Clinical Study of Accelerated Rehabilitation Concept Combined with Tianji Robot-Assisted Surgery in Lumbar Degenerative Diseases

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of two surgical methods for lumbar degenerative diseases;the combination of the concept of accelerated rehabilitation with the assistance of Tianji Robotics and the concept of accelerated rehabilitation combined with manual pedicle screw placement assisted by conventional C-arm fluoroscopy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 70 patients who received the concept of accelerated rehabilitation combined with spinal surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases in Baise People’s Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024. Among them, 35 patients in the robot group received accelerated rehabilitation concept combined with robot-assisted surgery;In the conventional C-arm group, 35 patients received the accelerated rehabilitation concept combined with manual pedicle screw placement assisted by conventional C-arm fluoroscopy. VAS score (preoperative/postoperative), ODI score (preoperative/postoperative), intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications and the accuracy rate of screw placement were compared between the two groups. Result: There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative VAS scores between the robot group and the conventional C-arm group (6.45 ± 0.82 VS 6.63 ± 0.81, P = 0.6600). The postoperative VAS score of the robot group was better than that of the conventional C-arm group (1.69 ± 0.80 VS 2.45 ± 0.85, P = 0.0000*). There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative ODI scores between the robot group and the conventional C-arm group (32.11 ± 3.18 VS 31.66 ± 2.25, P = 0.4900). The postoperative ODI score of the robot group was better than that of the conventional C-arm group (22.68 ± 1.94 VS 24.57 ± 2.25, P = 0.0000*). The postoperative complications in the robot group were less than those in the conventional C-arm group (2.7778% VS 28.5724%, P = 0.0030*). The intraoperative bleeding in the robot group was lower than that in the conventional C-arm group (320.85 ± 276.28 VS 490.00 ± 395.34, P = 0.0420*). The postoperative hospital stay of the robot group was shorter than that of the conventional C-arm group (10.00 ± 9.32 VS 14.49 ± 7.55, P = 0.0300*). The screw placement inaccuracy score of the robot group was lower than that of the conventional C-arm group (0.17 ± 0.51 VS 1.45 ± 1.46, P = 0.0000*). Conclusion: The combination of the concept of accelerated rehabilitation and Tianji Orthopedic robot-assisted surgery is more effective and safer in posterior lumbar decompression and internal fixation surgery with a screw rod system, and is worthy of promotion and application.

Is Dynesys dynamic stabilization system superior to posterior lumbar fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases?

Dynesys,a pedicle-based dynamic stabilization system,was introduced to overcome some undesirable complications of fusion procedures.Nevertheless,the theoretical advantages of Dynesys over fusion have not been clearly confirmed.The purpose of this editorial was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent Dynesys system with those who underwent posterior lumbar fusion according to the existing literature and to see if the application of the Dynesys system is superior to the traditional lumbar fusion surgery.According to published clinical reports,the short-term effects of the Dynesys dynamic stabilization system are similar to that of traditional lumbar fusion surgery.Three comparative studies of Dynesys dynamic stabilization and fusion surgery with medium-term follow-up are encouraging.However,the results from four single-treatment-arm and small-sample studies of case series with long-term follow-up were not encouraging.In the present circumstances,it is not possible to conclude that the Dynesys dynamic stabilization system is superior to fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases.

Potential contribution of pedicle screw design to loosening rate in patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine:An observational study

BACKGROUND The majority of published data report the results of biomechanical tests of various design pedicle screw performance.The clinical relevance and relative contribution of screw design to instrumentation stability have been insufficiently studied.AIM To estimate the contribution of screw design to rate of pedicle screw loosening in patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine.METHODS This study is a prospective evaluation of 175 patients with degenerative diseases and instability of the lumbar spine segments.Participants underwent spinal instrumentation employing pedicle screws with posterior only or transforaminal interbody fusion.Follow-up was for 18 mo.Patients with signs of pedicle screw loosening on computed tomography were registered;logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors that influenced the rate of loosening.RESULTS Parameters included in the analysis were screw geometry,type of thread,external and internal screw diameter and helical pitch,bone density in Hounsfield units,number of levels fused,instrumentation without anterior support,laminectomy,and unilateral and bilateral total facet joint resection.The rate of screw loosening decreased with the increment in outer diameter,decrease in core diameter and helical pitch.The rate of screw loosening correlated positively with the number of fused levels and decreasing bone density.Bilateral facet joint removal significantly favored pedicle screw loosening.The influence of other factors was insignificant.CONCLUSION Screw parameters had a significant impact on the loosening rate along with bone quality characteristics,the number of levels fused and the extensiveness of decompression.The significance of the influence of screw parameters was comparable to those of patient-and surgery-related factors.Pedicle screw loosening was influenced by helical pitch,inner and outer diameter,but screw geometry and thread type were insignificant factors.

