Thoracoscopic repair of thoracic spine trauma

Summary Modern concepts of treating thoracic and lumbar spinal trauma are based on posterior transpedicular fixation techniques which confer angular stability and instrument only a few levels of the spine. In addition, to prevent secondary losses in postoperative reduction of kyphotic deformities, transpedicular resection of torn dises, and inter-and intracorporeal bone grafting are included in the repair procedures for the entire damaged motion segment. However, due to the small size of the pedicles, a transpedicular approach to the injured vertebral body is not possible in the upper thoracic spine. Patients whose thoracic spine trauma is not serious enough to require ventral instrumentation through open thoracotomy, but who present with an unstable vertebral fracture, may profit from additional ventral bone grafting to stabilize the fracture. The present study examined the feasibility of thoracoscopic ventral bone grafting in seven patients with unstable fractures of the upper thoracic spine. For primary repair, we stabilized the fracture by using posterior transpedicular screw systems (rods or plates). Simultaneously, spongiosa was harvested from the posterior iliac crest and deepfrozen. Repair was completed a few days later via a ventral thoracoscopic approach. The main location of the ventral osseous defect was identified by intraoperative radiology. After mechanical removal of destroyed connective tissue and disc material, fusion was performed using the previously harvested spongiosa, which was placed into the intervertebral disc space and the anterior osseous defect. Our results show thoracoscopic bone grafting to be technically possible and associated with low morbidity, with a potential of yielding satisfactory long-term results.     

Thoracoscopic debridement and stabilization of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis

The role of surgical debridement and internal fixation in treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis has been evolving. The standard surgical approach to thoracolumbar vertebral osteomyelitis requiring extensive thoracotomy or retroperitoneal exposure carries significant associated morbidity and postoperative pain. Minimally invasive thoracoscopic spine surgery is designed to improve postoperative morbidity associated with the traditional open surgery. We report a case of a 70-year-old man who developed T11-T12 pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis 3 months after undergoing posterior laminectomy and microsurgical excision of a herniated thoracic disc. The patient underwent minimally invasive thoracoscopic radical debridement and anterior spinal reconstruction and fusion. Patients with vertebral osteomyelitis may benefit from the decreased postoperative morbidity that is associated with minimally invasive thoracoscopic spinal surgery.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

We describe our experience with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Twenty-nine patients were operated on with this technique for various anterior thoracic spinal lesions. There were 6 cases of disc herniation with simple resection, 6 with acute thoracic fractures requiring anterior grafting and stabilization, 7 old fractures and malunions treated by corporectomy, grafting and anterior stabilization in 3, 4 with spinal metastases that were resected and stabilized, 3 with a paravertebral spinal tumor (2 schwannomas and 1 chondroblastoma), and 3 osteoid osteomas that were resected with anterior grafting in one case. Indications for these procedures are specified and the technical considerations discussed for each group of pathologies. We had three complications: one conversion to thoracotomy in a case of spinal metastasis, one pleural effusion, and one incomplete resection of a thoracic disc herniation. We emphasize the need for minimally invasive approaches in spinal surgery.     

Thoracoscopic anterior instrumentation and fusion for idiopathic scoliosis

Thoracoscopically assisted surgery is a new approach to access the anterior spine to perform biopsies, anterior releases, diskectomies, and anterior instrumentation and fusion for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. This approach compromises the chest wall less than an open thoracotomy does because it uses several small portal incisions. It has been suggested that this approach allows fusion of fewer motion segments and better correction of curvature than does posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation. The technique, which is still evolving, is technically demanding, requiring advanced training and special instrumentation and anesthesia techniques.     

胸腔镜辅助下经膈肌手术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的探讨胸腔镜辅助下经膈肌切开手术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的可行性及临床应用效果。方法2002年9月至2004年9月应用胸腔镜辅助下经膈肌手术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折22例,男15例,女7例;年龄28～71岁,平均39岁。骨折节段位于T112例、T1210例、L110例。完全性截瘫7例,不完全性截瘫15例。所有病例均行前路减压、植骨及钢板内固定。结果手术时间180～320min,平均230min;出血量500～2000ml,平均900ml。全部病例随访9￣35个月,平均19.5个月。CT显示骨折碎块清除彻底,椎管减压充分。椎间植骨均融合,融合时间平均3.8个月。1例螺钉固定时穿入椎间隙,经术中透视后及时纠正;1例术后出现脑脊液漏,经改变体位1周后愈合。术后未出现胸腔积液、气胸、膈肌疝等并发症。4例全瘫未恢复,14例神经功能明显恢复。结论胸腔镜辅助下经膈肌手术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折可做到良好的椎管减压、植骨及内固定。胸腔镜下切开及修复膈肌无须特殊的内镜设备,能避免经胸腹膜后及胸腹联合切口的并发症。     

