脊柱肿瘤切除术后稳定性重建

目的：探索脊柱肿瘤切除术后稳定性重建的方法与效果。方法：本组对28例脊柱肿瘤实施了椎体切除。扇形半脊椎切除，附件切除和全脊椎发除四种术式，同时采用了椎体间植骨，人工椎体及前，后路内固定重建技术。结果：全组病人局部疼痛及放射痛缓解。13例截瘫患者中11例肌力均有不同程度改善。11例原发良性肿瘤中2例术后4和10年复发，1例伴恶变，均再次治疗，11例原发恶性肿瘤中2例术后9和12个月死亡，1例植骨块脱出，再次手术。另1例局部肿瘤复发截瘫加重，再次手术但神经功能无恢复。内固定并发症有；钉尾螺母松动脱落1例，椎弓根螺钉位置不良4例计9枚。结论：应用椎体间植骨，人工椎体并辅以前。后路内固定可有效重建脊柱稳定性，促进患者术后早期康复。     

Issues in surgical treatment of thoraco-lumbar injuries associated with spinal cord injuries in children and adolescents

To evaluate standards of care in surgical treatment of thoracolumbar injuries (TLIs), we reviewed the cases of 79 surgically treated patients (39 males, 36 females) with TLIs and spinal cord injuries occurring from January 1985 to January 2000. We assessed radiographs of fracture-dislocation reductions; restorations of sagittal and coronal alignment of injured segments; instrumentation levels and strategies; operations, and reoperations. Mean age at time o f injury was 14.1 years. The majority of injuries were thoracic, and posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation was the most common index procedure performed. Mean follow-up was 23.4months. Reoperation rate was 20%.Problems in achieving fracture reduction, selecting correct instrumentation levels, restoring proper sagittal alignment, an d planning a nd performing surgeries were more prevalent in patients treated before 1990 but are still problematic, even with use of modern segmental instrumentation, and frequently require revision to improve function or relieve symptoms. These results indicate a wide range in standards of care in surgical treatment of TLIs.     

胸腰椎损伤手术治疗失误原因分析

目的：分析胸腰椎损伤手术治疗失误的原因及对策。方法：1997年5月～2001年5月收治因手术失误而再次手术的63例，通过临床检查结合影像学X线平片、CT或MRI检查，对初次手术失误的原因进行评估分析。结果：63例初次手术失误原因，可分为二类：(1)手术方法选择失误：包括前、后路术式选择不当4例，椎管减压术应用不当8例，内固定器械选择不当5例；(2)手术技术应用不当，包括脊柱骨折复位不良29例，椎管减压不彻底28例，内固定技术不良32例，术中可疑伤及脊髓5例。结论：对胸腰椎损伤手术治疗需正确选择术式及正确应用减压及内固定技术。     

钉棒及钩棒系统治疗胸腰椎多节段脊柱骨折

目的评价钉棒及钩棒系统治疗胸腰椎多节段脊柱骨折的临床疗效。方法23例多节段胸腰椎骨折患者，后路切开复位，选择性椎管减压．钉棒或钩棒系统内固定及后外侧植骨融合进行手术治疗。其中相邻多节段型13例，非相邻多节段型8例，混合型2例。结果全组病例平均随访14个月，未发现内固定物松动、断离，无继发性脊柱后凸畸形加重。椎体高度由术前平均48．4％恢复至术后平均92．4%。2例完全性及11例不完全性脊髓损伤者．脊髓神经功能获改善。结论在椎管进行充分减压的基础上．钉棒及钩棒系统能有效复位椎体骨折，重建脊柱稳定性，是多节段胸腰椎不稳定性骨折合并脊髓神经损伤后路手术的理想选择。     

Late postoperative infection following spinal instrumentation: stainless steel versus titanium implants

