Objective To investigate the safety and reliability of ultrasonic bone curette in posterior cervical single open-door laminoplasty. Methods The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed, from 193 patients who underwent single open-door laminoplasty (C 3–7) from January 2012 to January 2016. The patients were divided into three groups according to different instruments: posterior single open-door laminoplasty was performed with ultrasonic bone curette in 61 cases (group A), with bite forceps in 73 cases (group B), and with micro-grinding drill in 59 cases (group C). There was no significant difference in gender, age, the course of disease, underlying disease and preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) between groups (P>0.05). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, drainage volume at 48 hours, JOA score, improvement rate, VAS and perioperative com-plication were compared. Results The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and drainage volume at 48 hours of group A were significantly less than those in groups B and C (P<0.05), but there was no significant between groups B and C (P>0.05). The follow-up time was 12-21 months (mean, 14.6 months) in group A, 24-36 months (mean, 27.5 months) in group B, and 28-47 months (mean, 38.1 months) in group C. There were no cerebrospinal fluid leakage and incision infection in three groups. No complications of internal fixation loosening and rupture occurred during the follow-up. Rediating pain occurred in 6 cases of group A, 8 cases of group B, and 6 cases of group C, and was cured at 1 week after dehydration and physical therapy. No nerve root palsy was found in three groups. Fracture of portal axis occurred in 5 cases (7 segments) of group B and was fixed by micro titanium plate. The JOA score and VAS score at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores in three groups (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in JOA score and improvement rate and VAS score between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion It is safe and reliable to use the ultrasonic bone curette in posterior cervical single open-door laminoplasty. It can shorten the operative time and has similar clinical curative effect to the traditional operation, and the lateral rotation of the lamina can be avoided.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety of ultrasonic osteotome used in posterior cervical laminectomy decompression surgery and its effect on surgical outcome. Methods A clinical data of 52 patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine (C-OPLL) undergoing posterior cervical laminectomy decompression and fusion (PCLDF) between April 2013 and April 2017 was retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether using the ultrasonic osteotome during operation: group A (20 cases, ultrasonic osteotome group) and group B (32 cases, traditional gun-clamp decompression group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body weight, height, preoperative hemoglobin, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospitalization time, complications, hemoglobin at 1 day after operation, and JOA score at 6 months after operation were recorded and compared between the two groups, and the improvement rate of JOA was calculated. Results The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the drainage volume and hospitalization time between the two groups (P>0.05). The hemoglobin of group B was slightly higher than that of group A at 1 day after operation, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=–1.260, P=0.214). All the patients were followed up 6-10 months (mean, 7.6 months). No serious complications such as C5 nerve paralysis, dural tear, infection, epidural hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, transfusion allergy, or shock occurred during and after operation. The JOA scores of the two groups were significant improved at 6 months after operation when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in JOA score and improvement rate between the two groups at 6 months after operation (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with the traditional gun-clamp decompression, the effectiveness of PCLDF in treatment of C-OPLL by using ultrasonic osteotome is comparable, but the latter can effectively reduce the operation time and blood loss.
Objective To explore the practicability and safety of ultrasonic bone curette in the laminoplasty of spinal canal after resection of intraspinal tumors. Methods The clinical data of 17 patients with thoracolumbar intraspinal tumors treated with ultrasonic bone curette after resection of intraspinal tumors between December 2015 and April 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were male, aged 42-73 years with an average of 57.4 years. The disease duration was 2-47 months with an average of 21.1 months. Among them, there were 4 cases of thoracic intrathoracic tumors (T10 in 1, T12 in 3) and 13 cases of lumbar intrathoracic tumors (L1 in 5, L2 in 4, L3 in 2, and L4 in 2). Postoperative pathological diagnosis showed that 8 cases were schwannoma, 4 cases were meningioma, 2 cases were neurofibroma, 2 cases were dermoid cyst, and 1 case was ependymoma. Spinal nerve function was evaluated preoperatively according to Frankel classification criteria, with 2 cases of grade B, 7 cases of grade C, and 8 cases of grade D. During the operation, the time of single segmental vertebral canal posterior wall incision, the overall operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative dural injury, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, spinal cord and nerve root injury were recorded. At 3-6 months after operation, the tumor and bone healing were observed according to MRI and CT three-dimensional reconstruction, and the spinal nerve function was evaluated by Frankel classification. Results The time of ultrasonic osteotomy for the posterior wall of a single segmental vertebral canal was 3.4-5.7 minutes, with an average of 4.1 minutes. The overall operation time was 135-182 minutes, with an average of 157.3 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss was 300-500 mL, with an average of 342.6 mL. There was no accidental dural injury, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, nerve root injury, or spinal cord injury. The incision healed by first intention after operation. All the 17 patients were followed up 9-18 months, with an average of 12.7 months. MRI examination showed no tumor recurrence, and CT three-dimensional reconstruction showed good bone healing in all patients. During the follow-up, there was no loosening or rupture of the internal fixator and there was no re-compression of the spinal cord. At last follow-up, according to Frankel classification, there were 1 case as grade B, 5 cases as grade C, 7 cases as grade D, and 4 cases as grade E. Conclusion The application of ultrasonic bone curette in laminoplasty of spinal canal after resection of intraspinal tumors can preserve the integrity of the bone ligament structure of posterior column, maintain the volume of vertebral canal, and has high safety, practicability, and good postoperative effectiveness.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) by unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression with ultrasounic osteotome and traditional tool total laminectomy decompression PLIF in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods The clinical data of 48 patients with single-stage degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis between January 2017 and June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 27 patients were treated with unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression PLIF with ultrasonic osteotome (group A), and 21 patients were treated with total laminectomy and decompression PLIF with traditional tools (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, stenosis segment, degree of spinal canal stenosis, and disease duration between the two groups (P>0.05), which was comparable. The time of laminectomy decompression, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and the occurrence of operation-related complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Bridwell bone graft fusion standard was applied to evaluate bone graft fusion at last follow-up. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the patients’ lumbar and back pain at 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months after operation. Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was used to evaluate the patients’ lumbar and back function improvement before operation and at 6 months after operation. Results The time of laminectomy decompression in group A was significantly longer than that in group B, and the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). There was no nerve root injury, dural tear, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and hematoma formation during and after operation in the two groups. All patients were followed up after operation, the follow-up time in group A was 6-18 months (mean, 10.5 months) and in group B was 6-20 months (mean, 9.3 months). There was no complication such as internal fixation fracture, loosening and nail pulling occurred during the follow-up period of the two groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups at 3 days after operation (t=1.448, P=0.154); the VAS score of group A was significantly lower than that of group B at 3 and 6 months after operation (P<0.05). The ODI scores of the two groups were significantly improved at 6 months after operation (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in ODI scores between the two groups before operation and at 6 months after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, according to Bridwell criteria, there was no significant difference in bone graft fusion between the two groups (Z=–0.065, P=0.949); the fusion rates of groups A and B were 96.3% (26/27) and 95.2% (20/21) respectively, with no significant difference (χ2=0.001, P=0.979 ). Conclusion The treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with unilateral fenestration and bilateral decompression PLIF with ultrasonic osteotome can achieve similar effectiveness as traditional tool total laminectomy and decompression PLIF, reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage, and reduce lumbar back pain during short-term follow-up. It is a safe and effective operation method.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of modified replanting posterior ligament complex (PLC) applying piezoelectric osteotomy in the treatment of primary benign tumors in thoracic spinal canal.MethodsThe clinical data of 38 patients with primary benign tumors in thoracic spinal canal between March 2014 and March 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 16 males and 22 females, aged from 21 to 72 years (mean, 47.1 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 to 57 months (mean, 32.6 months). Pathological examination showed 24 cases of schwannoma, 6 cases of meningioma, 4 cases of ependymoma, 2 cases of lipoma, and 2 cases of dermoid cyst. The lesions located in 18 cases of single segment, 15 cases of double segments, and 5 cases of three segments. The length of the tumors ranged from 0.7 to 6.5 cm. There were boundaries between the tumors and the spinal cord, cauda equina, and nerve roots. The preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 12.2±2.3 and the thoracic Cobb angle was (11.7±2.7)°. Modified PLC replantation and microsurgical resection were performed with piezoelectric osteotomy. Continuity of uniside supraspinal and interspinous ligaments were preserved during the operation. The PLC was exposed laterally. After removing the tumors under the microscope, the pedicled PLC was replanted in situ and fixed with bilateral micro-reconstruction titanium plate. X-ray film, CT, and MRI examinations were performed to observe spinal stability, spinal canal plasty, and tumor resection after operation. The effectiveness was evaluated by JOA score.ResultsThe operation time was 56-142 minutes (mean, 77.1 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 110-370 mL (mean, 217.2 mL). The tumors were removed completely and the incisions healed well. Three cases complicated with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and there was no complications such as spinal cord injury and infection. All the 38 patients were followed up 24-28 months (mean, 27.2 months). There was no internal fixation loosening, malposition, or other related complications. At last follow-up, X-ray films showed no sign of kyphosis and instability. CT showed no displacement of vertebral lamina and reduction of secondary spinal canal volume, and vertebral lamina healed well. MRI showed no recurrence of tumors. At last follow-up, the thoracic Cobb angle was (12.3±4.1)°, showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative value (t=0.753, P=0.456). JOA score increased to 23.7±3.8, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (t=15.960, P=0.000). Among them, 14 cases were excellent, 18 were good, 6 were fair, and the excellent and good rate was 84.2%.ConclusionModified replanting PLC applying piezoelectric osteotomy and micro-reconstruction with titanium plate for the primary benign tumors in thoracic spinal canal can reconstruct the anatomy of the spinal canal, enable patients to recover daily activities quickly. It is an effective and safe treatment.
