The protocol follows the guidelines of the Ethics Committee of the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Informed consent was obtained from the patients for including them and the data generated as a part of this study.
1. Pre-operative preparation
<ol>
	<li>Select patients according to the following inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the patients undergoing the surgeries, the inclusion criteria are as follows: 1) nerve compression due to thoracolumbar kyphosis, 2) severe low back pain due to kyphosis, 3) patients with Kummell disease, 4) kyphosis deformity left over by a cured infectious disease. The exclusion criteria are as follows: 1) bone destruction due to a spinal tumor, 2) infectious diseases of the spine in the active phase.</li>
	<li>After the administration of general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, place the patient on the operating table in the prone position.</li>
	<li>Use a C-arm to localize the lesioned segment. Mark and label the location to indicate the lesion and the adjacent upper and lower vertebral bodies and make an incision trace. Then, disinfect the surgical area with iodine and alcohol and drape with sterile sheets.</li>
</ol>
2. Lesion exposure
<ol>
	<li>Make a median dorsal incision centered on the diseased vertebra with a scalpel, covering two vertebral bodies above and below. To ensure the pedicle screw can be placed in, keep the length of the incision longer than the two vertebrae adjacent to the lesion on each side.</li>
	<li>Use a scalpel to cut the skin and subcutaneous tissue vertically along the mark. Use bipolar coagulation to stop the bleeding. Then, use an electrocoagulation electrotome to separate the latissimus dorsi and multifidus muscles along the muscle attachment points until the posterior spinous process and vertebral plate are revealed.</li>
	<li>Use osteoforceps to remove part of the facet joints of the two vertebrae above and below the lesion until the articular surface is exposed completely. Then, use the positioning needle to confirm the correct position of the pedicle screws under C-arm guidance.</li>
	<li>Choose the entry point 3 mm caudal to the junction of the transverse process in the thoracic vertebra10; the entry point of the lumbar vertebra is the intersection of the horizontal line of the transverse process&#39; midpoint and the vertical line of the superior articular process.</li>
	<li>Insert eight pedicle screws bilaterally in the upper and lower segments using a reaming probe to expand the path. Depending on the disease, insert another pedicle screw on one side of the lesioned segment. If the patient suffers from osteoporosis, use bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws to strengthen the vertebral bodies.</li>
	<li>Place a temporary fixation rod opposite to the osteotomy side on the pedicle screw caps, and screw and fasten the nuts. Then, use a rongeur to excise the lesioned segment&#39;s spinous process.</li>
	<li>Next, use the laminectomy rongeur to remove the lamina adjacent to the spinous process and the inferior articular process on the osteotomy side. Following these procedures, use the rongeur to cut off the transverse process on the same side. 
	&#8203;NOTE: The removal of the rib head is needed for better exposure of the thoracic vertebrae.</li>
</ol>
3. Deformity correction
<ol>
	<li>Use a modified trephine (Figure 1) to perform the osteotomy in the surgery9,11.
	<ol>
		<li>First, insert the pedicle probe into the lesioned vertebra. Then, use a modified trephine to remove the bone by twisting the handle into the vertebra. When the top of the trephine reaches the tip of the probe, the locking instrument will restrict its movement and prevent the serrated top from injuring the anterior tissue.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Hold on to the trephine and probe and slowly pull them out. Collect the cancellous bone in the trephine for later use. Then, repeat the same procedure to remove the bone quickly. Sometimes, the bone may not come out with the trephine; use a nucleus pulposus clamp to remove it.</li>
	<li>By changing the angle of the probe and making sure the trephine does not injure the nerves, remove the contralateral bone, preserving the vertebral arch and part of the bone.</li>
	<li>After the removal of most of the bone roughly, use the laminectomy rongeur and nucleus pulposus clamp to remove the remaining small cancellous bone fragments and discs. Then, use a curette to scrape the upper and lower endplate cartilage. When the space is large enough to implant the titanium mesh, the osteotomy is complete.</li>
	<li>Under the isolation of the dura by the nerve dissector, use the reverse curette and osteotome to remove the posterior wall of the vertebra. Once the compression to the spinal cord is relieved, gently pull the spinal cord into a position where the titanium cage can be safely implanted. Be careful not to damage the spinal dura mater to avoid cerebrospinal fluid leakage.</li>
	<li>Remove the temporary fixation bar and change it to an orthopedic rod (pre-corrected to the proper curvature), and screw and fasten the nuts on the opposite of the osteotomy.</li>
	<li>Fill an appropriately size titanium cage with the amputated autologous bone, and then place it in the correct position to prevent forward flexion of the spine. Implant the autologous fragmented bones peripherally.</li>
	<li>Place another fixing rod with the same curvature as the rod placed previously on the osteotomy side, and screw and fasten the nuts.</li>
</ol>
4. Closing the incision
<ol>
	<li>Use a large amount of saline to flush the operative field and stop active bleeding with bipolar electrocoagulation. Then, use gelatin sponges to fill the void and insert one or two closed suction drains to prevent postoperative hematoma.</li>
	<li>Close the incision layer-by-layer and ensure that each layer is not sutured to the drains. Use interrupted suture to suture the muscle and continuous suture to close the fascia by using absorbable suture material (size 1-0 for muscle and deep fascia, size 2-0 for superficial fascia). Use a skin stapler to suture the skin.</li>
</ol>
5. Post-operative care
<ol>
	<li>Measure the blood loss through the drain by observing the blood in the drainage bottle each day. The surgeons should also evaluate hidden blood loss to make sure the patients can obtain fast recovery12. Remove the drain when the blood loss is less than 50 mL per day.</li>
	<li>Allow patients to walk with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis if no venous thromboembolism is detected by a deep vein ultrasound scan. The orthosis is usually used for more than 3 months.</li>
</ol>

