Objectives:To analyze the clinical characteristics of upper cervical vertebrae with dumbbell schwannoma,and to explore its clinical symptoms,imaging features,and treatment plans.Methods:A retro-spective analysis was performed on 14 patients with upper cervical intra-and extraspinal dumbbell-shaped schwannoma admitted to the Spinal Surgery Department of Southern Theater General Hospital from January 2022 to June 2024,including 9 males and 5 females,aged 43.64±11.96 years(25-61 years).According to the location,size,scope of the tumor,and relationship with the surrounding important tissue structure in upper cervical spine,the relevant clinical treatment data were analyzed and the surgical treatment plan was dis-cussed.Cervical X-ray,CT and MRI examinations were regularly performed after surgery to evaluate the con-ditions of complete resection of tumor and recurrence,the stability of the upper cervical spine and whether the internal fixation was loose or broken.The recovery of spinal nerve function and pain improvement were evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)and visual analogue scale(VAS)scores.Results:All the patients underwent complete tumor resection in one stage,and the postoperative JOA score(10.14±1.55 vs 13.86±1.06,P=0.005)and VAS score(2.42±1.29 vs 0.64±0.71,P=0.000)were statistically different from those before surgery.Postoperative tumor histopathology was confirmed as schwannoma in all the 14 patients.The follow-up time was 6 months to 2 years.No recurrence of tumor was found,neurological symptoms were significantly improved,and no upper cervical instability appeared.Conclusions:For patients with intra-and extra-spinal dumbbell-shaped schwannoma in the upper cervical spine,complete resection of the tumor in one stage of posterior approach can be given priority.If the important stable tissue structure of the upper cervical spine is destroyed,upper cervical spine fixation and fusion should be performed to ensure the stabil-ity of upper cervical spine after tumor resection.

Objectives:To analyze the clinical characteristics of upper cervical vertebrae with dumbbell schwannoma,and to explore its clinical symptoms,imaging features,and treatment plans.Methods:A retro-spective analysis was performed on 14 patients with upper cervical intra-and extraspinal dumbbell-shaped schwannoma admitted to the Spinal Surgery Department of Southern Theater General Hospital from January 2022 to June 2024,including 9 males and 5 females,aged 43.64±11.96 years(25-61 years).According to the location,size,scope of the tumor,and relationship with the surrounding important tissue structure in upper cervical spine,the relevant clinical treatment data were analyzed and the surgical treatment plan was dis-cussed.Cervical X-ray,CT and MRI examinations were regularly performed after surgery to evaluate the con-ditions of complete resection of tumor and recurrence,the stability of the upper cervical spine and whether the internal fixation was loose or broken.The recovery of spinal nerve function and pain improvement were evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)and visual analogue scale(VAS)scores.Results:All the patients underwent complete tumor resection in one stage,and the postoperative JOA score(10.14±1.55 vs 13.86±1.06,P=0.005)and VAS score(2.42±1.29 vs 0.64±0.71,P=0.000)were statistically different from those before surgery.Postoperative tumor histopathology was confirmed as schwannoma in all the 14 patients.The follow-up time was 6 months to 2 years.No recurrence of tumor was found,neurological symptoms were significantly improved,and no upper cervical instability appeared.Conclusions:For patients with intra-and extra-spinal dumbbell-shaped schwannoma in the upper cervical spine,complete resection of the tumor in one stage of posterior approach can be given priority.If the important stable tissue structure of the upper cervical spine is destroyed,upper cervical spine fixation and fusion should be performed to ensure the stabil-ity of upper cervical spine after tumor resection.

