Intervertebral Foramen Height Research Articles

Long-term efficacy of Waveflex semi-rigid-dynamic-internal-fixation system in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration at adjacent segments and improving spinal sagittal imbalance

The Waveflex semi-rigid-dynamic-internal-fixation system shows good short-term effects in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, but there are few long-term follow-up studies, especially for recovery of sagittal balance. Fifty patients with lumbar degenerative diseases treated from January 2016 to October 2017 were retrospectively analysed: 25 patients treated with Waveflex semi-rigid-dynamic-internal-fixation system (Waveflex group) and 25 patients treated with double-segment PLIF (PLIF group). Clinical efficacy was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Imaging data before surgery and at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years postoperatively was used for imaging indicator assessment. Local disc degeneration of the cephalic adjacent segment (including disc height index (DHI), intervertebral foramen height (IFH), and range of motion (ROM)) and overall spinal motor function (including lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and |PI-LL|) were analysed. Regarding clinical efficacy, comparison of VAS and ODI scores between the Waveflex and PLIF groups showed no significant preoperative or postoperative differences. The comparison of the objective imaging indicators showed no significant differences in the DHI, IFH, LL, |PI-LL|, and SS values between the Waveflex and PLIF groups preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). These values were significantly different at 1 and 5 years postoperatively (P < 0.05), and the Waveflex group showed better ROM values than those of the PLIF group (P < 0.05). PI values were not significantly different between the groups, but PT showed a significant improvement in the Waveflex group 5 years postoperatively (P < 0.05). The Waveflex semi-rigid dynamic fixation system can effectively reduce the probability of intervertebral disc degeneration in upper adjacent segments. Simultaneously, patients in the Waveflex group showed postoperative improvements in LL, spinal sagittal imbalance, and quality of life.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (M-TLIF) in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases

ObjectiveTo compare modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (M-TLIF) with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative disorders in order to assess its safety and effectiveness.MethodsFrom January 2016 to January 2021, 74 patients who received single-segment M-TLIF were examined. A total of 74 patients having single-segment PLIF during the same time period were included in a retrospective controlled study using the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. The two groups were compared in terms of the fusion rate, the Oswestry disability index (ODI), the visual analogue scale of low back pain (VAS), the perioperative condition, the postoperative complications, and the postoperative neighbouring segment degeneration.ResultsAll patients had surgery satisfactorily and were monitored for at least a year afterwards. The baseline values for the two groups did not significantly differ. The interbody fusion rate between PLIF (98.65%) and M-TLIF (97.30%) was not significantly different. In the follow-up, the M-TLIF group's VAS score for low back and leg pain was lower than that of the PLIF group. The ODI score of the M-TLIF group was lower than that of the PLIF group at 7 days and 3 months following surgery. Both groups' post-op VAS and ODI scores for low back and leg pain were much lower than those from before the procedure. In M-TLIF group, the operation time, drainage tube extraction time, postoperative bed rest time and hospital stay time were shorter, and the amount of intraoperative blood loss was less. Compared with those before operation, the height of intervertebral space and intervertebral foramen were significantly increased in both groups during postoperative follow-up (P < 0.05). The postoperative complications and adjacent segment degeneration of M-TLIF were significantly lower than those of PLIF.ConclusionsM-TLIF is a safe and effective treatment for lumbar degenerative disorders, with a high fusion rate and no significant difference between M-TLIF and PLIF. M-TLIF's efficacy and safety are comparable to that of PLIF, particularly in terms of early relief of low back pain and improvement in quality of life following surgery. Therefore, M-TLIF technology can be popularized and applied in clinic.

Radiographic characteristics-based classification system for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy surgical approach selection in patients with L5-S1 disc herniation: a hierarchical clustering analysis.

No classification system exists for aiding the selection of surgical approaches in L5-S1 disc herniation when undergoing percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). We aimed to identify radiographic subtypes to aid the selection of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) in patients with L5-S1 disc herniation via unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis. In this retrospective case-control study, we gathered 296 anteroposterior and lateral lumbar spine radiographs (dataset 1) from Tianjin Hospital between January 2016 and October 2021 for clustering analyses. Additionally, we analyzed 111 patients who underwent PEID or PETD for L5-S1 disc herniation at Tianjin Hospital from January 2016 to August 2022. We included patients with radicular leg pain or back pain associated with intra-canal disc herniation who failed in conservative treatments over 6 weeks. First, pair-wise Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated among plain radiographic metrics in dataset 1 to reveal the association among these radiographic metrics. Second, hierarchical clustering analysis was conducted to unsupervised cluster the plain films into several subtypes. Last, for each radiographic subtype, the intraoperative blood loss (IBL), operation time (OT), total operating room time (TORT) along with visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared between patients underwent PETD or PEID with age as covariates. This study yielded 3 main findings: (I) iliac height (IH) was negatively correlated with intervertebral foramen width (IFW), intervertebral foramen height (IFH), and intertransverse height (ITH) (R=-0.50, -0.42, and -0.46, all P<0.001), ITH was positively correlated with IFW and IFH (R=0.40 and 0.53, all P<0.001); (II) 2 lumbosacral radiographic subtypes were identified via hierarchical clustering analysis; (III) relative to subtype 1, the patients identified as subtype 2 exhibited lesser IBL, shorter OT, and shorter TORT following PETD (t=2.92, P=0.006; t=2.65, P=0.012; t=3.17, P=0.003). The morphology pattern of the lumbosacral region affect the ease of different PELD procedures when performing percutaneous discectomy at the segment of L5-S1. Without considering the type of disc herniation, this classification system might aid spine surgeons in the selection of an appropriate surgical approach.

