Pedicle subtraction osteotomy in the thoracic spine and thoracolumbar junction: a retrospective series of 28 cases

Purpose

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy is a well-described surgical technique for treatment of kyphotic deformity in the spine. It is not widely used for treatment of thoracic kyphosis. We present the first documented series of 28 patients who underwent this procedure in 3 international centers. These patients presented with severe deformity with a wide range of aetiologies.

Indications

Kyphosis larger than 70 degrees, which is demonstrably rigid based on dynamic imaging.

Materials and methods

28 patients underwent surgery following pre-op neurological and radiographic assessment to fully assess the deformity. A triangular osteotomy was carried out using intraoperative navigation techniques. The patients were assessed post-operatively again with clinical and radiographic parameters at regular follow-up.

Results

The mean ODI score after surgery was 24.7 (16–42) while the pre-op was 53.4 (38–76). Mean thoracic kyphosis was improved from 64.2° (±20.1°) to 41.1° (±17.4°) resulting in a mean sagittal correction of 23.1°. Mean segmental correction at the PSO for all 28 cases was 17.8° (±8.1°). Stratified by region we found different values for the PSO correction: between T1 and T5 (6 cases) it was 17.5° (±5.4°) and between T6 and T9 (4 cases) 18.2° (±4.7°) and between T10 and L1 (18 cases) 26.2° (±5.2°). FBI index was 22.3° pre-op and improved to 7.8° post-op. Calculations were performed with Microsoft excel (2011 Microsoft, Redmond, WA).

Conclusions

Global sagittal balance was statistically improved in this series as demonstrated by FBI and C7 SVA correction.

     

African-American patients are less likely to receive drug-eluting stents during percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that African-Americans, patients without insurance, and those with government-sponsored insurance are less likely to be referred for invasive cardiovascular procedures. We therefore sought to compare the impact of race and insurance type upon the use of drug-eluting stents (DES).MethodsPatients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting from January 2008 to December 2012 at Los Angeles County Hospital and Keck Hospital of USC were retrospectively analyzed. Race was categorized as African-American, Hispanic, or non-African-American/non-Hispanic. Insurance was categorized as private, Medicare, Medicaid, incarcerated, or uninsured. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, with receipt of ≥ 1 DES the outcome variable of interest.ResultsAmong 2763 patients undergoing PCI, 62.8% received ≥ 1 DES, 45.4% were Hispanic, 6.7% were African-American, 33.2% were uninsured, 28.5% had Medicaid, 22.5% had Medicare, 14.1% had private insurance, and 1.7% were incarcerated. Following multivariable adjustment, African-Americans, in comparison to non-African-American/non-Hispanic patients, were less likely to receive ≥ 1 DES (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40–0.82, p = 0.002). Hispanic patients, however, were not less likely to receive DES. Uninsured patients (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.13–2.03, p = 0.006) and those with Medicaid (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.11–2.00, p = 0.008) were more likely to receive DES than patients with private insurance, whereas those with Medicare were less likely to receive DES (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52–0.95, p = 0.02).ConclusionsAfrican-American race continues to have a significant impact upon the decision to use DES. Future research should focus upon patient and provider perceptions at the time of PCI.SummaryThis study is a retrospective analysis of the impact of race and insurance status upon the utilization of drug-eluting stents. Multivariable logistic regression showed that African-American race was associated with less utilization of drug-eluting stents.     

Musculoskeletal health in the workplace

Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems remain the most frequent reason why individuals are absent from work, including those with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs or MSDs) and those with chronic MSK problems. This paper aims to examine changes in work and the workforce since 2000; how work impacts on chronic MSK conditions and how we can help people with these conditions to stay at work. While our knowledge of the causes of WRMSDs has increased since 2000, there has been limited workplace action in reducing exposure to hazards. A life course approach is needed as individuals of all ages are reporting MSK problems. How people work has also changed and informalisation of work contracts has increased with a perceived concurrent reduction in occupational safety and health (OSH) protection. Retaining people at work with MSK problems requires compliance with relevant safety, health and diversity legislation and a risk management approach. Good and open communication within the workplace and identification of other sources of support is also necessary. Considerations must be made at the individual level (internal motivation), organisational level (a supportive manager) and self-management of symptoms. Simple case examples are provided in the paper of what works in practice as well as a proposed research agenda. Increased awareness at all levels of society of MSK health is essential.     

