Subcutaneous endplate bone graft reduction combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for A3+B2 thoracolumbar burst fractures / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Bone grafting is one of the important steps in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.Because the fracture involves the spinal canal or is accompanied by spinal cord nerve damage,severe fracture bleeding and other factors,minimally invasive bone grafting for thoracolumbar burst fractures is restricted.At present,the minimally invasive treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures is limited to percutaneous screw fixation under the tunnel.Minimally invasive percutaneous bone grafting of injured vertebrae is rarely reported,and percutaneous precise bone grafting under the endplate has not yet been reported. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical effect of subcutaneous endplate bone graft support reduction combined with percutaneous pedicle screw short-segment fixation in the treatment of A3+B2 thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS:From June 2017 to December 2021,90 patients with A3+B2 type asymptomatic thoracolumbar burst fracture were randomly divided into 3 groups according to admission time.In group A,33 patients received the bone graft funnel accurately placed through the pedicle channel by percutaneous puncture under C-arm fluoroscopy,bone graft support reduction under the fracture endplate,percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.In group B,30 patients received multifissure intermuscular approach through pedicle bone graft support reduction combined with pedicle screw fixation.In group C,27 patients received percutaneous pedicle screw short-segment fixation under postural reduction.All patients were followed up for at least 18 months after surgery.The clinical data of the three groups,including preoperative,postoperative and last follow-up Cobb angle,anterior edge height ratio and visual analog scale pain score,were compared and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were no significant differences in age,sex,injury segment and causative factors among the three groups(P>0.05).(2)All patients at follow-up had no neurological impairment,no obvious lumbar posterior deformity or intractable low back pain.(3)The operation time of group C was less than that of group A and group B(P<0.05).Intraoperative blood loss was less in group A and group C than in group B(P<0.05).(4)There were no significant differences in the anterior edge height ratio and Cobb angle among the three groups(P>0.05).Postoperative data in groups A and B were better than that in group C.At last follow-up,group A and group B outperformed group C(P<0.05).The height and Cobb angle of the vertebral body lost in the three groups were smaller in groups A and B than those in group C(P<0.05).(5)Visual analog scale pain score was better in groups A and C than that in group B after surgery(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in visual analog scale pain score among the three groups at last follow-up(P>0.05).(6)In group C,there was one case of loose internal fixation and displacement in 1 month after surgery,and the vertebral height was lost again with back pain,and after strict bed rest for 6 weeks,the vertebral height loss was not aggravated,the pain was relieved,and the internal fixation was removed after 1 year,and the height loss at the last follow-up was not aggravated.There were no cases of failure of internal fixation in groups A and B.(7)It is indicated that subcutaneous endplate bone graft support reduction combined with percutaneous pedicle screw short-segment fixation in the treatment of A3+B2 thoracolumbar burst fracture has the advantages of less trauma,less bleeding and light postoperative pain symptoms,and the effect of injury vertebral reduction and height maintenance is the same as the reduction through pedicle bone grafting support and short segment fixation with pedicle screws through the multifidus space approach.

Clinical efficacy of decompression under full-endoscope and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of single-level thoracolumbar burst fracture / 中国脊柱脊髓杂志

