L4/L5节段椎弓根螺钉进针点选择的新方法

目的 设计一种新的L₄/L₅节段椎弓根螺钉进针点的定位方法,并评估其准确性及安全性。方法 2019年1月-2020年8月,中国人民解放军北部战区总医院采用椎间融合并椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗L₄/L₅节段椎间盘突出症患者98例,其中53例（观察组）采用新的进针点定位法（选择横突上缘下方4 mm与上关节突外缘交点处作为进针点）,45例（对照组）采用人字嵴法进行进针点定位。记录并比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、首次置钉准确率、置钉前切口显露时间、螺钉与椎弓根皮质关系及并发症发生情况。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分评估疼痛程度。结果 观察组共置入螺钉212枚,对照组置入180枚。2组手术时间、术中出血量、首次置钉准确率、螺钉与椎弓根皮质关系、术后VAS评分差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）;观察组置钉前切口显露时间短于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 L₄/L₅节段置入椎弓根螺钉,以椎体横突上缘下方4 mm与上关节突外缘交点处作为进针点,可获得与人字嵴定位法相同的置钉准确率和安全性,并可减少置钉前切口显露时间。     

山羊腰椎内固定术中椎弓根螺钉植入深度对邻椎的影响

目的：观察脊柱内固定术中不同椎弓根螺钉植入深度对邻椎生物力学环境和退行性变的影响,探讨椎体内固定强度与邻椎病发生的关系。方法：雄性10月龄玻尔杂交山羊16只,体重为25～30 kg,随机分为对照组(N组)和3组内固定组,每组4只。内固定组建立L₄脊柱不稳定骨折病理模型,以椎弓根螺钉内固定脊柱L₃-L₅节段,按螺钉长度不同分为：长钉组(L组),内固定螺钉长度为25 mm; 中钉组(M组),螺钉长度为20 mm; 短钉组(S组),螺钉长度为15 mm,内固定后进行后路小关节融合;对照组不作任何处理。术后24周,制备对照组与内固定组L₃-S₁腰椎标本,测量上位未融合椎体(L₂)和椎间盘应变和应力,进行影像学、组织学观察,计算MRI指数。结果：与N组相比,L组标本L₂节段椎体、椎间盘的活动和应力均增加(P<0.05),MRI指数未见显着改变(P>0.05),髓核中出现多数退变细胞。M、S组标本上位邻椎受力和髓核退行性改变发生情况不显着(P>0.05).结论：在山羊腰椎内固定融合术中,局部坚强固定可能增加上位未融合节段的活动和承受的应力,促进椎间盘退行性变,导致邻椎病的发生。     

经腰椎椎间孔开窗入路的解剖学研究与临床应用

 目的 设计经腰椎椎间孔开窗入路,探讨其可行性及临床应用效果。方法 选取30具成人腰椎尸体标本,模拟L₁～S₁各节段经椎间孔开窗入路操作,充分显露出口神经根及椎间盘后外侧,实体测量完全显露椎间孔时椎板和关节突的切除和剩余范围;在开窗前、开窗后行CT扫描三维重建,测量切除和剩余范围。选取31例成人腰椎三维CT图像,测量L₁～S₁各节段经椎间孔开窗入路切除的骨结构范围。采用可动式脊柱内镜下经椎间孔开窗入路治疗腰椎极外侧椎间盘突出症10例,男4例,女6例。L_3-4 2例,L_4-5 4例,L₅S₁ 4例。结果 自L₁至S₁椎板峡部和关节突关节逐渐增宽,横突逐渐下移,峡部外缘和上关节突外缘到硬膜囊外缘的距离逐渐增大;在L_1,2、L_2,3和L_3,4节段经椎间孔开窗入路切除较少的椎板峡部和关节突即可显露硬膜囊外缘和椎间盘后外侧;在L_4,5尤其L₅S₁节段椎间孔开窗操作空间小,需切除较多的椎板峡部和关节突关节外缘才能显露椎间盘后外侧,硬膜囊显露较困难,下内侧月牙形开窗可保留较多的椎板和下关节突连接。临床应用10例手术均顺利完成,显露充分,彻底摘除了突出和游离的椎间盘髓核。随访6～24个月,末次随访时Macnab评分优8例、良2例,均无腰椎失稳表现。结论 经腰椎椎间孔开窗入路可在保留椎板和下关节突连续性的基础上充分显露椎间孔,内镜下操作、下内侧月牙形开窗可以保留更多的骨性结构,治疗腰椎极外侧椎间盘突出症具有较好的可行性。     

