Cervical epidural hematoma without fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. A case report

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease involving the axial spine. Alterations in vertebral biomechanics leave the spine sensitive to traumas which, though minimal, may cause serious neurological lesions, particularly in long term AS patients with a completely ankylosed spine, who are more prone to suffer spine fractures. A 62-year-old man with a long-term AS suffered a minor trauma resulting in a cervical epidural hematoma from C2 to C7, leading to paraplegia. On the diagnosis of hematoma, he underwent C3-C7 left hemilaminectomies, to remove the hematoma. We could find no cause for the hematoma. The patient's condition improved, and he was eventually able to perform all his activities independently. Even though traumatic spinal epidural hematoma (SHE) of the ankylosed spine may occur in the absence of fracture, it is commonly associated with traumatic fracture or dislocation of the spine, particularly the cervical spine. In all the published series of SEH in AS, we could only find one more case of this pathology at the cervical spine without a fracture. Neurologic recovery can be successful if decompression is performed early. SHE must be considered after trauma to an ankylosed spine when there is neurological deterioration despite the absence of fracture. A good outcome depends on the early diagnosis and surgery.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Fractures of the spine in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Fractures of the spine in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) have rarely been reported. Only four cases could be found in the world literature. Eight new cases with nine fractures are reported in this study. The critical features are the frequent delays in diagnosis (three of eight patients) and the high rate of immediate and delayed neurologic deficit (seven of eight patients). Two fracture patterns occurred in this group. The first type occurred through the midportion of an ankylosed segment of the spine and involved the vertebral body (five fractures). The second type occurred at the top or bottom of a fused segment (four fractures). The latter were disk disruptions or odontoid fractures. This is a marked difference from spinal fractures in ankylosing spondylitis, in which the majority are transdiskal fractures. The difference can be explained on the basis of the different pathology of these two disease processes. Careful evaluation of patients with DISH who sustain trauma is critical. Treatment of this rare injury should be early stabilization of the spine to avoid complications of nonunion, deformity, neurologic injury, and death.     

Good outcomes of percutaneous fixation of spinal fractures in ankylosing spinal disorders

Introduction

The ankylosed spine is prone to trauma even with after application of force at low energy levels. Multi-level vertebral bony fusions produce long lever arms, susceptible to fracture, with an increased risk of neurological injury. Additional problems result from delayed presentation and osteoporosis. These patients are also often at high risk of complications, making conventional open spinal surgery less appealing. We present the outcomes of percutaneous fixation and its advantages in this high risk group of patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of a series of 10 patients with a diagnosis of either ankylosing spondylitis or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). All patients had sustained a spinal fracture between January 2009 and January 2013 and underwent percutaneous fixation using Medtronic longitude system (Minneapolis, USA) with Polyaxial screws. All were followed up with outcomes, complications and functional scores (Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Pain Visual Analogue scores (VAS).

Results

The mean patient age was 68. There was a delayed presentation in seven patients, of which two presented with neurological compromise. The neurological deficit did not change with surgery and there were no neurological complications as a result of surgery. The mean length of stay was 24 days, with no direct surgical complications. The mean drop in haemoglobin level was 2.1, with three patients requiring a blood transfusion. The patients were followed up to a mean of 22 months, with a mean ODI of 16 and pain VAS of 1.1. At the time of follow up, two patients had died with no loss to follow up.

Discussion

Even minor trauma can result in fracture in the ankylosed spine, requiring a high index of suspicion from the physician. The risks of missing such a fracture are significant neurological injury. The biomechanics of the spine are significantly altered, and treatment is demanding. We propose that minimally invasive spinal surgery can achieve good outcomes, low complication rates and high rates of satisfaction.     

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (Forestier-Rotes-Querol disease): What's new?

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also known as Forestier-Rotes-Querol disease, is characterized by the ossification of the entheses (i.e., enthesopathy). The diagnosis of DISH requires at least two (according to Forestier) or three (according to Resnick) contiguous intervertebral bridges, without severe disk alterations (in contrast to degenerative spinal disease) or ankylosis of the sacroiliac or facet joints (in contrast to spondylarthritis). Although prevalence estimates vary with the number of bridges used to define the disease, the prevalence of DISH is consistently high and increases with age and obesity. Peripheral involvement is common but difficult to ascribe to DISH in the absence of typical spinal changes. Cervical spine ossification is the most extensively studied manifestation, as dysphagia due to esophageal compression may require surgery. As with spondylarthritis, vertebral fractures on a hyperostotic fused spine may escape recognition, placing the patient at risk for complications in the event of subsequent displacement. These fractures are particularly severe, as they often involve the cervical spine and can therefore, cause major neurological impairments. DISH is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio, 3.88). Research into the pathophysiology of DISH has established that serum levels of the natural osteogenesis inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) are low in patients with DISH or spondylarthritis. Although this abnormality might contribute to the entheseal ossification, it has not been found consistently.     

