Advances in Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement for Cervical Spondylosis

Anterior cervical decompression and fusion(ACDF)treatment for cervical spondylosis has been more than half a century,and achieved good clinical results.However,with the continuous extension of follow-up time,the fusion segment-associated postoperative complications emerged gradually.Reserved cervical stability and activity,the concept of non-fusion was born.As a non-fusion technique,cervical artificial disc replacement(CADR)developed rapidly.With the continuous development of artificial prosthesis materials and design concepts,and specification and proficiency of surgical procedures,CADR has achieved better short and mid-term clinical efficacy than ACDF.Compared with ACDF,the main advantages of CADR are that the postoperative recovery is quick,the activity and stability of cervical vertebra are maintained,the height of cervical intervertebral space is restored,and the stress of adjacent segments and the rate of surgical renovation are reduced.In clinical work,as an emerging technology,CADR requires spine surgeons to control the surgical indications,contraindications,and patients'conditions strictly.This article reviews the research progress of CADR in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of cervical spondylosis.

Research Updates of Traditional Rehabilitation Therapy in Treating Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis has many obvious symptoms.Through literature reviews and hospital visits and collecting information under the guidance of our instructors,three methods of traditional rehabilitation therapy are reviewed in this study:massage,cupping,and Gua Sha.Information regarding cervical spondylosis was sorted out,from the causes of the disease and treatment methods to precautionary measures,which are discussed in this paper.

Syringomyelia associated with cervical spondylosis: A rare condition

Spinal spondylosis is an extremely common condition that has only rarely been described as a cause of syringomyelia. We describe a case of syringomyelia associated with cervical spondylosis admitted at our division and treated by our institute. It is the case of a 66-yearold woman. At our observation she was affected by moderate-severe spastic tetraparesis. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed an hyperintense signal within spinal cord from C3 to T1 with a more sharply defined process in the inferior cervical spinal cord. At the same level bulging discs, facets and ligamenta flava hypertrophy determined a compression towards subarachnoid space and spinal cord. Spinal cord compression was more evident in hyperextension rather than flexion. A 4-level laminectomy and subsequent posterior stabilization with intra-articular screws was executed. At 3-mo follow up there was a regression of tetraparesis but motor deficits of the lower limbs residuated. At the same follow up postoperative MRI was executed. It suggested enlargement of the syrinx. Perhaps hyperintensity within spinal cord appeared "bounded" from C3 to C7 with clearer margins. At the level of surgical decompression, subarachnoid space and spinal cord enlargement were also evident. A review of the literature was executed using Pub Med database. The objective of the research was to find an etiopathological theory able to relate syringomyelia with cervical spondylosis. Only 6 articles have been found. At the origin of syringomyelia the mechanisms of compression and instability are proposed. Perhaps other studies assert the importance of subarachnoid space regard cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) dynamic. We postulate that cervical spine instability may be the cause of multiple microtrauma towards spinal cord and consequently may damage spinal cord parenchyma generating myelomalacia and consequently syrinx. Otherwise the hemorrhage within spinal cord central canal can cause an obstruction of CSF outflow, finally generating the syrinx. On the other hand in cervical spondylosis the stenotic elements can affect subarachnoid space. These elements rubbing towards spinal cord during movements of the neck can generate arachnoiditis, subarachnoid hemorrhages and arachnoid adhesions. Analyzing the literature these "complications" of cervical spondylosis are described at the origin of syringomyelia. So surgical decompression, enlarging medullary canal prevents rubbings and contacts between the bone-ligament structures of the spine towards spinal cord and subarachnoid space therefore syringomyelia. Perhaps stabilization is also necessary to prevent instability of the cervical spine at the base of central cord syndrome or syringomyelia. Finally although patients affected by central cord syndrome are usually managed conservatively we advocate, also for them, surgical treatment in cases affected by advanced state of the symptoms and MRI.

