Anterior Approach Surgery Research Articles

Posterior-only Approach Surgery for Fixation and Decompression of Thoracolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis

A retrospective case study series. To evaluate the results of posterior decompression and transpedicular screw fixation in 18 cases of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with neurological deficit. Spinal tuberculosis has been managed with various modalities of treatment ranging from only antitubercular drugs to radical procedures such as anterior or combined approach surgeries. However, although the former method of treatment sometimes is met with unacceptable kyphosis, the later is considered to be too drastic. In the present study, authors have shown the results of posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation in selected cases of Pott paraplegia. The cases (12 males and 6 females) were operated with a posterior decompression and transpedicular screw fixation in a single stage along with antitubercular drug treatment. All of these patients had varying degrees of neurological deficit (4 with Frankel grade A, 8 Frankel B, 4 Frankel C, and 2 Frankel D) and single level involvement with <50% vertebral body destruction and mild kyphosis of 8-27 degrees. Short-segment pedicle screw fixation, posterior decompression, and correction of kyphosis were performed in single stage. Kyphosis improved from preoperative value of 17.7±5.8 degrees to 9.4±4.6 degrees postoperatively. At a follow-up period of 24-46 months, final kyphosis correction was maintained at 11.6±5.4 degrees. Bony fusion was achieved in 55.5% cases. Neurological recovery occurred in 17 patients (94.4%). All patients became pain free, with final visual analogue score 0-2. The procedure in safe and has satisfactory results in early active cases of Pott paraplegia with less destruction of vertebral bodies.

The surgical treatment for congenital atlantoaxial dislocation

Congenital atlantoaxial dislocation (CAAD) is one common disease of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) malformations, which diagnosis depends on CT and MRI. The treatment of CAAD is complex, as a result, the corresponding surgical techniques are different, mainly includes anterioposterior combined approach surgery, single anterior approach surgery and single posterior approach surgery. There is also simple posterior decompression surgery, but it seems not convincible. The complications related to different surgical techniques are various, hence we suggest the experienced neurosurgeons to investigate such operations. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2012.04.003

Use sagittal reconstruction CT for making decisions regarding the surgical strategy for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Use sagittal reconstruction CT to verify the surgical strategy for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). A retrospective study of 161 patients (106 males and 55 females) who had undergone surgery for OPLL from July 2007 to November 2010 was performed. The mean age at surgery was 54.5 years (range from 26 to 77 years). The mean follow-up period was 28 months (12 - 54 months). There were 40 patients accept anterior approach surgeries (anterior group) which include 14 cases of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion and 26 cases of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. There were 120 patients accept posterior approach surgeries (posterior group) which was spinous process-splitting laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy using coralline hydroxyapatite. One patient accepted combined anterior and posterior approach. According to the sagittal reconstruction CT, the main reason for spinal cord compression was cervical disc herniation in anterior group, and OPLL in posterior group. The level of spinal cord compression was 1 to 2 levels in anterior group, and 1 to 5 levels in posterior group with a major of 2 to 4 levels. As the classification of OPLL, segmental type and circumscribed type were major of segmental type in anterior group and all of the four types were in posterior group, the distribution of each type was average. The patients of posterior group were classified into two groups according to the modified K-line classification, and clinical results were compared between the two groups. The modified K-line was defined as a line that connects the midpoints of the spinal canal at C(2) and C(7) on sagittal CT myelography. Compression to the spinal cord did not exceed the K-line in the modified K-line(+) group and did exceed it in the modified K-line(-) group. Clinical data were compared using t-test or χ(2) test. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships of C(2)-C(7) angulation between sagittal reconstruction CT and neutral position X-ray. The patient of anterior group had better recovery rate of the JOA score (72% ± 27%) than the posterior group (59% ± 35%) at the latest follow-up (t = 2.238, P = 0.027). In posterior group, the patients of modified K-line(+) group had better recovery rate of the JOA score (63% ± 37%) than the K-line(-) group (49% ± 30%) at the latest follow up (t = 2.150, P = 0.034). The C(2)-C(7) angulation on sagittal reconstruction CT was 11° ± 9° which has significantly correlated with the C(2)-C(7) angulation on neutral position X-ray which was 10° ± 10° (r = 0.947, P < 0.01). Considering the selection of surgical approach, it should be combined with the main clinical diagnosis for spinal cord compression, the level of compression, the classification of OPLL and the kyphotic alignment of the cervical spine. The modified K-line is a simple and practical tool for making decisions regarding the surgical strategy for cervical OPLL patients.

Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: Anterior versus posterior approach

Background:The optimal approach to provide satisfactory decompression and minimize complications for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) involving multiple levels (3 levels or more) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of two surgical approaches for cervical OPLL involving multiple levels; anterior direct decompression and fixation, and posterior indirect decompression and fixation. We present a retrospective review of 56 cases followed at a single Institution.Materials and Methods:We compared patients of multiple levels cervical OPLL that were treated at a single institution either with anterior direct decompression and fixation or with posterior indirect decompression and fixation. The clinical records of the patients with a minimum duration of follow-up of 2 years were reviewed. The associated complications were recorded.Results:Fifty-six patients constitute the clinical material. 26 cases were treated by anterior corpectomy and fixation and 30 cases received posterior laminectomy and fixation. The two populations were similar. It was found that both anterior and posterior decompression and fixation can achieve satisfactory outcomes, and posterior surgery was accomplished in a shorter period of time with lesser blood loss. Although patients had comparable preoperative Japanese Orthopaedics Association (JOA) scores, those with a canal occupancy by OPLL more than 50% and managed anteriorly had better outcomes. However, for those with more severe stenosis, anterior approach was more difficult and associated with higher risks and complications. Despite its limitations in patients with high occupancy OPLLs, through the multiple level laminectomy, posterior fixation can achieve effective decompression, maintaining or restoring stability of the cervical spine, and thereby improving neural outcome and preventing the progression of OPLL.Conclusions:The posterior indirect decompression and fixation has now been adopted as the primary treatment for cervical OPLL involving multiple levels with the canal occupancy by OPLL <50% at our institution because this approach leads to significantly less implant failures. Those patients with the occupancy ≥50% managed with anterior approach surgeries had better outcomes, but approach was more difficult and associated with higher risk and complications.

Change of postoperative lateral angulation with different incision level in anterior approach for thoracolumbar fractures

Objective To analyze the relationship of the lateral angulation with the incision level after anterior approach operation for thoracolumbar fractures by evaluating the Cobb' s angle at different approach levels.Methods A retrospective study was done on 154 patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated consecutively with anterior operation from May 2004 to January 2008.The preoperative,postoperative and follow-up angle of coronal Cobb and the postoperative angle between screws and endplates on the anteroposterior radiograph were measured.According to the relationship between the injury vertebrae and the incision level,the patients were divided into two groups,ie,incision level ≥2 vertebrae group and incision level ≤ 1 vertebra group.Results All patients were followed up for 6-47 months(mean 37 months),which showed significant postoperative lateral angulation(P ＜ 0.01)especially at follow-up (P ＞ 0.05).The coronal Cobb' s angle showed insignificant difference before operation between two groups but it was increased after operation and during the follow-up(P ＜0.01).The screws A or B were more parallel to the endplate in two groups(P ＜ 0.01),while the parallel of the screws C or D to the endplate showed no statistical difference(P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Compared with the operation with incision level ≥2 vertebrae,the operation with incision level ≤ 1 vertebra can more easily induce postoperative lateral angulation and exert a significant impact on implantation orientation of the vertebral screws A and B,which may indirectly lead to postoperative lateral angulation. Key words: Spinal fractures; Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Complication; Lateral angulation

