ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment strategies of delayed spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by atypical compression of old thoracolumbar fracture.MethodsBetween January 2011 and June 2018, 32 patients with delayed SCI caused by atypical compression of old thoracolumbar fracture who met the inclusion criteria were admitted and divided into group A (20 cases, underwent anterior subtotal vertebral body resection+titanium mesh reconstruction+screw rod internal fixation) and group B (12 cases, underwent posterior 270° ring decompression of vertebral canal+titanium mesh reconstruction+screw rod internal fixation) according to the different operation approaches. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, cause of injury, fracture segment, disease duration, preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification, and preoperative back pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, kyphosis angle, and vertebral canal occupational ratio (P>0.05). The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and bone fusion time of reconstructed vertebrae were recorded and compared between the two groups; the kyphosis angle, back pain VAS score, and lumbar JOA score were used to evaluate the effectiveness.ResultsExcept that the incision length in group A was significantly shorter than that in group B (t=?4.865, P=0.000), there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and operation time between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no deaths or postoperative paraplegia cases in the two groups, and no deep infection or skin infection occurred. There was 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 case of inferior vena cava injury, and 1 case of chyle leakage in group A. No serious complications occurred in group B. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P=0.274). All 32 patients were followed up 12-61 months, with an average of 20.8 months. The follow-up time for groups A and B were (19.35±5.30) months and (23.25±12.20) months respectively, and the difference was not significant (t=?1.255, P=0.219). The reconstructed vertebrae in all cases obtained bony fusion postoperatively. The fusion time of groups A and B were (8.85±2.27) months and (8.50±2.50) months respectively, and the difference was not significant (t=0.406, P=0.688). The kyphosis angle, back pain VAS score, and lumbar JOA score of the two groups at each time point after operation and last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperatively (P<0.05); the lumbar JOA score was further improved with time postoperatively (P<0.05), while the kyphosis angle and the VAS score of back pain remained similarly (P>0.05). Comparison of kyphosis angle, back pain VAS score, and lumbar JOA score between the two groups at various time points postoperatively showed no significant difference (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the JOA score improvement rate in groups A and B were 83.87%±0.20% and 84.50%±0.14%, respectively, and the difference was not significant (t=–0.109, P=0.914); the surgical treatment effects of the two groups were judged to be significant.ConclusionIn the later stage of treatment of old thoracolumbar fractures, even mild kyphosis and spinal canal occupying may induce delayed SCI. Surgical correction and decompression can significantly promote the recovery of damaged spinal cord function. Compared with anterior approach surgery, posterior approach surgery has the advantages of less trauma, convenient operation, and fewer complications, so it can be preferred.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of transvertebral space and under the pedicle osteotomy for thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods The clinical data of 11 patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old OVCF treated by transvertebral space and under the pedicle osteotomy between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 2 males and 9 females, with an average age of 61.3 years (range, 50-77 years) and with a median disease duration of 8 years (range, 6 months to 50 years). Fracture reasons: 9 cases had a clear history of trauma, and 2 cases had no obvious incentive. A total of 11 vertebrae was involved in fracture, including T12 in 3, L1 in 7, L2 in 1. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and complications were recorded. Full-length X-ray films of spine and local X-ray films of the operation area were examined before operation, at 7 days after operation, and at last follow-up. The Cobb angle of thoracolumbar kyphosis was measured, and the correction rate was calculated. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded to assess patients’ pain and functional improvement before operation, at 1 month after operation, and at last follow-up. Results All operations were successfully completed. The average operation time was 188.6 minutes (range, 140-215 minutes); the average intraoperative blood loss was 268.2 mL (range, 100-500 mL); the average postoperative drainage volume was 615.5 mL (range, 160-1 500 mL). One patient developed bilateral thigh rebound pain after operation, which relieved after symptomatic treatment of nutritional nerve and acesodyne. All patients were followed up 14.7 months on average (range, 6-56 months). At last follow-up, osseous fusion was observed in all patients, and no fracture, loose, or displacement of internal fixator was observed on imaging. At 7 days after operation and at last follow-up, the Cobb angle of thoracolumbar kyphosis significantly improved when compared with