Staining neurons with Golgi techniques in degenerative diseases ofthe brain

A detailed morphological study of neurons in healthy and pathological conditions requires reasonably a number of special techniques, which may visualize the majority of neu- rons in a thick three-dimensional arrangement. A detailed visualization of neurons must include the cell body, most of the dendritic arbor, the dendritic spines, the axon, the axonal collaterals and the synapses. An ideal morphological technique for the study of degeneration and regeneration processes of the central nervous system must also visualize clearly the long and short neuronal circuits, as well as the dendritic and axonal bands and tracks.

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.

Clinical features and surgical treatment of the coexistence of cervical,thoracic and lumber degenerative disease

Objective To discuss clinical features and surgical treatment of the coexistence of cervical,thoracic and lumber degenerative disease. Methods From January 2004 to December 2008,79 cases with the coexistence of cervical,thoracic

Application of Finite Element Analysis in Biomechanical Research of Degenerative Diseases of Lumbar Spine

As the elderly population continues to grow, the number of patients with low back pain is gradually increasing. Among them, Lumbar Degenerative Diseases (LDD) is one of the major contributors to low back pain. Biomechanical in vivo studies of the lumbar spine are mainly performed by implants or imaging data to record the real-time changes of form and stress on the intervertebral disc during motion. However, the current developments are slow due to the technological and ethical limitations. In vitro experiments include animal experiments and cadaver experiments, which are difficult to operate or differ greatly from normal human structures, and the results still need to be verified repeatedly to test their accuracy. As for finite element method, it is relatively low cost and can repeat the experimental results. Therefore, we believe that finite element analysis plays an extremely important role in biomechanical research, especially in analyzing the relationship between different surgical models and the degeneration caused by different mechanics.

Unilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases

Objective To explore the feasibility and efficiency of the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterolateral fusion (PLF) procedures in which unilateral pedicle screw fixation was used.

Trans-facet joints approach to treat thoracic degenerative diseases with anterior compression

Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of trans-facet joints approach to treat thoracic degenerative disease with anterior compression.Methods From January 2003 to December 2009,22 patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by

Endplate role in the degenerative disc disease:A brief review

The degenerative disease of the intervertebral disc is nowadays an important health problem,which has still not been understood and solved adequately.The vertebral endplate is regarded as one of the vital elements in the structure of the intervertebral disc.Its constituent cells,the chondrocytes in the endplate,may also be involved in the process of the intervertebral disc degeneration and their role is central both under physiological and pathological conditions.They main functions include a role in homeostasis of the extracellular environment of the intervertebral disc,metabolic support and nutrition of the discal nucleus and annulus beneath and the preservation of the extracellular matrix.Therefore,it is understandable that the cells in the endplate have been in the centre of research from several viewpoints,such as development,degeneration and growth,reparation and remodelling,as well as treatment strategies.In this article,we briefly review the importance of vertebral endplate,which are often overlooked,in the intervertebral disc degeneration.

