Interim Use of Antibiotic-Loaded Cement Spacer for Patients with Infected Cervical Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: The management of postoperative deep infection after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) remains challenging for spine surgeons. Our institution uses handmade antibiotic-loaded cement spacers to treat these complex cases. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and feasibility of this treatment. METHODS: This study included 4 patients with deep cervical spine infections after ACDF who underwent our treatment between March 2012 and January 2022. Patients' laboratory data, visual analog scale scores, comorbidities, complications, and neurological status were recorded. Their clinical conditions were also evaluated based on the Neck Disability Index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and Odom criteria. RESULTS: Infection eradication was achieved in all patients after treatment. The average preoperative visual analog scale score was 7.5 (range: 7-8); this decreased to 1.25 (range: 1-2) at 1 year postoperatively. None of the patients experienced severe complications, such as neurological deterioration or bone graft dislodgement. The Neck Disability Index improved from a preoperative value of 54% (range: 48-60%) to 6% (range: 4-8%) at 1 year postoperatively. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score improved from a preoperative score of 10.25 (range: 10-11)-14.75 (range: 14-16) at 1 year postoperatively. All patients achieved excellent outcomes based on Odom criteria at 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Good clinical outcomes were achieved in this study. Although 2-stage surgery is required, this technique could be an alternative for patients with postoperative deep infection after ACDF.

Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Symptomatic Sacral Pedicle Screw Loosening.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous sacroplasty in patients with sacral pedicle screws loosening after instrumented spinal fusion. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 18 patients who underwent percutaneous sacroplasty to treat sacral pedicle screws loosening from January 2016 to December 2019. Imaging studies, visual analog scale (VAS), length of hospital stay, and complications were recorded. The clinical outcomes based on the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the modified Brodsky's criteria (MBC) were also evaluated to determine the efficacy of percutaneous sacroplasty. Results: All patients had undergone at least 1 year of follow-up in our institute (range, 12-24 months). The average VAS score was 5.6 (range, 4-7) before surgery and decreased to 1.7 (range, 1-3) at the final visit. All patients were discharged on the next day after surgery. No patients experienced complications, such as cement leakage, deep infection, or neurologic deterioration. All patients achieved good or excellent outcomes based on the MBC. The ODI scores improved from 51.8 preoperatively to 25.6 postoperatively. Conclusion: Percutaneous sacroplasty was an effective treatment approach for relieving the patient's symptoms caused by sacral pedicle screws loosening and could be a valuable treatment alternative to extensive revision surgery. Level of clinical evidence: IV.

Single Posterior Approach for Circumferential Debridement and Anterior Reconstruction Using Fibular Allograft in Patients With Skipped Multifocal Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis.

OBJECTIVE: Skipped multifocal pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a rare presentation of spinal infection. In our institution, we used the single posterior approach for circumferential debridement and anterior reconstruction with fibular allograft for treatment. This study aimed to ascertain the viability and reliability of this technique for these difficult cases. METHODS: Nine patients with skipped pyogenic spondylodiscitis who received our treatment method from January 2012 to December 2019 were enrolled in this study. Visual analog scale scores, causative agents, laboratory data, comorbidities, and complications were recorded. The patients' clinical conditions were evaluated based on modified Brodsky's criteria, visual analogue scale, and Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS: All the patients achieved infection eradication without repeat surgical treatment. The average visual analog scale score was 8.4 (range, 8-9) before operation, which decreased to 1.9 (range, 1-3) 1 year after the surgery. No patient experienced severe complications such as neurologic deterioration or fixation failure. All patients achieved a good or excellent outcome based on modified Brodsky's criteria. The Oswestry Disability Index improved from 80.4 (range, 70-86) preoperatively to 25.1 (range, 20-32) 1 year after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In our case series, good clinical outcomes and high successful rates could be achieved through the single-stage posterior-only approach. This could be considered an alternative method to manage patients with skipped pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

