Microscope-assisted minimally invasive anterior lumbar discectomy and zero-profile fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value and efficacy of microscope-assisted minimally invasive anterior lumbar discectomy and zero-profile fusion (ALDF) for lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods:Anterior lumbar distractors were designed to maintain the distraction of intervertebral space and expose the posterior edge of the intervertebral space. From June 2018 to December 2020, 41 cases of lumbar degenerative diseases were treated with this operation, including 19 men and 22 women, aged 29-71 years old (average 42.1 years old). All patients had intractable low back pain. Imaging examination showed lumbar disc degeneration with narrow intervertebral space, including disc herniation with Modic changes in 7 cases, spinal stenosis with instability in 16 cases and spondylolisthesis in 18 cases. The involved levels included L 2,3 in 1 case, L 3,4 in 3 cases, L 2-L 4 in 1 case, L 4,5 in 17 cases and L 5S 1 in 19 cases. An incision was taken that was pararectus for L 2-L 4 and transverse for L 4-S 1, with the intervertebral disc exposed via extraperitoneal approach. The intervertebral space was released and distracted after discectomy in intervertebral space, and self-made distractors were used to maintain the space. Under microscope, the herniation, posterior annulus and osteophyte were removed for sufficient decompression, with a suitable self-anchoring cage implanted into the intervertebral space. The visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), intervertebral space height, lordosis angle and spondylolisthesis rate were evaluated. Results:Operations were performed successfully in all the patients. The operation time was 70-120 min with an average of 90 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 15-70 ml with an average of 30 ml. No severe complication such as nerve or blood vessel injury occurred. The patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months, with an average of 18 months. At the last follow-up, VAS decreased from 6.4±2.3 to 1.1±0.9, and ODI decreased from 44.9%±16.9% to 5.8%±4.7%. Intervertebral space height recovered from 7.2±2.8 mm to 12.1±2.1 mm and lordosis angle recovered from 6.9°±4.8° to 10.1°±4.6°. X-ray showed significant recovery of intervertebral space height, lordosis angle and spondylolisthesis rate, with obvious interbody fusion and no displacement of cage. For 18 patients of spondylolisthesis, the slippage recovered from 16.6%±9.3% to 7.6%±5.3%, with an average improvement of 54.2%.Conclusion:Microscope-assisted minimally invasive ALDF can provide sufficient decompression and zero-profile fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases with satisfactory results during short-term follow-up.

Thoracic endoscopic-assisted anterior-lateral decompression and fusion for lumbar disc herniation associated with vertebral osteochondrosis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of thoracic endoscopic-assisted anterior-lateral decompression and fusion for thoracolumbar or upper lumbar disc herniation (LDH) associated with vertebral osteochondrosis (VO).Methods:From December 2017 to December 2019, 10 patients of thoracolumbar or upper LDH associated with VO were treated with thoracic endoscopic-assisted anterior-lateral decompression and fusion, including 6 men and 4 women, with an average 49.2 years old (range, 37 to 65 years old). The involved levels included T 12L 1 in 5 cases, L 1, 2 in 2 cases and L 2, 3 in 3 cases. There were 4 cases of simple thoracolumbar or upper LDH associated with VO and 6 cases of thoracolumbar or upper LDH associated with VO combined with ligamentum flavum hyperplasia and ossification or kyphosis (combined with posterior decompression and internal fixation or posterior correction surgery). The visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and anterior and posterior height of intervertebral space were evaluated at follow-up. The clinical effects were evaluated according to the modified MacNab criteria. Results:The operation was performed successfully in all the patients. During the operation, the herniated disc and ossification were clearly exposed and completely removed, with the sufficient decompression of spinal cord, nerve root and dural sac. The operation duration was 115.4±23.8 minutes (range, 70 to 180 mins). Intraoperative bleed loss was 122.6±21.3 ml (range, 40 to 310 ml). The patients were followed up for averagely 21.6 months (range, 12 to 36 months). At the final follow-up, VAS score decreased from preoperative 7.2±1.9 to 1.8±1.1, and ODI decreased from preoperative 64.3%±13.9% to 16.3%±5.1% ( P<0.05). The anterior height of intervertebral space recovered from preoperative 7.8±1.5 mm to 11.9±2.3 mm, and the posterior height of intervertebral space recovered from preoperative 4.5±1.1 mm to 7.4±1.6 mm ( P<0.05). According to modified MacNab criteria, the results were excellent in 9 cases and good in 1 case. Conclusion:For thoracolumbar or upper LDH associated with VO, thoracic endoscopic-assisted anterior-lateral decompression and fusion provided clear vision of the surgical field, fully exposed and completely removed the herniated disc and ossification, which achieved satisfactory short-term results.

