Pial arteriovenous fistula resembling the vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, treated with staged endovascular embolization: a case report.

A 41-month-old boy was presented to our hospital because of an intracranial mass suspected of cerebrovascular malformation. He was admitted and received cerebral angiography. The angiography result confirmed the intracranial mass was the dilated vein of Galen resulting from a pial arteriovenous fistula, which quite resembling the vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation. Considering one-time embolization of the fistula may greatly change the distribution of intracranial blood flow, we decided to perform staged embolization. In the first stage, we partially embolized the fistula, resulting in a sharp decrease in blood flow to the lesion. The second intervention was performed one month later, and completely embolized the fistula. The boy recoverd well and returned to normal childhood without any neurological deficits. Follow-up MR images obtained at 10 months after the last procedure showing total obliteration of the pAVF, gradually shrinking of the varix, and remodeling of the vein of Galen.

[Change laws of water absorption in Chinese herbal pieces and prediction model of relative density for Chinese medicine decoction].

This study aims to explore the change laws of water absorption in Chinese herbal pieces and establish the prediction model of relative density for Chinese medicine compound decoction. Firstly, fitted equations of water absorption and decocting time was established by observing the change laws of water absorption in 36 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces in 12 groups(according to the drug-parts) with decocting time. The r value of the mineral group and other type group was 0.691 2 and 0.663 3, respectively. The r value of the remaining 10 groups was 0.802 2-0.925 4. All P values were less than 0.05(n=21). The formula of the amount of water added was optimized by combining the fitted equations with determined water absorption, and the liquid yield could be controlled in a range of 100%±10%. Secondly, it was determined that the liquid density tester could be used for the rapid determination of relative density of Chinese medicine decoction after methodological study and comparison with the pycnometer method. The linear regression equation between the corrected relative density(y) and extraction ratio(%, x) was built by measuring and analyzing the related parameters such as liquid yield, relative density and extraction ratio in 46 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces. The established equation was y=0.041 3x+1.003 7, r=0.930 9(P <0.01, n=46), with linear range of 1.94%-65.75%. Based on this, the prototype model for predicting relative density of Chinese medicine decoction was established, and the relative densities of 8 Chinese medicine decoctions were within the prediction interval of this model in verification. This study lays a foundation for database construction of Chinese medicine decoction, implementation of personalized decocting mode and rapid quality control of Chinese medicine decoction.

Treatment strategies for traumatic cervico-cranial pseudoaneurysms: A single institution experience.

AIM: Limited clinical and angiographic data exists for patients with traumatic cervico-cerebral pseudoaneurysms. In this paper, we present our limited experience with various management strategies for traumatic cervico-cranial pseudoaneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 37 consecutive cases of traumatic pseudoaneurysms involving the cervico-cranial or the cerebral arteries diagnosed at our center from September 2009 to December 2014. The demographic data, etiology, clinical presentation, lesion location, treatment modality, and follow-up outcomes of these patients were reviewed. Among these 37 patients, 5 patients were treated by surgery, while 29 patients were treated by the endovascular approach and 3 received conservative treatment. RESULTS: During the study period, 42 pseudoaneurysms were identified in 37 patients with a history of head or neck injury. Five patients underwent surgical exploration of the lesion with an uneventful postoperative course. Twenty-nine patients were treated by endovascular interventions with various embolization materials including coils, stents, detachable balloons, liquid embolic agents, and a combination of these agents. The angiographic follow-up imaging demonstrated complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation with the patient being free from any additional neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: Proper selection of an appropriate approach is essential to address the management of traumatic cervico-cerebral pseudoaneurysms. The treatment of traumatic cervico-cerebral pseudoaneurysms should be selected according to the location and the clinical features of the pseudoaneurysms. The endovascular treatment is a safe and effective modality and should be the first-line choice for treatment of traumatic pseudoaneurysms.

