Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis and new classification of the osteoporotic vertebral fracture

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of, and when deciding on treatment policies for, vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis by comparing the diagnostic success rates for such fractures using MRI and plain radiographs. We also devised a new classification of vertebral fractures in osteoporotic patients based on MRI findings. The subjects were 34 patients with a total of 316 osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures treated in our department during the past 2 years. They consisted of 30 women and 4 men with an average age of 82 years (range 61–95 years). The site diagnostic rates of plain radiographs and MRI for the vertebral fractures were compared, and changes in signal intensity of the fractured vertebrae in MRI were examined. The areas of change in signal intensity in T1-weighted sagittal images were classified into six types: total, anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, central. The site diagnostic rate for vertebral fractures was 98% for MRI, which was better than the 87% obtained with plain radiographs. Changes in signal intensity in the vertebrae showed no intraspinal protrusion in the inferior and superior types, and neurological stability was achieved; but there was a high frequency of intraspinal protrusion in the total and posterior types.     

Clinical importance of posterior vertebral height loss on plain radiography when conservatively treating osteoporotic vertebral fractures

PurposeTo predict spinal canal compromise, the assessment of plain radiography with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can aid the detection of vertebral body collapse and prevent the development of neurological deficits.MethodsPatients who suffered osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) between January 2012 and December 2014 underwent consecutive radiological assessments, including measurements of anterior height loss (AHL), posterior height loss (PHL), and the kyphotic angle (KA). The fracture morphology was classified by AOSpine thoracolumbar spine injury classification system. MRI was performed at the initial assessment and the extent of canal encroachment (CE) was calculated in all patients. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) or MRI was performed in patients exhibiting significant height loss in follow-up radiography. The fracture patterns in T1- and T2-weighted MRI were also assessed.ResultsA total of 485 patients visited our institute for treatment of OVFs and 97 were enrolled; 15 were male and 82 were female. The mean age at initial visit was 70.3 ± 14.6 years. The initial spinal CE was correlated with the initial PHL and the initial AHL. The follow-up CE was correlated with age, the initial PHL, and the difference between the initial and last PHL (ΔPHL_{(initial-last)}). OVFs with both endplate fractures have a greater tendency of posterior wall collapse than those with single endplate fracture. On initial T1-weighted sagittal MRI, a diffuse low signal change pattern of the fractured vertebra was correlated with PHL. Delayed neurological deficits developed in four patients. These patients underwent surgical intervention.ConclusionsIn patients with simple compression fractures, attention should be paid to the posterior vertebral body and both endplates as well as the T1-weighted MRI findings to allow early detection of spinal canal compromise, which can have devastating consequences.     

Magnetic resonance and computed tomography-based scoring system for the differential diagnosis of vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis and malignant tumors

Background Previous reports have described magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings alleged to be specific for vertebral fractures caused by malignant lesions. Using such findings for differential diagnosis is often difficult, especially during the early phase of the fracture. With the relative inaccuracy of any single imaging finding, a validated scoring system based on a combination of imaging findings might lead to enhanced diagnostic accuracy. The purpose of this study was to establish a diagnostic scoring system for discriminating osteoporotic vertebral fractures from those caused by malignant tumors on the basis of MRI and computed tomography (CT) findings.Methods Ten MRI and CT scan findings of 57 osteoporotic vertebral fractures and 43 neoplastic fractures were retrospectively evaluated for their ability to discriminate between malignant and benign vertebral fractures.Results The following four MRI and two CT findings were selected as the basis for the scoring system: pedicle or other posterior element involvement; extension into the paravertebral region; preservation of normal bone marrow signal; a continuous black line representing the posterior vertebral body margin on T2-weighted MRI images; osteolytic destruction; and distinct fracture lines on CT.Conclusion By combining the findings common to MRI and CT scans of vertebral fractures, a simple scoring system was devised. This scoring system was found to enhance the accuracy of imaging diagnosis of fractures caused by benign or malignant spinal lesions.     

