Anterior fusion alone compared with combined anterior and posterior fusion for the treatment of degenerative cervical kyphosis

We evaluated the efficacy of anterior fusion alone compared with combined anterior and posterior fusion for the treatment of degenerative cervical kyphosis. Anterior fusion alone was undertaken in 15 patients (group A) and combined anterior and posterior fusion was carried out in a further 15 (group B). The degree and maintenance of the angle of correction, the incidence of graft subsidence, degeneration at adjacent levels and the rate of fusion were assessed radiologically and clinically and the rate of complications recorded. The mean angle of correction in group B was significantly higher than in group A (p = 0.0009). The mean visual analogue scale and the neck disability index in group B was better than in group A (p = 0.043, 0.0006). The mean operation time and the blood loss in B were greater than in group A (p < 0.0001, 0.037). Pseudarthrosis, subsidence of the cage, and problems related to the hardware were more prevalent in group A than in group B (p = 0.034, 0.025, 0.013). Although the combined procedure resulted in a longer operating time and greater blood loss than with anterior fusion alone, our results suggest that for the treatment of degenerative cervical kyphosis the combined approach leads to better maintenance of sagittal alignment, a higher rate of fusion, a lower incidence of complications and a better clinical outcome.     

Three- and four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a PEEK cage and plate construct

Introduction

Three- or four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with autograft and plate fixation have demonstrated relatively good fusion rates and outcomes, but donor site morbidity and the limitations of autograft harvest remain problematic. The purpose of this study is to assess the radiographic and clinical outcomes of three- or four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a PEEK cage and plate construct.

Methods

This retrospective review included 43 consecutive patients who underwent three- or four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a PEEK cage and plate construct (three level: 39 cases, four level: 4 cases). The fusion rate, time to fusion, Cobb angle and disc height were assessed radiographically. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the VAS, NDI, and SF36 scores. Complications were also recorded.

Results

Solid fusion was achieved in all the patients, and mean time to fusion was 13.7 ± 5.1 weeks. The postoperative Cobb angle, lordotic angle, and disc height (5.6°, 10.5° and 3.15 mm, respectively) increased significantly compared to preoperative values (p = 0.038, p = 0.032, and p = 0.0004, respectively), and these improvements were maintained through final follow-up. The postoperative NDI (17.2), VAS (2.8), and SF36 (13.1) scores increased significantly compared to the preoperative scores (p = 0.026, p = 0.0007 and p = 0.041, respectively). Complications included three cases of respiratory difficulty, four cases of dysphagia and one case of hoarseness. There were no cases of donor site morbidity.

Conclusions

Three- or four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a PEEK cage, and plate construct provide good clinical and radiographic outcomes including high fusion rates, low complication rates, low donor site morbidity, and good maintenance of the lordotic angle and disc height in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylosis.     

Cervical kinematics and radiological changes after Discover artificial disc replacement versus fusion