<ol><li>Petitt, J. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Failure+of+conservatively+managed+traumatic+vertebral+compression+fractures%3A+A+systematic+review%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22World+Neurosurgery%22%5BJournal%5D)">Failure of conservatively managed traumatic vertebral compression fractures: A systematic review.</a> World Neurosurgery. 165, 81-88 (2022).</li>
<li>Li, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Influence+of+lumbar+sagittal+profile+on+pelvic+orientation+and+pelvic+motion+during+postural+changes+in+patients+with+ankylosing+spondylitis-related+thoracolumbar+kyphosis+following+pedicle+subtraction+osteotomy%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Journal+of+Neurosurgery+Spine%22%5BJournal%5D)">Influence of lumbar sagittal profile on pelvic orientation and pelvic motion during postural changes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis-related thoracolumbar kyphosis following pedicle subtraction osteotomy.</a> Journal of Neurosurgery Spine. 36 (4), 624-631 (2022).</li>
<li>Khanna, K., Sabharwal, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Spinal+tuberculosis%3A+A+comprehensive+review+for+the+modern+spine+surgeon%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22The+Spine+Journal%22%5BJournal%5D)">Spinal tuberculosis: A comprehensive review for the modern spine surgeon.</a> The Spine Journal. 19 (11), 1858-1870 (2019).</li>
<li>Zhang, H. Q., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Deformed+complex+vertebral+osteotomy+technique+for+management+of+severe+congenital+spinal+angular+kyphotic+deformity%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Orthopaedic+Surgery%22%5BJournal%5D)">Deformed complex vertebral osteotomy technique for management of severe congenital spinal angular kyphotic deformity.</a> Orthopaedic Surgery. 13 (3), 1016-1025 (2021).</li>
<li>Schwab, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+comprehensive+anatomical+spinal+osteotomy+classification%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Neurosurgery%22%5BJournal%5D)">The comprehensive anatomical spinal osteotomy classification.</a> Neurosurgery. 74 (1), 112-120 (2014).</li>
<li>Tarawneh, A. M., Venkatesan, M., Pasku, D., Singh, J., Quraishi, N. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Impact+of+pedicle+subtraction+osteotomy+on+health-related+quality+of+life+%28HRQOL%29+measures+in+patients+undergoing+surgery+for+adult+spinal+deformity%3A+A+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22European+Spine+Journal%22%5BJournal%5D)">Impact of pedicle subtraction osteotomy on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures in patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> European Spine Journal. 29 (12), 2953-2959 (2020).</li>
<li>Kose, K. C., Bozduman, O., Yenigul, A. E., Igrek, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Spinal+osteotomies%3A+Indications%2C+limits+and+pitfalls%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22EFORT+Open+Reviews%22%5BJournal%5D)">Spinal osteotomies: Indications, limits and pitfalls.</a> EFORT Open Reviews. 2 (3), 73-82 (2017).</li>
<li>Liu, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Expanded+eggshell+procedure+combined+with+closing-opening+technique+%28a+modified+vertebral+column+resection%29+for+the+treatment+of+thoracic+and+thoracolumbar+angular+kyphosis%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Journal+of+Neurosurgery%3A+Spine%22%5BJournal%5D)">Expanded eggshell procedure combined with closing-opening technique (a modified vertebral column resection) for the treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar angular kyphosis.</a> Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. 23 (1), 42-48 (2015).</li>
<li>Yang, D. L., Yang, S. D., Chen, Q., Shen, Y., Ding, W. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+treatment+evaluation+for+osteoporotic+Kummell+disease+by+modified+posterior+vertebral+column+resection%3A+Minimum+of+one-year+follow-up%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Medical+Science+Monitor%22%5BJournal%5D)">The treatment evaluation for osteoporotic Kummell disease by modified posterior vertebral column resection: Minimum of one-year follow-up.</a> Medical Science Monitor. 23, 606-612 (2017).</li>
