Vertebroplastia percutánea en fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas / Percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures

La osteoporosis es una enfermedad sistémica que deteriora la calidad del hueso y su arquitectura. Como consecuencia, predispone a fracturas por fragilidad, entre las cuales las fracturas vertebrales son frecuentes. Estas se asocian a una gran morbimortalidad. La vertebroplastia ha surgido en 1984 como alter-nativa terapéutica para tratar algunos tumores vertebrales y fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas dolorosas. Este procedimiento consiste en la inyección de cemento guiado por imágenes, para estabilizar la vértebra fracturada y disminuir el dolor. La vertebroplastia puede ser realizada con anestesia local, sedación o anestesia general. La fuga de cemento fuera de la vértebra es una complicación común; sin embargo esto no suele tener traducción clínica y solamente se trata de un hallazgo imagenológico. En este artículo revisaremos las indicaciones, contraindicaciones, la eficacia, controversias y las complicaciones de la vertebroplastia percutánea. (AU)

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by bone quality deterioration. As a consequence of this deterioration, osteoporosis results in high fracture risk due to bone fragility. Fractures to the spine are common in this scenario, and relate to an increased morbi-mortality. Vertebroplasty emerged in 1984 as an alternative to treat painful vertebral tumors and osteoporotic vertebral fractures. This procedure relies on image guided cement injection to achieve pain relief and strengthen the vertebral body. Vertebroplasty can be performed under local anesthesia, mild sedation, or general anesthesia. Among its complications, cement leakage is common but it is rarely associated with any symptoms and it is usually an imaging finding. In this article, we will review indications and contraindications, effectiveness, controversies and complications related to percutaneous vertebroplasty. (AU)

Fractura vertebral osteoporótica en el adulto mayor / Osteoporotic vertebral fracture in the elderly

La fractura osteoporótica es una entidad clínica que afecta seriamente la calidad y expectativa de vida del paciente, agregándose un impacto socioeconómico elevado, superando incluso a los gastos de patologías como el infarto agudo de miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular y cáncer de mama, y cuya incidencia y prevalencia va en aumento a medida que la población mundial envejece. La gran mayoría de los casos cursan inadvertidos y sub diagnosticados, dejando a tres de cuatro pacientes, sin tratamiento y expuestos a nuevos eventos. El foco mundial en los países desarrollados como estrategia de enfrentamiento de esta patología endémica ha sido el de la prevención, vale decir medicina primaria. Sin embargo, una vez diagnosticada la fractura osteoporótica, no existe consenso en el tipo de tratamiento óptimo, así como sus plazos en estos pacientes. La mayoría de las guías internacionales y los trabajos publicados, presentan diferencias en el manejo de esta lesión.

The osteoporotic fracture is a clinical entity that seriously affects the quality and life expectancy of the patient, adding a high socioeconomic impact, even exceeding the expenses of pathologies such as acute myocardial stroke, vascular cerebral stroke and breast cancer, and whose incidence and prevalence is increasing as the world population ages. The vast majority of cases are non-diagnosed, leaving three of four patients with non treatment at all. The target in developed countries as a strategy to confront this endemic pathology has been prevention, or, primary medicine. However, once the osteoporotic fracture is diagnosed, there is no consensus on the type of optimal treatment, as well as its deadlines in these patients. The majority of international guidelines and published articles show differences in the management and treatment of this fracture.

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

Analysis of 111 patients with cervical spine fractures in a tertiary hospital / Análise de 111 pacientes com fraturas da coluna cervical em um hospital de atendimento terciário / Análisis de 111 pacientes con fracturas de columna cervical en un hospital de tercer nivel

