Shaving of the lumbar disk space—a new technique in lumbar nucleotomy

Summary A complete curettage of the intervertebral space using the common surgical instruments (forceps, sharp spoons) is not possible during nucleotomy because of the anatomic site and the shape of the instruments. An alternative technique—called shaving—is described, which enables a faster, more effective, and less traumatizing removal of free-floating, pulpy residue in the intervertebral space.

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Zusammenfassung Eine komplette Ausräumung des Bandscheibenzwischenraumes bei Nukleotomien ist mit dem gängigen Operationsinstrumentarium (Rongeure, scharfe Löffel) aus anatomischen Gründen und wegen der Geometrie des Instrumentariums nicht möglich. Eine neue Operationstechnik — das Shaving des Bandscheibenbinnenraumes — wird beschrieben. Mit dieser Technik ist eine schnellere, effektivere und weniger traumatische Entfernung von frei flotierendem, pulpösen Restmaterial im Intervertebralraum möglich.

     

Could clinical ultrasound improve the fitting of spinal orthosis for the patients with AIS?

Purpose

This study aimed to improve the effectiveness of orthotic treatment for the patients with AIS using the three-dimensional clinical ultrasound (3D CUS) method in which the optimal location of pressure pad of spinal orthosis was determined with the assistance of ultrasound image analysis.

Methods

By means of 3D CUS method, the spinous process angle (SPA) could be traced and used as a clinical parameter to estimate the Cobb’s angle in order to determine the location of pressure pad. Twenty-one patients (test group) and 22 patients (control group) were recruited to the ultrasound-assisted fitting method and the conventional fitting method, respectively. All the measurements were done by a blinded observer.

Results

The intra-rater reliability of using 3D CUS to measure SPA was found >0.9 [ICC (3,3) = 0.91, p < 0.05]. In the test group, 13 out of 21 patients were required to adjust the location of pressure pad in order to achieve the largest curvature correction. The mean immediate in-brace corrections (Cobb’s angle measured from radiographs) of the test group (mean thoracic curve correction: 10.3°, mean lumbar curve correction: 10.1°) were found significantly higher (p < 0.005) than that of the control group (mean thoracic curve correction: 4.6°, mean lumbar curve correction: 6.0°). The results showed that the ultrasound-assisted fitting method of spinal orthosis was effective and beneficial to 62 % of the patients in this study.

Conclusions

The 3D CUS could be considered as an effective, non-invasive and fast assessment method to scoliosis, especially in enhancing the effectiveness of orthotic treatment and its applications could also be further extended to other spinal deformities.     

Degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine Total disc replacement as an alternative to lumbar fusion?

Spinal fusion is accepted worldwide as a therapeutic option for the treatment of degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine. Because there are only few evidence-based data available supporting the usefulness of lumbar spinal fusion, its questionable benefit as well as the potential for complications are the reasons for an ongoing discussion.In recent years, total disc replacement with implants has emerged as an alternative treatment. Although early results are promising, there is still a lack of evidence-based data as well as of long-term results for this technology. This article gives a critical update on the implant systems currently in use (SB Charité, Prodisc II L, Maverick, Flexicore, Mobidisc), which all have to be considered as "first-generation" implants. Morphological and clinical sequelae of the different biomechanical properties, designs, and materials have not yet been sufficiently investigated. There is no international consensus on the indication spectrum and on the preoperative diagnosis of discogenic low back pain. The same is true for the (minimally invasive) surgical access strategies. Complication rates seem to be somewhat lower compared to spinal fusion techniques. There are no standardized revision concepts in cases of implant failure.Lumbar disc replacement has opened a new era in spinal surgery with a still unproven benefit for the patient. It is strongly recommended that these techniques should only be applied by experienced and well-trained spine surgeons. Until evidence-based data are available, all patients should be treated under scientific study conditions with close postoperative follow-up.     

