The Effect of Postural Correction and Subsequent Balloon Inflation in Deformity Correction of Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Objective

To determine deformity correction by postural correction and subsequent balloon inflation in acute vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) and to examine the effect of bone mineral density on deformity correction.

Methods

A totol of 50 acute OVCFs received balloon kyphoplasty. Lateral radiographs were taken and analyzed at five different time points : 1) preoperative, 2) after placing the patient in prone hyperextended position, 3) after balloon inflation, 4) after deposition of the cement, and 5) postoperative. All fractures were analyzed for height restoration of anterior (Ha), middle (Hm) and posterior (Hp) vertebra as well as Cobb angle and Kyphotic angle. The bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. According to the T-score, the patients were divided into two groups which were osteoporosis group and osteopenia group.

Results

Postoperative measurements of Ha, Hm and the Cobb angle demonstrated significant reduction of 4.62 mm, 3.66 mm and 5.34° compared with the preoperative measurements, respectively (each p<0.05). Postural correction significantly increased Ha by 5.51 mm, Hm by 4.35 mm and improved the Cobb angle by 8.32° (each p<0.05). Balloon inflation did not demonstrate a significant improvement of Ha, Hm or the Cobb angle compared with baseline prone hyperextended. Postural correction led to greater improvements of Ha, Hm and Cobb angle in osteoporosis group than osteopenia group (each p<0.05).

Conclusion

In acute OVCFs, the height restoration was mainly attributed to postural correction rather than deformity correction by balloon inflation. BMD affected deformity correction in the process of postural correction.     

Outcome and Efficacy of Height Gain and Sagittal Alignment after Kyphoplasty of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Objective

Although a significant correction of local kyphosis has been reported previously, only a few studies have investigated whether this correction leads to an improved overall sagittal alignment. The study objective was to determine whether an improvement in the local kyphotic angle improves the overall sagittal alignment. We examined and compared the effects of thoracic and lumbar level kyphoplasty procedures on local versus overall sagittal alignment of the spine.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who showed poor response to conventional, palliative medical therapy underwent single-level kyphoplasty. The pertinent clinical data of these patients, from June 2006 to November 2006, were reviewed retrospectively. We measured preoperative and postoperative vertebral body heights, which were classified as anterior, middle, or posterior fractured vertebral body heights. Furthermore, the local and overall sagittal angles after polymethylmethacrylate deposition were measured.

Results

More height was gained at the thoracic level, and the middle vertebral height regained the most. A significant local kyphosis correction was observed at the fractured level, and the correction at larger spanning segments decreased with the distance from the fractured level.

Conclusion

The inflatable balloon kyphoplasty procedure was the most effective in regaining the height of the thoracic fractured vertebra in the middle vertebral body. The kyphosis correction by kyphoplasty was mainly achieved in the fractured vertebral body. Sagittal angular correction decreased with an increase in the distance from the fractured vertebra. No significant improvement was observed in the overall sagittal alignment after kyphoplasty. Further studies in a larger population are required to clarify this issue.     

Analysis of Results Using Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for the Treatment of Avascular Necrosis of the Vertebral Body

Objective

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the vertebral body is known as a relatively uncommon phenomenon in a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). The outstanding radiologic findings of AVN are intravertebral vacuum phenomenon with or without fluid collection. Several reports revealed that PVP or balloon kyphoplasty might be the effective treatment modalities for AVN. We also experienced excellent results when using PVP for the treatment of AVN of the vertebral body, and intend to describe the treatment''s efficacy in this report.

Methods

Thirty-two patients diagnosed with AVN of the vertebral body were treated with PVP. We measured the pre- and post-operative anterior body height and kyphotic angulation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine the relief of back pain.

Results

The anterior body height (pre-operative : 1.49 cm, post-operative : 2.22 cm) and kyphotic angulation (pre-operative : 14.47 degrees, post-operative : 6.57 degrees) were significantly restored (p<0.001). VAS was improved from 8.9 to 3.7. Pseudoarthrosis was corrected in all cases, which was confirmed by dynamic radiographs. Fluid collection was found in sixteen cases and was aspirated with serous nature. No organism and tumor cell were noted.

Conclusion

PVP proved to be an effective procedure for the treatment of AVN of the vertebral body, which corrected dynamic instability and significantly restored the anterior body height and kyphotic angulation.     

