后凸成形术结合体位复位治疗创伤性胸腰椎椎体骨折的临床观察

目的：观察在体位复位辅助下后凸成形术治疗创伤性胸腰椎椎体骨折的临床疗效。方法：37例新鲜单节段胸腰椎椎体骨折患者,男28例,女9例;年龄24～79岁,平均48岁。通过体位复位及Sky扩张器撑开复位后,经双侧椎弓根穿刺充填自固化磷酸钙人工骨（CPC）。根据Denis胸腰椎骨折的分型：压缩性骨折,B型27例,C型3例,D型5例;爆裂性骨折2例,均为B型。利用体位复位,经皮穿刺,Sky椎体成形器扩张椎体,注入可降解的自固化磷酸钙人工骨。根据术前和术后侧位X线片测量椎体高度、后凸畸形角度,并计算椎体高度丢失率和后凸畸形矫正率,记录分析视觉模拟评分（VAS）及伤椎形态变化。结果：术后随访9～24个月,平均13个月。术后伤椎处疼痛均显著缓解,VAS评分改变从术前平均（7.6±2.5）分降至术后平均（1.8±1.5）分,椎体前壁高度和中间高度明显恢复,后凸畸形得到矫正。随访期间疗效满意,伤椎高度无明显丢失。结论：在严格掌握适应证、选择合适病例的前提下,采用体位复位辅助下经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗创伤性胸腰椎椎体骨折,能迅速缓解疼痛,有效恢复椎体高度和矫正后凸畸形。     

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.     

多节段非相邻型胸腰椎骨折的手术治疗及分型

目的：探讨多节段非相邻型胸腰椎骨折的手术治疗方式和分型。方法：2005年12月至2008年12月共治疗24例多节段非相邻型胸腰椎骨折患者,其中男16例,女8例;年龄18～63岁,平均36岁。根据ASIA脊髓神经功能损伤分级：A级1例,B级2例,C级2例,D级8例,E级11例。按改进的MNSF分类方法将骨折分为：A型15例,B型9例。骨折范围T6～L4,共累及48个椎体。按ASIA分级评分及影像学资料进行回顾性分析。结果：24例患者均接受手术治疗,无漏诊或延迟诊断。患者术后均获随访,随访时间3～36个月,平均18.3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。术前13例脊髓神经损伤患者,术后除1例A级和1例B级无恢复外,其余11例均有1级以上脊髓神经功能恢复,共计A级1例,B级1例,C级1例,D级2例,E级19例。结论：对传统分类方法进行改进以便指导临床治疗,多节段非相邻型胸腰椎骨折的治疗方式应该根据神经损伤情况、骨折稳定性及骨折类型决定。     

Cost-effectiveness of the treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures: Nonsurgical or surgical therapy?

Background:

Spinal fractures can be an important cause for disabling back pain. Therefore, in judging the cost-effectiveness of nonsurgical or surgical therapy, not only direct costs but also the indirect costs should be calculated. In this prospective randomized study, the costs incurred by nonsurgically and surgically treated patients with a traumatic thoracolumbar spine fracture without neurological involvement were analysed.

Materials and Methods:

32 patients with a traumatic thoracolumbar spine fracture were prospectively randomized for operative or nonsurgical treatment. Patients were sent a questionnaire every three months to inquire about work-status, additional health costs and doctor visits. The patients who have minimum followup of two years were included.

Results:

Of thirty-two patients, 30 met the criterion of the followup period of at least two years. Fourteen patients received nonsurgical therapy, while 16 received surgical treatment. Direct costs of the treatment of nonsurgically treated patients were €10,608 ($12,730). For the operatively treated group, these costs were €18,769 ($22,523). Indirect costs resulted in a total of €219,187 ($263,025) per nonoperatively treated patient. In the operatively treated group, these costs were €66,004 ($79,206).

Conclusion:

In the treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures, the indirect costs exceed the direct costs by far and make up 95.4% of the total costs for treatment in nonsurgically treated patients and 71.6% of the total costs in the operative group. In view of cost-effectiveness, the operative therapy of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures is to be preferred.     

