The trends and hotspots of immunotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric and visual analysis.

An increasing body of research indicates that immunotherapy has demonstrated substantial effectiveness in the realm of metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC), especially among patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) (dMMR/MSI-H mCRC). This study constitutes the inaugural bibliometric and visual analysis of immunotherapy related to mCRC during the last decade. Between 2013 and the conclusion of 2022, we screened 306 articles from Web of Science and subjected them to analysis using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. The United States stood out as the primary contributor in this area, representing 33.33% of the publications, with China following closely at 24.51%. The most prolific institution has the lowest average citation rate. Sorbonne University were the most highly cited institutions. Notably, Frontiers In Oncology published the largest quantity of articles. Andre, Thierry, and Overman, Michael J. were prominent authors known for their prolific output and the high citation rates of their work. The focus areas in this field encompass "tumor microenvironment," "liver metastasis," "tumor-associated macrophages," "combination therapy" and "gut microbiota." Some keywords offer promise as potential biomarkers for evaluating the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic interventions.

Advantages of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Posterolateral Approach Combined with Phased Rehabilitation Management for Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has emerged as a pivotal approach for addressing femoral neck fractures (FNFs), a prevalent type of fracture in older people. Restoring joint functionality following surgery significantly contributes to patients' overall well-being. Therefore, the implementation of rational and effective rehabilitation exercises is crucial. Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of phased rehabilitation management on patients with FNFs who have undergone THA. Methods: In this prospective comparative study, a total of 89 patients were enrolled. Among them, 49 patients underwent phased rehabilitation management, while 40 patients received conventional postoperative rehabilitation. The evaluation encompassed a range of assessments, including the Harris Hip Score (HHS) for the evaluation of hip joint function, the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) to quantify lower limb muscle strength, the Barthel Index to assess activities of daily living, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure pain intensity. Furthermore, preoperative and postoperative serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were diligently measured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's inflammatory responses. Results: Overall, the study group exhibited a significantly higher average HHS after surgery compared to the control group. Notably, the VAS scores at 1 day and 3 days post-surgery in both groups demonstrated a reduced trend compared to preoperative values. This trend was more significant in the study group compared to the control group. The time taken for the FTSST in patients undergoing phased rehabilitation management was less compared to the control group. Furthermore, phased rehabilitation management was associated with more significant improvements in activities of daily living. Notably, IL-6 levels were higher in both the study and control groups at 1 day postoperatively than before surgery, while they decreased at 3 days postoperatively compared to the 1-day mark. The study group exhibited significantly lower levels of CRP (mg/L) and ESR (mm/h) compared to the control group. Conclusions: Implementing phased rehabilitation management for patients with FNFs following THA improves hip joint function, lower limb muscle strength, daily living activities, pain intensity, and inflammatory response.

Metformin sensitises osteosarcoma to chemotherapy via the IGF-1R/miR-610/FEN1 pathway.

Metformin can enhance cancer cell chemosensitivity to anticancer drugs. IGF-1R is involved in cancer chemoresistance. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of metformin in osteosarcoma (OS) cell chemosensitivity modulation and identify its underlying mechanism in IGF-1R/miR-610/FEN1 signalling. IGF-1R, miR-610, and FEN1 were aberrantly expressed in OS and participated in apoptosis modulation; this effect was abated by metformin treatment. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that FEN1 is a direct target of miR-610. Moreover, metformin treatment decreased IGF-1R and FEN1 but elevated miR-610 expression. Metformin sensitised OS cells to cytotoxic agents, while FEN1 overexpression partly compromised metformin's sensitising effects. Furthermore, metformin was observed to enhance adriamycin's effects in a murine xenograft model. Metformin enhanced OS cell sensitivity to cytotoxic agents via the IGF-1R/miR-610/FEN1 signalling axis, highlighting its potential as an adjuvant during chemotherapy.

