Objective To investigate the efficacy of freeze-driedcancellous allograft in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. Methods From January 1999 to August 2004, there were 31 cases of spinal tuberculosis who underwent surgery. The freeze-dried cancellous allograft was used as grafting material in all the cases.The cancellous allograft was packed in a titanium mesh cage or an artificial vertebrae, and then used as a strut graft anteriorly to implant into the bone defect after the redical debridement, and the instrumentation was done. Results Twenty-three cases were followed up 1.5 years to 5 years (3.7 years on average), and bonyfusion was achieved in 21 cases 6 months later. In 2 cases ceasing antituberculous therapy after 2 months of operation, the local recurrence was obvious. The loosened screw was noticed in one of these two cases, who had tuberculosis in lumbar spine. When antituberculous therapy continued, the bony fusion was observed in these two cases 12 months later. No further position change of the instrument wasnoticed in the patient carrying loosened screw, but the kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine aggravated. Conclusion Freeze-dried cancellous allograft could be usedin the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. To achieve good results of allograft incorporation and remodeling, the rigid instrumentation should be performed, postoperative antituberculous therapy is also important.
Objective To investigate the status of nutrition, nutritional support, and postoperative nutrition-related complications in patients with spinal deformity during orthopedic perioperative period. Methods From February to August 2021, patients who underwent spinal orthopedic surgery for spinal deformity in Peking University Third Hospital were collected. A survey was conducted using self-designed questionnaire, including patient’s general information (gender, age, and type of spinal deformity), nutrition-related information (risks of malnutrition, forms of nutritional support), and postoperative nutrition-related complications. Results A total of 39 patients with spinal deformity were enrolled, and 46.2% (18 cases) were at risk of malnutrition. There were a total of 174 times of nutritional support, and 96.0% (167 times) were parenteral nutrition. The patients’ energy intake from nutritional support accounted for 34.41% of the daily goal energy intake averagely. At admission, one day after operation, and at discharge, the prealbumin was (215.51±34.69), (172.85±31.85), and (163.67±29.15) mg/L, respectively, and the hemoglobin was (138.08±15.67), (119.92±18.01), and (117.69±14.76) g/L, respectively, which were significantly lower one day after operation and at discharge than those at admission (P<0.01). The incidence of postoperative nutrition-related complications during hospitalization was 5.1% (2/39). Conclusions Patients undergoing spinal deformity orthopedics are at high risk of overall malnutrition during the perioperative period, their clinical nutritional interventions are mostly based on parenteral nutrition with a single infusion of nutritional preparations, and the nutritional status is not significantly improved. However, the incidence of postoperative nutrition-related complications is low. Standardized nutrition interventions should be strengthened in the future.
Objective To explore the injury mechanism, clinical features and treatment methods of multiple-level noncontiguous spinal fractures(MNSF). Methods The clinical data of 23 patients with MNSF were analyzed retrospectively. Therewere 15 males and 8 females aging from 13 to 75 years. Five cases missed diagnosis. The locations of the primary injury were cervical region in 3 cases, thoracic region in 7 cases, and thoracolumbar region in 13 cases. The spinal fractures associated with spinal cord injury were 14 cases in the primary injury, and 3 cases in the secondary injury. According to Frankel grade, there were 7 cases ofgrade A, 1 case of grade B, 3 cases of grade C, 6 cases of grade D and 6 cases of grade E. Sixteen cases were treated by surgical stabilization while 7 cases were treated conservatively. Results Twenty patients were followed up from 3 months to 4 years with a mean of 11.5 months except three patients. No neurologic deterioration was observed in patients who were treated conservatively or operatively. No wound infection, no implant failure or bone graft nonunion occurred in patients who were treated operatively. Among 17 patients with neurologic deficit before operation, 12 got 1-3 grade improvement of the Frankel grading, 4 remained unchanged and 1 died. Conclusion The mechanism of MNSF injury is complex, it is easy to miss diagnosis. The patients with spinal injury must be examined carefully and completely. A whole spine radiographic survey should be accomplished if necessary and treatments should be based on the stability of spine fractures and the severity of spinal cord injury.
