Adjacent vertebral Hounsfield unit value of acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture is a risk factor for concomitant domino osteoporotic vertebral fractures

BackgroundMost patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture (AOVF) are successfully treated conservatively. However, the optimal management method and prognosis for multiple AOVFs are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of multiple AOVFs and identify the associated risk factors.MethodsThis study enrolled 134 hospitalized patients (mean age 83 ± 7.6 years, 66% women) with AOVF treated conservatively between 2017 and 2020. The fractures were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The AOVFs were divided into two groups; single osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) and domino OVFs (at least two OVFs). The adjacent vertebral Hounsfield unit values (HU) of the OVF and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine or hip were used to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for domino OVFs.ResultsDomino OVFs were noted in 21 (15.7%) of 134 patients. There were 10 cases of adjacent level and 11 cases of remote level. The BMI (18.5 ± 4.2 vs. 21.2 ± 4.6, p = 0.025) and adjacent vertebral HU value of OVF (57.3 ± 17.5 vs. 76.6 ± 24.1, p = 0.008) were significantly lower in the domino OVFs group than in the single OVF group. Logistic regression analysis revealed the adjacent vertebral HU value of the OVF as an independent risk factor for domino OVFs, (odds ratios (OR) 0.96, p = 0.012). The domino OVF group had a significantly higher decline in gait ability (76% vs. 48%, p = 0.017).ConclusionsThe adjacent vertebral HU value of AOVF is a useful tool for evaluating BMD for domino OVFs. The optimal treatment for osteoporosis should be considered to prevent subsequent domino OVFs.     

Factors affecting neurological deficits and intractable back pain in patients with insufficient bone union following osteoporotic vertebral fracture

The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting the severity of neurological deficits and intractable back pain in patients with insufficient bone union following osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). Reports of insufficient union following OVF have recently increased. Patients with this lesion have various degrees of neurological deficits and back pain. However, the factors contributing to the severity of these are still unknown. A total of 45 patients with insufficient union following OVF were included in this study. Insufficient union was diagnosed based on the findings of vertebral cleft on plain radiography or CT, as well as fluid collection indicating high-intensity change on T2-weighted MRI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors contributing to the severity of neurological deficits and back pain in the patients. Age, sex, level of fracture, duration after onset of symptoms, degree of local kyphosis, degree of angular instability, ratio of occupation by bony fragments, presence or absence of protrusion of flavum, and presence or absence of ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL) in the adjacent level were used as explanatory variables, while severity of neurological deficits and back pain were response variables. On multivariate analysis, factors significantly affecting the severity of neurological deficits were angular instability of more than 15° [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 9.24 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.49–57.2); P < 0.05] and ratio of occupation by bony fragments in the spinal canal of more than 42% [adjusted OR 9.23 (95%CI 1.15–74.1); P < 0.05]. The factor significantly affecting the severity of back pain was angular instability of more than 15° [adjusted OR 14.9 (95%CI 2.11–105); P < 0.01]. On the other hand, presence of OALL in the adjacent level reduced degree of back pain [adjusted OR 0.14 (95%CI 0.03–0.76); P < 0.05]. In this study, pronounced angular instability and marked posterior protrusion of bony fragments in the canal were factors affecting neurological deficits. In addition, marked angular instability was a factor affecting back pain. These findings are useful in determining treatment options for patients with insufficient union following OVF.     

Factors affecting the quality of life in the chronic phase of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral fracture managed conservatively with a brace

