Objective To study the cl inical appl ication of Mobi-C prosthesis in treatment of anterior cervical discectomy and artificial disc replacement (ADR). Methods Between January 2009 and June 2009, 20 cases of degenerative cervical disease were treated with anterior discectomy and ADR by Mobi-C prosthesis, including 13 cases of cervical disc herniation and 7 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, and 25 Mobi-C prosthesis were implanted. There were 8 males and 12 females, aged 29-54 years (mean, 45.2 years). The disease duration was from 4 days to 5 years (mean, 1.2 years). Affected segments of process included C3, 4 in 1 case, C4, 5 in 2 cases, C5, 6 in 7 cases, C6, 7 in 5 cases, C4, 5 and C5, 6 in 2 cases, and C5, 6 and C6, 7 in 3 cases. Radiographs were taken regularly, and cervical range of motion (ROM) on segments of disc replacements were measured. The functions of cervical spinal cord were evaluated by “40 score” system (COA) preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at follow-up. The qual ity of l ife was evaluated by neck disabil ity index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Results All incisions healed by first intention. No perioperative compl ication was found. All cases were followed up 16.5 months on average (range, 14-18 months). There was no significant difference in cervical ROM of operatied segment between preoperation and follow-up duration (t=0.808，P=0.440). No heterotopic ossification was found at follow-up. COA score at last follow-up (38.20 ± 1.14) was significantly higher than preoperative one (32.10 ± 2.96) , (t=9.278，P=0.000) , and the improvement rate at last follow-up was 77.2% ± 5.4%. VAS score at last follow-up (3.20 ± 1.23) had significant difference when compared with preoperative one (5.10 ± 1.29), (t=10.585，P=0.000). NDI score at last follow-up (29.40 ± 4.55) had significant difference when compared with preoperative one (39.20 ± 3.80), (t=16.039, P=0.000). Conclusion A satisfactory short-term curative effect can be obtained by using Mobi-C prosthesis in treatment of anterior cervical discectomy and ADR.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of cervical disc replacement for cervical myelopathy. MethodsBetween October 2006 and October 2008, 20 patients (26 segments) with cervical myelopathy underwent single-level (14 segments) or bi-level (6 segments) cervical disc replacement. There were 8 males and 12 females with an average age of 46 years (range, 26-65 years). The disease duration ranged 2-18 months (mean, 7 months). The effectiveness was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, cervical range of motion (ROM), and the Odom et al. criteria. Heterotopic ossification (HO), osteophyte formation, and prosthesis loosening were observed. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention, with no severe complication. Twenty patients were followed up 30-48 months (mean, 34 months). At 28 months after operation, according to Odom et al. criteria, the results were excellent in 17 cases and good in 3 cases. The VAS scores of the neck, shoulder, and upper limb were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05). At 30 months after operation, X-ray films showed that 20 replaced segments were mobile and ROM was (10.6 ± 4.5)°, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) when compared with that of upper adjacent segment (10.8 ± 3.7)° and lower adjacent segment (7.5 ± 4.2)°. HO occurred in 10 cases (13 segments). No displacement, subsidence, or loosening occurred except 1 case of retrodisplacement of the prosthesis. ConclusionCervical disc replacement can obtain good effectiveness. It can maintain normal cervical ROM and physiological curvature. But it needs further long-term follow-up to evaluate the function and the influence on the adjacent segments.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic posterior cervical Key-Hole fenestration decompression and nucleus pulposus extirpation in the treatment of paracentral cervical disc herniation.MethodsBetween December 2015 and October 2018, 29 cases of paracentral cervical disc herniation were treated with percutaneous endoscopic posterior cervical Key-Hole fenestration decompression and nucleus pulposus extirpation. There were 16 males and 13 females, with an average age of 49.7 years (range, 39-78 years). The disease duration was 3.5-15.0 months (mean, 6.2 months). The herniated disc located at C3, 4 in 2 cases, C4, 5 in 5 cases, C5, 6 in 9 cases, C6, 7 in 12 cases, and C7, T1 in 1 case. The main symptoms were radiculopathy symptom. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and complications were observed and recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical range of motion (ROM), Macnab standard, and cervical segment stability were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the operation.ResultsAll patients were followed up 11-43 months, with an average of 19.4 months. The operation time was 67-89 minutes (mean, 73.3 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 18-30 mL (mean, 22.9 mL); the hospital stay was 5-10 days (mean, 7.3 days). All the incisions healed by first intention. There was 1 case of hypodynia and hyperalgesia in the affected limb after operation,1 case of decreased limb muscle strength. The VAS scores and JOA scores at each time point after operation were superior to those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the time points after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the effectiveness was rated according to the Macnab standard as excellent in 11 cases, good in 15 cases, fair in 2 cases, and bad in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 89.7%. The CT and MRI showed the decompression of spinal canal and nerve canal. There was no significant difference in cervical ROM between pre- and post-operation (t=1.427, P=0.165), and no surgical segment instability occurred by X-ray films of flexion and extension of cervical vertebrae.ConclusionFor the paracentral cervical disc herniation with simultaneous compression of nerve roots and spinal cord, percutaneous endoscopic posterior cervical Key-Hole fenestration decompression and nucleus pulposus extirpation has the advantages of small trauma, quick recovery, and satisfactory effectiveness, and can be used as a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure.
