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 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.
To explore the advantage and indication of combined anterior and posterior surgeries for lumbarsacral junction tuberculosis. Methods Eleven cases of the lumbarsacral junction tuberculosis were treated with combined anterior (radical debridement and autograft) and posterior (instrumentation and fusion) surgeries in one stage between January 2002 and December 2006. There were 9 males and 2 females with the age of 20-56 years old. The courseof disease was 4 to 15 months, 6 months on average. The lessons were located at L5, S1 in 7 patients, at L4,5, S1 in 2 patients and at L5, S2 in 2 patients. The involved vertebral bodies were at 2 segments in 7 patients; and 3 segments in 5 patients. The preoperative kyphosis was 5 to 8° with an average 9°. The sinus was associated in 3 patients, 3 patients had radiculopathy; 4 had paeumonophthisis and 9 had abscess. Results The followed-up period was from 6 months to 3 years, 18 months on average. According to Chen score, among the 11 cases, there were excellent in 9, good in 2. All incisions were healed up primarily. After operation, spinal fusion was achieved in 10 cases within 5 months to 7 months, 6 months on average, and pseudoarthrosis in 1 case was found by the CT examination. The postoperative kyphosis was 0 to 4° with the mean of 2° and the radiculopathy in 3 cases all got nerve function recovery. Conclusion Lumbarsacral junction tuberculosis treated with this surgical technique can achieve a high satisfactory rate with restoring the spinal stabil ity, arresting the disease early, providing early fusion, correcting the kyphosis and preventing progression of kyphosis particularly if lumbosacral spine tuberculosis is associated with sinus or preoperative diagnosis cannot exclude suppurative spondyl itis.
Objective To evaluate pulmonary function changes in patients with severe scol iosis undergoing anterior release, posterior segmental fixation and fusion, and convex thoracoplasty by resecting a short length of rib. Methods FromJanuary 2006 to July 2007, 16 patients with severe scol iosis were treated with anterior release, posterior segmental fixation and fusion, and convex thoracoplasty by resecting a short length of rib. There were 6 males and 10 females with an average age of 16.9 years (range, 10-24 years). There were 1 case of Lenke 1 curve, 9 cases of Lenke 2 curve, and 6 cases of Lenke 4 curve. The preoperative Cobb angle was (104.8 ± 10.9)° and the preoperative thoracic kyphotic angle was (30.0 ± 4.2)°. The preoperative height of “razor back” deformity was (5.9 ± 1.2) cm. Before operation, the actual value of forced vital capacity (FVC) was (2.04 ± 0.63) L and that of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1.0) was (1.72 ± 0.62) L. The percentage of actual values to expected ones in FVC was 70% ± 16%, and that in FEV1.0 was 67% ± 15%. All patients had pulmonary function tests before operation and 3, 6, 12, 24 months after operation. Results All wounds healed by first intention. The Cobb angle at 24-month follow-up was (53.4 ± 18.6)° and the correction rate was 49.0% ± 15.3%. The thoracic kyphotic angle at 24-month follow-up was (34.0 ± 2.4)° and the correction rate was 13.3% ± 2.2%. The height of “razor back” deformity at 24-month follow-up was (2.2 ± 0.8) cm. Compared with preoperative level, all these data showed significant differences (P lt; 0.05). At 3 and 6 months, the actual values of FVC and FEV1.0 decl ined, but no significant difference was found (P gt; 0.05). At 12 and 24 months, the actual values of FVC andFEV1.0 were close to the preoperative level (P gt; 0.05). The percentages of actual values to expected ones in FVC and FEV1.0 indicate continued improvement in pulmonary function from the postoperative 3 to 24 months follow-up. Compared with preoperative level, the percentages of actual values in FVC decl ined 19% 3 months postoperatively (P lt; 0.05) and 12% 6 months postoperatively (P lt; 0.05). The percentages of actual values to expected ones in FEV1.0 decl ined 16% 3 months postoperatively (P lt; 0.05), and 10% 6 months postoperatively (P lt; 0.05). The percentages of actual values to expected ones in FVC and FEV1.0 were close to the preoperative level 12 and 24 months after operation (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion In severe scol iosis patients who are treated with anterior release, posterior segmental fixation and fusion, and convex thoracoplasty by resecting a short length of rib, pulmonary function decreases obviously 3-6 months after operation. And it returns to the operative baseline 12-24 months after operation.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical results of allogeneic bone graft for interbody fusion in cervical tuberculosis. Methods Between January 2000 and January 2008, 30 cases of cervical tuberculosis were treated with allogeneic (group A, n=15) or autologous (group B, n=15) il iac crest bone graft combined with anterior fixation after radical debridement. In group A, there were 8 males and 7 females with an average age of 38 years; the disease duration was 6 to 14 months; the preoperative kyphosis Cobb angle was (8.6 ± 11.3)°; the preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 13.0 ± 3.1 for neurological function; and the length of bone graft was 32 mm on average. In group B, there were 9males and 6 females with an average age of 42 years; the disease duration was 4 to 17 months; the preoperative kyphosis Cobb angle was (4.9 ± 7.4)°; the preoperative JOA score 12.3 ± 4.2; and the length of bone graft was 34 mm on average. There was no significant difference in general data between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results The operation time and bleeding volume in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P lt; 0.05). Wound effusion were found in 2 cases of group A, and the other incisions healed by first intention. No infection occurred in group B. In group A, 13 cases were followed up 12-48 months; in group B, 14 cases were followed up 13-46 months. The time of bone graft heal ing in group A [(7.6 ± 2.1) months] was significantly longer than that in group B [(4.2 ± 1.1) months] (t=2.773, P=0.005). The kyphosis Cobb angles were significantly improved at 6 months and last follow-up after operation in 2 groups when compared with that before operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between 2 groups at different time after operation (P gt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in JOA score at 6 months after operation between group A (14.1 ± 2.6) and group B (14.3 ± 2.4) (t=1.655, P=0.162). The improvement rate for neural function were 83.7% in group A and 87.8% in group B, showing no significant difference (χ2=3.150, P=0.071). There was no loosening of internal fixation and recurrence of tuberculosis in 2 groups during follow-up. Five cases had chronic pain at il iac donor sites in group B. According to Bridwell et al. evaluation standard, the bone fusion was satisfactory in 11 cases (84.6%) and unsatisfactory in 2 cases (15.4%) in group A, and was satisfactory for all in 14 cases (100%) in group B. The satisfactory rate of bone fusion showed no significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=2.680, P=0.115).Conclusion Allogeneic bone grafting has a good cl inical result for spinal fusion in cervical tuberculosis surgery, which can treat tuberculosis bone defect effectively.
