Spinal decompression in achondroplastic patients using high-speed drill versus ultrasonic bone curette: technical note and outcomes in 30 cases

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Lamina Osteotomy Replantation Assisted by Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel in the Treatment of Lumbar Infectious Spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical efficacy of ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS)-assisted unilateral biportal endoscopic lamina osteotomy replantation (ULOR) for treating lumbar infectious spondylitis (LIS).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with LIS who had therapy with UBS-assisted ULOR at our hospital between January 2020 and May 2023. A total of 17 instances matched the inclusion criteria, consisting of 7 females and 10 males. The UBS was utilized during surgery to extract the lamina completely, followed by large bone grafting to fuse the cleaned intervertebral space. The study recorded and analyzed various parameters in the included patients before and after surgery.

RESULTS

All 17 patients underwent a successful operation with an average duration of 136.82 ± 21.35 minutes, average blood loss of 77.43 ± 10.19 ml, and an average follow-up period of 18.55 ± 3.47 months. Following the surgical intervention, the patients experienced a substantial improvement in their clinical symptoms, accompanied by a significant drop in white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels (all P < 0.001). The postoperative visual analog scale scores and Oswestry Disability Index showed considerable improvement (both P < 0.001). The postoperative Cobb angle and intervertebral space height were significantly corrected (P < 0.001). At the last follow-up, the success rate of lumbar fusion was 100%, and there were no instances of infection recurring.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ULOR with assistance from UBS for the treatment of LIS has proven to be beneficial. It provides significant relief from symptoms and corrects lumbar deformity. This surgical procedure is both effective and safe.

Perioperative Complications Following Spine Surgery in Adult Patients with Achondroplasia

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the common types of complications and their risk factors during spine surgery in patients with achondroplasia.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of medical records of adult achondroplasia patients who underwent spine surgery at our institution between 2007 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were achondroplasia and age >16 years. Surgical encounters were evaluated for durotomy, postoperative neurologic deficit, wound compromise, medical complications, and return to the operating room. Statistical analysis included evaluation of relationships across complications and fisher exact test applied to bivariate/categorical variables and t-test/ANOVA for continuous variables. Multivariable analysis using logistic regression was performed to account for patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with achondroplasia underwent 95 surgeries. Forty-nine percent of the surgeries involved a complication. These included durotomy (33.7%), neurologic deficit (11.6%), wound compromise (6.3%), and other medical complications (6.3%). Thirteen percent of surgeries required return to the operating room. The greatest number of complications occurred in thoracolumbar region (60.0%) compared to cervicothoracic (18.2%) and craniocervical junction (33.3%). Chronologically later surgical encounters had decreased complications and durotomies only occurred in thoracolumbar surgeries (45.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Adult patients with achondroplasia undergoing surgery chronologically later in this set of consecutive patients were at a decreased risk for complications. Thoracolumbar surgeries were at the greatest risk for durotomies. Male sex was a risk factor for durotomy, while age was a risk factor for neurologic deficit. The potential for adverse surgical events should be considered when evaluating patients with achondroplasia for spine surgery. .

The Predictors of Incidental Durotomy in Patients Undergoing Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for the Correction of Adult Spinal Deformity

Background: Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a powerful tool for sagittal plane correction in patients with rigid adult spinal deformity (ASD); however, it is associated with high intraoperative blood loss and the increased risk of durotomy. The objective of the present study was to identify intraoperative techniques and baseline patient factors capable of predicting intraoperative durotomy. Methods: A tri-institutional database was retrospectively queried for all patients who underwent PSO for ASD. Data on baseline comorbidities, surgical history, surgeon characteristics and intraoperative maneuvers were gathered. PSO aggressiveness was defined as conventional (Schwab 3 PSO) or an extended PSO (Schwab type 4). The primary outcome of the study was the occurrence of durotomy intraoperatively. Univariable analyses were performed with Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi-squared analyses, and Fisher's exact tests. Statistical significance was defined by p < 0.05. Results: One hundred and sixteen patients were identified (mean age 61.9 ± 12.6 yr; 44.8% male), of whom 51 (44.0%) experienced intraoperative durotomy. There were no significant differences in baseline comorbidities between those who did and did not experience durotomy, with the exception that baseline weight and body mass index were higher in patients who did not suffer durotomy. Prior surgery (OR 2.73; 95% CI [1.13, 6.58]; p = 0.03) and, more specifically, prior decompression at the PSO level (OR 4.23; 95% CI [1.92, 9.34]; p < 0.001) was predictive of durotomy. A comparison of surgeon training showed no statistically significant difference in durotomy rate between fellowship and non-fellowship trained surgeons, or between orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. The PSO level, PSO aggressiveness, the presence of stenosis at the PSO level, nor the surgical instrument used predicted the odds of durotomy occurrence. Those experiencing durotomy had similar hospitalization durations, rates of reoperation and rates of nonroutine discharge. Conclusions: In this large multisite series, a history of prior decompression at the PSO level was associated with a four-fold increase in intraoperative durotomy risk. Notably the use of extended (versus) standard PSO, surgical technique, nor baseline patient characteristics predicted durotomy. Durotomies occurred in 44% of patients and may prolong operative times. Additional prospective investigations are merited.

