Vertebrae of Modern Viperids of the Far East:Comparative Characterisation for the Identification of Their Fossil Remains

Fossil remains of snakes in Quaternary localities are most often represented by vertebrae.Therefore,it is necessary to carry out a comparative study of the vertebrae of modern species in the areas of interest to identify fossil materials.In this study,we examined 52 specimens of viperids(7 specimens of Gloydius intermedius,12 specimens of Gloydius ussuriensis,6 specimens of Gloydius halys,4 specimens of Vipera sakhalinensis,16 specimens of Vipera berus,and 7 specimens of Vipera renardi).The features of the trunk,cervical,cloacal and caudal vertebrae of 6 species from 2 genera are described.The vertebrae of the Viperidae are highly similar across species,with variation along the vertebral column.Nevertheless,they can be distinguished if their exact position within the vertebral column is known.The most important diagnostic feature is the shape of the hypapophysis,especially when identifying the cervical vertebrae.Among other morphological features,it is important to consider the shape of the ventral surface of the vertebra,prezygapophyseal and parapophyseal processes,neurapophysis,and zygapophysis.For the epistropheus,the position of the anterior edge of the neurapophysis in relation to the anterior edge of the neural arch is also significant.The caudal vertebrae bear the greatest resemblance.There is a significant overlap between the ratios of different measurements(indices)in different species.However,if an index is out of the overlapping zone,it is possible to identify a vertebra more or less accurately,especially when considering it in conjunction with other indices and morphological characteristics.

Treatment of Thoracolumbar Vertebrate Fracture by Transpedicular Morselized Bone Grafting in Vertebrae for Spinal Fusion and Pedicle Screw Fixation

To enhance the fusion of graft bone in thoracolumbar vertebrae and minimize the postoperative loss of correction, short-segment pedicle screw fixation was reinforced with posterior moselizee bone grafting in vertebrae for spinal fusion in patients with thoracrolumbar vertebrate fractures. Seventy patients with thoracrolumbar vertebrate fractures were treated by short-segment pedicle screw fixation and were randomly divided into two groups. Fractures in group A （n=20） were rein-forced with posterior morselized bone grafting in vertebrae for spinal fusion, while patients group B （n=50） did not receive the morselized bone grafting for bone fusion. The two groups were compared in terms of kyphotic deformity, anterior vertebral height, instrument failure and neurological functions after the treatment. Frankel grading system was used for the evaluation of neurological evaluation and Denis scoring scale was employed for pain assessment. The results showed that the kyphosis correction was achieved in both group A and group B （group A： 6.4 degree; group B： 5.4 degree）/At the end of follow-up, kyphosis correction was maintained in group A but lost in group B （P=0.0001）. Postoperatively, greater anterior height was achieved in group A than in group B （P〈0.01）. During follow-up study, anterior vertebral height was maintained only in Group A （P〈0.001）. Both group A and group B showed good Denis pain scores （P1 and P2） but group A outdid group B in terms of control of severe and constant pain （P4 and P5）. By Frankel criteria, the changes in neurological functions in group A was better than those of group B （P〈0.001）. It is concluded that reinforcement of short-segment pedicle fixation with morselized bone grafting for the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar vertebrae fracture could achieve and maintain kyphosis correction, and it may also increase and maintain anterior vertebral height. Morselized bone grafting in vertebrae offers immediate spinal stability in patients with thoracolumbar vertebrate fractures, decreases the instrument failure and provides better postoperative pain control than without the morselized bone grafting.

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.