L4～S1椎弓根形态与椎板间及椎间孔大小的相关性

目的 研究腰椎椎弓根形态（长度及角度）与L₄/L₅和L₅/S₁节段椎板间及椎间孔大小的相关性。方法 回顾性分析海军军医大学长征医院2020年1月—2022年6月收治的50例L₄/L₅或L₅/S₁单节段腰椎椎间盘突出症（LDH）患者作为研究组，并选取同时期50名健康志愿者作为对照组。测量2组腰椎正侧位X线片上L₄/L₅和L₅/S₁节段椎板间的最大高度和宽度，在CT上测量椎弓根长度和角度、椎间孔最小高度和宽度，采用逐步多元线性回归的多元相关性来确定相关变量对椎间孔及椎板间大小的独立影响。结果 2组L₄~S₁椎弓根长度、L₄/L₅及L₅/S₁节段椎间孔和椎板间高度差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。研究组S₁椎弓根外展角小于对照组；研究组L₄椎弓根头倾角低于对照组，S₁椎弓根头倾角高于对照组；研究组L₄与L₅、L₅与S₁椎弓根头倾角差值低于对照组；研究组L₄/L₅和L₅/S₁节段椎间孔宽度、椎板间宽度小于对照组；以上指标差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。Pearson相关分析显示，年龄与椎板间高度和宽度及椎间孔高度呈负相关，椎弓根外展角与椎板间宽度呈正相关，椎弓根长度与椎间孔宽度呈正相关，相邻腰椎椎弓根头倾角差值与椎间孔宽度呈正相关，椎板间宽度与椎间孔宽度呈正相关。多重线性回归分析显示，患者的年龄、椎弓根长度及角度与椎板间及椎间孔大小独立相关，L₅、S₁椎弓根外展角与椎板间宽度显著正相关，L₅椎弓根头倾角与L₄/L₅及L₅/S₁椎间孔高度显著负相关；相邻腰椎椎弓根头倾角差值与椎间孔宽度显著正相关。结论 椎板间及椎间孔高度和宽度会随着患者年龄增长而变小，椎板间宽度随着L₅、S₁椎弓根外展角度增大而变大，L₅椎弓根头倾角越大，相邻椎间孔高度越小；相邻椎体椎弓根头倾角差值增加，椎间孔宽度增大。椎弓根角度和长度影响椎板间及椎间孔的大小，这些变化可能会影响手术难度和手术方式选择。     

腰椎椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度的比值与椎间盘退行性变Pfirrmann分级的相关性

目的 探讨腰椎椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度的比值与椎间盘退行性变程度之间的关系,为腰椎椎间盘退行性疾病的诊断和治疗提供客观准确的依据。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月—2019年6月来本院就诊的61例腰椎椎间盘退行性变患者临床资料。在腰椎侧位X线片上测量腰椎椎间隙及相应上位椎体的高度,并计算椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度的比值;在腰椎矢状位MRI上评估腰椎椎间盘退行性变Pfirrmann分级;比较不同Pfirrmann分级椎间盘的椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值的差异,并采用Spearman相关分析研究椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值与相应节段椎间盘Pfirrmann分级之间的相关性。结果 除L₁/L₂节段,其余各节段椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值均随着Pfirrmann分级增加而逐渐减小,差异均有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。相同Pfirrmann分级的不同节段椎间盘之间椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。Spearman相关分析结果显示,L₂/L₃、L₃/L₄、L₄/L₅、L₅/S₁节段Pfirrmann分级与椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值呈负相关（r =-0.568,P < 0.05）。结论 临床上测量L₂/L₃、L₃/L₄、L₄/L₅、L₅/S₁节段椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值对腰椎椎间盘退行性疾病的诊断可能具有重要意义。     

