Prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with spinal cord injury: effects of sequential pneumatic compression and heparin

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of and risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and evaluate the effectiveness of sequential pneumatic compression devices (SCD), gradient elastic stockings (GES), and heparin in preventing thromboembolism. DESIGN: Prentice's case-cohort design. SETTING: All patients admitted to our hospital between 1976 and 1995 with acute traumatic SCI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic characteristics, venous thromboembolism risk factors, methods of surveillance and prophylaxis, and thromboembolic events during the first 6 weeks following injury. RESULTS: Venous thromboembolism occurred in 84 of 428 patients (19.6%). Venous thromboembolism increased from 21% between 1976 and 1979 to 31% between 1980 and 1984, then decreased to 16% between 1985 and 1989 and to 8% between 1990 and 1995. Routine surveillance for venous thromboembolism increased through 1983, and SCD/GES use increased after 1983, with a concurrent decline in incidence of thromboembolism. Multivariate analysis showed that SCD/GES reduced the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (relative risk, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.90). Multivariate analysis suggested a reduced risk of DVT in patients receiving heparin therapy within the first 14 to 42 days after injury, but estimates of reduced risk were not statistically significant (p = .064 for first 14 days, p = .13 for heparin anytime). CONCLUSION: The SCD/GES combination and heparin are each effective in preventing venous thromboembolism in individuals' acute traumatic SCI. Effectiveness of heparin prophylaxis may be greatest during the first 14 days after injury, whereas benefit from SCD continues to 6 weeks after injury.     

Vena cava filters in spinal cord injuries: evolving technology

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been reported in 60% to 100% of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Several guidelines have been published detailing recommended venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after acute SCI. Low-molecular-weight heparin, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices, and/or graduated compression stockings are recommended. Vena cava filters (VCFs) are recommended for secondary prophylaxis in certain situations. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the use of vena cava filters in patients with SCI. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: Prophylactic use of vena cava filters has expanded in trauma patients, including individuals with SCI. Filter placement effectively prevents pulmonary emboli and has a low complication rate. Indications include pulmonary embolus while on anticoagulant therapy, presence of pulmonary embolus and contraindication for anticoagulation, and documented free-floating ileofemoral thrombus. VCFs should be considered in patients with complete motor paralysis caused by lesions in the high cervical cord (C2 and C3), with poor cardiopulmonary reserve, or with thrombus in the inferior vena cava despite anticoagulant prophylaxis. Three optional retrievable filters that are approved for use are discussed. CONCLUSION: Retrievable VCFs are a safe, feasible option for secondary prophylaxis of VTE in patients with SCI. Objective criteria for temporary and permanent placement need to be defined.     

脊柱夏科氏关节病的诊断与治疗

脊柱夏科氏关节病是一种罕见的具有进展性的严重的退行性脊柱疾病。其临床表现隐匿且不典型,容易导致漏诊、误诊,延误病情,影响预后。目前国内尚无系统性分析脊柱夏科氏关节病的文献。脊柱夏科氏关节病的病因主要分为脊髓损伤及非损伤性神经病变两类,其中脊髓损伤引发脊柱夏科氏关节病的危险因素包括长节段固定、脊柱侧凸、椎板切除、脊柱负荷过大的运动和肥胖。脊柱夏科氏关节病好发于下胸椎或腰椎,常见症状是脊柱畸形、坐姿不平衡和局部疼痛。根据潜在疾病引起本体感觉及痛温觉损害,影像学上大量的骨破坏和吸收以及大量新骨形成,组织学提示非特异性慢性炎症,并排除其他炎性和肿瘤性疾病,可以作出诊断。对稳定性好、未合并感染、神经功能平稳、未出现皮肤瘘口、坐姿不平衡或自主神经功能紊乱的脊柱夏科氏关节病患者,可以考虑保守治疗。对症状持续大于6个月、脊柱不稳定、皮肤出现瘘口或并发感染的患者建议优先选择手术。术前应评估髋关节的异位骨化或强直,术中重视病灶内坏死组织、炎症组织的充分清除以及足量的植骨,建议融合至骶骨或骨盆。术后并发症包括内固定失败、新的夏科氏关节形成、伤口愈合困难、感染等。对脊髓损伤合并截瘫的术后患者,建议定期、系统、长期随访,观察整体胸腰椎而非仅仅手术部位的影像。熟知脊柱夏科氏关节病的危险因素及典型症状,有助于早期发现和诊断,并选择适当的治疗方案。     

