OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided needle knife release with different pathways for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Sixty CTS patients were randomly divided into a transverse group and a longitudinal group, with 30 patients in each group. The transverse group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above and below the median nerve along the short axis, while the longitudinal group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above the median nerve along the long axis. The patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Levine scores, and median nerve cross-section area (CSA) were assessed before treatment, on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment. The median nerve conduction indexes (motor conduction: latency [Lat], amplitude[Amp], motor conduction velocity [MCV]; sensory conduction: Lat, Amp, sensory conduction velocity [SCV]) were evaluated before treatment and on the 30th day after treatment. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, Levine scores, and median nerve CSA were reduced in both groups on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment (P<0.05); the transverse group showed lower VAS and Levine scores and smaller CSA than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). On the 30th day after treatment, motor and sensory Lat was reduced (P<0.05), motor and sensory Amp was increased (P<0.05), and MCV and SCV were faster (P<0.05) in both groups. The transverse group had shorter Lat, higher Amp, and faster MCV and SCV than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The ultrasound-guided needle knife release with transverse and longitudinal pathways could both effectively alleviate pain and improve median nerve conduction in CTS patients, with the transverse pathway showing superior efficacy to longitudinal pathway.
Humans ; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/therapy* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Adult ; Median Nerve/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Neural Conduction ; Aged ; Ultrasonography

Polysaccharides, a class of complex macromolecules, are distinguished by their diverse biological functions and essential role in functional foods. The distinctive biological activities of polysaccharides from medicine and food homology materials (MFPs), including immunomodulation, carbohydrate metabolism regulation, and lipid metabolism regulation properties, have attracted considerable scientific attention. The relationship between polysaccharides and gut microbiota is fundamental to human health, as polysaccharides demonstrate efficacy in ameliorating various conditions-from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to obesity and diabetes-through their influence on intestinal flora composition and diversity. Although polysaccharide research and applications show promise, significant challenges persist, particularly regarding extraction and purification methodologies, and the complete understanding of their biological mechanisms. Future investigations should prioritize understanding the correlation between polysaccharide structure and function, advancing large-scale production and application technologies, and establishing productive interdisciplinary collaborations. MFPs demonstrate significant potential for advancing sustainable development and human health, building upon current research findings. This paper presents a comprehensive review of global developments in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activities, and applications of MFPs, emphasizing opportunities for scientific and technological innovations in specialized dietary food development.
Polysaccharides/isolation & purification* ; Humans ; Functional Food/analysis* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Animals

Objective: Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed. Results: Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA. Conclusion This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.

Objective: Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed. Results: Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA. Conclusion This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.

Objective: Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed. Results: Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA. Conclusion This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.

BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are the most common complication in patients with osteoporosis.As a new imaging technique,spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is much more sensitive than X-ray film in the diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.However,total spine MRI is costly and takes a long time to scan.Therefore,there is no consensus on whether all patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures need to undergo total spine MRI scan and which patients need to undergo total spine MRI. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the distribution characteristics of vertebral fractures and explore their clinical significance by observing the whole spine MRI data of osteoporotic vertebral fractures patients. METHODS:Data of cases and MRI images of all patients diagnosed with fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures who visited the Department of Orthopedics,Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.903 patients were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.General information(age,gender,and body mass index),medical history characteristics(duration of illness,history of trauma surgery,percussion pain area,and pain score)were collected.The characteristics of vertebral fractures were analyzed through whole spine magnetic resonance imaging.Firstly,based on the number of vertebral fractures in patients,they were divided into the single vertebral fracture group(484 cases)and the multi-vertebral fracture group(419 cases),and the differences were analyzed between the two groups.Then,based on whether the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was greater than or equal to 5,the multi vertebral fracture group was further divided into two subgroups.Among them,Group A(the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was less than 5)contained 306 cases;Group B(with the farthest interval between fractured vertebral bodies greater than 5)included 113 cases.The differences were analyzed between two subgroups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among 903 patients,419 patients(46.4%)had more than two fractured vertebrae.There were 654 patients(72.4%)with thoracolumbar fractures,and 54 patients(6%)with fractures in the thoracic plus lumbar region and the entire thoracic to lumbar region.In group B,96.5%of patients had multiregional percussion pain.(2)Compared with the patients in the single vertebral fracture group and the multi-vertebral fracture group,there were significant differences in bone mineral density,whether the medical history was greater than or equal to 1 month,the history of low energy injury,and the distribution and number of axial percussion pain areas in the spine during physical examination between the two groups(P<0.05).Age,gender,body mass index,whether there was underlying disease,pain visual analog scale score,whether there was a history of elderly thoracolumbar fracture,and whether there was a history of thoracolumbar surgery,and the number of fractured vertebrae had no statistical significance(P>0.05).(3)There were statistically significant differences between the Groups A and B in bone mineral density,the distribution and quantity of percussion pain area,and the history of low energy injury(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in age,gender,history of old fractures,visual analog scale score,body mass index,whether the medical history was longer than or equal to 1 month,history of underlying diseases,and history of thoracolumbar surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)Patients with multiple low-energy trauma history,history of more than 1 month,multiple percussion pain,and the lower bone mineral density should be alert to the occurrence of multiple vertebral fracture and jump fracture.We recommend the whole spinal MRI for these patients.

