胸腰段陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形的外科治疗

目的总结分析胸腰段陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形的手术治疗效果。方法回顾研究胸腰段陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形33例,平均年龄40 3岁。病史平均36 0个月。后凸Cobb角平均40 8°(20°~82°)。全部患者均有脊髓损伤,括约肌功能障碍26例。12例有显著腰背部疼痛。23例既往曾有手术史。手术方式包括前路椎体间隙松解植骨+后路截骨矫形固定15例,后路截骨减压矫形12例,前路松解、椎体间撑开植骨固定6例。结果全部患者后凸畸形矫正率平均为86 0%。无严重手术并发症。随访时间平均24 6个月(6个月~84个月), 32例骨性融合, 1例植骨未融合,行二次手术后骨性融合。10例术后神经功能有改善, 10例术后括约肌功能部分恢复。有显著腰背部疼痛者术后症状均明显减轻。结论单纯后路截骨矫形适用于角度较小( <45°)的后凸畸形。前路松解、后方经关节突截骨矫形适用于不同程度的后凸畸形,尤其对后凸严重或二次手术的病例更显优势。对于合并脊髓不全损伤的病例即使病史较长,手术仍然可能获得一定疗效,特别是对于腰部疼痛的缓解效果显著。     

Wirbelkörperersatz mit höhenvariablem Titanimplantat

OBJECTIVE: The reconstruction of the anterior column of the thoracolumbar spine is still controversial. METHODS: The clinical notes and radiographs of 50 consecutive patients (29 M, 21 F, 43 years) treated with the Synex implant were reviewed at operation and at 12 and 20 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Of 45 patients, 25 returned to pre-injury activities within 1 year and 29 of 39 within 20 months. Two-thirds of the patients who were followed up returned to their job. After 1 year 25 of 45 patients had no or mild limitations in their back function. Six months later this group decreased to 6 of 39 patients. Visual analog scale (VAS) decreased from 87/100 preoperatively to 65/100 at the 1-year follow-up. The average permanent reduction of the injured vertebrae was 16.9 degrees including 2.3 degrees loss of correction. CONCLUSION: After reconstruction of the anterior column with the Synex implant only a minimal loss of correction or reduction was observed. The clinical outcome after use of the Synex implant appears promising. We recommend this implant as a valuable alternative for reconstruction of the anterior column of the thoracolumbar spine. However, long-term results are still required.     

椎旁肌间隙入路经伤椎强化内固定治疗老年胸腰椎骨折

目的:探讨椎旁肌间隙入路经伤椎强化内固定治疗老年胸腰椎骨折的安全性及临床疗效。方法:2007年8月至2010年8月,采用椎旁肌间隙入路经伤椎强化内固定治疗22例老年胸腰椎骨折患者,其中男14例,女8例;年龄60～71岁,平均64.6岁;受伤至手术时间1～4d,平均2.7d。均为单节段骨折,其中T112例,T125例,L111例,L24例。依据Denis骨折分型:压缩性骨折6例,爆裂性骨折16例。胸腰椎损伤分类及严重度评分系统评分(TLICS)4～9分,平均5.2分;Load-sharing评分为4～6分,平均5.4分。神经功能按ASIA分级:B级2例,C级3例,D级7例,E级10例。通过侧位X线片对手术前后的伤椎Cobb角、椎体前缘压缩百分比、椎体中央压缩百分比进行比较;通过视觉模拟评分(VAS)及ASIA标准对手术前后疼痛和脊髓神经功能进行评定。结果:手术时间50～95min,平均60.8min;术中出血量50～130ml,平均84ml;患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合。所有病例获得随访,时间12～48个月,平均21.6个月。伤椎Cobb角由术前的(19.5±9.5)°矫正至术后的(4.3±4.1)°,末次随访时的(6.2±4.7)°;椎体前缘压缩百分比由术前的(52.3±10.3)%恢复至术后的(6.1±4.2)%,末次随访时的(6.8±5.4)%;椎体中央压缩百分比由术前的(38.9±11.2)%恢复至术后的(8.3±4.7)%,末次随访时的(9.4±4.5)%。VAS评分由术前的(8.56±0.88)分恢复至术后的(3.48±0.91)分,末次随访时的(3.20±0.92)分。脊髓神经功能除10例E级无变化外,其余均有1～2级的恢复。所有病例未发现内固定失效及腰背部疼痛症状。结论:经椎旁肌间隙入路经伤椎强化内固定手术时间短、出血少,明显减低了手术创伤导致的椎旁肌的退变和术后腰背痛的发生率,可有效改善神经功能及维持矫正效果,大大降低内固定失效率。     

