Comparison of clinical outcome between the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and Wiltse approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological injury / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To compare the safety and efficacy of two different minimally invasive approaches to implant pedicle screw for the treatment of single-segment thoracolumbar spine fractures without nerve injury.Methods:This was a retrospective study. Eighty patients with mono-segmental thoracolumbar fractures treated with minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to June 2022 were included. There were 46 males and 36 females, the age was (45.93±7.91) years old, and ranged from 27 to 60 years old. They were divided into two groups according to different surgical techniques: percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group ( n=44) and Wiltse approach group ( n=36). The operative time, operative visible blood loss, hidden blood loss, total blood loss, fluoroscopy times, incision length, hospital time after surgery and ambulation time were compared. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), ratio of the vertebral anterior height, angle of injured vertebral endplate were recorded and compared between two groups before surgery and at 3 days, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The accuracy of pedicle screw position and the facet joint violation rate were evaluated by using the postoperative CT scan. Perioperative related complications were investigated. Normally distributed numerical data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and differences between the groups were compared using t-test. The counting data were expressed as percentages or rates and compared using χ2 test. Results:All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. There is no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative visible blood loss, hospital time after surgery, ambulation time, postoperative VAS and ODI, ratio of vertebral anterior height and angle of injured vertebral endplate at 3 days after surgery, pedicle screw position accuracy and perioperative complications ( P>0.05). The operative time, hidden blood loss, total blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, facet joint violation rate in the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group were remarkably higher than in the Wiltse approach group ( P<0.05). The ratio of vertebral anterior height in the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group was dramatically lower than in the Wiltse approach group at 6 months and 1 year after surgery ( P<0.05). The postoperative injured vertebral endplate angle was higher in the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group than that in the Wiltse approach group at 6 months and 1 year ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Both percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and Wiltse approach were safe and effective minimally invasive surgical procedures for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological injury. The Wiltse approach can reduce fluoroscopy times and perioperative hidden blood loss, reduce the risk of facet joint violation, and maintain a better reduction than percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.

Electron density map from spectral CT combined with CT features for differentiating acute and chronic osteoporotic vertebral fractures / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To observe the value of electron density map(EDM)from spectral CT combined with CT features in differentiating acute and chronic osteoporotic vertebral fractures(OVF).Methods Thoracic and/or lumbar spectral CT data of 48 patients with acute complicated chronic OVF were retrospectively analyzed.Totally 110 fractured vertebrae were enrolled,including 53 vertebrae with acute fractures(acute group)and 57 with chronic fractures(chronic group).The quantitative parameters of spectral CT,including CT values of conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image(PI,i.e.routine CT images)and 40,70,100 keV virtual monoenergetic images(VMI),effective atomic number(Z-eff)and electron density(ED),as well as routine CT finding were compared between groups,and those being significantly different were included in multivariate logistic regression to screen the independent risk factors for acute OVF and construct a combined model.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn to evaluate the efficacy of each single independent risk factor and the combination for differentiating acute and chronic OVF.Results Significant differences of all spectral CT quantitative parameters,also of routine CT findings including interruption of vertebral endplate,cortical folds,increased vertebral density,gas within vertebral body and vertebral compression degree were found between groups(all P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that CTPI(OR=0.855,P=0.005),ED(OR=16.432,P=0.005),cortical folds(OR=0.038,P=0.034)and increased vertebral density(OR=0.025,P=0.013)were all independent risk factors for acute OVF.The area under the curve(AUC)of the above single parameters for identifying acute and chronic OVF was 0.870,0.889,0.879 and 0.866,respectively,all lower than that of the combined model(0.977)(Z=3.47,3.73,2.95,2.71,all P＜0.05).Conclusion Spectral CT EDM combined with CT findings could effectively differentiate acute and chronic OVF.

Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults (version 2024) / 中华创伤杂志

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.

Efficacy of stage I modified posterior vertebral column resection in the treatment of postoperative infection after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy of stage I modified posterior vertebral column resection (mPVCR) in the treatment of postoperative infection after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 11 OVCF patients with post-PVP infection who were admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedics Hospital from January 2016 to June 2022, including 4 males and 7 females, aged 61-81 years [(70.2±6.4)years]. Injured segments included T 9 in 1 patient, T 11 in 2, T 12 in 3, L 1 in 1, L 2 in 2, T 11-T 12 in 1, and T 12-L 1 in 1. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading was grade D in 5 patients and grade E in 6. All the patients were treated with stage I mPVCR. The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were recorded. The values of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Dysfunction Index (ODI), and Cobb angle of the lesion segments before, at 2 weeks, 3 months after surgery, and at the last follow-up were compared. The loss of Cobb angle of the lesion segments at 2 weeks after surgery and at the last follow-up were compared, and the ASIA grading at the last follow-up was recorded. The infection control, bone healing, and the incidence of complications were observed at the last follow-up. Results:All the patients were followed up for 12-44 months [(26.0±9.4)months]. The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were 230-330 minutes [(279.2±28.6)minutes] and 500-1 100 ml [(840.9±184.1)ml] respectively. At 2 weeks, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up, the VAS scores were (4.0±0.8)points, (2.7±0.9)points, and (2.4±0.7)points respectively, which were all lower than that before surgery [(8.1±1.2)points] ( P<0.01); the ODI was (45.5±5.1)%, (30.0±6.5)%, and (18.5±3.6)% respectively, which were all lower than that before surgery [(78.7±6.2)%] ( P<0.01); the Cobb angle of the lesion segments were (7.9±1.4)°, (8.5±1.4)°, and (9.2±1.5)° respectively, which were lower than that before surgery [(25.5±9.2)°] ( P<0.01). The VAS and ODI were both improved at 3 months after surgery compared with those at 2 weeks after surgery ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in Cobb angle of the lesion segments ( P>0.05). The ODI was further improved at the last follow-up compared with that at 3 months after surgery ( P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in VAS or Cobb angle of the lesion segments ( P>0.05). The loss of Cobb angle correction of the lesion segment at the last follow-up was 0.96 (0.69, 1.45)° compared with that at 2 weeks after surgery and the rate of loss of Cobb angle correction of the lesion segment was 4.4(2.2, 7.4)%. At the last follow-up, the ASIA grading was grade E for all the patients, who were able to walk normally independently. The infection was all cured and good bony fusion was observed in the operated area at the last follow-up. Two patients had pleural effusion and pulmonary atelectasis, 1 incision fat liquefaction, and 1 pneumonia after the surgery. None of the patients had internal fixation failure and serious complications such as worsening neurological symptoms or death. Conclusion:Stage I mPVCR for the treatment of post-PVP infection in patients with OVCF is proved to attain significant pain relief and functional improvement, good correction results, effective reconstruction of spinal stability, complete removal of infected lesions, and few serious complications.

