Analysis of complications and perioperative data after open or percutaneous dorsal instrumentation following traumatic spinal fracture of the thoracic and lumbar spine: a retrospective cohort study including 491 patients

'Armed kyphoplasty' with posterior stabilization avoids corpectomy in complex thoracolumbar spine fractures: a case series

BACKGROUND

Complex thoracolumbar fractures require reduction and stabilization. Posterior instrumentation alone and standard cement augmentation may represent undertreatment, while corpectomy has significant morbidity. In a series of unstable thoracolumbar fractures, we assessed the feasibility, safety, and results of 'armed kyphoplasty' (AKP) and surgical posterior stabilization (PS).

METHODS

A total of 24 consecutive patients were treated with combined AKP and PS. Minimally invasive and open surgery techniques were used for PS. AKP was performed with C-arm or biplane fluoroscopic guidance, and screws were placed under navigation or fluoroscopic guidance. A postoperative CT scan and standing plain films were obtained. Patients were followed up according to clinical standards. Kyphosis correction (measured with regional Cobb angle), pain (measured with the Numeric Rating Scale), neurological status (measured with Frankel grade) were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 25 fractures of neoplastic (40%), traumatic (32%), and osteoporotic (28%) nature were treated. Open surgery and minimally invasive techniques were applied in 16/24 and 8/24 patients, respectively. Decompressive laminectomy was performed in 13 cases. No intraprocedural complications occurred. Two patients (8%) died due to underlying disease complications and three complications (12%) required re-intervention (one surgical site infection, one adjacent fracture, and one screw pull-out) in the first month. The mean Cobb angle was 20.14±6.19° before treatment and 11.66±5.24° after treatment (P<0.0001). No re-fractures occurred at the treated levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined AKP and PS is feasible and effective in the treatment of complex thoracolumbar fractures of all etiologies. AKP avoided highly invasive corpectomy. Anterior and posterior support ensured stability, preventing implant failure and re-fracture. The complication rate was low compared with more invasive traditional 360° open surgical approaches.

Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Injury: Evidence-Based Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Traumatic thoracolumbar spine injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Targeted for non-spine specialist trauma surgeons, this systematic scoping review aimed to examine literature for up-to-date evidence on presentation, management, and outcomes of thoracolumbar spine injuries in adult trauma patients.

METHODS

This review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. We searched four bibliographic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included experimental, observational, and evidence-synthesis articles evaluating patients with thoracic, lumbar, or thoracolumbar spine injury, published in English between January 1, 2010 and January 31, 2021. Studies which focused on animals, cadavers, cohorts with N <30, and pediatric cohorts (age <18 years old), as well as case studies, abstracts, and commentaries were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 2501 studies were screened, of which 326 unique studies were fully text reviewed and twelve aspects of injury management were identified and discussed: injury patterns, determination of injury status and imaging options, considerations in management, and patient quality of life. We found: (1) imaging is a necessary diagnostic tool, (2) no consensus exists for preferred injury characterization scoring systems, (3) operative management should be considered for unstable fractures, decompression, and deformity, and (4) certain patients experience significant burden following injury.

DISCUSSION

In this systematic scoping review, we present the most up-to-date information regarding the management of traumatic thoracolumbar spine injuries. This allows non-specialist trauma surgeons to become more familiar with thoracolumbar spine injuries in trauma patients and provides a framework for their management.

Understanding Decision Making as It Influences Treatment in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Without Neurological Deficit: Conceptual Framework and Methodology

STUDY DESIGN

This paper presents a description of a conceptual framework and methodology that is applicable to the manuscripts that comprise this focus issue.

OBJECTIVES

Our goal is to present a conceptual framework which is relied upon to better understand the processes through which surgeons make therapeutic decisions around how to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures (TL) fractures.

METHODS

We will describe the methodology used in the AO Spine TL A3/4 Study prospective observational study and how the radiographs collected for this study were utilized to study the relationships between various variables that factor into surgeon decision making.

RESULTS

With 22 expert spine trauma surgeons analyzing the acute CT scans of 183 patients with TL fractures we were able to perform pairwise analyses, look at reliability and correlations between responses and develop frequency tables, and regression models to assess the relationships and interactions between variables. We also used machine learning to develop decision trees.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper outlines the overall methodological elements that are common to the subsequent papers in this focus issue.