Background contextThe cervical disc arthroplasty has emerged as a promising alternative to the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy with disc degeneration disease. The advantages of this technique have been reported to preserve the cervical mobility and possibly reduce the adjacent segment degeneration. However, no studies have compared the clinical outcomes and radiological results in patients treated with Discover artificial disc replacement to those observed in matched group of patients that have undergone ACDF.PurposeWe conducted this clinical study to compare the cervical kinematics and radiographic adjacent-level changes after Discover artificial disc replacement with ACDF.Study designAnalysis and evaluation of data acquired in a comparative clinical study.Patient sampleThe number of patients in the Discover and ACDF group were 149 and 196, respectively.Outcome measuresThe Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were evaluated. The range of movement (ROM) by the shell angle, the functional segment unit and global angles were measured, and the postoperative radiological changes at adjacents levels were observed.MethodsA total of 149 patients with symptomatic single or two-level cervical degenerative diseases received the Discover cervical artificial disc replacement from November 2008 to February 2010. During the same period, there were a total of 196 patients undergoing one or two-level ACDF. The average follow-up periods of the Discover disc group and ACDF group were 22.1 months and 22.5 months, respectively. Before surgery, patients were evaluated using static and dynamic cervical spine radiographs in addition to computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Static and dynamic cervical spine radiographs were obtained after surgery and then at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Then, the subsequent follow-up examinations were performed at every 6-month interval. The clinical results in terms of NDI and VAS scores, the parameters of cervical kinematics, postoperative radiological changes at adjacent levels, and complications in the two groups were statistically analyzed and compared. No funding was received for this study, and the authors report no potential conflict of interest–associated biases in the text.ResultsAlthough the clinical improvements in terms of NDI and VAS scores were achieved in both the Discover and ACDF group, no significant difference was found between the two groups for both single- (VAS p=.13, NDI p=.49) and double-level surgeries (VAS p=.28, NDI p=.21). Significant differences of cervcial kinematics occurred between the Discover and the ACDF group for both the single- and double-level surgeries at the operative segments (p<.001). Except the upper adjacent levels for the single-level Discover and ACDF groups (p=.33), significant increases in adjacent segment motion were observed in the ACDF group compared with the minimal ROM changes in adjacent segment motion noted in the Discover group, and the differences between the two groups for both single and double-level procedures were statistically significant (p<.05). There were significant differences in the postoperative radiological changes at adjacent levels between the Discover and ACDF groups for the single-level surgery (p<.001, χ²=18.18) and the double-level surgery (p=.007, χ²=7.2). No significant difference of complications was found between the Discover and ACDF groups in both single (p=.25, χ²=1.32) and double-level cases (p=.4, χ²=0.69).ConclusionsThe adjacent segment ROM and the incidence of radiographic adjacent-level changes in patients undergoing ACDF were higher than those undergoing Discover artificial disc replacement. The cervical mobility was relatively well maintained in the Discover group compared with the ACDF group, and the Discover cervical disc arthroplasty can be an effective alternative to the fusion technique.     

终板环在颈椎前路椎体次全切除植骨融合术中防止钛网沉陷的临床价值

目的：探讨使用终板环对颈椎前路椎体次全切除植骨融合术后钛网沉陷及临床效果的影响。方法：对2008年2月至2011年2月采用颈椎前路椎体次全切除植骨融合术治疗的71例脊髓型颈椎病患者进行回顾性分析,男38例,女33例;年龄39-74岁,平均53.8岁。根据术中是否使用终板环将71例患者分为终板环使用组（33例）及无终板环使用组（38例）。比较两组手术前后的影像学资料及临床疗效。影像学评价指标为融合节段前凸角度（Cobb角）及融合节段椎体间前缘高度（Da）、后缘高度（Dp）及平均高度（Dm）,用以评估钛网沉陷情况;临床疗效评价指标为JOA评分,观察改善率,并记录术后症状及Odom分级。结果：71例患者的随访时间为13-34个月,平均19.5个月。影像学评价：两组患者术前及术后1周融合节段Cobb角、平均椎体间高度差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。术后1年,融合节段Cobb角终板环使用组为（9.4±3.8）°,无终板环使用组为（7.5±3.9）°,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;Dm终板环使用组为（57.3±2.2）mm,无终板环使用组为（55.2±2.6）mm,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;沉陷的发生率终板环组为57.6%,无终板环使用组为78.9%,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。临床疗效评价：两组患者术前术后在JOA评分及改善率上差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。术后1年,90.9%的终板环使用组患者及89.5%的无终板环使用组患者Odom评分获得很好或较好结果。结论：终板环的使用可在一定程度上降低钛网沉陷的发生率及其程度。     

Solis融合器在前路颈椎椎间融合术治疗邻椎病中的应用

目的探讨Solis融合器在前路颈椎椎间融合术治疗邻椎病(ASD)中的应用,总结其在颈椎前路术后ASD翻修术中的临床疗效、优势及缺点。方法回顾性分析2007年4月—2016年6月收治的使用Solis融合器行颈椎前路手术后需行翻修术的12例ASD患者的临床资料,记录手术时间、术中出血量,通过患者术前、术后日本骨科学会(JOA)评分、颈椎功能障碍指数(NDI)、吞咽困难情况等评估神经功能,结合手术前后X线片、CT及MRI影像学表现评估临床疗效。结果所有患者术后随访4～114(61.8±29.3)个月。术后JOA评分、NDI均较术前明显改善,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05)。所有患者翻修术后均未出现吞咽困难等并发症,复查颈椎正侧位X线片均证实获得骨性融合。结论 Solis融合器应用在颈椎前路手术后ASD翻修术中安全有效,具有暴露范围小、手术时间短、对原手术节段无干扰、术后吞咽困难发生率低等优点。     

