Dexamethasone Suppresses Radicular Pain Through Targeting the L-PGDS/PI3K/Akt Pathway in Rats With Lumbar Disc Herniation.

PURPOSE: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a frequently occurring disease with unknown etiology, which makes treatment a challenge. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of dexamethasone on LDH and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. GENERAL METHODS: An LDH rat model was established by nucleus pulposus implantation. The activity of the lipocalin type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) axis was evaluated by Western blotting. Paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency were assessed by the Von Frey hairs method and the thermal dolorimeter of Hargreaves, respectively. The 21-point Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale was used to assess the locomotor function of rats. Pathological changes in the affected region were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Immunofluorescence was used to measure the expression of microtubule-associated protein (MAP-2). FINDINGS: Lumbar disc herniation markedly increased thermo-mechanical allodynia and induced dorsal root ganglion (DRG) degeneration by inactivating the L-PGS/PI3K/Akt pathway. Dexamethasone restored the L-PGDS/PI3K/Akt pathway and relieved LDH-induced thermo-mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, overexpression and knockdown of L-PGDS respectively attenuated and worsened LDH-triggered thermo-mechanical allodynia and tissue degeneration by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Pretreatment with dexamethasone partially abrogated the effect of L-PGDS knockdown through PI3K/Akt activation. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone relieves LDH-mediated radicular pain by exerting anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the suppression of L-PGDS induced by LDH. Meanwhile, the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway was decreased, possibly due to the attenuated inflammation induced by dexamethasone. Our results revealed the underlying mechanism of dexamethasone, which might be helpful in reducing the side effects of dexamethasone and provide more focused therapy in LDH.

Appropriate insertion point for percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the lumbar spine using c-arm fluoroscopy: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: We studied the characteristics and regularity of appropriate insertion points for percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the lumbar spine using C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy. The purpose of this study was to improve the accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screw placement and reduce the incidence of superior-level facet joint violation. METHODS: Six normal spinal specimens were included. Three different methods for placing percutaneous pedicle screws in the lumbar spine were applied, including the Roy-Camille method, Magerl method and Weinstein method. The relationships among the insertion point, pedicle projection and proximal facet joint on C-arm X-ray films were studied. The projection morphology of the vertebral pedicle in different segments of the lumbar spine was observed. The relationship between the outer edge of the pedicle projection and the outer edge of the cranial articular process was also studied. The distance between the insertion point and the facet joint (M1), the distance between the insertion point and outer edge of the cranial articular process (M2), and the distance between the insertion point and the projection center of the pedicle (M) were measured. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the projection shape of the vertebral pedicle differed across segments of the lumbar spine: the shape for L1-L3 was oval, and that for L4-L5 was round. The radiographic study showed that the outer edge of the cranial articular process was located on the lateral side of the outer edge of the pedicle projection and did not overlap with the pedicle projection. M for the Weinstein group was larger than that for the Roy-Camille group (P <  0.05). M1 for the Weinstein group was larger than that for the Roy-Camille and Magerl groups (P <  0.05). M2 for the Roy-Camille group was negative, M2 for the Magerl group was 0, and M2 for the Weinstein group was positive. CONCLUSION: Under C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy, we were able to accurately identify the characteristics and regularity of the appropriate insertion point for percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the lumbar spine, which was important for improving the accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screw placement and reducing the incidence of superior-level facet joint violation.