Self-anchored anterior lumbar discectomy and fusion for L 5 isthmic spondylolisthesis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value and efficacy of self-anchored anterior lumbar discectomy and fusion (SA-ALDF) for L 5 isthmic spondylolisthesis. Methods:From June 2018 to December 2019, a total of 11 cases of L 5 isthmic spondylolisthesis were treated with SA-ALDF, including 4 men and 7 women, aged 43.2±12.6 (range 29-63) years. All patients had intractable low back pain aggravating during standing activities and alleviating during rest, without lower extremity radicular symptoms. Imaging examination showed bilateral isthmus cleft of L 5 with spondylolisthesis of 1 degree in 10 cases and 2 degree in 1 case according to Meyerding grading system. Under general anesthesia and supine French position, transverse 6 cm incision was made. Then, the L 5S 1 intervertebral disc was exposed via extraperitoneal approach between the bifurcation of abdominal aorta and vena cava. The intervertebral disc was sufficiently removed. The intervertebral space was released and distracted followed by canal ventral decompression and sequential mold testing. Suitable self-anchoring cage filled with auto iliac cancellous bone was implanted to restore intervertebral height and lordosis as well as reduction of spondylolisthesis. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the distal anchoring plate was knocked into the sacrum followed by direct reduction and proximal anchoring plate locking in the L 5 vertebral body. The patients were followed up for 12.1±4.7 (range 6-18) months. The visual analogue score (VAS) and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) were evaluated. The reduction and fusion were evaluated on the X-ray films. Furthermore, the rate of spondylolisthesis, the height and the lordosis of intervertebral space were measured. Results:The operation was performed successfully in all the patients with operation duration 90±18 (range 70-120) min, intraoperative blood loss 30±16 (range 10-60) ml. No severe complication such as nerve and blood vessel injury occurred. All patients experienced alleviation of symptom during follow-up. X-rays confirmed that the spondylolisthesis and alignment were recovered obviously without obvious cage displacement. However, the loss of reduction was 63.2% for the grade 2 spondylolisthesis. At the final follow-up, VAS decreased from 6.1±2.1 to 0.9±0.5, ODI decreased from 43.6%±14.2% to 6.0%±3.4%. The spondylolisthesis recovered from 17.7%±10.3% to 8.0%±7.2% with reduction rate of 54.8%±21.6%. The interverbral height recovered from 6.4±2.1 mm to 9.8±3.9 mm and intervertebral lordosis recovered from 4.8°±2.9° to 9.6°±4.7°.Conclusion:SA-ALDF can provide satisfactory outcomes for selected L 5 isthmic spondylolisthesis of degree 1 without neurological compromise. However, its mechanical stability may be insufficient for isthmic spondylolisthesis of degree 2.

Application of self-anchored lateral lumbar interbody fusion in lumbar degenerative diseases / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of self-anchored lateral lumbar interbody fusion (SA-LLIF) for lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods:During January to December in 2019, a total of 41 patients with lumbar degenerative disease were treated with SA-LLIF, included 18 males and 23 females, aged 59.6±11.3 (range 49-77) years. There were lumbar stenosis and instability in 17 cases, disc degenerative disease in 8 cases, degenerative spondylolisthesis in 8 cases, degenerative scoliosis in 5 cases, postoperative revision in 3 cases. And osteoporosis was diagnosed in 5 of them. The index level included L 2, 3 in 2 cases, L 3, 4 in 11 cases, L 4, 5 in 20 cases, L 2-L 4 in 3 cases and L 3-L 5 in 5 cases. After general anesthesia, the patient was placed in decubitus position. The anterior edge of psoas major muscle was exposed through 6 cm incision and extraperitoneal approach. Further, the psoas major muscle was properly retracted to expose the disc. After discectomy, the intervertebral space was prepared and moderately distracted. A suitable fusion cage filled with auto iliac graft was implanted. Two anchoring plates were inserted into the cage. Then, the caudal and cephalic vertebral body and the fusion cage were locked. Results:The operation was performed successfully in all the patients. The operation duration was 79.0±19.5 (range 60-100) min. Intraoperative bleed loss was 38.0±28.2 (range 15-70) ml. The patients were followed up for averagely 10.6±4.6 (range 4-15) months. The visual analogue scale decreased from preoperative 6.2±2.1 to 1.6±1.1 and Oswestry disability index decreased from 47.8%±15.1% to 11.0%±7.3%. X-ray showed that the spine alignment recovered satisfactorily. No cage displacement was found. Sinking (2-3 mm) of cage was found in 7 patients without obvious symptom despite transient lumbar pain in an obesity woman. The lumbar lordosis recovered from 36.4°±10.2° to 48.0°±10.7°, and intervertebral height recovered from 8.3±2.5 mm to 11.3±3.3 mm. The rate of spondylolisthesis recovered from 19.7%±4.4% to 9.3%±5.3%.Conclusion:SA-LLIF can provide immediate stability and good results for lumbar degenerative diseases with stand-alone anchoring cage without posterior internal fixation.

