Surgical Management of Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis with Instrumentation at the Yaounde Central Hospital: Comparison of Unilateral versus Bilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation Combined with Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Introduction: The choice of adopting unilateral pedicle screw fixation or using bilateral pedicle screw fixation in lumbar spinal stenosis remains controversial. In our context, very few studies have been performed comparing the clinical effectiveness of unilateral versus bilateral fixation in the surgical management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Objective: Evaluate the impact on quality of life and clinical efficacy of unilateral spondylodesis compared to bilateral spondylodesis in the surgical management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis at the Yaounde Central Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study for a period of 4 years, from June 2015 to June 2019. It involved all patients operated for lumbar canal stenosis and who underwent spondylodesis or spinal fusion at the neurosurgery department of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Results: A total of 68 participants were recruited during our study period. 32 (47%) of the study population were in the 50 - 60 age group, with a mean age of 56.98 years ranging from 41 to 75 years. Females, housewives and farmers were the most affected. In our study, 72% of patients had unilateral spondylodesis and 28% had bilateral fusion. Preoperatively, 71% of patients had insurmountable pain, refractory to medical treatment. At 3 months postoperatively, 73.7% of patients with bilateral setup had moderate pain compared to 69% of those with unilateral setup. At 6 months postoperatively, 79% of patients with bilateral fusion had mild pain compared to 82% of patients with unilateral setup. At 1 year postoperatively, all patients had mild pain. Preoperatively, 66.2% of patients were unable to walk and 19.1% of patients were bedridden according to the Oswestry score. At 3 months postoperatively, 10.2% of patients with unilateral setup were unable to walk compared to 10.5% of patients with bilateral fixation, while 67.3% of patients with unilateral fixation had moderate disability compared to 52.6% of patients with bilateral fixation. At 6 months postoperatively, 51% of patients with unilateral setup had moderate disability compared to 47.4% of patients with bilateral fixation, while 42.9% of patients with unilateral fixation had mild disability compared to 42.1% of patients with bilateral fixation. At 1 year postoperatively, 81.6% of patients who underwent unilateral fixation had only mild disability compared to 73.7% of patients with bilateral fixation. Conclusion: The assessment of quality of life according to the set-up used shows similar results at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, with no statistically significant differences. Single-sided pedicle screw fixation combined with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or mounting has the advantage of being faster, with less bleeding and is less expensive compared to bilateral fixation.

Clinical Study of Applying Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Concept in Single-Segment Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Objective: With the aging population and changes in lifestyle, lumbar spinal stenosis has become a common spinal disorder. Treatment modalities have been advancing, and the application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles provides a new approach to postoperative recovery in patients. This study aims to investigate the clinical application effects of ERAS principles in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Methods: This study included 64 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery in the Spinal Surgery Department of Baise People’s Hospital from July 2022 to July 2024. These patients were divided into an experimental group (ERAS group, 33 cases) and a control group (conventional group, 31 cases) based on perioperative care, receiving ERAS principles and traditional treatment, respectively. A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of gender, age, BMI, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, hospital costs, VAS scores (preoperative/postoperative day 3), and ODI scores (preoperative/postoperative day 3). Results: There were no significant differences in gender, age, and BMI between the ERAS group and the conventional group (gender: χ2 = 0.5008, P = 0.4792;age: 54.55 ± 8.51 years vs. 57.39 ± 8.16 years, P = 0.0892;BMI: 25.11 ± 2.70 vs. 24.77 ± 2.75, P = 0.3098). However, during surgery, patients in the ERAS group had significantly less blood loss than those in the conventional group (197.58 ± 195.51ml vs. 438.71 ± 349.22 ml, P = 0.0006), and the postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (7.00 ± 2.24 days vs. 11.55 ± 5.23 days, P = 0.0000). On postoperative day 3, VAS scores were significantly better in the ERAS group compared to the conventional group (3.70 ± 0.88 vs. 4.32 ± 0.87, P = 0.0031), and the ODI scores showed significant improvement as well (46.00 ± 3.04 vs. 48.00 ± 3.39, P = 0.0078). Although there were no significant differences in postoperative complications and hospital costs (complications: 3 cases vs. 0 cases, P = 0.2154;hospital costs: 63524.29 ± 17891.80 RMB vs. 58733.84 ± 13280.82 RMB, P = 0.1154), ERAS demonstrated better postoperative recovery outcomes in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Conclusion: The study results support the implementation of ERAS principles in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery to promote rapid recovery, reduce healthcare resource consumption, and improve overall patient satisfaction.

