Early result of percutaneous full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of single-level lumbar degenerative diseases: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of percutaneous full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) for lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). METHODS: From July 2020 to July 2021, 93 patients who underwent single-level lumbar fusion procedure were retrospective analysis. The patients were divided into Endo-TLIF group and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) group. General demographic and perioperative data were recorded, the clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) and oswestry disability index (ODI). The disk height (DH) was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All of the surgical procedures were successfully completed, and the patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Intraoperative blood loss, drainage volume, time to independent ambulation and hospital length of stay in the Endo-TLIF group were significantly decreased in comparison with the open TLIF group (p < 0.05). The VAS for back pain on postoperative 7 day and ODI on postoperative 1 month were lower in the Endo-TLIF group than in the open TLIF group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference at 1 year and 2 years postoperatively (P > 0.05). The VAS score of leg pain had no demographic statistically significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05). The DH were significantly heightened after surgery compared to the preoperative height (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Endo-TLIF is a minimally invasive, safety surgery which can achieve comparable short-term effects as open TLIF. It may be a promising option for the treatment of LDD.

Is unilateral-approach full-endoscopic lumbar fusion effective for single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis with bilateral symptoms? A preliminary report of 43 CT analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical results and radiological parameters changes after unilateral-approach endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-LIF) for lumbar spondylolisthesis with bilateral symptoms. METHODS: 43 single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis patients with bilateral lower limb symptoms were included from June 2020 to May 2022. All patients underwent unilateral-approach Endo-LIF and postoperative computed tomography. Radiological parameters including disk height (DH), degree of upper vertebral slip (DUVS), and foramen intervertebral parameters including bilateral foraminal height (FH), contralateral foraminal areas (FA) were evaluated. The clinical outcomes including low back pain and bilateral leg pain were evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after surgery. RESULTS: All cases were successfully completed surgery and followed for average 15.16 ± 5.2 months. DH (44% ± 11%) and DUVS were significantly improvement postoperatively compared with preoperatively (p < 0.05). Statistically significant increases in bilateral FH (25% ± 11% on the surgical side, 17% ± 8% on the contralateral side) and contralateral FA (26% ± 6%) were observed (p < 0.05). The VAS and the ODI scores were significantly decreased in comparison with the preoperative scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Unilateral-approach with contralateral indirect decompression in Endo-LIF can acquire satisfactory clinical outcomes. Therefore, unilateral-approach Endo-LIF may be a promising option for lumbar spondylolisthesis with bilateral symptoms.

Which surgery is better for obese patients with lumbar degenerative diseases: open TLIF or Endo-LIF? A retrospective matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate short-term clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-LIF) in the treatment of obese patients with lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). METHODS: Patients who underwent single-level lumbar fusion surgery from July 2020 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The main inclusion criterion was a body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2. A matched case-control design was conducted to compare the short-term outcomes between the Endo-LIF and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in obese patients. Cases were defined as those who underwent Endo-LIF, and controls were matched from those patients with open TLIF according to corresponding matched criteria. Surgeon satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaires at the end of each surgery, patient satisfaction and their willingness to undergo the same surgery again were collected. RESULTS: Two groups of patients were successfully completed surgery. In comparison with the open TLIF group, the Endo-LIF group had significantly less blood loss, less time to postoperative ambulation, less postoperative complications and shorter hospitalization days, but longer operation time and x-ray exposure times. The satisfaction of surgeons and patients in Endo-LIF group significantly were superior to open TLIF group. CONCLUSION: Endo-LIF is a safe and effective surgery in the treatment of obese patients. Although this procedure needs longer operation time and x-ray exposure times, it still maybe a promising option for obese patients with LDD.

Formation, function, and exhaustion of notochordal cytoplasmic vacuoles within intervertebral disc: current understanding and speculation.

Notochord nucleus pulposus cells are characteristic of containing abundant and giant cytoplasmic vacuoles. This review explores the embryonic formation, biological function, and postnatal exhaustion of notochord vacuoles, aiming to characterize the signal network transforming the vacuolated nucleus pulposus cells into the vacuole-less chondrocytic cells. Embryonically, the cytoplasmic vacuoles within vertebrate notochord originate from an evolutionarily conserved vacuolation process during neurulation, which may continue to provide mechanical and signal support in constructing a mammalian intervertebral disc. For full vacuolation, a vacuolating specification from dorsal organizer cells, synchronized convergent extension, well-structured notochord sheath, and sufficient post-Golgi trafficking in notochord cells are required. Postnatally, age-related and species-specific exhaustion of vacuolated nucleus pulposus cells could be potentiated by Fas- and Fas ligand-induced apoptosis, intolerance to mechanical stress and nutrient deficiency, vacuole-mediated proliferation check, and gradual de-vacuolation within the avascular and compression-loaded intervertebral disc. These results suggest that the notochord vacuoles are active and versatile organelles for both embryonic notochord and postnatal nucleus pulposus, and may provide novel information on intervertebral disc degeneration to guide cell-based regeneration.

