Congenital absence of lumbosacral articular facet joint associated with conjoined nerve root: a case report

We report a rare case of congenital absence of the L5-S1 facet joint, which was associated with a conjoined nerve root. Combination of these two anomalies has been quite rarely reported in the literature. A 39-year-old man presented with acute low back pain and right leg radiating pain. Muscle weakness and sensory disturbance of the right leg were also apparent in the region innervated by L5 and S1 nerve roots. Preoperative multidetector three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) showed complete absence of the right S1 superior articular process. Magnetic resonance (MR) images showed lumbar disc herniation at right L5-S1 level that migrated cranially. Intraoperative findings revealed that the right L5 nerve root and S1 nerve root were conjoined, and the conjoined nerve root was compressed by L5-S1 disc herniation, which led to impairment of the conjoined nerve root by a single-level lumbar disc herniation. After removal of the disc herniation, his right leg pain immediately subsided, however muscle weakness and sensory disturbance persisted. Surgeons should be aware of this nerve root anomaly when examining a patient who shows an unusual clinical presentation and/or congenital osseous anomaly.     

Transradicular lumbar disc herniation: An extreme variant of intraradicular disc herniation

Intradural or intraradicular lumbar disc herniation (IDH) is a relatively rare condition often diagnosed intraoperatively. We encountered an extreme variant of IDH - a transradicular herniation as the disc material extruded through the lumbar nerve root through a split essentially transecting the nerve root. While failure to recognize intradural and intraradicular disc herniation can lead to failed back surgery, the variant described in the present case could lead to iatrogenic injury and complication if not recognized. A unique case of transradicular lumbar disc herniation in a 25-year-old patient is presented with the depiction of intraoperative images supplementing the text.     

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage as an early and potentially lethal complication of a discal lumbar herniation surgery

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) is an infrequent but serious complication after lumbar herniation surgery. Little is known about this complication but excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is thought to be a leading cause of RCH. We describe the case of a patient suffering from a life-threatening RCH, which occurred a few hours after lumbar disc herniation surgery.     

经椎板间隙直视下微创手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症

目的探讨经椎板间隙直视下微创手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床价值和适应证。方法回顾分析我院自1996.2-2001.8经椎板间隙显露法对185例腰椎间盘突出症行髓核摘除及神经根管扩大术的病例。术前患者行腰椎X线检查,测量L5S1及L4-5椎板间隙的面积,对于L4-5椎板间隙的面积>250mm2及L5S1椎板间隙的面积>280mm2的病史短且单纯腰椎间盘突出的患者行经椎板间隙直视下微创髓核摘除术。结果术后对其中的169例进行随访,随访3～38月,平均随访24月,采用1994年中华骨科学会脊柱外科组制定的手术疗效标准,观察评定疗效。优122例,良38例,优良率94.6%。结论合理选择适应证,经椎板间隙髓核摘除术治疗腰椎间盘突出症不仅能迅速减压,消除症状,且几乎不破坏脊柱的稳定性,并发症少,创伤小,恢复快,疗效高。     

Percutaneous Intradiscal Aspiration of a Lumbar Vacuum Disc Herniation: A Case Report

We report a case of an 83-year-old gentleman presenting with acute low back pain and radicular left lower extremity pain after golfing. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed a low-signal-density lesion compressing the L5 nerve. A computed tomography scan was then ordered, confirming an extra-foraminal disc protrusion at the L5–S1 level, containing a focus of gas that was compressing the left L5 nerve root and communicating with the vacuum disc at L5–S1. After a failed left L5 transforaminal epidural steroid injection, the patient was brought back for a percutaneous intradiscal aspiration of the vacuum disc gas. This resulted in immediate relief for the patient. A follow-up MRI performed 2 months after the procedure found an approximate 25% reduction in the size of the vacuum disc herniation. Six months after the procedure, the patient remains free of radicular pain. This case report suggests that a percutaneous aspiration of gas from a vacuum disc herniation may assist in the treatment of radicular pain.     