Use of the foot abduction orthosis following Ponseti casts: is it essential?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for the use of a foot abduction orthosis (FAO) in the treatment of idiopathic clubfeet using the Ponseti technique. Forty-four idiopathic clubfeet were treated with casting using the Ponseti method followed by FAO application. Compliance was defined as full-time FAO use for 3 months and part-time use subsequently. Noncompliance was failure to fulfill the criteria during the first 9 months after casting. Feet were rated according to the Dimeglio and Pirani scoring systems at initial presentation, at the time of FAO application, and at 6 to 9 months of follow-up. At the time of application, no significant differences in scores were found between the groups. At follow-up, the compliant group's scores were significantly (P < 0.01) better than those of the noncompliant group. From the time of application to follow-up, for the compliant group, the Dimeglio scores improved significantly (P = 0.005). For the noncompliant group, the Dimeglio scores deteriorated significantly (P = 0.001). The feet of patients compliant with FAO use remained better corrected than the feet of those patients who were not compliant. Proper use of FAO is essential for successful application of the Ponseti technique.     

Does pregnancy increase the efficacy of lumbar epidural anesthesia?

Pregnancy has been reported to enhance the sensitivity of nerves to local anesthetics and to decrease anesthetic requirements during regional anesthesia. In this study, whether pregnancy increased the efficacy of lumbar epidural anesthesia was evaluated. Two populations (14 pregnant and 14 non-pregnant women) undergoing lumbar epidural anesthesia were studied and received 17 mL of 2% lidocaine-epinephrine (1: 200,000). The pain threshold response after repeated electrical stimulation was used to assess sensory blockade at the L2, S1 and S3 dermatomes. Motor blockade was evaluated using the Bromage score. Demographic data except for weight were comparable between the two groups. There was a significant difference in cephalad spread of anesthesia between the groups. No significant differences in pain threshold or onset of sensory blockade at the L2, S1 or S3 segments were found between the groups. The pain thresholds at the S1 and S3 dermatomes were significantly lower than that at L2 within each group. The mean onset times at the S1 and S3 dermatomes were significantly longer than that at L2 within each group. No differences in Bromage score were found between the groups. In pregnant women, cephalad spread of epidural anesthesia was facilitated but latency of blockade, density and motor blockade were not. It takes over 25 min to achieve satisfactory blockade at sacral segments. Those who perform lumbar epidural anesthesia alone for cesarean section should consider the use of additives (e.g. fentanyl, bicarbonate) to enhance the block, or a greater volume of local anesthetic.     

Biomechanics of the SB Charité lumbar intervertebral disc endoprosthesis

Summary The SB Charité intervertebral disc prostheses consist of two metal end-plates and an interposed polyethylene slide core. These were subjected to static and dynamic testing in a servohydraulic test rig. When embedded in polypropylene, the prostheses were found to function adequately under a high static load, and under a lighter dynamic load for a long time. When tested in a cadaveric vertebral segment, a large end-plate surface area proved to be of critical importance in preventing collapse of the prosthesis into the vertebral body.

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Résumé La prothèse des disques intervertébraux de type SB Charité est composée de deux plaques métalliques entre lesquelles est interposé un noyau élastique de polyéthylène. Elle a été soumise à des épreuves biomécaniques comportant des expériences statiques et dynamiques de compression. Les tests faits sur des prothèses encastrées dans du polypropylène ont démontré une fonction satisfaisante après des charges statiques élevées et après des épreuves dynamiques de longue durée. L'examen de prothèses implantées sur des rachis de cadavres a montré l'importance d'une surface étendue des plaques métalliques afin d'éviter leur encastrement à l'intérieur des corps vertébraux.

     

Does obesity affect the results of lumbar decompressive spinal surgery in the elderly?