Objectives:To explore the safety and early effectiveness of decompression under full-endoscope and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of single-level thoracolumbar burst fractures.Methods:The clinical data of 9 patients with single-segment thoracolumbar burst fracture treated with spinal canal decompression under full-endoscope and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation from April 2021 to June 2022 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively,including 7 males and 2 females.The age ranged from 23 to 61(39.3±9.1)years old.According to AO classification,there were 6 cases of type A,2 cases of type B and 1 case of type C.Fracture segments were T12 in 2 cases,L1 in 3 cases,L2 in 3 cases,and L3 in 1 case.According to the classification of American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA)grading,there were 2 cases of type C,2 cases of type D,and 5 cases of type E.The decompression and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation were operated through the same incision in the injured vertebrae for screw placing.The operation-related indexes and complications were recorded.The patients'low back pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS)score before operation,on 3rd day after operation and at the last follow-up.The sagittal Cobb angle,height ratio of vertebral anterior edge,and the rate of spinal canal occupation were measured on spinal X-ray and CT images,and the recovery of neurological function was evaluated at the last follow-up.Results:All 9 patients successfully completed the operation,and the operative time was 105-145min(1 12.4± 21.2min),bleeding volume was 50-110mL(83.9±19.6mL),and hospitalization time was 7-13d(9.1±1.3d).No serious complications such as wound infection,cerebrospinal fluid leakage,aggravated nerve injury occurred.The follow-up time was 6-13months(8.4±3.9 months),all the fractures healed successfully,and the healing time was 3-6 months(4.7±1.6 months).The VAS score of low back pain on the 3rd day after operation and at final follow-up significantly improved compared with that before operation(P＜0.05),and it was also significantly improved at the last follow-up compared with that on the 3rd day after operation(P＜0.05).The Cobb angle,anterior height ratio of injured vertebrae,and invasion rate of spinal canal were significantly improved compared with those before operation(P＜0.05),respectively,but there was no statistical difference between the last follow-up and postoperative 3d(P＞0.05).One patient recovered from grade C to grade D of ASIA classification,while another three patients with neurological injury recovered completely.Conclusions:Decompression under full-endoscope and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation through the same incision in the injured vertebrae for screw placement in the treatment of single-level thoracolumbar burst fractures can obtain effective nerve root and spinal canal decompression,with good correction and small operative trauma,which is a safe and effective option.

Evaluation of the efficacy of posterior reduction and internal fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures with Load-sharing classification score of 7 and 8 / 中国脊柱脊髓杂志

Objectives:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of posterior reduction and fixations in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures with Load-sharing classification(LSC)score of 7 and 8 points.Methods:The data of 36 patients with LSC score of 7 and 8 who underwent posterior reduction and internal fixation between October 2009 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 21 males and 15 females,with an average age of 42.67±14.67 years(range 21 to 67 years).The fractured vertebrae were T12-Ll.LSC score was graded according to the imaging data including X-ray radiographs,CT and MRI.The index vertebral Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height were collected at preoperative,postoperative 1 week and final follow-up,respectively.Visual analogue scale(VAS)was used to evaluate residual back pain at final follow-up.The complications were recorded for safety evaluation.Results:All the patients were followed up for 49.83±18.20 months on average(23-86 months),of which 19 cases had internal fixations removed,and the follow-up period for patients after internal fixation removal was 28.00±20.12 months on average(3-69 months).Fracture healing was achieved in all the patients without significant residual pain,or broken screw or rod,or significant kyphosis,or pedicle screw cutting vertebral body or loosening of the internal fixation.For imaging evaluation,the postoperative sagittal Cobb angle was significantly improved to 6.67°±5.06° from the preoperative 15.87°±8.35°,and the postoperative height of anterior margin of the fractured vertebral body recovered to 2.88±0.32cm from 1.81±0.49cm before operation,all with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The vertebral body height at the final follow-up was 2.81±0.41cm,and there was no statistically significant difference between postoperative and the final follow-up vertebral body heights(P＞0.05).At the final follow-up,the neurological functions of all the patients recovered compared with the conditions at the time of injury,with no loss of intervertebral space height.The anterior edge height of the vertebral body recovered to(94.92±18.41)％,the middle edge height recovered to(81.16±11.82)％,and the posterior edge height recovered to(97.48±7.63)％,all with significant differences compared to those before surgery(P＜0.05).Conclusions:The posterior reduction and internal fixation for patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture with LSC scores of 7 and 8 can achieve good preservation of vertebral stability at later stage,high safety,and satisfactory clinical efficacy and imaging results.

