Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of posterior apical total intervertebral release (IVR) combined with posterior column osteotomy (PCO) in the treatment of rigid scoliosis.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiographic data of 27 patients with rigid scoliosis who underwent posterior total IVR combined with PCO in the apical region from July 2017 to September 2023. There were 10 males and 17 females with an age of 19.3±8.8 years (range 11-48 years). Among them, there were 16 cases of idiopathic scoliosis, 7 cases of neuromuscular scoliosis, 1 case of congenital scoliosis, 1 case of Marfan syndrome with scoliosis, 1 case of neurofibromatosis with scoliosis, and 1 case of osteogenesis imperfecta with scoliosis. The mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 75.4°±13.7° (range 58.7°-110.2°) preoperatively. The mean flexibility of the main curvature is 15.7%±4.7% (range 2.5%-24.3%). Preoperative computer tomography showed that the area of the IVR channel in the convex and concave side of the apical region was 128.1±23.3 mm 2 and 89.5±18.6 mm 2, respectively. The area of the convex IVR was significantly higher than that of the concave IVR. Results:All 27 patients underwent surgery successfully. Total IVR was performed at an average of 3.4±0.7 levels in the apical region. SPO and Ponte osteotomy were performed at 2.7±0.7 and 4.9±1.1 levels, respectively. The mean fusion segment is 11.2±2.0. The operation time, estimated blood loss, and follow-up time were 7.5±0.9 hours (range 6.0-9.8 hours), 1 103.7±845.1 ml (range 300-4 500 ml), and 20.0±14.2 months (range 5-56 months), respectively. The preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up's mean coronal Cobb angles of the main curve were 75.4°±13.7°, 18.2°±6.5° and 18.6°±6.5°, respectively. The mean correction rate was 75.7%±5.3%. In cases of thoracolumbar kyphosis, the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up mean sagittal Cobb angles were 47.2°±4.7°, 22.8°±9.1° and 23.8°±8.9°, respectively. The mean correction rate was 49.5%±18.9%. The mean axial vertebral rotation (AVR) in the IVR region was 24.6°±7.6° preoperatively and was corrected to 11.6°±5.6° postoperatively. The mean correction rate for AVR was 54.0%±11.3%. The coronal, sagittal Cobb angles and AVR postoperatively were significantly lower than those preoperatively ( P<0.001). This case series reported 4 cases of postoperative pleural effusion and 1 case of pulmonary infection, and all of them were cured through conservative treatment. One patient developed incision infection 2 months postoperatively and recovered through debridement surgery. Two patients had proximal junctional kyphosis, one of them underwent revision surgery, and another case was treated with braces. Conclusion:Posterior multi-segment total IVR combined with PCO is a safe and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of rigid scoliosis. The procedure of total IVR was recommended as a supplement for better release of the rigid spine when traditional release methods are not effective.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of O-arm-based thoracolumbar pedicle screw installation.Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 75 patients who had undergone thoracolumbar pedicle screw fixation assisted with O-arm navigation (navigation group,n =32) and C-arm fluoroscopy (fluoroscopy group,n =43) from March to October 2014.All the patients were assessed with X-ray and CT images after operation.Accuracy of screw installation in both groups was compared.In navigation group,screw directions were measured on the sagittal and axial images of intraoperative navigation and post-operative CT scanning to evaluate the concordance.Results In fluoroscopy group,a total of 206 pedicle screws were placed with the one-time success rate of 93.2％ and accuracy of 90.8％ for screw placement,and one misplaced screw (grade llⅢ) led to L3 nerve root symptom.In navigation group,a total of 226 pedicle screws were placed with the one-time success rate of 100％ and accuracy of 96.9％ for screw placement,and no screw was grade Ⅲ.Further,there were no significant differences in screw directions on the sagittal and axial images between intraoperative navigation and postoperative CT scanning (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion O-arm navigation that provides high-resolution images and high precision improves the accuracy of thoracolumbar pedicle screw installation,and possesses good reliability.

Objective To strengthen the ability of clinical thinking and the ability to solve practical clinical problems for medical students.Methods Medical undergraduates studying in affiliated hospitals of Tongji university from 2005 to 2010 were enrolled The clinical thinking training and assessment in clinical teaching were enhanced by introducing problem-based learning,case-based learning and by strengthening the role of interns in clinical work and emphasizing clinical thinking ability assessment during various kinds of clinical skills examinations.Meanwhile,the teaching management and supervision were improved.The awareness and ability of clinical teachers to train students′ clinical thinking were aroused and cultivated through teaching staff training so as to ensure that clinical thinking training and assessment were involved in the whole process of clinical teaching.Results The students' abilities of self-study,scientific thinking and oral expression were improved.The passing rates of our graduates in national general medical practitioner test were increasing yearly from 2006 to 2008.Conclusion Strengthening clinical thinking ability training during clinical teaching plays an active role in improving clinical skills in medical students.