Objective To observe the early effectiveness of cervical disc replacement with Pretic-I, a new type artificial disc. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 10 patients who underwent single segmental cervical disc replacement with Pretic-I from June to December 2014. Among 10 patients, 4 were male and 6 were female, with an average age of 40 years (range, 27-51 years). The mean disease duration was 15.4 months (range, 4-36 months). Affected segments located at C4, 5 level in 1 case, at C5, 6 level in 8 cases, and at C6, 7 level in 1 case. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and neck disability index (NDI) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Besides, the disc height and the range of motion (ROM) at operated level, and ROM of upper and lower adjacent level were measured to assess the function. Results The operation was successfully completed in all patients who were followed up for 12 months. No complications of aggravated nerve symptoms, vertebral artery injury, esophagotracheal fistula, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, incision infection, hematoma and prosthetic loosening were observed during follow-up. The VAS score, JOA score, and NDI significantly improved at each time point after operation when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). The height of intervertebral disc at operated level was significantly increased at immediate and 3 months after operation when compared with preoperative one (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between at 6 months or 12 months after operation and at pre-operation (P>0.05). No significant difference was shown in the ROM at operated level, and ROM of upper and lower adjacent level between at pre-operation and at each time point after operation (P>0.05). Conclusion The early effctiveness of cervical disc replacement using Pretic-I is satisfactory. The symptoms can be relieved significantly and the dynamic features of the operated level, as well as the upper and lower adjacent levels, are well preserved.
Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect ofthe two-level cervical artificial disc replacements combined with the nearby segments fused for the multi-level disc herniations and to investigate their interaction during the treatment. Methods The patient undergoing surgery was diagnosed as having intervertebral disc herniations in the C3-7 intervertebral discs. During the operation, the C4-6 discs were replaced with two Bryan artificial discs while the C3,4 and C6,7 discs were removed, followed by the bone grafting and the Zephir instrumentation. The range of motion (ROM) was assessed before and immediately after operation by the flexion-extension radiography. The patient’s functional exercise began as early as 2 days after operation and lasted for 3 weeks, followed by immobilization for 3 months. Results According to the follow-up for 1 year and 2 months, the patientcould move his neck in all directions without pain. The spinal and neural symptoms were significantly alleviated. ROM was close to the normal level postoperatively.Conclusion Artificial disc replacement combined with bone grafting and fusion is a new way to treat multilevel disc herniations surgically, with good clinical results. Early cervical functional exercise followed byrestriction is an effective way to deal with the contradiction of motion and immobilization.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical feasibility of full-endoscopic decompression for the treatment of single-level cervical disc herniation via anterior transcorporeal approach.MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 patients with cervical disc herniation who received full-endoscopic decompression via anterior transcorporeal approach between September 2014 and March 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 9 females with an age ranged from 32 to 65 years, with an average of 48.5 years. The duration of symptoms ranged from 6 to 18 weeks, with an average of 10.5 weeks. According to the Nurick grading of spinal cord symptoms, there were 2 cases with grade 1, 7 cases with grade 2, and 12 cases with grade 3. Operative segment was C3, 4 in 2 cases, C4, 5 in 8 cases, C5, 6 in 9 cases, and C6, 7 in 2 cases. The operation time and related complications were recorded. The central vertical height of the vertebral body and the diseased segment space were measured on the cervical X-ray film. The neck and shoulder pain were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score; Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to evaluate the improvement of neurological function in patients. The MRI of cervical spine was reexamined at 3 months after operation, and the CT of cervical spine was reexamined at 12 months after operation. The decompression of spinal cord and the healing of bone canal in the vertebral body were further evaluated.ResultsFull-endoscopic decompression via anterior transcorporeal approach were achieved at all 21 patients. The operation time was 85-135 minutes, with an average of 96.5 minutes. All patients were followed up 24-27 months, with an average of 24.5 months. There was no complication such as residual nucleus pulposus, spinal cord injury, large esophageal vessels injury, pleural effusion, endplate collapse, intraspinal hematoma, cervical spine instability, protrusion of disc in the same segment, or kyphosis. Both VAS scores of neck and shoulder pain and JOA scores were significantly improved at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, it was confirmed by the cervical MRI that neural decompression was sufficient and the abnormal signal was also degraded in the patients with intramedullary high signal at T2-weighted image. The cervical CT showed that bone healing were achieved in the surgical vertebral bodies of all patients at 12 months after operation. At 24 months after operation, the central vertical height of the diseased segment space significantly decreased compared with preoperative one (t=2.043, P=0.035); but there was no significant difference in the central vertical height of the vertebral body between pre- and post-operation (t=0.881, P=0.421).ConclusionFull-endoscopic decompression via anterior transcorporeal approach, integrating the advantages of the endoscopic surgery and the transcorporeal approach, provide an ideal and thorough decompression of the ventral spinal cord with satisfactory clinical and radiographic results.