Deep venous thrombosis in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury in a Japanese population: assessment with Doppler ultrasonography

Background  Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism are major complications in patients with acute spinal cord injury. The incidence of DVT in patients with a spinal cord injury has ranged from 5% to 26% in several countries; however, the incidence in Japan is unknown. Methods  We retrospectively assessed 52 patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury. According to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) at admission, 17 patients were grade A, 15 grade B, 17 grade C, and 3 grade D. These patients were assessed for a DVT using color Doppler ultrasonography (US) regardless of whether they were symptomatic. As standard protocol, we perform Doppler US 5 days after injury; however, this retrospective research included patients who were assessed 2–13 days after injury. Results  In this study, 11 of 52 (21%) patients had DVT. Three patients had DVT of the right leg, six of the left leg, and two of bilateral legs. There were two proximal-type DVTs and nine distal-type DVTs. No patients had a symptomatic thrombopulmonary embolism. In all, 10 of 41 (24%) men had DVT and 1 of 11 (9%) women had DVT (P = 0.26). A total of 7 of 32 (22%) patients who had complete motor palsy (AIS A or B) had DVT, and 4 of 20 (20%) with incomplete motor palsy (AIS C or D) had DVT (P = 0.58). DVT was found 2–13 days after injury. Conclusions  In this study of the Japanese population, 11 of 52 (21%) patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury had DVT. Several studies showed there were no differences in the incidence of DVT between patients with complete or incomplete palsy, and our study showed the same results. Many asymptomatic patients had DVT, so asymptomatic patients should not be neglected.     

Routine prophylactic vena cava filtration is not indicated after acute spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND: Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating problem, with over 10,000 new cases annually. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a well-recognized risk in SCI patients, although no clear recommendations for prophylaxis exist. We therefore evaluated whether routine placement of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters is indicated in SCI patients. METHODS: The trauma registry of a regional trauma center was used to identify patients sustaining acute SCI resulting in tetraplegia or paraplegia after blunt or penetrating trauma for a 5-year period beginning in January 1995. Patients were analyzed for demographics, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, associated long bone or pelvic fracture, severe closed-head injury, type of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, level of SCI, and incidence of DVT and PE. DVT prophylaxis was performed in all patients with sequential compression devices (SCDs) when extremity fracture status permitted. Data are expressed as mean +/- SD and analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: There were 8,269 admissions during the study period, with an overall incidence of DVT and PE of 11.8% and 0.9%, respectively. There were 111 (1.3%) patients who sustained SCI, with an incidence of DVT and PE of 9.0% and 1.8%, respectively, and no deaths. Of these 111 patients, 41.4% were paraplegics and 58.6% were tetraplegics, and 17.1% of patients had severe closed-head injury. Mean hospital length of stay was 23 +/- 20 days for SCI patients. Surveillance duplex ultrasound was performed an average of 2.3 +/- 2.1 times during each hospitalization. Mean Injury Severity Score was 30.0 +/- 12.2. The incidence of DVT and PE in those patients with SCDs alone was 7.1% and 2.3%; for SCDs plus subcutaneous heparin, the incidence was 11.1% and 2.8%; and for SCDs plus low-molecular-weight heparin, the incidence was 7.4% and 0%, respectively, with no statistical difference between groups. The incidence of DVT in SCI patients with long bone fractures was 37.5%, which was significantly greater than the total SCI population (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: The incidence of DVT and PE in SCI patients was similar to that of the overall trauma population when appropriate DVT prophylaxis was used. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that SCI associated with long bone fracture significantly increases the incidence of DVT. On the basis of the low incidence of PE in the present study, routine placement of prophylactic caval filters does not appear warranted in all SCI patients. However, SCI patients with long bone fractures, patients with DVT formation despite prophylactic anticoagulation, or patients with contraindications to anticoagulation may be appropriate candidates for prophylactic caval filtration.     