Causes and prevention of postoperative spinal cord injury after anterior approach surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Objective To investigate the causes and prevention strategies of postoperative spinal cord injury after anterior approach surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods The clinical data of 749 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated with anterior approach surgery from 2001 to 2009 were retrospectively studied.There were five patients with spinal cord dysfunction instantly or early after operation,including three males and two females at average age of 52 years (range,48-62 years).Two patients were combined with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was average 12.4(9-16)preoperatively.The surgeries included anterior cervical diskectomy(or corpectomy)and interbody fusion(iliac bone graft or cage or titanium mesh)and locking plates fixation.The blood loss was 50-200 ml.The symptoms included instant spinal cord injury in two patients,loss of the motor and feeling of both legs at 6 h after surgery in one,paralysis of one side limbs at 24 h after surgery in one and numbness of limbs at 5 days after surgery in one.Four patients were treated by large dose of methylprednisolone.Five patients underwent anterior exploration surgery,of which one patient received posterior cervical one-door expansive laminoplasty. Results The patients were followed up for average 16 months(12-24 months).The JOA score of four patients was recovered at three months and WaS better than preoperation after surgery.The function of spinal cord of one patient showed no improvement at one year after surgery.The causes for spinal cord injury included inappropriate surgical manipulation in decompression and haemostasis in two patients,insufficient decompression in one,epidural hematoma in one and absorbable hemostatic gauze in one. Conclusions The major causes of postoperative spinal cord injury in anterior approach surgery for cervical spondylofic myelopathy are the delayed postoperative injury.The spinal cord can recover to normal and has satisfactory prognosis if discovered promptly.We must avoid the spinal cord injury by surgical Manipulation that may result in permanent neurological deficits. Key words: Cervical spondylotic,myelopathy; Spinal cord injuries; Complication; Anterior approach

Reoperation for thoracolumbar fracture combined with spinal cord injury

Objective To evaluate the outcome of reoperation(after I stage anterior/posterior operation)for thoracolumbar fractures combined with kyphosis and spinal cord injury. Methods A retrospective study was done on the medical records of 12 patients who underwent two-stage decompression with kyphosis and neurologic deficit due to single-stage approach(anterior or posterior) operation of thoracolumbar fractures combined with spinal cord injury between January 2005 and April 2009.There were 9 males and 3 females,at mean age of 34.6 years(range,19-57 years).According to the Denis classification,there were five patients with burst fractures,five with compression fractures and two with fracture dislocation.All the patients had couns medullaris injury.Of all the patients,five underwent one stage anterior approach surgery and the others underwent posterior approach operation.All the patients had vailous degrees of neurological symptoms.The patients treated with one stage anterior surgery were treated with two stage posterior surgery and the patients treated with one stage posterior surgery were treated with the two stage anterior operation.The mean interval from one stage operation to two stage decompression was 13.4 months(range,12-18 months).The radiologic,neurologic and functional outcomes were assessed through observation of the Cobb angle,Frankel spinal cord injury grading and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores(JOA). Results AIl the patients were followed up for mean 25 months (12-48months),which showed primary healing of the incisions in all the patients.The average anterior and posterior heisht of the vertebrae wers corrected from preoperative 42.6%and 70.5%to postoperative 92.5%and 95.7%and to 87.3%and 92.2%at the final follow-up respectively.Neurologic status was improved at least one Frankel grade in the patients who had preoperative incomplete paraplegia.The Cobb angle was corrected from preoperative 36.3°to postoperative 5.8°and to 5.9°at the final follow-up(P<0.05).No patient had any notable loss of correction between discharge and final follow-up.According to JOA coring,the results were excellent in nine patients,good in two and fair in one,with excellence rate of 92%. Conclusions Two stage decompression for epiconus and cauda equina syndrome resulted from one stage approach(anterior or posterior)operation of thoracolumbar fractures combined with spinal cord injury call attain satisfactory correction of the kyphosis and nerve decompression as well as various degrees of nerve function recovery. Key words: Spinal fractures; Spinal cord injuries; Two-stage surgery

Visible iris sign as a predictor of problems during and following anterior approach ptosis surgery

