Histopathologic inflammatory response induced by recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 causing radiculopathy after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Background contextA significant increase in off-label use of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in posterior lumbar interbody fusion techniques has been seen in the spine community. Numerous reports have demonstrated complications with use of this proinflammatory agent; however, the in vivo response caused by rhBMP-2 has not been characterized on a cellular level.PurposeTo report the case of lumbar radiculopathy and the associated histopathologic findings stemming from the inflammatory response to rhBMP-2 used in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery.Study design/settingCase report.Patient sampleSingle patient case report of rhBMP-2 off-label use causing an inflammatory response that resulted in radiculopathy after TLIF surgery.Outcomes measuresClinical, radiologic, and histopathologic evidence was used to determine outcomes in this report.MethodsA 27-year-old male presented with low back pain and radiculopathy and radiographic evidence of degenerative disc disease and foraminal stenosis. Four weeks after L4–L5 TLIF surgery augmented with rhBMP-2, the patient developed right-sided lower extremity radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine demonstrated bilateral fluid collections with the larger right-sided mass compressing the right L4 nerve root.ResultsSurgical decompression of this mass resulted in resolution of his right-sided radicular symptoms. Histologic analysis of the surgical pathology demonstrated diffuse osteoid and woven bone amidst a fibrovascular stroma densely populated by lymphocytes and eosinophils.ConclusionsOff-label rhBMP-2 use in posterior interbody fusion techniques can lead to complications. This case serves to identify potential hazards of this growth factor and highlight areas for further study to better understand its in vivo behavior.     

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion in comparison with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: implications for the restoration of foraminal height, local disc angle, lumbar lordosis, and sagittal balance

OBJECT: A primary consideration of all spinal fusion procedures is restoration of normal anatomy, including disc height, lumbar lordosis, foraminal decompression, and sagittal balance. To the authors' knowledge, there has been no direct comparison of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) concerning their capacity to alter those parameters. The authors conducted a retrospective radiographic analysis directly comparing ALIF with TLIF in their capacity to alter foraminal height, local disc angle, and lumbar lordosis. METHODS: The medical records and radiographs of 32 patients undergoing ALIF and 25 patients undergoing TLIF from between 2000 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data and radiographic measurements, including preoperative and postoperative foraminal height, local disc angle, and lumbar lordosis, were obtained. Statistical analyses included mean values, 95% confidence intervals, and intraobserver/interobserver reliability for the measurements that were performed. RESULTS: Our results indicate that ALIF is superior to TLIF in its capacity to restore foraminal height, local disc angle, and lumbar lordosis. The ALIF procedure increased foraminal height by 18.5%, whereas TLIF decreased it by 0.4%. In addition, ALIF increased the local disc angle by 8.3 degrees and lumbar lordosis by 6.2 degrees, whereas TLIF decreased the local disc angle by 0.1 degree and lumbar lordosis by 2.1 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The ALIF procedure is superior to TLIF in its capacity to restore foraminal height, local disc angle, and lumbar lordosis. The improved radiographic outcomes may be an indication of improved sagittal balance correction, which may lead to better long-term outcomes as shown by other studies. Our data, however, demonstrated no difference in clinical outcome between the two groups at the 2-year follow-up.     

A novel lumbar total joint replacement may be an improvement over fusion for degenerative lumbar conditions: a comparative analysis of patient-reported outcomes at one year

