多节段颈椎骨折脱位的诊治分析

目的 探讨颈椎多节段骨折脱位的临床特点和诊治方法。方法 对1988～2001年43例(男38例,女5例)多节段颈椎骨折脱位患者的影像学资料及临床表现进行回顾分析。结果 连续多节段损伤为36例,其中32例损伤位于下颈椎;不连续多节段损伤为7例,其中有5例为上颈椎伴下颈椎损伤;损伤部位为椎体31例,椎板25例,棘突9例,椎弓4例,横突5例,关节突5例;多见的受累节段为C4、C5、C6和C7;屈曲压缩型占60．5％。行颈前路椎体大块切除脊柱稳定重建21例,后路椎板减压加关节突钢板内固定10例,前、后路联合减压颈椎稳定重建2例;保守治疗10例。结论 颈椎多节段损伤多为屈曲压缩型,连续型损伤多见,不连续型损伤少见;连续型多节段损伤多为下颈椎损伤;不连续型多节段损伤多数为寰、枢椎损伤合并下颈椎损伤;多节段颈椎损伤中不稳定节段及脊髓受损平面均位于下颈椎;手术应在减压的同时重建脊柱的稳定性。     

创伤性上颈椎损伤的外科治疗

目的：探讨上颈椎损伤的分型以及外科治疗的临床效果。方法：2005年1月至2007年3月收治的16例创伤性上颈椎损伤患者,男11例,女5例;年龄24-75岁,平均44岁。其中齿状突骨折5例,寰椎骨折3例,Hangman骨折5例,寰枢椎脱位3例。颈椎MR检查：5例颈髓有不同程度受压和T2相高信号改变。根据其损伤机制、影像学表现、骨折分型选择合适的手术方式。结果：非手术治疗7例,手术治疗9例,均获随访,时间7～34个月,平均10．5个月。骨折均愈合或植骨融合,内固定无松动,未发生神经根椎动脉或脊髓损伤。结论：X线片、CT扫描及MR检查是上颈椎损伤必要的诊断措施,选择最佳的手术方式牢固固定上颈椎,同时又最大程度保留患者的颈椎活动度。     

Anterior decompression and strut graft versus posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits

Background contextWith the increase of the elderly population, osteoporotic vertebral fractures have been frequently reported. Surgical intervention is usually recommended in osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits. However, very few reports on surgical interventions exist.PurposeTo compare surgical results of anterior and posterior procedures for treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with sustained neurologic deficits.Study designRetrospective comparative study.Patient sampleFifty patients who sustained osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits were treated either by anterior decompression and strut graft (n=32) or by posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty (n=18).Outcome measuresIncidence of complications, sagittal Cobb angle, spinal canal encroachment, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score.MethodsThe authors retrospectively reviewed the results of a consecutive series of patients undergoing anterior decompression and strut graft or posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits. Operative notes, clinical charts, and radiographs were analyzed.ResultsOperative time was similar between the groups, but intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the posterior group. All patients showed neurologic recovery. No significant difference was observed in the neurologic improvement, kyphosis correction angle, and loss of correction. Perioperative respiratory complications were found in 11 patients (34%) in the anterior group. In the anterior group, early posterior reinforcement was required in patients with very low bone density below 0.60 g/cm² and/or in those with three segments of instrumentation for two vertebral collapses. Posterior group patients did not undergo additional surgery.ConclusionsAnterior reconstruction for osteoporotic vertebral collapse is significant because anterior elements, particularly those at the thoracolumbar junction, play a major role in load bearing. However, difficulties arise when anterior reconstruction is performed in cases with very low bone density and in those with multiple vertebral collapse.     