The efficacy and safety of ultrasonic bone scalpel for removing retrovertebral osteophytes in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A retrospective study

In this study, we present a novel surgical method that utilizes the ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) for the removal of large retrovertebral osteophytes in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and evaluate its safety and efficacy in comparison to the traditional approach of using high-speed drill (HSD). A total of 56 patients who underwent ACDF for retrovertebral osteophytes were selected. We recorded patients' baseline information, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, JOA and VAS scores, and other relevant data. The mean operation time and the mean intraoperative blood loss in the UBS group were less than those in the HSD group (P < 0.05). Although both groups exhibited considerable improvements in JOA and VAS scores following surgery, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, no significant disparities were found in bone graft fusion between the two groups at 6- and 12-months postsurgery. Notably, neither group exhibited complications such as dura tear or spinal cord injury. Our study found that the use of UBS reduced operative time, minimized surgical bleeding, and led to clinical outcomes comparable to HSD in ACDF. This technique offers an effective and safe method of removing large retrovertebral osteophytes.

The Use of Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel (UBS) in Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (UBESS): Technical Notes and Outcomes

STUDY DESIGN

Case Series and Technical Note, Objective: UBS has been extensively used in open surgery. However, the use of UBS during UBESS has not been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to describe a new spinal surgical technique using an ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) during unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBESS) and to report the preliminary results of this technique.

METHODS

We enrolled patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent single-level UBESS. All patients were followed up for more than 12 months. A unilateral laminotomy was performed after bilateral decompression under endoscopy. We used the UBS system after direct visualization of the target for a bone cut. We evaluated the demographic characteristics, diagnosis, operative time, and estimated blood loss of the patients. Clinical outcomes included the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the modified MacNab criteria, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of twenty patients (five males and fifteen females) were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period was 13.2 months (range 12-17 months). The VAS score, ODI, and modified MacNab criteria classification improved after the surgery. A minimal mean blood loss of 22.1 mL was noted during the operation. Only one patient experienced neuropraxia, which resolved within 2 weeks. There was no durotomy, iatrogenic pars fracture, or infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our study represents the first report of the use of UBS during UBESS. Our findings demonstrate that this technique is safe and efficient, with improved clinical outcomes and minimal complications. These preliminary results warrant further investigation through larger clinical studies with longer follow-up periods to confirm the effectiveness of this technique in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Effect of Ultrasonic Osteotome on Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Spinal Surgery: A System Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasonic osteotomes in spine surgery to standard spinal surgery procedures. Methods. Using the search keywords “bone curette”, “cutter”, “scalpel”, “bone shaver”, “aspirator”, “osteotome”, “ultrasonic”, “piezosurgery”, and “ ${\text{dent}\hspace{0.17em}\hspace{0.17em}}^{\ast }$ ” in the databases of PubMed (1966-2021.12), Cochrane Library, Embase (1986-2018.12), Web of Science (1978-2021.12), and China Academic Journals Full-Text Database (CNKI, 1979-2021.12). Two researchers reviewed the literature, extracted and extensively assessed the data, and included information on the study quality. RevMan v5.3.5.0 was used for the meta-analysis. Results. A total of 10 trials with a total of 911 patients were included. The meta-analysis findings revealed that, when compared to traditional methods, ultrasonic osteotomes could save operation time ( $\text{OR}=-18.83$ , 95 percent CI (-22.76, -14.99), $P=0.03$ ) and reduce intraoperative bleeding ( $\text{OR}=-66.73$ , 95 percent CI (-75.70, -57.76), $P=0.04$ ) and postoperative complications ( $\text{OR}=0.38$ , 95 percent CI (0.21, 0.69), $P=0.001$ ). There was, however, no significant difference in the hospital stay ( $\text{OR}=-1.34$ , 95 percent CI (-1.90, -0.77), $P=0.23$ ) and symptom improvement rate ( $\text{OR}=1.03$ , 95 percent CI (0.73, 1.45), $P=0.86$ ). Conclusion. There is evidence that using an ultrasonic osteotome in spine surgery is safe and effective and may minimize intraoperative bleeding and save time. However, there is no significant difference in symptom improvement rate, hospital stay length, or postoperative complications compared to standard surgical equipment. Therefore, more high-quality investigations are needed to corroborate the initial results.

