Balloon kyphoplasty versus vertebroplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: a prospective, comparative, and randomized clinical study

Summary  

Bone pain and spinal axial deformity are major concerns in aged patients suffering from osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Pain can be relieved by vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedures, in which the compressed vertebral body is filled with substitutes. We randomly assigned 100 patients with osteoporotic compression fracture at the thoraco-lumbar (T-L) junction into two groups: vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty; we used polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as the bone filler. Pain before and after treatment was assessed with visual analog scale (VAS) scores and vertebral body height and kyphotic wedge angle were measured from reconstructed computed tomography images. More PMMA was used in the kyphoplasty group than in the vertebroplasty group (5.56 ± 0.62 vs. 4.91 ± 0.65 mL, p < 0.001). Vertebral body height and kyphotic wedge angle of the T-L spine were also improved (p < 0.001). VAS pain scores did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. The duration of follow-up was 6 months. Two patients in the kyphoplasty group had an adjacent segment fracture. In terms of clinical outcome there was little difference between the treatment groups. Thus, owing to the higher cost of the kyphotic balloon procedure, we recommend vertebroplasty over kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic VCFs.     

Double-level posterior spinal shortening for paralytic osteoporotic vertebral collapse of two vertebral bodies with a normal vertebra in between: a case report

Introduction  Spinal shortening is indicated for osteoporotic vertebral collapse. However, this surgical procedure has not been indicated for more than two vertebral levels that are not adjacent. We experienced a rare case of paraparesis due to osteoporotic vertebral collapse of two vertebral bodies with a normal vertebra in between and treated successfully by the double-level posterior shortening procedure. Materials and methods  A 79-year-old woman suffered from delayed paraparesis 2 years after L1 and Th11 vertebral body compression fracture. Plain X-ray photographs showed Th11 and L1 vertebral body collapse, Th7 compression fracture and a kyphosis angle of 30° from Th10 to L2. Plain magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal canal stenosis at Th11 and L1 vertebral body levels. She was treated by double-level posterior spinal shortening using pedicle screw and hook systems. Results  After the procedure, the patient’s kyphosis angle decreased to 10° and her back pain, leg pain, and sensory deficits improved. She was able to walk by herself. Although new vertebral compression fractures occurred at L4 and L5 in the follow-up period, there has been no deterioration of the neurological symptoms 5 years after the operation. Conclusion  Delayed paraparesis after double-level thoracolumbar vertebral collapse due to osteoporosis was treated successfully by double-level posterior spinal shortening using a pedicle screw and hook system.     

经皮椎体成形术治疗不伴神经症状的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折简

目的探讨经皮椎体成形术（percutaneousvertebroplasty,PVP）治疗不伴神经症状的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2006年9月至2012年6月间我院治疗的25例不伴神经症状的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折患者的临床资料,男9例,女16例;年龄65～82岁,平均73．5岁。损伤节段在T10-L3之间,共36个节段。所有患者均伴有5％～20％的椎管占位。分别于术前和术后1周、1、6、12个月,采用视觉模拟疼痛评分（visualaria—loguescores,VAS）和Oswestq功能障碍指数（oswestrydisabilityindex,ODI）评估患者的临床效果;通过侧位x线片测量患者椎体中线高度和矢状位Cobb角;通过轴位CT测量椎管占位程度,对患者的骨水泥渗漏、感染等并发症情况进行记录。结果9例（25％）椎体发生骨水泥渗漏,但均未出现相关临床症状。无感染、神经损伤、肺栓塞等病例出现。在VAS评分、ODI评分以及椎体中线高度、矢状位Cobb角、椎管占位程度测量评估方面,患者术前与术后各个时间点比较,术后评估结果显著优于术前,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论对于椎管占位5％一20％的无神经功能损害的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折患者而言,PVP技术是一种安全、有效的治疗方法,且不增加病椎椎管占位程度加重的风险。     

Kyphosis recurrence after posterior short-segment fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures

OBJECT: Recurrent kyphosis has been commonly seen after posterior short-segment pedicle instrumentation for a thoracolumbar fracture, but studies on this issue are relatively scarce, and the clinical significance of recurrent deformity is uncertain. No study has addressed the associations between the reduction of a burst fracture vertebra and the final recurrent kyphosis after implant removal. The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrent kyphosis after short-segment pedicle screw fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures and to evaluate the effect of the degree of a vertebral reduction on the recurrent kyphotic deformity after implant removal. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who had undergone posterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar junction burst fractures (T12-L2) were investigated retrospectively. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years (mean 2.7 years). Pain status was evaluated using the Denis pain scale. Changes in the anterior vertebral height ratio, vertebral wedge angle, upper intervertebral angle, lower intervertebral angle, Cobb angle, regional angle, and sagittal index were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, before implant removal, and at final follow-up. The correlation between the reduction of a fractured vertebra and the recurrent kyphotic deformity was also analyzed. RESULTS: After the initial surgical correction, the reduced vertebral body (VB) height (anterior vertebral height ratio and vertebral wedge angle) remained stable until final follow-up, whereas the intervertebral disc space (the upper and lower intervertebral angles) collapsed, resulting in a progressive kyphotic deformity (Cobb angle, regional angle, and sagittal index). No significant correlation was found between the final kyphosis and pain scale, but the 8 patients with a sagittal index > 15 degrees showed a higher incidence of moderate to severe pain (P3-5 on the Denis pain scale) compared with the remaining 19 patients with a sagittal index < 15 degrees . Significant positive correlation was found between recurrent kyphosis and vertebral wedge angle (r = 0.850, p < 0.001) and the reduced vertebral height (r = -0.727, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Given that the correction loss occurs primarily through disc space collapse, the amount of the final kyphotic deformity was predictable by the degree of the fractured vertebral reduction as seen on the lateral x-ray study. Surgeons who perform posterior reduction and fixation procedures should pay more attention to reducing the fractured vertebral wedge angle to its intact condition, rather than the segmental angular parameters. If the wedge angle of the fractured VB is unacceptable after reduction, additional reconstruction of the anterior column may be necessary.     

经皮内固定结合椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的 :探讨经皮内固定结合椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的安全性及临床疗效。方法 :自2011年4月至2014年4月,采用经皮内固定结合椎体成形术治疗32例骨质疏松性胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者,其中男13例,女19例;年龄60~73岁,平均65.6岁。32例患者均为单节段骨折,其中T_(11) 4例,T_(12) 9例,L_1 16例,L_2 3例。比较术前、术后2 d及末次随访时的伤椎Cobb角、椎体前缘压缩率、椎体后缘压缩率、椎管占位率,并采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)评定疗效。结果 :手术时间60~120 min,平均65.7 min;术中出血量20~50 ml,平均25.2 ml。切口均Ⅰ期愈合,32例患者均获得随访,时间12~48个月,平均20.6个月。椎体前缘压缩率由术前的(49.70±5.89)%恢复至术后2 d的(6.00±2.10)%,末次随访时的(6.06±1.57)%;椎体后缘压缩率由术前的(17.36±4.11)%恢复至术后2 d的(5.48±1.65)%,末次随访时的(5.68±1.82)%;伤椎Cobb角由术前的(13.34±3.56)°矫正至术后2 d的(2.86±0.95)°,末次随访时的(3.04±0.94)°;椎管占位率由术前的(22.77±5.83)%恢复至术后2 d的(5.02±1.93)%,末次随访时的(5.15±1.93)%;VAS评分由术前的6.84±0.88恢复至术后2 d的1.94±0.72,末次随访时的1.63±0.83;ODI由术前的(77.50±5.10)%恢复至术后2 d的(17.94±4.82)%,末次随访时的(15.63±5.19)%。3例患者出现骨水泥渗漏,所有病例未发现内固定失效及腰背部顽固性疼痛症状。结论:经皮内固定结合椎体成形术可恢复伤椎高度、改善椎管占位、矫正后凸畸形,缓解疼痛、改善生活质量,是治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎爆裂性骨折安全有效的方法。     

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。     

经伤椎椎弓根硫酸钙人工骨椎体成形术结合内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的 探讨经伤椎椎弓根硫酸钙人工骨椎体成形术结合内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床效果. 方法 自2005年11月至2008年12月对32例胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者采用经伤椎椎弓根硫酸钙人工骨成形术结合钉棒内固定治疗.观察术前、术后2 d及术后6个月随访的后凸Cobb角、伤椎前缘高度比值和椎管横截面积侵占率的改善情况. 结果所有患者未出现切口感染,无神经损伤及加重.所有患者获得6～24个月(平均14.2个月)随访.后凸Cobb角、伤椎前缘高度比值及椎管横截面积术后即刻与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),术后6个月随访时与术后即刻比较差异均尢统计学意义(P>0.05).本组患者无螺钉松动或断裂,植骨融合率100%.结论 经伤椎椎弓根硫酸钙人工骨成形术结合内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折手术操作简单,提供了伤椎前中柱支撑和固定,能够有效地恢复并维持伤椎的高度.     

闭合复位及撬拨法在椎体成形术中的应用

目的 探讨闭合复位及撬拨法在椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性压缩骨折中椎体高度的恢复及后凸畸形矫正的效果.方法 2005年1月至2007年6月应用闭合复位及椎体成形术中经椎弓根用穿刺针撬拨塌陷的椎体终板治疗38例骨质疏松性压缩骨折患者,手术前后用视觉模拟评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数的变化来评价患者疼痛缓解和功能改善情况,参照Lee等方法观测病椎的高度和后凸畸形的改变以及骨水泥在椎体内的分布. 结果术后随访6～24个月,平均13.4个月.视觉模拟评分从术前平均(8.6±2.3)分降至术后平均(3.8±2.6)分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);Oswestry功能障碍指数指数从术前平均64.8%降至术后平均48.7%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).椎体前、中、后壁高度平均增加5.8mm、6.6mm、1.0mm,椎体后凸畸形矫正平均9.7°,椎体高度前、中、后壁恢复率平均为54.6%、58.1%、46.5%,手术前后差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05). 结论闭合复位结合椎体成形术中撬拨法是治疗骨质疏松性压缩骨折的有效方法.     

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.     

短节段内固定并椎体成形术治疗重度椎体骨质疏松性骨折伴脊柱后凸畸形

目的 评估行后路内固定并椎体成形术治疗椎体骨质疏松性压缩性骨折的疗效.方法 2007年1月～2011年12月,对32例椎体压缩＞2/3并伴脊柱后凸畸形的老年患者行后路脊柱后凸矫正及椎体成形术.对手术前后患椎高度、脊柱后凸Cobb角、腰背部疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analog scale,VAS）评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index,ODI）进行评价分析.结果 全部病例平均随访13.5个月.手术前,患椎平均剩余高度为27.8 %,脊柱后凸Cobb角25.3°,腰背痛VAS评分8.06,ODI为90%;术后1周,各项指标分别为63.1%,8.5°,3.14,59.7%;手术后3个月,分别为62.7%,8.69°,1.4,31.32%.与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论对于重度椎体骨质疏松性骨折合并脊柱后凸畸形的患者,行脊柱后凸矫正及开放椎体成形术,治疗效果良好.     

Radiographic parameters for evaluating the neurological spaces in experimental thoracolumbar burst fractures

It is important to know the condition of neural spaces during the nonoperative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. The goals of the current study were to identify the correlation between the degree of deformity of a fractured vertebra and the encroachment of neural spaces, and to determine how the encroachment and the deformity can be improved by the extension posture simulating the postural reduction. Experimental burst fractures were produced in L1 vertebrae of nine human thoracolumbar spine segments (T11-L3) with neural spaces lined with tiny steel balls. Lateral radiographs were taken in neutral and extended posture before and after the trauma. Anterior vertebral height, posterior vertebral height, vertebral height ratio, vertebral kyphotic angle, posterior vertebral body angle, and the cross diagonal angle were the geometric parameters used to describe the vertebral deformity. The canal diameter and superior and inferior intervertebral foramen areas were defined as the neural spaces. All parameters were measured on the scanned images of radiographs, as seen on the computer screen. Among the vertebral body parameters, the posterior vertebral height, posterior vertebral body angle, and cross diagonal angle showed significantly higher correlations with the canal encroachment. The extended posture did not improve the canal and intervertebral foramen encroachments. The kyphotic deformity (vertebral kyphotic angle and anterior vertebral height) was improved but the deformity of the vertebral posterior wall (posterior vertebral height and posterior vertebral body angle) was not improved because of the extended posture.     

