Body Height Loss Research Articles

Possible Correlation Between Kyphosis of Lumbar Osteoporosis Fractures and the Spinal Signal Intensity Ratio (SSIR).

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the risk of increasing kyphosis as well as collapse of the osteoporotic vertebral body fractures and the intensity of the bone edema in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Inclusion criteria included the following: age >18 years and osteoporotic vertebral body fracture grade I-IV according to OF classification. Exclusion criteria included the following: other pathological fractures due to primary tumors or metastasis, OF grade V fractures, and AO type B or C fractures. This was a retrospective study from pseudonymized data of a tertiary spine center. No additional imaging were performed. Measurements of bisegmental kyphosis angle of the fracture for involvement of both endplates and monosegmental angle for involvement of 1 endplate, as well as vertebral body height loss in initial radiographs and at follow-ups after 3 and 6 months have been performed. Also, the initial signal intensity of the vertebral body edema was measured using integrated tool of the DICOM viewer (Impax V6.5 Agfa, Brentford, UK) in addition to the signal intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as reference for T1, T2, and separate target illumination radar (STIR) sequences of the MRI scans. A quotient from the signal intensity of the vertebral body edema and the reference (CSF) has been generated. Patients have been divided to 4 groups according to the ratio (<1, 1-2, 2-3, >3) and compared in regards to the results of the degree of kyphosis and vertebral collapse at follow-ups and final examination. The statistical analysis was performed using linear regression using statistic software SPSS version 26. Forty-four patients have been included: 9 males and 35 females with an average age of 71.5 years. The analysis showed a significant correlation between the increasing kyphosis at follow-ups and the quotient of the signal intensity for STIR and T2 weighing with P = .002 (SD ±2.664) for STIR and P = .001 (SD ±1.616) for T2 sequences. Furthermore, there was only a correlation between the intensity ratio and kyphosis for STIR weighting at last examination (P = .017; SD ±1.360). There was no correlation between the height loss and the signal intensity. Level 2.

Height loss in postmenopausal women\u2014do we need more for fracture risk assessment? Results from the GO Study

SummaryHuman body height loss of 3–4 cm or more may be considered a simple indicator of increasing fracture risk, where the information is very similar to the results from fracture risk assessments by available online calculators, all of them based on a multiple variable approaches.IntroductionThe aim of the study was to assess the relationship between body height loss (HL) and fracture risk in postmenopausal women from the Gliwice Osteoporosis (GO) Study.MethodsThe study sample included 1735 postmenopausal women, aged over 55 years and recruited at the Osteoporotic Outpatient Clinic. The mean age of the study participants was 68.15 ± 8.16 years. Fracture risk was established, using the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) (10-year probability of major and hip fractures), the Garvan calculator (any and hip fractures, 5 and 10 years) and the Polish (POL-RISK) algorithm, available at www.fracture-risk.pl (any fractures, 5 years). Bone densitometry at the femoral neck was performed, using a Prodigy device (Lunar, GE, USA). Body heights were measured before bone densitometry, using a wall stadiometer and compared with the maximum body heights, measured in early adulthood and reported by the study participants themselves.ResultsIn 199 women, the body heights, measured during the study, did not change in comparison to their corresponding values in early adulthood, while being decreased in the other 1536 women. The mean height loss (HL) in the whole study group was 3.95 ± 3.24 cm. That HL correlated significantly with the calculated fracture risk (the r range from 0.13 to 0.39, p < 0.0001). In general, regarding the patients with fracture risk close to the recommended therapeutic thresholds, HL was around 3–4 cm, except of the values from the FRAX calculator for major fractures, where the commonly used therapeutic threshold (20%) was related to HL of approximately 6.5 cm. In subjects with HL between 3.5 and 4 cm (n = 208), the FRAX value for major fractures was 6.83 ± 3.74.ConclusionsBody height measurements, carried out to establish HL, provide an important information for clinical practice, where HL of 3–4 cm or more may be considered a simple indicator of increasing fracture risk.

Traumatic compression fractures in thoracic-lumbar junction: vertebroplasty vs conservative management in a prospective controlled trial

BackgroundBoth surgery and conservative management are well established treatments for compression fractures of the thoraco-lumbar spine without neurological compromise. This article aims to compare the outcomes of conservative management to...

