Effect of compound bone peptide injection on osteoporotic fractures of thoracolumbar spine, bone density and bone metabolism / 药学实践杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of compound bone peptide injection in patients with thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture. Methods 96 patients admitted from January 2018 to January 2020 with thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture were selected. The patients were randomly divided into group A (receiving calcine D with compound bone peptide injection) and group B (receiving calcine D treatment) with 48 patients in each group. TCM symptom scores, bone metabolism, degree of osteoporosis, bone density level, visual analogue scale (VAS) and lumbar spine disease treatment score (JOA) were compared between the two groups after treatment. Results After treatment, the TCM symptom score and JOA score in group A were higher than those in group B (P<0.05). The levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (PIINP) in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (P<0.05). The grade 3 osteoporosis ratio in group A was lower than that in group B (P<0.05). The bone mineral density level in group A was higher than that in group B (P<0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) in group A was lower than that in group B (P<0.05). Conclusion The treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture with compound bone peptide injection effectively improved the bone metabolism and bone mineral density, relieved pain and promoted the recovery of lumbar function.

Robot-guided percutaneous kyphoplasty in treatment of multi-segmental osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-guided percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treatment of multi-segmental thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods: A clinical data of 63 cases with multi-segmental thoracolumbar OVCF without neurologic deficit treated with PKP between October 2017 and February 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into robot-guided group (33 cases) and traditional fluoroscopy group (30 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture segment, bone mineral density, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, midline vertebral height, and Cobb angle between the two groups ( P>0.05). The time to establish the tunnel, the times of fluoroscopy, the dose of fluoroscopy, the deviation of puncture, the distribution of bone cement, the leakage of bone cement, the puncture angle, and the postoperative VAS score, midline vertebral height, and Cobb angle were recorded and compared. Results: The patients in two groups were followed up 11-13 months (mean, 12 months). Compared with traditional fluoroscopy group, the time to establish the tunnel, the times and dose of fluoroscopy in robot-guided group were significantly lower, the deviation of puncture was slighter, the distribution of bone cement was better, and the puncture angle was larger, the differences between the two groups were significant ( P0.05). Conclusion: Robot-guided PKP in treatment of multi-segmental thoracolumbar OVCF can shorten the operation time, improve the accuracy of puncture, reduce the times and dose of fluoroscopy, reduce the leakage of bone cement, and achieve better cement distribution.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 combined with autologous bone grafting and fusion in the treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) combined with autologous bone grafting for the treatment of spinal degenerative diseases such as lumbar spondylolisthesis, spinal canal stenosis and intervertebral disc herniation have been recognized, but few clinical studies have been conducted on the efficacy and safety in the treatment of spinal infectious diseases such as spinal tuberculosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of rhBMP-2 combined with autologous bone grafting for spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: Clinical data of thoracolumbar tuberculosis admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from November 2010 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation plus bone graft for spinal fusion, with (experimental group) or without (control group) the use of rhBMP-2. In the experimental group, 33 patients were treated with posterior pedicle fixation and autologous bone graft for spinal fusion combined with rhBMP-2 (1 mg). In the control group, 35 patients underwent posterior pedicle fixation and autologous bone graft. Visual analogue scale, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), perioperative complications and fusion rate were statistically analyzed. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All patients were followed up for more than 1 year. During the follow-up period, no fracture or movement of the internal fixation or distinct collapse of the vertebral body were found. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of stay, and proportion of perioperative complications (P > 0.05). There was a significant improvement in visual analogue scale scores and ASIA grades in the two groups at 1 week and 1 year after operation (P 0.05). The fusion rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 6 months after operation (P 0.05). These findings indicate that rhBMP-2 combined with autologous bone for the treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis can accelerate bone fusion with favorable efficacy and safety in a short time.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva en el tratamiento de fracturas tóracolumbares / Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

