Noninstrumented facet fusion in patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy for degenerative spondylolisthesis

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical efficacy of uninstrumented facet fusion in elderly patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy for spinal stenosis due to a single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis. Several studies have clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of concomitant spinal fusion with laminectomy in degenerative spondylolisthesis. Controversy, however, persists regarding the virtues of fusion in this patient population. This study included 62 patients with a single-level grade I or II degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent laminectomy and uninstrumented facet fusion for unremitting symptoms of spinal stenosis. Group 1 (39 patients) had a fixed degenerative spondylolisthesis with no measurable translation on flexion/extension radiographs, while group 2 (23 patients) had a mobile degenerative spondylolisthesis with preoperative translation. Postoperatively, the 62 listhetic levels were analyzed for radiographic signs of instability on flexion/extension radiographs for a minimum of 24 months. Clinical outcome was assessed in each patient at the time of final follow-up. In group 1 (patients with no preoperative translation), 64% of the index listhetic facet fusion levels had < or = 2 mm of motion on postoperative flexion/extension radiographs, while the other 36% had > 2 mm to < or = 15 mm of motion. Ninety-six percent of patients with < or = 2 mm of postoperative motion were "much better" after surgery, whereas only 50% of patients with > 10 mm of postoperative motion had similar results. Similar trends were also observed in group 2 with 52% of levels having < or = 2 mm motion and patient "much better" outcomes being observed with less motion postoperatively. The overall postoperative radiographic stabilization rate and improved patient outcomes were higher in group 1 than in group 2. In patients undergoing laminectomy for a grade I or II fixed or mobile degenerative spondylolisthesis, concomitant facet fusion decreases motion and stabilizes the spine via a bony fusion or a stable pseudarthrosis. In general, patients with less motion on postoperative flexion/extension radiographs had a better clinical outcome than those with more motion.     

Long-term clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up assessment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis after laminectomy.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional retrospective study to observe the correlation between postoperation findings shown on magnetic resonance imaging and clinical observations of 56 patients 10 years after laminectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation between postoperation findings on magnetic resonance imaging and surgical outcome in patients surgically treated for lumbar spinal stenosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis is based on the compression seen in radiologic imaging of neurovascular structures in the vertebral canal, but the success of surgical decompression and its correlation with clinical observations very seldom have been monitored by postoperation radiologic imaging. METHODS: In this study, 56 patients surgically treated for lumbar spinal stenosis were re-examined clinically by use of the Oswestry disability questionnaire. Their walking capacity was evaluated by the treadmill test. Severity of pain before and after the treadmill test was investigated using a visual analog scale. Patients' perception of improvement measured as the change in their condition during the preceding 5 years was elicited by a questionnaire. On the basis of the stenotic findings on magnetic resonance imaging, the patients were classified into no stenosis (NoSten, n = 15) and stenosis (Sten, n = 41) groups, and a summative degenerative scale also was constructed with the findings categorized as follows: disc degeneration, disc herniation, facet joint arthrosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis. RESULTS: Whereas the patients' perception of improvement correlated very strongly with the Oswestry score and walking capacity, there was no statistical difference between the NoSten and Sten groups in the Oswestry score, walking capacity, perception of improvement, or severity of pain. The effect of the summative degenerative scale on the patients' walking capacity was 13 times greater than the effect of the minimum area of the dural sac. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' perception of improvement had a much stronger correlation with long-term surgical outcome than structural findings seen on postoperation magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, degenerative findings had a greater effect on patients' walking capacity than stenotic findings.     

