Anatomic features and intra-operative protection of surface vasa vasorum on longissimus in thoracolumbar segments / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the anatomic features of surface vasa vasorum on longissimus in thoracolumbar segments,and its protection function during the internal fixation for thoracolumbar fracture via Wiltse approach.Methods From March 2010 to October 2012,a total of 97 patients with thoracolumbar fractures underwent posterior internal fixation with pedicle screw system.The trend and distribution of surface vasa vasorum on longissimus in thoracolumbar segments were observed in the operation,and the vessels were protected during the surgical procedures by using specific devices and techniques.Operative time and intra-operative blood loss were recorded.Visual analogue scale (VAS) values were evaluated after 3 days,1 month,6 months postoperatively,and 1 month after the removal of internal fixation.MRI images of longissimus in thoracolumbar segments were compared after preoperative and postoperative 6 months.Results Surface vasa vasorum distribution on 194 longissimus and 402 inter-pedicle areas of 97 patients were observed.In 402 areas,94.3％ of surface vasa vasorum presented sarciniform,while only 5.7％ of surface vasa vasorum presented tube shape.In 379 areas of sarciniform distribution,9.8％ of blood vessel bundles were located in vertebral pedicle area;76.0％ of blood vessel bundles were located in the upper inter-pedicle areas;12.4％ of blood vessel bundles were located in middle inter-pedicle areas;1.8％ of blood vessel bundles were located in lower inter-pedicle areas.In 379 areas,87.3％ of blood vessel bundles could be completely retained;12.7％ of blood vessel bundles were treated by electro coagulation and burning.Intra-operative blood loss was 21±9.3 ml.VAS values after 3 days,1 month,6 months postoperatively,and 1 month after the removal of internal fixation were 3.3± 1.6,2.1± 1.4,1.2±0.7 and 1.1±0.7.The longissimus treated with electro coagulation demonstrated pimelosis change on MRI after postoperative 6 months.Conclusion Surface vasa vasorum on longissimus in thoracolumbar segments are generally of sarciniform,and most of them are located in upper inter-pedicle areas.The protection of vasa vasorum can reduce the intra-operative lesion and postoperative pimelosis change of longissimus.