Closed Reduction and External Fixation of Displaced Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

PURPOSE: This is a retrospective study to analyze the functional results of closed reduction and external fixation of unstable fractures of the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten unstable proximal humerus fractures were managed with closed reduction and external fixation in which other operative methods are not proper due to comminution, osteoporosis or poor general condition of patients. 4 cases of 2-part and 6 cases of 3-part fracture were included. Radiologically union of fracture, malunion and the evdence of avascular necrosis of humeral head were assessed and the functional results were analyzed with Neer scoring system. RESULTS: Radiologically all fractures were healed but in 2 cases malunion was resulted because of reduction loss in proximal fragment. Pin site infection was developed in 7 cases and oral antibiotics were needed. The functional results were excellent in 4, satisfactory in 3 and unsatisfactory in 3 cases. 2 cases with malunion and one case with lack of postoperative cooperation resulted in functionally unsatisfactory. CONCLUSION: External fixation is an alternative method in the treatment of unstable proximal humerus fractures in which open reduction or percutaneous pinning are not proper due to comminution, osteoporosis or poor general condition of patient.

Mono-segment Pedicle-screw Instrumentation and Fusion following Vertebroplasty for Lumbar and Thoracolumbar Fractures / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Nineteen of 20 cases that underwent a mono-segment pedicle-screw instrumentation and fusion, following vertebroplasty for lumbar and thoracolumbar fractures, were reviewed retrospectively. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of a mono-segment pedicle-screw instrumentation and fusion, following an anterior column reconstruction, using bone cement for a fractured lumbar and thoracolumbar spine. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: With lumbar and thoracolumbar fractures, the untreated anterior instability and pre-stressing of the screws, following reduction, resulted in a high failure rate of the hardware, and posterior screw fixation alone may be not adequate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 19 of 20 cases that underwent a mono-segment pedicle-screw instrumentation and fusion, following vertebroplasty for lumbar and thoracolumbar fractures, between Feb. 2000 and Mar. 2002, with an average follow-up of 1.6 years. The mean age of the patients was 39.2 years, and the male female ratio as 10:9. The criteria for inclusion to the study (McAfee classification) were flexion-distraction injury, burst fracture, translational injury and burst conversion after an osteoporotic compression fracture, in 9, 7, 2 and 2 cases, respectively. We assessed the radiographic results of the local kyphotic angle correction of the fused segment and anterior body height restoration, preoperative, postoperative and at the last follow up, from the lateral views of the spine. The clinical results were evaluated according to Kumano's criteria. RESULTS: The mean local kyphotic angles of the instrumented segment, preoperatively, postoperatively and at the last follow-up were 16.5, 1.1 and 2.1 degrees, with a mean correction gain of 15.4 degrees(p0.05). The mean anterior body heights for each period were 60.4, 89.6 and 85.0%, with a mean restoration gain of 29.2% (p0.05). The clinical results were assessed as good in 18 patients (19 cases) and fair in the other one. There were 3 cases of asymptomatic leakage of the bone cement, but no fixation failures during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A mono-segment pedicle-screw instrumentation and fusion, following the treatment of anterior instability, using vertebroplasty for lumbar and thoracolumbar fractures, can be an effective alternative for preserving the maximal motion segment, without fixation loss through the restoration of the immediate postoperative weight-bearing capability.