Impact of computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging registration on rehabilitation after percutaneous endoscopic decompression for lumbar stenosis: Retrospective study

BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression(PELD)shows promise for lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)treatment,but its use is limited by the disease's complexity and procedural challenges.AIM In this study,the effects of preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance with computed tomography(CT)/magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)registration techniques on PELD for LSS and postoperative rehabilitation outcomes were evaluated.METHODS This retrospective study was conducted with data from patients who underwent PELD for LSS between January 2021 and December 2023.Patients were assigned to preoperative CT/MRI registration and control groups.Data collected included the operative time,length of hospital stay,visual analog scale(VAS)scores for low back and leg pain,and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)lumbar spine score.Differences between groups were assessed using Student’s t test.RESULTS Data from 135 patients(71 in the CT/MRI registration group,64 in the control group)were analyzed.The operative time was significantly shorter in the CT/MRI registration group(P=0.007).At 2 months postoperatively,both groups showed significant reductions in VAS leg and low back pain scores(all P<0.001)and improvements in the JOA score(both P<0.001).No complication or death occurred.Preoperatively,pain and JOA scores were similar between groups(P=0.830,P=0.470,and P=0.287,respectively).At 2 months postoperatively,patients in the CT/MRI registration group reported lower leg and low back pain levels(P<0.001 and P=0.001,respectively)and had higher JOA scores(P=0.004)than did patients in the control group.CONCLUSION Preoperative CT/MRI registration for PELD for LSS reduced the operative time and VAS pain scores at 2 months and improved JOA scores,demonstrating enhanced effectiveness and safety.

Danlu Tongdu tablets treat lumbar spinal stenosis through reducing reactive oxygen species and apoptosis by regulating CDK2/CDK4/CDKN1A expression

Lumbar spinal stenosis is caused by the compression of the nerve root or cauda equina nerve by stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal or intervertebral foramen,and is manifested as chronic low back and leg pain.Danlu Tongdu(DLTD)tablets can relieve chronic pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis,but the molecular mechanism remains largely unknown.In this study,the potential molecular mechanism of DLTD tablets in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis was first predicted by the network pharmacology method.Results showed that DLTD functions in regulating anti-oxidative,apoptosis,and inflammation signaling pathways.Furthermore,the flow cytometry results showed that DLTD tablets efficiently reduced reactive oxygen species content and inhibited rat neural stem cell apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide.DLTD also inhibited the mitochondrial membrane potential damage induced by hydrogen peroxide.Elisa analysis showed that DLTD induced cell cycle-related protein,CDK2 and CDK4,and reduced CDKN1A protein expression level.Taken together,our study provided new insights of DLTD in treating lumbar spinal stenosis through reducing reactive oxygen species content,decreasing apoptosis by inhibiting CDKN1A and promoting CDK2 and CDK4 expression levels.

Is It Safe to Perform an Autologous Epidural Blood Patch on Patients with Underlying Spinal Stenosis or Lumbar Disc Disease? Case Report and Literature Review

The most common spinal pathology seen in the obstetric population is lumbar disc herniation. There is currently no literature documenting the safety of performing an epidural blood patch on obstetric patients with underlying spinal pathology. We present a case of a patient with known severe lumbar spinal stenosis with compressive radiculopathy who received a successful epidural blood patch without worsening her underlying neurologic symptoms. Epidural blood patches can be safely performed in this patient population. However, the anesthesiologist should be aware of the risk of potentially worsening preexisting neurological deficits. Thus, we advise caution prior to placing an epidural blood patch on these patients. The risks and benefits of the procedure should be carefully weighed and considered. It is important to have a thorough discussion with the patient regarding the risks of an epidural blood patch prior to performing the procedure.