Dynamic Radiographic Analysis of Sympathetic Cervical Spondylosis Instability

Objective To investigate the correlation between subaxial cervical spine instability and cervical spondylotic sympathetic symptoms as well as the difference of cervical spondylotic subaxial instability between male and female patients. Methods We analyzed retrospectively 318 surgical cases of cervical spondylosis treated at Department of Orthopedic Surgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between July 2003 and December 2007. All cases were divided into group A without sympathetic symptoms (n=284) and group B with sympathetic symptoms (n=34). Angular and horizontal translation values between two adjacent vertebral bodies from C2 to C7 were measured separately on hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral cervical spine radiographs. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the correlation between subaxial cervical instability and sympathetic symptoms. Intragroup correlation between patient gender and subaxial cervical instability was also evaluated. Results Subaxial instability incidences in groups A and B were 21.8% (62/284) and 55.9% (19/34), respectively. Statistical analysis indicated a definite correlation between subaxial cervical instability and sympathetic symptoms (P=0.000). Among patients without sympathetic symptoms, subaxial instability incidences were 21.4% (37/173) in males and 22.5% (25/111) in females, respectively (P=0.883). While among patients with sympathetic symptoms, subaxial instability incidences were 27.3% (3/11) in males and 69.6% (16/23) in females, respectively, indicating significant difference (P=0.030). Subaxial instability was most commonly seen at C4-C5 intervertebral space in sympathetic cervical spondylosis patients. Conclusions High correlation exists between subaxial cervical spine instability and cervical spondylotic sympathetic symptoms, especially in female patients. Hyperextension and hyperflexion radiographs of cervical spine are important to assess sympathetic cervical spondylotic subaxial instability.

Expression of c-fos in gastric myenteric plexus and spinal cord of rats with cervical spondylosis

AIM: To determine the expression of c-fos in gastric myenteric plexus and spinal cord of rats with cervical spondylosis and its clinical significance. METHODS: A cervical spondylosis model was established in rats by destroying the stability of cervical posterior column,and the cord segments C4-6 and gastric antrum were collected 3, 4 and 5 mo after the operation. Rats with sham operation were used as controls. c-fos neuronal counter-staining was performed with an immunohistochemistry method. Every third sections from C4-6 segments were drawn. The 10 most labeled c-fos-immunoreactive (Fos-IR) neurons were counted, and the average number was used for statistical analysis. The mean of Fos-IR neurons in myenteric plexus was calculated after counting Fos-IR neurons in 25 ganglia from each antral preparation, and expressed as a mean count per myenteric ganglion.RESULTS: There were a few c-fos-positive neurons in the cervical cord and antrum in the control group. There was an increased c-fos expression in model group 3, 4 and 5 mo after operation, whereas there was no significant increase in c-fos expression in the control group at 3, 4 and 5 mo.More importantly, there was a significant difference in c-fos expression between rats followed up for 3 mo and those for 5 mo in the model group (11.20±2.26 vs 27.68±4.36,P＜0.05, for the cervical cord; and 11.3±2.3 vs 29.3±4.6,P＜0.05, for the gastric antrum). There was no significant difference between rats followed up for 3 mo and those for 4 mo and between rats followed up for 4 mo and those for 5 mo in the model group.CONCLUSION: c-fos expression in gastric myenteric plexus was dramatically associated with that in the spinal cord in rats with cervical spondylosis, suggesting that the gastrointestinal function may be affected by cervical spondylosis. If this hypothesis is confirmed by further studies, functional gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome could be explained by neurogastroenterology.

Acupuncture-based treatments on cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type

Cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type is one of the chief patterns of cervical spondylosis.It is often described as neck pain accompanied with radiating pain and neurologic symptoms,such as sudden dizziness,blurred vision,tinnitus,nausea,vomiting,memory loss,and sudden fainting.The incidence of cervical spondylosis increases and patients with cervical spondylosis become progressively younger.Acupuncture in the cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type treatment has a local positive reaction“Liuhe point”,in order to dredge the local Qi and blood.More and more evidences into the effectiveness and safety of cervical spine acupuncture for cervical spondylosis,specific neck pain,cervical radiculopathy,etc.This article summarizes the recent literature on acupuncture and acupuncture combined with other therapies for cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type treatment and provides a comprehensive review from the perspectives of acupuncture therapy,warm needle moxibustion therapy,electroacupuncture,and acupuncture combined with other therapies,in order to provide reference and reference for clinical treatment.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON THE TREATMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS, SCAPULOHUMERAL PERIARTHRITIS AND LUMBAR MUSCLE STRAIN BY A MODEL FZ-1 SIMULATED TUINA (MASSAGE) APPARATUS

