those in group B ((171.47±11.32) mL, (15.58±3.76) d). There were significant differences between the two groups ( t values were 7.50 and 8.10; both P<0.001). Six months after operation, the JOA score (13.70±1.49, 12.94±1.63) and cervical curvature (22.10±3.23, 13.38±3.12) of patients in groups A and B were all higher than those before operation (9.40±1.32, 9.36±1.51; 11.16±2.60, 11.23±2.71), and group A was higher than group B, the difference was statistically significant (JOA scores before and after operation: t values were 14.33 and 10.07, respectively; cervical curvature: t values were 17.50 and 3.25, respectively; t values between groups were 2.22 and 12.47, respectively, and the P values were <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.002, 0.029 and <0.001, respectively). Six months after the operation, the NDI indexes of groups A and B (11.38±4.76, 14.79±4.85) were lower than those before the operation (39.56±9.43, 39.74±9.51), and those in group A were lower than in group B, and the difference was statistically significant ( t values were 17.70, 14.60, and 3.23; all P<0.001). Binary Logistic regression showed that the duration of disease ≥6 months ( OR=59.045, 95% CI: 6.485-537.629), the presence of cervical spinal cord MRI signal changes ( OR=0.031, 95% CI: 0.002-0.587), the surgical approach (posterior approach single-door laminoplasty) ( OR=6.300, 95% CI: 1.269-31.273) was an independent risk factor affecting the surgical outcome ( P values were <0.001, 0.021, and 0.024, respectively). Conclusion:Anterior cervical ACCF combined with ACDF has an ideal surgical effect in the treatment of patients with multi-segment CSM, which can significantly improve the cervical spinal nerve function and cervical curvature, shorten the operation time and reduce the perioperative blood loss. It isstill necessary to pay attention to the patient's disease course, MRI signals changes of cervical spinal cord and the effect of surgical methods on their surgical outcomes.

Buckling of the Ligamentum Flavum as a Rare Complication of Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion: A Case Report

Introduction and Importance Neurological deterioration due to buckling of the ligamentum flavum (LF) is an uncommon complication after anterior cervical corpectomy or discectomy with fusion. Case Presentation In this report, we present the case of a 66-year-old male who underwent anterior cervical partial corpectomy of C5 and discectomy of prolapsed C5- C6 with fusion. Postsurgery, the patient displayed signs of neurological deterioration. Upon immediate cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), posterior canal stenosis and severe compression with cord signal due to LF buckling were detected. A posterior laminectomy procedure and canal decompression at the C5-C6 level with bone fusion were performed. Clinical Discussion Patient presented with walking difficulty, then walking disability, followed by bilateral upper and lower limb paresthesia with burning sensation. Examination showed ⅘ muscle strength in both handgrips. Further investigation showed brisk deep tendon reflexes, positive Hoffman sign unilaterally, equivocal Babinski sign, and progressive quadriparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed mild and diffuse building of some cervical discs, with spinal cord progression. We performed an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF); a titanium mesh with plates and screws was used for fusion, with removal of a calcified and herniated subligamentous disc. Postoperatively, upper and lower limb strength deteriorated; immediate cervical and thoracic MRI showed LF buckling, which caused canal stenosis and severe compression. Urgent posterior laminectomy and canal decompression with bone fusion was scheduled on the same day. The patient underwent physiotherapy and regained upper and lower limb strength and his ability to walk. Conclusion This indicates the possibility of neurological deterioration as a result of LF buckling, whichmay be a result of LF thickening accompanied by hyperextension in the cervical region. In this regard, immediate imaging following signs of neurological complications after anterior cervical corpectomy or discectomy warrants early detection, which results in a better prognosis.