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the epidemiology of 111 patients to determine the age group affected, the level of fracture, fracture classification, and type of treatment. Methods: Descriptive study of 111 cases of cervical spine fracture treated at the Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopedics Lomas Verdes - IMSS from March 2009 to October 2014. Results: The condition appeared in 88% of men. The age range was 16-81 years, with an average of 40 years. The most common fracture according to the AO classification was type A (57%). The segments most affected were C5-C6, C6-C7, C6 and C4-C5 (24.32%, 17.1%, 9.9% and 8.1%). Neurological involvement occurred in 46.8%. The most common mechanism of injury was high energy. Surgical treatment was performed in 78.4% of patients, being one-level corpectomy with placement of mesh and plate, and posterior fixation with facet screws the most appropriate procedures (31.5% and 27.9%, respectively). Conclusions: Males were the most affected, the highest incidence was in C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels and the surgical procedure was the most used.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a epidemiologia de 111 pacientes para determinar a faixa etária acometida, o nível da fratura, a classificação e o tipo de tratamento. Método: Estudo descritivo de 111 casos de fratura da coluna cervical tratados no Hospital de Traumatologia e Ortopedia Lomas Verdes - IMSS, de março de 2009 a outubro de 2014. Resultados: A patologia apresentou-se em 88% dos homens. A faixa etária foi de 16 a 81 anos, com média de 40 anos. A fratura mais frequente de acordo com a classificação AO foi o tipo A (57%). Os segmentos mais afetados foram C5-C6, C6-C7, C6 e C4-C5 (24,32%, 17,1%, 9,9% e 8,1%). Verificou-se comprometimento neurológico em 46,8%. O mecanismo mais comum de lesão foi o de alta energia. O tratamento cirúrgico foi realizado em 78,4% dos pacientes, sendo a corpectomia de um nível com colocação de malha e placa e a fixação posterior com parafusos facetários os procedimentos mais indicados (31,5% e 27,9%, respectivamente). Conclusões: O sexo masculino foi o mais afetado, a maior incidência foi nos níveis C5-C6 e C6-C7 e o procedimento cirúrgico foi o mais utilizado.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir la epidemiología de 111 pacientes para determinar el grupo de edad afectado, el nivel de la fractura, su clasificación y tipo de tratamiento. Método: Estudio descriptivo de 111 casos de fractura de columna cervical tratados en el Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia Lomas Verdes - IMSS, de marzo de 2009 a octubre de 2014. Resultados: La patología se encontró en el 88% de los hombres. El rango de edad fue de 16 a 81 años, siendo el promedio 40 años. Las fracturas más frecuentes según la clasificación AO fueron el tipo A (57%). Los segmentos más afectados fueron C5-C6, C6-C7, C6 y C4-C5 (24,32%, 17,1%, 9,9% y 8,1%). El compromiso neurológico se presentó en el 46,8%. El mecanismo de lesión más común fue el de alta energía. El tratamiento quirúrgico se llevó a cabo en 78,4% de los pacientes, siendo la corpectomía de un nivel más colocación de malla y placa además de la fijación posterior con tornillos facetarios los procedimientos más indicados (31,5% y 27,9%, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los hombres fueron los más afectados, la mayor incidencia fue en los niveles C5-C6 y C6-C7 y el procedimiento quirúrgico fue el más utilizado.

A retrospective study evaluating the correlation between the severity of intervertebral disc injury and the anteroposterior type of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between the severity of intervertebral disc injury and the anteroposterior type of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures. METHODS: Fifty-six cases of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures treated in our trauma center from October 2012 to October 2013 were included in this study. The fractures were classified by the anteroposterior classification, whereas the severity of intervertebral disc injury was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between the severity of intervertebral disc injury and the anteroposterior type of thoracolumbar fractures, whereas a χ2 test was adopted to measure the variability between different fracture types and upper and lower adjacent disc injuries. RESULTS: The Spearman correlation coefficients between fracture types and the severity of the upper and lower adjacent disc injuries were 0.739 (PU<0.001) and 0.368 (PL=0.005), respectively. It means that the more complex Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classifications are the disc injury is more severe. There was also a significant difference in the severity of injury between the upper and lower adjacent discs near the fractured vertebrae (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In thoracolumbar spinal fractures, the severity of the adjacent intervertebral disc injury is positively correlated with the anteroposterior fracture type. The injury primarily involves intervertebral discs near the fractured end plate, with more frequent and severe injuries observed in the upper than in the lower discs. The presence of intervertebral disc injury, along with its severity, may provide useful information during the clinical decision-making process.

Fractures of the cervical spine

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the literature on cervical spine fractures. METHODS: The literature on the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of lower and upper cervical fractures and dislocations was reviewed. RESULTS: Fractures of the cervical spine may be present in polytraumatized patients and should be suspected in patients complaining of neck pain. These fractures are more common in men approximately 30 years of age and are most often caused by automobile accidents. The cervical spine is divided into the upper cervical spine (occiput-C2) and the lower cervical spine (C3-C7), according to anatomical differences. Fractures in the upper cervical spine include fractures of the occipital condyle and the atlas, atlanto-axial dislocations, fractures of the odontoid process, and hangman's fractures in the C2 segment. These fractures are characterized based on specific classifications. In the lower cervical spine, fractures follow the same pattern as in other segments of the spine; currently, the most widely used classification is the SLIC (Subaxial Injury Classification), which predicts the prognosis of an injury based on morphology, the integrity of the disc-ligamentous complex, and the patient's neurological status. It is important to correctly classify the fracture to ensure appropriate treatment. Nerve or spinal cord injuries, pseudarthrosis or malunion, and postoperative infection are the main complications of cervical spine fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Fractures of the cervical spine are potentially serious and devastating if not properly treated. Achieving the correct diagnosis and classification of a lesion is the first step toward identifying the most appropriate treatment, which can be either surgical or conservative. .

