Long-term flexion-extension range of motion of the prodisc total disc replacement

The rationale for total disc replacement is avoidance of the junctional degeneration seen after arthrodesis by preservation of segmental motion. To justify the use of disc prostheses, it is essential to document maintained range of motion (ROM) and sagittal alignment at long-term follow-up. This is a retrospective radiographic study of 42 patients who had placement of 58 first-generation Prodisc prostheses at a mean follow-up of 8.7 years. Flexion-extension ROM was measured by Cobb's method. Junctional levels were evaluated for junctional degeneration. Pre- and postoperative global and segmental lordosis were measured. Prognostic patient factors predicting ROM of <2 degrees were evaluated. We observed ROM of at least 2 degrees in 66% of Prodisc prostheses at 8.7-year follow-up, although ROM was less than that reported in asymptomatic normal individuals. Mean ROM for disc prostheses with motion was 7.5 degrees at L3-L4, 6.2 degrees at L4-L5, and 4.1 degrees at L5-S1. Mean ROM for all prostheses was 3.8 degrees. The incidence of radiographic junctional degeneration was 24%, although no patients required surgery for symptomatic junctional degeneration. Mean ROM of prostheses below a degenerated junctional disc was 1.6 degrees compared with 4.7 degrees below a normal junctional disc (P < 0.035). Females were 3.5 times more likely to have ROM of <2 degrees. This is the longest published follow-up study of a lumbar disc replacement. The data show that ROM is preserved at long-term follow-up in the majority of patients. Global and segmental sagittal alignment improve after surgery. Furthermore, there is an association between ROM of disc prostheses and the development of junctional degeneration.     

Lumbar disc replacement: preliminary results with ProDisc II after a minimum follow-up period of 1 year

Total disc replacement has the potential to replace fusion as the gold standard surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease. Potential advantages of disc replacement over fusion include avoidance of pseudarthrosis, postoperative orthoses, and junctional degeneration. After observing satisfactory clinical results at 7-11 years' follow-up with the ProDisc first-generation implant, a second-generation prosthesis was designed. This study is a prospective analysis of the early results of total disc replacement with the ProDisc II total disc prosthesis. Fifty-three patients had single-level or multilevel disc replacement and were evaluated clinically and radiographically preoperatively and at mean 1.4-year follow-up. There were clinically and statistically significant improvements in back and leg pain Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry disability scores that were maintained at final follow-up. The clinical results of patients with single- and multilevel surgery were equivalent. Satisfactory results were achieved in 90% of patients who had previous lumbar surgery. Complications occurred in 9% of patients and included vertebral body fracture, transient radicular pain, implant malposition, and transient retrograde ejaculation. Three patients (6%) required reoperation to address complications. No mechanical failure of the implants or loosening was observed, and the prostheses retained motion. Randomized, prospective, long-term studies will be necessary to compare the effectiveness of arthrodesis with total disc replacement.     

Range of motion and adjacent level degeneration after lumbar total disc replacement.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There are no published studies on the relationship between total disc replacement (TDR) motion and the development of adjacent level degeneration (ALD). Because prevention of ALD is the underlying justification for TDR, studies investigating the validity of this concept are essential. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between range of motion (ROM) and ALD 8.7 years after lumbar TDR. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective radiographic and chart review. PATIENT SAMPLE: Forty-two patients 8.7 years after lumbar TDR. OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiographic flexion-extension and ALD. Modified Stauffer-Coventry score. Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. Subjective patient ratings of back pain, leg pain, and disability. METHODS: We reviewed the flexion-extension radiographs of 42 patients 8.7 years after TDR. Cephalad adjacent levels were evaluated for degeneration: loss of disc space height, anterior osteophyte formation, or dynamic flexion-extension instability. Graphical analysis of motion and the prevalence of ALD was performed. A statistical relationship between ALD and clinical outcome was sought. RESULTS: Ten of 42 patients evaluated (24%) had radiographic ALD. The mean motion was 3.8 degrees +/-2.0 degrees. The patients with ALD had mean motion of 1.6 degrees +/-1.3 degrees whereas the patients without ALD had motion of 4.7 degrees +/-4.5 degrees (p=.035). A clear relationship between motion and the presence of ALD at 8.7-year follow-up was observed. Patients with motion 5 degrees or greater (n=13) had a 0% prevalence of ALD. Patients with motion less than 5 degrees (n=29) had a 34% prevalence of ALD (p=.021, odds ratio 13.5). ALD had no statistically significant effect on clinical outcome although the sample size was small. CONCLUSIONS: At 8.7-year follow-up, the prevalence of ALD after TDR is higher in patients with motion less than 5 degrees. The presence of ALD had no significant effect on clinical outcome, but the sample size was small. These data suggest that patients with significant ROM after lumbar TDR may have reduced risk for radiographic ALD.     

