O-arm navigation for sacroiliac screw placement in the treatment for posterior pelvic ring injury.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the application value of O-arm navigation system in sacroiliac screw placement for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring injury. METHODS: A total of 40 patients (mean age = 30.75 ± 14.99 years, 25 males, 15 females) were included. From January 2016 to July 2018, 40 patients with posterior pelvic ring injury treated in our hospital were included. Of them, 19 patients underwent O-arm navigation for screw placement (O-arm group) while the other 21 received C-arm fluoroscopy guidance (C-arm group) for sacroiliac screw placement. Intraoperative outcomes and the outcome of screw placement were compared between groups. The quality of radiological images was assessed by Matta's radiological outcome grade. The outcome of complex pelvic fracture treatment was evaluated by Majeed Functional score. RESULTS: All demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared with the C-arm groups, the O-arm group had a shorter surgery time (33.19 ± 3.14 vs. 48.35 ± 4.38 min, P < 0.001), a higher overall good outcome "excellent + good" rate of screw placement (95.45% vs. 73.91%, P < 0.05), and a significantly higher Majeed Functional score better outcome of complex pelvic fracture treatment at 1 and 3 months postoperation (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that O-arm navigation system is feasible and safe for the treatment of posterior pelvic ring injury and can effectively improve the accuracy and safety of sacroiliac screw placement, shorten the operation time, and help rapid postoperative functional recovery.

Minimally invasive direct lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of the thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosisMini-DLIF for the thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive direct lateral approach debridement, interbody bone grafting, and interbody fusion in the treatment of the thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: From January 2013 to January 2016, 35 cases with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis received direct lateral approach debridement, interbody bone grafting, and interbody fusion. Of the 35 cases, 16 patients were male and 19 were female and the median age was 55.2 (range 25-83). The affected segments were single interspace, and the involved vertebral bodies included: 15 cases of thoracic vertebrae (1 cases of T5/6, 2 cases of T6/7, 4 cases of T7/8, 3 cases of T8/9, 5 cases of T9/10) and 20 cases of lumbar spine (2 cases of L1/2, 6 cases of L2/3, 6 cases of L3/4, 6 cases of L4/5). After MIDLIF operation, all the patients received medication of four anti-tubercular drugs for 12 to18 months. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 7 to 40 months with an average of 18.5 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) at the last follow-up was 2.8 ± 0.5, which was significantly different from the preoperative VAS (8.2 ± 0.7). After MIDLIF, there was 5 cases occurred with transient numbness in one side of the thigh or inguinal region, and 10 cases suffered from flexion hip weakness. All the bone grafts were fused within 6~ 18 months (average of 11.5 months) after the operation. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive lateral approach interbody fusion technology have the advantage of less injury and quick recovery after surgery, which is the effective and safe treatment for thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

Computed Tomography Angiography Allows the Classification of the First Dorsal Metatarsal Arteries.

Background Conventional angiography is an invasive technique. Submillimeter computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been shown to be an effective alternative for peripheral artery branches. This study aimed to assess the use of CTA to guide the choice and design of foot donor area for finger or thumb reconstruction. Methods This was a retrospective study of 79 patients who underwent finger or thumb reconstruction between January, 2011 and March, 2014. All these patients underwent preoperative CTA to determine the exact blood supply at the donor site. Preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings at the donor site were compared. Results Among the 79 patients (158 feet), 474 artery segments (dorsalis pedis artery [DPA], first dorsal metatarsal artery [FDMA], and toe web artery [TWA]) were evaluated using CTA. Image satisfaction rates of the vessels were 100.0 ± 0.0%, 89.2 ± 3.2%, and 60.1 ± 5.0% for DPA, FDMA, and TWA, respectively. Among the 158 feet, 90 were Gilbert type I (57.0%), 52 were Gilbert type II (32.9%), 13 were Gilbert type III (8.2%), and 3 were with poor visibility and could not be classified (1.9%). In all 79 patients, the CTA image of the FDMA was consistent with the intraoperative observations. All reconstructed fingers survived. Follow-up was available for 69 patients. After a 6- to 18-month follow-up, the reconstructed fingers and donor area recovered well, and the reconstructed fingers had strong holding power, without pain. Conclusion CTA can produce three-dimensional images for extremity arteries, allowing the preoperative assessment of blood supply and planning of donor site.