One-stage posterior instrumentation surgery for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurological deficits

The number of reports describing osteoporotic vertebral fracture has increased as the number of elderly people has grown. Anterior decompression and fusion alone for the treatment of vertebral collapse is not easy for patients with comorbid medical problems and severe bone fragility. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of one-stage posterior instrumentation surgery for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurological deficits. A consecutive series of 21 patients who sustained osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurological deficits were managed with posterior decompression and short-segmental pedicle screw instrumentation augmented with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP) cables with or without vertebroplasty using calcium phosphate cement. The mean follow-up was 42 months. All patients showed neurologic recovery. Segmental kyphotic angle at the instrumented level was significantly improved from an average preoperative kyphosis of 22.8–14.7 at a final follow-up. Spinal canal occupation was significantly reduced from an average before surgery of 40.4–19.1% at the final follow-up. Two patients experienced loosening of pedicle screws and three patients developed subsequent vertebral compression fractures within adjacent segments. However, these patients were effectively treated in a conservative fashion without any additional surgery. Our results indicated that one-stage posterior instrumentation surgery augmented with UHMWP cables could provide significant neurological improvement in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral collapse.     

肌间隙入路短节段椎弓根螺钉结合伤椎强化治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床观察

目的：观察肌间隙入路短节段椎弓根钉固定结合伤椎强化治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效。方法：自2009年1月至2012年1月采用肌间隙入路短节段椎弓根螺钉内固定结合伤椎自固化磷酸钙骨水泥椎体强化术治疗无神经损伤表现胸腰椎骨折患者18例（24个椎体）,男11倒,女7例;年龄52-76岁,平均62．2岁。受伤至手术时间为8h～7d,平均4．2d。依据Denis分型：压缩型12例,爆裂型6例。骨折部位：T12 6椎,L1 9椎,L2 6椎,L3 3椎。对手术前后伤椎前缘高度比、矢状面Cobb角、椎体矢状面指数（sagittalindex,SI）、内固定失败情况及后凸畸形再发进行观察。结果：所有患者获得随访,时间12～28个月,平均16．5个月。手术时间80～130min,平均95min;术中出血量100-180ml,平均为145ml。术前、术后3d及末次随访时的伤椎前缘高度比分别为54．3±2．8、90．9±1．5、88．6±1．7;矢状面Cobb角分别为（27．8±2．5）°、（5．3±0．8）°、（6．3±1．4）°;SI分别为52．3±93．8、89．2±5．2、86．4±4．5。术后3d较术前明显改善,末次随访与术后3d比较差异无统计学意义。没有神经功能损伤、内固定失败及后凸畸形发生。结论：肌间隙入路短节段椎弓根螺钉固定结合自固化磷酸钙骨水泥伤椎强化治疗胸腰椎骨折创伤小,失血量少,可完整保留脊柱后方复合体结构,同时可有效恢复伤椎前中柱的力学强度,防止内固定失败和椎体再发后凸畸形。     

Lordoplasty: report on early results with a new technique for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures to restore the lordosis

Cement augmentation using PMMA cement is known as an efficient treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with a rapid release of pain in most patients and prevention of an ongoing kyphotic deformity of the vertebrae treated. However, after a vertebroplasty there is no chance to restore vertebral height. Using the technique of kyphoplasty a certain restoration of vertebral body height can be achieved. But there is a limitation of recovery due to loss of correction when deflating the kyphoplastic ballon and before injecting the cement. In addition, the instruments used are quite expensive. Lordoplasty is another technique to restore kyphosis by indirect fracture reduction as it is used with an internal fixateur. The fractured and the adjacent vertebrae are instrumented with bone cannulas bipediculary and the adjacent vertebrae are augmentated with cement. After curing of the cement the fractured vertebra is reduced by applying a lordotic moment via the cannulas. While maintaining the pretension the fractured vertebra is reinforced. We performed a prospective trial of 26 patients with a lordoplastic procedure. There was a pain relief of about 87% and a significant decrease in VAS value from 7.3 to 1.9. Due to lordoplasty there was a significant and permanent correction in vertebral and segmental kyphotic angle about 15.2° and 10.0°, respectively and also a significant restoration in anterior and mid vertebral height. Lordoplasty is a minimal invasive technique to restore vertebral body height. An immediate relief of pain is achieved in most patients. The procedure is safe and cost effective.     

