Pedicle Screw Internal Fixation Research Articles

[Effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopy combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in treatment of lumbar burst fractures with neurological symptoms].

To evaluate the effectiveness of spinal canal decompression assisted by unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) and percutaneous uniplanar pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of lumbar burst fractures with neurological symptoms. Between June 2021 and December 2022, 10 patients with single level lumbar burst fracture with neurological symptoms were treated with spinal canal decompression assisted by UBE and percutaneous uniplanar pedicle screw internal fixation. There were 7 males and 3 females with an average age of 43.1 years (range, 21-57 years). The injured vertebrae located at L 1 in 2 cases, L 2 in 4 cases, L 3 in 3 cases, and L 4 in 1 case. There were 7 cases of AO type A3 fractures and 3 cases of AO type A4 fractures. The total operation time, the time of operation under endoscopy, and complications were recorded. Pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale (grading A-E corresponding to assigning 1-5 points for statistical analysis) were used to evaluate effectiveness. X-ray film and CT were performed to observe the fracture healing, and the ratio of anterior vertebral body height, Cobb angle, and rate of spinal canal invasion were measured to evaluate the reduction of fracture. All operations was successfully completed, and the spinal canal decompression and the bone fragment in spinal canal reduction completed under the endoscopy. Total operation time was 119 minutes on average (range, 95-150 minutes), and the time of operation under endoscopy was 46 minutes on average (range, 35-55 minutes). There was no complication such as dural sac, nerve root, or blood vessel injury during operation. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 18.7 months on average (range, 10-28 months). The VAS score after operation significantly decreased when compared with that before operation ( P<0.05), and further improved at last follow-up ( P<0.05). The ASIA scale after operation significantly improved when compared with that before operation ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in the ASIA scale between at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up. The imaging examination showed that the screw position was good and the articular process joint was preserved. During follow-up, there was no loosening, fracture, or fixation failure of the internal fixation. The ratio of anterior vertebral body height and Cobb angle significantly improved, the rate of spinal canal invasion significantly decreased after operation ( P<0.05), and without significant loss of correction during the follow-up ( P>0.05). Spinal canal decompression assisted by UBE and percutaneous uniplanar pedicle screw fixation is a feasible minimally invasive treatment for lumbar burst fractures with neurological symptoms, which can effectively restore the vertebral body sequence, as well as relieve the compression of spinal canal, and improve the neurological function.

Retracted: Clinical Effect of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Internal Fixation Combined with Injured Vertebrae Bone Grafting in the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures in Orthopedic Surgery.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/3081380.].

Adult Intradural Extramedullary Ewing’s Sarcoma of the Lumbar Spine and Involving the Intervertebral Foramen: A Case Report

Spinal intradural extramedullary Ewing’s sarcoma (IEES) is very rare. Here, we report an adult IEES located in the lumbar spine and involving the intervertebral foramen. A 45-year-old gentleman presented with a one-month history of low back pain. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) showed occupation of the spinal canal and right intervertebral foramen at L4-5 levels. He underwent total laminectomy and pedicle screw internal fixation.

Replantation of lamina spinous process ligament complex and miniature titanium plate shaping internal fixation in the treatment of tumors in the spinal canal

