Clinical Outcome of Internal Fixation and Fusion in the Treatment of Spinal Fractures by Paraspinal Muscular Space Approach

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of internal fixation and fusion with the paraspinal muscle gap approach in the treatment of spinal fracture patients.Methods:104 spinal fracture patients admitted to Central Hospital of TCM from October 2022 to April 2024 were selected as the study subjects and were randomly divided into the control group(n=52)and the observation group(n=52)according to the random number table method.The control group was treated with the conventional approach of internal fixation surgery,and the observation group was treated with the paraspinal muscular interspace approach of internal fixation fusion.The two groups’general data,surgical indexes,pain,lumbar spine function,and postoperative complications were observed.Results:The baseline data of the two groups of patients were not statistically significant(all P>0.05)while the intraoperative bleeding,the first postoperative time getting up from bed,and the length of hospital stay of the patients in the observation group were shorter than that of the control group(all P=0.000<0.001),and the duration of the operation was longer than that of the control group(t=2.644,P=0.010<0.05);at 3 months postoperatively,the VAS scores of the patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(t=10.768,P=0.000<0.001),and the JOA score was higher than that of the control group(t=6.498,P=0.000<0.001);the total complication rate of patients in the observation group(3/5.77%)was significantly lower than that of the control group(12/23.08%)(χ^(2)=6.310,P=0.012<0.05).Conclusion:In the treatment of spinal fracture patients,compared with the conventional approach to internal fixation surgery,the paraspinal muscular gap approach to internal fixation and fusion treatment is less traumatic,postoperative lumbar spine function recovery is faster,and can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

A comparison of robot-assisted and fluoroscopy-assisted kyphoplasty in the treatment of multi-segmental osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF)has become a major public health issue that becomes more pressing with increasing global aging.Percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)is an effective treatment for OVCF.Robot-assisted PKP has been utilized in recent years to improve accuracy and reduce complications.However,the effectiveness of robot-assisted PKP in the treatment of multi-segmental OVCF has yet to be proved.This study was designed to compare the efficacy of robot-assisted and conventional fluoroscopy-assisted multi-segmental PKP.A total of 30 cases with multi-segmental OVCF between April 2019 and April 2021 were included in this study.Fifteen cases were assigned to the robot-assisted PKP group(robot group)and 15 cases to the conventional fluoroscopy-assisted PKP group(conventional fluoroscopy group).The number of fluoroscopic exposures,fluoroscopic dose,operation time,cement leakage rate,visual analog scale(VAS)score,vertebral kyphosis angle(VKA),and height of fractured vertebral body(HFV)were compared between the 2 groups.The number of fluoroscopic exposures,fluoroscopic doses,and cement leakage rates in the robot group were lower than in the conventional fluoroscopy group(P<0.05)while the operative time in the robot group was longer than in the conventional fluoroscopy group(P<0.05).VAS score and VKA were decreased and HFV was increased after surgery in both groups(P<0.05).Therefore,robot-assisted PKP for the treatment of multi-segmental OVCF can reduce the number of fluoroscopic exposures,fluoroscopic doses,and cement leakage compared to conventional treatment.As such,robot-assisted PKP has good application prospects and is potentially more effective in the treatment of multi-segmental OVCF.

Research of the Clinical Effect of Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Multiple Senile Osteoporotic Spinal Fractures

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of kyphoplasty in the treatment of multiple osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the elderly.Methods:The duration of the study was selected from January 2018 to December 2020,and 38 patients with multiple osteoporotic spinal fractures were selected for study evaluation.All patients were treated with kyphoplasty.The clinical indicators of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results:The total effective rate was 94.7%and the complication rate was 5.3%.The height of midline,anterior and posterior vertebral body,Cobb angle,VAS score,ODI score and ADL score of 38 patients before and after treatment were compared,which were significantly better than those before treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical effect of kyphoplasty in the treatment of elderly patients with multiple osteoporosis is significant,which can be promoted in all levels of medical institutions.

Study on the Application Effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in Patients Undergoing Spinal Fracture Surgery

Objective:To study the application effect of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery(ERAS)model in patients undergoing spinal fracture surgery.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was designed,and 86 patients undergoing spinal fracture surgery were randomly divided into the ERAS group and the conventional care group.Postoperative recovery outcomes of the two groups were compared.Results:The ERAS group showed better outcomes in terms of postoperative pain scores,activities of daily living,length of hospital stay,and adherence to rehabilitation training compared to the conventional care group,with shorter hospital stays and lower medical expenses(P<0.05).Conclusion:The ERAS model significantly improves the postoperative recovery quality of patients undergoing spinal fracture surgery,reduces hospital stay and medical costs,and increases patient satisfaction.