Late postoperative infection following instrumented spinal surgery is a clinical entity that has emerged in recent years. The extended surface of the spinal instrumentation in combination with hematogenous seeding or intraoperative inoculation is the main predisposing factor. In order to investigate the contribution of the instrumentation material (stainless steel versus titanium implants) and mechanical loosening, two groups of patients are presented. The first group includes 50 idiopathic scoliotic patients who were treated with first-generation posterior stainless steel spinal segmental multihook instrumentation [Texas Scottish Rite Hospital (TSRH) instrumentation system], and the second group includes 45 similar patients who were treated with newer titanium implants (MOSS MIAMI, XIA, and CD). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 13 years. Six patients from the first group and one patient from the second group presented with late infections 1 to 7 years postoperatively. Common intraoperative findings were excessive inflammatory tissue and some degree of instrumentation loosening and corrosion (stainless steel). Removal of instrumentation in combination with appropriate antibiotics was an effective treatment. Further study with long-term follow-up is necessary in order to understand the exact incidence and pathology of such infections.     

1989 Volvo Award in basic science. Device-related osteoporosis with spinal instrumentation

An animal model of anterior and posterior column instability was developed to allow in vivo observation of bone remodeling and arthrodesis after spinal instrumentation. After an initial anterior and posterior destabilizing lesion was created at the L5-L6 vertebral levels in 42 adult beagles, various spinal reconstructive surgical procedures were performed--with or without bilateral posterolateral bone grafting, and with or without spinal instrumentation (Harrington distraction; Luque rectangular, or Cotrel-Dubousset transpedicular methods). After 6 months' postoperative observation, there was a significantly improved probability of achieving a spinal fusion if spinal instrumentation had been used (P = 0.058). Nondestructive mechanical testing after removal of all metal instrumentation in torsion, axial compression, and flexion revealed that the fusions performed in conjunction with spinal instrumentation were more rigid (P less than 0.05). Quantitative histomorphometry showed that the volumetric density of bone was significantly lower (ie, device-related osteoporosis occurred) for fused versus unfused spines; and Harrington- and Cotrel-Dubousset-instrumented dogs became more osteoporotic than the other three groups. The rigidity of spinal instrumentation led to device-related osteoporosis (stress shielding) of the vertebra. However, as the rigidity of spinal instrumentation increased, there was an increased probability of achieving a successful spinal fusion. The improved mechanical properties of spinal instrumentation on spinal arthrodesis more than compensate for the occurrence of device-related osteoporosis in the spine.     

Preoperative CT examination for accurate and safe anterior spinal instrumentation surgery with endoscopic approach

The purpose of this article is to introduce a new procedure for the surgical planning of thoracic anterior spinal instrumentation via endoscopy. For accurate and safe anterior screw insertion via the endoscopic approach, we devised a surgical plan based on the preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) findings obtained with radiographic markers. Using this method, we performed endoscopic thoracic spinal instrumentation surgery in 14 patients. Nine patients underwent anterior endoscopic correction and fusion of idiopathic scoliosis by Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation, and five patients underwent anterior endoscopic spinal fixation with instrumentation. The accuracy of screw insertion was evaluated postoperatively by CT scanning. One interbody fusion cage and 53 screws were inserted in the 14 patients using endoscopy. Postoperative CT scans revealed that the screws were all accurately inserted without any neurologic complications. In conclusion, using this novel procedure for surgical planning based on CT findings obtained with radiographic markers, anterior screws can be inserted safely and accurately via an endoscopic approach.     

Application technique of Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation for scoliosis deformities

Used in over 600 cases, the posterior Cotrel-Dubousset spinal instrumentation device has become the device of choice. This technique allows the most effective correction for all kinds of spinal deformities. It requires lengthy preoperative planning and is a technically demanding surgical procedure; however, because of its versatility it can be adapted to most spinal deformities. The Cotrel- Dubousset technique is a rigid system of immobilization, and, because it does not require any postoperative immobilization, patients are able to resume their normal lives and activities very quickly.     