Background contextEffective alternatives to lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions have remained elusive. Anterior total disc replacement does not address facet pathology or central/recess stenosis, resulting in limited indications. A posterior-based motion-preserving option that allows for neural decompression, facetectomy, and reconstruction of the disc and facets may have a role.PurposeThe purpose was to compare one-year patient-reported outcomes for a novel, all-posterior, lumbar total joint replacement (LTJR – replacing both the disc and facet joints) against transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative lumbar conditions warranting fusion (degenerative spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, severe foraminal stenosis requiring facet removal, and adjacent segment degeneration).Study design/settingA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data comparing outcomes for LTJR patients to TLIF patients at an academic teaching hospital.Patient sampleAnalysis was conducted on 156 adult TLIF patients who were propensity matched to the 52 LTJR patients for a total sample of 208.Outcome measuresSelf-reported Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for back and leg pain were compared preoperatively, 3 months and 1 year after surgery.MethodsThe implant is a motion-preserving lumbar reconstruction that replaces the function of both the disc and facets and is implanted using a bilateral transforaminal approach with complete facetectomies. Adult patients with degenerative lumbar pathology undergoing either LTJR or open TLIF were analyzed. These degenerative conditions included: grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, adjacent segment disease, disc degeneration with severe foraminal stenosis). Trauma, tumor, grade 2 or higher spondylolisthesis, spinal deformity, and infection cases were excluded. Propensity score matching was performed to ensure parity between the cohorts. Multivariable regression analyses were done to compare the 1-year results as measured by 3 different standards to assess procedure success.ResultsAt 3 months, both the LTJR and TLIF cohorts showed significant and similar improvements in ODI and NRS back and leg pain. At 1 year, the LTJR cohort showed continued improvement in ODI and NRS back pain, while the TLIF group showed a plateau for ODI, back and leg pain. In a series of three multivariable logistic regressions, LTJR was shown to provide 3.3 times greater odds of achieving the minimal clinical symptom state in disability and pain (ODI <20%, NRS back and leg pain <2) and 2.4 and 4.1 times greater odds of achieving substantial clinical benefit (18% reduction in ODI) and minimal clinically important difference (30% reduction in ODI) as compared to TLIF.ConclusionsHere we present a comparative analysis for the first 52 patients undergoing a novel, posterior-based LTJR for the lumbar spine versus TLIF for degenerative pathology. The approach for the LTJR allows for wide neural decompression, facetectomy, and complete discectomy, with the implant working to replace the function of the disc and facets to preserve motion. At 1 year, the LTJR cohort showed significant improvement in ODI and NRS back and leg pain as compared to TLIF. These results suggest that wide neural decompression combined with motion preservation using this novel LTJR may represent a viable alternative to TLIF for treating certain degenerative conditions. A prospective controlled trial is under development to further evaluate the efficacy, safety, and durability of this procedure.     

Extreme lateral interbody fusion for unilateral symptomatic vertical foraminal stenosis

Purpose

Asymmetric loss of disc height in adult deformity patients may lead to unilateral vertical foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy. The current study aimed to investigate whether restoration of foraminal height on the symptomatic side using extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) would alleviate unilateral radiculopathy.

Methods

In a retrospective study, patients with single-level unilateral vertical foraminal stenosis and corresponding radicular pain undergoing XLIF were included. Functional data (visual analog scale (VAS) for buttock, leg and back, as well as Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)) and radiographic measurements (bilateral foraminal height, disc height, segmental coronal Cobb angle and regional lumbar lordosis) were collected preoperatively, postoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Results

Twenty-three patients were included, among whom 61 % had degenerative scoliosis. History of previous surgery at the level of index was present in 43 % of patients. Additional instrumentation was performed in 91 %. The foraminal height on the stenotic side was significantly increased postoperatively (p < 0.001), and remained significantly increased at the last follow-up of 11 ± 3.7 months (p < 0.001). Additionally, VAS buttock and leg on the stenotic side, VAS back and ODI were significantly improved postoperatively and at the last follow-up (p ≤ 0.001 for all parameters). The foraminal height on the stenotic side showed correlation with the VAS leg on the stenotic side, both postoperatively and the last follow-up (r = ?0.590; p = 0.013, and r = ?0.537; p = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusions

Single-level XLIF is an effective procedure for treatment of symptomatic unilateral foraminal stenosis leading to radiculopathy. In deformity patients with radicular pain caused by nerve compression at a single level, when not associated with other symptoms attributable to general scoliosis, treatment with single-level XLIF can result in short- and mid-term satisfactory outcome.

     

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and interbody fusion with B-Twin expandable spinal spacer

Background  

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is biomechanically sound as it ablates the degenerated disc, restores the intervertebral height, relieves foraminal stenosis, and positions the bone graft along the weight-bearing axis. But this conventional procedure also results in significant traction on the dural sac and the cauda equina and is thereby a potential source of neurologic damage. Therefore, we performed a minimally invasive technique: percutaneous endoscopic discectomy and interbody fusion (PEDIF) with B-Twin expandable spinal spacer (B-twin ESS) to treat symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease and explored the clinical outcome.     

