Objective:This study introduces a novel segmented and layered thoracic laminoplasty technique for the treatment of thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and ligamentum flavum (OLF). The goal is to simplify the surgical procedure, improve safety, reduce iatrogenic injuries, and validate its clinical outcomes through follow-up.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients (10 males, 13 females; mean age 58.83±12.01 years) treated at Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to December 2023. Transverse grooves were created at the superior and inferior vertebral pedicle levels, utilizing the intervertebral ligamentum flavum as a segmental demarcation reference. Partial removal of the distal lamina and medial of the inferior articular process was performed through a cortical window. Under direct visualization, complete removal of ossified ligamentum flavum, proximal portion of lamina, superior articular process. The treatment effect was evaluated by clinical symptoms, signs, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), imaging results (CT and MRI) and complications before or after surgery.Results:All 23 procedures were successfully completed with a mean operative duration of 180(150, 220) min, the surgical time for 71 segments were 67.5(53.8, 120.0) minutes and intraoperative blood loss of 200(100, 300) ml, demonstrating a low intraoperative dural tear rate of 8.70% (2/23). Postoperative imaging (CT/MRI) confirmed adequate decompression in all cases, with significant symptom improvement at final follow-up 21(9, 39) months: 47% (7/15) of patients achieved marked relief of lower limb numbness, 82% (14/17) showed substantial motor recovery, and 54% (7/13) exhibited improved gait stability. Functional outcomes revealed significant enhancements, with JOA scores increasing from 8(6, 8) preoperatively to 9(8, 10) postoperatively ( P<0.05; 43.80% improvement rate) and VAS scores decreasing from 6(5, 7) to 2(1, 4) ( P<0.05). The complications were two dural tears and one suture reaction. Conclusions:Ultrasonic osteotome-assisted segmented layered laminectomy is a safe, effective, and straightforward technique for treating thoracic spinal stenosis caused by OPLL and OLF. It offers shorter operative times, minimal complications, and significant clinical improvement, making it a promising technique for broader clinical adoption.

Objective:This study introduces a novel segmented and layered thoracic laminoplasty technique for the treatment of thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and ligamentum flavum (OLF). The goal is to simplify the surgical procedure, improve safety, reduce iatrogenic injuries, and validate its clinical outcomes through follow-up.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients (10 males, 13 females; mean age 58.83±12.01 years) treated at Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to December 2023. Transverse grooves were created at the superior and inferior vertebral pedicle levels, utilizing the intervertebral ligamentum flavum as a segmental demarcation reference. Partial removal of the distal lamina and medial of the inferior articular process was performed through a cortical window. Under direct visualization, complete removal of ossified ligamentum flavum, proximal portion of lamina, superior articular process. The treatment effect was evaluated by clinical symptoms, signs, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), imaging results (CT and MRI) and complications before or after surgery.Results:All 23 procedures were successfully completed with a mean operative duration of 180(150, 220) min, the surgical time for 71 segments were 67.5(53.8, 120.0) minutes and intraoperative blood loss of 200(100, 300) ml, demonstrating a low intraoperative dural tear rate of 8.70% (2/23). Postoperative imaging (CT/MRI) confirmed adequate decompression in all cases, with significant symptom improvement at final follow-up 21(9, 39) months: 47% (7/15) of patients achieved marked relief of lower limb numbness, 82% (14/17) showed substantial motor recovery, and 54% (7/13) exhibited improved gait stability. Functional outcomes revealed significant enhancements, with JOA scores increasing from 8(6, 8) preoperatively to 9(8, 10) postoperatively ( P<0.05; 43.80% improvement rate) and VAS scores decreasing from 6(5, 7) to 2(1, 4) ( P<0.05). The complications were two dural tears and one suture reaction. Conclusions:Ultrasonic osteotome-assisted segmented layered laminectomy is a safe, effective, and straightforward technique for treating thoracic spinal stenosis caused by OPLL and OLF. It offers shorter operative times, minimal complications, and significant clinical improvement, making it a promising technique for broader clinical adoption.

OBJECTIVE:To discuss the application of Prescription Automatic Screening System (PASS) in the examination of clinical medical orders. METHODS: The level and type of caution and the modification rate of medical orders in our hospital between April 2005 and April 2006 were analysed statistically, and the conformity between PASS cautions of medical orders and clinical medications was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 10 982 160 medical orders were monitored by PASS, of which, 11 146 were with black cautions and in which 2 861(25.67%) were modified, 51 504 were with red cautions and in which 10 357 (20.0%) were modified, 339 449 were with yellow ones and in which 66 022 (19.45%) were modified. In PASS monitor process, inconformity between feasible clinical medical orders and cautions of PASS was noted in a few cases. CONCLUSION: The examination of medical orders using PASS is convenient and rapid and the PASS can help improve clinical rational drug use level, however, its function of remains to be updated and optimized.