To describe the pre- and postoperative features of the visible iris sign (VIS), which is the apparent visibility of iris colour through a closed upper eyelid, in patients undergoing anterior approach surgery for severe involutional aponeurotic ptosis, and to assess its effect on postoperative outcome. Prospective, comparative interventional case series. Prospective series of all patients undergoing surgery for severe involutional aponeurotic ptosis during a 16-month period at a single centre. Severe involutional ptosis (upper eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD) ≤1 mm) treated by anterior-approach surgery. Presence of VIS, type of ptosis (primary or recurrent), preoperative MRD, levator function and skin crease height, documented unusual intra-operative findings, postoperative complications, and follow-up time. Of 133 procedures for involutional aponeurotic ptosis, 96 procedures (56 patients) were included in the study. In total, 12 patients (21%, 12/56, 2 males, and 10 females) had been identified as having VIS preoperatively. In order to avoid any selection bias, only patients with severe degree of ptosis were included in the two groups with the two groups being alike in the preoperative lid height, levator function or the skin crease. In the VIS group, 55% (12/22) had a thinned, significantly retracted levator aponeurosis and a thin tarsus prone to full-thickness suture passes (36.3%, 8/22) during aponeurosis reattachment. Immediate persistent overcorrection during surgery was seen in three procedures, with one patient having an under corrected outcome when treated with a hang-back suture. In the non-VIS group, no patients were documented intra-operatively, as having significant retraction of the levator aponeurosis. However, 14% (10/74) of the eyelids were recorded as having a very attenuated levator and one patient (3%, 1/44) was noted to have a floppy tarsus that was difficult to suture. The total incidence of intra-operative difficulties during surgery were 78% in the VIS group and 22% in the non-VIS group. Mean postoperative follow-up was 22 weeks. (median 18, range 12-64). The overall success rates were 63.6% (14/22) in the VIS group, compared with 77.0% (57/74) in the non-VIS group (P = 0.260). After excluding cases undergoing concurrent blepharoplasty and non-Caucasians, success rates were 57.1% (4/7) and 69.2% (9/13) in the VIS and non-VIS groups, respectively (P = 0.598). All failures were because of under-correction. The VIS is a clinical sign of severe involutional ptosis. Patients with VIS have one or more features, including a retracted levator aponeurosis, a thinned tarsus prone to full-thickness suture passes, and a tendency for immediate persistent overcorrection following levator advancement. Preoperative identification of VIS may help in appropriate patient counselling, procedure selection, anticipation of intraoperative difficulties, and possibly further standardisation of future cohorts when evaluating the results of involutional ptosis surgery. PRÉCIS: The authors describe the pre-, intra- and postoperative features of visible iris sign. They discuss the success rates of anterior approach surgery in VIS patients and discuss the contributing factors for a poorer outcome.

The clinical effect and disquisition of anterior cervical approach surgery with posterior longitudinal ligament hook pliers and posterior longitudinal ligament nip pliers

To study the clinical effect of anterior cervical approach surgery to removal posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) with posterior longitudinal ligament hook pliers and posterior longitudinal ligament nip pliers. To retrospectively analyzed anterior cervical approach surgery treatment 73 patients who were cervical spondylosis myelopathy. All patients removal PLL with self-make instrument, According to JOA grade to evaluate effect of operations. Full patients removal PLL were in succeed, in shape of extradural has renew, the JOA grade were increase, (12.8 ± 3.2) vs (8.3 ± 1.9). Removal PLL were increase effect of downright decompress in anterior cervical approach surgery, Operations become safety agile and reduce the complications with self-make instrument.

The comparison oftherapeutic effect between two different methods of cervical spine anterior and posteriorin treatment of cervical spondylotie myelopathy

：Objective To investigatethe prognosis of two decompression approaches for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods86 cases were divided into two groups. 40 cases were underwent decompression by anteriordecompression, fusion and internal fixation with titanium screws and plate and 46 casesunderwent posterior single opendoor laminoplasty. To investigate the prognosis of twodecompression approaches for single compressive segment, two compressive segments, threecompressive segments and four compressive segments. Results All cases were followed up for20 ～ 73 months with an average of43 months. The mean JOA recovery rate was significant different between single compressivesegment group (P ＜ 0.05), and no significantdifference between two compressive segments and three compressive segments(P ＞ 0.05), and significant difference between four compressive segmentsgroups (P ＜0.05).Conclusion For single compressive segment, the anterior surgery has a good surgicalresult,for two or three compressive segments, anterior and posterior surgery had sameeffect, for the four compressive segments, posterior surgical effect was good. Key words: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy; Laminoplasty; Anteriorapproach operation; Posterior approach operation; Opperative effect

