无标记X射线片评价特发性脊柱侧凸不同大小Cobb角的一致性

背景：Cobb角测量是影响特发性脊柱侧凸King、Lenke和PUMC分型一致性的重要因素之一。文献报道冠状面Cobb角测量一致性较好。但是，纳入研究的Cobb角范围较大，无法对比研究，亦无曲度大小对Cobb角测量一致性影响的报道。 目的：分析特发性脊柱侧凸曲度对Cobb角测量一致性的影响。 方法：4名骨科医师独立测量53例特发性脊柱侧凸患者的94个冠状面曲度，包括53个胸弯和41个胸腰弯/腰弯，2周后打乱排序重新测量。应用组间相关系数判定可靠性和可重复性。 结果与结论：94个侧凸角度测量误差平均7.3°(2°~27°)，一致性极佳，可信度及可重复性分别为0.972(95%可信区间0.962~0.980)和0.961~0.977。>45°~70°组41个侧凸，角度测量误差平均6.4°(2°~14°)，一致性最佳，可信度0.960(95%可信区间0.935~0.977)，可重复性0.914~0.930。20°~45°组31个侧凸，角度测量误差平均6.5°(2°~13°)；>70°组31个侧凸，角度测量误差平均10.1°(3°~27°)。两组均取得了好到极佳的可信度[0.933和0.926，95%可信区间(0.884~0.965和0.865~0.965)]和可重复性(0.854~0.912和0.864~0.950)。提示不同大小冠状面Cobb角的一致性结果相近，且角度越大，测量误差对一致性的影响越小。     

Optimal patient positioning for ligamentotaxis during balloon kyphoplasty of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine

Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty aims to restore vertebral height, correct angular deformity and stabilize the spine in the setting of vertebral compression fractures. The patient is positioned prone with supports under the iliac crests and upper thorax to allow gravity to extend the spine. In the treatment of lumbar fractures, we evaluated patient positioning with the contribution of hip extension to increase anterior ligamentotaxis, thus facilitating restoration of vertebral height. Our positioning technique created a mean anterior height increase from 72% to 78% of the average height of the cranial and caudal vertebrae (p = 0.037). Balloon inflation did not significantly further increase anterior or posterior vertebral height, or Cobb angle.     

Reliability of a semi-automated technique of cerebral infarct volume measurement with CT

BACKGROUND: A reliable method of infarct volume measurement is needed if infarct volume is to be used as an outcome measure in clinical stroke trials. We investigated the reproducibility of a semi-automated method of computed tomography (CT) infarct volume measurement amongst three stroke research fellows with no formal neuroradiology training and two consultant neuroradiologists. METHODS: CT brain scans for volumetric analysis were performed at 5 to 7 days in 34 patients with acute ischaemic stroke, of which 28 scans showed visible recent infarction. Five observers independently traced the infarct boundary on digitised images with a cursor. Volumetric analysis incorporated pixel thresholding with preset Hounsfield thresholds. One of the observers repeated the analyses on 21 of the scans in order to assess intraobserver variation. RESULTS: Median infarct volume was 35.7 cm3 (range 0.2-318 cm3). The closest limits of observed agreement (mean +/- 1.96 SD) between pairs of observers were between a research fellow and neuroradiologist (-29 to 21 cm3). The widest limits of agreement were between a different research fellow and the same neuroradiologist (-39.1 to 41.4 cm3). The limits of agreement between infarct volumes measured on two separate occasions by one of the research fellows were -7 to 8 cm3. CONCLUSIONS: Intraobserver reliability of CT infarct volume measurements performed by a stroke research fellow was superior to interobserver reliability between any pair of observers. The wide limits of agreement between different observers using manual tracing may not be acceptable in multicentre trials of acute ischaemic stroke treatment, but volume measurement by a single observer appears to be more reliable.     