Wiltse Approach Versus Conventional Transforaminal Interbody Fusion for Unstable Thoracolumbar Fracture with Intervertebral Disc Lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical results of two surgical techniques, Wiltse approach and conventional transforaminal interbody fusion, for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fracture associated with traumatic intervertebral disc lesion (TIDL). METHODS: A total of 76 patients with unstable thoracolumbar fracture associated with TIDL treated by posterior pedicle screw fixation and transforaminal thoracolumbar interbody fusion from June 2010 and July 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. These patients including 48 male and 28 female patients were divided into Wiltse approach transforaminal thoracolumbar interbody fusion (W-TLIF) group (n = 38) and conventional transforaminal thoracolumbar interbody fusion (C-TLIF) group (n = 38). Patients were followed up for about 33 months. Clinical and radiological records, kyphotic angle, fractured vertebral body height, visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), complications, neurological improvement and fusion rate were compared between two groups. RESULTS: All patients underwent posterior surgery successfully. Blood loss, operation time and hospital stay in the W-TLIF group was 437.84 ± 143.98 ml, 118.64 ± 20.55 min and 12.32 ± 2.87 days, respectively. While those parameters in the C-TLIF group was 862.70 ± 300.24 ml, 141.35 ± 31.72 min and 15.51 ± 2.08 days, respectively. Average operation time and hospital stay time were significantly shorter, and blood loss was significantly less in the W-TLIF group than in the C-TLIF group (P < 0.05). VAS and ODI in the W-TLIF group were significantly less than those in the C-TLIF group at 1 week after operation and final follow-up. The kyphotic angle and vertebral body height were improved. There was 1-2 grade improvement in patients with neurological deficit. Thirty-three patients in the W-TLIF group and 32 patients in the C-TLIF group had achieved fusion during follow-up. No internal fixation failure was observed in two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The both techniques of W-TLIF and C-TLIF were feasible and effective for unstable thoracolumbar fracture with TIDL. Compare to C-TLIF, The technique of W-TLIF was a relatively less invasive way to decompress the neural elements and an easy method to reconstruct the anterior column using the same posterior approach.

Percutaneous intervertebral bridging cementoplasty for adjacent multilevel osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures with vertebral endplate-disc complex injury: technical note.

This paper describes a minimally invasive technique of percutaneous intervertebral bridging cementoplasty (PIBC) to augment the fractured vertebrae and immobilize the intervertebral space with endplate-disc complex injury simultaneously. Thirty-two patients with adjacent multilevel osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures (AMOTLFs) and vertebral endplate-disc complex injury (EDCI) treated by PIBC were retrospectively reviewed. The PIBC technique was a combination of puncture, balloon expansion and bridging cementoplasty. The clinical and radiological assessments were reviewed. The operation time was 82.8 ± 32.5 min, and blood loss was 76.9 ± 31.7 mL. A cement bridge was connected between the two fractured vertebrae across the injured intervertebral space. VAS at three time points including pre-operation, post-operation 1 day and final follow-up was 6.9 ± 0.9, 2.9 ± 0.8 and 1.7 ± 0.8, respectively; ODI at three time points was (71.1 ± 7.8)%, (18.4 ± 5.7)%, and (10.3 ± 5.7)%, respectively; Cobb angle at three time points was 46.0° ± 10.4°, 25.9° ± 8.5°, and 27.5° ± 7.1°, respectively. Compared with pre-operation, VAS, ODI and Cobb angle were significantly improved at post-operation 1 day and final follow-up (P < 0.05). Clinical asymptomatic cement leakage was observed in thirteen patients. No vessel or neurological injury was observed. PIBC may be an alternative way of treatment for AMOTLFs with EDCI. The technique is a minimally invasive surgery to augment the fractured vertebrae and immobilize the injured intervertebral space simultaneously.