ObjectivePurpose This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy of laminospinous process ligament complex reimplantation combined with mini-titanium plate fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar intraspinal tumors.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 43 cases of intraspinal tumors treated with thoracolumbar intraspinal tumor resection from August 2018 to March 2021, and 27 cases underwent laminospinous process ligament complex reimplantation combined with micro titanium plate shaping. Fixation (laminar replantation group), and 16 patients underwent laminectomy combined with pedicle screw internal fixation (laminectomy group). The operation time, blood loss, drainage tube removal time, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, spinal instability, and the incidence of secondary spinal stenosis were compared between the two groups. The pain VAS score, ODI score, and modified Macnab at the last follow-up were compared between the two groups. And the laminar fusion rate of the laminoplasty group was measured.ResultsBoth groups successfully completed the surgery and obtained complete follow-up. The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and secondary spinal canal stenosis in the laminectomy group was lower than that in the laminectomy group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of spinal instability between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the laminectomy group were less than those in the laminectomy group, and the drainage tube removal time was earlier than that in the laminectomy group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the final follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in the pain VAS score, ODI score, and modified Macnab between the two groups (P > 0.05), but they were all significantly improved compared with preoperative ones. Fusion evaluation was conducted on the laminoplasty group. Two years after surgery, the fusion rate was 97.56% (40/41).ConclusionsThe application of laminospinous process ligament complex reimplantation combined with mini titanium plate fixation during thoracolumbar intraspinal tumor resection can effectively reconstruct the spinal canal and posterior column structure, reduce the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and secondary spinal stenosis. The laminar fusion rate is high.

Oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with unilateral versus bilateral posterior fixation in patients with osteoporosis

PurposeTo compare the clinical efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with unilateral (UPSF) and bilateral pedicle screw internal fixation (BPSF) in patients with osteoporosis.MethodsClinical data of 57 patients who underwent single-segment OLIF surgery with a clear diagnosis of osteoporosis from December 2018 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, of which 27 patients underwent OLIF + UPSF and 30 patients underwent OLIF + BPSF. Surgical technique-related indexes were recorded, including operative time, operative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay; clinical outcome-related indexes included postoperative complications, Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at preoperative, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months postoperative follow-up; and imaging outcome-related indexes included the measurement of preoperative and postoperative segmental lordosis (SL), and observation of the degree of cage subsidence and bone graft fusion.ResultsThe surgery was successfully performed in 57 patients, and there was no statistical difference in operative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay between UPSF group and BPSF group (P > 0.05). In terms of operative time, there was a significant difference (UPSF group: 92.30 ± 11.03 min, BPSF group: 119.67 ± 16.41, P < 0.05). Postoperative VAS and ODI scores exhibited significant improvement (P < 0.05). At the 12 months postoperative follow-up, the VAS and ODI scores in the BPSF group were significantly better than those in the UPS group (P < 0.05). Compared with the preoperative images, the SL was significantly improved in both groups after surgery (P < 0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, the fusion rate in the UPSF group was significantly lower than that in the BPSF group (P < 0.05). At 1 year postoperatively, the fusion rate in the UPSF group was not significantly different from that in the BPSF group (P > 0.05). At 1 year postoperatively, the rate and degree of cage subsidence was higher in the UPSF group than in the BPSF group (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn the long term, OLIF combined with bilateral posterior fixation applied to the osteoporosis patients is superior to OLIF surgery combined with unilateral posterior fixation in terms of clinical and imaging outcomes. It is effective in improving pain relief and functional improvement, accelerating bone graft fusion, and reducing cage subsidence compared with UPSF.

Clinical Characteristics and Intraoperative Reduction Technique of Thoracolumbar Fractures Combined with Posterior Column Injury.

To analyse the clinical characteristics of thoracolumbar fractures combined with posterior column injury, and explore its intraoperative reduction technique with clinical efficacy. Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthopaedics, Fuyang People's Hospital, Anhui, China, from December 2017 to 2021. A total of 60 patients met the inclusion criteria, they were divided into two categories according to injury mechanism and imaging characteristics: flexion-distraction injury (FDI) and burst fracture with lamina fracture (BFLF), and their clinical characteristics were analysed. All patients were treated with posterior pedicle screw internal fixation, and different intraoperative reduction methods were adopted for reduction. Measurements of anterior vertebral heights (AVH), local kyphotic angles (LKA), visual analog scale (VAS) and oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated preoperative, after operation, and the last follow-up. The two groups of thoracolumbar fractures combined with posterior column injury had different clinical characteristics, and there were significant differences in preoperative imaging related parameters (p<0.05). All patients in the two groups successfully completed the operation, and there were no direct complications related to the operation. The patients were followed up for 12-24 months. Compared with those before the operation, the AVH, LKA, VAS, and ODI immediately after the operation and at the last follow-up were significantly improved (p<0.05). Bone fusion was achieved in all patients. Careful and comprehensive preoperative clinical data analysis is the key to diagnosis of thoracolumbar fractures combined with posterior column injury. According to the type of fracture, reasonable selection of intraoperative reduction technique can obtain satisfactory clinical results. Burst fracture, Pedicle screw, Internal fixation, Thoracic, Lumbar.