Outcome of thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with indirect reduction and fixation without fusion

Indirect reduction and fixation is not a new method in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures but the indications and efficacy are controversial. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of indirect reduction without fusion. Sixty-four patients with single-level thoracolumbar burst fractures were identified and treated by this method. The outcome was analyzed by the Frankel method, radiographic measurements, and at the latest follow-up the Denis Pain Scale and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to assess back pain and functional outcome. The average follow-up period was 40.1 months. The anterior vertebral height (AVH) was corrected from 55.2 to 97.2% post-operatively and decreased to 88.9% after hardware removal. The posterior vertebral height (PVH) increased from 88.9 to 99.1% post-operatively and decreased slightly after implant removal to 93.7%. The average pre-operative canal compromise was 41.4%, which decreased to 13.7% at last follow-up. Except for three paraplegic patients, neurological status significantly improved or stayed normal in the study’s remaining 61 patients. Fifty-two of sixty-four patients had excellent or good function. At latest follow-up the average ODI score was 16.7 and the Denis pain score improved in all patients but one. Indirect reduction and fixation can not only restore vertebral column structure but also, more importantly, patients’ functional outcome.     

Combined posterior–anterior stabilisation of thoracolumbar injuries utilising a vertebral body replacing implant

The authors report on a prospectively followed series of 35 patients with injuries of the thoracolumbar spine from T7 to L3. The radiological course after combined posterior–anterior surgery with anterior column reconstruction with a distractible vertebral body replacing implant demonstrated a stable reconstruction technique with almost no re-kyphosing. In 18/18 patients with CT follow-up intervertebral fusion was observed as bony bridging lateral to the VBR implant. The functional/clinical outcome of the patients was analysed with a set of eight validated outcome scales. After an average follow-up period of 2½ years encouraging results were noticed. The neurological improvement rate (≥1 Frankel/ASIA grade) was 8/12 patients (67%) with a complete recovery in 6 cases. 17/29 patients returned to former occupation; 20/29 patients returned to former leisure activities; 24/28 patients rated their general outcome as “unlimited and pain free” or “occasionally and/or mild complaints” with a VAS score of >80 (scale 0–100). The psychometric questionnaires revealed good results with strong correlation comparing the different scoring systems statistically: mean McGill Pain Questionnaire 12.5 (0–40); mean Oswestry Disability Index 20% (0–51). 13/29 patients scored <4 in the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire. The German back pain questionnaire (Funktionsfragebogen Hannover Rücken) showed a mean “functional capacity” of 75%, corresponding with moderate restriction. We concluded the presented method as highly effective to completely reduce and maintain an anatomic spinal alignment. The outcome tended to be better in comparison with non-operatively treated patients as well as with norm populations with low back pain.     

胸腰段僵硬性角状后凸畸形对下腰椎的影响及外科治疗

目的 探讨胸腰段僵硬性后凸畸形对腰椎的影响及其临床意义。方法 测量１４例后凸畸形截骨手术治疗前后的胸腰段后凸角和Ｌ２－５、Ｌ２～Ｓ１、Ｌ２－３、Ｌ３－４、Ｌ４－５、Ｌ５～Ｓ１的前凸角以及椎体滑移的情况,对所得结果与正常组进行对比分析。结果畸形组腰椎前凸及Ｌ２－３、Ｌ３－４、Ｌ４－５前凸角明显大于正常组,而且Ｌ２－３、Ｌ３－４前凸增加幅度更大,术后腰椎过度前凸有明显矫正,但仍然大于正常组;畸形组有     