Comparison between OLIF and MISTLIF in degenerative lumbar stenosis: an age-, sex-, and segment-matched cohort study

To compare outcomes after oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MISTLIF) with bilateral decompression via unilateral approach for treating mild to moderate symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). We retrospectively compared patients who underwent single-level (L4/5) OLIF with an age-, sex-, and segment-matched MISTLIF with bilateral decompression via unilateral approach cohort. Perioperative data were collected for the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, drainage in the first postoperative day, postoperative hospital stay, cost, intraoperative fluoroscopy, and complications. Lumbar radiographs were measured for changes in posterior intervertebral space height (PISH), intervertebral space foramen height (IFH), intervertebral foramen area (IFA), and area of the spinal canal (ASC). Clinical and psychological outcomes included the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). 35 OLIF patients were compared with 35 MISTLIF patients in L4/5 DLSS. The OLIF group had shorter bedtime, postoperative hospital stays, less intraoperative and postoperative blood loss (all P < 0.05), but had more times of intraoperative fluoroscopy, longer operative time, and higher cost (all P < 0.05). The complication rates were equivalent (OLIF vs MISTLIF: 22.86% vs 17.14%). PISH (11.94 ± 1.78 mm vs 9.42 ± 1.94 mm, P < 0.05), IFH (23.87 ± 3.05 mm vs 21.41 ± 2.95 mm, P < 0.05), and IFA (212.14 ± 51.82 mm2 vs 177.07 ± 51.73 mm2, P < 0.05) after surgery were significantly increased in the OLIF group. The ASC was increased significantly after the operation in both groups, but the ASC in the MISTLIF group was increased significantly more than that in the OLIF group (450.04 ± 66.66 mm2 vs 171.41 ± 58.55 mm2, P < 0.05). The lumbar VAS scores at 1 month (1.89 ± 0.87 vs 2.34 ± 0.84, P = 0.028) and 6 months (1.23 ± 0.97 vs 1.80 ± 0.99, P = 0.018) after operation in the OLIF group were significantly lower. There were no significant differences in lower extremity VAS and ODI scores between the two groups. Compared with MISTLIF group, HADS scores on postoperative day 3 (2.91 ± 1.46 vs 4.89 ± 1.78, P < 0.05) and prior to hospital discharge (PTD) (2.54 ± 1.38 vs 3.80 ± 1.78, P = 0.002) in the OLIF group were decreased significantly. OLIF showed more advantages of less surgical invasion, lower incidence of postoperative low back pain, faster postoperative recovery, and less anxiety compared with MISTLIF. Regardless of cost, OLIF seems to be a better option to treat mild to moderate symptomatic DLSS.

A retrospective cohort study on the significance of preoperative radiological evaluation of lumbar degenerative diseases for surgical reference.

Radiography has low radiation exposure and the ability to acquire information. Due to its cost-effectiveness and availability, preoperative radiographic imaging examination is considered to be a valuable method to evaluate the condition of patients with spinal disease. The aim of this cohort study is to analyze the impact of evaluating preoperative X-rays on the surgical management of lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). We reviewed 49 patients with LDD underwent single-level posterior instrumented lumbar fusion (PILF) between November 2017 and October 2022 in this cohort study. The median iliac angle (MIA), iliac crest height, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, lumbosacral angle (LSA), L5/S1 intervertebral space angle (ISA), intervertebral foramen height (IFH) and intervertebral space height (ISH) were measured on preoperative radiographs. In addition, operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications were used to evaluate the surgical management. Correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between preoperative radiographic presentation and surgical managements. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used for determination of risk factors for surgical management. Correlation analysis showed that the median iliac angle, height of iliac crest, lumbosacral angle and intervertebral facet joint degeneration were significantly correlated with surgical managements (P<0.05). Height of iliac crest, intervertebral facet joint degeneration and lumbosacral angle were positively correlated with surgical management. Meanwhile, MIA was negatively correlated with surgical management. No significant difference was found between the IFH, ISA, ISH and surgical managements in posterior lumbar surgery (P>0.05). After multiple linear regression analysis, height of iliac crest, median iliac angle and intervertebral facet joint degeneration were independent influence factors for the single-level lumbar surgical managements. Some variables measured in radiograph shows that height of iliac crest, median iliac angle and intervertebral facet joint degeneration have a potential influence on surgical managements. The lumbosacral angle was positively associated with surgical management, but it was not statistically significant in multiple linear regression analysis (P>0.05). The above measurements in plain film can reflect the surgical procedure and have some guiding implications for the operation.