全椎间盘置换术治疗腰椎间盘源性退行性疾病

目的 评价腰椎全椎间盘置换治疗腰椎间盘源性退行性疾病的效果.方法 应用两种人工腰椎间盘移植物治疗90例108节段具有明确腰椎间盘源性退行性疾病且6个月保守治疗无效的患者,男28例,女62例;年龄25~54岁,平均39.2岁;单节段植入85例,双节段10例,三节段1例;L3-4节段6例,L4-5节段39例,L5S1A节段63例.使用Prodisc L人工腰椎间盘48节段,Maverick人工腰椎间盘60节段.手术均取腹膜后人路.术后采用改良Odom评估、Oswestry评分、VAS评分及影像学检查四种方法对症状及疼痛改善程度进行评价.结果 手术时间75~160min,平均115.5min.术中血管损伤1例.术后并发深静脉血栓1例.术后90例患者均随访12个月.随访时间分别为:术后4、6、26、52周.术后Odom评估显示:优76例,良10例,可4例,优良率95.55%.住院时间2.5~6d.平均3.4d.术后翻修2例.影像学检查:假体下沉2例,两种假体移植物均无明显向前或后迁移.结论 应用腰椎全椎间盘置换可恢复退变节段的间盘高度和神经根管的高度及前、后径,保留腰椎后柱结构的完整性和稳定性.     

Clinical and radiological outcomes with the Charité artificial disc: a 10-year minimum follow-up

This is the first report of clinical and radiologic outcomes for the CHARITE artificial disc with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. A total of 107 patients indicated for total lumbar disc replacement were implanted with the CHARITE prosthesis. Of these 107, 100 were followed for a minimum of 10 years (range 10-13.4 years). A total of 147 prostheses were implanted with 54 one-level and 45 two-level procedures and 1 three-level procedure. The prostheses were placed through a standard anterior retroperitoneal approach. Clinically, 62% had an excellent outcome, 28% had a good outcome, and 10% had a poor outcome. Of the 95 eligible to return to work, 88 (91.5%) either returned to the same job as prior to surgery or a different job. These included 63.2% (12) of those working in heavy labor employment returning to the same job. Mean flexion/extension motion was 10.3 degrees for all levels (12.0 degrees at L3-L4, 9.6 degrees at L4-L5, 9.2 degrees at L5-S1). Mean lateral motion was 5.4 degrees . In the sagittal plane, 9 (6.1%) were anterior of geometric center, 50 (34.0%) were centered, and 88 (59.9%) were posterior of center. In the frontal plane, 110 (75%) were centered, and 37 (25%) were noted to be lateral to center. Slight subsidence was observed in two patients, but they did not require further surgery. No subluxation of the prostheses and no cases of spontaneous arthrodesis were identified. There was one case of disc height loss of 1 mm. Five patients required a secondary posterior arthrodesis. A good or excellent clinical outcome rate of 90% and a return to work rate of 91.5% compare favorably with results described in the literature for fusion for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease. With a minimum follow-up of 10 years, the CHARITE artificial disc demonstrated excellent flexion/extension and lateral range of motion with no significant complications.     

