AO-classification of thoracic and lumbar fractures—reproducibility utilizing radiographs and clinical information

This study was designed to assess the inter-observer reliability and intra-observer reproducibility of standard radiographic evaluation of 150 thoraco-lumbar fractures using the AO-classification. The influence of clinical information on agreement levels was also evaluated. Six observers (two junior and four senior residents) evaluated the radiographic images. The injuries were classified by each observer as either type A, B or C according to the AO-classification system and the levels of agreement were documented. After 3 months the injuries were again classified with the addition of the clinical findings of each patient and the level of agreement evaluated. The level of agreement was measured using Cohen’s κ-test. The overall inter-observer agreement was rated as fair (0.291) in the first session and moderate (0.403) in the second. Intra-observer values ranged from slight (0.181) to moderate (0.488). The increased level of agreement in the second session was attributed to the value of additional clinical information, the learning curve of the junior residents and the simplicity of the classification.     

胸腰椎骨折的分类与治疗选择

胸腰椎骨折是临床工作中常见的损伤，其损伤病理机制复杂，不同类型的损伤要求不同的治疗原则与方法。同时，临床众多的治疗方法也各有其较强的适应证。随着医学基础、相关学科及工业技术的发展，脊柱外科领域的许多基本概念、诊断标准、治疗理念和治疗方法不断完善。特别是近20年来，脊柱外科诊断治疗水平的进步十分令人鼓舞，如三维CT、MRI把人体视如透明体，C形臂透视机、导航仪、内窥镜、各种脊柱手术工具和内置物的临床应用，使得胸腰椎骨折的外科治疗取得了令人满意的临床效果。     

Near-anatomical reduction and stabilization of burst fractures of the lower thoracic or lumbar spine

Summary Thirty-one consecutive symptomatic patients with burst fractures of the lower thoracic or lumbar spine (T11-L4) were treated by early surgery in a 36-month period, with near-anatomical reduction being achieved via the postero-lateral route. Fusion and reconstruction of the vertebral body was done by using autologous or processed bovine bone. Correction of the kyphotic deformity was obtained by using distraction rods or transpedicular devices. The post-operative mean degree of kyphosis, percent vertebral height, and percent canal stenosis showed statistically significant differences, compared with the corresponding pre-operative mean values. All but one of the 25 patiens with incomplete paraplegia exhibited neurological improvement, with complete recovery occurring in 20 cases (median followup: 16 months) irrespective of the location of the lesion at the thoraco-lumbar junction (T11-L1) or the lower lumbar segment (L2-L4). Out of the 6 patients with pre-operative complete paraplegia, useful motor power returned in one case with a lesion below L1.The results confirm the suitability of the postero-lateral route and are consistent with the assumption that early near-anatomical reduction and stabilization favours maximum neurological recovery in symptomatic patients.     

Accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screws for thoracic and lumbar spine fractures: a prospective trial

Purpose

The percutaneous insertion technique requires surgical skill and experience. However, there have been few clinical reports evaluating the accuracy of minimally invasive pedicle screw placement using the conventional fluoroscopy method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine fractures using two-plane conventional fluoroscopy.

Methods

A prospective clinical trial was performed. A total of 502 percutaneous pedicle screws in 111 patients, all inserted with the assistance of conventional fluoroscopy, were evaluated. The safety and accuracy of pedicle screw placement were based on the evaluation of postoperative axial 3-mm slice computed tomography scans using the scoring system described by Zdichavsky et al. [Eur J Trauma 30:234–240, 2004; Eur J Trauma 30:241–247, 2004].

Results

427/502 pedicle screws (85 %) were classified as good and excellent concerning the best possible screw length and 494/502 (98 %) were found to have good or excellent position. One screw had to be revised due to medial position with a neurological deficit.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of placing percutaneous posterior thoracolumbar pedicle screws with the assistance of conventional fluoroscopy. Minimally invasive transpedicular instrumentation is an accurate, reliable and safe method to treat a variety of spinal disorders, including thoracic and lumbar spine fractures.     

Is focused magnetic resonance imaging adequate for treatment decision making in acute traumatic thoracic and lumbar spine fractures seen on whole spine computed tomography?

PURPOSE

To assess whether a focused magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) limited to the region of known acute traumatic thoracic or lumbar fracture(s) would miss any clinically significant injuries that would change patient management.

