Semantic Segmentation of Lumbar Vertebrae Using Meijering U-Net(MU-Net)on Spine Magnetic Resonance Images

Lower back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the world and it is experienced by a huge percentage of people everywhere.Due to its ability to produce a detailed view of the soft tissues,including the spinal cord,nerves,intervertebral discs,and vertebrae,Magnetic Resonance Imaging is thought to be the most effective method for imaging the spine.The semantic segmentation of vertebrae plays a major role in the diagnostic process of lumbar diseases.It is difficult to semantically partition the vertebrae in Magnetic Resonance Images from the surrounding variety of tissues,including muscles,ligaments,and intervertebral discs.U-Net is a powerful deep-learning architecture to handle the challenges of medical image analysis tasks and achieves high segmentation accuracy.This work proposes a modified U-Net architecture namely MU-Net,consisting of the Meijering convolutional layer that incorporates the Meijering filter to perform the semantic segmentation of lumbar vertebrae L1 to L5 and sacral vertebra S1.Pseudo-colour mask images were generated and used as ground truth for training the model.The work has been carried out on 1312 images expanded from T1-weighted mid-sagittal MRI images of 515 patients in the Lumbar Spine MRI Dataset publicly available from Mendeley Data.The proposed MU-Net model for the semantic segmentation of the lumbar vertebrae gives better performance with 98.79%of pixel accuracy(PA),98.66%of dice similarity coefficient(DSC),97.36%of Jaccard coefficient,and 92.55%mean Intersection over Union(mean IoU)metrics using the mentioned dataset.

56 CASES OF DISTURBANCE IN SMALL ARTICULATIONS OF THE LUMBAR VERTEBRAE TREATED BY PUNCTURING THE EFFECTIVE POINTS -A New System of Acupuncture

In this series,he patients with disturb-ance of small articulations of the lumbarvertebrae were treated by puncturing the ef-fective points and reduction by manual trac-tion with satisfactory results,the cure ratebeing 39.3％,the markedly effective rate28.6％,with a total effective rate 98.3％.This method is simple and easy to master,and highly effective.Therefore it is very ac-ceptable to the patients.It is a very excellenttherapeutic method for disturbance of smallarticulations of the lumbar vertebrae,some-times complicated by acute lumbar sprainand chronic lumbar strain.

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.

Quantitative trait loci for the number of vertebrae on Sus scrofa chromosomes 1 and 7 independently influence the numbers of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in pigs

Although quantitative trait loci（QTLs） for number of thoracic-lumbar vertebrae have been identified on Sus scrofa chromosomes（SSCs） 1 and 7, the influence of these QTLs on the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae is not clear. The aim of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms（SNPs） associated with total number of thoracic-lumbar vertebrae and for each trait（number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae） separately. A total of 581 individuals from an F2 Large White×Minzhu population were genotyped using an SNP60 K chip. Performing a genome-wide association study（GWAS） for total number of thoracic-lumbar vertebrae, 38 significant SNPs were identified in two QTL regions located on SSC1 and SSC7. Performing a GWAS for number of thoracic vertebrae only, 72 significant SNPs were located on SSC7. While performing a GWAS for number of lumbar vertebrae only, 17 significant SNPs were identified on SSC1. Gene mining suggested that the gene encoding orphan nuclear receptor, germ cell nuclear factor（NR6A1） on SSC1 was a strong candidate affecting the number of lumbar vertebrae in pigs. Additionally, genes encoding vertnin（VRTN）, prospero homeobox 2（PROX2）, Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog（FOS）, and transforming growth factor beta 3（TGFB3） may be important candidates affecting the number of thoracic vertebrae in pigs. QTLs on SSC1 and SSC7 independently influenced the numbers of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. These results shed light on the complex genetic background of vertebrae development in pigs.

