Surgical outcomes of posterior thoracic interbody fusion for thoracic disc herniations

Introduction

Surgical strategy for thoracic disc herniation (TDH) remains controversial. We have performed posterior thoracic interbody fusion (PTIF) by bilateral total facetectomies with pedicle screw fixation. The objectives of this retrospective study are to demonstrate the surgical outcomes of PTIF for TDH.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 11 patients who underwent PTIF for myelopathy due to TDH and were followed for at least 1 year. The mean age at surgery was 55.2 years and the average period of follow-up was 4.3 years. The levels of operation were T10–T11 in three cases, T12–L1 in three, and T2–T3, T3–T4, T9–T10, T11–T12, and T10–T12 in one case, respectively. The pre- and postoperative clinical status was evaluated according to the modified Frankel grade and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score modified for thoracic myelopathy. Additionally, postoperative complications were assessed. Local kyphosis at the operated segment and status of fusion were evaluated using plain radiographs and computed tomography.

Results

Improvement of at least one modified Frankel grade was observed in all but one patient. Average pre- and postoperative JOA scores were 4.9 and 8.8 points, respectively. The average recovery rate was 61 %. Bony union was observed in ten cases. One patient’s postsurgical outcome resulted in pseudoarthrosis, which required revision surgery due to kyphosis deterioration. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed in one patient postoperatively with neither neurological deficit nor evidence of infection.

Conclusion

PTIF has produced satisfactory outcomes for myelopathy due to TDH. Therefore, PTIF is one of the surgical treatments of choice for patients with TDH causing myelopathy.     

Additional decompression at adjacent segments leads to adjacent segment degeneration after PLIF

Purpose

Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) is one of the major complications of lumbar fusion. Several previous retrospective studies reported ASD after PLIF. However, few reports evaluated whether decompression surgery combined with fusion surgery increases the rate of complications in adjacent segments. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the degeneration in decompressed adjacent segments after PLIF.

Methods

A total of 23 patients (12 men, 11 women; average age, 58.6) who underwent PLIF surgery [1 level (n = 9), 2 levels (n = 8), 3 levels (n = 4), 4 levels (n = 2)] were included. Additional adjacent decompression above or below the level of interbody fusion was performed at 25 levels and no adjacent decompression was performed at 15 levels. We retrospectively investigated ASD by X-ray films of all 40 adjacent segments (above and below fusion level) and clinical outcomes of all 23 cases.

Results

Of the 40 adjacent segments, 19 (47.5 %) showed ASD and 9 (22.5 %) showed symptomatic ASD. In the 19 segments with ASD, ASD occurred in 16 of 25 (64.0 %) segments at decompressed sites compared with 3 of 15 (20.0 %) non-decompressed sites. The ratio of ASD in adjacent segments was significantly higher at decompressed sites than at non-decompressed sites (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

ASD occurs frequently in association with additional decompression above or below the level of PLIF. In cases in which the adjacent segments require decompression, a surgical strategy that preserves as much of the posterior complex as possible should be selected.     

A comparative study between local bone graft with a cage and with no cage in single posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF): a multicenter study

Objective

A retrospective study was performed to compare the clinical and radiological results between local bone graft with a cage and without using a cage in patients treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

Methods

A total of 115 consecutive patients who underwent PLIF in three institutions were evaluated from December 2005 to December 2010. 53 patients received PLIF with local bone graft combined with using one PEEK cage, and 62 patients received the PLIF with local bone graft without using a cage. The clinical data and perioperative complications of the patients in the two groups were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were taken to calculate the disc height and the interbody bony fusion rate. Functional outcome was assessed using the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria at the follow-up time. The results between the cage group and no cage group were compared.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 19 months in no cage group and 18.5 months in cage group (P = 0.716). 20.9 % of patients (13 cases) in no cage group and 20.7 % of patients (11 cases) in cage group developed surgical complications perioperatively (P = 0.978). 51.6 % patients in no cage group got excellent functional outcome at the final follow-up while 54.7 % patients in cage group (P = 0.944). The mean interbody bony fusion time was 7.5 ± 4.5 months in no cage group and 8 ± 3.5 months in cage group (P = 0.841). According to the radiographs measurement, no significant difference was found for the disc height at each level between the two groups at the final follow-up.

