Efficacy of microscopic decompression in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis under single percutaneous tubular retractor system / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of microscopic decompression in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) under single percutaneous tubular retractor system.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; 117 DLSS patients with imaging manifestations as non-segmental lumbar instability, admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, 900 th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Team from October 2018 to April 2023 were enrolled consecutively. These patients failed in strict conservative treatment and then changed to posterior lumbar spinal canal and nerve root decompression by microscopy and percutaneous tubular retractor system. These patients were followed up for 6-50 months. Pain visual analogue score (VAS) and lumbar Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) were recorded and results of X-rays, CT and MRI of lumbar spines were analyzed 1 d before and 1 week after decompression and at the last follow-up. Modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the efficacy at the last follow-up. Results:Among the 117 patients, unilateral laminectomy for unilateral decompression was performed in 56 patients (47.9%) and unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression in 61 (52.1%). Single segment decompression was performed in 109 patients (93.2%) and double segment decompression in 8 (6.8%). Dural sac rupture occurred in 4 patients (3.5%), and immediate occlusion was given; no cerebrospinal fluid leakage was noted after decompression. All patients did not experience obvious nerve damage during decompression or intervertebral infection/lumbar instability after decompression. After 18 (13, 24) months of follow-up, VAS scores of the patients at the last follow-up decreased from (5.96±0.85) 1 d before decompression and (1.75±0.61) 1 week after decompression to (1.01±0.59), and lumbar ODI decreased from (63.22±8.33)% 1 d before decompression and (17.66±5.20)% 1 week after decompression to (10.64±3.44)%, with significant differences ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, modified MacNab criteria indicated 46 patients (39.3%) as excellent, 66 (56.4%) as good, 3 (2.6%) as fair, and 2 (1.7%) as poor, with an excellent/good therapeutic rate of 95.7%. Conclusion:For surgical treatment of DLSS patients without evidenced preoperative spinal instability, personalized unilateral or bilateral spinal canal decompression under microscope by combiningsingle percutaneous tubular retractor system can effectively reduce surgical trauma and achieve satisfactory surgical results.

Clinical effect of lumbar spinal stenosis withⅠ° spondylolisthesis without clinical instability by uniaxial PLUS endoscopic ULBD technique / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of uniaxial PLUS endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) technique in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with Ⅰ° spondylolisthesis without clinical instability.Methods:A retrospective case analysis method was used to analyze the clinical data of 21 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with Ⅰ° spondylolisthesis without clinical instability treated by uniaxial PLUS endoscopy via posterior ULBD technique in Shanxi Provincial People′s Hospital from May 2019 to May 2022. There were 10 males and 11 females, aged from 65 to 81 years, the average age was (69.00±3.62) years. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and limp distance were evaluated before operation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. The overall clinical efficacy was evaluated by MacNab score at 12 months after operation. Lumbar dynamic radiography was used to evaluate the stability of the lumbar spine before operation and at 3 months after operation. Measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), t-test was used for comparison before and after operation, and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used for comparison at different time points. Results:According to MacNab score, the results were excellent in 12 cases (57.1%), good in 6 cases (28.6%), fair in 2 cases(9.5%)and poor in 1 case(4.8%), the overall excellent and good rate was 85.7% (18/21). The VAS, ODI and limp distance at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation were significantly improved compared with those before operation, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01). There was no significant change in the stability of the lumbar spine dynamic position before and after operation. Conclusion:Uniaxial PLUS endoscopic ULBD technique can significantly improve the clinical efficacy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with Ⅰ° spondylolisthesis without clinical instability, and there is no significant change in stability after operation, and good clinical results can be achieved.

Clinical application and perspectives of unilateral biportal endoscopic technique / 解放军医学杂志

Unilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)technique is a minimally invasive spinal technique developed rapidly in recent years.Compared with traditional spinal endoscopy,the prominent feature of UBE is that it can open two channels on the same side of the spine,which can be used to provide visual field and insert operating instruments respectively,greatly expanding the operating space and reducing the difficulty of surgery.It has the advantages of less bleeding,little injury,quick recovery and mild pain,and has unique advantages in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis,lumbar disc herniation and other lumbar degenerative diseases.With the continuous in-depth exploration and development of the UBE technique,the field of diseases that can be treated by this technology has gradually expanded.It is not only limited to lumbar diseases,but also has made great progress in cervical and thoracic diseases,which has attracted the attention of many spinal surgeons.UBE technique has become one of the promising surgical methods for spinal-related diseases,but there are also complications such as incomplete decompression,nerve root and dural injury,epidural hematoma,relatively prolonged operation time,operation fatigue and other deficiencies.This paper summarizes the progress of the UBE technique,discusses its complications and deficiencies,proposes relevant solutions and possible future directions for its development,so as to provide reference for the clinical practice of UBE technique.

