Posterior instrumentation and transpedicular interbody fusion. Clinical and radiological results with utilization of CT scans after implant removal

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the late result after operative treatment of acute thoracolumbar fractures and fracture dislocations. 29 patients, treated between 1988 and 1995 at the Department of Trauma Surgery, Hannover Medical School with posterior stabilization and interbody fusion with transpedicular cancellous bone grafting, were reexamined 3 1/2 years after surgery. The incorporation and effect on the fusion was analyzed with spiral CT scan after implant removal and the patients were seen for clinical and conventional radiologic examination. We treated 24 type A, 4 type B and 1 type C lesion according to the Magerl classification. 27 patients were stabilized with an internal fixator, 2 with a plate system. The mean operative time totalled 2:50 hours, the intraoperative fluoroscopy time averaged 4:07 minutes and a mean blood loss counted 376 ml. 4 patients out of 6 with an incomplete neurologic lesion (Frankel/ASIA D) improved to Frankel/ASIA grade E. 2 complications were observed: 1 delayed wound healing and 1 venous thrombosis with secondary pulmonary embolism. Compared to the preoperative status our follow-up examinations demonstrated permanent social sequelae: The percentage of individuals able to do physical labor was reduced (15 to 5 patients; p < 0.01) whereas the share of unemployed or retired patients increased (2 to 12 patients; p < 0.01). The assessment of complaints and functional outcome with the "Hannover Spinal Trauma Score" reflected a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the status before injury (96.6/100 points) and at the time of follow-up (64.4/100 points). The correlation between the "Hannover Spinal Trauma Score" and the finger-ground-distance was found to be significant (Coefficient Spearman = -0.71; p < 0.01). The radiographic assessment of the segmental kyphosis (Cobb technique) demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) mean restoration from an initial angle of -15.2 degrees (kyphosis) to -3.4 degrees (kyphosis). Serial postoperative radiographic follow-up showed progressive loss of correction; at follow-up examination we found a mean of 7.8 degrees (p < 0.005). In 16 patients with an additional posterior fusion with autogenous bone grafting an analogous loss of correction was noted. CT scans after implant removal demonstrated an interbody fusion and incorporation of the transpedicular bone graft in 10 (34%) patients. In another 10 (34%) patients the CT scans proved the interbody fusion at the anterior and posterior wall of the vertebral body via direct contact due to collapse of the disc space. In these patients the bone graft was not incorporated and no central interbody fusion could be found. In 9 (31%) patients neither interbody fusion nor incorporation of the transpedicular graft was achieved. A frequent interbody fusion could not be achieved with the technique of transpedicular bone grafting. In case of incomplete or complete thoracolumbar burst fractures the authors recommend a combined operation with restoration of the anterior column with a strut graft or body replacement.     

后路椎弓根钉治疗伴有脊髓损伤的多节段胸腰椎骨折

目的探讨后路椎弓根钉固定治疗伴有脊髓损伤的多节段胸腰椎骨折（multiple—level spinal fracture,MSF）的临床疗效。方法2005年8月至2010年2月,收治18例伴有脊髓损伤的MSF患者,男12例,女6例,年龄20～56岁,平均37岁。其中Ⅰ型（相邻型）10例,Ⅱ型（非相邻型）8例。脊髓损伤按AsIA分级,A级、B级各2例,C级5例,D级9例。18例多节段胸腰椎骨折患者经后路切开复位、椎弓根内固定、椎板减压及后外侧植骨融合治疗,所有患者均于术前、术后、内固定取出前、后拍摄脊柱正侧位x线片和CT片。结果所有病例随访14～30个月,平均随访18个月,术后无内固定物松动、断裂,无继发性脊柱后凸畸形加重,脊髓损伤均有不同程度恢复。结论后路椎弓根固定联合椎板减压能有效恢复椎体高度、重建脊柱稳定性、促进脊髓神经功能恢复,具有手术创伤小、患者术后恢复快等优点,是治疗MSF并脊髓神经损伤的理想方法之一。     

Combined posterior–anterior stabilisation of thoracolumbar injuries utilising a vertebral body replacing implant

