Is there a risk of further displacement of the fractured fragment into the spinal canal in osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures after unilateral PKP? A prospective study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The optimal treatment for osteoporotic vertebral burst fracture (OVBF) without neurological symptoms is still a matter of debate. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for OVBF. STUDY DESIGN: The study is a prospective study and is registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry with the registration number ChiCTR-OOC-17013227. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study involved 119 patients with 137 fractured vertebrae who underwent unilateral PKP for OVBF. OUTCOME MEASURES: The measurements were carried out independently by two physicians and measured with picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). METHODS: The change in the spinal canal area and posterior wall protrusions (PWP) were measured before and after surgery via three-dimensional computed tomographic imaging (CT). Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up standing X-rays were used to measure the height of the anterior wall (HAW), height of the posterior wall (HPW), and local kyphotic angle (LKA). Additionally, visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were also determined. RESULTS: Among the 137 vertebrae assessed, 79 exhibited an increased postoperative canal area, while 57 showed a decrease, with mean values of 8.28±6.871 mm² and -9.04±5.991 mm², respectively. Notably, no significant change in postoperative canal area was identified on the entire dataset (p>.01). There was a significant decrease between median preoperative (3.9 [IQ1-IQ3=3.3-4.8] mm) and postoperative (3.7 [IQ1-IQ3=3.0-4.4] mm) PWP (p<.01). Preoperative and postoperative HAW measurements were 19.4±6.1 mm and 23.2±5.2 mm, respectively (p<.01). However, at the final follow-up, the HAW was lower than the postoperative value. The HPW was also significantly improved after surgery (p<.01), but at the final follow-up, it was significantly decreased compared with the postoperative measurement. Following surgery, KA was significantly corrected (p<.01); however, at the final follow-up, relapse was detected (average KA: 18.4±10.3°). At the final follow-up, both VAS and ODI were significantly improved compared with the preoperative period (p<.01). As for complications, 50 patients experienced cement leakage, and 16 patients experienced vertebral refracture. All patients did not develop neurological symptoms during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: OVBF without neurological deficits showed significant improvement in symptoms during the postoperative period after PKP. There was no notable alteration in the spinal canal area, but a significant decrease in PWP was observed. Consequently, we posit that PKP stands as a secure and efficacious surgical intervention for treating OVBF cases devoid of neurological symptoms.

The accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw placement guided by spinous process clamp hardware in lumbar spinal surgery: a retrospective study.

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screws placement guided by a spinous process clamp (SPC) guide. A total of 32 patients who received single-level midline lumbar fusion (MIDLF) surgery between June 2019 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into free-hand (FH) and SPC-guided groups according to the surgical approach. In the FH group, CBT screws was implanted with the assistance of fluoroscopy, while in the SPC group, CBT screws was implanted using the SPC navigator hardwire. A total of 128 screws were assessed in this study, with higher rates of clinically acceptable screw placement (grades A and B) and grade A screws in the SPC group than in the FH guide group (92.2% vs. 79.7%, P = 0.042 and 54.7% vs. 35.9%, P = 0.033, respectively). Misplacement screws (grades C, D, and E) occurred more often in the FH group than in the SPC guide group (20.3% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.042). The incidence of proximal facet joint violation (FJV) was higher in the FH group than in the SPC group (15.6% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.030). The radiation dose and time in the SPC guide group were comparable to those in the FH group (P = 0.063 and P = 0.078). The average operative time was significantly longer in the SPC guide group than in the FH group (267.8 ± 45.5 min vs. 210.9 ± 44.5 min, P = 0.001). Other clinical parameters, such as the average bone mineral density (BMD), intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay, were not significantly different. Oswestry disability index (ODI) and back pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were significantly improved in both groups compared with preoperatively. SPC guided screw placement was more accurate than the fluoroscopy-assisted FH technique for single-level MIDLF at L4/5. Patients undergoing SPC-guided screw placement can achieve similar clinical outcomes as the fluoroscopy-assisted FH technique.

Accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw fixation guided by spinous process clamp guide in lumbosacral vertebrae: A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to access the accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw placement guided by spinous process clamp (SPC). METHODS: Eight formalin-treated cadaveric lumbar specimens with T12-S1 were used. A total of 96 screws were implanted in eight lumbar specimens. RESULTS: In the freehand (FH) group, clinically acceptable placement (grade A and B) was 40 screws (83.3%), meanwhile 44 screws (91.7%) in the SPC guide group (p = 0.217). The grade A screws in the SPC guide group were much more than that in the FH group (n = 40 vs. n = 31, p = 0.036). The misplacement screws (grade C, D, and E) and proximal facet joint violation (FJV) in the SPC group was comparable to the FH group. CONCLUSIONS: This cadaveric study demonstrate that implanting CBT screws guided by SPC guide was more accuracy and reduces severe deviations in important directions.

Cortical screw placement with a spinous process clamp guide: a cadaver study accessing accuracy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Cortical Bone Trajectory (CBT) technique provides an alternative method for fixation in the lumbar spine in patients with osteoporosis. An accuracy CBT screw placement could improve mechanical stability and reduce complication rates. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore the accuracy of cortical screw placement with the application of implanted spinous process clip (SPC) guide. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four lumbar specimens with T12-S1 were used to access the accuracy of the cortical screw. The SPC-guided planning screws were compared to the actual inserted screws by superimposing the vertebrae and screws preoperative and postoperative CT scans. According to preoperative planning, the SPC guide was adjusted to the appropriate posture to allow the K-wire drilling along the planned trajectory. Pre and postoperative 3D-CT reconstructions was used to evaluate the screw accuracy according to Gertzbein and Robbins classification. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots were used to examine SPC-guided agreements for CBT screw placement. RESULTS: A total of 48 screws were documented in the study. Clinically acceptable trajectory (grades A and B) was accessed in 100% of 48 screws in the planning screws group, and 93.8% of 48 screws in the inserted screws group (p = 0.242). The incidence of proximal facet joint violation (FJV) in the planning screws group (2.1%) was comparable to the inserted screws group (6.3%) (p = 0.617). The lateral angle and cranial angle of the planned screws (9.2 ± 1.8° and 22.8 ± 5.6°) were similar to inserted screws (9.1 ± 1.7° and 23.0 ± 5.1°, p = 0.662 and p = 0.760). Reliability evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman showed good consistency in cranial angle and excellent results in lateral angle and distance of screw tip. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with preoperative planning screws and the actually inserted screws, the SPC guide could achieve reliable execution for cortical screw placement.

Risk factors for pulmonary complications after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion in the treatment of congenital scoliosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Although surgery prevents the progression of deformity and maintains the overall balance of the spine in congenital scoliosis (CS) patients, it is associated with a high risk of perioperative complications. Pulmonary complication is one of the most common complications. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors for pulmonary complications in CS patients after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. METHODS: Analysis of consecutive patients who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion for congenital scoliosis was performed. Preoperative clinical data, intraoperative variables, and perioperative radiographic parameters were collected to analyze the risk factors for pulmonary complications. Patients were separated into groups with and without postoperative pulmonary complications. Potential risk factors were identified by univariate testing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of pulmonary complications. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-three CS patients were included. Forty-five (13.9%) patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications, which included pleural effusion in 34 (75.6%) cases, pneumonia in 24 (53.3%) cases, pneumothorax in 3 (6.7%) cases, atelectasis in 4 (8.9%) cases, pulmonary edema in 2 (4.4%) cases, respiratory failure in 2 (4.4%) cases, and prolonged mechanical ventilation in 4 (8.9%) cases. The independent risk factors for development of pulmonary complications included age (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.088, P = 0.038), reoperation (OR = 5.150, P = 0.012), preoperative pulmonary disease (OR = 10.504, P = 0.004), correction rate (OR = 1.088, P = 0.001), middle thoracic screw-setting (OR = 12.690, P = 0.043), and thoracoplasty (OR = 5.802, P = 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on predicted probability of the logistic regression was 0.903. CONCLUSIONS: Age, reoperation, preoperative pulmonary disease, correction rate, middle thoracic screw-setting, and thoracoplasty were independent risk factors for pulmonary complications after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion in CS patients.

