Patterns and Clinical Characteristics of Traumatic Spine Fractures in Taif, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Background: Traumatic spine injury plays a major rule in morbidity and mortality worldwide and can result in severe and permanent disabilities which has a huge impact on patients and their families due to the change in quality of their lifestyle and the high cost of treatment is considered a burden on individuals and families as well as the health care system. Methodology: Data were acquired retrospectively from King Abdul-Aziz Specialist Hospital and King Faisal Medical Complex medical records within June 2014 and June 2018. Results: A total of 151 patients were identified with a mean age of 35.36 ± 16.20 and 78.1% were males. MVA caused 71.3% of the documented spine injuries with meals being significantly affected compared to females followed by fall down 23.3%. No significant relationship was found between the patients’ age and the mechanism of trauma. 21.2% had multiple fractured vertebrae along with multiple levels, while 28.5%, 27.2% and 23.2% had fractures in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions, respectively. 16.6% of patients sustained neurological deficits, 10% had a GCS less than 13 and 18.5% had multiple associated injuries followed by chest 10.5%, Pelvic 5.6%, Head 4.8% and facial 3.2% Injuries. 34.5% had a vertebral body fracture and 14.8% had a spinal cord injury. 72.5% were managed conservatively while 27.5% underwent surgery within a mean of 5.47 ± 7.24 days. 13.2% received steroid which significantly led to a longer hospital stay (14.55 ± 12.67 vs. 9.11 ± 12.51). Patients were hospitalized for 8.06 ± 10.05 days and 22.8% needed an ICU admission for 1.78 ± 6.05 days and those who had spinal cord contusion had a longer LOHS compared to other types of injuries. During the period of hospitalization, 5.29% experienced complications. Conclusion: MVA was the leading cause of traumatic spine injuries and their consequences on patients’ health irrespective of their age and nationalities which necessitate initiating prevention measures.

The Feasibility of Long-Segment Fluoroscopy-guided Percutaneous Thoracic Spine Pedicle Screw Fixation, and the Outcome at Two-year Follow-up

@#Introduction: Posterior percutaneous instrumentation may represent a challenge when multiple levels need to be instrumentated, especially when including the upper thoracic spine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and the long-term outcome of such long constructs in different surgical conditions. Materials and Methods: This investigation was a retrospective cohort study which included patients who underwent thoraco-lumbar percutaneous fixations. We collected clinical, surgical and radiological data, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Health-related quality-oflife, residual pain, instrumentation placement, and complications were studied. Results: A total of 18 procedures were enrolled, in which 182 screws were implanted, (170 positioned in thoracic and 12 in lumbar pedicles, respectively). No surgical complications or hardware failure occurred in our series, 6 out of 182 (3,2%) screws had a partial pedicle breach, without neurological impairment or need for surgical revision. Conclusion: According to our results, a fully posterior percutaneous approach for long thoraco-lumbar spine instrumentation can be considered safe and reproducible, although an adequate training is strictly required.

Effects of simple posterior decompression and fusion fixation as treatment strategy for complete thoracic fracture dislocation / 中华创伤杂志

Objective to investigate the clinical efficacy of decompression and pedicle screw fixation through posterior approach for complete thoracic spine fracture dislocation.Methods The clinical data of six patients with complete thoracic spine fracture and dislocation treated from September 2002 to June 2016 were analyzed retrospectively by case series study.There were five males and one female,aged 21-67 years old (mean,47.2 years).The injury segments were T3～4 dislocation in one case,T5～6 dislocation in two cases,T6 ～7 dislocation in two cases and T8 ～9 dislocation in one case.There was one case of ASIA grade E and five cases of Grade A,and all of six cases were associated with multiple rib fractures and hemopneumothorax.The companied status was one case of sternal fracture,one case of atlantoaxial complex fractures and three cases of pulmonary contusion.The posterior median incision decompression and pedicle screw system fixation were performed,and the intervertebral bone grafting was conducted after restoration.The surgery time,bleeding volume during surgery,fracture restoration,bone grafting fusion,failure of internal fixation and other complications were recorded.The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification were used to assess the pain and neurological function improvement between the preoperative visit and final follow-up visit.Results The surgery time was 150-240 minutes (mean,205 minutes).The bleeding volume during the surgery was 700-2 100 ml (mean,1167 ml).One case was died of pulmonary infection at one week after surgery,the others were followed up for 3-14 months (mean,7.4 months).After operation,five patients were satisfied with the reduction,and the lateral displacement was partially restored in one cases.Five cases of intervertebral bone grafting all had bone fusion.There was no fixation failure.The VAS was (7.4 ± 0.6) points before surgery,(4.5 ± 1.6) points at one week after surgery and (1.8 ± 0.3) points at final visit of follow-up,which had significant difference from the preoperative status (P ＜ 0.05).One case of ASIA grade E had no postoperative aggravation and four cases of grade A had no improvement.Conclusion Posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation system is optimal choice of treatment for complete thoracic fractures and dislocations for it can attain reduction of fracture and dislocation as well as bone fusion,provide stability for spine and relieve pain.

