老年颈椎病前路多节段减压融合内固定术后的临床疗效和影像学变化

目的探讨老年颈椎病前路多节段减压融合内固定术后的临床疗效,观察其影像学变化。方法 2003年1月~2012年12月收治167例多节段颈椎病患者,其中33例获得完整随访的患者资料纳入本次研究。33例患者术前和末次随访时均拍摄颈椎正侧位、过伸过屈位X线片,比较分析手术前后Cobb角和相邻节段活动度（range of motion,ROM）的变化以及术后颈椎手术节段Cobb角在动力位X线片上的变化。行颈椎日本骨科学会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA）评分,分析相邻节段退变骨赘形成情况及其与钛板长度的相关性,并用Epstein标准对手术结果行主观评价。结果 33例患者术后Cobb角和相邻节段ROM较术前明显增大。术后颈椎手术节段Cobb角在过屈及过伸位X片上变化不明显。骨赘形成与钛板是否偏长之间无相关性。术后JOA评分较术前明显减少,改善率为66.35%。患者主观评价结果优良率为75.76%。结论应用颈椎前路多节段经椎间隙减压融合内固定术治疗老年颈椎病,能有效改善颈椎手术节段Cobb角,手术疗效良好;术后相邻节段可能退变;部分患者术后相邻节段有骨赘形成,但与钛板是否偏长无关。     

经皮椎间孔镜与开放减压手术治疗老年腰椎椎管狭窄症疗效对比

目的评价经皮椎间孔镜下髓核摘除术（percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy,PTED）和传统后路椎体间融合术（posterior interbody fusion,PLIF）治疗老年性腰椎椎管狭窄症的临床疗效。方法回顾分析76例获完整随访的老年性腰椎椎管狭窄症患者的治疗情况。根据手术方法患者分为2组,A组41例行传统开放减压、PLIF,B组35例行PTED。记录2组患者围手术期观察指标、手术切口视觉模拟量表（vicual aneligue scale,VAS）评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index,ODI）评价患者日常生活能力。结果与A组相比,B组手术时间、卧床时间、X线照射时间、出血量等指标显著降低（P〈0.01）。随访结果显示2组患者术后24个月较术后1个月ODI明显改善,B组改善优于A组（P〈0.05）。结论 PTED在术中切口、出血量、术后恢复等方面具有优越性,是一种有效的治疗腰椎椎管狭窄的术式。     

一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨治疗脊柱结核

目的探讨一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨融合术治疗脊柱结核的临床效果。方法 2006年7月~2013年9月,对36例胸腰段脊柱结核患者均采用一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨融合术治疗。后路内固定采用椎弓根螺钉系统,病灶清除后采用结构性支撑,自体大块髂骨植骨9例,椎间融合器椎间植骨并自体髂骨骨粒植骨27例。结果平均随访22个月,所有病例植骨均骨性融合,内固定无松动、断裂,3例有神经功能障碍者恢复良好。结论脊柱结核手术治疗中,后路病灶清除内固定是安全有效的。后路植骨融合率高,是一种较好的手术方式。     

Current status of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography fusion software platforms for guidance of prostate biopsies

Prostate MRI is currently the best diagnostic imaging method for detecting PCa. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasonography (US) fusion allows the sensitivity and specificity of MRI to be combined with the real‐time capabilities of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Multiple approaches and techniques exist for MRI/US fusion and include direct ‘in bore’ MRI biopsies, cognitive fusion, and MRI/US fusion via software‐based image coregistration platforms.     

Complications,outcomes, and need for fusion after minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy and microdiscectomy

Background context

Posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) with or without microdiscectomy (posterior cervical discectomy [PCD]) is a frequently used surgical technique for cervical radiculopathy secondary to foraminal stenosis or a laterally located herniated disc. Currently, these procedures are being performed with increasing frequency using advanced minimally invasive techniques. Although the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive PCF/PCD (MI-PCF/PCD) have been established, reports on long-term outcome and need for secondary surgical intervention at the index or adjacent level are lacking.

Purpose

To determine the rates of complications, long-term outcomes, and need for secondary surgical intervention at the index or adjacent level after MI-PCF and microdiscectomy.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort.

Patient sample

Seventy patients treated with MI-PCF and/or MI-PCD for cervical radiculopathy.