Predictive risk factors for recollapse of cemented vertebrae after percutaneous vertebroplasty: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND As one of the most common complications of osteoporosis,osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF)increases the risk of disability and mortality in elderly patients.Percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)is considered to be an effective,safe,and minimally invasive treatment for OVCFs.The recollapse of cemented vertebrae is one of the serious complications of PVP.However,the risk factors associated with recollapse after PVP remain controversial.AIM To identify risk factors for the recollapse of cemented vertebrae after PVP in patients with OVCFs.METHODS A systematic search in EMBASE,MEDLINE,the Cochrane Library,and PubMed was conducted for relevant studies from inception until March 2020.Studies investigating risk factors for the recollapse of cemented vertebrae after PVP without additional trauma were selected for analysis.Odds ratios(ORs)or standardized mean differences with 95%confidence interval(CI)were calculated and heterogeneity was assessed by both the chi-squared test and the I-squared test.The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.RESULTS A total of nine case-control studies were included in our meta-analysis comprising 300 cases and 2674 controls.The significant risk factors for the recollapse of cemented vertebrae after PVP in OVCF patients were fractures located at the thoracolumbar junction(OR=2.09;95%CI:1.30 to 3.38;P=0.002),preoperative intravertebral cleft(OR=2.97;95%CI:1.93 to 4.57;P<0.00001),and solid lump distribution pattern of the cement (OR = 3.11;95%CI: 1.91 to 5.07;P < 0.00001).The analysis did not support that age, gender, lumbar bone mineral density,preoperative visual analogue scale score, injected cement volume, intradiscalcement leakage, or vertebral height restoration could increase the risk forcemented vertebra recollapse after PVP in OVCFs.CONCLUSIONThis meta-analysis suggests that thoracolumbar junction fractures, preoperativeintravertebral cleft, and solid lump cement distribution pattern are associatedwith the recollapse of cemented vertebrae after PVP in OVCF patients.

Another Look at Skeletal Maturation Using Hand Wrist and Cervical Vertebrae Evaluation

Introduction and Aims—The Growth stage of a patient can have considerable influence on diagnosis, treatment goals, timing and planning and the eventual outcome of orthodontic/orthopedic treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze associations between the cervical vertebrae maturation score (CVMS) and skeletal maturation index (SMI). The second objective was to determine the reproducibility of the measurements on lateral cephalograms and hand-wrist radiographs. Materials and Methods—Lateral cephalometric and left hand-wrist radiographs of 92 untreated subjects (44 females and 48 males) aged from 8 to 17 years were obtained from the files of the Columbia University, Division of Orthodontics and measured for growth stage using cervical vertebrae and hand-wrist methods. Results—A high correlation was revealed between the hand-wrist and cervical vertebrae measurements. The Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was 0.925 and significant at the 0.01 level. The correlation between hand-wrist and age (0.665, p < 0.01) was slightly greater than that of the CVMS (0.611, p < 0.01). Intra rater reliability was high. When the three categorically modified methods of the Fishman’s 11 skeletal maturation stages in hand and wrist analysis were used to compare with CVMS, methods 2 and 3 were both statistically significantly different according to the Wilcoxon signed ranks test and the Sign test at a significance level of less than 0.05. However, for method 1, the tests showed probability scores of 0.028 and 0.151, respectively, showing no significant difference at the 0.01 level in the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, and no significant difference in the 0.01 and 0.05 level in the Signed Test. Conclusions—The Fishman’s hand and wrist skeletal maturation index and Bacetti’s cervical vertebrae maturation stages are both useful tools in evaluating growth stages. Fishman’s hand-wrist method is slightly more accurate.

Genome-wide association study for numbers of vertebrae in Dezhou donkey population reveals new candidate genes

Numbers of vertebrae is an important economic trait associated with body size and meat productivity in animals.However,the genetic basis of vertebrae number in donkey remains to be well understood.The aim of this study was to identify candidate genes affecting the number of thoracic(TVn)and the number of lumbar vertebrae(LVn)in Dezhou donkey.A genome-wide association study was conducted using whole genome sequence data imputed from low-coverage genome sequencing.For TVn,we identified 38 genome-wide significant and 64 suggestive SNPs,which relate to 7 genes(NLGN1,DCC,SLC26A7,TOX,WNT7A,LOC123286078,and LOC123280142).For LVn,we identified 9 genome-wide significant and 38 suggestive SNPs,which relate to 8 genes(GABBR2,FBXO4,LOC123277146,LOC123277359,BMP7,B3GAT1,EML2,and LRP5).The genes involve in the Wnt and TGF-βsignaling pathways and may play an important role in embryonic development or bone formation and could be good candidate genes for TVn and LVn.

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.

Effect of AXIS lateral mass screw-plate internal fixation system on functional recovery of spinal cord in fracture of lower cervical vertebrae

AIM:To evaluate the methods and results of the AXIS lateral mass screw plate system in the treating of lower cervical spine injury.METHODS:29 cases of lower cervical vertebrae injury were fixed with AXIS system.All of them were followed up for more than 1 year.RESULTS:All cases had a good bone union without malformation.We found no complication of the injury to the vertebral arteries or nerves.There was no loosening of the plate and screw. CONCLUSION:AXIS lateral mass screw plate system has the characteristic of stable,simple and safe and is suitable for the treatment of lower cervical spine injury.

A Rapid, Non-invasive Method for Anatomical Observations of Tadpole Vertebrae in Vivo

The tadpole is a critical stage in the amphibian life cycle and plays an important role during the transition from the aquatic to the terrestrial stage. However, there is a large gap in tadpole research, which represents a vital component of our understanding of the diversity and complexity of the life history traits of amphibians, especially their developmental biology. Some aspects of this gap are due to limited research approaches. To date, X-ray microcomputed tomography （micro-CT） has been widely used to conduct osteology research in adult amphibians and reptiles, but little is known about whether this tool can be applied in tadpole studies. Thus, we compared the results of two methods （the bone-cartilage double-staining technique and micro-CT） to study vertebrae in tadpole specimens. The results revealed no significant difference between the two methods in determining the number of vertebrae, and micro-CT represents a rapid, non-invasive, reliable method of studying tadpole vertebrae. When scanning tadpoles, voltage is the most critical of the scanning parameters （voltage, current and scan time）, and moderate scanning parameters are recommended. In addition, micro-CT performed better using specimens stored in 70% ethanol than those preserved in 10% formalin. Finally, we suggest that micro-CT should be more widely applied in herpetological research to increase specimen utilization.

Vertebrae CT Images 3D Reconstruction with Improve Marching Cubes Algorithm

Medical images 3D reconstruction is an important part in medical image analysis and processing. Although lots of algorithms have been proposed continuously, speed and accuracy cannot conform to actual needs, which has always been the focus topic. In this paper, we propose an Improved Marching Cubes algorithm ( I-MC) based on the surface rendering theory, which implements 3D reconstruction of the vertebrae. Firstly, we preprocessed the original 2D vertebrae CT images with the bilateral-filter denoising algorithm. Secondly, on the basis of the traditional Marching Cubes algorithm, the seed voxels were extracted and the Region Growing algorithm was used to determine all voxels that contain isosurfaces. Then, the Golden Section instead of the traditional linear interpolation was used to calculate the equivalent point, and this method reduced the calculations of public edges. VTK and OpenGL implemented 3D reconstruction of the vertebrae on GPU quickly and accurately. The experimental results show that when compared with the traditional Marching Cubes algorithm and Mesh Simplification Marching Cubes algorithm, the improved algorithm achieves a significant improvement of reconstruction speed while preserving the accurate results. The efficiency of algorithm is improved dramatically. This method is real-time and achieves the goal of efficient 3D reconstruction of vertebrae CT images.