Thromboembolic complications after spinal surgery in trauma patients

Background?Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) may be significant complications following spinal surgery. The incidence rate ranges from 0.5% to 2.5% in patients with symptomatic thromboembolic disease and up to 15% in patients with non-symptomatic thrombotic complications. We determined the incidence of symptomatic thromboembolism after spinal surgery in patients with postoperative systemic prophylaxis and investigated general and specific risk factors for development of this disease.

Patients and methods?We analyzed the clinical records of 978 patients who had undergone surgery of the spine because of trauma and who had been admitted to our level-I trauma center between 1980 and 2004. Spinal procedures included anterior and/or posterior spinal fusion, video-assisted thoracoscopic fusion, and spinal decompression. Symptomatic thromboembolic disease was diagnosed when patients showed significant clinical signs or symptoms of DVT or PE. In cases of DVT, diagnosis was confirmed by duplex scan of the lower limbs; in cases of PE, diagnosis was confirmed by CT-scanning of the thorax or at post mortem.

Results?The incidence rate of symptomatic thromboembolic complications was 2.2% (n 22). 17 patients showed clinical signs of deep venous thrombosis, with 4 of them developing pulmonary embolism subsequently. The other 5 patients developed pulmonary embolism without prior clinical signs of deep venous thrombosis. 6 patients died because of thromboembolic disease. Thromboembolic complications were more frequent in older patients and among males, as well as in patients with regular tobacco consumption and obesity. Thromboembolic complications were also seen more frequently in patients with surgical procedures at the lumbar spine, in patients with anterior spinal fusion, and in those with motor deficits in the lower extremities.

Interpretation?We found a rather low rate of clinically significant thromboembolic complications after spinal surgery because of trauma, compared to the results reported in the literature. Level of spinal surgery, surgical approach, and motor deficits in the lower extremities were identified as specific risk factors for DVT or PE. Age, sex, obesity and regular smoking were identified as general risk factors.     

Thromboembolic complications after spinal surgery in trauma patients

Background Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) may be significant complications following spinal surgery. The incidence rate ranges from 0.5% to 2.5% in patients with symptomatic thromboembolic disease and up to 15% in patients with non-symptomatic thrombotic complications. We determined the incidence of symptomatic thromboembolism after spinal surgery in patients with postoperative systemic prophylaxis and investigated general and specific risk factors for development of this disease.

Patients and methods We analyzed the clinical records of 978 patients who had undergone surgery of the spine because of trauma and who had been admitted to our level-I trauma center between 1980 and 2004. Spinal procedures included anterior and/or posterior spinal fusion, video-assisted thoracoscopic fusion, and spinal decompression. Symptomatic thromboembolic disease was diagnosed when patients showed significant clinical signs or symptoms of DVT or PE. In cases of DVT, diagnosis was confirmed by duplex scan of the lower limbs; in cases of PE, diagnosis was confirmed by CT-scanning of the thorax or at post mortem.

Results The incidence rate of symptomatic thromboembolic complications was 2.2% (n 22). 17 patients showed clinical signs of deep venous thrombosis, with 4 of them developing pulmonary embolism subsequently. The other 5 patients developed pulmonary embolism without prior clinical signs of deep venous thrombosis. 6 patients died because of thromboembolic disease. Thromboembolic complications were more frequent in older patients and among males, as well as in patients with regular tobacco consumption and obesity. Thromboembolic complications were also seen more frequently in patients with surgical procedures at the lumbar spine, in patients with anterior spinal fusion, and in those with motor deficits in the lower extremities.

Interpretation We found a rather low rate of clinically significant thromboembolic complications after spinal surgery because of trauma, compared to the results reported in the literature. Level of spinal surgery, surgical approach, and motor deficits in the lower extremities were identified as specific risk factors for DVT or PE. Age, sex, obesity and regular smoking were identified as general risk factors.     