强直性脊柱炎脊柱骨折的特点及诊断

目的：探讨强直性脊柱炎脊柱骨折的特点，为其临床诊断与治疗提供参考。方法：回顾性分析1994年1月～2001年10月收治的19例强直性脊柱炎脊柱骨折病例。结果：所有19例患者均符合强直性脊柱炎的诊断标准，其中17例骨折前有平均20．6年的强直性脊柱炎病史，另2例方确诊有强直性脊柱炎。19例中15例有外伤史，其中9例为平地跌倒或扭伤，另4例无外伤史。损伤机制：过伸伤7例，垂直挤压伤2例，侧屈损伤l例，屈曲伤1例，4例不详。颈椎骨折11例，9例发生在C5～C7；包括剪力骨折lO例，应力骨折1例。胸腰椎骨折8例，7例为应力骨折，均发生在T10～L2，1例为L3剪力骨折。19例中经椎间隙骨折12例，经椎体骨折7例。三柱骨折16例，骨折伴脱位5例。9例并发脊髓损伤，其中8例为颈椎骨折。外伤至诊断为骨折的间隔时间为10h～7个月，平均29．6d。2例曾被误诊为脊柱结核。结论：导致强直性脊柱炎患者发生脊柱骨折的外力往往较轻。损伤机制多为过伸伤。骨折好发于下颈椎及胸腰段。剪力骨折多发生在颈椎，大多为三柱骨折，容易伴发脱位，脊髓损伤的发生率较高；应力骨折多发生在胸腰段，脊髓损伤不多见。此类骨折多为经椎间隙骨折，易发生诊断延误。     

Ankylosing spondylitis. Therapy and complications of 34 spine fractures]

BACKGROUND: Spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are extremely unstable and associated with a high complication rate. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the therapy and complications of these fractures in AS for a better understanding and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with 34 traumatic spine fractures were treated from 1981 to 2002. Cause of trauma, fracture site, and neurological examination were assessed. Analyses of the management of the treatment and complications were performed. RESULTS: Banal traumas resulted mostly in spinal fractures at the C 5/6 and C 6/7 level. Two patients were treated conservatively, while the others were stabilized operatively. Before therapy was undertaken, six patients suffered from a cervical radiculopathy, ten patients had an incomplete and two a complete paraplegia. After therapy, neurological status improved in eight patients, but one had a deterioration of neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal or combined dorsoventral stabilization of these fractures is necessary for better mobilization of these patients and to avoid further complications.     

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.     

Wirbels?ulenfraktur bei ankylosierender Spondylitis

Introduction

The ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic rheumatic disease, which affects the skeleton, joints and internal organs. Attributed to the augmented rigidity of the spine and the concomitant impairment of compensatory mechanism minor force might cause spine fractures. Multilevel stabilization and dorsoventral instrumentation is a well ?C established procedure. This study was to evaluate the surgical outcome of 119?patients with AS associated spine fractures.

Methods

From 07/96 to 01/10, 119?patients with 129 spine fractures due to AS were treated in our department. Data were collected retrospectively. In all patients the operative treatment of the fracture was either performed by ventral and/or dorsal spondylodesis.

Results

The median age was 67?years (37?C95). There were 51 cervical, 55 thoracic and 23 lumbar spine fractures. On initial presentation no fractures in 18?patients (15%) and stable fractures in 15?patients (13%) were detected, which further secondarily dislocated. Thus, in 28% of the patients the injury was assessed falsely. 47% of the fractures were preceded by a trivial trauma in domestic surrounding. 61 patients (51%) developed either an incomplete or a complete paraplegia. In 32?patients ventral instrumentation, in 82?patients dorsal and in 15?patients dorsoventral instrumentation were performed. 14% developed postoperative wound infection an in 15% revision surgery due to implant loosening or insufficient stabilization was required.

Conclusion

Early diagnostic of AS associated spine fractures using conventional radiographs and computed tomography scans is important for the detection and adequate treatment. A great amount of spine fractures are obviously either under diagnosed or underestimated, initially. A secondary dislocation of the fracture might result in severe neurological complications up to paraplegia.     

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.     