Objetivo: Analizar y describir una serie de fracturas tóraco-lumbares traumáticas tratadas con cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Material y métodos: Analizamos una serie de 26 pacientes con fracturas traumáticas tóraco-lumbosacras entre 2010-2017. Las imágenes pre-operatorias fueron clasificadas usando la clasificación AO. Analizamos en forma pre y post operatoria: escala visual analógica, volumen de pérdida sanguínea, duración de la hospitalización, complicaciones, cirugías asociadas en otros órganos, extracción de implantes en el largo plazo, estado neurológico pre y post quirúrgico y mortalidad.Los pacientes con historias clínicas completas, TAC pre-operatoria y un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses fueron incluidos (18 hombres y 8 mujeres). La edad promedio fue de 28.7 años (21-84 años); seguimiento promedio de 28 meses (13-86 meses). Dieciocho pacientes fueron manejados con instrumentaciones percutáneas, 8 recibieron vertebroplastias, y en 5 casos se realizó además algún gesto de artrodesis. Resultados: La EVA mejoró 7 puntos promedio respecto al pre-operatorio; el promedio de sangrado fue de 40 mL, no observamos ningún caso de empeoramiento neurológico. La duración promedio de la hospitalización fue de 3.9 días. Cuatro enfermos necesitaron alguna cirugía en otro órgano producto de sus politraumatismos.Los tornillos percutáneos fueron removidos en 9 casos luego de la consolidación. Como complicaciones tuvimos: 1 hematoma retroperitoneal autolimitado, una fractura pedicular y una cánula de cementación rota adentro de un pedículo. Conclusión: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva en trauma espinal es una alternativa válida que permite estabilización, movilización precoz y logra buenos resultados en términos de control del dolor con baja tasa de complicaciones

Objective: To analyze and describe a series of trauma-related thoraco-lumbo-sacral vertebral fractures managed with minimally invasive surgery. Methods: We retrospectively review the charts and images of 26 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures between 2010-2017. Pre-op images were assessed and fractures were classified according to the thoraco-lumbar trauma AO Spine classification. We analyzed pre and post-surgical visual analog scale (VAS), blood loss during surgery, hospital length of stay, complications, associated surgical procedures, long term post-op implant removal, pre and post neurological status and mortality.Patients with a complete case record, pre-op CT scans and minimum 12-month follow up were included (18 males and 8 females). Mean age was 28.7 years (21-84 years); mean post-op follow up was 28 month (13-86 months). Eighteen patients were managed with percutaneous instrumentation, 8 patients also received percutaneous vertebroplasty, and 5 patients underwent also some arthrodesis procedure. Results: VAS improved 7 points as compared to the pre-op score; mean blood loss was 40 mL, we did not observed any neurological deficit worsening. Mean hospital length of stay was 3.9 days. Four patients needed surgical procedures involving other organs due to politrauma. Percutaneous screws were removed in 9 cases after fracture consolidation. Complications were: one case of self-limiting retroperitoneal hematoma, one case of pedicle screw fracture and one cement broken cannula into the pedicle. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery in spine trauma is a valid option allowing stabilization, early mobilization, and leading to good outcomes in terms of pain control and a lower complication rate

Four-rod Technique Stabilization after Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO) for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Hyperkyphosis Secondary to Pott Disease: A Two-Year Follow-Up Case Report

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a powerful tool for themanagement of sagittal misalignment. However, this procedure has a high rate of implant failure, particularly rod breakages. The four-rod technique diminishes this complication in the lumbar spine. The aim of the present study is to provide a case report regarding PSO and fourrod technique stabilization in the treatment of short-angle hyperkyphosis in the thoracolumbar (TL) junction. The authors describe the case of a patient with TL hyperkyphosis secondary to spinal tuberculosis treated with L1 PSO and fixation with a four-rod technique. There were no major surgical complications. The self-reported quality of life questionnaires (the Short-Form Health Survey 36 [SF-36] and the Oswestry disability index) and radiological parameters were assessed preoperatively, as well as 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, and they showed considerable and sustained improvements in pain control and quality of life. No hardware failure was observed at the two-year follow-up.

Comparative Evaluation of Pregabalin and Clonidine as Preemptive Analgesics for the Attenuation of Postoperative Pain Following Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study.PURPOSE: To compare clonidine and pregabalin with placebo for the attenuation of postoperative pain after thoracolumbar spinal surgery and instrumentationOVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Spine surgery is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain that needs to be controlled to improve patient’s outcome. Alpha 2 agonists (e.g., clonidine) and gabapentenoids (e.g., pregabalin) are successfully used as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen.METHODS: Total 75 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into three groups. Group P received pregabalin (150 mg), group C received clonidine (150 mcg), and group N received placebo 90 minutes preoperatively. A standard anesthesia protocol comprising fentanyl, thiopentone, vecuronium, nitrous oxide, and oxygen in isoflurane was used for all patients. Postoperative recovery profile, pain, time for first analgesic, 24-hour analgesic requirement, sedation, and hemodynamic parameters were noted.RESULTS: Recovery profile was similar in all three groups; however, the patients in group P and C were more sedated (p<0.05). Group N patients had a higher Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score (p<0.05) and the time for first analgesic was also lower (p=0.02). Postoperative (24-hour) analgesic requirement was maximum in group N, followed by that in group C and group P. The VAS score was highest in the control group; however, after 12 hours, it was similar in all groups.CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain and analgesic requirement is significantly attenuated by preoperative administration of a single dose of clonidine (150 mcg) or pregabalin (150 mg); pregabalin was more effective. Thus, their use offers a reasonable strategy for pain management in patients undergoing spine surgery.

