Computer navigation-assisted surgical treatment with osteotomy for upper thoracic kyphosis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The biomechanical characteristics of kyphosis of the upper thoracic vertebra are unique. Decompression and internal fixation are relatively difficult. Previous relevant studies and case reports are few, and there is a lack of research on correction of kyphosis of the upper thoracic section with the assistance of computer navigation. OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of computer navigation-assisted surgical treatment of upper thoracic kyphosis by screws and osteotomy. METHODS: Totally 18 patients with kyphotic deformity of the spine (T1-T4) were admitted in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from June 2011 to June 2018, including 11 males and 7 females, aged 12 to 59 years. They were all treated with computer-assisted surgical treatment with PSO osteotomy. Local Cobb angle of the upper thoracic kyphosis was determined during final follow-up. Cervical visual analogue scale, Nurick grades, EMS scores and satisfaction of the surgery were evaluated. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital (approval No. 201709-23). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) A total of 18 patients were followed up for 6-90 months at an average time of (33. 73±35. 33) months. (2) The local Cobb angle of 18 patients at the last follow-up was significantly improved [(47. 32±9. 92)°, (24. 01 ±7. 64)°, P < 0. 001]. Cervical visual analogue scale score at the last follow-up was significantly lower than that before surgery (3. 64±2. 16, 0. 73±1. 01, P< 0. 001). Nurick score at the last follow-up was significantly lower than that before surgery (2. 91 ±0. 94, 0. 82±1. 47, P < 0. 001). EMS score at the last follow-up was significantly higher than that before surgery (14. 45±0. 93), 17. 09±1. 45, P< 0. 001). (3) Surgical satisfaction was excellent (n=16) or good (n=2). (4) At the last follow-up, 18 patients had no adverse reactions related to implants, and the wound healed well without screw loosening. (5) The results showed that reasonable osteotomy correction with computer-assisted surgery and PSO osteotomy could effectively treat kyphosis of upper thoracic segment.

Posterior-Only Approach with Pedicle Screws for the Correction of Scheuermann's Kyphosis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study (level of evidence: level 3). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the posterior-only approach with pedicle screws for the treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis (SK). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The correction of SK with instrumentation can be performed using posterior-only or combined anterior-posterior procedures. With the use of all-pedicle screw constructs in spine surgery, the posterior-only approach has become a popular option for the definitive treatment of SK. In a nationwide study involving 2,796 patients, a trend toward posterior-only fusion with lower complication rates was reported. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent posterior-only correction for SK between January 2005 and May 2013. Patients with a definite diagnosis of SK who fulfilled the minimum follow-up criterion of 24 months were included. The thoracic kyphosis (T5–T12), lumbar lordosis (L1–S1), and thoracolumbar junction (T10–L2) angles were measured from preoperative, postoperative, and last control radiographs. Sagittal balance, thoracic length, thoracic diameter, Voutsinas index and the sacral slope, pelvic tilt, proximal junction kyphosis, and distal junction kyphosis angles were also measured. RESULTS: Forty-five patients underwent surgery for the treatment of SK between 2005 and 2013. After applying the exclusion criteria, 20 patients (18 males and 2 females) with a mean age of 19 years were included. The mean thoracic kyphosis angle was 79.8 degrees preoperatively, 44.6 degrees postoperatively, and 44.9 degrees at the last control. There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative values in the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles, thoracic length, thoracic diameter, and Voutsinas index (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and radiological results of the current study suggest that posterior-only fusion is an efficient technique for the treatment of SK.

