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Phacoemulsification is a variant of extracapsular cataract extraction surgery which is the gold standard treatment modality for cataract surgery nowadays. The common nucleotomy techniques of phacoemulsification are divide and conquer, stop and chop and phaco chop.Aim of this studyto compare different techniques of nucleotomy during phacoemulsification with respect to corneal endothelial cell loss, central corneal thickness (CCT) and comment on their merits and demerits. 60 patients undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each (Group A, B and C) who underwent nucleotomy by divide and conquer, stop and chop and phaco chop technique respectively. The preoperative endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness were recorded using Topcon SP3000P non-contrast specular microscope. All patients were followed up at 1, 4 and 12week after surgery and evaluated for vision, slit lamp examination, endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness.The age group of patients studied was 50-80 years, where maximum number of patients were in 51-60 years age group. Out of 60 patients, most common morphological type of cataract was nuclear (40%) cataract followed by cortico-nuclear (36.67%) cataract. After 1 week of surgery, drop in endothelial cell density was 7.06% in Group A, 6.49% in Group B and 6.84% in Group C patients. A further slight decrease in endothelial cell count was recorded during 4week and on final follow up visit at 12 weeks after cataract surgery, there was an endothelial cell loss of 9.51%, 10.9% and 11% in Group A, B and C respectively. The central corneal thickness at 1postoperative week increased by 2.75%, 2.35% and 2.20% in group A, B and C respectively. Further evaluation of CCT at 4and 12 week after surgery showed the values to be almost same as preoperative values. The rate of complications, which mainly included postoperative keratitis, mild anterior uveitis and cystoid macular edema, were found to be almost the same in all the three study groups.All the three nucleotomy techniques of phacoemulsification i.e divide and conquer, stop and chop and phaco chop are equally efficacious in terms of CCT changes, endothelial cell loss and complications rate in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

One-in-five people suffer from chronic low back pain (LBP). The incidence of this disease has doubled since 1950s and affects not only the elderly, but also the young population. However, the mechanism of LBP is still unknown. A possible location where the LBP may develop is the facet joint and it has been revealed that the intervertebral disc (IVD) nucleotomy may be a trigger for LBP. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of IVD nucleotomy on the load sharing in the spinal facet joint under the loading scenarios of different postures. Finite element (FE) models of the intact and nucleotomised L4 – L5 spinal segments were generated from the clinical CT images. Seven human postures, including upright, 5° extension, 5° flexion, ± 6° lateral bending and ± 2° axial rotation, were simulated. The resultant forces in the fact joint were compared between the intact and the nucleotomised cases. It was revealed that the IVD nucleotomy significantly increased the forces in the facet joints under the loading scenarios of upright, 5° extension and 5° flexion. The IVD nucleotomy increased the force in the ipsilateral facet joint but decreased the force on the contralateral side under the loading scenarios of ± 2° axial rotation. However, the IVD nucleotomy made little influence on the resultant forces in both facet joints in the postures of ± 6° lateral bending. In conclusion, the IVD nucleotomy can cause an increase in the overall force in the facet joint, and thus may serve as a possible explanation for the LBP and a main contributing factor for the pain complaints.

Background Facetectomy, an important procedure in the in–out and out–in techniques of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD), is related to the deterioration of the postoperative biomechanical environment and poor prognosis. Facetectomy may be avoided in TELD with large annuloplasty, but iatrogenic injury of the annulus and a high grade of nucleotomy have been reported as risk factors influencing poor prognosis. These risk factors may be alleviated in TELD with limited foraminoplasty, and the grade of facetectomy in this surgery can be reduced by using an endoscopic dynamic drill. Methods An intact lumbo-sacral finite element (FE) model and the corresponding model with adjacent segment degeneration were constructed and validated to evaluate the risk of biomechanical deterioration and related postoperative complications of TELD with large annuloplasty and TELD with limited foraminoplasty. Changes in various biomechanical indicators were then computed to evaluate the risk of postoperative complications in the surgical segment. Results Compared with the intact FE models, the model of TELD with limited foraminoplasty demonstrated slight biomechanical deterioration, whereas the model of TELD with large annuloplasty revealed obvious biomechanical deterioration. Degenerative changes in adjacent segments magnified, rather than altered, the overall trends of biomechanical change. Conclusions TELD with limited foraminoplasty presents potential biomechanical advantages over TELD with large annuloplasty. Iatrogenic injury of the annulus and a high grade of nucleotomy are risk factors for postoperative biomechanical deterioration and complications of the surgical segment.

Nucleotomy is a common surgical procedure for the treatment of lumbar diseases. It may accelerate degeneration in the operated disc and decreased segmental stability, and this has been widely concerned by scholars for many years. However, under whole-body vibration, nucleotomy how to affect the vibration characteristics of the lumbar spine and complications is urgent to know. A three-dimensional nonlinear osteoligamentous finite element model of the intact L1-sacrum lumbar spine with muscles was established, and the nucleus of the L4–L5 disc was removed in the nucleotomy model. The lower surface of the sacrum was fully constrained for all models. A 5 Hz, 40 N sinusoidal vertical load supplemented with a 400 N preload was applied at L1 to simulate the vertical vibration of the human body. The results showed that nucleotomy increased the dynamic responses of the discs such as stress in the annulus ground substance and intradiscal pressure both in the maximum value and vibration amplitude. The maximum endplate stresses and corresponding vibration amplitudes of the denucleated L4–L5 level increased because of nucleotomy. Nucleotomy decreased the maximum response values of disc height and segmental lordosis but increased the corresponding amplitudes. Therefore, these findings imply that nucleotomy may increase the risk of developing complications such as disc degeneration, adjacent segment disease, endplate degeneration, lumbar instability, nerve root compress, isthmic spondylolisthesis, and lumbar disc herniation under whole-body vibration. This study reveals insights into the effect of the nucleotomy on the vibration characteristics of the lumbar spine and provides new information toward the relationship between nucleotomy and complications.

Study Design: A prospective cohort study in a high-flow spine center in Germany. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and complications of the trans-tubular translaminar microscopic-assisted percutaneous nucleotomy in cases of cranially migrated lumbar disc herniations (LDH). Methods: Between January 2013 and January 2018, 66 consecutive patients with cranio-laterally migrated LDH were operated upon. The following outcome measures were evaluated: (1) Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for leg and back pain; (2) Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Macnab´s criteria. All patients were operated upon with trans-tubular Translaminar Microscopic-assisted Percutaneous Nucleotomy (TL-MAPN). Perioperative radiographic and clinical evaluations were reported. The mean follow-up period was 32 months. Results: The mean age was 59 years. L4/L5 was the commonest affected level (27 patients). The mean preoperative VAS for leg pain was 6.44 (±2.06), improved to 0,35 (±0.59) postoperatively. Dural injury occurred in 1 patient, treated with dural patch. Improved neurological function was reported in 41/44 Patients (neurological improvement rate of 93%) at the final follow up. There was a significant improvement in the mean ODI values, from 50.19 ± 4.92 preoperatively to 10.14 ± 2.22 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Sixty four out of 66 patients (96%) showed an excellent or good functional outcome according to Macnab´s criteria. No recurrent herniations were observed. Conclusion: The translaminar approach is a viable minimal invasive technique for cranially migrated LDH. The preservation of the flavum ligament is one of the main advantages of this technique. It is an effective, safe and reproducible minimally invasive surgical alternative in treatment of cranially migrated LDHs.

Вступ. Остеохондроз поперекового відділу хребта є однією з найчастіших причин болю в нижній частині спини. Консервативне лікування дозволяє отримати добрий результат у переважної більшості пацієнтів. Проте в великої кількості хворих така тактика виявляється неефективною. Відкриття лазерних технологій та впровадження їх в медичну практику призвели до популяризації малоінвазивних методів лікування. Лазерна вапоризація міжхребцевих дисків дозволяє усунути больовий та корінцевий синдроми за допомогою випарювання (вапоризації) невеликого об’єму пульпозного ядра. Мета дослідження. Провести ретроспективний аналіз лікування стабільних форм остеохондрозу поперекового відділу хребта. Матеріали та методи. В клініці кафедри загальної хірургії ДВНЗ «Ужгородський національний університет» за 2009–2019 роки було проліковано 1126 пацієнтів зі стабільними формами остеохондрозу поперекового відділу хребта. Всі хворі були працездатного віку. Серед них було 630 жінок (56,0%), 496 чоловіків (44,0%). Хворих поділено на три групи: 1 – хворі, яким проводилось консервативне лікування (584); 2 – хворі, яким проводилось відкрите оперативне втручання (303); 3 – хворі, яким проводилась черезшкірна лазерна вапоризація міжхребцевого диску (239). Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Відмінний та добрий результат серед всіх хворих першої групи, що спостерігались нами протягом першого року, склав 68%. 42 хворих з цієї групи були прооперовані через відсутність ефекту від консервативного лікування в різні терміни від початку терапії. Серед хворих другої групи кількість відмінних та добрих результатів склала протягом першого року 74%. Більшість хворих повернулись на свою попередню роботу. 37 хворих були вимушені змінити роботу. Повторно прооперовано 21 хворого: 18 хворих на інших рівнях та 3 хворих на рівні попереднього оперативного втручання. Серед хворих ІІІ групи протягом 1 року успішні результати простежувалися в 77,1%. У 15 хворих покращення не виявлено. Один був прооперований відкритим методом. Висновки. Черезшкірна лазерна вапоризація міжхребцевих дисків є альтернативою відкритому хірургічному втручанню, проте необхідно дотримуватись чітких показів та протипоказів до виконання даного втручання. Актуальним є вивчення віддалених результатів (більше 6 років) після проведення черезшкірної лазерної вапоризації міжхребцевих дисків. Ключові слова: остеохондроз, поперековий відділ хребта, лазерна вапоризація, нуклеотомія.

