Subsidence of stand-alone cervical cages in anterior interbody fusion: warning

Anterior cervical decompression and fusion with anterior plating of the cervical spine is a well-accepted treatment for cervical radiculopathy. Recently, to minimise the extent of surgery, anterior interbody fusion with cages has become more common. While there are numerous reports on the primary stabilising effects of the different cervical cages, little is known about the subsidence behaviour of such cages in vivo. We retrospectively reviewed eight patients with cervical radiculopathy operated upon with anterior discectomy and fusion with a stand-alone titanium cervical cage. During surgery, only the cartilage portion of the end plate was removed and the cages were filled with autologous cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest. To assess possible subsidence or migration, three different radiographic measurements in the sagittal plane were taken for each case, postoperatively and at the latest follow-up. Subsidence was defined as any change in at least one of our parameters of at least 3 mm. Follow-up time was 12–18 months (average 15 months). Five of the nine fused levels had radiological signs of cage subsidence. No posterior or anterior migration was observed. However, subsidence did not correlate with clinical symptoms in four of the five patients. The remaining patient with signs of subsidence, whose neck pain and neurologic symptoms had regressed in the early postoperative course, suffered recurrence of radiculopathy 6 months after the surgery. Her symptoms were explained by the subsidence of the cage and the subsequent foraminal stenosis observed on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. At 15 months' follow-up, her cage was broken. Our preliminary results, so far limited in number, represent a serious warning to the proponents of stand-alone cervical cages     

A comparative study for the usage of Fidji cervical cages after multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

BackgroundPostoperative dysphagia is one major concern in the treatment for patients with cervical spine spondylosis by using anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with plating and cage system.PurposeTo evaluate the influence of two types of surgery for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) on postoperative dysphagia, namely ACDF with cage alone (ACDF-CA) using Fidji cervical cages and ACDF with cage and plate fixation (ACDF-CP).MethodsA retrospective study was performed in 62 consecutive patients with multilevel CSM, including 32 underwent ACDF-CA (group A) and 30 underwent ACDF-CP (group B). All enrolled patients were followed up at 48 h, 2 months and 6 months postoperatively, when the dysphagia rate, Swallowing-Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) score and the thickness of prevertebral soft tissue were recorded.ResultsAt 48 h and 2 months, the dysphagia rate and thickness of prevertebral soft tissue were both significantly lower in group A than in group B, while the SWAL-QOL score of group A was significantly higher than that of group B. No significant difference was observed at 6 months.ConclusionFidji cervical cages could relieve postoperative dysphagia in the treatment of multilevel CSM with ACDF, especially at the first several months postoperatively.     

颈椎前路减压椎间融合器置入对椎间孔孔径的影响

目的 :探讨颈椎前路减压椎间融合器置入对椎间孔孔径的影响。方法 :回顾性分析2016年10月~2017年4月在我院行单节段颈椎前路减压椎间融合器置入术的29例神经根型或脊髓型颈椎病患者,其中男18例,女11例;年龄40~66岁(54.2±6.9岁);手术节段:C3/4 3例,C4/5 9例,C5/6 17例。将所有患者的术前、术后颈椎CT平扫数据导入Aquarius i Ntuition Viewer 4.4进行三维重建,确定测量层面,运用软件所带测量工具对手术节段、上位相邻节段和下位相邻节段双侧椎间孔孔径的相关指标进行测量,包括椎间孔上对角线、下对角线、高度和面积,对术前和术后手术节段、上位相邻节段及下位相邻节段双侧椎间孔的上对角线、下对角线、高度和面积进行统计学分析。结果:术前、术后同一节段双侧椎间孔的测量数据无显著性差异(P0.05),合并统计。术前手术节段、上位相邻节段及下位相邻节段椎间孔的上对角线和下对角线分别为5.55±0.81mm、5.64±1.00mm、5.48±0.95mm和6.11±0.99mm、5.91±1.02mm、6.07±1.02mm,术后分别5.49±0.92mm、5.73±0.94mm、5.45±0.81mm和6.04±1.06mm、6.06±0.96mm、6.01±1.01mm,术前、术后比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。术前手术节段、上位相邻节段及下位相邻节段的椎间孔高度和面积分别为8.70±1.08mm、9.60±0.98mm、9.20±1.0mm和0.35±0.08cm~2、0.41±0.12cm~2、0.36±0.09cm~2;术后手术节段、上位相邻节段及下位相邻节段的椎间孔高度和面积分别是9.35±1.02mm、9.02±1.15mm、8.62±1.08mm和0.38±0.08cm~2、0.39±0.12cm~2、0.34±0.09cm~2。术后手术节段椎间孔高度和面积较术前均显著性增大(P0.05),上位相邻节段和下位相邻节段椎间孔的高度和面积较术前显著性减小(P0.05)。结论:颈椎前路减压椎间融合器置入可以增大手术节段椎间孔的高度和面积,减小上位相邻节段和下位相邻节段的椎间孔高度和面积。     