Inverse arch roof breaking technique combined with pedicle screw and bone graft in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The morbidity rate of thoracolumbar burst fracture is high; however, the simple posterior distraction and reduction technique has poor patient satisfaction on maintaining vertebral height and reducing complications. Therefore, we attempt to explore a better therapeutic regimen. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of inverse arch roof breaking technique combined with pedicle screw and bone graft in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 78 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. All the patients suffered from fresh closed fractures, and all of them were operated by posterior approach. The time from injury to surgery ranged from 4 to 14 days, with an average of 7.8 days. They were randomly assigned to two groups. The 38 cases in the simple distraction group were treated with simple vertebra pedicle screw-rod system distraction and reduction fixation. The 40 cases in the inverse arch roof breaking and bone graft group were treated with inverse arch roof breaking technique combined with pedicle screw and bone graft in fractured vertebra. All patients signed the informed consent. The study was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, anterior height ratio of injured vertebrae, Cobb angle, visual analogue score, Barthel Index and postoperative complications were measured between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The follow-up period for all patients was 10-22 months. (2) Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were better in the simple distraction group than in the inverse arch roof breaking and bone graft group (P < 0.01). (3) The ratio of anterior height of injured vertebra and Cobb angle were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.01). Above indexes were better in the inverse arch roof breaking and bone graft group than in the simple distraction group. (4) There were significant differences in fracture healing time and life activity function (Barthel index) between the two groups (P < 0.01), and above indexes were better in the inverse arch roof breaking and bone graft group than in the simple distraction group. (5) No deep infection was found in both groups. There were no complications such as internal fixation failure and excessive loss of vertebral height in arch roof breaking and bone graft group. In the simple distraction group, there were 3 cases of screw pull-out because of failed internal fixation, 2 cases of titanium rod breakage, and 10 cases of obvious vertebral height loss. (6) These findings suggest that compared with simple distraction and reduction fixation, inverse arch roof breaking technique combined with pedicle screw and bone graft can provide bony support to compression center of fractured vertebra. The efficacy was identified in reconstructing the height of anterior and middle columns. This method has the advantages of high mechanical strength, strong vertebral height maintenance, high bone healing rate and few complications, which will be the ideal choice in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Thoracolumbar burst fracture: From injury causes to clinical symptoms / 第二军医大学学报

ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between the factors causing thoracolumbar burst fracture and the corresponding clinical manifestations, so as to improve the early warning and diagnosis of thoracolumbar burst fracture, reduce the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, and improve the success rate of first aid. MethodsThe clinical data of thoracolumbar burst fractures treated in the Intensive Care Unit of Depretment of Emergency of our hospital from Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data, including age, sex, hospital duration, causes, complications, discharge, and prognosis, were analyzed retrospectively. Results A total of 83 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture, including 69 males (83.13%) and 14 females (16.87%), were selected for this study. The average age was (44.64±15.26) years. The causes of the injury included: High falling injury (53 cases, 63.86%), traffic accident injury (17 cases, 20.48%), and heavy object injury (12 cases, 14.46%). There were 31 cases (37.35%) of craniocerebral injury, 53 cases (63.86%) of chest injury, 37 cases (44.58%) of abdominal injury, 44 cases (53.01%) of other fracture. Among the 53 cases of chest injury, there were 19 cases (35.85%) with hemopneumothorax, 13 cases (13.21%) with simple hemothorax, 7 cases (24.53%) with simple pneumothorax, 8 cases (15.09%) with mediastinal hemorrhage, 7 cases (13.21%) with mediastinal emphysema, 11 cases (20.75%) with flail chest, and 5 cases (9.43%) with diaphragmatic hernia. Among 37 cases of abdominal injuries, there were 8 cases (21.62%) with rupture of spleen, 3 cases (8.11%) with subcapsule hematomas, and 4 cases (10.81%) with simultaneous injury of liver and spleen. The missed diagnoses at the initial diagnosis included: 5 cases (100.00%) of diaphragmatic hernia, 5 cases (62.50%) of mediastinal hemorrhage, 4 cases (57.14%) of mediastinal emphysema, 2 cases (18.18%) of flail chest, and 2 cases (15.38%) of simple hemothorax. Missed diagnosis rate of the other complications were all under 10.00%. The main complications were bronchopneumonia (37 cases, 44.58%) and traumatic hemorrhagic shock (17 cases, 20.48%). There were 8 cases (9.64%) complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), with more than 3 systems involved. There were 39 patients (46.99%) had paraplegia and 3 cases (3.61%) died at discharge. ConclusionThoracolumbar burst fractures are more common in young and middle-aged men, with high falling being the primary cause and hemopneumothorax being the main clinical manifestation. Diaphragmatic hernia, mediastinal hemorrhage and mediastinal emphysema are easy to have missed diagnosis. Nearly 50% patients have traumatic paraplegia, which is worthy of attention and in-depth study.

Posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra for severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To discuss the effectiveness of posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra for severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures using pedicle screw fixation.

