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.     

Spinal fractures in patients with Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis:A nationwide multi-institution survey

BackgroundDiffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) increases the spine's susceptibility to unstable fractures that can cause neurological deterioration. However, the detail of injury is still unclear. A nationwide multicenter retrospective study was conducted to assess the clinical characteristics and radiographic features of spinal fractures in patients with DISH.MethodsPatients were eligible for this study if they 1) had DISH, defined as flowing ossification along the anterolateral aspect of at least four contiguous vertebral bodies, and 2) had an injury in the ankylosing spine. This study included 285 patients with DISH (221 males, 64 females; mean age 75.2 ± 9.5 years).ResultsThe major cause of injury was falling from a standing or sitting position; this affected 146 patients (51.2%). Diagnosis of the fracture was delayed in 115 patients (40.4%). Later neurological deterioration by one or more Frankel grade was seen in 87 patients (30.5%). The following factors were significantly associated with neurological deficits: delayed diagnosis (p = 0.033), injury of the posterior column (p = 0.021), and the presence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) (p < 0.001). The majority of patients (n = 241, 84.6%) were treated surgically, most commonly by conventional open posterior fixation (n = 199, 69.8%). Neurological improvement was seen in 20.0% of the conservatively treated patients, and in 47.0% of the patients treated surgically.ConclusionsMinor trauma could cause spinal fractures in DISH patients. Delayed diagnosis, injury of the posterior column, and the presence of OPLL were significantly associated with neurological deterioration. Patients with neurological deficits or unstable fractures should be treated by fixation surgery.     

The impact of diabetes mellitus on spinal fracture with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: A multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundPatients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) are susceptible to spinal column injuries with neurological deterioration. Previous studies indicated that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with DISH was higher than that in patients without DISH. This study investigates the impact of DM on surgical outcomes for spinal fractures in patients with DISH.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 177 spinal fractures in patients with DISH (132 men and 45 women; mean age, 75 ± 10 years) who underwent surgery from a multicenter database. The subjects were classified into two groups according to the presence of DM. Perioperative complications, neurological status by Frankel grade, mortality rate, and status of surgical site infection (SSI) were compared between the two groups.ResultsDM was present in 28.2% (50/177) of the patients. The proportion of men was significantly higher in the DM group (DM group: 86.0% vs. non-DM group: 70.1%) (p = 0.03). The overall complication rate was 22.0% in the DM group and 19.7% in the non-DM group (p = 0.60). Poisson regression model revealed that SSI was significantly associated with DM (DM group: 10.0% vs. non-DM group: 2.4%, Relative risk: 4.5) (p = 0.048). Change in neurological status, mortality rate, instrumentation failure, and nonunion were similar between both groups. HbA1c and fasting blood glucose level (SSI group: 7.2% ± 1.2%, 201 ± 67 mg/dL vs. non-SSI group: 6.6% ± 1.1%, 167 ± 47 mg/dL) tended to be higher in patients with SSI; however, there was no significant difference.ConclusionsIn spinal fracture in patients with DISH, although DM was an associated factor for SSI with a relative risk of 4.5, DM did not negatively impact neurological recovery. Perioperative glycemic control may be useful for preventing SSI because fasting blood glucose level was high in patients with SSI.     

Spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spinal disorders: a systematic review of the literature on treatment, neurological status and complications

The ankylosed spine is prone to fracture after minor trauma due to its changed biomechanical properties. Although many case reports and small series have been published on patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) suffering spine fractures, solid data on clinical outcome are rare. In advanced diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), ossification of spinal ligaments also leads to ankylosis. The prevalence of AS is stable, but since DISH may become more widespread due to its association with age, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to increase the current knowledge on treatment, neurological status and complications of patients with preexisting ankylosed spines sustaining spinal trauma. A literature search was performed to obtain all relevant articles concerning the outcome of patients with AS or DISH admitted with spinal fractures. Predefined parameters were extracted from the papers and pooled to study the effect of treatment on neurological status and complications. Ninety-three articles were included, representing 345 AS patients and 55 DISH patients. Most fractures were localized in the cervical spine and resulted from low energy impact. Delayed diagnosis often occurred due to patient and doctor related factors. On admission 67.2% of the AS patients and 40.0% of the DISH patients demonstrated neurologic deficits, while secondary neurological deterioration occurred frequently. Surgical or nonoperative treatment did not alter the neurological prospective for most patients. The complication rate was 51.1% in AS patients and 32.7% in DISH patients. The overall mortality within 3 months after injury was 17.7% in AS and 20.0% in DISH. This review suggests that the clinical outcome of patients with fractures in previously ankylosed spines, due to AS or DISH, is considerably worse compared to the general trauma population. Considering the potential increase in prevalence of DISH cases, this condition may render a new challenge for physicians treating spinal injuries.     

