“Outcome of thoracolumbar compression fractures following non-operative treatment”

Axial compressive/flexion moderate forces on the anterior spinal elements may cause vertebral compression fractures (VCF), compromising the anterior column of the spine, reducing vertebral body height and leading to characteristic wedge-shaped deformity. 60% to 75% of VCFs are located in the thoracolumbar junction (T12 – L2) due to mechanical forces upon the transition from the relatively fixed thoracic to the relatively mobile lumbar spine. Compression force spinal fractures vary in literature according to the classification system in use, resulting in controversial treatment options. Type A fracture patterns of AO classification are eligible for non-operative treatment provided the posterior complex is intact and there are no neurologic complications. That includes both simple compressive and burst fractures. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term consequences of non-operative treated compressive thoracolumbar fractures regarding posttraumatic deformity, chronic back pain, and functional status. A retrospective study of 75 patients with stable (compressive and burst type A AO) spinal fractures of the thoracolumbar spine (T12-L2) without neurological symptoms and treated non-operatively was conducted. Post traumatic regional kyphosis, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate deformity progression, pain and alteration of the quality of life during follow up. There was no significant correlation between magnitude of posttraumatic regional kyphosis, sex, pain score and disability index. Statistically significant correlation between patients age and disability index was revealed.     

硫酸钙椎体成形术联合椎弓根钉内固定治疗创伤性胸腰椎骨折的前瞻性研究

目的探讨注射型硫酸钙椎体成形术联合椎弓根钉内固定治疗创伤性胸腰椎骨折的初步临床疗效。方法自2008年3月~2010年5月,采用注射型硫酸钙椎体成形术联合后路短节段椎弓根钉内固定治疗25例无神经障碍的创伤性胸腰椎骨折,术后随访观察椎体前、中部的相对高度、Cobb角、伤椎角,并对疼痛和功能指标分别用视觉模拟评分(VAS)和Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)进行量化比较。结果 23例得到随访13~35个月,平均23.8个月。术后1周时椎体前、中部的相对高度、Cobb角,伤椎角分别与术前值比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),而与末次随访时比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论硫酸钙椎体成形术联合椎弓根钉内固定治疗创伤性胸腰椎骨折可以有效防止内固定失败和矫正度丢失,临床效果满意。     

Treatment of acute thoracolumbar burst fractures with kyphoplasty and short pedicle screw fixation: Transpedicular intracorporeal grafting with calcium phosphate: A prospective study

Background:

In the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, the major problem after posterior correction and transpedicular instrumentation is failure to support the anterior spinal column, leading to loss of correction and instrumentation failure with associated complaints. We conducted this prospective study to evaluate the outcome of the treatment of acute thoracolumbar burst fractures by transpedicular balloon kyphoplasty, grafting with calcium phosphate cement and short pedicle screw fixation plus fusion.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-three consecutive patients of thoracolumbar (T₉ to L₄) burst fracture with or without neurologic deficit with an average age of 43 years, were included in this prospective study. Twenty-one from the 23 patients had single burst fracture while the remaining two patients had a burst fracture and additionally an adjacent A1-type fracture. On admission six (26%) out of 23 patients had neurological deficit (five incomplete, one complete). Bilateral transpedicular balloon kyphoplasty with liquid calcium phosphate to reduce segmental kyphosis and restore vertebral body height and short (three vertebrae) pedicle screw instrumentation with posterolateral fusion was performed. Gardner kyphosis angle, anterior and posterior vertebral body height ratio and spinal canal encroachment were calculated pre- to postoperatively.

Results:

All 23 patients were operated within two days after admission and were followed for at least 12 months after index surgery. Operating time and blood loss averaged 45 min and 60 cc respectively. The five patients with incomplete neurological lesions improved by at least one ASIA grade, while no neurological deterioration was observed in any case. The VAS and SF-36 (Role physical and Bodily pain domains) were significantly improved postoperatively. Overall sagittal alignment was improved from an average preoperative 16° to one degree kyphosis at final followup observation. The anterior vertebral body height ratio improved from 0.6 preoperatively to 0.9 (P<0.001) postoperatively, while posterior vertebral body height improved from 0.95 to 1 (P<0.01). Spinal canal encroachment was reduced from an average 32% preoperatively to 20% postoperatively. Cement leakage was observed in four cases (three anterior to vertebral body and one into the disc without sequalae). In the last CT evaluation, there was a continuity between calcium phosphate and cancellous vertebral body bone. Posterolateral radiological fusion was achieved within six months after index operation. There was no instrumentation failure or measurable loss of sagittal curve and vertebral height correction in any group of patients.

