Objective To investigate the effect of the sagittal alignment of the spine and pelvis after surgical posterior intervertebral fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation for low-grade isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis, and to assess the effectiveness. Methods Between October 2009 and October 2011, 30 patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis underwent surgical posterior intervertebral fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation, and the clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. There were 14 males and 16 females with an average age of 56.7 years (range, 48-67 years). The pre- and post-operative radiographic parameters, such as percentage of slipping (PS), intervertebral space height, angle of slip (AS), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar junction angle (TLJ), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), spino-sacral angle (SSA), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI) were measured. The functional evaluation was made using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Pearson correlation were used to investigate the association between all parameters and ODI score. Results PS, intervertebral space height, AS, and ODI were improved significantly compared with properative ones (P lt; 0.05). Significant differences were found in the other parameters between pre- and post-operation (P lt; 0.05) except TLJ and TK. The alteration of SVA showed significant correlation with the changes of PS, PI, PT, LL, SS, AS, SSA, and ODI. The alteration of SSA showed significant correlation with the changes of PS, PI, LL, SS, AS, PT, and ODI. Conclusion Surgical posterior intervertebral fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation for low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis can effectively improve and maintain the spinal sagittal parameters. SVA and SSA are adequate to evaluate pre-and post-operative balance. The good clinical outcome is closely related with the improved of SVA and SSA.
Objective To review the latest comparative research of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and traditional open approach. Methods The domestic and foreign literature concerning the comparative research of minimally invasive TLIF and traditional open TLIF was reviewed, then intraoperative indicators, length of hospitalization, effectiveness, complication, fusion rate, and the effect on paraspinal muscles were analyzed respectively. Results Minimally invasive TLIF has less blood loss and shorter length of hospitalization, but with longer operation and fluoroscopic time. Minimally invasive surgery has the same high fusion rate as open surgery, however, its effectiveness is not superior to open surgery, and complication rate is relatively higher. In the aspect of the effect on paraspinal muscles, in creatine kinase, multifidus cross-sectional area, and atrophy grading, minimally invasive surgery has no significant reduced damage on paraspinal muscles. Conclusion Minimally invasive TLIF is not significantly superior to open TLIF, and it does not reduce the paraspinal muscles injury. But prospective double-blind randomized control trials are still needed for further study.
Objective To compare the short-term effectiveness between dynamic neutralization system (Dynesys) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. Methods The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed, from 14 patients undergoing Dynesys and 18 patients undergoing PLIF to treat lumbar degenerative disease between February 2009 and March 2011. No significant difference in gender, age, duration of disease, and lesion segments was found between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and radiographic results were compared between 2 groups at preoperation and last follow-up. Results Thirty-one cases were followed up 12-21 months (mean, 17 months). No internal fixation loosening, broken screws, and broken rods was found during follow-up. The mean interbody fusion time was 15 months (range, 13-19 months) in PLIF group. The VAS score and ODI were significantly improved in 2 groups at last follow-up when compared with the preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05); but there was no signficant difference between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Imaging assessment: the range of motion (ROM) of operated segment in PLIF group was (0.1 ± 0.4)° at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative ROM (7.8 ± 0.6)° (t=28.500, P=0.004); the ROM in Dynesys group (5.0 ± 1.5)° decreased, but showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative ROM (7.5 ± 0.8)° (t=0.480, P=0.113); and significant difference was found between 2 groups (t=5.260, P=0.008) at last follow-up. The ROM of adjacent segment in Dynesys group at last follow-up (7.2 ± 0.7)° decreased when compared with preoperative ROM (7.3 ± 1.8)°, but showing no significant difference (t=0.510, P=0.108); however, ROM of adjacent segment in PLIF group (8.7 ± 0.4)° increased significantly when compared with preoperative ROM (7.0 ± 1.6)°, showing signifcant difference (t=3.440, P=0.042); and there was significant difference between 2 groups (t= — 2.100, P=0.047) at last follow-up. Conclusion Dynesys and PLIF have equivalent short-term effectivness in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. However, the Dynesys could retain ROM of operated segment without increased ROM of the adjacent segment, which will promote the disc recovery of operated segment and prevent degeneration of adjacent segment.