Effect of Bone Cement Augmentation of Pedicular Screwing for Osteoporotic Lumbar Spine / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen patients undergoing bone cement augmentation of pedicular screwing for osteoporotic lumbar spine were reviewed retropectively. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of bone cement augmentation of pedicular screwing for osteoporotic lumbar spine. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: For the technical limit obtaining the dynamic stability in the bone-screw interface for osteoporotic lumbar spine, the additional device to enhance pedicular screw fixation strength needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 18 cases undergoing pedicular screwing and fusion for the osteoporotic (Jikei grade I, II, III/III) lumbar spine from Feb. 2000 to Mar. 2001 with an average follow-up of 1.5 years. Mean age was 69.5 years with 6 male and 12 female. Inclusion criteria was 9 degenerative spinal stenosis, 5 spinal stenosis associated with compression fracture, 2 Kummel's disease, 1 spondylolisthesis and 1 internal disc disruption. We performed bone cement injection around the screws showing significantly low insertion torque, screw pullout or cut-up during surgery. We asssessed the radiographic results of sagittal angle correction (SAC) of the fused segment and disc height restoration (DHR) on the preoperative, postoperative and last follow up lumbar lateral views. Clinical results were evaluated according to the Kumano's criteria. RESULTS: Mean sagittal angle at preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up was 11.6-21.6-19.6 degrees with mean SAC gain 10 degrees (p0.05). Mean disc height of each period was 33.3-49.8-43.5% with mean DHR gain 16.5% (p0.05). The clinical result was analyzed as 14 good, 3 fair and 1 poor. Fusion success was achieved in all. There were 2 perioperative complications of 1 superficial surgical site infection and 1 incomplete L4 root injury, and 6 complications during follow up of 3 compression fractures above fused segment, 1 screw pullout, 1 screw cut-up, and 1 bone cement extrava-sation into canal. CONCLUSIONS: The bone cement augmentation of pedicular screwing for osteoporotic lumbar spine can be an alternative to enhance screw fixation strength.

Vertebral Actinomycosis: Two Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The lack of familiarity with vertebral actinomycosis by both clinicians and radiologists, may contribute to its frequent omission from the differential diagnosis of suspicious lesions, therefore the condition can be difficult to diagnose. We now present the first report of two cases of thoracic and lumbar vertebral actinomycosis resulting in a paraparesis due to epidural abscess which necessifated surgery.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Multilevel Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Associated with Degenerative Scoliosis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: In this study, 18 patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion for multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis associated with degenerative scoliosis were reviewed retrospectively. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of the cage-instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion in multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis associated with degenerative scoliosis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Degenerative lumbar scoliosis with the problems of neurogenic claudication, mechanical back pain and spinal deformity present a challenge for treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 18 surgical cases of multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative scoliosis from March 1995 to April 2000 with an average follow up period of 2.9 years. We assessed the radiographic results of scoliotic angle correction and sagittal angle correction of the maximum curve and fused segment and disc height restoration. Clinical results were evaluated according to the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria. RESULTS: Mean scoliotic angle at preoperative, postoperative and final follow-up (maximum curve/fused segment) was 17.7-6.1-7.3degree /15.0-5.8-6.1degree respectively. Mean sagittal angle corresponding to each period was 12.1-34.1-32.7degree /8.3-27.0-26.0degree respectively. Mean disc height corresponding to each period was 22.9-42.4-40.5% respectively. The clinical result was analyzed as 15 satisfactory (83.3%), 3 fair (16.7%) and no poor. Fusion success was achieved in all patients. There were no serious complications except one case of fusion extension distally and no significant curve progression within follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The cage-posterior lumbar interbody fusion in multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative scoliosis was effective for correction of scoliotic and sagittal deformity and restoration of disc height with resultant foraminal patency, provided relatively high clinical success and in situ fusion success in all cases even over multiple fusion levels, and can be an alternative among surgical treatments of this complex disease.

Surgical Treatment of the Proximal Femoral Fractures in Pediatrics / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The proximal femoral fractures in children are rare but the complications are grave. The importance of this fracture is related to the frequency of complications. So authors evaluated the result of early surgical treatment of proximal femoral fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 1993 to June 1997, authors have treated 8 cases of displaced proximal femoral fractures in children follow up, more than a year. We classified fracture type by Delbet's, and functional results by Ratcliff's. Internal fixation was done with smooth steinmann pins or small caliber cannulated screws. RESULTS: According to the Delbet's classification, the cases of type II, III, IV were 2, 5, 1. The average age was 7.3 years and boys were predominant (7 cases). Seven cases were treated by immediate anatomical reduction and internal fixation and one was delayed. The mean operation time was 52.7 minutes, duration of hip spica cast was 5.8 weeks and the time of union was 10.9 weeks in average. The mean time to partial weight bearing and full weight bearing were 10.3 and 13.9 weeks. The fixation devices were removed at 24.3 weeks in average. All cases were excellent. CONCLUSION: We suggest that immediate anatomical reduction and internal fixation is the one of the best way to reduce the frequency and severity of the complication of proximal femoral fractures and can expect good functional results in children.