后方韧带复合体完整性在胸腰椎骨折中的临床意义

目的 探讨胸腰椎骨折中后方韧带复合体（PLC）完整性的临床意义。方法 回顾性分析自2008-07-2012-12收治的93例胸腰椎骨折,根据临床查体结合影像资料将其分为PLC完整组41例与PLC损伤组52例。结果 与PLC完整组相比,PLC损伤组的Denis分型与AO分型分布有明显区别。PLC损伤组中LCS评分、LSC〉7分比例、TLICS评分、TLICS〉5分比例、除外PLC项目的 TLICS评分、Cobb角度与PLC完整组相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;2组的年龄、性别及椎管占位率之间对比差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。PLC损伤组神经功能ASIA分级较PLC完整组更重。结论 PLC的完整性是评估胸腰椎骨折损伤程度的重要指标,其与骨折的分型、损伤评分、后凸畸形及神经功能损伤等方面密切相关。     

Neurological recovery and its influencing factors in thoracic and lumbar spine fractures after surgical decompression and stabilization

Surgical decompression and internal fixation of the injured spine have become standard procedures in the management of thoracic and lumbar spine fractures, but their effectiveness on neurological recovery remains controversial. We report on 169 consecutive patients with thoracic and lumbar spine fractures who were treated by reduction, fusion, and internal fixation using transpedicular screw-rod systems. Open decompression was carried out in 67 (39.6%) of them, including all 42 patients (25%) who presented with initial neurological deficits. At least 8 months following surgery, 30 (71%) had neurologically improved by one to three grades on the Frankel scale. Thirteen (59%) out of 22 patients whose initial deficits had been classified as motor useless (Frankel grades A to C) could walk, at least with support. Thirteen out of 20 patients with posttraumatic deficit Frankel D (motor useful) improved to full recovery (Frankel E). In six (3.6%) patients (all from the group of the 127 patients without initial neurological deficits), permanent slight postoperative neurological impairment of one Frankel grade (E to D) was seen, among them two (1.2%) with new minor motor deficit. Neurological outcome was significantly better (p<0.01) in patients operated upon within the first 24 h after injury than in those who underwent surgery later. Severity of injury also had a negative influence (p<0.001) on neurological recovery. Analysis suggests that there may be significant neurological improvement in patients treated surgically very early.     

经椎旁肌间隙入路在胸腰椎骨折治疗中的应用

 目的 探讨经椎旁肌间隙入路治疗胸腰椎骨折的手术方法及其与传统手术方法的比较。方法 2006年 10月至 2008年 10月, 52例无神经损伤表现的胸腰椎骨折患者被纳入研究。±据 Denis骨折分型, 压缩型骨折 17例, 爆裂型骨折 35例, 其中男 37例, 女 15例;年龄 18耀59岁, 平均 46.5岁。 T4骨折 1例, T7骨折 2例, T8骨折 1例, T10骨折 3例, T11骨折 5例, T12骨折 14例, L1骨折 16例, L2骨折 9例, L3骨折 1例。影像学检查示: 椎管内占位约1/3, 突入椎管骨块均匀完整, 无碎裂及翻转。患者±次纳入研究, 分为两组, 其中 20例患者采用传统后正中入路, 其他 32例患者采用经椎旁肌间隙入路, 均行后路椎弓根螺钉固定。结果两组患者在性别、年龄、损伤节段、受伤至手术时间及随访时间方面比较, 差异均无统计学意义。经肌间隙入路较传统后正中入路在手术时间、术中出血量、引流放置时间、术后引流量、术后下地时间, 疼痛视觉模拟评分及 Oswestry功能障碍指数等方面具有显著优势, 两组间比较各项指标差异均有统计学意义。至 2009年 10月, 所有患者均获得随访, 平均时间 21.5个月(12耀36个月), 所有患者伤椎椎体高度均无丢失, 内固定无松动、断裂。结论与传统手术方法相比, 经椎旁肌间隙入路治疗胸腰椎骨折可完整保留脊柱后方复合体结构, 具有创伤小、出血少和恢复快等优点, 是一种安全实用的手术方法, 疗效满意。     

Correlation of MR images of disc injuries with anatomic sections in experimental thoracolumbar spine fractures

This cadaver study evaluated the value of MR images for detection of acute intervertebral disc damage associated with fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. Damage to the intervertebral disc may be a major contributor to chronic instability in non-operative treatment or failure of fixation and recurrence of deformity in posterior fixation methods. MR imaging can help us to understand the injury patterns and their prognostic significance. However, before we can justify the use of MRI in clinical cases, determination of MRI’s ability to detect acute injury to the disc is necessary. Ten fresh cadaver specimens were used for this study. After obtaining radiograms and MR images, injuries were created with a weight-dropping apparatus using a variety of weights and compression angles. Post-injury radiograms and MR images were taken and the specimens were frozen at –20 °C. Slides of these specimens obtained with cryosection techniques were compared with MR images for evaluation of the damage to different parts of the discs. A total of 20 fractures were observed on cryosections. In 12 of the discs adjacent to fractured vertebral bodies, macroscopic damage was seen on the sections. These were all detected on the corresponding MR images. The study showed that MRI is able to detect acute, macroscopic injury to the intervertebral disc. It is therefore justified to use MR for the study of acute disc damage associated with thoracolumbar fractures. Received: 4 August 1998 Revised: 12 January 1999 Accepted: 27 January 1999     