The strategy and results of percutaneous endoscopic surgery for cervical disc herniation / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the strategy and clinical effects of percutaneous endoscopic surgery for cervical disc herniation.Methods Fifty-one patients with cervical disc herniation were treated with percutaneous endoscopic surgery from June 2015 to March 2017,including 32 men and 19 women,with an average age of 52.2 years (range,28-66 years).Radicular symptoms were present in all patients,while 23 patients had mild myelopathy (Nurick Grade:0-3) and 3 patients of multilevel stenosis had severe myelopathy (Nurick Grade:4-5).According to axial image of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),31 patients had lateral herniation that was located lateral to the edge of spinal cord,20 patients had central herniation that was located within the lateral edge of spinal cord.Among them,48 patients had soft herniation and 3 patients had ossified lateral herniation combined with foraminal stenosis.All surgery was carried out under general anesthesia,while posterior and anterior percutaneous endoscopic surgeries were performed for lateral herniation and central herniation respectively.Posterior endoscopic surgery was performed with "keyhole" fenestration at "V" point (the junction of lateral edge of lamina space and inner edge of facet).Lateral edge of thecal sac and nerve root were exposed and decompressed,soft herniation was explored and removed.Anterior endoscopic surgery was performed through puncture and 4mm tube between the visceral sheath and vascular sheath.The tube was inserted through disc to the base of herniation under fluoroscopy.The herniation was removed until the dura sac was exposed and relaxed.One stage open-door laminoplasty was performed for 3 patients with severe multiple segmental stenosis and huge central herniation.The operative time and blood loss were recorded,and patients were followed-up (range,6-18 months,average 12.1 months) to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results The mean operative time of posterior endoscopic surgery was 90 min (range,45-150 min).The nerve root was not well exposed,and the fenestration was too lateral in 1 patient,with partial relieve of symptoms;and simple nerve root decompression was performed for 3 patients of ossified herniation combined with foraminal stenosis.Herniated or sequestered nucleus pulposus was removed for 27 patients,one of them had transient paralysis ipsilateral limb and 2 of them had linkage of cerebrospinal fluid.The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) score improved form preoperative 8.9±1.6 to 0.5±0.4,and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score improved form 32.8±4.2 to 2.3± 1.9 at final follow-up.For anterior percutaneous endoscopic surgery,the mean operative time was 80 min (range,45-120 min).Herniated or free nucleus was successfully removed for all patients.The thecal sac was lacerated due to unclear exposure in 1 case.The VAS score improved form preoperative 6.9±2.3 to 0.9±0.8,and the ODI score improved form 40.1±8.6 to 5.6±3.0 at final follow-up,with improvement of myelopathy at least one Nurick Grade.During follow-up,the alignment of cervical spine was well preserved without kyphosis for two groups,while the height of intervertebral space decreased with 0.4±0.3 mm and 0.9±0.6 mm in posterior and anterior surgery respectively.Conclusion Percutaneous endoscopic surgery provides minimally invasive alternatives for some cervical disc herniation with predominant radicular pain.Posterior endoscopic surgery is suitable for lateral herniation,and anterior endoscopic discectomy is suitable for some central soft herniation without obvious collapse and instability.However,the long-term results of disc space collapsed after anterior approach remains unclear.

