Distraction Injury Research Articles

Inlay buccal mucosal graft for reoperative posterior urethroplasty

Posterior urethral distraction injury following major pelvic trauma is a surgical challenge. Although rarely seen, cases of failure after formal urethral reconstruction are even more problematic. We adapted the concept of augmented free buccal mucosal grafts, which have been successful in anterior urethroplasty, for repairing the posterior urethra in these rare cases with the aim of reducing the likelihood of penile chordee postoperatively. During 2007–2009, four patients were candidates for the proposed procedure because they had received formal transperineal urethral reconstruction but were unable to urinate through the urethra. The urethra was approached transperineally and opened in the midline, rather than divided. Buccal mucosal grafts of an appropriate size were placed in the created urethral groove from 4- to 8 o’clock in the lithotomy view. After the procedure, the urethral catheter was kept for 3 weeks. All patients voided through the urethra after the procedure. The maximal postoperative urinary flow rates were between 12–15 ml/seconds in all cases for a follow-up period of 18–30 months. The recurrence rate was 50% (2/4). Recurrent strictures were minor, and they showed a web-like stricture ring near the suture line. Restricture within 6 months of surgery responded well to endoscopic internal urethrotomy plus dilatations. In conclusion, without further compromising urethral length, reoperative posterior urethroplasty with the inlay grafting technique can be considered in selective cases.

The Relationship between Soft Tissue Damages and Neurologic Deficits in Distractive Extension Injury of the Lower Cervical Spine

The Relationship between Soft Tissue Damages and Neurologic Deficits in Distractive Extension Injury of the Lower Cervical Spine

Forearm gangrene following distraction injury at elbow in a neonate

Gangrene of limbs in newborn is extremely rare. A number of aetiological factors may account for such type of situation. We describe herewith a case of gangrene of forearm in newborn following distraction injury to the physis of elbow and vessels of forearm by excessive pull on upper limb during difficult delivery.

Horizontal C-1 fractures in association with unstable distraction injuries of the craniocervical junction

Horizontal fractures of the anterior arch of the atlas not associated with odontoid fractures have been regarded as stable fractures that can be simply treated with a cervical collar. The authors report that C-1 horizontal fractures also occur in association with severe distraction injuries of the craniocervical junction. The authors retrospectively reviewed imaging studies obtained in all surviving patients in whom unstable distraction injuries of the craniocervical junction were diagnosed and in whom surgery was performed at their institution between 1995 and 2009. All patients who also had a C-1 horizontal fracture as a component of their spinal injury were included in the study. Of 47 patients with unstable craniocervical distraction injuries, 5 patients had a horizontal fracture through the anterior ring of C-1: 1 patient had a primarily C1-2 distractive injury whereas 4 others had a grossly unstable injury across the occipitoatlantal junction (occipitoatlantal dissociation). The finding of a C-1 horizontal fracture does not always reflect a benign injury and its presence should heighten the concern of a more severe and unstable injury at the craniocervical junction.

Reliability and Reproducibility of Subaxial Cervical Injury Description System

Radiographic measurement study. To develop a standardized cervical injury nomenclature system to facilitate description, communication, and classification among health care providers. The reliability and reproducibility of this system was then examined. Description of subaxial cervical injuries is critical for treatment decision making and comparing scientific reports of outcomes. Despite a number of available classification systems, surgeons, and researchers continue to use descriptive nomenclature, such as "burst" and "teardrop" fractures, to describe injuries. However, there is considerable inconsistency with use of such terms in the literature. Eleven distinct injury types and associated definitions were established for the subaxial cervical spine and subsequently refined by members of the Spine Trauma Study Group. A series of 18 cases of patients with a broad spectrum of subaxial cervical spine injuries was prepared and distributed to surgeon raters. Each rater was provided with the full nomenclature document and asked to select primary and secondary injury types for each case. After receipt of the raters' first round of classifications, the cases were resorted and returned to the raters for a second round of review. Interrater and intrarater reliabilities were calculated as percent agreement and Cohen kappa (κ) values. Intrarater reliability was assessed by comparing a given rater's diagnosis from the first and second rounds. Nineteen surgeons completed the first and second rounds of the study. Overall, the system demonstrated 56.4% interrater agreement and 72.8% intrarater agreement. Overall, interrater κ values demonstrated moderate agreement while intrarater κ values showed substantial agreement. Analyzed by injury types, only four (burst fractures, lateral mass fractures, flexion teardrop fractures, and anterior distraction injuries) demonstrated greater than 50% interrater agreement. This study demonstrated that, even in ideal circumstances, there is only moderate agreement among raters regarding cervical injury nomenclature. It is hoped that more familiarity with the proposed system will increase reproducibility in the future. Additional research is required to establish the clinical utility of this novel nomenclature schema.