CT-based morphological analysis of spinal fractures in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Purpose

To clarify correlations between spinal fracture and delayed paralysis in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) using computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reformatting (CT-MPR). DISH increases susceptibility to unstable spinal fractures, leading to neurological deterioration. The pathomechanism of the neurological injury is unclear.

Cycling injuries requiring orthopaedic intervention during the first COVID-19 lockdown period: A multi-centre SCottish Orthopaedic Research collaborativE (SCORE) study

IntroductionThe COVID-19 lockdown resulted in decreased vehicle use and an increased uptake in cycling. This study investigated the trends in cycling-related injuries requiring orthopaedic intervention during the COVID-19 lockdown period compared with similar time periods in 2018 and 2019.MethodsData were collected prospectively for patients in 2020 and collected retrospectively for 2019 and 2018, from hospitals within four NHS Scotland Health Boards encompassing three major trauma centres. All patients who sustained an injury as a result of cycling requiring orthopaedic intervention were included. Patient age, sex, mechanism of injury, diagnosis and treatment outcome from electronic patient records.ResultsNumber of injuries requiring surgery 2020: 77 (mean age/years – 42.7); 2019: 47 (mean age/years - 42.7); 2018: 32 (mean age/years – 31.3). Overall incidence of cycling injuries 2020: 6.7%; 2019: 3.0%; 2018: 2.1%. Commonest mechanism of injury: fall from bike 2020 n = 54 (70.1%); 2019 n = 41 (65.1%); 2018 n = 25 (67.6%). Commonest injury type: fracture 2020 n = 68 (79.1%); 2019 n = 33 (70.2%); 2018 n = 20 (62.5%). Commonest areas affected: Upper extremity: 2020 n = 45 (58.5%); 2019 n = 25 (53.2%); 2018 n = 25 (78.1%). Lower extremity: 2020 n = 23 (29.9%); 2019 n = 14 (29.7%); 2018 n = 7 (21.8%).ConclusionA significant increase in the number of cycling related injuries requiring orthopaedic intervention, a greater proportion of female cyclists and an older mean age of patients affected was observed during the COVID-19 lockdown period compared with previous years. The most common types of injury were fractures followed by lacerations and fracture-dislocations. The upper extremity was the commonest area affected.     

Spinal trauma in DISH and AS: is MRI essential following the detection of vertebral fractures on CT?