Effect of bone cement-reinforced pedicle screws combined with fusion repositioning therapy on lumbar spine function and postoperative complications in patients with severe lumbar spondylolisthesis

ObjectiveTo retrospectively study the efficacy of bone cement-enhanced pedicle screws combined with interbody fusion reduction in the treatment of severe lumbar spondylolisthesis, its effect on lumbar function and complications. MethodsFrom January 2019 to June 2021, 82 cases of severe lumbar spondylolisthesis in our hospital were analyzed. According to the different treatment plans, the patients were divided into two groups: A and B, in which group A patients were treated with pedicle screws combined with fusion and reduction, and group B patients were treated with bone cement reinforced pedicle screws combined with fusion and reduction. Perioperative indexes, pain severity (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), and low back and leg pain score of Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA), spondylolisthesis reduction, intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, complications, and screw loosening were compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the amount of intraoperative bleeding between group A and group B (P > 0.05). The operation time of group B was longer than that of group A, and the hospitalization time was shorter than that of group A. The vertebral fusion rate of group B was higher than that of group A (P < 0.05). The VAS, ODI and JOA scores at the last follow-up in both groups were lower than those before surgery, and group B was lower than group A (P < 0.05). Compared with the preoperative period, the postoperative slippage degree grading improved in both groups, while the improvement rate in group B was higher than that in group A (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the scores of intervertebral foramen height and intervertebral space height in both groups were higher than those before operation, and those in group B were higher than those in group A (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of complications and screw loosening between the two groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionCompared with conventional screw treatment, bone cement-reinforced pedicle screws combined with fusion repositioning can further improve the repositioning rate of slipped vertebrae in the treatment of severe LSL, while achieving a better intervertebral fusion rate. Therefore, the treatment of severe LSL with bone cement reinforced pedicle fusion and reduction is a safe and effective method.

Clinical and radiologic comparison between oblique lateral interbody fusion and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis

To compare the short-term clinical efficacy and radiologic differences between oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. A retrospective analysis was performed on 58 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated with OLIF or MIS-TLIF from April 2019 to October 2020. Among them, 28 patients were treated with OLIF (OLIF group), including 15 males and 13 females aged 47 to 84 years old with an average age of (63.00±9.38) years. The other 30 patients were treated with MIS-TLIF(MIS-TLIF group), including 17 males and 13 females aged 43 to 78 years old with an average age of (61.13±11.10) years. General conditions, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, complications, lying in bed, and hospitalization time were recorded in both groups. Radiological characteristics, including intervertebral disc height (DH), intervertebral foramen height (FH), and lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), were compared between two groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical effect. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, lying in bed, and hospitalization time in OLIF group were significantly less than those in the MIS-TLIF group (P<0.05). The intervertebral disc height and intervertebral foramen height were significantly improved in both groups after the operation (P<0.05). The lumbar lordosis angle in OLIF group was significantly improved compared to before the operation(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the MIS-TLIF group before and after operation(P>0.05). Postoperative intervertebral disc height, intervertebral foramen height, and lumbar lordosis were better in the OLIF group than in the MIS-TLIF group (P<0.05). The VAS and ODI of the OLIF group were lower than those of the MIS-TLIF group within 1 week and 1 month after the operation (P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in VAS and ODI at 3 and 6 months after the operation between the two groups(P>0.05). In the OLIF group, 1 case had paresthesia of the left lower extremity with flexion-hip weakness and 1 case had a collapse of the endplate after the operation;in the MIS-TLIF group, 2 cases had radiation pain of lower extremities after decompression. Compared with MIS-TLIF, OLIF results in less operative trauma, faster recovery, and better imaging performance after lumbar spine surgery.

Posterior cervical full-endoscopic technique for the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with foraminal bony stenosis: A retrospective study.