Randomised controlled trial of a comprehensive protocol for preventing constipation following total hip arthroplasty.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a comprehensive protocol for constipation prevention. BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common problem for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet sparse evidence is available to guide constipation prevention after THA. DESIGN: Randomised controlled superiority clinical trial. METHODS: This randomised controlled study was carried out according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). A total of 80 THA patients were randomised to receive only preoperative education about lifestyle or the combination of education with postoperative abdominal massage and polyethylene glycol 4,000 (Forlax®). Efficacy outcomes included rates of postoperative constipation and enema rescue, as well as time to first postoperative defecation and readmission within 30 days. Safety outcomes were number and type of adverse events. RESULTS: Patients who received combination treatment showed a significantly lower rate of postoperative constipation during hospitalisation than patients who received only preoperative education (25% versus 55%), and they showed a significantly lower rate of enema rescue (12.5% versus 40%). Many more patients receiving combination treatment experienced their first defecation within two postoperative days than patients who received only preoperative education (62.5% versus 35.9%). In contrast, the two groups were similar in terms of constipation rate on postoperative days 15 and 30, rate of readmission within 30 days and rate of postoperative adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that our comprehensive protocol can relieve constipation after THA, reduce the need for enema rescue and shorten time to first defecation without sacrificing safety. More work is needed to optimise and develop this protocol further. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Constipation is a distressing problem that frequently occurs after THA. This study confirmed that a comprehensive protocol including preoperative education, postoperative abdominal massage and polyethylene glycol 4,000 can effectively relieve constipation after THA without sacrificing safety.

Causality between Ankylosing Spondylitis and osteoarthritis in European ancestry: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Objective: To explore the bidirectional causal relationship between Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Osteoarthritis (OA) at the genetic level within the European ancestry. Methods: We implemented a series of quality control steps to select instrumental variables (IVs) related to the exposure. We conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) using the inverse-variance weighted method as the primary approach. We adjusted significance levels using Bonferroni correction, assessed heterogeneity using Cochrane's Q test. Sensitivity analysis was conducted through leave-one-out method. Additionally, external datasets and relaxed IV selection criteria were employed, and multivariate MR analyses were performed for validation purposes. Finally, Bayesian colocalization (COLOC) analysis identified common genes, validating the MR results. Results: The investigation focused on the correlation between OA and AS in knee, hip, and hand joints. MR results revealed that individuals with AS exhibit a decreased risk of knee OA (OR = 0.9882, 95% CI: 0.9804-0.9962) but no significant increase in the risk of hip OA (OR = 0.9901, 95% CI: 0.9786-1.0018). Conversely, AS emerged as a risk factor for hand OA (OR = 1.0026, 95% CI: 1.0015-1.0036). In reverse-direction MR analysis, OA did not significantly influence the occurrence of AS. Importantly, minimal heterogeneity was observed in our MR analysis results (p > 0.05), and the robustness of these findings was confirmed through sensitivity analysis and multivariate MR analysis. COLOC analysis identified four colocalized variants for AS and hand OA (rs74707996, rs75240935, rs181468789, and rs748670681). Conclusion: In European population, individuals with AS have a relatively lower risk of knee OA, whereas AS serves as a risk factor for hand OA. However, no significant causal relationship was found between AS and hip OA. Additionally, it offers novel insights into genetic research on AS and OA.

Inhibition of TERC inhibits neural apoptosis and inflammation in spinal cord injury through Akt activation and p-38 inhibition via the miR-34a-5p/XBP-1 axis.

This study investigated the function of telomerase RNA component (TERC) in spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI models were established in rats via laminectomy and PC-12 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TERC and miR-34a-5p expressions in cells and rat spinal cords were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, followed by overexpression/knockdown of TERC/miR-34a-5p. Spinal cord histopathological changes were examined via hematoxylin-eosin staining. miR-34a-5p' relation with TERC and XBP-1 was predicted by TargetScan and checked by dual-luciferase reporter/RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Cell biological behaviors were assessed by Cell counting kit-8, wound healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays. XBP-1 and inflammation/apoptosis-related protein expressions were analyzed by western blot. TERC was upregulated and miR-34a-5p was low-expressed in SCI tissues and LPS-induced PC-12 cells. TERC-knockdown alleviated histopathological abnormalities yet upregulated miR-34a-5p in SCI tissues. In LPS-induced PC-12 cells, TERC knockdown promoted cell viability, migration, invasion, and inhibited apoptosis, while TERC overexpression ran oppositely. TERC knockdown downregulated the XBP-1, IL-6, TNF-α, Bax, p-p38/t-p38, and cleaved caspase-9/-3, but upregulated Bcl-2 and p-Akt/t-Akt. TERC targeted miR-34a-5p, which further targeted XBP-1. miR-34a-5p downregulation exerted effects opposite to and offset TERC knockdown-induced effects. TERC knockdown facilitated the regeneration of neuron tissues yet inhibited inflammation in SCI through Akt activation and p-38 inhibition via the miR-34a-5p/XBP-1 axis.