强直性脊柱炎脊柱骨折的治疗

目的 了解强且性脊柱炎(AS)脊柱骨折治疗的特点及注意事项。方法对19例AS脊柱骨折病例进行回顾性分析硬随访,19例中颈椎骨折11例,9例发生在C5-7间;胸腰椎骨折8例,7例为应力骨折,均发生存T10-L2间。二柱骨折16例。9例并发脊髓损伤,其中8例为颈椎骨折。所有19例患者均接受了手术治疗。颈椎骨折或脱位采用了4种手术方式,其中9例做了前路间盘切除或椎体次全切除、椎间值骨加钢板内固定术。胸腰椎骨折也做了4种术式,其中5例的术式为后路长节段固定加前、后联合融合,结果术岳18例患者获得了平均46．4个月的随访。并发脊髓损伤的9例患者,术后8例的神经功能有恢复。18例患者的骨折部位均已骨性愈合一术中并发脊髓损伤2例,因脑血管意外死亡1例,并发肺炎2例。结论 AS脊柱骨折好发于下颈椎及胸腰段,大多为三柱骨折,颈椎骨折并发脊髓损伤的发生率较高。胸腰椎多为应力骨折一手术治疗可使大多数患者的骨折愈合良好,神经功能有不同程度的恢复。对颈椎骨折患者,可采用前路椎体问植骨、钢板内固定的术式;而对于胸腰椎骨折,主张后路长节段固定,前、后联合植骨融合,术中及术后均可能出现并发症,应注意预防或避免。     

What is the best treatment for displaced Salter–Harris II physeal fractures of the distal tibia?

Background and purpose — The optimal treatment of displaced Salter–Harris (SH) II fractures of the distal tibia is controversial. We compared the outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment of SH II distal tibial fractures with residual gap of >3?mm. Factors that may be associated with the incidence of premature physeal closure (PPC) were analyzed.

Patients and methods — We retrospectively reviewed 95 patients who were treated for SH II distal tibial fractures with residual gap of >3?mm after closed reduction. Patients were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: Group 1 included 25 patients with nonoperative treatment, irrespective of size of residual gap (patients treated primarily at other hospitals). Group 2 included 70 patients with operative treatment. All patients were followed for ≥ 12 months after surgery, with a mean follow-up time of 21 months. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the occurrence of PPC.

Results — The incidence of PPC in patients who received nonoperative treatment was 13/52, whereas PPC incidence in patients who received operative treatment was 24/70 (p = 0.1). Multivariable logistic regression analysis determined that significant risk factors for the occurrence of PPC were age at injury, and injury mechanism. The method of treatment, sex, presence of fibular fracture, residual displacement after closed reduction, and implant type were not predictive factors for the occurrence of PPC.

Interpretation — Operative treatment for displaced SH II distal tibial fractures did not seem to reduce the incidence of PPC compared with nonoperative treatment. We cannot exclude that surgery may be of value in younger children with pronation–abduction or pronation–external rotation injuries.     

Trauma to the thoracic and lumbar spine in the adolescent.

During adolescence the spine undergoes rapid growth and changes in anatomy and biomechanical properties. Fractures of the adolescent spine are relatively uncommon but may give rise to serious problems. This review describes thoracolumbar fractures in adolescents with respect to epidemiology, anatomy, mechanisms of injury, clinical and radiologic assessment, and nonoperative and operative treatment. The treatment of these injuries follows many of the same principles as spinal fractures in adults but nonoperative treatment is used more frequently because there is less spinal instability and better tolerance of bed rest and spinal immobilization in this young population.     

胸腰段严重爆裂性骨折和陈旧性骨折后凸畸形的改良手术治疗

目的评价治疗胸腰段严重爆裂性骨折和陈旧性骨折后凸畸形的两种改良的手术方式。方法第1组,新鲜胸腰段严重爆裂性骨折12例,行单纯后路伤椎全椎切除,360°稳定性重建治疗。第2组,胸腰段陈旧性骨折后凸局部畸形8例,行单纯后路经椎弓根截骨矫正。全部病例均经过1年以上随访,比较术前、术后X线片,测量胸腰段Cobb角的变化,对脊髓损伤的患者采用Frankel分级评分。结果经12~24个月随访,第1组、第2组Cobb角分别由术前平均38.6°、28.8°恢复为术后平均5.5°、8.6°。第1组中全部病例存在脊髓损伤,患者Frankel分级平均提高1.5级。第2组术后Frankel分级平均提高1级。无椎弓根钉松动、断裂发生。结论针对胸腰段严重爆裂性骨折和陈旧性骨折后凸畸形的两种改良的手术治疗方式为临床医师提供了新的思路。     