Serum differential proteomics between developmental cervical spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have found that qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is the main syndrome among various TCM syndromes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.However,there is no report on proteomic markers as early diagnosis indicators for the transformation of developmental cervical spinal stenosis with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome to cervical spondylotic myelopathy. OBJECTIVE:To explore serum proteomics difference between developmental cervical spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy and to find and identify the potential serum biomarkers between them. METHODS:Serum samples of nine patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(experimental group)and nine patients with developmental cervical spinal stenosis of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(control group)were collected.The proteomic analysis was carried out by Tandem Mass Tag combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry,so as to find and identify differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 1027 significantly differential proteins were initially screened by TMT technology and 89 significantly differential proteins were finally identified(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,there were 45 up-regulated proteins in the experimental group,such as α-actinin-4,α-actinin-1,cell division control protein 42 homolog,integrin-linked protein kinase and B-actin.Conversely,there were 44 down-regulated proteins in the experimental group compared with the control group,such as fibronectin,fibrinogen γ chain,fibrinogen α chain,fibrinogen β chain.Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these differential proteins were involved in signal receptor binding,kinase binding,protein kinase activity,integrin binding,actin filament binding and other molecular functions.Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis,20 common differential signal/metabolic pathways were identified,including Rap1 signaling pathway,adherens junction,tight junction,platelet activation,and regulation of actin cytoskeleton.Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that ILK,FGA,FGB,FGG,FN1,Cdc42,ACTN1,ACTN4 and ACTB were located at the nodes of protein-protein interaction network and were closely related to bone formation and destruction system,nervous system,coagulation system,cellular inflammation and other systems.To conclude,the serum differentially expressed proteins between developmental cervical spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy can be successfully screened by Tandem Mass Tag combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.ILK,FN1,CDC42 and ACTN 4 are identified as specific markers for the transformation of developmental cervical spinal stenosis with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome into cervical spondylotic myelopathy.These findings provide a basis for further clarifying the transformation mechanism.

Effect of finite element simulation of bilateral lumbar spinal canal decompression under single-channel splintered endoscope on lumbar biomechanics / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:As a leading technique in the treatment of primary stenosis by posterior spinal endoscopy through unilateral approach and bilateral decompression using single channel endoscopy,the long-term efficacy needs to be further observed.There are few reports on the scope of intraoperative resection and few relevant studies on biomechanics and finite element analysis. OBJECTIVE:A three-dimensional finite element model was established to evaluate the effects of bilateral lumbar canal decompression under a one-hole split endoscope on lumbar range of motion and intradiscal pressure,to provide suggestions for clinical operation and theoretical basis for further clinical research. METHODS:A complete L3-L5 vertebral body model was reconstructed by CT images of nine healthy volunteers,which was used as the preoperative model M1.The simulated surgical resection range of L4-L5 was performed,and 1/4,1/3 and 1/2 of bilateral facet joints were removed respectively to obtain models M2,M3 and M4.The range of motion and the maximum Von Mises stress of the four models were compared in the six directions of forward bending,backward extension,left and right bending,and left and right rotation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The L3-L5 finite element model established in this study was effective,and the range of motion was within the range of previous solid studies under six motion states.(2)Compared with the M1 model,the L4-L5 lumbar spine range of motion increased with the increase of resection range in M2 with M3 and M4 models under forward bending,left and right bending and left and right rotation loading,and the difference was significant(P＜0.05).Under posterior extension loading,there was no significant difference in lumbar range of motion between M1 and M2(P＞0.05),but there was a significant difference of M1,M3 and M4(P＜0.05).(3)The range of motion of the L3-L4 lumbar spine had no significant change with the increase of bilateral facet arthrotomy(P＞0.05).(4)There was a significant difference in the maximum value of L4-L5 Von Mises between M1 and M2(P＜0.05),and there was a significant difference in the maximum value of L4-L5 Von Mises between M1 and M3,M4(P＜0.01),and the maximum value of L4-L5 lumbar von Mises increased with the increasing range of bilateral facet joint resection.Resection of more than 1/3 was particularly obvious.(5)The maximum value of Von Mises in the L3-L4 lumbar spine was increased with the increase of the resection range under forward bending,left and right bending and left and right rotation loading and the difference was significant(P＜0.05).(6)The results exhibited that the L4-L5 lumbar motion and intervertebral disc pressure increased with the increase of the excision range.Intervertebral disc pressure at L3-L4 increased with the increased extent of excision,but the lumbar range of motion was not significantly affected.In conclusion,the stability of the operative segment may be affected by the increase in the scope of facet joint resection.Although the immediate stability of adjacent segments is not affected,it may accelerate disc degeneration.