Anterior decompression and strut graft versus posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits

Background contextWith the increase of the elderly population, osteoporotic vertebral fractures have been frequently reported. Surgical intervention is usually recommended in osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits. However, very few reports on surgical interventions exist.PurposeTo compare surgical results of anterior and posterior procedures for treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with sustained neurologic deficits.Study designRetrospective comparative study.Patient sampleFifty patients who sustained osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits were treated either by anterior decompression and strut graft (n=32) or by posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty (n=18).Outcome measuresIncidence of complications, sagittal Cobb angle, spinal canal encroachment, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score.MethodsThe authors retrospectively reviewed the results of a consecutive series of patients undergoing anterior decompression and strut graft or posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits. Operative notes, clinical charts, and radiographs were analyzed.ResultsOperative time was similar between the groups, but intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the posterior group. All patients showed neurologic recovery. No significant difference was observed in the neurologic improvement, kyphosis correction angle, and loss of correction. Perioperative respiratory complications were found in 11 patients (34%) in the anterior group. In the anterior group, early posterior reinforcement was required in patients with very low bone density below 0.60 g/cm² and/or in those with three segments of instrumentation for two vertebral collapses. Posterior group patients did not undergo additional surgery.ConclusionsAnterior reconstruction for osteoporotic vertebral collapse is significant because anterior elements, particularly those at the thoracolumbar junction, play a major role in load bearing. However, difficulties arise when anterior reconstruction is performed in cases with very low bone density and in those with multiple vertebral collapse.     

Characteristic imaging findings predicting the risk of conservative treatment resistance in fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures with poor prognostic features on magnetic resonance imaging

BackgroundRecent studies have reported that confined high-intensity and diffuse low-intensity on sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are distinctive features that are highly predictive of delayed union or nonunion on osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of imaging findings predicting the risk for requiring surgical treatment in fresh OVF with poor prognostic features on MRI.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 74 patients (17 men and 57 women with a mean age of 81.1 years) of OVF with the poor prognostic MRI findings. We compared the imaging findings between the surgery group (16 patients) and the conservative group (58 patients): vertebral instability defined as the difference between the vertebral collapse ratio in dynamic X-rays, and the grade of posterior wall injury (Grade I, no spinal canal encroachment; Grade II, <2 mm; Grade III, ≥2 mm) as well as the presence or absence of pedicle fracture (Grade I, none; Grade II, unilateral; Grade III, bilateral) on computed tomography.ResultsThe mean vertebral instability was 24.0% ± 10.1% in the surgery group and 13.0% ± 7.8% in the conservative group, which was significantly different. Posterior wall injury in the surgery and conservative groups was Grade I in 0 and 29 cases, Grade II in 5 and 21 cases, and Grade III in 11 and 8 cases, respectively, constituting a significant difference. Pedicle fracture in the surgery and conservative groups was Grade I in 5 and 55 cases, Grade II in 6 and 2 cases, and Grade III in 5 and 1 case, respectively, also constituting a significant difference.ConclusionsThe most high-risk OVF patients with poor prognostic MRI findings who required surgical treatment were those who exhibited greater vertebral instability as well as either more severe posterior wall injury or pedicle fracture.Study designRetrospective clinical study.     

Bilateral L5 Radiculopathy Due to Osteoporotic LI Vertebral Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: The true incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures is not well defined because many osteoporotic vertebral fractures are asymptomatic. Although the true incidence of neurological compromise as a result of osteoporotic vertebral fractures is not known, it is thought to be low. In this case report, we present a case of L1 osteoporotic vertebral fracture causing bilateral L5 nerve root compression and manifestation of bilateral foot-drop.

Methods: Pedicle screws were inserted in the vertebrae, 2 above and 2 below the LI vertebra. A temporary rod was placed on the left. An LI right hemilaminectomy via a posterior approach and a corpectomy were performed. The spinal cord was decompressed. Anterior fusion was carried out by placing titanium mesh cage into the vertebrectomy site as a strut graft via posterior approach, and posterolateral fusion with spongious allografts were added to the procedure.

Results: Two years later the patient was completely symptom free and receiving medical treatment for osteoporosis, which was diagnosed as primary type.

Conclusion: If a fracture is detected on the posterior wall of the vertebral body in computerized tomography (CT) examination with plain radiographs, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination should be conducted in the presence of symptoms and physical findings suggestive of neurological compression. Follow-up neurological examinations should be carried out, and it should be kept in mind that most of the neurological symptoms may develop late and manifest as radiculopathy. The majority of the osteoporotic vertebral fractures can be managed conservatively with bed rest and orthosis, but cases with accompanying neurological deficit should be managed surgically using decompression and stabilization by fusion and instrumentation.     