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor-C and -D on osteoclast differentiation and function in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to clarify the interaction of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs)-C and -D with cell surface foetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1) and fms-like tyrosine kinase-4 (Flt-4) receptors in the induction and activity of osteoclasts in cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).DesignPBMCs were cultured on chamber slides or on ivory discs for 2 or 3 weeks in the presence of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), VEGF-A, -C or -D, or placental growth factor (PlGF) with or without receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). The number of osteoclasts in each group was counted and the area of ivory resorption was measured. In addition, osteoclast differentiation was further analysed under the same conditions, but with the addition of specific neutralizing antibodies against Flk-1 and Flt-4.ResultsRANKL was essential for the induction of osteoclasts in PBMCs. However, significant differences were found in the number of osteoclasts induced by VEGF-A, -C, -D or M-CSF with RANKL compared with control groups lacking or containing RANKL. Blocking of either Flk-1 or Flt-4 resulted in a reduction in the enhancement of osteoclast differentiation in PBMCs by VEGF-C or -D with RANKL. The osteoclasts induced by VEGF-A, -C, -D or M-CSF with RANKL formed significantly larger resorption lacunae than those formed by osteoclasts induced by RANKL alone.ConclusionsThis study showed that VEGF-C and -D play a role in the induction of osteoclast differentiation through both Flk-1 and Flt-4 receptors and influence the area of the ivory resorption in PBMCs.     

微创TLIF单侧或双侧固定治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效

【摘要】 目的：评价微创通道下经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合术（TLIF）单侧或双侧固定治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效。方法：2011年1月～2012年11月应用Mast Quadrant通道对52例单节段腰椎退变性疾病的患者经椎旁多裂肌入路行TLIF单侧（31例）或双侧（21例）固定治疗。男27例,女25例,年龄30~77岁,平均52.9岁。观察二种固定方式在手术时间、术中失血量、术后住院时间及手术费用的差别。采用Oswestry功能障碍指数评分（ODI）和疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）评价临床疗效。通过影像学测量手术节段Cobb角（矢状位）及不同部位椎间隙的高度,观察手术前后影像学变化并评价椎体间融合情况。结果：所有患者随访3~18个月,平均12个月。两组患者在手术时间、术后住院时间及手术费用方面差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。全部患者ODI平均值由术前的（67.67±18.59）%降至末次随访时的（25.58±20.80）%,VAS腰痛评分平均值由术前的（7.42±2.48）分降至末次随访时的（2.09±2.47）分,VAS腿痛评分平均值由术前的（8.04±1.22）分降至末次随访时的（2.46±2.07）分,手术前后差异均有显著的统计学意义（P<0.001）。单侧及双侧固定组在手术前后的ODI、VAS评分差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。全部患者手术后的影像学测量指标均较术前改善,且差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。单侧及双侧固定组在手术前后影像学测量指标差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。除1例双侧固定患者术后出现单侧下肢症状而进行螺钉调整外,至末次随访时,所有患者均达到影像学融合标准,未发现椎弓根螺钉松动、断裂或cage移位等并发症的发生。结论：无论是单侧还是双侧固定,微创通道下经椎间孔椎体间融合术都可以有效缓解患者的临床症状。如适应证选择正确,单侧固定具有手术时间及术后住院时间短,手术费用低的优点。     

Injury to major abdominal vessels during posterior lumbar interbody fusion. A case report and review of the literature

Background contextNumerous cases of injury to major abdominal vessels during the excision of a lumbar herniated disc have been reported, but no cases of injury during interbody fusion by a posterior approach have been described.PurposeTo report on an injury to common iliac vessels during a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and discuss the causes and possible preventive measures.Study designA unique case report and a review of the literature.MethodsThe hospital chart and autopsy report of a single patient were analyzed.ResultsA 52-year-old woman with L4–L5 disc degeneration underwent PLIF. During scraping of the vertebral end plates, there was a sudden increase in blood flow from the disc space, however not copious, with no changes of vital parameters. When the patient was placed supine, severe hypotension and abdominal distension led to strongly suspect a lesion to abdominal vessels. At laparotomy, carried out by a vascular surgeon, a vast retroperitoneal hematoma was evacuated and the vascular lesions were repaired. Postoperatively, the patient continued to lose blood from the abdominal drains and after 4 hours, she was reoperated by another vascular surgeon, who found a diffuse hemorrhage from the small vessels in the surgical field. Soon after the surgery the patient died.ConclusionsThe lesions were produced by a shaver used for scraping the vertebral end plates. The absence of abundant bleeding from the disc space was possibly because of the compression of the iliac vessels by the pads of the frame on which the patient was lying. The causes of the lesions and possible prevention of similar injuries are analyzed.