Kyphotic Deformity after Spinal Fusion in a Patient with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of progressive kyphotic deformity after spinal fusion in a patient with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: DISH is characterized by spinal and peripheral enthesopathy, and is a completely different disease from ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Though DISH can be associated with thoracic kyphosis, no reports have described a progressive thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity after spinal fusion surgery in a DISH patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 47-year-old male presented with pain in the thoracolumbar region. After excluding the possibility of AS and confirming the diagnosis of DISH, we performed spinal fusion for the treatment of a T11-T12 flexion-distraction injury. The kyphotic deformity was found to be aggravated after the first operation, and we then performed corrective osteotomy and additional spinal fusion. Results: The kyphotic deformity of the patient was corrected after the second operation. RESULTS: The kyphotic deformity of the patient was corrected after the second operation. CONCLUSIONS: In DISH patients in whom AS must be excluded in the differential diagnosis, a kyphotic deformity can become aggravated despite spinal fusion surgery, so regular and continuous follow-up is required.

Delayed Vertebral Collapse in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Risk Factors and Treatment Strategies

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVES: To review the complications of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OCFs) with regard to risk factors and treatment strategies. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Understanding the complications and treatment methods of OCFs is important given their increasing prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the literature. RESULTS: The complications of OCFs include kyphotic deformity due to a delayed collapse of the vertebral body and neurologic deficits. The pathophysiologic mechanism of these complications has not been established; however, the most accepted theory is posttraumatic avascular necrosis of the vertebral body. The risk factors for these complications include fracture at the thoracolumbar junction, systemic usage of steroids, severe osteoporosis, and radiological intravertebral vacuum cleft. Most of these complications require surgical treatment, the indications for which include progressing axial back pain, pseudarthrosis, kyphotic deformity, and neurologic deficits. Surgical approaches for treating the complications of OCFs include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior approaches. Osteotomies should be done when deformity correction is needed. The decision among these various surgical methods should be made considering patient factors and the surgeon's ability to achieve the best outcomes with solid fusion. CONCLUSIONS: complications of OCFs include kyphotic deformity due to delayed collapse of the vertebral body and neurologic deficits. Most of these complications require surgical treatment, in which achieving solid fusion at the fracture site is the ultimate goal. Patient-related factors and the surgeon's ability should be considered prior to making decisions regarding surgery.

The application of self-made adjustable wedge plate in radiotherapy positioning / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the repeatability of precise radiotherapy placement of self-made adjustable angle wedge plate,negative pressure vacuum pad and conmon soft pillow,corresponding to 3 groups.The study is demonstrated with a thermoplastic membrane immobilization technology in kyphotic deformity patients with head and neck cancer (including primary and secondary),respectively.Methods From Jun 2014 to Apr 2016,48 cases of severe head and neck cancer patients received radiotherapy humpback who were randomly divided into 3 groups.Combined with thermoplastic head and neck shoulder film position fixation,the right foot direction at the end of the skull styloid process layer center was set as a reference point.On the left foot at the end of the direction of styloid process layer center,localization of the origin of the coordinate system in patients around the head and foot,dorsoventrally (x,y,z) analysis of the direction change of position measurement was performed.Results There was no significant difference between the adjustable angle wedge plate and negative pressure vacuum pad groups of the coordinate system (P ＞ 0.05).Compared with common soft pillow group,three dimensional positioning errors and three dimensional coordinate system transfer errors of the adjustable angle wedge plate and negative pressure vacuum pad groups were statistically significantly different (t =-6.99 to-2.69,-5.13 to-2.71,P＜0.05).Conclusions The self-made adjustable angle wedge plate has good repeatability,saves time and money,is simple and durable on precise radiotherapy positioning of kyphotic deformity patients with head and neck cancer.

The Correlation between Insertion Depth of Prodisc-C Artificial Disc and Postoperative Kyphotic Deformity: Clinical Importance of Insertion Depth of Artificial Disc

