Algorhythm for Use of Percutaneous Short Fixation of Fractures Involving the Thoracolumbar Junction and Lumbar Spine

Study Design: Original article. Objective: Guidelines for deciding whether to perform open or percutaneous surgery in burst fractures. Summary of Background Data: The authors propose an algorithm for deciding whether to perform open surgery or percutaneous surgery with short fixation in patients with fractures of the thoracolumbar junction and lumbar spine. Methods: Between July 2005 and July 2009, 72 patients underwent surgical stabilization by posterior route for fractures of the thoracolumbar junction and lumbar spine. In 44 the lesion involved the thoracolumbar junction, in 28 the lumbar spine (L2 in6 cases, L3 in15 cases, L5 in7 cases). The fractures were assessed morphologically according to Magerl’s classification (52 type A, 12 type B, 8 type C). All patients were analyzed according to the algorithm proposed, according to which patients must fulfil certain criteria: the fracture must be Magerl type A.3, it must involve one level, McCormack score must be 6 or less, invasion of the spinal canal must be 25% or less according to Hashimoto’s formula, Magnetic Resonance Imating (MRI) must confirm discoligamentous integrity. Neurologically, the patient must be ASIA E. 25 patients (17 thoracolumbar junction, 8 lumbar spine) fulfilled these criteria and were treated by percutaneous short fixation. Results: The average length of the surgical procedure was 80 minutes and the loss of blood 10 cc. All patients were dismissed without brace and were submitted to follow-upComputed Tomography CTscan 3 and 6 months after surgery. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 4 years. In all cases CT scan confirmed fusion and there were no cases of rupture of the device. None of the patients presented neurological deficits. Conclusion: The algorithm described permits a proper selection of patients with thoracolumbar fractures who can be treated by percutaneous short fixation, thus avoiding the risks connected with failure of the stabilization system.

Methods of predicting vertebral body fractures of the lumbar spine

Lumbar vertebral body(VB) fractures are increasingly common in an ageing population that is at greater risk of osteoporosis and metastasis. This review aims to identify different models, as alternatives to bone mineral density(BMD), which may be applied in order to predict VB failure load and fracture risk. The most representative models are those that take account of normal spinal kinetics and assess the contribution of the cortical shell to vertebral strength. Overall, predictive models for VB fracture risk should encompass a range of important parameters including BMD, geometric measures and patient-specific factors. As interventions like vertebroplasty increase in popularity for VB fracture treatment and prevention, such models are likely to play a significant role in the clinical decision-making process. More biomechanical research is required, however, to reduce the risks of post-operative adjacent VB fractures.

Full-endoscopic spine surgery treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures:A case report

BACKGROUND Few reports have described lumbar foraminal stenosis-induced radiculopathy after treatment by full-endoscopic spine surgery(FESS)combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)in patients with vertebral compression fractures.We herein report such a case,including the patient’s treatment process and doctor’s surgical experience.CASE SUMMARY A 79-year-old man presented with symptoms of radiculopathy after sustaining L4 vertebral compression fractures.Imaging and physical examination revealed L4 vertebral compression fractures combined with L3/4 Lumbar foraminal stenosis(LFS).The patient’s symptoms were low back pain with pain in the lateral left leg.Although many reports have described radiculopathy induced by osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,the use of FESS combined with PVP has rarely been reported.This case report indicates that the combination of FESS and PVP is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of LFS-induced radiculopathy after vertebral compression fractures.This minimally invasive technique has great potential to replace traditional lumbar fixation and decompression surgery.Thus,we suggest the continued accumulation of similar cases to discuss the wider application of FESS.CONCLUSION For patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF)and LFS,PVP and FESS can be used to restore the vertebral height and reduce the pressure around the intervertebral foramen.Additionally,the combination of FESS and PVP can treat the pain or numbness of the low back and lower limbs and allow for recovery in a short time with excellent postoperative effects.In general,FESS is a good treatment for radiculopathy caused by foraminal stenosis after OVCF.

