Intraoperative computed tomography navigation for transpedicular screw fixation to treat unstable thoracic and lumbar spine fractures: clinical analysis of a case series (CARE-compliant).

Transpedicular screw (TPS) fixation in unstable thoracic and lumbar (TL) spine fractures remains technically difficult because of destroyed anatomical landmarks, unstable gross segments, and discrepancies in anatomic orientation using conventional anatomic landmarks, fluoroscopic guidance, or computed tomography (CT)-based navigation. In this study, we evaluated the safety and accuracy of TPS placement under intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) navigation in managing unstable TL spine fractures.From 2010 to 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the Spine Operation Registry records of patients who underwent posterior instrumented fusion to treat unstable TL spine fractures via the iCT navigation system. An unstable spine fracture was identified as AO/Magerl classification type B or type C.In all, 316 screws in 37 patients with unstable TL spine fractures were evaluated and involved 7 thoracic, 23 thoracolumbar junctional, and 7 lumbar fractures. The accuracy of TPS positioning in the pedicle without breach was 98% (310/316). The average number of iCT scans per patient was 2.1 (range 2-3). The average total radiation dose to patients was 15.8 mSv; the dose per single level exposure was 2.7 mSv. The TPS intraoperative revision rate was 0.6% (2/316) and no neurovascular sequela was observed. TPS fixation using the iCT navigation system obtained a 98% accuracy in stabilizing unstable TL spine fractures. A malplaced TPS could be revised during real-time confirmation of the TPS position, and no secondary operation was required to revise malplaced screws.The iCT navigation system provides accurate and safe management of unstable TL spine fractures. In addition, operating room personnel, including surgeons and nurses, did not need to wear heavy lead aprons as they were not exposed to radiation.

Percutaneous dorsal root ganglion lysis with phenol for the treatment of pain associated with thoracic compression fracture.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic thoracic compression fracture is one of the most common causes of back pain in elderly. Although vertebroplasty is widely utilized in patients when conservative treatment fails, we introduced an alternative percutaneous technique for the treatment of thoracic compression pain. METHODS: This in a retrospective study. The analysis was performed on 28 consecutive patients who underwent undergoing percutaneous dorsal root ganglion lysis with phenol for the treatment of pain associated with thoracic compression fracture. An acceptable treatment outcome was operationally defined as a pain intensity numerical rating scale (NRS) score of 3 or lower or EQ-5D index of 0.672 or higher. The primary outcome was pain relief and acceptable treatment outcome at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year. RESULTS: Of the 28 cases treated with our procedures, the change in mean NRS score between baseline and one day was -2.5 (95 % CI -1.6 ~ -3.4, p < 0.001), between baseline and one week was -4.7 (-4.1 to -5.3, p < 0.001), between baseline and one month was -5.8 (-5.2 to -6.5, p < 0.001), and between baseline and one year was -6.3 (-5.6 to -7.1, p < 0.001). An acceptable treatment outcome was 14 % one day after the procedure, 46 % at one week, 72 % at one month, and 84 % at one year. Complication rate was 3.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: For thoracic compression fracture patients, percutaneous dorsal root ganglion lysis with phenol is an effective, and safe alternative treatment method worth considering. Pain relief is fast and persists for one year.

Intraoperative computed tomography with integrated navigation in percutaneous iliosacral screwing.

BACKGROUND: Iliosacral screw fixation has generally been accepted as a treatment for unstable pelvic fractures with posterior sacroiliac joint disruption despite a 2-16% rate of screw malposition. The integration of an intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) with a navigation system was utilized in percutaneous sacroiliac screwing to provide an alternative. METHODS: From October 2010 to November 2011, thirteen patients presented pelvic fractures with posterior ring disruption (lateral compression type 2-3 [n=12] and vertical shear type [n=1] by Young-Burgess Classification) and underwent percutaneous iliosacral screwing using an iCT integrated with navigation system. The perioperative data and radiographic outcomes of the patients were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Navigation times ranged from 10 to 45min (mean of 21.2±10.6min). Radiation exposure to the skin utilizing integrated navigation system ranged from 23.5 to 28.1mGy (mean of 26.4±1.5mGy), and the dose associated with examining the screw position ranged from 22.5 to 26.8mGy (mean of 25.5±1.1mGy). Effective dose of radiation ranged from 9.26 to 17.43mSv (mean of 13.16±2.52mSv). The iCT demonstrated iliosacral screws in adequate position (i.e., no penetration or encroachment of the neuroforamen or cord). No neurologic or vascular injury occurred in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: An iCT with an integrated navigation system provided accuracy for percutaneous iliosacral screwing. In addition, the accumulated dose was minimized for surgeons. However, effective dose of radiation in iCT with an integrated navigation system group was higher than fluoroscopic-assisted iliosacral screwing in hands of the same group of surgeons. No neurologic complications occurred. The iCT with an integrated navigation system provided an alternative to percutaneous iliosacral screwing.