Scedosporium apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae:A case report

BACKGROUND Scedosporium apiospermum(S.apiospermum)is a clinically rare and aggressive fungus mainly found in contaminated water,wetlands,decaying plants,stagnant water,and potted plants in hospitals.The lung,bone,joint,eye,brain,skin,and other sites are easily infected,and there is a marked risk of misdiagnosis.There have been few case reports of infection by S.apiospermum of the lumbar vertebrae;most reports have focused on infection of the lung.CASE SUMMARY An otherwise healthy 60-year-old man presented with a 4-mo history of lumbosacral pain,stooping,and limited walking.The symptoms were significantly aggravated 10 d prior to hospitalization,and radiating pain in the back of his left lower leg developed,which was so severe that he could not walk.Movement of the lumbar spine was significantly limited,anterior flexion was about 30°;backward extension,right and left lateral curvature,and rotational mobility were about 10°;tenderness of the spinous processes of the lumbar 3-5 vertebrae was evident,and the muscle strength of both lower limbs was gradeⅣ.Imaging suggested bony destruction of the lumbar 3,4,and 5 vertebrae and sacral 1 vertebra;in addition,the corresponding intervertebral spaces were narrowed and the lumbar 5 vertebra was posteriorly displaced and unstable.Lumbar vertebral infection was also noted,and the possibility of lumbar tuberculosis was considered.We first performed surgical intervention on the lesioned lumbar vertebrae,cleared the infected lesion,and performed stable fixation of the lesioned vertebral body using a lumbar internal fixation device,which restored the stability of the lumbar vertebrae.Cytological and pathological examination of the lesioned tissue removed during surgery confirmed S.apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae;on this basis,the patient was administered voriconazole.At the 6-mo followup,efficacy was significant,no drug-related side effects were observed,and imaging examination showed no evidence of recurrence.CONCLUSION S.apiospermum infection can occur in immunocompetent individuals with no history of near drowning.Voriconazole is effective for the treatment of S.apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae for which it is suitable as the first-line therapy.

CLINICAL ANALYSIS ON TREATMENT OF LUMBAR VERTEBRAL RETROGRADE AFFECTION WITH ACUPUNCTURE,TDP-IRRADIATION AND CUPPING

In the present paper, 70 cases of retrograde affection of the lumbar vertebrae are randomly and evenly divided into treatment group and control group. Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Dachangshu (BL 25), Weizhong (BL 40), Jiaji (EX B 2), etc. are used. In treatment group, acupuncture, TDP irradiation and cupping are performed, and in control group, only acupuncture is given. After 30 sessions (3 therapeutic courses) of treatment, in treatment and control groups, the total effective rates are 91.43% and 71.43% respectively. The therapeutic effect of comprehensive treatment is significantly superior to that of simple acupuncture therapy (P<0.05).

Surgical strategy for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis of 5th lumbar vertebrae

Objective To investigate surgical strategy for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis(more thanⅡ degree)of 5th lumbar vertebrae.Methods From August 2003 to October 2008,26 patients with high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (L5) were

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON THE TREATMENT OF LUMBAR VERTEBRA HYPEROSTEOGENY WITH ELECTRO- AND HYDRO-ACUPUNCTURE

In the present study, 121 patients with lumbar vertebra hyperosteogeny were dividedinto following four groups for treatment and comparison: intense electro-acupuncture group (Group1), hydro-acupuncture group (Group 2), electro-acupuncture plus hydro-acupuncture group (Group3) and analgesic liquid for spur group (Group 4). It is indicated that the effect of electro-acupunctureplus hydro-acupuncture is the best in the treatment of lumbar vertebra hyperosteogeny.

The comparison of different medication project of continuous epidural analgesia for the patient after lumbar vertebra operation

Objective Comparing different medication pro ject of continuous epidural analgesia for the patient after lumbar verte bra opera-tion,to decrease the complications and promote analgesia effects.Methods150cases with ASAⅠ～Ⅱgrade,lumbar intervertebral disc e x-tirpation and /or vertebral canal decompression,were divided into 5gro ups.A group:0.0625%bupivacaine;B group:0.125%bupiva-caine;C group:0.0625%bupivacaine and 1mg morphine;D group:0.125%bupivacaine and 1mg morphine;E group:n o analgesia.Record the occurrence of RR,MAP,HR,VAS score and side effects.Results The analgesia effects of all groups were satisfying,but the oc-currence of urine retention increased in B,C,D group,and the occurrence of nausea and vomit increased obviou sly in C,D group.Conclusions The continuous epidural analgesia w ith simple 0.0625%for patients afte r lumbar vertebral operation is best.