Bilateral Multi-Level Pedicle Fractures in the Lumbar Spine Secondary to Trauma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pedicle fractures are among the least common;those involving bilateral pedicle fractures are rare. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of bilateral multi-level pedicle fractures in the lumbar spine secondary to trauma concerning adolescents. We report a 14-year-old male with bilateral multi-level traumatic pedicle fractures (BMTPF) of lumbar spine (LS) three and five (L3, L5) and spondylolisthesis of L3 on L4 (classified Meyerding grade II). Posterior lumbar instrumentation from L1 to S1 was performed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The aims of the study were to provide the first documentation of this pattern of injury in adolescents LS secondary to trauma and to review literature. The patient’s parents were informed that non-identifying information from the case would be submitted for publication, and they provided consent.

Sternal metastasis-the forgotten column and its effect on thoracic spine stability

Sternal metastases are not studied extensively in the literature. There is a paucity of information on their role in metastatic disease. The concept of the fourth column was described by Berg in 1993, and has been proven in case report, clinically and biomechanical studies. The role of the sternum as a support to the thoracic spine is well documented in the trauma patients, but not much is known about its role in cancer patients. This review examines what is known on the role of the fourth column. Following this we have identified two likely scenarios that sternal metastases may impact management:(1) sternal pathological fracture increases the mobility of the semi-rigid thorax with the loss of the biomechanical support of the sternum-rib-thoracic spine complex; and(2) a sternal metastasis increases the risk of fracture, and while being medical treated the thoracic spine should be monitored for acute kyphosis and neurological injury secondarily to the insufficiency of the fourth column.

Radiographic measurement of morphological abnormalities in thoracolumbar burst fractures: relationship with spinal cord lesion

Objective:To investigate the relationship between morphological abnormalities and spinal cord deficit in thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods: Seventy-eight patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were retrospectively reviewed to calculate the stenotic ratio of spinal canal based on the midsagittal diameters and the hyphosis angle according to Cobb. The ASIA scoring of motor function of lower extremities was recorded . Results: The differences (P > 0.05) of the stenotic ratio of spinal canal and the kyphosis angle were not significant between patients without neurological deficit, with incomplete and complete lesions. No significant correlation(P > 0.05) between the stenotic ratio of spinal canal and the kyphosis angle, and ASIA scoring was noted. Conclusion:The severity of spinal cord injuries in thoracolumbar burst fractures is not predicted according to the percentage of canal stenosis or the degree of kyphesis induced by thoracolumbar burst fractures.

THORACIC SPINE FRACTURES

Objective. To investigate the unique characteristics and treatment of thoracic spine fractures. Methods. Seventy seven patients with thoracic spine fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, there were 37 compression fractures, 34 fracture dislocations, 3 burst fractures and 3 burst dislocations. Twenty six patients had a complete lesion of the spinal cord, 14 sustained a neurologically incomplete injury, and 37 were neurologically intact. Fifty three patients were treated nonoperatively and 24 treated operatively. Results. All patients were followed up for 2～15 years. None of the 26 patients with a complete lesion recovered any significant function. Of 37 neurologically intact patients, 13 had local pain although all of them remained normal function. Two of 14 patients with incomplete paraplegia returned to normal, 7 recovered some function and 5 did not recovered. Conclusions. Because of the unique anatomy and biomechanics of the thoracic spine, the classification commonly applied to thoracolumbar fractures is not suitable for thoracic fractures. Fusion and instrumentation are indicated when the fractures are unstable, while patients with incomplete lesion of the spinal cord may be the candidates for supplemented decompression.