Conclusion

Local bone graft without a cage is as beneficial as that with a cage for PLIF. Comparing with local bone graft using a single cage, we believe that the purely local bone graft is a more ideal way in single PLIF.     

Single segment of posterior lumbar interbody fusion for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis: reduction or fusion in situ

Objective

We prospectively compared surgical reduction or fusion in situ with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis in terms of surgical invasiveness, clinical and radiographical outcomes, and complications.

Methods

From January 2006 to June 2008, 88 adult patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent surgical treatment in our unit were randomized to reduced group (group 1, n = 45) and in situ group (group 2, n = 43), and followed up for average 32.5 months (range 24–54 months). The clinical and radiographical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The average operative time and blood loss during surgery showed insignificant difference (p > 0.05) between two groups. The radiological outcomes were significantly better in group 1, but there was no significant difference between two groups of clinical outcomes, depicting as VAS, ODI, JOA and patients’ satisfaction surveys. Incident rate of surgical complications was similar in two groups, but in group 1 the complication seemed more severe because of two patients with neurological symptoms.

Conclusions

For the adult isthmic spondylolisthesis without degenerative disease in adjacent level, single segment of PLIF with pedicle screw fixation is an effective and safe surgical procedure regardless of whether additional reduction had been conducted or not. Better radiological outcome does not mean better clinical outcome.     

The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate and bone marrow aspirate as a bone graft substitute in posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Purpose

Due to the disadvantages of iliac crest bone and the poor bone quality of autograft gained from decompression surgery, alternative filling materials for posterior lumbar interbody fusion cages have been developed. β-Tricalcium phosphate is widely used in cages. However, data regarding the fusion rate of β-TCP assessed by computer tomography are currently not available.

Materials

A prospective clinical trial involving 34 patients (56.7 years) was performed: 26 patients were treated with single-level, five patients double-level and three patients triple-level PLIF filled with β-TCP and bone marrow aspirate perfusion, and additional posterior pedicle screw fixation. Fusion was assessed by CT and X-rays 1 year after surgery using a validated fusion scale published previously. Functional status was evaluated with the visual analogue scale and the Oswestry Disability Index before and 1 year after surgery.

Results

Forty-five levels in 34 patients were evaluated by CT and X-ray with a follow-up period of at least 1 year. Clinically, the average ODI and VAS for leg and back scores improved significantly (P < 0.001). CT assessment revealed solid fusion in 12 levels (26.67 %) and indeterminate fusion in 15 levels (34.09 %). Inadequate fusion (non-union) was detected in 17 levels (38.63 %).

Conclusion

The technique of PLIF using β-TCP yielded a good clinical outcome 1 year after surgery, however, a high rate of pseudoarthrosis was found in this series therefore, we do not recommend β-TCP as a bone graft substitute using the PLIF technique.     

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumber interbody fusion and degenerative lumbar spine disease

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease.

Methods

A prospective analysis of 34 consecutive patients who underwent a MI-TLIF using image guidance between July 2008 and November 2010. The patient group comprised 19 males and 15 females (mean age 56), 23 of whom had undergone additional reduction of spondylolisthesis. All patients underwent post-operative CT imaging to assess pedicle screw, cage placement and fusion at 6 months. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were recorded pre-operatively and at 6-month follow up.

Results

33/34 (97.1 %) patients showed evidence of fusion at 6 months with a mean improvement of 27 on ODI scores. The mean length of hospital stay was 4 days. The mean operative time was 173 min.

Complications observed

1/34 (2.9 %) suffered a pulmonary embolism and 1/34 (2.9 %) patients developed transient nerve root pain post-operatively. There were no occurrences of infection and no post-operative CSF leaks.

Conclusion

MI-TLIF offers patients a safe and effective surgical treatment option to treat degenerative lumbar spine disease.     

Bone union rate with autologous iliac bone versus local bone graft in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF): a multicenter study

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare bone union rate between autologous iliac bone and local bone graft in patients treated by posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using carbon cage for single level interbody fusion.

Methods

The subjects were 106 patients whose course could be observed for at least 2 years. The diagnosis was lumbar spinal canal stenosis in 46 patients, herniated lumbar disk in 12 patients and degenerative spondylolisthesis in 51 patients. Single interbody PLIF was done using iliac bone graft in 53 patients and local bone graft in 56 patients. Existence of pseudo-arthrosis on X-P (AP and lateral view) was investigated during the same follow up period.

Results

No significant differences were found in operation time and blood loss. Significant differences were also not observed in fusion grade at any follow up period or in fusion progression between the two groups. Donor site pain continued for more than 3 months in five cases (9 %). The final fusion rate was 96.3 versus 98.3 %.

Conclusions

Almost the same results in fusion were obtained from both the local bone group and the autologous iliac bone group. Fusion progression was almost the same. Complications at donor sites were seen in 19 % of the cases. From the above results, it was concluded that local bone graft is as beneficial as autologous iliac bone graft for PLIF at a single level.     

Comparison between posterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterolateral fusion with transpedicular screw fixation for isthmic spondylolithesis: a meta-analysis

Introduction

Primary aim of this study was to compare long-term pain relief and quality of life in adults with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) who were treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and posterolateral fusion (PLF). Secondary aim was to compare the fusion and infection rates of PLIF- or PLF-treated groups.

Materials and methods

We searched four databases and the cited reference lists of the included studies. Inclusion criteria were pain assessment with visual analog scale (VAS), and clinical studies that compared long-term pain relief of PLF and PLIF-treated adults with IS. Exclusion criteria were use of only one treatment and non-English language.

Results

Three of five included studies used VAS to assess the decline in low back pain, radicular pain, or leg pains in PLF- or PLIF-treated patients during the follow-up periods (0.5–6 years). Long-term pain relief significantly improved in both treatment groups. Pooled differences in mean improvement of Oswestry disability index after the operation revealed no significant difference in pain relief between the PLF and PLIF groups (P = 0.856). The five studies together indicated that fusion rate was significantly greater in the PLIF group than that in the PLF group.

Conclusions

The majority of PLIF- and PLF-treated adults with low-grade IS experienced long-term pain relief to a similar extent in most studies. PLIF treatment provided significantly better fusion rates than PLF treatment. This meta-analysis indicates that the use of separate, well-defined scales for pain relief and functional outcomes are needed in studies of PLF or PLIF-treated patients.     

改良后路椎间融合术治疗退行性腰椎滑脱

目的探讨改良后路椎间融合术（posteriorlumbarinterbodyfusion．PLIF）治疗退行性腰椎滑脱的临床效果。方法2005年3月～2009年9月,82例退行性腰椎滑脱患者随机平均分成2组,分别使用改良PLIF术和传统PLIF术治疗。记录所有患者术前、术后疼痛视觉模拟量表（visualanaloguescale,VAS）评分和日本骨科学会（JapaneseOrthopaedicAssociation,JOA）评分,并计算JOA改善率。结果术后随访12～54个月,平均27．5个月。改良PLIF组和传统PLIF组JOA评分术后3个月和末次随访与术前相比差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,术后3个月与末次随访相比差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。2组VAS评分术后3个月和末次随访与术前相比差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,术后3个月与末次随访相比差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。末次随访时2组JOA评分和VAS评分相比,差异均尤统计学意义（P〉0．05）。2组住院时间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,而手术时间、术中出血量差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论改良PLIF术治疗退行性腰椎滑脱可以获得与传统PLIF术相同的临床效果,且具有手术时间短、术中出血量少、组织损伤轻等优点。     

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) versus posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in lumbar spondylolisthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Context

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) are both frequently used as a surgical treatment for lumbar spondylolisthesis. Because of the unilateral transforaminal route to the intervertebral space used in TLIF, as opposed to the bilateral route used in PLIF, TLIF could be associated with fewer complications, shorter duration of surgery, and less blood loss, whereas the effectiveness of both techniques on back or leg pain is equal.