Dynesys动态稳定系统治疗多节段腰椎退变性疾病的中远期临床疗效观察

目的:探讨Dynesys动态中和内固定系统治疗多节段腰椎退变性疾病的中远期临床疗效。方法:对2008年12月至2011年5月采用Dynesys系统治疗的多节段腰椎间盘突出症和多节段腰椎管狭窄症28例患者进行回顾性分析。其中男16例,女12例;年龄27～75岁,平均49.1岁。多节段腰椎间盘突出症13例,L₃-L₅ 7例,L₂-L₄ 1例,L₄-S₁ 5例;多节段腰椎管狭窄症15例,L₃-L₅ 10例,L₂-L₅ 4例,L₂-S₁ 1例。所有患者腰腿痛和(或)间歇性跛行症状经正规保守治疗6个月以上无效。记录手术前后患者的腰腿部疼痛视觉模拟评分(Visual analogue scale,VAS),通过影像学资料观察固定节段及头侧邻近节段的椎间隙高度和椎间活动度,采用Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry Disability Index,ODI)对疗效进行评定。结果:28例患者均顺利完成手术,且均获得随访,随访时间38～65个月,平均50.6个月。末次随访时腰腿痛VAS评分分别为1.25±0.70和1.29±0.89,ODI为(25.10±6.52)%,腰腿痛VAS评分及ODI较术前有明显下降(p<0.05).术后随访固定节段椎间隙高度较术前有所升高,椎间活动度下降,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(p<0.05).术前及术后各随访时间点头侧邻近节段活动度、椎间隙高度差异无统计学意义(p>0.05).结论:Dynesys治疗多节段腰椎退变性疾病中远期临床疗效满意,能保留部分椎间活动度,对邻近节段影响小。Dynesys远期临床疗效还有待更长时间的随访观察。     

基于计算机辅助设计与3D打印技术辅助的新型横突拉钩的研制和临床应用

目的:利用计算机辅助设计(computer-aided design,CAD)结合3D打印技术辅助研制新型横突拉钩并探讨其临床应用效果。方法:利用CAD结合3D打印技术辅助设计研制新型横突拉钩。自2018年9月至2019年9月,将新型横突拉钩应用于临床,对60例需行椎弓根螺钉固定并椎间融合器植骨方式治疗的腰椎单节段病变患者,根据是否应用新型横突拉钩分为新型横突拉钩组和对照组,每组30例。新型横突拉钩组男14例,女16例;年龄(68.0±4.3)岁;L_3,4 8例,L_4,5 9例,L₅S₁ 13例;腰椎间盘突出5例,腰椎管狭窄20例,退变性腰椎滑脱5例;使用新型横突拉钩进行椎弓根螺钉置入。对照组男15例,女15例;年龄(69.2±4.5)岁;L_3,4 8例,L_4,5 10例,L₅S₁ 12例;腰椎间盘突出5例,腰椎管狭窄21例,退变性腰椎滑脱4例;使用传统的椎板拉钩进行软组织的牵开及徒手椎弓根螺钉的置入。比较两组患者手术切口长度、置入单枚螺钉时间、透视次数、定位针或螺钉调整次数以及术后72 h手术切口疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)。结果:利用CAD结合3D打印技术快速研制出了一种新型横突拉钩。新型横突拉钩组手术切口长度、置入单枚螺钉时间、透视次数、定位针或螺钉调整次数均小于对照组(P<0.05)。术后72 h手术切口疼痛VAS,两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:利用CAD结合3D打印技术研制新型横突拉钩,具有设计方便、研制周期短、成本低等优点,为新型医疗器械的研发提供了一种新的思路,新型横突拉钩具有术中操作简便、固定可靠、对椎旁肌损伤小、方便椎弓根螺钉置入、减少术中透视次数等优点。     

经改良的Jaslow技术治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症

目的：采用经改良的Jaslow技术治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症,评价其临床疗效。方法：自2002年1月至2008年12月,采用改良Jaslow技术进行手术治疗62例复发性腰椎间盘突出症患者,男42例,女20例;年龄36～70岁,平均53.6岁。首次术式：扩大开窗20例,单侧半椎板切除20例,双侧半椎板切除8例,全椎板切除14例。手术节段：L_3,4 2例,L_4,5 32例,L₅S₁ 15例,L_3,4、L_4,5 3例,L_4,5、L₅S₁ 10例。临床症状主要为下腰痛和放射痛。通过手术前后的JOA评分变化(包括主观症状、自理能力、疼痛等方面)、以及手术节段的椎间隙高度比、植骨融合情况评价临床疗效。结果：62例均获随访,时间1～5年,平均3年。末次随访影像学检查椎间隙高度比由术前(62.5±10.4)%恢复至术后(90.5±10.3)%,融合率96.8%(60/62).JOA评分由(10.42±2.50)提高至末次随访时(24.26±2.35)(P<0.001).疗效结果：优39例,良14例,中9例。结论：改良的Jaslow技术治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症减压充分、椎间融合可靠,手术安全性高,临床疗效满意,是一种比较理想的手术方法。     