Research progresses of artificial intelligence in MRI of lumbar degenerative diseases

The incidence of lumbar degenerative diseases is increasing year by year,and MRI is often used in clinical diagnosis.In recent years,artificial intelligence(AI)has rapidly developed in medical field and can be used for image segmentation and auxiliary diagnosis of lumbar degenerative diseases.The research progresses of AI in MRI of lumbar degenerative diseases were reviewed in this article.

Clinical efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures at different surgical timings based on the theory of“dynamic-static integration”

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of percutaneous kyphoplasty at different surgical timings in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF)based on the theory of“dynamic-static integration”.Methods:Patients with OVCF who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty in our hospital were selected and divided into Groups A,B,and C for those undergoing surgery within 7,7—21,and>21 days of fracture occurrence.The variations in the amount of bone cement injected,pre-and post-operative pain levels,functional activity,deformity correction of the injured vertebrae,bone cement leakage,and vertebral body height loss were compared among the three groups.Results:Regarding pain relief and functional activity,the postoperative Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores of the three groups significantly improved.Furthermore,the deformities of the injured vertebrae in the three groups were significantly corrected,with Groups A and B exhibiting superior correction compared to Group C.Moreover,the bone cement leakage rates in groups A and C were higher than that in Group B.At the 3-month follow-up,the loss of vertebral height in Group C was significantly higher than those in groups A and B.Conclusion:Kyphoplasty is effective for OVCF treatment.Early surgery can effectively restore the vertebral height of the injured vertebra,reduce kyphosis,and reduce height loss of the injured vertebra after surgery;nevertheless,treatment within 1—3 weeks of the fracture can reduce the occurrence of bone cement leakage,making the surgery safer.Therefore,surgical treatment within 1—3 weeks of fracture is safer and can achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects.From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine,PKP surgery can transform the fracture end from a micromotion state to a fixed state,which fully embodies the theory of“dynamic-static integration”.

Treatment of osteoporotic compression fracture of thoracic/lumbar vertebrae by kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system

Objective： To investigate prospectively the effectiveness ofkyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system in treatment of compression fracture of thoracic/ lumbar vertebrae and correction of the deformity. Methods： Twenty-five patients with thoracic/lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture were admitted to our hospital between March 2007 and March 2008, and treated by kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system. Patient＇s pain status was rated with Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） score system 1 day before and 1 hour, 48 hours, 6 months, 12 months after surgery. In addition, Rolland-Mor- ris and Oswestry disability questionnaires （RDQ and ODI） were used for survey 1 day before and 1, 6, 12 months after surgery. Pre- and post-operative vertebral heights and Cobb＇s angles were measured based on the X-ray films and statistically analyzed. Results： There were 27 fractured vertebrae in these 25 patients. After SKY kyphoplasty, the Cobb＇s angles （9.8°±9.76°） were significantly reduced compared with preoperative angles （17.18°±9.35°, P〈0.05）, and the average improve- ment rate was 39%. Patients＇ pain VAS scores were also greatly improved after operation （P〈0.05）. Moreover, postoperative RDQ and ODI scores were significantly smaller than preoperative values （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： Kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system provides an effective method for treating thoracic/ lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture, with the advantages of small surgical wound and short duration. It can effectively recover the anterior and medial heights of fractured vertebrae （33% and 50%, respectively）, reduce the Cobb＇s angle, quickly alleviate pain and improve patients＇ quality of life in a relatively short time period.

The influence of the intervertebral disc on stress distribution of the thoracolumbar vertebrae under destructive load

Objective: To compare the influence of normal and degenerative discs on stress distribution of the thoracolumbar vertebrae under destructive load, explore the biomechanical background and clinical meaning and provide theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A mechanical model of thoracolumbar motion segment of normal and degenerative discs was built with a three dimensional finite element method and three stresses of vertical compression, compressive flexion and distractive flexion were comparatively analyzed. Results: With vertical compression and compressive flexion loads, the thoracolumbar motion segment of the normal disc showed that the central part of the upper and lower end plates of the vertebrae and the central part of the trabecular bone adjacent to the end plate were loaded with the most intensive stresses, meanwhile, the postero lateral part of the annulus fibrosus was concentrated with stresses. Degenerative disc showed that the stress distribution of the trabecular bone was relatively averaged, the stresses of the central part adjacent to the end plate were low, while at the same time, the stresses of the peripheral part were elevated relatively. With distraction flexion load, the stresses of the cortex bone, trabecular bone, end plate and annulus fibrosus of the thoracolumbar vertebrae of degenerative discs were low, meanwhile, the stresses of the posterior structure of the vertebral body were relatively elevated compared with that of normal discs. Conclusions: There is difference in influence between normal and degenerative discs on the stress distribution of the thoracolumbar vertebrae with destructive load. The transferring way of load is changed after disc degeneration.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of lumbar vertebra loaded by static stress and its biomechanical significance