后路单节段椎弓根螺钉内固定选择性治疗胸腰椎骨折

目的：探讨后路单节段椎弓根螺钉内固定选择性治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效。方法：自2005年6月至2008年6月,行后路单节段椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折28例,男17例,女11例;年龄19-60岁,平均36岁。骨折根据AO分型：A1型19例,A2型9例。观察骨折椎的椎弓根螺钉位置及手术前后骨折椎的复位情况。结果：术后CT示骨折椎56枚椎弓根螺钉均在正常骨性结构内,均未通过骨折线。术后无脊髓损伤、感染等并发症发生。骨折椎体前缘压缩率从术前平均（42．0±5．6）％恢复至（12．4±1.4）％（P〈0．05）;骨折椎后凸Cobb角从术前平均（25．8±5．1）°废复至（1．9±1．3）°（P〈0．05）。28例患者术后均获随访,平均18.3个月（3-36个月）,骨折全部获得骨性愈合,骨折椎体高度无明显丢失,无钉棒弯曲、松动或断裂。结论：只要手术适应证选择正确,后路单节段椎弓根螺钉内固定可用于治疗胸腰椎骨折。     

Vertebral body fracture after anterolateral instrumentation and interbody fusion in two osteoporotic patients

Background contextThe XLP plate is an anterolateral instrumentation system developed as a part of the eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) system for lateral transpsoas interbody fusion, an alternative to anterior interbody fusion.PurposeTo report two cases of atraumatic coronal plane vertebral body fractures in the early postoperative period after interbody fusion using XLIF cages, lateral plating using the XLP plate, and unilateral posterior pedicle screw instrumentation.Study designCase report.Methods/summariesBoth patients were septuagenarian women with normal body mass indices and osteoporosis. The patients underwent L4–L5 XLIF with anterolateral instrumentation followed by posterior decompression and fusion using unilateral pedicle screws. In the early postoperative period (≤6 weeks), the patients developed acute onset of severe low back pain without history of trauma. Imaging demonstrated coronal plane vertebral body fracture through the screw hole of the XLP plate in the superior vertebral body in one case and the inferior vertebral body in the other. One patient required kyphoplasty at the L4 level for pain relief. The other was treated conservatively. The nondisplaced fractures went on to union with pain resolution and successful fusion in both patients.ResultsCoronal plane fractures occurred in 2 of 13 patients treated by the senior author using XLIF, the XLP plate, and unilateral pedicle screw instrumentation. Osteoporosis was likely a contributing factor in both patients. One potential mechanism for this unusual fracture pattern is subsidence of the cage with resultant cut-through of the fixed-angle screws through the osteoporotic vertebral body. Alternately, the fracture could have resulted from the stress riser created by the screw hole traversing an area of relative stress concentration directly adjacent to the cage.ConclusionCoronal plane vertebral fracture may occur in osteoporotic patients treated with XLIF and XLP lateral instrumentation. Unilateral pedicle screw instrumentation does not prevent this complication.     

Can a Deep-learning Model for the Automated Detection of Vertebral Fractures Approach the Performance Level of Human Subspecialists?

BackgroundVertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fractures in older individuals. Recent studies suggest that the performance of artificial intelligence is equal to humans in detecting osteoporotic fractures, such as fractures of the hip, distal radius, and proximal humerus. However, whether artificial intelligence performs as well in the detection of vertebral fractures on plain lateral spine radiographs has not yet been reported.Questions/purposes(1) What is the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver reliability (kappa value) of an artificial intelligence model in detecting vertebral fractures, based on Genant fracture grades, using plain lateral spine radiographs compared with values obtained by human observers? (2) Do patients’ clinical data, including the anatomic location of the fracture (thoracic or lumbar spine), T-score on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or fracture grade severity, affect the performance of an artificial intelligence model? (3) How does the artificial intelligence model perform on external validation?MethodsBetween 2016 and 2018, 1019 patients older than 60 years were treated for vertebral fractures in our institution. Seventy-eight patients were excluded because of missing CT or MRI scans (24% [19]), poor image quality in plain lateral radiographs of spines (54% [42]), multiple myeloma (5% [4]), and prior spine instrumentation (17% [13]). The plain lateral radiographs of 941 patients (one radiograph per person), with a mean age of 76 ± 12 years, and 1101 vertebral fractures between T7 and L5 were retrospectively evaluated for training (n = 565), validating (n = 188), and testing (n = 188) of an artificial intelligence deep-learning model. The gold standard for diagnosis (ground truth) of a vertebral fracture is the interpretation of the CT or MRI reports by a spine surgeon and a radiologist independently. If there were any disagreements between human observers, the corresponding CT or MRI images would be rechecked by them together to reach a consensus. For the Genant classification, the injured vertebral body height was measured in the anterior, middle, and posterior third. Fractures were classified as Grade 1 (< 25%), Grade 2 (26% to 40%), or Grade 3 (> 40%). The framework of the artificial intelligence deep-learning model included object detection, data preprocessing of radiographs, and classification to detect vertebral fractures. Approximately 90 seconds was needed to complete the procedure and obtain the artificial intelligence model results when applied clinically. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, interobserver reliability (kappa value), receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve (AUC) were analyzed. The bootstrapping method was applied to our testing dataset and external validation dataset. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to investigate whether fracture anatomic location or T-score in dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry report affected the performance of the artificial intelligence model. The receiver operating characteristic curve and AUC were used to investigate the relationship between the performance of the artificial intelligence model and fracture grade. External validation with a similar age population and plain lateral radiographs from another medical institute was also performed to investigate the performance of the artificial intelligence model.ResultsThe artificial intelligence model with ensemble method demonstrated excellent accuracy (93% [773 of 830] of vertebrae), sensitivity (91% [129 of 141]), and specificity (93% [644 of 689]) for detecting vertebral fractures of the lumbar spine. The interobserver reliability (kappa value) of the artificial intelligence performance and human observers for thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were 0.72 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.80; p < 0.001) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.83; p < 0.001), respectively. The AUCs for Grades 1, 2, and 3 vertebral fractures were 0.919, 0.989, and 0.990, respectively. The artificial intelligence model with ensemble method demonstrated poorer performance for discriminating normal osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae, with a specificity of 91% (260 of 285) compared with nonosteoporotic lumbar vertebrae, with a specificity of 95% (222 of 234). There was a higher sensitivity 97% (60 of 62) for detecting osteoporotic (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry T-score ≤ -2.5) lumbar vertebral fractures, implying easier detection, than for nonosteoporotic vertebral fractures (83% [39 of 47]). The artificial intelligence model also demonstrated better detection of lumbar vertebral fractures compared with detection of thoracic vertebral fractures based on the external dataset using various radiographic techniques. Based on the dataset for external validation, the overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity on bootstrapping method were 89%, 83%, and 95%, respectively.ConclusionThe artificial intelligence model detected vertebral fractures on plain lateral radiographs with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, especially for osteoporotic lumbar vertebral fractures (Genant Grades 2 and 3). The rapid reporting of results using this artificial intelligence model may improve the efficiency of diagnosing vertebral fractures. The testing model is available at http://140.113.114.104/vght_demo/corr/. One or multiple plain lateral radiographs of the spine in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format can be uploaded to see the performance of the artificial intelligence model.Level of EvidenceLevel II, diagnostic study.     

经皮后路短节段椎弓根螺钉固定结合伤椎强化治疗单节段胸腰椎骨质疏松性骨折

目的 :探讨经皮后路短节段椎弓根钉固定结合伤椎骨水泥强化治疗单节段胸腰椎骨质疏松性骨折的临床疗效。方法:2009年1月至2013年1月采用经皮后路短节段椎弓根螺钉内固定结合伤椎骨水泥强化治疗无神经损伤表现单节段胸腰椎骨质疏松性骨折患者48例,男22例,女26例;年龄55~72岁,平均62.2岁;受伤至手术时间为8 h~9 d,平均4.5 d。依据Denis分型:压缩型35例,爆裂型13例。骨折部位:T_(11)9椎,T_(12)15椎,L_1 14椎,L_2 7椎,L_3 3椎。观察并比较患者手术前后伤椎前缘高度比、矢状面Cobb角、椎体矢状面指数(SI)随访期间内固定失败情况及后凸畸形再发等情况。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间24~48个月,平均32.5个月。手术时间60~140 min,平均85 min;术中出血量50~100 ml,平均为75 ml。术前、术后3 d及术后1年时的伤椎前缘高度比分别为(56.4±2.6)%、(91.2±1.6)%、(86.9±3.2)%;局部后凸矢状面Cobb角分别为(26.6±3.2)°、(6.2±1.0)°、(6.8±1.5)°;SI分别为(51.6±4.2)%、(90.2±5.9)%、(88.7±4.2)%;疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue sacle,VAS)分别为7.6±1.2、2.8±1.9、1.1±0.4。术后3 d较术前明显改善,术后1年与术后3 d比较差异无统计学意义。未发生神经功能损坏、内固定失败及后凸畸形再发。结论:经皮后路短节段椎弓根螺钉固定结合伤椎骨水泥强化治疗单节段胸腰椎骨质疏松性骨折创伤小,同时可有效恢复脊柱正常生理负荷传导,防止内固定失败和椎体再发后凸畸形。     

