Tandem Mass Tag-Based Proteomic Analysis of Normal and Degenerated Human Intervertebral Discs.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the main cause of low back pain (LBP), but the specific regulatory factors, pathways and specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: We identified and quantitatively analyzed Pfirrmann Grade II (n=3) and Pfirrmann Grade IV (n=3) pulposus samples via MRI. The differential abundance of proteins in the samples was determined and quantitatively analyzed by relative and absolute quantitative analysis of the isotope marker levels combined with the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MSMS/MS). Results: A total of 70 proteins (30 significantly increased proteins (> 1.2-fold change) and 40 significantly decreased proteins (< 0.8-fold change)) showed different levels among the groups. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses and Western blot analysis showed that CYCS, RAC1, and PSMD14 may play important roles in IVDD and that Epstein‒Barr virus infection, viral myocarditis, colorectal cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are the main pathways involved in IVDD. Conclusion: CYCS, RAC1 and PSMD14 may play important roles in IVDD, and Epstein‒Barr virus infection, viral myocarditis, colorectal cancer, NAFLD and ALS may be the main pathways involved in IVDD.

[Effect of acrylic bone cement mixed with calcium sulfate combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of acrylic cement (PMMA) mixed with calcium sulfate combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of osteoporotic fracture (OVCF). METHODS: The clinical data of 191 patients with OVCF treated with PKP from January 2020 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 82 patients with 94 vertebral bodies were treated with PMMA mixed with calcium sulfate as the observation group, and 109 patients with 125 vertebral bodies were treated with pure PMMA as the control group. Among the 82 patients in the observation group, there were 16 males and 66 females, with a mean age of (75.35±11.22) years old, including 36 thoracic vertebrae and 58 lumbar vertebrae. In the control group, there were 109 patients, 22 males and 87 females, with an average age of (74.51±9.21) years old, including 63 thoracic vertebrae and 62 lumbar vertebrae. The visual analog scale (VAS) before operation and 1 day, 3 months and 1 year after operation were calculated. The Oswestry disability index (ODI), Cobb's angle, vertebral body height and the probability of postoperative bone cement leakage were used to analyze the efficacy of the two groups. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for more than one year. Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference in operation time, bleeding volume and bone cement injection volume between the two groups(P>0.05), while the leakage rate of bone cement was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in VAS, ODI, Cobb angle, and vertebral body height between the two groups before operation, and 1 day, 3 months, and 1 year after operation (P>0.05), but each index was improved compared with that before operation (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: PMMA mixed with calcium sulfate has equivalent efficacy in treating OVCF than PMMA alone, but can effectively reduce the probability of cement leakage.

[Clinical study of double plate system in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical outcomes of anteromedial combined with lateral locking plate for complex proximal humeral fractures in the eldery. METHODS: From June 2018 to October 2020, 30 patients who underwent surgical treatment for Neer grade 3 to 4 proximal humeral fractures, including 8 males and 22 females, aged from 51 to 78 years old with an average of (61.5±7.5) years old. Of them, 15 patients had fractures fixed with anteromedial combined with lateral locking plate(ALLP group), whereas 15 received internal fixation with proximal humerus locking plate only(PHLP group). The clinical data, simple shoulder test (SST), humeral head height loss, varus angle and shoulder range of motion were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All fractures were healed. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 24 months, with an average of(14.3±2.9) months. The operation time of ALLP group was longer than that of PHLP group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in SST score between the two groups at 1, 3 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). In terms of radiographic measurement, there was no significant difference in humeral head height loss and varus angle between the two groups at 1 and 3 months after operation (P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, the height loss and varus angle of humeral head in ALLP group were lower than those in PHLP group (P<0.05). In shoulder range of motion, the range of forward elevation in ALLP group was larger than that in PHLP group 1 year after operation(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in external rotation between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Anteromedial combined with lateral locking plate in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly can increase the stability of the medial column and obtain a good fracture prognosis. But there are also disadvantages such as longer operation time, so it should be individualized according to the fracture type of the patient.