Conclusions:

Balloon kyphoplasty with calcium phosphate cement secured with posterior short fixation in the thoracolumbar spine provided excellent immediate reduction of posttraumatic segmental kyphosis and significant spinal canal clearance and restored vertebral body height in the fracture level.     

后凸成形术结合体位复位治疗创伤性胸腰椎椎体骨折的临床观察

目的：观察在体位复位辅助下后凸成形术治疗创伤性胸腰椎椎体骨折的临床疗效。方法：37例新鲜单节段胸腰椎椎体骨折患者,男28例,女9例;年龄24～79岁,平均48岁。通过体位复位及Sky扩张器撑开复位后,经双侧椎弓根穿刺充填自固化磷酸钙人工骨（CPC）。根据Denis胸腰椎骨折的分型：压缩性骨折,B型27例,C型3例,D型5例;爆裂性骨折2例,均为B型。利用体位复位,经皮穿刺,Sky椎体成形器扩张椎体,注入可降解的自固化磷酸钙人工骨。根据术前和术后侧位X线片测量椎体高度、后凸畸形角度,并计算椎体高度丢失率和后凸畸形矫正率,记录分析视觉模拟评分（VAS）及伤椎形态变化。结果：术后随访9～24个月,平均13个月。术后伤椎处疼痛均显著缓解,VAS评分改变从术前平均（7.6±2.5）分降至术后平均（1.8±1.5）分,椎体前壁高度和中间高度明显恢复,后凸畸形得到矫正。随访期间疗效满意,伤椎高度无明显丢失。结论：在严格掌握适应证、选择合适病例的前提下,采用体位复位辅助下经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗创伤性胸腰椎椎体骨折,能迅速缓解疼痛,有效恢复椎体高度和矫正后凸畸形。     

Prospective quantitative assessment of spinal range of motion before and after minimally invasive surgical treatment of vertebral body fractures

Introduction

Randomized clinical trials have generated doubts regarding the therapeutic effectiveness of spinal kyphoplasty to reduce pain and improve quality of life in patients with vertebral fractures. There is a paucity of data on the influence of kyphoplasty on spinal range of motion. To quantify early postoperative changes following kyphoplasty in spinal motion, a noninvasive, radiation-free measurement method was used and results related to clinical and radiological parameters.

Methods

The study group included 30 patients with an overall number of 54 symptomatic pathological vertebral compression fractures. All patients were treated with balloon kyphoplasty. Clinical results were recorded using the visual analog scale, SF 36, Roland Morris Score and the Oswestry Disability Index, at three time points; preoperative, 2 days postoperative, and at 12 weeks postoperative. The kyphosis angle/sagittal index were determined with biplanar X-rays. Amplitude/velocity of motion in extension/flexion was measured at each time point by use of the EpionicsSPINE^© system (Epionics Medical GmbH; Potsdam, Germany) using two external sensor strips.

Results

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans showed bone marrow edema in all vertebral bodies indicative of a recent, non-consolidated fracture. Pain and quality of life was significantly improved by kyphoplasty, both for the immediate postoperative period, as well as at 12 weeks postoperative. Radiological parameters also showed significant improvement following surgery. Total ROM did not significantly change 2 days after kyphoplasty, but amplitude and velocity were found to be increased 12 weeks postoperatively. Significant positive correlations were observed between increased range of motion and improved clinical/radiological scores.

Conclusion

Significant clinical and radiological improvement following kyphoplasty supports the rational for cement augmentation in patients with pathological vertebral body fractures. To the knowledge of the authors, no prior study has assessed the influence of preservation and improvement of spinal range of motion on clinical outcome following kyphoplasty.     

Early results after vertebral body stenting for fractures of the anterior column of the thoracolumbar spine

Introduction

Vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty have shown to improve pain and functional outcome in cases with symptomatic vertebral fractures. Although restoration of the vertebral body height and kyphosis seemed to be easier with balloon kyphoplasty, it became clear that some of the correction achieved by the balloon is lost once it was deflated. Vertebral body stent was developed to eliminate this phenomenon. To our knowledge this is the first study in describing this technique in clinical settings.