A study on the relationship between the rate of vertebral body height loss before balloon kyphoplasty and early adjacent vertebral fracture

The number of patients with an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, which is often accompanied by lower back pain and restrained activities, is growing. Balloon kyphoplasty involves the inflation of a balloon to restore height and reduce kyphotic deformity before stabilization with polymethylmethacrylate. However, there is a great deal of debate about whether balloon kyphoplasty also increases fracture morbidity by either inducing or facilitating subsequent adjacent vertebral fractures. To evaluate the relationship between the rate of vertebral body height loss before balloon kyphoplasty and the etiology of early adjacent vertebral fracture after augmentation. A total of 59 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who underwent kyphoplasty were enrolled. This study defined early adjacent segmental fractures as new fractures occurring within three months after surgery. This study included the rate of vertebral body height loss. Early adjacent vertebral fractures were diagnosed in nine (15%) of the 59 patients. The patients were divided into two groups, with and without adjacent vertebral fractures. There was no significant difference in terms of age, body mass index, bone mineral density, local kyphotic angle, Cobb's angle, cement volume, cement leakage, and percent height restored between the groups with fractures and without fractures. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the rate of vertebral body height loss. The rate of vertebral body height loss was significantly higher in the fracture group than in the without fracture group. A high rate of vertebral body height loss increased the risk of early adjacent vertebral fractures after balloon kyphoplasty.

Which Is a Better Skeletal Muscle Mass Index for the Evaluation of Physical Abilities: The Present Height or Maximum Height?

Objective Sarcopenia and osteoporosis often coexist in older adults. Sarcopenia is diagnosed using the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), which is calculated as the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)/(present height)2, although patients with osteoporosis frequently have a loss of body height. We therefore investigated whether the present height or maximum height is more useful for calculating the SMI in the evaluation of physical abilities. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association of the SMI with physical abilities, such as the grip strength and gait speed, in 587 postmenopausal women. The SMI was evaluated using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The SMI [(ASM)/(present height)2], modified SMI (mSMI) [(ASM)/(maximum height)2], and SMI difference (ΔSMI) (mSMI-SMI) were calculated. Results Age and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted regression analyses showed that the SMI (β=0.30, p<0.001 and β=0.14, p=0.034) and mSMI (β=0.40, p<0.001 and β=0.29, p<0.001) were positively associated while the ΔSMI was negatively associated with the grip strength and gait speed (β=-0.15, p<0.001 and β=-0.24, p<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the age, BMI, and presence of osteoporotic fractures-adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that a low mSMI (<5.4 kg/m2) was significantly associated with a low grip strength (<18 kg) and slow gait speed (1.0 m/s) [odds ratio (OR)=2.45, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.52-3.95 per SD increase, p<0.001; and OR=1.73, 95% CI=1.01-2.96, p=0.042, respectively], although a low SMI showed no such relationship (p=0.052 and p=0.813, respectively). Conclusion The mSMI using the maximum height is more useful for evaluating physical abilities than conventional SMI estimation in postmenopausal women.

Radiological features of traumatic vertebral endplate fracture: an analysis of 194 cases with 263 vertebral fractures.

BackgroundThe importance of identifying osteoporotic vertebral endplate or/and cortex fracture (ECF), which primarily includes endplate fracture (EPF) and vertebral anterior cortex buckling, has been recognized. However, some old traumatic ECFs with healing process in the elderly may be mistaken as osteoporotic. This study analyzes the radiological features of traumatic EPF.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 194 spine trauma patients with 263 vertebral fractures (mean age: 42.11 ± 9.82 years, 118 males and 76 females). All patients had traumatic EPF identified by X-ray/CT/MRI.ResultsThe involved vertebra was mostly L1 (29.7%), followed by T12 and L2. Except EPFs involved both superior and inferior endplates (12.6%), only 1.9% involved inferior endplate alone, with the majority involved superior endplate. If each endplate was divided into five segments of equal lengths (from anterior to posterior: a1, a2, m, p2, p1), the most depressed point of superior EPFs was mostly at segment-a2 (approximately 45%), followed by segment-a1 (approximately 20%) or segment-m (approximately 20%), and very rarely at segment-p1. The upper 1/3 of anterior vertebral wall was more likely to fracture, followed by middle 1/3 of anterior wall. For posterior vertebral wall fracture, 68.5% broke the bony wall surrounding the basivertebral vain. 58.6%, 30.0%, and 11.4% of vertebral fractures had <1/5, 1/5–1/3, and >1/3 vertebral body height loss. As the extent of vertebral height loss increased, the chance of having both superior and inferior EPFs also increased; however, the chance of having inferior EPF alone did not increase.ConclusionTraumatic EPF features are characterized, which may help the differentiation of traumatic and osteoporotic EPFs.

