Objective To evaluate the effects of in situ subtalar arthrodesis with bone graft for subtalar traumatic arthritis, and to analyse the plantar pressure distribution so as to provide the evidence for effectiveness evaluation. Methods Between March 2004 and December 2008, 26 patients with unilateral subtalar arthrodesis undergoing bone graft fusion wereenrolled (test group). After operation, the imageology diversity and the effect of subtalar arthrodesis on adjacent joint wereobserved. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankel Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and radiographs were used to assess the foot function before and after operation. Twenty-six normal subjects served as controls. Footscan system was used to test the distribution of maximum plantar pressure and the change of gravity center curve. No significant difference was found in gender, age, height, and weight between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All patients were followed up 18.2 months on average (range, 14-71 months). The mean subtalar arthrodesis time was 5.6 months (range, 4 months and 15 days to 11 months). The mean AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score improved from 35.18 ± 8.16 preoperatively to 76.36 ± 6.90 postoperatively (t=13.910, P=0.000). Nine (34.6%) patients had satisfactory functional effects, and 13 (50.0%) patients basically satisfactory. The talocalcaneal height, talocalcaneal angle, talar decl ination angle, and calcaneus patch angle were 87.04% ± 6.17%, 76.73% ± 5.13%, 65.86% ± 7.01%, and 70.19% ± 8.33% of the contralateral side, respectively. Osteoarthritis of the adjacent joints occurred in 7 cases. The maximum plantar pressure increased in the third to fifth metatarsal bones and decreased in the first to second metatarsal bones, showing significant differences when compared with normal controls (P lt; 0.05). No significant difference was found in the plantar pressure between arthrodesis foot and contralateral foot of the test group (P gt; 0.05). The plantar pressure was well distributed in patient who was satisfied with the effect, but it was still different from normal controls. In patients who had high plantar pressure n middle foot, mild heel inversion occurred. The gravity center curve of the contralateral foot in the test group was almost the same as that of normal controls; curve medially shifted when forefoot touched down. The curve irregularly and laterally shifted in the subtalar arthrodesis foot; the curve did not medially shift when forefoot touched down. Conclusion In situ subtalar arthrodesis with bone graft has good cl inical results for subtalar traumatic arthritis. Gait analysis can be appl ied to assess the therapeutic effectiveness, and contribute to make a surgical plan. For the adaptive alteration of contralateral side after subtalar arthrodesis, a cohort of normal subjects should be used for comparison in gait analysis.
Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by using zero-profile anchored cage (ZAC) in treatment of consecutive three-level cervical spondylosis, by comparing with plate-cage construct (PCC). Methods A clinical data of 65 patients with cervical spondylosis admitted between January 2020 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. During consecutive three-level ACDF, 35 patients were fixed with ZAC (ZAC group) and 30 patients with PCC (PCC group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05), including gender, age, body mass index, surgical segment, preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, prevertebral soft tissue thickness (PSTT), cervical lordosis, and surgical segmental angle. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, clinical indicators (JOA score, NDI, VAS score), and radiological indicators (cervical lordosis, surgical segmental angle, implant subsidence, surgical segment fusion, and adjacent segment degeneration), and the postoperative complications [swelling of the neck (PSTT), dysphagia] were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results Patients in both groups were followed up 24-39 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up duration between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were lower in ZAC group than in PCC group, and the length of hospital stay was longer, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). At each time point after operation, both groups showed significant improvements in JOA score, VAS score, and NDI compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). Both groups showed an increase in PSTT at 3 days and 3, 6 months after operation compared to preoperative levels (P<0.05), but returned to preoperative levels at last follow-up (P>0.05). The PSTT at 3 days and 3 months after operation were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 6 months and at last follow-up (P>0.05). The incidences of dysphagia at 3 days and 3 months were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed at 6 months and last follow-up between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no postoperative complication in both groups including hoarseness, esophageal injury, cough, or hematoma. Both groups showed improvement in cervical lordosis and surgical segmental angle compared to preoperative levels, with a trend of loss during follow-up. The cervical lordosis loss and surgical segmental angle loss were significantly more in the ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05). The incidence of implante subsidence was significantly higher in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the ZAC group and PCC group in the incidences of surgical segment fusion and adjacent segment degeneration (P>0.05). ConclusionIn consecutive three-level ACDF, both ZAC and PCC can achieve satisfactory effectiveness. The former can reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia, while the latter can better maintain cervical curvature and reduce the incidence of implant subsidence.