Effect analysis of posterior internal fixation and fusion on patients with spinal fractures / 中国综合临床

Objective To analyze the curative effect of posterior internal fixation and fusion on patients with spinal fractures, and to provide the basis for clinical application. Methods A total of one hundred and eighty?eight patients with orthopedic incision treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from March 2013 to December 2016 were divided into the observation group ( 98 cases with posterior internal fixation fusion ) and the control group ( 90 cases with anterior internal fixation fusion ) . The clinical curative effects of the patients ( including Cobb angle,spinal nerve function,complications and the success rate of surgery ) , postoperative visual analogue score ( VAS ) , hospitalization time, operation time were compared. Results In the observation group,the VAS score before operation was (6. 89±6. 89) points and reduced to (2. 70±1. 33) points after operation,the pain decreased significantly after treatment (t=26. 099,P<0. 001). The VAS score of the control group lowered from (6. 85±6. 85) points to (5. 05±1. 35) points,and the pain decreased significantly after treatment ( t=10. 704, P<0. 001 ) , and the postoperative pain in the observation group was significantly reduced than that in the control group ( t=12. 016,P<0. 001) . There were significant differences between the observation group and the control group in operation time,intraoperative blood loss,incision length and hospitalization time ( ( 141. 91 ± 35. 42 ) min vs. ( 198. 82 ± 38. 61 ) min, ( 509. 72 ±113. 65) ml vs. (823. 40±108. 54) ml,(10. 25 ± 0. 84) cm vs. (18. 83±1. 58) cm,(10. 59±12) d vs. (15. 37±1. 52) d,t=10. 541,19. 315,47. 015,24. 681,P<0. 001) . The total effective rate of the observation group was 86 cases ( 97. 96%) , and ineffective rate of the observation group was 2 cases ( 2. 04%) . In the control group, the effective and ineffective rates were 75 cases ( 83. 33%) and 15 cases ( 16. 67%) , the difference in effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 12. 202, P<0. 001 ) . Conclusion Posterior internal fixation fusion is effective in the treatment of spinal fracture,which can reduce the postoperative pain,shorten the hospitalization time,less complication and high success rate. It is suitable for clinical promotion.

Epidemiology of spine fractures in motorcycle accident victims / Epidemiologia das fraturas da coluna vertebral em vítimas de acidente motociclístico / Epidemiología de las fracturas vertebrales en las víctimas de accidentes de motocicletas

ABSTRACT. Objective: To analyze the incidence of spinal injuries between 2000-2010 due to motorcycle accidents and the relation to the increase in motorcycle sales in the same period, as well as the anatomical distribution of these spinal injuries. Methods: Data were collected from 1,295 records of patients who have suffered spinal injury resulting from motorcycle accidents admitted to the ward TRM (Spinal Cord Trauma) of the Hospital Geral do Estado da Bahia from 2000 to 2010 in this retrospective study. We selected 110 medical records and collected information on sex, age, neurological deficit on admission (according to Frankel scale), diagnosis, and level of injury. Results: Between 2000 and 2010 there was an increase of almost five times in the incidence of patients who have suffered spinal injury due to motorcycle accidents. More than half (51.4%) had cervical spine injury, 37.2% thoracic spine injury and 11.34% had lumbar spine injury. Only 34.3% of patients had no neurological deficit on admission and patients with thoracic spine fracture had a higher incidence and severity of lesion. The average age of patients was 30 years. Conclusions: The increased incidence of spinal injuries due motorcycle accidents occurred in the same period in which there was an increase in motorcycle sales in the country. Patients who have suffered those injuries were young, with higher incidence in the cervical and thoracic spinal levels and high rates of neurological deficit.

RESUMO. Objetivo: Analisar a incidência de lesões na coluna vertebral entre 2000 e 2010 devido a acidente motociclístico e sua relação com o aumento da venda de motos nesse período, assim como a distribuição anatômica dessas lesões na coluna. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, no qual foram coletados dados de 1.295 prontuários de pacientes que sofreram lesão da coluna decorrente de acidente motociclístico internados na enfermaria de TRM (Trauma Raquimedular) do Hospital Geral do Estado da Bahia no período de 2000 a 2010. Foram selecionados 110 prontuários e catalogadas as informações com relação ao sexo, idade, déficit neurológico na apresentação (de acordo com a escala de Frankel), diagnóstico e nível da lesão. Resultados: Entre os anos de 2000 e 2010 houve um aumento de quase cinco vezes na incidência de pacientes que sofreram lesão da coluna devido a acidente motociclístico. Mais da metade (51,4%) apresentou lesão na coluna cervical, 37,2% na torácica e 11,4% na lombar. Somente 34,3% dos pacientes não tinham déficit neurológico na admissão e pacientes com fratura da coluna torácica tiveram maior incidência e gravidade de lesão medular. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 30 anos. Conclusões: O aumento da incidência de lesões na coluna devido acidente motociclístico ocorreu no mesmo período em que houve aumento das vendas de motos no país. Os pacientes que sofreram essas lesões eram jovens, com incidência maior nos níveis cervical e torácico e altos índices de déficit neurológico.

