1.Evaluation of surgical protocols for multilevel cervical disc herniation
Yanzheng GAO ; Hongqiang WANG ; Tao LIU
Orthopedic Journal of China 2006;0(13):-
[Objective]To discuss the basic principles and methods of surgical protocols in treating multilevel cervical disc herniation.[Method]The surgical protocols patients underwent operation based on patient's changes in radiology.Protocols varied from anterior approach discectomy,partial corpectomy with bone grafting and plate fixing;titanium mesh+plate;titanium mesh+plate in major segment and decompression with trepan+cage in secondary segment;combined anterior and posterior surgical procedure.[Result]Totally 96 cases of cervical spondylosis in different types were observed.After average 32 months of follow-up,an overall excellent and good rate in 90% of the cases was obtained.[Conclusion]To choose the appropriate surgical protocol for different multilevel cervical disc herniaion or degenerative myelopathy patients,every treatment should rely on patient's symptoms and changes in radiology.We must check out which vertebra is major segment or secondary segment,generalized or localized,with or without developmental stenosis of cervical spinal canal.Most patients can achieve satisfied prognosis by anterior approach decompression with bone grafting and plate fixing.Intervertebral bone grafting and plate fixing is preferred to single level degenerative.Anterior decompression with approach discectomy,partial corpectomy with bone grafting and plate fixing is preferred to 2 or 3 level degenerative.Combined anterior and posterior surgical procedure is the best method to treat generalized degenerative or obvious stenosis of cervical spinal canal,and continuous type OPLL.In conclusion,the key to excellent prognosis of cervical spondylosis is choosing the right operation for the right patient.
2.Clinical outcome of artificial cervical disc arthroplasty combined with anchoring cervical intervertebral fusion cage for the treatment of multilevel cervical disc herniation
Daozhen CHEN ; Kun GAO ; Zhijian ZHAO ; Kunfeng CHEN ; Yanzheng GAO
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2015;38(9):652-655
Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of artificial cervical disc arthroplasty combined with anchoring cervical intervertebral fusion cage (ACIFC) in the treatment of multilevel cervical disc herniation. Methods From October 2011 to September 2013, 0.26 patients with multilevel cervical disc herniation underwent artificial cervical disc arthroplasty combined with ACIFC, there were 10 male and 16 female with age from 32 to 60 years (mean 46.8 years). Two segment were involved in 15 patients, three segment were involved in 11 patients. Neck disability index (NDI) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were used to evaluate neurofunctional recovery preoperatively and postoperatively. The postoperative stabilization and the range of motion (ROM) of implanted disc and the fusion of cage were observed on dynamic radiograph. Results The average operation time and amount of bleeding were (95±15) min and (100±20) ml respectively. The average postoperative follow-up was 15 months(range 6-20 months). At the end of follow up,the scores of JOA was increased and the scores of NDI was decreased:(9.08±1.72) scores vs. (14.88±1.37) scores, (40.31±4.97) scores vs. (25.23±4.10) scores,there had significant differences (P<0.05). The change of ROM had no significant difference ( P>0.05). Solid fusion was achieved in all levels brought by cage.There was no cage subsidence or displacement. All artificial cervical disc achieved definite stabilization, no intraoperative and postoperative complication was noted. Conclusions Artificial cervical disc arthroplasty combined with ACIFC provides a feasible way for the treatment of multilevel cervical disc herniation. The definite stabilization and maintained ROM can reduce the fusion segments and avoid the increased stress of adjacent segment which can ensure a good preliminary clinical outcome.