Intra‐ and interobserver agreement for fetal cerebral measurements in 3D‐ultrasonography

The aim of this study is to evaluate intra‐ and interobserver agreement for measurement of intracranial, cerebellar, and thalamic volume with the Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) technique in three‐dimensional ultrasound images, in comparison to two‐dimensional measurements of these brain structures. Three‐dimensional ultrasound images of the brains of 80 fetuses at 20–24 weeks’ gestational age were obtained from YOUth, a Dutch prospective cohort study. Two observers performed offline measurement of the occipitofrontal diameter, intracranial volume, transcerebellar diameter, cerebellar volume, and thalamic width, area, and volume, independently. VOCAL was used for calculation of the volumes. The two‐way random, single measures intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for analysis of agreement and Bland–Altman plots were configured. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement was almost perfect for occipitofrontal diameter (intra ICC 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.92; inter ICC 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.94), intracranial volume (intra ICC 0.96, 95% CI 0.91–0.98; inter ICC 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.98) and transcerebellar diameter (intra ICC 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.94; inter ICC 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.910). For cerebellar volume, the intraobserver agreement was almost perfect (0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.90), whereas the interobserver agreement was substantial (0.75, 95% CI 0.44–0.88). Agreement was only moderate for thalamic measurements. Bland–Altman plots for the volume measurements are normally distributed with acceptable mean differences and 95% limits of agreement. The intra‐ and interobserver agreement of the measurement of intracranial and cerebellar volume with VOCAL was almost perfect. These measurements are therefore reliable, and can be used to investigate fetal brain development. Thalamic measurements are not reliable enough.     

Early and long-term outcomes of vertebroplasty for single osteoporotic fractures

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE : Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedure for the treatment of recent, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. The aim of the study was to determine the early and late outcomes of PVP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively assessed outcomes of PVP in 200 patients with single, osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Follow-up assessment was made 12 hours after surgery as well as after 7 days, 30 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. A subgroup of 80 patients was evaluated also 2 years after PVP. A 100-mm visual analogue scale of pain was used for outcome measurement. RESULTS : Twelve hours after PVP, very significant relief of pain was obtained in 85% of patients; on the 7th and 30th day a very good result of treatment was noted in 96%. The same result was noted in 92% of patients at the 6th month, and in 90% of patients at the 12th month. Among the 80 patients followed for 2 years, 3 patients reported recurrence of pain and were subsequently diagnosed with new osteoporotic fractures. CONCLUSIONS : Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive method of treatment for fresh osteoporotic fractures, which provides a significant and sizeable reduction of pain in the short as well as long term after surgery. Complete relief of pain was noted 12 hours after PVP in 94% of patients, and was noted in 90% two years after treatment. Despite some literature data suggesting no beneficial effect of PVP, it can be concluded that PVP is the most effective and the safest method for fresh vertebral compression fracture treatment.     

Inter- and intraobserver variation in the interpretation of electromyographic tests

This study was undertaken with the aim of evaluating inter- and intraobserver variation on the pathophysiological interpretation of individual electromyographic (EMG) tests on muscles and nerve segments. Seven physicians from 6 European EMG laboratories independently interpreted 81 EMG studies comprising 735 muscle tests and 726 tests on nerve segments. Pathophysiological conclusions were inferred from findings of these tests without considering clinical information. For most combinations of findings, both the inter- and intraobserver variations on the interpretation were low, suggesting that common criteria for pathophysiological interpretations were used and that these were used consistently. For some combinations of findings, however, there was disagreement on whether these indicated specific or unspecific pathophysiological changes. In particular disagreement on whether findings indicated demyelination may be of clinical significance. A large part of the intraobserver variation may be explained by a change towards more cautious interpretations during the study for most of the physicians. It is concluded that there is a need to seek for consensus on the pathophysiological interpretation of individual findings and for incentives to ensure consistency in interpretations. The fact that experienced physicians changed their ways to interpret findings during the study suggests that agreement may be improved globally.     

The Effect of Postural Correction and Subsequent Balloon Inflation in Deformity Correction of Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Objective

To determine deformity correction by postural correction and subsequent balloon inflation in acute vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) and to examine the effect of bone mineral density on deformity correction.