Single posterior approach for circumferential debridement and anterior reconstruction using fibular allograft in patients with skipped multifocal spinal tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Skipped multifocal spinal tuberculosis (TB) is an atypical presentation of spinal TB. Surgical treatment for these unusual cases remains a challenge for spine surgeons. In our institute, we used single-stage circumferential debridement and anterior reconstruction with fibular allograft followed by posterior instrumentation through posterior-only approach for these patients. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and feasibility of this technique. METHODS: Twelve patients with skipped multifocal spinal TB who received our treatment method from January 2012 to June 2020 were enrolled in this study. The visual analog score (VAS), laboratory data, comorbidities, complications, and neurologic status based on Frankel scale were recorded. The patients' clinical conditions were evaluated based on modified Brodsky's criteria and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: All the patients were infection free at the end of the treatment. The average VAS score was 7.5 (range, 7-8) before surgery and decreased to 2.1 (range, 1-3) one year postoperatively. No one experienced any severe complications such as neurologic deterioration, fixation failure, or bone graft dislodgement. Out of the three patients requiring debridement surgery, two had wound infection and one had seroma formation. The ODI score improved from 76.8 (range, 70-84) preoperatively to 25.5 (range, 22-28) one year after surgery. All patients achieved good or excellent outcome based on modified Brodsky's criteria one year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the patients could achieve a good clinical outcome. This technique could be an alternative for patients with skipped spinal TB.

Using antibiotic cement nail with multiple screws fixation as a single-stage salvage procedure for patient with infected tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis: A case report.

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with retrograde nail is a widely used treatment option for severe ankle arthropathy. With inherent biomechanical benefits in axial loading and strong bending stiffness, high union rate and good clinical outcomes have been reported in the literature. However, some undesired complications, such as osteomyelitis or implant failure, can develop after this procedure. Herein, we report the case of an 86-year-old man with right ankle osteomyelitis after TTC arthrodesis with retrograde nail. After removing the previous implants and extensive debridement, we used an antibiotic cement nail with multiple screws fixation as a salvage procedure in the same operation. The patient fully recovered without further surgical treatment.

Percutaneous endoscopic debridement and drainage for the treatment of instrumented lumbar spine infection.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic debridement and drainage (PEDD) in patients with surgical site infection (SSI) following instrumented lumbar fusion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients (6 women and 14 men; average age, 60.1 years) who underwent PEDD at our institute to treat SSI following instrumented lumbar fusion from January 2010 to December 2015. The terminal event, or failure of PEDD treatment, was defined as a shift in treatment methods to open surgery. Risk factors were analyzed to determine their effect on the therapeutic results of PEDD. Clinical outcomes were assessed by careful physical examination, regular serologic testing, and imaging studies to determine whether continued conservative treatment or open surgery was necessary. RESULTS: Causative bacteria was identified in 17 (85%) of the 20 biopsy specimens. Successful infection control through PEDD was identified in 13 patients (65%). Both the visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index significantly improved in these patients. Detection of the causative pathogens was the only risk factor influencing the terminal event in the remaining seven patients (35%). CONCLUSION: In this study, PEDD was an effective treatment approach for obtaining a bacteriological diagnosis, relieving the patient's symptoms, and assisting in eradication of SSI following instrumented lumbar fusion. The use of species-specific antibiotics for the offending pathogens appears to be the most important factor to determine the success rate. The indications of this procedure could be extended to treat patients with SSI after instrumented lumbar fusion.

Comparison of sacroplasty with or without balloon assistance for the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures.

PURPOSE: Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) can cause severe lower back pain and immobility, which have limited therapeutic options. No previous studies have compared clinical outcomes and radiographic findings of sacroplasty with or without balloon assistance for the treatment of SIFs. METHODS: Forty-five patients with SIFs were divided into two groups. One group had 18 patients treated using sacroplasty with balloon assistance, and the other had 27 patients treated without balloon assistance. The operation time and cement injection volume were compared between these two groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Odom's criteria. Cement leakage rate was examined by postoperative radiography and computed tomography. RESULTS: Sacroplasty with balloon assistance was associated with significantly longer operative time ( p = 0.003) and larger cement injection volume ( p = 0.038). Cement leakages were found in 4 of 18 patients (22.2%) with balloon assistance and 15 of 27 patients (55.6%) without balloon assistance, which showed significant difference ( p = 0.027). No significant differences were observed between sacroplasty with and without balloon assistance with regard to clinical outcomes including improvement in VAS, ODI, and Odom's criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Sacroplasty with balloon assistance was shown to achieve greater cement injection with longer operation time and can decrease the risk of cement leakage. Both sacroplasty with and without balloon assistance showed good-to-excellent clinical outcomes for the treatment of SIFs.