Characterization of a novel bidirectional distraction spinal cord injury animal model

Scoliosis corrective surgery requires the application of significant multidirectional stress forces, including distraction, for correction of the curved spine deformity and the application of fixation rods. If excessive, spine distraction may result in the development of new neurological deficits, some as severe as permanent paralysis. Current animal models of spinal cord injury, however, are limited to contusion, transection, or unidirectional distraction injuries, which fail to replicate the multidirectional forces that occur during spine corrective surgery. To address such limitation, we designed a novel device that relies on intervertebral grip fixation and linear actuators to induce controllable bidirectional distraction injuries to the spine. The device was tested in three (i.e., 3, 5, and 7mm) distention paradigms of the rat T9–T11 vertebra, and the resulting injuries were evaluated through electrophysiological, behavioral, and histological analysis. As expected, 3mm bilateral spine distractions showed no neurological deficit. In contrast, those with 5 and 7mm showed partial and complete paralysis, respectively. The relationship between the severity of the spine distraction and injury to the spinal cord tissue was determined using glial fibrillary acidic protein immunocytochemistry for visualization of reactive astrocytes and labeling of ED1-positive activated macrophages/microglia. Our results demonstrate that this device can produce bidirectional spine distraction injuries with high precision and control and, thus, may be valuable in contributing to the testing of neuroprotective strategies aimed at preventing unintended new neurological damage during corrective spine surgery.

Epidemiology of Muscle Injuries in Professional Football (Soccer)

Background: Muscle injuries constitute a large percentage of all injuries in football. Purpose: To investigate the incidence and nature of muscle injuries in male professional footballers. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Fifty-one football teams, comprising 2299 players, were followed prospectively during the years 2001 to 2009. Team medical staff recorded individual player exposure and time-loss injuries. The first-team squads of 24 clubs selected by the Union of European Football Associations as belonging to the best European teams, 15 teams of the Swedish First League, and another 15 European teams playing their home matches on artificial turf pitches were included. A muscle injury was defined as “a traumatic distraction or overuse injury to the muscle leading to a player being unable to fully participate in training or match play.” Results: In total, 2908 muscle injuries were registered. On average, a player sustained 0.6 muscle injuries per season. A squad of 25 players can thus expect about 15 muscle injuries per season. Muscle injuries constituted 31% of all injuries and caused 27% of the total injury absence. Ninety-two percent of all muscle injuries affected the 4 major muscle groups of the lower limbs: hamstrings (37%), adductors (23%), quadriceps (19%), and calf muscles (13%). Sixteen percent of the muscle injuries were reinjuries. These reinjuries caused significantly longer absences than did index injuries. The incidence of muscle injury increased with age. When separated into different muscle groups, however, an increased incidence with age was found only for calf muscle injuries and not for hamstring, quadriceps, or hip/groin strains. Conclusion: Muscle injuries are a substantial problem for players and their clubs. They constitute almost one third of all time-loss injuries in men’s professional football, and 92% of all injuries affect the 4 big muscle groups in the lower limbs.