Efficacy of OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation for lumbar spinal stenosis on spinal canal changes before and after surgery

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis by assessing the changes in spinal canal before and after surgery.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we included sixteen patients who underwent a combination of single-segment OLIF and pedicle screw internal fixation for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and August 2022. The patients' pre- and post-operative data were compared. Intraoperative bleeding, duration of surgery, visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), disc height (DH), cross-sectional area of vertebral canal (CSAVC), cross-sectional area of dural sac (CSADS), cross-sectional area of intervertebral foramen (CSAIF), spinal canal volume (SCV), spinal canal volume expansion rate, lumbar lordosis, and sagittal vertical axis were observed and recorded. The efficacy of OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation for lumbar spinal stenosis on spinal canal changes before and after surgery was summarized.ResultsThe results showed that OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation effectively restored disc height and increased the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal. It also had an indirect decompression effect. The intraoperative bleeding and duration of surgery were within acceptable ranges. The VAS and ODI scores significantly improved after surgery, indicating a reduction in pain and improvement in functional disability. The CSAVC, CSADS, CSAIF, SCV, and spinal canal volume expansion rate were all increased postoperatively. Additionally, there was improvement in lumbar lordosis and sagittal vertical axis. We conducted a follow-up of all patients at 1 year after the surgery. The results revealed that the parameter values at 1 year post-surgery showed varying degrees of decrease or increase compared to the immediate postoperative values. However, these values remained statistically significant when compared to the preoperative parameter values (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation effectively restores disc height and increases the cross-sectional area of the vertebral canal in patients with LSS, reflecting the indirect decompression effect. Measuring parameters such as DH, CSAVC, CSADS, CSAIF, SCV, and SCV expansion rate before and after surgery provides valuable information for evaluating the efficacy and functional recovery of the lumbar spine in LSS patients treated with OLIF surgery.

Biomechanical Comparison of Different Treatment Strategies for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture: A Finite Element Study

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of 6 pedicle screw internal fixation strategies for the treatment of burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine using finite element (FE) analysis. A finite element model of the T11-L3 thoracolumbar segment was established to simulate L1 vertebral burst fractures, and 6 models were conducted under multidirectional loading conditions: P2-D2, P1-D1, P2-D1,P1-D, P1-BF-D1, and P1-UF-D1. The range of motion (ROM) in the T12-L2 region and the von Mises stresses of pedicle screws and rods under the 6 internal fixation models were mainly analyzed. The maximum ROM and von Mises stress were obtained under flexion motion in all models. The P1-BF-D1 model had the least ROM and screw stress. However, when the injured vertebra was not nailed bilaterally, the P1-UF-D1 model had the smallest ROM; the maximum von Mises stress on the screw and rod was remarkably higher than that recorded in the other models. Moreover, the P2-D1 model had a ROM similar to that of the P1-D2 model, but with lower screw stress. The 2 models outperformed the P1-D1 model in all 6 conditions. The P2-D2 model had a similar ROM with the P2-D1 model; nevertheless, the maximum von Mises stress was not substantially reduced. The P1-BF-D1 model exhibited better stability and less von Mises stress on the pedicle screws and rods, thereby reducing the risk of screw loosening and fracture. The P2-D1 internal fixation approach is recommended when the fractured vertebrae are not nailed bilaterally.

