ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Vertebral metastatic tumor often occurs in the thoracolumbar segment, and it is difficult for internal fixation due to the complex anatomical position. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the stability of lumbar vertebra in the patients with single thoracolumbar vertebral metastases after treated with artificial vertebral placement and internal fixation. METHODS:Sixteen patients (9 male and 7 female) with single thoracolumbar vertebral metastases treated in the Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2006 to January 2009 were selected, and the age ranged 40-74 years, averaged 52 years. Before treatment, al the patients were evaluated according to Frankel classification:A grade in two cases, B grade in three cases, C grade in three cases, D grade in five cases, and E grade in three cases. And the vertebral state of patients was detected with X-ray plain film examination, systemic radionuclide bone scanning, CT and MRI. The T11 vertebral metastases were treated with chest approach artificial vertebral placement and internal fixation, and T12-L2 vertebral metastases were treated with artificial vertebral placement and internal fixation via extrapleural and extraperitoneal space approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Al the 16 patients were fol owed up for 4-32 months, and the average survival time after treatment was 12 months. After treatment, Frankel classification was C grade in three cases, D grade in five cases and E grade in eight cases. The visual analog scale score was decreased from (6.22±1.31) before treatment to (3.25±0.94) after treatment, and there was significant difference between two groups (P<0.05). The artificial vertebral placement and internal fixation can restore the stability of lumbar vertebra in the patients with spinal metastases, and thus improving the symptoms and quality of life.
ABSTRACT
[Objective]To evaluate the clinical value of surgical treatment of multiple thoracolumbar spinal fractures by pedicle screw/rod Instrumentation system.[Method]Ninteen cases of male 14 and femal 5 of multiple injuries involving thoracic and lumbar spine were surgically treated through anterior approach by open reduction,selective vertebral canal decompression,internal fixation with pedicle screw/Rod spine instrumentation,and followed by anterior lateral bone graft fusion according to complex classification system 19 cases,Ba.m1T_(11) 1 cases,Ba.m.p2T_(11) 2 cases,Ba.m1T_(12) 1 cases,Ba.m.p2T_(12) 1cases,Ba.m.p3T_(12) 1cases,Ba.m1_L 4 cases,Ba.m.p2L_1 3cases,Fa.m.p3(T_(12),L_1) 2cases,Sa.m.p3L_2 1cases,Ba.m.p1L_2 1 cases.[Result]All cases were followed up form 6 to 15 months averageing 10.5 months.No implant failure and late kyphosis deformity was observed.The average vertebra height was improved from preoperative 48.14% to postoperative 92.14%.The postoperative neurological function in two cases of complete spina lcord injuries and 11 incomplete spina lcord injuries were improved according to JOA criterion.Astable bone fusion according to radiological criteria was achieved in call cases postoperatively,and progressive compression did not occur.[Conclusion]Pedicle screw/rod instrumentation system can achieve effective reduction for the fractured vertebrae and simultaneously restore spine stability on the basis of adequate vertebral canal decompression.Posterior spine instrumentation is an ideal choice for surgical treatment of thoracolumbar unstable fractures with or without spinal cord dysfunction.