枢椎椎板螺钉在上颈椎后路固定术中的应用

目的探讨枢椎椎板螺钉固定术应用于上颈椎后路融合内固定术中的可行性。方法回顾性分析本院2012年1月—2014年12月在上颈椎后路融合固定术中采用枢椎椎板螺钉固定的19例患者资料,术中根据枢椎椎弓根是否存在缺如、细小等情况,选择置入双侧枢椎椎板螺钉或单侧枢椎椎板螺钉并对侧椎弓根螺钉,联合枕骨板螺钉和/或寰椎侧块螺钉。15例上颈椎畸形患者均有不同程度脊髓功能损害表现,日本骨科学会(JOA)评分为5~15分,平均11.5分。4例外伤性寰枢椎骨折患者有后颈部疼痛及活动障碍,疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分为2~7分,平均4.5分。术后复查患者影像学资料,观察内固定位置及植骨融合情况。结果所有手术顺利完成,未发生椎动脉、脊髓等损伤。术后复查CT,显示所有枢椎椎板螺钉位置良好,均未突破内侧皮质骨。随访时X线、CT示螺钉位置良好,无松动及断钉。所有患者术后12个月植骨均融合,上颈椎畸形患者神经功能均有不同程度改善,JOA评分为13~17分,平均15.3分。外伤性寰枢椎骨折患者颈部疼痛及活动障碍明显改善,VAS评分为0~2分,平均1.0分。结论枢椎椎板螺钉固定在上颈椎后路固定手术中方法简单安全、效果良好,对于无法行枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定的患者,枢椎椎板螺钉固定是一种安全有效的替代方法。     

Self-designed posterior atlas polyaxial lateral mass screw-plate fixation for unstable atlas fracture

Background contextMost atlas fractures can be effectively treated nonoperatively with external immobilization unless there is an injury to the transverse atlantal ligament. Surgical stabilization is most commonly achieved using a posterior approach with fixation of C1–C2 or C0–C2, but these treatments usually result in loss of the normal motion of the C1–C2 and C0–C1 joints.PurposeTo clinically validate feasibility, safety, and value of open reduction and fixation using an atlas polyaxial lateral mass screw-plate construct in unstable atlas fractures.Study designRetrospective review of patients who sustained unstable atlas fractures treated with polyaxial lateral mass screw-plate construct.Patient sampleTwenty-two patients with unstable atlas fractures who underwent posterior atlas polyaxial lateral mass screw-plate fixation were analyzed.Outcome measuresVisual analog scale, neurologic status, and radiographs for fusion.MethodsFrom January 2011 to September 2012, 22 patients with unstable atlas fractures were treated with this technique. Patients' charts and radiographs were reviewed. Bone fusion, internal fixation placement, and integrity of spinal cord and vertebral arteries were assessed via intraoperative and follow-up imaging. Neurologic function, range of motion, and pain levels were assessed clinically on follow-up.ResultsAll patients were followed up from 12 to 32 months, with an average of 22.5±18.0 months. A total of 22 plates were placed, and all 44 screws were inserted into the atlas lateral masses. The mean duration of the procedure was 86 minutes, and the average estimated blood loss was 120 mL. Computed tomography scans 9 months after surgery confirmed that fusion was achieved in all cases. There was no screw or plate loosening or breakage in any patient. All patients had well-preserved range of motion. No vascular or neurologic complication was noted, and all patients had a good clinical outcome.ConclusionsAn open reduction and posterior internal fixation with atlas polyaxial lateral mass screw-plate is a safe and effective surgical option in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures. This technique can provide immediate reduction and preserve C1–C2 motion.     

老年人脊髓型颈椎病的特点及手术治疗

目的 探讨老年人脊髓型颈椎病的临床特点及手术方法。方法 对26例60－81岁老年人脊髓型颈椎病患者行颈前路开槽式减压，24例取自体髂骨移植，并行带锁钢板内固定，2例用Cage内充填减压椎体之松质骨植入。结果 23例获随访，平均随访时间为24.6个月，植骨融合率为100％，术后椎间高度及颈椎生理曲度维持良好，临床疗效优良率73％。结论 老年患者由于全身多器官功能退化，颈部骨质退变，临床表现复杂，多节段发病，诊断及治疗都存在一定的难度，只要选择适当，高龄并非手术禁忌症。     

上颈椎失稳并脊髓不全损伤的外科治疗

目的讨论上颈椎失稳并脊髓不全损伤的诊断和治疗方法。方法男116例，女76例，平均年龄41岁。齿突骨折47例(新鲜骨折38例，陈旧性骨折9例)，Hangman骨折45例(新鲜骨折28例，陈旧性骨折17例)，寰椎横韧带断裂24例，先天畸形23例，寰椎单侧椎弓骨折19例，类风湿性关节炎17例，一侧关节凸骨折9例，Jefferson骨折并慢性不稳3例，肿瘤4例。齿突螺钉固定29例，颈2-3椎间融合10例，寰枢椎Apofix固定融合27例，颈枕融合Axis固定29例、Cervifix固定36例，Simmos寰枢固定融合32例，Brooks固定融合8例，钢丝加关节突螺钉固定8例：经椎弓根加压螺钉固定，植骨融合4例，其他方法1例。结果平均随访4年9个月。189例获得骨性愈合，延迟愈合3例，钢丝断裂2例，椎体移位1例。椎动脉损伤6例次，神经根损伤12例次，退钉10枚。JOA改善率79．9％，无脊髓损伤加重者。结论恰当的手术方法是治疗的基础，内固定物的选择可减少并发症.     