Efficacy analysis of Smith-Petersen osteotomy assisted by releasing disk space from posterior approach for thoracolumbar kyphosis / 中华外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Smith-Petersen osteotomy (SPO) assisted by releasing disk space from posterior approach for thoracolumbar kyphosis.@*Methods@#A review was conducted on 8 patients (3 males and 5 females) with thoracolumbar kyphosis were treated with SPO assisted by releasing disk space from posterior approach at Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital from June 2016 to September 2017. The age was 56.5 years (range:18-71 years). There were 3 cases of Scheuermanns kyphosis, 2 cases of degenerative kyphosis, 1 case of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) after lumbar surgery, and 2 cases of kyphosis after thoracolumbar laminectomy. The paired t test was used for statistical analysis in thoracolumbar kyphosis angle, osteotomy segment kyphosis angle, sagittal vertical value (SVA), visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) before and after surgery. Statistical difference was confirmed with P<0.05.@*Results@#Osteotomy level included 2 cases in T11-12, 3 cases in T12-L1, 3 cases in L1-2. The average operation time was 339 min (range: 247-416 min), bleeding volume was 1 275 ml (range: 500-2 500 ml). The mean follow-up time was 16.5 months (range: 12-24 months). The average thoracolumbar kyphosis angle was 59.9° (range: 40°-73°) pre-operation, 9.5°(range:-5.1°-20°) post-operation and 13.5°(range:-1.3°-28°) at the latest follow-up. It made an average correction with 46.4°and corrective rate with 78.0%. The osteotomy segment kyphosis angle was 37.9° (range: 26°-46°) pre-operation, -1.3° (range:-11°-13°) post-operation making an 39.2° open-up angle, and 2.0° (range:-13.5°-13°) at the latest follow-up. Lumbar lordosis was 47.5° (range: 2°-76°) pre-operation, 41.2°(range:15°-62°) post-operation and 36.9°(range:15°-58°) at the latest follow-up. SVA was 54 mm(range:-34 mm-149 mm) pre-operation and 39 mm(range:-3 mm-119 mm) at the latest follow-up. VAS score of low back pain was 6.3(range:0-9) pre-operation and 3.0(range:0-6) at the latest follow-up. ODI score was 21.9(range: 0-42) pre-operation and 11.0(range: 0-26) at latest follow-up. Comparing to pre-operation value, there were statistical difference in the thoracolumbar kyphosis angle(t= 8.547, P=0.000), osteotomy segment kyphosis angle(t=9.739, P=0.000), VAS(t=3.077, P=0.018), ODI(t=5.800, P=0.001) at the latest follow-up. There was no neuropathic complication in all patients. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 cases with spinal surgery history, and recovered after symptomatic treatment.@*Conclusions@#SPO assisted by releasing disk space from posterior approach could safely achieve effective correction of rigid thoracolumbar kyphosis deformity within 40°.

SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod for thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod for thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis. Methods: Between April 2013 and August 2016, 20 cases of thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis were treated with SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod. All the patients were females, aged 49-71 years (mean, 54.8 years). The disease duration was 6-28 months with an average of 14 months. The T value of bone density was -4.4 to -1.8 (mean, -2.8). The preoperative Cobb angle was (43.0±11.3)°. The vertebral compression fracture segment was T 12 in 9 cases, L 1 in 8 cases, and L 2 in 3 cases. Preoperative spinal cord function was evaluated by Frankel classification; there were 5 cases of grade D and 15 cases of grade E. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complication were recorded. The Cobb angle for kyphosis and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were recorded beforeoperation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation and at last follow-up, and the evaluation indicators included pain degree, daily life self-care ability, extracting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social activities, and traveling. Results: The operation time was 180-314 minutes (mean, 226 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 390-1 800 mL (mean, 750 mL). All the incisions healed by first intension without incision infection. Twenty patients were followed up 24-52 months, with an average of 30.9 months. During the follow-up period, no significant complication such as correction loss, nail breakage, rod breakage, pseudoarthrosis formation, or proximal and distal junctional kyphosis occurred. All patients were able to walk upright after operation, and the pain relieved significantly at 6 months after operation. Bone fusion achieved at 12 months after operation. The Frankel grade of nerve function improved from grade D to grade E at last follow-up in 5 patients with nerve damage before operation. At last follow-up, the indicator scores of ODI significantly improved when compared with preoperative values ( P0.05). There was no significant difference in SVA between pre- and post-operation ( P>0.05). Conclusion: SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod for thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis is effective in achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes, as well as maintaining correction of kyphosis.

Debridement and interbody fusion via posterior pedicle lateral approach for ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar Andersson lesion / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of debridement and interbody fusion via posterior pedicle lateral approach in treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar Andersson lesion (AL). Methods: Between October 2011 and January 2017, 10 patients of ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar AL were treated with debridement via posterior pedicle lateral approach and interbody fusion with bone grafting. There were 8 males and 2 females with an average age of 48.8 years (range, 31-79 years). The disease duration was 1.5-48.0 months (mean, 10.6 months). All patients were single-segment lesion, including 3 cases of T10, 11, 4 cases of T11, 12, and 3 cases of T12, L1. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 8.0±0.8, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 68.8%±5.5%, and the Cobb angle of local kyphosis was (26.3±7.1)°. According to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scoring system, neurological impairment was assessed in 1 case of grade C, 4 cases of grade D, and 5 cases of grade E. Results: All the operations of 10 patients completed successfully. The operation time was 120-185 minutes (mean, 151.5 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 300-750 mL (mean, 450.0 mL). Dural sac tear occurred in 1 case during operation and was repaired, with no cerebrospinal fluid leakage after operation. All patients were followed up 24-50 months (mean, 31.2 months). At last follow-up, the VAS score was 1.9±0.9 and ODI was 13.0%±3.0%, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (t=17.530, P=0.000; t=31.890, P=0.000). Neurological function was improved significantly at 24 months after operation, and rated as ASIA grade E. The Cobb angles were (12.6±4.6)° at 3 days and (13.6±4.6)° at 24 months after operation, which were significantly different from those before operation (P0.05). At 24 months after operation, the grafted bone obtained good fusion at AL segment. During the follow-up, there was no failure of internal fixation such as nail withdrawal, broken nail, and broken rod. Conclusion: Debridement and interbody fusion via posterior pedicle lateral approach for the ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar AL can achieve satisfactory effectiveness, good fusion, and a certain correction of local kyphosis.

Radiological Results of the Double-Balloon Inflation Technique during Kyphoplasty / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the radiological results of the double-balloon inflation technique in terms of its ability to reduce cement leakage, to increase bone cement bonding, and to promote anterior column height recovery. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Various methods, such as the egg-shell technique, have been proposed to prevent leakage of cement during kyphoplasty in cases of osteoporotic compression fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed 18 patients diagnosed with osteoporotic compression fracture of the lumbar spine who underwent the double-balloon inflation technique after April 2015, and 30 consecutive patients with the same diagnosis who were treated using the conventional method prior to April 2015. We analyzed the radiological results on immediate postoperative simple X-rays in the anteroposterior and lateral views, 6-week postoperative lateral X-rays, and 6-month postoperative lateral X-rays to detect changes in anterior vertebral height and the cement leakage rate. RESULTS: The average anterior vertebral height increased by 7.58 mm in the double-balloon inflation group, and by 5.8 mm in the conventional group on the immediate postoperative radiographs (p=0.044). On average, a decrease of 3.08 mm was observed at 6 weeks postoperatively in the double-balloon inflation group, in contrast to a decrease of 4.68 mm in the conventional group (p=0.149). At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, an average decrease of 1.45 mm was found in the double-balloon inflation technique group, while a decrease of 1.40 mm was found in the conventional group (p=0.9110). The cement leakage rate was 22% in the double-balloon inflation group and 27% in the conventional group (p=0.730). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the conventional method, the double-balloon inflation technique can be done more safely, and also promotes a greater recovery of anterior vertebral height.

