Epidemiology of vertebral spine fractures in a hospital in são paulo in the two-year period 2017-2018 / Epidemiologia das fraturas da coluna vertebral em hospital de são paulo no biênio 2017-2018 / Epidemiología de las fracturas de la columna vertebral en un hospital de são paulo en el período de 2017-2018

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with spinal fractures over a two-year period (2017 and 2018) in a quaternary hospital in the city of São Paulo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out through the analysis of the electronic medical records of patients treated by the Spine group of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Emergency Room of Hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo in the years 2017 and 2018. Results: A total of 185 patients were evaluated over two years. Males were the gender most frequently evaluated (69.19%), and the mean patient age was 43.95 years. The most common trauma mechanisms were falls from a height (45.95%) and traffic accidents (29.73%). The cervical spine, affected in 28.65%, was the most affected region, followed by the thoracolumbar region (26.56%). Most patients did not present deficits at the initial moment (71.89%) and 54.05% of patients underwent surgery for treatment. Conclusion: Most traumas involving the spine affect adults of working age (from 20 to 60 years old), with a predominance of males. Most injuries occurred in the cervical region, which is the region most commonly associated with severe trauma and neurological injuries. This study can help in planning prevention and precaution strategies for spinal trauma. Level of evidence III; Cross-sectional study.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com fraturas da coluna vertebral no período de dois anos (2017 e 2018) em hospital quaternário da cidade de São Paulo. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal mediante análise dos prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes atendidos pelo grupo de Coluna do Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia no Pronto Socorro de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo nos anos de 2017 e 2018. Resultados: Um total de 185 pacientes foram avaliados ao longo de dois anos. O sexo masculino foi predominante na avaliação (69,19%), e a média de idade dos pacientes de foi de 43,95 anos. Os mecanismos de trauma mais comuns foram queda de altura (45,95%) e acidentes de trânsito (29,73%). A coluna cervical, acometida em 28,65%, foi a mais afetada, seguida pela região toracolombar (26,56%). A maioria dos pacientes não apresentava déficits no momento inicial (71,89%) e 54,05% dos pacientes foram submetidos a cirurgia para o tratamento. Conclusão: A maioria dos traumas envolvendo a coluna vertebral acometem a população economicamente ativa (dos 20 aos 60 anos), com predomínio no sexo masculino. A maioria das lesões ocorreram na região cervical, que é a região mais comumente associada a traumas graves e lesões neurológicas. Este estudo pode ajudar a planejar estratégias de prevenção e precaução dos traumas da coluna vertebral. Nível de evidência III; Estudo transversal.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar el perfil epidemiológico de pacientes con fracturas de columna vertebral en un período de dos años (2017 y 2018) en un hospital cuaternario de la ciudad de São Paulo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal mediante el análisis de historias clínicas electrónicas de pacientes atendidos por el grupo de Columna Vertebral del Departamento de Ortopedia y Traumatología de la Sala de Emergencias de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Hospital de Clínicas de São Paulo en 2017 y 2018. Resultados: Se evaluó a un total de 185 pacientes durante dos años. En la evaluación predominó el sexo masculino (69,19%), siendo la edad promedio de los pacientes de 43,95 años. Los mecanismos traumatológicos más frecuentes fueron las caídas de altura (45,95%), seguidos de los accidentes de tráfico (29,73%). La columna cervical, afectada en un 28,65%, fue la más afectada, seguida de la región toracolumbar (26,56%). La mayoría de los pacientes no tenían déficits al inicio del estudio (71,89%) y el 54,05% de ellos fueron sometidos a cirugía para su tratamiento. Conclusión: La mayoría de los traumatismos que involucran la columna afectan a la población económicamente activa (20 a 60 años), con predominio del sexo masculino. La mayoría de las lesiones se produjeron en la región cervical, que es la región más comúnmente asociada a los traumatismos graves ya las lesiones neurológicas. Este estudio puede ayudar a planificar estrategias de prevención y precaución de los traumatismos de la columna vertebral. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio transversal.