The efficacy of bipolar sealer on blood loss in spine surgery: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs was to gather data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bipolar sealer versus standard electrocautery in the management of spinal disease. METHODS: The electronic databases including Embase, PubMed and Cochrane library were searched to identify relevant studies published from the time of the establishment of these databases up to January 2017. The primary outcomes were total blood loss, requirement of transfusion (rate and amount), and operation time. The secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and postoperative wound infection. Data analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of five studies involving 500 patients (261 patients in the BS group and 239 in the control group) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that application of bipolar sealer could decrease the total blood loss in spine surgery [WMD = -467.49, 95% CI (685.47 to -249.51); p < 0.05; I 2 = 91%]. Compared with standard electrocautery, bipolar sealer was associated with lower rates of need for transfusion [OR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.16-0.55), p < 0.05; I 2 = 0%]. In addition, patients in the BS group were likely to receive less amount of blood transfusion compared with patients in the control group[WMD = -0.73, 95% CI (-1.37 to -0.09), p < 0.05; I 2 = 76%]. The mean operative time was shorter in the BS groups compared with the control group [SMD = -0.36, 95% CI (-0.60 to -0.13), p < 0.05; I 2 = 0%]. There was no significant difference in terms of length of hospital stay [WMD = -0.73, 95% CI (-1.96 to 0.51), p = 0.25; I 2 = 67%] and postoperative wound infection [OR = 0.88, 95% CI (0.31-2.48), p = 0.81; I 2 = 0.0%] between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests that bipolar sealer is superior to standard electrocautery with less blood loss, shorter operation time and less transfusion requirement. There is no significant difference between both groups regarding length of hospitalization and wound infection. Hence, bipolar sealer is recommended in spine surgery. Because of the limitation of our study, more well-designed RCTs with large sample are required to provide further evidence of safety and efficacy between bipolar sealer and standard electrocautery in the treatment of spinal disease.

Is fusion superior to non-fusion for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety between patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture who underwent posterior fixation alone (non-fusion) and supplemented with fusion. METHODS: A comprehensive search of related literature was performed in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library. Clinical outcomes (LBOS and VAS), surgical outcomes (operation time, blood loss, hospital stay and perioperative complications), and radiographic outcomes (kyphotic angle, decreased vertebral body height and segmental motion) were assessed in the meta-analysis. Data analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Five RCTs and three retrospective studies including a total of 445 cases were identified. We found that there was no significant difference in terms of LBOS, VAS, implant-related complications, kyphotic and VBH parameters. However, there was a significant difference regarding blood loss, operation time, segmental motion and donor site pain between fusion and non-fusion. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrated that posterior fixation alone could achieve satisfactory clinical and radiological results in treating thoracolumbar burst fracture. Moreover, posterior fixation without fusion was superior to additional fusion with less blood loss, shorter operation time, better segmental motion and lower donor site pain.

A retrospective study of epidural and intravenous steroids after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for large lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the early curative effect of epidural or intravenous administration of steroids during a percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). METHODS: 28 consecutive patients who underwent PELD due to large lumbar disc herniation between November 2014 and January 2016 were followed up for 6 months. These patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment they received after PELD. 14 patients (Group A) were treated by PELD and epidural steroids, while the other 14 patients (Group B) were treated by PELD and intravenous steroids. We evaluated the effectiveness by the preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain, and the postoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) at 3 weeks after surgery via the clinical charts and telephone interview. Postoperative hospital stay and time return to work were investigated as well. RESULTS: There is a significant decrease in VAS (back, leg), ODI, and time return to work (p < 0.05). For VAS (back), Group A showed a significant decrease compared with Group B at 1 day and 1 week after surgery (p = 0.011, p = 0.017). As for VAS (leg), Group A showed a significant decrease compared with Group B at 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 3 months follow-up examinations (p = 0.002, p = 0.006, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). For ODI, Group A showed a notable decrease compared with Group B (p < 0.001). The postoperative hospital stay in two groups was not statistically different (p = 0.636). But the time return to work in Group A was significantly shorter than that in Group B (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent PELD with epidural steroid administration for large lumbar disc herniation showed favorable curative effect compared with those who underwent PELD with intravenous steroid administration.

Clinical application of three-dimensional printing in the personalized treatment of complex spinal disorders.

PURPOSE: To investigate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) printing in complex spinal surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted from October 2014 to March 2015 in Shenzhen Second Peoples' Hospital and 4 cases of complex severe spinal disorders were selected from our department. Among them one patient combined with congenital scoliosis, one with atlas neoplasm, one with atlantoaxial dislocation, and the rest one with atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation. The data of the diseased region was collected from computerized tomography scans for 3D digital reconstruction and rapid prototyping to prepare photosensitive resin models, which were applied in the treatment of these cases. RESULTS: The use of 3D models reduced operating time and intraoperative blood loss as well as the risk of postoperative complications. Furthermore, no pedicle penetrations or screw misplacement occurred according to the postoperative planar radiographic images. CONCLUSION: The tactile models from 3D printing allow direct observation and measurement, helping the orthopedists to have accurate morphometric information to provide personalized surgical planning and better communication with the patient and coworkers. Moreover, the photosensitive resin models can also guide the actual surgery with the drilling of pedicle screws and safe resection of tumor.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain using a novel fully automated method: A head-to-head comparison with a manual layer-specific strain and establishment of normal reference ranges.