C1-C2 Transarticular Anterior Fixation for the Treatment of Atlantoaxial Traumatic Dislocation: A Clinical Case / Fixação anterior transarticular C1-C2 para o tratamento de luxação traumática atlantoaxial: Um caso clínico

Abstract Fractures of the odontoid apophysis are one of the most frequent lesions in the elderly population, and an increasingly preponderant problem with the progressive aging of the world population. In the present work, we report a clinical case of an 88-year-old male patient who suffered a fall resulting in a type-II fracture of the odontoid apophysis on the Anderson-D'Alonzo classification. Given the age and comorbidities of the patient, we decided to perform osteosynthesis of the fracture through anterior fixation with a transarticular screw in combination with fixation with an odontoid screw. This technique enables the necessary stability for the consolidation of Anderson-D'Alonzo's type II odontoid apophysis fracture, with the advantage of the lower levels of dissection of the cervical extensor musculature and hemorrhage resulting from this aggression when compared with the posterior approach; moreover, it is a readily-available technique that yields clear benefits in the treatment of this pathology in the geriatric population.

Resumo As fraturas da apófise odontoide são uma das lesões mais frequentes na população idosa, e um problema cada vez mais preponderante com o envelhecimento progressivo da população mundial. Neste trabalho, apresentamos um caso clínico de um doente do gênero masculino, de 88 anos, que sofreu uma queda da qual decorreu uma fratura da apófise odontoide de tipo II de Anderson-D'Alonzo. Dada a idade e suas comorbilidades, optou-se por realizar a osteossíntese da fratura por meio da fixação anterior com parafuso transarticular em combinação com a fixação com parafuso à odontoide. Esta técnica que permite a estabilidade necessária para a consolidação da fratura da apófise odontoide de tipo II de Anderson-D'Alonzo, com a vantagem das menores disseção da musculatura extensora cervical e hemorragia decorrente desta agressão quando comparada com a abordagem posterior, sendo uma técnica à disposição e que acarreta benefícios claros no tratamento desta patologia na população geriátrica.

Percutaneous Pedicle Screw for Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Long-term Follow-up / Parafuso pedicular percutâneo em fraturas toracolombares: Acompanhamento em longo prazo

Abstract Objective: This is a retrospective cohort study to analyze the long-term outcomes of thoracolumbar spine fracture patients who underwent minimally invasive percutaneous fixation. Methods: The cases of 17 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures who had percutaneous fixation between 2009 and 2011 were the subject of a retrospective analysis. Clinical and radiographic variables were collected. For the clinical evaluation the questionnaires SF-36 and Oswestry were used. Radiographic parameters were evaluated using fracture's classification based on Magerls's criteria, the fractured vertebra's wedging angle, and the affected segment's segmental Cobb angle. The measures were made at different stages: before surgery, immediately after surgery, one year later, and at a late follow-up (5 years later). Trauma associated injuries, postsurgical and implant related complications were among the additional information taken into account. Results: The SF-36 questionnaire showed averages above 63,5% in all domains in the late postoperative data (from 5 years after the surgery). Oswestry questionnaire answers showed minimal or no physical limitations in 80% of the patients with a mean score of 10,8% ± 10,5. The average preoperative Cobb angle value was 5,53º ± 13,80º of kyphosis, the immediate postoperative 2,18º ± 13,38º of kyphosis, one year postoperative 5,26 ± 13,95º of kyphosis, and the late follow-up 8,78º ± 15,06º of kyphosis. The mean correction was 3,35º, and mean loss of correction was 6,6º. There were no complications observed, no case of neurological deficit, infection or implant failure occurred. Conclusion: Thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures can be surgically treated with positive late clinical and radiological outcomes and low complication rates using a minimally invasive percutaneous method.