Single-stage anterior debridement and reconstruction with tantalum mesh cage for complicated infectious spondylitis.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of patients with complicated infectious spondylitis treated with single-stage anterior debridement and reconstruction using tantalum mesh cage (TaMC) followed by immediate instrumentation. METHODS: Single-stage radical debridement and subsequent reconstruction with TaMC instead of autograft or allograft were performed to treat 20 patients with spinal deformity or instability due to complicated infectious spondylitis. Clinical outcomes were assessed by careful physical examination and regular serological tests to determine the infection control. In addition, the visual analog score (VAS), neurologic status, length of vertebral body reconstruction, and the correction of sagittal Cobb angle on radiography were recorded and compared before and after surgery. The conditions of the patients were evaluated based on the modified Brodsky's criteria. RESULTS: The average VAS score significantly decreased after the surgery (from 7.4 ± 0.8 to 3.3 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). The average Cobb angle correction was 14.9 degrees. The neurologic status was significantly improved after the surgery (P = 0.003). One patient experienced refractory infection and underwent additional debridement. Eighteen patients achieved good outcome based on the modified Brodsky's criteria and significant improvement after the surgery (P < 0.001). No implant breakage or TaMC dislodgement was found during at least 24 mo of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Single-stage anterior debridement and reconstruction with TaMC followed by immediate instrumentation could be an alternative method to manage the patients with spinal deformity or instability due to complicated infectious spondylitis.

Impact of Instrumented Spinal Fusion on the Development of Vertebral Compression Fracture.

Instrumented spinal fusion has become one of the most common surgeries for patients with various spinal disorders. Only few studies have reported subsequent vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) after instrumented spinal fusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of new VCFs in patients undergoing instrumented spinal fusion.We obtained claims data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan and retrospectively reviewed 6949 patients with instrumented spinal fusion as the spinal fusion cohort. Control subjects were individually matched at a ratio of 10:1 with those of the spinal fusion cohort according to age, sex, and the index day. Comorbidities were classified as those existing before the index day, and these included diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, and cerebrovascular accident. The end of the follow-up period for the analyses was marked on the day new VCFs developed, enrolment in the National Health Insurance was terminated, on the day of death, or until the end of 2012. We used the Cox proportion hazards model to analyze the hazard ratio (HR) for developing new VCFs.Patients with instrumented spinal fusion were significantly more likely to develop new VCFs (1.87% vs .25%, HR: 8.56; P < 0.001). Female, elderly, and osteoporotic patients had a high incidence of new VCFs after spinal fusion. The HR for developing new VCFs after instrumented spinal fusion was higher in patients younger than 65 years than in those 65 years or older (HR: 10.61 vs 8.09). Male patients with instrumented spinal fusion also had a higher HR of developing new VCFs than female patients (men, HR: 26.42; women, HR: 7.53).In our retrospective cohort study, patients who had undergone instrumented spinal fusion surgery exhibited an increased risk of developing new VCFs. Particularly, the HR increased in young (age <65 years) and male patients.

Single posterior approach for circumferential decompression and anterior reconstruction using cervical trabecular metal mesh cage in patients with metastatic spinal tumour.

