ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) induced proliferation of ligamentum flavum cells and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and its effect on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression.MethodsThe ligamentum flavum tissue in lumbar intervertebral disc herniation was extracted and the ligamentum flavum cells were isolated and cultured by collagenase pre-digestion method. Morphological observation, immunofluorescence staining observation, and MTT assay were used for cell identification. The 3rd generation ligamentum flavum cells were divided into 5 groups. The cells of groups A, B, C, and D were respectively sealed with 3 ng/mL TGF-β1, 50 ng/mL CTGF, 3 ng/mL TGF-β1+CTGF neutralizing antibody, and 50 ng/mL CTGF+CTGF neutralizing antibody. Serum free DMEM was added to group E as the control. MTT assay was used to detect the effects of TGF-β1 and CTGF on the proliferation of ligamentum flavum cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of CTGF protein. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of collagen type Ⅰ, collagen type Ⅲ, and CTGF genes.ResultsThe morphological diversity of cultured ligamentum flavum cells showed typical phenotype of ligamentum flavum fibroblasts; all cells expressed collagen type Ⅰ and vimentin, and some cells expressed collagen type Ⅲ; MTT identification showed that with the prolongation of culture time, the absorbance (A) value of each generation of cells increased gradually, and the A value of the same generation of cells at each time point was significantly different (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in A value between the cells of each generation at the same time point (P>0.05). After cultured for 24 hours, MTT assay showed that the A value of cells in groups A and B was significantly higher than that of group E (P<0.05). After adding CTGF neutralizing antibody, the A value of cells in groups C and D decreased, but it was still higher than that of group E (P<0.05). There were also significant differences among groups A, C and groups B, D (P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the relative expression of CTGF protein in groups A and B was significantly higher than that in group E (P<0.05), while the relative expression of CTGF protein in groups C and D was significantly lower than that in group E (P<0.05), and the difference between groups A, C and groups B, D was also significant (P<0.05). qRT-PCR detection showed that the mRNA relative expression of CTGF, collagen type Ⅰ, and collagen type Ⅲ in group A was significantly higher than that in group E (P<0.05). After adding neutralizing antibody, the mRNA relative expression of genes in group C was inhibited and were significantly lower than that in group A, but still significantly higher than that in group E (P<0.05). The mRNA relative expressions of collagen type Ⅰ and collagen type Ⅲ in group B was significantly higher than that in group E (P<0.05), but the mRNA relative expression of CTGF was not significantly different from that in group E (P>0.05); after neutralizing antibody was added, the mRNA relative expression of collagen type Ⅰ and collagen type Ⅲ in group D was inhibited and was significantly lower than that in group B, but still significantly higher than that in group E (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the mRNA relative expression of CTGF between group D and groups B, E (P>0.05).ConclusionTGF-β1 can promote CTGF, collagen typeⅠ, collagen type Ⅲ gene level and protein expression in ligamentum flavum cells, and TGF-β1 can synergistically promote proliferation of ligamentum flavum cells through CTGF.
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). ConclusionFor 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.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in treatment of lumbar lateral saphenous fossa combined with intervertebral foramina stenosis via contralateral sublaminar approach. Methods A clinical data of 15 patients with lumbar lateral saphenous fossa combined with intervertebral foramina stenosis, who were admitted between September 2021 and December 2023 and met selective criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 10 females with an average age of 70.3 years (range, 46-83 years). Surgical segment was L4, 5 in 12 cases and L5, S1 in 3 cases. The disease duration was 12-30 months (mean, 18.7 months). All patients were treated by UBE via contralateral sublaminar approach. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and the occurrence of complications were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the degree of lower back and leg pain before and after operation; the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the lumbar function; and the clinical outcome was evaluated using the MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation. Postoperative MRI and CT were taken to observe whether the lateral saphenous fossa and intervertebral foramen stenosis were removed or not, and the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal (CSA-SC), cross-sectional area of the intervertebral foramen (CSA-IVF), and cross-sectional area of the facet joint (CSA-FJ) were measured. Results The operation time was 55-200 minutes (mean, 127.5 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 10-50 mL (mean, 27.3 mL); the length of postoperative hospital stay was 3-12 days (mean, 6.8 days). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8.9 months). At 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation, the VAS scores of low back and leg pain and ODI scores after operation were significantly lower than preoperative scores and showed a gradual decrease with time; the JOA scores showed a gradual increase with time; the differences in the above indexes between different time points were significant (P<0.05). The clinical outcome was rated as excellent in 10 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case according to the MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation, with an excellent and good rate of 93.33%. Imaging review showed that the compression on the lateral saphenous fossa and intervertebral foramina had been significantly relieved, and the affected articular process joint was preserved to the maximum extent; the CSA-SC and CSA-IVF at 3 days after operation significantly increased compared to the preoperative values (P<0.05), and the CSA-FJ significantly reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion The UBE via contralateral sublaminar approach can effectively reduce pressure in the lateral saphenous fossa and the intervertebral foramina of the same segment while preserving the bilateral articular process joints. The short-term effectiveness is good and it is expected to avoid fusion surgery caused by iatrogenic instability of the lumbar spine. However, further follow-up is needed to clarify the mid- and long-term effectiveness.