原发脊柱肿瘤的外科分区与手术治疗

目的：探讨原发脊柱肿瘤的外科分区,提高手术疗效。方法：对15例原发性脊柱肿瘤患者的肿瘤进行分区,根据分区制订手术方案,手术方法有：（1）全脊椎切除5例,（2）椎体切除7例,（3）矢状扇形脊椎切除2例;（4）椎体附件扇形切除1例,9例患者术后局部脊 前路或后路内固定重建脊柱稳定性。结果：全部患者术后局部疼痛和放射痛缓解,骨力改善,有坚固内固定者术后2周在支具（石膏）保护下离床活动。7例良性肿瘤平均随访4．5年,均无局部复发,恶变与转移现象,8例恶性肿瘤平均随访3．4年,1例于术后1年死亡,1例骨瘤患者术后半年局部复发,截瘫症状加重,行二次减压手术,结论：根据WBB脊柱肿瘤外科分区而提出的手术计划是一个积极的探索,本组结果表明脊柱肿瘤切除较彻底,复发率低,近,中期疗效良好。     

The use of growth-sparing instrumentation in pediatric spinal deformity

The management of severe spinal deformity in the growing child remains a challenging problem. Nonoperative methods range from orthotics to casting to traction; however, in certain circumstances, these techniques cannot effectively prevent deformity progression or are not tolerated by the child and surgical methods are required. Current options for surgical management of spinal deformity in the growing child include definitive spinal fusion with or without instrumentation, selective fusion, growth modulation, spinal instrumentation without fusion, or more recently, the use of the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib. Historically, all of these methods have a significant complication rate and despite advances in technology and instrumentation, remain problematic. This article provides an overview of current methods and outcomes for spinal instrumentation in the growing spine.     

Minimal access to deep intracranial lesions using a serial dilatation technique

Surgical access to deep intracranial lesions causing the least amount of iatrogenic trauma to the surrounding brain tissue remains a challenging task. In this article, we evaluate the use of a set of sequential tubes that dilate and provide retraction of the overlying brain tissue acting as a surgical corridor for deep-seated brain lesions resection. In addition, we conducted a comprehensive review of the literature of previously described techniques using variable brain tubular retractor systems. We discuss the adaptation of a system designed for spinal use to intracranial pathologies and evaluate the outcomes for the patients involved in the study. Moreover, the advantages and limitations of the described technique were presented. Between August 2005 and 2011, a total of 30 patients with deep brain lesions were operated on using an incremental increase of tubing size for brain retraction guided by a frameless navigation device. Of these, seven cases were intraventricular, and 23 were intraparenchymal. Gross total resection was achieved in 70 % of cases, and the remaining had planned subtotal resections due to involvement of an eloquent area. In conclusion, the technique of serial dilatation of the brain tissue can be used in conjunction with a microscope or endoscope to provide satisfactory access to deep intracranial pathologies. It appears to minimize the associated retraction injury to the surrounding tissue by gradually dilating the white fiber tracts. This operative approach may be considered as an effective and safe alternative for brain tumor resections in selected cases, especially deep-seated lesions.     

腰椎内固定翻修术的初步研究

目的：探讨腰椎内固定术后疗效不佳并需要进行翻修病例的常见原因、手术方式及术后疗效，寻求减少腰椎内固定失败和内固定翻修的有效措施。方法：从1994年1月～2003年10月，共收治因腰椎滑脱症，腰椎骨折、腰椎不稳症及多间隙椎管狭窄症等并行内固定治疗的患者645例，需行翻修术者50例，翻修率为7．75％。同期收治在外院行腰椎内固定术后失败而再行翻修术者10例。60例患者中男32例；女28例；年龄为25～72岁，平均47.20岁。翻修原因：椎弓根螺钉位置不当并造成神经根刺激症状31例，椎弓根螺钉松动12例，椎弓根螺钉系统断裂7例，内固定相邻节段腰椎不稳7例，椎间隙撑开过大3例。主要表现为腰部疼痛，患肢放射性疼痛、麻木、肌力减弱等。翻修的手术方式有内固定取出、更换、调整以及椎体间植骨融合等。并对翻修术后的病例与同期行初次内固定手术者在腰腿痛症状缓解程度、神经功能恢复情况进行比较。结果技术性因素(如内固定选择不当或位置不正确等)是造成腰椎内固定手术失败的主要原因。内固定材料疲劳性断裂、术后患者腰椎生物力学改变、人体对金属捧异反应、术后过早进行腰部负重等也是翻修术的常见原因。翻修术后患者原有症状基本缓解，肢体功能恢复良好。翻修术疗效较初次内固定患者差。结论：严格掌握内固定的适应证、选用合适类型的内固定器材、术中规范操作、术后指导患者合理的腰部运动等是减少翻修的有效途径，腰椎内固定翻修只要处理得当，术后仍可获得较好的疗效。     