The Role of Bone Cement Augmentation in the Treatment of Chronic Symptomatic Osteoporotic Compression Fracture

Objective

Bone cement augmentation procedures such as percutaneous vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty have been shown to be effective treatment for acute or subacute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of bone cement augmentation procedures for long standing osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with late vertebral collapse and persistent back pain.

Methods

Among 278 single level osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures that were treated by vertebral augmentation procedures at our institute, 18 consecutive patients were included in this study. Study inclusion was limited to initially, minimal compression fractures, but showing a poor prognosis due to late vertebral collapse, intravertebral vacuum clefts and continuous back pain despite conservative treatment for more than one year. The subjects included three men and 15 women. The mean age was 70.7 with a range from 64 to 85 years of age. After postural reduction for two days, bone cement augmentation procedures following intraoperative pressure reduction were performed. Imaging and clinical findings, including the level of the vertebra involved, vertebral height restoration, injected cement volume, local kyphosis, clinical outcome and complications were analyzed.

Results

The mean follow-up period after bone cement augmentation procedures was 14.3 months (range 12-27 months). The mean injected cement volume was 4.1 mL (range 2.4-5.9 mL). The unipedicular approach was possible in 15 patients. The mean pain score (visual analogue scale) prior to surgery was 7.1, which decreased to 3.1 at 7 days after the procedure. The pain relief was maintained at the final follow up. The kyphotic angle improved significantly from 21.2 ± 4.9° before surgery to 10.4 ± 3.8° after surgery. The fraction of vertebral height increased from 30% to 60% after bone cement augmentation, and the restored vertebral height was maintained at the final follow up. There were no serious complications related to cement leakage.

Conclusion

In the management of even long-standing osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture for over one year, bone cement augmentation procedures following postural reduction were considered safe and effective treatment in cases of non-healing evidence.     

Optimal patient positioning for ligamentotaxis during balloon kyphoplasty of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine

Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty aims to restore vertebral height, correct angular deformity and stabilize the spine in the setting of vertebral compression fractures. The patient is positioned prone with supports under the iliac crests and upper thorax to allow gravity to extend the spine. In the treatment of lumbar fractures, we evaluated patient positioning with the contribution of hip extension to increase anterior ligamentotaxis, thus facilitating restoration of vertebral height. Our positioning technique created a mean anterior height increase from 72% to 78% of the average height of the cranial and caudal vertebrae (p = 0.037). Balloon inflation did not significantly further increase anterior or posterior vertebral height, or Cobb angle.     

Balloon Kyphoplasty through Extrapedicular Approach in the Treatment of Middle Thoracic Osteoporotic Compression Fracture : T5-T8 Level

Objective

Kyphoplasty performed in the middle thoracic spine presents technical challenges that differ from those in the lower thoracic or lumbar region due to small pedicle size and angular severity for thoracic kyphosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach for the treatment of intractable osteoporotic compression fractures in the middle thoracic spine.

Methods

The patients who were performed with one level balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach due to painful osteoporotic compression fractures at T5-T8 from June 2003 to July 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging and clinical features were analyzed including involved vertebrae level, vertebral height, injected cement volume, clinical outcome and complications.

Results

Eighteen female patients (age ranged from 60 to 77 years old) were included in this study. The average amount of the implanted cement was 4.2±1.5 cc. The mean cobb angle and compression rate were improved from 12.1±6.5° to 8.5±7.2° and from 30% to 15%, respectively. The mean pain score (visual analogue scale) prior to kyphoplasty was 7.9 and it decreased to 3.0 after the procedure. Cement leakage to the adjacent disc (2 cases) and paravertebral soft tissues (1 case) were seen but there were no major complications such as pneumothorax, segmental artery injury, pulmonary embolism, or epidural leakage.

Conclusion

Balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach is considered as a safe and effective in treating the middle thoracic regions with low complication rate.     

Unilateral Extrapedicular Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty in Lumbar Compression Fractures : Technique, Anatomy and Preliminary Results

Objective

A single balloon extrapedicular kyphoplasty has been introduced as one of the unilateral approaches for thoracic compression fractures; however, the unilateral extrapedicular technique in the lumbar area needs a further understanding of structures in the lumbar area. The purpose of the present study is to describe methods and pitfalls of this procedure based on the anatomy of the lumbar area and to analyze clinical outcome and complications.