Bibliometric analysis of publication trends and topics of influenza-related encephalopathy from 2000 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Influenza-related encephalopathy is a rapidly progressive encephalopathy that usually presents during the early phase of influenza infection and primarily manifests as central nervous system dysfunction. This study aimed to analyze the current research status and hotspots of influenza-related encephalopathy since 2000 through bibliometrics analysis. METHODS: The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was used to extract global papers on influenza-related encephalopathy from 2000 to 2022. Meanwhile, the VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used for data processing and result visualization. RESULTS: A total of 561 published articles were included in the study. Japan was the country that published the most articles, with 205 articles, followed by the United States and China. Okayama University and Tokyo Medical University published the most articles, followed by Nagoya University, Tokyo University, and Juntendo University. Based on the analysis of keywords, four clusters with different research directions were identified: "Prevalence of H1N1 virus and the occurrence of neurological complications in different age groups," "mechanism of brain and central nervous system response after influenza virus infection," "various acute encephalopathy" and "diagnostic indicators of influenza-related encephalopathy." CONCLUSIONS: The research progress, hotspots, and frontiers on influenza-related encephalopathy after 2000 were described through the visualization of bibliometrics. The findings will lay the groundwork for future studies and provide a reference for influenza-related encephalopathy. Research on influenza-related encephalopathy is basically at a stable stage, and the number of research results is related to outbreaks of the influenza virus.

Occult Fracture of the Fibula: One Case Report.

Occult fibula fracture in adults is a fairly rare disease. It is easy to overlook or misdiagnose, resulting in delayed treatment and serious sequelae, as well as medical conflicts. We describe a case of concealed distal fibula fracture. The radiograph revealed no visible abnormalities at first. Finally, the occult fibula fracture was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and the patient received timely, correct, and reasonable treatment after diagnosis. This case raises our awareness of occult fibula fractures that are easily missed, and it deserves to be shared.

Analysis of strategy and efficacy clinical treatments of Kümmell disease: a cohort study.

Background: Most clinical reports on the surgical treatment of kümmell disease lack consistency between classification and treatment protocol. In this study, we investigate the most appropriate and effective clinical treatment strategies according to the characteristics of different types of Kümmell disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 48 patients with Kümmell disease treated in Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China for which complete follow-up data were available. All cases were classified into six types: type I, vertebral body height loss less than 20% and no intervertebral disc degeneration from adjacent segments; type II, vertebral body height loss more than 20% and accompanied by degeneration or mild instability of intervertebral discs at adjacent segments; type III, posterior vertebral cortical rupture and dural sac compression, and some accompanied by spinal cord nerve injury. Type III includes type IIIA (recoverable stable type), type IIIB (recoverable unstable type), type IIIC (spinal stenosis type), and type IIID (kyphosis type). Methods of surgery: patients of types I, II, and IIIA were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), type IIIB were treated with posterior fixation and fusion, type IIIC were treated with posterior decompression and fixation fusion, and type IIID were treated with posterior osteotomy, orthopedic fixation, and fusion. All patients were followed up for 10-44 months (mean, 20.5±4.5 months). The preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Owestry disability index (ODI) scores, secondary height loss and kyphosis, and neurological improvement were followed up and statistically analyzed. Results: The VAS and ODI scores of all cases were improved compared with those pre-surgery (P<0.05). A total of 8 cases showed loss of vertebral height or secondary kyphosis. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grades of patients with neural impairment were all improved at the last follow-up. Conclusions: According to the characteristics of different types of Kümmell disease, appropriate clinical treatment strategies can achieve satisfactory curative effects and reduce the occurrence of complications. This study is only a retrospective study, lacks a control group, and the sample size is small. Therefore, it has limitations and does not provide guidance.

