Correlation of Sagittal Imbalance and Recollapse after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Multivariate Study of Risk Factors

Methods@#Ambulatory patients who underwent single-level PVP for thoracolumbar OVF with a follow-up of at least 24 months were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of symptomatic recollapse at the cemented vertebra: (1) recollapsed (RC) group and (2) noncollapsed (NC) group. The patient characteristics and radiographic measurements associated with sagittal imbalance were analyzed at each follow-up visit. @*Results@#Overall, 134 patients (RC group, n=28; NC group, n=106) were enrolled. The mean fracture-free interval was 3.2 months (range, 1.2–25.1 months). The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified low bone mineral density (p =0.047), degree of dynamic mobility within the vertebra (p =0.025), and sagittal imbalance as significant risk factors for recollapse (p =0.013; odds ratio, 5.405). The progression of sagittal imbalance and thoracolumbar kyphosis (T10–L2) was more significant in the RC and sagittal imbalance groups than in the NC group (both p =0.000). @*Conclusions@#Sagittal imbalance, lower bone mineral density, and dynamic mobility within the vertebra are associated with the recollapse of cemented vertebrae following PVP. Sagittal imbalance, rather than local kyphosis or thoracolumbar kyphosis, is particularly significant in that it results in more progressive collapse and sagittal deformity and is accompanied by substantial back pain and neurological deficits. Therefore, a stricter and more active management, including anti-osteoporosis medication, is required for the treatment of OVF with sagittal imbalance of the spine.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Primary and Revision Surgery Using a Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach in Patients with Adult Spinal Deformity and Sagittal Imbalance

Background@#The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and complications of primary and revision surgery in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) accompanied by sagittal imbalance. Revision surgery has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased risk of complications. Previous studies comparing primary versus revision surgery included data for a wide variety of diseases and ages, but few investigated patients with ASD with sagittal imbalance undergoing anterior and posterior combined surgery. @*Methods@#Retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data. We identified 60 consecutive patients with ASD combined with sagittal imbalance who underwent primary or revision surgery; of these, 6 patients were excluded for lack of a minimal 2-year follow-up. Patients’ surgical and radiological data, clinical outcomes, and complications were reviewed. @*Results@#There were 30 patients in the primary group and 24 patients in the revision group. Patient characteristics, including the prevalence of sarcopenia, were similar between the two groups. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy was performed more frequently in the revision group although there was no statistically significant difference between groups. The primary group had more proximal junctional problems, whereas the revision group had more rod breakage (p < 0.05). There were significant improvements in clinical outcomes in both groups when the preoperative and 2-year postoperative values were compared. The Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale score were similar in both groups 2 years postoperatively. @*Conclusions@#Considering the greater pain and disability at the time of the revision procedure, revision patients benefited more from surgery at the 2-year follow-up than the primary surgery patients. Complication rates were similar between the groups except for proximal junctional problems and rod breakage. Therefore, revision surgery should not be avoided in the treatment of ASD patients with sagittal imbalance.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Primary and Revision Surgery Using a Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach in Patients with Adult Spinal Deformity and Sagittal Imbalance

Background@#The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and complications of primary and revision surgery in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) accompanied by sagittal imbalance. Revision surgery has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased risk of complications. Previous studies comparing primary versus revision surgery included data for a wide variety of diseases and ages, but few investigated patients with ASD with sagittal imbalance undergoing anterior and posterior combined surgery. @*Methods@#Retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data. We identified 60 consecutive patients with ASD combined with sagittal imbalance who underwent primary or revision surgery; of these, 6 patients were excluded for lack of a minimal 2-year follow-up. Patients’ surgical and radiological data, clinical outcomes, and complications were reviewed. @*Results@#There were 30 patients in the primary group and 24 patients in the revision group. Patient characteristics, including the prevalence of sarcopenia, were similar between the two groups. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy was performed more frequently in the revision group although there was no statistically significant difference between groups. The primary group had more proximal junctional problems, whereas the revision group had more rod breakage (p < 0.05). There were significant improvements in clinical outcomes in both groups when the preoperative and 2-year postoperative values were compared. The Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale score were similar in both groups 2 years postoperatively. @*Conclusions@#Considering the greater pain and disability at the time of the revision procedure, revision patients benefited more from surgery at the 2-year follow-up than the primary surgery patients. Complication rates were similar between the groups except for proximal junctional problems and rod breakage. Therefore, revision surgery should not be avoided in the treatment of ASD patients with sagittal imbalance.