BACKGROUNDBoth ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) cause a rigid spine, but through different pathophysiology. Recent data has shown that characteristic fracture patterns may also differ following trauma since the posterior osseous and soft tissue elements are often spared in DISH. CT and MRI are important in diagnosing spine injury, but given the differences between AS and DISH, the utility of obtaining both studies in all patients warrants scrutiny.PURPOSETo assess the prevalence of posterior element injury on CT and MRI in DISH and AS patients with known vertebral body injury detected on CT; to determine whether MRI demonstrates additional injuries in neurologically intact patients presumed to have isolated vertebral body injuries on CT.STUDY DESIGNMulticenter, retrospective, case-control study.PATIENT SAMPLEDISH and AS patients presenting after spine trauma between 2007 and 2017.OUTCOME MEASURESReview of CT and MRI findings at the time of presentation.METHODSOne hundred sixty DISH and 85 AS patients presenting after spine trauma were identified from 2 affiliated academic hospitals serving as level 1 trauma and tertiary referral centers. A diagnosis of DISH or AS was verified by a board-certified emergency radiologist with 3 years of experience. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, fracture type, spine CT and MRI imaging findings, surgical intervention, and neurologic deficit were recorded. The CT and MRI studies were reviewed by the same radiologist for fracture location and type using the AO spine classification. No funding source or conflict of interest was present.RESULTSMedian age was 72 and 79 years old for the AS and DISH groups, respectively. Both were predominantly male (81%) and most presented after a low energy mechanism of injury (74% and 73%). Type C AO spine injuries were seen in 52% of AS patients but only 4% of DISH patients. In patients with known vertebral body injury on CT, additional injury to the posterior elements on CT or MRI in DISH patients was 51% versus 92% in AS patients. However, in patients with an isolated vertebral body fracture on CT and no neurological deficit, MRI identified posterior element injury in only 4/22 (18%) DISH patients compared to 5 of 7 (71%) AS patients. None of the MRI findings in the DISH patients were considered clinically important while all 5 AS patients eventually underwent operative treatment despite having no neurological deficit. Epidural hematoma on MRI was seen in 43% of AS patients as opposed to 5% of DISH patients.CONCLUSIONBased on our small sample size, CT alone may be adequate in DISH patients with isolated vertebral body fractures and no neurologic deficit, but an additional MRI should be considered in the presence of an unclear neurological exam or deficit. MRI should be strongly considered for any AS patient regardless of neurologic status.     

Spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Thirty-one consecutive patients with ankylosing spondylitis and spinal fractures were reviewed. There were 6 women and 25 men with a mean age of 60±11 years; 19 had cervical and 12 had thoracolumbar injuries. Of the patients with cervical fracture, two had an additional cervical fracture and one had an additional thoracic fracture. Three trauma mechanisms were identified: high-energy trauma in 13 patients, low-energy trauma in 13 and insufficiency fracture in 5. One-third of the patients suffered immediate neurological impairment, a further one-third developed neurological impairment before coming for treatment and only one-third remained intact. Two patients with thoracolumbar fractures had deteriorated neurologically due to displacements during surgery at other hospitals. All patients were treated operatively except the two patients with two-level cervical fractures, who were managed in halo vests. In the cervical spine both anterior and posterior approaches were employed. In the thoracolumbar spine the majority of the patients were initially treated using a posterior approach only. Complications were common. Of the 27 patients with neurological compromise, 10 had remained unchanged; 12 had improved one Frankel grade; 4 had improved by two Frankel grades; 1 had improved by four Frankel grades. We conclude that even minor trauma can cause fracture in an ankylosed spine. A high proportion of patients with spinal fractures and ankylosing spondylitis have neurological damage. The risk of late neurological deterioration is substantial. As the condition is very rare and the treatment is demanding and associated with a very high risk of complications, the treatment of these patients should be centralised in special spinal trauma units. A combined approach that stabilises the spine from both sides is probably beneficial.     

Diffusion tensor MR imaging in spinal cord injury

BackgroundThe ability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to complement conventional MR imaging by diagnosing subtle injuries to the spinal cord is a subject of intense research. We attempted to study change in the DTI indices, namely fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury and compared these with corresponding data from a control group of individuals with no injury. The correlation of these quantitative indices to the neurological profile of the patients was assessed.Material and methods20 cases of acute cervical trauma and 30 age and sex matched healthy controls were enrolled. Scoring of extent of clinical severity was done based on the Frankel grading system. MRI was performed on a 3T system. Following the qualitative tractographic evaluation of white matter tracts, quantitative datametrics were calculated.ResultsIn patients, the Mean FA value at the level of injury (0.43+/−0.08) was less than in controls (0.62+/−0.06), which was statistically significant (p value <0.001). Further, the Mean MD value at the level of injury (1.30+/−0.24) in cases was higher than in controls (1.07+/−0.12, p value <0.001). Statistically significant positive correlation was found between clinical grading (Frankel grade) and FA values at the level of injury (r value = 0.86). Negative correlation was found between clinical grade and Mean MD at the level of injury (r value = −0.38) which was however statistically not significant.ConclusionQuantitative DTI indices are a useful parameter for detection of spinal cord injury. FA value was significantly decreased while MD value was significantly increased at the level of injury in cases as compared to controls. Further, FA showed significant correlation with clinical grade. DTI could thus serve as a reliable objective imaging tool for assessment of white matter integrity and prognostication of functional outcome.     