Neurologic Recovery According to the Spinal Fracture Patterns by Denis Classification

PURPOSE: Although Denis classification is considered as one of most clinically useful schemes for the evaluation of spinal fracture, there is little documentation on the relationship between fracture pattern and the neurologic recovery. The purpose is to evaluate the correlation between the fracture patterns according to Denis classification and neurologic recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 38 patients (26 men and 12 women) in this series had an average follow-up of 47.1 months, and they were all managed surgically. Denis classification had been used prospectively to determine the fracture morphology. Frankel Scale and American Spinal Injury Association Spinal Cord Injury Assessment Form [American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score] were obtained before surgery, after surgery and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: The common injuries making neurologic deterioration were burst fracture and fracture-dislocation. The degree of neurologic deficits seen first and at the final follow-up was more severe in fracture-dislocation than burst fracture. The neurologic recovery was not different between burst fracture and fracture-dislocation, assessed by Frankel grading and ASIA scoring system. The neurologic recovery evaluated by ASIA score was not different between the lumbar and thoracic spinal fracture. The neurologic recovery assessed by Frankel grade was greater in the lumbar spinal fractures in than the thoracic spinal fractures. CONCLUSION: The severity of initial and the final follow-up neurologic deficits were correlated with the fracture patterns according to Denis classification, but the neurologic recovery was not correlated.

Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injuries Are Related to Fracture Severity and Neurological Damage in Patients with Acute Thoracic and Lumbar Burst Fractures

PURPOSE: The proposed the thoracolumbar injury classification system (TLICS) for thoracolumbar injury cites the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC). However, no report has elucidated the severity of damage in thoracic and lumbar injury with classification schemes by presence of the PLC injury. The purpose of this study was to accurately assess the severity of damage in thoracic and lumbar burst fractures with the PLC injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients treated surgically for thoracic and lumbar burst fractures were enrolled in this study. There were 71 men and 29 women whose mean age was 36 years. Clinical and radiologic data were investigated, and the thoracolumbar injury classification schemes were also evaluated. All patients were divided into two groups (the P group with PLC injuries and the C group without PLC injuries) for comparative examination. RESULTS: Fourth-one of 100 cases showed PLC injuries in MRI study. The load sharing classification score was significantly higher in the P group [7.8+/-0.2 points for the P group and 6.9+/-1.1 points for the C group (p<0.001)]. The TLICS (excluded PLC score) score was also significantly higher in the P group [6.2+/-1.1 points for the P group and 4.0+/-1.4 points for the C group (p<0.001)]. CONCLUSION: The presence of PLC injury significantly influenced the severity of damage. In management of thoracic lumbar burst fractures, evaluation of PLC injury is important to accurately assess the severity of damage.

Fratura toracolombar explosão: análise radiográfica diferencial entre A e B de Margerl / Thoracolumbar burst fracture: radiographic evaluation on differences between Magerl's A and B

OBJETIVOS: Verificar nos pacientes com fratura toracolombar explosão de Denis a incidência de fratura tipo A e B de Margerl segundo examinadores independentes. MÉTODOS: De acordo com a abertura radiográfica dos processos espinhosos do arco vertebral posterior na radiografia ântero-posterior, três examinadores independentes dividiram os pacientes internados de 2000 a 2009 com fratura toracolombar explosão (Denis) em fraturas tipo A3 e B1.2 de Margerl. A avaliação estatística foi descritiva e pelo método de Kappa. RESULTADOS: Dos 72 pacientes, a fratura foi classificada B em 11 pacientes de acordo com o primeiro examinador 1; 10 pelo segundo e 17 pelo terceiro. A concordância entre os examinadores da presença de comprometimento posterior nestas fraturas (B1.2) foi satisfatória (boa,κ=0,7). CONCLUSÃO: 14 a 24% de pacientes com fratura toracolombar explosão (Denis) apresentam comprometimento posterior (B1.2) de acordo com critérios radiográficos. Nível de evidencia III, Estudo Diagnostico, Investigação de Teste diagnostico.