RESUMEN. Objetivo: Analizar la incidencia de lesiones de la columna entre 2000-2010 debido a los accidentes de motocicleta y su relación con el aumento de las ventas de motocicletas en ese período, y la distribución anatómica de las lesiones de la columna vertebral. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se recogieron datos de 1.295 registros de pacientes que han sufrido lesiones de la columna resultantes de accidentes de motocicleta ingresados en la sala de hospital TRM (Trauma de la Médula Espinal) del Hospital Geral do Estado da Bahia entre 2000 y 2010.Se seleccionaron 110 historiales médicos y se recogió información sobre el sexo, edad, déficit neurológico al ingreso (según la escala de Frankel), el diagnóstico y el nivel de la lesión. Resultados: Entre 2000 y 2010 hubo un aumento de casi cinco veces en la incidencia de pacientes que han sufrido lesiones de la columna debido a los accidentes de motocicleta. Más de la mitad (51,4%) tuvo lesiones de la columna cervical, el 37,2% tenían lesión en la columna torácica y el 11,4%, en la lumbar. Sólo el 34,3% de los pacientes no tuvieron déficit neurológico al ingreso y los pacientes con fractura de la columna torácica tuvieron una mayor incidencia y severidad de la lesión de la médula espinal. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue 30 años. Conclusiones: El aumento de la incidencia de lesiones en la columna debido a los accidentes de motocicleta se produjo en el mismo período en que hubo un aumento en las ventas de motocicletas en el país. Los pacientes que han sufrido esas lesiones eran jóvenes, con mayor incidencia en los niveles cervicales y torácicos y altas tasas de déficit neurológico.

The Effectiveness of Gelfoam Technique before Percutaneous Vertebroplasy: Is It Helpful for Prevention of Cement Leakage? A Prospective Randomized Control Study

OBJECTIVE: Preinjection gelfoam embolization during percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) has been thought alternative technique to prevent the leakage of bone cement. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the gelfoam techniques are useful to reduce bone cement leakage. METHODS: Total 100 PVPs of osteoporotic spine compression fractures were performed by 1 spine surgeon who experienced more than 500 PVP cases under prospective control study. Operation was done in T-L junction (T10-L2) fractures with bi-transpedicular approach. Preinjection gelfoam PVP was done in the 50 levels. As control group, PVP without gelfoam was done in the 50 levels. We did not perform preoperative venography. We inserted normal saline-mixed gelfoam to the anterior third of vertebral body via PVP needle, and then 3mL of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) was injected. We prospectively evaluated the incidence and leakage pattern of PMMA by postoperative computed tomography. RESULTS: Between gelfoam and control groups, there were 11 leaks (22%) versus 12 leaks (26%). The mean operation time was 7.00 minutes versus 6.30 minutes. In gelfoam group, there were 6 spinal canal leaks, 4 paravertebral venous leaks, and 1 soft tissue leaks. In control group, there were 4 spinal canal leaks, 8 paravertebral venous leaks, and 1 disc space leak. In spite of cement leakage, there was no symptomatic case in both groups. Statistically, gelfoam technique was not related to decrease the incidence of leakage (p=0.64). CONCLUSION: Our prospective study showed that it did not significantly decrease cement leakage when vertebroplasty is performed by experienced spine surgeon.

Leading a Patient of Ankylosing Spondylitis to Death by Iatrogenic Spinal Fracture

Fractures in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are often difficult to identify and treat. If combined with osteoporosis, the spine becomes weaker and vulnerable to minor trauma. An 83-year-old woman with a history of chronic AS and severe osteoporosis developed paraparesis and voiding difficulty for 4 days prior. She had been placed in the lateral decubitus position in a bedridden state in a convalescent hospital due to the progressive paraparesis. The laboratory findings showed CO₂ retention in the arterial blood gas analysis. After the patient was transferred to the computed tomography (CT) room, a CT was taken in the supine position. Approximately half an hour later, the resident in our neurosurgical department checked on her, and the neurological examination showed a complete paraplegic state. She was treated conservatively and finally expired 20 days later.