Management of acute spinal cord injury:A summary of the evidence pertaining to the acute management,operative and non-operative management

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury is often a lifechanging and devastating event with considerable mortality and morbidity.Over half a million people suffer from traumatic spinal cord injury annually with the majority resulting from road traffic accidents or falls.The Individual,societal and economic costs are enormous.Initial recognition and treatment of acute traumatic spinal cord injury are crucial to limit secondary injury to the spinal cord and to provide patients with the best chance of some functional recovery.This article is an overview of the management of the acute traumatic spinal cord injury patient presenting to the emergency department.We review the initial assessment,criteria for imaging and clearing the spine,and evaluate the literature to determine the optimum timing of surgery and the role of non-surgical treatment in patients presenting with acute spinal cord injury.

THE OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF SPINAL FRACTURE-DISLOCATION WITHOUT NEUROLOGIC DEFICITS

To evaluate the results of operative treatment of spinal fracture dislocation without neurologic deficits. Methods.Eighteen patients with spinal fracture dislocation were neurologically intact at the time of injury, and all were treated operatively. The fracture sites were:8 cases in cervical spine, 3 cases in thoracic spine, and 7 cases in lumbar spine. Eight patients with cervical injuries had variant degrees of forward slide and kyphotic deformity. Of the 10 thoracic and lumbar fractures, one had lateral dislocation, 4 cases with kyphotic deformities, 5 cases with spinal canal compromise averaged 50% (ranging from 40% to 70%). Results.The average period of follow up was 4.4 years with a range of 11 months to 13 years. All the patients returned to full time work. No patient developed neurologic deterioration. Kyphotic deformity was corrected in the 4 cases, and no progressive kyphosis was noted. There was no operation related complication. The averaged post operative hospitalization time was 13 days. Conclusions. Despite the rare incidence of spinal fracture dislocation without neurologic deficits, we suggested that kind of fracture be considered unstable fracture because of its potential risk of delayed neurologic deterioration and kyphotic deformity, and be treated operatively to restore the sagittal alignment and the stability of the spine.

RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS OF THEHEIGHTS OF VERTEBRAL BODIES INTHORACICANDLUMBARSPINE

Radiographic measurements was performed on 124 normal adults for anterior, posterior and middle heights of the vertebral bodies in thoracic and lumbar spine. The normal ratios of vertebral height in one vertebral body and one with the adjacent bodies were presented. The method for measurement and its diagnostic value to osteoporotic vertebral fractures were discussed.

Can the Interspinous Distance Predict Kyphosis in Conservative Treatment in Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture? A Retrospective, Diagnostic Study

Study Design: Retrospective, diagnostic study. Objective: To verify if the interspinous distance is able to predict the risk for kyphotic collapse in thoracolumbar burst fractures treated conservatively without neurological deficit. Summary of Background Data: In patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures, the association between the amount of comminution, by using load-sharing classification (LSC), and kyphotic collapse is presented in the literature. However, LSC does not include the interspinous distance as an indirect sign to suggest biomechanical instability due to posterior ligamentous disruption in these patients in order to predict kyphotic collapse. Methods: We added the interspinous distance to the load-sharing classification (MLSC) in 50 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures (according to Denis criteria) treated conservatively. Results: The LSC score was correlated to kyphotic collapse in the patients treated with TLSO (r = 0.312, p = 0.027;Spearman test;A = 0.668). The MLSC was similarly correlated to kyphotic collapse among TLSO-treated patients (r = 0.295, p = 0.038;Spearman test;A = 0.652). Conclusions: The interspinous distance did not contribute to the identification of worse radiographic outcomes, represented by the kyphotic collapse. This may suggest that the amount of comminution pointed out by the LSC is enough and more important than the interspinous opening in order to predict kyphotic collapse in thoracolumbar burst fractures. Possibly, the interspinous distance is much too heterogenous and multifactorial to be useful, since it reflects vertebral body height, preinjury anatomy, as well as posterior element disruption.