Clinical study of anterior cervical decompression assisted with microscope versus mobile microendoscopic discetomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of anterior cervical decompression assisted with the microscope and mobile microendoscopic discectomy (MMED),and to compare their clinical efficacy.Methods From May 2015 to February 2017,thirty patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) underwent anterior cervical decompression assisted with microscope or MMED.Among them,conventional transverse anterior cervical incisions were used,and intervertebral distractors were placed in order to complete the decompression,then the fusion and fixation procedure were conducted under direct vision,and the operative time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded.Of 30 cases,15 cases were in microscope cohort (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion,ACDF 12 cases;anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion,ACCF 3 cases),including 4 males and 11 females with a mean age of 54.00±11.10 years (range,32-71 years).Another 15 cases were in MMED cohort (ACDF 13 cases,ACCF 2 cases),including 9 males and 6 females with a mean age of 59.60± 11.10 years (range,39-73 years).Neurological and cervical function were evaluated before surgery and at the follow-up according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and the neck disability index (NDI) scores,and the neurologic improvement grade (NIG) was used to evaluate the neurological function.Results Both the microscope and MMED cohort underwent decompression successfully,and the visual field was clear.No neurological symptoms became worse.For the microscope,its lens and the instrument had to be adjusted separately,whereas MMED lens could move synchronously with the instrument.It was easier for MMED to reveal the posterior edge of the vertebral body and the left and right side of the spinal canal.The operation time of the microscope cohort was 90-180 min,with an average of 124.67±36.42 min;the M MED cohort was operated for 80-130 min with an average of 110.00± 15.12 min,and there was no significant difference between the two cohorts (t=1.440,P=0.161).The intraoperative blood loss for microscope cohort was 20-200 ml,with an average of 66.00±49.11 ml;MMED cohort was 30-150 ml with an average of 60.00±35.25 ml;there was no significant difference between the two cohorts (t=0.384,P=0.704).The JOA score of the microsurgery cohort improved from 8.67±3.20 preoperatively to 15.93± 1.53 at the latest follow-up,and its difference was significant (t=8.687,P=0.000).According to NIG,neurological improvement was excellent in 12 cases and good in 3 cases,giving an excellent to good rate of 100％.NDI was reduced from 18.00％±9.75％ preoperatively to 5.93％±2.58％ at the latest follow-up,with significant difference (t=5.137,P=0.000).The JOA score in MMED cohort improved from 8.87±3.11 preoperatively to 15.53±1.69 at the latest follow-up,and its difference was significant (t=9.413,P=0.000).and Among these 15 patients,11 were excellent and 4 were good,giving an excellent-good rate 100％.NDI decreased from 17.13％± 8.00％ preoperatively to 5.80％±2.43％ at the latest follow-up,and its difference was significant (t=5.592,P=0.000).There was no significant difference in JOA (t=0.680,P=0.502),NIG (P=1.000) and NDI (t=0.146,P=0.885) between the two cohorts at the latest follow-up.Conclusion Both microscope and MMED could provide a clear and magnified field of view,which was beneficial for adequate decompression during the anterior cervical surgery to ensure better clinical results.Compare to the microscope,MMED has relatively narrow indications and steep learning curve,so the surgeon should select cases strictly.

Clinical report of revision surgery after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic surgery for lumbar stenosis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To analyze the causes of revision surgery after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) for lumbar spinal stenosis,and to provide references for indications and operative methods.Methods From January 2015 to October 2017,206,491 and 60 patients of lumbar spinal stenosis were treated with PTED in Tianjin Hospital,Shanxi People's Hospital,Ningbo Sixth Hospital,respectively;among them,4,10 and 4 cases received revision surgery.Another 13 patients of lumbar spinal stenosis were treated with revision surgery due to poor results after PTED in other hospitals.Among 31 cases of reoperation,there were 16 males and 15 females,aged 27-82 years (average,66.2±12.7 years).The lesion segments included 1 case of L3,4,23 cases of L4,5,5 cases of L5S1,1 cases of L3-L5,and 1 cases of L4-S1.Patients were followed up after reoperation from 3 to 24 months (average,12.1 months).The causes of poor result and revision surgery were analyzed according to preoperative,intraoperative and postoperative data.Results All of 757 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis were treated with PTED in three hospitals,of which 18 cases (2.4％) were re-operated.The causes of reoperation included:bone slice displacement in 1 case;nerve injury in 4 cases;lumbar instability in 4 cases;disc protrusion in 10 cases (residual or recurrence);insufficient decompression in 21 cases;planed staging operation in 4 cases with bilateral or two-level stenosis.32 revision surgeries were performed for 31 patients,including PTED in 15 cases,microendoscopic discectomy (MED) in 1 case,mobile MED (MMED) in 5 cases,MMED assisted fusion in 2 cases,transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in 4 cases,Minimally invasive TLIF (Mis-TLIF) in 2 cases,and open decompression and fusion in 3 cases.All patients experienced relieve of symptoms after revision surgery.At final follow-up,VAS leg pain deceased form 7.1±3.9 before revision surgeries to 1.9±1.2,VAS low back pain decreased form 6.3±3.2 to 1.8±1.3,ODI score decreased from 35％± 14％ to 7.6％±5％.According to the MacNab score,the result was excellent in 11 cases,good in 16 cases,and fair in 4 cases.Conclusion The treatment of lumbar stenosis with PTED has high technical requirements,the indications of PTED for lumbar stenosis should be strictly controlled according to technical conditions,and appropriate operative methods should be chosen according to the specific conditions of the lesions.Insufficient decompression,disc protrusion,lumbar instability and nerve injury are the common causes of reoperation.Suitable indications and proper operation should be selected.

