Treatment of spinal burst fractures with pedicle screw fixation at high altitude area / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#According to the characteristics of spinal burst fractures in high-altitude areas and the local medical conditions, to explore the clinical efficacy of short-segment fixation with pedicle screws combined with screw placement in injured vertebrae in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.@*METHODS@#From August 2018 to December 2021, 12 patients with single-vertebral thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological symptoms were treated with injured vertebral screw placement technique, including 7 males and 5 females;aged 29 to 54 years old, with an average of(42.50±7.95) years old;6 cases of traffic accident injury, 4 cases of high fall injury, 2 cases of heavy object injury;2 cases of T11, 4 cases of T12, 3 cases of L1, 2 cases of L2, and 1 case of L3. In the operation, screws were first placed in the upper and lower vertebrae of the fracture, pedicle screws were placed in the injured vertebra, and connecting rods were installed, and the fractured vertebral body was reset by positioning and distraction. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring were used to evaluate the changes in pain and quality of life of patients, and the kyphotic correction rate and correction loss rate of the injured segment were measured by X-ray.@*RESULTS@#All operations were successful without significant intraoperative complications. All 12 patients were followed up, the duration ranged from 9 to 27 months, with an mean of (17.75±5.79) months. VAS at 3 days after operation was significantly higher than that at admission (t=6.701, P=0.000). There was significant difference in JOA score between 9 months after operation and at admission (t=5.085, P=0.000). Three days after operation, Cobb angle was (4.42±1.16)°, and the correction rate was (82±5)% compared with (25.67±5.71)° at admission. Cobb angle was (5.08±1.24) °at 9 months after operation, with a corrected loss rate of (16±13)%. No loosening or breakage of internal fixation was found.@*CONCLUSION@#Under the high-altitude hypobaric and hypoxic environment, the effect of the operation should be ensured while reducing the trauma. The application of the technique of placing screws on the injured vertebra can effectively restore and maintain the height of the injured vertebra, with less bleeding and shorter fixed segments, which is an effective method.

Treatment strategy on traumatic mid-lumbar spondyloptosis with concomitant multiple injuries: A case report and literature review / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Spondyloptosis in the clinic is rarely reported. We herein present a 47-year-old female, who suffered from a crush injury directly by a heavy cylindrical object from the lateral side. She was diagnosed to have traumatic L3 spondyloptosis with multiple traumas. Staged surgical procedures were conducted and a three-year follow-up was obtained. Eventually, normal spinal alignment was restored, and neurological deficits were gradually improved. At three years follow-up, the motor strength scores and function of the sphincters were incompletely improved. Previously published reports on traumatic lumbar spondyloptosis were reviewed and several critical points for management of this severe type of spinal injury were proposed. First, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junction were mostly predilection sites. Second, numerous patients involving traumatic lumbar spondyloptosis were achieved to American Spinal Injury Association grade A. Third, lumbar spondyloptosis was commonly coupling with cauda equina injury. Finally, the outcomes were still with poorly prognosis and recovery of patients was correlation to spondyloptosis severity. Based on this case report and literatures review, we highlighted that the spinal alignment restoration relying on staged operations and following rehabilitation hereof are both important once facing with multiple traumas. Furthermore, we suggested to perform routine CT angiography during lumbar spondyloptosis to justify whether there are large vessel compression or injury.