Changes in the Adjacent Segment After Thoracolumbar Posterior Instrumentation and Fusion Surgery in Thoracolumbar Junction Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in the adjacent segment after posterior instrumentation and fusion in thoracolumbar spinal fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The incidence of adjacent-segment disease is increasing as spinal surgery becomes more common. Many studies have been conducted on the risk factors for adjacent-segment changes in the lumbar spine, but few articles have been published on this topic in the thoracolumbar spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 50 patients who received treatment from 2000 to 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. They underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion due to thoracolumbar fracture and were followed up for more than 2 years. To evaluate changes in the adjacent segment, immediate postoperative and last follow-up values of the sagittal angle, disc height, and disc angle were compared between groups divided by age (more or less than 50 years), laminectomy, and fusion levels. The Pfirrmann grade of the discs proximal and distal to the fusion level was also measured using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were male and 14 were female. The average age of the 50 patients was 45.6 years, and the mean follow-up period was 4.3 years. There were no cases of adjacent-segment disease. The mean kyphotic sagittal angle progression was 6.8° (range, −11° to 28.5°, p=0.000). The mean change of disc height of the proximal adjacent segment was 0.3 mm (range, −1.6 to 3.4 mm, p=0.013) and 0.6 mm (range, −4.1 to 5.8 mm, p=0.013) in the distal adjacent segment. Laminectomy did not make a significant difference. In the group below 50 years of age, the angle of the adjacent segment discs increased by 0.8° (range, −3.1° to 5.1°, p=0.004) at the proximal adjacent segment and by 0.5°(range, −4.8° to 2.9°, p=0.016) at the distal adjacent segment. Proximal adjacent disc height decreased as the fusion levels increased. As the preoperative Pfirrmann grade increased, degenerative changes in the proximal adjacent segment disc tended to accelerate. CONCLUSIONS: Adjacent-segment disease after lumbar fusion surgery was not found in adjacent segments of the thoracolumbar spine. This seems to be due to the anatomical characteristics of the lumbar spine, which is more flexible than the thoracolumbar vertebra. The mobile segments of the lumbar spine may account for this difference, rather than the instrumentation and fusion procedure itself.

Validity of the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System for Thoracolumbar Spine Injuries

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the validity of the thoracolumbar injury classification system (TLICS) when making treatment decisions in a group of thoracolumbar fracture patients. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Few studies have evaluated the validity of the TLICS in consecutively treated patients, although many have evaluated the application of the TLICS to thoracolumbar injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed among the 230 patients who were treated from 2003 to 2015 in our hospital for thoracolumbar injuries. Evaluations were made of clinical outcomes and radiologic results, and each case was analysed and scored according to the American Spinal Injury Association scale, the Magerl/AO classification, and the TLICS classification by 2 spinal surgeons. RESULTS: Of the 230 patients, 116 (50.4%) received conservative treatment and 114 (49.6%) received surgical treatment. Of the 116 patients who received conservative treatment, 112 (96.6%) were treated according to the TLICS guidelines. Conservative treatment failed for 2 of the 4 patients (1.7%) whose treatment did not correspond with TLICS, and they required surgical treatment. Of the 114 patients who underwent surgical treatment, in 87 (76.3%) the treatment corresponded to the TLICS guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The TLICS classification showed high validity for the conservative treatment of thoracolumbar injuries.

Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Anterior Decompression and Posterior Stabilization via Posterior Transpedicular Approach in Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Pott's Disease: A Retrospective Study

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of a posterior transpedicular approach with regard to functional and radiological outcomes in people with thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Spinal tuberculosis can cause serious morbidity, including permanent neurological deficits and severe deformities. Medical treatment or a combination of medical and surgical strategies can control the disease in most patients, thereby decreasing morbidity incidence. A debate always existed regarding whether to achieve both decompression and stabilization via a combined anterior and posterior approach or a single posterior approach exists. METHODS: The study was conducted at the Indian Spinal injuries Centre and included all patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar Pott's disease who were operated via a Posterior transpedicular approach. Data regarding 60 patients were analyzed with respect to the average operation time, preoperative and postoperative, 6 months and final follow-up American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, bony fusion, implant loosening, implant failure, preoperative, postoperative, 6 months and final follow-up kyphotic angles, a loss of kyphotic correction, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score. Data were analyzed using either a paired t -test or a Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 260±30 minutes. Fifty-five patients presented with evidence of successful bony fusion within a mean period of 6±1.5 months. Preoperative dorsal and lumbar angles were significantly larger than postoperative angles, which were smaller than final follow-up angles. The mean kyphotic correction achieved was 12.11±14.8, with a mean decrease of 5.97 and 19.1 in VAS and ODI scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior decompression and posterior stabilization via a posterior transpedicular approach are safe and effective procedures, with less intraoperative surgical duration and significant improvements in clinical and functional status.