<li>Fennell, V. S., Palejwala, S., Skoch, J., Stidd, D. A., Baaj, A. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Freehand+thoracic+pedicle+screw+technique+using+a+uniform+entry+point+and+sagittal+trajectory+for+all+levels%3A+Preliminary+clinical+experience%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Journal+of+Neurosurgery%3A+Spine%22%5BJournal%5D)">Freehand thoracic pedicle screw technique using a uniform entry point and sagittal trajectory for all levels: Preliminary clinical experience.</a> Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. 21 (5), 778-784 (2014).</li>
<li>Wang, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Comparison+of+clinical+and+radiological+improvement+between+the+modified+trephine+and+high-speed+drill+as+main+osteotomy+instrument+in+pedicle+subtraction+osteotomy%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Medicine%22%5BJournal%5D)">Comparison of clinical and radiological improvement between the modified trephine and high-speed drill as main osteotomy instrument in pedicle subtraction osteotomy.</a> Medicine. 94 (45), 2027(2015).</li>
<li>Li, X., Ding, W., Zhao, R., Yang, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Risk+factors+of+total+blood+loss+and+hidden+blood+loss+in+patients+with+adolescent+idiopathic+scoliosis%3A+A+retrospective+study%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22BioMed+Research+International%22%5BJournal%5D)">Risk factors of total blood loss and hidden blood loss in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A retrospective study.</a> BioMed Research International. 2022, 9305190(2022).</li>
<li>Wang, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Unilateral+posterior+vertebral+column+resection+for+severe+thoracolumbar+kyphotic+deformity+caused+by+old+compressive+vertebrae+fracture%3A+A+technical+improvement%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22International+Journal+of+Clinical+and+Experimental+Medicine%22%5BJournal%5D)">Unilateral posterior vertebral column resection for severe thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity caused by old compressive vertebrae fracture: A technical improvement.</a> International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 8 (3), 3579-3584 (2015).</li>
<li>Liu, F. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Modified+posterior+vertebral+column+resection+for+Kummell+disease%3A+Case+report%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Medicine%22%5BJournal%5D)">Modified posterior vertebral column resection for Kummell disease: Case report.</a> Medicine. 96 (5), 5955(2017).</li>
<li>Policicchio, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Pedicled+multifidus+muscle+flap+to+treat+inaccessible+dural+tear+in+spine+surgery%3A+Technical+note+and+preliminary+experience%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22World+Neurosurgery%22%5BJournal%5D)">Pedicled multifidus muscle flap to treat inaccessible dural tear in spine surgery: Technical note and preliminary experience.</a> World Neurosurgery. 145, 267-277 (2021).</li>
<li>Yang, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Posterior+vertebral+column+resection+in+spinal+deformity%3A+A+systematic+review%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22European+Spine+Journal%22%5BJournal%5D)">Posterior vertebral column resection in spinal deformity: A systematic review.</a> European Spine Journal. 25 (8), 2368-2375 (2016).</li>
<li>Tang, H. Z., Xu, H., Yao, X. D., Lin, S. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Single-stage+posterior+vertebral+column+resection+and+internal+fixation+for+old+fracture-dislocations+of+thoracolumbar+spine%3A+A+case+series+and+systematic+review%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22European+Spine+Journal%22%5BJournal%5D)">Single-stage posterior vertebral column resection and internal fixation for old fracture-dislocations of thoracolumbar spine: A case series and systematic review.</a> European Spine Journal. 25 (8), 2497-2513 (2016).</li>
</ol>