Materials and methods

Seventeen patients with 20 fractured vertebral bodies were included. All fractures were Type A1.3 or A3.1 (incomplete burst). Information about pain (visual analogue scale-VAS) and function (Oswestry disability index-ODI) and vertebral body deformity (vertebral angle-VA) was recorded in a prospective way at regular intervals. Patients were classified into osteoporotic group (7 patients) and traumatic groups (10 patients, younger than 60 years).

Results

There were 6 male and 11 female patients with mean age of 58.1 years (31–88 years). Mean follow up was 12 months. The preoperative pain level showed a mean VAS score of 8.9 in osteoporotic group and 9.7 in traumatic group. Postoperatively, in osteoporotic group, mean VAS was 4.8 at 6 weeks, 4.0 at 6 months and 2.5 at 12 months compared with traumatic fracture group where it was 2.7 at 6 weeks, 2.2 at 6 months and 1.6 at 12 months. Mean ODI in osteoporotic group was 41.7% (14–58%) and in traumatic group it was 20.4% (6–33%). Mean vertebral body angle prior to surgery in osteoporotic group was 9.7 whilst postoperatively it was 5.2°; so the mean correction achieved was 4.5°. In traumatic group preoperative VA was 13° whilst postoperatively it was 5.7°; therefore the mean correction achieved was 7.3°. None of the patients lost reduction at their last follow up.

Conclusion

Vertebral body stenting leads to satisfactory improvement in pain, function and kyphosis correction in the treatment of osteoporotic and traumatic fractures. Anterior spinal column, especially the fragmented superior endplate is nicely reconstructed by the stent provided it is inserted accurately. With addition of posterior transpedicular instrumentation, indications for this technique may be wider covering some Type B and C fractures with similar vertebral body damage.     

经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗创伤性胸腰椎椎体压缩性骨折的近期疗效观察

目的:观察经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗50岁以上创伤性胸腰椎椎体压缩性骨折患者的近期疗效.方法:2006年10月～2008年10月收治创伤性胸腰椎椎体压缩性骨折患者36例,男11例,女25例,年龄50～61岁,平均54.5岁,累及T11～L2共36个椎体.均在C型臂X线机引导下行经皮椎体后凸成形术,椎体填充物均应用MIIGX3人工骨.采用疼痛视觉类比评分(VAS)、止痛药使用评分、伤椎高度及胸腰椎后凸角度等指标评估PKP术的近期疗效.结果:所有患者均顺利完成手术,手术时间平均32.5min/椎,出血量平均38.5ml,椎,MIIGX3填充量平均5.0ml/椎,无肺栓塞、MIIGX3渗漏等并发症发生.随访6个月～2年6个月.术前VAS评分平均8.5±0.8分,术后2d时降低到2.2±0.8分,末次随访时为2.5±0.8分;止痛药使用评分由术前的1.8±0.6分下降到术后2d的0.2±0.6分,末次随访时为0.3±0.5分;伤椎椎体前、中柱高度分别由术前的21.5±3.1mm、20.3±2.9mm,改善到术后2d的24.6±2.8mm、24.3±2.1mm,末次随访时为24.4±2.6mm、24.1±2.5mm:脊柱后凸Cobb角术前18.5°±4.5°,术后2d改善为13.5°±3.5°,末次随访时为14.0°±4.5°.各指标术后及末次随访时与术前比较均有显著性差异(P<0.01).影像学复查示术后MIIGX3充填均匀,术后3个月时已基本吸收.为自体松质骨替代.结论:PKP治疗创伤性胸腰椎椎体压缩性骨折是一种安全、复位可靠、止痛效果确切的微创脊柱外科技术.     

Balloon kyphoplasty for pure traumatic thoracolumbar fractures: retrospective analysis of 61 cases focusing on restoration of vertebral height

Purpose

The literature concerning the use of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for pure traumatic fractures is unclear. We report our experience about the treatment of a specific subgroup of traumatic vertebral fractures (AOSpine type A) with BKP through a retrospective analysis.