Zero-P用于三节段颈椎前路融合术的中期疗效

目的通过与传统融合器并钛板融合术比较,探索C_4/C_5/C_6/C_7三节段Zero-P融合治疗颈椎退变性疾病的中期临床疗效与影像学变化。方法纳入2009年7月—2013年5月在本院接受C_4/C_5/C_6/C_7颈椎融合手术的患者共72例。其中A组患者应用Zero-P进行融合,共30例;B组用传统融合器加钛板,共42例。两组患者术前各项参数比较差异无统计学意义。于术后2个月、6个月、1年、2年及近期各时间点进行复查随访,比较两组患者日本骨科学会(JOA)评分、颈椎功能障碍指数(NDI)、颈椎曲度、C_(4~7) Cobb角、吞咽困难发生率、融合率、邻近节段退变(ASD)发生率等的差异。结果所有患者随访2年,随访期间,A组与B组术后JOA评分、NDI、融合率及ASD发生率比较差异均无统计学意义。A组患者术后C_(4~7)Cobb角呈缓慢丢失趋势,在术后2年及末次随访时小于B组(P0.05)。A组患者术后颈椎曲度呈缓慢丢失趋势,在末次随访时低于B组(P0.05)。A组患者吞咽困难发生率于术后2个月时低于B组(P0.05),余随访时间两组差异无统计学意义。结论 Zero-P用于颈椎三节段融合时中期疗效满意、并发症少。其可有效降低术后2个月吞咽困难发生率,但对手术节段Cobb角及颈椎曲度的维持作用较差。     

单节段颈椎前路减压术中应用不同内置物的疗效分析

目的：探讨颈椎前路减压手术中采用Zero-P与颈椎钢板椎间融合器内固定系统治疗单节段颈椎椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法2010年1月～2013年1月,本院前路减压手术治疗单节段颈椎椎间盘突出症患者共71例, A组中36例采用Zero-P,B组中35例采用前路钢板。于术前、术后3 d、术后6个月及末次评估影像学检查、视觉模拟量表（visual analog scale,VAS）评分、日本骨科学会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA）评分及改良吞咽生活质量量表（swallowing-quality of life,SWAL-QOL）评分。结果 A组手术时间和出血量较B组明显减少（P＜0．05）。2组患者术后均获得满意的临床症状和神经功能改善,每组VAS评分、JOA评分均较术前均明显改善（P＜0．05）。 A组和B组患者术后吞咽不适发生率分别为13．9％和34．3％,A组术后吞咽不适发生率和SWAL-QOL评分与B组存在显著差异（P＜0．05）。2组患者术后内固定相关并发症发生率在统计学上未见明显差异。结论 Zero-P在手术时间、出血量和术后吞咽不适相关并发症上较前路钢板存在明显优势。因此,单节段颈椎前路手术可以首先考虑采用Zero-P内固定系统。     

颈前路减压植骨融合Zero-P钢板与传统钢板内固定治疗单节段颈椎病的疗效比较

目的比较颈前路减压植骨融合Zero-P钢板与传统钢板内固定治疗单节段颈椎病的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2010-01—2013-04行颈前路减压植骨融合内固定术治疗的51例单节段颈椎病,24例术中采用Zero-P钢板(观察组),27例术中采用传统钢板与椎间融合器(对照组)。比较2组术后疼痛VAS评分(神经根型颈椎病)、JOA评分(脊髓型颈椎病)、NDI指数、颈椎Cobb角、吞咽困难Bazaz等级、植骨融合Eck等级、邻近节段退变发生率。结果 51例均获得随访,观察组随访(81.0±4.4)个月,对照组随访(79.0±3.4)个月。观察组术后1、6个月吞咽困难Bazaz分级优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05);但2组术后12个月吞咽困难Bazaz分级差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。2组术后邻近节段退变发生率、术后12个月植骨融合Eck分级差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组与对照组术后1个月、12个月及末次随访时JOA评分、疼痛VAS评分、NDI指数、颈椎Cobb角比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论颈前路减压植骨融合内固定治疗单节段颈椎病术中应用Zero-P钢板在减轻患者术后早期吞咽困难症状方面较传统颈前路钢板固定具有优势,但这两种手术方式在维持颈椎生理曲度、缓解临床症状、植骨愈合、邻近节段退变发生率方面并无明显差异。     