Neurologic deficit following lateral lumbar interbody fusion

Purpose

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a minimally invasive technique that has gained growing interest in recent years. We performed a retrospective review of the medical records and operative reports of patients undergoing LLIF between March 2006 and December 2009. We seek to identify the incidence and nature of neurological deficits following LLIF.

Methods

New occurring sensory and motor deficits were recorded at 6 and 12 weeks as well as 6- and 12 months of follow-up. Motor deficits were grouped according to the muscle weakness and severity and sensory deficits to the dermatomal zone. New events were correlated to the patient demographics, pre-operative diagnosis, operative levels, and duration of surgery. At each post-operative time-point patients were queried regarding the presence of leg pain.

Results

A total of 235 patients (139 F; 96 M) with a total of 444 levels fused were included. Average age was 61.5 and mean BMI 28.3. At 12 months’ follow-up, the prevalence of sensory deficits was 1.6%, psoas mechanical deficit was 1.6% and lumbar plexus related deficits 2.9%. Although there was no significant correlation between the surgical level L4–5 and an increased psoas mechanical flexion or lumbar plexus related motor deficit, a trend was observed. Independent risk factors for both psoas mechanical hip flexion deficit and lumbar plexus related motor deficit was duration of surgery.

Conclusion

LLIF is a valuable tool for achieving fusion through a minimally invasive approach with little risk to neurovascular structures.     

Thoracoscopic interbody fusion with percutaneous posterior stabilization for thoracic and thoracolumbar injuries

Background context

Traumatic thoracolumbar discoligamentous injuries and partial burst fractures are commonly managed through posterior-only stabilization. Many cases present later with failure of posterior implant and progressive kyphotic deformities that necessitates major surgeries. Anterior interbody fusion saves the patients unnecessary long-segment fixation and provides a stable definitive solution for the injured segment.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of combined minimal invasive short-segment posterior percutaneous instrumentation and anterior thoracoscopic-assisted fusion in thoracolumbar partial burst fractures or discoligamentous injuries.

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Patient sample

Thirty patients with acute thoracic or thoracolumbar injuries operated upon between December 2007 and January 2009.

Outcome measures

Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), clinical and neurological examination for clinical assessment. Plain X-ray for radiological evaluation.

Methods

Preoperative evaluation included clinical and neurological examination, plain X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Posterior short-segment percutaneous stabilization plus anterior thoracoscopically assisted fusion in prone position were done. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years (range 24–48 months).

Results

The mean age was 44 years. The commonest affected segment was between T10 and L1 (22 patients, 73 %). The mean total operative time was 103 min. The mean operative blood loss was 444 ml. Interbody fusion cage was used in 28 patients while iliac graft in two cases. Fusion rate at the final follow-up was 97 % (29 patients); one patient did not show definitive fusion although he was clinically satisfied. The mean final follow-up ODI was 12 %. The mean preoperative kyphosis angle was 22° improved to 6.5° postoperatively and was 7.5° at final follow-up. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Combined anterior thoracoscopic fusion and short-segment posterior percutaneous instrumentation showed good clinical and radiographic outcomes in cases of thoracolumbar injuries through limiting the instrumented levels and preventing progress of posttraumatic kyphosis.     

Early results of stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion in iatrogenic spondylolisthesis patients

Background

Iatrogenic spondylolisthesis is a challenging condition for spinal surgeons. Posterior surgery in these cases is complicated by poor anatomical landmarks, scar tissue adhesion of muscle and dural structures and difficult access to the intervertebral disc. Anterior interbody fusion provides an alternative treatment method, allowing indirect foraminal decompression, reliable disc clearance and implantation of large surface area implants.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with iatrogenic spondylolisthesis including pre- and post-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores was performed. Imaging criteria were pelvic incidence, overall lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis. In addition, the fusion rate was investigated after 6 months.