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty in Spinal Trauma

Abstract Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty have become recognized procedures for the treatment of vertebral fractures, especially in patients with osteoporosis. In most cases of osteoporotic spinal vertebral fracture in elderly patients, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement is used to fill the defect and stabilize the vertebral body. The techniques of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty differ in the possibility of realignment and reconstruction of the vertebral body and spinal column. Long-term results in terms of integration of the cement and bioreactivity of the vertebral body are still lacking; so, these procedures are still no options in the treatment of younger patients. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty show different success in the management of fresh traumatic spine fractures. The acute traumatic vertebral fracture has to be classified sensitively, to find the right indication for cement augmentation. Mild acute compression fractures can be treated by vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, severe compression and burst fractures by combination of internal fixation and kyphoplasty. The indications for use of biological or osteoinductive cement in spinal fracture management must still be regarded as restricted owing to the lack of basic biomechanical research data. Such cement should not be used except in clinical studies.     

Surgical treatment and management of hip fracture patients

Introduction

Osteoporosis-related hip fractures are associated with high mortality and costs. The optimum type of treatment for such fractures is controversial. To shed some light on this issue, the surgical treatment and management of osteoporotic hip fractures were discussed during a hip fracture surgical working group at the 2009 International Society For Fracture Repair Annual Meeting comprising leading experts in the field.

Materials and methods

The working group consisted of eight orthopaedic surgeons, six industry representatives and one research scientist. Eleven participants were from Europe and four were from the USA and Canada. Two chairmen posed 12 questions relating to the surgical treatment and management of osteoporotic hip fractures. Each question was discussed and key points were noted.

Results

Surgery should commence within 24–48 h but the patient should be optimized if presenting with ≥3 comorbidities. Specialized centres integrating orthopaedics, geriatricians and rheumatologists could be a solution for the lack of specialist care post-surgery. Surgical technique is important in fracture fixation, as is the implant, but there has been no improvement in implant design in the past 50 years. As a consequence, malunion has become unjustifiably accepted. Fracture healing can be accelerated using pharmaceuticals which are also important in secondary prophylaxis. All displaced femoral neck fractures in geriatric patients should be treated with hip replacement, the choice between using cemented or uncemented fixation being at the surgeon’s discretion.

Discussion and conclusion

This working group discussion highlighted several important issues which could be of interest to the orthopaedic community.     

Reverse LISS plating for intertrochanteric Hip Fractures in elderly patients

Background  

Fractures of the intertrochanteric hip are common and the treatment of unstable fractures generally requires an operative approach. In elderly patients, osteoporosis makes internal fixation problematic and frequently contributes to failed fixation and poor clinical results. We have attempted to apply the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) in reverse position for the repair of intertrochanteric hip fractures in elderly patients with osteoporotic bones. A retrospective review is presented of the cases of 28 elderly patients with stable and unstable fractures of the intertrochanteric hip treated using the reverse LISS.     

APS Recommendations for the Urological Evaluation of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Context

The complex anatomy and the importance of ligaments in providing stability at the upper cervical spine region (O–C1–C2) require the use of many imaging modalities to evaluate upper cervical injuries (UCI). While separate classifications have been developed for distinct injuries, a more practical treatment algorithm can be derived from the injury pattern in UCI.

Objective

To propose a practical treatment algorithm to guide treatment based on injuries characteristic of UCI.

Methods

A literature review was performed on the Pubmed database using the following keywords: (1) “occipital condyle injury”; (2) “craniocervical dislocation or atlanto-occipital dislocation or craniocervical dislocation”; (3) “atlas fractures”; and (4) “axis fractures”. Just articles containing the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of specific UCI were included. The data obtained were analyzed by the authors, dividing the UCI into two groups: Group 1 – patients with clear ligamentous injury and Group 2 – patients with fractures without ligament disruption.

Results

Injuries with ligamentous disruption, suggesting surgical treatment, include: atlanto-occipital dislocation, mid-substance transverse ligament injury, and C1–2 and C2–3 ligamentous injuries. In contrast, condyle, atlas, and axis fractures without significant displacement/misalignment can be initially treated using external orthoses. Odontoid fractures with risk factors for non-union are an exception in Group 2 once they are better treated surgically. Patients with neurological deficits may have more unstable injuries.