颈前路减压支撑融合钢板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病

目的 探讨颈前路减压、椎体间植骨支撑融合或颈椎椎间融合器（钛网或Cage）支撑融合、钢板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的临床方法及疗效。方法 回顾分析66例脊髓型颈椎病患者行颈前路减压后,分别采取骼骨植骨支撑融合、颈椎间融合器（钛网或Cage）植入支撑融合,钢板内固定术,随访时间平均32个月,采用Zdeblick影像学判定椎体间融合的标准,贾连顺的评定法评定术后临床疗效。结果 在颈前路减压、钢板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病方法中,自体骼骨植骨融合优良率87．5％,供区并发症12．1％,椎间盘退变椎问高度丢失7．6％;颈椎间融合器支撑融合优良率96．1％,无供区并发症和椎问盘退变椎间高度丢失。结论 颈前路减压、椎体间植骨融合或颈椎间融合器支撑融合、钢板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病临床疗效满意。钢板内固定术后颈椎即刻稳定;植骨融合手术操作简单,费用少,但存在供区并发症、椎问高度丢失;椎间融合器融合稳定、牢固,椎间高度丢失少,后者疗效优于前者。     

Choice of plate may affect outcomes for single versus multilevel ACDF: results of a prospective randomized single-blind trial

Background contextConflicting views exist according to the individual philosophy about various plate designs that can be used in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to achieve clinical and radiological improvement within shortest time period. No prospective randomized study has ever been conducted to clarify the relationship between clinical outcomes, fusion rates, and the choice of plate (static vs. dynamic design).PurposeTo compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients treated with one-level or multiple levels ACDF using cervical plates of dynamic (slotted-holes) versus static (fixed-holes) design.Study designSingle masked, prospective, randomized study.Patient sampleOver a 4-year period, 66 patients (M:F=37:29) had ACDF using either dynamic (n=33) or static (n=33) plates for intractable radiculopathy as the result of degenerative cervical spine disease. Overall, 28 patients had single-level fusion and 38 had two or three levels fused.Outcome measuresVisual Analogue Pain scores (VASs), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and radiological criteria of established fusion.MethodsThe qualifying subjects were randomized to receive ACDF using either fixed-holes (static) or the slotted-holes (dynamic) anterior cervical plates. Clinical and radiographic data were collected and analyzed. Paired-sample t test was used to correlate clinical and radiological outcomes and General Linear Model Analysis of Variance (GLM ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to detect outcome differences between the two groups for single and multiple fusions.ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 12–24), 49 patients (73.7%) had clinical success and 56 (85%) showed radiological fusion. Although clinical success was a predictor of fusion (p=.043), the reverse was not true (p=.61). In single-level fusion, no statistical difference of outcome was observed between the two groups but multilevel fusions with dynamic plate showed significantly lower VAS and NDI than those with static plates (p=.050).ConclusionsAlthough clinical improvement is a good predictor of successful ACDF, radiological evidence of fusion alone is not reliable as a parameter of success. The design of plate does not affect the outcomes in single-level fusions but statistics indicate that multiple-level fusions may have better clinical outcome when a dynamic plate design is used.     

Comparison of anterior cervical fusion after two-level discectomy or single-level corpectomy: sagittal alignment,cervical lordosis,graft collapse,and adjacent-level ossification