Dynesys dynamic stabilization system for the lumbar degenerative disease： a preliminary report from China

Background Dynesys dynamic stabilization system in 2007. Therefore, it was a new technique for Ch about Dynesys in China. The objective of this study degenerative disease in China. was first implanted in patients in 1994, and introduced to China nese orthopedics and hence necessary to collect clinical data was to report the preliminary results of Dynesys for the lumbar Methods Twenty-seven patients were treated with the Dynesys between July 2007 and January 2009. The diagnosis included degenerative spondylolisthesis （12 cases）, degenerative spinal stenosis （nine cases）, and lumbar intervertebral disc herniation （six cases）. Back pain and leg pain were evaluated using 100-mm visual analog scales （VAS）. The Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） was used to evaluate the patients＇ function. The intervertebral disc height and range of motion at the operative level were taken on radiographs. Results All the patients were followed-up, with an average of （22.40±4.23） months （range 15±32 months）. VAS of back pain and leg pain were improved significantly （P 〈0.05） at foUow-up. The ODI scores were reduced from （62.58±12.01）% preoperatively to （15.01±5.71）% at follow-up （P 〈0.05）. The preoperative mean height of the intervertebral disc was （11.21±1.58） mm （range 8.5±13.8 mm） and mean was （10.10±1.78） mm （range 7.0±13.4 mm） at follow-up （P 〈0.05）. The mean range of motion of the implanted segment was （6.00±1.79）° （range 2.5-9.3°） preoperatively and （5.47±1.27）° （range 2.9±7.8°） at follow-up （P=0.11）. Conclusions The preliminary results of Dynesys for the lumbar degenerative disease in China are similar to the published results of other countries. It can significantly improve the clinic symptoms and preserved motion at the level of implantation. However, the long-term follow-up data need to be collected.

Minimum 5-year follow-up study on the effects of the Wallis dynamic stabilization system in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease

Background Short-term outcomes of the Wallis system in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease （LDD） have been shown to be effective, whereas there is a paucity of studies on the mid-long-term effects of the treatment of the Wailis system. This study was to evaluate the mid-long-term effects of the Wallis dynamic stabilization system in the treatment of LDD. Methods A total of 26 patients who received the treatment of the Wallis system between February 2008 and January 2009 were included in the study, with 14 patients （Group 1） with L4/5 disc herniation and 12 patients （Group 2） with L5/S1 disc herniation and L4/5 intervertebral disc degeneration （IDD）. Visual analog scale （VAS） and Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes and lumbar X-rays and MRI were obtained to observe imaging changes before and after operation. Results The mean follow-up period was （63.50＋2.12） months. The mean ODI and VAS scores decreased obviously three months and five years after operation （P 〈0.05）. In Groups 1 and 2, L4/5 Cobb angle and range of motion （ROM） decreased and L4/5 posterior disc height increased at the last follow-up （P 〈0.05）. There were no statistically significant changes in L4/5 anterior disc height and L3/4 University of California at Los Angeles grading before and after operation. There was no statistically significant change in Pfirrmann grading system of L4/5 IDD in Group 2 before and after operation. Adjacent segment degeneration at the last follow-up was found in two patients （2/26, 7.69%） and Modic changes in L4/5 endplates were detected in one patient （1/26, 3.85%）. Conclusions The mid-long-term effects of the Wallis system in the treatment of LDD were satisfied. The Wallis system, as a dynamic stabilization system, which can preserve some ROM of the fixed segment, sustain the lumbar stabilization, and prevent adjacent segment disease and fixed segment degeneration, is an effective instrument to treat LDD.

Preliminary evaluation of posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization in lumbar degenerative disease in Chinese patients

Background There has been some controversy related to the use of the Wallis system,rather than disc fusion in the treatment of patients with degenerative spine disease.Furthermore,there are no reports concerning the application of this dynamic stabilization system in Chinese patients,who have a slightly different lifestyle with Western patients.The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the dynamic stabilization system in the treatment of degenerative spinal diseases in Chinese patients.Methods The clinical outcomes of 20 patients with lumbar degenerative disease treated by posterior decompression with the Wallis posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization implant were studied.All of the patients completed the visual analogue scale and the Chinese version of the Oswestry Disability Index.The following radiologic parameters were measured in all patients：global lordotic angles and segmental lordotic angles （stabilized segments,above and below adjacent segments）.The range of motion was then calculated.Results Nineteen patients （95%） were available for follow-up.The mean follow-up period was （27.25±5.16） months （range 16-35 months）.The visual analogue scale decreased from 8.55±1.21 to 2.20±1.70 （P 〈0.001）,and the mean score on the Chinese version of the Oswestry Disability Index was improved from 79.58%±15.93% to 22.17%±17.24% （P 〈0.001）.No significant changes were seen in the range of motion at the stabilized segments （P=0.502） and adjacent segments （above,P=0.453; below,P=0.062）.The good to excellent result was 94.4% at the latest follow-up.No complications related to the use of the Wallis posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization occurred.Conclusions It was found to be both easy and safe to use the Wallis posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization implant in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease,and the early therapeutic effectiveness is good.The Wallis system provides an alternative method for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease.

