Pediatric Spinal Trauma at a Single Level 1Trauma Center: Review of 62 Cases

Background@#Traumatic spinal injuries in children are uncommon and result in different patterns of injuries due to the anatomical characteristics of children’s spines. However, there are only a few epidemiological studies of traumatic spinal injury in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of traumatic spinal injury in children. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the cases of pediatric patients (age < 18 years) with traumatic spinal injury who were treated at a level 1 trauma center between January 2017 and December 2021. We divided them into three groups according to age and analyzed demographics, injury mechanism, level of injury, and injury pattern. @*Results@#A total of 62 patients (255 fractures) were included, and the mean age was 13.8 ± 3.2 years. There were 5 patients (22 fractures) in group I (0–9 years), 24 patients (82 fractures) in group II (10–14 years), and 33 patients (151 fractures) in group III (15–17 years). Both the Injury Severity Score and the Revised Trauma Score were highest in group I, but there was no statistical difference between the age groups. Fall from height was the most common injury mechanism, of which 63% were suicide attempts. The level of spinal injury was different in each age group, T10–L2 injury being the most common. In all age groups, the number of multilevel continuous injury was larger than that of single-level injury or multilevel noncontinuous injury. Surgical intervention was required in 33.9%, and mortality was 3.2%. @*Conclusions@#In our study, fall from height was the most common mechanism of injury, and there were many suicide attempts associated with mental health issues. Thoracolumbar junction injuries were predominant, and the rate of multilevel contiguous injuries was high. The support and interest of the society and families for adolescent children seem crucial in preventing spinal trauma, and image testing of the entire spine is essential when evaluating pediatric spinal injuries.

Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of iatrogenic spinal deformity

Spinal fusion is a common procedure that provides spinal stability by connecting vertebral segments using a bone graft. Because the spinal alignment is fixed permanently after spinal fusion, a mal-aligned fusion can produce iatrogenic spinal deformity and imbalance with significant disability.Current Concepts: Failure to restore adequate segmental lordosis in lumbar spinal fusion is a common cause of iatrogenic spine deformity. Local and regional spinal deformities can affect the global alignment; accordingly, spinal imbalance can occur when the compensation mechanisms fail. Diagnosis and surgical planning should be made on a thorough analysis of global and spinopelvic parameters on the standing whole-spine radiographs. Surgical treatment includes neural decompression, spinal fusion, and deformity correction. Spinal osteotomy provides a favorable surgical outcome, although the complication rate is high.Discussion and Conclusion: Iatrogenic spine deformity is increasing due to the increased occurrence of spinal fusion surgery. To prevent iatrogenic spine deformity, the index fusion surgery should be performed based on a comprehensive analysis of spinopelvic alignment and balance.

Delayed-Onset Leg Weakness Caused by Posterior Migration of a Herniated Disc to the Thecal Sac Mimicking Epidural Hematoma in a Flexion-Distraction Injury of the Lumbar Spine: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To document the first known case of posterior migration of a herniated disc in a lumbar flexion-distraction injury. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Lumbar disc herniation is sometimes confused with epidural hematoma, especially when the disc migrates posterior to the thecal sac. There has been no report of posterior migration of a herniated disc after a lumbar flexion-distraction injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 47-year-old woman with no pertinent medical history was diagnosed with a flexion-distraction injury of the L2–L3 vertebrae after a motor vehicle accident. The patient had no neurological deficit initially. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space-occupying lesion with T2 hyperintensity and T1 isointensity on the dorsal side of the thecal sac at L2–L3. After posterior lumbar fixation and fusion, progressive leg weakness occurred 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: A second operation revealed no evidence of epidural hematoma, but a sequestrated disc. Decompression and sequestrectomy were performed, and the patient's neurological status had recovered fully at 4 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the potential for posterior migration of a herniated disc with flexion-distraction injuries of the thoracolumbar spine. Discontinuity of the posterior annulus fibrosus on MRI may aid the distinction of posterior migration of a herniated disc from epidural hematoma. Because posterior migration of a herniated disc is associated with progressive neurological deficits, surgeons must consider decompression surgery when such herniation is suspected, even in the absence of neurological symptoms.