Correlation between sagittal alignment and clinical symptom improvement after lumbar fusion / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Up to date,there is seldom research about the correlation between the harmonious alignment degree of lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence and the improvement of postoperative clinical symptoms in patients with lumbar stenosis fusion. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the harmonious alignment degree of lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and fusion,and compare the differences of spinal and pelvic sagittal parameters and clinical outcomes among different harmonious alignment degrees. METHODS:The medical records of 110 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis(48 males and 62 females,aged 57±11 years)who were treated with posterior lumbar laminar decompression and internal fixation in the Department of Spinal Surgery,Tianjin Union Medical Center from December 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The postoperative follow-up was more than 1 year.According to the harmonious alignment degree of lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence,they were divided into two groups:Group A(n=47)(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis>10°)and group B(n=63)(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis≤10°).The changes of clinical scores(low back pain visual analog scale score and Oswestry disability index)and spinal and pelvic sagittal parameters before and after surgery were compared between the two groups.The correlation between clinical symptom improvement and spinal and pelvic imaging parameters was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were no significant differences in preoperative pelvic sagittal parameters and clinical function between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)There were no significant differences in operation time and blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)At the last postoperative follow-up,the visual analog scale score and Oswestry disability index in group B were significantly improved compared with group A(P=0.000,P=0.005).Lumbar lordosis and sacral slope were also significantly improved(P=0.000,P<0.05),and pelvic tilt was more significantly recovered(P=0.000).(4)Pearson correlation coefficient method results showed that the improvement of visual analog scale score of low back pain was significantly correlated with the improvement of pelvic tilt(r=0.209,P=0.008),lumbar lordosis(r=-0.133,P=0.021)and sacral slope(r=-0.156,P=0.031).Pelvic tilt was significantly correlated with Oswestry disability index(r=0.196,P=0.014).(5)It is concluded that reconstructed lumbar lordosis and reduced pelvic tilt for the harmonious alignment(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis≤10°)can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients.

Finite element analysis of interspinous fixation-assisted endoscopic interbody fusion in treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In clinical application,simple interspinous fixation without additional interbody fusion has similar fixation effects to pedicle screw and rod fusion internal fixation,and can effectively reduce the range of motion of the responsible segment and the stress of the articular process.However,after simple placement of the new interspinous fusion fixation device BacFuse,the stress at the root of the spinous process is relatively concentrated,and the spinous fracture is prone to occur.If an intervertebral fusion cage is inserted in conjunction with interspinous fixation,Von Mises stress can theoretically be dispersed to reduce the risk of spinous fracture.However,there are few studies on biomechanics and finite element analysis. OBJECTIVE:To observe the biomechanical stability of interspinous fixation-assisted endoscopic interbody fusion in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS:The normal finite element model M0 of the L4-L5 segment of the lumbar spine was established by Mimics,Geomagic,Solidworks,and ANSYS software based on the lumbar CT images of a 26-year-old adult male volunteer excluding spinal diseases.On the basis of M0,the immediate model M1 after endoscopic decompression combined with interbody fusion,the interspinous fixation device(BacFuse)model M2 after endoscopic decompression,and the interspinous fixation(BacFuse)model M3 after endoscopic-assisted interbody fusion were established.The same stress was applied to the upper surface of the L4 vertebral body in the four groups,and the lower surface of the L5 vertebral body was fixed and supported.The range of motion and the extreme Von Mises stress of the endplate bone and the posterior ligament complex of the vertebral body were analyzed under six working conditions of flexion,extension,left/right bending,and left/right rotation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with model M0,the range of motion value of model M1 increased significantly under six working conditions.Model M2 and model M3 had a significant reduction in range of motion.(2)Compared with model M0,the maximum stress of the vertebral body in model M1 did not change significantly under the six working conditions.The maximum stress at the rear of the M2 vertebral body increased significantly.(3)Compared with model M1,the maximum stress of model M3 did not change significantly under the six working conditions.Compared with model M2,the maximum stress of model M3 decreased significantly.(4)Compared with the model M0,the extreme Von Mises stress of the L4 and L5 endplates of the model M1 was significantly increased.The extreme Von Mises stress in L4 and L5 endplates of models M2 and M3 decreased slightly.Compared with model M1,the Von Mises stress of the bone under the L4 and L5 endplate of models M2 and M3 was significantly reduced.(5)It is concluded that the implantation of BacFuse can effectively reduce the bone stress under the endplate during simple interbody fusion,decrease the risk of cage subsidence,diminish the risk of facet joint fracture on the decompression side,and provide a good stable environment for interbody fusion.The placement of an intervertebral fusion cage can reduce the stress of the root of the spinous process,which is beneficial to decrease the risk of fracture of the root of the spinous process.

Clinical outcome of lateral lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with redundant nerve roots / 中国脊柱脊髓杂志

Objectives:To investigate the clinical efficacy and outcome of lateral lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)with redundant nerve roots(RNRs).Methods:The data of 48 LSS patients with RNRs(23 males and 25 females,aged 45-81 years,on average 65.4±7.5 years)treated with lat-eral lumbar interbody fusion between January 2018 and July 2022 in our hospital were analyzed retrospec-tively.Among the patients,17 cases received single-level surgery and 31 cases received multi-level surgery.On the basis of the postoperative supine MRI scans,the patients were divided into RNRs relieved group(group A)and RNRs unrelieved group(group B).Radiographic assessments included disc heights,segmental angle and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal at the RNRs segment before and after operation were per-formed.The visual analogue scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index(ODI)and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes at preoperation and 1 month after surgery.Results:All patients underwent surgery successfully.The preoperative cross-sectional area of the spinal canal was 65.2±21.5mm2 in group A and 35.9±11.5mm2 in group B,with a significant difference(P＜0.05).The posterior disk height and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal was 8.3±1.7mm and 92.6±25.8mm2 respectively in group A,and that of group B was 6.0±2.3mm and 45.4±12.1mm2 respectively,the differences were significant-ly statistical(P＜0.05).Furthermore,in 1 month after operation the VAS leg pain,ODI and JOA scores was 2.4±0.8,(24.1±3.0)%and 22.8±1.9 respectively in group A,and that of group B was 3.3±0.8,(30.2±4.4)%and 17.7±2.5 respectively,the differences were significantly statistical(P＜0.05).The total incidence of complications was 10.4%,including anterolateral thigh pain in 4 cases and hip flexor weakness in 1 case,which were released at 3 months of follow-up.Conclusions:Lateral lumbar interbody fusion can eliminate RNRs by restoring postoperative posterior disc height and enlarging the cross-sectional area of spinal canal,which provides an effective treatment for most LSS patients with RNRs.

Clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic decompression in treating lumbar spinal stenosis combined with degenerative scoliosis in geriatric patients / 中国脊柱脊髓杂志

Objectives:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)with degenerative scoliosis in geriatric patients.Methods:A retro-spective analysis was conducted on the LSS patients combined with degenerative scoliosis underwent percuta-neous endoscopic decompression between January 2020 and June 2021.18 patients(11 males and 7 females)aged 65-90(78.9±7.1)years old were included in the study.Percutaneous endoscopic unilateral or bilateral decompression was performed according to the clinical symptoms,comorbidities and imaging characteristics of the patients.The operative time,intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy times were recorded.Visual ana-logue scale(VAS)was used to evaluate back and leg pain before and immediately after operation,and at 6 months after surgery and final follow-up.Oswestry disability index(ODI)and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score were applied to evaluate lumbar function before and after operation,and the Macnab criteria were adopted to assess the efficacy at final follow-up.The sagittal vertical axis(SVA),C7-CSVL,Cobb angle,lum-bar lordosis(LL),pelvic incidence(PI),pelvic tilt(PT),sacral slope(SS),PI-LL,and cross-sectional area of spinal canal before and after surgery were measured and analyzed.Results:All the patients underwent the surgery successfully,and 14 cases were treated with bilateral decompression and 4 cases with unilateral decompression.There were no serious complications during the perioperative period.The patients completed more than 12 months of follow-up.The operative time was 69.72±12.66min,intraoperative blood loss was 39.72±10.21mL,and the number of preoperative and intraoperative fluoroscopy was 5.11±1.49 times.The VAS scores of low back and leg pain immediately after operation,at 6 months after operation and final follow-up were significantly lower than those before operation(P＜0.05).The ODI and JOA score at final follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before operation(P＜0.05).The postoperative SVA,C7-CSVL,Cobb angle,PI-LL,and cross-sectional areas of spinal canal were improved compared with the preoperative values,respectively(P＜0.05).There were 7 excellent cases(38.90％),9 good cases(50.00％)and 2 acceptable cases(11.11％)at the final follow-up,and the total excellent and good rate was 88.89％.Conclusions:Percutaneous endoscopic decompression has the clinical efficacies of relieving back and leg pain,improving lumbar function and spino-pelvic alignment,and enlarging intraspinal cross-sectional area in treating old LSS patients with degenerative scoliosis,and it is small in wound,little in bleeding,and short in operative time.

Short-term clinical of oblique lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of mild-to-moderate of de-generative lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国脊柱脊髓杂志

Objectives:To investigate the short-term efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF)in treating mild-to-moderate lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS).Methods:35 patients with mild-o-moderate LSS treated with OLIF between May 2018 and May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively,including 25 males and 10 females,aged 50-74(60.3±10.7)years old.The patients were followed up for 12-28(18.3±3.7)months.The operative time,intraoperative bleeding,and complications were recorded;At preoperation,1 week,and 3,6 and 12 months after surgery,the visual analogue scale(VAS)for lumbar and leg pain and Oswestry disability index(ODI)were compared to evaluate clinical efficacy;And lumbar X-ray,CT,and MRI were performed at the same time to measure and evaluate the height of the intervertebral space,size of intervertebral foramen,area of dural sac and sagittal diameter,lordotic angle of intervertebral space,lordotic angle of lumbar spine,and their respective differences between before and after operation,as well as between each postoperative time point were analyzed;The complications and fusion conditions at each time point were also documented.Results:The operative time was 30-100(70.5±20.3)min,and intraoperative bleeding was 20-120(60.3±20.2)mL.The lumbar and leg pain VAS scores and ODI at postoperative 1 week,and 3,6 and 12 months were signif-icantly improved compared with those before operation,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05),while there was no statistical significance when compared pairwisely between postoperative time points(P＞0.05).At postoperative 1 week,and 3,6 and 12 months,the intervertebral space height,intervertebral lor-dotic angle and lumbar lordotic angle,left and right intervertebral foramina sizes,dural sac areas,and sagittal diameters increased significantly compared with those before operation,with statistically significance(P＜0.05),and no statistical difference was found when compared pairwisely between postoperative time points for each imaging parameter(P＞0.05).According to the CT image evaluation 1 year after operation,the overall fusion rate was 94.2％(33/35 cases).No serious complications such as nerve and vascular injury occurred;3 cases of postoperative hip flexion weakness and anterior thigh numbness were relieved after 1 month of symptomatic treatment with conservative therapy;2 cases of fusion device sinking of end-plate cutting were revised in the second stage and underwent posterior muscular gap approach internal fixation.Conclusions:OLIF has satisfactory short-term clinical efficacy in the treatment of mild-to-moderate LSS.