退变性腰椎管狭窄症的手术治疗

目的探讨退变性腰椎管狭窄症（degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis,DLSS）手术治疗方法。方法回顾性分析2003年1月至2011年1月我院185例退变性腰椎管狭窄症手术治疗病例。其中神经根管狭窄6例,中央管狭窄179例。单节段狭窄者96例,双节段狭窄者55例,3个节段狭窄者34例。采用单纯开窗减压者6例,后路全椎板切除减压、后外侧植骨融合、内固定70例,后路全椎板切除减压、椎体间植骨融合、内固定109例。根据日本矫形外科学会腰腿痛评分系统（15分）进行术前和术后的疗效评价。结果 185例患者获得8～72个月随访,平均随访时间19.5个月。三种手术方法术后平均改善率分别为77.9%、78.8%和79.5%,优45例,良120例,可20例,优良率为89.2%。术后并发脑脊液漏6例。结论根据DLSS患者病情和影像学检查结果,确定狭窄的部位和节段,对神经根管狭窄者,采用单纯开窗减压;对中央管狭窄者,采用全椎板切除减压、椎体间植骨融合和/或后外侧植骨融合、椎弓根系统内固定,尤其是对于合并腰椎节段性不稳定、退变性滑脱、侧弯和后凸者,可获得满意的疗效。     

单纯有限减压治疗老年腰椎管狭窄症的疗效分析

目的探讨采用单纯有限减压治疗老年腰椎管狭窄症的中远期治疗效果。方法对82例老年腰椎管狭窄症患者，采用保留关节突的全椎板黄韧带切除术36例，椎板间隙相邻椎板部分切除及黄韧带切除16例，部分关节突切除神经根管扩大术30例。减压术后不做植骨融合及内固定术。结果82例随访18—62个月，优70例（85％），良10例（12％），差2例（3％）。有2例症状加重接受内固定及融合术。结论在严格手术指征的前提下，根据腰椎管狭窄症的病因学分析选择单纯有限减压术式可以取得满意的临床疗效。     

Surgical treatment of symptomatic degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis by decompression and instrumented fusion

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is characterized by the slippage of one vertebral body over the one below, with association of intervertebral disc degeneration and degenerative arthritis of the facet joints, which cause spinal stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of 22 patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis, operated on by decompressive laminectomy and instrumented posterolateral fusion associated with interbody fusion (PLIF). Mean age at surgery was 64 years (range, 57–72). Clinical results were evaluated on a questionnaire at the last follow-up visit concerning postoperative low back and leg pain, restriction of daily life activities, and resumption of sports activity. Lumbar spine radiographs were used to evaluate the status of fixation devices, the reduction of the spondylolisthesis, the lumbar sagittal balance and the presence of spinal fusion. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. There were no superficial or deep infections, fixation device loosening, or hardware removal. Mean follow-up time was 4 years (range, 3–6 years). Clinical outcome was excellent or good in 19 patients and fair in 3 patients. Preoperatively, mean forward vertebral slipping on neutral lateral radiographs was 5 mm, while postoperatively it decreased to 3 mm. Preoperatively, mean sagittal motion was 3 mm and angular motion was 8°, while postoperatively these values decreased to 1 mm and 1°, respectively. This study demonstrated that spinal decompression followed by transpedicular instrumentation associated with PLIF technique is a valid surgical option for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis with symptomatic spinal stenosis. Clinical outcome, intended as relief of pain and resumption of activity, was improved significantly and fusion rate was high.     

Clinical and radiographic results of expansive lumbar laminoplasty in patients with spinal stenosis

BACKGROUND: In 1981, we developed a technique of expansive lumbar laminoplasty to alleviate the problems of conventional laminectomy in the treatment of spinal stenosis. The purposes of this study were to assess the long-term outcome following expansive lumbar laminoplasty and to investigate the postoperative problems. METHODS: Fifty-four patients underwent expansive lumbar laminoplasty for the treatment of spinal stenosis. There were forty-three men and eleven women with a mean age of 52.6 years. The average length of follow-up was 5.5 years. Preoperatively, twenty-five patients had degenerative stenosis; thirteen, stenosis due to spondylolisthesis; twelve, combined stenosis (disc herniation and stenosis); and six, hyperostotic stenosis. (Two patients with hyperostotic stenosis and spondylolisthesis were included in both groups.) The clinical results were assessed with use of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and the rate of recovery was calculated. Radiographic findings were analyzed on the basis of the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal, kyphosis, range of motion of the lumbar spine, and the rate of interlaminar fusion. RESULTS: The average recovery rate at the time of the last follow-up was 69.2% for patients with degenerative stenosis, 66.5% for patients with combined stenosis, 65.2% for those with hyperostotic stenosis, and 54.7% for those with spondylolisthesis. The factors resulting in a poor recovery were an older age and insufficient decompression of the lateral stenosis. During the follow-up period, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score became worse for seven patients, six patients had lesions develop at the level adjacent to the laminoplasty, and five patients had spondylolisthesis develop. Interlaminar fusion was observed in twenty-two patients (41%). CONCLUSIONS: The satisfactory results of expansive lumbar laminoplasty were maintained at an average of 5.5 years after surgery. The best indications for the lumbar laminoplasty procedure were young and active patients with central spinal stenosis.     