Methods

Sixty-one patients affected by AOSpine type A traumatic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine underwent BKP at our institution (2004–2008): 26 males and 35 females; mean age 52 ± 15 (18–75) years. At 6–12 and 60 months follow-up examinations, vertebral height restoration, sagittal spinal alignment and pain were recorded.

Results

Kyphoplasty proved to be a safe method to treat these fractures preserving a relative correct spinal sagittal balance with recovery of the morphology of the fractured vertebra, vertebral height and the angle of kyphosis.

Conclusions

BKP used for traumatic fractures significantly alleviates pain, does not cause notable complications and enables patients to return to their normal lives in a short time.

     

Internal fixation with percutaneous kyphoplasty compared with simple percutaneous kyphoplasty for thoracolumbar burst fractures in elderly patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Purpose

The impact of percutaneous internal fixation as a supplement to percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures in elderly patients is unclear. We conducted a clinical controlled trial to investigate the effect and outcomes of this technique in such patients.

Methods

Forty-three patients over 65 years old with thoracolumbar burst fractures without nerve injuries were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to treatment with simple PKP (control group, n = 22) or percutaneous short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation with PKP (treatment group, n = 21). The patients were followed for at least 2 years postoperatively and were assessed with regard to clinical and radiological outcomes. Clinical outcomes were evaluated mainly with use of visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire. Radiological outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of Cobb kyphosis angle and loss of kyphosis correction.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to preoperative indices. The treatment group had better VAS scores and greater postoperative improvement on the ODI compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Postoperative kyphosis angle correction in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group, and loss of correction postoperatively was significantly less (P < 0.05). In the control group, two patients suffered refractures of the injured vertebra postoperatively and one had a fracture in the adjacent vertebra. No postoperative complications needing management were noted in either group.

Conclusions

Compared with simple PKP, percutaneous internal fixation with PKP is a valuable surgical option for the treatment of selected elderly patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures.     

Efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty in treating osteoporotic multithoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures

Percutaneous kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive technique that has become an effective and routine alternative for managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. This article reports the clinical outcome of a series of 54 cases of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebrae compression fractures treated by percutaneous kyphoplasty. Fifty-four patients with confirmed osteoporosis and at least 1 level of thoracolumbar vertebrae compression fracture were retrospectively selected. Pre- and postoperative and last follow-up clinical evaluation and radiological data were analyzed, including change of visual analog scale (VAS), reduced use of painkillers, locomotor activity, Cobb's angle, and average vertebral body height. Mean follow-up was 20.4 months (range, 6-36 months). In all cases, percutaneous kyphoplasty treatment was successful, significantly increasing vertebral body height, diminishing kyphosis in the fractured vertebrae, and decreasing painkiller use. In all patients, percutaneous kyphoplasty partially or completely relieved back pain. No new deformity was found within the follow-up period, nor were any other complications. The cement leakage rate was 3.86% (8 of 207 vertebrae) with percutaneous kyphoplasty, but no neurological or other complaints were received. Percutaneous kyphoplasty is a simple and safe procedure in managing osteoporotic vertebrae compression fractures. It relieves pain quickly, restores vertebral height, prevents further fracture, and improves patient quality of life.     

Balloon kyphoplasty in the treatment of metastatic disease of the spine: a 2-year prospective evaluation

There is currently little data on the longer term efficacy and safety of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) in patients with metastatic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). To prospectively assess the long-term efficacy and safety of BKP in treating thoracic and lumbar spinal metastatic fractures that result in pain or instability. Sixty-five patients (37 men, mean age: 66 years) underwent 99 BKP procedures. Patient-related outcomes of pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index were assessed pre- and post-operatively and after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Correction of vertebral height and kyphotic deformity were assessed by radiographic measurements. Mean pain VAS and Oswestry Disability Index significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment (P < 0.0001), this improvement being sustained up to 24-month follow up. A gain in height restoration and a reduction of the post-operative kyphotic angle were seen post-operatively and at 3 months although these radiographic outcomes returned to pre-operative levels at 12 months. BKP was associated with a rate of cement leakage and incidence vertebral fracture of 12 and 8%, respectively. No symptomatic cement leaks or serious adverse events were seen during the 24 months of follow up. BKP is a minimally invasive procedure that provides immediate and long-term pain relief and improvement in functional ability in selected patients with metastatic VCFs. The procedure appears to have good long-term safety.     

