Complication rates after direct anterior vs posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty in elderly individuals with femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND Dislocation rates after hemiarthroplasty reportedly vary from 1%to 17%.This serious complication is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates.Approaches to this surgery are still debated,with no consensus regarding the superiority of any single approach.AIM To compare early postoperative complications after implementing the direct anterior and posterior approaches(PL)for hip hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures.METHODS This is a comparative,retrospective,single-center cohort study conducted at a university hospital.Between March 2008 and December 2018,273 patients(a total of 280 hips)underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasties(n=280)for displaced femoral neck fractures using either the PL(n=171)or the minimally invasive direct anterior approach(DAA)(n=109).The choice of approach was related to the surgeons’practices;the implant types were similar and unrelated to the approach.Dislocation rates and other complications were reviewed after a minimum followup of 6 mo.RESULTS Both treatment groups had similarly aged patients(mean age:82 years),sex ratios,patient body mass indexes,and patient comorbidities.Surgical data(surgery delay time,operative time,and blood loss volume)did not differ significantly between the groups.The 30 d mortality rate was higher in the PL group(9.9%)than in the DAA group(3.7%),but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.052).Among the one-month survivors,a significantly higher rate of dislocation was observed in the PL group(14/154;9.1%)than in the DAA group(0/105;0%)(P=0.002).Of the 14 patients with dislocation,8 underwent revision surgery for recurrent instability(posterior group),and one of them had 2 additional procedures due to a deep infection.The rate of other complications(e.g.,perioperative and early postoperative periprosthetic fractures and infection-related complications)did not differ significantly between the groups.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the DAA to bipolar hemiarthroplasty for patients with femoral neck fractures is associated with a lower dislocation rate(<1%)than the PL.

Safety and efficacy of posterior approach for resection of spinal meningioma:Impact of dural attachment location

BACKGROUND Spinal meningiomas(SMs)are common benign tumors that are typically treated with surgical resection.The choice of surgical approach may vary depending on the location of dural attachment of the SM,with a posterior approach being the traditional preference.However,there is limited research available on the impact of dural attachment location on outcomes following posterior approach for SM resection.The average age of the included 34 patients’(10 males and 24 females)age was 62.09 years.Mean follow-up duration was 22.65 months.The location of SM was the thoracic spine in 32 cases,with only 2 in the cervical spine.On average,intraoperative blood loss was 520.59 mL,and operating time was 176.76 minutes.Thirty three cases had successful outcomes while only 1 experienced an unexpe-cted outcome.The tumor recurrence rate was 2.9%.After surgery,there were 3 cases of cerebral spinal fluid leakage,1 case of pneumonia,and 1 case of urinary tract infection.Dural attachments were predominantly found dorsal or dorso-lateral(13 cases),followed by ventral or ventrolateral(14 cases),and lateral(7 cases).The outcomes among these subgroups were similar.CONCLUSION The posterior approach for SM resection is safe and effective,yielding comparable surgical and neurological outcomes regardless of the dural attachment location.

Direct anterior compared to posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty following femoral neck fractures

The differences in complication rates between the direct anterior and posterior approaches for hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures are not yet fully understood.Dislocation,a severe complication associated with increased mortality and often requiring additional surgery,may occur less frequently with the direct anterior approach compared to the posterior approach.Careful consideration of patient demographics is essential when planning the surgical approach.Future research in this area should focus on robust randomized controlled trials involving elderly patients recovering from femoral neck fractures.

Debate on direct-anterior vs posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty:The authors’insights

We read and discussed the study entitled“Complication rates after direct anterior vs posterior approach for Hip Hemiarthroplasty in elderly individuals with femoral neck fractures”with great interest.The authors have done justice to the topic of comparison of anterior and posterior surgical approaches for bipolar hemiarthroplasty which has been an everlasting debate in the existing literature.However,there are certain aspects of this study that need clarification from the authors.