颈椎椎板切除术联合侧块螺钉内固定治疗无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤

目的 探讨椎板切除术联合侧块螺钉内固定治疗无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤的临床疗效及临床意义.方法 回顾性分析2013年9月至2015年3月我院收治并应用椎板切除术联合侧块螺钉内固定治疗的无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤患者13例,其中男9例,女4例;年龄为39~68岁,平均为51.3岁.记录患者术中手术时间、出血量、术后并发症,记录颈部疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)评估临床症状,美国脊髓损伤协会(American Spinal Injury Association,ASIA)神经功能分级评估颈髓损伤情况.患者术前VAS评分平均为(7.2±1.0)分,术前ASIA神经功能分级:A级1例、B级3例、C级5例、D级4例.结果 所有患者手术均顺利完成,术后有1例患者出现伤口并发症,其余无严重并发症出现;手术时间为100~150 min,平均为120.1 min;失血量为140~700 ml,平均为350 ml.患者均获得随访,随访时间为6~16个月,平均为10.4个月.术后末次随访VAS评分平均为(1.2±0.7)分,与术前比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).术后末次随访时AISA神经功能分级:B级1例、C级3例、D级4例、E级5例,均较术前改善.结论 椎板切除术联合侧块螺钉内固定手术创伤小、固定可靠、疗效确切,为治疗无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤较理想的手术方法.     

胸腰筋膜平面阻滞在脊柱外科手术围术期的应用进展

胸腰筋膜平面（TLIP）阻滞是一种用于腰椎术后镇痛的筋膜间平面阻滞技术。随着超声技术的普及,TLIP阻滞被广泛应用,能提供良好的术后镇痛,减少术中及术后阿片类药物的用量,且操作简单、并发症少。目前TLIP阻滞主要用于腰椎融合术、腰椎间盘切除术以及椎板成型术等腰椎手术的多模式镇痛。此外,TLIP阻滞还可用于微创脊柱外科手术的麻醉,如经皮椎间孔镜手术、经椎间孔入路腰椎椎间融合术和脊髓刺激器的植入等。本文对TLIP阻滞的解剖学基础、作用机制、临床应用及并发症等方面作一综述,以期为脊柱外科手术的麻醉及多模式镇痛提供参考。     

The neurological and skeletal outcome in patients with closed cervical spinal cord injury

Sixty-one patients with closed cervical spinal cord injury were cared for within a defined protocol and followed for at least 1 year. Neurological recovery and healing of spinal structures were evaluated at intervals. Forty-three patients were managed without surgical intervention at the site of spine trauma, and the incidence of spontaneous fusion ("autofusion") was noted. Surgical fusion was performed on 17 patients, mainly to restore spinal stability and alignment. One patient underwent laminectomy without fusion. In both the surgical fusion and the autofusion groups, there were significant numbers of patients who improved neurologically, including some designated as having a complete spinal cord lesion at the initial neurological examination. As expected, better spinal alignment was achieved in the surgical group, although alignment in the nonsurgically treated group was generally acceptable. The majority of patients developed radiographically apparent callus formation anterior to the injured vertebral bodies, regardless of the mechanism of injury or the method of treatment. After 3 months all patients who underwent surgical fusion achieved spinal stability, as did the majority of patients in the autofusion group. Only individuals with flexion-distraction injuries who did not undergo surgical fusion appeared to be at risk for progressive spinal column deformity. Neither retropulsion of bone fragments nor angulation at the fracture site appeared to correlate with a poor neurological outcome, since improvement in neurological function occurred similarly in patients with and without these deformities.     

Pulmonary embolism after spinal surgery: report of two cases

We present two cases of pulmonary embolism (PE) without deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after spinal surgery with an anterior approach. On the seventh day after surgery, the patients’ plasma D-dimer levels were high without symptoms, so computed tomography (CT) was performed from chest to lower limb, revealing PE without lower limb DVT. After the exam, we immediately started anticoagulation therapy with heparin and warfarin. The patients were discharged with no complications. Previous reports have documented that DVT causes most cases of PE; however, our cases had no lower limb DVT. Some reports hypothesize that anterior spinal surgery might have a differential pathogenesis of PE. Simple mechanical prophylaxis for DVT may not protect these patients. On the other hand, the administration of chemical anticoagulants therapy after spinal surgery is controversial because of the risk of epidural hematoma. We should explain the risk of PE to patients undergoing spinal surgery with an anterior approach.     