Resumo Objetivo: Este é um estudo de coorte retrospectivo para analisar os desfechos em longo prazo de pacientes com fratura da coluna toracolombar submetidos à fixação percutânea minimamente invasiva. Métodos: Os casos de 17 pacientes com fraturas da coluna toracolombar submetidos à fixação percutânea entre 2009 e 2011 foram objeto de análise retrospectiva. Variáveis clínicas e radiográficas foram coletadas. A avaliação clínica foi baseada nos questionários SF-36 e Oswestry. Os parâmetros radiográficos foram avaliados de acordo com a classificação de fratura baseada nos critérios de Magerls, o ângulo de cunha da vértebra fraturada e o ângulo de Cobb do segmento acometido. As medidas foram feitas em diferentes momentos: antes da cirurgia, imediatamente após a cirurgia, um ano depois e no acompanhamento tardio (cinco anos depois). Lesões associadas a traumas, complicações pós-cirúrgicas e relacionadas a implantes também foram consideradas. Resultados: O questionário SF-36 apresentou médias acima de 63,5% em todos os domínios no período pós-operatório tardio (a partir de cinco anos após a cirurgia). As respostas do questionário Oswestry mostraram limitações físicas mínimas ou nulas em 80% dos pacientes, com pontuação média de 10,8% ± 10,5%. O valor médio do ângulo de Cobb foi de 5,53º± 13,80º de cifose no período pré-operatório, 2,18º ± 13,38º de cifose no pós-operatório imediato, 5,26 ±13,95º de cifose no pós-operatório de um ano e de 8,78º ± 15,06º de cifose no período pós-operatório tardio. A correção média foi de 3,35º e a perda média de correção foi de 6,6º. Não foram observadas complicações, casos de déficit neurológico, infecções ou falhas do implante. Conclusão: As fraturas das vértebras toracolombares podem ser tratadas cirurgicamente com desfechos clínicos e radiológicos tardios positivos e baixas taxas de complicações usando um método percutâneo minimamente invasivo.

Accuracy of an artificial intelligence algorithm for detecting moderate-to-severe vertebral compression fractures on abdominal and thoracic computed tomography scans / Acurácia de um algoritmo de inteligência artificial na detecção de fraturas compressivas moderadas a graves na tomografia computadorizada abdominal e torácica

Abstract Objective: To describe the accuracy of HealthVCF, a software product that uses artificial intelligence, in the detection of incidental moderate-to-severe vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) on chest and abdominal computed tomography scans. Materials and Methods: We included a consecutive sample of 899 chest and abdominal computed tomography scans of patients 51-99 years of age. Scans were retrospectively evaluated by the software and by two specialists in musculoskeletal imaging for the presence of VCFs with vertebral body height loss > 25%. We compared the software analysis with that of a general radiologist, using the evaluation of the two specialists as the reference. Results: The software showed a diagnostic accuracy of 89.6% (95% CI: 87.4-91.5%) for moderate-to-severe VCFs, with a sensitivity of 73.8%, a specificity of 92.7%, and a negative predictive value of 94.8%. Among the 145 positive scans detected by the software, the general radiologist failed to report the fractures in 62 (42.8%), and the algorithm detected additional fractures in 38 of those scans. Conclusion: The software has good accuracy for the detection of moderate-to-severe VCFs, with high specificity, and can increase the opportunistic detection rate of VCFs by radiologists who do not specialize in musculoskeletal imaging.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a acurácia do software HealthVCF na detecção incidental de fraturas compressivas de corpos vertebrais moderadas a graves em exames de tomografia computadorizada do tórax e abdome. Materiais e Métodos: Foram incluídos 899 exames consecutivos de pacientes com idades entre 51 e 99 anos. As imagens foram retrospectivamente avaliadas pelo software e por dois radiologistas especializados em musculoesquelético que investigaram fraturas compressivas de corpos vertebrais com perda da altura somática > 25%. A análise comparativa foi realizada entre o software e um radiologista geral, usando a avaliação do especialista como referência. Resultados: O software apresentou uma acurácia de 89,6% (IC 95%: 87,4-91,5%) para fraturas compressivas moderadas a graves, com sensibilidade de 73,8%, especificidade de 92,7% e valor preditivo negativo de 94,8%. Entre as 145 tomografias positivas detectadas pelo software, o radiologista geral deixou de relatar as fraturas em 62 (42,8%) e o algoritmo detectou fraturas adicionais em 38 dessas tomografias. Conclusão: O software possui boa acurácia na detecção de fraturas compressivas moderadas a graves, com alta especificidade, podendo aumentar a taxa de detecção oportunística dessas fraturas por radiologistas não especializados em musculoesquelético.

Comparison Between Surgical and Conservative Treatment for AOSpine Type A3 and A4 Thoracolumbar Fractures without Neurological Deficit: Prospective Observational Cohort Study / Comparação entre tratamento cirúrgico e conservador para fraturas toracolombares AOSpine tipo A3 e A4 sem déficit neurológico: Estudo de coorte prospectivo observacional

Abstract Objective To compare the clinical results between conservative (CS) and surgical treatment (CXS) of A3 and A4 fractures without neurological deficit. Methods Prospective observational study of patients with thoracolumbar fractures type A3 and A4. These patients were separated between the surgical and conservative groups, and evaluated sequentially through the numeric rating scale (NRS), Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) quality of life questionnaire, and Denis work scale (DWS) up to 2.5 years of follow-up. Results Both groups showed significant improvement, with no statistical difference in pain questionnaires (NRS: CXS 2.4 ± 2.6; CS 3.5 ± 2.6; p> 0.05), functionality (RMDQ: CS 7 ± 6.4; CXS 5.5 ± 5.2; p> 0.05), quality of life (EQ-5D), and return to work (DWS). Conclusion Both treatments are viable options with equivalent clinical results. There is a tendency toward better results in the surgical treatment of A4 fractures.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar os resultados clínicos entre os tratamentos conservador (CS) e cirúrgico (CXS) das fraturas A3 e A4 sem déficit neurológico. Métodos Estudo prospectivo observacional de paciente com fraturas toracolombares tipo A3 e A4. Esses pacientes foram separados entre os grupos cirúrgico e conservador e avaliados sequencialmente através da escala numérica de dor (NRS), do questionário de incapacidade de Roland-Morris (RMDQ), do EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) e da escala de trabalho de Denis (DWS) até 2,5 anos de acompanhamento. Resultados Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora significante, sem diferença estatística nos questionários de dor (NRS: CXS 2,4 ± 2,6; CS 3,5 ± 2,6; p> 0,05), funcionalidade (RMDQ: CS 7 ± 6,4; CXS 5,5 ± 5,2; p> 0,05), qualidade de vida (EQ-5D) e retorno ao trabalho (DWS). Conclusão Ambos os tratamentos são opções viáveis e com resultados clínicos equivalentes. Há uma tendência a melhores resultados no tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas A4.

