Fractura de "clay shoveler" como consecuencia de un accidente de trabajo en un peón agrícola: reporte de un caso / Clay shoveler's fracture as a result of a work injury in a manual laborer: case report

Resumen La fractura de "clay shoveler" es una fractura poco frecuente de la apófisis espinosa de las vértebras cervicales o torácicas superiores, más comúnmente entre C6 y T6 producida de manera aguda o crónica por fuerzas rotacionales ejercidas a nivel cervical en la labor de "palear", aunque también se han reportado casos asociados a la práctica de algunos deportes. Se presenta el caso de un péon agrícola de 43 años de edad que consulta por cervicalgia y sensación de inmovilidad luego de un movimiento brusco durante un levantamiento de tierra con pala, siendo que el ente asegurador no establece relación de causalidad, por lo que demanda a nivel judicial para valoración médico legal, documentándose fractura de "clay shoveler" en C7 y T1 según estudios radiológicos. La valoración médico legal del caso, que se sustentó en la documentación médica y estudios radiológicos, permitió determinar que la lesión evidenciada era consecuencia del accidente laboral reportado, estableciéndose la relación causal.

Abstract Clay shoveler's fracture is an infrequent lesion of the spinous process of the cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae, mainly between C6 and T6, produced acutely or chronically because of rotational forces exerted at the cervical level during shoveling, but some cases have been reported as a result of the practice of sports. We present the case of a 43-year old manual laborer who consulted because of cervical pain and range of motion limitation after a sudden move performed during shoveling, diagnosed with a clay shoveler's fracture in C7 and T1, treated conservatively. The patient was discharged after finishing treatment, since the insurance company dismissed causality. The medico legal assessment of the case, based on medical documentation, radiological findings and an Orthopedics consult, helped stablish causality since it was determined that the fracture was a result of the accident reported.

Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of spine trauma in the epidemic of COVID-19 / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Outbreak of COVID-19 is ongoing all over the world. Spine trauma is one of the most common types of trauma and will probably be encountered during the fight against COVID-19 and resumption of work and production. Patients with unstable spine fractures or continuous deterioration of neurological function require emergency surgery. The COVID-19 epidemic has brought tremendous challenges to the diagnosis and treatment of such patients. To coordinate the diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease prevention and spine trauma so as to formulate a rigorous diagnosis and treatment plan and to reduce the disability and mortality of the disease, multidisciplinary collaboration is needed. This expert consensus is formulated in order to (1) prevent and control the epidemic, (2) diagnose and treat patients with spine trauma reasonably, and (3) reduce the risk of cross-infection between patients and medical personnel during the treatment.

Treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis by transintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To explore the safety and preliminary effectiveness of transintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis. Methods: The clinical data of 21 elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis were retrospectively analyzed between March 2016 and November 2017. There were 1 male and 20 females, aged 55-75 years, with an average of 64.8 years. The disease duration was 8-24 months, with an average of 13.1 months. The bone density T value ranged from -3.4 to -2.1, with an average of -2.3. Lesion segments: T 11 in 2 cases, T 12 in 6 cases, L 1 in 8 cases, L 2 in 1 case, T 11, 12 in 1 case, T 12, L 1 in 2 cases, and T 12, L 2 in 1 case. Preoperative neurological function was classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA): 5 cases of grade D and 16 cases of grade E. All patients underwent transintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing. The effectiveness was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) score before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. The neurological function was assessed by ASIA at last follow-up. Local kyphosis Cobb angle (LKCA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), and sagittal vertebral axis (SVA) were measured on the X-ray films of the full-length lateral spine of the patient before operation, at 1 week after operation, and at last follow-up. Results: No complication such as fracture of internal fixator or nerve injury occurred. LKCA, TK, and SVA were significantly improved at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up ( P0.05). There was no significant difference in LL before and after operation ( F=3.013, P=0.057). The VAS and ODI scores were significantly improved at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up, and further improved at last follow-up when compared with the scores at 3 months after operation, showing significant differences between time points ( P<0.05). Five patients with ASIA grade D neurological function recovered to grade E at 6 months after operation. Conclusion: Transintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing for treating osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis has definite effectiveness, strong orthopaedic ability, and minimal trauma, which can effectively restore the sagittal balance of the spine, alleviate pain, and improve the patients' quality of life.