Hyperbaric oxygen improves functional recovery of rats after spinal cord injury via activating stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXC chemokine receptor 4 axis and promoting brain-derived neurothrophic factor expression.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a worldwide medical concern. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) against SCI-induced neurologic defects in rats via exploring the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). METHODS: An acute SCI rat model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats using the Allen method. Sixty rats were divided into four groups (n = 15 in each group): sham-operated, SCI, SCI treated with HBO (SCI + HBO), and SCI treated with both HBO and AMD3100 (an antagonist of CXCR4; SCI + HBO + AMD) groups. The rats were treated with HBO twice a day for 3 days and thereafter once a day after the surgery for up to 28 days. Following the surgery, neurologic assessments were performed with the Basso-Bettie-Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system on postoperative day (POD) 7, 14, 21, and 28. Spinal cord tissues were harvested to assess the expression of SDF-1, CXCR4, and BDNF at mRNA and protein levels, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: HBO treatment recovered SCI-induced descent of BBB scores on POD 14, (1.25 ±â€Š0.75 vs. 1.03 ±â€Š0.66, P < 0.05), 21 (5.27 ±â€Š0.89 vs. 2.56 ±â€Š1.24, P < 0.05), and 28 (11.35 ±â€Š0.56 vs. 4.23 ±â€Š1.20, P < 0.05) compared with the SCI group. Significant differences were found in the mRNA levels of SDF-1 (mRNA: day 21, SCI + HBO vs. SCI + HBO + AMD, 2.89 ±â€Š1.60 vs. 1.56 ±â€Š0.98, P < 0.05), CXCR4 (mRNA: day 7, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 2.99 ±â€Š1.60 vs.1.31 ±â€Š0.98, P < 0.05; day 14, SCI + HBO vs. SCI + HBO + AMD, 4.18 ±â€Š1.60 vs. 0.80 ±â€Š0.34, P < 0.05; day 21, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 2.10 ±â€Š1.01 vs.1.15 ±â€Š0.03, P < 0.05), and BDNF (mRNA: day 7, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 3.04 ±â€Š0.41 vs. 2.75 ±â€Š0.31, P < 0.05; day 14, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 3.88 ±â€Š1.59 vs. 1.11 ±â€Š0.40, P < 0.05), indicating the involvement of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the protective effect of HBO. CONCLUSIONS: HBO might promote the recovery of neurologic function after SCI in rats via activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis and promoting BDNF expression.

Incidence and risk factors for multiple medical complications in adult degenerative scoliosis long-level fusion.

Adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) surgery is known for its high incidence of complications. The propose of this study was to determine current complication rates and the predictors of medical complications in surgical ASD patients. A retrospective study of 153 ADS patients who underwent long level spinal fusion with 2-year follow-up between 2012 and 2017. The patient- and surgical-related risk factors for each individual medical complication were identified by using univariate testing. All patients were divided into groups with and without medical complication, infection, neurological complications, and cardiopulmonary complications, respectively. Potential risk factors were identified using univariate testing. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of medical complications. The total medical complication incidence was 26.1%. Patient-related independent risk factors for the development of medical complications included diabetes, smoking; for infection were diabetes and smoking; for neurological complications were BMI and diabetes; for cardiopulmonary complications were hypertension, smoking and cardiac comorbidity. Surgical-related independent risk factors for the development of medical complications were fusion level, operative time, osteotomy, blood transfusion and LOS; for infection were fusion level, blood transfusion, and LOS; for neurological complication were fusion level, osteotomy and blood transfusion; for cardiopulmonary complication were fusion level. Diabetes and smoking were the most common patient-related independent risk factors increase the development of each individual medical complication. On the other hand, fusion levels and blood transfusion were the most common surgical-related independent risk factors increase the development of each individual medical complication. Prevention of these risk factors can reduce the incidence of complications in Chinese patients with ADS surgery.