preoperative one (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between at 7 days after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05); the correction rates of Cobb angle at 7 days after operation and at last follow-up were 68.0%±9.8% and 60.3%±11.9%, respectively. At 1 month after operation and at last follow-up, the VAS score and ODI significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones, and further improved at last follow-up when compared with those at 1 month after operation, all showing significant differences (P<0.05). ConclusionTransvertebral space and under the pedicle osteotomy is an effective way to treat thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old OVCF with less trauma, shorter operation time, and less intraoperative blood loss. Patients can obtain good orthopedic results and quality of life.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of posterior single-level osteotomy with 360° release and correction for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) complicated with moderate to severe kyphosis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 patients with OVCF complicated with moderate to severe kyphosis between January 2022 and March 2023. There were 4 males and 7 females with an average age of 57 years ranging from 47 to 69 years. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 15 months, with an average of 7 months. Fracture segments included T11 in 3 cases, T12 in 5, L1 in 2, and L2 in 1. The T value of lumbar spine bone density was ?5.0 to ?2.0, with an average of ?3.5. The preoperative neurological function was grade E according to Frankel grading. The Pfirrmann classification of the intervertebral disc above the injured vertebra was grade Ⅲ in 8 cases and grade Ⅳ in 3 cases. All patients underwent posterior single-level osteotomy with 360° release and correction. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative complications were recorded. Thoracolumbar local kyphosis Cobb angle, the mean height of the functional spinal unit (FSU), the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and the sagittal index (SI) were measured. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the improvement of pain and function before operation, at 1 month after operation, and at last follow-up. Results The operation successfully completed in all patients, and there was no obvious complications. The operation time ranged from 100 to 190 minutes, with an average of 153 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 200 to 800 mL, with an average of 468 mL. The length of hospital stay was 8-14 days (mean, 12 days). All patients were followed up 6-24 months, with an average of 12.4 months. At last follow-up, all the 11 patients had bony fusion in the osteotomy area, and there was no displacement or subsidence of the Cage, no complication such as internal fixation failure and pseudarthrosis formation was found. The Cobb angle of local thoracolumbar kyphosis, the mean height of FSU, SVA, and SI significantly improved immediately after operation and at last follow-up, and the VAS score and ODI also significantly improved at 1 month after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two time points after operation (P>0.05). Conclusion Posterior single-level osteotomy with 360° release and correction is an effective surgical method for treating OVCF complicated with moderate to severe kyphosis, with definite early effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screw combined with multiple level Schwab grade Ⅰ osteotomy for chronic thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures with kyphosis.MethodsThe clinical data of 27 patients with symptomatic chronic thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures combined with kyphosis treated between June 2015 and June 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Among them, there were 8 males and 19 females, with an average age of 69.5 years (range, 56-81 years). The damage segment (kyphosis vertex) included T11 in 4 cases, T12 in 12 cases, L1 in 10 cases, and L2 in 1 case. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 21 months, with an average of 12.5 months. The T value of lumbar vertebral bone mineral density ranged from ?4.9 to ?2.5, with an average value of ?3.61. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification was used to evaluate spinal cord injury, there were 1 case of grade D and 26 cases of grade E. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), kyphosis Cobb angle of fracture site, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) data were obtained before operation, at 2 weeks after operation, 3 months after operation, and last follow-up, to evaluate the quality of life and improvement of sagittal spine parameters.ResultsNo complications related to pedicle screw and bone cement occurred. The incisions healed by first intention in 26 cases, and 1 incision healed after dressing change due to poor blood glucose control. There were no complications such as bedsore, hypostatic pneumonia, or deep venous thrombosis. All patients were followed up 8-24 months, with an average of 16.6 months. The VAS score, ODI score, Cobb angle, and SVA were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Cobb angle between each time point after operation (P>0.05); the VAS score and ODI score at 3 months after operation and last follow-up were significantly better than those at 2 weeks after operation (P<0.05), and the ODI score at last follow-up was further improved when compared with the score at 3 months (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in VAS score (P>0.05); SVA at last follow-up was significantly worse than that at 2 weeks and 3 months after operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between at 2 weeks and 3 months after operation (P>0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no complication such as pedicle screw loosening, breakage or cutting, adjacent vertebral fracture, proximal junctional kyphosis, and so on.ConclusionFor the chronic thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures combined with kyphosis, the cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screw and multiple level Schwab grade Ⅰ osteotomy has the advantages of less operation trauma, quick recovery, and remarkable effectiveness.