Background contextSingle-level corpectomy and two-level discectomy with anterior cervical plating have been reported to have comparable fusion and complication rates. However, there are few large series that have compared the two for sagittal alignment, cervical lordosis, graft subsidence, and adjacent-level ossification.PurposeTo determine the differences between these two procedures for patients with two-level spondylosis by comparing the pre- and postoperative radiographic data.Study designRetrospective review of prospectively collected data in an academic institution.Patient sampleFifty-two with a single-level corpectomy and 45 with a two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).Outcome measuresPre- and postoperative radiographic data for sagittal alignment, cervical lordosis, subsidence, and adjacent-level ossification.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the lateral cervical radiographs of patients who had a solid fusion after a single-level cervical corpectomy or a two-level ACDF for the treatment of a degenerative cervical spondylosis by a surgeon at an academic institution. The choice of the operation was dependent on the presence or absence of retrovertebral compression. All patients underwent anterior cervical fusion using fibula strut allograft and variable-angle screw-plate fixation. None had had prior cervical spine surgery. Twenty-five were excluded because of inadequate radiographs and follow-up. There were 52 with a single-level corpectomy and 45 with a two-level ACDF. The following were analyzed: 1) sagittal alignment (modified method of Toyama); 2) cervical lordosis measured by Cobb angles of fusion constructs (fusion Cobb) and C2–C7 (C2–C7 Cobb); 3) graft collapse determined by the subsidence of anterior/posterior body height of fused segments (anterior/posterior subsidence) and the cranial/caudal plate-to-disc distances (cranial/caudal subsidence), and the difference between anterior and posterior body height for the fused levels (anteroposterior [AP] difference); and 4) the severity of ossification at two adjacent levels.ResultsThe mean durations of follow-up were 23.3±6.6 (corpectomy) and 25.7±6.2 (ACDF) months, range 12 to 45 months. There were no significant differences between the two groups in sagittal alignment, cervical lordosis, graft collapse, and adjacent-level ossification. Graft subsidence and loss of cervical lordosis occurred significantly more during the first 6 weeks after surgery (all measurements, p<.0001) than after 6 weeks, with no significant difference between the two groups. Posterior and caudal end plate subsidence significantly progressed after 6 weeks in Group 1 (p=.04, p=.02). The final follow-up Cobb angle positively correlated with preoperative and immediate postoperative Cobb angles (r=0.437, p<.0001; r=0.727, p<.0001), caudal subsidence (r=0.270, p=.008), and the final AP difference (r=0.915, p<.0001) but did not correlate with surgery level, preoperative and final sagittal alignments, anterior/posterior subsidence, and cranial subsidence. Anterior/posterior subsidence was significantly more strongly related with caudal subsidence (r=0.607, p<.0001; r=0.424, p<.0001) than cranial (r=0.277, p=.007; r=0.211, p=.040) but did not correlate with pre- and postoperative fusion Cobb, and preoperative and the last sagittal alignments.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the two procedures yield comparable results in terms of sagittal alignment, cervical lordosis, graft subsidence, and adjacent-level ossification. Graft subsidence and loss of cervical lordosis appeared to occur mainly during the first 6 weeks after surgery. Single-level corpectomy and fusion continued to subside at the posterior portion of caudal end plate even after 6 weeks. On the other hand, graft subsidence did not correlate with preoperative and final postoperative sagittal alignments.     

后路经皮内固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗胸腰椎结核

目的探讨后路经皮内固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗胸腰椎结核的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2014年9月-2017年1月收治的40例胸腰椎结核患者资料,其中15例接受后路经皮内固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗(A组),25例接受传统后路椎弓根螺钉内固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗(B组)。记录并比较2组手术时间、出血量、术后引流量、疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级、后凸Cobb角矫正情况、植骨融合情况及术后并发症等指标。结果所有手术顺利完成,所有患者随访12~30(15.3±3.2)个月;末次随访时所有患者均获得骨性融合。A组出血量及术后引流量均少于B组,术后早期VAS评分和ODI优于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。6例脊髓功能障碍患者术后ASIA分级获得改善。2组各有1例患者术后出现伤口感染(均为前路切口处)。2组术后3 d及末次随访时Cobb角差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);末次随访时Cobb角丢失角度及矫正率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论后路经皮内固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗胸腰段脊柱结核安全、有效,具有出血少、创伤小等优势。     

Anterior cervical interbody fusion with radiolucent carbon fiber cages: clinical and radiological results

The authors retrospectively evaluated 30 patients with an anterior cervical interbody fusion for cervical spondylosis or disc herniation. Open box carbon fiber cages were used at 45 levels. The visual analogue scales (VAS), respectively for neck and for arm pain, and the neck disability index (NDI) improved significantly (p < 0.001). Fusion occurred in 87% of the operated levels. Subsidence of the cages into the endplates was observed in 49% of the operated levels, which increased to 54% when more levels were fused. No correlation between subsidence of the cage and clinical outcome or radiographic fusion was established. The authors conclude that cervical discectomy and interbody fusion using an open box carbon fiber cage is a satisfactory treatment option for degenerative cervical disease causing neck pain and radiculopathy, despite the relatively high percentage of subsidence of this cage.     

