Yong-Long Chi

Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for neurologic intact thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Study Design Prospective consecutive series. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) for thoracolumbar AO type A3 fractures with a specially designed surgical instrument system. Summary of Background Data Minimally invasive surgery including PPSF is becoming increasingly widespread in the spine surgery. The technique of PPSF was mostly used as supplemental fixation combined with minimally invasive posterior or anterior lumbar interbody fusion in management of lumbar degenerative disorders. There are fewer studies available in literature regarding PPSF without additional kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for management of thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods Thirty-six adult patients, who had single thoracolumbar AO type A3 fractures and the load-sharing score of 6 or less, underwent application of percutaneous short-segment pedicle screw fixation. Radiologic parameters including kyphotic angle and vertebral height loss were assessed before and after surgery, and functional outcome was evaluated by Prolo questionnaire. Results All patients were successfully managed with percutaneous minimal invasive procedures. The average operative time was 78 minutes (range 62 to 117 min). The average intraoperative blood loss was 75 mL (range 50 to 220 mL). After a mean follow-up of 48.5 months (range 32 to 63 mo), 31 of 36 (86.1%) patients had a satisfactory result (19 excellent and 12 good) and 5 of them fair. Conclusions Our clinical results suggest that PPSF can be an alternative for management of thoracolumbar AO type A3 fractures that have no neurologic deficits. With a specially designed percutaneous instrument and pedicle screw system, the procedure has been proved as relatively safe and a minimally invasive approach for the management of thoracolumbar burst fracture without neurologic deficit.

Kyphosis recurrence after posterior short-segment fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures

OBJECT Recurrent kyphosis has been commonly seen after posterior short-segment pedicle instrumentation for a thoracolumbar fracture, but studies on this issue are relatively scarce, and the clinical significance of recurrent deformity is uncertain. No study has addressed the associations between the reduction of a burst fracture vertebra and the final recurrent kyphosis after implant removal. The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrent kyphosis after short-segment pedicle screw fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures and to evaluate the effect of the degree of a vertebral reduction on the recurrent kyphotic deformity after implant removal. METHODS Twenty-seven patients who had undergone posterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar junction burst fractures (T12-L2) were investigated retrospectively. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years (mean 2.7 years). Pain status was evaluated using the Denis pain scale. Changes in the anterior vertebral height ratio, vertebral wedge angle, upper intervertebral angle, lower intervertebral angle, Cobb angle, regional angle, and sagittal index were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, before implant removal, and at final follow-up. The correlation between the reduction of a fractured vertebra and the recurrent kyphotic deformity was also analyzed. RESULTS After the initial surgical correction, the reduced vertebral body (VB) height (anterior vertebral height ratio and vertebral wedge angle) remained stable until final follow-up, whereas the intervertebral disc space (the upper and lower intervertebral angles) collapsed, resulting in a progressive kyphotic deformity (Cobb angle, regional angle, and sagittal index). No significant correlation was found between the final kyphosis and pain scale, but the 8 patients with a sagittal index > 15 degrees showed a higher incidence of moderate to severe pain (P3-5 on the Denis pain scale) compared with the remaining 19 patients with a sagittal index < 15 degrees . Significant positive correlation was found between recurrent kyphosis and vertebral wedge angle (r = 0.850, p < 0.001) and the reduced vertebral height (r = -0.727, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Given that the correction loss occurs primarily through disc space collapse, the amount of the final kyphotic deformity was predictable by the degree of the fractured vertebral reduction as seen on the lateral x-ray study. Surgeons who perform posterior reduction and fixation procedures should pay more attention to reducing the fractured vertebral wedge angle to its intact condition, rather than the segmental angular parameters. If the wedge angle of the fractured VB is unacceptable after reduction, additional reconstruction of the anterior column may be necessary.