Results

Six consecutive patients treated between 2008 and 2011 (4 female, 2 male, mean age 61 ± 7.1 years) were identified. The initially performed surgeries included decompression with or without discectomy; posterior instrumented and non-instrumented fusion. The olisthetic level was in all cases at the decompressed level. All patients were revised with stand-alone anterior interbody fusion devices at the olisthetic level filled with BMP 2. Average ODI dropped from 49 ± 11 % pre-operatively to 26.0 ± 4.0 at 24 months follow-up. VAS average dropped from 7 ± 1 to 2 ± 0. Mean total lordosis of 39.8 ± 2.8° increased to 48.5 ± 4.9° at pelvic incidences of 48.8 ± 6.8° pre-operatively. Mean segmental lordosis at L4/5 improved from 10.5 ± 6.7° to 19.0 ± 4.9° at 24 months. Mean segmental lordosis in L5/S1 increased from 15.1 ± 7.4° to 23.2 ± 5.6°. Cage subsidence due to severe osteoporosis occurred in one case after 5 months, and hence there was no further follow-up. Fusion was confirmed in all other patients.

Conclusion

Anterior interbody fusion offers good stabilisation and restoration of lordosis in iatrogenic spondylolisthesis and avoids the well-known problems associated with reentering the spinal canal for revision fusions. In this group, ODI and VAS scores were improved.     

Lumbar spine stability after combined application of interspinous fastener and modified posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a biomechanical study

Introduction

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and internal fixation are commonly performed for the treatment of lower back pain due to lumbar spinal degeneration. We have developed a novel interspinous fixation device, the interspinous fastener (ISF) for potential use in the surgical management of degenerative spinal disease. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro biomechanical characteristics of calf lumbar spine specimens after ISF fixation with modified PLIF.

Materials and methods

Ten lumbar spine (L3–L6) specimens from ten fresh calf cadavers (8–10 weeks of age) were used. Each specimen underwent sequential testing for each of the following four groups: no instrumentation (INTACT); interspinous fusion device fixation + PLIF (ISF); unilateral pedicle screw and titanium rod fixation + PLIF (UPS); bilateral pedicle screw and titanium rod fixation + PLIF (BPS). Outcome measures included angular range of motion (ROM) during unloaded and loaded (8 Nm) flexion, extension, left bending, right bending, left torsion and right torsion.

Results

For all unloaded and loaded assessments, ROM was significantly higher in the INTACT group compared with all other groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, ROM was significantly higher in the UPS group (indicating decreased stability) compared with the ISF and BPS groups (P < 0.05). The only significant difference between the ISF and BPS groups was in the ROM with unloaded extension (higher in the BPS group, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

We found that ISF fixation with PLIF of the lower lumbar spine provided biomechanical stability that was equivalent to that associated with bilateral pedicle screw/rod fixation with PLIF. The ISF shows potential as an alternative means of fixation in the surgical management of degenerative spinal disease.     

Volumetric change in interbody bone graft after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF): a prospective study

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to quantify the change in the volume of the interbody bone graft after the PLIF and monitor the change over time for subsequent analysis.

Methods

The 114 cases were selected as the subjects of this study. The observation period was for 5 years following the surgery. The volume of the bone graft in the interbody space was calculated by summing up the cross-sectional area of the bone graft on each axial image multiplied by the height (2 mm) (the volume of the two cages was excluded). The volume ratio (%) = (bone graft volume)/(total volume of the interbody space ? cage volume) was used for the purpose of evaluation.

Results

The volumetric change of the bone graft was 51 % (3 months), 53 % (6 months), 54 % (1 year), 55 % (2 years), 59 % (3 years), 62 % (4 years), and 72 % (5 years), indicating a continued increase up to the 5-year mark. In particular, a significant increase was observed from the second year as compared with the previous years’ result. Additionally, the volumetric increase from the second year to the fifth year was significantly higher than that before the second year.

Conclusions

The post-PLIF volumes of interbody bone grafts exhibited increases particularly from the second to fifth years after the procedure. Even the elderly and those with poor bone qualities can expect to have volumetric increases over time. Sufficient interbody space should be secured for accommodating bone grafts by intraoperative reduction, wherever possible.     

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with stenosis

Background Context

Laminectomy with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) has been shown to achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes, but it leads to potential adverse consequences associated with extensive disruption of posterior bony and soft tissue structures.

Stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration following previous lumbar fusion

Background Context

Revision posterior decompression and fusion surgery for patients with symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) is associated with significant morbidity and is technically challenging. The use of a stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in patients with symptomatic ASD may prevent many of the complications associated with revision posterior surgery.