Outcomes of Microendoscopic Discectomy and Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparative Retrospective Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case control evaluation of 86 patients who underwent microendoscopic discectomy (MED) and percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and the outcomes of MED and PTED for the treatment of LDH. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: MED and PTED are minimally invasive surgical techniques for lower back pain. Studies to date have shown that MED and PTED are safe and effective treatment modalities for LDH. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients with LDH treated with MED (n=50) and transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED; n=36) in our hospital. All patients were followed-up with self-evaluation questionnaires, Oswestry disability index (ODI), medical outcomes study 36-item short form health survey and MacNab criteria. All the patients in both groups were followed up to 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: ODI questionnaire responses were not statistically different between the MED and PTED groups (53.00 vs. 48.72) before treatment. Average scores and minimal disability after 5 days to 12 months of follow-up were 4.96 in the MED group and 3.61 in the PTED group. According to MacNab criteria, 92.0% of the MED group and 94.4% of the PTED group had excellent or good results with no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between MED and PTED outcomes. Further large-scale, randomized studies with long-term follow-up are needed.

[Perioperative management in hemophilic arthropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results and improve perioperative management in patients with hemophilic arthropathy. METHODS: From May 2002 to March 2007, 20 patients with hemophilic arthropathy were admitted. Fourteen patients (20 knees) were performed total knee arthroplasty, and 6 patients (8 hips) were performed total hip arthroplasty, while 2 patients were performed ankle arthrodesis. The average preoperative HSS score, hip Harris score and ankle AOFAS score were 83, 89 and 78 points respectively. RESULTS: All patients had been followed up, and the mean time was 27.3 months. The average postoperative knee HSS score increased to 83 points, and hip Harris score increased to 89 points, while the AOFAS score increased to 78 points. Delayed bleeding and deep venous thrombosis and late infection with loose prosthesis occurred in one case respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroplasty and arthrodesis are promising for severe hemophilic arthropathy to obtain pain relief and functional improvement Correct perioperative management is the key to successful treatment in hemophilic arthropathy.

[Clinical characteristics of hemophilic pseudotumor: analysis of 8 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical manifestations and imaging features of hemophilic pseudotumor. METHODS: Eight patients with hemophilic pseudotumor, all males, aged 26.1 (18 -38), were hospitalized, underwent resection of pseudotumor and bone reconstruction, and followed up for 38.6 months (7 months to 11 years). The clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: Femur was involved in 4 patient, and fifth metacarpus, iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius were involved in 1 patient respectively. No recurrence was found. Excellent healing was seen in 6 cases, claudication occurred in 1 case with shortening femur, while unpleasant outcome happened to 1 case because of formation of clotting factor inhibitor, together with poor wound-healing waiting for amputation. CONCLUSION: Medical history and imaging features are essential for the diagnosis of hemophilic pseudotumor. It is the key for successful treatment to master its clinical characteristics.

[Risk factors for skin necrosis around incision after total knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the risk factors of skin necrosis around incision after total knee arthroplasty, and explore measures for prevention and treatment. METHODS: From January 2003 to November 2005, skin necrosis around incision occurred to 15 out of the 382 cases (494 knees) treated by total knee arthroplasty. The data of the 15 cases were analyzed. Preoperative hospital for special surgery knee score (HSS) was 60 points on average. RESULTS: All wound were healed after debridement. However, the recover time was over 3 weeks longer than the healing time by first intention. Extensor weakness with anterior knee pain appeared among 9 patients, and 6 months later, the symptoms improved obviously. At two years follow-up, the average range of motion was 92 degrees, and the average HSS improved to 86. There were no secondary infection and deformity in the group. CONCLUSIONS: It is the key to prevent skin necrosis around incision during total knee arthroplasty that surgeons must accurately grasp technique of minimally invasive surgery for total knee arthroplasty. To acquire satisfactory outcome, it is imperative to perform debridement as soon as possible while the skin necrosis happens. At the same time, it is important to persist in doing adequate functional exercises throughout the period of treatment.

