ObjectiveTo summarize the guiding role of imaging evaluation of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in recent years.MethodsThe reports of OLIF surgical imaging research at home and abroad in recent years were extensively reviewed and analyzed.ResultsPreoperative imaging evaluation plays an important role in guiding the operation of OLIF, the placement of fusion Cage, the selection of indications, and the reduction of complications.ConclusionDetailed preoperative imaging evaluation can correctly estimate the indications of OLIF, and avoid the nerve, blood vessel, and muscle injuries.
目的 探讨后路手术中360°植骨融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症的近期疗效。 方法 2008年1月－2011年2月收治39例腰椎滑脱症患者，男21例，女18例；年龄35～75岁，平均51岁。病程12～50个月，平均31个月。滑脱部位：腰3 1例，腰4 11例，腰5 24例，腰4、5 3例。腰椎退变性滑脱27例，峡部裂性滑脱12例。按Meyerding分度：Ⅰ度21例，Ⅱ度13例，Ⅲ度5例。患者均有腰腿痛症状，保守治疗无效后行后路减压、复位及椎弓根钉棒系统内固定，术中以360°行椎间及后外侧三维立体植骨融合，在椎体前中柱采用植骨加椎间融合器的融合方式。术后定期随访，摄X线片检测融合情况，使用视觉模拟疼痛（VAS）评分评估症状缓解情况，Greenough-Fraser综合评分评价腰腿痛治疗结果。 结果 有36例患者获随访，随访时间12～36个月，平均24个月。植骨愈合率100%，愈合时间10～18个月，平均14个月。无内固定松动、断裂、外露及脱落等并发症发生。术前下肢神经根痛VAS评分为（7.52 ± 1.23）分，末次随访时为（1.67 ± 1.18）分；下腰痛术前（6.83 ± 1.51）分，末次随访时为（1.11 ±0.76）分；手术前后比较差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。Greenough-Fraser综合评分术前为（24 ± 7）分，末次随访时为（55 ± 4）分，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。 结论 360°植骨融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症是一种确实有效的融合方法，利于提高相应区域的植骨融合率及恢复椎间隙高度，使融合更稳定。
Objective To summarize the effect of cage height on outcomes of lumbar interbody fusion surgery and the importance of the cage height selection. Methods The related literature was widely reviewed to summarize the research progress on the complications caused by inappropriate height of the cage and the methods of selecting cage height. Results Inappropriate height of the cage can lead to endplate injury, cage subsidence, internal fixation failure, adjacent segmental degeneration, over-distraction related pain, insufficient indirect decompression, instability of operation segment, poor interbody fusion, poor sequence of spine, and cage displacement. At present, the selection of the cage height is based on the results of the intraoperative model test, which is reliable but high requirements for surgical experience and hard to standardize. ConclusionThe inappropriate height of the cage may have an adverse impact on the postoperative outcome of patients. It is important to develop a selection standard of the cage height by screening the related influential factors.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of ureteral injury in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF).MethodsThe literature about incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of ureteral injury complications in OLIF was reviewed.ResultsOLIF surgery poses a risk of ureteral injury because its surgical approach is anatomically adjacent to the left ureter. Ureteral injuries in OLIF are often insidious and have no specific clinical manifestations. CT urography is a common diagnostic method. The treatment of ureteral injury depends on a variety of factors such as the time of diagnosis, the location and degree of injury, and the treatment methods range from endoscopic treatment to replacement reconstruction.ConclusionSurgeons should pay attention not to damage the ureter and find the abnormality in time during OLIF. High vigilance of abnormalities is conducive to the early diagnosis of ureteral injury. Furthermore, it is important to be familiar with ureter anatomy and gentle operation to prevent ureteral injury.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress on spontaneous facet fusion (SFF) after lumbar spine surgery, and provide reference for further research on SFF. Methods The definition, development, clinical significance, and related influence factors of SFF were throughout reviewed by referring to relevant domestic and foreign literature in recent years. Results SFF is a phenomenon of joint space disappearance and fusion of upper and lower articular processes, which starts in a ring shape from the outermost edges to the central regions. Currently reported SFF occurred after posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation. SFF may increase the stability of surgical segments and relieve clinical symptoms of patients. SFF is closely related to the method of lumbar internal fixation, facet osteoarthritis, interbody fusion, age, body mass index, type B fracture (according to AO classification), and the operative segment. Conclusion Most reported SFF occur after posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation, which can increase lumbar stability, but the mechanism and influencing factors remain to be further clarified.
