Changes seen on magnetic resonance imaging in the intervertebral disc space after chemonucleolysis: a hypothesis concerning regeneration of the disc after chemonucleolysis

Summary Measurements of the intervertebral disc space were made by magnetic resonance imaging and plain film examinations over a period of 2 years in 26 patients who had undergone chemonucleolysis. The height of the posterior portion of the disc decreased after 3 months and never recovered; the height of the anterior portion also decreased but recovered slightly over the same period. The angle of lordosis and the range of motion in the treated segment were decreased, but recovered. Marked decrease in signal from the disc was observed after 2 weeks which did not recover till 2 years after chemonucleolysis. We suspect that the disc degenerated markedly after chemonucleolysis and changed into a type of scar tissue, maturation of which could stabilize the affected segment.     

二次注射胶原酶治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床研究

目的 讨论二次注射胶原酶治疗腰椎间盘突出症的可行性及适应证.方法 对82例行二次注射胶原酶治疗的腰椎间盘突出症患者进行随访并对其临床疗效进行总结分析.结果 82例患者随访3～12个月,疗效优51例,良13例,可8例,差10例,总优良率为78%,有效率为88%,本组患者无一例出现并发症.结论 只要严格掌握二次胶原酶注射治疗腰椎间盘突出症的适应证,做好术前、术中、术后的过敏反应预防措施,二次注射胶原酶治疗腰椎间盘突出症是安全有效的.     

利用自制电动旋切式椎间盘摘除器行经皮腰椎间盘摘除术

Ｏｎｉｋ式腰椎间盘摘除器是目前最为广泛应用的经皮腰椎间盘摘除器。笔者研制一种新的电动旋切式经皮腰椎间盘摘除器。尸体和动物实验结果表明，可分别摘除３０％～５０％和８０％～９５％的髓核组织。８０例临床应用表明，可摘除０．８５～４．６５ｇ（平均２．８０ｇ）髓核组织，所用时间为４～１２ｍｉｎ（平均５．５ｍｉｎ），有效率为８１．２５％。笔者还就电动旋切式椎间盘摘除器的优点，影响临床疗效的因素，以及Ｌ＿５～Ｓ＿１椎间盘的穿刺问题进行了讨论。认为电动旋切式椎间盘摘除器设计新颖独特、安全高效，较Ｏｎｉｋ摘除器具有更多的优点。     

The aging spine in sports

1. Masters athletes may experience low back pain from multiple sources. Masters athletes with discogenic back pain should avoid or modify sports with combined rotational and compressive forces; individuals with facet-mediated pain should avoid or modify sports with excessive extension and rotation. 2. Optimization of flexibility, strength, endurance, and core control is critical. Sports specific training, realistic goal setting, and counseling are of maximal importance. 3. Overall, the health benefits of continued sports and athletic participation outweigh the potential risks of spinal degeneration in middle-aged athletes. There is little correlation between radiographic appearance of the spine and symptoms; therefore, symptoms should serve as the primary guide when determining activity modifications. Overall, masters athletes should be encouraged to remain active and fit to enhance their quality of life and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.     

Contrast on T2-weighted images of the lumbar spine using fast spin-echo and gated conventional spin-echo sequences

A prospective study in 31 patients was designed to compare contrast quantitatively using axial conventional, gated spin-echo T2-weighted (T2W) (SE) (asymmetrical echo TE 30 and 80 ms) and axial dual-echo fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences (TE_eff20 and 120 ms) to image lumbar discs, nerve roots, and cerebrospinal fluid CSF. We used two quantitative measures, percent (%) contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), to compare the sequences. The FSE sequence had greater % contrast and CNR on the first and second echo images for both disc and nerve root detection using these scan parameters. An axial FSE sequence, therefore, provided contrast characteristics similar to those of gated axial T2W SE sequence in the lumbar spine, with a 60% saving in acquisition time. The FSE sequence is now our standard axial T2W study for the lumbar spine.     

Automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy: technique,indications and clinical follow-up in over 1000 patients

This paper summarises my experience, over 14 years, treating over 1350 patients suffering from lumbar disc pathology, using minimally invasive intradiscal decompressive percutaneous techniques. The vast majority underwent the method introduced by Onik in 1985, referred to as "automated" since it involves a mechanical probe, working by a "suction and cutting" action for removal of the nucleus pulposus. Postoperative follow-up of at least 6 months was available for 1047 patients aged 15–92 years, who underwent this procedure up to June 2002. Results, based on a patient satisfaction, have been good in 58% of patients at 2 months and in 67.5% at 6 months; they have been particularly favourable in some subgroups such as elderly people (79.5% of excellent or good results), patients previously operated upon (78%) and those with "discogenic" low back pain (79%). Complication rates have been extremely low (less than 1%) and all complications cleared up without sequelae. In comparison with other percutaneous disc treatments, Onik's achieves the best compromise between clinical efficacy, comfort for the patient and low invasiveness.     