Use of bronchial blocker in emergent thoracotomy in presence of upper airway hemorrhage, and cervical spine fracture: a difficult decision / Uso de bloqueador brônquico em toracotomia de emergência na presença de hemorragia das vias aéreas superiores e fratura cervical: uma decisão difícil

Abstract Female, 85 y.o., weighting 60 kg, multiple trauma patient. After an initial laparotomy, an emergent thoracotomy was performed using a bronchial blocker for lung isolation (initial active suction was applied). During surgery, bronchial cuff was deflated, causing a self-limited tracheal blood flooding. A second lung isolation was attempted but it was not as effective as initially. Probably, a lung collapse with the same bronchial blocker was impaired in the second attempt because of the obstruction of bronchial blocker lumen by intraoperative endobronchial hemorrhage. Bronchial blocker active suction may contribute to obtain or accelerate lung collapse, particularly in patients that do not tolerate ventilator disconnection technique or lung surgical compression. The use of bronchial blockers technology was a valuable alternative to double lumen tubes in this case of emergent thoracotomy in the context of a patient having thoracic, abdominal trauma, severe laceration of tongue and apophysis odontoid fracture associated to massive hemorrhage, despite several pitfalls that could compromise its use. The authors intend to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of bronchial blockers comparing to double-lumen tubes for lung isolation, and the risks of our approach, in this complex multitrauma case.

Resumo Paciente do sexo feminino, 85 anos, 60 kg, com trauma múltiplo. Após uma laparotomia inicial, uma toracotomia de emergência foi feita com um bloqueador brônquico para isolamento pulmonar (sucção inicial ativa foi aplicada). Durante a cirurgia, o balonete brônquico foi desinflado, causou um derrame hemorrágico traqueal autolimitado. Reisolamento foi tentado, mas não foi tão eficaz como inicialmente. Provavelmente, o colapso do pulmão com o mesmo bloqueador brônquico foi prejudicado na segunda tentativa devido à obstrução do lúmen do bloqueador brônquico pela hemorragia endobrônquica intraoperatória. A sucção ativa do bloqueador brônquico pode contribuir para obter ou acelerar o colapso pulmonar, particularmente em pacientes que não toleram a técnica de desconexão do ventilador ou a compressão cirúrgica pulmonar. O uso da tecnologia de bloqueadores brônquicos foi uma opção valiosa para os tubos de duplo lúmen neste caso de toracotomia de emergência em paciente com trauma torácico e abdominal, laceração grave da língua e fratura da apófise odontoide associados a hemorragia maciça, apesar de vários riscos que poderiam comprometer seu uso. Os autores pretendem discutir as vantagens e desvantagens dos bloqueadores brônquicos em comparação com os tubos de duplo lúmen para isolamento pulmonar e quais foram os riscos de nossa abordagem neste complexo caso de múltiplo trauma.

Comparison of short-segment monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screw fixation combined with intermediate screws in traumatic thoracolumbar fractures: a finite element study and clinical radiographic review

OBJECTIVES: No studies have compared monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screws with regard to the von Mises stress of the instrumentation, intradiscal pressures of the adjacent segment and adjacent segment degeneration. METHODS: Short-segment monoaxial/polyaxial pedicle screw fixation techniques were compared using finite element methods, and the redistributed T11-L1 segment range of motion, largest maximal von Mises stress of the instrumentation, and intradiscal pressures of the adjacent segment under displacement loading were evaluated. Radiographic results of 230 patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fractures treated with these fixations were reviewed, and the sagittal Cobb's angle, vertebral body angle, anterior vertebral body height of the fractured vertebrae and adjacent segment degeneration were calculated and evaluated. RESULTS: The largest maximal values of the von Mises stress were 376.8 MPa for the pedicle screws in the short-segment monoaxial pedicle screw fixation model and 439.9 MPa for the rods in the intermediate monoaxial pedicle screw fixation model. The maximal intradiscal pressures of the upper adjacent segments were all greater than those of the lower adjacent segments. The maximal intradiscal pressures of the monoaxial pedicle screw fixation model were larger than those in the corresponding segments of the normal model. The radiographic results at the final follow-up evaluation showed that the mean loss of correction of the sagittal Cobb's angle, vertebral body angle and anterior vertebral body height were smallest in the intermediate monoaxial pedicle screw fixation group. Adjacent segment degeneration was less likely to be observed in the intermediate polyaxial pedicle screw fixation group but more likely to be observed in the intermediate monoaxial pedicle screw fixation group. CONCLUSION: Smaller von Mises stress in the pedicle screws and lower intradiscal pressure in the adjacent segment were observed in the polyaxial screw model than in the monoaxial pedicle screw fixation spine models. Fracture-level fixation could significantly correct kyphosis and reduce correction loss, and adjacent segment degeneration was less likely to be observed in the intermediate polyaxial pedicle screw fixation group.

