Comparison of capsule and posterior lumbar interbody fusion in cauda equina syndrome with retention: a 24-month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cauda equina syndrome with retention (CESR) is a severe lumbar condition characterized by painless urine retention due to cauda equina nerve injury. The standard treatment, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), often yields suboptimal results. This study aims to compare the clinical safety and efficacy of a novel technique, capsule lumbar interbody fusion (CLIF), with PLIF in CESR patients, hypothesizing that CLIF can enhance neurological recovery by reducing nerve tension. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted on 83 patients with CESR due to lumbar disc herniation, who underwent either PLIF (n = 44) or CLIF (n = 39). Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICI-Q-SF), and Rintala score. Urodynamic studies and nerve tension measurements were also performed. Statistical analysis included t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant postoperative improvements, but the CLIF group had superior outcomes. At 12 months, the CLIF group had lower VAS scores (1.15 ± 0.84 vs. 1.68 ± 0.60, p = 0.001) and ODI scores (23.31 ± 7.51 vs. 28.30 ± 8.26, p = 0.005). At 24 months, the CLIF group continued to show better results with ODI scores (15.97 ± 6.43 vs. 22.11 ± 6.41, p < 0.001) and higher ODI recovery rates (60.41 ± 17.6% vs. 44.71 ± 18.99%, p < 0.001). The CLIF group also had better ICI-Q-SF scores (2.13 ± 1.23 vs. 3.02 ± 1.45, p = 0.004) and Rintala scores (17.97 ± 1.43 vs. 16.59 ± 1.54, p < 0.001). Lower postoperative nerve tension in the CLIF group correlated with these improved outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: CLIF demonstrated superior efficacy over PLIF in treating CESR, with significant improvements in pain relief, functional recovery, and bladder and bowel function. This study highlights the potential of CLIF as a more effective surgical option for CESR, emphasizing its importance in improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of CESR on patients and society.

Glutathione: A Key Regulator of Extracellular Matrix and Cell Death in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a degenerative disease accompanied by the loss of nucleus pulposus cells and the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which tends to be associated with lower back pain. The ECM and various types of cell death in IVDD are regulated by multiple factors, such as inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. The glutathione (GSH) redox system is the most important antioxidant defense system in cells. GSH is one of the most abundant thiol antioxidants in mammalian cells, which functions directly and indirectly by scavenging peroxides through the GSH redox system. In these reactions, GSH is oxidized by electrophilic substances, such as reactive oxygen species and free radicals, to form glutathione disulfide to exert antioxidative effects. It has been reported that GSH can protect cells against the damage of oxidative stress and various pathophysiological stimulus that can lead to different types of cell death. In addition, it was reported that the level of GSH widely participates in apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and oxidative stress in many diseases including osteoarthritis and IVDD. Therefore, we summarized the effects of GSH on ECM metabolism and cells' functions during IVDD. In addition, we summarized the regulatory effects of small molecule compounds on GSH to explore potential ways to regulate the level of GSH. Better understanding the underlying role of GSH in regulating IVDD will facilitate the goal of preventing and retarding the progress of IVDD in the future.

Modified Tracheal Traction Exercise Reduces the Incidence of Dysphagia in Patients with Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