Objective： To explore the mechanical behavior of lumbar spine loaded by stress and provide the mechanical basis for clinical analysis and judgement of lumbar spine fracture classification, mechanical distribution and static stress. Methods： By means of computer simulation method, the constructed lumbar spine three-dimensional model was introduced into three-dimensional finite element analysis by software Ansys 7.0. The lumbar spine mechanical behavior in different parts of the stress loading were calculated. Impact load is 0-8000 N. The peak value was 8000 N. The loading time is 0-40 minutes. The values of the main stress, stress distribution and the lumbar spine unit displacement in the direction of main stress were analyzed. Results： The lumbar spine model was divided into a total of 121 239 nodes, 112 491 units. It could objectively reflect the true anatomy of lumbar spine and its biomechanical behavior and obtain the end-plate images under different stress. The stress distribution on the lumbar intervertebral disc （L3-L4） under the axial, lateral flexion and extension stress, and the displacement trace of the corresponding processus articularis were analyzed. Conclusion： It is helpful to analyze the stress distribution of lumbar spine and units displacement in static stress loading in the clinical research of lumbar spine injury and the distribution of internal stress.

Observation on Warm Needling Therapy for Third Lumbar Vertebra Transverse Process Syndrome

Objective: To observe the effect of warm needling therapy plus acupuncture on third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome. Methods: Sixty cases of third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome were randomly divided into a warm needling group or an acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. Cases in the acupuncture group were treated by routine points and needle sticking manipulation, while those in the warm needling group were treated by moxibustion plus needling as same as the acupuncture group. Japanese orthopedic association scores(JOA) in the two groups were observed and compared after 2 treatment courses. Results: After treatment, the JOA score in the warm needling group was higher than that in the acupuncture group(P<0.01); subjective symptom, clinical syndromes, activity of daily living(ADL) in the warm needling group were all higher than those in the acupuncture group(all P<0.05); the score of pain in the warm needling group was significantly lower than that in the acupuncture group(P<0.01); the total effective rate in the warm needling group was 76.7%, versus 70.0% in the acupuncture group, showing a statistically significant difference(P<0.05). Conclusion: Warm needling therapy is more effective than normal acupuncture in treating third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome.

Treatment of Protrusion of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by TCM Massage

Protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc is a common disorder frequently encountered in clinic. With TCM massage and the maneuver of manual reduction, we have treated 82 cases of protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc, with satisfactory therapeutic results reported in the following.……

Triple needling plus moxibustion and Tanbo-plucking tender points for the third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome

Objective：To observe the clinical efficacy of triple needling plus moxibustion and Tanbo-plucking tender points in treating the third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome. Methods： Totally 108 patients with the third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome were randomized into two groups, 56 cases in the observation group were intervened by triple needling method plus moxibustion and Tanbo-plucking tender points; 52 cases in the control group were by acupuncture plus moxibustion. The pain rating index（PRI）, visual analogue scale （VAS）, and present pain intensity （PPI） from the short-form McGill pain questionnaire （SF-MPQ） were observed before and after intervention for comparing the therapeutic efficacy. Results： The total effective rate was 96.4% in the observation group versus 76.9% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. After intervention, the sensory-PRI, affective-PRI, totaI-PRI, VAS, and PPI scores were markedly changed in both groups （P〈0.05）. The difference in comparing the change of clinical sign score was statistically significant between the two groups （P〈0.05）. The follow-ups performed 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment showed that there were significant differences in comparing the relapse rate between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Triple needling plus moxibustion and Tanbo-plucking tender points can produce a better efficacy in treating the third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome than acupuncture plus moxibustion alone, and the relapse rate is relatively low.

Treatment of Protrusion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by Pulling and Turning Manipulations

The authors treated 62 cases of protrusion oflumbar intervertebral disc by pulling and turningmanipulations from February 1993 to February 1998.Another 50 cases were treated by traction as controls.Statistical data showed that pulling and turningmanipulations had much better therapeuticeffectiveness than traction(P<0.05).

Comparison of stress distribution of thoracolumbar vertebrae under forces with CT value

To provide a new method to estimate the effectiveness of thoracolumbar vertebral finite element model. Methods: A mechanical model of human thoracolumbar vertebrae motion segment was made using three-dimensional finite element method and the stress distribution of vertically compressed thoracolumbar vertebrae was analyzed, meanwhile, 20 patients with burst fracture of thoracolumbar vertebrae were tested by CT to calculated average CT value at ascertained different points of thoracolumbar vertebrae. The calculated results and effective stress at the same position were analyzed with straight line correlation. Results: The stress level of different position of thoracolumbar vertebrae under vertical compressive force was positively correlated with the correlative CT value, and the regressive style, Y= 214.028 + 45.268 X, r= 0.7386 , P< 0.05 (n=8) showed a statistical significance.Conclusions: To study mechanism of thoracolumbar vertebrae injuries under different forces has clinical significance.