Radiographic evaluation of the lumbosacral disc height

Objective. To establish criteria for the radiographic evaluation of narrowing of the L5–S1 disc height, which varies widely with transition of the L5 vertebra. Design and patients. Nondegenerated disc heights of L3–4 to L5–S1 and the thickness and length of the L5 transverse process were measured on plain radiographs of the lumbar spine in 166 outpatients, aged 18–35 years (mean 26.3 years), in whom at least the L3–4 and L5–S1 discs both showed normal signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging. The level of the iliac crest was recorded semiquantitatively. The disc height was expressed as a percentage of the L3–4 disc height, namely ”relative disc height”. The ratio of disc height to the sagittal diameter of the overlying vertebral body was termed the ”disc height index”. Results and conclusion. The relative disc height and disc height index of L5–S1 showed strong negative correlations with two anatomic variables, which were the relative thickness of the transverse process and the level of the iliac crest (P<0.0001). The results of linear regression analysis suggest that narrowing of the L5–S1 disc height can be evaluated on plain radiographs alone in relation to these anatomic variables. Received: 1 March 1999 Revision requested: 21 May 1999 Revision received: 19 July 1999 Accepted: 12 August 1999     

The association between multiple sclerosis and spondylosis: When and why

ObjectivesTo evaluate risk factors for the development of cervical spine spondylosis (CSS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to propose a pathogenetic mechanism.MethodsForty-two consecutive patients aged 23–66 years with MS and 42 age and sex matched controls were evaluated retrospectively; Clinical disability was evaluated with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and spasticity with the Asworth score. Total brain lesion volume (BLV), total grey matter (GM) volume and deep GM volume were assessed. In the cervical spine CSS indices (disk dehydration, disk protrusion, abnormal posture and osteophytosis) and the spinal cord lesion load (SLL) was evaluated. The association of CSS indices with the presence of MS, the clinical scales and the brain and spinal cord imaging measurements were assessed.ResultsPresence of MS was positively associated with abnormal posture (P = 0.002), disk dehydration at C6–C7 (P = 0.049) and posterior disk protrusion at C5–C6 (P = 0.033) and C6–C7 (P = 0.001). All patients had spasticity. Patients with abnormal posture were younger (37.5 ± 11.1 years) than those with normal (45.4 ± 8.6 years), P = 0.024. Age (P = 0.008), EDSS (P = 0.045) and BLV (P = 0.084) were significant independent predictors of abnormal posture. Younger age combined with worse EDSS and increased BLV predicted abnormal posture.ConclusionsPatients with MS present more frequently spondylosis which is associated with younger age, more severe disability and extensive lesions in the brain. Spasticity induced by the brain lesions and abnormal expression of extracellular matrix proteins in the brain and the intervertebral disk constitute a possible pathogenetic mechanism.     

腰椎间盘突出术后椎体滑脱与复发的影像诊断(附24例报告)

目的：为了提高对腰椎间盘突出术后并发椎体滑脱和椎间盘突出复发影像表现的认识。方法：笔者复习了１００例椎间盘术后因症状未能缓解或有所加重患者的腰椎平片、ＣＴ和ＭＲＩ片。结果：发现１８例因１个或多个椎体半椎板及全椎板切除者发生椎体滑脱。６例椎间盘突出复发（其中２例伴有椎体滑脱）,手术区域疤痕组织增生明显,部分患者有硬脊膜腔受压或受牵拉移位。结论：术后椎体滑脱和椎间盘突出复发的发生,患者症状是否好转,与手术方式和椎板切除多少有关     

CT of adult lumbar disc herniations mimicking posterior apophyseal ring fractures

Summary This report concerns 35 adult patients with lumbar or sciatic pain and axial CT findings reportedly associated with posterior apophyseal ring fractures. Review of the CT images suggested two pathophysiologic categories. (1) Posterior Schmorl-A posterior intravertebral disc herniation with posterior displacement of a fractured or remodelled vertebral margin. (2) Calcified subligamentous-Reactive annular and or posterior longitudinal ligament calcification at the periphery of a herniated disc with or without remodelling and anterior displacement of the posterior vertebral margin.     