Methods

Anatomical evaluation was performed with 2 human cadavers. A retrospective review of unilateral extrapedicular approaches yielded 74 vertebral levels in 55 patients that were treated with unilateral extrapedicular vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Radiographic assessment included the restoration rate of vertebral height and correction of kyphosis.

Results

Anatomical evaluation indicates that the safe needle entry zone of bone for the extrapedicular approach was located in the supero-lateral aspect of the junction between the pedicle and vertebral body. The unilateral extrapedicular procedure achieved adequate pain relief with a mean decreases in pain severity of 7.25±1.5 and 2.0±1.4, respectively. Complications were 1 retroperitoneal hematoma, 6 unilateral fillings and 3 epidural leak of the polymethylmethacrylate.

Conclusion

The method of a unilateral extrapedicular approach in kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the lumbar area might be similar to that in thoracic approach using a route via the extrapedicular space. However, different anatomical characteristics of the lumbar area should be considered.     

Post-traumatic osteoporotic vertebral osteonecrosis treated using balloon kyphoplasty

Nineteen patients with post-traumatic osteoporotic vertebral osteonecrosis were treated using percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty. The anterior and middle vertebral heights, as well as the kyphotic angle, were measured using a standing lateral radiograph before surgery, 2 days after surgery and at the final follow-up. At the same time points, a visual analog scale and the Oswestry Disability Index were used to evaluate pain status and functional activity, respectively. The mean follow-up was 24.7 months (range: 7-36 months). Statistically significant improvements were observed between the preoperative and postoperative assessments for each evaluated measure (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the postoperative and final follow-up assessments (p > 0.05). Asymptomatic cement leakage into the intervertebral disc occurred in three patients. This study suggests that balloon kyphoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for treating this disease entity.     

Efficacy and safety of vertebral stenting for painful vertebral compression fractures in patients with metastatic disease

Abstract

Background and Purpose:

Painful vertebral compression fractures in cancer patients reduce quality of life and may limit survival. We assessed pain relief, vertebral height restoration, and kyphosis correction following vertebral augmentation using a novel expandable titanium stent implant in cancer patients with painful vertebral compression fractures.

Materials and Methods:

Patients >18 years of age with metastatic disease who presented symptomatic compression fractures of vertebral bodies T5–L5, with or without a history of osteoporosis, were included in the study. Back pain at presentation, immediately after vertebral stenting, and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up was estimated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Vertebral height and local kyphotic angle (alpha angle) were measured on lateral standing X-ray before and 1–3 months after stenting.

Results:

Forty-one cancer patients with painful vertebral compression fractures underwent vertebral stenting procedures at 55 levels. There was no perioperative mortality and no significant complication. Median preoperative VAS was 8·0 (range 8–10), falling to 2·0 immediately postop (range 1–6, P = 0·000) and 0 at all subsequent follow-up (P ≤ 0·012). Mean preoperative vertical height loss was 25·8% (range 0–84·0%) versus a postoperative mean of 18·0% (range 0–66·0%, P = 0·000). Median pre- and postoperative kyphotic angle improved from 8·3° (range 0·2°–54·0°) to 7·1° (range 0·2°–25·0°, P = 0·000). Wilcoxon signed rank test or student's t-test was used for comparisons.

Conclusions:

Vertebral augmentation using a novel vertebral stenting system provided immediate and enduring pain relief and improved vertebral height loss and kyphotic angle.     