Delayed Diagnosed Stage 1, 2 Distractive Flexion Injury of the Cervical Spine

Study DesignRetrospective study.PurposeTo examine the clinical and radiologic characteristics of patients with stage 1 and 2 distractive flexion injury according to Allen's classification and who were not diagnosed immediately after injury, and to analyze the outcomes of surgical treatments.Overview of LiteratureFor the diagnosis of stage 1 and 2 distractive flexion injury in the lower cervical spine, attention should be paid when performing radiographs as well as when interpreting the radiographs.MethodsThe study was conducted on 10 patients (group 1) with stage 1 or 2 distractive flexion injury and who were not diagnosed immediately after injury from January 2003 to January 2009. The control group (group 2), 16 distractive flexion injury patients who were diagnosed immediately were selected. The simple radiographs, the degree of soft tissue swelling and the magnetic resonance imaging findings of the two groups were compared, and the clinical and radiologic results were examined.ResultsThe degree of the prevertebral soft tissue swelling of group 1 was lower in group 1, and it was statistically significant (p = 0.046). The fusion was achieved in all cases (100%) in group 1, however, re-displacement as well as the loss of reduction occurred in one case, despite of delayed fusion and good clinical result. In group 2, bone fusion was achieved in 15 cases of 16 cases (94%).ConclusionsFor the diagnosis of stage 1 and 2 distractive flexion injury in the lower cervical spine, it is desirable to perform computed tomography if diagnosis is not clear. Even if the diagnosis is delayed, stage 1 and 2 distractive flexion injury could be readily reduced by traction, and the treatment outcomes are considered to be comparable to those of the patients diagnosed immediately after injury.

Management of distraction injury of the lumbosacral junction with unilateral perched facet

Background:Traumatic unilateral facet dislocation without fracture is an uncommon injury of the lumbosacral junction. We describe a case of a unilateral perched L5–S1 facet causing axial back pain and radiculopathy provoked by motion.Case Description:The patient underwent reduction with complete facetectomy followed by internal fixation at L5–S1, facilitating decompression of the S1 nerve root. Postoperatively, the patient reported improvement in her pain.Conclusions:This injury can be recognized using subtle clues, such as transverse process fractures and/or widened posterior elements. Despite its rarity, when identified, this injury can be characterized using the new TLICS system for thoracolumbar fractures and should be managed accordingly.

Impaired performance on the angle board test is induced in a model of painful whiplash injury but is only transient in a model of cervical radiculopathy

Although clinical studies report motor impairment associated with some painful injuries of the neck, assessment of motor function in animal models has been largely limited only to studies of direct trauma to the nervous system. The incline plane test was modified to evaluate motor function in two rodent pain models of facet joint distraction (FJD) and nerve root compression (NRC) injury (n = 5/group). Sham groups were also included as controls. Motor function was measured using the modified inclined plane test with rats facing downward before surgery (baseline) and following surgery on days corresponding to when mechanical sensitivity is established and remains elevated. Mean baseline values of the board angle inducing slip for FJD (45.8 ± 3.1°) was significantly greater (p = 0.014) than that for NRC (43.5 ± 2.5°), but baseline measurements did not vary for either group over time. No changes in motor function were found for shams. Motor function after FJD significantly decreased (p < 0.001) at days 1 and 7 after injury. In contrast, at day 1 after NRC injury, slip occurred at significantly lower (p = 0.0016) incline angles, but returned to baseline levels by day 7. These results show motor function impairment is induced following painful FJD and suggest the incline plane test offers utility to evaluate functional deficits in painful injuries.

Wirbelsäulenverletzungen im Kindesalter

Strukturelle Verletzungen am Achsenskelett kommen gesamthaft sehr selten vor. Aufgrund der anatomischen Besonderheiten, insbesondere der reifenden Knorpel-Knochen-Verbindungen, finden sich beim Kind und beim Jugendlichen spezielle Verletzungsformen. Die radiologischen Besonderheiten des wachsenden Skeletts führen allerdings im Einzelfall nicht selten zu diagnostischen Schwierigkeiten. Das klinische Erscheinungsbild steht im Vordergrund und in Zusammenschau mit den bildgebenden Verfahren müssen in erster Linie pathologische Instabilitäten bestätigt oder ausgeschlossen werden. Kompressionsbedingte Verletzungen, welche zumeist im Sinne von Wirbelkörperfrakturen vorliegen, können, falls nicht schwerwiegende Achsenfehlstellungen vorliegen, fast immer konservativ behandelt werden. Distraktions- und Abscherverletzungen, bei welchen zumeist diskoligamentäre Strukturen betroffen sind, erfordern zumeist ein operatives Vorgehen, um progrediente Fehlstellungen oder chronische Instabilitäten zu vermeiden. Die chirurgischen Behandlungskonzepte unterscheiden sich nicht wesentlich von denen bei Erwachsenen, wenngleich gewisse Unterschiede bei der Implantatwahl und Behandlungsdauer bestehen. Bei richtiger Indikationsstellung und korrekter chirurgischer Technik ist die Prognose – mit Ausnahme von schwerwiegenden neurologischen Begleitverletzungen – als sehr gut einzustufen.