Comparison of the efficacies of TINAVI robot-assisted surgery and conventional open surgery for Levine–Edward type IIA (postreduction) hangman fractures

The objective was to compare the clinical efficacy of percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation with the aid of the TINAVI orthopaedic surgery robot with that of traditional open surgery for Levine–Edward type IIA (postreduction) hangman fractures and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TINAVI robot-assisted orthopaedic surgery procedure. The clinical data of 60 patients with Levine–Edward type IIA (postreduction) hangman fractures treated surgically from June 2015 to February 2022 were analysed retrospectively. Among these patients, 25 were treated with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation under TINAVI (the robot group), and 35 were treated with pedicle screw implantation assisted by a conventional C-arm X-ray machine (the traditional operation group). The pedicle screw placement grade was evaluated according to the Rampersaud scale. The correct rate of pedicle screw placement was calculated. The invasion of adjacent facet joints, VAS score (Visual Analogue Scale), NDI score (Neck Disability Index), SF-36 score (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire), EQ-5D score (EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaire) and operation-related data were recorded, and patients were followed up. All patients were followed up for an average of 15.0 ± 3.4 months. The accuracy of screw placement in the robot group was higher than that in the traditional operation group, while the rates of intraoperative blood loss and invasion of the facet joint were lower and the incision length and length of hospital stay were shorter. On the 3rd day after the operation, the VAS score in the robot group was significantly higher than that in the traditional operation group, but there was no significant difference in the NDI score. On the 3rd day after the operation, the SF-36 and EQ-5 questionnaire scores of the robot group were better than those of the traditional operation group. No complications occurred in any of the patients. Postoperative cervical X-ray showed that the cervical vertebra was stable, and there was no fracture, angle or displacement. Postoperative CT showed that all fractures healed, and the average healing time was 3.4 months. The treatment of Levine–Edward IIA (postrepositioning) hangman fractures with percutaneous pedicle fixation assisted by the TINAVI orthopaedic surgery robot can significantly improve screw placement accuracy with a low rate of invasion of the adjacent facet joint, a short operation time, a low bleeding rate, and high patient satisfaction. Although there are still many disadvantages, it still has good prospects for application.

Modified pedicle screw fixation under guidance of stress analysis for cervicothoracic junction: Surgical technique and outcomes.

In cervicothoracic junction, the use of strong fixation device such as pedicle screw placement is often needed. The current study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw placement using stress conduction analysis in the clinical application. We retrospectively collected patients who underwent pedicle screw internal fixation in cervicothoracic junction. Patients were divided into conventional nail placement (Group A) and modified pedicle screw implantation under guidance of stress analysis (Group B) according to the methods of pedicle screw placement. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was assessed by computed tomography (CT) examination, and the success rate was calculated. A total of 80 patients who underwent pedicle screw internal fixation in cervicothoracic junction were included. There were no obvious differences in baseline characteristics between two groups. The success rate of total screw placement, cervical spine screw placement and upper thoracic spine screw placement in Group B was higher than those in Group A (P< 0.001, P= 0.005, P= 0.008). Additionally, Heary Grade I in the Group B was higher than Group A (P= 0.001). Stress analysis-guided technique can increase the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. Importantly, it meets the requirements of internal fixation of the cervicothoracic junction.

Analysis of the outcome of bi-vertebral transpedicular wedge osteotomy for correcting severe kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis.

To study the outcomes of bi-vertebral transpedicular wedge osteotomy in correcting severe kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This retrospective study focused on all the patients who underwent thoracic and lumbar bi-vertebra transpedicular wedge osteotomy with pedicle screw internal fixation to treat their severe thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity of AS in our hospital from January 2014 to January 2020. The perioperative and operative data of each patient were collected and analyzed. A total of 21 male AS patients with severe kyphotic deformity were studied with a mean age of 42.2 ± 9.2 years. Intraoperatively, the mean operating time is 5.8 ± 1.6 hour with a mean blood loss of 725.5 ± 140.6 mL. The average postoperative correction of kyphosis reached 60.8o at 1 week after the surgery, which is significantly improved from preoperative presentation (P < .05), and stayed no significant change over the time during longer period of follow-ups (12-24 months) with the overall correction rate of 72.2%. Moreover, the postoperative changes in thoracic kyphosis (TK) angle, thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) angle, lumbar lordosis (LL) angle, maxilla-brow angle, as well as C2SVA and C7SVA sagittal balance were also significant, all of which enabled the patients to walk in upright position and sleep in the supine position with the improvements in other clinical symptoms. Bi-vertebral transpedicular wedge osteotomy of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae is a safe and effective method to restore the physiological curvature of the sagittal position of the spine and correct severe ankylosing deformity.