BACKGROUND CONTEXTAlthough osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are the most common type of osteoporotic fracture, few reports have closely investigated the factors contributing to the quality of life (QOL) in the chronic phase after thoracolumbar OVFs using detailed radiographic evaluation.PURPOSEThis study aimed to identify factors associated with the QOL in the chronic phase after thoracolumbar OVF.DESIGNPost hoc analysis of a prospective randomized study.PATIENT SAMPLEParticipants included 195 patients with fresh thoracolumbar OVF managed conservatively with a brace who were available for radiographic analysis 48 weeks after injury.OUTCOME MEASURESThe degree of QOL impairment at 48 weeks after thoracolumbar OVF was assessed using the Japanese three-level version of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) score.METHODSUnivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between the QOL and radiographic factors.RESULTSThe univariate analysis showed that age, analgesic use, T10/L5 Cobb angle on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), subsequent vertebral fracture, and nonunion were significantly associated with the EQ-5D score at 48 weeks after thoracolumbar OVF. The multiple regression analysis showed that nonunion, analgesic use, subsequent vertebral fracture, and sacral slope on MRI were independently associated with the EQ-5D score at 48 weeks after thoracolumbar OVF. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the deterioration of QOL showed that the cutoff value for sacral slope on MRI was 35 degrees.CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated that nonunion, subsequent vertebral fracture, and lower sacral slope were independently associated with poorer QOL in the chronic phase of thoracolumbar OVF managed conservatively with a brace. Therefore, improving or preventing these factors in patients with thoracolumbar OVF in the chronic phase may improve the QOL of the affected patients.     

Surgical outcomes of spinal fusion for osteoporotic vertebral fracture in the thoracolumbar spine: Comprehensive evaluations of 5 typical surgical fusion techniques

BackgroundA consensus on the optimal surgical procedure for thoracolumbar OVF has yet to be reached due to the previous relatively small number of case series. The study was conducted to investigate surgical outcomes for osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) in the thoracolumbar spine.MethodsIn total, 315 OVF patients (mean age, 74 years; 68 men and 247 women) with neurological symptoms who underwent spinal fusion with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. The patients were divided into 5 groups by procedure: anterior spinal fusion alone (ASF group, n = 19), anterior/posterior combined fusion (APSF group, n = 27), posterior spinal fusion alone (PSF group, n = 40), PSF with 3-column osteotomy (3CO group, n = 92), and PSF with vertebroplasty (VP + PSF group, n = 137).ResultsMean operation time was longer in the APSF group (p < 0.05), and intraoperative blood loss was lower in the VP + PSF group (p < 0.05). The amount of local kyphosis correction was greater in the APSF and 3CO groups (p < 0.05). Clinical outcomes were approximately equivalent among all groups.ConclusionAll 5 procedures resulted in acceptable neurological outcomes and functional improvement in walking ability. Moreover, they were similar with regard to complication rates, prevalence of mechanical failure related to the instrumentation, and subsequent vertebral fracture. Individual surgical techniques can be adapted to suit patient condition or severity of OVF.     

Conservative approach in major renal trauma

IntroductionGenitourinary trauma amount to an 8-10% of abdominal trauma with the kidney being the most affected organ in 50% of cases, especially the left one. The choice of treatment will depend on the kind of lesion found in the affected renal unit and on the patient’s clinical conditions.ObjectiveThe aims of this study are twofold: to determine the applicability of conservative treatment in major renal trauma and to assess the evaluation and emergence of possible complications.Material and methodsWe have analysed 309 cases of renal trauma dealt with in our department between January 1984 and January 2006, analyzing such variables as the etiology of the trauma, associated lesions in other organs, the therapeutic approach adopted as well as the presence of complications, both in the long and short run.ResultsOut of a total of 309 renal trauma analyzed, a 94,1% (291 cases) were blunt renal trauma. The distribution by grade was: Grade I, 213 cases (69%); Grade II, 39 cases (12,6%); Grade III/ IV, 32 cases (10,3%); Grade V, 25 cases (8%). We have given a conservative approach in the 84,6% of the grade III/ IV cases (24 cases). 4 grade III nephrectomies were carried out in the Emergency Room because of haemodynamic instability, other 4 grade IV nephrectomies were done for the same reason, one of which was a partial nephrectomy, 48-72 hours after the trauma. The treatment for grade V was nephrectomy in 67%.ConclusionsAccording to our experience and in the light of the results obtained, we consider the conservative approach adequate for major renal trauma as long as the patient is haemodynamically stable.     