两种手术方式治疗退变性腰椎滑脱症的疗效比较

[目的]对比椎弓根钉内固定联合单枚Cage斜形放置椎间植骨融合与椎弓根钉内固定后外侧融合治疗退变性腰椎滑脱的临床疗效。[方法]单节段退变性腰椎滑脱患者44例,按手术方式分为:Ⅰ组23例,行椎弓根器械复位固定后单枚Cage斜形放置的椎体间融合;Ⅱ组21例,行椎弓根器械复位固定后外侧融合。对两组术后JOA评分,腰腿痛VAS评分,影像学进行随访。[结果]随访15~36个月,两组间JOA评分、骨融合率无显著性差异(P>0.05);Ⅰ组在下腰痛缓解的VAS评分、Taillard指数、相对椎间隙高度的维持方面优于Ⅱ组(P<0.05)。[结论]单枚融合器附加椎弓根钉的椎间植骨融合是治疗退变性腰椎滑脱更为理想的方法。     

High failure rate of the interspinous distraction device (X-Stop) for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis caused by degenerative spondylolisthesis

The X-Stop interspinous distraction device has shown to be an attractive alternative to conventional surgical procedures in the treatment of symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. However, the effectiveness of the X-Stop in symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis caused by degenerative spondylolisthesis is not known. A cohort of 12 consecutive patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis caused by degenerative spondylolisthesis were treated with the X-Stop interspinous distraction device. All patients had low back pain, neurogenic claudication and radiculopathy. Pre-operative radiographs revealed an average slip of 19.6%. MRI of the lumbosacral spine showed a severe stenosis. In ten patients, the X-Stop was placed at the L4–5 level, whereas two patients were treated at both, L3–4 and L4–5 level. The mean follow-up was 30.3 months. In eight patients a complete relief of symptoms was observed post-operatively, whereas the remaining 4 patients experienced no relief of symptoms. Recurrence of pain, neurogenic claudication, and worsening of neurological symptoms was observed in three patients within 24 months. Post-operative radiographs and MRI did not show any changes in the percentage of slip or spinal dimensions. Finally, secondary surgical treatment by decompression with posterolateral fusion was performed in seven patients (58%) within 24 months. In conclusion, the X-Stop interspinous distraction device showed an extremely high failure rate, defined as surgical re-intervention, after short term follow-up in patients with spinal stenosis caused by degenerative spondylolisthesis. We do not recommend the X-Stop for the treatment of spinal stenosis complicating degenerative spondylolisthesis.     

刺突截骨椎管成形术治疗退行性腰椎管狭窄症

目的：介绍刺突截骨椎管成形术及其应用,方法：采用该术式治疗37例退行性腰椎管狭窄症患者,术后进行疗效评分（Oswestry问卷）和腰椎管直径测量。方法：术后1年腰腿痛平均改善76％,术后4年平均改善74％,疗效下降不显著（P＞0．05）。术后CT显示腰椎管直径平均增加20％,刺突原位愈合率87％。结论：该术式操作简单,神经减压充分,手术并发症少,其治疗退行性腰椎管狭窄症术手近、中期疗效和影像学评估均满意。     

A 2-year follow-up pilot study evaluating the safety and efficacy of op-1 putty (rhbmp-7) as an adjunct to iliac crest autograft in posterolateral lumbar fusions

