Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of single-incision intervertebral foraminotomy in treating double-segment lumbar spinal stenosis accompanied by lumbar disc herniation.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 40 cases of double-segment lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation treated in our orthopedic(spinal surgery)department from March 2016 to May 2018.Among these cases,11 patients(Group A)were treated with percutaneous discectomy,13 patients(Group B)underwent percutaneous endoscopic discec-tomy,and 16 patients(Group C)received double-incision percutaneous surgery.General clinical data for all patients were recorded.Visual Analog Scale(VAS)scores,Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)scores,and clinical outcomes were assessed at five different time points:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,one week postoperatively,one month postoperatively,and at the final follow-up.Statistical analysis was performed on the collected data.Results The operation time,the number of fluoroscopies performed on the hands,the length of the skin incision,and patient satisfaction were all statistically significant(P<0.05).An interaction effect was observed between the operation time and the surgical procedure on both the VAS and JOA scores.Both the operation time and the surgical method had significant main effects on the VAS and JOA scores(P<0.05).Significant differences in VAS and JOA scores were found among the three groups immediately post-surgery,one week post-surgery,one month post-operation,and at the end of the study(P<0.05).Immediately after surgery,there were statistically significant differences in VAS and JOA scores among the three groups(P<0.05).One week post-surgery,there were also statistically significant differences in VAS scores among the three groups(P<0.05).Conclusions The single-incision intervertebral foramen technique is an effective approach for simultaneously addressing double-seg-ment lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation through decompression.This method boasts a shorter opera-tive duration,reduced intraoperative radiation exposure,and minimal tissue damage.Patient satisfaction is high,making it a valuable addition to clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Jisuishang Formula on cervical myelopathy based on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods Thirty-six adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,positive control group(TAK-715,50 mg/kg),Jisuishang Formula low(9.7 g/kg),medium(19.4 g/kg)and high(38.8 g/kg)dose groups,with 6 rats in each group for 4 weeks.The BBB score and inclined plate test were observed at 1,2 and 4 weeks after surgery.HE and Nissl staining were used to observe the histopathology and neuronal condition of the spinal cord.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein expres-sions of BDNF,β-catenin,Bax and Bcl-2.Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNAs.Results Compared with the sham group,the BBB score and inclined plate test score were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of BDNF,β-catenin and Bcl-2 decreased(P<0.05),the expression of Bax increased(P<0.05),the expressions of β-catenin,LRP-6 and p-GSK-3βdecreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the BBB score and inclined plate test score were significantly increased in the high-dose Jisuishang Formula group(P<0.05),the expressions of BDNF,β-catenin and Bcl-2 increased(P<0.05),the expression of Bax decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of β-catenin,LRP-6 and p-GSK-3βincreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Jisuishang Formula prescription can inhibit neuronal apoptosis,improve spinal cord microenvironment,and promote neurological function recovery by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Jisuishang Formula on cervical myelopathy based on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods Thirty-six adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,positive control group(TAK-715,50 mg/kg),Jisuishang Formula low(9.7 g/kg),medium(19.4 g/kg)and high(38.8 g/kg)dose groups,with 6 rats in each group for 4 weeks.The BBB score and inclined plate test were observed at 1,2 and 4 weeks after surgery.HE and Nissl staining were used to observe the histopathology and neuronal condition of the spinal cord.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein expres-sions of BDNF,β-catenin,Bax and Bcl-2.Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNAs.Results Compared with the sham group,the BBB score and inclined plate test score were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of BDNF,β-catenin and Bcl-2 decreased(P<0.05),the expression of Bax increased(P<0.05),the expressions of β-catenin,LRP-6 and p-GSK-3βdecreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the BBB score and inclined plate test score were significantly increased in the high-dose Jisuishang Formula group(P<0.05),the expressions of BDNF,β-catenin and Bcl-2 increased(P<0.05),the expression of Bax decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of β-catenin,LRP-6 and p-GSK-3βincreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Jisuishang Formula prescription can inhibit neuronal apoptosis,improve spinal cord microenvironment,and promote neurological function recovery by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of single-incision intervertebral foraminotomy in treating double-segment lumbar spinal stenosis accompanied by lumbar disc herniation.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 40 cases of double-segment lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation treated in our orthopedic(spinal surgery)department from March 2016 to May 2018.Among these cases,11 patients(Group A)were treated with percutaneous discectomy,13 patients(Group B)underwent percutaneous endoscopic discec-tomy,and 16 patients(Group C)received double-incision percutaneous surgery.General clinical data for all patients were recorded.Visual Analog Scale(VAS)scores,Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)scores,and clinical outcomes were assessed at five different time points:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,one week postoperatively,one month postoperatively,and at the final follow-up.Statistical analysis was performed on the collected data.Results The operation time,the number of fluoroscopies performed on the hands,the length of the skin incision,and patient satisfaction were all statistically significant(P<0.05).An interaction effect was observed between the operation time and the surgical procedure on both the VAS and JOA scores.Both the operation time and the surgical method had significant main effects on the VAS and JOA scores(P<0.05).Significant differences in VAS and JOA scores were found among the three groups immediately post-surgery,one week post-surgery,one month post-operation,and at the end of the study(P<0.05).Immediately after surgery,there were statistically significant differences in VAS and JOA scores among the three groups(P<0.05).One week post-surgery,there were also statistically significant differences in VAS scores among the three groups(P<0.05).Conclusions The single-incision intervertebral foramen technique is an effective approach for simultaneously addressing double-seg-ment lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation through decompression.This method boasts a shorter opera-tive duration,reduced intraoperative radiation exposure,and minimal tissue damage.Patient satisfaction is high,making it a valuable addition to clinical practice.

