Long-term investigation of nonsurgical treatment for thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures: an outcome analysis in sight of spinopelvic balance

Posterior segmental fixation for thoraco-lumbar and lumbar fractures: a comparative outcome study between open and percutaneous techniques

PURPOSE

Showing results of open and percutaneous surgical management of traumatic AO type A3, A4 and B2 thoracic and lumbar fractures.

METHODS

Retrospective comparative analysis of traditional open fusion versus percutaneous navigated fixation of thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures. Minimum 24 months follow-up to collect ODI and VAS outcome scores for comparative analysis was required.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients with a mean age of 39 years met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients were in the open group (Group O) and 31 in the percutaneous group (Group P). The majority of fractures were either type A3 or A4; there were three type B chance fractures in Group O and one in Group P. VAS and ODI scores followed comparable trends in the two groups until the final follow-up. The main statistically significant result between the two groups was blood loss, which was lower in Group P (110 versus 270 ml in Group O on average), although this did not reflect into different clinical outcomes. Similar peri-operative measures of operating time and length of stay were found between the two groups. A significantly higher degree of loss of reduction was noted at follow-up in Group P (8° versus 5° in Group O on average).

CONCLUSIONS

Open and percutaneous posterior fixation techniques of thoracic and lumbar fractures in this cohort were associated with different perioperative blood losses as well as radiological measurements, but not with clinically meaningful differences in patient reported outcome measures at 24 months' follow-up.

Return to Play Criteria After Adult Lumbar Spinal Fractures: A Review of Current Literature and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Understanding the management of lumbar spinal fractures and return to play (RTP) criteria is an essential component of care for adult athletes. Appropriate management of lumbar spinal fractures must balance minimizing time away from physical activity while also minimizing risk of reinjury. The purpose of this review is to summarize current recommendations on lumbar spinal fracture management and RTP guidelines and to provide expert opinion on areas of discrepancy in the field.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a paucity of high-level evidence on the management and return to play criteria for adult lumbar spine fractures in athletes. Much of the data and recommendations are based on expert opinion and studies in pediatric or osteoporotic patients, which may not be applicable to adult athletes. These data presented here may be used to aid patient-physician conversations and provide guidance on expectations for patients, coaches, and athletic trainers. In general, we recommend that patients be free of lumbar pain, neurologically intact, and have full strength and motion of the lumbar spine and lower extremities before returning to play. Adequate protective equipment is recommended to be worn at all times during practice and play.

Spinal Cord Alignment in Patients with Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture

Objective  To evaluate the spinopelvic alignment in patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture (TBF) without neurological deficit treated nonsurgically and surgically in a tertiary reference trauma hospital. Method  Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with single level, type A3 and A4 AOSpine TBF only of the thoracolumbar region. Analysis of clinical data, low back pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]), Denis Pain Scale, quality of life (SF-36), sagittal (TC, TLC, LL, SVA) and spinopelvic (IP, PV, SI, PI-LL) radiographic parameters of patients treated surgically and nonsurgically. Results A total of 50 individuals with an average age of 50 years old with a mean follow-up of 109 months (minimum of 19 and maximum of 306 months) were evaluated. There was a significant difference between treatments for the Denis Work Scale ( p  = 0.046) in favor of nonsurgical treatment. There was no significant difference between the treatments for lower back pain VAS and Denis Pain Scale ( p  = 0.468 and p  = 0.623). There was no significant difference between treatments in any of the domains evaluated with the SF-36 ( p  > 0.05). Radiographic parameters were not different between the analyzed groups; however, all radiographic parameters showed significant difference between the population considered asymptomatic, except for pelvic incidence ( p  < 0.005). Conclusions  The spinopelvic alignment was normal in patients with TBF without neurological deficit treated nonsurgically and surgically after a minimum follow-up of 19 months. However, they presented a higher mean pelvic version and discrepancy between lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence when compared with the reference values of the Brazilian population.

Immediate standing X-ray predicts the final vertebral collapse in elderly patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture

OBJECTIVE

To see if, in elderly patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fracture, standing X-rays with orthoses 24-48h after admission can predict vertebral collapse after consolidation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective cohort study endorsed by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

age >65 years, acute thoracolumbar junction fracture due to fall, hospital admission, treatment with orthesis.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

various levels, suspected malignancy, non-immediate fracture or atraumatic.

VARIABLES

Farcy index (F), regional kyphosis (C: Cobb from cranial to caudal to broken vertebra) - both measured at admission (F0 and C0), at 24-48h in standing position with orthesis (F1 and C1) and 3 months, without brace (F2 and C2), collapse (increase from F0 to F1 -F0F1- and from F1 to F2 -F1F2-; as well as from C0 to C1 -C0C1- and from C1 to C2 -C1C2-), age and gender.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

R package.

RESULTS

Series of 40 patients, with a mean age of 75 years (66-87). Nine men and 31 women. Neither gender nor age were correlated with any variable. Six required surgery at follow-up. There were no differences in F1, C1, F0F1 or C0C1 between the six patients who required surgery and the other 34. Subsequently, data analysis was performed only for those patients who did not require surgery. The values obtained in the Farcy index were 8°+7° (F0), 12°+7° (F1) and 15°+8° (F2) and in kyphosis (three vertebrae, Cobb) they were: C0=8°+13°; C1=11.5°+14° and C2=13°+13°. There was a correlation of F2 with F0 and F1 (p<.001), with F0F1 (p=.038) and F1F2 (p=.007). The most powerful was with F1 (Rho Spearman=.889 (95% CI=.776-.947), with a Linear Regression line: F2=2.61288+F1×1.01237 (R²=.79). C2 was correlated with C0 and C1 (p<.001), especially with C1 (Rho Spearman=.952, 95% CI=.899-.977). Linear regression: C2=2.23371+C1×0.93758 (R²=.927).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate standing collapse predicts alignment at consolidation (3 months). It is therefore advisable to perform that radiography in the follow-up protocol.

[Translated article] Immediate standing X-ray predicts the final vertebral collapse in elderly patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture

OBJECTIVE

To see if, in elderly patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fracture, standing X-rays with orthoses 24-48h after admission can predict vertebral collapse after consolidation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective cohort study endorsed by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

age >65 years, acute thoracolumbar junction fracture due to fall, hospital admission, treatment with orthesis.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

various levels, suspected malignancy, non-immediate fracture or atraumatic.

VARIABLES

Farcy index (F), regional kyphosis (C: Cobb from cranial to caudal to broken vertebra) - both measured at admission (F0 and C0), at 24-48h in standing position with orthesis (F1 and C1) and 3 months, without brace (F2 and C2), collapse (increase from F0 to F1 -F0F1- and from F1 to F2 -F1F2-; as well as from C0 to C1 -C0C1- and from C1 to C2 -C1C2-), age and gender.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

R package.