Unilateral versus bilateral pedicle screw fixation with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis

BACKGROUND CONTEXTTransforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) is an effective treatment for lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS). However, the effects of TLIF with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF) on LFS treatment have not been clearly elucidated.PURPOSEWe conducted this study to compare clinical outcomes and radiographic results of TLIF with UPSF and BPSF 2 years after the surgical treatment.DESIGNProspective randomized study.PATIENT SAMPLEThis study included 23 patients undergoing TLIF with UPSF and 25 patients undergoing TLIF with BPSF.OUTCOME MEASURESClinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. Radiographic outcomes included foraminal height, disc space height, segmental lordosis, and final fusion rates.METHODSThe clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared between the UPSF and BPSF group. The postoperative improvements were evaluated in either group. Intraoperative data such as duration of operation and estimated blood loss were collected. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov.RESULTSAnalysis of the VAS and ODI scores showed significant improvements in clinical outcomes within each group. No significant differences between the 2 groups were noted in the improvements of the VAS and ODI scores. The mean operative duration and blood loss were significantly greater in the BPSF group than in the UPSF group. There were significant improvements in the height of the foramen and intervertebral space and segmental lordosis in both groups, while there was no significant difference between the groups in amount of the improvements. No significant difference was found in the final fusion rates.CONCLUSIONSTLIF is an appropriate procedure for LFS treatment. With balanced intervertebral support using a cage, UPSF could achieve similar and satisfactory effects on lumbar segmental stability and fusion compared to BPSF. The unilateral approach appears to be associated with slightly shorter operative time and less blood loss.     

Indirect decompression via oblique lateral interbody fusion for severe degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: a comparative study with direct decompression transforaminal/posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Background contextPrevious studies have shown that oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) can improve neurological symptoms via “indirect decompression.” However, data are lacking in terms of its benefits when compared with conventional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and/or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) approach, especially in patients with severe central canal stenosis.PurposeTo investigate the clinical outcome of OLIF without posterior decompression versus conventional TLIF and/or PLIF in severe lumbar stenosis diagnosed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging.Study designRetrospective comparative study.Patient sampleFifty-one patients who underwent OLIF and 41 patients who underwent conventional TLIF and/or PLIF.Outcome measuresClinical outcome score by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and radiographic outcomes (disc height and fusion rate on computed tomography scan).Materials/methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who underwent OLIF with supplemental percutaneous pedicle screws (55 levels; OLIF group) and 41 patients who underwent conventional TLIF and/or PLIF (47 levels; TPLIF group). The cross-sectional area of the thecal sac was measured preoperatively in OLIF and TPLIF groups, but postoperatively only in the OLIF group. All patients were diagnosed with severe stenosis based on Schizas classification (Grade C or D) on magnetic resonance imaging. We compared radiographic and clinical outcome scores (JOA score) between the 2 groups at 1 year of follow-up. The radiographic evaluation included the fusion status and disc height on computed tomography scan. Surgical data and perioperative complications were also investigated.ResultsThe baseline demographic data of the 2 groups were equivalent in preoperative diagnosis, JOA score, and disc height and/or angle. The cross-sectional area significantly increased postoperatively, which confirmed indirect decompressive effect in the OLIF group. The JOA score improved in both groups at the 1-year follow up (76.6% vs. 73.5% improvement rate in the OLIF and TPLIF groups, respectively). The fusion rate at the 1-year follow-up was higher in the OLIF group than in the TPLIF group (87.2% vs. 57.4%). The disc height restoration was also better in the OLIF group. The operative data demonstrated less estimated blood loss and operative time in the OLIF group.ConclusionsOLIF and conventional TLIF and/or PLIF demonstrated comparable short-term clinical outcomes in the treatment of severe degenerative lumbar stenosis. However, the surgical and radiographic outcomes were better in the OLIF group. Surgeons should choose an appropriate approach on a case by case basis, recognizing the perioperative complications specific to each fusion procedure.     