腰椎退行性疾病手术病人术前邻近节段椎间盘的退变情况及分布规律

目的 观察腰椎退行性疾病手术病人术前邻近节段椎间盘的退变情况及分布规律。方法 回顾性分析济南军区总医院2012年1月至2016年2月收治的503例行手术治疗腰椎退行性疾病病人的术前临床资料,其中男240例（47.71%）,女263例（52.29%）;年龄为20~84岁,平均48.8岁。腰椎间盘突出症352例,退变性腰椎滑脱症91例,退变性腰椎管狭窄症60例。通过术前X线片评估腰椎稳定性;基于术前MRI,采用Pfirrmann分级标准评价腰椎间盘退变程度,记录Modic改变、高信号区域及许莫氏结节的发生情况。结果 503例中仅5例为单节段退变,12例为跳跃节段退变,余486例均为多节段退变。共1 863个（1 863/2 515,74.08%）腰椎间盘发生退变,5个节段椎间盘（L_1~2、L_2~3、L_3~4、L_4~5、L₅~S₁）均退变的病人比例为39.56%（199例）。不稳定节段数为127个,Modic改变为188个,高信号区域为241个,许莫氏结节节段数为161个。30岁以下男性病人腰椎间盘退变率较女性高;随着年龄增长,女性病人椎间盘退变率增加,退变程度加重。腰椎不稳、Modic改变、高信号区和许莫氏结节均与椎间盘退变存在明显相关性（P均＜0.05）。某一腰椎节段（L_3~4、L_4~5、L₅~S₁）椎间盘发生Pfirrmann Ⅳ、Ⅴ级退变时,邻近节段椎间盘退变（Pfirrmann Ⅲ+Ⅳ+Ⅴ级）比例均超过了80%,且严重退变（Pfirrmann Ⅳ+Ⅴ级）比例也较高,超过60%。结论 术前邻近节段椎间盘退变广泛存在,在临床工作中要予以重视。     

L4退行性滑脱的骨性参数特征

目的 比较L₄退行性滑脱和L₄/L₅椎间盘突出症患者骨性参数的差异,分析L₄退行性滑脱发生的危险因素。方法 回顾性分析21例L₄退行性滑脱（A组）及18例L₄/L₅椎间盘突出症患者（B组）的病例资料。通过测量腰椎矢状位X线片、45°双斜位X线片及CT获得骨性参数,矢状位X线片参数包括Taillard指数、腰椎指数（LI）、矢状面旋转度（SR）、骶骨水平角（SS）、腰椎前凸角（LL）、腰椎双凹指数（DCI）、L₄/L₅椎间盘角（IDA）、L₄/L₅椎间盘指数（DI）、腰椎重力线指数（LGLI）;45°双斜位X线片参数包括L₄椎体高度（h）、L₄小关节倾斜角（α）、L₃下关节突至L₄峡部距离（d）、L₅上关节突至L₄峡部距离（e）、L₄峡部宽度（k）;CT参数为L₄小关节角（θ）;比较2组各参数的差异,并分析各参数间的相关性。基于MRI图像,应用Pfirrmann椎间盘退行性变分级系统对2组患者L₄/L₅椎间盘进行分级,比较2组椎间盘退行性变分级的差异。结果 A组患者LI、IDA、DI、d、e、θ均明显小于B组,而LGLI、α以及L₄/L₅椎间盘退行性变程度均明显大于B组,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。相关性分析显示Taillard指数与LI、θ呈负相关,与LGLI呈正相关。结论 椎间盘退行性变、α增大、LGLI增大、θ减小、LI减小、IDA减小、DI减小、关节突至峡部距离减小可能是L₄退行性滑脱发生的危险因素。     