To perform a comparative evaluation of phaco chop versus stop and chop nucleotomy techniques in phacoemulsification. Materials and Methods: 60 patients with uncomplicated senile cataract were included in this study which were randomly divided into phaco chop group (group 1) and stop and chop group. (group 2) with 30 patients each and each group had 10 patients each of nuclear sclerosis grade II, III and IV. The main parameters were effective phaco time, total balanced salt solution used, total phacoemulsification power, intraoperative complications and postoperative visual acuity on day 1, 1st week and 3rd week. Results: The mean effective phacoemulsification time was 30.33±3.77 seconds in group 1 and 31.63 ± 4.22 seconds in group 2. The mean total phacoemulsification power in group 1 was 38.97 ± 4.33% whereas 41.93 ± 7.09 % in group 2. The mean total BSSV used in group 1 was 111.67 ± 13.86 ml whereas 113.17 ± 19.94 ml in group 2. The difference between the two groups was not significant. All patients received BCVA of 6/6 in both the groups after 3 weeks. Conclusion: The stop and chop technique and phaco chop technique are equally efficacious for nuclear cracking in patients in terms of visual acuity but if we compare according to nuclear grading, stop and chop technique requires more phaco power, phaco time and balanced salt solution which can lead to higher endothelial cell loss in grade IV nuclear cataract. Keywords: Cataract, Nucleotomy, Phacoemulsification, Phaco chop, Stop and Chop.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Patientenzahlen stationärer Versorgung von Rückenschmerzen steigen zunehmend, da die aktuellen Strukturen der ambulanten Versorgung den Bedarf nicht adäquat decken können. Die Infrastruktur des Maximalversorgers sichert zwar einerseits eventuelle Notfallversorgungen und bildgebende Verfahren ab, ist aber andererseits nicht auf die Ersatzleistung für die ambulante Versorgung ausgerichtet. Ziel der Arbeit Analyse der Wiederaufnahmeraten stationär primär konservativ versorgter Rückenschmerzpatienten. Material und Methode In der retrospektiven Studie wurde an einer universitären orthopädischen Klinik die Wiederaufnahmerate von Rückenschmerzpatienten innerhalb von 6 Monaten untersucht, die notfallmäßig stationär eingewiesen und dort primär konservativ behandelt wurden. Der Untersuchungszeitraum betrug 2 Jahre mit einer Nachbeobachtung von 6 Monaten. Es erfolgte die Auswertung von 413 Patienten. Ergebnisse Nach primär konservativer stationärer Therapie wurden 17,9 % der Patienten erneut stationär aufgenommen. Bis zur ersten Wiederaufnahme dauerte es 25 (±33,25) Tage und bis zur zweiten weitere 25,9 (±31,99) Tage. Rentner werden signifikant häufiger stationär aufgenommen, und in der Regel konservativ behandelt. 66,8 % der Vorstellungen erfolgten notfallmäßig ohne Einweisungsschein. Diskussion Die Wiederaufnahmen nach primärer konservativer stationärer Therapie sind relativ hoch. Bei straffem Management mit zügigem diagnostischem Vorgehen und zielgerichteten Nachbehandlungsstrategien kann die Rückführung des Patienten in die ambulante Versorgung in den meisten Fällen realisiert werden. Wiederaufnahmen erfolgen zur operativen Versorgung, oder aber ungeplant bei gescheiterter konservativer, ambulanter Therapie.

Purpose Disc herniations are usually treated by decompression of the spinal nerves via a partial nucleotomy. As a consequence of reduced disc height (DH), reduced intradiscal pressure (IDP) and increased range of motion (ROM), accelerated degeneration may occur. Nucleus replacement implants are intended to restore those values, but are associated with the risk of extrusion. Methods In six fresh frozen lumbar spinal segments (L2-3/L3-4/L4-5/L5-S1, age median 64.5 years (57–72), Pfirrmann grade 2–3), a prolapse was provoked through a box defect (6 × 10 mm) in the annulus. The herniated nucleus material was removed and replaced by a novel collagen-based nucleus implant. An annulus closure device sealed the defect. ROM, neutral zone (NZ) and IDP were measured in the (1) intact and (2) defect state, (3) postoperatively and (4) after cyclic loading (n = 100,000 cycles) applying pure moments (± 7.5 Nm) in flexion–extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. Additionally, the change in DH was determined. Extrusion of implants or nucleus material was evaluated macroscopically. Results In all specimens, a prolapse could be provoked which decreased DH. Subsequent nucleotomy changed ROM/NZ and IDP considerably. Initial values could be restored by the implantation. Macroscopically, none of the implants nor nucleus material did migrate after cyclic loading. Conclusions In this study, a prolapse followed by a nucleotomy resulted in a biomechanical destabilisation. Implantation of the nucleus replacement combined with an annulus closure restored the intact condition without showing signs of extrusion nor migration after cyclic loading. Hence, nucleus replacements could have a new chance in combination with annulus closure devices.

Purpose To determine the efficacy of the femtosecond laser with integrated anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for the detection of posterior capsular dehiscence in posterior polar cataracts (PPCs). To evaluate the safety of phacoemulsification in these eyes undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). Setting Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, a chain of tertiary eyecare hospitals in India. Design Prospective interventional case series. Methods The study included eyes with PPCs undergoing FLACS using the CATALYS femtosecond platform. Real-time OCT guidance was used to image the posterior capsule (PC), which was then classified as intact or dehiscent. The femtosecond laser was used for the creation of capsulotomy, nuclear fragmentation, and corneal incisions. In all eyes, the posterior offset (distance between the posterior extent of nucleotomy and the PC) was increased to enable a thick epinuclear cushion. Intraoperative status of the PC was noted, and the specificity and the sensitivity of AS-OCT to detect a preexisting posterior capsular defect was determined. Results The cohort included 50 eyes (40 patients), in which a posterior capsular discontinuity on AS-OCT was observed in 7 eyes (14%). Five (10%) of these 7 eyes developed an intraoperative posterior capsular rent (PCR) A sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% was noted. No case of nucleus drop was noted. Conclusions Femtosecond laser with integrated AS-OCT is a relevant and helpful tool to detect and increase the safety in preexisting posterior capsular dehiscence, alerting the surgeon ahead of phacoemulsification.

For full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy, operating costs are also important because expensive equipment are necessary. We surveyed the operating costs of surgical equipment necessary for full-endoscopic surgery together with surgical procedure reimbursement fees. A total of 295 cases of full-endoscopic surgery via a transforaminal approach were retrospectively analyzed. We calculated the frequency of damage and the unit purchase price of devices such as endoscopes, and surgical instruments such as grasping forceps for nucleotomy, high-speed drill bar, and bipolar forceps, and examined the operating costs in Japanese yen against the procedure fee per case. Endoscope breakage occurred seven times, and a payment of ¥760,000 was necessary for trade-in and purchase of a new endoscope. The total breakage number of grasping forceps was 58, and the purchase price per unit was ¥116,000. Therefore, a total of ¥12,020,000 was required for the 295 cases, and the calculated operating cost that accompanies equipment breakage was ¥40,000 per case. In addition, about ¥118,000 was required for disposable bipolar forceps and high-speed drill bar to be used intraoperatively for each case. Thus, for one case it is calculated that total ¥158,000 is utilized for equipment from the surgical reimbursement fee per case specified by the Japanese Ministry of Health being ¥303,900. Minimally invasive procedures provide great benefit to patients; however, the eventual contribution to hospital profits is small and may not be sufficient. To resolve this issue, the cost of surgical equipment should be lowered and/or the surgical reimbursement fee of the full-endoscopic surgery should be raised.

