Clinical results of posterior stabilization without decompression for thoracolumbar burst fractures: is decompression necessary?

The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical outcome of posterior stabilization without decompression for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Thirty-one consecutive cases of thoracolumbar fractures involving T11-L2 stabilized by a pedicle screw system were reviewed. Neither reduction of the height of a fractured body nor any decompression procedure was added during surgery. Twenty-two patients had incomplete paraplegia; one patient had complete paraplegia. Neurological recovery and remodeling of the spinal canal were evaluated. Neurological status was evaluated at the time of injury, just before and after surgery, and at final follow-up. The degree of spinal canal compromise was assessed using axial CT scan images. The duration of follow-up averaged 39.6?months. The mean spinal canal compromise at the time of injury was 41.6%, and no significant correlation was observed between the degree of canal compromise and the severity of the neurological deficit. Within 2-3?weeks, spinal canal remodeling had started in all patients whose spinal canal compromise was more than 30%, and canal compromise had decreased significantly 3-4?weeks after injury. Seventeen of 22 patients with incomplete paraplegia had already shown partial neurological recovery even before surgery. At the final follow-up, all patients with incomplete paraplegia had improved by at least one modified Frankel grade. This study suggests that the effect of decompressing thoracolumbar fractures with neurological deficits remains unclear and questions the need to operate simply to remove retropulsed bone fragments. Posterior stabilization without decompression should constitute appropriate surgical treatment for these fractures.     

Management of thoracolumbar fractures with accompanying neurological injury.

The optimal surgical approach for spinal canal reconstruction of thoracolumbar fractures is controversial, and the relationship between spinal canal reconstruction and neurological recovery remains unclear. To address these issues, 22 consecutive cases of thoracolumbar fracture with accompanying neurological deficit were reviewed. Neurological status was graded at the time of admission, postoperatively, and at a mean of 15 months postinjury. By using preoperative and postoperative radiographs and computed tomographic scans, the degree of spinal canal compromise was quantified in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes. All fractures were stabilized by posterior instrumentation and fusion, and in 10 injuries, retropulsed vertebral body fragments were further reduced by posterolateral decompression. Spinal canal dimensions, neurological function, and operative approach were compared by using nonparametric statistical analysis. The greater the initial spinal canal compromise, the more severe the neurological deficit (P = 0.04). With injuries involving L1 and above, this relationship increased (P = 0.003). The extent of spinal canal reconstruction failed to correlate with neurological recovery. Compared with spinal instrumentation alone, transpedicular decompression showed no benefit in terms of postoperative canal dimensions or neurological outcome. On the basis of this experience, transpedicular decompression offers no advantage over spinal instrumentation alone. The relationship between initial spinal canal encroachment and neurological deficit demonstrates that the degrees of bony and neurological injury directly reflect the kinetic energy transferred at the time of impact. The lack of correlation between the extent of spinal canal reconstruction and neurological recovery suggests that ongoing neural compression/distortion contributes little to the overall neurological injury.     

后路选择性椎管减压在胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的应用

目的观察选择性椎管减压内固定对合并有神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂骨折的治疗效果。方法经椎弓根钉钉棒系统内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者62例，对其中伴有脊髓神经损伤的49例从后路做选择性椎管减压。结果伤椎前、后缘高度分别从术前平均47．5％和76．2％恢复到正常的95．1％和98．5％，Cobbs角由术前23．34°恢复到术后的4．88°。CT示椎管截面积术前为45．2％，术后为88．7％。各项指标与术前比较差异有显著性（P〈0．01），患者术后神经功能获得改善。结论后路选择性椎管减压技术对爆裂骨折的复位和椎管减压的作用是确切有效的。     

Bilateral transpedicular decompression and Harrington rod stabilization in the management of severe thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Fifty-eight patients with severe thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with bilateral transpedicular decompression, Harrington rod instrumentation, and spine fusion. Spinal realignment and stabilization was achieved by contoured dual Harrington distraction rods supplemented by segmental sublaminal wiring. Posterior element fractures were noted in 25 patients, 9 of whom had associated dural tears. Computed tomography was performed to assess the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal before surgery and after decompression. Patients at initial evaluation averaged greater than 67% spinal canal compromise. After surgery, successful decompression was accomplished in 57 patients. One patient required staged, anterior thoracoabdominal decompression and fibula strut grafting. At follow-up (average, 43 months; range, 25-70 months), neurologic improvement was found in 77% of the patients who initially presented with neurologic deficits. Thirty-four of 40 patients with incomplete paraplegia improved one or more subgroups on the Frankel scale. A solid fusion was attained in all 58 patients. No patient had a significant residual kyphotic deformity. Single-stage bilateral transpedicular decompression and dual Harrington rod instrumentation reliably provides decompression of the spinal canal and restores spinal alignment. The procedure allows early mobilization and provides an environment for solid fusion and maximum neurologic return.     