The prevalence of obesity among the population is increasing, including in many elderly people. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether lumbar spinal surgery in elderly patients with different body mass indices influences pain, satisfaction rate, and activities of daily living. Two hundred ninety-eight elderly patients (older than 65 years), 153 women and 145 men, who had decompressive laminectomy, discectomy, or combinations of these procedures during 1990 to 2000 were followed up. Indications for surgery included limitation in doing activities of daily living, severe pain, or both. The patients were classified into one of four categories in terms of their body mass index. The operative parameters, pain reduction, satisfaction rate, and activities of daily living using the Barthel index were assessed. The more obese patients were younger, tended to be female, and were more symptomatic. All four groups of patients had reduction in pain, improvement in activities of daily living, and were satisfied with the operation. Our data suggest that it is reasonable to operate on patients who are elderly and obese and who have lumbar symptoms, with the appropriate indications.     

Pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch results in increased segmental joint loads in the unfused and fused lumbar spine

Purpose

Symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASD) has been reported to occur in up to 27 % of lumbar fusion patients. A previous study identified patients at risk according to the difference of pelvic incidence and lordosis. Patients with a difference between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis >15° have been found to have a 20 times higher risk for ASD. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to investigate forces acting on the adjacent segment in relation to pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PILL) mismatch as a measure of spino-pelvic alignment using rigid body modeling to decipher the underlying forces as potential contributors to degeneration of the adjacent segment.

Methods

Sagittal configurations of 81 subjects were reconstructed in a musculoskeletal simulation environment. Lumbar spine height was normalized, and body and segmental mass properties were kept constant throughout the population to isolate the effect of sagittal alignment. A uniform forward/backward flexion movement (0°–30°–0°) was simulated for all subjects. Intervertebral joint loads at lumbar level L3–L4 and L4–L5 were determined before and after simulated fusion.

Results

In the unfused state, an approximately linear relationship between sagittal alignment and intervertebral loads could be established (shear: 0° flexion r = 0.36, p < 0.001, 30° flexion r = 0.48, p < 0.001; compression: 0° flexion r = 0.29, p < 0.01, 30° flexion r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Additionally, shear changes during the transition from upright to 30° flexed posture were on average 32 % higher at level L3–L4 and 14 % higher at level L4–L5 in alignments that were clinically observed to be prone to ASD. Simulated fusion affected shear forces at the level L3–L4 by 15 % (L4–L5 fusion) and 23 % (L4–S1 fusion) more for alignments at risk for ASD.

Conclusion

Higher adjacent segment shear forces in alignments at risk for ASD already prior to fusion provide a mechanistic explanation for the clinically observed correlation between PILL mismatch and rate of adjacent segment degeneration.     

Anesthesiologists’ learning curves for ultrasound assessment of the lumbar spine

Background and objectives

Ultrasound assessment of the lumbar spine to facilitate neuraxial anesthesia has recently received much attention. The transfer of knowledge pertaining to this skill has never been studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of teaching needed to achieve competence in spinal ultrasound.

Methods

Participants were given reading material and a link to a video presentation on spinal ultrasound. As well, they attended a 45-min lecture followed by a 30-min hands-on workshop. They were then assessed individually 1–2 weeks later. The assessment was performed on a live model using a low frequency curved ultrasound probe (2–5 mHz). Participants were asked to determine, at random lumbar spinal levels, the optimal insertion point and the depth to the ligamentum flavum-dura mater unit (up to 20 trials, 2 min per trial). Feedback was provided by an expert for each incorrect task. The learning curves were constructed, using the cumulative sum method, by comparing the participants’ results with those of a benchmark established by experts. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA^® 9.2 for Macintosh (College Station, TX, USA).

Results

A total of 308 anesthesiologists were approached and 18 anesthesiologists participated in the study. Only five of the 18 participants (27%) achieved competence in determining the interspace, with a median number of 11 attempts (range 8–18). None of the participants achieved competence in determining either the insertion point or the depth to the ligamentum flavum-dura mater unit.

Conclusions

Under the study conditions, 20 supervised trials plus teaching sessions were not enough for the participants to achieve competence in different aspects of ultrasound assessment of the lumbar spine. These results may well be considered when planning teaching sessions and workshops in the future.     

