Treatment of benign tumors in thoracic spinal canal by modified replanting posterior ligament complex applying piezoelectric osteotomy / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of modified replanting posterior ligament complex (PLC) applying piezoelectric osteotomy in the treatment of primary benign tumors in thoracic spinal canal. Methods: The clinical data of 38 patients with primary benign tumors in thoracic spinal canal between March 2014 and March 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 16 males and 22 females, aged from 21 to 72 years (mean, 47.1 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 to 57 months (mean, 32.6 months). Pathological examination showed 24 cases of schwannoma, 6 cases of meningioma, 4 cases of ependymoma, 2 cases of lipoma, and 2 cases of dermoid cyst. The lesions located in 18 cases of single segment, 15 cases of double segments, and 5 cases of three segments. The length of the tumors ranged from 0.7 to 6.5 cm. There were boundaries between the tumors and the spinal cord, cauda equina, and nerve roots. The preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 12.2±2.3 and the thoracic Cobb angle was (11.7±2.7)°. Modified PLC replantation and microsurgical resection were performed with piezoelectric osteotomy. Continuity of uniside supraspinal and interspinous ligaments were preserved during the operation. The PLC was exposed laterally. After removing the tumors under the microscope, the pedicled PLC was replanted in situ and fixed with bilateral micro-reconstruction titanium plate. X-ray film, CT, and MRI examinations were performed to observe spinal stability, spinal canal plasty, and tumor resection after operation. The effectiveness was evaluated by JOA score. Results: The operation time was 56-142 minutes (mean, 77.1 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 110-370 mL (mean, 217.2 mL). The tumors were removed completely and the incisions healed well. Three cases complicated with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and there was no complications such as spinal cord injury and infection. All the 38 patients were followed up 24-28 months (mean, 27.2 months). There was no internal fixation loosening, malposition, or other related complications. At last follow-up, X-ray films showed no sign of kyphosis and instability. CT showed no displacement of vertebral lamina and reduction of secondary spinal canal volume, and vertebral lamina healed well. MRI showed no recurrence of tumors. At last follow-up, the thoracic Cobb angle was (12.3±4.1)°, showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative value ( t=0.753, P=0.456). JOA score increased to 23.7±3.8, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value ( t=15.960, P=0.000). Among them, 14 cases were excellent, 18 were good, 6 were fair, and the excellent and good rate was 84.2%. Conclusion: Modified replanting PLC applying piezoelectric osteotomy and micro-reconstruction with titanium plate for the primary benign tumors in thoracic spinal canal can reconstruct the anatomy of the spinal canal, enable patients to recover daily activities quickly. It is an effective and safe treatment.

Effects of Preserving Posterior Ligament Complex on Biomechanical Properties of the Adjacent Segments after Lumbar Decompression and Fusion / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare the effects of preserving the posterior ligament complex (PLC) with torque loading and displacement loading on the biomechanical properties of the adjacent segments after lumbar decompression and fusion. Methods Six fresh male cadaver lumbar specimens of T12-S2 were tested in the sequence of intact, L4-5 laminotomy (preserving the PLC) with fixation and L4-5 laminectomy (destructing the PLC) with fixation, by applying both displacement loading and torque loading, respectively. Ranges-of-motions (ROMs) of the adjacent segments were measured under a noncontact photographic recording system. Results In displacement-loading mode, the flexion ROM in laminectomy group was significantly higher than that in laminotomy group, and no obvious ROM differences were found in the laminectomy and laminotomy groups under extension, lateral bending, and rotation movement. Conclusions Torque loading and displacement loading have different biomechanical effects on the adjacent segments after lumbar decompression and fusion. Compared with the laminotomy method, in which the PLC is preserved, the laminectomy method in which PLC structures are damaged can obviously lead to an increment of flexion ROMs at the adjacent segments, and also increase the ROMs of the adjacent segments under extension, lateral bending, and rotation movements, which might increase the risk of further instability of the fused adjacent segments.

