Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of pushing reduction with our self-designed spinal fracture reduction device in the treatment of A3N0/1 thoracolumbar fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the medical records of 53 patients who had undergone surgery for thoracolumbar vertebrae fracture at Department of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022. All patients were treated by internal fixation via the Wiltse approach and bone grafting through the pedicle of the injured vertebrae. Clinical data: 35 males and 18 females; age: (37.8±10.2) years; injured segments: 23 cases at the thoracic spine and 30 cases at the lumbar spine; time from injury to surgery: (3.3±1.5) days. According to whether our self-designed spinal fracture reduction device was used or not, the patients were assigned into group A (23 cases) in which the injured vertebrae were pushed and reduced using our novel spinal fracture reduction device after vertebral distraction reduction by the pedicle screw and group B (30 cases) in which the injured vertebrae were distracted and reduced using the pedicle screw alone. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and complications were compared between the 2 groups. The anterior vertebral body height ratio (AVBHr), middle vertebral body height ratio (MVBHr), posterior vertebral body height ratio (PVBHr), Cobb angle of the injured vertebra, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at preoperation, postoperative 3 and 6 months, and the last follow-up were compared between the 2 groups.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (16.3±5.9) months. All incisions healed at one stage postoperatively without any related complications. The operation time in group A was significantly longer than that in group B [(115.1±16.6) min. versus (101.0±11.5) min.], the intraoperative blood loss in group A was significantly greater than that in group B [(136.5±17.0) mL versus (121.6±19.8) mL], the MVBHr at postoperative 3 months in group A (93.9%±4.0%) was significantly better than that in group B (83.3%±7.6%), and the MVBHr, AVBHr, Cobb angle, VAS, and ODI at the last follow-up in group A [86.6%±5.5%, 89.8%±4.1%, 4°(4°, 6°), 1 (0, 1) point, and 4.7%±2.0%] were significantly better than those in group B [78.0% (74.0%, 79.0%), 84.5%±4.9%, 12.2°±3.3°, 2 (1, 3) points, and 7.3%±2.7%] (all P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in PVBHr between the 2 groups at postoperative 3 months or at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of A3N0/1 thoracolumbar fractures, pushing reduction with our self-designed spinal fracture reduction device can directly and effectively reduce the fracture zone of the injured vertebra, which is conducive to maintaining postoperative vertebral reduction, reducing vertebral height loss and kyphotic deformity at a later stage, relieving lumbar pain and improving lumbar spine function.

BACKGROUND:Achilles tendon adhesion after Achilles tendon injury can lead to decreased biomechanical properties,weakened healing ability,and ultrastructural changes of Achilles tendon,which further affects patients'daily life and work ability.Therefore,how to effectively deal with and prevent Achilles tendon adhesion has become a hot and difficult problem in clinical treatment. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the effects of biological amniotic membranes on postoperative Achilles tendon adhesion,biomechanics,and ultrastructural changes in rats with Achilles tendon rupture. METHODS:Sixty 6-week-old SD rats were selected to establish bilateral Achilles tendon rupture models and divided into two groups(n=30 per group)by the random number table method.In the model group,the severed end of the tendon was sutured directly.In the amniotic membrane group,the biological amniotic membrane was wrapped around the broken anastomosis and fixed by a suture.The adhesion,biomechanics,morphology,and structure of the Achilles tendon and the expression of p38 and ERK1/2 protein were evaluated 1,2,and 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)1 week after operation,the Achilles tendon and peritendinous tissues of the two groups were mildly edema,and the adhesion of the Achilles tendon tissues in the model group was more obvious.2 weeks after the intervention,the Achilles tendon and peritendinous tissues of the model group still had edema,and the adhesion degree between the Achilles tendon and the surrounding tissues was heavier than that of the amniotic membrane group.4 weeks after operation,there was no edema around the Achilles tendon in both groups,and the healing was well.The adhesion degree of the Achilles tendon in the amniotic membrane group was less than that in the model group.The maximum tension of Achilles tendons in the amniotic membrane group was higher than that in the model group at 2 and 4 weeks after operation(P<0.001).(2)Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy revealed that 1 week after operation,the tendon structure of rats of the two groups was disordered and the collagen fibers were sparsely arranged,in which the model group demonstrated obvious inflammatory reaction and adhesion to the Achilles tendon.Two weeks after operation,the model group still demonstrated obvious inflammatory response,adhesion of Achilles tendon,and irregular ordering of collagen fibers.The amniotic membrane group exhibited an orderly arrangement of collagen fibers and expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum of fibroblasts.At 4 weeks after operation,the collagen fibers of the Achilles tendon in the model group were thickened and disordered,and the rough endoplasmic reticulum was less in the fibroblasts,while the collagen fibers in the amniotic membrane group were ordered and thin,and the fibroblasts contained a large number of rough endoplasmic reticulum.(3)Four weeks after operation,western blot assay exhibited that the expressions of p38 and ERK1/2 protein in the Achilles tendon tissue of rats in the amniotic membrane group were lower than those in the model group(P<0.05).(4)The results confirm that the biologic amniotic membrane can promote the healing and inhibit the adhesion of Achilles tendon after the operation of the ruptured Achilles tendon,which may be associated with the regulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy and surgical technique of total laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion, so as to provide reference for the selection of surgery for patients with bladder cancer. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 48 patients with bladder cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy during Mar.2017 and Aug.2022 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including 23 cases who received traditional laparoscopic radical cystectomy combined with extracorporeal ileal conduit, and 25 who received total laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit.The operation time, blood loss, postoperative intestinal function recovery time, drainage tube removal time and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 All procedures were successfully performed, and no Clavien-Dindo>grade 3 complications were observed.The operation time, and amount of estimated blood loss of the traditional group and total laparoscopic radical group were (227.0±46.4) min vs. (253.6±58.9) min, and (131.7±79.8) mL vs. (154.0±93.0) mL, respectively.There were no differences in postoperative intestinal function recovery time and drainage tube removal time (P>0.05).The hospital stay was shorter in the total laparoscopic radical group than in the traditional group (P=0.035). 【Conclusion】 Total laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion is safe and feasible.which is comparable to the traditional laparoscopic surgery, while the hospital stay in the total laparoscopic group is shorter, which is conducive to rapid postoperative recovery.

