Optimal medial transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion approach with five extensive options: A simulated study on three-dimensional digital reconstructed images.

Objective: The objective of this study is to use 3D digital lumbar models to investigate and simulate the optimal posterior operative approach for safe decompression and insertion of an interbody cage.

Methods: Thirty lumbar spine (L3-S1) computed tomography data are collected for 3D reconstruction. We cut medial half part of the superior facet and define the distance between the margin of the operative side of the spinous process and the medial margin of the cut superior facet as "medial distance (MD)".

The compression of L5 nerve root, single or double sites?-radiographic graded signs, intra-operative detect technique and clinical outcomes.

Background: The L5 nerve root could be compressed at both L4-5 and L5-S1 regions. If L5 nerve root has confirmed compression at L4-5 level and questionable compression at L5-S1 foramina, performing both surgeries at L4-5 and L5-S1 levels may induce unnecessary extra surgery on L5-S1; however, ignoring foraminal stenosis of L5/S1 may require re-exploration.

Methods: Two hundred seventeen patients with L5 nerve root compressed at L4-5 lateral access were performed with L4-5 decompression and interbody fusion.

The outcomes of percutaneous kyphoplasty in treatment of the secondary osteoporotic vertebral compression factures: a case-control study.

Background: To investigate the outcomes of using percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of the secondary osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Methods: Eighty-one patients had the secondary single segmental osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures after the initial fractures and treated by percutaneous kyphoplasty were reviewed, 74 of them had minimum 2 years follow-up were included in this study. The 74 patients with primary osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated by percutaneous kyphoplasty at the same time period were matched as control group in 1:1 ratio.

Validation of the chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-CR29 in patients with colorectal cancer.

Aim: To assess the validity and reliability of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Colorectal Cancer 29 (EORTC QLQ-CR29) in Chinese patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: From March 2014 to January 2015, 356 patients with CRC from four different hospitals in China were enrolled in the study, and all patients self-administered the EORTC QLQ-CR29 and the quality of life core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Evaluation of the scores was based on the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS).