Prevalence of Frailty in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture and Its Association with Numbers of Fractures

PURPOSE: To assess the association between frailty and osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) and to evaluate the relationship between numbers of OVCFs and frailty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 760 subjects, including 59 patients (with OVCF) and 701 controls (without OVCF). Successful matching provided 56 patient-control pairs. We analyzed principal clinical and demographic information, which included sex, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), variable frailty phenotypes, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) scores. The association between frailty and OVCF was ascertained. In addition, the degrees of disability and quality of life attributable to frailty were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was significantly higher in the OVCF group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Most of the frailty phenotypes, such as exhaustion, physical inactivity, slowness, and handgrip strength, were also significantly observed in the OVCF group. Within the OVCF group, the participants with frailty had significantly higher disability and lower quality of life than those in a robust state (p < 0.001 for ODI and EQ-5D). In addition, the multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the patients with low BMI [odds ratio (OR)=0.704; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.543–0.913] and ≥3 fractures (OR=9.213; 95% CI, 1.529–55.501) within the OVCF group were associated with higher odds of frailty. CONCLUSION: The present study showed significant relationships between frailty and OVCF, severity of symptoms, and disability induced by OVCF. Furthermore, frailty could be a causal and/or resulting factor of OVCFs.

Review of mccormack classification for thoracolumbar segment fractures / Revisão da classificação de mccormack para fraturas do segmento toracolombar / Revisión de la clasificación de mccormack para fracturas del segmento toracolumbar

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success and complications rates of thoracolumbar fractures with a score equal or superior to 7 according to the load sharing classification (McCormack), surgically treated with short posterior fixation at three points. Methods: We evaluated 40 patients with thoracolumbar fractures and score by the load sharing classification greater than or equal to 7, treated exclusively by surgery by short posterior fixation. We assessed epidemiological data, increased kyphosis, loss of vertebral body height and complications at 2-year follow-up. Results: Although there was a statistically significant increase in kyphosis and a decrease in vertebral height, there was no clinical repercussion. Conclusion: We conclude that the McCormack classification is not a fundamental predictor for indication of anterior approach complementary to the short posterior fixation.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as taxas de sucesso e de complicações das fraturas toracolombares com pontuação igual ou superior a 7 segundo a classificação de load sharing (McCormack), tratadas cirurgicamente com fixação posterior curta em três pontos. Métodos: Avaliamos 40 pacientes com fraturas toracolombares e pontuação pela classificação de load sharing maior ou igual a 7, tratados exclusivamente por cirurgia por fixação via posterior curta. Avaliamos dados epidemiológicos, aumento de cifose, perda de altura do corpo vertebral e complicações em seguimento de 2 anos. Resultados: Apesar de ter havido aumento de cifose e diminuição da altura vertebral estatisticamente significativa, não houve repercussão clínica. Conclusão: Concluímos que a classificação de McCormack não é um preditor fundamental para indicação da via anterior complementar à fixação posterior curta.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las tasas de éxito y de complicaciones de las fracturas toracolumbares con puntuación igual o superior a 7, según la clasificación de load sharing (McCormack), tratadas quirúrgicamente con fijación posterior corta en tres puntos. Métodos: Evaluamos 40 pacientes con fracturas toracolumbares y puntuación por la clasificación de load sharing mayor o igual a 7, tratados exclusivamente por cirugía por fijación vía posterior corta. Evaluamos datos epidemiológicos, aumento de la cifosis, pérdida de altura del cuerpo vertebral y las complicaciones en un seguimiento de 2 años. Resultados: A pesar del aumento de la cifosis y de la disminución de la altura vertebral estadísticamente significativa, no hubo ninguna repercusión clínica. Conclusión: Concluimos que la clasificación de McCormack no es un predictor fundamental para indicar la vía anterior complementaria a la fijación posterior corta.