Finite element study on whether posterior upper wall fracture is a risk factor for the failure of short-segment pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of L1 burst fracture

PurposeTo establish the finite element model of T12 and L2 (T12-L2) pedicle screw fixation for severe L1 burst fracture, and quantitatively simulate and analyze the screw stress and vertebral displacement in different degrees of L1 posterior upper wall fracture (PUWF), and evaluate whether PUWF degree is a risk factor for fixation failure.MethodsThe data of 6 healthy volunteers were used to establish a finite element model of T12-L2 pedicle screw fixation for type A severe burst fractures. The stress and displacement of the conventional and Schanz pedicle screws for the different degrees of PUWF (including the anterior upper wall of the vertebral canal and the bipedicle) were evaluated.ResultsThe maximum stress and L1 displacement of conventional and Schanz pedicle screws were positively correlated with the severity of the PUWF (P<0.05). During anterior flexion, the maximum stress of conventional pedicle screws for 70% type I were 538.3±59.75MPa and the maximum stress of Schanz pedicle screws for 90% type Ⅱ, 90% type Ⅲ and 70% type IV fractures were close to the fatigue threshold. The maximum stress during anterior flexion were significantly higher than those during posterior extension, bending and rotation (P<0.05).ConclusionThe posterior upper wall fracture of vertebral body (VB) of type A burst fracture is not an independent risk factor for the failure of short-segment pedicle screw fixation (SSPSF). Anterior flexion of type A fractures combined with severe PUWF of VB was a risk factor for the failure of SSPSF.     

Extension of Nonoperative Management of Blunt Pancreatic Trauma to Include Grade III Injuries: A Safety Analysis

Background  In hemodynamically stable patients after blunt pancreatic trauma, the main pancreatic duct (MPD) disruption (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma [AAST] grade III-IV-V lesions) is usually treated surgically or by endoscopic stent placement, whereas injuries without duct involvement (grade I-II) are liable to medical treatment. To date, no evidence has been reported regarding nonoperative management (NoM) of grade III injuries. We aimed to evaluate the safety of extending medical management to include cases of distal MPD involvement (grade III). Patients and methods  Data were collected on patients admitted after blunt pancreatic trauma between January 1999 and December 2007. Patients exhibiting hemodynamic instability or hollow organ perforations were excluded from this study, as they were surgically managed. In all remaining cases NoM was attempted. Antibiotic prophylaxis and early total enteral nutrition were routinely adopted. Grade III patients received octreotide during hospitalization and for 6 months after discharge. Results  Eleven patients (2 with grade I injury, 3 with grade II injury, and 6 with grade III injury, all diagnosed by contrast-enhanced helical CT) were included. Nonsurgical management was carried out in all of these patients. Among grade III patients, one developed a peripancreatic abscess; another, a pancreatic fistula. Both were successfully treated nonoperatively. The average length of hospital stay was similar in grade I-II and grade III patients. After a median follow-up of 57 months no mortality or pancreatic sequelae had occurred. Conclusions  Under the aforementioned conditions, an attempt to extend NoM to include patients with AAST-grade III lesions can be justified. However, such a strategy demands continuous patient monitoring, because should the case worsen, surgery might become necessary.     

The Value of Ultrasound in Acute Ankle Injury: Comparison With MR

Abstract Objective:   To assess the value of the ultrasound (US) in different grades of acute trauma by comparing with MR. Methods:   We analyzed 30 patients, of average age 33, with acute ankle trauma, without fracture on standard radiograms. One week after injury all patients were sent for US. We used linear probe 8–15 MHz. Ten days later, the patients were examined on MR. Results:   Anterior talofibular ligament was normal in 20.6% by US and in 20.3% by MR. Ligament lesion were found by ultrasound in 40%, proven in only 20.6% by MR. Ultrasound diagnosed 33,3% ruptured ligament, MR found 50% rupture of anterior talofibular ligament. In 80.3% cases the calcaneofibular ligament appeared to be intact with both methods. Ultrasound found stretch ligament in 10.6% cases and MR proved that in 10% cases. In other 6.6% cases, MR found complete rupture. Intraarticular effusion was found in 80.3% patients by US and in 86.6% by MR. Lesion of tendon of long peroneal muscle was found in 40.6% patients by both methods. Lesion of tendon of short peroneal muscle was found in 33.3% lesions and proved by MR in only 20.3% cases. In other patients findings were normal. US found 10% lesions of the tendon of anterior tibial muscle and MR found 10.3% lesions. US found 10.6% lesions of tendon of long halucis flexor and MR found 20%. Our results were statistically analyzed by cross-tabs, the Stuart-Maxwell test, Npar tests and the McNemar test. Conclusion:   US proved to be a good and reliable method for diagnosing Grade I and II of ankle sprain, but for proper evaluation of Grade III, MR is recommended.     