Conclusions

Ascertaining the status of relevant ligamentous structures, fracture patterns and alignment are important in determining surgical compared with non-surgical treatment for patients with UCI.     

Treatment of pain from osteoporotic vertebral collapse by percutaneous PMMA vertebroplasty

Summary Background. Vertebral compression fractures are common complications in advanced osteoporosis. In general, this disease of the elderly patient is characterized by severe local back pain. Pathophysiologically, bony instability triggers local pain during body movement. Serious pain immobilizes the patients and forces them to bed rest. As a result, complications like thrombosis or pneumonia occur. Invasive treatment with surgical instrumentation for vertebral stabilization is not indicated in elderly patients especially with additional diseases.The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that percutaneous polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) vertebroplasty significantly reduces pain due to vertebral collapse in osteoporotic patients and improves quality of life.Methods. A total of 38 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine were treated by PMMA vertebroplasty. After admission, before discharge from the hospital, six weeks, half a year and one year later patients answered the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability (OLBPD) Questionnaire for assessment of treatment related change in disability. In all patients percutaneous vertebroplasty was performed under local anesthesia.Findings. A total of 92% of patients reported a significant pain reduction immediately after treatment. Also one year after vertebroplasty pain remained significantly reduced. Vertebroplasty was highly beneficial for patients with pain related to local instability of the spine. Extravasation of PMMA beyond the vertebral margins was observed in 26% of the cases. No treatment related clinical or neurological complications were noticed.Interpretation. PMMA vertebroplasty is a useful and safe method of pain relief which rapidly regains quality of life for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression.     

Trends in Irish hip fracture surgery over a 7-year period and international registry comparison

BackgroundHip fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Timely surgical fixation and early mobilisation are the cornerstone to successful outcomes. The Irish Hip Fracture Database (IHFD) was established in 2012 and publishes annual reports on hip fracture care. This paper describes the trends in surgical fixation in Ireland during a 7-year period (2013–2019), assesses for compliance with guidelines and compares the most recent published reports from ten international hip fracture registries.MethodsAll published IHFD reports were systematically reviewed and tabulated. Data corresponding to demographics, fracture type, surgical fixation and post-operative management was plotted and analysed. Ten international hip fracture registries were identified and reviewed. Data was extracted corresponding to the IHFD dataset.ResultsA total of 21,684 hip fractures were recorded during this period. The majority of patients were female (70.16%), >80 years old (58.26%), admitted from their own home (82.13%) and ASA grade 3 (53%). The majority of undisplaced and displaced intracapsular fractures were treated with hemiarthroplasty, 62% and 88% respectively. There has been a decline in the use of dynamic hip screw (DHS) for intertrochanteric fractures with intramedullary nails being favoured.ConclusionDespite greater awareness of hip fracture care through the IHFD and the introduction of Best Practice Tariffs (BPT), further improvements are needed. Ireland compares well to international standards but has low rates of compliance to NICE guidelines for surgical fixation.     

Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) With a Densitometer Predicts Future Fractures in Elderly Women Unselected for Osteoporosis

Low radiation dose imaging of the lateral spine acquired with a bone densitometer for vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) has great potential for clinical use. We have undertaken an evaluation of VFA in a prospective population cohort of elderly women to examine the prevalence of vertebral fractures, their ability to predict incident fractures, and their use in targeting therapy. Women (n = 5157) ≥75 yr of age living in the general community in the United Kingdom underwent posteroanterior and lateral imaging of the spine (T₄–L₄) with a densitometer (Hologic QDR4500A) at entry to a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial of 800 mg oral clodronate (Bonefos) or matching placebo daily over 3 yr. The women were identified from general practice registers and recruited by letter of invitation regardless of skeletal status. The proportion of vertebrae interpretable varied from 98.2% at T₁₂ to 57.1% at T₄, with >92% interpretable at levels between T₈ and L₃. As judged by BMD at the total hip, 19.6% of the women had osteoporosis, and the prevalence of vertebral fracture was 14.5%. Women with one or more vertebral fractures had a relative risk (RR) for incident osteoporotic fractures of 2.01 (95% CI, 1.64–2.47). The RR for hip fractures was 2.29 (95% CI, 1.63–3.21). After adjustment for age, femoral neck BMD, weight, and treatment, the RR was 1.50 (95% CI, 1.21–1.86) for osteoporotic fractures, with similar results for hip fractures (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.99–2.02). For women with two or more vertebral fractures, the adjusted RRs were 1.97 (95% CI, 1.24–2.72) and 1.86 (95% CI, 1.14–3.03) for osteoporotic and hip fractures, respectively. We conclude that VFA can frequently detect vertebral fractures in a population cohort of elderly women. These fractures, like radiographic fractures, predict future clinical fractures independent of age, weight, and BMD. Having multiple vertebral fractures was associated with greater risk of incident osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures.     

