American Spinal Injury Association Research Articles

Results of distraction and ligamentotaxis in thoracolumbar fractures without decompression

Background: Thoracolumbar fractures are common spinal injuries often requiring surgical intervention. Traditionally, decompression surgery has been used to relieve neural pressure. This study evaluates the effectiveness of ligamentotaxis with pedicular screw fixation, which minimizes the need for decompression, in treating thoracolumbar fractures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Government Medical College, Aurangabad involving 30 patients aged 18 and older with thoracolumbar fractures treated with ligamentotaxis and pedicular screw fixation. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American spinal injury association (ASIA) impairment scale for neurological function, and forward flexion degrees for spinal mobility. Patients were followed up for 12 months post-operatively. Results: Significant pain reduction was observed, with VAS scores decreasing from 8.5 pre-operatively to 2.5 at 12 months (p<0.001). Neurological function improved, with many patients advancing from ASIA category A pre-operatively to category D by 12 months (p<0.001). Spinal mobility showed considerable recovery, with forward flexion increasing from 0 degrees pre-operatively to 80 degrees at 12 months (p<0.001). Conclusion: Ligamentotaxis with pedicular screw fixation is an effective treatment for thoracolumbar fractures, providing substantial pain relief, neurological improvement, and restored spinal function. While outcomes are generally positive, patient selection remains critical to avoid poor neurological results. Further research is needed to refine indications and optimize treatment protocols.

Risk factors affecting cervical spondylotic myelopathy complicated with traumatic central cord syndrome and the efficacy of different treatment options

ObjectiveTo analyze the influencing factors and treatment options of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) complicated with traumatic central cord syndrome (TCCS).MethodsA total of 243 patients with CSM admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and then divided into the control group (n = 152) and the observation group (n = 91) according to the presence or absence of concurrent TCCS. The clinical data and imaging data of the two groups were compared, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of CSM complicated with TCCS. Patients in the observation group were further divided into the zero notch anterior cervical interbody fusion device (Zero-P) group (n = 45) and the cervical spine locking plate (CSLP) group (n = 46) according to the treatment mode, and the perioperative indexes of the two groups were compared. The treatment effects were evaluated by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) before surgery, 1 week after surgery and 6 months after surgery. The height of intervertebral space and the cervical lordosis angle were measured.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the injury mechanism (hyperextension injury), hand muscle weakness, cervical instability, age, degree of cervical spinal stenosis, degree of cervical spinal cord compression, and changes in intramedullary high signal were the risk factors, while the type of compression (soft), ASIA score and JOA score were the protective factor for CSM complicated with TCCS (P < 0.05). Patients in Zero-P group had much shorter operation time and hospitalization time than these in CSLP group (P < 0.05). The cervical lordosis angle and intervertebral space height at 1 week and 6 months after operation in the two groups were both largely higher than these before operation, and the cervical lordosis angle and intervertebral space height in the Zero-P group were significantly higher than these in the CSLP group one week after surgery (P < 0.05). The ASIA score and JOA score were obviously increased in the two groups 1 week and 6 months after surgery, and the ASIA score and JOA score in the Zero-P group were significantly higher than these in the CSLP group at 1 week after surgery (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe mechanism of TCCS in CSM is still controversial, which it is generally believed to be caused by cervical hyperextension injury. The clinical symptoms are diverse, and the treatment methods are also different. This study shows that the mechanism of injury, type of compression, hand muscle weakness, cervical instability, age, cervical stenosis compression, and intramedullary high signal changes are all risk factors for CSM complicated with TCCS. Early identification of risk factors and targeted interventions can effectively reduce the complicated rate of TCCS. Zero-P and CSLP surgical fixation have good efficacy in the treatment of TCCS, and there is little difference in efficacy between the two. However, Zero-P fixation surgery has the advantages of short operation time and fast postoperative recovery.