TSRH内固定治疗脊柱侧凸

目的　回顾性研究TSRH(TexasScottishRiteHospital)脊柱内固定系统在治疗脊柱侧凸的临床疗效。 方法　对 1998年 1月至 2 0 0 0年 12月手术治疗的 12 9例脊柱侧凸患者 ,总结其侧弯矫形、脊柱平衡、并发症及 3年以上的随访结果。根据手术方法不同 ,共分为 4组。A组 :单纯脊柱后路融合固定术 ;B组 :单纯脊柱前路融合固定术 ;C组 :分期前、后路融合固定术 ;D组 :Ⅰ期前、后路融合固定术。四组患者均应用TSRH内固定系统。手术时平均年龄 14 .2岁 (6～ 5 5岁 ) ,平均随访 34个月。结果　A组 :78例病人行单纯脊柱后路融合TSRH内固定 ,术后平均矫形率为6 3.4 %。随访 38个月 (2 4～ 5 0个月 ) ,平均矫形丢失 7°,矫形丢失率平均 9.5 %。本组并发症发生率为 12 .8% ,包括 3例脱钩 ,3例螺钉断裂 (共 6枚螺钉 ) ,1例术后侧弯失代偿 ,1例术后发生曲轴现象。B组 :2 2例患者行单纯脊柱前路融合、短节段TSRH内固定 ,平均矫形率为 74 .8%。平均随访 36个月 ,平均矫形率丢失 5 %。 2例发生一过性交感神经损伤。术后 6个月内均自然恢复。C组 :17例有 90°以上的侧弯 ,且Bending像上侧弯仍大于 7°的患者行前路松解 ,2～ 3周后再行后路融合TSRH内固定。本组平均手术时间 8.3h ,出血 935ml,输血 6 83ml,平均矫形 33.6°,矫     

One-stage anterior interbody autografting and instrumentation in primary surgical management of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis

There are few articles in the literature concerning anterior instrumentation in the surgical management of spinal tuberculosis in the exudative stage. So we report here 23 cases of active thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis treated by one-stage anterior interbody autografting and instrumentation to verify the importance of early reconstruction of spinal stability and to evaluate the results of one-stage interbody autografting and anterior instrumentation in the surgical management of the exudative stage of throracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. Twenty-three patients, including two children (9 and 15 years old, respectively) and 21 adults with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis were treated surgically. T9 to L4 spinal segments were affected, and MRI/CT showed evident collapse of the vertebrae because of tuberculous destruction and paravertebral abscess. Neurological deficits were found in 15 patients. Before surgery, patients received standard anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy for 2 to 3 weeks. Under general endotracheal anaesthesia, the patients were placed in right recumbent positions, and a transthoracic, lateral extracavitary or extrapleural approach was chosen according to the tuberculosis lesion segment. After exposure, the tuberculous lesion region, including the collapsed vertebrae and in-between intervertebral disc, was almost completely resected in order to release the segmental spinal cord. Then, autologous iliac, rib or fibular graft was harvested to complete interbody fusion, and an anterior titanium-alloy plate-screw system was used to reconstruct the stability of the affected segments. Anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy was continued for at least 9 months, and the patients were supported with thoracolumbosacral orthosis for 6 months after surgery. All patients were followed up for an average of 2 years. All 23 cases were healed without chronic sinus formation or any recurrence of tuberculosis during the follow-up period. Spinal fusion occurred at a mean of 3.8 months after surgery. Of all patients with neurological deficits, 14 patients showed obvious improvement; only one patient with Frankel C lesion remained unchanged, but none of the patients got worse. During the follow-up period, a mean of 18 degrees of kyphosis correction was achieved after surgery in the adult group. Moderate progressive kyphosis because of this procedure fusion occurred postoperatively in a 9-year-old child after 2 1/2 years; another 15-year-old child did not demonstrate this phenomenon. Except for the early loosening of one screw in two cases (which did not affect the reconstruction of spinal stability), no other complications associated with this procedure were found during follow-up. Early reconstruction of spinal stability plays an important role in the surgical management of spinal tuberculosis. One-stage anterior interbody autografting and instrumentation in the surgical management of the exudative stage of spinal tuberculosis show more advantages in selected patients, but supplementary posterior fusion should be considered to prevent postoperative kyphosis when this procedure is performed in children.This article was presented at the Conference of Eurospine 2001, Gothenburg, Sweden.     

Neuronavigation in skull base tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Computer-assisted neuronavigation was used in 87 cases of skull base lesions (SBLs). Preoperative planning and intraoperative identification of anatomic landmarks is especially important in SBLs since it helps to avoid or minimize surgical morbidity and mortality. In this study, we assessed the accuracy and the clinical usefulness of a frameless system based on the optical digitizer in SBLs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2000 and March 2003, eighty-seven patients with SBLs were operated on in our department using cranial neuronavigation. A passive-marker-based neuronavigation system was used for intraoperative image guidance. There were 56 women and 31 men. The patient's ages ranged from 4 to 76 years (average: 45.7 year). The locations of the tumors reported in this series were as follows: frontobasal, 24 cases; sellar/parasellar, 32 cases; petroclival, 16 cases; tentorial/subtemporal, 15 cases. RESULTS: The computer-calculated registration accuracy ranged between 0.3 and 1.7 mm (mean, 1.1 mm). Gross total removal of the SBLs was accomplished in 82 out of 87 patients as was confirmed on postoperative CT and MRI scans. The follow-up period ranged from 1 month to 48 months (average: 20.1 months). Overall mortality and severe morbidity (meningitis, permanent cranial nerve deficits, and cerebrospinal fluid fistulae) rates were 4.6 % and 33.3 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The image-guided surgery is a valuable aid for safe, helpful and complete removal of SBLs of the brain where accurate localization of the lesion is critical. Although our preliminary series is not large, interactive image guidance provides a constant display of surgical instrument position during surgery and its relationship with the SBLs components, surrounding normal brain, and vascular structures, providing valuable guidance to the surgeon during an operation. Our experience with the neuronavigation suggests that image guidance is helpful in this type of lesions, providing better anatomic orientation during skull base surgery, delineating tumor margins and their relation to critical neurovascular structures.     

