One-stage oblique lateral corridor antibiotic-cement reconstruction for Candida spondylodiscitis in patients with major comorbidities: Preliminary experience

Fungal spondylodiscitis is rare (0.5%–1.6% of spondylodiscitis) and mainly caused by Candida albicans. Surgical intervention in spondylodiscitis patients is indicated for compression of neural elements, spinal instability, severe kyphosis, failure of conservative management and intractable pain. However, there is no evidence-based optimal surgical approach for spondylodiscitis. There have been only case reports of surgical treatment for Candida spondylodiscitis. We evaluated the preliminary results of the efficacy and safety of one-stage debridement via oblique lateral corridor with interbody fusion (OLIF) using stand-alone cement reconstruction after debridement for the treatment of Candida spondylodiscitis in patients with major co-morbidities. Five patients (4 males, 1 female, mean age: 64.2 years) suffering from Candida albicans lumbar spondylodiscitis who underwent this procedure were studied. Their predominant symptoms were unremitting back and leg pain and all had pre and postoperative anti-fungal therapy under microbiologist supervision. The operative time ranged from 137 minutes to 260 minutes (mean: 213.4 minutes). The mean blood loss was 160 mL (range: 100–200 mL). There were no perioperative complications. At follow-up all showed major improvement in pain and ambulatory status. CT scan showed radiological stability for all patients at 6–12 months. Our preliminary results showed stand-alone anterior debridement and spinal re-construction with cement through mini-open OLIF approach might be a safe and effective option for patients with spinal fungal infection and major comorbidities.     

Development and Application of Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion

The present study reviewed the relevant recent literature regarding the development and application of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), with a particular focus on its application and associated complications. The study evaluated the rationality of this technique and demonstrated the direction of future research by collecting data on previous operative outcomes and complications. A literature search was performed in Pubmed and Web of Science, including the following keywords and abbreviations: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF), extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF), oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), adjacent segment disease (ASD), and adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS). A search of literature published from January 2005 to January 2019 was conducted and all studies evaluating development and application of OLIF were included in the review. According to the literature, the indications for OLIF are various. OLIF has excellent orthopaedic effects in degenerative scoliosis patients and the incidence of bony fusion is higher than for other approaches. It also provides a better choice for revision surgery. It has various advantages in many aspects, but the complications cannot be ignored. As a new minimally invasive technique, the advantages of OLIF are obvious, but further evaluation is needed to compare its operation‐related data with that of traditional open surgery. In addition, more prospective studies are required to compare minimally invasive and open spinal surgery to confirm its specific efficacy, risk, advantages, learning curve, and ultimate clinical efficacy.     

Review of early clinical results and complications associated with oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF)

Lumbar interbody fusion represents an effective surgical intervention for patients with lumbar degenerative diseases, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, pseudoarthrosis and spinal deformities. Traditionally, conventional open anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion techniques have been employed with excellent results, but each with their own advantages and caveats. Most recently, the antero-oblique trajectory has been introduced, providing yet another corridor to access the lumbar spine. Termed the oblique lumbar interbody fusion, this approach accesses the spine between the anterior vessels and psoas muscles, avoiding both sets of structures to allow efficient clearance of the disc space and application of a large interbody device to afford distraction for foraminal decompression and endplate preparation for rapid and thorough fusion. This review aims to summarize the early clinical results and complications of this new technique and discusses potential future directions of research.     

解剖型纳米羟基磷灰石/聚酰胺66椎间融合器在腰椎XLIF/OLIF手术中的三维有限元分析

目的　建立L3~5有效的三维有限元模型,研究解剖型纳米羟基磷灰石/聚酰胺66椎间融合器在XLIF/OLIF手术中的生物力学属性。 方法　建立正常人L3~5有限元模型,模拟XLIF/OLIF手术过程分别装配子弹头cage和新型解剖型cage,并对模型进行赋值得到最终有限元模型。对模型施加400 N 的轴向压缩及8 Nm 力矩的预载荷,使模型产生前屈、后伸、侧弯、旋转运动,分析两种cage的最大应力值和应力分布情况,以及两组L4-L5椎体活动度。 结果　在6种不同工况下,子弹头cage的最大应力值分别为134.83、79.17、71.31、114.96、76.85、78.77 MPa,解剖型cage最大应力值分别为56.91、61.78、35.82、52.28、31.76、32.45 MPa,解剖型cage比子弹头cage的应力分布要小且分散;两组L4-L5椎体活动度均明显小于正常人活动度,且解剖型cage组活动度要小于子弹头cage组。 结论　在腰椎XLIF/OLIF微创手术中应用新型解剖型纳米羟基磷灰石/聚酰胺66椎间融合器可以降低最大应力值,避免应力集中,减少椎体活动度,具有较好的生物力学性能。     