Outcome of posterior decompression by L1 laminectomy, transpedicular fixation, posterolateral fusion in burst fracture L1 with incomplete spinal cord injury

Introduction: Burst fractures are more severe than compression fractures as the bones spread out in all directions and may damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or nerve injury. This study aims to find the surgical outcomes of Posterior Decompression by L1 Laminectomy in terms of burst fracture with incomplete spinal cord injury. Methods: 48 adult patients with burst fractures with incomplete spinal injury came to NITR from June 2023 to May 2024. In this non-randomized clinical trial, the outcomes of decompression by L1 laminectomy were analysed by using the canal encroachment ratio, while deformity correction was assessed using the sagittal Cobb angle and the percentage of anterior vertebral height for the treatment of L1 burst fracture with incomplete spinal cord injury. Results: The patients were followed up for an average of 12 months. The mean operation time was 154.53 minutes, mean intraoperative blood loss of 48.84 mL, and the mean incision length was 7.78 cm. The canal encroachment ratio decreased significantly, as well as the sagittal Cobb angle, and anterior vertebral percentage height increased. Oswestry Disability Index, and American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale classification were significant. Conclusions: Posterior decompression combined with Transpedicular Fixation and Posterolateral Fusion in the treatment of Burst Fracture L1 with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury is safe and effective.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters in the Subacute Phase after Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective, Observational Longitudinal Study. Part 1: Conventional Imaging Characteristics.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard for evaluating spinal cord tissue damage after spinal cord injury (SCI). Several MRI findings may have some prognostic potential, but their evolution over time, especially from the subacute to the chronic phase has not been studied extensively. We performed a prospective observational longitudinal study exploring the evolution of MRI parameters from the subacute to chronic phase after human traumatic cervical SCI. The study, conducted between 2016 and 2021, involved standardized neurological examinations and MRI scans 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after SCI. The study cohort comprises 52 patients with cervical SCI. Patients were classified into AIS grades (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale), and neurological recovery was assessed using the Integrated Neurological Change Score. The MRI protocol included various routine sequences, allowing the evaluation of established parameters such as intramedullary hemorrhage, lesion dimensions, maximum spinal cord compression, and various grading scales. The persistence of intramedullary hemorrhage one month after injury was associated with worse lower extremity motor scores and pinprick values after 3 months, and also in the chronic phase. In addition, dorsal column T2-weighted hyperintensities detected 3 months post-injury and in the chronic phase were related to lower pinprick sensory scores. The basic score and Sagittal Grade at 1 month were predictive for motor function 3 months after SCI and for neurological recovery between 1 and 3 months after injury. The study contributes valuable insights into the utility of routine MRI sequences for evaluating traumatic cervical SCI during the subacute to chronic phase. The identified MRI parameters and scores offer prognostic information and could support clinical decision-making.

Outcome of posterior short segment fixation with implanting pedicle screw at the fractured level for treatment of thoracolumbar fracture

IntroductionThoracolumbar fractures make up majority of the spinal fractures. Various techniques including long, short, mono and short segment screw fixation have been used to achieve stability. There are still few studies describing the results of short segment fixation with intermediate screw fixation in fractured vertebrae, despite the fact that all have adequate efficacy and stability. Materials and methods41 patients were studied and evaluated preoperatively, at discharge and at 2, 6, 12, 24 weeks and 1 year follow-up clinically using Greenough and Fraser Low Back Pain Score, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, four-point scale questionnaire for patient's satisfaction, sagittal index (SI) of injured vertebra and Cobb's angle. ResultsThe patient's mean age was 36.9 ± 11.7 years, majority (90.2 %) with lumbar (L1-L3) segment involvement. All the patients significantly improved neurologically immediately after surgery (p < 0.001) however the improvement was not significant at final follow up (p = 0.3) as compared to the preoperative ASIA grade (Kendall's tau-b test). Low back pain decreased significantly on subsequent follow-up as measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (p < 0.001). The Low Back Pain Scale of Greenough and Fraser calculated at immediate post-operation and at 1 year follow up in comparison to pre-operation status showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001). Sagittal index (SI) estimated at 6, 12, 24 weeks and 1 year follow-up in comparison to preoperative SI was higher and statistically significant (p < 0.001). Mean Cobb's angle significantly decreased during follow-up at 6, 12, 24 weeks and 1 year compared to preoperative angle (p < 0.001). Four Point Scale Questionnaire assessed at 1 year follow-up showed majority (82.9 %) were very satisfied with the outcome. ConclusionPosterior short segment with intermediate screw fixation in fractured vertebra is a feasible and stable treatment method for traumatic single thoracolumbar fracture with respect to the functional outcome, patient satisfaction and preservation of motion segment.