Prevalencia de la osificación heterotópica tras artroplastia de disco cervical a los 5 años / Prevalence of heterotopic ossification after cervical disk arthroplasty at 5 years

INTRODUCCION En los últimos años, la artroplastia de disco cervical (ADC) se ha utilizado ampliamente en pacientes como alternativa a la disectomía y fusión cervical anterior (DFCA). Sin embargo, se han informado osificación heterotópica (OH) y fusion espontánea después de ADCs, y el desarrollo de OH puede dificultar el mantenimiento de movimiento después de la artroplastia. MATERIALES Y METODOS El procedimiento ADC con prótesis Activ C y M6-C se realizó en 127 pacientes. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 58.4 meses, con un rango de 51 a 66 meses. RESULTADOS Las osificaciones de grado 1 estuvieron presentes en 11 niveles (8,6%). Un total de 45 (35,4%) segmentos eran de OH de grado 2. Las OHs que produjeron restricciones del rango de movimiento estuvieron presentes en 13 (10,2%) casos. A los 5 años de seguimiento, sólo había 9 (7,0%) pacientes con osificación de grado 4 en el grupo de prótesis de disco artificial M6-C. En el análisis de la supervivencia tras la ocurrencia de OH, la mediana de los pacientes fue de 28,3 5,6 meses. El grupo de prótesis de disco artificial Activ C tuvo una supervivencia estadísticamente más larga (49,5 7,8 meses) que el grupo de disco M6-C. CONCLUSIONES En este estudio, el 61,4% de los pacientes desarrollaron OH en un período de seguimiento medio de 58,4 meses. En el análisis de la supervivencia tras la ocurrencia de OH, la mediana de los pacientes fue de 28.3 5.6 meses. El grupo de prótesis de disco artificial Activ C tuvo una supervivencia estadísticamente más larga (49.5 7.8 meses) que el grupo de disco M6-C.

INTRODUCTION In recent years, cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA) has become widely used in patients as a substitute to anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, heterotopic ossification (HO) and spontaneous fusion after CDA have been reported, and maintenance of motion following arthroplasty can be hindered by the development of HO. MATERIALS AND METHODS The CDA procedure with Activ C and M6-C prostheses was performed on 127 patients. The mean follow-up time was of 58.4 months, ranging from 51 to 66 months. RESULTS Grade-1 ossifications were present in 11 (8.6%) levels. A total of 45 (35.4%) segments showed grade-2 HO. Cases of HO that led to restrictions in the range of motion were present in 13 (10.2%) patients. Fives year postoperatively, there were only 9 (7.0%) patients with grade-4 ossifications in the M6-C artificial disk prosthesis group. In the survival analysis after HO occurrence, the median survival of the patients was of 28.3 5.6 months. The Activ C artificial disk prosthesis group had a statistically longer survival (49.5 7.8 months) than the M6-C disk group. CONCLUSION In the present study, 61.4% of the patients developed HO at a mean follow-up period of 58.4 months. In the survival analysis after HO occurrence, the median survival of the patients was of 28.3 5.6 months. The Activ C artificial disk prosthesis group had a statistically longer survival (49.5 7.8 months) than the M6-C disk group.

Recent Advances of Biomechanical Studies on Cervical Spine Anatomy and Titanium Mesh Cage / 医用生物力学

Titanium mesh cage is one of the fusion devices used in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). It can not only immediately rebuild the stability of cervical spine during the operation, maintain the height and physiological curvature of intervertebral vertebrae, but also avoid the complications of bone donor area caused by autologous bone extraction. Therefore, titanium mesh cage has become the most commonly used internal plant in ACCF. However, there exist many problems in traditional titanium cage, such as stress shielding and titanium cage sinking, which will affect the surgical effect to a certain extent, and even lead to serious postoperative complications requiring revision surgery. At present, a variety of new titanium cages have been invented, which can solve the problems caused by traditional titanium cage to a certain extent. Biomechanical evaluation and its testing methods are an indispensable process for judging whether a new type of spinal fusion cage can be used in clinical practice. This article reviews the biomechanical studies related to cervical spine anatomy, the biomechanical properties of traditional titanium cages and new titanium cages, so as to provide new ideas for the improvement of traditional titanium cages and the development of new titanium cages.

