Kuan-Lin Liu

Expansive open-door laminoplasty secured with titanium miniplates is a good surgical method for multiple-level cervical stenosis

BackgroundLaminoplasty is an effective procedure for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Little information is available regarding the surgical outcomes of expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) when securing with titanium miniplates without bone grafting. This study is aimed to elucidate the efficacy of and problems associated with EOLP secured with titanium miniplates without bone grafting, thereby enhancing future surgical outcomes.MethodsThis is a retrospective study. The study participants comprised 104 patients who underwent cervical EOLP secured with titanium miniplates without bone graft for CSM treatment between August 2005 and March 2011. The clinical results were evaluated based on the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Nurick scores. The radiographic outcomes were determined based on plain film and magnetic resonance imaging findings, which were assessed and compared.ResultsLateral cervical spine X-rays exhibited improvement in the Pavlov ratio of the spinal canal at 1 day postoperation, and this ratio did not change at 1 year postoperation. The mean cervical curvature from C2 to C7 decreased 0.21° ± 10.09° and the mean cervical range of motion was deteriorated by 35% at 12 months (P < 0.05). The Nurick score improved from 3.19 ± 1.06 to 0.92 ± 1.32 (P < 0.05). The mean JOA recovery rate was 75% ± 21.1% at 1 year. The mean level of postoperative neck pain at 3 months was 3.09 ± 2.31, as determined using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Increased age, concomitant thoracolumbar stenosis, depression disorder, and preexisting myelomalacia negatively affected the JOA recovery rate (P < 0.05). A decreased preoperative Nurick score and superior sensory function in the upper extremities were powerful predictors of an enhanced JOA recovery rate. The postoperative complications involved hematoma formation 0.9%, reversible C5 nerve palsy 2.8%, and moderate to severe neck pain (VAS ≥ 4) 42%. No cases of lamina closure or collapse were observed.ConclusionEOLP secured with titanium miniplates without bone grafting is a safe and effective surgical method for treating most patients with CSM.

Laminoplasty with adjunct anterior short segment fusion for multilevel cervical myelopathy associated with local kyphosis

Background When treating patients who have multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) with short‐segment kyphosis, instability, or major anterior foci, long‐level anterior decompression with fusion is often a standard method but can cause obvious loss of range of motion and usually needs further posterior stabilization. For MCSM with correctable kyphosis or simple instability, laminectomy with lateral‐mass instrumented fusion is also a treatment of choice, but all the involved segments are immobilized. Combining expansive open‐door laminoplasty (EOLP) and anterior short‐segment fusion may be an alternative treatment to save more motion segments. Methods This study included 109 patients who exhibited MCSM with combined local kyphosis, instability, and anterior pathology, and received EOLP and concomitant anterior short‐segment fusion. The patients were enrolled from August 2005 to July 2012. Nurick scores and Japanese Orthopedics Association cervical myelopathy scores were used to evaluate the functional outcomes. Follow‐up plain films were collected and magnetic resonance imaging was conducted to assess the radiographic outcomes. Results One year after the operation, the Japanese Orthopedics Association recovery rate was 83.4 ± 16.6%. The improvement in the functional scores and decrease in neck pain were significant. The canal width improved without further collapse at 12 months. The preservation of range of motion was approximately 57% at 1 year. Conclusion EOLP with adjunct anterior short‐segment decompression fusion yields an excellent outcome for MCSM patients who exhibit concomitant short‐segment kyphosis, instability or major anterior pathology. Performing laminoplasty first is safer for the spinal cord due to its posterior shifting while anterior procedures are being done.

