Objective To evaluate the influence of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar foraminoplasty of different facet joint portions on segmental range of motion (ROM) and intradiscal pressure (IDP) of L3/L4 and L4/L5 motion segments by establishing three dimensional finite element (FE) model. Method Computed tomography images of a male adult volunteer of appropriate age and in good condition both mentally and physically. Obtained data was used in this study from July 2020 to December 2020, and an intact L3–5 three dimensional finite element model was successfully constructed using ANSYS and MIMICS software (model M1). The M1 was modified to simulate the foraminoplasty of different facet joint portions, with unilateral cylindrical excision (diameter = 0.75 cm) performed on the tip (model M2) and the base (model M3) of right L5 superior facet elements along with surrounding capsular ligaments, respectively. Under the same loading conditions, the ROM and IDP of L3/4 and L4/L5 segments in states of forward flexion, backward extension, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, left axial rotation and right axial rotation were all compared. Result Compared with the intact model in backward extension, M2 increased the ROM of L4/5 segment by 9.4% and IDP by 11.7%, while the ROM and IDP of M3 changed only slightly. In right axial rotation, M2 and M3 increased the ROM of L4/5 segment by 17.9% and by 3.6%, respectively. In left axial rotation, M2 and M3 increased the ROM of L4/L5 segment by 7.14% and 3.6%, respectively. As for other states including forward flexion, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, the ROM and IDP were not significantly distinct between these two models. While focusing on L3/L4 segment, obviously changes in the ROM and IDP have not been presented and neither M2 nor M3 changed in any loading condition. Conclusion This study provides evidence that the base‐facet foraminoplasty of L5 superior facet provided a higher segmental stability compared with the tip‐facet foraminoplasty in flexion and axial rotation. Meanwhile, it also shows the two types of foraminoplasty make few differences to the L4/5 segmental biomechanics. Besides, it does not appear to impact the stability of L3/L4 in six states of forward flexion, backward extension, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, left axial rotation and right axial rotation when superior facet of L5 was partially removed. These findings might be useful in understanding biomechanics of the lumbar spine after foraminoplasty performed on different portions of the facet, thus providing endoscopic surgeons a better reference for operational approach to maintain the function and mobility of the spine.

Objectives To compare the short-term outcomes of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (BLIF) and uniportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF). Methods Sixty patients diagnosed with L4/5 spinal stenosis who underwent BLIF and ULIF were included (30 in each group). Clinical evaluation was performed preoperatively and postoperatively in the 1st week, 1st month, and 1st year. Factors such as the visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), operative time, surgical complications, and radiological outcomes (fusion rate, screw loosening, and cage subsidence) were compared between the two groups. Results All patients showed improved mean VAS and ODI at all three postoperative follow-ups, and no statistically significant differences were detected between the BLIF and ULIF groups. The mean operative time in the BLIF group was shorter than that in the ULIF group. Nerve root injury occurred in two patients in the BLIF group, while leakage of cerebrospinal fluid occurred in one patient in the ULIF group. All adverse events were treated adequately prior to discharge. The fusion rates with definite and probable grades were significantly higher in the BLIF group than that in the ULIF group. One case of cage subsidence with no screw loosening occurred in each group. Conclusion Both BLIF and ULIF are safe and effective surgical techniques. Compared with ULIF, BLIF has the advantages of shorter operative time and a higher fusion rate. Other merits of BLIF include a wider surgical field, greater maneuverability of instruments, visibility during cage implantation, and transverse orientation of the cage.

BackgroundTraumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a highly fatal and disabling event, and its incidence rate is increasing in China. Therefore, we collated the epidemiological factors of TSCI in different regions of China to update the earlier systematic review published in 2018.MethodWe searched four English and three Chinese electronic databases from 1978 to October 1, 2022. From the included reports, information on sample characteristics, incidence, injury characteristics, prognostic factors, and economic burden was extracted. The selection of data was based on the PRISMA statement. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) tool. The results of the meta-analysis were presented in the form of pooled frequency and forest plots.ResultsA total of 59 reports (60 studies) from 23 provinces were included, of which 41 were in the Chinese language. The random pooled incidence of TSCI in China was estimated to be 65.15 per million (95% CI: 47.20–83.10 per million), with a range of 6.7 to 569.7 per million. The pooled male-to-female ratio was 1.95:1. The pooled mean age of the cases at the time of injury was 45.4 years. Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and high falls were found to be the leading causes of TSCI. Incomplete quadriplegia and AISA/Frankel grade D were the most common types of TSCI. Cervical level injury was the most prevalent. The pooled in-hospital mortality and complication rates for TSCI in China were 3% (95% CI: 2–4%) and 35% (95% CI: 23–47%). Respiratory problems were the most common complication and the leading cause of death.ConclusionCompared with previous studies, the epidemiological data on TSCI in China has changed significantly. A need to update the data over time is essential to implement appropriate preventive measures and formulate interventions according to the characteristics of the Chinese population.

Background: Acupotomy as well as Juanbi decoction has been used in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. However, there is no study on ultrasound-guided acupotomy combined with Juanbi decoction in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.Method: This study was supported by the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine [grant number: 2020LC0163] and the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province [grant number: 2022YFS0418]. This study was 3 center, open, randomized, controlled trial, and was carried out from December 2020 to December 2022. A total of 60 eligible patients with LDH were split into group A and group B at random. The group B received Juanbi Decoction 3 times daily for 2 weeks along with an acupotomy assisted by ultrasound. The acupotomy was administered once a week. The same protocol was used with the group A, but the Juanbi Decoction was replaced with normal saline.Observation index: Visual analogue scale (VAS) score on 1 day and 1 week after treatment, VAS score, Japanese orthopedic association low back pain score(JOA) rate, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and low back outcome scale (LBOS) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment in 2 groups.Results: There were no significant differences in general information, VAS score before treatment, JOA, ODI, and LBOS between the 2 groups (P > .05). Intra-group comparison: VAS score, JOA rate, ODI, and LBOS were compared before and after treatment in both groups, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). There were significant differences in VAS and LBOS between the 2 groups at 3 and 6 months after treatment, and there were statistically significant differences in ODI and JOA rates at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Acupotomy aided by ultrasound combined with Juanbi Decoction significantly relieves lumbar pain and can improve lumbar function in patients with LDH, and the clinical efficacy lasts for about 6 months. Abbreviations: JOA = Japanese orthopedic association low back pain score, LBOS = low back outcome scale, LDH = lumbar disc herniation, ODI = Oswestry Disability Index, VAS = visual analogue scale.

Background: We set out to evaluate the biomechanical influence of foraminoplasty on intervertebral discs in different areas under lumber percutaneous endoscopy through the use of a three-dimensional finite element. Methods: We established a normal 3D finite element mode of L3–5, using simulate lumbar percutaneous endoscopy by carrying out cylindrical excision of a bone whose diameter was 7.5 mm on the L5 superior articular process and the L4 inferior articular process, respectively. We therefore obtained 3 models. The first was the normal lumbar model, the second the L4 inferior articular process shaped model, while the third was the L5 superior articular process shaped model. We compared the biomechanics of discs of L3/4 and L4/5 in states of forward flexion, backward extension, left and right flexion as well as left and right rotation. Results: When the L4 inferior articular process shaped model was in backward extension, left rotation, and right rotation, the stress of the L4/5 disc was greater than in the normal model, especially in the state of extension. When the L5 superior articular process shaped model was in left and right rotation, the biggest stress of the L4/5 disc increased slightly. However, no matter which way the L5 superior articular process or the L4 inferior articular process of model was shaped, the stress impact of the L3/4 disc was small. Conclusions: There is more biomechanical influence on the L4/5 disc when carrying out a foraminoplasty on L4 inferior articular process under a lumber percutaneous endoscopy. In addition, the influence of both types of surgery on the stress of L3/4 disc is small.