Surgical Management of an Unstable Lumbar Fracture-Dislocation—A Case Report

The lumbar spine is the most common sites for fractures because of the high mobility of the lumbar spine. A spinal cord injury usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae. A 32-year-old man presented to us after traffic accident. In our patient, unstable fracture-dislocation of the lumbar spine at the L2-L3 level due to traffic accident occurred. The vertebral bodies were fractured and the anterior dislocation happened without spinal cord injury. The patient was a candidate for an open reduction and internal fixation surgery. The posterolateral approach was performed. After insertion of all the pedicle screws, the rods were transversally placed on L2-L3-L4 vertebral bodies and tightened. The reduction of the dislocations was carried out by pushing downwards (foreside) L2 and L4 vertebras and upwards (backside) L3 vertebrae, simultaneously. After securing the reduction of the dislocations, the rods were opened and placed along the spinal column and tightened. This technique is more effective when the pedicle of fractured vertebrae is intact.

Applications of finite element simulation in orthopedic and trauma surgery

Research in different areas of orthopedic and trauma surgery requires a methodology that allows both a more economic approach and the ability to reproduce different situations in an easy way. Simulation models have been introduced recently in bioengineering and could become an essential tool in the study of any physiological unity, regardless of its complexity. The main problem in modeling with finite elements simulation is to achieve an accurate reproduction of the anatomy and a perfect correlation of the different structures, in any region of the human body. Authors have developed a mixed technique, joining the use of a three-dimensional laser scanner Roland Picza captured together with computed tomography(CT) and 3D CT images, to achieve a perfect reproduction of the anatomy. Finite element(FE) simulation lets us know the biomechanical changes that take place after hipprostheses or osteosynthesis implantation and biological responses of bone to biomechanical changes. The simulation models are able to predict changes in bone stress distribution around the implant, so allowing preventing future pathologies. The development of a FE model of lumbar spine is another interesting application of the simulation. The model allows research on the lumbar spine, not only in physiological conditions but also simulating different load conditions, to assess the impact on biomechanics. Different degrees of disc degeneration can also be simulated to determine the impact on adjacent anatomical elements. Finally, FE models may be useful to test different fixation systems, i.e., pedicular screws, interbody devices or rigid fixations compared with the dynamic ones. We have also developed models of lumbar spine and hip joint to predict the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures, based on densitometric determinations and specific biomechanical models, including approaches from damage and fracture mechanics. FE simulations also allow us to predict the behavior of orthopedic splints applied to the correction of deformities, providing the recovering force-displacement and angle-moment curves that characterize the mechanical behavior of the splint in the overall range of movement.

Lumbar Artery Pseudo-Aneurysm after Spinal Trauma and Transpedicular Fixation: A Case Report

Introduction: A case of lumbar artery pseudo-aneurysm after surgery for lumbar vertebra burst fracture is presented. Only two cases secondary to spinal trauma and revealed after surgery have been described in the literature. A review of literature was conducted and a possible relationship with burst fracture or reduction maneuvers was discussed. Case Presentation: Here, we report a post traumatic lumbar burst facture with incomplete motor deficit of lower limbs after a fall. Surgical reduction and stabilization via posterior approach were performed. Post-operatively, a hemorrhage through surgical wound had been noticed. Pseudo-aneurysm of the lumbar artery at L3 level was diagnosed and embolisation was performed. Conclusion: This is a rare case of pseudo-aneurysm occurring in the setting of surgical stabilisation after a trauma. It was revealed by a hemorrhage discovered as a late complication. We should be aware of such potential complication as a delayed post surgery event in order to adapt the care.

Treatment of osteoporotic compression fracture of thoracic/lumbar vertebrae by kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system

Objective： To investigate prospectively the effectiveness ofkyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system in treatment of compression fracture of thoracic/ lumbar vertebrae and correction of the deformity. Methods： Twenty-five patients with thoracic/lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture were admitted to our hospital between March 2007 and March 2008, and treated by kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system. Patient＇s pain status was rated with Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） score system 1 day before and 1 hour, 48 hours, 6 months, 12 months after surgery. In addition, Rolland-Mor- ris and Oswestry disability questionnaires （RDQ and ODI） were used for survey 1 day before and 1, 6, 12 months after surgery. Pre- and post-operative vertebral heights and Cobb＇s angles were measured based on the X-ray films and statistically analyzed. Results： There were 27 fractured vertebrae in these 25 patients. After SKY kyphoplasty, the Cobb＇s angles （9.8°±9.76°） were significantly reduced compared with preoperative angles （17.18°±9.35°, P〈0.05）, and the average improve- ment rate was 39%. Patients＇ pain VAS scores were also greatly improved after operation （P〈0.05）. Moreover, postoperative RDQ and ODI scores were significantly smaller than preoperative values （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： Kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system provides an effective method for treating thoracic/ lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture, with the advantages of small surgical wound and short duration. It can effectively recover the anterior and medial heights of fractured vertebrae （33% and 50%, respectively）, reduce the Cobb＇s angle, quickly alleviate pain and improve patients＇ quality of life in a relatively short time period.