Echocardiographic Follow-up of Robotic Mitral Valve Repair for Mitral Regurgitation due to Degenerative Disease

Background： Mitral valve （MV） repair can now be carried out through small incisions with the use of robotic assistance. Previous reports have demonstrated the excellent clinical result of robotic MV repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation （MR）. However, there has been limited infomlation regarding tile echocardiographic follow-up of these patients. The present study was therefore to evaluate the echocardiographic follow-up outcomes after robotic MV repair in patients with MR due to degenerative disease of the MV. Methods： A retrospective analysis was undertaken using data from the echocardiographic database of our department. Between March 2007 and February 2015, 84 patients with degenerative MR underwent robotic MV repair. The repair techniques included leaflet resection in 67 patients （79.8%）, artificial chordae in 20 （23.8%）, and ring annuloplasty in 79 （94.1%）. Eighty-one （96.4%） of the 84 patients were eligible for echocardiographic follow-up assessment, and no patients were lost to follow-up. Results： At a median echocardiographic follow-up of 36.0 months （interquartile range 14.3-59.4 months）, lbur patients （4.9%） developed recurrent mild MR, and no patients had more than mild MR. Mean MR grade, leli atrial diameter （LAD）, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDD）, and let1 ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） were significantly decreased when compared with preoperative values. Mean MR grade decreased from 3.96 ± 0.13 to 0.17 ± 0.49 （Z- -8.456, P 〈 0.001 ）, LAD from 43.8 ± 5.9 to 35.5 ± 3.8 mm （I - 15.131, P 〈 0.001 ）, LVEDD fiom 51.0 ± 5.0 to 43.3 ± 2.2 mm （t = 14.481, P 〈 0.001 ）, and LV EF l＇rom 67.3 ± 7.0% to 63.9 ± 5.1% （t = 4.585, P 〈 0.001 ）. Conclusion： Robotic MV repair for MR due to degenerative disease is associated with a low rate of recurrent MR, and a significant improvement in MR grade, LAD, and LVEDD, but a significant decrease in LVEF at echocardiographic follow-up.

A comparison of unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases

Background Bilateral transpedicular screw fixation in conjunction with interbody fusion is widely used to treat lumbar degenerative diseases; however, there are some disadvantages of using this fixation system. This study comparatively analyzes the results of unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion （TLIF） for one-level lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods Sixty-six cases with one-level lumbar degenerative diseases were studied. The patients were divided according to surgical approach into a unilateral group （Group A） and a bilateral group （Group B）. The patients were evaluated for pain by visual analog scale （VAS） and Oswestry Disability Index （ODI）. Operating time, blood loss, duration of hospitalization, and complication rate were also evaluated. Patients were examined at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and every year thereafter. Results Group A patients＇ average preoperative VAS and ODI scores were 7.03 ±0.98 and （64.22±6.38）%, respectively, significantly decreased to 2.91 ± 0.88 and （14.42＋2.08）%, respectively, at the last follow-up （P = 0.000）. In Group B, the average preoperative VAS and ODI scores were 6.79±0.86 and （63.22±4.70）%, respectively, significantly decreased to 3.12±0.96 and （14.62±2.08）%, respectively, at the last follow-up （P=-0.000）. No significant difference in the duration of hospitalization was found between groups. Operating time and blood loss of （125.9±13.0） minutes and （211.4±28.3） ml, respectively, in Group A were significantly less than （165.2±15.3） minutes and （258.6±18.3） ml, respectively, in Group B （P=0.000）. All patients achieved good bone union and had no pseudarthrosis at the last follow-up. Conclusions There are no clinical differences between unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with TLIF for one-level lumbar degenerative diseases. Unilateral fixation reduces operating time, bleeding, and cost of hospitalization.