An evaluation of the functional and radiological results of percutaneous vertebroplasty versus conservative treatment for acute symptomatic osteoporotic spinal fractures

PurposeThis study aimed to compare the results of the two different treatment regimens (percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) and conservative treatment (CT)) regarding to efficacy, quality of life, functional and radiological results in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVF).MethodsThe study comprised 83 patients who presented with complaints of OVF associated with osteoporosis and were treated with CT (37) or PV (46). All patients were evaluated according to preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and plain radiographs.ResultsAll patients in VP group reported a significant decrease in pain at 1st day postoperative. While Pain relief and functional outcomes were significantly better in PV group than CT at 1st and 3rd months according to VAS and ODI scores, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups at 6th months follow-up. The mean preoperative local sagittal Cobb angle (LSCA) and the mean vertebra corpus mid-level height (MVCH) were 42.3° and 14.6 mm in the PV group, while they were measured as 39.8° and 15.7 mm in CT group, respectively. 15.6° decreasing the LSCA and 10.2 mm increasing MVCH were noted in the PV group at the 6th month follow-up. While LSCA increased 19.1° and MVCH decreased 7.6 mm in CT group at same time period (p < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared to the CT group, PV provides a rapid decrease of pain and an early return to daily life activities. Although improvement was observed on the radiological findings following treatment in the PV group, PV may not enhance the quality of life in patients with acute OVF at 6th months follow up.     

The degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs negatively influence union rate of osteoporotic vertebral fracture: A multicenter cohort study

Background

With the increasing aging population in developed countries, there has been an associated increased prevalence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). Many previous reports have attempted to predict the risk of delayed union associated with OVF. However, the role of endplate failure and the degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs, and their association with delayed union has received little attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endplate fracture and disc degeneration rank as risk factors for delayed union.

Clinical importance of posterior vertebral height loss on plain radiography when conservatively treating osteoporotic vertebral fractures

PurposeTo predict spinal canal compromise, the assessment of plain radiography with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can aid the detection of vertebral body collapse and prevent the development of neurological deficits.MethodsPatients who suffered osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) between January 2012 and December 2014 underwent consecutive radiological assessments, including measurements of anterior height loss (AHL), posterior height loss (PHL), and the kyphotic angle (KA). The fracture morphology was classified by AOSpine thoracolumbar spine injury classification system. MRI was performed at the initial assessment and the extent of canal encroachment (CE) was calculated in all patients. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) or MRI was performed in patients exhibiting significant height loss in follow-up radiography. The fracture patterns in T1- and T2-weighted MRI were also assessed.ResultsA total of 485 patients visited our institute for treatment of OVFs and 97 were enrolled; 15 were male and 82 were female. The mean age at initial visit was 70.3 ± 14.6 years. The initial spinal CE was correlated with the initial PHL and the initial AHL. The follow-up CE was correlated with age, the initial PHL, and the difference between the initial and last PHL (ΔPHL_{(initial-last)}). OVFs with both endplate fractures have a greater tendency of posterior wall collapse than those with single endplate fracture. On initial T1-weighted sagittal MRI, a diffuse low signal change pattern of the fractured vertebra was correlated with PHL. Delayed neurological deficits developed in four patients. These patients underwent surgical intervention.ConclusionsIn patients with simple compression fractures, attention should be paid to the posterior vertebral body and both endplates as well as the T1-weighted MRI findings to allow early detection of spinal canal compromise, which can have devastating consequences.     