Risk Factors Predicting New Compression Fractures in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk factors associated with new compression fractures in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Previous studies have reported that a history of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and decreased bone mineral density were risk factors for new compression fractures. It is not certain whether vertebroplasty is a risk factor for new compression vertebral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 52 patients who were diagnosed with an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and could be followed up for at least 1 year. Age, sex, bone mineral density, body mass index, osteoporosis treatment, fat infiltration of the back muscles, the sagittal index, vertebroplasty, and underlying diabetes mellitus or hypertension were compared between patients who developed new compression fractures during 1 year of follow-up and those who did not. For statistical analysis, the t-test and chi-square test were used to analyz ethe relationship of each factor with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture incidence, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze multifactorial explanatory factors. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups regarding sex, underlying disease, the sagittal index, and fat infiltration of the back muscles. Patients who developed a new compression fracture were significantly older (p=0.011), had a lower body mass index (p=0.001), had lower bone mineral density (p=0.008), and were more likely to have taken osteoporosis medication for less than 6 months (including no medication, p=0.019). The logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of developing new compression fractures was significantly elevated in patients with a low body mass index (odds ratio [OR]=0.69, p=0.02), bone mineral density (OR=0.43, p=0.005), and less than 6 months of osteoporosis medication use (including no medication, OR=1.083, p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of developing new compression fractures in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures was associated with body mass index, bone mineral density, and having taken osteoporosis medication for less than 6 months.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas por estallamiento de columna toracolumbar / Traitement chirurgical des fractures-éclatement du rachis thoracolombaire

Introducción: las fracturas vertebrales constituyen un grave problema de salud, la zona toracolumbar constituye la localización más frecuente. El tratamiento quirúrgico, en fracturas por estallamiento, parece el de mejores resultados pero presenta la disyuntiva de si a todos los pacientes se les debe realizar fusión. Objetivo: mostrar los resultados obtenidos a los dos años con el tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas por estallamiento de columna toracolumbar, en los servicios de Ortopedia y Neurocirugía del Hospital Calixto García entre enero de 2011 y julio de 2013. Método: estudio descriptivo prospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de fracturas toracolumbares por estallamiento tratados quirúrgicamente, asociando en algunos a la fijación, la fusión. Las variables estudiadas: edad, sexo, mecanismo causal, localización, tipo de fractura, deformidad cifótica y altura del cuerpo vertebral. El índice de Oswestry y la Escala Visual Analógica del dolor, medidos antes y dos años después de la intervención, fueron los instrumentos evaluadores empleados. Resultados: serie constituida por 28 pacientes, predominaron el sexo masculino, y el accidente automovilístico como mecanismo causal; la localización más frecuente fue en el segmento T11-L2 para las fracturas tipo A3 y A4 según AO; las variaciones de deformidad cifótica y altura del cuerpo vertebral fueron muy semejantes a los dos años entre pacientes con fusión y sin ella. El índice de Oswestry y la Escala Visual Analógica del dolor mostraron significativa mejoría. Conclusiones: los resultados radiográficos y funcionales fueron similares en pacientes con fusión y sin ella. La fusión posterior no necesita ser un procedimiento de rutina en fracturas por estallamiento de columna toracolumbar(AU)

Introduction: vertebral fractures are serious health problem; the thoracolumbar zone is the most frequent location. Surgical treatment in explant fractures seems to be the one with the best results but presents the dilemma of whether all patients should be fusion. Objective: show the results obtained at two years with the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures in Orthopedics and Neurosurgery services at Calixto García Hospital from January 2011 to July 2013. Method: prospective descriptive study was carried out in patients with diagnosis of surgically treated thoracolumbar fractures, associated to fixation, fusion. The variables studied were age, sex, causal mechanism, location, type of fracture, kyphotic deformity and vertebral body height. The Oswestry Index and Visual Analog Pain Scale, measured before and two years after the intervention, were the evaluation instruments used. Results: twenty-eight patients formed this series, the male sex predominated, and automobile accident was a causal mechanism. The most frequent location was segment T 11- L 2 for fractures type A 3 and A 4 according to AO. The variations of kyphotic deformity and height of the vertebral body were very similar after two years in patients with and without fusion. Oswestry Index and Visual Analog Pain Scale showed significant improvement. Conclusions: radiographic and functional results were similar in patients with and without fusion. Post fusion does not need to be a routine procedure in thoracolumbar collapse fractures (AU)