Object: In this report, we aimed to analyze the outcome results of our patients who underwent percutaneous trigeminal tractotomy (TR) and nucleotomy (NC) procedures, which are defined as destructive procedures targeting the descending trigeminal tractus and nucleus caudalis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, respectively, for intractable craniofacial pain. Methods: The medical records of a total of 12 patients who underwent a total of 14 computed tomography (CT)-guided TR-NC procedures at our clinics between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A significant increase in patients’ performance status (p = 0.015) as well as a significant decrease in the VAS score (p < 0.001) were achieved. Grade I pain relief (VAS = 0, no pain) was established in 66.7% of the patients, whereas grade II pain relief was observed in the remaining patients. Two of the patients suffered from recurrent pain after the initial procedure. Both patients underwent a second trigeminal TR-NC procedure, and grade I pain relief was re-established. The mean VAS score at 3-month follow-up was 1.4 ± 1.1, whereas this score at 6-month follow-up was 2 ± 1.3. The trigeminal TR-NC procedure resulted in a significant decrease in patients’ VAS scores at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits compared with preoperative VAS scores (p < 0.001). Transient ataxia was noted in only one patient (8.3%) early after the procedure. Conclusions: The results presented in the current study support the efficacy of the percutaneous CT-guided trigeminal TR-NC procedure in the management of intractable facial pain in selected patients. The use of CT guidance allows direct visualization of the target area, thereby enhancing the safety and success of the procedure.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the intra-operative parameters and post-operative outcomes of cataract surgery performed using the cystotome-assisted prechop (CAP) and phaco-chop techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-two eyes with age-related cataract in the CAP group, and 63 eyes in the phaco-chop group were enrolled for analysis in this study, and the surgical outcomes were reported 1 day and/or 1 week, and 1 month post-operatively. RESULTS The CAP technique was associated with statistically significantly lower cumulative dissipated energy compared with the phaco-chop technique (P

OBJECTIVEPosterior reduction with pedicle screws is often used for stabilization of unstable spondylolisthesis to directly reduce misalignment or protect against micromotion while fusion of the affected level occurs. Optimal treatment of spondylolisthesis combines consistent reduction with a reduced risk of construct failure. The authors compared the reduction achieved with a novel anterior integrated spacer with a built-in reduction mechanism (ISR) to the reduction achieved with pedicle screws alone, or in combination with an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) spacer, in a cadaveric grade I spondylolisthesis model.METHODSGrade I slip was modeled in 6 cadaveric L5–S1 segments by creation of a partial nucleotomy and facetectomy and application of dynamic cyclic loading. Following the creation of spondylolisthesis, reduction was performed under increasing axial loads, simulating muscle trunk forces between 50 and 157.5 lbs, in the following order: bilateral pedicle screws (BPS), BPS with an anterior spacer (BPS+S), and ISR. Percent reduction and reduction failure load—the axial load at which successful reduction (≥ 50% correction) was not achieved—were recorded along with the failure mechanism. Corrections were evaluated using lateral fluoroscopic images.RESULTSThe average loads at which BPS and BPS+S failed were 92.5 ± 6.1 and 94.2 ± 13.9 lbs, respectively. The ISR construct failed at a statistically higher load of 140.0 ± 27.1 lbs. Reduction at the largest axial load (157.5 lbs) by the ISR device was tested in 67% (4 of 6) of the specimens, was successful in 33% (2 of 6), and achieved 68.3 ± 37.4% of the available reduction. For the BPS and BPS+S constructs, the largest axial load was 105.0 lbs, with average reductions of 21.3 ± 0.0% (1 of 6) and 32.4 ± 5.7% (3 of 6) respectively.CONCLUSIONSWhile both posterior and anterior reduction devices maintained reduction under gravimetric loading, the reduction capacity of the novel anterior ISR device was more effective at greater loads than traditional pedicle screw techniques. Full correction was achieved with pedicle screws, with or without ALIF, but under significantly lower axial loads. The anterior ISR may prove useful when higher reduction forces are required; however, additional clinical studies will be needed to evaluate the effectiveness of anterior devices with built-in reduction mechanisms.

The focus of this work is to assess the long-term progression of degeneration in the ovine lumbar spine following a minimally invasive model injury comparable to the damage of an intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation. A partial nucleotomy was performed on 18 sheep via the percutaneous dorsolateral approach. The animals were culled at 6 and 12 months to evaluate the damaged and neighboring functional spine units (FSUs) for degenerative characteristics via μ-CT and histology. Both quantitative μ-CT and histology investigations demonstrated statistically significant differences between the native and damaged FSUs investigated. Qualitative analysis of μ-CT revealed numerous pathological markers consistent with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), with differences in frequency and severity between the native and damaged FSUs. The annulus fibrosus reforms a pressure seal within 6 weeks, but the extent of the trauma is significant enough to initiate IVD degeneration, which is already clearly visible at 6 months and especially so 12 months post-op. IDD pathology consistent with signs of a herniation was seen in both the 6- and 12-month groups. This technique provides a useful model injury for the preclinical evaluation of IDD in large animal models, especially in regards to simulating disc herniation as well as for testing the efficacy of associated therapies in the future. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2376-2388, 2019.

Pain in the lumbar spine is the most common among people of working age. All open surgery, including endoscopic, to eliminate a disc-radicle conflict, associated with a large number of complications. This increasingly encourages doctors to use conservative and minimally invasive techniques. This article presents modern methods of treatment of facet syndrome: chemical denervation, radiofrequency ablation, intraarticular injection of drugs into the cavity in the intervertebral joints. Further research work revealed modern methods of treatment of elimination of a disc-radicle conflict: chemical denervation of the disc, chemonucleolysis, mechanical decompression, intradiscal used electrothermal therapy, laser nucleotomy, hydrodiscectomy, nucleoplasty, laser disc reconstruction. The pathogenetic substantiation of the above methods is considered, the positive and negative sides of each of them are revealed. Presented their own clinical results the Results showed a 70-80% efficiency in the next observation period without serious complications.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the biomechanical behaviour of a novel distraction–fusion system, consisting of an intervertebral distraction screw, pedicle locking screws and connecting rods, in the canine caudal cervical spine. Study Design Biomechanical study in cadaveric canine cervicothoracic (C3–T3) spines (n = 6). Cadaveric spines were harvested, stripped of musculature, mounted on a four-point bending jig, and tested using non-destructive four-point bending loads in extension (0–100 N), flexion (0–60 N) and lateral bending (0–40 N). Angular displacement was recorded from reflective optical trackers rigidly secured to C5, C6 and C7. Data for primary and coupled motions were collected from intact spines and following surgical stabilization (after ventral annulotomy and nucleotomy) with the new implant system. Results As compared with the intact spine, instrumentation significantly reduced motion at the operated level (C5-C6) with a concomitant non-significant increase at the adjacent level (C6-C7). Conclusion The combination of a locking pedicle screw-rod system and intervertebral spacer provides an alternative solution for surgical distraction–stabilization in the canine caudal cervical spine and supports the feasibility of using this new implant system in the management of disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy in dogs. The increase in motion at C6-C7 may suggest the potential for adjacent level effects and clinical trials should be designed to address this.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to examine the effect of controlled delivery of TGF-β(3), BMP-4, and TIMP-2 with a biocompatible biopolymer, chitosan, on an acutely injured intervertebral disc (IVD) in a rabbit model. METHODS: After conducting an in vitro analysis of the chondrogenic capacity of the biomolecule cocktail use (ie, TGF-β(3), BMP-4, and TIMP-2) and confirming stem cell viability in chitosan hydrogel, 15 New Zealand white rabbits underwent a lateral approach of the L1 to L4 IVDs. In each rabbit, the L2 to L3 IVD was left pristine, whereas the L1 to L2 and the L3 to L4 IVDs in each rabbit underwent nucleotomy via a 25-G needle, and the animal was subsequently randomized to no further treatment (defect only), chitosan alone, Chitosan + TGF-β(3) + BMP-4, or chitosan + TGF-β(3) + BMP-4 + TIMP-2. At 6 weeks after injury and intervention, the rabbits were killed and spines harvested to undergo quantitative T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subsequent histologic analysis. RESULTS: In the in vitro analysis, cells treated with experimental media containing TGF-β(3), BMP-4, and TIMP-2 exhibited staining indicative of GAG production and began to exhibit a chondrocytic morphology. Quantitative T2 MRI mapping demonstrates that discs treated with chitosan, chitosan containing TGF-β(3) and BMP-4, or chitosan containing TGF-β(3), BMP-4, and TIMP-2 had consistently higher T2 relaxation times compared with defect-only discs. When the T2 relaxation times of each treatment group and defect-only discs were normalized to the healthy control disc, it was found that the T2 relaxation time of discs treated with chitosan containing TGF-β(3) and BMP-4 and discs treated with chitosan containing TGF-β(3), BMP-4, and TIMP-2 were significantly greater compared with defect-only discs (P = .048 and P = .013, respectively). Histologically, animals that received chitosan only, or chitosan with TGF-β(3) and BMP-4, showed a significantly higher intensity of Safranin-O staining (P = .016 and P = .02, respectively) compared with control discs, whereas the difference in staining intensity in animals that received chitosan loaded with TGF-β(3), BMP-4, and TIMP-2 failed to achieve significance (P = .161). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of chitosan, TGF-β(3), and BMP-4 was effective at promoting regeneration in an acute disc injury rabbit model, whereas TIMP-2 did not have a significant effect.