Methods

A totol of 50 acute OVCFs received balloon kyphoplasty. Lateral radiographs were taken and analyzed at five different time points : 1) preoperative, 2) after placing the patient in prone hyperextended position, 3) after balloon inflation, 4) after deposition of the cement, and 5) postoperative. All fractures were analyzed for height restoration of anterior (Ha), middle (Hm) and posterior (Hp) vertebra as well as Cobb angle and Kyphotic angle. The bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. According to the T-score, the patients were divided into two groups which were osteoporosis group and osteopenia group.

Results

Postoperative measurements of Ha, Hm and the Cobb angle demonstrated significant reduction of 4.62 mm, 3.66 mm and 5.34° compared with the preoperative measurements, respectively (each p<0.05). Postural correction significantly increased Ha by 5.51 mm, Hm by 4.35 mm and improved the Cobb angle by 8.32° (each p<0.05). Balloon inflation did not demonstrate a significant improvement of Ha, Hm or the Cobb angle compared with baseline prone hyperextended. Postural correction led to greater improvements of Ha, Hm and Cobb angle in osteoporosis group than osteopenia group (each p<0.05).

Conclusion

In acute OVCFs, the height restoration was mainly attributed to postural correction rather than deformity correction by balloon inflation. BMD affected deformity correction in the process of postural correction.     

椎体成形穿刺注射骨水泥防止灾难性并发症：87例137个椎体资料分析

背景：椎体成形治疗老年骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折效果确切,但一些热点问题仍无定论。 目的：探讨椎体成形技术治疗老年骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折过程中穿刺损伤、骨水泥注射剂量、多椎体成形及骨水泥渗漏等问题的解决方案。 方法：回顾性分析经皮穿刺椎体成形技术治疗骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折87例137个椎体。全部经单侧椎弓根穿刺,骨水泥稀薄期注射,骨水泥注射量为3~7.5 mL,胸椎3 mL以上,腰椎4.5 mL以上,平均4.8 mL,多椎体者均一次手术完成。 结果与结论：随访6~30个月,治疗后第2天和最终随访时患者目测类比疼痛评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数评分均显著低于治疗前(P < 0.01)。所有患者胸腰背疼痛明显缓解,其中58例疼痛完全消失;1例术中出现骨水泥单体中毒症状,28例出现不同程度骨水泥渗漏,但未出现临床症状。137个椎体中骨水泥渗透达到和超过中线119个,占87.2%。提示椎体成形技术是治疗老年骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折的有效方法。骨水泥稀薄期注射能够获得良好的渗透效果;在局麻药限量范围内,一次可完成3个以上椎体成形;严格正规的操作技术是预防骨水泥渗漏灾难性并发症最重要的方法。     

Computed tomographic angiography findings in 103 patients following vascular events in the posterior circulation; potential and clinical relevance

We studied the diagnostic value of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in the posterior circulation as a noninvasive substitute for intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We prospectively investigated 103 patients with acute stroke in the posterior circulation. All patients underwent CTA and Doppler ultrasound, and DSA was performed in 22 patients. Vascular findings were classified in categories according to the type of lesion and the location in the vertebral, basilar, or posterior cerebral artery. In the first part of the analysis we examined the correlation between CTA and intra-arterial DSA (n=22), and in the second part that between CTA and Doppler ultrasound (n=103). Intra-arterial DSA identified 11 stenoses, 13 occlusions, and 3 hypoplasias. The correlation between DSA and CTA was best before the basilar artery (all lesions were identified with CTA). Of the 14 lesions detected in the vertebral artery by DSA 13 were also detected by CTA, but the specific type of lesion was identified in only 7 cases. The correlation between CTA and Doppler ultrasound was lower. In conclusion, CTA is thus a reliable method for detecting lesions in the posterior circulation and may replace DSA in many cases. However, particularly in the vertebral artery DSA remains in the superior technique. Received: 24 August 1999 / Received in revised form: 29 December 1999 / Accepted: 2 May 2000     