Humans ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms ; Mesenchymoma/diagnostic imaging* ; Paraneoplastic Syndromes/pathology*

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with spinal fractures with thoracic and lumbar fracture as the most common type shows characteristics of unstable fracture, high incidence of nerve injury, high mortality and high disability rate. The diagnosis may be missed because it is mostly caused by low-energy injury, when spinal rigidity and osteoporosis have a great impact on the accuracy of imaging examination. At the same time, the treatment choices are controversial, with no relevant specifications. Non-operative treatments can easily lead to bone nonunion, pseudoarthrosis and delayed nerve injury, while surgeries may be failed due to internal fixation failure. At present, there are no evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with thoracic and lumbar fracture. In this context, the Spinal Trauma Academic Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of adult ankylosing spondylitis combined with thoracolumbar fracture ( version 2023) by following the principles of evidence-based medicine and systematically review related literatures. Ten recommendations on the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, classification and treatment of AS combined with thoracic and lumbar fracture were put forward, aiming to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of such disorder.

The acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults have a higher rate of neurological injury and early death compared with atlas or axial fractures alone. Currently, the diagnosis and treatment choices of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults are controversial because of the lack of standards for implementation. Non-operative treatments have a high incidence of bone nonunion and complications, while surgeries may easily lead to the injury of the vertebral artery, spinal cord and nerve root. At present, there are no evidence-based Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults. To provide orthopedic surgeons with the most up-to-date and effective information in treating acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field of spinal trauma to develop the Evidence-based guideline for clinical diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults ( version 2023) by referring to the "Management of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults" published by American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) in 2013 and the relevant Chinese and English literatures. Ten recommendations were made concerning the radiological diagnosis, stability judgment, treatment rules, treatment options and complications based on medical evidence, aiming to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults.

Objective:To compare the efficacy between percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) with unilateral double-target puncture approach plus side opening propeller and traditional PVP in the treatment of Kümmell disease.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 40 patients with Kümmell disease admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022, including 11 males and 29 females; aged 61-95 years [(74.3±9.5)years]. Twenty patients received the PVP with unilateral double-target puncture approach plus side opening propeller (observation group), and 20 patients were treated with traditional PVP (control group). The operation time, volume of cement injection and distribution levels of bone cement were compared between the two groups, as well as the visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), Cobb angle, anterior height of the vertebral body before operation and at 1 day and 6 months after operation. The incidence of complications was also compared between the two groups.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-12 months [(9.1±2.8)months]. The operation time was (40.3±4.5)minutes in the observation group and (38.6±3.5)minutes in the control group ( P>0.05). The volume of cement injection was (6.5±1.3)ml in the observation group, significantly more than that in the control group [(5.4±1.0)ml] ( P<0.01). The distribution levels of bone cement in the observation group (0 patient in Grade 1, 3 in Grade 2, and 17 in Grade 3) were better than those in the control group (1 patient in Grade 1, 15 in Grade 2, and 4 in Grade 3) ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the VAS, ODI, Cobb angle or anterior height of the vertebral body between the two groups before operation (all P>0.05). One day after operation, the VAS in the observation group and control group was (1.6±0.7)points and (2.5±0.8)points, with the ODI of 16.1±3.3 and 21.3±4.1, Cobb angle of (18.4±2.9)° and (21.4±2.0)° and anterior height of the vertebral body of (23.7±1.8)mm and (20.1±1.7)mm. Six months after operation, the VAS in the observation group and control group was (1.3±0.5)points and (2.3±0.9)points, with the ODI of 15.0±3.8 and 20.8±3.9, Cobb angle of (19.3±2.9)° and (22.4±1.7)°, and anterior height of the vertebral body of (23.4±1.8)mm and (19.8±1.6)mm. The VAS, ODI, Cobb angle and anterior height of the vertebral body in the observation group were better than those in the control group at 1 day and 6 months after operation (all P<0.01). The VAS, ODI, Cobb angle and anterior height of the vertebral body were significantly improved in the two groups at 1 day and 6 months after operation compared with those before operation (all P<0.01), but there were no significant differences between 1 day and 6 months after operation (all P>0.05). The incidence of complications was not significantly different between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The PVP with unilateral double-target puncture approach plus lateral opening propeller not only allows for adequate and evenly distributed injection of bone cement, but also effectively reduces the pain, improves the quality of life, corrects the kyphosis and restores the height of the vertebral body in treating Kümmell disease compared with the traditional PVP.