Spinal Cord Alignment in Patients with Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture / Alinhamento espinopélvico em pacientes com fratura toracolombar explosão

Abstract Objective To evaluate the spinopelvic alignment in patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture (TBF) without neurological deficit treated nonsurgically and surgically in a tertiary reference trauma hospital. Method Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with single level, type A3 and A4 AOSpine TBF only of the thoracolumbar region. Analysis of clinical data, low back pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]), Denis Pain Scale, quality of life (SF-36), sagittal (TC, TLC, LL, SVA) and spinopelvic (IP, PV, SI, PI-LL) radiographic parameters of patients treated surgically and nonsurgically. Results A total of 50 individuals with an average age of 50 years old with a mean follow-up of 109 months (minimum of 19 and maximum of 306 months) were evaluated. There was a significant difference between treatments for the Denis Work Scale (p= 0.046) in favor of nonsurgical treatment. There was no significant difference between the treatments for lower back pain VAS and Denis Pain Scale (p= 0.468 and p= 0.623). There was no significant difference between treatments in any of the domains evaluated with the SF-36 (p> 0.05). Radiographic parameters were not different between the analyzed groups; however, all radiographic parameters showed significant difference between the population considered asymptomatic, except for pelvic incidence (p< 0.005). Conclusions The spinopelvic alignment was normal in patients with TBF without neurological deficit treated nonsurgically and surgically after a minimum follow-up of 19 months. However, they presented a higher mean pelvic version and discrepancy between lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence when compared with the reference values of the Brazilian population.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o alinhamento espinopélvico em pacientes com fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão (FTE) sem déficit neurológico tratados de forma não operatória e operatória em um hospital terciário de referência em trauma. Método Estudo transversal retrospectivo de pacientes com FTE apenas da região toracolombar, de nível único, do tipo A3 e A4 AOSpine. Análise de dados clínicos, dor lombar (escala visual analógica [EVA]), Escala de Denis, qualidade de vida (SF-36), parâmetros radiográficos sagitais (cifose torácica [CT], cifose toracolombar [CTL], lordose lombar [LL] e eixo vertical sagital [EVS]) e espinopélvicos (incidência pélvica [IP], versão pélvica [VP], inclinação sacral [IS] e a discrepância entre incidência pélvica e lordose lombar [IP-LL]) de pacientes tratados de forma operatória e não operatória. Resultados O presente estudo avaliou um total de 50 indivíduos com uma média de 50 anos de idade com acompanhamento médio de 109 meses (mínimo de 19 e máximo de 306 meses). Houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos para Denis trabalho (p= 0,046) a favor do tratamento não operatório. Não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos para EVA dor lombar e Denis dor (p= 0,468 e p= 0,623). Não houve diferença significante entre os tratamentos em nenhum dos domínios avaliados do SF-36 (p> 0,05). Parâmetros radiográficos não se mostraram diferentes entre os grupos analisados; contudo, todos os parâmetros radiográficos mostraram diferença significante entre a população considerada assintomática, com exceção da incidência pélvica (p< 0,005). Conclusões O alinhamento espinopélvico foi normal em pacientes com FTE sem déficit neurológico tratados de forma não operatória e operatória, após acompanhamento mínimo de 19 meses. Entretanto, estes pacientes apresentaram maior média de versão pélvica e de discrepância entre lordose lombar e incidência pélvica quando comparados com os valores de referência da população brasileira.

Experiencia en patología cervical alta en el Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen 2016 - 2021

Introducción : El complejo C0-C1-C2 es responsable de la transición de la carga axial, con función biomecánica única, siendo afectada por múltiples patologías, que por lo general la literatura no las considera como un solo ítem, sino que lo desarrolla según su etiología, pero en nuestro estudio se ha considerado en 5 grupos: traumática, congénita, inflamatoria reumática, neoplásica y degenerativa. Objetivo : Determinar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y del tratamiento en la patología cervical alta. Materiales y métodos : Se incluyeron a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico radiológico de alguna patología cervical alta que hayan sido sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico entre 2016 y 2021 en el Hospital Almenara. Se usó el test "t" de student y de chi cuadrado. Se dividió a los pacientes en alguno de los 5 grupos antes mencionados. Resultados : Se consideraron 31 pacientes, con una edad media de 51.16 años. La patología cervical alta más frecuente fue la traumática con el 35.48%. El déficit motor se presentó en el 51.61% y el déficit sensitivo se presentó en el 54.84%. La cirugía más frecuente fue la fijación cervical alta con el 43.89%. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 16.13% con una mortalidad del 0%. Conclusiones : La patología cervical alta es rara, siendo la del tipo traumática la más frecuente, pero un manejo oportuno y adecuado permite un mejor pronóstico funcional del paciente.

Introduction : The C0-C1-C2 complex is responsible of axial load transition, and its biomechanical function is unique, it is affected by multiple pathological conditions; and generally speaking, the literature does not consider these conditions as a single item, it describes them according to etiology. For our study we considered five groups: trauma-related, congenital, rheumatic-inflammatory, neoplastic, and degenerative. Objective : To determine epidemiological, clinical, and therapy-related characteristics in upper cervical pathological conditions. Materials and methods : All patients with a clinical-radiological diagnosis of any upper cervical pathological condition that had undergone surgery between 2016 and 2021 in Guillermo Almenara Hospital were included. Student's t test and chi square methods were used. patients were divided into one of the five aforementioned groups. Results : Thirty-one patients were included in the study; their mean age was 51.16 years. The most frequent upper cervical pathological condition was trauma-related, with 35.48%. Motor deficit occurred in 51.61% of all patients, and sensitive deficit occurred in 54.84%. The most frequently surgical procedure performed was upper cervical fixation, in 43.89% of all patients. Complication rate was 16.13%, and mortality was 0%. Conclusions : Upper cervical pathological conditions are rare, trauma-related conditions are most frequent, but timely and adequate management allow us to achieve better functional prognosis for these patients.

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.

Application of different puncture techniques to inject bone cement in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To study the application of different puncture techniques to inject bone cement in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 282 patients with OVCFs treated from January 2017 to December 2019 were collected for a retrospective study. According to the surgical plan the patients were divided into group A and B, with 141 cases in each group. In group A, extreme lateral puncture was used to inject bone cement through unilateral puncture and bilateral puncture. In group B, bone cement was injected through unilateral pedicle puncture through pedicle approach. The operation status(operation time, radiation exposure time, bone cement injection volume, hospital stay) and complications were observed between two groups. Before operation and 6, 12 months after operation, the pain mediators such as serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), substance P(SP) were compared, bone mineral density, anatomical parameters of the injured vertebrae (height of the anterior edge of the vertebral body, height of the posterior edge of the vertebral body, Cobb angle), visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated between two groups.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant difference in operation time, radiation exposure time, hospital stay between two groups (P>0.05). The amount of bone cement injected in group A was greater than that in group B (P<0.05). The serum 5-HT, SP and PGE2 levels of group A were lower than those of group B at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). The height of anterior edge and height of the posterior edge of vertebral body in group A were greater than those of group B at 12 months after operation, Cobb angle of group A was smaller than that of group B, VAS and ODI were lower than those of group B(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in bone mineral density between two groups at 6 and 12 months postoperatively(P<0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in postoperative complications (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with unilateral puncture of the pedicle approach, unilateral puncture and bilateral cement injection technique is more conducive to the recovery of the injured vertebral anatomy and function, and do not prolong operation time, radiation exposure time, hospital stay, nor do increase the risk of nerve damage and bone cement leakage, and postoperative bone metabolism and bone mineral density are improved well, which is a safe and reliable surgical method for the treatment of OVCFs.

Pressure ulcers and acute risk factors in individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without spinal cord injuries: A prospective analysis of the National Spinal Column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran (NSCIR-IR) data / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#To identify risk factors for developing pressure ulcers (PUs) in the acute care period of traumatic spinal fracture patients with or without spinal cord injuries (SCIs).@*METHODS@#Data were collected prospectively in participating the National Spinal column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran (NSCIR-IR) from individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without SCIs, inclusive of the hospital stay from admission to discharge. Trained nursing staff examined the patients for the presence of PUs every 8 h during their hospital stay. The presence and grade of PUs were assessed according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification. In addition to PU, following data were also extracted from the NSCIR-IR datasets during the period of 2015 - 2021: age, sex, Glasgow coma scale score at admission, having SCIs, marital status, surgery for a spinal fracture, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS), urinary incontinence, level of education, admitted center, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), hypertension, respiratory diseases, consumption of cigarettes, diabetes mellitus and length of stay in the hospital. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).@*RESULTS@#Altogether 2785 participants with traumatic spinal fractures were included. Among them, 87 (3.1%) developed PU during their hospital stay and 392 (14.1%) had SCIs. In the SCI population, 63 (16.1%) developed PU during hospital stay. Univariate logistic regression for the whole sample showed that marital status, having SCIs, urinary incontinence, level of education, treating center, number of days in the ICU, age, and Glasgow coma scale score were significant predictors for PUs. However, further analysis by multiple logistic regression only revealed the significant risk factors to be the treating center, marital status, having SCIs, and the number of days in the ICU. For the subgroup of individuals with SCIs, marital status, AIS, urinary incontinence, level of education, the treating center, the number of days in the ICU and the number of days in the hospital were significant predictors for PUs by univariate analysis. After adjustment in the multivariate model, the treating center, marital status (singles vs. marrieds, OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.55 - 6.03, p = 0.001), and number of days in the ICU (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.09, p < 0.001) maintained significance.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These data confirm that individuals with traumatic spinal fractures and SCIs, especially single young patients who suffer from urinary incontinence, grades A-D by AIS, prolonged ICU stay, and more extended hospitalization are at increased risk for PUs; as a result strategies to minimize PU development need further refinement.

