scholarly journals Cement embolism into the venous system after pedicle screw fixation: case report, literature review, and prevention tips

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghassan Kerry ◽  
Claus Ruedinger ◽  
Hans-Herbert Steiner

The strength of pedicle screws attachment to the vertebrae is an important factor affecting their motion resistance and long term performance. Low bone quality, <em>e.g</em>. in osteopenic patients, keeps the screw bone interface at risk for subsidence and dislocation. In such cases, bone cement could be used to augment pedicle screw fixation. But its use is not free of risk. Therefore, clinicians, especially spine surgeons, radiologists, and internists should become increasingly aware of cement migration and embolism as possible complications. Here, we present an instructive case of cement embolism into the venous system after augmented screw fixation with fortunately asymptomatic clinical course. In addition we discuss pathophysiology and prevention methods as well as therapeutic management of this potentially life-threatening complication in a comprehensive review of the literature. However, only a few case reports of cement embolism into the venous system were published after augmented screw fixation.

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan U. Mueller ◽  
Joerg Baldauf ◽  
Sascha Marx ◽  
Michael Kirsch ◽  
Henry W. S. Schroeder ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Loosening and pullout of pedicle screws are well-known problems in pedicle screw fixation surgery. Augmentation of pedicle screws with bone cement, first described as early as 1975, increases the pedicle-screw interface and pullout force in osteoporotic vertebrae. The aim of the present study was to identify cement leakage and pulmonary embolism rates in a large prospective single-center series of pedicle screw augmentations. METHODS All patients who underwent cement-augmented pedicle screw placement between May 2006 and October 2010 at the authors' institution were included in this prospective cohort study. Perivertebral cement leakage and pulmonary cement embolism were evaluated with a CT scan of the area of operation and with a radiograph of the chest, respectively. RESULTS A total of 98 patients underwent placement of cement-augmented pedicle screws; 474 augmented screws were inserted in 237 vertebrae. No symptomatic perivertebral cement leakage or symptomatic pulmonary cement embolism was observed, but asymptomatic perivertebral cement leakage was seen in 88 patients (93.6%) and in 165 augmented vertebrae (73.3%). Cement leakage most often occurred in the perivertebral venous system. Clinically asymptomatic pulmonary cement embolism was found in 4 patients (4.1%). CONCLUSIONS Perivertebral cement leakage often occurs in pedicle screw augmentation, but in most cases, it is clinically asymptomatic. Cement augmentation should be performed under continuous fluoroscopy to avoid high-volume leakage. Alternative strategies, such as use of expandable screws, should be examined in more detail for patients at high risk of screw loosening.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuhong Xue ◽  
Sheng Zhao

Abstract Background The management of thoracolumbar burst fractures traditionally involves posterior pedicle screw fixation, but it has some drawbacks. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. They were treated by a modified technique that monoaxial pedicle screws instrumentation and distraction-compression technology assisted end plate reduction. Methods From March 2014 to February 2016, a retrospective study including 42 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures was performed. The patients had undergone posterior reduction and instrumentation with monoaxial pedicle screws. The fractured vertebrae were also inserted screws as a push point. The distraction -compression technology was used as assisting end plate reduction. All patients were followed up at a minimum of 2 years. These parameters including segmental kyphosis, severity of fracture, neurological function, canal compromise and back pain were evaluated in preoperatively, postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results The average follow-up period was 28.9 ± 4.3 months (range, 24-39mo). No patients had postoperative implant failure at recent follow-up. The mean Cobb angle of the kyphosis was improved from 14.2°to 1.1° (correction rate 92.1%). At final follow-up there was 1.5% loss of correction. The mean preoperative wedge angle was improved from 17.1 ± 7.9°to 4.4 ± 3.7°(correction rate 74.3%). The mean anterior and posterior vertebral height also showed significant improvements postoperatively, which were maintained at the final follow-up(P < 0.05). The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores was 8 and 1.6 in preoperation and at the last follow-up, and there was significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion Based on our experience, distraction-compression technology can assist reduction of collapsed endplate directly. Satisfactory fracture reduction and correction of segmental kyphosis can be achieved and maintained with the use of monoaxial pedicle screw fixation including the fractured vertebra. It may be a good treatment approach for thoracolumbar burst fractures.


2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kei Miyamoto ◽  
Katsuji Shimizu ◽  
Ken Kouda ◽  
Hideo Hosoe

✓ The authors describe a simple, new method for removing broken pedicle screws. Under microscopic visualization a straight, narrow slot is etched in the broken surface of the pedicle screw by using a power drill with a 2-mm diamond burr. A minus screwdriver is then inserted into the slot, and the broken screw is rotated and removed. There is no need to enlarge the screw hole around the broken screw or to use any special devices. The authors succeeded in removing broken screws in two cases, and there were no complications. This method allows preservation of both the pedicle and the screw hole. Consequently, it is possible to insert new pedicle screws into the same hole without losing the strength and stability of pedicle screw fixation. The authors recommend this simple and new method for removal of broken pedicle screws.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Junaid ◽  
Ali Afzal ◽  
Anisa Kalsoom ◽  
Syed Sarmad Bukhari