Tranexamic acid reduces blood cost in long-segment spinal fusion surgery: A randomized controlled study protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Long-segment spinal fusion surgery was associated with substantial perioperative blood loss which may increase hospitalization expenses and mortality rates. Substantial studies have reported that tranexamic acid (TXA) could reduce blood products and cost after joint arthroplasty surgery. However, there still exists controversy regarding the efficacy of TXA in long-segment spinal fusion surgery. We performed this protocol to design a randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in decreasing transfusion rate of allogeneic blood products and transfusion cost in degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients. METHODS: This study was carried out as a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial on patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis who prepared for long-segment spinal fusion surgery from December 2018 to December 2019. It was authorized via the Institutional Review Committee in Southwest Medical University (ky2019225). Eighty patients were divided randomly into 2 groups (Experimental group = 40, control group = 40). The patients in the experimental group received 1000 mg of TXA mixed in 100 mL normal saline as a single dose intravenously over 20 minutes before the skin incision was made. Control group received equivalent normal saline without TXA. Primary outcomes included total blood loss, estimated intraoperative blood loss, hematocrit and hemoglobin decline, postoperative drain amount, intra-/postoperative allogeneic transfusion amount and rate, and total transfusion cost. Secondary outcomes included surgical time, thrombotic complications including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. All the needed analyses were implemented through utilizing SPSS for Windows Version 20.0. RESULTS: Table showed the relevant clinical outcomes between experimental group and control group. CONCLUSION: We hypothesized that TXA was effective and safe in reducing blood transfusion and cost in long-segment spinal fusion surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry5854).

Hidden blood loss and the risk factors after posterior lumbar fusion surgery: A retrospective study.

Hidden blood loss (HBL) plays an important role in perioperative rehabilitation of patients underwent posterior lumbar fusion surgery. This study was to calculate the volume of HBL and evaluate the risk factors among patients after posterior lumbar fusion surgery.A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 143 patients underwent posterior lumbar fusion surgery from March 2017 to December 2017. Recording preoperative and postoperative hematocrit to calculate HBL according to Gross formula and analyzing its related factors including age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), surgery levels, surgical time, surgery types, duration of symptoms, disorder type, specific gravity of urine (SGU), plasma albumin (ALB), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), glucose (GLU), drainage volume, hypertension. Risk factors were further analyzed by multivariate linear regression analysis and t test.Eighty-six males and 57 females, mean age 52.7 ±â€Š11.4 years, mean height 162 ±â€Š7.0, mean weight 61.5 ±â€Š9.4, were included in this study. The HBL was 449 ±â€Š191 mL, with a percentage of 44.2% ±â€Š16.6% in the total perioperative blood loss. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that patients with higher BMI (P = .026), PLIF procedures (P = .040), and more surgical time (P = .018) had a greater amount of HBL. Whereas age (P = 0.713), sex (P = .276), surgery levels (P = .921), duration of symptoms (P = .801), disorder type (P = .511), SGU (P = .183), ALB (P = .478), GFR (P = .139), GLU (P = .423), hypertension (P = .337) were not statistically significant differences with HBL.HBL is a large proportion of total blood loss in patients after posterior lumbar fusion surgery. BMI >24 kg/m, PLIF procedures, and more surgical time are risk factors of HBL. Whereas age, sex, surgery levels, duration of symptoms, disorder type, SGU, ALB, GFR, GLU, hypertension were not associated with HBL.

Total and hidden blood loss between open posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion by Wiltse approach.