We have treated 30 cases of cervical spondylosis, 30 cases of scapulohumeral periarthritis and 30 cases of lumbar muscle strain with a Model FZ - 1 Simulated Massage Apparatus, and gained satisfactory therapeutic effect for all cases treated. Moreover, this apparatus is applied conveniently,and has no adverse reaction.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON TREATMENT OF 68 CASES OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS WITH ACUPUNCTURE SUPPLEMENTED BY TRACTION OF NECK

The 68 patients of cervlcal spondylosis were treated with acupuneture at Fengchi（GB 20）,Fengfu（GV 16）and Ashi point supplemented by traction of neck,once a day or every 2days,10 times of treatment for one course.After atreatment of 2 courses,31 cases（45.5％）werecured;13 cases（19.1％）markedly improved;18 cases （26.4％）improved and 6 cases（8.8％）notimproved.The total effective rate was 91.1％.In this article the classification,etiology and principlesof treatment of this dseases were discussed。

Acupuncture of different stimulation for the treatment of neck type cervical spondylosis:a randomised controlled trial

Objective:To observe the difference in clinical efficacy of acupuncture with strong and weak stimulation in treating neck type cervical spondylosis.Methods:64 patients with neck type cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into strong stimulation group and weak stimulation group,with 32 cases in each group.The acupoints selected are Jingjiaji 5-7(cervical acupoints EX-B2 C5-C7),Tianzhu(BL10)on both sides,Houxi(SI3)on both sides,Hegu(LI4)on both sides,Geshu(BL17)on both sides,and Ashi.In the strong stimulation group,deep needling with 0.25 mm×40 mm milli-needle was performed,with a mild reinforcing-reducing method.The twisting angle was 90°-180°,the frequency was 60-90 times/min,and the needles were applied for 1 min at each point.Keep the needle for 30 minutes,twisting was performed every 10 min during the retention period.Change hands once.In the weak stimulation group,shallow acupuncture with a 0.18 mm×40 mm milli-needle was performed,with a mild reinforcing-reducing method,with a twisting angle of 60°-90°,a frequency of 30-60 times/min,and acupuncture for 10 seconds at each acupoint.Keep the needle for 30 minutes,and no needle during the retention period.Patients in both groups were treated once every 1 to 2 days,3 times a week for 2 weeks,and followed up for 1 month after all treatments.The two groups of patients were compared before and after treatment and during follow-up.The McGill pain questionnaire score and the cervical spine dysfunction index score were compared to determine the clinical efficacy.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software.Results:1 case drop-out in the strong stimulation group and 1 case in the weak stimulation group.The total effective rate of the strong stimulation group was 90.32%,the total effective rate of the weak stimulation group was 83.87%,and the total effective rate of the strong stimulation group was higher than that of the weak stimulation group(P<0.05).The total scores of the short-form McGill pain questionnaire,the VAS score,and the cervical spine dysfunction index scores of the two groups of patients were significantly lower than those of this group before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The total scores of the short-form McGill pain questionnaire,visual analogue scale score,and cervical spine dysfunction index scores of the strong stimulation group after treatment and follow-up were significantly lower than those of the weak stimulation group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture with strong and weak stimulation can effectively treat patients with cervical spondylosis,and deep acupuncture with filiform needles and strong stimulation have better effect.

Clinical observation on the treatment of sympathetic cervical spondylosis with meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction on sympathetic cervical spondylosis its influence on heart rate variability and norepinephrine concentration.Methods:80 patients with sympathetic cervical spondylosis were divided into the treatment group and control group randomly,with 40 patients in each group.Patients in the two groups were treated with massage on the basis of curvature traction.Among them,the treatment group was treated with meridian acupoint massage,while the control group was treated with routine massage.Each subject was treated once a day for 2 weeks.Before and after treatment,VAS,NRS,"20 score method",NDI,JOA,and Borden's method were used to evaluate the pain,sympathetic symptoms and cervical function of the two groups.At the same time,the changes of RR interval standard deviation and urine noradrenaline concentration were also observed.Finally the clinical efficacy of the two groups were evaluated.Results:The cure rate of the treatment group was 62.50%,while it was 40.00%in the control group,and the effective rate of the treatment group was 95.00%,the total effective rate of the control group was 80.00%,the treatment group was superior to the control group in both cure rate and total effective rate(P<0.05).During post-therapy,VAS score,NRS score,sympathetic symptom score,cervical physiological curvature,NDI score,and noradrenaline concentration in urine in both groups were lower than those of pre-treatment(P<0.01),JOA score and heart rate variability SDNN value were significantly higher(P<0.01),and the treatment group was superior to the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion:Meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction has a significant clinical effect on sympathetic cervical spondylosis,which is worth further promotion and application.