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

Reduction of epinephrine in the lumbar spinal cord following repetitive blast-induced traumatic brain injury in rats

Traumatic brain inju ry-induced unfavorable outcomes in human patients have independently been associated with dysregulated levels of monoamines,especially epinephrine,although few preclinical studies have examined the epinephrine level in the central nervous system after traumatic brain injury.Epinephrine has been shown to regulate the activities of spinal motoneurons as well as increase the heart rate,blood pressure,and blood flow to the hindlimb muscles.Therefore,the purpose of the present study was to determine the impact of repeated blast-induced traumatic brain injury on the epinephrine levels in seve ral function-s pecific central nervous system regions in rats.Following three repeated blast injuries at 3-day intervals,the hippocampus,motor cortex,locus coeruleus,vestibular nuclei,and lumbar spinal cord were harvested at post-injury day eight and processed for epinephrine assays using a high-sensitive electrochemical detector cou pled with high-performance liquid chromatography.Our results showed that the epinephrine levels were significantly decreased in the lumbar spinal cord tissues of blast-induced traumatic brain injury animals compared to the levels detected in age-and sex-matched sham controls.In other function-specific central nervous system regions,although the epinephrine levels were slightly altered following blast-induced tra u matic brain injury,they were not statistically significant.These results suggest that blast injury-induced significant downregulation of epinephrine in the lumbar spinal cord could negatively impact the motor and cardiovascular function.This is the first repo rt to show altered epinephrine levels in the spinal cord following repetitive mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury.

使用椎弓根钉固定的PLF和PLIF的生物力学比较

目的比较在失稳腰椎使用椎弓根钉固定的侧后方融合和经后路椎体间融合的生物力学效果.方法 10具L3～S1人新鲜尸体腰椎标本用于实验.完整脊柱测试后,于L4,5后方行连续性破坏,并用椎弓根钉固定(PS)和椎体间cage行以下各脊柱重建组:①完整脊柱及PS组.②两侧关节突关节内侧切除及PS组.③两侧关节突关节完全切除及PS组.④椎间盘部分切除及PS组.⑤椎间盘部分切除及PS/cage组.各组分别行载荷量6 Nm的前后屈曲实验,记录并比较固定椎间L4,5的刚度值、L4椎弓根钉的折曲应变量、及上位相邻关节L3,4的运动范围(ROM).结果固定椎间L4,5的刚度值:椎间盘部分切除及PS以外的所有重建组的脊柱刚度均显著大于完整脊柱组,椎间盘部分切除及PS/cage组的脊柱刚度显著大于其他固定组.L4螺钉的折曲应变量:椎间盘部分切除及PS组L4螺钉折曲应变量显著大于其他固定组,而椎间盘部分切除及PS/cage的螺钉应变量在所有重建组中最小.L3,4的ROM:与完整脊柱相比,所有重建组都显著增大了L3,4的ROM.更重要的是椎间盘部分切除及PS/cage组的ROM明显大于单纯PS组.结论若脊柱前方承载能力尚存,使用PS的侧后方融合可获得足够的力学稳定性.在此情况下,椎体间融合会进一步加大相邻关节的活动范围,故不应使用.当脊柱前方丧失其承载能力,单纯PS的脊柱刚度低,椎弓根钉的应力显著增大.对此种病例,cage的使用可增加重建脊柱的初期稳定性,有利于降低后方固定器械的应力.

The Clinical Observation of 80 Patients with Diseases of Lumbar Vertebrae Treated by Reinforcing and Reducing Methods of Mani

ＴｈｅＣｌｉｎｉｃａｌＯｂｓｅｒｖａｔｉｏｎｏｆ８０ＰａｔｉｅｎｔｓｗｉｔｈＤｉｓｅａｓｅｓｏｆＬｕｍｂａｒＶｅｒｔｅｂｒａｅＴｒｅａｔｅｄｂｙＲｅｉｎｆｏｒｃｉｎｇａｎｄＲｅｄｕｃｉｎｇＭｅｔｈｏｄｓｏｆＭａｎｉｐｕｌａｔｉｏｎＳｅｌｅｃｔｅｄＣｏ...