Objectives: Evaluate incidence of Magerl's A and B group in thoracolumbar burst fracture (Denis) according to independent examiners. Method: According to the posterior spinous process split on the anteroposterior radiography, three independent examiners have analyzed the patients admitted from 2000 to 2009 with thoracolumbar burst fractures (according to Denis) to differenciate between Magerl's type A3 and B1.2. Statistical evaluation was descriptive and by using Kappa's method. Results: From the 72 patients, 11 patients compose the Magerl's type B group according to examiner 1; 10 according to examiner 2; and 17 according to examiner 3. Posterior lesion concordance was satisfactory (good,κ=0,7) between the examiners. Conclusion: 14 to 24% patients with thoracolumbar fractures show posterior lesion (B1.2) by using radiographic criteria. Level of evidence III, Diagnostic Studies Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

Espondilolistese traumática do áxis: epidemiologia, conduta e evolução / Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis: epidemiology, management and outcome

OBJETIVO: Avaliar casos de espondilolistese traumática do áxis e descrevê-los com relação à epidemiologia, classificação, déficit neurológico, tempo de consolidação e tratamento. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários dos pacientes tratado de 2002 a 2010 no IOT-HCFMUSP. Critério de inclusão: fratura da pars interarticularis de C2. RESULTADOS: 68% dos pacientes do sexo masculino com idade média de 39,1 anos. Utilizamos a classificação de Effendi, modificada por Levine-Edwards. Observamos fratura do tipo I em cinco pacientes (31,2%) e tipo II em oito pacientes (50%). Apenas três pacientes (18%) apresentaram fratura do tipo IIa. Não houve casos do tipo III. Mecanismo: Oito acidentes automobilísticos e quatro quedas. Outros mecanismos: atropelamento e mergulho. Tratamento: tração com halo craniano em onze pacientes. Foram usados gesso minerva e halo-gesso. Tempo de consolidação: 3,6 meses. Tempo de seguimento: 9,6 meses. DISCUSSÃO: Nossos resultados confirmam que fratura do enforcado apresenta bom prognóstico. Não houve necessidade de cirurgia em nenhum caso. A incidência de déficit neurológico é baixa. Nenhum paciente apresentou fratura instável, tipo III. CONCLUSÃO: Este trabalho sugere que a espondilolistese traumática do áxis continua sendo uma lesão satisfatoriamente tratada de forma conservadora na maioria dos casos. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis and describe them in relation to epidemiology, classification, neurological deficit, healing time and treatment method. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients treated between 2002 and 2010 at IOT-FMUSP. Inclusion criteria: pars interarticularis fracture of C2. RESULTS: 68% were male patients, with a mean age of 39.1 years. We used the classification by Effendi, modified by Levine-Edwards. Type I fractures were observed in five patients (31.2%) and type II in eight patients (50%). Only three patients (18%) had type IIa fracture. There were no cases of type III. Mechanism: Eight car accidents and four falls. Other mechanisms: being run over, and diving accidents. Treatment with halo traction was used in eleven patients, using minerva cast and halo-cast. Healing time: 3.6 months. Follow-up time: 9.6 months. DISCUSSION: In general, hangman fracture has a good prognosis, which is confirmed by our results. There was no need for surgery in any of the cases. The incidence of neurological deficit is low. No patient had unstable fracture (type III). CONCLUSION: This paper suggests that traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis continues to be an injury that is successfully treated by conservative treatment in most cases. Level of Evidence -IV, Case series.

Estudio comparativo del tratamiento ortésico en las fracturas toracolumbosacras según la severidad del trauma / Comparative study of orthotic treatment in thoracolumbar fractures according to severity

Introducción: En el presente trabajo se evalúan los resultados del tratamiento ortopédico seleccionando el tipo de ortesis según la energía del traumatismo toracolumbosacro estable. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes sin litigios tratados con TLSO a medida o con ortesis prefabricadas, con seguimiento mínimo de 2 años. Observadores independientes evaluaron los parámetros geométricos en radiografías iniciales y finales, y los parámetros funcionales. Se subdividieron las fracturas (AO y Denis) en alta (grupo A) y baja energía (grupo B), según su energía cinética y se utilizó un grupo de control comparativo. Se incluyeron 44 fracturas correspondientes a 41 pacientes: 25 en el grupo A y 19 en el B, con una edad promedio de 46 años (rango 12 a 83). El seguimiento promedio fue de 4,5 años (rango 2,2 a 15,5). Los tipos predominantes fueron: tipo A (AO) o por compresión y por estallido (Denis). Resultados: No se observaron diferencias significativas entre las mediciones iniciales y finales, salvo en la cifosis vertebral inicial. Siempre hubo diferencias significativas al comparar los parámetros geométricos entre el grupo de control y los grupos A y B, y entre el grupo de control y cada subtipo subdivididos en alta o baja energía. Los puntajes funcionales finales fueron siempre buenos, con variaciones significativas entre los grupos A y B. Conclusiones: Se obtuvo un resultado funcional bueno en las lesiones estables seleccionando la ortesis según la energía cinética del traumatismo. Los resultados parecen mejores en los de alta energía con ortesis a medida. Ningún tratamiento normalizó los parámetros radiológicos.