On the prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis^1

Cervical spondylosis is a kind of frequently occurring and refractory disease with high recurrence rate and tends to be younger. It has become a multiple refractory disease at home and abroad, and its mechanism research and clinical diagnosis and treatment are still controversial. This article will discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, mechanism and treatment of cervical spondylosis from ancient Chinese medicine and modern western medicine, and focus on the research progress of modern prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis, in order to provide reference for modern clinical treatment of cervical spondylosis.

Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Theory in Patients with Cervical Spondylosis

This paper expounds the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution applied to patients with cervical spondylosis,in order to clarify the distribution characteristics of TCM constitution of patients with cervical spondylosis.And to analyze the correlation between TCM constitution theory and cervical spondylosis is helpful to provide ideas for integrated nursing care of TCM and western medicine in patients with cervical spondylosis,and provide the basis for the construction of health management program and the evaluation of health promotion effect.

Massage Treatment for Spinal cord of Cervical Spondylosis

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Potential Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction for Cervical Spondylosis treatment based on Network Pharmacology

Objective:To study the potential mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction in the treatment of cervical spondylosis based on the network pharmacological method,and to provide a basis for clinical application and pharmacological research.Methods:TCMSP search was used to screen the main active compounds and related action targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction,the standard names of action targets were obtained through the Uniprot database,and the"drug-target"interaction network was constructed by using Cytoscape3.6.1 software.The related targets of cervical spondylosis were obtained by searching GeneCards,OMIM,DisGeNET,and CTD databases,and the disease targets and drug targets were mapped by the Venny platform,and the intersection genes of them were the potential targets for drug treatment of this disease.Then,the intersection genes were input into the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.6.1 software,and the protein-protein interactions(PPI)network of"drug-disease intersection targets"was constructed,and we screened the core targets.Finally,GO biological function analysis and KEGG signaling pathway analysis of core targets were carried out through the DAVID database.Results:According to the screening conditions,74 effective compounds and 138 drug action targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction were obtained,12179 genes related to cervical spondylosis were obtained,and the Venny platform analysis obtained 105 intersecting targets.With visual network processing by Cytoscape software,33 core targets were obtained by analyzing and calculating the core target degree values,which were JUN,PTGS2,NR3C1,TNF,IL6,TP53,EGFR,VEGFA,NOS3,IL1B,and so on.GO analysis showed that there were 133 items(P<0.05),involving adrenergic receptor activation,neurotransmitter receptor activation,nuclear receptor activation,catecholamine binding,etc.KEGG analysis obtained a total of 139 pathways(P<0.05),involving IL-17 signaling pathway,and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,relaxin signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway of diabetic complications,fluid shear stress,and atherosclerosis.Conclusion:the active components in Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction may act on the core targets such as JUN,PTGS2,NR3C1,TNF,IL6,TP53,VEGFA through IL-17 signal pathway,tumor necrosis factor signal pathway,and AGE-RAGE signal pathway of diabetic complications,and exert their therapeutic effects.The research results can provide a basis for future basic and clinical research.