A Novel Preoperative Planning Technique Using a Combination of CT Angiography and Three-Dimensional Printing for Complex Toe-to-Hand Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical toe-to-hand transplantation is a reasonable salvage procedure after failed replantation, though no consensus exists on proper donor toe length for restoration of hand function and optimal donor flap needed for recipient site healing. The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel technique for preoperative planning in complicated toe-to-hand reconstruction and to assess feasibility in four cases. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) angiography was used to map donor site vasculature, whereas CT data were used to create three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue and skeletal models for injured and uninjured hands. Based on the reformatted model (mirror of uninjured hand), soft tissue and finger skeleton models were generated using a 3D printer. An adhesive plaster model was placed on the donor site to determine osteotomy level and incision markings. The skeletal model was used to determine the length of the donor foot resection. Four complex amputation cases were included to illustrate clinical feasibility and early functional and cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: In all four cases, thumb and fingers were reconstructed successfully and all flaps survived. No arterial or venous thrombosis or major donor morbidity were observed. Functional and cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory with similarly satisfactory static two-point discrimination, key pinch and grip strength, and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire scores. CONCLUSION: This novel microsurgical toe-to-hand reconstruction methodology, as introduced in this study, showed promising functional and cosmetic outcomes. Application of this technique in complex hand injuries has the potential to increase surgical efficiency, minimize procedural morbidity, and improve reproducibility.

Comparative efficacy and safety of different hemostatic medications during spinal surgery: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Significant blood loss is still one of the most frequent issues in spinal surgery. There were different hemostatic methods to prevent blood loss during spinal surgery. However, the optimal hemostatic therapy for spinal surgery is controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of different hemostatic therapies in spinal surgery. METHODS: Two independent reviewers conducted electronic literature searches in 3 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library database) as well as a manual search to identify eligible clinical studies from inception to Nov 2022. Studies that including different hemostatic therapy (tranexamic acid [TXA], epsilon-acetyl aminocaproic acid [EACA], and aprotinin [AP]) for spinal surgery were included. The Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis was performed to determine the ranking order. All analyses were performed by R software and Stata software. P value less than .05 was identified as statistically significant. RESULTS: Finally, a total of 34 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and finally included in this network meta-analysis. The SUCRA shows that TXA ranked first (SUCRA, 88.4%), AP ranked second (SUCRA, 71.6%), EACA ranked third (SUCRA, 39.9%), and placebo ranked the last (SUCRA, 0.3%) as for total blood loss. The SUCRA shows that TXA ranked first (SUCRA, 97.7%), AP ranked second (SUCRA, 55.8%), EACA ranked third (SUCRA, 46.2%), and placebo ranked the last (SUCRA, 0.2%) for need for transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: TXA appears optimal in the reduction of perioperative bleeding and blood transfusion during spinal surgery. However, considering the limitations in this study, more large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Adult rat mesenchymal stem cells delay denervated muscle atrophy.

To evaluate the function of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) on denervated gastrocnemius muscles and to address the role of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in rMSCs, denervated Wistar rats were separately injected with culture media (sham control), CNTF protein, 2.5 × 10(5) siCNTF-treated rMSCs, 2.5 × 10(5) GFP-transfected rMSCs, or 2.5 × 10(5) untreated rMSCs. Muscle function was assessed at different time points post-surgery. Tibial nerve and gastrocnemius muscle samples were taken at 4, 8, and 12 weeks for histochemistry, and neuromuscular junction repair was also examined by electron microscopy. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry on tissue sections confirmed neurotrophin expression in rMSCs but with little evidence of neuronal differentiation. The engraftment of rMSCs significantly preserved the function of denervated gastrocnemius muscle based both on evaluation of muscle function and direct examination of muscle tissue. Further, the density and depth of the junctional folds were visibly reduced 12 weeks after surgery and transplantation, especially in control group. Knockdown of CNTF expression in rMSCs failed to block muscle preservation, although administration of CNTF protein alone inhibited muscle atrophy, which indicating that delivery of rMSCs could preserve gastrocnemius muscle function following denervation and post-junctional mechanisms involved in the repairing capability of rMSCs.