Application of the theory of equal emphasis on muscle and bone in percutaneous vertebroplasty of lumbar osteoporotic compression fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) combined with nerve block in the treatment of lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures under the guidance of traditional chinese medicine "theory of equal emphasis on muscle and bone".@*METHODS@#Total of 115 patients with lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty from January 2015 to March 2022, including 51 males and 64 females, aged 25 to 86 (60.5±15.9) years. Among them, 48 cases were treated with PVP operation combined with erector spinae block and joint block of the injured vertebral articular eminence (intervention group), and 67 cases were treated with conventional PVP operation (control group). The visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI) before operation, 3 days, 1 month and 6 months after operation between two groups were evaluated. The operation time, number of punctures and intraoperative bleeding between two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#The VAS and ODI scores of both groups improved significantly after operation compared with those before operation(P<0.05). Moreover, the VAS and ODI scores of 3 days and 1 month after operation of the intervention group improved more significantly than that of the control group(P<0.05). The difference of VAS and ODI scores before operation and 6 months after operation between two groups had no statistical significances(P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of punctures and intraoperative bleeding between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the theory of "equal emphasis on muscles and bones", PVP combined with nerve block can effectively relieve paravertebral soft tissue spasm and other "muscle injuries", which can significantly improve short-term postoperative low back pain and lumbar spine mobility compared to conventional PVP treatment, and accelerate postoperative recovery, resulting in satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Herniation of intervertebral disc into thoracolumbar fracture vertebral body leads to malunion of fracture and decrease of intervertebral space height / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics of intervertebral disc tissue injury and herniation into the vertebral body in thoracolumbar fracture on fracture healing, vertebral bone defect volume and intervertebral space height.@*METHODS@#From April 2016 to April 2020, a total of 140 patients with thoracolumbar single vertebral fracture combined with upper intervertebral disc injury treated with pedicle screw rod system reduction and internal fixation in our hospital. There were 83 males and 57 females, aged from 19 to 58 years old, with an average age of (39.33±10.26) years old. All patients were followed up regularly 6 months, 12 months and 18 months after surgery. The patients with injured intervertebral disc tissue not herniated into the fractured vertebral body were the control group, and the patients with injured intervertebral disc and herniated into the fractured vertebral body were the observation group. By detecting the thoracolumbar AP and lateral X-ray films, CT and MRI of the thoracolumbar segment at different follow-up time, calculate the changes of the wedge angle of the fractured vertebral body, the sagittal kyphosis angle and the height of the superior adjacent intervertebral space, the changes of the fracture healing and bone defect volume after the reduction of the vertebral body, and the changes of the intervertebral disc degeneration grade. The prognosis was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI). Finally, the differences of the above results among different groups were comprehensively analyzed.@*RESULTS@#All the patients had normal wound healing without complications. A total of 87 patients received complete follow-up data, at least 18 months after internal fixation. Thoracolumbar AP and lateral X-ray films showed that 18 months after the reduction and internal fixation operation, the vertebral wedge angle, sagittal kyphosis angle and the height of the upper adjacent intervertebral space in the observation group were greater than those in the control group(P<0.05). CT scanning showed that the deformity of the fracture healed 12 months after the vertebral body reduction in the observation group and formed a "cavity" of bone defect connected with the intervertebral space, and its volume was significantly increased compared with that before (P<0.05). MRI scanning showed that the degeneration rate of injured intervertebral discs in the observation group was more serious than that in the control group 12 months after operation(P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in VAS and ODI score at each time.@*CONCLUSION@#Herniation of injured intervertebral disc tissue hernias into the fractured vertebral body leads to increased bone resorption defect volume around the fracture and forms a malunion "cavity" connected with the intervertebral space. This may be the main reason for the change of vertebral wedge angle, the increase of sagittal kyphosis angle and the decrease of intervertebral space height after removal of internal fixation devices.

Treatment of stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ Kümmell disease with robot-assisted bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the early clinical efficacy of robot-assisted percutaneous short-segment bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell disease.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 20 patients with stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell's disease who underwent robot-assisted percutaneous bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation between June 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 4 males and 16 females, aged from 60 to 81 years old with an average age of (69.1±8.3) years. There were 9 cases of stageⅡand 11 cases of stage Ⅲ, all of which were single vertebral lesions, including 3 cases of T11, 5 cases of T12, 8 cases of L1, 3 cases of L2, and 1 case of L3. These patients did not exhibit symptoms of spinal cord injury. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. The position of pedicle screws and the filling and leakage of bone cement in gaps were observed using postoperative CT 2D reconstruction. The data of the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), kyphosis Cobb angle, wedge angle of the diseased vertebra, and anterior and posterior vertebral height on lateral radiographs were statistically analyzed preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and at the final follow-up.@*RESULTS@#Twenty patients were followed up for 10 to 26 months, with an average follow-up of (16.0±5.1) months. All operations were successfully completed. The surgical duration ranged from 98 to 160 minutes, with an average of (122±24) minutes. The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 25 to 95 ml, with an average of (45±20) ml. There were no intraoperative vascular nerve injuries. A total of 120 screws were inserted in this group, including 111 screws at grade A and 9 screws at grade B according to the Gertzbein and Robbins scales. Postoperative CT indicated that the bone cement was well-filled in the diseased vertebra, and cement leakage occurred in 4 cases. Preoperative VAS and ODI were (6.05±0.18) points and (71.10±5.37)%, respectively, (2.05±0.14) points and (18.57±2.77)% at 1 week after operation, and (1.35±0.11) points and (15.71±2.12) % at final follow-up. There were significant differences between postoperative 1 week and preoperative, and between final follow-up and postoperative 1 week(P<0.01). Anterior and posterior vertebral height, kyphosis Cobb angle, and wedge angle of the diseased vertebra were(45.07±1.06)%, (82.02±2.11)%, (19.49±0.77) °, and (17.56±0.94) ° preoperatively, respectively, (77.00±0.99)%, (83.04±2.02)%, (7.34±0.56) °, and (6.15±0.52) ° at 1 week postoperatively, and (75.13±0.86)%, (82.39±0.45)%, (8.38±0.63) °, and (7.09±0.59) ° at the final follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#Robot-assisted percutaneous short-segment bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation demonstrates satisfactory short-term efficacy in treating stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell's disease as an effective minimally invasive alternative. However, longer operation times and strict patient selection criteria are necessary, and long-term follow-up is required to determine its lasting effectiveness.