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of using pedical screw at the fracture level, intervertebral distraction, and Cage insertion by posterior approach to treat thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old fracture. Methods Between June 2008 and June 2010, 15 cases of thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old fracture were treated with pedical screw at the fracture level, intervertebral distraction, and Cage insertion by posterior approach. There were 9 males and 6 females with a mean age of 54.6 years (range, 39-65 years). The disease duration was 5 months to 3 years with an average of 1.5 years. Fractured segments included T11 in 1 case, T12 in 4 cases, L1 in 5 cases, and L2 in 5 cases. Ten patients had nerve symptom, according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, 3 cases were classified as grade B, 4 cases as grade C, and 3 cases as grade D, of which 3 cases had sexual and sphincter dysfunction. At preoperation, the Cobb angle was (47.4 ± 10.2)°; the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was 67.9% ± 6.9%; and the visual analogue scale (VSA) was 8.6 ± 1.4. Results The wounds obtained primary healing. The mean follow-up time was 28 months (range, 13-60 months). X-ray films showed intervertebral bone fusion was obtained within 6-11 months (mean, 10.2 months). No fixation loosening or breaking occurred during follow-up. Kyphosis was corrected, and lumbar back pain was relieved. At 1 year after operation, Cobb angle was significantly corrected to (13.3 ± 7.7)° (t=72.80, P=0.00); ODI score was significantly improved to 25.2% ± 4.6% (t=48.04, P=0.00); VAS score was significantly decreased to 2.3 ± 0.6 (t=26.52, P=0.00). According to ASIA grading in 10 patients with spinal cord injury, the spinal cord function was improved by 1 grade in 8 cases (3 cases from grade B to C, 3 cases from grade C to D, and 2 cases from grade D to E); 3 patients with sexual and sphincter dysfunction recovered in different degrees. Conclusion Using pedical screw at the fracture level, intervertebral distraction, and Cage insertion by posterior approach is an effective method to treat thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by old fracture.
ObjectiveTo introduce a self-designed adjustable operation frame and explore the feasibility and safety in the treatment of severe kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis with posterior osteotomy.MethodsBetween March 2016 and May 2018, 7 cases of severe kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis were treated with posterior osteotomy using self-designed adjustable operation frame with prone position. There were 5 males and 2 females with an average age of 49.4 years (range, 40-55 years). The disease duration was 10-21 years (mean, 16.7 years). The apical vertebrae of kyphosis were located at T11 in 2 cases, T12 in 1 case, L1 in 1 case, and L2 in 3 cases. Among the 7 cases, 2 were classified as typeⅠ, 4 as type ⅡB, and 1 as type ⅢA according to 301 classification system. There was no neurological deficit of all cases; but 1 case suffered bilateral hip joints ankylosed in non-functional position. The parameters of chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA), global kyphosis (GK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured; and the operation time, the intraoperative blood loss, and the complications were also collected and analyzed.ResultsAll operations completed successfully. The operation time was 310-545 minutes (mean, 409.7 minutes) and the intraoperative blood loss was 1 500-2 500 mL (mean, 1 642.9 mL). There were 2 cases treated with one-level osteotomy of sagittal translation, 1 case of radiculopathy symptom of L3, and 3 cases of tension of abdominal skin. All patients were followed up 20-35 months (mean, 27.9 months). There were significant differences in CBVA, GK, TLK, LL, and SVA between pre- and post-operation (P<0.05); but no significant difference between 1 week after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05). All the osteotomies and bone grafts fused well and no complications of loosening and breakage of internal fixator occurred during the follow-up.ConclusionIn the posterior osteotomy for correction of severe kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis, the self-designed adjustable operation frame is convenient for the patient to be placed in prone position. It is safe, feasible, and effective to perform osteotomy correction with the aid of the self-designed adjustable operation frame.