Short-term curative effect evaluation of unilateral biportal endoscopy through Sublamina approach for lumbar intervertebral foramen stenosis combined with lumbar disc herniation / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy(UBE)for lumbar intervertebral foramen stenosis combined with lumbar disc herniation through Sublamina approach.Methods From October 2021 to June 2022,7 elderly patients with typical symptoms of lumbar disc herniation in the intervertebral foramen area accompanied by spinal stenosis were retrospectively analyzed.There were 6 patients with lumbar disc herniation and nerve root canal stenosis at L4/5 and 1 patient at L5/S1.The mean course of disease was(8.6±2.5)months.All the patients were treated by UBE through Sublamina approach.Results Postoperative limb radicular symptoms of 7 patients were relieved.The visual analogue scale(VAS)of limb pain was significantly decreased from preoperative(8.6±1.3)to(2.1±1.1)at 2 d after the surgery(P<0.05),the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score was significantly increased from preoperative(10.1±2.4)to(17.3±1.8)at 2 d after the surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion UBE for lumbar intervertebral foramen stenosis combined with lumbar disc herniation through Sublamina approach has a satisfactory therapeutic effect,providing a new idea for the surgical treatment of this disease.

Application effect and safety analysis of unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under unilateral biportal endoscopy and microendoscope in lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under unilateral biportal endoscopy(UBE)and microendoscope(MED)in lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods 80 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and divided into two groups by numerical table method,the control group and the study group,and the number of cases was 40.The grouping method was random number table method.The control group was treated with unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under MED,while the study group was treated with unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under UBE.Operation time,intraoperative blood loss,Oswestry disability index(ODI)and visual analogue scale(VAS)of lumbago and leg pain were obtained before surgery,1,3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up,efficacy and complications were compared between the two groups.Result There were no significant differences in operative time and blood loss between the study group and the control group(P>0.05).1,3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up,ODI in both groups were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05),but there was no difference between the study group and the control group(P>0.05).The VAS of lumbago and leg pain in both groups were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05),at 1,3 months after surgery and the last follow-up,and the study group was significantly lower than the control group(P<0.05).The excellent and good rate of clinical treatment in the study group was 97.50%,and there was no difference compared with 92.50%in the control group(P>0.05).The complication rate of the study group was 2.50%,significantly lower than that of the control group(15.00%)(P<0.05).Conclusion Unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under the UBE and MED have similar efficacy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis,both of which can effectively promote functional recovery,but UBE can reduce pain more effectively and has fewer postoperative complications.

Effect of adding tranexamic acid during surgery on blood loss and security during short segment lumbar spinal stenosis surgery / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To discuss the effect of adding tranexamic acid(TXA) during surgery on blood loss and security during short segment lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. 【Methods】 One hundred and eight patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who were to undergo lumbar posterior fusion surgery were randomly divided into control group, TXA group and adding TXA group, with 36 patients in each group. In the control group, TXA was not used during surgery.The TXA group received intravenous infusion of 100 mL normal saline mixture containing 1 g of TXA 15 minutes before surgery after anesthesia. In adding TXA group, after the same operation in TXA group, 10 mg/kg(body weight) of TXA was infused 3 hours later. Total perioperative blood loss, dominant blood loss, hidden blood loss, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and transfusion rate were recorded in the two groups. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit(HCT), prothrombin time international standardized ratio (PT-INR), prothrombin time(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), blood platelet count (BPC), D-dimer (D-D), fibringen(FIB), C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured 3 days before and after the surgery in the three groups. Postoperative adverse events were followed up. 【Results】 The total blood loss(mL) [(968.7±209.6) vs (1 369.8±276.3), (968.7±209.6) vs (1 273.9±250.2)], dominant blood loss(mL) [(590.5±164.3) vs (876.4±235.9), (590.5±164.3) vs (789.3±221.7)], intraoperative blood loss(mL) [(318.7±120.7) vs (457.8±146.6), (318.7±120.7) vs (423.9±162.3)] and postoperative drainage volume(mL) [1 day after surgery: (164.6±25.0) vs (262.3±51.7), (164.6±25.0) vs (219.8±37.1); 3 days after surgery: (107.2±18.6) vs (156.3±37.6), (107.2±18.6) vs (145.3±22.3)] of the adding TXA group were lower than those of the control group and TXA group (P0.05). Compared with the preoperative results, Hb, Hct and BPC in the three groups decreased (P0.05), and all of them were within the normal range. No serious adverse events such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, epilepsy, liver and kidney damage were found in all patients after postoperative follow-up. 【Conclusion】 Intraoperative addition of TXA can effectively reduce the amount of blood lost during short segment lumbar spinal stenosis surgery without increasing the risk of complications such as coagulation disorders, thrombosis, liver and kidney function damage.