Management of thoracolumbar spine fractures

Background contextTraumatic fractures of the spine are most common at the thoracolumbar junction and can be a source of great disability.PurposeTo review the most current information regarding the pathophysiology, injury pattern, treatment options, and outcomes.Study designLiterature review.MethodsRelevant articles, textbook chapters, and abstracts covering thoracolumbar spine fractures with and without neurologic deficit from 1960 to the present were reviewed.ResultsThe thoracolumbar spine represents a unique system from a skeletal as well as neurological standpoint. The rigid rib-bearing thoracic spine articulates with the more mobile lumbar spine at the thoracolumbar junction (T10 - L2), the site of most fractures. A complete examination includes a careful neurologic examination of both motor and sensory systems. CT scans best describe bony detail while MRI is most efficient at describing soft tissues and neurological structures. The most recent classification system is that of the new Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score. The different fracture types include compression fractures, burst fractures - both stable and unstable -, flexion-distraction injuries and fracture dislocations. Their treatment, both operative and non-operative depends on the degree of bony compromise, neurological involvement, and the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex. Minimally invasive approaches to the care of thoracolumbar injuries have become more popular, thus, the evidence regarding their efficacy is presented. Finally, the treatment of osteoporotic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine is reviewed, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, their risks and controversies, and senile burst fractures, as well.ConclusionsThoracolumbar spine fractures remain a significant source of potential morbidity. Advances in treatment have minimized the invasiveness of our surgery and in certain stable situations, eliminated it all together.     

AO spine injury classification system: a revision proposal for the thoracic and lumbar spine

Purpose

The AO Spine Classification Group was established to propose a revised AO spine injury classification system. This paper provides details on the rationale, methodology, and results of the initial stage of the revision process for injuries of the thoracic and lumbar (TL) spine.

Methods

In a structured, iterative process involving five experienced spine trauma surgeons from various parts of the world, consecutive cases with TL injuries were classified independently by members of the classification group, and analyzed for classification reliability using the Kappa coefficient (κ) and for accuracy using latent class analysis. The reasons for disagreements were examined systematically during review meetings. In four successive sessions, the system was revised until consensus and sufficient reproducibility were achieved.

Results

The TL spine injury system is based on three main injury categories adapted from the original Magerl AO concept: A (compression), B (tension band), and C (displacement) type injuries. Type-A injuries include four subtypes (wedge-impaction/split-pincer/incomplete burst/complete burst); B-type injuries are divided between purely osseous and osseo-ligamentous disruptions; and C-type injuries are further categorized into three subtypes (hyperextension/translation/separation). There is no subgroup division. The reliability of injury types (A, B, C) was good (κ = 0.77). The surgeons’ pairwise Kappa ranged from 0.69 to 0.90. Kappa coefficients κ for reliability of injury subtypes ranged from 0.26 to 0.78.

Conclusions

The proposed TL spine injury system is based on clinically relevant parameters. Final evaluation data showed reasonable reliability and accuracy. Further validation of the proposed revised AO Classification requires follow-up evaluation sessions and documentation by more surgeons from different countries and backgrounds and is subject to modification based on clinical parameters during subsequent phases.     

Double level Chance-type fractures of spine in ankylosing spondylitis

Chance fractures are usually associated with seat belt injuries. Mechanism is always related to flexion-distraction at vertebral level. Double level Chance-type fractures have rarely been reported in published literature. We presented such a fracture at D10 and L3 level in a 38-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Management was done with posterior decompression and short segment fixation separately.     