RESULTS

Series of 40 patients, with a mean age of 75 years (66-87). Nine men and 31 women. Neither gender nor age were correlated with any variable. Six required surgery at follow-up. There were no differences in F1, C1, F0F1 or C0C1 between the six patients who required surgery and the other 34. Subsequently, data analysis was performed only for those patients who did not require surgery. The values obtained in the Farcy index were 8°+7° (F0), 12°+7° (F1) and 15°+8° (F2) and in kyphosis (three vertebrae, Cobb) they were: C0=8°+13°; C1=11.5°+14° and C2=13°+13°. There was a correlation of F2 with F0 and F1 (p<.001), with F0F1 (p=.038) and F1F2 (p=.007). The most powerful was with F1 (Rho Spearman=.889, 95% CI=.776-.947), with a linear regression line: F2=2.61288+F1×1.01237 (R²=.79). C2 was correlated with C0 and C1 (p<.001), especially with C1 (Rho Spearman=.952, 95% CI=.899-.977). Linear regression: C2=2.23371+C1×0.93758 (R²=.927).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate standing collapse predicts alignment at consolidation (3 months). It is therefore advisable to perform that radiography in the follow-up protocol.

Outcome of Long-Segment Fixation versus Inclusion of the Fractured Level in Short-Segment Fixation for Thoracolumbar Junction Fractures

Objective  The aim of this study was to compare the radiological outcomes of long-segment fixation and short-segment fixation, including the fracture level in patients treated for thoracolumbar junction fractures.

Methods  Data collected from records of patients with thoracolumbar junction fractures who were operated at our department. Neurological evaluation was done using American Spinal Injury Association classification score. Radiological parameters used were the Cobb's angle, vertebral body compression ratio, the anteroposterior spinal canal diameter, and the anterior and the posterior vertebral body heights. Patients were divided into two groups: group A included patients who underwent long-segment fixation and group B included patients who underwent short-segment fixation with inclusion of the fracture level.

Results  The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 22.51 degrees in group A and 19.37 degrees in group B. Both groups showed improvement in the postoperative Cobb angle as the mean in group A was 14.17 degrees and in group B was 11.77 degrees. The mean preoperative compression ratio in group A was 82.8%, while in group B it was 76%. The postoperative mean in group A was 89.2%, while in group B, it was 84%. The mean preoperative anterior vertebral body height of the fractured vertebra in group A was 16.7 mm, while in group B, it was 15.18 mm. The mean preoperative posterior vertebral body height in group A was 16.33 mm and that of group B was 19.41 mm. The mean postoperative anterior vertebral body height in group A was 17.66 mm and that of group B was 17.10 mm. The mean postoperative posterior vertebral body height in group A was 17.11 mm and that of group B was 20.79 mm.

Conclusion  Posterior short-segment fixation with additional screws at the fracture level provides similar—if not better—clinical and radiological outcomes to long-segment fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar junction fractures.

Inclusion of the fractured level into the construct of short segment fixation in patients with thoracolumbar fractures: clinical and radiological outcome

Background

Thoracolumbar fractures represent a widespread injuries that can cause significant disability and strain the healthcare system. Different surgical approaches are described in the literature. This study was conducted to evaluate the fractured level inclusion in short-segment fixation of thoracolumbar junction spine fractures.

Results

Preoperative neurological deficit was reported in seven patients ranging from ASIA grade C to D. All of these patients improved to grade E by the end of the follow-up period, except for one patient who improved from grade C to D. The mean Oswestry Disability Index was 19.87%. The mean postoperative Cobb angle was 11.77° which significantly improved compared to a preoperative value of 19.37°. There was a significant improvement in the postoperative anterior and posterior vertebral body height compared to the preoperative values. The vertebral body compression ratio significantly improved during the postoperative period to a mean of 84% compared to 76% preoperative.

Conclusions

There was significant improvement of the postoperative values of the mean Cobb angle, the anterior and the posterior vertebral body height as well as the vertebral body compression ratio compared to the preoperative values.

The Current Status of Spinal Posttraumatic Deformity: A Systematic Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically analyze the definitions and descriptions in literature of "Spinal Posttraumatic Deformity" (SPTD) in order to support the development of a uniform and comprehensive definition of clinically relevant SPTD.

METHODS

A literature search in 11 international databases was performed using "deformity" AND "posttraumatic" and its synonyms. When an original definition or a description of SPTD (Patient factors, Radiological outcomes, Patient Reported Outcome Measurements and Surgical indication) was present the article was included. The retrieved articles were assessed for methodological quality and the presented data was extracted.

RESULTS

46 articles met the inclusion criteria. "Symptomatic SPTD" was mentioned multiple times as an entity, however any description of "symptomatic SPTD" was not found. Pain was mentioned as a key factor in SPTD. Other patient related parameters were (progression of) neurological deficit, bone quality, age, comorbidities and functional disability. Various ways were used to determine the amount of deformity on radiographs. The amount of deformity ranged from not deviant for normal to >30°. Sagittal balance and spinopelvic parameters such as the Pelvic Incidence, Pelvic Tilt and Sacral Slope were taken into account and were used as surgical indicators and preoperative planning. The Visual Analog Scale for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index were used mostly to evaluate surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

A clear-cut definition or consensus is not available in the literature about clinically relevant SPTD. Our research acts as the basis for international efforts for the development of a definition of SPTD.

Surgical Management of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Surgical Decision-making Using the AOSpine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification Score and Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score

The management of thoracolumbar burst fractures is controversial with no universally accepted treatment algorithm. Several classification and scoring systems have been developed to assist in surgical decision-making. The most widely accepted are the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) and AOSpine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification Score (TL AOSIS) with both systems designed to provide a simple objective scoring criteria to guide the surgical or nonsurgical management of complex injury patterns. When used in the evaluation and treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures, both of these systems result in safe and consistent patient care. However, there are important differences between the 2 systems, specifically in the evaluation of the complete burst fractures (AOSIS A4) and patients with transient neurological deficits (AOSIS N1). In these circumstances, the AOSpine system may more accurately capture and characterize injury severity, providing the most refined guidance for optimal treatment. With respect to surgical approach, these systems provide a framework for decision-making based on patient neurology and the status of the posterior tension band. Here we propose an operative treatment algorithm based on these fracture characteristics as well as the level of injury.

