胸椎后纵韧带骨化致椎管狭窄症的临床特征和手术治疗方法

目的 探讨胸椎后纵韧带骨化致椎管狭窄症的临床特征和手术治疗方法.方法 2004年1月至2009年3月,手术治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化致椎管狭窄症患者21例,男13例,女8例;年龄34～71岁,平均51.2岁;病程2～50个月,平均11个月.病变位于上胸段(T1～T4)4例,中胸段(T5～T8)7例,下胸段(T9～T12)10例;合并黄韧带骨化9例,合并颈椎后纵韧带骨化8例.11例行后路椎板切除术,10例行侧前方减压术.结果 后路椎板切除手术时间90～240 min,平均140 min.侧前方减压手术时间110～360min,平均240min.术后患者症状未加重,未出现神经系统并发症、无蛛网膜下腔感染和伤口感染.术后6个月日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分为8～15分,平均(9.17±1.63)分;其中神经功能改善率8例为优,6例为良,5例为可,2例为差,优良率为66.7%.术后12个月JOA评分为8～15分,平均(10.23±1.64)分;其中神经功能改善率8例为优,7例为良,4例为可,2例为差,优良率为71.4%.结论 胸椎后纵韧带骨化致椎管狭窄临床表现多样,常合并颈椎后纵韧带骨化和黄韧带骨化,后路椎板切除术和侧前方减压术有较好疗效.     

前路减压植骨融合治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化症

目的：探讨前路减压植骨融合治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的临床疗效和适用范围。方法：1994年6月--2002年11月对20例OPLL患者采用前路减压植骨融合治疗，中胸段9例，下胸段11例；1个节段8例，2个节段6例，3个节段3例，4、5、6个节段各1例。结果：术后5例出现脑脊液漏，14例随访3个月--5年8个月，JOA评分由术前的平均3.4分提高到7．6分，植骨块无塌陷，内固定无松动。结论：前路减压植骨融合治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化症可以取得满意的治疗结果，但对于广泛的胸椎OPLL或合并其它脊椎韧带骨化时该术式有其局限性。     

全椎板截骨再植椎管扩大成形术治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化症

目的总结胸椎黄韧带骨化症导致胸椎椎管狭窄的影像学特点，探讨改良椎管减压术的临床疗效。方法胸椎黄韧带骨化症31例，男18例，女13例；年龄26—73岁，平均45．7岁。术前均行MR、CT检查以明确诊断。合并颈椎管狭窄3例、腰椎管狭窄5例，颈胸腰椎管狭窄同时存在者2例；合并胸椎后纵韧带骨化和椎间盘突出症9例。单节段3例，双节段12例，三节段11例，四节段以上5例。局限型6例，连续型17例，跳跃型8例。共94个病变节段，其中上胸段(T1～T4)23个节段、中胸段(T5～T8)19个节段、下胸段(T9-T12)52个节段。手术采用全椎板截骨原位再植椎管扩大成形术。对9例合并胸椎后纵韧带骨化和椎间盘突出者，在后方减压的同时，行切除椎管前方突出椎间盘的环脊髓减压及后路钉棒系统内固定。术后疗效评价参照Epstein标准。结果24例患者随访6—63个月，平均15个月。术后疗效优14例、良7例、可3例，优良率87．5％。1例因术后停用脱水药物过早引起下肢瘫痪症状加重；2例出现下肢静脉血栓；2例硬脊膜撕裂。结论MR结合CT检查是诊断胸椎黄韧带骨化症最有效的手段，全椎板截骨再植椎管扩大成形术安全可靠，疗效满意。     

