Objective To explore the feasibilities, methods, outcomes and indications of atlas pedicle screw system fixation and fusion for the treatment of upper cervical diseases. Methods From October 2004 to January 2006, 17 patients with upper cervical diseases were treated with atlas pedicle screw system fixation and fusion. There were 13 males and 4 females, ageing 19 to 52 years. Of 17 cases, there were 14 cases of atlantoaxial dislocation(including 3 cases of congenital odontoid disconnection，4 cases of old odontoid fracture，2 cases of new odontoid fracture(typeⅡC), 3 cases of rupture of the transverse ligament, and 2 cases of atlas fracture； 2 cases of tumor of C2; 1case of giant neurilemoma of C2,3 with instability after the resection oftumors. JOA score before operation was 8.3±3.0. Results The mean operative time and bleeding amount were 2.7 hours (2.1-3.4 hours) and 490 ml (300-750 ml) respectively. No injuries to the vertebral artery and spinal cord were observed. The medial-superior cortex of lateral mass was penetrated by 1 C1 screw approximately 3 mmwithout affecting occipito-atlantal motions. All patients were followed up 3-18 months. The clinical symptoms were improved in some extents and the screws were verified to be in a proper position, no breakage or loosening of screw and rob occurred. All patients achieved a solid bone fusion after 3-6 months. JOA score 3 months after operation was14.6±2.2. JOA improvement rates were 73%-91%(mean 82%). Conclusion The atlas pedicle screw system fixation and fusion is feasible for the treatment of upper cervical diseases and has betteroutcomes, wider indications if conducted properly.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of three different bone grafts [autogenous bone, allogeneic bone, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) composite bone] combined with screw system for spinal fusion of degenerative lumbardisease. Methods Between January 2005 and January 2010, 102 cases of degenerative lumbar disease were randomly treated with autogenous bone (group A, n=35), allogeneic bone (group B, n=33), and BMP composite bone (group C, n=34). There was no significant difference in sex, age, disease duration, affected segments, Meyerding grade, preoperative intervertebral space height, and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score among 3 groups (P gt; 0.05). The intervertebral space height, bone fusion rate, and JOA score were compared among 3 groups at different time points. Results All patients of 3 groups were followed up 2 to 5 years, with an average of 3.2 years. At 6 to 24 months after operation, the intervertebral space height significantly increased when compared with preoperative value in 3 groups (P lt; 0.05); the intervertebral space height of groups A and C was significantly greater than that of group B at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups A and C (P gt; 0.05). Bone graft fusion was observed at 6 months in groups A and C and at 12 months in group B; at 24 months, the rate of bone graft fusion was 100% in groups A and C, and 87.88% in group B, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). There was significant difference in JOA score between preoperation and postoperative 12th and 24th months (P lt; 0.05); at 12 and 24 months after operation, JOA socre and improving rate of groups A and C were significantly higher than those of group B (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups A and C (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion The effect of BMP composite bone is equivalent to that of autogenous bone graft in treating spinal fusion of degenerative lumbar disease, and they are better than allogeneic bone graft. BMP composite bone can obtain adequate bone grafts without invasive sampling, and has fast fusion and high successful rate.
