OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current status of kinesiophobia after lumbar fusion surgery in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and to analyze its influencing factors. METHODS: A total of 489 LDH patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 and effectively filled out the tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK) and other questionnaires on the first day after surgery were collected as the study subjects, the current status of kinesiophobia in LDH patients after lumbar fusion surgery were investigated using the TSK. The LDH patients were grouped into a kinesiophobia group (n=221) and a non kinesiophobia group (n=268) based on whether there was kinesiophobia after lumbar fusion surgery. The self-designed general data questionnaires were used to collect data, and Logistic regression was applied to analyze independent risk factors for kinesiophobia after lumbar fusion surgery in the LDH patients. RESULTS: In the study, 221 out of the 489 LDH patients (45.19%) had kinesiophobia after lumbar fusion surgery. Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the phobic group and the non phobic group in terms of gender, education level, course of disease, whether there was hypoproteinemia, pain level, self-efficacy, social support, whether there was anxiety, and whether there was depression (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, body mass index, monthly family income, marital status, residence, medical expense payment form, whether there was hypertension, whether there was diabetes, whether there was cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, whether there was respiratory disease, whether there was surgery experience, whether there was anemia, work conditions, and responsibility segments (P>0.05). Male (95%CI: 3.289-10.586, P < 0.001), education level below undergraduate level (95%CI: 6.533-45.162, P < 0.001), severe pain (95%CI: 10.348-72.025, P < 0.001), moderate pain (95%CI: 6.247-37.787, P < 0.001), low self-efficacy (95%CI: 4.238-15.095, P < 0.001), and medium self-efficacy (95%CI: 2.804-8.643, P < 0.001) were influencing factors for kinesiophobia after lumbar fusion surgery in the patients with LDH (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The incidence of kinesiophobia after lumbar fusion surgery in patients with LDH is high, and its influencing factors include gender, education level, pain level, and self-efficacy.
Humans ; Spinal Fusion/psychology* ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/psychology* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Phobic Disorders/etiology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Adult ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Fear ; Kinesiophobia

OBJECTIVES: Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) has become a well-established treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) due to its advantages of being minimally invasive, effective, and associated with fewer complications. However, relying solely on lateral fixation provides limited strength and uneven load distribution. Conventional posterior bilateral fixation after OLIF typically requires intraoperative repositioning, increases fluoroscopy frequency, and involves extensive dissection of posterior muscles and soft tissues, resulting in greater trauma, blood loss, and risks of dural tear, nerve root injury, and persistent postoperative low back pain. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of robot-assisted single-position OLIF with lateral plating and posterior unilateral fixation, OLIF with lateral fixation alone, and OLIF combined with posterior bilateral fixation for treating single-segment LSS, and to explore how to enhance fixation stability, reduce trauma, and achieve precise minimally invasive outcomes without changing patient positioning. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data from patients treated for single-segment LSS between January 2020 and June 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Robot group (robot-assisted single-position OLIF with lateral plate and posterior unilateral fixation, 33 cases), lateral group (OLIF with lateral fixation alone, 52 cases), and combined group (OLIF with posterior bilateral fixation, 45 cases). Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, hospital stay, pedicle screw placement accuracy, and complication rates were recorded. Pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Radiological evaluations (X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) measured interbody disc height (IDH), intervertebral foraminal height (IFH), and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dural sac. Differences between pre- and postoperative imaging indices were statistically analyzed, and complication rates, fusion rates, and cage subsidence rates were recorded. RESULTS: All patients exhibited good positioning of internal fixation devices and cages, with significant symptom relief and no cases of spinal cord injury or symptom worsening. The follow-up time was (15.2±3.6) months. The operation time of the robot group was (70.62±8.99) min, which was longer than that of the lateral group (45.90±6.09) min and shorter than that of the combined group (110.12±8.44) min. The intraoperative blood loss of the robot group was (44.27±6.87) mL, which was more than that of the lateral group (33.58±9.73) mL and less than that of the combined group (79.19±10.35) mL. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the robot group was (9.49±2.25), which was comparable to that of the lateral group (7.45±2.02) but less than that of the combined group (12.24±4.25). The hospital stay of the robot group was (9.28±2.10) days, which was longer than that of the lateral group (7.95±1.91) days and shorter than that of the combined group (12.49±5.07) days. The screw placement accuracy of the robot group was 98.48%, which was higher than that of the combined group (90.55%). Postoperative and final follow-up VAS and ODI scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores in all 3 groups (all P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in preoperative VAS and ODI scores among the groups (all P>0.05). Radiologically, IDH, IFH, and CSA at the surgical segment were significantly increased postoperatively and at final follow-up compared to preoperatively and at final follow-up compared to preoperative values (all P<0.05), with no significant differences among the groups postoperatively (all P>0.05). Internal fixation remained stable during the follow-up period, and all cages achieved fusion at final follow-up. The intervertebral fusion rate of the robot-assisted group was 93.40%, which was similar to that of the combined group (95.56%) and higher than that of the lateral approach group (90.34%). The complication rate of the robot-assisted group was 6.1%, which was comparable to that of the combined group (8.9%) and lower than that of the lateral approach group (15.4%) (P<0.05). No cases of fixation loosening or breakage were observed throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Robot-assisted single-position OLIF with lateral plate combined with posterior unilateral fixation effectively achieves indirect decompression and excellent spinal stability without the need for intraoperative repositioning. It provides high pedicle screw accuracy, reduces intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, and complication rates, offering a fully minimally invasive new treatment option for single-segment LSS.