Thoracoscopic interventions in deformities of the thoracic spine

AIM OF THE STUDY: We prospectively studied 9 patients with deformities of the thoracic spine who underwent thoracoscopic surgery to critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of thoracoscopy. METHODS: Seven patients with deformities of the thoracic spine (5 scoliosis, 2 kyphosis) underwent a thoracoscopic release and posterior correction and fusion in a single stage. In one case of a crankshaft-phenomenon a thoracoscopic epiphyseodesis und in another case of a posttraumatic kyphosis a thoracoscopic instrumentation and fusion were performed. The average age was 21 years, the follow-up was 18 months with a minimum of 12 months. The perioperative data including complications were collected and a radiographic analysis concerning curve correction was carried out. RESULTS: The scoliotic curves measured preoperatively 84 degrees on average with a Cobb angle of 62 degrees on the traction films and were corrected by 57% to averagely 36 degrees at follow-up. In the two cases of Scheuermann kyphosis a preoperative kyphosis of 94 degrees respectively 82 degrees was corrected to 52 degrees respectively 58 degrees. Between 4 and 5 discs were excised with an average operative time of 160 min and a blood loss of 380 ml. A conversion to open thoracotomy was not necessary in any case. There were no intraoperative neurovascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic procedures in deformities of the thoracic spine are technically demanding; however, it is a minimally invasive procedure with a reduced approach-related morbidity compared to open thoracotomy. The indications for a thoracoscopic release are rigid kyphosis and scoliosis with rigid curves between 80 and 90 degrees Cobb angle in which an anterior correction and instrumentation alone is not considered.     

胸腰椎骨折并截瘫的前路减压内固定术

目的探讨胸腰椎骨折伴截瘫的前路减压和内固定的治疗效果。方法采用前路减压Kaneda器内固定术治疗外伤性胸腰椎骨折伴截瘫38例，比较手术前后骨折复位及神经功能恢复情况。结果获随访的33例中，除2例胸椎损伤(T6、T10)并完全截瘫、2例脊髓横断无改善外，余均有Frankel一级以上恢复。结论前路减压Kaneda内固定术具有直视下直接切除致压物，有效地解除脊髓压迫，为神经功能恢复创造了条件；保留了后柱的完整性，重建了中柱的连续性，使前路减压、内固定、植骨融合、重建脊柱稳定性得以一次完成等优点，是治疗胸腰椎骨折伴截瘫的有效方法。     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: the Cincinnati experience

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is an alternative to open thoracotomy. We analyzed our experience during a consecutive series of 100 patients who had this procedure and who were available for study at 3-year followup. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was done on patients with the following diagnoses: idiopathic scoliosis (n = 49), neuromuscular spinal deformity (n = 15), Scheuermann kyphosis (n = 15), congenital and infantile scoliosis (n = 5), neurofibromatosis (n = 5), Marfan (n = 1), postradiation scoliosis (n = 1), and repair of pseudoarthrosis (n = 1). Four patients had excision of the first rib to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. One patient had excision of an intrathoracic neurofibroma and one a benign rib tumor. One had anterior arthrodesis after fracture-dislocation of the thoracic spine and another had anterior fusion for vertebral osteomyelitis. The average operative time for the thoracoscopic anterior release with discectomy and arthrodesis was 253 minutes. The average number of discs excised was 8. Final postoperative scoliosis and kyphosis corrections were 68% and 90%, respectively. Complications related to thoracoscopy occurred in eight patients. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery provides a safe and effective alternative to open thoracotomy in the treatment of thoracic pediatric spinal deformities.     