Atypical lumbar disc herniation: a case report.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: This is a case report of a right posterolateral L5-S1 disc herniation that migrated to the left cephalad level to impinge on the left L5 nerve root as it exited the dura. The resultant free fragment migration is a rare variation of a posterolateral disc disruption. PURPOSE: The purpose is to report a rare variation of lumbar disc herniation not previously reported in the literature. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Case report. PATIENT SAMPLE: A 60-year-old white woman. OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of the patient's left lower extremity symptoms.METHODS: Not applicable. RESULTS: The patient experienced resolution of most of her left lower extremity symptoms after a slightly modified microscopically assisted lumbar hemilaminectomy, discectomy and nerve root decompression. CONCLUSIONS: This is a rare right to left migration of a sequestrated disc herniation, which was effectively treated with surgery.     

腰椎间盘突出症的临床解剖学分型及其意义(1106例回顾性研究)

目的：对不同方向突出的椎间盘从解剖学角度给予区域界定,以便明确分型,利于术式选择。方法：通过对离体干化腰椎的解剖研究,结合临床术中测量及１１０６例回顾研究,将突出椎间盘进行明确解剖界定之分型。结果：同区域的突出椎间盘产生一组相似的临床表现,基于此,将椎间盘突出症分为５型,即：中央型、偏侧型、椎间管型、椎间管外型及侧方型。分别占发病间盘的３３４％、５１％、８５％、４５％、２４％。结论：解剖界定明确的分型,对腰椎间盘突出症临床诊断和术式选择有重要意义     

高位腰椎间盘突出症的临床特点及术式选择

目的探讨高位腰椎间盘突出症的临床特点、诊断及手术方式的选择。方法42例高位腰椎间盘突出症患者术前均行X线检查,部分行脊髓造影、CT、MRI及肌电图辅助检查,患者均有较大的严重腰痛症状并均行手术治疗。行植骨融合术2例,切除患侧椎板外半和椎间相应关节突;行对侧椎板关节突间植骨融合2例,行后路半椎板和一侧小关节切除USS植入,椎间融合2例,余采用常规手术内固定。结果全部获随访,时间1～3年。术中硬脑膜破裂脑脊液漏3例,马尾神经损伤2例。疗效评价参照Nakanoetal腰腿病疗效评定标准以及Stauffer标准评价疗效：优35例,良5例,差2例,优良率为95.2%。结论高位腰椎间盘突出症的临床表现复杂,手术入路应根据上腰椎的解剖特点及影像学显示椎间盘突出的部位决定手术方式。     

经皮内窥镜下腰椎间盘切除术治疗外侧型腰椎间盘突出症

目的:探讨腰椎后外侧入路经皮内窥镜下椎间盘切除术治疗外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的手术技术和临床疗效.方法:2006年3月～2007年3月共收治40例外侧型腰椎间盘突出症患者,男25例,女15例,平均年龄35岁(17～63岁),突出节段L5/S1 8例,L4/5 30例,L3/4 2例.采用局部浸润麻醉,C型臂X线透视引导下定位,后外侧入路经皮穿刺进入椎间孔,工作套管逐级扩张,显露突入椎管后外侧的椎间盘组织,在内窥镜直视下行突出髓核组织切除术.采用视觉模拟疼痛评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)和改良MacNab标准评定手术疗效.结果:本组无术中硬脊膜破裂和血管、神经损伤并发症.5例患者术后出现下肢一过性痛觉过敏,经保守治疗1周后症状缓解.平均手术时间70min(40～150min),出血5～20ml,平均术后下床时间36h(24～48h),平均住院时间5d(3～10d).随访时间12个月.下肢坐骨神经痛VAS评分术前为8.5±1.2分,术后3d时为3.5±1.4分,末次随访时为1.5±1.1分;术前、术后结果进行配对t检验有显著性差异(P<0.01).MacNab标准临床效果评定结果为优30例,良6例,可4例,优良率90%.结论:经皮内窥镜下椎间盘切除术创伤小、出血少、视野清晰、操作精细、术后恢复快、手术效果优良,是治疗外侧型腰椎间盘突出的优选术式.     

