Ligamentous Complex Injury Research Articles

Diagnostic Reliability of Computed Tomography in Predicting Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injury in Traumatic Lower Lumbar Fracture

ObjectiveThough magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary modality of investigation for determining the extent of PLC injuries in lower lumbar fractures (L3-L5), the reliability of computed tomography (CT) has not been well defined. The main objective of this study is to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of combined CT findings for detecting posterior ligamentous complex injury in patients with lower lumbar fractures. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 108 patients who presented with traumatic lower lumbar fractures. CT parameters like loss of vertebral body height, local kyphosis, retropulsion of fracture fragment, interlaminar distance (ILD), interspinous distance (ISD), supraspinous distance (SSD), interpedicular distance (IPD), canal compromise, facet joint diastasis in axial images (FJDA) and sagittal images (FJDS), presence of lamina and spinous process fracture were calculated using axial and sagittal CT images. The presence or absence of PLC injury was determined using MRI as a reference standard. ResultsAmong 108 patients PLC injury was identified in 57 (52.8%). On univariate analysis local kyphosis, retropulsion of fracture fragment, ILD, IPD, FJDS, FJDA, and the presence of spinous process fracture were found to be significant (P < 0.05) in predicting PLC injury. Whereas on multivariate logistic regression analysis, FJDS (P= 0.039), and FJDA (P= 0.003) were found to be variables independently associated with PLC injury. ConclusionAmong the various CT parameters, facet joint diastasis (FJDS > 4.2 mm and FJDA > 3.5 mm) is the most reliable factor in determining PLC injury.

Valeur prédictive du test d’hyperabduction de Gagey pour identifier les lésions du ligament glénohuméral inférieur

IntroductionClinical tests that can identify inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) complex injuries are indispensable for the diagnosis of shoulder instability. Gagey's hyperabduction test has been developed to diagnose IGHL hyperlaxity, however, it is unclear whether the test is able to accurately diagnose an IGHL lesion. The aim of this study was to (1) determine the diagnostic performance of the Gagey test in identifying an IGHL lesion and (2) determine if a positive Gagey test is more predictive for an anterior or posterior IGHL lesion thanks to the heatmapping of the lesions. It was hypothesized that a Gagey test can accurately predict IGHL lesions, but would not be able to distinguish between anterior and inferior IGHL lesions. MethodsA retrospective diagnostic accuracy study was conducted including all consecutive patients who underwent glenoid labral repair between January 2005 and September 2021 with a documented Gagey test prior to surgery. Using arthroscopic findings as a reference standard, the diagnostic performance characteristics of the Gagey test for each type of IGHL lesion (anterior, posterior and combined) were calculated and labral heatmapping was used to depict its localisation. ResultsA total of 167 patients were included, with a mean age of 29±10 years. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the Gagey test on determining an IGHL lesion were 46%, 38% and 46%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 88% and 7%, respectively. Heatmapping of the labral lesions demonstrated that a positive Gagey test was most predictive of anterior IGHL and axillary pouch tears and non-predictive of posterior IGHL lesions. DiscussionThe Gagey test demonstrated a low sensitivity and specificity to identify an IGHL lesion and therefore the hypothesis could not be confirmed. However, the Gagey test has a high positive predictive value to diagnose anterior IGHL lesions. Further prospective research with a more evenly distribution of lesions is needed to investigate the clinical value of the Gagey test to identify these lesions. Based on this data, the Gagey test seems especially important to support the results of other clinical tests such as the apprehension, relocation and surprise tests. Level of evidenceIII, retrospective case-control study.

Evaluation of Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injury in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Correlation Analysis of CT and MRI Findings.

The goal of this study is to perform correlation analysis of Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results in posterior ligament complex (PLC) injury and define the morphological traits of thoracolumbar (TL) burst fractures connected to PLC injury. Forty patients with surgically repaired TL burst fractures between January 2013 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were split into two groups for comparison based on MRI (Group P: patients with a confirmed or suspected PLC injury; Group N: patients with PLC injury denied). The radiographic morphological examination based on CT scans and clinical evaluation was performed and compared between two groups. The thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS), the load sharing classification (LSC) scores, and the number of patients with neurological impairments were considerably greater in Group P. Loss of height of the fracture (loss height), local kyphosis of the fracture (local kyphosis), and supraspinous distance were significantly higher in Group P and significantly associated with PLC injuries indicating severe vertebral body destruction and traumatic kyphosis in multivariate logistic analysis [odds ratio: 1.90, 1.06, and 1.13, respectively]. Cutoff value for local kyphosis obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve was 18.8. If local kyphosis is greater than 18.8 degrees on CT scans, we should take into account the probability of the highly damaged burst fracture associated with PLC injury. In this situation, we should carefully assess MRI to identify the spinal cord injury or spinal cord compression in addition to PLC injury because these instances likely present with neurological abnormalities.