The Impact of Bone Mineral Density on Bone Metabolism and the Fracture Healing Process in Elderly Chinese Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bone mineral density (BMD) on bone histomorphological parameters and bone turnover markers (BTMs) following osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) and to determine the correlation between BMD and the percentage of middle height compression during the healing process. Methods: A total of 206 patients with OVCFs were included in this study. Bone biopsy specimens were acquired during surgery. Blood samples were obtained to determine the serum concentrations of BTMs. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to BMD.Results: The concentrations of N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) in the T-score ≤ −2.5 group (50.92 ± 12.78 ng/ml) were significantly lower than those in the T-score > −2.5 group (68.75 ± 28.66 ng/ml, p = 0.025) 3–6 mo after fracture. Moreover, the volume of necrotic bone in the T-score ≤ −2.5 group (15.15 ± 5.44%) was higher than that (1.67 ± 0.79%, p < 0.001) in the T-score > −2.5 group during the same period. BMD was statistically correlated with cancellous bone content (RS = 0.761, p <0.001), PMHC (RS = 0.85, p < 0.001), fibrous tissue volume (RS = −0.376, p < 0.001), and necrotic bone content (RS = −0.487, p < 0.001).Conclusions: The healing process of OVCFs in the setting of low bone mass frequently occurs in the presence of decreased bone formation abilities, severe vertebral body height loss and a large amount of necrotic bone.

Normal tissue complication probability of vertebral compression fracture after stereotactic body radiotherapy for de novo spine metastasis

ObjectiveStereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for spine metastases is associated with post-treatment vertebral compression fracture (VCF). The purpose of this study is to identify clinical and radiation planning characteristics that predict post-SBRT VCF through a novel normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) analysis. MethodsPatients with de novo spine metastases treated with SBRT between 2009 and 2018 at a single institution were included. Those who had surgical stabilization or radiation to the same site prior to SBRT were excluded. VCF was defined as new development or progression of existing vertebral body height loss not attributable to tumor growth. Probit NTCP models were constructed and fitted using a maximum likelihood approach. A multivariate proportional hazard model was used to estimate time to VCF using the Fine and Gray method. ResultsThree hundred and two vertebral segments from 193 patients were treated with a median dose of 24 Gy in 3 fractions (range 15–30 Gy in 1–5 fractions). With a median follow up of 13.9 months, local control was 89.3% at 1 year. A total of 26 SBRT-induced VCFs were observed, with 1 and 2-year cumulative incidences of 4.6% and 6.7%. NTCP modeling demonstrated a steep response of VCF risk to the dose to 80% and 50% volume of the planning target volume (PTV D80% and D50%), but not maximum dose or dose to 1 cc or 10% of PTV. D80% of 25 Gy and D50% of 28 Gy in 3 fractions corresponded to 10% VCF risk. On multivariate analysis, lower body mass index (HR 0.90 per unit increase, p = 0.04), total spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS, HR 2.44 unstable vs stable, p = 0.04), and PTV D80% (HR 1.11 for every Gy increase, p = 0.003) were associated with increased VCF risk. ConclusionsSBRT provides excellent tumor control for spinal metastases and is associated with low rate of VCF in our cohort. NTCP modeling suggests that the larger volume of spine receiving lower doses are more closely associated with post-SBRT VCF than high dose regions. Under current target delineation methods, common SBRT regimens such as 24 Gy in 2 fractions or 27 Gy in 3 fractions may be inherently associated with VCF risk of 10% or greater. Consensus contouring guidelines should be reevaluated to minimize the volume of irradiated spine in light of these new data.

Which anatomic structures are responsible for the reduction loss after hybrid stabilization of osteoporotic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine?

IntroductionHybrid stabilization is an accepted therapy strategy for unstable osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures. However, a moderate reduction loss has been reported and it remains unclear which anatomic structure is responsible for the reduction loss.MethodsThis retrospective study was performed at a level I trauma center. Patients aged 61 and older were stabilized using hybrid stabilization after suffering acute and unstable osteoporotic vertebral body fractures at the thoracolumbar spine. Posterior stabilization was done short-segmental and minimal invasive with cement-augmentation of all pedicle screws. The minimum follow-up has been 2 years. The outcome parameters were the reduction loss and the relative loss of height of both intervertebral discs adjacent to the fractured vertebral body, the fractured vertebral body and a reference disc (intervertebral disc superior of the stabilization) between the postoperative and latest lateral radiographs. Additionally, implant positioning and loosening was analyzed.Results29 mainly female (72%) patients (73.3 ± 6.0 years) were included. Fractures consisted of 26 incomplete burst fractures and 3 complete burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction (Th11 – L2: 86%) and the midlumbar spine. The mean follow-up time was 36 months (range: 24–58 months). The mean reduction loss was 7.7° (range: 1–25). The relative loss of heights of both intervertebral discs adjacent to the fractured vertebral body, the reference disc, and the central vertebral body were significant. Thereby, the relative loss of the superior disc height was significant higher compared to the reference disc. Additionally, only the relative loss of central vertebral body height and reduction loss correlated significantly. There were no signs of implant loosening in any patient.ConclusionsThe mean reduction loss was moderate 3 years after hybrid stabilization of unstable osteoporotic vertebral fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. A significant loss of both adjacent disc heights and the central vertebral body was seen, with the highest loss in the superior adjacent disc significantly outranging the reference disc. The superior adjacent intervertebral disc and the central part of the fractured vertebral body seem to be responsible for the majority of reduction loss.