Clinical study of percutaneous vertebroplasty on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCF) patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder(CKD-MBD), and analyzed the efficacy of the operation in relieving pain and improving quality of life.Methods:This retrospective study selected 71 patients who underwent PVP treatment for OVCF at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from December 2013 to December 2018. Among them, there were 24 males and 47 females, with an age range of 66-92 years and an average age of (73.7±8.4) years. Based on whether the patients had CKD-MBD, the patients were divided into two groups: 31 patients with CKD-MBD comprised the experimental group, and 40 patients without CKD-MBD comprised the control group. General patient information and perioperative data were collected, including surgical time, bone cement fill volume, preoperative, postoperative, and different follow-up timepoint visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, analgesic medication usage scores, oswestry disability index (ODI) scores. Measure and record patient vertebral anterior, middle, and posterior heights and Cobb′s angle, as well as patient blood calcium, blood phosphorus, bone metabolic markers, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, total hip bone density, femoral neck bone density, and bone fracture indicators. Measurement data were represented as mean±standard deviation( ± s), the comparison between groups was conducted using the t-test; and repeated measure ANOVA was used for comparison before and after operation; the comparison of count data between groups was conducted by Chi-square test. Results:The surgical duration for the patients in this group was 20-50 min, average (29.8±7.2) min, and the volume of bone cement used was 2.0-5.0 mL, average (3.0±1.0) mL. In the experimental group, VAS scores of postoperative pain, analgesic medication usage scores, and ODI showed statistically significant differences compared to preoperative values ( P<0.001). At the last follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in analgesic medication usage scores and ODI compared to postoperative values, but VAS scores had improved to a certain extent compared to postoperative values, with statistical significance ( P<0.001). In the experimental group, vertebral anterior height increased from (2.26±0.20) cm preoperatively to (2.57±0.28) cm postoperatively, and vertebral middle height increased from (1.96±0.18) cm preoperatively to (2.21±0.16) cm postoperatively, both with statistically significant differences ( P<0.001). Three patients (9.7%) experienced recurrent fractures, including 1 case of surgical vertebral recurrent fracture (3.2%). The experimental group showed a general increasing trend in blood calcium levels, with the last follow-up blood calcium being (2.31±0.09) mmol/L, which was significantly higher than preoperative ( P=0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in the changes in blood phosphorus ( P>0.05), and parathyroid hormone levels showed a slight decrease in the last follow-up when compared to preoperative, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Both total hip bone mineral density(BMD) and femoral neck BMD at the last follow-up showed significant increases compared to preoperative values. The experimental group had higher levels of blood phosphorus and parathyroid hormone than the control group at both preoperative and last follow-up assessments, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Conclusion:PVP can effectively alleviate pain and enhance the quality of life for patients with OVCF accompanied by CKD-MBD.

3D-printed navigation template-assisted and freehand posterior cervical screw fixation of atlantoaxial fracture: a comparison of efficacies / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacies of 3D-printed navigation template assisted and freehand posterior cervical screw fixation of atlantoaxial fractures.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the clinical data of 22 patients with atlantoaxial fractures admitted to Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from September 2018 to December 2020. There were 13 males and 9 females, with age range of 26-68 years [(50.7±11.9)years]. All the patients underwent posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw internal fixation and fusion, among whom 11 patients admitted from November 2019 to December 2020 were assisted with 3D printed navigation templates for the placement of pedicle screws (assisted group) and 11 patients admitted from September 2018 to October 2019 used the traditional way of placing pedicle screws (freehand group). A total of 88 pedicle screws were implanted, with 44 pedicle screws in each group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency were compared between the two groups. The visual analogue score (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedic Society (JOA) score were also compared before operation, at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was evaluated according to the Kawaguchi classification, and complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 24-30 months [(26.4±1.8)months]. The assisted group showed the operation time of (87.3±19.5)minutes and the intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency of (6.4±1.4)times, decreased compared with the freehand group [(115.5±23.0)minutes, (10.3±1.7)times] [(all P<0.01). However, no significant difference was observed in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). Both groups demonstrated comparable VAS and JOA score before operation, at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up (all P>0.05). Furthermore, the assisted group exhibited a significantly higher accuracy of pedicle screw placement [95.5% (42/44)] compared with the freehand group [79.5% (35/44)] ( P<0.05). Notably, there were no intraoperative vertebral artery injury, spinal cord injury, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage in either group, or internal fixation loosening, fracture, nonunion in either group after operation. Conclusion:Compared with freehand posterior cervical screw placement, 3D-printed navigation template-assisted posterior cervical pedicle screw fixation of atlantoaxial fracture can shorten the operation time, reduce the intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and improve the accuracy of screw placement.

Research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with spinal fracture / 中华创伤杂志

