Objective To assess the mid-term clinical prognosis and radiological outcomes of a novel expandable PEEK(polyetheretherketone)vertebral replacement device used for anterior and middle column recon-struction in the thoracolumbar spine of osteoporotic patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 52 patients with single-segment osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures who underwent vertebral body replacement surgery between January 2020 and December 2023.The surgical procedures included either a thoracoscopic or minimally invasive anterior approach,combined with posterior short-segment cement-augmented screw fixation.According to the type of replacement material used,patients were categorized into two groups:the novel PEEK group and the titanium Mesh cage group.Data on surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative complications were collected.The Visual Analogue Score(VAS),Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),local kyphotic angle(LKA),fusion segment height(D-line),anterior vertebral body height(AVBH),and posterior vertebral body height(PVBH)were assessed at three stages:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,and during the final follow-up.Results All patients were successfully discharged.In the PEEK group,the average operative time was(235.28±58.69)minutes,and intraoperative blood loss was(680.00±163.30)mL.The mean follow-up duration was(14.12±2.44)months.The VAS score decreased significantly from(7.44±0.87)preoperatively to(2.24±0.93)at the final follow-up,and the ODI score also decreased significantly from(42.64±4.86)preoperatively to(11.84±3.73)at the final follow-up,indicating substantial improvement in symptoms and function(P<0.05).At the final follow-up,LKA,D-line,and AVBH exhibited partial loss compared to immediate postoperative values(P>0.05),but they remained significantly improved compared to preoperative values(P<0.05).The postoperative complication rate was 12.00%(3/25),and the fusion rate at the final follow-up was 100.00%.Similarly,the Mesh group effectively improved patient symptoms,function,and vertebral height(P<0.05).However,at the final follow-up,the PEEK group demonstrated significantly better LKA,D-line,and AVBH values compared to the Mesh group(P<0.05).Conclusion The short-segment cement-augmented internal fixation in combination with the novel expandable PEEK replacement device represents a viable solution for anterior column reconstruction in osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures,as evidenced by its mid-term outcomes of effective pain relief,significant functional improvement,sustained maintenance of vertebral height,and successful deformity correction.

Objective To assess the mid-term clinical prognosis and radiological outcomes of a novel expandable PEEK(polyetheretherketone)vertebral replacement device used for anterior and middle column recon-struction in the thoracolumbar spine of osteoporotic patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 52 patients with single-segment osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures who underwent vertebral body replacement surgery between January 2020 and December 2023.The surgical procedures included either a thoracoscopic or minimally invasive anterior approach,combined with posterior short-segment cement-augmented screw fixation.According to the type of replacement material used,patients were categorized into two groups:the novel PEEK group and the titanium Mesh cage group.Data on surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative complications were collected.The Visual Analogue Score(VAS),Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),local kyphotic angle(LKA),fusion segment height(D-line),anterior vertebral body height(AVBH),and posterior vertebral body height(PVBH)were assessed at three stages:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,and during the final follow-up.Results All patients were successfully discharged.In the PEEK group,the average operative time was(235.28±58.69)minutes,and intraoperative blood loss was(680.00±163.30)mL.The mean follow-up duration was(14.12±2.44)months.The VAS score decreased significantly from(7.44±0.87)preoperatively to(2.24±0.93)at the final follow-up,and the ODI score also decreased significantly from(42.64±4.86)preoperatively to(11.84±3.73)at the final follow-up,indicating substantial improvement in symptoms and function(P<0.05).At the final follow-up,LKA,D-line,and AVBH exhibited partial loss compared to immediate postoperative values(P>0.05),but they remained significantly improved compared to preoperative values(P<0.05).The postoperative complication rate was 12.00%(3/25),and the fusion rate at the final follow-up was 100.00%.Similarly,the Mesh group effectively improved patient symptoms,function,and vertebral height(P<0.05).However,at the final follow-up,the PEEK group demonstrated significantly better LKA,D-line,and AVBH values compared to the Mesh group(P<0.05).Conclusion The short-segment cement-augmented internal fixation in combination with the novel expandable PEEK replacement device represents a viable solution for anterior column reconstruction in osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures,as evidenced by its mid-term outcomes of effective pain relief,significant functional improvement,sustained maintenance of vertebral height,and successful deformity correction.