The authors report on a prospectively followed series of 35 patients with injuries of the thoracolumbar spine from T7 to L3. The radiological course after combined posterior–anterior surgery with anterior column reconstruction with a distractible vertebral body replacing implant demonstrated a stable reconstruction technique with almost no re-kyphosing. In 18/18 patients with CT follow-up intervertebral fusion was observed as bony bridging lateral to the VBR implant. The functional/clinical outcome of the patients was analysed with a set of eight validated outcome scales. After an average follow-up period of 2½ years encouraging results were noticed. The neurological improvement rate (≥1 Frankel/ASIA grade) was 8/12 patients (67%) with a complete recovery in 6 cases. 17/29 patients returned to former occupation; 20/29 patients returned to former leisure activities; 24/28 patients rated their general outcome as “unlimited and pain free” or “occasionally and/or mild complaints” with a VAS score of >80 (scale 0–100). The psychometric questionnaires revealed good results with strong correlation comparing the different scoring systems statistically: mean McGill Pain Questionnaire 12.5 (0–40); mean Oswestry Disability Index 20% (0–51). 13/29 patients scored <4 in the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire. The German back pain questionnaire (Funktionsfragebogen Hannover Rücken) showed a mean “functional capacity” of 75%, corresponding with moderate restriction. We concluded the presented method as highly effective to completely reduce and maintain an anatomic spinal alignment. The outcome tended to be better in comparison with non-operatively treated patients as well as with norm populations with low back pain.     

Late results of thoracolumbar fractures after posterior instrumentation and transpedicular bone grafting

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical study was performed. OBJECTIVE: To study clinical and radiologic late results after posterior stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures with internal fixator and interbody fusion via transpedicular bone grafting. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The posterior approach, using an internal fixator, is a standard procedure for stabilizing the injured thoracolumbar spine. Transpedicular bone grafting was invented by Daniaux in 1986 for achieving an interbody fusion. Pedicle screw fixation with additional transpedicular fusion has remained controversial because of inconsistent reports and a lack of late results. METHODS: Between January 1989 and July 1992, 76 patients with thoracolumbar fractures were operatively treated, and after a mean of more than 3 years, 56 of 62 patients (90%) still alive who had their implants removed were examined. RESULTS: According to the Magerl classification, 33 patients sustained Type A, 13 Type B, and 10 Type C fractures. Three patients with incomplete paraplegia returned to normal. In one case of complete paraplegia, no change occurred. The mean operative time was 3 hours. In this study, two complications (3.6%) were observed: one iatrogenic vertebral arch fracture without consequences and one deep infection. Compared with the preoperative status, follow-up examinations demonstrated permanent physical and social sequelae: The percentage of individuals able to do physical labor was reduced by half (22 to 11 patients), whereas the share of unemployed or retired patients doubled (4 to 8 patients). At the time of follow-up examination, only 21 of 42 patients continued in sports. The assessment of reported problems and functional outcome with the Hannover spine score reflected a significant difference between the status before injury (96.6/100 points) and at the time of follow-up evaluation (71. 4/100 points) (P < 0.001).The radiographic assessment in the lateral plane (Cobb technique) demonstrated a significant (P < 0.001) mean restoration from an initial angle of -15.6 degrees (kyphosis) to +0. 4 degrees (lordosis). Serial postoperative radiographic follow-up assessment showed progressive loss of correction. At follow-up examination, a mean difference from the postoperative angle of 10.1 degrees was found (P < 0.001). Compared with the preoperative deformity, a mean improvement of 6.1 degrees (average, -9.7 degrees ) at follow-up examination was noted. The addition of transpedicular cancellous bone grafting did not decrease the loss of correction. Computed tomography scans after implant removal were performed in nine cases: Only three of nine patients showed evidence of intervertebral fusion. No correlation could be found between the Magerl classification and radiographic outcome. However, the preoperative wedge angle of the vertebral body correlated significantly with the postoperative loss of reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the disappointing results from this study, the authors cannot recommend the additional transpedicular cancellous bone grafting as an interbody fusion technique after posterior stabilization in cases of complete or incomplete burst injury to the vertebral body.     

经伤椎内固定椎间椎体内打压植骨治疗胸腰椎骨折

目的探讨后路经伤椎短节段复位内固定联合椎间椎体打压植骨治疗胸腰椎骨折的疗效。方法采用经伤椎后路复位短节段内固定、椎间椎体内植骨治疗21例胸腰椎骨折患者。根据术前、术后1周及末次随访时正、侧位X线片评判术后伤椎椎体前缘高度、后凸Cobb角恢复及内固定失败和骨融合情况。结果患者均获随访,时间12~32个月。未见断钉断棒及内固定松动。伤椎及椎间植骨均获骨性愈合。伤椎椎体前缘高度:术后1周为95.1%±3.2%,末次随访时为93.9%±3.6%,均较术前39.6%±10.3%明显改善(P0.01)。损伤节段后凸Cobb角:术后1周为12.2°±2.9°,末次随访时为12.9°±3.5°,均较术前(33.7°±6.2°)明显恢复(P0.01)。末次随访时与术后1周比较,伤椎椎体前缘高度和Cobb角均无明显变化(P0.05)。结论后路经伤椎短节段内固定联合椎间及伤椎打压植骨治疗胸腰椎骨折,重建了椎间和椎体的稳定性,有助于减少术后内固定失败及矫正丢失。     