Comparison between anterior cervical discectomy fusion and cervical corpectomy fusion using titanium cages for reconstruction: analysis of outcome and long-term follow-up

Retrospective comparative study of 80 consecutive patients treated with either anterior cervical discectomy fusion (ACDF) or anterior cervical corpectomy fusion (ACCF) for multi-level cervical spondylosis. To compare clinical outcome, fusion rates, and complications of anterior cervical reconstruction of multi-level ACDF and single-/multi-level ACCF performed using titanium mesh cages (TMCs) filled with autograft and anterior cervical plates (ACPs). Reconstruction of the cervical spine after discectomy or corpectomy with titanium cages filled with autograft has become an acceptable alternative to both allograft and autograft; however, there is no data comparing the outcome of multi-level ACDF and single-/multi-level ACCF using this reconstruction. We evaluated 80 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of multi-level cervical spondylosis at our institution from 1998 to 2001. In this series, 42 patients underwent multi-level ACDF (Group 1) and 38 patients underwent ACCF (Group 2). Interbody TMCs and local autograft bone with ACPs were used in both procedures. Medical records were reviewed to assess outcome. Clinical outcome was measured by Odom’s criteria. Operative time and blood loss were noted. Radiographs were obtained at 6 and 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (if necessary). Early hardware failures and pseudarthroses were noted. Cervical sagittal curvature was measured by Ishihara’s index at 1 year. Group 1 had a mean age 46.2 years (range 35–60 years). Group 2 had a mean age 50.1 years (range 35–70 years).The operative time was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and blood loss significantly higher (P < 0.001) in Group 2 than in Group 1. At a minimum of 1 year follow up, patients in both groups had equivalent improvement in their clinical symptoms. The fusion rates for Group 1 were 97.6 and 92.1% for Group 2. The rates of early hardware failure were higher in Group 2 (2.6%) than in Group 1 (0%). The fusion rates for Group 1 were not significantly higher than Group 2 (P > 0.28). There was one patient in Group 1 and 2 patients in Group 2 with pseudarthroses. Complication rates in Group 2 were not significantly higher (P > 0.341). Cervical lordosis was well-maintained (80%) in both groups. Both multi-level ACDF and ACCF with anterior cervical reconstruction using TMC filled with autograft and ACP for treatment of multi-level cervical spondylosis have high fusion rates and good clinical outcome. However, there is a higher rate of early hardware failure and pseudarthroses after ACCF than ACDF. Hence, in the absence of specific pathology requiring removal of vertebral body, multi-level ACDF using interbody cages and autologous bone graft could result in lower morbidity.     

