Use of demineralized cortical fibers is associated with reduced risk of pseudarthrosis after pedicle subtraction osteotomy for adult spinal deformity.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of demineralized cortical fibers (DCF) on postoperative pseudarthrosis requiring revision surgery in patients undergoing pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for adult spinal deformity (ASD). METHODS: The use of DCF was introduced across all procedures in 2017 and subsequent patients undergoing PSO surgery were prospectively and consecutively registered. Following sample-size estimation, a retrospective cohort was also registered undergoing the same procedure immediately prior to the implementation of DCF. The non-DCF group underwent surgery with ABG. Minimum follow-up was 2 years in both groups. The main outcome was postoperative pseudarthrosis, either CT-verified or verified intraoperatively during revision surgery due to rod breakage and assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were included in the DCF group and 76 in the non-DCF group. The DCF group had more frequently undergone previous spine surgery (60% vs 36%) and had shorter follow-up (32 ± 2 vs 40 ± 7 months). Pseudarthrosis occurred in 7 (15%) patients in the DCF group and 31 (41%) in the non-DCF group, corresponding to a relative risk increase of 2.6 (95%CI 1.3-2.4, P < 0.01). 1-KM survival analyses, taking time to event into account and thus the difference in follow-up, also showed increased pseudarthrosis in the non-DCF group (log-rank P = 0.022). Similarly, multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, instrumented levels and sacral fusion was also with significantly increased odds of pseudarthrosis in the non-DCF group (OR: 4.3, 95%CI: 1.7-11.3, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We found considerable and significant reductions in pseudarthrosis following PSO surgery with DCF compared to non-DCF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Perioperative Corticosteroids Reduce Dysphagia Severity Following Anterior Cervical Spinal Fusion: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The anterior approach to the cervical spine is commonly used to treat cervical pathology. It is, however, associated with high rates of dysphagia, which may be associated with substantial patient morbidity. Perioperative corticosteroid administration has been advocated to decrease dysphagia rates; its efficacy, however, remains uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials to determine the efficacy of perioperative corticosteroid administration in reducing postoperative dysphagia as well as any adverse effects, such as pseudarthrosis and infection. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL [Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials], ClinicalTrials.gov) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated corticosteroids versus any comparator for prevention of postoperative dysphagia after anterior cervical spine procedures. Two independent reviewers used the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria to assess eligibility and risk of bias, perform data extraction, and rate the quality of evidence. The primary outcome was severity of postoperative dysphagia. We conducted meta-analyses of dysphagia (both overall and by delivery method), pseudarthrosis, and postoperative infection. RESULTS: After screening of 927 articles, a total of 7 studies were eligible for final inclusion. These included 431 patients, of whom 247 received corticosteroids and 184 received placebo or a control treatment. Moderate-quality evidence demonstrated a significant improvement in postoperative dysphagia rates (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.20 to 0.63; p < 0.001), and this finding was robust to both permutation analyses and sensitivity analyses removing the studies with a high risk of bias. There was no significant difference between intravenous and local steroid administration (p = 0.16). There were no documented infections. There was no significantly increased risk of pseudarthrosis in those receiving steroids compared with placebo or a control treatment (p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of perioperative corticosteroid administration as an adjunct to anterior cervical spinal procedures. Patients treated with corticosteroids intravenously or locally had significantly decreased severity of dysphagia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The sacral screw placement depending on morphological and anatomical peculiarities.

