OBJECTIVE: To analyze the early effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) laminectomy in the treatment of two-level lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). METHODS: The clinical data of 98 patients with two-level LSS treated with UBE between September 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 53 males and 45 females with an average age of 59.9 years (range, 32-79 years). Among them, there were 56 cases of mixed spinal stenosis, 23 cases of central spinal canal stenosis, and 19 cases of nerve root canal stenosis. The duration of symptoms was 1.5- 10 years, with an average of 5.4 years. The operative segments were L _{2, 3} and L _{3, 4} in 2 cases, L _{3, 4} and L _{4, 5} in 29 cases, L _{4, 5} and L _5, S ₁ in 67 cases. All patients had different degrees of low back pain, among of which 76 cases were with unilateral lower extremity symptoms and 22 cases were with bilateral lower extremity symptoms. There were 29 cases of bilateral decompression in both segments, 63 cases of unilateral decompression in both segments, and 6 cases of unilateral decompression and bilateral decompression of each segment. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, total incision length, hospitalization stay, ambulation time, and related complications were recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess the low back and leg pain before operation and at 3 days, 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the functional recovery of lumbar spine before operation and at 3 months and last follow-up after operation. Modified MacNab criteria was used to evaluate clinical outcomes at last follow-up. Imaging examinations were performed before and after operation to measure the preservation rate of articular process, modified Pfirrmann scale, disc height (DH), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), and cross-sectional area of the canal (CAC), and the CAC improvement rate was calculated. RESULTS: All patients underwent surgery successfully. The operation time was (106.7±25.1) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (67.7±14.2) mL, and the total incision length was (3.2±0.4) cm. The hospitalization stay was 8 (7, 9) days, and the ambulation time was 3 (3, 4) days. All the wounds healed by first intention. Dural tear occurred in 1 case during operation, and mild headache occurred in 1 case after operation. All patients were followed up 13-28 months with an average of 19.3 months, and there was no recurrence or reoperation during the follow-up. At last follow-up, the preservation rate of articular process was 84.7%±7.3%. The modified Pfirrmann scale and DH were significantly different from those before operation ( P<0.05), while the LLA was not significantly different from that before operation ( P=0.050). The CAC significantly improved ( P<0.05), and the CAC improvement rate was 108.1%±17.8%. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI at each time point after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the differences between each time points were significant ( P<0.05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, 63 cases were excellent, 25 cases were good, and 10 cases were fair, with an excellent and good rate of 89.8%. CONCLUSION UBE laminectomy is a safe and effective technique with little trauma and fast recovery for two-level LSS and the early effectiveness is satisfactory.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Laminectomy ; Spinal Stenosis/surgery* ; Constriction, Pathologic/surgery* ; Low Back Pain ; Retrospective Studies ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Endoscopy ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Decompression, Surgical ; Surgical Wound/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To review the application and progress of different minimally invasive spinal decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). METHODS: The domestic and foreign literature on the application of different minimally invasive spinal decompression in the treatment of LSS was extensively reviewed, and the advantages, disadvantages, and complications of different surgical methods were summarized. RESULTS: At present, minimally invasive spinal decompression mainly includes microscopic bilateral decompression, microendoscopic decompression, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression, unilateral biportal endoscopy, and so on. Compared with traditional open surgery, different minimally invasive spinal decompression techniques can reduce the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative pain of patients, thereby reducing hospital stay and saving treatment costs. CONCLUSION The indications of different minimally invasive spinal decompression are different, but there are certain advantages and disadvantages. When patients have clear surgical indications, individualized treatment plans should be formulated according to the symptoms and signs of patients, combined with imaging manifestations.
Humans ; Decompression, Surgical/methods* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Laminectomy/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Stenosis/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of total laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation and single open-door laminoplasty in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation. METHODS: The clinical data of 75 patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation treated from December 2014 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 65 males and 10 females, aged from 33 to 83 years old with an average of (60.1±11.4) years. According to surgical method, the patients were divided into observation group (36 cases) and control group (39 cases). The observation group was treated with C₃-C₆ single open-door laminoplasty. In the control group, the C₃-C₆ whole lamina was opened by "uncovering", and the lateral mass screw was fixed and fused. The general conditions including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay and complications such as axial pain, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative C₅ nerve palsy were recorded. Visual analogue scale(VAS), Nurick pain scale, Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) scores and American Spinal Injury Association(AISA) injury scale were used to evaluate the improvement of clinical symptoms and related functional recovery 12 months after operation. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between two groups(P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in JOA, VAS, ASIA and Nurick scores of the all patients between 12 months after surgery and before surgery (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between groups. There was significant difference in the incidence of C5 nerve root palsy and axial pain between two groups(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the complications of cerebrospinal fluid leakage between two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Total laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation and single open-door laminoplasty in treating cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation can obtain satisfactory results in restoring nerve function, alleviating pain and improving daily behavior, but single open-door laminoplasty has the advantages of less trauma and low incidence of complications.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Screws ; Case-Control Studies ; Cervical Cord/surgery* ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Female ; Humans ; Laminectomy/methods* ; Laminoplasty/methods* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis OBJECTIVES: To evaluate preoperative factors related with spinal canal expansion after posterior decompression for the treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Data about preoperative factors related with spinal canal expansion after posterior cervical decompression surgery are inconsistent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 67 patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent posterior laminectomy or laminoplasty. Radiologically, we evaluated the C2-7 Cobb angle and range of motion using X-rays from the preoperative assessment and final follow-up. Expansion of the spinal canal at 6 weeks postoperatively was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and compared with the preoperative values. The preoperative factors of age, sex, number of operated levels, operation method, and radiological parameters were investigated as factors potentially related to postoperative spinal canal expansion using multivariate regression and correlation analyses. The clinical outcome was analyzed by the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. RESULTS: The postoperative spinal canal expansion was 4.76 mm in sagittal images and 4.31 mm in axial images, with higher values observed in males and cases of severe preoperative cord compression. A lordotic preoperative Cobb angle was related to postoperative spinal canal expansion and JOA score improvement, but without statistical significance. The clinical outcomes of NDI (18.3→14.8) and JOA scores (10.81→14.6) showed improvement, but were not significantly related with any preoperative factors. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of preoperative spinal canal stenosis was associated with postoperative spinal canal expansion after posterior decompression in multilevel cervical myelopathy. The preoperative Cobb angle was not related to postoperative spinal canal expansion or clinical improvement.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Decompression ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Laminoplasty ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Methods ; Neck ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Canal ; Spinal Cord Diseases

BACKGROUND: Open microscopic laminectomy has been the standard surgical method for degenerative spinal stenosis without instability till now. However, it is associated with complications such as paraspinal muscle injury, excessive bleeding, and wound infection. Several surgical techniques, including microendoscopic decompression, have been introduced to solve these problems. METHODS: Authors analyzed retrospectively 55 patients presenting with neurological symptoms due to degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis refractory to conservative treatment. Patients with foraminal stenosis requiring foraminal decompression were excluded. Two or three portals were used for each level. One portal was used for viewing purpose and the others for instrument passage. Unilateral laminotomy was followed by bilateral decompression under the view of 30° arthroscopy. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using modified Macnab criteria, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and visual analogue scale (VAS). Postoperative complications were checked during the 2-year follow-up. Plain radiographs before and after surgery were compared to analyze the change of disc height decrement and alignment. RESULTS: ODI scores improved from 67.4 ± 11.5 preoperatively to 19.3 ± 12.1 at 2-year follow-up (p < 0.01). VAS scores of the leg decreased from 7.7 ± 1.5 to 1.7 ± 1.5 at the final follow-up (p < 0.01). Per the modified Macnab criteria, 81% of the patients improved to good/excellent. No cases of infection occurred. The intervertebral angle was significantly reduced from 6.26°± 3.54° to 5.58°± 3.23° at 2 years postoperatively (p = 0.027) and the dynamic intervertebral angle changed from 6.54°± 3.71° to 6.76°± 3.59°, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.562). No significant change in slippage was observed (3.76% ± 5.01% preoperatively vs. 3.81% ± 5.28% at the final follow-up [p = 0.531]). The dynamic percentage slip did not change significantly, from 2.65% ± 3.37% to 2.76% ± 3.71% (p = 0.985). However, intervertebral distance decreased significantly from 10.43 ± 2.23 mm to 10.0 ± 2.24 mm (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Full endoscopic decompression using a 30° arthroscopy demonstrated a satisfactory clinical outcome at the 2-year follow-up. This technique reduces wound infection rate and did not bring about postoperative segmental spinal instability. It could be a feasible alternative to conventional open microscopic decompression or fusion surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
Arthroscopy* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Decompression* ; Endoscopy ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Leg ; Methods ; Paraspinal Muscles ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Stenosis* ; Wound Infection