In the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR), spinal endoscopy has been developed vigorously in the past 30 years. However, its effectiveness and subsequent problem of cervical spine stability have always been the controversial hotspots. This study aims to conduct a retrospective study using posterior cervical full-endoscopic technique for the treatment of CSR with foraminal bony stenosis, and evaluate its clinical effect and application value. All 22 patients treated for CSR with foraminal bony stenosis using posterior cervical full-endoscopic technique were analyzed since Dec 1, 2016, to Apr 30, 2020. The data collection included operation time, length of stay, wound healing, surgical complications, visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, intervertebral foramen diameter, intervertebral foramen area and cervical instability. The relevant indicators were observed on admission, at postoperative 1 week and 3 months, and at the last follow-up. The operation time was 141.6 ± 13.7 min. The length of stay was 6.0 ± 2.5 days. VAS and JOA at different time points after operation were decreased compared with before operation (p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between VAS or JOA at different postoperative time points (p > 0.05). The height, anteroposterior diameter and area of intervertebral foramen after operation were significantly increased compared with before operation (p < 0.05). Posterior cervical full-endoscopic technique shows the advantages of smaller invasion, faster recovery, significant effectiveness and fewer complications in our study. Meanwhile, it has little influence on the ROM and stability of the cervical spine. Therefore, it is a minimally invasive, safe and effective surgical method for the treatment of CSR with foraminal bony stenosis.

Treatment of Single Level Lumbar Spondylolisthesis with Lumbar Interbody Fusion via Oblique Lateral Approach (OLIF)

Objectives: To investigate the effect of lumbar interbody fusion via the oblique lateral approach (OLIF) in the treatment of single level lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods: Retrospective analysis was made on 32 cases of single level lumbar spondylolisthesis treated by lumbar interbody fusion via the oblique lateral approach from July 2020 to July 2021. 14 males and 18 females; the age was (66.5 ± 11.5) years (55 - 82 years). 1) The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and complications were recorded; 2) the scores of visual analog scale. VAS and Oswestry disability index (ODI) of low back pain and lower limb pain were collected before operation and at the last follow-up; by observing the imaging data, the height of the intervertebral space, the anterior convex angle of the intervertebral space, the anterior convex angle of the lumbar spine, the sagittal diameter of the dural sac and the spondylolisthesis were measured. Results: All patients successfully completed the operation, the average operation time was (103.9 ± 21.1) min, the average intraoperative bleeding volume was (72.3 ± 16.4) ml. There was no vascular injury during the operation, no infection occurred in all surgical incisions, and Class I/A healing was achieved. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain before operation and at the last follow-up were lower than those before operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P the height of intervertebral foramen and the sagittal diameter of dural sac were greater than those before operation, with statistically significant differences (P than that before operation, with a statistically significant difference (P ureteral injury, retrograde ejaculation, intestinal and lumbar plexus injury. Conclusion: The early clinical effect of OLIF in the treatment of single level lumbar spondylolisthesis is significant. This surgical method is minimally invasive, safe and effective, which can significantly reduce the amount of intraoperative bleeding and reduce the risk of postoperative complications. Its main working principle is to make the annulus fibrosus, posterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavum shrink and recover the height of the intervertebral space through decompression, loosening and stretching of the intervertebral space, so as to achieve the reduction of the slipped vertebral body, increase the height of the intervertebral foramen Enlarge the spinal canal volume and eliminate dynamic compression to play an indirect decompression role, improve the symptoms of low back and leg pain, and reconstruct the stability of the spine through interbody fusion.

MRI changes of adjacent segments after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and foraminal endoscopy: A case-control study.

Background:Intervertebral foramen endoscopy has developed rapidly, but compared with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), the progress of degeneration is unknown. We aim to compare the changes of intervertebral disc and intervertebral foramen in adjacent segments after TLIF and endoscopic discectomy for patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods:From 2014 to 2017, 87 patients who were diagnosed with single-level LDH and received surgery of TLIF (group T, n = 43) or endoscopic discectomy (group F, n = 44) were retrospectively analyzed. X-ray, MRI, CT and clinical symptoms were recorded before operation and at the last follow-up (FU). The neurological function was originally evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. Radiological evaluation included the height of intervertebral space (HIS), intervertebral foramen height (FH), intervertebral foramen area (FA), lumbar lordosis (CA) and intervertebral disc degeneration Pfirrmann scores.Results:There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics, JOA improvement rate, reoperation rate and complications between the two groups. The age, average blood loss, average hospital stays and average operation time in group F were lower than those in group T. During the last FU, HIS, CA and FA decreased in both groups, and the changes in group T were more significant than those in group F (P < .05). There was no significant difference in FH changes between the two groups (P > .05).Conclusion:Both TLIF and endoscopic surgery can achieve good results in the treatment of LDH, but the risk of lumbar disc height loss and intervertebral foramina reduction in the adjacent segment after endoscopic surgery is lower.