Objective To discuss operative strategies of posterior deformity vertebra resection and instrumentation fixation in the treatment of congenital scol iosis or kyphoscol iosis in child and adolescent patients, and to evaluate the surgicalresults. Methods From May 2003 to December 2007, 28 patients with congenital scol iosis or kyphoscol iosis were treatedwith one stage posterior deformity vertebra resection. There were 11 males and 17 females with an average age of 9.6 years (1.5-17.0 years). The locations were thoracic vertebra in 13 cases, thoracolumbar vertebra in 10 cases, and lumbar vertebra in 5 cases. All the patients underwent one stage posterior deformity vertebra resection, fusion and correction with pedicle instrumentation. According to different types of deformities, the patients underwent three different surgeries: hemivertebra resection (13 patients), hemivertebra resection combined contralateral unsegmental resection (7 patients), and total vertebral column resection (8 patients). Based on short or long segmental pedicle instrumentation, deformities were corrected and fixed, in 7 patients with short segmental fixation (group A), in 13 patients with long segmental fixation with hemivertebra resection or combined contralateral unsegmental resection (group B), and in 8 patients with long segmental fixation with total vertebral column resection (group C). The operative duration and the volume of blood loss were recorded, and the correction rate was calculated through measurement of Cobb angles of scol iosis and kyphosis before and after operation. Results The operation time of groups A, B, and C was (98 ± 17), (234 ± 42), and (383 ± 67) minutes, respectively, and the blood loss during operation was (330 ± 66), (1 540 ± 120), and (4 760 ± 135) mL, respectively; showing significant differences among three groups (P lt; 0.05). All patients achieved one-stage heal ing of incision. No deep infection, respiratory failure or deep vein thrombosis occurred. One patient had the signs of ischemical reperfusion injury of spinal cord 6 hours after operation and recovered after 2 weeks of relative therapy in group C; no neurological compl ication occurred in other patients. The mean follow-up period was 32.8 months (24-72 months). Intervertebral rigid fusion was identified from radiological data 6 months after operation according to contiguous callus crossed intervertebral gap and maintenance of correction results. No instrumentation failure occurred. There were significant differences in the Cobb angle between before and after operations (P lt; 0.01). There were significant differences in the corrective rate of scol iosis between groups A, B and group C (P lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, there were significant differences in the corrective rate of kyphosis between groups A, C and group B (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion One-stage posterior deformity vertebra resection has a good capabil ity of correcting congenital scol iosis or kyphoscol iosis on coronal and sagittal plane rel ied on removal deformity origin. It is important to select appropriated strategies on deformity resection and segmental fixation according to different ages and deformity situations of patient.
Objective To investigate the cl inical outcomes of lumbar spondylol isthesis associated with lumbar spinal stenosis through decompressive laminectomy, spondylol ithesis reduction system (SRS) internal fixation, single posteriolateralVigor Spacer threaded fusion cages and intertransverse process arthrodesis bone grafting. Methods From June 2002 to June 2006, 58 cases of lumbar spondylol isthesis were treated with decompressive laminectomy, fixed by SRS instrumentation, posterior installed with interbody Vigor Spacer Cage and bone grafted between intertransverse process arthrodesis. There were 47 males and 11 females, aged 32-66 years old (45.8 on average). The course of disease was 3 months to 7 years, with an medium course of 25 months. Accoding to the Meyerding standard, 38 cases were classified as degree I and 20 as degree II. Spondylol isthesis between L4 and L5 covered 21 cases and between L5 and S1 covered 37 cases. There were 44 cases of lumbar spondylol isthesis and 14 of degenerative lumbar spondylol isthesis. The intervertebral height was 1.5-10.5 mm with the average of 5.1 mm. Results All patients’ incisions obtained heal ing by first intension after operation. The operation time was 50-90 minutes with an average of 65 minutes. The blood loss was 200-500 mL with an average of 250 mL. The patients were followed up for 10-38 months with an average of 23.6 months. According to the Macrab criteria, 54 cases were excellent, 3 good, 1 fair and the choiceness rate was 98.3%. According to the Meyerding classification, 38 cases of degree I and 19 out of 20 cases of degree II obtained complete reduction, and the rate of complete reduction was 98.3%. There were 57 (98.3%) cases which fused well 3-6 months after operation. The intervertebral height resumed to 9.6-12.5 mm with an average of 11.6 mm, and no intervertebral height loss was found. Conclusion The treatment of lumbar spondylol isthesis with decompressive laminectomy, SRS internal fixation, single posteriorolateral Vigor Spacer threaded fusion cage and bone grafting has excellent cl inical results and stable reduction.