Analysis of Chronic Low Back Pain Caused by Lumbar Microinstability After Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) after percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PTED) surgery may be caused by preoperative lumbar microinstability (MI). However, there is a paucity of research on the relationship between lumbar microinstability and chronic low back pain. The purpose of this article is to assess the preoperative radiographic characteristics of patients and evaluate the effects of lumbar microinstability on patient-reported outcomes among single-level lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients who underwent PTED. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the radiographic characteristics of a consecutive series of 127 patients with low back pain and leg pain caused by single-level LDH underwent PTED from August 2018 to March 2021. They were divided into three groups according to the radiographic parameters: the stable group (Group S), the dysfunctional group (Group D), and the microinstability group (Group M). The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for leg and low back pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for CLBP. Results: Compared with Group D and Group S, Group M had the highest ODI scores (P < 0.01) and VAS scores (low back pain) (P < 0.01) after 1 year, while there were no significant differences in the VAS scores for leg pain at different time points after surgery (P > 0.05). In addition, the logistic regression analysis results regarding CLBP revealed that muscle fatty degeneration on MRI (95% CI, 1.20-8.51, P = 0.02), and facet tropism (95% CI, 1.39 -11.37, P = 0.01) may be independent risk factors. Conclusion: Patients with lumbar microinstability may have CLBP after PTED, so patients with lumbar microinstability may need to take internal fixation surgery to solve their symptoms.

Variation in Global Spinal Sagittal Parameters in Asymptomatic Adults with 11 Thoracic Vertebrae, four Lumbar Vertebrae, and six Lumbar Vertebrae.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of 11 thoracic vertebrae (TVs), four lumbar vertebrae (LVs) and six LVs among asymptomatic Chinese volunteers, and the influence of spine variations on the global spinal sagittal parameters. METHODS: A total of 389 asymptomatic Chinese volunteers were recruited. Each subject underwent a full-spine X-ray examination with measurement of global spinal sagittal parameters. The radiographs were examined by a spine surgeon and a radiologist to determine the variation in the number of vertebrae. These parameters were used to compare individuals with five LVs to those with 11 TVs, four LVs, and six LVs. RESULTS: The study population included 12 individuals (3.1%) with seven cervical vertebrae (C) + 11 thoracic vertebrae (T) + five lumbar vertebrae (L), 8 (2.1%) with 7C + 11T + 6L, 8 (2.1%) with 7C + 12T + 4L, and 15 (3.9%) with 7C + 12T + 6L. Compared to the 7C + 12T + 5L individuals, those with 7C + 11T + 5L had significantly lower C6 -T5 Cobb values (P < 0.05); 7C + 12T + 4L individuals had significantly greater thoracic inlet angles (P < 0.05) and significantly lower pelvic tilt (P < 0.05); individuals with 7C + 12T + 6L had significantly greater sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, and L1-5 Cobb values (all P < 0.05), but significantly lower thoracic inlet angle (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in any of the parameters examined between the 7C + 11T + 6L group and the 7C + 12T + 5L group. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic adults with 7C + 12T + 6L, 7C + 12T + 4L, and 7C + 11T + 5L presented with different spinal sagittal alignment compared to those with 7C + 12T + 5L. Compared to variation in the number of LVs, the variation in the number of TVs had less effect on global spinal sagittal parameters. Spinal surgeons and researchers should be aware of the effects of variation in numbers of TVs and LVs on global spinal parameters and sagittal balance.

[Cannulated screw internal fixation for sustentaculum tali fractures with articular surface].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of cannulated screw internal fixation in treating sustentaculum tali fractures with articular surface. METHODS: From August 2012 to June 2017, 13 sustentaculum tali fracture patients with articular surface were treated by cannulated screw internal fixation, including 10 males and 3 females, aged from 26 to 58 years old. Joint plane flatness was evaluated by calcaneal width, clearance distance of middle-range and posterior talar articular surface on coronal position of CT scan before operation and 1 year after operation. AOFAS score at 1 year after operation was applied to evaluate clinical efficacy. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 9 to 70 months. The fractures were healed well from 8 to 16 weeks. No subtalar arthritis and tenosynovitis occurred. Calcaneal width before operation was from 46.2 to 52.7 mm, and decreased from 35.2 to 39.2 mm after operation; clearance distance of middle-range before operation was from 4.5 to 4.8 mm, and decreased from 1.9 to 2.2 mm after operation; clearance distance of posterior talar articular surface before operation was from 2.4 to 2.8 before operation, and decreased from 1.9 to 2.3 mm after operation. AOFAS score at 1 year after operation ranged from 77 to 94, and 1 got excellent result and 12 moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical efficacy of two cannulated screws with cross internal fixation for sustentaculum tali fractures with articular surface is satisfactory, sustentaculum tali fracture could obtain good reduction, recover smooth of middle talar articular surface, and the function of feet were improved.