Delayed-Onset Leg Weakness Caused by Posterior Migration of a Herniated Disc to the Thecal Sac Mimicking Epidural Hematoma in a Flexion-Distraction Injury of the Lumbar Spine: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES@#To document the first known case of posterior migration of a herniated disc in a lumbar flexion-distraction injury.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Lumbar disc herniation is sometimes confused with epidural hematoma, especially when the disc migrates posterior to the thecal sac. There has been no report of posterior migration of a herniated disc after a lumbar flexion-distraction injury.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A 47-year-old woman with no pertinent medical history was diagnosed with a flexion-distraction injury of the L2–L3 vertebrae after a motor vehicle accident. The patient had no neurological deficit initially. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space-occupying lesion with T2 hyperintensity and T1 isointensity on the dorsal side of the thecal sac at L2–L3. After posterior lumbar fixation and fusion, progressive leg weakness occurred 1 week postoperatively.@*RESULTS@#A second operation revealed no evidence of epidural hematoma, but a sequestrated disc. Decompression and sequestrectomy were performed, and the patient's neurological status had recovered fully at 4 months postoperatively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This case highlights the potential for posterior migration of a herniated disc with flexion-distraction injuries of the thoracolumbar spine. Discontinuity of the posterior annulus fibrosus on MRI may aid the distinction of posterior migration of a herniated disc from epidural hematoma. Because posterior migration of a herniated disc is associated with progressive neurological deficits, surgeons must consider decompression surgery when such herniation is suspected, even in the absence of neurological symptoms.

Clinical Usefulness of Fentanyl Matrix Patch for the Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of a fentanyl matrix patch in the management of chronic low back pain. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Chronic low back pain is a significant disabling disease with high medical costs and socioeconomical effects. Oral medication is a fundamental tool for conservative treatment. The fentanyl matrix patch is currently regarded as an alternative method for oral medication, however, the usefulness of the fentanyl matrix patch has not been fully evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2008 to May 2009, a multicenter, open, prospective observational study was conducted. The inclusion criteria included chronic pain patients that did not respond to conservative pain management. The clinical usefulness was evaluated with pain intensity, and the KEQ-5D (Korean version of Euro QoL-5 dimension). RESULTS: Overall, 538 patients were included in this study. The pain intensity decreased about 1.84 +/- 1.91 at the second visit and further decreased by about 2.52 +/- 2.34 at the third visit (p<0.0001). The KEQ-5D score decreased about 0.12 +/- 0.18 at the second visit, and decreased further to 0.18 +/- 0.24 at the third visit (p<0.0001). The number of patients with adverse effects was 121 (22.49%). CONCLUSIONS: The fentanyl matrix patch improves the pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. It is a useful alternative method for the management of chronic low back pain.

Efficacy of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Spinal Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in spinal surgery for the occurrence of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) and host immune reactions depending on various administration regimens and protocols. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The superiority of one regimen or protocol of prophylactic antibiotics over others for SSI in spinal surgery has not been clearly demonstrated. We designed a controlled clinical trial to compare the occurrence of SSI with the changes of hematologic results depending on prophylaxis regimens and protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and February 2011, two hundred consecutive patients who had undergone thoracolumbar/lumbar surgery for degenerative or traumatic disease were included. Postoperative protocol was altered for each group of fifty consecutive patients; 1st generation cephalosporins for 5-days (group A), 2nd generation cephalosporins for 5-days (group B), 1st generation cephalosporins for 3-days (group C), and 2nd generation cephalosporins for 3-days (group D). Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis was administrated within 1 hour prior to surgical incision with the same trial antibiotics. Intraoperative bacterial culture was performed from the surgical site. The occurrences of SSI were evaluated as either incisional or organ/space SSI. Serial changes in hematologic inflammatory markers (WBC, ESR, CRP) and DIC markers (fibrinogen, FDP, D-dimer) were compared until postoperative 2 weeks. RESULTS: The study groups were homogeneous regarding age, sex, body mass index, estimated blood loss, diabetes mellitus, smoking, diagnosis, baseline laboratory values, and type of surgery including instrumentation. Overall, 13 cases of incisional SSI (6.5%) and 3 cases (1.5%) of organ/space SSI occurred. There was no difference in the occurrence of incisional and organ/space SSI among the 4 groups (P=0.690, 0.799). Laboratory results revealed that postoperative changes in hematologic inflammatory markers and DIC markers were not influenced by prophylaxis regimens and protocols (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrences of SSI and host immune responses were not influenced by postoperative antibiotics regimens and protocols. Hematologic investigation revealed that host immune responses did not depend on the type of prophylactic antibiotics.