Clinical value and effectiveness profiles of oblique lateral interbody fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar brucellosis spondylitis.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for lumbar brucellosis spondylitis. Between April 2018 and December 2021, 80 cases of lumbar brucellosis spondylitis admitted to our institution were evaluated for eligibility and randomly assigned to either PLIF (group A, lesion removal by posterior approach + interbody fusion + percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation) or OLIF (group B, lesion removal by anterior approach + interbody fusion + percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation). The outcome measures included operative time, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification, Cobb angle, and interbody fusion time. PLIF resulted in shorter operative time and hospital stay and less intraoperative bleeding vs. OLIF (p<0.05). All eligible patients showed significantly lower VAS scores, and smaller ESR values and Cobb angles after treatment (p<0.05), but no significant intergroup differences were observed (p>0.05). The two groups showed similar preoperative ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) classification and interbody fusion time (p>0.05). PLIF was associated with better ASIA classification at three months postoperatively vs. OLIF (p<0.05). Both surgical techniques are efficient at removing the lesion, relieving pain, maintaining spinal stability, promoting implant fusion, and facilitating prognostic inflammation control. PLIF features a shorter surgical duration and hospital stay, less intraoperative bleeding, and greater neurological improvement vs. OLIF. Nevertheless, OLIF outperforms PLIF in the excision of peri-vertebral abscesses. PLIF is indicated for posterior spinal column lesions, particularly those with spinal nerve compression in the spinal canal, whereas OLIF is indicated for structural bone deterioration in the anterior column, particularly for those with perivascular abscesses.

[Efficacy of oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with different internal fixation methods in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases].

Objective: To compare the efficacy among stand-alone oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF-SA), OLIF combined with lateral screw internal fixation (OLIF-AF) and OLIF combined with posterior percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation (OLIF-PF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases. Methods: The clinical data of patients with degenerative lumbar diseases who underwent OLIF-SA, OLIF-AF and OLIF-PF in the Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2017 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' visual analogue score (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at 1 week and 12 months postoperatively were recorded, and efficacy of OLIF surgery with different internal fixation methods was evaluated by comparing clinical scores and imaging examinations at preoperative, postoperative and follow-up, and bony fusion and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: A total of 71 patients were included in the study, with 23 males and 48 females, aged (65±11) (34-88) years. There were 25 patients in the OLIF-SA group, 19 patients in the OLIF-AF group, and 27 patients in the OLIF-PF group. Compared with those of OLIF-PF group [(196±46) min and 50 (50, 60) ml], OLIF-SA and OLIF-AF groups had shorter operative time [(97±38) min and (118±48) min] and less intraoperative blood loss [20 (10, 50) ml and 40 (20, 50) ml] (both P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the fusion rate among three groups (P>0.05). No statistically significant differences of VAS and ODI scores were observed among OLIF-SA, OLIF-AF and OLIF-PF groups during preoperative period [VAS: 5.0 (4.0, 6.0), 5.0 (4.0, 6.0) and 5.0 (4.0, 5.3); ODI: 44.0% (35.0%, 47.0%), 46.5% (43.3%, 46.5%) and 43.5% (35.8%, 46.0%)], and at one week postoperatively [VAS: 2.0 (2.0, 3.0), 3.0 (2.0, 3.0) and 2.0 (2.0, 3.0); ODI: 13.0% (12.0%, 18.0%), 21.0% (13.5%, 21.8%) and 16.5%(14.0%, 21.0%)] and final follow-up [VAS: 1.0 (0, 1.0), 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) and 1.0 (1.0, 2.0); ODI: 7.0% (5.0%, 11.0%), 10.0% (7.0%, 14.8%) and 8.0% (6.0%, 12.0%)], respectively (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Compared with OLIF-AF and OLIF-PF, OLIF-SA is a safe and effective surgical method with similar efficacy and fusion rates, decreases the cost of internal fixation, and reduces intraoperative time blood loss.