Study on the Value of the Theory of Protection Motivation in the Nursing of Spinal Fracture to the Quality of Life

Objective:To analyze the effect of protection motivation theory on the quality of life of patients with spinal fracture.Methods:From August 2019 to September 2020,72 patients with spinal fracture were selected and randomly divided into two groups.The routine nursing group was the routine nursing group,and the combined nursing with the theory of protective motivation was the dynamic nursing group.Results:The hospitalization time,detumescence time,healing time and muscle strength recovery time of group A were shorter than those of group B(P<0.05).The VAS score and Barthel index score of the dynamic group were better than those of the conventional group(P<0.05);The score of SF-36 in the group A was higher than that in the group B(P<0.05).Conclusions:The application of protection motivation theory in the nursing of patients with spinal fracture can shorten the healing time of fracture,promote the recovery of muscle strength,relieve the pain of fracture,and then improve the ability of daily life and quality of life of patients.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF THE TONIFICATION METHOD IN ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMATOLOGY

Traumatological and orthopedical diseases with obstruction and blockage are in most cases treated by the reducing method like promoting qi flow and activating blood circulation, dispersing and removing obstruction. However, the therapeutic

Mechanism of thoracolumbar burst fractures：a biomechanical study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism associated with thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: Stress distribution of the spine in the upright, flexion and extension positions was analyzed using a three-dimensional finite element model of the spinal motion segment. RESULTS: Stress concentration was noted at the pedicle and posterosuperior part of the vertebral body near the pedicle. CONCLUSION: Stress concentration of the spine may be implicated in the biomechanical mechanism underlying thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Spinal fractures resulting from traumatic injuries

Objective： To illustrate mechanisms of spine fractures and the pattern of spinal injuries characterized by the major mechanisms in urban population of Iran. Methods： Data regarding spinal injuries including demographics, mechanism and level of spinal injury, abbreviated injury score, associated injuries and final fate of the patients were extracted from the Iranian national trauma registry database from 1999 to 2004. Results： A total of 619 patients with traumatic spine fractures were identified, of whom 68.5% were males. The peak frequency of these injuries occurred in the 21-40 year age-group. Accidental falls and road traffic crashes （RTCs） were the most common mechanisms of spinal fractures （47.2% and 44.1%, respectively）. RTCs tended to occur in younger patients compared with accidental falls. The most common spinal region for spinal fracture was the lumbar spine （53.63%）. Cervical spine fractures were significantly more common in RTCs, while lumbar spine fractures were more common in accidental falls （P〈0.001）. A total of 171 （27.6%）patients had associated non-spinal injuries, of whom 127 had associated extremity injuries, and 55 had head injuries. Thirty-six （5.6%） patients had spinal cord injury （SCI）.The injury severity score of the RTC group was significantly higher than that of accidental falls （P=-0.002）. Fifteen （4%） patients died of traumatic injuries. The rate of death was significantly higher in RTCs compared with accidental falls （5.1% vs 2.1%, P=0.039）. Conclusions： The patterns of spinal fractures are similar to those reported from developed countries. RTCs tend to affect the younger age population and are associated with a higher degree of associated injuries and mortality than accidental falls. Therefore preventive strategies should be based on reduction of the number and severity of RTCs.

Balloon kyphoplasty: an experience of 38 patients with painful osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty as a new therapy for patients with painful osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures of the lumbar and thoracic spine. Methods ： A retrospective analysis was conducted in 38 consecutive patients （28 females, 10 males）, whose ages ranged from 56 to 82 years （mean age 72 years）. The symptom- and sign-positive spinal segment was identified by MRI. The time between onset of symptoms and surgical intervention ranged from 2 days to 1 year. 62 segments （36 thoracic, 26 lumbar） were treated in this cohort. The pain score estimated by Visual Analog Scale and activity degree were assessed immediately after operation and at 1-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative anterior, midline vertebral heights in fractured vertebrae were measured on lateral radiographs to evaluate the effect of the procedure. Results. The method achieved a swift pain relief associated with an evidently increased weight-bearing ability. The pain score was reduced from 8.2 to 2.4 points. The anterior and midline vertebral heights in 62 fractured vertebral bodies increased up to 82.76% ±26.84%, 88.82 % ± 21.75 % and the wedge decreased from 15 to 8 degrees. This effect persisted at least over a period of two years. The procedure did not induce narrowing of the spinal canal and no severe complications occurred. Conclusions： Balloon kyphoplasty can result in immediate clinical improvement of mobility and pain relief, increase vertebral body height, and quickly return patient＇s activity. The short-term results are approved excellent, and the long-term results need further judgment.

