Bilateral pedicle stress fracture in a patient with osteoporotic compression fracture

A case of bilateral pedicle stress fracture of L4 in a patient with osteoporotic compression fracture of L5 and without a history of major trauma or surgery is reported, and the literature is reviewed. Bilateral pedicle fracture is a rare entity and few cases have been reported in the literature. All reported cases had some underlying causative factors like previous spine surgery or stress related activities. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, only one case of bilateral pedicle stress fracture without a history of trauma, previous spine surgery, or stress-related activities has been reported. A 77-year-old woman presented with severe low back pain and radiating pain in the right leg that was exacerbated after standing and walking. Plain radiograph showed pathological fracture at L5 level. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the compression of dural sac at L5 level. CT scan taken 3 months after admission revealed bilateral pedicle fractures through L4. The patient was treated with decompressive laminectomies of L4, followed by posterior spinal fusion with rigid pedicle screw fixation and autogenous bone graft mixed with hydroxyapatite. The patient achieved pain relief and returned to normal activity. Stress fracture of the pedicle within the proximal vertebra of an osteoporotic compression fracture of lumbar spine is an uncommon entity. It may, however, be an additional source of symptoms in patients with osteoporosis who present with further back pain. Surgeons caring for this group of patients should be aware of this condition.     

Pedicle fracture after instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion: a case report

STUDY DESIGN: The case report of a 60-year-old man with late onset back pain after lumbar spine fusion is presented. OBJECTIVE: To report the rare complication of bilateral pedicle stress fractures after instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A 56-year-old man underwent revision spinal surgery for ongoing back pain secondary to pseudoarthroses. A posterolateral L4-S1 instrumented fusion using pedicle screws was performed. Autologous bone graft was applied to the decorticated lateral masses. The internal fixation was removed 2 years later, at which time plain radiographs showed that the fusion mass was solid. At the age of 60 years, the man presented with worsening back pain. Plain radiographs and computed tomographic scans demonstrated bilateral L4 pedicle stress fractures. A bone scan indicated that these were recent in origin. METHOD: The clinical assessment was undertaken by the senior author and surgeon. Investigations included plain radiography, computer tomography, and scintographic imaging. A systematic literature review of the relevant publications was performed. RESULTS: In the reported patient, bilateral pedicle stress fractures developed 2 years after pedicle screw removal from an L4-S1 instrumented posterolateral lumbar spine fusion. This occurred at the uppermost level of the fusion mass. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicle is the weakest point in the neural arch after posterolateral fusion. Although movement continues at the level of the disc space anteriorly, the pedicle is susceptible to fracture. Pedicle fracture is a rare late complication of posterolateral lumbar spine fusion.     

Misleading history of pain location in 51 patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the location of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and the patient’s localization of pain. Fifty-one consecutive patients (m 6, f 45; average age 74.8 years) with diagnosed osteoporotic vertebral fractures between T8 and L2 were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were fractures above T8 and below L2, spondylolisthesis, disc herniations, tumors, infections, and instability. Pain location was assessed by pain drawing, subdivided into thoracic, lumbar, and thoracic plus lumbar pain areas, and pain intensity using a 101 numeric rating scale. Furthermore, the onset of back pain and the lack or the indication of a trigger event at the onset of pain were documented. Only four of 20 patients with thoracic fractures reported thoracic pain, while the other 16 (80%) reported only lumbar pain. The location of the fracture and the patient’s pain report were not related (Cohens Kappa=0.046; P=0.438). Patients with thoracic or lumbar osteoporotic fractures report pain mainly in the lumbosacrogluteal area. Therefore, the complaint of low back pain (LBP) in persons at risk for osteoporotic fractures may require both thoracic and lumbar X-rays. LBP patients with a suspect history of an osteoporotic vertebral fracture should also be given an X-ray of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Patients with a thoracic vertebral fracture had more severe pain than patients with a lumbar vertebral fracture. Onset not related to a fall or a false movement related to a significantly longer pain duration.     