BACKGROUND:At present,the surgical treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation mainly adopts the posterior atlantoaxial screw-rod internal fixation system for lifting and reduction.During the operation,the curvature of the connecting rod is often increased to increase the drop between the atlantoaxial vertebrae to improve the reduction effect,but it increases the difficulty and risk of surgery.The axis pivot screw directly increases the reduction drop between the atlantoaxial vertebrae,but the extent to which it increases the reduction capacity is unclear.OBJECTIVE:To test the reduction ability of axis pivot screw and compare it with ordinary screw.METHODS:Six fresh human craniocervical specimens were used in study.The joint capsules of two lateral mass joints and atlanto-odontoid joint and transverse ligament were removed to make an atlantoaxial instability model.Three kinds of internal fixation were performed successively on both sides of the axis of each specimen:uniaxial axis pivot screws(group A),multi-axial axis pivot screws(group B)and ordinary screws(group C).Flexible ultra-thin film pressure sensors were placed in the anterior atlanto-odontoid space.Two connecting rods with the same curvature were placed to simulate the lifting and reduction,and the pressure of the anterior atlanto-odontoid space was obtained.Comparative analysis was conducted among the three groups.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The anterior atlanto-odontoid space pressure of groups A-C was(97.59±8.58),(60.43±5.09),and(22.74±0.81)N,respectively.There were significant differences among the three groups(F=251.603,P=0.000).The pairwise comparison among the three groups showed significant differences(P=0.000).(2)The axis pivot screw applied to the posterior atlantoaxial screw-rod internal fixation system can improve the reduction capacity compared with the common cervical posterior screw,and the uniaxial axis pivot screw has more reduction capacity than the multi-axis uniaxial axis pivot screw to improve the posterior atlantoaxial screw-rod internal fixation system.

Objectives:To develop a new type of multifunctional rectangle transoral exposure retractor(MRTER)and explore its clinical application value.Methods:From 2020 to 2025,we performed 310 cases of transoropharyngeal atlantoaxial surgery,of which 162 cases used Codman retractors[Codman group,72 males and 90 females,aged 9-67 years old,47 cases were with simple atlantoaxial dislocation(AAD),115 cases were with basilar invagination],and 148 cases used the MRTER retractor system(MRTER group,63 males and 85 females,aged 6-72 years old,39 cases were with AAD,109 cases were with basilar invagination).The main clinical symptoms of the patients included cervical pain and restricted mobility in 49 cases,torticollis in 54 cases,weak and numbness of the limbs in 259 cases,finger inflexibility in 43 cases,walking instability in 178 cases,and bladder dysfunction in 5 cases.After admission,a transoral atlantoaxial reduction and plate internal fixation(TARP)was performed.Among the patients,86 with AAD did not undergo a soft palate split,and 224 patients with basilar invagination underwent a soft palate split to expand the exposure and then un-derwent transoral release and reduction+TARP procedures.Intraoperative oral opening distance(D value)and o-ral floor field of view area(S value)were measured to evaluate the exposure ability of the retractor system.The global reduction rate of atlantoaxial dislocation was measured on the cervical sagittal CT film,and the JOA score improvement rate at the final follow-up was calculated to evaluate the effect of the operation.Re-sults:The surgical procedure of 310 patients was smooth,the operation time was 138±25min in Codman group and 118±31min in MRTER group(P＜0.05);The surgical blood loss was 105±45mL in Codman group and 113±28mL in MRTER group(P＞0.05).The intraoperative measured D value was 4.0±2.1cm in Codman group and 4.2±1.9cm in MRTER group(P＞0.05);the S value was 6.3±2.8cm2 in Codman group and 7.1±3.1cm2 in MRTER group(P＜0.05).After operation,the symptoms of headache and neck pain were significantly relieved;the symptoms of limb numbness,weakness and walking instability were improved to varying degrees.The overall reduction rate of AAD was 81.3％in Codman group,and 82.5％in MRTER group(P＞0.05);JOA improvement rate was 71％in Codman group,and 73％in MRTER group(P＞0.05).Conclusions:The new MRTER exposure system provides an effective auxiliary tool for the implementation of atlantoaxial transoropha-ryngeal surgery.

