Inclusion of the fractured level into the construct of short segment fixation in patients with thoracolumbar fractures: clinical and radiological outcome

Background Thoracolumbar fractures represent a widespread injuries that can cause significant disability and strain the healthcare system. Different surgical approaches are described in the literature. This study was conducted to evaluate the fractured level inclusion in short-segment fixation of thoracolumbar junction spine fractures. Results Preoperative neurological deficit was reported in seven patients ranging from ASIA grade C to D. All of these patients improved to grade E by the end of the follow-up period, except for one patient who improved from grade C to D. The mean Oswestry Disability Index was 19.87%. The mean postoperative Cobb angle was 11.77° which significantly improved compared to a preoperative value of 19.37°. There was a significant improvement in the postoperative anterior and posterior vertebral body height compared to the preoperative values. The vertebral body compression ratio significantly improved during the postoperative period to a mean of 84% compared to 76% preoperative. Conclusions There was significant improvement of the postoperative values of the mean Cobb angle, the anterior and the posterior vertebral body height as well as the vertebral body compression ratio compared to the preoperative values.

Comparison of the clinical outcomes of percutaneous kyphoplasty for the management of osteolytic and osteoblastic-related metastatic vertebral lesions

ObjectiveTo retrospectively compare the clinical efficacy and safety of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the management of osteolytic and osteoblastic-related metastatic vertebral lesions.MethodsA total of 117 patients with osteolytic (87 cases, 159 lesions, OL group) or osteoblastic-related (30 cases, 56 lesions, OB group) metastatic vertebral lesions underwent PKP. The clinical efficacy was assessed based on parameters including Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), vertebral body height (VBH) variation, and quality of life (QoL). Major and minor complications were systematically evaluated to assess the safety of the procedure.ResultsNo significant differences were found in the age, sex, or amount of bone cement between both groups (p>0.05). Compared with the OB group, the OL group was superior in operation duration (p<0.05) but was inferior in inflation pressure (p<0.05). Both groups experienced significant pain relief and improvement in the ODI, VBH, and QoL after PKP (p<0.05). The OB group had a better pain relief according to the VAS score but a poorer VBH restoration than the OL group throughout the follow-up period (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in ODI and QoL between the two groups (p>0.05). The incidence of complications in the OL group was significantly higher than that in the OB group (p<0.05).ConclusionsPKP can safely achieve pain relief, functional improvement, VBH restoration, and QoL improvement for patients with osteolytic or osteoblastic-related metastatic vertebral lesions. Patients with osteolytic metastatic vertebral lesions showed better VBH restoration and had a shorter operation time but experienced less pain relief and had a greater incidence of complications than patients with osteoblastic-related metastatic vertebral lesions after PKP.

Treatment of Thoracolumbar Type A3 Fractures Using a Percutaneous Intravertebral Expandable Titanium Implant: Long-term Follow-up Results of a Pilot Single Center Study

BACKGROUND: There are controversies about the optimal management of AO subtype A3 burst fractures. The most common surgical treatment consists of posterior fixation with pedicle screw and rod augmentation. Nevertheless, a loss of correction in height restoration and kyphotic reduction has been observed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of a minimally invasive technique using a percutaneous intravertebral expandable titanium implant (PIETI). STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, single center, pilot study was carried out on a consecutive case series of 44 patients with acute (< 2 weeks) traumatic thoracolumbar fractures AO type A3. The average follow-up was 5.6 years. SETTING: A single center in Castilla y Leon, Spain METHODS: Clinical outcomes (pain intensity on visual analog scale [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], analgesic consumption) and radiographic outcomes (anterior/mid/posterior vertebral body height, vertebral area, local kyphosis angle, traumatic regional angulation) were analyzed before surgery, at one month after surgery, and at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: At one-month postsurgery, significant improvements in VAS score and ODI score were observed. PIETI achieved significant vertebral body height restoration with median height increases of 2.9 mm/4.3 mm/2.3 mm for anterior/middle/posterior parts, respectively. Significant correction of the local kyphotic angle and improvement of the traumatic regional angulation were accomplished. All these improvements were maintained throughout the follow-up period. The only complication reported was a case of cement leakage. LIMITATIONS: In our opinion, the main limitation of the study is the small number of patients. However, the sample is superior to that shown in other papers. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that using a PIETI in the treatment of fractures type A3 is a safe and effective method that allows marked clinical improvement, as well as anatomical vertebral body restoration. Unlike with other treatments, results were maintained over time, allowing a better long-term clinical and functional improvement. The rate of cement leakage was lower than other reports. KEY WORDS: Traumatic thoracolumbar fractures, burst fractures, AO type A3 fractures, kyphoplasty, percutaneous intravertebral expandable titanium implant