侧前方Ventrofix加钛网植骨固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的:探讨前路Ventrofix加钛网植骨固定在治疗严重胸腰椎爆裂性骨折中的应用价值和疗效。方法:2008年1月至2010年1月对严重胸腰椎爆裂性骨折21例患者,应用侧前方入路行椎体部分切除减压,椎体间钛网加自体骨植骨及Ventrofix内固定手术治疗,男15例,女6例;年龄21～46岁,平均32.2岁。骨折节段:T113例,T126例,L17例,L25例。平均脊柱后凸角20.1°。骨折载荷分享评分平均7.8分。21例均伴有不完全性瘫痪。采用Frankel分级观察神经功能恢复情况;通过影像学资料观察后凸角矫正、维持和内固定情况。结果:21例均获得随访,时间12～34个月,平均18.5个月。术后1例出现胸膜损伤,2例出现动力性肠梗阻,1例髂腹股沟神经损伤,1例切口愈合不良,对症治疗后均治愈。融合节段平均后凸角4.2°,矫正率79%。末次随访时21例患者神经功能均有不同程度恢复;影像学检查显示椎管管腔恢复正常,无内固定失败,矫正度无明显丢失,钛网无移位,螺钉无松动、断裂及退出现象,植骨均获得良好融合。结论:胸腰椎侧前方减压、椎体间钛网加自体骨植骨及Ventrofix内固定是治疗严重胸腰椎骨折的理想方法之一,但对于存在严重骨质疏松患者,避免应用。

经椎弓根及椎间盘截骨治疗强直性脊柱炎合并Andersson骨折

目的探索经椎弓根及椎间盘截骨治疗强直性脊柱炎合并Andersson骨折的疗效及可行性。方法 2009年1月—2013年1月,采用经椎弓根及椎间盘截骨术治疗强直性脊柱炎合并Andersson骨折患者17例,所有患者随访>2年。其中男12例,女5例;平均48.7岁;其中9例有明确外伤史,8例无外伤史;9例患者出现渐进性胸腰段脊柱后凸畸形;8例无明显畸形。根据美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)评分评估神经损伤等级(E级11例,D级4例,C级2例)。收集所有患者术前及术后X线和CT资料,测量整体后凸角度,局部后凸角度及矢状面平衡。记录患者术前和术后疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)。结果所有手术顺利完成,平均手术时间为219 min,术中平均出血量为876 m L。ASIA D级4例恢复到E级;C级1例恢复至E级,1例恢复至D级。术前平均局部后凸从29.1°降低至随访时的5.9°;术前平均整体后凸从59.1°降低至随访时的24.7°。平均矢状面平衡从术前153.7 mm改善至随访时的41.1 mm。平均腰痛VAS评分从术前6.4分下降到随访时的1.1分,平均ODI由术前50.9%改善至随访时的16.9%。所有患者皆获得骨性融合。结论经椎弓根及椎间盘截骨技术可获得满意的矫形效果及良好的融合,是治疗强直性脊柱炎合并Andersson骨折的有效方法。