Background: To determine whether the severity of stable thoraco-lumbosacral trauma is useful to decide on bracetype in orthopedic treatment. Methods: Retrospective study (16 years). Inclusion criteria: 1) Minimum follow-up: 2 years. 2) Complete plain radiological studies. 3) No Litigation. 4) TLSO custommade treatment for high kinetic energy trauma and prefabricatedorthoses for low energy lesions. 5) Treatment performed or supervised by the senior author. Evaluation by independent observers of Geometric Parameters (sagittal Cobb, vertebral kyphosis, anterior vertebral collapse) initially and at follow-up, and FunctionalParameters (SRS pain scale, Oswestry Index, Return to PreviousActivity). Subdivision of different fracture types(AO and Denis classifications) in High (Group A) and Low Energy (Group B) according to the amount of kineticenergy. Comparison with a control group. Statistical analysis: Chi square and Student t-test. 41 patients were studied (44 fractures, 23 females/18males), 25 fractures were Group A and 19 Group B. Average age: 46 years (12-83). Average follow-up: 4.5 years (2.2-15.5). Predominant site: T11 - L2; predominant types: A (AO), or compression and burst (Denis). Results: There were no significant differences between the initial and follow-up measurements. The only significantdifference between groups was found in the initial vertebral kyphosis. However, differences always existed when comparing the geometric parameters between the control group and groups A and B, and between the control group and each type of fracture (AO / Denis) subdivided into high and low energy. The final functional parameters’ scores were always good, with significant variationsbetween groups A and B...

Avaliação do tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas da coluna toracolombar com material de terceira geração tipo fixador interno / Evaluation of surgical treatment of fractures of thoracolumbar spine with third-generation material for internal fixation

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado funcional dos pacientes com fratura da coluna toracolombar cirúrgica. MÉTODO: Foi feito um estudo prospectivo incluindo 100 pacientes portadores de fratura da coluna vertebral nos segmentos torácico e lombar. As lesões foram classificadas conforme a sistemática da AO e os pacientes foram tratados com cirurgia. Avaliou-se a presença de cifose inicial e sua evolução após a intervenção cirúrgica, a presença de dor pós-operatória e sua evolução até 24 semanas do ato cirúrgico. Comparando nossos dados com a literatura. RESULTADOS: Analisados 100 pacientes cirúrgicos, sendo 37 do tipo A, 46 do tipo B e 17 do tipo C, observamos que os pacientes que se apresentavam com Frankel A mantiveram o quadro, porém, os pacientes com Frankel B ou mais, evoluíram com alguma melhora do quadro; a média da melhora da dor baseada na escala visual analógica (EVA) foi acima de 4 pontos, e o retorno às atividades de rotina diária constatado em todos os pacientes, sendo que o retorno ao trabalho não foi considerado por nós como critério de avaliação. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da controvérsia quanto à indicação da cirurgia nas fraturas da coluna, consideramos o método por nós utilizado como satisfatório, com bons resultados e baixo índice de complicações, porém mais estudos prospectivos e randomizados, com um seguimento mais longo, são necessários para uma avaliação deste tipo de fixação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional results from patients with surgical fractures in the thoracolumbar spine. METHOD: A prospective study including 100 patients with spinal fractures in the thoracic and lumbar segments was conducted. The lesions were classified in accordance with the AO system, and the patients were treated surgically. The presence of early kyphosis and its evolution after the surgical intervention, and the presence of postoperative pain and its evolution up to the 24th week after the surgery, were evaluated. We compared our data with the literature. RESULTS: One hundred surgical patients were analyzed, of which 37 were type A, 46 were type B and 17 were Type C. Patients who presented Frankel A kept their clinical status, but patients with Frankel B or higher evolved with some improvement. The average improvement in pain based on a visual analog scale was more than four points. All the patients were able to return to their daily routine activities, although we did not take the return to work to be an assessment criterion. CONCLUSION: Despite controversy regarding the indications for surgery in cases of fractured spine, we believe that the method that we used was satisfactory because of the good results and low complication rate. However, more randomized prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed in order to evaluate this type of fixation.