Multi-Level Vertebroplasty for 6 or More Painful Osteoporotic Vertebral Body Compression Fractures Performed in the Same Procedural Setting: A Safety and Efficacy Report in Cancer Patients

PURPOSE

To assess safety and efficacy of multi-level vertebroplasty, when treating 6 or more levels in the same procedural setting for the management of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (oVCF) in cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single institution retrospective review from 2015 to 2019 of patients treated for multi-level oVCF in a single session procedural setting by vertebroplasty of 6 or more levels. Procedure outcomes collected included procedural complications, pre- and 4 week post-procedure pain score by numeric rating scale, opioid usage, and vertebral height changes.

RESULTS

In total, 197 vertebral levels were treated in 24 procedures (mean 8.2 ± 1.8 levels). Mean procedure duration was 167 + / - 41 min, and mean postoperative hospitalization duration was 2.1 + / - 1.9 days. Four grade I or II complications occurred according to CIRSE classification. Two patients had a symptomatic pulmonary cement embolism; although there was no statistical difference between pre- and postoperative mean blood saturation (95.9 + / - 1.7% and 94.8 + / - 2.0%, respectively, p = 0.066). Pain score significantly improved after treatment (6.5 ± 1.3 vs 3.2 + / - 1.4, p < 0.0001) with a mean decrease of 3.3 (51%). Post-procedure daily opioid use also significantly improved (mean 35.8 + / - 36.8 mg/24 h vs 18.5 + / - 27.8 mg/24 h, p = 0.0089), with a mean decrease of 17.3 mg/24 h (48%). Refracture was found in 2 of 105 levels treated (1.9%), and no difference was found in thoraco-lumbar height and angulation. Five patients experienced new painful fractures at a non-treated level.

CONCLUSION

Multi-level vertebroplasty for 6 or more levels is a safe and effective treatment for the management of multi-level oVCF in cancer patients.

Preventive Vertebroplasty for Long-Term Consolidation of Vertebral Metastases

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the long-term consolidation of vertebral metastases (VM) after preventive vertebroplasty (PV) and to report risk factors of pathological fracture despite PV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Files of 100 consecutives cancer patients referred for PV of VM were retrospectively analyzed. We enumerated 215 VM at the time of the PV procedure (T0): 138 VM were considered at risk of pathological fracture and had PV (treated-VM), and 77 VM were not cemented. We compared the VM characteristics using the spine instability neoplastic score (SINS) at T0 and the rate of pathologic fracture between treated-VM and untreated-VM using Kaplan-Meier method. We analyzed risk factors of pathological fracture despite PV using treated-VM characteristics and quality of cement injection criteria.

RESULTS

Despite a lower SINS value at T0 (p < 0.001), the rate of pathological fracture was significantly higher among untreated-VM compared to the treated-VM, (log-rank, p < 0.001). Major risk factors of fracture among treated-VM were: SINS value ≥ 8 (p < 0.012), mechanical pain (p = 0.001), osteolytic lesion (p = 0.033), metastatic vertebral body involvement > 50% with no collapse (p < 0.001) and unilateral posterior involvement by the vertebral metastasis (p = 0.024), Saliou score < 9 (p = 0.008), vertebral metastasis filling with cement < 50% (p = 0.007) and the absence of cement's contact with vertebral endplates (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

PV is long-term effective for consolidation of VM and must be discussed at the early diagnosed. Quality of cement injection matters, suggesting that techniques that improve the quantity and the quality of cement diffusion into the VM must be developed.

Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation Techniques in Osteoporotic and Traumatic Fractures

Percutaneous vertebral augmentation/consolidation techniques are varied. These are vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and several methods with percutaneous introduction of an implant (associated or not with cement injection). They are proposed in painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures and traumatic fractures. The objectives are to consolidate the fracture and, if possible, to restore the height of the vertebral body to reduce vertebral and regional kyphosis. Stabilization of the fracture leads to a reduction in pain and thus restores the spinal support function as quickly as possible, which is particularly important in the elderly. The effectiveness of these interventions on fracture pain was challenged once by two randomized trials comparing vertebroplasty to a sham intervention. Since then, many other randomized studies in support of vertebroplasty efficacy have been published. International recommendations reserve vertebroplasty for medical treatment failures on pain, but earlier positioning may be debatable if the objective is to limit kyphotic deformity or even reexpand the vertebral body. Recent data suggest that in osteoporotic fracture, the degree of kyphosis reduction achieved by kyphoplasty and percutaneous implant techniques, compared with vertebroplasty, is not sufficient to justify the additional cost and the use of a somewhat longer and traumatic procedure. In young patients with acute traumatic fractures and a significant kyphotic angle, kyphoplasty and percutaneous implant techniques are preferred to vertebroplasty, as in these cases a deformity reduction has a significant positive impact on the clinical outcome.

Malunion of post-traumatic thoracolumbar fractures

Thoracolumbar malunion is the result of loss of correction, insufficient correction or even no correction (both in the frontal and sagittal planes) of a thoracolumbar fracture. The main causes are incorrect assessment of the fracture's complexity (burst fracture), its potential progression to kyphosis and associated disc or ligament damage. It can also be the result of a poorly conducted initial treatment. The types of malunion have changed over the years because of the introduction of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. The malunion can be well tolerated if there is only a moderate deformity. However, the functional and pain-related limitations can be severe with large deformities. Functional limitation is mainly related to sagittal imbalance, but also to sequelae associated with the injury in various ways (non-union, disc degeneration, spinal cord compression, syringomyelia, etc.). The deformity and its consequences are evaluated globally using full-body standing radiographs (EOS), CT scan and MRI. Comparison of MRI images taken in a lying position to weight bearing views or even dynamic ones is an additional means to evaluate whether the lesions are reducible. Differences in spine morphology and compensatory mechanisms to combat the sagittal imbalance induced by the deformity must also be analyzed. These provide more complete information about the consequences of the malunion and help to establish the best corrective strategy. These compensatory mechanisms consist of accentuation of lumbar lordosis along with reduction of thoracic kyphosis. As a last resort, the pelvis and femur contribute to this compensation when there is a large deformity or a stiff spine due to preexisting osteoarthritis. Treatment strategies are fairly well standardized. When the deformity is reducible, a two-stage surgery is indicated. When the deformity is not reducible, posterior transpedicular closed wedge osteotomy is the gold standard. Nevertheless, the best way to treat thoracolumbar malunion is to prevent it.

[Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for spinal trauma]

CLINICAL ISSUE

Minimally invasive treatment of spinal fractures.

STANDARD TREATMENT PROCEDURES

Conservative treatment versus spinal surgery.

TREATMENT INNOVATIONS

Minimally invasive stabilization techniques, such as percutaneous (assisted) cementoplasty have been introduced as new procedures.