BACKGROUND: The goal of surgical management of metastatic spinal tumours is to remove the tumour mass, restore spinal stability and alignment, and provide a better quality of life. A single posterior transpedicular approach, with circumferential decompression, for anterior reconstruction has been advocated to reduce the risk of complication and morbidity associated with a combined anterior-posterior approach. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent a single posterior approach for anterior reconstruction at our institution to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach, including the use of a cervical trabecular metal (TM) mesh cage as a vertebral body replacer. As a secondary aim, we evaluated the effect of accumulated experience with the surgical approach on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Twenty consecutive cases of single posterior approach were identified from a retrospective review of spinal surgeries performed at our institution between January 2009 and December 2012. Information on the following clinical outcomes was retrieved from the medical charts for analysis: visual analogue pain score (VAS); neurological status, classified on the Frankel scale; vertebral body reconstruction; spinal alignment, using Cobb's angle; operative time; volume of blood loss; complications; and the modified Brodsky criteria score, which was used to classify functional recovery as excellent, good, fair, or poor. RESULTS: Pre- to post-surgical evaluation of outcomes demonstrated a significant decrease in pain (p < 0.001), improved spinal alignment, with a mean correction angle of 12° (range, 3°-29°), and higher Frankel score (p < 0.001). No severe complications were identified, including deep surgical infection or neurologic deterioration. Eighteen patients achieved good to excellent outcomes, based on the modified Brodsky criteria (p < 0.001), with two patients dying within 9 and 11 months of their surgery. Accumulated surgical experience reduced operative time and intraoperative blood loss (p ≤ 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: A single posterior approach provided good to excellent clinical and functional outcomes. Based on this evidence, we propose that a posterior approach provides a feasible alternative to the combined posterior-anterior approach for managing patients with metastatic spinal tumours.

Posterior transpedicular approach with circumferential debridement and anterior reconstruction as a salvage procedure for symptomatic failed vertebroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Complications and failure of vertebroplasty, such as cement dislodgement, cement leakage, or spinal infection, usually result in spinal instability and neural element compression. Combined anterior and posterior approaches are the most common salvage procedure for symptomatic failed vertebroplasty. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a single posterior approach technique for the treatment of patients with symptomatic failed vertebroplasty. METHODS: Ten patients with symptomatic failed vertebroplasty underwent circumferential debridement and anterior reconstruction surgery through a single-stage posterior transpedicular approach (PTA) from January 2009 to December 2011 at our institution. The differences of visual analog scale (VAS), neurologic status, and vertebral body reconstruction before and after surgery were recorded. The clinical outcomes of patients were categorized as excellent, good, fair, or poor based on modified Brodsky's criteria. RESULTS: The symptomatic failed vertebroplasty occurred between the T11 and L3 vertebrae with one- or two-level involvement. The average VAS score was 8.3 (range, 7 to 9) before surgery, significantly decreased to 3.2 (range, 2 to 4) after surgery (p < 0.01), and continued to decrease to 2.4 (range, 2 to 3) 1 year later (p < 0.01). The average correction of Cobb's angle after surgery was 17.3° (range, 4° to 35°) (p < 0.01). The mean loss of Cobb's angle correction after 1 year of follow-up was 2.7° (range, 0° to 5°). The average allograft subsidence at 1 year after surgery was 1 mm (range, 0 to 2). The neurologic status of Frankel's scale significantly improved after surgery (p = 0.014) and at 1 year after surgery (p = 0.046). No one experienced severe complications such as deep wound infection or neurologic deterioration. All patients achieved good or excellent outcomes after surgery based on modified Brodsky's criteria (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage PTA surgery with circumferential debridement and anterior reconstruction technique provides good clinical outcomes and low complication rate, which can be considered as an alternative method to combined anterior and posterior approaches for patients with symptomatic failed vertebroplasty.

Single-stage anterior debridement and fibular allograft implantation followed by posterior instrumentation for complicated infectious spondylitis: report of 20 cases and review of the literature.