The purpose of this study was to calculate and compare the volume of hidden blood loss (HBL) and perioperative blood loss between open posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) by Wiltse approach.We retrospectively analyzed 143 patients between March 2017 and December 2017, they were randomly divided into PLIF group and TLIF group. The following information were collected on admission: patient's age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), surgery levels, surgical time, duration time, disorder type, intraoperative bleeding, wound drainage, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, neurological complications, transfusion rate. Preoperative and postoperative hematocrit (Hct) were recorded in order to calculate total blood loss (TBL) according to Gross's formula. To calculate each patient's HBL, chi-square test and Student's t test were used to analyze data.Patients in PLIF had a mean TBL of 1144 ±â€Š356 mL, and the mean HBL was 486 ±â€Š203 mL, 43.9 ±â€Š16.2% of the TBL. While patients in TLIF, the mean TBL was 952 ±â€Š303 mL, and the mean HBL was 421 ±â€Š178 mL, 44.7 ±â€Š17.0% of the TBL. Hence, there was significant difference in TBL and HBL between 2 groups, respectively (P = .000, P = .044). However, there was no difference in the ratio of the HBL between 2 groups (P = .797).The volume of HBL is lower in open TLIF by Wiltse approach than that in PLIF, which may be a large proportion of TBL in posterior lumbar fusion surgery. Comprehensive understanding of HBL can contribute to keep patient safety and better to rehabilitation in perioperative.

miR-193b Increases the Chemosensitivity of Osteosarcoma Cells by Promoting FEN1-Mediated Autophagy.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignant bone tumors and specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely associated with malignant OS progression. In this study, we examined the role of microRNA-193b-3p (miR-193b) and the involvement of autophagy and apoptosis in the chemosensitivity of OS cells. METHODS: We employed qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression levels of miR-193b, flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), and autophagy-related proteins. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using an Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed the relationship between miR-193b and FEN1. RESULTS: miR-193b was downregulated in OS compared to adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.05). miR-193b overexpression in the OS cell lines induced autophagy and apoptosis, as shown by Western blotting and flow cytometry. Knockdown of FEN1, a structure-specific nuclease overexpressed in OS tissues (p < 0.001), induced apoptosis through activation of autophagy. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that FEN1 is a direct target of miR-193b, FEN1 knockdown reinforced miR-193b induced apoptosis. Moreover, miR-193b expression enhanced epirubicin-induced autophagy and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the results showed that miR-193b/FEN1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for OS aimed mainly at the induction of autophagy and apoptosis. The miR-193b/FEN1 axis increased the chemosensitivity of OS cells, while activation of autophagy enhanced the anticancer effects of epirubicin.

Novel Screw Insertion Method for Anterior Surgical Treatment of Unstable Thoracolumbar Fracture: Quadrant Positioning Method.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a novel screw positioning method to improve the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with unstable thoracolumbar fractures who were treated with anterior screw-rod interfixation from January 2011 to October 2015 were included in this clinical study. Those patients included 48 male and 24 female patients with an average age of 45.10 years (range, 26-63 years). Patients were randomly divided into two groups: an observation group (n = 36) and a control group (n = 36). The quadrant positioning method was used for screw insertion in the observation group during the operation, while the traditional screw positioning method was used in the control group. The quadrant positioning method targeted four quadrants, including the superior anterior (SA), superior posterior (SP), inferior anterior (IA) and inferior posterior (IP) quadrants, while for the traditional screw positioning, four screws were inserted into the vertebral bodies above and below the excision. Patients were followed up for approximately 40 months to record recovery. Clinical and radiological records, local angle and fractured vertebra body height, clinical outcomes, complications, neurological improvement, and fusion rate were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The quadrant positioning method was successfully used for anterior screw insertion. The quadrant center in the lateral view of the vertebral body was well marked, and screws were easily located on the scheduled quadrant. Blood loss (BL), hospital stay (HS), and operation time (OP) in the observation group were 749.40 ± 379.90 mL, 17.10 ± 4.10 days, and 167.40 ± 44.70 min, respectively. While those parameters in the control group were 1198.40 ± 339.27 mL, 23.22 ± 3.77 days, and 221.47 ± 32.15 min, respectively. The average operation time and hospital stay time were significantly shorter, and blood loss was significantly less in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Local angle and vertebral body height were markedly improved and 1-2 grade improvement was achieved in patients with neurological deficits in both groups. Both groups of patients achieved bony fusion during follow-up. No incision infection or internal fixation failure was observed in the two groups, and complications including cerebrospinal fluid and chylous leakage and hemothorax were resolved. CONCLUSIONS: The quadrant positioning method can shorten operation time, reduce blood loss, and accelerate postoperative recovery. The technique provides an effective method for screw insertion for double screw-rod instrumentation fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture via the anterior approach.