The Effects of Sagittal Spino-Pelvic Alignment on the Clinical Symptoms of Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Osteoporotic Patients

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sagittal spino-pelvic alignment on the clinical symptoms of thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK; T10-L2 Cobb's angle >20°) in osteoporotic patients. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Few studies have investigated the clinical symptoms and radiological features of TLK caused by degenerative changes. There is also controversy over whether clinical symptoms will deteriorate in patients with TLK or which treatment should be chosen according to the degree of TLK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2005 to May 2016, we reviewed 75 patients who were diagnosed with TLK (T10-L2 Cobb's angle >20°) and osteoporosis. Patients were excluded from the study if they had neurological symptoms, underlying spinal disorders, or unstable vertebral fractures. Fifty patients with TLK due to an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (group F) and 25 patients with senile TLK (group S) were assessed by clinical symptoms and radiological parameters. Thoracolumbar kyphosis angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were also analyzed. Clinical symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical symptoms (VAS, ODI) and radiological parameters between groups F and S, or according to the degree of TLK(20°–30°, 30°–40°, >40°). Clinical symptoms were significantly more severe in patients with sagittal imbalance (SVA >5 cm) than in those with sagittal balance. CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal imbalance is a more important factor affecting clinical symptoms than the cause or the degree of TLK. Therefore, sagittal imbalance should be considered in the management of TLK in osteoporotic patients.

Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity with Sagittal Imbalance Using Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Can We Predict How Much Lordosis Correction Is Possible?

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, single-center study.PURPOSE: The current trend of operative treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD) is combined anterior-posterior staged surgery. When anterior surgery was first performed, oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) was employed; this method became increasing popular. This study aimed to determine the lordosis correction that can be achieved using OLIF and assess whether we can preoperatively predict the lordosis correction angle achieved using OLIF.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Many previous studies on OLIF have shown improved clinical and radiologic outcomes. With the increase in the popularity of OLIF, several surgeons have started using larger cages to attain greater lordosis correction. Moreover, some studies have reported complications of OLIF because of immoderate cage insertion. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study that attempted to determine whether it is possible to predict the lordosis correction angle achieved with OLIF preoperatively, using fullextension lateral view (FELV).METHODS: Forty-six patients with ASD were enrolled. All the operations were performed by a single surgeon in two stages (first, anterior and second, posterior) with a 1-week interval. Radiological evaluation was performed by comparing the Cobb’s angle of the segmental and regional lordosis obtained using preoperative and postoperative simple radiography (including the FELV) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).RESULTS: Regional lordosis (L1–S1) in the whole-spine standing lateral radiograph was −3.03°; however, in the supine lateral MRI, it was 20.92°. The regional lordosis of whole-spine standing lateral and supine lateral (MRI) was significantly different. In the FELV, regional lordosis was 25.72° and that in the postoperative supine lateral (MRI) was 25.02°; these values were not significantly different.CONCLUSIONS: Although OLIF offers many advantages, it alone plays a limited role in ASD treatment. Lordosis correction using OLIF as well as lordosis determined in the FELV was possible. Hence, our results suggest that FELV can help predict the lordosis correction angle preoperatively and thus aid the selection of the appropriate technique in the second staged operation.