Objective To compare the short-term effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) versus open-TLIF in treatment of single-level lumbar degenerative disease. Methods Between February 2010 and February 2011, 147 patients with single-level lumbar degenerative diseases underwent open-TLIF in 104 cases (open-TLIF group) and MIS-TLIF in 43 cases (MIS-TLIF group), and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease type, lesion level, disease duration, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), and preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative radiological exposure time, intra- and post-operative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative complications were compared between 2 groups. The VAS score and ODI were observed during follow-up. The imaging examination was done to observe the bone graft fusion and the locations of internal fixator and Cage. Results There was no significant difference in operation time between 2 groups (t=0.402, P=0.688); MIS-TLIF group had a decreased intra- and post-operative blood loss, shortened postoperative hospitalization time, and increased intraoperative radiological exposure time, showing significant differences when compared with open-TLIF group (P lt; 0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (2 cases) and superficial infection of incision (2 cases) occurred after operation in open-TLIF group, with a complication incidence of 3.8% (4/104); dorsal root ganglion stimulation symptom (3 cases) occurred in MIS-TLIF group, with a complication incidence of 7.0% (3/43); there was no significant difference in the complication incidence between 2 groups (χ2=0.657, P=0.417). The patients were followed up 18-26 months (mean, 21 months) in MIS-TLIF group, and 18-28 months (mean, 23 months) in open-TLIF group. The VAS scores and ODI of 2 groups at each time point after operation were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score between 2 groups at discharge and 3 months after operation (P gt; 0.05); VAS score of MIS-TLIF group was significantly lower than that of open-TLIF group at last follow-up (t= — 2.022, P=0.047). At 3 months and last follow-up, no significant difference was found in the ODI between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The imaging examination showed good positions of Cage and internal fixator, and bone graft fusion in 2 groups. Conclusion The short-term effectiveness of MIS-TLIF and open-TLIF for single-level degenerative lumbar diseases was similar. MIS-TLIF has the advantages of less invasion and quick recovery, but the long-term effectiveness needs more observation.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) assisted with microscope for lumbar degenerative disease. Methods Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 82 patients with lumbar degenerative disease (minimally invasive group) undergoing minimally invasive TLIF assisted with microscope between January 2010 and June 2011, which was compared with those of 76 patients (traditional group) undergoing traditional open TLIF. There was no significant difference in age, gender, disease duration, disease type, lesion level, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), and preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The perioperative related parameters, radiography index, and effectiveness were documented and compared. Results There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative radiological exposure time between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), but intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume in the minimally invasive group were significantly less than those in the traditional group (P lt; 0.05). Dural tear occurred in 2 patients of the traditional group. Superficial infection of incision occurred in 1 case in each group, respectively; and primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 18 months). No failure of internal fixation occurred. Radiological analysis showed that the bone graft fusion rate was 96.1% (73/76) in the traditional group and 95.1% (78/82) in the minimally invasive group at last follow-up, showing no significant difference (χ2= 0.012 2, P= 0.912 0). The postoperative ODI and VAS score were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P lt; 0.05); the ODI of the minimally invasive group were significantly better than those of the traditional group at 3 months (t= — 11.941 1, P=0.000 0), and the VAS score of the minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that of the traditional group at 1 day and 3 months (P lt; 0.05); but no significant difference was found in ODI and VAS score between 2 groups at 1 year and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Minimally invasive TLIF is an effective method to treat lumbar degenerative disease. This procedure is safe and reliable because it has less injury, less blood loss, and milder pain than the traditional open TLIF, and the short-term effectiveness is comparable in 2 procedures.