Hypermature cataracts with liquified cortex pose a higher risk for capsular complications due to a distended capsular bag, floppy posterior capsule, and absence of any cushioning epinucleus. Disassembly of a brunescent nucleus is more difficult because of the thickened, leathery posterior plate. Relying on mechanical forces, miLOOP nucleotomy reduces ultrasound time and is assured of bisecting the posterior nuclear plate. However, using this instrument with brunescent nuclei might impart significant stress on the zonular fibers and posterior capsule, particularly if there is no epinuclear shell. Evacuating the liquefied cortex and prolapsing one nuclear pole through capsulorhexis with ophthalmic viscosurgical devices create enough space to implant an intraocular lens (IOL) into the capsular bag beneath the undivided nucleus. This IOL scaffold shields the floppy posterior capsule and stabilizes the nucleus and zonular fibers during miLOOP nucleotomy. Combining and piggybacking these 2 techniques successfully avoided capsular and corneal complications in a series of 32 cases.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) on dynamic responses of the adjacent spinal segments to whole body vibration (WBV) after nucleotomy. A previously validated finite element model of an intact L1-sacrum lumbar spine was modified to simulate nucleotomy with and without TLIF and BPSF at L4–L5. Transit dynamic analyses were conducted on the nucleotomy alone and the fusion models under a vertical vibration load. The computed dynamic responses for the two models at adjacent levels were recorded and compared. The results showed that at level (L5–S1) below the denucleated disc, maximum response values of the disc bulge, annulus stress and intradiscal pressure decreased due to the fusion by 5.6%, 5.2% and 7.2%, and their vibration amplitudes decreased by 30.5%, 25.7% and 24.3%. At levels (L1–L2, L2–L3 and L3–L4) above the denucleated disc, maximum response values and vibration amplitudes of the strains and stresses also produced 5.2–8.9% and 25.9–29.7% deceases due to the fusion. It implies that after nucleotomy, application of the TLIF with BPSF might be helpful to prevent negative effects of the vertical WBV on adjacent disc levels.

Introduction. The intervertebral disc is considered the main source of pain syndrome in degenerative diseases of the spine. The methods of laser, mechanical and cold plasma nucleotomy are widely used in Russia and are included into the system of high-tech medical care. The most promising annuloplasty methods are less known and have only recently been introduced into the national surgical practice. patients’ selection criteria and surgical procedure choice are not clearly defined and the information about annuloplasty in the national literature is practically not presented.Purpose — to conduct the comparative analysis for efficiency of paracentetic nucleoplasty and radiofrequency annuloplasty for discogenic pain and to identify the factors determining the surgery outcomes.Materials and Methods. The authors performed a retrospective cohort study. patients were divided into two groups: 107 patients underwent cold plasma nucleoplasty (Np), 72 patients received radiofrequency annuloplasty (RFap) at one or several levels. evaluation of outcomes was based on the dynamics of the NRS-11 digital pain scale and the Oswestry index (OdI). Positive results were recognized with decrease of NRS-11 index by 50% (or NRc-11

Novel preclinical models that do not damage the annulus fibrosus (AF) of the intervertebral disc are required to study the efficacy of new regenerative strategies for the nucleus pulposus (NP). The aim of the study was to characterize a preclinical ovine model of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) induced by endplate (EP) damage and repair via the transpedicular approach, with or without partial nucleotomy, while keeping the AF intact. Twelve adult sheep were used. By the transpedicular approach, a 2 mm tunnel was drilled to the NP through the EP. A partial-nucleotomy was performed. The tunnel was sealed using a polyurethane scaffold. Lumbar discs were assigned to different groups: L1-2: nucleotomy; L2-3: EP tunnel; L3-4: nucleotomy + EP repair; L4-5: EP tunnel + repair; L5-6: control. X-Ray and MRI were performed at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Disc height and MRI indexes were calculated. Macro- and micro-morphology were analyzed. Pfirrmann and Thompson grades were assigned. The treated discs exhibited a progressive decrease in NP signal intensity and MRI index, displaying specific grades of degeneration based on the surgical treatment. According to Pfirrmann and Thompson grades different procedures were staged as: EP tunnel + repair: grade-II; EP tunnel: grade-III, nucleotomy + EP repair: grade-IV; nucleotomy: grade-V. A new stepwise model of IDD to study and test safety and efficacy of novel strategies for NP regeneration has been characterized. The different degrees of IDD have been observed similar to Pfirrmann and Thompson grading system. The intact AF allows for loading studies and eliminating the need for AF closure. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2460-2468, 2018.

Background:clinical outcome data was analyzed for 100 patients withcontained disc herniation who underwent percutaneous discdecompression procedure using Coblation® technology,after failing to respond toconservative management. Patients and Methods: Patients presented with clinicalsymptoms of discogenic low back pain and/or leg painFollow-up data was collected up to 12 months.Patient gender distribution was 68% female, 32% male, witha mean age of 39 years.With mean duration of back pain of 8.57 ,ranging from 3 to 17 month and mean duration of leg pain of 4.36 .ranging from 2 to 10 monthaccording to visual analogue scale for pain assessment.The mean pre-procedure pain level for all patients wasReported as 7.56 for back and 7.72 for leg while average pain level was 4.86 for back and 3.42 for leg at the 12-month follow-up post procedure period. And according to Oswestry disability index for functional assessment. The mean pre procedure index was 31.48 range from 23-40. It decreased after 12 month to 13.82 range from 5-32. Results:The results of this analysis indicated that PDD usingCoblation technology, isan effective procedure for patients presenting withdiscogenic back and/or leg pain who have failed conservativetherapies.

Rigid implants for spinal fusion are widely used in the clinical practice. However, there are only a few studies that have examined at the tissue level reorganization of structures of the spinal unit in a fusion. Objective: to study the structural organization of the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and facet joints of the lum­bar spine rabbits simulated osteochondrosis after rigid fixation. Methods: osteochondrosis modeled by nucleotomy intervertebral disc L V –L VI in rabbits using the decompressor, which was in­troduced via posterolateral approach to the nucleus pulposus zone under CT control. After 6 months 5 animals underwent the stabilization of the L IV –L VI spinal unit using rigid implants. 3 months after spinal unit stabilization spinal unit rabbits were sacrificed, lumbar spine was examined histologically. Results: stabilization of the lumbar spine at the level of L IV –L VI rigid seg­ments of the fixing device in rabbits with degeneration of the in­tervertebral disc has promoted its fibrotization that is considered as the positive impact of this type of fixing. Moderate de­generation of the intervertebral disc found cranial and more pronounced cranial from fixation zone. In the control group of animals recorded progression of dystrophic and destructive changes in the tissues of the disc. With rigid fixation in the bone tissue of the vertebral bodies are expressed osteoporotic chang­es in comparison to control animals that is caused by a decrease in the load on the vertebral segment. Also revealed the progres­sion of osteoarthritis in the facet joints at the nucleotomy level in animals.