ObjectiveTo summarize the advances in research on Cage subsidence following lumbar interbody fusion, and provide reference for its prevention.MethodsThe definition, development, clinical significance, and related risk factors of Cage subsidence following lumbar interbody fusion were throughout reviewed by referring to relevant domestic and doreign literature in recent years.ResultsAt present, there is no consensus on the definition of Cage subsidence, and mostly accepted as the disk height reduction greater than 2 mm. Cage subsidence mainly occurs in the early postoperative stage, which weakens the radiological surgical outcome, and may further damage the effectiveness or even lead to surgical failure. Cage subsidence is closely related to the Cage size and its placement location, intraoperative endplate preparation, morphological matching of disk space to Cage, bone mineral density, body mass index, and so on.ConclusionThe appropriate size and shape of the Cage usage, the posterolateral Cage placed, the gentle endplate operation to prevent injury, the active perioperative anti-osteoporosis treatment, and the education of patients to control body weight may help to prevent Cage subsidence and ensure good surgical results.
Objective To evaluate the safety and necessity of shortening the time of preoperative fasting and fluid limitation in lumber disc herniation patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. Methods A total of 141 eligible patients were assigned into the control group (n=70) and the intervention group (n=71) between April and September 2015. The control group received traditional fasting method while the intervention group received new preoperative fasting method. The time of fasting food and fluid limitation, the incidences of hunger, thirsty, aspiration, postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative abdominal distension, and length of stay and the subjective feeling in hospital were compared between the two groups. Results The average time of preoperative fasting and fluid limitation were (13.09±2.30) and (7.84±2.10) hours in the control group and (6.88±0.96) and (4.68±1.08) hours in the intervention group. The incidence of thirsty in the intervention group was shorter than that in the control group, and the subjective feeling in hospital of the intervention group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, the incidence of postoperative abdominal distension, and length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Shortening the time of preoperative fasting and fluid limitation can improve the subjective feeling in hospital of lumber disc herniation patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery, not increasing the incidences of complications. It can be applied gradually.
Objective To explore the correlation between the inserting angle of vertebral screws and the extent of post-operative lateral angulation instantly in sugery via anterior approach for thoracolumbar fractures. Methods The cl inical data were from 172 patients consecutively treated with surgery via anterior approach in thoracic and lumbar fractures betweenMay 2004 and January 2008. These cases included 124 males and 48 females at the age of 15-70 years old (mean 39 years old). One fracture were located at T11, 37 at T12, 88 at L1, 30 at L2, 15 at L3, 3 at L4. One segment was involved in 170 cases and two segments in 2 cases. According to Frankel assessment for neurological status, there were 19 cases of grade A, 24 cases of grade B, 45 cases of grade C, 53 cases of grade D, and 31 cases of grade E. The time from injury to operation was 2-30 days (median 8 days). According to the coronal Cobb angle instantly after surgery, the patients were divided into three groups: 0-5° group, 5-10° group and over 10°group. Every group was further divided into four subgroups according to the type of the internal fixation instruments: Z-plate subgroup, Antares subgroup, Profile subgroup and single screw rod (SSR) subgroup. Radiograph images were used to evaluate the coronal Cobb angle and inserting angle between the screws and end-plates. The screws were named as A, B, C and D in vertebral bodies from the cephal ic to the caudal portion. The angles between the superior endplate and the screws A, B were named as angles A, B, and the angles between the inferior endplate and the screws C, D were named as angles C, D. The differences were compared between the screw’s inserting angle A+D (or/and B+C) and the post-operative coronal Cobb angle instantly, and l inear regression analysis was done. The satisfaction survey was acommpl ished. Results Surfacialinfection occurred in 1 patient at 7 days and incision healed well after debridement; other incisions healed by first intention. A total of 172 cases were followed up for 6-49 months (mean 39 months). The degree of satisfaction was 3-10 points, median 8.5 points. Various degrees of neurological function recovered in final follow-up except patients for Frankel A grade. The mean coronal Cobb angles were (0.75 ± 3.91)° for pre-operatively, (3.17 ± 4.07)° for instantly post-operatively and (3.46 ± 4.21)° at last follow-up; showing statistically differences between pre-operatively and instantly post-operatively, between pre-operatively and at last follow-up (P lt; 0.05). Comparing the screw’s inserting angle A+D (or/and B+C) and the coronal Cobb angle, there was statistically significant difference between Z-Plate subgroup and other subgroups in 0-5° group (P lt; 0.05), and there were no statistically significant differences between other subgroups in each group (P gt; 0.05). Except the screw’s inserting angle A+D (Z-Plate and SSR subgroups) and angle B+C (Antares subgroup) in 0-5° group, the post-operative coronal Cobb angle correlated closely with the screw’s inserting angle A+D (or/and B+C) in other subgroups of 3 groups. Conclusion Nonparallel ism between the vertebral screws and the correlative end plate is one of the main causes of post-operative spinal lateral angulation.