Comparative analysis of the effects of OLIF and TLIF on adjacent segments after treatment of L4 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis

BackgroundThe fusion of the lumbar spine may lead to the degeneration of the adjacent segments. In this study, the effects of OLIF and TLIF on adjacent segments after treatment of L4 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) were compared and analysed.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of consecutive patients treated with OLIF or TLIF for L4DLS. They were divided into the OLIF group and TLIF group based on different treatment methods. Cage height, segmental lordosis (SL), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) were compared between the two groups, and the postoperative biomechanical changes were analysed by establishing the disc angle (DA). The clinical outcomes were analysed by comparing the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and incidence of adjacent segment disease (ASDis) between the two groups. The intervertebral disc height (IDH), intervertebral foramen height (IDH), intervertebral foramen area (IFA), sliding distance (SD), and angular displacement (AD) in L3-4 and L5-S1 were compared between the two groups. The incidence of aggravated disc degeneration (ADD), the incidence of aggravated zygapophyseal joint degeneration (AJD) and the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) were compared between the two groups for radiological degeneration.ResultsAt the last follow-up, there was one case of ASDis in the OLIF group (2.78%) and two cases in the TLIF group (5.56%). At the last follow-up, compared with the preoperative values, IDH, IFH, and IFA of the adjacent segments above and below L4-5 decreased in both groups (P < 0.05); the SD and AD increased in both groups (P < 0.05). The cage height and L4-5 IDH in the OLIF group were significantly higher than those in the TLIF group (P < 0.05). SL, LL, PT, SS, and L5- S1DA were significantly improved in the OLIF group compared with the TLIF group (P < 0.05). The incidence of L3-4ASDeg in the two groups was higher than that of L5-S1. The incidence of ASDeg and the incidence of L5-S1ADD in the OLIF group were lower than those in the TLIF group, but the incidence of L5-S1AJD was higher than that in the TLIF group.ConclusionL4DLS after OLIF and TLIF treatment will cause adjacent segment degeneration, and L3-4 degeneration is more obvious than L5-S1 degeneration. OLIF has more advantages in restoring lumbar sagittal balance. Compared with TLIF, OLIF can weaken the degeneration of the L5-S1 disc and increase the degeneration of the L5-S1 zygapophyseal joints.

Clinical study on modified Topping-off technology in the treatment of multiple lumbar degenerative diseases

To explore the clinical effect of the modified Topping-off technique in the treatment of multiple lumbar degenerative diseases. From October 2019 to May 2020, 42 patients who underwent modified Topping-off operation (modified Topping-off group) and 42 patients who underwent multilevel total laminectomy and interbody fusion with screw rod system internal fixation (whole laminectomy group) were observed and analyzed. There were 15 males and 27 females in the modified Topping-off group, aged from 28 to 80 years old, with an average of (59.57±11.85)years old. There were 14 males and 28 females in the whole laminectomy group, aged from 45 to 82 years old, with an average of (64.26±9.19) years old. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated before operation, 1 week, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after operation. The intraoperative blood loss, incision length, operation time, postoperative drainage, weight-bearing time, hospitalization time, intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height and lumbar mobility were statistically analyzed. All patients were followed up for 12 weeks. The intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage in the modified Topping-off group were significantly less than those in the whole lamina group (P<0.05). The incision length, operation time, weight-bearing time and hospital stay in the modified Topping-off group were shorter than those in the whole lamina group(P<0.05). There were significant differences in intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height and lumbar mobility between the two groups at 12 weeks after operation(P<0.05). The modified Topping-off group had significantly lower VAS 1, 6, 12 weeks after operation and ODI 12 weeks after operation compared with rhose before operation. The VAS at 1, 6, 12 weeks in the whole lamina group were significantly lower those that before operation(P<0.05). The ODI at 12 weeks in the whole lamina group were significantly lower than those before operation(P<0.01). There were significant differences in VAS scores between the two groups at 1 week, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after operation(P<0.01). There was significant difference in ODI between the two groups 12 weeks after operation(P<0.01). The application of modified Topping-off technique in the treatment of multi segmental lumbar degenerative diseases can reduce the total length of fusion segments, avoid or slow down the degeneration of adjacent segments, and has a positive effect on maintaining the normal movement of the spine.

Analysis of early and middle stage efficacy and complications of oblique lumbar interbody fusion in treating degenerative lumbar diseases