Anterior versus posterior approach in the management of AO Type B1 & B2 traumatic thoracolumbar fractures: A level 1 trauma centre study

The authors perform a retrospective trauma registry study to compare clinical, surgical and radiographical variables between anterior and posterior approaches in the management of AO Type B1 and B2 traumatic thoracolumbar fractures. Consecutive patients with surgically-managed AO Type B1 and B2 thoracolumbar fractures were included. Baseline demographics, surgical outcomes (including duration of surgery, postoperative morbidity etc.), neurological outcomes and radiographical outcomes (Cobb angle, Gardner angle) were compared between the anterior and posterior approaches. A total of 108 patients (anterior: n = 25, posterior: n = 83) were included. There were no significant between-group differences in baseline demographics and co-morbidities. Duration of surgery was longer in the anterior compared to posterior group (251 ± 91 min vs. 175 ± 69 min respectively, p < 0.00003). At six-months post-surgery, there was a trend towards improvement of at least one AIS grade in the posterior compared to the anterior group (85.7% vs. 33.3% respectively, p = 0.08). Postoperative complication profile showed no difference between approaches. The posterior approach resulted in better sagittal correction (Cobb angle; anterior: +1.05 ± 8.61 deg, posterior: −3.87 ± 9.88 deg, p = 0.03) and smaller loss of correction at 6-months post-surgery (Cobb angle; anterior: 8.36 ± 9.47 deg, posterior: 4.88 ± 6.62 deg, p = 0.048). This is the first study investigating surgical approach in flexion-distraction thoracolumbar fractures. Besides a shorter operative duration, the posterior approach seems to portend more favourable radiological correction at 6 months when compared to the anterior approach. Given the inherent selection bias of this study, definitive recommendations regarding the anterior versus posterior approach cannot be made. Further well-defined, prospective studies are necessary.     

球囊扩张椎体后凸成形注入骨水泥治疗骨质疏松性脊柱骨折58例

背景：探讨球囊扩张椎体后凸成形注入骨水泥治疗骨质疏松性脊柱骨折的疗效。 方法：采用球囊扩张椎体后凸成形治疗老年人骨质疏松性单节段椎体压缩性骨折58例,58个椎体。病变位于T6~L4椎体,以T10~L2胸腰段发生多见。所有患者均采用局麻方法,患者俯卧于脊柱外科手术架上,在C臂透视下行单侧或双侧椎弓根穿刺,注入骨水泥。 结果：发生骨水泥渗漏8例,骨水泥沿后纵韧带渗漏至邻近椎体后缘1例,椎体外边缘6例,皮下1例,但患者没有临床症状。治疗后脊柱 X射线片显示椎体高度有所恢复,脊柱后凸畸形改善。所有患者疼痛明显缓解,疼痛缓解率100%,视觉模拟评分、后凸角度、活动能力评分治疗前与治疗后6个月比较,差异有显著性意义(P < 0. 05),治疗后6个月与随访结束时比较差异无显著性意义(P > 0. 05)。 结论：球囊扩张椎体后凸成形注入骨水泥治疗能够明显缓解骨质疏松性脊柱骨折导致的疼痛,并可以部分恢复椎体高度和脊柱后凸畸形,有利于改善脊柱的功能,提高患者的生活质量。 关键词：球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术;骨质疏松;胸腰椎骨折 doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2009.47.040     