胸腰段脊柱骨折的手术治疗研究

目的探讨后路手术治疗胸腰段脊柱骨折的临床疗效。方法选取2011年2月～2013年10月我院接收的80例胸腰段脊柱骨折患者为研究对象,所有患者均实施后路手术治疗,观察患者手术治疗的临床疗效。结果80例患者经后路手术治疗后,显效51例（63．75％）,有效23例（28．75％）,总有效率为92．50％;治疗后患者手术后嗅觉评分为（74．8±14．8）,运动评分为（72．1±24．8）,均明显高于手术前,手术前后比较存在显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结论对胸腰段脊柱骨折患者实施后路手术治疗可显著提高患者的临床治疗有效率,改善患者的临床症状,且术后并发症发生率较低,临床疗效显著,是治疗胸腰段脊柱骨折的有效方法。     

Low thoracic and lumbar burst fractures: radiographic and functional outcomes

Twenty patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures (type A3 in the classification of Magerl et al.) were studied prospectively for the evaluation of clinical, radiographic and functional results. The patients were submitted to surgical treatment by posterior arthrodesis, posterior fixation and autologous transpedicular graft. The patients were followed up for 2 years after surgery and assessed on the basis of clinical (pain, neurologic deficit, postoperative infection), radiographic (load sharing classification, Farcy s sagittal index of the fractured segment, relation between traumatic vertebral body height and the adjacent vertebrae (compression percentage), height of the intervertebral disk proximal and distal to the fractured vertebra, rupture or loosening of the implants) and functional (return to work, SF-36) criteria. Two patients presented a marked loss of correction and required the placement of an anterior support graft. Pain assessment revealed that eight patients (44%) had no pain; four (22%) had occasional pain, three (17%) moderate pain, and three (17%) severe pain. According to the classification of Frankel et al., 17 patients persisted as Frankel E and one patient presented improvement of one degree, becoming Frankel D. The mean value of Farcy s sagittal index of the injured vertebral segment was 20.67 degrees +/- 6.15 degrees (range 8 degrees -32 degrees ) during the preoperative period, 11.22 degrees +/- 8.09 degrees (range -5 degrees to 21 degrees ) during the immediate postoperative period, and 14.22 degrees +/- 7.37 degrees (range 3 degrees -25 degrees ) at late evaluation. There was a statistically significant difference between the immediate postoperative values and the preoperative and late postoperative values. The compression percentage of the fractured vertebral body ranged from 9.1 to 60 (mean 28.81 +/- 11.51) during the preoperative period, from 0 to 60 (mean: 15.59 +/- 14.49) during the immediate postoperative period, and from 8 to 60 (mean: 25.9 +/- 13.02) at late evaluation. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative values and between the postoperative and late postoperative values. The height of the proximal intervertebral disk ranged from 6 to 14 mm (mean 8.44 +/- 2.66) during the preoperative period, from 6 to 15 mm (mean 10 +/- 2.30) during the immediate postoperative period, and from 0 to 11 mm (mean 7.22 +/- 2.55) during the late postoperative period. A significant difference was observed between the immediate postoperative values and the preoperative and late postoperative values. The height of the intervertebral disk distal to the fractured vertebra ranged from 7 to 16 mm (mean 9.94 +/- 2.64) during the preoperative period, from 5 to 18 mm (mean 11.61 +/- 3.29) during the immediate postoperative period, and from 2 to 14 mm (mean 9.72 +/- 3.17) during the late postoperative period. There was a significant difference between the immediate postoperative values and the preoperative and late postoperative values. Except for the height of the intervertebral disk proximal to the fractured vertebra, no correlation was detected between the clinical, functional and radiologic results. The results observed in the present study indicate that other, still incompletely defined parameters influence the functional result of thoracolumbar burst fractures.     

Spiroid fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine

The review of our observations of fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine (588 files could be used from 1969 to 1989) allowed us to demonstrate fractures not included in the usual classification. In our opinion, the fracture line is spiral. The mechanism therefore includes a very likely axial rotation. The fracture line may be confined to the vertebral body (this is the type called S1) or extends to the posterior arch as well (S2 type). The fractures often cause nerve root lesions. However, no complications involving the cord were noted in our series, even in the few cases showing considerable displacement. Note the tendency to axial telescoping of the focus, which requires specific modalities of treatment.     

Burst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine

A burst fracture may be defined as an unstable compression fracture of the posterior wall of the vertebral body that allows fragments to be retropulsed into the spinal canal. Computerized axial tomography evaluation of these injuries often reveals posterior element fracture heretofore not stressed in the literature. In surgical treatment for these injuries four important considerations must be met; (1) the coronal and sagittal alignment of the spine; (2) patency of the neural canal; (3) the two-column concept of spinal stability; and (4) bony vertebral body reconstitution. An algorithm for treatment may be developed with the aid of these principles. Distraction and the creation of spinal lordosis are necessary for reduction.     