DIAGNOSTIC WORK-UP

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X‑rays and computed tomography (CT) are the imaging techniques of first choice. The most important questions concern recent fractures, instability and indications for minimally invasive treatment.

PERFORMANCE

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are established methods for the treatment of patients with osteoporosis.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Cementoplasty techniques are promising treatment options for traumatic spinal injuries.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The application of the techniques should best be carried out in individual cases within the framework of prospective controlled studies.

Does Operative or Nonoperative Treatment Achieve Better Results in A3 and A4 Spinal Fractures Without Neurological Deficit?: Systematic Literature Review With Meta-Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic literature review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

Thoracolumbar (TL) fractures can be treated conservatively or surgically. Especially, the treatment strategy for incomplete and complete TL burst fractures (A3 and A4, AOSpine classification) in neurologically intact patients remains controversial. The aim of this work was to collate the clinical evidence on the respective treatment modalities.

METHODS

Searches were performed in PubMed and the Web of Science. Clinical and radiological outcome data were collected. For studies comparing operative with nonoperative treatment, the standardized mean differences (SMD) for disability and pain were calculated and methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed.

RESULTS

From 1929 initial matches, 12 were eligible. Four of these compared surgical with conservative treatment. A comparative analysis of radiological results was not possible due to a lack of uniform reporting. Differences in clinical outcomes at follow-up were small, both between studies and between treatment groups. The SMD was 0.00 (95% CI -0.072, 0.72) for disability and -0.05 (95% CI -0.91, 0.81) for pain. Methodological quality was high in most studies and no evidence of publication bias was revealed.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find differences in disability or pain outcomes between operative and nonoperative treatment of A3 and A4 TL fractures in neurologically intact patients. Notwithstanding, the available scores have been developed and validated for degenerative diseases; thus, their suitability in trauma may be questionable. Specific and uniform outcome parameters need to be defined and enforced for the evaluation of TL trauma.

Impact of Sagittal Balance on Clinical Outcomes in Surgically Treated T12 and L1 Burst Fractures: Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes after Posterior-Only and Combined Posteroanterior Treatment

Objective. Long-term radiological and clinical outcome retrospective study of surgical treatment for T12 and L1 burst fractures in perspective of sagittal balance measures. Methods. Patients with age of 16–60 years, complete radiographs, early surgical treatment surgery, and follow-up (F/U) > 18 months were included and strict exclusion criteria applied. Regional and thoracolumbar kyphosis angles (RKA and TLA) were measured preoperatively and at final F/U, as were parameters of the spinopelvic sagittal alignment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using validated measures. Results. 36 patients with age mean age of 39 years and F/U of 69 months were included. 61% of patients were treated with bisegmental posterior instrumentation (POST-I) and 39% with combined posteroanterior instrumented fusion (PA-F). At F/U, several indicators for clinical outcomes showed a significant correlation with radiographic measures in the overall cohort with inferior clinical outcomes corresponding with increasing residual deformity and sagittal malalignment. Statistical analysis failed to reach level of significance for the differences between POST-I and PA-F group at final F/U. Only a strong trend towards better restoration of the thoracolumbar alignment was observed for the PA-F group in terms of the RKA and TLA. Conclusions. Results in a surgically treated cohort of T12 and L1 burst fracture patients indicate that superior clinical outcomes depend on restoration of sagittal alignment.

Decision-Making Process in Patients with Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Burst Fractures with Thoracolumbar Injury Severity and Classification Score Less than Four

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

PURPOSE

To develop a strategy to determine a sound method for decision-making based on postoperative clinical outcome satisfaction.

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

The ideal management of thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures (TLBF) without neurological compromise remains controversial.

METHODS

This was a prospective study. Patients with thoracolumbar injury severity and classification score (TLICS) <4 were treated nonoperatively, with bed rest and bracing until the pain decreased sufficiently to allow mobilization. Surgery was undertaken in patients with intractable pain despite an appropriate nonoperative treatment (surgery group). The Oswestry disability index (ODI) measure was observed at baseline and at the last follow-up. Clinically success was defined at least a 30% improvement from the baseline ODI scores in both the conservative and surgery groups. All case records were assessed for gender, age, residual canal and angulations at the site of the fracture in order to determine which patients benefited from surgery or conservative treatment and which did not.

RESULTS

In all 113 patients with T11-L5, TLBFs were treated. The patients' mean age was 49.2 years. Patients successfully completed either nonoperative (n=99) or surgical (n=14) treatment based on ODI. Clinical examinations revealed that all of the patients had intact neurology. The mean follow-up period was 29.5 months. There was a significant difference between the two groups based on age and residual canal. The mean ODI score significantly improved for both groups (p <0.01). According to the findings, a decision matrix was proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings confirm that TLICS <4, age, and residual canal can be used to guide the treatment of TLBF in conservative decision-making.

Sagittal and Frontal Plane Evaluation of the Whole Spine and Clinical Outcomes after Vertebral Fractures

Although it is known that a change in any level of the spine alters biomechanics, there are not many studies to evaluate the spine as a whole in both sagittal and frontal planes. This prospective cohort study evaluates the morphology and mobility of the entire spine in patients with vertebral fractures. The Treatment Group consisted of 43 patients who underwent percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty or percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty plus fixation. The Control Group consisted of 39 healthy subjects. Spinal Mouse was used for the assessment of the curvatures and the mobility of the spine. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability Index. The measurements were recorded at 15 days and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Regarding the curvatures and mobility in sagittal plane, a statistically significant increase appeared early at 3 months, for lumbar curve, spinopelvic angulation, and overall trunk inclination. In the frontal plane, most of the improvements were recorded after 6 months. Patients with osteoporotic fracture showed statistically significant lower mean value than patients with traumatic fracture. Pain and disability index showed early improvements. This study provides a comprehensive and complete picture of the functionality of the spine in patients treated with percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty.

Implications of spinopelvic alignment for the spine surgeon

The relation of the pelvis to the spine has previously been overlooked as a contributor to sagittal balance. However, it is now recognized that spinopelvic alignment is important to maintain an energy-efficient posture in normal and disease states. The pelvis is characterized by an important anatomic landmark, the pelvic incidence (PI). The PI does not change after adolescence, and it directly influences pelvic alignment, including the parameters of pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS) (PI = PT 1 SS), overall sagittal spinal balance, and lumbar lordosis. In the setting of an elevated PI, the spineadapts with increased lumbar lordosis. To prevent or limit sagittal imbalance, the spine may also compensate with increased PT or pelvic retroversion to attempt to maintain anupright posture. Abnormal spinopelvic parameters contribute to multiple spinal conditions including isthmic spondylolysis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, deformity, and impact outcome after spinal fusion. Sagittal balance, pelvic incidence, and all spinopelvic parameters are easily and reliably measured on standing, full-spine (lateral) radiographs, and it is essential to accurately assess and measure these sagittal values to understand their potential role in the disease process, and to promote spinopelvic balance at surgery. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the implications of abnormal spinopelvic parameters and discuss surgical strategies for correction of sagittal balance. Additionally, the authors rate and critique the quality of the literature cited in a systematic review approach to give the reader an estimate of the veracity of the conclusions reached from these reports.