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the correlation between insertion depth of artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity after Prodisc-C total disc replacement surgery, and the range of artificial disc insertion depth which is effective in preventing postoperative whole cervical or segmental kyphotic deformity. METHODS: A retrospective radiological analysis was performed in 50 patients who had undergone single level total disc replacement surgery. Records were reviewed to obtain demographic data. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed to determine C2-7 Cobb's angle and segmental angle and to investigate postoperative kyphotic deformity. A formula was introduced to calculate insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc. Statistical analysis was performed to search the correlation between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity, and to estimate insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc to prevent postoperative kyphotic deformity. RESULTS: In this study no significant statistical correlation was observed between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity regarding C2-7 Cobb's angle. Statistical correlation between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity was observed regarding segmental angle (p<0.05). It failed to estimate proper insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc effective in preventing postoperative kyphotic deformity. CONCLUSION: Postoperative segmental kyphotic deformity is associated with insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc. Anterior located artificial disc leads to lordotic segmental angle and posterior located artificial disc leads to kyphotic segmental angle postoperatively. But C2-7 Cobb's angle is not affected by artificial disc location after the surgery.

Chance Fracture Secondary to a Healed Kyphotic Compression Osteoporotic Fracture

Chance fracture is an unstable vertebral fracture, which usually results from a high velocity injury. An elderly lady with a previously healed osteoporotic fracture of the T12 and L1 vertebra which resulted in a severe kyphotic deformity subsequently sustained a Chance fracture of the adjacent L2 vertebrae after a minor fall. The previously fracture left her with a deformity which resulted in significant sagittal imbalance therefore predisposing her to this fracture. This case highlights the importance of aggressive treatment of osteoporotic fractures in order to prevent significant sagittal imbalance from resultant (i.e. kyphotic) deformity.

Treatment of Thoracolumbar Vertebrate Fracture by Transpedicular Morselized Bone Grafting in Vertebrae for Spinal Fusion and Pedicle Screw Fixation / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To enhance the fusion of graft bone in thoracolumbar vertebrae and minimize the postoperative loss of correction, short-segment pedicle screw fixation was reinforced with posterior moselizee bone grafting in vertebrae for spinal fusion in patients with thoracrolumbar vertebrate fractures. Seventy patients with thoracrolumbar vertebrate fractures were treated by short-segment pedicle screw fixation and were randomly divided into two groups. Fractures in group A (n=20) were reinforced with posterior morselized bone grafting in vertebrae for spinal fusion, while patients group B (n=50) did not receive the morselized bone grafting for bone fusion. The two groups were compared in terms of kyphotic deformity, anterior vertebral height, instrument failure and neurological functions after the treatment. Frankel grading system was used for the evaluation of neurological evaluation and Denis scoring scale was employed for pain assessment. The results showed that the kyphosis correction was achieved in both group A and group B (group A: 6.4 degree; group B: 5.4 degree)/At the end of follow-up, kyphosis correction was maintained in group A but lost in group B (P=0.0001). Postoperatively, greater anterior height was achieved in group A than in group B (P<0.01). During follow-up study, anterior vertebral height was maintained only in Group A (P<0.001). Both group A and group B showed good Denis pain scores (P1 and P2) but group A outdid group B in terms of control of severe and constant pain (P4 and P5). By Frankel criteria, the changes in neurological functions in group A was better than those of group B (P<0.001). It is concluded that reinforcement of short-segment pedicle fixation with morselized bone grafting for the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar vertebrae fracture could achieve and maintain kyphosis correction, and it may also increase and maintain anterior vertebral height. Morselized bone grafting in vertebrae offers immediate spinal stability in patients with thoracolumbar vertebrate fractures, decreases the instrument failure and provides better postoperative pain control than without the morselized bone grafting.

The Factors that Affect the Deformity Correction of Vertebral Body during Kyphoplasty of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