胸椎管后壁切除联合去后凸治疗多节段胸椎后纵韧带骨化症

 目的 探讨胸椎管后壁切除联合去后凸治疗多节段胸椎后纵韧带骨化症的安全性及疗效。方法 回顾性分析2012年8月至2013年3月采用胸椎管后壁切除联合去后凸术治疗5例多节段胸椎后纵韧带骨化症患者资料,男2例,女3例;年龄45~56岁,平均52岁;术前病程2个月~6年。5例患者均存在多节段胸椎后纵韧带骨化,骨化节段数5~10节;均合并多节段黄韧带骨化,黄韧带骨化节段数为2~10节;后凸Cobb角22°~56°,平均35.8°。术前日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores,JOA)胸脊髓功能评分为3~6分,平均3.8分。计算患者手术时间、出血量,评价术后脊髓功能恢复情况、手术并发症等。结果 5例患者手术时间为5.5~7.0 h,平均6.3 h;出血量为1 500~6 000 ml,平均3 900 ml;切除椎管后壁数为7~12节,平均8.2节。其中2例去后凸节段数为2节,3例去后凸节段数为1节,去后凸度数为2°~15°,平均7.8°。5例患者随访时间21~27个月,术后均发生并发症,并发症发生率为100%。其中4例术后即刻并发脑脊液漏,经常压引流4~5 d及加压包扎24 h治愈,另1例术后次日并发硬膜外血肿形成,遂急诊行血肿清除术。5例患者均获得随访,随访时间21~27个月,平均24个月。末次随访时4例脑脊液漏患者伤口愈合良好,双下肢功能恢复至正常或接近正常;1例硬膜外血肿形成者双下肢功能恢复至正常水平。5例患者末次随访时的JOA胸脊髓功能评分为9~11分,平均10分;改善率为75%~100%,平均85.6%。按照改良Epstein标准评价术后疗效,优4例,良1例,优良率为100%。结论 胸椎管后壁切除联合去后凸治疗多节段胸椎后纵韧带骨化症的疗效满意,但手术时间长、出血量大、并发症发生率高。     

胸椎黄韧带骨化症的手术治疗

目的探讨胸椎黄韧带骨化症的手术治疗效果。方法MRI及CT检查确定病变范围后,手术治疗黄韧带骨化所致胸椎管狭窄症患者12例38个节段（下胸段22个,中胸段6个,上胸段10个）,均采用磨钻加＂揭盖法＂切除椎管后壁减压。结果12例均获随访,时间6～41个月。参照Epstein et al标准评分：优6例,良4例,可2例。结论临床表现结合MRI及CT检查是诊断胸椎黄韧带骨化症的有效手段;用磨钻加＂揭盖法＂切除椎管后壁减压是安全、有效的方法。     

胸椎后纵韧带骨化的临床特点及治疗策略

目的回顾研究手术治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的临床特点及治疗方法。方法1991至2005年手术治疗胸椎OPLL55例,男19例,女36例;年龄35～73岁,平均51.9岁。均伴有脊髓损害。手术方式包括单纯椎管后壁切除术34例、前方OPLL切除减压术15例以及前后路联合手术6例。结果55例中36例(65.5%)合并胸椎黄韧带骨化(OLF),18例(32.7%)合并颈椎OPLL。单纯发生于上胸椎的OPLL13例(23.6%),中胸椎12例(21.8%),下胸椎及胸腰段17例(30.9%),广泛分布者13例(23.6%)。43例获得随访,平均随访时间47.1个月(6～168个月)。37例神经功能有改善,改善率为76.6%,无改善2例,加重4例。前方入路获随访者13例,其中3例症状加重,余改善率平均为82.9%(42.9%～100%)。后路椎管后壁切除术获随访者25例,1例无改善,1例加重,余改善率平均为72.6%(22.2%～100%)。前后路联合手术获随访5例,1例无改善,余改善率平均为83.9%。结论胸椎OPLL常合并胸椎OLF及颈椎OPLL。上胸椎OPLL合并颈椎管狭窄可一期行颈后路单开门及上胸椎椎管后壁切除术。两个节段以内的OPLL且不合并有造成脊髓压迫的胸椎OLF可行前路OPLL切除减压术,否则行后路椎管后壁切除术。单节段的OPLL合并胸椎OLF可行前后路联合手术。     