Complicated infectious spondylitis is an infrequent infection with severe spinal destruction, and is indicated for combined anterior and posterior surgeries. Staged debridement and subsequent reconstruction is advocated in the literature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcome of patients who underwent single-stage combined anterior debridement and fibular allograft implantation followed by supplemental posterior fixation for complicated infectious spondylitis. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients who underwent single-stage combined anterior and posterior surgeries for complicated infectious spondylitis from January 2005 to December 2010. Complicated infectious spondylitis was defined as at least 1 vertebral osteomyelitis with pathological fracture or severe bony destruction and adjacent discitis, based on imaging studies. The severity of the neurological status was evaluated using the Frankel scale. The clinical outcomes were assessed by careful physical examination and regular serological tests to determine the visual analog scale (VAS) score and Macnab criteria. Correction of the sagittal Cobb angle on radiography was also compared before and after surgery. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze patient surgical prognosis and radiological findings. All patients with complicated infectious spondylitis were successfully treated by single-stage combined anterior and posterior surgeries. No patients experienced neurologic deterioration. The average VAS score was 7.8 before surgery and significantly decreased to 2.1 at discharge. Three patients had excellent outcomes and 17 had good outcomes, based on Macnab criteria. The average length of the allograft for reconstruction was 64.0 mm. Kyphotic deformity improved in all patients, with an average correction angle of 13.4°. There was no implant breakage or allograft dislodgement during at least 36 months of follow-up. Single-stage anterior debridement and fibular allograft implantation followed by posterior pedicle screw instrumentation provide immediate stability, satisfactory alignment, and successful infection control. Fibular allograft implantation seems to be a good alternative for anterior reconstruction; it can proceed to bony incorporation and avoids donor site morbidity.

Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for lumbar infectious spondylitis: a retrospective study in a tertiary referral center.

BACKGROUND: Spinal infections remain a challenge for clinicians because of their variable presentation and complicated course. Common management approaches include conservative administration of antibiotics or aggressive surgical debridement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic debridement with dilute betadine solution irrigation (PEDI) for treating patients with lumbar infectious spondylitis. METHODS: From January 2005 to July 2010, a total of 32 patients undergoing PEDI were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The surgical indications of the enrolled patients included single-level infectious spondylodiscitis, postoperative infectious spondylodiscitis, advanced infection with epidural abscess, psoas muscle abscess, pre-vertebral or para-vertebral abscess, multilevel infectious spondylitis, and recurrent infection after anterior debridement and fusion. Clinical outcomes were assessed by careful physical examination, Macnab criteria, regular serologic testing, and imaging studies to determine whether continued antibiotics treatment or surgical intervention was required. RESULTS: Causative bacteria were identified in 28 (87.5%) of 32 biopsy specimens. Appropriate parenteral antibiotics for the predominant pathogen isolated from infected tissue biopsy cultures were prescribed to patients. Twenty-seven (84.4%) patients reported satisfactory relief of their back pain after PEDI. Twenty-six (81.3%) patients recovered uneventfully after PEDI and sequential antibiotic therapy. No surgery-related major complications were found, except 3 patients with transient paresthesia in the affected lumbar segment. CONCLUSIONS: PEDI was successful in obtaining a bacteriologic diagnosis, relieving the patient's symptoms, and assisting in the eradication of lumbar infectious spondylitis. This procedure could be an effective alternative for patients who have a poor response to conservative treatment before a major open surgery.

Extended indications of percutaneous endoscopic lavage and drainage for the treatment of lumbar infectious spondylitis.

PURPOSE: The treatment of spinal infection remains a challenge for spinal surgeons because of the variable presentations and complicated course. The diagnostic and therapeutic value of percutaneous endoscopic lavage and drainage (PELD) has been proved in some recent studies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of PELD in patients with advanced infectious spondylitis which may traditionally require open surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 patients who underwent PELD to treat their advanced lumbar infectious spondylitis. Patients with severe infection resulting in significant neurological deficit and mechanical instability were excluded from the PELD procedure, which was only used on selected patients with less severe disease. The 21 patients were categorized into three groups based on their past history, clinical presentation, and imaging studies: those with paraspinal abscesses, postoperative recurrent infection, and multilevel infection. Clinical outcomes were assessed by careful physical examination, Odom's criteria, regular serologic testing, and imaging studies to determine whether continued conservative treatment or surgical intervention was necessary. RESULTS: Causative bacteria were identified in 19 (90.5%) of 21 biopsy specimens. Appropriate parenteral antibiotics for the predominant pathogen isolated from the infected tissue biopsy cultures were prescribed for the patients. All patients reported satisfactory recovery and relief of back pain, except three with multilevel infections who underwent anterior debridement and fusion within 2 weeks after treatment with PELD. The overall infection control rate was 86%. One patient with epidural abscess and spondylolytic spondylolisthesis of the L5-S1 received instrumented fusion surgery due to mechanical instability 5 months later. No surgery-related major complications were found, except 2 patients who had transient paraesthesia in the affected lumbar segment. CONCLUSIONS: PELD was successful in obtaining a bacteriologic diagnosis, relieving the patient's symptoms, and assisting in eradication of lumbar infectious spondylitis. The indications of this minimally invasive procedure could be extended to treat patients suffering from spinal infections with paraspinal abscesses and postoperative recurrent infection. Patients with multilevel infection may have trivial benefits from PELD due to poor infection control and mechanical instability of the affected segments.