弯腰挺立手法治疗腰骶关节紊乱的有限元分析

目的:分析腰骶关节紊乱患者有限元模型及施加弯腰挺立手法后的位移、应力及作用机制。方法 :建立1例腰骶关节紊乱患者的三维有限模型,运用有限元分析方法对模型进行轴向、34°斜向上、垂直向上3种工况加载进行观察分析。结果:腰骶关节紊乱模型应力分布,L_5椎体集中在下终板中央、椎间盘集中在间盘中央,S_1及相关结构应力集中分布在椎体前后缘。模拟手法后应力主要集中在L_5椎体上终板前缘、后缘和下终板中央圆形区域,椎体后部相关结构集中在椎弓根腹侧、峡部和椎板背侧,椎间盘应力分散于椎体后缘;S_1椎体相关结构集中在骶骨椎体后缘和骶骨嵴上。位移结果:腰骶关节紊乱模型中左侧横突、上下关节突和棘突左侧部分向左明显移位,椎间盘向前突出移位。模拟手法后:L_5椎体下切迹向前上方移位,椎间孔面积增大,L_5椎体下关节突向前移行,骶骨上关节突向前下方移位,关节突关节距离加大,骶骨位移最大集中在椎体后缘和骶正中嵴上。结论:腰骶关节建模成功可进行有限元分析;弯腰挺立手法作用机制明确,用于治疗腰骶关节紊乱有效、安全可施。     

Onyiuke Grading Scale: A clinical classification system for the diagnosis and management of Bertolotti syndrome

BackgroundLumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) is a common anatomic variant of the spine, characterized by the formation of a pseudoarticulation between the transverse process of the lumbar vertebrae and sacrum or ilium. LSTVs have been implicated as a potential source of low back pain – dubbed Bertolotti syndrome. Traditionally, LSTVs have only been subdivided into types I–IV based on the Castellvi radiographic classification system.ObjectiveSolely identifying the type of LSTV radiographically provides no clinical relevance to the treatment of Bertolotti syndrome. Here, we seek to analyze such patients and identify a clinical grading scale and diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm to optimize care for patients with this congenital anomaly.MethodsPatients presenting with back pain between 2011 and 2018 attributable to a lumbosacral transitional vertebra were identified retrospectively. Data was collected from these patients’ charts regarding demographic information, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, treatment and outcomes. Based on evaluation of these cases and review of the literature, a diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm is proposed.ResultsBased on our experiences evaluating and treating these patients and review of the existing literature, we propose a clinical classification system for Bertolotti syndrome: we proposed a 4-grade scale for patients with Bertolotti syndrome based upon location, severity, and characteristics of pain experienced due to LSTVs.ConclusionBased on our experience with the cases illustrated here, we recommend managing patients with LSTV based on our diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm. Moving forward, a larger prospective study with a larger patient cohort is needed to further validate the treatment paradigm.     

Development of a novel in vitro cadaveric model for analysis of biomechanics and surgical treatment of Bertolotti syndrome

