We present a methodology for using an ultrasonic osteotome combined with a conventional osteotome for laminectomy in thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum. This is a relatively safe and easy-to-learn method that avoids the perioperative complications associated with the conventional method.
A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content. Sign in or start your free trial.
Method Article
Laminectomy for the Removal of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum (TOLF) Using Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomes
In This Article
Summary
Abstract
Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is a common cause of progressive thoracic myelopathy. TOLF is typically treated with surgical decompression. A variety of surgical techniques, including laminoplasty, laminectomy, and lamina fenestration, are used for the effective treatment of TOLF. However, traditional methods are associated with a substantial risk of perioperative complications, including dural laceration and/or iatrogenic spinal cord injury. Therefore, it is important to develop an efficient and secure surgical technique for TOLF. Herein, we describe a method for laminectomyperformed at the thoracic spine using an ultrasonic osteotome combined with a conventional osteotome. This technique can reduce intraoperative complications. This is a relatively safe and easy-to-learn method that should be recommended for the treatment of TOLF.
Introduction
Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is one of the major causes of thoracic spinal stenosis and has been established as the primary cause of thoracic myelopathy1,2,3. TOLF is characterized by the replacement of the ligamentum flavum by ectopic new bone formation. The incidence of TOLF is as high as 36% in Japan and 63.9% in China. Most patients show slow progression to symptomatic thoracic canal stenosis or thoracic myelopathy4. Decompression is the only effective treatment for TOLF once it becomes symptomatic since conservative treatm....
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Protocol
Ethical approval was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee of the authors' hospital. Informed consent was obtained from each patient.
1. Inclusion/exclusion criteria and preoperative preparation
- Include patients with the following preoperative symptoms: unable to walk steadily, numbness of the lower limbs, atrophy of the lower limbs, leg weakness, uncontrolled movement of the lower extremities, or sphincter dysfunction, etc., as well as signs and imaging data consistent with thoracic myelopathy.
- Exclude patients based on the following criteria: the presence of cervical spinal stenosis or lumba....
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Results
Representative case results
On the first postoperative day, the CT scans revealed that the ossification had been fully removed, and the spinal cord had been completely decompressed (Figure 5). The patient could walk steadily. The muscle strength of both lower limbs was 5. The patient was discharged 3 days after the operation.
A total of 71 patients were enrolled in the study. All surgeries were carried out satisfactorily. The mean duration of .......
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Discussion
Laminectomy is the conventional treatment method for thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum. However, the improper use of traditional bone-cutting equipment, such as high-speed drills and revolving burrs, can result in nerve thermal injury, grasping the soft tissue, tearing the dura mater, and mechanical injury15,16,17. An ultrasonic osteotome is a novel bone-cutting tool used for precise osteotomies. This device allows for bone di.......
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Disclosures
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Acknowledgements
Funding was provided by the Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology project (project numbers: 2021433841 and 2023564481).
....Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Materials
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-arm X-ray machine | GE | 20192060063 | / |
| Cera styptica | Johnson&Johnson (China) Medical Equipment Co., Ltd | W810T | / |
| Conventional osteotome | Suzhou qingniu medical instrument co. | 10012.01 | / |
| Cottonoids | Piaoan Holding Group Co., Ltd | 20182640073 | / |
| Fluid gelatin | Johnson&Johnson (China) Medical Equipment Co., Ltd | 20183142459 | / |
| Gelatin sponge | B.Braun Melsungen AG | 20163642299 | / |
| Jackson–Pratt drainage | Suzhou Weikang Medical Equipment Co., Ltd | 20162140955 | / |
| Kerrison Rongeurs | Jinzhong Medical Instruments Co., Ltd | 2100888 | / |
| Nerve dissector | Jinzhong Medical Instruments Co., Ltd | p23110 | / |
| Pedicle screw | Medtronic | 76446545 | / |
| Towel clamps | KEWEIDUN | 10058468134417 | / |
| Ultrasonic Osteotomy Surgical System | SMTP Technology Co. | FD880A | / |
| Unipolar/bipolar electrotome | Shanghai Hutong Electronics Co., Ltd | 20143251899 | / |
References
- Miura, K., et al. Thoracic myelopathy caused by calcification of the ligamentum flavum. Journal of Rural Medicine. 15 (2), 65-67 (2020).
- Wang, T., Yin, C., Wang, D., Li, S., Chen, X. Surgical technique....
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Reprints and Permissions