Surgical management of an osteoporotic spinal fracture with delayed onset paraplegia

This report details the presentation and surgical management of an osteoporotic fracture of the thoracic spine with delayed onset of paraplegia. The onset of neurological complications was 2 weeks after a relatively minor trauma to the patient’s lower back. Surgical management included posterior decompression of the cord and posterior instrumentation. Delayed onset of neurological compromise is unusual with osteoporotic fractures and the management of such injuries is controversial. In this case it was decided to treat this injury by surgical means as it was felt that in the presence of neurological symptoms the patient had an unstable spinal injury that could be best managed by surgical intervention. This case report demonstrates the need for close observation of osteoporotic spinal fractures as delayed onset of neurologic compromise can occur. It also supports the view that surgical intervention in these rare cases is justified.     

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: musculoskeletal manifestations

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by back pain and spinal stiffness. There may be mild pain if ankylosis has occurred. The condition is recognized radiographically by the presence of "flowing" ossification along the anterolateral margins of at least four contiguous vertebrae and the absence of changes of spondyloarthropathy or degenerative spondylosis. Even in patients who present with either lumbar or cervical complaints, radiographic findings are almost universally seen on the right side of the thoracic spine. Thus, radiographic examination of this area is critical when attempting to establish a diagnosis of DISH. The potential sequelae of hyperostosis in the cervical and lumbar spine include lumbar stenosis, dysphagia, cervical myelopathy, and dense spinal cord injury resulting from even minor trauma. There may be a delay in diagnosis of spinal fractures in a patient with DISH because the patient often has a baseline level of spinal pain and because the injury may be relatively trivial. The incidence of delayed neurologic injury due to such fractures is high as a result of unrecognized instability and subsequent deterioration. Extraspinal manifestations are also numerous and include an increased risk of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty. Prophylaxis to prevent heterotopic ossification may be indicated for these patients.     

下颈椎外伤后脊髓继发性损伤的防治策略

目的：探讨和总结下颈椎外伤后脊髓继发性损伤的防治策略。方法：2004年4月至2009年4月对67例下颈椎外伤后脊髓继发性损伤的患者进行回顾性分析,其中男47例,女20例;年龄18～69岁,平均40.5岁。入院后采取甲基强的松龙(MP)和神经节苷酯(GM-1)等药物应用、早期手术减压、术后高压氧的治疗等措施预防脊髓继发性损伤。神经功能依据Frankel分级,疗效评定采用总恢复率和有用恢复率。总恢复率为Frankel分级升高1级及1级以上者,有用恢复率为患者恢复到可以行走或可以扶拐行走,但残留某种神经功能障碍者,指Frankel分级D和E 级。结果：63例获得随访,时间1～3年,平均1.5年。患者总恢复率为53.7%(36/67),有用恢复率为35.8%(24/67);死亡7例,加重1例。结论：及时应用甲基强的松龙(MP)、神经节苷酯(GM-1)等药物,早期手术减压,术后高压氧治疗可以有效地防治颈椎外伤后脊髓的继发性损伤;术前减少不必要搬动,术中谨慎操作也可减少医源性脊髓损伤的发生。     