Evidence-based management of traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures: a systematic review of nonoperative management

OBJECT

The overall evidence for nonoperative management of patients with traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures is unknown. There is no agreement on the optimal method of conservative treatment. Recent randomized controlled trials that have compared nonoperative to operative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological deficits yielded conflicting results. By assessing the level of evidence on conservative management through validated methodologies, clinicians can assess the availability of critically appraised literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of evidence for the use of conservative management in traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the English literature over the past 20 years was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE). The inclusion criteria consisted of burst fractures resulting from a traumatic mechanism, and fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine. The exclusion criteria consisted of osteoporotic burst fractures, pathological burst fractures, and fractures located in the cervical spine. Of the studies meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, any study in which nonoperative treatment was used was included in this review.

RESULTS

One thousand ninety-eight abstracts were reviewed and 447 papers met inclusion/exclusion criteria, of which 45 were included in this review. In total, there were 2 Level-I, 7 Level-II, 9 Level-III, 25 Level-IV, and 2 Level-V studies. Of the 45 studies, 16 investigated conservative management techniques, 20 studies compared operative to nonoperative treatments, and 9 papers investigated the prognosis of conservative management.

CONCLUSIONS

There are 9 high-level studies (Levels I-II) that have investigated the conservative management of traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures. In neurologically intact patients, there is no superior conservative management technique over another as supported by a high level of evidence. The conservative technique can be based on patient and surgeon preference, comfort, and access to resources. A high level of evidence demonstrated similar functional outcomes with conservative management when compared with open surgical operative management in patients who were neurologically intact. The presence of a neurological deficit is not an absolute contraindication for conservative treatment as supported by a high level of evidence. However, the majority of the literature excluded patients with neurological deficits. More evidence is needed to further classify the appropriate burst fractures for conservative management to decrease variables that may impact the prognosis.

Percutaneous vertebral augmentation with polyethylene mesh and allograft bone for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures

Purpose. In cases of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures, percutaneous vertebral augmentation can be used in addition to posterior stabilisation. The use of an augmentation technique with a bone-filled polyethylene mesh as a stand-alone treatment for traumatic vertebral fractures has not yet been investigated. Methods. In this retrospective study, 17 patients with acute type A3.1 fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine underwent stand-alone augmentation with mesh and allograft bone and were followed up for one year using pain scales and sagittal endplate angles. Results. From before surgery to 12 months after surgery, pain and physical function improved significantly, as indicated by an improvement in the median VAS score and in the median pain and work scale scores. From before to immediately after surgery, all patients showed a significant improvement in mean mono- and bisegmental kyphoses. During the one-year period, there was a significant loss of correction. Conclusions. Based on this data a stand-alone approach with vertebral augmentation with polyethylene mesh and allograft bone is not a suitable therapy option for incomplete burst fractures for a young patient collective.

Expectations of recovery and functional outcomes following thoracolumbar trauma: an evidence-based medicine process to determine what surgeons should be telling their patients

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to define the expected functional and health-related quality of life outcomes following common thoracolumbar injuries on the basis of consensus expert opinion and the best available literature. Patient expectations are primarily determined by the information provided by health care professionals, and these expectations have been shown to influence outcome in various medical and surgical conditions. This paper presents Part 2 of a multiphase study designed to investigate the impact of patient expectations on outcomes following spinal injury. Part 1 demonstrated substantial variability in the information surgeons are communicating to patients. Defining the expected outcomes following thoracolumbar injury would allow further analysis of this relationship and enable surgeons to more accurately and consistently inform patients.

METHODS

Expert opinion was assembled by distributing questionnaires comprising 4 cases representative of common thoracolumbar injuries to members of the Spine Trauma Study Group (STSG). The 4 cases included a thoracolumbar junction burst fracture treated nonoperatively or with posterior transpedicular instrumentation, a low lumbar (L-4) burst fracture treated nonoperatively, and a thoracolumbar junction flexion-distraction injury managed with posterior fusion. For each case, 5 questions about expected outcomes were posed. The questions related to the proportion of patients who are pain free, the proportion who have regained full range of motion, and the patients' recreational activity restrictions and personal care and social life limitations, all at 1 year following injury, as well as the timing of return to work and length of hospital stay. Responses were analyzed and combined with the results of a systematic literature review on the same injuries to define the expected outcomes.

RESULTS

The literature review identified 38 appropriate studies that met the preset inclusion criteria. Published data were available for all injuries, but not all outcomes were available for each type of injury. The survey was completed by 31 (57%) of 53 surgeons representing 24 trauma centers across North America (15), Europe (5), India (1), Mexico (1), Japan (1) and Israel (1). Consensus expert opinion supplemented the available literature and was used exclusively when published data were lacking. For example, 1 year following cast or brace treatment of a thoracolumbar burst fracture, the expected outcomes include a 40% chance of being pain free, a 70% chance of regaining pre-injury range of motion, and an expected ability to participate in high-impact exercise and contact sport with no or minimal limitation. Consensus expert opinion predicts reemployment within 4-6 months. The length of inpatient stay averages 4-5 days.

CONCLUSIONS

This synthesis of the best available literature and consensus opinion of surgeons with extensive clinical experience in spine trauma reflects the optimal methodology for determining functional prognosis after thoracolumbar trauma. By providing consistent, accurate information surgeons will help patients develop realistic expectations and potentially optimize outcomes.

Does spinal alignment influence acetabular orientation: a study of spinopelvic variables and sagittal acetabular version

OBJECTIVE

Although hip alignment and spinal alignment have been studied individually, there is little information concerning the relationship between them. The questions addressed in this study are: (i) Is there a reproducible measure of sagittal plane acetabular orientation; (ii) Is sagittal plane acetabular orientation determined more by pelvic incidence (PI) or acetabular wall coverage?

