Retroperitoneal arterial bleeding caused by an undisplaced conservatively treated hyperextension injury of the lumbar spine - A case report.

Background: Hyperextension fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are commonly seen in ankylotic disorders due to the rigidity of the spine. The known complications include instability, neurological deficits and posttraumatic deformity but there is no report of a hemodynamic relevant arterial bleeding in undisplaced hyperextension fractures. An arterial bleeding poses a life-threatening complication and may be difficult to recognize in an ambulatory or clinical setting. Case presentation: A 78-year-old male was brought to the emergency department after suffering a domestic fall with incapacitating lower back pain. X-rays and a CT scan revealed an undisplaced L2 hyperextension fracture which was treated conservatively. 9 days after admission, the patient complained about unprecedented abdominal pain with a CT scan disclosing a 12 × 9 × 20 cm retroperitoneal hematoma on grounds of an active arterial bleeding from a branch of the L2 lumbar artery. Subsequently, access via lumbotomy, evacuation of the hematoma and insertion of a hemostatic agent was performed. The therapy concept of the L2 fracture remained conservatively. Conclusions: A secondary, retroperitoneal arterial bleeding after a conservatively treated undisplaced hyperextension fracture of the lumbar spine is a rare and severe complication that has not been described in literature yet and may be difficult to recognize. An early CT scan is recommended in case of a sudden onset of abdominal pain in these fractures to fasten treatment and hence decrease morbidity and mortality. Thus, this case report contributes to the awareness of this complication in a spine fracture type with increasing incidence and clinical relevance.

Comparing porous tantalum fusion implants and iliac crest bone grafts for spondylodesis of thoracolumbar burst fractures: Prospectice Cohort study.

The aim of this study was to compare two different techniques of performing one-level spondylodesis for thoracolumbar burst fractures using either an autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) or a porous tantalum fusion implant (PTFI). In a prospective nonrandomized study, 44 patients (20 women, 24 men; average age 43.1 ± 13.2 years) suffering from severe thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with combined anterior-posterior stabilization. An ICBG was used in 21 cases, and a PTFI was used in the other 23 cases. A two-year clinical and radiographic follow-up was carried out. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, localization/classification of the fracture, or visual analog scale (VAS) before injury between the two groups. All 44 patients were followed up for an average period of 533 days (range 173-1567). The sagittal spinal profile was restored by an average of 11.1° (ICBG) vs. 14.3° (PTFI) (monosegmental Cobb angle). Loss of correction until the last follow-up tended to be higher in the patients treated with ICBG than in those treated with PTFI (mean: 2.8° vs. 1.6°). Furthermore, significantly better restoration of the sagittal profile was obtained with the PTFI than with the iliac bone graft at the long-term follow-up (mean: ICBG 7.8°, PTFI 12.3°; p < 0.005). Short-segment posterior instrumentation combined with anterior one-level spondylodesis using either an ICBG or a PTFI resulted in sufficient correction of posttraumatic segmental kyphosis. PTFI might be a good alternative for autologous bone grafting and prevent donor site morbidities.

Trans-obturator cable fixation of open book pelvic injuries.

Operative treatment of ruptured pubic symphysis by plating is often accompanied by complications. Trans-obturator cable fixation might be a more reliable technique; however, have not yet been tested for stabilization of ruptured pubic symphysis. This study compares symphyseal trans-obturator cable fixation versus plating through biomechanical testing and evaluates safety in a cadaver experiment. APC type II injuries were generated in synthetic pelvic models and subsequently separated into three different groups. The anterior pelvic ring was fixed using a four-hole steel plate in Group A, a stainless steel cable in Group B, and a titan band in Group C. Biomechanical testing was conducted by a single-leg-stance model using a material testing machine under physiological load levels. A cadaver study was carried out to analyze the trans-obturator surgical approach. Peak-to-peak displacement, total displacement, plastic deformation and stiffness revealed a tendency for higher stability for trans-obturator cable/band fixation but no statistical difference to plating was detected. The cadaver study revealed a safe zone for cable passage with sufficient distance to the obturator canal. Trans-obturator cable fixation has the potential to become an alternative for symphyseal fixation with less complications.

[Outcome after plate stabilization of symphyseal diastasis]. / Ergebnisse nach Plattenstabilisierung der Symphysensprengung.