垫枕法联合经皮椎体成形术治疗老年骨质疏松胸腰椎压缩性骨折

目的：观察垫枕法联合经皮椎体成形术治疗老年骨质疏松胸腰椎压缩性骨折的效果。方法：选择老年骨质疏松胸腰椎压缩性骨折患者 40 例，予垫枕法联合经皮椎体成形术治疗，并观察患者术前及术后 1 个月在疼痛缓解、伤椎前缘高度、后凸畸形改善的情况。 结果：40 例患者术前疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale，VAS）（6.76±1.16）、伤椎前缘高度（16.38±2.26）mm 及 Cobb 角（22.17±3.46）?，术后 1 个月 VAS 评分（2.34±0.73）、伤体前缘高度（28.45±6.46）mm及 Cobb 角（8.43±4.34）?，术后 1 个月患者在疼痛缓解、伤椎前缘高度、后凸畸形改善等方面较术前有明显区别（P<0.05）。结论：老年骨质疏松胸腰椎压缩性骨折经垫枕法联合经皮椎体成形术治疗，可明显减轻患者疼痛，改善后凸畸形。     

Posterior short-segment instrumentation and limited segmental decompression supplemented with vertebroplasty with calcium sulphate and intermediate screws for thoracolumbar burst fractures

Purpose

Thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with short-segment posterior instrumentation without anterior column support is associated with a high incidence of implant failure and correction loss. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results following posterior short-segment instrumentation and limited segmental decompression supplemented with vertebroplasty with calcium sulphate and intermediate screws for patients with severe thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures of LSC point 7 or more underwent this procedure. The average follow-up was 27.5 months. Demographic data, radiographic parameters, neurologic function, clinical outcomes and treatment-related complications were prospectively evaluated.

Results

Loss of vertebral body height and segmental kyphosis was 55.3 % and 20.2° before surgery, which significantly improved to 12.2 % and 5.4° at the final follow-up, respectively. Loss of kyphosis correction was 2.2°. The preoperative canal encroachment was 49 % that significantly improved to 8.8 %. The preoperative pain and function level showed a mean VAS score of 9.2 and ODI of 89.9 % that improved to 1.4 and 12.9 % at the final follow-up, respectively. No implant failure was observed in this series, and cement leakage occurred in two cases without clinical implications.

Conclusions

Excellent reduction and maintenance of thoracolumbar burst fractures can be achieved with short-segment pedicle instrumentation supplemented with anterior column reconstruction and intermediate screws. The resultant circumferential stabilization combined with a limited segmental decompression resulted in improved neurologic function and satisfactory clinical outcomes, with a low incidence of implant failure and progressive deformity.     

影像学参数与胸腰段PLC及神经损伤的相关性分析

目的分析胸腰段损伤椎体压缩、平移、椎管侵及、后凸畸形等骨性影像学参数与后方韧带复合体及神经损伤的相关性。方法回顾分析2012年1月至12月间的胸腰段损伤(T11~L2)患者48例,排除骨质疏松性压缩骨折和病理性骨折患者。所有患者均具备X线片、CT平扫及矢状位重建、MRI检查。CT正中矢状位片上测量局部后凸角、伤椎楔变角、伤椎前后壁高度、伤椎压缩率、棘突间距、椎体间平移距离、椎管前后径;轴位CT测量后壁骨折块突入椎管的距离,除以椎管前后径计算为椎管侵及率。根据MRI的表现将后方韧带复合体(posterior ligamentous complex,PLC)状态分为无损伤、不完全损伤、完全断裂。记录ASIA运动评分及ASIA残损分级。使用Spearman相关系数评估影像学参数、韧带损伤、神经损伤间的相关性。结果 3例患者局部后凸角大于30°,4例患者椎体楔变角大于30°,6例局部后凸角大于20°,11例椎体楔变角大于20°。10例椎体压缩率大于50%,29例椎体间平移大于3.5 mm,6例棘突间距增大大于7mm,12例椎管侵及率大于50%。根据MRI评估,17例患者存在PLC损伤。局部后凸角大于30°、椎体间平移大于3.5mm、棘突间距增大大于7 mm时,与PLC损伤存在有统计学意义的正相关性,而当椎体间平移大于2.5 mm、椎管侵及率大于50%时,与AISA残损分级和ASIA运动评分存在有统计学意义的负相关性。其他未见明显相关性。结论椎体间平移大于3.5 mm、局部后凸角大于30°、棘突间距增宽大于7 mm通常合并PLC损伤,椎管侵及率大于50%及椎体间平移大于2.5 mm时倾向于合并神经损伤。PLC和神经组织的状态应直接通过MRI进行评估。     

