Xinjia Wang1, Weibin An2, Qiang Wu3, Shanpeng Wu4, Guoxin Li5, Jican Zeng2, Yuchun Chen2, Guanfeng Yao2. 1. Department of Spine Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. xj.wang2000@163.com. 2. Department of Spine Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. 3. Yuebei People's Hospital, Shaoguan, 512026, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. 4. Quanzhou First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, People's Republic of China. 5. Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction as compared to that of conventional skull traction in the treatment of lower cervical locked facet. METHODS: Patients with cervical locked facet (n = 63) were retrospectively enrolled from four medical centers and divided into two groups according to the pre-operative reduction method used: Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction (Z-shape elevating group; n = 20) or traditional skull traction reduction (skull traction group; n = 43). RESULTS: The success rates, efficacy of reduction, and safety were compared between the two groups. The success rates were significantly better in the Z-shape elevating group than in the skull traction group: 87.5% (7/8) vs. 35.3% (6/17) for unilateral locked facet reduction (P = 0.03) and 100% (12/12) vs. 69.2% (18/26) for bilateral locked facet reduction (P = 0.04). There was no obvious change in American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade after the reduction in either group. Combined surgery was necessary in 5% in the Z-shape elevating group vs. 27.9% in the skull traction group. Imaging showed that the segment angle and horizontal displacement were significantly improved after surgery in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. Follow-up with radiography showed good recovery of the cervical spine sequence; all internal fixation sites were stable, with no loosening, prolapse, or breakage of internal fixators. CONCLUSIONS: Halo vest-assisted Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction appears to be a simple, safe, and effective technique for pre-operative reduction of lower cervical locked facets.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction as compared to that of conventional skull traction in the treatment of lower cervical locked facet. METHODS:Patients with cervical locked facet (n = 63) were retrospectively enrolled from four medical centers and divided into two groups according to the pre-operative reduction method used: Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction (Z-shape elevating group; n = 20) or traditional skull traction reduction (skull traction group; n = 43). RESULTS: The success rates, efficacy of reduction, and safety were compared between the two groups. The success rates were significantly better in the Z-shape elevating group than in the skull traction group: 87.5% (7/8) vs. 35.3% (6/17) for unilateral locked facet reduction (P = 0.03) and 100% (12/12) vs. 69.2% (18/26) for bilateral locked facet reduction (P = 0.04). There was no obvious change in American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade after the reduction in either group. Combined surgery was necessary in 5% in the Z-shape elevating group vs. 27.9% in the skull traction group. Imaging showed that the segment angle and horizontal displacement were significantly improved after surgery in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. Follow-up with radiography showed good recovery of the cervical spine sequence; all internal fixation sites were stable, with no loosening, prolapse, or breakage of internal fixators. CONCLUSIONS:Halo vest-assisted Z-shape elevating-pulling reduction appears to be a simple, safe, and effective technique for pre-operative reduction of lower cervical locked facets.