Interspinous Spacer versus Traditional Decompressive Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Dynamic interspinous spacers, such as X-stop, Coflex, DIAM, and Aperius, are widely used for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. However, controversy remains as to whether dynamic interspinous spacer use is superior to traditional decompressive surgery. Methods Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched during August 2013. A track search was performed on February 27, 2014. Study was included in this review if it was: (1) a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or non-randomized prospective comparison study, (2) comparing the clinical outcomes for interspinous spacer use versus traditional decompressive surgery, (3) in a minimum of 30 patients, (4) with a follow-up duration of at least 12 months. Results Two RCTs and three non-randomized prospective studies were included, with 204 patients in the interspinous spacer (IS) group and 217 patients in the traditional decompressive surgery (TDS) group. Pooled analysis showed no significant difference between the IS and TDS groups for low back pain (WMD: 1.2; 95% CI: −10.12, 12.53; P = 0.03; I2 = 66%), leg pain (WMD: 7.12; 95% CI: −3.88, 18.12; P = 0.02; I2 = 70%), ODI (WMD: 6.88; 95% CI: −14.92, 28.68; P = 0.03; I2 = 79%), RDQ (WMD: −1.30, 95% CI: −3.07, 0.47; P = 0.00; I2 = 0%), or complications (RR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.61, 3.14; P = 0.23; I2 = 28%). The TDS group had a significantly lower incidence of reoperation (RR: 3.34; 95% CI: 1.77, 6.31; P = 0.60; I2 = 0%). Conclusion Although patients may obtain some benefits from interspinous spacers implanted through a minimally invasive technique, interspinous spacer use is associated with a higher incidence of reoperation and higher cost. The indications, risks, and benefits of using an interspinous process device should be carefully considered before surgery.

The load-sharing classification of thoracolumbar fractures: an in vitro biomechanical validation.

Study Design. An in vitro biomechanical investigation. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between various load-sharing score and the acute flexibility of thoracolumbar fractures by measuring the 3-dimensional flexibility data. Summary of Background Data. The load-sharing classification is a way to describe the injury severity of a spinal fracture and can be very useful in determining successful candidates for the choice of operative approaches. However, this classification needs to be validated by biomechanical and more clinical studies before its widespread use. To date, no biomechanical study was available. Methods. Eighteen fresh bovine T12–L3 specimens were harvested and divided into 3 groups, and subjected to axial compressive impact with 63.8, 107.8, and 137.2 J energy, respectively. Radiograph films and computed tomography scans of the experimental spine were taken in neutral posture after trauma. Multidirectional flexibility of each specimen was measured under flexion-extension, right/left lateral bending, and right/left axial rotation before and after trauma. The association between the multidirectional instabilities and the vertebral injuries to each of load-sharing point score was analyzed. Results. The load-sharing score of a fracture increased with the level of impact energy. Significant positive correlations were found between the load-sharing score and the motion parameters (average R2 = 0.434, average P = 0.004). Fractures with mild comminution (≤6 points) showed more stability as compared to those with more comminution (≥7 points) (P ≤ 0.016). Conclusion. This study confirms that assessing the load-sharing score should be helpful in evaluating the acute instability of thoracolumbar fractures, and justifies the use of load-sharing classification in the thoracolumbar fractures.

The Relationship Between Vitamin A and Risk of Fracture: Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

Osteoporotic fracture is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and is a challenging global health problem. Previous reports of the relation between vitamin A intake or blood retinol and risk of fracture were inconsistent. We searched Medline and Embase to assess the effects of vitamin A (or retinol or beta‐carotene but not vitamin A metabolites) on risk of hip and total fracture. Only prospective studies were included. We pooled data with a random effects meta‐analysis with adjusted relative risk (adj.RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We used Q statistic and I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity and Eggers test to assess publication bias. Eight vitamin A (or retinol or beta‐carotene) intake studies (283,930 participants) and four blood retinol level prospective studies (8725 participants) were included. High intake of vitamin A and retinol were shown to increase risk of hip fracture (adj.RR [95% CI] = 1.29 [1.07, 1.57] and 1.40 [1.03, 1.91], respectively), whereas beta‐carotene intake was not found to increase the risk of hip fracture (adj.RR [95% CI] = 0.82 [0.59, 1.14]). Both high or low level of blood retinol was shown to increase the risk of hip fracture (adj.RR [95% CI] = 1.87 [1.31, 2.65] and 1.56 [1.09, 2.22], respectively). The risk of total fracture does not differ significantly by level of vitamin A (or retinol) intake or by blood retinol level. Dose‐response meta‐analysis shows a U‐shaped relationship between serum retinol level and hip fracture risk. Our meta‐analysis suggests that blood retinol level is a double‐edged sword for risk of hip fracture. To avoid the risk of hip fracture caused by too low or too high a level of retinol concentration, we suggest that intake of beta‐carotene (a provitamin A), which should be converted to retinol in blood, may be better than intake of retinol from meat, which is directly absorbed into blood after intake.