Clinical evaluation of percutaneous vertebroplasty for symptomatic adjacent vertebral compression fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for treating patients with symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) adjacent to lumbar instrumented circumferential fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies have investigated adjacent VCFs and their management after spinal fusion surgery for degenerative lumbar disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to July 2011, a total of 23 patients with lumbar instrumented circumferential fusion suffered from adjacent symptomatic osteoporotic VCFs. All of these patients received PV using polymethylmethacrylate bone cement augmentation in our institute. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging were used for imaging studies. The visual analog scale and modified Brodsky criteria were used to compare clinical outcomes before and after surgery. The minimum follow-up period was 18 months (range, 18-45 mo). RESULTS: One level PV was performed in 18 patients and 2 levels were performed in 5 patients. The patients' visual analog scale scores improved by an average of 54.3 points after the procedure. Twenty patients returned to their preinjury activities of daily living. Lumbar lordosis was increased from 28.9 degrees before PV to 36.2 degrees after PV. The average restoration of the fractured vertebral body height was 14.0%. No surgery-related complications occurred except asymptomatic cement leakage in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: PV is a minimally invasive and effective procedure to treat patients with symptomatic osteoporotic VCFs adjacent to lumbar instrumented circumferential fusion.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty for symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture adjacent to lumbar instrumented circumferential fusion.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty for patients with symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures adjacent to lumbar instrumented circumferential fusion. Between January 2005 and June 2010, eighteen patients in the authors' institution with lumbar instrumented circumferential fusion had adjacent symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. The patients received percutaneous vertebroplasty using polymethylmethacrylate bone cement augmentation. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were used. The visual analog pain scale and modified Brodsky's criteria were used to compare clinical outcomes pre- and postoperatively. Minimum follow-up was 18 months. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan confirmed osteoporosis in all patients. The average interval between fusion surgery and sustaining osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures was 24.8 months. The average interval between sustaining osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty was 49.3 days. One-level percutaneous vertebroplasty was performed in 13 patients, and 2 levels were performed in 5 patients. The patients' visual analog pain scale scores improved by an average of 53 points postoperatively. Fifteen patients returned to preinjury activities of daily living. The average restoration of the fractured vertebral body height was 12.1%. No major surgery-related complications, occurred except asymptomatic cement leakage in 3 patients. Elderly patients undergoing lumbar instrumented fusion surgery should be aware of the possibility of adjacent vertebral compression fractures. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive and effective procedure to treat such adjacent segment disease.

Clinical evaluation of repeat percutaneous vertebroplasty for symptomatic cemented vertebrae.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) with polymethylmethacrylate is widely used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and satisfactory clinical outcomes have been reported in the literature. However, recurrent or persistent back pain after PV is not uncommon. Sometimes, the pain may result from pathogenesis within the previously treated vertebra. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of repeat PV for treating patients with recurrent back pain caused by the previously cemented vertebrae. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 18 patients who underwent repeat PV to treat symptomatic cemented vertebrae. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on clinical presentation and imaging studies: those with refracture (RF), residual vacuum (RV), and osteonecrosis (ON) along the bone-cement interface. A bipedicle approach was used for repeat PV in all patients. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and modified Brodsky criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes before and after surgery. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Spearman correlation analyses were used to analyze patient surgical prognosis and radiologic findings. RESULTS: Nine patients were diagnosed with RF, 5 with RV, and 4 with ON. The average VAS score was 77.1 (range, 62-90) before repeat PV (80.1, 72.4, and 76.3 for the RF, RV, and ON groups, respectively) and 34.4 (range, 25-45) after repeat PV treatment (33.1, 36.8, and 34.3 for the RF, RV, and ON groups, respectively). The VAS score significantly decreased in all 3 groups. The vertebral body height was significantly restored by a mean of 13.9% across all groups (17.8%, 12.7%, and 6.8% in the RF, RV, and ON groups, respectively). Fifteen patients recovered from vertebral compression fracture and regained their preinjury activities of daily living. No surgery-related complications occurred except asymptomatic cement leakage in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this research demonstrate that repeat PV may be an effective method for relieving recurrent or persistent pain in patients with symptomatic cemented vertebrae, allowing them to regain functional activity.