腰椎间盘突出症术后复发的临床分析

目的:探讨腰椎间盘突出症术后同节段复发的原因、诊断方法及影响二次手术疗效的因素。方法:32例有完整随访资料的椎间盘突出症术后复发病例,按治疗方式分为保守治疗组,椎板加椎间盘切除组与椎板、椎间盘切除加腰椎内固定植骨融合组。对各种治疗方法的适应证、疗效等进行总结,分析椎间盘切除术后可能的复发原因。结果:本组病例均获5个月以上随访,保守治疗组优良率100%,腰椎融合组优良率92.9%,非融合组优良率93.2%。结论:腰椎间盘突出症术后同节段复发的确切原因仍不清楚,对诊断明确并伴有神经根损伤表现的患者可行二次手术治疗,是否采用内固定加植骨融合术视患者不同情况而定。     

早期前后联合入路治疗下颈椎骨折脱位并脊髓损伤

目的观察前后路一期减压、植骨、内固定治疗脊髓前后方均受压的下颈椎损伤的疗效。方法对本组自2004年1月至2005年12月5例下颈椎骨折脱位并脊髓损伤接受手术治疗的患者,进行回顾性分析。其中后路椎板切除、前路椎间盘切除、植骨颈椎前路钢板内固定术2例;后路椎板切除、前路病椎次全切除、钛网植骨融合钢板内固定术1例;后路椎板切除小关节复位、小关节间植骨侧块钢板内固定术、前路椎间盘切除、植骨术内固定2例。结果脱位均获完全复位,脊髓获得有效减压,椎间植骨6个月后均获骨性融合。4例脊髓功能有不同程度恢复,术中无重要神经、血管、气管及食道损伤,未发生术后消化道应激性溃疡。结论早期前后联合入路治疗下颈椎骨折脱位并脊髓损伤安全、有效。     

Surveillance with duplex ultrasound in traumatic spinal cord injury on initial admission to rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by surveillance duplex ultrasound in the traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) population on admission to rehabilitation. DESIGN: Retrospective sequential case series. SETTING: Midwest regional, university-based, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities-accredited acute rehabilitation center. METHODS: Charts of all patients with traumatic SCI admitted and discharged from January 1, 1996 through December 31, 1998 were reviewed. Preadmission data were collected on demographics, severity of injury, and DVT prophylaxis information, along with rehabilitation duplex ultrasound results and incidence of thromboembolic events. RESULTS: Ninety-two participants met the inclusion criteria. There were 68 men and 24 women with a mean age on admission of 32.4 years. On admission, 45 participants (49%) were classified as tetraplegic and 47 (51%) were classified as paraplegic; 63 (69%) had motor-complete lesions and 29 (31%) had motor-incomplete lesions. Of all the participants, 8 (8.7%) were found to have DVT on admission to rehabilitation. There were no statistically significant differences among participants with regard to age, sex, level of injury, or completeness of injury, when comparing those participants with DVT on admission, those without DVT on admission, and those with thromboembolic events diagnosed later in their hospitalization. Of the 84 participants who had negative duplex ultrasounds on admission, 4 individuals (4.8%) were found to have DVT and 4 (4.8%) had pulmonary emboli subsequently. In these 84 participants, DVT prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin was found to be more effective than was adjusted-dose heparin in preventing thromboembolic phenomenon. CONCLUSION: Incidence of DVT remains high despite prophylaxis in traumatic SCI patients. Two thirds of DVT diagnosed in rehabilitation was identified on admission and one third was diagnosed later. Duplex ultrasound is an effective and valuable tool that assists in the diagnosis of asymptomatic DVT in patients with traumatic SCI who are initiating in-patient rehabilitation.     