Vertebral body replacement system Synex in unstable burst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine

A prospective longitudinal study was performed to evaluate the vertebral body replacement system Synex associated with posterior fixation in unstable burst fractures of the lumbar and thoracic spine. Within 24 months, we treated 28 patients (average age, 41 years; range, 22–64 years; 14 women, 14 men) with acute unstable burst fractures without osteoporosis of the thoracolumbar region (n=16) and the thoracic (n=3) as well as the lumbar (n=9) spine in two stages (primary dorsal transpedicular stabilization and secondary vertebral body replacement). The complications were analyzed and the postoperative follow-up result was evaluated regarding stability, bone fusion, correction loss, pain and neurological status. One patient showed a transient irritation of the lumbosacral plexus and one patient had a superficial wound infection (complication rate, 7.1%). At the follow-up examination (mean follow-up, 13 months) only in two cases a minimal loss of correction (<5°) was measured. Radiologically, 27 patients showed secure bone fusions and all patients had stability of the osteosynthesis. Most of the patients stated no or just slight pain at follow-up. Only two patients with pain to a medium degree had to take painkillers. The vertebral body replacement system Synex seems to be a good alternative for vertebral body replacement in unstable burst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine since at present follow-up it shows a high rate of bone fusion and minimal loss of correction.     

Classificational problems in ligamentary distraction type vertebral fractures: 30% of all B-type fractures are initially unrecognised

The clinical records, operation records, X-rays and CT-scans of 160 operatively treated patients with A-type and B-type spinal fractures were evaluated in a retrospective study. The preoperative diagnosis was compared with the postoperative diagnosis. Analysis of characteristics of patients with A-type fractures (without the unrecognised B-type fractures), initially unrecognised B-type (uB) fractures, and B-type fractures (without the unrecognised B-type fractures) was performed. We analysed the age of the patients, the respective fracture levels, neurologic deficit, anterior wedge angles (AWA), anterior corporal height (ACH), posterior corporal height (PCH), and the percentage of frontal corporal collapse (FCC). The t-test was used for statistical analysis. The mean age of patients in each group did not show a significant difference. The group of unrecognised B-fractures had a more caudal fracture level than the recognised B-type fractures. The fracture levels of the A-group and the uB-group patients showed no difference using the t-test. The percentage of patients with spinal fractures with neurologic deficit is 16% in the A-type fracture group, 12% in the uB-fracture group and 50% in the B-type group. The preoperative classification of patients in the A-group and in the uB-group showed that patients in the uB-group have more than proportional relatively simple preoperative A-fractures. The AWA and ACH did not show significant differences between the groups. The mean PCH of the uB-group was higher than the PCH of the A-group. No differences were measured between the uB-group and the B-group. The mean percentages of frontal corporal collapse (FCC) did not show a significant difference. Thirty percent of B-type fractures are misdiagnosed when plain X-rays and CT scans with 2D reconstructions are used as the only preoperative diagnostic tools. A large PCH with a normal interspinous distance should raise the suspicion of a B-type lesion. A large AWA does not point to a ligamentary B-type fracture.     

多节段胸腰椎脊柱骨折的手术治疗

目的探讨椎弓根钉棒系统治疗多节段胸腰椎脊柱骨折的手术方式与疗效。方法采用后路切开复位、椎弓根钉棒系统内固定、选择性椎管减压及后外侧植骨融合手术治疗44例多节段胸腰椎骨折患者,对患者术前与随访时的ASIA分级、伤椎椎体高度矫正率进行分析。结果全部患者平均随访12个月,未发现内固定物松动、断裂,椎体高度由术前平均49.3%恢复至术后平均92.5%。ASIA分级较术前平均提高1.2级。结论后路切开复位、椎弓根钉棒系统内固定基础上选择性椎管减压＋植骨融合是治疗多节段胸腰椎脊柱骨折的理想选择。     

上颈椎骨折分型的研究进展

上颈椎骨折脱位是指由于创伤性外力因素作用于颈椎或头部而导致的枕骨、寰、枢椎的一系列病理性损伤。上颈椎骨折脱位常会导致患者产生如截瘫、四肢瘫痪,甚至死亡等严重的临床后果,因此明确其骨折类型并进行针对性治疗及其重要。由于颈椎解剖结构的特异性,发生在上颈椎骨性结构或韧带的损伤常呈现一定的骨折类型。常见的上颈椎骨折类型包括枕骨髁骨折、寰枕关节脱位、寰椎骨折以及3种类型的枢椎骨折:齿状突骨折、Hangman骨折和枢椎椎体骨折。本文将对这些常见的上颈椎骨折类型进行回顾性研究,旨在为临床工作者正确地选择上颈椎骨折的治疗方案提供帮助。