Cervical vertebral osteoradionecrosis: surgical management, complications and flap coverage—a case report and brief review of the literature

A case description and a review of the literature. To report a case of deformity secondary to cervical vertebral osteoradionecrosis (ORN) associated with severe wound complications and review the pertinent medical literature. The incidence of deformity after ORN is rare and its association with extensive damage of soft tissues makes surgical treatment difficult. The spine surgeon should be aware of this to adapt the evaluation and surgery and be prepared to manage the numerous potential complications. A case of post-irradiation symptomatic kyphosis involving ORN of C5-C6 is reported. Failure of the anterior approach surgery was observed, and the secondary course was marked by the development of substantial cutaneous necrosis associated with severe and extensive post-irradiation cutaneous and muscular atrophy. Failure of the anterior approach surgery justified the use of posterior stabilization. Secondary destabilization of the posterior fixation at the cervico-thoracic junction required extension of the osteosynthesis to the middle thoracic region. Extensive posterior stabilization permitted obtaining reliable mechanical control of the radio-induced kyphosis with a 3-year follow-up. Wound freshening and covering with well-vascularized tissue was used to fill dead spaces and helped prevent soft-tissue complications after revision surgery. Radio-induced kyphotic deformity is an important entity. Surgeons should be aware of the complications that can lead to further deformity. Corrective procedures are also at high risk for mechanical, atrophic and infectious complications. Surgical repair strategies should be based on thorough comprehension and work-up of the disorder.

Digital skeletal age and histological evaluation for residual spine growth potential in idiopathic scoliosis

To ascertain the correlation between histological grades (HGs) of vertebral growth plates and Risser grades in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients; to identify whether digital skeletal age (DSA) is a reliable indicator for accurate evaluation of the spinal residual growth potential. Twenty eight Chinese female patients were available for this study. Superior and inferior growth plates were obtained at each level when anterior approach surgeries were performed. Histological examinations were conducted after the specimens were processed. The patients were evaluated by DSA stages in this study. Correlations between histological grades, menarchal status, and chronological age were analyzed. There was a negative correlation between the following: HGs and DSA stages in 28 cases (r = -0.541, P = 0.003), and HGs and menarchal status in patients in DSA stage III (r = -0.591, P = 0.006). Statistical significance of growth activity of growth plates was found between patients in DSA-stage II and those in DSA-stage III (P = 0.014). DSA may be a reliable indicator for predicting the spinal residual growth potential in IS patients, but it should be correlated with menarchal status and chronological ages.

Single anterior approach surgery for old cervical spine subluxation

Objective To implore the feasibility of using single anterior approach surgery for old cervical spine subluxation. Methods From May 2004 to July 2006,16 cases of old cervical spine subluxation underwent cervical spine surgery through anterior approach at least 2 months after injury. During operation, we managed to reconstruct the cervical vertebral body alignment through a special anterior approach decompression, application of retractor instrument, titanium mesh and plate manipulation. Results Follow-ups averaged 8.5(6 to 11) months. The cervical vertebral body alignment Was obtained in all the 16 cases. The osseous fusion was assured in all cases with no instrument failure. The JOA neurological scores were improved from 13.4 preoperatively to 15.9 postoperatively. Conclusion If there is no posterior compression and the posterior structure has a fibrous fusion, the single anterior approach is good enough for the old cervical spine subluxation to maintain alignment and obtain stability, and posterior reduction is not necessary. Key words: Cervical vertebrae; Dislocation; Instrumentation; Anterior approach