Trans-olecranon fracture posterior dislocation: a novel type of elbow injury

BackgroundBased on our experiences, we found that a kind of elbow injury is characterized by an olecranon fracture accompanied by elbow joint posterior dislocation with the proximal radioulnar joint intact. The aim of this study was to better define this kind of severe elbow instability, which has not been previously reported.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all patients with olecranon fractures who were treated at our institution from January 2013 to April 2021. Data on these patient demographics, injury characteristics, preoperative and postoperative imaging, surgical management, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. We also made the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria.ResultsA total of 309 patients were diagnosed olecranon fractures in our institution, and ten patients met the inclusion criteria, 9 males and 1 female, with an average age of 40.6 ± 12.7 years (26–68 years). Eight patients (80%) were comminuted, and two were oblique olecranon fracture. Nine patients (90%) suffered coronoid process fractures, eight fractures were type III, and one was type II. Eight patients (80%) suffered radial head fractures, seven fractures were type II, and one was type III. All patients suffered lateral collateral ligament complex injury. All patients underwent surgical management and were followed up on average for 15.8 ± 3.2 months (12–20 months). The motion of the elbow and functional outcome were evaluated with several methods. The mean arc of the elbow movement was 131.6° ± 6.0° (124°–140°), and the mean arc of the forearm rotation was 158.5° ± 17.8° (128°–180°). Nine patients’ functional results according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were excellent with a mean score of 96.5 ± 5.3 points (85–100 points), and another was good. The mean score according to the Broberg and Morrey functional rating index was 98.8 ± 2.5 points (92–100 points), nine patients were excellent, and another was good. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was 0.75 ± 1.2 points (0–3.3 points).ConclusionsTrans-olecranon fracture posterior dislocation is a rare injury and has unique characteristics, and it is a kind of complex elbow instability involving the coronoid process and radial head fractures. After bony structure is restored, the repairment of lateral collateral ligament complex is also important to the stability of the elbow joint. Correct understanding of this kind of injury and reasonable treatment plan can achieve good function.

Imaging parameters and clinical significance of posterior ligament complex injury in thoracolumbar fracture.

This study aims to investigate whether the combination of radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images can be used as an alternative means of magnetic resonance imaging examination or a preliminary screening method before examination, so as to improve the accuracy of determining the degree of posterior ligament complex injury in thoracolumbar fracture patients. From May 2011 to May 2019, the patients with thoracolumbar fracture were collected. A total of 150 patients were enrolled. The reference standard was 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging examination and lipid suppression sequence was applied. All radiographs and CT imaging results were measured in the Picture Archiving and Communication System workstation. The upper endplate angle and lower endplate angle, the percentage of vertebral height drop, the difference of inter-spinous process distance on CT images and the translation distance were statistically significant between the 2 groups (P < .05). Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the diagnostic performance was excellent (all area under the curve > 0.7). To sum, the results showed that endplate angle + inter-spinous process distance on CT images combination had relatively high-quality diagnostic value for posterior ligamentous complex injury in thoracolumbar fracture patients.

Correlation between presence of traumatic disco-ligamentous injuries as an MRI finding with the results of management of thoracolumbar and lumbar injuries

Introduction: Radiographic study plays an important role in diagnosis of acute vertebral injuries and helps in proper management of those patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for evaluation of ligamentous and other soft tissue structures, disc, spinal cord and occult osseous injuries. Due to high cost, it is necessary to detect the best use of this technique in the evaluation of thoracolumbar spinal injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of MRI as indicators for vertebral ligamentous injuries and intervertebral disc injuries or herniation in management of thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures. Methods: Retrospective study using radiological measurements. Seventy-two patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures were included. Radiographic parameters detected were percentage of compression, kyphosis angle, vertebral translation and scoliosis angle. Computed tomography was used to detect the degree of spinal canal narrowing, MRI was used to evaluate the condition of posterior ligamentous complex and intervertebral disc injury or herniation. American Spinal Injury Association score was recorded. Results: There were 83% AO spine type A, 6% AO spine type B and 11% AO spine type C. Correlation between fracture type and neurological status with the posterior ligamentous complex injury was found to be significant: ( P = 0.0143 and P = 0.0344, respectively). Degree of vertebral body compression, kyphosis and scoliosis angles, vertebral body translation and spinal canal narrowing were found to be insignificant in correlation with posterior ligamentous complex injuries. Correlation of the above-mentioned parameters with disc injury or herniation was found to be insignificant except for kyphotic angle that was found to be significant in correlation with posttraumatic disc herniation ( P = 0.0219). Conclusion: MRI finding is of great value in management plan of thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures. Injury of posterior ligamentous complex is significantly correlated with fracture severity and the neurological function. But the intervertebral disc injury or herniation was not correlated to them except that the disc herniation was significantly correlated to kyphosis angle.