气囊扩张椎体后凸成形术的初步报告

目的:初步评价气囊扩张后突成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的手术操作、安全性、及疗效。方法:观察21例骨质疏松患者,30节椎体,新鲜骨折24椎节,陈旧性骨折6椎节,均有局部腰背疼痛,无神经症状。C-arm透视下,两侧同时经皮穿刺,气囊扩张骨折复位后,骨水泥灌注入椎体。随访4～7月。记录患者局部止痛的疗效,骨折的复位,及并发症等情况。结果:完全止痛14例,部分止痛7例,24节新鲜骨折气囊扩张的复位率是28.2％,6节陈旧性骨折复位率是2.1％。并发症2例,骨水泥外漏到椎间隙。其他椎体再次骨折2例,余无疼痛复发及椎体高度丢失。结论:气囊扩张后突成形术能恢复脊柱的稳定性,部分矫正脊柱后突,止痛疗效好,创伤小,并发症少,值得推广。     

Lag screw fixation of remote bilateral pedicle fractures of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae after a single gunshot wound: a case report and technical pearl

Background contextOf the injuries involving the lumbar spine, pedicle fractures are among the least common; those involving bilateral pedicles are rare.PurposeThe aims of the study were to provide the first documentation of bilateral pedicle fractures at two consecutive levels after a gunshot, to review the mechanism of injury, and to evaluate a nonfusion treatment option for pedicle fractures.Study designThis is a technical note and case report.Outcome measureThe outcome measures were lumbar range of motion, return of motor and sensory functions, and return to normal activities.MethodsA 20-year-old male sustained bilateral pedicle fractures at L4 and L5 with a massive dural tear, progressive neurologic deficits, and urinary incontinence. He underwent repair of the dural tear and lag screw fixation of the pedicle fractures without fusion.ResultsThe patient had full range of motion of his lumbar spine, full strength in his lower extremities, and bladder control.ConclusionsThis is the first report of bilateral multilevel lumbar pedicle fractures after a single penetrating gunshot wound. The case documents this injury pattern after a gunshot, reviews the mechanism of injury, and presents the successful application of a nonfusion treatment option.     

Treatment of lower lumbar radiculopathy caused by osteoporotic compression fracture: the role of vertebroplasty

The authors used vertebroplasty for the treatment of severe lower lumbar radicular pain caused by osteoporotic compression fracture. Patients presented with severe radiating leg pain rather than lower back pain from recent osteoporotic compression fracture of lower lumbar vertebra. Radiologic findings showed osteoporotic compression fracture combined with preexisting stenosis of the intervertebral foramen resulting in root compression. After injection of polymethylmethacrylate into the compressed vertebral body through the pedicle of the symptomatic side, all seven patients experienced dramatic pain relief that lasted throughout the mean follow-up duration of 9.1 months. They conclude that vertebroplasty may be an effective way of relieving radicular pain caused by osteoporotic compression fracture combined with foraminal stenosis.     

Sacral insufficiency fracture diagnosed after vertebroplasty for L2 and L3 compression fractures: a case report

Vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures usually results in complete and immediate cessation of pain symptoms. Occasionally the procedure does not relieve pain and further intervention is required. We herein report the case of a 62-year-old female with L2 and L3 vertebral compression fractures treated with vertebroplasty. Her symptoms did not improve and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging showed focal changes in the S1 and S2 vertebral bodies; bone scintigraphy showed the characteristic Honda sign of a sacral insufficiency fracture. Sacroplasty at S1 and S2 completely relieved the patient's back pain. If a vertebroplasty fails to relieve back pain immediately after the procedure as expected, surgeons should be aware of the possibility of a concomitant sacral insufficiency fracture.     