经椎旁肌间隙入路椎弓根内固定不植骨治疗胸腰椎骨折临床疗效分析

目的:评价经椎旁肌间隙入路椎弓根内固定不植骨治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效。方法:自2006年1月至2009年1月,采用经椎旁肌间隙入路椎弓根内固定不植骨法治疗25例胸腰椎骨折患者,其中男15例,女10例;年龄17～49岁,平均39.3岁。Denis分类:屈曲型7例,爆裂型18例,不伴有神经损伤临床表现,影像学提示椎体矢状面角度变化大于20°和(或)椎体前缘塌陷大于40%,无椎间盘损伤的表现。伤后3～7d行手术治疗,平均5d。术后8～12个月取出内固定,分别于术前、术后1周内及术后24个月行影像学测量比较椎体高度及后凸角度,并将术前及最终随访时Oswestry功能障碍指数(OswestrydisabilityIndex,ODI)进行比较分析。结果:所有患者无手术相关并发症,25例均获随访,其中24例最后随访时间为术后24个月,1例为术后30个月。手术时间70～110min,平均90min;出血量120～280ml,平均200ml。椎体高度及后凸角度明显矫正,术后即刻及最终随访时椎体高度及后凸角度与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),内固定取出后最终随访时矫正无明显丢失,与术后即刻相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),最终随访时临床结果良好,Oswestry功能障碍指数为(5.36±1.21)%,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:对不伴有神经及椎间盘损伤Denis分型屈曲型或爆裂型胸腰椎骨折,经椎旁肌间隙入路椎弓根内固定不植骨法具有手术创伤小、术后恢复快及保留脊柱运动节段等优点。     

Minimally invasive technique of monoaxial percutaneous screws and instrumentational maneuvers in thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures

ObjectivesPercutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) has been a common surgery for treating thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures. Many studies have reported PPSF is associated with poor reduction. We present a reliable method by using short-segment monoaxial percutaneous screws and instrumentational maneuvers to reduce the spine. This study aimed to evaluate radiological and clinical results of this method of reduction compared to traditional polyaxial screws method in treating thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures.MethodsFrom February 2015 to February 2021, 64 patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures in our department were retrospectively reviewed and divided into experimental group and control group according to different treatment methods. The experimental group was treated with short-segment monoaxial percutaneous screws (which were inserted at the adjacent vertebrae one level above, one level below the fracture, and the fractured vertebra) and instrumentational maneuvers method, while the control group was treated with traditional polyaxial screws method. The operation time was recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed as the clinical outcomes. The anterior height of the injured vertebra (AVH), the kyphosis cobb angle and the vertebral wedge angle were used to evaluate the fracture radiological reduction.ResultsA total of 64 patients were enrolled including 31 in the experimental group and 33 in the control group. There were no significant difference in operation time, AVH, the kyphosis cobb angle,the wedge angle of injured vertebra,VAS and ODI score between the two groups in preoperation. In each group, there were significant differences in the AVH, the kyphosis cobb angle and wedge angle of injured vertebra between preoperation and immediate postoperation. In each group, there were significant differences in VAS and ODI score between the preoperation and last follow-up. The total correction rates of AVH,the kyphosis cobb angle and the wedge angle of injured vertebra were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group, while the loss of correction was significantly lower than the control.ConclusionsThe reduction technique using monoaxial percutaneous screws and instrumentational maneuvers for thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures exhibited better radiological results and satisfying functional outcomes when compared to traditional polyaxial screws.     