Safety and Effectiveness of Modified Expansive Open-door Laminoplasty Using a Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel Compared With a High-speed Drill

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) and high-speed drill (HSD) in modified expansive open-door laminoplasty.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The traditional methods of decompression mostly use HSD and laminectomy forceps to lift the lamina. As a new type of bone cutting instrument, UBS has the advantages of good tissue selectivity, bone cutting accuracy, good hemostasis, cold cutting, and easy operation, leading to its popular use in surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients who underwent modified expansive open-door laminoplasty for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy were included in this study. They were divided into HSD and UBS groups (n=18 and 24, respectively). Data on demographics, operation duration, blood loss, postoperative drainage, extubation time, length of stay, cost of hospitalization, and complications were collected and compared. Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score, visual analog scale, Neck Disability Index, and axial symptoms were also recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The blood loss in the UBS group was 255.4±217.5 mL, which was lower than that in the HSD group (490.6±389.4 mL, P=0.030). The cost of hospitalization was similar between the 2 groups. The operative time and postoperative drainage did not significantly differ (P>0.05). The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score, visual analog scale score, and Neck Disability Index score after surgery were better than those before surgery (P<0.05), but no significant difference existed between the 2 groups in each period (P>0.05). No significant difference existed in the incidence of axial symptoms and other complications (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The application of the UBS to modified open-door laminoplasty resulted in a safe and effective decompression effect and reduced blood loss without increasing cost benefit.

Neurosurgical Evaluation and Management of Adults with Achondroplasia

Much of the current medical discussion for within centers for skeletal dysplasia and specifically patients with achondroplasia focuses on infancy and early childhood. Most neurosurgical concerns arise due to a defect in the endochondral ossification, resulting on early fusion of the synchondrosis. As patients age, the neurosurgical focus shifts from primarily cranial to spinal concerns. Often pediatric neurosurgeons may continue to follow their patients with skeletal dysplasia. However, general adult neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons may see these graduated adults in their practice. This article provides a review of the common neurosurgical concerns for patients with achondroplasia.

Surgical treatment of spinal stenosis in achondroplasia: Literature review comparing results in adults and paediatrics

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the quantity and quality of available literature on surgical treatment outcomes of spinal stenosis in adult and paediatric achondroplasia patients through a systematic review of literature and to investigate the suitability of conducting a meta-analysis on outcomes of surgical treatment.

METHODS

Online databases were searched according to PRISMA guidelines. No restrictions regarding study design, sample size, previous treatment, or publication date were implemented. The following terms: "Spinal stenosis", "Spinal Decompression", "Spinal fusion", each term separately combined with the term "Achondroplasia" were used. Quality of the included studies were assessed used the Modified Coleman method.

RESULTS

Five adult and four paediatric single-sample non-comparative studies were identified for inclusion (176 adult and 102 paediatric patients). Meta-analyses assessed the proportion of patients achieving full resolution of symptoms to be 0.51 (95% CI 0.00 to 1.00); the proportion of patients achieving full or partial resolution of symptoms to be 0.90 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.97); the proportion of procedures requiring re-operation to be 0.42 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.50; and the proportion of procedures involving dural tears to be 0.20 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.39). Statistical heterogeneity was very high for full resolution of symptoms and requirement for dural repair; and very low for other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The available literature on this population and condition is sparse, highly heterogenous, and is generally of low quality limiting the value of meta-analysis. Overall, outcomes of surgical decompression of symptomatic spinal stenosis in achondroplasia patients show consistent degree of resolution of symptoms. Duration of symptoms prior to surgical treatment appears to play an important role in the overall outcome of treatment. Therefore, a delay in diagnosis and treatment can potentially be detrimental in achieving a better outcome.