Clinical Study on Zhuanyaotang Granules for the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Zhuanyaotang Granules for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis(DLSS).Methods Using a randomized double blind controlled design,104 DLSS patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table method,with 52 patients in each group.The treatment group took oral Zhuanyaotang Granules,methylcobalamin tablets and celecoxib capsule simulants.The control group used Zhuanyaotang Granules simulants,methylcobalamin tablets and celecoxib capsules.The course of treatment was 3 weeks for both groups.The follow-ups were conducted at 1 month and 3 months after treatment.The intermittent claudication distance,visual analogue scale(VAS)score and JOA efficacy rating criteria for low back pain score were observed in both groups before treatment,1,2,3 weeks of treatment and 1 month after treatment and 3 months after treatment.Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded.Results There were 5 cases of detachment and 2 cases of exclusion in the experimental group,and 5 cases of detachment and 1 case of exclusion in the control group.Compared with before treatment,there were statistically significant differences in intermittent claudication distance,VAS score,and JOA score between the two groups of patients at various time points during treatment and follow-up(P<0.05);there was no statistically significant difference in intermittent claudication distance,VAS score,and JOA score between the experimental group and the control group before treatment and 1 and 2 weeks of treatment(P>0.05);compared with the two groups at 3 weeks of treatment and 1 and 3 months after treatment,the intermittent claudication distance and JOA score in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);There was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups and the control group after 3 weeks of treatment(P>0.05).There were 2 adverse reactions(4.4%)in the experimental group and 5 adverse reactions(10.8%)in the control group,without statistical significance(P>0.05).Conclusion Zhuanyaotang Granules can effectively relieve pain and improve lumbar function in patients with DLSS,which is more effective and safer than oral celecoxib capsules and methylcobalamin tablets.

[Errata] Estudo piloto sobre diâmetro do canal lombar e distância percorrida em pacientes com estenose espinhal lombar: um modelo de predição multivariado / [Erratum] Pilot study on lumbar canal diameter and walking distance in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a multivariate prediction model

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic claudication (NC) is the classic clinical presentation of patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). These patients may or may not present with symptoms of leg pain and difficulty walking. These symptoms are exacerbated while walking and standing and are eased by sitting or bending forward. METHOD: Patients with LSS, having a lumbar canal diameter of ≤12mm, were recruited from a recognized Tertiary care hospital. Each subject's demographic characteristics and anthropometrics were noted, and the testing procedure was explained. The canal diameter was documented with the help of an MRI report. A self-paced walking test was used to assess the walking distance. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Depending on the normality of the data, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to find the correlation between canal diameter at different lumbar levels and walking distance in patients with LSS. RESULT: Pearson correlation coefficient (r) determined a fair positive correlation (r = 0.29) between lumbar canal diameter and walking distance. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was done, and a prediction equation was found for different levels of canal stenosis. CONCLUSION: Findings of our present study suggest a fair positive correlation between walking distance and canal diameter at L5-S1. This study may also be useful in predicting the approximate canal diameter by estimating the walking distance of the patient with symptoms of LSS and vice-versa.

INTRODUÇÃO: A claudicação neurogênica (CN) é a apresentação clínica clássica de pacientes com Estenose Espinhal Lombar (EEL). Esses pacientes podem ou não apresentar sintomas de dor nas pernas e dificuldade para caminhar. Esses sintomas são exacerbados ao caminhar e ficar em pé e são aliviados ao sentar ou inclinar-se para a frente. MÉTODO: Pacientes com EEL, com diâmetro do canal lombar ≤12mm, foram recrutados em um hospital terciário reconhecido. As características demográficas e antropométricas de cada sujeito foram anotadas e o procedimento do teste foi explicado. O diâmetro do canal foi documentado com a ajuda de um relatório de ressonância magnética. Um teste de caminhada individualizado foi usado para avaliar a distância percorrida. ANÁLISE ESTATÍSTICA: Dependendo da normalidade dos dados, o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) foi usado para encontrar a correlação entre o diâmetro do canal em diferentes níveis lombares e a distância percorrida em pacientes com EEL. RESULTADO: O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) determinou uma correlação positiva razoável (r = 0,29) entre o diâmetro do canal lombar e a distância percorrida. Análise de regressão múltipla stepwise foi feita, e uma equação de predição foi encontrada para diferentes níveis de estenose do canal. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados de nosso estudo sugerem uma correlação positiva razoável entre a distância percorrida e o diâmetro do canal em L5-S1. Este estudo também pode ser útil para prever o diâmetro aproximado do canal, estimando a distância percorrida pelo paciente com sintomas de EEL e vice-versa.