陈旧性颈髓损伤的外科治疗

目的：观察颈椎减压融合手术对陈旧性颈椎骨折脱位引起的颈脊髓或神经根损伤的治疗效果。方法：1999年1月～2003年12月手术治疗因颈椎骨折脱位合并不同程度颈脊髓损伤后1个月以上的患者58例，总结临床资料，比较手术前后感觉运动功能的改善程度。结果：平均随访27个月。术前ASIA分级A级的7例患者术后上肢有1～2个神经根功能改善者3例，下肢出现肌肉活动功能改善者2例：术前B级的11例患者术后8例上肢活动有改善，6例出现下肢功能改善；术前C级6例患者术后达D级3例，E级3例：术前D级34例患者术后达到E级24例，10例仍为D级。所有患者术后ASIA的感觉及运动评分较术前明显提高（P〈0．05）。结论：减压融合手术对陈旧性颈椎骨折脱位引起的颈脊髓损伤或神经根损伤仍是有效的治疗方法，脊髓功能的恢复与脊髓损伤程度有关。     

非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的多因素分析

目的 :探讨影响非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的因素。方法 :回顾性分析2009年1月至2012年12月接受非手术治疗的122例无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤患者的临床资料,其中男84例,女38例;平均年龄(52.37±13.27)岁(18~83岁)。选择年龄、性别、受伤原因、受伤至治疗时间、脊髓损伤ASIA分级、MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、椎间盘突出节段、椎间盘韧带复合体损伤、大剂量甲基强的松龙冲击治疗12个可能对非手术治疗预后产生影响的因素,应用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析,研究其对预后的影响。结果:单因素分析显示MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、椎间盘突出节段及脊髓损伤ASIA分级均对预后有显著影响(P均0.05)。进一步行多因素分析,按照其作用强度,影响预后的主要因素依次为:MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、脊髓损伤ASIA分级(P均0.05)。结论 :影响非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的主要因素是MRI脊髓损伤类型及范围,同时与有效椎管率、椎间盘突出程度及脊髓损伤ASIA分级相关。对于选择非手术治疗需谨慎,仅适用MRI检查提示脊髓信号无改变或水肿程度轻且范围局限者,其余则建议积极手术治疗。     

Thromboprophylaxis in spinal trauma surgery: consensus among spine trauma surgeons

Background contextAlthough there are several studies evaluating the necessity and efficacy of thromboprophylaxis after spinal trauma with or without spinal cord injury (SCI), to date there is no established standard of practice pertaining to this specific patient population with regards to venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis.PurposeTo reach a consensus opinion in the administration of thromboprophylaxis in both preoperative and postoperative care in the settings of spinal trauma and SCI.Study designA live survey on thromboprophylaxis after spinal surgery in the setting of trauma was conducted at a meeting among spine trauma surgeons.MethodsTwenty-five spine surgeons (Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic surgeons), all members of the Spine Trauma Study Group, participated in a live survey in which they attempted to reach consensus pertaining to the management of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in patients with spine fractures (with and without a concomitant SCI). The consensus survey consisted of a 10-item questionnaire. Chi-square test was used for group comparisons in questionnaire responses.ResultsComplete agreement was reached for the need of postoperative pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in cervical spine injuries with SCI and anterior thoracolumbar procedures with or without SCI. Postoperative pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis after cervical spine injuries without SCI was agreed not to be needed. In cases of delayed surgery for patients with SCI, pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis was recommended to be started as soon as possible in the presurgical period. The optimal duration of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis was determined to be 3 months. Only 53% agreement was noted for the withholding of preoperative chemical prophylaxis in cervical or thoracolumbar spinal injuries with SCI (and 68% without SCI). Only 80% of the surgeons agreed that postoperative pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is needed after posterior thoracolumbar procedures in patients with or without SCI. The use of vena cava filter after SCI was not universally recommended.ConclusionsPostoperative pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis was opined to be unnecessary in patients with cervical spine injuries without SCI, however, it is recommended for cervical spine trauma with SCI or anterior thoracolumbar procedures irrespective of SCI. Pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis was recommended to start preoperatively as soon as possible in SCI cases or in cases with surgical delay. Pharmacologic prophylaxis was recommended to be administered for at least 3 months postinjury. Although these recommendations met complete consensus by this group, individual patient factors should also be considered in determining optimal thromboprophylaxis in this patient population. Future research recommendations on thromboprophylaxis in spinal trauma are proposed.     