The Effects of Sagittal Spino-Pelvic Alignment on the Clinical Symptoms of Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Osteoporotic Patients

OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sagittal spino-pelvic alignment on the clinical symptoms of thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK; T10-L2 Cobb's angle >20°) in osteoporotic patients.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Few studies have investigated the clinical symptoms and radiological features of TLK caused by degenerative changes. There is also controversy over whether clinical symptoms will deteriorate in patients with TLK or which treatment should be chosen according to the degree of TLK.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#From May 2005 to May 2016, we reviewed 75 patients who were diagnosed with TLK (T10-L2 Cobb's angle >20°) and osteoporosis. Patients were excluded from the study if they had neurological symptoms, underlying spinal disorders, or unstable vertebral fractures. Fifty patients with TLK due to an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (group F) and 25 patients with senile TLK (group S) were assessed by clinical symptoms and radiological parameters. Thoracolumbar kyphosis angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were also analyzed. Clinical symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in clinical symptoms (VAS, ODI) and radiological parameters between groups F and S, or according to the degree of TLK(20°–30°, 30°–40°, >40°). Clinical symptoms were significantly more severe in patients with sagittal imbalance (SVA >5 cm) than in those with sagittal balance.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Sagittal imbalance is a more important factor affecting clinical symptoms than the cause or the degree of TLK. Therefore, sagittal imbalance should be considered in the management of TLK in osteoporotic patients.

Precautions for Combined Anterior and Posterior Long-Level Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity: Perioperative Surgical Complications Related to the Anterior Procedure (Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study. PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the perioperative complications of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) as a first-stage procedure in combined anterior and posterior operation for adult spinal deformity (ASD) along with sagittal imbalance. Specifically, we aimed to identify the radiological and clinical types of perioperative surgical complications and the factors affecting these complications. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: OLIF has recently gained popularity, and there are several reports of good outcomes and only a few of complications with OLIF; however, a few studies have focused on the perioperative surgical complications of ASD along with sagittal imbalance. METHODS: The perioperative period was a 1-week interval between the anterior and posterior procedures. All patients underwent simple radiography and magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and postoperatively. Cage placement was evaluated for displacement (i.e., subsidence and migration) and vertebral body fracture. Clinical patient complaints were evaluated perioperatively. Student t-test was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were included, totaling 138 fusion segments. A week after OLIF, 14 patients/33 segments (30.4%/23.9%) demonstrated endplate injury-associated cage placement change. Subsidence was the most common cage placement-related complication. As compared with patients without endplate injury, those with endplate injuries showed significantly larger correction angles and a higher proportion of them had larger height cages than the disk height in the full-extension lateral view. Although 32.6% of the patients experienced perioperative clinical complications, they were relatively minor and transient. The most common complication was severe postoperative pain (Visual Analog Scale score of >7), and hip flexor weakness spontaneously resolved within 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: OLIF yielded more than expected endplate injuries from treatment modalities for ASD along with sagittal imbalance. Therefore, surgeons should be cautious about endplate injury during OLIF procedures. It is difficult to accomplish lordosis correction via OLIF alone; therefore, surgeons should not attempt this impractical correction goal and insert an immoderate cage.

Therapeutic Embolization for Spontaneous Recurrent Hemarthrosis of the Knee in the Elderly / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Without traumatic history, spontaneous hemarthrosis of the knee is a relatively rare condition, and there is no report of the diagnosis and treatments in Korea. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic findings showed hemarthrosis and a lateral meniscus tear. Hemarthrosis of the patient remained after meniscus resection and coagulation; we then, found rupture of the lateral geniculate artery by computed tomography-angiography. We report on a case of successful treatment of spontaneous hemarthrosis with therapeutic embolization with a thorough review of the relevant literatures.

Changes of Spinopelvic Parameter using Iliac Screw In Surgical Correction of Sagittal Imbalance Patients