Association of the polymorphism of DR4 with the risk and severity of lumbar disc degeneration in the Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVE: Death receptor 4 (DR4), an apoptosis-associated gene, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD). The present study aimed to determine whether the C626G polymorphism (rs4871857) of the DR4 gene is associated with the risk and severity of LDD in the Chinese Han population. METHODS: A total of 296 patients with LDD and 208 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The grade of disc degeneration was determined according to Schneiderman's classification for MRI. The C626G polymorphism of DR4 was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The genotype frequency of the C626G polymorphism was in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p = 0.194). The frequencies of the 626CG and GG genotypes were higher among LDD patients compared with normal controls; however, the differences were not significant. Patients with LDD showed significantly higher frequencies of the G allele than normal controls (p = 0.023). Unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that the G allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of LDD compared with the C allele (p = 0.025; OR 1.958; 95% CI 1.087-3.526). However, no association was found between the different genotypes and the risk of LDD. In addition, the 626CG and GG genotypes, as well as the G allele were associated with higher degenerative grades of LDD compared with the CC genotype and the C allele, respectively (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The C626G polymorphism of DR4 may be associated with the risk and severity of LDD in the Chinese Han population.

Clinical Significance of Peripheral Blood Th1 and Th17 Cell Content and Serum IL-35 and IL-17 Expression in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical significance of peripheral blood T helper cell 1 (Th1) and T helper cell 17 (Th17) cell content and serum (interleukin) IL-35 and IL-17 expression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: In this retrospective study, we included and assigned 60 cases of AS patients enrolled in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 to an active group (ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS) ≥2.1, n = 28) and a static group (ASDAS<2.1, n = 32) according to the degree of disease activity. The logistic propensity score matching method was used to include 60 healthy individuals after a physical examination during the same period in the control group. The peripheral blood Th1 and Th17 cell content and the levels of serum IL-35 and IL-17 were determined and analyzed. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the Th1 cell ratio and Th17 cell ratio between the control group and the other two groups (P < 0.05), and the static group yielded a higher Th1 cell ratio and a lower Th17 cell ratio than the active group (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were also observed in the serum IL-35 and IL-17 levels between the control group and the other two groups (P < 0.05), and the static group had a higher IL-35 level and a lower IL-17 level than the active group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The imbalance of Th17/Th1 cell content of AS patients is characterized by high expression of IL-17 and low expression of IL-35. The increased activity of AS was associated with a dominant state of Th17 cells and a significant increase in IL-17 expression, indicating that Treg/Th17 imbalance is closely related to the development of AS, which may provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of AS.

Repeated exposure to sevoflurane in neonatal rats impairs cognition in adulthood via the PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.

Sevoflurane (Sev) anesthesia is widely used in pediatrics due to its low blood-gas partition coefficient and lack of pungency. However, Sev treatment may lead to cognitive dysfunction in later life. The current study administered Sev to neonatal rats to investigate the effects of Sev treatment on cognitive performance in adulthood. In total, 6-day-old rats received 3% Sev for 2 h daily for 3 consecutive days. The cognitive function of rats in adulthood was evaluated in 56-day-old rats by Morris water maze test. The hippocampal neuron morphology was observed by Nissl staining. Hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured by ELISA. The protein expression of protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated-CREB (p-CREB) and BDNF in hippocampus were assessed by western blotting. The water maze results demonstrated that neonatal treatment with Sev resulted in a significant impairment of cognition in 56-day-old adult rats. Behavioral analysis revealed that Sev treatment increased latency to first pass the platform and decreased residence in target quadrants and across platform frequency compared with the control group in Morris water maze tests. Furthermore, compared with the control group, neonatal exposure to Sev reduced the number of neurons and the concentration of BDNF in the hippocampus, a brain region important for learning and memory. Additionally, Sev significantly decreased the expression of PKA, p-CREB, BDNF and the p-CREB/CREB ratio. Treatment with bucladesine, a selective PKA agonist, partially reversed the deleterious effects of Sev. In summary, the results indicated that PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling served an important role in the cognitive decline caused by neonatal exposure to Sev.

Clinical study of 3D printed personalized prosthesis in the treatment of bone defect after pelvic tumor resection.