Plasma fibrinogen level is independent risk factor associated with the incidence of pulmonary infection in patients with spinal cord injury: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPatients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at higher risk of developing pulmonary infection (PI), and plasma fibrinogen level may be an independent risk factor for PI. However, the relationship between fibrinogen level and PI incidence in the SCI population remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association between plasma fibrinogen level and the occurrence of PI among SCI patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 576 SCI patients admitted to the Rehabilitation Medicine Department between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Following exclusions, 491 patients were included in the final analysis, with 139 PI cases identified.ResultsSurgery, level of injury and chest comorbidities were covariates in the relationship between fibrinogen level and PI incidence. Other identified potential risk factors for PI included age, D-dimer level, urinary tract infections (UTI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), anticoagulant therapy, injury mechanism, and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grades. After adjusting for these factors, we found that for every 1 g/L increase in fibrinogen level, the risk of developing PI increased by 18% (HR = 1.18, P = 0.011), and indicating a positive linear relationship between fibrinogen level and PI incidence.ConclusionPlasma fibrinogen was an independent risk factor for PI in patients with SCI, especially for AIS-B and C grades. Proactive management of fibrinogen level after admission to rehabilitation medicine department could be crucial in reducing the incidence of PI in this vulnerable population.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Cardiovascular autonomic function in middle-aged people with long-term cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord injuries

Objectives To examine cardiovascular autonomic function in middle-aged people with long-term cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) compared with the general population, and explore if the neurological level of injury (NLI) is related to cardiovascular autonomic function. Design Population-based cross-sectional study with matched controls. Setting Outpatient SCI unit in Southern Sweden. Participants Twenty-five individuals (20% women, mean age 58 years and mean time since injury 28 years, NLI C2-T6, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A-C) from the Swedish SPinal Cord Injury Study on Cardiopulmonary and Autonomic Impairment (SPICA). Matched controls were obtained from the population-based Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) at a ratio of 5:1. Interventions Not applicable. Outcome measures 24 h electrocardiography and deep breathing tests. 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring and orthostatic BP tests. Results In individuals with SCI compared with controls, heart rate variability (24h mean SD of the normal-to-normal interval 112 ms vs 145 ms, P < 0.001) and diastolic orthostatic BP increase (2.0 and 9.4 mmHg, P < 0.001), were significantly lower, whereas BP variability was significantly higher (24h mean systolic SDBP 17.8 mmHg vs 15.7 mmHg, P = 0.029). Circadian patterns of heart rate variability and BP (lack of nocturnal dip) were significantly different among the individuals with SCI than controls. Higher NLI was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with impairments to various cardiovascular autonomic function variables. Conclusions This exploratory study indicates that cardiovascular autonomic function is impaired in middle-aged people with long-term cervical and upper thoracic SCI compared with the general non-SCI population, and more pronounced with a higher NLI. Future research is needed to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these impairments, and the prognostic significance for individuals with SCI. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03515122.

Intravenous Infusion of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expanded in Auto Serum for Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Patients: A Case Series

Objective: The safety, feasibility, and potential functional improvement following the intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were investigated in patients with chronic severe spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: The intravenous infusion of autologous MSCs cultured in auto-serum under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) was administered to seven patients with chronic SCI (ranging from 1.3 years to 27 years after the onset of SCI). In addition to evaluating feasibility and safety, neurological function was evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISCSCI-92), and Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM-III). Results: No serious adverse events occurred. Neither CNS tumors, abnormal cell growth, nor neurological deterioration occurred in any patients. While this initial case series was not blinded, significant functional improvements and increased quality of life (QOL) were observed at 90 and 180 days post-MSC infusion compared to pre-infusion status. One patient who had an AIS grade C improved to grade D within six months after MSC infusion. Conclusions: This case series suggests that the intravenous infusion of autologous MSCs is a safe and feasible therapeutic approach for chronic SCI patients. Furthermore, our data showed significant functional improvements and better QOL after MSC infusion in patients with chronic SCI. A blind large-scale study will be necessary to fully evaluate this possibility.