经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎单椎体楔形骨折与凹陷型骨折的效果

目的:探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎单椎体楔形骨折和凹陷型骨折的效果。方法:2008年1月~2009年12月对33例骨质疏松性胸腰椎单椎体压缩性骨折患者采用PKP治疗,其中楔形骨折18例(A组),凹陷型骨折15例(B组),观察术前和术后VAS评分、椎体前缘和中央高度比及局部后凸Cobb角。结果:33例患者均顺利完成手术。A组1例骨水泥向下位椎间盘渗漏,B组1例骨水泥向上位椎间盘渗漏、1例骨水泥沿穿刺针道渗漏,均未出现临床症状。A组术前、术后VAS分别为8.1±1.0分、2.3±0.6分,B组分别为8.2±0.8分、1.9±0.6分,每组术前术后评分差异有显著性(P<0.001)。A组术后椎体前缘高度比和中央高度比均较术前明显增加(P<0.05),后凸Cobb角较术前明显变小(P<0.05);B组术后椎体中央高度比与术前比较明显增加(P<0.05),前缘高度比和后凸Cobb角与术前比较无明显变化(P>0.05)。术后A组椎体前缘高度恢复比为(19.3±11.4)%,与B组的(6.4±6.2)%比较差异有显著性(P<0.05);A组中央高度恢复比为(15.9±9.3)%,与B组的(15.1±6.7)%比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。A组术后后凸Cobb角纠正6.7°±2.2°,B组纠正1.4°±1.3°,差异有显著性(P<0.001)。随访8~31个月,平均18.3个月,无患椎再骨折和邻近椎体骨折发生。结论:PKP治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎楔形和凹陷型椎体骨折可以迅速缓解疼痛,有效恢复椎体高度和维持脊柱序列,短期疗效满意。     

Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are common in the elderly population and often involve the thoracolumbar vertebrae. Clinical symptoms of OVCFs include severe pain, loss of vertebral height, progressive kyphosis and increased mortality. Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty is a recently developed OVCFs treatment modality, with few systematic studies present in the literature. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty for treating thoracolumbar OVCFs. Sixteen elderly patients (55–85 years) with solitary thoracolumbar OVCFs were treated with this procedure and followed-up (10–27 months). The amount of injected bone cement and operative time, preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scores, anterior and middle vertebral body heights, local kyphosis angle, and complications was analysed. The results showed that the method provided long-term pain relief and restoration of the vertebral body height and spinal alignment. No serious complications occurred, but two patients experienced recompression of the vertebral body, and one patient experienced cement leakage into a disc. In conclusion, Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for treatment of OVCFs.     

Comparative study of balloon kyphoplasty with unilateral versus bilateral approach in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

This study analyses the radiological and clinical results according to the two techniques of unilateral and bilateral balloon kyphoplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Fifty-two patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures occurring at the thoracolumbar junction were enrolled in this study. All patients were classified into two groups; group I was treated with a unilateral approach and group II with a bilateral approach. The Cobb angle was measured each time to evaluate the kyphotic angle during the pre- and post-operative periods and at last follow-up, and a 10-point visual analog scale for pain was recorded at the same time. We found that the bilateral approach had a greater advantage in the reduction of kyphosis and the loss of reduction was less than the unilateral approach for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.     

Should we fear cement leakage during kyphoplasty in percutaneous traumatic spine surgery? A single experience with 76 consecutive cases

ObjectiveAlthough kyphoplasty is widely used to repair osteoporotic and pathologic vertebral fractures, balloon kyphoplasty and vertebral body stenting are new treatment options in cases of traumatic spinal injury. To our knowledge, there are no literature data on the incidence of cement leakage whereas these two percutaneous techniques are commonly used to repair non-pathologic fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical characteristics and the incidence of cement leakage associated with balloon kyphoplasty and vertebral body stenting in the percutaneous treatment of traumatic spinal injury.MethodsA series of 76 consecutive kyphoplasties (50 with vertebral body stenting and 26 balloon kyphoplasties) were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans were analyzed in order to detect cement leakage and grade it as minor, moderate or major.ResultsThe overall leakage rate was 50%. None of the leakages gave rise to clinical symptoms. Although balloon kyphoplasty and vertebral body stenting did not differ in terms of the leakage rate, the latter technique was associated with a lower leakage volume. The Magerl type, fracture level and use of concomitant osteosynthesis did not appear to significantly influence the leakage rate.ConclusionVertebral body stenting can reduce the amount of cement leakage due to a better cohesion of the bone fragments after kyphosis correction and maintenance.     

