ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and total urogenital mobilization in treatment of cloacal malformation. MethodsThree girls with cloacal malformation were admitted between June 2010 and June 2013. The age was 2 years, 5 months, and 4 months, respectively. All patients received previous separated sigmoid colostomy. PSARP and total urogenital mobilization were performed to correct the malformation. Colostomy stoma was closed after confirming the patent of rectum and anus. Dilation of anus was sustained for 6 months after anorectoplasty. ResultsOperations were successfully completed in 3 cases. The durations of operation were 3 hours and 40 minutes, 4 hours and 20 minutes, and 3 hours and 50 minutes; the blood loss was 10, 20, and 10 mL; and the time of colostomy stoma closure was 3, 5, and 3 months, respectively. Three cases were followed up 13, 18, and 4 months, respectively; no anal stenosis or rectal prolapse occurred. They had normal micturition; the B ultrasonic examination showed that the residual urine volume was less than 10 mL. At 12 months after anorectoplasty, the Wexner scores were 1 and 5 in 2 cases followed up 13 and 18 months; according to Krickenbeck postoperative effect, 2 cases had defecation and no constipation; 1 case had soiling (grade 1). ConclusionPSARP and total urogenital mobilization should be the first choice in treatment of cloacal malformation with common channel less than 3 cm.
ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the effectiveness and the changes of spine-pelvic sagittal parameters for patients with spondylolisthesis before and after operation. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 32 patients with single segmental degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis at L4 who accorded with the inclusion criteria between June 2011 and January 2014 (trial group). There were 13 males and 19 females, aged 51-67 years (mean, 59 years). According to Meyerding degree, there were 21 cases of degree I, 10 cases of degree Ⅱ, and 1 case of degree Ⅲ. All patients were treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. Thirty-five healthy adults at the age of 46-67 years (mean, 57 years) were enrolled as normal controls (control group). The standing position lumbar lateral X-ray films (T12-S1, bilateral femoral head) were taken at pre- and post-operation to measure the pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), disc height (DH), and slip percentage (SP); the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the preoperative various spine-pelvic sagittal parameters and the VAS score and the ODI. After operation, Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the changes of these parameters and the improve rates of VAS score and ODI. ResultsAll patients of trial group were followed up 15-22 months (mean, 18 months). At last follow-up, the VAS score, ODI, PT, SS, LL, SP, and DH were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05), except for PI (t=-1.445, P=0.158). There was no significant difference in PT, SS, LL, and DH between trial and control groups at last follow-up (P>0.05); PI was slightly bigger than that of control group (t=8.531, P=0.043). Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a correlation between spine-pelvic sagittal parameters of PI, PT, SS, and LL (P<0.05); preoperative parameters (except for LL and DH) had correlation with ODI and VAS scores (P<0.05). Postoperative parameters (except for PI) had correlation with the improve rates of ODI and VAS scores (P<0.05), especially for the changes of PT and the improvements of ODI and VAS scores. ConclusionThere is a correlation between the changes of spine-pelvic sagittal parameters at pre- and post-operation and effectiveness in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. The correlation between the changes of PT and the improvement rates of ODI and VAS scores is more marked. The good effectiveness is closely related with the improved PT.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made the clinical data of 120 patients with lumbar degenerative disease, who accorded with the inclusion criteria between June and November 2014. There were 58 males and 62 females with an average age of 53 years (range, 24-77 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 to 96 months (mean, 6.6 months). Affected segments included L3, 4 in 32 cases, L4, 5 in 47 cases, and L5, S1 in 52 cases. The CT and X-ray films of the lumbar vertebrae were taken. The facet joint degeneration was graded based on the grading system of Pathria. The spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters were measured, including lumbar lordosis (LL), upper lumbar lordosis (ULL), lower lumbar lordosis (LLL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS). According to normal range of PI, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (PI was 1ess than normal range), group B (PI was within normal range), and group C (PI was more than normal range). The facet joint degeneration was compared;according to the facet joint degeneration degree, the patients were divided into group N (mild degeneration group) and group M (serious degeneration group) to observe the relationship of lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters. ResultsAt L4, 5 and L5, S1, facet joint degeneration showed significant difference among groups A, B, and C (P<0.05), more serious facet joint degeneration was observed in group C;no significant difference was found in facet joint degeneration at L3, 4 (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the other spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters between groups N and M at each segment (P>0.05) except for PT (P<0.05). ConclusionPI of more than normal range may lead to or aggravate lumbar facet joint degeneration at L4, 5 and L5, S1;PT and PI are significantly associated with facet joint degeneration at the lower lumbar spine.