Ultraschall zur Beurteilung des posterioren Ligamentkomplexes bei thorakolumbalen Wirbelsäulenfrakturen

thoracolumbar distraction injuries (AO classification type B) with damage to the posterior ligament complex (PLC) represent an indication for surgery but the use of X-ray and CT imaging often does not identify injuries of the PLC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound imaging in the assessment of the PLC status in thoracolumbar fractures of the spine. in a prospective study the findings of the preoperative ultrasound examination were compared to the intraoperative findings. over a period of 2 years a total of 24 patients with 27 thoracolumbar fractures (18 type A, 9 type B) were examined. In 22 cases ultrasound examination was possible and correct ultrasound findings were made in 20 cases (91%). The sensitivity was 83.3%, specificity 93.8%, positive predictive value 83.3% and negative predictive value 93.8%. the use of ultrasound examination in thoracolumbar fractures is a suitable diagnostic tool for injuries of the posterior ligament complex in addition to radiological imaging.

Diagnosis and treatment of craniocervical dissociation in 48 consecutive survivors

Study type: Case seriesIntroduction: Craniocervical dissociation (CCD) is an uncommon and frequently fatal injury with few reports in the literature of survivors. Advances in automobile safety and improved emergency medical services have resulted in increased survival. Timely diagnosis and treatment are imperative for optimal outcome. Regrettably, the presence of multiple life threatening injuries, low clinical suspicion, and lack of familiarity with the upper cervical radiographic anatomy frequently lead to missed or delayed diagnosis.Objective: This paper represents the largest series of surgically treated CCD survivors. The goal of this study is to determine if any improvements have been made in the timely diagnosis of CCD while performing a complete patient evaluation.Methods: Following institutional review board approval, a search of the Harborview Medical Center (HMC) trauma registry was conducted for all surgically treated CCD patients between 1996 and 2008. Forty-eight consecutive cases were identified. A retrospective review of the radiological and clinical results with emphasis on timing of diagnosis, modality used for diagnosis (Figures 1 and 2), clinical effect of delayed diagnosis, potential clinical or imaging warning signs, and response to treatment was performed. Thirty-one patients treated from 2003 to 2008 were compared to 17 patients that were treated from 1996 to 2002 and reported previously.1Figure 1 Initial lateral C-spine radiograph obtained as part of the initial ATLS survey demonstrating an occiput C1 distractive injury.Figure 2 Sagittal C-spine CT scan obtained as part of the initial ATLS survey demonstrating an occiput C2 distractive injury. All patients sustained high-energy injuries and were evaluated according to standard Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols. Once CCD was identified or suspected, provisional stabilization was applied and MRI evaluation performed (Figure 3). Definitive surgical management with rigid posterior instrumentation and fusion was performed as soon as physiologically possible (Figures 4 and 5).Figure 3a–b Preoperative coronal T2 MRI sequences demonstrating increased signal intensity on the occiput-C1 and C1-2 joints.Figure 4 Postoperative lateral C-spine x-ray showing rigid posterior instrumented fusion from occiput to C2.Figure 5 Postoperative sagittal C-spine x-ray showing rigid posterior instrumented fusion from occiput to C2.Results: Craniocervical dissociation was identified on initial cervical spine imaging in 26 patients (84%). The remaining five patients (16%) were diagnosed by cervical spine MRI. Twenty-three patients (74.2%) were diagnosed within 24 hours of presentation, four (22.6%) were diagnosed between 24 and 48 hours, and one (3.2%) experienced a delay of greater than 48 hours (Table 1). In comparison, four (24%) of the previously treated 17 patients were diagnosed on initial cervical spine imaging. Four patients (24%) were diagnosed within 24 hours of presentation, nine (52%) were diagnosed between 24 and 48 hours, and four (24%) experienced a delay of greater than 48 hours. There were no cases of craniocervical pseudarthrosis or hardware failure during a mean nine-month follow-up period. Four patients expired during their hospital course. The mean American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score of 47 improved to 60, and the number of patients with useful motor function (ASIA Grade D or E) increased from eight (26%) preoperatively to 17 (55%) postoperatively.Conclusions: Improvements have been made in time to diagnosis of CCD in recent years. Increased awareness and the routine use of CT scan as part of the initial ATLS evaluation account for this progress. Expedited diagnosis has decreased preoperative neurological deterioration. However, differences in length of follow-up between the two groups preclude conclusions about its effect on long-term neurological outcome.Table 1Delay in diagnosisNo. of patients from previous study (%)No. of patients from current study (%)Less than 24 hours4 (24%)23 (74.2%)Between 24 and 48 hours9 (52%)7 (22.6%)More than 48 hours4 (24%)1 (3.2%)