PURPOSE: Various pathologies of the lumbosacral junction require fusion of the L5/S1 segment. However, pseudarthroses, which often come along with sacral screw loosening, are problematic. The aim of the present investigation was to elaborate the morphological features of the L5/S1 segment to define a so-called "safe zone" for bi- or tricortical screw placement without risking a damage of the iliac vessels. METHODS: A total of one hundred computed tomographies of the pelvis were included in this investigation. On axial and sagittal slices, pedicle morphologies, the prevertebral position of the iliac vessels, the spinal canal and the area with the largest bone density were analyzed. RESULTS: Beginning from the entry point of S1-srews iliac vessels were located at an average angle of 7° convergence, the spinal canal at 38°. Bone density was significantly higher centrally with a mean value of 276 Hounsfield Units compared to the area of the Ala ossis sacri. The largest intraosseous screw length could be achieved at an angle of 25°. The average pedicle width was 20 mm and the pedicle height 13 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A "safe-zone" for bicortical screw placement at S1 with regard to the course of the iliac vessels could be defined between 7° and 38° convergence. Regarding the area offering the largest bone density and the maximal possible screw length, a convergence of 25° is recommended at S1 to reduce the incidence of screw loosening. Screw diameter, as a further influence factor on screw holding, is limited by pedicle height not pedicle width.

Preventing Pseudoarthrosis and Proximal Junctional Kyphosis: How to Deal with the Osteoporotic Spine.

The increase in the aging population has led to an overall increase in the number of elderly patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. This patient population, however, exhibits significant treatment challenges because of poor bone quality. By virtue of exhibiting decreased pullout strength and insertional torque, osteoporotic patients are at a substantial risk of developing vertebral fractures, instrumentation failure, pseudoarthrosis, and proximal junctional failures. It is, therefore, imperative for the treating surgeon to optimize bone health before recommending a spinal fusion surgery. Several preoperative medical therapies (vitamin D, calcium, bisphosphonates, parathyroid hormone, and so forth) exist to optimize bone health.

Radiographic Fusion Grade Does Not Impact Health-Related Quality of Life in the Absence of Instrumentation Failure for Patients Undergoing Posterior Instrumented Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Pseudarthrosis and rod fracture (RF) remain significant concerns after fusion for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Although a radiographic system of fusion grade has been proposed, the correlation between fusion grade and health-related quality of life measures (HRQoL) is not known. METHODS: In a retrospective review of a prospectively collected clinical database, patients that underwent ≥5-level posterior instrumented arthrodesis for ASD were evaluated. Fusion grade was determined on plain films using the Lenke criteria. Patients were grouped as 1) complete fusion (grade I or II at all levels), 2) incomplete fusion (grade 3 or 4 at any level), 3) rod fracture without revision (RF), and 4) rod fracture with revision (RFR). Outcome measures were the Oswestry Disability Index, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey Physical and Mental Component Summaries, Scoliosis Research Society-22r total, and Lumbar Stiffness and Disability Index. RESULTS: There were 205 (85%) patients who achieved the minimum 2-year follow-up and were included. Complete fusion was achieved in 115 patients (56.1%), 55% patients (26.8%) had incomplete fusion, and 35% patients (17.1%) had RF. Of the 35 patients with RF, 19 (17.1%; 19/205) underwent revision while 16 (7.8%; 16/205) had RF without revision. HRQoL measures were significantly worse in the RFR group, whereas no significant differences were found between groups 1, 2, and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic fusion grade after ASD surgery did not significantly impact HRQoL in the absence of RF. RFR was associated with significantly worse clinical outcomes. Fusion grade may be less predictive of clinical outcomes than the occurrence of RF.

[Pseudarthrosis and construct failure after lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy : Influence of biomechanics, surgical technique, biology and avoidance strategies]. / Pseudarthrose und Konstruktversagen nach lumbaler Pedikelsubtraktionsosteotomie : Einflüsse von Biomechanik, Operationstechnik, Biologie und Vermeidungsstrategien.

There are numerous factors that can lead to construct failure and pseudarthrosis after corrective pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) in the lumbar spine. Frequently, several factors are of relevance in these problematic cases. This article attempts to explain the surgical, biomechanical and biological aspects that should be understood in order to minimize the risk of pseudarthrosis and construct failure. It addresses technical varieties of the PSO procedure as well as the surgical technique, the choice of rod material and the design of multirod constructs. Biological reasons for pseudarthrosis and preventive strategies are discussed, as well as the possible contribution of low-grade infections to pseudarthrosis. The option of substituting a multilevel ALIF procedure for a PSO is another topic, as is the question of surgical indication and strategy.