脊椎截骨后脊柱短缩安全范围的实验研究

目的 探讨单脊椎切除对脊髓形态和功能的影响,并确定脊柱短缩的安全范围.方法 采用120只4～5月龄健康雄性新西兰大耳白兔,随机分为单椎板切除(A)组、双椎板切除(B)组及三椎板切除(C)组,每组40只,行L3全脊椎切除术.再根据压缩L3椎体总体高度的25%、50%、75%及100%将每组分成4个亚组.每亚组10只.测量不同脊柱短缩程度下硬膜囊长度、迂曲最大处硬膜囊直径、硬膜囊-神经根交角、硬膜囊矢状位迂曲角、术中体感诱发电位变化情况及Tarlov评分.术后72 h处死动物,HE染色观察脊髓皱缩最严重部位病理改变情况.结果 压缩高度≤总体高度50%时,各组硬膜囊均出现一定程度的形变,但术中脊髓功能监护及术后Tarlov评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);病理切片仅A组可见脊髓出现少量出血灶.压缩高度为总体高度75%时,A组硬膜囊形变及Tarlov评分与术前相比差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且与B组及C组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);A组病理切片可见髓内出血灶增多、白质水肿,而B组及C组仅出现少量髓内出血灶.完全压缩时,B组及C组硬膜囊形变及术后Tarlov评分差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);病理切片见A组出现大片出血、神经元皱缩,而B组及C组可见髓内较多出血灶.结论 脊柱短缩的高度及椎板切除范围对脊髓形态及功能有较大影响.单椎板切除组压缩安全范围仅为总体高度的50%,而双椎板及三椎板切除组可安全压缩至75%.同样压缩高度下,增加椎板切除范围町有效改善脊髓迂曲、避免术中脊髓皱缩造成的脊髓损伤.     

Deep venous thrombosis in the pediatric trauma population: an unusual event: report of three cases

The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the pediatric population has been reported to be lower than in adults. Pediatric trauma patients have predisposing risk factors for DVT similar to those in the general trauma population. We reviewed the records of 2746 children under 16 years of age admitted to our Level I pediatric trauma service from 1989 to 1997. Only three cases of DVT were documented, all adolescents. DVT was located in the upper (n = 1) and lower (n = 1) extremity venous system. One patient presented with pulmonary embolism alone without identifiable DVT. Risk factors found were venous system manipulations, including atriocaval shunt, subclavian central line, and hyperinflated medical antishock trousers garment. Therapy consisted of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation. A vena cava filter was inserted in one patient for whom systemic anticoagulation was contraindicated. No DVT was seen in 1123 closed head injury patients or 29 spinal cord injury patients without associated risk factors. The thrombotic risk in pediatric trauma patients is low. Routine screening or prophylaxis is not indicated except for patients who are likely to remain immobile for an extended period of time and require prolonged rehabilitation, have venous manipulations, or present with clinical symptoms. Hematologic evaluation in patients with diagnosed DVT is necessary to identify individual risk factors.     

Laminectomy and fusion after spinal cord injury: national inpatient complications and outcomes

There is little information about national in-hospital complication rates, adverse outcomes, and mortality after spinal fusion for spinal cord injury (SCI). The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was utilized to identify 31,381 admissions of acute spinal cord injured patients who underwent spinal decompression with laminectomy and/or fusion (lam/fusion) in the United States from 1993 to 2002. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the effects of patient and hospital characteristics on outcomes such as mortality, complications, and discharge disposition, which were then stratified by age, level, and type of injury. The overall mortality was 3.0%, with a complication rate of 26.3% and mean length of stay (LOS) of 17 days. Pulmonary complications (14.4%) and postoperative hemorrhages or hematomas (3.8%) were the most common complications reported. One postoperative complication doubled the length of stay, increased the mortality rate by fivefold and added over $50,000 to hospital charges. Age and comorbidities were the main significant predictors of mortality on multivariate analysis. Patients aged >85 or 65-84 had a 44- and 14-fold greater risk of dying compared with patients in the 18-44 age group respectively. Patients with >3 comorbidities also had an increased risk of mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8). Alcohol abuse was the most common medical comorbidity (present in 12% of patients treated). This study represents the first major national estimate of in-hospital mortality and complication rates after nonoperative and operative treatment for SCI.