Adjacent level degeneration and post-traumatic deformity after thoracolumbar fractures / Degeneração do nível adjacente e deformidade pós-traumática depois de fraturas toracolombares / Degeneración de nivel adyacente y deformidad postraumática después de fracturas toracolumbares

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate thoracolumbar fractures and the complications such as adjacent disc degeneration (ADD) and post-traumatic deformity. Methods: We evaluated 32 patients divided into two equal groups, 16 in the case group (removal of the synthesis material) and 16 in the control group (not submitted to removal of the synthesis material) in order to verify if there was difference between the incidence of these complications. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the progression of the ADD and the post-traumatic deformity, but both progressed during the 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: It was concluded that the removal of the synthesis material was not effective in preventing these complications after surgical fractures of the thoracolumbar spine.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar fraturas toracolombares e complicações como a degeneração do disco adjacente (DDA) e a deformidade pós-traumática. Métodos: Avaliaram-se 32 pacientes que foram divididos em dois grupos iguais, sendo 16 no grupo caso (retiraram o material de síntese) e 16 no grupo controle (não foram submetidos à retirada do material de síntese) com o objetivo de verificar se houve diferença entre a incidência dessas complicações. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos quanto à progressão da DDA e à deformidade pós-traumática, porém ambas progrediram durante o seguimento de 2 anos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a retirada do material de síntese não foi eficaz na prevenção dessas complicações após fraturas da coluna toracolombar.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar fracturas toracolumbares y complicaciones como la degeneración del disco adyacente (DDA) y la deformidad postraumática. Métodos: Se evaluaron 32 pacientes divididos en dos grupos iguales, siendo 16 en el grupo caso (retirada del material de síntesis) y 16 en el grupo control (no fueron sometidos a la retirada del material de síntesis) con el fin de comprobar si había diferencia entre la incidencia de estas complicaciones. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a la progresión de la DDA y la deformidad postraumática, pero ambas progresaron durante el seguimiento de 2 años. Conclusión: Se concluye que la retirada del material de síntesis no fue eficaz en la prevención de esas complicaciones después de fracturas de la columna toracolumbar.

The Influence of Vertebral Fracture on the Functional Disability of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of the present study was to identify the influence of vertebral fracture (VF) on the functional disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study consecutively enrolled 100 female patients aged 50 yr or older with RA. All participants underwent lateral imaging of the thoracolumbar spine by simple radiography to identify any VFs. They also completed questionnaires via interview regarding demographics, medical history, and disease outcomes including functional disability. We used univariate analysis to evaluate associations between functional disability and VF, and made multivariate logistic regression models to test independent effect of the presence of VF, the number of VFs, and the severity of VF on functional disability. Among the 100 RA patients, 47 had at least one VF, but 34 of them were asymptomatic that they had experienced a fracture. The multiple VFs > or = 3 (OR, 8.95; 95% CI, 1.77-44.15, P = 0.01) and moderate or severe VF (OR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.26-9.04, P = 0.02) were related to disability in univariate analysis. The multiple VFs > or = 3 (OR, 6.13; 95% CI, 1.02-36.94, P = 0.048) was associated with functional disability of RA patients after adjusting various confounders and it was mainly in walking and arising. The VF might be an important factor which affects functional disability in RA patients.

A case of community-acquired Acinetobacter junii-johnsonii cellulitis / Celulitis por Acinetobacter junii-johnsonii adquirida en la comunidad: una presentación de caso

Acinetobacter skin and soft tissue infection outside of the traumatic wound setting are rare occurrences. The majority of cases occur in the presence of significant comorbilities and by Acinetobacter baumanii. Herein a case is reported of community-onset, health-care-associated, non-traumatic cellulitis caused by Acinetobacter, species junii-johnsonii with bacteremia. This is the first reported case of Acinetobacter junii-johnsonii skin and soft tissue infection. Hemorrhagic bullae might be one of the clinical features of Acinetobacter cellulitis.

La infección de piel y tejidos blandos por Acinetobacter no relacionada con trauma es una presentación inusual. La mayoría de los casos descritos presentan enfermedades concomitantes y son causados por Acinetobacter baumanii. Se describe un caso de celulitis no traumática por A. junii-johnsonii con bacteriemia, de inicio en la comunidad y asociado con el tratamiento médico. De acuerdo con nuestro conocimiento, éste sería el primer caso reportado de infección de tejidos blandos y piel por A. junii-johnsonii. La vesícula hemorrágica podría ser una característica clínica de celulitis por Acinetobacter.

Fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão: correlação entre a cifose residual e função após o tratamento cirúrgico / Thoracolumbar burst fracture: correlation between kyphosis and function after surgical treatment

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre a cifose pós-traumática em portadores de fratura toracolombar explosão, submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico e resultado funcional do tratamento. MÉTODOS: Realizado estudo retrospectivo em 27 pacientes com fratura toracolombar do tipo A3 da classificação de Denis e Margerl, que preencheram os critérios de inclusão para esta amostra e foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico com um tempo mínimo de acompanhamento de seis meses. A média de idade foi de 46,96, variando entre 16 e 73 anos. O resultado do tratamento foi avaliado com base na aplicação do questionário de qualidade de vida Short-Form 36 (SF-36), nas escalas de dor e trabalho de Denis e na escala visual de dor. A cifose foi medida conforme o método de Cobb ao final do seguimento. RESULTADOS: Não foi observada correlação entre a cifose residual e o SF-36, a escala de Denis para dor e trabalho e a escala visual de dor (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Não há correlação entre o resultado clínico final e a cifose residual em pacientes com fraturas toracolombares do tipo explosão submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between post-traumatic kyphosis in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures undergoing surgical treatment and the functional result from treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 27 patients with thoracolumbar fractures of type 3 in Denis and Margerl's classification who met the inclusion criteria for this sample and underwent surgical treatment with a minimum follow-up of six months. The patients' mean age was 46.96, with a range from 16 to 73 years. The treatment outcome was evaluated based on applying the short-form 36 (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire, Denis pain and work scale and visual pain scale. The kyphosis was measured according to the Cobb method at the end of the follow-up. RESULTS: The residual kyphosis was found not to correlate with the SF-36, Denis pain and work scale or visual pain score (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is no correlation between the final clinical result and residual kyphosis in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures who undergo surgical treatment.

Relation between Obesity and Bone Mineral Density and Vertebral Fractures in Korean Postmenopausal Women

PURPOSE: The traditional belief that obesity is protective against osteoporosis has been questioned. Recent epidemiologic studies show that body fat itself may be a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Accumulating evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome and the individual components of metabolic syndrome such as hypertension, increased triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are also risk factors for low bone mineral density. Using a cross sectional study design, we evaluated the associations between obesity or metabolic syndrome and bone mineral density (BMD) or vertebral fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 907 postmenopausal healthy female subjects, aged 60-79 years, were recruited from woman hospitals in Seoul, South Korea. BMD, vetebral fracture, bone markers, and body composition including body weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, and waist circumference were measured. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, total calcium intake, and total energy intake, waist circumference was negatively related to BMD of all sites (lumbar BMD p = 0.037, all sites of femur BMD p < 0.001) whereas body weight was still positively related to BMD of all sites (p < 0.001). Percentage body fat and waist circumference were much higher in the fracture group than the non-fracture group (p = 0.0383, 0.082 respectively). Serum glucose levels were postively correlated to lumbar BMD (p = 0.016), femoral neck BMD (p = 0.0335), and femoral trochanter BMD (p = 0.0082). Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) was positively related to femoral trochanter BMD (p = 0.0366) and was lower in the control group than the fracture group (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: In contrast to the effect favorable body weight on bone mineral density, high percentage body fat and waist circumference are related to low BMD and a vertebral fracture. Some components of metabolic syndrome were related to BMD and a vertebral fracture.

Fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão: correlação entre cifose e função após tratamento conservador / Thoracolumbar burst fractures: correlation between kyphosis and function post non-operative treatment