METHODS

Data on patients who had undergone screening by CT scan of the pelvis for non-orthopedic indications from 2005-2010 were retrospectively studied. There were 164 patients of mean age 59 years (range, 27-87). Patients with pelvic trauma, hip arthroplasty or other hip pathology were excluded. Measurements of relevant acetabular and spinopelvic variables were made in the sagittal plane. The sacro-acetabular angle (SA) was defined as the angle between a tangent line to the anterior and posterior walls of the acetabulum and the S1 endplate. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine which factors contribute to SA angle.

RESULTS

The mean sacro-acetabular angle was 72° (SD = 14.8°). Center edge angles (CEAs) were measured at the anterior and posterior walls of the acetabulum. Mean anterior CEA was 69° (SD = 8.3°) and posterior CEA 107° (SD = 16.4°). Regression analysis revealed the largest significant predictors of SA angle were PI and A-CEA.

CONCLUSIONS

Sagittal acetabular orientation is related to spino-pelvic balance and morphological characteristics. Increased PI or posterior wall coverage corresponds to a more vertical acetabular orientation. Sagittal plane acetabular alignment may be an important variable in achieving favorable results after reconstruction.

Health-related quality-of-life outcomes after thoracic (T1-T10) fractures

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The thoracic spine exhibits a unique response to trauma as the result of recognized anatomical and biomechanical differences. Despite this response, clinical studies often group thoracic fractures (T1-T10) with more caudal thoracolumbar injuries. Subsequently, there is a paucity of literature on the functional outcomes of this distinct group of injuries.

PURPOSE

To describe and identify predictors of health-related quality-of-life outcomes and re-employment status in patients with thoracic fractures who present to a spine injury tertiary referral center.

STUDY DESIGN

An ambispective cohort study with cross-sectional outcome assessment.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A prospectively collected fully relational spine database was searched to identify all adult (>16 years) patients treated with traumatic thoracic (T1-T10) fractures with and without neurologic deficits, treated between 1995 and 2008.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The Short-Form-36, Oswestry Disability Index, and Prolo Economic Scale outcome instruments were completed at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Preoperative and minimum 1-year postinjury X-rays were evaluated.

METHOD

Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to identify predictors of outcomes from a range of demographic, injury, treatment, and radiographic variables.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-six patients, age 36±15 years (mean±SD), with 135 fractures were assessed at a mean follow-up of 6 years (range 1-15.5 years). Traffic accidents (45%) and translational injuries (54%) were the most common mechanism and dominant fracture pattern, respectively. Neurologic deficits were frequent-53% had complete (American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale [AIS] A) spinal cord deficits on admission. Operative management was performed in 78%. Patients who sustain thoracic fractures, but escaped significant neurologic injury (AIS D or E on admission) had SF-36 scores that did not differ significantly from population norms at a mean follow-up of 6 years. Eighty-eight percent of this cohort was re-employed. Interestingly, Oswestry Disability Index scores remained inferior to healthy subjects. In contrast, SF-36 scores in those with more profound neurologic deficits at presentation (AIS A, B, or C) remained inferior to normative data. Fifty-seven percent were re-employed, 25% in their previous job type. Using multiple regression analysis, we found that comorbidity status (measured by the Charlson Comorbidity index) was the only independent predictor of SF-36 scores. Neurologic impairment (AIS) and adverse events were independent predictors of the SF-36 physical functioning subscale. Sagittal alignment and number of fused levels were not independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

At a mean follow-up of 6 years, patients who presented with thoracic fractures and AIS D or E neurologic status recovered a general health status not significantly inferior to population norms. Compared with other neurologic intact spinal injuries, patients with thoracic injuries have a favorable generic health-related quality-of-life prognosis. Inferior outcomes and re-employment prospects were noted in those with more significant neurologic deficits.

Assisted techniques for vertebral cementoplasty: why should we do it?

Assisted techniques (AT) for vertebral cementoplasty include multiple mini-invasive percutaneous systems in which vertebral augmentation is obtained through mechanical devices with the aim to reach the best vertebral height restoration. As an evolution of the vertebroplasty, the rationale of the AT-treatment is to combine the analgesic and stability effect of cement injection with the restoration of a physiological height for the collapsed vertebral body. Reduction of the vertebral body kyphotic deformity, considering the target of normal spine biomechanics, could improve all systemic potential complications evident in patient with vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Main indications for AT are related to fractures in fragile vertebral osseous matrix and non-osteoporotic vertebral lesions due to spine metastasis or trauma. Many companies developed different systems for AT having the same target but different working cannula, different vertebral height restoration system and costs. Aim of this review is to discuss about vertebral cementoplasty procedures and techniques, considering patient inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as all related minor and/or major interventional complications.

Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis with eight fractures in the vertebral column treated with kyphoplasty and bracing: a case report

Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis is a rare condition, which imposes multiple symptoms in the musculoskeletal system. Common complaints announced by patients are severe pain in the lower back, hips and the joints of the lower extremities with a reduced and less mobility status in general. Most of the patients' problems occur in the last trimester of pregnancy or postpartum and are often not diagnosed as side effects of osteoporosis but as problems associated with pregnancy. Although vertebral fractures are rare complications of pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, they should be always considered in women presenting with an acute pain syndrome in peripregnancy period. This case presents a 40-year-old primagravid woman who developed pain in hips and severe pain in the lower back causing an immobilization diagnosed with a pregnancy-associated osteoporosis with eight compression fractures in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Because of sagittal imbalance of the spine, she was treated with kyphoplasty at the four lumbar fractures and with bracing for the upper, thoracic ones, additional to the conservative anti-osteoporotic therapy. The authors discuss pregnancy-associated osteoporosis and its clinical presentation, as well as the indications of kyphoplasty, spinal alignment and the risk of single conservative treatment.

Implications of spinopelvic alignment for the spine surgeon

The relation of the pelvis to the spine has previously been overlooked as a contributor to sagittal balance. However, it is now recognized that spinopelvic alignment is important to maintain an energy-efficient posture in normal and disease states. The pelvis is characterized by an important anatomic landmark, the pelvic incidence (PI). The PI does not change after adolescence, and it directly influences pelvic alignment, including the parameters of pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS) (PI = PT + SS), [corrected] overall sagittal spinal balance, and lumbar lordosis. In the setting of an elevated PI, the spineadapts with increased lumbar lordosis. To prevent or limit sagittal imbalance, the spine may also compensate with increased PT or pelvic retroversion to attempt to maintain anupright posture. Abnormal spinopelvic parameters contribute to multiple spinal conditions including isthmic spondylolysis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, deformity, and impact outcome after spinal fusion. Sagittal balance, pelvic incidence, and all spinopelvic parameters are easily and reliably measured on standing, full-spine (lateral) radiographs, and it is essential to accurately assess and measure these sagittal values to understand their potential role in the disease process, and to promote spinopelvic balance at surgery. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the implications of abnormal spinopelvic parameters and discuss surgical strategies for correction of sagittal balance. Additionally, the authors rate and critique the quality of the literature cited in a systematic review approach to give the reader an estimate of the veracity of the conclusions reached from these reports.

[Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis]

INTRODUCTION

Degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is a common cause of lumbal and lumbosacral pain as well as radicular pain. Retention and fusion is a good treatment option. Some patients have a symptomatic adjacent degenerative disc disease (DDD) in addition to DS. In these cases the adjacent segments should be fused as well. There are different techniques of fusion available, such as posterior with instrumentation or additional anterior support. This study evaluated results of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients with monosegmental DS and adjacent DDD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 28 patients with monosegmental DS and adjacent DDD were included into the study (all patients with bisegmental posterior instrumentation and fusion, 14 patients 1 level TLIF, 14 patients 2 level TLIF). Before surgery and 12 months after surgery the following measurements were made: pain (visual analog scale VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and plain radiographs with radiometric analysis. In a sub-analysis patients with 1 and 2 level TLIF were compared.

RESULTS

Pain reduction (average VAS from 8.7-3.1) and ODI (63% to 28%) showed significant improvements. Radiometric analysis showed a significant disc height reconstruction and a significant reduction of spondylolisthesis (TLIF level with spondylolisthesis). Bisegmental anterior support showed a significantly better relordosation compared to monosegmental anterior support. The complication rate was 21.4% including hemorrhages, dura leakage, wound infection and adjacent segment degeneration. There were no fatal complications.

DISCUSSION

The TLIF procedure is a safe and effective treatment for monosegmental DS with adjacent symptomatic DDD. Clinical results (pain, function) show no difference between both kinds of fusion (dorsal fusion and instrumentation versus dorsal fusion with instrumentation and TLIF) for the adjacent DDD. However, additional anterior support is more effective for relordosation of the segment. This could have impact on the mid-term and long-term outcome or in cases of adjacent segment fusion.

A review of methods for evaluating the quantitative parameters of sagittal pelvic alignment

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The sagittal alignment of the pelvis represents the basic mechanism for maintaining postural equilibrium, and a number of methods were developed to assess normal and pathologic pelvic alignments from two-dimensional sagittal radiographs in terms of positional and anatomic parameters.

PURPOSE

To provide a complete overview of the existing methods for quantitative evaluation of sagittal pelvic alignment and summarize the relevant publications.

STUDY DESIGN

Review article.

METHODS

An Internet search for terms related to sagittal pelvic alignment was performed to obtain relevant publications, which were further supplemented by selected publications found in their lists of references. By summarizing the obtained publications, the positional and anatomic parameters of sagittal pelvic alignment were described, and their values and relationships to other parameters and features were reported.

RESULTS

Positional pelvic parameters relate to the position and orientation of the observed subject and are represented by the sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic overhang, sacral inclination, sacrofemoral angle, sacrofemoral distance, pelvic femoral angle, pelvic angle, and sacropelvic translation. Anatomic pelvic parameters relate to the anatomy of the observed subject and are represented by the pelvisacral angle (PSA), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic thickness (PTH), sacropelvic angle (PRS1), pelvic radius (PR), femorosacral posterior angle (FSPA), sacral table angle (STA), and sacral anatomic orientation (SAO). The review was mainly focused on the evaluation of anatomic pelvic parameters, as they can be compared among subjects and therefore among different studies. However, ambiguous results were yielded for normal and pathologic subjects, as the reported values show a relatively high variability in terms of standard deviation for every anatomic parameter, which amounts to around 10 mm for PTH and PR; 10° for PSA, PI, and SAO; 9° for PRS1 and FSPA; and 5° for STA in the case of normal subjects and is usually even higher in the case of pathologic subjects. Among anatomic pelvic parameters, PI was the most studied and therefore represents a key parameter in the complex framework of sagittal spinal alignment and related deformities. From the reviewed studies, the regression lines for PI and the corresponding age of the subjects indicate that PI tends to increase with age for normal (PI = +0.17 × age+46.40) and scoliotic (PI = +0.20 × age+50.52) subjects and decrease with age for subjects with spondylolisis or spondylolisthesis (PI = -0.26 × age+75.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Normative values for anatomic parameters of sagittal pelvic alignment do not exist because the variability of the measured values is relatively high even for normal subjects but can be predictive for spinal alignment and specific spinopelvic pathologies.

Application of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in old thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation

BACKGROUND

The main indications for surgery for old thoracolumbar fractures are pain, progressive deformity, neurological damage, or increasing neurological deficit. These fractures have been one of the greatest therapeutic challenges in spinal surgery. Anterior, posterior, or combined anterior and posterior procedures have been successful to some extent. As far as we know, there is no report in the literature of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for old thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 26-year-old man with old fracture and dislocation of T12/L1 was treated with TLIF. At 12 months' follow-up, multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scans showed that solid fusion had been achieved between T12 and L1. Back pain had resolved completely at 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We performed TLIF for in a man with old fracture and dislocation of T12/L1, with good clinical outcome. TLIF might be an option in the treatment of old thoracolumbar fracture.

A new look at the geometry of the lumbar spine

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of the relationship between the structures that form the lumbar spine in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the segmental wedging of the vertebral bodies and that of the intervertebral discs, and between the overall lordosis angle and each of the 5 lumbar segments.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Little attention has been paid to the internal relationship between the structures that form the lumbar spine. Understanding these relationships is instrumental to our ability to restore and rehabilitate the lordotic curvature.

METHODS

Lateral radiographs of 101 adult lumbar spines were examined in patients at spinal clinics. The patients had no history of spinal surgery and no radiographic abnormality. The radiologic parameters are the lordosis angle (LA), the body wedge angle (B), the total segmental angle (S), and the intervertebral disc angle (D). Measurements B, S, and D were taken for each of the 5 lumbar segments. Measurements B and D were used to calculate ΣB, the sum of the B, and ΣD, the sum of the D.

RESULTS

The LA correlates with the sum of the vertebral body angles and with the sum of the intervertebral disc angles. Vertebral body wedging is negatively correlated with intervertebral disc wedging. The middle 3 lumbar segments are moderately-to-poorly correlated, among themselves and with the LA, while the upper and lower lumbar segments are poorly correlated with the LA and not correlated with any lumbar segment.

CONCLUSION

Three parts of the lumbar lordosis were identified: the upper part, formed by the first lumbar segment; the middle part, formed by the middle 3 segments; and the lower part, formed by the fifth lumbar segment. The statistical study shows an inverse relationship between vertebral body and intervertebral disc wedging.