Retrospective study on the incidence of cats and dogs' spinal injuries by computed tomographic scan. Part II: Thoracolumbar and lumbosacral / Estudo retrospectivo sobre incidência de injúrias em coluna vertebral de cães e gatos por meio de exame tomográfico. Parte II: Toracolombar e Lombossacral

For vertebromedullary injuries, epidemiological knowledge is essential to guide the choice of the most effective diagnostic method. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the epidemiological profile of animals and thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spine lesions diagnosed by computed tomography scan. A compilation of CT scan reports for the aforementioned regions performed in a comercial diagnostic center from 04/01/2017 to 04/30/2020, contrasted and non-contrasted, from routine, was performed in order to list the most common lesions and their locations, as well as the species, breeds and ages most affected. There were 1164 CT scans performed in the period evaluated, all of them in dogs, 57,56% (n=670) for the spine, with 89,7% reports accessed (n=601), where the regions mentioned here added up to 73,05% studies (n=439). In both regions, male French Bulldog dogs had the most injuries. For the thoracolumbar region, disk mineralization, followed by extrusion, were the most frequent injuries, while the site was T12-13 and the mean age 6,5±3,63 years old. In the lumbosacral, disk protrusion was most frequent, the most affected site was L7-S1 and age 6,65±3,79 years. It was concluded that the spine is the main target of CT scans, and that lesions related to the intervertebral disk were the main ones identified, with chondrodystrophic animals being more predisposed to injury.

Para lesões vertebromedulares é indispensável o conhecimento epidemiológico para direcionar a escolha do método diagnóstico mais eficaz. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos animais e das lesões em coluna vertebral toracolombar e lombossacral diagnosticadas através de exame tomográfico. Realizou-se a compilação de laudos de tomografias computadorizadas para as referidas regiões realizadas em centro diagnóstico comercial, entre 01/04/2017 a 30/04/2020, contrastadas e não-contrastadas, provenientes da rotina, a fim de relacionar as lesões e seus locais de ocorrência, bem como a espécie, raças e idades mais comuns. Foram realizados 1164 exames tomográficos no período avaliado, sendo 57,56% (n=670) para a coluna, com 89,7% laudos acessados (n=601), nos quais as regiões toracolombar e lombossacral somaram 73,05% dos estudos (n=439). Em ambas as regiões, os cães Bulldog Francês machos foram os que mais apresentaram lesões. Para a região toracolombar, a mineralização de disco, seguida pela extrusão, foram as lesões mais frequentes, enquanto o local foi T12-13 e a média de idade 6,5±3,63 anos. Na lombossacral, a protusão de disco foi mais frequente, o local mais afetado foi L7-S1 e idade de 6,65±3,79 anos. Concluiu-se que a coluna vertebral é o principal alvo de tomografias, e que as lesões relacionadas ao disco intervertebral foram as principais identificadas, sendo os animais condrodistróficos mais predispostos a lesões.

Cement augmented pedicle screw combined with vertebroplasty for the treatment of Kümmell's disease with type Ⅲ / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical effect of cement-augmented pedicle screw combined with vertebroplasty in treating Kümmell disease with type Ⅲ.@*METHODS@#From January 2015 to December 2018, 37 patients with type Ⅲ Kümmell disease were retrospectively analyzed, including 11 males and 26 females, aged from 61 to 84 years old with an average of (68.6±4.2) years old, and the courses of disease ranged from 2 to 10 months with an average of(6.5±2.3) months. Nine patients were grade C, 20 patients were grade D and 8 patients were grade E according to Frankle grading. All patients were treated by cement-augmented pedicle screw combined with vertebroplasty. Operation time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, hospital stay and complicationswere observed after oeprtaion. Visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry Disability Index(ODI), height of anterior vertebral body, Cobb angle before and after operation were compared.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up from 12 to 60 months with an average of (22.4±10.9) months. Operation time was (240.9±77.4) min, blood loss was (315.0±149.2) ml, postoperative drainage was (220.8±72.0) ml, hospital stay was (12.6±4.7) days. One patient occurred incision redness and 1 patient occurred infection after opertaion. No loosening of bone cement occurred. Postopertaive VAS and ODI were lower than that of before opertaion(@*CONCLUSION@#Cement-augmented pedicle screw combined with vertebroplasty is a safe and effective method for the tretament of Kümmell disease with type Ⅲ.