椎体内植骨结合椎弓根内固定治疗无神经损伤的胸腰椎骨折

目的探讨椎体内植骨结合椎弓根内固定治疗无神经损伤的胸腰椎骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析2006年7月～2009年1月22例不伴神经损伤的胸腰椎骨折患者,行椎弓根内固定及伤椎植骨,观察包括椎体高度改变、Cobb角改变及椎管狭窄率改变。结果随访9～25个月,平均13个月,术后及随访期椎体高度、Cobb角及椎管狭窄率恢复满意。结论椎体内植骨结合经椎弓根内固定治疗无神经损伤的胸腰椎骨折有良好的临床疗效,是一种较为方便、安全、可靠的方法。     

前后路联合一期手术治疗腰椎结核

目的探讨前后路联合一期手术治疗腰椎结核的疗效。方法采用后路椎弓根钉固定同时前路病灶清除及椎间植骨融合治疗腰椎结核患者19例。术前Frankel分级：C级3例,D级11例。结果随访16-78个月,植骨块均骨性融合,局部无复发。神经功能C级1例恢复至D级,余均恢复至E级。结论一期联合前后路手术,可确保脊柱局部的稳定性,促进骨性融合和病灶愈合,有利于早期适度活动,但手术创伤及时间增加。     

经伤椎置钉单节段椎弓根钉治疗胸腰段骨折

目的探讨经伤椎置钉单节段椎弓根钉治疗胸腰椎骨折的适应症及临床疗效。方法 2008年7月至2010年7月,对14例胸腰椎骨折采用后路单节段伤椎椎弓根螺钉内固定、经伤椎植骨融合。经过5～29（平均16.8）个月随访,随访内容有术前后VAS疼痛评分、神经功能ASIA评分、术前、术后随访时椎体的高度、伤椎的后凸畸形,内固定物的状况。结果所有患者均得到随访,术后VAS疼痛分级平均0-1分,其中0分8人,1分6人,无需服药治疗。神经功能均恢复至正常;X线检查术后椎体高度恢复满意,术后伤椎高度恢复了96%,随访椎体高度丢失0.4mm,丢失率为1.4%。无内固定物断裂、松动、脱出,所有病例均获得骨性融合,无假关节形成。结论选择好适应证,后路单节段伤椎内固定是治疗胸腰段骨折的有效方法之一。     

胸腰段骨折后正中单切口360°椎管减压椎体间植骨内固定术的临床观察

目的：探讨后正中单切口360。椎管减压椎体间植骨后路椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗严重胸腰段骨折伴脊髓压迫症的安全性及有效性。方法：自2009年1月至2010年3月,从收治的108例胸腰椎骨折病例中选取硬膜前后方均有骨性压迫的胸腰段骨折5例患者,男2例,女3例;年龄23-72岁;损伤部位：T12 2例,L,2例,k1例。采用后正中单切口经椎弓根入路360°椎管减压椎体间植骨后路椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗。记录手术时间、术中出血量、术后24hVAS评分及吗啡用量、手术前后神经功能Frankel／ASIA分级。结果：所有病例获得随访,时间12～18个月,平均14．6个月。手术时间3．1~6．2h;术中出血量1000～2300ml;术后24hVAS评分为1～4分;术后24h吗啡用量为28．8—30．8mg。Frankel／ASIA等级：术前B级1例,C级2例,D级1例,E级1例;术后E级4例,1例从B级提高到D级。结论：后正中单切口360°椎管减压椎间植骨椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗胸腰段严重骨折是安全、有效的,术后疼痛较轻、并发症较少。     

异体股骨片支撑植骨治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折合并截瘫

目的 探讨前路椎管减压、异体股骨片支撑植骨，治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折合并截瘫的疗效。方法2000年1月～2003年2。月，收治胸腰椎爆裂骨折合并截瘫36例，年龄18～56岁。受伤部位：T11 3例、T12 10例、L1 14例、L2 7例、L3 2例。脊髓损伤按Frankel分级：A级9例、B级11例、C级13例、D级3例。均采用脊柱前路手术，切除伤椎中后缘，对受压椎管彻底减压后，椎体间后缘支撑植入适宜的脱脂异体股骨片，椎管成形后，再将减压取下的伤椎椎体碎骨和肋骨骨条植入椎体进行前路“Z”型或“K”型钢板固定。结果术后CT扫描示36例椎管致压物全部去除，椎管扩大。其中33例获随访1～3年；A级中1例失访，3例无恢复，1例降至B级，2例降至C级，2例降至E级；B级中1例失访，2例无恢复，2例降至C级，4例降至D级，2例降至E级；C级中1例失访，3例降至D级，9例降至E级；D级全部降至E级。32例椎体间融合成功，内固定器械无断钉、松动；1例融合失败，改用后路手术治疗。结论采用前路异体股骨片支撑植骨，可避免取白体髂骨植骨，是一种较安全、有效的脊柱前路融合方法。