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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.……

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.

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).

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.

OUTCOME OF POSTEROLATERAL FUSION VERSUS CIRCUMFERENTIAL FUSION WITH CAGE FOR LUMBAR STENOSIS AND LOW DEGREE LUMBAR SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Objective To evaluate the outcome of two methods for stabilization and fusion: posterolateral fusion and circumferential fusion involving posterior lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar stenosis with Grades 1 and 2 lumbar spondylolisthesis.Methods From April 1998 to April 2003, 45 patients suffering from lumbar stenosis with low degree lumbar spondylolisthesis treated in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed and assigned to two groups.Among them, 24 patients (group A) were treated with instrumented posterolateral fusion and 21 patients (group B) with instrumented circumferential fusion.The two groups were compared for clinical and radiological outcomes.Results All patients were followed up for 12 to 72 months.In group A, results showed preoperative clinical symptoms disappeared completely in 12 of 24 patients, and pain relief was seen in 91.7% (22/24).Two cases suffered from residual symptoms.Twenty-two cases obtained complete reduction of olisthy vertebral bodies, and anatomical reduction rate was 91.7%.No infection or neurological complication occurred in this group.In group B, results showed preoperative clinical symptoms disappeared completely in 13 of 21 patients, and pain relief was seen in 90.5% (19/21).One case suffered from residual symptoms.Twenty cases obtained complete reduction of the olisthy vertebral bodies, and anatomical reduction rate was 95.2%.Four cases of infection or neurological complication occurred in this group.Both groups indicated no significant difference in clinical outcomes and anatomical reduction rate during follow-up.But group A had better intraoperative circumstances and postoperative outcome than group B, while group B had better postoperative parameters in X-ray of Angle of Slipping and Disc Index than group A.Conclusions The first choice of surgical method for lumbar stenosis with low degree lumbar spondylolisthesis is instrumented posterolateral fusion.Only when patients suffer from severe preoperative disc degeneration and low back pain or intervertebral instability should we consider indications for additional use of CAGE.

Effects of lumbar sagittal balance remodeling on natural absorption after lumbar disc herniation

Objective:To explore the influence of the changes of sagittal balance index of lumbar spine on the natural absorption after lumbar disc rupture and protrusion.Methods:From August 2016 to August 2017,64 patients with ruptured lumbar disc herniation and treated with natural absorption in our hospital were selected as the research subjects.According to the size of the herniated discs after 2 years,the subjects were divided into the reabsorption lumbar disc herniation group(group 1,2,3,and 4)and the non-reabsorption group(group 0).The pelvic incidence angle(PI),the sacral slope(SS),the pelvic tilting(PT),and the lumbar lordosis(LL)were measured and compared at the time of admission and 2 years after follow-up.Results:There were no significant differences in the PI value and the change of PI value during the entry and re-examination of different groups.There was no significant difference in the PT,SS,and LL values among the patients in each group;At the time of reexamination,the PT had a decreasing trend and the SS and LL had an increasing trend.With the increase of the patient's score,the changes in PT,SS,and LL values showed an increasing trend.Conclusion:The PT,SS and LL values of patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation had significant changes before and after treatment.Changes in the sagittal balance index of the lumbar spine were important factors affecting the natural absorption of lumbar disc herniation.

THE EFFECT OF POSTERIOR ELEMENT RESECTION ON THE STRESS DISTRIBUTION IN THE LUMBAR SPINEA

A three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar motion segment was used to predict the stress distribution in lumbar spine with posterior element resection. It was shown that the stress level in all parts of the lumbar spine was elevated although the stress distribution remained unchanged. The authors concluded that the posterior element resection in lumbar surgery should be avoided as much as possible.

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.

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.

椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症临床观察

目的探讨应用椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症的临床效果。方法 2007年1月—2011年9月对32例复发性腰椎间盘突出症采用后路全椎板减压髓核摘除+椎弓根螺钉内固定+自体骨椎间植骨融合术进行治疗,以Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)评定术后疗效。结果本组均获随访,随访时间为6～12个月,平均7.8个月。临床疗效:优27例,良3例,可2例,优良率为93.8%。术前ODI为(42.2±7.3)%,术后终末随访ODI为(6.8±2.9)%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。无神经损伤等并发症发生。结论椎弓根螺钉内固定术是治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症较合适的术式,进行良好减压的同时可重建腰椎稳定性。

Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation through the pedicle of fractured vertebra in the treatment of type A thoracolumbar fractures using Sextant system： an analysis of 38 cases

Objective： To prospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation through the pedicle of fractured vertebra in the treatment of type A thoracolumbar fractures using Sextant system in the retrospective non-randomized case-control study. Methods： Atotal of 38 consecutive non-randomized patients with type A thoracolumbar fractures, which had been stabilized posteriorly from December 2006 to March 2009, were examined retrospectively more than 9 months after surgery. Twenty-one patients had been treated conventionally with open pedicle screw fixation （OPSF） and 17 patients received minimally invasive treatment with Sextant percutaneous pedicle screw fixation （SPPSF）. As a method of evaluation, the incision size, the intraoperation and post- operative volume of blood loss, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, blood transfusion, the radiological assessment of the sagittal Cobb＇s angle, vertebral body angle and vertebral body height were recorded and compared. Results： All patients were followed up for 8-24 months （average 11.6 months）. There were significant differences in the incision size, surgical blood loss, surgical draining Joss, operation time, hospital stay after operation, blood transfusion, the proportion of antalgic supplement and postoperative incisional VAS between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Mean preoperative kyphotic deformity was 16.0° and improved by 9.3° after surgery in OPSF group, but 15.2° and 10.3° respectively in SPPSF group. Mean preoperative angle of the fractured vertebral body was 15.9°and improved by 7.9° after surgery in OPSF group, but 14.9° and 6.6° respectively in SPPSF group. Mean anterior vertebral body height （% of normal） was 67.3% before surgery and 95.8% after surgery, but 69.1% and 90.1% respectively in SPPSF group. Mean posterior vertebral body height （% of normal） was 93.3% before surgery and 99.5% after surgery, but 88.9% and 93.3% respectively in SPPSF group. Among the patients whose 9-month follow-up films were available, 3.0° ofkyphosis correction was lost in OPSF group, but 3.2° in SPPSF group. And 1.0°of the angle of the fractured vertebral body correction was lost in OPSF group, but 1.5°in SPPSF group. Then 3.0% of the anterior vertebral body height correction was lost in OPSF group, but 2.2% in SPPSF group. And 3.0% of the posterior vertebral body height correction was lost in OPSF group, but 2.5% in SPPSF group. The sagittal Cobb＇s angle, vertebral body angle and anterior height of the fractured vertebra were all significantly different in each group before and after operation （P〈0.05）. There were no significant differences in the postoperative sagittal Cobb＇s angle, vertebral body angle and the improvement of the vertebral body height and the kyphotic deformity correction between OPSF and SPPSF groups （P〉0.05）, but there was significant difference in the postoperative anterior height of the fractured vertebra between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The percutaneous pedicle screw fixation through the pedicle of fractured vertebra using Sextant system is a good minimally-invasive surgical therapeutic choice for patients with type A thoracolumbar fracture except for that the SPPSF has a little insufficiency in resuming the anterior height of the fractured vertebra compared with OPSF.

Comparison of biomechanical effect between oblique Ban-pulling manipulation and lumbar erection-rotation manipulation in sitting position for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

Objective： To compare the biomechanical effects between oblique Ban-pulling manipulation and lumbar erection-rotation manipulation in sitting position in treating lumbar intervertebral disc herniation （LIDH）. Methods： A three-dimensional finite element model of L3-S1 was developed to carry out a comparative study between oblique Ban-pulling manipulation and lumbar erection and rotation manipulation in sitting position. The disc protrusion was assumed to be on the rear left of L4 disc, and the manipulations were performed on the right side. The loading process was simulated by two steps, in the first step, only the compression loading was imposed, and in the second step, both the compression loading and axial rotation moment were imposed. The displacement and stress distribution in L4 disc were investigated. Results： The values of stress and displacement in the second step were lower than those in the first step in each manipulation. The stress and displacement differences between the two steps were respectively 1.79 times and 3.03 times larger in oblique Ban-pulling manipulation than those in lumbar erection-rotation manipulation in sitting position. Conclusion： Oblique Ban-pulling manipulation may result in a better biomechanical effect than lumbar erection-rotation manipulation in sitting position for LIDH.