Objective The retrospective analysis was carried out to evaluate the results of humeral intercondylar fracture treated with AO reconstruction plate internal fixation accompanied by anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. Methods From March 1996 to September 2001, sixty-eight patients diagnosed as humeral intercondylar fractures were treated in our hospital, forty-three of which were followed up and evaluated. By AO/ASIF classification, there were type C1 in 14 cases, type C2 in 18 cases, and type C3 in 11 cases. There were 18 male and 15 female patients with an average of 41 years ranging from 18 to 65 years. The patients were open fracture in 7 cases and closed fracture in 36 cases, of which were associated with humeral shaft fracture in 4 cases, Colles fracture in 5 cases, Monteggia fracture in 3 cases, olecranon fracture in 5 cases, and ulnar nerve injury in 6 cases. They were treated with open reduction and AO reconstruction plate internal fixation combined with routine anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve followed by early CPM mobilization. Results The mean follow-up of the group was 17.7 months ranging 12 to 37 months with bone union in 12 to 18 weeks. The outcome was evaluated with Aitken-Rorabeck rating system, 33 of which were graded as excellent, 4 cases as good, 5 cases as fair, 1 case as poor, as a result, the elbow function was excellent to good in 86.1%. One case experienced three degrees cubital varus without an influence on function of the elbow. The wound infection occurred in three cases healed following dress change. A heterotopic ossification developed in two cases 4 weeks later after operation. The preoperative ulnar nerve palsy recovered in all 6 cases, and there was no delayed ulnar nerve palsy happened postoperatively. Two elbow joints were restricted during extension to flexion activity by 43 degrees and 62 degrees respectively. Conclusion Intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus should be treated surgically as early as possible. Anatomical reduction, rigid fixation and early CPM exercise are the key prognostic factors, which could improve the elbow function. Otherwise routine anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve may be helpful to reduce the incidence of delayed ulnar nerve palsy.

Objective To investigate the effects of inhaling high concentration of hydrogen gas on the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS) related protein glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78),Caspase-12 and the neural cell apoptosis and related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax in the rats with focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion(I/R) injury.Methods Seventy-two healthy SPF male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and then randomly divided into the control group(Ⅰ:without any treatment),sham operation group (Ⅱ),cerebral IRI group (Ⅲ) and hydrogen gas treatment group (Ⅳ),18 cases in each group.Focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model was induced by using the suture-occluded method.The neurological deficits score (NDS) was assessed at 24 h after cerebral reperfusion in four groups.The cerebral infarction severity and size were detected by TTC staining and neuronal apoptosis of brain cortex were tested by TUNEL technique.The apoptosis index (AI) was calculated.Then the expressions of GRP78,Caspase-12,Bcl-2 and Bax were assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.Results As compared with the group Ⅰ and Ⅱ,NDS score,cerebral infarction size,AI and the expressions of GRP78,Caspase-12 and Bax in cerebral cortex in the group Ⅲl and Ⅳ were significantly increased,while the expression of Bcl-2 in cerebral cortex was markedly decreased(P＜0.05);compared with the group Ⅲ,NDS score,brain infarction size,AI and the expression of Caspase-12 and Bax in cerebral cortex in the group Ⅳ were markedly decreased,while the expressions of GRP78 and Bcl-2 were dramatically increased (P＜0.05).Conclusion Inhaling high concentration of hydrogen gas has a certain protective effect on cerebral IRI in rats through increasing endoplasmic reticulum GRP78 protein expression after IRI and inhibiting Caspase-12 activation,thus inhibiting ERS and promoting the repair function of endoplasmic reticulum.