The authors have no conflicts of interest in this research.

The steps of placing the temporary fixation rod and the deformity correction mentioned in the protocol are the critical steps during the surgery. By preserving one side of the pedicle and loading a temporary fixation bar, stability is preserved during the osteotomy procedure. During the surgical progress of the deformity correction, the nerve roots must be protected to prevent serious postoperative neurological complications. If the surgeons are uncertain about the location of the nerve roots, the exposure of the nerve r...

Thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity is a primary or secondary disease generally caused by vertebrae fracture, vertebral body development, ankylosing spondylitis, and spinal tuberculosis1,2,3,4. Severe kyphotic deformity often induces spinal cord compression or severe low back pain. Once conservative treatment becomes ineffective, a surgical approach is necessary due to the complications caused by the deformity. However, the appropriate surgical treatment remains controversial.
The surgical approach to treat severe kyphotic deformity usually needs grade 3 or higher osteotomy5. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a technique in which a three-column osteotomy can be achieved, which is reported with correction between 30&#176; and 40&#176;6. When the kyphotic deformity is more than 40&#176;, vertebral column resection is recommended, but it can shorten the spine and induce spinal cord bulk7. Partial body and disc resection (BDBO; grade 4) and posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR; grade 5) require complete interception of the anterior and middle columns of the spine, which may cause huge damage to the spine with severe neurologic complications due to spinal instability in the operation or postoperative implant settlement7,8. For general operators, the technique is hard to master, and the surgical damage is enormous for the patients. Thus, a method that is easier to perform with less damage is needed.
In this report, we introduce a refined surgical technique with a modified trephine to treat thoracolumbar kyphosis by removing the vertebral and adjacent discs unilaterally and placing a titanium mesh with autologous bone on the same side. This technique aims to minimize the damage to the patient while achieving good results. In our previous research, the refined surgical procedure showed significantly greater outcomes and reduced the damage to the spine through the preservation of the contralateral pedicle and part of the vertebral body9.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Adhesive</td><td>Biatain</td><td>3420</td><td>12.5 cm x 12.5 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Bipolar electrocoagulation tweezers</td><td>Juan&#039;en Medical Devices Co.Ltd</td><td>BZN-Q-B-S</td><td>1.2 mm x 190 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Bone wax</td><td>ETHICON</td><td>W810T</td><td>2.5g</td></tr><tr><td>Curette</td><td>Qingniu</td><td>20739.01</td><td>300 x &amp;Oslash;9 x 5&amp;deg;</td></tr><tr><td>Double jointed forceps</td><td>SHINVA</td><td>286920</td><td>240 mm x 8 mm</td></tr><tr><td>High frequency active electrodes</td><td>ZhongBangTianCheng</td><td>GD-BZ</td><td>GD-BZ-J1</td></tr><tr><td>Laminectomy rongeur</td><td>Qingniu</td><td>2054.03</td><td>220 x 3.0 x 130&amp;deg;</td></tr><tr><td>Laminectomy rongeur</td><td>Qingniu</td><td>2058.03</td><td>220 x 5.0 x 130&amp;deg;</td></tr><tr><td>Pedicle screw</td><td>WEGO</td><td>800386545</td><td>6.5 mm x 45 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Pedicle screw</td><td>WEGO</td><td>800386550</td><td>6.5 mm x 50 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Pituitary&amp;nbsp;rongeur</td><td>Qingniu</td><td>2028.01</td><td>220 mm x 3.0 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Pituitary&amp;nbsp;rongeur</td><td>Qingniu</td><td>2028.02</td><td>220 mm x 3.0 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Rod</td><td>WEGO</td><td>800386040</td><td>5.5 mm x 500 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Surgical drainage catheter set</td><td>BAINUS MEDICAL</td><td>SY-Fr16-C</td><td>100-400 mL</td></tr><tr><td>Surgical film</td><td>3L</td><td>SP4530</td><td>45 cm x 30 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Titanium&amp;nbsp;cage</td><td>WEGO</td><td>9051228</td><td>19 mm x 80 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Trephine</td><td>NATON MEDICAL GROUP</td><td>DJD04130</td><td>12 mm/10 mm</td></tr></tbody></table>