Short-segment pedicle screw fixation combined with vertebroplasty for the treatment of Kümmell disease with kyphosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effects of posterior short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation combined with vertebroplasty for the treatment of Kümmell disease with kyphosis.@*METHODS@#Twenty-four patients with Kümmell disease complicated with kyphosis treated by posterior short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation combined with vertebroplasty from January 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 males and 18 females, aged 63 to 85 (73.1±6.5) years old. The clinical effect was evaluate by visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the anterior height of injured vertebral body, and the sagittal Cobb angle of the affected segment beforeoperation, at 3 days and final follow up after operation. And the surgical complications were observed.@*RESULTS@#All 24 patients were followed up from 12 to 24 months with an average of (15.5±3.2) months. The VAS score was decreased from 5.21±1.06 preoperatively to 2.38±0.58 at 3 days postoperatively and 1.71±0.75 at final follow-up;ODI was decreased from (50.4±13.5)% preoperatively to (20.9±8.0)% at 3 days postoperatively and (16.7±9.6)% at final follow-up;the anterior height of injured vertebral body was restored from (8.0±4.2) mm before surgery to (18.1±5.0) mm at 3 days after surgery and (16.8±5.1) mm at final follow up;the sagittal Cobb angle of affected segment was decreased from (19.5±6.3)° preoperatively to (7.6±2.1)° at 3 days after surgery and(8.4±1.7)° at final follow-up. VAS, ODI, anterior height of injured vertebral body, and sagittal Cobb angle of affected segment were significantly improved at 3 days after operation and at final follow-up (@*CONCLUSION@#Posterior short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation combined with vertebroplasty for the treatment of Kümmell disease with kyphosis has relatively small surgical trauma, excellent clinical results, good vertebral height recovery, satisfactory correction of kyphotic angle, and fewer complications, etc. It is a safe and effective surgical method to treat Kümmell disease with kyphosis.

Operative versus Non-Operative Management of Traumatic Thoracolumbar Injuries according to the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Classification System

Introduction The AOSpine Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Classification (AOSTSIC) system has been proposed to better characterize injury morphologies and improve the classification of thoracolumbar (TL) spine trauma. However, the indications for surgical treatment according to the AOSTSIC system are still debated. Additionally, the proposed Thoracolumbar AOSpine Injury Score (AOSIS) is quite complex, which may preclude its use in daily practice. The objective of this reviewis to discuss the AOSTSIC systemand its indications for initial nonoperative versus surgical management of acute TL spine trauma. Methods We analyzed the literature for each injury type (and subtype, when pertinent) according to the AOSTSIC system as well as their potential treatment options. Results Patients with AOSTSIC subtypes A0, A1, and A2 are neurologically intact in the vast majority of the cases and initially managed nonoperatively. The treatment of A3- and A4-subtype injuries (burst fractures) in neurologically-intact patients is still debated with great controversy, with initially nonoperative management being considered an option in select patients. Surgery is recommended when there are neurological deficits or failure of nonoperativemanagement,with the role of magnetic resonance findings in the Posterior Ligamentous Complex (PLC) evaluation still being considered controversial. Injuries classified as type B1 in neurologically-intact patients may be treated, initially, with nonoperative management, provided that there are no ligamentous injury and non-displacing fragments. Due to severe ligamentous injury, type-B and type-C injuries should be considered as unstable injuries that must be surgically treated, regardless of the neurological status of the patient. Conclusions Until further evidence, we provided an easy algorithm-based guide on the spinal trauma literature to help surgeons in the decision-making process for the treatment of TL spine injuries classified according to the new AOSTSIC system.

Lesiones toracolumbares en la práctica de acrobacia en tela: Reporte de casos / Thoracolumbar spine injury associated with aerial silk practice. Case reports