经伤椎椎弓根椎体成形术在胸腰椎压缩性骨折中的应用

目的探讨经伤椎椎弓根椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎压缩性骨折的临床效果。方法采用经伤椎椎弓根椎体成形术对2008年1月—2010年10月本院收治的17例胸腰椎压缩性骨折患者进行手术治疗。评估手术前后以及随访期间的椎体后凸角度、前缘高度,观察骨折愈合情况。结果 17例患者获随访7～39个月,平均18个月。后凸畸形由术前的（31.0±1.6）°纠正至术后的（6.0±1.7）（°t=7.457,P=0.050）,随访期丢失角度为（0.2±0.4）°。术前伤椎前缘高度（16.0±0.8）mm,术后达到（21.0±0.7）mm,差异有统计学意义（t=18.439,P=0.000）;随访期间则无明显变化（t=1.852,P=0.083）。术后融合时间3～6个月,平均3.5个月。术前背痛17例,术后消失12例,减轻5例。术前双股部刺痛3例,术后消失2例,减轻1例。随访期间无内植物失败或骨水泥渗漏发生。结论经伤椎椎弓根椎体成形术有助于纠正胸腰椎压缩性骨折患者椎体后凸畸形,恢复伤椎前缘高度,缓解术前神经刺激症状,疗效较为满意。     

Vertebral body replacement system Synex in unstable burst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine

A prospective longitudinal study was performed to evaluate the vertebral body replacement system Synex associated with posterior fixation in unstable burst fractures of the lumbar and thoracic spine. Within 24 months, we treated 28 patients (average age, 41 years; range, 22–64 years; 14 women, 14 men) with acute unstable burst fractures without osteoporosis of the thoracolumbar region (n=16) and the thoracic (n=3) as well as the lumbar (n=9) spine in two stages (primary dorsal transpedicular stabilization and secondary vertebral body replacement). The complications were analyzed and the postoperative follow-up result was evaluated regarding stability, bone fusion, correction loss, pain and neurological status. One patient showed a transient irritation of the lumbosacral plexus and one patient had a superficial wound infection (complication rate, 7.1%). At the follow-up examination (mean follow-up, 13 months) only in two cases a minimal loss of correction (<5°) was measured. Radiologically, 27 patients showed secure bone fusions and all patients had stability of the osteosynthesis. Most of the patients stated no or just slight pain at follow-up. Only two patients with pain to a medium degree had to take painkillers. The vertebral body replacement system Synex seems to be a good alternative for vertebral body replacement in unstable burst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine since at present follow-up it shows a high rate of bone fusion and minimal loss of correction.     

一期后路全脊椎切除治疗胸腰段结核僵硬性角状后凸畸形

目的探讨一期后路全脊椎切除（PVCR）治疗胸腰段结核继发僵硬性角状后凸畸形的安全性和有效性。方法 2004年1月至2009年9月,12例胸腰段结核继发僵硬性角状后凸畸形患者接受手术,男4例、女8例,平均年龄42.4岁。术前及术后3、6、12个月,之后每隔1年分别测量脊柱后凸Cobb角,并行神经功能Frankel分级、疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）。结果手术时间平均5.5h,术中出血平均2410ml;无围手术期死亡病例发生。平均随访25.3个月,术前、术后测得后凸Cobb角分别为49.9°±12.5°、18.3°±3.4°,平均矫正31.7°±10.9°,矫正率为62.8%±5.8%。术前合并神经功能障碍5例,FrankelC级3例、D级2例,术后FrankelD级1例,神经功能改善率80%。围手术期发生脑脊液漏和切口感染各1例,发生率为16.7%;随访期发现内固定物松动1例,发生率为8.3%。术前VAS评分平均7.8分,术后平均2.9分,改善率62.3%。所有病例均未出现神经损伤并发症,植骨节段全部骨性融合。结论一期PVCR可安全有效地用于胸腰段结核病灶清除、矫正僵硬性角状后凸畸形。     