Morphological analysis for subaxial cervical pedicle screw insertion in developmental and non-developmental canal stenosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of subaxial cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion by comparing the morphological parameters between developmental canal stenosis (DCS) and non-developmental canal stenosis (NDCS) patients. METHODS: A total of 120 Chinese patients who had undergone cervical spinal multiplanar CT imaging from September 2010 to December 2014 were included in this study. According to the Pavlov ratio (PR), participants were classified into a DCS group (PR < 0.82) and an NDCS group (PR ≥0.82). CT reconstruction images of the cervical pedicles from C3 to C7 were selected for further analysis, and detailed morphological parameters for subaxial CPS insertion including pedicle outer width (POW), tiny cervical pedicle (TCP), pedicle transverse angle (PTA), and range of safe angle (RSA) were measured and compared in these two groups. RESULTS: A total of 600 images (1200 pedicles) from these 120 patients were measured. The POW in the DCS group was wider than that in the NDCS group at each level, while the number of TCPs in the DCS group was significantly less than that in the NDCS group at the C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae. There was no significant difference in PTA at any level between the two groups, however the RSA in the DCS group was greater than that in the NDCS group from C4 to C7. CONCLUSIONS: Subaxial CPS for DCS patients may be safer and more feasible than that for NDCS patients. However, as the subaxial cervical pedicle is relatively small, CPS insertion is difficult and preoperative CT evaluation is recommended for both DCS and NDCS patients.

[Experiment of porous calcium phosphate/bone matrix gelatin composite cement for repairing lumbar vertebral bone defect in rabbit].

Objective: To investigate the effect of a porous calcium phosphate/bone matrix gelatin (BMG) composite cement (hereinafter referred to as the "porous composite cement") for repairing lumbar vertebral bone defect in a rabbit model. Methods: BMG was extracted from adult New Zealand rabbits according to the Urist's method. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microsphere was prepared by W/O/W double emulsion method. The porous composite cement was developed by using calcium phosphate cement (CPC) composited with BMG and PLGA microsphere. The physicochemical characterizations of the porous composite cement were assessed by anti-washout property, porosity, and biomechanical experiment, also compared with the CPC. Thirty 2-month-old New Zealand rabbits were used to construct vertebral bone defect at L 3 in size of 4 mm×3 mm×3 mm. Then, the bone defect was repaired with porous composite cement (experimental group, n=15) or CPC (control group, n=15). At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation, each bone specimen was assessed by X-ray films for bone fusion, micro-CT for bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BVF), trabecular thickness (Tb. Th.), trabecular number (Tb.N.), and trabecular spacing (Tb. Sp.), and histological section with toluidine blue staining for new-born bone formation. Results: The study demonstrated well anti-washout property in 2 groups. The porous composite cement has 55.06%±1.18% of porosity and (51.63±6.73) MPa of compressive strength. The CPC has 49.38%±1.75% of porosity and (63.34±3.27) MPa of compressive strength. There were significant differences in porosity and compressive strength between different cements ( t=4.254, P=0.006; t=2.476, P=0.034). X-ray films revealed that the zone between the cement and host bone gradually blurred with the time extending. At 12 weeks after implantation, the zone was disappeared in the experimental group, but clear in the control group. There were significant differences in BMD, BVF, Tb. Th., Tb. N., and Tb. Sp. between 2 groups at each time point ( P<0.05). Histological observation revealed that there was new-born bone in the cement with the time extending in 2 groups. Among them, bony connection was observed between the new-born bone and the host in the experimental group, which was prior to the control group. Conclusion: The porous composite cement has dual bioactivity of osteoinductivity and osteoconductivity, which are effective to promote bone defect healing and reconstruction.