What are the reliable radiological indicators of lumbar segmental instability?

We examined the reliability of radiological findings in predicting segmental instability in 112 patients (56 men, 56 women) with a mean age of 66.5 years (27 to 84) who had degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. They underwent intra-operative biomechanical evaluation using a new measurement system. Biomechanical instability was defined as a segment with a neutral zone > 2 mm/N. Risk factor analysis to predict instability was performed on radiographs (range of segmental movement, disc height), MRI (Thompson grade, Modic type), and on the axial CT appearance of the facet (type, opening, vacuum and the presence of osteophytes, subchondral erosion, cysts and sclerosis) using multivariate logistic regression analysis with a forward stepwise procedure. The facet type was classified as sagittally orientated, coronally orientated, anisotropic or wrapped. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that facet opening was the strongest predictor for instability (odds ratio 5.022, p = 0.009) followed by spondylolisthesis, MRI grade and subchondral sclerosis. Forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression indicated that spondylolisthesis, MRI grade, facet opening and subchondral sclerosis of the facet were risk factors. Symptoms evaluated by the Short-Form 36 and visual analogue scale showed that patients with an unstable segment were in significantly more pain than those without. Furthermore, the surgical procedures determined using the intra-operative measurement system were effective, suggesting that segmental instability influences the symptoms of lumbar degenerative disease.     

Does the evidence support the existence of lumbar spine coupled motion? A critical review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVES: To synthesize the current literature addressing coupled motion between side bending and rotation in the lumbar spine to determine if a consistent pattern exists across articles. BACKGROUND: [corrected] Low back pain is one of the most common conditions seen in outpatient physical therapy clinics. This condition is often treated with manual therapy techniques. Many approaches to manual therapy incorporate the concept of coupled motion. METHODS AND MEASURES: Using OVID databases, we reviewed and categorized articles published between 1982 and 2006 that addressed coupled motion between side bending and rotation in the lumbar spine. We identified 24 articles in which 32 analyses addressed our clinical question. RESULTS Seventeen of the 24 articles identified concluded that some form of coupled motion exists; however, there was little agreement across articles as to the specific characteristics of coupled motion. CONCLUSIONS: The inconsistency in reported patterns of coupled motion suggests that physical therapists should use caution when applying concepts of coupled motion to the evaluation and treatment of patients with low back pain.     

Does the iliolumbar ligament prevent anterior displacement of the fifth lumbar vertebra with defects of the pars?

We studied 23 patients with spondylolysis of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and 20 with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis at this level. All were more than 40 years of age. The transverse processes at L5 were significantly wider in the former group than in the latter. We also dissected 56 cadavers to study the morphological relationship between the transverse process of L5 and the iliolumbar ligament, and found that the wider transverse process is associated with increased width of the posterior band of the iliolumbar ligament. If a patient with pars defects has wide transverse processes at L5, the lumbosacral junction may be stabilised by wide posterior bands of the iliolumbar ligament and the fifth lumbar vertebra by the ligament, preventing anterior displacement.     

Can an ankle-foot orthosis change hearts and minds?

The current military conflicts of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have been characterized by high-energy explosive wounding patterns, with the majority affecting the extremities. While many injuries have resulted in amputation, surgical advances have allowed the orthopaedic surgeon to pursue limb salvage in the face of injuries once considered unsalvageable. The military limb salvage patient is frequently highly active and motivated and expresses significant frustration with the slow nature of limb salvage rehabilitation and continued functional deficits. Inspired by these patients, efforts at this institution began to provide them with a more dynamic orthosis. Utilizing techniques and technology resulting from cerebral palsy, stroke, and amputation research, the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis was created. To date, this device has significantly improved the functional capabilities of the limb salvage wounded warrior population when combined with a high-intensity rehabilitation program. Clinical and biomechanical research is currently underway at this institution in order to fully characterize the device, its effect on patients, and what can be done to modify future generations of the device to best serve the combat-wounded limb salvage population.     