Objective: Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed. Results: Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA. Conclusion This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.

Objective: Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed. Results: Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA. Conclusion This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.

Objective:To analyzed the correlation between the sacral slope (SS) and the slip degree of vertebral body, the morphological parameters of intervertebral disc, paraspinal muscle and pedicle in patient with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. One hundred and forty patients with L 4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis who visited the Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from July 2018 to October 2022 were included. There were 32 males and 108 females, with an age of (62.6±10.0) years (range: 42 to 87 years) and the body mass index was (23.8±2.8) kg/m 2(range: 14.7 to 28.7 kg/m 2). General information and imaging data (lumbar X-ray, CT three-dimensional reconstruction, MRI images) of the patients were collected. SS and the slip degree (SD) of the L 4 vertebral body were measured on lateral lumbar radiographs. Based on Roussouly classification, 140 patients with DLS were divided into a low SS group (SS<35°), a medium SS group (35°≤SS<45°), and a high SS group (SS≥45°). The morphological parameters of the L 4 pedicle of the patient were measured on the lumbar CT three-dimensional reconstruction images, including pedicle length (PL), pedicle width (PW), pedicle screw trajectory length (PSTL), pedicle camber angle(PCA) and pedicle height (PH). The morphological parameters of the paraspinal muscles (psoas major, multifidus and erector spinae) were measured on MRI images, including total cross-sectional muscle area (TCSA), functional cross-sectional muscle area (FCSA), and the ratio of functional cross-sectional muscle area (FCSA/TCSA) was calculated. The degree of degeneration of the L 4-5 disc was assessed on MRI images. The slip degree, morphological parameters of the pedicle, intervertebral disc, and paraspinal muscles among the groups were compared and their correlation was analyzed. The comparison of quantitative data was conducted using one-way analysis of variance, and the post hoc analysis for pairwise comparisons among groups was performed using the least significant difference method. The comparison of unordered categorical data was carried out using the χ2 test, and the comparison of ordered categorical data was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlation. Results:Among the 140 patients, there were 70 in the low SS group, 48 in the medium SS group, and 22 in the high SS group. The SD and PL of the low SS group were the lowest ((18.6±4.2)%, (14.0±1.0) mm), those of the medium SS group were slightly higher ((21.0±3.6)%, (15.7±0.9) mm), and those of the high SS group were the highest ((23.7±2.8)%, (16.2±0.7) mm), with statistically significant differences among the groups (all P<0.01). The PW, PH and PCA of the low SS group were the highest ((11.0±1.1) mm, (11.0±1.0) mm, 22.9°±1.1°), those of the medium SS group were slightly lower ((10.2±1.1) mm, (10.4±0.9) mm, 21.6°±1.3°), and those of the high SS group were the lowest ((9.6±0.9) mm, (9.4±0.7) mm, 18.7°±1.5°), with statistically significant differences among the groups (all P<0.05). The FSCA/TCSA of the psoas major, erector spinae and multifidus muscles in the low SS group were the highest ((93.1±4.0)% and (77.6±6.4) %), next were those in the medium SS group ((90.9±3.5)% and (74.9±6.1)%), and those in the high SS group were the lowest ((88.6±4.4)% and (71.2±7.4) %), with statistically significant differences among the different groups (all P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that SS was positively correlated with SD( r=0.557, P<0.01); SS was negatively correlated with the FSCA/TCSA of the paraspinal muscles (psoas major, erector spinae+multifidus) ( r=-0.393,-0.394,both P<0.01); SS was positively correlated with PL and PSTL ( r=0.706, P<0.01; r=0.264, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with PW, PCA and PH ( r=-0.469,-0.669,-0.549, all P<0.01). The Pfirrmann grade of intervertebral disc degeneration in the low SS group was better than that in the medium SS group and the high SS group( H=23.128, P<0.01). Conclusions:In DLS patients, as SS increases, the SD of the L 4 vertebral body gradually increases, the proportion of paraspinal muscle functional area gradually decreases, the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration gradually worsens, the pedicle gradually becomes slender, and the pedicle camber angle gradually decreases. There is a correlation between SS and the degree of vertebral slippage, as well as morphological parameters of pedicle, intervertebral disc, and paraspinal muscles.