Surgical resection of intradural extramedullary tumors in the atlantoaxial spine via a posterior approach

BACKGROUND The anatomical features of the atlantoaxial spine increase the difficulty of complete and safe removal of atlantoaxial intradural extramedullary(IDEM)tumors.Studies concerning surgical interventions via a posterior approach are limited.AIM To investigate the safety and efficacy of atlantoaxial IDEM tumor resection using a one-stage posterior approach.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed clinical databases for one-stage atlantoaxial IDEM tumor resection via a posterior approach between January 2008 and January 2018.The analyzed data included tumor position,histopathological type,pre-and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)scores and Nurick grades,postoperative complication and recurrence status.RESULTS A total of 13 patients who underwent C1-C2 Laminectomy and/or unilateral facetectomy via the posterior approach were enrolled in the study.In all cases reviewed,total tumor resection and concomitant C1-C2 fusion were achieved.The average follow-up was 35.3±6.9 mo(range,26-49 mo).A statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative JOA score(11.2±1.1)and the score at the last final follow-up(15.6±1.0)(P<0.05).A statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative Nurick grade(2.3±0.9)and that at the last follow-up(1.2±0.4)(P<0.05).However,no statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative and last follow-up C1-2 Cobb angle and C2-7 Cobb angle(P>0.05).No mortalities,severe complications or tumor recurrence were observed during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION Total resection of atlantoaxial IDEM tumors is feasible and effective via a posterior approach.Surgical reconstruction should be considered to avoid iatrogenic kyphosis and improve spinal stability and overall clinical outcomes.

Assessment of the Outcome of Anterior versus Posterior Approach in the Management of Displaced Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture

Background: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are among the most common type of pediatric fractures. The outcome of severely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children subjected to wide controversies in term of safety, functional and cosmetic outcome. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is now considered as the gold standard rule, but open reduction still applicable in certain cases where intraoperative imaging is not available, in comminuted lateral column fractures and uneducable fractures. Aim of the Study: To compare the outcome (functional and cosmetic) of anterior (Henry) approach with the posterior (Campbell) approach used in two groups of patients’ sustained displaced supracondylar fractures. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was performed on 48 pediatric patients who were been admitted to the Emergency Hospital in Sulaimani province sustained displaced supracondylar humeral fractures and treated during the period from the first of October 2009 to the thirty-one of January 2011. The study included 28 boys, 20 girls;their mean age was 7.5 years;their ages range 2 - 13 years. We used the modified Gartland classification to assess the fractures displacement and only Gartland type II B and III were included and managed operatively by open reduction and internal fixation with 2 crossed K-wires. Follow up continued for 6 months and the results finally assessed using Flynn’s criteria. Results: According to the criteria of Flynn et al., 20 patients (83.3%) treated by the anterior approach had excellent functional results while 4 patients (16.7%) had good functional results. While those treated by the posterior approach, 16 patients (66.6%) had excellent functional results, 6 patients (25%) had good results and 2 (8.3%) patients had fair outcome. Cosmetic results were excellent in 22 patients in the anterior approach group and 20 patients in the posterior approach group. Conclusion: Posterior Campbell approach is simpler than anterior Henry approach, but it creates additional soft tissue damage that can affect the circulatory status and hence possible osteonecrosis of the trochlea and a higher percentage of limitation in joint mobility. While the anterior approach is technically more demanding, but it gives better functional results.

Modified surgical techniques in total en bloc spondylectomy for thoracic and lumbar tumors with a single posterior approach

Objective To investigate the operation key points,instrument improvement and shortterm effects in total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) via a single posterior approach for thoracic and lumbar tumors.Methods A series of modified

Posterior articular process approach for the treatment of upper lumbar disc herniation

Objective To investigate the feasibility and surgical effects of posterior articular process approach for the treatment of L1-L3 lumbar disc herniation.Methods A retrospective study,of17patients with upper lumbar intervertebml disc

Surgical treatment of the thoracic and thoracolumbar disc herniations through the posterior far lateral approach

Objective To evaluate the feasibility,safety and efficacy of surgical treatment of the thoracic and thoracolumbar disc herniations through the posterior far lateral approach.Methods From April 2005 to June 2010,24 consecutive patients

Surgical treatment of cervicothoracic junction spinal tuberculosis via combined anterior and posterior approaches in children