Introducción: La acrobacia en tela es una práctica circense con muchos adeptos en la población urbana. Consiste en sostenerse en altura tomado por dos extremos de tela, para realizar posturas fijas y cambiar entre ellas mediante deslizamiento y caídas. La práctica profesional no está libre de lesiones. Objetivo: Conocer la naturaleza de la lesión, reconocer los factores predisponentes de lesión y las medidas de prevención utilizadas, evaluar la cinemática, clasificar la lesión y analizar el tratamiento. Materiales y Métodos: Se incluyeron seis pacientes. Se evaluaron la estructura física personal, la cinemática de la caída, los sistemas de protección, la clasificación de las fracturas según la nueva clasificación AO, el cuadro neurológico, el tratamiento y las complicaciones. Resultados: La muestra incluyó a 6 mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 24 años y un índice de masa corporal de 19,29. Caída de 3,08 m de altura, cuatro con colchoneta <5 cm. Las lesiones principales fueron: 6 A1, 4 B2 y 1C. No se observaron déficits neurológicos. Cuatro pacientes fueron sometidas a cirugía. Conclusiones: La práctica de acrobacia en tela es una actividad circense de reciente aparición global. Las mujeres están más expuestas a las lesiones. El entrenamiento riguroso y el empleo de elementos de seguridad son necesarios para evitar las lesiones. No se observó un patrón único de lesión, la causa fue multifactorial. El tratamiento indicado depende de la lesión vertebral. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Aerial silk is a circus practice that has become very popular in urban populations. It involves hanging from two pieces of fabric in order to make fixed positions and change between them by sliding and dropping from different heights. The professional practice is not free of injuries. Objective: To learn the nature of the injury, to recognize the injury predisposing factors and the safety measures used, to study the kinematics, to classify the injury, and to analyze the treatment. Materials and Methods: Six patients were included. The evaluation included individual body structure, drop kinematics, safety measures, classification of fractures according to the new AO classification, neurological symptoms, treatment, and complications. Results: The study included six female patients, averaging 24 years, a body mass index of 19.29 and a fall from 3.08m, 4 of which included mattress <5cm. The main injuries classification resulted in 6 A1, 4 B2 and 1 C. No neurological deficit was found. Four patients underwent surgical treatment. Conclusions: Aerial silk is a circus activity that has recently become a worldwide practice. Women are more exposed. Rigorous training and the use of safety elements are necessary to avoid injuries. We did not observe a unique pattern of injury, because of its multifactorial cause. The therapeutic decision-making is related to the spinal injury. Level of Evidence: IV

Fractura del gaucho: Mecanismo inusual de fracturas lumbares bajas de tipo estallido / "Gaucho´s fracture". An unusual mechanism of lumbar burst fractures in horse riders

Comunicamos dos casos de fracturas lumbares bajas de tipo estallido con compromiso de la cuarta vértebra lumbar (L4), en pacientes que desarrollan la actividad conocida como "jineteada gaucha", quienes sufrieron una caída de tipo "voleo", en la cual el caballo cae hacia atrás sobre su dorso aprisionando al jinete contra el suelo. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

We discuss two cases of lumbar burst fractures at the fourth lumbar spine vertebra (L4), in patients engaging in a type of horseriding activity known as jineteada gaucha, in which the horse falls on its back, holding the rider against the ground. Level of Evidence: IV

Lesión dural asociada a fracturas de charnela toracolumbar y lumbares con compromiso del muro posterior: Relación con las variables del sistema de clasificación AOSpine / Thecal sac injury secondary to burst fractures of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine, and its association with the AOSpine Classification System variables

Introducción: Las lesiones del saco dural con atrapamiento de la cauda equina entre los fragmentos óseos pueden estar asociadas con fracturas toracolumbares. Objetivo: Realizar un análisis retrospectivo de las variables clínico-radiográficas y el sistema de clasificación AOSpine y la posibilidad de lesión dural asociada en una serie de fracturas toracolumbares por estallido, tratadas en nuestro Centro. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional de una serie de pacientes con fracturas toracolumbares con compromiso del muro posterior operados en nuestra institución, entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2017. Resultados: Se incluyeron 46 pacientes, 16 casos con lesión del saco dural asociada. Las variables porcentaje de ocupación del canal, distancia interpedicular, ángulo del fragmento retropulsado y déficit neurológico asociado mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas según la comparación en función de la presencia o ausencia de lesión dural (p = 0,046, p = 0,007, p = 0,046 y p = 0,004, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Según nuestros resultados, la lesión dural traumática podría ser contemplada en la planificación del tratamiento de fracturas toracolumbares ante fragmentos voluminosos del muro posterior con ángulo agudo, compromiso severo del canal raquídeo, distancia interpedicular elevada y daño neurológico asociado, tal como se propone en la bibliografía. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Fractures of the thoracolumbar spine can trigger thecal sac injuries due to the impingement of the cauda equina between bone fragments. Objective: To carry out a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological variables, the AOSpine Classification System and the possibility of secondary thecal sac injury in a series of thoracolumbar burst fractures treated at our center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, observational study of a series of patients with thoracolumbar fractures with compromise of the posterior vertebral body wall, who underwent surgery at our center between January 2012 and December 2017. Results: Forty-six patients were included, 16 of which had secondary thecal sac injury. The differences in the variables-percentage of spinal canal involvement, interpedicular distance, angle of the retropulsed fragment, neurological deficit and type C fractures-were statistically significant according to the comparison made with the presence or absence of thecal sac injury (p=0.046, p=0.007, p=0.046, p=0.004, p=0,001 respectively). Conclusions: This study suggests that traumatic thecal sac injury could be suspected when managing burst fractures with prominent fragments in the posterior vertebral body wall, acute angle of the retropulsed fragment, severe compression of the spinal canal, wide interpedicular distance, neurological deficit and fracture displacement (fracture type C according to the AOSpine Classification System). Level of Evidence: IV