Comparison of Anterior Cervical Decompression Fusion and Expansive Open Door Laminoplasty for Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Purpose: Using anterior cervical decompression fusion (ACF) or expansive open door laminoplasty (EOLP) for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) continues to be the subject of considerable debate. Methods: We collected 132 consecutive patients (36 patients for ACF group and 96 patients for EOLP group) at our institution from 2005 to 2011. Preoperative data of both groups were compared. Functional recovery rates, radiographic changes, and complications of the two groups were analyzed. Results: There were no significant difference over age, Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score, existence of myelomalacia, and cervical range of motion (ROM) between ACF and EOLP groups (p ＞ 0.05). Preoperative Pavlov ratio, axial and sagittal compressive ratios were significant smaller in EOLP and preoperative cervical curvature was less lordotic with more neck pain cases in ACF group (p ＜ 0.05). In ACF group, 1 year functional recovery rate is 83.71 ± 15.61 and Nurick score also significantly improved. Neck pain visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased at postoperative 2 weeks and 3 months. Cervical lordotic angle increased and cervical ROM decreased at postoperative 12 months. Complications include 1 temporary odynophagia, 1 temporary dysphonia, 1 screw loosening, 1 allograft malposition, 1 fusion collapse and 1 pseudarthrosis cases. In EOLP group, 1 year functional recovery rate is 70.22 ± 21.25% and Nurick score also greatly improved. Neck pain VAS increased at postoperative 2 weeks and then decreased at 3 months. Cervical lordotic angle decreased at postoperative 12 months. Cervical ROM decreased at postoperative 3 months and then restored to preoperative degrees at postoperative 12 months. Complications include 5 aggravated neck pain and 3 reversible C5 nerve palsy cases. Conclusion: EOLP had good effect on more stenotic type and ACF benefited painful and kyphotic type MCSM. Both ACF and EOLP are effective procedures for MCSM, depending on adequate patient selection.

The Midterm Surgical Outcome of Modified Expansive Open-Door Laminoplasty

Laminoplasty is a standard technique for treating patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Modified expansive open-door laminoplasty (MEOLP) preserves the unilateral paraspinal musculature and nuchal ligament and prevents facet joint violation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the midterm surgical outcomes of this less invasive technique. We retrospectively recruited 65 consecutive patients who underwent MEOLP at our institution in 2011 with at least 4 years of follow-up. Clinical conditions were evaluated by examining neck disability index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), Nurick scale, and axial neck pain visual analog scale scores. Sagittal alignment of the cervical spine was assessed using serial lateral static and dynamic radiographs. Clinical and radiographic outcomes revealed significant recovery at the first postoperative year and still exhibited gradual improvement 1–4 years after surgery. The mean JOA recovery rate was 82.3% and 85% range of motion was observed at the final follow-up. None of the patients experienced aggravated or severe neck pain 1 year after surgery or showed complications of temporary C5 nerve palsy and lamina reclosure by the final follow-up. As a less invasive method for reducing surgical dissection by using various modifications, MEOLP yielded satisfactory midterm outcomes.

An unambiguous technique for locating the adductor tubercle and using it to identify the joint line

BACKGROUND If the adductor tubercle could be accurately located, it would be a useful landmark for identifying the joint line during knee arthroplasty. This study aimed to develop an intraoperative technique to improve its locating accuracy. METHODS Evaluation of bone specimens and cadaveric knees revealed that the proximal slope of the adductor tubercle (PSAT) turns from the medial surface vertically into the superior surface of the medial condyle, which forms a distinctive edge. This provided an ideal landmark that could be unambiguously engaged using a tipped instrument. Using the PSAT as a reference point, we measured the distance to the joint line (the proximal-distal condylar length; PDCL) in eight pairs of cadaveric knees, and evaluated the inter-observer variability. Next, we measured 120 knees undergoing total knee arthroplasty to test this technique in a normal population. Finally, we divided each PDCL by the respective anterior-posterior condylar length (APCL) to create a ratio that could predict the PDCL regardless of knee size. RESULTS The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.86 for the cadaveric measurements. The mean PDCL from the operated knees was 46mm (coefficient of variance (CV): eight percent). The mean PDCL/APCL ratio was 0.77 (CV: six percent). The high ICC and low CV indicated that using the PSAT was a reliable technique. CONCLUSION The PSAT is an ideal surgical landmark. The tipped instrument engagement technique with it may help to unambiguously locate the adductor tubercle in order to identify the joint line during knee arthroplasty.