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes and relationship of cervical spine sagittal alignment and other spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. MethodsBetween July 2011 and July 2014, 35 patients with idiopathic scoliosis who met the inclusion criteria underwent posterior pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion. There were 12 males and 23 females with a mean age of 16.2 years (range, 13-20 years), including 16 cases of Lenke type 1, 7 cases of Lenke type 2, 4 cases of Lenke type 3, 3 cases of Lenke type 4, 4 cases of Lenke type 5, and 1 case of Lenke type 6. The average follow-up time was 10.9 months (range, 5-36 months). The pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), cervical lordosis (CL), T1 slope, C2 slope, C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), C2-7 plumbline (cSVA) were measured on pre-and post-operative standing lateral X-ray film. Based on preoperative CL, the patients were divided into kyphosis group (CL>0°) and lordosis group (CL < 0°); after operation, the patients were divided into restored lordosis (group A), decreased kyphosis (group B), and increased lordosis (group C) after operation. All data about sagittal profile changes were analyzed. The relations between CL and other spinal-pelvic parameters in the kyphosis and lordosis groups before operation were determined via Spearman correlation coefficient. ResultsStatistically significant changes were observed in PT, PI, SS, and LL between at pre-and post-operation (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in the other parameters (P>0.05). There were 17 patients in lordosis group and 18 in kyphosis group before operation. Intra-group comparisons showed significant changes in PT, PI, SS, C2 slope, and C7 SVA in lordosis group, and in PT, PI, SS, LL, CL, TK, T1 slope, and C2 slope in kyphosis group (P < 0.05). Subgroup comparisons showed significant changes in CL, TK, C2 slope, C7 SVA, and T1 slope before operation (P < 0.05) and T1 slope at last follow-up between 2 groups (P < 0.05). In kyphosis group, 7 cases (group A) had restored lordosis, 7 cases (group B) had decreased kyphosis, and 4 cases had increased lordosis. In lordosis group, 9 cases (group C) had increased lordosis, 3 cases had decreased lordosis, and 5 cases had kyphotic cervical alignment after operation. Significant difference was found in LL, CL, T1 slope, C2 slope, and C7 SVA of group A, in TK and CL of group B, and in CL and cSVA of group C between pre-and post-operation (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in pre-and post-operative LL between groups A and B (P < 0.05). In lordosis group, there was a strong correlation between CL and C2 slope (P < 0.05) at pre-operation. CL had strong correlation with C2 slope and T1 slope (P < 0.05) at pre-operation in kyphosis group, and CL had moderate correlation with cSVA (P < 0.05). ConclusionCervical sagittal alignment plays an important role in the balance of the spine and pelvis. The change of cervical sagittal alignment has a certain correlation with the change of thoracic kyphosis. Attention to properly maintaining or restoring cervical sagittal lordosis alignment should be considered in preoperative evaluation of adolescent indiopathic scoliosis.
Objective To analyse the correlation between cervical sagittal parameters of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in different sagittal curvature so as to find out representative cervical sagittal alignment parameters by measuring on MRI. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 88 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy between July 2015 and January 2016. The C2-C7 Cobb angle, T1 slope (T1S), and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-C7 SVA) were measured on T2-weight MRI. According to C2-C7 Cobb angle, the patients were divided into lordosis group (≥10° Cobb angle, 48 cases) and straightened group (0-10° Cobb angle, 40 cases). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for the reliability of measured data, Pearson correlation analysis for correlation between cervical sagittal parameters. Results ICC was 0.858-0.946, indicating good consistency of measurement parameters. The C2-C7 Cobb angle, T1S, and C2-C7 SVA were (5.6±2.4)°, (22.2±6.7)°, and (10.2±5.4) mm in straightened group, and were (20.1±8.2)°, (23.4±8.9)°, and (8.2±4.6) mm in lordosis group respectively. There was no correlation between the 3 parameters in straighten group (r=0.100,P=0.510 for T1S and C2-C7 Cobb angle;r=–0.100,P=0.500 for T1S and C2-C7 SVA;r=0.080,P=0.610 for C2-C7 Cobb angle and C2-C7 SVA). There was positive correlation between T1S and C2-C7 Cobb angle (r=0.540,P=0.000), negative correlation between T1S and C2-C7 SVA (r=–0.450,P=0.001), and no correlation between C2-C7 Cobb angle and C2-C7 SVA (r=–0.003,P=0.980). Conclusion For cervical spondylotic myelopathy in patients with cervical lordosis, only T1S measurement on MRI can be used as the main parameter to judge the sagittal curvature, but in patients with straightened cervical Cobb angle, measurements of T1S, C2-C7 Cobb angle, and C2-C7 SVA should be taken for the comprehensive evaluation of cervical sagittal curvature.