Nine issues about clinical application of thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Spinal fractures are a big challenge to orthopedists.Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS),a newly developed evaluation system for thoracolumbar fractures,has proved to be valid and reliable in the last decade.However,there have still been many problems in the clinical application of TLICS in China.We discussed nine issues about the clinical application of TLICS in this article,hoping to promote better understanding and application of TLICS in Chinese spinal surgeons in their daily practice.

Nine issues about clinical application of thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Spinal fractures are a big challenge to orthopedists.Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS),a newly developed evaluation system for thoracolumbar fractures,has proved to be valid and reliable in the last decade.However,there have still been many problems in the clinical application of TLICS in China.We discussed nine issues about the clinical application of TLICS in this article,hoping to promote better understanding and application of TLICS in Chinese spinal surgeons in their daily practice.

Association study on classification,injury score, kyphosis deformity and nerve function injury of thoracolumbar fracture / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the association between the lumbar vertebral fracture damage degree with the fracture classification,injury score,kyphosis deformity and nerve function injury.Methods According to the damage degree of posterior lig ament complex(PLC),the patients were divided into the PLC intact group and PLC injury group.Its relationship with PLC injury was researched by evaluating the fracture classification,injury score and nerve function injury situation in the two groups.Results The LCS score and TLICS score in the PLC injury group were (7.1±0.8) points and (8.2±0.6) points,which were higher than (5.7±0.5) points and (4.6±0.7) points in the PLC intact group.The Denis score in the PLC injury group was more serious.The Cobb angle in the PLC injury group was 29°,and which in the PLC intact group was 19°.The proportion of nerve function insufficiency in the PLC injury group was 89％,while which in the PLC intact group was only 60 ％.Conclusion The thoracolumbar vertebral fracture is closely related with PLC.PLC damage degree is positively correlated with the fracture classification,injury score,kyphosis deformity and nerve function injury degree.

Rehabilitation assesment of rebuit posterior ligamentous complex in the thoracolumbar fracture / 中国综合临床

Objective To study the theraputic effect of rebuilt posterior ligamentous complex in the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture.Method From 2003 to 2007,60 patients who had simple thoracolumbar fractures were treated with rebuild of posterior ligamentous complex(group A).At the same time,50 patients with the same condition were treated with ablation of posterior ligamentous complex(group B).Modify Japanese orthopedic association low back pain score(M-JOA)score and Functional Rating scales for Low Back Pain(FRS)score for lumbar function were compared between two groups perioperatively.Results Preoperative M-JOA score for lumbar function of group A was from 19 to 30 score,on average of23.83.M-JOA score of group B was from 17 to 30 score on average of 21.68.There was no significant different between group A and group B(P＞0.05).Postoperative M-JOA score for lumbar function of group A was from 8 to 12 score,on average of 9.05.M-JOA score of group B was from 9 to 14 score.on average of 11.95.There was significant difference between group A and group B(P＜0.01).Preoperative FRS score was 28.85 in group A and 26.56 in group B averagely(P＞0.05)while postoperative FRS score was 68.22(46-84)in group A and 46.87(39-65)in group B(P＜0.05).Conclusion Management with rebuild of posterior ligamentous complex for thoracolumbar fractures contributes to the improvement of the postoperative lumbar function and clinical symptoms.

Relationships between Radiological Change of Fractured Vertebrae and Posterior Ligament Complex Injury in Thoracolumbar Fracture

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between posterior ligament complex injury and plain radiographic parameters in thoracolumbar spinal fractures. METHODS: Forty patients with thoracolumbar fractures who had operated from Jan 2006 to Dec 2007 were studied. For the evaluation of stability of injured vertebrae, we used the radiographic parameters which were wedge angle, Cobb's angle, compression rate measured on the plain radiographs, and the presence of posterior ligament complex injury on MRI. RESULTS: In the compression fracture group, the compression rate was statistically significant high in the posterior ligament complex injury patient(p=0.03). In the burst fracture group, the wedge angle, Cobb's angle and the compression rate were high in the posterior ligament complex injury patient, which were all statistically significant(p=0.02, 0.01, 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a posterior ligament complex injury is important in the treatment of the thoracolumbar spine fracture. The status of the posterior ligament complex should be integrated into future classification schemes of thoracolumbar spine fractures.

Clinical Importance of MRI in Thoracolumbar Spinal Fracture / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective radiologic assessment OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical importance of MRI for the diagnosis of posterior spinal ligament complex injuries in thoracolumbar fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Evaluation of spinal instability is important in thoracolumbar fractures. When simple radiography and CT alone are performed, spinal instability may be missed, especially that involving the posterior spinal ligament complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven patients who were evaluated using simple radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between March 1994 and March 2003 were included in the study. The local kyphotic angle was measured on lateral radiography, and it was then compared to the fracture pattern on MRI. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. RESULTS: There was no correlation between the local kyphotic angle on radiography and fracture involvement on MRI (p=0.106). In 41 patients who were found to have involvement of the anterior column on CT, 25 had anterior column involvement, 4 had middle column involvement, and 12 had posterior column involvement on MRI. In 36 patients who were found to have involvement of the middle column on CT, 17 had involvement of the middle column and 19 had involvement of the posterior column on MRI. The fractures of the ten patients who were found to have posterior column involvement on CT were all seen on MRI. The coincidence of fracture patterns between CT and MRI, which was evaluated using Cohen's Kappa analysis, was 0.434. The sensitivity of CT compared with MRI was 0.741 in the middle column and 0.243 in the posterior column. CONCLUSIONS: Many thoracolumbar fractures are missed on both simple radiography and CT. MRI is essential for accurate diagnosis of posterior spinal ligament complex injuries, especially when there is involvement above the middle column, or when canal encroachment is seen on CT.

Thoracolumbar Fracture with Posterior Ligament Complex Injury

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features and radiographical landmarks of patients who has a thoracolumbar fracture combined with posterior ligament complex injury retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preoperative plain radiographys, axial CT, MRI and medical records of 27 patients were reviewed who were confirmed the posterior ligament complex injury in operation from January, 2002. to December, 2004. RESULTS: The patients were from 15 years to 75 years of age (mean 39.1 years), 20 males and 7 females. The mechanisms of injury were 17 falls from a height, 7 traffic accidents and 3 direct blow injuries. There were 17 cases (63%) in thoracolumbar transitional zone, such as 11 cases in T11-T12, 6 cases T12-L1. There were 9 cases of compression fracture and 18 cases of burst fracture according to the shape of fractured vertebra. In the plain radiograph, the degree of kyphotic angle was between 6~49 degrees (mean 22 degrees), anterior vertebral height loss was 7~70% (mean 39%), and posterior vertebral height loss was 0~8% (mean 3%). 21 cases (78%) were the anterior vertebral height loss below 50%, 23 cases (85%) were the degree of kyphotic angle below 30 degrees. Neurological deficits were not registered. 23 cases (85%) were positive in MRI and 24 cases (89%) were positive in direct focal tenderness in the view of posterior ligament complex injury. Conclusions: The posterior ligament complex injury is common finding of the thoracolumbar fracture. The high resolution MRI findings and direct focal tenderness are very importance in identifying the posterior ligament complex injury that is important prognostic factor particularly in mild anterior vertebral height loss and mild kyphotic angle in the plain radiograph.