Fracture-dislocation at C6-C7 level with Quadriplegia after Traditional Massage in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report

Ankylosing spinal disorders (ASD) tend to result in fractures and/or dislocations after minor trauma because of the altered biomechanical properties. The relative risk of traumatic vertebral fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis has been estimated as three times higher than in the general population. These spine traumas, which are located at cervical level in 81% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis, are complicated by neurological lesions in 65% of patients, due to the high inherent instability of these fractures. Traditional massage is an ancient practice in many parts of Asia. It has many benefits that are currently recognized world-wide. However, it can be dangerous and even lethal if practised without adequate knowledge and skill. We report a case of C6-C7 fracture-dislocation with complete neurology and neurogenic shock in a middle aged man with undiagnosed ankylosing spondylitis.

Paraplegia in an Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient with a Neglected Spine Fracture after Osteosynthesis for Fracture of the Femur: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of paraplegia in a patient with thoracic kyphosis after osteosynthesis for a fracture of the femur. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are few reports about cases of paraplegia after low extremity fracture surgery in patients with thoracic kyphosis with ankylosing spondylitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 86-year-old female patient presented with right hip pain. She had undergone surgery for an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur in the supine position under general anesthesia. Immediately after surgery, she showed paraplegia. Postoperative thoracolumbar spine images revealed a fracture through the disc at T12 and L1. However, she did not complain of back pain or any neurologic deficits before surgery. RESULTS: Although the patient underwent emergent posterior decompression and fusion surgery, her neurologic compromise did not improve during 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to check preoperative spine radiographs before surgery in elderly patients who have a kyphotic deformity and lower extremity fractures. Surgeons should consider changing the position of the patient and the type of anesthesia used during surgery when spine stability is in doubt.

Comparation between lightwand and general laryngoscope application of trachea cannula in cervical spine fracture patients / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To compare the effect and safety between lightwand and general-laryngo-scope application of trachea cannula in cervical spine fracture patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods Forty cervical spine fracture patients with tracheal intubation anesthesia were selected,including twenty-eight males and twelve females,aged 18-65 years,ASA physical statusⅡor Ⅲ.These patients were randomly divided into two groups,twenty cases in each group.After anesthesia induction,group L was giv-en general laryngoscope intubation,whereas group C was taken lightwand guided tracheal intubation.The success case of intubation at first,intubation time,adverse reaction of intubation,changes of MAP and HR at intubation and 5 minutes after intubation were observed.Results Compared with group L,success rate of intubation at first was higher (90% vs.60%),intubation time was shorter [(31.3±11.1)s vs.(46.6 ±15.2)s]in group C (P <0.05).The changes of MAP and HR were more stable during intubation in group C compared with group L.Four cases of arrhythmia (20%)occurred in group C,while none in group L.Conclusion Compared with intubation by general laryngoscope,application of tracheal intubation led by lightwand in cervical fracture patients is more effective and safer.

Perioperative nursing of patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury caused by traumatic cervical spine fracture / 现代临床护理

Objective To investigate the effect and perioperative nursing experience of surgical operation on patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury caused by traumatic cervical spine fracture. Method Fifty-nine patients with traumatic cervical spine fracture in our hospital from January 2011 to 2014 were nursed perioperatively, including before operation , training accttenty with swallowing and blowing balloons besides basic nursing care , and after operation , mental care , close observation and functional exercises postoperatively. Results The operation time was (110.5+13.0) min, the amount of bleeding was (155.6+7.5)mL. Three patients developed hematoma compression, 13 patients developed high fever. All patients were cured after treatment and nursing. Conclusion Preoperative training of swallowing and blowing balloon is fundamental for ensured surgical effect and intraoperative surgical cooperation and close observation together with postoperative mental care, close obsersation and functional exercise are the guarantee for surgical effect.