Endoscopic surgical treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation associated with vertebral osteochondrosis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the feasibility and effects of endoscopic surgical treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation associated with veitebral osteochondrosis.Methods From June 2008 to December 2015,276 cases of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation associated with vertebral osteochondrosis were treated with endoscopic surgery,including 185 men and 91 women,with an average 39.2 years old (range,16-65 years old).The involved level included L2.3 in 2 cases,L3.4 in 9 cases,L4,5 in 126 cases and L5S1 in 139 cases.On preoperative axial CT,the diameter of ossification was more than half of the transverse or sagittal diameter of the spinal canal in 89 cases,and no more than half of the transverse and sagittal diameter of the spinal canal in 187 cases.All patients were operated on the side with serious symptom,181 cases were operated with mobile microendoscopic discectomy (MMED),and 95 cases were operated with percutaneous endoscopic surgery,including percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) in 61 cases and the percutaneous interlaminar endoscopic discectomy (PIED) in 34 cases.The operation and complications were analyzed.Results The soft herniation,broken disc material and the periphery of compressing ossification were removed under the endoscope in all cases,until the nerve was well decompressed.However,the ossification was not complete resected.Dural sac tear occurred in 3 cases of MMED.In the early stage of PTED,2 cases converted to MMED because of intraoperative pain and difficulty,and one case had exiting nerve root injury.At the final follow-up of 12-60 months (average,20.6 months),visual analogue scale decreased from preoperative 8.5±1.2 to 1.0±0.9,Oswestry disability index decreased from preoperative 40.2±8.6 to 3.1±3.0.According to Macnab scale,the results were excellent in 89,good in 154 cases,moderate in 33 cases.Conclusion For most lumbar intervertebral disc herniation associated with vertebral osteochondrosis,good results can be achieve by removal of herniated and broken intervertebral disc and decompression of nerve with endoscope.Therefore,we speculate that the soft disc herniation and spinal stenosis are main pathogenic factors,and that the complete resection of ossification is not needed.

Efficacy and Improvement on Quality of Life in Senile Osteoporosis Treated with Teriparatide / 医药导报

Objective To explore the changes of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone markers in senile osteoporosis patients treated with teriparatide,and evaluate the improvement on quality of life (QOL) as well as the clinical significance.Methods Forty-five senile osteoporosis inpatients were treated with 20 μg of teriparatide for one year.BMD and bone markers were detected before treatment and also in the third,sixth and twelfth month during treatment.The level of numerical rating scale (NRS) and QOL were assessed.Results The NRS before treatment was (4.96±2.25) , and those after treatment of 3, 6 and 12 months were(2.84±1.41), (1.56±1.16) and (1.36±1.00), respectively (P<0.01).The total scores of SF-36 significantly increased after treatment (P<0.01).After treatment of 3, 6 and 12 months, BMD of lumbar vertebra had increased 7.7%, 12.3% and 15.4%, respectively;that of femoral neck had increased 3.0%, 6.1% and 7.6%, respectively;and that of intertrochanteric bone had increased 5.7%, 8.6% and 10.0%, respectively.Meanwhile, the serum levels of osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase and N terminal propeptide of type I procollagen were significantly higher than those before treatment (P<0.01), nevertheless beta collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide (β-CTX) only significantly decreased at the 12th month after treatment (P<0.05).Conclusion Chronic teriparatide therapy could significantly relieve bone pain,improve the quality of life and increase lumbar vertebra BMD in senile osteoporosis.

Preliminary experience of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic spine system in thoracic discectomy for disc herniation / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the feasibility of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic spine system in thoracic discectomy for disc herniation. Methods One patient with thoracic disc herniation involved the level of vertebral segment in T11/12 was treated with percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic spine system and followed up for 1 month. The targeted puncture was performed under local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance with patient in prone position. The foramen of T 11/12 was enlarged gradually with four trephinations, and the working cannula was inserted transforaminal into the canal. Then the herniation was exposed and removed with full endoscopic technique, including the loosen nucleus pulposus. The dural sac was exposed and released adequately. Drainage was placed during operation. Results The procedure was successfully carried out and the dural sac was completely released. The drainage was removed in the second day of operation. The patient could walk in the third day after operation with obvious relief of back and leg pain. At the follow-up of one month postoperation, the visual analogue scale of leg pain decreased from 8 to 1, and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) decreased from 64 to 4. According to MacNab scale, excellent result was acquired. Conclusion There is the feasibility of the percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic spine system in thoracic discectomy for disc herniation. It is a good minimal invasive technique with good results and high technical requirements for surgeons.

Clinical analysis of APECD and ODLP in the treatment of multisegmental cervical stenosis and giant disc herniation / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the effect of anterior percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (APECD) and open-door laminoplasty (ODLP) through hybrid surgery in the treatment of multisegmental cervical stenosis and giant disc herniation. Methods This study involved 3 patients with multisegmental cervical stenosis and giant disc herniation confirmed by MRI. Among them, there were 2 males and 1 female, with ages from 56-61. All patients showed significant paresthesia or weakness, and were treated between September and November 2016. The surgery was performed by first the ODLP that made spinal cord back shift, and then APECD for the second step. The visual analog scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) were assessed before and after operation. Results The VAS and NDI scores were improved two weeks after operation. No adverse events like spinal cord injury and vascular injury were found during the operation. After operation, no patients were found incision infection, hematoma formation, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, dysphagia, trachyphonia and so on. Conclusion The hybrid surgery of APECD and ODLP for the treatment of the multisegmental cervical stenosis and giant disc herniation can not only decompress the nerve safely and improve the function, but also preserve cervical intervertebral disc and motion segments, therefore delaying the degeneration of adjacent segments with clinical significance.