单中心8818例脊柱畸形矫形术后深部感染的处理策略

目的探讨脊柱畸形矫形术后深部感染的发生率及其相应的处理策略。方法回顾性分析1998年1月至2017年12月接受脊柱畸形矫形术治疗8818例患者的病历资料,根据患者术后的临床症状、影像学检查及实验室检查判断是否发生深部感染。将初次手术后3个月之内发生的感染定义为早发性感染,初次手术3个月后发生的感染定义为迟发性感染。所有感染患者行清创灌洗、术后引流冲洗,并静脉应用敏感抗生素。若感染无法根除,如手术后时间不足2年,暂予伤口换药保留内固定;如手术后时间达到2年,评估融合情况满意后可在伤口清创的同时取出内固定。摄站立位全脊柱正、侧位X线片测量冠状面和矢状面参数,评估取出内固定者矫正丢失情况。结果共有60例(0.68%,60/8818)术后发生深部感染,早发性感染11例(发生率为0.12%,11/8818),迟发性感染49例(发生率为0.56%,49/8818)。两组患者在年龄、性别、手术入路及融合节段数方面的差异均无统计学意义。术后2~5年是深部感染发生的高峰期。特发性脊柱侧凸及强直性脊柱炎患者术后感染的发生率最低,综合征性及神经肌源性脊柱侧凸术后感染的发生率较高。初次培养阴性率较高,早发性感染中金黄色葡萄球菌和大肠埃希菌居多;迟发性感染中痤疮丙酸杆菌和凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌占比明显增高。经治疗后早发性感染组中9例保留内固定,2例换药至术后2年取出内固定。迟发性感染组中5例保留内固定,10例换药至术后2年取出内固定,34例手术时间超过2年直接取出内固定;其中1例患者取出内固定后1个月重新植入内固定;另有1例患者因矫正丢失在取出内固定3年后重新植入内固定。末次随访时取出内固定的患者出现了明显的冠状面矫正丢失。结论脊柱畸形矫形术后深部感染的发生率为0.68%,早发性感染发生率较低,迟发性感染较高;神经肌源性脊柱侧凸与综合征性脊柱侧凸患者有着较高的感染风险。如果感染在反复清创后无法根除,推荐在术后2年骨融合后取出内固定,但仍存在矫正丢失的风险。     

Surgical treatment based on pedicle screw instrumentation for thoracic or lumbar spinal Langerhans cell histiocytosis complicated with neurologic deficit in children

Background contextSurgical indications and procedures for spinal Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in children are still controversial. Reports containing large samples of surgically treated patients are few in the currently available literature, and the reported operative procedures were also somewhat obsolete. So, further investigation based on large-sample cases and using improved surgical techniques is beneficial and helpful to refine the treatment strategy.PurposeTo recommend a reasonable treatment strategy for thoracic or lumbar spine LCH in children complicated with neurologic deficit.Study design/settingRetrospective/academic medical center.Patient sampleTwelve children aged from 2 to 16 years old with the diagnosis of thoracic or lumbar spinal LCH accompanied by neurologic deficit received surgical treatment from January 2005 to January 2010.Outcome measuresFrankel scale for neurologic function, fusion of the mass, and recurrence of the lesion.MethodsAll 12 patients presented initially with local pain and progressive neurologic detriment. Neurologic evaluation revealed two patients with Frankel Grade B, eight with Grade C, and two with Grade D. Radiographic features were positive for typical vertebra plana, a space-occupying mass in the spinal canal compressing neural elements, and a spinal canal encroachment rate more than 50%. Posterior instrumentation with pedicle screw combined with anterior corpectomy, decompression, and support bone graft was performed in the first seven patients as a one-stage procedure. In the remaining five patients, posterior pedicle screw fixation, laminectomy for decompression (via excision of the tumor-like mass), and repair of laminae with allograft bone block were performed. The collapsed vertebral body was left untouched. No chemotherapy or radiotherapy was administrated postoperatively in any of the cases.ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 43.3 months. The mean operation time was 330 minutes with combined procedure and 142 minutes with single posterior approach (p=.000). The average blood loss was 933 mL with combined procedure and 497 mL with single posterior approach (p=.039). Three of seven patients who received combined surgery encountered approach-related complications, that is, one with intercostal neuralgia and two with pleural effusion. No severe neurologic deteriorate, instrumentation failure, or disease recurrence was detected at follow-up. Neurologic function completely recovered in all 12 patients from 2 to 12 weeks after surgery. The anterior bone graft fused and shaped well in all seven patients, and allograft bone block for lamina repair also achieved complete fusion in the remaining five patients. The internal fixator was removed at 3 to 5 years (average 4.1 years) after initial operation in six patients. No deformity, including scoliosis and kyphosis, has been identified during follow-up period in both procedures.ConclusionsFor spinal LCH patients, neurologic deficit is a main indication for operative treatment to prevent permanent and serious consequences. Surgery provides an opportunity for rapid recovery of neurologic function. Both combined and single-stage posterior approaches based on pedicle screw instrumentation techniques are similarly effective in relieving neurologic compression. However, single-stage posterior approach is more favorable with less complications, and preserving involved vertebral body is not a latent hazard of recurrence.     