Management of lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint pain

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic validity and therapeutic value of lumbar facet joint interventions in managing chronic low back pain.METHODS: The review process applied systematic evidence-based assessment methodology of controlled trials of diagnostic validity and randomized controlled trials of therapeutic efficacy. Inclusion criteria encompassed all facet joint interventions performed in a controlled fashion. The pain relief of greater than 50% was the outcome measure for diagnostic accuracy assessment of the controlled studies with ability to perform previously painful movements, whereas, for randomized controlled therapeutic efficacy studies, the primary outcome was significant pain relief and the secondary outcome was a positive change in functional status. For the inclusion of the diagnostic controlled studies, all studies must have utilized either placebo controlled facet joint blocks or comparative local anesthetic blocks. In assessing therapeutic interventions, short-term and long-term reliefs were defined as either up to 6 mo or greater than 6 mo of relief. The literature search was extensive utilizing various types of electronic search media including Pub Med from 1966 onwards, Cochrane library, National Guideline Clearinghouse, clinicaltrials.gov, along with other sources includingprevious systematic reviews, non-indexed journals, and abstracts until March 2015. Each manuscript included in the assessment was assessed for methodologic quality or risk of bias assessment utilizing the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies checklist for diagnostic interventions, and Cochrane review criteria and the Interventional Pain Management Techniques- Quality Appraisal of Reliability and Risk of Bias Assessment tool for therapeutic interventions. Evidence based on the review of the systematic assessment of controlled studies was graded utilizing a modified schema of qualitative evidence with best evidence synthesis, variable from level Ⅰ to level Ⅴ.RESULTS: Across all databases, 16 high quality diagnostic accuracy studies were identified. In addition, multiple studies assessed the influence of multiple factors on diagnostic validity. In contrast to diagnostic validity studies, therapeutic efficacy trials were limited to a total of 14 randomized controlled trials, assessing the efficacy of intraarticular injections, facet or zygapophysial joint nerve blocks, and radiofrequency neurotomy of the innervation of the facet joints. The evidence for the diagnostic validity of lumbar facet joint nerve blocks with at least 75% pain relief with ability to perform previously painful movements was level Ⅰ, based on a range of level Ⅰ to Ⅴ derived from a best evidence synthesis. For therapeutic interventions, the evidence was variable from level Ⅱ to Ⅲ, with level Ⅱ evidence for lumbar facet joint nerve blocks and radiofrequency neurotomy for long-term improvement(greater than 6 mo), and level Ⅲ evidence for lumbosacral zygapophysial joint injections for short-term improvement only.CONCLUSION: This review provides significant evidence for the diagnostic validity of facet joint nerve blocks, and moderate evidence for therapeutic radiofrequency neurotomy and therapeutic facet joint nerve blocks in managing chronic low back pain.

Technique of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy is a minimally invasive surgery with little pain, less blood loss, less hospital stay and the surgery can be done in local anesthesia, which was started during late 20th century. Kambin and Gellmann in 1973 in the United States and Hijikata in Japanin 1977 individually preformed posterolateral percutaneous nucleotomy for the resection of the nucleus pulposus and release of compressed exiting nerve root, which is now spreading through the world and many surgeons are developing their skill but it needs experience and patience for successful outcomes. Along with advanced instruments now the surgery can be performed only giving a small skin incision of 8 - 10 mm and is as effective as the conventional method of surgery and open microdiscectomy surgery for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. In this review, we are explaining the technique of minimally invasive Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy surgery along its advantages and complications which can be encountered while performing this technique.

Combined Sciatic-Lumbar Plexus Block with General Anesthesia: Efficacy in Preventing Tourniquet-Induced Hemodynamic Changes

Background: Pneumatic arterial tourniquet is a utilized strategy in limb surgeries to provide bloodless field to facilitate surgical procedure. Be that as it may, arterial tourniquet has numerous injurious impacts including hemodynamic changes and tourniquet-induced pain which sometimes can be severe and intolerable. Objectives: Our primary aim was to assess the impact of performing “Lumbar Plexus Block and sciatic nerve block” with General Anesthesia (GA) on the degree of arterial tourniquet-induced hemodynamic effects. On the other hand, our secondary aims were: amount of postoperative analgesic prerequisites, patient satisfactory score and documented side effects. Settings and Design: Ain Shams University, Orthopedic operating theatre;a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Methods and Material: The physical status of 50 patients (both sexes) including I and II patients from American Society of Anesthesiologists, whose ages are from 20 - 40 years, is not so ideal when they are undergoing elective knee Arthroscopy. The duration lasts no more than ninety minutes under GA with application of tourniquet. Patients were allotted haphazardly to one of two groups. In Group C (Control group): Only GA. In Group B: LPB and sciatic nerve block were performed just before GA administration. Intraoperative hemodynamics was recorded at specific timings. Results: Incidence of tourniquet induced hypertension (TIH) was markedly less with Group B at: forty five, sixty, seventy five mins after tourniquet inflation and just before tourniquet deflation. Also, the total ketorolac consumption during first 24 hours of postoperative period was significantly less with Group B (p Conclusions: Combined Sciatic-Lumbar plexus blocks when combined with general anesthesia were very effective in attenuating TIH.