OBJECTIVES: Dysphagia, an impairment in swallowing, is a frequent and debilitating complication for patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), a common surgical treatment for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy of modified tracheal traction exercise (MTTE) in alleviating postoperative dysphagia and improving clinical outcomes for these patients. METHODS: A cohort of 143 patients underwent multilevel fusions, equally distributed between MTTE (n = 75) and traditional tracheal traction exercise (TTTE) (n = 68) groups. Demographic parity was observed in gender distribution, age averages (MTTE: 51.43 ± 11.25 years; TTTE: 52.35 ± 10.43 years), body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, fusion segments, and preoperative hospitalization days. Surgical duration differences were assessed. Clinical outcomes, dysphagia incidence, blood loss, postoperative complications, Cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association (c-JOA) scores, and functional outcome swallowing scale evaluations were conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore factors influencing dysphagia. RESULTS: Modified tracheal traction exercise demonstrated advantages with a significantly lower dysphagia incidence (25.33% vs. 44.12%, p = 0.018), reduced blood loss (102.03 ± 17.04 vs. 113.46 ± 14.92, p < 0.001), shorter surgical durations (159.04 ± 9.82 vs. 164.41 ± 12.22 min, p = 0.004), and fewer postoperative complications (choking cough, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and hoarseness). Postoperative c-JOA scores at 2 and 6 weeks favored MTTE, but no significant differences were observed at 12 and 24 weeks. Functional outcome swallowing scale evaluations favored MTTE with significantly higher percentages of "normal" and lower incidences of "mild" and "moderate dysphagia" at various postoperative intervals compared to TTTE. Factors significantly associated with dysphagia included MTTE, age, and BMI according to logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSION: Modified tracheal traction exercise demonstrates superior short-term outcomes in multilevel ACDF, showcasing reduced dysphagia incidence, blood loss, and specific postoperative complications. Notably, factors contributing to dysphagia, including operation technique and patient-related variables, emphasize the significance of MTTE and patient characteristics in optimizing postoperative outcomes in multilevel ACDF procedures.

The CT Classification of Multilevel Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament to Guide Hybrid Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion vs. Posterior Laminoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: For precise and minimally invasive treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine, the lifting segment is minimized, anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) was refined and improved. In addition, the development of appropriate surgical procedures for the ossification of each segment was rarely reported. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of hybrid anterior controlled antedisplacement fusion (Hybrid ACAF) with laminoplasty for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). METHODS: Between May 2018 and May 2021, 70 patients with multilevel OPLL were divided into a hybrid ACAF group and a laminoplasty group according to surgical methods. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate (JOARR), (VAS, NDI) score and C2-C7 Cobb angle, the sagittal vertical axis of the neck (SVA), and complications (cerebrospinal fluid leakage, C5 paralysis, etc.) were compared between the two groups by t test or non-parametric test. RESULTS: The operation time of hybrid ACAF was longer. C5 paralysis and axial pain were more common in the laminoplasty group, while dysphagia and hoarseness were more common in the hybrid ACAF group. At the last follow-up, the hybrid ACAF group had better recovery and maintenance of cervical lordosis and sagittal plane balance and a higher JOA score and recovery rate than the laminoplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid ACAF can reduce the number of vertebral bodies and expand the decompression range, which is safe, effective, and tailored to local conditions. Compared with laminoplasty, hybrid ACAF is a precise alternative for patients with OPLL.

A Novel "De-tension"-guided Anterior Decompression Strategy-Thoracic Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement Fusion (TACAF) for Multilevel Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in Thoracic Spine: A Retrospective Study with at Least 2-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a novel surgical strategy-thoracic anterior controllable antedisplacement fusion (TACAF) to treat multilevel thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (mT-OPLL), and investigate its safety and efficacy. METHODS: Between January 2019 and December 2021, a total of 49 patients with thoracic myelopathy due to mT-OPLL surgically treated with TACAF were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' demographic data, radiologic parameters, and surgery-related complications, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, thoracic kyphosis (TK), kyphosis angle in fusion area (FSK), thoracic curvature, spinal cord curvature, and curvature of curved rod in surgical region, diameter, and area of the spinal cord at the most compressed level were included. RESULTS: All patients acquired satisfactory recovery of neurologic function and overall complication rate was low at the final follow up. The mean mJOA of the laminectomy+TACAF and Full Lamina Preservation +TACAF groups, respectively, was 3.74 ± 2.05, 3.67 ± 1.95 before surgery, and 9.97 ± 0.83, 9.80 ± 0.68 at the final followed up, with the recovery rate of 84.26% ± 14.20%, 82.79% ± 10.35%, as to VAS Scores. The mean FSK was 34.50 ± 4.46,35.33 ± 3.44 before surgery, and was restored to 20.97 ± 5.70, 22.93 ± 6.34 at the final followed up respectively, as to mean TK (P < 0.05). Spinal cord curvature was improved from 34.12 ± 3.59, 33.93 ± 3.45 before surgery to 19.47 ± 3.53, 18.80 ± 3.17 at the final follow-up respectively, as to thoracic curvature (P < 0.05). In addition, the area and diameter of the spinal cord was also significantly improved at the final follow up (all P < 0.05). The curvature of the thoracic pulp and thoracic vertebra is closely related to the curvature of the rod. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of the pelvis and the slope value of the sacrum. CONCLUSIONS: This strategy provides a novel solution for the treatment of mT-OPLL with favorable recovery of neurological function, the tension of spinal cord, and fewer complications.