Acute external iliac artery thrombosis following pelvic fractures: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Pelvic fractures associated with acute external iliac artery thrombosis is less common, it is easily ignored in clinical practice, and it can result in limb amputation and hemipelvectomy due to prolonged limb ischemia. We present 2 patients with acute external iliac artery thrombosis following pelvic fractures. PATIENT CONCERNS: Case 1 is a 49-year-old male with occlusion of the right external iliac artery and pelvic fractures. Case 2 is a 52-year-old male with left external iliac artery occlusion and bilateral internal iliac artery rupture following pelvic fractures. DIAGNOSES: Case 1 was diagnosed with computed tomography angiography. Case 2 was diagnosed with ultrasound examination and computed tomography angiography. INTERVENTIONS: Case 1 was performed an open incision to remove thrombus of the right external iliac artery, the right iliac-femoral artery artificial bypass was adopted to restore the blood flow. Case 2 underwent segmental resection of the damaged artery and artificial vascular implantation of left external iliac artery, and angiographic embolization of bilateral internal iliac artery. However, a left hip disarticulation was performed due to osteofascial compartment syndrome at last. OUTCOMES: Case 1 was cured and discharged smoothly. Case 2 survived but left with a disability after disarticulation. LESSONS: Acute external iliac artery thrombosis after pelvic fractures is rare and limb-threatening, life-threatening. It is very important to detect and treat this potential complication timely when a patient with a pelvic fracture.

[Clinical observation of gelfoam in preventing cement leakage via the anterior vertebral wall in Kümmell's patients treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of gelfoam granules application in prevention of cement leakage via anterior vertebral wall in Kümmell's patients treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). METHODS: From June 2017 to December 2019, 13 patients with Kümmell disease were treated with PKP, and gelatin sponge was inserted into the anterior wall of vertebral body to prevent bone cement leakage. There were 3 males and 10 females, with an average age of (73.84±8.44) years. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record the degree of pain before treatment and 1 day and 3 months after treatment; Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to evaluate the thoracolumbar function before treatment and 3 monthsafter treatment;X-ray was used to observe the bone cement leakage after operation. RESULTS: The VAS scores were 7.31±0.83, 2.92±1.13 and 1.69±1.11 before treatment and 1 day and 3 months after treatment, respectively. The VAS scores on the 1st day and 3 months after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the postoperative pain was significantly relieved. The ODI before treatment and 3 months after treatment were (71.08±9.46)%, (17.85±7.82)%, respectively. The ODI at 3 months after treatment was improved compared with that before treatment (P<0.05), and the postoperative thoracolumbar function was significantly improved compared with that before treatment. Postoperative X-ray showed no leakage of bone cement in the anterior wall of vertebral body. CONCLUSION: The application of gelfoam granules in PKP can effectively prevent the leakage of bone cement via the anterior vertebral wall of Kümmell patients, and reduce the risk of thermal and mechanical injury of soft tissues such as the aorta in front of the vertebral body, and does not affect the postoperative pain relief and the recovery of thoracolumbar function.

Application of Intelligent Computer-Assisted Taylor 3D External Fixation in the Treatment of Tibiofibular Fracture: Retrospective Case Study.

BACKGROUND: With the development of modern society, severe and complex tibial fractures caused by high-energy injuries such as traffic accidents have gradually increased. At present, the commonly used methods for the treatment of tibial fractures include plate fixation, intramedullary nail fixation, and external fixation. Most of these fractures are open wounds with severe soft tissue injury and wound contamination, and some involve bone defects, which makes internal fixation treatment difficult. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the use of intelligent computer-assisted Taylor 3D external fixation for the treatment of tibiofibular fractures. METHODS: In total, 70 patients were included and divided into the Taylor 3D external fixation (TSF) group (28 patients with severe tibial fractures treated with TSF) and the internal fixation group (42 patients with complicated tibiofibular fractures treated by internal fixation). After the treatment, the follow-up evaluation of TSF for the treatment of tibiofibular fractures noted the incidence of complications, as well as the efficacy and occurrence of internal fixation for the treatment of tibial fractures in our hospital. RESULTS: The results showed that TSF was superior to orthopedics in the treatment of tibiofibular fractures in terms of efficacy and complications. CONCLUSIONS: TSF for the treatment of tibiofibular fractures is more effective than internal fixation and the incidence of complications is low. This is a new technology for the treatment of tibiofibular fractures that is worthy of clinical promotion.