The spinal fracture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is predominantly unstable, involving all three columns of the spine. If AS combined with spinal fracture is not effectively treated in the early stage, continuous stress on the lesion site may result in pseudarthrosis, progressive kyphotic deformity, neurologic deficits and other complications during later stages. Currently, the diagnosis of AS combined with spinal fracture mainly relies on symptoms, signs and imaging examination. However, there is a certain rate of missed diagnoses. Although surgical intervention is preferred, there is no unified standard for selecting the surgical approaches. Anterior cervical surgery, due to potential risks of unstable fixation and vascular nerve damage, is limited to a selected group of AS patients combined with concurrent cervical spine fracture. The combined anterior and posterior approach provides good stability, but patients may not tolerate the surgical trauma. The traditional posterior open surgery is widely employed and can achieve good results, but it also causes significant surgical trauma and intraoperative bleeding. Minimally invasive posterior percutaneous procedures are becoming more and more popular due to its advantages of less trauma, less bleeding and faster recovery. Additionally, the use of robot-assisted and navigation techniques increases both safety and accuracy during operations. In this study, the authors reviewed the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with spinal fracture, providing references for optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Reliability testing and clinical effectiveness evaluation of the scoring and classification system for osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To test and evaluate the reliability and clinical effectiveness of osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture (OTLF) scoring and classification system.Methods:A multicenter retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 530 OTLF patients admitted to 8 hospitals including Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2021 to June 2022. There were 212 males and 318 females, aged 55-90 years [(72.6±10.8)years]. There were 4 patients with grade C and 18 with grade D according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification. According to the osteoporotic thoracolumbar injury classification and severity (OTLICS) score, all patients had an OTLICS score over 4 points and required surgical treatment. Among them, 410 patients had acute symptomatic OTLF (ASOTLF), including 24 patients with type I, 159 type IIA, 47 type IIB, 31 type IIC, 136 type IIIA, 8 type IIIB, 2 type IV (absence of neurological symptoms) and 3 type IV (presence of neurological symptoms), and 120 patients had chronic symptomatic OTLF (CSOTLF), including 62 patients with type I, 21 type II, 17 type III, 3 type IV (reducible under general anesthesia), 9 type IV (not reducible under general anesthesia), 1 type V (reducible under general anesthesia), 5 type V (presence of neurological symptoms), and 2 type V (not reducible under general anesthesia). Surgical procedures included percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), positional repositioning plus PVP, percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), posterior open reduction combined with bone graft fusion and bone cement augmented screw internal fixation, posterior open reduction combined with decompression, bone graft fusion and bone cement augmented screw internal fixation, and posterior open reduction combined with osteotomy and orthopedics, bone graft fusion and bone cement augmented screw internal fixation. A weighted Kappa was used to test the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the OTLICS score, the ASOTLF classification, and the CSOTLF classification. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), ASIA classification were compared before, at 1 month after surgery and at the last follow-up. Incidence of postoperative complications was observed.Results:The percentage of mean interobserver agreement for OTLICS staging was 93.4%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.86, and the percentage of mean intraobserver agreement was 93.0%, with a mean confidence kappa value of 0.86. The percentage of mean interobserver agreement for ASOTLF staging was 94.2%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.84, and the percentage of mean intraobserver agreement was 92.5%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.83. The percentage of mean interobserver agreement for CSOTLF subtyping was 91.9%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.80, and the percentage of mean intraobserver agreement was 91.3%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.81. All the patients were followed up for 6-12 months [(9.0±2.1)months]. The VAS and ODI scores were significantly lower in patients with ASOTLF and CSOTLF classifications at 1 month after surgery and at the last follow-up than those before surgery (all P<0.05). The VAS scores in patients with ASOTLF types IIA, IIB, IIC, IIIA, and IV were significantly lower at the last follow-up than that at 1 month after surgery; the ODI scores in patients with ASOTLF types I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB and IV were significantly lower at the last follow-up than those at 1 month after surgery. The VAS scores in patients with CSOTLF types II, III, IV, and V were significantly lower at the last follow-up than those at 1 month after surgery, and the ODI scores in patients with all CSOTLF types were significantly lower at the last follow-up than those at 1 month after surgery (all P<0.05). Two patients with ASIA grade C recovered to grade D, and the rest recovered to grade E at the last follow-up ( P<0.01). No major vessel or nerve injury or internal fixation failure was found during follow-up. There were 18 patients with cement leakage, none of whom showed relevant clinical symptoms. There were 35 patients with new vertebral fractures, all of whom recovered well after symptomatic treatment. Conclusions:The OTLICS score, ASOTLF classification and CSOTLF classification have a high degree of reliability. Application of stepwise treatment for patients with different levels of injury according to the scoring and classification system can reduce pain, promote recovery of the spinal function, and reduce complications, which is of some significance in guiding the selection of clinical treatment.

Comparison of application effect of whole-process seamless nursing and conventional nursing in the perioperative period of ankylosing spondylitis with kyphosis complicated by cervical spine fracture / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the application effect of whole-process seamless nursing and conventional nursing in the perioperative period of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with kyphosis complicated by cervical spine fracture.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 64 patients with AS with kyphosis complicated by cervical spine fracture admitted to Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from April 2017 to December 2022, including 37 males and 27 females, aged 27-73 years [(49.8±14.6)years]. There were 43 patients with vertebral fractures and 21 with intervertebral space fractures. All patients underwent reduction and fixation or correction and fixation. Thirty-two patients admitted from April 2017 to August 2019 received conventional care (conventional nursing group), and 32 patients admitted from September 2019 to December 2022 received whole-process seamless care (seamless nursing group). The two groups were compared concerning the visual analog scale (VAS) before, at 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score before surgery, at 1 and 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up, the health survey questionnaire (SF-36) score and patient satisfaction score before surgery and at the last follow-up, as well as the incidence of postoperative complications.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-12 months [(9.8±3.2)months]. There was no statistical difference in preoperative VAS between the two groups ( P>0.05). The values of VAS in the seamless nursing group were (3.9±1.9)points, (4.2±0.7)points, (2.7±0.9)points, (2.6±0.6)points, and (1.7±0.8)points at 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up, respectively, lower than those of the conventional nursing group [(5.7±1.2)points, (5.8±1.1)points, (3.6±1.2)points, (3.2±1.1)points, and (2.4±1.0)points] ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The VAS of the seamless nursing group at 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up was lower than that before surgery (all P<0.05). The VAS at 1 and 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up was lower than those before and at 12, 24 hours after surgery and the VAS at the last follow-up was lower than those at 1, 3 months after surgery (all P<0.05). The differences among VAS of the conventional nursing group before and at 12, 24 hours after surgery were statistically insignificant (all P>0.05). The VAS of the conventional nursing group at 1 and 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up was lower than those before surgery and at 12, 24 hours after surgery and the VAS at the last follow-up was lower than those at 1, 3 months after surgery (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in VAS of the two groups between 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery, and between 1 month and 3 months after surgery (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the ASIA scores before surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05). There were significant improvements in ASIA scores in the seamless nursing group at 1, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up compared with those of the conventional nursing group ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative SF-36 score and patient satisfaction score between the two groups (all P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the SF-36 score and patient satisfaction score of the seamless nursing group were (47.4±6.2)points and (99.5±1.2)points, respectively, which were higher than those of the conventional nursing group [(42.2±7.3)points and (98.1±1.6)points] (all P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the SF-36 score and patient satisfaction score of the seamless nursing group were higher than those before surgery (all P<0.01). The SF-36 score of the conventional nursing group was higher than that before surgery ( P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction score ( P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the seamless nursing group was 6.3% (2/32), lower than that of the conventional nursing group [25.0% (8/32)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:For AS with kyphosis complicated by cervical spine fracture, whole-process seamless nursing is associated with alleviated postoperative pain, improved spinal nervous function, quality of life and degree of satisfaction, and reduced incidence of complications compared with the conventional nursing.