Foramen Facet Spinal Classification for Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament on Computed Tomography: Closely Related to Clinical Efficacy.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate computed tomography (CT)-based classification schemes to eliminate ambiguity as much as possible and evaluate the adequacy and clinical value of its classification. BACKGROUND: There is no objective criteria for laminoplasty of more than one million Chinese patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) every year. CT imaging can accurately show the location, size, and shape of ossification, it is very important to propose a recognized simple classification of ossifications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2016 to 2018, 100 patients with "moderate to severe" OPLL on CT were performed according to the following criteria. This study simply classifies the grade of the ossification as 1-2-3, the zone is A-B by the foramen facet spinal canal classification, and the interexaminer reliability is 96%. A prospective series of 60 patients for laminoplasty was performed between 2018 and 2019, and this classification scheme was verified according to the new standard. All patients with size 1 were selectively excluded from consideration for surgery. The Japanese Orthopedic Association scores from both series are superior to most published results for patients with OPLL. RESULTS: The first and second series reported good to excellent results of 89% and 93.3%, respectively, and 80% and 85% for 24 months. The difference in the incidence of C5 paralysis and axial pain was statistically significant among the different zones, and most of them recovered within 6 months. The most common size and location types are 2-AB, 3-AB, and 2A. The most severe type is 3-AB. CONCLUSIONS: The foramen facet spinal classification of OPLL is a simple and reliable method for objectively evaluating the ossification of patients with OPLL based on CT research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Three Stages on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Lumbar Degenerative Spine.

PURPOSES: To propose a new lumbar degenerative staging system using the current radiological classification system. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of retrospective databases between January 2018 and December 2022 was performed. Total of 410 patients for Modic changes, paravertebral muscle fat infiltration, disc degeneration, articular process degeneration, vertebral endplate degeneration and other structures, and disc displacement, Spondylolisthesis, and stenosis, and grouped patients according to stage were assessed. Visual analog scale, Japanese Orthopaedic Association, and Oswestry Disability Index scores were used to assess low back pain strength, neurological function, and quality of life, respectively. RESULTS: The lumbar degeneration staging system consists of 8 variables, which can be divided into 3 steps: early, middle and late, and the correlation between each variable is strong (P < 0.05). The later the staging, the worse the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, visual analog scale, and Oswestry Disability Index scores. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with later stages have worse clinical scores. This staging system recommends a uniform classification to assess lumbar degeneration.

Catalytic Nanodots-Driven Pyroptosis Suppression in Nucleus Pulposus for Antioxidant Intervention of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Low back pain resulting from intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent global concern; however, its underlying mechanism remains elusive. Single-cell sequencing analyses revealed the critical involvement of pyroptosis in IVDD. Considering the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as the primary instigator of pyroptosis and the lack of an efficient intervention approach, this study developed carbonized Mn-containing nanodots (MCDs) as ROS-scavenging catalytic biomaterials to suppress pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells to efficiently alleviate IVDD. Catalytic MCDs have superior efficacy in scavenging intracellular ROS and rescuing homeostasis in the NP microenvironment compared with N-acetylcysteine, a classical antioxidant. The data validates that pyroptosis plays a vital role in mediating the protective effects of catalytic MCDs against oxidative stress. Systematic in vivo assessments substantiate the effectiveness of MCDs in rescuing a puncture-induced IVDD rat model, further demonstrating their ability to suppress pyroptosis. This study highlights the potential of antioxidant catalytic nanomedicine as a pyroptosis inhibitor and mechanistically unveils an efficient strategy for the treatment of IVDD.