Exclusive Neurogenic Bladder and Fecal Incontinency in an Achondroplasic Child Successfully Treated with Lumbar Foraminal Decompression

INTRODUCTION

Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder characterized by defects in the development of endochondral bone resulting in skeletal abnormalities like stenosis of the foramen magnum and of the spine, shortened limb bones, and macrocephaly. Congenital spinal stenosis is frequent and due to premature fusion of the pedicles to the laminae.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of neurogenic bladder and fecal incontinence due to lumbar stenosis successfully treated with L1-L5 partial laminectomy and foraminotomy in a 7-year-old achondroplasic child.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of exclusive neurogenic bladder and fecal incontinence in an achondroplasic child. Neurogenic bladder and fecal incontinence without motor impairment may be early and exclusive clinical findings of lumbar stenosis in children with achondroplasia.

Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Ultrasonic Bone Curette in the Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasonic bone curette in treating thoracic spinal stenosis.

Methods

A total of 30 patients of thoracic spinal stenosis who underwent posterior thoracic decompression in the hospital from December 2015 to 2017 were enrolled. Of these, 18 patients (group A) underwent posterior thoracic decompression using ultrasonic bone curette; and 12 patients underwent the treatment using a high‐speed drill (group B). The time of laminectomy, amount of intraoperative blood loss, presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and nerve root injury were recorded. All patients underwent X‐ray, computed tomography with three‐dimensional reconstruction, and magnetic resonance imaging before and after surgery. The Frankel classification and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to assess the neurological function and neurological recovery in patients. The measured data were statistically processed and analyzed using SPSS21.0 software, and the measurement data were expressed as mean ± SD.

Results

In groups A and B, the average time for single‐segment laminectomy was 3.3 ± 1.2 min and 6.0 ± 1.8 min and the mean bleeding volume was 105.5 ± 43.3 mL and 177.4 ± 54.7 mL, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the groups. The difference in JOA scores before and after surgery in groups A and B was statistically significant. No significant difference was found between the groups, in group A, the improvement rate of nerve function at the last follow‐up was 71% and in group B, the improvement rate at the last follow‐up was 70%. In group A, at last follow‐up, two patients had Frankel grade B injury, one had grade C injury, seven had grade D injury, and eight had grade E injury. In group B, at last follow‐up, one patient had Frankel grade B injury, one had grade C injury, five had grade D injury, and five had grade E injury. The Frankel classification of both groups A and B significantly improved. Four patients experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage in group A and five in group B, with no significant difference between the groups. There was no nerve root injury in both groups, and no complications, such as pulmonary infection and urinary tract infection, occurred after operation.

Conclusions

With the use of ultrasonic bone curette in posterior thoracic decompression, the decompression surgery could be completed relatively safely and quickly. It effectively reduced the amount of intraoperative blood loss.

How I do it: en-bloc subaxial cervical laminectomy using a high-speed drill with a footplate attachment

BACKGROUND

Cervical laminectomy is a common strategy to decompress the spinal canal.

METHODS

The anatomy of the cervical spine and surrounding critical structures as viewed from the posterior approach is described. The use of a high-speed drill with a footplate attachment to make laminar troughs with an en-bloc subaxial cervical laminectomy is described with a discussion on surgical technique and complication avoidance.

CONCLUSION

This technique allows for a safe, comfortable, and rapid decompression of the cervical spine with minimal risk. For routine cases, this may potentially be more safe and cost-effective than using a cutting bur or bone scalpel attachment.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Achondroplasia

Achondroplasia (ACH) is a skeletal dysplasia that presents with limb shortening, short stature, and characteristic facial configuration. ACH is caused by mutations of the FGFR3 gene, leading to constantly activated FGFR3 and activation of its downstream intracellular signaling pathway. This results in the suppression of chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation, which in turn impairs endochondral ossification and causes short-limb short stature. ACH also causes characteristic clinical symptoms, including foramen magnum narrowing, ventricular enlargement, sleep apnea, upper airway stenosis, otitis media, a narrow thorax, spinal canal stenosis, spinal kyphosis, and deformities of the lower extremities. Although outside Japan, papers on health supervision are available, they are based on reports and questionnaire survey results. Considering the scarcity of high levels of evidence and clinical guidelines for patients with ACH, clinical practical guidelines have been developed to assist both healthcare professionals and patients in making appropriate decisions in specific clinical situations. Eleven clinical questions were established and a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE. Evidence-based recommendations were developed, and the guidelines describe the recommendations related to the clinical management of ACH. We anticipate that these clinical practice guidelines for ACH will be useful for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