To investigate the early and middle stage efficacy and complications of minimally invasive extraperitoneal oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases. The clinical data of 22 patients with degenerative lumbar diseases underwent OLIF from October 2017 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 8 females, aged from 51 to 72 years with an average of (63.15±7.22) years. There were 6 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 5 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis, 4 cases of adjacent vertebral disease, 3 cases of degenerative lumbar scoliosis, 3 cases of discogenic low back pain, and 1 case of recurrence after posterior lumbar decompression. Posterior minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation was performed in 13 cases and Stand-alone fixation in 9 cases. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative drainage volume, landing time were recorded. The intervertebral disc height(IDH), intervertebral foramen height(IFH), intervertebral foramen area( IFA), canal diameter(CD), canal area(CA) were measured before and after operation. The imaging changes (including location of fusion cage, interbody fusion, and cage subsidence) and complications were observed. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numerical rating scales (NRS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were compared before and 3, 6, 12 months after operation. All 22 patients successfully completed the operation. The intraoperative blood loss was 25 to 280 ml with an average of (95.45±79.07) ml and that of simple anterior approach was 25 to 70 ml with an average of (45.71±15.42) ml. The operation time was 75 to 210 min with an average of (137.72±37.66) min, and the simple anterior operation time was 75 to 105 min with an average of (91.40±15.96) min. The total drainage volume was 10 to 110 ml with an average of (56.23±31.15) ml, and the time to go down to the ground was 24 to 72 hours (54.48±18.24) hours after operation. Postoperative IDH improved (6.63±2.61)mm(P<0.05), the IFH improved (5.35±2.47)mm (P<0.05), the IFA improved (97.67±33.58)mm2(P<0.05), the CD improved (3.31±1.61) mm(P<0.05), the CA improved (57.52±31.39) mm2(P<0.05). Five patients got interbody fusion at 6 months after operation and all 22 patients got interbody fusion at 12 months after operation. There was 5 cases of fusion cage subsidence, all of which occurred in the cases without posterior fixation(using Stand-alone fixation). There was no serious complication such as big blood vessel injury, ureter injury, dural sac injury and nerve root injury. Peritoneal injury occurred in 1 case, postoperative transient thigh pain, decrease of quadriceps femoris muscle strength in 4 cases and sympathetic nerve injury in 1 case. The symptoms of lumbago and radicular pain of lower extremities were alleviated obviously 3 days after operation. The ODI, NRS and JOA scores at 6, 12 months after operation were significantly improved(P<0.05). The treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases with definite indications by OLIF can achieve satisfactory clinical results, and it has advantages of less intraoperative bleeding, fast time to land, less complications, good imaging improvement and indirect decompression. But the operation time and fluoroscopy time are longer in the early stage, and complications such as peritoneal injury and lumbar plexus over traction may occur. The long-term incidence of settlement of fusion cage with Stand-alone technology is higher.

Anatomic morphological study of thoracolumbar foramen in normal adults.

Based on computed tomography images of the thoracolumbar intervertebral foramen and its surrounding parameters, and analysing the intervertebral foramen morphology and the correlation between the measured parameters, to provide an anatomical basis for clinical minimally invasive transvertebral surgery. Ten fresh adult cadaveric specimens (32-50 years old) with bilateral (T1-S1) spinal segments were selected for a total of 20 sides, a total of 340 intervertebral foramens and were measured with vernier callipers in the Department of Anatomy, Inner Mongolia Medical University. The intervertebral foramen height, the minimum sagittal diameter of the foramen, the width of the spinal ganglion, the sagittal diameter of the spinal ganglion and the sagittal diameter of the intervertebral foramen were measured. This study was reviewed and approved by the local Ethics Committee. The results of the minimum sagittal diameter of the T9-10~L5/S1 intervertebral foramen were (6.93 ± 1.99) mm, (7.33 ± 1.44) mm, (7.41 ± 0.63) mm, (6.85 ± 1.08) mm, (6.79 ± 1.86) mm, (7.82 ± 3.25) mm, (8.23 ± 2.27) mm, (9.17 ± 2.33) mm, (8.38 ± 1.63) mm; the average height of the T2/3 to L5/S1 intervertebral space was (4.82 ± 1.88) mm, (3.95 ± 0.80) mm, (4.04 ± 0.52) mm, (4.26 ± 0.78) mm, (4.39 ± 1.16) mm, (5.15 ± 1.59) mm, (5.51 ± 1.49) mm, (5.97 ± 2.60) mm, (7.13 ± 2.07) mm, (8.94 ± 1.37) mm, (9.01 ± 1.47) mm, (11.63 ± 1.63) mm, (14.20 ± 1.37) mm, (14.22 ± 2.33) mm, (14.22 ± 2.33) mm, (13.32 ± 1.37) mm intervertebral foramen height, intervertebral foramen minimum sagittal diameter, spinal ganglion width, spinal ganglion sagittal diameter. P > 0.05 for comparison of the left and right sides of the intervertebral space, with no statistically significant difference. L4/5, L5/S1 segment left and right bilateral contrast with the middle height of the vertebral space p < 0.05, the difference is statistically significant. The remaining segments left and right bilaterally contrasted p > 0.05, and the difference was not statistically significant. The minimum height of intervertebral foramen in the thoracolumbar segment was T6/7, and L1/2 was the minimum height in the lumbar segment. When placing a spinal endoscopic working channel safely into intervertebral foramen, it is necessary to perform an enlarging foraminoplasty to reduce the risk of injury to the exiting nerve root.

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of L4-5 Degenerative Lumbar Disc Traction under Different Pushing Heights.