Evaluation and analysis of surgical treatment for single-level or multi-level lumbar degenerative disease based on radiography.

Background: Radiography has a low level of radiation exposure while providing valuable information. Due to its cost effectiveness and widespread availability, the preoperative radiographic imaging examination is a valuable approach for assessing patients with spinal disease. This study aimed to examine the influence of preoperative X-ray evaluation on the surgical treatment of patients with single- or multi-level lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of 172 patients diagnosed with LDD who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery between December 2021 and February 2023 at the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital. Various parameters were measured on preoperative radiographs, including the iliac crest height, median iliac angle (MIA), lumbar lordosis (LL), intervertebral facet joint degeneration, lumbosacral angle (LSA), intervertebral foramen height (IFH), and surgical segment. The surgical treatment was evaluated based on the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications. A correlation analysis and independent sample t-tests were used to assess the relationship between preoperative radiographic variables and surgical treatments. Further, a multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors affecting the clinical outcomes. Results: The correlation analysis and t-test results showed that the MIA, height of the iliac crest, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, and surgical segment were significantly correlated with the surgical treatments (P<0.05). Specifically, the height of the iliac crest, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, and surgical segment were positively correlated with the surgical treatments. Conversely, the MIA was negatively correlated with the surgical treatments. However, no significant differences were observed between the IFH, LSA, and LL in relation to posterior lumbar surgery (P>0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the height of the iliac crest, MIA, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, and surgical segment were independent factors affecting the surgical treatments of patients with single- or multi-level LDD. These findings highlight the importance of considering these factors when planning and performing lumbar surgery. Conclusions: The measurements taken from radiographs, including the height of the iliac crest, MIA, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, and surgical segment, demonstrate potential influences on the treatment of single- and multi-level lumbar spine surgery. These variables can be captured in plain film imaging and can provide valuable insights into the surgical procedure and offer guidance for the operation. By analyzing these radiographic measurements, surgeons can gain a better understanding of a patient's condition and tailor the surgical approach accordingly, thus optimizing the outcomes of the surgery.

Biomechanical Comparison of Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Decompression and Fusion, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, and Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion in the Surgical Treatment of Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE: Multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy poses significant challenges in selecting optimal surgical approaches, warranting a comprehensive understanding of their biomechanical impacts. Given the lack of consensus regarding the most effective technique, this study aims to fill this critical knowledge gap by rigorously assessing and comparing the biomechanical properties of three distinct surgical interventions, including anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF), anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion (ACCF), and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The study offers pivotal insights to enhance treatment precision and patient outcomes. METHODS: The construction of the cervical spine model involved a detailed process using CT data, specialized software (Mimics, Geomagic Studio, and Hypermesh) and material properties obtained from prior studies. Surgical instruments were modeled (titanium mesh, anterior cervical plate, interbody cage, and self-tapping screws) to simulate three surgical approaches: ACAF, ACCF, and ACDF, each with specific procedures replicating clinical protocols. A 75-N follower load with 2 Nm was applied to simulate biomechanical effects. RESULTS: The range of motion decreased more after surgery for ACAF and ACDF than for ACCF, especially in flexion and lateral bending. ACCF have higher stress peaks in the fixation system than those of ACAF and ACDF, especially in flexion. The maximum von Mises stresses of the bone-screw interfaces at C3 of ACCF were higher than those of ACAF and ACDF. The maximum von Mises stresses of the bone-screw interfaces at C6 of ACDF were much higher than those of ACAF and ACCF. The maximum von Mises stresses of the grafts of ACCF and ACAF were much higher than those of ACDF. The maximum von Mises stresses of the endplate of ACCF were much higher than those of ACAF and ACDF. CONCLUSION: The ACAF and ACDF models demonstrated superior cervical reconstruction stability over the ACCF model. ACAF exhibited lower risks of internal fixation failure and cage subsidence compared to ACCF, making it a promising approach. However, while ACAF revealed improved stability over ACCF, higher rates of subsidence and internal fixation failure persisted compared to ACDF, suggesting the need for further exploration of ACAF's long-term efficacy and potential improvements in clinical outcomes.