导航辅助微创手术与传统开放手术治疗胸腰段脊柱骨折的对照研究

目的 比较术中计算机辅助微创脊柱外科手术(CAMISS)与传统后正中人路切开复位内固定手术治疗胸腰段脊柱骨折临床疗效的差别.方法 本研究为前瞻性随机对照研究,包括2006年1月至2011年3月所有接受胸腰段骨折复位内固定手术的病例,采用随机数字表的方法分配,随机进行CAMISS治疗或传统开放手术治疗.通过比较CAMISS与传统开放手术的各种参数,包括手术时间,估计失血量,术前、术后72 h腰背痛视觉模拟评分(VAS),置钉准确性,后凸畸形程度、矫正及保持情况等,评估两种手术方法的优劣.结果 接受CAMISS治疗的患者47例(CAMISS组),接受传统开放手术治疗的患者50例(对照组).患者随访3～50个月,平均12个月.两组患者术前临床资料包括年龄、性别、婚姻状况、职业特点、受伤机制、骨折分型、术前手术节段Cobb角、术前骨折椎自身Cobb角、术前腰背痛VAS评分差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).CAMISS组患者与对照组相比,置钉准确性较高、出血量减少、下床活动时间较早、术后发热程度较低、术后72 h腰背痛VAS评分得到更好的恢复(t=2.162 ～8.736,P＜0.05).CAMISS组患者与对照组相比,术后手术节段Cobb角改善程度(10.9°±5.5°比13.8°±6.8°)及术后骨折椎自身Cobb角改善程度(7.7°±4.8°比11.0°±6.0°)均较低(t=2.108和2.610,P＜0.05),但两组患者于术后、随访时的手术节段Cobb角及骨折椎自身Cobb角的差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 CAMISS具有创伤小、出血少、恢复快、置钉准确性高的特点,对伤椎畸形的矫正和内固定效果与传统开放手术相当.     

经皮间接减压内固定术治疗伴有神经损伤的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

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

经椎弓根截骨术治疗胸腰椎后凸畸形

目的评估经椎弓根截骨术矫正胸腰椎后凸畸形的临床疗效和安全性。方法2001年3月~2007年4月,15例胸腰椎后凸畸形患者进行经椎弓根截骨矫形术。其中强直性脊柱炎8例,陈旧性胸腰椎骨折7例。对所有患者进行随访,内容包括矫正情况、腰痛和Oswestry功能评分的变化。结果平均随访时间为25个月。平均手术时间为230min,术中平均出血量为1780ml。术前后凸Cobb角平均为47.2°,术后为18.0°,平均矫正角度32.3°,融合率80%。术前患者腰痛VAS评分平均为7.4分,术后3.7分。术前ODI平均为58.9%,术后为30.0%。患者主观满意率93.3%。无术中和术后并发症。结论经椎弓根截骨术对于矫正胸腰椎后凸畸形有效而安全,应该根据患者的实际情况选择合适的截骨部位。     

经伤椎椎弓根植骨联合后路椎弓根内固定治疗胸腰椎稳定型爆裂性骨折

目的探讨经骨折椎椎弓根植骨联合椎弓根内固定治疗胸腰椎稳定型爆裂性骨折的方法和效果。方法对17例胸腰椎稳定型爆裂性骨折的患者行经骨折椎椎弓根植骨及椎弓根内固定术,术前、术后及随访时测量椎体高度、后凸角,了解神经功能改变及腰背疼痛变化。结果随访8～37个月,无断钉及内固定物松动,椎体高度和后凸角无明显再丢失,神经功能及腰背疼痛明显改善。结论经骨折椎椎弓根植骨联合后路椎弓根内固定治疗胸腰椎稳定型爆裂性骨折可重建脊柱前中柱的稳定性,防止后期矫正角度及椎体高度的再丢失。     

改良经椎弓根截骨矫形术治疗陈旧性胸腰椎骨折伴后凸畸形

目的评价改良经椎弓根截骨矫形术(transpedicular subtraction osteotomy,PSO)治疗陈旧性胸腰椎骨折伴后凸畸形的临床效果和安全性。方法回顾分析本院2008年1月~2012年10月采用改良PSO治疗的16例陈旧性胸腰椎骨折伴后凸畸形患者临床资料,对所有患者的矫正情况、置入钛网的高度进行随访,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)对腰椎功能进行评估。结果随访12~24个月,平均18.9个月,手术时间190~305 min,平均220 min,术中出血量1 400~2 450 m L,平均1 740 m L。所有患者术后均获得功能及自我形象的改善,腰痛VAS评分下降了(6.3±1.4)分,ODI下降了(52.12±7.43)%,获得34.6°±3.2°的后凸角的矫正,末次随访时矫正度数丢失1.6°。融合率为87.5%。1例患者出现大腿前侧皮肤麻木,术后3个月随访痊愈。结论改良PSO治疗陈旧性胸腰椎骨折伴后凸畸形安全、有效。     

经椎弓根肿瘤刮除术联合椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎转移瘤

目的介绍一种胸腰椎转移瘤的微创治疗方法。方法2006年6月～2008年6月,采用经椎弓根肿瘤刮除术联合椎体成形术治疗下胸椎以下椎体转移瘤6例,其中男3例,女3例;年龄为63—74岁,平均68岁。病变部位：T10、T11各1例,L31例,L42例,L51例。患者均有中、重度腰背部痛,数字评分法（numerical rating scale,NRS）评分5—9分,无脊髓和根性压迫症状。3例在椎间盘镜下经椎弓根刮除肿瘤、注入骨水泥,另3例常规手术下经椎弓根刮除肿瘤、注入骨水泥加椎弓根螺钉系统固定。结果术后鼓励患者早日下床活动。随访8～34个月,腰背部疼痛明显缓解2例,疼痛消失4例;NRS评分0～3分;术后X线片示椎体高度无丢失。6例患者术后均能生活自理。4例患者分别于术后14—28个月死于原发肿瘤。结论经椎弓根清除肿瘤、椎体内注入骨水泥治疗椎体转移瘤创伤小,能有效减轻患者疼痛,提高患者生存质量。     

经皮内固定结合椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的 :探讨经皮内固定结合椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的安全性及临床疗效。方法 :自2011年4月至2014年4月,采用经皮内固定结合椎体成形术治疗32例骨质疏松性胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者,其中男13例,女19例;年龄60~73岁,平均65.6岁。32例患者均为单节段骨折,其中T_(11) 4例,T_(12) 9例,L_1 16例,L_2 3例。比较术前、术后2 d及末次随访时的伤椎Cobb角、椎体前缘压缩率、椎体后缘压缩率、椎管占位率,并采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)评定疗效。结果 :手术时间60~120 min,平均65.7 min;术中出血量20~50 ml,平均25.2 ml。切口均Ⅰ期愈合,32例患者均获得随访,时间12~48个月,平均20.6个月。椎体前缘压缩率由术前的(49.70±5.89)%恢复至术后2 d的(6.00±2.10)%,末次随访时的(6.06±1.57)%;椎体后缘压缩率由术前的(17.36±4.11)%恢复至术后2 d的(5.48±1.65)%,末次随访时的(5.68±1.82)%;伤椎Cobb角由术前的(13.34±3.56)°矫正至术后2 d的(2.86±0.95)°,末次随访时的(3.04±0.94)°;椎管占位率由术前的(22.77±5.83)%恢复至术后2 d的(5.02±1.93)%,末次随访时的(5.15±1.93)%;VAS评分由术前的6.84±0.88恢复至术后2 d的1.94±0.72,末次随访时的1.63±0.83;ODI由术前的(77.50±5.10)%恢复至术后2 d的(17.94±4.82)%,末次随访时的(15.63±5.19)%。3例患者出现骨水泥渗漏,所有病例未发现内固定失效及腰背部顽固性疼痛症状。结论:经皮内固定结合椎体成形术可恢复伤椎高度、改善椎管占位、矫正后凸畸形,缓解疼痛、改善生活质量,是治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎爆裂性骨折安全有效的方法。     

前路人工椎体撑开矫正胸腰段陈旧性骨折后凸畸形

 目的 探讨前路人工椎体撑开矫正胸腰段陈旧性骨折后凸畸形的有效性与安全性。方法回顾性分析2009年8月至2011年8月应用前路人工椎体撑开矫正胸腰段陈旧性骨折后凸畸形13例患者的病历资料,男4例,女9例;年龄38~62岁,平均(53.3±7.6)岁。T₁₂ 5例,L₁ 6例,L₂ 2例。所有手术均由同组医生完成,采用侧前方入路,术中切除病椎及其上、下椎间盘,保留邻椎骨性终板,置入合适大小的人工椎体,并利用其良好的可延伸性进行主动撑开矫正后凸畸形。随访观察指标包括手术时间、出血量、后凸Cobb角变化、植骨融合情况、疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analog scale,VAS)及Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)及并发症等。结果 所有患者均获得12~28个月的随访,平均(18±5.5)个月。随访12个月时所有患者均获得骨性融合。后凸Cobb角从术前平均33.9°±7.2°(22°~53°)恢复至末次随访时平均7.3°±4.8°(2°~16°),VAS评分由术前平均(6.4±0.9)分(5~8分)降低至平均(1.5±0.8)分(0~3分),ODI由术前平均50.5%±10.8%(38%~78%)降低至平均10.9%±4.9%(4%~22%),差异均有统计学意义。结论 应用人工椎体撑开的前路手术治疗胸腰段陈旧性骨折后凸畸形具有矫正角度大、对神经干扰少、损伤小、固定节段少等优势,可获得满意的矫形效果与临床近期疗效。     