Outcome measures

Visual Analog Scale for neck/arm (VAS_N/A) pain and Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Methods

Ninety-seven patients underwent MI-PCF with or without MI-PCD between 2002 and 2011. Adequate prospective follow-up was available for 70 patients (95 cervical levels). The primary outcome assessed was need for secondary surgical intervention at the index or adjacent level. The secondary outcomes assessed included complications and improvements in NDI and VAS_N/A scores. All complications were reviewed. Mixed-model analyses of variance with random subject effects and autoregressive first-order correlation structures were used to test for differences among NDI, VAS_A, and VAS_N measurements made over time while accounting for the correlation among repeated observations within a patient. All statistical hypothesis tests were conducted at the 5% level of significance.

Results

Patients were followed for a mean of 32.1 months. Of 70 patients operated, there were 3 (4.3%) complications (1 cerebrospinal fluid leak, 1 postoperative wound hematoma, and 1 radiculitis), none of which required a secondary operative intervention. Five patients required an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (eight total levels fused) on average 44.4 months after the index surgery. Of those, five (5.3%) were at the index level and three (2.1%) were at adjacent levels. Neck Disability Index scores improved significantly (p<.0001) immediately postoperatively and continued to decrease gradually with time. Visual Analog Scale for neck/arm scores improved significantly (p<.0001) from baseline immediately postoperatively but tended to plateau with time.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive PCF with or without MI-PCD is an excellent alternative for cervical radiculopathy secondary to foraminal stenosis or a laterally located herniated disc. There is a low rate (1.1% per index level per year) of future index site fusion and a very low rate (0.9% per adjacent level per year) of adjacent-level disease requiring surgery.     

Spondylodiscitis by drug-multiresistant bacteria: a single-center experience of 25 cases

Background contextAlthough the incidence of pyogenic spinal infections is increasing, the ideal treatment of spondylodiscitis is still a controversially discussed issue. Furthermore, the proportion of multiresistant bacteria in spondylodiscitis is increasing, and treatment recommendations or reported results are missing for this especially difficult subset of patients.PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcome and the postoperative antibacterial treatment regime.Study designRetrospective case series.Patient samplePatients treated for a spondylodiscitis from multiresistant bacteria at our department between 2006 and 2011.MethodsData were gathered through review of patients' case notes, relevant imaging, and electronic records. Magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine including gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced T1 sequences and computed tomography scans of the affected regions were obtained in all cases.Outcome measuresC-reactive protein (CRP) and complete blood cell count were analyzed in all cases using routine laboratory techniques. Neurologic deficits were classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale.ResultsTwenty-five patients were identified (15 gram-positive and 10 gram-negative drug-multiresistant bacteria). The mean age at presentation was 66 years, and 14 patients were male (56%). All patients presented with pain, and a neurologic deficit was present in 11 (44%) cases. An epidural abscess was found in 11 (44%) cases. At admission, CRP was elevated in all cases with a mean of 13±9.2 mg/dL. The main source of infection was previous spine surgery (36%). All patients in this series underwent surgical debridement of the infection and instrumentation of the spine. Postoperative intravenous antibiotics were administered for 19±8.6 days followed by 3±0.3 months of oral antibiotic therapy. Eradication of the infection was achieved ultimately in all surviving patients. Out of 11 patients with neurologic deficits, 4 had a full recovery, 4 improved incompletely, and 3 remained unchanged after surgery.ConclusionsStaged surgical immobilization and instrumentation and optimal debridement at the interdiscal space and spinal canal is a reliable approach to achieve complete healing of spinal infection with multiresistant bacteria. A period of intravenous antibiotic therapy of 2 to 3 weeks followed by a 3-month oral antibiotic therapy seems appropriate for most cases.     

Facilitating surgical decisions for patients who are uncertain: a pilot surgical option process within an interdisciplinary functional restoration program