Percutaneous versus traditional open approaches for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures in patients without neurologic deficits: a meta-analysis of 35 cohort studies

At present, percutaneous surgery is widely used to treat thoracolumbar fractures. However, the actual safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of percutaneous surgery are not clear. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the efficacies of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and open pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures without nerve root symptoms. We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries for articles published on or before June 2023. All results were evaluated by standard methods recommended for meta-analysis, continuous data were expressed by standard mean differences (SMDs), and binary variables were analyzed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We also explored the main sources of heterogeneity and the stability of the results through sensitivity analysis, Begg's funnel plots, and Egger's test. Thirty-five cohort studies with a total of 3039 patients were included. The study found that patients who undergo percutaneous approaches have less intraoperative blood loss (IBL), shorter length of hospital stay (LOS), shorter operation time, and shorter incision. Moreover, percutaneous approaches had more advantages in terms of visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and infection rates. However, there was no significant difference in anterior vertebral body height (AVB), Cobb angle (CA), or screw errors between the two groups. In the long run, the clinical and surgical results of the percutaneous approach are better than those of the open approach, but the radiological results of both operations do not seem to show an advantage for any specific approach. Because of publication bias and heterogeneity, our findings must be interpreted with caution. However, this paper will provide some support for clinicians to choose suitable surgical methods for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

Short-segment percutaneous fusion versus open posterior fusion with screw in the fractured vertebra for thoracolumbar junction burst vertebral fracture treatment

Objectives

The treatment options for thoracolumbar junction burst fractures remain a topic of controversy. Short-segment percutaneous fixation (SSPF) and short-segment open fixation including the fractured level (SSOFIFL) are both viable procedures for managing these fractures. At present, there is a lack of evidence in the literature demonstrating the absolute superiority of one treatment over the other. This study aimed to compare these two surgical strategies with a focus on radiological and clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective case-control multicenter analysis involved patients with A3 and A4 vertebral fractures at the thoracolumbar junction (T11-L2) who underwent surgical treatment with either SSPF or SSOFIFL in the participating centers. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale (VAS) both pre- and postoperatively. Radiological outcomes included kyphotic deformity (KD), anterior vertebral body height (AVBH), segmental kyphosis, and sagittal alignment parameters.

Results

A total of 156 patients were enrolled in the study, with 81 patients in Group A (SSPF) and 75 patients in Group B (SSOFIFL). Group B demonstrated better correction of KD (Group B: 3.4 ± 2.7° vs. Group A: 8.3 ± 3.2°, P = 0.003), AVBH, and sagittal alignment. A minor loss of correction was observed in Group B with respect to Group A (0.9 ± 1.7° vs 4.3° ± 2.1°, P = 0.043). Blood losses were lower in Group A (78 ± 15 min vs. 118 ± 23 min, P = 0.021) as well as during surgery (121.3 ± 34 mL vs. 210.2 ± 52 mL, P = 0.031), but the post-operative hemoglobin levels were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

SSOFIFL appears to show a major amount of KD correction and prevent loss of correction. This technique should be the preferred choice whenever possible. However, SSPF can be considered a valid alternative for damage control in polytrauma patients and fractures with low KD.

Improvement of vertebral body fracture reduction utilizing a posterior reduction tool: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Extensive research regarding instabilities and prevention of kyphotic malalignment in the thoracolumbar spine exists. Keystones of this treatment are posterior instrumentation and anterior vertebral height restoration. Anterior column reduction via a single-stage procedure seems to be advantageous regarding complication, blood loss, and OR-time. Mechanical elevation of the anterior cortex of the vertebra may prevent the necessity of additional anterior stabilization or vertebral body replacement. The purpose of this study was to examine (1) if increased bony reduction in the anterior vertebral cortex could be achieved by utilization of an additional reduction tool, (2) if postoperative loss of vertebral height could be reduced, and (3) if anterior column reduction is related to clinical outcome.