Feasibility of anterior pedicle screw fixation in lumbosacral spine: a radiographic and cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The anterior pedicle screw (APS) technique for L5 and S1 is crucial for proper anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). This study aimed to determine the projection, screw trajectory angle, and bone screw passageway length (BSPL), as well as the screw insertion regularity and the operating area within which it is safe to perform insertion. METHODS: Forty patients with low back pain, all of whom had lumbar computed tomography scans available, was included in this retrospective analysis. Radiographic parameters were measured, including: the distances from the projection to the upper endplate, lower endplate, and midline; the transverse and sagittal screw angles; and the BSPL. In addition, 10 fresh adult cadaveric lumbosacral spine segments were selected to determine the safe anatomic area in which to operate. Finally, APSs were inserted in L5 and S1 to determine the regularity of APS insertion. RESULTS: We measured the anterior projection parameters, including: the distances to the upper endplate (L5: 12.5±1.3 mm; S1: 4.54±0.87 mm), lower endplate (L5: 17.3±1.6 mm), and midline (L5: 6.6±0.7 mm; S1: 6.6±0.6 mm); the screw trajectory angle, including the transverse screw angle (L5: 25.3±2.8°; S1: 25.7±2.6°), sagittal screw angle (L5: 17.1±1.7°; S1: 22.4±1.1°); and the BSPL (L5: 48.6±3.5 mm; S1: 48.0±3.5 mm). The regularity of APS insertion in L5 and S1 was determined. Upon the needle reaching a point in the lateral view, it reached the corresponding point in the anteroposterior (AP) view. The anatomic parameters of the safe operating area were as follows: the distance from the abdominal aortic bifurcation to the L5 lower edge (40.50±9.40 mm); the distance from the common iliac vein confluence to the L5 lower edge (27.80±8.60 mm); and the horizontal distance from the inner edge of the common iliac vein to the L5 lower edge (37.50±1.30 mm). We also determined the distance between S1 holes (29.30±1.30 mm), the L5/S1 intervertebral height (17.20±1.50 mm), and the safe operating area (2,058.20±84.30 mm2). CONCLUSIONS: This study has determined the projection, screw trajectory angle, and BSPL of APSs in L5 and S1, their insertion regularity, and the area in which the operation can be safely performed.

[Closed folding apex manipulation combined with splinting for the treatment of double fractures of distal ulna and radius in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate specific technique and clinical effects of closed folding top consolidation maneuver combined with splint fixation maneuver for consolidation and cedar bark external fixation splint for the treatment of double fractures of distal ulna and radius in children. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2019, 17 children with double fractures of distal ulna and radius were treated with closed folded apex consolidation maneuver, including 13 males and 4 females, aged from 4 to 11 years old with an average of (7.29±2.34) years old. The fractures were fixed with cedar bark splint and followed up for 6 months, and alignment of fracture was evaluated according to the latest X-rays by follow up, and function of the affected limbs was evaluated by Anderson forearm function evaluation criteria. RESULTS: Fifteen of 17 children were successfully reset immediately, and 2 children were successfully reset again. The average fixed time was (25.00±3.35) days. At 6 months of follow up, 12 patients got excellent results, 3 good, 2 fair, and 0 poor according to Anderson forearm function evaluation criteria. The position of all children were larger than 3/4, and 10 children were received anatomical reduction, alignment of 4 children was less than 10°, 3 children was less than 15°. No complications such as fracture displacement, nonunion, compartment syndrome, and forearm rotation dysfunction occurred. CONCLUSION: Restoration of distal radius double fracture in children with the combination of the closed folding and top fixation maneuver and splint fixation maneuver has advantages of higher success rate, lower complications, which could reduce operating difficultyand pain of patients.