Biomechanical characterization of bilateral pedicle screw internal fixation combinations on lumbar vertebrae

Purpose Pedicle screw fixation has been considered a suitable surgical intervention for addressing a diverse range of indications involving the lumbar spinal segments, but the impact of bilateral pedicle screw internal fixation combinations on the stability and flexibility of vertebral body motion has been limited. This study aimed to the effect of pedicle screw internal fixation on the mechanical characterization of lumbar multi-segmental vertebra under various loading conditions. Methods Porcine lumbar multi-segmental vertebral samples were tested with three pedicle screw fixation groups including rigid fixation, mixed fixation and dynamic fixation under four loading conditions of flexion, posterior extension, left-side bend, and right-side bend at bending moments of 3 N⋅m, 4 N⋅m, 5 N⋅m and 6 N⋅m, respectively. The stability and flexibility of the segmental motion were statistically analysed. Results The flexibility of joint activities increased using one-way dynamic pedicle screws with the range of motion for mixed fixation and dynamic fixation increased by 30% and 47% in left side bend and by 25% and 73% in right side bend, respectively. The range of motion for lumbar vertebra increased with higher moments. Conclusions The flexibility of joint activities was improved using one-way dynamic pedicle screws and the mixed fixation was considered moderate providing larger flexibility in right and left side bend without compromising stabilization. The results of this study are useful for providing theoretical reference for clinical selection of surgical plans.

A prospective marker for the prediction of postoperative deep venous thrombosis: Neutrophil extracellular traps.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common medical complication in patients with lumbar fractures. The current study aimed to investigate the predictive value of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in postoperative DVT formation in patients with lumbar fractures and to develop a nomogram relating clinical admission information for prediction. Patients who underwent open reduction and pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of single-segment lumbar fracture in the Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from December 2020 to June 2022 were enrolled in this study. Baseline data and laboratory results were collected from enrollees, and the primary study endpoint event was the occurrence of DVT in patients after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with higher odds of DVT after surgery. A nomogram was constructed using the results of the multivariable model. The calibration plot and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve were used to show the satisfactory predictive capacity of the model. Of these 393 patients who did not have DVT preoperatively, 79 patients developed it postoperatively, and 314 did not, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that higher body mass index (BMI) (BMI between 24 and 28: RR = 1.661, 95% CI = 0.891-3.094; BMI ≤28: RR = 5.625, 95% CI = 2.590-12.217; reference: BMI <24), neutrophils (RR = 1.157, 95% CI 1.042-1.285), D-dimer (RR = 1.098, 95% CI 1.000-1.206), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) (RR = 1.043, 95% CI 1.026-1.060) were independent risk factors for postoperative DVT. Using the multivariable analysis, we then constructed a nomogram to predict DVT, which was found to have an area under the curve of 0.757 (95% CI = 0.693-0.820). Calibration plots also showed the satisfied discrimination and calibration of the nomogram. In conclusion, patients with lumbar fractures with postoperative DVT had higher levels of NETs in the circulation preoperatively compared to those without postoperative DVT. Furthermore, based on BMI, D-dimer, neutrophils, and CitH3, we developed a predictive model to predict postoperative DVT incidence in these patients.

