Objective:To evaluate the significance of the lumbar bowstring ratio (LBR) and sagittal spine-pelvis parameters in predicting postoperative neurogenic pain in adult patients with high-grade lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis following spinal fusion surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and imaging data of 95 adult patients with high-grade lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis treated by spinal surgery at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from August 2012 to January 2023. Each patient was followed for a minimum of six months. Participants were categorized into pain and non-pain groups based on the presence of persistent radicular pain (≥8 weeks) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) score of ≥3 postoperatively. The pain group comprised 15 patients (5 males, 10 females; mean age 55.47±6.42 years, range 46-71 years), while the non-pain group included 80 patients (20 males, 60 females; mean age 60.98±11.50 years, range 40-85 years). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and VAS scores. LBR was defined as the ratio of the vertical distance from the anterior convexity of the L 1-L 5 anterior longitudinal ligament to a line connecting the posterior superior margin of the L1 vertebra and the posterior margin of the S1 vertebra, to the distance between these two points. Spinal-pelvic parameters measured included pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), PT/SS ratio, and changes in LBR before and after surgery (ΔLBR). Statistical comparisons of demographic and imaging parameters were performed between the two groups, and variables showing significant differences were subjected to binary logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for postoperative neurogenic pain. Results:All 95 patients achieved complete anatomical reduction of the dislocation without reported wound infections. Follow-up was completed at 7.68±2.98 months (range 6-12 months) postoperatively. Among the patients, 15 developed iatrogenic radicular pain. Postoperative complications included pulmonary infection (4 cases: 1 in the pain group, 3 in the non-pain group), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (8 cases: 2 in the pain group, 6 in the non-pain group), and delirium (5 cases: 2 in the pain group, 3 in the non-pain group). No significant differences were observed in demographic data between the groups ( P>0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in ODI (pain group Z=-3.413, P=0.001; non-pain group Z=-7.772, P<0.001) and VAS scores (pain group Z=-3.426, P=0.001; non-pain group Z=-7.838, P<0.001) at the 6-month follow-up compared to preoperative values. Significant differences were found between the pain and non-pain groups in PI ( t=3.315, P=0.004), PT ( t=5.087, P<0.001), SS ( t=7.431, P<0.001), LL ( t=3.764, P<0.001), PT/SS ( t=7.267, P<0.001), LBR ( t=6.455, P<0.001), and ΔLBR ( Z=5.362, P<0.001) before and after surgery. Binary logistic regression analysis identified smaller preoperative PT/SS [ OR=0.760, 95% CI(0.601, 0.961), P=0.022] and larger preoperative LBR [ OR=5.721, 95% CI (1.068, 30.634), P=0.042] as independent risk factors for postoperative neurogenic pain. Conclusion:High LBR and reduced PT/SS are significant risk factors for neurogenic pain following complete discectomy and fusion in adult patients with high-grade lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis. For such patients, careful consideration is warranted regarding anatomical complete reduction during surgical intervention.