Efficiency of Anterior Interbody Fusion using Cage Packed with DBM in the Distractive Flexion Injury of Cervical Spine - Demineralized Bone Matrix vs Autoiliac Cancellous Bone -

Efficiency of Anterior Interbody Fusion using Cage Packed with DBM in the Distractive Flexion Injury of Cervical Spine - Demineralized Bone Matrix vs Autoiliac Cancellous Bone -

Circumferential fixation with craniofacial miniplates for a cervical spine injury in a child

Unstable pediatric cervical spine injuries present significant challenges in terms of fixation. Given the smaller cervical vertebral bodies in the preschool-aged population, commercially available pediatric cervical fixation instrumentation may be unsuitable because of the inappropriately large size of the screws and plates. The authors describe a 2-year-old girl who sustained an unstable C6-7 distraction injury during a motor vehicle accident. Because of the small size of her vertebral bodies, standard cervical spine instrumentation was not feasible, and posterior wiring alone was believed to be insufficient because of the complete distraction of all 3 spinal columns. The patient was taken to the operating room where craniofacial plates with an inherent locking mechanism were used to circumferentially stabilize the cervical spine. Follow-up examination 6 months postoperatively demonstrated stable cervical spine alignment and fusion with no evidence of the failure of either the anterior or posterior hardware. The use of craniofacial miniplates with an intrinsic locking mechanism represents a superior alternative for both anterior and posterior cervical fixations when spinal instrumentation is needed in the pediatric age group.

Editorial Comment

This is a stunningly large series of urethral distraction injuries repaired at 1 referral center. It is a welcome analysis, and provides insight into several important questions. (1) The success rate of redo perineal urethroplasty: the success rate of second urethroplasty is 83% compared with 90% in unoperated cases. (2) Timing of failures: most failures occur before 6 months. (3) Complication rate: in this series, there was new impotence in 12% of cases (not reported in other series). (4) Higher failures in children: this series confirms that children have a 7% higher failure rate than adults. There are some other conclusions, however, that are less robust, and deserving of some unwincing examination. Transperineal Bulboprostatic Anastomosis in Patients With Simple Traumatic Posterior Urethral Strictures: A Retrospective Study from a Referral Urethral CenterUrologyVol. 74Issue 5PreviewTo evaluate the results of ancillary procedures for posterior urethroplasty and compare them with the severity of urethral stricture. Full-Text PDF ReplyUrologyVol. 74Issue 5PreviewThis is an interesting issue for discussion. First, we will discuss urethral lengthening. It may be unusual for specialists to require maneuvers such as corporeal rerouting or pubectomy. We also suggest distal mobilization of the bulbar urethra from the external sphincter to the penoscrotal junction, because this is known to provide 4-5 cm of the urethral length. This step alone should be sufficient to allow tension-free anastomosis in most patients, because in 76%-78% of patients the defect was < 3 cm. Full-Text PDF

Leaving No Stone Unturned

Leaving No Stone Unturned

Erectile function after posterior urethroplasty for pelvic fracture‐urethral distraction defect injuries