A Novel 4-Rod Technique Offers Potential to Reduce Rod Breakage and Pseudarthrosis in Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomies for Adult Spinal Deformity Correction.

BACKGROUND: Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) can be used to treat rigid sagittal plane deformities. Nonunions and rod breakages are known complications of PSO. OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes of 2 methods of posterior instrumentation for PSO, traditional 2 rods vs a novel 4-rod technique in which 2 additional rods span only the osteotomy level. METHODS: This study was a retrospective, radiographic review of consecutive PSOs performed at 2 centers. The primary difference in technique between the centers was the use of 4 rods including 2 independent rods attached only to the vertebral levels immediately adjacent to the PSO (group 1, n = 29 patients) vs the traditional 2-rod technique (group 2, n = 20 patients). RESULTS: Demographics and preoperative to postoperative radiographic measurements were similar between the study groups, including the PSO wedge resection angle (P = .56). The rod breakage rate was 25% with 2 rods and 0% with 4 rods (P = .008), and the pseudarthrosis rate with 2 rods was 25% and with 4 rods was 3.4% (P = .035). The patient with pseudarthrosis from group 1 had an infection and developed pseudarthrosis only after instrumentation removal. Rates of other complications did not differ significantly between the study groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides a comparison between 2 techniques for rod placement across a PSO and suggests that the described novel 4-rod technique may help to reduce the rates of pseudarthrosis and rod failure. It will be important to confirm these findings in a prospectively designed study with multiple institutions in order to better control for potentially confounding factors.

Role of Weekly Teriparatide Administration in Osseous Union Enhancement within Six Months After Posterior or Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Osteoporosis-Associated Lumbar Degenerative Disorders: A Multicenter, Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: For elderly patients, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is usually performed to treat lumbar degenerative diseases. However, some patients exhibit pseudarthrosis following such procedures. The anabolic agent teriparatide is an approved treatment for promoting bone formation in osteoporotic patients. Our multicenter, prospective randomized study assessed the role of once-weekly teriparatide administration on patient outcomes following interbody fusion. METHODS: Patients were females who were ≥50 years of age, had a bone mineral density (BMD) of <80% of the sex-matched young adult mean and/or previous spinal compression or femoral fractures, and had lumbar degenerative disease. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either weekly teriparatide, administered subcutaneously starting at week 1, for 6 months postoperatively (the teriparatide arm), or no teriparatide (the control arm). Blinded radiographic evaluations were performed using dynamic radiography and computed tomography (CT) and assessed by modified intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis. Clinical and neurological symptoms were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOA-BPEQ) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were randomized to treatment, and 66 patients completed treatment. At 4 months postoperatively, bone fusion in the 2 center CT slices was significantly higher in the teriparatide arm compared with the control arm in the age-adjusted modified intention-to-treat analysis and was significantly higher at 6 months in the per-protocol analysis. Radiographic examinations showed no disc-space narrowing and no intervertebral disc instability. JOA-BPEQ and ODI results were improved postoperatively in both treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly administration of teriparatide promoted bone formation at the surgical fusion site and decreased bone resorption, as indicated by bone metabolic marker results, within the early postoperative period. Our findings suggest that combining lumbar interbody fusion and teriparatide treatment may be an effective option for managing lumbar degenerative disease in elderly patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Guided Growth: A Novel Treatment for Anterolateral Bowing of the Tibia.