Which Morphological Features of Facet Diastasis Predict Thoracolumbar Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injury as Defined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

The association of various morphological features of facet diastasis with posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury has not been previously described. This study aims to determine the diagnostic value of facet diastasis subtypes for diagnosing thoracolumbar PLC injury. We retrospectively reviewed 337 consecutive patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures who had computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 10days of injury. Three and 5 reviewers evaluated MRI and CT images, respectively. Facet diastasis was subclassified as follows: Dislocated, no articular surface apposition; subluxed, incomplete articular surface apposition; and facet fracture articular process fractures which may be displaced ≥2mm or otherwise undisplaced, facet joint widening (FJW) ≥ 3mm. We examined the diagnostic accuracy and the multivariate associations of facet diastasis subtypes with PLC injury in MRI. Facet dislocation, subluxation, and displaced facet fracture yielded a high positive predictive value (PPV) for PLC injury (96%, 88%, and 94%, respectively). In contrast, undisplaced facet fracture and FJW yielded a moderate PPV for PLC injury (78%, and 45%, respectively). Facet dislocation, subluxation, and displaced facet fracture showed independent associations with PLC injury (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=38.4, 17.1, 13.4, respectively; P<0.05). Undisplaced facet fracture and FJW were not associated with PLC injury (AOR=3.9 [95% confidence interval, 0.49-38.4], P=0.20) and (AOR=1.94 [95% confidence interval, 0.48-7.13]; P=0.20; P= 0.33), respectively. Facet dislocation, subluxation, and displaced facet fracture, but not undisplaced facet fracture or FJW, were independently associated with PLC injury. Therefore, we propose to define facet diastasis as a surrogate marker of PLC injury in MRI based on these morphologies.

Ability to return to sports after early lateral ligament repair of the ankle in 147 elite athletes.

The literature on elite athletes' ability to return to sports (RTS) after early lateral ligament repair of the ankle remains inadequate. The time needed to RTS after modified Broström repair for acute grade III lateral ligament injuries in a large cohort of elite athletes was evaluated while assessing the impact of other associated injuries. Prospective data from 147 elite athletes who underwent a primary lateral ligament repair for acute grade III injuries with clinical ankle instability from 2015 to 2019 with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were reviewed. Pertinent details such as characteristics of injury, time taken to RTS, impact of associated injuries on RTS and complications were recorded and analysed. The average age was 24.4years (S.D = 4.9) with 89.1% males. Approximately two-thirds of the elite athletes were football players (66.0%) and 21.1% were rugby players. Isolated lateral ligament complex injuries were sustained by 122 (83%) patients, while 25 (17%) had associated injuries (osteochondral lesions of the talus/deltoid injury/syndesmosis injury). All 147 athletes returned to their preinjury level of sports with a median time of 69days (range 58-132days). There was no significant difference found in time to RTS between gender, age, and types of sports. However, there was a statistically significant difference noted in the time taken to RTS earlier in patients with isolated lateral ligament injuries when compared to those with associated injuries (68.6 vs. 82.8days; p = 0.004). Multiple conditional linear regression yielded three independent predictors of longer time taken to RTS which were associated deltoid injury (7.5days longer; 95% CI 2.9-12.3; p = 0.002), associated syndesmosis injury (6.7days longer; 95% CI 0.5-12.8; p = 0.034) and associated OLT (30.3days longer; 95% CI 25.1-35.5; p = 0.000). Early surgical repair for acute grade III lateral ligament injuries in elite athletes yielded excellent rate of RTS at 9-10weeks and a re-injury rate of 2%. Concomitant injuries will delay RTS after surgical intervention. These findings serve as important guide to managing elite athletes following acute rupture of the lateral ligament complex. Level III.