Spinal infection caused by Parvimonas micra(P.micra)is a rare infection.The characteristic imageology includes spondylodiscitis,spondylitis,paravertebral abscess,and epidural abscess.One case of spondylodiscitis of lumbar complicated with spinal epidural abscess caused by P.micra was admitted to the Department of Spinal Surgery,Xiangya Hospital,Central South University on February,2023.This case is a 60 years old man with lower back pain and left lower limb numbness.MRI showed spondylitis,spondylodiscitis,and epidural abscess.The patient underwent debridement,decompression and fusion surgery.The culture of surgical sample was negative.P.micra was detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).The postoperative antibiotic treatment included intravenous infusion of linezolid and piperacillin for 1 week,then intravenous infusion of ceftazidime and oral metronidazole for 2 weeks,followed by oral metronidazole and nerofloxacin for 2 weeks.During the follow-up,the lower back pain and left lower limb numbness was complete remission.Spinal infection caused by P.micra is extremely rare,when the culture is negative,mNGS can help the final diagnosis.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) can lead to lower back pain and may be even accompanied by scoliosis, neurological dysfunction and other complications, which will affect the daily activities and life quality of patients. Vertebral augmentation is an effective treatment method for OVCF, but it cannot correct unbalance of bone metabolism or improve the osteoporotic status, causing complications like lower back pain, limited spinal activities and vertebral refracture. The post-operative systematic and standardized rehabilitation treatments can improve curative effect and therapeutic efficacy of anti-osteoporosis, reduce risk of vertebral refracture, increase patient compliance and improve quality of life. Since there still lack relevant clinical treatment guidelines for postoperative rehabilitation treatments following vertebral augmentation for OVCF, the current treatments are varied with uneven therapeutic effect. In order to standardize the postoperative rehabilitation treatment, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized relevant experts to refer to relevant literature and develop the "Guideline for postoperative rehabilitation treatment following vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (2022 version)" based on the clinical guidelines published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) as well as on the principles of scientificity, practicality and advancement. The guideline provided evidence-based recommendations on 10 important issues related to postoperative rehabilitation treatments of OVCF.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of manual reduction under general anesthesia combined with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the treatment of lower cervical locked facet dislocation.Methods:Retrospectively analyzed were the data of 53 patients with traumatic single segment dislocation of lower cervical spine combined with single/bilateral facet articular lock who had been admitted to Department of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2019 to December 2020. There were 36 males and 17 females, aged from 18 to 64 years (average, 45.5 years). All the patients were treated with ACDF under neuroelectrophysiological monitoring. Clinical efficacy was assessed by observing complications and comparing American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores, neck disability index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after surgery.Results:All patients were followed up for 16 to 30 months (mean, 24 months). All incisions healed by primary intention with no infection after operation. There were 2 cases of delirium, 9 cases of abdominal distension, 4 cases of lower extremity venous thrombosis, and one case of central diabetes insipidus. Postoperative imaging data showed that all patients achieved sequential reduction of the cervical spine, intervertebral bony fusion, and no internal fixation loosening. The last follow-up showed that the overall improvement rate of ASIA grading of spinal cord function was 84.9% (45/53) compared with the preoperation and that the VAS score (2.0±0.5), mJOA score (13.1±3.1) and NDI index (16.6±5.9) were significantly improved compared with the preoperative values (7.5±1.5, 6.9±3.5, and 37.8±7.8) ( P< 0.05). Conclusion:On the premise of fully assessing the patient's injury status, manual reduction under general anesthesia combined with ACDF is a safe and effective treatment of single-level lower cervical fracture combined with facet dislocation.

Objective:To investigate the surgical strategy of posterior correction of cervicothoracic scoliosis in children and adolescents, and to analyze the curative effect of surgical correction.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 14 patients with cervicothoracic scoliosis who underwent surgical treatment in the department of spine surgery of our hospital from January 2014 to June 2020, including 9 female and 5 male patients. 8 patients were treated with Halo traction before surgery.Among them, 7 patients were treated by posterior column osteotomy and fusion surgery, 7 patients were treated byposterior approach hemivertebra osteotomy. The scoliosis Cobb angle, T 1 tilt angle, clavicle angle, neck tilt angle, shoulder height difference, sagittal balance distance, coronal balance distance and local kyphosis angle were measured compared among before operation, after operation, at 1 year follow-up and at the last follow-up to evaluate the effect of surgical treatment and the correction loss at follow-up. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded, and the Scoliosis Research Society question naires-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire was completed preoperatively and at 24-month follow-up to evaluate the functional status and treatment effect. Results:All 14 patients successfully completed the operation, the operation time was 6.85±1.79 h (range, 5-11 h); the intraoperative blood loss was 685.71±265.61 ml (range, 400-1 200 ml), and the follow-up time was 37.28±13.75 months (range, 24-72 months). The Cobb angle of the main curve was 50.20°±15.19° preoperatively, 10.91°±6.46° postoperatively , 10.53°±6.42° at 1-year follow-up, and 10.14°±5.95° at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=45.55, P<0.001), the preoperative and postoperative difference was statistically significant ( t=10.62, P<0.001) with a correction rate of 78.32%±11.41%. The T 1 inclination angle was 16.08°±8.06° before operation, 3.71°±2.40° after operation, 4.05°±1.94° at 1-year follow-up, and 3.97°±2.04° at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=10.55, P=0.001), the preoperative and postoperative difference was statistically significant ( t=6.37, P<0.001) with a correction rate of 69.56%±25.86%. The neck tilt angle was 7.45°±3.72° before operation, 2.45°±1.12° after operation, 2.75°±0.89° at 1-year follow-up, and 3.10°±2.01° at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=6.65, P=0.008), in which postoperative correction rate was 57.92%±25.41%, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.69, P<0.001). The data of shoulder height difference before operation did not conform to normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test, P=0.017), it was 0.97 (0.54, 1.32) cm before operation and 0.53±0.40 cm after operation, and the postoperative correction rate was 50.17%±27.38%, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=3.18, P=0.001). The total score of SRS-22 questionnaire was increased from 4.21±0.29 preoperatively to 4.81±0.17 at 24-month follow-up ( t=7.35, P<0.001). Except for one patient with transient upper limb numbness, the other 13 patients showed no obvious intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion:Both posterior column osteotomy with fusion and posterior hemivertebra osteotomy are effective in the treatment of cervicothoracic scoliosis, and the surgeon can make individual treatment plans according to different conditions.