Surgical management of traumatic spondyloptosis: a case series

BackgroundTraumatic spondyloptosis is a rare and severe spinal injury characterized by complete anterior translation of one vertebra over another, often resulting in debilitating neurological deficits.Case presentationWe present two cases of traumatic spondyloptosis and elaborate on the clinical presentation, management, and follow-up improvement. The first case is a 30-year-old Nepalese man who sustained traumatic spondyloptosis following a blunt force injury to his back while engaged in tree-cutting activities. The patient presented with severe back pain, left lower limb paralysis, and neurological deficits (consistent with American Spinal Injury Association grade C). Radiographic evaluation revealed total anterior dislocation of the L4 vertebral body over L5, accompanied by fractures of the superior endplates of both vertebrae. The second case is a 35-year-old Nepalese female who presented with back pain and lower limb paralysis following a fall from a 300-m cliff, exhibiting tenderness and ecchymosis in the mid-back region. Radiological examination revealed D12 vertebra translation over L1 with fracture, categorized as American Spinal Injury Association grade A. Both cases were surgically managed and stabilized.ConclusionThese cases emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to trauma management as well as prompt recognition, and early surgical management in optimizing outcomes for patients with traumatic spondyloptosis.

Invasive devices to monitor the intraspinal perfusion pressure in the hemodynamic management of acute spinal cord injury: A systematic scoping review.

Various methods for measuring intrathecal pressure (ITP) after spinal cord injury (SCI) to guide hemodynamic management have been investigated. To synthesize the current literature, this current study conducted a scoping review of the use of intrathecal devices to monitor ITP during acute management of SCI with the aim of understanding the association between ITP monitoring with physiological and clinical outcomes. A systematic review of literature following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. All eligible studies were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extracted included number of patients included, severity of injury, characteristics of the intervention-intrathecal device used to record the ITP, outcomes -hemodynamic parameters observed, changes in the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS), total motor scores, association of ITP with other physiological variables. The search yielded a total of 1,698 articles, of which 30 observational studies and 2 randomized clinical trials were deemed eligible based on their use of an intrathecal invasive device to monitor spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP) in patients with SCI. Of these, 9 studies used a lumbar drain, 23 a Codman pressure probe and 1 study that used both. These studies underscore the crucial interplay between ITP, the SCPP and physiological variables, with neurological outcome. It is still unclear whether monitoring from a lumbar drain is accurate enough to highlight what is occurring at the site of SCI, which is the main advantage of Codman Probe, however, the latter requires specialized personnel that may not be available in most settings. Minor adverse effects were associated with lumbar drain catheters, while cerebrospinal fluid leak requiring repair (~ 7%) is the main concern with Codman Probes. Future investigation of SCPP protocols via lumbar drains and Codman probes ought to involve multi-centered randomized controlled trials and continued translational investigation with animal models.

Debridement and Bone Graft Fusion via the Lateral Extracavitary Approach Combined with Lateral and Posterior Screw-rod Fixation in the Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study of 38 Cases

ObjectivesThoracic spinal tuberculosis (TB) is still common, and surgical treatment can rapidly relieve pain, correct deformity, reduce bone loss and prevent further damage to neurological function. We have practiced an efficient and safe surgical method. MethodsFrom January 2013 to April 2021, 38 patients with thoracic spinal TB were included in our study. Debridement and bone grafting were performed via the lateral extracavitary approach, combined with two different fixation methods. Data from these cases were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsFor all cases, the C-reactive protein (CRP) level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of all the patients decreased to normal levels at the last follow-up. The average visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.5±1.6 preoperatively and 0.6±0.8 at the last follow-up, showing a significant reduction. The average angle of kyphosis correction was 6.3±4.7°, and the loss of correction was 1.4±1.6°. Neurological function was significantly improved in all cases according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification. Solid fusion was observed in all cases at the last follow-up. ConclusionsDebridement and bone graft fusion via the lateral extracavitary approach combined with two fixation methods can be very effective in the treatment of thoracic spinal TB.