Trigeminal tractotomy-nucleotomy (TR-NC) is an effective operation in conditions where peripheral ablation would not be effective or when pain is due to involvement of multiple cranial nerves. Lesioning of the entire nucleus caudalis at the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) represents a more extensive version of TR-NC. Here the focus is on the less invasive, percutaneous TR-NC or “mini-caudalis DREZ”. The target of TR-NC is the lateral descending trigeminal tract and nucleus caudalis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus. In select patient populations, careful lesion creation can be highly effective in providing immediate and long-lasting pain relief, with minimal adverse effects, lower cost and shorter hospital stays.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the recurrence rate and the clinical outcomes (radicular pain, axial pain and muscle weakness) of patients undergoing sole sequestrectomy and compare them with a group treated by sequestrectomy with nucleotomy. And to verify the adequacy of the criterion used in this study to perform sequestrectomy alone. Method Forty-eight consecutive patients 66 years of age or younger who had sequestered fragment/fragments that don't connect to nucleus pulpous and under the PLL, peridural or migrated caudally\rostral in L2 - S1 levels presented in our clinic between 1/1/2018 – 1/1/2020. Patients included in this study had Fragment-Fissure herniations (characterized by disc herniation with a minimal annular defect and an extruded or sequestrated fragment) (carragee type 1). According to this criteria, we randomized equally the patients into group A (sequestrectomy without nucleotomy) [sequestrectomy wo/nucleotomy] and group B (sequestrectomy with nucleotomy) [sequestrectomy/w nucleotomy]. 4 patients were excluded from the study because they didn’t complete the follow-up questionnaire. Follow up of 21 months was available for the patients. A detailed analysis of the actual pain status, radicular and axial pain depending on VAS score, ODI, muscle weakness and recurrence were performed. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, comorbidities, radicular pain after surgery, muscle weakness, recurrence. ODI, The Oswestry Disability Index and axial pain postoperative were significantly lower and statically important in the sequestrectomy group. Our results clearly revealed postoperative differences in axial pain and ODI between two groups. Conclusion Sequestrectomy alone is a safe operative modality. Patients have sequestered fragment with (Carragee type 1) findings maybe suitable to perform sequestrectomy alone because Sequestrectomy wo/nucleotomy does not seem to entail a higher rate of recurrences compared with sequestrectomy w/nucleotomy in this study and the results are as favorable as or better than results after sequestrectomy w/nucleotomy. More clinical studies are indeed to verify the adequacy of the criterion used in this study.

STUDY DESIGN Biomechanical testing of partially nucleotomized ovine cadaveric spines. OBJECTIVE To explore how the nucleus pulposus (NP) affects the biomechanical behavior of the intervertebral disc (IVD) by performing a partial nucleotomy via the transpedicular approach. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Mechanical loading represents a crucial part of IVD homeostasis. However, traditional regenerative strategies require violation of the annulus fibrosus (AF) resulting in significant alteration of joint mechanics. The transpedicular nucleotomy represents a suitable method to create a cavity into the NP, as a model to study IVD regeneration with intact AF. METHODS A total of 30 ovine-lumbar- functional spinal units (FSUs) (L1-L6) randomly assigned to 5 groups: control; transpedicular tunnel (TT); TT + polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to repair the bone tunnel; nucleotomy; nucleotomy + PMMA. Flexion/extension, lateral-bending, and axial-rotation were evaluated under adaptive displacement control. Axial compression was applied for 15 cycles of preconditioning followed by 1 hour of constant compression. Viscoelastic behavior was modeled and parameterized. RESULTS TT has minimal effects on rotational biomechanics. The nucleotomy increases ROM and neutral zone (NZ) displacement width whereas decreasing NZ stiffness. TT + PMMA has small effects in terms of ROM. Nucleotomy + PMMA brings ROM back to the control, increases NZ stiffness, and decreases NZ displacement width. The nucleotomy tends to increase the rate of early creep. TT reduces early and late damping. The use of PMMA increased late elastic stiffness (S2) and reduced viscous damping (η2) culminating in faster resolution of creep. CONCLUSION Biomechanical properties of NP are crucial for IVD repair. This study demonstrated that TT does not affect rotational stability whereas partial nucleotomy with intact AF induce rotational instability, highlighting the central role of NP in early stages of IDD. Therefore, this model represents a successful platform to validate and optimize disc regeneration strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.

To compare the outcomes of two nuclear fracture techniques used in phacoemulsification (stop-chop vs. retro-chop).A total of 131 eyes from 111 patients with severe cataracts and nucleosclerosis (of grades 4-5) were included. The patients were randomly assigned to undergo stop-chop or retro-chop nucleotomy during phacoemulsification. The Drysdale manipulator was used as the chopping instrument in both groups. The intraocular phacoemulsification parameters including phacoemulsification power and phacoemulsification time were compared across the two groups. The following parameters were compared postoperatively at 1, 2, 5, and 8 weeks using unpaired t test: corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corneal endothelial cell density (CD), central corneal thickness (CT).There were significant differences in the phacoemulsification parameters between the groups. Retro-chop group showed less phacoemulsification time (p0.05) and less phacoemulsification power (p0.05) than stop-chop group. There was also a significant difference in the rate of corneal endothelial cell loss between the two groups (p0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the postoperative change of CT or CDVA between the groups.Retro-chop nucleotomy with a Drysdale nucleus manipulator is an effective and safe method. It reduces both the use of intraoperative ultrasound energy, and early postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss compared to other nucleotomy techniques.

The aim of this study was to compare two approaches for the delivery of biomaterials to partially nucleotomised intervertebral discs in whole organ culture under loading. Such models can help to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies by assessing (1) suitability of biomaterial delivery and defect closure methods, (2) effect of mechanical loading and (3) tissue response. Mechanical performance of bovine discs filled with a hyaluronan-based thermoreversible hydrogel delivered through the annulus fibrosus (AF) or the bony endplate (EP) was evaluated under cyclic axial loading in a bioreactor. The loading protocol was optimised to achieve physiological disc height changes in nucleotomised discs. A loading regime of 0.06 ± 0.02 MPa, 0.1 Hz, 6 h daily was applied on the nucleotomised discs. Disc height and stiffness were tracked for 5 days, followed by histological analyses. Creation of a defect is less demanding for AF approach, while sealing is superior with the EP approach. Dynamic compressive stiffness is reduced following nucleotomy, with no significant difference between the two approaches. Disc height loss was higher, disc height recovery was lower and region around the defect with reduced cell viability was smaller for AF-approached than EP-approached discs. Two alternative methods for biomaterial testing in whole organ culture under loading were developed. Such models bring insights on the ability of the biomaterial to restore the mechanical behaviour of the discs. From a clinical perspective, the cavity models can simulate treatment of nucleotomy after disc herniation in young patients, whereby the remaining nucleus pulposus is still functional and therefore at high risk of re-herniation, though the defect may differ from the clinical situation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Local corticosteroids have been used to relieve symptoms of chronic low back pain, although treatment effects have been shown to wear off relatively fast. Prolonging corticosteroid presence by controlled release from biomaterials may allow for longer pain relief while circumventing adverse effects such as high bolus dosages. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intradiscal controlled release of triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) by poly(esteramide) microspheres in a canine degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) model. STUDY DESIGN In a preclinical experimental large animal model, the effect of prolonged glucocorticoid exposure on disc degeneration was evaluated. METHODS Degeneration was accelerated by nucleotomy of lumbar IVDs of Beagle dogs. After 4 weeks, microspheres loaded with 8.4 µg TAA, and 0.84mg TAA were administered to the degenerated IVDs by intradiscal injection (n=6 per group). Empty microspheres (n=6) and all adjacent non-nucleotomized noninjected IVDs were included as controls (n=24). Immediately prior to TAA administration and after 12 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Degenerative changes were evaluated by disc height index, Pfirrmann grading, T1ρ and T2 mapping values, postmortem CT scans, macroscopic and microscopic grading, and biochemical/immunohistochemical analysis of inflammation and extracellular matrix content. In addition, nerve growth factor (NGF) protein expression, a biomarker for pain, was scored in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. The study was funded by a research grant from Health Holland (1.3million euros = 1.5million US dollars). RESULTS Macroscopic evaluation and CT images postmortem were consistent with mild disc degeneration. Other abnormalities were not observed. Nucleotomy-induced degeneration and inflammation was mild, reflected by moderate Pfirrmann grades and PGE2 levels. Regardless of TAA dosage, local sustained delivery did not affect disc height index nor Pfirrmann grading, T1ρ and T2 mapping values, PGE2 tissue levels, collagen, GAG, and DNA content. However, the low dosage of TAA microspheres significantly reduced NGF immunopositivity in degenerated NP tissue. CONCLUSIONS This is the first in vivo application in a preclinical large animal model of a controlled release formulation of corticosteroids in mild IVD degeneration. Sustained release of TAA locally in the IVD appeared safe and reduced NGF expression, suggesting its potential applicability for pain relief, although beneficial effects were absent on tissue degeneration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The present platform seems to be promising in extending the local controlled delivery of TAA with the potency to provide long-standing analgesia in the subset of LBP patients suffering from discogenic pain.

Postprocedural infections of the spine are a dreaded complication putting great strain on both patients and surgeons alike. While the incidence of postoperative discitis in spine surgeries without instrumentation is often cited up to 4%, approx. 480.000 nucleotomies are performed yearly in the United States alone [1, 2]. These figures highlight the necessity for every spinal surgeon to be familiar with the diagnostics and management of postoperative infections. With the following case we will try to illustrate a typical case of postprocedural discitis managed with dorsal instrumentation and interbody fusion.

Sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation refractory to conservative treatment is effectively treated by surgery. The primary goal of surgery is retrieval of herniated disc fragments and decompression of the nerve root. After the historical publication of Mixter and Barr [1], who performed extensive laminectomy with transdural excision of the herniated disc, lumbar disc surgery became one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide. With the introduction of the microscope in the late 1960s, Yasargil and Caspar launched the unilateral microdiscectomy [2]. Presently, unilateral transflaval microdiscectomy by using the microscope or headlight with loupe magnification, is regarded as the golden standard. However, a shift towards minimally invasive approaches to the spine has started. The rationale behind minimally invasive spine surgery is less tissue damage, shorter hospitalisation, and faster recovery while achieving a good clinical outcome comparable with that of open conventional surgery. Minimally invasive spine surgery has adopted several techniques from other fields and has been influenced by endoscopy, biochemical advances, lasers, and image guidance systems. Intradiscal chymopapaine has been used more than 30 years but has been abandoned since it is less effective than surgical nerve root decompression [3]. Hijikata and Kambin are credited for their first report of percutaneous nucleotomy by inserting a 7 mm diameter tube under local anaesthesia with partial resection of disc material [4]. Choi and Ascher reviewed the first results of percutaneous laser disc decompression aiming at decreasing intradiscal pressure and subsequent nerve root relief [5]. The concept of posterolateral endoscopic discectomy changed from central nucleotomy to transforaminal nerve root decompression, which was launched by Hoogland [6] A few years later, Foley and Smith introduced the transmuscular approach of microendoscopic tubular discectomy with advanced optics and instruments applicated in laparoscopic surgery [7], which was later modified with the operative microscope.

Low back pain results in more global disabilities than any other condition, and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is commonly involved in the etiology. Supplementation of IVDs with reparative cells is a rational strategy to address such clinical problems. We have previously developed a scaffold-free tissue-engineered construct (TEC) as a novel cell therapy system for repair of articular cartilage and meniscus. We now show the regenerative potential of adipose mesenchymal stem cells derived TEC (ADSC-TEC) for IVD degeneration using a rat tail model of total nucleotomy. The regenerative efficacy of ASDC-TEC was investigated structurally and biomechanically up to 6 months after implantation. ADSC-TEC implantation into IVDs preserved the disc height, endplate, and annulus fibrosus structure, and showed similar biomechanical characteristics to the sham group at postoperative 6 weeks. The structure of regenerated IVD was maintained until 6 months. Furthermore, ADSC-TEC implantation attenuated the impact of age-related biomechanical deterioration when assessed at 6 months post-implantation. These results demonstrate that use of ADSC-TECs can be an effective treatment for IVD degeneration. Statement of significance We developed adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived scaffold-free tissue engineered construct (ADSC-TEC) as a novel cell therapy system. The ADSC-TEC implantation into a rat total-nucleotomized disc space regenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs) histologically and biomechanically. The regenerative capacity of the ADSC-TEC was exerted by its trophic effects on annulus fibrosus cells and the load-sharing effect at intervertebral space. Interestingly, the regenerated IVDs by the ADSC-TEC was less susceptible to the age-related deterioration than the IVDs of normal rats. Thus, the application of ADSC-TEC into the degenerated disc can be an alternative therapy for various disease associated with structural and functional failure of IVDs.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the reference technique in Parkinson's disease (PD) at different stages of complications. Some patients cannot afford DBS due to anticoagulation or comorbidities or due to pecuniary reasons. Radiosurgery is a minimally invasive stereotactic technique, with no craniotomy and subsequently no risk of bleeding or infection. Its good safety efficacy profile has been established in the treatment of tremor, and the postoperative care issues are simple with a much shorter hospital stay (mean 48 h). The application of radiosurgery to STN target in PD as an alternative to DBS is being debated. The lesion of the STN is presumed to induce hemiballism. Experimental works suggest a potential lower risk of hemiballism in animal models of PD. However, radiofrequency ablation of the STN is associated with a significant rate of severe dyskinesia, sometimes permanent and severe enough to request salvage pallidotomies. The positive experience of VIM radiosurgery in tremor and its capacity to create precise, accurate and well-controlled lesions provides reasonable rationale for the evaluation of this technique when applied to STN in PD. Preliminary results till date have shown the absence of severe permanent dyskinesia. Prospective controlled trials are mandatory to evaluate the safety efficacy of this technique in PD.

Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy is a minimally invasive surgery with little pain, less blood loss, less hospital stay and the surgery can be done in local anesthesia, which was started during late 20th century. Kambin and Gellmann in 1973 in the United States and Hijikata in Japanin 1977 individually preformed posterolateral percutaneous nucleotomy for the resection of the nucleus pulposus and release of compressed exiting nerve root, which is now spreading through the world and many surgeons are developing their skill but it needs experience and patience for successful outcomes. Along with advanced instruments now the surgery can be performed only giving a small skin incision of 8 - 10 mm and is as effective as the conventional method of surgery and open microdiscectomy surgery for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. In this review, we are explaining the technique of minimally invasive Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy surgery along its advantages and complications which can be encountered while performing this technique.

Disc regeneration through matrix-assisted autologous mesenchymal stromal cell therapy seems promising against disc degeneration with convincing results in small animal models. Whether these positive results can be transferred to larger animal models or humans is unclear. Fibrin matrix-assisted autologous bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell therapy was compared to acellular fibrin matrix therapy in a porcine in vivo model. First, disc degeneration was induced by annular puncture and partial nucleotomy with a large 16G-needle, and 12 weeks later, disc therapy was performed in a second surgery with a thinner 26G needle. Seventy-two lumbar discs from 12 aged adult pigs were evaluated by histology, micro-CT, and gene expression analysis 13 and 24 weeks after nucleotomy and 1 and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively. Radiologic disc height was not significantly different in both treatment groups. In the semi-quantitative histologic degeneration score, significant disc degeneration was still evident 1 week after treatment both in the mesenchymal stromal cell group and in the acellular fibrin matrix group. 12 weeks after treatment, degeneration was, however, not further increased and mesenchymal-stromal-cell-treated discs showed significantly less disc degeneration in the annulus fibrosus (p = 0.02), whereas reduction in the nucleus pulposus did not reach statistical significance. Cell treatment compared to matrix alone found less Col1 gene expression as a marker for fibrosis and more expression of the trophic factor BMP2 in the nucleus pulposus, whereas the inflammation marker IL1s was reduced in the annulus fibrosus. Disc treatment with fibrin matrix-assisted autologous mesenchymal stromal cells reduced degenerative findings compared to acellular fibrin matrix alone. Regenerative changes, however, were not significant for all parameters showing limitations in a large biomechanically demanding model with aged discs. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Background Foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations are uncommon. The main presentation is radicular pain related to the exiting nerve root at the affected level. Different approaches for surgical intervention have been described. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome, complications recurrence, and reoperation rate of extraforaminal microscopic-assisted percutaneous nucleotomy, with literature review focusing on complications and recurrence rate. Study Design This is a prospective cohort study done in a high-flow spine center in Germany. Patient Sample Between October 2012 and October 2015, 76 patients (35 women and 41 men) with foraminal or extraforaminal lumbar disc prolapse were operated on. Outcome Measures The following were the outcome measures: (1) self-report measures: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for leg pain and back pain; (2) physiological measures: standing plain X-rays (anterioposterior, lateral, and dynamic views); and (3) functional measures: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (validated German version) and Odom's criteria. Methods All patients were operated upon with trans-tubular extraforaminal microscopic-assisted percutaneous nucleotomy (EF-MAPN) technique. Preoperative clinical and neurologic evaluations were done. The mean follow-up period was 38 months (range 12–54). The study has not received funding for research from any organization. All authors do not have any conflict of interest. Results The mean age was 54 years. The most commonly affected level was L4/L5 (34 patients). The mean preoperative VAS for leg pain was 7.6 (3–10), which improved to 1.4 (0–4) postoperatively. The average operative time was 57.5 minutes. There were no intraoperative complications. One patient had temporary postoperative quadriceps weakness (L4 radiculopathy) that was completely improved at 3 months' follow-up. Another patient had deep venous thrombosis after discharge. Two patients had recurrences that necessitated another operation within the first 6 months postoperatively. Both were followed up for 1 year without a second recurrence. Conclusion Trans-tubular percutaneous extraforaminal microscopic-assisted nucleotomy is effective for foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniations. It is a muscle-splitting minimally invasive approach with minimal morbidity. Complications, recurrence, and reoperation rate are not different compared with microsurgical open or endoscopic techniques.