Humans ; Spinal Stenosis/surgery* ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Bone Plates ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Adult

OBJECTIVES: In the early stage of central cervical disc herniation, clinical symptoms may be mild. However, as the spinal cord becomes compressed by herniated nucleus pulposus tissue, progressive edema and degeneration may occur, resulting in more severe clinical manifestations, including limb weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, spastic paraplegia of the lower extremities, and even respiratory difficulty. The spinal endoscopic Key-hole technique is widely applied in treating radiculopathic cervical spondylosis and has demonstrated good clinical outcomes. This study aims to analyze and summarize the technical points and therapeutic efficacy of the far lateral Key-hole technique in the treatment of central cervical disc herniation, providing reference for clinical application. METHODS: Eight patients with central cervical disc herniation treated with the far lateral Key-hole technique were included as the experimental group. Another 8 patients who underwent single-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) during the same period were selected as the control group. Data collected included gender, age, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and length of hospitalization. Pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); cervical function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score; and cervical disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI). Radiological outcomes were assessed using disc height index (DHI), cervical Cobb angle, and operative segment Cobb angle. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter incision length, and shorter hospital stay (all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in operation time (P>0.05). Postoperative VAS and NDI scores in both groups were significantly lower than preoperative values, and JOA scores significantly improved (P<0.05). No significant differences were noted between the two groups preoperatively (P>0.05). Postoperatively, the experimental group showed significantly lower VAS and NDI scores and higher JOA scores than the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in DHI before and after surgery in the experimental group (P>0.05), while the DHI increased significantly postoperatively in the control group (P<0.05). Postoperative DHI in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the cervical Cobb angle either within or between groups (all P>0.05). The operative segment Cobb angle increased significantly after surgery in the control group (P<0.05), while no other operative segment angle changes were statistically significant (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The far lateral Key-hole technique offers advantages in treating central cervical disc herniation, including reduced intraoperative bleeding, smaller incision length, shorter hospitalization, and improved postoperative pain relief. Additionally, the technique does not affect cervical physiological curvature or stability in the short term, making it suitable for clinical application.
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Diskectomy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Endoscopy/methods*

With the aging of the population in China, lumbar degenerative diseases among the older patients have drawn growing attention. Lumbar fusion is an important surgical treatment for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine, which mainly achieves bony fusion between adjacent vertebrae through methods such as bone grafting and internal fixation. Due to the unique physiological and pathological characteristics of the older patients, it often leads to a higher risk of complications associated with lumbar fusion, which affects the patient's prognosis. However, there is still a lack of standards for the prevention and treatment of some common complications associated with lumbar fusion surgery in the older patients. The Chinese Medical Doctor Association Committee of Neural Restoration took the lead in establishing a guideline development group, followed the principles and methods of guideline development, and produced "Guideline for prevention and treatment of common complications in older patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion（2025 edition）", covering ten types of common complications associated with lumbar fusion in the older patients with 20 recommendations for clinical practice reference.