Efficiency of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Osteoporosis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: The preoperative and postoperative lateral radiograms and clinical results were analyzed in 22 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis with osteoporosis treated by posterior decompression and posterior lumbar interbody fusion. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficiency of the cage-instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion in lumbar spinal stenosis with osteoporosis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Problems in surgical treatment of osteoporotic spinal stenosis were early screw loosening and early reversal to the original deformity because of insufficient mechanical stability in the bone-screw interface, and special strategy is essential for transpedicle screwing to sustain axial and screw cut-up load applied by flexion-extension motion in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 22 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis with osteoporosis(Jikei grade I, II/III) from June 1996 to July 1998 with an average follow up period of 1.4 years. Inclusion criteria was combined segmental instability, deformity, spondylolisthesis and herniated nucleus pulposus with significant disc space narrowing. We asssessed the radiographic results of sagittal angle correction(SAC) of the instrumented segment and disc height restoration(DHR) on the preoperative, postoperative and last follow up lumbar lateral views, and clinical results according to the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria. RESULTS: Postoperative mean SAC gain was 10degree(p0.05). Postoperative mean DHR gain was 21.3%(p0.05). The clinical result was analyzed as 2 excellent(9.1%), 16 good(72.7%), 4 fair(18.2%) and no poor. There were 2 intraoperative complications of a dural tear and a nerve root injury and 2 postoperative complications of a transient radiculopathy and a pseudoarthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Cage-instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion can be an option for the lumbar spinal stenosis with osteoporosis requiring instrumentation because of instability, deformity or postdiscectomy anterior column deficiency.

Prognostic Factors to Final Results after Conservative or Surgical Treatment of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This study assessed the final functional results after treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures and compared the relationship between the results and the parameters of reduction and state of the fractures. OBJECTIVES: To define prognostic factors affecting the final results and to present some precautions to minimize the treatment failure. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In the treatment of the thoracolumbar burst fractures in which flexion loads are predominant, the sagittal contour is crucial to achieve permanent pain-free stability, but definitive therapeutic guidelines have remained a controversal topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 37 thoracolumbar burst fractures with an average follow up period of 1.8 years: group 1 consisting of 20 cases treated conservatively and group 2 consisting of 17 cases treated surgically with posterior instrumentation. Finally functional results were analysed with the Denis'pain and work scores, and were compared between groups on anterior body height and local kyphosis. RESULTS: A satisfactory pain score less than or equal to P3 was in 15(75%) in group 1 and 15(88.2%) in group 2(p>0.05), but satisfactory work score less than or equal to W3 was in 12(60%) in group 1 and in 14(82.4%) in group 2(p<0.05). But, some loss of body height and local kyphosis in group 1 was not reversely related with functional outcomes. Eight cases in group 1 showing unsatisfactory result in work scores were analyzed as 4 osteoporosis(Jikei grade I, II/III), 3 associated compression fracture of the contiguous vertebra and one combined osteoporosis and compression fracture, showing significant loss of vertebral height and increase of kyphosis(p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Functional results of group 1 showing loss of vertebral height less than 50% and increased kyphosis less than 200 were comparable to those of group 2. The osteoporosis and associated compression fracture of adjacent vertebra were the risk group to develop posttraumatic kyphosis and might be added to the surgical indication of the thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Loss of the Sagittal angle in the Instrumented Segments after Pedicular Screw Fixation of the Degenerative Lumbar Diseases / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Vertebral stabilization using transpedicular screw fixation device is widely used in the surgical treatment of degenerative lumber diseases such as spinal stenosis, pseudospondylolisthesis, and spinal instability. The use of transpedicular screw fixation devices provides substantial advantages with regard to an increase of the rate of solid arthrodesis, early rehabilitation, short segment spinal fusion, and restoration of sagittal lumbar lordosis. The authors analyzed 11 patients showing definite postoperative loss of the lumbar sagittal lordosis in a total of 110 surgical cases of degenerative lumbar diseases who underwent segmental spinal fusion using transpedicular screws from January 1981 to December 1993. The purpose of this study was to analyze the causes of loss of lumbar sagittal lordosis in the instrumented segments and to present some precautions in transpedicular screw fixation for surgical patients with degenerative lumbar spines to maintain corrected lumbar sagittal lordosis. The results from this study were as follows: 1. By standard Cobb lateral measurements, eleven cases in a total of 110 patients showed definite loss of lumbar sagittal lordosis more than 4 degrees. 2. The period reflecting loss of lordosis was roughly within postoperative four months which were critical fusion time of the grafted bone mass, which lasted an average of 4.8 months in this study. 3. The implants led to loss of lordosis consisted of 6 cases in 53 Diapasons, 4 cases in 32 Wiltses, and a case in 15 Steffee plate systems. Diapason & Steffee plate systems were classified as a rigid type and Wiltse system as a flexible one. 4. The causes of postoperative loss of lordosis were recognized as 2 cases of screw toggling, 5 cases of screw-rod locking failure and 4 cases of rod bending. 5. The group resulted in more loss of lordosis in degrees was related to significant change between preoperative and postoperative lordosis, distraction of disc space during operation, extensive discectomy, and reduction of degenerative spondylolisthesis which were the cases of the anterior column deficiency.