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre cifose pós-traumática e função nos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento conservador das fraturas toracolombares do tipo explosão. MÉTODOS: Realizado estudo retrospectivo segundo os critérios de Denis e Magerl classificados como subtipo A3 em 36 pacientes que preencheram o critério de inclusão para esta amostra e submetidos à aplicação de gesso antigravitacional ou órtese toracolombossacra (TLSO). A média de idade dos pacientes estudados foi de 50,83 anos, com mínimo de 13 e máximo de 83 anos, sendo 20 do sexo masculino e 16 do feminino. O resultado do tratamento foi avaliado com base no questionário de qualidade de vida Short Form-36 (SF-36) e nas escalas de dor e trabalho de Denis e o quadro clínico neurológico conforme a classificação de Frankel. A quantificação da dor foi realizada com base na escala visual analógica da dor (EVA) A mensuração da cifose residual foi obtida pelo método de Cobb à admissão e ao final do seguimento. Mostrar o grau maior, menor e a média na admissão e no final do tratamento. RESULTADOS: Foi observada fraca correlação positiva (r = 0,563; p < 0,001) entre a cifose residual e o escore de dor (EVA). Não houve correlação entre cifose final e o SF-36 e as escalas de Denis (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Não existe evidente relação entre a cifose residual e o desfecho funcional e de sintomas dos pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between kyphosis and post-traumatic symptoms in patients undergoing conservative treatment for thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out with 36 patients meeting the inclusion criteria for this kind of fracture classified as Denis and Magerl's subtype A3 and treated with anti-gravitational casting or TLSO. The mean age of patients was 50.83 years, ranging from 13 to 83 years, being 20 male and 16 female subjects. The treatment outcome was evaluated based on the SF-36 questionnaire, on Denis scores for pain and work and Frankel clinical and neurological scale. The quantification of pain was based on the visual analogue scale for pain. The measurement of the residual kyphosis was obtained by the Cobb method at admission and at the end of the follow-up. RESULTS: A weak positive correlation (r = 0.563; p < 0.001) was found between residual kyphosis and pain score (EVA). No correlation was found between final kyphosis and SF-36 and Denis scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is no evident correlation between residual kyphosis, functional outcome and patients' symptoms.

Pain reduction in patients with painful vertebral compression fractures undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is the most common complication of osteoporosis. It results in significant mortality and morbidity. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a procedure that injects percutaneously bone cement into a collapsed vertebra. OBJECTIVE: To determine the results of PVP in pain reduction from osteoporosis VCF and its complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-five patients (34 women, 1 man, 48-98 years) with persistent back pain due to VCF underwent 66 percutaneous injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the vertebrae (27 thoracic levels, 39 lumbar levels) under fluoroscopic guidance between December 2003 and July 2005. Severity of back pain was assessed by using visual analog scale (VAS) before and after the operation. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (91%) reported significant pain relief the mean VAS of 35 patients, before PVP and after an 8-week period, post-operatively, were 6.9 +/-1.8 and 2.0+/-1.8 (p = 0.001). There was only one minor complication. Two patients experienced intermittent sciatic shooting pain. This improved and disappeared within three months. CONCLUSION: P VP is a minimally invasive procedure providing safe, immediate, and sustained pain reduction in patients with refractory pain and disability caused by painful VCF

Classificação das fraturas tóraco-lombares baseada em investigação por imagem: avaliação de 33 casos / Classification of thoracolumbar spine fractures based on a complete imaging investigation in 33 patients

As fraturas das regiões torácica e lombar da coluna vertebral constituem amplo espectro de diferentes tipos de lesões resultantes de mecanismos fisiopatológicos distintos. A fim de se reduzir as controvérsias existentes a respeito da conduta destas lesões é necessária a utilização de uma classificação que permita a sua correta caracterização. Neste estudo avaliamos retrospectivamente 33 pacientes portadores de fraturas tóraco-lombares com o objetivo de categorizar e avaliar os fatores relacionados a esta patologia. O mecanismo de trauma mais freqüente foi queda de altura, presente em 24 casos. Na maioria dos pacientes (57,6 por cento) as fraturas localizaram-se na transição tóraco-lombar (T12-L1) e o quadro neurológico mais freqüente foi o déficit sensitivo-motor completo abaixo da lesão, em 45,45 por cento dos casos. A apresentação neurológica foi mais grave nos pacientes com lesões torácicas em relação às lesões lombares (teste de Fischer, p=0,039). Uma correlação positiva foi observada entre a severidade do quadro neurológico e a gravidade da lesão segundo a classificação de Magerl (r de Pearson=0,85, p<0,001). Concluímos que as fraturas tóraco-lombares são lesões graves considerando a apresentação neurológica inicial e que é necessária a utilização de uma classificação ampla e adequada como a utilizada no presente estudo.