Development and validation of a novel nomogram for predicting mechanical ventilation after cervical spinal cord injury

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the risk factors relating to the need for mechanical ventilation (MV)in isolated cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) patients and to construct a nomogram prediction model. DesignRetrospective analysis study. ParticipantsA total of 5784 patients (N=5784) who had a cSCI were admitted to the National Spinal Cord Injury Model System database (NSCID) between 2006 and 2021. SettingNSCID observation data was initially collected during rehabilitation hospitalization. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s)A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent factors affecting the use of MV in cSCI patients, these independent influencing factors were used to develop a nomogram prediction model. The area under the receivers operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to evaluate the efficiency and the clinical application value of the model respectively. ResultsIn a series of 5784 included patients, 926 cases (16.0%) were admitted to spinal cord model system inpatient rehabilitation with the need of MV. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that associated injury, American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale (AIS), the sum of unilateral optimal motor scores for each muscle segment of upper extremities (sUEM) and neurological level of injury (NLI) were independent predictors of the use of MV (p<0.05). The prediction nomogram of MV usage in cSCI patients was established based on the above independent predictors. The AUROC of the training set, internal verification set and external verification set were 0.871 (0.857-0.886), 0.867 (0.843-0.891) and 0.850 (0.824-0.875) respectively. The calibration curve and DCA results showed that the model had a good calibration and clinical practicability. ConclusionThe nomograph prediction model based on sUEM, NLI, associated injury and AIS can accurately and effectively predict the risk of MV in cSCI patients, to help clinicians screen high-risk patients and formulate targeted intervention measures.

The correlation of neurosurgery motor examinations with ISNCSCI motor examinations in patients with spinal cord injury: a multicenter TRACK-SCI study.

The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) assessment is the gold standard for evaluation of neurological function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Although it is an invaluable tool for diagnostic and research purposes, it is time consuming and can be impractical in acute injury settings. Clinical neurosurgery motor examinations (NMEs) could serve as an expeditious surrogate for SCI research when ISNCSCI motor examinations are not feasible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between motor examinations performed by the neurosurgery clinical team and ISNCSCI examiners. The multicenter prospective Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Spinal Cord Injury (TRACK-SCI) registry was queried to identify patients with recorded neurosurgery and research motor examinations within 24 hours of each other. Pearson correlations and modified Bland-Altman analyses were performed using data from matching upper-extremity, lower-extremity, and combined examinations. Kappa analysis was used to test interrater reliability with respect to determination of American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade. There were 72 pairs of matching clinical and research examinations in 63 patients. NME scores were strongly correlated with ISNCSCI motor scores (R = 0.962, p < 0.001). Both upper- and lower-extremity NME scores were strongly correlated with upper- and lower-extremity ISNCSCI motor scores, respectively (R = 0.939, p < 0.001; and R = 0.959, p < 0.001, respectively). In modified Bland-Altman analyses, total, upper-extremity, and lower-extremity NME scores and ISNCSCI motor scores showed low systematic bias and high agreeability (total: bias = 0.3, limit of agreement [LoA] = 36.6; upper extremity: bias = -0.5, LoA = 17.6; lower extremity: bias = 0.8, LoA = 24.0). There were 66 pairs of examinations that had thorough sensory and rectal examinations for AIS grade calculation. Using kappa analysis to test the interrater reliability of AIS grade calculation using NME versus ISNCSCI motor scores, the authors found a weighted kappa of 0.883 (SE 0.061, 95% CI 0.736-0.976), indicating strong agreement. Overall, this study suggests that ISNCSCI motor scores and NME scores are strongly correlated and highly agreeable. When conducting SCI research, a thorough clinical motor examination may be a useful surrogate when ISNCSCI examinations are missing.

An Update on Spinal Cord Injury and Current Management

» Spinal cord injury is associated with increased lifelong cost and decreased life expectancy.» Current treatment guidelines have been limited to studies of small effect sizes and limited availability of randomized control trials.» Recovery is best correlated with the initial American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale grade with A and B less likely to recover regarding ambulation as compared with C and D grades.» Surgical intervention within less than 24 hours, especially in the cervical spine, has been associated with some motor improvement.» The use of mean arterial pressure goals and steroids to maintain perfusion and decrease secondary injury requires further study to elucidate clearer evidence-based results.

Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction on Neurological Function for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) can lead to neurological dysfunction, such as limb numbness, muscle stiffness, and motor disorders. Although early decompression surgery has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms for patients with CSCI, there are still some limitations in the recovery of motor function. It has been reported that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has advantages in the treatment of CSCI due to its safety and efficacy and its ability to modulate the immune system and promote neuroregeneration. In this study, we investigate the clinical efficacy of combining Yiqi Huoxue Decoction with acupoint massage therapy in patients with CSCI after decompression and fixation surgery. A total of 140 patients who were first diagnosed with CSCI at our hospital and underwent early decompression and internal fixation surgery from October 2022 to June 2023 were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 70) received conventional Western medicine treatment, and Group B (n = 70) received Yiqi Huoxue Decoction and acupoint massage therapy. We observed significant improvements in the American Spinal Injury Association scores after the combined treatment. Moreover, the levels of neuron-specific enolase decreased, while the levels of nerve growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-1 increased. Additionally, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells exhibited a notable decrease. Furthermore, acupoint massage was found to stimulate nerve endings, thereby promoting nerve regeneration and repair. In summary, this combined treatment effectively improves the neurological function of patients with CSCI.

Risk factors for postoperative DVT exacerbation or new DVT in patients with spinal cord injury complicated with cervical fracture.

To investigate the dynamic changes of perioperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with spinal cord injury complicated with cervical fracture and analyze the risk factors of postoperative DVT exacerbation or new DVT. From January 2018 to December 2023, a total of 232 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with cervical fracture in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Ultrasonography of both lower limbs was performed before and after surgery. According to whether there was aggravation of DVT or new thrombosis, the group was divided into DVT exacerbation or new DVT group and non-DVT exacerbation group. Clinical data were used to study the dynamic changes of perioperative DVT. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to explore the risk factors. The DVT was found in 47 patients before surgery, including 26 cases of distal thrombus, 14 cases of mixed thrombus and 7 cases of proximal thrombus. Postoperative DVT increased to 81, including 31 distal thrombus, 35 mixed thrombus and 15 proximal thrombus. A total of 53 patients (22.8%, 53/232) experienced postoperative DVT exacerbation or new DVT. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, time from injury to surgery, surgery time and blood loss were risk factors for postoperative DVT exacerbation. In patients with spinal cord injury complicated with cervical fracture, the risk of postoperative DVT exacerbation is very high. Age, ASIA score A-B, time from injury to surgery, surgery time and blood loss were risk factors for postoperative DVT exacerbation or new DVT.

A novel online calculator based on inflammation-related endotypes and clinical features to predict postoperative pulmonary infection in patients with cervical spinal cord injury

BackgroundPostoperative pulmonary infection (POI) of patients with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) is highly heterogeneous, while the potential endotypes and related risk factors remain unclear. MethodsA retrospective collection of 290 CSCI patients was conducted from January 2010 to July 2024 using 1:1 propensity score matching to compare POI (n = 145) and non-POI (n = 145) groups. We generated laboratory examination data from admission patients and identified endotypes using unsupervised consensus clustering and machine learning. CSCI patients were randomly assigned to the training set (n = 203) and internal validation set (n = 87). A separate cohort comprising 245 CSCI patients were used for external validation. Independent predictors for POI were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A nomogram and an online calculator were developed and validated, both internally and externally. ResultsTwo inflammation-related endotypes were identified: high inflammation endotype (endotype C1) and low inflammation endotype (endotype C2). Eight predictors for POI were identified (including age, operation duration, number of surgical segments, time between injury and surgery, preoperative steroid pulse, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, smoking history, and inflammation-related endotype). A nomogram integrating the risk factors showed excellent discrimination in the training set (AUC, 0.976; 95% CI 0.956–0.996), internal validation set (AUC, 0.993; 95% CI 0.981–1.000), and external validation set (AUC, 0.799; 95%CI 0.744–0.854). Calibration curves demonstrated excellent fit, and decision curves highlighted its favorable clinical value. An online calculator (https://tjspine.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp/) was constructed to improve the convenience and efficiency of our prediction model. ConclusionsWe identified inflammation-related endotype and constructed a web-based calculator for predicting POI in patients with CSCI, exhibiting excellent clinical utility.