3D Real-Time Image-Guided Navigation Spine Corpectomy with Ultrasonic Bone Cutter: Technical Note

BACKGROUND

Surgical interventions for congenital scoliosis are challenging for spine surgeons. The coordination of 3-dimensional (3D), real-time, image-guided navigation with an ultrasonic bone cutter allows surgeons to localize the affected area of the spine accurately and remove the lesion without damaging soft tissue structures. The goal of this technical paper is to report a previously undescribed method of hemivertebrectomy that combines 3D, real-time, image-guided navigation and an ultrasonic bone cutter. We highlight the feasibility and safety of this method in spinal surgery.

METHODS

Three patients with congenital scoliosis were treated with this technique. We present three illustrative cases comprising hemivertebrectomies for congenital scoliosis. Intraoperative photos demonstrating the technique are also provided.

RESULTS

All surgeries were completed without complications. The hemivertebrae were completely removed, and marked correction of congenital scoliosis was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the combination of 3D, real-time image navigation and an ultrasonic bone cutter improves hemivertebrectomy by increasing accuracy and avoiding dura laceration, major organ damage, or potential vessel damage.

Effects of Combined Use of Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel and Hemostatic Matrix on Perioperative Blood Loss and Surgical Duration in Degenerative Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery

How to decrease intraoperative bleeding, shorten surgical time, and increase safety in spinal surgery is an important issue. Ultrasonic bone removers and FloSeal have been proven to increase safety, reduce the surgical duration, and decrease intraoperative bleeding in skull base surgery. Therefore, we aimed to compare the surgical duration, blood loss, and complications during spinal surgery with or without the use of FloSeal and an ultrasonic bone scalpel. Therefore, we retrospectively reviewed 293 patients who underwent thoracolumbar spinal surgery with decompression and instrumented fusion performed by a single surgeon. We divided these patients into three groups, including nonuse of FloSeal nor a bone scalpel (group A), use of FloSeal only (group B), and use of FloSeal and a bone scalpel (group C) intraoperatively after pairing in terms of age, sex, and surgical level. The surgical duration, blood loss, and occurrence of complications were all recorded. The mean surgical duration in group A was 160 mins, in group B it was 167 mins, and in group C it was 134 mins. The mean blood loss was 700 ml in group A, 682 ml in group B, and 383 ml in group C. Six patients sustained intraoperative dura injuries in total, 3 in group A, 2 in group B, and 1 in group C. No postoperative neurologic defects or occurrences of hematoma were recorded. According to our results, we concluded that combined use of FloSeal and bone scalpels is recommended during primary thoracolumbar spinal surgery to reduce the intraoperative blood loss and shorten the surgical duration.

Three-dimensional navigation (O-arm) versus fluoroscopy in the treatment of thoracic spinal stenosis with ultrasonic bone curette: A retrospective comparative study

Three-dimensional intraoperative navigation (O-arm) has been used for many years in spinal surgeries and has significantly improved its precision and safety. This retrospective study compared the efficacy and safety of spinal cord decompression surgeries performed with O-arm navigation and fluoroscopy. The clinical data of 56 patients with thoracic spinal stenosis treated from March 2015 to April 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Spinal decompression was performed with O-arm navigation and ultrasonic bone curette in 29 patients, and with ultrasonic bone curette and fluoroscopy in 27 patients. Patients were followed-up at postoperative 1 month, 3 months, and the last clinic visit. The neurologic functions were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire. The accuracy of screw placement was examined using three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) on postoperative day 5. There was no significant difference in the incidences of intraoperative dural tear, nerve root injury, and spinal cord injury between the two groups. The two groups showed no significant difference in postoperative JOA scores (P > .05). The O-arm navigation group had significantly higher screw placement accuracy than the fluoroscopy group (P < .05). O-arm navigation is superior to fluoroscopy in the treatment of thoracic spinal stenosis with ultrasonic bone curette in terms of screw placement accuracy. However, the two surgical modes have similar rates of intraoperative complications and postoperative neurologic functions.