Treatment of Protrusion of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by Massotherapy

Clinically, there is a higher incidence of protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc. It can cause a terrible pain. The author has treated 66 cases by massotherapy, who were confirmatively diagnosed as having protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc by X-ray film and computer-aided tomography, with satisfactory results as reported in the following.Clinical DataAmong the 66 cases in this series, 49 were male and 17 female, ranging in age from 26 to 59 years, averaging 36.2 years. All the patients had got lumbago and unilateral ischialgia, with the left side affected in 37 cases and the right side in 29 cases. The leg pain radiating to lateral malleolus was found in 28 cases, to dorsum of the foot in 24 cases, and to the toes in 14 cases. Intermittent claudication was present in 22 cases, numbness of the affected foot in 16 cases, pain exacerbated when coughing in 35 cases, scoliosis in 21 cases, and positive Lasegue's sign in 48 cases.

Fifty-six Cases of Protrusion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Treated by Penetration and Oral Administration of Chinese Decoction Plus Traction

Fifty-six cases of the protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc in the treatment group were treated by drug-penetration and oral administration of traditional Chinese decoction plus traction, and the other 35 cases in the control group by oral administration of Chinese decoction and traction. The results showed that the cure rate in the treatment group was 83.9%, and that in the control group was 57.1%, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01), indicating that the former is a more effective therapy for protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc.

Protrusion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Treated by Ultra Short Wave and the Point Injection in 40 Cases

Since 1996,the author has treated 40 cases of protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc with ultra short wave and the point injection,and obtained good therapeutic effects.This is reported as follows.

Cortical bone trajectory fixation in cemented vertebrae in lumbar degenerative disease:A case report

BACKGROUND Percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)has been widely used in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF).Following surgery,the bone cement would be positioned permanently.However,in some cases of lumbar degenerative disease,the cemented vertebrae needs to be fixed after decompression and fusion procedure.It is difficult to implant traditional pedicle screws into the cemented vertebrae because of the bone cement filling.At present,the main treatment strategy is to skip the cemented vertebra and conduct a long segment fixation.This article presents a cortical bone trajectory(CBT)fixation technique for cemented vertebrae.CASE SUMMARY PVP involving the L3 and L4 was performed in an 82-year-old man due to OVCF.During the surgery,bone cement leakage occurred,resulting in compression of the root of the right L3 nerve.We performed a partial facetectomy to retrieve the leaked bone cement and to relieve the patient’s neurological symptoms.After 3 mo,the patient developed lumbar disc herniation in L3/4,potentially due to instability caused by the previous surgery.Therefore,it was necessary to perform intervertebral fusion and fixation.It was difficult to implant traditional trajectory pedicle screws in L3 and L4 because of the bone cement filling.Hence,we implanted CBT screws in the L3 and L4 vertebrae.As a result,the patient’s symptoms resolved and he reported satisfaction with the surgery at follow-up after 8 mo.CONCLUSION It is feasible to utilize CBT in cemented vertebrae for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease.

扶阳罐循经温推联合益肾活血汤治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床研究

目的观察扶阳罐循经温推联合益肾活血汤治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法选取2019年9月至2020年5月收治的138例腰椎间盘突出症患者为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为2组,对照组69例采用常规推拿治疗,治疗组69例予扶阳罐循经温推联合益肾活血汤治疗。2组均治疗10天后统计疗效,比较2组治疗前后疼痛症状[分别用日本骨科学会(JOA)下腰痛评分及疼痛视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评分进行评定]及炎症因子[包括白细胞介素6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)及IL-4]水平变化情况,比较2组治疗期间不良反应发生状况。结果与本组治疗前比较,2组治疗后JOA下腰痛评分均升高(P<0.05),疼痛VAS评分均降低(P<0.05),且治疗组治疗后JOA下腰痛评分高于对照组(P<0.05),疼痛VAS评分低于对照组(P<0.05)。与本组治疗前比较,2组治疗后血清炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α水平均降低(P<0.05),IL-4水平均升高(P<0.05),且治疗组治疗后IL-6、TNF-α水平均低于对照组(P<0.05),IL-4水平高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗组不良反应总发生率4.3%(3/69),对照组不良反应总发生率7.2%(5/69),2组不良反应总发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论扶阳罐循经温推联合益肾活血汤治疗腰椎间盘突出症疗效确切,可有效改善患者疼痛症状,抑制炎症反应,临床应用安全可靠。