半关节突椎板整块切除治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化合并硬膜囊粘连

目的 探讨胸椎黄韧带骨化合并后纵韧带骨化、胸椎后凸畸形及硬膜囊粘连的处理策略及疗效.方法 2003年1月至2009年12月,采用半关节突椎板整块切除治疗35例胸椎黄韧带骨化患者,男32例,女21例;年龄43～73岁,平均54.7岁;骨化黄韧带限于中上胸椎者18例,累及胸腰段者35例.对多节段及跳跃型黄韧带骨化患者,结合临床及影像学表现确定责任节段.对多节段黄韧带骨化合并后纵韧带骨化或胸椎后凸畸形(＞50°)时行多节段椎弓根固定并后凸畸形矫正;合并硬膜囊粘连时,采用粘连尾侧硬膜囊切开放出部分脑脊液,造成蛛网膜萎陷与硬脊膜分离,一并切除骨化或粘连的硬脊膜,尽量保留蛛网膜的完整性.采用日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分(11分法)、Nurick分级和神经功能恢复率评价手术疗效.结果 患者均获得随访,随访时间6个月至6年,平均18个月.术前JOA评分1～9分,平均(4.3±2.3)分;术后为5～11分,平均(8.3±1.8)分,两者比较差异有统计学意义.术后神经功能恢复率11%～80%,平均65.8%,其中优18例,良20例,可10例,差5例,优良率71.7%.术前Nurick分级为2～5级,平均3.7级;术后改善为2.3级.结论 半关节突椎板整块切除治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化伴后纵韧带骨化或后凸畸形时,行椎弓根固定矫正后凸有助于神经功能的恢复;蛛网膜萎陷后硬脊膜切除可处理较重的硬膜囊粘连或骨化.     

胸椎黄韧带骨化症合并脊髓型颈椎病手术方案选择

目的 探讨胸椎黄韧带骨化(ossification of ligamentum flavum,OLF)合并脊髓型颈椎病(cervical spondylotic myelopathy,CSM)手术方案的选择.方法 1991年1月至2003年1月,手术治疗胸椎OLF合并CMS患者56例,其中40例获得2年以上随访,男22例,女18例;确诊时年龄27～70岁,平均58岁;病程1～120个月,平均16.5个月.其中OLF 25例,OLF合并后纵韧带骨化(ossification of posterior longitudjnal ligament,OPLL)12例,OLF合并胸椎间盘突出3例;同时合并颈椎OPLL 23例,退变性颈椎管狭窄17例.18例一期行颈后路"单开门"椎板成形术+上胸椎椎管后壁切除术,9例一期行胸椎管后壁切除术,13例分期行颈后路和胸椎管后壁切除术.结果 40例患者的随访时间为24～227个月,平均67.5个月.根据改良Epstein手术疗效评定标准评价优良率,18例一期行颈后路"单开门"椎板成形术+上胸椎椎管后壁切除术者为88.9%(16/18),9例行胸椎管后壁切除术者为66.7%(6/9);13例分期行颈后路和胸椎管后壁切除术者为53.8%(7/13).结果 显示分期手术者术后优良率低于一期手术者,手术间隔时间在1年以内者的优良率高于间隔1年以上者.结论 上胸椎OLF合并CSM者应一期行颈椎和上胸椎脊髓减压术;下肢症状严重而上肢症状轻微者应先行胸脊髓减压术;上、下肢症状均重者应一期或分期行颈脊髓减压术和胸脊髓减压术,而分期手术者的手术间隔时间不宜过长.     