Surgical Outcome of Spinal Neurilemmoma: Two Case Reports

AbstractNeurilemmoma commonly occurs from the fourth to sixth decades of life with an incidence of 3 to 10 per 100,000 people, and is rare in adolescence. This case report describes the clinical and radiographic features of 2 rare cases with intraspinal neurilemmoma of the cervical and thoracic spine.A 29-year-old man who experienced middle back pain with prominent right lower limb weakness, and an 11-year-old boy who suffered from sudden onset neck pain with left arm weakness and hand clawing for 2 weeks before admission to our department were included in this case report.Magnetic resonance imaging of both patients revealed an intraspinal mass causing spinal cord compression at the cervical and thoracic spine. The patients subsequently received urgent posterior spinal cord decompression and tumor resection surgery. The histopathology reports revealed neurilemmoma. The 2 patients recovered and resumed their normal lives within 1 year.Intraspinal neurilemmoma is rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord compression. Advances in imaging techniques and surgical procedures have yielded substantially enhanced clinical outcomes in intraspinal neoplasm cases. Delicate preoperative study and surgical skill with rehabilitation and postoperative observation are critical.

Open reduction and internal fixation with plating is beneficial in the early recovery stage for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures in patients aged 30–65 years old

Objectives: Midshaft clavicular fractures are increasingly treated operatively rather than nonoperatively. Studies have shown mixed results for both types of treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the early-stage functional status associated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plating and that associated with conservative treatment for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective review of the results of 120 cases of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures in patients aged 30–65 years old was conducted. The primary outcome was fracture union status at 6 months. Other outcomes were subjective shoulder value (SSV) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and radiographic shortening at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The complication rates in the operative and nonoperative groups were recorded. Results: The delayed union rate at 6-month postoperatively and VAS scores at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postinjury were significantly higher in the conservative treatment group than in the ORIF group. SSV scores were significantly improved at 6-month postinjury in the ORIF group. Conclusions: This is the first study to discuss the importance of early-stage functional restoration after ORIF with plating for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. This surgery leads to lower pain complications in the earlier stages of bone healing and lower delayed union rates compared with conservative treatment, in patients aged 30–65 years old.

Surgical results of a one-stage combined anterior lumbosacral fusion and posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation

Objectives: Lumbosacral fusion through either an anterior or a posterior approach to achieve good lordosis and stability is always a challenging surgical operation and is often accompanied by a higher rate of pseudarthrosis than when other lumbar segments are involved. This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results of lumbosacral fusions achieved through a combined anterior and posterior approach. Materials and Methods: From June 2008 to 2012, 20 patients who had L5–S1 instability and stenosis were consecutively treated, first by anterior interbody fusion using an allogenous strut bone graft through the pararectus approach and then by posterior pedicle screw fixation. A minimum of 1-year of clinical and radiological follow-up was conducted. Intraoperative blood loss, surgical time, and any surgery-related complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the patients Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. After 1 year, radiological outcomes were assessed by analyzing pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, and segmental lordosis using static plain films, while fusion stability was assessed using dynamic plain films. Results: The mean operative time and blood loss were 215 min and 325 cc, respectively. After 1 year, the VAS and ODI scores had significantly improved, and stable fusion with good lordotic curvature was obtained in all cases. Conclusion: The surgical results of the combined procedure are satisfactory in terms of the functional and radiological outcomes. Our method offers advantages regarding both anterior fusion and posterior fixation.