BACKGROUND: A novel automated method for measuring left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) along the endocardium has advantages in terms of its rapid application and excellent reproducibility. However, it remains unclear whether the available normal range for conventional GLS using the manual method is applicable to the automated GLS method. This study aimed to compare automated GLS head-to-head with manual layer-specific GLS, and to identify whether a specialized normal reference range for automated GLS is needed and explore the main determinants. METHODS: In total, 1683 healthy volunteers (men, 43%; age, 18-80 years) were prospectively enrolled from 55 collaborating laboratories. LV GLS was measured using both manual layer-specific and automated methods. RESULTS: Automated GLS was higher than endocardial, mid-myocardial, and epicardial GLS. Women had a higher automated GLS than men. GLS had no significant age dependency in men, but first increased and then decreased with age in women. Accordingly, sex- and age-specific normal ranges for automated GLS were proposed. Moreover, GLS appeared to have different burdens in relation to dominant determinants between the sexes. GLS in men showed no dominant determinants; however, GLS in women correlated with age, body mass index, and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: Using the novel automated method, was LV GLS higher than when using the manual GLS method. The normal ranges of automated GLS stratified according to sex and age were provided, with dominant determinants showing sex disparities that require full consideration in clinical practice.

[Multiple factors related with intracranial hemorrhage of dural arteriovenous fistula: clinical analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the relevant predicative factors of dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) in intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: A total of 144 consecutive patients with dAVFs were recruited for a retrospective analysis from 1996 to 2006. The relevant factors of gender, age, fistula flow rate, arterial supply, lesion and venous drainage pattern were analyzed to evaluate the outcome of intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that gender, lesion and venous drainage pattern were statistical significant for intracranial hemorrhage of DAVF (P < 0.05). However, only venous drainage pattern was significant in the predication of intracranial hemorrhage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Only venous drainage pattern is significant in the predication of dural arteriovenous fistulas in intracranial hemorrhage. Both gender and lesion may be confounding factors.

Normal reference values for mitral annular plane systolic excursion by motion-mode and speckle tracking echocardiography: a prospective, multicentre, population-based study.

AIMS: Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) is a simple and reliable index for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function, particularly in patients with poor image quality; however, the lack of reference values limits its widespread use. This study aimed to establish the normal ranges for MAPSE measured using motion-mode (M-mode) and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and to explore its principal determinants. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional study included 1952 healthy participants [840 men (43%); age range, 18-80 years] from 55 centres. MAPSE was measured using M-mode echocardiography and 2D-STE. The results showed that women had a higher MAPSE than men and MAPSE decreased with age. The age- and sex-specific reference values for MAPSE were established for these two methods. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that MAPSE on M-mode echocardiography correlated with age and MAPSE on 2D-STE with age, blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and LV volume. Moreover, MAPSE measured by 2D-STE correlated more strongly with global longitudinal strain compared with that measured using M-mode echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Normal MAPSE reference values were established based on age and sex. BP, heart rate, and LV volume are potential factors that influence MAPSE and should be considered in clinical practice. Normal values are useful for evaluating LV longitudinal systolic function, especially in patients with poor image quality, and may further facilitate the use of MAPSE in routine assessments.

[Experimental study on treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus with langchuang-3 granule].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of action of Chinese drug Langchuang-3 Granule (LC-3) in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through observing its effects on body weight (BW), antinuclear antibody (ANA), spleen index and thymus index in BXSB SLE model mice, as well as the deposition of immune complex in mice' renal glomeruli. METHODS: SLE model mice were randomized into 4 groups: the control group (A), the LC-3 treated group (B), the Western drug treated group (C), and the LC-3 combined Western drug treated group (D). BW of mice was dynamically observed; spleen index (SI) and thymus index (TI) were measured by weighting method; serum anti-ANA level was detected by ELISA; IgG and complement C3 in renal glomeruli were analysed by direct immunofluorescence. RESULTS: BW of mice remarkably increased after treatment in Group B and D, showing a significant difference to that in Group A (P < 0.05). Lower TI level and higher SI level were found in the model mice. As compared with Group A, TI was higher in Group B and D, SI was lower in Group D, and both indices were lower in Group C (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Level of ANA decreased (converting from positive to negative) remarkably in all the three treated groups (P < 0.01). The fluorescence intensity of IgG and C3 in the renal tissue was weaker in Group B, C (both P < 0.05) and D (P < 0.01) than that in Group A. CONCLUSION: Both LC-3 and Western medicine showed remarkable effects in treating SLE model mice, and the combination of the two could display an effect better than that of using either alone.