Behavior of Injured Lamina in Lumbar Burst Fractures during Reduction Maneuvers: A Biomechanical Study

STUDY DESIGN: An experimental biomechanical study. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the behavior of a lamina injury in lumbar burst fractures during reduction maneuvers. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Lumbar burst fractures are frequently accompanied by a lamina fracture. Many researchers concluded that any reduction maneuver will close the fractured lamina edges and possibly crush the entrapped neural elements. This conclusion did not rely on solid biomechanical trials and was based primarily on clinical experience. METHODS: Eighteen fresh-frozen lamb spines were randomly divided into three groups. Using the preinjury and the dropped-mass technique, a burst fracture model was developed. A central laminectomy of 5 mm of the L3 lumbar spine was created to mimic a complete type of lamina fracture. To measure the movement of the fractured laminar edges, two holes were drilled on both sides of the upper and lower regions of the lamina to allow for optic marker placement. A single specific spine movement was applied to each group: traction, flexion, and extension. Gap changes were measured by camera extensometers. RESULTS: After traction, the average values of the upper and lower aspects of the lamina interval showed narrowing of 1.65±0.82 mm and 1.97±1.14 mm, respectively. No statistical significance was detected between the two aspects. The upper and lower regions of the lamina gap behaved differently during extension. At 10°, 20°, and 30°, the upper part of the lamina interval was widened by an average of 0.016±0.024, 0.29±0.32, and 1.73±1.45 mm, respectively, whereas the lower part was narrowed by an average of 0.023±0.012, 0.47±0.038, and 1.94±1.46 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neural element crushing may take place, particularly at the lower aspect of the fractured lamina gap during extension and throughout the whole lamina gap during traction. The lamina gap widens during flexion. Reduction maneuvers should be attempted after exploring the fractured lamina to prevent further neurological compromise.

Effect of posterior column stability and decompression on the treatment of lumbar burst fracture with nerve injury and its influence on vertebral body and neurological function / 中国综合临床

Objective To explore the effect of posterior column stability and decompression on the treatment of lumbar burst fracture with nerve injury and its effect on vertebral body and neurological function.Methods Fifty-two cases patients of lumbar burst fracture with nerve injury from February 2005 to July 2014 in Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College For Nationalities were selected as the research objects and divided into retention group(28 cases) and non-retention group(24 cases) according to the choice of operation method.The surgical clinical efficacy,the changes of the vertebral body and nerve function were compared between two groups.Results At 3 months,6 months and 12 months after operation,the fusion rate,sagittal diameter and the height of the injured vertebral body,pre-vertebral body,and intervertebral space were all significantly increased,while the Cobb angle,the pressure area and the sagittal displacement rate were markedly decreased(F of inner grouP=10.492,8.858,7.432,16.311,19.491,10.329,21.587;P0.05).After operation,the ASIA grade gradually improved,neurological function of the retention group recovered at 6 months after surgery,while non-retention group presented this effect at 12 months after surgery,moreover,at 12 months after operation,the proportion of E grade in retention group was 64.29%,higher than that of non-retention group(45.83%,F=12.758,P<0.001).The levels of neuron-specific enolase(NSE),S100B protein and myelin basic protein(MBP) in retention group were significantly lower than those of the non-retention group at 3 months after surgery(P<0.05).The improvement of S100B and MBP in the reservation group at 6 months after surgery were better than those of non-retention group,while at 12 months after surgery,only the improvement of MBP in retention group showed the better effects than non-retention group.Conclusion Posterior column stability and decompression show a high clinical efficacy on the treatment of lumbar burst fracture with nerve injury and it can significantly improve the vertebral body and neurological function.