Objective To compare the minimum 5?year follow?up outcomes of surgical management by posterior only, anterior only and combined posterior and anterior approaches for lumbar tuberculosis in adults, evaluate the mid?term follow?up results of the surgery for the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis and explore its advantages and indications. Methods From Jun 2004 to Jan 2010, 311 adult patients with lumbar tuberculosis were treated surgically. The clinical data of 137 cases that met the enrolled criteria and had integrity following?up data was analyzed retrospectively. It included the patients who had the surgical indication of the posterior only surgery but underwent the anterior only or the combined posterior and anterior ap?proaches before 2008. There were 83 cases of male and 54 cases of female. The age ranged from 20 to 75 years, with a mean of 65.6 years. Among these patients, 63 cases were treated with single?stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion and instru?mentation (the posterior group); 42 cases were treated with posterior instrumentation, and anterior debridement and bone graft in a single or two?stage procedures (the combined group) and 32 cases were treated with anterior debridement and strut graft?ing with instrumentation (the anterior group). Trauma index (the operation time, blood loss, the length of hospital stay, compli?cations);imaging parameters (Segment kyphotic angle, corrective rate, loss angle, bone fusion time) and the quality?of?life indi?cators (Oswestry Disability Index、Frankle grade、visual analogue scale、Macnab score) were compared among three groups. Re?sults The mean operation time, mean blood loss and the complications rate were (207.9 ± 30.9) min, (409.5 ± 107.9) ml and 12.95%in the posterior group;(270.7±32.0) min, (649.0±120.0) ml and 30.95%in the anterior group;(349.7±38.9) min, (840.0± 168.7) ml and 25%in the combined group. The operation time, blood loss and the complications rate of the posterior group were less than the anterior group and the combined group, and the difference was significant;The combined group consumed the longest operation time, associated with the most intraoperative blood loss, the highest complication rate and the longest hospital stay among the three groups, and the difference was significant. The correction rate of kyphosis achieved of the anterior group ( 52%± 5.45%) was significantly inferior to the posterior group (74%±5.04%) and the combined group (69%±7.95%), while the loss of cor?rection in the anterior group (2.5°) was higher than both the posterior group (0.8°) and the combined group (1.1°), and the differ?ence was significant. The average follow?up was(6.5±1.96)years (range, 5-11). The mean bone fusion time of the posterior group, the anterior group and the combined group were (6.0±1.5) months, (6.2±1.3) months and (6.5±1.6) months respectively, and there was no statistic difference. After the surgery, the quality of life was improved obviously in all patients. At the time of the latest fol?low?up, the improvement rate of the ODI,VAS and the excellent and good rate according to the Macnab score were 80.6%±2.1%, 81.7%± 1.6%and 95.24%in the posterior group;79.8%± 1.5%, 79.7%± 2.0%and 92.95%in the anterior group;81.3%± 1.1%, 79.9%±0.8%and 90.63%in the combined group. There was no significant difference among the groups in the improvement rates of the ODI, VAS, Frankel grade and the excellent and good rate of the Macnab score. Conclusion The Mid?term follow?up of the different surgical procedures for the treatment of the lumbar tuberculosis in adults were basically satisfactory. Compared with the traditional surgery, the posterior?only surgery is a safe, minimally invasive and effective method in the management of monoseg?ment lumbar tuberculosis in adults.