The ability of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to induce bone formation has led to a multitude of investigations into their use as bone graft substitutes in spinal surgery. The purpose of this multi-center clinical pilot study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BMP-7 (osteogenic protein 1, OP-1), in the form of a putty, combined with autograft for intertransverse process fusion of the lumbar spine in patients with symptomatic spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis following spinal decompression. Twelve patients with spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis underwent a laminectomy and partial or complete medial facetectomy as required for decompression of the neural elements, followed by an intertransverse process fusion by placing iliac crest autograft and OP-1 putty between the decorticated transverse processes. No instrumentation was used. Patients were followed clinically using the Oswestry scale and SF-36 outcome forms, and radiographically using static and dynamic radiographs to assess their fusion status over a 2-year period. Independent and blinded radiologists assessed the films for the presence of bridging bone between the transverse processes and measured translation and angulation on dynamic films using digital calipers. Radiographic outcome was compared to a historical control (autograft alone fusion without instrumentation for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis). All adverse events were recorded prospectively. The results showed eight of the nine evaluable patients (89%) obtained at least a 20% improvement in their preoperative Oswestry score, while five of ten patients (50%) with radiographic follow-up achieved a solid fusion by the criteria used in this study. Bridging bone on the anteroposterior film was observed in seven of the ten patients (70%). No systemic toxicity, ectopic bone formation, recurrent stenosis or other adverse events related to the OP-1 putty implant were observed. A successful fusion was observed in slightly over half the patients in this study, using stringent criteria without adjunctive spinal instrumentation. This study did not demonstrate the statistical superiority of OP-1 combined with autograft over an autograft alone historical control, in which the fusion rate was 45%. There were no adverse events related to the OP-1 putty implant in this study, which supports findings in other studies suggesting the safety of bone morphogenetic proteins in spinal surgery.     

A pilot safety and efficacy study of OP-1 putty (rhBMP-7) as an adjunct to iliac crest autograft in posterolateral lumbar fusions

The ability of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to induce bone formation has led to an increasing interest in the potential for their use in fusion surgery. The purpose of this multi-center clinical pilot study was to evaluate the safety of one such BMP—osteogenic protein 1, in the form of OP-1 putty—combined with autograft for intertransverse process fusion of the lumbar spine in patients with symptomatic spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis following spinal decompression. Twelve patients with spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis underwent laminectomy and partial or complete medial facetectomy as required for decompression of the neural elements followed by intertransverse process fusion by placing iliac crest autograft and OP-1 putty between the decorticated transverse processes. No instrumentation was used. Patients were followed clinically using the Oswestry scale and radiographically using static and dynamic radiographs to assess their fusion status. Independent and blinded radiologists assessed the films for the presence of bridging bone between the transverse processes and measured translation and angulation on dynamic films using digital calipers. In addition to bridging bone, less than or equal to 5° of angular motion and less than or equal to 2 mm of translation were required to classify the patients as successfully fused, as per the definition of successful fusion provided by the FDA for use in clinical trials involving investigational devices to attain spinal fusion. Radiographic outcome was compared to a historical control (autograft alone fusion without instrumentation for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis). All adverse events were recorded prospectively. The results showed 9 of the 12 patients (75%) obtained at least a 20% improvement in their preoperative Oswestry score, while 6 of 11 patients (55%) with radiographic follow-up achieved a solid fusion by the criteria used in this study. Bridging bone on the anteroposterior film was observed in 10 of the 11 patients (91%). No systemic toxicity, ectopic bone formation, recurrent stenosis or other adverse events related to the OP-1 putty implant were observed. A successful fusion was observed in slightly over half the patients in this study, using stringent criteria without adjunctive spinal instrumentation. This study did not demonstrate the superiority of OP-1 combined with autograft over an autograft alone historical control, in which the fusion rate was approximately 45%. The lack of adverse events related to the OP-1 putty implant in this study is in agreement with other studies supporting the safety of bone morphogenetic proteins in spinal surgery.     

Bone regrowth after surgical decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis.