后路360°环形减压椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化

目的 :探讨后路360°环形减压椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化临床效果。方法 :2009年12月至2013年11月采用后路360°环形减压椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸椎后纵韧带骨化18例,男8例,女10例;年龄32~67岁,平均51岁,术前常规行X线,CT及MR检查,合并黄韧带骨化4例;上胸段5例,中下段胸椎13例;局限型5例,节段型4例,连续型6例,混合型3例;应用后方"揭盖式"椎管减压+硬膜前方后纵韧带切除(或塌陷)的环形减压植骨融合内固定的方法进行治疗。记录手术时间、出血量及并发症等一般情况;采用JOA(11分法)评分评价术前、术后第2天及末次随访的神经系统功能,并计算神经功能改善率;采用Epstein-Schwall的标准评定手术疗效。结果:手术时间3~6 h,平均4.2 h;术中出血量800~4 000 ml,平均1 800 ml。所有患者获得随访,时间6个月~3年,平均1.8年。JOA评分由术前的4.30±2.60提高到术后第2天的7.60±2.40,末次随访的7.80±1.90;末次随访与术后第2天JOA评分差异无统计学意义(t=0.28,P=0.78),与术前差异有统计学意义(t=4.61,P0.001);术后第2天神经功能改善率为74%,末次随访时神经功能改善率为71%。按Epstein-Schwall的标准评定手术疗效:优4例,良10例,改善3例,差1例。4例发生脑脊液漏,肋间神经麻痹或疼痛3例,切口浅表感染1例。3例术后第2天查体神经功能加重,末次随访时2例恢复,1例无变化。所有病例植骨显示融合,未见内固定松动及断裂等。结论:后路360°环形减压椎弓根螺钉内固定可完成不同骨化类型的胸椎后纵韧带骨化的切除,且可取得较为良好的临床效果。     

"涵洞塌陷法"360°脊髓环形减压术治疗胸椎管狭窄症

目的 探讨"涵洞塌陷法"360°脊髓环形减压术治疗胸椎管狭窄症(thoracic spinal stenosis,TSS)的手术方法和疗效.方法 2005年10月至2009年10月,手术治疗26例TSS患者,男17例,女9例;年龄43～67岁,平均56岁.19例为上胸椎(T1-4)椎管狭窄,其中5例为单纯前方后纵韧带骨化(ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL)压迫脊髓,14例为前方OPLL合并脊髓后方黄韧带骨化(ossification of ligamentum flavum,OLF)压迫脊髓;7例为中下胸椎(T5～12)椎管狭窄,均为胸脊髓前、后方同时受压,其中5例为胸椎OLF合并OPLL,2例为胸椎OLF合并胸椎间盘突出.术前Frankel分级:B级6例,C级13例,D级7例.采用"涵洞塌陷法"360°脊髓环形减压术:首先从后路应用椎管后壁切除法,去除脊髓后方压迫;然后切除残留的关节突,沿椎弓根斜向内60°至椎体后壁两侧去除椎体后1/3的松质骨,形成一个"涵洞",分离脊髓硬膜前方与椎体后壁和OPLL的粘连后,压塌"涵洞"壁,取出OPLL块,完成脊髓前方的减压.采用椎弓根钉内固定.结果 除2例患者在术后13～27 d有短暂脊髓功能障碍加重外,余24例均恢复.术后随访时间6～30个月,平均14个月.末次随访时26例患者症状均明显改善,Frankel分级:C级2例,D级15例,E级9例.无一例发生双下肢瘫痪.结论 "涵洞塌陷法"360°脊髓环形减压术从后方一次去除胸脊髓前后方压迫,属于直接减压,术后疗效肯定.     

Video-assisted thoracic surgical applications in thoracic trauma

VATS is a valuable and safe way to manage many problems in thoracic trauma. It may allow earlier diagnosis and treatment of posttraumatic complications of chest injuries with less morbidity. This approach has already demonstrated advantages in such entities as retained hemothorax. The reduced pain and morbidity are attractive features compared with open thoracotomy. VATS continues to evolve in thoracic trauma, but unquestionably has proved value.     

Combined resection of the thoracic esophagus and thoracic descending aorta

We conducted combined resection of the thoracic esophagus and thoracic descending aorta in 2 patients, one with advanced esophageal cancer with aortic invasion and the other aortoesophageal fistula caused by a false aortic aneurysm. Combined resection of esophageal tumor and adjacent involved organs was conducted in 14 patients with A3:T4 esophageal cancer but none survived 3 years and resecting tumor-invaded organs did not improve patient survival. One major problem of combined resection of the esophagus and aorta is contamination of the posterior mediastinum. In 1 patient, 2-stage surgery for the esophagus and in situ aortic replacement was conducted to reduce operative risk and avoiding infection of the prosthetic vascular graft. With thoracic descending aortic aneurysm adjacent to the esophagus on the increase, cardiovascular surgeons should prepared to undertake combined resection of both the aorta and esophagus.     