BACKGROUND:The specific molecular mechanism of the transformation from normal healthy people to acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy has not been clear,which needs to be further studied. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differential expression of serum proteomics between normal healthy people and patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy,and to find and identify potential specific serum markers between them. METHODS:The serum samples of eight patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and eight normal healthy people were collected,and the proteomic screening and analysis were performed by tandem mass tag combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology,in order to explore and identify serum proteins differentially expressed in patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 183 significantly differential proteins were screened by tandem mass tag technology,and 11 significantly differential proteins were identified(P＜0.05).Compared with normal healthy people,three differential proteins were significantly up-regulated,including human leukocyte antigen-A,secretoglobin family 1a member 1,and protein 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase,and seven differential proteins were significantly down-regulated,such as immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 3,skin factor,and myosin light chain 3,in patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that these differential proteins participated in antigen binding,immunoglobulin receptor binding and other molecular functions.Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that among the common differential proteins between normal healthy people and patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy,HLA-A,HPD,PSMA3,DMKN,SCGB1A1,and MYL3 were located at the nodes of the functional network,and were closely related to the systems of body immunity,cellular inflammatory response,energy metabolism,and mechanical pressure.The significantly differential proteins HLA-A,HPD and MYL3 were verified by western blot,and the results were consistent with those of proteomics.To conclude,tandem mass tag combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology can be used to find the differentially expressed proteins in serum between normal healthy people and patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.It is preliminarily believed that HLA-A,HPD and MYL3 may be specific serum markers of acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy,providing a new direction for further research on its pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND:Anterior subtotal corpectomy,decompression and fusion is a conventional method to treat cervical degenerative diseases.A titanium cage is an important implant to maintain the stability of the cervical spine after subtotal corpectomy.In recent years,many patients have complications such as titanium cage sinking,which are highly controversial. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the internal biomechanical relationship between the tilt angle of the titanium cage and postoperative titanium cage subsidence after anterior subtotal cervical corpectomy,decompression and fusion. METHODS:A three-dimensional finite element model of the C4-C6 segment was established by CT images of a normal human cervical spine,in which the anterior subtotal resection,decompression and fusion of the C5 vertebral body were simulated,and titanium cages with different tilt angles(-6° to-1° negative angle,that is,the front edge of titanium cage is shorter than the rear edge of titanium cage;1° to 6° positive angle,that is,the front edge of titanium cage is longer than the rear edge of titanium cage)were placed.After setting the boundary conditions,preloads of 50,100 and 150 N were applied respectively on the C4 vertebral body.The stress value of each contact point between the titanium cage and C4 lower-end plate and C6 lower-end plate(seven stress contact points on the contact surface of titanium mesh)was recorded and statistical analysis was conducted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The tilt angles of the titanium cage of the positive angle group and negative angle group under 50,100 and 150 N stress respectively were found by Mann Whitn test,with P<0.05,which was statistically significant.The dispersion coefficients of the positive angle group were smaller than those of the negative angle group under 50,100 and 150 N stress conditions.(2)Under 50,100 and 150 N stress conditions,the Wilcoxon sign rank test in the positive angle group of titanium cage tilt angle found that when the angle was set to 1° to 5°,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).However,when the tilt angle of the titanium cage was set to 6°,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)Under 50,100 and 150 N stress conditions,the Wilcoxon sign rank test in the negative angle group of titanium cage tilt angle found that when the tilt angle was set to-1° to-6°,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(4)It is concluded that in the sagittal position,the titanium cage with a positive tilt angle is more stable than with a negative tilt angle,which is more suitable for clinical use.The tilt angle of the titanium cage is relatively stable in the range of 1° to 5°.When the tilt angle is 6°,the stability starts to decline,which is easy to cause complications of titanium cage sinking after surgery.It is more suitable to select the titanium cage with a tilt angle of 1° to 5° according to the clinical situation during surgery to improve the efficacy.