Avaliação radiográfica do colapso sagital na fratura toracolombar tipo B de Magerl / Evaluación radiográfica de la cifosis en los portadores de fracturas del subtipo B21 de Magerl / Radiographic evaluation of sagittal collapse in Magerl type B thoracolumbar fractures

INTRODUÇÃO: a cifose pós-traumática é uma complicação do tratamento conservador da fratura toracolombar tipo flexo-distrativa de Magerl (B21). A maioria das séries avalia todos os subtipos de Magerl e discute seus achados com base na perda média de cifose no acompanhamento. OBJETIVO: avaliar o desfecho radiográfico quanto à cifose nos portadores de fraturas do subtipo B21 de Magerl, de acordo com a variação das médias entre os indivíduos após acompanhamento mínimo de seis meses. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo com 34 pacientes submetidos à realização de gesso antigravitacional ou colete TLSO. A mensuração da cifose foi realizada pelo método de Cobb no momento da admissão no hospital e no final do acompanhamento médio de 84,5 meses. RESULTADOS: não houve diferença estatística entre a cifose antes e após o tratamento (14,18º versus 14,15º; (p=0,967). CONCLUSÃO: a cifose radiográfica no final do acompanhamento é similar à cifose encontrada nas radiografias iniciais nesse grupo de pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: the post-traumatic kyphosis is a complication reported after conservative treatment of thoracolumbar flexion fracture. Most of the series evaluates all subtypes of Magerl and discusses their findings based on the average loss of kyphosis during the follow-up. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate radiographic outcomes regarding kyphosis in patients with fractures of Magerl subtype B21 according to the average variation among individuals after follow-up of at least six months. METHODS: a retrospective study with 34 patients treated with hyperextension cast or TLSO brace. The measurement of kyphosis was performed by means of Cobb method at the admission in the hospital and at the end of the follow-up of approximately 84.5 months. RESULTS: there was no statistical difference between the kyphosis before and after treatment (14.18º versus 14.15º; (p=0.967). CONCLUSION: the radiographic kyphosis in the final follow-up and in the initial radiographies is similar in this group of patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la cifosis postraumática es una complicación del tratamiento conservador de la fractura toracolumbar tipo flexión-distracción. La mayoría de las series evalúan todos los subtipos de Magerl y discuten sus resultados con base en la pérdida promedio de cifosis en el acompañamiento. OBJETIVO: evaluación del desenlace radiográfico según la cifosis en los portadores de fracturas del subtipo B21 de Magerl, de acuerdo con la variación de los promedios entre los individuos después de un acompañamiento mínimo de seis meses. MÉTODOS: estudio retrospectivo con 34 pacientes sometidos a la realización de yeso antigravitacional o chaleco TLSO. La medición de la cifosis fue realizada por el método de Cobb en el momento de La admisión en el hospital y en el final del acompañamiento promedio de 84,5 meses. RESULTADOS: no hubo diferencia estadística entre la cifosis antes y después del tratamiento (14,18º versus 14,15º; (p=0,967). CONCLUSIÓN: la cifosis radiográfica en el final del acompañamiento es similar a la encontrada en las radiografías iniciales en este grupo de pacientes.

Clasificación de las fracturas toracolumbares: comparación entre las clasificaciones de AO y Vaccaro / Classification of thoracolumbar fractures: a comparison between the classifications of AO versus Vaccaro / Classificação das fraturas toracolombares: comparação entre as classificações de AO e Vaccaro

Las clasificaciones han cambiado en el último medio siglo, la más usada desde la pasada década es la Clasificación AO. En 2004, Vaccaro et al. propusieron el Thoraco-Lumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS). MÉTODOS: análisis de la reproductividad inter y intra observador, utilizando el test Kappa, de las dos clasificaciones entre tres niveles distintos de traumatólogos en formación, en 30 casos. RESULTADOS: la reproductividad intraobservador en la clasificación de Vaccaro fue: OI: 0,73; OII: 0,6 y OIII: 0,63. Para la clasificación AO: 0,7; 0,7 y 0,6, respectivamente. Entre las dos clasificaciones: OI: 0,59; OII: 0,7 y OIII: 0,62. La evaluación interobservador para la clasificación de Vaccaro es 0,66 y para la clasificación AO de 0,67. Los puntos críticos: rotación y lesiones del complejo ligamentario posterior. CONCLUSIONES: las dos clasificaciones muestran un buen grado de acuerdo (índice de Kappa). Con la de Vaccaro, se observó un acuerdo global del 69 por cento. Con respecto a la indicación de tratamiento ortopédico, el acuerdo fue el 37 por cento. En la indicación de tratamiento quirúrgico, fue del 29 por cento. Cabe remarcar que dicha clasificación dispone de un nivel impreciso donde se puede optar por cualquiera de los dos tratamientos (TLICS 4), esto se observó en el 3 por cento. No hubo concordancia en el 31 por cento. Las mismas indicaciones para la clasificación AO presentaron un acuerdo global del 67 por cento. Para la indicación ortopédica fue del 32 por cento. Se realizó una indicación quirúrgica en el 21 por cento. En las lesiones clasificadas como A3 (14 por cento), su indicación de tratamiento no es definida con unanimidad entre los observadores.