BACKGROUND: Tibial pseudoarthrosis is a source of considerable morbidity in children with neurofibromatosis. Preventing the progression of anterolateral bowing of the tibia (ALBT) to tibial pseudoarthrosis is difficult. The aim of this paper is to report the successful use of guided growth to prevent tibial pseudoarthrosis in a child with neurofibromatosis. METHODS: With local ethical approval, we reviewed the case notes and radiographs of a child with pronounced ALBT who was treated with guided growth to correct the deformity and prevent fracture. RESULTS: At 4-year follow-up guided growth has successfully corrected the deformity and prevented tibial pseudoarthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the use of guided growth to prevent the progression of ALBT to pseudoarthrosis of the tibia in a child with neurofibromatosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Bracing After Surgical Stabilization of Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Systematic Review of Evidence, Indications, and Practices.

BACKGROUND: The role of spinal orthotic braces after surgical stabilization is not clearly defined. We systematically reviewed the published literature to determine patterns of practice, indications, and current evidence for the use of orthotic braces after surgical thoracolumbar fracture stabilization. METHODS: A search was performed for publications including descriptions of postoperative management and outcomes after surgical stabilization of thoracolumbar injuries. Differences between wearing versus not wearing a postoperative brace were examined with regard to loss of deformity correction, pain, return to previous work activity, functional improvement, instrumentation failure rate, pseudoarthrosis, and the percentage of reported complications. RESULTS: This search yielded 76 pertinent studies. Postoperative bracing (POB) was adopted in 62 studies for a median wear time of 13.3 weeks. No significant differences in terms of pain, return to work, Frankel score improvement, or instrumentation failure were found between the POB and non-POB groups. Loss of surgical kyphotic reduction was slightly greater in the POB group (4.79° vs. 3.77°; P < 0.001). The overall complication rate was also higher in the POB group (16.3% vs. 11.9%; P < 0.01). The pseudoarthrosis rate was lower in the braced group (2.4% vs. 6.0%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most surgeons use braces for 3 months after surgical thoracolumbar fracture stabilization. Given the lack of clinical or biomechanical evidence for this, and the additional costs and potential discomfort to patients, further investigation is warranted to determine when and if POB for surgically stabilized thoracolumbar fractures is indicated. Controlled studies should include a careful analysis of pseudoarthrosis and complication rates.

Anterior approach with expandable cage implantation in management of unstable thoracolumbar fractures: Results of a series of 93 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior approach indications in unstable thoracolumbar fractures (UTLF) are debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of anterior fixation and expandable prosthetic vertebral body cage (EPVBC) implantation alone or combined with a posterior approach in the management of UTLF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients underwent anterior fixation with implantation of an EPVBC for UTLF from T7 to L5. Long-term kyphosis and vertebral height loss reduction, functional outcomes including visual analogical scale and Oswestry disability index were evaluated. RESULTS: Anterior fixation led to a significant increase of vertebral body height with a gain of 13% after a previous posterior approach, 38% after a single anterior approach and 65% after combined posterior and anterior approaches (P=0.0001). However, anterior fixation did not significantly enhance the vertebral regional kyphosis angle (P=0.08), except in cases of single anterior approach for thoracic fractures (P=0.03). No significant difference was found between early, 3 months and 1 year postoperative vertebral regional kyphosis angle and vertebral body height (P=0.6). Complete fusion was routinely observed at 1 year postoperatively. rhBMP2 implantation in selected cases appears to be a safe and reliable strategy. No infections or surgical revisions were observed after the anterior approach. CONCLUSION: Anterior approach and EPVBC implantation, in UTLF, is a safe and effective procedure, providing long-term vertebral body height and kyphosis correction. Adverse effects of anterior approach remain acceptable. Single anterior fixation is a reliable surgical alternative in thoracic fractures without posterior spine segment injury or spinal cord compression. These results prompted us to extend anterior approach indications in oncology and infectious diseases.

Intraoperative antepulsion of a posterior lumbar interbody fusion cage: three case reports.

Spinal fusion surgery techniques develop together with technologic advancements. New complications are seen as the result of new techniques and these may be very severe due to spinal cord and vascular structures in the lumbar region. The posterior lumbar interbody fusion cage (PLIFC) was shown to enhance spinal fusion and to prevent pseudoarthrosis due to its basic dynamic characteristics. PLIFC migrations are usually observed during the postoperative period, just after the mobilization of the patient and usually toward spinal canal. Migration to the retroperitoneal region is a extremely rare condition in the literature. In this article we discussed three cases of PLIFC antepulsion into the retroperitoneal region during the intraoperative period.