Effect of acupuncture plus Tai Ji Quan on the recovery of neurological function and depression state in post-stroke depression patients / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture plus Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi) in recovering the neurological function and treating depression state in post-stroke depression patients,together with a 12-month follow-up.Methods:A total of 105 eligible post-stroke depression patients were randomized into an acupuncture plus Tai Ji group (53 cases) and a control group (52 cases) based on their visiting sequence.The patients all received routine treatment and rehabilitation training for stroke.In addition,the control group was given oral administration of citalopram hydrobromide tablets,1 month as a course of treatment,for 3 courses in total.Meanwhile,the acupuncture plus Tai Ji group received acupuncture and practiced Tai Ji Quan,for 1 month and 12 months respectively.Before the intervention,after 1-month intervention and 12 months later,the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS),Barthel index (BI) and Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) were adopted for efficacy evaluation.Results:Prior to the intervention,there were no significant differences in HAMD,NIHSS and BI scores between the two groups (all P＞0.05);after 1-month intervention,there were significant between-group differences in NIHSS,BI and HAMD scores (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);the 12-month follow-up revealed significant between-group differences in NIHSS,BI and HAMD scores (all P＜0.01).In the treatment of stroke,the total effective rate was 84.4％ in the acupuncture plus Tai Ji group,significantly higher than 68.9％ in the control group (P＜0.05);in the treatment of depression,the total effective rate was 86.7％ in the acupuncture plus Tai Ji group,significantly higher than 77.8％ in the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture plus Tai Ji Quan can produce a significant efficacy in improving the limb motor function and depression in post-stroke depression patients.

Síndrome de cefalea y déficit neurológico transitorio con pleocitosis linfocitaria en líquido cefalorraquídeo, caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Syndrome of transient Headache and Neurological Deficits with cerebrospinal fluid Lymphocytosis: A Case report and review of the literature

RESUMEN El síndrome de cefalea asociado a déficit neurológico y linfocitosis en el líquido cefalorraquídeo, HaNDL, por sus siglas en inglés, es una entidad de reciente descripción. Sin embargo ya está incluida en la última clasificación internacional de cefaleas y parece tener una distribución mundial. Presentamos a continuación el primer caso descrito en la literatura latinoamericana para que sus características sean tenidas en cuenta en el abordaje diagnóstico de las cefaleas.

SUMMARY The syndrome of transient headache and neurologic deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis, HaNDL, is a recently described entity. However, it's already included in the last international classification of headaches disorders (ICHD 3rd edition beta version) and seems to have a worldwide distribution. We describe the first case in Latin American literature, so its clinical features are taken into account in the diagnostic approach of headaches syndromes.

Delayed Neurological Deficits after Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: Clinical Outcomes after Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. PURPOSE: To review the clinical presentation of operated patients with delayed neurological deficits after osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Delayed neurological deficits can occur from 1 week to 5.7 months after OVFs. Baba has reported 78% good-to-excellent improvement (i.e., ≥50%) after 20 posterior (Cotrel-Dubousset) and 7 anterior (Kaneda in 4, Zielke ventral derotational spondylodesis in 2, and un-instrumented anterior fusion in 1) fusions. Predictive factors for neurological deficits include burst type, vacuum sign, kyphosis, angular instability, and retropulsion. METHODS: Patients with neurological deficits after OVF who received spinal operations between 2000 and 2016 were included. RESULTS: Totally, 28 patients with a mean age of 77 years underwent surgery. Neurological deficits occurred at an average of 5.4 weeks after the onset of back pain. The most common site was L1. Burst fracture was present in 14 patients and vacuum sign in seven. Surgery was performed within an average of 3.9 days of the onset of neurological deficit. Baba's score improved significantly from 5.96 to 9.81, with good-to-excellent improvement in 18 (64%) patients. Better outcomes based on Baba's scores (improvement>60% [median]) were associated with compression fractures, preoperative retropulsion of 16%. Poor improvement in Baba's scores ( < 25%) was associated with surgical complications and burst fracture type. Twenty-two patients (79%) regained walking ability, and seven of 15 (47%) patients demonstrated improved sphincter control at the latest follow-up. Six Frankel grade B patients did not achieve neurological recovery, four of whom exhibited postoperative surgical complications and died at 2 years because of medical problems. Implant migration occurred in six patients, albeit this was of no clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Although OVFs are commonly considered benign, delayed neurological deficits can occur. The significant improvement in clinical function after surgery for neurological deficits is associated with compression (and not burst) fractures, lack of surgical complications, and optimal restoration of retropulsion.