The design and clinical application of cervical canal enlargement preserving posterior ligament composite with mobile microendoscopic discectomy technique / 天津医药

Objective To provide a minimally invasive surgical treatment using mobile microendoscopy (mobile MED) for limited cervical spine canal stenosis. Methods Eleven patients were collected from February 2015 to February 2016 in Tianjin Hospital, including 6 males and 5 females, aged 51- 77 years, mean (67.4 ± 7.6) years. Clinical treatment was performed on 11 patients of limited cervical spinal stenosis. The levels of stenosis included C3-5 in 5 cases, C4-6 in 4 cases, C5-7 in 2 cases. The working channel of mobile MED (MMED) can be tilted according to the need of operation. The design of surgical methods:the levels of stenosis were located with fluroscopy, through a posterior median 2.5 cm incision, the nachal ligaments was separated and the spinous process was reached. After a little dissection of paraspinal mascle, the working canal was inserted along the spinous process, and the target lamina was exposed. With MMED, the partial laminectomy was performed along the junction groove of lamina and articular process with high-speed burr, and flavum was exposed and resected with ultra-thin Kerisson, and the dural sac was well exposed. Then the working canal was inserted on the contralateral side along the spinous process, and the decompression was performed with the same method. After bilateral direct decompression, the spinous process and posterior ligament complex shift posteriorly with enlargement of spinal canal. The operation time and blood loss were recorded and the efficacy was followed-up. Results There was no serious complications such as neurological injury. The operation time ranged 80-120 min, with an average of (100 ± 18) min. The intraoperative blood loss ranged (50-120) mL, with an average of (80 ± 20) mL. Postoperative CT showed sufficient decompression and enlargement of the canal with the posterior shift of the spinous process and posterior ligament complex. The patients were followed up for 6-18 months. The alignment of cervical spine was well preserved on X-ray. The ODI decreased from 42.2 ± 16.3 preoperatively to 6.2 ± 4.3. The JOA score improved from 8.2 ± 3.3 preoperatively to 15.1 ± 4.2 at the last follow-up. According to the improvement rate [(JOA-preoperative JOA)/(17-preoperative JOA)], the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 5 cases, and effective in 1 case. Conclusion The cervical canal enlargement with mobile microendoscopic discectomy technique preserving posterior ligament composite provides a minimally invasive procedure for limited cervical stenosis with adequate decompression.

The design and clinical application of MED-TLIF with mobile microendoscopic discectomy technique / 天津医药

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of microendoscopic discectomy-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MED-TLIF) with mobile microendoscopic discectomy (MMED) technique. Methods The MMED includes outer working canal and inner operating canal. Large working canals and endoscopic chisel were fabricated for MMED-TLIF,which was designed as follow:the pedicles and index level were located with fluoroscopy, and a 2.5 cm incision was made between pedicle punctures sites on the symptomatic side. Working canal was inserted, and the facet was exposed,the inferior articular process and medial part of superior articular process were resected. The disc and cartilage endplates were curettage, and the intervertebral space was released and tested. The inner operating canal was removed and the interbody space was grafted and supported with suitable cage. Percutaneous pedicles screws were inserted and the residual displacement was evaluated under fluoroscopy, followed by the install of connecting rods for reduction and fixation. Fifty-six patients with lumbar stenosis including 32 cases of instability and spondylolisthesis (1 degree in 15 cases and 2 degree in 9 cases) were treated with this technique. The ODI index and VAS score were compared in patients before and after surgery. The efficacy was evaluated by Macnab standard. Results Surgery was successful in all patients, with no nerve injury or conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was (120±30) min (range, 90–180 min),with a mean blood loss of (120±50) mL (range,50–200 mL). The post-operative X-ray and CT scans showed improvement of spinal alignment with mean reduction ratio of 72%. Patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months. The ODI score decreased from 50.1±11.2 to 5.8±5.6. The VAS score of lumbar decreased from 7.1±4.2 to 1.2±1.0 and VAS score of leg decreased from 4.1±2.5 to 1.1±0.9 at final follow-up. The clinical results were excellent in 36 cases,good in 20 according to the Macnab scale. Conclusion MED-TLIF can easily perform with MMED technique,with sufficient decompression and reduction, and providing satisfactory results with less invasive procedure.