Kyphoplasty enhances function and structural alignment in multiple myeloma

We prospectively evaluated 19 patients with multiple myeloma who had kyphoplasty for vertebral compression fractures. Functional status was assessed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively using the Oswestry Disability Index. Restoration of anterior and midvertebral height was assessed using lateral radiographs. Meaningful improvement occurred in 16 of 19 patients, with a reduction of the average Oswestry Disability Index from 49 +/- 16.6 to 32.6 +/- 13.6. Partial restoration of anterior vertebral body height was achieved in 76% of levels with an average of 37.8% restoration of the defect. Partial restoration of midvertebral body height was achieved in 91% of levels with an average restoration of 53.4% of the defect. There were no significant complications. These results were compared with results of a cohort of 26 patients with osteoporotic compression fractures treated with kyphoplasty at 37 levels. There was no difference between the groups in terms of Oswestry Disability Index improvement and midvertebral height restoration after 3 months. Greater anterior vertebral height restoration was achieved in the osteoporotic group (51.2% versus 37.8%). Kyphoplasty is a safe treatment modality for myeloma-related vertebral compression fractures. Efficacy in terms of pain relief and functional outcome is comparable with the results in patients with osteoporosis.     

Percutaneous mesh-container-plasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures: A prospective,nonrandomized comparative study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous mesh-container-plasty (PMCP) versus percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures.MethodsA prospective study of 122 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures was conducted. The patients were nonrandomly assigned to receive PKP (62; 16 men, 46 women) and PMCP (60; 14 men, 46 women). The epidemiological data, surgical outcomes, and clinical and radiological features were compared between the 2 groups. Cement leakage, height restoration, deformity correction, canal compromise, and cement distribution were calculated from the radiographs. Visual pain analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and short-form 36 health survey domains role physical (SF-36 rp) and bodily pain (SF-36 bp) were calculated before surgery and immediately and 2 years after surgery.ResultsAlthough VAS, ODI, SF-36 bp, and SF-36 rp scores improved from 7 (6–9), 71.28±16.38, 22 (0–32), and 25 (0–50) preoperatively to 2 (1–3), 20.02±8.97, 84 (84–84), and 75 (75–100) immediately postoperatively in the PMCP group (p<0.05) and from 7 (6–8), 71.40±13.52, 22 (10.5–31.75), and 25 (0–50) preoperatively to 2 (1–3), 21.78±11.21, 84 (84–84), and 75 (75–100) immediately postoperatively in the PKP group (p<0.05), there was no difference between the 2 groups. The mean cost in the PKP group was less than that in the PMCP group ($5109±231 vs. $6699±201, p<0.05). Anterior, middle, and posterior vertebral body height ratios in the PMCP group were greater than those in the PKP group postoperatively (88.44%±3.76% vs. 81.10%±11.78%, 86.15%±3.50% vs. 82.30%±11.02%, and 93.91%±3.01% vs. 91.43%±6.71%, respectively, p<0.05). The Cobb angle in the PMCP group was lower than that in the PKP group postoperatively (6.67°±4.39° vs. 8.99°±4.06°, p<0.05). Cement distribution in the PMCP group was higher than that in the PKP group (30.48%±5.62% vs. 27.18%±4.87%, p<0.05). Cement leakage was observed to be lesser in the PMCP group (2/60) than in the PKP group (10 vs. 62, p<0.05).ConclusionBoth PKP and PMCP treatments seem to have significant ability in pain relief and functional recovery. Despite its higher cost, PMCP treatment may have a better inhibition ability of cement leakage, cement distribution, height restoration, and improvement in segmental kyphosis than PKP treatment for osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures.Level of EvidenceLevel II, Therapeutic Study     

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty in Spinal Trauma

Abstract Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty have become recognized procedures for the treatment of vertebral fractures, especially in patients with osteoporosis. In most cases of osteoporotic spinal vertebral fracture in elderly patients, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement is used to fill the defect and stabilize the vertebral body. The techniques of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty differ in the possibility of realignment and reconstruction of the vertebral body and spinal column. Long-term results in terms of integration of the cement and bioreactivity of the vertebral body are still lacking; so, these procedures are still no options in the treatment of younger patients. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty show different success in the management of fresh traumatic spine fractures. The acute traumatic vertebral fracture has to be classified sensitively, to find the right indication for cement augmentation. Mild acute compression fractures can be treated by vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, severe compression and burst fractures by combination of internal fixation and kyphoplasty. The indications for use of biological or osteoinductive cement in spinal fracture management must still be regarded as restricted owing to the lack of basic biomechanical research data. Such cement should not be used except in clinical studies.