Timing of thoracic and lumbar fracture fixation in spinal injuries: a systematic review of neurological and clinical outcome

A systematic review of all available evidence on the timing of surgical fixation for thoracic and lumbar fractures with respect to clinical and neurological outcome was designed. The purpose of this review is to clarify some of the controversy about the timing of surgical fracture fixation in spinal trauma. Better neurological outcome, shorter hospital stay and fewer complications have been reported after early fracture fixation. But there are also studies showing no difference in neurological outcome when compared to late treatment. Mortality is another controversial point since a recent report of higher mortality in early treated patients. A systematic review of the literature was preformed. Ten articles were included. Early fracture fixation is associated with less complications, shorter hospital and ICU stay. The effect of early treatment on the neurological outcome remains unclear due to the contradictory results of the included studies. Early thoracic and lumbar fracture fixation results in improvement of clinical outcome, but the effect on neurological outcome remains controversial.     

Risk factors for delayed diagnosis of spinal fracture associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: A nationwide multiinstitution survey

BackgroundPatients with DISH are susceptible to spinal fractures and subsequent neurological impairment, including after minor trauma. However, DISH is often asymptomatic and fractures may have minimal symptoms, which may lead to delayed diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for delayed diagnosis of spinal fractures in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).MethodsThe subjects were 285 patients with DISH surgically treated at 18 medical centers from 2005 to 2015. Cause of injury, imaging findings, neurological status at the times of injury and first hospital examination, and the time from injury to diagnosis were recorded. A delayed diagnosis was defined as that made >24 h after injury.ResultsMain causes of injury were minor trauma due to a fall from a standing or sitting position (51%) and high-energy trauma due to a fall from a high place (29%) or a traffic accident (12%). Delayed diagnosis occurred in 115 patients (40%; 35 females, 80 males; mean age 76.0 ± 10.4 years), while 170 (60%; 29 females, 141 males; mean age 74.6 ± 12.8 years) had early diagnosis. Delayed group had a significantly higher rate of minor trauma (n = 73, 63% vs. n = 73, 43%), significantly more Frankel grade E (intact neurological status) cases at the time of injury (n = 79, 69% vs. n = 73, 43%), and greater deterioration of Frankel grade from injury to diagnosis (34% vs. 8%, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, a minor trauma fall (OR 2.08; P < 0.05) and Frankel grade E at the time of injury (OR 2.29; P < 0.01) were significantly associated with delayed diagnosis.ConclusionIn patients with DISH, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of spinal fracture, even in a situation in which patient sustained only minor trauma and shows no neurological deficit. This is because delayed diagnosis of spinal fracture can cause subsequent neurological deterioration.     

Early surgery for thoracolumbar extension-type fractures in geriatric patients with ankylosing disorders reduces patient complications and mortality

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe management of trauma patients with ankylosing spinal disorders has become an issue of increasing interest. Geriatric patients frequently sustain unstable extension type vertebral fractures with ankylosed spines. In this population, studies have shown that early surgery for other injuries such as hip fractures may reduce patient complications and mortality. These studies have changed patient care protocols in many medical centers worldwide.PURPOSEWe aim to assess the relationship between the timing of surgery for unstable vertebral fractures in ankylosed spines in the geriatric population and patient outcomes.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective clinical study conducted in a tertiary hospital.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients included were those diagnosed with isolated thoracolumbar extension type fractures and a spinal ankylosing disorder over 65 years old following minor trauma and with no additional injuries or neurological deficit.OUTCOME MEASURESPrimary outcome measures included postoperative medical complications and mortality at 1 and 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included rehospitalization rates, length of stay, and surgical site infections.METHODSWe searched our department's database for all that met our inclusion criteria who underwent surgery. The difference in patient outcomes that underwent early surgery defined as less than 72 hours from diagnosis as opposed to those that underwent later surgery was assessed.RESULTSA total of 82 patients underwent surgery following a diagnosis of an extension type thoracolumbar fracture at our institution between 2015 and 2021. Of these, 50 met inclusion criteria. Nineteen patients underwent surgery less than 72 hours from diagnosis and 31 more than 72 hours from diagnosis. No difference was found in age, functional status, and Elixhauser comorbidity scores between the groups. A statistically significant difference in perioperative patient complications between the early and the late groups (p=.005) was found. Mortality at six-months was significantly different between the groups as well (p=.035). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when comparing surgical site infections, length of hospital stay, rehospitalization within a month, and perioperative mortality.CONCLUSIONSTime to surgery affects complication rates and six-month mortality in geriatric patients with spinal ankylosing disorders presenting with an isolated unstable hyperextension type thoracolumbar fracture. Early surgery of less than 72 hours from presentation in this patient population is recommended.     