Mortality and complications in elderly patients with cervical spine injuries

PurposeTo assess the complications and mortality in elderly individuals with cervical spine injuries.MethodsThis retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in a rural area in Japan. Data sets from the trauma registry (January 2011 to March 2018) were analyzed. Patients with cervical spine injury were divided into those aged ≥ 65 years (group Y) and > 65 years (group E). We then analyzed age, sex, 30-day mortality, hospital stay, level of cervical spine injury, presence of cervical vertebral fracture, perioperative complications (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and severe bedsore), neurological deficit (Frankel classification), Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score, and Injury Severity Score (ISS).ResultsWe evaluated a total of 398 patients; among them, 177 were included in group Y and 221 in group E. The assessed parameters were as follows: age (group Y/E; 48.7/75.9 years), men (78.0/72.3%), 30-day mortality (8.5/10.0%, p = 0.159), hospital stay (17.2/19.1 days, p = 0.36), level of cervical spine injury (C1 [5.7/4.5%], C2 [12.4/15.8%], C3 [10.2/17.2%], C4 [14.1/16.3%], C5 [26.6/22.2%], C6 [22.0/12.2%], and C7 [11.3/10.9%]), vertebral fracture (56.6/61.9%), central cord syndrome (36.2/33%), operation (18.6/13.1%), pneumonia (6.8/11.8%, p = 0.077), urinary tract infection (4.0/6.3%, p = 0.26), severe bedsore (0/1.8%, p = 0.068), Frankel classification (grade A [5.7/6.3%], grade B [6.8/7.7%], grade C [24.9/28.5%], grade D [17.5/11.8%], and grade E [34.5/33.9%]), mean AIS score in the cervical spine (3.3/3.5, p = 0.04), and mean ISS (23.2/22.2, p = 0.38). C3 injuries tended to be higher in group E.ConclusionMortality and morbidity associated with cervical spine injuries did not differ between younger and older patients. Nevertheless, vigilance is required for the detection of C3 injury in elderly individuals.     

Cervical spine fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: Importance of early management

IntroductionAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) affects 0.5% of the population. Alteration of the biomechanical properties of the spine related to AS explains the high prevalence of traumatic vertebral fractures and risk of instability. At admission, 65% of patients present neurological signs. There are no reported studies regarding secondary neurological deterioration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of secondary neurological deterioration before surgical treatment of spine fracture in a context of AS.MethodsThis retrospective cases series consisted of patients admitted for traumatic cervical spine fractures or luxation in a context of AS between June 2007 and December 2012. Clinical status was evaluated using Frankel classification at time of trauma, at admission to the neurosurgery ward, as well as before and after surgery. Delay between trauma and admission, and between admission and surgery was recorded. Causes of morbidity, mortality and surgical management were discussed.ResultsDuring the study period, seven patients were admitted for traumatic cervical spine fracture or luxation. All patients were autonomous before trauma. Between trauma and transfer to neurosurgery ward, the status of four patients worsened. Mean delay between trauma and admission was 12.9 days (range 1 to 60 days). Between admission to neurosurgery ward and surgical treatment, two more patients worsened and only two patients remained autonomous. Mean delay between admission and surgery was 15.7 h (range 2 to 24 h). Neurological deterioration was due to both deterioration during transfer despite immobilization with a rigid cervical collar and failure of X-ray to reveal any fractures, in two and three cases respectively. After surgery, clinical status remained unchanged in two patients, four patients improved, and one patient worsened. Two patients died from respiratory failure a few days after surgery due to neurological deterioration. Five patients had a delayed diagnosis (> 24 h).ConclusionCervical spine fracture in AS is a serious condition with high instability. Our series emphasizes the necessity of early surgical treatment because of risk of secondary neurological deterioration in cases of delayed treatment. CT scan must be the gold standard for exploration of these patients.     

胸腰椎严重骨折的分型与诊治

目的探讨胸、腰椎严重骨折的表述、分类、诊断与手术治疗原则。方法分析本组收治的51例多节段脊椎骨折和脊椎骨折脱位患者,将其归属于严重的脊柱骨折范畴。并对所有病例进行了分类,给出了详细的诊断描述,对于不同类型的患者采取不同的手术策略。结果26例平均随访38个月,Frankel分级改善1级者13例,2级者8例,3级者4例,无改善者l例,未发现有迟发型神经功能障碍者。结论对于胸、腰椎严重骨折我们首先应明确其分型。对于不同的骨折类型结合其术前评估制定不同的手术策略,将对脊柱稳定性及脊髓损伤的恢复起重要作用。     

Derivation and Validation of a Machine Learning Algorithm for Predicting Venous Thromboembolism in Injured Children