A Clinical Classification of Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament to Guide Surgical Strategy.

STUDY DESIGN: A clinical classification of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (COPLL) was developed based on imaging findings. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a clinical classification for COPLL and provide corresponding surgery strategies for each subtype. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A practical and reliable classification is needed to guide the treatment of COPLL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed plain radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images of patients diagnosed with COPLL between 2018 and 2022 at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital. The types of COPLL were classified according to the location, morphology, and canal-occupying ratio (OR) of the ossification mass. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were evaluated using Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: A total of 1000 cases were included, which were classified into five types: focal type (F type), short-sequential type (S type), long-sequential type (L type), high type (H type), and mixed type (M type). In addition, each type could be classified into subtype 1 or subtype 2 according to the canal-OR. Then each type could be further classified into other subtypes according to location and morphology. The interobserver reliabilities in the first and second rounds were 0.853 and 0.887, respectively. The intraobserver reliability was 0.888. CONCLUSION: The authors classified COPLL into a system comprised of five types and several subtypes according to canal-OR, location, and morphology. Surgical strategies for each subtype are also suggested. This provides a theoretical guide for the description and surgical management of COPLL.

Sympathetic Neurotransmitter, VIP, Delays Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via FGF18/FGFR2-Mediated Activation of Akt Signaling Pathway.

Neuromodulation-related intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a novel IVDD pattern and are proposed recently. However, the mechanistic basis of neuromodulation and intervertebral disc (IVD) homeostasis remains unclear. Here, this study aimed to investigate the expression of postganglionic sympathetic nerve fiber-derived vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) system in human IVD tissue, and to assess the role of VIP-related neuromodulation in IVDD. Patient samples and in vitro cell experiments showed that the expression of receptors for VIP is negatively correlated with the severity of IVDD, and the administration of exogenous VIP can ameliorate interleukin 1ß-induced nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis and inflammation. Further mRNA-seq analysis revealed that fibroblast growth factor 18- (FGF18)-mediated activation of V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog signaling pathway is involved in the protective effects of VIP on inflammation-induced NP cell degeneration. Further analysis identified VIP via its receptor vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 can directly result in decreased expression of miR-15a-5p, which targeted FGF18. Finally, in vivo mice lumbar IVDD model confirmed that focally exogenous administration of VIP can effectively ameliorated the progression of IVDD, as shown by the radiological and histological analysis. In conclusion, these results indicated that sympathetic neurotransmitter, VIP, delayed IVDD via FGF18/FGFR2-mediated activation of V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog signaling pathway, which will broaden the horizon concerning how the neuromodulation correlates with IVDD and shed new light on novel therapeutical alternatives to IVDD.

Effects of "fixation-fusion" sequence of lumbar surgery on surgical outcomes for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: New-onset neurological symptoms such as numbness and pain in lower extremities might appear immediately after conventional lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) surgery performed in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, active-controlled trial investigating the clinical outcomes of modified LIF sequence versus conventional LIF sequence in treating patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. A total of 254 eligible patients will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either modified LIF sequence or conventional LIF sequence group. The primary outcome measure is the perioperative incidence of new-onset lower extremity neurological symptoms, including new adverse events of pain, numbness, and foot drop of any severity. Important secondary endpoints include visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) recovery rate. Other safety endpoints will also be evaluated. The safety set used for safety data analysis by the actual surgical treatment received and the full analysis set for baseline and efficacy data analyses according to the intent-to-treat principle will be established as the two analysis populations in the study. CONCLUSION: This study is designed to investigate the clinical outcomes of modified LIF sequences in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. It aims to provide clinical evidence that the modified "fixation-fusion" sequence of LIF surgery is effective in treating lumbar spinal stenosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ID: ChiCTR2100048507.