Interspinous spacers versus posterior lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spinal diseases: a meta-analysis of prospective studies

Purpose

Our aim is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of interspinous spacers versus posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for degenerative lumbar spinal diseases.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library through September 2015. Included studies were performed according to eligibility criteria. Data of complication rate, post-operative back visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, length of hospital stay (LOS), range of motion (ROM) at the surgical, proximal and distal segments were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Ten studies were selected from 177 citations. The pooled data demonstrated the interspinous spacers group had a lower estimated blood loss (weighted mean difference [WMD]: ?175.66 ml; 95 % confidence interval [CI], ?241.03 to ?110.30; p?<?0.00001), shorter operative time (WMD: ?55.47 min; 95%CI, ?74.29 to ?36.65; p?<?0.00001), larger range of motion (ROM) at the surgical segment (WMD: 3.97 degree; 95%CI, ?3.24 to ?1.91; p?<?0.00001) and more limited ROM at the proximal segment (WMD: ?2.58 degree; 95%CI, 2.48 to 5.47; p?<?0.00001) after operation. Post-operative back VAS score, ODI score, length of hospital stay, complication rate and ROM at the distal segment showed no difference between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggested that interspinous spacers appear to be a safe and effective alternative to PLIF for selective patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. However, more randomized controlled trials (RCT) are still needed to further confirm our results.

     

Influence of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures on spinal and pelvic parameters of sagittal balance

Introduction

Restitution of sagittal balance is important after lumbar fusion, because it improves fusion rate and may reduce the rate of adjacent segment disease. The purpose of the present study was to describe the impact of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures on pelvic and spinal parameters and sagittal balance.

Materials and methods

Forty-five patients who had single-level TLIF were included in this study. Pelvic and spinal radiological parameters of sagittal balance were measured preoperatively, postoperatively and at latest follow-up.

Results

Age at surgery averaged 58.4 (±9.6) years. Mean follow-up was 35.1 months (±4.1). Twenty-nine percent of the patients exhibited anterior imbalance preoperatively, with high pelvic tilt (17.6° ± 7.9°). Of the 32 (71%) patients well balanced before the procedure, 22 (70%) had a large pelvic tilt (>20°), due to retroversion of the pelvis as an adaptive response to the loss of lordosis. Three dural tears (7%) were reported intraoperatively. Interbody cages were more posterior than intended in 27% of the cases. Disc height and lumbar lordosis at fusion level significantly increased postoperatively (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). Pelvic tilt was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) postoperatively, whereas the global sagittal balance was not significantly modified (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Single-level circumferential fusion helps patients reducing their pelvic compensation, but the amount of correction does not allow for complete correction of sagittal imbalance.     

Thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with psoas abscesses treated by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage

Purpose

Retrospective analysis of the clinical efficacy and feasibility of patients with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with psoas abscesses treated by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage.

Method

A total of 18 patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis (TB), between February 2007 and February 2011, underwent one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on surgery duration time, the blood loss, the postural drainage of time, neurological status that was recorded by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale, the fate of bone graft fusion, kyphosis angle, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), which were collected at certain time.

Results

The average follow-up period was 34 months (range 18–48 months). 18 patients suffered from seriously neurological deficits pre-operatively, of which 16 patients returned to normal at final follow-up. The surgery duration time was 197 ± 37.9 min, and the blood loss was 815 ± 348.5 ml. The postural drainage of time was 7.2 ± 2.7 days. The psoas abscesses disappeared in all cases, within the time range of 6–9 months (mean 7.4 ± 1.2 months). All patients of the grafted bones were thoroughly fused, with a fusion time ranging from 4 to 12 months (mean 7.8 months). Kyphosis angle was 44.32 ± 7.26° on average pre-operative and returned to 11.72 ± 2.85° at 6 weeks after operation; kyphosis angle was 13.10 ± 2.39° at final follow-up. The values of ESR and CRP were significant declined at 6 weeks post-operative, and returned to normal levels at final follow-up.

Conclusion

With standardized anti-TB chemotherapy, thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with psoas abscesses could be effectively treated by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage.