ObjectiveTo review the research progress of pathogenesis mechanism of spinal deformity in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). MethodsRecent literature concerning the pathogenesis mechanism of spinal deformity in NF1 was extensively reviewed, and current developments of the correction of spinal deformity and NF1 and the pathogenesis mechanism were summarized. ResultsThe pathogenesis mechanism of spinal deformity in NF1 is not yet clearly known. Current theories include erosion and stress of neurofibromas, melatonin-related decreased contractility of paraspinal muscles, osteopenia and osteoporosis, sexual precocity and mesoderm dysplasia. ConclusionThe clinical manifestations of NF1 may cause the spinal deformities in patients with NF1. The research of pathogenesis mechanism of spinal deformity in NF1 will be conducive to further understanding, diagnosis and treatment of NF1-related spinal deformity.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of treatment of thoracic tuberculosis with thoracoscope supported by digital technology. MethodsBetween June 2010 and February 2012, 11 patients with thoracic tuberculosis were treated and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 4 females with an average age of 23.6 years (range, 16-47 years) and an average disease duration of 16 months (range, 6-18 months). Two vertebral bodies and one intervertebral space were involved at T6-11. At preoperation, the neurologic function degree was classified as Frankel grade E. Three dimensional reconstruction of thorax and spine and surgical procedure design (including focal clearance, bone grafting, and screw fixation) were done at SUPERIMAGE workstation. Surgery procedures were conducted following the preoperative designs. ResultsThe operative procedures were consistent with preoperative designs. All of these operations were successfully performed. The mean time of operation was 146 minutes (range, 120-180 minutes); the mean blood loss was 120 mL (range, 100-150 mL); the mean indwelling time of closed thoracic drainage was 38 hours (range, 24-48 hours); and the mean hospitalization time was 4.6 days (range, 3-5 days). Eleven patients were followed up 12-25 months (mean, 16 months). No complication of nerve damage, incision pain and infection, or pulmonary infection was observed. Rigid fixation and born fusion were obtained at last follow-up; no obvious change of thoracic vertebral alignment was detected and no internal fixation failure occurred. ConclusionIt is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe method to treat thoracic tuberculosis with thoracoscope supported by digital technology.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of poly-amino acid/nano-hydroxyapatite/calcium sulfate (PHC) Cage in lumbar interbody fusion of the goat. MethodsEighteen mature female goats (weighing 29-33 kg) were divided into 3 groups randomly: PHC Cage group (group A), titanium Cage group (group B), and ilium group (group C). A left extraperitoneal approach was used to establish the animal model of discectomy and interbody fusion with Cage or ilium. The general situation was observed for 24 weeks after operation. X-ray films were taken to measure disc space height (DSH) before operation and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after operation. CT three dimensional reconstuction was performed at 24 weeks after operation to evaluate the interbody fusion according to modified Brantigan grading. The specimens of L3, 4 were harvested for mechanical test, histological, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation at 24 weeks after operation. ResultsAll goats survived to the end of experiment. DSH at 4 weeks after operation increased when compared with preoperative one in each group, and then decreased;DSH was significantly lower at 12 and 24 weeks after operation than preoperative one in group C (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in DSH among 3 groups at preoperation and 4 weeks after operation (P>0.05);at 12 and 24 weeks after operation, DSH of groups A and B was significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups A and B (P>0.05). CT three dimensional reconstuction showed that bony fusion was obtained in all goats of groups A and C, and in 3 goats of group B;according to modified Brantigan grading, the scores of groups A and C were significantlly higher than that of group B (P<0.05), but no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05). The biomechanical test showed that there was no significant difference in range of motion between group A and group B (P>0.05), which were significantly lower than that of group C (P<0.05). Microscopy and SEM observations showed that the interface between the Cage and vertebral body in group A was compact without obvious gap, and most conjunctive region was filled with osseous tissue;the interface was filled with soft tissue, and the connection was slack with obvious gap in some region in group B;the interface connection was compact, most region was filled with osseous tissue in group C. ConclusionThe interbody fusion with PHC Cage is effective in goat lumbar interbody fusion model. The interface connection is compact between the Cage and the host bone followed by micro-degradation of PHC Cage, but the long-term degradation need further observation.
ObjectiveTo observe the medium-term clinical and radiological outcomes of anterior release internal distraction in treatment of severe and rigid scoliosis. MethodsBetween March 2009 and March 2012, 26 patients with severe and rigid scoliosis were treated with anterior release, posterior internal distraction, and two stage posterior spinal fusion. There were 11 males and 15 females with an average age of 19.6 years (range, 14-25 years). The average disease duration was 13.6 years (range, 3-24 years). All cases were idiopathic scoliosis. Of 26 cases, 2 cases were rated as Lenke type I, 8 as type Ⅱ, 13 as type IV, 1 as type V, and 2 as type VI. The apical vertebrae located at T6 in 1 case, at T7 in 3 cases, at T8 in 7 cases, at T9 in 13 cases, and at T10 in 2 cases. The average 4 vertebral bodies were released by anterior approach, and average 14 vertebral bodies were fused after posterior surgery. Fourteen patients received 2 times distraction. Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire was used to access health-related quality of life. The radiological parameters were measured, including coronal plane Cobb angel of major curve, apical vertebral translation (AVT), C7 plumb line-center sacral vertical line (C7PL-CSVL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and thoracic kyphosis (TK) at pre-and post-operation. ResultsThe average total operation time was 592.7 minutes; the average total blood loss volume was 1 311.2 mL; and total hospitalization cost was (14.7±1.4)×104 yuan RMB. The coronal plane Cobb angle of major curve was (55.7±16.5)°, and the TK was (43.2±16.2)° after first distraction. The patients were followed up 2-5 years (mean, 3.8 years). Temporary dyspnea and pleural effusion occurred in 1 case respectively after distraction, and symptoms disappeared after symptomatic treatment. Screw loosening and pseudoarthrosis formation was observed in 1 case at 6 months after fusion, good recovery was achieved after revision. No infection or neurological complication was found. The coronal plane Cobb angel of major curve, TK, and AVT after fusion and at last follow-up were significantly lower than preoperative ones (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between at post-fusion and last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in C7PL-CSVL and SVA between at pre-and post-operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, SRS-22 questionnaire scores were 4.32±0.42 for active degree, 4.54±0.58 for mental health, 3.97±0.76 for self-image, 4.09±0.64 for pain, and 4.03±0.83 for satisfaction degree. ConclusionAnterior release internal distraction can provide satisfactory correction results for severe and rigid scoliosis with higher safety and lower incidence of complication.