Objective To study and analyze the changes of intervertebral foramen height and area of the degenerative L4-5 intervertebral disc under different pushing heights by the finite element method. Methods CT and MRI images of T12-S1 segments were obtained from a healthy volunteer who met the inclusion criteria. A DR machine was used to capture images of the lumbar lateral section before and after simultaneous pushing of the L4 and L5 spinous processes by manipulation called Daogaijinbei, and the measurement showed that the displacement changes of L4 and L5 were both approximately 10 cm, so the pushing height was set at 0–10 cm. A three-dimensional finite element model of the entire normal lumbar spine was established using Mimics 16.0, Geomagic Studio 2014, Hypermesh 13.0, MSC.Patran 2012, and so on. The disc height and nucleus area of the lumbar disc of the normal entire lumbar disc model were adjusted to establish models of the L4-5 disc with mild, moderate, and severe degeneration. Changes of disc height and area of the L4-5 degenerative intervertebral disc under different pushing heights were calculated. Results The size of the L4-5 intervertebral foramen was analyzed from the height and area of the intervertebral foramen, and the results showed the following: (1) as for the normal lumbar disc and a lumbar of the L4-5 disc with mild and moderate degeneration, the height of the L4-5 intervertebral foramen and its area both increased during pushing between 0 and 8 cm. After the pushing height reached 8 cm, the height and area of the L4-5 intervertebral foramen gradually became stable; (2) as for the L4-5 disc with severe degeneration, during the process of pushing, the height and area of the L4-5 intervertebral foramen increased slightly, but this change was not obvious. Conclusions After the spinal manipulation, the sizes of the L4-5 intervertebral foramen of the L4-5 disc with mild and moderate degeneration were significantly larger than those before pushing; in contrast, the size of L4-5 intervertebral foramen of the L4-5 disc with severe lumbar degeneration was not significantly changed.

Clinical observation of transforaminal endoscopy combined with interspinous fusion in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with instability in the elderly

To observe the clinical effect of transforaminal endoscopy combined with interspinous fusion in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with instability in the elderly. From February 2018 to February 2019, 82 elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and instability were divided into control group and observation group. In the control group, there were 23 males and 18 females;the age was (68.9±4.1) years;the course of disease was (14.1±5.7) months;there were 5 cases of single segment lesions and 36 cases of multi segment lesions;simple bacfuse interspinous fusion was used. In the observation group, there were 22 males and 19 females;the age was (69.1±4.0) years;the course of diseasewas (14.4±5.5) months;there were 6 cases of single segment lesions and 35 cases of multi segment lesions;they were treated with transforaminal endoscopic surgery combined with Bacfuse interspinous fusion. The clinical efficacy, visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Lehmann lumbar function score, posterior disc height and intervertebral foramen height, complication rate and recurrence rate of the two groups were compared. The clinical efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group;the VAS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, the JOA score was higher than that of the control group, and the ODI index at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up was lower than that of the control group, the Lehmann lumbar function score was higher than that of the control group;the posterior edge height of intervertebral disc and intervertebral foramen height were higher than those of the controlgroup;the incidence of complications and recurrence rate (4.9% and 0.0%) of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (19.5%, 9.8%), the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The clinical effect of transforaminal endoscopy combined with interspinous process fusion in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with instability in the elderly is ideal. It can reduce postoperative pain, improve lumbar function, improve the height of posterior edge of intervertebral disc and intervertebral foramen, and reduce the incidence and recurrence rate. It is worthy of clinical promotion.

Comparison of CLIF and TLIF in treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis combined with lumbar spinal stenosis

To observe the difference between crenel lateral interbody fusion (CLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) combined with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The clinical data of DLS combined with LSS patients meeting the selection criteria admitted between May 2018 and May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into CLIF group (33 cases) and TLIF group (32 cases). There were no significant differences ( P>0.05) between the two groups in gender, age, disease duration, lesion segments, lumbar bone mineral density, degree of lumbar spondylolisthesis, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, lumbar lordosis (LL), and segmental lordosis (SL). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Lumbar CT scan was performed at last follow-up to compare the intervertebral fusion rate between the two groups. Intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, LL, and SL were measured before operation, at 2 weeks, 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. VAS score and ODI were used to evaluate the pain and improvement of the quality of life of the patients. There were no neurological and vascular complications in the two groups. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in CLIF group were significantly less than those in TLIF group ( P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up for a median time of 18 months. All the incisions healed by first intention except 1 incision in TLIF group because of poor blood glucose control. No complications such as bedsore, falling pneumonia, and deep venous thrombosis were found in both groups. At last follow-up, the intervertebral fusion rates in CLIF and TLIF group were 90.91% (30/33) and 93.75% (30/32), respectively, showing no significant difference ( χ 2=0.185, P=0.667). The VAS score, ODI, intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, LL, and SL were significantly improved in both groups at each time point after operation ( P<0.05). Except that VAS score in CLIF group was significantly lower than that in TLIF group at 2 weeks after operation ( Z=-4.303, P=0.000), there were no significant differences in VAS score and ODI between the two groups at other time points ( P>0.05). The intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height, LL, and SL in CLIF group were significantly higher than those in TLIF group at each time point after operation, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). CLIF in the treatment of DLS combined with LSS can achieve the similar effectiveness with traditional TLIF, and has such advantages as minimal invasion and faster recovery.