Are We Neglecting Long Term Effects of Vertebral Shortening on Pulmonary Function in Spinal Tuberculosis?

Background: In developing part of world, it is common to see near complete destruction of vertebral bodies in TB due to contiguous involvement of multiple vertebrae. This leads to frequent occurrence of spinal deformities including kyphosis. Resultant loss of vertebral column height & its effects on pulmonary function haven't been studied previously. Our study aims to assess effect of spinal TB with vertebral shortening on pulmonary function. Methods: 50 cases consisted of both operative & non operatively managed cases of spinal TB who presented to tertiary care institute between the years 2011 to 2016 were assessed. Vertebral height loss was assessed by SDI. All patients underwent pulmonary function testing and various spirometry variables were considered. Arm span was used as a surrogate marker for height. Findings: Study group consisted of 14 males & 36 females with mean age of 27.9 years. 11 patients with mean SDI of 2.72 ± 1.1 showed normal lung function. 36 patients showed a restrictive pattern of which 12 showed mild, 14 moderate and 10 showed severe pattern. Only 3 cases showed an Obstructive pattern. 36 patients had Thoracic affection, 13 patients had a thoracolumbar affection while 1 patient had a purely Lumbar affection. As the apex of the curve shifted proximally, the FVC% reduced and the decrement was statistically significant. Increase in the SDI value was associated with a fall in the vital capacity and FEV1. Increase in the kyphotic angle was associated with a deleterious effect on PFT results. SDI showed significant difference between Normal & restrictive pattern groups. Interpretations: Careful preservation of pulmonary function along with restoration of neurological function should be the aim of management of TB spine. Usually shortening procedures are better tolerated by spinal cord as compared to distraction. However, pulmonary dysfunction resulting from vertebral body height loss due to kyphosis is neglected. This risk stratification will further emphasize the need for early detection of this disease before the deformity sets in & need for long term observation for possible deterioration in lung function. Funding Statement: The authors hereby declare that they have not received any funding for this manuscript. Declaration of Interests: Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g. consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. Ethics Approval Statement: Approval from the IRB was taken prior to commencement.

Underreporting characteristics of osteoporotic vertebral fracture in back pain clinic patients of a tertiary hospital in China

AimOsteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures (VCFs) ​are known to be commonly missed in X-rays indicated for pulmonary or heart diseases. In this study, we investigated the underreporting status of VCF in back pain clinic patients when the spine was the focus of interest. Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 105 female cases (mean: 72 years, range: 55–93 years) from a tertiary hospital in China (facility A, FA). The patients with back and/or leg pain were referred for a spine X-ray. The images were retrieved and transferred to a central reading facility (facility B, FB), where images were double-read by two readers experienced in evaluating osteoporotic vertebral compressive deformity (VCD)/VCF. A qualitative VCD with <20%, 20–25%, 25–40%, and >40% vertebral body height loss was recorded as minimal, mild, moderate, and severe grades, respectively. A ​VCD coexisted with endplate/cortex fracture (ECF) was VCF. FB readings were considered as the reference. ResultsThere were 34 true negative cases where FA and FB had a consensus. In 7 cases with minimal VCD, 3 cases with ECF, and 7 cases with minimal or mild VCFs, the FA readings were false negative. No standalone singular moderate or severe VCD/VCF in a patient was missed in FA's reports. In 25 FA reading positive cases with multiple VCFs, one VCF was missed in 8 cases, more than one VCF was missed in 15 cases, and one additional ECF was missed in 2 cases. In 14 cases, FA and FB had VCF number agreement, with the term ‘vertebral fracture’ was used appropriately in FA reports. In 15 cases, FA and FB had agreement in VCF number; however, the appropriate term ‘vertebral fracture’ was not used in FA reports; instead the terms of ‘compressive change’ or ‘wedging change’ were used. In most VCFs, severity grading was not given in FA. In 13 VCFs where grading was reported, all were marked as ‘mild’, including seven mild VCFs, five moderate VCFs, and even one severe VCF. ConclusionAmong the patients with VCD/VCF, the false negative rate among was 23.9% (17/71), but the missed cases were all minimal or mild grades. One or more VCFs were missed in 32.4% (23/71) of the cases with multiple VCFs. Appropriate severity grading was not reported for most cases. The translational potential of this articleThe underreporting rate of osteoporotic vertebral compressive fracture in back pain clinic patients in a typical tertiary hospital setting in China compared favorably with literature reports. However, there is a general lack of awareness of vertebral endplate/cortex fracture sign and vertebral fracture severity grading, while minimal and mild VCD with endplate/cortex fracture may have clinical significance. Moreover, after one VCF is spotted in a patient, it is highly advisable to carefully check the whole spine so that multiple VCFs will not be missed.