Posterior indirect reduction and internal fixation and laminectomy in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture complicated with spinal cord injury / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effect of posterior indirect reduction and internal fixation and laminectomy in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture complicated with spinal cord injury.Methods Eighty patients with thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture and spinal cord injury treated in our hospital from March 2014 to March 2015 were selected as the objects,and they were divided into reset group and laminectomy group with forty cases in each group according to surgical method.All the patients were followed up for 1 year,the lumbar function of two groups at 1 week and 1 year after operation were observed respectively,and the pain degree was observed in 1month,3 months and 6 months after operation.The amount of bleeding,operation time,hospitalization time and fracture healing time were observed.Neurological function was assessed by classification criteria of the American Spinal Cord Injury Association(ASIA),and incidence of complications was figured in the two groups.Results The anterior heights of the injured vertebra were higher than those before the operation,and the Cobb's angles were lower than those before the operation,the differences were significant(P ＜ 0.05);while there was no significant differences in the anterior heights of the injured vertebra between the two groups at 1 week and 1 year after operation(P ＞ 0.05).VAS scores of the two groups after 1 month,3 months and 6 months decreased significantly when compared with the preoperative scores(P ＜ 0.05),and VAS scores of each time in the reset group were significantly lower than those in the laminectomy group(P ＜ 0.05).The amount of bleeding,operation time,hospitalization time and fracture healing time in the reset group were less than those in the laminectomy group (P ＜ 0.05).The neurological function recovery of the two groups were significantly improved when compared with that before the operation(P ＜0.05).There was no significant difference in recovery of neurological function between the two groups(P ＞ 0.05).The complication rate was 7.50％ in the reset group,lower than 12.50％ of the laminectomy group,the difference was significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Posterior indirect reduction and internal fixation of lamina both have a certain effect in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture complicated with spinal cord injury.But posterior indirect reduction has less complications and less amount of bleeding,which is beneficial to postoperative recovery.

Posterior short segment and long segment pedicle screws internal fixation in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture:Meta analysis / 中国综合临床

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of posterior short segment and long segment pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture. Methods By searching the database, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, a comprehensive study was carried out to make a comparison between the posterior short segment and the long segment pedicle screws internal fixation in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture, and Meta analysis was performed. Results A total of 14 related studies and 658 patients were enrolled in the study, including 320 patients in short segment group and 338 cases in long segment group, and Meta analysis was performed. The results suggested that there was no significant difference between the short segment group and the long segment group in terms of the deformity angle of the injured vertebra measured after operation and at the last follow?up, and sagittal index at the last follow?up ( MD=-0. 22,95%CI -2. 73,2. 28,P=0. 86;MD=-0. 28,95%CI -2. 23,1. 67, P=0. 78;MD=0. 47, 95%CI -3. 45, 4. 39, P=0. 81 ) . Besides, both groups had no statistical difference in post?operative COBB angle,anterior vertebral height and compression rate of injured vertebrae ( MD=0. 21,95%CI -0. 65,1. 06,P=0. 64; MD=-0. 46,95%CI -1. 40,0. 49,P=0. 34; MD=0. 47,95%CI -2. 28, 3. 21, P= 0. 74 ) , while the differences in COBB angle, anterior vertebral height, compression rate, correction loss were statistically significant at the last follow?up (MD=5. 11,95%CI 2. 81,7. 40,P<0. 0001;MD=-11. 89,95%CI-15. 28,-8. 50,P<0. 00001;MD=6. 46,95%CI 3. 85,9. 07,P<0. 00001) . There was no significant difference in VAS scores and the ODI scores between the two groups at the last follow?up ( MD =0. 01,95%CI -0. 15,0. 17,P=0. 9; MD=-0. 47,95%CI -2. 68,1. 74,P=0. 86),while the two groups showed statistically significant difference in fixation failure ( RR = 0. 08, 95%CI 0. 01, 0. 15, P = 0. 02 ) . Conclusion Posterior long segment pedicle screw internal fixation is more effective in treating thoracolumbar burst fracture than short segment surgery. It can reduce the COBB angle,restore the anterior height of the injured vertebra,and decrease the anterior vertebral pressure.

Follow-up study on pedicle fixation for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures in patients with osteoporosis / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of pedicle fixation for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures in patients with osteoporosis,and to provide more evidence for the treatment.Methods Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 121 patients with osteoporotic vertebral burst fracture from June 2012 to October 2015.And these patients were divided into two groups according to different operation methods, namely the control group (n=56) who were given short segment fixation and the observation group (n=65) who were given single segment fixation.The visual analogue scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index(ODI),vertebral height,kyphotic angle and bone mineral density of the two groups were analyzed before surgery and 3 days,1 month,3 months and 12 months after surgery.Results The VAS score,ODI score,vertebral height,and Cobb angle of the injured vertebra were significantly improved in both of the two groups,and the difference was statistically significant (P0.05).The ODI score of the observation group was better than that of the control group 3 days and 3 months after surgery with statistically significant difference (P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the two groups till the end of follow-up.Pedicle fixation at the injured vertebra significantly improved the vertebral height and Cobb angle with statistically significant difference (P<0.05).And the anti-osteoporosis treatment significantly increased the bone mineral density (P<0.05).Conclusion Pedicle fixation at the injured vertebra is useful in pain relief as well as function and anatomical structure restoring.And anti-osteoporosis treatment is necessary for the bone mineral density increase.