腰椎间盘突出症再手术原因分析和手术方式探讨

目的:探讨腰椎间盘突出症再手术的原因及手术方式。方法:对39例腰椎间盘突出症术后症状无改善或缓解一段时间后复发需再手术的患者进行分析和总结。再手术方式:椎板间开窗或经原椎板间扩大开窗、椎间盘切除8例;半椎板切除减压、椎间盘切除3例;全椎板切除减压、椎间盘切除27例(其中23例行后路椎弓根内固定加横突间植骨融合,2例同时行椎间cage置入融合);经左前外侧入路腹膜外椎间盘切除、椎间植骨融合1例。结果:再手术原因包括复发性腰椎间盘突出20例、相邻节段腰椎间盘突出7例、腰椎节段性不稳定8例和腰椎间盘未彻底去除4例,其中合并继发性腰椎管狭窄8例,硬膜外瘢痕形成4例。术中发生脑脊液漏4例,均行硬膜修补,术后恢复良好。随访1年6个月～5年7个月,其中31例患者症状明显改善,7例症状部分改善,1例无改善,优良率为79.5%。再手术前JOA评分平均11.8分,再手术后末次随访时平均25.6分,有显著性差异(P<0.05),恢复率为80.2%。23例行椎弓根内固定加横突间植骨融合患者末次随访时植骨融合率为70%,1例行椎间植骨融合患者末次随访时植骨融合。结论:腰椎间盘突出症再手术的主要原因为复发性腰椎间盘突出、相邻节段腰椎间盘突出、腰椎节段性不稳定和腰椎间盘未彻底去除等,正确分析再手术原因并选择合理的手术方式,仍可以取得较为满意的疗效。     

动态脊髓造影诊断腰椎间盘突出症

目的：探讨动态脊髓造影对于腰椎间盘突出症的诊断价值。方法：对186例腰椎间盘突出症患者进行脊髓造影，动态观察，拍摄不同体位的X线片。186例均经CT检查，110例经CTM检查，106例经手术治疗。结果：186例中213个椎间隙诊断为腰椎间盘突出，96个椎间隙诊断为腰椎间盘膨出，动念脊髓造影检查结果与手术诊断符合率为93．62％，CT检查结果与手术诊断符合率为86．74％，CTM检查结果与手术诊断符合率为96．88％。结论：动态脊髓造影检查克服了传统脊髓造影、CT、MRI检查静态观察的缺陷，降低了假阳性率和假阴性率，对L5／S1间盘突出诊断效果更为明显，并可鉴别诊断腰椎问盘突出和膨出。     

游离型腰椎间盘突出症的手术治疗

目的评价游离髓核摘除术治疗游离型腰椎间盘突出症的疗效。方法 2003年1月至2009年12月采用游离髓核摘除术治疗游离型腰椎间盘突出症69例,获得完整随访资料者58例,其中男31例,女27例,年龄19～54岁,平均38.5岁。L3～4椎间盘突出3例,L4～5椎间盘突出29例,L5S1椎间盘突出26例。根据游离髓核的位置,分别采用扩大开窗、半椎板切除和全椎板切除,摘除游离髓核,研究其发病情况、临床症状、体征、影像学表现、手术方法、术中发现及治疗效果。结果随访时间1～6年,平均3.5年,平均手术时间(1.0±0.2)h,平均出血量(280±25)mL。硬脊膜撕破8例,一过性单侧神经根麻痹2例。末次随访复发2例,58例患者按Nakai标准评定疗效,优24例,良27例,可5例,差2例,优良率87.9%。结论彻底摘除游离髓核是治疗游离型椎间盘突出症的较好方法。     

Postoperative intraradicular lumbar disc herniation: A case report

An unusual case is presented in which a fragment of herniated lumbar disc was found within the sheath of the right S-1 nerve root. Diagnosis of intradural and intraradicular lumbar disc herniation is difficult, so that it is rarely suspected preoperatively. Surgical treatment results in a satisfactory clinical outcome.     