经皮椎体后凸成形治疗中骨水泥渗漏对椎体高度恢复的影响

摘要 背景：将经皮椎体后凸成形通过球囊加压扩张在椎体内形成周围有相对致密松质骨的空腔,可有效降低骨水泥渗漏率,同时扩张的球囊有助于塌陷椎体的复位,矫正脊柱后凸畸形。 目的：回顾性分析手法复位后将经皮椎体后凸成形注入骨水泥治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折渗漏情况及对椎体高度恢复的影响。 方法：选择2008-02/2010-06华北石油总医院骨科行经皮椎体后凸成形治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折患者31例,41椎体。平均年龄69(53~82)岁。并于术前手法按压使腰部过伸复位。观察患者术后疼痛缓解、椎体高度恢复以及骨水泥渗漏情况。 结果与结论: 所有患者术后随访8~13(11.0±1.6)个月。患者视觉模拟疼痛评分由术前6.7±1.9下降至术后1.3±1.2,差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05)。椎体高度由术前(15.7±5.2) mm恢复至(20.2±4.5) mm,椎体高度显著恢复(P < 0.05)。发生骨水泥渗漏3例,均无明显临床症状。说明术前手法复位后经皮椎体后凸成形将骨水泥注入骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折可以显著恢复椎体高度,止痛效果良好且无严重渗漏发生。 关键词：经皮椎体后凸成形;骨质疏松;骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折;骨水泥;生物材料 doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.42.038     

球囊扩张椎体后凸成形注入骨水泥治疗骨质疏松性脊柱骨折58例

背景：探讨球囊扩张椎体后凸成形注入骨水泥治疗骨质疏松性脊柱骨折的疗效。 方法：采用球囊扩张椎体后凸成形治疗老年人骨质疏松性单节段椎体压缩性骨折58例,58个椎体。病变位于T6~L4椎体,以T10~L2胸腰段发生多见。所有患者均采用局麻方法,患者俯卧于脊柱外科手术架上,在C臂透视下行单侧或双侧椎弓根穿刺,注入骨水泥。 结果：发生骨水泥渗漏8例,骨水泥沿后纵韧带渗漏至邻近椎体后缘1例,椎体外边缘6例,皮下1例,但患者没有临床症状。治疗后脊柱 X射线片显示椎体高度有所恢复,脊柱后凸畸形改善。所有患者疼痛明显缓解,疼痛缓解率100%,视觉模拟评分、后凸角度、活动能力评分治疗前与治疗后6个月比较,差异有显著性意义(P < 0. 05),治疗后6个月与随访结束时比较差异无显著性意义(P > 0. 05)。 结论：球囊扩张椎体后凸成形注入骨水泥治疗能够明显缓解骨质疏松性脊柱骨折导致的疼痛,并可以部分恢复椎体高度和脊柱后凸畸形,有利于改善脊柱的功能,提高患者的生活质量。 关键词：球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术;骨质疏松;胸腰椎骨折 doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2009.47.040     

Kyphoplasty for the treatment of malignant vertebral compression fractures caused by metastases

Despite the literature supporting the efficacy of kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in multiple myeloma, few reports exist documenting its use in the treatment of malignant vertebral compression fractures (MVCF) caused by metastases. Accordingly, we sought to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty in the treatment of MVCF without epidural involvement. We performed a retrospective review of clinical outcome data for 48 patients with multiple spinal metastases treated with kyphoplasty. Outcome data (vertebral body height variation, degree of kyphosis, visual analog scale score for pain, Oswestry Disability Index score, the Short Form-36 [SF-36] questionnaire score for function) were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment. Significant improvements in all of the outcome measures were observed postoperatively and throughout the duration of follow-up. The mean anterior vertebral body height variation improved from 52.7 ± 16.8% preoperatively to 85.3% ± 13.2% postoperatively (p < 0.001). Kyphotic angle improved from 16.4° ± 4.7° preoperatively to 8.4° ± 2.5° postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean visual analog scale score decreased significantly from presurgery to postsurgery (7.4 ± 2.1 to 3.8 ± 1.6; p < 0.001), as did the Oswestry Disability Index score (71.5 ± 16.7 to 32.4 ± 9.6; p < 0.001). The SF-36 scores for bodily pain, physical function, vitality, and social functioning all also showed significant improvement (p < 0.05). Kyphoplasty is an effective, minimally invasive procedure for the stabilization of pathological vertebral fractures caused by metastatic disease, even in levels with vertebral wall deficiency, leading to a statistically significant reduction in pain, improvement in function and prevention of further kyphotic deformity of the spine.     

Bone Cement Augmentation of Short Segment Fixation for Unstable Burst Fracture in Severe Osteoporosis

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of short segment fixation following postural reduction for the re-expansion and stabilization of unstable burst fractures in patients with osteoporosis.