With changes in lifestyle,the incidence of osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures is increasing.These fractures are prone to being underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.In severe cases,they can lead to nonunion,kyphotic deformity,and even neurological injury.The best treatment plan for such unstable fractures has always been controversial.On the one hand,the fracture degree is severe and the morphology is complex,and there is no unified classification standard.On the other hand,the general condition and bone quality of the patients are poor,which affects the surgical decision.This article reviews the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic lumbar body blowout fractures.

With changes in lifestyle,the incidence of osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures is increasing.These fractures are prone to being underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.In severe cases,they can lead to nonunion,kyphotic deformity,and even neurological injury.The best treatment plan for such unstable fractures has always been controversial.On the one hand,the fracture degree is severe and the morphology is complex,and there is no unified classification standard.On the other hand,the general condition and bone quality of the patients are poor,which affects the surgical decision.This article reviews the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic lumbar body blowout fractures.

BACKGROUND:Previous literature reported that the fusion cage moved more than 2 mm from its original position,which means that the fusion cage moved backward.At present,clinical observation has found that the factors leading to the displacement of the fusion cage are complex,and the relationship between these factors and the cage retropulsion is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the risk factors related to cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion. METHODS:Retrospective analysis was conducted in 200 patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery with a polyetheretherketone interbody fusion from February 2020 to February 2022.According to the distance from the posterior edge of the vertebral fusion cage to the posterior edge of the vertebral body after the operation(the second day after the removal of the drainage tube)and 1,3,6 and 12 months after the operation,patients were divided into cage retropulsion group(≥2 mm)and cage non-retropulsion group(<2 mm).The factors that may affect cage retropulsion,such as age,gender,body mass index,bone mineral density,operation time,bleeding,endplate injury,preoperative and postoperative interbody height,cage implantation depth,cage size,and segmental anterior convexity angle,were analyzed by univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Posterior displacement of the fusion cage occurred in 15 cases(15/200).The differences in basic information such as age and body mass index between the two groups were not statistically significant.(2)The results of the univariate analysis were that gap height difference,time to wear a brace,segmental anterior convexity angle difference,bone mineral density,and age were related to posterior migration of the cage.(3)The results of logistic regression analysis were that cage size,endplate injury condition,and depth of cage implantation were risk factors for cage retropulsion.(4)These findings suggest that cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion is caused by multiple factors,including segmental anterior convexity angle difference,bone mineral density,cage size,endplate damage,time to wear a brace,and depth of cage implantation.

Objective To evaluate the predictive values of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), urine NGAL, serum cystatin C (Cys-C) and serum creatinine (Scr) for early delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplant recipients. Methods Clinical data, blood and urine samples of 159 kidney transplant recipients were collected. All recipients were divided into the DGF group (n=42) and immediate graft function (IGF) group (n=117) according to the incidence of DGF. Clinical data of all recipients were analyzed. The changes of serum NGAL, urine NGAL, Cys-C and Scr levels were statistically compared between two groups. The predictive values of different markers for early DGF were assessed. Results Among 159 kidney transplant recipients, DGF occurred in 42 cases with an incidence rate of 26.4%. There were statistically significant differences in donor age, cold ischemia time of donor kidney and complement-dependent cytoxicity (CDC) between the two groups(all P < 0.05). Within postoperative 2 weeks, the serum NGAL levels in the DGF group were higher than those in the IGF group (all P < 0.05). The Cys-C, Scr and urine NGAL levels in the DGF group were higher compared with those in the IGF group within 3 weeks after kidney transplantation(all P < 0.001). Serum NGAL, urine NGAL, Cys-C and Scr levels had certain predictive values for early DGF in kidney transplant recipients. Cys-C yielded the highest predictive value with a cut-off value of 4.73 mg/L, sensitivity of 0.833, specificity of 0.812 and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.895. Conclusions Cys-C has higher predictive value for early DGF in kidney transplant recipients compared with serum NGAL, urine NGAL and Scr.

Objective:To evaluate the application of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)-transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion guided biopsy in the diagnosis of clinical significant prostate cancer (PCa).Methods:A prospective analysis was performed in 168 patients with suspected PCa from September 2015 to June 2017 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Suspicious areas on mpMRl were defined and graded using prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 (PI-RADS V2) score. All the patients had the TRUS-guided systematic biopsy, 108 patients with PI-RAD V2 scores ≥ 3 had additional MRI-TRUS targeted biopsies. Taking pathologic results as golden standard, the detection rates were compared between the 2 methods using χ 2 test. Results:Initially, all of the 168 patients underwent TRUS biopsy. PCa was detected in 86 (101 niduses) of 168 patients (51.19%, 86/168), 82 (91 niduses) (48.81%, 82/168) were not prostate cancer. Seventy eight (46.43%, 78/168) cases of PCa were detected by TRUS biopsy, and 63 (58.33%, 63/168) cases of PCa were detected by MRI-TRUS fusion guided biopsy, the difference was statistically significant between TRUS biopsy and MRI-TRUS fusion guided biopsy (χ 2=3.73, P=0.035). The 168 patients were biopsied with a total of 2 300 cores, including TRUS biopsy 2 016 cores and MRI-TRUS fusion targeted biopsy 284 cores. Additionally, the detection rate for per cores for MRI-TRUS fusion targeted biopsy (51.76%, 147/284) was significantly higher than that for TRUS biopsy cores (19.64%, 396/2 016) (χ 2=142.38, P<0.05). Among patients with a positive biopsy for PCa, the biopsy cores for conventional TRUS biopsy was 1 032 comparing to 214 cores for MRI-TRUS biopsy. The suspicious MRI-TRUS fusion targeted biopsy (68.69%, 147/214) detected more PCa compared with TRUS biopsy (38.37%, 396/1 032) (χ 2=66.27, P<0.05). Among patients with a positive biopsy for PCa, MRI-TRUS fusion targeted biopsy [69.74% (106/152)] detected more significant cancer cores than TRUS biopsy [54.50% (351/644) ] (χ 2=11.67, P<0.05). Conclusion:MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy combined with PI-RADS V2 increases positive rate markedly and improves the detection rate of clinical significant PCa.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound (MRI/US) fusion targeted biopsy (TB) and systematic biopsy (SB) in the patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) in grey area.Methods The patients who received MRI/US fusion TB and SB in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between October 2015 and March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed.Eligibility criteria included:tPSA ranged 4 to 10 ng/ml;prebiopsy MRI found at least 1 suspected lesion;no prostate-related treatment history;no prostate biopsy history.A total of 93 patients were invloved.The median age,tPSA and prostate volume were 66 (30-85) years,7.18 (4.11-9.95) ng/ml and 42.01 (14.93-119.15) ml,respectively.Prebiopsy MRI found 136 suspected lesions,with the median PI-RADS of 3 (3-5) and lesion size of 7 (3-20) mm.All patients underwent MRI/US fusion TB followed by SB.The comparison of two protocols in detecting any prostate cancer (PCa) as well as clinically significant prostate cancer (CsPCa) were analyzed.Results Cancer detection rates for PCa in TB [34.40％ (32/93)] was not different with SB [36.55％ (34/93),P =0.759].There was no significant difference in the detection rate of CsPCa between TB and SB [20.43％ (19/93) vs.24.73％ (23/93),P=0.483].A total of 1 374 biopsy cores were sampled,among which 266 were TB cores and additional 1108 were SB cores.The positive rate of TB cores [24.81％ (66/266)] was significantly higher than SB cores [9.84％ (109/1 108),P ＜0.001].Conclusions In the patients with PSA in grey area,MRI/US fusion TB achieved similar cancer detection rate compared with SB using only few biopsy cores.Therefore,TB was appropriate for patients with MRI suspicions.Moreover,combination of TB with SB can achieve the highest cancer detection rate.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of intra-cavity contrast enhanced ultrasound (ICCE-US) in percutanous nephrolithotomy for nephrolithiasis patients with slight or no hydronephrosis.Methods From March 2016 to March 2017,ICCE-US-guided PCNL was performed in 35,patients who had kidney stones with slight hydronephrosis in 11 and without hydronephrosis in 24.The sample comprised 20 males and 15 females,including 10 with renal pelvic calculi alone,17 with renal pelvic calculi combined with renal calyx calculi,and 8 with partial staghorn calculi.Mean age was 46.8 years (ranging,28-75 years).The size of calculi ranged from 2.5 cm to 5.0 cm [mean(3.6 ± 1.2) cm].In the prone position,the preferred calyces are the posterior ones,which were enhanced by sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles (SonoVue) retrogradely injected through ureteral catheter.An 18-gauge needle was inserted toward the desirable calyx.Successful renal entry was confirmed by administration of ultrasound contrast agents into the collecting system via the needle regardless of whether spontaneous urine drainage was observed.A guidewire was passed through the needle to renal collecting system.Subsequently,the needle was removed.And the renal tract was dilated to F18-F20 size with dilators.Finally,holmium laser lithotripsy was performed through nephroscopy.Results Posterior calyces and its fornix were revealed under contrast-enhanced ultrasound in all patients.The successive access rate was 100％.The average time for establishing the access was (8 ±2.6)min (ranging 5-10 min).The mean number of needle passes was (1.5 ± 0.3) times per kidney,ranged from 1 to 3 times.Hemoglobin level averagely reduced (11.3 ± 3.7) g/ L (ranging 6-15 g/L) within 24 hours postoperatively.No major complications,such as adjacent organs injuries or collecting system perforation were observed.No blood transfusion was needed.The mean hospital stay was (5.6 ± 1.2) days (ranging 5-7 days).The stone-free rate was 91.4％ (32/35).Conclusions ICCE-US can demonstrate clearly about the posterior calyces and its fornix as well as puncture needle site by contrast enhancement in the nephrolithiasis patients with slight or no hydronephrosis.It has the potential to improve the accuracy and successive rate of puncture resulting in a decrease in the puncture-related complications.