3.Selection of different surgical methods and curative effect analysis of lumbosacral tuberculosis
Yanzheng GAO ; Zhenghong YU ; Kun GAO ; Shulian CHEN ; Hongqiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2014;34(2):143-148
Objective To evaluate the indications and clinical efficacy of the different surgical methods for lumbosacral tuberculosis.Methods 112 patients suffering from lumbosacral tuberculosis from January 1998 to October 2011 were reviewed retrospectively.Based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system,31 case was classified as grade C,32 as grade D and 49 as grade E.The affected locations were L5,S1 in 66 cases,L4-S1 in 32,and L5-S2in 14 cases.41 cases (posterior group) underwent posterior pedicle screw instrumentation,debridement and allograft; and 38 cases (anterior group) underwent one-stage anterolateral debridement plus allograft and internal fixation.33 (posterior-anterior group) cases experienced posterior pedicle screw instrumentation and anterior debridement and allograft.All cases underwent routine support and anti-tuberculosis treatment before and after operation.The change of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR),signs of tuberculosis activity,graft fusion,neurological recovery and correction of deformity were evaluated in follow-up and compared among three groups.Results The average operating time in posterior,anterior and posterior-anterior group was (150±22) m in,(140± 18) min,(180± 1 8) min respectively.ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) were recovered to normal 3 months post surgery.The quality of life total score of lumbosacral tuberculosis patients was very low (55.54 ± 9.23).After surgery and drug treatment,the total score and each dimension scores of the SF-36 were significantly improved.Postoperative ASIA classification and 1umbosacral angle were significantly improved.Tuberculosis recurrence occurred in three cases,fixation loosening in two cases,fixation fracture in one case,and all above cases were cured after revision surgery.The others all were cured and bone graft fusion was determined.Conclusion The quality of life of lumbosacral tuberculosis patients were impacted seriously,and which could be significantly improved with surgical intervention.According to the patient MRI,CT characteristics,surgical approach selection was based on lesion location.Effective internal fixation was based on the extent of damage in bone structure and anatomical characteristics.Following above principles,satisfactory clinical results could be achieved.
4.Clinical manifestations and management of infectious spondylitis following vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty
Kezheng MAO ; Yanzheng GAO ; Keya MAO ; Kun GAO ; Jia SHAO
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2021;23(1):33-38
Objective:To report the clinical manifestations and management of infectious spondylitis following vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.Methods:Six cases of infectious spondylitis following vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty were analyzed retrospectively which had been treated at Department of Spinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2014 and June 2019. They were 2 males and 4 females, aged from 64 to 81 years. Their visual analogue scale (VAS) scores ranged from 6 to 8 points; their spinal cord function was graded as C in 2 cases and E in 4 according to the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) grading. All the patients were treated by sub-total resection of the infected vertebra, long segmental pedicle screw fixation and corresponding antibiotics therapy. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by the inflammation indexes, imaging examinations and clinical manifestations.Results:The 6 patients were followed up for 12 to 42 months(mean 20.4 months). Their operation time ranged from 295 to 455 min (mean 370.8 min) and blood loss from 760 to 2, 250 mL (mean 1 536.7 mL). There were no such serious complications as dural tear, worsening of neurological symptoms or death. The last follow-up revealed normal body temperature and fine incision healing in all patients. Their inflammatory indexes returned to normal. Imaging examinations at the last follow-up showed no displacement of internal implants, no screw loosening or breakage of screws or rods, good bony fusion at the grafting site, and no inflammatory signals from the infected vertebra. At the last follow-up, their VAS for back pain ranged from 2 to 4 points, the ASIA grading was improved from C to D in 2 patients and maintained E in 4. Eventually, 4 patients recovered independent normal walking but 2 required a walker.Conclusions:Infectious spondylitis following vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty can lead to back pain and neurological dysfunction. Sub-total resection of the infected vertebra, long segmental pedicle screw fixation and corresponding antibiotics therapy can result in fine therapeutic outcomes.