Comparison of the safety of three methods of lumbar transpedicular screw fixation

Objective: To choose a proper method of lumbar transpedicular screw fixation at different lumbar levels among the three methods (Roy-Camille's method, Magerl's method and Du's method) in the Chinese population. Methods: Three-dimensional ( 3-D ) images were reconstructed with image data of 42 adult lumbar segments that were scanned by Electron Beam CT. The three methods of lumbar pedicle screw fixation were simulated on the 3-D reconstructed images and the parameters of implanting pedicle screws were measured. Results : There was statistically significant difference at the distance from the entrance point to the pedicle axis between the three methods (P<0.001). The distances measured by Du's method were shortest from L1 to L4, and the distances measured by Magerl's method were shortest at L5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference from L1 to L2 (P >0.05) but significant difference from L3 to L5 at inserting safe ranges of TSA (transverse section angle) was found between the three methods (P<0.05). From L3 to L4, the inserting safe ranges of TSA measured by Du's and Magerl's methods were significantly larger than that measured by Roy-Camille's method (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). At L5, the inserting safe ranges of TSA measured by Magerl's method were largest among the three methods (P <0.05). Conclusions: Among the three methods, Du's method is the best choice from L1 to L4 because its distance from the entrance point to the pedicle axis is shortest and the safe range of TSA is largest: Magerl's method can be used from L3 to LS and is the best choice at L5; Roy-Camille's method is applicable at L1 and L2.     

Gene expression of collagen types IX and X in the lumbar disc

To study gene expression of collagen typesIX and X in human lumbar intervertebral discs duringaing and degeneration and to explore the role of collagentypes IX and X in disc degeneration.     

Acute formation of lumbar discal cyst: what is the mechanism?

Lumbar discal cysts are extremely rare pathologies, with only few reports describing these lesions in the literature. Moreover, their definite pathogenesis is still unknown, with proposed theories based on radialogic and histologic findings. In this report, the authors present an acute formation of a discal cyst, which is reported for the first time. Also, we center our case on the discussion of the possible pathogenesis. Also, this is the first case of discal cyst reported in Turkey. A 67-year-old woman, whose complaints, and clinical and radiological findings demonstrated lumbar disc herniation with acute Modic 1 degererative changes of the adjacent end plates of L3-4 level. After medical and physical therapies, follow-up lumbar MRI has been taken to demonstrate a discal cyst formation on the adjacent intervertebral disc, showed cranially migrated cyst superior posterior on herniated disc, in 2 weeks period. The patient was treated by microsurgical resection of the cyst, and her complaints resolved completely.     

Which procedure is better for lumbar interbody fusion: anterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

Introduction

Both anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgeries are performed to obtain a solid fusion to treat lumbar spondylosis. This systematic review investigated whether surgical complications, nonfusion rate, radiographic outcome, and clinical outcome of ALIF were significantly different from those of TLIF.

Method

A computerized search of the electronic databases MEDLINE was conducted. Only therapeutic studies with a prospective or retrospective comparative design were considered for inclusion in the present investigation. Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data from each included study. Statistical comparisons were made when appropriate.

Results

Nine studies were determined to be appropriate for the systematic review, and all studies were retrospective comparative studies. Blood loss and operative time in ALIF was greater than in TLIF. There was no significant difference in the complication rate between ALIF and TLIF. The restoration of disc height, segmental lordosis, and whole lumbar lordosis in ALIF was superior to TLIF. However, clinical outcomes in ALIF were similar with TLIF, and there was no significant difference in nonfusion rate between the two techniques. Costs of ALIF were greater than those of TLIF.

Conclusion

Clinical outcomes and nonfusion rate in ALIF were similar to TLIF. However, the restoration of disc height, segmental lordosis, and whole lumbar lordosis in ALIF were superior to those in TLIF, while blood loss, operative time, and costs in ALIF were greater than in TLIF.