Long term outcome and adjacent disc degeneration after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with titanium cylindrical cages

Background  Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is widely performed for the treatment of cervical spinal degenerative disease. Autogenic or allogenic bone grafts are used for interbody fusion with satisfactory long term outcomes. However, harvest of the autograft causes donor site complications and allograft is associated with low fusion rate. Threaded titanium cages (TC) have recently been introduced to cope with these disadvantages, but there is little evidence of long term results. Methods  The long term outcome was studied after ACDF using TC. Clinical and imaging follow up was performed in 41 patients for at least 5 years (range 5–8.3 years). New computer-assisted measurement methods for radiographs are proposed. Findings  ACDF with TC achieved 80% excellent or good outcome by Odom’s criteria, 95% fusion rate, and few minor complications. Asymptomatic adjacent disc degeneration was detected in 50% of the patients by our measurement methods. However, symptomatic adjacent disc degeneration occurred in 5% of the patients and only 2% required additional surgery. Conclusions  These results are comparable or better than those after ACDF with autograft or allograft. ACDF with TC can achieve rigid fixation and provide good long term results.     

Bone graft substitutes in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is a common surgical procedure for patients suffering pain and/or neurological deficits and unresponsive to conservative management. For decades, autologous bone grafted from the iliac crest has been used as a substrate for cervical arthrodesis. However patient dissatisfaction with donor site morbidity has led to the search for alternative techniques. We present a literature review examining the progress of available grafting options as assessed in human clinical trials, considering allograft-based, synthetic, factor- and cell-based technologies.     

A modified technique for anterior multilevel cervical fusion

 Anterior cervical fusion with interbody bone graft and anterior plating is commonly performed. Unfortunately, the plate has been reported to shield the graft from loading, thus reducing fusion rates. Interbody fusion cages have been effective in the lumbar spine and have gained acceptance in the cervical spine. Twenty-five patients underwent anterior cervical fusion with this modified technique. All patients received anterior diskectomy and corpectomy, placement of an interbody fusion cage packed with corpectomy bone, and application of an anterior cervical plate. Fusion was defined by radiographic evidence of trabecular bone bridging through the cage. No external bracing was used except soft collars as needed. Pre- and postoperative pain scales were completed and statistically analyzed using paired t tests. There were no cases of pseudoarthrosis or major neurological, vascular, or wound complications. There was one case of mild dysphagia that remained unresolved. Mean operative time was comparable to standard instrumented multilevel cervical fusion surgeries. Visual analogue pain scales were significantly improved following surgery. The advantages of using interbody cages with anterior plating include immediate stability and support, elimination of donor site pain from iliac crest bone autograft, and a decrease in pseudoarthrosis by halving the number of fusion surfaces. Received: November 15, 2000 / Accepted: December 18, 2001     

颈前路减压cage融合术与自体髂骨块植骨钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期疗效

目的:观察颈椎前路减压cage植骨融合术与颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期临床疗效。方法:2001年1月～2006年4月128例脊髓型颈椎病患者按照手术方式分为A、B两组,A组61例患者采用前路减压单纯PEEK cage植骨融合术治疗,其中病变节段与手术节段均为单节段22例,双节段39例;B组67例采用颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术,其中单节段27例,双节段40例。观察手术前后JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度情况。结果:A组手术时间为58.1±1.4min,术中出血量为42.4±2.0ml,B组分别为72.0±5.3min、82.7±3.9ml,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组23例(39.3%)出现一过性咽部不适,1例硬脊膜破裂,2例cage塌陷、移位;B组49例(73.1%)出现一过性咽部不适,1例硬脊膜破裂,5例髂骨供区痛,2例钉板松动。每组患者术后JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度均较术前明显改善(P<0.05),A、B组术后JOA评分改善率分别为(82.30±6.61)%和(83.80±4.42)%,组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访24～60个月,平均36个月,末次随访时A、B组椎间融合率分别为95.2%和96.3%,两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);末次随访时每组JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度与术后比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术前、术后和末次随访时JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:颈椎前路减压cage植骨融合术与颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期疗效均较好,但前者手术方法简单、近期并发症少。     