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital rod instrumentation for thoracic and lumbar spine trauma

The authors present their experience with 28 patients who had incurred unstable thoracic or lumbar spine fractures and who were intraoperatively stabilized with the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital (TSRH) universal instrumentation system. These patients were treated over a 1-year period and reflect an evolving insight into the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine trauma with universal instrumentation. The TSRH instrumentation system appears equivalent to the more established Cotrel-Dubousset system in most respects. The construct design of the TSRH system facilitates the safe application of a rigid spinal implant. No cases of instability or pseudoarthrosis were observed during an average follow-up period of 9 months, (minimum 3 months). As the surgical treatment plan evolved, shorter and more compact constructs were increasingly utilized. There were no cases of instrumentation failure, regardless of the number of spinal levels fused or the number of levels instrumented. The value of using short rods when possible is emphasized: they may decrease the incidence of delayed instability and discomfort related to loosening at the hook/bone interface compared to that observed when long-rod systems are used in association with short spine fusions causing a fusion/instrumentation mismatch.     

A 13-year-old textiloma (gossypiboma) after discectomy for lumbar disc herniation: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A paraspinal retained surgical sponge (textiloma) is rare and mostly asymptomatic in chronic cases but can be confused with other soft-tissue masses. Therefore, it is important to be aware of patients with a paraspinal soft-tissue mass with unusual or atypical symptoms. PURPOSE: A patient with asymptomatic chronic paraspinal textiloma who was operated on 13 years ago for lumbar disc herniation is presented. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A patient presented with complaints of back pain radiating to leg and neurogenic claudication. Computed tomography imaging revealed canal stenosis at L3-L5 levels and a soft-tissue mass at the paraspinal muscles of the L5-S1 level. RESULTS: Surgical treatment was performed for both to excise or obtain biopsy from the soft-tissue mass and to treat spinal stenosis. During the operation, a retained surgical sponge was found and excised completely with fibrous capsule surrounding it and decompression and posterior spinal instrumentation performed without fusion for spinal stenosis with dynamic pedicle screws (Cosmic Pedicle Screw System; Ulrich AG, Germany). Recovery was uneventful, and the patient's stenosis symptoms were resolved soon after surgery. CONCLUSION: Retained surgical sponges do not show mostly any specific clinical and radiological signs. They should be included in differential diagnoses of soft-tissue masses at the paraspinal region with a history of a previous spinal operation.     

A further development in spinal instrumentation

Summary The purpose of this paper is to describe the concepts and use of a new, versatile instrumentation system, the universal spine system (USS), that has been designed to have wide application for pathology of the thoracolumbar spine. Many instrumentation systems for thoracolumbar spinal surgery now exist that were each originally designed to address specific areas of spinal pathology. For example, the recent systems designed to treat scoliosis deformities do not provide the instrumentation and implant support to adequately address other spinal disorders, such as fractures. In addition, most posterior implant systems were not designed for use anteriorly, and vice versa. As a result, surgeons have been required to become familiar with several different instrumentation systems in order to meet the varied needs of a spinal surgery practice. The objective of designing a new system was to simplify the surgical treatment of the commonly encountered spinal disorders by providing the surgeon with a single set of instruments and implants that could be used to treat tumors, trauma, deformities, and degnerative conditions affecting the thoracolumbar spine, via either an anterior or a posterior approach. This paper describes the development of the concepts, instruments, and implants of the USS and provides examples of its application in several case illustrations.