Treatment of acute thoracolumbar burst fractures with kyphoplasty and short pedicle screw fixation: Transpedicular intracorporeal grafting with calcium phosphate: A prospective study

Background:

In the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, the major problem after posterior correction and transpedicular instrumentation is failure to support the anterior spinal column, leading to loss of correction and instrumentation failure with associated complaints. We conducted this prospective study to evaluate the outcome of the treatment of acute thoracolumbar burst fractures by transpedicular balloon kyphoplasty, grafting with calcium phosphate cement and short pedicle screw fixation plus fusion.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-three consecutive patients of thoracolumbar (T₉ to L₄) burst fracture with or without neurologic deficit with an average age of 43 years, were included in this prospective study. Twenty-one from the 23 patients had single burst fracture while the remaining two patients had a burst fracture and additionally an adjacent A1-type fracture. On admission six (26%) out of 23 patients had neurological deficit (five incomplete, one complete). Bilateral transpedicular balloon kyphoplasty with liquid calcium phosphate to reduce segmental kyphosis and restore vertebral body height and short (three vertebrae) pedicle screw instrumentation with posterolateral fusion was performed. Gardner kyphosis angle, anterior and posterior vertebral body height ratio and spinal canal encroachment were calculated pre- to postoperatively.

Results:

All 23 patients were operated within two days after admission and were followed for at least 12 months after index surgery. Operating time and blood loss averaged 45 min and 60 cc respectively. The five patients with incomplete neurological lesions improved by at least one ASIA grade, while no neurological deterioration was observed in any case. The VAS and SF-36 (Role physical and Bodily pain domains) were significantly improved postoperatively. Overall sagittal alignment was improved from an average preoperative 16° to one degree kyphosis at final followup observation. The anterior vertebral body height ratio improved from 0.6 preoperatively to 0.9 (P<0.001) postoperatively, while posterior vertebral body height improved from 0.95 to 1 (P<0.01). Spinal canal encroachment was reduced from an average 32% preoperatively to 20% postoperatively. Cement leakage was observed in four cases (three anterior to vertebral body and one into the disc without sequalae). In the last CT evaluation, there was a continuity between calcium phosphate and cancellous vertebral body bone. Posterolateral radiological fusion was achieved within six months after index operation. There was no instrumentation failure or measurable loss of sagittal curve and vertebral height correction in any group of patients.

Conclusions:

Balloon kyphoplasty with calcium phosphate cement secured with posterior short fixation in the thoracolumbar spine provided excellent immediate reduction of posttraumatic segmental kyphosis and significant spinal canal clearance and restored vertebral body height in the fracture level.     

An unconventional indication for open kyphoplasty

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Kyphoplasty is a means of treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures. Its efficacy has not yet been totally proven. Even though the conventional percutaneous kyphoplasty is a relatively safe procedure, it is not routinely recommended for use in vertebral body fractures that involve posterior cortical compromise/retropulsion or in fractures associated with neurological deficit. PURPOSE: To see whether the open kyphoplasty procedure can be used in patients with painful vertebral body compression fractures who also have bony retropulsion into the spinal canal. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This technical report is based on the experience of one patient. METHODS: A 79-year-old woman with a history of osteoporosis presented with a painful vertebral body compression fracture at T12. Magnetic resonance imaging of her lumbar spine demonstrated an acute compression fracture at T12 with significant decrease in vertebral body height and retropulsion of bone resulting in one-third reduction in canal width. She was not considered a candidate for percutaneous kyphoplasty. Three months after the injury, an open kyphoplasty was performed after a decompression laminectomy at T12. RESULTS: The fractured vertebral body was successfully reduced, and there was no leakage of polymethylmethacrylate into the spinal canal through the fractured posterior cortex using the open kyphoplasty procedure. One month after the operation, the patient was free from mid-back pain and was again able to walk. CONCLUSION: Open kyphoplasty procedure allows direct visualization to the spinal canal. It can be performed safely and effectively in selected vertebral body compression fractures with retropulsed bone associated with neurological deficit.     