Long-term efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with vertebral screw fixation for the treatment of lumbar specific infection

To explore medium and long term efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) in treating lumbar specific infection. From October 2017 to January 2021, 24 patients with lumbar specific infection were treated by OLIF combined with vertebral screw internal fixation, including 15 males and 9 females, aged from 27 to 61 years old with an average of (43.0±15.0) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 6 to 24 months with an average of (14.0±7.0) months;7 patients with L2-L3, 12 patients with L3-L4 and 5 patients with L4-L5;19 patients with tuberculosis infection and 5 patients with brucella infection. The amount of intraoperative blood loss, operative time and complications were recorded, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) score and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) rating were compared before and one month after opertaion. All patients were followed up from 9 to 24 months with an average of (13.0±6.0) months. Operative time was (132.5±21.4) min, and intraoperative blood loss was (227.3±43.1) ml. ESR and CRP were decreased from (82.34±18.62) mmol·h-1 and (53.08±21.84) mg·L-1 before operation to (33.52±17.31) mmol·h-1 and (15.48±8.36) mg·L-1 at one month after operation, respectively (P<0.05). VAS was decreased from (7.52±1.36) before opertaion to (1.74±0.87) at one month after operation (P<0.05). JOA was increased from (17.86±3.95) before operation to (24.72±3.19) at one month after operation (P<0.05). Four patients had neurological symptoms before operation, and were classified to grade D according to ASIA classification, who were recovered to grade E at 1 month after operation. One patient was suffered from psoas major muscle injury after operation, and returned to normal at 3 weeks. One patient was suffered from abdominal distension and difficulty in defecation, and relieved after gastrointestinal decompression and enema. No complications such as abdominal organ injury and poor wound healing occurred in all patients. OLIF combined with vertebral screw internal fixation is a new minimally invasive surgical method for the treatment of lumbar specific infection, especially the lesion located on the middle lumbar vertebra. It has advantages of less trauma, short operation time, less blood loss, convenient operation, complete removal of the lesion, safety and effectiveness, and has good medium-and long-term efficacy for lumbar specific infection.

Surgery do save life in cervical spinal injury: 5 years study of a tertiary care in East Java, Indonesia

Cervical spine has the most movement in spine therefore it has high risk of injury which may involve vertebrae, soft tissue and spinal cord. Trauma to cervical has highest risk of neurologic deficits due to spinal cord injury (SCI) causing high number of morbidity and mortality. Retrospective study was conducted with descriptive-analytic design by total sampling of cervical spinal injury patients in Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital from January 2018 to June 2023. Patient demographic and survival analysis of patients was described using Kaplan-Meier chart and logistic regression test to find factors contributing to patients’ survival. Gender, age, mechanism of injury, surgical approach, duration, intra-operative bleeding, lesion level, time to surgery, and initial blood laboratory had no significant impact while neurological status and operative treatment have significant survival probability. Patients with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A score have lower survival rate which associated with respiratory muscle weakness, cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Any unstable cervical fracture is advised for surgery while decompression surgery is recommended for improving outcome and ease of rehabilitation. Clinical implication of this study recommends surgery for cervical spinal injury with 5.6 times more chance of survival than non-operative patients. Initial AIS neurological status and surgery performed contributes to survival. Level of cervical lesion, age, gender, mechanism of injury, surgical approach, duration, blood laboratory tests do not have a significant impact on survival while fastest time admission to surgery does not reflect higher chance of survival probability.

Long-term outcome and predictors of neurological recovery in cervical spinal cord injury: a population-based cohort study

This retrospective study analyzed prognostic factors for neurological improvement and ambulation in 194 adult patients (≥ 15 years) with traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries treated at the neurological SCI unit (SCIU) at the Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Sweden, between 2010 and 2020. The primary outcome was American spinal injury association impairment scale (AIS) improvement, with secondary focus on ambulation restoration. Results showed 41% experienced AIS improvement, with 51% regaining ambulation over a median follow-up of 3.7 years. Significant AIS improvement (p < 0.001) and reduced bladder/bowel dysfunction (p < 0.001) were noted. Multivariable analysis identified initial AIS C-D (< 0.001), central cord syndrome (p = 0.016), and C0–C3 injury (p = 0.017) as positive AIS improvement predictors, while lower extremity motor score (LEMS) (p < 0.001) and longer ICU stays (p < 0.001) were negative predictors. Patients with initial AIS C-D (p < 0.001) and higher LEMS (p < 0.001) were more likely to regain ambulation. Finally, older age was a negative prognostic factor (p = 0.003). In conclusion, initial injury severity significantly predicted neurological improvement and ambulation. Recovery was observed even in severe cases, emphasizing the importance of tailored rehabilitation for improved outcomes.