BACKGROUND CONTEXTBertolotti syndrome (BS) is caused by pseudoarticulation between an aberrant L5 transverse process and the sacral ala, termed a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV). BS is thought to cause low back pain and is treated with resection or fusion, both of which have shown success. Acquiring cadavers with BS is challenging. Thus, we combined 3D printing, based on BS patient CT scans, with normal cadaveric spines to create a BS model. We then performed biomechanical testing to determine altered kinematics from LSTV with surgical interventions. Force sensing within the pseudojoint modeled nociception for different trajectories of motion and surgical conditions.PURPOSEThis study examines alterations in spinal biomechanics with LSTVs and with various surgical treatments for BS in order to learn more about pain and degeneration in this condition, in order to help optimize surgical decision-making. In addition, this study evaluates BS histology in order to better understand the pathology and to help define pain generators—if, indeed, they actually exist.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGModel Development: A retrospective patient review of 25 patients was performed to determine the imaging criteria that defines the classical BS patient. Surgical tissue was extracted from four BS patients for 3D-printing material selection. Biomechanical Analysis. This was a prospective cadaveric biomechanical study of seven spines evaluating spinal motions, and loads, over various surgical conditions (intact, LSTV, and LSTV with various fusions). Additionally, forces at the LSTV joint were measured for the LSTV and LSTV with fusion condition. Histological Analysis: Histologic analysis was performed prospectively on the four surgical specimens from patients undergoing pseudoarthrectomy for BS at our institution to learn more about potential pain generators.PATIENT SAMPLEThe cadaveric portion of the study involved seven cadaveric spines. Four patients were prospectively recruited to have their surgical specimens assessed histologically and biomechanically for this study. Patients under the age of 18 were excluded.OUTCOME MEASURESPhysiological measures recorded in this study were broken down into histologic analysis, tissue biomechanical analysis, and joint biomechanical analysis. Histologic analysis included pathologist interpretation of Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, as well as S-100 staining. Tissue biomechanical analysis included stiffness measurements. Joint biomechanical analysis included range of motion, resultant torques, relative axis angles, and LSTV joint forces.METHODSThis study received funding from the American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Research Scholarship. Three authors hold intellectual property rights in the simVITRO robotic testing system. No other authors had relevant conflicts of interest for this study. CT images were segmented for a representative BS patient and cadaver spines. Customized cutting and drilling guides for LSTV attachment were created for individual cadavers. 3D-printed bone and cartilage structural properties were based on surgical specimen stiffness, and specimens underwent histologic analysis via Hematoxylin and Eosin, as well as S-100 staining. Joint biomechanical testing was performed on the robotic testing system for seven specimens. Force sensors detected forces in the LSTV joint. Kruskal-Wallis tests and Dunnett's tests were used for statistical analysis with significance bounded to p<.05.RESULTSLSTV significantly reduces motion at the L5–S1 level, particularly in lateral bending and axial rotation. Meanwhile, the LSTV increases adjacent segment motion significantly at the L2–L3 level, whereas other levels have nonsignificant trends toward increased motion with LSTV alone. Fusion involving L4–S1 (L4–L5 and L5–S1) to treat adjacent level degeneration associated with an LSTV is associated with a significant increase in adjacent segment motion at all levels other than L5–S1 compared to LSTV alone. Fusion of L5–S1 alone with LSTV significantly increases L3–L4 adjacent segment motion compared to LSTV alone. Last, ipsilateral lateral bending with or without ipsilateral axial rotation produces the greatest force on the LSTV, and these forces are significantly reduced with L5–S1 fusion.CONCLUSIONSBS significantly decreases L5–S1 mobility, and increases some adjacent segment motion, potentially causing patient activity restriction and discomfort. Ipsilateral lateral bending with or without ipsilateral axial rotation may cause the greatest discomfort overall in these patients, and fusion of the L5–S1 or L4–S1 levels may reduce pain associated with these motions. However, due to increased adjacent segment motion with fusions compared to LSTV alone, resection of the joint may be the better treatment option if the superior levels are not unstable preoperatively.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis study's results indicate that patients with BS have significantly altered spinal biomechanics and may develop pain due to increased loading forces at the LSTV joint with ipsilateral lateral bending and axial rotation. In addition, increased motion at superior levels when an LSTV is present may lead to degeneration over time. Based upon results of LSTV joint force testing, these patients’ pain may be effectively treated surgically with LSTV resection or fusion involving the LSTV level if conservative management fails. Further studies are being pursued to evaluate the relationship between in vivo motion of BS patients, spinal and LSTV positioning, and pain generation to gain a better understanding of the exact source of pain in these patients. The methodologies utilized in this study can be extrapolated to recreate other spinal conditions that are poorly understood, and for which few native cadaveric specimens exist.     

前路Ⅰ期病灶清除加植骨融合内固定治疗腰骶段结核

目的:探讨经前路腹膜外途径Ⅰ期病灶清除、植骨融合、单钉棒内固定治疗腰骶段结核的临床效果。方法:2005年3月至2011年2月采用经前路腹膜外途径,彻底清除病灶,大块髂骨支撑植骨,单钉棒椎体侧前方内固定治疗腰骶段(L3-S1)结核18例,男13例,女5例;年龄24～61岁,平均38.5岁;病程3～14个月,平均5.5个月。病变节段:L3,42例,L4,55例,L42例,L5S16例,L4-S13例。术后常规抗结核治疗12～18个月,定期复查血沉及CT、X线片,监测抗结核治疗效果及植骨融合情况。结果:术中显露充分,病灶清除彻底,无大血管、神经、输尿管损伤等严重并发症发生。随访6～42个月,平均13个月。内固定无松动、断裂;植骨块无移位,植骨融合良好;血沉、C-反应蛋白正常,结核病变无复发。结论:经前路腹膜外途径行病灶清除、植骨融合、单钉棒内固定治疗腰骶段结核,能Ⅰ期完成病变的切除和腰骶椎的重建,在此区域单钉棒内固定是可行的。     