Neurological Deterioration after Decompressive Suboccipital Craniectomy in a Patient with a Brainstem-compressing Thrombosed Giant Aneurysm of the Vertebral Artery

We experienced a case of neurological deterioration after decompressive suboccipital craniectomy (DSC) in a patient with a brainstem-compressing thrombosed giant aneurysm of the vertebral artery (VA). A 60-year-old male harboring a thrombosed giant aneurysm (about 4 cm) of the right vertebral artery presented with quadriparesis. We treated the aneurysm by endovascular coil trapping of the right VA and expected the aneurysm to shrink slowly. After 7 days, however, he suffered aggravated symptoms as his aneurysm increased in size due to internal thrombosis. The medulla compression was aggravated, and so we performed DSC with C1 laminectomy. After the third post-operative day, unfortunately, his neurologic symptoms were more aggravated than in the pre-DSC state. Despite of conservative treatment, neurological symptoms did not improve, and microsurgical aneurysmectomy was performed for the medulla decompression. Unfortunately, the post-operative recovery was not as good as anticipated. DSC should not be used to release the brainstem when treating a brainstem-compressing thrombosed giant aneurysm of the VA.

Neurological Change after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases Involving the Motor Cortex

BACKGROUND: Although Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) can provide beneficial therapeutic effects for patients with brain metastases, lesions involving the eloquent areas carry a higher risk of neurologic deterioration after treatment, compared to those located in the non-eloquent areas. We aimed to investigate neurological change of the patients with brain metastases involving the motor cortex (MC) and the relevant factors related to neurological deterioration after GKRS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, radiological and dosimetry data of 51 patients who underwent GKRS for 60 brain metastases involving the MC. Prior to GKRS, motor deficits existed in 26 patients (50.9%). The mean target volume was 3.2 cc (range 0.001–14.1) at the time of GKRS, and the mean prescription dose was 18.6 Gy (range 12–24 Gy). RESULTS: The actuarial median survival time from GKRS was 19.2±5.0 months. The calculated local tumor control rates at 6 and 12 months after GKRS were 89.7% and 77.4%, respectively. During the median clinical follow-up duration of 12.3±2.6 months (range 1–54 months), 18 patients (35.3%) experienced new or worsened neurologic deficits with a median onset time of 2.5±0.5 months (range 0.3–9.7 months) after GKRS. Among various factors, prescription dose (>20 Gy) was a significant factor for the new or worsened neurologic deficits in univariate (p=0.027) and multivariate (p=0.034) analysis. The managements of 18 patients were steroid medication (n=10), boost radiation therapy (n=5), and surgery (n=3), and neurological improvement was achieved in 9 (50.0%). CONCLUSION: In our series, prescription dose (>20 Gy) was significantly related to neurological deterioration after GKRS for brain metastases involving the MC. Therefore, we suggest that careful dose adjustment would be required for lesions involving the MC to avoid neurological deterioration requiring additional treatment in the patients with limited life expectancy.

Neurologic Complications of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The rate and outcomes of neurologic complications of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify these parameters in ECMO patients. METHODS: All patients receiving ECMO were selected from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2001-2011. The rate and outcomes of neurologic complications [acute ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and seizures] among these patients was determined. Discharge status, mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization costs were compared between patients with and without neurologic complications using chi-squared tests for categorical variables and Student's t-test for continuous variables. RESULTS: In total, 23,951 patients were included in this study, of which 2,604 (10.9%) suffered neurologic complications of seizure (4.1%), stroke (4.1%), or ICH (3.6%). When compared to patients without neurologic complications, acute ischemic stroke patients had significantly higher rates of discharge to a long-term facility (12.2% vs. 6.8%, p<0.0001) and a significantly longer mean length of stay (41.6 days vs. 31.9 days, p<0.0001). ICH patients had significantly higher rates of discharge to a long-term facility (9.5% vs. 6.8%, p=0.007), significantly higher mortality rates (59.7% vs. 50.0%, p<0.0001), and a significantly longer mean length of stay (41.8 days vs. 31.9 days) compared to patients without neurologic complications. These outcomes did not differ significantly between seizure patients and patients without neurologic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing utilization of ECMO and the high costs and poor outcomes associated with neurologic complications, more research is needed to help determine the best way to prevent these sequelae in this patient population.

Neurologic Complications in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been the preferred procedure for the removal of large renal stones in Iran since 1990. Recently, we encountered a series of devastating neurologic complications during PCNL, including paraplegia and hemiplegia. There are several reports of neurologic complications following PCNL owing to paradoxical air emboli, but there are no reports of paraplegia following PCNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who had undergone PCNL in 13 different endourologic centers and retrieved data related to neurologic complications after PCNL, including coma, paraplegia, hemiplegia, and quadriplegia. RESULTS: The total number of PCNL procedures in these 13 centers was 30,666. Among these procedures, 11 cases were complicated by neurologic events, and four of these cases experienced paraplegia. All events happened with the patient in the prone position with the use of general anesthesia and in the presence of air injection. There were no reports of neurologic complications in PCNL procedures performed with the patient under general anesthesia and in the prone position and with contrast injection. CONCLUSIONS: It can be assumed that using room air to opacify the collecting system played a major role in the occurrence of these complications. Likewise, the prone position and general anesthesia may predispose to these events in the presence of air injection.