[Three-dimensional numerical simulation and hemodynamic analysis of intracranial longitypical aneurysms].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a model of three-dimensional numerical simulation of intracranial longitypical aneurism and analyze the hemodynamic features thereof. METHODS: Ten patients with intracranial longitypical aneurism underwent surgical treatment. Intracranial vascular ultrasonography was conducted before operation. Intra-operatively three-dimensional angiography of the aneurysm was conducted and multifunctional physiological monitor was used to record the dynamic pressure and pressure wave form of the main branch parent artery. Matlab, Ansys, and Fluent software were used to simulate the blood flow of the longitypical aneurysms. RESULTS: The hemodynamic parameter levels were the highest at the inflow tract, followed by those at the outflow tract, and were the lowest at the top of aneurysm, for example, the blood flow velocity was (1.07+/-0.23) m/s, the dynamic pressure was (574+/-186) Pa, and the wall shear stress was (7.7+/-2.0) Pa at the inflow tract, all significantly higher than those at the top [(0.15+/-0.07) m/s, (37+/-13) Pa, and (0.40+/-0.13) Pa respectively, all P<0.05]. No eddy or just simple eddy occurred in the aneurysm. CONCLUSION: The dynamic pressure, velocity, and wall shear stress are the lowest at the top of longitypical aneurysm which may contribute to the rupture of aneurysm.

Pipeline Embolization Device for Salvage Treatment of a Willis Covered Stent Prolapse Into the Aneurysmal Sac.

The Willis covered stent (WCS) may prolapse into the aneurysmal sac due to device migration or foreshortening. We present a useful salvage strategy that can reorient a prolapsed WCS into a more suitable alignment. An intra-procedural prolapse of a WCS into a large cavernous aneurysm occurred in a 70-year-old female patient. A pipeline embolization device (PED) was used to retrieve the WCS and successfully accomplish flow diversion. Maintaining proximal access and ensuring that the microwire is securely held within the central axis of the herniated stent are critical until the entire parent vessel can be reconstructed. This salvage technique may help to regain proximal access and reposition the flow diversion constructs following WCS prolapse.

Management of Residual and Recurrent Aneurysms After Clipping or Coiling: Clinical Characteristics, Treatments, and Follow-Up Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent intracranial aneurysms (RAs) remain a daunting challenge for neurosurgeons. This study aimed to explore a potential optimal management strategy of RAs by reviewing the characteristics and management outcomes of 117 RAs. METHODS: A total of 117 patients with RAs were treated in a single neurosurgical center from January 2011 to January 2017. The demographic and angiographic characteristics of the patients, treatment approaches, and follow-up outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 117 patients with RAs, 16 (13.7%) and 101 (86.3%) initially underwent microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling, respectively. Coil embolization was used in 75 cases, microsurgical clipping was used in 32 cases, and conservative treatment occurred in 10 cases. Complete clipping was achieved in all 32 aneurysms by microsurgery, and remnants were observed in 25 aneurysms after coiling (33.3%, P < 0.001). Operation-related cerebral infarction occurred in 4 cases (12.5%) with complex and large RA in the clipping group and in 1.3% (1/75) of patients treated with coiling (P = 0.027). Follow-up found similar favorable outcomes in patients after coiling, clipping, and conservative treatment (90.3% vs. 86.7% vs. 80%, respectively; P = 0.711). Follow-up rates of recurrence were significantly higher in the coiling group than the clipping group (26% vs. 0%, respectively; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up outcomes appeared to be acceptable and comparable between the 2 groups. However, in large or giant recurrent aneurysms, sound judgment and the careful selection of treatment are strongly suggested because direct microsurgery has a higher morbidity, even in experienced hands, whereas endovascular coiling is complicated with a higher incomplete occlusion rate.

Endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using of "remodeling technique" with the HyperForm balloon.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms with wide-necked or a large neck/fundus ratio, especially located on an arterial bifurcation or a small artery, are challenges for interventional neuroradiologist because of the risk of coil migration or coil protrusion into the parent vessels. Our study was designed to improve the efficacy and safety of the "remodeling technique" with the HyperForm balloon for these difficult aneurysms and was confirmed by a follow-up result. METHODS: From June 2004 to September 2006, forty-two patients (20 men, 22 women) with wide-necked or large neck/fundus ratio aneurysms were treated by using the "remodeling technique" with the HyperForm balloon. RESULTS: Forty wide-necked aneurysms were successfully treated with the HyperForm balloon remodeling technique with only two failed cases. Final results consisted of total occlusion in 34 cases (80.9%), subtotal in 4 (9.5%) and incomplete in 2 (4.8%). One aneurysmal rupture occurred, but no clinical consequence was shown. No thromboembolic events were observed during treatment. Final angiographic follow-up time ranged from 3 to 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: The "remodeling technique" with the HyperForm balloon is a very useful tool in the treatment of wide-necked or unfavorable neck/fundus ratio intracranial aneurysms-located on an arterial bifurcation or a small artery and, especially, located on the bifurcation of a large artery and a small one. In our experience, this technique provided a safe and efficient treatment for difficult aneurysms when the standard remodeling technique might have failed.

Comparison between zero-profile spacer and plate with cage in the treatment of single level cervical spondylosis.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective study of 68 patients of symptomatic cervical spondylosis who were treated by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with single level cervical spondylosis using either zero-profile spacer (group A) or anterior cervical plate and cage (group B). METHODS: Clinical and radiological data of 68 patients undergoing ACDF from C3-C7 were collected retrospectively. There were 35 patients with a mean age of 54.05 years who received treatment by zero-profile implant. A total of 33 patients with a mean age of 52.09 years underwent fusion by traditional plate with cage. Group A and group B were followed up for an average of 23.68 months and 24.39 months, respectively. Age, blood loss, and operation time were assessed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by JOA and VAS score before and after surgery. In addition, incidence of dysphagia was recorded. The Cobb angle (from C2 to C7) change was measured on the lateral cervical spine radiographs. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of operation time and blood loss between two groups. The postoperative JOA significantly increased and the VAS decreased correspondently in both groups. The postoperative Cobb angle increased and showed statistical difference compared with preoperative Cobb angle in both groups. There was no significant difference between group A and group B in achieving clinical symptoms and radiograph improvement according to postoperative JOA, VAS and Cobb angle comparison. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia was lower in the group A than group B. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the application of zero-p spacer can achieve similar clinical and radiological improvement compared with traditional plate and cage. Meanwhile, zero-p is superior to plate and cage with a lower incidence of postoperative dysphagia.

Management of recurrent intracranial aneurysms after coil embolization: a novel classification scheme based on angiography.

OBJECTIVERecurrent aneurysms after coil embolization remain a challenging issue. The goal of the present study was to report the authors' experience with recurrent aneurysms after coil embolization and to discuss the radiographic classification scheme and recommended management strategy.METHODSAneurysm treatments from a single institution over a 6-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Ninety-seven aneurysms that recurred after initial coiling were managed during the study period. Recurrent aneurysms were classified into the following 5 types based on their angiographic characteristics: I, pure recanalization inside the aneurysm sac; II, pure coil compaction without aneurysm growth; III, new aneurysm neck formed without coil compaction; IV, new aneurysm neck formed with coil compaction; and V, newly formed aneurysm neck and sac.RESULTSAneurysm recurrences resulted in rehemorrhages in 6 cases (6.2%) of type III-V aneurysms, but in none of type I-II aneurysms. There was a significantly higher proportion of ophthalmic artery aneurysms and complex internal carotid artery aneurysms presenting as types I and II than presented as the other 3 types (63.3% vs 16.4%, p < 0.001). In contrast, for posterior communicating artery aneurysms and anterior communicating artery aneurysms, a higher proportion of type III-V aneurysms was observed than for the other 2 types, but without a significant difference in the multivariate model (56.7% vs 23.3%). In addition, giant (> 25 mm) aneurysms were more common among type I and II lesions than among type III and IV aneurysms (36.7% vs 9.0%, p = 0.001), which exhibited a higher proportion of small (< 10 mm) lesions (65.7% vs 13.3%, p < 0.001). A single reembolization procedure was sufficient to occlude 80.0% of type I recurrences and 83.3% of type II recurrences from coil compaction but only 65.6% of type III-V recurrences from aneurysm regrowth.CONCLUSIONSAneurysm size and location represent the determining factors of the angiographic recurrence types. Type I and II recurrences were safely treated by reembolization, whereas type III-V recurrences may be best managed surgically when technically feasible.