Based on the analysis of the current status and limited factors of MISS at home and aboard,this paper discussed on the importance of MISS training base construction and explored the construction from the aspects of infrastructure constructing,teaching staff training,teaching materials compiling and teaching practice(teaching forms,contents and evaluation)researching.

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the treatment of odontoid fractures using percutaneous and open anterior screw fixation,and compare the clinical and radiographic results of the two techniques.MethodsFrom March 2003 to May 2010,115 patients with odontoid fracture were treated with anterior screw fixation,and all patients were followed up.The mean age of the patients was 43.5 years (range,16-71).Forty-seven patients who underwent percutaneous anterior screw fixation were set as the percutaneous fixation group,including 42 cases of type Ⅱ odontoid fracture and 5 of rostral type Ⅲ fracture.Sixtyeight patients who received open anterior screw fixation were set as the open fixation group,composing of 61cases of type Ⅱ odontoid fracture and 7 of rostral type Ⅲ fracture.We compared the operative time,intraoperative blood loss,X-ray exposure time,fracture union and complications between the two groups.Results The average follow-up duration was 37.6 months with a range of 12-70 months.The gender,age,classification of odontoid fractures,time after the injuries and concomitant spinal injuries showed a similar pattern in both groups.The operating time and intra-operative blood loss in percutaneous fixation group were (40.3±9.5)min and (5.6±4.1) ml respectively,and in open fixation group were (62.9±15.3) min and (47.1±28.6) ml respectively,both of them were significantly superior in percutaneous fixation group than in open fixation group (P＜0.05).There was no statistical difference in radiation exposure time,fracture union and incidence of complication between the two groups.ConclusionComparing with open screw fixation,percutaneous anterior screw fixation is a safe and reliable procedure for treatment of type Ⅱ and rostral type Ⅲ odontoid fractures with potential advantages.

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of artificial cervical disc replacement and cage fusion in the treatment of multi-segmental cervical disc herniation. Methods A total of 39 patients with multi-level cervical disc herniation were treated with disc replacement and adjacent segment cage fusion at one stage. There were 29 patients with two level cervical disc herniation, nine with three level cervical disc herniation and one with four level cervical disc herniation. Of the patients, there were 17 male and 22 female, aged between 35 and 63 years ( mean age 47 years). The herniated disc was located at C3-4 and C4-5 in two patients, C4-5 and C5-6 in 15, C5-6 and C6-7 in nine, C4-5 and C6-7 in three, C3-4,C4-5 and C5-6 in four, C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7 in five and C3-4, C4-8 , C5-6 and C6-7 in one. There were 18 patients with myelopathy and 21 with radieulopathy. The stabilization and the range of motion of implanted disc,the fusion of cage and the displacement of cage were observed on dynamic radiograph postoperatively. The clinical symptom and the neurological function were evaluated according to JOA score and odom' s criteria. Postoperative clinical symptoms and daily function were evaluated by using neck disability index (NDI) scale. Results Twenty-nine patients with bi-level cervical disc herniation underwent single level disc replacement and cage fusion on adjacent segment. Nine patients with three level disc herniation underwent single level disc replacement in seven and level cage fusion on adjacent segment in two. Twopatients underwent two level disc replacement and one level cage fusion. One patient with four level disc herniation was treated with two level disc replacement and two level cage fusion. The patients were followed up for from 6 moths to 3 years, which showed that definite stabilization was achieved for all disc with average range of motion for 9.3 degrees postoperatively. Solid fusion was achieved in all cage, with no subsidence or displacement of cage. The JOA score was increased from 9.1 to 13.2 at final follow up and the NDI (neck disability index) score decreased from 41.8 reduced to 29.5 at final follow up. The clinical success rate (excellent/good/fair) according to Odom' s Criteria was 85%. Conclusion Cervical disc replacement and cage fusion can attain definite stabilization and satisfactory mobility and provide a new effective treatment for cervical disc herniation. The long-term outcome needs further clinical followup.

Objective To assess the value of confocal laser endomieroscopy (CLE) in diagnosis of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions. Methods CLE examination was performed in 41 patients who needed further examination because of lesions in esophagus during July 2008 to April 2009. The diagnosis was made based on the features of esophageal squamous cells which was defined as low grade intraepithelial neoplasia(LGIN), high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) and early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EC). Biopsy specimens were taken precisely matched to the CLE imaging sites. The result was compared with that of histopathology. Results There were 7281 eonfocal images obtained from 60 target lesions in 41 patients. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CLE were 75.0%, 88.6% and 85.0% in diagnosis of LGIN, respectively, 85.7% ,92.3% and 90.0% in diagnosis of HGIN, respectively,and 88.9% ,96.1% and 95.0%, in diagnosis of EC,respectively. Conclusions It is an effective method for diagnosis of esophageal neoplastic lesions using CLE, which has high accuracy in diagnosis of HGIN and early esophageal cancer.