Estudio comparativo entre placa-injerto, caja-placa y caja de PEEK en artrodesis de la columna cervical con conducto cervical estrecho / Comparative study between plate-graft, cage-plate and peek cage in cervical arthrodesis for cervical stenosis

Introducción: Se han desarrollado una variedad de sistemas para fijar y artrodesar la columna cervical con las ventajas de reducir del riesgo de seudoartrosis, extrusión y colapso del injerto, así como una mayor precisión en la alineación sagital, por tal motivo requerimos comparar resultados de placa-injerto, caja-placa y caja-PEEK, en pacientes con conducto cervical estrecho. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, de intervención y comparativo, formando tres grupos: grupo I, artrodesis con placa-injerto, grupo II, caja-placa, grupo III, caja-PEEK. La evaluación funcional pre- y postoperatoria con escala de discapacidad cervical y escala visual análoga (EVA) de dolor y radiografías columna cervical. Se analizaron los resultados con pruebas no paramétricas de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon y Kruskal Wallis para comparación entre más de dos grupos. Con nivel de significancia de 0.05. Resultados: Muestra de 37 pacientes para el grupo I con n = 12, con 22 niveles; grupo II con: n = 11, con 19 niveles; grupo III con: n = 14 con 25 niveles. La mayoría de pacientes entre la sexta y octava década de la vida. Al año de postoperados el índice de discapacidad cervical y mejoría del dolor con EVA mostraron mejoría con diferencia estadística en los tres grupos (p = 0.001). Sin embargo, las mediciones radiográficas al año de seguimiento mostraron una mejoría significativa de la lordosis segmentaria (p = 0.02) sólo en pacientes operados con placa-injerto. Conclusiones: El uso de la placa injerto ofrece mejores resultados clínicos y radiográficos en comparación con la caja-placa y caja-PEEK al año de seguimiento.

Introduction: A variety of systems have been developed to fix and perform arthrodesis of the cervical spine, with the advantages of reducing the risk of pseudoarthrosis, extrusion and graft collapse and achieving a more precise sagittal alignment. We therefore need to compare the results of the following approaches to patients with cervical stenosis: plate-graft, cage-plate and PEEK cage. Material and methods: Prospective, interventional, comparative trial involving three groups: group I, arthrodesis with plate-graft; group II, cage-plate, and group III, PEEK cage. The pre- and postoperative assessments included the cervical disability scale, the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and cervical spine X-rays. The results were analyzed with non-parametric tests such as the Wilcoxon sign test and the Kruskal-Wallis test for the comparison of more than two groups. Significance level was 0.05. Results: The sample included a total of 37 patients: n = 12 in group I, with 22 levels; n = 11 in group II, with 19 levels, and n = 14 in group III, with 25 levels. Patient age ranged between 60 and 80. One year after surgery there was an improvement in cervical disability and the pain VAS score, with a statistically significant difference among the three groups (p = 0.001). However, radiographic measurements at that time showed a significant improvement in segmental lordosis (p = 0.02) only in plate-graft patients. Conclusions: The plate-graft approach provides better clinical and radiographic results compared to the cage-plate and PEEK cage techniques, at the one-year follow-up.

