Spinal fracture and luxation in dogs and cats

2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 280-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Brisson ◽  
K. Gyselinck ◽  
C. Bruce

SummaryThe purpose of this retrospective study was to review cases of spinal fractures or luxations (SFL) treated with various modalities in order to describe fracture location, neurological status, treatment, outcome and complications in a patient population at a single centre. Medical records of dogs and cats diagnosed with a SFL between C1 and L7 between January 1995 and June 2005 were reviewed to collect pertinent data. Ninety-five cases were included in this study. Severity of spinal cord injury was graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Vehicular trauma was the most common cause of SFL. Spinal fractures were localized between C1-C5 in 10 cases, C6-T2 in 1 case, T3-L3 in 54 cases, L4-L7 in 36 cases. Thirty patients euthanized without treatment had a median neurological score of 5. Twenty-eight patients, all of which had motor function, were treated conservatively and there was not any change in their median neurological grade at the time of discharge.. Thirty-seven patients had surgery, 27 of which were non ambulatory. Thirty-five of 37 were stabilized using pins and/or screws and PMMA or various other techniques. The median neurological grade of surgically treated patients improved by one point between the time of initial diagnosis and discharge. Implant removal was performed in 5 cases. Patients treated with pins and/or screws and PMMA were significantly more improved than conservatively managed patients at the time of discharge, although the surgically treated patients were hospitalized significantly longer than conservatively managed patients. Our results suggest that dogs that retain pain sensation prior to surgery have a good prognosis for functional recovery. In this study, dogs that were treated conservatively retained purposeful movement and had a good prognosis for recovery.

2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 280-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A. Brisson ◽  
K. Gyselinck ◽  
C.W. Bruce

SummaryThe purpose of this retrospective study was to review cases of spinal fractures or luxations (SFL) treated with various modalities in order to describe fracture location, neurological status, treatment, outcome and complications in a patient population at a single centre. The medical records of dogs and cats that had been diagnosed with a SFL between C1 and L7 between January 1995 and June 2005 were reviewed in order to collect pertinent data. Ninety-five cases were included in this study. The severity of spinal cord injury was graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Vehicular trauma was the most common cause of SFL. Spinal fractures were localized between C1-C5 in 10 cases, C6-T2 in one case, T3-L3 in 54 cases, L4-L7 in 36 cases. Thirty patients that were euthanatized without treatment had a median neurological score of 5. Twenty-eight patients, all of which had motor function, were treated conservatively and there was not any change in their median neurological grade at the time of discharge. Thirty-seven patients had surgery, 27 of which were non ambulatory. Thirty-five of 37 were stabilized using pins and/or screws and PMMA or various other techniques. The median neurological grade of surgically treated patients improved by one point between the time of initial diagnosis and discharge. Implant removal was performed in five cases. The patients that were treated with pins and/or screws and PMMA were significantly more improved than conservatively managed patients at the time of discharge, although the surgically treated patients were hospitalized significantly longer than the conservatively managed patients. Our results suggest that dogs that retain pain sensation prior to surgery have a good prognosis for functional recovery. In this study, the dogs that were treated conservatively retained purposeful movement and had a good prognosis for recovery.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-227
Author(s):  
MATEUS BERGAMO LOMAZ ◽  
LEONEL ANTÔNIO FREITAS SALES NETTO ◽  
MARIO SILVA GARROTE FILHO ◽  
ALEX PEREIRA ALVES ◽  
FABIANO RICARDO DE TAVARES CANTO