Objective:To analyzed the correlation between the sacral slope (SS) and the slip degree of vertebral body, the morphological parameters of intervertebral disc, paraspinal muscle and pedicle in patient with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. One hundred and forty patients with L 4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis who visited the Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from July 2018 to October 2022 were included. There were 32 males and 108 females, with an age of (62.6±10.0) years (range: 42 to 87 years) and the body mass index was (23.8±2.8) kg/m 2(range: 14.7 to 28.7 kg/m 2). General information and imaging data (lumbar X-ray, CT three-dimensional reconstruction, MRI images) of the patients were collected. SS and the slip degree (SD) of the L 4 vertebral body were measured on lateral lumbar radiographs. Based on Roussouly classification, 140 patients with DLS were divided into a low SS group (SS<35°), a medium SS group (35°≤SS<45°), and a high SS group (SS≥45°). The morphological parameters of the L 4 pedicle of the patient were measured on the lumbar CT three-dimensional reconstruction images, including pedicle length (PL), pedicle width (PW), pedicle screw trajectory length (PSTL), pedicle camber angle(PCA) and pedicle height (PH). The morphological parameters of the paraspinal muscles (psoas major, multifidus and erector spinae) were measured on MRI images, including total cross-sectional muscle area (TCSA), functional cross-sectional muscle area (FCSA), and the ratio of functional cross-sectional muscle area (FCSA/TCSA) was calculated. The degree of degeneration of the L 4-5 disc was assessed on MRI images. The slip degree, morphological parameters of the pedicle, intervertebral disc, and paraspinal muscles among the groups were compared and their correlation was analyzed. The comparison of quantitative data was conducted using one-way analysis of variance, and the post hoc analysis for pairwise comparisons among groups was performed using the least significant difference method. The comparison of unordered categorical data was carried out using the χ2 test, and the comparison of ordered categorical data was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlation. Results:Among the 140 patients, there were 70 in the low SS group, 48 in the medium SS group, and 22 in the high SS group. The SD and PL of the low SS group were the lowest ((18.6±4.2)%, (14.0±1.0) mm), those of the medium SS group were slightly higher ((21.0±3.6)%, (15.7±0.9) mm), and those of the high SS group were the highest ((23.7±2.8)%, (16.2±0.7) mm), with statistically significant differences among the groups (all P<0.01). The PW, PH and PCA of the low SS group were the highest ((11.0±1.1) mm, (11.0±1.0) mm, 22.9°±1.1°), those of the medium SS group were slightly lower ((10.2±1.1) mm, (10.4±0.9) mm, 21.6°±1.3°), and those of the high SS group were the lowest ((9.6±0.9) mm, (9.4±0.7) mm, 18.7°±1.5°), with statistically significant differences among the groups (all P<0.05). The FSCA/TCSA of the psoas major, erector spinae and multifidus muscles in the low SS group were the highest ((93.1±4.0)% and (77.6±6.4) %), next were those in the medium SS group ((90.9±3.5)% and (74.9±6.1)%), and those in the high SS group were the lowest ((88.6±4.4)% and (71.2±7.4) %), with statistically significant differences among the different groups (all P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that SS was positively correlated with SD( r=0.557, P<0.01); SS was negatively correlated with the FSCA/TCSA of the paraspinal muscles (psoas major, erector spinae+multifidus) ( r=-0.393,-0.394,both P<0.01); SS was positively correlated with PL and PSTL ( r=0.706, P<0.01; r=0.264, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with PW, PCA and PH ( r=-0.469,-0.669,-0.549, all P<0.01). The Pfirrmann grade of intervertebral disc degeneration in the low SS group was better than that in the medium SS group and the high SS group( H=23.128, P<0.01). Conclusions:In DLS patients, as SS increases, the SD of the L 4 vertebral body gradually increases, the proportion of paraspinal muscle functional area gradually decreases, the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration gradually worsens, the pedicle gradually becomes slender, and the pedicle camber angle gradually decreases. There is a correlation between SS and the degree of vertebral slippage, as well as morphological parameters of pedicle, intervertebral disc, and paraspinal muscles.