[Comparative study between plate-graft, cage-plate and peek cage in cervical arthrodesis for cervical stenosis]. / Estudio comparativo entre placa-injerto, caja-placa y caja de PEEK en artrodesis de la columna cervical con conducto cervical estrecho.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of systems have been developed to fix and perform arthrodesis of the cervical spine, with the advantages of reducing the risk of pseudoarthrosis, extrusion and graft collapse and achieving a more precise sagittal alignment. We therefore need to compare the results of the following approaches to patients with cervical stenosis: plate-graft, cage-plate and PEEK cage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, interventional, comparative trial involving three groups: group I, arthrodesis with plate-graft; group II, cage-plate, and group III, PEEK cage. The pre- and postoperative assessments included the cervical disability scale, the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and cervical spine X-rays. The results were analyzed with non-parametric tests such as the Wilcoxon sign test and the Kruskal-Wallis test for the comparison of more than two groups. Significance level was 0.05. RESULTS: The sample included a total of 37 patients: n = 12 in group I, with 22 levels; n = 11 in group II, with 19 levels, and n = 14 in group III, with 25 levels. Patient age ranged between 60 and 80. One year after surgery there was an improvement in cervical disability and the pain VAS score, with a statistically significant difference among the three groups (p = 0.001). However, radiographic measurements at that time showed a significant improvement in segmental lordosis (p = 0.02) only in plate-graft patients. CONCLUSIONS: The plate-graft approach provides better clinical and radiographic results compared to the cage-plate and PEEK cage techniques, at the one-year follow- up.

Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on fracture healing in rat femural fractures with intact and excised periosteum.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on fractures with intact periosteum and excised periosteum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups. Osteotomy and intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation were performed on all right femurs under ketamin anesthesia. The first group (n=10) was identified as control group. In the second group (n=10), periosteum located at the osteotomy site was excised circumferentially during surgery. In the third group (n=9), periosteum was left intact and ESWT was applied. In the forth group (n=8), periosteums of all rats were excised and ESWT was applied. All fracture lines were evaluated radiographically each two weeks and histologically at the sixth week. Results were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: In periosteum excised group which represents a model of open fractures with soft tissue defect, ESWT application had a significantly positive histologic effect on bone healing. However, radiological evaluation did not reveal any statistically significant difference between groups with intact and excised periosteums. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, ESWT can be used to improve fracture healing and prevent pseudoarthrosis in the treatment of open fractures with accompanying soft tissue and periosteum damage. However, further clinical studies are required to include ESWT in routine practice.

Tratamiento de la pseudoartrosis recalcitrante de húmero en pacientes de edad avanzada / Treatment of recalcitrant humeral nonunion in elderly patients

Fundamento: La pseudoartrosis de húmero, cuando varios intentos previos para su curación ya han fracasado, es un reto. Si asociamos la osteoporosis severa propia de pacientes ancianos, las dificultades se multiplican. El objetivo es estudiar la mejor opción para esta situación. Material y método: Analizamos la evolución de cinco pacientes con los siguientes criterios de inclusión: pseudoartrosis de la diáfisis del húmero intervenida sin éxito previamente al menos en dos ocasiones y/o haber permanecido en dicha situación más de 18 meses, asociado a osteoporosis severa en personas mayores de 65 años. Fueron tratados mediante desbridamiento del foco y estabilización con placas bloqueadas asociando injerto óseo. Resultados: Todos los casos consolidaron tras un seguimiento medio de 19 meses (8-36 meses). Conclusiones: En la pseudoartrosis de húmero en ancianos con hueso osteoporótico, las placas bloqueadas han demostrado que proporcionan una fijación estable y duradera, superior a la de las placas tradicionales a compresión. En nuestra experiencia hay que considerarlas también como una opción válida en situaciones de máxima precariedad ósea y biológica, como sucede en las pseudoartrosis recalcitrantes(AU)

Background: Humeral nonunion that persists through various unsuccessful attempts at management, presents a real challenge. When combined with severe osteoporosis in elderly patients, the problems only increase. This study aims to investigate the best option for treating this combination of factors. Materials and method: This study analyses the outcomes of five patients with the following inclusion criteria: nonunion of the humeral diaphysis, after at least two unsuccessful interventions and/or after a period of 18 months or more, associated with severe osteoporosis in patients aged over 65. All cases were treated by debridement of the site of nonunion and stabilisation with locking plates and bone graft. Results: All cases consolidated after a mean follow-up period of 19 months (8-36 months). Conclusions: In cases of humeral nonunion in elderly patients with osteoporotic bones, locking plates have been proven to provide consistent, long-term stability, with better results than traditional compression plates. The authors consider that locking plates should be considered as a valid option in cases of extreme bone and biological instability, as is the case in recalcitrant humeral nonunion (AU)

