Intermediate screws or kyphoplasty: Which method of posterior short-segment fixation is better for treating single-level thoracolumbar burst fractures?

Kyphoplasty is associated with reduced mortality risk for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vertebral augmentation, such as vertebroplasty (VP) or kyphoplasty (KP), has been utilized for decades to treat OVCFs; however, the precise impact of this procedure on reducing mortality risk remains a topic of controversy. This study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of vertebral augmentation on mortality in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) using a large-scale meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science databases were employed for literature exploration until May 2023. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized as a summary statistic via random-effect models. Statistical analysis was executed using Review Manager 5.3 software.

RESULTS

After rigorous screening, a total of five studies with substantial sample sizes were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. The total number of participants included in the study was an 2,421,178, comprising of 42,934 cases of vertebral augmentation and 1,991,244 instances of non-operative management. The surgical intervention was found to be significantly associated with an 18% reduction in the risk of mortality (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.78, 0.85). Subgroup analysis revealed a remarkable 71% reduction in mortality risk following surgical intervention during short-term follow-up (HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.26, 0.32). Furthermore, KP exhibited a superior and more credible decrease in the risk of mortality when compared to VP treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a comprehensive analysis of large samples, vertebral augmentation has been shown to significantly reduce the mortality risk associated with OVCFs, particularly in the early stages following fractures. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that KP is more reliable and effective than VP in terms of mitigating mortality risk.

Effectiveness of the Endplate Reduction Technique Combined With Bone Grafting for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures by Using Posterior Short-Segment Fixation

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of the endplate reduction (EPR) technique combined with bone grafting for treating thoracolumbar burst fractures using posterior short-segmental fixation.Methods: Patients with thoracolumbar fractures admitted between January 2018 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and those meeting the criteria were assigned to the EPR group and the intermediate screws (IS) group. The vertebral wedge angle (VWA), Cobb angle (CA), anterior vertebral body height (AVBH), middle vertebral body height (MVBH), upper endplate line (UEPL), upper intervertebral angle (UIVA), and upper intervertebral disc height (UIDH) indices were examined and compared preoperatively, first day postoperatively, as well as at 12 months postoperatively.Results: The result indicated that the EPR group achieved better MVBH reduction (p < 0.001), UEPL reduction (p < 0.001), vertebral body fracture healing (p = 0.006), as well as implant breakage (p = 0.04) than the IS group; VWA (p < 0.001), CA (p = 0.005), AVBH (p < 0.001), MVBH (p < 0.001), UEPL (p < 0.001), and UIDH (p < 0.001) were lost after reduction less than those in the IS group. There was no significant difference in operative time (p = 0.315) and intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.274) between the 2 groups.Conclusion: The EPR group achieved better results in repositioning and maintaining MVBH and endplate morphology, with less correction loss after the reduction of the VWA, CA, AVBH, and endplate morphology. The EPR group exhibited a better healing pattern after vertebral fracture and disc degeneration was better relieved.

A Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of the Impact of Different Configurations of Pedicle-Screw-Based Fixation in Thoracolumbar Compression Fracture

The aim of this experimental study was to analyze the impact of applying different configurations of the transpedicular fixation system on selected mechanical parameters of the thoracolumbar spine under conditions of its instability (after simulated fracture). Five study groups were tested: physiological, with compression fracture of the vertebra, with two-segment fixation, with three-segment fixation, and with four-segment fixation. Each of the analyzed study groups was subjected to axial compression, flexion, and extension. Based on the conducted experimental tests, the mechanical parameters, i.e., stiffness coefficient and dissipation energy, were determined for all groups under consideration. The stiffness value of two-segment fixation is significantly lower than the physiological value (during flexion and extension). The use of long-segment fixation considered in two configurations (three- and four-segment fixation) may result in excessive stiffness of the system due to the high stiffness values achieved (approx. 25–30% higher than the physiological values in the case of compression and on average 60% higher in the case of flexion). The use of long-segment fixator design shows better results than short-segment fixation. Considering both biomechanical and clinical aspects, three-segment fixation seems to be a compromise solution as it saves the patient from more extensive stiffening of the spinal motion segments.

Kyphosis After Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations

Thoracolumbar fractures change the biomechanics of the spine. Load distribution causes kyphosis by the time. Treatment of posttraumatic kyphosis is still controversial. We reviewed the literature between 2010 and 2020 using a search with keywords “thoracolumbar fracture and kyphosis.” We removed osteoporotic fractures, ankylosing spondylitis fractures, non-English language papers, case reports, and low-quality case series. Up-to-date information on posttraumatic kyphosis management was reviewed to reach an agreement in a consensus meeting of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Spine Committee. The first meeting was conducted in Peshawar in December 2019 with WFNS Spine Committee members’ presence and participation. The second meeting was a virtual meeting via the internet on June 12, 2020. We utilized the Delphi method to administer the questionnaire to preserve a high degree of validity. We summarized 42 papers on posttraumatic kyphosis. Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar kyphosis due to unstable burst fractures can be done via a posterior only approach. Less blood loss and reduced surgery time are the main advantages of posterior surgery. Kyphosis angle for surgical decision and fusion levels are controversial. However, global sagittal balance should be taken into consideration for the segment that has to be included. Adding an intermediate screw at the fractured level strengthens the construct.

Surgical Treatment of Multiple Osteoporotic Fractures of the Dorsolumbar Spine: Case Report

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are a common type of fracture and affect a significant number of subjects with osteoporosis. Despite the high fracture risk, the concomitant occurrence of vertebral fractures at non-contiguous levels is very rare. We report the case of a patient with three burst dorsolumbar spine fractures at non-contiguous levels who was treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty and transpedicular posterior fixation. Six months after the surgery, the patient walks autonomously and without pain; in addition, there is no radiological evidence of fracture reduction loss.

Healing pattern classification for thoracolumbar burst fractures after posterior short-segment fixation

BACKGROUND

Thoracolumbar burst fractures can be treated with posterior short-segment fixation. However, no classification can help to estimate whether the healed vertebral body will have sufficient stability after implant removal. We aimed to develop a Healing Pattern Classification (HPC) to evaluate the stability of the healed vertebra based on cavity size and location.

METHODS

Fifty-two thoracolumbar burst fracture patients treated with posterior short-segmental fixation without fusion and followed up for an average of 3.2 years were retrospectively studied. The HPC was divided into 4 types: type I - no cavity; type II - a small cavity with or without the violation of one endplate; type III - a large cavity with or without the violation of one endplate; and type IV - a burst cavity with the violation of both endplates or the lateral cortical shell. The intraobserver and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the HPC were assessed. The demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes of the cohort were compared between the stable group (types I and II) and the unstable group (types III and IV). Logistic regression was conducted to evaluate risk factors for unstable healing.

RESULTS

The intraobserver and interobserver ICCs of the HPC were 0.86 (95% CI = 0.74-0.90) and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.59-0.86), respectively. While the unstable healing group (types III and IV) accounted for 59.6% of the patients, most of these patients were asymptomatic. The preoperative Load Sharing Classification (LSC) comminution score may predict the occurrence of unstable healing (OR = 8.4, 95% CI = 2.4-29.7).

CONCLUSIONS

A reliable classification for assessing the stability of a healed vertebra was developed. With type I and II healing, the vertebra is considered stable, and the implant can be removed. With type III healing, the vertebra may have healing potential, but the implant should not be removed unless type II healing is achieved. With type IV healing, the vertebra is considered extremely unstable, and instrumentation should be maintained. Assessing the LSC comminution score preoperatively may help to predict unstable healing after surgery.