Analysis of the decompressive treatment of the vertebral canal through the trans-spinal approach / Análise do tratamento descompressivo do canal vertebral pela via transespinhosa / Análisis del tratamiento descompresivo del canal vertebral mediante el enfoque transespinal

ABSTRACT Objective: The spinous process separation technique is a less invasive surgical technique for treating lumbar canal stenosis. The objective is to evaluate this technique's results in treating lumbar canal stenosis. Method: Thirty patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis underwent surgical treatment using the spinous process separation technique and were evaluated in the 3-year postoperative period using the Denis Pain and Work Scale and by the SF-36 questionnaire and radiographic evaluation of the operated segment. Results: In the evaluation of the Denis pain scale, 21 (70%) patients had no pain (P1), and nine (30%) patients reported minimal low back pain, not needing medication (P2). Denis' work schedule showed that nine (30%) patients had restrictions on returning to their previous work activity (W2), and 21 (70%) patients were classified as W1. The SF-36 questionnaire showed results of 81.25 for physical aspects (PA), 81.9 for functional capacity (FC), 81.3 for emotional aspects (EA), 64.3 for vitality (V), 65.9 for mental health (MH), 81.98 for social aspects (SA), 75.6 for pain (P) and 68.1 for general health status (GHS). In addition, there were no radiographic signs of instability of the operated vertebral segment in the radiographic evaluation. Conclusion: The decompression of the lumbar spinal canal using the spinous process separation technique showed good results in the evaluated patients three years after the operation. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Resumo: Objetivo: A técnica de separação do processo espinhoso é uma técnica cirúrgica menos invasiva para o tratamento da estenose do canal lombar. O objetivo é avaliar os resultados dessa técnica no tratamento da estenose do canal lombar. Método: Trinta pacientes portadores de estenose do canal vertebral lombar foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico por meio da técnica da separação do processo espinhoso, tendo sido avaliados no período de três anos de pós-operatório, por meio da escala de dor e de trabalho de Denis, pelo questionário SF-36 e avaliação radiográfica do segmento operado. Resultados: Na avaliação da escala de dor de Denis, 21 (70%) pacientes não apresentavam dor (P1) e nove (30%) pacientes relataram dor mínima lombar, não necessitando medicação (P2). A escala de trabalho de Denis evidenciou que nove (30%) pacientes apresentavam restrições ao retorno à atividade prévia de trabalho (W2) e 21 (70%) pacientes foram classificados como W1. O questionário SF-36 apresentou resultados 81,25 para aspectos físicos (AF), 81,9 para capacidade funcional (CF), 81,3 para aspectos emocionais (AE), 64,3 para vitalidade(V), 65,9 para saúde mental (SM), 81,98 para aspectos sociais (AS), 75,6 para dor (D) e 68,1 para estado geral de saúde (EGS). Não foram observados sinais radiográficos de instabilidade do segmento vertebral operado na avaliação radiográfica. Conclusão: A descompressão do canal vertebral lombar por meio da técnica de separação do processo espinhoso apresentou bons resultados na avaliação num período de três anos de pós-operatório dos pacientes avaliados. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Retrospectivo Comparativo.

Resumen: Objetivo: La técnica de separación de la apófisis espinosa es una técnica quirúrgica menos invasiva para el tratamiento de la estenosis del canal lumbar. El objetivo es evaluar los resultados de esta técnica en el tratamiento de la estenosis del canal lumbar. Método: Treinta pacientes con estenosis del conducto raquídeo lumbar fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente mediante la técnica de separación de la apófisis espinosa, y fueron evaluados en el postoperatorio de tres años mediante la Escala de Dolor y Trabajo de Denis, mediante el cuestionario SF-36 y evaluación radiográfica del segmento operado. Resultados: En la evaluación de la escala de dolor de Denis, 21 (70%) pacientes no presentaron dolor (P1) y nueve (30%) pacientes refirieron dolor lumbar mínimo, sin necesidad de medicación (P2). La escala de trabajo de Denis mostró que nueve (30%) pacientes tenían restricciones para regresar a su actividad laboral anterior (W2) y 21 (70%) pacientes fueron clasificados como W1. El cuestionario SF-36 arrojó resultados 81,25 para aspectos físicos (AF), 81,9 para capacidad funcional (CF), 81,3 para aspectos emocionales (AE), 64,3 para vitalidad (V), 65,9 para salud mental (SM), 81,98 para aspectos sociales (AS), 75,6 para dolor (D) y 68,1 para estado general de salud (EGS). No hubo signos radiográficos de inestabilidad del segmento vertebral intervenido en la evaluación radiográfica. Conclusión: La descompresión del canal espinal lumbar mediante la técnica de separación de apófisis espinosa mostró buenos resultados en la evaluación de un período de 3 años después de la operación de los pacientes evaluados.

Spinal Stenosis and Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Achondroplasia / 罕见病研究

Achondroplasia (ACH) is a rare autosomal-dominant genetic disease resulting from a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR3) gene. It is characterized by asymmetric short stature. Spinal stenosis and thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) are common findings in ACH patients. Severe TLK can exacerbate spinal stenosis, leading to neurological complications. This paper provides a brief review of the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and treatments for spinal stenosis and TLK in ACH patients. Recently, three new drugs targeting FGFR3; vosoritide, recifercept, and infigratinib, have completed or are undergoing clinical trials. They have shown promising preliminary results in preventing spinal stenosis and TLK.