人工腰椎间盘置换术中期疗效分析

目的 对人工腰椎间盘置换术的中期疗效进行评价分析.方法 1999年12月至2006年12月应用Charité SBⅢ假体对65例患者施行人工椎间盘置换术,对其中获得平均5.8年(2～7.5年)随访的48例52个假体进行疗效评价分析.48例患者中,男性22例,女性26例,平均年龄43岁(36～58岁);椎间盘退变9例,椎间盘退变合并椎间盘突出34例,椎间盘突出术后复发5例.VAS疼痛评分术前平均9.3分,Oswestry功能评分术前平均45.8分.所有患者均在全身麻醉下经前路行人工椎间盘置换术.44例患者行单间隙椎间盘置换,其中L3,43例,L4,523例,L5～S118例;双节段4例,其中L3,4和L4,51例,L4,5和L5～S13例.分别在术前和术后1、3、6、12、24个月和末次随访时进行疗效评定.结果 疼痛视觉模拟评分:术后1、3、6、12、24个月分别为4.3、4.3、3.8、3.1、2.6分,末次随访时1.8分;Oswestry功能评分:术后1个月28.6分,术后24个月12.5分,末次随访时8.2分;活动度:末次随访时仅1例患者丧失活动度,其余患者保留活动度,平均5.5°.所有患者术后无假体移位、松动及下沉;1例患者对手术不满意.总满意率为98%.结论 人工椎间盘置换术是治疗腰椎间盘退变的有效方法之一,其远期疗效有待进一步观察.     

Total lumbar disc replacement with SB Charité III prosthesis: Chinese experience with more than two years follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of total lumbar disc replacement with SB Charité III prosthesis. METHODS: From Dec 1999 to Dec 2006, total lumbar disc replacement with SB Charité III prosthesis was performed in 65 patients affected with degenerative lumbar disc disorders. Among these patients, 48 (52 prosthesis) were followed up for more than two years (from 2.0 to 7.5 years). There were 22 males and 26 females with an average age of 43 years old (from 36 to 58 years). The diagnosis was lumbar disc herniation with low back pain in 34 patients, discogenic low back pain in 9 patients and failed lumbar disc surgery in 5 patients. All patients underwent standard anterior procedure under general anesthesia. One level replacement was done in 44 patients (L3,4 in 3, L4,5 in 23 and L5-S1 in 18), and two level procedures in 4 patients (L3,4/L4,5 in 1 and L4,5/L5-S1 in 3). Clinical and radiographic results of these patients were evaluated at each follow-up time (1, 3, 6, 12, 24 months after operation and the latest). RESULTS: The average visual analogue scales score for pain was 9.3 before operation, changed to 4.3 one month after operation, further declined to 2.6 two years after operation and finally to 1.8 at the latest follow-up evaluation. Meanwhile, the average Oswestry Disability Index was 45.8 before operation, 28.6 one month after operation, 12.5 two years after operation and 8.2 at the latest followup evaluation. All operated levels but one maintained mobile and there was no significant loss of range of motion observed. Complications such as implant dislocation or significant subsidence of the prosthesis occurred in none case of this group. All patients but one (98%) were satisfied with the surgery at the latest follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Total lumbar disc replacement is an effective method for the treatment of degenerative disc disorders. Its long-term outcome remains to be verified.     

State of the art of lumbar intervertebral disc replacement

Lumbar intervertebral total disc replacement is becoming more commonly employed for patients with degenerative disc disease as an alternative to spinal arthrodesis. Postulated advantages for the patients are motion preservation and height restoration in the affected segment, preventing adjacent level degeneration. Although studies show short and mid-term results which are comparable to spinal fusion, to date the long-term outcome is not clear. The different types of artificial discs and the current status of lumbar disc replacement are described.     

Early results and review of the literature of a novel hybrid surgical technique combining cervical arthrodesis and disc arthroplasty for treating multilevel degenerative disc disease: opposite or complementary techniques?