Strontium Ranelate Ameliorates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via Regulating TGF-ß1/NF-κB Axis.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by chronic back pain and reduced quality of life. Strontium ranelate (SRR) is a compound traditionally used for treating osteoporosis via activating TGF-ß1 signaling pathway. Recent studies have proved the anti-inflammatory effect of SRR on chondrocytes. Although the exact mechanism of IVDD remains unclear, accumulating evidences have emphasized the involvement of multifactorial pathogenesis including inflammation, oxidative stress damage, and etc. However, the biological effect of SRR on IVDD and its molecular mechanism has not been investigated. Firstly, this study proved the decreased expression of Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1(TGF-ß1) in degenerated human intervertebral disc tissues. Subsequently, we confirmed for the first time that SRR could promote cell proliferation, mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress in human nucleus pulposus cells in vitro via increasing the expression of TGF-ß1 and suppressing the Nuclear Factor Kappa-Light-Chain-Enhancer of Activated B Cells (NF-κB) pathway. The molecular docking result proved the interaction between SRR and TGF-ß1 protein. To further verify this interaction, gain- and loss- of function experiments were conducted. We discovered that both TGF-ß1 knockdown and overexpression influenced the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, SRR could mitigate IL-1ß induced-cell dysfunction in human nucleus pulposus cells by regulating TGF-ß1/NF-κB axis in vitro. Finally, the in vivo therapeutic effect of SRR on IVDD was confirmed. Our findings may contribute to the understanding of the complex interplay between inflammation and degenerative processes in the intervertebral disc and provide valuable insights into the development of targeted treatment-based therapeutics for IVDD.

Classification of cervical disc herniation myelopathy or radiculopathy: a magnetic resonance imaging-based analysis.

Background: Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can clearly show the location and level of disc herniation. When the symptoms are consistent with the Prominent segments, surgical treatment can be indicated. However, the varied extents of the protruding masses in cervical disc herniation (CDH) have been rarely reported. This study aimed to characterize the severity of CDH and to develop a reproducible grading and zoning system for cervical disc degeneration. Methods: A total of 200 patients who presented with single CDH and underwent MRI/computed tomography (CT) scans were enrolled in this prospective study between 2018 and 2021. A total of 170 cervical discs were graded according to MRI by 3 spine surgeons in a blinded fashion. CDHs were graded 1-3, with regions A-C. All patients with grade 1 and mild C symptoms were excluded. The foramen facet spinal (FFS) classification based on MRI Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and the incidence of complications were evaluated and analyzed, and follow-up outcomes were assessed. Results: Areas 2-A, 2-B, and 1-C had high motor function scores, areas 2-A, 3-A, and 2-AB had high sensory scores, but areas 3-AB and 3-A had low bladder function scores. Areas 3-AB had the most severe symptoms and the lowest scores. Area 1-C showed neurogenic abnormal sensation and higher visual analog scale (VAS) scores. A good/excellent outcome as indicated by the JOA score was 94.70% at 3 months and 92.35% at 1 year in 170 patients. The complication rate was 9.41%. The diagnostic coefficient of the FFS classification was 0.888, P<0.001. Conclusions: The FFS classification is an objective scoring system that can be applied similarly by multiple examiners and is correlated with clinical symptoms.

A retrospective cohort study on the significance of preoperative radiological evaluation of lumbar degenerative diseases for surgical reference.