Anterolateral decompression for neural involvement in thoracolumbar fractures. A review of 78 cases

Of a total of 905 patients with fracture or fracture-dislocation of the thoracolumbar spine admitted from 1969 to 1982, a neurological deficit was present in 334 (37%). All unstable injuries were initially treated by reduction and posterior fusion. In 79 of these patients, an anterolateral decompression was undertaken later because of persistent neurological deficit and radiographic demonstration of encroachment on the spinal canal. One patient died of pulmonary embolism; 78 were reviewed after a mean period of four years. Of these 78 patients 18 made a complete neurological recovery while 53 appeared to have benefited from the procedure; 25 remained unchanged. The best results were obtained in burst fractures at thoracolumbar and lumbar levels when a solitary detached fragment of a vertebral body had been displaced into the spinal canal. These results indicate that anterolateral decompression of the spinal canal should be considered, after careful evaluation, for certain injuries of the spine in which there is severe neural involvement.     

The effect of posterior instrumentation of the spine on canal dimensions and neurological recovery in thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures

A prospective study was designed to determine whether posterior instrumentation of the spine in thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures produces indirect decompression of the spinal canal leading to better remodeling and neurological recovery. The study was conducted in Kasturba Medical College Manipal, India. Sixty-eight consecutive cases of thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures were treated by posterior instrumentation, and approval from the hospital ethical committee was obtained. The degree of initial spinal canal compromise, indirect decompression, and remodeling were assessed from the computed tomography scans. The neurological status at the time of presentation and at final follow-up was assessed by the American Spinal Injury Association’s modified Frankel’s grading. The median canal compromise in patients with and without neurological deficit was 47.32 and 39.33%, respectively. The overall mean canal compromise at the time of admission, post-operative, and final follow-up were 47.37, 26.58 and 14.85%, respectively (P = <0.001). The median canal compromise in patients who recovered was 44.5% and in those with no neurological recovery was 55.85%. The median percentage of canal decompression achieved in patients who recovered was 22.15%, whereas it was 22% in those who did not recover. The median remodeling in recovered and non-recovered groups was 64.50 and 80%, respectively. None of these differences was statistically significant. This study shows that posterior instrumentation of the spine produces significant indirect decompression of the spinal canal and better remodeling. However, these factors may not improve the neurological recovery.     

Spinal canal decompression in traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures: posterior distraction rods versus transpedicular screw fixation.

Although the benefit of spinal canal decompression of traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures is controversial, it remains a desirable procedure, as many reports describe improved neurologic outcome with spinal canal reconstruction. The optimal type of posterior instrumentation for reconstructing the spinal canal is unclear. This study focused on the efficacy of posterior distraction rods versus transpedicular screw fixation implants in decompressing the spinal canal and on the relationship between the amount of canal decompression and subsequent neurologic recovery. A medical records review was conducted to identify all patients surgically treated for traumatic burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine from January 1, 1987 to June 30, 1989. Sixty-seven patients were selected by this review, and, of these, 30 had had both preoperative and postoperative CT scans. We could find no bias among patients who received both preoperative and postoperative CT scans as compared to those who did not, therefore the 30 patients were considered to be a random sample of the total population of 67. A retrospective study was then conducted on the 30 patients with surgically treated burst fractures--15 treated with posterior distraction rods and 15 treated with AO Fixator Interne transpedicular screw fixation implants. Preoperative and postoperative spinal canal cross-sectional areas were measured directly from the scaled CT scans. The area of most severe compromise was compared with an internal standard defined as the next, caudal, uncompromised spinal level, and the percentage of preoperative and postoperative canal compromise was calculated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Confirmation of the posterolateral technique to decompress and fuse thoracolumbar spine burst fractures

A posterolateral technique to decompress retropulsed bone from the spinal canal has been employed in nine patients, confirmed with intraoperative canal inspection and pre- and postoperative computed axial tomographic (CAT) evaluation. This technique has allowed reduction of retropulsed bony elements from the spinal canal, assessment of canal decompression and reestablishment of vertebral body alignment. The approach permits posterior fusion at the same operation. If the postoperative CAT scan continues to show spinal cord embarrassment from anterior bony elements, an anterior approach can be performed for additional decompression and fusion. The posterolateral approach does not necessarily improve neurologic function. However, when compared with posterior instrumentation alone, it does help ensure canal reduction and alignment, which may aid recovery and hasten rehabilitation.     