We reviewed 40 patients treated surgically for lumbar stenosis at an average time of 8.6 years after operation. In 32, total laminectomy had been performed and in eight bilateral laminotomy, both at one or more levels. Of the 16 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, ten had had a concomitant spinal fusion. Patients were assigned to one of four groups according to the amount of bone regrowth: group 0 had no regrowth and groups I, II, and III, had mild, moderate or marked regrowth, respectively. Only 12% of the patients showed no bone regrowth; 48% were assigned to group I, 28% to group II and 12% to group III. Imaging studies showed varying degrees of recurrent stenosis in patients with moderate or marked bone regrowth. All patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis showed bone regrowth, which was more severe in those who had not had a fusion. The clinical results were satisfactory in most of the patients with mild or no bone regrowth and significantly less good in those with moderate or marked regrowth. In the group with degenerative spondylolisthesis, the proportion of satisfactory results was significantly higher in patients who had had spinal fusion. The long-term results of surgery for lumbar stenosis depend both upon the amount of bone regrowth and the degree of postoperative vertebral stability.     

Spinal canal enlargement procedure by restorative laminoplasty for the treatment of lumbar canal stenosis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Multilevel fenestration or laminectomy is generally performed to treat the patient with lumbar canal stenosis (LCS). However, in patients requiring laminectomy, little attention has been paid to the later development of lumbar pain possibly caused by a removal of the posterior elements of the spine. In general, spinal instrumentation and fusion has been generally performed when laminectomy might cause severe postoperative spinal instability. Surgical methods where osteotomized vertebral arches are repositioned rather than removed have long been performed. However, they have never become widespread, possibly because of the complicated surgical procedures and poor postoperative arch stability, which leads to a long period of postoperative immobilization. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present report was to introduce our surgical procedures of spinal canal enlargement using restorative laminoplasty and to report the results. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical results in 33 patients with lumbar canal stenosis who had been treated by our surgical procedures of spinal canal enlargement using restorative laminoplasty. PATIENT SAMPLE: Subjects were 33 patients followed for at least 2 years after surgery. Meyerding Grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis was found in 10 patients, and degenerative scoliosis of more than 5 degrees was seen in 20 patients. Nine patients demonstrated both degenerative spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system, lumbago, sciatica, leg numbness, muscle strength and gait were quantified before surgery, 1 year after surgery and at final examination (at least 2 years after surgery) to calculate improvement rates. Furthermore, correlations to age, gender, disease duration, degenerative spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis were statistically analyzed. METHODS: Our surgical procedures of spinal canal enlargement using restorative laminoplasty were performed for all patients. In our procedures, posterior elements were reapplied with an absorbable fixation (poli-L-lactic acid pins). No other fusion procedure was performed jointly. RESULTS: The mean number of restored vertebral arches was 2.2, and mean surgery time was 131 minutes. Mean volume bleeding during surgery was 328.0 ml. In all patients, successful bone healing was obtained at a mean of 5 months after surgery. Mean improvement rate for the total JOA score was 80.6%. Mean improvement rates for lumbago and sciatica were 70.0% and 87.7%, respectively. Mean improvement rate for leg numbness was 50.8%. Mean improvement rates for leg muscle strength and intermittent claudication were 70.0% and 98.9%, respectively. No significant correlation was found between gender and overall improvement rate, between age and overall improvement rate, between age and leg numbness or between number of restored vertebral arches and overall improvement rate. The tendency was that the longer the disease duration, the lower the overall improvement rate, and the more severe the residual numbness. No significant correlation was found between disease duration and muscle strength or lumbago.A significant correlation was not found between the presence of preoperative Grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis and overall improvement rate or lumbago. However, a significant difference in severity of lumbago existed between patients with degenerative scoliosis of 9 degrees and below and those with degenerative scoliosis of 10 degrees and above. CONCLUSIONS: Our surgical procedures of spinal canal enlargement using restorative laminoplasty produce complete decompression and anatomical reconstruction of the posterior elements, ligaments and muscles. Improvement in complaints of lumbago may be a consequence of the anatomical reconstruction of the posterior spinal elements. Overall, favorable results were obtained. The best results were obtained if surgery is performed within 2 years of the onset of LCS.     