Mini-Open ALIF for Degenerative Spine and Adult Deformity: Surgical Technique and the Evidence

With advances in surgical technique and spinal instrumentation, the mini-open anterior approach has become increasingly utilized for lumbar interbody placement. The anterior approach is not only less disruptive regarding muscular dissection, but also provides excellent visualization of the entire disc space and a large bed for fusion. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) provides indirect decompression through restoration of foraminal height and has been found to produce the most potential segmental correction. Although ALIF is associated with some unique complications, it is now routinely used in cases of degenerative and isthmic spondylolisthesis, pseudarthrosis after posterior fusions, adult spinal deformity, and cases of degenerative disc disease.     

The “TFP” Fusion Technique for Posterior 360° Lumbar Fusion: a Combination of Open Decompression,Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion,and Facet Fusion with Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation

Because degenerative spondylolithesis is prevalent in the elderly with associated osteoporosis, the rate of failure of pedicle screws is high; this leads to pseudoarthrosis and potentially requires reoperation. The burden of recurrent symptoms and reoperation is sufficiently significant to warrant prevention. We here describe a hybrid technique that involves a combination of a unilateral approach to bilateral decompression via a midline incision, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), contralateral facet fusion, and percutaneously placed pedicle screws without compromising operative time and visualization. This approach is familiar to spine surgeons, adheres to the basic principles of minimally invasive spine surgery technique, minimizes dural and neural injury because of the unilateral TLIF approach, and provides a superior fusion construct because of facet fusion. In this procedure, patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis or scoliosis with moderate‐severe canal/foraminal stenosis undergo a midline unilateral TLIF and contralateral facet fusion with closure of the midline incision. Percutaneous pedicle screws are inserted under stereotactic guidance with reduction of the deformity using a pedicle screws construct. Rods are inserted percutaneously to link the pedicle screws. Image intensification is used to confirmed satisfactory screw placement and reduction of the spondylolisthesis.     

Perioperative complications in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion versus anterior-posterior reconstruction for lumbar disc degeneration and instability

OBJECTIVES: Multiple different approaches are used to treat lumbar degenerative disc disease and spinal instability. Both anterior-posterior (AP) reconstructive surgery and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) provide a circumferential fusion and are considered reasonable surgical options. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess clinical parameters such as surgical blood loss, duration of the procedure, length of hospitalization, and complications for TLIF and AP reconstructive surgery for lumbar fusion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was completed on 167 consecutive cases performed between January 2002 and March 2004. TLIF surgical procedure was performed on 124 patients, including 73 minimally invasive and 51 open cases. AP surgery was performed on 43 patients. Patients were treated for painful degenerative disc disease, facet arthropathy, degenerative instability, and spinal stenosis. RESULTS: The mean operative time for AP reconstruction was 455 minutes, for minimally invasive TLIF 255 minutes, and open TLIF 222 minutes. The mean blood loss for AP fusion surgery was 550 mL, for minimally invasive TLIF 231 mL, and open TLIF 424 mL. The mean hospitalization time for AP reconstruction was 7.2 days, for minimally invasive TLIF 3.1 days, and open TLIF 4.1 days. The total rate of complications was 76.7% for AP reconstruction, including 62.8% major and 13.9% minor complications. The minimally invasive TLIF patients group had the total 30.1% rate of complications, 21.9% of which were minor and 8.2% major complications. There were no major complications in the open TLIF patients group, with 35.3% minor complications. CONCLUSIONS: AP lumbar interbody fusion surgery is associated with a more than two times higher complication rate, significantly increased blood loss, and longer operative and hospitalization times than both percutaneous and open TLIF for lumbar disc degeneration and instability.     

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a safe technique with satisfactory three to five year results