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the surgical results of one-stage posterior minimal laminectomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of thoracic dumbbell tumor and to describe its precise technique. In addition, we investigated the technique's usefulness and limitations. METHODS: Seven cases of thoracic dumbbell tumor (two men and five women, mean age, 43 years) were analyzed retrospectively. Pathological findings included schwannoma in four patients, neurofibroma in two patients, and hemangioma in one patient. The location of tumors varied from T2/3 to T12/L1. Dumbbell tumors were resected by one-stage operation using posterior laminectomy followed by VATS without instrumentation. Clinical data were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 25 months (range, 3–58 months), and the operative time ranged from 255 to 385 min (mean, 331 min), with estimated blood loss ranging from 110 to 930 mL (mean, 348 mL). The tumor was completely resected without instrumentation and postoperative instability in all cases. Postoperative complications included atelectasis and facial anhydrosis in one case each. CONCLUSION: One-stage posterior minimal laminectomy and VATS may be a safe and less invasive technique for removal of thoracic dumbbell tumor without instability. This method has the advantage of early ambulation and rapid recovery because it reduces blood loss and postoperative pain.
Early Ambulation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemangioma ; Humans ; Laminectomy* ; Male ; Methods ; Neurilemmoma ; Neurofibroma ; Operative Time ; Pain, Postoperative ; Postoperative Complications ; Pulmonary Atelectasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the biomechanical behavior of the lumbar spine after posterior decompression with the spinous process osteotomy (SPiO) technique or the conventional laminectomy (CL) technique using a finite element (FE) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three validated lumbar FE models (L2-5) which represented intact spine and two decompression models using SPiO and CL techniques at the L3-4 segment were developed. In each model, the ranges of motion, the maximal von Mises stress of the annulus fibrosus, and the intradiscal pressures at the index segment (L3-4) and adjacent segments (L2-3 and L4-5) under 7.5 Nm moments were analyzed. Facet contact forces were also compared among three models under the extension and torsion moments. RESULTS: Compared to the intact model, the CL and SPiO models had increased range of motion and annulus stress at both the index segment (L3-4) and the adjacent segments under flexion and torsion. However, the SPiO model demonstrated a reduced range of motion and annulus stress than the CL model. Both CL and SPiO models had an increase of facet contact force at the L3-4 segment under the torsion moment compared to that of the intact model. Under the extension moment, however, three models demonstrated a similar facet contact force even at the L3-4 model. CONCLUSION: Both decompression methods lead to postoperative segmental instability compared to the intact model. However, SPiO technique leads to better segmental stability compared to the CL technique.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Decompression, Surgical/*methods ; *Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc/physiopathology/surgery ; Laminectomy/*methods ; Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology/physiopathology/*surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Anatomic ; Osteotomy/*methods ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Stress, Mechanical ; Zygapophyseal Joint/pathology/physiopathology/surgery

As a result of the complex anatomy in upper cervical spine, the operative treatment of axis neoplasms is always complicated. Although the procedure for the second cervical vertebra (C2) surgery had been described previously in diverse approaches and reconstruction forms, each has its own limitations and restrictions that usually result in less satisfactory conclusions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operation efficacy for axis tumors by using a combined anterior (retropharyngeal) cervical and posterior approach in achieving total resection of C2 and circumferential reconstruction. Eight consecutive C2 tumor patients with mean age of 47.6 years in our institute sequentially underwent vertebra resection and fixation through aforementioned approach from Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2010. No surgical mortality or severe morbidity occurred in our group. In terms of complications, 2 cases developed transient difficulty in swallowing liquids (one of them experienced dysphonia) and 1 developed cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL) that was resolved later. During a mean follow-up period of 31.9 months, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score revealed that the pain level and neurological function in all patients were improved postoperatively, and there was no evidence of fixation failure and local recurrence. It is concluded that the anterior cervical retropharyngeal approach permits a visible exposure to facilitate the C2 vertebra resection and perform an effective anterior reconstruction at the same time. The custom-made mesh cage applied in our cases can be acted as a firm and convenient implant in circumferential fixation.
Adult ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Spinal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of the Centerpiece plate in the cervical single open-door laminoplasty and compared its advantages with conventional suture fixation methods.