5.Posterior subtotal vertebrectomy for thoracolumbar vertebral refractures after vertebroplasty
Weichao SHENG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Guang YANG ; Dongbo LYU ; Yanzheng GAO
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2021;23(1):27-32
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of posterior subtotal vertebrectomy in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral refractures after vertebroplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted in the 28 patients with refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) who had been treated at Department of Spinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital from June 2017 to October 2019. They were 7 males and 21 females, with an average age of 62.4 years(from 61 to 76 years). A total of 28 vertebrae were involved, including 5 T11s, 9 T12s, 11 L1s and 3 L2s. Their previous operations were PKP in 17 cases and PVP in 11. After the spinous process, vertebral plate, articular process and transverse process were resected by posterior approach, the vertebral body, bone cement and upper and lower intervertebral discs were partially resected by trans-vertebral lateral approach. At the same time, nerve decompression was performed. Finally, the inter-vertebral support was fixated followed by the posterior screw-rod orthopedic fixation. The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were recorded. The cobb angles of kyphosis were compared on the X-ray films of the whole spine between preoperation and the last follow-up to evaluate correction. Functional improvement of the spine was evaluated by comparison of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and JOA(Japanese Orthopedics Association) scores between preoperation and the last follow-up.Results:The operation time averaged 182.1 min and intraoperative bleeding volume 996.2 mL. All the 28 patients were followed up for 8 to 29 months (mean, 19.8 months). No obvious neurological lesions or other serious complications were observed. The cobb angle was improved from preoperative 41.3°±10.3° to 6.4°±2.5° at the last follow-up, the VAS score from preoperative 7.3±1.8 to 2.5±1.0 at the last follow-up, and the JOA score from preoperative 8.4±2.3 to 21.3±2.5 at the last follow-up, showing a significant difference in all the comparisons ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The posterior subtotal vertebrectomy is effective for thoracolumbar vertebral refractures after vertebroplasty because it can remove bone cement, decompress the spinal canal, fuse the inter-vertebral graft and reconstruct the spinal stability in one stage.
6.Early clinical effects of dynamic cervical implant in treatment of cervical disc herniation
Yanzheng GAO ; Wenteng SI ; Zhenghong YU ; Kun GAO ; Shulian CHEN ; Guangquan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2012;32(1):26-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and early clinical efficiency of dynamic cervical implant (DCI) internal fixation to treat cervical disc herniation.Methods From September 2009 to December 2010,31 patients with herniation of cervical disc underwent DCI implantation.The operation time and blood loss were recorded and analyzed.Neck disability index (NDI),Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score,and visual analogue scale(VAS) score were used to evaluate neurofunctional recovery pre- and post-operation.Routinely,the patients accepted X-ray examination preoperatively and postoperatively.We used White's measurement to measure the range of motion(ROM) and height ratio of implant segment and the superior vertebra pre- and post-operation.ResultsThe average operation time and amount of bleeding were 45 (30-60) min and (100±30) ml respectively.The average postoperative follow-up was 14 months (range,6-20).The average NDI (50.5±16.2 vs.19.6±4.3,P<0.05),JOA score (12.3±1.6 vs.13.9±1.8,P<0.05) and VAS score (6.3±2.6 vs.3.1±2.2,P<0.05) changed significantly at the last follow-up compared with those pre-operation.There were no significant differences in the average ROM of implant segment (9.6°±4.2° vs.6.9°±5.3°,P>0.05),the height ratio of implant segment and the superior vertebra(2.6±0.1 vs.2.5±0.1,P>0.05) and the angle of functional spine unit(2.6°±5.2° vs.1.7°±2.9°,P>0.05) at last follow-up compared with those preoperation.ConclusionUsing DCI to treat cervical disc herniation had shorter operation time and less bleeding advantages,and the early clinical effect was satisfactory.It may retain the cervical biomechanical movement in some degree,maintain the cervical stability.
7.Experimental study on in vitro preparation of adoptive immunotherapy cells induced by CD40 in combination with cytokines
Tengfei GAO ; Yanzheng GU ; Junchi XU ; Yu SHEN ; Xiaochen LI ; Yibei ZHU ; Xueguang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2014;(7):933-936,941
Objective:To explore a new method of the cultivation of adoptive immunotherapy cells.Methods: Mononuclear cells was isoplated by density gradient centrifugation and then proliferated by using CD 40-agonist monoclonal antibody 5C11、cytokine of IFN-αand IL-7(CD40 group)in vitro.During the culturing procedure ,the cell morphology was obersved by optical microscope.The percentage of T-lymphocytes, NK-T cells, Treg cells and the cell proliferation, which were compared with CIK group CD3mAb activated,was detected on the 9th day.Results:There was no significant difference of CD 4+/CD8+T cells percentage between the two groups.But the Treg cells percentage of CIK group was far higher than that of CD 40 group,while the percentage of CD3+CD56+NK-T cells was lower than that of CD 40 group.And a group of Mo-NK-DC cells were observed in the CD 40 group.Conclusion: The new method of adoptive immunity therapy has been established in this study could increase the percentage of NK -T cells which had the ability to kill tumor cells.Simultaneously ,it is reduced the amount of Treg cells significantly.