Objective To compare the minimum 5?year follow?up outcomes of surgical management by posterior only ap?proaches, anterior only approaches and combined posterior and anterior approaches for thoracic tuberculosis in adults, and evalu?ate the mid term follow?up results of posterior only approaches. Methods All of 184 patients with monosegment thoracic tubercu?losis between January 2003 and November 2010 were studied retrospectively. Among these patients, 62 cases were treated with posterior debridement combine with interbody fusion (PO group), 65 cases were treated by posterior instrumentation, anterior de?bridement and bone graft in one or two?stage procedures (AP Group ), and 57 cases were treated by anterior only approach (AO Group). The operation time, blood loss, Visual Analogue Scale, complications, recovery of neurological function, kyphosis angle, correction rate and loss angle were respectively compared between each group. Results Comparison of postoperative curative ef?fects showed:mean operation time and blood loss:PO group (260.05±30.75 min,735.95±161.43 ml) was better than AP group (411.65 ± 55.61 min, 1178.65 ± 184.50 ml)and AO group (343.65 ± 24.74 min, 965.35 ± 122.59 ml);corrective angle and correction rate:PO group (6.78°±1.13°, 72.48%±12.97%) and AP group (6.97°±1.05°, 73.10%±11.42%) were better than AO group (13.98°± 1.73°, 44.95%±16.84%);bed time:PO group and AO group were shorter than AP group. Mid term follow?up outcomes showed:ky?phosis angle and loss angle:PO group (8.56°±1.09°, 1.89°±1.41°) and AP group (8.55°±1.65°, 1.63°±1.11°) were better than AO group (16.39°±1.59°, 2.80°±1.29°);bone fusion time, VAS and recovery of neurological function:there were no statistically differ?ence in all groups. Conclusion The mid term follow?up outcomes of posterior debridement combined with interbody fusion is sat?isfied in the management of monosegment thoracic tuberculosis. It is a safe and effective method.

OBJECTIVE: To prepare the slow-release complex with rifampicin (RFP)-polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-calcium phosphate cement (CPC) (RFP-PLGA-CPC complex), and to study its physical and chemical properties and drug release properties in vitro.
 METHODS: The emulsification-solvent evaporation method was adopted to prepare rifampicin polylactic acid-glycolic acid (RFP-PLGA) slow-release microspheres, which were divided into 3 groups: a calcium phosphate bone cement group (CPC group), a CPC embedded with RFP group (RFP-CPC group), and a PLGA slow-release microspheres carrying RFP and the self-curing CPC group (RFP- PLGA-CPC complex group). The solidification time and porosity of materials were determined. The drug release experiments in vitro were carried out to observe the compressive strength, the change of section morphology before and after drug release. 
 RESULTS: The CPC group showed the shortest solidification time, while the RFP-PLGA-CPC complex group had the longest one. There was statistical difference in the porosity between the CPC group and the RFP-CPC group (P<0.05); Compared to the RFP-PLGA-CPC complex group, the porosity in the CPC group and the RFP-CPC group were significantly changed (both P<0.01). There was significant difference in the compressive strength between the RFP- PLGA-CPC complex group and the CPC group (P<0.01), while there was significant difference in the compressive strength between the RFP-CPC group and the CPC group (3 days: P<0.05; 30 and 60 days: P<0.01). The change of the compressive strength in the CPC was not significant in the whole process of degradation. The sizes of PLGA microspheres were uniform, with the particle size between 100-150 μm. The microspheres were spheres or spheroids, and their surface was smooth without the attached impurities. There was no significant change in the section gap in the CPC group after soaking for 3 to 60 days. The microstructure change in the RFP-CPC group was small, and the cross section was formed by small particles. The pores of section in the RFP-PLGA-CPC complex group increased obviously, and PLGA microspheres gradually disappeared until the 60th day when there were only empty cavities left. The RFP-PLGA-CPC complex group had no obvious drugs sudden release, and the cumulative drug release rate was nearly 95% in the 60 days. The linear fitting was conducted for the drug release behavior of the complex, which was in accordance with zero order kinetics equation F=0.168×t.