Risk factors for medical complications after long-level internal fixation in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates baseline patient characteristics and surgical parameters for risk factors of medical complications in ASD patients received posterior long level internal fixation. METHODS: Analysis of consecutive patients who underwent posterior long-level instruction fixation for adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) with a minimum of two year follow-up was performed. Pre-operative risk factors, intraoperative variables, peri-operative radiographic parameters, and surgical-related risk factors were collected to analyze the effect of risk factors on medical complications. Patients were separated into groups with and without medical complication. Then, complication group was further classified as major or minor medical complications. Potential risk factors were identified by univariate testing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of medical complications. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one ADS patients who underwent posterior long segment pedicle screws fixation were included. Total medical complication incidence was 25.2%, which included infection (12.2%), neurological (11.5%), cardiopulmonary (7.6%), gastrointestinal (6.1%), and renal (1.5%) complications. Overall, 7.6% of patients developed major medical complications, and 17.6% of patients developed minor medical complications. The radiographic parameters of pre-operative and last follow-up had no significant difference between the groups of medical complications and the major or minor medical complications subgroups. However, the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak (CFL) in patients who without medical complications was much lower than that with medical complications (18.4 vs. 42.4%, P = 0.005). Independent risk factors for development of medical complications included smoking (OR = 6.45, P = 0.012), heart disease (OR = 10.07, P = 0.012), fusion level (OR = 2.12, P = 0.001), and length of hospital stay (LOS) (OR = 2.11, P = 0.000). Independent risk factors for development of major medical complications were diabetes (OR 6.81, P = 0.047) and heart disease (OR = 5.99, P = 0.049). Except for the last follow-up, Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale of the patient experienced medical complications trend higher score; the clinical outcomes have no significant difference between the medical and major complications groups. CONCLUSION: Heart disease comorbidity is an independent risk factor for both medical and major medical complications. Smoking, fusion level, and LOS are independent risk factors for medical complication. Diabetes is the independent risk factors for major medical complications.

Optimum pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis value after operation for patients with adult degenerative scoliosis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Schwab classification for adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) concluded that health-related quality of life was closely related to curve type and three sagittal modifiers. It was suggested that pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis value (PI-LL) should be corrected within -10°~+10°. However, recent studies also indicated that ideal clinical outcomes could also be achieved in patients without the ideal PI-LL mentioned above. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the relation between the clinical outcomes and the PI-LL of Chinese patients with ADS who received long posterior internal fixation and fusion. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center retrospective comparative study of patients treated by long posterior internal fixation and fusion in our hospital between 2010 and 2014. PATIENT SAMPLE: Inclusion criteria were age >45 years at the time of surgery, Cobb angle of lumbar curves ≥10°, long posterior internal fixation and fusion ≥least 3 motion segments, follow-up ≥2 years, complete preoperative and postoperative radiographic data, and functional evaluation results. Exclusion criteria were history of previous lumbar spine surgery, other kinds of scoliosis, history of severe spinal trauma, spinal tumor, ankylosing spondylitis, and spinal tuberculosis. Seventy-four patients were enrolled in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative parameters included intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, number of fusion levels, and decompression. The radiological measurements included Cobb angle of the curves and PI-LL. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale, and Lumbar Stiffness Disability Index (LSDI). In addition, the complications of surgery were also collected. One-way analysis of variance, Student t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson chi-square test, and curve estimation were calculated for variables. METHODS: All the patients were divided into Group 1 (long instrumentation and fusion to L5) and Group 2 (long instrumentation and fusion to S1). Operative parameters, radiological measurements, clinical outcomes, and complications of surgery were compared between two groups to confirm whether distal fusion level could influence therapeutic effect. Then patients were divided into PI-LL<10° (Group A), 10°≤PI-LL≤20° (Group B), PI-LL>20° (Group C). Operative parameters, radiological measurements, clinical outcomes, and complications of surgery were compared between each of the two groups. Curve estimation was performed to evaluate the relationship between postoperative PI-LL and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: No difference was found between Group 1 and Group 2 in all postoperative parameters (p>.05). There were significant differences in final ODI (p<.001) and final LSDI (p<.001) among Group A, Group B, and Group C. Cubic curve model fitted the relationship between PI-LL and final ODI better than other models (R2=0.379, p<.001). Cubic curve model fitted the relationship between PI-LL and final LSDI better than other models (R2=0.691, p<.001). There was a significant difference in proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) among groups (p=.038). No significant difference was found in other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal PI-LL value may be achieved between 10° and 20° in Chinese patients with ADS after long posterior instrumentation and fusion surgery with excellent clinical outcomes and a lower PJK occurrence.

