Short-segment Pedicle Instrumentation of Thoracolumbar Burst-compression Fractures; Short Term Follow-up Results

OBJECTIVE: The current literature implies that the use of short-segment pedicle screw fixation for spinal fractures is dangerous and inappropriate because of its high failure rate, but favorable results have been reported. The purpose of this study is to report the short term results of thoracolumbar burst and compression fractures treated with short-segment pedicle instrumentation. METHODS: A retrospective review of all surgically managed thoracolumbar fractures during six years were performed. The 19 surgically managed patients were instrumented by the short-segment technique. Patients' charts, operation notes, preoperative and postoperative radiographs (sagittal index, sagittal plane kyphosis, anterior body compression, vertebral kyphosis, regional kyphosis), computed tomography scans, neurological findings (Frankel functional classification), and follow-up records up to 12-month follow-up were reviewed . RESULTS: No patients showed an increase in neurological deficit. A statistically significant difference existed between the patients preoperative, postoperative and follow-up sagittal index, sagittal plane kyphosis, anterior body compression, vertebral kyphosis and regional kyphosis. One screw pullout resulted in kyphotic angulation, one screw was misplaced and one patient suffered angulation of the proximal segment on follow-up, but these findings were not related to the radiographic findings. Significant bending of screws or hardware breakage were not encountered. CONCLUSION: Although long term follow-up evaluation needs to verified, the short term follow-up results suggest a favorable outcome for short-segment instrumentation. When applied to patients with isolated spinal fractures who were cooperative with 3-4 months of spinal bracing, short-segment pedicle screw fixation using the posterior approach seems to provide satisfactory result.

The Causal Relationship of the Hydrocephalus in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Hydrocephalus is one of the major complications following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the risk factors of the hydrocephalus after SAH are not still well known. This study was focused on verification of the causal relationships between the development of hydrocephalus and SAH. METHODS: The patients who developed hydrocephalus after rupture of aneurysms were studied. To obtain prognostic factors regarding to hydrocephalus, several parameters such as age, sex, hypertension, location of aneurysm, existence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Hunt-Hess SAH classification & Fisher Grade on admission and the ratio of frontal horn of lateral ventricle diameter to skull inner table diameter at this level (FH/ID) were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The development of hydrocephalus following SAH is multifactorial. The age, IVH, FH/ID ratio were related to hydrocephalus in analysis. There is a low clinical correlation between sex, hypertension, location of aneurysm, existence of ICH, GCS, Hunt-Hess SAH classification, Fisher Grade on admission and hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: Knowledge on risk factors related to the occurrence of hydrocephalus may help guide neurosurgeons in the long-term care of patients who have experienced aneurysmal SAH.

The Causal Relationship of the Hydrocephalus in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Hydrocephalus is one of the major complications following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the risk factors of the hydrocephalus after SAH are not still well known. This study was focused on verification of the causal relationships between the development of hydrocephalus and SAH. METHODS: The patients who developed hydrocephalus after rupture of aneurysms were studied. To obtain prognostic factors regarding to hydrocephalus, several parameters such as age, sex, hypertension, location of aneurysm, existence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Hunt-Hess SAH classification & Fisher Grade on admission and the ratio of frontal horn of lateral ventricle diameter to skull inner table diameter at this level (FH/ID) were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The development of hydrocephalus following SAH is multifactorial. The age, IVH, FH/ID ratio were related to hydrocephalus in analysis. There is a low clinical correlation between sex, hypertension, location of aneurysm, existence of ICH, GCS, Hunt-Hess SAH classification, Fisher Grade on admission and hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: Knowledge on risk factors related to the occurrence of hydrocephalus may help guide neurosurgeons in the long-term care of patients who have experienced aneurysmal SAH.