[Relationship between alterations of circulating cell-derived microparticles and glucocorticosteroid application].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the alterations of circulating cell-derived microparticles (MPs) and large-dose glucocorticosteroid application. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 33 patients with history of large-dose glucocorticosteroid application (glucocorticosteroid group) and 24 age-, sex-, and race-matched healthy controls (healthy control group). Platelet-poor plasma was obtained by centrifugation. Plasma microparticles were labeled with monoclonal antibodies of PE-conjugated mouse anti-human CD31, CD54, and FITC-conjugated mouse anti-human CD42b, CD45, CD51/61, CD105, and PE-Cy5-conjugated mouse anti-human CD62E. Cell-derived microparticles were measured by three-color flow cytometry. RESULTS: The mean ranks of CD31+ MPs, CD45+ MPs, CD51/61 MPs, CD31+ CD42b+ MPs, and CD31+ CD45+ MPs of the glucocorticosteroid group were: 24.1, 25.5, 25.6, 21.6, and 24.8 respectively, all significantly lower than those of the control group (35.7, 33.8, 33.7, 39.3, and 34.8 respectively, P = 0.009, 0.019, 0.045, 0.000, and 0.009). CONCLUSION: High-dose glucocorticosteroid application remarkably reduces plasma MPs that may be responsible for microcirculation disturbance.

[Clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of congenital contractural arachnodactyly: analysis of 6 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA). METHODS: The clinical data of 6 CCA patients, 1 male and 5 female, aged 7.5 (5-14) were analyzed. All cases had kyphoscoliosis, 2 in the thoracic segments and 4 in the thoracolumbar segments. The average scoliosis Cobb angle was 88.6 degrees (85 degrees-117 degrees). The average kyphosis Cobb angle was 93.6 degrees (75 degrees-123 degrees). All of the cases underwent internal fixation with pedicle screw and lamina hooks instrumentation, in which 4 cases underwent posterior Smith-Petersen osteotomy. The diagnosis was based on a constellation of clinical findings. The clinical manifestations included marfanoid habitus, flexion contractures of multiple joints (elbow, knee, hip, and finger), kyphoscoliosis, muscular hypoplasia, and abnormal pinnae ("crumpled" outer helices). Molecular genetic testing showed mutation in the fibrillin-2 (FBN2) gene encoding the extracellular matrix microfibril. Four cases were followed up for 6-9 months. RESULTS: After operation the average Cobb angle of the scoliosis and kyphosis were 37.6 degrees (35 degrees-52 degrees) and 38.6 degrees (28 degrees-54 degrees) immediately, with 62.3% and 68.7% curve correction respectively. Three cases got excellent synostosis of posterior lamina, 1 case underwent revision with lamina hook because the distal screw was loose and hurt the nerve root, and the other 2 cases lost follow-up. The patients' body appearance and pulmonary function were obviously improved. CONCLUSION: The characteristic clinical manifestation include severe and stiff kyphoscoliosis, difficult to correct , and enhanced Cobb angle, and pedicle dysplasia of vertebral pedicle leading to difficulty in installing screws. Smith-Petersen osteotomy is often necessary. CCA should be differentiated with Marfan syndrome (MFS), Stickler syndrome, Homocystinuria, and distal arthrogryposis, especially MFS.

[Comparative analysis of pedicle screw versus hybrid instrumentation in posterior spinal correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of posterior correction and fusion between segmental pedicle screw instrumentation with hybrid constructs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: Study the clinical data of 40 AIS patients retrospectively. They were underwent posterior fusion and be distributed into two group, group A was hybrid instrumentation (20 cases) and group B was pedicle screw instrumentation (20 cases). Compared therapy effect, operative time, intraoperative blood loss. RESULTS: The average major curve correction was 82.4% in the screw group and 71.8% in the hybrid group (P = 0.004). After one to three years follow-up, major curve correction was 77.0% and 62.5% respectively (P = 0.001). Average apical vertebral derotation showed 63% correction in the screw group and 32% in the hybrid group (P = 0.001). There was no statistical significance between two group in thoracic sagittal correction, the lowest instrumented vertebra below the lower end vertebra, trunk shift, operative time, and average estimated blood loss. There were no neurologic complications related to hybrid or pedicle screw instrumentation. CONCLUSION: Pedicle screw instrumentation was significantly better than hybrid constructs.