A new method of anterior decompression for thoracolumbar fractures with paralysi s in six cases was reported. In a follw-up of one to five months, was shown that the neurological functions in all six cases has improved ⅡⅢ rank in Frankl classification. The author believe that the method has the following advantages, such as: less trauma from operation; the level and the limit of decompression could be made without Xray during the operation; usually only 1/5 to 1/4 of the vertebral body was excised so that the stability of the spine was not disturbed, and the obvious favourable results.
ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the effectiveness and the changes of spine-pelvic sagittal parameters for patients with spondylolisthesis before and after operation. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 32 patients with single segmental degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis at L4 who accorded with the inclusion criteria between June 2011 and January 2014 (trial group). There were 13 males and 19 females, aged 51-67 years (mean, 59 years). According to Meyerding degree, there were 21 cases of degree I, 10 cases of degree Ⅱ, and 1 case of degree Ⅲ. All patients were treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. Thirty-five healthy adults at the age of 46-67 years (mean, 57 years) were enrolled as normal controls (control group). The standing position lumbar lateral X-ray films (T12-S1, bilateral femoral head) were taken at pre- and post-operation to measure the pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), disc height (DH), and slip percentage (SP); the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the preoperative various spine-pelvic sagittal parameters and the VAS score and the ODI. After operation, Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the changes of these parameters and the improve rates of VAS score and ODI. ResultsAll patients of trial group were followed up 15-22 months (mean, 18 months). At last follow-up, the VAS score, ODI, PT, SS, LL, SP, and DH were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05), except for PI (t=-1.445, P=0.158). There was no significant difference in PT, SS, LL, and DH between trial and control groups at last follow-up (P>0.05); PI was slightly bigger than that of control group (t=8.531, P=0.043). Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a correlation between spine-pelvic sagittal parameters of PI, PT, SS, and LL (P<0.05); preoperative parameters (except for LL and DH) had correlation with ODI and VAS scores (P<0.05). Postoperative parameters (except for PI) had correlation with the improve rates of ODI and VAS scores (P<0.05), especially for the changes of PT and the improvements of ODI and VAS scores. ConclusionThere is a correlation between the changes of spine-pelvic sagittal parameters at pre- and post-operation and effectiveness in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. The correlation between the changes of PT and the improvement rates of ODI and VAS scores is more marked. The good effectiveness is closely related with the improved PT.
Objective To review the research progress of the vacuum phenomenon in spine. Methods The recent articles about the vacuum phenomenon in spine were reviewed; the features of imaging and the cl inical correlation were summarized. Results The vaccum phenomenon has been described in every segment of the spine. This phenomenon occurs mostly to the disc space and represents a transparent area on radiograph. Conclusion The causes of the vacuum phenomenoninclude degeneration of the anatomic structures of spine, trauma, and other pathologic changes. The vacuum phenomenon has important diagnostic and cl inical significances.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, cost and optimal dosing regimen of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) used in the lumbar spine arthrodesis. Methods We formulated the clinical questions according to the PICO principle. We searched the ACP Journal Club (1991 to February 2008), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2007) and PubMed (1990 to February 2008) as well as other relevant databases. The evidence retrieved was critically appraised. Results Current evidence showed that BMP was a satisfactory and safe behavior in lumbar arthrodesis. Its cost was equal to that of autogenous iliac bone graft. The types of BMP currently used in clinical practice are BMP-2 and BMP-7. Finished product of fixed composition ratio was recommended in anterior lumbar inter-body fusion, while in posterolateral fusion, 20mg of BMP-2 or 3.5mg of BMP-7 for each side was recommended, with proper carrier according to the place where it was used. Conclusion BMP may be introduced to China for lumbar spine arthrodesis. Before it is applied extensively, further large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed. Meanwhile, more research is necessary to determine the proper dosage and preparation form for the dominant Chinese population.