Additional anterior plating enhances fusion in anteroposteriorly stabilized thoracolumbar fractures

Introduction

To prospectively evaluate the potential radiological and clinical effect of the additional application of an anterior plate in anteroposteriorly stabilized thoracolumbar fractures.

Patients and methods

75 consecutive patients with unstable thoracolumbar fractures underwent posterior (internal fixator) and anterior stabilization (corpectomy cage with local autologous bone grafting). 40 (53.3%) patients received an additional anterior plate (Group A), while 35 (46.6%) (Group B) did not. Plain X-rays and CT-scans were obtained pre- and postoperatively, after 12 months and at the last follow-up (mean 32 months, range 22–72). Loss of reduction, cage subsidence to adjacent vertebrae, fusion rates and clinical results were evaluated.

Results

66 (87%) patients (36 Group A; 30 Group B) were available for follow-up. Patients in both groups were comparable regarding age, gender, comorbidities, localization and classification of fracture. Average loss of reduction was 2.4° in Group A, and 3.1° in Group B (not significant). Cage subsidence did not differ significantly between both groups, too. However, after 12 months the rate of continuous osseous bridging between endplates was significantly higher in Group A (63% vs. 25%) (p < 0.05). After 32 months this difference was even higher (81% vs. 33%) (p < 0.001). The bony fusion mass was located beneath or around the anterior plate in 94% of patients. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Additional anterior plating in anteroposteriorly stabilized thoracolumbar fractures leads to significant faster fusion but does neither influence reduction loss nor cage subsidence. The anterior plate serves as a pathway for bone growth and increases biomechanical stability, resulting in a higher fusion rate.     

Anterior cervical fusion with interbody cage containing β-tricalcium phosphate augmented with plate fixation: a prospective randomized study with 2-year follow-up

A variety of bone graft substitutes, interbody cages, and anterior plates have been used in cervical interbody fusion, but no controlled study was conducted on the clinical performance of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and the effect of supplemented anterior plate fixation. The objective of this prospective, randomized clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of implanting interbody fusion cage containing β-TCP for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy, and the fusion rates and outcomes in patients with or without randomly assigned plate fixation. Sixty-two patients with cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy due to soft disc herniation or spondylosis were treated with one- or two-level discectomy and fusion with interbody cages containing β-TCP. They were randomly assigned to receive supplemented anterior plate (n = 33) or not (n = 29). The patients were followed up for 2 years postoperatively. The radiological and clinical outcomes were assessed during a 2-year follow-up. The results showed that the fusion rate (75.0%) 3 months after surgery in patients treated without anterior cervical plating was significantly lower than that (97.9%) with plate fixation (P < 0.05), but successful bone fusion was achieved in all patients of both groups at 6-month follow-up assessment. Patients treated without anterior plate fixation had 11 of 52 (19.2%) cage subsidence at last follow-up. No difference (P > 0.05) was found regarding improvement in spinal curvature as well as neck and arm pain, and recovery rate of JOA score at all time intervals between the two groups. Based on the findings of this study, interbody fusion cage containing β-TCP following one- or two-level discectomy proved to be an effective treatment for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. Supplemented anterior plate fixation can promote interbody fusion and prevent cage subsidence but do not improve the 2-year outcome when compared with those treated without anterior plate fixation. This study was supported by Shanghai Natural Science Foundation (No. 044119626).     