Background contextFor chronic pain patients, recovery may be slowed by indecisiveness over optional surgery. These patients may be delayed from participating in interdisciplinary functional restoration (FR), pending resolution of the surgical decision. Uncertainty about surgery or rehabilitation leads to delayed recovery. A surgical option process (SOP) was developed to permit patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders to enter FR, make a final determination halfway through treatment, and return to complete rehabilitation after surgery, if surgery was elected.PurposeThis study assessed the frequency with which an FR program can resolve an uncertain surgical option. It also assessed program completion rate and 1-year post-program outcomes for subgroups that decline surgery, request and receive surgery, or request surgery but are denied by surgeon or insurance carrier.Study designRetrospective study of a consecutive cohort.Patient sampleA cohort of 44 consecutively treated chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorder patients were admitted to an FR program and identified as candidates for a surgical procedure but were either ambivalent about undergoing surgery, had a difference of opinion by two or more surgeons, or were denied a surgical request by an insurance carrier. Patients attended half (10 full day visits) of an FR program before making their own final determination to pursue a request or decline surgery.Outcome measuresPatients were assessed on surgical requests and whether surgery was ultimately performed, program completion status after the surgical determination, demographic variables, and 1-year outcomes on work status, additional surgery, and other health utilization measures.MethodsPatients became part of the SOP on program entry and were included in the study if they participated in a surgical-decision interview halfway through the program. Those who elected to decline surgery (DS) completed the program without delay, but those requesting surgery were placed on hold from the program while consultation and preauthorization steps took place. Those requesting surgery, but denied (RSD), and those undergoing surgery (US) were given the opportunity to complete FR following postoperative physical therapy or resolution of the surgical re-evaluation process.ResultsThere were 32 DS patients (73%), indicating that a large majority of patients declined the surgery that was still being considered when offered participation in the SOP. Of the 12 patients wanting a surgery, there were four US patients who received surgery previously denied (9% of cohort), and eight RSD patients (18% of cohort). Patients from the DS group completed the FR program at an 88% rate, as did 75% of US patients. However, despite an opportunity to re-enter and complete rehab, only 50% of RSD patients completed the FR option. Overall, patients who persistently sought surgery, contrary to the recommendations of a surgeon, had poorer outcomes. These 1-year post-FR outcomes included lower return-to-work and work retention rates, with higher rates of treatment seeking from new providers (resulting in higher rates of post-discharge surgery) and higher rates of recurrent injury claims after work return.ConclusionsA SOP tied to participation in an interdisciplinary FR program resolves uncertainty regarding surgical options in a high proportion of cases, resulting in a large majority declining surgery and completing the FR program. Timely surgery is also promoted decisively when needed. Findings suggest that patients who persistently seek surgery, contrary to the recommendations of a surgeon, frequently fail to complete FR and have poorer outcomes overall.     

Incidence and risk factors for perioperative visual loss after spinal fusion

Background contextPerioperative visual loss (POVL) is a rare but devastating complication that may follow spinal surgeries. The incidence of POVL after spinal fusion is not well characterized during the past decade.PurposeA population-based database was analyzed to characterize the incidence and risk factors for POVL associated with spinal fusion surgery on a national level.Study designThis study consisted of a retrospective database analysis.Patient sampleA total of 541,485 patients from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database were included in the study.Outcome measuresStudy outcome measures included incidence of POVL, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital costs, mortality, and POVL risk factors.MethodsData from the NIS were obtained from 2002 to 2009. Patients undergoing spinal fusion for degenerative pathologies were identified. Patient demographics, comorbidities, LOS, costs, and mortality were assessed. Statistical analyses were conducted using an independent t test for discrete variables and the chi-square test for categorical data. Binomial logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of POVL. A p value of less than or equal to .001 was used to denote statistical significance. No funds were received by any of the authors for production of this study.ResultsA total of 541,485 spinal fusions were identified in the United States from 2002 to 2009. The overall incidence of POVL was 1.9 events per 10,000 cases. Of patients who had POVL, 56.2% underwent surgery for a diagnosis of spinal deformity. Patients with POVL were significantly younger on average compared with unaffected patients (37.6 years vs. 52.4 years; p<.001). Length of stay and hospital costs doubled for patients with POVL (p<.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that independent predictors of visual loss were deformity surgery (odds ratio [OR]=6.1), diabetes mellitus with end organ damage (OR=13.1), and paralysis (OR=6.0, p<.001).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated an overall POVL incidence of 1.9 events per 10,000 spinal fusions. Patients undergoing thoracic fusion for deformity correction accounted for the majority of cases of POVL. Despite being a rare complication after spinal fusion, POVL is an adverse event that may not be entirely preventable. Patients undergoing long-segment fusions for deformity and those with certain risk factors should be counseled regarding the risks of POVL.     

Methods of evaluating lumbar and cervical fusion

Introduced in 1911, spinal fusion is now widely used to stabilize the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, including the use of instrumentation and optimizing bone graft options, pseudarthrosis remains one of the most significant causes of clinical failure following attempted fusion. Diagnosis of this common complication is based on a focused clinical assessment and imaging studies. Pseudarthrosis classically presents with the onset of or return of axial or radicular symptoms during the first postoperative year. However, this diagnosis is complicated because other diagnoses can mimic these symptoms (such as infection or adjacent segment degeneration) and because many cases of pseudarthrosis are asymptomatic. Computed tomography and assessment of motion on flexion/extension radiographs are the two preferred imaging modalities for establishing the diagnosis of pseudarthrosis. The purpose of this article was to review the current status of imaging and clinical practices for assessing fusion following spinal arthrodesis.