钛质外科网和自体髂骨块在颈椎前路减压融合术中应用的对比性研究

目的:比较钛质外科网(简称“钛网”)与自体髂骨块在颈椎前路减压融合术中恢复、维持颈椎曲度及椎间高度上的差异。方法:对59例确诊为脊髓型颈椎病的患者行颈椎前路减压融合术,其中22例行钛网植骨加AO纯钛带锁钢板内固定,37例行自体髂骨块植入加AO纯钛带锁钢板内固定。分别摄术前、术后即刻、术后随访时的颈椎标准侧位X线片,以Cobb角测量融合节段的前凸(或后凸),以D值评价颈椎的前凸(或后凸),同时测量融合节段椎体前缘高度(HAB)、后缘高度(HPB)。对各参数不同时期间差值分别行组间配对t检验。结果:经9~18个月随访(平均10.8个月),所有病例均获骨性融合。术后3个月钛网组及自体髂骨块组融合节段后高(HPB)和前凸Cobb角相对于术后即刻变化有显著性差异(P<0.01);术后6个月钛网组及自体髂骨块组融合节段后高(HPB)和前凸Cobb角相对于术后3个月变化有显著性关(P<0.01)。但两组的D值无显著性差异。结论:在维持融合节段椎体后缘高度和前凸上钛网优于自体髂骨块,但在维持颈椎曲度上无显著性差异。     

单节段颈前路椎间融合术后ROI-C融合器沉降的相关因素分析

目的 :分析采用ROI-C行颈前路单节段椎间盘切除减压融合(anterior cervical discectomy and fusion,ACDF)术后融合器沉降的相关因素。方法:回顾总结采用ROI-C行单节段ACDF治疗颈椎间盘退变性疾病的83例患者资料。记录患者年龄、性别、手术节段、吸烟史及骨密度检查结果。在术前颈椎侧位X线片上测量颈椎整体曲度(cervical alignment,CA)、融合节段角度(segmental angle,SA)、椎间隙前高度(anterior disc height,ADH)和椎间隙后高度(posterior disc height,PDH)。将随访的中立位颈椎侧位X线片与术后即刻比较,ADH或PDH丢失2mm判定为融合器沉降,分入沉降(subsidence)组(S组,22例),并记录沉降的部位;≤2mm分入未沉降(nonsubsidence)组(N组,61例)。应用独立样本t检验、χ~2检验对以上参数行组间比较,采用多变量Logistic回归分析单节段ACDF术后ROI-C沉降的危险因素。将危险因素进一步分组使用χ~2检验计算似然比(likelihood ratio,LR)进行评价。结果 :单节段ACDF术后ROI-C沉降发生率为26.5%(22/83),其中陷入椎体前方终板者占63.6%(14/22)。S组、N组年龄分别为59.86±12.11岁、52.77±10.34岁,差异有统计学意义(P=0.010);性别、吸烟史、手术节段和骨密度均无统计学差异(P0.05)。S组术前的CA、SA、ADH分别为-0.800°±5.637°、0.432°±2.162°和3.768±1.210mm,N组分别为4.893°±5.718°、1.198°±1.826°和5.066±1.257mm,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.001,P=0.031和P0.001),两组的PDH差异无统计学意义(P=0.092)。多变量Logistic回归分析显示术前CA和年龄是ROI-C沉降的危险因素(P=0.014和P=0.038)。根据术前CA情况将患者分为术前CA后凸(CA0°)和前凸(CA≥0°)组,根据术前年龄将患者分为60岁和≥60岁组,χ~2检验显示术前CA后凸和60岁以上病例ROI-C沉降概率分别比前凸和60岁以下病例高12.5倍和4.5倍(LR=12.529,P0.001;LR=4.454,P=0.030)。结论 :术前CA后凸和年龄60岁以上是单节段ACDF术后ROI-C沉降的危险因素。选择ROI-C行单节段ACDF治疗颈椎间盘退变性疾病时应考虑这两项因素的影响。     

Outcome of single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 cage

Background:

Cages have been widely used for the anterior reconstruction and fusion of cervical spine. Nonmetal cages have become popular due to prominent stress shielding and high rate of subsidence of metallic cages. This study aims to assess fusion with n-HA/PA66 cage following one level anterior cervical discectomy.