Disc space preparation in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a comparison of minimally invasive and open approaches.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches to transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) have been developed as an alternative to the open approach. However, concerns remain regarding the adequacy of disc space preparation that can be achieved through a minimally invasive approach to TLIF. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this cadaver study is to compare the adequacy of disc space preparation through MIS and open approaches to TLIF. Specifically we sought to compare the two approaches with respect to (1) the time required to perform a discectomy and the number of endplate violations; (2) the percentage of disc removed; and (3) the anatomic location where residual disc would remain after discectomy. METHODS: Forty lumbar levels (ie, L1-2 to L5-S1 in eight fresh cadaver specimens) were randomly assigned to open and MIS groups. Both surgeons were fellowship-trained spine surgeons proficient in the assigned approach used. Time required for discectomy, endplate violations, and percentage of disc removed by volume and mass were recorded for each level. A digital imaging software program (ImageJ; US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) was used to measure the percent disc removed by area for the total disc and for each quadrant of the endplate. RESULTS: The open approach was associated with a shorter discectomy time (9 versus 12 minutes, p = 0.01) and fewer endplate violations (one versus three, p = 0.04) when compared with an MIS approach, percent disc removed by volume (80% versus 77%, p = 0.41), percent disc removed by mass (77% versus 75%, p = 0.55), and percent total disc removed by area (73% versus 71%, p = 0.63) between the open and MIS approaches, respectively. The posterior contralateral quadrant was associated with the lowest percent of disc removed compared with the other three quadrants in both open and MIS groups (50% and 60%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: When performed by a surgeon experienced with MIS TLIF, MIS and open approaches are similar in regard to the adequacy of disc space preparation. The least amount of disc by percentage is removed from the posterior contralateral quadrant regardless of the approach; surgeons should pay particular attention to this anatomic location during the discectomy portion of the procedure to minimize the likelihood of pseudarthrosis.

The effects of local insulin application to lumbar spinal fusions in a rat model.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The rates of pseudoarthrosis after a single-level spinal fusion have been reported up to 35%, and the agents that increase the rate of fusion have an important role in decreasing pseudoarthrosis after spinal fusion. Previous studies have analyzed the effects of local insulin application to an autograft in a rat segmental defect model. Defects treated with a time-released insulin implant had significantly more new bone formation and greater quality of bone compared with controls based on histology and histomorphometry. A time-released insulin implant may have similar effects when applied in a lumbar spinal fusion model. PURPOSE: This study analyzes the effects of a local time-released insulin implant applied to the fusion bed in a rat posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion model. Our hypothesis was twofold: first, a time-released insulin implant applied to the autograft bed in a rat posterolateral lumbar fusion will increase the rate of successful fusion and second, will alter the local environment of the fusion site by increasing the levels of local growth factors. STUDY DESIGN: Animal model (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved) using 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Forty skeletally mature Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 500 g each underwent posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusions with iliac crest autograft from L4 to L5 using a Wiltse-type approach. After exposure of the transverse processes and high-speed burr decortication, a Linplant (Linshin Canada, Inc., ON, Canada) consisting of 95% microrecrystalized palmitic acid and 5% bovine insulin (experimental group) or a sham implant consisting of only palmitic acid (control group) was implanted on the fusion bed with iliac crest autograft. As per the manufacturer, the Linplant has a release rate of 2 U/day for a minimum of 40 days. The transverse processes and autograft beds of 10 animals from the experimental and 10 from the control group were harvested at Day 4 and analyzed for growth factors. The remaining 20 spines were harvested at 8 weeks and underwent a radiographic examination, manual palpation, and microcomputed tomographic (micro-CT) examination. RESULTS: One of the 8-week control animals died on postoperative Day 1, likely due to anesthesia. In the groups sacrificed at Day 4, there was a significant increase in insulinlike growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the insulin treatment group compared with the controls (0.185 vs. 0.129; p=.001). No significant differences were demonstrated in the levels of transforming growth factor beta-1, platelet-derived growth factor-AB, and vascular endothelial growth factor between the groups (p=.461, .452, and .767 respectively). Based on the radiographs, 1 of 9 controls had a solid bilateral fusion mass, 2 of 9 had unilateral fusion mass, 3 of 9 had small fusion mass bilaterally, and 3 of 9 had graft resorption. The treatment group had solid bilateral fusion mass in 6 of 10 and unilateral fusion mass in 4 of 10, whereas a small bilateral fusion mass and graft resorption were not observed. The difference between the groups was significant (p=.0067). Based on manual palpation, only 1 of 9 controls was considered fused, 4 of 9 were partially fused, and 4 of 9 were not fused. In the treatment group, there were 6 of 10 fusions, 3 of 10 partial fusions, and 1 of 10 were not fused. The difference between the groups was significant (p=.0084). Based on the micro-CT, the mean bone volume of the control group was 126.7 mm(3) and 203.8 mm(3) in the insulin treatment group. The difference between the groups was significant (p=.0007). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential role of a time-released insulin implant as a bone graft enhancer using a rat posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion model. The insulin-treatment group had significantly higher fusion rates based on the radiographs and manual palpation and had significantly higher levels of IGF-I and significantly more bone volume on micro-CT.