Objective From the viewpoint of health economics, to analyse the cost-utility of Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction and 360° fusion in the treatment of single level lumbar degenerative disease, so as to provide references to doctors and patients for making the best solution. Methods From October 2008 to November 2010, a prospective non-randomized controlled study was carried out on the patients diagnosed as L4-L5 degenerative lumbar spinal disorders, of whom Group A were treated by posterior decompression combined with Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction and Group B accepted lumbar 360° fusion treatment. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to survey the life quality of patients and to calculate the quality-adjusted life year (QALY); meanwhile, the costs of the treatment were collected to compare the cost-utility ratio between the two groups. Results A total of 60 patients were included, among whom 29 patients including 20 males and 9 females were in Group A, and the other 31 patients including 16 males and 15 females were in Group B; and the mean time of follow-up was 16.4 months (12-23 months). The average age of Group A and Group B was 45.1 years (21-67 years) and 56.2 years (32-86 years), respectively; the medical costs were 51 509.9±2 422.9 yuan and 57 409.7±9 072.9 yuan, respectively; the life quality compared with that of pre-operation improved by 42.60% and 42.82%, respectively; the cost-utility ratios were 69165.6±4716.0 yuan/QALY and 77 976.7±12 757.4 yuan/QALY, respectively. For each increase of one QALY, Group A could save 12.74% of the cost compared with Group B. Conclusion Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction has the equal short-term effects to lumbar 360° fusion in the treatment of L4-L5 degenerative lumbar spinal disorders, but it has lower costs than the latter, and is more in line with the requirements of health economics.
Objective To compare the effectiveness and radiological changes of posterior decompression combined with Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction or lumbar 360° fusion for degenerative lumbar spinal disorders at L4, 5. MethodsBetween October 2008 and November 2010, a comparative study was carried out on patients with degenerative lumbar spinal disorders at L4, 5. In group A, 29 patients underwent posterior decompression combined with Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction; there were 20 males and 9 females with an average age of 45.1 years (range, 21-67 years); and the disease duration was 2 months to 4 years. In group B, 31 patients underwent posterior decompression combined with lumbar 360° fusion treatment; there were 16 males and 15 females with an average age of 56.2 years (range, 32-86 years); and the disease duration was 3 months to 6 years. Except the age, there was no significant difference in gender, disease duration, and etiology etc. between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The results were assessed by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and Oswestry disabil ity index (ODI). The range of motion (ROM) and intervertebral height of affected and adjacent segments, and the ROM of lumbar were measured before operation and last follow-up. Results Significant differences were found in the operative time and blood loss between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). Intraoperative dural tear occurred in 1 case of group B, spinal canal venous plexus hemorrhage in 1 case of group B, and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 2 cases of group A and B respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.119, P =0.731). The follow-up was 12-21 months in group A and was 12-23 months in group B. At the last follow-up, the JOA, VAS scores, and ODI of groups A and B were significantly improvedwhen compared with the preoperative values (P lt; 0.05). The VAS score of group A was significantly higher than that of group B (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the intervertebral height of L4, 5 and L5, S1 of groups A and B between pre- and post-operation (P gt; 0.05). In group B, the intervertebral height of L3, 4 was significantly reduced (P lt; 0.05) compared with the preoperative one. There was no significant difference in the ROM of L5, S1 and ROM of lumbar in groups A and B between preand post-operation (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, the ROM of L4, 5 was significantly reduced in group A (P lt; 0.05), and the ROM of L3, 4 was significantly increased in group B (P lt; 0.05). Except significant differences in the intervertebral height and ROM of L3, 4 between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05), no significant difference was found in other parameters (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Posterior decompression combined with Coflex interspinous dynamic reconstruction has the same effectiveness as lumbar 360° fusion in treating degenerative lumbar spinal disorders at L4, 5, but the former has a protective effect on the adjacent segments of fusion and is recommended for initial treatment of young adults and the elderly and frail patients with recurrent.