Factores de crecimiento ozonizados en el síndrome facetario lumbar / Ozonized growth factors in the lumbar facet syndrome

El tratamiento de las patologías discales y degenerativas que afectan a las articulaciones interfacetarias de la columna vertebral representan entre ambas más del 95% de los objetivos curativos en esta área del cuerpo, en razón de esto, esta investigación evalúa los efectos de los factores de crecimiento ozonizados en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome facetario lumbar, así como también, valorar la intensidad del dolor en el síndrome facetario, determinando el grado de movilidad articular previo y posteriora la infiltración. Métodos: la presente investigación se considera un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo, con un diseño es preexperimental, en pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de terapia del dolor del Hospital Dr. Pedro García Clara, en Ciudad Ojeda, estado Zulia-Venezuela. Los resultados se expresaron como valores absolutos, en porcentajes, media ± desviación estándar (M±DE), analizando las diferencias de los resultados mediante la prueba "t" de Student, cuando fueron aplicables, tomando un valor de p<0.05. Resultados: se evidencia, que los factores de crecimiento ozonizados infiltrados en los pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome facetario lumbar, tienen efectos clínicos significativos, en cuanto a la disminución de la intensidad del dolor y el aumento del grado de movilidad articular. Conclusiones: el uso del plasma rico ozonizado es una técnica efectiva para disminuir la intensidad del dolor cuando es utilizado en el síndrome facetario ya que permite una aumento significativo de los grados de movilidad articulares de la columna lumbar (flexión, extensión e inclinación. Es una técnica sencilla, eficaz, económica y con efectos adversos mínimos(AU)

The treatment of the disc and degenerative pathologies that affect the interfaceative joints of the spine represent between them more than 95% of the healing objectives in this area of the body, because of this, this research evaluates the effects of the growth factors Ozonized in patients with a diagnosis of lumbar facet syndrome, as well as assessing the intensity of pain in facet syndrome, determining the degree of joint mobility before and after infiltration. Methods: the present investigation is considered a descriptive and prospective study, with a pre-experimental design, in patients who attended the pain therapy consultation of the Dr. Pedro García Clara Hospital, in Ciudad Ojeda, Zulia-Venezuela state. thee results were expressed as absolute values, in percentages, mean ± standard deviation (M ± SD), analyzing the differences of the results by means of the Student "t" test, whenapplicable, taking a value of p <0.05. Results: it is evidenced that infiltrated ozonized growth factors in patients with a diagnosis of lumbar facet syndrome, have significant clinical effects, in terms of the decrease in pain intensity and the increase in the degree of joint mobility. Conclusions: the use of ozonated rich plasma is an effective technique to reduce the intensity of pain when used in facet syndrome because it allows a significant increase in the degrees of joint mobility of the lumbar spine (flexion, extension and tilt.) It is a simple, effective technique, economic and with minimal adverse effects(AU)

Evaluation of the applicability of musculoskeletal ultrasonography of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine segment of healthy dogs / Avaliação da aplicabilidade da ultrassonografia musculoesquelética do segmento toracolombar e lombar da coluna vertebral de cães hígidos

Changes in the spine of dogs are usually detected in clinical and in surgical practice. Few studies exist on musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy of the thoracolumbar and lumbar segments of the normal spine of dogs. This study aimed to compare the normal musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy of the T10-S1 vertebral segments with images obtained with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and anatomical structures, and to establish the ability to identify structures using these modalities. Ultrasound scans allowed visualization of the muscles of the region, articular processes, spinous process, interspinous ligament, and yellow ligament in the lumbosacral window. Computed tomography images provided better bone details, compared to ultrasound images. Low-field MRI allowed the identification of the same structures identified with ultrasound imaging, and allowed the identification of cerebrospinal fluid, transverse processes, and provided improved detail of the intervertebral discs and spinal cord. Knowledge of ultrasound anatomy of the region may allow the the identification of muscle and ligament injuries. Thus, in cities where CT and MRI are inaccessible, ultrasonography of the region could be a good alternative to identify possible changes not observable with radiographic examination or to complement radiographic examination.(AU)