Measurement of Canal Encroachment Using Axial and Sagittal-Reconstructed Computed Tomographic Images in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of axial and sagittal-reconstructed CT images in the evaluation of spinal canal encroachment by thoracolumbar burst fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The dimensions of spinal canal encroachment by burst fractures have been described using axial CT images in the thoracolumbar region and sagittal-reconstructed images in the lower cervical region. However, the validity and reliability, depending on the measuring method, have not been fully evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred and ninety-nine patients, who had diagnosed as a thoracolumbar burst fracture, were included in this study. Three orthopedic surgeons independently measured the canal encroachment of the burst fragment in the axial CT images and the sagittal-reconstructed images using the ratio of spinal length (method 1) and the ratio of area (method 2). The validity for the evaluation of the deformity and fracture stability was evaluated. In addition, the reliability of each method was assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven stable burst fractures and 132 unstable burst fractures were assessed. The mean kyphotic angle of stable and unstable burst fracture were 11.89 +/- 8.49degreesand 15.90 +/- 9.63degrees(P=0.005). The mean canal encroachment ratios of stable fracture were 17.21 +/- 15.82 % (axial-method 1), 16.71 +/-16.49 % (axial-method 2), 19.54 +/- 17.03 % (sagittal reconstructed-method 1), and 11.75 +/- 12.33 % (sagittal reconstructed-method 2). The mean canal encroachment ratios of unstable fracture were 31.54 +/- 17.10 % (axial-method 1), 29.67 +/- 18.47 % (axial-method 2), 28.53 +/- 18.60 % (sagittal reconstructed-method 1), and 21.20 +/- 15.11 % (sagittal reconstructed-method 2). There was no relationship between the fracture deformity and the canal encroachment ratio in all 4 methods. All ratios in the 4 method showed significant differences in the evaluation of fracture stability. All methods except method 1 in the sagittal-reconstructed images showed significant differences in the assessment of neurologic compromise. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of a canal encroachment area using axial and sagittal-reconstructed images was valid in the description of fracture stability.

Delayed Paraplegia after Successful Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in a Patient with Osteoporotic Compression Fracture: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: We report a case of a female patient initially diagnosed as osteoporotic vertebral fracture without any noticeable injuries to posterior ligament complex, who later developed with incomplete paraplegia resulting from an unrecognized trauma after vertebroplasty. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Vertebroplasty remains a safe and effective procedure for osteoporotic vertebral fracture. However, there have been many reports regarding neural injury associated with cement leakage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 81-year old woman with a sudden motor weakness and a sensory loss on her lower extremities after an unrecognized trauma was admitted to our clinic. She had undergone a vertebroplasty twelve days before the admission. At the time of vertebroplasty, Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed a compression fracture at T10 vertebra without any posterior ligament complex (PLC) injury. Follow up MR imaging was taken 12 days after vertebroplasty, and it revealed posterior shift of T10 body with a fracture of spinous process, tear of left facet joint capsule, partial tear of interspinous ligament of T10-11 with retrolisthesis, and narrowing of spinal canal at T10-11 by T11 lamina. RESULTS: Immediate surgical treatment was performed to decompress the neural structures, and to stabilize the spinal column. However, neurological recovery was unsatisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal surgeons should be aware of the possibility of the development of any neurologic deterioration, even if successful vertebroplasty is performed.

Measurement of Vertebral Compression and Kyphosis in the Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective radiologic study. OBJECTIVES: We wanted to compare the compression ratio and kyphosis of thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures according to the radiologic measuring methods and we wanted to analyze their relationship with the stability of fracture. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: There are several methods for measuring the compression ratio and kyphotic angle in thoracolumbar fractures, but no definitive measurements and no different values according to the stability have been established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2002 to August 2008, the plain films, CT, MRI and medical records of thoracolumbar and lumbar fracture were reviewed. The compression ratio and kyphotic angle were calculated by several different formulas with using the lateral view of the plain X-ray film, the sagittal reconstruction image of CT and the sagittal image of MRI and the results were compared. Each subject was classified according to both McAfee's classification and the TLISS classification. RESULTS: Two hundred forty eight vertebral bodies of 205 thoracolumbar fracture patients were analyzed. The compression ratio according to formula 1, which was calculated as 1-anterior vertebral height/posterior vertebral height, was significantly correlated with Cobb's angle and the local kyphotic angle. There was no significant difference between the Cobb's angle calculated using the lateral X-ray and that using the sagittal view of CT; however, it was significantly less using the sagittal MRI view. The unstable fractures according to McAfee's classification showed a significantly higher compression ratio and kyphotic angle compared to those of the stable fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The compression ratio formula 1 was most significantly correlated with the kyphotic deformity. The unstable fractures showed a mean compression ratio higher than 30%, a mean Cobb's angle of 15degrees and local kyphotic angle of 18degrees. The sagittally reconstructed CT was a useful measuring method for the evaluation of kyphotic deformity, and it was more accurate than that of the plain film.