Objectives:To develop a new type of multifunctional rectangle transoral exposure retractor(MRTER)and explore its clinical application value.Methods:From 2020 to 2025,we performed 310 cases of transoropharyngeal atlantoaxial surgery,of which 162 cases used Codman retractors[Codman group,72 males and 90 females,aged 9-67 years old,47 cases were with simple atlantoaxial dislocation(AAD),115 cases were with basilar invagination],and 148 cases used the MRTER retractor system(MRTER group,63 males and 85 females,aged 6-72 years old,39 cases were with AAD,109 cases were with basilar invagination).The main clinical symptoms of the patients included cervical pain and restricted mobility in 49 cases,torticollis in 54 cases,weak and numbness of the limbs in 259 cases,finger inflexibility in 43 cases,walking instability in 178 cases,and bladder dysfunction in 5 cases.After admission,a transoral atlantoaxial reduction and plate internal fixation(TARP)was performed.Among the patients,86 with AAD did not undergo a soft palate split,and 224 patients with basilar invagination underwent a soft palate split to expand the exposure and then un-derwent transoral release and reduction+TARP procedures.Intraoperative oral opening distance(D value)and o-ral floor field of view area(S value)were measured to evaluate the exposure ability of the retractor system.The global reduction rate of atlantoaxial dislocation was measured on the cervical sagittal CT film,and the JOA score improvement rate at the final follow-up was calculated to evaluate the effect of the operation.Re-sults:The surgical procedure of 310 patients was smooth,the operation time was 138±25min in Codman group and 118±31min in MRTER group(P＜0.05);The surgical blood loss was 105±45mL in Codman group and 113±28mL in MRTER group(P＞0.05).The intraoperative measured D value was 4.0±2.1cm in Codman group and 4.2±1.9cm in MRTER group(P＞0.05);the S value was 6.3±2.8cm2 in Codman group and 7.1±3.1cm2 in MRTER group(P＜0.05).After operation,the symptoms of headache and neck pain were significantly relieved;the symptoms of limb numbness,weakness and walking instability were improved to varying degrees.The overall reduction rate of AAD was 81.3％in Codman group,and 82.5％in MRTER group(P＞0.05);JOA improvement rate was 71％in Codman group,and 73％in MRTER group(P＞0.05).Conclusions:The new MRTER exposure system provides an effective auxiliary tool for the implementation of atlantoaxial transoropha-ryngeal surgery.

Objective:To analyze the revision strategies for failed atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 145 patients who underwent revision surgery for AAD at the General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command of PLA between September 2009 and December 2023. The cohort included 74 males and 71 females, with a mean age of 43±16 years (range, 6-72 years). The initial surgical approaches were: anterior 31 cases, posterior 114 cases. Based on imaging assessments of immediate postoperative reduction and fusion status prior to revision, the cases of failure were classified into reduction-nonfusion type (22 cases), nonreduction-fusion type (31 cases), and nonreduction-nonfusion type (92 cases). Among the nonreduction-nonfusion cases, 39 had initial surgery with internal fixation for reduction, while 53 had initial surgery with simple decompression (posterior arch resection, foramen magnum decompression) without reduction. In the nonreduction-fusion cases, 8 cases had spot fusion and 23 had extensive fusion. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were compared before and after revision, and complication rates were observed.Results:All patients successfully underwent surgery. The revision approaches included: anterior (anterior fixation and fusion 52 cases, anterior implant removal combined anterior fixation and fusion 4 cases, transoral odontoidectomies 16 cases, anterior implant removal combined transoral odontoidectomy 2 cases), posterior (posterior fixation and fusion 2 cases, posterior implant removal combined posterior fixation and fusion 22 cases), and combined anterior-posterior (posterior implant removal combined anterior fixation and fusion 18 cases, anterior implant removal combined posterior fixation and fusion 25 cases, posterior implant removal combined transoral odontoidectomy 5 cases). Operative time was 254.20±107.63 min (range, 90-660 min), and blood loss was 218.83±172.17 ml (range, 20-800 ml). Except for 3 patients who died due to postoperative complications, all patients were followed up for a duration of 12±11 months (range, 3-60 months). Six patients who failed to achieve bony fusion after the initial revision surgery underwent a second revision due to poor reduction (1 case), infection (1 case), suboptimal implant position (3 cases), and graft nonunion (1 case). All three patients with bony fusion after the initial revision surgery underwent a second revision due to poor reduction. Following the second revision surgery, none of the 9 patients exhibited graft nonunion or spinal cord compression. The 136 successful initial revision cases had a final follow-up JOA score of 14.75±2.00, significantly higher than the preoperative score of 11.93±2.92 ( t=-18.869, P<0.001). Conclusions:Revision surgery for AAD should take into account the immediate postoperative reduction status and fusion status prior to revision. An appropriate revision strategy should be selected to achieve satisfactory reduction and bony fusion.