MRI对腰椎Modic改变终板硬化诊断价值的初步探讨

目的：评价腰椎不同分型Modic改变中是否存在终板硬化和MRI诊断终板硬化的能力。方法：回顾性分析68例患者脊椎腰段（L3～S1）的影像学资料,阅片分析MRI图像上Modic改变和CT片上终板硬化情况;记录ModicⅠ和Ⅱ型中T1、T2信号强度及CT值。结果：共发现35例患者MRI显示有78个终板发生Modic改变,Ⅰ型13%,Ⅰ/Ⅱ混合型12%,Ⅱ型66%,Ⅱ/Ⅲ混合型8%,Ⅲ型1%;36%的终板Modic改变CT显示存在硬化,尤其是Ⅰ/Ⅱ和Ⅱ/Ⅲ混合型。结论：终板硬化不仅存在于ModicⅢ型改变,可存在于所有分型,尤其是混合型,MRI不能显示终板硬化,可能取决于骨髓无活动性矿物质子含量。     

非钻孔法经皮穿刺L_5-S_1椎间盘进针法——附侧后路进针途径的解剖学和X线解剖学研究

本研究通过10具尸体的局解和100例腰椎 CT 值进行测量,对经皮腰椎间盘摘除术的侧后方进针途径进行研究,通过50例腰椎对照摄片,设计了一适用于 L_5-S_1椎间盘穿刺的特殊体位和定位方法。结果表明:侧后方进针法为一安全的穿刺途径,但应掌握进针角度宁小勿大的原则;采用笔者设计的特殊体位可使髂骨平均下移2.0cm,同时采用较精确的穿刺点定位可提高 L_5-S_1椎间盘穿刺成功率,130例临床应用成功率达100%。作者首次测得国人与穿刺密切相关的两个穿刺参数值,还就与穿刺通道有关的解剖毗邻组织和穿刺不当可能造成的并发症进行描述和讨论。     

体感诱发电位评价胶原酶髓核溶解术安全性的临床研究

目的研究诱发电位在腰椎间盘突出症胶原酶髓核溶解术前后的改变,评价胶原酶髓核溶解术的安全性。方法对24例有L5和S1神经根损害表现的腰椎间盘突出症患者,行胶原酶髓核溶解术前后进行L5和S1体感诱发电位检查,测定其第1负相波N40峰的峰潜伏期,并作比较。结果术前诱发电位检测异常率达87.5%(21/24),主要表现为N40峰的峰潜伏期延长;术前异常的21例中17例术后短期(6～10d)行检查,其峰潜伏期和两侧差异值与术前比较差无统计学意义,均仍属于异常范围;术前异常的21例中10例术后略长时间(29～45d)行检查,其总体峰潜伏期值和两侧差异值与术前比较差异有显著性,表现为峰潜伏期值明显缩短,两侧差异值明显减少。术前诱发电位异常的21例患者无论术后短期,还是术后略长时间,共计27例次行诱发电位检查,术后峰潜伏期值与术前峰潜伏期值比较无一例有进一步明显的延长。结论诱发电位检查是在胶原酶髓核溶解术前术后判断神经根功能受损程度和术后神经根功能改善程度客观、灵敏和可靠的检测方法,可协助判断胶原酶髓核溶解术的安全性及疗效。     

经皮甲状腺外缘入路介入治疗颈椎间盘突出症

日的探讨经甲状腺外侧缘与颈总动脉间入路经皮穿刺切割抽吸术治疗颈椎间盘突出症的1临床效果、不良反应及并发症。资料与方法15例确诊为颈椎间盘突出症患者,全部采用经甲状腺外侧缘与颈总动脉间入路经皮穿刺抽吸治疗。结果手术成功率为100％,11例症状、体征全部消失,3例部分缓解,1例无效。结论甲状腺外侧缘与颈总动脉间入路经皮穿刺切割抽吸术治疗颈椎间盘突出症,出血少,安全性高,值得推广应用。     

The genetic factor in cervical spondylosis

Lateral cervical spine radiographs of 23 pairs of twins were matched. There is a close similarity in the shape of the vertebrae of twins, particularly if monozygotic. It can also be shown that the degenerative changes in the cervical spines of twins follow a very similar pattern. The suggestion is made that the shape of individual vertebrae is of considerable significance in the development of the changes which are found with ageing, and that this similarity in shape explains the familial pattern of spondylosis.     