Operative treatment via anterior approaches for cervicothoracic vertebrae tumors:surgical techniques and primary outcome

Objective： To sum up 7 patients with cervicothoracic vertebrae tumors （Cr to T3） from March 1999 and May 2002, who underwent operative treatment via anterior approaches. Methods ：The anterior approaches included low anterior cervical approach and high transthoracic approach. In 5 cases of segments of T1 and above involved, the low anterior cervical approaches were adopted, otherwise the high transthoracic approaches were used（2 cases）. Excision of tumor was carried out according to demands of the Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini （WBB） staging system. Spine stability was reconstructed by bone autografting and instrumentation. There were 4 cases of primary tumor and 3 of metastases. Their mean age was 45. 1 years （23 to 66）. The mean follow-up was 18.9 months （3 to 45）. Results were evaluated by occurrence of complications, improvement of symptoms, local recurrence and mortality. Results： All patients stood surgery well. No significant complications occurred during and after operation. Local pain was significantly alleviated and neurological deficit was improved at least one Frankel grade. Three patients died. Local tumor control was obtained in 6 patients （85.7 % ） until the end of follow-up. Conclusion.-Our experience showed that via low anterior cervical approach and high transthoracic approach, the cervicothoracic vertebrae tumor could be excised safely and adequately. Moreover, excision of tumor according to the WBB surgical staging system and reconstruction of spine stability have made great contribution to local tumor control and the neurological function improvement.

Removal of the Shadow of Cervical Vertebrae from Panoramic X-Ray Images with a Tomosynthesis Method

The purpose of this study is to remove the shadow of cervical vertebrae from dental panoramic x-ray images with a tomosynthesis method and improve the contrast of details in both the teeth and jaw bones. To measure the shift-amount at each angular position that was required for reconstruction of panoramic x-ray images of the dental arch, strip images of a calibration phantom were acquired. Then, a shift-amount table was prepared from these images, and the other shift-amount table, which was used to reconstruct a panoramic image of the cervical vertebrae, was prepared by inverting the curve of the shift-amount table upside down. Using these two tables, images focused on the dental arch and cervical vertebrae of a patient were made with the original strip data of the patient. The shadow of the cervical vertebrae appearing on the image focused on the dental arch was removed using the two above-mentioned images and blurring functions defined at two focusing geometries. The validity of the proposed method was evaluated with clinically acquired data of two patients. The shadow of the cervical vertebrae was successfully eliminated, and the contrast of the front teeth and detailed structures of the jaw bones was improved. The results of the experiments showed that our proposed method was significantly effective in removing the shadow of the cervical vertebrae from conventional panoramic x-ray images.

Structural Changes in Vertebrae of Mice Based on Experimental Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Studies have shown that autoimmunity causes pathogenesis of more than 100 diseases. Among these diseases, approximately 1-2% of the world’s population has rheumatoid arthritis disease, which is a chronic disease that affects 45 out of every 3000 people who have autoimmune diseases. The aim of this research is to address the possible treatment of rheumatoid arthritis disease by comparing and contrasting the effectiveness and influence that treatments have on treating the disease. This study will be conducted by inducing the following treatments: ibuprofen and Boigor-10 on model animal subjects (mice) to determine the outcomes of the treatment. We will assess the outcomes by investigate the structural changes on vertebrae and joints of these subjects and the clinical manifestation score of each treatment. We hypothesize that these treatments will improve the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis disease. Furthermore, we hope that this research contributes to further understanding autoimmune disease and promotes proper treatment of the disease.

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.

Cardiopulmonary Stability on a Patient with Hip Fracture and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension, Anesthetized with Lumbar-Sacral Plexus Block and Non-Invasive Ventilation: Case Report

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is defined as a mean arterial pressure in the pulmonary artery exceeding 20 mm Hg at rest, measured by means of right heart catheterization. Patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing surgical procedures such as hemiarthroplasty present a high risk of fatal complications. Nonetheless, there are no widely accepted protocols explaining their perioperative care in great detail. Case presentation: We present a case with an 89-years-old patient, with comorbidities such as GOLD 4D chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, as a consequence of this, severe pulmonary hypertension with signs of right ventricular dysfunction, thus requiring of pulmonary vasodilator, that has suffered a subcapital hip fracture requiring urgent surgery. Surgery is carried out successfully, under regional lumbar-sacral plexus block and sedation assisted by non-invasive ventilation. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary specialized treatment, preoperative optimization, as well as the careful selection of both the surgical and anesthetic techniques to be used, are among the strategies that improve the perioperative outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension with right ventricle systolic dysfunction. Regional lumbar-sacral plexus block plus sedation is a technique that maintains hemodynamic stability;however, these patients require advance measures and postoperative monitoring under intensive care.