Adult thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis treated with long vertebral fusion to the sacropelvis: a comparison between new hybrid selective spinal fusion versus anterior-posterior spinal instrumentation

Background contextCombined anteroposterior spinal fusion with instrumentation has been used for many years to treat adult thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. This surgery remains a technical challenge to spine surgeons, and current literature reports high complication rates.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to validate a new hybrid technique (a combination of single-rod anterior instrumentation and a shorter posterior instrumentation to the sacrum) to treat adult thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis.Study designThis study is a retrospective consecutive case series of surgically treated patients with adult lumbar or thoracolumbar scoliosis.Patient sampleThis is a retrospective study of 33 matched pairs of patients with adult scoliosis who underwent two different surgical procedures: a new hybrid technique versus a third-generation anteroposterior spinal fusion.Outcome measuresPreoperative and postoperative outcome measures include self-report measures, physiological measures, and functional measures.MethodsIn a retrospective case-control study, 33 patients treated with the hybrid technique were matched with 33 patients treated with traditional anteroposterior fusion based on preoperative radiographic parameters. Mean follow-up in the hybrid group was 5.3 years (range, 2–11 years), compared with 4.6 years (range, 2–10 years) in the control group. Operating room (OR) time, estimated blood loss, and levels fused were collected as surrogates for surgical morbidity. Radiographic parameters were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up. The Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22r) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were collected for clinical outcomes.ResultsOperating room time, EBL, and levels fused were significantly less in the hybrid group compared with the control group (p<.0001). The postoperative thoracic Cobb angle was similar between the hybrid and control techniques (p=.24); however, the hybrid technique showed significant improvement in the thoracolumbar/lumbar curves (p=.004) and the lumbosacral fractional curve (p<.0001). The major complication rate was less in the hybrid group compared with the control group (18% vs. 39%, p=.01). Clinical outcomes at final follow-up were not significantly different based on overall SRS-22r scores and ODI scores.ConclusionThe new hybrid technique demonstrates good long-term results, with less morbidity and fewer complications than traditional anteroposterior surgery select patients with thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. This study received no funding. No potential conflict of interest-associated bias existed.     

前路减压n-HA/PA66支撑体植骨融合术治疗下颈椎骨折脱位的临床观察

目的：探讨前路减压、纳米羟基磷灰石／聚酰胺66（n-HA／PA66）支撑体植骨融合内固定术治疗下颈椎骨折脱位的中期临床效果。方法：回顾性分析2008年1月至2010年12月应用n-HA／PA66支撑体行植骨融合术治疗的42例下颈椎骨折脱位患者的临床资料,其中男29例,女13例;年龄20～65岁,平均46．8岁。损伤节段：C35例,C414例,C,12例,C67例,C74例。伤后神经功能损伤按Frankel分级：A级4例,B级11例,C级13例,D级9例,E级5例。28例行前路伤椎次全切减压,14例行椎问盘切除减压。根据FrankeⅠ分级评估神经功能恢复程度;依据疼痛视觉评分（VAS）评价临床症状改善情况;通过颈椎侧位X线片评估融合节段高度以及前凸角度;通过三维CT评估支撑体位置、外形以及植骨块融合情况。结果：42例均获随访,时间3-5．2年,平均4．1年。术后神经功能Frankel分级：A级2例,B级3例,C级11例,D级8例,E级18例,较术前明显改善（Z=-4．845,P〈0．001）。术后3d及朱次随访时VAS评分分别为2．6±1．8和1．3±1．0,均较术前改善（P〈0．05）。无支撑体脱出、塌陷、破裂等情况出现。末次随访时,1例患者（2．4％）支撑体轻微移位（〈2mm）,总体植骨融合率为97．6％（40／41）。患者术后融合节段高度及前凸角度较术前有明显提高（P〈0．001）,但术后各时间点之间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。支撑体下沉距离平均为（1．5±1．1）mm,下沉率（下沉距离〉3m）为4．8％。结论：n-HA／PA66支撑体能有效恢复及维持融合节段生理高度及弧度,促进植骨融合,方便术后手术节段的影像学观察,是一种较为理想的颈椎前路支撑植骨材料。     