PURPOSE: To study which factors affect the deformity correction of vertebral body during kyphoplasty procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were treated with balloon kyphoplasty from October 2006 to May 2007. Lateral radiographs were taken at 5 different stages with preoperative lateral decubitus position, after placing the patient in prone position on an operation table, after inflating balloon, after deflation and removal of the balloon, after inserting the cement. Then we analyzed the compression ratios and kyphotic angles of the vertebral bodies in each stage. RESULTS: Placing the patient in prone position showed significant postural reduction in kyphotic angle and restorement of the anterior and middle body height. The inflation of the balloon demonstrated significant reduction of kyphotic angle and restorement of the anterior and middle body height. After the deflation, anterior and middle body height has decreased significantly. After the deflation, the kyphotic angle and the anterior and middle body heights were not restored signigicantly compared with those of initial prone position. CONCLUSION: Vertebral height and kyphotic angle were partially recovered by inflating the balloon, but the correction was lost after deflating the balloon. Statistically, the body deformity was not restored significantly after deflating the balloon compared with that of intraoperative prone position. Therefore, we concluded that, in kyphoplasty of osteoporotic compression fractures, the postural reduction is the most important factor in deformity correction of fractured vertebral bodies.

Clinical Efficacy of Implant Removal after Posterior Spinal Arthrodesis with Pedicle Screw Fixation for the Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of implant removal by analyzing the radiological changes after posterior spinal stabilization in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients, who received surgical treatment after a thoracolumbar burst fracture with at least a two year follow-up, were enrolled in this study. An evaluation of the clinical results was based on the VAS score to examine degree of pain and discomfort. The evaluation of the radiological results was performed by measuring the changes in the kyphotic angle of the fractured vertebral bodies and the severity of the collapse of the anterior vertebral height taken after the injury, after fusion and after metal removal on the plain lateral radiograph. RESULTS: The VAS score on pain and discomfort after removing the implants showed a significant decrease from 6.5 to 3.2 and from 5.6 to 2.8, respectively. Overall, the kyphotic angle after removing the implants increased by 3.7 degrees, whereas the anterior height of the fractured vertebral body after removing the implant decreased by 1.5% in correction. CONCLUSION: The removal of implants after posterior arthrodesis in thoracolumbar burst fractures can be performed effectively to relieve the pain and restore flexibility but can result in the progression of kyphosis. However careful consideration should be made before removing an implant in cases of severe initial damage.

The Usefulness of Laminoplasty in Cervical Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery

OBJECTIVE: Laminoplasty is one of the potential surgical options for compressive spinal pathologies. The use of laminoplasty in spinal cord tumor surgery is not popularized by this time. To demonstrate the usefulness of laminoplasty in spinal cord tumor surgery, the authors analyze the results of patients who underwent laminoplasty for removal of cervical spinal cord tumor. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2000, 47 patients had received operation for the removal of the cervical spinal cord tumor. Of them, 29 patients were enrolled for this study. 17 patients received laminoplasty and 12 patients received laminectomy. The medical records and radiologic studies were analyzed retrospectively. The mean follow-up duration was 61.6 months. RESULTS: Modified Kurokawa method for laminoplasty was utilized in all cases. Neurilemmoma was the most common pathology. Average operated segments ware 2.8 segments in laminectomy group and ware 3.8 segments in laminoplasty group. Taking time for the operation with laminoplasty(avg. 291min) was longer than that for laminectomy(avg. 275min). Kyphotic deformity was developed in 1 patient in laminoplasty group and in 2 patients in laminectomy group. All laminoplasty patients revealed stability in radiologic follow-up. One patient who underwent laminoplasty presented recurrent neurilemmoma, which could be removed easily by virtue of less adhesion and undistorted anatomy. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that patients who underwent laminoplasty have less kyphotic deformity and keep space with protection from adhesion. We conclude that the laminoplasty is one of the useful procedures, especially in younger patients with large multiple intradural tumors and mass over several segments.

Huge Schwannoma Extended from Craniocervical Junction to Upper Thoracic Spine

We report a case of 16 centimeter long schwannoma extended from craniocervical junction to upper thoracic spine that was successfully resected by posterior laminoplasty. However the patient developed postoperative kyphotic deformity at 3 months postoperatively, and it was corrected by anterior corpectomy and plate fixation.