Comparison Between Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety in the management of lumbar diseases performed by either posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Interbody fusion is considered the "gold standard" in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. Both PLIF and TLIF have been advocated, and it remains controversial as to the best operative technique. METHODS: The electronic databases including Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane library were searched to identify relevant studies up to September 2017. The primary outcomes were fusion rate, complications, and clinical satisfaction. The secondary outcomes were length of hospitalization, operation time, blood loss, postoperative visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score. Data analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies involving 1502 patients (805 patients in PLIF group and 697 in TLIF group) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that there was no significant difference in terms of fusion rate (P > 0.05) and clinical satisfaction (P > 0.05) between the 2 groups. TLIF was superior to PLIF with significantly lower incidence of nerve root injury (P < 0.05) and dural tear (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference regarding wound infection (P > 0.05) and graft malposition (P > 0.05). PLIF required significant longer operation time (P < 0.05) and was associated with more blood loss (P < 0.05). Although TLIF was associated with better postoperative visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score than PLIF, there was no statistical difference regarding these results. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests that both TLIF and PLIF could achieve similar clinical satisfaction and fusion rate in the management of degenerative lumbar diseases. However, TLIF was superior to PLIF with shorter operation time, less blood loss, and lower incidence of nerve root injury and dural tear. There is no significant difference between both groups regarding wound infection and graft malposition.

A novel arterial pouch model of saccular aneurysm by concomitant elastase and collagenase digestion.

BACKGROUND: An ideal aneurysm model of cerebral aneurysm is of great importance for studying the pathogenesis of the lesion and testing new techniques for diagnosis and treatment. Several models have been created in rabbits and are now widely used in experimental studies; however, every model has certain intrinsic limitations. Here we report the development of a novel saccular aneurysm model in rabbits using an arterial pouch that is subject to in vitro pre-digestion with combined elastase and collagenase. METHODS: A segment of right common carotid artery (CCA) was dissected out and treated with elastase (60 U/ml, 20 min) followed by type I collagenase (1 mg/ml, 15 min) in vitro. The graft was anastomosed to an arterial arch built with the left CCA and the remaining right CCA, while the other end of the graft was ligated. The dimension and tissue structure of the pouch were analysed immediately, 2 or 8 weeks after operation. FINDINGS: Ten terminal aneurysms were produced. The gross morphology of the aneurysm resembles the human cerebral terminal aneurysms. We have observed the following pathological changes: (1) growth of the aneurysm (mean diameter increased from (2.0+/-0.1) to (3.2+/-0.3) mm at 2 weeks, P<0.001, n=7-10); (2) thinning of the aneurysmal wall (the mean wall thickness decreased to 44% at 2 weeks), which was accompanied by significant losses of elastic fibres, collagen and the cellular component; and (3) spontaneous rupture (3 out of 9, one aneurysm ruptured 24 h after operation with the other two at 2 and 4 weeks respectively). CONCLUSION: This rabbit arterial pouch model mimics human cerebral aneurysms in relation to morphology and histology. In particular, this model exhibited an increased tendency of spontaneous rupture.

[Treatment of chronic and painful vertebral compressive fractures with vertebroplasty in senior patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of treatment of chronic and painful compressive fractures of vertebral bodies with vertebroplasty in senior patients. METHODS: 98 patients of chronic and painful compressive fractures of vertebral bodies suffering from severely back pain and activity of daily living, 33 males and 65 females, aged 71 +/- 12, with the average medical history of 12 months, underwent vertebroplasty. Follow-up was conducted for 3 - 40 months. Six-point Behavioral Rating Scale and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale were used to evaluate the efficacy. RESULTS: 123 affected compressive vertebral bodies in the 98 cases were treated with vertebroplasty. After 3.5 - 7 ml of bone cement was injected into the lesions, complete relief was got in 20 cases, obvious relief was achieved in 59 cases, improvement was made in 14 cases, and no progress was seen in 5 case. The score of 6-point Behavioral Rating Scale decreased from 4.2 +/- 1.1 before vertebroplasty to 1.2 +/- 0.9 (P < 0.01). The ADL score decreased from 4.2 +/- 1.1 before vertebroplasty to 1.9 +/- 0.6 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Vertebroplasty significantly improves the painful symptoms and ability of daily life in senior patients with chronic painful vertebral compressive fractures.