The Significance of Bone Scan and Classificationin Young Adult Osgood-Schlatter Disease

PURPOSE: We retrospectively classified the young adult Osgood-Schlatter disease by plain radiography and accessed the relationship between bone scan results and symptom duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2007, young adults with symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease were included in the study. The patients were classified into 3 groups, protrusion, cleft and ossicle, according to their radiographic results. All patients had bone scan exams, we analyzed the correlation between the bone scan results and the duration of symptoms. RESULTS: All patients were male with average age of 19.8 (18.5~22.0) years old. Out of 59 patients, 27 were bilateral. Of 86 knee joints, 36 came out positive with bone scan. Positive bone scan rate was 11.1% in protrusion type, 40.0% in cleft type and 61.4% in ossicle type. The pain persisted longer in ossicle type than the others. The symptom duration correlated with the bone scan results. CONCLUSION: We classified young adult Osgood Schlatter disease as three types. The ossicle type of Osgood-Schlatter disease has longer symptom duration, which correlates with the bone scan results. The bone scan result can be one of reliable reference factors for the treatment of young adult Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Surgical Treatment of Degenerative and Isthmic Spondylolisthesis / 대한척추외과학회지

The etiology of spondylolisthesis, which determines the pathoanatomy and natural course, includes the abnormal development of lumbosacrum and various acquired conditions. Many patients with symptomatic degenerative and isthmic spondylolisthesis respond to non-surgical treatments, such as modification of their daily activity, medication, physical therapy and nerve block.

MRI Patterns in the Acute or Subacute Stage of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective radiologic study OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze the signals and configurations of the MRI findings of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and the clinical consequences of each type of the MRI findings. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: There have been some reports that have focused on the MR findings for the differentiation of osteoporotic and metastatic fractures, but there are few reports on the characteristics of the early stage of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2002 to April 2008, the MRI findings and medical records of 97 patients who were diagnosed with acute or subacute osteoporotic vertebral fractures and who were followed-up for more than 1 year were analyzed. The patients with minor trauma within 3 months before obtaining MRIs and they had decreased bone density were included in this study. Those with fractures due to severe trauma or pathologic causes or normal bone density were excluded. Three spine surgeons evaluated, at three times per each surgeon, the T1-weighted, T2-weighted and fat suppression T1-enhanced sagittal images for the signal of the vertebral body bone marrow and the type of the intravertebral body lesion shape. The relationships between the type of MRI findings and the time from the trauma and the follow up clinical consequences were analyzed. RESULTS: The MRI patterns of 97 patients with 111 fractures of the vertebrae were divided into three types. There were 56 cases of Type I (50.5%), which was defined as diffuse typical signal intensity in the vertebral body, 39 cases (35.1%) of Type II, which was defined as geographic low signal in the center of the vertebral body with typical signal changes, and 16 cases (14.4%). of type III, which was defined as atypical signal intensity or a shape of lesion that did not correspond to type 1 nor type 2. The average time from trauma was 10.8+/-19.0days (0~90) for type I, 19.1+/-24.9days (0~90) for type III and 37.5+/-31.1days (0~90) for type III, which showed differences among each types (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the relationship between the time from trauma and the signal intensity and the type of lesion on MRI examination revealed that the low signal intensity in the typical vertebral body signal or an atypical signal or shape were poor prognostic factors of osteoporotic vertebral fracture

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.

MRI Assessments of Adjacent Disc Degeneration Following Lumbar Fusion / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study OBJECTIVE: To use MRI to assess intervertebral disc degeneration at adjacent levels after spinal fusion and after discectomy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs following lumbar spinal fusion is one of the principal reasons for considering motion preservation techniques, such as placement of an artificial disc. Much attention has recently been directed toward disc morphometric studies using MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients who underwent spinal surgery for lumbar degenerative disease and who underwent a minimum of 2 years of follow-up MRIs were included in this study. Thirty-four patients were included in the lumbar fusion study group, and 22 patients were included in the discectomy control group. The MRI Thompson classification was used to grade both upper and lower adjacent disc degeneration preoperatively and at the time of last follow-up. RESULTS: There were significant changes in Thompson degenerative grade in the upper adjacent levels for both the fusion group patients and in the discectomy group patients. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to either the upper or lower adjacent levels (p=0.146 and 0.350, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this short-term study comparing MRI outcomes in spinal fusion and discectomy patients, no significant difference in adjacent disc degeneration was observed between the two group.