轻中度胸弯型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者胸椎后凸角对上胸椎后凸角的影响

目的:探讨轻中度胸弯型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者胸椎后凸角与上胸椎后凸角的关系,并评估其临床意义。方法:选取在我院就诊的轻中度(Cobb角40°~60°)单胸弯型AIS患者50例、双胸弯型AIS患者50例,均摄站立位脊柱全长正位X线片及上肢抱胸体位下的站立位脊柱全长侧位X线片。测量主胸弯Cobb角、上胸椎(T2~T5)后凸角(upper thoracic kyphosis,UTK)及胸椎(T5~T12)后凸角(total kyphosis,TK)。两种弯型患者分别按TK大小分为两组:A组TK<10°,B组10°≤TK≤40°。分别将两种弯型的A组及B组的参数测量结果进行比较,并对相关参数指标进行Spearman相关分析。结果:在单胸弯型AIS患者中,A组UTK平均为6.9°,B组为9.8°,两组比较有统计学意义(P<0.05);单胸弯AIS患者TK与UTK存在显著性正相关(P<0.05)。在双胸弯型AIS患者中,A组的UTK平均为12.0°,B组为11.9°,两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05),双胸弯型AIS患者的TK与UTK无显著性相关(P>0.05)。结论:双胸弯型AIS患者的TK对UTK无明显影响;而单胸弯型AIS患者的UTK会随着TK的减小而减小,在对单胸弯型AIS患者进行胸椎融合时,应考虑其对术后矢状面形态重建的影响。     

胸椎椎弓根螺钉治疗上胸椎严重骨折

目的：探讨胸椎椎弓根螺钉治疗上胸椎严重骨折的方法及疗效。方法：自2000年3月至2008年6月回顾性分析18例上胸椎严重骨折患者的临床资料,男10例,女8例;年龄20～76岁,平均34.3岁。按Denis分型：爆裂骨折15例,骨折伴脱位3例。损伤节段：T1-T22例,T32例,T3-T42例,T4-T58例,T5-T62例。Wolter外伤性椎管狭窄分型：Ⅰ型9例,Ⅱ型7例,Ⅲ型2例。Frankel分级：A级5例,B级4例,C级2例,D级4例,E级3例。均采用后路胸椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗,手术前后通过影像观察Cobb角及椎管狭窄度,通过Frankel分级的变化评估神经症状,通过CT复查术后椎弓根螺钉与椎弓根的位置。结果：18例患者均获随访,时间1～6年,平均2.3年。Cobb角由术前的（26.50±5.62）°改善为术后的（21.20±3.54）°（P〈0.05）;椎管内占位改善率61%。术后Frankel分级：A级4例,B级2例,C级3例,D级3例,E级6例,手术前后Frankel分级有明显改善（P〈0.05）。CT复查示椎弓根螺钉88.5%（69/78）位于椎弓根内。结论：后路椎弓根螺钉固定方法是坚强、安全、有效的胸椎严重骨折的治疗方法。     

Long thoracic nerve paralysis associated with thoracic outlet syndrome

Two cases of long thoracic nerve palsy associated with thoracic outlet syndrome are reported. Both patients had abnormal posture, with low-set shoulders and winged scapulae. Clinically there was weakness of the serratus anterior muscle with partial denervotion on electromyography. The diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome was based on positive vascular tests and brachial plexus nerve compression symptoms induced by the vascular testing positions. An orthosis that held the shoulder in an elevated position was used in both cases. Complete recovery of shoulder function and relief of the symptoms was achieved in both cases at 8 and 13 months, respectively, after application of the orthosis.     