Dysfunction of Wnt signaling and synaptic ：lisassembly in neurodegenerative diseases

The molecular mechanisms that regulate synapse formation have been well documented. However, little is known about the factors that modulate synaptic stability. Synapse loss is an early and invariant feature of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer＇s lAD） and Parkinson＇s disease. Notably, in AD the extent of synapse loss correlates with the severity of the disease. Hence, understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie synaptic maintenance is crucial to reveal potential targets that will allow the development of ther- apies to protect synapses. Writs play a central role in the formation and function of neuronal circuits. Moreover, Wnt signaling compo- nents are expressed in the adult brain suggesting their role in synaptic maintenance in the adult. Indeed, blockade of Wnts with the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 （Dkkl） causes synapse disassembly in mature hippocampal cells. Dkkl is elevated in brain biopsies from AD patients and animal models. Consistent with these findings, Amyloid-β （Aβ） oUgomers induce the rapid expression of Dkkl. Importantly, Dkkl neutralizing antibodies protect synapses against Aβ toxicity, indicating that Dkkl is required for Aβ-mediated synapse loss. In this review, we discuss the role of Wnt signaling in synapse maintenance in the adult brain, particularly in relation to synaptic loss in neurodegenerative diseases.

Asporin, a candidate protein for treatment of disc degenerative disease

The human spine carries the weight of the trunk, upper extremities, and head, and provides an extensiverange of motion. Due to heavy use and lack of vasculature, the intervertebral discs degenerate much more rapidly than other structures of the human body.1 Intervertebral disc degeneration is mostly age-related, 2 and spinal disorders associated with disc degeneration have a significant impact on society.3,4 Indeed, low back

Decompression and fusion combined with rehabilitation training for the foot drop secondary to lumbar degenerative disease:Case report and literature review

Foot drop(FD)secondary to lumbar degenerative disease is a relatively uncommon finding in spinal practice.Although only a part of patients with FD can obtain satisfactory recovery of their muscle strength after operation,most of the articles still advocate surgical intervention at early stage.Despite the double roots compression is one of the accepted causes for FD,we describe an extremely rare case of a middle-age man presenting with a severe foot drop(tibialis anterior=0/5)resulted from three roots compression(L4-S1),who had undergone pedicle screws fixation(L3-S1),transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF)at L4/5,laminotomy and discectomy at L5/S1 with laminotomy at L3/4 as well as conventional rehabilitation training postoperatively,which included strength training of the active and antagonistic muscles in the week lower extremity.Twelve months after surgery,the patient recovered from his deficit(tibialis anterior improved from 0/5 to 4/5).Therefore,we discuss the possible pathological mechanism and surgical option for the foot drop due to the lumbar degenerative disease as well as the potential risk factors portending prognosis postoperatively.

Etiology for Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a multifaceted progressive irreversible condition and an inevitable part of aging,which has been found to be a contributing factor for low back pain and might cause radiculopathy,myelopathy,spinal stenosis,degenerative spondylolisthesis,and herniations.Its etiology is complex and multifactorial.Although genetics influence more dominant,the occupational and mechanical influences still persist as a major risk factor.This review emphasizes up-to-date knowledge regarding etiology of disc degeneration with special consideration on occupational,lifestyle factors,and genetic polymorphisms.

Cortical bone trajectory screws in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease in patients with osteoporosis

Lumbar degenerative disc disease(DDD)in the elderly population remains a global health problem,especially in patients with osteoporosis.Osteoporosis in the elderly can cause failure of internal fixation.Cortical bone trajectory(CBT)is an effective,safe and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of lumbar DDD in patients with osteoporosis.In this review,we analyzed the anatomy,biomechanics,and advantages of the CBT technique in lumbar DDD and revision surgery.Additionally,the clinical trials and case reports,indications,advancements and limitations of this technique were further discussed and reviewed.Finally,we concluded that the CBT technique can be a practical,effective and safe alternative to traditional pedicle screw fixation,especially in DDD patients with osteoporosis.