BACKGROUND: /Objective: In recent years, prostheses have been widely used for limb reconstruction after pelvic tumour resection. However, prostheses are associated with problems leading to tumour recurrence, poor implant matching, defects after tumour resection, and easy implant looseness or failure. To achieve a precise preoperative design, complete tumour resection, and better anatomical structure matching and prosthesis stability, this study used three-dimensionally (3D)-printed osteotomy guides and personalised prostheses for reconstruction after pelvic tumour resection. This study aimed to explore the early clinical efficacy of 3D printed personalised prostheses for the reconstruction of bone defects after pelvic tumour resection. METHODS: A total of 20 patients (12 males, 8 females) with pelvic tumours surgically treated at our hospital between October 2014 and October 2019 were selected. There were 10 cases each of giant cell bone tumours and osteochondrosarcomas. According to Enneking zoning, there were 11 and 9 cases with tumours located in zones I and II, respectively. All cases were equally divided into conventional and 3D printing groups. For repair and reconstruction, a nail rod system or a steel plate was used in the conventional group while individualised 3D-printed prostheses were used in the 3D printing group. The surgical incision, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, and the negative rate of resection margins in postoperative tumour specimens were examined. The follow-up focused on tumour recurrence, complications, and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. RESULTS: All cases were followed-up for 6-24 months. The average incision length, duration of surgery, amount of intraoperative blood loss, and MSTS score of the 3D printing group were 10.0 ±â€¯3.1 cm, 115.2 ±â€¯25.3 min, 213.2 ±â€¯104.6 mL, 23.8 ±â€¯1.3, respectively, and those of the conventional group were 19.8 ±â€¯8.4 cm, 156.8 ±â€¯61.4 min, 361.4 ±â€¯164.2 mL, and 18.3 ±â€¯1.4, respectively. Histological tumour specimen examination showed nine and three cases with negative resection margins in the 3D printing group and the conventional group, respectively. The abovementioned indicators were significantly different between both groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Applying 3D printed surgical guides and personalised prostheses for pelvic tumour resection, repair, and reconstruction, as well as preoperative planning and design, enables more accurate tumour resections and better prosthesis-patient matchings, possibly reducing surgical trauma, shortening the duration of surgery, and promoting the functional recovery of patients postoperatively. THE TRANSLATION POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE: Contrary to existing studies on 3D printed personalised prostheses, this study reports the clinical efficacy of the aforementioned technology in treating bone defects in a series of patients who underwent pelvic tumour resection. Moreover, it presents a comprehensive comparison of this technology with conventional procedures, thus strengthening its importance in treatment regimens for reconstructing bone defects.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING OF THUMB RECONSTRUCTION.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the clinical application of preoperative precise design for 3D printing and thumb reconstruction, which could help manage the patients with thumb defect and achieve better function and appearance. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent the surgery of harvesting toe transplant and thumb reconstruction between January 2015 and December 2016. The 3D model of the thumb defect was created and printed. The dimensions of skin and bones from donor site were precisely designed as reference for surgical operation. The surgery was performed according to the model. RESULTS: Perfect repair of defects was achieved with satisfying appearance and function. The reconstructed thumbs all survived (survival rate of 100%). Follow-up was 3-9 months. The maximum dorsiflexion was 8-30° and the maximum flexion was 38-58°. The two-point sensory discrimination was 9-11 mm. In total, 17 patients reposted "Excellent" satisfaction and three "Good", each for the reconstructed thumb and hand function, respectively. The satisfaction rate was 85%. CONCLUSION: Preoperative digital design and 3D printing according to the donor and recipient sites allowed a tailored operation. The operation was more precise, the appearance of the reconstructed thumb was good. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo explorou a aplicação clínica do desenho pré-operatório preciso para impressão 3D e reconstrução do polegar, para ajudar no controle e melhorar função e aparência. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 20 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de colheita de transplante de dedo do pé e reconstrução do polegar entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2016. O modelo 3D do defeito do polegar foi confeccionado e impresso. As dimensões da pele e dos ossos da área doadora foram precisamente projetadas como referência para a operação cirúrgica, realizada de acordo com o modelo. RESULTADOS: O reparo perfeito foi alcançado com aparência e função satisfatórias. Todos os polegares reconstruídos sobreviveram (taxa de sobrevivência de 100%). O acompanhamento foi de 3-9 meses. A dorsiflexão máxima foi de 8-30° e a flexão máxima foi de 38-58°. A discriminação sensorial de dois pontos foi de 9-11 mm. No total, 17 pacientes reportaram índice "Excelente" e três índice "Bom" cada para a função reconstruída do polegar e da mão, respectivamente. O índice de satisfação foi de 85%. CONCLUSÃO: O design digital pré-operatório e a impressão 3D de acordo com os locais doador e receptor permitiram uma operação customizada. A operação foi mais precisa, com bom aspecto. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Retrospectivo.