Medium-term clinical outcomes of laminoplasty with adjunct short anterior fusion in multilevel cervical myelopathy

Objectives: Expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) is effective for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM). When MCSM is combined with one- or two-level segmental kyphosis, instability, or major anterior foci, EOLP with short-segment anterior cervical fusion (ACF) results in good short-term neurological recovery and can preserve postoperative range of motion (ROM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term clinical outcomes of this procedure and to analyze the risk factors affecting the neurological function at the last follow-up. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study conducted from January 2007 to May 2011. These patients exhibited MCSM with combined short segmental kyphosis, instability, or major anterior pathology, and received EOLP and short-segment anterior fusion. The follow-up period lasted at least 60 months. The radiographic outcomes were collected from plain radiographs with dynamic views checked preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Neurological status and visual analog scale scores for neck pain were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was then applied to determine the correlation between radiographic parameters and rates of neurological recovery. Results: The mean Japanese Orthopedics Association recovery rate at the last follow-up was 77.8%. The improvement in functional scores and reduction in neck pain were statistically significant. The most influential risk factor affecting neurologic recovery was preoperative functional status. Conclusions: EOLP followed by short-segment ACF is a favorable treatment for patients with MCSM with concomitant short-segment kyphosis, instability, or major anterior pathology.

Are There Age- and Sex-related Differences in Spinal Sagittal Alignment and Balance Among Taiwanese Asymptomatic Adults?

Background Sagittal spinopelvic balance and proper sagittal alignment are important when planning corrective or reconstructive spinal surgery. Prior research suggests that people from different races and countries have moderate divergence; to the best of our knowledge, the population of Taiwan has not been studied with respect to this parameter. Questions/purposes To investigate normal age- and sex-related differences in whole-spine sagittal alignment and balance of asymptomatic adults without spinal disorders. Methods In this prospective study, we used convenience sampling to recruit asymptomatic volunteers who accompanied patients in the outpatient orthopaedic department. One hundred forty males with a mean age of 48 ± 19 years and 252 females with a mean age of 53 ± 17 years underwent standing lateral radiographs of the whole spine. For analysis, participants were divided in three groups by age (20 to 40 years, 41 to 60 years, and 61 to 80 years) and analyzed by sex (male and female). The following eight radiologic parameters were measured: sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, cervical lordosis, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis, and C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis. Three observers performed estimations of the sagittal parameters twice, and the intraclass correlation coefficients for inter- and intraobserver variability were 0.81 and 0.83. Results The mean pelvic incidence was 49° ± 12°; lumbar lordosis was smaller in the group that was 61 to 80 years old than in the groups that were 20 to 40 years and 41 to 60 years (95% CI of the difference, 4.50–13.64 and 1.00– 9.60; p < 0.001), while cervical lordosis was greater in the 61 to 80 years age group than the other two groups (95% CI of the difference, -14.64 to -6.57 and -11.57 to -3.45; p < 0.001). The mean C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis was 30 ± 29 mm, and there was no difference among the three groups and between males and females. Pelvic tilt was greater in the group 61 to 80 years old than the 20 to 40 years and 41 to 60 years age groups (95% CI of the difference, -10.81 to -5.42 and -7.15 to -2.08; p < 0.001), while sacral slope was larger in 61 to 80 years age group than in the 41 to 60 years group (95% CI of the difference, 0.79–6.25; p = 0.006). C7 slope was greater in 61 to 80 years age group than in the 20 to 40 years group (95% CI of the difference, -7.49 to -1.26; p = 0.002) and larger in 41 to 60 years age group than in 20 to 40 years group (95% CI of the difference, -6.31 to -0.05; p = 0.045). C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis was greater in males than in females (95% CI of the difference, 2.84–7.74; p < 0.001). C7 slope was negatively correlated with thoracic kyphosis (95% CI of the difference, -0.619 to 0.468; p < 0.001) and lumbar lordosis (95% CI of the difference, -0.356 to -0.223; p < 0.001), and positively correlated with pelvic incidence (95% CI of the difference, 0.058– 0.215; p < 0.001) and cervical lordosis (95% CI of the difference, 0.228 – 0.334; p < 0.001). Conclusions Normal values of the spinopelvic sagittal parameters vary by age and sex in Taiwanese individuals. Clinical Relevance Pelvic incidence and sacral slope observed in this population seemed smaller than those reported in other studies of white populations; this seems important when considering spine surgery in Taiwanese patients. Future studies should include collection of whole body sagittal parameters of larger and more-diverse populations, and assessments of patients with symptomatic spinal disorders.