To evaluate the method and effectiveness of anterior focus clearance with autograft bone fusion and internal fixation in treating of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis in one-stage. Methods Between March 2007 and September 2009, 8 cases of thoracic vertebra tuberculosis were treated. Of 8 cases, 6 were male and 2 were female, aged 32 years on average (range, 20-42 years). The disease duration ranged from 8 to 14 months (mean, 10.2 months). Affected vertebrae included thoracic vertebrae in 35 cases and lumbar vertebrae in 11 cases; 5 vertebrae were involved in 4 cases, 6 vertebrae in 3 cases, and 8 vertebrae in 1 case. According to Frankel classification, there were 2 cases of grade C, 4 cases of grade D, and 2 cases of grade E. All patients had different kyphosis with the Cobb angle of (25.1 ± 6.6)°. All patients received antituberculous therapy 4-6 weeks preoperatively; after complete clearance lesions, autograft bone fusion and internal fixation were performed, and then antituberculous therapy was given for 18 months. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Eight patients were followed up 18-48 months (mean, 29 months). According to JIN Dadi et al. criterion, 7 cases recovered after first operation, 1 case of relapsed tuberculosis with sious was cured after re-focus clearance. The Cobb angle was (19.5 ± 4.2)° at 7 days after operation and was (22.3 ± 3.6)° at last follow-up, showing significant differences when compared with the preoperative value (P lt; 0.05). The nerve function of all cases were classified as Frankel grade E. CT scan showed bone graft fusion at 6-8 months after operation. No loosening or displacement of grafted bone and internal fixation occurred during follow-up. Conclusion The treatment of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis by anterior focus clearance, intervertebral autograft, and internal fixation in one-stage is effective. Anterior bone fusion and internal fixation in one-stage can correct kyphosis effectively and rebuild spinal stabil ity, so it is a good choice for surgical treatment of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical effectiveness and advantages of one-stage posterior debridement, bone graft, and internal fixation for thoracic tuberculosis. Methods The data were retrospectively analysed, from 21 cases of thoracic tuberculosis undergoing one-stage posterior debridement, bone graft, and internal fixation between June 2007 andNovember 2009. There were 16 males and 5 females with an average age of 42.2 years (range, 22-73 years). The average disease duration was 13.2 months (range, 7-21 months). The lesions were located at the level of T5, 6 (1 case), T6, 7 (1 case), T8, 9 (4 cases), T9, 10 (3 cases), T10, 11 (5 cases), T11, 12 (6 cases), and T9-11 (1 case). According to the Frankel grading criterion, the neurological function was rated as grade B in 2 cases, grade C in 6 cases, grade D in 10 cases, and grade E in 3 cases. The preoperative Cobb angle was (26.3 ± 9.2)°. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was (35.9 ± 11.2) mm/ 1 hour. Results Thoracic tuberculosis was confirmed in postoperative pathological examination in all 21 cases. All incisions healed primarily without fistules formation. The average follow-up time for 21 patients was 16.2 months (range, 1-3 years). Bony fusion was achieved within 7-12 months (mean, 9 months) without pseudoarthrosis. No loosening and breakage of internal fixation were found, and no local recurrence occurred. The ESR decreased to (25.1 ± 8.9) mm/1 hour at 1 week postoperatively, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (t=5.935, P lt; 0.01); it decreased to (14.1 ± 4.6) mm/1 hour at 3 months postoperatively. According to Frankel grade, the neurological function was significantly improved at 1 year after operation (χ2=13.689, P=0.003). The average Cobb angle was (17.1 ± 4.5)° at 1 years postoperatively, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (t=7.476, P lt; 0.01). Conclusion One-stage posterior debridement, bone graft, and internal fixation has a good cl inical effectiveness for thoracic tuberculosis with less injury and complete focal cleaning, as well as a goodeffectiveness of spinal canal decompression and kyphosis deformity correction.