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 explore the feasibility and effectiveness of spinal pedicle screw internal fixation through endoscope-assisted posterior approach for the treatment of traumatic atlantoaxial instability. Methods Between September 2008 and September 2010, 44 patients with traumatic atlantoaxial instability received spinal pedicle screw internal fixation through endoscope-assisted posterior operation (micro-invasive surgical therapy group, n=22) or traditional surgical therapy (control group, n=22). There was no significant difference in gender, age, type of injury, disease duration, and preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The blood loss, operation time, length of the incision, improvement rate of JOA, and graft fusion rates were compared between 2 groups to assess the clinical outcomes. Results The blood loss, operation time, and length of the incision in the micro-invasive surgical therapy group were better than those in control group (P lt; 0.05). All incisions were primary healing. Of 88 pedicle screws, 7 pedicle screws penetrated into the interior walls of cervical transverse foramen in the micro-invasive surgical therapy group and 8 in the control group, but there was no syndrome of vertebral artery injury. All patients of the 2 groups were followed up 12 to 37 months (mean, 26 months). Bony fusion was achieved in all cases within 3 to 12 months (mean, 5.3 months). No loosening or breakage of screw occurred. At 6 months to 1 year after operation, the internal fixator was removed in 6 cases and the function of head and neck rotary movement were almost renewed. The JOA score was significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative score (P lt; 0.05), and no significant difference in JOA score and improvement rate between the 2 groups at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion The micro-invasive surgical therapy can acquire the same effectiveness to the traditional surgical therapy in immediate recovery of stability, high graft fusion rate, and less complication. Moreover, it can significantly reduce the operation time, blood loss, and soft tissue injury, so this approach may be an ideal way of internal fixation to treat traumatic atlantoaxial instability.
Objective To introduce operation skill of the spinal wedge osteotomy by posterior approach for correction of severe rigid scol iosis and to discuss the selection of the indications and the range of fusion and fixation. Methods Between July 1999 and January 2009, 23 patients with severe rigid scol iosis were treated with spinal wedge osteotomy by posterior approach, including 16 congenital scol iosis, 5 idiopathic scol iosis, and 2 neurofibromatosis scol iosis. There were 11 males and 12 females with a median age of 15 years (range, 8-29 years). Two patients had previous surgery history. The Cobb’s angles of scol iosis and kyphosis before operation were (85.39 ± 13.51)° and (56.78 ± 17.69)°, respectively. The mean spinal flexibil ity was 14.4% (range, 4.7%-22.5%). The trunk shift was (15.61 ± 4.89) mm. The preoperative CT or MRI showed bony septum in the canal in 2 patients. Results The mean operative time was 241 minutes and the mean blood loss was 1 452 mL. The average fused vertebrae were 10.7 segaments (range, 8-14 segaments). The follow-up ranged from 1 to 4 years with an average of 2 years and 6 months. The postoperative Cobb’s angle of scol iosis was (38.70 ± 6.51)°, the average correction rate was 54.7%. The postoperative Cobb’s angle of kyphosis was (27.78 ± 6.01)°, the average correction rate was 51.0%. The trunk shift was improved to (4.69 ± 1.87) mm, the increased height was 5.2 cm on average (range, 2.8-7.7 cm). The Cobb’s angle of scol iosis was (41.57 ± 6.80)° with an average 2.9° loss of correction at the final follow-up; the Cobb’s angle of kyphosis was (30.39 ± 5.94)° with an average 2.6° loss of correction at the final follow-up; the trunk shift was (4.78 ± 2.00) mm at the final follow-up. There were significant differences (P lt; 0.05) in the Cobb’s angles of scol iosis and kyphosis and the trunk shift between preoperation and postoperation, between preoperation and last follow-up. Four cases had pedicle fracture, 1 had L1 nerve root injury, 2 had superior mesenteric artery syndrome, 1 had exudates of incision, and 2 had temporary dysfunction of both lower extremity. Conclusion Spinal wedge osteotomy by posterior approach is a rel iable and safe surgical technique for correcting severe rigid scol iosis. With segmental pedical screw fixation, both the spinal balance and stabil ity can be restored.
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 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.