modified posterior vertebral column resection for patients with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity

Old compression vertebrae fracture or congenital kyphoscoliosis with abnormal vertebral body development and other diseases that invade the spine may cause severe thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity, often accompanied by intractable low back pain or compression of the spinal cord, leading to severe neurological symptoms or even paralysis. If conservative treatment cannot relieve the symptoms or correct the deformities, surgical treatment is usually needed. For severe kyphotic deformity, reconstruction of the physiological curvature and rigid fixation determine the prognosis of the patients. Osteotomy and orthopedics are the standard procedure for deformities with severe compression of the front and middle column, but the trauma to the patients is high, with a long operation time and massive blood loss. To avoid these disadvantages, we have developed a modified technique to remove the diseased vertebra unilaterally. In this technique, we use a modified trephine to resect the vertebral columns like in the pedicle screw technique by adding a locking instrument that can restrict the trephine to lower the risk of osteotomy and shorten the surgery time and blood loss.

About 330&#176; decompression can be achieved by using the unilateral PVCR technique. The transverse process and the rib head need to be removed to make sure the abduction angle is enough to remove the contralateral bone.
By using the modified trephine, the bone of the diseased vertebrae can be removed easily by rotating it with mild stress. When the trephine is locked, one should pull out the trephine and probe together, and then a cylinder of cancellous bone can be obtained (<strong class="x...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity at JoVE.com

Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity

We describe a modified technique for resecting the posterior vertebral column unilaterally based on a modified trephine for patients with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity.

Old compression vertebrae fracture or congenital kyphoscoliosis with abnormal vertebral body development and other diseases that invade the spine may ...

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2.1K Views.  The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University. We describe a modified technique for resecting the posterior vertebral column unilaterally based on a modified trephine for patients with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity.

Video: Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity

Cone Beam Intraoperative Computed Tomography-based Image Guidance for Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is commonly used for the treatment of spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches have been applied to this technique with an associated decrease in estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay, and infection rates, while preserving outcomes with traditional open surgery. Previous MIS TLIF techniques involve significant fluoroscopy that subjects the patient, surgeon, and operating room staff to non-trivial levels of radiation exposure, particularly for complex multi-level procedures. We present a technique that utilizes an intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scan to aid in placement of pedicle screws, followed by traditional fluoroscopy for confirmation of cage placement. Patients are positioned in the standard fashion and a reference arc is placed in the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) followed by intraoperative CT scan. This allows for image-guidance-based placement of pedicle screws through a one-inch skin incision on each side. Unlike traditional MIS-TLIF that requires significant fluoroscopic imaging during this stage, the operation can now be performed without any additional radiation exposure to the patient or operating room staff. After completion of the facetectomy and discectomy, final TLIF cage placement is confirmed with fluoroscopy. This technique has the potential to decrease operative time and minimize total radiation exposure.

The purpose of this article is to provide image-guidance for minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is commonly used for the treatment of spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis. ...

Three-dimensional Navigation-guided, Prone, Single-position, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique

Lateral interbody fusion provides a significant biomechanical advantage over the traditional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion due to the large implant size and optimal implant position. However, current methods for lateral interbody cage placement require either a two-staged procedure or a single lateral decubitus position that precludes surgeons from having either full access to the posterior spine for direct decompression or comfortable pedicle screw placement.
Herein is one institution's experience with 10 cases of a prone single-position approach for simultaneous access to the anterior and posterior lumbar spine. This allows both lateral lumbar interbody cage placement, direct posterior decompression, and pedicle screw placement, all in one position. Three-dimensional (3D) navigation is utilized for increased precision in both approaching the lateral spine and interbody cage placement. The traditional blind psoas muscle tubular dilation was also modified. Tubular retractors and lateral vertebral body retractor pins were used to minimize the risks to the lumbar plexus.