METHODS

From one level I trauma center, 173 patients underwent posterior stabilization for fractures of the thoracolumbar region between 2015 and 2020. Reduction in the vertebral body was performed via intraoperative lordotic positioning or by utilization of an additional reduction tool (Nforce, Medtronic). The reduction tool was mounted onto the pedicle screws and removed after tightening of the locking screws. To assess bony reduction, the sagittal index (SI) and vertebral kyphosis angle (VKA) were measured on X-rays and CT images at different time points ((1) preoperative, (2) postoperative, (3) ≥ 3 months postoperative). Clinical outcome was assessed utilizing the Ostwestry Disability Index (ODI).

RESULTS

Bisegmental stabilization of AO/OTA type A3/A4 vertebral fractures was performed in 77 patients. Thereof, reduction was performed in 44 patients (females 34%) via intraoperative positioning alone (control group), whereas 33 patients (females 33%) underwent additional reduction utilizing a mechanical reduction tool (instrumentation group). Mean age was 41 ± 13 years in the instrumentation group (IG) and 52 ± 12 years in the control group (CG) (p < 0.001). No differences in terms of gender and comorbidities were found between the two groups. Preoperatively, the sagittal index (SI) was 0.69 in IG compared to 0.74 in CG (p = 0.039), resulting in a vertebral kyphosis angle (VKA) of 15.0° vs. 11.7° (p = 0.004). Intraoperatively, a significantly greater correction of the kyphotic deformity was achieved in the IG (p < 0.001), resulting in a compensation of the initially more severe kyphotic malalignment. The SI was corrected by 0.20-0.88 postoperatively, resulting in an improvement of the VKA by 8.7°-6.3°. In the CG, the SI could be corrected by 0.12-0.86 and the VKA by 5.1°-6.6°. The amount of correction was influenced by the initial deformity (p < 0.001). Postoperatively, both groups showed a loss of correction, resulting in a gain of 0.08 for the SI and 4.1° in IG and 0.03 and 2.0°, respectively. The best results were observed in younger patients with initially severe kyphotic deformity. Considering various influencing factors, clinical outcome determined by the ODI showed no significant differences between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of the investigated reduction tool during posterior stabilization of vertebral body fractures in a suitable collective of young patients with good bone quality and severe fracture deformity may lead to better reduction in the ventral column of the fractured vertebral body and angle correction. Therefore, additional anterior stabilization or vertebral body replacement may be prevented.

A Comparison of 2 Surgical Treatments for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Temporary Osteosynthesis and Arthrodesis

BACKGROUND

We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes and complications of patients treated for thoracolumbar burst fractures via temporary percutaneous osteosynthesis or open definitive arthrodesis.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was performed including patients treated between 2017 and 2019 for a burst fracture of the thoracolumbar junction, either with percutaneous osteosynthesis (case group) or open arthrodesis (control group). Clinical, functional, and radiographic results were analyzed and compared between treatment groups.

RESULTS

We included 112 patients (56 osteosynthesis/56 arthrodesis, P = 1) in our study. The mean follow-up and mean age were 20 ± 3 months (20 ± 2/20 ± 3, P = 1), and 41 ± 10 years (40 ± 11/42 ± 10, P = 0.3), respectively. Fracture level was L1/L2 in 75% and T11/T12 in 25% of patients. The osteosynthesis group showed significantly shorter operative times (104 ± 20 minutes/176 ± 18 minutes, P < 0.01) and inpatient stays (11.6 ± 1.5 days/15.6 ± 3.8 days, P < 0.01). Both groups showed similar correction over kyphosis angle at final follow-up (5.8° ± 2.8°/6° ± 0.2°, P = 0.57), but the osteosynthesis group showed increased segment mobility after hardware removal (3.8° ± 1.2°/0.9° ± 0.3°, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in complications, although the osteosynthesis group showed a significantly lower need for blood transfusion (21%/43%, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Both methods of treatment yielded good clinical and radiological results with similar complication rates. Temporary osteosynthesis seems to be more beneficial than open arthrodesis because it requires shorter operative time and hospitalization, causes less bleeding, and facilitates spinal movement.

Does time-to-surgery affect mortality in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures?