BACKGROUND: Separation of the pubic symphysis with corresponding diastasis can be stabilized by symphyseal plating. OBJECTIVE: Which pelvic injuries are stabilized with symphyseal plating and what is their outcome? MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 64 patients who underwent symphyseal plating over a period of 24 months was conducted. RESULTS: Of the patients 56 were male and 8 female with a mean age of 44 years (SD ± 17 years). The main cause of the pelvic injuries were traffic accidents. The distribution according to the AO fracture classification was 14â€¯× B1, 10â€¯× B2, 5â€¯× B3, 23â€¯× C1, 9â€¯× C2 and 3â€¯× C3 injuries. The distribution according to the Young and Burgess classification showed 9â€¯× APC I, 18â€¯× APC II, 13â€¯× APC III, 9â€¯× LC I, 3â€¯× LC II, 2â€¯× LC III and 10â€¯× VS injuries. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 32 (SD ± 17) and the mean inpatient stay was 29 days (SD ± 16 days; positive correlation p ≤ 0.001). Radiological implant loosening occurred in 52 patients. 14 patients required treatment for severe complications. The leading reason for revision surgery was implant failure (n = 8). CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that radiological signs of implant loosening are commonly observed but rarely the reason for revision surgery. Complete implant failures, however; occur mainly within the first postoperative weeks and require early revision. A timely clarification by additional X-ray imaging should be carried out if this is suspected.

The Anterior Subcutaneous Pelvic Ring Fixator: No Biomechanical Advantages Compared with External Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous fixation of the anterior pelvic ring is an emerging surgical technique for trauma patients. The aim of this study was to biomechanically evaluate 2 internal fixation devices for stabilizing a disrupted pelvic ring and compare them with traditional external fixation. METHODS: Thirty-six synthetic pelvises with a simulated unstable ring fracture (anteroposterior compression type III) were divided into 3 groups. Group A underwent fixation with a supra-acetabular external fixator; group B, with an internal fixator using the USS II polyaxial system; and group C, with an internal fixator using the Click'X polyaxial system. Biomechanical testing included measurement of peak-to-peak displacement at 300, 400, and 500 N; total displacement; plastic deformation; stiffness; and fracture-line displacement. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of all measured parameters revealed no significant differences among the groups. However, vertical displacement of the preshaped connecting rod within the screw heads occurred as a result of inadequate stability of the internal fixation at the rod-screw interface. CONCLUSIONS: Although internal fixator devices are placed close to the bone and should therefore maintain greater stiffness, our data did not support the hypothesis of superior stability. Special attention is required when using a curved connecting rod as the rod is easily displaced, placing relevant anatomical structures at risk. These devices require further refinement to avoid potential patient injury.

Survived traumatic hemipelvectomy with salvage of the limb in a 14 months old toddler.

We report on a 14 months old toddler who sustained a traumatic hemipelvectomy by being crushed between a car and a stone wall. After stabilization in the resuscitation room he was treated operatively by laparotomy, osteosynthesis of the pelvic ring, reconstruction of the both external iliac vessels and the urethra and reposition of the testicles. After 66 days he was discharged into rehabilitation. Implants were removed after eight months. 20 months after the injury, the leg was plegic, initial radiological signs of femoral head necrosis showed up but the infant was able to walk with an orthesis and a walker. Up to our knowledge, this is the youngest patient described in the literature with a survived traumatic hemipelvectomy and salvaged limb.

Posttraumatic elbow agility and reduction of muscle force after intra-articular distal fractures of the humerus in adults.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of distal intra-articular humerus fractures is still a technical challenge. Until now, little is known about the regain of strength and elbow agility after surgical treatment of these fractures. Due to small collectives there is only limited data. OBJECTIVE: Investigation of regained strength and elbow agility in patients with intra-articular distal humerus fractures. METHODS: A total of 28 patients were treated with distal intra-articular humerus fractures followed up for an average period of 62.3 months. The following parameters were examined: Arthrosis, heterotopic ossification, functional outcome (MEPS, DASH score, LES) and isometric strength of the elbow in extension and flexion was tested in 30∘, 60∘ and 90∘ in a custom-made positioning device. RESULTS: There was a high complication rate with 32%. At the 60th month post injury, range of motion (ROM) of the elbow was 114∘ with a reduction of 32∘ compared to the contralateral uninjured side (p< 0.001). The highest reduction was seen in extension with an average loss of 16∘ (p< 0.001). Loss of motion correlated with the fracture severity regarding the AO-classification (r= 0.54, p< 0.01). The average regained muscle force was 81.5% in flexion and 92% in extension in comparison to the contralateral healthy side. Patients over 60 years had less range of motion and inferior results in the DASH score compared to younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Functional impairment in terms of reduced ROM and muscle force is a common complication after distal intra-articular humerus fracture. Patients over 60 years have a higher deficit of motion in the injured elbow joint and an inferior clinical outcome. Superiority of modern angle-stable implants could yet not be shown.