The single-position, prone, lateral approach allows for both lateral lumbar interbody placement and direct posterior decompression with pedicle screw placement in one position.

Lateral interbody fusion provides a significant biomechanical advantage over the traditional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion due to the large ...

Neuroscience

C-arm-Free Simultaneous OLIF51 and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in a Single Lateral Position

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is an established technique for the indirect decompression of lumbar canal stenosis. However, OLIF at the L5-S1 level (OLIF51) is technically difficult because of the anatomical structures. We present a novel simultaneous technique of OLIF51 with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without fluoroscopy. The patient is placed in a right lateral decubitus position. A percutaneous reference pin is inserted into the right sacroiliac joint. An O-arm scan is performed, and 3D reconstructed images are transmitted to the spinal navigation system. A 4 cm oblique skin incision is made under navigation guidance along the pelvis. The internal/external and transverse abdominal muscles are divided along the muscle fibers, protecting the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves. Using a retroperitoneal approach, the left common iliac vessels are identified. Special muscle retractors with illumination are used to expose the L5-S1 intervertebral disc. After disc preparation with navigated instruments, the disc space is distracted with navigated trials. Autogenous bone and demineralized bone material are then inserted into the cage hole. The OLIF51 cage is inserted into the disc space with the help of a mallet. Simultaneously, percutaneous pedicle screws are inserted by another surgeon without changing the lateral decubitus position of the patient.
In conclusion, C-arm-free OLIF51 and simultaneous percutaneous pedicle screw fixation are performed in a lateral position under navigation guidance. This novel technique reduces surgical time and radiation hazards.

C-arm-free oblique lumbar interbody fusion at the L5-S1 level (OLIF51) and simultaneous pedicle screw fixation are performed in a lateral position under navigation guidance. This technique does not expose the surgeon or operating staff to radiation hazards.

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is an established technique for the indirect decompression of lumbar canal stenosis. However, OLIF at the L5-S1 ...

Laminectomy for the Removal of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum (TOLF) Using Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomes

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is a common cause of progressive thoracic myelopathy. TOLF is typically treated with surgical decompression. A variety of surgical techniques, including laminoplasty, laminectomy, and lamina fenestration, are used for the effective treatment of TOLF. However, traditional methods are associated with a substantial risk of perioperative complications, including dural laceration and/or iatrogenic spinal cord injury. Therefore, it is important to develop an efficient and secure surgical technique for TOLF. Herein, we describe a method for laminectomyperformed at the thoracic spine using an ultrasonic osteotome combined with a conventional osteotome. This technique can reduce intraoperative complications. This is a relatively safe and easy-to-learn method that should be recommended for the treatment of TOLF.

Laminectomy for the Removal of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum TOLF Using Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomes

We present a methodology for using an ultrasonic osteotome combined with a conventional osteotome for laminectomy in thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum. This is a relatively safe and easy-to-learn method that avoids the perioperative complications associated with the conventional method.

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is a common cause of progressive thoracic myelopathy. TOLF is typically treated with surgical ...

Anterior Cervical Hybrid Decompression and Fusion Surgery to Treat Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common disease resulting from intervertebral disc herniation, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and other pathological changes that cause spinal cord compression. CSM progresses insidiously with mild upper-limb numbness, which patients tend to ignore. As the condition worsens, the patients may experience a limp, limited fine motor activity, and eventually, a loss of daily activity. Conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, are frequently ineffective for CSM. Once surgery is deemed to be required, decompression surgery is the best option. So far, both anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) have been commonly used to treat CSM. In addition, a type of hybrid procedure that combines ACDF with ACCF has been used to treat some CSM cases and achieved satisfying results. Thus, this study aims to introduce this hybrid surgical technique and advocate for it based on its patient success.

This paper describes a hybrid surgical technique that combines anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion to treat patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common disease resulting from intervertebral disc herniation, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ...