Gout: A Possible Cause of Lumbal Canal Stenosis. Cases Report in Sub-Saharan Area and Literature Review

Introduction: Gout is defined as an arthritic condition resulting from the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in and/or around joints, following long-standing hyperuricemia. This may cause gouty arthritis in joints and tophi in soft tissues. Spinal gout is rare and never mentioned in our context. It can appear as acute back pain, radiculopathy, spinal cord compression, spondylodiscitis or neoplasic/infectious epiduritis. Our aim was to share our surgical experience and proceed of a Literature review. Cases Presentation: Between January and August 2022, two patients male were surgically cared, aged of 42 and 60 years old. The gout was unknown in the youngest and poorly followed in the eldest. There was no past medical history of tuberculosis or immunodeficiency in both. The early diagnosis retained was unspecific lumbar spondylodiscitis due to clinical features: Patients complained both of lower back pain with initial fever. It was of a progressive left L5S1 deficit with erectile defect and dysuria in the first case and a progressive paraplegia without sphincter disorders in the second case. We proceeded with a lumbar laminectomy with a biopsy on both patients. The spinal tophus was ligamentous in one case and arthro-ligamentous in the other. There was a progressive motor recovery from postoperative Day-2 till postoperative Month-1. A probabilistic antituberculosis treatment was promptly initiated postoperatively based on radioclinic features while waiting for histologic proof. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was negative and the histology was of a chronic calcified osteitis with dense fibrosis in both. The anti-gout treatment was implemented after 15 days with blood test evidence. A rheumatologic follow-up was also initiated and adjuvant physio-therapy. The results were very satisfactory from 4 - 6 months with independent walking. Discussion Conclusion: Spinal Gout may be suggested in 40-male-old faced with any acute rachialgia with neuro deficit with dubious neuro-imaging.

Progress in Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring for the Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) is a group of clinical syndromes caused by thoracic spinal cord compression, which always results in severe clinical complications. The incidence of TSS is relatively low compared with lumbar spinal stenosis, while the incidence of spinal cord injury during thoracic decompression is relatively high. The reported incidence of neurological deficits after thoracic decompression reached 13.9%.Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) can timely provide information regarding the function status of the spinal cord, and help surgeons with appropriate performance during operation. This article illustrates the theoretical basis of applying IONM in thoracic decompression surgery, and elaborates on the relationship between signal changes in IONM and postoperative neurological function recovery of the spinal cord. It also introduces updated information in multimodality IONM, the factors influencing evoked potentials,and remedial measures to improve the prognosis.

Techniques of Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Comparative Study

Aim: To compare between classic open surgeries and minimally invasive surgeries in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Methods: A comparative descriptive study, involved 117 patients suffering from lumbar canal stenosis, aged between 40 - 70 years;admitted to department of Neurosurgery from March 2011 till august 2016 in King Fahad Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Study groups are consisted of group A as patients managed with classical laminectomy, group B as patients managed with endoscopic spinal procedures and group C as patients managed with microscopic decompression facilitated by the Metrex Tubular System. SPSS was used in data entry and analysis, and ethical considerations taken into consideration and participants filled the required inform consents. Results: Age of particaoncet ranged from 45 - 63 years, Mean +/&#8210;50. The degenerative canal stenosis with acute disc single level (cauda equina syndrome) was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group A;the unilateral foraminal and lateral recess stenosis without disc prolapse was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group B;while the unilateral foraminal and lateral recess stenosis without disc prolapse was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group C. Classic laminectomy and disectomy used mostly in group A;endoscopic unilateral decompression lamino-foraminotomy without discectomy used mostly in group B and bilateral microscopic laminectomy without discectomy followed by unilateral microscopic laminoforaminotomy without discectomy used mostly in group C. Mean of operation duration was the highest in both gender of group A, followed by group B, then group C. Unintended durotomy was the most common intra operative complications occurred in the whole study especially in group A. Mean of blood lost was the highest in both gender of group A, followed by group B, then group C. Postop complications in the patients of study groups were the highest in group A (33.3%), followed by group B (8.5%) and then group C (2%). Conclusion: Microscopic decompression facilitated by the Metrex Tubular System is the most effective technique of Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and the least intra-operative and post-operative complications.

Nonsurgical intervention for neuroclaudication due to lumbar spinal stenosis:Interpretation of the 2021 American Association for the Study of Pain Guidelines

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis(LSS)is the major cause of Neurogenic Claudication(NC).It is common in the elderly and has an increasing incidence.In 2021,the United States Association for the Study of Pain published new evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to provide more effective nonsurgical treatment of LSS-induced NC.Based on a thorough reading of the latest guidelines,combined with new clinical developments,and in collaboration with the 2011 North American Spine Society,NASS guidelines(hereinafter referred to as the 2011 Guidelines)were compared with the 2019 Danish Health Authority(DHA)Guidelines(hereinafter referred to as the 2019 Guidelines),and the clinical diagnosis and treatment of NC caused by LSS were reviewed and suggestions were put forward.