8.Efficacy comparison of posterior atlas uniaxial and polyaxial screw instrumentation and fusion with bone graft for Gehweiler type IIIb atlas fracture
Zhenghong YU ; Jia SHAO ; Kun GAO ; Kezheng MAO ; Hang FENG ; Xiuru ZHANG ; Yanzheng GAO
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2022;38(9):797-805
Objective:To compare the efficacy of posterior atlas uniaxial and polyaxial screw instrumentation and fusion with bone graft for Gehweiler type IIIb atlas fracture.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 36 patients with Gehweiler type IIIb atlas fracture admitted to Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2015 to October 2020. There were 29 males and 7 females, with age range of 23-82 years [(48.8±15.5)years]. All patients were treated with posterior atlas screw-rod internal fixation and fusion with bone graft, of which 14 received atlas uniaxial screw internal fixation (uniaxial screw group) and 22 received atlas polyaxial screw internal fixation (polyaxial screw group). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were compared between the two groups. The atlas fracture union rate and atlantoaxial posterior arch bone fusion rate were compared between the two groups at 3 months and 6 months after operation. The anterior atlantodental interval (ADI), basion-dens interval (BDI) and lateral mass displacement (LMD) were compared between the two groups to evaluate the reduction of fracture fragments before operation, at 1, 3, 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up. At the same time, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and neck dysfunction index (NDI) were compared between the two groups to evaluate neck pain and functional recovery. The postoperative complications were observed.Results:All patients were followed up for 12-44 months [(27.2±9.9)months]. There was no significant difference in operation time or intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (all P>0.05). The atlas fracture union rate and atlantoaxial posterior arch bone fusion rate were 85.7% (12/14) and 78.6% (11/14) in uniaxial screw group at 3 months after operation, insignificantly different from those in polyaxial screw group [72.7% (16/22) and 77.3% (17/22)] (all P>0.05). All patients in the two groups achieved bone union and fusion at 6 months after operation. There was no significant difference in ADI between the two groups before and after operation (all P>0.05). The BDI in the two groups did not differ significantly before operation ( P>0.05), but a significantly higher value was found in uniaxial screw group at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up [(5.9±1.3)mm, (5.8±1.3)mm, (5.9±1.2)mm and (5.8±1.2)mm] than in polyaxial screw group [(3.1±0.6)mm, (3.1±0.6)mm, (3.1±0.6)mm and (3.1±0.6)mm] (all P<0.01). The two groups did not differ significantly before operation ( P>0.05), but LMD at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up was (1.6±0.8)mm, (1.5±0.8)mm, (1.5±0.7)mm and (1.5±0.9)mm in uniaxial screw group, significantly lower than that in polyaxial screw group [(4.8±1.6)mm, (4.6±1.6)mm, (4.9±1.6)mm and (4.9±1.6)mm] (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in VAS between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05). The VAS at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up was 3.0(3.0, 4.0)points, 2.0(1.0, 2.0)points, 1.0(0.8, 2.0)points and 1.0(0.0, 1.3)points in uniaxial screw group and was 3.5(3.0, 4.0)points, 2.0(2.0, 3.0)points, 2.0(1.0, 2.0)points and 2.0(1.0, 3.0)points in polyaxial screw group. In comparison, the VAS scored much lower in uniaxial screw group than in polyaxial screw group at 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in NDI between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05). The NDI at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up was 34.9±6.3, 23.4±6.2, 13.9±2.7 and 9.4±2.8 in uniaxial screw group and was 33.2±6.1, 24.4±6.3, 18.1±4.1 and 12.7±3.2 in polyaxial screw group, showing a significantly lower NDI in uniaxial screw group than in polyaxial screw group at 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). The complication rate was 21.4% (3/14) in uniaxial screw group when compared to 22.7% (5/22) in polyaxial screw group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:For Gehweiler type IIIb atlas fracture, both techniques can attain atlas fracture union and atlantoaxial posterior arch bone fusion, but the posterior atlas uniaxial screw instrumentation and fusion is superior in reduction of atlas fracture displacement and lateral mass separation, neck pain relief and functional improvement.