Background Cervicothoracic junction spinal tuberculosis （CJST） in children is uncommon, especially when accompanied by a huge abscess. However, its consequences can be severe. Because of the special anatomic location of the cervicothoracic junction, surgical treatment is difficult and rarely reported. The aim of this clinical study was to assess the effectiveness of combined anterior and posterior approaches for focal debridement, decompression, allografting and anterior instrumentation in the treatment of CJST in children. Methods Ten pediatric CJST patients underwent focal debridement and cord decompression through combined anterior and posterior approaches. Then an appropriate allograft and titanium plate were applied to reconstruct the spine. The patients were asked to wear head-neck-chest braces for six months and received regular anti-tubercular drugs therapy for 12 months. Results The patients were followed-up for an average of 26 months （range, 15-32 months）. There was no recurrent tuberculous infection. The bone grafts incorporated well and the instrumentation was stable. Cervical and thoracic kyphosis was successfully corrected from 40° （range, 30-52°） before the operation to 18° （range, 12-26°） post-operation. Neurological function was improved in all patients. Conclusions Combined anterior and posterior approaches for focal debridement, decompression, bone allografting and anterior instrumentation provided an effective means of treatment in children of CJST with a huge abscess in the posterior part of the vertebral body.

Lower cervical spine injury treated with lateral mass plates and pedicle screws through posterior approach

Objective: To treat injury of the lower cervical spine C6 to C7 with cervical lateral mass plates and T1 pedicle screws through posterior approach. Methods: The data of 8 patients with lower cervical spine C6 or C7 injury （6 patients with fracture and dislocation in C6 and C7 and 2 with fracture in C7） were analyzed retrospectively in this study. For the preoperative American Spinal Injury Association （ASIA） classification, Grade C was found in 3 cases and Grade D in 5 cases. Screws were placed on the lateral masses and the first thoracic pedicle with Margerl technique. Lamina or facet bone allografting was used to achieve a long-term stability. Results: All the 8 patients were followed up for 5-37 months （mean: 15 months）. No operative death occurred. There were no examples of aggravation of spinal cord injury or vertebral artery injury, cerebrospinal fluid leak, nerve roots injury, screw malposition or back-out, loose of alignment or implant failure. Clinical symptoms and ASIA classification were improved in all the patients. Postoperative MRI scanning confirmed the satisfactory screw placement in all the cases. Conclusions: Lateral mass plates and pedicle screws through posterior approach are safe and beneficial for patients with lower cervical spine C6 or C7 injury.

Treatment of Neglected Elbow Dislocations by Z-Lengthening of the Triceps Brachii

Introduction: Neglected elbow dislocations are much more common in developing and underdeveloped countries. The main reason for the delay in diagnosis is that patients initially seek treatment from traditional healers. These will immobilize the elbow in extension, which will lead to the retraction of the triceps muscle and collateral ligaments. Patients and Method: We carried out a prospective study over five years (2014-2019). The study involved patients with unreduced elbow dislocation older than 21 days. All patients with a dislocated fracture and those whose x-ray showed joint fusion were not included in the study. We collected 26 patients, 20 men and 6 women with an average age of 27.5 years (17 and 45 years). The average consultation time was 8.9 months (3 - 13). The approach was posterior about 8 cm above the olecranon and 2 cm below the olecranon, the ulnar nerve was identified and isolated. The triceps tendon was cut in a Z from its myotendin junction to the beak of the olecranon, and then lengthened. Results: The patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 24 months (12 - 36). The Mayo Clinic’s average elbow performance index was 77.1 (60 - 85), with 19 good and 6 average results. The mean flexion was 114&deg;(100&deg;- 135&deg;) and the mean extension deficit was 31.15&deg;(10&deg;- 55&deg;). The average range of motion was 82.5&deg;(60&deg;- 120&deg;). We did not find a correlation between the duration of the lesion and functional recovery (p > 0.05). The Wilcoxon test showed that surgery significantly improved the overall range of motion of the elbow (p = 0.001). Discussion: Based on this study, open reduction with tendon lengthening should remain a treatment option regardless of the age and chronicity of the dislocation.

Early posterior spinal canal decompression and circumferential reconstruction of rotationally unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurological deficit