MULTI-CENTER RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS OF COMBINED TREATMENT OF VERTEBRAL ARTERY TYPE CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND MASSAGE

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of synthetical therapy of acupuncture and massage for treating vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis (VACS). Methods: In the present study, triple-center, single-blind, randomized and control methods were adopted. Qualified subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: acupuncture-massage (acu-mas) group, acupuncture group, and massage group (60 subjects in each group). Bilateral Fengchi (风池GB 20), Jiaji (夹脊EX-B 2, C_ 4-7) and Baihui (百会GV 20) were punctured in combination with massage at the neck-shoulder and back region. The treatment was conducted once daily, 14 times altogether. Results: After treatment, of the 60 cases in each of acu-mas, acupuncture and massage groups, 28, 11 and 13 were cured, 13, 20 and 17 markedly effective, 12, 14 and 16 effective, and 7, 15 and 14 ineffective, with the total effective rates being 88.3%, 75.0% and 76.7% respectively. The therapeutic effect of acu-mas group was significantly superior to that of simple acupuncture and massage groups (P<0.05). The scores of clinical symptoms and signs in 3 groups all declined significantly after treatment (P<0.01), and the score of symptoms of acu-mas was markedly lower than those of acupuncture and massage groups (P<0.05). No significant differences were found among 3 groups in the score of clinical signs and between acupuncture and massage groups in the score of clinical symptoms (P>0.05). The time for producing therapeutic effects in acu-mas group was significantly shorter than those of acupuncture and massage groups (P<0.01, 0.05), meaning a faster of acu-mas group in producing clinical effect. No adverse events were found in all the 3 groups. Conclusion: Acupuncture and massage are effective and safe in the treatment of VACS, and the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with massage is superior to that of simple acupuncture and simple massage therapy.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACPUNCTURE COMBINED WITH MASSAGE FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS OF VERTEBRAL ARTERIAL TYPE BY USING TRANCRANIAL DOPPLYER ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with massage on blood flow velocity of the vertebro-basilar artery in cervical spondylosis of vertebral arterial type (CSVAT) patients. Methods: In the present study, methods of evidence-based medicine, triple-centers, single-blindness, randomization and control were used. A total of 100 cases of CSVAT patients were randomized into acupuncture plus massage (acu-massage) group (n=38), acupuncture group (n=32) and massage group (n=30). Acupoints used were Fengchi (风池GB 20), cervical Jiaji (颈夹脊EX-B 2), Baihui (百会GV 20), and the methods of massage used were kneading-rolling, adhesion-separating and acupoint-digital pressing, topical digital pressing and rubbing, traction-extending and mild palm-rubbing. The treatment was conducted once daily, with 7 sessions being a therapeutic course and continuously for 2 courses. Changes of peak velocity (Vp), end-diastolic velocity (Vd), mean velocity (Vm) of blood flow of the vertebral artery (VA) and basilar artery (BA), etc were detected before and after the treatment by using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography. Results: After the treatment, the abnormally low Vp of both VA and BA in acu-massage, acupuncture and massage groups, Vm of VA in acu-massage and acupuncture groups, Vm of BA in acu-massage and massage groups, and Vd of VA and BA in the 3 groups all increased significantly in comparison with their own pretreatment (P<0.05, 0.01), and the therapeutic effects of acu-massage group in the 3 indexes were significantly superior to those of acupuncture group and/or massage group (P<0.05, 0.01). The abnormally increased Vp of VA in acu-massage and acupuncture groups, Vm of VA in the 3 groups, and Vd of VA in acu-massage and massage groups decreased obviously after the treatment in comparison with their own pretreatment (P<0.05, 0.01), and the therapeutic effects of acu-massage group were significantly superior to those of acupuncture and/or massage group in the 3 indexes of VA (P<0.05, 0.01). In addition, the abnormally increased Vp, Vm and Vd of BA in the 3 groups showed a similar tendency. No significant differences between acupuncture and massage groups in 3 indexes (P>0.05). Conclusion: The therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus massage is significantly superior to those of simple acupuncture and simple massage therapies in improving abnormal blood dynamics of vertebral and basilar arteries in CSVAT patients.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON TREATMENT OF NERVE-ROOT TYPE CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS WITH ACUPUNCTURE, TRACTION PLUS SELF-EXERCISE OF QIGONG

Purpose: To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with traction and Qigong exercise for treatment of nerve root type cervical spondylosis. Methods: A total of 130 nerve root type cervical spondylosis patients were randomly divided into acupuncture + traction + Qigong exercise (ATQE) group (n=59), acupuncture + Qigong exercise (AQE) group (n=40) and traction + Qigong exercise (TQE) group (n=31). Main acupoints used were Fengchi (GB 20) and cervical Jiaji (EX B 2) on the affected side. Results: After one month’s treatment, in ATQE, AQE and TQE groups, 43 (72.88%), 18 (45.00%) and 12 (45.16%) had remarkable amelioration, 14 (23.72%), 14 (35.00%) and 10 (32.26%) were effective, and 2 (3.39%), 8 (20.00%) and 7 (22.58%) had no apparent changes with the total effective rates being 96.61%, 80.00% and 77.41% respectively. The therapeutic effect of ATQE group was significantly superior to that of AQE and TQE groups (P<0.01).