The accuracy of a method for printing three-dimensional spinal models.

Background To study the morphology of the human spine and new spinal fixation methods, scientists require cadaveric specimens, which are dependent on donation. However, in most countries, the number of people willing to donate their body is low. A 3D printed model could be an alternative method for morphology research, but the accuracy of the morphology of a 3D printed model has not been determined. Methods Forty-five computed tomography (CT) scans of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines were obtained, and 44 parameters of the cervical spine, 120 parameters of the thoracic spine, and 50 parameters of the lumbar spine were measured. The CT scan data in DICOM format were imported into Mimics software v10.01 for 3D reconstruction, and the data were saved in .STL format and imported to Cura software. After a 3D digital model was formed, it was saved in Gcode format and exported to a 3D printer for printing. After the 3D printed models were obtained, the above-referenced parameters were measured again. Results Paired t-tests were used to determine the significance, set to P<0.05, of all parameter data from the radiographic images and 3D printed models. Furthermore, 88.6% of all parameters of the cervical spine, 90% of all parameters of the thoracic spine, and 94% of all parameters of the lumbar spine had Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values >0.800. The other ICC values were <0.800 and >0.600; none were <0.600. Conclusion In this study, we provide a protocol for printing accurate 3D spinal models for surgeons and researchers. The resulting 3D printed model is inexpensive and easily obtained for spinal fixation research.

Biomechanical effect of the extent of vertebral body fracture on the thoracolumbar spine with pedicle screw fixation: an in vitro study.

A fractured vertebra does not transfer load as effectively as the intact vertebra. Patients who undergo surgery using short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation for middle-column injury may experience implant failure when vertebral body comminution is ignored. The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical effects of the extent of vertebral body fracture on the thoracolumbar spine after pedicle screw fixation and to evaluate the biomechanical role of anterior reconstruction. Twelve fresh porcine T12-L3 specimens were harvested and divided into two groups. A 2-mm drill bit was used to create holes in the L1 vertebra with two different extents: 1/6 and 1/3 vertebral body involvement. After the pre-injury had been created, specimens were subjected to flexion-compression to create a fracture in the body of the spine. Stiffness under axial-compression and flexion-compression were measured in intact specimens, after the fractured segments had been stabilized using transpedicular fixation, and after transpedicular fixation with anterior grafting. Despite fixation of the injured spine with pedicle screw instrumentation, the axial-compression and flexion-compression stiffness was still significantly lower than that of the intact group (p<0.01). The stiffness was associated with the extent of vertebral body involvement; 1/6 vertebral body involvement was stiffer than the 1/3 involvement (p<0.01). Additional anterior grafting significantly improved stiffness compared with posterior fixation alone (p<0.01), and restored stiffness to the intact level. In any state, stiffness under axial-compression was always significantly greater than that under flexion-compression (p<0.01). In conclusion, transpedicular fixation alone cannot provide sufficient stability for thoracolumbar fractures; the construct stability is related to the extent of vertebral body involvement. Recovering mechanical properties of the anterior and middle spinal column is a valuable measure for reducing the load-sharing of the posterior instrument.

In vitro neural differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells induced by cocultured olfactory ensheathing cells

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) could be induced to differentiate into neural cells under certain conditions, nevertheless, optimal protocols that could be reproducible and reliable in generating transplantable BMSCs in vitro are still not available. We studied for the first time the neural differentiation of BMSCs induced by coculturing with olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). BMSCs and OECs were isolated from bone marrow and nasal olfactory lamina propria of adult SD rats respectively, then brought to coculture with transwell culture dishes. At various time points (0h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 72h, 1 week and 2 weeks post-coculture), BMSCs were morphologically observed and processed for immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The number of cells assuming neural morphology dramatically increased at 1- and 2-week-post-coculture, so as the number of immunoreactive cells labeled by neural markers NSE, beta-III-tubulin, MAP2, GFAP and p75(NTR). Our findings demonstrate that BMSCs can efficiently differentiate into neural cells when coculturing with OECs, and the present protocol provides an alternative neurogenesis pathway for generating sufficient numbers of neural cells from BMSCs.