Height of lumbar discs measured from radiographs compared with degeneration and height classified from MR images

The relation between height of lumbar discs (measured from lateral radiographic views) and disc degeneration (classified from MR images) deserves attention in view of the wide, often parallel or interchanged use of both methods. The time sequence of degenerative signs and decrease of disc height is controversial. To clarify the issue, this cross-sectional study documents the relation between disc degeneration and disc height in a selected cohort. Forty-three subjects were selected at random from a cohort examined for potential disc-related disease caused by long-term lifting and carrying. From each subject a lateral radiographic view of the lumbar spine as well as findings from an MR investigation of (in most cases) levels T12/L1 to L5/S1 were available; thus, n = 237 lumbar discs were available for measurement and classification. Disc height was measured from the radiographic views with a new protocol compensating for image distortion and permitting comparison with normal, age- and gender-appropriate disc height. Degeneration as well as disc height were classified twice from MR images by independent observers in a blinded fashion. Disc degeneration classified from MR images is not related to a measurable disc height loss in the first stage of degeneration, whereas progressive degeneration goes along with progressive loss of disc height, though with considerable interindividual variation. Loss of disc height classified from MR images is on average compatible with loss of disc height measured from radiographs. In individual discs, however, classification of height loss from MR images is imprecise. The first sign of disc degeneration (a moderate loss of nucleus signal) precedes disc height decrease. As degeneration progresses, disc height decreases. Disc height decrease and progress of degeneration, however, appear to be only loosely correlated.     

Extraspinal abnormalities identified on lumbar spine CT

Summary Retrospective review of 1517 lumbar CT examinations revealed extraspinal pathology in 22 (1.45%). Retroperitoneal tumors and lymphadenopathy as well as vascular, urinary tract and gynecologic abnormalities were identified. This study demonstrates the need to carefully evaluate the visualized portions of the abdomen and pelvis on all lumbar spine CT examinations even when the patient's symptomatology is suggestive of spinal abnormalities.     

Percutaneous treatment of non-contained lumbar disc herniation by injection of oxygen-ozone combined with collagenase

Purpose

To evaluate the therapeutic results of oxygen-ozone combined collagenase injection for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation compared to the surgery. And to explore the role of this minimally invasive treatment as an alternative to disc surgery.

Materials and methods

Two groups of patients (n = 108) were treated with different ways respectively. Minimally invasive group of patients was treated with the injection of oxygen-ozone combined with collagenase into the lumbar disc or the epidural space; the other group was treated with traditional surgery. After the treatment, the patients were followed-up and the therapeutic effect was assessed at 2 weeks, 3 and 12 months by the modified Macnab criteria.

Results

The success rate was 86.11% and 88.89% in minimally invasive group at 3 and 12 months respectively, while 92.59% and 95.37% in surgical group. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups at 3 and 12 months (P = 0.123, P = 0.08). However, the surgical group produced a statistically significant greater improvement for back pain and disability in the first few weeks (P = 0.0001). The success rate was 51.86% and 85.18% at 2 weeks in minimally invasive group and surgical group respectively. No serious complication occurred in this group.

Conclusions

The combination of the oxygen-ozone with collagenase shows significant reductions in pain and improvements in function at 3 and 12 months, it can be considered as an option for the treatment of non-contained lumbar disc herniation instead of surgery.     

Chordoma of the lumbar spine—A potential diagnosis not to be forgotten!

Chordoma is a rare, malignant neoplasm thought to develop from the notochord. It most commonly occurs in the base of the cranium or the sacro-coccygeal region but around 15%-20% affect the vertebral body. Extra-lesional resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy is generally accepted as the mainstay of treatment for this slow-growing tumor. We present a case whereby a patient with an extensive vertebral body lesion causing caudal compression, treated with spinal decompression and posterior stabilization. This case highlights the importance of pre-operative tissue diagnosis, and that, although rare (0.8 per 100,000), chordoma should always be considered.     

Imaging of Herniated Discs of the Cervical Spine: Inter-Modality Differences between 64-Slice Multidetector CT and 1.5-T MRI

ObjectiveTo assess inter-modality variability when evaluating cervical intervertebral disc herniation using 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsThe interobserver agreement rates upon evaluation of disc morphology by the three radiologists were in fair to moderate agreement (k = 0.39-0.53 for MDCT images; k = 0.45-0.56 for MRIs). When the disc morphology was categorized into two and four grades, the inter-modality agreement rates were moderate (k-value, 0.59) and substantial (k-value, 0.66), respectively. The inter-modality agreements for evaluations of the NIS (k-value, 0.78) and the epicenter (k-value, 0.79) were substantial. Also, the interobserver agreements for the NIS (CT; k-value, 0.85 and MRI; k-value, 0.88) and epicenter (CT; k-value, 0.74 and MRI; k-value, 0.70) evaluations by two readers were substantial. MDCT tended to underestimate the extent of herniated disc lesions compared with MRI.ConclusionMultidetector-row computed tomography and MRI showed a moderate-to-substantial degree of inter-modality agreement for the assessment of herniated cervical discs. MDCT images have a tendency to underestimate the anterior/posterior extent of the herniated disc compared with MRI.