退变性腰椎滑脱症的手术治疗

目的探讨采用后路腰椎椎管减压、钉棒内固定并椎间植骨融合术和后路腰椎减压并Dynesys系统内固定手术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱的效果。方法应用后路腰椎椎间融合（posterior lumbar interbody fusion,PLIF）术进行椎管减压、钉棒系统固定并椎体间植骨融合手术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱37例;应用后路腰椎管减压并Dynesys内固定手术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱5例。结果随访9～39个月,平均26个月,腰痛疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分术前为8.7分,随访时为2.1分;腿痛VAS评分术前为7.6分,随访时为2.3分。术前Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index,ODI）为58.2%,随访时为21.2%。无严重手术并发症发生。术后X线片复查显示椎间高度均得到不同程度的恢复,滑脱椎体完全复位或者基本复位,椎间植骨融合。无融合器移位或螺钉松动、断裂。结论后路腰椎椎管减压、钉棒内固定并椎间植骨融合术和后路腰椎减压并Dynesys内固定手术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱效果满意,安全彻底的神经根管减压是取得满意临床效果的关键。     

Comparison of spinous process–splitting laminectomy versus posterolateral fusion for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis

Background

Although several studies have recently shown that spinous process–splitting laminectomy (SPSL) maintains lumbar spinal stability by preserving posterior ligament components and paraspinal muscles as compared with conventional laminectomy, evidence is scarce on the treatment outcomes of SPSL limited to lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. We herein compare the surgical results and global alignment changes for SPSL versus posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) without instrumentation for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Methods

A total of 110 patients with Grade 1 lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis who had undergone SPSL (47 patients) or PLF (63 patients) with minimum 1-year follow-up were retrospectively enrolled from a single institutional database.

Results

Mean operating time per intervertebral level and intraoperative blood loss per intervertebral level were comparable between the SPSL group and PLF group. Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, Oswestry disability index, and visual analog scale scores were significantly and comparably improved at 1 year postoperatively in both groups as compared with preoperative levels. The numbers of vertebrae with slip progression to Grade 2 and slip progression of 5% or more at 1 year postoperatively were similar between the groups. In the SPSL group, mean pelvic tilt (PT) was significantly decreased at 1 year postoperatively. In the PLF group, mean lumbar lordosis (LL) was significantly increased, while mean sagittal vertical axis, PT, and pelvic incidence–LL were significantly decreased at 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions

Compared with PLF without instrumentation, SPSL for Grade 1 lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis displayed comparable results for slip progression and clinical outcomes at 1 year postoperatively.

     

Short‐term clinical observation of the Dynesys neutralization system for the treatment of degenerative disease of the lumbar vertebrae

Objective: To explore the safety and short‐term efficacy of the posterior approach of the Dynesys dynamic neutralization system for degenerative disease of the lumbar vertebrae. Methods: From March 2008 to March 2010, 32 cases of degenerative lumbar vertebral disease, 19 men and 13 women, (mean age 58 ± 5.2, range, 43–78 years), were treated with posterior laminectomy and Dynesys internal fixation. All patients had a history of over 3 months waist or leg pain that had not been relieved by conservative treatment. There were 10 cases of single lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, 14 of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, 5 of degenerative lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis, and 3 of recurrent lumbar disc protrusion after surgery. A visual analogue score (VAS) was used for pain assessment, and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) for functional evaluation of clinical outcomes. Results: All patients were followed up for 6–23 months (mean, 16.4 ± 5.5 months). Forty‐one segments in 32 patients were stabilized; 23 cases (71.9%) underwent single‐segmental stabilization, and 9 (28.1%) two‐segmental stabilization. VAS of leg pain, root and low back pain was significantly improved postoperatively. The ODI improved from preoperative 69% ± 12.6% to postoperative 28% ± 15.7% (P < 0.001). On the stabilized segment and adjacent segments above and below, the range of movement showed no statistical difference; no loosening of screws, cord and polyester spacer occurred. Conclusion: The Dynesys dynamic neutralization system combined with decompression can achieve satisfactory short‐term clinical results in lumbar degenerative disease. This procedure system not only reduces back and leg pain, but also preserves the mobility of fixed segments, minimizes tissue injury and avoids taking bone for spinal fusion.     