Comparative study between 3D guide plate assisted and free-hand insertion of anterior cervical transpedicular screw / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare accuracy of anterior cervical pedicle screws between assist of rapid prototyping 3D guide plate and free-hand insertion, and evaluate the safety of two methods.@*METHODS@#Eight adult cervical cadaver specimens after formaldehyde immersion, including 4 males and 4 females, aged 32 to 65(40.3±5.6) years old. After X-ray examination to exclude bone damage and deformity, 4 of them (3D guide plate group) randomly selected were for CT scan to obtain DICOM format data, and the data was imported into Mimics software for model, designed the ideal entry point and nail path for anterior cervicaltranspedicular screw (ATPS). After obtaining the personalized guide plate of the nail channel, it was exported as STL data, and the individual guide plate was printed by rapid prototyping and 3D printing technology. In turn, with the assistance of 3D guide plates, one-to-one personalized ATPS screws were placed on the four lower cervical cadaver specimens. Another 4 (free-hand group) lower cervical cadaver specimens were implanted with ATPS screws using free-hand technique. All specimens were performed CT thin-layer scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction after operation. The Tomasino method was used to evaluate the safety of the screws on the CT cross-sectional and sagittal images, to determine whether there was a cortical puncture of the lower and inner edges of the pedicle. According to the CT rating results, gradeⅠandⅡwere safe, and grade Ⅲ- Ⅴ were dangerous.And the accuracy of screws was recorded and analyzed between two groups.@*RESULTS@#Two screws were inserted in each segment from C@*CONCLUSION@#The 3D printing rapid prototyping guide plate assisted insertion of the anterior cervical pedicle screw can significantly improve the accuracy and safety, and provide a theoretical basis for further clinical application.

Comparison between anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using zero-P and traditional anterior cervical plate plus cage for treating two-level cervical spondylosis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a classic surgical procedure for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. At present, we can use a Zero-P interbody fusion fixture and a traditional cervical anterior plate plus cage as an internal fixation material. The Zero-P has less postoperative esophageal interference and lower incidence of postoperative dysphagia compared with traditional anterior cervical plate fixation. Besides, the Zero-P could avoid the risk of excessively long or pooriy placed plate injury to adjacent segmental intervertebral discs. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and effectiveness between two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using Zero-P and using traditional anterior cervical plate plus cage. METHODS: Clinical data of sixty patients who underwent two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the Chengdu Third People’s Hospital from May 2016 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into Zero-P group (Zero-P fusion, n=30) and plate group (anterior cervical plate fixation combined with cage implantation, n=30). All patients in the two groups had informed consent to the treatment plan. This study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. The Japanese orthopedic association score, neck disability index score and Bazaz swallowing function score were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Cervical X-ray and cervical CT scans were performed to assess cervical curvature, observe bone graft fusion, and implant displacement, loosening and breakage. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) All surgeries were successfully completed in 60 patients. The wounds healed in stage I after operation. There were no serious complications such as nerve injury, esophageal fistula, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. (2) During the follow-up, there was no significant difference in neck disability index, Japanese orthopedic association score and bone graft fusion rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). (3) The incidence and severity of dysphagia in the Zero-P group were lower than those in the plate group at various time points after operation (all P < 0.05). (4) The overall curvature and operative segments curvature were better in the plate group than in the Zero-P group 6 months after surgery and in final follow-up (P < 0.05). (5) Two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using Zero-P is a safe and effective operative method. The operation time, bleeding volume, number of fluoroscopy and postoperative dysphagia incidence were better than the traditional anterior cervical plate plus cage fixation system, but it is not as good as the traditional anterior cervical plate plus cage system in the curvature of the cervical spine. Zero-P is not recommended for patients with obvious abnormal cervical curvature before operation.