The design and clinical application of MED-LIF with mobile microendoscopic discectomy technique / 天津医药

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of microendoscopic discectomy-lumbar interbody fusion (MED-LIF) with mobile microendoscopic discectomy (MMED) technique. Methods The MMED includes outer working canal and inner operating canal, and large working canals (12 mm and 14 mm) are fabricated for this operation. The operation was designed as follow:an incision was made between pedicle projection sites and spinous process on the side with prominent symptom. Working canal was inserted along spinous process and a fenestration was performed. After discectomy and ipsilateral decompression, contralateral nerve was decompressed in case of contralateral stenosis. Then the intervertebral space was prepared and grafted. The inner operating canal was removed and the suitable cage was inserted, followed by percutaneous pedicles screws installation, reduction and fixation. A total of 102 patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease were treated by this technique. The index levels included L34 (n=11), L45 (n=64), L5S1 (n=21), L3-5 (n=3), and L4-S1(n=3). The operative data and follow-up results were recorded and evaluated. Results Surgery was successful in all patients, with no nerve injury or conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was ( 120 ± 30) min (range, 90-200 min), with a mean blood loss of (120 ± 80) mL (range, 50-300 mL). The post-operative X-ray and CT scans showed improvement of spinal alignment with sufficient decompression. Patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) score decreased from the pre-operative 44.2%±16.3%to the last follow-up 4.9%±4.7%. The visual analog pain score (VAS) of lumbar decreased from the pre-operative 5.3±4.1 to the last follow-up 2.1±1.7, and VAS of leg decreased from the pre-operative 6.7 ± 3.5 to 1.0 ± 0.8 at final follow-up. The clinical results were excellent in 46 cases, good in 50 cases and fair in 6 cases according to the Macnab standard. Conclusion MED-LIF can be easily performed with MMED technique, with sufficient decompression and reduction, providing satisfactory results with less invasive procedure.

Establishment of annulus fibrosus partial defect model in sheep / 天津医药

Objective To establish an animal model of annulus fibrosus (AF) partial defect for the repairing of interver?tebral disc (IVD) defect. Methods Image J 1.46r software was used to measure the T12/L1-L6/S1 intervertebral height in ovine lumbar spine X-ray films. AF thickness was measured by axial split disc. A 11 blade was used to make a trapezoid de?fect of upper bottom 3 mm, lower bottom 5 mm, height 5 mm and thickness 3 mm, whose lower bottom toward the nucleus pulposus (NP) in the left front of ovine lumbar IVD in vitro. The minimally invasive lateral approach was used to make the same type of trapezoid defect in the left front of the ovine lumbar IVD in vivo. The trapezoidal defect length of the axial divid?ing disc was measured, AF and a small amount of NP from trapezoidal defect in IVD were weighed, and the production of trapezoidal defect in IVD was evaluated. Results The lumbar intervertebral space height of ovine was (4.45 ± 0.28) mm. There were significant differences in the thickness of AF (4.08±0.50) mm , thickness (3 mm) and height (5 mm) of trapezoidal defect (P0. 05). The weights of the AF and NP taken out from ovine lumbar IVD in vitro and in vivo were (0.162 ± 0.011) g and (0.166 ± 0.014) g, and there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Conclusion Through the operation of minimally invasive lateral approach, the method of making a trapezoidal defect in the experiments can establish animal model of AF partial defect, which meets the requirements for the repairing of IVD defect, and is simple, safe and reliable.

Application of mini-open approach beside costodiaphragmatic recess in anterior thoracolumbar spine surgery / 天津医药

Objective To analyze the value of mini-open approach beside costodiaphragmatic recess in thoracolumbar spine surgery. Methods This approach was applied in 31 anterior thoracolumbar spine surgeries, including 22 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 41 years old (range, 26-58 yrs). The diagnosis were burst fractures in 27 cases (T12 level in 12 cas?es and L1 level in 15 cases) and disc herniations with osteochondrosis in 4 cases. An antero-lateral 10-15 (average is 12) cm incision was performed, then the 11th rib was resected and the extraperitoneal space below diaphragma was disconnected. The pleura fold was identified beneath the rib bed, so the gap beside the costdiaphragmatic recess was entered through an in?cision beyond the fold. The diaphragm and medial arcuate ligament were clipped and vertebral body from T11 to L2 were ex?posed. Results The lateral side of T11 to L2 vertebral body was sufficiently exposed in all the 31 patients. In 26 patients, the pleura fold was beyond the bed of the 11th rib, so the 11th intercostals vessel and nerve were exposed and protected, and the costodiaphragmatic recess was reached through the superior border of the 12th rib. Laceration of pleura occurred in 4 cases af?ter it was sutured, but the extra-pleura approach could still be used after repairing without invading into thorax. Fixation and fusion were performed from T11 to L2. Complications include intercostals nerve pain were seen in 3 cases, which resolved with conservative treatment. Conclusion The mini-open approach beside costodiaphragmatic recess can be used in anterior thoraclumbar spine surgery with sufficient explosion and minimum injury in which thoracic cavity.