Paraspinal approach and posterior median approach for one-stage decompression reconstruction in the treat-ment of thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of paraspinal approach and posterior median approach for one -stage decompression recon-struction in the treatment of thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation .Methods From January 2012 to January 2014, 60 patients with thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation who were admitted and treated in our hospital were selected as the research objects .All patients received one-stage decompression reconstruction for treatment .According to the methods of approach , the patients were divided into the ob-servation group and the control group .The 30 cases in observation group were treated by paraspinal approach while the other 30 cases in con-trol group were treated by posterior median approach .Visual analogue score ( VAS) was applied .The status of surgery , recovery of centrum height, changes of Cobb angle as well as the occurrence rate of postoperative complications in the two groups were recorded .Results In the observation group, the operative time, time in bed and length of stay were (89.16 ±11.63) min, (39.75 ±8.69) h and (3.96 ±1.04) d respectively, which were shorter than those in the control group .The intraoperative blood loss was (89.64 ±13.62) mL which was lower than that in the control group and the difference was significant (P<0.05).One week after operation, the anterior and posterior height of centrum in the observation group increased significantly while Cobb angle significantly reduced .Compared with those before the treatment , the difference was significant (P<0.05).The maximum coronary diameter and maximum sagittal diameter of paraspinal muscles in the ob -servation group after the treatment were (48.96 ±5.34)mm and (18.16 ±6.74)mm respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group and the difference was significant (P<0.05).The incidence of lumbar and back pain in the observation group was 3.33%which was lower than 23.33%in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion To carry out decompression reconstruction through paraspinal approach can reduce the the pain degree of patients and the incidence of lumbar and back pain after operation .

Effects of Zoledronic Sodium on Thoraco-lumbar Spine Fracture / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of zoledronic sodium on fracture healing in patients with thoraco-lumbar spine fracture(TLSF). METHODS:82 patients with TLSF were randomly divided into observation group and control group with 41 cases in each group. All applied pedicle screw fixation. After operation,control group received conventional therapy as calcium supplement,and observation group was additionally given intravenous injection of zoledronic sodium 5 mg on the basis of control group. The change of Imaging parameters 6 months after operation were compared between 2 groups,and the changes of serum PINP,β-CTX and lumbar spine bone mineral density,and fracture healing time were compared 3,6,12 months after operation. RESULTS:The vertebral height,sagittal index,Cobb’s angle of 2 groups were improved 6 months after operation,compared with before operation,with statistical significance (P0.05);the levels of β-CTX and PINP in observation group were lower than that in control group 3,6,12 months after operation, there was statistical significance 3 month after operation(P<0.01);BMD of observation group was higher that of control group 3, 6,12 months after operation,with statistical significance(P<0.05);the fracture healing time of observation group was(13.25± 1.23)weeks,which was shorter than that of control group(14.54±1.49)weeks,with statistical significance(P<0.01). CONCLU-SIONS:For patients with TLSF,postoperative treatment of zoledronic sodium can increase lumbar spine bone mineral density and promote healing.

The study on the coping with fatigue, family cohesion, adaptability in patients suffered high paraplegia caused by cervical spine fracture / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of family cohesion and adaptability on coping with fatigue in patients suffered high paraplegia caused by cervical spine fracture.Methods 96 patients suffered high paraplegia caused by cervical spine fracture were questionnaired by family cohesion and adaptability scale and bricf fatiguc assessment scale after 1 week of operation.And they were divided into the fatigue group and non-fatigue group,the scores of family cohesion and adaptability were compared between the two groups,and thepearson correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to explore the effect of family cohesion and adaptability on coping with fatigue.Results ①65.63％ (63/96) patients suffered coping with fatigue in high paraplegia patients caused by cervical spine fracture.②The scores of teal family cohesion and real family adaptability in the fatigue group were significantly lower than those in the non-fatigue group(P＜0.05) ; the scores of dissatisfaction of family cohesion and dissatisfaction of family adaptability in the fatigue group were significantly higher than those in the non-fatigue group(t=-2.630,-3.359,10.469,17.821,P＜ 0.05).③Pearson correlation analysis showed that the score of coping with fatigue was negatively correlated with the real family cohesion(r=-0.463,P=0.015) and real family adaptability(r=-0.486,P=0.021),and positively correlated with the score of dissatisfaction of family cohesion (r=0.395,P=0.036) and dissatisfaction of family adaptability (r=0.524,P=0.020).④Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the real family cohesion,real family adaptability,dissatisfaction of family cohesion and dissatisfaction of family adaptability were the influencing factors of coping with fatigue in patients suffered high paraplegia caused by cervical spine fracture.Conclusions Family cohesion and adaptability was correlated with the coping with fatigue in patients suffered high paraplegia caused by cervical spine fracture.