Materials and Methods:

Forty seven consecutive patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy underwent single level ACDF using n-HA/PA66 cage. We measured the segmental lordosis and intervertebral disc height on preoperative radiographs and then calculated the loss of segmental lordosis correction and cage subsidence over followup. Fusion status was evaluated on CT scans. Odom criteria, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Visual Analog Pain Scales (VAS) scores were used to assess the clinical results. Statistically quantitative data were analyzed while Categorical data by χ² test.

Results:

Mean correction of segmental lordosis from surgery was 6.9 ± 3.0° with a mean loss of correction of 1.7 ± 1.9°. Mean cage subsidence was 1.2 ± 0.6 mm and the rate of cage subsidence (>2 mm) was 2%. The rate of fusion success was 100%. No significant difference was found on clinical or radiographic outcomes between the patients (n=27) who were fused by n-HA/PA66 cage with pure local bone and the ones (n=20) with hybrid bone (local bone associating with bone from iliac crest).

Conclusions:

The n-HA/PA66 cage is a satisfactory reconstructing implant after anterior cervical discectomy, which can effectively promote bone graft fusion and prevent cage subsidence.     

Disc height loss after anterior cervical microdiscectomy with titanium intervertebral cage fusion

Summary ¶Background. The use of a graft in cervical inter-vertebral disc repair is still a controversial procedure. The aim of the treatment is to restore the physiological disc height and to achieve fusion. This study was performed to determine the rate of narrowing of the cervical intervertebral disc after using a titanium cervical intervertebral cage (BAK-C; Sulzer Spine Tech, Minneapolis, MN). Methods. 43 patients were included in the study. Each had a cervical disc protrusion, resulting in radiculopathy. All underwent surgery involving an anterior one level cervical microdiscectomy and fusion with a cylindrical titanium cage. The mean follow-up time was 18±5 months. Findings. The extent of the mean narrowing rate of disc space was 35.6±9%. The fusion rate was 98% and the mean time to fusion was 6 months. Interpretation. The use of a cervical intervertebral cage in anterior cervical microdiscectomy does not prevent the loss of the height of the cervical disc space after the operation.Published online July 25, 2003     

双节段颈椎前路椎体次全切除融合术后钛笼下沉的影响因素分析

目的 探讨双节段颈椎前路椎体次全切除融合术(anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion,ACCF)后钛笼(titanium mesh cage,TMC)下沉的影响因素.方法 回顾性分析我院2011年1月至2013年4月收治的86例应用TMC内固定行ACCF患者的颈椎正侧位片及临床资料,随访6个月,根据TMC下沉与否分为下沉组和非下沉组,分析术后TMC下沉与年龄、性别、手术节段、临床疗效、病变节段撑开角度及安置位置的相关性.结果 术后6个月,86例患者中有22例发生TMC下沉(25.6％),下沉组和非下沉组的年龄、性别、手术节段(C5～G)、骨密度、身体质量指数(BMI)之间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两组术后日本骨科协会评分(Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores,JOA)均较术前明显改善,且非下沉组高于下沉组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),但两组融合率的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);椎间撑开角度＜30°与≥30°,对下沉发生率的影响不同,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);椎体前缘与钛笼前缘间距＜1 mm与≥1 mm,对下沉发生率的影响不同,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 椎间撑开角度和安放位置可能是影响TMC术后下沉的重要因素,此外年龄、性别、手术节段(C5～C7)、骨密度、BMI对TMC下沉均有不同程度的影响.     