The thoracolumbar spine fractures constitute a wide spectrum of resultant lesions, with distinct injury mechanisms. In order to reduce the controversies concerning about the management of these fractures, a universally accepted classification is necessary. In this study we evaluated retrospectively 33 patients with thoracolumbar spine fracture, with the goal of categorize and evaluate the factors related to this pathology. A complete radiological investigation, complaining of plain radiography, computed tomography and magnetic ressonance imaging, was used to classify these fractures. Fall was the more common mechanism, present in 24 cases. In 57.6 percent of the patients, the fractures located at thoracolumbar transition (T12-L1) and the more frequent neurological presentation was total deficit, present in 45.45 percent. The neurological presentation was more serious in patients with thoracic lesions regarding lumbar lesions (Fischer's test, p=0.039). A positive correlation was observed between severity of the neurological presentation and gravity of the lesion according to Magerl's classification (Pearson's method, r=0.85, p<0.001). In conclusion, thoracolumbar spine fractures are serious lesions considering the initial neurological presentation; a wide and accurate classification, as we used, is necessary to describe these injuries and may help resolve some of the controversies concerning the management of these lesions.

Estudo do posicionamento dos parafusos pediculares no tratamento das fraturas da coluna toracolombar

Nas últimas décadas, houve aumento no uso de instrumentação com parafusos pediculares no tratamento das fraturas da coluna toracolombar. Esse tipo de fixação tem a vantagem de estabilizar as três colunas de Denis, ao contrário das outras instrumentações até então utilizadas, porém apresenta como possível e temível complicação a possibilidade de penetração do canal vertebral, fratura dos pedículos, acometimento de raízes nervosas e lesões vasculares. Nosso trabalho visa avaliar se a tomografia computadorizada é um bom método de análise do posicionamento dos parafusos pediculares e as possíveis complicações na passagem cirúrgica dos mesmos. Foram estudados 19 pacientes, totalizando 134 parafusos, durante os período de novembro de 2002 até fevereiro de 2005, quanto a análise radiográfica, tomográfica e neurológica pré e pós-operatória. Como resultado, houve dois casos de lesão da parede lateral do pedículo no estudo tomográfico, sem repercussão clínica aos pacientes. Quanto ao déficit neurológico, nenhum paciente apresentou piora. Seis pacientes apresentaram melhora de seu status neurológico. Concluímos que a tomografia computadorizada é excelente exame de imagem para avaliar os parafusos pediculares, e que esse tipo de fixação foi seguro e de baixa morbidade, permitindo mobilização precoce do paciente.

In the last decades, there has been an increasing use of instruments with pedicular screws for treating thoracic-lumbar spine fractures. This kind of fixation has the advantage of stabilizing the DenisÆ three columns, as opposite to other instruments previously used, but it presents as a possible and feared complication the potential of vertebral channel penetration, pedicular fractures, involvement of nervous roots and vascular injuries. Our study aims to evaluate if computed tomography is a good analysis method for pedicular screws positioning and the potential complications of surgically passing them. Nineteen patients have been studied, totaling 134 screws, during the period ranging from November 2002 to February 2005, regarding X-ray, tomography and pre- and postoperative neurological function analyses. As a result, there were two cases of injury on pedicleÆs lateral wall at the tomography image, with no clinical repercussion to patients. Regarding neurological deficit, no patient showed a worse condition. Six patients presented with an improved neurological status. We concluded that computed tomography is an excellent imaging test for evaluating pedicular screws, and this kind of fixation was safe and showed low morbidity rates, allowing an early mobilization of the patient.

Risco de tracao excessiva nas lesaes tipo distracao-flexao da coluna cervical baixa / Risk of excessive traction on distraction-flexion-type injuries of the low cervical spine

O estudo em questao visa avaliar a relacao entre risco e benefício do uso de tracao com halo craniano como alternativa para estabilizacao nas fraturas-luxacoes por mecanismo de distracao-flexao tipo IV de Allen e Ferguson, considerando a natureza da lesao, seu extenso dano ligamentar e o risco de apresentar distracao excessiva e conseqüente lesao da medula espinhal. Para tanto, realizamos uma análise retrospectiva no IOT-HC-FMUSP envolvendo um período de 10 anos, quando 34 casos foram diagnosticados como fratura-luxacao por distracao-flexao da coluna cervical baixa, sendo 12 deles do tipo IV. Todos foram submetidos à tracao esquelética com halo craniano num momento inicial. Durante o controle radiográfico seqüencial, observou-se distracao excessiva em sete casos, mesmo com baixo peso inicial (4 kg). Em dois pacientes houve surgimento de nistagmo. Em todos os casos a tracao foi retirada e seguiu-se normalizacao do quadro clínico.