A thoracic expansion technique for Jeune's asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy

A technique of expanding the thoracic cage diameter using a methyl methacrylate (acrylic) prosthesis is described and the subject of Jeune's asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy is reviewed. Children needing surgical treatment include those with a progressive deterioration of their respiratory status, an increase in respiratory infections, and failure to thrive. This surgical technique is recommended for its simplicity, short operating time, and effectiveness.     

Surgical outcomes of posterior thoracic interbody fusion for thoracic disc herniations

Introduction

Surgical strategy for thoracic disc herniation (TDH) remains controversial. We have performed posterior thoracic interbody fusion (PTIF) by bilateral total facetectomies with pedicle screw fixation. The objectives of this retrospective study are to demonstrate the surgical outcomes of PTIF for TDH.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 11 patients who underwent PTIF for myelopathy due to TDH and were followed for at least 1 year. The mean age at surgery was 55.2 years and the average period of follow-up was 4.3 years. The levels of operation were T10–T11 in three cases, T12–L1 in three, and T2–T3, T3–T4, T9–T10, T11–T12, and T10–T12 in one case, respectively. The pre- and postoperative clinical status was evaluated according to the modified Frankel grade and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score modified for thoracic myelopathy. Additionally, postoperative complications were assessed. Local kyphosis at the operated segment and status of fusion were evaluated using plain radiographs and computed tomography.

Results

Improvement of at least one modified Frankel grade was observed in all but one patient. Average pre- and postoperative JOA scores were 4.9 and 8.8 points, respectively. The average recovery rate was 61 %. Bony union was observed in ten cases. One patient’s postsurgical outcome resulted in pseudoarthrosis, which required revision surgery due to kyphosis deterioration. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed in one patient postoperatively with neither neurological deficit nor evidence of infection.

Conclusion

PTIF has produced satisfactory outcomes for myelopathy due to TDH. Therefore, PTIF is one of the surgical treatments of choice for patients with TDH causing myelopathy.     

Transthoracic approaches to the lesions of thoracic cord and thoracic vertebrae

Experiences of transthoracic approaches to the thoracic cord lesions were reported. Since 1983, we have performed six transthoracic approaches to the thoracic lesions; one thoracic OPLL, one dumbbell-shaped neurinoma, two thoracic soft disc, one epidural metastatic tumor to thoracic vertebrae. From the viewpoint of surgical anatomy, the thoracic vertebrae show a physiological kyphosis and the subarachnoid space of the ventral site is narrower than that of the dorsal site. Due to such anatomical characteristics, the thoracic laminectomy for decompression is not so effective as in the cervical or lumbar region and a relatively small mass lesion can bring a paraplegic state. The lesion of the ventral site of the thoracic cord has been regarded as no man's land because of poor results of posterior approaches. Instead of posterior approaches, anterior or anterolateral approaches with transthoracic route have been adopted. In the present paper, we used transthoracic anterolateral approaches for four patients and anterior sternum-splitting approach for two patients. The operative procedures of the approaches were described in detail. By these approaches, we could treat four patients with favourable results but the result of thoracic OPLL was poor. The cause of this poor result seemed to depend upon the intraoperative compression of the thoracic cord. For the troublesome complication, we described the postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage into thoracic cavity with respiratory disturbance. Several devices to prevent such troublesome complication were discussed.     

Combined resection of the thoracic esophagus and thoracic descending aorta.

We conducted combined resection of the thoracic esophagus and thoracic descending aorta in 2 patients, one with advanced esophageal cancer with aortic invasion and the other aortoesophageal fistula caused by a false aortic aneurysm. Combined resection of esophageal tumor and adjacent involved organs was conducted in 14 patients with A3:T4 esophageal cancer but none survived 3 years and resecting tumor-invaded organs did not improve patient survival. One major problem of combined resection of the esophagus and aorta is contamination of the posterior mediastinum. In 1 patient, 2-stage surgery for the esophagus and in situ aortic replacement was conducted to reduce operative risk and avoiding infection of the prosthetic vascular graft. With thoracic descending aortic aneurysm adjacent to the esophagus on the increase, cardiovascular surgeons should prepared to undertake combined resection of both the aorta and esophagus.