Objective To compare microendoscopic discectomy (MED) with open discectomy (OD) for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis in terms of cl inical outcomes, and provide experience and therapeutic evidence for cl inical appl ication.Methods From May 2002 to October 2007, 215 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were randomized into two groups, and underwent either MED or OD. In group A, 105 patients underwent MED, including 56 males and 49 females aged 34 to 83 years old (average 45 years old); the duration of the disease ranged from 9 months to 26 years (average 50 months); the spinal stenosis involved one segment in 76 cases, two segments in 27 cases, and three segments in 2 cases. In group B, 110 patients received OD, including 57 males and 53 females aged 35 to 85 years old (average 47 years old); the duration of the disease ranged from 8 months to 25 years (average 48 months); the spinal stenosis involved one segment in 78 cases, two segments in 29 cases, and three segments in 3 cases. No significant difference was evident between two groups in terms of the general information(P gt; 0.05). Results Operation was successfully performed in all cases. Volume of intraoperative blood loss was (82.14 ± 6.18) mL in group A and (149.24 ± 11.17) mL in group B. Length of hospital stay was (7.0 ± 2.1) days in group A and (12.0 ± 2.6) days in group B. Significant difference was noted between two groups in terms of the above parameters (P lt; 0.01). All the wounds healed by first intention. The patients were followed up for 13-54 months (average 27 months) in group A and 12-55 months (average29 months) in group B. Four patients in each group suffered from spinal dural rupture during operation and recovered after corresponding treatment. Three patients in group B had lumbar instabil ity 3 years after operation and recovered using lumbar interbody fusion combined with general spine system internal fixation. No such compl ications as wrong orientation, nerve root injury, cauda equina injury and infection occurred in each group, and radiology exam showed no relapse. Therapeutic effect was evaluated by Nakai standard, 52 cases in group A were graded as excellent, 45 as good, 7 as fair, 1 as poor, and the excellent and good rate was 92.4%; 53 cases in group B were graded as excellent, 48 as good, 8 as fair, 1 as poor, and the excellent and good rate was 91.8%; there was no significant difference between two groups (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Two methods have the similar therapeutic effect, but MED el iminates the shortcomings of traditional OD, so it is one of ideal minimally invasive operative approaches for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
ObjectiveTo analyze and compare the clinical efficacy and safety between one-stage operation and staged operation in the treatment of tandem spinal stenosis (TSS).MethodsThe data of 39 patients with TSS were retrospectively analyzed, who were definitely diagnosed and treated surgically between February 2011 and March 2016 in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University. According to whether one-stage decompression was performed, the patients were divided into group A (cervical and lumbar vertebral canal decompression procedures were performed in one stage, n=21) and group B (cervical and lumbar spinal canal decompression procedures were performed in two stages with a time interval of 3-6 months, n=18). Both one-stage and staged operations were performed by the same surgical team. The Nurick scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores of cervical spine and lumbar spine, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before operation and in postoperative follow-up, postoperative JOA improvement rate, and perioperative indicators were recorded and compared.ResultsAll patients completed the operations successfully, and the lengths of follow-up were all longer than 12 months. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, preoperative duration of symptoms, preoperative Kang grade, preoperative Schizas grade, preoperative underlying diseases, preoperative cervical or lumbar spine JOA score, preoperative ODI, preoperative Nurick score, decompression segment or distribution, or length of follow-up between the two groups (P>0.05). The Nurick score, JOA score of cervical and lumbar spine, and ODI at one year after operation and the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before operation. The one-year after operation improvement rates of JOA of cervical and lumbar spine in group A were significantly higher than those in group B [cervical spine: (70.55±9.28)% vs. (55.29±7.82)%, P<0.05; lumbar spine: (69.50±4.95)% vs. (51.58±7.62)%, P<0.05], but there was no significant difference in the improvement rate of JOA between the two groups at the last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Nurick score or ODI between the two groups at one year after operation or the last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the average length of hospital stay between the two groups [(15.67±3.40) vs. (15.72±1.57) d, P>0.05]. The operation time [(293.10±43.83) vs. (244.44±22.29) min] and intraoperative bleeding [(533.33±180.51) vs. (380.56±38.88) mL] in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications of group A was higher than that of group B (57.1% vs. 16.7%, P<0.05).ConclusionsCompared with staged surgery, one-stage operation in the treatment of TSS has a significant improvement in neurological function and clinical efficacy in short-term follow-up, but there is no significant difference in long-term follow-up. Staged surgery has the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, lower postoperative complication rate, and higher safety.
Objective To investigate the feasibility, effectiveness, and security of percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery for treatment of lumbar spine disorders with intraspinal ossification. Methods Between July 2008 and June 2016, 96 patients with lumbar spine disorders (lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis) with intraspinal ossification were treated with percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery. There were 59 males and 37 females, aged from 13 to 57 years (mean, 29.5 years). The disease duration was 3-51 months (mean, 18.2 months). Fifty-one cases had trauma history. Ninety-two cases were single segmental unilateral symptom, 4 cases were bilateral symptom. The ossification property was posterior ring apophysis separation in 89 cases, and ossification of the fibrous ring or posterior longitudinal ligament in 7 cases. There were 32 cases of lateral type, 13 cases of central type, and 51 cases of mixed type. The pressure factors, such as nucleus pulposus, hyperplasia of the yellow ligament, joint capsule, or articular osteophyma, were removed under the microscope. Local anesthesia or continuous epidural anesthesia was performed in the transforaminal approach with 50 cases, and continuous epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia was performed in the interlaminar approach with 46 cases. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the degree of leg pain preoperatively and at last follow-up. The effectiveness was evaluated at last follow-up according to the modified Macnab criteria. Results All patients were successfully operated. Via transforaminal approach, the mean operation time was 53 minutes and the mean intraoperative fluoroscopy times was 8 times; and via interlaminar approach was 58 minutes and 3 times, respectively. The mean bed rest time after operation was 6.5 hours and the mean hospitalization time was 4.7 days. All patients were followed up 6-18 months (median, 11 months). Postoperative lumbar CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction after 3 days of operation showed that ossification tissues of 26 cases were not resected, 12 cases were resected partly, and 49 cases were resected completely. Postoperative lumbar MRI after 3 months of operation showed that spinal cord and nerve root were not compressed. At last follow-up, VAS score of leg pain was 0.7±1.1, which was significantly lower than preoperative score (5.8±1.1) (t=1.987, P=0.025). At last follow-up, according to modified Macnab criteria, the results were excellent in 87 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 4 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 95.8%. Conclusion Percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery for treatment of lumbar spine disorders with intraspinal ossification is an effective, safe, and minimal invasive alternative, and the short-term effectiveness is reliable. Accounting for the treatment of intraspinal ossification, comprehensive analysis should be made by combining clinical symptoms, imaging characteristics, and risk assessment.