A Comparative Study of anterior Interbody Fusion with and without Anterior Instrumentation in Multi-level Tuberculosis of Thoraco-Lumbar Spine / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The anterior decompression and anterior interbody fusion have been the choice of surgical treatment for spinal tuberculosis since 1960. But, multi-level spinal tuberculosis involved more than three vertebrae resulted in large post-debridement defect and spinal instability. So, failure of the graft was very common & postoperative maintenance of the kyphotic angle correction was very difficult. In part of such cases as multi-level spinal tuberculosis, we performed supplementary anterior instrumentation in a single-stage procedure. The authors analyzed total 39 surgical cases of multi-level tuberculosis of the thoracolumbar spine from January 1985 to June 1992. The patients treated only with a strut graft were designated as group I(n=23) and the patients added by anterior instrumentation as group II(n=16). Mean age of 39 cases was 33.1 years, and mean follow-up period was 31.6 months. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative results of group I with those of group II by measuring the angular kyphosis on serial lateral roentgenograms, and to provide an aid in selecting method of surgery before treatment of multi-level spinal tuberculosis with high risk of progression of kyphosis. The results were as follows: 1. There were 16 cases of thoracolumbar, 14 cases of thoracic, 9 cases of lower lumbar lesions, and numbers of vertebrae involved were 4.2 in mean. 2. By standard Cobb lateral measurement, mean preoperative angle of segmental kyphosis was 32.5° in group I, and 45.1° in group II, and group II proved as more kyphotic. After operation, mean angle of segmental kyphosis was 24.7° in group I and 32.4° in group II. 3. On final F/U, mean angle of segmental kyphos was 32.7° in group I, and 37.3° in group II, and final loss of correction was 8.0° in group I, 4.9° in group II. 4. There were 8 patients(34.8%) of graft-related complications in Group I, and 2(12.5%) in group II. And graft failure in group I resulted in severe loss of correction of segmental kyphosis, but graft failure in group II did not, through graft protection by anterior instrumentation. 5. There were 3 patients(18.8%) of implant-related problems in group II; two during and one after union. In these former two cases, bony union was obtained without loss of correction by prolonged application of brace. No cases of group II was associated with persistence or recurrence of infection after instrumentation. In our opinion, anterior interbody fusion and combined anterior instrumentation can be effective and safe one of methods in surgical treatment for multi-level tuberculosis of the spine which has been considered as the most important determinant of the result by its extensive vertebral involvement with resulting large post-debridement defect to be struted.