Objective To explore the effectiveness and related issues in the treatment of multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis through posterior unilateral debridement with bone graft and internal fixation. Methods The clinical data of 29 patients with multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis who met the selection criteria were retrospective analyzed between January 2012 and July 2015. There were 17 males and 12 females, with age of 21-62 years (mean, 37.4 years). Lesions contained 3-8 vertebral segments, including 3 segments in 6 cases, 4-6 segments in 17 cases, and 7-8 segments in 6 cases. The center lesions located at thoracic spine in 8 cases, lumbar spine in 10 cases, and thoracolumbar segment in 6 cases, and thoracic lumbar skip lesions in 5 cases. The complications included vertebral abscess in 7 cases, psoas major abscess in 6 cases, sacral spine muscle abscess in 7 cases, iliac fossa and the buttocks abscess in 1 case, spinal canal abscess in 2 cases. Preoperative neurological function was assessed according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification: 1 case of grade B, 3 cases of grade C, 8 cases of grade D, and 17 cases of grade E. The disease duration was 6-48 months (mean, 19.3 months). All the patients were treated with posterior unilateral transpedicular or transarticular debridement with bone graft fusion and internal fixation under general anesthesia. Pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and sagittal Cobb angle were recorded and compared. Bridwell classification standard was used to evaluate bone graft fusion. According to the number and the center of the lesion, the necessity to placement of titanium mesh cage was analyzed. Results All the patients were followed up 18-30 months (mean, 24 months). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 3 cases, intercostal neuralgia in 2 cases, wound unhealed and fistula formation in 1 case, and ofiliac fossa abscess recurred in 1 case, and all recovered after symptomatic treatment. During follow-up, no fracture or loosing of internal fixation was found and all the lesions were cured at last follow-up. According to Bridwell classification standard, bone graft achieved bony fusion during 4-9 months after operation. The VAS score, ODI, and Cobb angle at immediate after operation and at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the neural function of all patients improved significantly when compared with preoperative one (Z= –3.101, P=0.002). The ratio of no placement of titanium mesh cage was significantly higher in patients with more than 6 lesion segments (6/6, 100%) than in patients with less than 6 lesion segments (4/23, 17.4%) (χ2=14.374, P=0.000). And the ratio of placement of titanium mesh cage was not significantly different between the patients with the different locations of center focus (χ2=0.294, P=0.863). Conclusion For treating multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis, the method of posterior unilateral debridement with bone graft and internal fixation can decrease the damage of posterior spinal structures and surgical trauma.
ObjectiveTo increase the advantage and decrease the disadvantage of posterior approach for uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) right upper lobectomy.MethodsData of 97 consecutive patients who received uniportal VATS right upper lobectomy using posterior approach in the semiprone position were retrospectively analyzed from Dec, 2014 to Dec, 2017. There were 41 males and 56 females at age of 26–79 (57.8±10.6) years. The hilar structure was cut from posterior to anterior one by one. The mediastinal lymph nodes were dissected if lung cancer was diagnosed.ResultsNinety three of 97 patients were successfully completed with uniportal VATS right upper lobectomy using posterior approach, 3 of them were completed with posterior approach combined with anterior approach, and 1 of them needed thoracotomy. The mean operative time was 76–192 (127.0±32.0) min. The thoracic drainage time was 2–20 (3.4±2.7) d. The postoperative length of hospital stay was 3–23 (5.4±3.1) d. There were postoperative complications in 7 patients and no postoperative mortality.ConclusionPosterior approach for uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery right upper lobectomy is safe and feasible, which can decrease the fatigue of both the surgeon and the assistant. It also provides with better exposure of posterior mediastinum, less dragging lung, and less interference of the instruments and help keep the clear surgical field. In complicated cases, posterior approach could combine with anterior approach to complete the VATS lobectomy.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and feasibility of the uncinate-process-first superior mesenteric artery (SMA) right posterior approach in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). MethodsThe clinical data of 5 patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from December 2022 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, all patients underwent uncinate-process-first SMA right posterior approach during LPD. ResultsAll 5 cases of LPD with uncinate-process-first SMA right posterior approach were successfully completed. The operative time was (366±51) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (140±42) mL, and the postoperative hospital stay was (11±2) days. All the postoperative pathological findings reached R0 resection. None of the 5 patients suffered from biliary leakage, bleeding, or gastrointestinal empties, and 2 patients suffered from biochemical fistula, the postoperative follow-up time was (7±2) months, and there was no recurrence during the follow-up period. ConclusionThe uncinate-process-first SMA right posterior approach is a safe and feasible surgical approach, especially for tumors with no obvious vascular invasion and diameter ≤2 cm.