Association of aortic calcification with vertebral fracture in postmenopausal women / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To investigate the association between aortic calcification and risk of vertebral fracture in Chinese postmenopausal women.Methods This study recruited 561 postmenopausal women aged 60 or older who were prospectively followed for 3 years.Based on the ACS,the patients were divided into aortic calcification group (n =236) and non-aortic calcification group (n =325).Extent of aortic calcification and incidence of vertebral fracture were quantified on the baseline lateral radiographs of lumbar spine.Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was utilized to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD).Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the associations between aortic calcification and risk of vertebral fracture.Results In aortic calcification group incidence of vertebral fracture was significantly higher than that in non-aortic calcification group (P ＜ 0.01).Moreover vertebral fracture presented an increased incidence while the ACS was higher.After the adjustment of age,body mass index,BMD,current smoking,current drinking,hypertension,diabetes,total cholesterol,myocardial infarction,stroke and 25-hydroxy vitamin D,aortic calcification with ACS ＞ 6(HR =3.03,95％CI 1.42-6.24),BMD (HR =2.82,95％ CI 1.75-5.68),age (HR =1.96,95％ CI 1.38-4.52),history of two or more falls (HR =1.45,95％ CI 1.24-2.79) and adiponectin (HR =1.07,95％ CI 1.22-2.31) were associated with increased risk of vertebral fracture.Conclusion Severe aortic calcification is closely associated with vertebral fracture for postmenopausal women.

Effect of Short-segment Pedicle Screws System with or without Pedicle Screws on Fractured Level on Type A Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Fracture / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the effects of short-segment pedicle screws system on type A thoracic and lumbar spine fracture with or without pedicle screws on the fractured level. Methods 23 patients with type A thoracic and lumbar spine fracture were included, in which 11 cases received traditional short-segment pedicle screws system without pedicle screws on the fractured level (group A), and other 12 cases with pedicle screws on the fractured level (group B). The anterior vertebral height, posterior vertebral height and local kyphosis an-gle were measured before and after operation. Results All pedicle screws were successfully implanted with good location and stability. The vertebral height and kyphosis angle significantly improved after operation in both groups (P<0.05), and the improvement of kyphosis angle was more in group B than in group A (P<0.05). Conclusion Short-segment pedicle screws system with pedicle screws on the fractured level may fine correct the kyphosis angle in short term.

Fracturas osteoporóticas vertebrales en laproyección lateral de tórax / Osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the lateral thorax projection

Objetivo: Este estudio se realizó para determinar el porcentaje de cambios morfológicos,considerados fracturas vertebrales por osteoporosis en la proyección lateral de tórax, depacientes mayores de 50 anos ˜ atendidos por razones médicas distintas a problemas decolumna, en un hospital de tercer nivel.Método: Tres investigadores evaluaron 237 radiografías digitales de tórax de pacientes conuna edad media de 66,86 anos ˜ (rango 50-90), usando de manera secuencial y estandarizadalos métodos Algorithm-Base Qualitative approach (ABQ) y de Genant. Cada evaluador contócon una pantalla de similar resolución y evaluó las radiografías de forma independiente.Resultados: De los casos, 152 fueron del sexo femenino y 85 del masculino. La edad promedio para las fracturas grado 1 (17 casos) fue 72,17 anos ˜ con rango de 60-90(DE 8,96) y para las de grado 2 (6 casos) de 74 anos ˜ con rango de 68-87 anos ˜ (DE 6,72).Conclusiones: El porcentaje de cambios morfológicos considerados fracturas osteoporóticasdorsales fue del 9,7% (23 fracturas), el cual resultó más bajo con respecto a lo reportado en la literatura. La distribución de las lesiones por sexo fue similar en ambos grupos yla concordancia inter e intraobservador, usando los 2 métodos de manera conjunta, fueexcelente...

ObjectiveThis study was performed to determine the percentage of morphological changes considered as vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis in the lateral thorax projection of patients older than 50 years old who were attended for different medical reasons for spine problems in a third level hospital.MethodThree investigators evaluated 237 digital radiographs of the thorax of patients with a median age of 66.86 years (range 50-90) using 2 standardized methods sequentially: the Algorithm-Base Qualitative approach (ABQ) method and the Genant method. Each examiner used a similar resolution screen and evaluated the radiographs independently.ResultsThe cases included 152 females and 85 males. There were 23 fractures where the distribution by Genant method was 10 (6.5%) of grade 1, and only one (0.6%) of grade 2 for a total of 11 (7.2%) in the female group. In the male group there were 7 (8.2%) of grade 1, and 5 (5.8%) of grade 2 fractures, for a total of 12 (14.1%). The total number of grade 1 fractures was 17 (7.17%) and 6 (2.53%) grade 2. The fractures identified by ABQ method were 11 (7.2%) in the female group and 12 (14.1%) in the male group.The interobserver agreement for the 3 evaluators using the Genant method had a Kappa value of 0.88 (Z of 23.59 with p > Z of 0.0) and 0.9237 (Z of 24.63 with p > Z of 0.0) by ABQ method. The agreement for each evaluator respect the consensus of them for each method had a Kappa of 0.929 for the first and second evaluators, and 0.954 for the third. Whilst using the Genant method it was 0.911, 0.886 and 0.907, respectively. Both of them with P < .005.The intraobserver agreement had a Kappa value of 0.83 and 1 for the first evaluator, 0.704 and 0.86 for the second; and, 1 and 1 for the third evaluator for ABQ and Genant methods, respectively, with P < .005.The median age for grade 1 fractures (17 cases) was 72.17 years with range 60-90 (SD of 8.96 years)...