Background: Radiography has low radiation exposure and the ability to acquire information. Due to its cost-effectiveness and availability, preoperative radiographic imaging examination is considered to be a valuable method to evaluate the condition of patients with spinal disease. The aim of this cohort study is to analyze the impact of evaluating preoperative X-rays on the surgical management of lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). Methods: We reviewed 49 patients with LDD underwent single-level posterior instrumented lumbar fusion (PILF) between November 2017 and October 2022 in this cohort study. The median iliac angle (MIA), iliac crest height, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, lumbosacral angle (LSA), L5/S1 intervertebral space angle (ISA), intervertebral foramen height (IFH) and intervertebral space height (ISH) were measured on preoperative radiographs. In addition, operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications were used to evaluate the surgical management. Correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between preoperative radiographic presentation and surgical managements. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used for determination of risk factors for surgical management. Results: Correlation analysis showed that the median iliac angle, height of iliac crest, lumbosacral angle and intervertebral facet joint degeneration were significantly correlated with surgical managements (P<0.05). Height of iliac crest, intervertebral facet joint degeneration and lumbosacral angle were positively correlated with surgical management. Meanwhile, MIA was negatively correlated with surgical management. No significant difference was found between the IFH, ISA, ISH and surgical managements in posterior lumbar surgery (P>0.05). After multiple linear regression analysis, height of iliac crest, median iliac angle and intervertebral facet joint degeneration were independent influence factors for the single-level lumbar surgical managements. Conclusions: Some variables measured in radiograph shows that height of iliac crest, median iliac angle and intervertebral facet joint degeneration have a potential influence on surgical managements. The lumbosacral angle was positively associated with surgical management, but it was not statistically significant in multiple linear regression analysis (P>0.05). The above measurements in plain film can reflect the surgical procedure and have some guiding implications for the operation.

How cervical curvature changes after ACAF and ACDF: a radiological retrospective study.

To assess changes in cervical curvature and demonstrate the feasibility of using ACAF technology to restore lordosis, imaging data from patients undergoing multilevel ACAF and ACDF surgeries were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-seven patients receiving multilevel ACAF and ACDF were included in the study. Total cervical curvature and anterior, middle, and posterior column curvature, spinal canal diameter, cervical range of motion, and surgical complications were measured and analyzed by non-parametric or chi-square tests before and after surgery. The Spearman correlation between imaging data was analyzed. Compared with ACDF, the operation time of the ACAF group was longer, the cervical motion was larger, the median and change value of the middle column curvature was larger, and the change value of the posterior column curvature was smaller (P < 0.05). The postoperative differences in cervical lordosis angle, vertebral canal diameter, and middle and posterior column curvature in the ACAF group were significantly greater than those in the ACDF group (p = 0.015). The expansion of vertebral canal diameter was significantly correlated with the difference in curvature between the middle and posterior columns (r = 0.523, P < 0.01), and the curvature of the anterior column was correlated with that of the middle and posterior columns (P < 0.05). The curvature change of the anterior column is closely related to the curvature change of the middle column and the posterior column. Compared with ACDF, ACAF expands the diameter and volume of the spinal canal by increasing the curvature of the middle column and reducing the anterior movement of the posterior column.

Exploring the role and mechanism of Fuzi decoction in the treatment of osteoporosis by integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification.

BACKGROUND: Fuzi decoction (FZD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, was used to treat musculoskeletal diseases by warming channels, strengthening yang and dispelling pathogenic cold and dampness. In clinical practice, FZD has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It alleviated osteoarticular disorders through ameliorating the degradation of cartilage and improving meniscal damage in osteoarthritis, while its roles and mechanisms in the treatment of bone loss diseases remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of FZD in treating osteoporosis using an integrative method of network pharmacology and experimental study. METHODS: In this study, network pharmacology was used to predict the core targets and potential pathways of the bioactive ingredients of FZD to attenuate osteoporosis. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interactions between core compounds and key targets. In addition, both cell and animal experiments were carried out to validate the role and potential mechanism in treating osteoporosis. RESULTS: In the present study, data revealed that kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, fumarine, and (+)-catechin may be the primary bioactive ingredients of FZD in the treatment of osteoporosis, which were closely associated with the osteoporosis-related targets. And the KEGG results indicated that the NF-κB pathway was closely associated with the function of FZD in treating osteoporosis. In addition, in vivo demonstrated that FZD ameliorated osteoporosis. In vitro experiments showed that the pro-apoptotic factors indicators including CASP3 and BAX were decreased by FZD and the anti-apoptotic factor BCL2 was increased by FZD. In addition, FZD significantly suppressed the osteoclast differentiation in culture and the expression levels of osteoclast-related genes including TRAF6, CTSK, and MMP9. And the NF-κB pathway was confirmed, via in vitro experiment, to be involved in osteoclast differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that FZD played a pivotal role in suppressing the osteoclast differentiation via regulating the NF-κB pathway, indicating that FZD could be a promising antiosteoporosis drug and deserve further investigation.