Alterações na coluna vertebral de cães são comumente encontradas na rotina clínica e cirúrgica veterinária. Existem poucos estudos sobre a anatomia ultrassonográfica musculoesquelética do segmento toracolombar e lombar da coluna vertebral normal de cães. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a anatomia ultrassonográfica musculoesquelética normal dos segmentos vertebrais T10-S1 com imagens obtidas pela ressonância magnética, tomografia computadorizada e peças anatômicas visando demonstrar a sua capacidade de identificação de estruturas. A varredura ultrassonográfica permitiu a visibilização da musculatura da região, processos articulares, processos espinhosos, ligamentos interespinhosos e ligamento amarelo na janela lombossacra. A tomografia computadorizada forneceu imagens com melhor detalhamento ósseo quando comparada ao exame ultrassonográfico. A ressonância magnética de baixo campo permitiu a identificação das mesmas estruturas que o exame ultrassonográfico acrescido da identificação do líquido cerebroespinal, processos transversos e melhor detalhamento dos discos intervertebrais e medula espinhal. Com o conhecimento da anatomia ultrassonográfica da região, acredita-se que lesões musculares e ligamentares possam ser identificadas. Vale salientar que em cidades onde a tomografia computadorizada e a ressonância magnética não estejam acessíveis a ultrassonografia da região pode ser uma boa alternativa para identificar possíveis alterações não visibilizadas ao exame radiográfico, ou complementá-lo.(AU)

Outcome Evaluation of Patients with Burst Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Case Series

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of short segment instrumentation in patients affected by burst thoracolumbar fractures. Methods A total of 19 patients with unstable burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine were eligible for short segment instrumentation. Their functional outcome (by using the Oswestry and Denis scales) and back pain (using the visual analog scale) were evaluated after 12 months. Results Themean age of the patients was 30.7 years old, andmost of them weremale (n » 15). The mean hospital stay was 4.6 days. The mean standard deviation (SD) of the pain score according to the visual analog scale was 1.63 1.25 after 12 months of surgery, and there were no patients classified with grades 4 or 5 on the Denis work scale. The average Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 17% during the follow-ups. Conclusions The outcome of the studied patients, including the clinical pain and the functional outcome of postsurgical patients, suggested that the short-segment instrumentation could be an appropriate method for patients with unstable thoracolumbar junction fractures. However, a long-term follow-up is recommended.

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.

Estudo clínico e epidemiológico em cães com fraturas e luxações vertebrais toracolombares / Clinical and epidemiological study in dogs with thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures and luxations

Fraturas e luxações vertebrais (FLV) estão dentre as principais afecções que acometem a coluna vertebral em cães, com elevado risco de danos permanentes às estruturas neurais. Objetivou-se estudar as características e implicações associadas às FLV toracolombares em 37 cães, visando auxiliar uma melhor abordagem clínica em pacientes com esta afecção. As FLV foram mais comuns em machos não castrados com acesso a rua. Dentre a etiologia, 32 cães foram acometidos por acidente automobilístico. 14 cães apresentaram lesões não neurológicas em outros sistemas orgânicos. A presença de fraturas instáveis foi a alteração radiográfica mais comum. Em 16,2% dos animais, observaram-se lesões vertebrais fora do foco principal. O tempo até o atendimento neurológico inicial variou de um a 720 dias, no qual a maioria foi encaminhada sem imobilização externa. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante quanto à recuperação neurológica ao se comparar os graus de deslocamento de 0 a 25% e de 76 a 100%.(AU)

Vertebral fractures and luxations (VFL) are one of the most common and severe neurological issues found in clinical practice, with an elevated risk of permanent damage to the spinal cord. Our objective was to study the characteristics and implications associated with thoracolumbar VFL in 37 dogs, aiming assist a better clinical approach to patients with this disease. The VFL were more common in intact males with access to the street. Regarding etiology, 32 dogs were involved in car accidents. Of the dogs included in this research, 14 had non-neurological issues in other systems. The presence of unstable fractures was the most common radiographic change. In 16.2% of the dogs, vertebral lesions were observed outside the main site. Mean time until initial neurologic exam varied between one and 720 days, and most dogs were referred without external coaptation. There was a significant difference in recovery of the dogs when comparing a degree of dislocation of 0 to 25% and 76 to 100%.(AU)

Diagnóstico radiológico de lesiones lumbares en la zona nor-occidental de Honduras 2014-2016 / Radiological diagnosis of lumbar injuries in the north-west zones of Honduras 2014 - 2016

El dolor lumbar se define como un síndrome mus - culoesquelético cuyo principal síntoma es la pre- sencia de dolor focalizado en el área comprendi - da entre la región costal inferior y la región sacra, y que en ocasiones puede comprometer la región glútea, provocando disminución funcional. Objetivo: Identificar las lesiones lumbares diagnosticadas por medio de estudio radiográfico de columna lumbar. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospec- tivo, comprendido entre 2014 y 2016, en los pacien - tes que asistieron a Mediscan para la realización de estudio radiográfico de columna lumbosacra con una muestra de 687 pacientes. Resultados: De los 687 pacientes, 309(44.9%) del género masculino, 378(55.1%) del género femenino. 211 tenían en- tre 51-60 años. De los pacientes del género mas- culino 103 (33.33%) tenían espondiloartrosis y 63 (20.39%) tenían canal espinal estrecho, en el gé- nero femenino 162 (42.86%) tenían espondiloartro - sis, 83(21.96%) discopatía lumbar. En 562 pacien - tes, se encontró lesión en el estudio radiológico, 264(46.9%) a nivel de L4- L5 Conclusión: La lum- balgia se presenta más en pacientes del género femenino, con mayor frecuencia entre 51-60 años. La patología más diagnosticada fue la espondi - loartrosis y el segmento más afectado fue L4-L5...(AU)