The Ponte Procedure

Case series. To examine a consecutive series of surgically treated Scheuermann kyphosis that had a posterior only procedure with segmental pedicle screw fixation and segmental Ponte osteotomies. The gold standard for surgical treatment of Scheuermann kyphosis (a rigid kyphosis associated with wedged vertebral bodies occurring in late childhood or adolescence) has been combined anterior and posterior approach surgery. Alberto Ponte has advocated a posterior-only procedure with posterior column shortening via segmental osteotomies, but his procedure has not been widely accepted owing to concerns that without anterior column support there would be a risk of correction loss and/or instrumentation failure. With the advent of improved spinal instrumentation and fixation with thoracic pedicle screws, the Ponte procedure may offer an advantage over anterior/posterior reconstruction. The study prospectively enrolled 17 consecutive patients with Scheuermann kyphosis who were treated with the Ponte procedure by the senior surgeon at one institution. Standardized radiographic analysis was performed and included full-length coronal and sagittal radiographs preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up. Analysis also included the correction obtained through the most severe, wedged segments of the deformity by the osteotomies. Seventeen patients had the Ponte procedure satisfactorily performed. No patient needed an anterior approach to achieve sufficient correction or fusion. There were no reoperations for nonunion or instrumentation failure. Correction of the instrumented levels was 61% and of worst Cobb was mean 49%. The apex of the deformity was measured over the most deformed 3 to 7 wedged segments. The average correction across the apex was 9.3 degrees per osteotomy (range 5.9 to 15). No patient lost more than 4 degrees of correction through their instrumented and fused levels. There were no neurologic complications. There was one late infection with a solid fusion treated with instrumentation removal and intravenous antibiotics. Using thoracic pedicle screw instrumentation as the primary anchor, the Ponte procedure was successfully performed in 17 consecutive patients for Scheuermann kyphosis with no exclusions for the size or rigidity of the kyphosis. Results were as good as anterior/posterior historical controls with excellent correction and minimal loss of correction at final follow-up. This procedure avoids the morbidity and extended operative time attributed to the anterior approach. Therapeutic study, level IV [case series (no, or historical, control group)].

Histologic, Risser Sign, and Digital Skeletal Age Evaluation for Residual Spine Growth Potential in Chinese Female Idiopathic Scoliosis

A prospective study. To ascertain the correlation between histologic grades (HGs) of vertebral growth plates and Risser grades as well as DSA stages in the Chinese female idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients; to identify whether digital skeletal age (DSA) is a reliable indicator for accurate evaluation of the spinal residual growth potential. DSA is considered one of the more important indicators for representing the peak height velocity (PHV) typically and predicting spinal growth potential. The correlation between HGs of growth plates and DSA stages in IS patients is unclear. Thirty-nine Chinese female patients were available for this study. Superior and inferior growth plates were obtained at each level when anterior approach surgeries were performed. Histologic examinations were conducted after the specimens were processed. Of these patients, 28 cases were evaluated by DSA stages in this study. Correlations between histologic grades, Risser grades, menarchal status, and chronologic age were analyzed in 39 patients. Correlations between histologic grades, DSA, menarchal status, and chronologic age were analyzed in 28 patients. There was a negative correlation between the following: HGs and Risser grades in 39 patients (r = -0.645, P = 0.000-0.05), HGs and menarchal status in patients in Risser 4 (r = -0.710, P = 0.002-0.05), HGs and DSA stages in 28 cases (r = -0.541, P = 0.003-0.05), and HGs and menarchal status in patients in DSA Stage III (r = -0.591, P = 0.006-0.05). Statistical significance of growth activity of growth plates was found between patients in Risser Grades 0 to 1 and those in Risser Grades 2 to 5 (P = 0.020-0.05) and patients in DSA Stage II and those in DSA Stage III (P = 0.014-0.05). DSA may be a reliable indicator for predicting the spinal residual growth potential in IS patients, but it should be correlated with menarchal status and chronologic ages.

First aid and treatment for cervical spinal cord injury with fracture and dislocation