SOCON内固定器在治疗腰椎退行性滑脱中的应用

目的 观察腰椎管减压、横空间植骨和ＳＯＣＯＮ内固定手术治疗不稳定型退行性腰椎滑肿合并腰椎管狭窄患者的早期临床疗效。方法 从１９９７年１２月～１９９９年１月,２１例腰椎退行性滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄的患者,经长期（６～１２个月）严格保守治疗失败后,入院接受腰椎管减压、横空间植骨和ＳＯＣＯＮ内固定手术。２１例中表现为下腰痛、间歇性跛行者１９例,下肢疼痛者８例。经术前Ｘ线检查证实ＭｅｙｅｒｄｉｎｇⅠ度滑脱１８     

腰椎退变性滑脱合并椎间盘突出的诊断及手术治疗分析

目的探讨腰椎退变性滑脱合并椎间盘突出的影像学、临床特点及手术治疗效果。方法回顾分析89例腰椎退变性滑脱合并椎间盘突出患者的临床症状、体征及影像学检查,进行合理的手术评估,行后路次全椎板切除椎管减压、椎间盘髓核摘除、椎间隙植骨融合、椎弓根钉棒系统内固定术。结果手术治疗后优73例,良10例,可6例,优良率93.3%。术后随访1～3年,滑脱椎体复位,椎弓根钉棒系统内固定在位有效,无松动,临床症状基本消失。植骨融合率第一年为90.8%,第二年全部骨性融合。结论采用后路次全椎板切除椎管减压、椎间盘髓核摘除、椎间隙植骨融合、椎弓根钉棒系统内固定术,在处理腰椎间盘突出的同时纠正了腰椎滑脱,达到了脊柱稳定、解除症状的目的。     

Decompression alone versus decompression with fusion in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Surgical decompression is standard care in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis, but there remains controversy over the benefits of adding fusion. The persistent lack of consensus on this matter and the availability of new data warrants a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Methods

Multiple online databases were systematically searched up to October 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies comparing outcomes of decompression alone versus decompression with fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index. Secondary outcomes included leg and back pain, surgical outcomes, and radiological outcomes. Pooled effect estimates were calculated and presented as mean differences (MD) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) at two-year follow-up.

Results

Of the identified 2403 studies, eventually five RCTs and two prospective studies were included. Overall, most studies had a low or unclear risk of selection bias and most studies were focused on low grade degenerative spondylolisthesis. All patient-reported outcomes showed low statistical heterogeneity. Overall, there was high-quality evidence suggesting no difference in functionality at two years of follow-up (MD − 0.31, 95% CI − 3.81 to 3.19). Furthermore, there was high-quality evidence of no difference in leg pain (MD − 1.79, 95% CI − 5.08 to 1.50) or back pain (MD − 2.54, 95% CI − 6.76 to 1.67) between patients undergoing decompression vs. decompression with fusion. Pooled surgical outcomes showed less blood loss after decompression only, shorter length of hospital stay, and a similar reoperation rate compared to decompression with fusion.

Conclusion

Based on the current literature, there is high-quality evidence of no difference in functionality after decompression alone compared to decompression with fusion in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis at 2 years of follow-up. Further studies should focus on long-term comparative outcomes, health economic evaluations, and identifying those patients that may benefit more from decompression with fusion instead of decompression alone. This review was registered at Prospero (CRD42021291603).

     

两种椎体间融合术治疗老年腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄疗效比较

目的比较经椎间孔椎体间融合术(TLIF)和经后路椎体间融合术(PLIF)治疗老年腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄的效果。方法将50例合并腰椎管狭窄的退行性腰椎滑脱患者根据手术方法分为TLIF组(25例)和PLIF组(25例),分析两组的临床疗效及并发症发生率。结果两组术后12个月疼痛VAS评分均低于术前(P0.05);两组术后12个月Prolo评分均高于术前(P0.05)。术后VAS评分、并发症发生率TLIF组均低于PLIF组(P0.05),术后Prolo评分及优良率TLIF组均高于PLIF组(P0.05)。结论 TLIF治疗老年退行性腰椎滑脱合并腰椎管狭窄症的临床效果较好,并可降低术后并发症发生率。