ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of the posterior midline approach with complete laminectomy for giant intraspinal tumor (more than 3 cm in diameter) resection and vertebral canal reconstruction. MethodsBetween March 2009 and February 2012, 21 cases of giant intraspinal tumor underwent the posterior midline approach with complete laminectomy and vertebral canal reconstruction. There were 12 males and 9 females with an average age of 40.5 years (range, 21-62 years). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were 0-5 in 4 cases, 6-11 in 9 cases, and 12-17 in 8 cases. The preoperative Cobb angle was less than 10°on the X-ray films. MRI showed that the tumor located at the cervical part in 3 cases, at the cervicothoracic part in 1 case, at the thoracic part in 8 cases, at the thoracolumbar part in 2 cases, and at the lumbar part in 7 cases; the long diameter of tumor on the sagittal view was 3.0-16.5 cm (mean, 8.3 cm). Total resection of tumor was performed in 17 cases, and subtotal resection in 4 cases. ResultsPostoperative pathological examinations showed 9 cases of neurilemmoma, 6 cases of neurofibroma, 3 cases of lipoma, 2 cases of meningioma, and 1 case of bronchogenic cyst. Primary healing of incision was achieved in all patients. The patients were followed up 1-3 years (mean, 2.3 years). Postoperative X-ray film showed that Cobb angle was more than 10°in 3 cases, and no displacement of internal fixator was observed. The JOA scores were 0-5 in 1 case, 6-11 in 10 cases, and 12-17 in 10 cases, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative scores (Z=-3.26, P=0.02). ConclusionThe posterior midline approach with complete laminectomy for giant intraspinal tumor resection and vertebral canal reconstruction is a safe, simple, and feasible operation way, and it can resect tumor to a maximum extent, relieve the clinical symptoms, and maintain the spinal stability.
ObjectiveTo apply H-shaped allogeneic bone graft combined with spinous process replantation for posterior spinal canal reconstruction after removal of intraspinal tumors,and observe its effectiveness. MethodsA total of 48 cases of thoracic and lumbar intraspinal tumors were recruited between February 2006 and May 2012,including 35 males and 13 females with a mean age of 29.5 years (range,17-48 years).The disease duration was 3-16 months (mean,10.5 months).Intraspinal tumors located at T5,6 in 3 cases,at T10 in 7 cases,at T12,L1 in 13 cases,at L3 in 10 cases,and at L4-S1 in 15 cases.There were 18 cases of epidural meningioma,2 cases of epidural lipoma,3 cases of extramedullary neurological tumors,10 cases of extramedullary meningioma,6 cases of extramedullary schwannoma,6 cases of intramedullary ependymoma,and 3 cases of intramedullary astrocytoma.All patients underwent H-shaped allogeneic bone graft combined with spinous process replantation for posterior spinal canal reconstruction after removal of intraspinal tumor by posterior laminectomy.The Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to assess postoperative symptom improvement,and the Frankel grade of spinal cord injury to evaluate the extent of nerve damage and recovery. ResultsAfter operation,8 cases had cerebrospinal fluid leakage,and 4 cases had yellowish exudate,and they were all cured after appropriate treatment; primary healing of wound was obtained in the other cases,without postoperative complication.Forty-eight patients were followed up 18-72 months (mean,38 months).CT showed all the graft bones healed and posterior spinal canal was well reconstructed without iatrogenic spinal stenosis formation.X-ray film showed no vertebral instability or spondylolisthesis,and no shifting of reconstructed vertebrae.MRI showed no recurrence except 1 case.The symptoms were improved significantly after operation; the ODI score at last follow-up (16.69±2.53) was significantly lower (t=0.89,P=0.00) than that at preoperation (47.83±7.25).The results of symptom improvement were excellent in 36 cases,good in 10 cases,fair in 1 case,and poor in 1 case; the excellent and good rate was 95.83%.At last follow-up,Frankel grade was improved significantly (Z=13.32,P=0.00) when compared with preoperative grade except 1 recurrent patient. ConclusionThe application of the H-shaped allogeneic bone graft combined with spinous process replantation can well reconstruct the posterior spinal canal,and also can effectively avoid iatrogenic spinal stenosis,so it is worthy of promoting in the clinical treatment of intraspinal tumor surgery.
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.