A Modified Eggshell Technique for Sclerosing Thoracic Disc Herniation

Sclerosing thoracic disc herniation refers to a condition in which the intervertebral disc in the thoracic region protrudes and becomes calcified, causing compression on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Sclerosing herniation of the thoracic disc poses a significant danger as it can lead to serious complications like paraplegia during or after surgery. Iatrogenic spinal cord injury is a common risk for individuals diagnosed with sclerosing thoracic disc herniation due to the inflexible protrusion of the sclerosing disc into the spinal canal and its adhesion to the ventral side of the dural sac. The challenging and crucial aspect of the surgery is how to safely and efficiently eliminate the hardened tissue. The eggshell method is a surgical procedure that addresses the kyphosis abnormality of the spinal column by excavating the vertebral body via the pedicles and subsequently inserting the kyphotic fracture block into the excavated vertebral body. In this article, a revised surgical method using the eggshell technique will be presented for the treatment of sclerosing thoracic disc herniation. The surgical procedure briefly involves hollowing out the anterior intervertebral space of the hardened disc tissue to create an eggshell-like structure, with the sclerotic tissue forming the posterior wall. Subsequently, the sclerotic disc tissue is pushed into the hollow intervertebral space to achieve complete decompression of the ventral spinal cord. The safety and effectiveness of this approach for treating sclerosing thoracic disc herniation have been confirmed.

This protocol introduces a modified eggshell surgical technique used for treating sclerosing thoracic disc herniation.

Sclerosing thoracic disc herniation refers to a condition in which the intervertebral disc in the thoracic region protrudes and becomes calcified, causing ...

Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion at L5-S1 Segment Through an Approach Between the Psoas Muscle and the Great Vessels

Over the years, the oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) technique has gained significant recognition for treating various spinal conditions in lumbar segments L2-L5. However, the adoption of OLIF for the L5-S1 segment has not been widely embraced by the spinal surgery community, given that significant concerns remain regarding the applicability of OLIF for lumbosacral fusion. In this study, a cohort of 20 patients underwent interbody fusion at the L5-S1 level using the OLIF technique through a single retroperitoneal oblique approach positioned between the Psoas muscle and the great vessels. The procedure involved discectomy and endplate preparation accomplished through a surgical window created on the anterolateral side of the L5-S1 disc. For secure interbody fusion cage placement, a supplementary cage insertion approach was employed. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The mean preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score for lower back pain was 6.3 &#177; 1.5 and experienced a significant reduction to 1.2 &#177; 0.8 at 12 months. The VAS score for lower limb pain significantly decreased from 5.6 &#177; 1.4 preoperatively to 0.8 &#177; 0.3 at 12 months after the surgery. Furthermore, the preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) improved from 82.4% &#177; 16.2% to 8.1% &#177; 2.0% at 12 months. Radiographic evaluations after surgery confirmed improved lumbosacral junction reconstruction for all patients. At the final follow-up, successful bony fusion was observed in all cases. Based on these findings, the OLIF technique for L5-S1 fusion represents an attainable approach for lumbosacral reconstruction. The procedure&#39;s success hinges on a comprehensive preoperative plan and precise intraoperative techniques.

The protocol presents an OLIF L5-S1 technique that offers a more feasible approach for lumbosacral fusion sharing a common surgical plane with OLIF L2-5. This facilitates reproducible multi-level interbody fusions extending from L2 to S1 through a retroperitoneal oblique corridor between the Psoas muscle and the great vessels.

Over the years, the oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) technique has gained significant recognition for treating various spinal conditions in lumbar ...

Application of Separation Surgery Combined with Radiofrequency Ablation and Bone Cement Strengthening in Thoracolumbar Metastasis