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of posterior unilateral pedicle screw fixation plus lumbar interbody fusion in treatment of degenerative lumbar instability. Methods Between February 2008 and December 2011, 33 patients with degenerative lumbar instability were treated with posterior unilateral pedicle screw fixation plus lumbar interbody fusion, including 14 cases of lumbar disc protrusion with instability, 15 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis with instability, 3 recurrent cases of lumbar disc protrusion at 1 year after discectomy, and 1 case of extreme lateral lumbar disc protrusion. There were 20 males and 13 females with an average age of 47.2 years (range, 39-75 years). The average disease duration was 12.8 months (range, 6-25 months). Single-segment-fixation was performed in 28 cases (L4, 5 in 21 cases, L5, S1 in 6 cases, and L5, 6 in 1 case), and double-segment-fixation was performed in 5 cases (L3, 4 and L4, 5). The clinical results were evaluated by using Oswestry disability index (ODI) and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for low back pain. Results Infection occurred in 1 case, and was cured after dressing change; primary healing was obtained in the other patients. Thirty-one patients were followed up 32.3 months on average (range, 15-53 months). Cage displacement occurred in 1 case who received bilateral pedicle screw fixation plus lumbar interbody fusion; no screw breaking, Cage displacement, or pseudoarthrosis was observed in the others. X-ray films showed bone fusion in the other patients except 1 case of bone fusion failure. ODI and JOA score at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with the ones before operation and at 2 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05); the improvement rates were 74.0% ± 10.1% and 83.6% ± 9.4%, respectively. Conclusion Posterior unilateral pedicle screw fixation plus lumbar interbody fusion is an effective and reliable method for patients with degenerative lumbar instability because it has the advantages of simple operation and less trauma.
Objective To compare the difference of traumatic related index in serum and its significance between minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and open TLIF. Methods Sixty patients were enrolled by the entry criteria between May and November 2012, and were divided into MIS-TLIF group (n=30) and open TLIF group (n=30). There was no significant difference in gender, age, type of lesions, disease segment, and disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospitalization time were recorded, and the pain severity of incision was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). The serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatine kinase (CK) were measured at preoperation and at 24 hours postoperatively. The levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in serum were measured at preoperation and at 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after operation. Results The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospitalization time of MIS-TLIF group were significantly smaller than those of open TLIF group (P lt; 0.05), and the VAS score for incision pain in MIS-TLIF group was significantly lower than that of open TLIF group at 1, 2, and 3 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). The levels of CRP, CK, IL-6, and IL-10 in MIS-TLIF group were significantly lower than those in open TLIF group at 24 hours after operation (P lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference between 2 groups before operation (P gt; 0.05). No significant difference was found in TNF-α level between 2 groups at pre- and post-operation (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Compared with the open-TLIF, MIS-TLIF may significantly reduce tissue injury and systemic inflammatory reactions during the early postoperative period.
Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) using unilateral incision and internal fixation of pedicle screws and a translaminar facet screw for dural-level lumbar degenerative disease. Methods Between January 2010 and January 2012, 19 patients with dural-level lumbar degenerative disease was treated, including 7 males and 12 females with an average age of 50.4 years (range, 22-68 years) and a median disease duration of 37 months (range, 8 months to 15 years). The operated segments included L3-5 in 6 cases and L4-S1 in 13 cases. MIS-TLIF was performed by unilateral incision, and then pedicle screws and a translaminar facet screw were used for internal fixation. Results Operations were successfully performed in all cases. The mean operation time was 158 minutes; the mean intraoperative blood loss was 156 mL; the mean length of incision was 42 mm; the mean postoperative ambulation time was 35 hours; the mean hospitalization time was 4.1 days; and the mean length of translaminar facet screw was 51 mm. All the wounds healed by first intention. No complication occurred in the others except 1 case of dural tear. The patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.1 months). The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores at postoperation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05). The symptom disappeared gradually. The postoperative X-ray images showed that the internal fixations were in good position; all facets screws penetrated through the base of spinous process, laminar, and facets joint; of the screws, 2 (5.3%) facets screws penetrated lateral laminar, and 1 (1.8%) pedicle screw penetrated out of pedicle of vertebral arch, but no symptom of nerve injury was seen. The CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction at postoperative 12th month showed good interbody fusion; and based on the Bridwell’s interbody fusion grading system, 11 cases were rated as grade I, and 8 cases as grade II. Conclusions MIS-TLIF by unilateral incision and internal fixation is a safe and reliable method to treat dural-level lumbar degenerative disease, and it has the advantages of short operation time, less invasion, less blood loss, and fast recovery.