Objective To compare the differences in setup error ( SE) assessment and correction between three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography ( 3DCBCT ) and four-dimensional CBCT ( 4 DCBCT ) in breast irradiation patients during free breathing after breast-conserving surgery . Methods Twenty patients with breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery were recruited for external beam breast irradiation and 4DCBCT and 3DCBCT simulation. The target volumes were delineated. Volumetric modulated arc therapy plans were designed using the MONACO v510 treatment planning system. 3DCBCT and 4DCBCT images were collected alternately five times each before breast irradiation. The CT images were matched, and the interfraction SEs were acquired. After online setup correction, the residual errors were calculated, and the SEs, systematic errors, and random errors were compared. The paired t test was used for comparison between groups. Results The SEs acquired by 4DCBCT were significantly larger than those acquired by 3DCBCT in three directions ( P=0035, 0018, 0040 ) . After online setup correction, the random errors based on 3DCBCT were significantly smaller than those based on 4DCBCT in left-right and anterior-posterior ( AP ) directions ( 0.5± 039 mm vs. 0.7± 030 mm, P=0005;0.9± 109 mm vs. 1.2± 048 mm, P=0000) , and the residual errors based on 3DCBCT were also significantly smaller than those based on 4DCBCT in AP direction (0.2±033 mm vs. 0.6±063 mm, P=0000). The setup margins based on 4DCBCT was significantly larger than those based on 3DCBCT in AP direction both before and after online setup correction (P=0002). Conclusions Compared with 3DCBCT, 4DCBCT has more advantages in monitoring the SEs in three directions. Both 3DCBCT and 4DCBCT have similar efficacy in random error correction. The satisfying position repeatability and minimized target volume margins will be achieved by online setup correction.