The Relationship between Superior Disc-Endplate Complex Injury and Correction Loss in Young Adult Patients with Thoracolumbar Stable Burst Fracture

BACKGROUND: To determine the relationship between superior disc-endplate complex injury and correction loss after surgery in a group of young adult patients with a stable thoracolumbar burst fracture. METHODS: The study group was comprised of young adult patients who had undergone short-segment posterior fixation and bone grafting under the diagnosis of a stable thoracolumbar burst fracture from March 2008 to February 2014. Follow-up was available for more than 1 year. Before surgery, magnetic resonance imaging was performed to determine injury to the anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, and superior and inferior intervertebral discs and endplates. Correction loss was evaluated by the Cobb angle, intervertebral disc height, upper intervertebral disc angle, vertebral wedge angle, and vertebral body height. RESULTS: No significant relation was noted between correction loss and an injury to the anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, inferior intervertebral disc/endplate, and fracture site, whereas an injury to the superior endplate alone and superior disc-endplate complex showed a significant association. Specifically, a superior intervertebral disc-endplate complex injury showed statistically significant relation to postoperative changes in Cobb angle (p = 0.026) and vertebral wedge angle (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: A superior intervertebral disc-endplate complex injury may have an influence on the prognosis after short-segment fixation in young adult patients with a stable thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Single-Stage Posterior Subtotal Corpectomy and Circumferential Reconstruction for the Treatment of Unstable Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the technique of single-stage posterior subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures and to evaluate the radiographical and clinical outcomes of patients treated using this technique. METHODS: 16 consecutive patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with single-stage posterior subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction. The mean patient age was 54.8 years. The mean follower up period was 25 months. Five patients suffered from T12 fractures, 10 from L1, 1 from L2. The segmental kyphosis, neurologic status, visual analogue scale for back pain was evaluated before surgery and at follow up. RESULTS: The segmental kyphotic angle improved from 18.5 degrees before surgery to -9.2 degrees at the last follow up. The mean correction angle was 28.9 degrees. The mean surgical time was 255 minutes, and a mean intraoperative blood loss was 1073 mL. Intraoperative complications included two dural tears, and a superficial wound infection. There were no other severe complications. The mean visual analog scale of back pain decreased from a mean value of 6.6 to 2 at the last follow up. CONCLUSION: The single-stage posterior subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction achieved satisfactory kyphosis correction with direct visualization of the circumferentially decompressed spinal cord, as well as good fusion with less blood loss and complications. It is a safe and reliable surgical treatment option for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures.

COMPARISON OF SHORT SEGMENTAL FIXATION WITH AND WITHOUT FUSION IN TREATMENT OF THORACOLUMBAR BURST FRACTURE BY POSTERIOR APPROACH / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of short segmental pedicle screw fixation with and without fusion in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 57 patients with single segment thoracolumbar burst fractures, who accorded with the inclusion criteria between February 2012 and February 2014. The patients underwent posterior short segmental pedicle screw fixation with fusion in 27 cases (fusion group) and without fusion in 30 cases (non-fusion group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time between injury and admission, fracture segment and classification, and neurologic function America Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification between 2 groups, which had the comparability (P>0.05). The operative time, blood loss, and hospitalization days were compared between 2 groups. The height of the injured vertebra, the kyphotic angle, and the range of motion (ROM) were measured on the X-ray film. The functional outcomes were evaluated by using the Greenough low-back outcome score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for back pain. The neurologic functional recovery was assessed by ASIA grade. RESULTS: The operative time was significantly shortened and the blood loss was significantly reduced in the non-fusion group when compared with the fusion group (P0.05). The patients were followed up for 2.0-3.5 years (mean, 3.17 years) in the fusion group and for 2-4 years (mean, 3.23 years) in the non-fusion group. X-ray films showed that 2 cases failed bone graft fusion, the fusion time was 12-17 weeks (mean, 15.6 weeks) in the other 25 cases. Complication occurred in 2 cases of the fusion group (1 case of incision deep infection and 1 case of hematoma at iliac bone donor site) and in 1 case of the non-fusion group (fat liquefaction); primary healing of incision was obtained in the others. The Cobb angle, the height of injured vertebrae showed no significant difference between 2 groups at pre-operation, immediate after operation, and last follow-up (P>0.05). The ROM of injured vertebrae showed no significant difference between 2 groups at 1 year after operation (before implants were removed) (P>0.05). The implants were removed at 1 year after operation in all cases of the non-fusion group, and in 11 cases of the fusion group. At last follow-up, the ROM of injured vertebrae in the non-fusion group was significantly higher than that in the fusion group (P0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fusion is not necessary when thoracolumbar burst fracture is treated by posterior short segmental pedicle screw fixation, which can preserve regional segmental motion, shorten the operative time, decrease blood loss, and eliminate bone graft donor site complications.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE PASSAGE IN POSTERIOR LAMINOTOMY DECOMPRESSION AND INTERVERTEBRAL BONE GRAFTING COMBINED WITH PERCUTANEOUS PEDICLE SCREW FIXATION FOR TREATMENT OF Denis TYPE B THORACOLUMBAR BURST FRACTURES / 中国修复重建外科杂志

RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all patients; the average operation time was 150 minutes (range, 90-240 minutes); the average bleeding volume was 350 mL (range, 50-500 mL); the average postoperative drainage was 80 mL (range, 20-150 mL); and the average VAS score was 2.3 (range, 1.5-4.7) at 3 days after operation. The incisions healed primarily. All the patients were followed up 12-19 months (mean, 15 months). All fractures healed at 3-9 months (mean, 6 months). No complications of broken nails, broken rod, and screw loosening occurred. At last follow-up, the vertebral canal patency rate was significantly improved when compared with preoperative value (t=27.395, P=0.000). The Cobb angle, and the anterior and posterior heights of of traumatic vertebra were significantly improved at 1 week, 1 year, and last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones (P0.05). The neurological function was improved in different degrees; 1 case was rated as grade A, 4 cases as grade B, 7 cases as grade C, 15 cases as grade D, and 26 cases as grade E, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (Z=-5.477, P=0.000).

Character of stress distributions on vertebral cancellous bone in lumbar burst fracture: a finite element study / 医用生物力学

Objective To simulate the process of lumbar burst fracture by finite element method, and investigate stress distributions on the cancellous bone of lumbar vertebrae under axial compressive loads. Methods The 3D finite element model of normal human thoracolumbar motion segments (T12-L2) was established. Stress at different levels (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 kN) was applied on the surface of T12 thoracic vertebra to simulate the different axial compressive loads at the occurrence of lumbar burst fracture. The ligature between concave vertexes of the inferior and superior endplates was divided into 7 portions, and the cancellous bone of the L1 vertebra was then divided into 7 layers with each layer separated into 6 statistic zones. The average stress on 18 statistic zones at 3 layers (Layer 1, 4, 7) of the cancellous bone was calculated, respectively. The average stress on 3 layers under the same loads was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and stress distribution on the cancellous bone of lumbar vertebrae under different loads was also analyzed. ResultsUnder axial loads at 5 different levels, the average stress on Layer 1 and Layer 7 had obvious statistical significance compared with that on Layer 4(P0.05). The stress on the middle layer (Layer 4) was the minimum compared with that on Layer 1 and Layer 7. Conclusions Under axial compressive loads, the stress concentration occurred in the cancellous bone of lumbar vertebrae. The stress at adjacent vertebral endplates (inferior and superior endplates) was larger, while the stress on the middle layer was relatively smaller. The phenomenon that vertebral stress concentrating on inferior and superior endplates was consistent with the biomechanical mechanism of broken endplates caused by lumbar burst fracture, which indicates that the damage to lumbar structure may be related to the stress concentration on lumbar vertebrae.