Combined Pharmacotherapy with Alendronate and Desferoxamine Regulate the Bone Resorption and Bone Regeneration for Preventing Glucocorticoids-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a challenge for surgeons and is still without effective treatment method. This study is aimed at evaluating the combined pharmacotherapy with alendronate and desferoxamine for preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GIOFH) and evaluating the efficacy of the combined medicine in regulating the bone resorption and bone regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six rats were randomly assigned to three groups: group A received alendronate and desferoxamine (n = 12), group B received alendronate only (n = 12), and group C acted as the control group received placebo (n = 12). All rats induced the GIOFH using methylprednisolone combined with lipopolysaccharide. Eight weeks later, all rats were killed and their tissues were subjected to radiographic and histological analyses. RESULTS: According to the results, alendronate administration improved the trabecular thickness and separation in micro-CT analysis but had no significant evidence in increasing the bone area and decreasing the ratio of osteocyte lacunae in histological analysis when compared with the control group. Meanwhile, the alendronate group had more OCs, but less OCN and VEGF levels along with decreased p-AKT, HIF-1α, RANKL, and NFATc1 expressions than the control group. For comparison, alendronate combined with DFO further improved the bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular separation, and trabecular thickness with lower ratio of osteocyte lacunae and OC number, higher expression of OCN and VEGF and upregulated signal factors of HIF-1α and ß-catenin, and decreased RANKL and NFATc1. CONCLUSION: Combined pharmacotherapy with alendronate and desferoxamine provide significant effects in regulating the bone resorption and bone regeneration for preventing GIOFN.

Multimodal Nutritional Management in Primary Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect and safety of a new multimodal nutritional management (MNM) protocol for patients receiving primary lumbar spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Poor nutritional status is common in the perioperative period in primary lumbar spine surgery, and may impede recovery after surgery. METHODS: A total of 187 patients were included in this prospective randomized controlled trial. They were randomly assigned to the MNM group or the control group. Albumin (ALB) infusion, postoperative ALB level, electrolyte disorders, postoperative electrolyte levels, transfusion rate, postoperative hemoglobin level, length of stay (LOS), and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the rate and the total amount of ALB infusion were lower in the MNM group, and the postoperative level of ALB in the MNM group was higher on the first postoperative day, and the third postoperative day. The incidence of hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia were lower in the MNM group. In the MNM group, the postoperative levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium were higher than the control group. The transfusion rate was similar between the two groups. The hemoglobin level was similar between the two groups on first postoperative day, but was higher in the MNM group on third postoperative day. LOS in the MNM group was shorter than in the control group. The incidence of wound drainage was lower in the MNM group. No statistical differences were observed regarding surgical complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The MNM protocol effectively reduced ALB infusion, the incidence of electrolyte disorders, and wound drainage, increased the postoperative levels of ALB, sodium, potassium, and calcium, and reduced the LOS without increasing the rate of postoperative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