胸腰段脊柱侧前方改良入路的临床应用

目的:探索胸腰段脊柱侧前方新型入路。方法:研究胸、腰段层次解剖的差别及复杂肌肉走行、毗邻和神经支配关系,汲取既往入路的各自优点,设计了独特的“┓”形切口、改良的“胸膜外 腹膜后”入路。新型入路由同一手术组医生操作,临床应用2 6例胸腰段疾患,均行减压、植骨及Z形钛钢板内固定。结果:手术时间75～180min ,平均135min ,输血量2 0 0～80 0ml,平均4 2 3ml。术中无一例胸膜破裂,术后摄片示矫形优良,矢状位指数(sagittalindex ,SI)术后平均矫正10 3°,内固定物植入无一错误,无胸腔积液、深部感染,无脊髓损伤加重,术后恢复快。2 6例患者中13例获随访8～34个月,未见腰背肌肉失神经表现,内植物无失败,脊髓损伤Frankel分级提高至少1级占83. 2 % (10 / 12 )。摄片或CT扫描示融合成功,无假关节形成。随访期间SI轻度丢失1°～5°,平均2 5°。结论:新型“┓”形切口改良入路适应证广(T11- L2 ) ,技术难度低,损伤小,出血少,暴露充分,利于操作,手术时间缩短,还能避免加重脊髓、神经根及胸膜损伤,值得推广。

后路椎体间融合治疗腰椎滑脱症对腰椎生理前凸的影响

目的探讨后路椎弓根螺钉内固定加椎体间BAK融合手术治疗低度(Ⅰ～Ⅱ度)腰椎滑脱症的临床与放射学结果的变化.方法行椎弓根螺钉内固定加椎体间融合器BAK融合者共26例.峡部不连性18例,退变性8例.L4滑脱14例、L5滑脱12例.测量所有患者的术前、术后、最后一次随访的站立位侧位x线片,测量项目包括腰椎曲线指数(index of 1umbarspinal curvature,LCI)、L4、5、L5S1节段前凸角、全腰椎前凸角.结果排除1例未融合数据,术后融合节段的节段前凸角明显改善,且经随访后无明显丢失.术前、术后、随访时全腰椎前凸角与LCI的差别无显著性意义.结论后路椎弓根螺钉内固定加椎体间BAK融合治疗腰椎滑脱症可以有效改善并维持腰椎的正常生理曲线.

椎间融合器在腰椎滑脱症手术治疗中的应用

目的通过对36例腰椎滑脱使用Cage治疗的临床分析,探讨其在腰椎滑脱中的治疗作用。方法36例采用后路椎管减压Cage椎间融合器联合椎弓根螺钉系统作为治疗组,30例采用单纯椎弓根螺钉内固定后外侧植骨融合作为对照组,对比两者的疗效。结果治疗组平均随访24个月,对照组平均随访27个月,治疗组与对照组比较具有以下优势:①在术后、最终随访时能明显增加腰椎的椎间隙高度、相对椎间隙高度、复位率,降低滑脱率;②明显提高术后1、2年骨性融合率、降低断钉率;③明显提高术后JOA评分。结论椎间融合器在腰椎滑脱症手术治疗中具有能有效增大椎间隙高度、提高融合率、降低断钉率、有效复位、改善症状,保持节段稳定性的优点,不失为一种比较理想的治疗腰椎滑脱症的手术方式,且疗效满意。

经腹穿刺L_5/S_1椎间盘切吸术

目的：探索对L5／S1椎间盘严重中央型、中央旁型突出或／和突出并迁移的有效治疗新途径，扩展介入治疗的适应症范围。材料与方法：通过对人体解剖动物实验和影像对照研究，自制和改良介入器械，采用消化道造影和下腹穿刺点加压法，经腹穿刺L5／S1椎间盘前部纤维环，建立通道行椎间盘切吸术。结果：本组32例，经腹椎间盘切吸均获成功，1例术中发生小肠损伤（穿孔），近中期显效率81．2％。结论：本疗法患者体位舒适，可避免腰肌和神经根损伤，术中钳端可行多角度钳取而且可穿过纤维环钳取椎管和椎间孔内之迁移椎间盘组织，具有损伤少，痛苦少，恢复快等优点，为发病率高的L5／S1椎间盘突出症提供了一种新的介入治疗途径。