The classifications have changed in the last half century; the most used from the last decade is Classification AO. In 2004, Vaccaro et al. proposed the Thoraco-Lumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS). METHODS: one analysis of the inter and intra observant reproduction by using the Kappa test, of the two classifications between three different levels from orthopedic surgeons in formation in 30 cases. RESULTS: the intraobservant reproduction in the classification of Vaccaro was: OI: 0.73; OII: 0.6, and OIII: 0.63. For the AO classification: 0.7; 0.7 and 0.6, respectively. Between the two classifications: OI: 0.59; OII: 0.7, and OIII: 0.62. The interobservant evaluation for the classification of Vaccaro is 0.66 and for AO classification was 0.67. The tactically important points were rotation and injuries of the later ligamentary complex. CONCLUSIONS: the two classifications show a good degree in agreement (Kappa index). With the Vaccaro, it has been observed a global agreement of 69 percent. Regarding the indication of orthopedic treatment, the agreement was 37 percent. In the surgical treatment indication, it was 29 percent. It is possible to remark that this classification has a vague level where it can be decided on any of the two treatments (TLICS 4). This was observed in 3 percent. There was no agreement in 31 percent. The same indications for classification AO presented a global agreement of 67 percent. For the orthopedic indication, it was 32 percent. A surgical indication was made in 21 percent. In the injuries classified as A3 (14 percent) about the treatment is not defined with unanimity between the observers.

As classificações têm mudado na último metade do século, sendo a mais usada desde a última década, a classificação AO. Em 2004, Vaccaro et al. propuseram a Thoraco-Lumbar Injury Classification (TLICS). MÉTODOS: análise da reprodução inter e intraobservador, utilizando o teste Kappa das classificações entre três níveis distintos de traumatólogos em formação, em 30 casos. RESULTADOS: a reprodução intraobservador na classificação de Vaccaro foi: OI: 0,73; OII: 0,6 e OIII: 0,63. Para a classificação AO, 0,77; 0,7 e 0,6, respectivamente. Entre as duas classificações: OI: 0,59; OII: 0,7 e OIII: 0,62. A avaliação interobservador para a classificação de Vaccaro foi de 0,66 e para a classificação AO de 0,67. Os pontos críticos foram rotação e lesões do complexo ligamentar posterior. CONCLUSÕES: as duas classificações mostram um bom grau de concordância (índice Kappa). Com a de Vaccaro, observou-se concordância global de 69 por ciento. Com respeito à indicação do tratamento ortopédico, a concordância foi de 37 por ciento. A indicação de tratamento cirúrgico foi de 29 por ciento. Cabe salientar que essa classificação dispõe de um nível impreciso em que pode-se optar por qualquer dos dois tratamentos (TLICS 4), o qual foi observado em 3 por ciento. Não houve concordância em 31 por ciento. As mesmas indicações para a classificação AO apresentaram concordância global de 67 por ciento. Indicação ortopédica foi de 32 por ciento. Foi realizada uma cirurgia em 21 por ciento. Nas lesões classificadas como A3 (14 por ciento), a sua indicação de tratamento não foi definida com unanimidade entre os observadores.

Regreso a la actividad laboral luego del tratamiento quirurgico de las fracturas toracolumbares / Job reinstatement after surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

Introduccion: El impacto generado en un paciente laboralmente activo que sufre una fractura inestable de la columna toracolumbar (TL) se asocia con el riesgo de quedar con alguna discapacidad. El objetivo de la presente comunicacion es establecer la capacidad laboral de los pacientes luego de sufrir una fractura inestable de columna TL, mediante la determinacion de los factores predictivos, el analisis del porcentaje de pacientes que se reintegran a la actividad laboral y el nivel de exigencia al que regresan. Materiales y metodos: Se evaluaron 58 pacientes con fracturas inestables de la columna toracolumbar y lumbar tratadas con cirugia entre julio de 1996 y agosto de 2005 en dos centros medicos privados y en el Hospital Santojanni. Se categorizaron con la clasificacion de Magerl y Aebi, la escala de Frankel y la escala de trabajo de Dennis. Resultados: Se trataron 5 mujeres y 53 varones. La edad en el momento de la cirugía oscilo entre 19 y 72 años, con una media de 36 años. El seguimiento fue, en promedio, de 12 meses, con un maximo de 36 y un minimo de 8 meses. Las fracturas fueron clasificadas en tipo A, 45 casos (75,86 por ciento); tipo B, 6 casos (10,34 por ciento); y tipo C, 8 casos (13,7 por ciento). El total de lesiones neurológicas iniciales correspondio al 15,5 por ciento (9 casos). Luego de la cirugia y su recuperacion el porcentaje de lesiones permanentes fue 8,62 (5 casos). Se detectaron 8 lesiones durales. Los niveles de las lesiones correspondieron en 26 casos (44,82 por ciento) a LI; en 15, a LII (25,86 por ciento); en uno, a LIII (1,72 por ciento); en dos, a LIV (3,44 por ciento) y en 14, a TXII (24,13 por ciento). Discusion: Los esfuerzos en el momento del alta para reincorporar al paciente se realizan desde diversas posiciones. En este aspecto cabe destacar que la funcion en el terreno es de gran importancia, con entrevistas al paciente y al empleador. Evaluar los resultados considerando los porcentajes de consolidacion es hoy en nuestro