The unilateral transforaminal approach for lumbar interbody fusion as an alternative to the anterior (ALIF) and traditional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) combined with pedicle screw instrumentation is gaining in popularity. At present, a prospective study using a standardized tool for outcome measurement after the transforaminal lumber interbody fusion (TLIF) with a follow-up of at least 3 years is not available in the current literature, although there have been reports on specific complications and cost efficiency. Therefore, a study of TLIF was undertaken. Fifty-two consecutive patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 years were included, with the mean follow-up being 46 months (36–64). The indications were 22 isthmic spondylolistheses and 30 degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine. Thirty-nine cases were one-level, 11 cases were two-level, and two cases were three-level fusions. The pain and disability status was prospectively evaluated by the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and a visual analog scale (VAS). The status of bony fusion was evaluated by an independent radiologist using anterior–posterior and lateral radiographs. The operation time averaged 173 min for one-level and 238 min for multiple-level fusions. Average blood loss was 485 ml for one-level and 560 ml for multiple-level fusions. There were four serious complications registered: a deep infection, a persistent radiculopathy, a symptomatic contralateral disc herniation and a pseudarthrosis with loosening of the implants. Overall, the pain relief in the VAS and the reduction of the ODI was significant (P<0.05) at follow-up. The fusion rate was 89%. At the latest follow-up, significant differences of the ODI were neither found between isthmic spondylolistheses and degenerative diseases, nor between one- and multiple-level fusions. In conclusion, the TLIF technique has comparable results to other interbody fusions, such as the PLIF and ALIF techniques. The potential advantages of the TLIF technique include avoidance of the anterior approach and reduction of the approach related posterior trauma to the spinal canal.     

High Endplate Hounsfield Units Value Indicate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Following Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery

Objective

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a common cause of low back pain and disability, and its prevalence increases with age. The aim of this study is to investigate whether endplate Hounsfield unit (HU) values have an effect on lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery in patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TLIF surgery in January 2016 to October 2019. One hundred and fifty-seven patients who underwent TLIF surgery for degenerative lumbar stenosis were enrolled in this study. Demographic data was recorded. VAS and ODI values were compared to assess the surgical outcomes in patients with or without process of LDD after TLIF surgery. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate associations between LDD and endplate HU value. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to study relationships between the DDD and the multiple risk factors.

Results

There was a statistically significant correlation between LDD, body mass index (BMI), age, paraspinal muscle atrophy, and total endplate scores (TEPS). Also, a strong and independent association between endplate HU value and LDD was found at every lumbar disc level (p < 0.01). After conditioning on matching factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher endplate HU (odds ratio [OR]: 1.003, p = 0.003), higher TEPS (OR: 1.264, p = 0.002), higher BMI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.202, p = 0.002), a smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) of the paraspinal muscle preoperatively (OR: 0.096, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of LDD development after TLIF surgery.

Conclusions

There is a significant association between LDD and endplate HU value after TLIF surgery in patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis. Beyond that, results from this study provide a mechanism by which high endplate HU value predisposes to LDD after TLIF surgery.     

潜行减压单侧改良TLIF手术治疗腰椎退行性疾患的初步疗效

目的：观察椎管潜行减压单侧改良经椎间孔腰椎间融合术（transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,TLIF）手术治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效。方法：自2009年8月至2011年12月,采用椎管潜行减压单侧改良TLIF手术治疗腰椎退行性疾病患者28例,其中男16例,女12例;年龄46-71岁,平均61岁;病程6个月-6年。腰椎管狭窄症20例,腰椎间盘突出症8例。潜行减压范围：单节段24例,双节段4例。左侧15例,右侧13例。采用JOA下腰痛评分系统（29分）评价手术前后临床症状、体征及括约肌功能;并采用视觉模拟评分（VAS）评估手术前后腰腿痛情况。结果：28例患者获随访,时间6-28个月,平均14个月。术后JOA、VAS评分（17.9±2.2、2.8±0.7）与术前（8.5±1.7、8.6±1.2）比较有明显改善（P〈0.05）。28例患者椎间均达到骨性融合。结论：采用椎管潜行减压单侧改良TLIF手术治疗单侧根性症状的腰椎管狭窄症、腰椎间盘突出症,具有创伤小、疗效确切的优点;能明显节省医疗费用,值得临床研究推广。     