Purpose: This work describes a minimally invasive damage model for ovine lumbar discs via partial nucleotomy using a posterolateral approach. Methods: Two cadavers were dissected to analyze the percutaneous corridor. Subsequently, 28 ovine had their annulus fibrosus punctured via awl penetration under fluoroscopic control and nucleus pulposus tissue removed via rongeur. Efficacy was assessed by animal morbidity, ease of access to T12-S1 disc spaces, and production of a mechanical injury as verified by discography, radiography, and histology. Results: T12-S1 were accessible with minimal nerve damage morbidity. Scar tissue sealed the disc puncture site in all animals within 6Â weeks, withstanding 1 MP of intradiscal pressure. Partial nucleotomy led to a significant reduction in intervertebral disk height and an increased histological degeneration score. Conclusion: Inducing a reproducible injury pattern of disc degeneration required minimal time, effort, and equipment. The posterolateral approach allows operation on several discs within a single surgery and multiple animal surgeries within a single day.

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of combined AF and NP repairs to prevent degenerative changes and restore native disc morphology in an in vivo large animal model. We hypothesize that combined repairs will prevent disc degeneration following injury to a greater extent than the individual repairs after 6 weeks in vivo, as demonstrated through disc height measurements and disc morphology. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A total of 8 skeletally mature female Finn sheep were used in this study. Following a previously described method, IVDs from L1 to L6 of the lumbar spine were exposed using a lateral access, extraperitoneal approach5. IVDs were randomized into 5 treatment groups: 1) intact discs, 2) discs injured via a 3 cm x 1 cm box annulotomy and partial nucleotomy, 3) injury followed by a high density collagen (HDC) AF patch, 4) injury followed by injection of a modified hyaluronic acid (HA) into the NP, and 5) injury followed by both the HDC AF patch and HA NP injection. The HDC treatment was 15 mg/mL type-I collagen mixed with 0.06mM riboflavin, injected at the defect site and crosslinked in situ with blue light. The NP injection was HA modified with C16 side chains to increase the viscosity of the hydrogel (HYADD 4®)6. At 6 weeks post-operatively, sheep were sacrificed and had 3T magnetic resonance images (MRI) taken of their lumbar spine. Disc height analysis and Pfirrmann grading were performed on each segment using MR images. Additionally, quantitative MRI analyses were performed using a custom MATLAB algorithm that segments NP from the surrounding tissue and directly measures the NP volume. ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD was used to determine statistical significance between groups for disc height and quantitative MRI analyses, and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Mann-Whitney tests was used to statistically analyze Pfirrmann Grades. All animal use followed approved IACUC protocol. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: As shown in axial MR images (Figure 1A), intact discs had hyperintense NP with a distinct border to the AF. The discs receiving injury with no treatment had hypointense NP with no distinct border between the AF and NP. Individual and combined treatment with the HA NP injection and HDC AF patch appeared to preserve the hyperintense NP signal and AF/NP border. Intact control discs were not degenerated and had an average Pfirrmann grade of 1 (Figure 1B), while injured, untreated discs had significant degeneration with an average Pfirrmann grade of 3. Discs receiving the HA NP injection and collagen AF patch individually showed fewer signs of degeneration than the injured alone, and the combined treatment resulted in the least amount of degeneration with Pfirrmann grades not significantly different than the intact controls. Disc height index confirmed the trends seen in the Pfirrmann grades (Figure 1C), where injured discs lost 20% of the intact disc height, the individual NP and AF repairs restored 5-10% of intact disc height, and the combined repairs preserved 90% of the intact disc height. The NP voxel count of all treatment groups were similar to the intact controls (Figure 1D). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The objective of this study was to determine how combined AF and NP can prevent degenerative changes to the disc in a large animal in vivo model. Pfirrmann grading and disc height index results show that the greatest preservation of disc morphology was seen with combined AF and NP repairs, while the individual strategies prevented degenerative changes better than injury with no treatment. It appears the HA NP injection restores lost water content to the disc following injury, and the AF collagen patch plays a role in maintaining the NP repair within the disc. This is the first study to our knowledge to attempt combined AF and NP repairs in an in vivo large animal model. Combining NP and AF repairs leads to significantly improved outcomes following disc injury, which warrants the translation of combined repairs into the clinic to improve patient outcomes with degenerative disc disease involving NP and AF.

PURPOSE: To describe the technique of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for management of posterior polar cataracts. METHODS: The technique was performed in 25 eyes of 20 patients with posterior polar cataract and nuclear sclerosis grades II to III. A hybrid pattern of three cylinders (2, 4, and 6 mm) and three chops (6 mm in length) was used for nucleotomy. Block by block emulsification of the pre-chopped nucleus was done from the center outward, with the remaining outer rings acting as a protective cushion. Manual hydrodissection and hydrodelineation were avoided. RESULTS: There were no cases with posterior capsular tear in this series and the phacoemulsification procedure could be completed uneventfully with implantation of intraocular lens in the bag in all of the eyes. The postoperative uncorrected Snellen visual acuity was 20/25 or greater in all cases. CONCLUSION: The technique of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with a hybrid pattern of cylinder and chop is safe and effective in managing cases of posterior polar cataract, specifically for higher grades of nuclear sclerosis. [ J Refract Surg. 2015;31(12):826–828.]

Anterior shear has been implicated as a risk factor in spinal injuries. A 3D nonlinear poroelastic finite element model study of a lumbar motion segment L4-L5 was performed to predict the temporal shear response under various single and combined shear loads. Effects of nucleotomy and facetectomy as well as changes in the posture and facet gap distance were analyzed as well. Comparison of the predicted anterior displacement and stiffness response with available measurements indicates satisfactory agreement. Under shear loads up to 400 N, the model predicted an almost linear displacement response. With increasing shear load and/or compressive preload, the stiffening behavior becomes evident, primarily due to stretched collagen fibers and greater facet interactions. Removal of the facets markedly decreases the segmental stiffness in shear and thus highlights the importance of the facets in resisting shear force; 61–87% of the applied shear force is transmitted through the facets depending on the magnitude of the applied shear and compressive preload. Fluid exudation during the day as well as reduced facet gap distance and a more extended posture yielded higher facet joint forces. The shear resistance of the motion segment remains almost the same with time despite the transfer of load sharing from the disc to facets. Large forces on facet joints are computed especially under greater compression preloads, shear forces and extension rotations, as time progresses and with smaller gap distances. The disc contribution on the other hand increases under larger shear loads, smaller compression preloads, flexed postures, larger facet gap distances and at transient periods.

Posterior lateral endoscopic nucleotomy is widely accepted as a minimally invasive surgery for lumbar disc herniation, but few studies have compared the transforaminal approach using two different techniques, YESS and TESSYS. One hundred and fifty lumbar IVFs of cadaveric spines were studied. Eighteen-gauge needles were inserted percutaneously toward IVFs into the discs by either YESS or TESSYS. The distances from the needle to the nerve root and from the needle to the spinal dura were measured and compared across different spinal segments. The incidence of nerve roots compression by the operating endoscope was measured. The mean distances from needle to the nerve root and spinal dura in YESS were 3.5 ± 1.4 mm and 6.6 ± 1.9 mm. The respective mean distances in TESSYS were 4.6 ± 1.5 mm and 5.9 ± 1.4 mm. The distance from needle to the nerve root was longer in TESSYS, while the distance from the needle to spinal dura was longer in YESS. The distance from needle to nerve was shorter in proximal segments. The incidence of operating endoscope compression of the nerve root was high in both of techniques. The difference in theory and design between YESS and TESSYS, “intradisc” versus “intracanal”, was confirmed by comparison of anatomic distances from the needle to the nerve. Puncture of the annulus in the distal lumbar is safer than proximal puncture. The high incidence of endoscope compression of the nerve root may be related with the transient postoperative dysaesthesia. Clin. Anat. 26:728–734, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

STUDY DESIGN Descriptive anatomical study on ovine and human cadaveric lumbar spinal segments. OBJECTIVE To describe the alternative transpedicular approach to deliver therapeutic agents into intervertebral disc (IVD). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The present delivery approach of therapeutic agents (growth factors/cells/hydrogels) within the IVD is through injection, via the annulus fibrosus (AF). However, it has recently been demonstrated that small needle puncture of the AF leads to further degeneration and disc herniation. In addition, the injected material has a high chance to be extruded through the AF injury. METHODS Lumbar ovine and human spinal segments were used. Under fluoroscopy, a 2-mm Kirschner wire was introduced in the caudal vertebra through the pedicle and the inferior endplate to the nucleus pulposus. Gross anatomy analysis and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) were performed to assess the right position of the wire in pedicles. Discography and nucleotomy were performed using a 14G cannula insertion or a 2-mm arthroscopic shaver blade, respectively. Nucleoplasty was also performed with agarose gel/contrast agent and imaged with HR-pQCT. RESULTS Gross anatomy, fluoroscopy, and HR-pQCT images showed that the nucleus pulposus could be approached through the endplate via the pedicle without affecting the spinal canal and the neural foramina. The contrast agent was delivered into the IVD and nucleus pulposus was removed from the disc and filled with agarose gel. CONCLUSION This study describes how a transpedicular approach can be used as an alternative route to deliver therapeutic agents to the disc without disruption of the AF showing the potential use of this technique in preclinical research and highlighting its clinical relevance for IVD regeneration.