经Quadrant通道单侧椎弓根固定椎体间融合治疗腰椎退行性疾病

目的:比较经Quadrant通道单侧椎弓根螺钉固定(unilateralpediclescrewfixation,uni-PS)和传统后路双侧椎弓根固定(bilateralpediclescrewfixation,bi-PS)治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效。方法:2008年10月至2010年10月外科治疗腰椎退行性疾病102例,男67例,女35例;年龄34～69岁,平均51.5岁。所有患者术前有不同程度的下腰部疼痛、单侧下肢放射性疼痛或伴有下肢感觉异常;均行椎弓根固定、椎间融合术。根据固定方式的不同,将患者分成A、B两组:A组50例,采用Quadrant通道辅助下单侧椎弓根钉内固定联合单枚椎间融合器融合术治疗;B组52例,采用传统后路双侧椎弓根固定并单枚椎间融合器融合治疗。应用视觉模拟评分系统(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数评分系统(ODI)评估两组患者术后疼痛及功能恢复情况,并对两组手术时间、出血量、融合率及并发症发生率等进行统计分析。结果:所有患者获得随访,平均随访时间为18.2个月(12～21个月)。A组手术时间为(87.6±25.5)min,术中出血量为(105.7±27.2)ml;腰痛、腿痛VAS评分分别由术前的7.2±1.4、7.9±1.1降至术后1个月的3.2±0.6、3.0±0.7;ODI评分从术前的42.2±11.8降至术后的15.6±2.3;融合率为96.0%(48/50),并发症发生率为4.00%(2/50)。B组手术时间为(160.3±20.5)min,术中出血为(220.6±25.5)ml,腰痛、腿痛VAS评分分别由术前的7.3±1.1、8.1±0.9降至术后1个月的3.3±0.4、3.2±0.3;ODI评分从术前的43.1±12.0降至术后的14.9±2.6;融合率为96.2%(50/52),并发症发生率为5.77%(3/52)。A组手术时间较B组缩短,术中失血量A组较B组减少,差异均有统计学意义;VAS评分、ODI评分、融合率、并发症发生率两组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:微创单侧椎弓根螺钉固定并单枚椎间融合器治疗腰椎退行性疾病与双侧椎弓根钉固定有同样临床效果,且具有手术时间短、出血量少、融合率高等优点,是一种安全可行的治疗方法。     

零切迹颈椎前路融合固定系统与传统融合器钢板内固定系统治疗单节段颈椎间盘突出症的病例对照研究

目的 :比较零切迹颈前路椎间融合固定系统(Zero-p)与传统钛板联合cage融合内固定术治疗单节段颈椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法:对2011年8月至2014年3月接受颈前路椎间盘切除植骨融合内固定术的139例单节段颈椎间盘突出症患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据已采取的不同术式分为A,B两组,其中A组63例,行前路椎间盘切除与Zero-P融合内固定;B组76例,行前路椎间盘切除椎间cage融合与钢板内固定。分别于手术前后对患者进行JOA评分、Odom功能评级;采用电视透视吞咽研究(videofluorographic swallowing study,VFSS)评估患者椎前软组织厚度;采用Bazaz吞咽困难分级评估患者术后吞咽困难的发生率。术后12个月时采用颈椎正侧位X线及CT检查评估植骨融合情况,采用MRI检查评估临近节段退变情况。比较两组患者术中出血量、手术时间、手术前后JOA评分、Odom评级及VFSS中的椎前软组织厚度、术后患者吞咽困难发生率(Bazas评分)、椎体间融合率、邻近节段退变发生率。结果:手术前后两组患者的JOA评分、Odom功能评级差异比较无统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者术前VFSS中的椎前软组织厚度比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者手术时间及术中出血量比较差异无统计学意义。两组患者VFSS中的椎前软组织厚度、吞咽困难发生率在术后第2天,术后3、6个月及末次随访时差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后1年所有患者获植骨融合,两组融合率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。A组8例(12.7%)出现邻近节段退变,B组19例(25%)出现临近节段退变,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:应用零切迹颈椎前路椎间融合固定系统和传统钛板联合cage融合内固定治疗单节段颈椎间盘突出症均可取得满意疗效,前者术后吞咽困难和临近节段退变发生率较低,中长期疗效有待进一步观察。     

两种不同颈前路固定系统治疗双节段脊髓型颈椎病早期临床效果观察

目的 比较颈椎前路椎间盘切除减压术(Anterior cervical decompression and fusion operation,ACDF)术中使用ROI-C零切迹自稳型颈椎融合器与钛板联合cage治疗双节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析自2018-01-2019-12诊治的83例双节段脊髓型颈椎...