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of trans-intervertebral space osteotomy (TIO) combined with cage implantation in treatment of old thoracolumbar compression fracture with kyphosis. Methods A clinical data of 59 patients with old thoracolumbar compression fracture and kyphosis, who met the selection criteria between January 2010 and August 2020, was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 20 cases underwent TIO combined with cage implantation (group A), 21 patients underwent TIO (group B), and 18 patients underwent pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO; group C). There was no significant difference in gender, age, time from injury to operation, fracture segment, and preoperative Cobb angle, average height of functional spinal unit (FSU), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were recorded. Imaging review was performed to observe the fusion of the bone graft. Cobb angle, average height of FSU, and SVA were measured. VAS score, JOA score, and ODI were used to evaluate the degree of low back pain and lumbar function. Frankel grading was used to evaluate neurological function. Results The operations of 3 groups were successfully completed. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly lower in groups A and B than in group C (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between group A and group B (P>0.05). All incisions healed by first intention. Patients in all groups were followed up 23-27 months, with an average of 24.8 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up time between groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, VAS score, JOA score, ODI, and SVA of 3 groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the differences of pre- and post-operation between groups (P>0.05). The neurological function grading of 3 groups was Frankel grade E. The Cobb angle and the average height of FSU in 3 groups at immediate and last follow-up significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between immediately after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05). And there were significant differences in above indexes between groups at each time point (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the osteotomy site fused without internal fixation failure or pseudarthrosis formation were observed in 3 groups. ConclusionFor patients with old thoracolumbar compression fractures with kyphosis, the effectiveness of TIO combined with cage implantation is satisfactory. Compared with TIO and PSO, it can obtain more deformity correction degree and less invasive.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of limited middle and posterior column osteotomy via transvertebral space approach in treatment of old thoracolumbar compression fracture.MethodsA clinical data of 47 patients with old thoracolumbar compression fractures, who met the selection criteria between January 2010 and March 2018, was retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-five patients (group A) underwent the limited middle and posterior column osteotomy via transvertebral space approach, and 22 patients (group B) underwent the pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, fracture segment, and preoperative Cobb angle, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications, as well as postoperative Cobb angle, SVA, VAS score, JOA score, ODI and the differences of all indexes between pre- and post-operation were recorded and compared between the two groups. The neurological function was evaluated by Frankel scale.ResultsThe operations of both groups were successfully completed. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were significant lower than those in group B (P<0.05). All incisions healed by first intetion. All patients were followed up 23-27 months (mean, 24.2 months) in group A and 24-28 months (mean, 24.8 months) in group B. At last follow-up, the VAS score, JOA score, ODI, Cobb angle, and SVA of the two groups were compared with those before operation, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the indexes at last follow-up and the difference between pre- and post-operation. The lower extremity neurological symptoms (Frankel grade D) in 3 patients of group A before operation relieved (Frankel grade E) at last follow-up. The other patients were Frankel grade E. At last follow-up, CT showed bony fusion in the grafted area without any complications such as failure of internal fixation or pseudarthrosis.ConclusionFor patients with old thoracolumbar compression fractures, the limited middle and posterior column osteotomy via transvertebral space approach has a satisfactory effectiveness. Compared with PSO, it can reduce surgical trauma on the basis of achieving the same degree of deformity correction.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod for thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis.MethodsBetween April 2013 and August 2016, 20 cases of thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis were treated with SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod. All the patients were females, aged 49-71 years (mean, 54.8 years). The disease duration was 6-28 months with an average of 14 months. The T value of bone density was –4.4 to –1.8 (mean, –2.8). The preoperative Cobb angle was (43.0±11.3)°. The vertebral compression fracture segment was T12 in 9 cases, L1 in 8 cases, and L2 in 3 cases. Preoperative spinal cord function was evaluated by Frankel classification; there were 5 cases of grade D and 15 cases of grade E. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complication were recorded. The Cobb angle for kyphosis and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were recorded beforeoperation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation and at last follow-up, and the evaluation indicators included pain degree, daily life self-care ability, extracting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social activities, and traveling.ResultsThe operation time was 180-314 minutes (mean, 226 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 390-1 800 mL (mean, 750 mL). All the incisions healed by first intension without incision infection. Twenty patients were followed up 24-52 months, with an average of 30.9 months. During the follow-up period, no significant complication such as correction loss, nail breakage, rod breakage, pseudoarthrosis formation, or proximal and distal junctional kyphosis occurred. All patients were able to walk upright after operation, and the pain relieved significantly at 6 months after operation. Bone fusion achieved at 12 months after operation. The Frankel grade of nerve function improved from grade D to grade E at last follow-up in 5 patients with nerve damage before operation. At last follow-up, the indicator scores of ODI significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05). Cobb angle significantly improved at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05) when compared with preoperative one, but there was no significant difference in the Cobb angles between 3 months after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in SVA between pre- and post-operation (P>0.05).ConclusionSRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod for thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis is effective in achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes, as well as maintaining correction of kyphosis.
Objective To investigate the effect of the sequence of intermediate instrumentation with long screws and distraction-reduction on mild to moderate thoracolumbar fractures treated by posterior open and short-segmental fixation. MethodsThe clinical data of 68 patients with mild to moderate thoracolumbar burst fractures who met the selection criteria between January 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into group ISDRF (intermediate screws then distraction-reduction fixation, 32 cases) and group DRISF (distraction-reduction then intermediate screws fixation, 36 cases) according to the different operation methods. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, body mass index, fracture segment, cause of injury, and preoperative load-sharing classification score, thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score, vertebral canal occupational rate, back pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, anterior height of fractured vertebra, and Cobb angle (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared between the two groups. The vertebral canal occupational rate, anterior height of fractured vertebra, kyphosis Cobb angle, and back pain VAS score before and after operation were used to evaluate the effectiveness. Results There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and operation time between the two groups (P>0.05). No vascular or spinal nerve injury and deep infections or skin infections occurred in both groups. At 1 week after operation, the vertebral canal occupational rate in the two groups was significantly improved when compared with that before operation (P<0.05), no significant difference was found in the difference of vertebral canal occupational rate before and after operation and improvement between the two groups (P>0.05). The patients in both groups were followed up 18-24 months, with an average of 22.3 months. All vertebral fractures reached bone union at 6 months postoperatively. At last follow-up, there was no internal fixation failures such as broken screws, broken rods or loose screws, but there were 2 cases of mild back pain in the ISDRF group. The intra-group comparison showed that the back pain VAS score, the anterior height of fractured vertebra, and the Cobb angle of the two groups were significantly improved at each time point postoperatively (P<0.05); the VAS scores at 12 months postoperatively and last follow-up were also improved when compared with that at 1 week postoperatively (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the anterior height of fractured vertebra in the ISDRF group was significantly lost when compared with that at 1 week and 12 months postoperatively (P<0.05), the Cobb angle had a significant loss when compared with that at 1 week postoperatively (P<0.05); the anterior height of fractured vertebra and Cobb angle in DRISF group were not significantly lost when compared with that at 1 week and 12 months postoperatively (P>0.05). The comparison between groups showed that there was no significant difference in the remission rate of VAS score between the two groups at 1 week postoperatively (P>0.05), the recovery value of the anterior height of fractured vertebra in ISDRF group was significantly higher than that in DRISF group (P<0.05), the loss rate at last follow-up was also significantly higher (P<0.05); the correction rate of Cobb angle in ISDRF group was significantly higher than that in DRISF group at 1 week postoperatively (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the loss rate of Cobb angle between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). ConclusionIn the treatment of mild to moderate thoracolumbar burst fractures with posterior short-segment fixation, the instrumentation of long screws in the injured vertebrae does not affect the reduction of the fracture fragments in the spinal canal. DRISF can better maintain the restored anterior height of the fractured vertebra and reduce the loss of kyphosis Cobb angle during the follow-up, indicating a better long-term effectiveness.