Cervical corpectomy with ultra-low-dose rhBMP-2 in high-risk patients: 5-year outcomes.

Twenty-four consecutive patients with cervical spondylosis who were treated with cervical corpectomy and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) with standalone anterior instrumentation were evaluated. Mean number of levels fused was 2.4. There were significant improvements in visual analog scale neck pain and Oswestry Disability Index scores and cervical lordosis. Cervical corpectomy with a lower dose of rhBMP-2 was found to be safe and efficacious for patients who are at a higher risk for pseudarthrosis.

Fractura completa de estrés de escafoides tarsiano en corredora de mediofondo. A propósito de un caso / Complete stress fracture of the tarsal navicular in middle-distance runner. Case report

Presentamos el caso de una joven atleta de medio fondo que presentó una fractura de estrés completa del escafoides tarsiano de su pie izquierdo. Tras la sospecha clínica el diagnóstico se hizo con radiografías simples, existiendo un desplazamiento de 2 mm entre los fragmentos. Por ello, el tratamiento indicado fue quirúrgico mediante fijación interna percutánea con un tornillo. La evolución fue completamente satisfactoria, reiniciando sus entrenamientos de carrera a los cuatro meses. Las fracturas de estrés de escafoides deben sospecharse en atletas y practicantes de otros deportes en los que existe carrera y salto, que presenten dolor en el mediopie. El diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento adecuado dan un buen pronóstico a esta lesión, mientras que el retraso en el diagnóstico o un tratamiento inadecuado pueden traer graves consecuencias , incluida la imposibilidad para continuar con la práctica deportiva. En fracturas completas y desplazadas creemos que el tratamiento de elección es quirúrgico (AU)

The case of a young middle-distance runner with a complete stress fracture of the tarsal navicular bone of her left foot. Clinical suspicion and plain x-rays confirm the diagnosis, with a gap between the fragments of 2 mm. Surgical treatment was performed by percutaneus reduction and internal fixation with a screw. Patient came back to her running trainings in 4 months. Navicular stress fractures should be suspected in athletes and practitioners of other sports that include running and jumping with midfoot pain. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment could result in good functional recovery, but delay in diagnosis or insufficient treatment could have important consequences and difficult to come back to sports. In our opinion complete and displaced fractures have to be operated (AU)