腰椎斜外侧椎体间融合术与腰椎后路椎体间融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症创伤反应的对比研究

目的 探讨腰椎斜外侧椎体间融合术(OLIF)与腰椎后路椎体间融合术(PLIF)治疗腰椎滑脱症的创伤反应。方法 选取2014年8月至2015年2月于某院治疗的52例腰椎滑脱症患者进行临床对照研究,其中OLIF手术(A组)治疗者17例,PLIF手术(B组)治疗者35例,观察并比较两组患者切口长度、术中出血量、术后住院时间等相关围手术期指标,比较两组患者术前1 d及术后12、24、48 h抽取末梢静脉血检测的C反应蛋白(CRP)及肌酸激酶浓度(CK),应用视觉模拟评分(VAS)分别于术后第1、2、3天评估两组患者术后切口疼痛情况,并同时评估术前及术后1、2、3 d腰腿痛情况。结果 两组患者一般资料差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。两组术后腰腿痛VAS评分均低于术前,两组间无明显差异(P＞0.05),手术切口长度、术中失血量、住院时间方面A组患者均低于B组,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。两组术后不同时间段血清CRP及CK浓度均较术前不同程度的增高;两组间比较,A组升高幅度明显低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两组术后1~3 d切口疼痛VAS评分均不同程度下降,两组间比较A组评分明显低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论 OLIF与PLIF治疗腰椎滑脱症均可获得满意疗效,但OLIF有出血少、创伤小、恢复快、机体创伤应激反应更小等优点。     

Comparison of Outcomes between Robot‐Assisted Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Single‐Level Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

ObjectiveTo compare the safety and effectiveness of robot‐assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Mis‐TLIF) and oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) for the treatment of single‐level lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS).MethodsThis is a retrospective study. Between April 2018 and April 2020, a total of 61 patients with single‐level lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and treated with robot‐assisted OLIF (28 cases, 16 females, 12 males, mean age 50.4 years) or robot‐assisted Mis‐TLIF (33 cases, 18 females, 15 males, mean age 53.6 years) were enrolled and evaluated. All the pedicle screws were implanted percutaneously assisted by the TiRobot system. Surgical data included the operation time, blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stay. The clinical and functional outcomes included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog scores (VAS) for back and leg pain, complication, and patient''s satisfaction. Radiographic outcomes include pedicle screw accuracy, fusion status, and disc height. These data were collected before surgery, at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsThere were no significantly different results in preoperative measurement between the two groups. There was significantly less blood loss (142.4 ± 89.4 vs 291.5 ± 72.3 mL, P < 0.01), shorter hospital stays (3.2 ± 1.8 vs 4.2 ± 2.5 days, P < 0.01), and longer operative time (164.9 ± 56.0 vs 121.5 ± 48.2 min, P < 0.01) in OLIF group compared with Mis‐TLIF group. The postoperative VAS scores and ODI scores in both groups were significantly improved compared with preoperative data (P < 0.05). VAS scores for back pain were significantly lower in OLIF group than Mis‐TLIF group at 1 week (2.8 ± 1.2 vs 3.5 ± 1.6, P < 0.05) and 3 months postoperatively (1.6 ± 1.0 vs 2.1 ± 1.1, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference at further follow‐ups. ODI score was also significantly lower in OLIF group than Mis‐TLIF group at 3 months postoperatively (22.3 ± 10.0 vs 26.1 ± 12.8, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportion of clinically acceptable screws between the two groups (97.3% vs 96.2%, P = 0.90). At 1 year, the OLIF group had a higher interbody fusion rate compared with Mis‐TLIF group (96.0% vs 87%, P < 0.01). Disc height was significantly higher in the OLIF group than Mis‐TLIF group (12.4 ± 3.2 vs 11.2 ± 1.3 mm, P < 0.01). Satisfaction rates at 1 year exceeded 90% in both groups and there was no significant difference (92.6% for OLIF vs 91.2% for Mis‐TLIF, P = 0.263).ConclusionRobot‐assisted OLIF and Mis‐TLIF both have similar good clinical outcomes, but OLIF has the additional benefits of less blood loss, less postoperative hospital stays, higher disc height, and higher fusion rates. Robots are an effective tool for minimally invasive spine surgery.     