Posterior short-segment instrumentation without fusion for severe thoracolumbar burst fractures / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of treatment of severe thoracolumbar burst fractures by posterior short-segment instrumentation without spinal fusion and assess radiographic imaging and function recovery after surgery.Methods Thirty-eight patients with severe monosegmental thoracolumbar burst fractures treated between July 2011 and March 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.Operation procedures were posterior short-segment pedicle screw distraction reduction and fixation combined with screw insertion to the injured vertebrae and calcium sulphate augmentation.In addition,there was no need for posterolateral interbody fusion.X-ray and CT were performed before and after operation to evaluate local kyphotic angle,anterior fractured vertebral body height and canal encroachment.Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed before and after operation as well as in follow-up.Results All patients were followed up for average 14 months (range,3-20 months).Local kyphotic angle was (21.2 ±4.3)° before operation,(3.5 ± 1.8)°immediately after operation,and (4.8 ± 2.7) ° in final follow-up.Relative anterior vertebral height was (54.8 ± 14.6)％ before operation,(91.7 ± 8.0)％ after operation,and (87.2 ± 6.0)％ in final follow-up.Mean canal encroachment was (48.0 ± 4.5)％ preoperatively,(23.8 ± 7.8)％postoperatively,and (8.8 ± 4.6) ％ in final follow-up.In final follow-up,six patients with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade C on admission showed improvement to grade D (n =2) and grade E (n =4) ; 10 patients with ASIA grade E on admission showed improvement to grade E; 22 patients with grade E had no changes.ODI and VAS scored 15.5 ±8.8 and 2.3 ±0.8 in final follow-up with substantial improvement from those before operation (P ＜ 0.01).Complications from internal fixation were not found during follow-up.Conclusion Posterior short-segment fixation without fusion is one of the foremost effective methods for severe thoracolumbar burst fractures,for it can effectively restore the sagittal spinal alignment and the fractured vertebral body height.

Reconstruction of rabbit knee joint cartilage defect using tissues engineering method / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To estimate curative effect of reconstruction of rabbit knee joint cartilage defect with the homogeneitic tissue engineered cartilages.Methods The chondrocytes were isolated and collected from articular cartilages of eight New Zealand white rabbits.The tissue engineered cartilages after culturing chondrocytes and atelocollogen for two days.Cartilage defects were created in both keen joint of twenty-six rab- bits.Complexes of chodrocytes and atelocollagen was grafted into the defect of left knee joint at once as experi- mental group,and no implantation were served as control.General and histological examination were respec- tively performed in both group at four weeks and eight weeks after surgery.Results After implantation,the defects were filled with cartilaginous tissue in experiment group,while there were only tissue in control group. Histologically,defective areas were filled with chondrocytes in experiment group,but only fibroblast in control group.Conclusion The implantation of the tissue engineered cartilages contenting with chondrocytes and atelocollogen can effectively improve reconstruction of rabbit knee joint.

Relationship between the tissue neutral endopeptidase and the adrenomedullin in blood and tissues of rats with septic shock / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: The activity and expression of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and the adrenomedullin (ADM) contents in various tissues were observed in septic shock and control rats to study the possible role of NEP in the change of ADM contents in tissues during septic shock. METHODS: The septic shock model of rats were established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). ADM contents, NEP activities, level of NEP mRNA and NEP protein were measured. RESULTS: (1) In early septic shock (ES), the ADM contents were generally higher in detected tissues, the NEP activity in left ventricle and small intestine were lower and was higher in blood than those in controls, and in lung, kidney and aorta were similar with the controls. NEP immunoreactive staining were less in lung, left ventricle, endothelium and media of aorta, but more in adventitia of aorta and kidney than those of the controls; (2) In late septic shock (LS), the ADM contents in small intestine was less but in plasma and other tissues were higher, and the NEP activity were less in plasma and other tissues than those in ES. The NEP immunoreactive staining were less in heart, endothelium and media of aorta, lung and kidney than those in ES, and was no significant change in adventitia of aorta compared with those of ES. RT-PCR found that NEP gene expression were significantly less in left ventricle, aortas, lung and small intestine than those in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: In septic shock rats, the NEP activity changes heterogeneously but the ADM contents elevate in most tissues. These results indicate that during the septic shock, the local concentrations and actions of ADM in various tissues may be regulated differently by the NEP. [

Inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide (H_2S) on cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H_2S) on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) stimulated by endothelin (ET-1, 10 -7 mol/L ) and mitrogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity in VSMCs. METHODS: Cultured VSMCs were divided into six groups: (1) control group, (2) serum group, (3) endothelin group, (4) NaHS groups, (5) serum+NaHS group, and (6) endothelin+NaHS group. VSMC proliferation was measured by [ 3H]-TdR incorporation and MAPK activity in VSMC was determined by radioactivity assay. RESULTS: ET-1 increased VSMC [ 3H]-TdR incorporation by 2.39 times ( P