Methods

Twenty patients underwent short segment fixation following postural reduction using a soft roll at the involved vertebra in cases of severely collapsed vertebrae of more than half their original height. All patients had unstable burst fracture with canal compromise, but their motor power was intact. The surgical procedure included postural reduction for 2 days and bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixations at one level above, one level below and the fractured level itself. Imaging and clinical findings, including the level of the vertebra involved, vertebral height restoration, injected cement volume, local kyphosis, clinical outcome and complications were analyzed.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 15 months. The mean pain score (visual analogue scale) prior to surgery was 8.1, which decreased to 2.8 at 7 days after surgery. The kyphotic angle improved significantly from 21.6±5.8° before surgery to 5.2±3.7° after surgery. The fraction of the height of the vertebra increased from 35% and 40% to 70% in the anterior and middle portion. There were no signs of hardware pull-out, cement leakage into the spinal canal or aggravation of kyphotic deformities.

Conclusion

In the management of unstable burst fracture in patients with severe osteoporosis, short segment pedicle screw fixation with bone cement augmentation following postural reduction can be used to reduce the total levels of pedicle screw fixation and to correct kyphotic deformities.     

Clinical Outcomes after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Pathologic Compression Fractures in Osteolytic Metastatic Spinal Disease

Objective

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) can provide immediate stabilization in pathologic fractures of spinal tumors. However, long term follow-up data in cases of pathologic fractures are lacking. The authors report follow-up results of VP in 185 pathologic fractures of 102 spinal tumor patients.

Methods

Percutaneous VP was performed at 185 vertebral bodies of 102 patients from 2001 to 2007. Retrospective analysis was done with medical records and radiological data. The change of visual analogue score (VAS), vertebral body (VB) height and kyphotic angle were measured preoperatively and on postoperative one day and at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

The patients were composed of metastatic spine tumors (81%) and multiple myeloma (19%). Involved spinal segments were between T6 and L5. Mean follow-up period was 12.2 months. VAS for back pain was 8.24 preoperatively, 3.59 (postoperative one day), 4.08 (three months) and 5.22 (one year). VB compression ratio changed from 21.33% preoperatively to 13.82% (postoperative one day), 14.36% (three month), and 16.04% (one year). Kyphotic angle changed from 15.35° preoperatively to 12.03° (postoperative one day), 13.64° (three month), and 15.61° (one year).

Conclusion

Immediate pain relief was definite after VP in pathologic compression fracture of osteolytic spinal disease. Although VAS was slightly increased on one year follow-up, VP effect was maintained without significant change. These results indicate that VP could be a safe and effective procedure as a palliative treatment of the spinal tumor patients.     

单侧与双侧入路脊柱行后凸成形治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的Meta分析

背景：椎体后凸成形明显改善了骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的治疗过程,但临床上对于单侧入路还是双侧入路还存在一定争议。 目的：对比单侧与双侧入路脊柱后凸成形治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的疗效。 方法：全面收集椎体单侧与双侧入路脊柱后凸成形治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的随机对照研究,由两个研究者独立评价文献,并采集数据,在严格文献质量评价的基础上,进行Meta系统评价。 结果与结论：共纳入5篇文献,241例患者。在止痛及骨水泥渗漏方面,两种脊柱入路差异无显著性意义(P=0.99,P=0.56);在改善后凸角度方面,双侧入路优于单侧入路(P=0.05);在手术时间方面,单侧入路优于双侧入路(P < 0.000 01)。表明单侧入路与双侧入路均能明显减轻疼痛,二者差异无显著性意义;二者骨水泥渗漏率差异无显著性意义;双侧入路可更好地改善脊柱后凸角度,但手术时间较长;鉴于纳入的文献质量不高,结论尚需更多设计严谨的随机对照研究加以证实。     

Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up Result of Degenerative Spinal Stenosis Treated with Interspinous U (Coflex?)

Objective

Clinical and radiological results of posterior dynamic stabilization using interspinous U (ISU, Coflex™, Paradigm Spine Inc.®, NY, USA) were analyzed in comparison with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted for a consecutive series of 61 patients with degenerative LSS between May 2003 and December 2005. We included only the patients completed minimum 24 months follow up evaluation. Among them, 30 patients were treated with implantation of ISU after decompressive laminectomy (Group ISU) and 31 patients were treated with wide decompressive laminectomy and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF; Group PLIF). We evaluated visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for clinical outcomes (VAS, ODI), disc height ratio disc height (DH), disc height/vertebral body length ×100), static vertebral slip (VS) and depth of maximal radiolucent gap between ISU and spinous process) in preoperative, immediate postoperative and last follow up.