Introduction

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common. An increase in mortality associated with osteoporotic VCFs has been well documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of time to surgery on 1-year survival in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study with prospective mortality follow-up, consecutive patients aged ≥ 60 years who had operative treatment of a low-energy fracture of a thoracolumbar vertebra and had undergone surgical stabilization between January 2015 and December 2018 were identified from our institutional database. By chart review, additional information on hospitalization time, comorbidities (expressed as ASA - American Society of Anesthesiologists Scale), complications and revision surgery was obtained. Time-to-surgery was defined as the time between admission and surgery. Mortality data was assessed by contacting the patients by phone, mail or the national social insurance database.

Results

Two hundred sixty patients (mean age 78 years, SD 7 years, range, 60 to 93; 172 female) were available for final analysis. Mean follow-up was 40 months (range, 12 to 68 months). Fifty-nine patients (22.7%) had died at final follow-up and 27/260 patients (10.4%) had died within 1 year after the surgery. Time-to-surgery was not different for patients who died within 1 year after the surgery and those who survived (p = .501). In-hospital complications were seen in 40/260 (15.4%) patients. Time-to-surgery showed a strong correlation with hospitalization time (Pearson’s r = .614, p < .001), but only a very weak correlation with the time spent in hospital after the surgery (Pearson’s r = .146, p = .018).

Conclusions

In contrast to patients with proximal femur factures, time-to-surgery had no significant effect on one-year mortality in geriatric patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Treatment decisions for these fractures in the elderly should be individualized.

Revision surgery and mortality following complex spine surgery: 2-year follow-up in a prospective cohort of 679 patients using the Spine AdVerse Event Severity (SAVES) system

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the 2-year risk of revision surgery and all-cause mortality after complex spine surgery, and to assess if prospectively registered adverse events (AE) could predict either outcome. Revision surgery and mortality are serious complications to spine surgery. Previous studies of frequency have mainly been retrospective and few studies have employed competing risk survival analyses. In addition, assessment of predictors has focused on preoperative patient characteristics. The effect of perioperative AEs on revision and all-cause mortality risks are not fully understood.

METHODS

Between January 1 and December 31, 2013, we prospectively included all patients undergoing complex spine surgery at a single, tertiary institution. Complex spine surgery was defined as conditions deemed too complicated for surgery at a secondary institute, or patients with severe comorbidities requiring multidisciplinary observation and treatment. AEs were registered using the Spine Adverse Event Severity system and patients were followed for minimum 2 years regarding revision surgery and all-cause mortality. Incidences were estimated using competing risk survival analyses and correlation between AEs and either outcome was assessed using proportional odds models.

RESULTS

We included a complete and consecutive cohort of 679 adult and pediatric patients. Demographics, surgical data, AEs, and events of revision or all-cause mortality were registered. The cumulative incidence of 2-year all-cause revision was 19% (16-22%) and all-cause mortality was 15% (12-18%). Deformity surgery was the surgical category with highest incidence of revision and the highest incidence of all-cause mortality was seen in the tumor group. Across surgical categories, cumulative incidences of 2-year revision ranged between 11% (tumor) and 33% (deformity), whilst 2-year all-cause mortality ranged between 3% (deformity) and 33% (tumor). We found that major intraoperative AEs were associated to increased odds of revision. Deep wound infection was associated to increased odds of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the cumulative incidences of revision surgery and all-cause mortality following complex spine surgery. We found higher incidences of revision compared to previous retrospective studies. Prospectively registered AEs were correlated to increased odds of revision surgery and all-cause mortality. These results may serve as reference for future interventional studies and aid in identifying at-risk patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

[Pediatric spine trauma-Results of a German national multicenter study including 367 patients]