Ten daily fractions for partial breast irradiation. Long‐term results of a prospective phase II trial

Partial breast irradiation (PBI) is an effective adjuvant treatment after breast conservative surgery for selected early‐stage breast cancer patients. However, the best fractionation scheme is not well defined. Hereby, we report the 5‐year clinical outcome and toxicity of a phase II prospective study of a novel regimen to deliver PBI, which consists in 40 Gy delivered in 10 daily fractions. Patients with early‐stage (pT1‐pT2, pN0‐pN1a, M0) invasive breast cancer were enrolled after conservative surgery. The minimum age at diagnosis was 60 years old. PBI was delivered with 3D‐conformal radiotherapy technique with a total dose of 40 Gy, fractionated in 10 daily fractions (4 Gy/fraction). Eighty patients were enrolled. The median follow‐up was 67 months. Five‐year local control (LC), disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were 95%, 91%, and 96%, respectively. Grade I and II subcutaneous fibrosis were documented in 23% and 5% of cases. No grade III late toxicity was observed. PBI delivered in 40 Gy in 10 daily fractions provided good clinical results and was a valid radiotherapy option for early‐stage breast cancer patients.     

Comparison of radiological and clinical results of balloon kyphoplasty according to anterior height loss in the osteoporotic vertebral fracture

Background context

Percutaneous kyphoplasty is effective for pain reduction and vertebral height restoration in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. However, in cases of severely collapsed fractures involving the loss of more than 70% of the vertebral height, kyphoplasty is technically difficult to perform and the outcomes remain unknown.

Purpose

To compare the vertebral height restoration rate, kyphotic angle, and clinical results of patients who underwent kyphoplasty according to the degree of anterior vertebral height loss. In addition, to determine the feasibility and effects of kyphoplasty on severely collapsed osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Study design/setting

A retrospective study.

Patient sample

A total of 129 patients (145 vertebrae) who underwent kyphoplasty for osteoporotic painful vertebral fracture and followed up for more than 1 year between September 2005 and August 2012 were recruited for the analysis.

Outcome measures

The patients' kyphotic angle, anterior vertebral height, and anterior vertebral height restoration ratio 1 year after surgery were compared. Pre- and postoperative pain around the fractured vertebra and the radiological and clinical results according to bone mineral density (BMD) were also compared.

Methods

Patients were divided into three groups for comparison, according to radiographic findings. Patients with an anterior height compression ratio more than 70% at the time of fracture comprised Group I, patients with a compression ratio of 50–70% comprised Group II, and those with a compression ratio of 30–50% comprised Group III.

Results

Group I showed a greater extent of anterior height restoration immediately after surgery compared with the other groups, which noticeably decreased over time. All three groups showed significant restoration of the anterior vertebral height between pre- and postoperative values. The anterior vertebral height 1 year after surgery did not differ between Group I and Group II but was significantly higher in Group III. There was no correlation between the BMD and restoration or decrease of anterior vertebral height over time. Pain around the fractured vertebra significantly decreased in all groups immediately and 1 year after surgery compared with preoperative levels, although the pain level 1 year after surgery did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions

In patients with an anterior vertebral compression ratio more than 70% because of osteoporotic vertebral fracture, although the anterior height and kyphotic angle were significantly lower than those of patients with an anterior vertebral compression ratio of 30% to 50%, kyphoplasty significantly improved the degree of pain, restored the anterior vertebral height, and maintained the kyphotic angle. Therefore, kyphoplasty can be a useful approach in patients with an anterior vertebral compression ratio more than 70%.     