Anterior surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Anterior open scoliosis surgery using the dual rod system is a safe and rather effective procedure for the correction of scoliosis (50–60 %). Thoracic hypokyphosis and rib hump correction with open anterior rather than posterior instrumentation appear to be the better approaches, although the latter is somewhat controversial with current posterior vertebral column derotation devices. In patients with Risser grade 0, hyperkyphosis and adding-on may occur with anterior thoracic spine instrumentation. Anterior thoracoscopic instrumentation provides a similar correction (65 %) with good cosmetic outcomes, but it is associated with a rather high risk of instrumentation (pull-out, pseudoarthrosis) and pulmonary complications. Approximately 80 % of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curves of >70° have restrictive lung disease or smaller than normal lung volumes. AIS patients undergoing anterior thoracotomy or anteroposterior surgery will demonstrate a significant decrease in percentage of predicted lung volumes during follow-up. The thoracoabdominal approach and thoracoscopic approach without thoracoplasty do not produce similar changes in detrimental lung volume. In patients with severe AIS (>90°), posterior-only surgery with TPS provides similar radiographic correction of the deformity (44 %) with better pulmonary function outcomes than anteroposterior surgery. Vascular spinal cord malfunction after segmental vessel ligation during anterior scoliosis surgery has been reported. Based on the current literature, the main indication for open anterior scoliosis instrumentation is Lenke 5C thoracolumbar or lumbar AIS curve with anterior instrumentation typically between T11 and L3.     

胸腔镜下胸腰段疾病的前路手术及内固定

目的回顾胸腔镜下前路减压、植骨内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折、结核和椎间盘突出症的经验,评价胸腔镜技术在脊柱前路手术中的应用价值。方法收集12例接受胸腔镜下前路手术患者的临床资料,分析操作技术、手术时间、出血量以及功能恢复情况。结果胸腰椎骨折8例;结核3例;椎间盘突出症l例。平均手术时间210min,平均出血量600ml,平均住院时间12d。1例结核患者因严重骨质疏松而放弃内固定,仅作病灶清除植骨术。所有患者随访3—10个月,神经功能恢复与普通开胸前路手术近似,骨折复位良好,植骨块和内固定未发现移位,活动基本恢复正常。结论胸腔镜下脊柱前路手术创伤小,并发症及出血量少,术后恢复快,为胸腰椎前路手术提供了一种安全、有效的操作技术。     

Thoracoscopic anterior instrumented fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with emphasis on the sagittal plane

Background contextAnterior fusion through an open thoracotomy restores kyphosis more reliably than posterior techniques in patients with thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Video-assisted thoracoscopic spinal fusion and instrumentation (VATS) minimizes the morbidity, from soft tissue and muscle dissection that accompanies traditional open thoracotomy. To our knowledge, there has not been a comprehensive analysis of VATS with respect to radiographic and clinical outcomes in the sagittal plane.PurposeTo measure the radiographic and clinical outcomes after VATS with emphasis on the sagittal plane.Study design/settingA retrospective, radiographic review of 26 consecutive patients with Lenke type-I AIS who underwent VATS.MethodsRadiographs of 26 consecutive patients with Lenke type-I AIS curves operated by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed after VATS. Sagittal and coronal parameters were compared with reported data for open anterior and posterior procedures.ResultsThere was an increase in kyphosis from baseline to final follow-up by 6.6° (25%) from T2 to T12 (p<.0001), 8.7° (50%) from T5 to T12 (p<.0001), and 8° (54%) in the instrumented segment (p<.0001). Junctional kyphosis did not occur. No differences were detected in sagittal measurements between the first postoperative erect and the final radiographs. Patients experienced significant improvements from baseline to 2 years in Scoliosis Research Society-22 Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcome Questionnaire scores (p<.0001).ConclusionsVideo-assisted thoracoscopic spinal fusion and instrumentation, in agreement with results reported for open anterior instrumentation, reliably restores or increases thoracic kyphosis while preserving junctional alignment in thoracic AIS.     

完全电视胸腔镜外科手术治疗胸部创伤并多发肋骨骨折临床分析

目的探讨完全电视胸腔镜外科手术(VATS)对胸部创伤并多发肋骨骨折病例在完成探查、修补，以及同期微创治疗肋骨骨折的手术方式及疗效。 方法对2016年1月至2018年11月收治的22例多根多处肋骨骨折合并创伤性血气胸、进行性血胸、连枷胸、膈肌破裂、胸腔内异物等需胸腔镜探查的胸部创伤患者，在电视胸腔镜下完成胸内手术的同期、同切口行微创治疗肋骨骨折。 结果22例患者均顺利"借助"主和/或副操作孔，不切断胸部肌肉，"隧道式"游离、固定多发肋骨骨折，无中转开胸病例，其中3例增加脊柱旁纵切口。术后并发症包括切口延期愈合3例，经全身抗炎治疗、局部换药痊愈；肺漏气1例，加强胸腔引流的管理，第7天拔除胸腔闭式引流管。所有患者肋骨固定可靠，愈合良好。术后肋间神经痛1例，胸部麻木感3例，局部胸膜增厚6例。 结论具有胸腔镜探查指征、并多根多处肋骨骨折的胸部创伤，利用胸腔镜切口，在不增加额外损伤的基础上，同期固定骨折的肋骨，安全可行，能明显减轻疼痛，具有并发症少、恢复快的优点。     