Posterior short fusion without neural decompression using pedicle screws and spinous process plates: A simple and effective treatment for neurological deficits following osteoporotic vertebral collapse

Background

The optimal treatment of neurological deficits following osteoporotic vertebral collapse (OVC) is controversial, owing to complications that result from fragile bone quality. In the present study, we assessed surgical results following posterior spinal fusion without decompression. We achieved stable fusion over a short segment of the spinal column using pedicle screws and spinous process plates, maximizing the use of the preserved posterior elements.

Intraoperative ultrasonography for reduction of thoracolumbar burst fractures

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of intraoperative ultrasound monitoring in the reduction and stabilization of thoracolumbar burst fractures of the spine. Thirty-one patients underwent a posterior approach for reduction and stabilization of a thoracolumbar burst fracture, with complete follow-up available on 26. Intraoperative real-time sonography was used for monitoring retropulsed fragments during distraction and fracture impaction. Computed tomography was used to compare preoperative canal compromise and postoperative reduction. Average canal compromise preoperatively was 66.5%, and the average canal compromise postoperatively was 18.7%. Neurologic function was not changed in 16, improved in ten, and worsened in none. Average hospital stay was 21.6 days. No complications were directly attributable to the use of the ultrasound. The authors believe that ultrasonography provides a safe and accurate method of intraoperatively evaluating reduction of burst fracture of the thoracolumbar spine from the posterior approach.     

经伤椎椎弓根螺钉三椎体固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的前瞻性研究

目的 比较经伤椎椎弓根螺钉三椎体固定与传统短节段固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的临床疗效.方法 2004年5月至2007年6月收治胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者48例,随机分为经伤椎椎弓根螺钉三椎体固定组(治疗组24例)和传统短节段固定组(对照组24例),其中治疗组行伤椎及伤椎上下节段椎弓根内固定,对照组行传统4钉内固定.所有患者术前及术后随访均行X线及CT检查,测量并比较两组Cobb角大小、伤椎前缘压缩率、椎管占位率、椎体平移率,同时观察植骨融合及神经恢复情况.结果 所有患者获得6～18个月(平均10.6个月)随访,两组患者术后各项指标较术前均有明显改善,内固定未见松脱断裂,植骨均获得骨性愈合,无完全神经损伤较术前有1～2级恢复,术后脊髓神经功能无损伤加重等.随访时治疗组Cobb角大小、伤椎前缘压缩率较对照组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),显示治疗组固定更牢固,随访矫正丢失少.椎管占位率和椎体平移率治疗组疗效更好,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 经伤椎椎弓根螺钉三椎体固定法较传统方法具有更加牢固的固定效果,前中柱重建稳定,后柱固定牢固,矫正度丢失小,疗效满意,是治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的有效方法.     

Anterior spine stabilization and decompression for thoracolumbar injuries

In a series of patients with thoracolumbar spine injuries, anterior spinal canal decompression resulted in better neurologic recovery than did previously reported posterior instrumentation or nonoperative treatment. The technique allows stabilization over a much shorter segment of the spine than posterior instrumentation and therefore is indicated for fractures at L2 and below and in all patients with burst fractures and neurologic compromise.     

后路短节段钉棒系统结合经伤椎置钉固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的探讨短节段经伤椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的临床疗效。方法对36例胸腰椎爆裂性骨折经伤椎行短节段椎弓根螺钉固定。术后定期X线复查患者的椎体高度、Cobb角、椎管矢状径占有率;对神经功能ASIA分级进行分析。结果患者均获得随访,时间6—24个月,植骨均获骨性愈合。末次随访时伤椎高度由术前的43．2％±1．8％恢复至91．0％±2．O％,Cobb角由术前24．2°±3．0°恢复至5．0°±1．0°,椎管矢状径由术前的60．2％±8．7％增加到85．5％±12．8％。术后神经功能ASIA分级：除2例A级无变化外,其余均有1～2级恢复。未出现螺钉松动及断裂。结论经伤椎椎弓根螺钉椎体固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折矫正度丢失小,疗效满意。     