椎体后凸成形与椎体成形修复重建胸腰压缩性骨折患者脊柱稳定性的系统评价和Meta分析

目的：利用Meta分析方法对国内应用椎体后凸成形与椎体成形修复重建胸腰压缩性骨折的对照试验进行荟萃分析，从而在较大样本量的前提下评价并比较两种方法修复胸腰压缩性骨折的有效性和安全性。 方法：收集中国期刊全文数据库(1998/2008)、中国生物医学数据库及维普期刊网关于椎体后凸成形术与椎体成形术治疗胸腰压缩性骨折的对照文献，对结果进行Meta分析。其中，试验组行椎体后凸成形术，对照组行椎体成形术。疗效及差异评价指标以比值比、加权均数差和95%可信区间(CI)表示。统计学分析采用Review Manager4.2软件。 结果：共收集国内8个随机对照研究，Meta分析结果显示，2组病例术后目测类比疼痛评分均降低，但差异无显著性意义[比值比为-0.07，95%CI(-0.35，-0.49)，P=0.75]。2组病例手术前后Cobb角均下降，但试验组较对照组下降更明显 [比值比为-8.60，95%CI(-13.36，-3.83)，P=0.0004]。2组病例手术前后椎体前缘平均高度恢复率均升高, 但试验组较对照组升高更明显[比值比为25.08，95% CI(9.30，40.87)，P=0.002)。2组病例手术前后椎体压缩率均降低，但试验组降低更明显[比值比为-12.04，95%CI(-17.03，-7.04)，P < 0.000 01]。 结论：与椎体成形术相比，椎体后凸成形术修复重建胸腰压缩性骨折能够更好地缩小Cobb角，降低椎体压缩率，同时椎体前缘平均高度得以更好的恢复，但两者在缓解术后疼痛方面无明显差异。     

单侧穿刺经皮椎体注入骨水泥后凸成形治疗多椎体骨质疏松性压缩骨折

背景：经皮椎体成形和经皮椎体后凸成形是一种治疗骨质疏松症所致椎体压缩性骨折的新方法,目前已经在各大医院广泛开展,但是在临床上很多病例有多个椎体的骨折,采用经典的手术方法操作次数多,增加手术风险,射线暴露量大,医疗费用高。 目的：观察单侧穿刺经皮椎体后凸成形治疗老年多椎体骨质疏松压缩骨折的疗效。 方法：选择2007-06/2009-06巢湖市第一人民医院骨二科和皖南医学院附属弋矶山医院骨一科收治的多椎体骨质疏松压缩骨折患者12例(29椎),根据治疗前MRI信号改变判断疼痛性椎体并进行选择性单侧穿刺球囊扩张后凸成形的治疗。根据目测类比评分评价手术前后疼痛变化,观察治疗后症状改善、骨折复位情况及有无并发症发生。 结果与结论：12例穿刺均顺利完成,48 h内疼痛缓解,平均随访14个月。治疗后目测类比评分较治疗前降低(P < 0.01)。椎体前缘、中部、后缘平均高度治疗前低于治疗后,至末次随访椎体复位后前缘、中部、后缘平均高度未见明显丢失(P > 0.05)。治疗前穿刺侧与对侧椎体高度差距有显著性意义(P < 0.01),治疗后两侧差距无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。治疗前后同侧相比差异均有显著性意义(P < 0.01)。提示对多椎体压缩骨折采用选择性单侧穿刺后凸成形治疗,临床效果满意,能够缩短治疗时间、减少并发症、射线暴露和治疗费用,适于老年多椎体骨质疏松压缩骨折的治疗。 关键词：骨质疏松;脊柱;压缩骨折;后凸成形;骨水泥 doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.25.025     

Predictive Factors for a Kyphosis Recurrence Following Short-Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation Including Fractured Vertebral Body in Unstable Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures

Objective

The technique of short segment pedicle screw fixation (SSPSF) has been widely used for stabilization in thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBFs), but some studies reported high rate of kyphosis recurrence or hardware failure. This study was to evaluate the results of SSPSF including fractured level and to find the risk factors concerned with the kyphosis recurrence in TLBFs.

Methods

This study included 42 patients, including 25 males and 17 females, who underwent SSPSF for stabilization of TLBFs between January 2003 and December 2010. For radiologic assessments, Cobb angle (CA), vertebral wedge angle (VWA), vertebral body compression ratio (VBCR), and difference between VWA and Cobb angle (DbVC) were measured. The relationships between kyphosis recurrence and radiologic parameters or demographic features were investigated. Frankel classification and low back outcome score (LBOS) were used for assessment of clinical outcomes.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 38.6 months. CA, VWA, and VBCR were improved after SSPSF, and these parameters were well maintained at the final follow-up with minimal degree of correction loss. Kyphosis recurrence showed a significant increase in patients with Denis burst type A, load-sharing classification (LSC) score >6 or DbVC >6 (p<0.05). There were no patients who worsened to clinical outcome, and there was no significant correlation between kyphosis recurrence and clinical outcome in this series.