Relationships between Posterior Ligament Complex Injury and Plain Radiograph in Thoracolumbar Spinal Fracture / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of 100 patients with thoracolumbar spinal fractures. OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationships between a posterior ligament complex injury and plain radiograph in thoracolumbar spinal fractures. SUMMERY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Some studies have reported the value of MRI for the evaluation of a posterior ligament complex injury. However, most of these did not evaluate the relationships between the posterior ligament complex and plain radiograph of the thoracolumbar spine fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 patients with either a thoracolumbar compression or burst spinal fracture, from T11 to L2 levels, were evaluated by plain radiographs, taken in the supine position, and MRI taken within a week of the trauma. The wedge angle, Cobb's angle and anterior body height were measured on the plain radiographs, and the presence of posterior ligament complex injury on MRI was evaluated and analyzed. RESULTS: In the compression fracture group, the wedge angle, Cobb's angle and anterior body height loss were 19.9+/-1.4 degrees, 14.3+/-2.2 degrees and 35.6+/-3.6%, respectively, in the posterior ligament complex injury subgroup, but only the anterior vertebral body height loss was statistically significant (p=0.04). In the burst fracture group, the wedge angle, Cobb's angle and anterior body height loss were 26.4+/-2.0 degrees, 23.3+/-1.7 degrees and 57.4+/-5.2%, respectively, in the posterior ligament complex injury subgroup, which were all statistically significant (p=0.00, 0.02, 0.00). With a sensitivity of 75% or greater, the wedge angle, Cobb's angle and anterior body height loss in compression and burst fractures were more than 15 degrees, 10 degrees and 30% and 20 degrees, 20 degrees and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When the values of wedge angle, Cobb's angle and anterior body height loss in the compression and burst fractures were more than 15 degrees, 10 degrees and 30% and 20 degrees, 20 degrees and 40%, respectively, and the sensitivity for the presence of a posterior ligament complex injury was more than 75%. Therefore, these values in the screening test are indicators for the presence of a posterior ligament complex injury. Further careful evaluations, such as MRI, are still required in deciding the appropriate treatment method.

Injury of Posterior Ligament Complex with Cervical Spine Fracture / 대한척추외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical and radiological characteristics of the patients with injury of the posterior ligament complex of the cervical spine using MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with acute cervical spine fracture who underwent surgery were examined with MR imaging and plain radiography. Twenty-five patients underwent posterior fusion. The MR findings were correlated with surgical findings, clinical findings, and plain radiographs. RESULTS: Posterior ligament complex injury was detected in 75% (n=30) of all patients. Of the 20 patients with distractive-flexion injury, 90%(n=18) had posterior ligament complex injury (p<0.05). Of the 15 patients with compressive-flexion injury, 73% (n=11) had ligament injury. Of the 4 patients with vertical compression injury, 1 patient (25%) showed ligament injury. One patient with distractive-extension injury did not show ligament injury. Of the 23 patients with complete spinal cord injury, 96% (n=22) showed ligament tear (p<0.05). Of the 17 patients without complete cord injury (15 incomplete injury, 2 no cord injury), 47% (n=8) had ligament injury. Surgical findings were well correlated with MR imaging in patients who underwent posterior surgery (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Injury of the posterior ligament complex in patients with cervical spine fracture was most common in patients with distractive-flexion injury and was more frequent with complete cord injury. MR imaging could reliably reveal such injuries.

Reliability of MRI to Detect Posterior Ligament Complex Injury in Thoracolumbar Spinal Fractures / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of 34 patients with thoracolumbar spinal fractures. OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability of MRI in detecting posterior ligament complex(PLC) injury in thoracolumbar spinal fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Some researchers have studied PLC injury in spinal fracture using MRI. However, most of them did not evaluate the findings of MRI compared to the operative findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients with thoracolumbar spinal fracture were evaluated by palpating the interspinous gap, plain radiography and MRI before operation. These findings were compared with operative findings. In addition to conventional MRI sequences, a fat-suppressed T2-weighted sagittal sequence was performed. Operation was performed by posterior approach. During the operation, we carefully examined the PLC injury. RESULTS: Wide interspinous gap was palpated in 14 patients and was found in 21 patients on plain radiography. PLC injury was suspected in 30 patients on MRI. Injury to supraspinous ligament(SSL) was suspected in 27 patients; interspinous ligament(ISL) in 30 patients; and ligamentum flavum(LF) in 9 patients on MRI. There were 28 SSL injuries, 29 ISL injuries, and 7 LF injuries on operative findings. There was a significant relation between the MRI and operative findings. CONCLUSIONS: A fat-suppressed T2-weighted sagittal sequence of MRI was a highly sensitive, specific, and accurate method of evaluating PLC injury. Based on the results of this study, a fat-suppressed T2-weighted sagittal sequence of MRI is recommended for the accurate evaluation of PLC injury and would be helpful in the selection of treatment options.