The Relationship between Soft Tissue Damages and Neurologic Deficits in Distractive Extension Injury of the Lower Cervical Spine / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between the damage to anterior soft tissues and neurological deficit in distractive extension injury of the lower cervical spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two patients who were treated surgically for distractive extension injury of the lower cervical spine were included in this study. Soft tissue swelling was evaluated on plain radiographs. Damage to the longus colli muscle, anterior longitudinal ligament, superior end plate, inferior end plate, annulus fibrosus, and posterior longitudinal ligament were intraoperatively checked and the relationship between these findings and clinical neurologic deficits was analyzed. RESULTS: Soft tissue swelling was increased to 92% in the retropharyngeal space and to 89% in the retrotracheal space but there was no significant difference. No relationship was found between the damage to the prevertebral fascia, longus colli muscle and neurological deficit. Injuries to the inferior end plate and annulus fibrosus showed a directly propotional relation with neurological deficit, but it was not significant. Injuries to the anterior longitudinal ligament (p<0.01), superior end plate (p=0.02), posterior longitudinal ligament (p=0.04) showed significant relations with neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: The distractive extension injury combined with the damage to the anterior longitudinal ligament, superior end plate or posterior longitudinal ligament showed high frequency of neurological deficit. Hence, these are regarded as the important structures for maintaining the stability of the lower cervical spine.

Sequelas em pacientes com hemorragia subaracnóide por ruptura de aneurisma intracraniano / Sequelae in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage by aneurysm intracranial rupture

Introdução: a hemorragia subaracnóidea (HSA) aneurismática é um evento clínico grave, que apresenta altas taxas de morbimortalidade. Dos indivíduos acometidos por HSA, apenas um terço voltam à vida normal, na grande maioria das vezes desenvolvem sequelas neurológicas significativas. Objetivo: conhecer os tipos de sequelas e prevalência em pacientes com hemorragia subaracnóidea por ruptura de aneurisma intracraniano no Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição ? HNSC, Tubarão ? SC. Métodos: pesquisa transversal, constituída por prontuários médicos de pacientes pós-cirúrgicos de HSA por ruptura de aneurisma intracraniano, com idade superior a 18 anos. Resultados: foram analisados 7 prontuários. Houve predominância do sexo feminino (67,6%). A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 52,1 anos. O tempo de internação teve uma média de 36,7 dias. Dentre as complicações pesquisadas o vasoespasmo apresentou-se de forma mais frequente (20,3%), seguido de convulsões (17,6%), ressangramento (10,8%), hidrocefalia (9,5%), hematoma cerebral (4,1%), PIC elevada (1,4%) e outras complicações (4,2%). As sequelas neurológicas mais encontradas entre os indivíduos pesquisados foram: a alteração cognitiva (45,9%) e o déficit motor (31,1%), o déficit comportamental (2,7%) e outras sequelas (4,1%). Conclusão: no HNSC houve uma prevalência significativa de pacientes pós-cirúrgicos com sequelas neurológicas devido a HSA aneurismática. O vasoespasmo esteve associado às principais sequelas; e a taxa de mortalidade mostrou--se baixa em relação à literatura utilizada.

Background: subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by ruptured aneurysms is a severe clinical event that presents high morbimortality rates. Just a third part of patients have a normal life after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Usually the major part of patients will develop significant neurological sequelae. Objective: to know the prevalence and every kind of sequelae that occurs in patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage event caused by a ruptured aneurysms in Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, Tubarão ? SC. Methods: transversal study constituted by medicals handbooks of patients older than 18 years old after aneurysm intracranial surgery from January of 2000 to May of 2008. Results: 74 medicals handbooks were analyzed. There was a female predominance (67,6%). The age average was 52,1 years old. The time average spent into the hospital for each was 36,7 days. About surgery complications, vasospasm was more common (20,3%), convulsions (17,6%), rebleeding (10,8%), hidrocephalia (9,5%), cerebral hematoma (4,1%), high intracranial pressure (1,4%) and others complications (4,1%). About neurological sequelaes were found: cognitive alteration (45,9%), motor deficits (31,1%), behavior deficits (2,7%) and others sequelaes (4,1%). Conclusion: we verify that had a significant prevalence of patients with neurological sequelae consequently subaracnoid hemorrhage aneurismal in Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital. The main sequelaes and vasospasm usually were associated. Comparing with literature, mortality rates were lower.