A novel technique for unstable Hangman's fracture: lag screw-rod (LSR) technique.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to describe the lag screw-rod (LSR) technique for the treatment of unstable Hangman's fracture as an attempt to pull C2 vertebral body back to posterior elements easily and immobilize C2 relative to C3 simultaneously. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with unstable Hangman's fracture were treated with the LSR technique from January 2008 to October 2014. The clinical and radiological records were reviewed retrospectively. The angulation and displacement of C2 on C3 were evaluated. Complications, neck pain, neurological improvement, and fusion rate were assessed. RESULTS: The LSR technique was used for C2-C3 pedicle fixation and fusion in all the patients. The C2 vertebral body was pulled back to posterior elements successfully. The angulation and displacement of C2 on C3 were rectified obviously. No intra-operative or post-operative spinal cord or vertebral injury was observed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for neck pain decreased gradually after operation. The patients with spinal cord injury were recovered at final following up. All patients achieved bony fusion without internal fixation failures. CONCLUSIONS: The LSR technique is an effective and reliable treatment for unstable Hangman's fractures. The technique has the advantages of pulling back the C2 vertebral body back to posterior elements easily and immobilizing C2 relative to C3 simultaneously.

[Increased IL-1 and IL-6 expressions are negatively correlated with modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores of discogenic low back pain].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expressions of IL-1 and IL-6 in the degenerative intervertebral discs of patients with discogenic low back pain (DLBP), record the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores and analyze the correlation between the expressions and the scores. METHODS: The study chose 30 cases of DLBP aged between 45-65 years old from the same race and district and 10 control cases of vertebral fractures scheduled for surgical treatment but with no history of low back pain within one year and no disc degeneration based on imaging data. The degree of DLBP was evaluated by mJOA scores. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to observe the expressions of IL-1 and IL-6 in the discs. The relationship between the IL-1, IL-6 expressions and the mJOA scores was revealed by Pearson linear correlation analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the expressions of IL-1 and IL-6 in the discs of DLBP patients increased significantly as immunohistochemistry and Western blotting indicated. The highest mJOA score of DLBP group was 16 points and the lowest was 7 points before operation. The expressions of IL-1 and IL-6 were negatively correlated with the mJOA scores of low back pain. CONCLUSION: The expressions of IL-1 and IL-6 in the discs of DLBP patients were significantly elevated and negatively correlated with the mJOA scores of low back pain.

Relation Between Severity of Injury and Neurological Deficit in Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, consecutive case series. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate which variable has a strong association with neurological damage in thoracolumbar burst fractures (T12 or L1): severity of injury or narrowing of the spinal canal. SETTING: Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Luzhou Medical College, Sichuan Province, China. METHODS: This study included 42 patients with thoracolumbar junction burst fractures (T12 or L1), 24 patients with neurological deficit, and 18 patients without deficit. The severity of injury was determined using the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), and the narrowing of the spinal canal was measured by axial computed tomography. The statistical comparison of the neurological deficit and the non-neurological deficit was carried out using nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney test). The correlation of these scores and narrowing of the spinal canal to the neurological status was determined using a Spearman correlation test. RESULT: Higher ISS (21 vs. 11), NISS (30 vs. 15), Injury Severity Score with modification (ISSM) (13 vs. 11), New Injury Severity Score with modification (NISSM) (21 vs. 15), and canal compromise (48 vs. 25) were found in patients with neurological deficit, which evidently yielded statistical differences between the patients with neurological deficit and those without (P<0.01), and they also had a positive correlation with the American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) score (r>0.5, P<0.001). Moreover, there was also a positive correlation (r=0.375, P<0.05) between ISSM and ASIA scores, although it seemed weak. The correlations between the NISS, NISSM, and neurological deficit (respectively r=0.868, P<0.001; r=0.676, P<0.001) were stronger than with the narrowing of the spinal canal (r=0.560, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NISS have a closer correlation with neurological deficit in thoracolumbar burst fractures; thus, we can put forward a hypothesis that perhaps NISS is able to reflect the dynamic fracture process.