Verification of measurements of lumbar spinal dimensions in T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences

Background contextMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to assess patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. No single MRI sequence has been shown to be superior in spinal canal measurements. There are also cost concerns for the increased clinical and research use of MRI. Using only a single sequence may lower the financial burden; however, this requires spinal canal measurements in both T1 and T2 MRI to be reliable. Evidence for this is currently lacking.PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-reader reliability of MRI measurements of the lumbar spine and the reliability of measurements using T1- and T2-weighted MRI films.Study design/settingRetrospective study.Patient sampleForty-two randomly selected patients who underwent spinal stenosis surgery.Outcome measuresLumbar spinal canal measurements and reliability analysis between T1- and T2-weighted MRI.MethodsQualitative ratings of MRI features were performed according to previously published criteria by 2 independent readers (JP-YC, HS). Measurements in axial scan included midline anteroposterior (AP) vertebral body diameter, midvertebral body width, midline AP spinal canal diameter, midline AP dural sac diameter, spinal canal width/interpedicular distance, pedicle width (right and left), and lamina angle. Measurements in the sagittal scan included midline AP body diameter, midvertebral body height, and AP spinal canal diameter. Cronbach alpha was used to characterize intra- and inter-reader reliability for qualitative rating data. Similarly, T1 and T2 comparison also was performed in the same manner.ResultsGood to excellent intra- and interobserver reliability was obtained for all measurements. Reliability analysis of all T1 and T2 measurements was excellent.ConclusionsEither T1 or T2 images can be used for measurements of spinal canal dimensions. These findings are of importance, as not every patient undergoing preoperative MRI assessment will necessarily have both sequences performed and only a single sequence is required for research studies. Our findings are also of relevance in measurement of lumbar canal diameters.     

单球囊双侧交替扩张后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的病例对照研究

目的：比较椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体一般压缩骨折与严重压缩骨折的临床疗效.方法：自2009年1月至2011年2月,对60例（70椎）骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折患者采用单球囊双侧交替扩张后凸成形术结合体位复位治疗,其中男10例,女50例;年龄59～90岁,平均72.1岁.其中一般压缩骨折患者38例（44个椎体）,男7例,女31例;年龄59～87岁,平均（71.8±6.1）岁,二椎体骨折6例,T9 1椎,T105椎,T.7椎,T12 13椎,L1 9椎,L24椎,L34椎,L41椎.严重压缩骨折患者22例（26个椎体）,男3例,女19例;年龄63～90岁,平均（72.6±7.2）岁;二椎体骨折4例,T9 1椎,T102椎,Tn3椎,T12 9椎,L16椎,Ls 3椎,L3 2椎.比较两组患者的手术时间、骨水泥注射量及手术前后椎体高度和Cobb角的改变,计算两组术后椎体高度平均恢复率与Cobb角的平均矫正度,采用视觉模拟评分VAS进行疗效评价.结果：所有患者均安全完成手术,术后72 h内疼痛均明显缓解,两组患者均获得随访,时间6～13个月,平均10.1个月.两组术后椎体高度、Cobb角、VAS评分均较术前改善（P＜0.05）.椎体一般骨折组手术时间短于严重椎体骨折组（P＜0.05）,而骨水泥注入量大于椎体严重骨折组（P＜0.05）,且椎体一般骨折组在术后椎体平均恢复率与Cobb角的平均矫正度均优于椎体严重骨折组（P＜0.05）,而两组患者手术前后VAS评分比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.椎体一般骨折组有3例（3椎）发生骨水泥渗漏（6.8％）,椎体严重骨折组有5例（5椎）发生骨水泥渗漏（19.2％）,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论：椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体一般压缩骨折及椎体严重压缩骨折均可获得满意疗效,椎体一般压缩骨折患者在椎体高度恢复及Cobb较矫正上优于椎体严重压缩骨折患者.     