Coincidental Congenital Absence of the Posterior Arch of the Atlas and the Unilateral Lumbosacral Articular Process: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We encountered a case of coincidental congenital complete absence of the posterior arch of the atlas and the unilateral lumbosacral articular process. A 21-year-old man presented with pain in the lower back and right buttock. The patient was a swimming coach. On plain radiography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the congenital absence of the unilateral lumbosacral articular process was noted. Six months later, the patient developed severe neck pain and suboccipital headaches without neurological signs. On plain radiography and computerized tomography, the congenital complete absence of the posterior arch of the atlas was noted. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormal signs originating from the posterior spinal cord. There was no segmental instability. For this case, the lower back pain and neck pain were managed by conservative treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a coincidental congenital complete absence of the posterior arch of the atlas and the unilateral lumbosacral articular process.

Usefulness of Fluorine-18 FDG-PET In the Diagnosis of Vertebral Pathologic Fracture / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of the reproducibility of F-18 FDG-PET. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether F-18 FDG-PET had value in distinguishing between vertebral pathologic fractures and osteoporotic compression fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There were many reports in the literature about vertebral pathologic disease studied with F-18 FDG-PET, but few about the distinction between pathologic and benign causes in fractured vertebrae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with vertebral fractures that did not result from major trauma, who were admitted to our hospital from December 2002 to May 2004, were included in this study; and all of them were evaluated with MRI and F-18 FDG-PET. Their final diagnoses were confirmed by biopsy (n=12) or clinical follow-up (n=17). There were 18 cases of vertebral compression fractures, 11 cases of pathologic fractures (4 cases of tumor lesions and 7 cases of pyogenic spondylitis). F-18 FDG-PET images of those patients were interpreted as vertebral compression fractures or pathologic fractures by one nuclear medicine specialist and one radiology specialist without any clinical or radiologic information. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI and F-18 FDG-PET for the diagnosis of vertebral pathologic fractures were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Twenty-four (82.8 %) of 29 cases demonstrated a coincidence between MRI and F-18 FDG-PET interpretations. The sensitivity of F-18 FDG-PET for the diagnosis of vertebral pathologic fractures was 90.9 % and the specificity was 88.9 %. The sensitivity of MRI was 81.8% and the specificity was 83.3%. F-18 FDG-PET demonstrated a higher sensitivity and specificity, and these were statistically insignificant differences. CONCLUSIONS: F-18 FDG-PET is a useful method for determining the differential diagnosis of vertebral pathologic fractures, with high sensitivity and specificity.

The Changes of Sagittal Alignment after Anterior Interbody Fusion with Posterior Fixation in Spondylolisthesis of the Lumbar Spine / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective radiological assessment was conducted. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the changes in the height of the intervertebral disc, the slippage, slip angle, lumbar lordotic angle and sacral inclination after anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior pedicle screw fixation in a lumbar spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The anterior lumbar interbody fusion causes changes in the lumbar sagittal alignment. METHODS: The mini-open anterior lumbar interbody fusion and pedicle screw fixation was undertaken in 33 cases from April 1995 to November 2003. MRI was done before and 6 months after surgery. The measuring factors were the heights of the intervertebral disc, slippage, slip angle, lumbar lordotic angle and sacral inclination. The measuring factors were independently assessed three times by three different orthopedic surgeons. The postoperative changes in measuring the factors were analyzed by a paired t-test statistically. RESULTS: The height of the intervertebral disc was increased by a mean of 14.0%, slippage was reduced by a mean of 2.8%, the slip angle was reduced by a mean of 16.0%, the lumbar lordotic angle was increased by a mean of 15.6% and the scaral inclination was increased by a mean of 3.0%. There was significance in the increase in the disc height, the reduction of slippage and the slip angle, and the increase in lumbar lordotic angle, but there were no significance regarding the changes in sacral inclina-tion. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior lumbar interbody fusion and the pedicle screw fixation significantly improved the height of the intervertebral disc, slippage, slip angle, and lumbar lordotic angle, except sacral inclination.