We report the clinical and radiological results on the safety and efficacy of an unusual surgical strategy coupling anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and total disc replacement in a single-stage procedure, in patients with symptomatic, multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD). The proposed hybrid, single-stage, fusion–nonfusion technique aims either at restoring or maintaining motion where appropriate or favouring bony fusion when indicated by degenerative changes. Twenty-four patients (mean age 46.7 years) with symptomatic, multilevel DDD, either soft disc hernia or different stage spondylosis per single level, with predominant anterior myeloradicular compression and absence of severe alterations of cervical spine sagittal alignment, have been operated using such hybrid technique. Fifteen patients underwent a two-level surgery, seven patients received a three-level surgery and two a four-level procedure, for a total of 59 implanted devices (27 disc prostheses and 32 cages). Follow-up ranged between 12 and 40 months (mean 23.8 months). In all but one patient clinical follow-up (neurological examination, Nurick scale, NDI, SF-36) demonstrated significant improvement; radiological evaluation showed functioning disc prostheses (total range of motion 3–15°) and fusion through cages. None of the patients needed revision surgery for persisting or recurring symptoms, procedure-related complications or devices dislocations. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study with the longest available follow-up describing a different concept in the management of cervical multilevel DDD. Although larger series with longer follow-up are needed, in selected cases of symptomatic multilevel DDD, the proposed surgical strategy appears to be a safe and reliable application of combined arthroplasty and arthrodesis during a single surgical procedure.

     

Early results and review of the literature of a novel hybrid surgical technique combining cervical arthrodesis and disc arthroplasty for treating multilevel degenerative disc disease: opposite or complementary techniques?

We report the clinical and radiological results on the safety and efficacy of an unusual surgical strategy coupling anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and total disc replacement in a single-stage procedure, in patients with symptomatic, multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD). The proposed hybrid, single-stage, fusion–nonfusion technique aims either at restoring or maintaining motion where appropriate or favouring bony fusion when indicated by degenerative changes. Twenty-four patients (mean age 46.7 years) with symptomatic, multilevel DDD, either soft disc hernia or different stage spondylosis per single level, with predominant anterior myeloradicular compression and absence of severe alterations of cervical spine sagittal alignment, have been operated using such hybrid technique. Fifteen patients underwent a two-level surgery, seven patients received a three-level surgery and two a four-level procedure, for a total of 59 implanted devices (27 disc prostheses and 32 cages). Follow-up ranged between 12 and 40 months (mean 23.8 months). In all but one patient clinical follow-up (neurological examination, Nurick scale, NDI, SF-36) demonstrated significant improvement; radiological evaluation showed functioning disc prostheses (total range of motion 3–15°) and fusion through cages. None of the patients needed revision surgery for persisting or recurring symptoms, procedure-related complications or devices dislocations. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study with the longest available follow-up describing a different concept in the management of cervical multilevel DDD. Although larger series with longer follow-up are needed, in selected cases of symptomatic multilevel DDD, the proposed surgical strategy appears to be a safe and reliable application of combined arthroplasty and arthrodesis during a single surgical procedure.     

Ventral discectomy with pmma interbody fusion for cervical disc disease: long-term results in 249 patients

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients who underwent ventral discectomy and polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) interbody fusion for cervical radiculopathy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term outcome after ventral discectomy and PMMA interbody fusion and to compare it with previous data from other surgical techniques for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Because PMMA interbody fusion after ventral discectomy does not result in solid bony fusion in all cases, a good long-term outcome using this surgical technique has been questioned. METHODS: Long-term follow-up evaluation after surgery was performed in 249 patients (96 women and 153 men) with radicular signs only. The mean age was 46.0 +/- 8.7 years (range, 24-74 years), and the observation time ranged from 10-15 years (mean, 12.2 +/- 1.2 years). Clinical grading after surgery according to Odom's criteria was based on a questionnaire. The outcome was related to morphologic findings, lumbar symptoms, physical stress, duration of symptoms, age, sex, and cervical level involved. RESULTS: Complications related to surgery occurred in 13 (5.2%) patients, but only three (1.2%) had persistent problems. Of the 249 patients, 101 (40.6%) were without any symptoms (Odom I), 92 (36.9%) had a good outcome (Odom II), and 47 (18.9%) a fair outcome (Odom III). Only nine patients (3.6%) reported an unchanged or worse status than before surgery (Odom IV). Additional lumbar symptoms, high occupational physical stress, and discrepancy of preoperative findings were significantly correlated with a worse outcome. Short duration of symptoms and soft disc disease were favorable prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: PMMA interbody fusion after ventral discectomy in cervical disc surgery is a safe and reliable method with few complications and an outcome comparable with other ventral procedures.     