Interreader and intermodality reliability of standard anteroposterior radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging in detection and classification of lumbosacral transitional vertebra

Background contextDifferent types of lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) are classified based on the relationship of the transverse process of the last lumbar vertebra to the sacrum. The Ferguson view (30° angled anteroposterior [AP] radiograph) is supposed to have a sufficient interreader reliability in classification of LSTV, but is not routinely available. Standard AP radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often available, but their reliability in detection and classification of LSTV is unknown.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the interreader reliability of detection and classification of LSTV with standard AP radiographs and report its accuracy by use of intermodality statistics compared with MRI as the gold standard.Study design/settingRetrospective case control study.Patient sampleA total of 155 subjects (93 cases: LSTV type 2 or higher; 62 controls).Outcome measuresInterreader reliability in detection and classification of LSTV using standard AP radiographs and coronal MRI as well as accuracy of radiographs compared with MRI.MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, coronal MRI scans and conventional AP radiographs of 155 subjects (93 LSTV type 2 or higher and 62 controls) were retrospectively reviewed by two independent, blinded readers and classified according to the Castellvi classification. Interreader reliability was assessed using kappa statistics for detection of an LSTV and identification of all subtypes (six variants; 1: no LSTV or type I, 2: LSTV type 2a, 3: LSTV type 2b, 4: LSTV type 3a, 5: LSTV type 3b, 6: LSTV type 4) for MRI scans and standard AP radiographs. Further, accuracy and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for standard AP radiographs to detect and classify LSTV using MRI as the gold standard.ResultsThe interreader reliability was at most moderate for the detection (k=0.53) and fair for classification (wk=0.39) of LSTV in standard AP radiograph. However, the interreader reliability was very good for detection (k=0.93) and classification (wk=0.83) of LSTV in MRI. The accuracy and positive and negative predictive values of standard AP radiograph were 76% to 84%, 72% to 86%, and 79% to 81% for the detection and 53% to 58%, 51% to 76%, and 49% to 55% for the classification of LSTV, respectively.ConclusionStandard AP radiographs are insufficient to detect or classify LSTV. Coronal MRI scans, however, are highly reliable for classification of LSTV.     

Identifying treatment patterns in patients with Bertolotti syndrome: an elusive cause of chronic low back pain

BACKGROUND CONTEXTBertolotti Syndrome is a diagnosis given to patients with lower back pain arising from a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV). These patients can experience symptomatology similar to common degenerative diseases of the spine, making Bertolotti Syndrome difficult to diagnose with clinical presentation alone. Castellvi classified the LSTV seen in this condition and specifically in types IIa and IIb, a “pseudoarticulation” is present between the fifth lumbar transverse process and the sacral ala, resulting in a semi-mobile joint with cartilaginous surfaces.Treatment outcomes for Bertolotti Syndrome are poorly understood but can involve diagnostic and therapeutic injections and ultimately surgical resection of the pseudoarticulation (pseudoarthrectomy) or fusion of surrounding segments.PURPOSETo examine spine and regional injection patterns and clinical outcomes for patients with diagnosed and undiagnosed Bertolotti Syndrome.DESIGNRetrospective observational cohort study of patients seen at a single institution's tertiary spine center over a 10-year period.PATIENT SAMPLECohort consisted of 67 patients with an identified or unidentified LSTV who were provided injections or surgery for symptoms related to their chronic low back pain and radiculopathy.OUTCOME MEASURESSelf-reported clinical improvement following injections and pseudoarthrectomy.METHODSPatient charts were reviewed. Identification of a type II LSTV was confirmed through provider notes and imaging. Variables collected included demographics, injection history and outcomes, and surgical history for those who underwent pseudoarthrectomy.RESULTSA total of 22 out of 67 patients (33%) had an LSTV that was not identified by their provider. Diagnosed patients underwent fewer injections for their symptoms than those whose LSTV was never previously identified (p = 0.031). Only those diagnosed received an injection at the LSTV pseudoarticulation, which demonstrated significant symptomatic improvement at immediate follow up compared to all other injection types (p = 0.002). Patients who responded well to pseudoarticulation injections were offered a pseudoarthrectomy, which was more likely to result in symptom relief at most recent follow up than patients who underwent further injections without surgery (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSUndiagnosed patients are subject to a higher quantity of injections at locations less likely to provide relief than pseudoarticulation injections. These patients in turn cannot be offered a pseudoarthrectomy which can result in significant relief compared to continued injections alone. Proper and timely identification of an LSTV dramatically alters the clinical course of these patients as they can only be offered treatment directed towards the LSTV once it is identified.     