OLIF联合皮质骨轨迹螺钉治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效分析

目的　探讨斜前方入路腰椎椎间融合术（OLIF）联合后路皮质骨轨迹（CBT）螺钉内固定术治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效。 方法　回顾性分析2016年4月至2018年4月接受OLIF手术治疗的32例患者的疗效。患者采用斜前方入路腰椎间盘切除减压术、OLIF术联合后路CBT螺钉内固定术进行治疗,记录患者的手术时间、术中出血量、并发症、椎间隙恢复高度、椎间融合时间等,下腰痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）,患者Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）评价。 结果　32例患者中,单节段患者25例,两节段5例,腰椎退行性变术后邻椎病2例。所有患者获得1~2年（平均1年）的随访。患者椎间隙恢复高度、腰椎前度角度、侧弯纠正角度与术前相比差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;椎间融合时间为（3.2±1.3）月,腰腿痛VAS评分由术前平均（6.5±2.8）分下降至（2.5±1.7）分,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;ODI指数由术前（48.7±19.7）%下降至（15.2±9.6）%,手术前后比较有统计学差异（P<0.05）。 结论　斜前方入路腰椎椎间盘切除减压术、OLIF术联合后路CBT螺钉内固定术治疗腰椎退行性疾病,创伤小、并发症少,对骨质疏松患者和邻椎病患者手术疗效显著,值得临床推广。     

Neurologic deficit due to vertebral body osteophytes after oblique lumbar interbody fusion: A case report

Rationale:In recent years, oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), which uses a window between the peritoneum and the iliopsoas muscle to split the muscle to access the lumbar spine, is known as an effective and safe treatment for spinal diseases, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, and spinal deformity. Despite this fast and useful surgical method, there were often cases of new neurological symptoms or worsening of symptoms after surgery. We analyzed the preoperative risk factors in a patient with neurologic symptoms, such as motor weakness and exacerbation of radiating pain, after OLIF.Patient concerns:A 78-year-old man presented with complaints of numbness in the soles of both feet. L4–5 stenosis was diagnosed on MRI. We performed bilateral L4 laminotomy and L4–5 percutaneous posterior screw fixation after L4–5 OLIF. Postoperatively, his radiating pain improved, and there were no other neurologic symptoms. In the 6th week after surgery, he complained of pain in both ankles, while in the 10th week, the pain progressively worsened, and there was a decrease in motor performance of the right ankle.Diagnosis:Magnetic resonance imaging findings indicated that L4–5 stenosis was resolved. On the basis of the computed tomography findings, the cage was well inserted, the disc height and foramen height increased, and the alignment was good. However, a nerve root injury due to the protruding osteophyte from the inferior endplate of the L4 body was suspected, necessitating exploration of both L4 nerve roots by focusing on the right side.Interventions:We performed right facetectomy and right foraminotomy. During surgery, it was confirmed that the right L4 nerve root was entrapped by the osteophyte.Outcomes:Postoperatively, his radiating pain improved, and motor performance of his right ankle was restored.Lessons:A prominently protruding osteophyte is assessed as a possible risk factor for the development of new neurologic deficits after OLIF. In patients with confirmed osteophytes, surgery should be planned taking into consideration the shape of the osteophytes and their relationship to the nerve root.     

斜外侧椎间融合术联合侧方椎体螺钉固定治疗腰椎间隙感染的早期临床疗效

目的 :探讨斜外侧腰椎椎间融合术(oblique lateral interbody fusion,OLIF)联合侧方椎体螺钉固定治疗腰椎间隙感染的早期临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2014年12月～2017年12月我院收治的12例应用OLIF联合侧方椎体螺钉固定治疗的腰椎间隙感染患者,其中男8例,女4例;年龄35～73岁,平均56.5±13.0岁;病变节段L1/2 1例,L2/3 3例,L3/4 6例,L4/5 2例。术后根据病理及药敏结果给予抗感染治疗,监测红细胞沉降率及C反应蛋白评估疾病控制情况,通过视觉模拟疼痛评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、腰椎日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopedic Association,JOA)功能评分和影像学检查(X线片及CT)综合评估临床疗效。结果:手术时间96～164min,平均122±9min,术中出血210～550ml,平均290±22ml。3例术前伴有脊髓神经损伤的患者神经功能Frankel分级均由D级恢复至E级。腰痛VAS评分由术前的8.4±2.7分降至末次随访时的1.5±0.6分,末次随访时JOA评分改善率优8例(66.7%),良4例(33.3%),总体优良率100%。术后所有患者的脊柱前凸及病变节段高度均得到恢复,但在随访过程中脊柱前凸和病变节段高度出现不同程度丢失。术后6个月X线平片及CT扫描示11例患者Ⅰ级融合,1例患者Ⅱ级融合,无假关节形成,无内固定物松动、断裂。1例出现术侧屈髋乏力症状,1例出现手术对侧大腿前方麻木,症状均在2周内完全缓解。结论:OLIF联合侧方椎体螺钉固定治疗腰椎间隙感染,取得了良好的近期临床疗效,尤其适用于感染主要累及脊柱前中柱的患者。