杨氏椎间孔镜治疗腰椎间盘突出症的远期疗效

[目的]应用回顾性研究方法,探讨采用杨氏椎间孔镜( YESSTM)技术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的远期疗效.[方法] 2000年6月～2003年5月期间采用YESSTM系统治疗112例腰椎间盘突出症患者,81例(72.3％)获得至少60个月随访(60～127个月,平均71.7个月).男48例,女33例;年龄17～56岁,平均32.7岁.其中,椎孔型和椎间孔外型64例,后外侧突出型25例,中央型2例.33例合并神经根管狭窄的行椎间孔成形术.术前、术后2周和末次随访时分别对患者进行下肢疼痛的VAS评分;Nakai分级法评估治疗效果.[结果]所有患者手术均顺利完成,术中出血量30～120 ml,平均65 ml,手术时间35～140 min,平均70 min.无严重并发症,无椎间隙感染.5例(4.46％)术后无效,4例(3.35％)术后随访3～72个月复发,均再次行翻修术.14例(12.5％)术后出现一过性下肢疼痛加重,保守治疗后缓解.术前、术后2周和末次随访下肢疼痛的VAS评分分别为(7.4±2.1)、(2.4±0.81、(2.2±0.6).术后和末次随访评分较术前差异显著.Nakai分级法术后和末次随访的优良率分别为82.7％和77.7％,远期优良率无统计学差异.[结论]椎间孔镜YESSTM技术治疗腰椎间盘突出症能够获得良好的远期疗效.     

根据不同患者手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症

目的：探讨腰椎间盘突出症不同患者外科手术治疗的临床疗效。方法近6年,我科采用微创小切口开窗法单纯腰髓核摘除术926例,突出椎间盘切除加椎弓根钉棒内固定术36例,腰椎间盘切除加椎间植骨钉棒内固定术126例,腰椎间盘切除加Cage植间植骨钉棒内固定349例。结果本组术中硬脊膜损伤脑脊液病6例,16例神经根牵拉术后出现小腿肌力减退,经治疗切口均一期愈合,小腿肌力逐渐恢复,腰腿痛症状消失,优良率达98.5%。结论腰椎间盘突出症是否椎间融合和内固定应根据患者症状、体征、影像学资料和患者的职业需要及经济状况制定不同的手术方案。     

腰椎间盘源性疼痛机理的临床研究

目的 :分析腰椎间盘突出症病人的临床症状、体征与椎间盘和神经根大体病理形态改变的关系 ,临床症状、体征和椎间盘突出类型与髓核中炎症介质 (磷脂酶A2 )水平的关系以及临床症状、体征和椎间盘突出类型与脑脊液 (以下简称CSF)中神经肽类递质变化的关系。从临床角度探讨腰椎间盘突出症疼痛机理。材料与方法 :分析161例腰椎间盘突出病人的髓核突出类型及神经根病理形态改变与腰腿痛程度的关系 ;分析 2 0例腰椎间盘髓核组织中磷脂酶A2 活性水平与神经根性疼痛程度的关系 ;3 1例腰椎间盘突出症病人脑脊液中P物质和降钙素基因相关肽含量与神经根性疼痛程度进行比较。结果 :①腰椎间盘的膨出、突出、脱出和脱出游离各组之间无疼痛程度的统计学显著差异。而神经根呈急性炎症反应的病人中重度疼痛高达 80 % (P <0 .0 1)。②腰椎间盘突出症病人椎间盘髓核中磷脂酶A2 活性显著高于自身血液中和健康人椎间盘髓核中磷脂酶A2 活性水平 ,腰椎间盘突出症病人的腰腿痛程度与其髓核中磷脂酶A2 活性明显相关。③腰痛病人脑脊液中P物质和降钙素基因相关肽水平高于正常对照组 ,并与疼痛等级有关。结论 :①腰椎间盘突出物的病理形态和对神经根的机械压迫与其引起的临床疼痛症状和神经根体征无明确关系 ,而神经根性疼痛与局部     