【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the effectiveness of surgical treatment for discogenic low back pain (DLBP) by minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) combined with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF). Methods Between March 2006 and July 2009, 57 patients with single-level DLBP were treated by minimally invasive TLIF combined with UPSF, including 27 males and 30 females with an average age of 45.6 years (range, 38-61 years) and a disease duration of 3.8 years (range, 9 months to 11 years). The involved segments included L2，3 in 2 cases, L3，4 in 5 cases, L4，5 in 29 cases, and L5, S1 in 21 cases. The operative time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospitalization times, fusion rate, and complications were observed. The effectiveness were evaluated through Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue score (VAS), and the operative outcomes were compared in different groups classified according to various pressures of the contrast medium and sensitivities to discoblock after inducing consistent pain. Results The operation time, incision length, blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospitalization times were (84.6 ± 37.4) minutes, (3.4 ± 0.6) cm, (132.5 ± 23.2) mL, (58.7 ± 21.4) mL, and (6.5 ± 0.8) days, respectively. All patients were followed up 2 years and 2 months to 5 years and 4 months (mean, 3.2 years). At last follow-up, ODI and VAS scores were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05). The effectiveness according to ODI were excellent in 27 cases, good in 22 cases, fair in 6 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 86.0%. All patients acquired b interbody fusion. At last follow-up according to ODI and VAS scores, better results were found in patients of low-pressure sensitive group and high-sensitive discoblock group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Minimally invasive TLIF combined with UPSF is reliable for DLBP with minimal surgical trauma, less paravertebral tissue injury, and fewer complications, but the indications for operation must be strictly followed. Patients being sensitive to low-pressure or high-sensitive to discoblock can achieve better surgical results.
Objective To analyze the effectiveness of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Methods Between October 2003 and December 2007, 36 patients with FBSS were treated with TLIF. There were 19 males and 17 females with an average age of 52.6 years (range, 46-68 years) and an average disease duration of 1.6 years (range, 3 months-15 years). Of 36 patients, reoperation was performed in 25, 10 received 3 operations,and 1 had 5 operations. A total of 50 segments were involved in fusion, including L4, 5 in 12 cases, L5, S1 in 10 cases, L3, 4 and L4, 5 double segments in 8 cases, and L4, 5 and L5, S1 double segments in 6 cases. According to X-ray films, CT, and MRI examination, 12 patients were diagnosed as having lumbar instabil ity secondary to total laminectomy, 18 as having recurrence of lumbar disc protrusion, and 6 as having recurrence of lumbar spondylol isthesis. Results Dural rupture occurred in 1 case and was repaired by suturing without cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed; 1 had deep incision infection of Staphylococcus; and 1 had transient single irritation sign because of hematoma formation and was cured after symptomatic treatment. The other incisions healed by first intention. No patients had permanent nerve injury or deterioration. Thirty-three cases were followed up 18-72 months (mean, 35.2 months). At 12 months, all the operated segments reached interbody fusion, and no breakage of screw or Cage dislocation occurred. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores showed significant difference (t=2.45, P=0.01) between before operation (14.2 ± 4.1) and 18 months after operation (23.9 ± 2.6). The rate of cl inical improvement was 90.9% (23 cases of excellent, 7 cases of good, 3 cases of acceptable). Conclusion The TLIF simpl ifies the manipulation of lumbar revision surgery and decreases the operation risk and the operative compl ications for the treatment of FBSS.