球囊扩张经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折

目的：评价球囊扩张经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折的临床效果。方法：2008年10月至2010年5月应用经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗41例骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折患者,男10例,女31例;年龄61～83岁,平均67.5岁。患者主要症状是腰背部疼痛,影响正常生活,共65个椎体,骨折部位T9-L4。按照VAS评分、影像学资料、Oswestry评分标准分别对患者疼痛、椎体高度和Cobb角、日常活动功能进行观察。结果：所有手术均顺利完成,无严重手术并发症。有7个椎体发生骨水泥渗漏,均未出现临床症状。术后患者腰痛均明显缓解,随访7～26个月,平均14个月,视觉模拟评分（VAS）由术前的（8.38±0.60）分下降至术后的（2.45±0.38）分,最终随访为（2.53±0.36）分;Oswestry功能评分术前为（40.00±1.16）分,术后为（17.00±2.11）分,末次随访为（15.00±1.41）分;椎体前缘的高度术前平均为（14.64±1.30）mm,术后为（25.11±1.12）mm,末次随访为（23.16±1.14）mm;伤椎后凸角度术前平均为（30.17±1.45）°,术后为（12.10±1.37）°,末次随访为（14.31±0.51）°。各指标术后与术前、最终随访时与术前差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;术后与最终随访时差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论：球囊扩张经皮椎体后凸成形术是治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折的有效方法,能迅速缓解疼痛,有效恢复骨折椎体的高度及后凸畸形。具有创伤小,安全性好的优点。     

经皮椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体骨折

目的观察经皮椎体成形术（PVP）治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折的初步临床疗效。方法自2003年2月至2005年12月，使用强生公司PMMA（聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯）作为充填材料，在C臂X线机（以下简称C臂）透视监视下，经皮单侧或双侧椎弓根穿刺行椎体成形术41例共45个骨质疏松性胸、腰椎压缩性骨折的椎体。结果成功率100％。PMMA在胸椎平均充填4ml，腰椎平均充填5ml，术中PMMA渗漏7例，但无1例发生严重并发症。随访3～12个月，完全缓解（CR）、部分缓解（PR）、轻微缓解（MR）和无效（NR）分别为56．1％，39．O％，4．9％，0；总有效率为95．1％。结论PVP可有效地缓解骨质疏松性压缩骨折引起的疼痛。     

Combination of lumbar kyphosis, epidural lipomatosis, and perineural cyst as a cause of neurological deficit: a case report

 We describe the rare simultaneous occurrence of epidural lipomatosis and a perineural cyst at the same level, lumbar kyphosis, osteoporotic vertebral fractures, and neurological deficits. A 75-year-old corticosteroid-dependent female farmer presented with severe low back pain, progressive lumbar kyphosis, and inability to stand because of numbness and muscle weakness of both legs. Plain radiographs displayed markedly decreased bone density, significant lumbar kyphosis, and vertebral compression fractures of L2, L3, and L4. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed a perineural cyst at the L2–3 level, extensive epidural lipomatosis, and spinal canal stenosis. Laminectomy from L3 to L5 with resection of epidural fatty tissue restored her walking ability. We postulate that the osteoporotic fractures and epidural lipomatosis were induced by corticosteroid therapy. Preexisting degenerative lumbar kyphosis of the type commonly seen in elderly farmers could have promoted osteoporotic lumbar vertebral fractures at points where bending stress had been strongly exerted. The combination of a perineural cyst and epidural lipomatosis at the same level has not been reported previously. Received: April 26, 2002 / Accepted: July 25, 2002 Offprint requests to: N. Miyakoshi     

Percutaneous vertebroplasty through a transdiscal access route after lumbar transpedicular instrumentation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Transpedicular vertebroplasty is an effective procedure to reduce pain and stabilize osteoporotic vertebral fractures. It is, however, difficult to perform after transpedicular instrumentation because the pedicle screws are in the way. PURPOSE: To determine if vertebroplasty can be performed in patients who have previously undergone osteosynthesis pedicle-screw fixation. STUDY DESIGN: We postulate that an alternate transdiscal route can be used in cases with instrumentation in order to successfully perform vertebroplasty. METHODS: We report the case of a 73-year-old male patient presenting with a fresh osteoporotic fracture of L2 and L3 6 weeks after having undergone a dorsal operative stabilization between L3 and L5. RESULTS: Vertebroplasty was performed using a transdiscal descending approach to treat the two adjacent vertebral levels. The patient reported a 50% decrease in pain and was able to walk with a stick at 3 months. At late follow-up at 18 months his walking had further improved and he experienced only sporadic lumbar pain. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebroplasty can be performed in patients having previously undergone transpedicular instrumentation. The transdiscal route represents such a new approach.     