Objective To study the relationship between sagittal facet joint and degenerative lumber spondylolisthesis (DLS) by observing the changes of the lumbar facet joint angle. Methods Fifty-seven patients with DLS who met the inclusion criteria between January 2013 and February 2016 were collected (DLS group). There were 26 males and 31 females, with the mean age of 54.0 years (range, 34-84 years). Forty patients without DLS at same stage were collected as control group. There were 23 males and 17 females with the mean age of 55.6 years (range, 29-82 years). There was no significant difference in gender and age between 2 groups (P>0.05). The lumbar facet joint angles were measured and compared by MRI scanning images in 2 groups. In DLS group, X-ray films were used to evaluated the degree of the lumbar spondylolisthesis on the basis of the Meyerding standard, and compared the facet joint angles between patients of different DLS degree. Results Facet joint angles in the DLS group [(34.18± 4.81)°] were significantly smaller than those in control group [(45.87±1.09)°] (t=15.073, P=0.000). In DLS group, the patients were rated as degree Ⅰ in 24 cases, degree Ⅱ in 19 cases, degree Ⅲ in 14 cases. As the degree of DLS increased, the lumbar joint angle decreased gradually, and showing significantly differences between patients of different DLS degree (P<0.05). Conclusion Sagittal lumbar facet joint may be one of the main risk factors of DLS.
Objective To investigate whether preoperative T1 slope (T1S) in MRI can predict the changes of cervical curvature after expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, so as to make up for the shortcomings of difficult measurement in X-ray film. Methods The clinical data of 36 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent EOLP were retrospectively analysed. There were 21 males and 15 females with an average age of 55.8 years (range, 37-73 years) and an average follow-up time of 14.3 months (range, 12-24 months). The preoperative X-ray films at dynamic position, CT, and MRI of cervical spine before operation, and the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films at last follow-up were taken out to measure the following sagittal parameters. The parameters included C2-C7 Cobb angle and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-C7 SVA) in all patients before operation and at last follow-up; preoperative T1S were measured in MRI, and the patients were divided into larger T1S group (T1S>19°, group A) and small T1S group (T1S≤19°, group B) according to the median of T1S, and the preoperative T1S, C2-C7 Cobb angle, C2-C7 SVA, and the C2-C7 Cobb angle and C2-C7 SVA at last follow-up, difference in axial distance (the difference of C2-C7 SVA before and after operation), postoperative curvature loss (the difference of C2-C7 Cobb angle before and after operation), the number of patients whose curvature loss was more than 5° after operation, and the number of patients whose kyphosis changed (C2-C7 Cobb angle was less than 0° after operation). Results The C2-C7 Cobb angle at last follow-up was significantly decreased when compared with preoperative value (t=8.000, P=0.000), but there was no significant difference in C2-C7 SVA between pre- and post-operation (t=–1.842, P=0.074). The preoperative T1S was (19.69±3.39)°; there were 17 cases in group A and 19 cases in group B with no significant difference in gender and age between 2 groups (P>0.05). The preoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (t=–2.150, P=0.039), while there was no significant difference in preoperative C2-C7 SVA between 2 groups (t=0.206, P=0.838). At last follow-up, except for the curvature loss after operation in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (t=–2.723, P=0.010), there was no significant difference in the other indicators between 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Preoperative larger T1S (T1S>19°) in MRI had a larger preoperative lordosis angle, but more postoperative physiological curvature was lost; preoperative T1S in MRI can not predict postoperative curvature loss, but preoperative larger T1S may be more prone to kyphosis.