Thromboembolism: Another substantial cause of delayed ischemic neurologic deficits after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

Vasospasm has been known as one of the most potent causes of delayed ischemic neurologic deficits (DINDs) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). An established effective therapy for vasospasm has been used in preventing cerebral ischemia. Nevertheless, several reports suggested the possibility that there may be other causes of DINDs from the cases which couldn't be explained by hemodynamic vasospasm. Authors experienced two cases of thromboembolic infarction as a cause of DINDs after aneurysmal SAH. We propose that thromboembolism can be a considerable cause of DINDs independent of hemodynamic vasospasm.

S-100B Protein as a Useful Serologic Marker of Acute Stroke with Nonspecific Neurologic Symptoms

PURPOSE: There is a distinct probability of severe complications with stroke unless patients are administered proper treatment at the optimal time. S-100B protein has been reported to be elevated in brain injuries. The current study investigates the efficacy of serum S-100B protein administration during the diagnostic process for patients who have had an acute stroke. METHODS: We prospectively recruited the patients with nonspecific neurological symptoms. Non-specific neurological symptoms were defined as no focal neurological deficits or stroke suspected symptoms with NIHSS score zero. We grouped the patients according to the presence of a brain lesion (positive vs negative group) by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Using serum S-100B protein together with CT/MRI imaging at the time of diagnosis, the cutoff value, sensitivities, and specificities were calculated in making a diagnosis of acute stroke. RESULTS: Thirty one patients were enrolled. The level of serum S-100B protein was higher in positive group (median 0.201, interquartile range 0.134-0.469) than in negative group (0.085, 0.060-0.106, p=0.001). In diagnosing acute stroke, the sensitivity was 90.9% at a cutoff value for serum S-100B protein of 0.10 microgram/L . At the cutoff level of serum S-100B protein and the specificity was 75.0%. CONCLUSION: The current results suggest that serum S-100B protein may be a useful serologic marker for detecting acute stroke that is suspected with non-specific neurological abnormalities. Further studies are necessary to use the marker as a screening method for acute strokes.

Effect of Continuous External Ventricular Drainage on Delayed Ischemic Neurologic Deficits after Aneurysmal Clipping in Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this reports is to describe the influence of continuous external ventricular drainage (EVD) on delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND) after early surgery in ruptured aneurysmal patients. METHODS: The authors reviewed 229 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who had been treated with clipping at a single institution between 1998 and 2004. Of these, 121 patients underwent continuous EVD (Group A) postoperatively, whereas 108 patients did not (Group B). EVD was performed at ipsilateral Kocher's point and maintained 2 to 14 days postoperatively. RESULTS: DIND occurred in 15.7% (19 cases) of patients in Group A, 25% (27 cases) from Group B (P value=0.112). Compared with Group A, Group B was more likely to suffer acute symptom of DIND and showed poor response to 3- H therapy. Major symptoms of DIND in Group A were mild confusion (36.8%) and mild deterioration of mental state (26.3%), contrary to weakness of extremities (59.2%) in Group B. At discharge, Glasgow Outcome Scales (GOS) of Group A were: good recovery (63.2%), moderately disabled (21%), severely disabled (10.5%), dead (5.3%) and Group B : good recovery (48.1%), moderately disabled (37%), severely disabled (14.8%) and dead (0%). Of 121 patients from group A, 35 patients (28.9%) suffered ventriculitis. CONCLUSION: Continuous EVD after aneurysmal clipping in patients with SAH reduced the risk of DIND and its sequelae, relieved its symptoms, and improved the outcome.