Background:Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury with subaxial fracture and dislocation not only indicates a highly unstable spine but can also induce life-threatening complications. This makes first aid critically important before any definitive operative procedure is undertaken. The present study analyzes the various first aid measures and operative procedures for such injury.Materials and Methods:Two hundred and ninety-five patients suffered from cervical spinal cord injury with fracture and dislocation. The average period between injury and admission was 4.5 days (range 5 h-12 weeks). The injury includes burst fractures (n = 90), compression fractures with herniated discs (n = 50), fractures and dislocation (n = 88) and pure dislocation (n = 36). Other injuries including developmental spinal canal stenosis and/or multi-segment spinal cord compression associated with trauma (n = 12), lamina fractures compressing the spinal cord (n = 6), ligament injuries (n = 7) and hematoma (n = 6) were observed in the present study. The injury level was C4 (n = 17), C5 (n = 29), C6 (n = 39), C7 (n = 35), C4-5 (n = 38), C5-6 (n = 58), C6-7 (n = 49), C4-6 (n = 16) and C5-7 (n = 14). According to the Frankel grading system, grade A was observed in 20 cases, grade B in 91, grade C in 124 and grade D in 60. One hundred and eighteen (40%) patients had a high fever and difficulty in breathing on presentation. First aid measures included early reduction and immobilization of the injured cervical spine, controlling the temperature, breathing support, and administration of high-dose methylprednisolone within eight hours of the injury (n = 12) and administration of dehydration and neurotrophy medicine. Oxygen support was given and tracheotomy was performed for patients with serious difficulty in breathing. Measures were taken to prevent bedsores and infections of the respiratory and urological systems. Two hundred and thirty six patients were treated with anterior decompression, 31 patients were treated by posterior approach surgery and combined anterior and posterior approach surgery was performed in a single sitting on 28 patients.Results:All patients were followed for 0.5-18 years (mean 11.8 years). At least one Frankel grade improvement was observed in 178 (60.3%) patients. In the anterior surgery group, the best results were observed in the cases with slight compressive fracture with disc herniation (44/50 patients, 88.0%). In the posterior surgery group, one Frankel grade improvement was observed in the cases with developmental spinal canal stenosis with trauma, lamina fractures, ligament injuries and hematoma (27/31, 87.1%). Most of the patients in the Frankel D group recovered normal neurological function after surgery. The majority of the patients with Frankel C neurological deficit (102/124) had the ability to walk postoperatively, while most of the seriously injured patients (Frankel A and B) had no improvement in their neurological function. Radiolographic fusion of the operated segments occurred in most patients within three months. Loss of intervertebral height and cervical physiological curvature was observed to varying degrees in 30.1% (71/236) of the cases in the anterior surgery group.Conclusion:First aid measures of early closed reduction or realignment and immobilization of the cervical spine, breathing support and high-dose methylprednisolone were most important in the treatment for traumatic spinal cord injury. Surgery should be performed as soon as the indications of spinal injury appear. The choice of the approach—anterior, posterior or both, should be based on the type of the injury and the surgeon's experience. Any complications should be actively prevented and treated.

Analysis of the long-term outcome of anterior approach surgery on cervical spondylotic myelopathy

To investigate the long-term efficacy of anterior approach surgery on cervical spondylotic myelopathy and factors affecting prognosis. The data in 116 patients suffered from cervical spondylosis from January 1992 to December 2000 were reviewed, including 80 male cases and 36 female cases, whose age ranged from 36 to 76 years (mean, 51 years). The preoperative course of disease was 2 months to 20 years (mean, 19 months). There were 65 cases (56.0%) with single segments involved, 44 cases (37.9%) with two segments, 7 cases (6.0%) with three segments. Ninety-eight cases were onset slowly, 18 cases with no remote cause and aggravating quickly. Three kinds of surgeries were performed: anterior cervical decompression and autoiliac bone interbody fusion, anterior cervical decompression and fusion with threaded fusion cage, anterior cervical decompression and autoiliac bone interbody fusion with anterior screw-plate system. Improvement in spinal cord function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system, the long-term efficacy and influential factors were also analyzed. The mean follow-up time was 7 years and three months (5 - 12 years). The mean preoperative JOA score was 9.34 +/- 1.81. The mean postoperative JOA score was 10.35 +/- 1.85. At the final follow-up, the JOA score was 14.09 +/- 1.90 and the recovery rate was 63.2%. Among the total patients, 27 cases were excellent, 47 cases were fine, 23 cases were good, 19 cases were poor, the fineness rate was 63.8%. The long-term efficacy of anterior approach surgery has close correlations with time of course, age of onset, preoperative spinal cord function and the number of affected segments, but has no correlations with modes of fusion and internal fixation. The patients will be attentively observed while having a definite diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The good long-term results will be obtained after early anterior cervical decompression and fusion.