Predictive value of Gagey's hyperabduction test in identifying inferior glenohumeral ligament lesions

IntroductionClinical tests that can identify inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) complex injuries are indispensable for the diagnosis of shoulder instability. Gagey's hyperabduction test had been developed to diagnose IGHL hyperlaxity, however, it is unclear whether the test is able to accurately diagnose an IGHL lesion. The aim of this study was to (1) determine the diagnostic performance of the Gagey test in identifying an IGHL lesion and (2) determine if a positive Gagey test is more predictive for an anterior or posterior IGHL lesion thanks to the heatmapping of the lesions. It was hypothesized that a Gagey test can accurately predict IGHL lesions, but would not be able to distinguish between anterior and inferior IGHL lesions. MethodsA retrospective diagnostic accuracy study was conducted including all consecutive patients who underwent glenoid labral repair between January 2005 and September 2021 with a documented Gagey test prior to surgery. Using arthroscopic findings as a reference standard, the diagnostic performance characteristics of the Gagey test for each type of IGHL lesion (anterior, posterior and combined) were calculated and labral heatmapping was used to depict its localisation. ResultsA total of 167 patients were included, with a mean age of 29±10 years. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the Gagey test on determining an IGHL lesion were 46%, 38% and 46%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 88% and 7%, respectively. Heatmapping of the labral lesions demonstrated that a positive Gagey test was most predictive of anterior IGHL and axillary pouch tears and non-predictive of posterior IGHL lesions. DiscussionThe Gagey test demonstrated a low sensitivity and specificity to identify an IGHL lesion and therefore the hypothesis could not be confirmed. However, the Gagey test has a high positive predictive value to diagnose anterior IGHL lesions. Further prospective research with a more evenly distribution of lesions is needed to investigate the clinical value of the Gagey test to identify these lesions. Based on this data, the Gagey test seems especially important to support the results of other clinical tests such as the apprehension, relocation and surprise tests. Level of EvidenceIII, Retrospective Case-Control study.

Reconstruction of medial collateral ligament and posterior oblique ligament of the knee using anatomically routed semitendinosus transfer: a retrospective case series

Background: Double bundle reconstruction of superficial medial collateral (sMCL) and posterior oblique (POL) ligaments with a single femoral tunnel using distally based semitendinosus is a traditional procedure for management of medial knee ligament complex injuries. However, the transferred tendon was always routed in nonanatomical configuration. The author reports the clinical outcomes and complications in a reconstruction technique with anatomical graft routing method. Methods: Fourteen patients with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grade 3 or 4 valgus instability and anteromedial rotatory instability underwent reconstruction of sMCL and POL by anatomically routed semitendinosus tendon transfer. The average age of the patients was 36.6 yr. Medial-sided knee ligament injury was isolated in two patients and part of multiligament knee injury in 12 patients. The average duration between injury and surgery was 7 wk (range 2 to 25). Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at final follow-up. Results: After a median follow-up of 29.5 mo (range, 24 to 36), the mean Lysholm and IKDC subjective scores improved from 27 (2.95) and 46.8 (8.26) preoperatively to 87.6 (3.44) and 71.7 (3.68) at latest follow-up (P&lt;0.05), respectively. Nine patients (64.3%) returned at a preinjury Tegner score level at final follow-up. Both medial and posteromedial laxity were significantly improved on physical examination (P&lt;0.01). No patients had recurrent laxity of medial knee reconstruction or any concurrent cruciate ligament reconstructions. Conclusions: Reconstruction of sMCL and POL using anatomically routed semitendinosus transfer showed favorable clinical outcomes without recurrence of medial or anteromedial instability after midterm follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Thoracolumbar Injury: The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Scoring System or Modified Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity?

To compare the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) scoring system with its modified (mTLICS) version based on their agreement with the surgeon's opinion regarding treatment for patients with thoracolumbar injuries. Moreover, the Posterior Ligamentous Complex health was compared between intraoperative examinations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports. MRI was obtained from 114 patients suffering thoracolumbar spinal trauma; the TLICS and mTLICS scores were measured. Approaches 1 and 2 were designed in both scoring systems based on assuming a total score of 4 as surgery and conservative management indication, respectively. Kappa was used to estimate the agreements between each approach and the surgeon's opinion on treatment. The receiver operating curve calculated the appropriate cut-off scores for the above systems over which surgical management was preferred. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. All the approaches showed moderate agreements with the surgeon's opinion on therapeutic management (TLICS: κapproach1=0.557, κapproach2=0.508; mTLICS: κapproach1=0.557, κapproach2=0.551; P < 0.001 for each κ). A score >3.5 best illustrated the indication for surgery in both systems. The radiology report agreed stronger with intraoperatively observed ligamentous health when suspicious cases on MRI were reported as injured (κTLICS= 0.830, κmTLICS= 0.704) rather than healthy (κTLICS= 0.620, κmTLICS= 0.620). The surgeon's treatment plan agreed moderately with suggestions of the TLICS and mTLICS systems; surgery was the preferred management for the patients with a score of 4. Moreover, radiologic suspicion of Posterior Ligamentous Complex injury seemed to indicate a damaged ligament rather than a healthy one.