ObjectiveTo assesse the effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Cage alone in treating multi-level cervical degenerative disease. MethodsBetween August 2010 and August 2012, 62 eligible patients with multi-level cervical degenerative disease were treated, and the clinical data were reviewed. Of 62 patients, 32 underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Cage alone (group A), and 30 underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plate fixation (group B). Both groups showed no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, lesion types, and affected segments (P>0.05), it had comparability. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score; the fused segment height, subsidence rates of Cages, global cervical lordosis, and fusion rates were also compared. ResultsThe operation time of group B[(109.7±11.2) minutes] was significantly more than group A[(87.8±6.9) minutes] (t=-2.259, P=0.037). Primary healing of incisions was obtained in all patients of 2 groups. All patients were followed up; the follow-up period ranged from 8 to 27 months (mean, 15.8 months) in group A, and from 9 to 28 months (mean, 16.4 months) in group B. There was no complication and internal fixation failure. The JOA score and VAS score were significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative scores in 2 groups (P<0.05). According to Robinson standard for axial symptom severity, the results were excellent in 20 cases, good in 9, fair in 2, and poor in 1, with an excellent and good rate of 90.63% in group A; the results were excellent in 19 cases, good in 7, fair in 3, and poor in 1, with an excellent and good rate of 86.67% in group B; and no significant difference was found between 2 groups (χ2=0.765, P=0.382). The fused segment height at immediate after operation and at last follow-up and global cervical lordosis at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between groups A and B in the Cage subsidence height[(1.4±0.9) mm vs. (1.2±1.6) mm], Cage subsidence rate[9.52% (8/84) vs. 7.59% (6/79)], and fusion rate[95.24% (80/84) vs. 96.20% (76/79)]. ConclusionAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion with Cage alone can obtain good clinical results and radiologic indexes, avoid plate-related complications and reduce operation time. It is a safe and effective surgical option in the treatment of multi-level cervical degenerative disease.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of short segmental pedicle screw fixation with and without fusion in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 57 patients with single segment thoracolumbar burst fractures, who accorded with the inclusion criteria between February 2012 and February 2014. The patients underwent posterior short segmental pedicle screw fixation with fusion in 27 cases (fusion group) and without fusion in 30 cases (non-fusion group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time between injury and admission, fracture segment and classification, and neurologic function America Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification between 2 groups, which had the comparability (P > 0.05). The operative time, blood loss, and hospitalization days were compared between 2 groups. The height of the injured vertebra, the kyphotic angle, and the range of motion (ROM) were measured on the X-ray film. The functional outcomes were evaluated by using the Greenough low-back outcome score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for back pain. The neurologic functional recovery was assessed by ASIA grade. ResultsThe operative time was significantly shortened and the blood loss was significantly reduced in the non-fusion group when compared with the fusion group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in hospitalization days between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The patients were followed up for 2.0-3.5 years (mean, 3.17 years) in the fusion group and for 2-4 years (mean, 3.23 years) in the non-fusion group. X-ray films showed that 2 cases failed bone graft fusion, the fusion time was 12-17 weeks (mean, 15.6 weeks) in the other 25 cases. Complication occurred in 2 cases of the fusion group (1 case of incision deep infection and 1 case of hematoma at iliac bone donor site) and in 1 case of the non-fusion group (fat liquefaction); primary healing of incision was obtained in the others. The Cobb angle, the height of injured vertebrae showed no significant difference between 2 groups at pre-operation, immediate after operation, and last follow-up (P > 0.05). The ROM of injured vertebrae showed no significant difference between 2 groups at 1 year after operation (before implants were removed) (P > 0.05). The implants were removed at 1 year after operation in all cases of the non-fusion group, and in 11 cases of the fusion group. At last follow-up, the ROM of injured vertebrae in the non-fusion group was significantly higher than that in the fusion group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in Greenough low-back outcome score, VAS score, and ASIA grade between 2 groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionFusion is not necessary when thoracolumbar burst fracture is treated by posterior short segmental pedicle screw fixation, which can preserve regional segmental motion, shorten the operative time, decrease blood loss, and eliminate bone graft donor site complications.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and the indications of posterolateral fusion and pedicle screw short-segment fixation via injured vertebra for treating old thoracolumbar fracture combined with kyphosis in elderly patients. MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2014, 24 patients with old thoracolumbar fracture and kyphosis received posterolateral fusion and pedicle screw short-segment fixation via injured vertebra. Of 24 cases, 8 were male and 16 were female with an average age of 66.3 years (range, 56-79 years). The mean disease course was 17.5 months (range, 5-36 months). There were 13 cases of osteoporosis, 9 cases of osteopenia, and 2 cases of normal bone. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was 6.53±0.95, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 52.63%±5.74% preoperatively. The thoracolumbar kyphosis located at T10 to L2, and the kyphotic Cobb angle was (28.79±5.04)° before operation. ResultsThe operation was completed successfully without related complications. The operative time was 1.2-2.3 hours (mean, 1.6 hours), and intraoperative blood loss was 80-210 mL (mean, 158 mL). No nerve injury occurred. Poor healing of incision was observed in 1 patient with diabetes, and primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. Nineteen patients were followed up 6-30 months (mean, 14.4 months), and there were 2 deaths. Pain relief and function recovery were obtained in 19 patients after operation. The VAS score and ODI were significantly decreased to 2.4±0.7 and 32.14%±5.12% at last follow-up (t=8.542, P=0.000; t=9.826, P=0.000). The kyphotic Cobb angle was significantly decreased to (21.23±4.30)° at immediate after operation (P < 0.05) and to (23.68±4.35)° at last follow-up (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between at immediate and last follow-up (P > 0.05). No loosening or breakage of internal fixation was observed during follow-up. ConclusionPosterolateral fusion and pedicle screw short-segment fixation via injured vertebra is a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with old thoracolumbar fracture combined with kyphosis (Cobb angle less than 40°).