Safety and feasibility of a new 3D printing template designed for bilateral anterior cervical transpedicular screws placements / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical transpedicular screws placement technique provides nice mechanical stability and is of very promising application prospects. However, the technology is difficult to operate and has a high risk, and has not been widely used. OBJECTIVE: To design a new three-dimensional (3D) printing template for bilateral anterior cervical transpedicular screws placements and assess its feasibility and safety in anterior cervical pedicle screw placement. METHODS: Six cadaveric cervical specimens, including three males and three females, were used in this experiment. Data of thin layer CT scanning of the specimens were saved in DICOM format and then imported into Mimics 17.0 software. Following 3D reconstructions of the cervical spine, guiding holes for C3-C7 bilateral anterior cervical transpedicular screws trajectories were designed; pedestals for the guiding holes were then designed via reversely thickening the bony structure of the anterior and 1/2 superior-anterior surface of vertebral body, and 1/2 anterior joint surface of bilateral processus uncinatus. Practical objects of the templates were obtained via 3D printing and were then used for guiding bilateral anterior cervical transpedicular screws replacements from C3 to C7. CT scanning was conducted again and the accuracy of anterior cervical transpedicular screws replacements was evaluated from sectional CT images. The difference of deviational angles on axial plane (α1, α2) and sagittal plane (β1, β2) between real and simulated trajectories were compared in Mimics 17.0 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) A total of 60 anterior cervical transpedicular screws were successfully inserted; 57 screws were completely located in pedicles and were judged as grade 0, representing an accuracy of 95.0%. The other three anterior cervical transpedicular screws perforated from pedicles, including grade 1 perforation in two screws (3.3%) and grade 2 perforation in one screw (1.7%). (2) By comparing real and simulated trajectories, the medical and lateral deviational angles were (0.867±0.787)° and (0.783±0.792)°, respectively (P > 0.05); the cephalad and caudal deviational angles were (1.362±1.380)° and (1.314±1.300)°, respectively (P > 0.05). (3) With the help of the 3D printing template designed in this study, bilateral anterior cervical transpedicular screws replacements could be smoothly carried out at high inserting safety.

Zero-profile anterior cervical ROI-C cage versus traditional fusion cage combined with titanium plate in treatment of two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Self-locking self-stabilizing zero-profile cage ROI-C is advanced from the traditional titanium plate fusion cage, but the systematic studies on ROI-C internal fixation system applied in the comprehensive evaluation of two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy are few. OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy of small-incision anterior cervical self-locking self-stabilizing zero-profile cage ROI-C in the treatment of two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University from September 2016 to March 2018 were selected, including 30 males and 27 females, aged 34-77 years old. Of which, 33 patients underwent small-incision anterior cervical self-locking self-stabilizing zero-profile fusion cage ROI-C implantation (observation group), and another 24 patients received small-incision cervical anterior titanium internal fixation (control group). The JOA score, Neck Disability Index, Odom criteria, Visual Analogue Scale score, dysphagia degree, Cobb angle of cervical lordosis, angle of fusion segment, and disc height and cervical fusion rate were assessed at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) There was no significant difference in the Odoms criteria between two groups (P > 0.05). All 57 patients were followed up for 12 months after surgery. No internal fixation loosening or vertebral structure changes were found. No complications such as loosen and broken of titanium plate occurred. (2) Postoperative JOA score, Neck Disability Index, and Visual Analogue Scale in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (P 0.05). (3) The incidence of dysphagia at 2 weeks and 1 month in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P 0.05). (4) The Cobb angle of cervical lordosis, angle of fusion segment, and disc height were significantly improved in both groups after surgery (P 0.05). (5) The cervical fusion rate at the last follow-up in both groups was > 95%, and the fusion effect was good. There was no significant difference in the fusion rate at different time points between two groups (P > 0.05). (6) These results indicate that the small-incision anterior cervical self-locking self-stabilizing Zero-profile interbody fusion ROI-C and anterior titanium plate internal fixation exert significant effects in the treatment of two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, ROI-C can reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia.

