Objective To investigate the effect and safety of the anterior uncovertebral joint resection in treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy accompanied by radiculopathy. Methods From March 2002 toJuly 2004, 9 patients (5 males, 4 females; aged 38-66) with cervical spondylotic myelopathy accompanied by radiculopathy underwent the anterior uncovertebral joint resection and discectomy using the titanium cage implantation. There were 6 unilateral and 3 bilateral compressed nerve roots. Results During the follow-up for 3-16 months, CT scanning or X-ray films revealed thatall the patients improved with an enlargement of the intervertebral foramen, and MRI demonstrated that compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots vanished.Seven patients had a relief in the radicular pain although the other 2 still had a residual pain. All the patients improved to some extent in symptoms of myelopathy. No patient suffered vertebral artery injury during the operation. Conclusion The uncovertebral joint resection can directly decompressthe nerve roots. The key to avoidance of an injury to the vertebral artery is agood understanding of the regional anatomy and a good performance of the operation.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of minimally invasive percutaneous internal fixation and traditional open reduction via Henry approach and internal fixation in the treatment of unstable distal radial fractures.MethodsFifty-six patients with unstable distal radial fractures that met the selection criteria between October 2013 and December 2014 were randomly divided into minimally invasive group (26 cases) and traditional group (30 cases). They were treated with oblique T-shaped locking plate internal fixation via minimally invasive percutaneous approach or traditional Henry approach. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, causes of injury, fracture classification, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The length of incision, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, and fracture healing time were recorded in 2 groups. The difference of the length of the radial styloid process, the volar tilting angle, and the ulnar inclining angle between at 3 months postoperatively and preoperation were compared between 2 groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the percentage of the lateral wrist flexion and extension range, forearm rotation, and the hand grip strength (recorded as FS%, FR%, and HG% , respectively) were compared between 2 groups at 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. The wrist function was evaluated through the disability of arm-shoulder-hand (DASH) scores at 3 months postoperatively.ResultsThe length of incision, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time in minimally invasive group were significantly less than those in traditional group (P<0.05). The incisions of 2 groups were all achieved primary healing. All patients were followed up 10-16 months (mean, 12.6 months). There was no radial artery injury, screw too long, or screw entering the joint space. In minimally invasive group, 1 patient had the symptoms of median nerve irritation after operation, and recovered completely at 1 month; in traditional group, there were 2 cases of tendon irritation after operation. There was no significant difference in the fracture healing time, the difference of the length of the radial styloid process, the volar tilting angle, and the ulnar inclining angle between at 3 months postoperatively and preoperation between 2 groups (P>0.05). At 4 weeks after operation, the VAS score in minimally invasive group was significantly less than that in traditional group, and the FS%, FR%, and HG% were significantly higher than those in traditional group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in above indicators between 2 groups at 3 months after operation (P>0.05). The DASH score in minimally invasive group was significantly less than that in traditional group at 3 months after operation (t=–5.308, P=0.000). The patient’s aesthetic evaluation of postoperative wound in minimally invasive group was better than in traditional group.ConclusionFor treatment of unstable distal radial fractures, the metacarpal minimally invasive internal fixation has the advantages of smaller wound, incisional concealment, and quicker recovery of wrist joint.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of spinal canal decompression assisted by unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) and percutaneous uniplanar pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of lumbar burst fractures with neurological symptoms. Methods Between June 2021 and December 2022, 10 patients with single level lumbar burst fracture with neurological symptoms were treated with spinal canal decompression assisted by UBE and percutaneous uniplanar pedicle screw internal fixation. There were 7 males and 3 females with an average age of 43.1 years (range, 21-57 years). The injured vertebrae located at L1 in 2 cases, L2 in 4 cases, L3 in 3 cases, and L4 in 1 case. There were 7 cases of AO type A3 fractures and 3 cases of AO type A4 fractures. The total operation time, the time of operation under endoscopy, and complications were recorded. Pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale (grading A-E corresponding to assigning 1-5 points for statistical analysis) were used to evaluate effectiveness. X-ray film and CT were performed to observe the fracture healing, and the ratio of anterior vertebral body height, Cobb angle, and rate of spinal canal invasion were measured to evaluate the reduction of fracture.Results All operations was successfully completed, and the spinal canal decompression and the bone fragment in spinal canal reduction completed under the endoscopy. Total operation time was 119 minutes on average (range, 95-150 minutes), and the time of operation under endoscopy was 46 minutes on average (range, 35-55 minutes). There was no complication such as dural sac, nerve root, or blood vessel injury during operation. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 18.7 months on average (range, 10-28 months). The VAS score after operation significantly decreased when compared with that before operation (P<0.05), and further improved at last follow-up (P<0.05). The ASIA scale after operation significantly improved when compared with that before operation (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the ASIA scale between at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up. The imaging examination showed that the screw position was good and the articular process joint was preserved. During follow-up, there was no loosening, fracture, or fixation failure of the internal fixation. The ratio of anterior vertebral body height and Cobb angle significantly improved, the rate of spinal canal invasion significantly decreased after operation (P<0.05), and without significant loss of correction during the follow-up (P>0.05). Conclusion Spinal canal decompression assisted by UBE and percutaneous uniplanar pedicle screw fixation is a feasible minimally invasive treatment for lumbar burst fractures with neurological symptoms, which can effectively restore the vertebral body sequence, as well as relieve the compression of spinal canal, and improve the neurological function.
ObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of progressive three-dimensional navigation template system (abbreviated as progressive template) to assist atlas-axial pedicle screw placement. MethodsThe clinical data of 33 patients with atlas-axial posterior internal fixation surgery between May 2015 and May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different methods of auxiliary screw placement, the patients were divided into trial group (19 cases, screw placement assisted by progressive template) and control group (14 cases, screw placement assisted by single navigation template system, abbreviated as initial navigation template). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, damage segments, damage types, and preoperative Frankel classification between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss of the two groups were compared. The safety of screw placement was evaluated on postoperative CT by using the method from Kawaguchi et al, the deviation of screw insertion point were calculated, the angular deviation of the nailing on coordinate systems XOZ, XOY, YOZ were calculated according to Peng’s method. ResultsAll patients completed the operation successfully; the operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the trial group were significantly less than those in the control group (t=–2.360, P=0.022; t=–3.006, P=0.004). All patients were followed up 12–40 months (mean, 25.3 months). There was no significant vascular injury or nerve injury aggravation. Postoperative immediate X-ray film and CT showed the dislocation was corrected. Postoperative immediate CT showed that all 76 screws were of grade 0 in the trial group, and the safety of screw placement was 100%; 51 screws were of grade 0, 3 of gradeⅠ, and 2 of gradeⅡ in the control group, and the safety of screw placement was 91.1%; there was significant difference in safety of screw placement between the two groups (χ2=7.050, P=0.030). The screw insertion point deviation and angular deviation of the nailing on XOY and YOZ planes in the trial group were significantly less than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in angular deviation of the nailing on XOZ between the two groups (t=1.060, P=0.290). ConclusionCompared with the initial navigation template, the progressive navigation template assisting atlas-axial pedicle screw placement to treat atlas-axial fracture with dislocation, can reduce operation time and intraoperative blood loss, improve the safety of screw placement, and match the preoperative design more accurately.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator with double plate internal fixation in the treatment of type C humeral intercondylar fractures. Methods Between January 2014 and April 2016, 30 patients with type C (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation, AO/ASIF) humeral intercondylar fractures were treated. Kirschner wire suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator was used in 14 cases (group A), and double plate internal fixation in 16 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, disease duration, injury side, and type of fracture between 2 groups (P>0.05). Results There was no significant difference in operation time and hospitalization stay between 2 groups (P>0.05). But the intraoperative blood loss in group A was significantly less than that in group B (P<0.05); the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 1 day and 3 days after operation in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients of 2 groups, and no surgery-related complications occurred. The patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 12.3 months) in group A and 6-24 months (mean, 12.8 months) in group B. The self-evaluation satisfaction rate was 85.7% (12/14) in group A and was 81.2% (13/16) in group B at 3 months after operation, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.055, P=0.990). Based on the improved Gassebaum elbow performance score at 6 months after operation, excellent and good rate of the elbow function was 78.6% (excellent in 5 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case) in group A and was 81.2% (excellent in 6 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case) in group B, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=0.056, P=0.990). Heterotopic ossification occurred at 3 months after operation in 1 case of each group respectively. The X-ray films showed bony union in all cases; no loosening or breakage of screw was observed. The bone union time showed no significant difference between 2 groups (t=–0.028, P=0.978). The time of internal fixation removal, the intraoperative blood loss, and VAS score at 1 day and 3 days after operation in group A were significant better than those in group B (P<0.05). Conclusion The suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator and double plate internal fixation for the treatment of type C humeral intercondylar fractures have ideal outcome in elbow function. But the suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator is better than double plate internal fixation in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative VAS score, and time of internal fixation removal.