Pressure ulcers and acute risk factors in individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without spinal cord injuries:A prospective analysis of the National Spinal Column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran(NSCIR-IR)data

Purpose:To identify risk factors for developing pressure ulcers(PUs)in the acute care period of traumatic spinal fracture patients with or without spinal cord injuries(SCIs).Methods:Data were collected prospectively in participating the National Spinal column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran(NSCIR-IR)from individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without SCIs,in-clusive of the hospital stay from admission to discharge.Trained nursing staff examined the patients for the presence of PUs every 8 h during their hospital stay.The presence and grade of PUs were assessed according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification.In addition to PU,following data were also extracted from the NSCIR-IR datasets during the period of 2015-2021:age,sex,Glasgow coma scale score at admission,having SCIs,marital status,surgery for a spinal fracture,American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale(AIS),urinary incontinence,level of education,admitted center,length of stay in the intensive care unit(ICU),hypertension,respiratory diseases,consumption of ciga-rettes,diabetes mellitus and length of stay in the hospital.Logistic regression models were used to es-timate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio(OR)with 95%confidence intervals(CI).Results:Altogether 2785 participants with traumatic spinal fractures were included.Among them,87(3.1%)developed PU during their hospital stay and 392(14.1%)had SCIs.In the SCI population,63(16.1%)developed PU during hospital stay.Univariate logistic regression for the whole sample showed that marital status,having SCIs,urinary incontinence,level of education,treating center,number of days in the ICU,age,and Glasgow coma scale score were significant predictors for PUs.However,further analysis by multiple logistic regression only revealed the significant risk factors to be the treating center,marital status,having SCIs,and the number of days in the ICU.For the subgroup of individuals with SCIs,marital status,AIS,urinary incontinence,level of education,the treating center,the number of days in the ICU and the number of days in the hospital were significant predictors for PUs by univariate analysis.After adjustment in the multivariate model,the treating center,marital status(singles vs.marrieds,OR=3.06,95%CI:1.55-6.03,p=0.001),and number of days in the ICU(OR=1.06,95%Cl:1.04-1.09,p<0.001)maintained significance.Conclusions:These data confirm that individuals with traumatic spinal fractures and SCIs,especially single young patients who suffer from urinary incontinence,grades A-D by AIS,prolonged ICU stay,and more extended hospitalization are at increased risk for PUs;as a result strategies to minimize PU development need further refinement.

Short segmental pedicle screw fixation combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in treatment of nonadjacent thoracolumbar fractures

Objective： To evaluate the short-term outcomes of short segmental pedicle screw fixation combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in treatment of nonadjacent thoracolumbar fractures. Methods： Twenty patients who suffered from nonadjacent thoracolumbar fractures were treated by short segmental pedicle screw fixation for burst fracture and by percutaneous vertebroplasty for compression fracture. X-rays, CT and MRI scans were conducted using the same protocol before and after surgery and during follow-up. Pre- and postoperative American Spinal Injury Association （ASIA） grades, fusion of fracture sites, visual analog scale （VAS） of back pain, and Oswestry disability index （ODD were accessed. Results： All patients were followed up for an average period of 12 months. The sagittal profile of the thoracolumbar spine was restored satisfactorily. No patient had neurologic deterioration after surgery, and 9 patients with incom- plete lesions improved postoperatively by at least one ASIA grade. The fusion rate was 100%. The average VAS of back pain was 7.6 preoperatively and 3.2 postoperatively. The average ODI was 72.5 preoperatively and 35.5 postoperatively. Conclusions： Short segmental pedicle screw fixation combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in treatment of nonadjacent thoracolumbar fractures exhibits such advantages as preserving functional segment units, reliable fixation, good neurologic recovery and early mobilization and, therefore, is suitable for treating nonadjacent thoracolumbar fractures.