Tratamiento artroscópico de las fracturas avulsión de espina tibial anterior. Nueva técnica CrossFix con arpones BioSwivelock con FiberTape sin nudos: técnica quirúrgica / Arthroscopic surgery of anterior tibial avulsion fractures

Describimos una técnica quirúrgica sin nudos (Knotless) con arpones Bioswivelock con sutura FiberTape (Arthrex inc. Naples Florida) con técnica cruzada; denominándola técnica CrossFix para reducción y osteosíntesis artroscópica de las fracturas avulsión de espina tibial anterior, logrando reducción anatómica estable, mínimamente invasiva sin la necesidad de realizar la extracción del implante al final del tratamiento. Nuestra técnica es aplicable tanto en pacientes con inmadurez esquelética como en adultos ya que no daña la fisis o cartílago de crecimiento y no requiere una segunda intervención para el retiro del implante; combinando las ventajas de la fijación con suturas de alta resistencia FiberTape, con la tecnología de los implantes sin nudos.

We describe a new surgical technique without knots (knotless technique) with Bioswivelock anchor and FiberTape suture (Arthrex inc. Naples Florida) with crossing technique, calling it CrossFix technique for arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of avulsion fractures of the anterior tibial tubercle, achieving anatomic reduction, stable, minimally invasively without the need for removal of the implant at the end of treatment. Our technique is applicable to both patients adult and skeletal immaturity as not damage the cartilage growth plate or fisis and does not require a second surgery to remove the implant, combining the advantages of fixation with high strength sutures like the FiberTape, with an implant technology without knots like Bioswivelock.

Stentoplastia no tratamento precoce das fraturas de coluna em idoso: relato de caso / Stentoplasty for early treatment for spine fracture in elderly: Case report

O objetivo deste artigo é fazer o relato de caso de um paciente idoso, submetido a tratamento cirúrgico de fratura osteoporóticade coluna lombar com um método pouco difundido no Brasil. Normalmente o tratamento instituído é a vertebroplastia oucifoplastia, mas os autores vêm obtendo melhores resultados com a stentoplastia nesta população, método este que envolve acolocação de um stent no corpo vertebral associado a cimento ósseo. Este procedimento fornece mais segurança e estabilidadeà vértebra quando comparado aos métodos tradicionais...

The main purpose of this article is to describe a new method, that has not been used frequently in Brazil. Mostly the physicianshas used the vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to treat spine fracture, but the authors have been achieving better results with thestentoplasty in this population. This method evolves a vertebral stent inside the fractured bone. This procedure gives the patientmore safety and stability when comparing it to other kind of treament...

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes in Thoracolumbar Fractures Having 6 or Less Scored by Load-Sharing Classification Based on Posterior Fusion Level

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to decide the optimal level of fusion with comparing the results between the short segment fusion and long segment fusion treated with pedicle screw instrumentation, including fractured vertebra in thoracolumbar junctional fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2000 to November 2009, fifty three patients with junctional fracture of thoracolumbar spine were treated with pedicle screws and posterior fusion at our hospital. They were divided into two groups, the short segment group and long segment group. Preoperatively, immediate postoperative and last follow-up lateral radiological evaluation was done by measuring the correction and loss of segmental kyphosis, wedge angle, body compression rate and instrumented vertebra angle. In addition, operation time and amount of intraoperative bleeding were measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of statistical analysis regarding the radiological variables between the two groups, especially the loss of corrected segmental kyphosis, wedge angle, body compression rate and instrumented vertebra angle (p>0.05). However, operative time in the short segment group (234 minutes) was shorter than the long segment group (284 minutes), and there was statistical significance (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: We recommend the short segment transpediculr instrumentation one level above and one level below, including the fractured vertebra for thoracolumbar junctional fracture with 6 points or less of the load-sharing score.