Fijación posterior monosegmentaria en fracturas de la columna toracolumbar / Fixação posterior monossegmentar nas fraturas da coluna toracolombar / Posterior monosegmental fixation in thoracolumbar spine fractures

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados de la fijación pedicular posterior monosegmentaria en el manejo de las fracturas toracolumbares, buscando las variables que influyen en la falla de esta técnica. MÉTODOS: Serie de casos operados en un período de 10 años. Se identificaron 33 pacientes. 5 fueron eliminados por insuficiencia de datos. 28 pacientes fueron evaluados, la edad promedio fue 36 años con una mediana de seguimiento de 30 meses. Se definió fracaso radiológico del tratamiento como falla del implante y/o un aumento de la cifosis local > o = a 10º en el último control radiográfico respecto al posoperatorio inmediato. Se definió mal resultado clínico como: el desarrollo de complicaciones, el reposo laboral mayor al p90 de la muestra y/o la incapacidad para retornar al trabajo. RESULTADOS: Cuatro pacientes (14 por ciento) presentaron falla radiológica del tratamiento. Tuvimos tres complicaciones precoces y 2 tardías, con un 92,8 por ciento de retorno al mismo trabajo tras un promedio de 3,4 meses de reposo laboral. No observamos correlaciones estadísticas al analizar las variables estudiadas con respecto a la falla de la cirugía. Conclusión: La fijación monosegmentaria tiene buenos resultados en el tratamiento de las fracturas toracolumbares. En nuestra serie, tuvimos buenos resultados clínicos en un 93 por ciento y radiológicos en el 86 por ciento de los pacientes. No observamos correlaciones estadísticas con respecto a la falla de la cirugía, sin embargo, los pacientes que fallaron radiológicamente tenían mayor cifosis preoperatoria y/o mayor corrección posoperatoria.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da fixação pedicular posterior monossegmentar no manejo das fraturas toracolombares, buscando as variáveis que influenciam a falha da técnica. MÉTODOS: Série de casos operados em um período de 10 anos. Foram identificados 33 pacientes. Cinco foram eliminados devido à insuficiência de dados. Dos 28 pacientes avaliados, a idade média foi de 36 anos com média de seguimento de 30 meses. O fracasso radiológico do tratamento foi definido como uma falha do implante e/ou aumento > ou = 10º de cifose segmentar no último controle radiográfico respeitando as medidas obtidas no controle pós-operatório. Definiu-se como mal resultado clínico: desenvolvimento de complicações, a necessidade de afastamento laboral maior do que o p90 do resto da amostra e/ou impossibilidade de retorno ao trabalho. RESULTADOS: Quatro pacientes (14 por cento) apresentaram insuficiência radiológica no tratamento. Tivemos três complicações precoces e duas tardias. 92,8 por cento dos pacientes retornaram ao mesmo trabalho após um tempo médio de 3,4 meses de repouso laboral. Não foram observadas correlações estatísticas ao analisar as variáveis em relação ao fracasso da cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: A fixação monossegmentar obteve bons resultados no tratamento das fraturas toracolombares. Em nossa série tivemos bons resultados clínicos em 93 por cento e radiológicos em 86 por cento dos pacientes. Não foram observadas correlações estatísticas em relação ao fracasso da cirurgia, no entanto, nos pacientes que tiveram falha radiográfica observamos maior cifose pré-operatória e/ou maior correção pós-operatória.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of monosegmental fixation for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, to identify possible variables that influence treatment failure. METHODS: Case series of patients operated in a 10-year period. 33 patients were identified. Of these, 5 were eliminated due to insufficient data. 28 patients were evaluated, with a mean age 36 years and median follow up of 30 months. We defined radiological treatment failure as > or = 10 degrees of increased local Kyphosis in the radiographs in the last follow-up, compared with the measurements from the initial radiographs performed postoperatively or failure of the implant. We defined poor clinical results as complications, time out of work > to P 90 of the study group and/or inability to return to work. RESULTS: 4 patients (14 percent) presented radiological treatment failure. 3 suffered acute complications, and had 2 delayed complications. 92.8 percent of the patients returned to their jobs, with a mean postoperative time out of work of 3.4 months. no statistically significant differences were detected among the different evaluated variables evaluated and the levels of treatment failure. CONCLUSION: Posterior monosegmental fixation has good results in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. In our series we had good clinical results in 93 percent and radiological results in 86 percent of the patients. We did not find any variable that could be correlated with treatment failure, although the cases considered failures according to the radiological exams had a major preoperative kyphosis and a greater postoperative kyphosis correction than those who did not.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Examination in Cervical Spine Injuries in Awake and Alert Blunt Trauma Patients