Clinical Application Value and Satisfaction Analysis of Physical Therapy in rehabilitation treatment of cervical spondylosis

Objective:To analyze the clinical value and nursing satisfaction of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with cervical spondylosis.Methods:From November 2019 to November 2020,84 patients with cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into two groups.Group A was given physical therapy,while group B was not given physical therapy.The differences of curative effect,cervical function,quality of life score and nursing satisfaction between the two groups were analyzed.Results:The curative effect of group A was 97.62%higher than that of group B 83.33%,P<0.05;The score of cervical function in group A(8.09±1.75)was higher than that in group B(8.09±1.75),P<0.05;The scores of quality of life in group A were better than those in group B(P<0.05);The nursing satisfaction of group A was 95.24%,which was better than that of group B 78.57%,P<0.05.Conclusions:Physical therapy intervention for patients with cervical spondylosis can improve nursing satisfaction and cervical function,which can be widely used.

Application of a modified surgical position in anterior approach for total cervical artificial disc replacement

BACKGROUND Total cervical artificial disc replacement(TDR)has been considered a safe and effective alternative surgical treatment for cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease that have failed to improve with conservative methods.Positioning the surgical patient is a critical part of the procedure.Appropriate patient positioning is crucial not only for the safety of the patient but also for optimizing surgical exposure,ensuring adequate and safe anesthesia,and allowing the surgeon to operate comfortably during lengthy procedures.The surgical posture is the traditional position used in anterior cervical approach;in general,patients are in a supine position with a pad under their shoulders and a ring-shaped pillow under their head.AIM To investigate the clinical outcomes of the use of a modified surgical position versus the traditional surgical position in anterior approach for TDR.METHODS In the modified position group,the patients had a soft pillow under their neck,and their jaw and both shoulders were fixed with wide tape.The analyzed data included intraoperative blood loss,position setting time,total operation time,and perioperative blood pressure and heart rate.RESULTS Blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly different before and after body positioning in both groups(P>0.05).Compared with the traditional position group,the modified position group showed a statistically significantly longer position setting time(P<0.05).However,the total operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly reduced in the modified position group compared with the traditional position group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The clinical outcomes indicated that total operation time and intraoperative blood loss were relatively lower in the modified position group than in the traditional position group,thus reducing the risks of surgery while increasing the position setting time.The modified surgical position is a safe and effective method to be used in anterior approach for TDR surgery.

Cervical intervertebral disc degeneration and dizziness

Clinical studies have found that patients withcervical degenerative disease are usually accompanied by dizziness.Anterior cervical surgery can eliminate not only chronic neck pain,cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy,but also dizziness.Immunohistochemical studies show that a large number of mechanoreceptors,especially Ruffini corpuscles,are present in degenerated cervical discs.The available evidence suggests a key role of Ruffini corpuscles in the pathogenesis of dizziness caused by cervical degenerative disease(i.e.cervical discogenic dizziness).Disc degeneration is characterized by an elevation of inflammatory cytokines,which stimulates the mechanoreceptors in degenerated discs and results in peripheral sensitization.Abnormal cervical proprioceptive inputs from the mechanoreceptors are transmitted to the central nervous system,resulting in sensory mismatches with vestibular and visual information and leads to dizziness.In addition,neck pain caused by cervical disc degeneration can play a key role in cervical discogenic dizziness by increasing the sensitivity of muscle spindles.Like cervical discogenic pain,the diagnosis of cervical discogenic dizziness can be challenging and can be made only after other potential causes of dizziness have been ruled out.Conservative treatment is effective for the majority of patients.Existing basic and clinical studies have shown that cervical intervertebral disc degeneration can lead to dizziness.