Disc herniation in the lumbar spine during growth: Long-term results of operative treatment in 18 patients

We studied 18 patients who had undergone surgery for herniated lumbar discs between the ages of 11 and 17 years. The inclusion criteria for girls was an age of 15 years or below and for boys 17 or below at surgery. The mean follow-up time was 10 years and the clinical outcome was good. Age at surgery and length of the follow-up had no effect on the result. The radiological disc height at follow-up did not correlate with the follow-up time or age of the patient at operation. MRI scans at follow-up from ten patients operated at less than 15 years of age revealed multilevel disc degeneration but favourable clinical results.     

腰椎Active-L人工椎间盘置换术与腰椎融合术的临床比较研究

背景：腰椎融合术一直被广大学者认为是治疗腰椎间盘退行性病变的“金标准”,但文献报道腰椎融合术加速相邻节段退变的发生,为保留脊柱功能单位的生理和运动特性,提出人工椎间盘置换术。目的：比较前路Active．L型人工椎间盘假体置换术和后路腰椎融合术治疗单节段腰椎间盘退行性病变患者的疗效和安全性。方法：2009年1月至2010年4月62例因腰椎间盘退行性病变的手术患者,根据手术方式分为试验组和对照组。试验组行腰椎人工椎间盘置换术患者20例,男10例,女10例;年龄36-58岁,平均47．7岁;术前诊断：腰椎间盘突出症16例,腰椎间盘源性下腰痛4例,腰椎间盘后路开窗术后复发1例;手术节段：13-42例,L4-513例,L5-S15例。对照组行腰椎融合术患者42例,男22例,女20例;年龄40-60岁,平均48．5岁;术前诊断：腰椎间盘突出症32例,腰椎间盘源性下腰痛7例,腰椎间盘后路开窗术后复发3例;手术节段：13-44例,L4-526例,15-S112例。随访观察指标包括：（1）临床疗效评定：术后疼痛及功能改善率的评定;手术成功率的评定。（2）影像学评定：腰椎前凸角和手术节段的椎问活动度独立因素t检验进行对比评价。结果：全部获得随访,试验组随访时间为12-27个月,平均19．3个月;对照组随访时间为12-27个月,平均19．8个月。两组患者在治疗下腰痛方面均取得明显疗效。在改善ODI功能评分、VAS疼痛评分、SF-36、椎间隙活动度上,试验组优于对照组,两组间比较有显著性差异（P〈0．05）;在恢复腰椎前凸序列上,两组间无显著性差异（P〉0．05）;两组均未出现严重并发症。结论：人工椎间盘置换术和融合术均取得良好的临床效果,但人工椎间盘置换术在掌握严格的手术适应证和禁忌证的条件下,相比腰椎融合术具有更好的临床疗效并保留病变节段的活动度。因此,在合适的手术适应证下,人工间盘置换术是一种更优且可以替代腰椎融合术的有效治疗方法。     

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using a cage with stabilization

AIM: The authors have conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome and complications associated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using a cage with stabilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients ranged in age from 36 to 77 years (mean 53 years) who had undergone ALIF were prospectively evaluated. Clinical outcome was graded using a modified Prolo scale (economic, pain, medication) and radiological outcome was recorded (X-rays). RESULTS: Based on Prolo scale scores, excellent or good outcomes were achieved in 61 % of these patients (75 % mono-segmental degenerative disc disease: n = 8; and 50 % after failed-back surgery syndrome: n = 10). The mean follow-up was 14 months (from 12 to 18 months) after surgery. Postoperative X-rays demonstrated solid arthrodesis for 12 (66 %) of the 18 patients. Complications requiring repeated surgery included one case of postoperative peritonitis without infection of the cage. We found one deep-vein thrombosis. There were four cases with postoperative meralgia paresthetica. On routine follow-up radiography one cage was found to be dislocated (2 mm) and in one case we found two broken screws. CONCLUSION: The ALIF cage with stabilization is one possible therapy option for treatment of mono-segmental degenerative disc disease and failed-back surgery after unsuccessful conservative therapy. However, the clinical results should be interpreted with caution.     