Characteristics and comparative study of thoracolumbar spine injury and dislocation fracture due to tertiary trauma

Purpose

Thoracolumbar spine injury is frequently seen with high-energy trauma but dislocation fractures are relatively rare in spinal trauma, which is often neurologically severe and requires urgent treatment. Therefore, it is essential to understand other concomitant injuries when treating dislocation fractures. The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in clinical features between thoracolumbar spine injury without dislocation and thoracolumbar dislocation fracture.

Methods

We conducted an observational study using the Japan Trauma Data Bank (2004–2019). A total of 734 dislocation fractures (Type C) and 32,382 thoracolumbar spine injuries without dislocation (Non-type C) were included in the study. The patient background, injury mechanism, and major complications in both groups were compared. In addition, multivariate analysis of predictors of the diagnosis of dislocation fracture using logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

Items significantly more frequent in Type C than in Non-type C were males, hypotension, bradycardia, percentage of complete paralysis, falling objects, pincer pressure, accidents during sports, and thoracic artery injury (P < 0.001); items significantly more frequent in Non-type C than in Type C were falls and traffic accidents, head injury, and pelvic trauma (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that younger age, male, complete paralysis, bradycardia, and hypotension were associated with dislocation fracture.

Conclusion

Five associated factors were identified in the development of thoracolumbar dislocation fractures.

Level of evidence

III.

     

保守治疗与后路手术治疗胸腰椎A型骨折的疗效观察

目的观察无神经损伤同时伴椎管侵占的胸腰椎A型骨折保守治疗与后路手术治疗的中长期疗效并验证胸腰椎骨折严重性评分TLICS（Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and SeverityScore）分型系统评分对治疗方式选择的指导意义。方法 2002-01-2007-10我院收治74例无神经损伤胸腰椎A型骨折,分别接受保守治疗和后路手术治疗,随访并应用TLICS评分系统对病例进行评分。收集观察患者入院时、术后即时、及末次随访时X线片及CT片,测量侧位X线片上椎体复位情况,对腰背痛等指标于入院时、术后1个月、术后3个月及末次随访时采用目测类比评分（visualanalogue scale,VAS）,比较两组病例末次随访时工作能力恢复情况,并对数据进行统计学分析。结果两组随访时间及VAS评分及恢复工作比例,组间差异无显著性（P〉0.05）;其余指标（如：平均卧床时间、平均恢复工作时间、平均住院费用、椎体前高、椎体后高、Cobb角、椎管侵占率）差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）。结论 （1）无神经损伤胸腰椎A型爆裂骨折手术治疗在早期改善症状、缓解疼痛及矫正畸形等方面明显好于保守治疗。（2）无神经损伤胸腰椎A型爆裂骨折手术治疗和保守治疗的中长期功能结果相似。（3）无神经损害的TLICS分型系统评分为4分的胸腰椎A型爆裂骨折,保守治疗和手术治疗均可作为治疗的选择。     

Kyphoplasty as an alternative treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures Magerl type A3

IntroductionTraumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures are frequently classified as burst fractures Magerl type A3. There still are many controversies regarding the treatment of this fracture. The therapeutic spectrum ranges from conservative to invasive operative methods with attendant morbidities. The minimal-invasive technique of kyphoplasty has established itself as a common treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and is associated with a low complication rate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and radiological results after kyphoplasty of traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures.Patients and methodsPatients with traumatic thoracolumbar fractures type A3.1, A3.2 and A3.3, who were treated with kyphoplasty, were included in this study. The clinical outcome was measured at follow up with a neurological assessment, the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Score (ODI) and the SF-36 Health Survey. The radiological measurements, performed on preoperative, postoperative and follow up radiographs, included the sagittal index, the wedge angle and the modified Cobb angle of Daniaux.Results26 patients with 23 A3.1, one A3.2 and five A3.3 fractures were treated between 2004 and 2007, including five patients with multiple vertebral fractures. At follow up the Oswestry Disability Score (26.2%) and the SF-36 score (60.1%) assessed a moderately limitation of functional outcome and quality of life without any neurological deficits. Radiological measurements showed a postoperative height restoration and reduction of kyphosis, but at follow up a secondary loss of correction except in five cases. Six minor ventrocranial cement leakages without further clinical consequence were observed.ConclusionsThe present study showed that kyphoplasty is a safe and feasible method for the treatment of burst fractures. It allowed the correction of the kyphosis, stabilisation of the facture, pain reduction and early mobilisation.     

Thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries: diagnosis and treatment-a review of 147 cases

BACKGROUND: The initial evaluation and treatment of patients with multiple injuries are challenging. However, little is known about thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries. We aimed to determine the incidence of missed injuries of the thoracolumbar spine in patients with multiple injuries, to examine the reasons for the delay in diagnosis, and to study the selection of treatment options in the management and timing of surgical intervention. METHODS: One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures and multiple trauma at the authors' hospital between 1988 and 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of missed injuries of the thoracolumbar spine and the reasons for the delay in diagnosis were determined. All these patients were observed for a minimum of 3 years after surgery, except four who died during their hospital stay. RESULTS: Delayed diagnosis of thoracolumbar fractures was made in 28 patients (19%). There was an increased incidence of pulmonary complications (p < 0.01) and increased length of hospital stay (p < 0.05) in patients treated nonoperatively compared with patients treated operatively. Although no significant differences in the recovery rate of neurologic function (p > 0.05) were noted between the groups, the surgical patients had highly significantly less pain compared with the nonoperative patients (p < 0.01). The relationship between the timing of thoracolumbar surgery and complications failed to show statistical significance (p > 0.05). Neither the severity of injury nor the timing of surgery had any significant effect on the recovery rate (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with blunt trauma caused by high-energy impact injuries are much more likely to have thoracolumbar fractures even if injuries elsewhere have been noted. Further radiographic studies of the thoracolumbar spine should be performed if there is any question related to a thorough and systematic examination. Choice of treatment options of thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries is not different from that in patients with no associated injuries to other systems. Appropriate timing of thoracolumbar fracture fixation in patients with multiple injuries should not be dependent on a rigid protocol.     

The nonoperative treatment of burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction

Treatment of thoracolumbar spine burst fracture with a neurologically intact patient is controversial, with advocates of operative and nonoperative approaches. Of 404 patients in a prospective spinal trauma study, 21 had burst fractures, were neurologically intact, and had greater than 1-year followup. This group was analyzed to evaluate treatment with early mobilization using a thoracolumbar total contact orthosis. The average time in a brace was 6 months. Two patients had pulmonary embolus treated successfully with anticoagulants. No patient required subsequent surgery for increasing kyphosis or neurologic deficit. Change in K angle at followup was 4.6 degrees (+/- 5.7) and change in anterior vertebral height was 6.1 degrees (+/- 10). All patients had a satisfactory pain score and most individuals returned to full employment. It is concluded that it is not necessary to routinely treat patients operatively with burst fractures if they fulfill the following criteria: 1) neurologically intact; 2) kyphosis angle less than 35 degrees; 3) other injuries do not preclude the use of a total contact orthosis; and 4) the patient is capable of understanding and cooperating with the treatment regime. These criteria are irrespective of the CT findings of posterior vertebral retropulsion and spinal canal narrowing.     

胸腰椎爆裂性骨折后椎管重建—兼论非手术治疗的意义

目的 证实胸腰椎爆裂性骨折后的椎管重建现象,并探讨非手术治疗的意义。方法 回顾性分析３１例胸腰椎爆裂性骨折,其中未治疗７例,非手术治疗１６例,手术治疗８例,随访时间３～７年。记录初次诊治入院时和随访时脊髓损伤程度。以及出院和随访时椎管狭窄率。结果 ３１例患者的椎管狭窄率由初次诊治出院时的１２．３％～７４．５％（平均２６．２％）降至随访时的５．４％～４６．５％（平均１９．２％）,差异具有极显著性意义     