Objective To summarize the clinical features and diagnostic flow of cervical spondylosis with proximal upper extremity amyotrophy;and further analyze the clinical effect of cervical anterior decompression and fusion on cervical spondylosis with proximal upper extremity amyotrophy.Methods Twenty-two cases of cervical spondylosis with proximal upper extremity amyotrophy were analyzed retrospectively from June 2006 to December 2013.Seventeen males and 5 females with an average age of (55.73 ± 8.64) years (38 to 68 years) were included.The mean preoperative course of disease was (19.2 ± 21.86) months (1-72 months).Clinical symptoms,imaging findings and electrophysiological findings were analyzed.The muscular strength recovery of atrophic muscles was evaluated by Manual Muscle Testing (MMT).The clinical improvement rate was evaluated by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score,and the clinical satisfaction was assessed at followed up.Results The muscles involved in patients of cervical spondylosis with proximal upper extremity amyotrophy are mainly the deltoid muscle,biceps and scapula levator muscle.Most cases of imaging findings showed multi-segmental degeneration,of which C4,5,C5,6 segments were most common.Neuroelectrophysiological examination showed that affected muscles experienced obvious denervation and decreased action potential.The average follow-up time was (44.14 ± 20.51) months (14 to 102 months).At the last follow-up,the JOA score (16.29 ±0.59) in 17 cases was higher than preoperative (15.12 ± 0.93),the difference was statistically significant (F=51.814,P=0.000),and the average improvement rate was 73.3％.MMT assessment showed that 19 patients (86.4％) in this group had muscle strength recovery for more than 1 grade at the last follow-up.The average clinical satisfaction was 83.7％.Conclusion The clinical diagnosis of cervical spondylosis with proximal upper extremity amyotrophy requires a combination of clinical symptoms,imaging findings and neurophysiological examination results for comprehensive judgment.Anterior cervical decompression and fusion in the treatment of cervical spondylosis with proximal upper extremity amyotrophy patients can achieve good clinical results.

Objective To investigate the role of phosphatidylinositol 3?kinase∕protein kinase B∕glycogen synthase kinase?3β ( PI3K∕Akt∕GSK?3β) signaling pathway in hydrogen?induced inhibition of neuronal ap?optosis induced by focal cerebral ischemia?reperfusion ( I∕R) in rats. Methods One hundred and twenty
healthy adult male Sprague?Dawley rats, weighing 200-220 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=24 each) u?sing a random number table: sham operation group ( group S); cerebral I∕R group ( group I∕R); hydrogen group (group H2); LY294002 (specific PI3K inhibitor) group (group LY); LY294002+hydrogen group ( group LY+H2 ) . Focal cerebral I∕R was induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 1 h followed by 24 h reperfusion. In H2 and H2+LY groups, the animals inhaled 67% H2+33% O2 for 2 h starting from onset of reperfusion, and then inhaled H2 for 2 h every 6 h. In LY and LY+ H2 groups, LY294002 ( 10 mmol∕L) 10 μl was injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle at 10 min before reperfusion. Neurologic defi?cit was evaluated and scored ( NDS) at 24 h of reperfusion. The rats were then sacrificed, and the brains were removed for measurement of the cerebral infarct size ( by TTC staining) and apoptosis in cortical neu?rons ( by TUNEL) and for determination of the expression of Akt in the ischemic cerebral cortex, phospho?rylated Akt ( p?Akt) , GSK?3β and phosphorylated GSK?3β ( p?GSK?3β) and Bcl?2 and Bax positive cell count in the ischemic cerebral cortex ( by immuno?histochemistry) . The apoptosis index ( AI) , p?Akt∕Akt ratio and p?GSK?3β∕GSK3?β ratio were calculated. Results Compared with group S, the NDS, cerebral infarct size, AI, p?Akt∕Akt ratio, p?GSK?3β∕GSK?3β ratio and Bax positive cell count were significantly increased, and the Bcl?2 positive cell count was significantly decreased in group I∕R ( P<0?05) . Compared with group I∕R, the NDS, cerebral infarct size, AI and Bax positive cell count were significantly de?creased, and the p?Akt∕Akt ratio, p?GSK?3β∕GSK?3β ratio and Bcl?2 positive cell count were significantly increased in group H2 ( P <0?05) , and no significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned a?bove in LY and LY+H2 groups ( P>0?05) . Compared with group H2 , the NDS, cerebral infarct size, AI and Bax positive cell count were significantly increased, and the p?Akt∕Akt ratio, p?GSK?3β∕GSK?3βratio and Bcl?2 positive cell count were significantly decreased in group LY+H2 ( P<0?05) . Conclusion The mechanism by which hydrogen inhibits focal cerebral I∕R?induced neuronal apoptosis is associated with the activation of PI3K∕Akt∕GSK?3β signaling pathway in rats.