A case report of multiple Mycobacterium Kansasii bone infection with pathological fracture of T11 vertebral body and thoracic spinal cord injury

Rationale: Cases of vertebral infection with bone destruction and spinal cord injury caused by Mycobacterium kansasii infection are rarely reported, and the infection is usually associated with severe immunosuppression. Patient concerns: A 62-year-old male patient was hospitalized for 10 days due to recurrent low back pain with diminished skin sensation below the umbilical level. Diagnosis: The patient had no underlying disease. MRI showed multiple bone destruction lesions throughout the body, pathological fractures of the T11 vertebral body, and compression and degeneration of the thoracic spinal cord. Complete back abscess puncture examination, CT-guided vertebral puncture examination, metagenomic next-generation sequencing and bone marrow puncture and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis of Mycobacterium kansasii infection. Intervention: According to the drug susceptibility test of pathogenic bacteria, combined antiinfective treatment was given. After 3 weeks of drug treatment, the patient underwent thoracic posterior debridement, spinal canal decompression, and pedicle screw internal fixation. Outcome: The skin sensation of the patient’s lower limbs was improved 1 month after the operation compared with that before the operation. After adhering to oral drug treatment, the inflammatory index decreased steadily. Four months after the operation, the skin sensation of the patient’s lower extremities returned to normal. Lessons: Regular, adequate, and full course of drug treatment is the key to the treatment of Mycobacterium kansasii infection. Next-generation metagenomic sequencing can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the detection of Mycobacterium kansasii. For patients with abscesses and spinal nerve compression, surgical decompression and abscess removal are effective treatment options.

Accuracy and Safety of Robot-Assisted versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Posterior C1 Lateral Mass and C2 Pedicle Screw Internal Fixation for Atlantoaxial Dislocation: A Preliminary Study.

Objective To compare the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of robotic assistance (RA) and conventional fluoroscopy guidance for the placement of C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screws in posterior atlantoaxial fusion. Methods The data of patients who underwent posterior C1–C2 screw fixation (Goel-Harm's technique) in our hospital from August 2014 to March 2021 were retrospectively evaluated, including 14 cases under fluoroscopic guidance and 11 cases under RA. The hospital records, radiographic results, surgical data, and follow-up records were reviewed. Accuracy of screw placement was assessed using the Gertzbein and Robbins scale, and clinical outcomes were evaluated by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), modified MacNab criteria, and postoperative complications. Results Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. The mean estimated blood loss in the fluoroscopic guidance and RA groups was 205.7 ± 80.3 mL and 120.9 ± 31.9 mL, respectively (p = 0.03). The mean surgical duration was 34 min longer with RA compared to that performed with free-hand (FH) method (p = 0.15). In addition, lower intraoperative radiation exposure was detected in the RA group (12.4 ± 1.4 mGy/screw) versus the FH (19.9 ± 2.1 mGy/screw) group (p = 0.01). The proportion of “clinically acceptable” screws (graded 0 and I) was higher in the RA group (93.2%) than that in the FH group (87.5%, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the increase of JOA score and decrease of VAS score between the two surgical procedures. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in overall clinical outcome between the two groups and no neurovascular complications associated with screw insertion. Conclusions RA is a safe and potentially more accurate alternative to the conventional fluoroscopic-guided FH technique for posterior atlantoaxial internal fixation.

Feasibility Analysis of 3D Printing-Assisted Pedicle Screw Correction Surgery for Degenerative Scoliosis.

Objective To explore the feasibility of 3D printing-assisted pedicle screw correction surgery for degenerative scoliosis. Methods From January 1, 2015 to January 31, 2020, patients with degenerative scoliosis who received corrective surgery in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped based on the fixation methods. Patients in the control group received traditional pedicle screw internal fixation, while those in the study group received 3D printing-assisted pedicle screw fixation. The therapeutic effects were compared. Results There were 78 cases in the control group and 82 cases in the study group. There were no significant differences in scoliotic Cobb's angle, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), VAS score, JOA score, social function, physical function, role function, or cognitive function between the study group and the control group before the surgery, but there were differences in the above parameters between the two groups after surgery. The incidence of postoperative complications in the study group was also significantly lower in the study group. Conclusion 3D printing-assisted pedicle screw correction surgery provides a strong 3D correction force with reliable effect and fewer complications, and is a good treatment choice for degenerative scoliosis.