Significance of O-Arm Assisted Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion Surgery in Treatment of Cervical Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

BACKGROUND: Anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) surgery for cervical OPLL is commonly used in clinical practice and has shown promising results. Nonetheless, precise slotting and lifting are the most critical procedures in ACAF surgery to avoid several unique and dangerous problems, such as residual ossification and incomplete lifting. C-arm intraoperative imaging can help with traditional cervical surgery but not with the precise slotting and lifting operation in ACAF surgery. METHODS: Fifty-five patients admitted to our department with cervical OPLL were retrospectively enrolled. Given the selection of intraoperative imaging technique, patients were divided into the C-arm group and O-arm group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Oswestry Disability Index score, visual analog scale score, slotting grade, lifting grade, and complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, all patients acquired satisfactory improvement of neurologic function. Patients in the O-arm group, on the other hand, had a better neurologic state 6 months after surgery and at the final follow-up than those in the C-arm group. Furthermore, slotting and lifting grade were considerably higher in the O-arm group than in the C-arm group. No severe complications were encountered in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: O-arm assisted ACAF can achieve accurate slotting and lifting, which might effectively reduce the occurrence of complications and is worthy of clinical application.

Detection of Common Anatomical Landmarks and Vertical Trajectories for Freehand Pedicle Screw Placement.

OBJECTIVE: It is clinically important for pedicle screws to be placed quickly and accurately. Misplacement of pedicle screws results in various complications. However, the incidence of complications varies greatly due to the different professional titles of physicians and surgical experience. Therefore, physicians must minimize pedicle screw dislocation. This study aims to compare the three nail placement methods in this study, and explore which method is the best for determining the anatomical landmarks and vertical trajectories. METHODS: This study involved 70 patients with moderate idiopathic scoliosis who had undergone deformity correction surgery between 2018 and 2021. Two spine surgeons used three techniques (preoperative computed tomography scan [CTS], visual inspection-X-freehand [XFH], and intraoperative detection [ID] of anatomical landmarks) to locate pedicle screws. The techniques used include visual inspection for 287 screws in 21 patients, preoperative planning for 346 screws in 26 patients, and intraoperative probing for 309 screws in 23 patients. Observers assessed screw conditions based on intraoperative CT scans (Grade A, B, C, D). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the three groups in terms of age, sex, and degree of deformity. We found that 68.64% of screws in the XFH group, 67.63% in the CTS group, and 77.99% in the ID group were placed within the pedicle margins (grade A). On the other hand, 6.27% of screws in the XFH group, 4.33% in the CTS group, and 6.15% in the ID group were considered misplaced (grades C and D). The results show that the total amount of upper thoracic pedicle screws was fewer, meanwhile their placement accuracy was lower. The three methods used in this study had similar accuracy in intermediate physicians (P > 0.05). Compared with intermediate physicians, the placement accuracy of three techniques in senior physicians was higher. The intraoperative detection group was better than the other two groups in the good rate and accuracy of nail placement (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative common anatomical landmarks and vertical trajectories were beneficial to patients with moderate idiopathic scoliosis undergoing surgery. It is an optimal method for clinical application.