To determine the specific effect of pelvic fracture-urethral distraction defect (PFUDD) injuries on erectile function (EF) in men after pelvic fractures, and to compare EF to that found in other studies of men who sustained pelvic fractures, as currently the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and PFUDD has not been elucidated using validated questionnaires. With approval from the institutional review board, patients who sustained a PFUDD injury and had a posterior urethroplasty from 1990 to 2004 were identified from a database. Patients were contacted by telephone, and those who were willing to participate were given the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Using unpaired Student's t-tests, IIEF scores were compared to normal controls, and to results of other studies of men sustaining pelvic fractures. In all, 26 men completed the IIEF, among whom EF was compromised in 14 (54%), including eight with severe ED (31%). Orgasmic function and ejaculation was maintained. Men with a PFUDD had significantly worse EF than men in other series with pelvic fractures. Men who sustain a PFUDD are at significantly greater risk of ED than those with no urethral distraction injury. Men with PFUDD injuries represent a target population for early penile rehabilitation programmes.

Sitzgurt- (Seat-belt) und Chance-Frakturen der thorakolumbalen Wirbelsäule

The authors have attempted to elucidate the differences between Chance, seat-belt, and flexion distraction fractures. Chance and seat-belt fractures have more common features, while flexion distraction fractures differ, in particular, due to the mechanism of injury. A difficult diagnosis is sometimes a common characteristic, while therapy is always the same. During the period from 1997 to 2005, the authors treated 23 seat-belt fractures, and only three "genuine" Chance fractures. All patients had normal neurological findings. The mechanisms of injury were a car crash in 20 cases, and a fall associated with flexion in 6 cases, such as a rolling fall while skiing. According to the localisation, Chance fractures were found at the L 1 level twice and at the L 2 level once. Seat-belt injury was found once each in the areas of T 7, L 4, L 5, -twice at L 2 and L 3, and 16 times at the T / L spine transition, respectively. All patients were operated on using instrumented posterolateral spondylodesis. All fractures healed by spondylodesis as confirmed by X-ray images. All patients returned to their original job or school. 14 patients were evaluated 6 months after removal of the metallic implants. The mean subsequent kyphotisation was 1.4 degrees with the largest deviation of 4 degrees in a patient with a pure ligamentous variant of a seat-belt fracture. The objective of this work is to illustrate the various types of spinal distraction injuries of a seat-belt character and Chance fracture, when the vertebral body is not compressed. X-rays and often also CT scans show a "benign" character. Interpretation of the findings is very important for the development of further chronic instability of the spine and all consequences. If the diagnosis of a distraction injury is made the operative stabilisation is essential. That is why all our patients were tretaed by operation.

Posterior-only Stabilization of 2-column and 3-column Injuries at the Cervicothoracic Junction

A biomechanical study conducted on cadaveric specimens. The objectives of the study were (1) to determine whether a 3-column injury at the cervicothoracic junction may be stabilized with only posterior instrumentation and (2) to determine optimal cross-link position. Previous literature has suggested that 3-column cervicothoracic injury requires both anterior and posterior instrumentation to restore spinal stability. Multidirectional flexibility analysis was performed under axial rotation, flexion extension, and lateral bending. After intact analysis, C7-T1 was destabilized simulating a 2-column injury and specimens instrumented from C6-T2 with lateral mass (C6) and pedicle (C7-T2) screws using dual diameter rods and retested. C7-T1 was further destabilized to a 3-column injury and specimens retested once again. The addition of a cross-link in either the cervical, thoracic, or combined positions was also analyzed. Range of motion (ROM) at C7-T1 and of the whole construct was recorded using optoelectronic markers and data normalized to intact condition (% intact). Statistical significance criterion was set at P<0.05. Greater than 75% reduction of intact ROM was achieved after posterior-only instrumentation of a 3-column injury (P<0.05) using modern instrumentation and technique. For a 2-column injury, no significant difference (P>0.05) was found with or without cross-links. ROM at C7-T1 was effectively reduced by 85% or more compared with intact preinjury motion in all planes. A trend toward increased stability at C7-T1 was noted from the application of a thoracic cross-link versus a cervical cross-link. A 3-column injury at the cervicothoracic junction may be stabilized from a biomechanical standpoint using posterior-only instrumentation. The addition of 2 cross-links further stabilizes the cervicothoracic junction in a 3-column injury. A thoracic cross-link was not significantly different from 2 cross-links. The use of a cross-link in 2-column flexion distraction injuries at the cervicothoracic junction may be unnecessary.