 CONCLUSION The porosity of RFP-PLGA-CPC complex is significantly higher than that of CPC, and it can keep slow release of the effective anti-tuberculosis drugs and maintain a certain mechanical strength for a long time.
Bone Cements ; pharmacokinetics ; Calcium Phosphates ; pharmacokinetics ; Compressive Strength ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; pharmacokinetics ; Dental Cements ; pharmacokinetics ; Lactic Acid ; pharmacokinetics ; Materials Testing ; Microspheres ; Polyglycolic Acid ; pharmacokinetics ; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer ; Porosity ; Rifampin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value of early and one-stage posterior laminectomy decompression, fracture reconstruction and lateral mess screw fixation combined with anterior cervical corpectomy or discectomy for the treatment of fresh and severe lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation.
 METHODS: A total of 156 consecutive cases of severe fracture and dislocation of lower cervical spine were reviewed from January 2008 to January 2015. Skull traction was installed when the patients were enrolled in the hospital, so the operation was performed as early as possible. Firstly, the posterior procedure was applied to the patients prone on a frame. A standard posterior laminectomy, fixation and fusion were performed with lateral mass screws and rods. The cervical spine reconstruction was achieved by laminecomy, partially facetectomy, leverage and distraction. The technique of rotating rod was applied to recover the sequence of the cervical and keep or increase the zygopophysis and lordosis of the cervical on the sagittal plane. After the skull traction removed, a standard anterior approach to the cervical spine was initiated as the second stage of the procedure. Anterior cervical corpectomy or discectomy, spinal cord decompression, antograft and cervical spine auto-locking plate fixation were carried out. The stability, the fusion rate of the injured segments and spinal cord decompression were observed on the regular postoperative X-ray film and CT scan. The function of the spinal cord was evaluated by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification.
 RESULTS: A total of 137 cases were followed-up, 19 failed to follow-up and 8 of them were due to death. The follow-up time was from 9.0 months to 35.0 months (mean: 13.7 months). All patients got completely reduction of the cervical spine. The injured segments were stable. There was no patient of bone graft no-fusion. The cervical intervertebral height and lordosis were reconstructed and maintained and all grafts were fused at the end of follow-up period. There was no complication related to internal fixation breakage, loosening or displacement. There was also no neurovascular and esophagus complications during the operation. Twelve patients complained neck pain at the final follow-up. There were 12 cases of wound infection and 12 cases of neck inflammatory. They were healed after anti-inflammatory therapy. There were 13 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and they were healed after the symptomatic treatment. The neuro-function of most patients was improved, and ASIA classification was improved by 1 to 2 grade.
 CONCLUSION Early and one-stage posterior-anterior decompression and reconstruction for the patients with fresh and severe lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation can achieve good reduction and cervical alignment of cervical spine. The injured segments can gain postoperative immediate stability. It also gives a completely decompression, which is benefit to the patients for nursing, functional exercise, and the functional recovery of the spinal cord.
Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Bone Transplantation ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Decompression, Surgical ; Diskectomy ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; Laminectomy ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Spinal Fractures ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Traction

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the strategies of posterior short-segment fixation and plant iliac fusion surgery, and the clinical efficacy of them on the treatment of upper cervical vertebra trauma. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-four patients with upper cervical vertebra trauma admitted into our hospital from June, 2005 to April, 2010 were studied retrospectively. Thirty-six were treated by posterior short-segment fusion, which included 22 and 14 male and female patients, respectively. Among them, 23 or 6 patients were related to traffic or falling accident, 5 or 2 patients were related to crashing object or fight. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by head and neck pain VAS score, JOA scores of nerve function and the rate of graft bone fusion. RESULTS: The postoperative VAS scores were lower than that of pre-operation, and the difference was significant (P<0.001). The postoperative JOA scores of nerve function was superior to preoperative scores (P<0.05). During follow-up, no internal fixation failure happened while bony fusion could be seen. CONCLUSION The method of posterior short-segment fixation and bone graft fusion in treating patients with cervical spine injury is highly efficacy, which possesses great clinical value.
Bone Transplantation ; Cervical Vertebrae ; injuries ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fusion ; Treatment Outcome