Pedicle Subtraction and Extension Wedge Osteotomy for the Correction of Fixed Kyphotic Deformity of the Lumbar Spine: Technical Note

OBJECTIVE: The authors describe four patients in whom we performed a single stage, pedicle subtraction and extension wedge osteotomy for the correction of sagittal imbalance by creating lumbar lordosis. METHODS: One patient presented with congenital hemivertebra, one with post-laminectomy kyphosis, and two with lumbar degenerative kyphosis. All patients suffered from back pain and were unable to walk due to forward stooping of the trunk. We performed a single stage, pedicle subtraction and extension wedge osteotomy for the correction of sagittal imbalance. RESULTS: The angles of correction were 37, 44, 45, and 49 degrees. No case had any neurologic complication. All patients reported complete relief of back pain and were able to upright standing. CONCLUSION: Single-level wedge osteotomy and reduction provide excellent sagittal correction of rigid kyphotic deformities in the lumbar lesion without neurologic compromise.

Harrington Rod Stabilization of Thoracic and Lumbar Fractures in Neurosurgery(Clinical Study)

Harrington Instrumentation to treat the unstable fracture (including the fracture dislocation) of the thraco-lumbar spine with neurologic deficits is a very effective method. This method provides rigid fixation and stability for thoracolumbar fracture, also offers the optimum condition for recovery of nerve roots, and decompresses the spinal canal with anatomical reduction. The principal advantage for this method of treatment is the early mobilization of the patient and enhanced rehabilitation. Authors, performed Harrington Instrumentation with a laminectomy experienced 20 cases of unstable thoraco-lumbar spine fracture(including the fracture-dislocation) with neurologic deficit from Aug. 1980 to Oct. 1984. The following results were obtained : 1) Of twenty patients, the patients at the age 20 to 49 were commonly injured and predominant cause of spinal injury was falling accident. 2) The thoraco-lumber fracure(including fracture-dislocation) were thoracolumbar junction, the commonest site among them was the lst lumber vertebra, and the commonest mechanism of spinal injury way flexon injury. 3) Most commonly, paraplegia was with twelve thoracic vertebra injury, and paraparesis was with lst lumbar vertebra. 4) Correction of the kyphotic deformity was 8 degree on the average, and the range of the correction was between 0 degree and 19 degree. 5) Neurological recoveries were gained from 14 patients(70%), and the 10 patients(50%) among them were completely recovered. 6) Average hospital periods were 78 days and after an average 21 postoperative days, ambulation was started. 7) In complication, three hook dislocations were occured. 8) Early operation (laminectomy for posterior decompression and Harrington Instrumentation for anterior decompression) was very effective in spinal cord injury.

The Correction of Severe Spinal Kyphotic Deformities with Halo-pelvic Apparatus / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Three cases of severe spinal kyphotic deformities were treated with Halo-pelvic Apparatus. Among these three cases, two were tuberculous kyphotic deformities involving the thoracolumbar vertebrae with paraplegia. And the other one was cervical kyphotic deformity due to neurofibromatosis with neurologic involvement. The following results and considering problems were obtained. 1. Two cases of tuberculous kyphosis, 130° and 115°, were corrected to 120° and 100° respectively. And one case of neurofibromatic kyphosis, 90° was corrected to 53°. 2. Among two cases of tuberculosis in which the one was revealed full neurologic recovery, and the other resulted in permanent paraplegia. And a case of neurofibromatosis was fully recovered neurologically. 3. Total period of immobilization with Halo-pelvic Apparatus was 16, 18, 18 weeks in three cases respectively, but there was no avascular necrosis of odontoid process. 4. One case of neurofibromatosis with anterior spinal fusion revealed no loss of correction of kyphosis. But two cases of tuberculosis without anterior spinal fusion showed loss of correction of kyphosis, 20° respectively. 5. Removal of internal kyphosis was not easy, because it is likely to injury the blood supply to spinal cord. 6. During distraction, severe pain was noticed in the rib cage, which prevented further distraction. 7. After 9 weeks, ambulation with Halo-pelvic Apparatus was hindered with pain due to pelvic pin loosening. 8. In order to prevent loss of correction of kyphosis, it was considered that anterior spinal fusion should be followed by posterior spinal fusion.