Objective:To investigate a novel surgical method for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods: Totally 21 patients with multilevel CSM undergoing a novel surgical procedure from April 2001 to Janu...Objective:To investigate a novel surgical method for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods: Totally 21 patients with multilevel CSM undergoing a novel surgical procedure from April 2001 to January 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients experienced anterior cervical decompression surgery in subsection, autograft fusion and internal fixation. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and follow-up image data, X-rays and semi-quantitative Japanese orthopaedics association (JOA) scores were used to evaluate the restoration of lordosis (Cobb's angle), intervertebral heights, the stability of the cervical spine and the improvement of neurological impairment. Results: Preoperative symptoms were markedly alleviated or disappeared in most of the patients. According to the JOA scores, the ratio of improvement in neurological function was 72. 2%, including excellent in 9 cases (42.9%), good in 7 cases (33.3%), fair in 3 cases (14.3%) and poor in 2 cases (9.5%). Immediate postoperative X-rays showed obvious improvements in lordosis and in the intervertebral height of the cervical spine (P〈0. 01). There is no evidence of instrument failure during the mean follow-up period of 14. 2 months (9-24 months, P〉0. 01). Conclusion:Anterior cervical decompression in subsection, autograft fusion and internal fixation is a rational effective method for the surgical treatment of multilevel CSM.展开更多
The aim of this study is to review four case-based scenarios regarding the treatment of symptomatic hypogonadism in men. The article is designed as a review of published literature. We conducted a PubMed literature se...The aim of this study is to review four case-based scenarios regarding the treatment of symptomatic hypogonadism in men. The article is designed as a review of published literature. We conducted a PubMed literature search for the time period of 1989-2014, concentrating on 26 studies investigating the effcacy of various therapeutic options on semen analysis, pregnancy outcomes, time to recovery of spermatogenesis, as well as serum and intratesticular testosterone levels. Our results demonstrated thatexogenous testosterone suppresses intratesticular testosterone production, which is an absolute prerequisite for normal spermatogenesis. Cessation of exogenous testosterone should be recommended for men desiring to maintain their fertility. Therapies that protect the testis involve human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), but may also include low dose hCG with exogenous testosterone. Off-label use of SERMs, such as clomiphene citrate, are effective for maintaining testosterone production long-term and offer the convenience of representing a safe, oral therapy. At present, routine use of aromatase inhibitors is not recommended based on a lack of long-term data. We concluded that exogenous testosterone supplementation decreases sperm production. It was determined that clomiphene citrate is a safe and effective therapy for men who desire to maintain fertility. Although less frequently used in the general population, hCG therapy with or without testosterone supplementation represents an alternative treatment.展开更多
文摘Objective:To investigate a novel surgical method for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods: Totally 21 patients with multilevel CSM undergoing a novel surgical procedure from April 2001 to January 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients experienced anterior cervical decompression surgery in subsection, autograft fusion and internal fixation. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and follow-up image data, X-rays and semi-quantitative Japanese orthopaedics association (JOA) scores were used to evaluate the restoration of lordosis (Cobb's angle), intervertebral heights, the stability of the cervical spine and the improvement of neurological impairment. Results: Preoperative symptoms were markedly alleviated or disappeared in most of the patients. According to the JOA scores, the ratio of improvement in neurological function was 72. 2%, including excellent in 9 cases (42.9%), good in 7 cases (33.3%), fair in 3 cases (14.3%) and poor in 2 cases (9.5%). Immediate postoperative X-rays showed obvious improvements in lordosis and in the intervertebral height of the cervical spine (P〈0. 01). There is no evidence of instrument failure during the mean follow-up period of 14. 2 months (9-24 months, P〉0. 01). Conclusion:Anterior cervical decompression in subsection, autograft fusion and internal fixation is a rational effective method for the surgical treatment of multilevel CSM.
文摘The aim of this study is to review four case-based scenarios regarding the treatment of symptomatic hypogonadism in men. The article is designed as a review of published literature. We conducted a PubMed literature search for the time period of 1989-2014, concentrating on 26 studies investigating the effcacy of various therapeutic options on semen analysis, pregnancy outcomes, time to recovery of spermatogenesis, as well as serum and intratesticular testosterone levels. Our results demonstrated thatexogenous testosterone suppresses intratesticular testosterone production, which is an absolute prerequisite for normal spermatogenesis. Cessation of exogenous testosterone should be recommended for men desiring to maintain their fertility. Therapies that protect the testis involve human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), but may also include low dose hCG with exogenous testosterone. Off-label use of SERMs, such as clomiphene citrate, are effective for maintaining testosterone production long-term and offer the convenience of representing a safe, oral therapy. At present, routine use of aromatase inhibitors is not recommended based on a lack of long-term data. We concluded that exogenous testosterone supplementation decreases sperm production. It was determined that clomiphene citrate is a safe and effective therapy for men who desire to maintain fertility. Although less frequently used in the general population, hCG therapy with or without testosterone supplementation represents an alternative treatment.