Objective To analyze the prospective effect of pre-existing spinal stenosis of adjacent segment on the short-term effectiveness after lumbar fusion surgery. Methods A prospective comparative study was conducted to divide 183 patients with L4-S1 lumbar spinal stenosis who met the selection criteria between July 2015 and December 2017 into two groups according to the status of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) judged by preoperative disc degeneration and spinal stenosis. There were 98 patients in group A (no degeneration of adjacent segments before operation) and 85 patients in group B (adjacent segments degenerated before operation). There was no significant difference in gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, body mass index (BMI), combined spondylolisthesis, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain and leg pain, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score between the two groups (P>0.05); the age of group A was significantly younger than that of group B (t=−3.560, P=0.000). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization stay, and perioperative complications were recorded and compared. The VAS score of low back pain and leg pain, JOA score, and ODI score at last follow-up were used to evaluate the effectiveness. The incidence of ASD after operation was compared between the two groups, and logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting the occurrence of ASD after operation. Results There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization stay between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of perioperative complications in groups A and B was 13.3% and 20.0%, respectively, with no significant difference (χ2=1.506, P=0.220). Two groups of patients were followed up, the follow-up time of groups A and B was (24.9±8.8) months and (24.8±7.8) months, respectively, there was no significant difference (t=0.050, P=0.960). At last follow-up, no adjacent segment disease was found in either group. There was no significant difference in Pfirrmann grade between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05), and there was significant difference in Pfirrmann grade between the two groups before operation and at last follow-up (P<0.001). At last follow-up, 21 cases (21.4%) in group A and 53 cases (62.4%) in group B had ASD, with significant difference (χ2=31.652, P=0.000). The main cause of ASD was the severity of adjacent spinal canal stenosis. The clinical scores of the two groups at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The JOA score of group A was significantly higher than that of group B at last follow-up (P<0.05). In group B, the VAS score of low back pain and ODI score in patients with ASD after operation at last follow-up were significantly higher than those in patients without ASD (P<0.05). logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative pre-existing degeneration and BMI were independent risk factors for ASD after operation (P<0.05). Conclusion Pre-existing mild spinal stenosis in adjacent segment can significantly affect the effectiveness, and can significantly increase the risk of ASD early after operation. The main pathological type of ASD was the severity of adjacent segment spinal stenosis. For preoperative assessment of pre-existing degeneration, we should evaluate the overall degeneration of the adjacent segment of the spinal canal, rather than simply evaluating the degeneration of the adjacent disc and facet joints.
Objective To discuss the main points of technique and the range of fusion in posterior operation of spinal stenosis associated with lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LDK). Methods The cl inical data were retrospectively analysedfrom 20 cases of spinal stenosis associated with LDK which were performed posterior operation from February 2001 to February 2008. There were 1 male and 19 females, aged 52-81 years old with an average of 64 years old. The course of disease was 6-10 years. All patients had severe low back pain. According to Frankel’s neurologic function classification, there were 18 cases of grade E and 2 cases of grade D before operation. The apex of LDK included L1 in 3 cases, L2 in 10 and L3 in 7. The operational method was decided according to different characteristics of LDK. All patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 included 6 cases of sciatica and intermittent claudication with worse physical status, the segmental decompression of spinal canal, posterior intervertebral fusion and short transpedical instrument fixation were performed. Group 2 included 8 cases whose Cobb angle of LDK was less than 20°, the segmental decompression of spinal canal, posterior intervertebral fusion and one-level or multilevel lamina osteotomy were performed, instrumentation-assisted correction was used. Group 3 included 6 cases whose Cobb angle of LDK was more than 20°, the canal decompression and one-level transvertebral wedge osteotomy were performed, instrumentation-assisted correction, intervertebral fusion and posterior-lateral fusion were used. Results Incision healedby first intention in all patients. One patient suffered from superior mesenteric artery syndrome at 6 hours after operationand healed after symptomatic management. The neurologic function was improved to grade E at 2 weeks after opeartion. All patients were followed-up 24-54 months (average 26 months). At last follow-up，the Oswestry Disabil ity Index of all patients was 30.5% ± 9.6%; showing significant difference when compared with preoperation (55.9% ± 11.8%, P lt; 0.05). The back pain scoring and leg pain scoring were 2.8 ± 1.6 and 2.4 ± 1.6, respectively according to the Numeric Rating Scale score; showing significant differences when compared with preoperation (7.5 ± 0.5 and 7.3 ± 0.7, P lt; 0.05). The Numeric Rating Scale score and Oswestry Disabil ity Index in all patients were improved obviously when compared with before operation (P lt; 0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no instrumentation failure or correction loss and the fusion rate was up to 100%. Conclusion For spinal stenosis associated with LDK patients, the most important therapic purpose is to improve cl inical symptom through reconstruction lumbar stabil ization and spinal biomechanics l ine in sagittal plane. Overall estimate of the cl inical appearance and imageology character is necessary when making decision of which segments needed to be fixation and fusion. Individual ized treatment strategy may be the best choice.