Clinical characteristics and treatment of flexion-distraction stage I injuries in subaxial cervical spine

To study the clinical characteristics and treatment of flexion-distraction stage I injuries in subaxial cervical spine. Twelve cases of flexion-distraction stage I injuries with delayed symptoms, admitted in our hospital between January 1995 and December 2004, were studied retrospectively. In acute phase, all of 12 cases had neck pain and limited neck movements, neurological deficits were found in 6 of 12 cases. Eight cases had a correct diagnosis, and 2 cases had a error diagnosis, 2 cases missed. All cases were satisfactory by the primary conservative treatment. After 274 days average asymptomatic intervals, all of 12 cases had recurrence of neck pain, delayed neurological deficits were found in 10. MRI showed that all of 12 cases were unstable injuries. All of the 12 patients were treated operatively. Decompression, fusion and fixation were performed by anterior approach in 9 cases, and by combined anterior and posterior approach in 3 cases. The average follow-up period was 33.1 months. Neck pain had great recovery in all cases, 10 cases with neurological deficits, 7 returned normal. Radiographic evidences of intervertebral bony fusion and good cervical alignment were observed in all of 12 cases. Flexion-distraction stage I injuries is often caused by ligament and disc injuries, and often missed with subtle symptoms and radiographic changes. Inadequate primary treatment options are often due to failure to recognize the instability, and maybe result in delayed injuries. MRI is helpful for the early accurate evaluation of spinal stability. Unstable injury require early surgical treatment. The anterior approach operation is recommended to most of these patients with acute and old injuries. Combined anterior and posterior approach operation should be considered in these patients who have old injuries with stiff kyphosis.

Comparison between anterior and posterior surgical treatments of thoracolumbar burst fractures

目的 评价前、后路手术治疗胸腰段爆裂骨折的效果及特点.方法 1999年9月～2004年11月,对43例平均年龄为30.4岁的胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者根据伤情选择手术方式,17例采用前路手术,26例采用后路手术.术前神经功能按Frankel分级评定:A级3例,B级12例,C级19例,D级9例.结果所有患者获平均36.7个月(8～51个月)随访.术后伤口均一期愈合,未出现神经损伤症状加重等严重并发症.除3例完全性截瘫患者神经功能无变化外,其余病例均获较明显改善,前、后路手术Frankel分级分别改善1.6、1.3级.结论前、后路手术各有其特点,前路手术减压更为充分,术后脊柱序列维持较好。

Clinical Usefulness of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials for Detection of Brachial Plexopathy Secondary to Malpositioning in Scoliosis Surgery

A retrospective longitudinal study of 434 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent surgical correction of scoliosis, while being monitored for positional brachial plexopathy. To evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent monitoring of ulnar nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) for detecting brachial plexus injury caused by malpositioning during scoliosis surgery. Continuous intraoperative SSEP monitoring for spinal cord function has been well reported, and is widely accepted as the standard for spinal deformity correction surgery to detect and avoid neurologic injury. The use of SSEPs for the monitoring of ulnar nerve function intraoperatively as an indicator of brachial plexus function is becoming more accepted as a valid and useful technique to minimize intraoperative neurologic injuries during deformity corrections. A review was conducted to assess the effect of ulnar nerve SSEP monitoring, as a measure of brachial plexus function, during anterior, posterior, or combined approach surgeries. The type of scoliosis, type of surgery and positioning, and surgical event at noted amplitude decrease were included in an analysis of variance for repeated measures, and a Student t test was performed for significant differences. A total of 27 patients had ulnar nerve amplitude decreases of > or =30%, resulting in a point prevalence of 6.2% for positional brachial plexopathy during positioning for all scoliosis surgeries. A significant difference was noted between the types of positioning, with prone positioning accounting for a higher rate of brachial plexopathy compared with anterior approach positioning (P < 0.01). No statistical difference exists as to the type of scoliosis present and the incidence of brachial plexopathy (P < 0.01). Avoidance of neurologic injury to the brachial plexus during scoliosis surgery is possible by early detection with ulnar nerve SSEP monitoring.