Lumbar stenosis with spondylolisthesis: current concepts of surgical treatment

As degenerative changes progress in the aging population, more patients will present with degenerative spondylolisthesis. The clinical picture is usually of a woman older than 50 years of age with a degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis at L5 with symptoms of neurogenic claudication or radiculopathy. Imaging studies will reveal a central recess, a lateral recess or both, and/or neuroforaminal stenosis. When patients do not respond to nonoperative treatments, surgical intervention is indicated. Most studies have concluded that the addition of an arthrodesis improves the clinical outcome. A recent longterm study showed that a solid fusion and an adequate decompression is the procedure offering the best outcome. The current authors will review the pathogenesis, clinical picture, and treatment recommendations for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.     

Two-level total lumbar disc replacement

Total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) has been widely used as a treatment option for 2-level symptomatic degenerative disc disease. However, recent studies have presented conflicting results and some authors concluded that outcome deteriorated when disc replacement was performed bisegmentally, with an increase of complications for bisegmental replacements in comparison with monosegmental disc arthroplasty. The goal of the present retrospective study is to investigate results in a group of patients who have received bisegmental TDR with SB Charitè III artificial disc for degenerative disc disease with a minimum follow-up of 3 years, and to compare the results of 2-level disc replacement versus 1-level patients treated with the same prosthesis. A total of 32 patients had at least 3-years follow-up and were reviewed. The average age of the patients was 38.5 years. There were 11 males and 21 females. About 16 patients received 2-level TDR (SB Charitè III) and 16 received 1-level TDR (SB Charitè III). Both radiographic and functional outcome analysis, including patient’s satisfaction, was performed. There were no signs of degenerative changes of the adjacent segments in any case of the 2- or 1-level TDR. There was no statistically significant difference between 2- and 1-level TDR both at 12 months and at 3-years follow-up on functional outcome scores. There was a statistically insignificant difference concerning the patients satisfaction between 1- and 2-level surgeries at the last follow-up (P = 0.46). In the 2-level TDR patients, there were 5 minor complications (31.25%), whereas major complications occurred in 4 more patients (25%) and required a new surgery in 2 cases (12.5%). In the 1-level cases there were 2 minor complications (12.5%) and 2 major complications (12.5%) and a new revision surgery was required in 1 patient (6.25%). In conclusion, the use of 2-level disc replacement at last follow-up presented a higher incidence of complications than in cases with 1-level replacement. At the same time it was impossible to delineate a clear difference in evaluating the questionnaires between the follow-up results of patients receiving 2- and 1-level TDR: the 2-level group presented slightly lower scores at follow-up, but none was statistically significant.     

Two-level total lumbar disc replacement

Total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) has been widely used as a treatment option for 2-level symptomatic degenerative disc disease. However, recent studies have presented conflicting results and some authors concluded that outcome deteriorated when disc replacement was performed bisegmentally, with an increase of complications for bisegmental replacements in comparison with monosegmental disc arthroplasty. The goal of the present retrospective study is to investigate results in a group of patients who have received bisegmental TDR with SB Charitè III artificial disc for degenerative disc disease with a minimum follow-up of 3 years, and to compare the results of 2-level disc replacement versus 1-level patients treated with the same prosthesis. A total of 32 patients had at least 3-years follow-up and were reviewed. The average age of the patients was 38.5 years. There were 11 males and 21 females. About 16 patients received 2-level TDR (SB Charitè III) and 16 received 1-level TDR (SB Charitè III). Both radiographic and functional outcome analysis, including patient’s satisfaction, was performed. There were no signs of degenerative changes of the adjacent segments in any case of the 2- or 1-level TDR. There was no statistically significant difference between 2- and 1-level TDR both at 12 months and at 3-years follow-up on functional outcome scores. There was a statistically insignificant difference concerning the patients satisfaction between 1- and 2-level surgeries at the last follow-up (P = 0.46). In the 2-level TDR patients, there were 5 minor complications (31.25%), whereas major complications occurred in 4 more patients (25%) and required a new surgery in 2 cases (12.5%). In the 1-level cases there were 2 minor complications (12.5%) and 2 major complications (12.5%) and a new revision surgery was required in 1 patient (6.25%). In conclusion, the use of 2-level disc replacement at last follow-up presented a higher incidence of complications than in cases with 1-level replacement. At the same time it was impossible to delineate a clear difference in evaluating the questionnaires between the follow-up results of patients receiving 2- and 1-level TDR: the 2-level group presented slightly lower scores at follow-up, but none was statistically significant.