EXPRESSION OF HYPOXIA INDUCIBLE FACTOR-1α AND ITS REGULATORY ROLE IN DEVELOPING VERTEBRAE

Objective To explore the expression pattern and possible role of hypoxia inducible factor-1α （ HIF-1α ） in fetal vertebrae development of mouse. Methods The developmental stages of mice fetal vertebrae were observed from embryonic days 13. 5 to 18. 5 （ E13. 5 to E18. 5 ） by stereoscopic and light microscopes respectively, and the expressions of HIF-1α at various times were also detected at levels of mRNA and protein by using methods of RT-PCR and Western blotting. Distribution of HIF-1α in the vertebrae was examined by immunohistochemical assay. Vascular endothelia growth factor （VEGF） mRNA and other chondro-osteoblast marker genes as type II collagen al （ Coll2al ） and osteocalcin （OCN） were detected by RT-PCR too. Results The cartilaginous spine column began to form at E13. 5, followed by the arising of the primary ossification center in vertebrae at E15. 5, then the osteogenesis expanded and extended to both sides of the vertebrae. HIF-1α mRNA began to express at E13. 5, and showed significantly higher level at E14. 5 （ P 〈 O. 05 ）, then declined to a low level. VEGF mRNA expressed coincidently with HIF-1α. While HIF-1α protein expression was observed at E14. 5 and lasted at low level till to birth. The expression pattern of Coll2al and OCN elucidated the cell evolution from chondrocyte to osteoblast. Conclusion The developmental pattern of vertebrae appears to be an endochondral osteogenesis process. Existed hypoxia microenviroment in the vertebrae may increase HIF-1α mRNA and protein contents thus activate VEGF expression, as may be related to the activation of other downstream genes of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and initiate the cascade of endochondral osteogenesis.

Cemented vertebra and adjacent vertebra refractured in a chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder patient: A case report

BACKGROUND Although percutaneous vertebral augmentation(PVA)is a commonly used procedure for treating vertebral compression fracture(VCF),the risk of vertebral refracture should be considered.Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder(CKD-MBD)is a systemic disease of mineral and bone metabolism.It is associated with an increased risk of fracture.Few studies have reported the use of PVA in patients with CKD-MBD.We herein report a rare case wherein the cemented vertebra and the adjacent vertebra refractured simultaneously in a CKD-MBD patient after PVA.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old man suffered from low back pain after taking a fall about 3 wk ago.According to physical examination,imaging and laboratory findings,diagnoses of T12 VCF,CKD-MBD,and chronic kidney disease stage 5 were established.He then received percutaneous vertebroplasty at T12 vertebra.Fourteen weeks later,he presented with T12 and L1 vertebral refractures caused by lumbar sprain.Once again,he was given PVA which was optimized for the refractured vertebrae.Although the short-term postoperative effect was satisfactory,he reported chronic low back pain again at the 3-month follow-up.CONCLUSION It is necessary that patients with CKD-MBD who have received PVA are aware of the adverse effects of CKD-MBD.It may increase the risk of vertebral refracture.Furthermore,the PVA surgical technique needs to be optimized according to the condition of the patient.The medium-and long-term effects of PVA remain uncertain in patients with CKD-MBD.

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

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

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

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

Clinical application of improved 2D computer-assisted fluoroscopic navigation through simulating a 3D vertebrae image to guide pedicle screw internal fixation

Objective To study the effect of using improved 2D computer-assisted fluoroscopic navigation through simulating 3D vertebrae image to guide pedicle screw internal fixation.Methods Posterior pedicle screw internal fixation,distraction