Objective To observe and measure the approach next to the erector spinae in the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spine and adjacent anatomical structures by the topographic method, to clarify the positioning method and safe range so as to provide the anatomical basis of the approach for spinal canal decompression. Methods Twelve formaldehyde-treated adult cadaver specimens were selected, including 6 males and 6 females with an average age of 43 years (range, 27-52 years) and with an average height of 166 cm (range, 154-177 cm). The related data of the approach at T1-S1 levels were respectively measured: the distance between the lateral edge of the erector spinae and the spinous process, the length of the approach, the angle between the approach and the horizontal plane, the size of intervertebral foramen, and the vertical distance between the segmental artery and the upper edge of the vertebrae. Results The distance between the lateral edge of the erector spinae and the spinous process ranged from (41.75 ± 3.29) mm to (74.54 ± 7.08) mm. The length of the approach ranged from (66.75 ± 10.81) mm to (97.13 ± 13.35) mm. The angle between the approach and the horizontal plane ranged from (38.38 ± 6.16)° to (53.67 ± 4.40)°. The vertical distance between the segmental artery and the upper edge of the vertebrae ranged from (9.50 ± 0.60) mm to (18.30 ± 1.56) mm. The size of foraminal was also measured. The spinal canal could reach when iliocostalis lateral edge was used as the starting point in the lumbar segments, and longissimus lateral edge as the starting point in the thoracic segments. It was confirmed that there was enough safe space for the spinal decompression without the resection of the articular process. Conclusion The approach next to the erector spinae can reach spinal canal to achieve the purpose of decompression through the intervertebral foramen. The minimally invasive approach is feasible and safe. It has the value of the operative application.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made the clinical data of 120 patients with lumbar degenerative disease, who accorded with the inclusion criteria between June and November 2014. There were 58 males and 62 females with an average age of 53 years (range, 24-77 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 to 96 months (mean, 6.6 months). Affected segments included L3, 4 in 32 cases, L4, 5 in 47 cases, and L5, S1 in 52 cases. The CT and X-ray films of the lumbar vertebrae were taken. The facet joint degeneration was graded based on the grading system of Pathria. The spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters were measured, including lumbar lordosis (LL), upper lumbar lordosis (ULL), lower lumbar lordosis (LLL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS). According to normal range of PI, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (PI was 1ess than normal range), group B (PI was within normal range), and group C (PI was more than normal range). The facet joint degeneration was compared;according to the facet joint degeneration degree, the patients were divided into group N (mild degeneration group) and group M (serious degeneration group) to observe the relationship of lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters. ResultsAt L4, 5 and L5, S1, facet joint degeneration showed significant difference among groups A, B, and C (P<0.05), more serious facet joint degeneration was observed in group C;no significant difference was found in facet joint degeneration at L3, 4 (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the other spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters between groups N and M at each segment (P>0.05) except for PT (P<0.05). ConclusionPI of more than normal range may lead to or aggravate lumbar facet joint degeneration at L4, 5 and L5, S1;PT and PI are significantly associated with facet joint degeneration at the lower lumbar spine.
Objective To summarize the effect of one-stage anterior debridement of infection in function reconstruction of anterior and middle column for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. Methods From January 2001 to January 2007, 65 patients with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis were treated with one-stage anterior debridement, decompression, autogenous bone grafts and internal fixation. There were 43 males and 22 females with an average age of 40.2 years (range, 19-64 years), including 18 cases of thoracic tuberculosis (T4-10), 44 cases of thoracolumbar tuberculosis (T11-L2) and 3 cases of lumbar tuberculosis (L3-5). The disease course was 3 months to 10 years (median 10 months). One segment was involved in 7 cases, two segments in 54 cases and three segments in 4 cases. In 14 cases with spinalcord injury, there were 5 cases of grade C and 9 cases of grade D according to Frankel classification. The kyphotic Cobb angle was 20-65° (41° on average). Results The operative time was 120-210 minutes (170 minutes on average), and the blood loss was 300-1 500 mL (600 mL on average). Fifty-eight patients were followed up for 1-6 years (23 months on average). Abscess occurred in 2 cases at 40 days and 3 months, and healed after symptomatic management. The other incisions achieved heal ing by first intention. The X-ray films showed bony fusion 4-12 months (6 months on average) after operation. No tuberculosis recurred. At 12 months after operation, pain disappeared, and there were 7 cases of grade D and 7 cases of grade E according to Frankel classification. The kyphotic Cobb angle was 0-33° (24° on average), showing statistically significant difference (P lt; 0.05) when compared with preoperation. Conclusion Early reconstruction of load-bearing function and stabil ity of anterior and middle column in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis is great significant. The appl ication of one-stage anterior surgery with debridement, decompression, autogenous bone grafts and internal fixation in the operative treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis is safe and effective after a rigorous anti-tuberculosis treatment.