手术治疗髋关节后脱位合并股骨头与髋臼骨折的体会

目的：探讨髋关节后脱位合并股骨头与髋臼骨折的手术治疗效果与预后。方法：回顾性总结17例髋关节后脱位合并股骨头骨折与髋臼骨折患者的手术治疗经验。所有患者于伤后12h内行髋关节手法复位,并于术前通过CT定位,股骨头骨折采用切开复位可吸收螺钉内固定,髋臼骨折根据情况或予切除,或予钢板内固定。结果：17例患者术后6个月内所有骨折均骨性愈合,无股骨头坏死,按Modifie Daobigne and Postal临床分级标准评定关节功能恢复情况,优8例,良7例,可2例。优良率为88.2%。结论：髋关节后脱位伴股骨头骨折与髋臼骨折,采取手术治疗可获得较好的预后。     

Single screw type of lag screw results higher reoperation rate in the osteosynthesis of basicervical hip fracture

BackgroundBasicervical hip fractures are relatively rare with greater biomechanical instability compared to the other types of hip fractures. Several studies have reported ambivalent surgical outcomes of basicervical hip fractures. The purpose of this multicenter study was to analyze surgical outcomes of basicervical hip fractures according to the fixation type of proximal femur and lag screw type.MethodsAmong 3220 hip fractures, 145 were classified as basicervical hip fractures. Of those, 106 patients treated with osteosynthesis were included to analyze the surgical complications according to fixation type of proximal femur: sliding hip screw(SHS) and cephalomedullary nail (CMN) groups. Surgical complications including the excessive displacement of fracture and the occurrence of reoperation were evaluated at the final follow up. We further evaluated surgical complications according to lag screw type with subgroup analysis in CMN group: single screw type, blade type and two integrated screw type.ResultsTen patients (9.4%) sustained surgical complications (5 excessive displacements and 5 reoperations). For fixation type of proximal femur, SHS group showed higher tendency of excessive displacement despite no statistical difference between the two groups (p = 0.060). For lag screw type with subgroup analysis in CMN group, single screw type showed statistically high rates of reoperation compared to the other types of lag screw (p = 0.022).ConclusionBasicervical hip fractures treated with osteosynthesis resulted to high rates of surgical complications in this study. However, they could be drastically reduced if CMN with blade type or two integrated screw type were used in the osteosynthesis of basicervical hip fractures.     

Closed reduction and percutaneous “periarticular” single K-wire fixation for displaced unstable transverse fractures of the proximal phalanx in elderly osteoporotic women: A case series of five patients

IntroductionA literature review did not reveal any study investigating the results of surgical management of fractures of the proximal phalanx in elderly osteoporotic women. We present a case series of five patients.Patients and methodsFive consecutive cases with seven fractures of the shaft/base of the proximal phalanx were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of the study group was 72.4 years (range, 70–76 years). All patients were on treatment for osteoporosis at the time of injury. All patients were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous “periarticular” single K-wire fixation followed by immediate active mobilization of all joints.ResultsTwo minor complications were seen: superficial pin tract infection in one case; and slight fracture displacement after K-wire removal resulting in malunion in the other case. After a mean follow-up of 4 months, the total active motion was considered excellent in 5 fingers and good in 2 fingers.ConclusionWe demonstrate a favorable outcome following closed reduction and percutaneous “periarticular” single K-wire fixation for displaced unstable transverse fractures of the proximal phalanx in elderly osteoporotic women.     