Objective To assess the mid-term effectiveness of anterior decompression and fusion with nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) cage in treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods A retrospective study was made on 48 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent anterior decompression and fusion with n-HA/PA66 cage between August 2008 and January 2010. There were 33 males and 15 females with an average age of 54.5 years (range, 42-72 years). The disease duration was 3-12 months (mean, 6 months). The affected segments included 35 cases of single segment (C3, 4 in 7, C4, 5 in 18, and C5, 6 in 10) and 13 cases of double segments (C3-5 in 7 and C4-6 in 6). Of 48 patients, 28 was diagnosed as having intervertebral disc protrusion, 12 as having ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, and 8 as having vertebral osteophyte; 35 patients underwent single segmental anterior corpectomy and fusion, and 13 patients underwent single segmental anterior discectomy and fusion. The pre- and post-operative radiographs (cervical anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and three-dimensional CT scans) were taken to measure the segmental height and lordosis angle. Brantigan et al assessment standard and visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to evaluate the graft fusion and the improvement of clinical symptoms, respectively. Results All patients were followed up for 46 months on average (range, 36-54 months). No cage breaking, displacement, or sliding was found. At last follow-up, 36 cases were rated as Brantigan grade E, 10 cases as grade D, and 2 cases as grade C; the fusion rate was 96%. Both segmental height and lordosis angle were corrected significantly at immediate and 6 months after operation and last follow-up than those before operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found among different time points after operation (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, the cage subsidence was (1.3 ± 1.0) mm. The VAS and JOA scores at 6 months after operation and last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05), and the scores at last follow-up were superior to ones at 6 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The mid-term effectiveness of anterior decompression and fusion with the n-HA/PA66 cage in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy is satisfactory because it can effectively restore and maintain segmental height and lordosis angle and promote osseous fusion.
Objective To investigate the early effectiveness of Zero-profile interbody fusion system (Zero-P) in the treatment of cervical disc protrusion. Methods Between October 2010 and June 2012, 25 patients with cervical disc protrusion underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using the Zero-P system. There were 15 males and 10 females, aged from 35 to 68 years (mean, 49 years). The disease duration was 3-26 months (mean, 10.5 months). Single segment was involved in all cases (2 cases in C3, 4, 5 cases in C4, 5, 11 cases in C5, 6, and 7 cases in C6, 7). The operation time and blood loss were recorded and analyzed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and neck disability index (NDI) were used to assess pain and nerve function improvement; the cervical Cobb angle was measured on the X-ray films before and after operation; according to Pitzen’s criteria, intervertebral fusion was evaluated. Results The operation was successful in 25 patients, with no severe complication. The average blood loss was 42.6 mL (range, 20-120 mL). The average operation time was 63.6 minutes (range, 45-90 minutes). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all cases; no injury of spinal cord and nerve root, cerebrospinal leakage, or deep infection occurred. The patients were followed up 6-23 months (mean, 14.5 months). No Cage subsidence and loosening, breaking, or pulling-out were observed. The symptoms and curvature of the cervical spine were obviously improved in all patients after operation. The VAS score, JOA score, NDI, and the cervical Cobb angle at 3 months and last follow-up showed significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between at 3 months and at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). The interbody fusion was achieved in each operated segment of all patients according to Pitzen’s criteria. Conclusion The early effectiveness of ACDF with Zero-P system is satisfactory in treatment of cervical disc protrusion because it has the advantages of short operation time, less bleeding, good stability and restoration of the cervical alignment.