Classificação das fraturas tóraco-lombares baseada em investigação por imagem: avaliação de 33 casos / Classification of thoracolumbar spine fractures based on a complete imaging investigation in 33 patients

As fraturas das regiões torácica e lombar da coluna vertebral constituem amplo espectro de diferentes tipos de lesões resultantes de mecanismos fisiopatológicos distintos. A fim de se reduzir as controvérsias existentes a respeito da conduta destas lesões é necessária a utilização de uma classificação que permita a sua correta caracterização. Neste estudo avaliamos retrospectivamente 33 pacientes portadores de fraturas tóraco-lombares com o objetivo de categorizar e avaliar os fatores relacionados a esta patologia. O mecanismo de trauma mais freqüente foi queda de altura, presente em 24 casos. Na maioria dos pacientes (57,6 por cento) as fraturas localizaram-se na transição tóraco-lombar (T12-L1) e o quadro neurológico mais freqüente foi o déficit sensitivo-motor completo abaixo da lesão, em 45,45 por cento dos casos. A apresentação neurológica foi mais grave nos pacientes com lesões torácicas em relação às lesões lombares (teste de Fischer, p=0,039). Uma correlação positiva foi observada entre a severidade do quadro neurológico e a gravidade da lesão segundo a classificação de Magerl (r de Pearson=0,85, p<0,001). Concluímos que as fraturas tóraco-lombares são lesões graves considerando a apresentação neurológica inicial e que é necessária a utilização de uma classificação ampla e adequada como a utilizada no presente estudo.

The thoracolumbar spine fractures constitute a wide spectrum of resultant lesions, with distinct injury mechanisms. In order to reduce the controversies concerning about the management of these fractures, a universally accepted classification is necessary. In this study we evaluated retrospectively 33 patients with thoracolumbar spine fracture, with the goal of categorize and evaluate the factors related to this pathology. A complete radiological investigation, complaining of plain radiography, computed tomography and magnetic ressonance imaging, was used to classify these fractures. Fall was the more common mechanism, present in 24 cases. In 57.6 percent of the patients, the fractures located at thoracolumbar transition (T12-L1) and the more frequent neurological presentation was total deficit, present in 45.45 percent. The neurological presentation was more serious in patients with thoracic lesions regarding lumbar lesions (Fischer's test, p=0.039). A positive correlation was observed between severity of the neurological presentation and gravity of the lesion according to Magerl's classification (Pearson's method, r=0.85, p<0.001). In conclusion, thoracolumbar spine fractures are serious lesions considering the initial neurological presentation; a wide and accurate classification, as we used, is necessary to describe these injuries and may help resolve some of the controversies concerning the management of these lesions.

Lesiones por flexodistracción de la columna cervical tratadas con placas por vía posterior / Flexodistraction injuries of the cervical spine treated by back route plates

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal ambispectivo en 18 pacientes con lesiones por flexodistracción cervical estadios 2 a 4 de Allen y Frerguson tratados con placas posteriores para determinar la evolución de la estabilidad de la columna y el estado neurológico de los pacientes de acuerdo a los criterios de White y Panjabi y a la Escala Fundación Medular de la American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). La media del seguimiento fue de 14 meses. En la valoración preoperatoria la puntuación inicial de ASIA fue entre mala y pobre en un 27 por ciento y todos los pacientes tuvieron más de 5 puntos de inestabilidad, en la valoración de control postratamiento la puntuación de ASIA fue excelente en el 77.8 por ciento y buena en el 11 por ciento de los casos; 1 casos (estadio 4) continuó con una puntuación mala < 25 puntos de ASIA (lesión medular completa), pero con columna estable, y otro cursó con inestabilidad cervical por puntuación aunque con una evolución clínica normal (ASIA 125 puntos) y columna fusionada. Se identificó una asociación significativa entre la valoración prequirúrgica con evolución clínia (RR = 13.50, IC 95 por ciento = 6.78, p = 0.00003) y en la valoración de ASIA pre y postratamiento (RR = 1.55, IC 95 por ciento = 1.4866 - 5.6041, p = 0.02)