Clinical significance of vertebral body partition in the unipedicular percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of vertebral body partition in the unipedicular percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.Methods:From July 2019 to October 2021, 89 patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture were treated by unipedicular PVP at Department of Spinal Surgery, Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital. They were 37 males and 52 females, with a mean age of (70.5±4.8) years (from 60 to 80 years). According to the vertebral body partition, the patients were divided into group a (32 cases), group b (20 cases), group c (21 cases), group d (11 cases), group e (0 case) and group f (5 cases). The therapeutic effects were evaluated by comparing the improvement rates of visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between preoperation and postoperative 1-day among all partition groups. The imaging efficacy was evaluated by comparing the proportions of bone cement diffusion area in the posteroanterior and lateral DR films and the leakage of bone cement among all partition groups.Results:The improvement rates of VAS score between preoperation and postoperation: group a [77.8 (75.0, 82.5) %] > group b [71.4 (71.4, 71.4) %] > group c [66.7 (66.7, 66.7) %] > group d [60.0 (60.0, 62.5) %] > group f [57.1 (50.0, 57.1)%], showing a statistically significant difference between any 2 groups ( P<0.001). The improvement rates of ODI score: group a (58.0%±4.2%) > group b (47.5%±2.5%) > group c (42.9%±2.9%) > group d (39.6%±3.2%) > group f (34.2%±8.4%), showing a statistically significant difference between any 2 groups ( P<0.001). The proportions of bone cement diffusion area: group a (76.9%±3.5%) > group b (71.3%±3.1%) > group c (66.1%±3.6%) > group d (60.2%±2.6%) > group f (54.0%±4.2%), showing a statistically significant difference between any 2 groups ( P<0.001). Bone cement leakage occurred in 7 cases, including 3 ones of anterior vertebral leakage (1 case in group a and 2 cases in group b), and 4 ones of leakage into the paravertebral venous plexus (2 cases in group c and 2 cases in group d). There was no intraspinal leakage, or symptoms of nerve compression or lesion. Conclusion:In the unipedicular PVP for osteoporotic vertebral fractures, our vertebral body partition can guide puncturing for bone cement injection because it indicates the optimal and the risky partitions.

In vitro mechanical study of different approaches in percutaneous kyphoplasty / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the restoration effects and mechanical reconstruction between different approaches in percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) through an in vitro mechanical experiment. Methods:T 7 to L 4 segments of adult male embalmed spinal specimens were selected for this experiment. Single vertebral specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups: unilateral angled approach group (Group A), unilateral transpedicular approach group (Group B), unilateral oblique approach group (Group C), and bilateral transpedicular approach group (Group D) ( n=10). The anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body were measured, and the vertebral volumes were calculated and compared. After the model of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) was established on a biomechanical machine, the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body were measured again. After the 4 groups of specimens were subjected to PKP via different approaches, Micro-CT examination of the vertebral bodies was conducted to measure the postoperative anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body. The original strength and stiffness of the vertebral body, the stiffness after modeling, the postoperative strength, the postoperative stiffness on the puncture and contralateral sides, and postoperative overall stiffness were recorded. The distribution of bone cement in the vertebral body, recovery of anterior and posterior heights, strength, and stiffness were compared among the 4 groups. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the vertebral volume among the 4 groups ( P>0.05). The amount of bone cement in group D was significantly larger than that in the other 3 groups ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among the 4 groups in terms of vertebral height recovery, original strength, original stiffness, stiffness after modeling, or postoperative overall stiffness ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the postoperative strength and the original strength in the 4 groups ( P>0.05). The postoperative stiffness on the puncture side in the 4 groups and the postoperative stiffness on the contralateral side in groups A and D were significantly higher than those after modeling ( P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the contralateral stiffness in groups B and C between postoperation and post-modeling ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In PKP, the unilateral angled approach, unilateral transpedicular approach, unilateral oblique approach, and bilateral transpedicular approach all can effectively restore the height, strength and overall stiffness of the responsible vertebral body. The unilateral angled approach and the bilateral transpedicular approach can achieve balanced restoration of the stiffness on bilateral sides of the responsible vertebral body.