Introduction: les fractures vertébrales, étant plus fréquemment localisées dans la région thoracolombaire, constituent un sérieux problème de santé. Le traitement chirurgical des fractures-éclatement semble être le meilleur étant donnés ses résultats, mais il pose un question -est-ce que tous les patients doivent subir une fusion? Objectif: l'objectif de cette étude est de montrer les résultats obtenus deux ans après le traitement chirurgical des fractures-éclatement thoracolombaires aux services d'orthopédie et de neurochirurgie, à l'hôpital "Calixto García" entre janvier 2011 et juillet 2013. Méthode: une étude descriptive et prospective des patients diagnostiqués et traités chirurgicalement pour des fractures-éclatement thoracolombaires, associant la fixation et la fusion dans certains cas, a été effectuée. Des variables telles que l'âge, le sexe, les causes, la localisation, le type de fracture, la déformation cyphotique, et la taille du corps vertébral ont été aussi étudiées. L'indice d'Oswestry et l'échelle visuelle analogique de la douleur ont été les outils d'évaluation utilisés auparavant et deux ans après l'opération. Résultats: dans une série de 28 patients, ce sont les hommes le plus souvent touchés, tandis que l'accident de voiture a été la cause la plus fréquemment trouvée ; les fractures type A3 et A4, selon AO, se sont souvent localisées au niveau du segment T11-L2 ; les variations de la déformation cyphotique et la taille du corps vertébral ont été très similaires au bout de deux ans chez les patients ayant subi ou pas une fusion. L'indice d'Oswestry et l'échelle visuelle analogique de la douleur ont montré une amélioration significative. Conclusions: les résultats radiologiques et fonctionnels ont été similaires chez les patients ayant subi ou pas une fusion. La fusion postérieure n'est pas nécessairement un procédé habituel dans les fractures-éclatement du rachis thoracolombaire (AU)

Demographic Trends of Patients with Compressive Myelopathy in a Developing Asian Country

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. PURPOSE: To analyze the demographic picture of the patients suffering from compression myelopathy due to various spinal problems. Overview of Literature: There is a lack of literature depicting demographic picture of such patients with spinal injuries as most of the articles have shown the epidemiology of spinal cord injuries either managed conservatively or operatively. None have focused on the patients with compressive myelopathy requiring surgeries. METHODS: Patients with spinal pathologies with a neurological deficit due to compressive myelopathy requiring surgical decompression of dorsal and thoracolumbar region were studied. The different kinds of etiologies, the demographic profiles involved, the involvement of various regions of spine in each of the etiologies, sex distribution of different etiologies, association of age and sex with the occurrence of paraplegia, and association of thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) involvement by age and sex were studied. This study addressed the dorsal and TLJ till L2 vertebrae surgically treated by anterior transthoracic transpleural approach. RESULTS: With regard to gender, 75% of the females and 67.3% of the males were paraplegic but there was no relationship between gender and the occurrence of paraplegia (p >0.05). There was also no association between TLJ involvement and the age and sex of the patients (p >0.05). Seventy percent of the patients were paraplegic with a mean age of 38.90 years and 30% were paraparetic with a mean age of 43.43 years. Male to female ratio stood at 4.43:1. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic spine in females is increasing. The occurrence of paraplegia and involvement of TLJ is not affected by the age and the sex of the patients. Deep epidemiological understanding of spinal pathologies can lead to a better appreciation of the potential impact of health care management strategies and health policies to prevent and minimize their consequences considering limited worldwide reports on the same.