Objective: To determine outcome of freehand pedicle screw fixation for dorsal, lumbar and sacral fractures at a tertiary care centre in the developing world. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 150 consecutive patients who underwent pedicle screw fixation from January 1, 2012 to 31st December 2017. A total of 751 pedicle screws were placed. Incidence and extent of cortical breach by misplaced pedicle screw was determined by review of intra-operative and post-operative radiographs and/or computed tomography. Results: Among the total 751 free hand placed pedicle screws, four screws (0.53%) were repositioned due to a misdirected trajectory towards the disc space. six screws (0.79%) were identified to have cause moderate breach while four screws (0.53%) cause severe breach. There was no occurrence of iatrogenic nerve root damage or violation of the spinal canal. Conclusion: Free hand pedicle screw placement based on external landmarks showed remarkable safety and accuracy in our center. The authors conclude that assiduous adherence to technique and preoperative planning is vital to success. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.981 How to cite this:Junaid M, Afzal A, Kalsoom A, Bukhari SS. Freehand pedicle screw fixation: A safe recipe for dorsal, lumbar and sacral spine. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.981 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
guofang Fang ◽  
yunzhi lin ◽  
wenggang cui ◽  
lili guo ◽  
shihao Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability and safety in patients undergoing oblique lumbar inter-body fusion (OLIF) surgery with stand-alone (SA) and Bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF). Methods: A finite element model of L4-L5 spinal unit was established and validated. Based on the validated model technique, function surgical models corresponding to SA, BPSF were created. Simulations employing the models were performed to investigate the OLIF surgery. A bending moment of 7.5 Nm and a 500 N follower load were applied to the models in flexion, extension, axial rotation and lateral bending. Finite element(FE) models were developed to compare the biomechanics of the intact group, SA, BPSF group. Results: Compared with the Range of motion (ROM) of the intact lumbar model, SA model decreased by 79.5% in flexion, 54.2% in extension, BPSF model decreased by 86.4% in flexion, 70.8% in extension. Compared with the BPSF, the maximum stresses of L4 inferior endplate (IEP) and L5 superior endplate (SEP) increased significantly in SA model, L4 IEP increased to 49.7MPa in extension, L5 SEP increased to 47.7MPa in flexion. Conclusions: OLIF surgery with BPSF could reduce the max stresses of the endplate which may reduce cage sedimentation incidence. However, OLIF surgery with SA could not provide enough rigidity for the fusion segment in osteoporosis patients which may increase the cage sedimentation incidence. Keywords: OLIF; Pedicle screw fixation; spinal fusion; finite element


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin T. Foley ◽  
Sanjay K. Gupta

Object. Standard techniques for pedicle screw fixation of the lumbar spine involve open exposures and extensive muscle dissection. The purpose of this study was to report the initial clinical experience with a novel device for percutaneous posterior fixation of the lumbar spine. Methods. An existing multiaxial lumbar pedicle screw system was modified to allow screws to be placed percutaneously by using an extension sleeve that permits remote manipulation of the polyaxial screw heads and remote engagement of the screw-locking mechanism. A unique rod-insertion device was developed that linked to the screw extension sleeves, allowing for a precut and -contoured rod to be placed through a small stab wound. Because the insertion device relies on the geometrical constraint of the rod pathway through the screw heads, minimal manipulation is required to place the rods in a standard submuscular position, there is essentially no muscle dissection, and the need for direct visual feedback is avoided. Twelve patients (six men and six women) who ranged in age from 23 to 68 years underwent pedicle screw fixation in which the rod-insertion device was used. Spondylolisthesis was present in 10 patients and osseous nonunion of a prior interbody fusion was present in two. All patients underwent successful percutaneous fixation. Ten patients underwent single-level fusions (six at L5—S1, three at L4–5, and one at L2–3), and two underwent two-level fusions (one from L3–5 and the other from L4—S1). The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 19 months (mean 13.8 months). Conclusions. Although percutaneous lumbar pedicle screw placement has been described previously, longitudinal connector (rod or plate) insertion has been more problematic. The device used in this study allows for straightforward placement of lumbar pedicle screws and rods through percutaneous stab wounds. Paraspinous tissue trauma is minimized without compromising the quality of spinal fixation. Preliminary experience involving the use of this device has been promising.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin Agarwal ◽  
Robert F. Heary ◽  
Prateek Agarwal

OBJECTIVEPedicle screw fixation is a technique widely used to treat conditions ranging from spine deformity to fracture stabilization. Pedicle screws have been used traditionally in the lumbar spine; however, they are now being used with increasing frequency in the thoracic spine as a more favorable alternative to hooks, wires, or cables. Although safety concerns, such as the incidence of adjacent-segment disease (ASD) after cervical and lumbar fusions, have been reported, such issues in the thoracic spine have yet to be addressed thoroughly. Here, the authors review the literature on ASD after thoracic pedicle screw fixation and report their own experience specifically involving the use of pedicle screws in the thoracic spine.METHODSSelect references from online databases, such as PubMed (provided by the US National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health), were used to survey the literature concerning ASD after thoracic pedicle screw fixation. To include the authors’ experience at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed to determine the incidence of complications over a 13-year period in 123 consecutive adult patients who underwent thoracic pedicle screw fixation. Children, pregnant or lactating women, and prisoners were excluded from the review. By comparing preoperative and postoperative radiographic images, the occurrence of thoracic ASD and disease within the surgical construct was determined.RESULTSDefinitive radiographic fusion was detected in 115 (93.5%) patients. Seven incidences of instrumentation failure and 8 lucencies surrounding the screws were observed. One patient was observed to have ASD of the thoracic spine. The mean follow-up duration was 50 months.CONCLUSIONSThis long-term radiographic evaluation revealed the use of pedicle screws for thoracic fixation to be an effective stabilization modality. In particular, ASD seems to be less of a problem in the relatively immobile thoracic spine than in the more mobile cervical and lumbar spines.


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