钉棒及钩棒系统治疗胸腰椎多节段脊柱骨折

目的评价钉棒及钩棒系统治疗胸腰椎多节段脊柱骨折的临床疗效。方法23例多节段胸腰椎骨折患者，后路切开复位，选择性椎管减压．钉棒或钩棒系统内固定及后外侧植骨融合进行手术治疗。其中相邻多节段型13例，非相邻多节段型8例，混合型2例。结果全组病例平均随访14个月，未发现内固定物松动、断离，无继发性脊柱后凸畸形加重。椎体高度由术前平均48．4％恢复至术后平均92．4%。2例完全性及11例不完全性脊髓损伤者．脊髓神经功能获改善。结论在椎管进行充分减压的基础上．钉棒及钩棒系统能有效复位椎体骨折，重建脊柱稳定性，是多节段胸腰椎不稳定性骨折合并脊髓神经损伤后路手术的理想选择。     

Complete rotational burst fracture of the third lumbar vertebra managed by posterior surgery. A case report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report of a young man with rotational burst fracture of the third lumbar vertebra, treated by posterior surgery. OBJECTIVES: To describe the management of a rotational burst fracture of the third lumbar vertebra by posterior surgery consisting of reduction, decompression, fusion, and transpedicular instrumentation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgery is the generally recommended means of managing lumbar burst fractures with neurologic deficit. Some surgeons recommend anterior decompression, fusion, and instrumentation. Posterior surgery with decompression through laminectomy, spongioplasty of the vertebral body, interbody fusion of damaged discs, posterolateral fusion, and transpedicular fixation is also a safe and successful management technique. The combined approach consists of posterior decompression, fusion, transpedicular fixation, and anterior fusion using pelvic autografts. The optimum method of management remains in question. METHOD: An 18-year-old man with complete rotational burst fracture of the third lumbar vertebra was treated by posterior surgery. This surgery consisted of reduction, laminectomy, decompression, structure of dural sac tears, spongioplasty of the vertebral body, interbody fusion of both damaged discs, and the implantation of a transpedicular Socon fixator (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany), including a transverse connector. The case was documented by radiographs and computed tomography scans before surgery and after fixator removal 19 months after surgery. RESULTS: The patient healed solidly with no instrumentation failure. The neurologic deficit Frankel Grade B improved to Frankel Grade D. CONCLUSION: Surgery to manage lumbar burst fracture must include reduction, decompression, restoration and fusion of anterior and posterior elements by using autologous pelvic spongious autografts, and anterior or posterior instrumentation. Posterior surgery including suturing of dural sac tears, fusion of damaged structures, and transpedicular fixation is successful in young patients and patients with good bone quality.     

后路伤椎上间隙融合双节段固定治疗Denis B型椎体爆裂性骨折

目的 探讨后路伤椎上间隙融合双节段固定治疗Denis B型椎体爆裂性骨折的临床疗效.方法 2009年7月至2011年1月收治8例Denis B型椎体爆裂性骨折患者,男5例,女3例;年龄20～68岁,平均42岁.采用后路伤椎上间隙融合双节段固定,比较术前、术后Frankel分级变化、术前、术后及末次随访时伤椎前缘高度比值...     

手术入路的选择对胸腰椎爆裂骨折疗效的影响

目的比较经后路和侧前方入路减压植骨融合内固定术对胸腰椎爆裂骨折的疗效。方法42例胸腰椎爆裂骨折，后路减压植骨融合椎弓根内固定24例，其中19例同时经椎弓根植骨椎体成形；经侧前方减压植骨Z-plate钛板内固定18例。观察两组的术中失血量、手术时间、术后引流量、并发症，并评价复位及神经恢复情况。结果42例均获9～36个月随访。后路平均手术时间、出血量和术后引流量小于前路组（P〈0．05），椎体前高丢失及Cobb角丢失后路大于前路（P〈0．05），后、前路术后Frankel分级各改善1．2级与1．8级。结论前、后路手术都是治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的有效方法，应依据椎管占位的程度和脊柱结构的综合稳定性选择手术入路。     

Late paraparesis due to pseudarthrosis after posterior spinal fusion

The authors report three cases in which paraparesis related to a pseudarthrosis occurred several years after a posterior spinal fusion, but with a different mechanism (stretching of the spinal cord for progression of the deformity in kyphosis in two cases, and spinal cord compression for bone overgrowth within the canal in the site of pseudarthrosis in the third patient). Treatment was different. Partial correction of the deformity and stabilization of the spine by combined fusion (anterior and posterior) was sufficient in the first two cases for a complete neurological recovery. Posterior spinal cord decompression and stabilization of the spine by combined fusion was necessary for complete recovery in the third.