胸腰椎骨折后部韧带复合体损伤中MRI诊断价值的探讨

目的 评估MRI对诊断胸腰椎骨折患者后部韧带复合体损伤的可靠性. 方法 95例胸腰椎骨折患者,术前进行棘突间隙触诊、X线片、MRI检查,其中MRI检查在传统的成像基础上,加做矢状12抑脂序列.采用后入路手术,手术中仔细检查后部韧带复合体损伤情况. 结果 触诊棘突间隙增宽41例,X线片55例,MRI发现韧带复合体损伤85例,其中棘上韧带损伤85例,棘间韧带损伤83例,黄韧带损伤26例;手术发现棘上韧带损伤82例,棘间韧带损伤80例,黄韧带损伤20例.触诊与手术所见无相关性,X线片诊断、MRI诊断与手术所见有明显相关性. 结论 MRI矢状,12抑脂序列是评估后部韧带复合体损伤的高敏感度和准确度的检查方法,可推荐为诊断胸腰椎骨折后部韧带复合体损伤的常规检查方法.     

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.     

Anatomical considerations for cervical pedicle screw insertion: the use of multiplanar computerized tomography measurements in 122 consecutive clinical cases

Background contextSuccessful placement of pedicle screws in the cervical spine requires a sufficient three-dimensional understanding of pedicle morphology to allow accurate identification of the screw axis.PurposeThe goal of the present study was to assess morphologic trends from one level to the next with respect to linear and angular parameters associated with the subaxial cervical pedicles.Study design/settingWe evaluated the pedicle morphology of cervical spine using axial and sagittal computed tomography (CT) imaging. The C3–C7 vertebrae in 122 patients (610 vertebrae) were evaluated (age range, 14–93; mean, 48 years).MethodsThin cut (2.5 mm thickness) axial CT images were measured. Sagittal reconstructions were obtained using 1.25-mm thickness slices. The following pedicle parameters were assessed: pedicle width (PW, the mediolateral diameter of the pedicle isthmus, perpendicular to the pedicle axis), pedicle height (PH, rostro-caudal dimension of the pedicle determined on the sagittal image), maximal screw length (MSL, distance from the posterior cortex of the lateral mass to the anterior wall of the vertebral body along the pedicle axis), and pedicle transverse angle (PTA, angle between the pedicle axis and the midline vertebral body).ResultsThe overall mean PW and PH ranged from 4.7 to 6.5 mm and 6.4 to 7.0 mm, respectively. For both these parameters there was a trend toward increasing size proceeding caudally in the cervical spine. The mean PW and PH was greater in males than in females, and this difference was statistically significant at all levels (p<.0001). The overall mean MSL ranged from 29.9 to 32.9 mm. All intersections of the pedicle axis and the posterior cortex of the lateral mass were located at the most lateral portion of the lateral mass for the C3–C6 vertebrae. The overall mean PTA ranged from 37.8° to 45.3°. The overall mean PTA was approximately 44° from C3 to C6 and 37.8° at C7.ConclusionThe findings of our radiological anatomical study suggest that the preoperative CT scans of patients undergoing cervical transpedicular fixation should be thoroughly analyzed and close attention paid to the pedicle size and its angulation. The placement of cervical pedicle screws should be individualized for each patient and based on detailed preoperative planning.     

Reliability of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting posterior ligament complex injury in thoracolumbar spinal fractures

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of 34 patients with thoracolumbar spinal fractures. OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for posterior ligament complex injury in thoracolumbar spinal fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Some researchers have studied posterior ligament complex injury in spinal fracture using MRI. However, most did not evaluate the findings of MRI compared with the operative findings. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with thoracolumbar spinal fracture were evaluated by palpation of the interspinous gap, plain radiography, and MRI before operation. In addition to conventional MRI sequences, a fat-suppressed T2-weighted sagittal sequence was performed. Surgery was performed by a posterior approach. During the operation, posterior ligament complex injury was carefully examined. RESULTS: A wide interspinous gap was palpated in 14 patients and was found in 21 patients on plain radiography. Magnetic resonance imaging raised suspicion of injury to the posterior ligament complex in 30 patients. According to interpretation of MRI, injury to the supraspinous ligament was suspected in 27 patients, the interspinous ligament in 30 patients, and the ligamentum flavum in 9 patients. There were 28 supraspinous ligament injuries, 29 interspinous ligament injuries, and 7 ligamentum flavum injuries in operative findings. There was a significant relation between MRI interpretation and operative findings. CONCLUSION: A fat-suppressed T2-weighted sagittal sequence of MRI was a highly sensitive, specific, and accurate method of evaluating posterior ligament complex injury. Based on the results of this study, a fat-suppressed T2-weighted sagittal sequence of MRIs is recommended for the accurate evaluation of posterior ligament complex injury and would be helpful in the selection of treatment options.     