STUDY DESIGN: Observational, case series. PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical judgment as compared to the use of X-ray images in detecting cervical spine injuries in trauma patients presenting in the emergency department of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Cross-table cervical spine views are important in patients with signs and symptoms relating to cervical spine, but asymptomatic patients constitute a different subgroup. Accuracy of clinical examination in these patients has not been subjected to scrutiny. METHODS: All patients with blunt trauma who presented to the emergency department and underwent cross-table X-rays as part of their trauma workup were included. The X-rays were read by a radiologist not aware of the history of the patients. We recorded demographic data along with mechanism of injury, associated neck signs or symptoms whether present or not, cervical spine range of motion, associated injuries and X-ray findings. The history and examination were carried out by the on-call neurosurgery team member. The sensitivity and specificity along with negative and positive predictive value of the clinical examination were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 16.0. RESULTS: Of 50 patients with positive signs and symptoms, 4 (8%) had positive X-rays while only 1 out of 324 (0.3%) with no associated signs and symptoms had positive X-ray findings. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical examination is 80% sensitive and 73.98% specific in detecting true cervical spine injuries as compared to C-spine X-rays in alert and awake patients with blunt trauma.

Multiple Non-contiguous Spine Fractures with Concomitant Injuries: A Case Report

Multiple non-contiguous spinal fracture is a special type of multi-level spinal injury, which is rare but most frequently occur in motor vehicle accident or a falling from a height. We report five patients of multiple non-contiguous spinal fractures. All patients underwent segmental pedicle screws fixation without fusion for preserving facet joints and minimizing blood loss and operation time. We performed necessary operation for any concomitant injuries at the same day.

Tratamento cirúrgico da fratura toracolombar / Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

INTRODUÇÃO: Várias são as causas responsáveis pelo atraso no diagnóstico da fratura toracolombar explosão, entretanto poucos trabalhos discutem a respeito do tratamento das fraturas operadas após algumas semanas do trauma. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi verificar o resultado do tratamento dos pacientes operados entre três a cinco semanas do trauma mediante artrodese e instrumentação metálica posterior. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: De 1980 a 2004, excluindo as seqüelas ou fraturas recentes, 15 apresentaram um seguimento mínino de um ano. De acordo com a escala de Frankel, três dos cinco pacientes com alteração do quadro neurológico melhoraram (60 por cento). RESULTADOS: Do ponto de vista clínico, 10 pacientes estão assintomáticos. Um apresentou infecção superficial e uma disfunção esfincteriana. Do ponto de vista radiográfico, a principal complicação encontrada foi a cifose no local da fratura, ocorrendo em cinco pacientes (33 por cento). Houve piora média de 3 graus em relação ao valor da radiografia inicial. CONCLUSÃO: Acreditamos que, do ponto de vista da cifose no pós-operatório, a fratura toracolombar explosão subaguda deve ser tratada de forma distinta.

INTRODUCTION: Several factors are responsible for the late diagnosis of thoracolumbar burst fractures; however, few papers have been published concerning the treatment of these fractures weeks after the original trauma. OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective study aimed to verify treatment outcomes of patients submitted to arthrodesis and posterior instrumentation three to five weeks after thoracolumbar burst fractures. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From 1980 to 2004, excluding patients with sequelae or recent fractures, 15 cases were identified with a minimum follow-up period of one year. RESULTS: From the clinical viewpoint, 10 patients were asymptomatic and according to the Frankel scale, three of the five patients that presented neurological changes showed improvement (60 percent). One patient presented superficial infection and sphincter dysfunction. X-ray studies demonstrated kyphosis on fracture site to be the main complication, affecting five patients (33 percent). There was a mean 3 degree worsening of the kyphosis compared to the values found on early X-ray images. CONCLUSION: We believe, based on a postoperative kyphosis perspective, that subacute thoracolumbar burst fractures should be treated in a specific manner.