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) causes significant morbidity in pediatric trauma patients. We applied machine learning algorithms to the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database to develop and validate a risk prediction model for VTE in injured children.MethodsPatients ≤18 years were identified from TQIP (2017–2019, n = 383,814). Those administered VTE prophylaxis ≤24 h and missing the outcome (VTE) were removed (n = 347,576). Feature selection identified 15 predictors: intubation, need for supplemental oxygen, spinal injury, pelvic fractures, multiple long bone fractures, major surgery (neurosurgery, thoracic, orthopedic, vascular), age, transfusion requirement, intracranial pressure monitor or external ventricular drain placement, and low Glasgow Coma Scale score. Data was split into training (n = 251,409) and testing (n = 118,175) subsets. Machine learning algorithms were trained, tested, and compared.ResultsLow-risk prediction: For the testing subset, all models outperformed the baseline rate of VTE (0.15%) with a predicted rate of 0.01–0.02% (p < 2.2e⁻¹⁶). 88.4–89.4% of patients were classified as low risk by the models.High-risk predictionAll models outperformed baseline with a predicted rate of VTE ranging from 1.13 to 1.32% (p < 2.2e⁻¹⁶). The performance of the 3 models was not significantly different.ConclusionWe developed a predictive model that differentiates injured children for development of VTE with high discrimination and can guide prophylaxis use.Level of EvidencePrognostic, Level II.Type of StudyRetrospective, Cross-sectional.     

Tibial periprosthetic fractures in Total Knee Arthroplasty – A scoping review

BackgroundPeriprosthetic tibial fractures in Total Knee Arthroplasty are much less commonly seen than femoral fractures, and there is a paucity of available literature and management recommendation for these fractures. We aimed to identify the relevant and up-to-date literature on this subject to analyse the incidence, risk factors, and management recommendations.MethodsA literature search was done on the databases of PubMed and SCOPUS using appropriate keywords. All the published literature in the English language was included for this review.ResultsWe included 21 studies comprising 260 tibial periprosthetic fractures (91 intra-operative (35%) and 169 (65%) post-operative or delayed fractures). Only 5.9% of these fractures were managed conservatively. Whereas 98 cases (58%) were managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plating, 19 (11.2%) were managed with revision TKA. Seventeen cases (10%) were managed with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO), and 8 (4.7%) were managed with intramedullary nailing. Less than 6% of cases were managed with other means, viz. megaprosthesis (n = 4), arthrodesis (n = 5), amputation (n = 1), and external fixator (n = 1).ConclusionIntraoperative fractures accounted for one-third of the fractures in our review. A majority of the delayed periprosthetic fractures were treated with surgical intervention. The most preferred surgical treatment method was ORIF of fractures using locking plates (either open or MIPPO). Revision TKA or megaprosthesis was used in cases with the loosened implants in association with the fracture.Level of evidenceIV     

Cervical spine trauma – Evaluating the diagnostic power of CT,MRI, X-Ray and LODOX

BackgroundTraumatic cervical spine (c-spine) injuries account for 10% of all spinal injuries. The c-spine is prone to injury by blunt acceleration/deceleration traumas. The Canadian C-Spine rule and NEXUS criteria guide clinical decision-making but lack consensus on imaging modality when necessary. This study aims to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of CT, MRI, X-Ray, and, for the first time, LODOX-Statscan in identifying c-spine injuries in patients with blunt trauma and neck pain.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective monocenter cohort study using patient data from the emergency department at Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland's largest level one trauma center. We identified patients presenting with trauma and neck pain during the recruitment period from 01.01.2012 to 31.12.2017. We included all patients that required a radiographic c-spine evaluation according to the NEXUS criteria. Certified spine surgeons reviewed each case, analyzed patient demographics, injury classification, trauma mechanism, and emergency management. The retrospective full case review was established as gold standard to decide whether the c-spine was injured. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for CT, MRI, LODOX, and X-Ray imaging methods.ResultsWe identified 4996 patients, of which 2321 met the inclusion criteria. 91.3% (n = 2120) patients received a CT scan, 8.9% (n = 206) a MRI, 9.3% (n = 215) an X-ray, and 21.5% (n = 498) a LODOX scan. By retrospective case review, 186 participants were classified as injured. The sensitivity of CT was 88.6% (specificity 99%), and 89.8% (specificity 99.2%) with orthopedic surgeon consultation. MRI had a sensitivity of 88.5% (specificity of 96.9%); highlighting 14 cases correctly diagnosed as injured by MRI and misdiagnosed by CT. Projection radiography (36.4% sensitivity, 95.1% specificity) and LODOX (5.3% sensitivity, 100% specificity) were unsuitable for ruling out spinal injury.ConclusionWhile CT offers high sensitivity for detecting traumatic c-spine injury, MRI holds clinical significance in revealing injuries not recognized by CT in symptomatic patients. LODOX and projection radiography are insufficient for accurately ruling out c-spine injury. For patients with neurological symptoms, we recommend extended MRI use when CT scans are negative.     