     

Functional outcome of surgical treatment for multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the best treatment of patients with multilevel lumbar stenosis. We evaluated the clinical and radiological findings in 41 patients with complex degenerative spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine who were treated surgically. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2003, 41 patients suffering from degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis were included in a prospective clinical study. The spinal stenosis was multilevel in all patients and in 13 of them there was degenerative scoliosis, in 18 there was degenerative spondylolisthesis, and in 10 there was segmental instability. Plain radiographs, MRI and/or CT myelograms were obtained preoperatively. The patients were assessed clinically with the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS). Surgery included wide posterior decompression and fusion using a trans-pedicular instrumentation system and bone graft. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 3.7 (1-6) years, the patients' clinical improvement on the ODI and VAS was statistically significant. Recurrent stenosis was not observed, and 39 of 41 patients were satisfied with the outcome. 3 patients with improvement initially had later surgery because of instability. INTERPRETATION: The above-mentioned technique gives good and long lasting clinical results, when selection of patients is done carefully and when the spinal levels that are to be decompressed are selected accurately.     

椎间孔镜YESS与TESSYS技术治疗腰椎间盘突出症

目的 探讨椎间孔镜YESS(Yeung endoscopic spine system)和TESSYS(transforaminal en-doscopic spine system)技术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的适应证、手术技巧及临床效果.方法 2005年9月至2008年5月,201例腰椎间盘突出症患者分别采用YESS(150例)和TESSYS(51例)椎间孔镜手术治疗.男122例,女79例;年龄17～79岁,平均33.5岁.疗效评定依据疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue score,VAS)和Nakai分级法.结果 162例(80.6%)获得随访,YESS手术组119例(79.3%)、TESSYS手术组43例(84.3%).随访3～36个月,平均12.5个月.YESS手术组术前腿痛VAS评分(8.4±2.1)分,术后1年(2.4±0.8)分,差异有统计学意义;TESSYS手术组术前腿痛VAS评分(8.6±2.3)分,术后1年(2.6±1.3)分,差异有统计学意义.YESS手术组优良率87.5%,TESSYS手术组88.4%.两组均无永久性神经根损伤、大血管损伤和硬脊膜囊撕裂等并发症.YESS手术组6例术后无效,4例术后复发者行翻修术;TESSYS手术组1例术后无效,2例术后复发者行翻修术.结论 椎间孔镜手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症安全、有效.根据不同类型和不同部佗,正确选择YESS技术或TESSYS技术是手术成功的关键.     

Functional outcome of surgical treatment for multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis

Background?There is no consensus regarding the best treatment of patients with multilevel lumbar stenosis. We evaluated the clinical and radiological findings in 41 patients with complex degenerative spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine who were treated surgically.

Methods?Between 1997 and 2003, 41 patients suffering from degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis were included in a prospective clinical study. The spinal stenosis was multilevel in all patients and in 13 of them there was degenerative scoliosis, in 18 there was degenerative spondylolisthesis, and in 10 there was segmental instability. Plain radiographs, MRI and/or CT myelograms were obtained preoperatively. The patients were assessed clinically with the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS). Surgery included wide posterior decompression and fusion using a trans-pedicular instrumentation system and bone graft.

Results?After a mean follow-up of 3.7 (1–6) years, the patients' clinical improvement on the ODI and VAS was statistically significant. Recurrent stenosis was not observed, and 39 of 41 patients were satisfied with the outcome. 3 patients with improvement initially had later surgery because of instability.

Interpretation?The above-mentioned technique gives good and long lasting clinical results, when selection of patients is done carefully and when the spinal levels that are to be decompressed are selected accurately.