Restoration of lordosis and disk height after single‐level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Objective: To study radiographic and clinical outcomes after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in order to determine the impact of TLIF on lumbar lordosis, intervertebral height and improvement in clinical outcome measures. Methods: Forty‐five patients who had undergone a single‐level TLIF procedure for a single‐level degenerative condition were retrospectively reviewed and their clinical histories, degree of pre‐ and post‐operative lumbar lordosis, intervertebral height, and cage position recorded. Clinical assessment included use of modified Odom's criteria and a visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain. Results: At 21 months, the patients had gained an average of 3.6° of lumbar lordosis and 4.5 mm disc height. Change in disc height was significantly associated with an anterior cage position while lumbar lordosis was unaffected by cage position. A spondylolisthesis subgroup demonstrated 31% reduction in the magnitude of anterior slip. Less lordosis was associated with worse back and leg pain as assessed by VAS and greater disk heights were associated with higher Odom's criteria scores. Patients with persistent leg pain at final follow‐up had less lumbar lordosis and intervertebral height than patients without leg pain. Conclusions: Intervertebral height and lumbar lordosis reconstruction are important for achieving good surgical results; guidance regarding the likely changes in lumbar lordosis and disk height after TLIF is provided by our findings.     

聚氨基酸/纳米羟基磷灰石/硫酸钙椎间融合器植骨融合治疗下腰椎退行性疾病的中期临床随访

背景:在经椎间孔腰椎椎间融合术(TLIF)治疗下腰椎退行性疾病中,聚醚醚酮(PEEK)椎间融合器是临床首选的融合材料。其促植骨融合能力有限,且价格昂贵。一种新型聚氨基酸/纳米羟基磷灰石/硫酸钙(PAA/n-HA/CS)椎间融合器的早期临床效果良好。目的:评价PAA/n-HA/CS融合器行TLIF治疗下腰椎退行性疾病的中期疗效。方法:本研究为前瞻性随机对照试验。纳入2014年3月至9月在我科接受单节段TLIF治疗的30例下腰椎退行性疾病患者。随机分为试验组和对照组。试验组术中植入PAA/n-HA/CS融合器,对照组植入PEEK融合器。试验组1例患者术后1年失访,其余患者均获36个月随访。试验组:男10例,女9例;年龄28~70岁,平均48.6岁。其中腰椎滑脱症14例,椎间盘突出伴椎管狭窄症5例;手术节段:L4-L5 9例,L5-S1 10例。对照组:男3例,女7例;年龄36~68岁,平均48.0岁。其中腰椎滑脱症6例,椎间盘突出伴椎管狭窄症3例,腰椎间盘突出髓核摘除术后复发1例;病变节段:L4-L5 5例,L5-S1 5例。术前及术后随访均行X线及三维CT检查,测量患者融合节段椎间隙高度和前凸曲度评价手术效果,观察植骨融合情况。采用Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)下腰痛评分评价患者症状改善情况。结果:两组患者术后随访各时间点融合节段椎间隙高度、融合节段前凸曲度及ODI评分等均较术前显著改善(P<0.05)。术前及术后随访各时间点,两组各参数比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后12个月和36个月,试验组植骨融合率分别为95%、100%,对照组分别为90%、100%。两组植骨融合情况对比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:PAA/n-HA/CS融合器能够有效恢复并维持融合节段的生理高度及曲度,显著促进植骨融合,其应用于经后路椎间融合术治疗下腰椎退行性疾病患者的中期随访效果较为满意。     

Outcome analyses of interbody titanium cage fusion used in the anterior discectomy for cervical degenerative disc disease

Anterior discectomy and fusion to treat cervical degenerative disc disease is the preferred procedure for many spine surgeons. The ideal device for structural reconstruction of the anterior cervical spine remains controversial. The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the effectiveness of a non-threaded titanium cage in performing anterior spinal fusion for cervical degenerative disc disease. The clinical and radiologic data of 78 consecutive patients were reviewed. Neurologic outcome was assessed using Odom's criteria. Neck pain was graded using a 10-point visual analog scale. The cervical spinal curvature, the height of foramina, and fusion status were evaluated on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Mean follow-up was 24.9 (range 18-35) months. An excellent or good result was found in 92% of the patients with radiculopathy, 69% of those with myelopathy, and 73% of those with myeloradiculopathy. Statistical analyses also showed improvement of cervical pain after surgery (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in foraminal height (P = 0.035). Cervical kyphosis was present in 27 (34%) patients before surgery; it was corrected to lordosis in 9. The fusion rate at 12 months and 24 months was 91% and 95%, respectively. No surgery or cage-related complication occurred in these patients. Non-threaded interbody cage fusion in this study achieved a high fusion rate and had a good neurologic outcome. These results suggest that non-threaded cage fusion is a safe and effective method for anterior cervical discectomy.     