First MTP joint instability — Expanding the concept of “Turf-toe” injuries

BackgroundAlthough the classic definition of the Turf-toe injury refers to a very specific clinical and pathological picture, we think that the concept can be broadened to encompass a wide variety of traumatic lesions of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1). These are lesions typically difficult to diagnose, with a large variation of outcomes and a potential to impair patients’ functional performance on a definitive and perennial basis. The objective of this study is to present the result obtained by treating 24 cases of traumatic injuries to the MTP1 joint in a midterm follow-up time.MethodsIn the period from 1999 to 2016, 24 patients were treated with MTP1 joint instability – “Expanded Turf-toe” – diagnosis. All patients were performing sports activities when they were injured: soccer (33%); martial arts (17%); running (13%); tennis (8%); olympic gymnastics (8%) and others (basketball, slalom, motorcycling, surfing, and ballet) (21%). Injuries were classified as Grade I (2 patients — 8%), Grade II (8 patients — 33%) and Grade III (14 patients — 59%) lesions. All patients with grades I and II were treated conservatively whereas those classified as grade III were treated surgically.ResultsAfter an average follow-up of 4.5 years we observed an improvement in the AOFAS hallux score from 42 to 82 points after treatment (p < 0.001). The most frequent cause was axial load with various direction of stress at the first MTP. The mechanism of lesion varied among extension with hallux varism (42%), pure hyperextension (25%), extension with hallux valgism (21%), pure hyperflexion (8%) and hyperflexion with hallux valgism (4%). A separate analysis of each group showed a significant improvement in AOFAS Hallux scores after treatment: 51–84 (p < 0.001) and 36–81 (p < 0.001) for conservative and surgical groups, respectively. Four patients with GIII injuries (29%) and two with GII injuries (20%) did not resume their previous activities. Although pre-treatment AOFAS hallux scores were significantly different between groups, post-treatment scores were similar (p = 0.615).ConclusionsTurf-toe is a serious injury that may prevent a high percentage of patients from resuming their previous physical activities. Mechanism of lesion might be varied generating a wide range of lesions that fit into the expanded concept of the Turf-toe injury. Both forms of treatment lead to satisfactory results if well conducted. The correct identification, classification, and grading of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) instability helps in decision making and selection of the adequate treatment.Level of evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal involvement by hematopoietic malignancies requiring surgical decompression

 To elucidate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the spine with hematopoietic malignancies that require surgery, we retrospectively reviewed the MRI scans in these patients who underwent decompression surgery of the spinal cord or cauda equina. Preoperative MRI scans were obtained from nine patients with spinal involvement by a hematopoietic malignancy who underwent surgery: four with malignant lymphoma and five with multiple myeloma. The marrow involvement pattern, location of signal change of the vertebra, cortical destruction, vertebral fracture, epidural mass formation, paraspinal mass formation, and the wrap-around sign (spread to the extraosseous soft tissues without alteration in the shape of the affected vertebra) were determined by MRI scans. Diffuse marrow involvement (89%), anterior and posterior signal changes of the vertebra (100%), cortical destruction (100%), vertebral fracture (78%), epidural mass formation (78%), and paraspinal mass formation (100%) were commonly observed. The wrap-around sign was seen in only one patient (11%); it was due to vertebral destruction and deformity. Based on these results, we concluded that MRI findings of the spine with a hematopoietic malignancy requiring decompression surgery showed a characteristic diffuse marrow pattern; they also exhibited more expansive and destructive features than previously reported for hematopoietic malignancies without surgery. Received: July 19, 2002 / Accepted: October 31, 2002 Offprint requests to: N. Miyakoshi     

Additional vertebral augmentation with posterior instrumentation for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures

BackgroundTo investigate the role of vertebral augmentation in kyphosis reduction, vertebral fracture union, and correction loss after surgical management of thoracolumbar burst fracture.DesignRetrospective chart and radiographic review.SettingLevel 1 trauma center.MethodsThe analysis included patients treated between April 2007 and June 2015, who received pedicle-screw-rod distraction and reduction within two days following acute traumatic thoracolumbar burst fracture with a load sharing score >6. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for data regarding operative details, imaging and laboratory findings, neurological function, and functional outcomes.InterventionNot applicable.Main outcome measuresSagittal index, pain score, loss of correction, and implant failure rate.ResultsNineteen patients were enrolled in this study (mean age, 37.2 ± 13 years; age range, 17–62 years; female/male ratio: 10/9). Of the five patients who received only reduction (no augmentation), one underwent revision surgery because of implant failure and pedicle screw backing out. Compared to patients who received only reduction, those who received both reduction and augmentation showed better sagittal alignment after the operation, with better sagittal index immediately postoperatively and during the follow-up (p < 0.05).ConclusionsTranspedicular vertebral augmentation with calcium sulfate/phosphate-based bone cement may reinforce thoracolumbar burst fracture stability, partially restore vertebral body height, and reduce pedicle screw bending and movement, thereby preventing early implant failure and late loss of correction, especially in patients with excellent fracture reduction.Level of evidence: Therapeutic level III, retrospective chart review     