Video thoracoscopic excision of an intercostal neurilemoma presenting as a lateral chest wall tumor

Thoracoscopic surgery has expanded with advances in endoscopic surgical instrumentation. We report on a 21-year-old woman with a complete thoracoscopic resection of an intercostal neurilemoma, which occurred extrapleurally in the ninth intercostal space of the lateral thoracic wall. The tumor was 70×40×25 mm in size, but a thoracotomy with a rib resection was avoided. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Thoracoscopic resection of an intercostal neurilemoma, presenting as a lateral chest wall tumor, may be a safe and useful approach with an improved cosmetic result.     

Limitations of dorsal transpedicular stabilization in unstable fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine: an analysis of 133 patients

Summary The optimal treatment of thoracic and lumbar fractures remains controversial. While many authors recommend dorsal instrumentation with an internal fixator, others favour an anterior approach. To evaluate the posterior approach and to identify conditions under which an anterior approach should be preferred, 133 patients with unstable thoracic and lumbar fractures of the spine who underwent dorsal instrumentation with an internal fixator were analyzed. Clinical data were recorded prospectively with respect to fracture type, neurological findings, operative complications, spinal deformation correction, and long-term outcome. All fractures were located between the 7^th thoracic and the 5^th lumbar vertebrae and were considered to be unstable with respect to the three column model. Seventy-six patients (57%) received surgery within the first seven days after the trauma. Postoperatively, 98% of patients with a radicular lesion or an incomplete transverse syndrome (47 patients, 35%) improved. Stable fracture consolidation after fixator removal was obtained in 98% (130 of 133 patients). The preoperative kyphosis angle decreased from an average of 10.1° to 7.4° at the three year follow up. Major operative complications consisted of two isolated nerve root lesions (1.5%), two deep wound infections with need of fixator removal (1.5%), and mallocation of two pedicle screws with need for another procedure in two patients (1.5%). Three patients (2%) suffered from insufficient bony fusion with increase of kyphotic deformation and required subsequent anterior stabilization. These three patients presented with an initial kyphosis or wedge angle of 20° or higher. In conclusion, dorsal stabilization with the internal fixator is a safe and reliable treatment for unstable fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. The authors recommend this procedure because of its low-invasiveness in conjunction with satisfactory reconstruction and stabilization. However, an anterior approach should be considered in fractures with initial kyphotic deformation or wedge angle of 20 or more degrees.     

Distraction injury to thoracic spine treated with thoracoscopic dual-rod fixation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Thoracic hyperextension fracture-dislocation is a rare pattern of traumatic spinal injury, typically associated with gross spinal instability and severe neurological deficit. These extremely unstable injuries require internal fixation despite their potentially benign clinical presentation. PURPOSE: We present a patient with a thoracic distraction injury who remained neurologically intact. METHODS: The patient underwent thoracoscopic reduction and anterior fixation of the thoracic spine using a paired screw-rod construct. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the patient remained neurologically intact and had no complications related to his thoracic fixation and fusion. Follow-up radiographs showed maintenance of thoracic alignment and bony fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic approach to the anterior thoracic spine was an excellent treatment option for this thoracic distraction injury.     

Anterior thoracoscopic surgery followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion in spinal deformity