Fracturas vertebrales en niños con osteogénesis imperfecta tipo I / Vertebral fractures in children with Type I Osteogenesis imperfecta

La Osteogénesis imperfecta (OI) es una enfermedad hereditaria del tejido conectivo, que se caracteriza principalmente por fragilidad ósea, deformidad y alteración del crecimiento. La OI tipo I (OI tipo I) es la más frecuente, leve y clínicamente homogénea. Su mayor complicación es la presencia de fracturas vertebrales, asociadas a morbilidad esquelética y cardiopulmonar. Objetivo: Caracterizar clinicamente una cohorte de niños con OI tipo I. Pacientes y Método: Se examinó una cohorte histórica de pacientes menores de 20 años mediante la revisión de fichas clínicas, rescatando las características demográficas, clínicas, bioquímicas y radiológicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 67 pacientes, 55% varones, 69% de la Región Metropolitana. La edad media de diagnóstico fue de 2,9 años, el 70% de los pacientes presentó fracturas vertebrales de predominio torácico, y el 50% lo hizo antes de los 5 años. Un 15% presentó fracturas al momento del diagnóstico, siendo en ellos el diagnóstico de OI tipo I cerca de los 5 años. Los parámetros metabólicos óseos estuvieron en rangos adecuados durante el seguimiento, sin cambios significativos al diagnóstico de las fracturas vertebrales, excepto una disminución de la ingesta recomendada de calcio. Conclusiones: En este estudio, la OI tipo I presenta un diagnóstico precoz, principalmente en preescolares, y se asocia a alta frecuencia de fracturas vertebrales. La disminución en la ingesta de calcio demostrada al momento de la primera fractura requiere especial atención en estos pacientes.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an hereditary disease affecting conective tissue, mainly associated to growth retardation and pathological fractures. OI type I (OI type I), is the mildest, most often, and homogeneous in its fenotype. Vertebral fractures are the most significant complications, associated to skeletical and cardiopulmonary morbidity. Objectives: To characterize clinically a cohort of children with OI type I. Patients and Methods: A cohort of OI type I children younger than 20 year old was evaluated. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and radiological data were registered. Results: Sixty seven patients were included, 55% male, 69% resident in the Metropolitan Region. The mean age of diagnose was 2.9 years, 70% presented vertebral fractures on follow-up, mostly thoracic, and 50% before the age of 5 years. Fifty percentage presented vertebral fractures at diagnose, which was about the age of 5 years. Bone metabolic parameters were in the normal range, without significant change at the moment of vertebral fractures. Calcium intake was found to be below American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations at the time of the first fracture. Conclusions: In this study OI type I has an early diagnose, and vertebral fractures show a high incidence, mostly in toddlers. Calcium intake was found to be below reccomended values, and should be closely supervised in these patients.

Neuraxial anesthesia after local anesthesia for management of percutaneous vertebroplasty complication during vertebroplasty / Bloqueio neuroaxial após anestesia local para manejo de complicação de vertebroplastia percutânea durante vertebroplastia

Abstract Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a relatively safe, simple and commonly performed interventional procedure for the management of vertebral compression fractures. However, serious complications are rarely reported in the procedure. Those are pulmonary embolism, severe infection, paraplegia and an occurrence of a new fracture in an adjacent vertebra after vertebroplasty. Acute complications are generally associated with the procedure. We present the case of neuraxial anesthesia, developed after local anesthesia with 8 mL of 2% prilocaine, in a 68-year-old woman who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty after an osteoporotic collapsed fracture in the L1 vertebra due to trauma. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature.

Resumo Vertebroplastia percutânea é um procedimento intervencionista relativamente seguro, simples e comumente feito para tratar fraturas por compressão vertebral. No entanto, as complicações graves relacionadas ao procedimento são raramente relatadas, incluindo embolia pulmonar, infecção grave, paraplegia e a ocorrência de uma nova fratura em vértebra adjacente após a vertebroplastia. Complicações agudas são geralmente associadas ao procedimento. Apresentamos o caso de bloqueio neuroaxial, feito após anestesia local com 8 mL de prilocaína a 2%, em uma mulher de 68 anos, submetida à vertebroplastia percutânea após fratura osteoporótica na vértebra L1 devido a trauma. De acordo com nossa pesquisa, este é o primeiro caso na literatura.