Role of Autologous Fibula Strut Graft in Surgical Management of Tubercular Spondylitis by Anterior Approach: A Prospective Study.

Decompression of cord in tubercular paraplegia is a mainstay treatment with favorable neurological improvement. Anterior decompression and stabilization with autologous bone grafts promotes fusion of affected segment of spine and prevents further progression of deformity. The objective of this study is to assess the role of autologous fibula strut graft in correction of tubercular kyphosis without instrumentation. Twenty patients of tubercular spine (Gulhane Askeri Tip Akademisi type II or III) with paraplegia were treated with anterior decompression, debridement, and stabilization with various autologous bone graft in combination without instrumentation. Patients were further grouped as follows (10 in each group): group A includes patients where autologous fibula strut, rib, and iliac crest grafts were used in combination; group B includes patients where only autologous rib and iliac crest grafts were used. Results were analyzed in terms of neurological recovery (Frankel grade), graft union time (graft uptake), correction and progression of kyphotic deformity, and graft subsidence. Patients in both groups A and B show similar neurological recovery from Frankel grade A/B to E. Group A (fibula strut group) patients show mean correction of 6.7° (3°-22°) in kyphosis with no loss of correction after a 2-year follow-up, whereas patients in group B (nonfibular strut group) show increase in kyphosis in immediate postoperative period without further progression on follow up. Graft uptake was good in all 19 cases, and graft subsidence was seen in 1 patient of group A. Bone grafting is indispensable in surgical management of tubercular spine. It allows fusion of affected segment and prevents further progression of deformity. However, the neurological recovery of patient depends upon the adequate decompression of cord, debridement, and adequate stabilization of anterior and middle column vertebral body height loss. The use of autologous fibular strut graft along with cancellous graft is superior to only cancellous grafts in terms of kyphosis correction.

Reliability Analyses of Radiographic Measures of Vertebral Body Height Loss in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures

In thoracolumbar (TL) burst fractures, vertebral body height loss (VBHL) indicates the degree of instability and constitutes one of the decision criteria for surgical treatment. However, the relative reliability and variability of different measurement techniques for VBHL are unknown. We compared the reliability of different methods used to assess VBHL. A total of 144 patients with TL burst fractures were included, and lateral radiographs were taken twice at an interval of 2 weeks, which were examined by 3 observers. The measurement methods used included the anterior/posterior vertebral body height compression ratio (APCR), anterior height compression percentage (AHCP), and anterior/posterior vertebral body height compression ratio percentage. To compare the accuracy of measurements according to vertebral degeneration, subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the median age of 50 years. In intraobserver comparisons, the APCR method showed a higher inter- and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (>0.714) compared with the other methods. In interobserver comparisons, the ICC of the APCR (>0.793) was excellent. In intraobserver comparisons of the aged >50-years group, only the APCR method showed an excellent ICC (>0.753), whereas the AHCP method showed a fair to good ICC, and the anterior/posterior vertebral body height compression ratio percentage method had the lowest ICC. In interobserver comparisons of the aged >50-years group, the APCR and AHCP methods showed excellent ICCs. In the aged ≤50-years group, all 3 methods showed similar fair to good ICC values. Based on comparative reliability analyses, we recommend the APCR method as the first-line technique and the AHCP as an alternative technique for measuring VBHL in TL burst fractures.