Are Variable-Angle Locking Screws Stable Enough to Prevent Calcaneal Articular Surface Collapse? A Biomechanical Study.

PURPOSE: To compare fixed- or variable-angle locking screws in calcaneal fracture plates using a sawbones biomechanical model. METHODS: Intra-articular calcaneal fractures were created in synthetic bones. Reduction and stabilization was performed with 3 different plates. In group A, a fixed-angle locking plate was used with screws fastened perpendicularly to the plate (3.5 LCP, DePuySynthes). In groups B and C (2.7 VA-LCP, DePuySynthes and 3.5 Aptus, Medartis, respectively), fracture fixation was performed using variable-angle locking plates. Biomechanical testing was conducted. Displacement of the subtalar articular surface, stiffness, maximum displacement, change in the angle of Gissane, and mode of failure under cyclic loading at 200 N, 600 N, and 1000 N (500 cycles each) were determined. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference of articular surface dislocation under cyclic loading was detected. The stiffness and maximum displacement did not reveal any disparity as well. The change in the angle of Gissane showed only minor displacement of the articular surface. CONCLUSION: In our study, the resistance of variable-angle locking plates against articular surface displacement was similar to fixed-angle locking screws.

Active controlled motion in early rehabilitation improves outcome after ankle fractures: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of active controlled motion (ACM) after unstable ankle fractures needing initial partial weight-bearing. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Inpatient and outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: A total of 50 patients with unstable ankle fractures and the need for partial weight-bearing for six weeks. INTERVENTIONS: Randomization in two groups: physiotherapy alone or physiotherapy with an additional ACM device. MAIN MEASURES: Follow-up after 6 and 12 weeks. Range of motion, visual analogue scale for foot and ankle (VAS FA), Philip score, Mazur score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and dynamic pedobarography. RESULTS: Range of motion was better in the ACM group at six weeks (mean 49° ± 11.1° vs. 41.3° ± 8.1°). Questionnaires revealed better outcome after six weeks in the VAS FA (56 ± 13.7 vs. 40.6 ± 10.5), Mazur score (64.4 ± 12.3 vs. 56.7 ± 11) and AOFAS score (71.2 ± 12 vs. 63.6 ± 8.7) ( P > 0.02 for all). Better outcome after 12 weeks in all questionnaires (VAS FA, 77.7 ± 13.8 vs. 61.4 ± 16.3; Philip score, 79.1 ± 10.9 vs. 60.1 ± 21.7; Mazur score, 83.9 ± 10.7 vs. 73.1 ± 14.1; AOFAS score, 87.5 ± 7.9 vs. 75.2 ± 11.7) ( P < 0.01 for all). Pressure balance was better under the midfoot region after 12 weeks in the ACM group (Δ P 4.4 N vs. 34.0 N; P = 0.01). The ACM group had an earlier return to work after 10.5 (range, 3-17) versus 14.7 (range, 9-26) weeks ( P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The use of ACM for patients needing initial partial weight-bearing after operatively treated unstable ankle fractures in the first six postoperative weeks leads to better clinical and functional results and an earlier return to work.

Vertebral Compression Fractures: Third-Generation Dual-Energy CT for Detection of Bone Marrow Edema at Visual and Quantitative Analyses.

Purpose To assess the diagnostic performance of a third-generation dual-energy computed tomographic (CT) virtual noncalcium (VNCa) technique for detection of traumatic bone marrow edema in patients with vertebral compression fractures. Materials and Methods This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Twenty-two consecutive patients with 37 morphologic vertebral fractures were studied between October 2015 and May 2016. All patients underwent dual-energy CT (90 kV and 150 kV with a tin filter) and 3-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Two independent readers visually evaluated all vertebral bodies (n = 163) for the presence of abnormal bone marrow attenuation on VNCa images by using color-coded maps and performed a quantitative analysis of CT numbers on VNCa images. MR images served as the reference standard. CT numbers were subjected to receiver operating characteristic analysis to calculate cutoff values. Results In the visual analysis, VNCa images had an overall sensitivity of 64.0%, specificity of 99.3%, accuracy of 93.9%, positive predictive value of 94.1%, and negative predictive value of 93.8%. The interobserver agreement was excellent (κ = 0.85). CT numbers obtained from VNCa images were significantly different in vertebral bodies with and without edema (P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.922. A cutoff value of -47 provided sensitivity of 92.0%, specificity of 82.6%, accuracy of 84.0%, positive predictive value of 48.9%, and negative predictive value of 98.3% for the differentiation of edematous vertebral bodies. Conclusion Visual and quantitative analyses of dual-energy VNCa images showed excellent diagnostic performance for assessing traumatic bone marrow edema in vertebral compression fractures. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

How safe is minimally invasive pedicle screw placement for treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures?