Objective To observe and evaluate the clinical effect of the new fenestration rammer in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture by posterior internal fixation and reduction of lamina with finite fenestration decompression. Methods Patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures admitted to Zigong Fourth People’s Hospital between September 2017 and January 2020 were retrospectively selected. The patients were divided into observation group and control group according to different surgical methods. The observation group used a new tamping device with finite fenestration rammer of unilateral lamina to reduce the spinal occupying bone mass, and the control group used conventional instruments for reduction of intraspinal fracture masses. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, CT measurement of sagittal diameter ratio of spinal canal and the number of cases of postoperative vertebral empty shell phenomenon were recorded in the two groups, and Frankel grading evaluation of spinal nerve function was conducted. Results A total of 67 patients were included. There were 33 cases in the observation group and 34 cases in the control group. The patients in both groups were followed up for 12 to 16 months, with an average of (14.45±2.25) months. The improvement rate of Frankel rating in each group was 100%. In the control group and the observation group, except for the sagittal diameter ratio of spinal canal before operation (P=0.616), the operation time [(150.44±26.47) vs. (120.91±20.86) min], the intraoperative blood loss [(244.41±42.97) vs. (183.33±34.56) mL], the sagittal diameter ratio of spinal canal one week after operation [(92.50±2.32)% vs. (93.72±2.40)%], the sagittal diameter ratio of spinal canal at the last follow-up [(91.50±2.96)% vs. (93.17±3.27)%] and the occurrence of empty shell phenomenon (13 vs. 5 cases) were statistically significant (P<0.05). The intragroup comparison showed that the sagittal diameter ratio of spinal canal was improved one week after operation and at the last follow-up compared with that before operation (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the sagittal diameter ratio of spinal canal between one week after operation and the last follow-up (P>0.05). Conclusions The new fenestration rammer can effectively reduce the spinal occupying bone mass in thoracolumbar burst fracture, effectively restore the volume of the spinal canal, achieve the purpose of decompression, effectively prevent the formation of vertebral shell, maximize the retention of the stable structure of the posterior column, and avoid iatrogenic nerve injury. It is safe and effective.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous puncture of thoracolumbar vertebral pedicle assisted by mixed reality technology based on multi-point registration algorithm. Methods The operator used two methods, namely MR-assisted puncture (a self-developed MR calibration method based on multi-point registration algorithm combined with MR head mounted equipment) and manual puncture, to perform percutaneous puncture of the thoracolumbar pedicle on the spinal prosthesis model. The distance between the first blind puncture point and the preset nail center point, and single registration and puncture time were compared among different puncture methods. Results Four operators completed a total of 48 MR-assisted punctures and 48 manual punctures. The deviation distance of MR-assisted puncture [(1.69±0.29) vs. (4.99±2.06) mm], registration and puncture time [(131.41±5.35) vs. (475.98±65.26) s] were all better than manual puncture (P<0.05). Conclusion The prosthetic model data shows that MR technology-assisted puncture based on multi-point registration algorithm can improve the accuracy and efficiency of percutaneous puncture of thoracolumbar vertebral pedicle compared to traditional manual puncture.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation on the indirect reduction of posterosuperior fracture fragment in the thoraculumbar burst fractures. Methods Patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated in the Fourth People’s Hospital of Zigong from September 2017 to September 2019 were collected retrospectively. All patients were treated with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. The main observation indexes before operation, 3 days after operation and 1 year after operation were compared, including the height ratio of the anterior margin of fractured vertebra, the inversion angle of posterosuperior fracture fragment, the fragment displacement, the occupancy rate of spinal canal, the Cobb angle of kyphosisat, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results A total of 38 patients were included. All patients were followed up for more than 1 year. During the follow-up period, there were no complications such as nerve injury, incision infection, internal fixation loosening or fracture. The operation time was (91.7±10.4) min, the amount of intraoperative bleeding was (94.3±19.5) mL, and the length of surgical incision was (9.3±1.8) cm. The height ratio of the anterior margin of fractured vertebra, the inversion angle of posterosuperior fracture fragment, the fragment displacement, the occupancy rate of spinal canal, the Cobb angle of kyphosisat 3 days after operation were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05); the height ratio of the anterior margin of fractured vertebra, the occupancy rate of spinal canal, and the Cobb angle of kyphosisat 1 year after operation were also significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05); the height ratio of the anterior margin of fractured vertebra and the occupancy rate of spinal canalat 1 year after operation were significantly improved than those 3 days after operation (P<0.05), but the Cobb angle of kyphosis 1 year after operation was significantly lost than that 3 days after operation (P<0.05). The VAS score and ODI index 3 days and 1 year after operation were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05), and the VAS score and ODI index 1 year after operation were improved compared with those 3 days after operation (P<0.05). Conclusion The percutaneous pedicle screw fixation can effectively reduce the retropulsed bone fragment indirectly and restore the Cobb angle of kyphosis of the thoraculumbar burst fractures without neurological deficit, and at the same time reduce the operation time and surgical trauma.