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have found that qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is the main syndrome among various TCM syndromes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.However,there is no report on proteomic markers as early diagnosis indicators for the transformation of developmental cervical spinal stenosis with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome to cervical spondylotic myelopathy. OBJECTIVE:To explore serum proteomics difference between developmental cervical spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy and to find and identify the potential serum biomarkers between them. METHODS:Serum samples of nine patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(experimental group)and nine patients with developmental cervical spinal stenosis of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(control group)were collected.The proteomic analysis was carried out by Tandem Mass Tag combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry,so as to find and identify differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 1027 significantly differential proteins were initially screened by TMT technology and 89 significantly differential proteins were finally identified(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,there were 45 up-regulated proteins in the experimental group,such as α-actinin-4,α-actinin-1,cell division control protein 42 homolog,integrin-linked protein kinase and B-actin.Conversely,there were 44 down-regulated proteins in the experimental group compared with the control group,such as fibronectin,fibrinogen γ chain,fibrinogen α chain,fibrinogen β chain.Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these differential proteins were involved in signal receptor binding,kinase binding,protein kinase activity,integrin binding,actin filament binding and other molecular functions.Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis,20 common differential signal/metabolic pathways were identified,including Rap1 signaling pathway,adherens junction,tight junction,platelet activation,and regulation of actin cytoskeleton.Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that ILK,FGA,FGB,FGG,FN1,Cdc42,ACTN1,ACTN4 and ACTB were located at the nodes of protein-protein interaction network and were closely related to bone formation and destruction system,nervous system,coagulation system,cellular inflammation and other systems.To conclude,the serum differentially expressed proteins between developmental cervical spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy can be successfully screened by Tandem Mass Tag combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.ILK,FN1,CDC42 and ACTN 4 are identified as specific markers for the transformation of developmental cervical spinal stenosis with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome into cervical spondylotic myelopathy.These findings provide a basis for further clarifying the transformation mechanism.

BACKGROUND:Taking into account the stability of spinal fixation,the preferred approach for lateral lumbar interbody fusion is commonly the utilization of posterior bilateral pedicle screws,typically performed in two stages.An alternative method involving the posterior approach of unilateral fixation using lateral vertebral nail rods in the lateral decubitus position has shown potential for enhanced mechanical stability.This technique also offers additional advantages such as reduced operation time,lowered risks,and decreased costs,making it a promising area for further investigation. OBJECTIVE:To compare the biomechanical effect of lateral lumbar interbody fusion with four different types of posterior instruments. METHODS:A validated L3-5 finite element model was modified to simulate four different types of lateral lumbar interbody fusion:Model A:posterior bilateral pedicle screw fixation;Model B:posterior unilateral pedicle screw fixation;Model C:lateral bilateral screw fixation;Model D:lateral unilateral screw fixation.The stability in the range of physiological motion,and the stress difference of screw fixation and interbody fusion apparatus were compared among the models. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When compared with the intact model,all reconstructive models displayed decreased motion range at L4-5.Model A had a more obvious range of motion decline.(2)In the flexion,lateral flexion and axial rotation,the differences between the peak stress of the lateral screw fixation and the peak stress of the posterior screw fixation were more than 67.74 MPa,80.10 MPa and 43.95 MPa,respectively.(3)In terms of internal fixed stress distribution in different reconstructed models,the stress distribution of Model A and Model B screws was mainly concentrated in the body of the pedicle screw,while the peak stress of Model C and Model D screws was mainly concentrated in the tail of the screw.(4)It is suggested that Model A could obtain the best stability and reduce the risk of cage sinking and displacement.Model B could also provide better stability,and could be a choice for lateral fusion on the premise of ensuring stability and fixation.(5)Besides,Model C could achieve the same effect as Model D when the lateral road screw was selected.However,patients with lumbar instability should be cautious to choose unilateral lateral internal fixation,and excessive extension should be avoided to reduce the possibility of screw loosening and fixation fatigue.