Humans ; Spinal Fusion/adverse effects* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Postoperative Complications/therapy* ; Aged ; Spinal Diseases/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by using zero-profile anchored cage (ZAC) in treatment of consecutive three-level cervical spondylosis, by comparing with plate-cage construct (PCC). METHODS: A clinical data of 65 patients with cervical spondylosis admitted between January 2020 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. During consecutive three-level ACDF, 35 patients were fixed with ZAC (ZAC group) and 30 patients with PCC (PCC group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), including gender, age, body mass index, surgical segment, preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, prevertebral soft tissue thickness (PSTT), cervical lordosis, and surgical segmental angle. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, clinical indicators (JOA score, NDI, VAS score), and radiological indicators (cervical lordosis, surgical segmental angle, implant subsidence, surgical segment fusion, and adjacent segment degeneration), and the postoperative complications [swelling of the neck (PSTT), dysphagia] were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were followed up 24-39 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up duration between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were lower in ZAC group than in PCC group, and the length of hospital stay was longer, but there was no significant difference ( P>0.05). At each time point after operation, both groups showed significant improvements in JOA score, VAS score, and NDI compared with preoperative scores ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Both groups showed an increase in PSTT at 3 days and 3, 6 months after operation compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05), but returned to preoperative levels at last follow-up ( P>0.05). The PSTT at 3 days and 3 months after operation were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 6 months and at last follow-up ( P>0.05). The incidences of dysphagia at 3 days and 3 months were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed at 6 months and last follow-up between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no postoperative complication in both groups including hoarseness, esophageal injury, cough, or hematoma. Both groups showed improvement in cervical lordosis and surgical segmental angle compared to preoperative levels, with a trend of loss during follow-up. The cervical lordosis loss and surgical segmental angle loss were significantly more in the ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05). The incidence of implante subsidence was significantly higher in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the ZAC group and PCC group in the incidences of surgical segment fusion and adjacent segment degeneration ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION In consecutive three-level ACDF, both ZAC and PCC can achieve satisfactory effectiveness. The former can reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia, while the latter can better maintain cervical curvature and reduce the incidence of implant subsidence.
Humans ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Diskectomy/instrumentation* ; Bone Plates ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Aged ; Internal Fixators ; Operative Time ; Length of Stay

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of V-shaped stealth decompression technique using ultrasonic bone scalpel in anterior surgery for adjacent two-level cervical spondylosis. METHODS: A clinical data of 41 patients with adjacent two-level cervical spondylosis, who admitted between January 2020 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria, was analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 22 cases were treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) assisted by V-shaped stealth decompression technique using ultrasonic bone scalpel (group A) and 19 cases with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, disease duration, surgical segment, preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, neck dysfunction index (NDI), pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal in the responsibility space of axial CT ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospital stay, complications during follow-up, JOA score, NDI, and VAS score at last follow-up, and the incidences of intervertebral fusion at 3 months after operation, and cage subsidence at last follow-up were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The operations in the two groups were successfully completed. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospital stay in group A were significantly less than those in group B ( P<0.05). Two cases (9.1%) in group A and 4 cases (21.1%) in group B developed complications, with no significant difference in the incidence between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients in the two groups were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 9.3 months). There was no significant difference in follow-up time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the JOA score and VAS score in both groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). The change values of VAS score and the improvement rate of JOA score in group A were significantly superior to group B ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the change values of NDI and JOA score between the two group ( P>0.05). Imaging reexamination showed that the rate of intervertebral fusion at 3 months after operation was significantly higher in group A (81.8%) than in group B (52.6%) ( P<0.05), and all patients obtained bony intervertebral fusion at last follow-up. At last follow-up, 2 cases (9.1%) in group A and 11 cases (57.9%) in group B had cage sinking, and the difference in the incidence was significant ( P<0.05). No loosening or fracture of internal fixators occurred in all patients. CONCLUSION Using ultrasonic bone scalpel can transform single vertebral ACCF into two-segment ACDF in anterior cervical spondylosis surgery. The V-shaped stealth decompression technique is safe and efficient, with the advantages of minimal trauma, fewer postoperative complications, and rapid recovery of patients.