The spine is a common site for metastatic tumors, with 5%-10% of patients developing epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC), which significantly reduces their quality of life and accelerates the process of death. When total en-bloc spondylectomy (TES) radical surgery does not achieve the desired tumor control, palliative care remains the primary treatment option. Traditional laminar decompression or partial tumor resection can only relieve local compression. Although the surgical trauma and complications are less, these methods cannot effectively address tumor recurrence and secondary compression. Therefore, separation surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation and bone cement strengthening was used to treat thoracolumbar metastatic tumors, aiming to achieve good clinical results. In this protocol, the steps and key points of separation surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation and bone cement reinforcement for thoracolumbar metastatic tumors are introduced in detail. Meanwhile, the clinical data of 67 cases of thoracolumbar metastatic tumors in our hospital meeting the inclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Different treatment methods divided the patients into two groups: separation surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation and bone cement strengthening (group A, 33 cases) and the radiotherapy group (group B, 34 cases). All patients were evaluated using improved Tokuhashi, Tomita, SINS, and ESCC scores before treatment. VAS score, Frankel grading, and Karnofsky scores during different periods of the two treatments were compared to assess the clinical outcomes. Studies have shown that separation surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation and bone cement strengthening can significantly reduce pain, promote neurological function recovery, enhance mobility, and improve quality of life in treating thoracolumbar metastatic tumors.

This study investigates the efficacy of combining separation surgery with radiofrequency ablation and radiotherapy in treating thoracolumbar metastatic tumors.

The spine is a common site for metastatic tumors, with 5%-10% of patients developing epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC), which significantly reduces ...

Technique of Sagittal Adjusting Screw System for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device

Thoracolumbar (TL) burst fracture is one of the most common indications for minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Although the indication for surgical treatment of neurologically intact TL fractures remains under debate, studies have demonstrated that posttraumatic malalignment may lead to a deterioration in the patient&#39;s quality of life. For burst fractures with malalignment or fragments in the spinal canal, a reduction technique using ligamentotaxis is commonly used to improve long-term outcomes.
The sagittal adjusting screw (SAS) system is a monoaxial screw system with a fixed head and concave sliding saddle that allows lordotic sliding of the rod in the sagittal plane after screw insertion. SAS also has a percutaneous option and has been used for TL spine fractures. Notably, the SAS only allows motion on the sagittal plane, allowing both secure fixation and angular reduction. The SAS has certain advantages over the conventional Schanz screw system or normal mono-/multiaxial pedicle screws for TL spine fracture treatment. In addition, specialized trauma reduction devices are available for the SAS system. In this video protocol, we discuss the indication for the SAS system in TL burst fracture and describe a technique of TL burst fracture reduction and fixation using the SAS system. Additionally, we describe our recent case series with radiological evaluation, including regional kyphotic angle and percent loss of anterior vertebral body height, to evaluate the newly introduced trauma reduction device.

The sagittal adjusting screw (SAS) system has been widely used for thoracolumbar (TL) spinal trauma. Percutaneous options and specialized trauma reduction devices are also available for the SAS system. We describe a technique for reducing TL burst fractures using an SAS system and a newly introduced trauma reduction device.

Thoracolumbar (TL) burst fracture is one of the most common indications for minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Although the ...

Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion

Interbody fusion of the lumbar spine is a standard procedure for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine disease if conservative treatment fails. Surgical decompression and fusion of the segment can be achieved using several different techniques. Over the last decades, minimally invasive techniques, such as lateral interbody fusion (LLIF), have been developed to reduce tissue damage and complications and allow quicker patient recovery. With growing popularity, indications for LLIF have expanded to treat spinal deformities and foraminal/central stenosis. Mechanically, it allows for an unsurpassed fixation through the left-to-right apophyseal ring placement of the cage. LLIF utilizes a minimally disruptive retroperitoneal corridor and includes both trans-psoas and pre-psoas approaches. For the pre-psoas approach, the risk of damage from manipulation of the intramuscular lumbar plexus is reduced compared to a trans-psoas approach. However, increased risks of major vascular, ureteral, bowel injury and sympathetic plexus damage are reported.
This article aims to provide a detailed and comprehensive guide on stand-alone lateral trans-psoas interbody fusion, including its indications, surgical procedure, potential complications, and outcomes based on a decade of experience from a single center.

Interbody fusion of the lumbar spine can be achieved surgically using different techniques. Minimally invasive techniques, including lateral interbody fusion, have been developed within recent decades to reduce rates of complications and allow for quicker patient recovery. We provide insight into stand-alone lateral trans-psoas interbody fusion, highlighting potential complications and pitfalls.

Interbody fusion of the lumbar spine is a standard procedure for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine disease if conservative treatment fails. Surgical ...