[COMPARISON OF SHORT SEGMENTAL FIXATION WITH AND WITHOUT FUSION IN TREATMENT OF THORACOLUMBAR BURST FRACTURE BY POSTERIOR APPROACH].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of short segmental pedicle screw fixation with and without fusion in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 57 patients with single segment thoracolumbar burst fractures, who accorded with the inclusion criteria between February 2012 and February 2014. The patients underwent posterior short segmental pedicle screw fixation with fusion in 27 cases (fusion group) and without fusion in 30 cases (non-fusion group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time between injury and admission, fracture segment and classification, and neurologic function America Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification between 2 groups, which had the comparability (P>0.05). The operative time, blood loss, and hospitalization days were compared between 2 groups. The height of the injured vertebra, the kyphotic angle, and the range of motion (ROM) were measured on the X-ray film. The functional outcomes were evaluated by using the Greenough low-back outcome score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for back pain. The neurologic functional recovery was assessed by ASIA grade. RESULTS: The operative time was significantly shortened and the blood loss was significantly reduced in the non-fusion group when compared with the fusion group (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found in hospitalization days between 2 groups (P>0.05). The patients were followed up for 2.0-3.5 years (mean, 3.17 years) in the fusion group and for 2-4 years (mean, 3.23 years) in the non-fusion group. X-ray films showed that 2 cases failed bone graft fusion, the fusion time was 12-17 weeks (mean, 15.6 weeks) in the other 25 cases. Complication occurred in 2 cases of the fusion group (1 case of incision deep infection and 1 case of hematoma at iliac bone donor site) and in 1 case of the non-fusion group (fat liquefaction); primary healing of incision was obtained in the others. The Cobb angle, the height of injured vertebrae showed no significant difference between 2 groups at pre-operation, immediate after operation, and last follow-up (P>0.05). The ROM of injured vertebrae showed no significant difference between 2 groups at 1 year after operation (before implants were removed) (P>0.05). The implants were removed at 1 year after operation in all cases of the non-fusion group, and in 11 cases of the fusion group. At last follow-up, the ROM of injured vertebrae in the non-fusion group was significantly higher than that in the fusion group (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found in Greenough low-back outcome score, VAS score, and ASIA grade between 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fusion is not necessary when thoracolumbar burst fracture is treated by posterior short segmental pedicle screw fixation, which can preserve regional segmental motion, shorten the operative time, decrease blood loss, and eliminate bone graft donor site complications.

[Advancement of cytoskeleton and axon outgrowth of neuron].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the advancement of cytoskeleton and axon outgrowth of neuron. METHODS: The recent literature concerning cytoskeleton and axon outgrowth of neuron was reviewed and summarized. RESULTS: The actin filaments and microtubules in neuron were highly polarized and dynamic structures confined to the tips of axons and the reciprocal interactions between these two major cytoskeletal polymers was also dynamic. Attractive or a repulsive cue whose final common path of action was the growth cone cytoskeleton mediated the growth of axons of neuron by intracellular signaling cascades. Regulating the actin filament and microtubule dynamics as well as their interactions in growth cones played a key role in neurite outgrowth and axon guidance. Rho-GTPases and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta), the two major intracellular signaling pathways had emerged in recent years as candidates for regulating the dynamics of actin filaments and microtubules. CONCLUSION: The axon outgrowth and guidance depend on well-coordinated cytoskeletal and reciprocal interaction dynamics which also mediate axon regeneration after spinal cord injury. Regulating activity of Rho-GTPases and GSK-3beta simultaneously may acts as key role to regulate the dynamics of cytoskeletal and to determine axon outgrowth.