Objective To compare the clinical results of locking compress plate (LCP) as an external fixator and standard external fixator for treatment of tibial open fractures. Methods Between May 2009 and June 2012, 59 patients with tibial open fractures were treated with LCP as an external fixator in 36 patients (group A), and with standard external fixator in 23 patients (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, affected side, type of fracture, location, and interval between injury and surgery between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The time of fracture healing and incision healing, the time of partial weight-bearing, the range of motion (ROM) of knee and ankle, and complications were compared between 2 groups. Results The incidence of pin-track infection in group A (0) was significantly lower than that in group B (21.7%) (P=0.007). No significant difference was found in the incidence of superficial infection and deep infection of incision, and the time of incision healing between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 5 cases of group A and 2 cases of group B, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.036, P=0.085). All patients were followed up 15.2 months on average (range, 9-28 months) in group A, and 18.6 months on average (range, 9-47 months) in group B. The malunion rate and nonunion rate showed no significant difference between groups A and B (0 vs. 13.0% and 0 vs. 8.7%, P gt; 0.05); the delayed union rate of group A (2.8%) was significantly lower than that of group B (21.7%) (χ2=5.573, P=0.018). Group A had shorter time of fracture healing, quicker partial weight-bearing, greater ROM of the knee and ankle than group B (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The LCP external fixator can obtain reliable fixation in treating tibial open fracture, and has good patients’ compliance, so it is helpful to do functional exercise, improve fracture healing and function recovery, and reduce the complication incidence.
ObjectiveTo explore the application value of thin CT angiography (CTA) of pedicle sagittal plane of axis for preoperative evaluation planning pedicle screw placement.MethodsBetween February 2016 and August 2017, 34 patients (68 pedicles) who underwent thin CTA scan before posterior axial surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The vertebral artery development was statistically analyzed. The continuous layers of transverse process hole pedicle height more than or equal to 4 mm (f) were measured and read. The axial fixation methods, clinical manifestations of vertebral artery and spinal cord injury and the bone union of fractures or implants were recorded. Postoperative results of pedicle screws were evaluated by CT scan.ResultsThe right sides of 8 cases and the left sides of 18 cases were dominant vertebral arteries, and equilibrium was reached in 8 cases; f>9 layers were found in 16 pedicles,f=9 layers in 27 pedicles, f=8 layers in 17 pedicles, and f<8 layers in 8 pedicles. The 43 pedicles off≥9 layers used pedicle screw fixation; in the 17 pedicles of f=8 layers, 16 used pedicle screw fixation, and the other one used laminar screw fixation; in the 8 pedicles of f<8 layers, 4 used pedicle screw fixation, and the other 4 used laminar screw fixation. A self-defined pedicle screw grading system was used to evaluate the excellence, and the result showed that,f>9 layers: 14 pedicles were class A, 2 were class B, none was class C;f=9 layers: 16 pedicles were class A, 7 were class B, 4 were class C; f=8 layers: 3 pedicles were class A, 5 were class B, 8 were class C; f<8 layers: none was pedicles class A or class B, 4 were class C. The other 4 lamina screws fixation didn’'t invade the spinal canal. One case of pedicle class C showed clinical manifestations of mild dizziness and drowsiness. The patients were followed up for 6-11 months with an average of (8±3) months, and the fracture or bone graft fusion were observed after 6 months of following-up.ConclusionBased on preoperative CTA thin layer scanning, through measuring and reading continuous layers of transverse process hole pedicle height more than or equal to 4 mm, can effectively judge the security of axial pedicle screws in order to subsequently choose the reasonable operation methods so as to improve success rate and decrease surgical risk.