ObjectiveTo investigate the procedure and effectiveness of posterior approach for operation of atlantoaxial subdural extramedullary nerve sheath tumors.MethodsBetween January 2012 and March 2017, 9 patients with atlantoaxial subdural extramedullary nerve sheath tumors were treated, including 7 males and 2 females, aged 25-62 years (mean, 45.4 years). There were 8 cases of neurinoma and 1 case of neurofibroma. The tumors were located at C1 in 1 case and C1, 2 in 8 cases. The disease duration ranged from 5 to 120 months, with an average of 45.9 months. The neural function was rated as grade D in 8 cases and grade E in 1 case according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 12.8±2.5. All patients underwent posterior cervical surgery. The laminae were replanted and fixed in 2 cases. The atlantoaxial or occipitocervical axis was not fixed in all patients.ResultsThe operation time was 90-343 minutes, with an average of 179.2 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss was 50-1 000 mL, with an average of 335.6 mL. No relevant complication occurred after operation. All patients were followed up 6-21 months (mean, 11.1 months). The postoperative X-ray films showed the good stability of the cervical spine. All patients had complete tumor resection and no recurrence. The replanted laminae achieved fusion and the internal fixation was firm. According to ASIA grading system, 3 patients of preoperative ASIA grade D had upgraded to grade E at 3 months after operation, while the remaining patients had no change in grading. The JOA score was 15.1±1.4 at 6 months after operation, which was significantly improved when compared with that before operation (t=4.221, P=0.003).ConclusionThe atlantoaxial subdural extramedullary nerve sheath tumor (including the ventral tumor) can be removed completely via posterior approach. The axis lamina can be replanted and fixed with the small titanium plate or lamina screw when necessary, and the atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fixation was not needed.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) injury by absorbable anchors through anterior and posterior approach. MethodsBetween January 2010 and August 2012, 28 patients with Snyder II type of SLAP injury underwent arthroscopic operation by absorbable anchors through anterior and posterior approach. There were 15 males and 13 females, aged from 30 to 45 years (mean, 36.5 years). The left shoulder was involved in 12 cases and the right shoulder in 16 cases. All patients had a clear history of trauma. The disease duration ranged from 2 weeks to 3 years (median, 13 months). The results of O'Brien test and Speed test were positive in 25 cases and 26 cases respectively. Shoulder pain visual analogue scale (VAS) was 7.6±1.4. The Constant score of shoulder joint function was 60.2±4.3. ResultsOperation was successfully completed, and the incision healed well in all cases, with no complication. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 36 months (mean, 24.5 months). The symptoms of shoulder joint interlocking, snapping, and instability disappeared. The joint pain was significantly improved. At 12 months after surgery, Constant score of shoulder joint function was 92.7±4.5, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=-30.279, P=0.000); the shoulder pain VAS score was 1.1±0.9, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=23.810, P=0.000). At 1 year after operation, MRI examination showed complete healing in 25 cases, and high signal in 3 cases, but the pain and activity were significantly improved. ConclusionArthroscopic treatment of SLAP injury by absorbable anchors through anterior and posterior approach has the advantages of less injury, small incision, and quick recovery, so it is an ideal operation method.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of one-stage posterior surgery via unilateral musculussacrospinalis iliac flap approach in treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis.MethodsBetween August 2011 and October 2014, 13 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis were treated by one-stage posterior reserved posterior ligament complex, lesion debridement, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation via unilateral musculussacrospinalis iliac flap approach. There were 8 males and 5 females, aged from 22 to 57 years, with an average age of 35 years. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 19 months, with an average of 6.7 months. According to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification criteria, the patients were graded as grade B in 2 cases, grade C in 4 cases, grade D in 5 cases, and grade E in 2 cases before operation. The preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 36.4±5.7; the preoperative lumbosacral angle was (20.7±0.7)°; the preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was (63.4±8.4) mm/1 h; and the preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) was (38.8±5.2) mmol/L. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The ODI, ASIA grade, lumbosacral angle, and ESR were recorded at last follow-up. Bridwell criterion was used to judge the interbody fusion.ResultsThe operation time was 150-240 minutes (mean, 190 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 420-850 mL (mean, 610 mL). No major blood vessel, dural sac, nerve root, and lumbosacral plexus injuries occurred during the operation. Delayed wound healing occurred in 3 cases, and primary wound healing achieved in the other patients. No wound infection or sinus formation was found. All 13 patients were followed up 1.5-6.1 years (mean, 2.8 years). During the follow-up period, there was no tubercular symptom, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, loosening and rupture of internal fixator; and no complications such as retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction occurred in 8 male patients. Solid spinal fusion obtained in all patients with the mean fusion time of 6.4 months (range, 4.2-9.9 months); and all iliac osteotomies healed. At last follow-up, the ODI was 7.2±3.5, the lumbosacral angle was (31.2±0.5)°, and ESR was (9.8±2.5) mm/1 h, all of which improved significantly when compared with pre-operative ones (P<0.05). The patients were classified as grade D in 2 cases and grade E in 11 cases, which improved significantly when compared with preoperative ones (Z=–3.168, P=0.002).ConclusionOne-stage posterior surgery via unilateral musculussacrospinalis iliac flap approach in treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis is effective and safe.
ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical outcome of combined posterior and anterior approaches for the resection of thoracolumbar spinal canal huge dumbbell-shaped tumor. MethodsBetween January 2009 and March 2015, 12 patients with thoracolumbar spinal canal huge dumbbell-shaped tumor were treated by posterior approach and anterolateral approach through diaphragmatic crura and thoracoabdominal incision for complete resection. There were 9 males and 3 females, with an average age of 45 years (range, 30-65 years). The disease duration was 8-64 weeks (mean, 12.7 weeks). The tumor was located at T12, L1 in 6 cases, at L1, 2 in 5 cases, and at L2, 3 in 1 case. The tumor size ranged from 4.3 cm×4.0 cm×3.5 cm to 7.5 cm×6.3 cm×6.0 cm. According to tumor outside the spinal involvement scope and site and based on the typing of Eden, 5 cases were rated as type b, 2 cases as type d, 4 cases as type e, and 1 case as type f in the transverse direction; two segments were involved in 8 cases, and more than two segments in 4 cases. The degree of tumor excision, tumor recurrence, and the spine stability were observed during follow-up. The verbal rating scale (VRS) was used to evaluate pain improvement. ResultsThe average surgical time was 170 minutes (range, 150- 230 minutes); the average intraoperative blood loss was 350 mL (range, 270-600 mL). All incisions healed by first intention, and no thoracic cavity infection and other operation related complication occurred. Of 12 cases, 10 were histologically confirmed as schwannoma, and 2 as neurofibroma. The patients were followed up 6 months to 6 years (mean, 31 months). Neurological symptoms were significantly improved in all patients, without lower back soreness. The thoracolumbar X-ray film and MRI showed no tumor residue. No tumor recurrence, internal fixator loosening, scoliosis, and other complications were observed during follow-up. VRS at last follow-up was significantly improved to grade 0 (10 cases) or grade I (2 cases ) from preoperative grade I (2 cases), grade II (8 cases), and grade III (2 cases) (Z= —3.217, P=0.001). ConclusionCombined posterior approach and anterolateral approach through diaphragmatic crura and thoracoabdominal incision for complete resection of thoracolumbar spinal canal huge dumbbell-shaped tumor is feasible and safe, and can protect the stability of thoracolumbar spine and paraspinal muscle function. It can obtain satisfactory clinical result to use this method for treating the complex type of thoracolumbar spinal canal dumbbell-shaped tumor.