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of patients with spinal fractures and the characteristics of the population at risk attended at a university hospital. Methods: The study population is composed of 202 patients diagnosed and treated for vertebral fracture due to trauma. The variables were correlated with each other and the correlations with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The ratio of incidence of trauma between the sexes was 3:1 for males. The mean age was 37 years and the age group with the highest incidence was between 20 and 39 years. Traffic accidents were the most frequent mechanism (51.2%) and secondly, falls (33.2%). There was a statistical correlation between trauma mechanisms to age group and region of the spine. The first lumbar vertebra (L1) fracture alone accounted for 21.5% of all cases studied associated with the fall mechanism. Spinal cord injury was recorded in 33.7% of the individuals in the sample. A total of 57.3% of the patients were submitted to surgical treatment and 41.7% to the conservative treatment. The mean hospitalization time was 15 days. Conclusions: Spinal fractures are important determinants of morbidity and mortality in the population with a major impact on economically active individuals, especially males. They are directly associated to traffic accidents in the young population and to falls in the higher age brackets. Primary prevention of trauma is the main mechanism for change in this scenario.


Author(s):  
Thomas Bitterli ◽  
Georg Mund ◽  
Thomas Christian Häußler ◽  
Daniela Farke ◽  
Martin Kramer ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to describe minimally invasive spinal stabilization using a unilateral uniplanar external skeletal fixator (ESF, type 1a) with polymethylmethacrylate, and to review short- and long-term outcomes and complications in a clinical case series. Materials and Methods Medical records from animals affected by spinal fracture luxation were reviewed. The data included breed, age, gender, body weight, aetiology, preoperative and postoperative neurological state, radiographic findings, surgical treatment, pin size, number of pins and stabilized vertebrae, intra- and postoperative complications and neurological state at re-examinations. Results Thirty-two animals were identified; three were treated conservatively, 19 surgically and 10 were euthanatized. In eight dogs and six cats, the injured spinal column was treated with a laterally applied percutaneous type 1a ESF under fluoroscopic guidance. Positive profile end-threaded pins inserted were from 1.6/1.9 to 3.5/4.3 mm in dogs and 1.6/1.9 to 2/2.3 mm in cats and were placed into two to five vertebral bodies. At the re-examinations, the neurological status had improved in 12 animals, deteriorated in one, and was unchanged in another one. In eight cases, no complications were detected. The most common complications included erythema, exudation and pin loosening. Conclusion The present work shows that type 1a ESF can be successfully and minimally invasively applied to fractures and luxations of the spine in dogs and cats with minimal major complications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangtao Ma ◽  
Pei Du ◽  
Jin Qin ◽  
Yali Zhou ◽  
Ningxi Liang ◽  
...  