单侧经皮椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎压缩性骨折的效果

目的分析单侧经皮椎体成形术(PVP)治疗胸腰椎压缩性骨折的效果。方法选取2021年6月至2023年6月延边朝医医院脊柱外科收治的86例胸腰椎压缩性骨折患者,随机数字表法将患者划分成两组,每组43例。两组患者均接受PVP治疗,观察组采取单侧穿刺,对照组采取双侧穿刺。比较两组的手术指标、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、椎体前缘高度、矢状面Cobb角、并发症总发生率等指标。结果观察组病例手术用时缩短、透视次数、出血量以及其骨水泥注入量均少于对照组(P<0.05)。两组术前、术后1个月、术后3个月与术后6个月的ODI指数、术后6个月矢状面Cobb角、椎体前缘高度及并发症发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论单侧PVP治疗对患者腰椎功能、Cobb角、椎体前缘高度的改善效果与双侧PVP相当,但单侧PVP的创伤性更低,同时可减少透视次数、骨水泥注入量。

远程线控推注骨水泥设备在经皮椎体成形术中的应用

目的 探讨和总结远程线控推注骨水泥设备在经皮椎体成形术中的应用效果。方法 回顾性分析2018年6月—2021年12月解放军第九六〇医院脊柱外科收治的单节段骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩骨折患者52例,男性18例,女性34例;年龄59~84岁,平均67.6岁;摔伤32例,搬运重物6例,砸伤7例,无明显诱因7例。根据推注骨水泥方式的不同分为两组,对照组29例采用手动控制螺旋推进器注射骨水泥;观察组23例采用远程线控推注设备控制螺旋推进器注射骨水泥,具体操作是将螺旋推进器固定于控制舱前端,开机后使用线控操作板控制螺旋推进器注射骨水泥。分析术前、术后3 d VAS,术中C型臂曝光次数,骨水泥分布率、骨水泥推注时间、推注量等指标。结果 两组在术后3 d VAS较术前均有显著改善(P<0.05),但两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组骨水泥渗漏发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但观察组较对照组骨水泥注射时间更短[(187.0±14.1)s vs.(239.7±23.7)s]、骨水泥填充量更少[(4.50±0.64) mL vs.(6.21±1.01)mL]、C型臂曝光次数更少(8.4±1.6 vs.11.4±1.8)、骨水泥分布率更高[(82.96±6.29)%vs.(75.24±4.75)%],P<0.05。两组均未出现严重并发症。结论 两种推注方式的近期手术效果相比无明显差异,观察组在减少患者、医护人员所受辐射,缩短骨水泥注射时间方面优势更为明显,值得推广使用。

Value of multidetector spiral CT in diagnosis of acute thoracolumbar spinal fracture and fracture-dislocation

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of multidetector spiral CT (MSCT) in acute thoracolumbar spinal fracture and fracture-dislocation. Methods: CT imaging files of 152 consecutive traumatic patients with thoracolumbar fractures were retrospectively reviewed. MSCT scannings were performed with a collimation of 3-5 mm and a pitch of (5.5). The postprocessing included sagittal and coronal multiplannar reconstruction, and 3-D reconstruction.Results: There were 88 cases of compression fracture, 54 cases of burst fracture and 10 cases of fracture-dislocation. Transverse images of MSCT could visualize all fractures directly and determine whether spinal canal was intact. Postprocessing image was helpful in depicting the displacement of fragment and orientation of dislocation.Conclusions: MSCT plays an important role in diagnosis and management of acute thoracolumbar spinal fracture and fracture-dislocation.

Analysis of safety and effect of reconstructing anterior and middle columns by single posterior approach in treating lumbar burst fractures