Regional anesthesia for orthopedic procedures:What orthopedic surgeons need to know

Regional anesthesia is an integral component of successful orthopedic surgery.Neuraxial anesthesia is commonly used for surgical anesthesia while peripheral nerve blocks are often used for postoperative analgesia.Patient evaluation for regional anesthesia should include neurological,pulmonary,cardiovascular,and hematological assessments.Neuraxial blocks include spinal,epidural,and combined spinal epidural.Upper extremity peripheral nerve blocks include interscalene,supraclavicular,infraclavicular,and axillary.Lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks include femoral nerve block,saphenous nerve block,sciatic nerve block,iPACK block,ankle block and lumbar plexus block.The choice of regional anesthesia is a unanimous decision made by the surgeon,the anesthesiologist,and the patient based on a risk-benefit assessment.The choice of the regional block depends on patient cooperation,patient positing,operative structures,operative manipulation,tourniquet use and the impact of postoperative motor blockade on initiation of physical therapy.Regional anesthesia is safe but has an inherent risk of failure and a relatively low incidence of complications such as local anesthetic systemic toxicity(LAST),nerve injury,falls,hematoma,infection and allergic reactions.Ultrasound should be used for regional anesthesia procedures to improve the efficacy and minimize complications.LAST treatment guidelines and rescue medications(intralipid)should be readily available during the regional anesthesia administration.

合并内科病老年腰椎间盘突出症微创开窗手术

目的 探讨合并内科病的老年腰椎间盘突出症的手术治疗方法. 方法回顾分析2000年1月-2009年3月手术治疗60岁以上且合并内科疾病的老年腰椎间盘突出症56例,手术方法采用小切口椎板间有限开窗髓核摘除,或加侧隐窝扩大术. 结果随访6个月～2年,大部分病人术后恢复理想,优良率达94.3%.结论 对于合并内科病的老年腰椎间盘突出症,采用小切口椎板间有限开窗髓核摘除,或加侧隐窝扩大术,手术创伤小,时间短,操作便捷,术后卧床时间短,恢复快,值得临床推广.

用颈长肌重建预防颈前路植骨块滑脱的临床应用

目的:探讨颈长肌重建对颈椎前路手术并发症的预防作用.方法:将颈椎病确诊病例分为实验组126例和对照组128例.对照组病例采用颈椎前路减压、植骨和/或钢板内固定术.实验组病例在完成上述手术之后,利用两种方法使颈长肌瓣重建植骨块或钢板表面.两组病例术后均获得随访,并将两组术后疗效及手术并发症的随访结果进行统计学分析.结果:两组术后随访0.5～6年,平均3.5年.根据Odom评分标准,对两组术后临床疗效进行评价,经统计学分析,P＞0.05,说明两组术后疗效无明显差异.而对两组病例术后并发症的统计学分析,P＜0.05,两组有统计学意义,表明颈长肌重建可以减少术后并发症的发生.结论:颈长肌重建是预防颈椎前路手术并发症的一种有效方法.

青年非创伤性颈椎生理弧度异常的病因及机理探讨

目的:探讨青年出现非创伤性颈椎生理弧度异常的可能病因和机理。方法:收集门诊非创伤性颈椎生理弧度异常的青年患者123例,通过询问病史和体格检查,了解职业类别、工作生活环境、睡眠姿势和枕头高度、每天低头时间的长短和每次低头时间长短等情况。同时在颈椎侧位片上测量颈椎弓深,以评价颈椎生理弧度异常的严重程度。结果:青年颈椎弓深与每天低头时间、每次低头持续时间、工作生活环境、睡眠枕头高度等存在密切相关性。结论:青年非创伤性颈椎生理弧度异常与职业性质、工作环境、生活习惯等有关,颈椎动力性平衡系统失调是导致青年非创伤性颈椎生理弧度异常的主要机理之一。