Microscopic anterior foraminal decompression combined with anterior lumbar interbody fusion

Background context

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPF) provides successful surgical outcomes to isthmic spondylolisthesis patients with indirect decompression through foraminal volume expansion. However, indirect decompression through ALIF followed by PPF may not obtain a successful surgical outcome in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte or foraminal sequestrated disc herniation. Thus far, there has been no report of foraminal decompression through anterior direct access in the lumbar spine.

Purpose

This study aims to describe the new surgical technique of microscopic anterior foraminal decompression and to analyze the clinical outcomes and radiologic results of the microscopic anterior decompression during ALIF followed by PPF.

Study design/Setting

We conducted a multisurgeon, retrospective, clinical series from a single institution.

Patient sample

This study was carried out from March 2007 to July 2010 and included 40 consecutive patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by posterior osteophyte or foraminal sequestrated disc herniation undergoing microscopic anterior foraminal decompression during ALIF followed by PPF.

Outcome measures

The visual analog scales (VAS) of back and leg pain and the Oswestry disability index were measured preoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Methods

Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging measured whether decompression of neural structure had been made and morphometric change of the foramen and the amount of resected bone. Moreover, segmental lordosis, whole lumbar lordosis, disc height, and degree of listhesis were measured through X-ray examination before the operation and at the last follow-up; we also verified whether fusion had been achieved.

Results

Successful decompression was confirmed in both patients with foraminal stenosis caused by posterior osteophyte and those with foraminal sequestrated disc herniation. Clinically, compared with before the surgery, the VAS (leg and back) and the Oswestry disability index significantly decreased at the last follow-up (p=.000). With regard to radiology, at the last follow-up all patients had bone fusion on X-ray examination, and an increase in disc height, a reduction in the degree of listhesis, an increase in segmental lordosis, and an increase in whole lumbar lordosis were significant in both groups (p=.000) compared with before the surgery. Foraminal volume, foraminal width, and foraminal height also significantly increased postoperatively compared with before the operation (p=.000). The height, width, and dimension of resected body were 4.61±1.05 mm, 7.92±1.42 mm, 17.15±4.96 mm², respectively, in patients with foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte, and 3.88±0.92 mm, 6.8±1.29 mm, and 13.12±2.25 mm², respectively, in patients with foraminal sequestrated disc.

Conclusions

The microscopic anterior foraminal approach provides successful foraminal decompression. Combined with ALIF and PPF, this approach shows a good surgical outcome in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte or those with foraminal sequestrated disc herniation.     

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: Results of 23 consecutive cases

Background:

The use of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques represents the most recent modification of methods used to achieve lumbar interbody fusion. The advantages of minimally invasive spinal instrumentation techniques are less soft tissue injury, reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay while achieving clinical outcomes comparable with equivalent open procedure. The aim was to study the clinicoradiological outcome of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study was conducted on 23 patients, 17 females and 6 males, who underwent MIS-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) followed up for a mean 15 months. The subjects were evaluated for clinical and radiological outcome who were manifested by back pain alone (n = 4) or back pain with leg pain (n = 19) associated with a primary diagnosis of degenerative spondylolisthesis, massive disc herniation, lumbar stenosis, recurrent disc herniation or degenerative disc disease. Paraspinal approach was used in all patients. The clinical outcome was assessed using the revised Oswestry disability index and Macnab criteria.

Results:

The mean age of subjects was 55.45 years. L4-L5 level was operated in 14 subjects, L5-S1 in 7 subjects; L3-L4 and double level was fixed in 1 patient each. L4-L5 degenerative listhesis was the most common indication (n = 12). Average operative time was 3 h. Fourteen patients had excellent results, a good result in 5 subjects, 2 subjects had fair results and 2 had poor results. Three patients had persistent back pain, 4 patients had residual numbness or radiculopathy. All patients had a radiological union except for 1 patient.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates a good clinicoradiological outcome of minimally invasive TLIF. It is also superior in terms of postoperative back pain, blood loss, hospital stay, recovery time as well as medication use.