Estudo experimental do sequenciamento das manobras da ligamentotaxia na descompressão do canal vertebral / Experimental study of ligamentotaxis maneuvers sequencing in vertebral canal decompression

A descompressão do canal vertebral, para aliviar as estruturas nervosas, pode ser realizada por meio da ligamentotaxia. O objetivo foi analisar a influência da seqüência de realização da ligamentotaxia sobre a descompressão do canal vertebral. Foram utilizados segmentos de vértebras de suínos (Landrace). Um equipamento especialmente desenvolvido foi utilizado para produção de fratura do tipo explosão. Após a tomografia computadorizada, 10 espécimes que melhores apresentavam fraturas do tipo explosão foram fixados com fixador interno (Synthes). Foram formados dois grupos. No primeiro (n=5) foi realizada a lordose e depois a distração. Posteriormente, foram submetidos à nova compressão por meio de morsa até o retorno da fratura à posição inicial, a seguir foram novamente submetidos à distração e lordose. No segundo grupo (n=5) foi realizada a distração e depois a lordose. Após cada manobra era realizado o exame tomográfico para medir o diâmetro do canal vertebral. Os deslocamentos dos fragmentos dos corpos vertebrais fraturados foram mensurados e comparados utilizando t de Student (p<0,05). Comparando os deslocamentos entre os grupos, não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas (p<0,06). Esse resultado é próximo ao nível de significância adotado, sugerindo uma forte tendência que demonstra a eficácia superior da manobra iniciada pela realização da lordose.

Vertebral canal decompression, intended to provide relief to nervous structures, may be performed by means of legamentotaxis. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of the ligamentotaxis sequence on vertebral canal decompression. Vertebral segments of Landrace swine specimens were used. A device especially developed for producing a burst-type fracture was employed. Subsequently to the computerized tomography scan, 10 specimens that best showed a burst-type fracture were fixated with internal fixator (Synthes). Two groups were formed. On the first group (n=5), lordosis followed by distraction were performed. Then, they were submitted to distraction and lordosis. On the second group (n=5), distraction was provided first, and then lordosis was performed. After each maneuver, vertebral canal was measured by tomography scan. Fractured vertebral body fragments were measured and compared using the Student's t test (p<0,05). By comparing dislocations between groups, no statistical differences were found (p<0,06). This result is close to the significance level adopted, suggesting a strong trend towards a better effectiveness of the maneuver started with lordosis.

Abcesso epidural pós-traumático / Epidural post-trauma abscess

Abcessos epidurais são formas incomuns de infecção na coluna, com complicações graves em decorência de seu difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. Apesar dos avanços em métodos diagnósticos e de tratamento medicamentoso e cirúrgico, a taxa de mortalidade encontrada na literatura varia de 5 a 32 por cento. Os autores apresentam um caso de fratura de coluna torácica, que evoluiu com abcesso epidural, num paciente portador de espondilite anquilosante. Houve déficit neurológico rapidamente progressivo, que regrediu após descompressão de emergência e fixação cirúrgica da fratura. Apesar do curso longo de antibioticoterapia, houve recidiva da infecção, só controlada após remoção do material de síntese. Em casos de fratura de coluna em pacientes imunocomprometidos, a hipótese de abcesso epidural, quando houver dor de difícil controle ou déficit neurológico progressivo, deve ser lembrada.

Epidural abscesses are uncommon forms of spinal infection, presenting severe complications due to its difficult diagnosis and management. Although diagnosis and management have evolved, mortality rates are still high, ranging from 5 to 32 percent according to literature. The authors present a case of thoracic spine fracture, evolving with an epidural abscess, in a patient suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, with longstanding steroid therapy. A rapidly progressive neurological deficit developed, which resolved after emergency decompression and fracture fixation. Despite of the long-term antibiotic treatment, the infection recurred, being controlled only after hardware removal. In cases of spine fractures associated to immunossupression, the hypothesis of epidural abscess, especially with intense pain or progressive neurological deficit, must be considered.