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective analysis of patients who underwent minimally invasive posterior instrumentation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of minimally invasive pedicle screw placement in patients with unstable thoracic and lumbar spine fractures using the conventional fluoroscopy technique. Although wound infection, haematoma, and new neurological deficit due to screw malplacement remain a common source of morbidity, estimates of their rates of occurrence remain relatively limited. METHODS: 2052 percutaneous pedicle screws in 433 consecutive patients were evaluated. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was based on evaluation of axial 3-mm slice computed tomography scans. Morbidity and mortality data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: A total of 2029 of 2052 screws (99%) had a good or excellent position. 5 screws (0.2%) showed a higher grade violation of the medial pedicle wall. Seven patients (1.8%) needed revision due to screw malposition (3 pat.), surgical site infection, postoperative haematoma, implant failure (2 pat.), and technical difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive transpedicular instrumentation is an accurate, reliable, and safe procedure to treat thoracic and lumbar spine fractures.

Accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screws for thoracic and lumbar spine fractures: a prospective trial.

PURPOSE: The percutaneous insertion technique requires surgical skill and experience. However, there have been few clinical reports evaluating the accuracy of minimally invasive pedicle screw placement using the conventional fluoroscopy method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine fractures using two-plane conventional fluoroscopy. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial was performed. A total of 502 percutaneous pedicle screws in 111 patients, all inserted with the assistance of conventional fluoroscopy, were evaluated. The safety and accuracy of pedicle screw placement were based on the evaluation of postoperative axial 3-mm slice computed tomography scans using the scoring system described by Zdichavsky et al. [Eur J Trauma 30:234-240, 2004; Eur J Trauma 30:241-247, 2004]. RESULTS: 427/502 pedicle screws (85 %) were classified as good and excellent concerning the best possible screw length and 494/502 (98 %) were found to have good or excellent position. One screw had to be revised due to medial position with a neurological deficit. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of placing percutaneous posterior thoracolumbar pedicle screws with the assistance of conventional fluoroscopy. Minimally invasive transpedicular instrumentation is an accurate, reliable and safe method to treat a variety of spinal disorders, including thoracic and lumbar spine fractures.

Influence of platelet-rich plasma on the anterior fusion in spinal injuries: a qualitative and quantitative analysis using computer tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were monitored by performing a controlled cohort study of patients undergoing an anterior spinal fusion. One group was treated with the addition of PRP. The growth factors contained within the blood platelets are known to play an important role in the new formation of bone following fractures or the implantation of bone grafts. But the results following the use of PRP in spinal fusion are not yet published. METHOD: The study involved a group of 15 patients, who had suffered an injury of the thoracic or lumbar spine and had undergone an anterior fusion using cages. They had received an additional posterior stabilisation and/or anterior implants as well as bone graft combined with PRP. A control group made up of 20 patients received a similar treatment, but without the addition of PRP. A CT scan was performed of all patients during follow-up examinations. The area on the left side of the cage, where the bone graft with or without PRP had been applied, was analysed and the patients were divided into three classes, depending upon the rate of fusion: complete fusion, incomplete fusion and no/minimal ossification. In cases which were classified as complete or incomplete ossification, an additional CT volumetry and densitometry was performed. The patient-referred outcome was documented using the VAS spinal score. RESULTS: In both groups, 40% of the patients had reached a complete fusion in the CT scans. No or minimal fusion was documented in 20% of the PRP group and 30% of the control group. When measuring the density within the newly formed bone mass, both groups showed nearly identical percentages with a density of over 100 Hounsfield units (HU). The share of bone with a density of over +500 HU was 29.33% in the PRP group and 23.57% in the control group. Within the partition of over +100 HU, the absolute density was significantly higher in the PRP group (639.7 vs. 514.2 HU). Similar results could be shown within the partition of over +500 HU (930.7 vs. 846 HU). The VAS scores showed no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The additional application of autologous PRP involves very little risk for the patients. The study implies that the use of PRP provides a faster fusion and higher density values within the fusion mass. A clear advancement in spinal fusion in terms of a clinical benefit remains questionable.