[Modified Galveston technology for lumbosacral tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of modified Galveston technology in the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis. METHODS: From January 2001 to May 2008, 19 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis were treated, including 13 males and 6 females aged 21-58 years old (average 38 years old). The course of disease was 8-22 months. The tuberculosis was at the L4-S1 level in 3 cases, the L5, S1 level in 10 cases, the L5-S2 level in 5 cases, and the S1, 2 level in 1 case. Seven cases were complicated with neural symptom of the lower limbs, 3 cases of them were grade C and 4 cases were grade D according to the Frankel scale of nerve function. The preoperative JOA score of lower back pain was 5-22 (average 19). Six cases were complicated with iliac abscess, 3 cases with psoas abscess, 3 cases with sacroiliac joint tuberculosis, and 2 cases with pulmonary tuberculosis. For 12 patients, the operation of modified Galveston internal fixation via the posterior approach, focus debridement via vertebral canal, and interbody fusion with autogenous iliac bone fragment grafting was performed; for 7 cases, the operation of modified Galveston internal fixation via the posterior approach, vertebral lamina fusion with autogenous iliac bone fragment grafting, and anterior focus debridement was performed. RESULTS: The incision of 18 cases was healed by first intention, and 1 case had sinus 3 weeks after operation and healed 3 months after operation. Nineteen patients were followed up for 12-82 months (average 21 months). There was no recurrence of the local tuberculosis, and the common toxic symptom of tuberculosis disappeared 6-12 months after operation. All the patients achieved bony fusion 4-6 months postoperatively, and 3 patients with sacroiliac joint tuberculosis achieved sacroiliac joint fusion. For those 7 patients with combinations of the neural symptom of the lower limbs, the symptoms disappeared and their Frankel scales were improved to grade E. The JOA score of low back pain at the final follow-up was 22-29 (average 26). There was a significant difference between preoperation and postoperation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The modified Galveston technology is helpful to reconstruct the stability of lumbosacral vertebrae, improve bony fusion rate, reduce the postoperative in-bed time.

[Combined anterior and posterior surgeries for lumbarsacral junction tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the advantage and indication of combined anterior and posterior surgeries for lumbarsacral junction tuberculosis. METHODS: Eleven cases of the lumbarsacral junction tuberculosis were treated with combined anterior (radical debridement and autograft) and posterior (instrumentation and fusion) surgeries in one stage between January 2002 and December 2006. There were 9 males and 2 females with the age of 20-56 years old. The course of disease was 4 to 15 months, 6 months on average. The lessons were located at L5, S1 in 7 patients, at L4,5, S1 in 2 patients and at L5, S2 in 2 patients. The involved vertebral bodies were at 2 segments in 7 patients; and 3 segments in 5 patients. The preoperative kyphosis was 5 to 8 degrees with an average 9 degrees. The sinus was associated in 3 patients, 3 patients had radiculopathy; 4 had paeumonophthisis and 9 had abscess. RESULTS: The followed-up period was from 6 months to 3 years, 18 months on average. According to Chen score, among the 11 cases, there were excellent in 9, good in 2. All incisions were healed up primarily. After operation, spinal fusion was achieved in 10 cases within 5 months to 7 months, 6 months on average, and pseudoarthrosis in 1 case was found by the CT examination. The postoperative kyphosis was 0 to 4 degrees with the mean of 2 degrees and the radiculopathy in 3 cases all got nerve function recovery. CONCLUSION: Lumbarsacral junction tuberculosis treated with this surgical technique can achieve a high satisfactory rate with restoring the spinal stability, arresting the disease early, providing early fusion, correcting the kyphosis and preventing progression of kyphosis particularly if lumbosacral spine tuberculosis is associated with sinus or preoperative diagnosis cannot exclude suppurative spondylitis.