Osteoporotic Compression Fracture of the Thoracolumbar Spine and Sacral Insufficiency Fracture: Incidence and Analysis of the Relationship according to the Clinical Factors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of sacral insufficiency fracture in osteoporotic patients with compression fracture of the thoracolumbar (T-L) spine on magnetic resonance image (MRI), and to analyze the correlation of variable clinical factors and the incidence of sacral insufficiency fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 160 patients (27 men, 133 women; age range of 50 to 89 years) who underwent spinal MRI and had compression fracture of the T-L spine. Compression fractures due to trauma or tumor were excluded. We evaluated the incidence of sacral insufficiency fracture according to the patients' age, sex, number of compression fractures, and the existence of bone marrow edema pattern of compression fracture. During the same period, we evaluated the incidence of spinal compression fracture in the patients of pelvic insufficiency fracture. RESULTS: Out of the 160 patients who had compression fracture in the T-L spine, 17 (10.6%) had insufficiency fracture of the sacrum. Compression fracture occurred almost 5 times more frequently in women (27:133), but the incidence of sacral insufficiency fracture was 2/27 for men (7.4%) and 15/133 for women (11.3%), with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.80). According to age, the ratio of insufficiency fracture to compression fracture was 0% (0/23) in the 50's, 10.6% (7/66) in the 60's, 12.5% (7/56) in the 70's, and 20.0% (3/15) in the 80's. In respect of single and multiple compression fracture, the incidence of sacral insufficiency fracture was 8/65 for men (12.3%) and 9/95 for women (9.5%), showing no significant difference (p=0.37). In the patients with and without compression fracture with bone marrow edema, insufficiency fracture occurred in 5/76 (6.6%) and 12/84 (14.3%), respectively. On the other hand, of the 67 patients who had pelvic insufficiency fracture, 27 (40.3%) also had spinal compression fracture. CONCLUSION: About 10% of the patients with osteoporotic compression fracture in the T/L spine also had pelvic sacral insufficiency fracture, which was not uncommon. These findings suggest the need to consider the possibility of pelvic sacral insufficiency fracture in cases of T/L spinal MRI for patients with osteoporotic compression fracture.

Vertebroplasty with vertebral pedicle screw plus calcium sulfate cement injection treats thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures:report of 28 cases / 第三军医大学学报

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of vertebroplasty using vertebral pedicle screw technique combined with calcium sulfate cement injection in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures.Methods Twenty-eight patients with thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures admitted in our department in recent 2 years were enrolled in this study,including 21 cases of type A,3 cases of type B,and 4 cases of type C.All patients were fixed with vertebral pedicle screw,and then verteplasty was performed using calcium sulfate cement injection.Results All patients were followed up for an average time of 16 months.Within the follow-up,there was no complication noted,such as loosening or breakage of internal fixation,chronical lumbar back pain,and loss of effected vertebral height.Artificial bones injected into vertebrae were absorbed in about 3 months.Conclusion Vertebroplasty using vertebral pedicle screw technique combined with calcium sulfate cement injection is an effective and safe procedure for thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures,which renders it possible to bear weight early and to maintain corrected vertebral height postoperatively.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty five patients [70 women and 15 men aged 51-88 (mean, 70) years with 148 vertebral compression fractures underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty. The causes of fracture were slip, lifting, fall, traffic accident, walking, and other unknown causes; the duration of pain varied from three days to two years. All patients underwent MRI or CT to assess the recent condition of the fracture, and vertebroplasty was performed under DSA fluoroscopic guidance. Routine clinical follow-up examination involved visual analogue pain-scale testing one and two days after vertebroplasty; the results obtained were compared with those of preoperative assessment. The outcome of vertebroplasty was assessed in terms of its efficacy and resulting complications, if any. RESULTS: The procedures were technically successful in all patients. In 73, back pain was relieved within 24 hours; in nine, within 48 hours and in one, within seven days. In two patients, pain relief was insignificant, and one of these died. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous vertebroplasty was a useful procedure for treating painful osteoporotic compression fractures.

Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging of Bone Marrow in the Spine: Differentiations of Metastatic Compression Fracture,Benign Compression Fracture, & Spondylitis

PURPOSE: To determine the findings of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of acute and chronic benign compression fracture, metastatic compression fracture, and spondylitis, and to differentiate between them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine cases with vertebral compression fractures (17 metastatic, 16 acute osteo-porotic, 11 old osteoporotic, 5 acute traumatic) and seven with spondylitis (4 tuberculous, 3 pyogenic) underwent MR imaging. All cases were classified as belonging to one of four groups: A: acute osteoporotic and traumatic, B: metastatic, C: old osteoporotic, or D: spondylitic. For MR imaging, a 1.5-T scanner (Magnetom Vision, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) was used, and the diffusion-weighted imaging sequence was based on reversed fast imaging with steady-state precession (PSIF) and a relatively low b value of about 150 sec/mm 2. Signal intensity characteristics were evaluated in terms of the contrast ratio (CR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of bone marrow. RESULTS: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging showed that signal intensity in group A was hypointense to adjacent normal vertebral bodies, but in group B, hyperintensity was noted. In group C, signal intensity was variable, while in group D, hyperintensity was again noted. Diffusion-weighted imaging revealed that in group A, bone marrow CR had a negative value, while in groups B and D, this value was positive (p .01). CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging revealed that the signal intensity of metastatic compression fracture and spondylitis was hyperintense to adjacent normal vertebral bodies, that of acute benign compression fracture was hypointense, and that of chronic benign compression fracture was variable. This modality is therefore useful for differentiating between metastatic compression fracture, spondylitis and acute benign compression fracture.