A Proposal for a Standardized Imaging Algorithm to Improve the Accuracy and Reliability for the Diagnosis of Thoracolumbar Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injury in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Systematic Literature Review. To propose a systematic imaging algorithm for diagnosing posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve the reliability of PLC assessment. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The Scopus database was searched from its inception until July 21, 2022, for studies evaluating CT or MRI assessment of the PLC injury following thoracolumbar trauma. The studies extracted key findings, objectives, injury definitions, and radiographic modalities. Twenty-three studies were included in this systematic review, encompassing 2021 patients. Five studies evaluated the accuracy of MRI in detecting thoracolumbar PLC injury using intraoperative findings as a reference. These studies indicate that black stripe discontinuity due to supraspinous or ligamentum flavum rupture is a more specific criterion of PLC injury than high-signal intensity. Thirteen papers evaluated the accuracy or reliability of CT in detecting thoracolumbar PLC injury using MRI or intraoperative findings as a reference. The overall accuracy rate of CT in detecting PLC injury was 68-90%. Two studies evaluate the accuracy of combined CT findings, showing that ≥2 CT findings are associated with a positive predictive value of 88-91 %. Vertebral translation, facet joint malalignment, spinous process fracture, horizontal laminar fracture, and interspinous widening were independent predictors of PLC injury. We provided a comprehensive imaging algorithm for diagnosing PLC in CT and MRI based on available literature and our experience. The algorithm will potentially improve the accuracy and reliability of PLC assessment, however it needs multicentre prospective validation.

Reliability of Weight-Bearing Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Lisfranc Joint Injuries: A Cadaveric Study

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ultrasonography is increasingly used to evaluate the stability of various joint in the field of foot and ankle. This study aims to assess and compare the Lisfranc joint stability under stimulated weight bearing condition among progressive stages of Lisfranc ligamentous complex injuries. All the measurements were assessed using ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, and direct open measurement. We hypothesize that there is a correlation between ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic measurements, or between ultrasonographic and direct open measurements when performing stress evaluation of the Lisfranc instability. Methods: Twelve fresh below-knee amputated cadaveric specimens underwent ultrasound, fluoroscopic, and direct gross evaluation of the Lisfranc stability under simulated weight bearing condition. The assessment was first performed with all Lisfranc ligamentous complex intact and thereafter with sequential transection of the dorsal Lisfranc ligament, interosseous Lisfranc ligament, and plantar Lisfranc ligament. The simulated weight bearing condition was performed with 600N of force. The distances evaluated during the experimental set up were C1-M1, C2-M2, C1-M2, C1-C2 and M1-M2. All measurements were recorded in millimeter (mm). The ultrasound machine (GE, LOGIQ E-9 ultrasound machine, Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used to assess the Lisfranc stability by measuring the distances between the hyperechoic bone contours or the pre-defined landmark of the metatarsal and cuneiform bones. Correlations between 1) Ultrasound and fluoroscopic measurements, 2) Ultrasound and direct open measurements, and 3) Fluoroscopic and direct open measurements were evaluated using Pearson correlations coefficient. Results: Strong positive correlations between ultrasonographic and direct open measurements were found when assessed for C1-M1, C1-M2, C1-C2, M1-M2 (Pearson's correlation ranged from 0.73-0.97, p-values &lt;0.001). Strong positive correlations between ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic measurements were found when assessed for C1-M1 from dorsal, medial, and plantar aspect (Pearson's correlation ranged from 0.75-0.90, p-values &lt;0.001). Strong positive correlations between fluoroscopic and direct open measurements were found when assessed for C1-M1, C1-M2, C2-M2, M1-M2 (Pearson's correlation ranged from 0.77-0.93, p-values &lt;0.001). Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for the ultrasonographic measurements between the MSK radiologist (TK) and the foot and ankle surgeon (JS) were substantial (ICC ranged from 0.81-0.98). Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a reliable and reproducible tool for diagnosing Lisfranc ligamentous complex injuries. Both ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic measurements appear to strongly correlate with values measured by direct open measurement. Based on these data, ultrasonography is likely to become a valuable point of care diagnostic tool due to its ability to readily and dynamically evaluate suspected Lisfranc ligamentous complex injuries, without radiation exposure.