应用异体骨螺纹融合器行颈椎前路融合的疗效分析

目的:评价应用异体骨螺纹融合器(ATFC)行颈椎前路融合的疗效,观察融合器的转归。方法:20例患者行单间隙前路颈椎间盘切除减压后置入ATFC,并与20例植入自体髂骨(AICA)者对照。根据影像学资料,观察不同时期ATFC在体内的变化,测量椎间高度及节段前凸角改变,判断融合情况,并根据Odom标准评价临床疗效。结果:ATFC组与AICA组各有18例获随访,平均随访时间分别为3.5年与3.4。ATFC年组优良率77.8%,AICA组83.3%。ATFC组不融合率16.7%,AICA组11.1%,两组临床疗效及融合率比较差异无显著性。ATFC在术后2￣4个月破裂;年时大部分未被新生骨替代;年时部分被新生骨替代;年时仍未被完全替代。135ATFC组椎间高度平均丢失2.7mm,AICA组丢失1.4mm。ATFC组节段前凸角平均丢失4.5°AICA组丢失1.7°,。两组椎间高度及节段前凸角丢失比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论:ATFC在体内的替代是一缓慢过程,其维持椎间高度及节段前凸能力较自体髂骨差。     

Three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in elderly patients with wedge shaped tricortical autologous graft: A consecutive prospective series

Background:

Treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy/radiculopathy is a matter of debate, more so in elderly patients due to compromised physiology. We evaluated the clinical and radiological results of cervical fusion, using wedge-shaped tricortical autologous iliac graft and Orion plate for three-level anterior cervical discectomy in elderly patients.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve elderly patients with mean age of 69.7 years (65–76 years) were treated between April 2000 and March 2005, for three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, using wedge-shaped tricortical autologous iliac graft and Orion plate. Outcome was recorded clinically according to Odom''s criteria and radiologically in terms of correction of lordosis angle and intervertebral disc height span at the time of bony union. The mean follow-up was 29.8 months (12–58 months).

Results:

All the patients had a complete recovery of clinical symptoms after surgery. Postoperative score according to Odom''s criteria was excellent in six patients and good in remaining six. Bony union was achieved in all the patients with average union time of 12 weeks (8–20 weeks). The mean of sum of three segment graft height collapse was 2.50 mm (SD = 2.47). The average angle of lordosis was corrected from 18.2° (SD = 2.59°) preoperatively to 24.9° (SD = 4.54°) at the final follow-up. This improvement in the radiological findings is statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Cervical fusion with wedge-shaped tricortical autologous iliac graft and Orion plate for three-level anterior cervical discectomy is an acceptable technique in elderly patients. It gives satisfactory results in terms of clinical outcome, predictable early solid bony union, and maintenance of disc space height along with restoration of cervical lordosis.     

自锁式颈椎前路椎间融合治疗单间隙脊髓型颈椎病

目的：探讨自锁式颈椎前路椎间融合器治疗单椎间隙脊髓型颈椎病（CSM）的近期临床疗效。方法2010年3月至2011年12月广州军区广州总医院采用颈椎前路椎间盘髓核摘除、减压、自锁式椎间融合器植骨融合术治疗单间隙CSM患者39例,其中C3/410例、C4/517例、C5/612例。记录手术时间、术中失血量、住院时间及并发症发生情况;评估术前及术后3、6、12个月患者视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分和日本骨科学会（JOA）评分;同时测量手术前后融合节段Cobb角和椎间隙高度,判断椎间稳定性。结果手术时间（50±10）min,术中失血量（30±5）mL,住院时间（4.9±1.2）d,术后均未发现吞咽困难、伤口血肿、呼吸困难等并发症。39例患者获得随访,随访时间13～26个月（平均17.5个月）。术后3、6、12个月VAS评分、JOA评分、Cobb角及椎间高度均优于术前,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。按VAS评估标准,术后12个月随访时优27例、良10例、可2例,优良率95%（37/39）;按JOA评分标准,术后12个月随访时优21例、良15例、可3例,优良率92%（36/39）。随访过程中未发现融合器移位、下沉、断裂,术后12个月颈椎过屈过伸位X线片判断椎间稳定率100%。结论自锁式颈椎前路椎间融合器具有良好的力学稳定性,可有效恢复颈椎生理曲度和椎间隙高度,治疗单间隙CSM具有手术创伤小、操作简单、并发症少、住院时间短等优点,椎管减压效果确切,临床症状获得有效改善。     