Ultrasonic bone scalpel: utility in cervical corpectomy. A technical note

PURPOSE

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) is a technically challenging surgery. Use of conventional instruments like high-speed burr and kerrison rongeurs is associated with high complication rates such as increased blood loss and incidental durotomy. Use of ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) in cervical corpectomy helps to minimize such adverse events.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study based on the data of 101 consecutive patients who underwent cervical corpectomies with UBS for different cervical spine pathologies from December 2014 to December 2016. Total duration of surgery, time taken for corpectomy, estimated blood loss, and incidental durotomies were noted.

RESULTS

Total surgical time was 30-80 min (59.36 ± 13.21 min) for single-level ACCF and 60-120 min (92.74 ± 21.04 min) for double-level ACCF. Time taken for single-level corpectomy was 2 min 11  ± 10 s and 3 min 41  ± 20 s for double-level corpectomy. Estimated blood loss ranged from 20-150 ml (52.07 ± 29.86 ml) in single level and 40-200 ml (73.22 ± 41.64 ml) in double level. Four (3.96%) inadvertent dural tears were noted, two during single-level corpectomy and other two during double-level corpectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of UBS is likely to provide a safe, rapid, and effective surgery when compared to conventional rongeurs and high-speed burr. The advantages such as lower blood loss and lower intra-operative incidental dural tears were noted with the use of UBS.

[The application of ultrasonic bone curette in laminoplasty of spinal canal after resection of intraspinal tumors]

Objective

To explore the practicability and safety of ultrasonic bone curette in the laminoplasty of spinal canal after resection of intraspinal tumors.

Methods

The clinical data of 17 patients with thoracolumbar intraspinal tumors treated with ultrasonic bone curette after resection of intraspinal tumors between December 2015 and April 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were male, aged 42-73 years with an average of 57.4 years. The disease duration was 2-47 months with an average of 21.1 months. Among them, there were 4 cases of thoracic intrathoracic tumors (T ₁₀ in 1, T ₁₂ in 3) and 13 cases of lumbar intrathoracic tumors (L ₁ in 5, L ₂ in 4, L ₃ in 2, and L ₄ in 2). Postoperative pathological diagnosis showed that 8 cases were schwannoma, 4 cases were meningioma, 2 cases were neurofibroma, 2 cases were dermoid cyst, and 1 case was ependymoma. Spinal nerve function was evaluated preoperatively according to Frankel classification criteria, with 2 cases of grade B, 7 cases of grade C, and 8 cases of grade D. During the operation, the time of single segmental vertebral canal posterior wall incision, the overall operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative dural injury, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, spinal cord and nerve root injury were recorded. At 3-6 months after operation, the tumor and bone healing were observed according to MRI and CT three-dimensional reconstruction, and the spinal nerve function was evaluated by Frankel classification.

Results

The time of ultrasonic osteotomy for the posterior wall of a single segmental vertebral canal was 3.4-5.7 minutes, with an average of 4.1 minutes. The overall operation time was 135-182 minutes, with an average of 157.3 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss was 300-500 mL, with an average of 342.6 mL. There was no accidental dural injury, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, nerve root injury, or spinal cord injury. The incision healed by first intention after operation. All the 17 patients were followed up 9-18 months, with an average of 12.7 months. MRI examination showed no tumor recurrence, and CT three-dimensional reconstruction showed good bone healing in all patients. During the follow-up, there was no loosening or rupture of the internal fixator and there was no re-compression of the spinal cord. At last follow-up, according to Frankel classification, there were 1 case as grade B, 5 cases as grade C, 7 cases as grade D, and 4 cases as grade E.

Conclusion

The application of ultrasonic bone curette in laminoplasty of spinal canal after resection of intraspinal tumors can preserve the integrity of the bone ligament structure of posterior column, maintain the volume of vertebral canal, and has high safety, practicability, and good postoperative effectiveness.

[Safety and effectiveness of ultrasonic osteotome in posterior cervical laminectomy decompression and fusion]

Objective

To explore the safety of ultrasonic osteotome used in posterior cervical laminectomy decompression surgery and its effect on surgical outcome.

Methods

A clinical data of 52 patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine (C-OPLL) undergoing posterior cervical laminectomy decompression and fusion (PCLDF) between April 2013 and April 2017 was retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether using the ultrasonic osteotome during operation: group A (20 cases, ultrasonic osteotome group) and group B (32 cases, traditional gun-clamp decompression group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body weight, height, preoperative hemoglobin, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospitalization time, complications, hemoglobin at 1 day after operation, and JOA score at 6 months after operation were recorded and compared between the two groups, and the improvement rate of JOA was calculated.