Humans ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Decompression, Surgical/instrumentation* ; Retrospective Studies ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Diskectomy/instrumentation* ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged ; Ultrasonic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Operative Time

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a zero-profile three-dimensiaonal (3D)-printed microporous titanium alloy Cage and a conventional titanium plate combined with a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK)-Cage in the treatment of single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: The clinical data of 83 patients with single-segment CSM treated with ACDF between January 2022 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into 3D-ZP group (35 cases, using zero-profile 3D-printed microporous titanium alloy Cage) and CP group (48 cases, using titanium plate in combination with PEEK-Cage). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, surgical intervertebral space, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI), vertebral height at the fusion segment, Cobb angle, and other baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, complications, interbody fusion, and prosthesis subsidence were recorded and compared between the two groups. VAS score, NDI, and JOA score were used to evaluate the improvement of pain and function before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up, and the vertebral height at the fusion segment and Cobb angle were measured by imaging. The degree of dysphagia was assessed by the Bazaz dysphagia scale at 1 week and at last follow-up. RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all the 83 patients. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05), but the operation time in the 3D-ZP group was significantly shorter than that in the CP group (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 24-35 months, with an average of 25.3 months, and there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence and grade of dysphagia in CP group were significantly higher than those in 3D-ZP group at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no dysphagia in 3D-ZP group at last follow-up. There was no complication such as implant breakage or displacement in both groups. The intervertebral fusion rates of 3D-ZP group and CP group were 65.71% (23/35) and 60.42% (29/48) respectively at 3 months after operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups [OR (95%CI)=1.256 (0.507, 3.109), P=0.622]. The JOA score, VAS score, and NDI significantly improved in the 3D-ZP group at 3 months and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement rate of JOA between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). At 3 months after operation and at last follow-up, the vertebral height at the fusion segment and Cobb angle significantly improved in both groups, and the two indexes in 3D-ZP group were significantly better than those in CP group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the incidence of prosthesis subsidence in 3D-ZP group (8.57%) was significantly lower than that in CP group (29.16%) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The application of zero-profile 3D-printed Cage and titanium plate combined with PEEK-Cage in single-segment ACDF can both reconstruct the stability of cervical spine and achieve good effectiveness. Compared with the latter, the application of the former in ACDF can shorten the operation time, reduce the incidence of prosthesis subsidence, and reduce the incidence of dysphagia.
Humans ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Titanium ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Diskectomy/instrumentation* ; Bone Plates ; Male ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Benzophenones ; Adult ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Aged ; Polymers ; Ketones ; Polyethylene Glycols

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the single-stage anterior eccentric kyphotic distraction reduction technique (EKD-RT) for treating lower cervical dislocation with locked facet joints, assessing its reduction success rate, neurological improvement, and safety. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 67 patients with lower cervical dislocation and locked facet joints (21 unilateral, 46 bilateral) treated between January 2015 and January 2024. There were 39 males and 28 females, with an average age of 49.5 years (range, 22-75 years). The injured segments included C _{3, 4} in 4 cases, C _{4, 5} in 13 cases, C _{5, 6} in 22 cases, and C _{6, 7} in 28 cases. The interval between injury and admission ranged from 2 hours to 2 days (mean, 5.6 hours). Preoperative Frankel grading included grade A in 9 cases, grade B in 28 cases, grade C in 17 cases, grade D in 11 cases, and grade E in 2 cases. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 7.0±1.4. All patients underwent single-stage anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Following discectomy at the dislocated level, the EKD-RT was applied to unlock and reduce the locked facet joints, followed by internal fixation. Operation time, blood loss, reduction success rate, and complications were recorded. Interbody fusion status was evaluated using Bridwell criteria. Neurological status was assessed pre- and post-operatively using Frankel grading. Spinal cord function was scored using the 17-point JOA score, and the improvement rate was calculated. RESULTS: Successful reduction of the locked facet joints achieved in all cases. The operation time was 41-85 minutes (range, 63.3 minutes), and intraoperative blood loss was 50-360 mL (range, 125.0 mL). Complications included cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 2 cases; no severe complications such as major vascular injury or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.9 months). At last follow-up, radiological examination confirmed interbody fusion in all patients, with no implant failure or migration. The Frankel grading included grade A in 3 cases, grade B in 9 cases, grade C in 13 cases, grade D in 16 cases, and grade E in 26 cases; the JOA score reached 13.7±2.3; all of which significantly improved compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05). The improvement rate of JOA score was 66.1%±24.7%. CONCLUSION The EKD-RT is an effective surgical approach for lower cervical dislocation with locked facet joints. It enables safe and efficient reduction of the locked facet joints via a single incision, resulting in significant neurological improvement with a low complication rate.