Neglected Thoraco Lumbar Traumatic Spine Injuries

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To outline the etiology, complications and management difficulties encountered in the management of neglected thoracolumbar spine injuries. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The English literature describes overlooked diagnosis as the most common cause of neglected spine injuries. However, the reasons differ in developing or under-developed nations. Moreover, there is scarcity of literature about the neglected spinal injuries. METHODS: Patients presenting with thoracolumbar traumatic injuries who had not received any form of treatment for more than three weeks were included in the study. The demographic details, operative procedure performed and complications encountered, along with American Spinal Injury Association grade and spinal cord independence measure score recorded on the history sheets were noted. The data were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in the study. Inadequate treatment at the first contact hospital (45%) followed by late presentation (38%) and missed injury (17%) were the major etiological factors for the neglected traumatic injuries in the thoracolumbar spine. The most common complications seen in the management of these cases were pressure sores (58%), back pain (57%), urinary tract infection (42%) and residual kyphotic deformity (42%). CONCLUSIONS: Management of neglected thoracolumbar injuries is challenging. The delay in presentation should not prevent spine surgeon in proceeding with operative intervention as good results can be expected.

Short segment fixation in combination of pedicle screw in injured vertebrae for thoracolumbar fractures / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To assess the clinical outcome of short segment fixation in combination of pedicle screw in injured vertebrae for thoracolumbar fractures. Methods Twenty-one cases of thoracolumbar fractures received short segment fixation combined with pedicle screw in injured vertebrae surgery. The protruding after angle correction and vertebral body height recovery situation were measured by X-ray film before and after surgery. Results All the patients were followed up for 6~20 months,achieved good reduction effect. The imaging measure-ment results found that before the operation Cobb’s angle was (26. 4 ± 7. 3),fracture fanterior flange height was (56. 1 ± 12. 5)%. Com-pared with after the operation and the end of follow-up of Cobb’ s and fracture fanterior flange height,the difference had statistical significance (P0. 05). Conclusion Short segment fixation in combination of pedicle screw in injured vertebrae can restore the height of vetebra,rectify protrusion deformity,which is an effective method for thoracolumbar fracture.

Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fracture

The most common fractures of the spine are associated with the thoracolumbar junction. The goals of treatment of thoracolumbar fracture are leading to early mobilization and rehabilitation by restoring mechanical stability of fracture and inducing neurologic recovery, thereby enabling patients to return to the workplace. However, it is still debatable about the treatment methods. Neurologic injury should be identified by thorough physical examination for motor and sensory nerve system in order to determine the appropriate treatment. The mechanical stability of fracture also should be evaluated by plain radiographs and computed tomography. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging is required to evaluate soft tissue injury involving neurologic structure or posterior ligament complex. Based on these physical examinations and imaging studies, fracture stability is evaluated and it is determined whether to use the conservative or operative treatment. The development of instruments have led to more interests on the operative treatment which saves mobile segments without fusion and on instrumentation through minimal invasive approach in recent years. It is still controversial for the use of these treatments because there have not been verified evidences yet. However, the morbidity of patients can be decreased and good clinical and radiologic outcomes can be achieved if the recent operative treatments are used carefully considering the fracture pattern and the injury severity.

Applicability of Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score to Criteria of Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Treatment Decision of Thoracolumbar Injury

OBJECTIVE: For improving the drawbacks of previous thoracolumbar spine trauma classification, the Spine Trauma Study Group was developed new classification, Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS). The simplicity of this scoring system makes it useful clinical application. However, considering criteria of Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), the usefulness of TLICS system is still controversial in the treatment decision of thoracolumbar spine injury. METHODS: Total 100 patients, who admitted to our hospital due to acute traumatic thoracolumbar injury, were enrolled. In 45, surgical treatment was performed and surgical treatment was decided following the criteria of HIRA in all patients. With assessing of TLICS score and Denis's classification, the treatment guidelines of TLICS and Denis's classification were applied to the criteria of Korean HIRA. RESULTS: According to the Denis's three-column spine system, numbers of patients with 2 or 3 column injuries were 94. Only 45 of 94 patients (47.9%) with middle column injury fulfilled the criteria of HIRA. According to TLICS system, operation required fractures (score>4) were 31 and all patients except one fulfilled the criteria of HIRA. Conservative treatment required fractures (score<4) were 52 and borderline fracture (score=4) were 17. CONCLUSION: The TLICS system is very useful system for decision of surgical indication in acute traumatic thoracolumbar injury. However, the decision of treatment in TLICS score 4 should be carefully considered. Furthermore, definite criteria of posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury may be necessary because the differentiation of PLC injury between TLICS score 2 and 3 is very difficult.