BACKGROUND

In general, pediatric spinal injuries are rare. No reliable data on the epidemiology of spinal injuries in pediatric patients in Germany are available. Especially in pediatric patients, for whom the medical history, clinical examination and the performance of imaging diagnostics are difficult to obtain, all available information on a spinal injury must be taken into account.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide epidemiological data for pediatric patients with spinal trauma in Germany in order to enhance future decision-making for the diagnostics and treatment of these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Within the framework of a national multicenter study, data were retrospectively obtained from 6 German spine centers for 7 years between January 2010 and December 2016. In addition to the demographic data, the clinical databases were screened for specific trauma mechanisms, level of injury as well as accompanying injuries. Furthermore, diagnostic imaging and the treatment selected were also analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 367 children (female: male = 1:1.2) with a total of 610 spinal injuries were included in this study. The mean age was 12 years (±3.5 years). The most frequent trauma mechanisms were falls from <3 m and traffic accidents. The imaging diagnostics were only rarely carried out with the child under anesthesia. Younger children (0-9 years old) suffered more injuries to the cervical spine, whereas injuries to the thoracic and lumbar spine were more frequently found in older children (>10 years old). The children frequently showed accompanying injuries to the head and the extremities. Accompanying spinal injuries mostly occurred in adjacent regions and only rarely in other regions. Around 75% of the children were treated conservatively.

CONCLUSION

The results were different from the knowledge obtained from adult patients with spinal trauma and describe the special circumstances for pediatric patients with spinal trauma. Despite certain limitations these facts may help to enhance future decision-making for the diagnostics and treatment of these patients.

An Often Easily Missed Injury in the Presence of Orthopaedic Trauma: A Case Series of Derived Injury

Derived disaster is a common concept in emergencies such as earthquakes. With the progress of society, the incidence of fractures caused by high-energy trauma has increased year by year. After the first injury, the possibility of derived injury caused by the original injury also increases rapidly. Orthopaedic surgeons, especially trauma orthopaedic surgeons, lack sufficient understanding and recognition of this kind of injury. The purpose of this article is to present a case series of an often missed injury pattern that is associated with an original injury. The diagnosis of derived injury may go unrecognized in a considerable number of cases and delayed treatment decreases the success rate of soft tissue repairing; therefore, a high index of suspicion and a proper early diagnosis is of paramount importance. We also describe the current surgical management used by the authors, and propose the concept of "derived injury", studying its clinical significance in traumatic orthopaedics.

Histochemical and histological changes of paraspinal muscles in patients with thoracic and lumbar spine fractures treated with open and minimally invasive stabilisation

BACKGROUND

Histological and histochemical analyses of muscle samples were used to determine the intensity of paraspinal muscle injury during open (OPEN) and minimally invasive (MIS) procedures due to spinal trauma.

OBJECTIVE

A randomised prospective study design was chosen. According to our hypothesis, OPEN procedures will lead to more intensive microscopic changes than MIS.

METHODS

Muscle samples were collected during the primary surgery - fracture surgery (FRS) from the left and during material extraction (EXS) from the right side. Complete samples were acquired from 17 OPEN and 18 MIS subjects. We compared them histochemically and histologically; muscle fibre typing and statistical analysis were performed.

RESULTS

We statistically confirmed that the increase in fibrosis in the OPEN EXS sample was significantly higher than in the MIS EXS sample, with p< 0.05 (p= 0.000322453). Fibre types in MIS did not differ almost at all in both samples; the changes were statistically insignificant.In OPEN samples, the number of type I fibres differed significantly. In EXS, it was significantly lower (46.23%) than in FRS (60.63%), at a statistically significant level, p< 0.05 (p= 0.0234375000) especially with the increase of the type IIA fibres, less in IIB fibres.

CONCLUSIONS

These microscopic findings provide a statistically significant confirmation that OPEN procedures in spinal fracture lead, in most cases, to significant changes in the structure of the corset muscle at the fracture site and surgical access point than MIS procedures.

[Minimally invasive spinal surgery: stages of development]

In recent decades, spinal surgery has changed significantly. The active use of modern knowledge of anatomy, various diagnostic modules, specialized surgical equipment and high-tech tools has made it possible to transform classical surgical techniques into a new area of spinal neurosurgery - minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Its main goals are to reduce damage to the skin and adjacent tissues, significantly reduce the level of pain, reduce the duration of inpatient treatment and fully restore functional status in the shortest possible time. This article reflects the main criteria for MISS compliance and types of surgical interventions, provides information on the advantages of minimally invasive surgical technologies and their possible disadvantages. Currently, the use of MISS is observed in all areas of vertebrology - for degenerative diseases, tumors, inflammatory and traumatic lesions of the spine. At the same time, minimizing surgical aggression while maximizing the achievement of goal becomes the main rule of modern spinal surgery.