Balloon kyphoplasty versus percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures: clinical and radiological outcomes

BACKGROUND CONTEXTOsteoporotic vertebral body compression fracture are the commonest fractures amongst the other osteoporotic fracture sites. These fragility fractures are the result of low energy mechanical forces that that would not ordinarily result in fracture. Percutaneous vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty has been widely used as minimally invasive procedures to treat painful vertebral compression fractures.PURPOSEAim of the present study was to evaluate radiological, clinical and functional outcome of patients with osteoporotic vertebral body fractures treated with Balloon Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty.STUDY DESIGNProspective cohort studyPATIENT SAMPLE40 patients (Male:15, Female: 25) with average age of 56 +/- 8 years diagnosed with osteoporotic vertebral body compression fracture on clinical and radiological evaluation with no neurological deficit and no other associated fractures were included.OUTCOME MEASURESOperative time, cost for the procedure, gain in vertebral body height, reduction in pain, ability to perform daily routine activities, risk of cement leakage and any other systemic complications were evaluated and compared in both the study groups.METHODSAll the patients underwent conventional Xray, MRI (to rule out acute from chronic fracture, to check compromise of spinal canal and calculate collapse in vertebral body height), Visual analog scaling for severity of pain and difficulty in daily routine activities by Oswestry disability index preoperatively. Post operative clinal, functional, radiological outcome and complications were compared in patients treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty.RESULTThere was significant difference in intraoperative time period and procedure cost for the patients treated with Vertebroplasty(50.75min, 25k) in comparison to balloon kyphoplasty (71.95, 50k) with p value being < .001There was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative study parameters in both the study groups but there was no significant difference in post operative study parameters amongst both the study groups with p values >.05 for different parameters, 0.381(Gain in vertebral height), 0.108 (pain relief), 0.846(Oswestry disability index) and 0.197(risk of cement leakage)CONCLUSIONOur study suggested that percutaneous vertebroplasty requires less operative time and is more economical than balloon kyphoplasty. Increase in intraoperative time increases the risk of infection. Though the cases of Intraoperative operative cement leakage were more in percutaneous vertebroplasty but is was not significant. However the final radiological, clinical, functional outcome and overall complications were found to be similar in both the groups. Balloon kyphoplasty provided no added benefit over percutaneous vertebroplasty. A study with larger sample size will be needed to warrant one surgical procedure superior to other in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fracture.     

A case of posterior element fracture in Kummell's disease

Kummell's disease is a rare, delayed posttraumatic collapse of a vertebral body that can occur several months or even years after an osteoporotic compression fracture. However, there are few reports of posterior element fractures associated with Kummell's disease. A 72-year-old man who had sustained an L1 osteoporotic compression fracture 14 months prior was admitted to our institution with incapacitating back pain. Plain radiographs showed progressive collapse of the L1 vertebral body and severe kyphosis at the thoracolumbar junction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a posterior element fracture as well as osteonecrosis of the L1 vertebral body. An L1 percutaneous vertebroplasty was performed, followed by bone cement-augmented screw fixation to maintain stability and correct the kyphotic deformity. After surgery, pain relief was immediate, and the patient was able to walk unassisted. This case illustrates that continuous axial distraction stress caused by aggravated kyphosis secondary to Kummell's disease may result in posterior element fractures. Our discussion concludes with a literature review.     

陈旧性与新鲜性压缩骨折行椎体成形术的临床对比研究

目的回顾性对比研究陈旧性与新鲜性椎体压缩性骨折行经经皮椎体成形术（percutaneouss vertebra plasty,PVP）后的临床效果。方法对24例老年骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩性骨折患者行PVP治疗,将研究对象按陈旧性骨折和新鲜性骨折分为2组,分别拍摄2组术前、术后标准正侧位X线片,从而对骨折椎体高度的恢复、后凸畸形的矫正及疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分进行研究对比。结果所有患者术后平均随访6个月,无严重并发症发生。2组患者术后疼痛缓解且恢复良好,均恢复日常活动能力。但陈旧性压缩性骨折患者术后椎体高度恢复和后凸畸形的矫正程度均不如新鲜性骨折患者。结论 PVP术操作简单、创伤小,对于骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折的治疗效果明显,尤其对新鲜骨折效果显著,且对于缓解陈旧性骨折疼痛症状也有良好效果。