Relationships Between Canal Occlusion and Neurologic Deficits, and Between Kyphotic Deformities and Fracture Types in Unstable Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationships between spinal canal occlusion and neurologic deficits, and between spinal canal decompression and neurologic recovery in thoracolumbar burst fractures. Kyphotic deformities, based on the fracture types in short-segment instrumentation and fusion, were evaluated to determine effective operative methods. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In thoracolumbar burst fractures, the relationship between spinal canal occlusion and neurologic deficits remains controversial; and definitive guidelines for short-segment instrumentation and fusion have not been established . MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgically treated thoracolumbar burst fractures (N=112) were analyzed retrospectively. Spinal canal occlusion in both neurologically intact and deficient groups, and neurologic recovery as a result of spinal canal decompression, were evaluated based on Frankel's grades. Kyphotic deformities based on the Denis classification and McCormack's load sharing classification were evaluated in 86 short-segment instrumentation patients. RESULTS: Spinal canal occlusion in the neurologically deficient group (51.8%) was significantly higher than that in the neurologically intact group (31.4%) (p 0.05). Kyphotic deformities were increased significantly in Denis type A, B and groups with more than 7 points in the load sharing classification (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In thoracolumbar burst fractures, the degree of initial spinal canal occlusion was more significantly related with neurologic deficits than with postoperative spinal canal decompression. Extended instrumentation and fusion is recommended for reducing postoperative kyphotic deformities in Denis type A, B and groups with more than 7 points in the load sharing classification.

Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Collapses of the Thoracolumbar Spine with Neurologic Deficits using Anterior Approach / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of treatment for thoracolumbar spine fractures, with neurological deficits, using an anterior approach in a senile osteoporotic spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: With osteoporotic vertebral collapses, an operative treatment may be indicated for lesions that are considered unstable, especially if there is spinal canal compromise with neurological deficits. As for the treatment of these cases, a posterior approach destabilizes, and increases, the kyphotic deformity, resulting in the need for a longer fusion period. A combined anterior-posterior approach increases the morbidity. A one stage anterior decompression and anterior reconstructive stabilization is often the most reasonable operative choice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and August 2001, 12 cases of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral collapse, with neurological deficits, were performed. There were 10 female and 2 male cases. The mean age for the patient was 69.3 years, ranging from 60 to 79 years. The numbers of each level of fractured vertebrae were; 2, 5, 4 and 1, in eleventh thoracic, twelfth thoracic, first lumbar and second lumbar vertebrae, respectively. All patients reported minor injury or trauma, and the average interval between injury and operation was 8.3 months, ranging from 1 to 36 months. There were 4 and 8 cases of neurological deficits in the Frankel D2 and D3 groups, respectively. The average preoperative local kyphotic angle was 23.8 degrees, ranging from 5 to 35 degrees, with a 66% loss in height, ranging from 42 to 83%). The average T score from the Bone Densitometry was -3.7 S.D, ranging from -3.2 to -4.4. The operations were performed by an extrapleural-retroperitoneal approach. The anterior instrumentation was performed with the Kaneda system and a titanium mesh cage. All cases were followed for more than 12 months. RESULTS: All cases had a solid bony fusion. The immediate postoperative average local kyphotic angle was 10.3 degrees, ranging from -14 to 22 degrees, and the correction loss at the last follow-up was 2.6 degrees, ranging from 0 to 9 degrees. All 12 patients with incomplete preoperative neurological deficits improved, postoperatively, to Frankel group E. CONCLUSIONS: The one stage anterior spinal decompression and reconstruction, with a Kaneda instrument and a titanium mesh cage, afforded enough stability in patient with an osteoporotic vertebral collapse to enable early ambulation and to achieve realignment and solid fusion, and seems to have merit in the neurological recovery following an operation.

Effect of Methylprednisolone on Ischemic Damage and Neurologic Deficit in Focal Cerebral Infarction in the Rat

Oxygen free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various central nervous system injuries. Therapeutic use of methylprednisolone, a potent steroid and lipid peroxidation inhibitor, has been suggested in spinal cord and brain injuries. However, its neuroprotective effect against ischemic cell injury in cerebral ischemia still remains controversial. The present study was conducted to evaluate anti-ischemic effects of methylprednisolone in a middle cerebral artery occlusion model in rats. The experimental animals were divided into two group : The first group was vehicle-treated control(n=6), and the other was drug-treated group(n=6). In the drug-treated group, the animals received high doses of methylprednisolone(30 mg/kg of bolus followed by 5 mg/kg/h of maintenance dose) immediately after MCA coolusion until 24 hours post occlusion. Methylprednisolone did not exert any influence upon the physiological parameters during the surgery. However, the serum glucose level increased significantly during the survival period in the drug-treated animals(at 2 and 24 hours post occlusion : p0.1). Methylprednisolone did not improve neurologic deficits either. The present study demonstrates that high doses of methylprednisolone does not exert any bebeficial effect on the volume of ischemic damage in acute cerebral infarction, and secondary consequences of glucocorticoid-elevated serum glucose levels which may act to exacerbate ischemic lactic acidosis could be one of the mechanism of this negative effect.