Objective To determine the total blood loss and hidden blood loss associated with surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis and to identify risk factors for blood loss. Methods From September 2002 to July 2006, the cl inical data from 138 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis undergoing initial operation were analysed prospectively. There were 44 males and 94 females, aging 56-78 years (mean 66.7 years). A simple posterior lumbar spinal decompression was used in 26 cases;posterior spinal canal decompression, interbody distraction Cage, and bone graft between transverse process was used in 54 cases; pedicle screw fixation, posterior decompression and bone graft between transverse process was used in 32 cases; posterior decompression, pedicle screw fixation, interbody Cage, and graft between transverse process was used in 26 cases . Before operation, 23 patients took aspirin, and after operation 15 patients had gastrointestinal bleeding. Intraoperative blood loss was calculated by the aspirator and observed blood loss intraoperation. The whole estimated blood loss was calculated according to the level of hemoglobin, blood volume and blood transfusion at the time of admission and after 3 and 4 days of operation. Results The blood loss intraoperation was (485.51 ± 143.75) mL. The estimated blood loss was (1 218.60 ± 306.86) mL, which was significantly higher than the intraoperational blood loss (P lt; 0.001). There was significant difference between the estimated blood loss and observed blood loss during surgeries (P lt; 0.001). There were significant differences in the estimated blood loss and observed blood loss during surgery between patients treated with aspirin and without aspirin (P lt; 0.001), between patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and whiout gastrointestinal bleeding (P lt; 0.001). Conclusion The total blood loss after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis is much greater than that of observed intra-operation. The type of surgery, treatment with aspirin and gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration can all independently increase blood loss.
Objective To discuss the effectiveness and the safety of accurate decompression via foraminoplasty in treating lumbar lateral recess stenosis patients who accompanied by disk-flavum ligamentum space and bony lateral recess stenosis, and to analysis the short-term effectiveness of the surgical procedures. Methods Forty-five lumbar lateral recess stenosis patients accompanied by disk-flavum ligamentum space and bony lateral recess stenosis were treated by accurate decompression via foraminoplasty between January 2013 and January 2016. There were 29 males and 16 females with a median age of 58 years (range, 42-82 years). The disease duration was 3-96 months (mean, 24.4 months). The lesion segment included L4, 5 in 36 cases and L5, S1 in 9 cases. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain and leg pain at preoperation and last follow-up were recorded, and the modified Macnab criteria was used to evaluate the effectiveness at last follow-up. Postoperative CT and MRI were reviewed to evaluate the stability and decompression of the lumbar spine. Results All operations were successfully completed. All the 45 patients were followed up 3-18 months (median, 11 months). Dural tear occurred in 2 cases during operation, bone graft removed into the spinal canal in 1 case, postoperative low back pain occurred in 5 cases, and there was no nerve root injury, hematoma formation, or other complications. The leg pain VAS score at last follow-up (0.6±1.2) was significantly improved when compared with preoperative score (5.7±1.4) (t=8.981, P=0.001); and the low back pain VAS scores showed no significant difference between preoperation and last follow-up (1.5±1.3vs. 1.7±1.4;t=0.535, P=0.585). According to the modified Macnab criteria, the results were excellent in 20 cases, good in 22 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case at last follow-up, and the excellent and good rate was 93.3%. Conclusion Accurate decompression via foraminoplasty is an effective, safe, and less invasive way for treating lumbar recess stenosis patients accompanied by disk-flavum ligamentum space and bony lateral recess stenosis.