Adjacent Segment Degeneration After Spinal Fusion In Lumbar Degenerative Disorders / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective radiological assessment was conducted. OBJECTIVES: An attempt to analyze the degenerative change of an intervertebral disc for adjacent segment degeneration in lumbar degenerative diseases. LITERATURE REVIEW SUMMARY: A review of the literature failed to uncover any documented study examining the quantitative analysis of the degenerative change of the intervertebral disc for adjacent segment degeneration. METHODS: This study was based on 45 patients, treated operatively or conservatively at this hospital, between April 1995 and July 2004. 39 and 6 cases of operative and conservative treatments, respectively, were performed. In the 39 operative treatments, there were 34 cases of fusion and 5 of discectomy. Dynamic X-ray and MRI were performed at the initial evaluation, and again more than 2 years later. In the 34 fusion cases, the upper and lower adjacent segments of the fused level were studied, and in the 11 non-fusion cases (conservative treatment or discectomy), the L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 level were studied. The instability of the dynamic X-ray and Thompson grade changes of the disc on MRI were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Adjacent segment degeneration was found in 10 of the 34 cases (29.4%) on plain X-ray. The average Thompson grades of the 33 upper segment cases were 2.6 and 3.4 preoperatively and postoperatively (P=0.000), and for the 24 of the lower segment cases were 2.9and 3.2 (P=0.033), respectively. No statistical increase in the Thompson grade was found in the non-fusion group. CONCLUSIONS: The adjacent discs of the fusion group showed statistically meaningful degeneration on MRI, but this was not correlated with adjacent segment degeneration on plain X-ray. Various anatomical and functional factors must be considered in the evaluation of adjacent segment disease.

Adjacent Segment Degeneration After Spinal Fusion In Lumbar Degenerative Disorders / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective radiological assessment was conducted. OBJECTIVES: An attempt to analyze the degenerative change of an intervertebral disc for adjacent segment degeneration in lumbar degenerative diseases. LITERATURE REVIEW SUMMARY: A review of the literature failed to uncover any documented study examining the quantitative analysis of the degenerative change of the intervertebral disc for adjacent segment degeneration. METHODS: This study was based on 45 patients, treated operatively or conservatively at this hospital, between April 1995 and July 2004. 39 and 6 cases of operative and conservative treatments, respectively, were performed. In the 39 operative treatments, there were 34 cases of fusion and 5 of discectomy. Dynamic X-ray and MRI were performed at the initial evaluation, and again more than 2 years later. In the 34 fusion cases, the upper and lower adjacent segments of the fused level were studied, and in the 11 non-fusion cases (conservative treatment or discectomy), the L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 level were studied. The instability of the dynamic X-ray and Thompson grade changes of the disc on MRI were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Adjacent segment degeneration was found in 10 of the 34 cases (29.4%) on plain X-ray. The average Thompson grades of the 33 upper segment cases were 2.6 and 3.4 preoperatively and postoperatively (P=0.000), and for the 24 of the lower segment cases were 2.9and 3.2 (P=0.033), respectively. No statistical increase in the Thompson grade was found in the non-fusion group. CONCLUSIONS: The adjacent discs of the fusion group showed statistically meaningful degeneration on MRI, but this was not correlated with adjacent segment degeneration on plain X-ray. Various anatomical and functional factors must be considered in the evaluation of adjacent segment disease.

Height Changes of Intervertebral Disc and Neural Foramen after Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Lumbar Spine / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical study with radiologic assessment was conducted. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the height changes of the intervertebral disc and neural foramen and width changes of the neural foramen after anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior fixation in the lumbar spine. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW : Anterior lumbar interbody fusion distracts the height of the intervertebral disc and neural foramen and the width of the neural foramen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Minimal anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior fixation were performed in 20 cases from January 1999 to January 2001. The measuring factors were the height of the anterior and posterior discs, and the height and width of the neural foramen, measured with a caliper in 1mm reconstructive, computed tomography, sagittal images before and 6 months after anterior lumbar interbody fusion. The factors were independently measured by three different persons. RESULTS: The height of the anterior and posterior discs was increased by mean 32.2% and 40.5%, respectively. The height of the right and left neural foramen was increased by mean 15.7% and 18.3%, respectively. The width of the superior, middle and inferior neural foramen was increased by mean 20.6%, 30.3% and 38.6%, respectively. There were significant increases in all measuring factors after minimal anterior lumbar interbody fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal anterior lumbar interbody fusion significantly increased the height of the anterior and posterior intervertebral discs, and the height and width of the neural foramen, and produced neural decompression.