Prediction of spinal canal expansion following cervical laminoplasty: a computer-simulated comparison between single and double-door techniques.

Study Design. Laminoplasty was simulated using a computer-assisted technique to assess the amount of canal expansion. Objectives. This study was designed to clarify the relationship between laminoplasty opening size and increase in sagittal canal diameter, increase in canal area, and the angle of the opened lamina following laminoplasty, and to determine whether a spinous process-splitting laminoplasty achieves the similar canal expansion as a single open-door method. Summary of Background Data. Single and double-door cervical laminoplasty (SDCL and DDCL, respectively) have been widely used in the treatment of multilevel stenotic conditions. However, the relationship between laminoplasty opening size and spinal canal expansion following laminoplasty, and the comparison of postoperative spinal canal expansion between single and double-door techniques have not been well investigated. Methods. SDCL and DDCL, based on preoperative computerized tomography scans of 34 patients who had undergone the laminoplasty surgery, were simulated using a computer-assisted technique. Laminoplasty with an opening size of 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 mm were simulated to determine the amount of canal enlargement with the various opening size. Results. Sagittal diameter, canal area, and lamina angle were increased steadily following either single or double-door laminoplasty with the door opened from 6 to 18 mm. Significant positive correlation was found between laminoplasty opening size and increase in sagittal diameter (R2 = 0.969 and P = 0.001 in SDCL; R2 = 0.926 and P < 0.001 in DDCL), increase in canal area (R2 = 0.961 and P < 0.001 in SDCL; R2 = 0.937 and P < 0.001 in DDCL), and lamina angle (R2 = 0.959 and P < 0.001 in SDCL; R2 = 0.943 and P < 0.001 in DDCL). No significant correlation was observed between preoperative sagittal diameter and increase in sagittal diameter of the spinal canal, whereas significant positive correlation was found between preoperative cross-section area and increase in cross-section area of the spinal canal. The differences between postoperative canal increase in sagittal diameter and canal area for the single versus double-door technique were statistically significant when the door was opened by more than 12 mm (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Our investigation provides insight into canal expansion after laminoplasty. The increased amount of canal following laminoplasty can be predicted by the regression equations. This may allow preoperative determination of the optimal size of the opening needed to establish adequate canal space for the spinal cord. Both single and double-door techniques of laminoplasty provide sufficient room for posterior migration of the spinal cord, although gaining different canal expansion.

Minimum 4-year outcomes of cervical total disc arthroplasty versus fusion: a meta-analysis based on prospective randomized controlled trials.

AbstractThe prevalence of cervical disc disease is high, and the traditional surgical method of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) carries with it the disadvantages of motion loss at the operated level, and accelerated adjacent level disc degeneration. Preliminary results of the efficacy and reoperative rate comparing TDA versus ACDF have been reported; however, the long-term outcomes of TDA versus ACDF still remain a topic of debate.This review was prepared following the standard procedures set forth by the Cochrane Collaboration organization, and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The only studies included were randomized controlled trials with a minimum of 4 years of follow-up data. The meta-analysis included the neck disability index (NDI), visual analog scale (VAS) of neck and arm pain, SF-36 physical component scores (SF-36 PCS), over success, neurological success, work status, implant-related complications, and secondary surgery events.Four randomized controlled trials meet the inclusion criteria. The long-term improvement of NDI, VAS of neck and arm pain, SF-36 PCS, over success, and neurological success favored the TDA group. The TDA group also had a lower incidence of secondary surgery for both the index level (RR: 0.45 [0.28, 0.72]) and adjacent level (RR: 0.53 [0.33, 0.88]).In this meta-analysis of 4 included RCTs with a minimum 4 years of follow-ups, total disc arthroplasty showed improvements over ACDF as measured by the NDI, VAS of neck and arm pain, and SF-36 PCS.