Surgical strategy to dural ossification of thoracic spinal stenosis

Objective To explore the surgical strategies of thoracic spinal stenosis with dural ossification.Methods One-hundred and eight patients with thoracic spinal stenosis were treated.Dural ossification was found in 29 cases during operation

Diagnosis and one stage surgical treatment of lower thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum combined with lumbar spinal stenosis

Objective To study the diagnosis and treatment of lower thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum(OLF) combined with lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods Retrospective analysis was carried out on 11 cases of lower thoracic OLF combined with

单侧双通道脊柱内镜下Sublamina入路治疗腰椎间盘突出症合并椎管狭窄的短期疗效

目的评价单侧双通道脊柱内镜(UBE)下Sublamina入路腰椎椎管减压手术,治疗椎间孔区域腰椎间盘突出症合并椎管狭窄的短期疗效。方法回顾性分析2021年10月-2022年6月该院收治的7例有典型根性症状,突出位于椎间孔区域,造成双根受压同时伴有椎管狭窄的老年患者的临床资料。其中,L4/5间隙6例,L5/S1间隙1例,平均病程(8.6±2.5)个月。所有患者均通过UBE下Sublamina入路进行治疗。结果7例患者术后下肢症状明显缓解,视觉模拟评分法(VAS)术前(8.6±1.3)分,术后2 d(2.1±1.1)分,日本骨科协会(JOA)评分术前(10.1±2.4)分,术后2 d(17.3±1.8)分,手术前后比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论UBE下Sublamina入路椎管减压手术治疗椎间孔区域腰椎间盘突出症合并椎管狭窄,临床效果满意,值得推广应用。

Spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging findings in congenital lumbar spinal stenosis

AIM: To investigate whether congenital lumbar spinal stenosis(CLSS) is associated with a specific degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. METHODS: The lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging studies of 52 subjects with CLSS and 48 control subjects were retrospectively evaluated. In each examination, the five lumbar levels were assessed for the presence or absence of circumferential or shallow annular bulges, annular tears, anterior or posterior disc herniations, epidural lipomatosis, Schmorl's nodes,spondylolisthesis, pars defects, and stress reactions of the posterior vertebral elements. RESULTS: Compared to control individuals, subjects with CLSS exhibited increased incidence of circumferential and shallow annular bulges, annular tears, discherniations and spondylolisthesis(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CLSS is associated with increased incidence of degenerative changes in specific osseous and soft-tissue elements of the lumbar spine.

Evaluation of degree of nerve root injury by dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential following lumbar spinal stenosis

BACKGROUND： Computed Tomography （CT） and Magnetic Resonance Imaging （MRI） can display the site of lumbar spinal stenosis and predict nervous compression at the morphological level; however, pure morphological changes cannot reflect functional alterations in a compressed nerve root. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential （DSEP） provides a means to assess the functional state of a nerve root. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the clinical significance of DSEP, assessing the degree of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A case-control study was performed in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hainan People＇s Hospital, China, between September 2004 and December 2007. PARTICIPANTS： Forty-seven patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis by CT or MRI were selected as the case group; fifty healthy subjects were collected as the control group. METHODS： A KEYPOINT myoelectric evoked potential apparatus （DANTEC Company, Denmark） was used to measure DSEP, and stimulative spots were determined in accordance with the skin key sensory spot standards established by The American Spinal Injury Association： L4 in the medial malleolus, L5 in the third metatarsophalangeal joint of the dorsum of foot and S1 in the lateral heel. The needle electrode used as the recording electrode was located at the Cz point of the cranium, and the reference electrode at the Fz point. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Latency of the P40 peak of DSEP, P1-N1 amplitude, P40 waveform and differentiation and disappearance of various waves. RESULTS： The sensitivity and diagnostic concurrence with surgery of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis evaluated by DSEP was 95.7 %. P40 latencies at L4, L5 and S1 in the case group were significantly longer than in the control group （P 〈 0.05）, and the P1-N1 amplitude in the case group was significantly lower than the control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Nerve root injury was categorized according to DSEP latency as follows： severe damage （disappearance of the P40 wave in 103 dermatomes）, moderate damage （prolongation of the P40 peak latency ≥ 3.0 times the standard deviation of the normal mean in 60 dermatomes） and mild damage （prolongation of the P40 peak latency ≥ 2.5 times the standard deviation of the normal mean in 31 dermatomes）. CONCLUSION： DSEP can be used to determine the severity of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis with high sensitivity and specificity.

LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS: A REVIEW OF BIOMECHANICAL STUDIES

Objective. To investigate the biomechanical aspects of etiology,pathology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and surgical treatment of the lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods’ A series of biomechanical methods, such as three-dimensional finite element models. three-dimensional kinematic measurement, cadeveric evaluation, and imaging assessment was applied to correlate lumbar biomechanics and lumbar spinal stenosis. Surgery of lumbar spinal stenosis has been improved. Results. The stresses significantly concentrate on the posterolateral part of the annulus fibrosus of disc, the posterior surface of vertebral body, the pedicle, the interarticularis and the facet joints. This trend is intensified by disc degeneration and lumbar backward extension. Posterior element resection has a definite effect upon the biomechanical behavior of lumbar vertebrae. The improved operations proved satis- factory. Conclusion. Stress concentration in the lumbar vertebrae is of importance to the etiology of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, and disc degeneration is the initial key of this process. Then these will be aggravated by backward extension. Functional radiography and myelography are of assistance to the diagnosis o f the lumbar spinal stenosis. For the surgical treatment of the lumbar spinal stenosis, destruction of the posterior element should be avoid as far as possible based upon the thorough decompression. Maintaining the lumbar spine in flexion by fusion after decompression has been proved a useful method. When developmental spinal stenosis is combined with disc herniation, discectomy through laminotomy is recommend for decompression.

Early Functional Outcome of Posterior Spinal Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis at a Tertiary Health Institution, South East Nigeria

Background: Surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis by posterior spinal decompression may be indicated if non-surgical management for the symptoms of low back and lower limbs radicular pains is unsuccessful and/or in patients with persisting or worsening neurological deficits. It has been reported to be an effective treatment modality in well selected patients. This procedure is however not without possible complications which can adversely affect the outcome of treatment in the affected patients. This prospective study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the early functional outcome of posterior spinal decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis at our health institution. Method: All patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis admitted for posterior spinal decompression and who met the inclusion criteria were recruited with their written informed consent. The patients’ pain severity and functional disability were assessed preoperatively with visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The VAS and ODI were also used to reassess the patients postoperatively, at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. All intraoperative and/or postoperative complications were documented and the results were analyzed. Results: The patients’ mean preoperative lower back pain and leg pain VAS score was 8.26 ± 1.46 while the mean preoperative ODI was 62.4% ±13.56. The commonest combination of spinal decompressive procedure done in the patients was laminectomy + foraminotomy in 10 (25% patients). The most common decompressed spinal level was L4/L5 (89.7%);while almost equal number of patients had either one spinal level or two-spinal level decompression (43.6% and 46.1% respectively). Postoperative pain assessment showed a mean VAS of 3.79 ± 1.15, 2.55 ± 1.27 and 2.00 ± 1.41 at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks respectively (p = 0.000). Functional outcome assessment with ODI was 34% ± 11.79%, 24% ± 10.75% and 18.12% ± 10.61% at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks respectively (p = 0.000). The commonest surgical complication seen was dura tear which occurred in nine patients (23.1%). Conclusion: There was significant reduction in low back and radicular pains with consequent functional improvement in majority of the patients who had posterior spinal decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis at our health institution. There were few complications of which dura tear was the commonest.

Simulation of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Using the Finite Element Method

Lumbar spine stenosis(LSS)is a narrowing of the spinal canal that results in pressure on the spinal nerves.This orthopedic disorder can cause severe pain and dysfunction.LSS is a common disabling problem amongst elderly people.In this paper,we developed a finite element model(FEM)to study the forces and the von Mises stress acting on the spine when people bend down.An artificial lumbar spine(L3)was generated from CT data by using the FEM,which is a powerful tool to study biomechanics.The proposed model is able to predict the effect of forces which apply to the lumbar spine.In addition,FEM allows us to investigate the tests into the lumbar spine instead of applying the tests to the real spine in humans.The proposed model is highly accurate and provides precise information about the lumbar spine(L3).We investigate the behavior of humans in daily life which effects to the lumbar spine in a normal person and a patient with LSS.The computational results revealed high displacement levels around the spinal canal and lower displacement levels in the spinal body when bending down.The total displacement of the axial load in a normal person was higher when compared with patients with LSS.Higher degree bends resulted in a lower total displacement when compared with lower degree bends,while the von Mises stress decreased as the bending degree increased.

Severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with Guillain-Barrésyndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Guillain-Barrésyndrome(GBS)is a rare disorder that typically presents with ascending weakness,pain,paraesthesias,and numbness,which mimic the findings in lumbar spinal stenosis.Here,we report a case of severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with GBS.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old man with a history of lumbar spinal stenosis presented to our emergency department with severe lower back pain and lower extremity numbness.Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of severe lumbar spinal stenosis.However,his symptoms did not improve postoperatively and he developed dysphagia and upper extremity numbness.An electromyogram was performed.Based on his symptoms,physical examination,and electromyogram,he was diagnosed with GBS.After 5 d of intravenous immunoglobulin(0.4 g/kg/d for 5 d)therapy,he gained 4/5 of strength in his upper and lower extremities and denied paraesthesias.He had regained 5/5 of strength in his extremities when he was discharged and had no symptoms during follow-up.CONCLUSION GBS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal disorder,even though magnetic resonance imaging shows severe lumbar spinal stenosis.This case highlights the importance of a careful diagnosis when a patient has a history of a disease and comes to the hospital with the same or similar symptoms.

Epidural pressure measurement using a fiber-optic sensor(proof-of-principle in vivo animal trial)

Background:An increase in epidural pressure around the stenosis has been observed in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)with positive signs of sedimentation or redundant nerve roots.Further analysis of the pressure conditions in the stenotic area would be of great interest.We hypothesized that it would be possible to determine the physiological parameters of the epidural pulse wave and its course in pathological stenosis as a basis for objective identification of LSS based on pressure using a new measuring method with continuous spatial and temporal resolution.Methods:We performed a single-case proof-of-principle in vivo animal trial and used a newly developed hybrid pressure-measurement probe with a fiber-tip Fabry-Pérot interferometer and several fiber Bragg gratings(FBG).Results:With reproducible precision,we determined the mean epidural pressure to be 7.5 mmHg and the peak-to-peak value to be 4-5 mmHg.When analyzing the pres-sure measured by an FBG array,both the heart and respiratory rates can be precisely determined.This study was the first to measure the pulse wave velocity of the cer-ebrospinal fluid pressure wave as 0.97 m/s using the newly developed pressure probe.A simulated LSS was detected in real time and located exactly.Conclusions:The developed fiber-optic pressure sensor probe enables a new objec-tive measurement of epidural pressure.We confirmed our hypothesis that physiologi-cal parameters of the epidural pulse wave can be determined and that it is possible to identify an LSS.

Factors that influence the results of indirect decompression employing oblique lumbar interbody fusion

BACKGROUND Indirect decompression is one of the potential benefits of anterior reconstruction in patients with spinal stenosis.On the other hand,the reported rate of revision surgery after indirect decompression highlights the necessity of working out prediction models for the radiographic results of indirect decompression with assessing their clinical relevance.AIM To assess factors that influence radiographic and clinical results of the indirect decompression in patients with stenosis of the lumbar spine.METHODS This study is a single-center cross-sectional evaluation of 80 consecutive patients(17 males and 63 females)with lumbar spinal stenosis combined with the instability of the lumbar spinal segment.Patients underwent single level or bisegmental spinal instrumentation employing oblique lumbar interbody fusion(OLIF)with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.Radiographic results of the indirect decompression were assessed using computerized tomography,while MacNab scale was used to assess clinical results.RESULTS After indirect decompression employing anterior reconstruction using OLIF,the statistically significant increase in the disc space height,vertebral canal square,right and left lateral canal depth were detected(Р<0.0001).The median(M)relative vertebral canal square increase came toМ=24.5%with 25%-75%quartile border(16.3%;33.3%)if indirect decompression was achieved by restoration of the segment height.In patients with the reduction of the upper vertebrae slip,the median of the relative increase in vertebral canal square accounted for 49.5%with 25%-75%quartile border(2.35;99.75).Six out of 80 patients(7.5%)presented with unsatisfactory results because of residual nerve root compression.The critical values for lateral recess depth and vertebral canal square that were associated with indirect decompression failure were 3 mm and 80 mm2 respectively.CONCLUSION Indirect decompression employing anterior reconstruction is achieved by the increase in disc height along the posterior boarder and reduction of the slipped vertebrae in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis.Vertebral canal square below 80 mm2 and lateral recess depth less than 3 mm are associated with indirect decompression failures that require direct microsurgical decompression.