BACKGROUND:At present,the surgical treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation mainly adopts the posterior atlantoaxial screw-rod internal fixation system for lifting and reduction.During the operation,the curvature of the connecting rod is often increased to increase the drop between the atlantoaxial vertebrae to improve the reduction effect,but it increases the difficulty and risk of surgery.The axis pivot screw directly increases the reduction drop between the atlantoaxial vertebrae,but the extent to which it increases the reduction capacity is unclear.OBJECTIVE:To test the reduction ability of axis pivot screw and compare it with ordinary screw.METHODS:Six fresh human craniocervical specimens were used in study.The joint capsules of two lateral mass joints and atlanto-odontoid joint and transverse ligament were removed to make an atlantoaxial instability model.Three kinds of internal fixation were performed successively on both sides of the axis of each specimen:uniaxial axis pivot screws(group A),multi-axial axis pivot screws(group B)and ordinary screws(group C).Flexible ultra-thin film pressure sensors were placed in the anterior atlanto-odontoid space.Two connecting rods with the same curvature were placed to simulate the lifting and reduction,and the pressure of the anterior atlanto-odontoid space was obtained.Comparative analysis was conducted among the three groups.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The anterior atlanto-odontoid space pressure of groups A-C was(97.59±8.58),(60.43±5.09),and(22.74±0.81)N,respectively.There were significant differences among the three groups(F=251.603,P=0.000).The pairwise comparison among the three groups showed significant differences(P=0.000).(2)The axis pivot screw applied to the posterior atlantoaxial screw-rod internal fixation system can improve the reduction capacity compared with the common cervical posterior screw,and the uniaxial axis pivot screw has more reduction capacity than the multi-axis uniaxial axis pivot screw to improve the posterior atlantoaxial screw-rod internal fixation system.

Objective Wearable devices refer to a class of monitoring devices that can be tightly integrated with the human body and are designed to continuously monitor individual's activity without impeding or restricting the user's normal activities in the process. With the rapid advancement of chips, sensors, and artificial intelligence technologies, such devices have been widely used for patients with cardiovascular diseases who require continuous health monitoring. These patients require continuous monitoring of a number of physiological indicators to assess disease progression, treatment efficacy, and recovery in the early stages of the disease, during the treatment, and in the recovery period. Traditional monitoring methods require patients to see a doctor on a regular basis with the help of fixed devices and analysis by doctors, which not only increases the financial burden of patients, but also consumes medical resources and time. However, wearable devices can collect data in real time and transmit it directly to doctors via the network, thus providing an efficient and cost-effective monitoring solution for patients. In this paper, we will review the applications, advantages and challenges of wearable devices in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as well as the outlook for their future applications.

BACKGROUND: Without timely and effective rehabilitation, hearing loss may profoundly affect human life quality. China has a large population of hearing-impaired individuals, which imposes a heavy health burden on society. Moreover, this population is projected to increase rapidly owing to China's aging society. METHODS: We used data from a population-representative epidemiological investigation of hearing loss and ear diseases in four Chinese provinces. We estimated the national prevalence using multiple linear regression of the age-group proportions and prevalence in 31 provinces with clustering analysis. We used years lived with disability (YLDs) to analyze the disease burden and forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss by 2060 in China. RESULTS: An estimated 115 million people had moderate-to-complete hearing loss in 2015 across the 31 provinces of China (8.4% of 1.37 billion people). Of these, 85.7% were older than age 50 years (99 million people) and 2.4% were younger than 20 years old (2.8 million people). Of all YLDs attributable to hearing loss, 68.9% were attributable to moderate-to-complete cases. By 2060, a projected 242 million people in China will have moderate-to-complete hearing loss, a 110.0% increase from 2015. CONCLUSIONS The hearing loss prevalence in China is high. Population aging and socioeconomic factors substantially affect the prevalence and severity of hearing loss and the disease burden. The prevalence and severity of hearing loss are unevenly distributed across different provinces. Future public health policies should take these trends and regional variations into account.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Hearing Loss/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cost of Illness