Posttraumatic deformities after vertebral fractures are challenging for orthopedic surgeons in the non-operative and operative field. Especially osteoporotic fractures may cause a hyperkyphosis resulting in segmental or global sagittal imbalance and chronic back pain. Different vertebral osteotomies are potent to restore sagittal profile but show a very high perioperative risk including neurological and soft tissue complications. In addition, some of these extensive operations require a two-step procedure including posterior and anterior approaches. Therefore, these established techniques may be contraindicated in elderly or multimorbide patients suffering from concomitant diseases. The authors describe the double transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) osteotomy (DTO) as an innovative one-stage and low-invasive surgical technique to correct a fixed posttraumatic kyphosis in the thoracolumbar junction. The procedure includes posterior release (laminectomy, facettectomy, nucleotomy) complication rates, especially in ankylosing tran combined with two expandable TLIF implants (sandwich technique) and posterior instrumentation and is illustrated by a case of a multimorbide 78-year old female. OA gold

Summary Objective The objective of this study was to establish a large animal model that recapitulates the spectrum of intervertebral disc degeneration that occurs in humans and which is suitable for pre-clinical evaluation of a wide range of experimental therapeutics. Design Degeneration was induced in the lumbar intervertebral discs of large frame goats by either intradiscal injection of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) over a range of dosages (0.1U, 1U or 5U) or subtotal nucleotomy. Radiographs were used to assess disc height changes over 12 weeks. Degenerative changes to the discs and endplates were assessed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), semi-quantitative histological grading, microcomputed tomography (μCT), and measurement of disc biomechanical properties. Results Degenerative changes were observed for all interventions that ranged from mild (0.1U ChABC) to moderate (1U ChABC and nucleotomy) to severe (5U ChABC). All groups showed progressive reductions in disc height over 12 weeks. Histological scores were significantly increased in the 1U and 5U ChABC groups. Reductions in T2 and T1ρ, and increased Pfirrmann grade were observed on MRI. Resorption and remodeling of the cortical boney endplate adjacent to ChABC-injected discs also occurred. Spine segment range of motion (ROM) was greater and compressive modulus was lower in 1U ChABC and nucleotomy discs compared to intact. Conclusions A large animal model of disc degeneration was established that recapitulates the spectrum of structural, compositional and biomechanical features of human disc degeneration. This model may serve as a robust platform for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutics targeted towards varying degrees of disc degeneration.

Background The number and cost of instrumented spinal fusion surgeries have increased rapidly, primarily for the treatment of lumbar segmental instabilities. However, what if the organism itself is able to restore segmental stability over time? This large-animal study using sheep aimed to investigate whether the reparative response after destabilization via facetectomy and nucleotomy without instrumentation can effectively fuse the spinal segment comparable to instrumented standard fusion surgery. Methods The following four surgical interventions were investigated: dorsal fixation via internal fixator, ventral fixation via cage as well as facetectomy and nucleotomy without additional instrumentation. Six months postoperatively, the animals were sacrificed, and the lumbar spines were used for biomechanical tests. Findings Spinal stability was restored to the destabilized spinal segments at six months postoperatively and was comparable to the results of conventional surgery via screws and cages. Iatrogenic hypomobilization caused significant reductions in facet joint space and intervertebral disc height of segments at index and adjacent level. Restabilized segments after iatrogenic hypermobilzation also significantly decreased facet joint space and disc height at index level, but revealed no influence on adjacent segments. Interpretation These findings in the sheep model question the necessity of costly instrumentation and suggest the alternative possibility of stimulating the reparative capacity of the body in human lumbar spine fusion surgery.

Preserving normal tissue during surgery has become increasingly important for better outcome after operation. Because of this, minimally invasive procedures have been developed. There are many pain procedures with minimally invasive method to aid fluoroscopy. The percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty instead of screw fixation for many kinds of compressed fractures with 90% success rate is a good example (1). The percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of medial branch of dorsal ramus for facet mediated vertebral pains is another example with good results (2). The percutaneous trigeminal ganglion radiofrequency ablation instead of microvascular decompression in elderly people has success rate of 80% 90% (3). Spinal column stimulator and intrathecal pump implantation are expensive and useful methods of treating persistent pains such as failed back surgery syndrome and CRPS (4). Recently, the percutaneous transformational decompression of disc with ozone or laser or coblation in bulging or moderate protrusion of lumbar or cervical discs or in disco genic pain instead of discectomy or screw fixations, have become popular. In 1973, Kambin (originally Iranian orthopedic surgeon) started percutaneous decompression of disc by nucleotomy in USA (5). Later, he reported 72 percent success rate with modified Hijikata approach (6). In 1985, Onik et al. introduced nucleotomy with motorized shaver (7). Ascher performed the first laser discectomy in mid-1980s. He used Nd: YAG laser and the good to fair range response to that method was 78% (8). Minimally invasive percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy was initiated by Kambin in 1988. Kambin described The triangular safe zone in transforaminal approach in 1990 (4). Tsou and Yeung, in 2002 , reported the same efficacy for endoscopic discectomy and conventional open surgery (9). They reported 91% success rate for this approach (10). Nevertheless, there are some failed cases such as migrated fragments or high canal compromised herniation (11). With recent advances, endoscopic discectomy will gradually replace open discectomy in near future.

Objective: To evaluate the intra-operative difficulties and postoperative visual outcome following phacoemulisification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with cataract and a coexisting corneal opacity partially obscuring the pupillary area. Materials and methods: The study included 205 eyes of 205 patients with cataract, an extensive corneal opacity partially obscuring the pupillary area and a corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of less than 40/200 who had undergone phacoemulisification with IOL implantation by a single surgeon. The patients were followed up on day 1, day 7, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Intra-operative and post operative course and CDVA were evaluated. Results: Seventy nine percent of the patients underwent phaco-emulsification via superior clear corneal approach while the rest were operated via temporal clear corneal approach. Trypan blue (0.06%) dye assisted capsulorrhexis was successfully completed in all eyes with additional maneuvers including posterior synechiolysis and sphincterotomy. Nucleotomy with primary chop technique and phacoemulsification were performed uneventfully in all but one eye, which was converted to an extra capsular cataract extraction (ECCE). A foldable intraocular lens was implanted in 76 eyes, rigid IOL in 128 eyes and 1 eye was left aphakic. The pre-operative CDVA of less than 40/200 improved to 20/60 at the end of 3 months follow up. Conclusions: Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation provides ambulatory and useful vision in eyes with coexisting cataract and corneal opacity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6535 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 217-223

Disc degeneration and re-herniation after nucleotomy procedures are common problems. Simultaneous application of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based matrix has been proposed to limit disc degeneration. This, however, is hampered by loss of the substituted matrix out of the disc. Hence, in situ polymerization of the injected matrix with ultraviolet light (UVL) directly used after injection may be useful. Therefore, this study evaluates a new HA/collagen hydrogel matrix with in situ polymerization after implantation in an established porcine nucleotomy model.12 mature minipigs were used. A total of 60 lumbar discs were analyzed. 36 discs underwent partial nucleotomy with a 16G biopsy needle. Of those, 24 discs received matrix (porcine nucleus pulposus collagenous scaffold component and chemically modified HA) which was in situ polymerized using UVL immediately after transplantation. 12 nucleotomized discs and 24 non-nucleotomized discs served as controls. After 24 weeks, animals were killed. X-rays, MRIs, histology, and gene expression analysis were done.Disc height was reduced equally after sole nucleotomy and nucleotomy with HA treatment and in MRIs signal intensity decreased. For both nucleotomy groups, the nucleus histo-degeneration score showed a significant increase compared to controls. In histology, HA treatment resulted in more scarring and inflammation in the annulus. Gene expression of catabolic MMPs was up-regulated, whereas IFN-gamma, IL-6, and IL-1b were unchanged.Although nucleotomy and administration of the implant material did not cause generalized inflammation of the disc, localized annular damage with annulus inflammation and scarring resulted in detrimental degenerative disc changes. As a result, therapeutic strategies should strongly focus on the prevention of annular damage or techniques for annular repair to remain disc integrity.