Management of thoracolumbar spine trauma: An overview

Thoracolumbar spine fractures are common injuries that can result in significant disability, deformity and neurological deficit. Controversies exist regarding the appropriate radiological investigations, the indications for surgical management and the timing, approach and type of surgery. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, biomechanical principles, radiological and clinical evaluation, classification and management principles. Literature review of all relevant articles published in PubMed covering thoracolumbar spine fractures with or without neurologic deficit was performed. The search terms used were thoracolumbar, thoracic, lumbar, fracture, trauma and management. All relevant articles and abstracts covering thoracolumbar spine fractures with and without neurologic deficit were reviewed. Biomechanically the thoracolumbar spine is predisposed to a higher incidence of spinal injuries. Computed tomography provides adequate bony detail for assessing spinal stability while magnetic resonance imaging shows injuries to soft tissues (posterior ligamentous complex [PLC]) and neurological structures. Different classification systems exist and the most recent is the AO spine knowledge forum classification of thoracolumbar trauma. Treatment includes both nonoperative and operative methods and selected based on the degree of bony injury, neurological involvement, presence of associated injuries and the integrity of the PLC. Significant advances in imaging have helped in the better understanding of thoracolumbar fractures, including information on canal morphology and injury to soft tissue structures. The ideal classification that is simple, comprehensive and guides management is still elusive. Involvement of three columns, progressive neurological deficit, significant kyphosis and canal compromise with neurological deficit are accepted indications for surgical stabilization through anterior, posterior or combined approaches.     

胸腰段骨折后正中单切口360°椎管减压椎体间植骨内固定术的临床观察

目的：探讨后正中单切口360。椎管减压椎体间植骨后路椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗严重胸腰段骨折伴脊髓压迫症的安全性及有效性。方法：自2009年1月至2010年3月,从收治的108例胸腰椎骨折病例中选取硬膜前后方均有骨性压迫的胸腰段骨折5例患者,男2例,女3例;年龄23-72岁;损伤部位：T12 2例,L,2例,k1例。采用后正中单切口经椎弓根入路360°椎管减压椎体间植骨后路椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗。记录手术时间、术中出血量、术后24hVAS评分及吗啡用量、手术前后神经功能Frankel／ASIA分级。结果：所有病例获得随访,时间12～18个月,平均14．6个月。手术时间3．1~6．2h;术中出血量1000～2300ml;术后24hVAS评分为1～4分;术后24h吗啡用量为28．8—30．8mg。Frankel／ASIA等级：术前B级1例,C级2例,D级1例,E级1例;术后E级4例,1例从B级提高到D级。结论：后正中单切口360°椎管减压椎间植骨椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗胸腰段严重骨折是安全、有效的,术后疼痛较轻、并发症较少。     

First intention vertebroplasty in fractures within an ankylosed thoracolumbar spinal segment

PurposeTo evaluate the outcome of percutaneous vertebral cementoplasty (PVC) as the first-line treatment for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures within an ankylosed spinal segment.Materials and methodsThirty-one patients (15 men, 16 women; mean age: 79.2 ± 11 [SD] years; age range: 66–95 years) with thoracolumbar fractures within an ankylosed spine segment without neurological impairment treated with PVC were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were controlled at six weeks and one year after PVC. Ankylosing conditions, fractures sites and types, radiological consolidation, spinal complications were assessed. Anterior/posterior vertebral height ratios were measured before and after PVC. Postoperative pain relief and treatment success (radiological fracture consolidation) rates were considered.ResultsThe 31 patients had a total of 39 fractures (19 stable [49%], 20 unstable [51%]) treated with PVC. Primary success rate of PVC (initial fracture consolidation without complication) was 61% (19/31). Seven patients (7/31; 23%) exhibited new fractures, and the secondary success rate of PVC (global fracture consolidation one year after repeat PVC) was 87% (34/39). Global consolidation rates of unstable fractures were 85% (17/20) of treated levels. Pain score was null in 84% patients (26/31) one year after PVC. There were no significant differences between pre-PVC (0.62 ± 0.18 [SD]; range: 0.22–0.88) and post-PVC (0.60 ± 0.18 [SD]; range: 0.35–0.88) vertebral height ratios (P = 0.94).ConclusionPVC conveys a high overall success rate and effectively controls pain in patients with vertebral fractures within ankylosed spine segments.     