Objective To investigate the incidence of middle ear barotrauma due to hybaric oxygen therapy by using Health Education Atlas.Methods 100 patients were divided into two groups by random number table. The research group(49 patients)was educated by Health Education Atlas.The control group(51 patients)was educated by traditional education approach.During the first three days,we observed and recorded the eardrum injury and asked patients ear discomfort everyday.Results The incidence rate of middle ear barotrauma of the research group was 6.1%,which of the control group was 19.6%.The eardrum injury of the research group was milder than the control group(χ2 =4.02,P <0.05).Conclusion Education using Health Education Atlascan reduce the incidence of middle ear barotrauma due to hybaric oxygen therapy.

Objective To assess the risk of sympathetic nerve injury in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in different lumbar spine segments based on anatomical study.Methods Twenty-four healthy adult volunteers (12 male and female) were selected and routine lumbar spine scanning was performed with MAG MAGOMOM Verio 3.0 T.The anatomical structures of left lumbar sympathetic trunk,abdominal aorta and left psoas muscle were identified on T2 images of L2,3,L3,4,L4,5 intervertebral space.And the anatomical parameters of the OLIF operation approach and the anatomical parameters of the left sympathetic trunk and adjacent structures were measured.The t-test was used to compare the parameters between the different sexes.The comparison of the data between the different segments was performed by the least significant difference (LSD) single factor analysis of variance.Results From the L2,3 to L4,5 segments,the anatomical parameters of the OLIF operation approach and the anatomical parameters of the left sympathetic trunk and the adjacent structures showed regular changes.The distances between the anterior margin of the left psoas muscle and the abdominal aorta from L2,3 to L4,5 were 13.65±4.10 mm to 9.42 ± 4.00 mm in adult healthy male individuals,and 13.89±3.18 mm to 8.38 ± 3.33 mm in female individuals,showing a significant downward trend.The distances between the left sympathetic trunk and the abdominal aorta from L2,3 to L4,5 were 10.76±3.89 mm to 6.68±3.39 mm in adult healthy male individuals,and 11.52±3.02 mm to 6.12±2.95 mm in female individuals,also showing a significant downward trend.There were significant differences in the operation area of OLIF surgery between different segments.The operation area of OLIF surgery was relatively large in L 2,3 segment,and the risk of sympathetic nerve injury was relatively small.The left lumbar sympathetic trunk in the L3,4 intervertebral space was walking front and inside,and there was a greater risk of injury in the OLIF surgery.Conclusion The left lumbar sympathetic trunk located in or close to OLIF surgery operation field in L2-L5 segments.There was a certain risk of sympathetic nerve injury in OLIF surgery,and the risk of sympathetic nerve injury was different in L2,3,L3,4,L4,5 segments.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical techniques and 2-year follow-up results of Mast Quadrant-assisted modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).MethodsFrom September 2006 to October 2008,54 patients with single-level lumbar degeneration disease were treated by Mast Quadrantassisted modified TLIF.Under the guidance of C-arm,the Mast Quadrant's retractor was placed and the lower articular process of the upper vertebrae and 1/2-2/3 of the lamina,flavum ligament and hyperplastic cohesive part of the lower articular process were removed,the nerve roots and the central canal were decompressed.After cleaning up intervertebral disc space,bone grafting and pedicle screw fixation were achieved.Visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI) results,as well as the fusion rate at the last follow-up were analyzed.ResultsAll patients were treated by Mast Quadrant-assisted modified TLIF,in which 51 patients were followed up for 2 years.An average operating time was(178.7±63.2) min,and an average blood loss was (224.2±136.5) ml; an average postoperative drainage loss was (117.2±91.4) ml,and an average postoperative stay was(5.8±3.6) d.There were statistic significances between pre- and post-operative ODI and VAS scores,respectively.At last follow-up,51 patients were achieved radiographic fusion without internal fixation failure and other complications.ConclusionMast Quadrant-assisted modified TLIF had a good vision,was relatively safe and easy to be acceptable by surgeons,and which had a good clinical results for the patients with single-level lumbar degenerative disease.

Objective To investigate causes and treatment strategy of cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion.Methods Data of 11 patients with cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion from December 2005 to October 2011 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.There were 7 males and 4 females.Their age ranged from 36 to 78 years (average,52.3 years) at the time of the primary operation.Six cases occurred cage retropulsion 0.5 to 3 months after the primary operation,while 5 cases occurred cage retropulsion 14 to 36 months after the primary operation.The causes of cage retropulsion were analyzed.Moreover,corresponding managements were performed and results were recorded.Results The early cage retropulsion was associated with mismanagement of intervertebral space,too much residual of nucleus pulposus,insufficient erasion of cartilage end plate,too small size of cage,malposition of cage,insufficient fixation and so on.The late cage retropulsion was associated with improper choice of surgical strategies,multi-level fusion,preoperative unsteady of vertebrae,advanced age,osteoporosis,diabetes and so on.Three patients underwent conservative treatment and 8 patients underwent revision surgery.All 11 patients were followed up for 6 to 72 months (average,34 months).There was no re-migration of cage,fusion failure,pedicle screw loosening and other complications during the follow-up period.Conclusion The causes of cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion were complex and diverse,and the time of cage retropusion had some clinical value for the cause analysis.It was more advisable to make an individualized treatment program based on the causes of cage retropulsion,clinical manifestations and imaging results.

Objective To investigate the risk factors and treatment strategy in treating adjacent segment diseases (ASD) after anterior cervical decompression and fusion.Methods Fourteen patients with ASD after anterior cervical decompression and fusion from December 2005 to August 2012 were analyzed.The overall curvature of the cervical spine,local curvature of surgical segments,and the distances between the plate and the upper and lower intervertebral space were measured and analyzed.10 males and 4 females,age at initial surgery was 36 to 68 years old,the mean was 52.0±11.0 years old.The secondary surgery was taken,according to the number of involved segments and other factors.Anterior decompression and fusion and internal fixation was taken to patients who segment number ≤2 without severe ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament or ossification of the ligamentum flava; posterior decompression and laminoplasty was conducted in patients whose segment number ≥3,but not accompanied with significant kyphosis,instability and serious ossification of the ligamentum flava; and posterior laminectomy and fusion was performed in patients with significant kyphosis,instability and not suitable for anterior decompression due to technical reasons,as well as patients with serious ossification of the ligamentum flava.Results The average time of occurrence of ASD after the initial surgery was 9.3±4.4 years,and the average age of reoperation was 61.3±12.4 years old.The overall curvature of the cervical spine,surgical segment local curvature after the initial surgical procedure were 12.4°± 10.8 o,1.5o±6.8o,respectively; and the distances between the plate and the upper and lower interyertebral space were:0.9± 1.8 mm,3.8±3.2 mm.The secondary surgeries were taken as follows:9 cases anterior decompression and fusion and internal fixation,3 cases posterior decompression and laminoplasty,and 2 cases posterior laminectomy and fusion.All 14 patients were followed up 30.4± 17.8 months,and the average improvement rate of Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores at the last follow up was 73.9％±9.7％.Conclusion The smaller distance between the plate and neighboring intervertebral space,and poorer local curvature of surgical segments might be the risk factors for ASD after anterior cervicad decompression and fusion.The appropriate secondary surgery was taken after comprehensive analysis of the number of adjacent segments,compression factors,cervical curvature and other factors.

Objective To measure the related anatomical parameters of lumbosacral nerve root and adjacent structures by magnetic resonance neurography,and to analyze operative safety of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in Chinese people.Methods A total of 12 healthy volunteers,including 6 males and 6 females,underwent magnetic resonance neurography of lumbosacral nerve root using a Siemens 3.0T MRI machine.The Osirix software was used to reconstruct the three-dimensional imaging and measure the following anatomic parameters: 1) the distance between the nerve root and the superior pedicle; 2) the distance between the nerve root and the inferior pedicle; 3) the angle between the nerve root and the sagittal plane; 4) the distance between the superior and inferior nerve roots; 5) the distance between the superior and inferior pedicles.Results L1-L5 nerve roots got a good imaging by magnetic resonance neurography in all 12 volunteers.The distance between the nerve root and the superior pedicle and the angle between the nerve root and the sagittal plane gradually became smaller from L1 to L5.But the variation in the distance between the nerve root and the inferior pedicle and the distance between the superior and inferior pedicles was not obvious.The distance between the nerve root and the inferior pedicles,which was closely related to the operating space of TLIF,ranged from (8.99±0.88) mm to (10.72±1.01) mm for males and from (7.76±0.46) mm to (8.54±0.65) mm for females; it was less than 10 mm in each segments in the majority of subjects,and the data of females was significantly smaller than that of males.No significant differences were found in parameters between the left and right sides in the same segment.Conclusion Based on the above anatomical study and measurement analysis,we believe that there is some harassment to the upper nerve root in TLIF for Chinese patients,and for some patients there is a certain injury risk.