Investigation of Preoperative Traction Followed by Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Combined with Percutaneous Cement Discoplasty for the Treatment of Severe Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, clinical efficacy and imaging results of preoperative traction (PT) followed by percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) combined with percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) for treating severe thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).

Methods: A total of 13 patients with severe thoracolumbar OVCFs treated by PT followed by PKP combined with PCD were enrolled. General information, PT time, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, perioperative complications, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, local kyphosis angle, intervertebral angle (IVA), anterior vertebral height (AVH) and posterior vertebral height (PVH) were recorded.

Preliminary report of modified expansive laminoplasty in the treatment of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum.

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the role of posterior suspension of the laminae-ossification of the ligamentum flavum complex combined with miniplate fixation (modified expansive thoracic laminoplasty) in treating thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF).

Methods: Eight patients with TOLF treated by modified expansive thoracic laminoplasty were retrospectively analyzed. Their general information, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were recorded.

[Efficacy evaluation of percutaneous vertebroplasty via an extra-pedicular approach for osteoporotic compression fracture].

Objective: To evaluate the effects of relieving pains and restoring vertebral heights of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty by extra-pedicular approach as a minimally invasive treatment in patients with painful osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures (OVCF).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 96 consecutive patients. There were 64 females and 32 males with a mean age 67 years (range: 55 - 82).

[Comparison between bipedicular approach and uni-extrapedicular approach in application of vertebroplasty].

Objective: To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of bipedicular approach and uni-extrapedicular approach of vertebroplasty in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).

Methods: From January 2008 to December 2010,53 patients with OVCFs were retrospectively analyzed. There were 24 males, 30 females with an average age of 66.

[Surgical treatment of postoperative deep wound infection after posterior lumbar interlumbar fusion of the lumbar stenosis].

Objective: To study surgical treatment for the deep wound infections after the operation of posterior lumbar interlumbar fusion (PLIF) in lumbar spinal stenosis.

Methods: From December 2005 to December 2010,10 patients with the deep wound infection of the PLIF were analyzed retrospectively, including 4 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 52.8 years (ranged from 34 to 70 years).

[Posterior interbody fusion versus improved transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in segmental spinal fixation for aged spondylolisthesis with lumbar spinal canal stenosis].

Objective: To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of posterior lumbar fixation and posterior interbody fusion or improved transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for Meyerding grade II/III spondylolisthesis so as to address the suitability of a dynamic stabilization.

Methods: A total of 28 consecutive patients underwent posterior lumbar fixation and posterior interbody fusion or improved transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for Meyerding grade II/III spondylolisthesis. Among them, 13 patients underwent posterior interface fusion (PLIF) and pedicle screw fixation.

[Treatment of upper cervical spine instability with posterior fusion plus atlantoaxial pedicle screw].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacies, indications and application values of posterior fusion plus pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of upper cervical spine instability.

Methods: From May 2006 to December 2010, a total of 24 patients with atlantoaxial instability were treated with C1-2 pedicle screws and rod fixation under general anesthesia. There were 18 males and 6 females with a mean age of 49.