Results

The mean age of group ISU (66.2 ± 6.7 years) was 6.2 years older than the mean age of group PLIF (60.4 ± 8.1 years; p = 0.003 ). In both groups, clinical measures improved significantly than preoperative values (p < 0.001). Operation time and blood loss was significantly shorter and lower in group ISU than group PLIF (p < 0.001). In group ISU, the DH increased transiently in immediate postoperative period (15.7 ± 4.5% → 18.6 ± 5.9%), however decreased significantly in last follow up (13.8 ± 6.6%, p = 0.027). Vertebral slip (VS) of spondylolisthesis in group ISU increased during postoperative follow-up (2.3 ± 3.3 → 8.7 ± 6.2, p = 0.040). Meanwhile, the postoperatively improved DH and VS was maintained in group PLIF in last follow up.

Conclusion

According to our result, implantation of ISU after decompressive laminectomy in degenerative LSS is less invasive and provides similar clinical outcome in comparison with the instrumented fusion. However, the device has only transient effect on the postoperative restoration of disc height and reduction of slip in spondylolisthesis. Therefore, in the biomechanical standpoint, it is hard to expect that use of Interspinous U in decompressive laminectomy for degenerative LSS had long term beneficial effect.     

Osteoporotic burst fracture with spinal canal compromise treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty

Objective

There has been minimal literature reporting on results of osteoporotic burst fracture with spinal canal compromise treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty. Vertebroplasty for treatment of osteoporotic burst fracture is controversial. We want to clarify whether the osteoporotic burst fracture with spinal canal compromise is a contraindication to percutaneous vertebroplasty. To compare the clinical and radiological results between osteoporotic burst and compression fractures treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Patients and methods

From 2005 through 2006, 23 osteoporotic burst fracture patients with asymptomatic spinal canal compromise and 41 osteoporotic compression fracture patients underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty. Pre- and post-operative pain scores, functional and radiographic results and complications were analyzed.

Results

The average canal compromise in study group was 15% (5–49%). The mean post-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Score (VAS), kyphotic angle, vertebral body height measurement from the anterior, central and posterior part of the body are all significantly improved in both the study and control groups when compared to pre-operative data. However, there was no significant difference between study and control groups in pre- and post-operative ODI, VAS, kyphotic angle and improvement of body height. There were no significant differences (P = 0.3797) in cement leakage rate between burst and compression groups (47.8% vs 36.6%). All the leakages were minor and without neurological deficit. The percentage of adjacent fractures in both groups also had no significant differences (39.1% in burst and 41.5% in compression group).

Conclusions

Osteoporotic burst fracture with asymptomatic spinal canal compromise is not a contraindication for percutaneous vertebroplasty. This procedure is suitable for both osteoporotic burst and compression fracture with careful surgical technique.     

Implant Removal after Percutaneous Short Segment Fixation for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture : Does It Preserve Motion?

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of implant removal of percutaneous short segment fixation after vertebral fracture consolidation in terms of motion preservation.

Methods

Between May 2007 and January 2011, 44 patients underwent percutaneous short segment screw fixation due to a thoracolumbar burst fracture. Sixteen of these patients, who underwent implant removal 12 months after screw fixation, were enrolled in this study. Motor power was intact in all patients, despite significant vertebral height loss and canal compromise. The patients were divided into two groups by degree of osteoporosis : Group A (n=8), the non-osteoporotic group, and Group B (n=8), the osteoporotic group. Imaging and clinical findings including vertebral height loss, kyphotic angle, range of motion (ROM), and complications were analyzed.

Results

Significant pain relief was achieved in both groups at final follow-up versus preoperative values. In terms of vertebral height loss, both groups showed significant improvement at 12 months after screw fixation and restored vertebral height was maintained to final follow-up in spite of some correction loss. ROM (measured using Cobb''s method) in flexion and extension in Group A was 10.5° (19.5/9.0°) at last follow-up, and in Group B was 10.2° (18.8/8.6°) at last follow-up. Both groups showed marked improvement in ROM as compared with the screw fixation state, which was considered motionless.