Coflex interspinous process dynamic stabilization for lumbar spinal stenosis: Long-term follow-up

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term efficacy of Coflex dynamic stabilization device in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. MethodsThe clinical and imaging data of 73 patients undergoing Coflex dynamic stabilization surgery from July 2008 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had a minimum of 8 years of follow-up. Clinical data were used to assess the clinical efficacy, and radiographic parameters were measured for evaluation of ASD. Results56 Patients were followed up for 107.6 ± 13.3 months. The visual analogue scale of pain (VAS), Owestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores (JOA) improved significantly after surgery. At 6 months after surgery and the last follow-up, lumbar range of motion (ROM) was significantly lower than that before surgery (P < 0.001). ROM was slightly increased at the last follow-up compared with that 6 months after operation (P > 0.05). ROM of adjacent segments increased at 6 months and at the last follow-up compared with that before surgery (P > 0.05). At 6 months after surgery, intervertebral space height (ISH) and intervertebral foramen height (IFH) of implanted segment was significantly higher than that before surgery (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, there was a decrease in ISH and IFH (P > 0.05). During the follow-up period, a total of 11 patients (19.6%) experienced complications and 6 patients (10.7%) underwent secondary surgery. ConclusionCoflex interspinous process dynamic stabilization is effective in the long-term treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, the ISH and IFH of implanted segment could be increased in a short period of time.

Evaluation of lumbar fusion using the anterior to psoas approach for the treatment of L5/S1 spondylolisthesis.

To date, no studies have evaluated the outcomes of lumbar interbody fusion using the anterior to psoas (ATP) approach in patients with spondylolisthesis at L5/S1. We; therefore, aimed to evaluate short-term surgical outcomes of interbody fusion using the ATP approach combined with posterior fixation in these patients.We performed a retrospective analysis of 9 patients with grade I spondylolisthesis at L5/S1 who were treated with fusion and posterior fixation using the ATP approach at our hospital from April to July 2018. The recorded parameters included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, intervertebral fusion rate, radiological intervertebral height, intervertebral foramen height, intervertebral foramen width, pain, visual analog scale, and Oswestry disability index.Four men and 5 women at an average age of 57.8 years (range: 46–71 years) were enrolled in the study. The average operation time was 152.8 ± 22.9 minutes, and the average blood loss during surgery was 165 ± 27.5 mL. All patients confirmed the relief of their low back pain, and there were no serious complications. The follow-up time was more than 6 months. The visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index scores 3 days postoperatively and at the last follow-up were significantly lower than those before surgery (P < .05). At the last follow-up, the intervertebral space of the surgical segment showed bony fusion in all patients, and the intervertebral height and intervertebral foramen height and width were significantly increased compared with those before surgery (P < .05).The ATP approach was safe and effective for the treatment of spondylolisthesis at L5/S1. It showed low vascular injury and cage shift rates and was technically easy to perform. We recommended that surgeons identify the vessels in the surgical field preoperatively so that they can be secured or safely ligated during surgery.

Residual leg numbness after endoscopic discectomy treatment of lumbar disc herniation

BackgroundTransforaminal endoscopic discectomy was popular in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Previous study focuses on the leg pain of disc herniation, and little study concern the residual leg numbness after surgery. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcomes of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with leg pain and numbness.MethodsPatients with one level lumbar disc herniation who had transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy from June 2016 to July 2019 were categorized into two groups according to the leg numbness. 293 patients initially fulfilled the study criteria, and 27 patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 266 patients available for analysis, 81 cases with leg numbness and pain (A group), and 185 cases with leg pain (B). Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy was performed, and the clinical outcomes of blood loss, operation times, hospital stay days, pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS-pain), numbness (VAS-numbness), functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), and the disk height and intervertebral foramen height were recorded.ResultsAll patients with pain and numbness pre-operation in group A, complain of leg numbness during or just after walking or standing not diminished after surgery in group A, and no one complain numbness after surgery in group B. The pain index and ODI score were better than preoperational in all patients (P < 0.01), and no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative disk and foramen height were no significant difference compare to preoperative in all patients (P > 0.05), and no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). The leg numbness symptoms last longer in central disc herniation patients (10.4 ± 2.2 months) than in paracentral (6.3 ± 2.1 months) and foraminal disc herniation patients (5.6 ± 2.3 months) after surgery (P < 0.01).ConclusionsBased on the results of this study, transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy was effective and safe procedures in the treatment of disc herniation with leg pain and numbness. The leg numbness symptoms last longer in central disc herniation patients than in paracentral and foraminal disc herniation patients after surgery.