9.Surgical timing for acute traumatic central cord syndrome
Kezheng MAO ; Yanzheng GAO ; Kun GAO ; Jia SHAO ; Xiuru ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2022;24(7):565-569
Objective:To investigate the effects of different surgical time points on the treatment efficacy of acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS).Methods:Retrospectively analyzed were the 84 ATCCS patients who had been treated at Department of Spinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2013 to February 2021. According to the surgical timing, the patients were divided into 3 groups. In group A (surgery < 48 hours) of 16 cases, there were 11 males and 5 females, aged from 43 to 76 years; in group B (surgery within 3 to 7 days) of 41 cases, there were 31 males and 10 females, aged from 41 to 78 years; in group C (surgery within 8 to 14 days) of 27 cases, there were 15 males and 12 females, aged from 46 to 83 years. Anterior, posterior or combined anterior and posterior approaches were used according to their specific condition. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor scores and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores at admission, 7 days and 12 months after operation, postoperative ICU duration, and complications were compared among the 3 groups.Results:There were no significant differences in the preoperative general information or surgical approaches among the 3 groups, showing they were comparable ( P> 0.05). In all patients, the ASIA motor scores and JOA scores at 7 days and 12 months after operation were significantly better than those at admission, and the ASIA motor scores and JOA scores at 12 months after operation were significantly better than those at 7 days after operation ( P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the ASIA motor score or JOA score between the 3 groups at 7 days or 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). The postoperative ICU duration in group A was 42 (26, 61) h, significantly longer than 23 (16, 35) h in group B and 24 (14, 38) h in group C ( P<0.05). There were no deaths in the 84 patients; there was no significant difference in the overall incidence of serious complications or in that of general complications among the 3 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Surgery is safe and effective for ATCCS. However, decompression surgery within 2 weeks may achieve better outcomes.
10.The effect of in-out-in axis pedicle screws on the vertebral artery in the posterior occipitocervical surgery
Kun GAO ; Yanzheng GAO ; Jia SHAO ; Kezheng MAO ; Hang FENG ; Zhenghong YU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2022;24(11):972-977
Objective:To observe the effect of insertion of in-out-in axis pedicle screws on the vertebral artery in the posterior occipitocervical surgery for atlantoaxial subluxation or instability.Methods:The data of 52 patients with atlantoaxial dislocation or instability were analyzed who had been treated by internal fixation with in-out-in pedicle screws in the posterior occipitocervical surgery from January 2015 to February 2021 at Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital. There were 30 males and 22 females, aged from 17 to 65 years (mean, 41.2 years). There were 26 cases of unilateral vertebral artery high-riding, 3 cases of bilateral high-riding, 19 cases of unilateral narrow pedicle due to C2 and C3 fusion, and 4 cases of bilateral narrow pedicles. X-ray, CTA and MRI were performed before and 3 days after surgery. The patients' clinical symptoms were recorded. CTA was used to measure the diameter of the vertebral artery at the transverse foramina of C 2 and C 3 and to observe the effect of in-out-in screws on the morphology of the vertebral artery. X-ray and CT examinations were performed at 6 months after surgery to observe the bone fusion. Results:The surgery went on uneventfully in all the patients. In the 9 cases undergoing anterior and posterior surgery, the operation time averaged 271.2 min (from 213 to 352 min) and the bleeding volume 471.5 mL (from 230 to 830 mL). In the 43 cases undergoing posterior surgery, the operation time averaged 171.6 min (from 131 to 226 min) and the bleeding volume 395.9 mL (from 170 to 660 mL). There was no such complication as spinal or vascular injury. The CTA reexamination 3 days after surgery showed that the diameter of the vertebral artery was (2.92±0.55) mm and (3.04±0.54) mm, respectively at the cervical 2 and 3 transverse foramina, showing no significant change compared with the preoperative values [(2.91±0.68) mm and (3.11±0.50) mm] ( P>0.05) and that the vertebral artery was displaced externally and inferiorly in 21 cases. Follow-ups for all patients ranged from 7 to 24 months (mean, 11 months). At 6 months after surgery, bone fusion was observed by imaging and no breakage or displacement of the internal fixation was observed. Conclusion:The in-out-in pedicle screws in the posterior occipitocervical surgery may have little impact on the vertebral artery, leading to reliable clinical outcomes.