BACKGROUND:Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a progressive disease leading to dysfunction in the middle-aged and elderly,and early diagnosis is difficult.In recent years,some clinical scholars have found that dynamic magnetic resonance imaging technology can detect spinal cord compression in a dynamic position earlier,but its specific biomechanical mechanism needs to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical compression characteristics of early cervical spondylotic myelopathy in hyperextension and flexion position,and to verify the effectiveness of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of early cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was made on the patients who underwent cervical dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the Department of Orthopedics of First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from January to June 2022.16 subjects were selected and divided into two groups.The pathological group included 8 patients with early cervical spondylotic myelopathy with hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum as the main sign,with 5 male patients and 3 female patients.The normal group included 8 normal degenerative people,with 4 male patients and 4 female patients.All patients were photographed with cervical CT plain scan,magnetic resonance imaging plain scan,and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging plain scan.This study was divided into the following three parts:(1)collect the dynamic magnetic resonance imaging image DCOM data of two groups of subjects,and collect the cervical vertebra CT and neutral magnetic resonance imaging image DCOM data to understand the bone and soft tissue of the two groups of subjects in the neutral position.(2)Based on the DCOM data of magnetic resonance imaging and CT plain scan,the three-dimensional finite element models of lower cervical vertebra(C3-7)of normal degenerative population and early cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients were established by reverse engineering software.The equivalent stress and equivalent elastic strain of the spinal cord and posterior dura were analyzed,and the distribution of stress and strain was observed.(3)After obtaining the stress and strain data,the data between groups were compared to analyze the mechanical characteristics of spinal cord compression caused by early cervical spondylotic myelopathy in a dynamic position and to verify the effectiveness of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of early cervical spondylotic myelopathy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When simulating the posterior extension,flexion and neutral position of the lower cervical vertebrae(C3-7)in the two groups,the values of stress and strain in the posterior part of the spinal cord were in the following order:extension>flexion>neutral(P<0.05).The strain values from large to small were as follows:extension>flexion>neutral(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the normal degenerative population model,the equivalent stress and strain of the spinal cord in the pathological group were higher than those in the normal group under two degrees of freedom of flexion and extension(P<0.05).The distribution area of stress and strain in the posterior part of the spinal cord was irregular.(3)In the neutral position,there was no significant difference in the strain value of the spinal cord between the two groups(P>0.05),and the strain distribution was uniform and regular.(4)It is indicated that in the cervical extension position,the dural sac and the posterior part of the spinal cord were compressed and deformed in the early cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients with the hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum as the main sign,and the degree of compression deformation of the spinal cord was significantly higher than that in the anterior flexion position and neutral position.In the neutral position,there were no obvious signs of spinal cord deformation in patients with early cervical spondylotic myelopathy.This study verified the role of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of early cervical spondylotic myelopathy from the point of view of biomechanics.

BACKGROUND:Serum-specific biomarkers between normal healthy individuals and populations with developmental cervical canal stenosis(Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome)have not been fully defined. OBJECTIVE:To screen and identify the potential biomarkers of developmental cervical canal stenosis with Qi deficiency and blood stasis. METHODS:Serum samples were collected from nine patients with developmental cervical canal stenosis with Qi deficiency and blood stasis and eight healthy people.Differentially expressed proteins in serum were screened and identified using isotope relative labeling and absolute quantification combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.Western blot was used to verify some significant differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 61 differentially expressed proteins(P<0.05)were identified using tandem mass spectrometry techniques.Compared with the healthy normal population group,14 differentially expressed proteins such as complement component C1q receptor,apolipoprotein A4,and C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 were significantly upregulated,while 47 differentially expressed proteins such as myosin light chain 3,mitochondrial translation elongation factor,and nucleolar phosphoprotein 1 were significantly downregulated.The results of gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins might participate in molecular functions such as regulation of chromosomal tissue,mitochondrial membrane tissue,and muscle system processes.Protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that 38 common differential proteins,including complement component C1q receptor,apolipoprotein A4,C-C motif chemokine ligand 18,myosin light chain 3,mitochondrial translation elongation factor,and nucleolar phosphoprotein 1,were located at functional network nodes between healthy normal individuals and those with developmental cervical canal stenosis(Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome),and were closely related to the local energy metabolism of the cervical spine,the production of cervical vertebral osteocytes,and the formation of osteoclasts.The main differentially expressed protein myosin light chain 3 was validated using western blot assay,and the validation results were consistent with the proteomic results.To conclude,the preliminary discovery of differentially expressed proteins in serum between healthy normal individuals and those with developmental cervical canal stenosis(Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome)through absolute quantitative technology combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technology suggests that myosin light chain 3 may be a specific serum marker for developmental cervical canal stenosis(Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome).