Minimally invasive transverse process plasty for Bertolotti's syndrome / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective] To gain more insight into the presentation,diagnosis of Bertolotti's syndrome and to investigate the indications,the procedure and the early clinical results of minimally invasive transverse process plasty.[Methods]Thirteen cases(Santavirta Type I)with Bertolotti's syndrome underwent minimally invasive transverse process plasty under MED X-tube(Medtronic Sofamor)from Apr.2006 to Dec.2008.The Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Modified Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score and subjective sensation of patients were recorded to evaluate the function.[Results]The operation blood loss was from 120 ml to 800 ml and operative time was from 60 to 280 minutes,average 115minutes.There was no severe complication.Nine cases were followed up for 10 to18 months,average 13.6 months.The VAS decreased from(6.7?2.2)before operation to(2.2?0.7)one week after operation and(2.8?0.9)three months after operation.ODI score decreased from(27.8?3.6)before operation to(5.9?2.2)three months after operation.The results were excellent in 10 case and good in 3 cases.[Conclusion]Minimally invasive transverse process plasty is an effective method for Bertolotti's syndrome,especially for Santavirta type I.It shows less blood loss and injury and deserves to be spreaded.Disectomy is recommended in one stage if the patient is complicated with disc herniation.