Objective To study the properties of the xenogeneic deproteinized cancellous bone used as a scaffold in the bone tissue engineering andits application to the spinal fusion of the lumbar intertransverse process in agoat. Methods The deproteinized bone was derived from an adult pig’s femoral cancellous bone through the physical and chemical treatments. Its morphological features, constituting components, and biomechanical properties were examined by the scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and mechanical experimental instrument. The cell-material complex was observed under the inverted phase contrast microscope to evaluate the adhesion and the growth of the osteoblasts. The experimental model of the spinal fusion of the lumbar intertransverse process was produced in 12 male goats aged 6-8 months, which were divided into two groups. In Group A, the tissue engineered bone constructed by thexenogeneic deproteinized cancellous bone, the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2, and the mesenchymal stem cells was used for the spinal fusion; however, in Group B the autoilium was used. The samples were harvested at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively, and a series of examinations were performed, including the radiography and the histomorphological assay. Results The deproteinized cancellous bone had a natural pore network system, with an aperture ranging in size from 200 to 500 μm, containing a main organic material ofcollagen and the inorganic material of hydroxyapatite. So, the deproteinized cancellous bone had a good mechanical strength and a good histocompatibility. In Group A, the X-ray examination at different timepoints postoperatively showed that at 4 weeks,the bridging areas of all the fusion sites were not clear, especially on the internal side; at 8 weeks, the upper and lower bridged parts had a narrowed gap, with formation of much continuous bony callus; at 12 weeks, a complete fusion occurred. In the early stage, the material density was slightly lowerin Group A than in Group B, but at 12 weeks the density was almost the same in both the groups. Histological examination in the transplant area showed that at 4 weeks in Group A there was a new bone formation in a multipoint way; at 8 weeks, a “sandwichshaped” new bone wascrossed with the transplanting materials; and at 12 weeks, a medullary cavity was remodeled and a new cancellous bone was formed. The osteogenic process of thetissue engineered bone constructed by the xenogeneic deproteinized cancellous bone scaffold was almost the same as the autoilium osteogenesis. Conclusion The xenogeneic deproteinized cancellous bone is a good material in the bone tissue engineering, which can be used as an osteogenesis scaffold andprovide a stable environment for revascularization and osteoblastic differentiation.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of combined posterior decompression with laminoplasty and anterior decompression with fusion for the treatment of cervical spinal canal stenosis with reverse arch. Methods Between May 2009 and February 2012, 13 cases of cervical spinal canal stenosis with reverse arch underwent posterior decompression with laminoplasty surgery in prone position and then anterior decompression with fusion surgery in supine position. There were 7 males and 6 females with an average age of 43.5 years (range, 38-62 years) and an average disease duration of 25 months (range, 18-60 months). All the patients had neck axial symptoms and spinal cord compressed symptoms, and lateral computer radiology (CR) of the neck showed reverse arch of cervical vertebrae. Segments of intervertebral disc protrusion included C3-6 in 4 cases, C4-7 in 4 cases, and C3-7 in 5 cases. After operation, anteroposterior and lateral CR was used to observe the cervical curvature change and fixation loosening, MRI to observe the change of the compression on spinal cord, visual analogue scale (VAS) score to evaluate the improvement of axial symptom, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score to assess the nerve function improvement. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 9-32 months (mean, 15.4 months). Internal fixator had good position without loosening or breaking and the compression on spinal cord improved significantly after operation. All the patients obtained bony fusion at 6 months after operation. The axial symptoms and the nerve function at last follow-up were improved. VAS score at last follow-up (3.25 ± 1.54) was significantly lower than that at preoperation (6.55 ± 1.52) (P lt; 0.05); JOA score at last follow-up (10.45 ± 4.23) was significantly higher than that at preoperation (7.05 ± 1.32) (P lt; 0.05); and cervical curvature value at last follow-up [(6.53 ± 3.12) mm] was significantly higher than that at preoperation [(3.22 ± 5.15) mm] (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Combined posterior decompression with laminoplasty and anterior decompression with fusion for the treatment of cervical spinal canal stenosis with reverse arch is a safe and effective surgical method.