Open versus minimally invasive percutaneous surgery for surgical treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures- a multicenter randomized controlled trial: study protocol

Background

Thoracolumbar fractures are most frequent along the spine, and surgical treatment is indicated for unstable fractures. Percutaneous minimally invasive surgery was introduced to reduce the pain associated with the open posterior approach and reduce the morbidity of the procedure by avoiding damage and dissection of the paravertebral muscles. The goal of this study is to compare the surgical treatment of fractures of the thoracolumbar spine treated by the conventional open approach and the percutaneous minimally invasive approach using similar types of pedicle spine fixation systems.

Methods/designs

This study is designed as a multi-center, randomized controlled trial of patients aged 18–65 years who are scheduled to undergo surgical posterior fixation. Treatment by the conventional open approach or percutaneous minimally invasive approach will be randomly assigned. The primary outcome measure is postoperative pain, which will be measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcome parameters are intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage, surgery time, length of hospital stay, SF-36, EQ-5D-5 l, HADS, pain medication, deambulation after surgery, intraoperative fluoroscopy time, vertebral segment kyphosis, fracture vertebral body height, compression of the vertebral canal, accuracy of the pedicle screws, and breakage or release of the implants. Patient will be followed up for 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively and evaluated according to the outcomes using clinical and radiological examinations, plain radiographs and computed tomografy (CT).

Discussion

Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures by the open or percutaneous minimally invasive approach will be compared in a multicenter randomized study using similar types of fixation systems, and the results will be evaluated according to clinical and radiological parameters at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov approval number: 1.933.631, code: NCT03316703 in may 2017.

Percutaneous versus open pedicle screw fixation for treatment of type A thoracolumbar fractures

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness between percutaneous and open pedicle screw fixation without fusion for treating type A3 and A4 thoracolumbar fractures. Traumatic thoracolumbar burst fracture is a common pathology without a consensus on the best treatment approach. Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) systems have been recently introduced in the treatment of spinal fractures to reduce the adverse effects associated with the conventional open approaches, such as iatrogenic muscle denervation and pain.

METHODS

A prospective analysis was made to evaluate consecutive 46 patients with type A3 and A4 thoracolumbar fractures. Patients were divided into a percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group (PPSF) and an open pedicle screw fixation group (OPSF). The mean age of patients in PPSF group (12 men, 11 woman) was 49.9 years and in OPSF group (10 men, 13 women) 52.2 years. For the purpose of evaluation, the radiological assessment of the bisegmental Cobb angle, the loss of correction, the volume of blood loss, operation time, cumulative radiation time and dose were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up for 12 months. There were no significant differences between OPSF and PPSF in the Cobb angle preoperative and postoperative angle and the loss of bisegmental correction. In PPSF group, the mean preoperative Cobb angle was 10.9° and improved by 4.5° postoperatively, and in OPSF group the preoperative angle was 12.1° and postoperatively improved by 3.8°. Significant differences between OPSF and PPSF were found in the mean cumulative radiation time, radiation dose and operation time. PPSF group also had a significantly lower perioperative blood loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Both open and percutaneous short-segment pedicle fixation were safe and effective methods to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures. Percutaneous fixation without fusion seems to be suitable for type A3 and A4 fractures.

Recent Advances in Technique and Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Adult Scoliosis

Objective:

Conventional open spinal surgery of adult scoliosis can be performed from anterior, posterior, or combined approach. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) was developed for the purpose of reducing the undesirable effects and complications. This review aimed to make a brief summary of recent studies of the approach and clinical outcomes of MISS in adult scoliosis.

Data Sources:

We conducted a systematic search from PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and other literature databases to collect reports of surgical methods and clinical outcomes of MISS in treatment of adult scoliosis. Those reports were published up to March 2017 with the following key terms: “minimally invasive,” “spine,” “surgery,” and “scoliosis.”