Comparison of effectiveness between unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion and endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis combined with intervertebral disc herniation / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effectiveness between unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF) and endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis combined with intervertebral disc herniation.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of 64 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc herniation, who were admitted between April 2020 and November 2021 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 30 patients were treated with ULIF (ULIF group) and 34 patients with Endo-TLIF (Endo-TLIF group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, disease duration, lesion segment, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), spinal canal area, and intervertebral space height between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stays, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups, as well as the VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain, ODI, and imaging measurement indicators (spinal canal area, intervertebral bone graft area, intervertebral space height, and degree of intervertebral fusion according to modified Brantigan score).@*RESULTS@#Compared with the Endo-TLIF group, the ULIF group had shorter operation time, but had more intraoperative blood loss and longer hospital stays, with significant differences ( P<0.05). The cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 cases of Endo-TLIF group and 1 case of ULIF group, and no other complication occurred. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients in the two groups were followed up 12 months. The VAS scores of lower back pain and leg pain and ODI in the two groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between different time points after operation ( P>0.05). And there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Imaging examination showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in the change of spinal canal area, the change of intervertebral space height, and intervertebral fusion rate at 6 and 12 months ( P>0.05). The intervertebral bone graft area in the ULIF group was significantly larger than that in the Endo-TLIF group ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#For the patients with lumbar spinal stenosis combined with intervertebral disc herniation, ULIF not only achieves similar effectiveness as Endo-TLIF, but also has advantages such as higher decompression efficiency, flexible surgical instrument operation, more thorough intraoperative intervertebral space management, and shorter operation time.

Clinical significance and risk factors of redundant nerve root in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical significance and screen the risk factors of redundant nerve roots(RNRs) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 196 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis in the department of Spinal Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College from April 1, 2015 to November 30, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into RNRs positive group and RNRs negative group according to the presence of RNRs. The differences in general clinical data, imaging parameters, visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), and other indicators between the two groups were compared. The risk factors which are highly correlated with RNRs were screened by binary Logistic regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#There were 59 cases in the RNRs positive group, with an occurrence rate of 29.95% (59/137), and 137 cases in the RNRs negative group. The incidence rate of RNRs in 196 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis was 30.10% (59/196). VAS and ODI scores of patients in the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05), and clinical symptoms of patients in the RNRs positive group were more severe than those in the RNRs negative group. There were significant differences in age, number of stenosis segments, average area of lumbar dural sac, area of the narrowest segment and the narrowest segment(P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the number of stenosis segments, the average median sagittal diameter of spinal canal, and the average area of dural sac in lumbar intervertebral space were correlated with the generation of RNRs (P<0.05). The regression coefficient of the number of stenosis segments was -1.115, the regression coefficient of the median sagittal diameter of the spinal canal was -1.707, and the regression coefficient of the mean dural sac area of the lumbar intervertebral space was 7.556.@*CONCLUSION@#The clinical symptoms of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis accompanied by RNRs are more severe than those without them. The number of narrow segments, median sagittal diameter of the spinal canal, and the area of the lumbar intervertebral dural sac are the high-risk factors for RNRs, with the area of the lumbar intervertebral dural sac has the highest correlation.

Unilateral interlaminar approach 270° circular spinal canal decompression under the iLESSYS Delta for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis in the elderly / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical effect of unilateral interlaminar approach 270° circular spinal canal decompression under the Interlaminar Endoscopic Surgical System(iLESSYS) Delta for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in the elderly.@*METHODS@#Total of 29 patients with LSS treated with the iLESSYS Delta from December 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 12 males and 17 females with an average age of (71.52±10.82) years old ranging from 63 to 83 years old. All patients had definite intermittent claudication, mainly neurogenic symptoms of both lower limbs. All patients had single-level spinal stenosis, including L3,4 5 cases, L4,5 21 cases, and L5S1 3 cases. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified Macnab assessment criteria were used to evaluate pain, low back pain dysfunction index and clinical efficacy, respectively.@*RESULTS@#All 29 cases were successfully completed. The operation time was (73.45±5.89) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (9.93±0.83) ml, the hospital stay was (4.03±0.41) days, and the follow-up was more than 12 months. The VAS scores of low back pain before surgery and 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year after surgery were 2.31±0.88, 1.45±0.62, 1.21±0.61, 1.10±0.55, 1.03±0.49;VAS of leg pain were 6.48±0.49 0.56, 1.97±0.61, 1.31±0.59, 1.17±0.59, 1.10±0.55;ODI scores were 38.41±2.74, 18.14±1.17, 5.17±0.53, 5.07±0.45, 4.90±0.48;low back and leg pain VAS score and ODI score have statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative follow-up time points (P<0.05). The MacNab efficacy evaluation at 1-year follow-up:excellent in 22 cases, good in 5 cases and fair in 2 cases.@*CONCLUSION@#The clinical effect of unilateral interlaminar approach 270° circular spinal canal decompression under the iLESSYS Delta for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis in the elderly is satisfactory, with the advantages of less trauma and less bleeding, large microscopic operation space, sufficient decompression, and ideal post-operative recovery, and at the same time, it can minimize the damage to the stable structure of the lumbar spine, which is an ideal surgical method for the treatment of elderly lumbar spinal stenosis.