Background Among the various treatments of neurologically involved unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures,the combination of anterior and posterior instrumentation provides the most stable reconstruction.However,the use of both approaches on a trauma patient may increase the morbidity.This study is a retrospective matched cohort study to evaluate the advantages of a single stage posterior approach for spinal canal decompression in combination with circumferential reconstruction by comparing the clinical and radiographic results.Methods From March 2005 to September 2009,patients with matched type spinal fracture,ages at surgery,and involved levels in our institute underwent either a single stage posterior approach （group one,n=12） or traditional combined approach （group two,n=14） for spinal canal decompression and circumferential reconstruction were reviewed.Pre-and post-operative X-ray films were reviewed and changes in Cobb angle of thoracolumbar spine were documented.Intra-operative,post-operative,and general complications were registered.Results The mean follow-up was （27.7±9.6） months （range,14 to 56 months） in group one and （29.2±7.4） months （range,20 to 60 months） in group two （P 〉0.05）.The mean operation time was 214 minutes （range,186-327 minutes） in group one and 284 minutes （range,219-423 minutes） in group two （P 〈0.05）.The average volume of intraoperative blood loss was 1856 ml （range,1250-3480 ml） in group one and 2453 ml （range,1600-3680 ml） in group two （P 〈0.05）.There was no statistical difference between the groups one and two in average vertebral body height loss at the injured level and the average Cobb angle in sagittal plane before and immediately after surgery.Postoperatively,there was an epidural hematoma in one patient in group one and two patients in group two.Bony union after stabilization was obtained in all patients,without loosening or breakage of screws.Loss of correction （5°） was seen in 1 patient in group one at the 6th month owing to the subsidence of the Titanium mesh cages into the vertebra.In group two,totally four patients suffered respiratory-related complication,including pneumonia in two,severe atelectasis in one and pleural effusions in one.Importantly,there were no intraoperative or postoperative deaths in any group.All patients with incomplete neurologic deficits improved at least 1 Frankel grade.Conclusion Single-stage posterior vertebra resection in combination with circumferential reconstruction is a new option to manage severe thoracolumbar burst fractures.

KumaFix fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures： a prospective study on selective consecutive patients

Background Short-segment U-shaped pedicle screw fixation has been widely used to treat thoracolumbar burst fracture.Some studies have reported the disadvantages of traditional U-shaped pedicle screw,which included a relatively high rate of adjacent segment degeneration and screw failure,including screw pullout and breakage.The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of open reduction and fixation using KumaFix fixation system in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.Methods From June 2011 to June 2012,45 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were enrolled.They were randomly assigned to treatment with KumaFix （the treatment group,n=23） or traditional U-shaped pedicle screw （the control group,n=22）.The patients were followed up postoperatively and were assessed with regard to radiologic and clinical outcomes.Radiologic outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of Cobb angle and vertebral wedge angle.Clinical outcomes were evaluated mainly with use of Visual Analog Scale （VAS） for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） Questionnaire.Results All patients were followed up from 9 to 22 months.There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to preoperative indices.The operation time in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group.Preoperative Cobb angles and vertebral wedge angles in two groups were significantly decreased after surgery,and these have been well maintained at the last follow-up with mild correction losses.The results of clinical outcome showed lower VAS and ODI scores in two groups compared with those preoperative,and the treatment group had greater improvement on the ODI compared with the control group at the last follow-up.Conclusions Compared with traditional U-shaped pedicle screw,KumaFix fixation system can achieve gradual,controlled reduction,provide enough space for bone implantation,and avoid acceleration of adjacent segment degeneration.It is an effective and reliable technique to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Course of major paravertebral vessels and the positional relationship to the vertebral bodies in healthy Chinese subjects： a CT-based study

Background Several studies,including those done in China,report that paravertebral vascular injury during posterior spinal surgery can greatly harm patients,though it is a relatively rare complication.However,few studies have examined their course and anatomic relationship to the spine.The aim of this study was to measure the course of the major paravertebral vessels and their positional relationships to the vertebral bodies in Chinese subjects using computed tomography.Methods We studied a total of fifty subjects who underwent thoracolumbar computed tomography from T1-S1 at our institution.We measured the theoretical distance,actual distance,theoretical angle,and actual angle of the paravertebral vessels at each thoracolumbar intervertebral disc.Results The paravertebral artery actual angle at T4-L4 ranged from-11.41 to 79.75° and the actual distance from 16.98 to 52.53 mm.The actual angle of the inferior vena cava at L1-L5 intervertebral disc ranged from-40.75 to 34.50° and the actual distance from-36.63 to 61.69 mm.There was no significant difference in the actual angle of the paravertebral vein or in the actual distance in the thoracic segments according to gender （P ＞0.05）.However,the actual distance in the lumbar segments were significantly different according to gender （P ＜0.05）.Conclusions The major paravertebral vessels＇ course is closer to the mid-sagittal plane as they move posterior along the vertebrae,and the actual distance of the paravertebral artery and azygos vein increase,while the actual distance of the inferior vena cava decreases.The course of the lumbar paravertebral vessels varies,especially at L4/L5,and may be more prone to intraoperative injury in female subjects.