Surgical treatment of Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture with neurological deficiency by paraspinal approach

We aimed to describe the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of paraspinal-approach reduction and fixation (PARF) in a group of patients with Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture (TLBF) with neurological deficiencies. A total of 62 patients with Denis B TLBF with neurological deficiencies were included in this study between January 2009 and December 2011. Clinical evaluations including the Frankel scale, pain visual analog scale (VAS) and radiological assessment (CT scans for fragment reduction and X-ray for the Cobb angle, adjacent superior and inferior intervertebral disc height, and vertebral canal diameter) were performed preoperatively and at 3 days, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. All patients underwent successful PARF, and were followed-up for at least 2 years. Average surgical time, blood loss and incision length were recorded. The sagittal vertebral canal diameter was significantly enlarged. The canal stenosis index was also improved. Kyphosis was corrected and remained at 8.6±1.4o (P>0.05) 1 year postoperatively. Adjacent disc heights remained constant. Average Frankel grades were significantly improved at the end of follow-up. All 62 patients were neurologically assessed. Pain scores decreased at 6 months postoperatively, compared to before surgery (P<0.05). PARF provided excellent reduction for traumatic segmental kyphosis, and resulted in significant spinal canal clearance, which restored and maintained the vertebral body height of patients with Denis B TLBF with neurological deficits.

Missed Cauda Equina Syndrome after Burst Fracture of the Lumbar Spine / 대한신경손상학회지

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is often defined as a complex of symptoms and signs consisting of low back pain, bilateral sciatica, lower extremity weakness, saddle anesthesia, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. CES is considered to be neurosurgical emergency. Delayed or missed diagnosis of CES can result in serious morbidity and neurological sequelae. However, the diagnosis of CES is often difficult when one or more of these symptoms are absent or when these symptoms develop asymmetrically or incompletely. We report a case of urinary retention and sphincter dysfunction without sciatica or motor weakness following an L3 burst fracture in a 52-year-old male and discuss the atypical presentation of CES and treatment of traumatic CES.

Comparisons of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: To examine and compare the effects of vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty on change in the vertebral height and kyphotic angle and presence of new vertebral fracture of adjacent level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients with vertebral compression fractures or stable burst fractures underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty from Jan, 2007 to April, 2014 were included in the study. Preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up radiographs were analyzed to quantify presence of new vertebral fractures and preoperative and postoperative vertebral height and kyphotic angle at fracture levels were also measured. Changes in the vertebral body height and kyphotic angle at fracture levels were compared for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty to determine if there was a significant differences. RESULTS: Measurements revealed that vertebroplasty increased vertebral body height at fracture level by an average 5.5mm or or by 33% of preoperative height and reduced local kyphotic angle by an average 3.5 degrees and kyphoplasty increased vertebral body height at fracture level by an average 5.8mm or by 36% of preoperative height and reduced local kyphotic angel by an average 3.6 degrees. New vertebral fractures occurred in 8 patients (24%) after vertebroplasty and 4 patients (14%) after kyphoplasty. CONCLUSION: There was no significant statistically greater improvement of changes in the vertebral body height at fracture level and kyphotic angle found with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. But the vertebroplasty has statistically greater risk of new fracture than kyphoplasty.

Predictable Imaging Signs of Cauda Equina Entrapment in Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Burst Fractures with Greenstick Lamina Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: The aim of present study was to investigate imaging findings suggestive of cauda equina entrapment in thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Burst fractures with cauda equina entrapment can cause neurologic deterioration during surgery. However, dural tears and cauda equina entrapment are very difficult to diagnose clinically or radiographically before surgery. METHODS: Twenty-three patients who underwent spinal surgery for thoracolumbar or lumbar burst fractures were enrolled in this study. In magnetic resonance imaging T2-weighted images of the transverse plane, we defined cauda equina notch sign (CENS) as a v-shaped image that entrapped cauda equina gathers between lamina fractures. We evaluated the fractured spine by using CENS and lamina fractures and the rate of available space for the spinal canal at the narrowest portion of the burst fracture level. We classified patients into entrapment group or non-entrapment group, based on whether cauda equina entrapment existed. RESULTS: Lamina fractures were detected in 18 (78.3%) and CENS were detected in 6 (26.1%) of 23 burst-fracture patients. Cauda equina entrapment existed in all the patients with CENS. In addition, the rate of available space for the spinal canal increased according to logistic regression. The size of the retropulsed fragment in the spinal canal was the most reliable of all the factors, suggesting cauda equina entrapment. CONCLUSIONS: CENS was the most predictable sign of cauda equina entrapment associated with burst fractures.