Conclusion

Removal of percutaneous implants after vertebral fracture consolidation can be an effective treatment to preserve motion regardless of osteoporosis for thoracolumbar burst fractures.     

Surgical outcome of posterior fixation,including fractured vertebra,for thoracolumbar fractures

Objective:

To evaluate the role of posterior fixation including the fractured vertebra (PFFV) for the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.

Methods:

Sixty-seven patients that sustained a single-level thoracolumbar fracture were included in this retrospective study carried out in the Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi, China between August 2010 and June 2013. Thirty-two cases were treated with PFFV, and 35 cases were treated with traditional short-segment fixation (TSSF). All patients were periodically followed-up with clinical and radiologic evaluation. Cobb’s angle and vertebral body height were analyzed and compared, and the operational time, intra-operational blood loss, and the Denis pain scale scores were also compared.

Results:

Compared with preoperative angles, the Cobb’s angles were reduced and the vertebral body height of the fractured vertebra was increased after operation at a statistically significant level. Twelve months post-operative, the loss of Cobb’s angle and vertebral body height in the PFFV group was significantly less than that in the TSSF group. There was no statistical significance in the Denis pain scale score 12 months post-operatively between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Selective adoption of PFFV is helpful not only for stabilization of fractures and restoration of anatomy, but also maintaining the effectiveness of the restoration with good functional outcome.Thoracolumbar fractures are among the most common type of traumatic spine fractures. Surgical treatment is necessary if stability or neurological function is impaired.1 Restoration of the vertebral column stability and decompression of the spinal canal are the main goals of surgical treatment.2 Posterior short-segment fixation has the advantage of using a less extensive approach with less blood loss and complications without compromising the quality of stabilization, and spares healthy mobile segments in fusion, and thus preserves mobility.3 Traditional short-segment fixation (TSSF) is a widely used technique in the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures. It not only provides distraction and compression forces that facilitate 3-dimensional correction and firm fixation, but it also preserves motion segments.4 It can offer several advantages: immediate stability, restoration of the vertebral height and deformity angle, and prevention of late neurological injury.5 However, TSSF has been associated with a high rate of failure.6 The latter is usually associated with implant failure and loss of reduction of kyphosis. Posterior fixation including the fractured vertebra (PFFV) is a novel idea used to overcome the shortcomings of TSSF. The technique avoids the suspension effect and quadrilateral effect, dispensing the internal fixing load and reducing the correction degree losses and internal fixation fractures, and it shows good efficacy in clinical application.7 However, there are still only a few randomized controlled studies7 and the relevant theory requires further investigation. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of PFFV and TSSF in the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture.     

Long-Term Follow-Up Radiologic and Clinical Evaluation of Cylindrical Cage for Anterior Interbody Fusion in Degenerative Cervical Disc Disease

Objective

Various procedures have been introduced for anterior interbody fusion in degenerative cervical disc disease including plate systems with autologous iliac bone, carbon cages, and cylindrical cages. However, except for plate systems, the long-term results of other methods have not been established. In the present study, we evaluated radiologic findings for cylindrical cervical cages over long-term follow up periods.

Methods

During 4 year period, radiologic findings of 138 patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion with cylindrical cage were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 36 postoperative months using plain radiographs. We investigated subsidence, osteophyte formation (anterior and posterior margin), cage direction change, kyphotic angle, and bone fusion on each radiograph.

Results

Among the 138 patients, a minimum of 36 month follow-up was achieved in 99 patients (mean follow-up : 38.61 months) with 115 levels. Mean disc height was 7.32 mm for preoperative evaluations, 9.00 for immediate postoperative evaluations, and 4.87 more than 36 months after surgery. Osteophytes were observed in 107 levels (93%) of the anterior portion and 48 levels (41%) of the posterior margin. The mean kyphotic angle was 9.87° in 35 levels showing cage directional change. There were several significant findings : 1) related subsidence [T-score (p=0.039) and anterior osteophyte (p=0.009)], 2) accompanying posterior osteophyte and outcome (p=0.05).

Conclusion

Cage subsidence and osteophyte formation were radiologically observed in most cases. Low T-scores may have led to subsidence and kyphosis during bone fusion although severe neurologic aggravation was not found, and therefore cylindrical cages should be used in selected cases.