Conclusion

SSPSF including the fractured vertebra is an effective surgical method for restoration and maintenance of vertebral column stability in TLBFs. However, kyphosis recurrence was significantly associated with Denis burst type A fracture, LSC score >6, or DbVC >6.     

Feasibility of the mini-open vertebral column resection for severe thoracic kyphosis

Severe thoracic kyphosis caused by pathologic fractures often needs to be corrected by resection of the collapsed vertebral body, reconstruction of the anterior spinal column, and correction of the kyphosis with long-segment fixation. The resection of this pathologic bone functions essentially as a vertebral column resection. With the advent of minimally invasive technology, the powerful corrective forces afforded in open cases can be applied using a less invasive approach. In this article, we describe a mini-open posterior technique for thoracic kyphosis via a vertebrectomy and cantilever technique. Two patients underwent kyphosis correction via mini-open vertebrectomy. One patient was corrected from 92 degrees to 65 degrees, and the second patient was corrected from 70 degrees to 53 degrees. Both patients underwent a mini-open approach. Cantilever correction was accomplished over an expandable cage with a minimally invasive pedicle screw system. We describe our technique of mini-open vertebral column resection and kyphosis correction in the thoracic spine.     

椎板切开复位固定椎管成形在椎管手术的临床应用

目的总结椎板切开复位固定椎板成形在椎管手术的疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析37例椎管手术病例．其中颈段9例,胸腰段28例;21例采用椎板成形术（椎板成形组）,16例采用传统的椎板切除术（椎板切除组）。术后复查CT、MRI,并随访6个月～1年,其中28例胸腰段椎管内病变,对比术前及术后1年脊柱X一线正侧位片,测量正侧位Cobb角。结果椎板成形组术后未见明显不良反应,椎板切除组术后有血肿瘢痕入侵及不明原因的腰腿疼痛等情况。28例胸腰段椎管内病变中,15例采用椎板成形术,手术前后Cobb角无明显变化（P〉0．05）,13例采用传统椎板切除术,术后Cobb角较术前有所增大（P〈0．05）。结论椎管内病变应用椎板成形术从解剖上重建椎管结构,对比传统的椎板切除术,有利于保留椎管完整性,保护脊柱稳定性,减少并发症,该方法简便实用、安全、可靠,值得临床推广。     

Extreme lateral interbody fusion for the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF; NuVasive Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) is a minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach to the thoracolumbar spine. Though the procedure is rapidly increasing in popularity, limited data is available regarding its use in deformity surgery. We aimed to evaluate radiographic correction using XLIF in adults with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Thirty consecutive patients were followed for an average of 14.3 months. Interbody fusion was completed using the XLIF technique with supplemental posterior instrumentation. Plain radiographs were obtained on all patients preoperatively, postoperatively, and at most recent follow-up. Plain radiographic measurements of coronal Cobb angle, apical vertebral translation, segmental lordosis, global lordosis, disc height, neuroforaminal height and neuroforaminal width were made at each time point. CT scans were obtained for all patients 1 year after surgery to evaluate for fusion. There was significant improvement in multiple radiographic parameters from preoperative to postoperative. Cobb angle corrected 72.3%, apical vertebral translation corrected 59.7%, neuroforaminal height increased 80.3%, neuroforaminal width increased 7.4%, and disc height increased 116.7%. Segmental lordosis at L4–L5 increased 14.1% and global lordosis increased 11.5%. There was no significant loss of correction from postoperative to most recent follow-up. There was an 11.8% pseudoarthrosis rate at levels treated with XLIF. Complications included lateral incisional hernia (n = 1), rupture of anterior longitudinal ligament (n = 2), wound breakdown (n = 2), cardiac instability (n = 1), pedicle fracture (n = 1), and nonunion requiring revision (n = 1). XLIF significantly improves coronal plane deformity in patients with adult degenerative scoliosis. XLIF has the ability to correct sagittal plane deformity, although it is most effective at lower lumbar levels.     