Objective To review the process of radiographic measurements of sagittal balance and offer reference for the clinical practice. Methods The related literature of spino-pelvic sagittal parameters and their clinical application was reviewed and analyzed from the aspects such as the clinical application, the advantages and disadvantages, and how to use them effectively. Results All parameters have their advantages and disadvantages, and they are influenced by age and race. Sagittal vertical axis can only reflect the global balance, and T1 pelvic angle which accounts for both spinal inclination and pelvic tilt can’t be controlled in the surgery. The correction goal for western people may be not suitable for Chinese. Conclusion The parameters should be used wisely when evaluating the sagittal balance, the global balance and local balance should be considered together and the different groups of people need different correction goals.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect on sagittal spine-pelvis balance of different fusion segments in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).MethodsThe clinical data of 326 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, treated by ACDF between January 2010 and December 2016, was retrospectively analysed. There were 175 males and 151 females with an average age of 56 years (range, 34-81 years). Fusion segments included single segment in 69 cases, double segments in 85 cases, three segments in 90 cases, and four segments in 82 cases. Full spine anterolateral X-ray films were performed before operationand at 12 months after operation. The spine-pelvis parameters of fusion segments were measured and compared. The parameters included C0-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), T1 pelvic angle (TPA). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of cervical spine and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of pain of cervical spine and upper extremity were compared before operation and at 12 months after operation. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on LL, PI, SS, C7 SVA, and TPA before and after operation to evaluate the changes of spine-pelvis fitting relationship after ACDF.ResultsAll 326 patients were followed up 12-32 months (mean, 18.5 months). During the follow-up period, internal fixator was in place, and no spinal cord nerve or peripheral soft tissue injury was found. JOA scores and cervical VAS scores improved significantly at 12 months after operation (P<0.05), no significant difference was found in VAS scores of upper extremity when compared with preoperative scores (P>0.05). The preoperative cervical VAS scores and the postoperative JOA scores at 12 months had significant differences between groups (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, there was no significant difference in sagittal spine-pelvis parameters in the single segment group compared with preoperative ones (P>0.05); but the C0-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, T1S, TIA, C7 SVA, and TPA in the double segments, three segments, and four segments groups were significant larger than preoperative ones (P<0.05). The C0-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, T1S, C7 SVA, and TPA among 4 groups had significant differences before operation and at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, the changes of C7 SVA and TPA in the double segments, three segments, and four segments groups were significantly larger than those in the single segment group (P<0.05). PI had positive correlations with LL and SS before and after operation in 4 groups (P<0.05).ConclusionNormal fitting relationship between lumbar spine and pelvis in physiological state also exists in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and ACDF can not change this specific relationship. In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, the sagittal spine-pelvis sequence do not change after ACDF single-level fusion, while the sagittal spine-pelvis balance change after double-level and multi-level fusion.
Objective To elucidate the relationship between preoperative C7 slope (C7S) and sagittal parameters in anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) by imaging. Methods A retrospective analysis of 54 patients (24 males and 30 females) with ACDF for cervical spondylosis between January 2012 and January 2017 was performed. The age ranged from 23 to 71 years (mean, 46.6 years). There were 29 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and 25 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 48 months, with an average of 16.8 months. In the 55 patients, 44 were single-segment ACDF and 10 were double-segment ACDF. Sagittal parameters of cervical spine were measured on cervical X-ray films before operation and at last follow-up, including C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA), C7S, and segment Cobb angle (SCobb), and the changes of C2-7 Cobb angle (the difference between the last follow-up and the preoperative angle) were calculated. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the parameters before operation and at last follow-up. According to the preoperative median value of C7S (15°), the patients were divided into group A (C7S<15°) and group B (C7S≥15°). The sagittal parameters before and after operation were compared between the two groups. Results All the 54 patients were followed up 6-45 months (mean, 15.5 months). At last follow-up, C7S, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, and SCobb angle were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the preoperative C7S and SCobb angles were significantly correlated with C2-7 Cobb angle and C2-7 SVA (P<0.05), but there was no significant correlation between C7S and SCobb angle (r=0.049, P=0.724). There was a significant correlation between C7S, C2-7 Cobb angle, and SCobb angle at last follow-up (P<0.05), but there was no significant correlation between C7S and SCobb angles and C2-7 SVA (P>0.05). According to the median value of preoperative C7S, 28 patients in group A had C7S of (11.82±3.60)°, while 26 patients in group B had C7S of (20.77±4.09)°. There was no significant difference in gender and age between the two groups (P>0.05). The preoperative C2-7 Cobb angle and C2-7 SVA in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between preoperative SCobb angle and group B (t=0.234, P=0.816). There were no significant differences in C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, and SCobb angle between group A and group B at last follow-up (P>0.05). However, the change of C2-7 Cobb angle in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (t=2.321, P=0.024). Conclusion Preoperative C7S≥15° group has more physiological lordosis before operation, but its postoperative cervical curvature changes less, while ACDF is more conducive to correct the preoperative C7S<15 ° cervical curvature.