A case of posterior element fracture in Kummell's disease

Kummell's disease is a rare, delayed posttraumatic collapse of a vertebral body that can occur several months or even years after an osteoporotic compression fracture. However, there are few reports of posterior element fractures associated with Kummell's disease. A 72-year-old man who had sustained an L1 osteoporotic compression fracture 14 months prior was admitted to our institution with incapacitating back pain. Plain radiographs showed progressive collapse of the L1 vertebral body and severe kyphosis at the thoracolumbar junction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a posterior element fracture as well as osteonecrosis of the L1 vertebral body. An L1 percutaneous vertebroplasty was performed, followed by bone cement-augmented screw fixation to maintain stability and correct the kyphotic deformity. After surgery, pain relief was immediate, and the patient was able to walk unassisted. This case illustrates that continuous axial distraction stress caused by aggravated kyphosis secondary to Kummell's disease may result in posterior element fractures. Our discussion concludes with a literature review.     

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

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

Double-level posterior spinal shortening for paralytic osteoporotic vertebral collapse of two vertebral bodies with a normal vertebra in between: a case report

Introduction  Spinal shortening is indicated for osteoporotic vertebral collapse. However, this surgical procedure has not been indicated for more than two vertebral levels that are not adjacent. We experienced a rare case of paraparesis due to osteoporotic vertebral collapse of two vertebral bodies with a normal vertebra in between and treated successfully by the double-level posterior shortening procedure. Materials and methods  A 79-year-old woman suffered from delayed paraparesis 2 years after L1 and Th11 vertebral body compression fracture. Plain X-ray photographs showed Th11 and L1 vertebral body collapse, Th7 compression fracture and a kyphosis angle of 30° from Th10 to L2. Plain magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal canal stenosis at Th11 and L1 vertebral body levels. She was treated by double-level posterior spinal shortening using pedicle screw and hook systems. Results  After the procedure, the patient’s kyphosis angle decreased to 10° and her back pain, leg pain, and sensory deficits improved. She was able to walk by herself. Although new vertebral compression fractures occurred at L4 and L5 in the follow-up period, there has been no deterioration of the neurological symptoms 5 years after the operation. Conclusion  Delayed paraparesis after double-level thoracolumbar vertebral collapse due to osteoporosis was treated successfully by double-level posterior spinal shortening using a pedicle screw and hook system.     

Ilizarov external fixator for burst fracture of the lumbar spine: a case report

A 50-year-old man presented with severe back pain and tenderness throughout the lumbar area after falling from a ladder. He had an unstable type-B burst fracture, with a spinal canal narrowing of 36% and an anterior height loss of 65%. His lower-limb neurological function was intact. An Ilizarov external spinal fixator was used; the pedicular half pins were inserted into the bilateral T11, T12, L2, and L3 pedicles; bilateral pedicular half pins were fixed at each level with external plates and rods. Postoperatively, the patient had a lordosis of 2 degrees and was able to walk 7 days later. The external fixator was removed at 10 weeks. Six years and 10 months after surgery, the patient had a kyphosis of 19 degrees that did not affect his activities of daily living.     