Study Selection:

The inclusion criteria of the articles were as followings: diagnosed with adult degenerative scoliosis (DS) or adult idiopathic scoliosis; underwent MISS or open surgery; with follow-up data. The articles involving patients with congenital scoliosis or unknown type were excluded and those without any follow-up data were also excluded from the study. The initial search yielded 233 articles. After title and abstract extraction, 29 English articles were selected for full-text review. Of those, 20 studies with 831 patients diagnosed with adult DS or adult idiopathic scoliosis were reviewed. Seventeen were retrospective studies, and three were prospective studies.

Results:

The surgical technique reported in these articles was direct or extreme lateral interbody fusion, axial lumbar interbody fusion, and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Among the clinical outcomes of these studies, the operated levels was 3–7, operative time was 2.3–8.5 h. Both the Cobb angle of coronal major curve and evaluation of Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analog Scale decreased after surgery. There were 323 complications reported in the 831 (38.9%) patients, including 150 (18.1%) motor or sensory deficits, and 111 (13.4%) implant-related complications.

Conclusions:

MISS can provide good radiological and self-evaluation improvement in treatment of adult scoliosis. More prospective studies will be needed before it is widely used.

Minimally invasive reduction and percutaneous posterior fixation of one-level traumatic thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spine fractures

INTRODUCTION

Although open procedures are the gold standard, the alternative approach of minimal invasive reduction using percutaneous screws for thoracic and lumbar spine fractures is under discussion. Aim of this study was to investigate the results of reduction and the accuracy of screw placement in minimally invasive percutaneous posterior instrumentation for these fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-seven patients with thoraco-lumbar and lumbar burst fractures and minimal invasive dorsal instrumentation were analyzed retrospectively in terms of the accuracy of pedicle screw placement and results of fracture reduction.

RESULTS

In total, 542 screws were placed. Thirty-four (6.3%) screws of 22 patients (17.3%) were misplaced, but misplacement was minimal, replacement of any screw position due to instability was not necessary, and no new neurological deficit occurred. In thoraco-lumbar fractures (82/64.5%), reduction succeeded from 2.5 ± 6° kyphosis to 5.6 ± 5.7° lordosis (p < 0.001) and in lumbar spine fractures from 6.9° ± 10.3° lordosis to 14.5° ± 8.8° lordosis (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Minimal invasive percutaneous dorsal instrumentation of burst fractures of the thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spine provides adequate reduction and reliable regular screw placement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV (retrospective series).

Radiation exposure for the surgical team in a hybrid-operating room

Hybrid-operating rooms enable the surgeon to acquire intraoperative high-resolution 2- and 3D images and use them for navigation. The radiation dose of the operating personal and the patient remains the major concern. In 9 months, 109 pelvic and spine cases were performed using a hybrid operating room. Radiation dose of the surgeon and the assisting nurse was recorded using real-time dosimeters. Lower radiation doses for the main surgeon in navigated dorsal instrumentations of the thoracic spine were recorded. Standing between the C-arm during screw placement increased the radiation dose sixfold. Lumbar dorsal instrumentation showed a similar radiation dose compared to the previous studies in traditional operating room settings. The use of a hybrid-operating room for dorsal spine instrumentation showed no increase in radiation dose compared to traditional settings. Intraoperative navigation can help to reduce the radiation dosage for the operating personnel.

Occurrence of substance P and neurokinin receptors during the early phase of spinal fusion

Spinal fusion is widely used for patients with spinal disorders; however, patients often suffer from back pain following fusion surgery. Substance P (SP) acts as a pain neurotransmitter via the sensory nerve afferent fibres up to the spinal cord, and is involved in the conduction and modulation of pain. The use of specific SP neurokinin receptor (NKR) antagonists may decrease postoperative pain. In the present study, the effects of alterations in the quantity of SP and NKRs in the early spinal fusion process were investigated. The results of the present study revealed that SP and NKRs began to appear 1 week post‑surgery in fibrous tissues. The abundance of SP and NKRs peaked at 3 weeks post‑surgery; the majority of SP and NKRs were distributed around the allograft and the new microvessels. In conclusion, SP and NKRs are involved in early spinal fusion, a finding that may facilitate the development of novel strategies to promote spinal fusion from a neurogenesis perspective.