Nonoperative Management in Intact Burst Fracture Patient With Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score of 5: A Case Report

Thoracolumbar fractures are a common consequence of trauma, often a result of motor vehicle accidents or falls. Burst fractures are a morphology of thoracolumbar fracture in which compressive force causes retropulsion of the posterior elements of the vertebral body, potentially leading to neurological deficits. The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) score is a decision-making tool to help surgeons decide between nonoperative and operative management. For assigned scores of 4, management is at the discretion of the surgeon, and for scores ≥ 5, operative treatment is recommended. Burst fracture patients that are neurologically intact are given a score of 5 if there is a posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury and are recommended to undergo operative management. Here we present a neurologically intact patient with an L4 burst fracture with PLC injury that was managed conservatively and demonstrated successful clinical, functional, and radiographic recovery.

Evaluation and diagnosis of knee joint diagonal lesion and surgical strategy and effectiveness

To investigate the evaluation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of knee joint diagonal lesion and to observe its effectiveness. A retrospective analysis was performed on 9 patients with knee joint diagonal lesion admitted between November 2011 and November 2019, including 7 males and 2 females, aged 18-61 years, with an average age of 38.3 years. According to the clinical staging criteria of multiple ligament injury of knee joint, 6 patients with acute stage injury (≤3 weeks), the time from injury to operation was 5-16 days, with an average of 9.3 days; 3 patients with old stage injury (>3 weeks), the time from injury to operation was 7, 12, 144 months, respectively. Posterolateral complex injuries were all type C according to Fanelli classification, and the posterior cruciate ligament injury was grade 3 according to American Medical Association (AMA) classification. According to the three columns classification of tibial plateau fracture, there were 2 cases of zero column fracture and 7 cases of medial column fracture. Patients with acute injury were treated with posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, posterolateral complex repair and/or reinforcement reconstruction, and tibial plateau fracture was treated with conservative treatment or internal fixation. Patients with malunion of tibial plateau in old stage were treated with limited osteotomy, bone grafting, and internal fixation; the stability of the knee joint was further evaluated during operation, then the posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and/or posterolateral complex repair and reconstruction were performed as needed. Lysholm score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score before and after operation were used to evaluate knee function and effectiveness. All patients were followed up 24-119 months, with an average of 51.7 months. All the incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as incision infection, deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities occurred, and there was no reoperation during follow-up. The full-length X-ray films of both lower extremities at 6 months and 1, 2 years after operation showed that the alignment of both lower extremities returned to normal, and the stress position X-ray films showed that the stability in all directions recovered well. The X-ray films of the knee joint at 6 months after operation showed that the fracture of the tibial plateau healed well. At 1 year after operation, MRI showed that the signal of the repaired and reconstructed ligament was good, and there was no reconstruction failure such as ligament absorption or rupture occurred. At 1 year after operation, the muscle strength of the affected limbs was all rated as grade Ⅴ, and the active and passive range of motion of the knee joint recovered to 0°-130°. At 2 years after operation, the Lysholm score and IKDC score significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). Knee joint diagonal lesion is a special type of posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral complex injury with anteromedial split and collapse fracture of tibial plateau, which requires correct evaluation and diagnosis of the injured structure, and detailed surgical and rehabilitation programs to achieve better effectiveness.

Retrospective chart review: Weightbearing CT scans and the measurement of the Lisfranc ligamentous complex