Contribution of postoperative vertebral remodeling to reversal of vertebral wedging and prevention of correction loss in patients with adolescent Scheuermann’s kyphosis

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate reversal of vertebral wedging and to evaluate the contribution of vertebral remodeling to correction maintenance in patients with adolescent Scheuermann’s kyphosis (SK) after posterior-only instrumented correction. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients with SK was performed. In total, 45 SK patients aged 10–20 years at surgery were included. All patients received at least 24 months of follow-up and had Risser sign greater than grade 4 at latest follow-up. Patients with Risser grade 3 or less at surgery were assigned to the low-Risser group, whereas those with Risser grade 4 or 5 were assigned to the high-Risser group. Radiographic data and patient-reported outcomes were collected preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at latest follow-up and compared between the two groups. RESULTS Remarkable postoperative correction of global kyphosis was observed, with similar correction rates between the two groups (p = 0.380). However, correction loss was slightly but significantly less in the low-Risser group during follow-up (p < 0.001). The ratio between anterior vertebral body height (AVBH) and posterior vertebral body height (PVBH) of deformed vertebrae notably increased in SK patients from postoperation to latest follow-up (p < 0.05). Loss of correction of global kyphosis was significantly and negatively correlated with increased AVBH/PVBH ratio. Compared with the high-Risser group, the low-Risser group had significantly greater increase in AVBH/PVBH ratio during follow-up (p < 0.05). The two groups had similar preoperative and postoperative Scoliosis Research Society–22 questionnaire scores for all domains. CONCLUSIONS Obvious reversal in wedge deformation of vertebrae was observed in adolescent SK patients. Patients with substantial growth potential had greater vertebral remodeling and less correction loss. Structural remodeling of vertebral bodies has a positive effect and protects against correction loss. These results could be help guide treatment decision-making.

Vertebral body height changes in acute symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated with vertebral cement augmentation. Which factors affect vertebral body height?

Changes in vertebral body height depend on various factors which were analyzed in isolation and not as a whole. The aim of this study is to analyze what factors might influence restoration of vertebral body height after vertebral augmentation. We analyzed 48 patients (108 vertebrae) with osteoporotic vertebral fractures underwent vertebral augmentation when conservative treatment proved unsatisfactory. Analyses were carried out at the time of the fracture, during surgery (pre-cementation and post-cementation), at first medical check-up (6 weeks post-surgery) and at last medical check-up. Average vertebral height was measured and differences from preoperative values calculated at each timepoint. Pearson correlation coefficient and linear multivariable regression were carried out at the different timepoints. The time since vertebral fracture was 60.4 ± 41.7 days. Patients’ average age was 70.9 ± 9.3-years. The total follow-up was 1.43 ± 1-year. After vertebral cementation there was an increase in vertebral body height of + 0.3cm (13.6%). During post-operative follow-up, there was a progressive collapse of the vertebral body and pre-surgical height was reached. The factors that most influenced vertebral height restoration were: grade III collapse, intervertebral-vacuum-cleft (IVVC), and use of a flexible trocar before cement augmentation. The factor that negatively influenced vertebral body height restoration was location in the thoracolumbar spine.

Usefulness of dynamic stabilisation with mobile percutaneous pedicle screw for thoracic vertebral fractures in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

We report a case of vertebral fracture with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) who underwent posterior dynamic stabilisation using mobile percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS) with 1 above-1 below and obtained good bone fusion. A 76-year-old man experienced severe low back pain after he fell backward 1 m off a stepladder during work. A 12th thoracic vertebral fracture with DISH was observed. As the fractured part was unstable due to a three-column injury, and the conservative treatment of resting was not successful, posterior dynamic stabilisation with a mobile PPS between T11–L1 was performed the 38th day after injury. Immediately after surgery, a fracture gap was observed, but 5 months later, vertebral body height was shortened by about 4 mm, and good bone fusion was observed without loosening of the screw. The mobile PPS flexibly adapts to spinal plasticity and may be useful for bone union in vertebral fractures associated with DISH.