Lumbar spinal canal stenosis in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: Surgical outcomes after posterior decompression surgery without spinal instrumentation

BackgroundTo evaluate surgical outcomes after posterior decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).MethodsThe patients (n = 184; 132 males and 52 females; mean age 72.0 years; mean follow-up 30.7 months) who underwent posterior decompression surgery for LSS were identified and classified as either DISH (D) or non-DISH (N) based on whole spine radiograph findings. Data on age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, operation time, and estimated blood loss, were evaluated, while radiographic parameters were measured from radiographs obtained pre- and post-operatively.ResultsMean age and ASA classification were comparable between the two groups, while the proportion of males was significantly higher in the D group (87.5%) than in the N group (67.6%) (p = 0.016). Further, mean operation time was longer in the D group (89.0 min) than in the N group (73.7 min) (p = 0.036) and mean estimated blood loss was larger in the D group (98.7 g) than in the N group (51.9 g) (p = 0.006). At two years after surgery, the development of anterior translation was significantly higher in the D group (33.3%) than in the N group (17.3%) (p = 0.021). Improvements in ODI and SF-8 after the surgery were better in the N group than in the D group.ConclusionsCompared to LSS patients without DISH who also underwent posterior decompression surgery for LSS, surgery in patients with DISH was characterized by greater blood loss, longer operation time, increased translation at the decompressed segment, and poor recovery.     

Clinical outcome after traumatic spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spinal disorders compared with control patients

Background contextThe clinical outcome of patients with ankylosing spinal disorders (ASDs) sustaining a spinal fracture has been described to be worse compared with the general trauma population.PurposeTo investigate clinical outcome (neurologic deficits, complications, and mortality) after spinal injury in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) compared with control patients.Study designRetrospective cohort study.Patient sampleAll patients older than 50 years and admitted with a traumatic spinal fracture to the Emergency Department of the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, a regional level-1 trauma center and tertiary referral spine center.Outcome measuresData on comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity score), mechanism of trauma, fracture characteristics, neurologic deficit, complications, and in-hospital mortality were collected from medical records.MethodsWith logistic regression analysis, the association between the presence of an ASD and mortality was investigated in relation to other known risk factors for mortality.ResultsA total of 165 patients met the inclusion criteria; 14 patients were diagnosed with AS (8.5%), 40 patients had DISH (24.2%), and 111 patients were control patients (67.3%). Ankylosing spinal disorder patients were approximately five years older than control patients and predominantly of male gender. The Charlson comorbidity score did not significantly differ among the groups, but Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity were more prevalent among DISH patients. In many AS and DISH cases, fractures resulted from low-energy trauma and showed a hyperextension configuration. Patients with AS and DISH were frequently admitted with a neurologic deficit (57.1% and 30.0%, respectively) compared with controls (12.6%; p=.002), which did not improve in the majority of cases. In AS and DISH patients, complication and mortality rates were significantly higher than in controls. Logistic regression analysis showed the parameters age and presence of DISH to be independently, statistically significantly related to mortality.ConclusionsMany patients with AS and DISH showed unstable (hyperextension) fracture configurations and neurologic deficits. Complication and mortality rates were higher in patients with ASD compared with control patients. Increasing age and presence of DISH are predictors of mortality after a spinal fracture.