Diagnosis and treatment of spinal fractures combined with paraplegia and diaphragm injury

Objective: To study the mechanism and treatment principle of spinal fractures combined with paraplegia and diaphragm injury. Methods: A total of 16 patients (14 males and 2 females, aged from 18 to 50 years) with spinal fractures combined with paraplegia and diaphragm injury, receiving emergency treatment and admitted to our hospital in the past 20 years, were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Results: The injuries were caused by direct or indirect violence. Six cases were of fractures of cervical spine combined with paraplegia and diaphragm injury, 2 of fractures of thoracic vertebra combined with paraplegia and diaphragm injury, and 8 of thoracolumbar fractures combined with paraplegia and diaphragm injury. Six cases received non operative treatment, but died finally. Ten cases received spine surgical treatment, of which 4 died and 6 were improved. The total mortality rate was 62.5 %. Conclusions: Spinal fractures combined with paraplegia and diaphragm injury are one of the most severe traumas in departments of orthopaedics. Paraplegia can be found easily, but diaphragm injury is often neglected and missed. When a patient suffers from both of them, he is in danger of death. What measures should be taken to rescue the patients life depends on the severity of the wounds.

Comparison of the biomechanical performance of three spinal implants for treating the wedge-shaped burst fractures

Spinal fracture is a serious problem impairing life quality,associating with low back pain and many other chronic diseases.Among all the spinal fractures,the rate of thoracolumbar fractures is the highest and accounts for approximately 90%.Although surgical treatment is an effective approach,it is still unclear which treatment method performs the best.The aim of the present study was to investigate the biomechanical performance of three spinal implants for treating the thoracolumbar wedge-shaped burst fractures using the finite element(FE)method.FE model of the T12/L1/L2 spinal segment was created from CT images and the thoracolumbar wedge-shaped burst fractures were created by removing some elements in the anterior part of L1.The FE models of the traditional system,the universal spine system(USS)and the cortical bone trajectory(CBT)system were created and their biomechanical performances were evaluated.The results revealed that among the three fixation systems,the highest von-Mises stress occurred in the CBT system.Under all the loading scenarios except for the lateral bending,the maximal von-Mises stress was higher when the USS system rather than the traditional system was applied.The average displacement around the fracture site was the highest in the CBT system.Except for the lateral bending,the average displacement around the fracture site was higher when the USS system rather than the traditional system was applied.For all the fixation approaches,the highest von-Mises stress always occurred at the screw junctions.The present study provided important data for the treatment of thoracolumbar wedge-shaped burst fractures.For example,the traditional spinal system is preferentially selected for the thoracolumbar wedgeshaped burst fracture of L1.

Preliminary study on a single balloon cross-midline expansion via unipedicular approach in kyphoplasty

Background Recently, bilateral transpedicular kyphoplasty with a single balloon was performed for osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures （OVCFs） to reduce the fees of the operation, but the time of operation and radiation exposure are longer. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of a single balloon cross-midline expansion via unipedicular approach in kyphoplasty for OVCFs. Methods Thirty-six patients with painful OVCFs （61 vertebrae） were enrolled in this research. Unilateral transpedicular puncture was performed under the fluoroscopy monitoring of an oblique angle down the pedicle. A single balloon was introduced through unipedicular approach, The final balloon position was in the midline of the vertebral body with the balloon cross-midline expansion and bone cement filled. Clinical outcomes were determined by comparison of the preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale （VAS） and Oswestry disability index （ODI）. Radiographic assessment included restoration of vertebral height and correction of kyphosis. Follow-up was conducted for 6-12 months （mean 9.2 months）. Results Thirty-six consecutive patients with 61 vertebrae were successfully operated on with a mean operation time of 37.4 minutes per vertebra. All patients had dramatic pain relief and functional recovery within 96 hours after the procedure with no surgery or device-related complications. VAS score improved from 7.27±1.02 preoperatively to 2.71±0.75 postoperatively （P 〈0.01）. ODI score was decreased from （71.14±10.94）% preoperatively to （26.56±6.35）% postoperatively. The average loss of anterior body height was （14.33±2.76） mm before procedure and （10.03±1.83） mm after procedure （P 〈0.01）, while the average loss of middle body height was （10.15±2.70） mm before procedure and （5.89±1.83） mm after procedure （P 〈0.01）. The kyphotic deformity was corrected from （23.43±5.00） degree to （16.16±2.77） degree （P 〈0.01）. The pain relief and functional recovery were substantial and maintained to the last follow-up without any re-collapse or adjacent level fracture. Conclusions A single-balloon cross-midline expansion via unipedicular approach in kyphoplasty for OVCFs is an effective and safe procedure with less cost, less operation time and less radiation exposure when compared with the conventional kyphoplasty technique.