Percutaneous versus traditional and paraspinal posterior open approaches for treatment of thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic deficit: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated differences in outcome variables between percutaneous, traditional, and paraspinal posterior open approaches for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic deficit. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase was performed. In this meta-analysis, we conducted online searches of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase using the search terms "thoracolumbar fractures", "lumbar fractures", ''percutaneous'', "minimally invasive", ''open", "traditional", "posterior", "conventional", "pedicle screw", "sextant", and "clinical trial". The analysis was performed on individual patient data from all the studies that met the selection criteria. Clinical outcomes were expressed as risk difference for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference for continuous outcomes with 95 % confidence interval. Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ 2 test and I 2 statistics. RESULTS: There were 4 randomized controlled trials and 14 observational articles included in this analysis. Percutaneous approach was associated with better ODI score, less Cobb angle correction, less Cobb angle correction loss, less postoperative VBA correction, and lower infection rate compared with open approach. Percutaneous approach was also associated with shorter operative duration, longer intraoperative fluoroscopy, less postoperative VAS, and postoperative VBH% in comparison with traditional open approach. No significant difference was found in Cobb angle correction, postoperative VBA, VBA correction loss, Postoperative VBH%, VBH correction loss, and pedicle screw misplacement between percutaneous approach and open approach. There was no significant difference in operative duration, intraoperative fluoroscopy, postoperative VAS, and postoperative VBH% between percutaneous approach and paraspianl approach. CONCLUSIONS: The functional and the radiological outcome of percutaneous approach would be better than open approach in the long term. Although trans-muscular spatium approach belonged to open fixation methods, it was strictly defined as less invasive approach, which provided less injury to the paraspinal muscles and better reposition effect.

Effects of Bailing capsules for renal transplant recipients: a retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The administration of immunosuppressive agents is always an important factor affecting the long-term survival of organ transplantation recipients. The best therapeutic regimen which either decreases the side effects of immune inhibitors or enhances the immunosuppressive efficacy is the goal of transplantation surgeons continue to search. This study investigated the effects of Bailing (Cordyceps sinensis) capsules on renal function and other systems of the body after renal transplantation. METHODS: Clinical data of 80 renal transplant recipients who were administered Bailing capsules and 100 renal transplant recipients in the control group were retrospectively analyzed to compare the incidences of graft rejection and infection after transplantation. The results of routine blood and urine tests, liver and kidney functions, uric acid (UA), 24-hour urine protein (24 h-Upro), as well as 1- and 5-year patient renal allograft survival rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The follow-up was 3 - 5 years. The two groups were not shown to have statistically significant differences in age, gender, cold ischemia time, donor-recipient human leukocyte antigen typing, panel reactive antibodies, lymphocytotoxicity tests, and the application of immunosuppressive agents at the baseline. The two groups were also not significantly different in the incidence of acute injection after transplantation, recovery of renal function, and blood glucose level. The Bailing group was significantly lower than the control in the incidence of infection, serum aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, UA, and 24-hour Upro, but significantly higher than the control group in peripheral red blood cell count and white blood cell count (P < 0.05). One-year and 5-year patient survival rates were 98.7% and 98.0%, respectively in the Bailing group, 95.0% and 93.0%, respectively, in the control group. One-year and 5-year renal allograft survival rates were 97.5% and 95.0%, respectively, in the Bailing group, and 92.5% and 84.0%, respectively, in the control group. The comparison of patient and renal allograft survival rates between the two groups using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test showed that only the differences in renal allograft survival rates were statistically significant (Log-rank: 5 years: patient survival P = 0.420; renal allograft survival P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Bailing capsules were effective in preventing allograft rejection, protecting liver and kidney functions, stimulating hematopoiesis, and reducing the incidence of infection and thus are ideal immunoregulators.