Kollateralbandverletzungen der Fingergrundgelenke

Collateral ligament injuries of the metacarpal joints of the fingers are rare conditions. The injury should be diagnosed by clinical investigation and standard radiographs. Leading symptoms are local tenderness and joint instability. Instability is verified by clinical stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 90° of flexion. In Grade I injuries stability is preserved due to ligament attenuation or small partial tears. Grade II injuries show laxity with firm endpoint according to incomplete tear. In Grade III injuries instability without endpoint can be found as a result of complete tears. Radiographs may show avulsed bone fragments.In Grade I and II tears or non- displaced avulsion fragments treatment is conservative with buddy taping for 6 weeks. In case of persistent instability or grade III tears suturing or refixation of the ligament are performed. Small avulsion fragments are removed and the ligament is fixed to the bone. Greater avulsion fragments are fixed by suitable small implants. Adequate treatment will lead to reliable good results. Even in chronic tears reconstruction with local material or tendon transplants is usually successful.     

儿童脊柱结核的MRI随访观察

目的：探讨MRI在儿童脊柱结核随访中的应用价值.方法：对2004年2月至2013年4月的21例经临床或手术诊断为脊柱结核的儿童患者MRI表现进行回顾性分析,其中男11例,女10例;年龄2～14岁,平均9.4岁.18例保守治疗,3倒手术治疗,病程2个月～3年,所有病例行2次或2次以上MRI检查.比较初次和复查结果,主要观察椎体及椎间隙信号变化、椎旁脓肿及后凸角的变化.结果：21例脊柱结核患者共累及85个椎体,其中颈椎、胸椎及腰骶椎发生率分别为10.6％（9/85）,49.4％ （42/85）及40％（34/85）.初诊及随访时相仿,15例出现椎体变扁或楔形变,10例可见椎间盘受累,而椎间隙可见不同程度变窄或融合.初诊13例后凸角＞0°,位于胸段7例,胸腰段2例,腰段3例,颈段1例.18例保守治疗患儿中,8例初诊及治疗过程中（2～9个月）后凸角均为0°;1例轻度后凸患儿（＜10°）,治疗12个月时后凸角稍增加;5例中度后凸患儿（10°～30°）,治疗过程中（3～12个月）多次随访均无明显改变;4例重度后凸患儿（＞30°）,保守治疗过程中及治疗后（3～28个月）多次随访后凸畸形均有不同程度加重,其中1例保守治疗失败后行手术治疗后凸角减小.结论：儿童脊柱结核运用MRI随访具有重要意义,能够清晰显示治疗后椎体及椎间隙信号变化、椎旁脓肿及后凸角的变化,为临床治疗及评估预后提供参考.     

Thoracolumbar spinal fracture in children: Conservative or surgical treatment?

PurposeSpinal thoracolumbar fractures represent 10-14% of pediatric fractures. Most children concerned by such fractures are above 10 years of age. No guidelines presently exist. Analysis of spine pathophysiology and of the various common therapeutic attitudes led us to conduct a review of the different therapeutic approaches in pediatric thoracolumbar fracture.MethodsA review of the literature was carried out using the Medline and Embase databases with the search-term “pediatric thoracic lumbar spine fractures”.ResultsThe systematic review identified 44 studies, 24 of which were selected, and 19 were included for analysis. Physiological age was categorized on Risser's classification. In Risser 1 with Magerl A1 fracture, surgical treatment was not necessary and functional (rest and analgesics) or conservative treatment (bracing for 6 weeks) was sufficient. In Risser 1 with Magerl A2, A3 or B fracture, conservative treatment (bracing for 3 months) was the first-line option. In Risser 2–4, conservative treatment with bracing for 3 months was possible in the absence of instability, with kyphosis > 20° and canal compression > 33%; otherwise, treatment should be surgical. Subsequently, in case of onset of secondary instability, surgical treatment can be proposed. We highlight the importance of MRI assessment for diagnosis of thoracolumbar fracture and associated lesions of the intervertebral discs and posterior ligament complex. Children classified as Risser 5 can undergo the same treatment as adults.ConclusionTwo main parameters should be assessed in treatment decision-making for thoracolumbar fracture: the Risser scale and the Magerl classification.