Spinal cord injury in the setting of traumatic thoracolumbar fracture is not reliably associated with increased risk of associated intra-abdominal injury following blunt trauma:An analysis of a National Trauma Registry database

Purpose:There is a common opinion that spinal fractures usually reflect the substantial impact of injuries and therefore may be used as a marker of significant associated injuries,specifically for intra-abdominal injury(IAI).The impact of concomitant spinal cord injury(SCI)with the risk of associated IAI has not been well clarified.The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of IAIs in patients suffering from spinal fractures with or without SCI.Methods:A retrospective cohort study using the Israeli National Trauma Registry was conducted.Patients with thoracic,lumbar and thoracolumbar fractures resulting from blunt mechanisms of injury from January 1,1997 to December 31,2018 were examined,comparing the incidence,severity and mortality of IAIs in patients with or without SCI.The collected variables included age,gender,mechanism of injury,incidence and severity of the concomitant IAIs and pelvic fractures,abbreviated injury scale,injury severity score,and mortality.Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat?Version 3.10,with Chi-square test for independence and two sided Fisher’s exact probability test.Results:Review of the Israeli National Trauma Database revealed a total of 16,878 patients with spinal fractures.Combined thoracic and lumbar fractures were observed in 1272 patients(7.5%),isolated thoracic fractures in 4967 patients(29.4%)and isolated lumbar fractures in 10,639 patients(63.0%).The incidence of concomitant SCI was found in 4.95%(63/1272),7.65%(380/4967)and 2.50%(266/10639)of these patients,respectively.The overall mortality was 2.5%,proving higher among isolated thoracic fracture patient than among isolated lumbar fracture counterparts(11.3%vs.4.6%,p<0.001).Isolated thoracic fractures with SCI were significantly more likely to die than non-SCI counterparts(8.2%vs.3.1%,p<0.001).There were no differences in the incidence of IAIs between patients with or without SCI following thoracolumbar fractures overall or in isolated thoracic fractures;although isolated lumbar fractures patients with SCI were more likely to have renal(3.4%vs.1.6%,p=0.02)or bowel injuries(2.3%vs.1.0%,p=0.04)than the non-SCI counterparts.Conclusion:SCI in the setting of thoracolumbar fracture does not appear to be a marker for associated IAI.However,in a subset of isolated lumbar fractures,SCI patient is associated with increased risks for renal and bowel injury.

Pedicle screw placement in the thoracic spine： a randomized comparison study of computer-assisted navigation and conventional techniques

Objective： To evaluate the accuracy of computer-assisted pedicle screw installation and its clinical benefit as compared with conventional pedicle screw installation techniques. Methods： Total 176 thoracic pedicle screws placed in 42 thoracic fracture patients were involved in the study randomly, 20 patients under conventional fluoroscopic control （84 screws） and 22 patients had screw insertion under three dimensional （3D） computer-assisted navigation （92 screws）. The 2 groups were compared for accuracy of screw placement, time for screw insertion by postoperative thincut CT scans and statistical analysis by χ^2 test. The cortical perforations were then graded by 2-mm increments： Grade Ⅰ （good, no cortical perforation）, Grade Ⅱ （screw outside the pedicle 〈2 mm）, Grade Ⅲ （screw outside the pedicle 〉2 mm）. Results： In computer assisted group, 88 （95.65%） were Grade Ⅰ （good）, 4 （4.35%） were Grade Ⅱ （〈2mm）, no Grade Ⅲ （〉2 mm） violations. In conventional group, there were 14 cortical violations （16.67%）, 70 （83.33%） were Grade Ⅰ （good）, Ⅱ （13.1%） were Grade Ⅱ （〈2 mm）, and 3 （3,57%） were Grade Ⅲ （〉2 mm） violations （P〈0.001）. The number （19.57%） of upper thoracic pedicle screws （ T1-T4 ） inserted under 3D computer-assisted navigation was significantly higher than that （3.57%） by conventional fluoroscopic control （P〈0.001）. Average screw insertion time in conventional group was （4.56 ±1.03） min and （2.54 ± 0.63） min in computer assisted group （P〈0.001）. In the conventional group, one patient had pleura injury and one had a minor dura violation. Conclusions： This study provides further evidence that 3D computer-assisted navigation placement ofpedicle screws can increase accuracy, reduce surgical time, and be performed safely and effectively at all levels of the thoracic spine, particularly upper thoracic spine.