Mid-term clinical effect of anterior decompression plus intervertebral fusion cage with nanohydroxyapatite and polyamide 66 composite for thoracolumbar burst fractures / 中华创伤杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the mid-term clinical effect of nano-hydroxyapatite and polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) intervertebral fusion cage in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.Methods A total of 87 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were managed by thoracolumbar body resection combined with n-HA/PA66 intervertebral fusion cage from December 2007 to September 2008.The clinical effect, safety and radiographic outcomes were evaluated.Results No nerve damage was deteriorated in all the patients.The neural function was improved for 1-2 grade except for four patients at Frankel grade A.The patients were followed up for mean 21.3 months (17-24 months).The kyphosis was (14.4 ± 12.6)° preoperatively, (3.7 ± 8.7) ° immediately after surgery and (4.0 ± 8.3)° at final follow-up.The distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies was (96.9 ± 17.2) mm preoperatively, (109.5 ± 17.1) mm immediately after surgery and (108.3 ± 16.4) mm at final follow-up.No cage replacement, internal fixation breakage or neurologic impairment were observed during follow-up period.There were 58 patients with grade E fusion, 22 with grade D fusion and 7 with grade C fusion.ConclusionsAnterior decompression combined with n-HA/PA66 intervertebral fusion cage is an effective method for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture.The kyphosis is rectified and the intervertebral distance is corrected, with a high rate of fusion.

Characteristics of crush syndrome caused by prolonged limb compression longer than 24 h in the Sichuan earthquake.

BACKGROUND: To assess the characteristics, treatment and outcome of patients with crush syndrome caused by prolonged limb compression longer than 24 h in the Sichuan earthquake. METHODS: Following the Sichuan earthquake, 2728 patients were transferred to the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and 157 of those were admitted to the intensive care unit. The medical records of nine severe crush syndrome patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The major associated injuries were in the lower extremities. Renal failure and oliguria developed in all patients. Creatine kinase peaked in all patients. Hyperkalaemia was seen in five patients, and six patients developed acidosis. All patients had amputations; five had two limbs amputated. One patient underwent fasciotomy. Adult respiratory distress syndrome developed in four patients and required mechanical ventilation. All patients underwent haemodialysis. Multiple organ failure and sepsis developed in eight patients, but no patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Crush syndrome caused by extremely long compression has high rates of renal failure, multiple organ failure, sepsis and amputation. Early transportation and immediate intensive care therapy would have improved the outcome and survival rate.

Surgical treatment of kyphosis in children in healed stages of spinal tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Very less literature focuses on the treatment of kyphosis in healed stages of spinal tuberculosis (TB), especially in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of anterior release, decompression, deformity correction, and instrumented fusion, followed by posterior osteotomy, deformity correction, and pedicle screw instrumented fusion, which is used to treat kyphosis in children in healed stages of spinal TB. METHODS: Sixteen children with kyphotic deformity of the spine in healed stages of TB underwent anterior release, decompression, deformity correction, and instrumented fusion, followed by posterior osteotomy, deformity correction, and pedicle screw instrumented fusion between 2003 and 2007 with at least 2 years of follow-up. Radiologic assessment including the angle of kyphosis and scoliosis, and neurologic status using the modified Frankel grade were analyzed before surgery, after surgery, and at the last follow-up. Fusion was evaluated on flexion-extension lateral radiographs. RESULTS: Good cosmetic results were achieved in all patients. Neurologic improvement was shown in all 4 patients with paraplegia. The mean preoperative angle of kyphosis was 55.8 degrees that reduced to 21.7 degrees, postoperatively. The difference in the mean angle of kyphosis was statistically significant (P<0.05). The mean angle of kyphosis at the last follow-up was 23.2 degrees. The mean correction loss was 1.5 degree, and there was no statistically significant difference in the mean angles of kyphosis between the postoperative and last follow-up measurements. The mean preoperative angle of scoliosis was 6.9 degrees that reduced to 0.8 degree postoperatively. The difference in the mean angle of scoliosis was statistically significant (P<0.05). The mean angle of scoliosis at the last follow-up was 0.9 degree. The mean correction loss was 0.2 degree and there was no statistically significant difference in the mean angles of scoliosis between the postoperative and last follow-up measurements. All patients returning for follow-up had bony fusion. There were no cases of failure of fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Combined anterior and posterior osteotomy, deformity correction, and instrumented fusion halted progression of kyphosis and improved neurologic symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic-level IV, retrospective study.