Pilot study of oblique lumbar interbody fusion using mobile percutaneous pedicle screw and validation by a three-dimensional finite element assessment

The purpose of this study was to try oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) using percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS) with mobility.Twelve patients who underwent single-level OLIF were observed for at least one year. These included 6 patients with conventional PPS (rigid group), and 6 with movable PPS (semi-rigid group). Mobile PPS used cosmicMIA, which is a load sharing system. The anterior and posterior disc height, screw loosening and bone healing period, and implant failure were evaluated at final observation by CT. Moreover, the stress on the vertebral body-cage, on the vertebral body-screw/rod and on the bone around the screw was estimated using a three-dimensional finite element assessment in both groups.There was no significant difference in surgical time, amount of bleeding, JOA score, or low back pain VAS between groups. There were no differences between groups in anterior and posterior disc height, screw loosening, and implant failure at final observation. The bone healing period was significantly shorter in the semi-rigid screw group (18.3 months vs 4.8 months, p = 0.01). The finite element analysis showed that the lower stress on the rod/screw would contribute to fewer implant fractures and that lower stress on the bone around the screw would reduce screw loosening, and that higher compressive force on the cage would promotes bone healing.OLIF combined with a movable screw accelerated bone healing by nearly 75%. We conclude that mobile PPS in combination with OLIF promotes bone healing and can be a better vertebral fusion technique.     

Vertebroplasty for pain relief and spinal stabilization in multiple myeloma

Mechanical stabilization of oncological vertebral fractures with cement augmentation is the first mechanism of pain relief, with or without restoration of vertebral body height. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of vertebroplasty for painful vertebral body fractures in patients with multiple myeloma, in each phase of the disease. The authors reviewed a consecutive group of patients with multiple myeloma who underwent vertebroplasty at our Institute between November 2003 and December 2005. Twenty-eight levels were performed on 11 patients during 14 treatment sessions. All patients suffered from intractable back pain, and presented various lesion types (with and without fractures of posterior wall, and with and without epidural disease). The preoperative median visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7. The median duration of symptoms was 1.1 months. Eight patients were ambulating with orthopaedic devices (57%) in the pre-treatment period. Improvement or complete pain relief was observed in all patients (immediately in 8 cases, and after 2 days in 6 cases). The median VAS pain score decreased to 2. There was no symptomatic procedure-related complication. There were three cases (21%) of PMMA leakage: in the disc space in one case (7%), and in the anterior spinal canal in two cases (14%). Complete removal of orthopaedic devices was obtained in five patients (36%). No new deformation or collapse of the treated vertebrae was observed during the follow-up (range 1 day–25 months). In conclusion, vertebroplasty is a safe and efficient procedure in the treatment of painful vertebral body fractures in patients with multiple myeloma, without potential contraindications, such as fractures of the posterior wall or epidural disease. We also treated three and more levels in 28% of cases in a single session without complications. Due to the early pain relief and the low complication rate, it is possible to expand the indication to vertebroplasty for the prophylactic augmentation of those vertebral bodies at risk of fracture in which significant neoplastic substitution of the body is present.     

椎动脉血管内闭塞治疗后循环巨大动脉瘤

目的 对椎动脉血管内闭塞治疗后循环不可夹闭动脉瘤疗效进行评价。方法用血管内球囊或弹簧圈闭塞椎动脉治疗9例颅内后循环不可夹闭动脉瘤。结果血管内闭塞近端椎动脉可使动脉瘤完全闭塞，神经受压和占位症状逐步改善、消失。3例经MRI追踪检查的病例显示动脉瘤明显缩小或完全消失。结论血管内椎动脉闭塞治疗后循环不可夹闭动脉瘤是一种有效、安全的治疗方法。