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective-based study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of iliac screws in the surgical correction of sagittal imbalance by changes of spinopelvic parameters. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Although reports exist regarding the fusion rates on lumbosacral fusion by iliac screws, no previous studies address the issue of changes of spinopelvic parameters on surgical correction of sagittal imbalance by iliac screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a total of 23 patients who were operated on by pedicle subtraction osteotomy and posterior fusion on sagittal imbalance. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) non-iliac screw fixation and; 2) iliac screw fixation. The two groups were compared during the preoperative and postoperative stages, and the last follow-up spinopelvic parameters of two groups. RESULTS: Spinopelvic parameters, except for pelvic incidence, were corrected after surgery; some corrected values of spinopelvic parameters were lost during follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference in the last follow-up period between lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt. Values of postoperative lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt was similar to each other; however, during the follow-up period corrected values of spinopelvic parameters of non-iliac screw fixation group were more lost. There were no statistically significant changes in postoperative and last follow-up sacral slope and pelvic incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal imbalance could be corrected by pedicle subtraction osteotomy, and corrected values of lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt of iliac screw fixation group could be maintained well compared to non-iliac screw fixation. Iliac screw fixation could be useful for maintenance of corrected values of spinopelvic parameters in surgical correction of sagittal imbalance.

Clinical Results And Prognostic Factors for Thoracic Myelopathy Caused by Ossification of Yellow Ligament after Surgical Treatment

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the clinical results of thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of yellow ligament (OYL) and to explore prognostic factors after surgical treatment. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Thoracic myelopathy due to OYL is difficult to treat; surgery is considered as treatment of choice. However, studies of the clinical results and prognostic factors are few due to its rare presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty six patients who had surgery for thoracic myelopathy caused by OYL were evaluated from February 2002 to April 2012. We describe the analysis of the clinical results after surgery and prognostic factors. RESULTS: Modified Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score was recorded in all patients by 5.7+/-1.3 points (range, 2-9 points) preoperatively, 7.8+/-1.7 points (range, 4-10 points) postoperatively, and 8.4+/-2.1 points (range, 5-11 points) at final follow-up. Hirabayashi recovery rate was recorded by 60.2+/-20.2% (range, 45.5-72.0%) postoperatively, 64.5+/-17.3% (range, 50.2-75.1%) at final follow-up. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was also improved by 7.6+/-1.8 points (range, 7-10 points) preoperatively, 4.5+/-1.3 points (range, 3-6 points) postoperatively, and 3.8+/-1.6 points (range, 2-5 points) at final follow-up. Both modified JOA score and VAS score improved significantly (p<0.05). In prognostic factor analysis, OYL type on CT axial image, duration of symptom, and preoperative severity of myelopathy was significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We showed the effectiveness of surgery on patients who suffer from thoracic myelopathy caused by OYL and that OYL type identified by CT axial image, duration of symptom, and preoperative severity of myelopathy were significant prognostic factors.

Proximal Junctional Problems in Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Sagittal Imbalance Patients and Relevant Risk Factors

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: As we analyze the incidence and the risk factor for proximal junctional problem after surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative sagittal imbalance, we want to contribute to reducing the junctional problem of surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative sagittal imbalance. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Surgical treatment of degenerative spinal deformity has increased. Rigid fixation was a risk factor for degenerative change of adjacent segment and failure, and it remains a big challenge for the junctional problem of surgical treatment. However, research on the correlation with risk factors is rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty four patients (mean age 66.5; range, 50-74) who had surgery due to lumbar degenerative sagittal imbalance were evaluated by the risk factor associated with junctional problems from January, 2005 to December, 2011. The risk factors were analyzed by surgical factor (proximal fusion level, using iliac screw, correction or undercorrection of lumbar lordosis compared with pelvic incidence) and patient factor (age, bone marrow density, body mass index). RESULTS: Junctional problems occurred in 18 patients (41%) out of 44 patients. Among these problems, there were 10 cases of fractures, 8 cases of junctional kyphosis, and 4 cases of proximal screw pull out. . Among the risk factors, only the correction or undercorrection of lumbar lordosis compared with pelvic incidence in surgical factor was statistically significant. Other surgical factors and patient factors were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Junctional problems after a surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative sagittal imbalance were common. However, we could not know the exact risk factor of junctional problems except the degree of correction of lumbar lordosis compared with pelvic incidence, because most of the risk factors were not statistically significant. So, further evaluations of the risk factor of lumbar degenerative sagittal imbalance are required.