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of posterior percutaneous endoscopy via vertical anchor technique combined with trench technique for single-segmental central cervical disc herniation.MethodsBetween July 2017 and August 2019, 13 patients with the single-segmental central cervical disc herniation suffering from various neurologic deficits were treated with posterior percutaneous endoscopy via vertical anchor technique combined with trench technique. There were 6 males and 7 females with an average age of 50.5 years (range, 43-64 years). Disease duration ranged from 3 to 17 months (mean, 9.2 months). The clinical symptoms of 5 cases were mainly neck pain, radiculopathy, and numbness in upper limbs, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.60±0.55. The clinical symptoms of 8 cases were myelopathy including upper extremities numbness, weakness, and trouble walking, and the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score was 12.75±0.71. The surgery-related complications, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded, and the results of clinical symptoms were measured by VAS scores and mJOA scores.ResultsAll procedures were completed successfully, no severe complications such as dural tears or cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred. The operation time ranged from 83 to 164 minutes (mean, 101.2 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 25-50 mL (mean, 33.1 mL). After operation, 12 of 13 cases were followed up 10-24 months (mean, 17.6 months). The VAS scores of patients with preoperative pain symptoms were 2.40±0.55 on the first day after operation and 1.80±0.45 at last follow-up, which were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05). The mJOA scores of patients with the symptoms of spinal cord injury were 12.63±0.52 on the first day after operation and 14.29±0.95 at last follow-up, and the score at last follow-up was significantly higher than that before operation (P<0.05). Acute extremities weakness occurred for the postoperative hematoma formation in 1 case (disc herniation at C4, 5) presented with myelopathy preoperatively, and muscle strength was recovered after the clearance of hematoma and spinal cord decompression under percutaneous endoscopy.ConclusionPosterior percutaneous endoscopy via vertical anchor technique and trench technique for single-segmental central cervical disc herniation was clinical feasible, safe, and effective, and could be an alternative approach to the treatment of central cervical disc herniation.
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of anterior approach set (AAS) versus posterior approach set (PAS) in treating multilevel cervical disc herniation of three or four segments. Methods Fifty-six cases of multilevel cervical disc herniation were retrospectively studied. Thirty-seven casesunderwent anterior approach, and discectomy, selectively partial corpectomy with bone grafting and plate fixing was performed (AAS group); 19 cases underwent posterior approach, and laminectomy with lateral cervical mass plate screw fixing was performed (PAS group).Results The followup periods were 6 months to 4 years and 5 months, averaging 2 years and 10 months in AAS group and 1 year and 5 months to 5 years and 1 month, averaging 3 years and 8 months in PAS group. JOA functional assessment and sagittal diameter of dural sac were not-statistically significant between two groups before operation (Pgt;0.05) andwere significantly larger in AAS group than in PAS group after operation (Plt;0.01). The improvement rate of AAS was significant higher than that of PAS (Plt;0.01). The number of complication in AAS were slight more than that in PAS.Conclusion AAS is obviously better than PAS in the therapeutic effects. The operation of anterior decompression with bone grafting and plate fixing is an indication of multilevel cervical disc herniation of three or four segments.
Objective To investigate the early effectiveness of Zero-profile interbody fusion system (Zero-P) in the treatment of cervical disc protrusion. Methods Between October 2010 and June 2012, 25 patients with cervical disc protrusion underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using the Zero-P system. There were 15 males and 10 females, aged from 35 to 68 years (mean, 49 years). The disease duration was 3-26 months (mean, 10.5 months). Single segment was involved in all cases (2 cases in C3, 4, 5 cases in C4, 5, 11 cases in C5, 6, and 7 cases in C6, 7). The operation time and blood loss were recorded and analyzed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and neck disability index (NDI) were used to assess pain and nerve function improvement; the cervical Cobb angle was measured on the X-ray films before and after operation; according to Pitzen’s criteria, intervertebral fusion was evaluated. Results The operation was successful in 25 patients, with no severe complication. The average blood loss was 42.6 mL (range, 20-120 mL). The average operation time was 63.6 minutes (range, 45-90 minutes). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all cases; no injury of spinal cord and nerve root, cerebrospinal leakage, or deep infection occurred. The patients were followed up 6-23 months (mean, 14.5 months). No Cage subsidence and loosening, breaking, or pulling-out were observed. The symptoms and curvature of the cervical spine were obviously improved in all patients after operation. The VAS score, JOA score, NDI, and the cervical Cobb angle at 3 months and last follow-up showed significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between at 3 months and at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). The interbody fusion was achieved in each operated segment of all patients according to Pitzen’s criteria. Conclusion The early effectiveness of ACDF with Zero-P system is satisfactory in treatment of cervical disc protrusion because it has the advantages of short operation time, less bleeding, good stability and restoration of the cervical alignment.