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the presence of preoperative DVT following spinal fracture and the association between the presence of DVT and risk factors. Ultrasonography and blood analyses were performed preoperatively in patients diagnosed with spinal fracture between October 2014 and December 2018. Univariate analyses were performed on the data of demographics, comorbidities, location of injury, spinal cord injury (SCI) grading and laboratory biomarkers. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to obtain the optimal D-dimer cut-off value for diagnosis. In total, 2432 patients with spinal fractures were included, among whom 108 (4.4%) patients had preoperative DVTs. The average interval between fracture and initial diagnosis of DVT was 4.7 days (median, 2 days), ranging from 0 to 20 days; 78 (72.2%) were diagnosed within 7 days after injury and 67 (62.0%) within 3 days; 19 (17.5%) patients had proximal vein involved and 89 (82.4%) presented in distal veins. Multivariate logistic regression suggested six risk factors independently correlated to DVT, including delay to DUS (in each day) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11), ASA class III–IV (OR = 2.36), ASIA grade (A/B) (OR = 2.36), ALB < 3.5 g/dL (OR = 2.08), HDL-C < 1.1 mmol/L (OR = 1.68) and d-Dimer > 1.08 µg/ml (OR = 2.49).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Po-Hsun Tu ◽  
Zhuo-Hao Liu ◽  
Mun-Chun Yeap ◽  
Yu-Tse Liu ◽  
Ying-Ching Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) and spinal fracture are major complications in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who sustain spinal trauma. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence, predictors, and sequelae of spinal trauma in patients with AS. Methods This study evaluated our AS patients who had spinal traumas between January 1, 2006, and June 30, 2016 and a comparison of those patients with SCI alone, fracture alone and both SCI and spinal fracture. Results 105 patients were enrolled. Of these patients, 89.5% had spinal fractures, and 57.1% had SCI. Among the patients with spinal fractures, 52.1% had SCI. The existence of bamboo spine was significantly more frequent in the fracture group (78.7% vs. 36.4%; P = 0.006) than in the non-fracture group. The SCI patients had more subluxation or dislocation (48.3% vs. 8.9%; P < 0.001), and more cases of spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) (21.7% vs. 2.2%; P = 0.003) than the non-SCI patients. The rate of delayed diagnosis for spinal fracture was 31.4%, where 1/3 of these patients developed delayed SCI. Among the incomplete SCI patients, 58.3% had neurological improvement after treatment (P = 0.004). Conclusions The patients with existing bamboo spine at X-ray had a higher spinal fracture rate. Spinal fractures involving the C3-C7 region, subluxation or dislocation, spinal fracture severity, and a SEH were found to be predictive of SCI. SCI in AS patients resulted in a high mortality and complication rates.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Po-Hsun Tu ◽  
Zhuo-Hao Liu ◽  
Mun-Chun Yeap ◽  
Yu-Tse Liu ◽  
Ying-Ching Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) and spinal fracture are major complications in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who sustain spinal trauma. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence, predictors, and sequelae of spinal trauma in patients with AS.Methods: This study evaluated our AS patients who had spinal traumas between January 1, 2006, and June 30, 2016 and a comparison of those patients with SCI alone, fracture alone and both SCI and spinal fracture.Results: 105 patients were enrolled. Of these patients, 89.5% had spinal fractures, and 57.1% had SCI. Among the patients with spinal fractures, 52.1% had SCI. The existence of bamboo spine was significantly more frequent in the fracture group (78.7% vs. 36.4%; P = 0.006) than in the non-fracture group. The SCI patients had more subluxation or dislocation (48.3% vs. 8.9%; P <0.001), and more cases of spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) (21.7% vs. 2.2%; P = 0.003) than the non-SCI patients. The rate of delayed diagnosis for spinal fracture was 31.4%, where 1/3 of these patients developed delayed SCI. Among the incomplete SCI patients, 58.3% had neurological improvement after treatment (P = 0.004). Conclusions: The patients with existing bamboo spine at X-ray had a higher spinal fracture rate. Spinal fractures involving the C3-C7 region, subluxation or dislocation, spinal fracture severity, and a SEH were found to be predictive of SCI. SCI in AS patients resulted in a high mortality and complication rates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Blume ◽  
M. F. Geiger ◽  
M. Müller ◽  
H. Clusmann ◽  
V. Mainz ◽  
...  

AbstractEndogenous immune mediated reactions of inflammation and angiogenesis are components of the spinal cord injury in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). The aim of this study was to identify alteration of certain mediators participating in angiogenetic and inflammatory reactions in patients with DCM. A consecutive series of 42 patients with DCM and indication for surgical decompression were enrolled for the study. 28 DCM patients were included, as CSF samples were taken preoperatively. We enrolled 42 patients requiring surgery for a thoracic abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) as neurologically healthy controls. In 38 TAAA patients, CSF samples were taken prior to surgery and thus included. We evaluated the neurological status of patients and controls prior to surgery including NDI and mJOA. Protein-concentrations of factors with a crucial role in inflammation and angiogenesis were measured in CSF via ELISA testing (pg/ml): Angiopoietin 2, VEGF-A and C, RANTES, IL 1 beta and IL 8. Additionally, evaluated the status of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) by Reibers´diagnostic in all participants. Groups evidently differed in their neurological status (mJOA: DCM 10.1 ± 3.3, TAAA 17.3 ± 1.2, p < .001; NDI: DCM 47.4 ± 19.7, TAAA 5.3 ± 8.6, p < .001). There were no particular differences in age and gender distribution. However, we detected statistically significant differences in concentrations of mediators between the groups: Angiopoietin 2 (DCM 267.1.4 ± 81.9, TAAA 408.6 ± 177.1, p < .001) and VEGF C (DCM 152.2 ± 96.1, TAAA 222.4 ± 140.3, p = .04). DCM patients presented a mild to moderate BSCB disruption, controls had no signs of impairment. In patients with DCM, we measured decreased concentrations of angiogenic mediators. These results correspond to findings of immune mediated secondary harm in acute spinal cord injury. Reduced angiogenic activity could be a relevant part of the pathogenesis of DCM and secondary harm to the spinal cord.