Objective:To explore the optimal keV value of the virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) for displaying the osteosarcoma by using the dual-layer spectral detector CT and to evaluate its application value in determining the extent of intramedullary invasion of osteosarcoma.Methods:From August 2021 to August 2022, 57 patients with conventional osteosarcoma of long bone confirmed by biopsy in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. All patients completed dual-layer spectral CT enhanced examination before limb salvage surgery, and tumor segment resection specimens were obtained after surgery. Conventional 120 kVp image and VMI of 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 keV were obtained by spectral CT examination, and the CT values of tumors, image noise were measured and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the corresponding images were calculated. The objective evaluation among the six groups of images were assessed with the Friedman test, and then determined the optimal keV value. The maximum distance between the intramedullary boundary of osteosarcoma and the adjacent articular surfaces was measured on the best keV VMI and the tumor segment resection specimens. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to find the differences and the Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the distance measured from the best keV VMI and the specimens.Results:There were significant differences in CT value, image noise, SNR and CNR between 40-80 keV VMI and 120 kVp conventional CT images ( P<0.05). The CT value, SNR and CNR of 40 and 50 keV VMI were better than 120 kVp ( P<0.001). The 50 keV VMI was chosen as the best keV VMI to measure the intramedullary extent of osteosarcoma. The distance measured from 50 keV VMI was 103.9 (80.4, 131.4) mm, while the distance measured from specimens was 113.5 (94.0, 142.0) mm, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-5.76, P<0.001). The 50 keV VMI measurements in 51 patients were smaller than the gross specimens, which underestimated the tumor intramedullary extent, with the difference was 11.1 (6.6, 13.8) mm. The Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated a high positive correlation of distance measured on gross specimens with the 50 keV VMI ( r s=0.960, P<0.001). Conclusions:Dual-layer spectral detector CT with 50 keV VMI is the best image to show the limb osteosarcoma. Compared with gross specimens, the distance measured from CT underestimated the intramedullary invasion range of limb osteosarcoma about 10 mm, but the two show a good correlation.

The Omicron family of SARS-CoV-2 variants are currently driving the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we analyzed the clinical laboratory test results of 9911 Omicron BA.2.2 sublineages-infected symptomatic patients without earlier infection histories during a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Shanghai in spring 2022. Compared to an earlier patient cohort infected by SARS-CoV-2 prototype strains in 2020, BA.2.2 infection led to distinct fluctuations of pathophysiological markers in the peripheral blood. In particular, severe/critical cases of COVID-19 post BA.2.2 infection were associated with less pro-inflammatory macrophage activation and stronger interferon alpha response in the bronchoalveolar microenvironment. Importantly, the abnormal biomarkers were significantly subdued in individuals who had been immunized by 2 or 3 doses of SARS-CoV-2 prototype-inactivated vaccines, supporting the estimation of an overall 96.02% of protection rate against severe/critical disease in the 4854 cases in our BA.2.2 patient cohort with traceable vaccination records. Furthermore, even though age was a critical risk factor of the severity of COVID-19 post BA.2.2 infection, vaccination-elicited protection against severe/critical COVID-19 reached 90.15% in patients aged ≽ 60 years old. Together, our study delineates the pathophysiological features of Omicron BA.2.2 sublineages and demonstrates significant protection conferred by prior prototype-based inactivated vaccines.
Humans ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics/prevention & control* ; China/epidemiology* ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control* ; Vaccination