Objective To analyze the cl inical features of scol iosis associated with Chiari I malformation in adolescent patients, and to explore the val idity and safety of one-stage posterior approach and vertebral column resection for the correction of severe scol iosis. Methods Between October 2004 and August 2008, 17 adolescent patients with scol iosis associated with Chiari I malformation were treated with surgical correction through posterior approach and pedicle instrumentation. There were 9 males and 8 females with an average age of 15.1 years (range, 12-19 years). The MRI scanning showed that 16 of 17 patients had syringomyel ia in cervical or thoracic spinal cord. Apex vertebra of scol iosis were located atT7-12. One-stage posterior vertebral column resection and instrumental correction were performed on 9 patients whose Cobb angle of scol iosis or kyphosis was more than 90°, or who was associated with apparent neurological deficits (total spondylectomy group). Other 8 patients underwent posterior instrumental correction alone (simple correction group). All patients’ fixation and fusion segment ranged from upper thoracic spine to lumbar spine. Results The operative time and the blood loss were (384 ± 65) minutes and (4 160 ± 336) mL in total spondylectomy group, and were (246 ± 47) minutes and (1 450 ± 213) mL in simple correction group; showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). In total spondylectomy group, coagulation disorder occurred in 1 case, pleural perforation in 4 cases, and lung infection in 1 case. In simple correcction group, pleural perforation occurred in 1 case. These patients were improved after symptomatic treatment. All patients were followed up 24-36 months (32.5 months on average). Bony heal ing was achieved at 6-12 months in total spondylectomy group. No breakage or pull ingout of internal fixator occurred. The angles of kyphosis and scol iosis were significantly improved at 1 week after operation (P lt; 0.01) when compared with those before operation. The correction rates of scol iosis and kyphosis (63.4% ± 4.6% and 72.1% ± 5.8%) in total spondylectomy group were better than those (69.4% ± 17.6% and 48.8% ± 19.3%) in simple correction group. Conclusion Suboccipital decompression before spine deformity correction may not always be necessary in adolescent scol iosis patients associated with Chiari I malformation. In patients with severe and rigid curve or apparente neurological deficits, posterior vertebral column resection would provide the opportunity of satisfied deformity correction and decrease the risk of neurological injury connected with surgical correction.
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of medical grade calcium sulfate(Osteoset) as a bone graft substitute. Methods From December 2004 to May 2005, 9 cases of bone defect(limb group)were repaired with Osteoset pellets; bone defect was caused by benign tumor inlimbs, including 3 cases of fibroma xanthomas in humerus(1 case) and acetabulum (2 cases), 2 cases of bone cysts in humerus(1) and radius(1), 1 case of nonossifying fibroma, 1 case of ossifying fibroma and 2 cases of osteofibrous dysplasia in femurs. Five cases of lumbar posterolateral fusion (spine group) were treated with Osteoset pellets as autograft volume expander, including 2 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 2 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis and 1 case of lumbar spondylolysis. Radiological method was used to evaluate the repair effect of Osteoset pellets. Results The mean follow-up time was 6.2 months (3to 9 months). Osteoset pellets began to be absorbed after 1 to 3 months of operation, and were totally absorbed and replaced by osseous tissue after 4 to 6months. No local recurrence was detected in limb group and the function of limbs was normal. At 6 months after operation, all patients in spine group got bony fusion. Conclusion Medical grade calcium sulfate (Osteoset) isan ideal bone graft substitute with excellent bone repair effect.