Spinopelvic alignment after interspinous soft stabilization with a tension band system in grade 1 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in spinopelvic alignment after interspinous soft stabilization (ISS) with a tension band system and to identify the lumbosacral parameters related to those changes and to determine their impact on the clinical outcomes compared with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in patients with low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The sacropelvic morphometric changes after fusion surgery have received much research attention. However, few reports have addressed the issue after use of dynamic or soft stabilization systems.

METHODS

From April 2001 to November 2003, 45 patients presenting with grade 1 DS with stenosis underwent either ISS with a tension band system (ISS group) or PLIF with pedicle screw fixation (PLIF group). The mean follow-up period was 76.8 months. Three pelvic parameters, the sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence, were investigated to address the sacropelvic morphometric change. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale score, the Oswestry Disability Index, and the patient's satisfaction index.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant improvements in all of the clinical outcomes, with no significant differences between groups. In the ISS group, the SS increased and PT decreased, whereas in the PLIF group, the SS decreased and PT increased, resulting in pelvic anteversion and retroversion, respectively, with significant intergroup differences in SS and PT (SS: P = 0.047; PT: P = 0.01). The positive association of lumbar lordosis with SS (r = 0.448) and its negative association with PT (r = -0.674) in the respective groups indicate the influence of changes in lumbar lordosis on pelvic positional changes. Significant correlations between follow-up segmental lumbar lordosis and the visual analog scale score for leg pain (r = -0.685) and Oswestry Disability Index score (r = -0.425) were found in the ISS group alone.

CONCLUSION

Segmental lordotic change after ISS with a tension band system was the possible decisive factor in the development of pelvic anteversion while maintaining sagittal lumbar balance; lack of lumbar lordosis led to compensatory pelvic retroversion in the PLIF group. Considering the comparable clinical results with PLIF surgery and the achievement of physiologic sagittal spinopelvic balance, the ISS procedure can be a feasible alternative to fusion surgery in patients with grade 1 DS with stenosis.

Spinal surgery in patients with Parkinson's disease: experiences with the challenges posed by sagittal imbalance and the Parkinson's spine

Only a few reports exist concerning biomechanical challenges spine surgeons face when treating Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with spinal deformity. We recognized patients suffering from spinal deformity aggravated by the burden of PD to stress the principles of sagittal balance in surgical treatment. Treatment of sagittal imbalance in PD is difficult due to brittle bone and (the neuromuscular disorder) with postural dysfunction. We performed a retrospective review of 23 PD patients treated surgically for spinal disorders. Mean ASA score was 2.3 (2-3). Outcome analysis included review of medical records focusing on failure characteristics, complications, and radiographic analysis of balance parameters to characterize special risk factors or precautions to be considered in PD patients. The sample included 15 female and 8 male PD patients with mean age of 66.3 years (57-76) at index surgery and 67.9 years (59-76) at follow-up. 10 patients (43.5%) presented with the sequels of failed previous surgery. 18 patients (78.3%) underwent multilevel fusion (C3 level) with 16 patients (69.6%) having fusion to S1, S2 or the Ilium. At a mean follow-up of 14.5 months (1-59) we noted medical complications in 7 patients (30.4%) and surgical complications in 12 patients (52.2%). C7-sagittal center vertical line was 12.2 cm (8-57) preoperatively, 6.9 cm postoperatively, and 7.6 cm at follow-up. Detailed analysis of radiographs, sagittal spinal, and spino-pelvic balance, stressed a positive C7 off-set of 10 cm on average in 25% of patients at follow-up requiring revision surgery in 4 of them. Statistical analysis revealed that patients with a postoperative or follow-up sagittal imbalance (C7-SVL >10 cm) had a significantly increased rate of revision done or scheduled (p = 0.03). Patients with revision surgery as index procedure also were found more likely to suffer postoperative or final sagittal imbalance (C7-SPL, 10 cm; p = 0.008). At all, 33% of patients had any early or late revision performed. Nevertheless, 78% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their clinical outcome, while 22% were either not satisfied or uncertain regarding their outcome. The surgical history of PD patients treated for spinal disorders and the reasons necessitating redo surgery for recalcitrant global sagittal imbalance in our sample stressed the mainstays of spinal surgery in Parkinson's: If spinal surgery is indicated, the reconstruction of spino-pelvic balance with focus on lumbar lordosis and global sagittal alignment is required.

Inter- and intraobserver reliability of the vertebral, local and segmental kyphosis in 120 traumatic lumbar and thoracic burst fractures: evaluation in lateral X-rays and sagittal computed tomographies

Evaluation of the kyphosis angle in thoracic and lumbar burst fractures is often used to indicate surgical procedures. The kyphosis angle could be measured as vertebral, segmental and local kyphosis according to the method of Cobb. The vertebral, segmental and local kyphosis according to the method of Cobb were measured at 120 lateral X-rays and sagittal computed tomographies of 60 thoracic and 60 lumbar burst fractures by 3 independent observers on 2 separate occasions. Osteoporotic fractures were excluded. The intra- and interobserver reliability of these angles in X-ray and computed tomogram, using the intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) were evaluated. Highest reproducibility showed the segmental kyphosis followed by the vertebral kyphosis. For thoracic fractures segmental kyphosis shows in X-ray "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities (ICC 0.826, 0.802) and for lumbar fractures "good" to "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities (ICC = 0.790, 0.803). In computed tomography, the segmental kyphosis showed "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities (ICC = 0.824, 0.801) for thoracic and "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities (ICC = 0.874, 0.835) for the lumbar fractures. Regarding both diagnostic work ups (X-ray and computed tomography), significant differences were evaluated in interobserver reliabilities for vertebral kyphosis measured in lumbar fracture X-rays (p = 0.035) and interobserver reliabilities for local kyphosis, measured in thoracic fracture X-rays (p = 0.010). Regarding both fracture localizations (thoracic and lumbar fractures), significant differences could only be evaluated in interobserver reliabilities for the local kyphosis measured in computed tomographies (p = 0.045) and in intraobserver reliabilities for the vertebral kyphosis measured in X-rays (p = 0.024). "Good" to "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities for vertebral, segmental and local kyphosis in X-ray make these angles to a helpful tool, indicating surgical procedures. For the practical use in lateral X-ray, we emphasize the determination of the segmental kyphosis, because of the highest reproducibility of this angle. "Good" to "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities for these three angles could also be evaluated in computed tomographies. Therefore, also in computed tomography, the use of these three angles seems to be generally possible. For a direct correlation of the results in lateral X-ray and in computed tomography, further studies should be needed.