[Analysis of correlative factors of spinal cord posterior displacement after single door laminoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the open angle (OA), cervical curvature angle (CA), preoperative spinal cord compression rate(PSCR), postoperative spinal cord shift (PSCS) in patients with chronic compressive cervical myelopathy undergoing C3-7 single open laminoplasty, and to explore the possible mechanism and influencing factors of postoperative average spinal cord drift, so as to provide objective basis for predicting PSCS. METHODS: From May 2012 to July 2016, 32 patients with multi-segmental chronic compressive cervical myelopathy who underwent single-door laminoplasty in our department were analyzed retrospectively, including 14 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 8 cases of developmental cervical spinal stenosis with cervical myelopathy, and 10 cases of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament. The OA of cervical spine was measured on CT, the CA was measured on X-ray, the PSCR and PSCS were measured on MRI. The patients were divided into two groups according to PSCS(group A>=2.5 mm, group B<2.5 mm). In the group A, there were 11 males and 6 females, with an average age of (56.58±9.80) years old, a mean course of the disease of (23.52±7.86) months; while in group B, there were 6 males and 9 females, with an average age of (58.46±12.53) years old, a mean course of disease of (21.13±7.75) months. The correlation analysis between PSCS and OA, CA and PSCR was performed, and multiple linear analysis of correlated parameters was carried out. RESULTS: The OA in group A was (40.47±9.45) °, in group B was (27.84±5.67) °. The OA in group A was higher than that in group B (P<0.01), and OA was moderately correlated with PSCS (r=0.794, P=0.000). The CA was(11.56± 4.99) ° in group A and(6.64±3.28) ° in group B . The CA in group A was higher than that in group B (P<0.01), and CA was moderately correlated with PSCS (r=0.632, P=0.000). The PSCR was (27.70±2.92) % in group A , was (24.59±2.80) % in group B . The PSCR in group A was higher than that in group B(P<0.01), PSCR was moderately correlated with PSCS(r=0.667, P=0.000). The CA dependent variable was kicked out(P>0.1), and the partial regression coefficients of OA and PSCR were 0.113 and 0.059 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PSCS is the result of OA, CA and PSCR, among which PSCR has the most important influence, OA is the second, CA is the least. PSCS can be predicted by 0.059×OA+0.113×PSCR-2.266 equation, which provides a theoretical basis for preoperative evaluation of spinal cord decompression after surgery.

[Analysis of influencing factors the postoperative axial symptoms of cervical single open-door laminoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influencing factors and possible mechanism of axial symptoms(AS) after C3-C7 single open-door laminoplasty in patients with chronic compression cervical myelopathy. METHODS: The clinical data of 32 patients with multi-segment chronic compression cervical cord disease treated by C3-C7 single open-door laminectomy from May 2012 to July 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Including cervical spondylotic myelopathy of 14 cases, developmental cervical stenosis complicated with cervical myelopathy of 8 cases, ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL) of 10 cases. There were 17 males and 15 females, aged from 47 to 82 years old with an average of 57.46 year, the course of disease was 5 to 35 months with an average of 22.4 months. The opening angle(OA), cervical curvature angle(CA), preoperative spinal cord compression rate(PSCR) and postoperative spinal cord shift (PSCS) were recorded. After 2 weeks of surgery, determining whether occurred an AS condition according to the AS assessment criteria, the patients were divided into a axial symptom group and a non-axial symptom group, the general data and imaging parameters of the two groups were compared and the factors that may be postoperative AS were analyzed by binary Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: At 2 weeks after operation, 13 patients occurred AS. There was no significant difference in gender, age and course of disease between axial symptom group and a non-axial symptom group (P>0.05). In axial symptom group, OA was(36.76±9.35)°, CA was(11.53±4.36)°, PSCR was(27.83±1.72)%, PSCS was (3.17±0.81) mm, while in non-axial symptom group, above items were (33.03±10.52)°, (7.71±4.73)°, (25.16±3.59)%, (2.43±0.95) mm, respectively, there was significant difference in CA, PSCR, PSCS between two groups(P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in OA between two groups(P>0.05). The results of the binary Logistic regression analysis of 3 parameters(OA, PSCR, PSCS) and AS showed OA and PSCR were eliminated in dependent variables, and the partial regression coefficient of PSCR was 0.311, and P=0.031. CONCLUSIONS: CA, PSCR, and PSCS are related influencing factors of AS, and PSCS is a high risk factor for AS. C4,5 nerve traction caused by posterior spinal movement, postoperative dural self-expansion causes greater traction of the spinal cord, excessive deformation of the cervical spinal cord causes autonomic nerve damage or necrosis that dominates blood vessels may be the pathogenesis of AS, but this is only a theoretical inference, and further improved experiment is necessary to verify it in the future.

A case-control study on the treatment of protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc through PELD and MED.