经后路全脊柱截骨治疗胸腰椎骨折晚期后凸畸形

[目的]评价经后路全脊柱截骨治疗胸腰椎骨折晚期后凸畸形的效果及探讨其手术指征。[方法]28例胸腰椎骨折晚期后凸畸形患者,22例腰背部疼痛剧烈,平卧困难、后凸畸形进行性加重,6例伴有不同程度神经损害症状(Frankel分级:C级2例,D级4例);术前后凸Cobb′s角32°~60°,平均47.5°。均采用经后路全脊柱截骨术式纠正后凸畸形、植骨内固定稳定脊柱,重建脊柱矢状面平衡。[结果]术后Cobb′s角平均6.8,°胸腰椎后凸畸形纠正率85.7%,重建脊柱矢状面平衡,神经损害症状恢复(Frankel分级C、D级5例神经功能恢复正常,1例C级恢复至D级),外观满意;无神经并发症。术后平均随访18个月,平均矫正丢失度数为2.8°。[结论]对于胸腰椎骨折晚期后凸畸形僵硬、度数<50°的中老年患者经后路全脊柱截骨术式是理想选择。     

Surgical treatment of post-traumatic kyphosis in the thoracolumbar spine: indications and technical aspects

Previous reports have emphasized the importance of neural decompression through either an anterior or posterior approach when reconstruction surgery is performed for neurological deficits following vertebral collapse in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine. However, the contribution of these decompression procedures to neurological recovery has not been fully established. In the present study, we investigated 14 consecutive patients who had incomplete neurological deficits following vertebral collapse in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine and underwent posterior instrumented fusion without neural decompression. They were radiographically and neurologically assessed during an average follow-up period of 25 months. The mean local kyphosis angle was 14.6° at flexion and 4.1° at extension preoperatively, indicating marked instability at the collapsed vertebrae. The mean spinal canal occupation by bone fragments was 21%. After surgery, solid bony fusion was obtained in all patients. The mean local kyphosis angle became 5.8° immediately after surgery and 9.9° at the final follow-up. There was no implant dislodgement, and no additional surgery was required. In all patients, back pain was relieved, and neurological improvement was obtained by at least one modified Frankel grade. The present series demonstrate that the posterior instrumented fusion without neural decompression for incomplete neurological deficits following vertebral collapse in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine can provide neurological improvement and relief of back pain without major complications. We suggest that neural decompression is not essential for the treatment of neurological impairment due to osteoporotic vertebral collapse with dynamic mobility.     

Low lumbar burst fractures: comparison between conservative and surgical treatments.

Twenty-two low lumbar burst fractures (L3-L5) were treated, with an average follow up of 56.2 and 39.0 months in the conservative and surgically treated groups, respectively. Twenty patients were available for review; seven were treated conservatively and 13 were stabilized surgically. All patients were evaluated clinically for work status, activity level, residual pain, and subsequent development of neurologic symptoms. Roentgenograms were reviewed for severity of initial fracture, canal compromise, and maintenance of initial correction. In general, neurologically intact patients in both groups returned to similar postinjury employment levels. Persistent back pain was found to be more disabling in the surgically treated group, in which a fusion incorporating four or five lumbar segments was performed. There was no evidence of significant loss of initial reduction, and no patients experienced late neurological compromise in the surgical group. An average follow-up kyphosis of 9.2 degrees and 31% loss of vertebral height were observed in the conservative group, while a follow-up lordosis of 1 degree and 19% loss of vertebral height were observed in the surgical group. Conservative treatment of low lumbar burst fracture is a viable option in neurologically intact patients, but loss of lordosis and vertebral height may persist. Biomechanical and anatomic characteristics of the low lumbar spine differ from the thoracolumbar region and may account for the inherent stability of these injuries. If surgery is chosen, a long fusion with distraction instrumentation should be avoided in the low lumbar spine. A short rigid fixation with pedicular instrumentation may be of greater benefit.