Objective： To explore the safety and effect of the technique of reconstructing anterior and middle columns by posterior approach in treating lumbar burst fractures. Methods： From July 2005 to January 2007, 22 cases （18 males and 4 females, aged 28-57 years, 42.7 years on average） of lumbar burst fractures were treated with surgical procedures in our hospital. Based on the routine posterior approach, one of the transverse processes of the injured vertebra was incised to get access to the lateral side of the injured vetebral body. After all the displaced fracture fragments were cleared away and the spinal canal was decompressed, the titanium mesh packed with autografts was implanted from the lateral side to reconstruct the anterior and middle columns. The adjacent above and below segments of the vetebral body were fixed with transpedicular screws. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, vertebral height, degree of kyphotic deformity and comprised spinal canal were documented. Results： The average operation time was 3.5 hours （ranging 2.8-5.8 hours） and the average blood loss was 820 ml （ranging 650-2 100 ml）. All the cases were followed up for 17.2 months on average （ ranging 12-28 months）. The height of the injured vetebral body was restored from 24 % （12%- 45%） preoperatively to 96% （95%-99%） postoperatively （P〈0.05）. The natural spinal curvatures and spinal canal were restored. Three cases were involved in transient iatrogenic nerve root injury and 1 case was involved in the loosening of the connected rod of the pedicle screw system 3 months postoperatively. Conclusions： The technique of implanting the titanium mesh by posterior approach is effective and safe enough to reconstruct the anterior and middle columns in treating lumbar burst fractures.

Mechanisms of mid-thoracic spine fracture/dislocation due to falls during horse racing:A report of two cases

We reported two cases of jockeys who sustained fracture/dislocation of the mid-thoracic spine due to traumatic falls during horse racing.We examined the injury mechanism based upon the patients’diagnostic images and video footage of races,in which the accidents occurred.Admission imaging of patient 1(a 42 years old male)revealed T5 burst fracture with bony retropulsion of 7 mm causing complete paralysis below T5/6.There existed 22°focal kyphosis at T5/6,anterolisthesis of T5 relative to T6,T5/6 disc herniation,cord edema and epidural hemorrhage from T4 through T6,and cord injury from C3 through C6.Admission imaging of patient 2(a 23 years old male)revealed T4/5 fracture/dislocation causing incomplete paralysis below spinal level.There existed compression fractures at T5,T6,and T7;4 mm anterior subluxation of T4 on T5;diffuse cord swelling from T3 through T5;comminuted fracture of the C1 right lateral mass;right frontal traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage;and extensive diffuse axonal injury.The injuries were caused by high energy flexion-compression of the mid-thoracic spine with a flexed posture upon impact.Our results suggest that substantially greater cord compression occurred transiently during trauma as compared to that documented from admission imaging.Video footage of the accidents indicated that the spine buckled and failed due to abrupt pocketing and deceleration of the head,neck and shoulders upon impact with the ground combined with continued forward and downward momentum of the torso and lower extremities.While a similar mechanism is well known to cause fracture/dislocation of the cervical spine,it is less common and less understood for mid-thoracic spine injuries.Our study provides insight into the etiology of fracture/dislocation patterns of the mid-thoracic spine due to falls during horse racing.

Current status and perspective of diagnosis and treatment of thoracolumbar fracture in China

Since the late 20th century owing to the improvement of spinal surgery techniques, the diagnosis and treatment of thoracolumbar fracture have been perfected more and more. Although the advent of modern spinal surgery in China was late, we have gained some advanced achievements owing to various international communications benefited from the open policy. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the current status and perspective of diagnosis and treatment of thoracolumbar fracture. There are several issues we would like to discuss here.

Surgical treatment of metastatic spinal tumors

Objective The patients with metastatic spinal tumors often suffered from severe back pain and spinal cord compression directly caused by tumor tissue or severe spine kyphosis. In order to treat or prevent spinal cord paralysis, decompression and stabilization should be performed on the patients with spinal pain and/or severe spinal cord compression. Methods From July 1998 through July 2001,62 patients (27 women and 35 men) with metastatic spinal tumors had been treated at our department. Of 62 patients, the thoracic vertedbrae were involved in 37 cases, lumbar vertebrae in and cervical vertebrae in 6. Among 43 of 62 patients who presented with neurological dysfunction, 24 patients were incompletely paraplegic and the others were completely paraplegic. The follow-up ranged form 8 to 36 months. Results Pain relief was obtained in 58 of 62 patients (94%), and good neurological recovery was obtained in 33 of the 43 patients. Improved bowel and bladder function was obtained in 12 of 25 patients who