经口咽入路单节段固定治疗不稳定性寰椎骨折的研究进展

寰椎骨折是常见的颈椎骨折类型,由于上颈椎特殊的解剖结构,寰椎骨折通常为不稳定性骨折。以往的寰椎骨折治疗方法中,外固定往往带来低骨愈合率和远期颈痛,而颈枕融合与寰枢椎融合则牺牲了颈椎活动度。近年来,有学者经口咽入路到达寰椎前方,通过前路寰椎侧块螺钉及配套钢板同时完成骨折块的复位及固定,随访证明此术式保证骨性融合的同时最大程度地保留了颈椎活动度,还具有出血少、不剥离后路组织等优点,但存在术中脊髓与椎动脉的损伤及术后较高感染率等并发症,且对于其固定强度及手术的适应范围方面仍有待进一步研究证明。总之,经口咽入路单节段固定是治疗寰椎骨折的有效方法,给脊柱外科医师提供了新的思路。     

The assessment of vertebral fractures in elderly women with recent hip fractures: the BREAK Study

Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vertebral fractures in elderly women with a recent hip fracture. The burden of vertebral fractures expressed by the Spinal Deformity Index (SDI) is more strictly associated with the trochanteric than the cervical localization of hip fracture and may influence short-term functional outcomes.

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of vertebral fractures in elderly women with recent hip fracture and to assess whether the burden of vertebral fractures may be differently associated with trochanteric hip fractures with respect to cervical hip fractures.

Methods

We studied 689 Italian women aged 60 years or over with a recent low trauma hip fracture and for whom an adequate X-ray evaluation of spine was available. All radiographs were examined centrally for the presence of any vertebral deformities and radiological morphometry was performed. The SDI, which integrates both the number and the severity of fractures, was also calculated.

Results

Prevalent vertebral fractures were present in 55.7 % of subjects and 95 women (13.7 %) had at least one severe fracture. The women with trochanteric hip fracture showed higher SDI and higher prevalence of diabetes with respect to those with cervical hip fracture, p?=?0.017 and p?=?0.001, respectively. SDI, surgical menopause, family history of fragility fracture, and type2 diabetes mellitus were independently associated with the risk of trochanteric hip fracture. Moreover, a higher SDI was associated with a higher percentage of post-surgery complications (p?=?0.05) and slower recovery (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the burden of prevalent vertebral fractures is more strictly associated with the trochanteric than the cervical localisation of hip fracture and that elevated values of SDI negatively influence short term functional outcomes in women with hip fracture.     

Analysis of predisposing factors in elderly people with Type II odontoid fracture

Background contextType II odontoid fracture is the most frequent individual fracture in elderly people. An older person usually sustains a Type II odontoid fracture in a fall from standing or a seated height. A relationship between osteoarthritis in the upper cervical spine and Type II odontoid fracture has been reported. However, to our knowledge, few reports have investigated statistically whether disproportionate degeneration between joints influences the susceptibility to fracture.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess predisposition to Type II odontoid fracture in the elderly.Study designRetrospective review of elderly patients sustained Type II odontoid fracture and other axis fractures.Patient sampleThirty-eight patients aged 65 years and older with axis fractures.Outcome measuresEvaluation of computed tomography findings by focusing on osteoporosis and the disproportion in degeneration between each of the upper cervical joints (atlantooccipital, atlantoodontoid, and lateral atlantoaxial joints).MethodsSeventeen patients had a Type II odontoid fracture, and 21 patients had other axis fractures. Using the computed tomography findings, we classified osteoporosis at the dens-body junction and the severity of degenerative changes in the atlantoodontoid, atlantooccipital, and lateral atlantoaxial joints as none, mild, moderate, or severe. The proportion of patients with moderate or severe osteoporosis and degenerative changes in each joint and that of patients with disproportionate degenerative changes between joints (difference in grade of ≥2 levels between joints) were compared statistically. The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in this study or the findings specified in this article.ResultsPatients with osteoporosis and with disproportionate degenerative changes between the atlantoodontoid and lateral atlantoaxial joints were significantly more likely to have a Type II odontoid fracture than other axis fractures. These two factors were also assessed in multivariate logistic analysis. The disproportionate degenerative change between the atlantoodontoid and lateral atlantoaxial joint remained significant, even after adjusting for osteoporosis.ConclusionsOlder patients with the dens fixed to the atlas because of degeneration of the atlantoodontoid joint and a smooth lateral atlantoaxial joint seem to sustain Type II odontoid fractures because, during a simple fall, the rotation of the head produces torque force on the osteoporotic dens-body junction, which acts as the rotatory center. The presence of the disproportionate osteoarthritic degeneration between the atlantoodontoid and lateral atlantoaxial joints predisposes older people to a Type II odontoid fracture.