颈椎前路手术后吞咽困难的原因分析

目的：探讨颈椎前路手术后发生吞咽困难的相关因素。方法：随访2002年10月～2004年10月间颈椎前路手术患者490例。其巾男306例，女184例；年龄12～76岁，平均47．2岁；诊断为颈椎病415例，颈椎骨折脱位43例．颈椎间盘突出症22例，颈椎椎体肿瘤8例．颈椎结核2例。观察患者手术后是否存在吞咽困难；对于存在吞咽困难的患者均静脉应用地塞米松及对症治疗。结果：共有96例（19．6％）患者出现不同程度吞咽困难，持续时间3周～24个月。男42例，女54例，年龄38～63岁，平均57．6岁。96例吞咽困难患者巾，使用钛板内同定89例．使用颈椎椎间融合器7例：颈椎融合术未加内固定者及颈椎人工间盘置换者均未出现吞咽困难病例。女性、高龄及使用钛板内植物等因素与吞咽困难之间存在相关性。96例患者平均随访14．2个月，90例（93．7％）吞咽困难的症状消失或减轻，6例（6.3％）症状无改善。结论：吞咽困难是颈椎前路手术后常见的并发症；其发生可能与多种因素有关。临床医生应给予相应重视和采取相应措施以减少其发生。     

Evaluation of a new type of titanium mesh cage versus the traditional titanium mesh cage for single-level, anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion

Study design

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data in an academic institution.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new type of titanium mesh cage (TMC) in single-level, anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).

Methods

Fifty-eight patients consecutive with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) from cervical degenerative spondylosis and isolated ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were treated with a single-level ACCF using either a new type of TMC (28 patients, group A) or the traditional TMC (30 patients, group B). We evaluated the patients for TMC subsidence, cervical lordosis (C2–C7 Cobb and Cobb of fused segments) and fusion status for a minimum of 30 months postoperatively based on spine radiographs. In addition, neurologic outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores. Neck pain was evaluated using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

The loss of height of the fused segments was less for group A than for group B (0.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.8 ± 0.4 mm) (p < 0.01); also, there was a lower rate of severe subsidence (≥3 mm) in group A (4 %, 1/28) than in group B (17 %, 5/30) (p < 0.01). There were no differences in the C2–C7 Cobb and Cobb of fused segments between the groups preoperatively or at final follow-up (p > 0.05), but the Cobb of fused segments immediately postoperative were significantly less for group B than for group A (p < 0.01). All patients, however, had successful fusion (100 %, each). Both groups had marked improvement in the JOA score after operation (p < 0.01), with no significant differences in the JOA recovery ratio (p > 0.05). The postoperative VAS neck pain scores for group A were significantly less than that for group B (p < 0.05); severe subsidence was correlated with neck pain.

Conclusions

The new type of TMC provides comparable clinical results and fusion rates with the traditional TMC for patients undergoing single-level corpectomy. The new design TMC decreases postoperative subsidence (compared to the traditional TMC); the unique design of the new type of TMC matches the vertebral endplate morphology which appears to decrease the severity of subsidence-related neck pain in follow-up.     

椎体原位骨屑植骨技术在颈前路椎间盘切除减压融合内固定术中的应用

目的 分析椎体原位骨屑植骨技术在颈前路椎间盘切除减压融合内固定术(Anterior cervical discectomy and fu-sion,ACDF)中的应用效果.方法 回顾性分析自2015-01-2018-12采用ACDF治疗的184例退行性颈椎病,104例采用椎体原位骨屑植骨技术进行椎间融合(原位骨屑组),...