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Safety and Effectiveness of Extended Circumferential Decompression for Thoracic Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Safety and Effectiveness of Extended Circumferential Decompression for Thoracic Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament:a Single-center Experience

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04910737
Enrollment
30
Registered
2021-06-02
Start date
2020-06-08
Completion date
2021-04-01
Last updated
2021-06-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Indications and Effectiveness for Extended Posterior Circumferential Decompression

Keywords

circumferential decompression, thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, kyphosis, neurological outcomes

Brief summary

The study was to evaluate the indications, efficiency and safety of the extended posterior circumferential decompression technique for the treatment of thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (TOPLL) with dura adhesions or ossification.

Detailed description

The clinical characteristics of patients with TOPLL combined with dura adhesions who underwent extended circumferential decompression in our hospital were retrospectively investigated. TOPLL adhered with dura matter or dura ossification were detected intraoperatively in all the cases. Imaging evaluation included the ossification-kyphosis angle and the fixed-segment kyphosis angle. A modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (JOA score) was applied for the evaluation of clinical outcomes.

Interventions

PROCEDUREextended posterior circumferential decompressive surgery

After the pedicle screws were implanted, laminectomy was performed. Kyphotic correction was done through a temporary rod to reduce the tension of spinal cord. The posterior 1/3 of the vertebral body was resected using a high-speed drill, preserving the anterior wall of the spinal canal to protect the cord from disturbance. The dissection of adhesion at the anterior side of spinal cord was to be done through a posterolateral direction. The region of posterior resection was expanded, including bilateral residual articular processes, transverse processes and pedicles. Slightly press down the ossified lesion, and detach it from the dura mater (perform a sharp dissection if necessary) followed by completely removal. If cerebrospinal fluid leakage was encountered during the process, autologous fat, fascia or gelatin sponge can be applied locally for packaging.

Sponsors

Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

(1) thoracic myelopathy caused by TOPLL with or without TOLF; (2) severe adhesions between dura mater and ossified lesion with or without dura ossification confirmed intraoperatively; (3) extended posterior circumferential decompression was applied; (4) pedicle screw instrumentations were implanted after decompression; (5) follow-up for more than 6 months; (7) complete clinical data.

Exclusion criteria

(1) spinal deformities; (2) thoracic spine fractures; (3) syringomyelia, spinal tumor, myelitis, etc.; (4) coexisted with cervical spondylosis and lumbar stenosis; (5) post operation of thoracic spinal stenosis; (6) recurrent myelopathy caused by lesions in other levels than the decompressed segments.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
A modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score2 yearsSpinal neurological function evaluation by Japanese Orthopedic Association

Countries

China

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026