Screw Migration into Colon after Anterior Cervical Plating - An Unusual Complication: A Case Report

@#Complications in the form of esophageal injury, tracheal injury, injury to carotids, implant failure, loosening of screws, etc do occur after anterior cervical surgeries. Although intra-operative esophageal injuries are as such rare, there have been few reports of delayed esophageal perforation as well after anterior cervical surgeries. We report a very rare case of migration of missing screw from anterior cervical plate after anterior cervical corpectomy and plating, which had ultimately migrated down to colon and had to be removed via colonoscopy. Along with removal of migrated screw from colon, revision of failed anterior cervical surgery was done wherein plate and screws were removed with mesh cage left in-situ as it was snug-fit while pharyngeophageal perforation was explored and was found to be spontaneously healing, with addition of posterior Bohlman’s interspinous wiring for added stability. Migration of screw from the anterior cervical plate into the colon although very rare, should be always kept in mind and its potentially serious complications. We also conclude that particular attention should be given to elderly people with poor bony quality who have high chances of implant failure, along with attention to proper cage size, screw position and proper locking of the screw to further lessen the chances of implant failure.

Effect of zero-profile and self-locking intervertebral cage and plate-cage construct on maintenance of cervical curvature after anterior cervical surgery / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To compare differences in the maintenance of cervical curvature after anterior cervical surgery between zero-profile and self-locking intervertebral cage and plate-cage construct (PCC). Methods: A clinical data of 100 patients with single-segment cervical disc herniation who were treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were retrospectively analyzed between January 2015 and January 2016. Among them, 50 patients were treated with the zero-profile and self-locking intervertebral cage (group A) and 50 patients with the PCC (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, bone mineral density, disease duration, operative segment, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, C 2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height ( P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The postoperative VAS and JOA scores were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The C 2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height were measured on lateral X-ray films, and the interbody fusion was evaluated according to Pitzen's criteria. Results: The operation time in group A was significantly shorter than that in group B ( t=2.442, P=0.021), but there was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( t=0.812, P=0.403). All patients were followed up 24-36 months, with an average of 28.5 months. According to Pitzen's criteria for cervical interbody fusion, bone fusion achieved in both groups. The VAS score, JOA score, C 2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height of the two groups at 1 and 24 months after operation were significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P0.05). There were significant differences in C 2-7 cervical curvature, segmental Cobb angle, and adjacent vertebral height between the two groups at 24 months after operation ( P0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the PCC, the zero-profile and self-locking intervertebral cage can significantly shorten the operation time and obtain the same clinical efficacy, but the intervertebral height loss and secondary cervical curvature change after operation is more serious.

Comparison of clinical effects of two anterior cervical decompression with fusion on treating two segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effects of anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion (ACCF) in treating adjacent two-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 37 patients with adjacent two segment CSM treated from January 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, including 15 males and 22 females, aged from 43 to 69 years old with an average of 54.6 years. The patients were divided into ACDF group (group A, =17) and ACCF group (group B, =20) according to the different surgery. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded;the Cobb angle and cervical curvature in the cervical fusion segments before surgery and 1, 12 months after surgery were observed;Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to evaluate the surgical efficacy, and the postoperative complications were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months with an average of 18.5 months. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were (106.3±22.6) min, (52.2±26.4) ml, respectively, while were (115.6±16.8) min, ( 61.7±20.7) ml in group B. There was no statistically significant in operation time between two groups(>0.05);intraoperative blood loss in group B was larger than group A(0.05). At the final follow up, in group A, dysphagia occurred in 2 cases, cage displacement in 1 case, and no titanium plate screw loose was found;and in group B, dysphagia occurred in 4 cases, titanium mesh collapse in 2 cases, titanium plate screw loose in 1 case.@*CONCLUSION@#Two types of anterior cervical decompression and fusion for the treatment of two segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy can effectively decompress and improve the Cobb angle and cervical curvature of the affected vertebra. The ACDF surgical procedure can directly removethe compressive thing at intervertebral level, which will lead to little vertebral body damage and favorably recovered cervical curvature. The ACCF surgical procedure has a large operation space, which can easily remove the posterior vertebral osteophyte and the calcified posterior longitudinal ligament. Long-term follow-up shows that ACDF and ACCF have good surgical procedures, mature technology, and close efficacy.