腰椎内镜下髓核摘除术对不同退变程度邻近节段椎间盘生物力学影响的有限元分析

目的:探讨腰椎侧后路经皮内镜下髓核摘除术(percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy,PTED)对不同退变程度邻近节段椎间盘的生物力学的影响以及由该术式导致的邻椎病(adjacent segment diseases,ASD)发病风险。方法:选择成年健康男性志愿者1名,CT扫描获得其腰骶椎影像数据,重建骨性结构外轮廓,并以此为基础在3D-CAD软件中使用平滑曲线拟合骨性结构外轮廓,正向绘制完整无退变的L3-S1节段三维有限元模型和L3-L4及L5-S1节段退变模型。在L4-L5节段右侧通过切除部分关节突、髓核组织模拟纤维环破口完成PTED手术仿真模拟后,在屈曲、后伸、左右侧屈、左右扭转6个工况下完成数字模拟分析,并通过采集纤维环冯米塞斯应力和椎间盘内压力的变化评估邻近节段椎间盘生物力学环境的变化,以评估术后ASD的风险。结果:在无邻近节段椎间盘退变的有限元模型中,PTED术后模型纤维环冯米塞斯应力和椎间盘内压在绝大多数受力工况下均仅出现轻度上升,在少部分工况下出现轻度下降,术前术后并无显著变化趋势。在原有退变邻近节段椎间盘模型中,PTED术前术后模型的间盘退变相关生物力学指标均出现显著恶化,导致潜在的邻椎病发病风险上升。结论:PTED手术不会导致无退变邻近节段椎间盘的术后生物力学环境明显恶化,而邻近节段椎间盘原有的退变是术后ASD发病的重要危险因素。     

腰骶部结核改良倒L形切口腹膜外手术入路的临床应用

目的:探讨后路Ⅰ期内固定联合前路改良倒L形切口、腹膜后入路行病灶清除并植骨治疗腰骶部多节段结核的临床疗效。方法:回顾分析2008年2月至2014年12月收治的腰骶部多节段结核15例,其中男9例,女6例,年龄26~72岁,平均(47.0±13.9)岁。病变累及节段:L_4-S_112例,L_4-S_21例,L_3-S_12例。5例患者有神经根性症状,2例有马尾压迫症状。均采用后路椎弓根钉固定联合前路改良倒L形切口腹膜外手术入路行L_(4,5),L_5S_1结核病灶清除植骨融合术,记录手术时间、出血、切口长度及术后首次肛门排气时间,术后定期随访,行腰椎CT及MRI检查观察植骨融合及病灶吸收情况,定期复查血沉、CRP评估结核治疗情况。结果:15例患者均获得随访,时间18~24个月,平均(20.0±2.73)个月。术后腰骶部疼痛症状均得到改善,钉棒系统无松动、断裂,植骨块无松动,前后路手术时间210~250 min,平均(231.0±12.1)min;出血量320~705 ml,平均(495.0±130.3)ml;手术切口15~21 cm,平均(16.4±3.4)cm,其中倒L形切口延长部分长度为6~9 cm,平均(7.1±2.6)cm。术后首次肛门排气时间14~40 h,平均(24.1±7.4)h。末次随访植骨均获得融合,脊髓症状得到恢复,血沉、CRP均正常,停药3个月后无反复。结论:采用后路椎弓根钉固定联合前路改良倒L形切口腹膜外入路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗腰骶部多节段结核具有可操作性与实用性,该术式较传统入路具有手术创伤小、解剖显露清楚、术后并发症少、安全性高等优点。