Objective To investigate the effect of ultrasonic bone curette in anterior cervical spine surgery. MethodsA clinical data of 63 patients with cervical spondylosis who were admitted between September 2019 and June 2021 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 32 cases were operated with conventional instruments (group A) and 31 cases with ultrasonic bone curette (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in gender, age, surgical procedure, surgical segment and number of occupied cervical space, disease type and duration, comorbidities, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical dysfunction index (NDI), and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospital stay, and the occurrence of postoperative complications were recorded in both groups. Before operation and at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation, the JOA score and NDI were used to evaluate the function and the postoperative JOA improvement rate was calculated, and VAS score was used to evaluate the pain improvement. The anteroposterior and lateral cervical X-ray films were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation to observe whether there was any significant loosening and displacement of internal fixators. ResultsCompared with group A, group B had shorter operation time and postoperative hospital stay, less intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). All incisions healed by first intention in the two groups, and postoperative complications occurred in 5 cases (15.6%) in group A and 2 cases (6.5%) in group B, showing no significant difference (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 7.9 months). The JOA score and improvement rate gradually increased in groups A and B after operation, while the VAS score and NDI gradually decreased. There was no significant difference in VAS score between 3 months and 1 month in group B (P>0.05), and there were significant differences between the other time points of each indicator in the two groups (P<0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after operation, the JOA score and improvement rate in group B were better than those in group A (P<0.05). X-ray films examination showed that there was no screw loosening or titanium plate displacement in the two groups after operation, and the intervertebral cage or titanium mesh significantly sank. ConclusionCompared with traditional instruments, the use of ultrasonic bone curette assisted osteotomy in anterior cervical spine surgery has the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative drainage, and shorter hospital stay.
Objective To explore the safety and effectiveness of multisegmental thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) treated by laminectomy, posterior longitudinal ligament ossification block release combined with dekyphosis orthopedic surgery using ultrasonic bone scalpel system. Methods The clinical data of 8 patients with multisegmental T-OPLL treated with laminectomy, posterior longitudinal ligament ossification block release combined with dekyphosis orthopedic surgery using ultrasonic bone scalpel system between January 2020 and April 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 5 females; the age ranged from 41 to 67 years, with a mean of 57.1 years. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 74 months, with a mean of 33.4 months. Symptoms were progressive numbness and weakness of both lower limbs, unsteady walking, chest and back pain in 3 cases, and urinary and bowel dysfunction in 5 cases; 7 cases showed increased muscle strength of the lower limbs, hyperreflexia of the tendons, and a positive Babinski sign, and 1 case showed decreased muscle strength of the lower limbs, decreased skin sensation, decreased knee and Achilles tendon reflexes, and a negative pathologic sign. Multisegmental posterior longitudinal ligament ossification of thoracic spine was found in 8 cases, with 4-8 segments of ossification, and in 5 cases with multisegmental ossification of the ligamentum flavum. The preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) thoracic spinal function score was 4.3±0.9, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.9±1.0, and the the kyphotic Cobb angle of the stenosis segment was (34.62±10.76)°. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. VAS score was used to evaluate the back pain, JOA score was used to evaluate the thoracic spinal cord function and the JOA improvement rate was calculated, and the kyphotic Cobb angle of the stenosis segment was measured and the Cobb angle improvement rate was calculated. Results The operation time ranged from 210 to 340 minutes, with a mean of 271.62 minutes; intraoperative blood loss ranged from 900 to 2 100 mL, with a mean of 1 458.75 mL; the number of resected vertebral plates ranged from 4 to 8, with a mean of 6.1; dural tears and cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 3 cases, and the incisions healed by first intention. All 8 cases were followed up 12-26 months, with a mean of 18.3 months. There was no complication such as loosening of internal fixator, breakage of screws and rods, and no significant progress of ossification. At last follow-up, the VAS score was 1.4±0.7, the JOA thoracic spinal function score was 9.8±0.7, and the the kyphotic Cobb angle of the stenosis segment was (22.12±8.28)°, all of which significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (t=11.887, P<0.001; t=13.015, P<0.001; t=7.395, P<0.001). The JOA improvement rate was 81.06%±10.93%, of which 5 cases were rated as excellent and 3 cases as good; the Cobb angle improvement rate was 36.51%±14.20%. Conclusion Laminectomy, posterior longitudinal ligament ossification block release combined with dekyphosis orthopedic surgery using ultrasonic bone scalpel system is a safe, effective, and simple method for the treatment of multisegmental T-OPLL, which is a feasible option.