BackgroundLisfranc Ligamentous Complex (LLC) injuries are commonly misdiagnosed due to their unreliable projection on plain films. Weightbearing CT (WBCT) scans are a relatively new imaging modality that has not yet been utilized to establish widely referenced baseline anatomic positions. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who had undergone weightbearing CT of the bilateral lower extremities with one-hundred and twelve being included (56 patients). Measurements of the Lisfranc joint were collected by two independent reviewers. Uninjured symmetric anatomy was used to describe a baseline for normal anatomic variation and to evaluate for sex-based or age-related differences. These measurements were then compared against the injured side. ResultsIn patients without Lisfranc injury, the 1st metatarsal base to 2nd metatarsal base distance (Base M1-M2) was 2.7 + /− 0.7 mm; 2nd metatarsal base to medial cuneiform (M2-C1) was 3.7 + /− 0.7 mm; intercuneiform distance was 1.2 + /− 0.3 mm; and sagittal descent 12.2 + /− 5.4 mm. Patients with injury to LLC had a larger M1-M2 base distance (Δ = 0.5903, p < 0.0001) and M2-C1 interval (Δ = 1.8008, p < 0.0001) compared to uninjured side. Males had significantly higher M2-C1 (p = 0.0031), intercuneiform distance (p = 0.0039), and sagittal descent (p = 0.0008) compared to female patients. No significant differences were found between left versus right side in any of the measurements. Intercuneiform distance (p = 0.0039) was found to significantly decrease as age increased, while sagittal descent significantly increased with increased age (p = 0.0066). ConclusionWeightbearing CT has high utility in identification of Lisfranc injuries particularly when comparing injured and uninjured sides, which may be its greatest utility in defining injuries. This is evident in the excellent diagnostic ability of the M2-C1 measurement. By defining baseline anatomic measurements for Lisfranc complex parameters in our patient population, we provide normal parameters for comparison when evaluating potential subtle injuries. Level of evidenceIII

In Reply: Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma: Radiological Evaluation.

To the Editor: We would like to thank the editor for giving us the opportunity to reply to the letter and comments by Dr Aly.1 Radiological evaluation of thoracolumbar fractures is important for fracture classification and deciding the treatment plan. However, there is no consensus on the imaging protocol followed for the evaluation of these fractures. The primary objective of our systematic review was to determine whether the use of MRI to determine ligamentous integrity, in addition to x-rays and computerized tomography (CT), predicted the need for surgical intervention.2 Two of 2278 studies met the inclusion criteria. Winklhofer et al,3 in their retrospective study of 100 patients with thoracolumbar fractures, found that the Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen classification changed in 31% and the thoracolumbar injury classification and severity classification changed in 33% of patients after MRI review. With the addition of MRI, the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity score changed from <5 (indication for conservative treatment) to ≥5 (indication for surgery) in 24% of patients.3 Pizones et al4 conducted a prospective study of 30 patients and found that MRI changed the diagnosis in 40% of patients, fracture classification in 24% of fractures, and treatment plan in 16% of patients. However, both these studies provided only level III evidence and included a heterogeneous patient population. Aly et al,5 in their retrospective review of 244 patients with thoracolumbar fractures, included patients with intact neurological status only and diagnosed posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury by ≥2 CT findings (instead of one) and black stripe on MRI (instead of high-signal intensity). They used a more robust methodology compared with the previous 2 studies and found that MRI changed the fracture classification by 10% and Thoracolumbar AOSpine Injury Score (TLAOSIS)–based treatment by 20%. They explained the lower rate of fracture reclassification (10% vs 30% reported previously) by differences in sample size, patient population, and CT/MRI criteria for PLC injury. They also provided detailed fracture reclassification rates after MRI for each fracture subtype and TLAOSIS category which may help guide when to get an MRI in patients with thoracolumbar fracture with no neurological deficit. The study by Aly et al1 is commendable because it adds to the current literature on the topic and also addresses some of the drawbacks of the previous studies. However, there are certain limitations of this study such as retrospective, single-institution design, and lack of external validation. We believe that prospective multicenter studies are required to establish these findings. In addition, radiological studies that focus on the characteristics of PLC injury to differentiate between self-healing injuries and injuries that require surgery would be valuable.

Incidence and Associated Factors for Kyphosis Progression in Short-Segment Fixation Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures.

The thoracolumbar spine is the most frequently affected portion of the spine during fractures. In surgical management, short-segment fixation is the treatment of choice because of preserved spine motion and fewer complications. However, this technique causes concerns of kyphosis progression compared with long-segment fixation. The widely used load-sharing classification was of limited value for predicting kyphosis progression in recent literature. The goal of this study was to identify the incidence and explore the factors associated with kyphosis progression in short-segment fixation in thoracolumbar spine fractures. Retrospective cohort study. Patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures and no known neurological deficits treated by short-segment fixation and followed up for at least 12 months during January 2015 to October 2019 were included in this study. Demographic and radiographic data parameters were collected from the hospital database. Incidence of kyphosis progression was collected, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore associated factors. A total of 91 patients were included in this study. The most common fractures were AO-type A3 in 57.7% of patients, followed by A4 in 31.9%, A2 in 9.9%, and B in 6.6%. Posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injuries were found in 51.7%. The incidence of kyphosis progression was 35.2%. The PLC was found to be significantly associated with kyphosis progression (OR 3.14, P = 0.040). Intermediate screw insertion was a preventive factor (OR 0.11, P = 0.043). Age, body mass index, and type of fracture were not significant associated factors. The incidence of kyphosis progression was 35.2%. The PLC injury and intermediate screw insertion were significant associated factors. Long-segment fixation in a patient who had PLC injury or intermediate screw insertion should be considered to prevent kyphosis progression. PLC injury was significantly associated with kyphosis progression in short segment thoracolumbar fracture fixation. Therefore, the surgeon should carefully select treatment options for these groups of patients.

Prospective Study to Identify the Clinical and Radiologic Factors Predictive of Pseudarthrosis Development in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Although most osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) heal conservatively, the most crucial undesirable outcome of conservative treatment is the failure to unite. There is paucity of literature on prevalence and risk factors of pseudarthrosis. A prospective study involving patients (aged ≥50 years) undergoing conservative treatment of osteoporotic thoracic/lumbar fractures without neurodeficits was performed. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months and classified into 3 groups based on fracture healing: group 1, healing without collapse; group 2, healing with collapse; and group 3, pseudarthrosis. An assessment of all clinicoradiologic parameters at the time of injury and at each follow-up was performed and compared among patients belonging to the groups. A total of 77 patients (90 fractures) were studied. Sixty-six (73.3%), 16 (17.8%), and 28 (8.9%) fractures were classified under groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Mean ages in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 67.9 ± 9.1, 70.4 ± 7.6 and 72.3 ± 7.9 years (P= 0.08). Sex distribution was 62:15 (female/male). Seventy-three fractures (81.1%) occurred at the thoracolumbar junction. Stiff spine, ambulatory status, comorbidities, bone mineral density, and injury level were not associated with pseudarthrosis/collapse (P > 0.05). Male sex was associated with pseudarthrosis (P= 0.03). Based on regression analysis, initial vertebral height loss (radiography; P= 0.028), segmental Cobb (radiography; P= 0.019), vertebral comminution (computed tomography; P= 0.032), posterior ligamentous complex injury (magnetic resonance imaging; P= 0.048), and marrow change pattern (T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, Kanchiku classification; P= 0.037) were correlated with poorer outcome. Patients with pseudarthrosis had higher visual analog scale score (P= 0.04; final follow-up). Of OVFs, 8.9% developed pseudarthrosis. Male sex, severity of postinjury vertebral deformation (vertebral loss, kyphosis, comminution, and marrow changes) and presence of posterior ligamentous complex injury are risk factors for pseudarthrosis.

A predictive scoring system for proximal junctional kyphosis after posterior internal fixation in elderly patients with chronic osteoporotic vertebral fracture: A single-center diagnostic study

ObjectiveTo establish a predictive scoring system for proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) after posterior internal fixation in elderly patients with chronic osteoporotic vertebral fracture (COVF).Materials and methodsThe medical records of 88 patients who were diagnosed with COVF and underwent posterior internal fixation in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The included patients were divided into two groups according to whether they suffered PJK after surgery, namely, the PJK group (25 cases) and non-PJK group (63 cases). The following clinical characteristics were recorded and analyzed: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), smoking history, fracture segment, proximal junction angle, sagittal vertebral axis, pelvic incidence (PI)–lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury, upper instrumented vertebra, lower instrumented vertebra, and the number of fixed segments. The prevalence of these clinical characteristics in the PJK group was evaluated, and the scoring system was established using logistic regression analysis. The performance of the scoring system was also prospectively validated.ResultsThe predictive scoring system was established based on five clinical characteristics confirmed as significant predictors of PJK, namely, age > 70 years, BMI > 28 kg/m2, BMD < −3.5 SD, preoperative PI-LL > 20°, and PLC injury. PJK showed a significantly higher score than non-PJK (7.80 points vs. 2.83 points, t=9.556, P<0.001), and the optimal cutoff value for the scoring system was 5 points. The sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system for predicting postoperative PJK were 80.00% and 88.89%, respectively, in the derivation set and 75.00% and 80.00% in the validation set.ConclusionThe predictive scoring system was confirmed with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in predicting PJK after posterior internal fixation in elderly COVF patients. The risk of postoperative PJK in patients with a score of 6–11 is high, while the score of 0–5 is low.