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Aged ; Zygapophyseal Joint/injuries* ; Joint Dislocations/diagnostic imaging* ; Treatment Outcome ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Young Adult ; Kyphosis/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF) combined with lateral fixation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: Totally 47 patients with lumbar stenosis from November 2018 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively and were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods. Among them, 21 cases underwent oblique lumbar interbody fusion supplemental anterolateral screw and rod instrumentation, including 5 males and 16 females, with a mean age of (68.19±6.13) years old ranging 55 to 74 years; the other 26 cases underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation and reduction were recorded, including 8 males and 18 females with a mean age of (65.35±7.64) years old ranging 54 to 78 years. Visual analogue scale(VAS) of pain was recorded to evaluate the degree of low back pain and lower extremity pain. The radiographic parameters were collected to evaluate the efficacy of two approaches including disc height, foraminal height, canal sagittal diameter and cross-sectional area. RESULTS: All operations were completed successfully. The wound healed normally and bone fusion was obtained in the last final follow up. No serious complication was occurred in both groups. One case of dural tear occurred in direct compression group. Four cases of left thigh weakness and pain were recorded in indirect decompression group. The average postoperative follow-up was(21.69±4.37)months in direct compression group, while(20.43±4.80)months in another group. There were no significant difference in bone density, body mass index(BMI), hospital stay, Cobb angel(P>0.05). The differences in intra-operative blood loss, operation time, disc height, foraminal height between two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05). The area and sagittal diameter of the spinal canal in the two groups were significantly improved after surgery(P<0.05). CONCLUSION Both two fusion methods have achieved good clinical results in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, with the advantages of good stability, fast recovery and high fusion rate. Compared with TLIF, the advantage of OLIF has greater advantages in less bleeding and less trauma.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Spinal Stenosis/surgery* ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF) channel technique combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of single-segment lumbar intervertebral space/vertebral body infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients who underwent surgical treatment for lumbar infection from January 2021 to December 2022. The patients were divided into the OLIF channel group and the traditional open surgery group according to the surgical methods. There were 16 cases in the OLIF channel group, including 9 males and 7 females, with an average age of (68.5±12.1) years old;there were 7 cases in the traditional open surgery group, including 4 males and 3 females, with an average age of (75.0±3.2) years old. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, visual analogue scale(VAS), activities of daily living (ADL) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP) before and 1 week and 3 months after the operation, and the intervertebral fusion status on the last follow-up CT were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the open surgery group, the OLIF channel group had shorter operation time (209.87±31.5) min vs. (246.0±42.7) min, less intraoperative blood loss (225.625±91.1) ml vs. (364.2±74.8) ml, and shorter incision length (6.1±1.2) vs. (14.0±1.4) cm, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Before and 1 week and 3 months after the operation, the lumbar VAS in the OLIF group were (6.3±0.6), (2.8±0.7), (1.1±0.5), and those in the traditional open surgery group were (6.4±0.6), (3.4±0.5), (1.2±0.3);the ADL scores in the OLIF group were (45.0±4.5), (60.3±4.3), (94.1±4.2), and those in the open group were (46.4±5.6), (60.7±4.5), (92.9±4.9); the ODI scores in the OLIF group were (86.3±2.9)%, (69.5±4.1)%, (23.0±3.2)%, and those in the open group were (87.3±3.8)%, (69.8±4.2)%, (23.8±3.6)%, all of which showed significant improvement(P<0.05). Three months after the operation, CRP, PCT, and ESR were significantly lower than those before the operation, and CRP and PCT returned to normal, while ESR was still slightly elevated in some patients. The last follow-up CT showed that continuous trabecular bone formation was observed between the upper and lower endplates of the surgical segments in all patients, and the fusion time was (8.7±4.5) months. CONCLUSION The OLIF channel technique combined with posterior internal fixation is a minimally invasive and effective treatment method, which can effectively control infection, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life of patients. Compared with traditional open surgery, it has the advantages of minimally invasive, shorter operation time, and less intraoperative blood loss.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/microbiology* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged, 80 and over ; Pedicle Screws ; Infections/surgery*