Senescence Osteoblast-Derived Exosome-Mediated miR-139-5p Regulates Endothelial Cell Functions.

The pathogenesis of osteoporosis is considered extremely intricate. Osteoblast differentiation and angiogenesis can greatly affect bone development and formation, given their coupling role in these processes. Exosome-mediated miRNA regulates cellular senescence, proliferation, and differentiation. However, whether senescent osteoblasts can regulate the senescence of vascular endothelial cell by miRNA through exosomal pathway remains unclear. In this study, senescent osteoblasts could regulate endothelial cell function, promote cell senescence and apoptosis, and decrease cell proliferation via exosomal pathway. miR-139-5p showed high expression in senescent osteoblasts and their exosomes. After senescent osteoblast-derived exosome treatment, miR-139-5p was also upregulated in endothelial cells. Furthermore, transfection of miR-139-5p mimic promoted the senescence and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells and inhibited their proliferation and migration, whereas transfection of miR-139-5p inhibitor rescued the effect of D-galactose. Using double luciferase assay, TBX1 was confirmed to be a direct target gene of miR-139-5p. In conclusion, senescent osteoblast-derived exosome-mediated miR-139-5p regulated endothelial cell function via exosomal pathway. Our study revealed the role of osteoblast-derived exosomes in the bone environment during aging, providing a clue for inventing a new target therapy.

Application of computed tomography angiography-assisted classification of arterial branches in the first web space of the foot for thumb reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has become a widely used imaging modality in vascular surgery. The first web arterial branches of the foot are significant for surgical planning of the donor site for thumb reconstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 30 thumb reconstructions with free second toe/great toe wrap-around flap transfer, performed between January 2016 and January 2019. The mean patient age was 30 (2-45) years. The causes of hand injury were: 20 machine strangulation injuries, 6 heavy weight smash injuries, and 4 crush injuries. Patients with iodine allergy were excluded preoperatively. We evaluated the effectiveness of CTA in visualizing first web arterial branches and compared it with intraoperative findings. Surgical plan for donor sites was prepared based on the classification of the first web arterial branches. RESULTS: The arterial branches of the patients were classified based on CTA findings as follows: (1) fork type: 24 patients (48 feet, 80%); (2) main trunk type: four patients (8 feet, 13.33%); and (3) side branch type: one patient (2 feet, 3.33%). One case of poor vascular continuity and artifacts in CTA underwent thumb reconstruction with free great toe wrap-around flap transfer. Tissue survival was achieved in all reconstructed thumbs. During the follow-up period (average, 12 months), all reconstructed thumbs exhibited good outcomes. The donor sites on the feet of all patients recovered well. CONCLUSION: CTA allows preoperative assessment of blood supply and planning of donor site. Our results can serve as a reference for surgical planning of the donor site while reducing the occurrence of adverse events.

[Treatment of giant cell tumor of bone around knee joint with three-dimensional printing personalized prosthesis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printing personalized prosthesis in the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone around knee joint. METHODS: A clinical data of 9 patients with giant cell tumor of bone around knee joints and met the inclusive criteria between May 2014 and August 2017 was retrospectively analysed. There were 4 males and 5 females, with an average age of 35.8 years (range, 24-50 years). The lesion located at the distal femur in 4 cases and at the proximal tibia in 5 cases. The disease duration was 5-25 months (mean, 12.9 months). According to Campanacci grading, there were 2 patients of grade Ⅰ and 7 of grade Ⅱ. The 3D printing personalized prosthesis was designed based on the CT scanning and 3D reconstruction prepared before operation. All patients were treated with the tumor resection and 3D printing personalized prosthesis reconstruction. The radiological examination was taken to observe the tumor recurrence and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 1993 (MSTS93) score was used to evaluate the knee function. RESULTS: All operations were successful and all incisions healed by first intention without early complications. All patients were followed up 24-40 months (mean, 31.2 months). At last follow-up, no complication such as pain, pathological fracture, prosthesis loosening, or tumor recurrence occurred. The MSTS93 score was 20-29 (mean, 24.7). The knee function was rated as excellent in 6 cases and good in 3 cases, with the excellent and good rate of 100%. CONCLUSION: For giant cell tumor of bone around knee joint, 3D printing personalized prosthesis has the advantages of bio-fusion with host bone, mechanical stability, good joint function, and ideal short-term effectiveness. But the middle- and long-term effectiveness still need to be further observed.