[Modified osteotomy of olecranon for the management of inter-condylar fracture of the humerus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the surgical method and clinical outcome of modified osteotomy of olecranon for the treatment of inter-condylar fracture of humerus. METHODS: From May 2007 to December 2012, 32 patients of intercondylar fracture of humerus were treated surgically through the approach of modified osteotomy of olecranon. The patients were 21 males and 11 females with a mean age of 46.3 years (ranged 18 to 65 years). Nineteen fractures occurred on the right extremity and 13 on the left extremity. According to the AO classification, type C1 fracture was found in 7, C2 in 11 and C3 in 14. Five patients suffered from open fracture (Gustilo type Iin 3, type II in 2). Other fractures occurred in 6 patients and the primary injury of nerve occurred 6. The healing of the osteotomy was evaluated with physical examination and plain X-ray film, and the function of elbow was assessed according to Cassebaum scale. RESULTS: All the patients were followed from 9 months to 5 years(average, 1.9 years). All the osteotomies healed at 7.4 weeks averagely after operation, and no nonunion, delayed union, fracture of ulna olecranon were found. Two cases had little pain on the elbow, heterotopic ossification occurred in 2 cases and cutting bone block loosed in 1 case. The function of the elbow showed excellent in 19 cases, good in 8, fair in 4 and poor in 1. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the approach of modified olecranon osteotomy for surgical management of intercondylar fracture of humerus has some advantages, it provides satisfactory stability with simple technical procedures avoiding inter-articular invasion, and it facilitates rehabilitation exercises and providing good results with low complication rates.

[Percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with degenerative scoliosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) with degenerative scoliosis. METHODS: From March 2009 to March 2014,121 patients undergoing PKP for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) with degenerative scoliosis were retrospective analyzed. There were 41 males and 80 females,ranging in age from 56 to 92 years with an average of 73.2 years. Preoperative and postoperative 3 d respectively pain visual analogue scale (visual analogue score, VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index assessed pain and functional recovery of patients and preoperative and postoperative 3 d lumbar lordosis, scoliosis Cobb angle were analyzed. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 24 months, with a mean time of 11 months. All the patients achieved success in operation without serious complications. The operation time ranged from 30 to 65 min with an average of 42.2 min. Local leakage of bone cement was not found in canal. The VAS and Oswestry Disability Index at the 3rd day after operation decreased significantly compared with those of the preoperative (P < 0.05), and the lumbar lordosis and scoliosis Cobb angle also improved significantly compared with those of the preoperative (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of thoracolumbar scoliosis osteoporotic fracture can significantly improve patients spinal deformity, pain relief, which is worth of recommending.

[Drill in pedicle of vertebral arch for treatment of the back pain of old vertebrae compression fracture: 19 cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and analyses feasibility and therapeutic effect of pedicle of vertebral arch drilling in the treatment of old vertebrae compression fracture patients suffering back pain. METHODS: From May 2004 to December 2011, 19 patients with back pain caused of old vertebrae compression fracture were treated by vertebral body decompression with drilling. There were 13 males and 6 females with with an average age of 61 years old ranging from 44 to 78 years. The course of disease was 3 months to 8 years (means 2.5 years). Among them,6 cases were chest-back pain and 13 were lumbodorsal pain. The thoracic vertebrae fracture involved in 9 segments, lumbar vertebrae fracture involved in 18 segments, vertebral height lose

[Surgical treatment of tibia plateau fractures with external fixator and the locking plate].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of the treatment for complex fractures of the tibial plateau through the application of the external fixator and the locking plate. METHODS: From Feb. 2006 to Oct. 2008,12 patients with tibial plateau fractures were treated with external fixator and locking plate included 8 males and 4 females with an average age of 38 years ranging from 23 to 59. According to Schatzker type, 7 cases were type V and 5 cases were type VI. Using an anteromedial incision and an anterolateral approach, the locking plate were fixed in the tibia lateral. The collapse and height lossing of tibial plateau was observed through X-ray film before and after operation. The function of knee joint was evaluated according to HSS scoring. RESULTS: These patients were followed up for 4 to 18 months (means 9.79 months). Eleven cases had bone primary union,and 1 delayed union. No deep phlebothrombosis and osteofascial compartment syndrome occurened. The average healing time was 3.1 months. Between the preoperative and postoperative X-ray film there were no second stage depression fracture of the tibial plateau,postoperative reduction loss and bad alignment. The range of knee flexion was 90 degrees to 110 degrees. The HSS knee functional scoring was(75.50 +/- 10.01)scores after operation and (21.50 +/- 11.68) scores before operation. CONCLUSION: The treatment with the external fixator and the locking plate for complex fractures of the tibial plateau could provid continuous stability of fixation,prevent the fracture from second stage displacement and the knee force line change, protect the soft-tissue around the knee, reduce the postoperative complications. The knee joint function is satisfied.