Objective To explore the advantage of reconstruction belt for treating complicated acetabular fracture by combined anterior and posterior approaches through the comparison with reconstruction plate. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 39 patients with acetabular fractures who met the selection criteria. After open reduction by combined anterior and posterior approaches was performed, fracture was fixed by reconstruction belt in 20 cases (trial group), and by reconstruction plate in 19 cases (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to hospital, type of fracture, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The number of plate shaping, plate shaping time, operation time, bleeding amount, perspective times, VAS score, modified Merled’Aubigne-Postel hip score, and related complications were recorded and compared. According to Matta standard, the fracture displacement was measured to evaluate the fracture reduction and fracture healing. Results The number of plate shaping, plate shaping time, operation time, bleeding amount, and perspective times in the trial group were significantly less than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The patients were followed up 12-29 months (mean, 21.1 months) in the trial group, and 12-27 months (mean, 20.5 months) in the control group. The VAS score was significantly lower at 7 days and 6 months after operation than at pre-operation, and at 6 months than at 7 days in 2 groups (P < 0.05), but difference was not significant between 2 groups (P > 0.05). At 6 months after operation, the Merled’Aubigne-Postel score of hip function in the trial group was 15.950±1.504, showing no significant difference when compared with the control group (15.895±1.629) (t= -0.110, P=0.913). The fracture displacement was (0.750±1.070) mm in the trial group and was (0.842±1.068) mm in the control group, showing no significant difference (t= -0.269, P=0.789). The X-ray films showed that all fractures healed in 2 groups. The healing time was (16.10±2.07) weeks in the trial group and was (15.84±2.14) weeks in the control group, showing no significant difference (t =0.382, P=0.075). Conclusion Reconstruction belt for complicated acetabular fracture by combined anterior and posterior approaches has similar effectiveness to reconstruction plate, but the number of plate shaping, plate shaping time, and perspective times are fewer.
Objective To compare the early rehabilitation effects of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with direct anterior approach (DAA) versus posterior approach (PA). Methods A retrospective analysis was made in the data of 83 patients with unilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head between March 2014 and May 2017. Forty-eight patients were treated with THA via PA (PA group) and 35 patients were treated with THA via DAA (DAA group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, stage of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and disease duration between 2 groups (P>0.05). The length of incision, operation time, total amount of bleeding, the time of first postoperative walking with crutch, the time of first postoperative walking without crutch, the Harris scores, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of 2 group were recorded and compared. Results All incisions healed primarily and no infection, dislocation, or fracture occurred. All patients were followed up 30.2 months on average (range, 6-44 months). The numbness symptom caused by the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury occurred in 2 patients of DAA group and released after symptomatic treatment. The length of incision, total amount of bleeding, the time of first postoperative walking with crutch, and the time of first postoperative walking without crutch of DAA group were significantly superior to those of PA group (P<0.05). The Harris scores of DAA group were significantly higher than those of PA group at 2 weeks and 1 month after operation (P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between 2 groups before operation and at 3 months and 6 months after operation (P>0.05). The VAS scores of DAA group were significantly lower than those of PA group at 1 day, 4 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after operation (P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between 2 groups before operation (P>0.05). Conclusion DAA is meaningful to enhanced recovery after THA. But it should be chosen carefully because of the disadvantages, such as long learning curve, limited indications, and requirements of specific instruments.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and safty of posterior popliteal fossa S-shaped incision with double-window approach for the treatment of posterior column of tibial plateau fractures.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 13 patients with complex tibial plateau fractures involving both posteromedial and posterolateral columns between May 2015 and July 2017. There were 9 males and 4 females, aged 33-64 years (mean, 46.5 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 5 cases, falling from height in 2 cases, falling from electric bicycle in 4 cases, and falling because of skiing in 2 cases. The preoperative range of motion of the affected knees was (35.1±9.2)°. The time from injury to surgery was 7-19 days (mean, 13.3 days). All patients underwent a posterior popliteal fossa S-shaped incision through the window of medial heads of gastrocnemius muscle (medial window) and the window between medial and lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle (popliteal fossa window) approaches. After a good visual control of fracture reduction, both posteromedial and posterolateral columns of tibial plateau fractures were fixed with buttress plate respectively. Bone union, limb alignment, articular surface, and range of motion were estimated after operation. The American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was used to evaluate functional outcomes of knees.ResultsAfter operation, 1 patient had fat liquefaction and dehiscence of incision, which healed after expanding the wound; the other patients’ incisions healed by first intention, and no vascular or nerve injury occurred during operation. All the 13 patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 16 months). The X-ray films showed that all patients obtained good fracture unions, the fracture healing time was 14-22 weeks (mean, 18 weeks). At 12 months after operation, the articular surface was smooth without collapse, and the knee range of motion was (109.5±13.6)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (t=18.879, P=0.000). No complication of infection, re-displacement of fracture, or secondary varus/valgus deformity was observed during follow-up. The HSS score was 82-96 (mean, 89.6) at 12 months after operation, with the result of excellent in 10 cases and good in 3 cases.ConclusionThe posterior column fracture of tibial plateau involving both posteromedial and posterolateral columns treated by double-window approach through posterior popliteal fossa S-shaped incision is safe and effective, with satisfactory results and good recovery of knee joint function.