Objective To investigate the osteoblasts effect, compl ications and influencing factors in the appl ication of small freeze-drying allogeneic bone plots mixed autologous bone fragments in spinal surgery, and to compare with autogenous bone graft. Methods From January 2003 to January 2007, 515 cases of spinal injuries were treated. A total of 324 cases weretreated with small freeze-drying allogeneic bone plots mixed with autologous bone grafts (group A), including 211 males and 113 females with an average age of 36 years (18-83 years). There were 182 cases of thoracolumbar vertebra fracture, 68 cases of lumbar spondylol isthesis, 47 cases of lumbar vertebral canal stenosis, 17 cases of cervical disc herniation, 5 cases of cervical spine fracture-dislocation and 5 cases of thoracolumbar vertebra tumor. The weight of bone graft was 10-60 g (mean 30 g). A total of 191 cases were treated with autogenous bone grafting (group B), including 135 males and 56 females with an average age of 32 years (23-78 years). There were 109 cases of thoracolumbar vertebra fracture, 23 cases of lumbar spondylol isthesis, 17 cases of lumbar vertebral canal stenosis, 19 cases of cervical disc herniation, and 23 cases of cervical spine fracture-dislocation. The weight of bone graft was 10-50 g (mean 25 g). Results In group A, effusion of wound increased in 4 cases and the result of bacterial culture was negative; effusion was absorbed after 2 weeks of local irrigation, drainege and cortin management. In group B, no obvious effusion was observed. The follow-up time was 10-36 months (mean 17.4 months) in group A and 8-36 months (mean 16.8 months) in group B. The bone heal ing was achieved in 308 cases within 4-10 months (mean 8.1 months) and in 184 cases within 4-10 months (mean 5.8 months), and the bone fusion rates were 95.06% and 96.34% in groups Aand B, respectively. There was no significant difference in bone fusion rate between groups (P gt; 0.05). According to Mankin and Komender evaluation standard, the response rates were 95.06% and 96.34% in groups A and B, respectively, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Mix-bone grafting has the same effective to autologous bone grafting in bone fusion rate. It could be used as the supplement of the autologous bone inadequacy.
【Abstract】 Objective To discuss the main points of techniques and ranges of fusion in posterior operation ofdegenerated lumbar scol iosis compl icated spinal stenosis. Methods From February 2001 to September 2006, 23 cases with degenerated lumbar scol iosis stenosis were treated by posterior operation. There were 9 males and 14 females, with the average age of 65.3 years (ranging from 52 years to 71 years). The course of the diseases was 4 to 8 years. All patients were presented with severe low back pain. All patients were measured for Cobb angle of curves(17° to 53°), and lordosis angle of lumbar (-20° to -10° 10 cases, -40° to -20° 13 cases). Ten cases in which Cobb angle was smaller than 20° were operated by l imited segmental decompression of spinal canal, posterior intervertebral fusion and short transpedical instrument fixation. For the rest 13 cases in which Cobb angle was bigger than 20° were operated by canal decompression, longer instrument for scol iosis correction, intervertebral fusion and posterior-lateral fusion. The fixation and fusion were located at L4-S1 in 6 cases, L1-5 in 5, L2-5 in 4, L1-S1 in 5, L2-S1 in 2 and T10-S1 in 1. Results There was no patient who died from the operation. Average Cobb angle in coronal plane was 0° to 21° with the average of 15.6°. The lumbar lordosis angle was -48.0° to -18.2° with the average of -36.4°. There were 21 cases (91%) with sciatica and intermittent claudication who were clearly released. There were 20 cases (87%) whose low back pain intensely decreased. Three cases with drop-foot returned to normal activities. During the mean 15-month (6 to 54 months) follow-up for 23 cases, there was no change of corrected results and fusion rate was 100%. Conclusion For degenerated lumbar scol iosis patients, the most important purpose of the treatment is to improve cl inical symptoms through sufficient decompression of neural structures. Lumbar stabil ization reconstruction and benign spinal biomechanics l ine conduce to longterm curative effect. Overall estimate of the cl inical appearances and imageology characters is necessary when the decision, that segments are needed to be fixed and fused should be made. The strategy of the individual ized treatment may be the best choice.