Objective To explore feasibility and therapeutic effect of posterior decompression by vertebral body resection, interbody bone fusion and transpedicular screw internal fixation in treatment of severe rotational throracolumar fracture and dislocation. Methods From October 2007 to July 2008, nine patients with severe rotational throracolumar fracture and dislocation classified as AO C types under-went decompression by vertebral boby resection, intervertebral bone fusion and transpedicular screw inter-nal fixation via a posterior midline small incision. There were eight males and one female, at age range from 23 to 54 years. All patients involved levels at T_(11)-L_2. According to AO classification, there were three patients with type C1 bursting fractures with rotational dislocation, five with distraction fracture com-bined with rotational dislocation and one with rotational distraction shear fracture/dislocation. The preop-erative Frankel Grading was Grade A in three patients, Grade B in one, Grade C in four and Grade D in one. Postoperative neurological status, the correction and loss of dislocation and the location and union of bone graft were reviewed. Results All patients received successful operation, with operation time of 3.5-5.8 hours (mean 4.4 hours), blood loss of 1 200-3 500 ml (mean 1 800 ml). The follow- up period in nine patients was 3-12 months (mean seven months). Postoperative X-ray photographs showed that the dislocation in all patients was reduced, the spine curvature was recovered to normal and the intervertebral bone graft was well fixed. Three patients at Frankel Grade A had no improvement, one at Grade B was improved to Grade C. Of four patients at Grade C, three patients were improved to Grade D. The follow-up showed bony fusion in all patients, with no loosening, dislocation or breakage of the internal fixation or implants. Conclusions For severe rotational throracolumar fracture and dislocation, decompression, reduction, fusion and fixation are rather difficult, while sufficient posterior decompression by vertebral body resection, rigid interbody bone fusion and transpadicular screw internal fixation can be an effective alternative measure.

Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgical treatment for post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis. Methods A retrospective review was performed on seven patients with post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis admitted from April 2009 to February 2010.There were four males and three females, at average age of 45.3 years. After general anesthesia, minimally invasive transarticular osteotomy and multi-level SextantTM percutaneous reduction and internal fixation were performed under QuadrantTM working tube system. The status of pain and ability was evaluated by using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). The kyphotic deformity was evaluated by using the Cobb's angle. Results The operation lasted for mean 135 minutes, with mean perioperative blood loss of 106 ml but with no any complications occurred. The mean follow -up period was 5.5 months ( range 4 -16 months ). The mean VAS score was improved from preoperative ( 7.6 ±3.5) points to postoperative (2.5 ± 1.3) points, with statistical difference (P ＜0.01 ). The mean ODI was improved from preoperative 53.6 ± 24.2 to postoperative 20.6 ± 6.3, with statistical difference ( P ＜0.01 ). The Cobb angle was also improved from preoperative ( 32. 1 ± 4.5 ) ° to postoperative ( 7.3 ±2.9 ) °, with statistical difference ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusion Minimally invasive transarticular osteotomy under QuadrantTM working tube system is a safe and effective alternative for dealing with post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis.

Objective To study the indications and clinical outcome of the upper cervical spine via the high anterior cervical retropharyngeal approach in treatment of upper cervical spine injuries. Methods There were 41 patients including 32 males and 9 females, at age of 12-67 years. Of all patients, there were 21 patients with Hangman fractures, two with fracture of C2 vertebral body, 12 with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation secondary to os odontoideum, four with C1,2 tuberculosis and two with C2 gaint cell tumor. All patients underwent the high anterior cervical retropharyngeal approach to expose C1C3. C2,3 fusion followed by self-locking plate was performed for Hangman fractures and C2 fractures. Ventral reduction plud posterior aflantoaxial fusion was done for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation secondary to os odontoideum. Lesion was cleared for tuberculosis and the tumor was resected and reconstructed. The neurological funcation was evaluated according to the ASIA criteria, the JOA score and Odom' s criteria. Results Successful exposure of arch of atlas to C3 was achived in all 41 patients, with satisfactory reducation, decompression, fusion, lesion resection and reconstruction. The trauma patients with normal neurological function showed no neurological deficit postoperatively, but those with quadriparesis had partial recovery. While the patients with illness obtained marked recovery of neurological function, with the JOA score from preoperative 8.9 to 12.5 at final follow-up. The clinical success rate (excellent/good/fair) reached 94. % according to Odom' s Criteria. Hypoglossal symptom was found in three patients and facial nerve symptom in two, without wound infection. Conclusions Via the high anterior cervical retropharyngeal approach, the upper cervical spine can be thoroughly exposed to facilitate reduction, decompression and reconstruction and maximally restore physiological function of the cervical spine in treatment of the upper cervical spine injuries.