经腹膜外前入路手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症

目的　探讨经腹膜外前入路腰椎间盘摘除加椎体间植骨融合术对腰椎间盘突出症的治疗效果。方法　采用左腹部斜切口 ,从腹膜外间隙进入 ,显露病变腰椎间盘并予以切除 ,椎体间以髂骨块植骨融合 ,术后卧床 8周。结果　 3 8例病人 ,随诊 1～ 11年 ,平均 5 .3 6年 ,疗效优良率为94.73 %。结论　经腹膜外前入路椎间盘摘除加椎体间植骨融合术是治疗腰椎间盘突出症的可靠手段 ,既避免了脊柱后侧结构的损害 ,术后神经根的粘连等弊端 ,又解决了术后脊柱的稳定性等问题     

腰5骶1极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的手术治疗

目的探讨腰5骶1极外侧型腰间盘突出症(L5S1FLLDH)的合理手术方案。方法回顾总结L5S1FLLDH资料。我们采用后正中入路,切除内侧部分关节突、间盘切除、关节突植骨、椎弓根系统内固定。结果突出间盘切除彻底,依据Macnab评价标准及术前术后JOA评分比较疗效可靠。结论L5S1FLLDH采用此种手术方法可靠。     

下腰椎椎间孔形态与椎间盘高度丢失的相关性研究

目的描述下腰椎椎间孔的形态及椎间盘高度丢失时椎间孔形态的变化。方法取正常的成年新鲜尸体下腰椎标本8具(L3～S1),观察标本在不同状态(椎间盘完整和椎间盘破坏)及不同加载条件(0、300、500N)下L4,5 和L5S1椎间孔的形态及其和神经根的解剖关系,测量椎间孔的高度、最大宽度、最小宽度,于X线侧位片上测量椎间盘前、后高度。结果在未加载的自然状态下,椎间孔上大下小,呈倒置的泪滴形,神经根位于椎间孔上部。在椎间盘完整的状态下,加载500N时,椎间孔形态及其与神经根关系的变化不明显。摘除髓核,随着加载量逐渐增大,椎间孔逐渐缩小、变形,神经根被推挤向同位椎弓根的下缘;椎间孔高度、最大宽度和椎间盘前高、后高逐渐减小,与未加载时比较差异有显著性(P<0.05)。经多元线性回归分析,椎间孔高度与椎间盘后高、前高呈线性相关。结论椎间盘高度丢失与椎间孔形态改变关系密切,椎间孔形态改变增加了神经根卡压的危险性。     

Microsurgical anatomy and operative technique for extreme lateral lumbar disc herniations

Summary The anatomy of the lateral aspect of the lumbar spine and our lateral microsurgical technique for extreme lateral lumbar disc herniations (ELLDH) is described. This study was based on the microdissection of 4 cadavers, on the morphometric evaluation of these as well as 6 dried cadaver spines and 8 lumbar CT scans, and on the use of this technique on over 200 cases.Level dependent changes in the posterior arch cause a shift of the disc space distally relative to the facet joint, an increasing amount of bone to overlie the intervertebral foramen, and a decreasing amount of working space within the exposure in the caudal direction. Therefore, more bone removal from the lateral aspect of the pars interarticularis and supero-lateral aspect of the facet joint is required in the lower lumbar spine. When the exposed ligamentum flavum is resected, the dorsal root ganglion is seen and access to the herniation and disc space is achieved. Level dependent changes in the pedicles and transverse processes lead to an alteration in the course and relationships of the nerves, thereby influencing the pathophysiology of and surgical technique for the ELLDH. The operative target is the lateral aspect of the pars interarticularis and not the intertransverse space as has been previously described.Our techniques allows for the early identification of the nerve with minimal risks of injury to it, to the adjacent vessels and to the structural integrity of the facet joint and pars interarticularis.Abbreviations DRG dorsal root ganglion - ELLDH extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation - ESA erector spinae aponeurosis - ITL intertransverse ligament - L lumbar - LA lumbar artery - LF ligamentum flavum - LIPC lateral interpedicular compartment - m. muscle - S sacral - TP(s) TP(s) transverse process(es)