We compared the clinical effects between the percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) and microendoscopic discectomy (MED) treatments for protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 60 patients who were diagnosed with single-segment protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc during the period from January 2009 to June 2016. Patients were divided into two groups, the PELD and MED groups, which contained 30 cases each. We evaluated the operation results according to oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) and the improved MacNab standard. The average follow-up visit period after the operation was 18 months and the operation time of the two groups was not statistically different. The cadaverine quantity of bleeding in the PELD group is less than that in the MED group. Moreover, the average length of incision and the length of stay were shortened for the PELD group compared to the MED group. The ODI and VAS after operation for the two groups improved significantly compared to that before operation (P<0.05). The qualified rates of the PELD and MED groups were 93.0 and 90.0%, respectively, as of the improved MacNab method. The complication occurrence rates for the two groups during perioperative period were not different. Therefore, the short-term efficacy of the two minimally invasive operation methods (PELD and MED) on the treatment of protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc is satisfactory. In cases where operation indications are chosen strictly, PELD can be regarded as a method of safety and efficiency due to the advantages of minimal incision, less bleeding, minimal trauma and faster postoperative recovery.

The efficacy and safety of using a bipolar sealer to prevent blood loss in spine surgery: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs was to evaluate the effect of using a bipolar sealer to prevent surgical bleeding in spine surgery. METHODS: In June 2017, the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane controlled trials register, Web of Science, Google, and Chinese Wanfang databases were used to identify RCTs and non-RCTs comparing the effects of intraoperative placement of a bipolar sealer versus standard electrocautery with regard to blood loss and blood transfusion. Stata 12.0 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Weighted mean differences with 95% confidential intervals (CIs) were used for continuous outcomes, and relative risks with 95% CIs were used for discontinuous outcomes. After testing for publication bias and heterogeneity across studies, the data were aggregated and assessed with a random effects model when necessary. RESULTS: In total, 6 clinical trials with 560 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that the use of a bipolar sealer decreased the estimated blood loss (MD = -165.06, 95% CI -236.73 to -93.40, P < 0.001), the need for a blood transfusion (RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.68, P < 0.001), the transfusion units used (MD = -0.41, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.21, P < 0.001), the operative time (MD = -12.98, 95% CI -21.82 to -4.15, P = 0.004) and the length of hospital stay (MD = -2.77, 95% CI -5.45 to -0.10, P = 0.042). No significant difference was observed for the occurrence of infection (RR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.39, P = 0.192). CONCLUSION: Based on the current meta-analysis, the use of a bipolar sealer is superior to standard electrocautery for reducing intraoperative blood loss and is therefore recommend for use during spine surgery.

Application of different patella height indices in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: One complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is patella baja (PB). Patellar tendon shortening and joint line elevation are two main causes of PB. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of PB before and after TKA by measuring the patellar height and provide evidence for choosing a suitable index. METHODS: In total, 256 consecutive patients who underwent primary TKA were included in this study. Radiographic measurements were performed; the Insall-Salvati (IS) index, modified IS (MIS) index, Blackburne-Peel (BP) index, and Caton-Deschamps (CD) index were computed; and the incidence of PB was calculated before and after the operation. The consistency between the IS and MIS indices and between the BP and CD indices was analyzed. RESULTS: The preoperative incidence of true PB (TPB) and pseudo-PB (PPB) was 9.4 and 0.8%, respectively. The postoperative incidence of TPB and PPB was 10.2 and 9.0%, respectively. The consistency between the IS and MIS indices was moderate preoperatively (pre-kappa = 0.602) and postoperatively (post-kappa = 0.742). The consistency between the BP and CD indices was moderate preoperatively (pre-kappa = 0.742) and good postoperatively (post-kappa = 0.797). CONCLUSION: The incidence of PB, especially PPB, increased after TKA. The CD and BP indices are of greater importance for the diagnosis of PB after TKA. The MIS index is a better choice than the IS index to measure the length of the patellar tendon. To measure the height of the joint line, the BP index is better postoperatively and the CD index is better preoperatively.