Delayed presentation and diagnosis of cervical spine injuries in long-standing ankylosing spondylitis

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are vulnerable to cervical spine fractures. Long-standing pain may mask the symptoms of the fracture. Radiological imaging of the cervical spine may fail to identify the fracture due to the distorted anatomy, ossified ligaments and artefacts leading to delay in diagnosis and increased risk of neurological complications. The objectives are to identify the incidence and risk factors for delay in presentation of cervical spine fractures in patients with AS. Retrospective case series study of all patients with AS and cervical spine fracture admitted over a 12-year period at Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Scotland. Results show that total of 32 patients reviewed with AS and cervical spine fractures. In 19 patients (59.4%), a fracture was not identified on plain radiographs. Only five patients (15.6%) presented immediately after the injury. Of the 15 patients (46.9%) who were initially neurologically intact, three patients had neurological deterioration before admission. Cervical spine fractures in patients with long-standing AS are common and usually under evaluated. Early diagnosis with appropriate radiological investigations may prevent the possible long-term neurological cord damage.     

胸腰椎过伸骨折合并弥漫性特发性骨肥厚症的临床研究

目的分析合并弥漫性特发性骨肥厚症(DISH)胸腰椎过伸骨折的损伤机制、损伤特点,以指导治疗方案的选择。方法回顾性分析自2007-01—2015-12诊治的95例合并DISH胸腰椎过伸骨折,根据X线片、CT及MRI评估脊柱损伤类型:前柱经椎间盘损伤44例(46.3%),经骨损伤41例(43.2%),混合型损伤10例(10.5%)。所有患者均行脊柱后路切开复位椎弓根钉内固定手术治疗。结果术后3例出现切口愈合不良,给予换药、抗生素治疗后痊愈。术后X线片显示8枚椎弓根钉位置不佳。在治疗期间,4例出现贫血,5例出现全身炎症性反应综合征(SIRS),4例抗甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌感染(MRSA),5例肺或肾脏衰竭,2例肺部感染,1例泌尿系感染,1例出现褥疮。4例在创伤后3个月内死亡,死亡患者年龄75~88(81.7±4.1)岁。结论随着高龄人口及脊柱代谢疾病的增多,DISH患者中出现的胸腰椎过伸损伤也会随之增加。临床骨科医师要充分认识合并DISH胸腰椎过伸骨折的特点,以便制定较为合理的治疗方案。     

Fractures of the spine in ankylosing spondylitis. Diagnosis, treatment, and complications

Spinal injuries in patients with previous ankylosing spondylitis were reviewed retrospectively. Fractures frequently occurred as a result of minimal trauma and were associated with severe neurologic deficits in 75% of cases. A characteristic fracture pattern was seen radiographically, and appeared to result from the altered biomechanics of the ankylosed spine. Although the fractures were markedly unstable, nonoperative treatment was uniformly successful in achieving union. The incidence of complications and mortality in this group was significantly lower than that reported in other studies, and the authors attribute this to conservative management within a spinal cord injury unit.     

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.

Timing of intervention for spinal injury in patients with polytrauma

ObjectiveThe optimal timing of surgical intervention of spinal fractures in patients with polytrauma is still controversial. In the setting of trauma to multiple organ systems, an inappropriately timed definitive spine surgery can lead to increased incidence of pulmonary complications, hemodynamic instability and potentially death, while delayed surgical stabilisation has its attendant problems of prolonged recumbency including deep vein thrombosis, organ-sp ecific infection and pressure sores.MethodsA narrative review focussed at the epidemiology, demographics and principles of surgery for spinal trauma in poly-traumatised patients was performed. Pubmed search (1995–2020) based on the keywords – polytrauma OR multiple trauma AND spine fracture AND timing, present in “All the fields” of the search tab, was performed. Among 48 articles retrieved, 23 articles specific to the management of spinal fracture in polytrauma patients were reviewed.ResultsSpine trauma is noted in up to 30% of polytrauma patients. Unstable spinal fractures with or without spinal cord injury in polytrauma require surgical intervention and are treated based on the following principles - stabilizing the injured spine during resuscitation, acute management of life-and limb-threatening organ injuries, “damage control” internal stabilisation of unstable spinal injuries during the early acute phase and, definitive surgery at an appropriate window of opportunity. Early spine fracture fixation, especially in the setting of chest injury, reduces morbidity of pulmonary complications and duration of hospital stay.ConclusionRecognition and stabilisation of spinal fractures during resuscitation of polytrauma is important. Early posterior spinal fixation of unstable fractures, described as damage control spine surgery, is preferred while a delayed definitive 360° decompression is performed once the systemic milieu is optimal, if mandated for biomechanical and neurological indications.