[Effects of short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation surgery combined with hyperbaric oxygen treatment for acute spinal injury on the morphology and function of the spine].

To explore effect of short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation combined with hyperbaric oxygen in treating acute spinal fractures and its influence on recovery of spinal nerve function. A total of 96 patients with acute spinal fracture admitted from February 2017 to March 2020 were divided into combined group and control group, with 48 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation. The combined group was given hyperbaric oxygen after surgery. The operation time, surgical blood loss, incision length and other general operation conditions between two groups were recorded. The differences in spinal morphology and function, Ameraican Spinal Injury Assiciation(ASIA) neurological function grade, serum inflammatory factors and ability of daily living activities were observed before and after surgery. There was no significant difference in operation time, surgical blood loss, and incision length between combined group and control group(P>0.05). There were no significant differences in anterior height ratio and Cobb angle between two groups before surgery, 1 week and 6 months after surgery(P>0.05). The height ratio of anterior margin of the injured spine was significantly improved in both groups at 1 week and 6 months after surgery compared with preoperative period (P<0.05), and Cobb angle was significantly reduced in both groups compared with preoperative period (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in serum interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels between two groups at 1 d after surgery(P>0.05);the serum IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels of combined group were lower than those of control group at 1 week after surgery (P<0.05). At 6 months after surgery, ASIA neurological function grade of combined group was C grade in 2 cases, D grade in 23 cases, E grade in 22 cases. In control group, 7 cases was grade C, 26 cases was grade D, 13 cases was grade E, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). The Barthel score of combined group was higher than that of control group at 1 month and 3 months after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05);at 6 months after surgery, there was no significant difference in Barthel score between two groups(P>0.05). Short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation combined with hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of acute spinal fractures is beneficial to the recovery of spinal nerve function after surgery, and has a certain effect on the early improvement of the patients' activities of daily living.

Clinical Effect of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Internal Fixation Combined with Injured Vertebrae Bone Grafting in the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures in Orthopedic Surgery.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation combined with injured vertebrae bone grafting in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures in orthopedic surgery. Methods A total of 132 patients with thoracolumbar fractures admitted to the hospital were enrolled between January 2020 and April 2021. Both groups underwent minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation. According to the presence or absence of intraoperative injured vertebrae bone grafting, they were divided into the grafting group (73 cases) and the injured vertebrae ungrafted group (59 cases). The perioperative indexes, pain at 2 weeks after surgery, surgical stress, recovery of an injured vertebra, self-care ability, quality of life, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Result There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, operation time, or hospitalization time between the grafting group and the nongrafting group (P > 0.05).2 weeks after surgery, scores of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in the grafting group were lower than those in the nongrafting group (P < 0.05).At 3d after surgery, levels of serum cortisol (COR), epinephrine (E), and norepinephrine (NE) in both groups were higher than those before surgery, which were lower in the grafting group than in the nongrafting group (P < 0.05).At 3 months after surgery, the anterior edge height of the injured vertebra in both groups was increased, which was higher in the grafting group than in the nongrafting group (P < 0.05). At 3 months after surgery, the Cobb angle of sagittal kyphosis in both groups was decreased, which was lower in the grafting group than that in the nongrafting group (P < 0.05). At 3 months after surgery, the scores of activity of daily living (ADL) and the MOS item-short form health survey (SF-36) in both groups were higher than those before surgery, which were higher in the grafting group than in the nongrafting group (P < 0.05). The difference in the incidence rate of injured vertebrae collapse, internal fixation breakage, or kyphosis between the grafting group and the nongrafting group was not statistically significant (1.37% vs 6.78%) (P > 0.05). Conclusion Minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation combined with injured vertebrae bone grafting in orthopedic surgery can improve postoperative pain and surgical stress in patients with thoracolumbar fractures, which is conducive to the recovery of injured vertebrae and improvement in the quality of life.