Early Clinical Outcome of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with Titanium Cages: Our Experience with 36 Cases

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy is a surgicalprocedure done commonly nowadays for patients with cervicaldisc prolapse.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the earlyclinical outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion withtitanium cages.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 36consecutive cases referred to Department of Neurosurgery,SSG Civil Hospital, Baroda Medical College, Baroda, Gujarat,India from November 2017 to July 2019. Clinical outcomeassessed with Nurick scale of Myelopathy, Odom`s criteria forfunctional outcome and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for bothneck and arm pain. Operative complications were reported.Results: Total 36 cases were operated, 22 male (61.1%), 14female (38.9%), Age range was 30-76 years, 26 were singlelevel (72.2%), 8 were double level (22.2%), 2 were triple level(5.6%). Total 52 levels were operated. At the 18 months offollow-up, there was significant post-operative improvement ofNurick scale, VAS scale. According to Odom`s criteria 28/36patients were graded excellent-good.Conclusion: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion withtitanium cage is an effective treatment for cervical discprolapse with satisfactory clinical outcome.

A Comparative Study of Anterior Cervical Discectomy (ACD) with Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fixation (ACDF)

Introduction: This study was conducted on 40 patients withsymptomatic cervical disc disease with one or two level discpathology. Clinical and radiological outcome was compared todetermine which technique was advantageous for treatment ofpatients with disc disease. Complications related to graft fusionfailures; subsidence, infection etc and donor site chronic painhave stimulated neurosurgeons to revert back to surgeries toavoid fusion.Methods: Patients were allocated to either ACD (n=21) orACDF (n=19) procedures. The standard Smith Robinsontechnique was performed in all patients in this study. Patientswere followed up clinically and radiologically according to thestudy protocol.Results: The clinical long term outcome was comparable inboth groups. Kyphosis and slow rate of fusion was noted withACD, but on long term follow up, patients were overallsatisfied. Donor site pain and graft related problems weremajor issues with ACDF. The issue of whether to fuse or not tofuse has not come to an end yet. This will require furtherrefinements in surgical technique, graft harvesting, and furtherstudies. Till then, both of these methods will be used forspecific indications.

Functional Outcome Of Anterior Cervical Decompression And Fusion Surgery In Cervical Compressive Diseases:A 6 Months Follow Up

Background: Neck pain with radiculopathy and neurodeficit is a common problem in working population. Methods: 50 patients underwent ACDF with C5-C6 the commonest level to be affected. The cases were analyzed preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months using NDI and VAS. Decrease in pre operative and 1 year post operative VAS score, Preoperative and postoperative NDI was statistically significant.Conclusion: Symptoms of neck pain, tingling, and weakness reduced after 1 year follow up. Discussion: From our study, it is evident that there is significant decrease in parameters like neck pain, tingling and radiculopathy postoperatively also there was significant decrease in NDI at 6 months follow-up.

Experience Of Anterior Debridement, Decompression, Bone Grafting, And Instrumentation For Lower Cervical Spine And Upper Dorsal Pott's Spine

BACKGROUND Spine tuberculosis is very common in the Indian people with high morbidity, although the Govt. of India has included treatment of the spine tuberculosis in pulmonary tuberculosis programme, the burden of the patients remained high. MATERIAL AND METHOD. Twenty patients with cervical and upper dorsal Pott’s spine were operated with anterior deidement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation and were given ATT after wards and were followed for 6 months. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS. Seventeen ( 85.0%) of patients showed excellent–to–good results. The fusion rates for 1–level and 2–level anterior cervical corpectomy, and for anterior plate fixation were 100%. There were no postoperative deterioration neurologically and had minimum complication which resolved over weeks’ time. CONCLUSION. The improved fusion rate, low cost of the treatment with lower complication rates associated with anterior cervical plating may justify its use in the treatment of cervical and dorsal Pott’s associated myelopathies as the burden of tuberculosis in our country is large.