Kyphoplasty with intravertebral reduction devices associated with better height restoration and greater kyphosis correction than kyphoplasty with balloons

Kyphoplasty (KP) with intravertebral reduction devices (IRD) was reported to be associated with better radiological outcomes than KP with balloons (BK) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). However, the mechanical factors that contribute to the radiological benefits of IRDs require further investigation. To probe the mechanical factors, this retrospective matched cohort study was designed, including the older patients with painful OVCFs and treated with KP. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes between KP with an IRD and BK, where vertebral body height and kyphotic angle of the cemented vertebrae were measured pre- and postoperatively; clinical outcomes were collected by telephone interviews. The restoration and maintenance ratio suggested that IRDs were associated with favorable effects long-term wise in anterior to middle vertebral body and kyphosis than BK in patients. The gathered results concluded the radiological benefits of IRD regarding both its efficient restoration and maintenance in vertebrae.

A study on the relationship between the rate of vertebral body height loss before balloon kyphoplasty and early adjacent vertebral fracture

BACKGROUND: The number of patients with an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, which is often accompanied by lower back pain and restrained activities, is growing. Balloon kyphoplasty involves the inflation of a balloon to restore height and reduce kyphotic deformity before stabilization with polymethylmethacrylate. However, there is a great deal of debate about whether balloon kyphoplasty also increases fracture morbidity by either inducing or facilitating subsequent adjacent vertebral fractures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the rate of vertebral body height loss before balloon kyphoplasty and the etiology of early adjacent vertebral fracture after augmentation. METHODS: A total of 59 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who underwent kyphoplasty were enrolled. This study defined early adjacent segmental fractures as new fractures occurring within three months after surgery. This study included the rate of vertebral body height loss. RESULTS: Early adjacent vertebral fractures were diagnosed in nine (15%) of the 59 patients. The patients were divided into two groups, with and without adjacent vertebral fractures. There was no significant difference in terms of age, body mass index, bone mineral density, local kyphotic angle, Cobb’s angle, cement volume, cement leakage, and percent height restored between the groups with fractures and without fractures. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the rate of vertebral body height loss. The rate of vertebral body height loss was significantly higher in the fracture group than in the without fracture group. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of vertebral body height loss increased the risk of early adjacent vertebral fractures after balloon kyphoplasty.

Efficacy of Computed Tomography-assisted Limited Decompression in the Surgical Management of Thoracolumbar Fractures With Neurological Deficit

Objective: to investigate the effect of CT-assisted limited decompression in the management of single segment A3 lumbar burst fracture. Method: A retrospective study of 106 cases with a single-level Magerl type A3 lumbar burst fractures treated with short-segment posterior internal fixation and limited decompression from January 2015 to June 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: CT-assisted and non-CT-assisted. Perioperative factors, clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, imaging parameters and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the kyphosis, anterior vertebral body height loss, posterior vertebral body height loss, operative time, and postoperative complications. The visual analogue score (VAS) and spinal canal encroachment in the CT-assisted group were lower than those in the non-CT-assisted group (P < 0.05). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA), the simplified HRQoL scale and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Spinal Cord Injury Grade in the CT-assisted group were higher than those in the non-CT-assisted group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: CT-assisted limited decompression in the treatment of single-segment A3 lumbar burst fracture can achieve better fracture reduction and surgical results, and improve the long-term recovery of neurological function and quality of life of the patients.

Vesselplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with peripheral wall damage: A retrospective study

Background The clinical efficacy of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) has been widely recognized in recent years. However, there are also disadvantages of bone cement leakage (BCL), limited correction of kyphosis and recovery of vertebral height. Nowadays, in view of these shortcomings, vesselplasty has been widely used in clinical practice. The objective of this study is to assess its clinical effect and application value for the treatment of OVCF with peripheral wall damage. Methods/Design: All 62 patients (70 vertebrae) treated for OVCF with peripheral wall damage using vesselplasty were involved and retrospectively analyzed. The data collection included operation time, volume of bone cement, relevant surgical complications, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), vertebral body height and kyphosis Cobb angle. Results The time of operation was 20–65 (34.5 ± 10.5) minutes. The volume of bone cement was 3–8 (5.3 ± 1.3) ml. VAS and ODI at different time points after operation were decreased compared with before operation (all P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between VAS or ODI at different postoperative time points (P > 0.05). Vertebral body height and Cobb angle at different time points after operation were improved compared with before operation (all P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between vertebral body height or Cobb angle at different postoperative time points (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Vesselplasty can reduce the risk of BCL and better control the dispersion of bone cement in the treatment of OVCF. It has a definite effect in relieving pain, restoring the vertebral body height and correcting the kyphosis caused by injured vertebrae, especially in OVCF with peripheral wall damage. Therefore, vesselplasty is safe and worthy of clinical application.