Height loss but not body composition is related to low back pain in community-dwelling elderlies: Shimane CoHRE study

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in the elderly Japanese population. Although previous studies showed that height loss was associated with LBP, it remains unclear whether LBP is associated with body composition. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether body composition and physical characteristics, including height loss, were associated with LBP.MethodsThe present study is retrospectively registered, and the participants were 2212 community-dwelling Japanese people aged over 60 years who participated in the Shimane CoHRE study in 2016. We investigated the presence of LBP, body composition parameters (muscle, fat, body weight, and bone mass), physical characteristics (body height and height loss), chronic diseases, history of fall, smoking, and drinking habits. We examined the relationships of body composition parameters and physical characteristics with point prevalence of LBP using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe point prevalence of LBP was 43.2% in women and 39.5% in men. Logistic regression models showed that body height and body composition were not significantly associated with LBP; however, height loss was associated significantly with LBP in women and men (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.20 and OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06–1.21, respectively). Hypertension (OR: 1.32, 9 5% CI: 1.04–1.69) and chronic heart disease (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.01–2.43) in women and history of fall (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.13–2.56) and cerebrovascular disease (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.05–3.34) in men were significantly associated with LBP. However, body composition was not associated with LBP in either gender.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that height loss, but not body composition, was related to LBP in community-dwelling elderly people. To elucidate the cause of LBP, it is important to consider the relationship with height loss.

Assessment of Interobserver Variability for CT Scan-Based Evaluation of Posterior Ligament Complex Injury in Thoracolumbar Fractures: An International Multicenter Pilot Study.

Study Design:A multicenter, pilot study, for radiological assessment of thoracolumbar spine fractures was performed with the participation of 7 centers in Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America as a part of the AO Foundation network.Objectives:To determine the interobserver variability for computed tomography (CT) scan–based evaluation of posterior ligament complex (PLC) injury in thoracolumbar fractures.Methods:Forty-two observers including 1 principal investigator at each participating center performed variability assessment. Each center contributed toward a total of 91 patient images with A3 or A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures (T11-L2) with or without suspected PLC injury. Pathological fractures, multilevel injuries, obvious posterior bony element injury and translation/dislocation injuries were excluded. Ten patients were randomly selected and commonly reported CT parameters indicating PLC injury, including superior inferior endplate angle, vertebral body height loss, local kyphotic deformity, interspinous distance and interpedicular distance were assessed for variability. Observer values were compared with an experienced gold rater in spinal trauma. Analysis of variability was performed for all observers, between the principal investigators and also between observers participating in each center.Results:The studied parameters showed considerable variability in measurements among all observers and amongst all participating centers. The variability between the principal investigators was lower, but still substantial. The deviation of observer measurements from the gold rater were also significant for all CT parameters.Conclusions:CT-based radiological parameters previously reported to be suggestive of PLC injury showed considerable variability and magnetic resonance imaging verification of a PLC injury in all doubtful cases is suggested.

The Evaluation of Different Radiological Measurement Parameters of the Degree of Collapse of the Vertebral Body in Vertebral Compression Fractures.

For compression fracture, vertebral body height loss (VBHL) and kyphotic angle (KA) are two important imaging parameters for determining the prognosis and appropriate treatment. This study used previous measurement methods to assess the degree of VBHL and KA, compare and examine differences between various measurement methods, and examine the correlation between relevant measurement parameters and intravertebral cleft (IVC) in the vertebral body. The radiographic images (lateral view of the T-L spine) of 18 patients with a single-level vertebral compression fracture were reviewed. We measured 9 characteristic lengths and angles on plain radiographs, including anterior vertebral height (AVH) and AVH of the adjacent upper and lower levels, middle vertebral height (MVH) and MVH of the adjacent upper and lower levels, posterior vertebral height (PVH), and vertebral body width, and assessed 6 parameters, including vertebral compression ratio (VBCR), percentage of anterior height compression (PAHC), percentage of middle height compression (PMHC), kyphotic angle (KA), calculated kyphotic angle (CKA), and IVC. The results showed that VBCR is a simple and rapid method of VBHL assessment, but it may result in an underestimation of the degree of VBHL compared to PAHC. When PMHC < 40% or kyphotic angle > 15°, the probability of IVC occurring on the vertebral body was higher which means the higher risk of vertebral body instability. The results of this study could provide a reference for surgeons when using imaging modalities to assess the degree of vertebral body collapse.

Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Deviation in a Mixed-Breed Dog

Background: Portosystemic deviation (PSD) is a congenital or acquired vascular anomaly that allows an abnormal blood flow from the portal vein directly to the systemic circulation. This liver by-pass avoids hepatic metabolism of several toxins. Congenital PSDs are usually solitary and extra-hepatic, with a high incidence in pure-breed dogs. Acquired PSDs are usually multiple and occur as a consequence of portal hypertension. Surgery is the definitive treatment. Clinicians and surgeons may present difficulties in the propaedeutic of animals with PSD. This paper aims at reporting a successful surgical treatment of a solitary extra-hepatic congenital PSD in a mixed-breed dog.Case: A 7-month-old mixed-breed dog, female, spayed, weighing 8 kg, was presented with a history of sudden syncope after feeding. Complementary exams revealed normocytic hypochromic anaemia, hypoalbuminemia and increased alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an anomalous vessel inserted in the caudal cava vein, compatible with a congenital extra-hepatic PSD. Computed tomography revealed the anomalous vessel, with 1,1 cm of diameter, originated from the cranial mesenteric vein and it inserted in the cranial margin of the caudal cava vein. A medical support was started with hydration, metronidazole, lactulose, probiotic and Hepatic diet. After 15 days the dog was submitted to surgery and a 5 mm ameroid constrictor ring was placed to gradually close the anomalous vessel. The dog recovered well and an abdominal ultrasound was repeated after 30 days, showing the ameroid constrictor ring ring in the left cranial abdominal region, occluding the PSD close to its insertion in the caudal cava vein. The patient was followed up for more than three years, gained weight and presented a healthy normal life.Discussion: Although PSD is more often diagnosed in pure-breed dogs, this paper reports a case in a mixed-breed dog. However clinical signs and the age of onset were compatible with this pathology. Dogs with PSD may present neurological, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders, related to failure of the detoxification process and toxin by-pass to the systemic circulation. Young dogs are usually presented overdue underdevelopment, reduced body height or weight loss as described in this report. Hepatic encephalopathy is a result of the production of ammonia and several other toxins, which escapes hepatic metabolism, and once they remain liposoluble, they are able to cross-pass the blood-brain barrier and produce the neurological signs, which might be more pronounced after feeding, as in the reported case, although this dog presented only mild neurological signs. The haematological and biochemical findings in the dog of this report were also compatible with PSD. Hypoglycemia, hypocholesterolemia, increased of bile acids and serum ammonia may also be present but they were not demonstrated in this case. Abdominal ultrasound was able to identify the anomalous extra-hepatic vessel which was precisely described by computed tomography, which allower surgical planning. Medical support is recommended for the patient´s clinical estabilization, as performed in this case. Surgery is the treatment of choice for congenital solitary PSD, as in the reported case, and placement of the ameroid constrictor is the most employed technique, as performed. Patient´s improvement starts in the day after surgery and it is completed within a couple months. The patient of this report did not present any complications in the postoperative period and for more than three years, showing total remission of the clinical signs and good life´s quality.

Improved biomechanics of two alternative kyphoplasty cementation methods limit vertebral recollapse.

The clinical efficacy of vertebral cement augmentation for compression fractures (VCFs) remains undetermined. Recent studies have shown that refracture and progression of deformity may occur after augmentation with significant clinical consequences. Vertebral body height loss following kyphoplasty has also been observed with cyclic loading. We hypothesized that height loss is partly due to lack of cement fill past the margin of cancellous bone created by balloon expansion with subsequent failure under load. The biomechanical characteristics of two alternative cementation techniques were compared to standard kyphoplasty in cyclically loaded cadaveric VCF constructs. Sectioned osteoporotic thoracolumbar cadaveric spines were compressed to 75% of anterior vertebral height. Specimens were then allocated to standard kyphoplasty, balloon pressurization (BP), with reinflation of the balloon after 50% cement injection, or endplate post (EP), with perforation of the cavity rim using an articulating curette prior to injection. Following cementation, each specimen was preconditioned and loaded over 100,000 cycles. All techniques improved vertebral height (p's < 0.005). The EP and BP techniques provided greater cement fill than the standard technique (p's ≤ 0.01). Normalized vertebral height loss following 100,000 cycles was reduced with the EP technique versus standard kyphoplasty (p < 0.04). Height loss was inversely correlated with cement fill (p < 0.03). No vertebral recollapse occurred with the EP technique in blinded radiographic analysis. Statement of clinical significance: The EP technique demonstrated improved biomechanical characteristics versus the standard technique in cadaveric osteoporotic VCF constructs with decreased recollapse following cementation. This technique may have increased efficacy in cases when kyphoplasty more substantially improves vertebral body height. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3225-3230, 2018.

Treatment of Unstable Thoracolumbar Fractures: Does Fracture-Level Fixation Accelerate the Bone Healing?