Author(s):  
Magdalena Mackiewicz-Milewska ◽  
Małgorzata Cisowska-Adamiak ◽  
Katarzyna Sakwińska ◽  
Iwona Szymkuć-Bukowska ◽  
Iwona Głowacka-Mrotek

Diagnosis of the cause of massive edema of the lower limbs in patients after spinal cord injury (SCI) can be difficult because of loss of pain sensation, commonly occurring in this group of patients. This paper reviews several different pathologies that can lead to lower-limb edema and the associated diagnostic difficulties. We present four cases of patients with massive edemas of lower limbs at different times after SCI undergoing treatment in the Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland. All patients had a lack of pain sensation in the lower limbs and significantly elevated levels of D-dimer. In two cases, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and intramuscular hematomas (IHs) were diagnosed. IHs were probably a consequence of antithrombotic treatments implemented due to the occurrence of DVT. Heterotopic ossification (HO) was diagnosed in a third case, and, in another patient, who was hospitalized for the longest period after injury, we found humeral bone fractures. Heterotopic ossification, intramuscular haematomas, and bone fractures of the lower limb can mimic DVT. Careful observation of the edema evolution is recommended, as the onset of new symptoms may indicate a different cause of edema from that initially established.


2021 ◽  
pp. 097206342110504
Author(s):  
Pranati Sharma ◽  
Shrikant V. Rege ◽  
Nilesh Jain

Background: From the management perspective, rare medical conditions do not attract enough attention, though their management can often be resource intensive. Increased awareness among health professionals can lead to early diagnosis of cases and prevention of complications leading to improved outcomes. Paediatric spinal tumours are rare disease entities with an annual incidence of approximately 1 per 1 million children. The profile of spinal tumours in the paediatric population is significantly different than that in adults. In this study we retrospectively analyse a heterogenous variety of paediatric spinal tumours which were treated at our institution over the last 6 years, with the goal of contributing to existing knowledge of this relatively rare disease entity. Methods: This retrospective study includes paediatric patients (under 18 years of age) who underwent surgery for primary spinal tumours from 2014 to 2019. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively and the information regarding clinical presentation, tumour location, operative findings, and postoperative status and functional outcome were analysed. The modified McCormick grade was used to assess the neurological status. Patients with spinal metastasis or incomplete medical records were excluded from the study. Results: Of 74 patients with primary spinal tumours operated at our centre between 2014 to 2019, a total of 8 patients (5 males and 3 females) who met the inclusion criteria were identified for the present study. The mean age of the patients included was 12.1±5.3 and the median follow-up period was 24 months. An improvement in the neurological status, as assessed by the modified McCormick grade, was seen in 37.5% of the patients. Three of the patients received adjuvant radiotherapy, post-surgical resection. A unique feature of this series was the wide variety of cases encountered, as each case had a different histopathological diagnosis, despite being limited by its sample size. Conclusion: Primary paediatric spinal cord tumours are rare, and surgical resection remains the treatment of choice. Adjuvant therapy is warranted in cases of high-grade lesions or recurrences. Through this study, we realised that due to its relative rarity and low incidence, a lack of public awareness can often lead to disproportionately increased morbidity and mortality. Prospective multi-centric studies can provide tools to help develop future management strategies for improved survival rates and reduced complications.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document