Vertebroplastía percutánea en el manejo del dolor de las fracturas vertebrales por compresión / Percutaneous cement vertebral augmentation in vertebral compression fractures: an update

Las fracturas vertebrales por compresión son de alta prevalencia y se relacionan principalmente a osteoporosis y cáncer. Frecuentemente tienen consecuencias devastadoras en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Aquellos pacientes que no responden al tratamiento conservador se pueden beneficiar de una técnica mínimamente invasiva, la vertebroplastía, para reforzar la vértebra fracturada con cemento y así controlar el dolor. La vertebroplastía es un procedimiento ambulatorio con baja tasa de efectos colaterales cuando la realiza un médico con experiencia y el entrenamiento adecuado. Su tasa de éxito va del 65 al 95 por ciento, dependiendo de la indicación. Sólida evidencia científica se requiere aún para apoyar su amplio uso clínico.

Vertebral compression fractures are highly prevalent. Osteoporosis and cancer are the main causes. As a consequence patients endure excruciating breakthrough pain and debilitating experience that affect their quality of life. Those individuals that do not respond to classic treatment might benefit of vertebral cement augmentation. This is a totally ambulatory procedure aimed to control pain and stabilize the bone. Percutaneous approach is usually undertaken. Long lasting pain relief results in 65 to 95 percent of patients with a very low profile of complications when the procedure is done by experienced practitioners. Randomized, blinded and prospective studies are still required.

Artrite idiopática juvenil com fratura vertebral: relato de dois casos / Juvenile idiopathic arthritis with vertebral fracture: report of two cases

Objetivo: relatar dois casos de artrite idiopática juvenil com fraturas vertebrais. Descrição: dois pacientes com artrite idiopática juvenil, com atividade clínica persistente e uso crônico de corticosteróides, apresentaram fraturas vertebrais consequentes à osteoporose...

Back Pain related to denegerative facet joint disease as sequally of long instrumentation and short fusion in thoracolumbar fracture

The aim of this study is to evaluate the degeneration of facets in unfused segments immobilized by Harrington rods and Hartshill rectangle plate fixation and to see how often back pain develop after treatment with this method. A total of 58 patients with thoracolumbar fractures were treated with long-fix and short fuse technique. Harrington rods and Hartshill plates are removed an average of 18 months after initial surgery. Every case showed solid fusion during implant removed exploration. All cases were followed for a minimum of 5 years. radiological studies were performed to evaluate the degeneration of the facet joints. Back pain was found in 22 patients [38%] the degeneration of infused facets was visualized in 12 patients [2%] by roentgenograms. Increased activity in the instrumented spine by bone scan examination also was noted in [24] patients: six cases [10%] were at infused area, 2 at fused area and 7% at fused and infused areas. In conclusion degeneration in the immobilized and infused segments after long fix and short fuse was rarely seen clinically after long-term follow-up. Back pain was experienced in only [38%] of the patients that seldom required treatment

Risk factors of neurological lesions in low cervical spine fractures and dislocations

Eighty-nine patients with lower cervical spine fractures or dislocations were evaluated for risk factors of neurological lesion. The age, sex, level and pattern of fracture and sagittal diameter of the spinal canal were analysed. There were no significant differences on the age, gender, level and Torg's ratio between intact patients and those with nerve root injury, incomplete or complete spinal cord injuries. Bilateral facet dislocations and burst fractures are a significant risk factor of spinal cord injury

Acute spinal cord and head injury: case report and discussion of cardiac, respiratory and endocrine abnormalities

We report a male patient who after a fall suffered high cervical spinal cord and head (cerebral) injuries. These injuries led to spinal shock, marked sinus bradycardia and asystolic cardiac and respiratory arrests, recalcitrant central traumatic diabetes insipidus, and death within approximately seven weeks. Temporary transvenous cardiac pacing proved useful in the management of this patient

Traumatic transverse fracture of sacrum with cauda equina injury--a case report and review of literature.

Fractures of the sacrum are rare and generally associated with fracture of the pelvis. Transverse fractures of the sacrum are even less frequent and neurological deficit may accompany these fractures. A case of transverse fracture sacrum with cauda equina injury treated by sacral laminectomy and root decompression, is reported.