METHODSFrom December 2009 to August 2011,32 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated with operation. Of them, 15 cases underwent cervical single open-door laminoplasty and Centerpiece plate fixation (group A),there were 8 males and 7 females,aged from 51 to 65 years old with an average of 60.5 years and ranged in course of disease from 2 to 15 months; 17 cases underwent cervical single open-door laminoplasty and silk suture fixation (group B), there were 9 males and 8 females, aged from 49 to 66 years old with an average of 61.5 years and ranged in course of disease from 1 to 14 months. All the patients with unsteady gait symptom before operation and cervical MR imaging showed spinal cord compression and denaturation. According to standard of Japanese Orthopaedics Association (JOA) to evaluate the spinal nervers function before operation and at 6 months after operation;according to CT scan to determine the sagittal diameter (AP) of upper vertebral canal and cervical activity (ROM).

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 8 to 20 months with an average of 13 months. All the incisions healed well and no complications such as internal fixation loosening and breakage,spinal cord injury, reclose-door were found. Postoperative symptoms relieved obviously and MRI and CT showed vertebral canal volume expanded significantly. Operative time and blood loss in group A were respectively (155.0+/-12.3) min, (407.0+/-11.8) ml and in group B were respectively (148.0+/-14.4) min, (398.0+/-15.4) ml. There was no significantly differenc, between two groups (P>0.05). JOA score in group A improved from preoperative 9.1+/-2.6 to postoperative 15.5+/-1.8 and in group B improved from preoperative 9.3 +/- 2.1 to postoperative 13.1 +/- 2.5 (P<0.05). CT sagittal diameter (AP) in group A increased from preoperative (10.7+/-2.4) mm to postoperative (17.6+/-3.2) mm and in group B increased from preoperative (11.6+/-1.7) mm to postoperative (15.9+/-2.0) mm (P<0.05). Cervical activity (ROM) in group A be- fore and after operation were respectively (51.0+/-2.6) degrees, (45.0+/-3.5) degrees and in group B were respectively (52.0+/-1.8) and (42.0+/-2.4). There was no significantly difference before operation between two groups (P>0.05) and there was significantly difference after operation between two groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONTreatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with posterior single open-door laminoplasty and Centerpiece plate fixation can enlarge spinal canal volume,keep original cervical activity, improve postoperative JOA score. The method has obviously advantages compared with traditional suture fixation methods.

Aged ; Bone Plates ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Canal ; surgery ; Spondylosis ; etiology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the postoperative complication and its preventive measure of cervical open-door expansive laminoplasty with lateral mass screw fixation in treating cervical canal stenosis.

METHODSFrom February 2008 to July 2011, 33 patients with cervical canal stenosis underwent cervical open-door expansive laminoplasty with lateral mass screw fixation. JOA score was used to evaluate clinical effects before and after operation. Of them, complications occurred in 6 cases, male in 2 cases and female in 4 cases. The reason of complications were analyzed.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 6 months to 2 years with an average of 10.3 months. The improvement rate of JOA was 78.8% and incidence rate of complication was 18.2% (6 cases). There were 2 cases of axiality symptoms, 1 case of lateral mass screw pulled-out, 2 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage with wound dehiscence, 1 case of nerve root parlysis. These complications correlated with operative design, manipulation,improved degree of cervical curvature,postoperative management and cooperation of patient.

CONCLUSIONAs an effective treatment, cervical open-door expansive laminoplasty with lateral mass screw fixation has lower incidence of axiality pain. Preoperative examination ,postoperative management ,meticulous surgical skill are very important to avoid complications.

Bone Screws ; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea ; etiology ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Spinal Stenosis ; surgery