Clinical efficacy of Sky Bone Expander System in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures in the elderly / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Sky Bone Expander System in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures in the elderly.MethodsTwenty-five cases (26 vertabrals)with osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures were treated by Sky Bone Expander System.ResultsAll the 25 cases completed the surgery successfully,with an average operation duration of 35 min (range:30 -60 min).We injected 2.7 -4.5 ml bone cement to each vertebrae with an average of 3.5 ml.No blood vessels and nerves damage or other complications were found.The height of vertebral was restored.ConclusionSky Bone Expander System could effectively treat osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures in the elderly.The height of vertebral could rebound and kyphosis could be improved.Furthermore,Sky Bone Expander System could relieve pain and reduce the leakage of bone cement

Radiologic Characteristics of Vertebral Artery Injury in the Cervical Spine Fracture

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed by probing vertebral artery injuries and their radiologic characteristics in cervical spine fractures, and analyzing MRI findings of vascular injuries. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Vertebral artery injuries are found relatively often in cervical spine fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 57 cases of cervical spine fractures that occurred beginning in June 2011 and ending in February 2003. The characteristics of each fracture were evaluated using conventional radiographs, CT, and MRI. The presence of a vertebral artery injury was based on the absence of signal void in multilevel transverse foramens. RESULTS: Twelve out of the 57 cases (21.1%) were found to have unilateral vertebral artery injuries. Clinically, impairment in cerebral circulation was not found. We found no statistical correlation between the signal change in the spinal cord and in the vertebral artery injury (P=0.424). We noted fractures of transverse processes in 7 cases, 6 of which showed vertebral artery injuries. Thus, the transverse process facture was associated with t vertebral artery injury (P=0.000). There seemed to be no relationship between the vertebral artery injury and each of following: fracture level (P=0.416), fracture type (P=0.723) and severity of soft tissue injury (P=0.195). CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral vertebral artery injuries were frequently found in the cervical spine fractures. And of all radiographic factors associated with vertebral artery injury, only the presence of transverse process fracture was statistically significant. Absence of signal void at multi-section MR images is considered to be a useful guide to commence additional vascular evaluation.

Definition, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Treatment of Kummell's Disease / 대한골다공증학회지

Over 100 years ago, Hermann Kummell described a clinical condition in which patients sustained a trivial trauma, had essentially asymptomatic period lasting weeks to months, then developed a painful, progressive angular kyphosis. Since then, many post-traumatic delayed kyphosis have been reported as a Kummell's disease. As a radiologic finding of intravertebral cleft sign was related to this delayed collapse, this abnormal gas or fluid signal in the involved vertebral body was considered as a pathognomic sign. However, recent evidences indicate this delayed progressive collapse and kyphosis of the spine is related to osteoporotic spine fracture in many reports. At this point, by defining and reviewing the definition and etiology of Kummell's disease, we have to look into whether Kummell's disease is a distinct or rare pathophysiologic entity or a complicated clinical result of osteoporotic spine fracture. In this review, author tried to clearly define the definition and diagnosis criteria to diagnose Kummell's disease as a complicated osteoporotic spine fracture and review treatment modalities for this complicated clinical condition.

Predictive Factors for MDCT as a Primary Survey in Traumatic Cervical Spine Injury

PURPOSE: Missing cervical pathology after injury may lead to disability and influence long-term survival. Controversies continue to evolve concerning the initial screening methods used to predict cervical spine injury. Through a retrospective chart review, we attempted to analyze and propose factors predictive of cervical trauma. METHODS: Of all the patients who had visited the Emergency Department of Korea University, from January 2009 to December 2009, a retrospective review of the clinical records of the 217 patients who had undergone cervical spine computed tomography was done. We investigated whether we could predict the need for cervical spine computed tomography shortly after presentation in trauma patients by comparing the group with fractures and group without fractures and by finding risk factors showing significant differences between the two groups that might be used as guides in decision making. RESULTS: Of the 217 subjects who underwent cervical spine computed tomography scans, 33 were identified with fractures of the cervical spine while 184 were not. The most common mechanisms of trauma, in order, for those with fractures were falls, followed by traffic accidents. We found that the injury severity score, multiple injuries, a high-energy injury mechanism, neurologic deficit, and pain and tenderness of the cervical spine showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Fractures of the cervical spine that are not observed with simple radiography occur with a relatively high frequency in trauma patients. Consideration should be given to the risk factors for cervical spine fracture, and if pertinent, cervical spine computed tomography should be performed with speed for early diagnosis of cervical spine fractures.

Surgical Experience of Neglected Lower Cervical Spine Fracture in Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis

The management of lower cervical fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) differs from normal cervical fractures. Patients with AS are highly susceptible to extensive neurologic injuries and spinal deformities after cervical fractures from even minor traumatic forces. These injuries are uniquely complex, require careful imaging assessment, and aggressive surgical management to optimize spinal stability and functional outcomes.