Results

The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were significantly less than those in group B ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the drainage volume and hospitalization time between the two groups ( P>0.05). The hemoglobin of group B was slightly higher than that of group A at 1 day after operation, but there was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=-1.260, P=0.214). All the patients were followed up 6-10 months (mean, 7.6 months). No serious complications such as C ₅ nerve paralysis, dural tear, infection, epidural hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, transfusion allergy, or shock occurred during and after operation. The JOA scores of the two groups were significant improved at 6 months after operation when compared with preoperative scores ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in JOA score and improvement rate between the two groups at 6 months after operation ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with the traditional gun-clamp decompression, the effectiveness of PCLDF in treatment of C-OPLL by using ultrasonic osteotome is comparable, but the latter can effectively reduce the operation time and blood loss.

Use of an Ultrasonic Bone Curet for the Extraction of a Cervical Artificial Disc: A Novel Application: A Case Report

CASE

Eighteen months after implantation of a C6-C7 cervical artificial disc (ProDisc-C; DePuy Synthes), a 44-year-old woman presented with right-sided C7 radiculopathy. Imaging revealed posterior subsidence of the prosthesis, with C7 foraminal stenosis. An ultrasonic curet was used to safely and effectively extract the prosthesis without neurologic complication; safe access for the insertion of an intervertebral cage was facilitated.

CONCLUSION

The ultrasonic curet was a safe and effective adjunct for revision artificial cervical disc replacement surgery; this technique may help to reduce potential injury to neural structures in a procedure with a traditionally high complication rate.

Technical Aspects on the Use of Ultrasonic Bone Shaver in Spine Surgery: Experience in 307 Patients

Aim. We discuss technical points, the safety, and efficacy of ultrasonic bone shaver in various spinal surgeries within our own series. Methods. Between June 2010 and January 2014, 307 patients with various spinal diseases were operated on with the use of an ultrasonic bone curette with microhook shaver (UBShaver). Patients' data were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. The technique for the use of the device is described for each spine surgery procedure. Results. Among the 307 patients, 33 (10.7%) cases had cervical disorder, 17 (5.5%) thoracic disorder, 3 (0.9%) foramen magnum disorder, and 254 (82.7%) lumbar disorders. Various surgical techniques were performed either assisted or alone by UBShaver. The duration of the operations and the need for blood replacement were relatively low. The one-year follow-up with Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were improved. We had 5 cases of dural tears (1.6%) in patients with lumbar spinal disease. No neurological deficit was found in any patients. Conclusion. We recommend this device as an assistant tool in various spine surgeries and as a primary tool in foraminotomies. It is a safe device in spine surgery with very low complication rate.

The Reliability of the Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Comparative Study of 46 Patients

BACKGROUND

In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), laminectomy is usually performed with a Kerrison rongeur or a high speed drill (HSD).The HSD, which is most often selected for laminectomy, may cause complications such as duratomy, thermal and mechanical neural injuries. With an ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS), a less traumatic laminectomy can be performed in a shorter time. The aim of this study was to compare the results of laminectomies using HSD and UBS.

METHODS

Evaluation was made in 46 patients who were operated on for CSM. Cervical laminectomy was performed on 23 patients using the UBS (group I) and to 23 using the HSD (group II). A comparison was made of the 2 groups in respect of demographic characteristics, laminectomy levels, mean laminectomy duration, bleeding rates, and surgical complications.

RESULTS

In group I, the mean laminectomy time was 2.2 ± 0.4 min/level, mean blood loss was 180 mL, hospitalization was 3.0 ± 0.0 days, and C5 radiculopathy was seen in 1 patient. In group II, the mean laminectomy time was 7.4 ± 2.6 min/level, mean blood loss was 380 mL, hospitalization was 3.7 ± 1.3 days, C5 radiculopathy was seen in 1 patient and dura injuries in 3 patients. The recovery rate was determined as 47.6% in group I and 48.8% in group II.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with CSM, laminectomy using the UBS provides a safe, rapid, and effective decompression with a lesser blood loss. The low rate of complications lessens the postoperative morbidity rates and shortens hospital stay.