Finite Element Analysis of a New Type of Spinal Protection Device for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of a new spinal protection device for preventing and treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) by finite element analysis (FEA).MethodsOne healthy volunteer and one patient with 1‐segment lumbar vertebral compression fractures were included in this experimental study. The DICOM files of two different lumbar spiral computed tomography (CT) scans were converted into STL files, and 3D finite element models of the lumbar spine were generated for normal and L1 vertebral fracture spines. A new type of spinal protection device was applied to reduce the stress on the anterior vertebral edge and direct the center of gravity posteriorly. The stress distribution characteristics of different finite element models of the lumbar spine were analyzed, revealing the characteristics of the stress distributed along the spine under the action of the new spinal protection device.ResultsUnder normal conditions, the stress was mainly distributed in the middle and posterior columns of the spine. When the anterior border of the L1 vertebral body was fractured and collapsed, the stress distribution shifted toward the anterior column due to the center of gravity being directed forward. According to finite element analysis of the spine with the new protection device, the stress in the middle and posterior columns tended to increase, and that in the anterior column decreased. After the new type of spinal fixation device was applied, the stress at the L1 and L2 vertebral endplates decreased to a certain extent, especially that at the L1 vertebral body. The maximum stress on the L1 vertebral body decreased by 20% after the auxiliary device was applied.ConclusionsAccording to the FEA results, the new spinal protection device can effectively prevent and treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), and can alter the stress distribution in the spine and reduce the stress in the anterior column of the vertebral body, especially in vertebral compression fractures.     

Vertebral body compression fracture after removal of pedicle screws: a report of two cases

While the risks of pedicle screw insertion are well established, there is a paucity of reports on complications associated with implant removal. We report two cases of acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures of the instrumented vertebral body adjacent to the fractured vertebra due to removal of pedicle screws in two female patients previously treated for vertebral lumbar burst fractures. Both patients had experienced only mild occasional pain at the thoracolumbar junction prior to the removal of the implants. In the formerly almost asymptomatic individuals, the acute osteoporotic fractures led to persistent severe back pain despite prolonged intensive treatment. Patients must be thoroughly informed of the rare but potential risks of spinal implant removal, particularly in cases of osteoporosis. We therefore do not recommend removal of spinal implants unless there are clear clinical indications for implant removal.     

单双入路后凸成形术治疗胸腰椎压缩骨折比较

目的：探讨单入路与双入路球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩性骨折在疗效和安全性上的差异。方法：52例患者随机分为单入路组和双入路组。单入路组16例,经皮伤椎单侧入路穿刺建立工作通道,放置单枚球囊于伤椎内,行球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术 双入路组36例,经皮伤椎双侧入路穿刺建立工作通道,在双侧分别放置球囊于伤椎内,行球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术。结果：52例患者均未发现神经损伤等并发症,两组背痛缓解程度、脊柱后凸畸形矫正度、伤椎前缘高度恢复比较,差异无显著性（P〉0.05） 两组手术时间和透视次数比较,差异有显著性（P〈0.05）。结论：单入路与双入路椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩性骨折疗效相似,单入路较双入路能明显减少手术时间和放射暴露。     

Osteoporotic vertebral fracture adjacent to a nonsegmented hemivertebra

A combination of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and congenital spinal deformity is theoretically possible, but there have been no reports on this combination in the literature. We describe a rare case of an osteoporotic vertebral fracture adjacent to the nonsegmented hemivertebra. A 60-year-old postmenopausal woman who did not recall any specific trauma presented with severe back pain. She had markedly decreased bone mineral density and significant lumbar kyphoscoliosis with a nonsegmented hemivertebra between L1 and L2 on radiographs of the lumbar spine. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a vertebral fracture adjacent to the nonsegmented hemivertebra. Laboratory studies showed increased serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and urinary type I collagen crosslinked N-telopeptide (NTx). A thoracolumbar brace was applied for 3 months. Daily administration of alendronate normalized her serum BAP and urinary NTx levels. MRI scans of the lumbar spine after 6 months also confirmed normalized signal intensities of the fractured vertebra adjacent to the nonsegmented hemivertebra. The vertebral fracture seemed to be induced by spinal malalignment, increased stress on the adjacent level of the fused segment, and its fragility due to osteoporosis.