To investigate the effect of fusion on short segment including fractured level (SSIFL) and long segment (LS) transpedicular fixation after acute thoracolumbar junction burst fractures. The 2-year clinical and radiologic follow-up results of the 2 groups also were compared. Seventy-four patients were randomized into one of 2 groups: SSIFL (n= 39) or LS (n= 35). The SSIFL group included one level above and one level below, including the fracture level, whereas the LS group included 2 levels above and 2 levels below, excluding the fracture level, for the transpedicular fixation. Fusion was assessed by technetium 99m-methylendiphosphonate, bone scintigraphy, and single-photon emission computed tomography. The 2-year follow-up results were compared clinically (Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale) and radiologically (kyphosis angle, sagittal index, anterior vertebral body height loss) at regular intervals. The clinical scores and radiologic parameters of patients with and without fusion also were compared. The number of patients with fusion was significantly greater in the SSIFL group compared with the LS group. There was a significant reduction of the clinical scores of patients who had fusion compared with the fusion-free group; however, there was no radiologically significant difference. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the SSIFL and LS groups in terms of the 2-year radiologic and clinical follow-up results. Fusion occurred sooner and patients experienced earlier clinical recovery in the SSIFL group compared with the LS group.

Risk factor analysis for predicting vertebral body re-collapse after posterior instrumented fusion in thoracolumbar burst fracture

Background ContextIn the posterior instrumented fusion surgery for thoracolumbar (T-L) burst fracture, early postoperative re-collapse of well-reduced vertebral body fracture could induce critical complications such as correction loss, posttraumatic kyphosis, and metal failure, often leading to revision surgery. Furthermore, re-collapse is quite difficult to predict because of the variety of risk factors, and no widely accepted accurate prediction systems exist. Although load-sharing classification has been known to help to decide the need for additional anterior column support, this radiographic scoring system has several critical limitations. Purpose(1) To evaluate risk factors and predictors for postoperative re-collapse in T-L burst fractures. (2) Through the decision-making model, we aimed to predict re-collapse and prevent unnecessary additional anterior spinal surgery. Study DesignRetrospective comparative study. Patient SampleTwo-hundred and eight (104 men and 104 women) consecutive patients with T-L burst fracture who underwent posterior instrumented fusion were reviewed retrospectively. Burst fractures caused by high-energy trauma (fall from a height and motor vehicle accident) with a minimum 1-year follow-up were included. The average age at the time of surgery was 45.9 years (range, 15–79). With respect to the involved spinal level, 95 cases (45.6%) involved L1, 51 involved T12, 54 involved L2, and 8 involved T11. Mean fixation segments were 3.5 (range, 2–5). Pedicle screw instrumentation including fractured vertebra had been performed in 129 patients (62.3%). Outcome MeasuresClinical data using self-report measures (visual analog scale score), radiographic measurements (plain radiograph, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance image), and functional measures using the Oswestry Disability Index were evaluated. MethodsBody height loss of fractured vertebra, body wedge angle, and Cobb angle were measured in serial plain radiographs. We assigned patients to the re-collapse group if their body height loss progressed greater than 20% at any follow-up time compared with immediate postoperative body height loss; we assigned the remaining patients to the well-maintained group. The chi-square test and t test of SPSS were used for comparison of differences between two groups and multiple logistic regression analysis for risk factor evaluation. Through the decision tree analysis of statistical package R, a decision-making model was composed, and a cutoff value of revealed risk factors and re-collapse rate of each subgroup were identified. The present study wassupported by the University College of Medicine Research Fund (university to which authors belong). There was no external funding source for this study. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. ResultsRe-collapse occurred in 31 of 208 patients (14.9%). In this group, age, the proportion of male gender, preoperative height loss, and preoperative wedge angle were significantly greater than the well-maintained group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified two independent risk factors: age (adjusted odds ratio 1.084, p=.002) and body height loss (adjusted odds ratio 1.065, p=.003). According to the decision-making tree, age (>43 years) was the most discriminating variable, andpreoperative body height loss (>54%) was the second. In this model, the re-collapse rate was zero in ages less than 43 years, and among those remaining, nearly 80% patients with greater than 54% of body height loss belonged to the re-collapse group. ConclusionsThe independent predictors of re-collapse after posterior instrumented fusion for T-L burst fracture were the age at operation (>43 years old) and preoperative body height loss (>54%). Careful assessment using our decision-making model could help to predict re-collapse and prevent unnecessary additional spinal surgery for anterior column support, especially in young patients.