Mini-Open Lateral Corpectomy for Thoracolumbar Junction Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Neoplastic, traumatic, infectious, and degenerative pathologies affecting the thoracolumbar junction pose a unique challenge to spine surgeons. Posterior or anterior approaches have traditionally been utilized to treat these lesions. Although minimally invasive surgeries through a lateral approach to the thoracic or lumbar spine have gained popularity, lateral access to the thoracolumbar junction remains technically challenging due to the overlying diaphragm positioned at the interface of the peritoneum and pleura. OBJECTIVE: To describe a mini-open lateral retropleural retroperitoneal approach for pathologies with spinal cord/cauda equina compression at the thoracolumbar junction. METHODS: A mini-open lateral corpectomy is described in detail in a patient with an L1 metastatic tumor. RESULTS: Satisfactory decompression and spinal column reconstruction were achieved. The patient obtained neural function recovery following the procedure with no intra- or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The morbidities associated with traditional posterior or anterior approaches to thoracolumbar junction pathologies have led to a growing interest in minimally invasive alternatives. The mini-open lateral approach allows for a safe and efficacious corpectomy and reconstruction for thoracolumbar junction pathologies. Thorough understanding of the anatomy, particularly of the diaphragm, is critical. This approach will have expanded roles in the management of patients with thoracolumbar neoplasms, fractures, infections, deformities, or degenerative diseases.

Kinetics of viral load and antibody response in relation to COVID-19 severity.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Little is known about the kinetics, tissue distribution, cross-reactivity, and neutralization antibody response in patients with COVID-19. Two groups of patients with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled in this study: 12 severely ill patients in intensive care units who needed mechanical ventilation and 11 mildly ill patients in isolation wards. Serial clinical samples were collected for laboratory detection. Results showed that most of the severely ill patients had viral shedding in a variety of tissues for 20-40 days after onset of disease (8/12, 66.7%), while the majority of mildly ill patients had viral shedding restricted to the respiratory tract and had no detectable virus RNA 10 days after onset (9/11, 81.8%). Mildly ill patients showed significantly lower IgM response compared with that of the severe group. IgG responses were detected in most patients in both the severe and mild groups at 9 days after onset, and remained at a high level throughout the study. Antibodies cross-reactive to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 were detected in patients with COVID-19 but not in patients with MERS. High levels of neutralizing antibodies were induced after about 10 days after onset in both severely and mildly ill patients which were higher in the severe group. SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype neutralization test and focus reduction neutralization test with authentic virus showed consistent results. Sera from patients with COVID-19 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 entry. Sera from convalescent patients with SARS or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) did not. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S and N IgG levels exhibited a moderate correlation with neutralization titers in patients' plasma. This study improves our understanding of immune response in humans after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Radiation Exposure and Operation Time in Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Using Fluoroscopy-Based Navigation System.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated radiation exposure and operation time of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) by using a fluoroscopy-based navigation system for access and localization. METHODS: Eighty-six PELDs performed by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were separated into 2 groups: group A (using a three-dimensional [3D]-printed navigation instrument and fluoroscopy-based navigation system) and group B (with conventional fluoroscopy and standard instrumentation). The operation, fluoroscopy, and total access time were collected, as well as fluoroscopy and access times. RESULTS: The operative time for group A was 59 minutes (standard deviation [SD], 6 minutes) and 106 minutes (SD, 15 minutes) in group B (P < 0.001). In group A, fluoroscopy was used an average of 5 times (SD, 0.7) and 29 times (SD, 8) in group B (P < 0.001). The fluoroscopy time was 9 minutes (SD, 2 minutes) in group A and 40 minutes (SD, 8 minutes) in group B (P < 0.001). The number of access attempts was 1.3 (SD, 0.5) in group A and 8 (SD, 2 times) in group B (P < 0.001). The total access time was 11 minutes (SD, 2 minutes) in group A and 28 minutes (SD, 5 minutes) in group B (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PELD using the fluoroscopy-based navigation system showed lower operative, fluoroscopy, and access time compared with conventional techniques. In addition, fewer fluoroscopy images and access attempts were made in the navigation group. These data suggest that this novel technique reduces fluoroscopy and operation time and may reduce risks of repeated surgical access attempts.