Kümmell病的影像学诊断分析

目的 :探讨骨质疏松性Kümmell病的影像学特征对其诊断价值。方法 :2010年5月至2014年5月共收治经病理证实的Kümmell病患者16例,男4例,女12例;年龄67~83岁,平均73.4岁;腰背部疼痛病史2个月~3年,平均4.7个月。回顾性分析所有病椎X线片,CT横断位、矢状位和冠状位重建与MRI矢状位T1WI、T2WI及STIR影像学资料。结果:正侧位X线片病椎可见线形透亮线样"椎体裂缝征",CT可见椎体内伴有气体和(或)液体的空壳样改变,MRI提示椎体出现边界完整的液体信号区域。结论:骨质疏松性Kümmell病影像学表现具有一定特异性,结合临床发病特点,为早期明确诊断提供依据。     

新型Vessel-X经皮椎体强化系统治疗溶骨性后壁破损型椎体转移瘤

目的:评估Vessel-X经皮椎体强化系统(Vesselplasty)治疗溶骨性后壁破损型椎体转移瘤的临床疗效和安全性。方法:对2016年1月至2019年1月收治的19例(21个节段)溶骨性后壁破损的椎体转移瘤患者进行回顾性分析,男15例,女4例;年龄40～85(66.00±10.25)岁,术前均因腰背部的疼痛剧烈影响生活前来就诊,均通过CT诊断为椎体后壁破损型转移瘤。所有患者采用Vesselplasty技术进行治疗,其中19个椎体采取单侧椎弓根穿刺、2个椎体采取双侧椎弓根穿刺。术前及术后1、3 d分别记录视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry Disability Index,ODI),术后复查X线片及CT观察有无骨水泥渗漏情况,并记录其他并发症发生情况。结果:19例患者手术过程均顺利,术后患者疼痛显著改善,手术前后VAS评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数差异有统计学意义(P0.05);1个椎体发生少量骨水泥渗漏,为椎静脉丛渗漏,但术后无临床症状。结论:采用Vesselplasty技术治疗椎体溶骨性后壁破损型的转移瘤,可减轻患者胸腰背部疼痛症状,明显提高生活质量,骨水泥渗漏发生率较低,具有较好的临床疗效及安全性。     

经单侧椎弓根入路椎体成形治疗胸腰椎压缩骨折

目的探讨经单侧椎弓根入路椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎压缩骨折的临床效果。方法2005年6月至2007年3月对62例胸腰椎压缩性骨折共90个椎体行经单侧椎弓根入路椎体成形术．经C臂X线机透视定位引导下进行穿刺,将调制成糊状的骨水泥用螺旋加压注射装置匀速缓慢注入病变椎体。结果共治疗62例,90个椎体,其中单节段40例。双节段16例。三节段6例。随访3～18个月（平均12个月）。止痛效果依据目测疼痛评分法进行评价．术后止痛效果达98．4％（61／62）．术后立即止痛35例．占56．5％,1d后止痛15例,占24．2％,3d后止痛11例,占17．7％,未能止痛1例．占1．6％。本组无一例发生需治疗干预的并发症。结论经皮椎体成形术具有显著的止痛效果．是治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩骨折安全有效的微创治疗方法。     

后路截骨联合钉道强化术治疗陈旧性骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形

目的 观察后路截骨联合钉道强化术治疗陈旧性骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形的临床效疗.方法 回顾性分析2008年1月～2010年6月采用此方法治疗的21例陈旧性骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形患者的临床资料,应用Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry Disability Index,ODI）、疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分、美国脊髓损伤学会（American spinal injury association,ASIA）分级、影像学资料评估治疗效果,并记录手术并发症.结果 所有患者随访16～24个月,平均随访18.7月.术后3个月及末次随访时VAS评分、ODI评分、Cobb角与术前相比差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.所有患者均未发生内固定相关并发症,没有出现有症状的骨水泥渗漏.末次随访时21例患者中ASIA分级C级恢复到D级1例、恢复到E级1例,由D级恢复到E级19例.结论 后路截骨联合钉道强化术治疗陈旧性骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形短期疗效满意.