经皮间接减压内固定术治疗伴有神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的探讨后路经皮间接减压内固定术治疗伴有神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的有效性及安全性。方法 2015年6月—2017年6月,共25例伴神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者接受后路经皮间接减压内固定术治疗。采用Frankel分级评估神经功能等级,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分评估腰背部疼痛程度。测量并记录术前、术后及末次随访时矢状位Cobb角、伤椎椎体前缘高度百分比、伤椎楔形角、椎管占位率等影像学指标。结果所有患者手术均顺利完成,随访6～24(12.6±5.6)个月,末次随访时所有患者腰背部疼痛症状均明显改善,椎管得到有效减压,神经功能均明显改善,椎体骨折复位愈合,随访无明显丢失,无内固定相关并发症发生。结论后路经皮间接减压内固定术可避免椎管内直接减压,保护脊柱后方结构,减少手术创伤,临床疗效满意,对于伴有不完全神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的治疗是一种微创、安全、有效的选择。     

Spinal fractures in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: Clinical characteristics by fracture level

BackgroundDiffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) makes the spine prone to unstable fractures with neurological deterioration. This study was conducted to assess clinical and radiographic features of spinal fractures in DISH by the level of spinal injury, and to evaluate the optimal treatment for each level.MethodsA multicenter retrospective study over a 5-year period, including 46 patients (35 males; 11 females) with a mean age of 77.2 ± 9.7 years at the time of injury. By fracture level, there were 7 cervical (15.2%), 25 thoracic (54.3%), and 14 lumbar (30.4%) fractures. We recorded the cause of injury, whether diagnosis was delayed, and neurological status by Frankel grade. Ossification and fracture patterns were assessed by CT-multi-planar reconstruction (MPR).ResultsNeurological status immediately after the cervical-spine injury was C (28.6%) or E (71.4%); after thoracic injury, C (12.0%) or E (88.0%); and after lumbar injury, D (21.4%) or E (78.6%). Inability to walk at admission was more frequent in patients with a spinal-cord injury above the lumbar level (P = .033). Vertebral-body fractures were observed in 14.3% of the cervical injuries, 80.0% of the thoracic injuries, and 50.0% of the lumbar injuries (P = .004). Most patients with a cervical fracture had a disc-level fracture (85.7%). Posterior-column ankylosis was observed in 14.3% of the cervical-fracture group, 72.0% of the thoracic-fracture group, and 78.6% of the lumbar-fracture group (P = .008).ConclusionOssification and fracture patterns in patients with DISH varied distinctly by the level of spinal injury. Intervertebral-disc fractures were frequently observed in the cervical spine. Delayed diagnosis, vertebral-body fracture, and posterior-column ankylosis were observed in the thoracolumbar spine. This study recommends 3 above and 3 below fusion, to avoid instrumentation failure in the fixation of spinal fracture in patients with DISH.     

Modern treatment of tibial shaft fractures: Is there a role today for closed treatment?

PurposeThe decision to attempt closed treatment on tibial shaft fractures can be challenging. At our institution, we attempt treatment of nearly all closed, isolated tibial shaft fractures. The purpose of this study was to report the results of 10 years of experience to develop a tool to identify patients for whom non-operative treatment of tibial shaft fractures may be a viable optionMethodThis was a retrospective review of patients with tibial shaft fracture seen at a level 1 trauma center over 10 years. Patients with closed, isolated injuries underwent sedation, closed reduction, long-leg casting, and outpatient follow-up. Patients were converted to surgery for inability to obtain or maintain acceptable alignment or patient intolerance. Radiographic characteristics and patient demographics were extracted. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop a model to predict which patient and injury characteristics determined success of nonoperative treatment.Results334 patients were identified with isolated, closed tibial shaft fractures, who were reduced and treated in a long leg cast. 234 patients (70%) converted to surgical treatment due to inability to maintain alignment, patient intolerance, and nonunion. In a regression model, coronal/sagittal translation, sagittal angulation, fracture morphology, and smoking status were shown to be significant predictors of success of nonoperative treatment (p < 0.05). We developed a Tibial Operative Outcome Likelihood (TOOL) score designed to help predict success or failure of closed treatment. The TOOL score can be used to identify a subsegment of patients with injuries amenable to closed treatment (38% of injuries) with a nonoperative success rate over 60%.ConclusionNon-operative treatment of tibial shaft fractures is feasible, although there is a relatively high conversion rate to operative treatment. However, it is possible to use injury characteristics to identify a cohort of patients with a higher chance of success with closed treatment, which is potentially useful in a resource-constrained setting or for patients who wish to avoid surgery.Level of EvidencePrognostic Level 3