Many authors believe thoracoscopic surgery is associated with a lower level of morbidity compared to thoracotomy, for anterior release or growth arrest in spinal deformity. Others believe that anterior release achieved thoracoscopically is not as effective as that achieved with the open procedure. We evaluated the clinical results, radiological correction and morbidity following anterior thoracoscopic surgery followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion, to see whether there is any evidence for either of these beliefs. Twenty-nine patients undergoing thoracoscopic anterior release or growth arrest followed by posterior fusion and instrumentation were evaluated from a clinical and radiological viewpoint. The mean follow-up was 2 years (range 1–4 years). The average age was 16 years (range 5–26 years). The following diagnoses were present: idiopathic scoliosis (n = 17), neuromuscular scoliosis (n = 2), congenital scoliosis (n = 1), thoracic hyperkyphosis (n = 9). All patients were satisfied with cosmesis following surgery. Twenty scoliosis patients had a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 65.1° (range 42°–94°) for the major curve, with an average flexibility of 34.5% (42.7°). Post operative correction to 31.5° (50.9%) and 34.4° (47.1%) at maximal follow-up was noted. For nine patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis, the Cobb angle averaged 81° (range 65°–96°), with hyperextension films showing an average correction to 65°. Postoperative correction to an average of 58.6° was maintained at 59.5° at maximal follow-up. The average number of released levels was 5.1 (range 3–7) and the average duration of the thoracoscopic procedure was 188 min (range 120–280 min). There was a decrease in this length of time as the series progressed. No neurologic or vascular complications occurred. Postoperative complications included four recurrent pneumothoraces, one surgical emphysema, and one respiratory infection. Thoracoscopic anterior surgery appears a safe and effective technique for the treatment of paediatric and adolescent spinal deformity. A randomised controlled trial, comparing open with thoracoscopic methods, is required. Received: 11 October 1999 Revised: 20 April 2000 Accepted: 16 May 2000     

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。     

脊柱前路钉棒内固定系统的临床应用

目的 探讨应用一种新的脊椎前路钉棒系统进行脊柱前路手术的效果。方法 应用此器械对26例脊柱疾病患进行前路手术，其中胸腰段脊柱爆裂性18例，脊柱结核6例，脊柱肿瘤2例。结果 26例随访25-67个月，X线显示椎体高度恢复良好，植骨融合牢固，无断钉松动等并发症，所有患神经功能有不同程度恢复。结论 脊柱前路钉棒内固定系统用于脊柱前路手术固定可靠，操作简单易行，效果满意。     

Video-assisted thoracic diskectomy and anterior release: a biomechanical analysis of an endoscopic technique.

This study evaluates the residual biomechanical stability of the spine following multilevel anterior diskectomies and anterior longitudinal ligament release using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Eighteen domestic pigs were randomly divided into three groups of six pigs. Group 1 underwent thoracic anterior release from T4-T9 using a left-sided VATS approach, group 2 underwent thoracic anterior release from T4-T9 via a traditional left thoracotomy (open), and group 3 did not undergo surgery and served as a control. After surgery, the animals were euthanized, and the thoracic spinal columns were harvested for biomechanical testing. Nondestructive testing was performed on all specimens in pure compression, flexion, extension, right lateral bending, and torsion. Specimens from group 1 had significantly lower stiffness values (P<.05) than the control group for all five test modes. These data demonstrate that adequate anterior release of the thoracic spine can be obtained with the VATS technique. Further prospective clinical studies on VATS are required before the widespread application of this technique.     

Combined Stabilization of Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures

Abstract Introduction: Isolated dorsal instrumentation in thoraco-lumbar spine fractures may lead to loss of reduction after implant removal and subsequent re-kyphosing. Thus, reconstruction of the anterior body defect using expandable cages or allografts in addition to dorsal stabilization may enhance stability. Patients and Methods: In the following study we report on 89 patients (30 female, 59 male) with a mean age of 46.5 ± 20.6 years (MW ± SEM) who sustained unstable fractures or tumor destruction of the thoraco-lumbar spine. Fracture care included primary dorsal stabilization by internal fixator. All patients received in a second step ventral corporectomy and vertebral body replacement by expandable titanium cages (n = 75; Ulrich, Germany) or iliac crest bone grafts (n = 14). From T3 to L1 a thoracoscopic anterior approach was performed; L3 to L5 region was assessed by lumbotomy. In addition, the anterior column was stabilized by a fixed-angle plate (MACS, Aesculap, Germany) since 2002. Results: The operating time for the anterior approach averaged 160 ± 42 min. Patients tolerated the thoracoscopic approach well. We experienced no cage dislocation in the group of patients with fixed-angle plate fixation (before 2002 n = 4). There were n = 11 (9.8%) complications (aortic injury n = 1, iliac vein injury n = 1, cerebrospinal fluid leak n = 4, wound infection n = 5). Conclusion: Combined posterior–anterior stabilization of the thoraco-lumbar spine allows for a meticulous reconstruction and stabilization of graduated height of the anterior column. Primary dorsal instrumentation leads to tension stability and simplifies reduction. An additional anterior fixed-angle plate system may help to prevent cage dislocation.