Effect of altered proximal femoral geometry on predicting femoral stem anteversion in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: The deformity of the proximal femur and acetabular in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) renders an intraoperative decision for ideal component placement challenging. We hypothesized that the altered morphology of calcar femorale (CF) in DDH patients changed the fixation mechanism of the cementless metaphyseal-filling stem and aimed to predict stem anteversion using proximal femoral anatomical parameters from preoperative CT. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative CT scans of 34 DDHs with a metaphyseal-filling stem in THA were retrospectively analyzed. Proximal femoral anatomical parameters, including the femoral anteversion (FA) and the CF angles at the low femoral neck (LFN) and the center of the lesser trochanter (CLT) levels (FA-LFN, FA-CLT, CF-LFN, and CF-CLT) were measured. The dysplastic hips were divided into the CF group (n = 21) and the non-CF group (n = 13) according to the presence of the CF-LFN. The association between the anatomical parameters and the postoperative stem anteversion was statistically analyzed, and the predicted stem anteversion was compared with postoperative stem anteversion. RESULTS: In the CF group, the combination of the CF-LFN and FA-CLT exhibited a strong positive correlation (R = 0.870, p < 0.001) with the postoperative stem anteversion. In the non-CF group, only the FA-LFN had a strong positive correlation (R = 0.864, p < 0.001). Average prediction errors were 5.9° and 6.4° in the CF and non-CF groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CF-LFN is related to the press-fit mechanism of the metaphyseal-filling stem, and the preoperative measurements from CT images can be employed as a tool to predict postoperative stem anteversion in DDH patients.

Effect of computer navigation-assisted minimally invasive direct lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of patients with lumbar tuberculosis: A retrospective study.

The benefits of navigation-assisted technologies are not entirely understood. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the outcomes of patients with lumbar tuberculosis who received computer navigation-assisted minimally invasive direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF).This was a retrospective study of 33 patients with lumbar tuberculosis who underwent minimally invasive DLIF at the Department of Spine and Orthopedics of Guigang People's Hospital (Guangxi, China) between January 2015 and December 2016. The patients were pathologically diagnosed as lumbar tuberculosis and grouped into the navigation-assisted fluoroscopy (NAV; n = 18) and non-navigation-assisted fluoroscopy (non-NAV; n = 15) groups. X-ray exposure and operation times were assessed in all patients.All surgical procedures were successfully completed. No case was converted into open surgery. The NAV group had longer surgical preparation time but shorter operation time compared with the non-NAV group (both P <.01). Total operation time showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .1). The time of radiation exposure in the non-NAV group was longer compared with that of the NAV group (53.2 ±â€Š9.9 vs 13.5 ±â€Š2.6 s; P <.01). There were no significant differences regarding intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, length of hospital stay, bone fusion and complications between the 2 groups (all P >.05).Computer navigation-assisted minimally invasive DLIF could significantly reduce intraoperative radiation exposure, with no increase in total operation time.

Risk Factors for Cement Leakage After Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty: A Meta-Analysis of Published Evidence.

BACKGROUND: Cement leakage is the most common complication of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. So far, the reported risk factors remain conflicting because of limited data and lack of uniform measurement and evaluation. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of potential risk factors for cement leakage after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. METHODS: Relevant literature was retrieved using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, and MEDLINE with no language restriction, supplemented by a hand search of the reference lists of selected articles. A fixed-effects model was used if homogeneity existed among included studies; otherwise, a random-effects model was used. The results were presented with weighted mean difference for continuous outcomes and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Twenty-two studies consisting of 2872 patients with 4187 vertebrae were included in the meta-analysis. The incidences of cement leakage for percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty were 54.7% and 18.4%, respectively. The significant risk factors for new vertebral compression fractures were intravertebral cleft (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.78; P < 0.01), cortical disruption (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 1.84-16.81; P < 0.01), cement viscosity (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.36-8.07; P < 0.01) and injected cement volume (weighted mean difference, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.02-1.17; P < 0.05). Age, sex and fracture type, operation level, and surgical approach were not significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that patients with intravertebral cleft, cortical disruption, low cement viscosity, and high volume of injected cement may be at high risk for cement leakage after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Rigorous patient selection and individual therapeutic strategy irrespective of age, sex and fracture type, operation level, and surgical approach may reduce the occurrence of cement leakage. Given the inherent limitation of the meta-analysis, more large sample-sized randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate the present findings.