Radiographic and clinical results of posterior dynamic stabilization for the treatment of multisegment degenerative disc disease with a minimum follow-up of 3 years.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare radiographic and clinical outcomes of Dynesys and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for the treatment of multisegment disease. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients who received Dynesys implantation at three levels from L1 to S1 from November 2006 to July 2007 were studied. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 25 patients with the same indications who received 3-level PLIF (L1-S1) was also conducted. Radiographic and clinical outcomes between the groups were compared. All patients included in the analysis completed 3-year follow-up. Dynesys stabilization resulted in higher preservation of motion at the operative levels, as well as total range of motion from L1 to S1. A decrease of anterior disc height was seen in the Dynesys group and an increase was seen in the PLIF group. An increase in posterior disc height was noted in both groups; however, was greater in the PLIF group at 3 years. RESULTS: The Dynesys group showed a greater improvement in Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale back pain scores at 3 years postoperatively. There were no differences in complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Dynesys is an acceptable alternative to PLIF for the treatment of multisegment lumbar disease.

Impact of cement leakage into disks on the development of adjacent vertebral compression fractures.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study assessing new adjacent vertebral compression fracture (VCF) after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between cement leakage into the disk during initial PV and development of subsequent new adjacent VCF. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cement leakage outside the vertebral body during PV has been reported and usually responds to conservative treatment. Sometimes bone cement may leak into the intervertebral disk and result in painful new adjacent VCF that usually requires another PV for pain relief. METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2002, a total of 106 consecutive patients underwent PVs for osteoporotic VCFs. The risk of new fractures of adjacent vertebral bodies, the amount of cement injection, and the duration of development of new adjacent fractures in relation to cement leakage into the disk were retrospectively assessed and statistically compared. RESULTS: New adjacent VCFs occurred in 20 (18.9%) of 106 patients at 22 adjacent vertebral bodies after PVs during at least 24 months of follow-up. The difference in number of new adjacent fractures between both patients and vertebral bodies with cement leakage and those without leakage into the disk were statistically significant (P<0.001 and P<0.001). Amounts of cement injected and duration to development of new adjacent fractures differed between patients with or without cement leakage (P<0.001 and P=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PV is a simple and effective, but not risk-free or complication-free procedure for the treatment of osteoporotic VCF. Patients undergoing PV should be informed of the possibility of new adjacent fractures and the higher risk if cement leaks into the disk.

Detection of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein using a quartz crystal microbalance.

Current methods for diagnosing early stage osteoarthritis (OA) based on the magnetic resonance imaging and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods are specific, but require specialized laboratory facilities and highly trained personal to obtain a definitive result. In this work, a user friendly and non-invasive quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) immunosensor method has been developed to detect Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) for early stage OA diagnosis. This QCM immunosensor was fabricated to immobilize COMP antibodies utilizing the self-assembled monolayer technique. The surface properties of the immunosensor were characterized by its FTIR and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). The feasibility study was based on urine samples obtained from 41 volunteers. Experiments were carried out in a flow system and the reproducibility of the electrodes was evaluated by the impedance measured by EIS. Its potential dynamically monitored the immunoreaction processes and could increase the efficiency and sensitivity of COMP detection in laboratory-cultured preparations and clinical samples. The frequency responses of the QCM immunosensor changed from 6 kHz when testing 50 ng/mL COMP concentration. The linear regression equation of frequency shift and COMP concentration was determined as: y=0.0872 x+1.2138 (R2=0.9957). The COMP in urine was also determined by both QCM and EIS for comparison. A highly sensitive, user friendly and cost effective analytical method for the early stage OA diagnosis has thus been successfully developed.